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Meet 64 veterinarians working across the Wide Bay and Burnett

Across country Queensland, veterinarians of all ages are saving lives, operating in wet paddocks in the middle of the night, and solving problems like how to remove a 40cm arrow swallowed by a 55cm dog. Meet them here and read their stories.

60+ vets of the Wide Bay and Burnett
60+ vets of the Wide Bay and Burnett

There are at least 80 veterinarians working in surgery, and with large or small animals in clinics, animals hospitals and practices across the vast and rapidly growing Wide Bay Burnett.

Some had a love of animals from an early age, growing up on farms or just sharing special bonds with their family pets. They studied hard to excel at high school and make it through a long and difficult degree in Veterinary Science, and now their love for animals is their career.

Meet 64 veterinarians across the region who are dedicated to looking after animals, great and small.

This clinic received the second most nominations at 11 votes on The Gympie Times Facebook callout.

Dan McDougall - Gympie Vet Services

Dan McDougall from Gympie Veterinary Services. Photo: Website
Dan McDougall from Gympie Veterinary Services. Photo: Website

Dan McDougall has been a vet for 25 years, four of those as lead veterinarian at Gympie Veterinary Services, once located in Little Channon Street and soon to be located near Central Shopping Centre.

The strangest thing Dr Dan he has ever dealt in his career was helping a 55cm-long dog who had swallowed a 40cm-long arrow.

The arrow, from a bow and arrow set, was undamaged and was not sticking out of the animal, Dr McDougall said. He said the most common poisonings treated by vets are rat bait and marijuana ingestion, and both can be treated very successfully.

Dr McDougall wanted a job with great variety, and one that did not consist of being “stuck in an office all day”.

After graduating university, he worked at Maleny, occasionally stepping in at Gympie Vet Services, before travelling to work in Sydney then England.
He and his wife returned to South East Queensland 18 years ago and have never left.

Dr McDougall has an exciting life both inside the clinic and out, being a local and international enduro motorbike competitor.

He said his most recent international race was competing at a five-day rally named Red Bull Romaniacs, dubbed the “world’s longest and toughest hard enduro rally”.

Caitlin Shearman - Gympie Vet Services

Caitlin Shearman has been a vet for 10 years and worked in the Lockyer Valley then travelled in the UK before joining Gympie Vet Services, one of the biggest rural practices in Queensland.

The most unusual case she has dealt with in her time started with an unwell 17-year-old chihuahua.

“I could palpate what I thought was a growth in her abdomen so I did an ultrasound and it turned out she was pregnant with one large puppy,” Dr Shearman said.

“I performed a caesarian on her a few weeks later and both she and the pup did well.”

Dr Shearman said she played pretend vets with her sister while her parents raised her with “a love for animals and the environment”.

“I enjoy that every day as a vet has different challenges to solve, and the satisfaction of helping our patients and trying to make a positive impact on their lives,” she said.

She loves to relax with her pair of mischievous cats as well as swimming, hiking, cooking and photography.

Caitlin Shrives - Gympie Vet Services

Caitlin Shrives has been a vet for more than seven years and was working in a clinic in the Isle of Man near England before joining the Gympie clinic.

She has had some strange experiences during her time working with wildlife in South Africa, including buffalo, leopards, rhinoceros and antelopes.

“The strangest thing I got to do was using paintball guns to administer antiparasitic (drugs) to zoo animals,” Dr Shrives said.

She has always a passion for animals and biology but only found an interest in veterinary science when she was 17 years old.

In her spare time, Dr Shrives said she likes to read, visit the beach with her dogs and spend time with her friends and family.

Pearlyn See - Gympie Vet Services

Dr See’s vet career started about five years ago and the most unforgettable case she had dealt with happened only a few weeks into the job.

A teacher from a neighbouring childcare centre brought in a stick insect, concerned it had not moved for several days.

Dr See, still green on the job, was struggling to break the bad news but was relieved when the teacher saw the insect fall motionless from its leaf and said “oh well, that’s that, isn’t it”.

She is a firm believer in asking herself how she can help better an industry facing a shortage of veterinarians and support staff.

“Clinics and hospitals around the world are stretched to the limit - most are trying their best and are still here providing a service to help the community,” Dr See said.

