Partners

1. Dr Richard Lawrence BVetMed Wendouree Clinic Richard was born in the UK and trained at the Royal Veterinary College, qualifying in 1980. From there, Richard spent 5 years in busy rural practice learning the ropes and gaining experience in all aspects of general practice. In 1980 he was offered a position to manage a small animal clinic in Melbourne and left the UK for a 1 year sabbatical abroad. 28 years later he is still in his adopted country and has been a partner of the Ballarat Veterinary Practice for 15 years. Richard manages the Wendouree Veterinary Clinic spending most of his work hours there but also utilizes the main practice hospital facilities to pursue his interest in the more challenging surgical procedures. Apart from his daily work at the clinic Richard has co-authored one book (Dogs for Dummies) and writes a weekly column for the Melbourne Herald-Sun
2. Dr Stewart Greedy BVSc, MACVSc Sturt Street Clinic Stewart grew up in Melbourne and attended the University of Melbourne, graduating from the Veterinary School in 1995. His first job as a new graduate was here at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice. He spent three years working in the small animal clinic at Sturt Street, before leaving to gain veterinary experience in the UK and to travel. Stewart worked in various practices throughout the UK from Newcastle-upon-Tyne on the northern border, to Hastings on the southern coast as well as Yorkshire, Surrey and London. Stewart returned to Australia and recommenced work at Ballarat Veterinary Practice in July 2000, continuing to work as a companion animal clinician and surgeon. In July 2002, Stewart gained membership to the Surgery Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists by examination in Small Animal Surgery. Stewart joined the partnership in July 2007 and continues to enjoy veterinary work, particularly all aspects of surgery including soft tissue and orthopaedics. For a number of years now, Stewart has been the resident veterinarian on "vet talk" for the "Ballarat Today" program on radio 3BA and in his leisure time is a keen musician and golfer.

Associates

1. Dr Aaron Luttrell BVSc Sturt Street Clinic Aaron graduated from his Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree at the University of Melbourne in 1999. Since then he has been working as a small animal veterinarian at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice. During his time at BVP Aaron has developed a special interest in avian and exotic animal medicine. This interest stems from Aarons childhood interest in birds and other small pets, having always had aviaries of budgies, canaries, finches and cockatiels, and cages of guinea-pigs, rabbits, and the odd turtle pond. His current menagerie consists of an aviary of canaries (which he is trying to extend but has to contend with his wife and kids need for space in the backyard), three rabbits (aptly named Jack, Peter and Sarah by his children) and a domestic shorthaired cat named Smitten. Apart from his interest in animals Aaron has recently dabbled in the sport of golf and enjoys following the Brisbane Lions with his kids in the winter months.
2. Dr Lynda Kitchin BVSc Wendouree Clinic Lynda studied Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, graduating in 2003. She then made the move to Ballarat in 2004 and has happily worked at Ballarat Veterinary Practice since. Lynda enjoys all aspects of veterinary science, especially the medical diagnostic side. Outside of work Lynda enjoys reading but also likes to get out and about walking her Cocker Spaniel, Indiana and during summer playing softball.
3. Dr Ruth Duncan BVSc Sturt Street Clinic Ruth completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Science in 1997 at Massey University in Palmerston North, New Zealand. She then jumped the ditch and worked for 3 years in Mildura, before traveling and working in the UK for 12 months. Having met and married a local farmer she moved to Ballarat and began working at Ballarat Veterinary Practice. Ruth has a keen interest in all aspects of veterinary science with a special regard for the many behavioural problems our pets can develop. At present she is working part time as she is enjoying raising her family and helping on the farm.
4. Dr Louisa Johnson BVSc, MACVSc Sturt Street Clinic Louisa completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne in 2001. She then worked in a busy, suburban practice in Hoppers Crossing for 3 years. In 2004 Louisa and her husband Andrew moved to Macau, China to work. During this time they enjoyed travelling through Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and China. Louisa worked at the Happy Valley Veterinary Clinic on Hong Kong Island. During this time, Louisa further developed her veterinary skills in the areas of medicine, chemotherapy and diagnostic imaging. Louisa has a real passion for medicine and has a particular interest in looking after older pets with medical illnesses such as cancer, or those with heart, liver or kidney disease. In 2005 she successfully passed examinations for Membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in Small Animal Medicine.
5. Dr Fiona Anderson BVM&S Wendouree Clinic After four years working in the finance industry Dr Fiona Anderson returned to university as a mature age student to pursue a career in Veterinary Science. Upon graduating from Murdoch University in Western Australia she commenced work at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice in December 1999. With a keen interest in small animal medicine and dermatology, Dr Anderson has recently returned from maternity leave to take up a part time position within the practice.
6. Dr Glynnis Lam BVSc Sturt Street Clinic Glynnis joined the BVP companion animal team in January 2010, after completing her Bachelor of Veterinary Science at the University of Melbourne in 2009. Her veterinary interests lie particularly in avian medicine and surgery, and she spent much of her university years learning from esteemed avian vets around the country. She also enjoys all aspects of exotic animal medicine, including rabbits, rodents and reptiles. Glynnis grew up surrounded by feathered companions, and currently resides with her two clever budgies (Mille and Squee) and a cheeky green-cheeked conure named Oz (pictured). Outside of work, Glynnis enjoys drawing, playing her guitar, sewing, performing and reading.
7. Dr Horace Tang BVSc Sturt Street Clinic Horace grew up in Hong Kong and moved to Australia in 2005 to pursue his study of veterinary science. After completing his Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree at the University of Melbourne in 2010, he joined the companion animal team at the Ballarat Veterinary Practice in January 2011. During his time at university, Horace has developed a special interest in ultrasonography and radiology. Outside of work, Horace enjoys listening to music, singing and dancing. In fact, he won the “Best Solo Performance Award” on the annual Talent Night at vet school, performing a choreographed routine to music. He also loves travelling. His favourite travel destinations are Japan and New Zealand.

