Dr Grant Poolman

Practice Owner (BVSc MVSc)

Grant is a partner of the practice. He graduated from the University of Sydney in 1968 and completed his Masters in 1990.
 
Grant started his veterinary career in Victoria in large animal practice before moving to Pennant Hills where he worked in mixed practice until 1981. He then became a lecturer and course coordinator at Charles Sturt University, Wagga Wagga and remained there until 2000. Grant has been at the Bowral Veterinary Hospital since then. Grant's interests include golf, dressage equestrian events and discussing interesting veterinary cases. 
 
Outside of work Grant attends equestrian events as a horse owner, groom or veterinarian. He enjoyed his role as an FEI Veterinarian at major international equestrian events including the Sydney 2000 Olympics and the Rome World Championships for Equestrian Sports. Grant and his wife share their home with Lucy the cat, Bonnie a very cute Cairn Terrier and Axel, the Giant Schnauzer. They also have six horses, one of which is a grand prix dressage horse. 
 
Grant retired in July 2024 but is still actively involved in the running of Bowral Vet Hospital.


Dr Angus Hayes BVSc MVS

Practice Owner (BVSc MVS)

Angus is a partner of the practice and is a second generation vet, following in the footsteps of his father. Following his graduation from the University of Sydney back in 2001 he worked in the Hunter Valley before moving to the UK for 5 years. On returning to Australia, he worked in one of Sydney's premier veterinary clinics, Ku-Ring-Gai Veterinary Hospital for many years before making the move to become a partner at Bowral Veterinary Hospital.
 
He has completed a  Masters of Veterinary Studies through Murdoch University, concentrating on Small Animal Internal Medicine and Emergency/Critical Care. Angus practices in Western based acupuncture and uses the technique for a range of pain problems, especially in the older patients. Along with this, he has a special interest and skill in diagnostic imaging including ultrasonography. Having completed further studies in Reptile medicine, Angus loves treating pets of all shapes and sizes. 
 
Angus is a brand amabassador for Ivory Coat Companion Goods and consults closely with the 100% Australian owned and manufactured company regarding the health of your pets. For more information, visit the Ivory Coat page of our website.
 
Outside of the practice, Angus enjoys travel with his wife and camping with his two sons Hugo and Teddy. He also enjoys playing touch football and tennis when he gets the time. On top of his two young boys, he has his hands full with an elderly German Shorthaired Pointer named Otto, a German Shorthaired Pointer cross named Dashiel and a working Cocker Spaniel called Saffy.
 
 


Dr Kate Eppleston

Veterinarian (BVSc (Hons 1))

Having graduated from the University of Sydney in 2012, Kate joined the team at BVH. Kate has settled in to the Highlands well and is now an indispensable member of the practice.
 
Kate grew up and went to school in Bathurst NSW, however has spent many years in and around Sydney throughout her time at University. As a country girl who is used to the cold, the move to the Southern Highlands was easy.
 
Outside of the clinic, Kate enjoys playing netball, bushwalking and travelling. Kate has an elderly kelpie called Lou who she rescued a few years ago. She has recently adopted an inside nocturnal cat called Toby who only makes appearances after dark and an older cat named Izzy.
 
 
 


Dr Lucy Parker

Veterinarian (BVSc (Merit))

Lucy graduated from Sydney University in 2008. She has been a valued member of our team since 2017. Lucy moved to the Southern Highlands in 2010 and loves calling the Highlands home. She originally worked in mixed practice and did a large amount of equine work before focusing her attention on small animals.

Lucy is the proud mum of two boys. In her spare time, she enjoys socialising, hiking, skiing and the beach.


Dr Sophie May

Veterinarian (BVetBiol BVSc)

Sophie graduated from Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga in 2015, and started her career in Bathurst shortly after, where she worked for 2 and a half years as a mixed practice vet. In 2018, Sophie moved to the United Kingdom where she worked in a number of small animal clinics throughout England and Wales, as well as taking the opportunity to travel through Europe in her spare time.

After two years abroad, Sophie has relocated to the Southern Highlands with her husband Tim and they look forward to exploring everything the area has to offer. 

Sophie has recently returned from maternity leave, working Tuesday, Wednesday and the occasional weekend.


Dr Marea Eldridge BVSc

Veterinarian (BVSc)

Marea graduated from Sydney University in 1990 and has lived and worked in the Southern Highlands for over 30 years with a 2 year break to travel around Australia with her husband. She is particularly interested in veterinary medicine including behavioural medicine.

Marea has worked at Bowral Vet Hospital previously and is looking forward to being back with the team again.

When not working, Marea enjoys bushwalking, mountain biking and gardening. She tries to go camping and fishing as often as possible.


Dr Alexandra Carleton

Veterinarian (BScLLBLLM DVM)

Alexandra has recently moved to Bowral, having originally done an equine internship in New Zealand. She is keen on cats and making sure your feline companions have the care and attention they deserve. She has two rescue felines of her own and enjoys just lolling around at home with them when not at work. Her interests are in surgery, cardiology, oncology and birds.


