at West Gippsland Vet Care
Book an appointment with one of the most experienced veterinarians in Gippsland today!
Meet the Team at West Gippsland Vet Care
The team at West Gippsland Vet Care represents a wealth of collective experience and expertise in their respective fields. Our veterinary staff consists of a dedicated group of skilled professionals with extensive backgrounds in large and small animal practice, making them an invaluable asset to the Gippsland community.
Our veterinarians collectively represent more than 200 years of experience, dedication, and passion within the industry. Our vets epitomise excellence and are dedicated to providing the very best in animal care in a variety of spheres – ranging from ruminant animals to small family pets. With a strong focus on continuing education and study, our vets strive to bring the latest in veterinary science to our practices.
Our large team of support staff, vet nurses and administrators, are the beating heart of West Gippsland Vet Care. Our team is made up of people truly passionate about the welfare and health of animals, represented by our strong focus on making appointments stress-free for people and animals alike. Our goal is to have the majority of our staff “Fear Free” accredited across both practices.
At West Gippsland, our team of hardworking and passionate people truly believe in providing the best in veterinary care – from general appointments and checks, to surgery, to post-op care. You can be assured that our dedicated staff of animal lovers will care for your pets and animals with kindness, sincerity, and excellence.
Warragul
Drouin
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Grant Nielsen
Partner, Veterinarian BVSc(Hons) MACVSc(Nutrition)
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Grant lives in Warragul with his wife Sophie and their two boys Jeremy and Sam. He enjoys keeping fit and does the occasional triathlon.
Dr. Benton Smith
Partner, Veterinarian BVSc MACVSc(Surgery)
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In 2002 Ben undertook a 12-month Small Animal Surgery Internship in Melbourne, during which he attained his Membership to the Small Animal Surgery Chapter from the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists.
He is AQIS accredited for the export of dogs and cats and in 2006 achieved his accreditation for the PennHIP program for the prevention of canine hip dysplasia. His areas of interest include canine reproduction, orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. In 2020, Ben completed his Master of Business Management (MBA) with Deakin University.
Ben lives locally with his wife Stephanie and his two children Noah and Ella, dogs Gus,Ruby and Lexie and cat Sunny. In his spare time he enjoys riding his mountain bike, gardening, golf and brewing beer!
Dr. Simon Ronalds
Partner, Veterinarian BVSc
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Simon’s main interests lies in cattle medicine, surgery and herd health. He is AACV pregnancy test accredited, Countdown Downunder accredited advisor (mastitis investigations) and has completed his certificate in gross pathology (field postmortems). Simon also enjoys his occasional times in the clinic caring for the smaller members of your family.
Simon lives in Drouin with his wife, Carla – a local paramedic, and their three children Lachlan, Charlotte and Hamish who all adore their old Kelpie x Collie, Hunter.
Dr. Christopher Thorne
Partner, Veterinarian BVSc(Hons) MANZCVSc(Surgery)
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Chris enjoys the challenge of problem-solving interesting cases and enjoys communicating with and educating our clients.
Chris and his wife Natalie have three children, Olivia, Archer and Jim. They have a Fox Terrier called Pi and 6 chickens.
Dr. Christine Vanschyndel
Partner, Veterinarian BVSc(Hons)
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The remainder of Chris’ time is spent looking after her three children Harry, Téa and Nina with her husband Ward at their property in Ellinbank. She enjoys travelling, hiking and camping.
Dr. Mitchell Dodds
Partner, Veterinarian BSc, DVM (Distinction)
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Dr. Michelle Hunt
Veterinarian BSc BVSc
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Dr. Stephanie Wade
Veterinarian BVSc
Stephanie loves adventure so she decided to move to North Queensland to study Veterinary science and graduated from James Cook University, Townsville, in 2011.
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It wasn’t long until Stephanie found her niche in Small animal medicine and decided to pursue that and work in a Small animal Veterinary clinic in Traralgon.
Looking for new challenges, Stephanie then moved onto Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care and has since been working at an Emergency clinic in Melbourne. Stephanie has recently joined us after recommencing clinical work after having her first son, Henry.
Stephanie completed the Graduate Certificate in Small Animal Abdominal Ultrasound through the University of Melbourne in 2018. She has a special interest in Small Animal Ultrasonagrophy, Medicine and Emergency & Critical Care.
