The Bellarine Veterinary Practice Team, Geelong
Bellarine Veterinary Practice employs more than 80 staff across our Geelong and Bellarine clinics. Our professional and caring veterinarians, vet nurses, visiting specialists, receptionists, pet groomers and support staff are committed to providing the very best quality complete care for pets of all kinds and at all life stages.
Our services, including preventative veterinarian care, and pet dentistry, are renowned, due to the professionalism and dedication of our staff. We believe our quality or service and the care we provide to every client sets us apart from other businesses in our industry.
We are proud of our team’s commitment to providing honest, reliable care for all pets in a united, caring and fun way. Each member of staff aims to provide the best individual solutions to all pet problems, ensuring quality care for life.
Our team is made up of friendly and skilled veterinarians, vet nurses, support staff, visiting specialists and receptionists.
Our Partners
Dr John Quinane BVSc(Hons), MVSt, MACVSc(SAS)
John graduated from the University of Melbourne, completed a Veterinary Masters of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, and has been admitted (by examination) to the Surgery Chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. John has many years of experience in all areas of veterinary medicine and surgery and has developed special expertise in orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. He is a renowned surgeon in Geelong and frequently receives orthopaedic referrals from Geelong and surrounding areas. John works mostly at Newcomb and Drysdale. He owns a poodle cross named Bobby.
Dr Amanda Hulands-Nave BVSc (Hons), MVSt, MACVSc(SAM), MANZCVS (Dental)
Amanda has always had an affinity and love of animals since she was a child and decided firmly that she wanted to be a vet around the age of seven.
Amanda has both broad and deep knowledge and experience in many aspects of general veterinary medicine. Because of her higher level training in several areas she is skilled at managing complex cases that have multiple issues across different organ systems and treats the patient as a “whole”.
She has been admitted by examination to the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in both Small Animal Medicine and Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery. She has also done further training in Animal Behaviour and Laparoscopic and Minimally Invasive Surgery amongst other areas.
Throughout the years she has held multiple committee and board positions with the Australian Veterinary Association and the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, including conference program convening for both organisations. She has also held positions for several not-for-profits within the areas of animal welfare, human disability and health and the general community. She is committed to good governance and the delivery of high quality care to both pets and people.
Amanda has been honoured to have been delivering veterinary care in the Geelong area for several decades and she enjoys the continuing relationships with clients over several generations of their pets.
Dr Alison Moore BVSc (Hons), MACVSc (SAS)
Alison (Ali) graduated from Melbourne University, with honors, and has been admitted (by examination) to the Small Animal Surgery Chapter of The Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. Alison has special skills in surgery, ultrasonongraphy and has an interest in behavioral consultations. She is a member of the Australian Veterinary Association, and served as secretary of the local branch. She is also a talented swimmer and loves spending time with her dog, Lucy. You will see Ali at our Ocean Grove and Newcomb clinics.
Dr Justin Trudgeon BVSc
Justin graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2001. He joined Bellarine Veterinary Practice soon after and, aside from a 3 year break to live and work in the UK, has been a mainstay of the team ever since. In 2022 Justin became a practice partner.
Justin enjoys all aspects of small animal surgery and has a particular interest in musculoskeletal disorders. He has completed further studies in small animal surgery and is currently undertaking studies in canine rehabilitation.
When he’s not looking after the pets of The Bellarine, Justin can be found enjoying the outdoors, spending time with his family and wrangling a crazy ruby cavalier called Baxter. (And greatly missing his beautiful black Lab X, Maisy).
The rest of the time you can find Justin at our Ocean Grove or Newcomb clinics.
Our Associates
Dr Maria Zubiria BVSc (Hons)
Dr Maria joined BVP in 2022, bringing her over 30 years of experience in Small Animal Medicine and her signature Spanish flair. She has worked in general practice both in Australia as well as the UK and Europe- gaining a wealth of knowledge that she generously shares with our newer team members. Hailing from the Basque Country in Spain she enjoys travelling home whenever possible. Her love language is the great outdoors and spending time with her family exploring and renovating their bush block and enjoying a red wine with her favourite people. She is proud mother to two human boys as well as Bull Arb x Georgie and one cat called Noodle.
Dr James Robinson BSc DVM
James graduated from The University of Adelaide in 2022, and joined BVP in late 2024 after moving closer to family. He enjoys all aspects of small animal medicine & surgery, and wishes to hone his skills in internal medicine. When not in clinic, you will find James at home playing with his feline fur-babies (Percy, Venus & Otis) as well as Prince the Border Collie. He enjoys all things food and (failing to) catch fish on his days off.
Dr Alyce Ryan BVSc BSc(VetBioSc) GradDipRepSci
Alyce graduated from James Cook University in early 2021. She joined BVP in January 2023 having previously worked in mixed practice. With an interest in animal reproduction and surgery. Outside of work, she can be found on her family’s farm, running around with her Border Collie, or watching and/or being a part of live theatre.
Dr Georgia Hammond BSc DVM
Dr Georgia graduated from Melbourne University in 2022 and started at BVP in 2023. In her time working at BVP she has developed special interest in small animal medicine. She loves to problem solve and work through cases. Georgia has two bunnies, Miffy and Philly, and an Australian shepherd, Bear, at home. In her spare time Georgia loves running, pilates and reading.
