Dr Ian Henderson
Practice Owner (BVSc)
Dr Ian Henderson started the practice with his wife Vonnie in 1986. Being a true Birregurra local you will commonly find Ian at the Birregurra golf course tending the greens and fairways. Ian has a keen interest in teaching and has helped countless students and young vets develop their skills with patience and practical guidance. In 2019 Ian won the Australian Cattle Veterinarians practitioner of the year award for recognition in service to the industry and clients over his long career. Ian's wealth of knowledge and experience, especially with cattle and horses, is invaluable amongst our team.
Dr Ian Henderson
Practice Owner
Dr Ian Henderson started the practice with his wife Vonnie in 1986. Being a true Birregurra local you will commonly find Ian at the Birregurra golf course tending the greens and fairways. Ian has a keen interest in teaching and has helped countless students and young vets develop their skills with patience and practical guidance. In 2019 Ian won the Australian Cattle Veterinarians practitioner of the year award for recognition in service to the industry and clients over his long career. Ian's wealth of knowledge and experience, especially with cattle and horses, is invaluable amongst our team.
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Dr Shane Lyons
Practice Owner (BVSc (Hons) MBA)
Dr Shane Lyons joined the practice in 1991 and became a partner in 1993. Shane along with Ian run the large animal operations. Shane is a keen fisherman and spends his weekends on the table tennis circuit. Shane has a keen interest in milk quality and is often running Cups on Cups off courses for budding dairy farmers to improve their milking technique and mastitis prevention. He is an accomplished equine and cattle veterinarian doing much of our ultrasound cattle and mare pregnancy testing. Shane has also completed further study in ophthalmology and regularly gets called in to look at horses, dogs and cats eyes in more complicated cases.
Dr Shane Lyons
Practice Owner
Dr Shane Lyons joined the practice in 1991 and became a partner in 1993. Shane along with Ian run the large animal operations. Shane is a keen fisherman and spends his weekends on the table tennis circuit. Shane has a keen interest in milk quality and is often running Cups on Cups off courses for budding dairy farmers to improve their milking technique and mastitis prevention. He is an accomplished equine and cattle veterinarian doing much of our ultrasound cattle and mare pregnancy testing. Shane has also completed further study in ophthalmology and regularly gets called in to look at horses, dogs and cats eyes in more complicated cases.
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Dr Tom Loughnan
Practice Owner (BVBiol/BVSc MANZCVS MVSc (Dairy Med))
Dr Tom Loughnan joined our staff in 2016 after a number of years working through South West Vic, Gippsland and overseas. Tom is a mixed practice vet with a strong interest in dairy medicine and reproduction. He joined the partnership in 2019 and has a keen interest in developing protocols and preventative health care to offer our clients greater farm productivity. Tom has attained his Memberships to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Surgeons and Masters of Veterinary Science in Dairy Cattle Medicine through the University of Melbourne to improve his knowledge of dairy medicine. Since hanging up the footy boots, Tom's attention has turned to family, their two labradors and his small hobby farm.
Dr Tom Loughnan
Practice Owner
Dr Tom Loughnan joined our staff in 2016 after a number of years working through South West Vic, Gippsland and overseas. Tom is a mixed practice vet with a strong interest in dairy medicine and reproduction. He joined the partnership in 2019 and has a keen interest in developing protocols and preventative health care to offer our clients greater farm productivity. Tom has attained his Memberships to the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Surgeons and Masters of Veterinary Science in Dairy Cattle Medicine through the University of Melbourne to improve his knowledge of dairy medicine. Since hanging up the footy boots, Tom's attention has turned to family, their two labradors and his small hobby farm.
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Dr Evelyn Lyons
Senior Clinic Veterinarian ( BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Pharmacology) CVA)
Dr Evelyn Lyons joined the practice in 1992. Evelyn oversees the small animal department and when she is not saving your pets she is saving lives down at Apollo Bay SLSC. Evelyn has completed many knee surgeries and does a number of complicated soft tissue, opthalmic and orthopaedic procedures. She also commonly assists our regular in-house referral surgeon on his frequent rounds. Evelyn has completed further study in acupuncture and regularly works with patients to improve mobility and comfort through acupuncture sessions.
