Dr Rodney Anderson

Veterinarian

I grew up on a cattle property in central Queensland, and after finishing University went to work in a predominantly dairy practice in Tasmania, for three years and followed up travelling overseas on a working holiday for 2 years.

I came back to Australia and went to a birthday party in Valla in the late 1990’s, and got a job while visiting.  I have been here in our beautiful Nambucca Valley ever since.  I must be considered a local almost by now, until the NRL State of Origin comes around each year when the family lines are all drawn.

The people, the pets and the great team that I work with makes for a very enjoyable working environment.

When I’m not at work I can be found playing tennis, chasing teenage children around, or on the farm having some time out.

Those children pictured are now teenagers, so I will look to repeat that holiday photo this year, to see how they have grown up,  and we adults each side of them have grown old!

Dr Jenny Keay

Veterinarian

Graduating with Honours from the University of Queensland in 2006, I lunged straight into an equine intern position at Oakey Veterinary Hospital, an equine veterinary specialist centre. The hospital was a mixed practice that largely saw equine medicine and surgery. It was also a university teaching school and a great place to start my career, but missing the coastal environment I decided to move on after a few years.

After moving southwards to the Mid North Coast in 2008 and starting a family, I am now a veterinarian at the Nambucca clinic. I have a keen interest in my equine friends and small animal medicine and surgery. When not at work you will find me out playing with my Arabian horses or spending time with my husband and two children which usually involves enjoying the pristine beaches we are lucky to have here.

Lizzy Hewitt

Veterinarian

I grew up in Sydney, but had my best memories on the family farm, which often resulted in sick lambs being brought back to our suburban backyard. I graduated from Sydney university in 2016, starting work at a mixed practice in Coffs Harbour, enjoying the variety of patients and the beautiful surrounds. For the last 2 years, I have been travelling and locuming around Australia, but couldn't resist the lure back to the Mid North Coast and all it has to offer. I love treating all species, but particularly enjoy working with horses. When not at work, I am usually horse riding, hiking, camping or snowboarding. 

Dr Karen Thompson

Veterinarian

I graduated from Murdoch University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, then soon after furthered my qualifications with a Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture.

My career has taken me from Darwin to the UK then back to Australia working in Victoria and NSW. Settling in the Mid North Coast in 2006 to raise a family I joined the Mid Coast Vets team in 2012. My Veterinary work over the years has focused mainly around medicine and surgery for dogs, cats and anything smaller, with Veterinary Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Reiki and Chinese Herbs being fantastic adjuncts to western medicines. I have a strong interest in resolving skin diseases, maintaining good pet dental care and providing education and support for clients. I take pride in being able to offer a high standard of patient and client care.

In my free time I will be found chasing children and enjoying the outdoors.

Dr Lauren Smith

Veterinarian

I grew up in Townsville, North Queensland and completed my Veterinary Science degree at James Cook University in 2022.  I really love the challenge and variety that comes with a mixed practice and the fact that I grew up on the coast I knew I wanted a job that could offer me both.  I joined Midcoast Vets in 2023 and am excited to be working with both large and small animals.

On my days off you will find me somewhere outdoors, exploring beaches (I’m learning to surf!) or hiking/trail running I also enjoy reading.

Ben Martin

Veterinarian

I grew up north of Brisbane and went on many family road trips around Australia as a youngster. Seeing wildlife, doing farm stays, bushwalks and other activities like snorkelling fostered my deep appreciation and love of all animals. Picking our family dogs up from the kennels after trips away was always a highlight as well.  

I graduated from UQ Gatton in 2023. During this time, I also completed my Divemaster and worked as a dive professional on boats running out of Port Douglas and Cairns. I also have a passion for helping student vets and ran multiple events for veterinary mental health at university.

I am excited to be part of the amazing team at Midcoast Vets and enjoy being part of the community on the Mid North Coast. I find farm work especially rewarding, as well as dealing with interesting medical cases and wildlife in the clinic.

Angela

Veterinary Nurse

Angela is a qualified veterinary nurse with over 25 years of experience. She has bolstered her education with numerous courses in animal behaviour and training, specialising in puppies. Angela has run the Nambucca Clinic Puppy Preschool program for the past 23 years.  

When not at work, Angela enjoys spending time with her English pointers and horse riding. 

