Dr Bill Roughan
Director & Senior Veterinarian

Bill was born and raised in Toogoolawah and has been a practicing veterinary surgeon since 2000. His speciality is equine dentistry, horse and cattle reproduction and small animal surgery. Bill started his veterinary career in far north QLD at a mixed practice in Charters Towers where he learnt to fly and spent 2 years working with some of the largest most successful beef producers in northern Australia. The Nth Qld live export game took him overseas to China then onto the UK. In England, Bill worked in numerous small animal and equine clinics for a number of years – and was even lucky enough to treat some of the Queen’s horses and Elton John’s ponies.

On returning home Bill began working in an equine dental practice in Grafton where he gained his dentistry skills and brought them back to the Brisbane Valley in 2006 when he opened Brisbane Valley Vets based in Toogoolawah. Blackbutt Veterinary Clinic officially opened in June 2010, and Crows Nest Veterinary Clinic in September 2014. Since then, we have combined the three clinics together under one name "South East Country Vets." Bill is an Australian Cattle Vets accredited Bull Tester and National Pregnancy Testing accredited examiner.

Amanda Roughan
Director & Business Partner

Amanda is responsible for overall business management at SEC Vets, where she has been working alongside her husband Bill since they began in 2006. Amanda has a background in business consulting and management in agriculture, and is passionate about building leadership capacity and influencing positive workplace culture. She enjoys working with the SEC Vets management team to implement new ideas and keep the business running in a positive direction.

When Amanda is not working at SEC Vets, she is running their beef property and doing some project-based private consulting work in the Agri sector. She is also the chief taxi driver for Bill and Amanda’s three daughters; Amelia, Holly and Chloe.

Dr Megan Packham
Director & Senior Veterinarian

Megan was born and raised on a cattle and sheep property west of Charleville in South-West Queensland and from a young age always desired to become a Vet. After graduating from UQ she worked in Central NSW at a mixed practice based in Coolah & Coonabarabran. There she spent 3.5 enjoyable years working with beef cattle, dogs and cats before making the decision to move north to St George - where she was able to gain further experience before making the move to Brisbane Valley Vets in late January 2016. Megan officially became a Director and business partner at SEC Vets in July 2020.

Megan enjoys all aspects of mixed veterinary practice especially bovine obstetrics, small animal surgery and equine reproduction. When not at work, she loves spending time with her family – husband Nick and daughters Emily and Ivy.

Claire
Practice Manager

Claire is a qualified Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse who joined the South East Country Vets team in 2014. She is one of our Practice Manager's who works on strategies to continually improve our services and enhance our clinic culture. She is also our marketing guru - the face behind it all, from our social media pages and website, to the posters you find on the clinic walls.

Outside of work, Claire and her partner Ned spent four years renovating their family home in the Lockyer Valley. They now spend most of their time with their two daughters either soaking up the sunshine on their 100 acre block or exploring the surrounds of South East Queensland.

Courtney
Practice Manager

Courtney is a local girl who has lived in the Brisbane Valley her entire life. She started nursing in 2008 as a trainee in Esk, she than went on and completed 3 years of nursing in a Toowoomba clinic before happily returning to the district and joining our team in early 2015. After finishing her traineeship, Courtney started her Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Queensland where she majored in Veterinary Technology, she now studies her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Courtney’s main areas of interest include surgery, small & large animal general health and reproduction.

When not working in the clinic, Courtney enjoys horse riding and helping manage the beef cattle enterprise that she has with her partner.

Dr Alice Roughan
Senior Veterinarian

Born and raised on a beef cattle property near Surat in South Western QLD, Alice wanted to join the vet profession at the ripe age of 4 when assisting her Dad with a cattle spey. She eventually fulfilled that dream in 1996 when she graduated from UQ in Brisbane and embarked on a path of mixed practice work in South East QLD before heading to Scotland and England to treat an array of furry friends – anything from ferrets to Highland cows! Returning to Australia to marry into the Roughan Family (Bill’s brother Ben), she then spent the next 14 years in Longreach in Central Western QLD, doing locum work for the local Vet, as well as raising a family of 3 and running a busy bakery and café with her husband. Now back in the Brisbane Valley (a 5th generation Toogoolawah Gardner as well!) and back into beef cattle production which was the long term plan, she is excited to be working as part of the vet team at SECVets on a part-time basis and to help out when other vets are away.

