High Quality Vet Care
MEET THE TEAM
Vets
Dr Darren Gibbins
Head Veterinarian and Practice Owner
Darren has many years of veterinary experience, and still holds a passionate for quality care of his patients. Darren has 4 dogs and multiple horses (12 currently) that rely on him as their primary carer. Darren is regularly trying to increase these numbers!
Darren graduated from the University of Sydney in 1993 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science. After working in mixed animal practice in Bega and small animal practice in Caringbah. Darren ventured to the shores of mother England, and worked in large animal practice in Southampton for 5 years.
A little over the cold weather and grey skies Darren returned to the fairer weather and beaches of Australia.
Darren set up his own practice by the beach in Forster NSW, handling small and large animals. More recently Darren set up his own clinic in Cooks Hill tailored towards high quality pet care with exceptional quality of vet care. The next chapter in Darren's story is Elder Street Vets. Doing more to help the animals through quality health care in Newcastle.
Darren believes that animals deserve great veterinary care and nothing less. Pets love their owners unconditionally and that should be reciprocated. One of the ways that is done is through really good health care. He has a special interest in orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. He is a busy man but with a multitude of farm animals, pets, a wife and son to tend to and in his rare moments of solitude loves tennis and tending to the farm on the banks of the Manning River.
Dr Cassy Macpherson
Veterinarian
Cassy graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2017 and has been thriving in small animal practice ever since. She is a huge cat lover and has a soft spot for all felines that fine their way into her care – even those that are less than keen to see her!
She is very experienced in most aspects of veterinary medicine, including internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, dental care and diagnostic imaging. She is more than prepared to provide a high standard of care to your pet.
Cassy also works closely with carers from Hunter Wildlife Rescue to provide first aid and treatment to our local wildlife – she loves all creatures; great, small, weird & wonderful. In her spare time, Cassy enjoys crafting at home with her two beautiful rescue cats, Willow & Tesla. She also has a growing army of pet frogs – including Green, Magnificent, Perons, Red-eyed and Dainty Tree Frogs – that keep her on her toes!
Emma Fouracre
Veterinarian
Emma graduated from Charles Sturt University in mid-2020 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Bachelor of Veterinary Science. She started her career at a small animal clinic in Dubbo and later worked in Newcastle before joining our team in 2024.
From a young age, Emma dreamed of becoming a veterinarian. Now that she’s living that dream, she embraces all facets of veterinary medicine with enthusiasm. She especially enjoys the variety of cases she encounters daily and has a particular passion for small animal surgery and ophthalmology.
Outside of work, Emma loves curling up with a good book, dancing, drawing pet portraits, expanding her indoor plant collection, and exploring new adventures with her beloved Boxer, Scout.
Nurses
Gaby Fitzgerald
Head Nurse
Meet Gaby, the creative force behind Elder St Vets!
From wielding paint brushes at the very start of the renovations to donning scrubs, Gaby is on a mission to care for our furry friends. With a heart for senior pets, she rescued her first dog, Gypsy, sparking her journey to become a vet nurse. When not at the clinic, Gaby captures the essence of pets through her lens as a lifestyle pet photographer. Check out her pawsome work on Instagram @thepetprojectphotography
Hannah Bailey
Nurse
Hannah has been working as a fully qualified vet nurse since 2017. Living locally, Hannah is excited to meet all the beautiful pets from the area. Hannah is especially interested in surgical cases and loves to help make all your pets feel extra loved during their recovery. She has a special interest in new puppy information to help ensure that new pet parents are well equipped with all the resources they need for their pups best start in life! Additionally, she has a keen interest in wildlife, eager to help all the weird and wonderful creatures that visit the clinic. When she's not at work you'll find Hannah down at the park with her son, a Greyhound named Monte. Hannah is here to offer compassionate care and advice to help all your animals lead healthy and happy lives!
Hannah Kelly
Nurse
Hannah is a passionate veterinary nurse who embarked on her career journey in 2017 with a deep-seated love for animals of all kinds. Hannah believes that every animal deserves the kind of TLC that even humans’ envy, and top-tier medical care. Whether she is in surgery, offering comfort, or educating pet owners, she is committed to ensuring the happiness and health of all your fluffy babies.
Beyond the clinic walls, Hannah shares her life with a charming but mischievous Aussie Bulldog Mack, who would agree that getting into rubbish is his favourite past time. When she isn’t snuggling with him, you will find Hannah dancing or going out for a sneaky brunch. Hannah also enjoys treating herself to a little vacay and has a big interest to travel when she can.
Kiara Budden
Nurse
Kiara has been vet nursing for 7 years. She really enjoys all aspects of surgery and anaesthesia. She prides herself in making sure all pets have a comfortable, pain free experience. Kiara owns a beautiful Rotti called Nina that is her absolute world. Kiara also loves to build strong client relationships and is currently studying to become a registered nurse.
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