Steph and her husband, full time farmer George, live on their family Sheep and Beef farm in Trafalgar. Stephanie spends most of her spare time gardening, helping out on the farm and raising her son Henry and daughter Elenor.
Dr. Carla Fletcher
Veterinarian BVMS BSc (High Distinction)
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Dr. Leanne Horstman
Veterinarian BVSc
Leanne and her family moved to Warragul from Maffra more than 10 years ago. Leanne owned and ran her own vet business before she became a District Vet Officer at Ellinbank . She now wants to pursue her passion for companion animal medicine and enjoys meeting pets and their families at our practice.
Dr. Tegan Brown
Veterinarian BSc DVM
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Dr. Tegan finds joy in nursing pets back to health and witnessing their happy reunions with families. Her downtime is spent reading, gardening, and enjoying time with her wife and Bernese Mountain Dog, Maggie. Committed to community service, she serves as Secretary at the Yarragon Fire Brigade.
Dr. Tegan’s journey reflects a deep love for animals, unwavering dedication, and a genuine desire to improve the lives of pets and their owners.
Dr. Fiona Armstrong
Veterinarian BVSc (hons)
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Beyond her professional endeavors, Fiona enjoys exploring the wonders that Gippsland has to offer. Additionally, she values quality time with her family and friends back in Warrnambool, as well as traveling to experience new places and create lasting memories.
Dr. Anna Willis
Veterinarian BSc, BVSc (Distinction)
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Dr. Lisa McRobert
Veterinarian BSc DVM
Lisa is a dedicated veterinarian who graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2016. Her career began in the picturesque South Gippsland/Bass Coast region, where she immersed herself in mixed practice. Lisa’s passion for animals led her to work closely with a wide range of creatures, from calving cows to stitching up dogs, and even the delightful fairy penguins and wildlife on Phillip Island.
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Her love for the diverse challenges of mixed practice has kept her engaged and fulfilled. Lisa thrives in the unpredictability of her work, where no two days are the same, whether it’s tending to a farm animal, performing surgery on a beloved pet, or sharing a moment with a friendly chicken.
Beyond her veterinary profession, Lisa is an avid nature enthusiast. Camping and hiking are her go-to activities, and she recently embarked on a 12-month adventure living out of a caravan while locuming and exploring the stunning landscapes of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
Now, Lisa is eager to transition into a less nomadic lifestyle. She looks forward to spending quality time with her partner and their cherished feline companion, Stevie. Lisa’s dedication to animal care and her love for the great outdoors make her an invaluable member of our team.
Dr. Beth Bayliss
Veterinarian BVB/BVSc
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Her love for the diverse challenges of mixed practice has kept her engaged and fulfilled. Lisa thrives in the unpredictability of her work, where no two days are the same, whether it’s tending to a farm animal, performing surgery on a beloved pet, or sharing a moment with a friendly chicken.
Beyond her veterinary profession, Lisa is an avid nature enthusiast. Camping and hiking are her go-to activities, and she recently embarked on a 12-month adventure living out of a caravan while locuming and exploring the stunning landscapes of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
Now, Lisa is eager to transition into a less nomadic lifestyle. She looks forward to spending quality time with her partner and their cherished feline companion, Stevie. Lisa’s dedication to animal care and her love for the great outdoors make her an invaluable member of our team.
Dr. Mia McIntosh
Veterinarian BVBio/BVSc
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Her love for the diverse challenges of mixed practice has kept her engaged and fulfilled. Lisa thrives in the unpredictability of her work, where no two days are the same, whether it’s tending to a farm animal, performing surgery on a beloved pet, or sharing a moment with a friendly chicken.
Beyond her veterinary profession, Lisa is an avid nature enthusiast. Camping and hiking are her go-to activities, and she recently embarked on a 12-month adventure living out of a caravan while locuming and exploring the stunning landscapes of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
Now, Lisa is eager to transition into a less nomadic lifestyle. She looks forward to spending quality time with her partner and their cherished feline companion, Stevie. Lisa’s dedication to animal care and her love for the great outdoors make her an invaluable member of our team.
Dr. Maggie Digby
Veterinarian BSc DVM
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Her love for the diverse challenges of mixed practice has kept her engaged and fulfilled. Lisa thrives in the unpredictability of her work, where no two days are the same, whether it’s tending to a farm animal, performing surgery on a beloved pet, or sharing a moment with a friendly chicken.
