Meet Our Experienced Veterinarians

 Dr Tim Henderson

BVSc (Hons)

Drouin Veterinary Clinic was started in the 1960’s by Dr Chris Parris from a house on the main street in Drouin. The purpose built Veterinary clinic at 4 Sinclair Street was built in early 1970.  Dr Tim began his veterinary career at the clinic in 1986 after graduating with a BVSc(Hons) from the University of Queensland. Striving for Veterinary excellence his caring and patient manner with clients and patients has seen the clinic grow over the years to establish a second consult only branch in Neerim South and more recently an equine breeding/dental and procedure clinic set up in conjunction with Randall Park in Warragul.

Tim grew up on his parents cattle property near Toowoomba on the Darling Downs.

He deferred his Veterinary Science degree for 2 years to show Stud Hereford Bulls locally and interstate and also worked as a hand on local thoroughbred studs before graduating in 1986. By this time he decided that he liked the work involved in Dairy cattle medicine and headed to Victoria where he has worked ever since.

He purchased the practice in 1991 and from then developed skills and interests in other areas such as Alpaca reproduction and surgery, ultrasound pregnancy testing (all species) and small animal surgery. 

He is AQIS accredited for export preparation of livestock and pets and has completed extra education in small animal surgery, cattle ultrasound pregnancy testing and foetal sexing, and CountDown DownUnder dairy cattle mastitis advisory courses.

In the past hobbies have included bushwalking, rockclimbing and scuba diving, but these days a busy worklife has confined his outdoor activities to walking his dogs Murphy and Halle and the occasional spot of fishing. 

Travel has always been an enjoyable pastime for him and he hopes this will increase in the future. A travel highlight was hiking in the Yukon in Canada in -30 degree conditions.

Dr Matt Kawecki

BVSc

A Melbourne University graduate, Dr Matt started at DVC as a long, wavy, dark haired lackey way back at the turn of the last century (1999). Matt is a self-proclaimed “Jack of all trades, Master of none” and has a variety of interests and abilities, considering himself a truly mixed animal vet, aspiring to be a hybrid of James Herriot from All Creatures Great and Small and wildlife guru Sir David Attenborough.

Matt especially likes working with cattle, horses and wildlife.

He is an APAV accredited vet with all the MAP programs for cattle, sheep and goats. He is an Australian equine stud book member. He is one of only a handful of Australian veterinarians selected and involved in the AVR- involved in National Emergency Disease and was heavily involved in the exotic EI outbreak national response. He is an accredited Countdown mastitis advisor, accredited Disease surveillance officer (Dairy cattle) and has post grad training in Equine Dentistry.



Matt has worked with Zoos Victoria in all the recent bushfire scenarios – Mallacoota, Beaufort, Halls Gap/Grampians providing veterinary treatment to affected wildlife. Recently, Matt’s wildlife interests have seen him spending half his week working for Zoos Victoria at the Melbourne Zoo. From working with 4 tonne elephants to tiny, critically endangered stick insects and earless dragons to calving down giraffes and battling the high seas doing seal saving missions, Matt has treated most animal groups out there. But Matt still enjoys his work at DVC - helping all domestic and farm animals and their human companions enjoy life to the fullest.

Matt’s other passion is sport (now fully retired) and he’s still always very happy to discuss in detail the current state of play on any current sporting topic. 

Dr Susie Williames

BVSc

Starting with DVC in the 90’s after graduating from the University of Melbourne, Dr Susie has over 20 years experience in both small and large animal work. She has a special interest in animal behaviour and has obtained her Low Stress Animal Handling Accreditation. Her aim is to make every animals experience at our clinic more relaxed and enjoyable for both them and their owners.

Susie lives on a property that runs beef cattle & calves, as well as her menagerie of chooks, dogs and kids!

She still enjoys the huge variety of medicine and surgery on offer at Drouin but also loves to get away to the beach with her family.

Dr Amanda Waller 

BVSc (Hons)

Dr Amanda graduated in 2008 from Melbourne University and started work at DVC 2 days later. Originally from a farm in Dargo, Amanda enjoys working with all animals large and small though these days equine work takes up the vast majority of her time. Amanda has a special interest in equine reproduction and dentistry and can be seen most days out on the road with the Drouin Vet Clinic portastocks in tow. 

When not at DVC, Amanda and her partner Ben have a beef cattle trading and breeding operation which takes up most of their spare time as well as breeding their own campdrafting horses. Very occasionally they manage to juggle kids, farm and work and make an appearance at a local campdraft.  

