Maria Perry

“I really enjoyed the hospital, the team and the variety of work,” Maria said.

“Back then there were only eight physios, now there are around 30, and the range of services has grown enormously.”

Maria began her career in general rehabilitation before developing a passion for vestibular physiotherapy, a specialty focused on dizziness, vertigo and balance disorders.

“It’s a fascinating area,” she said.

“Sometimes you can make an immediate difference.

“It’s one of the few areas in health where you can sometimes fix a problem on the spot.”

GV Health supported Maria through her advanced training, and she now shares her expertise through regular education sessions with colleagues.

Maria moved to the Goulburn Valley after studying in Melbourne and marrying a local dairy farmer, and said the region itself has been a big reason she’s stayed.

“The hospital’s been wonderful with supportive managers, flexibility when my kids were young, and opportunities to keep learning,” Maria said.

“It’s a great place to work, live and raise a family.”

For Maria, the best part of the job is helping people.

“You work with patients at their most vulnerable, dizzy, nauseous, sometimes afraid,” she said.

“You help them get their confidence back and increase their quality of life.

“It’s a real privilege and very fulfilling.”

Through GV Health’s vestibular clinic, Maria continues to bring comfort, stability and quality of life to patients across the region.