She didn’t grow up wanting to become a vet but always knew her future job would be animal related.

“I knew I have always wanted to be the next Sir David Attenborough. I had a cupboard full of DVDs of his travels and collections,” she said.

Dr See has a love for food and cooking, as well as spending time outdoors - particularly hiking in mountains and national parks. She also likes listening to music, reading and studying.

Monto Veterinary Group

The Monto Veterinary Group is owned by Stacey Rae and her partner Mathew Littleton.

The clinics’ other veterinarian, Brittany Zendler, has wanted to be a vet since she could remember.

“I never truly considered any other job,” she said.

Brittany Zendler is one of the veterinarians at the Monto Veterinary Group. Photo provided by Monto Veterinary Group.
Brittany Zendler is one of the veterinarians at the Monto Veterinary Group. Photo provided by Monto Veterinary Group.

Dr Zendler said she was studying at University of Queensland in Gatton while working at The Athlete’s Foot before starting her career at the clinic.

She is now in her third year as a mixed animal vet and has seen some “strange and wonderful” cases during that time.

“It’s difficult to think of what case takes the prize for being the strangest,” she said.

Her passion stems from being able to work with producers and their livestock to “not only treat the individual animal, but work towards improving their herd productivity and health”.

“The nature of the job also gives me the opportunity to drive around and see so much of the beautiful countryside that makes up the North Burnett.”

Dr Zendler enjoys running and renovating her house. She is also “always up for an adventure.”

Anja Schmidt - Animals Veterinary Surgery Mundubbera

Anja Schmidt from Animals Veterinary Surgery. Photo: supplied.
Anja Schmidt from Animals Veterinary Surgery. Photo: supplied.

Dr Schmidt is the sole veterinarian of the Mundubbera clinic and has been a vet for 14 years.

She said one of her proudest moments was successfully performing surgery to repair a traumatic abdominal hernia on a horse.

“The surgery was done by spotlight in the backyard of the client’s property and took several hours,” Dr Schmidt said.

“It was dark and freezing and because he’d been down so long, it was a hard recovery and we left the property in the early hours of the morning.”

She also loved working with large animals in South Africa and soi dogs and elephants in Thailand.

“I‘ve stitched up the beak on an echidna, rehabilitated and released a white chested sea eagle,” Dr Schmidt said.

“I treated a horse that had scalped its entire rump and tail and stitched up a dog that was breathing through a hole in its chest.”

Dr Schmidt dreamed of being a vet when she was young but headed to North Queensland and the Northern Territory to work as a ringer on cattle stations at the age of 16. After several injuries, she called it quits.

“The only other thing I ever wanted to do was be a vet so I jumped through all the hoops and here I am,” she said.

Dr Schmidt said she loved hanging out with her three-year-old daughter “doing kid stuff” as well as boating, camping and fishing. She also likes to spend time in the garden and “make stuff in the shed”.

Bec the Vet - Mobile Vet Gympie

Dr Rebecca Ardrey - Principal vet and owner

Rebecca Ardrey from Bec the Vet - Mobile Vet Gympie. Photo: Bec the Vet website.
Rebecca Ardrey from Bec the Vet - Mobile Vet Gympie. Photo: Bec the Vet website.

Dr Bec has been in the veterinary industry for at least 16 years and been a proud member of the Gympie community for eight years, working in different clinics with the region.

In 2019, Dr Bec launched her own mobile veterinary and grooming business and it grew from there - she sold the grooming side of the business a year later, the Bec the Vet Mobile Vet website stated.

Dr Bec rebranded to her current business name in 2021 and works closely with the Bent St Vet and Mary Valley Pet Cremations.

Dr Bec loves to build good relationships with her clients in order to help and educate pet owners take care of their animal companions.

Dr Brittany Ward

Brittany Ward from Bec the Vet - Mobile Vet Gympie. Photo: Bec the Vet website.
Brittany Ward from Bec the Vet - Mobile Vet Gympie. Photo: Bec the Vet website.

Dr Ward works on Fridays and fills in for Dr Bec and loves going on adventures with her three-legged cattle dog in her spare time.

