Brett Returns to KINNECT to Progress His Career in Much-Loved QLD Region

Brett Heiner has always believed in the power of early intervention and a supportive workplace culture. His career has taken him from hands-on clinical roles to strategic national leadership, but his passion for rehabilitation has remained constant. In late 2024, he rejoined KINNECT to lead a team in regional Queensland, in a career move that is proving both rewarding and impactful.

A Career Built on Helping People Recover

Brett began his career as an Accredited Exercise Physiologist, earning his Master’s in Clinical Exercise Physiology in 2012. He began his career providing hands-on rehabilitation but quickly realised the challenges of balancing treatment goals with business expectations. This led him to pivot into electrocardiograph technician work before stepping into the world of occupational rehabilitation.

In 2016, Brett joined KINNECT as a Rehabilitation Consultant, delivering pre-employment medicals, WorkCover physical conditioning programs, and workplace rehabilitation services across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast.

“The variety of work at KINNECT gave me a strong foundation as I was doing everything under the sun,” Brett recalls.

A Shift to Australia Post and a National Leadership Role

After two years at KINNECT, Brett moved to Australia Post for an injury management role, doing much the same work but in an internal capacity. Over nearly seven years, he held multiple positions, including Workplace Rehabilitation Consultant, Manager for Early Intervention Healthcare, and Safety Program Manager during COVID-19 contract tracing requirements.

His time at Australia Post taught him the importance of workplace culture in rehabilitation outcomes. It became quickly apparent to Brett that people who were linked early to healthcare and injury management, or whose manager or workplace representative attended appointments with them and helped them through the process, typically recovered much more quickly than someone who was left to navigate it alone. Those who weren’t sure what they should do or how they should seek help, got lost in the entry stages of a claim and may have had a delayed diagnosis or recovery plan.

“[Seeing this] had a significant influence on my work as I moved from a workplace rehabilitation provider with a caseload of about 30 cases into a national manager position where I was looking after the strategic side of the injury management program.

“I was deciding how the program could best help people and could shape that culture and service from the top, so people could be helped from the day of injury,” he says.

Returning to KINNECT: A Regional Opportunity

Despite enjoying his time at Australia Post, Brett felt drawn back to KINNECT. The variety of work, the ability to be proactive in injury prevention, and, most importantly, the opportunity to live and work in regional Queensland made the decision easy.

“I was born in Far North QLD and spent my primary school years in Central QLD,” Brett says. “KINNECT allows me to live here and still build a career that challenges and excites me. It’s also given my family a better lifestyle—bigger yard, slower pace, and a great community.”

As a Team Manager covering Rockhampton, Gladstone and Bundaberg, Brett now plays a key role in supporting regional businesses and ensuring their employees get the care they need to recover and thrive.

The Satisfaction of Leading a Growing Team

Brett’s new role at KINNECT goes beyond workplace rehabilitation cases: he’s helping expand our services in the region. It’s this variety that keeps him motivated.

“I love the multidisciplinary approach. For the first time, I’m working alongside nurses who make up a big part of our team.

“We’ve got strong partnerships in place, but there’s potential to grow and strengthen our presence even more,” he explains. “With the right care, attention, and support, we can make a real impact on workplace health in this part of Australia,” he enthuses.

One of Brett’s favourite aspects of his role is mentoring and training new team members.

“Seeing people develop, become independent, and achieve their goals is incredibly fulfilling,” he says. “I love that I can put time and attention into helping others grow in their careers.”

A Day in the Life of a Regional Team Manager

Brett’s role includes a mix of hands-on work, strategic planning and travel between KINNECT’s offices in Rockhampton, Gladstone, and, during 2025, Bundaberg. His daily tasks can include:

• Referral triage – Matching the right service type with the right clinician, ensuring the best fit for each case.
• Training and mentorship – Helping clinicians upskill, supervising new KINNECTers, facilitating pre-employment medical training, and ensuring teams are prepared for major projects like onsite drug and alcohol testing.
• Project resource planning – Coordinating large employer programs, managing clinician availability, and ensuring smooth execution.
• Quality assurance – Monitoring client feedback, auditing processes, and improving service delivery.
• Recruitment and growth – Interviewing new KINNECTers and partnering with new clients to help KINNECT expand its regional presence.

Advice for Those Considering Workplace Rehabilitation

Brett encourages Accredited Exercise Physiologists to embrace workplace rehabilitation as a career path—even if they don’t feel 100% ready.

“I used to think I had to be excellent at something before I could take the next step,” he shares. “But the truth is, you grow by pushing beyond your comfort zone and learning along the way.”

For those worried about making the transition from a clinical role, Brett has some reassurance: “Workplace rehabilitation won’t slow you down. Every time I’ve gone back to clinical services after rehabilitation case management, I’ve been a better clinician – stronger in report writing, justifying treatment, and securing funding. Just give it a try.”

Join Brett and the KINNECT Team

Brett’s return to KINNECT highlights the incredible opportunities available in workplace rehabilitation—especially in regional areas where the work is varied, meaningful, and rewarding.

If you’re an experienced clinician looking for a career that offers flexibility, growth, and the chance to make a real impact, explore opportunities with KINNECT today.