Emma D'Arcy

Receptionist

Emma joined the team at Bowral Veterinary Hospital as a receptionist in 2007. Her previous experience was in medical reception for a general practitioner in Sydney. Emma has previously groomed for the Australian Eventing Team at Olympics and World chamionships. Outside of work Emma's interests include sailing, gardening and travel. Her fat cat Golly enjoys the good life. She has completed 2 half marathons and plans never to do another one!. 


Angela Ireland

Practice Manager

Angela is the Practice Manager of Bowral Veterinary Hospital and is an integral part of the clinic, having been with us since 1992. Her qualifications include Diploma in Small Business Management and an Accounting Diploma.

Outside of work Angela enjoys playing social golf, competition tennis, gardening and spending time with her family. Angela and her husband have a very spoilt cat called Isaac, a very naughty cat called Eric and a cheeky French Bulldog named Harrison. 


Renee Masters-Gilroy

Head Nurse

Renee is our Head Vet Nurse. She has completed Certificate IV in Vet Nursing in 2009 and her Diploma in Vet Nursing in 2023. Renee has a background in nursing, dairy farming as well as being a medical receptionist.

Renee has one dog - an Irish Wolfhound called Winnie, two black cats called Nigel and Kevin as well as a jungle python called Saffi. Renee enjoys a game of hockey whenever she can. Her other hobbies include camping, water skiing and going to the movies. Renee and her husband have two beautiful children, Adelyn and Harrison, that keep them on their toes!

 

 

 

 


Madison Porter

Veterinary Nurse

Madison has moved from Grafton to the Southern Highlands to start veterinary nursing. She has recently completed her Certificate IV in Vet nursing and is now attending University studying a Science degree. She has a cheeky cat called Smudge. Outside of work, Madison enjoys playing hockey, reading and relaxing with family and friends.

 

 

 

 

 


Teresa Harvey

Veterinary Nurse

Teresa has worked as a veterinary nurse for over 28 years. She has recently completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing to bring her qualifications up to date after previously completing veterinary nursing courses many years ago.

Teresa grew up on a small dairy farm in the Picton area. She has a Border Collie called Bandit, who she enjoys taking for bush walks, to the beach and competing in yard dog trials working sheep.


Melissa

Veterinary Nurse

Melissa has joined our team after being a vet nurse since 2014, completing her Certificate IV in vet nursing in 2015. She grew up in the Macarthur region, first working as a vet nurse there.

Melissa has a 1 year old kelpie called Oscar and she is constantly kept on her toes with her two mischievious cats, Tiga and Willow.

In Melissa's free time she enjoys going for bush and beach walks with her friends and dogs. She also enjoys going to see musicals and monster trucks.


Sophie Stephens

Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Sophie completed her Certificate III in Veterinary Nursing at Bowral Vet Hospital and is now studying her Certificate IV with us. Sophie has a Border Collie x Poodle called Ruby and outside of work she likes to spend time at the beach. go for walks and socialise with friends.Sophie's quiet confidence and calm manner are a real asset to our practice.


Erin Freeney

Veterinary Nurse

Erin has worked as a Veterinary Nurse since 2007 and has completed her Veterinary Nurse Certificate IV and the Diploma in Emergency Care. 

Outside of Vet Nursing she has her Community Coaching General Principles Certificate with the Australian Institute of Sport and a Bronze Medallion for Royal Life Saving. Keeping busy is something she loves - you can see her every Friday night at Mittagong Airfield teaching aviation to cadets as young as 8 years old and taking photos for her Photography business on weekends.

In the spare time Erin has left, she enjoys taking her Greyhound, Honey, for walks, raising money for the RSPCA and making cosplay outfits with her partner.


Claudia Pech

Veterinary Nurse

Claudia completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2024 after previously completing her Certificate II in Animal Studies with us in 2022. Claudia has a Blue Cattle Dog called Dolly as well as a turtle called Freddy. 

Outside of work, Claudia enjoys camping with friends, horse riding and spending time with Dolly.


Georgia Heffernan

Veterinary Nurse

Georgia joined our vet nurse team in 2024. She completed her certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2020, after changing careers from Early Childhood Education.

Georgia grew up on a property where there was an abundance of animals and this definitely fuelled her passion for veterinary nursing. At present she has 5 dogs ( 3 poodles, a cattle x koolie and a chocolate Labrador) and 2 cats, Bella and Panda.

When Georgia isn't at Bowral Vets caring for all our wonderful patients, she likes going to country events, camping, going out with friends and family, and being creative with DIY craft projects. 


Chris Swanson

Veterinary Nurse

Chris is a very positive addition to the nursing staff at Bowral Vets.

Chris completed his Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2024 with us. Chris has always loved animals after growing up on a cattle farm in Wingham. Chris has experience working at an RSPCA out west, pushing a desire to help animals in the medical field.

Chris likes going on bush walks with his Bull Terrier, Bruce and often spoils us with his fantastic baking skills, making cupcakes for all the staff.


  
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