Dr Robert Payne

Veterinarian & Practice Owner

Dr Rob has over 30 years of experience in treating all sorts of medical and surgical problems in all breeds of dogs, cats, birds, and even reptiles!

Robert has been trained in specific surgical procedures; orthopedic repair for cranial cruciate ligament rupture (the major ligament in the knee).  He has now performed over 170 TPLO procedures with great success.  He is always happy to discuss the dynamics of your pet's mobility, and to talk you through his findings on X-Ray or the expectations of a medical diagnosis or an upcoming surgery.

His extensive knowledge and drive to ensure total health of your pet enables him to deliver the best outcome for your animal, with a treatment that is right for you.

Dr Rob moved to the Macedon Ranges 18 years ago with his wife Marika (a science teacher at Sacred Heart College), and (now quite adult) children Jessica, Maddison and Ryan.
His family of pets include Bronx the Great Dane rescue dog, and his Australian Shepherd friend, as well as Chickens, Budgies, Sparkie the Cockatiel, 3 turtles and 12 goldfish. The move to the country was an obvious choice for the Payne Family and their menagerie of pets.

Rob first opened the Hamilton Street Veterinary Clinic solo, and is now glad to share the practice with his Veterinary Partners, Chloe and Felicia

 

Dr Chloe Lam

Veterinarian & Practice Owner

Dr Chloe graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2019 and has been a part of the Hamilton Street Vet team since 2020. She has a passion for veterinary surgery, particularly in orthopaedics and BOAS surgery for brachycephalic breeds.  Dr Chloe is dedicated to providing the highest standard of care and enjoyrs working closely with pet owners to ensure the best outcomes for their furry companions

Outside of work, Dr Chloe enjoys training her two labradoodles Bailey and Winnie, trying her hand at pottery and travelling the world

Dr Felicia Hergert

Veterinarian & Practice Owner

Felicia is a long time animal lover, a country girl and a University of Melbourne Veterinary graduate, having joined us in 2020.  She has grown up with many animals throughout her life, which fostered her interest in veterinary medicine. Felicia has a professional interest in feline medicine, chickens, ultrasound and ophthalmology.
Felicia has a gorgeous chocolate labradoodle named Rosie, who is very spoilt and a few chickens to keep her company

In her spare time, Felicia likes to exercise her creative mind with polymer clay creations and spending time with her partner and Rosie

Dr Leah Withers

Veterinarian

Dr Leah graduated from the University of Queensland in 2006 after completing a Bachelor of Science and honours in Zoology.  She started her career in country practice before travelling and working through England for 15 months, then returning to Australia to focus on small animal practice.  Out of work, Leah spends her time horseriding, and Winter finds her heading to the mountains in search of snow.  She is a Bullengarook local, with her partner, a horse, several chooks, a turtle, and two strapping youngsters all keeping her busy.

Dr Emily Spierings

Veterinarian

Emily graduated from the University of Melbourne, and pursued studies in veterinary medicine as she appreciates the importance of the human-animal bond. Her professional interests include chronic disease management, and geriatric medicine to care for our beloved oldies in their golden years.

Emily has a Wolfhound cross named Thelma, and in her spare time enjoys the outdoors, aerial acrobatics and all things pastry based.

Dr Raven Witzigreuter

Veterinarian

Raven graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2024. She loves working with small animals. Her special interests include pocket pets, radiology and wildlife. Raven is originally from the United States, but is excited to begin her career in Australia. She loves the diverse wildlife and all the friendly faces that she's met so far. She has a ginger cat names Simba, who is definitely a handful. In her spare time, Raven enjoys working on motorcycles with her partner and catching up on her long list of books

Dr Ross Payne

Veterinarian

Dr Ross graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1981. With a lifelong passion for animals, he began his career at Williamstown Veterinary Hospital alongside Dr Rob. Over two decades, he played a key role in transforming the practive into a large, ASAVA-accredited hospital during the 1990s.

