Our TOWNSVILLE PHYSIOTHERAPY TEAM
Brett Cunningham (townsville Physiotherapist and Principal)
Born in the Burdekin (Ayr which is just south of Townsville) and raised in Brisbane, Brett Cunningham completed his Physiotherapy studies at the University of Queensland in 1988. Upon graduation, he worked in Ipswich General Hospital for two years as well as spending time working in a variety of North Queensland towns such as Maryborough, Rockhampton, Biloela, Townsville and Cairns.
Brett then continued working in the United Kingdom where he was based in England and travelled extensively throughout Africa, Europe and the UK.
Returning to work at Townsville General Hospital in 1996, Brett realized he wanted to further his hands-on musculoskeletal skills.
Brett became a partner in a well known practice in Kirwan (a suburb of Townsville) and it was through this experience that he developed his own personal interest in working with the Australian Defence Force. He became the sole physiotherapist for the RAAF/5 AVN. This experience meant becoming heavily involved in the medical preparation of troops for East Timor.
Brett then decided that he wanted to work for himself, where he could apply his own work ethics, principles and priorities to his work and his patients.
He established Pimlico Physiotherapy in 2001. After 3 years in this location, it was time for Brett to expand the practice in order to manage the large number of customers that were coming to see him.
In 2004, Brett and the team moved to a larger, more central location and employed another physiotherapist. Physio On Ross Townsville officially commenced operations in 2004.
Brett does not want to create a huge, impersonalised production line atmosphere when it comes to the effective pain relief of his patients. Physio On Ross concentrate on maintaining the right level of focused staff which keep his practice patient oriented while maintaining a personal and highly approachable atmosphere. It is imperative to the health and well being of his patients that Brett and his team remain accessible, and a friendly working relationship is always maintained between client and physiotherapist.
Physio On Ross have built a strong reputation in the local area as a personal and approachable physiotherapy clinic in Townsville that gets results.
Brett’s interests include fishing, camping and most sports especially golf, football, cricket and tennis. As a tennis junior, Brett was sponsored by Spalding and represented Queensland. He was also involved in the Newcombe-Roche Federal tennis academy.
Shaun van der merwe (physiotherapist)
Physio on Ross would like to welcome Physiotherapist – Shaun Van Der Merwe.
“Before graduating from James Cook University with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy in 2022, Shaun worked in the mining engineering industry for 18 years where he developed a sound understanding of workplace demands and ergonomics on the human body in industrial settings.
Shaun was born and raised in South Africa and has called Australia home since 2005. When he is not working, he can be found spending time with his wife and two sons playing golf, hiking, trail running and mountain biking.
He is also passionate about engaging youth in sport to develop their gross motor skills, specifically cricket and is involved in community coaching at a local Townsville cricket club.
Shaun has also completed post graduate training in Neurological Physiotherapy (APA Level 1) and Dry Needling (Advanced Clinical Education). His primary focus a physiotherapist is maintaining a personable and goal-based approach to assisting clients with their functional needs and returning to everyday life.”
Melan de livera (physiotherapist)
Originally hailing from Sri Lanka, Melan moved to Australia at a young age, completing part of his education in Mackay. His family later settled in Townsville, where he finished high school at Ignatius Park College.
He then graduated with a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from James Cook University in 2023.
Melan’s passion for physiotherapy stems from his desire to help others lead healthier, more active fulfilling lives.
Beyond his dedication to physiotherapy, he maintains a balanced lifestyle with a range of interests. He actively engages in basketball, Muay Thai training, and gym routines. He believes that enthusiasm for physical well-being is one of the most important elements for a successful life.
Additionally, Melan’s thirst for exploration goes beyond physical activities. He has a strong passion for travel and cultural immersion, which allows him to appreciate and understand diverse global landscapes.