Dr Evelyn Lyons
Senior Clinic Veterinarian
Dr Evelyn Lyons joined the practice in 1992. Evelyn oversees the small animal department and when she is not saving your pets she is saving lives down at Apollo Bay SLSC. Evelyn has completed many knee surgeries and does a number of complicated soft tissue, opthalmic and orthopaedic procedures. She also commonly assists our regular in-house referral surgeon on his frequent rounds. Evelyn has completed further study in acupuncture and regularly works with patients to improve mobility and comfort through acupuncture sessions.
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Dr Rebecca Harris
Veterinarian (BSc, DVM)
Bec joined us in 2024 making the move across from Perth to experience the cold and wet South-West! Bec has shown a calm and considered approach with a determination to achieve a good outcome for patients in clinic and on farm. Bec has a keen interest in greyhounds and enjoys the challenge of mixed practice brings into the door every day. Whilst in uni, Bec was awarded for her pharmacological studies and has an interest in internal medicine. She has slotted into the team beautifully and even won calving bingo within the first few months of her arrival! Bec has family in Geelong and is enjoying exploring Victoria and what the local area has to offer.
Dr Rebecca Harris
Veterinarian
Bec joined us in 2024 making the move across from Perth to experience the cold and wet South-West! Bec has shown a calm and considered approach with a determination to achieve a good outcome for patients in clinic and on farm. Bec has a keen interest in greyhounds and enjoys the challenge of mixed practice brings into the door every day. Whilst in uni, Bec was awarded for her pharmacological studies and has an interest in internal medicine. She has slotted into the team beautifully and even won calving bingo within the first few months of her arrival! Bec has family in Geelong and is enjoying exploring Victoria and what the local area has to offer.
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Dr Zoe Wittwer
Veterinarian (BSc, DVM)
Zoe joined us in 2024 making the move across from Adelaide after finishing her studies at the University of Adelaide. Originally from a spud farm near Coonawarra she will be able to swap stories with a few of the local clients about the potato harvest or the wines of South Australia. Zoe has joined the Birregurra Netball team and has been getting amongst the local community.
Zoe loves the variety of the mixed practice life and never knowing what is going to walk through the door or come through the phone. Zoe has provided great energy, a smile and welcoming face for clients in clinic and has a keen attitude when it comes to farm jobs and achieving good outcomes with livestock. She has been a very welcome addition to the team, regularly arriving with tasty home baked goods.
Dr Zoe Wittwer
Veterinarian
Zoe joined us in 2024 making the move across from Adelaide after finishing her studies at the University of Adelaide. Originally from a spud farm near Coonawarra she will be able to swap stories with a few of the local clients about the potato harvest or the wines of South Australia. Zoe has joined the Birregurra Netball team and has been getting amongst the local community.
Zoe loves the variety of the mixed practice life and never knowing what is going to walk through the door or come through the phone. Zoe has provided great energy, a smile and welcoming face for clients in clinic and has a keen attitude when it comes to farm jobs and achieving good outcomes with livestock. She has been a very welcome addition to the team, regularly arriving with tasty home baked goods.
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Dr Lin Pretorius
Veterinarian (BVM&S)
Lin has joined us from University in Scotland—Via Mauritius. She is a well-traveled and enthusiastic vet, making rapid progress in her development since arriving with us in 2025. Lin has a keen interest in mixed practice and integrating into a country lifestyle after beginning her life growing up on a farm in South Africa. She’s an accomplished horse rider and has travelled repeatedly for new experiences and study. Lin has already made a great start to her Australian Adventure, and we look forward to having her grow professionally with us here in Colac.
Dr Lin Pretorius
Veterinarian
Lin has joined us from University in Scotland—Via Mauritius. She is a well-traveled and enthusiastic vet, making rapid progress in her development since arriving with us in 2025. Lin has a keen interest in mixed practice and integrating into a country lifestyle after beginning her life growing up on a farm in South Africa. She’s an accomplished horse rider and has travelled repeatedly for new experiences and study. Lin has already made a great start to her Australian Adventure, and we look forward to having her grow professionally with us here in Colac.
