Our Staff
VETERINARIANS |
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| Derek Major BVSc MACVSc Derek Major is a founding partner, and graduated from Sydney University in 1979. He is currently managing partner, and has particular interests in surgery, and reproduction. |
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Ian
Duckworth BVSc Ian Duckworth is also a founding partner, having graduated from Sydney University in 1984. Particular interests include sports medicine, racetrack practice and stud medicine. |
| Neil Walton BVSc MRCVS MACVSc Neil Walton joined the practice in 1992, and hails from England, where he gained his degree in Liverpool. He is especially interested in all aspects of thoroughbred racing. He is a co-owner of Agnes Banks Equine Clinic with Derek and Ian. |
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Mark
Shembri BSc(Vet) BVSc Mark started as an intern at Agnes Banks in 2002 after completing an honours science degree in freezing of equine sperm in 1999. Mark now runs the artificial breeding department with a particular interest in embryo transfer and problem mare breeding. Mark was awarded the AEVA NatureVet Scholarship in 2003 and has recently returned from his sabbatical at Texas A&M, Colorado State university, Rood and Riddle Kentucky and Newmarket. Mark is also an honorary veterinarian for the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) and Sydney Royal Easter Show. |
| Vicki Tomes BVSc Vicki graduated from Queensland University at the end of 2005 and has completed her internship but we could not bear to part with her. She has agreed to stay as a fully fleged Veterinarian for the time being!. Having spent 12 months working at Woodlands Stud in the Hunter Valley and with equine experience in both Australia and overseas, she has proved a popular and capable veterinarian.. |
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Bill Matthews BVSc Cert. ESM MRCVS Bill graduated from Sydney University in 1985 and worked in a variety of equine practices within Australia and the UK before becoming a partner in an equine practice in the south of England. As one of three partners, assisted the growth of the hospital to 14 equine vets and a large support staff. Became Chief examiner for the Royal College in Equine Stud Medicine. Returned to Australia for family reasons, joining ABEC in August 2008. Areas of interest include stud medicine, lameness and diagnostic imaging. |
| Kylie Huxford BVSc Kylie arrived in January 2009 from New Zealand. Kylie graduated from Massey University in Palmerston North. Kylie has worked onThoroughbred Studs and Polo Properties in both Australia and New Zealand. Kylies equine interests are medicine and reproduction. Other interests include mountain biking, scuba diving and hiking. |
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Rebecca Fogarty BVSc(Hons) Rebecca graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2007. Rebecca has worked on Thoroughbred studs in Victoria and prior to joining the team at Agnes Banks Rebecca worked in mixed practice in Bairnsdale. Rebecca's veterinary interests include sports medicine, surgery and neonatology. Outside of veterinary science she enjoys horse riding, beach life and music. |
SUPPORT STAFF |
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| Heather McKinnon Heather McKinnon is the office manager, and has a family background in horse breeding. Previously she has worked as a legal secretary, and in the farm produce area, and her experience is of great benefit |
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Cathy Cupit Cathy Cupit has joined the team as Heather's Assistant. She brings many years of equestrian knowledge to the practice, and is a well-known face around the Hawkesbury with her equestrian pursuits. |
| Sandy Wesselink Sandy Wesselink is the Head Nurse, having gained her advanced veterinary nursing certificate in 1996 and has a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing, which is a teaching level qualification. She supervises all hospital operations, as well as conducting an educational role at Agnes Banks Equine Clinic. Steve and Sandy breed and show Clydesdale horses. |
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Kylie McGhie Kylie McGhie came to us from school as a trainee in 1999, and is also a qualified Veterinary Nurse. She shares nursing duties with Sandy. Kylie is Deputy Director of nursing. |
| Amanda Little Amanda has a great love of horses, and also sprint car racing! She helps out in a variety of roles, including nursing and horse care, administration and drug inventory. |
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Michael Goddard Michael J is a dedicated and enthusiastic member of the ABEC team. Michael J came to us in 2004 after working several years in a small animal clinic and has completed several qualifications including a diploma in Veterinary Nursing and Equine Nursing along with certificates in Business Management and Business Skills. Michael J's hobbies include horse showing as well as recently beginning eventing. |
Emma Hoath Emma finished High School in 2003 and has since then ridden on the Australian Young Rider eventing team in New Zealand. Emma is currently training to become a Level 1 coach and is enjoying being able to improve her veterinary knowledge here at the clinic. |
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Rachael Muir Rachael started in 2006 after completing the Horse Industry Business and Management Certificate 2 at TAFE and then going on to complete her Equine Nursing Certificate 3. Rachael has an interest in dressage riding and is currently pursuing this discipline. |
Mel Massingham Mel is new member of the team and is enjoying her time here at the clinic. Mel has been riding since she was 9 and has a passion for animals. |
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