About Our Practice

Andrew's journey with the practice started back in 1985 when he joined as a work experience student. After completing his studies, he worked for David Simon in 1991 before taking an overseas working holiday. Upon his return, he became a partner at Bennett & Simon, which later became Macleay Valley Vets. After David's departure in 2001, Andrew and his wife Karen became the sole owners of the practice. Nowdays Andrew shares the practice ownership with Mitch and Shae.

For more information about Equine Reproductive Services, contact MERC directly on (02) 6562 7391. 

Mitch has been a part of the MVVS team since January 2005. Growing up in "the shire" and frequenting the beaches of Cronulla, he developed a love for surfing and often camped at Crescent Head. During his final year at the University of Sydney, Mitch completed a month-long surfing holiday and internship at MVVS, which ultimately led to his decision to relocate to the area.

As a registered veterinarian with the Australian Stud Book, Mitch is passionate about working with both small and large animals. He even completed a year of postgraduate study focused on ophthalmology, which has given him a great deal of expertise in delicate eye surgery and managing ongoing eye issues.

Since becoming a partner of MVVS in 2013, Mitch has balanced his work life with spending quality time with his children. He loves nothing more than taking them to the beach for windsurfing, water skiing, and of course, surfing. He's even earned the affectionate nickname "storm boy" from his colleagues after a valiant but sadly futile attempt to save a beached whale at grassy head

Shae joined Macleay Valley Veterinary Services (M.V.V.S.) in January 2009, after completing her degree at the University of Sydney. In 2022, she became a partner in the practice. Originally from Coffs Harbour, Shae relocated to Kempsey and has never looked back.

In 2011, Shae completed her PennHip registration, allowing her to perform radiographs for analysis by Pennsylvania State University. This data is compared to their database on canine hip dysplasia, providing critical information on breed selection to minimize the impact of this disease. In 2013, Shae also completed a year of postgraduate study in Ultrasonography, further enhancing her skills in this non-invasive imaging modality.

Outside of work, Shae enjoys spending time on the farm with her husband Tim, their children, and their two rescue dogs, MacGyver and Mish. She also participates in pony club activities, balancing a busy life between work and hobbies. Shae's dedication to her work and patients is matched only by her love for her family and furry companions.

Campbell, a Macleay Valley native, joined the M.V.V.S. team in 2018 after completing a double degree Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science from Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. He grew up on a beef cattle farm at Toorooka.

As a mixed practice veterinarian, Campbell has a broad range of skills and expertise in small animal medicine and large animal veterinary work. In 2020, he achieved AVE/ACV accreditation in pregnancy diagnostics of cattle.

While his colleagues hit the waves, Campbell prefers to stay on dry land due to his extreme fear of sharks. When not working, he enjoys spending time on the family farm, fishing for Bass in the mighty Macleay, and searching for lost golf balls he's sliced into the trees. Campbell's home is a lively zoo, complete with its own set of odd couple roommates. Basil the wonder dog, a handsome Labrador with a knack for mischief, can often be found stealing socks and running circles around the house. Meanwhile, Wuhan the crazy cat is a whirlwind of chaos and mischief, causing mayhem wherever she goes.

Campbell's dedication to his patients, passion for veterinary medicine, and deep roots in the Macleay Valley make him a valuable member of the M.V.V.S. team

Chelsea was born and raised amidst the hustle and bustle of Sydney. After completing her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2020, she joined the team at MVVS as a new graduate. While she enjoys all aspects of mixed practice, her passions lie in small animal surgery and equine and cattle medicine.

When not caring for animals, Chelsea spends her personal time on her farm with her dressage horse, Symmie. They frequently compete at state and national level, with great success.

Chelsea recently tied the knot with Stephen, a physiotherapist, and their household is a delightful mix of human and animal companions. Their German Shepherd, Whiskey, is convinced he's a lap dog and often insists on cuddles at the most inconvenient times. June Bug, the cat, thinks she's the queen of the house and enjoys bossing everyone around with her piercing meows.

