I was originally employed as a receptionist for Balmain Vet Hospital in 1988, taking over the role of Practice Manager four years later in 1992. I have several pets - an 8 year old black Labrador called Zoe, a 13 year old Burmese cross called Tabitha and a grand-fish called Dory. I also have 3 adult children who have all been successfully weaned.
I started my career at Balmain & Drummoyne Vet Hospitals in 1999 whilst studying Veterinary Nursing at Ultimo TAFE. After several years of nursing, however, I discovered my passion in the vet industry lay in the area of management and reception, enabling me to mix not only with our patients but their wonderful owners as well. I am currently studying Veterinary Practice Management through the University of New England, and hope to complete this course by mid 2008. Current pets include a husband and 2 children in Sydney and a kelpie cross called Reg on my parents’ farm in North West New South Wales.
I started my career as a vet nurse at Balmain Vet Hospital in 1999 and I absolutely love it! I am currently studying my way towards a Diploma in Vet Nursing. Most people would say I am a ‘cat person’ (I am the personal slave to a pampered tabby cat named Tassie) but my love of animals extends to all creatures furry and feathered. Nursing sick or injured pets back to good health is my favourite part of the job. I also enjoy the challenge of a busy reception, and the training of new staff.
Claire Parnwell
I
studied Veterinary Nursing in England for 2 years, qualifying in 1998. Keen
to travel, I came to Australia in 1999 and started nursing at Annandale Vet
Hospital, before taking on my position here at Balmain Vet Hospital in March
2002. I have a keen interest in the continuing education of veterinary
nurses and am passionate about animal welfare. I am a committee member of
the Vet Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) – a role I enjoy as I can keep up
to date with the progress of the
vet nursing industry. I have to cats – Skanky & Hannah and a cattle cross
called Sonic. I am expecting my first child at the end of May.
Wendy
Torok-Mayer
I have been a nurse at
Drummoyne & Balmian since 1997, as well as a short stint nursing on the
Central Coast and at Struggletown Vets at Randwick. I especially love taking
care of all our different patients. I have a special interest in animal
dentistry and in surgery. I own 7 cats (who rule our home). I am always
furthering my nursing studies especially in the areas of surgery, dentistry
and medicine. My most exciting achievement was the birth of my son Harry in
2002. I have a very patient husband who copes with all our animals very
well.
Belinda Broad
I have
been at Balmain and Drummoyne Vet Hospitals since 2000. I first started as
an Animal Attendant whilst studying Vet Nursing at TAFE. After completing my
studies, I became a full-time nurse. I enjoy all aspects of nursing and pet
care, providing a grooming
service available to those patients which require ‘extra care’. I have a
variety of animals at home, including rabbits, birds, fish, cats and dogs
(Chihuahuas).
Vicky Cucek
I started my vet nursing career at a bird vet in Carlingford on Saturday
mornings. I was then fortunate enough to join
Balmain Vet
Hospital in February 2004. I completed my vet nursing certificate at the end
of 2005. I have 2 cats – a Burmese called
Milo & a Ragdoll called Samson. I also have a
cattle cross called Max. Although some days can be quite demanding and
hectic I wouldn’t want to work anywhere else. You will find me mostly at
reception these days as I love meeting new pets everyday. I love the people
I work with and have a great admiration and respect for the work they do.
I started working at Balmain & Drummoyne Veterinary Hospitals in 2004 after my HSC. After doing 2 weeks work experience at my local vet I knew that was the career to follow. I have finished my Certificate in Veterinary nursing and am an assistant at puppy preschool now. I own a cat called Bagette (found in a plastic bag in a park) and a great dane x pointer called Ted. I love my job and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Ara Goh
I started working at Drummoyne & Balmain Vet Hospitals as an animal
attendant at the end of 2002 after completing a week of work experience
through school. I am currently studying for my vet nursing certificate
through the animal resources centre. I own a Golden Retriever x called
Chucky and a hand reared cat named Ellie-May.
I started working at Balmain Vet Hospital at the end of 2006 and am a new member to the nursing team. I grew up on a property in a small country town and have always had a passion for animals. I have been in Sydney for 6 years and have a background in sports, retail and animal care. I am currently studying Certificate IV in Veterinary nursing and wish to further my career in animal care and behaviour. I am also owner of a beautiful rescued adoption kitten by the name of Kira.
After finishing my Bachelor of Visual Arts and working in retail management for 2 years, I realised my real passion was working with animals. I am only new to the industry but I absolutely love it! My favourite part is assisting with surgery and being a part of recovering sick animals. I own a cat called Pepsi, a Maltese x Shih Tzu called Oscar and I have just acquired 2 new hand reared kittens called Arlyn & Louie …….I love them all!!
I have always been interested in working with animals and animal welfare. I grew up on 5 acres surrounded by an assortment of animals including cats, dogs, horses, pigs and chickens most of which had been dumped or cruelly treated by their previous owners. Currently I have 4 cats called Oscar, Benson, Chloe and Sweetpea as well as 4 Guinea pigs. After 19 years in retail I decided it was time for a career change. In December 2004 I started working at Balmain Veterinary Hospital as an animal attendant. I completed my Veterinary Nursing Certificate in 2006. I love every minute of my work and consider myself extremely fortunate to be working here with the best group of vets and nurses I could ever hope to work with.
I started working at Balmain as an animal attendant in 2003. I worked as an animal attendant for 2 years during high school. I took a year off from study to travel and train as vet nurse. I am currently at Sydney Uni doing an arts degree and working part time at Balmain Veterinary Hospital mostly at reception. I have 2 cats, Jasper who is a one-eyed and blind beautiful boy and a little rascal called Pheobe. I also have a staffy called Lucy.