Dr Wesley Allan

BVSc (Hons)

Dr Wes graduated from Melbourne University in 2007. He began his veterinary career at a mixed dairy practice in Camperdown for five years and then spent 2.5 years in a mixed equine practice at Gisborne.

Other short term veterinary work included equine reproduction work both in Glenormiston Victoria and PSI in Germany, plus working in mixed practices throughout England and Scotland. Wes also enjoyed volunteering in Maun Botswana where he desexed many stray dogs as well as taking in the local wildlife.

Growing up on a farm in South West Gippsland Wes was drawn home where he joined the DVC team in 2017. His veterinary interests include cattle and equine work as well and dog and cat medicine and surgery. His role at DVC is varied depending on the day, and no day is ever the same.

Wes lives on a small farm with his wife & daughter and their cattle, horses, chickens and Bella ~ queen cat of the house.

His hobbies include travelling, photography, building and sports.

Dr Marianne Ehmann

BVSc

Marianne is a small animal vet who joined the team in 2021.

After graduating last century and working in mixed animal practice in the Latrobe Valley for several years, Marianne moved to Melbourne and worked in a range of small animal settings before returning to Gippsland in 2003.

Her interests include soft tissue surgery interspersed with the occasional dental as well as medical cases including managing diabetic patients and improving health of our pets as they age. She is also stress free pet handling accredited. Away from work she shares her free time with a goofy whippet and old sassy chihuahua. She is also well known for photobombing in photos taken around the clinic. Keep an eye out for her in the background of our facebook posts. 

Dr Lauren Voss

DVM

Lauren started her veterinary career with DVC in early 2022. Originally from Sydney, she grew up on Vancouver Island in Canada, surrounded by a variety of beloved family pets. Lauren has had a passion for caring for animals from a young age, and she eventually returned home to Australia to pursue her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree at the University of Melbourne.

In her final year of studies, she completed many placements in mixed practices around Victoria, including DVC. She has a passion for animals of all shapes and sizes and loves the variety of experiences and challenges working in mixed practice brings.

Outside of the clinic, Lauren enjoys bushwalking, camping, swimming, and traveling. Her own animals include her cat, Fred (pictured).

Dr  Ebony Hunter
DVM

Growing up in Narre Warren, Ebony knew from as early as she could remember that she wanted to be a vet,  caring for animals has always been her passion.

She has a special interest in wildlife and pocket pets but truly loves working with all creatures great and small.

When she’s not in the clinic, you’ll find her spending time with her partner Mitchell and their two dogs, Aalia and Rose. On weekends, Ebony can often be found umpiring local footy, and she’s usually the source of the giggles coming from out the back!

We’re so lucky to have Ebony’s caring nature, love for animals, and contagious laugh as part of the Drouin Vets team.

Dr   Kiara Cotterrell
DVM

An ex-South African, Kiara has lived in Gippsland since 2001.

After graduating with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from The University of Adelaide in 2024, she is delighted to be back in the area practising as a veterinarian. She loves the variety of patients that mixed practice offers and being able to treat many different species, but has a soft spot for anything dairy cattle and feline.

Outside of work, you’ll likely find her experimenting in the kitchen with new sweet creations, doing any sort of art, and exploring  local hiking and camping spots. Kiara shares a Birman cat, Mia, with her partner Max, also a veterinarian at the clinic. They cannot wait to adopt more pets in the future. 

Dr Max Fisher
DVM

Originally from South Australia, Max studied for his Bachelor of Veterinary Bioscience and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degrees at Roseworthy. While studying he held various farmhand jobs from a feed lot dairy, to a broiler chicken farm, and lambing and beef enterprises which has fostered his interest in farm work.

He also has an interest in wildlife as well and has spent years volunteering for a wildlife education centre and nature conservation station, as well as travelling to Botswana in his final year of university to help locals develop their farming operations and help tranqulise and track wildlife preying on cattle.

Max moved over to Victoria at the start of 2025 and has loved being a part of the community and experiencing true mixed practice - never knowing what each day will bring!

When not working he loves to be out in the bush - camping, 4wding, fishing, and hiking.

Dr Ripley Watt

BVSc

Locum: Dr Jessica Beattie

Dr Amy Pickering

DVM

Amy graduated from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 2025 and was excited to begin her veterinary career here in Drouin.

While studying, Amy discovered a love for both small animal and cattle medicine, and she’s passionate about continuing to grow her skills while caring for all kinds of animals. One of the things she loves most about mixed practice is that no two days are ever the same, you might find her starting the morning with a playful puppy, heading out to see a horse, and finishing the day helping a backyard chicken!