She was born and raised in Maryborough and was studying in Townsville until two years ago.

Alongside her dog, Dr Brittany has two guinea pigs and enjoys sewing, baking and writing outside of work.

Damian Smith - Mary River Veterinary Services

Damien Smith from Mary River Veterinary Services. Photo: Mary River Veterinary Services website.
Damien Smith from Mary River Veterinary Services. Photo: Mary River Veterinary Services website.

Specialising in livestock and large animal needs, the Mary River Vet brings their clinic to you with a fully equipped vehicle.

Dr Damien Smith has “extensive skills and experience working with horses and livestock,” the Mary River Veterinary Services website stated.

Geoff Collyer - Bent St Vet

Bent St Veterinary Surgery is a locally-owned business operating from the corner of Bent St and Station Rd. The clinic was the most popular in Gympie, receiving 19 nominations in a The Gympie Times’ Facebook callout.

Candice Loft - Nissen Street Veterinary Surgery

This vet surgery at Urraween is a popular clinic on the Fraser Coast.

Candice Loft from Nissen Street Vet Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Candice Loft from Nissen Street Vet Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Loft became the owner of the practice in 2021 with her two French bulldogs working as the surgery’s mascots, the Nissen Street Veterinary Surgery website stated.

She moved to Hervey Bay from Uitenhage, South Africa in 2000 and graduated from the University of Queensland in 2009.

David Rossi - Tinana Veterinary Surgery

David Rossi from Tinana Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
David Rossi from Tinana Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Rossi built the clinic in 1996 and continues to take care of Tinana family pets to this day.

In recent years, he has been tackling more difficult surgeries after finding interest in orthopaedic surgery, the Tinana Veterinary Surgery website stated.

Raelene Calleja

Raelene Calleja from Tinana Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Raelene Calleja from Tinana Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

A Fraser Coast resident for many years now, Dr Calleja has worked in various locations and with both large and small animals.

When she’s not working part time at the clinic, she loves spending time with her family and mentoring students.

Katherine Lawn

Katherine Lawn from Tinana Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Katherine Lawn from Tinana Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Lawn also studied at UQ in Gatton after growing up in Bundaberg and has been working at the Tinana Veterinary Surgery since 2016.

The full-time vet has an interest in medicine and surgery, and is currently in training for orthopaedic surgery under Dr Rossi.

Dr Lawn enjoys travelling and spending time outdoors.

Amanda Finnis - Passionate Paws Veterinary Surgery

Amanda Finnis from Passion Paws Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook.
Amanda Finnis from Passion Paws Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook.

Dr Finnis originally worked as a wildlife ranger for two years after graduating from UQ with a degree in wildlife biology in 2000.

She then decided to help domestic animals and worked as a vet nurse in a Bundaberg practice. Shortly after, she moved to Townsville to study at James Cook University.

After graduating again in 2013, she started work as a mixed animal vet in Childers and three years later, moved to Hervey Bay to open Passion Paws.

Having a special passion for helping small animals, Dr Finnis has an interest in both medicine and surgery within veterinary science.

Dr Finnis has a troop of beloved pets of her own, including a dog, two cats, four guinea pigs and even a turtle.

Walker St Veterinary Surgery

Dr Liz

Dr Liz from Walker Street Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Dr Liz from Walker Street Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Veterinarian and keen tennis player Dr Liz moved to Queensland to study veterinary science and graduated in 2021. In 2022, she joined the clinic and has been taking a dental course and a communication course.

She decided to work as a vet after finding an interest in biology and production animal agriculture studies as well as her love for animals.

She also has been finding soft tissue surgery quite interesting, she said in a post on the Walker St Veterinary Surgery Facebook page.

Dr Liz is originally from Victoria and has family in Peru.

Dr Dani

Dr Dani from Walker Street Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Dr Dani from Walker Street Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Dani has worked in several mixed practice clinics since graduating in Townsville in 2018 and joined the team in 2022, she said in a post on the Walker St Veterinary Surgery Facebook page.

Growing up on a cattle property close to Moranbah, Dr Dani has done lots of work as a cattle and equine veterinarian and aims to grow the large animal sector at the clinic.

Watching vets visit the animals at the home she grew up in sparked a passion so Dr Dani decided to become a vet herself.

