Meet the Team
With an increasing awareness for targeted physiotherapy and acknowledging a gap in the available care options for patients with these sensitive requirements, The Restore Clinic have brought together a dedicated team of therapists with experience, care and the passion to restore your daily function to the level you deserve.
Tamara Purcell
Co-Director and Senior Physiotherapist
Tamara is a passionate and dedicated professional with extensive training in Women’s Health, Paediatrics, Men’s Health and Lymphoedema.
Her experience in these fields’ spans over a decade, giving her an understanding of the expertise and sensitivity needed. This understanding is integral to The Restore Clinic and has brought together this team of dedicated physiotherapists.
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Tamara’s Women’s Health training can assist with a variety of problems including incontinence, ante and postnatal issues, sexual problems, pelvic pain, bladder disorders and prolapse. As a working mother of two young children, she recognises a need to support mothers in their pre and post-natal recovery. Tamara also has Men’s Health experience through her work at Mater Hospitals and ongoing course work. Her primary focus is on rehabilitation following prostatectomy surgery and incontinence management. Tamara enjoys seeing the improvement in this patient group, especially as it can drastically improve their quality of life.
Tamara’s Paediatric training includes the management of developmental conditions, hip dysplasia, torticollis, talipes and injury management/rehabilitation. She has always enjoyed working with children and strives to make her sessions fun and enjoyable. Tamara has been working as a lymphoedema practitioner for many years now. She enjoys supporting patients in what can be a very challenge period in their life and providing ongoing monitoring and treatment as required.
Lengthy experience in both private practice (with Performance Physio Group) and hospital based care (at The Mater Hospitals), gives Tamara a broad understanding of patient care and outcomes. She is a kind and caring practitioner who is invested in getting the best possible outcome for her patients.
TRAINING
• James Cook University Bachelor of Physiotherapy, 2008.
• Women’s Health Training Association (Sydney), 2010.
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Level 1 Paediatrics, 2015.
• Lymphology Association of Australia, 2016.
• Macquarie University ALERT program, 2022.
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Men’s Pelvic Health, 2022
Nicole Sorbello
Co-Director and Senior Physiotherapist
A North Queensland local, Nicole is an experienced clinician, driven by motivation and spirit, who is proud to be part of the team building the The Restore Clinic.
With a history of breast cancer in her family, Nicole was drawn to Lymphoedema and Oncology care early in her career, when she became a Level 1 Lymphoedema accredited practitioner.
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This qualification allows her to provide oncology care and rehabilitation, assessment of lymphoedema, early intervention and complex lymphoedema therapy (including manual lymphatic drainage, compression garment prescription, multilayer bandaging, exercise prescription, skin care and risk reduction). Nicole is passionate in furthering her skills, experience and professional development in this area with ongoing coursework, which has included advanced lymphoedema training for the head and neck region.
After becoming a mother herself, Nicole developed a further interest in helping women, particularly during the pre and post-natal periods. This resulted in furthering her studies and experience to include women’s health and pelvic physiotherapy. She brings both personal experience and clinical training to this aspect of The Restore Clinic’s services.
Nicole has worked in both private practice and communitybased services, including several years at Performance Physio Group. Additional to her clinical experience, she has held roles in business development, clinical coordination and management. This has allowed her to develop proficiency in creation and delivery of service models, clinical leadership, and interpersonal communication. These roles have also allowed for involvement in programs such as the Townsville Business Women’s Circle Mentor Program; Townsville Enterprise Limited - Emerging Leaders Program; and Australian Centre for Business Growth - Business Growth Program.
TRAINING
• James Cook University Bachelor of Physiotherapy, 2011
• Lymphoedema Education Solutions (Victoria), 2013
• Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Women’s Health Through the Life Stages, 2021
• Australian Physiotherapy Association’s Women’s Pelvic Health, 2022
• PhysioSkills’ Women’s Pelvic Health Foundations and Fundamentals, 2022
• Macquarie University ALERT Advanced Lymphoedema program - Head and Neck, 2022
• Qualified Pilates Instructor
Angus Vincent
Co-Director and Senior Physiotherapist
Angus Vincent has been mastering his active approach to rehabilitation for over 25 years.
His commitment to an “outcome and results focus” has been the drive behind Performance Physio Group, where he has managed clinical teams, led successful practices across multiple locations and provides patients with clinical expertise.
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Angus also holds 15+ years experience as Co-Director of the physiotherapy department at The Mater Hospital Townsville, where he held the contract for these services across all wards.
Angus and The Restore Clinic team are establishing a prospective surveillance model of care for lymphoedema patients in Townsville. Working relationships with private oncologists, ICON Cancer Care and the Townsville University Hospital will ensure the best possible outcome for these patients.
