About Us

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is an organisation dedicated to conserving native wildlife and educating local communities about the importance of animal preservation. As one of their recent initiatives, the sanctuary is now aiming to raise funds to develop a vaccine for koala chlamydia. To help them reach their goals, Tallebudgera Vet have committed to donating $2.50 to the cause for every vaccine we administer. We encourage all our pet owners and local community to do the same.

Assistance Dogs Australia is an organisation dedicated to enhancing the lives of people living with disabilities, Autism and PTSD through funding Assistance Dogs for them and their families. These dogs have a profound effect on the lives of their new owners by providing them with companionship, support and independence. To be able to offer this incredible service, Assistance Dogs must be trained for over 2 years, costing around $35,000 to provide a qualified companion to their clients. For this reason, Tallebudgera Vet encourages any donations to the organisation to help them improve the lives of deserving Australians.

 Friends of the Hound is a wonderful organisation committed to rehoming former race dogs. As a result of the racing industry, greyhounds are among the most commonly disregarded dogs in Australia. Once they have reached the end of their racing career, greyhounds often find themselves at risk of being put down if a new home cannot be found. Friends of the Hound have made it their mission to rehome as many of these forgotten race dogs as possible, to provide a loving companion to families and a happy home for their pet. To help them reach their dream of setting up a purpose-built adoption centre for greyhounds, Tallebudgera Vet strongly supports the cause and encourages donations wherever possible.

(BVSc MAVSc) – Veterinary Surgeon

Ross grew up in Rockhampton, Qld. At age 17, Ross was accepted at the University of Queensland to study Veterinary Science. After graduating in 1976 with second class honours Bachelor of Veterinary Science, he travelled to the U.K. where he spent 6 months before flying to South Africa. He loved the country so much he ended up spending 25 years there, where he met his wife Sue and worked in several self-owned South African veterinary practices, primarily in a surgical position.

After their two sons were born, Ross packed up his family and, in 2002, returned to Australia where he and Sue started up Tallebudgera Veterinary Clinic. Ross furthered his qualifications by completing a Membership in Small Animal Surgery along with several other courses. This continued education has broadened his veterinary skills and has enabled him to do a number of complicated and orthopaedic surgical procedures.

Ross demands a high level of medical and surgical practice from himself and the staff. Constantly in demand and loved by his clients and patients, there are no forthcoming signs of retirement for Ross, as there are too many exciting new changes in his profession which he finds challenging and inviting.

(BVSc) – Veterinary Surgeon

Mark has been a practising veterinarian for over 18 years and brings to the clinic a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the field of small animal medicine.

In January 2020, after finishing up as Senior Veterinarian and Managing Partner at his practise in South Africa, Mark made the big move with his family to Australia where he took up a lead veterinarian position on the Gold Coast.

Mark then joined the Tallevet team in April 2021 as full-time senior vet, where clients and staff alike instantly took to his cheerful and friendly demeanour.

Outside of work, Mark enjoys trail running, mountain biking, photography, sailing and spending time with his lovely wife Sylvia (also a practising vet!), two young children and their beloved dog Stella.

(BVSc BVMS) – Veterinary Surgeon

Dr. Christina Webb joined our team in 2016. We were thrilled to welcome her and her knowledge of exotics to the line up!

Christina comes to us from the USA but has been living in Australia for 20 years. She obtained her Veterinary Degree at Murdoch University in Perth, where she went on to work in a semi-rural practice in South West, WA.

She regularly treated alpacas, sheep, goats, wildlife and of course our usual small domestic animals. Christina is happy to see anything weird and wonderful such as frogs, fish, turtles and snakes. She’s even seen a pet Walking Stick!

Dr. Christina lives on a farm in our beautiful Talle Valle with her gorgeous boy Liam, her Irish Setter Ruby, a horse named Shakira and a Pony named Gemma.

On her days off Christina likes to dress as a cowgirl, paddle board and ride horses. Her ultimate goal is to practice horseback archery!

(BVSc (Hons) ) – Veterinary Surgeon

Dr. Sylvia Shortreed joined our team in late 2022. With South African roots, Sylvia’s exposure to a variety of different animals instilled an early interest and love for all creatures. This paired with her positive outlook, calm demeanour and willingness to go the extra mile has made her the perfect fit for our team.

Realising her childhood dream of becoming a veterinarian, she graduated from Ondestepoort University in 2005 and has enjoyed working in companion animal clinics including welfare clinics first in South Africa and more recently on the Gold Coast, Australia.

