Physiotherapist Level 1

Launch Your Physiotherapy Career with Confidence – Join Our 2026 ISLHD New Graduate Program

$73,427 - $85,800 per annum+ 12% super & salary packaging | Temporary Full-Time from 2 February 2026 to 7 February 2027 | ISLHD – Various Locations | REQ603116 | Grade: Physiotherapist Level 1 | Applications close: Sunday 5 October 2025

Join us in shaping healthier futures. Together we can do more.

Are you a soon-to-be or recent Physiotherapy graduate ready to launch your career? We're excited to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 ISLHD New Graduate Physiotherapy Program.

We're seeking six motivated and passionate graduates to join our team and gain invaluable experience across two dynamic streams within the Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District.

Stream 1

Spanning Bulli, Wollongong, and Shellharbour Hospitals, this comprehensive rotational program provides an exceptional pathway to grow clinically, gain hands-on experience, and build confidence within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team setting. As one of four new graduates employed across our sites, you will gain a broad range of experience to build a strong foundation for your career as a physiotherapist.

Rotations You'll Experience:

• Acute Respiratory Medicine (Wollongong Hospital) – At Wollongong Hospital, a major tertiary centre, you'll manage a wide range of acute and chronic respiratory conditions, including COPD, pneumonia, and neuromuscular respiratory failure. Gain hands-on experience with airway clearance, oxygen therapy, non-invasive ventilation (NIV), and advanced respiratory supports like IPPV and MIE. Work closely with multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced environment, delivering culturally responsive care to a diverse patient population.
• Acute Surgical (Wollongong Hospital) – Join Wollongong Hospital's busy surgical wards caring for patients recovering from major abdominal, plastic, head and neck surgeries—including tracheostomy and laryngectomy management. You'll assist with early mobilisation, respiratory physiotherapy, and prevention of post-op complications, collaborating with experienced teams to support recovery and discharge planning for a diverse regional population.
• Sub-Acute Rehabilitation (Bulli Hospital) – At Bulli Hospital, you'll provide person-centred rehab for patients recovering from trauma, amputations, neurological, orthopaedic, respiratory, and brain injuries. Working in an interdisciplinary team, you'll deliver tailored interventions, coordinate goal-setting, and facilitate smooth transitions from inpatient care to community reintegration, focusing on maximizing independence and quality of life.
• Acute General Medical (Shellharbour Hospital) – At Shellharbour Hospital, manage a broad range of acute medical patients with cardiac, respiratory, renal, and complex chronic conditions. Develop skills in early mobilisation, falls prevention, cognitive screening, and discharge planning within a culturally diverse community, working closely with allied health and integrated care services to deliver holistic, patient-centred care.

Stream 2

Work and stay with us at Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital for one year. We offer 2 new graduate physiotherapist positions employed at Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital for one year with grads swapping caseloads midway to get a varied and well-rounded experience in the one hospital.

• Acute-Surgical/Medical/Orthopaedic and ICU/HDU – Work in our busy surgical and surgical short stay units caring for patients recovering from major abdominal surgery, joint replacements, #NOF and many other orthopaedic conditions. Treat medical outliers. You will develop skills in respiratory physiotherapy, complex mobilisation and prevention of post op complications collaborating with experienced MDT to support recovery and discharge planning covering a wide geographical area.
• Outpatients/Transitional Aged Care and Ward Relief – Work in musculoskeletal outpatients with all age groups to learn diagnostic and treatment skills for patients with acute and chronic musculoskeletal conditions including chronic pain to ensure patients are healing well and achieving their goals. Work with elderly patients in the community to ensure community reintegration, focusing on maximizing independence and quality of life.

After a thorough orientation our grads work one weekend a month as the sole physiotherapist for Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital.

• Dedicated Mentorship: Learn from experienced Senior Physiotherapists and a collaborative allied health team.
• Career Development: Regular clinical supervision, in-service education, and professional development sessions.
• Supportive Environment: You're never alone – we're with you every step of the way.
• Career Pathway: Build a strong foundation for long-term success in a public hospital setting.

