SEBASTIAN OLASEK BVSc PhVM
Practice Owner & Clinic Veterinarian
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Like any good vet, Sebastian became what he is today because of his love of animals. His decision concerning his chosen career was only enforced when he discovered his passion for horses. It was what made him apply for a Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
Sebastian graduated from the University of Queensland in 1985 and begun working with both large and small animals. He thoroughly enjoyed his time working in a mixed practice setting, but in the year 2000 he had to make the hard decision to focus on small animal practice. Sebastian resolved to relish his passion of horses on a purely recreational level. He also enjoys the simple pleasure of taking his dogs Hilda, Sparky & Kirri for long walks.
Sebastian is an accomplished surgeon and this is his favourite aspect of being a vet.
ANNABEL SHEPHERD BVSc BAppSc
Practice Owner & Clinic Veterinarian
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When Annabel was eleven years old, she decided that she wanted to be a vet. She had spent a great portion of her childhood around animals, and was determine to base her career around her love of them.
She graduated from the University of Queensland in 1985 and it was in the January of 1988 that she opened the Maud Street veterinary practice in Maroochydore with partner, Sebastian. In 1997 they opened Chancellor Park as a ‘part-time’ clinic and Annabel worked here alone until the year 2000. In 2000 they moved to Chancellor Park Vet Surgery full time, and now 20 years on, they have created Aura Veterinary Hospital.
Annabel is a beautiful soul and has a gentle hand with the animals. She has a special interest in behavioural medicine.
Annabel surrounds herself with animals at home too, with a loving family of horses, dogs, chickens and a cockatoo waiting for her each day.
Dr CANDICE McKeone-Taylor BVSc
Clinic Veterinarian
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Candice is passionate about working with animals, and has worked with animals since she was 15 years old – working with horses and on a cattle farm from a young age.
She has special interests in scope, soft tissue surgery and ECC.
Candice loves all sports and spending time with her family; her two sons Ashton and Xavier, and her fur babies Summer (Maltese x Chihuahua), Ted (Bull Arab x Wolf Hound) and Milo (Jack Russel Terrier).
Dr Louise Savage BVSc
Clinic Veterinarian
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Bio Coming Soon
Dr Gabby BVSc
Clinic Veterinarian
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From a young age, Gabby’s family always would say she had a way with the animals. They would find her playing or taking care of animals while at home or on her grandparents farm. Growing up with mostly just cats and the farm animals, she has developed a special touch and empathy with cats.
She graduated from James cook university in 2015 and started off in mixed practice before quickly moving into emergency and critical care. Gabby is always ready to use this experience in practice when called upon. She also has a special interest in ultrasound of small animals, medicine cases and soft tissue surgery.
Gabby has 2 cats (Wendell and Sparkles) and a golden retriever Paisley (pictured). When she isn’t working she is on the prowl, spending time with her furbabys, and friends, as well as travelling.
Mandy Blackhall
Practice Manager
Bio Coming Soon
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AMANDA ATKINSON
Head Nurse
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Amanda never really had much of a chance to do anything other than veterinary nursing. She grew up on a farm which only developed her love of animals and she fell into her first job within the industry in 1999. Since then she has worked seven years in a mixed practice and six more with small animals, four of which have been with our clinic.
She is an invaluable member of the team. Her extensive knowledge, experience and bubbly attitude help to make each day run smoothly.
“We basically work, eat, sleep and breathe vet nursing – not to mention taking our work home with us!” Amanda’s love of the job has ultimately brought home five ‘reject’ cats to her family which already consists of four dogs and chickens as well as scattering of fish tanks throughout the house.
In her rare moments of free time, Amanda enjoys developing her photography talents and taking her golden girl, Bailey down to the beach for a run.
Evie Watts
Qualified Veterinary Nurse
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Evie started working with animals when she was 16. She first started working with animals in a pet resort, before starting her internship in a veterinary clinic while studying vet nursing. She loves working with animals, but cats are her favourite. She has 4 cats at home, 3 of which are rescues. Evie has a special interest in assisting in surgery.
When Evie is not working she likes to paint and crochet.
