Chiropractor Dr Ben Brazer moved to the Macleay in 2011 with his partner Cherie and opened Macleay Chiropractic and Massage. In this time they have built a thriving practice, found their forever home in the valley and grown a beautiful family.
We are fortunate to have two other amazing chiropractors in our team, Dr Neil Hecimovic and Dr Bruce Ritchie. Local legend Ian Dunbar and the gorgeous Fiona Strelan make up our qualified remedial massage therapist duo.
Melissa, Cherie and Melanie are on reception and always ready to help you, answer any questions, schedule appointments and make your visit as smooth as possible.
Our practice is conveniently located at the end of Elbow Street in West Kempsey (at the elbow!), with disabled parking out the back and plenty of street parking out front. We also have a kids' play room to accommodate your family, so parents can access care with as little stress as possible.
I grew up in Lincoln, Nebraska, USA. As a kid, I was a sporty, health-conscious teenager — in high school I played gridiron, competed in power lifting, and was a state-level shot-putter. After graduating high school, I studied at the University of Nebraska.
It was during my time at university that I saw a chiropractor for the first time. Living with chronic sports injuries and eager to find relief, I had my first chiropractic adjustment — and was so impressed with the results that I changed my degree to pre-medicine and enrolled at Palmer College of Chiropractic.
I've always loved to travel, so after graduating from Palmer College, I moved to Newcastle, Australia. I began my chiropractic career there in 2001 at a sports-focused family wellness clinic, and went on to work as chiropractor for the Newcastle Knights and the Newcastle Jets.
In 2011, my partner Cherie and I moved to Hat Head to be closer to her family. Together we started Macleay Chiropractic, and we've now called the Macleay Valley home for over 15 years. We have two children and have loved building our life in this community.
I'm a strong believer in natural health and preventative care. My goal is to help as many people as possible live happier, healthier lives. I look forward to seeing you at the clinic, or around the Macleay.
My chiropractic journey began in 1997, and since then I’ve been in continual private practice for nearly four decades, working across two continents.
Originally from South Africa, I moved to the Mid-North Coast in 2016 with my wife Jann and our son Robert. We’ve since embraced life in Australia and are proud to call it home.
I enjoy helping people of all ages – from the very young to the young at heart – return to doing the things they love. Whether it’s getting back on a bike or simply improving day-to-day movement, my focus is always on keeping people functioning at their best. Every patient is unique, and I believe in providing truly bespoke treatment to suit individual needs.
The most rewarding part of my work is hearing patients say they’re feeling better and getting on with their lives. I look forward to welcoming you to our practice and seeing how I can help.
Originally from Canada, I developed an interest in chiropractic from a young age through my own experiences with sports injuries while playing ice hockey. Those experiences gave me a first-hand appreciation for the importance of movement, recovery, and staying active — values that continue to shape my approach to patient care today.
I studied chiropractic in both Canada and Australia, completing my studies at Macquarie University. Since 2012 I use a technique called diversified and trigger point therapy, with Activator used if requested or needed, and I see patients of all ages, from babies to the elderly, I have been proud to call the Mid North Coast home and have enjoyed helping local families, athletes, and people of all ages achieve their health and movement goals.
Outside of the clinic, I enjoy staying active and spending time with my young family. Being involved in sport and an active lifestyle has always been an important part of my life, and I love helping others stay strong, mobile, and able to do the things they enjoy.
Diploma of Massage · Bachelor of Education (Physical Education)
Hi I’m Ian Dunbar. I am an accredited Remedial Massage therapist, and a member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society.
I am a Sports trainer for the Cannonballs and regularly work national sports events around the country supporting individuals, sports teams and events doing pre and post event treatments.
Most of my work is Remedial Massage, however I still offer relaxation massages. I am glad to be a part of the team here at Macleay Chiropractic and Massage, it is a very family – friendly clinic offering a range of practitioners and treatments.
Hi, I’m Fiona! I have been a Massage Therapist since 2012 in Northern Rivers and more recently here on the Mid North Coast.
I use a combination of various therapeutic and remedial techniques in each massage treatment tailored to address your individual needs. I hold a Diploma in Remedial Massage (Kingscliff TAFE) and a Bachelor of Naturopathy (Southern Cross University).
Although I employ a range of various massage techniques specific to each treatment, my specialty is a deep therapeutic massage that addresses any presenting issue while still leaving you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.
I am an accredited Fellow member of the Australian Traditional Medicine Society (ATMS). I am happy to be working with the friendly team here at the clinic on Thursdays.
