(02) 6372 2105
After hours + Emergency
Accountability | Communication | Empathy | Respect | Teamwork
Our Dynamic Team
Mudgee Vet Hospital is an exciting, dynamic and fast-paced practice. We have a fantastic team made up of 7 vets and 15 support staff.
Meet The Team
Veterinarians
Dr. Steve Slack-Smith
Veterinarian/ Partner
Graduating from Sydney University in 1994, Steve first began working as a mixed animal vet in Quirindi, then Aryshire in Scotland, Surrey and Hampshire in England. On returning to Australia he worked as an equine vet in the Southern Highlands for 4 years before returning to England in 2001 as part of the AVA emergency response group for the English Foot and Mouth outbreak. Steve has been at MVH since joining in 2002 and has a strong commitment to both large and small animals and the Mudgee Region. ​Outside of MVH, Steve's keen interest is ocean swimming. He is also a loving father of 3 children.
Dr. Paige Loneragan
Veterinarian/ Partner
Paige graduated from Sydney University in 2005. Paige's first job was at Coolah Veterinary Clinic, which is mixed animal practice with a large proportion of cattle work. Paige is an extremely capable large animal vet who enjoys the full range of a mixed practice. ​Paige loves raising her two boys in the country setting here and is a huge supporter of the Mudgee Region Community.
Dr. Elle Bartlett
Veterinarian/ Partner
Elle grew up in Mudgee and began work as a kennel hand for Mudgee Vet Hospital in 2008 at the age of 15. After completing Year 12 she went to Charles Sturt University to complete her veterinary studies, graduating in 2018. Elle has always worked in mixed practice, beginning her career in Mackay QLD, then working for a few years on the Mid-North Coast before returning home. She has also spent some time as a district veterinarian for the central tablelands team. Elle's main interests include anything surgical, opthalmology and ultrasound. She also enjoys livestock health. Outside of work Elle loves socialising with friends, travel, keeping fit and heading back to the beach. She is enjoying being back home and a part of the Mudgee Community once again.
Dr. Jessica Adlington
Veterinarian/ Partner
Jess grew up on a mixed cropping and livestock property west of Condobolin. After completing year 12 Jess spent twelve months in the US and Europe working in the equine industry. Upon her return Jess attended CSU where she completed her studies to become a Vet. During her time at CSU Jess was fortunate enough to travel through Northern Australia attending placements. ​Jess has a keen interest in all things equine, particularly lameness and reproduction. Jess also enjoys spending time in the clinic especially small animal surgeries. On her days off Jess enjoys sporting, campdrafting and values a good beer.
Dr. Charles Kensit
Veterinarian
Charles grew up on a sheep farm in Crookwell, NSW. After completing school, Charles worked a Gap Year on a farm in Canada, before returning to study at Sydney Univeristy for 12mths and then onto Charles Sturt Wagga for Veterinary Science and graduated in 2024. Charles enjoys sport and plays both golf and tennis locally. In his veterinary work Charles enjoys treating all animals and has a keen interest in livestock.
Dr. Mia Ruppenthal
Veterinarian
Mia recently graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science from JCU in Townsville, after originally studying Marine Biology. Growing up in the Upper Hunter, she developed a strong passion for both large and small animals. Mia's special interests lay in small animal surgery, equine practice and opthalmology. Outside of work Mia enjoys reading, camping, hiking and spending time with her two dogs, Ruger the Dalmatian and Luca a Kelpie/Lab mix.
Dr. Harry Shepherd
Veterinarian
Harry joined the team at Mudgee Vet Hospital in January 2026 after first spending time with us on placement in 2025. Originally from Yeppoon, QLD, Harry completed his Bachelor of Veterinary Science at James Cook University in Townsville. Harry has a strong interest in orthopaedics, surgery and large animal medicine and enjoys the variety that mixed practice brings. Outside of work, Harry keeps busy with footy, cricket and soccer, and enjoys unwinding by playing guitar. And is a die-hard Rabbitohs supporter!
Caroline Stewart
Practice Manager
Born and raised in Mudgee, Caroline has recently returned home and joined the Mudgee Vet Hospital team in February 2026. With an extensive background in finance and senior management, Caroline made the move into the veterinary industry in 2018 to follow her passion for working with animals. Since then she’s gained valuable experience in both general practice and specialty vet hospitals, most recently in Perth. Caroline brings excellent leadership and organisational skills to her role as Practice Manager, ensuring the team runs smoothly and that every client and patient receives the best possible care. Outside of work, Caroline enjoys a round of golf, getting away with her family in the caravan, and spending quality time with her beloved boxer, Hank.
Simone Hurrell
Accounts Manager
Simone has worked for Mudgee Veterinary Hospital since 1990. She has a certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and has progressed over the years into Account Management. Simone enjoys spending time with her friends, family and her two kelpies Jess and Dolly.
Meet The Team
Veterinary Nurses
Emily Bajada
Head Veterinary Nurse
Emily joined the team in August 2023 with 10yrs wealth of nursing experience. As well as her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing, Emily also holds certificates in orthopedics, wound care and both emergency and critical care nursing from Sydney. In her free time Emily likes to go hiking , travel to new places and spending time with her family and friends.
Gloria Mills
Veterinary Nurse
Gloria started working at Mudgee Veterinary Hospital in 1985 and has a certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and is also involved in teaching at our Puppy Preschool classes. Living near Lue on her family farm, Gloria has a zoo of animals from ferrets, birds and pet sheep to her horses and dogs. She brings her love and care of animals to work each day. Gloria's other interests include cooking and her new grandson.
