Meet the Team

Our friendly and dedicated team at Nissen Street Veterinary Surgery is here to serve.

Your local professional and compassionate veterinary surgery.

Interested to find out more about the team behind Nissen Street Veterinary Surgery? You’re in the right place!

Our team of friendly and compassionate professionals is dedicated to providing outstanding care for your beloved pets.

With a passion for animals and a commitment to their well-being, we strive to offer the highest quality veterinary services.

Trust us to provide reliable and affordable healthcare for your furry friends.

Meet our dedicated team

Dr Candice Loft
Director & Lead Veterinarian
Dr Candice grew up in Uitenhage, South Africa, and immigrated to Australia for university in 2002. Graduating with honors from University of Queensland in 2008 she started her career in Hervey Bay and has called the Bay home ever since.
Dr Guy Scotney
Veterinarian
Dr Guy graduated in 2022 from James Cook University. He then began his career working as a mixed practice Veterinarian for 18 months in Central Queensland, before joining the Nissen Street Vet Surgery team in early 2023 Dr Guy thoroughly enjoys all aspects of surgery and has a keen interest in complex surgeries, he also loves dedicating his time to his clients in consultation, to develop close client/patient relationships. When Dr Guy is not at work, he loves spending quality time with his Wife, Golden Retriever 'Mildred', and fishing at every opportunity possible.
Dr Hanna Joensuu
Veterinarian
Hanna was born in Finland and grew up moving around Asia before her family arrived in Australia in 2013. Graduating at the University of Queensland in 2019, Hanna now calls Hervey Bay home and joined our team in 2022.
Dr Charlie Stenberg
Veterinarian
Having grown up with multiple species of animals, she has always had a passion for pets and has wanted to be a vet since the age of four. She graduated as a vet from Massey University, New Zealand in 2016 and once qualified, she decided to make the leap over the ditch to join those on the greener side (but maybe with browner grass).
Dr Nathaniel Smith
Veterinarian
Born and raised in the Northwest of Victoria, Nat attended school locally before relocating to Adelaide for University in 2013. Upon completion, Nat joined a large, busy mixed practice in Mildura in 2019. With the onset of COVID, it was the perfect place to hone his skills as a new graduate. Since 2024, Nat has worked through rural NSW and Queensland as a mixed Veterinarian. Since joining Nissen Street Vets in October 2024, Nat has enjoyed the lifestyle that the Fraser Coast has to offer. Outside of work, he enjoys the outdoors, fishing, camping and exploring the Hervey Bay and surrounding areas.
Charlie Whittemore
Co-Owner & Practice Manager
Charlie immigrated to Australia in 2007 for higher education and has a background in hospitality management and employment services. He started his career in the veterinary industry at Nissen Street Vets after Dr Candice bought it to assist in the reception and accounts.
Renee Dearden
Head Veterinary Nurse
Originally from Victoria, Renee moved to Hervey Bay in 2012 and shortly after started her career in veterinary as a nurse, completing her Cert IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2020. She joined our team in June 2022 as our Head Nurse and has been an integral part of the leadership team.
Sam Stewart
Veterinary Nurse Technician
Sam graduated University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Applied Science (Veterinary Technology) in 2019 and joined our team in March 2023.
Ella Parker
Veterinary Nurse
Ella originally from Brisbane moved to the Bay in 2014. After completing high school in the peak of the pandemic, Ella found her love and passion for animals and decided to enroll in her Qualification in Veterinary Nursing. While being one of the youngest in the clinic, we all enjoy the continuous banter of 'do you even know this song...' & ' you weren't even born then! Ella's favourite part of working in the industry is providing quality comfort and care for patients during their hospital stay.
Mahalia Spooner
Veterinary Nurse
Growing up in Brisbane, Mahalia moved to Hervey Bay in 2008 to enjoy the country lifestyle. Living on property, Mahalia found a passion for Animal Care and decided to begin her career in the industry in 2016. Mahalia joined the Nissen Street Vet Surgery Team in 2023 and obtained her Veterinary Nurse qualification in 2024. Outside of work Mahalia enjoys spending quality time with her family on their property, riding horses, and looking after their menagerie of animals.
