Our Staff

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

Joined the practice in 1979 from Hobart after graduating from the University of Melbourne. Peter travelled overseas briefly in 1984 and incorporated visits to practices in England using computerised herd health programs.

In 1987 Peter became a partner in the practice.

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, photography, gardening, philately, cinema and musicals and collecting.

Neil Leighton B.V.Sc. MACVS

Neil joined SVS in 1988 from Brisbane after graduating from the University of Queensland. He worked in the practice for two years before travelling overseas for two years on a working holiday, where he did a number of locums in England in a variety of practices.

After returning to SVS Neil became a partner in 1993 on the retirement of Trevor Leis.

Neil 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. Veterinary interests include dairy cattle nutrition and farm advisory work.

Outside interests include shooting, fishing, spending time with his family and reading.

Craig Dwyer B.V.Sc.(Hons)

In 1997 Craig spent some time at SVS as a student doing prac work. He was then employed at the practice in 1999 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 past committee member of the Tas division of the Aust. Vet Association and state rep for the Aust Cattle Vets.  Also government accredited for Johnes disease and export testing as well as an approved ultrasound pregnancy tester and examiner with the National Cattle Pregnancy Diagnosis Scheme. He has also completed his membership exams in ruminant animal nutrition. Currently, Craig is a member of the Australian Vet Reserve.

In 2007 Craig became a partner in the practice.

Veterinary interests include cattle nutrition and production.

Outside interests are sport in general especially squash and hockey, hiking and renovating and spending time with his wife and three boys.

Melanie Colville B V Sc (Hons) B Sc Agr (Hons)

Graduating in Vet Science at Sydney University in 2006, Melanie's first veterinary position was in mixed practice at Gloucester, NSW. After several months working on the Equine Influenza response team Melanie joined SVS in March 2008.
Mel's vet interests include cattle medicine, herd health and animal behaviour and an interest in marine birds.

Prior to undertaking her vet science degree Mel completed a  Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in agronomy, and worked for 18 months in NSW working on projects such as the impact of environmental river flows on Murray River landholders.

Mel's outsides interests include travel and she  has travelled extensively throughout Australia and Europe. She also enjoys surfing, diving, skiing and gardening. Mel plays hockey in the local roster, as well as tennis and squash.

Amy Dowding B.V.Sc.

Amy joined the SVS team in January 2009 after graduating from the University of Queensland.

Prior to taking up her vet science studies Amy lived in Denmark while on a high school exchange program for twelve months.

Amy's veterinary interests include dairy cattle medicine and reproduction.

Personal interests include travel and languages as well as cooking, playing tennis and hockey.

Josie Chapman B Sc BVMS (Hons)

Josie graduated from Murdoch University, Perth in 2008 and joined SVS in February 2009.

Growing up on a family dairy farm in Busselton, WA  developed Josie's interest and desire to work with dairy cattle.

She also has a special interest in eyes and is thinking how she can combine the two!

Outside of work, Josie loves being out and about exploring, hiking and horse riding but also enjoys a good book by the fire.

Josie hopes to travel in the future and perhaps do more specialist training overseas.

Norma Bishop

Norma has been with SVS since March 2006 and currently heads the office staff and is responsible for the book keeping side of the practice. Before moving to Tasmania in 1992 Norma worked in Darwin for over 10 years as a Personal Assistant. In 2010 she will commence studying Certificate IV in Frontline Management.

Outside interests include scrap booking and card making, photography and spending time with her family.

Robyn Buckby

Robyn returned to SVS in 2007 after taking time off to have a family and help her husband on their dairy farm. Robyn has worked for SVS on and off for about 10 years. Prior to this she worked as a vet nurse in Hobart, so she brought many valuable skills with her to SVS. While Robyn enjoys helping out in surgery when required, her primary role is liaising with our clients, booking appointments etc. She enjoys being part of and contributing to agriculture in Circular Head.

Robyn is enjoying more leisure time with her family now that their dairy has been converted to a beef farm. She also enjoys reading, drinking coffee and spending time with family and friends.

Katie O’Halloran

Returning to Circular Head in 2008, Katie rejoined the SVS team working part time as office assistant. Previously Katie had worked at SVS for six years as a vet nurse and office assistant as well as working at a Brisbane small animal clinic in the same role.

During the interim Katie travelled overseas working for an optometrist in Bristol, UK. Her travels took her through Ireland, Scotland and across to the Continent. She returned to Tasmania working as a school secretary in Launceston.

Passions include cooking, reading, Tae Bo and socialising when she finds time.

Brittany Marthick

Britt started work as a trainee Vet Nurse in January 2009 after completing Year 11 at Smithton High School. Britt has always had a keen interest in vet nursing and animal care and enjoys all aspects of being a vet nurse, in particular small animal surgery preparation and post-op care.

Britt successfully completed Certificate II in Animal Studies/Nursing in November 2009 and will begin Certificate IV in 2010.

Outside interests include riding and care of her horses. She also enjoys playing tennis in the local social mixed roster and plays badminton and indoor soccer.

Gaye Banks

Gaye joined the team in March 2009, after working at McCain Foods for over 13 years in a variety of positions including quality control, general factory duties, internal auditing, reception and relief labour co-coordinator.

She has completed a Certificate II in Business Studies. Gaye has also spent time working as a personal carer as well as spending a few years in the funeral industry.

Outside interests include classic cars, travel, water skiing and beef production.