Dr Amanda Grosskopf
Senior Veterinarian

Amanda grew up in Western Australia and graduated from Murdoch University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science (Vet Biology) and Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery. She then moved to QLD and worked in mixed practice vet clinics across Mt Isa, Murgon and Emerald. After a short stint in Canada, Amanda returned to Emerald working in a small animal practice until 3 years ago when she and her family relocated to the local area of Pechey! She had been working in Highfields since then. Amanda enjoys all aspects of veterinary practice, in particular small animal medicine and soft tissue surgery.

When not working she enjoys spending time with her young family, horses, dogs and chickens!

Dr Emma Robson
Senior Veterinarian

Emma was born and raised in Brisbane and studied Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland, graduating in 2008. She has spent the past 12 years working in mixed, small and emergency practice in the local Somerset Region with a couple of small career breaks to have her children.

She has called Esk home since moving to the area in 2009, where she lives with her husband Matthew and their two young children Alex and Ava as well as dog, Milton and a small brood of chickens.

She has a particular interest in small animal medicine, emergency medicine, dermatology and pain management.

Dr Alex Chick
Veterinarian

Alex was born in the Northern Rivers region of NSW and grew up on the outskirts of Brisbane. She started riding horses at the age of 7 and never grew out of the “crazy horse girl” phase. She studied at UQ Gatton and spent her spare time riding horses and bush walking with her Kelpie ‘Jedda’.

Alex is keen on all things equine and small animal, and also enjoys spending time crush-side treating cattle. She loves that everyday in mixed practice brings something new to treat and more people and animals to help.

When she’s not working she is spending time with her horses Elque and Raafi, her kelpie Jedda or tending to her ever growing collection of plants and veggie gardens

Dr Jamie-Lee Barron
Veterinarian

Jamie-Lee grew up on her parent’s cattle property in Cooyar, QLD. She always liked the idea of becoming a vet and that became a reality in 2016 when she was accepted into vet school at UQ Gatton. After 5 years studying, she joined the South East Country Vets team in 2021.

Jamie-Lee enjoys all aspects of mixed practice. She is particularly interested in large animal reproduction and bovine field surgery, but also loves spending time in the clinic with smaller animals (although she has a bias towards Jack Russells ).

On the weekends she enjoys baking, competing at campdrafts and spending time with her family and friends.

Dr Ned Donnelly
Veterinarian

Ned was born and raised in Brisbane. He studied Applied Science at the University of Queensland - Gatton Campus before moving to Townsville to study Veterinary Science at James Cook University.

He is keen to work with all animals but is especially interested in horses.

When not working Ned enjoys playing footy, fishing and watching horse racing!

Dr Jess Baldwin
Veterinarian

Jess was born and raised on a small rural property outside of Bungendore in the Southern tablelands of NSW. 

She completed school at Canberra Girls Grammar School before starting at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga with a degree in Animal Science. Jess was accepted into Veterinary Science in 2018 and completed Animal Science concurrently with Vet in 2020, before finishing Vet in July 2023.  

Jess decided to move to Queensland on a whim chasing cattle and warmth and settled on Toogoolawah after a very persuasive phone call with Dr Bill, and has loved the region the three clinics cover. 

She has a passion for mixed practice due to the variety, with a particular interest in cattle medicine whilst also thoroughly enjoying small animal practice.

When not at work, Jess enjoys hanging with her Blue Heeler 'Indi', having a beer at the pub, cooking or playing sports (particularly netball!). 

Dr Tess Giltrap
Veterinarian

Tess grew up on a beef cattle farm on the border of NSW/VIC, Albury-Wodonga. She spent her entire childhood riding horses and mucking around with farm animals.

After finishing school, Tess spent 12 months on a cattle station in the Kimberley's in WA where she got a taste of how things are done "up North".

