WGVC - Key Persons
Alicia has been in the healthcare/administration industry for 10 years but decided to make the switch from humans to animals. Since working at WGVC her knowledge and passion for animals has grown. With 2 little rugrats at home and another on the way she is thankful to have the opportunity to work with such friendly, passionate, hardworking and understanding colleagues that make it not feel like work at all.
In 2020, Amanda joined the WGVC team, marking a pivotal moment in her professional journey. Prior to this, she underwent a notable career transition, transitioning from a background in primary school teaching to embarking on a new chapter in veterinary nursing. Amanda's commitment to learning and caring for animals was evident as she successfully completed her Vet Nursing training, honing her knowledge and skills within mixed practice clinics.
Bridie's journey into the world of animal care began on a friend's dairy farm during her childhood. Those early days spent helping out laid the foundation for her deep-rooted love for animals. As a teenager, she dedicated her time to the RSPCA, where her passion for animal welfare continued to grow.
Christy's passion for animals began with horses, leading her to start her veterinary career at an equine hospital. However, she later shifted her focus to small animals, specifically Emergency and Critical Care nursing. With years of experience in ECC, Christy joined our team in 2022, seeking a better work-life balance for her family. She is excited to contribute her expertise and help a wide range of patients. Her dedication and skills make her a valuable addition to our practice.
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Inventory Manager
Cindy has always loved animals and farm life and has always known she wanted to work in the Veterinary industry. She had a looong career as a vet nurse before joining West Gippsland Vet Care in 2005.
These days Cindy works on reception and in the very important role of inventory manager. Without her keeping the shelves stocked the clinic would grind to a halt very quickly. Cindy enjoys being able to help clients with their pets and farm animals with helpful advice and keeping the clinic running smoothly. She also enjoys coming to work to spend time with her workmates.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian BSc, BVSc ( Distinction )
Anna is a 2022 graduate of James Cook University, Townsville. Originally from Victoria, she decided to move back to her hometown to be closer to her family and friends. Along with the personal connections, Anna also sought job opportunities that aligned with her career aspirations, which led her to join the team at WGVC.
Job Titles:
- Partner, Veterinarian BVSc MACVSc ( Surgery )
Ben graduated from the University of Queensland Veterinary School in 1996. After 2 years of practice in Queensland, he ventured south of the border to Victoria for a 2-month locum. After stints at Leongatha and Moe, along with three working holidays to the United Kingdom, he joined West Gippsland Vet Care in 2004.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian BVMS BSc ( High Distinction )
Carla grew up in South Gippsland so is almost a local. She graduated in 2016 from Murdoch University in Perth. Carla then moved to New Zealand to spend the next three years working in a predominately dairy/mixed practice in South Canterbury.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian BVSc ( Hons )
Chris grew up in Mirboo North and graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1996. She initially worked in small animal and equine practice for 4 years. She then spent 8 years doing shift work in 24 hour animal emergency clinics in Melbourne. During this time she developed a passion for small animal emergency and critical care medicine. She completed a distance education course in small animal anaesthesia and emergency medicine in 2000.
Job Titles:
- Partner, Veterinarian BVSc ( Hons ) MANZCVSc ( Surgery )
Chris has always loved science and knew he wanted a career with a biological science base in a rural area. After spending time on a South Gippsland dairy farm as a teenager he realised he also liked the idea of working with animals so veterinary science was a perfect fit.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian BVSc ( Hons )
Fiona's upbringing was nestled in a dairy farm located in the serene Western District. Despite the passage of time, her ties to the Warrnambool area remain strong, as her family still calls it home. Graduating with honors from The University of Melbourne in 1998, Fiona embarked on her professional journey, starting her illustrious career at the renowned Robertson and Brady Vet Clinic.
Job Titles:
- Partner, Veterinarian BVSc ( Hons ) MACVSc ( Nutrition )
Grant grew up on a beef and sheep property near Guyra in northern New South Wales. After graduating with honours in Veterinary Science from Sydney University in 1994 he commenced working at West Gippsland Vet Care. Since then Grant has gained extensive experience in all aspects of mixed practice.
Leanne and her family moved to Warragul from Maffra more than 10 years ago. Leanne owned and ran her own vet business before she became a District Vet Officer at Ellinbank . She now wants to pursue her passion for companion animal medicine and enjoys meeting pets and their families at our practice.
Lisa is a dedicated veterinarian who graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2016. Her career began in the picturesque South Gippsland/Bass Coast region, where she immersed herself in mixed practice. Lisa's passion for animals led her to work closely with a wide range of creatures, from calving cows to stitching up dogs, and even the delightful fairy penguins and wildlife on Phillip Island.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian BVetBiol / BVetSci ( Hons 1 )
Mike graduated from Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga in 2021. Originally from NSW, he made the move down south to the beautiful Gippsland region chasing dairy cattle work and to learn from the best, joining the team in late 2021.
