Veterinarians
Brad Pullen Born and bred at Mirani in the Pioneer Valley, I returned to Walkerston in 2001 to start the Valley Vet Surgery after graduating from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Vet Science. |
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 |
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 a particular interest in orthopedic surgery with hopes to further those skills in the years to come.
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Meghan Stephenson I am originally from a little town just outside of Toowoomba known as Cambooya. My family moved around a lot when I was growing up and where ever we went our animals always came with us. |
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. |
Charlotte Vassallo I am a local Mackay girl and I completed my Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree at James Cook University in Townsville in 2016. I am very happy to have taken up a position at Valley Vet Surgery as I get to be back in my hometown.
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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.
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Veterinary Nurses
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Head Veterinary Nurse I rejoined Valley Vets as Head Vet Nurse 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 8 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. In my spare time I love exploring and visiting new places with my fiancé Jake, spending time with family and friends and occasionally curling up to read a good book. |
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 10 years old. I have been a qualified certificate IV nurse for 20 years. |
Myste Mellor I originally grew up in Moranbah & then relocated to Kuttabul on a farm with cattle, horses, dogs & cats. Since starting at Valley Vet Surgery in 2006 as a school based trainee I have become a qualified certificate II veterinary nurse. I really enjoy both small and large animal nursing |
Shahn O'Neil I am a Certificate 2 Veterinary Nurse and I moved to Mackay in September 2011 for a Sea change! Previous to this I studied and worked at the Childers Veterinary Clinic for 3 and ½ years. |
Antoinette Van Houweninge 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. |
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... |
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. |
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Jordyn Neilsen I was born and bred in the Mackay area. I grew up on a 300 acre cane farm with cows, horses, chooks, dogs and a cat. I began doing work experience at Valley Vet Surgery in year 10 where I realized that this was the job I wanted to do.
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Maddison Adams I started working at Valley Veterinary Surgery in November 2017 and I am currently studying for my Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. The reason I wanted to become a nurse is because I have a love of animals and it seemed like a perfect career choice. When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. |
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Admin
Marie Robke Having been educated at Chatsworth State School, Concordia Memorial College and Gympie State High School, I went on to graduate as a Maths/Science teacher. Following a short career in teaching, |
Crazy Crazy was found wandering the streets of Walkerston in the year 2001; the decision was made to keep him as our clinic cat. His name came about due to his bubbly personality. |
Jennifer Finn I joined the Valley Vet family in 2006 and completed my certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing. In 2012 I had a complete change of career and went to work for Flight Centre, but 6 years later, I am back as the Team Leader. While there are a few new faces and the place has grown a lot, it’s great to be back and be part of the team again. When I am not at work, I love travelling – when the budget allows me, otherwise, I enjoy hanging out with my people. |