About Our Practice
About The Clinic
Western Suburbs Veterinary Clinic is a family-style veterinary practice based in Townsville. First established by Dick and Robyn Murray in 1982, the clinic has undergone a number of upgrades over the years and is equipped with the latest surgical facilities and diagnostics technology. Western Suburbs Veterinary Clinic has been owned and managed by Dr Helen Tanzer and Dr Alistair Graham-Evans since 2011.
Our professionals aim to promote the best advice and treatment for dogs, cats and other small animals. We know you have a strong and important bond with your pets—that’s why we’re passionate about caring for all animals and sustaining that special connection. From preventative medicine such as
vaccinations and
dental care, through to complex
diagnostics and
surgery, we always carry out our services with compassion and good humour. Our team is available 24/7 to assist in an
animal emergency.
FEES AND CHARGES
As with modern human medicine there have been many developments in veterinary medicine but these have increased costs and there is no government subsidy (Medicare) for pets. All companion animal fees are also subject to GST.
However maintaining your pet’s health does not have to be expensive. We are a small privately owned clinic and most of our profits are re-invested in facilities and human resources to improve services. We have no shareholders to please.
Basic preventative services such as vaccinations, microchips, desexings and worming and flea products are discounted to maintain affordability. Our staff can recommend the most effective, low cost products for parasite control – just because a product is cheaper does not mean it is less effective.
If your pet is sick and needs diagnostic tests (including laboratory tests, X-rays, endoscopy etc), medications or surgery we always endeavour to provide an accurate estimate. If the future medical requirements are unknown we shall advise you at least daily of costings at the same time as reporting on progress of your pet. We always recommend the best treatment for your pet and allow you to make decisions on expenses and can advise how to proceed if the best treatment is above budget limits.
We do not provide credit generally as this would compromise our business and restrict our ability to provide services but there are a variety of ways vet costs can be facilitated, including pet insurance (which should be started when the animal is young) and Vetpay which provides credit in urgent situations. We shall always ensure your pet has adequate pain relief in any situation, although tragically euthanasia may be the only viable answer.
If you require any estimates or would like to know fixed fees for any routine procedures please phone and our staff will be happy to assist.
Meet The Team
Vets
Dr Helen Tanzer
Graduating from the University of Queensland in 2001, Dr Tanzer has been a veterinarian at Western Suburbs Veterinary Clinic since 2003.
Helen's early interest was focused on canine medicine, but she now recognises that cats are special animals too. Helen and her family share their home with Maurie, an excitable Labrador, and Minnie (who like all good cats was just found in a shed one day).
In 2011, Helen entered into a partnership with Alistair Graham-Evans as co-owners of the practice.
Dr Alistair Graham-Evans
Alistair completed his veterinary qualifications at Cambridge University in 1984.
He moved with his family to Australia in 2003 and has been working at Western Suburbs Veterinary Clinic since 2005.
In March 2011, he became co-owner of the clinic with Helen Tanzer. Dr Graham-Evans has a special interest in surgical conditions of pets.
At home he looks after an elderly dog, Jazz, while being bossed about by two unruly rescued cats, Brian and Graham.
Dr Jill Beasley
Jill graduated from James Cook University in 2010. After this she spent a couple of years in mixed practice in Charters Towers, as well as a stint in England practicing for 12 months.
Jill has achieved her Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in Veterinary Practice, and enjoys medical and emergency cases in practice.
Outside of work, you’ll often find her walking her dogs or enjoying the great outdoors of North Queensland. Jill is a remarkable teacher and works part time assisting JCU Vet students at the uni.
Dr Heather D'Mello
Heather graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006. She worked in mixed practice for 8 years then in 2015 started working in small animal clinics and joined us in August 2016.
Heather and her family have several fish, 2 budgies and a Boxer cross, Hammer, who likes to find new and inventive ways to chew and destroy everyday household objects.
At work Heather enjoys small animal medicine and learning more about all animals great and small.
Dr Jo Woodger
Jo studied Veterinary Medicine at the Royal Veterinary College, London, graduating in 2009. She joined the Western Suburbs team in 2016, and enjoys all aspects of small animal practice, especially soft tissue surgery, and tricky medical cases.
In her spare time Jo enjoys travel, pilates and camping with her young family and much loved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Claude.
Dr Edward Dawson
Edward is a Townsville local who graduated from JCU in 2015.
After graduating he spent a couple of years working at a small animal practice on the Central Queensland coast, returning to Townsville in 2018 when he joined us.
He enjoys all aspects of small animal veterinary practice and is looking at doing further study in this field.
Ed is a cat person but also loves golden retrievers, owning two. When he is not training for triathlons you can find him at the beach with his wife Gemma, and golden kids Tucka and Chakula.
