General FAQ

What a great question and the most common source of confusion. In Australia, all Dietitians are Nutritionists as part of their four to six-year university degree and as a result, can also call themselves Accredited Nutritionists. Unfortunately, the term “Nutritionist” is not regulated in Australia and can be used by anyone including those with very limited or no formal qualifications in nutrition which can put your health at risk. Look for this logo as a guarantee of training as a Nutritionist.

Dietitians have completed a further 18 months to 2 years of training at university as a Master’s degree. As a result of this further specialised training, Dietitians are the only nutrition professionals in Australia that can see patients in hospitals, under Medicare, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs (DVA), the Australian Defence Force and NDIS. That says a lot about our high level of skills and training. Our Dietitians at Dietwise are both Accredited Practising Dietitians and Accredited Nutritionists, so you can trust you are under the care of the most highly qualified nutrition specialists in Australia.

Dietitians who have completed an accredited university qualification are eligible to join the Dietitians Australia credentialing program and be recognised as an APD. APD is a recognised trademark protected by law so when you see this logo, you know you are in the best hands. All our Dietitians at Dietwise have the APD credential- the Australian quality guarantee of nutrition and dietetic expertise.

As the health and wellness industry is a multibillion-dollar global industry, it is not surprising how many people call themselves ‘experts’ in nutrition to sell their products and services. APDs are top of the food chain when it comes to giving nutrition advice in Australia due to their specialised university-level training in nutrition, metabolism, biochemistry, physiology, sociology, behaviour change and communication.

That is why APDs are the only credential paid by Australian hospitals, Medicare, the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA), the Australian Defence Force and NDIS to provide nutrition and dietetic services. As APDs, our Dietitians practice according to the Dietitians Australia Code of Professional Conduct and Statement of Ethical Practice. You can trust you are in safe hands with us.

One of our Dietwise Values is Inclusion. We take a non-judgmental view of your health and well-being and embrace equity, and inclusivity and celebrate human diversity in every aspect of the work that we do. Equal and respectful care is provided to all folks, regardless of age, weight, race, religion, ethnicity, socioeconomic status, physical ability/attributes, neurotype, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression and pronouns. We try hard to make all people welcome at Dietwise.

All referrals are carefully reviewed by Sonya, the Founder and Director of Dietwise and are allocated to the Dietitian that is the best fit for you, using the following as a guide:

• your preference and the preference of the referrer if relevant
• the urgency and complexity of your case
• presence of a waitlist for the Dietitian and its length
• your preferred day/time for appointments
• all AIA Vitality members are seen by Sonya

Dietwise provides services to self-managed and plan-managed NDIS participants only. We do not currently accept NDIA-managed participants. Learn more about our services under NDIS funding.

Yes, as an AIA Vitality member you can book online with Sonya. She does both Telehealth (video call or phone) and in-person consultations (WA only) for AIA Vitality members. Alternatively, if you cannot find a time online that suits your schedule or need an appointment sooner, please call our Care Coordinator to assist.

Book My AIA Vitality Consult Now

Yes, our Dietitians are registered providers to the Department of Veterans Affairs (DVA).

You must be referred by your GP, who will complete a D904 referral form. You will be bulk billed:

• if you have a DVA Gold Card – for all conditions
• if you have a DVA White Card – for specific conditions

Dietwise is located 3 km from Perth’s CBD in the colourful and eclectic suburb of North Perth. Come visit us on Level 2/448 Fitzgerald St (corner Wasley St). We are just diagonal to the North Perth Plaza shopping centre. You can find us on Google Maps. If you have some extra time, stroll up to Angove St, grab a coffee (you are spoilt for choice) and browse the cool homeware, shoe, clothing, and florist shops. If you are visiting us using public transport, plan your trip using the Transperth Journey Planner.

The closest bus stops are located within 90 m of the entrance of Dietwise and are located outside Chemist Warehouse near the corner of Forrest St (Stop Number 12814) and at the entrance of North Perth Plaza Shopping Centre on Fitzgerald St (Stop Number 12823). Southbound Transperth Buses to the Perth Busport are 19, 360, 361 and 362.

Many convenient options exist for parking. Street parking is available on Wasley St and is free for 3 hours. Free street parking is also available along Norfolk St, a short 5-minute walk to the clinic. There is also a City of Vincent car park behind our clinic building (enter from Wasley St) with 48 bays (including 2 accessible bays) and ticket parking is daily from 7:00 am to midnight ($1 for the first hour and then $3.20 per hour).

At Dietwise, we understand that it can be difficult coming to unfamiliar environments. To help reduce anxiety and overwhelm in coming to Dietwise, we have a Social Story here.

There are 2 accessible parking bays located behind the building just off Wasley St in the City of Vincent Wasley Street Car Park. These bays are a 60m walk to the ground floor entrance of Dietwise on Fitzgerald St. There is an even floor surface between the outdoor sidewalk and the building entrance. We have automatic entry doors with ramp access to the lift which takes you to our clinic on Level 2. Our bathrooms are on Level 2 and are gender-neutral and wheelchair accessible. For your comfort, we have a range of different-sized rooms to accommodate wheelchairs and other mobility aids.

Unfortunately, Accredited Practising Dietitians are restricted from displaying written testimonials (considered a misleading form of advertising), according to the Health Practitioner Regulation National Law. Instead, we encourage you to share your positive experiences at Dietwise with your family, friends, and colleagues.