Emma Billing BVSc (Hons) MANZCVS (Veterinary Behaviour) F Cert ECC
Veterinarian
Emma was born and bred in Armidale, spending her whole school career at local schools and finally leaving town to pursue further study in Brisbane. It was here at the University of Queensland that she completed her Bachelor of Veterinary Science and graduated with honours in 2005. Her first post was at Dorrigo, NSW doing 80% large animal in a mixed practice (mostly dairy and beef cattle) where she stayed for 2 years and met her husband Josh. They moved to Armidale where they have settled and have two daughters, two dachshunds, too many sheep and a multitude of other animals. Emma’s special interests are behaviour, reconstructive surgery and medicine.
Claire Frizell BVSc (BVetBiol)
Veterinarian
I’m a 7th generation Frizell from a property out past Wollomombi. In my 20s I suffered from a severe, chronic case of itchy feet that led me down to Wagga through vet school and then around the world for work and play. Once my frontal lobe fused I began to see why my family chose to live in this area for so long, and the idea of sinking some roots became more exhilarating than terrifying (only just!). I returned home after the Australian border opened from covid, and since then I’ve renovated an almost 100 year old house which I now call home. You’ll see me at my most happiest when I get to work with large and small animals in my working day, and in my spare time I love to be on the family farm and hike with my whippet wherever I can.
Alex Chako
Veterinarian
I am a Veterinarian with experience across clinical practice and animal care horned in South Africa .I love people and travelling the world, so early 2025 I decided to trade South African streets for Aussie tranquil life and medical cases like snake bites and tick paralysis.As a member of NEVS, a team that takes pride in delivering practical , ethical veterinary care tailored to each patient, I hope to save many patients that will need my help and also explore nature’s wonders in Australia
Merna Agha
Veterinarian
With a love for new experiences and exploring new places, Merna’s journey has taken her from the Pyramids of Egypt to the city life in Sydney, and now to Armidale, where she is excited to settle into a new chapter and call it home. She has a particular interest in internal medicine, emergency and critical care, and soft tissue surgery. When she’s not at the clinic, you’ll usually find Merna staying active with workouts, exploring somewhere new, or experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
Robin Cameron
Receptionist / Nurse
Robin Cameron is a sixth generation Armidalian and a descendant of the McLennan family from Kilcoy and Scots Corner near Wollomombi. After leaving school at PLC Armidale she started as a working pupil at the NEGS Riding School where she remained for over 30 years rising to the position of Director. Robin rode her horse to work and home again each day until she was old enough to get her driver’s licence. While working at NEGS Robin had two trips to England to gain qualifications (not then available in Australia) as a riding instructor and in stud management. She has been a member of the Armidale Horse and Pony Club since 1963 and has represented the Club, Zone and State on many occasions in riding, show jumping and eventing. She also competed in the Melbourne to Sydney Harness marathon in 1987 and has competed successfully in many horse endurance rides including the Shazada 400km ride. She was nominated as Zonta Woman of the Year in 1992 and in 2006 received the Armidale Service to Sport Award. In 2010 and 2014 she was voted Zone 13 Pony Club Volunteer of the year and in 2016 was awarded life membership of Armidale Horse and Pony Club. She is currently coach for the armidale Branch of Riding for the Disabled. On leaving NEGS, Robin began part-time employment with the Dangar Street Veterinary Clinic and in May 2006 became a permanent member of staff. Robin seems to know and be known by almost everyone in town. She is married to Lyall and they have one daughter, Rebecca.
Caitlin Trickey RVN
Registered Veterinary Nurse
Growing up on a small farm in the Bellinger valley, my childhood was spent surrounded by dogs, chickens, cattle, horses, and deer which left me with no doubt I wanted to work with animals. During High School I completed a Cert II in Animal Studies at TAFE before moving to Armidale to study a Bachelor of Zoology at the University of New England. In my final year of university, I traveled to the Tiwi Islands to assist vets in a dog health program, which reinforced my love for working with domestic animals. After graduating, I decided to undertake my Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing. Now with over 10 years in the industry, I’m proud to say I still love going to work every day. I live permanently in Uralla with my two dogs, one cat, a handful of chickens, and two human children in whom I hope to instil the same love of animals.
Kim Scott
Veterinary Nurse
I always knew I would work with animals is some way or another. I’ve done pet sitting, dog walking, horse trail ride guild and pet shop work. I completed certificate IV in vet nursing in Coffs Harbour 7 years ago and I enjoy providing exceptional care to all different types of animals. I have also spent years volunteering for WIRES. Raising possum and glider joeys was my highlight. I moved to Armidale to continue my Bachelor of Zoology at UNE. I currently have a standardbred horse named Espy and a kelpie x called Cora.