Cassie

Veterinary Nurse

Cassie has been a qualified vet nurse for over 8 years. She has a special interest in small animal dentistry, emergencies and anaesthesia and is continually furthering her education in these areas.
When not at work Cassie loves spending time at home on her farm with her family quad bike riding, horse riding and also spending time away trialling in sheep and cattle working dog trials.

Peta

Veterinary Nurse

I have been working with Midcoast Vets since 2010 when I started volunteering at our Nambucca clinic one day a week whilst completing my Cert II in Animal Studies. I then started working for the practice whilst I was completing my Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. These days you will find me at our Nambucca clinic on a Saturday morning and also working with our amazing team of vets on Sundays and during afterhours.

 Outside of the clinic I am a fully qualified All Breeds Cat Judge, and travel throughout Australia to judge a wide variety of pedigree and domestic cats.  I also show my pedigree Norwegian Forest Cats who consistently do extremely well including multiple 'best in show' placings right up to national show level.

I have a passion for quality customer service, caring for and treating sick animals and all things feline.

Brodie

Veterinary Nurse

After completing my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, I went off and worked in real estate for a short time. But I soon realised that my true passion was working with animals, so I joined the Midcoast Vets team.

I enjoy all aspects of vet nursing, including large animals. I’m very grateful for the experience and knowledge I gain each day from my colleagues. 

I have always had a love for animals and now have a few pets of my own. When not at work, you will find me either hanging with my horse, at the beach with my dog Isla or enjoying a cocktail and music with my partner and friends. 

Sharlett

Kennel Hand

I am currently completing my Certificate III in Animal Care Services and plan on becoming a qualified veterinary nurse. I love working with all animals, great or small. 

When I’m not at work or studying, I'm in the shed testing and playing with cars, hanging out with the kelpies and exploring the beach and bush land. 

April

Kennel Hand

I joined the Midcoast Vets team at the start of 2024. I am currently doing my Certificate III in Animal Studies and will go onto complete my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2025. I have worked at a dentist for the past 4 years as a dental nurse. I have a lot of interest in the dental side of things and hope that my passion will go further in the animal dental industry.
I am a Macksville local and when I am not working you will find me spending time with animals of all kinds or hanging out with friends and family.

Nicky Smith

Practice Manager

I joined Midcoast Vets in 2017 which was a big career change for me.  All my working life I worked for state governments in the area of environmental management.  Weary from working with government and the unavoidable intervening politics, I welcomed a radical change in career direction.  Joining Midcoast Vets has been a great move, a refreshing and challenging change.

Animals have been an important part of my life with one or two dogs always by my side. Being a practice manager has enabled me to marry my management skills and my love for animals.  In my job I am so privileged to work alongside a bunch of amazing nurses and vets who work tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the best healthcare.

When I am not at work I enjoy bushwalking and camping, hanging at the beach, spending time with my family and dogs, reading books and gardening.

Dr Emma Packer

Veterinarian

I grew up in central west NSW, and after graduating I returned to Western NSW to work in mixed practices in Dubbo and Coonamble. From there I spent the next 2 years locuming around Australia in almost every state, before settling into an Equine practice in south-east Queensland. My particular interests are equine reproduction and medicine, surgery and orthopaedics. In my spare time I enjoy surfing, running and travelling. I mostly work out of the Urunga clinic and really enjoy working with the enthusiastic and professional team

Dr Lizzy Hewitt

Veterinarian

I grew up in Sydney, but had my best memories on the family farm, which often resulted in sick lambs being brought back to our suburban backyard. I graduated from Sydney university in 2016, starting work at a mixed practice in Coffs Harbour, enjoying the variety of patients and the beautiful surrounds. For the last 2 years, I have been travelling and locuming around Australia, but couldn't resist the lure back to the Mid North Coast and all it has to offer. I love treating all species, but particularly enjoy working with horses. When not at work, I am usually horse riding, hiking, camping or snowboarding. 

Dr Karen Thompson

Veterinarian

I graduated from Murdoch University in 1999 with a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery, then soon after furthered my qualifications with a Certificate in Veterinary Acupuncture.