Beyond her veterinary profession, Lisa is an avid nature enthusiast. Camping and hiking are her go-to activities, and she recently embarked on a 12-month adventure living out of a caravan while locuming and exploring the stunning landscapes of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
Now, Lisa is eager to transition into a less nomadic lifestyle. She looks forward to spending quality time with her partner and their cherished feline companion, Stevie. Lisa’s dedication to animal care and her love for the great outdoors make her an invaluable member of our team.
Dr. Dan Reiner
Veterinarian BSc DVM
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Her love for the diverse challenges of mixed practice has kept her engaged and fulfilled. Lisa thrives in the unpredictability of her work, where no two days are the same, whether it’s tending to a farm animal, performing surgery on a beloved pet, or sharing a moment with a friendly chicken.
Beyond her veterinary profession, Lisa is an avid nature enthusiast. Camping and hiking are her go-to activities, and she recently embarked on a 12-month adventure living out of a caravan while locuming and exploring the stunning landscapes of South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Western Australia.
Now, Lisa is eager to transition into a less nomadic lifestyle. She looks forward to spending quality time with her partner and their cherished feline companion, Stevie. Lisa’s dedication to animal care and her love for the great outdoors make her an invaluable member of our team.
Our Support Staff
Stephanie Smith
Practice Manager
Steph joined the WGVC team in 2005 and she is passionate about ensuring our patients and clients have the best experience we can offer them. She loves supporting our team to achieve our company goals of being the leading Veterinary Care provider in Gippsland.
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In her spare time Steph enjoys spending time with her family, catching up with friends, reading and gardening.
Cindy Beaumont
Inventory Manager
These days Cindy works on reception and in the very important role of inventory manager. Without her keeping the shelves stocked the clinic would grind to a halt very quickly. Cindy enjoys being able to help clients with their pets and farm animals with helpful advice and keeping the clinic running smoothly. She also enjoys coming to work to spend time with her workmates.
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When not working or looking after ALL those animals she enjoys horse riding, spending time with her dogs, trips up the bush and music.
Leanne Nicholls
Office Manager
Leanne enjoys interacting with all of our clients both large animals and small. She loves being able to pat, cuddle and enjoy pets in all shapes and sizes and call it work!
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In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family and camping in the high country with her awesome husband Nicko and no phone reception!
Naomi Wolfenden
Vet Nurse
Naomi joined our team in 2005. She loves meeting our clients and their pets and enjoys listening to the stories that get shared with her. She has been known to shed a tear or have a good laugh with clients when they need it most. She enjoys watching the progression of our puppy and kitten patients as they grow and develop at each visit.
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In her spare time Naomi enjoys spending time with her children, tending to her chickens and occasionally exhibiting them. She also loves home decorating and can often be found with a paintbrush in her hand.
Georgia Kemp
Vet Nurse
Georgia joined the WGVC team in 2008 and has worked her way up to be a supervisor for trainee staff. She is passionate about surgery and emergency nursing and loves reuniting a pet with its owner knowing she has played a part in its treatment and care.
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Marnie Barnett
Vet Nurse
Marnie loves the diversity of mixed practice vet nursing and relishes being able to provide quality care to all our patients whether it be a tiny kitten in the cat ward or a sick calf in our calf hospital.
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Kaz Lindley
Vet Nurse
Chloe Wallace
Vet Nurse
Tayla Sheppard
Vet Nurse
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Sophie Hodge
Vet Nurse
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Mikayla McDonald
Vet Nurse
Mikayla has been passionate about animal health and care from a young age, having grown up surrounded by various pets. This lifelong connection with animals inspired her to pursue a career as a veterinary nurse. Mikayla’s goal with each patient is to deliver the highest quality of care, ensuring that every individual leaves the clinic in optimal health. At home, she shares her life with a Border Collie puppy named Remi, an Aussie Shepherd named Pippa, two cats, Muffin and Deano, along with multiple fish and chickens.
Amanda Crowley
Vet Nurse
In 2020, Amanda joined the WGVC team, marking a pivotal moment in her professional journey. Prior to this, she underwent a notable career transition, transitioning from a background in primary school teaching to embarking on a new chapter in veterinary nursing. Amanda’s commitment to learning and caring for animals was evident as she successfully completed her Vet Nursing training, honing her knowledge and skills within mixed practice clinics.
