Directors
Kim Mc Pherson My family come from Longreach QLD so I was raised on a sheep and cattle property. I graduated from Queensland Uni with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science way back in 1990. I enjoy being a part of the local community since we opened in 2001. |
Ben Brightman I grew up in Mackay going to school at Slade Point Primary school and Mackay North State High School. While growing up I spent most of my time on my family’s cattle and cane block out near Finch Hatton. I particularly enjoy Cattle work and small animal orthopaedic surgery. |
Chloe Watson I re-joined Valley Vets in February 2020 after 2 years break working and traveling overseas in the UK. I am locally from Mackay so having the opportunity to return after 2 years has been amazing. I have over 9 years experience in Vet Nursing and hold a Certificate 2 in Animal Studies and Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. My job is my passion and I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. |
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Veterinarians
Cameron O’Neil I completed my Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University in 2010. I work mainly in the small animal field with a love for surgical cases. I have developed my skills in orthopaedic surgery and am now able to perform TPLO, Hip Toggles and Fracture repairs.
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Cassie Harper I was born in Atherton, but grew up in Sarina on a cattle & cane property with my family. I completed my Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree at James Cook University in Townsville in 2015 & I am now completing my degree in Zoology. |
Annie D'Netto I studied veterinary science at James Cook University in 2015 and have worked as a vet in Mackay since then. I love Mackay for it’s beautiful beaches and laid back feel, very different to were I grew up in Sydney. I started working at Valley Vet in 2020 and thoroughly enjoy it. My special interests are in small animal medicine and ultrasonography. I enjoy spending time with my family including my two dogs and three legged cat. |
Emma Errington I love living in Walkerston with my husband and our many animals! We have two dogs; Domino, my rescue boy, and Chester, my crazy cattle dog. We also have a large Maine Coon named Mowgli and a lovely moggie named Sylvester. I also have a few hand raised Cockatiels! I graduated from James Cook University in Townsville in 2020. I have an interest in all animals- large or small but I love exotic pets, particularly birds! I am your vet of all species! |
Danika Burns I grew up in Charters Towers before moving to Townsville to complete my Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After graduating, I moved to Mount Gambier in South Australia where I worked in a mixed practice for 2 years before moving to Mackay. I enjoy the diversity and challenges that every day brings. I like working with all animals, however I do have a special interest in emergency and canine reproduction. |
Breeanna Smith I grew up locally in Mackay and travelled up north to Townsville to complete my veterinary degree, which I finished in 2021. Being able to move back to this beautiful hometown and work at Valley Vets is a real dream! I've loved every moment of this crazy career so far and can't wait to learn and connect with this team and community more as time goes on. Thank you for the incredible welcome. |
Jessica Saunders I am a Mackay local with two Bachelor degrees from the University of Queensland. As a new graduate vet joining the Valley Vet team, I am looking forward to meeting new people and their pets in the region. I am passionate about supporting owners and helping their pets live their best lives. Since graduating, I have completed my Fear Free Certification and have an interest in behaviour and dermatology, but am keen to keep learning about all things small and large animal. I enjoy playing sports and traveling, but always love coming back home to my three senior rescue dogs. |
Courtney Perna I’ve grown up in Kuttabul my whole life on a small cane farm. Growing up we always had a variety of animals from dogs, horses, cows, chickens, guinea pigs and birds. Here I found my love for animals! My favourite dog breed is border collies and I have a love for birds. In the future I hope to pursue my passion for birds. I’m extremely excited to be working at Valley Vets and can’t wait to meet everyone who comes through our doors. |
Veterinary Nurses
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Kirsten Ford I first started at Valley Vets way back in 2005, when the surgery was half the size, the paper files were still in use and Kim and Brad were the only Vets. I have now had 3 boys with my husband since then and I have recently started back a couple of days a week after being away for 7 years. |
Myste Mellor
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Kara Lyon I have been a Veterinary nurse at Valley Vet Surgery since July 2013. I love working with animals and enjoy helping owners to better understand the individual needs of their pets. I am a Mackay Local who loves video games, board games, musicals, anything to do with Batman...
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Bec Wallace I was born in Mackay & have always lived up in the pioneer valley region. I have been with the Valley Veterinary Surgery from the day we opened in 2001. I have a son called Charlie who is 14 years old. I have been a qualified nurse for 20 years. |
Antoinette Muscat From a very young age I have had a great passion for animals and caring for their needs. I have been a vet nurse since I was 16. In 2008 when I got offered a school based traineeship after I participated in work experience I jumped at the opportunity and haven’t looked back since. |
Cassie Tanner I grew up in Mackay and have always had a love for animals big and small. I started working at Valley Veterinary Surgery in December 2019 and have completed my Certificate 3 in Animal Studies. I am now studying my Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. When I am not at work I enjoy going to the gym, enjoying a good platter and spending quality time with my friends and family. |
Jayden Jones I became a veterinary nurse straight out of high school in January 2021. I’ve grown up locally here in Mackay and have always had a passion for caring for animals both big and small. I love being a part of the veterinary industry and adore my role here at Valley Vet Surgery. |
Hannah Porter |
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Katherine Socrat I graduated with a Diploma in Applied Veterinary Technology in 2017. I moved to Australia from Boston Massachusetts USA to live in this beautiful country Australia. I have a passion for the Australian wildlife and my hobbies include photography and bird watching. I enjoy meeting new people, exploring new places and working with the team at Valley Veterinary Surgery. |
Jordin Campbell I started at Valley Vets in 2021 and currently working towards my certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. In my spare time I enjoy working my horses, spending time with my dogs and hanging with friends. |
Krystle Bowden I started at Valley Vets in 2021 and I am currently studying and working towards my certificate IV in Vet nursing. I have always loved animals and am happy I get to help them. When I’m not at work I like to spend time with friends and my animals. |
Jessica Vassallo I was born in Mackay and live on a cane farm with my family. I started working at Valley Vet Surgery in November 2021 and intend to go on and study a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. I always wanted to work with animals and becoming a vet nurse seemed like the perfect career choice for me. |
Natalie Symonds
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Dannielle Whitnall
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Rene Dormehl
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Kennel Hands
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Lachlan Ford I am a student at Mirani High School. When I'm not at school, playing sport or doing homework (jokes!), I enjoy hanging out at the Mirani surgery. I can't say I'm going to be a vet or nurse but I enjoy spending time with everyone there. It certainly is an interesting job and place to work. |
Paige Zeller I have been a kennel hand at Valley Vet Surgery since October 2021. I’m an aspiring Vet, and am very grateful for the learning opportunities presented at the clinic. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends. |
Admin
Tanya Radke I grew up on a cotton farm in Central Queensland and went to university in Rockhampton before starting my career in Canberra working in the Department of Finance. I love learning and have a Master of Business (Research), Graduate Certificate in Human Resources Management and a Diploma in Project Management. I am married to a Mackay local and have 3 children. |