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Rhonda Colbourne
Operations Coordinator
Rhonda is our wonderful office manager who keeps all of us on track for the days and weeks. She is all things logisitics, workflow and client relations, juggling client needs with team availability to give you the best outcome for your animals. Rhonda has a wonderful balance of knowledge and connection to the farm and domestic clients providing everyone with a knowledgeable and personable touchpoint throughout the day. She has been a dedicated member of our team since 1993 veterinary nursing and helping on reception at times before becoming our office manager. You can be sure that her friendly face will greet you and your pet upon any visit. With a passion for red frogs and coffee, she continues to be a reliable and highly valued staff member.
Rhonda Colbourne
Operations Coordinator
Rhonda is our wonderful office manager who keeps all of us on track for the days and weeks. She is all things logisitics, workflow and client relations, juggling client needs with team availability to give you the best outcome for your animals. Rhonda has a wonderful balance of knowledge and connection to the farm and domestic clients providing everyone with a knowledgeable and personable touchpoint throughout the day. She has been a dedicated member of our team since 1993 veterinary nursing and helping on reception at times before becoming our office manager. You can be sure that her friendly face will greet you and your pet upon any visit. With a passion for red frogs and coffee, she continues to be a reliable and highly valued staff member.
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Jess Dumitru
Receptionist
Jess is our welcoming receptionist, working alongside Rhonda to keep our day scheduled and running smoothly. Reception is your first point of call and Jess provides a friendly face or voice at the end of the phone to help start the process of providing care to you and your animals. Jess joined us in 2025 and hit the ground running. She's new to the vet industry but has plenty of organisational experience and has made her mark early. If you haven't met her already, it won't be long and you'll be sure to get along - Jess is such a friendly addition to our team.
Jess Dumitru
Receptionist
Jess is our welcoming receptionist, working alongside Rhonda to keep our day scheduled and running smoothly. Reception is your first point of call and Jess provides a friendly face or voice at the end of the phone to help start the process of providing care to you and your animals. Jess joined us in 2025 and hit the ground running. She's new to the vet industry but has plenty of organisational experience and has made her mark early. If you haven't met her already, it won't be long and you'll be sure to get along - Jess is such a friendly addition to our team.
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Jewel Sibley
Nurse Manager
Jewel is our Nurse team Leader having experience, compassion and works with great energy. She is very adaptable to work with for patients, clients and colleagues and makes sure pets are treated with great care whilst in our building. She has been with us for over 6 years now, joining us first as an after-school job. Jewel slotted into the team perfectly and we immediately knew we couldn't let her go. She completed her Cert IV of Veterinary Nursing whilst working full-time and has worked her way up to team leader due to consistency and hard-working attitude.
Jewel enjoys horse riding and has a pet dog Bert, who keeps her active on weekends. She will look after your pets and queries with care and a friendly smile.
Jewel Sibley
Nurse Manager
Jewel is our Nurse team Leader having experience, compassion and works with great energy. She is very adaptable to work with for patients, clients and colleagues and makes sure pets are treated with great care whilst in our building. She has been with us for over 6 years now, joining us first as an after-school job. Jewel slotted into the team perfectly and we immediately knew we couldn't let her go. She completed her Cert IV of Veterinary Nursing whilst working full-time and has worked her way up to team leader due to consistency and hard-working attitude.
Jewel enjoys horse riding and has a pet dog Bert, who keeps her active on weekends. She will look after your pets and queries with care and a friendly smile.
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Jenni Mercuri
Administration
Jenni has worked in our team at Colac Vets between family comitments for years. She is an accomplished vet nurse and also helps behind the scenes to keep the administration running smoothly. Jenni, with her daughter, is a keen Ballet dancer and has mastered the art of dog training, get in touch if you need some tips with your pet.