Dr Chloe Hedditch BSc, DVM (hons)
Chloe graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2024. It was always a dream of Chloe’s to become a veterinarian. She was drawn to Bellarine Veterinary Practice by the warm and welcoming atmosphere it fosters amongst its staff, patients, and clients. Since starting at Bellarine Chloe has loved learning from the many highly experienced vets that BVP has to offer. Chloe has several fur children including a senior Labrador named Corby and a couple of aptly named spicy cats (Furgie, Simba and Miles), as well as her pride and joy, the spunky 3-year-old Heeler mix named Aggie. In her spare time, you can find Chloe spoiling Aggie, fishing and going for long walks.
Dr Emily McKee BSc DVM
Emily graduated from The University of Melbourne in 2017. She began her career practicing in Melbourne where she worked in a small animal practice for 5 years before joining Bellarine Veterinary Practice in 2023. She works primarily with dogs and cats and has a special interest in feline medicine. In her free time she enjoys spending time surfing with friends.
Dr Charlotte Dilnutt DVM
Dr Charlotte joined BVP after moving from Melbourne in early 2023 and has been loving it ever since. She has a passion for small animal surgery and feline medicine and can be found at our Newcomb and Barwon Heads clinics. At home she has her Maine Coon, Cleo and a DSH, Tully. In her spare time she can be found SCUBA diving, gardening, and forcing her cats to wear hats.
Dr Catherine Jennens DVM
Dr Catherine joined BVP in 2023 and was blown away by the lovely staff and welcoming atmosphere. Her interests are in GP medicine and soft tissue surgery. She enjoys venturing around town, listening to music and curling up with a good book.
Dr Ruth Taylor BVSc (Hons.)
Dr Ruth is part of the Grovedale team where she enjoys working with other skilled and passionate colleagues. Ruth has a special interest in dentistry and is pursuing a work life balance where she can enjoy the professional stimulation of her career, while also being able to enjoy time with family, mountain bike riding, golf, surfing and relaxing with a puzzle.
Dr Sienna Browne BSc DVM
Dr Sienna joined BVP in 2023 and has a passion for surgery and dermatology. She shares her life with her 3 dogs and enjoys camping, hiking and horse riding with her partner and dogs. Her goals are to broaden her skills in all aspects of general practice with a particular focus on dentistry, dermatology and surgery.
Dr Rachael Saunders BVM&S, MANZCVs
Rachael has been part of our team for over 13 years and now plays a big part in teaching and mentoring within the clinic. Rachael’s special interests are critical care medicine and emergency triage and stabilisation. Pain management and geriatric care. Rachael has a menagerie of animals at home including 3 horses, cats and 2 dogs, a Kelpie and Coolie cross. In her spare time she likes horseriding, studying and singing country music in the car. She hopes to ride the bicentennial trail one day.
Dr Zoe Fleming BSc DVM
Dr Zoe joined our team in 2018 and is pursing her love of working with small animal medicine, chronic disease management and geriatrics. When Zoe is not working she enjoys orienteering, rogaining, jigsaw puzzles, scenic walks and her cat Evee. Her goals are to further develop her skills in abdominal ultrasonography and to solve a cryptic crossword in The Age. She enjoys working in a team with a wide set of skills and a very high level of commitment to patient care. “It really is the best of both worlds here – there is so much we can offer for patients while still being outside of the big city!”
Dr Rebekah Whiting BSc DVM
Rebekah joined BVP in February 2018 and enjoys the team support and comradery in case workups, as well as the attention to detail and best practice medicine. Rebekah has particular interests in preventative medicine, dentistry, soft tissue surgery and palliative care. Rebekah has a collection of rescue pets including Bruno the cavoodle, Mr Tumnus and Toothless the cats, bunny Freddie, some budgies, parrots, chooks and a quail! When not at work she enjoys spending time with family and nature, and leading music worship at her church in Armstrong Creek.
Dr Tarley McPadden BSc, BVMS
Dr Tarley graduated from Murdoch University in 2011. She worked in a mixed practice clinic in regional Victoria for 5 years before returning to Geelong to raise her family. Tarley has special interests in dentistry, soft tissue surgery, palliative, and hospice care. Tarley has 2 Labradors named Poppy and Thanos, and a rescue cat called Herbie. In her spare time, Tarley enjoys spending time with her family, reading, and camping.
Dr Silke Lulofs BVSc
Silke graduated from Melbourne University in 1996. She worked in mixed and small animal practice in rural Australia and the UK before finally settling on the Bellarine Peninsula in 2004. She has special interests in small animal emergency and internal medicine as well as ultrasonography, and particularly enjoys helping to teach and mentor our younger vets and nurses.
Silke shares her home with a full time musician , and four beautiful rescue cats. When she is not working she loves spending time in the ocean or the bush, swimming, surfing, hiking, biking and travelling.