She prides herself in being a “jack of all trades,” working on all species except birds.

Dr Sarah

Dr Sarah from Walker Street Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Dr Sarah from Walker Street Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Sarah graduated in 2012 and joined the team in 2014 after doing a rotating internship for one year.

She grew up in Hervey Bay and, fascinated by science and biology, decided to pursue veterinary science, a Facebook post on the Walker St Veterinary Surgery page stated.

Dr Sarah loves working with feline patients, but frequent sneezing makes her more of a dog person.

She loves watching other vets and staff members polish their skills.

“I am so proud every day of the team I work with,” she said in the Facebook post.

Dr Tatum Watson

Dr Tatum Watson from Walker Street Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Dr Tatum Watson from Walker Street Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Canada-born and Australia-raised, as well as a mother, Dr Tatum started her career in 2013 with the clinic not long after graduating UQ the year before.

She loves working in both medicine and surgery and likes to focus on small animals after working at a mixed practice vet, she said in the Facebook post.

Dr Tatum has wanted to become a vet since she could remember, being surrounded by animals since she was very young.

Giving animals the “best quality of life” and relieving their pain is her favourite part of the job.

Peter Gillespie - Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery

Backed by 30 years of experience, Dr Gillespie opened the Hervey Bay surgery in 2001, the Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery website stated.

Before the Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery came to be, he worked in various practices in Australia and overseas before returning to work in other clinics in Hervey Bay.

He graduated from the University of Queensland in 1984.

Jason Tait

Jason Tait from Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Jason Tait from Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Tait worked in small and large animal medicine after graduating in 2004, before he owned his own clinic in Springfield Lakes.

After a decade, he briefly worked in Darwin and then returned to Queensland to work in Hervey Bay vet clinics.

Last year, he joined the Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery and enjoys tackling tough surgical procedures.

He loves forming close relationships with clients and their pets, and enjoys boating and riding motorcycles.

Along with his partner, Jason’s family includes two sheep, four chickens and two dogs called Sue and Jolene.

James Kennedy

James Kennedy from Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
James Kennedy from Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Author and father-of-four Dr Kennedy graduated in 1987 before travelling across the state and Australia.

He has seen most of western and southern Queensland as well as New South Wales.

Dr Kennedy has been married for 36 years and has four sons. He has also published a children’s book.

In his spare time, he likes to fish along the Mary River, the Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery website stated.

Emma Simon

Emma Simon from Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Emma Simon from Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Simon has been working as a vet for 30 years and found a passion in canine behaviour.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her retrievers alongside a nice iced coffee, the Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery website stated.

Nicole Rutledge

Nicole Rutledge from Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Nicole Rutledge from Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Rutledge moved from the US to study in Australia, with intentions to return but quickly “fell in love with the country”.

She graduated in 2020 but has been working as a veterinary nurse for about 10 years beforehand.

In 2021, she moved to the Fraser Coast and then began work at the Wide Bay Veterinary Surgery.

She loves helping pets live their best life as well as working on cats, sparking her interest in emergency and feline medicine.

In her free time, she likes to spend time with her family including her daughter, husband, three cows, 11 chickens, two turkeys, two dogs and a pair of cats.

Maryborough Veterinary Surgery

David Goddard

David Goddard from Maryborough Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
David Goddard from Maryborough Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Goddard and is wife Michelle are the owners of the practice and have been living in Maryborough for the past decade.

Before settling on the Fraser Coast to raise their three children alongside two dogs, Dr Goddard and Ms Goddard had lived in several places around the world.

Dr Goddard has a special interest in orthopedic and dentistry work, their website stated.

Deborah Sternbeck

Deborah Sternbeck from Maryborough Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Maryborough Veterinary Surgery website
Deborah Sternbeck from Maryborough Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Maryborough Veterinary Surgery website

Dr Sternbeck works part-time in Gayndah, where she travels from two days per week to work in the Maryborough clinic.

At home in Gayndah, she takes care of a family of cattle, horses, dogs and cats on a property alongside her husband and two children.

David Jameson

David Jameson from Maryborough Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
David Jameson from Maryborough Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Jameson loves working with exotic animals, particularly when they come with scales and feathers.

