About Us

Premier Prosthetics and Orthotics Pty Ltd was originally established on 12 May 1997.  The main task of the fledgling company was to cater for the needs of the limb deficient and amputee population of the rural areas of New South Wales that were previously serviced by the RALAC. This included Dubbo, Lismore & Coffs Harbour.

Originally located at North Sydney Premier Prosthetics moved to it's current location at Lidcombe in October 1997.  We have established a center of excellence in prosthetics and orthotics here at Lidcombe and have developed our reputation over the past years along these lines.

Meet Our Team

	TECHNICAL STAFF
	David HUGHES  Director/Senior Prosthesist David came to Australia from the U.K. in 1975 and has since worked both here and overseas.  He is one of the Directors of Premier Prosthetics and with over 30 years experience has gained extensive knowledge in all areas of prosthetics.  Since 1990 he has specialised in pediatric prosthetics and now sees children from all over NSW and Australia.  In 1992 he was awarded the prestigious Winston Churchill Fellowship.  A member of the Otto Bock paralympic prosthetic team he has made prosthetic limbs for elite athletes who have gone on to win gold, silver and bronze medals.  David has been an invited lecturer at UNSW for both lower and upper extremity courses.  He has almost 20 years experience in myoelectric prosthetics and was one of the first practitioners in Australia to fit the revolutionary "I-Limb Hand".
	Howard WILSON   Director/Senior Prosthesist Howard is one of the founding Directors of Premier Prosthetics and specializes in all types of lower limb devices.  He commenced his career in Prosthetics in 1977 and he has attended most rural amputee clinics in NSW. He is a current member of I.S.P.O. and has been a member of A.O.P.A. since 1988. He was largely responsible for the establishment of the amputee clinic at Coffs Harbour in 1995 and is still mainly responsible for its operation today.
	Joachim DOHMEIER   Senior Prosthesist
	Peter FARRAND   Senior Prosthesist
	Nicholas HAW   Prosthesist Nicholas graduated from La Trobe University with a Bachelor Degree in Prosthetics and Orthotics in 2004.  In the same year he moved to Sydney and joined the clinical team at Premier Prosthetics.  He currently attends clinics at the Royal Rehabilitation Centre in Ryde and the Coffs Harbour Base Hospital.
	Joe CHAPPARO   Prosthesist/Orthotist Joe was qualified in Orthotics in 1975 and in Prosthetics in 1978 in America, working first at a large rehabilitation centre as a Senior Orthotist, then as an instructor in Orthotics and Prosthetics at Northwestern University.  He moved to Australia in 1981 and was employed by the largest private Orthotics/Prosthetics in the country where he advanced to the position of managing director.  In 1988, Joe left that position to start his own Orthotics business which continued until late 2007 at which time he joined Premier Prosthetics & Orthotics as staff Orthotist/Prosthetist.
	Bradley SPRING   Prosthetic Technician Bradley commenced as a Prosthetic Technician with Ralac NSW in 1996.  He has been with Premier Prosthetics since its inception in 1997 and has been responsible for training other Technicians over the years. Bradley has shown a keen interest in modern fabrication techniques including, but not limited to, the use of carbon fiber in sockets.  He has also used his ingenuity to solve some complex prosthetic cases and always produces a quality product for the client especially in the cosmetic finish.
	Prosthetic Technician
	Sheila HUGHES   Physiotherapist Sheila trained as a Physiotherapist in the U.K. and has over 25 years experience working with amputees not only in Australia but also in the U.K. and the Middle East.  She is a member of the Australian Physiotherapy Association.
	ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
	Vince BUCKLEY   Managing Director Vince commenced his career in the Public Service in 1973 when he joined the Department of Veterans Affairs where he worked for 24 years.  He achieved many in house management qualifications including the M.S.K.P. course, and rose through the ranks to become the last Chief Executive Officer of Ralac NSW. Vince is also a founding Director of Premier Prosthetics and is the current Chairman of the Prosthetic Manufacturers Association of NSW.  Amongst his current duties he has attended meetings with Enable NSW concerning issues related to the NSW Artificial Limb Service and previously served on the Prosthetic Advisory Committe as an industry representative.
	Robert McGOVEN   Administration Robert has been involved in the administrative side of the Prosthetics industry since 1973. His role at Premier Prosthetics is mainly to do with our accounts with several other clerical functions as well.