Dr Amy Kayler-Thomson BSc, BVSc
Amy worked as a nurse at BVP while studying Veterinary Science and went on to join our Veterinary team after graduating from Melbourne University in 2009. Amy loves being a GP vet and has interests in all areas of small animal medicine and surgery. She is predominantly based at the Drysdale clinic. Outside of work, she is a mum to 2 young children and has a menagerie of pets at home.
Dr Cathryn Saunders-Donaldson BSc DVM
Cathryn graduated from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 2021 and made the move to regional Victoria where she spent her first 3 years working as a mixed practice vet. After deciding chilly nights on call and early mornings weren’t her thing she made the move to join the BVP team in 2025. She has an interest in all things feline and also an interest in pain management for senior animals. On her days off she can usually be found enjoying a long walk with Kevin the Greyhound or cozy on the couch with her 3 cats and a good book.
Dr Janey Robertson BSc (Hons), BVSc (Hons)
Janey graduated from the University of Melbourne with honours in 2008. She worked in a mixed practice in Warrnambool for four years before returning to the Bellarine Peninsula and commencing work at Bellarine Veterinary Practice in 2013. Janey has 6 guinea pigs and works at our Point Lonsdale clinic.
Dr Alix Lightfoot BVSc
Alix graduated from the Massey University in New Zealand. She enjoys all types of veterinary medicine and surgery, particularly small mammals, reptiles and birds. Alix has a Pug (Kaladin), a Norwegian Forest (Huginn) and a parrot called Squishy. Alix works most often at our Grovedale and Newcomb clinics.
Dr Essie Jansen BSc DVM
Essie joined the BVP team in 2024. Prior to this, she worked in companion animal practice domestically and abroad, in the UK, New Zealand and Sweden. She has an interest in internal medicine and senior pet care and works mostly out of our Newcomb and Ocean Grove clinics. In her spare time Essie is a lover of all things outdoors and enjoys cooking (and eating!)
Dr Bronte Kerger BVSc (Hons)
Bronte completed her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree at the University of Melbourne in 2024 and started with BVP as a new graduate soon after graduating.
Becoming a vet has been her dream since I was a little girl and Bronte grew up on the Bellarine Peninsula down in Wallington, where she currently lives with her family and two Bernese Mountain Dogs – Chai and Camembear. Bronte is also a horsey girl and a dressage rider, with four horses of her own. Bronte love to spend her spare time in the gym, out riding my horses with friends or down at the beach with her dogs. She also loves to travel, both overseas and within Australia with her favourite places being Noosa and Broome.
DR Chloe McDonald BA(MT) BVetBiol DVM MANZCVS (Small Animal Surgery)
Chloe graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in 2019. She attained her Memberships via examination to the Small Animal Surgery chapter of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in 2024. Her special interests include soft tissue surgery, orthopaedics, pathology and having a chat with clients. She loves the people of BVP and the amazing mentors and colleagues that she gets to work with every day whilst serving the Bellarine community. You can find Chloe working at our Newcomb and Ocean Grove clinics.
Chloe holds a Bachelor of Arts (Music Theatre) and has published research studying the positive effect of music on hospitalised patients. She is also a proud dog mum of Bonnie the Border Collie X who keeps her on her feet.
Dr Heidi Veal BSc (Hons), BVSc (Hons)
Dr. Heidi graduated from Melbourne University in 2011. After an early career in welfare work, she joined Bellarine Veterinary Practice in 2017 after wanting to move closer to her hometown of Ocean Grove. She has a passion for soft tissue surgery and fear-free consulting, but enjoys all aspects of veterinary medicine. At home she lives with her toddler, a naughty Tortie name Tigerlilly and a rescue greyhound named Ruby, and as such loves to see greyhounds and other noodles in clinic. When not at the clinic she is often teaching the trainee veterinary nurses at the local Tafe, and enjoys doing the occasional welfare work.
Visiting Veterinary Consultants – Registered Specialists and Professional Interest Practitioners, Geelong
At Bellarine Veterinary Practice, Geelong, although our vets are fully trained and have a wide range of expertise, we know there are some areas of your pet’s health that will require specialist veterinarian treatment.
We also know it can be tough to find time to travel to vets that offer specific services. That’s why we offer a visiting service for Consultant Registered Specialists and Consultant Professional Interest Practitioners.
Registered Specialists Consultants:
Andrew Turner from All Animal Eye Services visits on Wednesdays every six weeks for ophthalmology appointments. Appointments can be made by contacting All Animal Eye Care
Clint Yudelman from Insight Veterinary Medical Diagnostics. Appointments can be made through Bellarine Veterinary Practice or directly though Mobile Veterinary Diagnostics
Consultant Professional Interest Practitioners:
Kim Lim from Geelong Creatures’ Comfort visits every Wednesday for Rehabilitation Medicine. Contact Bellarine Veterinary Practice to make an appointment.
Daniel Mitchell from Vet Skin and Ear visits Mondays and Tuesdays each week for dermatology consultations, skin allergy testing and help with all unusual, stubborn skin diseases. Contact Bellarine Veterinary Practice to make an appointment.
If your pet requires more specialised care, we can refer you to the most appropriate veterinarian to provide the best veterinarian treatments for your pet.
