When physiotherapist David Scriven made the leap from Perth to Denmark, he expected a change of pace. What he didn’t expect was how that move would open the door to a thriving career, a successful business, and a new sense of purpose.
Now the Director and Senior Physiotherapist at Ocean Beach Physio + Allied Health, Dave leads a growing team offering essential services to the Denmark community – and he credits much of that growth to the support he received after relocating. “We’ve had enormous support from the community,” Dave said.
“We were fortunate to receive a $150,000 Regional Economic Development Grant from the Great Southern Development Commission, supported by the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, to establish our very own clinic.” The grant enabled Dave to upsize clinic plans from a modest three-room space into a state-of-the-art facility featuring five treatment rooms, a gym, and space to deliver a range of allied health and specialist services. The practice even boasts a visiting orthopaedic surgeon.
“Even while planting the landscaping at our new clinic, locals were driving past tooting their horns and stopping to chat. It’s really heartwarming to enjoy that level of support.”
“Rural Health West also played a big role in our development.” “Through the Health Workforce Scholarship Program, one of our senior physiotherapists completed Lymphoedema Accreditation Training. She’s now the only privately practising lymphoedema therapist in the Great Southern.”
Dave’s story is one of opportunity found through saying yes to a rural adventure. During his physiotherapy degree, a six-week rural placement in Esperance first exposed him to the opportunities of country life. “I loved that experience and spent the time engrossed in learning all I could as an almost-graduate physio, as well as having a ball with a great bunch of health professionals,” he said.
“Years later, my wife and I were down south for a long weekend when some friends mentioned they could get me a job. We’d always said, ‘It’d be great to live here one day,’ and we realised – there was actually nothing stopping us. We handed in our resignations the next week.” That decision has paid off, both personally and professionally. “Since moving, I’ve had the chance to learn from experienced clinicians, work in multidisciplinary teams, even sit in on orthopaedic surgeries. I’ve grown so much more than I would have expected if I’d stayed in the metro area.”
Working rurally has also shaped how Dave practices physiotherapy. “You become a generalist very quickly – treating elderly patients, kids, athletes, workers comp, DVA, NDIS – you name it. You need a broader skillset, and you have to be adaptable. It’s deeply rewarding, but it also means constant learning and collaboration.”
Distance and access remain challenges, but Dave says they drive innovation and patient empowerment. “There’s often a barrier of distance, so we emphasise patient education and self-management tools.” “We also need to be more creative in considering what the patient has at their disposal at home or on their farm to use for exercise equipment. Empowering patients and working together to find a game plan that they are engaged with is essential.”
He’s seen firsthand how local access to care can change lives. “One of my NDIS participants, a seven-year-old with cerebral palsy, was having infrequent physiotherapy due to the burden of travel,” he shares. “At our initial consult, he could only walk one metre to his mum and stand independently for two seconds. Over the last two years, with more frequent sessions, he’s now walking independently around our clinic and turning corners over obstacles. “It’s so great to be part of his journey and see real, meaningful progress.”
Dave is excited about the future – for his clinic, for allied health in the region, and for others who may be considering a similar move. “We’ve built a fun, team-oriented culture here. I’d love to attract more health professionals to join us. There are so many benefits – career growth, lifestyle, and the chance to make a real difference.”
His advice to others considering a rural move? “Just do it. There are great adventures, great people, professional development opportunities, and vibrant, rich communities,” he said.
“Did I mention how stunning the forests, beaches, and ranges of the Great Southern are – I could go on.”