Recently retired, Ross now resides in Woodend, where he dedicates his time to establishing a truffle farm. Despite his retirement, he continues to practice veterinary medicine part-time, working one to two days a week at Hamilton Street Vet with his brother and Hamilton Street Vet team. His professional interests include ultrasound and dental procedures, reflecting his commitment to advanced veterinary care

Kim

Head Nurse

Kim has always had a passion and love for animal welfare, this lead her to Hamilton Street Veterinary Clinic in 2014.

At work, she loves the challenges and variety that veterinary nursing brings, it keeps her on her toes and no two days are ever the same. She has a strong passion for mentoring and training junior nurses. Always striving to improve on her knowledge and skills. Her aim is for Gold standard care and support for all her patients and clients. She has a keen interest in all things dental, and loves to help educate on preventative dental disease in our pets.

When not at the clinic Kim enjoys down time with her family.

Sophie

Front Office Manager

Sophie is a University of Melbourne Bachelor of Science graduate. She is an integral cog that keeps the clinic running smoothly and efficiently. She is highly organised and proactive, and skilled at coordinating day-to-day clinic workflow, managing inventory and administrative tasks and providing exceptional customer service.

When she is not at work, she is off travelling the world! 

Jess

Veterinary Nurse

Jess's Veterinary Nursing and Grooming/Doggy Day Care background stems from around Melbourne's West.

She is an experienced and qualified Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse, and we value her as a calm and conscientious, integral member of our nursing team.

You will see her on reception, or in the hospital, caring for your canine and feline friends. 

Mahalia

Veterinary Nurse

Mahalia will greet you on reception, and always seems to wear a smile. 

Mahalia has come from a pharmacy and customer service background, with a love of animals, and a keen attitude to help. Mahalia has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. 

When Mahalia is not at work, she is spending time with her partner and three frenchies or busy looking after her beautiful garden

Molly

Veterinary Nurse

Molly has been working in the animal industry as an attendant since she was 16 years old. Molly has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her dogs, Indiana and Anakin and her cat, Luna.

Alex Canning

Veterinary Nurse

Alex has loved working as a veterinary nurse for many years and enjoys all aspects of the job. Her favorite part is getting to know each patient and building relationships with their owners. She has a strong interest in dog behaviour and movement, always striving to make pets fell comfortable and cared for during their visits

Outside of work, Alex enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs, Pip and Waylon

Sharni

Veterinary Nurse

Sharni is one of our senior nurses who always has a bright smile and interest in always learning more about veterinary nursing. When she is not caring for our patients at the clinic, she is spending time with her young family and two dogs Louie and Dumpling

Tarryn

Veterinary Nurse

Tarryn is our superstar junior vet nurse.  She has commenced her Certificate in Veterinary Nursing, and is being mentored by our senior nursing staff.  Tarryn takes care of all the animals with great compassion in clinic and in her spare time, likes to be out and about with her horse Dash.

Johanna

Veterinary Nurse

Jo has a calm and conscientious attitude to her work, and gives patients her utmost attention. She has completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing 

Drew Kibble

Veterinary Nurse

Drew completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at the end of 2022. During 2023, she jet setted off to Canada to explore the big wide world. Now she is back and ready to continue her journey as a vet nurse. Drew is a Macedon Ranges local and lives on a farm with her three dogs, Raya, Astrid and Dusty. She has always loved animals and helping them in every way she can. When Drew is not working, she is planning for her next big holiday

Katrina Stockman

Veterinary Nurse

Katrina has completed Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Katrina is always keen to learn and develop her skills while comforting patients along the way. During her free time, she enjoys spending it along the coast of the Great Ocean Road and wakeboarding on the Murray 

Tah-Neasha

Receptionist

Tah-Neasha Is one of our newest additions to the clinic who you will see on reception. She has a bubbly personality and an absolute love for all animals. She has studied a Certificate 3 in Companionship with Animals and in the would like to pursue vet nursing in the future.

Taymah

Receptionist

Taymah is a local girl with previous experience in pharmacy. She has two little boys at home who are her world and a big boxer who she adores. Taymah loves all animals but cows are her favourite!

You will see Taymah's friendly face at the front desk helping with your clinic enquiries and bookings