Michelle grew up in South Gippsland and regularly spent time on her Uncle's farm where she gained a love of animals. She particularly liked Science and problem solving at school and so a career as a veterinarian was a natural fit.
Job Titles:
- Veterinarian BSc, DVM ( Distinction )
Mitchell grew up in Boolarra on a cattle property which is where his love of animals began.
He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2019 with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. He returned to Gippsland to commence work at WGVC after graduation.
Simon has grown up in the local area, with his family heavily involved within the beef industry. He has always loved cattle and had a fascination with science and medicine. Simon is also a "people person" so becoming a veterinarian has allowed him to indulge those interests and skills on a daily basis.
Dr Simon Ronalds joined our partnership in 2014 to take the place of Dr Joe Brady, upon his retirement. We changed our name once more to "West Gippsland Vet Care" to reflect our dual locations, and our commitment to caring for your animals. In 2019, Dr Chris Thorne was welcomed to the partnership team, bringing with him a wealth of small animal medicine and surgery experience.
Stephanie grew up in Melbourne and developed a love for animals through ownership of many family pets.
Stephanie loves adventure so she decided to move to North Queensland to study Veterinary science and graduated from James Cook University, Townsville, in 2011.
From a young age in Melbourne, Dr. Tegan's love for animals was clear, growing up with a diverse array of pets. This early connection led her to work as a vet nurse in Cheltenham, confirming her desire to become a veterinarian.
Georgia has always had a passion and love for animals large and small and knew from a very young age that she wanted a career taking care of animals.
Georgia joined the WGVC team in 2008 and has worked her way up to be a supervisor for trainee staff. She is passionate about surgery and emergency nursing and loves reuniting a pet with its owner knowing she has played a part in its treatment and care.
Growing up with an abundance of pets and the family beef farm, Isabelle has always known she wanted to be a part of the veterinary industry. She aims to provide love to all patients great and small while they receive treatment at the clinic. She loves gaining knowledge from the experienced team at WGVC and getting to meet their valued patients, while learning amazing new techniques and skills every day.
Kaz is very passionate about working with animals large and small, and has been a qualified Vet Nurse since 2009. She loves working in a team environment and enjoys the everyday challenges we are faced with in a vet clinic. Kaz started casually with us in 2017 and then went full time in early 2020.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- Support Staff Member
Leanne grew up on a beef cattle farm and working in the agriculture industry for over 20 years before joining the team at WGVC. Joining the clinic that she frequented for many years as a client has allowed her to continue to work with clients that she has known for years in her other roles and also meet new people. She has relished the opportunity to continue to learn and expand her professional experience and knowledge.
Leanne enjoys interacting with all of our clients both large animals and small. She loves being able to pat, cuddle and enjoy pets in all shapes and sizes and call it work!
Marnie is a very experienced and passionate nurse who joined our team in 2015. She is a supervisor to our trainees and has a strong focus on stress free visits for our patients and ensuring they are always happy and comfortable.
Marnie loves the diversity of mixed practice vet nursing and relishes being able to provide quality care to all our patients whether it be a tiny kitten in the cat ward or a sick calf in our calf hospital.
Job Titles:
- Support Staff Member
- Vet Nurse
Naomi has had a strong empathy for animals since she was very young and has always enjoyed helping them if they were unwell.
Naomi joined our team in 2005. She loves meeting our clients and their pets and enjoys listening to the stories that get shared with her. She has been known to shed a tear or have a good laugh with clients when they need it most. She enjoys watching the progression of our puppy and kitten patients as they grow and develop at each visit.
Rebecca enjoys giving lots of pats and treats to your furr-babies, to make them feel comfortable and welcome in our clinic.
Rebecca joined our team in 2021, and is so grateful for the opportunity to work with the passionate and friendly team at WGVC everyday. She loves seeing pets reunited with their humans after a stay with us, and is excited and inspired to expand her knowledge.
Job Titles:
- Practice Manager
- Support Staff Member
Steph has always had a great love of animals and began working in the Veterinary world when still at school. She has many years of experience working as a Vet Nurse locally and in the U.K.
Steph joined the WGVC team in 2005 and she is passionate about ensuring our patients and clients have the best experience we can offer them. She loves supporting our team to achieve our company goals of being the leading Veterinary Care provider in Gippsland.
Growing up on a farm, Tayla's passion for animals blossomed early on. She knew from the start that she wanted to work in the animal industry. In 2018, she joined a veterinary clinic, where her love for animals thrived. Tayla's closest companions are Buddy, the loyal Jack Russell, and her endearing pet quail, Tater.