Welcome to High Country Nutrition and DieteticsAt High Country Nutrition and Dietetics, we believe that everyone deserves access to clear, evidence-based nutrition support. With over a decade of experience in nutrition and dietetics — both in Australia and abroad — our approach centres on partnership, understanding, and respect.You are the expert on your own body, and our role is to guide and support you on your journey toward better health. We work alongside you, your family, and your healthcare team to create a safe, nurturing space where you feel heard and empowered to make lasting, positive changes.

TEAM

Deanna Cook
Adult and Paediatric Dietitian
Sports DietitianHi, I'm Deanna, Accredited Practising Dietitian and mum to three little ones. I have worked in nutrition and dietetics for over eleven years, both here in Australia, and overseas, in Canada. I grew up in northwest Sydney and was introduced to the High Country during my university placement at Northeast Health Wangaratta. I loved the people, the place and the possibilities. From then, my dream was to live and work here.

I began my career at Goulburn Valley Health, Shepparton, where I worked in community and hospital dietetics for a number of years. Seeking adventure, I set off to Canada where I worked as a community paediatric and maternal dietitian, whilst also providing dietetic cover across multiple hospitals in Calgary. I settled into a community dietitian role, seeing paediatric and adult patients for various nutrition concerns.I am passionate about paediatric nutrition, gut health and sports dietetics, and I have completed further education in these areas. I’m here to empower you with the skills and confidence to support you and your family to love food again. My approach will set you up for a future of eating that enables you to thrive.Qualifications:
Bachelor of Science, Nutrition and Dietetics (Hons), University of Sydney, 2012Bachelor of Applied Science, Exercise and Sports Science, University of Sydney, 2012Accredited Practising Dietitian accredited with Dietitians AustraliaSequential Oral Sensory (SOS) approach to feeding-trained therapistFODMAP-trained dietitian, Monash UniversityCertificate in Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics, Royal Children's Hospital MelbourneAccredited Sports Dietitian

Brydie Pendergast
Adult and Paediatric DietitianI have completed a Bachelor of Food and Nutrition Science and a Master of Dietetics, both at Deakin University, finishing in 2021. I live locally with my partner and two Border Collies. When I'm not at work, you'll find me in the garden, creating, cooking or hiking.Since leaving university, I have had the pleasure of working across a few different health settings, including inpatient hospital work, community heath, NDIS and private practice dietetics, and health promotion.

In this time, I have built clinical experience and completed formal training in Paediatric Nutrition and Dietetics, Responsive Feeding Therapy and Emotionally Aware Feeding (selective eating and ARFID support), Inclusive Approaches to Feeding Challenges in Neurodivergent Children, Eating Disorders, Home Enteral Nutrition (tube and PEG fed kids), Disability Nutrition, and Size-Inclusive Health.I have a strong interest in working with families to find creative solutions to nutrition concerns, and negotiating the grey area between evidence-based practice, meeting the child where they are at, and what works for your family. It requires a lot of listening and a good relationship between myself and the families I work with.I welcome referrals for an array of challenges we have with food, and can offer a judgement-free space to decipher what plan works best for each situation. I have good local and metro connections to work collaboratively with any multidisciplinary team. I am flexible in my work - I can see you in your home, or via telehealth.

SERVICES

Paediatric nutrition

Giving your child the best chance in life is a parent's number one concern. Nutrition plays a vital role in that. The stress and judgement on parents to provide the "right" food has gotten out of control. I'm here to help. So many parents and their little ones have thrived with my personalised approach and I'm confident I can help you too.+ Introduction to solids
+ Fussy eating
+ Growth support
+ Nutrient deficiencies
+ Healthy relationships with food
+ Allergies and intolerances
+ Family meal development

Gut health

An onslaught of gut symptoms can send your world into chaos. It can affect your home life, work life, relationships, finances and mental health. While symptoms can be debilitating on their own, finding the right treatment plan and following it correctly adds complexity. Thankfully, your diet is a powerful influencer on symptoms, which means seeking the help of a knowledgeable dietitian is a fast way to find relief.+ Functional gut disorders; constipation, diarrhoea, reflux/GORD
+ Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and low FODMAP diet
+ Food intolerances
+ Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
+ Diverticular disease
+ Coeliac disease

Health and medical concerns

+ Prenatal and postpartum nutrition
+ Diabetes: T1DM, T2DM, gestational
+ Eating disorders and disordered eating
+ Sports nutrition
+ Cardiovascular disease
+ Micronutrient deficiencies
+ Osteoporosis
+ Arthritis
+ Chronic pain
+ Specific diets: vegan and vegetarian

Consultations

We currently offer face-to-face, telehealth (virtual) and home visit consultations. We have two office locations, in Wangaratta and Myrtleford.To book a face-to-face or telehealth consultation, please use the button below to book online. You can also fill out the referral form.To book a home visit consultation, please complete the referral form.