Support staff

1. Sue Charleson VN Sturt Street Clinic When Sue left school 1994, she would have liked to become an accountant but couldn’t see herself going through University. She almost started work at the check out at Midvale supermarket but declined that to go and be a cheesemaker at Meredith Dairy, after previously helping out there during school holidays. She was the only employee in the factory at that time, but the company has grown and now sells internationally. Her neighbour at the time started working part time at the factory in 2001, and was also working at a local vet clinic. She said that there was an opportunity for a new nurse there, thus beginning Sue's nursing career. Sue worked part time at this clinic for just on 6 months when she moved to the Ballarat Vet Practice in Nov of 2002. She achieved her certificate IV in veterinary nursing in 2008. Her interests outside of work are numerous. She has a cert IV in relaxation massage, is involved in a pet sitting business Ballarat Creature Comforts, and loves spending time with Stuart, her partner of 5 years. She is training to be a dog show judge and has been showing and breeding pugs with her mother since 1993.
2. Kylie Britt VN Wendouree Clinic Kylie started working with the Ballarat Veterinary Practice back in 1989. She has her certificate IV in veterinary nursing and her microchipping certificate. Kylie is the head nurse at the Wendouree clinic and with her wealth of experience is someone whom the younger nurses look up to for support and advice. A lot of Kylie’s time is spent in the grooming of clients pets, and she is renowned for wowing the owners with an amazing puppy pooch makeover!! Outside of work Kylie breeds and shows labradors. She has been breeding for approximately 4 years. Kylie attends nurses conferences, is a member of the Veterinary Nurses Association Victoria and Dogs Victoria. In her free time she enjoys the company of her two boys Ashley and Lachlan, her labs Bess and Bella. Her hobbies include scrapbooking and cardmaking. Kylie has the ability to win over the affection of most animals as if they were her own, big or small, cat or dog, and enjoys every aspect of veterinary nursing.
3. Sarah Lowe VN Sturt Street Clinic Sarah moved from England to Australia in January of 2010. She had been working as a veterinary nurse in England for many years and became fully qualified in 1996. She is very interested in hand rearing baby animals and passing on her knowledge to the younger nurses in the clinic. She lives in Buninyong with a “ratbag” of a dog called Rocket. So if you ever see a woman running along behind a red and white border collie you will know who it is! She is taking a while to get used to the climate here in ballarat and enjoys the challenge of learning Australian slang!
4. Louise McCartin VN Sturt Street Clinic Louise initially started at the Miners Rest Equine Clinic in 2006, and moved in to the small animal practice two years later. In the time Louise has been at the small animal practice, she has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and is now fully qualified. Louise has a special interest in surgery and anaesthesia. In her spare time Louise is kept busy playing netball and spending time with her gorgeous three year old Weimeraner “Ernie” and her hand raised cat “Ginger Meggs”.
5. Wendy Holgate Sturt Street Clinic Born in Ballarat many years ago, Wendy has a twin brother, two other brothers and a sister. Wendy started work in 1962 for SF Motors (now Godbehears) where she became office manager at 20, doing all aspects of accounting, car transfers and office work. She subsequently worked as Promotions/Customer Service Manager at McDonald’s Ballarat and Geelong North for 9years. Wendy has worked most of her life, with a short time off only to have children and to spend some time in Malaysia (Penang) when her first husband was in the RAAF. She commenced work at BVP in May 2001 Wendy has been involved with local theatre in Ballarat since 1963 in leading roles, chorus, musical hall, straight plays as well as director for several shows. She has several awards for acting, including 2 Victorian Guild Awards for best actress in a musical. Wendy is currently the treasurer of Ballarat Lyric Theatre Inc. and has just become a charter member of the newly formed Lions Club at Miners Rest. Over the years Wendy has been involved in several committees and has done quite a lot of charity work. Happily married to Mark, she has two great sons, 5 beautiful grandchildren, two fluffy dogs named Buttons & Beau and a “Milly” cat.