With his knowledge in all areas of medicine and surgery, Dr Jameson is a valuable member of the team.

Dr Jameson’s dog Jimmy often accompanies him to the clinic.

Bayview Veterinary Surgery

Dr Sheyne -Veterinarian and hospital director

Dr Sheyne from Bayview Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Bayview Veterinary Surgery website.
Dr Sheyne from Bayview Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Bayview Veterinary Surgery website.

Dr Sheyne has been a part of the industry for more than 18 years but joined the clinic team in 2000.

He particularly enjoys soft tissue surgery on small animals, the website stated.

Dr Sheyne likes to kick around a soccer ball with his two sons and dreams of a tropical island holiday.

Dr Madeline

Dr Madeline from Bayview Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Bayview Veterinary Surgery website
Dr Madeline from Bayview Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Bayview Veterinary Surgery website

Dr Madeline began her work with the clinic in 2019 and has since bought a Hervey Bay home with her husband.

Alongside enjoying the coastal life with her daughter, she loves taking her two dogs for walks along the beach, their website stated.

Scarness Vet Surgery

Dr Lilly - Veterinarian and practice owner

Dr Lilly from Scarness Vet Surgery. Photo: Scarness Vet Surgery website
Dr Lilly from Scarness Vet Surgery. Photo: Scarness Vet Surgery website

Dr Lilly was determined to become a vet from the age of nine, and moved to Hervey Bay in 1982 after graduating.

She became the owner of the clinic in 2011 and has decked out the building with her own art pieces, particularly sculptures, the website stated.

Dr Lily is a firm believer in preventative care and “provides the utmost care to everyone”.

Dr Joanna

Dr Joanna from Scarness Vet Surgery. Photo: Scarness Vet Surgery website.
Dr Joanna from Scarness Vet Surgery. Photo: Scarness Vet Surgery website.

Dr Joanna has been working in clinics around Australia for the past 30 years, after wanting to be a vet all her life.

She worked in Western Australia for four years, then in Bendigo, Victoria for 20 years before moving to Hervey Bay with her husband and poodle.

Dr Danielle

Dr Danielle from Scarness Vet Surgery. Photo: Scarness Vet Surgery website
Dr Danielle from Scarness Vet Surgery. Photo: Scarness Vet Surgery website

Dr Danielle joined the clinic in 2021 when she moved to Hervey Bay with her family and pet cat.

She previously graduated in 2013 and worked in a mixed practice in West Gippsland for about seven years, the website stated.

Dr Danielle enjoyed working with dairy cows during her time in West Gippsland and now is interested in ophthalmic and soft tissue surgery.

Dr Danielle graduated in 2013 from Charles Sturt University. She began her veterinary career in a mixed animal practice in West Gippsland.

Dr Audrey

Dr Audrey from Scarness Vet Surgery. Photo: Scarness Vet Surgery
Dr Audrey from Scarness Vet Surgery. Photo: Scarness Vet Surgery

Dr Audrey graduated in 2003. She moved from Singapore to Australia and worked in Alice Springs for 10 years.

After moving to Hervey Bay in 2019, she eventually joined the clinic in 2021 and has a love for helping exotic animals.

Dr Audrey developed an interest in ultrasounds and will possible further her studies in the area.

Audrey lives in Hervey Bay with her family, her cat Heidi and retriever Zara, their website stated.

Hervey Bay Veterinary Surgery 

Ron McKay

Dr Ron and Jenny McKay from Hervey Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Dr Ron and Jenny McKay from Hervey Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr McKay and his wife Jenny McKay have been in charge of the surgery for more than 25 years. Dr McKay graduated in 1976 and Ms McKay joined the team in 2009.

The pair are now retired but frequently visit the clinic and enjoy bike riding, hiking, skiing and travelling in their spare time, their website stated.

Lentswe Rampa

Dr Lentswe Rampa from Hervey Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Dr Lentswe Rampa from Hervey Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Rampa graduated in South Africa in 2007 and joined the Hervey Bay clinic in 2020.

He has developed an interest in primary animal healthcare and surgery.

Outside of work, he enjoys travelling and spending time with his family, their website stated.