Tess studied Veterinary Science at the University of Adelaide and graduated at the end of 2023. She has loved the sunny move up to South East Queensland and enjoys the variety and challenges of mixed practice, but especially enjoys any time she can spend in the cattle yards or in the clinic doing small animal surgeries. 

Dr Katie Bodkin
Veterinarian

Katie grew up in St George in South-West Queensland before moving to the Coast for schooling. Her family is now back in South-West Queensland on a property outside Quilpie farming cattle, sheep and goats. 

After graduating she moved up to Townsville to study Veterinary Science at James Cook University and spent her time in FNQ exploring waterfalls and fishing on the Great Barrier Reef. 

Katie enjoys all the challenges of mixed practice but is especially keen on cattle medicine and dachshunds. 

Outside the clinic Katie is eager to explore the beautiful Brisbane Valley and desperate to go skiing at the dam (although she is not very good). 

Nicole
Senior Veterinary Nurse

Nicole has been a vet-nurse for over 20 years. She is highly qualified with a Certificate IV in veterinary nursing and is constantly upgrading her knowledge in all aspects of nursing. She has excellent surgical skills, a vast knowledge of basic animal health and is happy to answer all your questions.

Outside of the clinic, Nicole also juggles family life along with her own successful business ‘No more muddy paws’ dog grooming and kennels/cattery in Kilcoy. Her proficient vet-nursing skills together with her happy disposition and love for animals make her a valuable asset to the clinic.

Toni
Senior Veterinary Nurse

After a long break from vet nursing in a Vet practice in Mackay, Toni joined the team at South East Country Vets in 2009. Toni has a passion for the Australian Cattle Dogs that she used to breed and trial. Being a herding trials judge she gets to travel around the country judging and promoting the ANKC herding program. Before moving to Toogoolawah, Toni was one of the instructors at Redlands Dog Obedience and Agility Club. Having trailed dogs in obedience, agility and herding Toni loves the interaction with dogs and handlers. Her skills in this area stand her well qualified to run our regular Puppy Preschools and offer advice to pet owners on a range of behaviour and training issues.

When not working her dogs, Toni enjoys travelling around the countryside and camp drafting her horses.

Traci
Senior Veterinary Nurse

Traci has had over 20 years of experience in the veterinary industry having completed Certificate III in 2000. Traci joined our team in 2015 and works between all three clinics. Her main areas of interest include animal behaviour and monitoring small & large animal surgeries.

Traci is looking forward to studying with the National dog training federation to complete her Certificate III in Behaviour & Assistance dogs in the near future. When not working, Traci enjoys fishing and spending time with her family and pets.

Samantha
Veterinary Nurse

Sam is a local girl who grew up in Crows Nest and has always had a goal to work in the Veterinary Industry. She joined our team in 2018 and is very passionate about caring for all animals. She especially loves working with large animals, particularly horses! Sam completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing with us in 2021. She hopes to further her study with a vet tech or an equine science course.

She loves spending her spare time working with her horses, taking them out to events and going mustering. She also enjoys spending time with her dogs.

Kathleen Kohler
Senior Veterinary Nurse

Kathleen joined the South East Country Vets team in 2018! She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing while working at Kilcoy Vets for 6 years. After a short 3 year break from the industry, she set foot into our neck of the woods and started working with our team in July 2018.

She has lived locally around Toogoolawah for the past 12 years and enjoys spending her spare time with her family and working on their property that has beef cattle, too many horses and plenty of dogs! She also shares interest in camp-drafting and cutting when time lets her!

Chantal
Veterinary Nurse

Chantal is from Beerwah and graduated from the University of the Sunshine Coast with a Bachelor of Animal Ecology in 2018. She then spent some time working in different parts of Australia, from WA, the NT to North QLD in wildlife sanctuaries before deciding to focus on her passion for animal care and rehabilitation.

Chantal completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing with us in 2022 and is now keen to expand her knowledge in the rural sector.

A lover of outdoor adventure, Chantal tries to spend as much of her spare time as she can travelling and camping with family, friends and pets.

Jane
Veterinary Nurse

Jane is currently studying Veterinary Nursing at the Australian College of Vet Nursing (UQ). She has a keen interest in the surgical and hospital care of all patients and hopes to develop her skills to specialise in critical and emergency care.

