As we embark on an exciting new chapter as River Allied Health, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the journey that brought us here. We recently caught up with the person who laid the foundation of our practice, David Manning.
David arrived in the Riverland in the early 1980s, becoming one of the first publicly employed physiotherapists at local hospitals. He quickly became part of the community, offering his support to the Renmark Rovers Football Club and collaborating with local legends like Ian Berry and Alan Coulter
In (about) 1985, David took a significant step and purchased a small private physiotherapy list from Steve Rodda, who had been the only physiotherapist in Renmark at the time. He set up shop in a shared space with local dentist Ashley Nicholls, before relocating to Fourteenth Street—our current home—just a few years later. Balancing his role in public health with the demands of private practice, David found that Riverlanders were eager for his care, and soon, his books were full.
At the time, physiotherapy was still relatively new to the region, and being a solo practitioner in a rural setting posed its unique challenges. David had to learn on the go and discovered the essential traits of a regional health professional: listening, adaptability, and comprehensive care. Today, experienced allied health practitioners earn the title of “Rural Generalist” but, back then, David was more like a pioneer - dedicated to supporting his community and all without the modern conveniences of the internet or tech that we have today.
In those early days, there was no Medicare, no government co-funding, and minimal private health cover. David recalls balancing the ethical duty of providing care to those who couldn’t always afford it with the realities of running a business.
Recognising the need for professional development and connection, David teamed up with other local practitioners to form a rural group for continuing education. This collaboration with health professionals in the Riverland and Mildura attracted influential guest speakers, including none other than David Butler—who would go on to become a global authority on pain management.
Thanks for helping me reminisce, and all the best with all the exciting things you are doing!
David fondly remembers his time in Renmark and the remarkable growth of physiotherapy as a profession. In the years that followed, he passed the practice on to Jo-anne Bolton and Anthony Agostino, who continued serving the Riverland community until 2015.
Although David once considered himself a “city boy,” his time in Renmark ignited a lasting passion for regional healthcare. Today, he serves as the Pain Management Clinical Coordinator for Grampians Health in Horsham, where he recently established two pain management clinics in regional Victoria.
We are incredibly grateful to David for sharing his story with us and for the pioneering work he did in establishing a strong foundation for what River Allied Health has become today.
David, thank you for your invaluable contribution. We look forward to welcoming you back to visit soon!
If you have memories of David or stories from his time in the Riverland, we’d love to hear them. Please send us an email or message us through our social media platforms—we’ll make sure they reach him!