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Her passion for both animals and people has been a driving force behind her fulfilling role at WGVC, where the welfare and care of animals are always at the forefront. Amanda finds immense satisfaction in collaborating with like-minded individuals who share her enthusiasm for providing top-notch care to animals under their watch.
Beyond the clinic, Amanda’s life is enriched by her family. She cherishes quality time with her fiancé, stepdaughter, and two young sons. The family enjoys the company of their Husky, Tess, on invigorating walks, and they create lasting memories on family trips in their caravan. Amanda’s dedication to the well-being of animals extends beyond the workplace, making her an invaluable member of the WGVC team.
Kyla Fraser
Receptionist
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Rebecca Jennings
Receptionist
Rebecca joined our team in 2021, and is so grateful for the opportunity to work with the passionate and friendly team at WGVC everyday. She loves seeing pets reunited with their humans after a stay with us, and is excited and inspired to expand her knowledge.
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Eileen Beaumont
Vet Nurse
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Alicia Jensen
Receptionist
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Christy Cockram
Vet Nurse
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Michelle Wake
Groomer
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Isabelle Harvey
Vet Nurse
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Maria-Magdaleena Marchidan
Vet Nurse
In February 2023, Maria enthusiastically joined our team, bringing her insatiable appetite for learning and career development. Her favorite aspect of the job extends beyond cuddling puppies; it’s the joy she experiences when witnessing her once sick patients return, healthy, and content.
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Bridie Smith
Vet Nurse
Bridie’s journey into the world of animal care began on a friend’s dairy farm during her childhood. Those early days spent helping out laid the foundation for her deep-rooted love for animals. As a teenager, she dedicated her time to the RSPCA, where her passion for animal welfare continued to grow.
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In her late teens, Bridie took on a role in boarding kennels, further immersing herself in the world of animals. It was during this time that she realized her true calling and decided to embark on a career in veterinary nursing. In 2009, she took a bold step and joined a small family veterinary practice, where she honed her skills and developed a strong sense of compassion for her furry patients.
Bridie’s dedication to animal welfare is unmistakable. Her heart beats for the well-being of all creatures, and her love for goats is something truly special. Whether it’s the gentle bleat of a newborn kid or the inquisitive gaze of an adult goat, Bridie’s connection with these animals is unparalleled.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Bridie finds solace and joy in exploring the world around her. With her two boys by her side, she embarks on adventures, always chasing the sun and seeking new experiences. In her life’s journey, Bridie has transformed her childhood fascination into a purpose-driven career, and her commitment to the welfare of animals continues to shine brightly.
Lily Heath
Receptionist
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In her late teens, Bridie took on a role in boarding kennels, further immersing herself in the world of animals. It was during this time that she realized her true calling and decided to embark on a career in veterinary nursing. In 2009, she took a bold step and joined a small family veterinary practice, where she honed her skills and developed a strong sense of compassion for her furry patients.
Bridie’s dedication to animal welfare is unmistakable. Her heart beats for the well-being of all creatures, and her love for goats is something truly special. Whether it’s the gentle bleat of a newborn kid or the inquisitive gaze of an adult goat, Bridie’s connection with these animals is unparalleled.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Bridie finds solace and joy in exploring the world around her. With her two boys by her side, she embarks on adventures, always chasing the sun and seeking new experiences. In her life’s journey, Bridie has transformed her childhood fascination into a purpose-driven career, and her commitment to the welfare of animals continues to shine brightly.
Donna Murnane
Receptionist
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In her late teens, Bridie took on a role in boarding kennels, further immersing herself in the world of animals. It was during this time that she realized her true calling and decided to embark on a career in veterinary nursing. In 2009, she took a bold step and joined a small family veterinary practice, where she honed her skills and developed a strong sense of compassion for her furry patients.
Bridie’s dedication to animal welfare is unmistakable. Her heart beats for the well-being of all creatures, and her love for goats is something truly special. Whether it’s the gentle bleat of a newborn kid or the inquisitive gaze of an adult goat, Bridie’s connection with these animals is unparalleled.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Bridie finds solace and joy in exploring the world around her. With her two boys by her side, she embarks on adventures, always chasing the sun and seeking new experiences. In her life’s journey, Bridie has transformed her childhood fascination into a purpose-driven career, and her commitment to the welfare of animals continues to shine brightly.