Angus has been a local business owner for 20 years. Through his time in business, he has supported and volunteered with various community and sporting groups, offered in-kind services for less fortunate individuals and holds a reputable position within the local business community. Angus’ enthusiasm for life shines through in his work. His motivation to constantly improve and provide outcomes for patients, with a genuine attitude of care and compassion is boundless.
TRAINING
• Bachelor of Science, University of Adelaide, 1992
• Bachelor of Applied Science in Physiotherapy, University of South Australia, 1996
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Level 1 Sports Physiotherapy, 2001
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Level 2 Sports Physiotherapy, 2003
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Level 3 Sports Physiotherapy, 2013
• Clinical Pilates Level 1 and 2
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Spinal Manipulation 2002
• Australian Physiotherapy Association member since 2000
• Sports Medicine Australia member since 2001
Courtney Franks
Physiotherapist
Courtney grew up in regional NSW where she completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at Charles Sturt University in 2020.
Courtney has clinical experiences in public hospitals, musculoskeletal clinics and hydrotherapy. She moved to Townsville at the start of 2021 and worked briefly with NDIS patients in the community.
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Courtney completed her lymphoedema training with the Australian Institute of Lymphoedema in 2022 with a high interest in treating and managing lymphoedema and lipoedema presentations.
She enjoys working with lymphoedema and lipoedema patients to develop management plans that work with each patient's unique lifestyle. Courtney takes great pride in working with her patients to ensure they are receiving the best care possible. Courtney feels collaborative practice with other physiotherapists, doctors, specialists and health care professionals are key in providing optimal care especially in patients with chronic conditions.
Courtney is currently undertaking her Womens Health Level 1 course through the Australian Physiotherapy Association to further her knowledge within this area.
TRAINING
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Charles Sturt University, 2020
• Australian Institute of Lymphoedema, 2022
Elizabeth Hore
Senior Physiotherapist
Lizzy is an experienced physiotherapist that looks to elevate your health and wellbeing with specialised group classes and expert physiotherapy services.
Lizzy was drawn to join The Restore Clinic as she believes that optimal health and vitality is in reach for everyone; even with lifelong conditions.
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Lizzy has further training in Women’s and Pelvic Health, Lymphoedema Management, Therapeutic Yoga and Clinical Pilates. Lizzy looks at the importance of the mind-body connection while recovering or experiencing pain so this makes her a great addition to The Restore Team.
Lizzy caters to individuals facing unique challenges through a holistic approach, addressing not only the physical symptoms, but also the emotional aspects of your health. Lizzy understands that her interest areas related to pelvic health and lymphoedema can have a profound impact on your quality of life. She is trained to provide compassionate care and expert guidance. Whether you're dealing with pelvic pain, incontinence, lymphoedema, or any related concerns, our personalised treatment plans are designed to restore your comfort, confidence, and mobility.
Group classes:
Join our vibrant community of wellness seekers as Lizzy offers a variety of invigorating group classes designed to improve your overall health and fitness. Whether you're looking to enhance your strength, flexibility, balance or simply find a supportive space to connect with like-minded individuals, our group classes provide a welcoming environment for all levels. Our classes offer a holistic approach to wellbeing that goes beyond the physical - fostering mental and emotional wellness as well.
TRAINING
• James Cook University Bachelor of Physiotherapy, 2015
• Pilates Institute of Queensland Matwork, 2016
• Unite Health Management Therapeutic Yoga, 2017
• Australian Physiotherapy Association, Introduction to the Assessment and Treatment of The Pelvic Floor, 2017
• Women’s Health Training Association, various courses 2018-2020
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Women’s Health Through the Life Stages, 2022
• Australian Physiotherapy Association Women’s Pelvic Health, 2022
• Macquarie University ALERT Program 2023
Brigette Honnef
Physiotherapist
Brigette grew up in sunny Townsville where she completed a Bachelor of Physiotherapy at James Cook University in 2023.
Brigette has a keen interest in lymphoedema and women's health and is passionate about promoting health in all aspects of life. She believes that physiotherapists are often the key to being able to reach meaningful outcomes that are specific to each person.
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Brigette has had previous experience assisting those to reach their goals in the NDIS setting. Brigette has thoroughly enjoyed assisting clients in the home, clinic, and hydrotherapy pool.
Brigette completed her lymphoedema training with the Macquarie University ALERT Program in 2023 with a keen interest in treating and managing lymphoedema and lipoedema presentations. Brigette is passionate about working with lymphoedema and lipoedema clients to promote effective management for enhanced quality of life. Brigette takes client outcomes and experience as paramount and thrives to bring this to her practice. Brigette values the tremendous value of strong relationships with other physiotherapists, doctors, and other allied health professionals in achieving goals with their clients at the centre of care. Brigette is endeavouring to complete her Women's Health Level 1 course through the Australian Physiotherapy Association to further her knowledge within this area throughout 2024.
TRAINING
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy, James Cook University, 2023
• Macquarie University ALERT Program 2023