Our team
Meet the pet-passionate people behind Wellington Vet Hospital. Our team of highly dedicated veterinarians and nurses pride themselves on their high standard of care, always putting your pets first.
With a focus on excellence in care, our team will always be an advocate for all animals big and small.
Our Veterinarians
Dr. Hennie Strydom
Lead Veterinarian - Small and Large Animal Veterinarian
Born and bred in South Africa, Hennie studied veterinary medicine at the University of Pretoria/Onderstepoort, graduating in 1992. Moving straight into private rural farming practice, Hennie has had an extensive career supporting farmers in South Africa, New Zealand and Australia. His interests lie in large animal reproduction, production animal medicine and orthopaedic surgery. Hennie and his wife Natanya purchased the Wellington Veterinary Hospital in 2009 and have since led the team as our Head Veterinarian.
Having worked full time and played rugby in three different countries, Hennie is also “Pa” to three, and “Öupa” to one. When not working, Hennie can be found watching rugby from the sidelines, playing squash and spending time with family and friends. Hennie also lives with two cats, Tiger and Lilly, two dogs, Tundi and Lady and five sheep, Rock, Vin, Jason, Demi and Lara One.
Dr. Clancy Wright
Associate Veterinarian - Small Animal Veterinarian
Clancy graduated from the University of Sydney in 2009 and went on to complete an internship in small animal emergency and critical care medicine in Newcastle. With a passion for small animal emergency, she continued in this field until 2014. On a break from the veterinary industry, Clancy completed a diploma in Project Management and worked in projects and publishing. Clancy re-joined the veterinary industry in 2020 with a renewed focus on general practice, with particular interests in preventative health.
Born and raised on Wiradjuri land, Clancy and her young family naturally returned to the area to be close to family. When not working, Clancy can be found exploring the valleys and hills of home, playing netball, spending time with her extended family and planning the next big project. Clancy also shares her home with their three dogs, Hugo, Dimble, and Helen, Selina the cat, two poddy calves, Daisy and Brisket and a sheep by the name of Sheepelton.
Dr. Anthea Nicholls
Associate Veterinarian - Small Animal Veterinarian
Anthea graduated from the University of Sydney in 1989. She has had an extensive career working in many mixed animal practices in Victoria, Sydney and the UK. Anthea is also a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists, having passed her membership examinations in small animal medicine.
After spending some time abroad, Anthea and her family settled in Mudgee 18 years ago and have since remained an active member of the community. She continues to live in Mudgee with her family, enjoying gardening, running and sewing.
Anthea also lives with her puppy Bobby and two cats, Spook and Pudding.
Dr. Kwena Matlou
Associate Veterinarian - Small Animal Veterinarian
Dr Kwena joined the WVH team in late 2023 and hails from South Africa. He brings with him extensive mixed practice knowledge and a passion for animal welfare. Dr Kwena is interested in both large and small animal medicine and we are thrilled to have him on our team.
Our Support Team
Natanya Strydom
Veterinary Nurse & Hospital Manager
Born and bred in South Africa, Natanya earnt her Diploma of Veterinary Nursing from the University of Pretoria/Onderstepoort. She continued to work at Onderstepoort as a veterinary nurse, specialising in surgery, before moving into rural farming practice as head veterinary nurse, practice manager, receptionist, accountant and groomer. Natanya and her husband Hennie, purchased the Wellington Veterinary Hospital in 2009. Wearing multiple hats, Natanya is our head veterinary nurse, practice manager and groomer.
On becoming a mother to three, Natanya and her young family immigrated to NZ in 2001 and then later to Australia in 2005. She has since lived, worked and been actively involved in the Wellington community. When not working, Natanya can be found spending time with her family (especially her granddaughter) or working on her various hobby crafts. Natanya currently lives with two cats, Tiger and Lilly, two dogs, Tundi and Lady and five sheep, Rock, Vin, Jason, Demi and Lara One.
Lauren Temessl
Veterinary Nurse
Lauren joined the Wellington Veterinary hospital in 2020 as a veterinary nurse in training and is due to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2022. Her main interests lie in surgery, anaesthetics and emergency care.
Born and bred in Wellington, Lauren lives with her partner Lindsey. When not at work, Lauren can be found studying, exercising and riding horses. She lives at home with her two dogs, Tessie and Turbo.
Jordi Bakac
Veterinary Nurse
Originally from Narromine. Jordi has 3 years of veterinary nursing experience. She loves watching her patients through the recovery process and seeing them go home with their families.
Jordi lives at home with 3 cats (Derek, Tony and Shadow) and 2 dogs (Goose and Junior).
Melissa Frankham
Multitasking Ninja & Receptionist Extroadinaire
Born and raised Wellingtonite, Mel grew up on acreage at Burrendong, went to Mumbil public school and graduated from the Wellington High School. Having also worked her whole life in the Wellington community, Mel is our “Mrs Google” for all things Wellington.
Upon discovering veterinary nursing later in life, Mel started working at the Wellington Veterinary Hospital in 2014 whilst completing her Certificate 2 in Animal Studies. Mel also holds a diploma in administration making her perfect for her current role as our Multitasking Ninja & Receptionist Extraordinaire.
Mel is “Mum” to three and lives with her husband Lloyd, and two dogs, Lacey and Pippy. When not being our task master or giving cheek, Mel is busy with all things crafty, reading and spending time with her family and friends.