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Information for your pet

The Blackburn Veterinary Centre Healthcare team

Dr Andrew Sellars-Jones BVSc (Hons) BSc - Senior Veterinarian

Having completed a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Melbourne, Andrew moved to Brisbane where he graduated with first class honours from the University of Queensland Veterinary School in 1989. He then returned home and began practising in Central Victoria. In 1997 he became one of the founding members of Blackburn Veterinary Centre where he is now able to concentrate on his love of dog and cat medicine. Away from work Andrew’s time is kept very busy looking aft the four women in his life, and their dog Crumpet. Any rare spare moments are spent sailing his dinghy on the bay or breeding and showing his Southdown Sheep.

Dr Matthew Jones - Veterinarian

Matthew graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2006 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and started working in Victoria's south-west shortly after completing his studies. While working in this mixed practice setting, his love of small animal medicine and surgery grew; as a result, he returned to Melbourne in late 2007 and commenced working at the Blackburn Vet Centre to focus purely on small animal health.

When not at work, Matthew enjoys playing drums, cycling and four-wheel driving. He looks forwardto getting to know you and your treasured companion!

Dr Helen Vanderbom - Veterinarian

Graduating with honours from the University of Melbourne in 2003, Helen started work in a mixed practice in Melbourne. Her interest in small animal medicine has grown and brought her to the Blackburn Veterinary Centre in May 2010.

Helen's spare time is largely filled with mountain bike riding and racing. She also loves camping, hiking and cooking desserts. Jock McTavish, her cheeky black and white cat, competes with her husband for attention and the desserts. 

Claire Wilkinson - Veterinary Nurse

Claire has been working in the animal industry since 2002. After completing an enjoyable week of work experience in a veterinary practice, she decided this was going to be the career path for her. Claire then attended the Box Hill Institute of Tafe in 2003 where she completed her Certificate I & II in Animal Studies. In 2004 she was awarded the qualification of Veterinary Nurse with her Certificate IV. Claire joined the team at Blackburn Veterinary Centre in February 2005 and loves her work as a nurse.

When Claire is not working she enjoys spending time with "Bailey", her 6 year old Jack Russell cross. Claire also has a keen interest in animal behaviour and teaches Puppy Pre-School on Wednesday evenings, with her fellow team member Felicity Burns.

Michelle Davies - Veterinary Nurse

Michelle Davies has been working at Blackburn Veterinary Centre since September 2004 and has been the Head Nurse for the last 2 years. She completed her Certificate II in Veterinary Nursing in 2006. She is currently studying for her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through the Animal Industries Resource Centre based in Queensland and expects to complete it by late 2011.

Michelle has always had a passion for animals and feels lucky to be doing a job she loves so much. She has a special interest for surgical nursing and loves assisting the veterinarians in their day to day tasks in providing care for your beloved pets.

At home, Michelle has two very spoilt dogs who love their walks and trips to the beach in summer. Brandy is a 7 year old Beagle and Archie is a 8 year old Maltese x Shih Tzu.

Tara Beattie - Veterinary Nurse

Tara joined the team at Blackburn Vet Centre in August 2009 and is enjoying it very much. Tara has been nursing since 2004 and is currently studying to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She aims to have this finished in the coming year.

In her spare time, Tara is kept busy at home with her three dogs, including nine year old Staffy named Rocky and two ex-racing greyhounds George who is eight years old and Pete who is two. Tara also enjoys getting outdoor as well as going to the gym.

Tara looks foward to meeing all the clients at Blackburn and their furry friends.

Tina Patrao - Veterinary Nurse

Tina joined the team at Blackburn Vet Centre in November 2009. She has been working as a Veterinary Nurse since 1999. She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2004 and then became an accredited veterinary nurse. Tina has a special interest in medical nursing and animal behaviour. She is currently completing Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services with the Delta Society and has commenced facilitating puppy pre-school at the clinic. Tina enjoys all aspects of working as a veterinary nurse and furthering her education in the many aspects of the career.

Tina is owned by her two Collies named Shyla (14 years) and Oscar (5 years), a black and white cheeky cat by the name of Moochee, a black and white lop eared rabbit called Panda and a very talkative cockatoo called Newman. When Tina is not nursing or spending time with her pets she enjoys playing golf and barracking for her favourite football team North Melbourne.

Erin - Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Erin joined the team at Blackburn Veterinary Centre in October 2009 and is thoroughly enjoying her work. She completed a Diploma of Animal Technology in 2007 and begun working at Guide Dogs Victoria as a training kennel nurse. She has chosen to further her career by becoming a vet nurse and is hoping to commence her Certificate III in Vet Nursing in 2010.

In her time away from work Erin enjoys spending time with her friends and spoiling her three year old Labrador Kirri as much as possible.

Erin looks forward to meeting you and your much loved pets soon.

Olivia Sullivan - Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Olivia joined the team at Blackburn Veterinary Centre in December 2009 and is really enjoying it. After completing a Bachelor of Animal Science and Management at Melbourne University, she decided to further her career by becoming a veterinary nurse.

Olivia is kept busy looking after her menagerie of animals which include 5 horses, 4 Papillon dogs, a Pomeranian and a Staffy puppy. In her spare time she enjoys riding her horses, skiing and shopping.

Olivia looks forward to meeting you and your pets!

Alex Gilbert - Trainee Veterinary Nurse

Alex has been working at Blackburn Veterinary Centre since July 2011. Growing up on a small farm meant that Alex knew from an early age that she had a great love for all animals. Throughout her life she has raised and looked after a wide range of pets including birds, chickens, sheep, cows, horses, dogs, geese, and cats.

Alex has previously volunteered at the Cat Protection Society due to her love for cats. She is very excited to begin her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through the Animal Industries Resource Centre based in Queensland in 2012. She has already developed a great passion in preventative care, surgical nursing and loves assisting the vets in providing your pets with the highest level of care.

Alex has a very spoilt and much loved cat named Shady. In her spare time Alex likes to spend time with her family (including Shady), playing basketball, shopping, jogging and also intends to return to horse riding.