Cassidy Holland
Vet Nurse
Cassidy grew up locally in Neerim South and since a young age has always had a passion for working with animals great and small. After starting nursing in 2021 and becoming fully qualified, Cassie joined the West Gippsland Vet Care Team in July. She has a true passion for surgery in particular trouble shooting anaesthetics. When she isn’t in clinic she is often outside running her German Shepard Jax, or spending time with friends and family.
Geselle McFarlane
Trainee Vet Nurse
About our Clinic
The team at West Gippsland Veterinary Centre have been through a variety of changes over the last 30 years.
Founded in 1989 by local vets Bruce Robertson and Joe Brady, “Robertson and Brady Veterinary Clinic” looked after four-legged locals until 2005, when a major renovation, and the emergence of Doctors Joe Brady, Grant Nielsen, and Benton Smith as co-owners was marked by our name change to “West Gippsland Veterinary Centre”.
In 2008 we opted to expand our care and reach into the region, and took over the Drouin practice from retiring Mike Traumanis. After a renovation in 2010, we renovated and relocated the practice to it’s wonderful current location.
Dr Simon Ronalds joined our partnership in 2014 to take the place of Dr Joe Brady, upon his retirement. We changed our name once more to “West Gippsland Vet Care” to reflect our dual locations, and our commitment to caring for your animals. In 2019, Dr Chris Thorne was welcomed to the partnership team, bringing with him a wealth of small animal medicine and surgery experience.
Our staff boasts 11 experienced Veterinary Surgeons and a team of support staff made up of Veterinary Nurses, Receptionists and Administrative staff. We aim to provide the best in care for all aspects of your animal’s visit; from booking your appointment, diagnosing health issues, surgeries, to aftercare.
Our two state of the art veterinary facilities in Drouin and Warragul have been designed with the comfort of you and your pets in mind, with light and spacious waiting rooms, and with Fear Free techniques in place, we aim to make your visit as enjoyable as possible for you and your pet.
Our staff love having you and your pets in for check ups – and pride ourselves on our ability to access extensive medical histories for our patients in each of our consultation rooms. We stock fully equipped pharmacies, and provide our own in-house laboratory facilities in order to expedite the diagnostic process and to ensure that you leave our premises fully stocked with everything you need for the continuing care of your animals.
Should your pets or animals need surgery, our surgical facilities are state of the art. Our operating theatres are equipped with the latest in surgical technology, and we host separate climate controlled cat and dog wards for pre and post-op care. We have the capacity to cater to large animals as well, with modern calf hospital and surgery, cattle ramp and crush.
At West Gippsland Vet Care, you can be assured that everything, from our staff to our facilities, operates with the best care of your animals in mind. You are welcome to visit us, and experience the difference we provide for yourself!
“Sincerity, kindness, and professionalism”
★★★★★
Thank you to Simon for his prompt actions, sincerity, kindness and professionalism when we first took Fraser into the clinic if it wasn’t for what Simon did and how he did it in those crucial few minutes and through Sat night Fraser probably wouldn’t be with us today then treatment and care for Fraser continued at the same high level standard from all the vets and staff involved. They all kept me informed updated. I cannot in anyway fault any of them. I have been dealing with this clinic for over 6yrs and would recommend them without hesitation.
Again a huge Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you did for Fraser.”
– Vanessa S., 5-Star Facebook Review
Book an appointment with one of the most experienced veterinarians in Gippsland today!
West Gippsland Vet Care Warragul
West Gippsland Vet Care Drouin
We have a 24/7 Emergency Service
(Available to Existing Clients Only)
We have a 24/7 Emergency Service
(Available to Existing Clients Only)
Visit Us
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am - 12pm
Visit Us
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am - 12pm
West Gippsland Vet Care Warragul
We have a 24/7 Emergency Service
(Available to Existing Clients Only)
Visit Us
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am - 12pm
West Gippsland Vet Care Drouin
We have a 24/7 Emergency Service
(Available to Existing Clients Only)
Visit Us
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00am - 5:30pm
Sat: 8:30am - 12pm
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For appointments, use our online booking feature or give us a call and speak to one of our friendly receptionists.