Dr Dick Murray BVSc, MSc, FAVA, MACVSc

Dick Murray graduated in ’73 at U.Q. and has been involved principally in companion animal (pet) practice since then.

Dick’s contributions to the profession have been recognised by the Australian Veterinary Association in the form of an MSO (Meritorious Service Award), Fellowship of the Association and the Gilruth Prize of the Australian Veterinary Association.

His Masters degree from JCU was for research into Urban Animal Management and his admission to membership of the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists was for studies in Animal Behaviour.

His Order of Australia Medal was awarded for 2 decades of voluntary work in the field of Animal Management in the roles of Convenor for the Urban Animal management group and, subsequently, President of the Australian Institute of Animal Management.

Dr Helen Reeves BVSc (Hons)

After a lot of distractions and a late start, Helen graduated with Honours from the University of Queensland in 2001. She had always thought she'd work in mixed practice, but halfway through her degree the reality of freezing cold mornings (and nights) in dairy cattle country hit home and from then on her sights were firmly set on cats and dogs - a decision she has never regretted.

Helen is currently undertaking MACVSc studies for Membership examinations in Small Animal Internal Medicine. Helen is the proud owner of a big foolish dog called Harry.

Dr Alana Dowdell DVM

Alana has been with the clinic since graduating from Kansas State University in 2004.  While interested in all aspects of general practice, she really enjoys critical care and reconstructive surgery.  She also enjoys improving the quality of life of our aging pets.

As a new parent, she's had to cut back to part-time work at the clinic and stays busy trying to see all her great clients in the shortened work-week.

Alana owns Molly, a mix-breed that looks like a miniature Rottweiler.  While short in stature she is big on attitude!

Dr Peta Byrne BVSc (Hons)

Peta came to work for WSVC at the start of 2009. She was born and raised in Townsville and loves the city and its community. She has never strayed from her lifelong goal of becoming a vet and as such she aims to utilise the great mentorship at WSVC to provide excellent healthcare for your pet. Her other veterinary interests include enhancing the bond between pet and owner, animal welfare (especially in the areas of factory farming and caged hens), behaviour and opthalmology. She also hopes to soak up the knowledge of the clinic's resident expert in exotics, Dr Libby Moodie.

She has a beautiful rescue dog called Mocha who is the light of her life, and also minds a cantankerous cat Astrophe. Budgies, cockatiels, chickens, ducks, fish, rats and guinea pigs have also had a place in her home in the past, and one day probably will again.

Dr Alistair Graham Evans MA, VetMB

Alistair graduated from Cambridge University in 1984 and has worked in small animal, farm and equine practice in the UK. He has owned and managed an 8-vet hospital practice on the south coast of England.

Six years ago he moved with his family to the Sunshine Coast. He visits us regularly in a locum capacity so we can take breaks to holiday and attend further education courses.

He has two scruffy dogs called Scruffy and Jazz that he rehomed from an animal shelter.

Courtney Page – Veterinary Nurse

Courtney started her veterinary nursing career in 2005 as a casual trainee, completing Certificate II in Animal Studies, before joining the exuberant team at Western Suburbs Vet Clinic in 2008.  She is currently completing her final year of study to achieve a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

Courtney owns two Labradors, Codey and Ruby. Codey is a 13 year old family pet who prides himself in retirement, and Ruby is 6 year old Delta Dog who Courtney enjoys taking to nursing homes to brighten up people's lives. Courtney also owns a feisty cat by the name of Tugga, who seldom bows down to others and they in turn clear a path on his way through the house.

Annmarie Phillips – Veterinary Nurse

Annmarie joined the WSVC team in November 2007. She started her nursing career in 1998 and achieved her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2002. Animal Behaviour is an interest of Annmarie's, therefore she enjoys assisting with the clinic's Puppy Parties. She is also passionate about Bull Terriers and has a history of competing successfully in Dog Conformation Shows with her beloved "Bullies".

Annmarie shares a happy family life with husband Wayne, son Casey, Xena the Bull Terrier, Spyro the Siamese cat and Pinky the Spotted Python.

Robert Finucane – Veterinary Nurse

After sustaining an injury and being discharged from the Army, Robert decided to follow his childhood dream of working in the veterinary industry. He worked at the RSPCA Animal shelter for a year and was then blessed with the opportunity to start work for Townsville's best veterinary clinic, Western Suburbs Veterinary Clinic.

Robert is currently studying Veterinary Technology at the University of Queensland.

He has two dogs: a cattle dog, Sally and a Border collie cross, Butch.

Teegin Bull - Veterinary Nurse

Teegin came to Western Suburbs in May 2009 with little experience in the animal industry. After pursuing a career in teaching and realising that her heart really lies with animals (they can't answer back) she decided to submit her resume to a number of clinics in Townsville. Her timing was perfect as the clinic was seeking a new employee to replace the mischievous Aaron, as he had decided to further his career in emergency care at JCU. She has begun her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and loves working with such a supportive team. They really need to be to put up with the cheek she gives them day in day out.

Teegin is addicted to dog sports such as dog agility, frisbee and flyball. She is the current secretary of the local agility club TOADS (Townsville Outdoor Agility Dog Sports) and loves providing people with information on positive dog training and encouraging the public to get involved with their dogs. She owns two border collies, Bella and Jinx, and a border collie cross, Dizzy. She is also owned by a naughty cat, Cienna.

Aleasha Carloss - Veterinary Nurse

Aleasha came to Western Suburbs as a Certificate II Vet Nurse and had been nursing for five years prior. After completing Certificate II in 2008, she enrolled to complete Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing which she is currently studying.

Aleasha is currently in the process of developing her own small zoo ... at the moment this consists of two very excitable Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Phoenix and Weapon; two cats, Merlin and Mr Anderson; and three birds. These pets are the ones she actually owns.  At other times there are different species of wildlife and usually a few hand-raised kittens or puppies thrown in for good measure. Aleasha enjoys hand-raising and re-homing abandoned babies and the other clinic staff love to ensure they are getting enough cuddles.

Jill Beasley - Veterinary Nurse

Jill came to WSVC as a first year vet student in 2006. She returned again in her fourth year for placement. After this stint she stayed with us and now loves working with the awesome team of vets and nurses at Western Suburbs.

Jill will graduate as a vet at the end of 2010. She is the proud owner of a chubby border collie named Buddy.

Robyn Murray – Practice Manager

Robyn Murray came to the veterinary industry by default. Thirty-five years later she has no regrets about not returning to her teaching career, which she loved. Robyn endeavours to ensure that the clinic runs smoothly and maintains a high standard of service to our valued clients and their pets. This is only possible due to the great clinic team.

Robyn is the proud owner of Possum, a beautiful red Kelpie and Lennie, a very handsome but very lazy Whippet.