My career has taken me from Darwin to the UK then back to Australia working in Victoria and NSW. Settling in the Mid North Coast in 2006 to raise a family I joined the Mid Coast Vets team in 2012. My Veterinary work over the years has focused mainly around medicine and surgery for dogs, cats and anything smaller, with Veterinary Acupuncture, Physiotherapy, Reiki and Chinese Herbs being fantastic adjuncts to western medicines. I have a strong interest in resolving skin diseases, maintaining good pet dental care and providing education and support for clients. I take pride in being able to offer a high standard of patient and client care.

In my free time I will be found chasing children and enjoying the outdoors.

Dr Peter Richardson

Veterinarian

I grew up on a small hobby farm in North-West Tasmania and went on to study Zoology at uni in Hobart. From there I took the long route to decide to study vet but the desire to work with animals got the best of me and I graduated with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Melbourne (please don't hold that against me). I then landed a job at a mixed practice on the outskirts of Geelong with supplemental work at a nearby animal emergency centre. My partner and I visited the Mid North Coast on holiday in 2017 and loved it so much that we decided we wanted to live here. Eventually the opportunity arose and at the start of 2022 we moved here with our dog Bunji. I'm still acclimatising.

I enjoy mixed practice because of the diversity of animals and variety of cases. My specific interests lie in surgery, ultrasound and ruminants. In my spare time I enjoy surfing, swimming, running (particularly trail running) and generally getting outdoors as much as possible.

Dr Lauren Smith

I grew up in Townsville, North Queensland and completed my Veterinary Science degree at James Cook University in 2022.  I really love the challenge and variety that comes with a mixed practice and the fact that I grew up on the coast I knew I wanted a job that could offer me both.  I joined Midcoast Vets in 2023 and am excited to be working with both large and small animals.

On my days off you will find me somewhere outdoors, exploring beaches (I’m learning to surf!) or hiking/trail running I also enjoy reading.

Dr Jess Hancock

Veterinarian

I'm an Adelaide girl who decided from a young age that working with animals in any capacity was the goal. Fortunately, I was accepted into the Veterinary degree at The University of Adelaide and finished in 2022, loving every moment. During my studies, I was either wine tasting close by in the Barossa region or doing watersports at our much-loved family shack on the Murray River.

My partner (Dr Alex Haysman) and I both road tripped to the NSW Mid North Coast in 2022 for university placement and loved the lifestyle on offer. Initially starting further south for work, I have since joined the Midcoast Vets team and am thoroughly enjoying the people and the work. I love working with the variety that mixed practice offers, never knowing what I'll see at work each day. 

When I am not working, I like to spend my days tinkering in the veggie patch, out finding a new beach to explore or pottering around a market!

Dr Ben Martin

Veterinarian

I grew up north of Brisbane and went on many family road trips around Australia as a youngster. Seeing wildlife, doing farm stays, bushwalks and other activities like snorkelling fostered my deep appreciation and love of all animals. Picking our family dogs up from the kennels after trips away was always a highlight as well.  

I graduated from UQ Gatton in 2023. During this time, I also completed my Divemaster and worked as a dive professional on boats running out of Port Douglas and Cairns. I also have a passion for helping student vets and ran multiple events for veterinary mental health at university.

I am excited to be part of the amazing team at Midcoast Vets and enjoy being part of the community on the Mid North Coast. I find farm work especially rewarding, as well as dealing with interesting medical cases and wildlife in the clinic.

Dr Fabian Yunda

Veterinarian

Hailing from the lofty heights of Bogotá, Colombia, I graduated as a vet in 2017 and took my talents global - practising in Colombia, Brazil, and Australia, completing the national veterinary examination for overseas vets last year. I like to think of myself as a mixed animal vet in training to be the next James Herriot, minus the tweed and with better dance moves.

I am fluent in Spanish, English, and Portuguese, and my areas of interest are surgery and diagnostic imaging.

In my spare time, you’ll find me conquering mountains, exploring new destinations, or hitting the gym. When it comes to food, I’m on a lifelong quest to try everything from street tacos to gourmet dining. Basically, I’m living proof that you can be both an animal saviour and a culinary adventurer!

Lauren

Veterinary Nurse

I grew up on a farm in the Nambucca Valley and after finishing school moved to Melbourne. Once I had left my family farm, I realised how much I missed it, and discovered my real passion was to care for animals. I completed my certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Box Institute. 

After 10 years working in and managing a small animal practice in Toorak, my family and I decided to come back home to the warm weather, clean air and tranquil beaches. One of my goals as a nurse has been to work in a mixed practice and gain more experience with large animals. I am very excited to be now doing this on my home turf! When I'm not at work, you will find me spending time with family and friends, usually at the beach.