Amy enjoys getting to know her clients and their animals, building lasting relationships, and providing compassionate, practical care to help pets and livestock live their happiest, healthiest lives.

When she’s not at the clinic, Amy loves spending time outdoors, travelling, and baking up something delicious. Since making the move to Victoria, she’s been making the most of every opportunity to explore beautiful Gippsland and discover all the hidden gems the region has to offer.

Amy is looking forward to meeting you and your animals and becoming a familiar face in the local community!

Dr Kerrilee Luxford

BVSc

Dr Kez graduated from the University of Melbourne some 25+yrs ago and brings a wealth of experience and compassion to our clinic. 

Over the years, she has worked in a wide range of veterinary roles, including mixed and small animal practice, greyhound and breeding and animal welfare at the RSPCA.

She is passionate about improving animal welfare and strengthening the bond between pets and their families. 

Dr Kez strives to provide compassionate care, taking the time to listen and really understand her patients and their families needs. 

She enjoys meeting new people and helping pets live happier, healthier lives. Her special interests are focused on dermatology (skin), ophthalmology (eyes) and palliative care (aged care).

Outside of work she loves bushwalking, parkrun, and watching her boys compete in their many sporting activities. 

She dreams of once again having the time to own a working dog! 

Our Friendly Vet Nurses and Support staff

Linda 

Cert IV VN, Cert IV TAE

Practice Manager & Vet Nurse

Linda started with DVC in 2004 as a trainee vet nurse with a background of bookkeeping and retail sales. She completed her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2006 and her Cert IV in Training and assessment in 2012. She is also a qualified microchip implanter.

She spent 2019 travelling around Australia with her family but returned to DVC as the practice manager in 2020. She loves the diverse range of patients seen at the clinic and enjoys mentoring staff to improve skills. She has always had a passion for animals and has a pet dog, cat, galah, sun conure and 3 guinea pigs that are part of her family with her husband and three children.

In her spare time she enjoys travel and exploring new places, hiking, spending time with her family and friends, yoga and pilates.

Crystal 

Cert IV VN

Vet Nurse

Crystal began working at DVC as a trainee vet nurse in March 2007 and completed her training gaining her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.  She enjoys the versatility of her role and is capable of doing all aspects of nursing within the clinic.

Her favourite role at the clinic would be instructing our Puppy preschool classes. Her pets at home include Chino a 3yr old female Rottweiler, Drummer a 1yr old male Rottweiler and Nissa a 13yr old female domestic shorthair cat.

Away from the clinic she is a registered breeder of her beloved Rottweilers. She enjoys participating in various canine activities with her dogs such as exhibiting them in dog shows around Australia, netball and watching TV/movies. 

Hayley

Cert IV VN

Vet Nurse

Hayley started permanently with DVC in 2016 after starting out in a work experience role while completing her

Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services and certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. 

She loves the variation that working in our mixed practice brings. She has her adorable puppy and two birds keeping her company at home: Ivy (Australian Koolie), Cocky (cockatoo), Doofy (cockatiel). She is also an aunty to 2 rescue greyhounds - Gatsby & Luna. 

Her out of work hobbies include going to gigs and music festivals, singing 'Untouched' by the Veronicas at karaoke and hanging out with Ivy. 

Kylie

Cert IV VN

Vet Nurse

From a young age Kylie wanted to be a vet nurse. She started out working in boarding kennels and catteries from 15 years of age and progressed to a career in vet nursing 11 years ago.

She moved from a small animal only clinic to mixed practice following her other passion of horses.

She has now been with DVC since 2018.

She enjoys her spare time showing her horse and going adventures with daughter Sloane & new addition baby Tyler! 

Emily

Cert IV VN

Vet Nurse

Emily started working at DVC in 2021 and studied the Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing through AIRC, she graduated in May 2023. Prior to vet nursing she worked in the zoo industry for 7 years and loves helping with all exotic pets and wildlife at the clinic.

Emily also has a a strong interest in animal training and wishes to pursue further studies in training and behaviour soon. Her favourite night of the week is Puppy School night!

Out of work Emily's hobbies including hanging out with Baxter & Luna her two Border Collie x Kelpie's, photography and drawing.

Abbey

Cert IV VN

Vet Nurse

Abbey has completed her Certificate 4 in Veterinary Nursing in 2013 and has nursed on the Mornington Peninsula for the past 10 years. Recently moved to Drouin with her partner to hopefully buy a house and add many more animals to her clan.

Abbey has 2 dogs of her own, “Lexie” a dacshund x and “Pudding “a schnoodle who goes absolutely everywhere with her.