Jenni Mercuri
Administration
Jenni has worked in our team at Colac Vets between family comitments for years. She is an accomplished vet nurse and also helps behind the scenes to keep the administration running smoothly. Jenni, with her daughter, is a keen Ballet dancer and has mastered the art of dog training, get in touch if you need some tips with your pet.
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Mardi Stuart
Veterinary Nurse
Mardi joined us in 2023 but moved to Birregurra from her family sheep farm near Serpentine a few years ago. With plenty of farm and animal experience, Mardi came to us already qualified as a vet nurse and has been a fantastic addition to the team. She plays netball for Birre on weekends and farms with her partner as a side job. Mardi takes great care of her patients, your pets, through the day. We've been very lucky to have Mardi join us.
Mardi Stuart
Veterinary Nurse
Mardi joined us in 2023 but moved to Birregurra from her family sheep farm near Serpentine a few years ago. With plenty of farm and animal experience, Mardi came to us already qualified as a vet nurse and has been a fantastic addition to the team. She plays netball for Birre on weekends and farms with her partner as a side job. Mardi takes great care of her patients, your pets, through the day. We've been very lucky to have Mardi join us.
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Rhonda Mitchell
Receptionist
Rhonda is an invaluable member of our staff organising our Vets' appointments and fitting everything into the day. She's a multi-tasking guru and takes great care of all of our staff and customers. When Rhonda is not at work she spends time visiting family, tending the veggies or trecking around the world.
Rhonda Mitchell
Receptionist
Rhonda is an invaluable member of our staff organising our Vets' appointments and fitting everything into the day. She's a multi-tasking guru and takes great care of all of our staff and customers. When Rhonda is not at work she spends time visiting family, tending the veggies or trecking around the world.
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Siena Lamers
Veterinary Nurse
Siena joined our team in 2026, making the regular commute from her hometown of Derrinalum, VIC. She began her journey with us at the start of her veterinary nursing studies and has quickly hit the ground running. Siena is already showing great promise and is well on her way to becoming a confident and capable veterinary nurse.
Outside of the clinic, Siena loves spending time in the great outdoors, whether it’s fishing, camping, or going for walks with her gorgeous Rottweiler, Darla.
Siena Lamers
Veterinary Nurse
Siena joined our team in 2026, making the regular commute from her hometown of Derrinalum, VIC. She began her journey with us at the start of her veterinary nursing studies and has quickly hit the ground running. Siena is already showing great promise and is well on her way to becoming a confident and capable veterinary nurse.
Outside of the clinic, Siena loves spending time in the great outdoors, whether it’s fishing, camping, or going for walks with her gorgeous Rottweiler, Darla.
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Sally Mackenzie
Receptionist
Sally organises reception down at our Winchelsea branch clinic. She will be able to help you with medication orders and bookings at our branch as well as keeping the vets organised for consultations.
Sally comes to us from Barrabool where, with her husband Scott and children, they have a small farm with horses.
Sally Mackenzie
Receptionist
Sally organises reception down at our Winchelsea branch clinic. She will be able to help you with medication orders and bookings at our branch as well as keeping the vets organised for consultations.
Sally comes to us from Barrabool where, with her husband Scott and children, they have a small farm with horses.
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Rory Learey
Veterinary Nurse
Rory joined our veterinary nursing team in 2024 and has quickly become a valued member of the clinic. She provides compassionate and attentive care to all patients, from beloved pets to hardworking farm animals. Rory has a strong interest in wildlife and exotic species, with long-term goals of working in zoo and conservation settings. She is currently completing her formal veterinary nursing qualifications but is already competent and confident across all areas of clinical practice.
Rory Learey
Veterinary Nurse
Rory joined our veterinary nursing team in 2024 and has quickly become a valued member of the clinic. She provides compassionate and attentive care to all patients, from beloved pets to hardworking farm animals. Rory has a strong interest in wildlife and exotic species, with long-term goals of working in zoo and conservation settings. She is currently completing her formal veterinary nursing qualifications but is already competent and confident across all areas of clinical practice.
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