Rebecca Zeestraten
Veterinary Nurse / Admin
Bec is a country girl at heart, moving to Hervey Bay from country Victoria in 2019. Growing up surrounded by animals and assisting her grandmother at a young age with wildlife care, she always had a huge passion for caring for animals. Bec began studying Veterinary nursing in 2018, where she completed placement in an Equine Clinic and a Large small animal practice. Bec decided to call the Sunshine State home, completing her Veterinary Nursing qualification when moving to Hervey Bay. When Bec is not at work she enjoys, spending time with her family, boating, camping and fishing, and obsessing over her dogs and bearded dragon.
Laura Clifton
Veterinary Nurse
Laura graduated University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Applied Science majoring in Wildlife Science in 2015. Then started working as a zookeeper at Australia Zoo for 9 years. While at the zoo she was heavily involved in the daily medical care of the wildlife she looked after. Wanting to increase her knowledge in the animal medical field Laura joined the Nissen Street Vet Surgery team in 2024 as a Vet Nurse. Although Laura has a keen wildlife and conservation passion, dogs have always been a special part of her life with her 9 year old German Shepherd 'Ellie' who takes up most of her spare time and her bed.
Tina Mosti
Veterinary Nurse
Tina was born in Argentina in a family of Italian (mostly) immigrants. Growing up in the National Parks, surrounded by nature and animals, Tina new from the age of 4 years old that she wanted to become a veterinarian. Graduating from La Plata University in 2016 and gaining her Veterinary degree in February 2019. In August 2019, Tine decided to move to New Zealand, where she worked as a Veterinary Nurse until December 2021, before travelling to Australia. Working as a Veterinary Nurse while travelling Australia until she met her partner in 2023 and deciding to settle in Hervey Bay. Outside of work Tina enjoys Water Sports, Trekking National Parks, Yoga and Gardening.
Natalie Parker
Veterinary Nurse
Natalie recently moved to Hervey Bay, having been working in Veterinary medicine since 2018 overseas. Before nursing, Natalie was working at animal shelters in the USA. For this reason, Natalie is an advocate for desexing pets and enjoys volunteering her time at Spey/Neuter clinics in countries with high levels of homeless pets. Natalie is currently completing her Certificate IV in veterinary nursing to be Australian qualified. Natalie enjoys the caring nursing aspect of her role, building trust with her pawsome patients and making them feel comfortable and not stressed in a hospital setting. In her spare time, Natalie enjoys nature, hiking, travel, & playing her ukulele.
Tiarna Oldham
Veterinary Receptionist
Anyone who has already visited us may already recognise this smile face on reception and is the self proclaimed team favourite. Tiarna joined us in February last year and has been an amazing addition to the team with her generosity and cheek!
Kristy Eldridge
Veterinary Receptionist
Kristy originally from a small country town in New South Wales, moved to Hervey Bay in 2005. Growing up on a farm, Kristy always had a passion for animal care. In 2023 Kristy joined the team to be one of the first smiling faces you see when you enter the clinic. Kristy's favourite part of the role is making sure the clients receive a warm welcome and a wonderful experience from start to finish.
Hayley Tebbit
Veterinary Receptionist
Hayley moved to Hervey Bay from Mackay in 2015 to be closer to family, joining the Nissen Street Vet Surgery Team in 2024 as a one of our smiling Veterinary Receptionists. With a love for all animals big and small, Hayley decided to follow her passion to work in the Veterinary Industry. When Hayley is not at work you can find her spending time with her family and kitty cat, camping, enjoying the outdoors, and enjoying the sunshine at the beach.
Amelia Fry
Kennel Hand
Born in Sydney, Amelia then spent a period of her childhood living in Thursday Island before moving to Hervey Bay in 2008. With a current Certificate II in animal care, Amelia has chosen to continue her studies to obtain a Certificate IV in animal studies to peruse her dream as a Veterinary Nurse. When Amelia is not at work she enjoys cooking, painting, holidaying with family and pampering her dog Molly.

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