Lisa Brennan
Veterinary Nurse
Lisa has been working at Mudgee Veterinary Hospital since 2000, and previously in the Blue Mountains and Cootamundra. Lisa holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, also continuing her study to achieve her registration and AVNAT accreditaion in Veterinary Nursing. Lisa is focused on all aspects of small animal veterinary care, with a keen interest in surgery, ranging for paediatrics to orthopaedics. You know your pet will be in good hands when Lisa is around.
Donna Croake
Veterinary Nurse
Donna joined the Mudgee Veterinary Hospital team in 2005, gaining her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing soon after. Donna brings vast knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to work, enjoying that every day is different at Mudgee Vet Hospital. Growing up at Cudgeegong and remaining on the land, Donna has a lifetime of experience raising and treating animals. When not at work, Donna enjoys baking, camping, bush walking, spending time with the grandkids and travelling. Her love of dogs, of which she has many, means there's almost always one by her side.
Jan Stanley
Veterinary Nurse
Jan started working for Mudgee Veterinary Hospital in 2005, having completed a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. During this time she has enjoyed caring for all animals and building relationships with clients. She has been involved in puppy training and educating their owners with our puppy preschool classes, since 2005. Jan is a Mudgee local, having grown up on a farm surrounded by animals. In her spare time, Jan enjoys walking her dogs, gardening, and spending time with her family and friends.
Kasey McLean
Veterinary Nurse
Kasey joined the team in early 2023 as a veterinary nurse, having recently moved from working in Lithgow, and has held her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing since 2021. Kasey currently lives in Running Stream and enjoys trail riding her horse Barney, and spendng time with her dog Kimba and her cat Mickey.
Ella Quarmby
Veterinary Nurse
Ella joined us in 2021 for school-based work experience and was such a great fit she formally joined the MVH team in February 2022, as a trainee. Ella has completed a Certificate II in Animal Studies and also her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. Ella enjoys working with small and large animals with a special interest in helping care for hospitalised and emergency cases. In her spare time, Ella enjoys camping, horse riding and spending time with her friends and family. She is also wizard with her tips for social media.
Jada O'Brien
Trainee Nurse
Jada has been studying her Cert 2 in Veterinary Nursing training and joined us in February 2024. When Jada is not at work she enjoys walking her Irish Wofhound Zeus, playing guitar and is a talented singer as well.
Emily Aspey
Veterinary Nurse
Emily joined Mudgee Vet Hospital in June 2024 and brings plenty of hands-on animal experience to her role as a Veterinary Nurse. She is a valued member of our nursing team and is passionate about providing compassionate care to both patients and their owners. Outside of work, Emily loves spending time at the beach with friends, her two daughters and new born son and her much-loved fur-babies Dallas, Beans and Florence.
Emily Aspey
Veterinary Nurse
Emily joined us as a Trainee Vet Nurse in June 2024 and comes to us with plenty of animal experience. Outside of work she loves spending time at the beach with friends, her two daughters and her fur-babies Dallas, Beans and Florence.
Lauren Hammond
Veterinary Nurse
Meet The Team
Customer Service
Caroline Stewart
Practice Manager
Simone Hurrell
Account Manager
Simone has worked for Mudgee Veterinary Hospital since 1990. She has a certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and has progressed over the years into Account Management. Simone enjoys spending time with her friends, family and her two kelpies Jess and Dolly.
Born and raised in Mudgee, Caroline has recently returned home and joined the Mudgee Vet Hospital team in February 2026. With an extensive background in finance and senior management, Caroline made the move into the veterinary industry in 2018 to follow her passion for working with animals. Since then she’s gained valuable experience in both general practice and specialty vet hospitals, most recently in Perth. Caroline brings excellent leadership and organisational skills to her role as Practice Manager, ensuring the team runs smoothly and that every client and patient receives the best possible care. Outside of work, Caroline enjoys a round of golf, getting away with her family in the caravan, and spending quality time with her beloved boxer, Hank.
Kellie McLean
Customer Service
After moving back from Canada, Kellie started her new adventure with Mudgee Vet Hospital in 2023. With a Bachelor degree in Animal Science and over 10 years experience in the animal industry, Kellie has a passion for pets and people. Outside of work, Kellie likes to horseride and spend time with family and friends. Her dog Blitz is usually along for the ride.
Alannah Mills
Customer Service
Alannah joined our team in January 2024, having moved from Sydney to Mudgee in 2021. With three dogs - Ash, Kaia and Lexi - along with five pythons and two geckoes, Alannah's home is truly a living sanctuary. Alannah is currently pursuing a Bachelor in Natural Science (Animal Science) and when not assisting our clients and their pets can be found in the great outdoors, four wheel driving, or training her dogs.
Kirralee Martin
Customer Service
Kirralee joined our team in September 2024 and is a home-grown Mudgee local. Working a variety of jobs, Kirralee has jumped at the opportunity to extend and work in what she loves most - animals - both great or small! Since growing up, Kirralee has a true love for horses and hasn't been too far from the saddle often travelling for competitions, camp drafting and other events. Now raising her two boys, Brodie and Fletcher, who have also a large collection of pets and a passion for bull-riding!
Lauren Hammond
Customer Service/ Veterinary Nurse
Lauren joined Mudgee Vet Hospital in November 2025, bringing with her an impressive 26 years of experience in veterinary nursing across both small animal and specialist hospitals in Sydney. Lauren (Loz) has a real passion for emergency and critical care nursing, and genuinely enjoys making sure both pets and their owners feel educated, confident and cared for. When she’s not at work, Lauren loves spending quality time with family and friends, heading out camping and fishing, and best of all she doesn't mind a nice cold beer at the end of a big day!