Megan Devlin

Megan Devlin from Hervey Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Megan Devlin from Hervey Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Devlin began work at the clinic in 2020 after graduating in 2004.

She loves doing physio and rehabilitation work as well as soft tissue surgery, the practice website stated.

Dr Devlin has a family of sheep, chickens, two dogs and a cat. She loves reading fantasy novels in her spare time and likes to go outside to fish or visit the beach.

Louise Barbesgaard

Louise Barbesgaard from Hervey Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Louise Barbesgaard from Hervey Bay Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Barbesgaard completed her degree in Copenhagen, Denmark in 2009, and has experience working as a horse vet all over Europe, the UK, the US and in the Middle East.

She has worked with racehorses and sport horses and now often visits farms for her current clinic.

She completed a post-graduation certificate in the UK and then decided to move to Hervey Bay with her husband.

Anomalia Veterinary Services

Clare Condos

Clare Condos from Anomalia Veterinary Services. Photo: Anomalia Veterinary Services website
Clare Condos from Anomalia Veterinary Services. Photo: Anomalia Veterinary Services website

Dr Condos rode horses professionally and then worked in event management for more than a decade before switching to veterinary science.

After graduating in Melbourne, she moved to Darwin to work in small animal medicine, equine medicine and surgery in a mixed practice, the website stated.

She then moved to the Fraser Coast to help animals across Childers, Hervey Bay, Biggenden and Tiaro before working in small animal emergency medicine on the Sunshine Coast.

Dr Condos values clients’ trust and relationships and aims to help “under-privileged, developing and indigenous communities” with veterinary education programs.

She has also travelled the world and lived in London for two years before becoming a vet.

North Bundaberg Vet Surgery

Rohan Miller

Rohan Miller from North Bundaberg Vet Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Rohan Miller from North Bundaberg Vet Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Miller has been with the vet surgery since the very beginning in 2007. He graduated in 1985 and then travelled across Australia and overseas to gain more experience.

His home is filled with rescued pets including two dogs, a few cats and a flock of birds.

Natalie Taggart

Natalie Taggart from North Bundaberg Vet Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Natalie Taggart from North Bundaberg Vet Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Taggart has been working in the Bundaberg region since 2008, two years after she graduated in Melbourne.

Natalie enjoys various aspects of veterinary science including avian medicine, heart health, abdominal and thoracic ultrasound and surgery.

Lachlan Meikle

Dr Meikle graduated in Townsville in 2016 and has a passion for “gold standard medicine,” a bio on the practice website stated.

Outside of the clinic, he enjoys visiting the gym, going camping, swimming, snorkelling, or diving and playing piano and guitar.

Derek Lamb

Dr Lamb joined the surgery in April 2023 after 23 years within the industry.

He graduated in South Africa and adores working with animals, the website stated.

In his spare time, he likes snorkelling and playing with his pets.

Vetcross

Vetcross has an animal hospital in Bundaberg and clinic branches in Gin Gin and Bargara.

Tim Hill - practice principal

Tim Hill from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website
Tim Hill from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website

Dr Hill graduated from the University of Queensland in 1993 and has since acquired several more qualifications, including the PennHip certification and diploma in animal ophthalmology, the Vetcross website stated.

He has worked across Australia and the UK to gain various experiences in mixed and dairy practices.

Andrew Marland - practice principal

Andrew Marland from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website
Andrew Marland from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website

Dr Marland first worked in a mixed animal practice in Western Queensland after graduating in 2000. He then moved to the UK for two years.

He wanted to become a vet from a very young age, growing up on a Bundaberg region cattle property.

Dr Marland loves the challenges of working with all types of animals, the website stated.

Susan Carroll

Susan Carroll from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website
Susan Carroll from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website

Dr Carroll has been caring for pets at Vet Cross since 2004. She started her career in a country practice in regional Queensland before travelling overseas.

She continued her studies while caring for her two children, and is now qualified in animal ultrasonography.

Kate Schroeder

Kate Schroeder from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.
Kate Schroeder from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.

Dr Schroeder was raised in Bundaberg and studied in Gatton.

She enjoys working with all types of animals particularly in equine medicine and surgery, having a love for horse training.

At home, her family consists of a labrador, a cat and several horses.