Jane is a North Queenslander born and raised. She’s spent most of her life either in the ocean or chasing waterfalls. However, since trading that in for the serene pocket of SEQ, on weekends Jane and her husband enjoy having drinks with friends and spending time working on a family farm with their newest addition, Bailey.

Julie
Veterinary Nurse

Julie grew up in Darwin spending her time around animals whenever the opportunity arose. Starting in the animal industry in NSW as a wildlife carer and a member of Wires.  

Julie had a career change in 2012 when she started nursing full time, gaining experience and knowledge in all areas of large and small animal nursing. With a special interest in large animal and surgical nursing Julie has worked in many mixed animal practices where her love for horses has enabled her to be part of specialist teams across QLD.

Outside of work Julie enjoys having her horses, cats, dogs and  pet snakes all within reach for a scratch, cuddle and or pat all day everyday (whether they like it or not).

Amy
Veterinary Technologist

Amy grew up in Stanthorpe and has always wanted to pursue a career in the veterinary industry. Amy started nursing in 2020, and graduated with a Bachelor in Veterinary Technology in 2022. Her passions involve livestock health and animal behaviour.

Amy spends her spare time with her dogs Brandy and Clover doing dog sports such as flyball and agility, as well as going on adventures around South East Queensland.

Tanya
Veterinary Nurse

Tanya has recently returned to Veterinary Nursing after a long break, joining the team at South East Country Vets in 2023.  Tanya is one of the friendly faces that will welcome you to the Toogoolawah practice and provide advice on the products available over the counter.  

When not at the clinic you will find Tanya out on her and her partners small farm, spending time with her horses, training for dog agility with her dog Ivy or working in the veggie garden.  She is also very passionate about dog rescue and has helped re-home over 80 failed working dogs in the last 12 years.  When not busy around the farm, you are likely to see Tanya at one of the Park Runs across the district on a Saturday morning.

Brooke
Veterinary Nurse

Brooke grew up in Cooyar; a small rural town North West of Crows Nest. She has previously worked at Monto Vets, and took a short break from the industry before joining our team in 2023! She is currently studying her Certificate II in Animal Care. Brooke enjoys all things vet nursing, but has particular interest in horses and cattle; coming from a beef cattle background. Outside of work she loves to campdraft and spend time with her family & friends.

Kerrie
Veterinary Nurse

Kerrie was born on a Dairy farm at Maryvale before moving to the Lockyer Valley where she grew up riding horses and helping on her family farm. On holidays she would work on dairy farms and beef cattle properties for family friends. In 2014 Kerrie started working towards her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing while in Grade 12. Once graduated, she started her Vet Nurse career in Highfields at a Small Animal Practice. She then went on to working along side Vets in the abattoirs performing meat inspections. After taking a break from nursing she returned to the Gatton University in the Equine specialist hospital for 2.5 years before joining the South East Country Vets team.  

Outside of work Kerrie keeps busy looking after her own various animals, especially training and competeing on her horses. 

Ashlyn
School-based Trainee

Ashlyn moved from the Gold Coast to Blackbutt when she was 3 years old. She is currently in Grade 11 and completing her Certificate II in Animal Studies. Since living in Blackbutt she has grown up with many animals such as dogs, cats and sheep.

In her spare time she loves hanging out with friends and family, camping and going to the beach. Ashlyn also enjoys making spoon rings when she gets the chance. 

Freyah
School-based Trainee

Freyah has lived in Toogoolawah her entire life. She's currently in Grade 11 at Toogoolawah State High School and excited to have a traineeship at SEC Vets and the opportunity to complete a Certificate II in Animal Studies.

Since she was a small child, she had always known that she wanted a career working with animals. On Saturdays you’ll find her at the Picnic Society where she is a barista - another job she really enjoys.

Freyah has many hobbies, one of which is baking and decorating celebration cakes and cupcakes. She loves being outdoors and going on walks with her furry pals; Bronte and Oscar - two Staffordshire Bull Terriers. She also really enjoys jogging or cycling the rail trail, fishing and 4Wheel Driving with the family.