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Veterinarians Practice Manager Veterinary Nurses

Veterinarians

Mark Hawker BVSc
Mark came to the Young Vet Clinic as a fresh faced new graduate in 1988 after graduating from Sydney University at the end of 1987. Mark enjoyed Young so much that he has been here ever since, purchasing the clinic from Dave Burnett with Simon Hobson and Rob Back in 1992. In 2004 he became the sole owner of the clinic when Simon left the partnership due to health reasons. Mark enjoys the challenge of mixed practice, but has special interests in beef cattle, alpacas and small animal medicine. Mark, his wife Jo and three daughters live at Wombat, where Mark can pursue his interest in viticulture. Outside of the clinic Mark also enjoys rugby, this year helping to coach the Young Yabbies in their 50th year celebrations.

David Woodward BVSc (honsII)
David first walked through our doors in 2004 after working as a vet in Darwin and travelling around Australia. During a short stint working for the Crown Prince in the Dubai Equine Hospital he developed a taste for work and travel and in 2006/7 worked as a vet throughout the United Kingdom and returned to us in 2008. David is an enthusiastic mixed practice veterinarian and is motivated by the desire to constantly improve his skills. He is particularly passionate about orthopaedic surgery and equine reproduction. In 2010 David became a financial partner with Mark in the Young Veterinary Clinic. Outside of work David and wife Monique are kept busy by their two young boys, Darcy and Alby.

Felicity Bell BVSc
Felicity has been working at the Young Vet Clinic since 2001 after graduating from the University of Sydney in 1996. Before coming to work in Young, Felicity worked in veterinary clinics in Albury and Adelaide, and travelled overseas for 6 months before moving to Wombat in 1999. Felicity then worked in Cootamundra for 18 months before starting work in Young. Felicity and her husband live on a property at Wombat with their three dogs, "Ruby", "Gerry" and "Yogi", their cat "Sneaky" and two alpacas "Normie" and "Fu". Felicity has always enjoyed the diversity of mixed practice, although small animal medicine is definitely her special interest. She is always motivated by difficult cases which can be a challenge, but are rewarding when an answer is found. Felicity and husband, Hugh have two young daughters, Charlotte and Olivia..

Lloyd Varga BVSc (merit)
Lloyd has joined us after graduating from The University of Sydney in 2010. He is looking forward to the challenge of the mixed practice and experiencing everything that Young has to offer. Whilst in Sydney Lloyd worked at Taronga Zoo and has a special interest in some of the more unusual pet species including ferrets, rabbits, snakes, lizards and birds. Outside of work you might catch him swimming some laps at the local swimming pool or tending to his newly planted vegetable garden.

Katherine Mata BVSc
Katherine has joined us after graduating from Murdoch University in Perth in 2010. She was raised in Perth and spent 4 years living in Mexico City as a child. Katherine has moved to NSW to work in a mixed practice job and enjoy the benefits of life in a country area. She is interested in all aspects of mixed practice with a particular passion for horse and cattle work. Outside of work Katherine is keen to get into the Horse world when her horse Winston arrives from Perth.

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Practice Manager

Jo Hawker
Jo first came to the Young area in 1988. She started work as a solicitor in Cootamundra. Mark and Jo’s three girls then took up much of Jo’s time. She took on the duties of practice manager of Young Veterinary Clinic in 2005. Jo’s interests outside of work see her involved in many committees within Young and further afield.

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Veterinary Nurses

Bridget Sell
Bridget is a born and bred local girl who has been a loyal and integral member of the team for over 20 years. She is a very talented vet nurse with a real passion for animal welfare. Outside of work Bridget manages a busy family, with husband Geoff and sons, Abe and Sid. Bridget is an extremely talented horsewoman. With her horse, Universal Law, she has won many prestigious competitions including Champion Lady Rider at Sydney Royal Easter Show and representing NSW on many occasions.

Sally Wilkes
Sally has been working with us for the past 6 year. She is a devoted and passionate vet nurse with a special interest in pathology and surgical orthopaedic nursing. Outside of work Sally enjoys horse riding and socialising with friends. She has several pets including her dog, Ellie.

Karen Thornhill
Karen returned to Young Veterinary Clinic earlier this year after spending 5 years working as a vet nurse in London. She is a dedicated and enthusiastic vet nurse with a special interest in emergency medicine. Karen and husband Lee are kept busy outside of work by their young son Gus.

Melissa Powderly
Melissa is another returning member of the team. When contacting the clinic you may be greeted by her cheery voice on the phone or smiling face at the front desk. Outside of work Melissa manages her busy family, with husband Mark, two boys and two bouncing labradors.

Bernie Page
Bernie is a recent addition to the Young Veterinary Clinic. She has been a welcome member of our reception team and has a background in human nursing. Bernie and husband, Richard, run a successful farming enterprise. With this experience she has a good understanding of the needs of local farmers.

Melissa Falconer
Melissa is a recent addition to the team. She is an enthusiastic animal carer with a special interest in rehabilitation of orphaned and injured animals. Melissa enjoyed her contribution to the 2010 Cherry Festival as a Cherry Queen entrant.

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Clinic Pets

Charlie
Charlie is our adopted greyhound. He started life with aspirations for track glory, however after a double knee injury and the threat of being ‘put down’ he retired to Young Veterinary Clinic. Life for Charlie now involves long day naps interrupted by quick sprints in the paddocks out the back. He has also saved the lives of many of Young’s beloved pets through his gracious blood donations.

Elvis
Elvis is the overseer of the clinic. Nothing gets past this silver tabby cat. Elvis keeps a close eye on our sick hospital patients and boarding cats. You can do most anything to him but ‘stay off of his blue suede shoes!’

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