Sylvia and her husband Mark made the exciting move to Australia with their 2 young kids and beloved family dog, Stella in 2020 and haven’t looked back.

They love the beaches and forests on offer in our beautiful are and the friendliness and warmth of the Tallebudgera community.

(BVSc) – Veterinary Surgeon

Dr. Kyra Craft joined the Tallebudgera team in July 2022 after spending the last 14 years living and working on the Gold Coast.

With her gentle nature, quick wit and empathetic, practical approach, we’re delighted to have her.

Kyra graduated from the University of Queensland in 2003 and began working in Northern NSW in a mixed practice. (One that sees both large and small animals). This semi-rural setting gave her an excellent foundation and valuable experience, especially in the area of out of hours emergency treatment.

Dr. Kyra’s love of adventure saw her travel to Northern India where she worked as a volunteer vet for an animal charity that provided health and desexing programs for street dogs. From there she travelled to the UK, moving around England gathering knowledge and honing her skills as a locum vet whilst using any available time off to explore Europe.

Becoming a veterinarian was something Dr. Kyra dreamed of as a little girl. From chickens, sheep, horses, guinea pigs, dogs, cats and even an emu (make sure you ask her about that one when you get the chance!), she has always loved caring for animals.

Outside of work Kyra is a lover of adventure and a busy Mum of two young children, two dogs, two cats and three guinea pigs!

(BVSc ) – Veterinary Surgeon

Dr. Meg

Business/Practice Manager

Sue is the business/practice manager at Talle Vet. You can find Sue in the office most days of the week. After running successful practices in South Africa, Sue immigrated to Australia with Ross and their two boys. Here she has immersed herself in helping Ross to build a successful, family-orientated veterinary clinic that meets the needs of our local community. She comes from a family of vets, so animals have always been a big part of her life. Sue dedicates her time to ensuring the clinic runs smoothly and efficiently in the manner our clients have become accustomed to.

Together with Ross, Sue leads the team in our quest for excellence. She is always willing to try and help in any way she can, ensuring that both our clients and pets are happy with their experience at Tallebudgera Veterinary Clinic.

Practice Manager

Debbie, our once amazing Head Nurse, now assists Sue as our other Practice Manager. She spent her first 8 years in Canberra where she obtained her qualifications. Deb then moved to Sydney where she spent 7 years in a managerial role in small animal practices where she was actively involved in rehabilitating and rehoming pound animals. She is highly valued for her skills and experience as a nurse and manager. Deb also assists the staff with ongoing education in our clinic’s mission to always deliver the latest and greatest treatments for all pets.

Always cheerful with a beautiful smile to greet fellow staff members and clients, Debbie dedicates a lot of time to improving clinic protocols and ensuring our  team delivers the highest standard of care to our patients.

Away from work, Deb loves spending time with her adorable son Alex, and their beautiful Labrador Nigel.

Senior Nurse / Puppy Preschool Teacher

Jodi is a qualified veterinary nurse with more than 25 years’ experience in the industry. She is a long-standing senior nurse and is the backbone of our clinic. Jodi also runs our very successful and well-known Puppy Pre-School. Classes are held at the clinic every Sunday between 10:00 and 11:00am.

Outside of work, Jodi is kept busy exercising and looking after her children (both two-legged and four-legged).  Jodi has a Staffy called Zara and a cheeky Burmese called Carlos, who keep her on her toes.

Jodi has a special way with all animals and is always happy to give you advice on raising a happy and healthy puppy. Feel free to call on her for any queries regarding your new puppy!

Nurse

Lauren is a qualified veterinary nurse and was welcomed to the Tallebudgera Team in 2019 after leaving her corporate career for a vocation she is passionate about. She brings with her a wicked sense of humour and a passion for all creatures.

A true local, Lauren was born and raised in Tallebudgera Valley surrounded by all sorts of animals, including cats, dogs, horses, cows and goats. She has always enjoyed an affinity with all creatures big and small.

A keen, competitive horse rider in her youth, Lauren also trialled in dog obedience, earning an instructor’s certificate.

Lauren has volunteered at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, fostered native wildlife, ridden horses competitively, trailed in dog obedience earning an instructor’s certificate and climbed the corporate ladder.

In 2009 Lauren, her husband and beautiful daughter moved back home to the Gold Coast to enjoy the lifestyle only the Coast can offer.

When not looking after your furry family, Lauren can be found training her Labrador Remy for scent work sports, enjoying the great outdoors, bush walking, paddleboarding, or hitting the beach.

