Helping with a smile
TOUCH OF TOOWOOMBA: Toowoomba Veterinary Hospital, 11.30am, yesterday
Gemma Hunt
I used to live in rural Queensland before I moved to Toowoomba four years ago.
Toowoomba is a lovely place to live in because it has a great atmosphere.
The city combines the best elements of country and city well.
There is also big sense of community in the city which is really welcoming.
I have been working as a veterinarian nurse for the past six years.
I decided to become a vet nurse after I completed my studies at the University of Queensland Gatton campus.
A great aspect of this career is being able to interact with a large variety of animals and witness their connection with their owners.
In my spare time I like to spend time with my pets and participate in eventing competitions with my horse Doc.
Alice Murray
I have lived in Toowoomba for the past seven years.
This year is the first year I have been working as a veterinarian surgeon.
I worked as a vet nurse for the previous six years and I thought it would be a difficult transition, but it has been really great.
Since I was a child, I have always wanted to become a vet.
I moved to Gatton from Lismore to get into the veterinarian industry.
Every day is different working in a vet clinic.
I will work with a wide variety of species which keeps you on your toes.
The strangest case I ever worked on was giving a carpet python stitches.
In my spare time I enjoy spending time with friends and family as well as show cattle.
Showing cattle involves breeding and taking the beast to local shows where they’re judged.
My family has been showing cattle for years.
There is a large time investment in regards to breeding and searching for the right animal.
Chantal Jerrard
I have lived in the region for my whole life.
Toowoomba and the surrounding areas have a lot of great parks and family-orientated activities.
I have lived in Toowoomba, Westbrook and Cambooya.
In my spare time I really enjoy taking my family fishing and camping.
There are a lot of things that you can do outdoors now which is great.
I decided to become a vet nurse after I finished work experience in high school and I have never looked back.
The greatest aspect of being a vet nurse is knowing that I am making a difference every day.
Alex McClelland
I moved to Toowoomba from Newcastle about eight months ago.
The only big difference between the two cities is one is close to the coast and the other isn’t.
I decided to become a vet because I have always loved animals.
My father is also a vet so, I grew up around clinics.
It is a rewarding career because every day is unique.
The strangest job I ever had to do was to castrate a camel in my first job at the Hunter Valley.
It was challenging and interesting experience.
We live here ‘cos we love it!