Darren, a dedicated veterinarian with a profound love for animals, is the founder of Tanilba Bay Vet. His commitment to animal welfare extends to his personal life, where he cares for both dogs and multiple horses as their primary caregiver.

Graduating from the University of Sydney in 1993 with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Darren embarked on a diverse career path. He gained experience in mixed animal practice in Bega and small animal practice in Caringbah before venturing to England. There, he contributed his expertise to large animal practice in South Hampton for five years. Seeking warmer weather and sunnier skies, Darren returned to Australia.

Establishing his own practice in Forster, NSW, by the beach, Darren catered to the needs of both small and large animals. Recognizing the demand for high-quality pet care, he later opened a clinic in Cooks Hill. Driven by his belief in providing excellent veterinary services, Darren expanded his reach to Lambton, serving the animals of Newcastle and now Tanilba Bay.

Passionate about ensuring animals receive top-notch care, Darren emphasizes the importance of reciprocating the unconditional love pets offer their owners. With a special interest in orthopedic and soft tissue surgery, he strives to enhance the well-being of his patients.

Leah completed a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine Science, graduating from Warsaw University of Life Sciences in Warsaw, Poland. 

Leah has been working for the past 3 years across the UK & Ireland.

She has a great passion for helping all animals great and small!
Leah has a keen interest in Surgery and delivering the best possible client/patient care she can bring her ultimate job satisfaction. 
Leah is Irish and recently moved to Australia in Feb 2025. She enjoys all things outdoors from hiking to swimming and loves adventure! In her downtime, she likes to read, paint/ draw, play music and boardgames!

Emilie is a senior Vet nurse with over 10 years' experience working in both general practice and a busy shelter environment.

In recent years Emilie was the Shelter Supervisor at the Hunter RSPCA where she completed her DIP in leadership and management, closely followed by her certification in local government. During this time, she collected a few four-legged children including two pugs, four cats and a very spoilt Jack Russell. In her spare time, you will find Em chasing her two-legged human child around which keeps her very busy.

Alison is a senior vet nurse who completed her Veterinary Nursing Cert IV in 2012. She has worked in both general small animal practices as well as referral practices in Sydney, Newcastle and Port Stephens.

She has a keen interest in surgical procedures and medical diagnosis.

During her time in the industry, she has acquired 5 fur babies to keep her busy during her down time.

Hi my name is Zoe,

I Completed my certificate IV In veterinary Nursing June 2024.

I live on a hobby farm in Nelson’s plains and love taking care of all the animals. My two dogs (Tucker -Johnson bulldog x American staffy) and (Bella -staffy x), with 15 chickens and 15 herd cattle.

My hobbies are photography, camping , and going to cool car events. I also really love spending time with my partner and my family!

My aim for clients is to be as compassionate and understanding of their feelings so they feel comfortable.  

Lucy is currently completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at Tafe aiming to complete her qualification June 2025. Lucy has always had a passion and connection towards all animals whether they be feathered, furred or scaled. Lucy’s overwhelming connection to animals led her to pursue a career in this field fulfilling her young childhood dream. Lucy enjoys spending time and training her two best friends - two Whippets named Baxter and Willow who love doing any trick as long as there’s a treat or toy involved. As well as being the best Auntie to another two Whippets called Murray and Chip. Outside of work, she loves going to the beach, camping, or baking something sweet in the kitchen. At Tanilba Bay Vet, if you don’t see Lucy attending to your amazing animals, she will be out the back organising and making sure everything is neat and tidy or learning the most from our nurses and vets. Lucy loves all things Science, with a special interest in Pathology, Anatomy and Surgery as well as learning breed and genetic specific traits in our Furry Friends. Lucy strives to ensure that all animals are given the best care to receive the best outcome for their future, by accommodating to their medical diagnosis in the best way for each specific animal.

Alina's passion for animals inspired her to pursue a career change. She has completed a Certificate II in Animal Care and is currently studying for a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing.

A proud resident of Port Stephens, Alina loves getting to know the area’s diverse wildlife and domestic animals alike. On her long bush walks, she likes listening audiobooks or podcasts about animals and veterinary. In her free time, Alina enjoys drawing flowers and gardening.

Her mission is to provide the utmost love and care for every animal during their stay at the clinic. She believes it’s essential to create a calm and comfortable environment for each pet to feel at ease.

Imogen is Tanilba Bay Vets newest recruit and brings with her many years of experience working within the animal care industry including working in grooming salons as a dog groomer for the past 5 years, working as an animal attendant for RSPCA NSW as well as working for a small family owned kennel and cattery as her very first job. Over the years Imogen has dedicated her time to not only working with animals as a professional but volunteering too. Imogen has volunteered at not only pet shops but zoos too and occasionally dedicating her free time to bathing doggies to help raise money for various animal related charities. Imogen has not only  studied and completed certificate ll & lll in animal studies and certificate lll in companion animal services but whilst learning on the job she studied and completed a certificate lll in pet grooming to become a qualified professional pet groomer. Imogen began grooming 5 years ago with no idea how to professionally groom but the passion to learn. Imogen fell in love with the art of grooming and the ability to create bonds with her canine friends on a whole different level than previously. Outside of work Imogen enjoys heading to the beach or bush for a swim, walk or drive as well as discovering new and old favourite places to eat and visit in the local area and surrounds with her fiance and her spritely 15 year old maltese shih tzu, Bean