Meet Our Veterinarians

Michael Ferguson BVSc (Hons) - Veterinarian and Owner

Michael Ferguson Michael graduated from the University of Queensland in 1999. Since then he has worked in a mixed practice in Australia and the United Kingdom, with some voluntary work in Thailand. He enjoys dealing with clients and providing friendly and professional services. Michael became the owner of Wauchope Vets in 2010 after starting work here in 2007. He has three growing children and is the proud owner of Tinto the black Labrador. Michael is active with the Wauchope Swimming Club, Soccer Club and can often be found riding his mountain bike around the forests of Wauchope and surrounding areas.

Jillian Lawrence BVSc (Hons) - Veterinarian

Jillian Lawrence Jillian graduated from the University of Sydney in 2011 and joined Wauchope Vets shortly after. She has a rural background, originally from Wee Waa in northwest NSW and is enjoying the coastal lifestyle. Jillian thoroughly enjoys the variety and challenges that mixed practice offers, she is particularly interested in small animal medicine, behaviour and anesthesia. In her spare time she enjoys spending time at the beach with her active dog Sasha and playing netball.

Bryce Philpott B.VetBiol/BVSc - Veterinarian

Bryce Philpott Bryce graduated from Charlies Sturt University in 2014. Bryce grew up on a small farm in Southern Western Australia, which has inspired his interest in mixed practice work, particularly cattle medicine and small animal surgery. Outside of work he fills his time with many sports including hockey, surfing and cycling to name a few.

Sue Harvey B.V.Sc(Hons), Dip. Vet. Clinical Studies - Veterinarian

Sue Harvey graduated from the University of Sydney in 1986 and has worked in mixed practice on the mid-north coast ever since, including a 3 year stint at Wauchope Vets in the early 1990s. She is a true all-rounder with interests ranging from soft-tissue surgery, parasitology and obstetrics.

Sue has two adult children, four cats and an elderly retired working dog called Jasper. When she is not working, she can usually be found helping her husband run their commercial beef cattle enterprise or riding her horse.

Meet Our Nurses and Support Staff

Julie Maurer - Veterinary Nurse

Julie Maurer Julie, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, started working with Wauchope Vets in 2006. Julie enjoys nursing sick animals back to health. She likes to see them go home happy with their owners. She is a highly skilled surgical nurse and has mastered the laboratory equipment. She likes camping and spending time with her dog Flo.

Emily Pezet - Veterinary Nurse

Emily completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2017. She started work with Wauchope Vets in 2016, after two years of work placement, while she studied. She enjoys her job and is interested in dental work and the diversity of farm calls. Emily and her partner Daniel have a dog Pippy, Grimes, two cats Maggie and Fred, as well as chooks and fish. She is kept busy with a large family and supplying the Clinic with fantastic cheesecakes!

Ali Laws - Veterinary Nurse

Ali started with Wauchope Vets in 2017 after moving back to Port Macquarie from Queensland. Ali was awarded her Bachelor of Veterinary Technology and Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing from the University of Queensland. Ali has a keen interest in anesthesia as well as exotic animals. When she's not spending time caring for our lovely clients and patients, Ali and her husband Nathan, enjoy taking their Golden Retriever, 'Sonny', to the beach and getting cuddles from their gorgeous rescue cat, 'Stevie'.

Sarah Fardell - Veterinary Nurse

Sarah is our newest member to the team, who joined us April 2019. She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2018, whilst doing work placement at Wauchope Vets. Sarah has had plenty of experience in caring for animals, as she has previously worked for 3 years in a local kennel. Outside of work you can find Sarah teaching karate or cuddling with her cat, Billy.

Leisa Ferguson - Business Administration

Leisa Ferguson Having worked in project management in Local Government and Natural Resources, turning her hand to the Veterinary world was always going to be a change! Leisa has been with Wauchope Vets since 2010 and manages the paperwork that comes with small business. She enjoys seeing the staff develope from the huge variety of work that a regional Vet Clinic gets to see. She also loves the chance to cuddle the puppies! Leisa is happy to be the mother of three wonderful kids.

Alison Chapman - Practice Manager

Having worked in many large private companies, as well as working in the political field, Alison enjoys the challenge of working now in the Veterinary industry and applying her previous experiences to her day to day activites in the clinic. Alison is married and an active member of her community. She enjoys Rugby and being active at the gym and trying very hard to stay fit at 55+, which is another challenge in itself!

Tinto

Tinto Recently we had to say goodbye to our ever calm and friendly Tinto the black Labrador. Tinto was with us since 2007. He was loved by the Fergusons, clinic staff and many clients. RIP our beloved Tinto - we will miss you always.