Emma's roots can be traced back to the charming coastal town of Port Macquarie, where she spent her formative years. After completing her Veterinary studies in 2021, Emma was thrilled to join the esteemed team at MVVS as a new graduate. As a mixed practice veterinarian, Emma revels in the diverse range of cases that she encounters on a daily basis. Her areas of particular interest lie in small animal surgery and large/small animal emergency medicine. 

When not caring for her patients, Emma spends her free time with her dog Dug, her cat Ella, and to a lesser extent, her fiancé Bailey.

Andrew, also known as Knoxy, joined MVVS in late 2022, right after graduating from Charles Sturt University Wagga Wagga with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Knoxy developed his passion for the veterinary industry while growing up on a small cattle farm in Macksville.

Knoxy is a skilled and enthusiastic veterinarian. His special interests include large animal veterinary medicine and all aspects of companion and large animal surgery.

When he's not caring for animals, Knoxy is an avid fisherman who loves to chase the next big catch somewhere off the coast. While we're not quite sure if he's caught anything yet, he certainly has enough fishing equipment to start his own local store. 

Jess completed her veterinary degree at the University of Adelaide in late 2022 before joining the team at MVVS. Originally from the hills of Adelaide near the Barossa Valley, she decided to embrace a sea change and relocated to Smithtown with her partner Alex, who is also a veterinarian.

With a passion for all aspects of mixed practice, Jess is a true all-rounder who enjoys the daily variety that comes with the job. She is also excited to further her studies in diagnostic imaging, with plans to complete the course in 2024.

In her free time, Jess loves nothing more than pottering around in her garden and exploring the stunning surroundings of Macleay. And of course, all of these activities are made even better with a nice glass of wine from home in hand.

Tammy has been with M.V.V.S. since 2001 and is the head of the nursing team. Amongst her many roles at M.V.V.S. are secretarial work as well as reception and surgical nursing.

Tammy is a committed mother who has managed to balance returning to work with mothering her three beautiful children, Claudia, Cooper, and Ava. She is married to Michael & has a boxer dog named Wallace.

Maddy completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2016, training at Pacific Vet Care in Coffs Harbour. Maddy joined the M.V.V.S. team in early 2017 and has been an enthusiastic member ever since. She enjoys all aspects of veterinary nursing, particularly anaesthetics, following the completion of advanced anaesthesia training in 2019.

Maddy grew up on a small farm in the Nambucca Valley - hence she has developed a keen interest in our small and exotic pet care. She particularly enjoys working with pigmy goats, ferrets, and guinea pigs.

Jess has been an integral part of the MVVS team since she began as a volunteer in 2010 while studying animal care. She completed her nursing traineeship in 2013 and has since become a fully qualified veterinary nurse. She is now one of the senior nurses, offering excellent nursing care to our patients. We are so fortunate to have her apart of the MVVS team.

Keely is one of our Veterinary Technicians, completing her studies at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga. 

Keely is involved in all aspects of veterinary work, from the small and fluffy patient right through to helping with difficult calvings and assisting with equine radiography. To complement her fieldwork, Keely did specific study towards the end of her degree in large animal and equine care. She is also our Puppy Pre-School Co-odinator.

Ruth has been a nurse at Macleay Valley Vets for almost 40 years - there is not much she hasn't seen in her illustrious career which she has managed with a caffeine addiction for most of the time, and is often found with a jumbo mug of coffee in her hand. 

One of Ruths main tasks is keeping the "young ones" in check!

Hailey is one of the newest members to the MVVS team. After completing school, Hailey completed work placement and never looked back. She completed a certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through TAFE NSW. 

In her spare time, Hailey is a keen cross fit participant and football player. She enjoys competing in campcrafts around the state. 

Hayley is a fresh face at MVVS, starting in 2021. Originally from Northern Queensland, she made the move down to Rollands Plains to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

In her free time, Hayley likes to explore the beautiful surroundings of the mid-north coast with her two Danes, Chase and Moose. She cherishes the moments spent with her beloved pets, taking long walks and enjoying the stunning scenery.

Sheriden began working at M.V.V.S. after school as a kennel hand in 2012. After completing his H.S.C. in 2013, he began a traineeship in equine reproduction at the 'Mid North Coast Equine Reproduction Centre,' where he assists Andrew with horse management and equine reproduction programs.