Meghan Schibrowski

Meghan Schibrowski from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.
Meghan Schibrowski from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.

Dr Schibrowski graduated in 2005 and as been working as a vet between caring for her children of three.

She also looks after a several horses, cattle, dogs and cats at her farm in Childers, their website stated.

Jacqueline Greiner

Jacqueline Greiner from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.
Jacqueline Greiner from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.

Dr Greiner was born and raised in Bundaberg but left to study in Townsville.

After her return to Bundaberg, she is happy to spend time with her family and her dog.

Dr Greiner has a passion for wildlife, particularly turtles.

Alanah Evans

Alanah Evans from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.
Alanah Evans from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.

Dr Evans studied at James Cook University and joined the clinic after working in Cooroy.

She is particularly interested in mixed practice as well as equine reproduction and medicine.

Amy Cox

Amy Cox from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.
Amy Cox from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.

Dr Cox switched to regional Queensland in 2018 after growing up in Logan and then graduating from the University of Queensland in Gatton.

She worked at Tinana Vet Surgery before moving to the Vetcross Bundaberg clinic in 2022.

With a passion for feline friends, she has several cats, guinea pigs and chickens under her care at home.

Dr Cox is interested in soft tissue and working with cattle.

Georgia Taylor 

Georgia Taylor from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.
Georgia Taylor from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.

Dr Taylor moved to Bundaberg with her sister after studying in Townsville.

The pair were joined by their dog named Spock, their website stated.

Lilli Glass

Lilli Glass from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.
Lilli Glass from Vetcross Bundaberg. Photo: Vetcross Bundaberg website.

Dr Glass lived in Hervey Bay and then studied in Townsville.

She is passionate when it comes to everything about veterinarian science, particularly cattle reproduction.

Dr Glass can be found at the beach with her dog Lenny when she is not working.

East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital and Bargara Veterinary Surgery

David Challen

David Challen from East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital. Photo: Facebook
David Challen from East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital. Photo: Facebook

Dr Challen graduated in 1974 and started work in Victoria and then Far North Queensland with cattle.

Dr Challen said on the East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital website he had lots of adventures, driving 200km on dirt roads to visit some cattle.

He next moved to Kingaroy where he started a mixed animal practice and he grew to love working with horses alongside cattle and small animals, their website stated.

Later, finding himself in Bundaberg, he decided to revolve his career around small animals and returned to his studies to complete higher degrees in treatment of dogs and cats.

Randall Keyes

Randall Keyes from East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital. Photo: Facebook
Randall Keyes from East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital. Photo: Facebook

Dr Keyes has worked in clinics in South Australia, Townsville and now Bundaberg since 1989, after graduating in 1985.

This included spending two years in a specialist equine practice but Dr Keyes said on East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital website he had come to enjoy the challenges of working with small animals, rather naming them “companion animals”.

In his spare time, he likes to be with his family and pets, play tennis and try “keep tropical fish alive.”

Angie Yarrow

Angie Yarrow from East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital. Photo: Facebook
Angie Yarrow from East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital. Photo: Facebook

Dr Yarrow graduated in 2015 and quickly moved to Bundaberg to start her career.

She now works part time between the East Bundaberg Veterinary Hospital and Bargara branch, their website stated.

Dr Yarrow loves working with cats as well as senior animals and those with serious or terminal conditions.

Outside of work, she likes to take care of her family, including her daughter and two cats, as well as reading, exploring and occasionally rehoming some felines.

Greencross Bundaberg and Barolin

Danielle Bonfiglio-Forbes

Dr Bonfiglio-Forbes grew up in Hawaii and then, together with her family, moved to Texas to study, followed by an internship in Florida.

After working at several practices in the US, she moved to Australia with her husband and two sons, soon joined by her horse.

Dr Bonfiglio-Forbes can be found outdoors when she’s not working, visiting the beach, horseback riding or even hiking, their website stated.

Melanie Power

Dr Power was raised in Bundaberg and then studied at the University of Queensland.

After graduating in 2003, she worked in various small animal and specialist practices across Queensland before returning Bundaberg.

She started at Vetcross in 2019, particularly enjoying small animal medicine and ultrasonography, their website stated.