Liv

Veterinary Nurse

Originally from the UK, I qualified as a veterinary nurse in 2014 and shortly afterwards travelled to Borneo, where I volunteered for a charity desexing street dogs and cats, this was such a rewarding experience I spent alot of time volunteering with the same charity over the next few years. I found myself in Australia in early 2016, starting in Melbourne and ending up in Cairns, working in an emergency 24hr hospital. After a couple of years in emergency my partner and I moved to the Mid North Coast. I have two canine kids (Maverick & Bosco) and spend a lot of my time camping with my partner and settling in to life in much cooler climates! 

Sallie

Veterinary Nurse

I have worked in the animal industry for over 15 years, in vet clinics, pet shops and kennels. I have been working as a veterinary nurse since 2014 when I completed my Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing.  Week days you will find me helping animals medically and on weekends I am helping customers at a local pet store.  

I love all things animals. From helping choose the right parasite prevention for your new puppy, to helping nurse pets back to health.  I have an interest in emergency and critical care, rabbit anaesthesia, pet dentistry and client education.

Being a vet nurse and working with animals has always been a passion of mine since I was a little girl. I grew up with a menagerie of small animals including birds, fish, rabbits and dogs. I am currently known as the bunny/dachshund lady. I own 4 Netherland dwarf rabbits and 4 Dachshunds. 

On my days off you will find me spending time with my furry babies, watching whales on the headlands and spending time with friends.

My favourite part of working with Midcoast Vets is the experience of working with such a knowledgeable and capable team. This allows me to broaden my knowledge and become the best possible vet nurse I can be.

Brodie

Veterinary Nurse

After completing my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, I went off and worked in real estate for a short time. But I soon realised that my true passion was working with animals, so I joined the Midcoast Vets team.

I enjoy all aspects of vet nursing, including large animals. I’m very grateful for the experience and knowledge I gain each day from my colleagues. 

I have always had a love for animals and now have a few pets of my own. When not at work, you will find me either hanging with my horse, at the beach with my dog Isla or enjoying a cocktail and music with my partner and friends. 

Brodie

Veterinary Nurse

I grew up and have lived on the Mid-North Coast most of my life. I have always been around animals, from dogs and cats to exotic animals, such as rabbits, birds, fish and reptiles.

I started working in a Veterinary Clinic in early 2022 and, shortly after, began my studies for Veterinary Nursing. I graduated in 2024 and now have my Registration in Veterinary Nursing. I love all things veterinary medicine. However, my particular interests involve rural mixed practice as well as emergency and critical care.

In my spare time, I love to get out and go for long weekend camping trips on my motorcycle and in the summer you'll also find me snorkelling in freshwater holes or in the ocean.

Taylor

Receptionist

I have been in the veterinary industry since 2016, having completed a cert IV in veterinary nursing at the Canberra Institute of Technology. I have worked with large animals, small animals and exotics. I have a particular interest in wildlife. These days, I prefer being at the front desk and interacting with clients.

My hobbies include watercolour painting, going to the gym, reading, and relaxing on the beach. I have a senior pug called Coco Chanel. 

April

Kennel Hand

I joined the Midcoast Vets team at the start of 2024. I am currently doing my Certificate III in Animal Studies and will go onto complete my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2025. I have worked at a dentist for the past 4 years as a dental nurse. I have a lot of interest in the dental side of things and hope that my passion will go further in the animal dental industry.
I am a Macksville local and when I am not working you will find me spending time with animals of all kinds or hanging out with friends and family.

Nicky Smith

Practice Manager

I joined Midcoast Vets in 2017 which was a big career change for me.  All my working life I worked for state governments in the area of environmental management.  Weary from working with government and the unavoidable intervening politics, I welcomed a radical change in career direction.  Joining Midcoast Vets has been a great move, a refreshing and challenging change.

Animals have been an important part of my life with one or two dogs always by my side. Being a practice manager has enabled me to marry my management skills and my love for animals.  In my job I am so privileged to work alongside a bunch of amazing nurses and vets who work tirelessly to ensure our patients receive the best healthcare.

When I am not at work I enjoy bushwalking and camping, hanging at the beach, spending time with my family and dogs, reading books and gardening.