Gavin Rippon

Veterinarian & Practice Owner

Gavin graduated from the University of Queensland in 1991. In 1992 he moved to Port Macquarie to begin working for Frank Arnell at the Port Macquarie Veterinary Hospital. Frank also had a practice in Laurieton called the Camden Haven Veterinary Clinic.

Gavin worked between here and the Port Macquarie clinic until January 1995 when he purchased the clinic in Laurieton. In 2013 it was time for a change and he renamed the  clinic 'Camvet'.

Gavin has developed a special interest in reptiles over the years and has many snakes of his own, as well as  "Chase" the Collie, "Henry" the Golden Retriever, and cats Kendall and Dude.

Laura Austin

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Laura studied at The Australian College of Vet Of Nursing and TAFE NSW. She came to Camvet for her work placement while studying and has stayed on as a Vet Nurse. Laura enjoys providing hospital patient care and has a special interest in Horses.

Lyndal Buttsworth

Veterinary Nurse

Lyndal completed her studies at Taree TAFE and did her work placement at Taree Vet Hospital. Lyndal came to Camvet in 2020. Lyndal enjoys working with Hospital cases and animal care. Lyndal lives on a farm and enjoys horse riding and cattle mustering.

Claire D'Alpuget

Veterinarian

 Claire originally grew up in the southern suburbs of Sydney and has always been passionate about animals. After leaving school she travelled to Wagga Wagga NSW where she completed an Animal Science degree at Charles Sturt University. From there she worked as a Vet Nurse in Sydney for a year before moving to Townsville QLD to study Veterinary Science. She has always played a volunteer role in animal rescue groups and local wildlife groups to help the local community. Claire has a keen interest in all species great and small, and particularly loves establishing a relationship with clients and their fur babies.Claire can be seen walking and hiking around the Camden Haven with her cocker spaniel Tilly.

Faith Catania

Veterinary Nurse

Donna Wheeler

Receptionist

Donna has recently joined Camvet as a Receptionist. Donna has a background in Customer Service. Donna is an avid Penrith Panthers supporter. Donna loves animals and has 3 dogs of her own. 

James McCabe

Veterinarian

Melanie Edwards

Veterinary Nurse

Melanie studied Vet Nursing at Tamworth TAFE and came to Camvet as a work experience student. Melanie has been with Camvet for 16 years.

Christina Felty

Veterinarian

Chris Simmonds

Veterinarian

Shelley Smith

Veterinary Nurse

Kirstie Appleby

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Kirstie came to Camvet back in 2017 as a work placement student. She is currently studying a Certificate 4 in Vet Nursing. Kirstie has experience in dog grooming and enjoys horse riding in her spare time. 

Sophia Harman

Veterinary Nurse

Kylie Bruyn

Veterinary Nurse

Cassie Shaw

Veterinary Nurse

Brendan Weeks

Practice Manager

Jo Laws

Groomer

Jo has been grooming for 3 years and has been with Camvet for 12 months. Jo is currently studying Cert 4 Vet Nursing and is a big animal lover. Jo enjoys seeing her clients dogs leave the salon feeling fresh and fabulous.

Annette Payne

Administration

Annette came to Camvet in December 2020. Annette balances her time between Administration and Reception. Annette runs and owns GS Goat Farm, supplying meat to the east coast of Australia. Annette has a background in Vet Nursing, and went into the Horse Industry doing training, breeding and as an Instructor. Annette has also worked in the Banking & Finance Industry. Annette enjoys spending time with her family relaxing on their property.

Kylie Cooper

Receptionist

Kylie recently joined Camvet as a Receptionist. Kylie has a Cert 2 in Animal Studies and is passionate about animals.

Kylie enjoys greeting clients and their pets, and loves getting furry cuddles and kisses.

Kevin

Clinic Cat

Kevin is our resident cat. Kevin spends his days relaxing in the clinic and helps our boarding cats to settle in with his chilled out attitude.