If she doesn’t have a book in her hand, Dr Power works on her family’s macadamia farm and takes care of her three sons, as well as a cat and three labradors in her spare time.

Wooroolin Veterinary Services

Steve Kelly - practice owner

Steve Kelly from Wooroolin Veterinary Services. Photo: Website
Steve Kelly from Wooroolin Veterinary Services. Photo: Website

Dr Kelly graduated in 1981 and went to work across rural Australia, including three years as part of a flying vet service.

After owning vet surgeries in Redland bay and Esk, he then opened his latest in 2004 in the South Burnett, the website stated.

He has a special interest in working with horses and cattle and, in is spare time, likes fishing and clay target shooting.

Angela Cannell

Angela Cannell from Wooroolin Veterinary Services. Photo: Website
Angela Cannell from Wooroolin Veterinary Services. Photo: Website

Dr Cannell was born and raised in North Queensland. After graduating in 2014, she worked in various clinics across South East Queensland.

She loves being a part of a mixed practice, finding joy in helping owners and their animals, a bio on the Wooroolin Veterinary Services website stated.

Outside of the practice, she likes to see her family and friends and enjoys travelling, their website stated.

Jemimah Young

Jemimah Young from Wooroolin Veterinary Services. Photo: Website
Jemimah Young from Wooroolin Veterinary Services. Photo: Website

Dr Young grew up surrounded by animals in Gympie and decided at the age of six she would become a vet.

True to her word, she graduated top of her class in 2021 and is particularly invested in small animal and equine medicine.

When she’s not in the clinic, Dr Young will be baking, exploring or spending time with her family, friends and pet cat.

Kingaroy Veterinary Surgery 2

Stephen Upton - practice owner

Stephen Upton from Kingaroy Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook
Stephen Upton from Kingaroy Veterinary Surgery. Photo: Facebook

Dr Upton began his career in the UK from 1983 and bought the Kingaroy surgery in 1987.

He loves problem solving, and enjoys surgery and helping birds, the Kingaroy Veterinary Surgery website stated.

Dr Upton actively participates in the South Burnett community, including the Lion’s Club and South Burnett Chorale.

South Burnett Veterinary Surgery

Chris Braithwaite - practice owner

Dr Braithwaite started his veterinary career working in Wyong, New South Wales after graduating in 1976.

In 1977, he ran a branch practice in Western Victoria and remained there until 1983, when he decided it was time to return to his hometown: Murgon.

He partnered with Phillip Cook to operate the current practice until 1988 when he bought the whole clinic, their website stated.

Nanango Country Veterinary Services

Kathy Webb - principal veterinarian

Kathy Webb from Nanango Country Veterinary Services. Photo: Website
Kathy Webb from Nanango Country Veterinary Services. Photo: Website

Dr Webb moved to the South Burnett in 1987, immediately falling in love with the region and its community.

She married a cattleman and soon began her family of beloved pets - she has two dogs and two cats as well as several horses.

Kyoko Sato

Kyoko Sato from Nanango Country Veterinary Services. Photo: Website
Kyoko Sato from Nanango Country Veterinary Services. Photo: Website

Dr Sato studied in Gatton and spent a month working at the practice before she graduated.

Since then, she has worked as a feedlot veterinarian and “has a soft spot for both cats and cows,” the Nanango Country Veterinary Service website stated.

Her cat accompanies her on her travels, their website stated.

All Creatures Vet Services

Cameron Marbach - practice owner

Cameron Marbach from All Creatures Vet Services. Photo: Facebook
Cameron Marbach from All Creatures Vet Services. Photo: Facebook

Dr Marbach grew up in Monto from the age of 10 developing a passion for animals.

After studying for five years, he graduated in 1991 and has since gained more than 30 years of experience, the website stated.

Dr Marbach has previously worked in the UK and Ireland and was selected to attend the foot and mouth outbreak in the UK in 2001.

Dr Marbach and his partner Maree have overseen the practice for 19 years while raising a family.

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Original URL: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/queensland/gympie/meet-64-veterinarians-working-across-the-wide-bay-and-burnett/news-story/788bf12ff3ee7e2c9113d7777bcdfd15