Our Staff

Peter Wendell-Smith B.V.Sc.(Hons)

Peter Wendell-Smith joined the practice in 1979 from Hobart after graduating from the University of Melbourne. Travelled overseas briefly in 1984 and incorporated visits to practices in England using computerised herd health programs.

Became a partner in 1987. Peter is an accredited Countdown Downunder adviser and farmer workshop trainer.

Also a National Cattle Pregnancy Diagnosis Scheme approved pregnancy tester and examiner.

He is government accredited for export testing and disease surveillance in Tasmania.

Peter has been a past state representative of the Australian Cattle Vets.

Veterinary interests include mastitis and milk quality, disease investigation and goats.

Other interests are squash, gardening, philately, cinema, musicals and collecting.

Neil Leighton B.V.Sc. MACVS

Neil Leighton joined SVS in 1988 from Brisbane after graduating from the University of Queensland.

Worked in the practice for 2 years before travelling overseas for 2 years on a working holiday. He did a number of locums in England in a variety of practices. After returning to SVS Neil became a partner in 1993.

Has completed a post-graduate course in ruminant nutrition and passed the exams to become a Member of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists in that subject.

Also an accredited Countdown Downunder adviser and government accredited for Johnes disease and export testing and disease surveillance in Tasmania.

Neil is also a National Cattle Pregnancy Diagnosis Scheme approved pregnancy tester and examiner.

Currently Neil is on the Tasmanian Vet Surgeons Board and has been a past state rep of the Australian Cattle Vets.

Neil is currently undertaking a course in Veterinary Practice Management. Veterinary interests include dairy cattle nutrition and whole farm advisory work.

Craig Dwyer B.V.SC.(Hons) MACVS

Craig Dwyer came to the practice in 1999 from Bundaberg after graduating from the University of Queensland.

After 3 years Craig travelled overseas for 12 months where he did locum work in England and Wales as well as sightseeing.

Prior to travel he completed a post graduate course in ruminant nutrition.

Craig has been a committee member of the Tasmanian division of the Australian Veterinary Association and also of the Australian Cattle Vets.

Also government accredited for Johnes disease and export testing as well as an approved pregnancy tester and examiner with the National Cattle Pregnancy Diagnosis Scheme and member of the Australian Veterinary Reserve.

Veterinary interests include cattle nutrition and production.

Outside interests are sport in general especially squash and hockey, hiking and renovating.

Angelique Abbott B.V.SC.

Angelique Abbott came to SVS in 2004 and had also spent practical work time at the practice the preceding year.

Angelique grew up in Sydney and graduated from the University of Sydney.

Her parents also owned a beef and wool property north of Tamworth.

Angelique is well traveled and will work overseas at some stage.

Veterinary interests include cattle, cats and anaesthetics and surgery.

She completed her Accreditation Program for Australian Veterinarians in 2004.

Outside interests are tennis and table tennis, Latin dancing and cooking.

Lauren Stevenson B.V.SC.

Lauren joined us in 2006 after graduating from Melbourne University.

Having grown up in Yarra Glen, Victoria, Lauren has developed a keen interest in cattle, horses and wine. As a youngster she spent many hours presenting Murray Grey’s on the show circuit.

Her outside interests include horse riding and training, hockey, bushwalking, cooking and eating.

She has brought her 2 horses and her dog “Chico” with her from Victoria.

Lauren would like to travel around Australia in the future.

Blair Summerville B.V.Sc. (Hons)

Blair came to SVS in 2007 after graduating from the University of Queensland. Blair originates from Beaudesert, about 100 kms south of Brisbane, one of the only remaining dairy regions in south east Queensland. His parents own a dairy farm and helping out on the farm developed Blair's strong desire to become a veterinarian.

Veterinary interests include small animal and bovine medicine as well as dairy herd health and production. Outside interests include long distance running, table tennis, horse riding and cricket.

Brooke Marthick

Brooke began work at SVS in January 2005 after working and travelling on the mainland for 2 years.

Brooke is a local girl and is currently working on Certificate 3 in Business Administration.

Veterinary interests include veterinary nursing and client relations.

Brooke and her partner manage a dairy farm at Togari.

Other interests are the farm and socialising with friends and family.

Norma Bishop

Norma joined the team in March 2006.

After finishing year 10 Norma completed a certificate in secretarial studies in Burnie and then moved to Darwin where she worked for the Darwin Port Authority for 13 years.

She has also completed modules in IT.

Her veterinary interests include client relations and dealing with animals.

Outside interests include scrap booking and spending time with her family.

She is also heavily involved with the Forest Primary School Parents and Friends Association.

Hannah Stewart

Hannah began at SVS late March of 2006.

She has completed Certificates II and III in Business Administration. She has begun her veterinary nursing certificate course.

Hannah is particularly interested in working with companion animals.

Away from the clinic her interests include jewellery making, socialising with friends and walking her dog “Bree”.