Arya Ghorinta
Veterinary Nurse
Growing up in a small tropical town in northern Sumatra, I experienced the pure joy of running through open fields with my dog from a young age. My determination for animal care was solidified when my beloved dog, Blanco, passed away due to a lack of professional veterinary care in my area. Wanted to make a difference, I pursued my dream by flying to Java, where I graduated as a veterinarian from one of Indonesia’s most prestigious universities. Now living in Australia, I work as a veterinary nurse while preparing to sit for the licensing exam to become a registered veterinarian. Over the years, I have had the privilege of doing internship with animals from diverse backgrounds, which has strengthened my commitment to providing compassionate care and making a positive impact in every role I take on.
Julie Crozier
Veterinary Nurse
I grew up in a semi rural village – Brushgrove between Grafton and Maclean where I could always be found with the family animals. Who needed dolls when I had living toys. My work history has included, in order from leaving school:- Admin/Reception, Banking, Telecom, Construction/Surveying, Bar Work, Tourism, Bar Work, Banking/Finance/Lending, Reception, Vet Nursing/Accounts/Management, Boarding Housemother. I have a great interest in caring for children, volunteer work with Armidale RSPCA, renovating and exercise. Our house is a work in progress. It is hard to work around numerous cats and dogs in care. We have 4 dogs and 4 cats of our own. All but one of the dogs have been in care with us and never left. My own children have gone back to their state of birth – Qld. This is my 22nd year in Armidale. I would never have thought I would stay in one place so long. I obviously love this town and the many great friends and acquaintances I have made.
Jo Taylor
Vet Nurse
I grew up on a small sheep and cattle property just outside of Uralla. working on a farm from a young age I always knew I would work with animals. After school I moved to Orange where I studied Equine business management and worked with horses in eventing and also the racing industry. Once my degree was completed I moved to Sydney and started my nursing career. Working at The Animal Referral Hospital for many years I gained an incredible amount of knowledge in emergency care. After 12 years of veterinary nursing in Sydney, my family and I decided it was time to move home and settle into a country life.
Claire Arandale
Veterinary Nurse
Having had pets all my life I have grown to love animals and adore caring for them, I started showing cattle at 14 and grew a passion for the show ring and being able to present cattle at their best, riding horses from a young age I found myself always wanting to know more about them. During my senior years at high school I completed my Cert II in Animal Studies and continued with my vet nursing journey fresh out of school and have been so lucky to be part of such an amazing team that I enjoy my time with every time Im in the clinic. I am exited to continue my journey in the veterinary industry and see what the future has in store.
Olivia Sinclair
Student Nurse
I grew up in Cronulla, where I always had a passion for animals, small to big – you could always find me right by their side. On weekends, I spent most of my time with my horse, competing in Reining and volunteering at my local riding agistment and their STAR club program. After finishing school, I packed up and moved to Armidale to study a Bachelor of Animal Science at UNE, where I could further my passion and knowledge for animals, having a special interest in welfare and nutrition. During my studies, I discovered the wonderful NEVS, where I completed multiple placements across various enterprises before being fortunate enough to be offered employment. Since joining NEVS, I’ve loved the opportunity to learn and grow alongside an extraordinarily talented team and building a fulfilling life in Armidale. Now, in my spare time, you can usually find me expanding my small collection of animals, including sheep and chickens and my 2-year-old Border Collie, Tilly, always by my side. I’m excited to see what the future holds as I continue pursuing my education and lifelong dream of a career as a vet nurse.
Jade Fangmeier
Veterinary Technician
Growing up on a family property I was lucky to be surrounded by animals everyday. Early on I knew I wanted to work with animals. I began further studies during high school completing a Cert in Primary Industries before moving into a year at UNE in Animal Science. It was then time to experience something new so I made the move to QLD and transferred over to Veterinary Technology. After completing my bachelors degree I spent abit of time in a Small Animal Clinic and Equine Breeding Centre before venturing back home to become part of the nursing team at NEVS. In my spare time you mostly find me at home fussing about the horses or in the arenas schooling dressage. My passion for horses led me to venture to a local Equine Clinic for a couple seasons. I am now back with the NEVS team and look forward to continuing in the veterinary industry with such a supportive team.
Abigail McDonald
Student Nurse
Growing up I have been around native and domestic animals all my life. I have had the unique experience of having parents in both the animal and nursing fields. With a strong passions in both these fields, this environment has lead me to chase a career in veterinary nursing. Although I am only at the start of my journey , by recently completing my certificate ll in animals care. I can’t wait to see where this career takes me.
Rachael Morris
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
Living on a farm my whole life made me very passionate about caring for animals after having many poddy lambs, calves and all of the other animals I brought home along the way I knew animal care was what I wanted to do from a very young age. Through year 12 I completed my cert ll in animal care at tafe and I am now completing my cert lV in vet nursing.
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