Applications are now open

Don't miss your chance to kick-start a fulfilling and impactful career.

Locations: Bulli, Wollongong & Shellharbour Hospitals or Shoalhaven Memorial Hospital
Program Duration: 2 February 2026 to 7 February 2027

For more information and to view the position classification, see the Position Description here.

Information webinars – REGISTER NOW

Attend one of our upcoming Q&A sessions with Illawarra Physiotherapy staff to learn more about the role. Register using the links below:

• Monday 15th September 2025, 6-6:45pm
• Wednesday 17th September 2025, 6-6:45pm

Interviews

Interviews are scheduled for Wednesday 15 October 2025 or Friday 17 October 2025 and will be held virtually. Successful candidates will need to make themselves available via MS Teams on these dates.

A little about us.

The Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District (ISLHD) operates seven hospital sites across the diverse and vibrant South Coast region of New South Wales: Bulli Hospital, Wollongong Hospital, Shellharbour Hospital, David Berry Hospital, Milton Ulladulla Hospital, Shoalhaven Hospital, and Coledale Hospital. Each site is dedicated to delivering innovative, patient-centred care guided by ISLHD's CORE values of Collaboration, Openness, Respect, and Empowerment.

The District proudly acknowledges and serves the Dharawal and Yuin Nations, on whose lands these health facilities and services operate. ISLHD also fosters strong partnerships with other hospitals and universities in Wollongong, Sydney, Canberra, and beyond, supporting the education and training of nursing, medical, and allied health professionals throughout the District.

Nestled between the pristine beaches of the Pacific Ocean and the Illawarra Escarpment, the region offers an unparalleled lifestyle. Whether enjoying morning coffees at local cafes, browsing vibrant food markets, hiking scenic trails, or visiting renowned wineries, the Illawarra Shoalhaven area provides the perfect balance of work and leisure within a welcoming community.

Benefits of working with ISLHD.

We understand that balancing career aspirations with the demand of the everyday, as well as maintaining a healthy work-life balance, can be a challenge. To help with this, we offer a range of benefits which include:

• Allocated Days Off (ADO) – once a month take a paid day off (eligible full-time employees)
• Salary packaging – less tax and more take-home pay
• Novated leasing – lease a car and pay for all running costs out of your pre-taxed salary (eligible full-time employees)
• Fitness Passport - discounted gym membership that both you and your family can enjoy (eligible employees)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – free confidential and professional assistance for staff and their families
• Discounted health insurance is available through a number of different private health insurance providers. Talk to your provider today for more information
• Career progression, professional development and secondment opportunities

Apply now by reading the Position Description, then, using our online portal, submit a resume and answer the targeted questions within the application. In addition, please note you must have the following essential requirements:

• Applicable vaccination requirements for a Category A role.
• Working With Children Check (WWCC)
• Current AHPRA Registration (or eligibility before February 2026)
• Valid NSW Drivers Licence

This is a temporary position until 7 February 2027, 12 months only.

ISLHD is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

ISLHD is dedicated to fostering a child-safe environment that respects and upholds the rights of children and young people, aligned with NSW Health's commitment to implementing the Child Safe Standards. We aim to ensure that children and young people feel safe, supported, and included in their care. All current and prospective staff are expected to prioritise the safety, welfare, and wellbeing of children and young people, actively working to protect them from harm and abuse.

Need more information or help applying?

- Visit the ISLHD website for application tips, to learn more about ISLHD and other important application information.

- Visit the Stepping Up website. Stepping Up supports Aboriginal people to navigate the recruitment process and find a career or employment in NSW Health.

- Visit The Welcome Experience website. The Welcome Experience is a free service supporting essential workers (and their families) who are considering applying for or have accepted a job in regional NSW.

- Follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.

- For role-related queries or help applying, contact Danni Knoke at Danielle.knoke@health.nsw.gov.au