6. Clare Nicholson Sturt Street Clinic Clare initially joined the team in 2007 with the large animal practice before moving into small animals in 2009. After studying animal technology she is now completing her certificate IV in veterinary nursing. Clare grew up on a farm in the western district with a vast variety of both small and large animals including ferrets. Clare has a special interest in the care of orphaned puppies and kittens, having hand reared dozens of newborns. Clare has a cat named 'Wailers' who was Clare's first orphan and two 8 month old boxers, 'Willy' who has a severe heart disorder and she has recently adopted 'Woody' who is proving to be quite a handful!
7. Amy Hope Sturt Street Clinic Amy Joined Ballarat Veterinary Practice in 2009, changing careers from an office job at the local radio station. Amy grew up on a small hobby farm in Dunolly and after always having a love of all animals from a very young age quickly decided, after the initial culture shock, the change of career was something she had always been drawn to. Amy is currently enjoying studying her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She has a keen interest in behaviour (due to owning 2 very challenging cross breeds named Laika and Archie!) and is one of the nurses running the clinic's puppy preschool.
8. Lesley Millsom Wendouree Clinic
9. Georgie McCartney Wendouree Clinic Georgie started at the equine clinic in early 2008 where she completed Certificates 3 & 4 in equine nursing. Georgie then crossed over into companion animal nursing in 2009 where she is now a fulll time member of the Wendouree Clinic nursing team. She is planning to add Certificate IV in small animal nursing to her equine qualifications. Georgie, (who is never short on energy!) particularly enjoys the human side of veterinary nursing. She has become popular with our clients especially those with children and the elderly, a number of which she visits outside of practice hours. Outside of work, Georgie regularly competes with her horse at local shows and events. She also loves spending time with friends, family and her three dogs, Stella, Emmett and Patchy
10. Kirsten Galea Sturt Street Clinic Kirsten joined the Ballarat Veterinary Practice came in December 2009 just one week after finishing her year 12 VCE exams at Loreto College. During high school Kirsten completed her certificate II equine studies and received an award not only from the school but also from the Vocational Education and Training group of Ballarat. During her time at BVP Kirsten has developed a keen interest in working with some of the more exotic pets like lizards, snakes, birds and snakes just to name a few. She also enjoys pathology and is planning to pursue further study in this area. Kirsten has grown up with animals and competes in events with her two horses Chic and Wobble and placed second at the Victorian State Championships in 2010. She also has a kelpie named Lucy and a cat called Beau who both love cuddles!
11. Tara Boyd Sturt Street Clinic
12. Lauri Steel VN Sturt Street Clinic Lauri joined the team at Ballarat Veterinary Practice after moving to Ballarat with her husband Matt, crazy bull terrier Lulu and rescue cat Inara in mid-2011, in order to undertake renovations to their home in Ballarat. Lauri is a qualified veterinary nurse, obtaining her certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and Microchip certification through Box Hill TAFE in record time. She has a passion for staff training and education and she achieved her vocational training qualifications in 2010. Outside of work Lauri devotes her spare time to training in krav maga, a close combat self-defense system, and she is currently completing a 2-year certificate course in unarmed combat."