FAQs

+ What is a Dietitian?
An Accredited Practising Dietitian (APD) is a university-qualified health professional who is trained to break down the nutrition science and translate this information into practical advice for each individual’s health needs. APDs are medically trained to manage various health conditions and serve as a key member of your healthcare team. We work closely alongside GPs, specialist doctors, nurses and other allied health professionals (physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech pathologists, psychologists). APDs practice in line with Dietitians Australia (DA) practice guidelines and professional standards.+ Do I need a referral to see a Dietitian?
A referral is not required. However, you will notice when you complete the registration form that we ask for details of any doctors and/or specialists involved in your care; this is because, at High Country Nutrition and Dietetics, we have a strong multidisciplinary focus and like to update the team of your plan and progress (with your permission, of course).+ Do you see NDIS clients?
Yes! We are able to see NDIS participants who have self-managed or plan-managed funds. We are not currently able to provide an NDIS-funded service to agency-managed participants. Book online at the button below.+ What can I expect in my first consultation?
What to expect in your first session:
- Analysis of your current and past medical history, including blood test results and medications. Please bring along any relevant information to your consultation, or provide it to us via email prior.
- Lifestyle and symptom assessment (your day-to-day routines and symptoms).
- Dietary assessment (analysis of your dietary choices and meal patterns, relationship with food, likes/dislikes).
- Your individual goals, to create a specific plan for you.+ Do I need to keep a food diary prior to my consultation?
In some instances, it may be helpful if you kept a food diary for 2-3 days prior to your consultation. However, if this is at all triggering for you, do not keep one.+ How do I pay for my virtual consultation?
Payment is due on the day of your consultation. After your consultation, we will send you an invoice via email with details to make payment. After payment is received we will email you a receipt.+ What is your cancellation policy?
If you are unable to make your scheduled consultation, please notify us as soon as able. If you need to cancel or change your appointment, please provide at least 24 hours' notice. Appointments cancelled or changed within 24 hours will incur a cancellation fee valued at the rate of the original consultation.+ What happens if I am running late for my consultation?
Please be aware that our consults are scheduled to allow sufficient time for each client. If you are running late, your consult will still conclude at the scheduled time. This is to avoid the client booked after you being disadvantaged.+ Rebates available:
+ GP Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP)
Chronic Condition Management Plan (CCMP) prescribed via your GP. Examples of chronic conditions included in this plan are; diabetes, cancer, high cholesterol, weight concerns, cancer and IBS. This plan provides 5x Allied Health sessions per calendar year, rebates are approximately $61 per visit. Many diseases can be treated under a CCMP; contact your GP to see if you are eligible.
* Please be aware that Medicare does not accept retrospective CCMP plan claims.+ GP Eating Disorders Plan (EDP)
Eating Disorders Plan (EDP) prescribed by your GP; this plan provides up to 20 sessions per calendar year, and rebates are approximately $61 per visit. Visit the Eating Disorders Victoria website for further information, or discuss with your GP.+ Private Health Insurance
Private health insurance cover; if you have dietetics cover, at the rate set by your insurance company. We suggest you contact your private health fund prior to your consultation to check your coverage, and to ensure they support online dietetic consultations. You will need to present your receipt to your private health fund and they will organise the rebate to your nominated account.**Please note, you are unable to claim both the Medicare rebate and Private Health insurance rebate for the same therapy session.

FEES

Effective 01 July 2025.Consultations under a GP CCMP or EDP
Initial consultation (50 minutes): $180
Follow-up consultation (25 minutes): $100Consultation fees are payable upfront. Once payment is received, we will then make a Medicare claim on your behalf. As of 2025/2026, the Medicare rebate is $61.80 for both initial and follow-up consultations. Clients should ensure they have sufficient allied health visits available in the calendar year. We do not offer bulk billing at this time.Private consultations
Initial consultation (50 minutes): $180
Follow-up consultation (25 minutes): $100Sports nutrition consultations
Initial consultation (80 minutes): $270
Follow-up consultation (25 minutes): $100NDIS
Consultations under all line items: $188.99 per hour
Provider travel: $94.50 per hour
Provider travel - non-labour costs: $0.99 per kilometre
Non-face-to-face service provision: $188.99 per hour
Short notice cancellations: $188.99 per hour
NDIA requested report writing: $188.99 per hourConsultations under Support at Home packages
Consultations: $180.00 per hour
Provider travel: $180.00 per hour
Provider travel - non-labour costs: $0.99 per kilometre
Non-face-to-face service provision: $180.00 per hour
Short notice cancellations: $180.00 per hour
Report writing: $180.00 per hour

contact

If you have any questions or comments, please contact us via phone or email.

0467 458 781

[email protected]

Fax: (03) 6407 7726

Referrals and management plans can be emailed or faxed. Referrals can also be made via the referral form.

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