Nurse

Desley is a qualified veterinary nurse who joined our team in mid 2018. She loves the career she has always dreamed of and thoroughly enjoys caring for all patients that come into our clinic.

She is mother to two wonderful adult children, a 15-year-old cat named Roxy and a rescue dog named Eddie ‘The Three Legged Wonder Dog’. Desley is extremely passionate about animals with a love of all species, but holds a special place in her compassionate heart for elephants and pigs.

Outside of work, Desley enjoys travelling and volunteering at ethical animal sanctuaries. She is a fantastic cook of vegan delicacies and frequently brings in wonderful treats for the Talle Vet team.

Animal attendant

Shakira joined the Talle Vet team on a school based traineeship and is now studying for her Certificate IV whilst at school.

She is calm and caring with a genuine and empathetic demeanour, we’re thrilled to have her as part of our team.

When Shakira is not at work you’ll find her in the surf, adventuring with friends and family or spending time with the furry members of her family.

Mr Tumnus is a 9 year old Mini Longhaired Dachshund, Simba the beautiful ginger cat and Stella the 13 year old Labrador x Staffy.

Nurse

Nurse

Jade is a qualified veterinary nurse with time, patience and understanding for everyone. We were fortunate to have her join our team in January 2022.

Born in Melbourne, raised in Banora Point and now calling Tallebudgera home, Jade spends her time outside of work in the paddock with her beautiful horse Sultan, who is a Stock horse x Arab) and at the beach or the park with her gorgeous dog, Odie who is a 3 year old Standard Poodle.

After leaving school early to follow her nursing dream, she spent 3 years studying Veterinary Nursing at TAFE whilst doing work placements. She qualified in 2019.

Jade has a passion for patient care and hospital management. In the future she would like to continue her studies and focus on specialist nursing or veterinary.

Nurse

Nicole

Receptionist

Vicki joined our reception team in November 2018, she provides witty banter, a big smile and a ‘nothing is a problem’ attitude.

With over 30 years of experience in the Veterinary Industry as both a nurse and a receptionist, Vicki is comfortable, capable and confident in providing you with the service you deserve.

When she is not at work you will find her spending time with her two adult children, her beautiful dog Star or preparing a wine and cheese platter for friends and family.

Receptionist

Receptionist

Julie joined our team in July 2022 after moving to the area from Melbourne. With around 10 years of experience in the Veterinary Industry ranging from nurse and receptionist to practice manager, she is ready, willing and able to provide you with the information and care you are looking for.

Being a self-proclaimed people person, Julie loves working as a Talle Vet receptionist as she’s able to spend her time in equal parts chatting to people and cuddling animals.

In addition to answering your calls and cuddling your pets Julie keeps our clients up to date with the latest clinic news by running our social media channels, writing monthly newsletters and clinic blogs! You’re always welcome to send photos of your pets to her via the clinic email.

When Julie is not at work, you’ll find her looking after her two young children and two elderly Cavaliers, Zoso and Volta, at the beach, listening to a true crime podcast or planning the next travel adventure.

Receptionist

Erin, our fun loving, witty receptionist, joined the team in 2018 after returning to QLD from the northern beaches of Sydney.

She has over 10 years’ experience in the veterinary industry and has worked in a variety of areas including animal welfare, general practice and human resources within a specialist animal hospital. Erin combines her love of animals with her experience in customer service to provide exceptional care to both clients and their pets at the clinic.

Outside of the clinic, Erin is kept busy by her 2 young children and her rescue dog Meg.

Receptionist

When not at work, you’ll find Mia at the beach, creek, river, lake (she’s not fussy.. so long as it’s water) hanging out with friends or relaxing at home with her family.

Nurse

Rosie is always cool, calm and collected. She’s logical, methodical and has a phenomenal eye for detail when it comes to her patients, but above all she is empathetic, understanding and fun! We were lucky enough to have her join the Talle Vet team in 2018.

She has been a veterinary nurse for 25 years gaining a degree in Veterinary Nursing in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and here in Australia.

Rosie holds down four jobs to ensure all of her passions are catered for… not only does she do her amazing work on small animals here with us, she works as a veterinary nurse for wildlife, as a veterinary nurse and field officer for koalas and she’s a Ranger/Zoo keeper.

Rosie’s favourite animal is a cat.. big or little, she doesn’t discriminate.

During her impressive veterinary nursing career, her most memorable experience was working with rescued elephants in Thailand.

When Rosie is not at one of her four jobs, you’ll find her socialising.. be it live music, camping, snowboarding or travelling, or when she needs a rest and rest she’ll be doing yoga or Pilates.