She also has 3 silky bantam chooks that forage her backyard. Abbey has always had a passion for animals and loves that she gets to work with them every day.

Abbey is enjoying her time here at the Drouin Veterinary Clinic and exploring the area with her partner and 2 dogs.

Erin

Cert IV VN

Vet Nurse

Erin started with DVC late 2020 as our receptionist, She has always been within the animal industry beginning with work experience at the Werribee Zoo that then sparked her interest from then on continuing on to complete Cert II Animal Studies & then obtaining work within a local pet shop for the next 7 Years while completing high school.

After finishing high school she took a gap year and backpacked solo around Europe. When she got home she went on to try different avenues within the work force but soon after realised the Animal industry is where she wanted to be and started at DVC.

In July 2025 she has gained her certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

In July

ShIn her spare time she enjoys Baking sourdough, Horse Riding & travelling with her husband & two dogs.

Lizzie

Cert IV VN

Vet Nurse

Lizzie grew up in Drouin, and has moved back after living for five years in the United Kingdom, where she completed her vet nursing studies and worked in small animal practices in greater London.

Since moving back she's rediscovered a love for Aussie wildlife and nature. Her passion in the veterinary world includes all things related to cats, and she also has a particular interest in anaesthesia. 

After deciding to move back to Australia, she travelled for five months around the United Kingdom and Europe by campervan which initiated a love of travel and adventure. In her spare time she also loves cycling, hiking, reading and playing music in the community. At home she has a gorgeous 12 year old tortoiseshell called Mamie. 

Alex

Receptionist

Alex joined DVC in 2022 after moving back to her hometown with her husband, three boys, and a menagerie of animals, following 20 wonderful years in Western Australia.

You’ll regularly spot her at our Neerim South Clinic, where she loves being a friendly, familiar face — greeting locals and their much-loved pets.

When she’s not at the front desk, Alex is busy running her own Landscape Architecture practice from home, creating gardens locally and across Australia.

Life at home is happily full of family chaos, animals (cows, sheep, goats, cats, dogs, and chooks), veggie gardening, design, cheering from the sidelines at her boys’ sports, and planning her next swim.

If there’s water nearby, chances are Alex is probably already in it — with Freddie (pictured) never far behind. 

Charelle

Cert IV

Vet Nurse

Charelle started working with us at Drouin Vet Clinic in February 2026 after having moved to the area from Korumburra. 

She comes to us with 24yrs nursing experience having begun her nursing journey in 2003 at Korumburra Vets, gaining her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2004. 

Her favourite part of the job is the unpredictability of the days..no day is ever the same. She loves caring for hospitalised patients, assisting the vets to make their days more manageable, and also getting out on farm every now and then to help. 

She owns a very lazy, stubborn cat named Dusty, who was very displeased to have his photo taken for the web page. 

Away from the clinic, Charelle enjoys going to the gym, walking, spending time cheering on her son and daughter playing footy and netball with her husband and volunteering at the footy club. 

Millie

Cert IV

Veterinary Nurse

Milly started working as a veterinary nurse at DVC in 2026. She gained her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing qualification back in 2019 and worked in a clinic for a few years before branching out into other areas of the animal industry including a doggy daycare and a boarding kennel. 

Milly has a passion for client and patient care and a keen interest in surgery, anaesthesia and all aspects of dog behaviour and training. She has always owned working breed dogs and regularly involves her dogs in sheep herding trials and scent work.

Milly enjoys staying active, any activities involving dogs, camping trips, listening to country music and spending quality time with her partner, their young son and their 3 fur babies: a Kelpie X named Kobe, a German Shepherd named Zoe and a cheeky calico kitty named Sprout.

Antonia

Cert IV

Veterinary Nurse

Antonia started working at Drouin in May 2026, became a qualified Vet nurse in June of 2026 through TAFE Gippsland. 

She also nurses at another vet clinic in Oakleigh when not at DVC.  The things that she loves about Vet nursing is the fact that you learn something new everyday and no day in the clinic is ever the same. 

She has been bringing her pets to Drouin Vet clinic since she can remember. 

In her free time she will either be playing or coaching netball. She also loves taking her dog Nitro on adventures or his preference of cuddling on the couch. 

What Makes Us Stand Out From Others?

Here at Drouin Veterinary Clinic, we strive to give you the best service. We do this by paying attention to our caring attitude and using state-of-the-art equipment. To best serve you, we have a vet with a special interest in equine dentistry. Some of our vets are also accredited for government programs such as the JD CattleMap and AlpacaMap. Let us know how we can help.