Dr Anita Horton
Anita grew up in Brisbane and after completing high school, she made the move to Townsville to study a Bachelor of Veterinary Science at JCU. She graduated at the end of 2018 and decided to stay in North Qld with her partner. She adores every part of Veterinary Science; but she finds special interest in small animal behaviour, rehabilitation and surgery.
When she is not in the clinic you may find her enjoying time with her rescue dogs Cleo and Blue, or riding on her horses Sally and Garnet. She also spends time sewing, doing photography and camping. She is also involved in the scouting movement as a leader of the scout section.
Dr Kate Fisk
Kate graduated from James Cook University in 2012 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. Prior to this, she completed a Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Queensland Gatton campus.
After graduation, she worked in mixed practice for 4 years in Charters Towers and in 2016 undertook further study to gain her Certificate of Veterinary Acupuncture. She returned to Townsville in 2017 after visiting South Australia for a locum position.
Kate lives on acreage with her partner, Border Collies, Flynn and Maggie, Dora the cat, a handful of chickens and beehives. She enjoys river and beach walks with her dogs, Crossfit, gardening, cooking, candle making and camping. Kate currently works part-time as she raises her beautiful daughter.
Dr Dee West
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Dr Emily Martin
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Dr Sarah Panzenbock
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Nurses & Reception
Amber Arnold
I started out my vet nursing career in 2009 at a small clinic on the Gold Coast. I worked across a few of their clinics for 6 years, then my family and I moved up to Townsville, where I then worked in the GP department at a referral/ teaching hospital for 8 years.
I joined Western Suburbs late 2023 and am loving being in a lovely, busy, small clinic again.
I am very passionate about the welfare of animals and still to this day absolutely love what I do. My main interests are anaesthetics and surgery.
Bec Cupo
Rebecca joined us in April 2014 shortly after a family move from Darwin. She has a crazy Border Collie named Alfie, a Beagle called Manny and Freida the Boston Terrier. Add 3 cats (Christofferson, Eugene and neurotic Raisin) for spice.
Bec lives a double life as a human radiographer but occasionally joins us in the clinic to remind herself that dogs are the best kind of people.
Bec loves spending time with her kids, hiking, travelling and trivia nights. She is pleased to attend to your enquiries in reception as well as assisting our nursing staff.
Bek Martin
Bek joined the team in February of 2020 and has her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. Bek has a reputation for taking home stray animals (though insists she is NOT a hoarder), and also has many of her own crazy critters including three cats, some chooks, and her five handsome hounds: Henry, Miller, Harold, Moby and Budgie.
Bek has a keen interest in canine behaviour and loves sneaking a cuddle with every dog that comes through the clinic. In her spare time when she’s not sweeping up dog hair, she can often be found at the beach or the river with her pack of pooches or replanting her garden that has “mysteriously” been dug up.
Brie Smith
Hi, I’m Brie! I’ve been working as a vet nurse for about five years now. I started my journey back in 2019 when I completed my Certificate II internship through a local clinic, which really sparked my passion for the veterinary industry. Shortly after, I moved to Cairns, where I gained more hands-on experience and started studying towards my Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. With one module left to go, I am almost qualified.
I am passionate about all areas of nursing, but I especially love surgical and dental case work and getting as much experience with exotics as possible :)
At home, I have quite the little zoo of my own consisting of five cats, one dog, four guinea pigs, and I also share a rescue dog with two of my colleagues. When I’m not at work, you’ll usually find me camping, sewing, or just chilling with my pets and Fiancé Josh.
Emily Garvie
Emily started veterinary nursing in 2006 after gaining a school based traineeship. She worked in general practice for 5 years before moving to the JCU Referral and Emergency Centre where she worked for 5 years as an emergency nurse. She loves every aspect of nursing especially emergency and critical care.
Emily is married with a little boy, Thomas, as well as a houseful of pets including two big rottweilers, a horse named Barrack, and a fat cat named Eddie.
Eva Hewitson
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Jordy Mooney
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Melita O'Flaherty
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Nikkari Zealey
Nikkari came on board in 2022 and is studying her veterinary nursing certificate. You will often find her smiling face at our reception desk, or sneaking pats to our cutest patients. Nikkari lives with her partner, John, their dog Arlo, and their very cute Bearded Dragon Rango.
Robyn Murray
A lifelong resident of Townsville, Robyn came to the veterinary industry by default and has co-founded and managed the clinic with her husband, Dick Murray.
Thirty-five years later, she has no regrets about not returning to her teaching career, which she loved.
She has an incredible knowledge of our clients and their pets, through several generations.
Robyn is the proud owner of super crazy Nell who is a border collie x and very much loved who now runs her household.
Shannen Koppen
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Tayla
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Tayla B
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Ashley Yeats
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