Dr. Benjamin J Graham BVetSci/BVetBiol
Dr. Ben has been the owner of Bligh Veterinary Services Centre since 2021 and has been invested in the Hawkesbury ever since. He is passionate about animal care and advocates strongly for animal welfare. Dr. Ben grew up riding horses and studied a double degree of Veterinary Science and Veterinary Biology at Charles Sturt University. He graduated in 2013 and went into mixed practice in Cootamundra, NSW, treating all animals from budgeriegars, dogs, cats and rabbits, all the way to sheep, cows, alpacas and horses. Dr. Ben moved to Sydney in 2013 and worked in equine racetrack practice, treating and managing some of the best racehorses in the world including Winx, Veery Elleegant and Pride of Dubai. Dr. Ben is passionate about ensuring that racehorses have good quality of life and remain incredibly healthy through intensive management throughout their careers, and afterwards. Dr. Ben also enjoys visiting properties to assist with management of farm animals, as well as spending time in the clinic with companion animals and their parents.
- Experienced Racetrack Veterinarian
- "Happy, healthy horses win races"
- Mixed Practice Vet
Dr. Alex Kannegieter BVetSci/BVetBiol
Dr. Alex graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2014 with a double degree of Veterinary Science and Veterinary Biology. Dr. Alex has worked with some of Australia's leading small animal specialists and strives constantly for gold standard veterinary care. Dr. Alex is committed to best outcome for all of his patients, whether surgical or medical.
- Very proficient small animal surgeon
- Skilled medical veterinarian
Dr. Chris Dowey BVSc
Dr. Chris Dowey qualified from Sydney University in 1989. He is born and bred in the Hawkesbury and has practised locally since qualifying. He has been working at Bligh Veterinary Services Centre/Bligh Park Veterinary Hospital since 2007. He also judges at cat shows and breeds Border collies.
- Experienced Small Animal Veterinarian
- Expert in Reproductive Management
- Skilled Cardiologist
Dr. Laura Fitzharris BVSc PhD CertESM CertISELP DipACVSMR DipECVSMR MRCVS
Dr. Laura Fitzharris is a veterinary surgeon and an RCVS, American, and European-recognised specialist in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. With over a decade of experience in diagnosing, treating, and rehabilitating equine athletes, she has worked in university clinics and private referral hospitals across the UK.
A certified member of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology, Laura brings advanced knowledge of orthopaedic disease, gait analysis, and diagnostic imaging. Her clinical work focuses on addressing poor performance in equine athletes, managing cardiorespiratory health and disease, and delivering effective orthopaedic rehabilitation plans.
A certified member of the International Society of Equine Locomotor Pathology, Laura brings advanced knowledge of orthopaedic disease, gait analysis, and diagnostic imaging. Her clinical work focuses on addressing poor performance in equine athletes, managing cardiorespiratory health and disease, and delivering effective orthopaedic rehabilitation plans.
- Specialist in Equine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
- 13 Years Experience in Equine Lameness, Performance and Disease Management
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Christie Robinson
Christie has been working in animal health since 2006 when she started at Bligh Park Veterinary Hospital. Christie works full time as both practice manager and veterinary nurse. Christie has a Bachelor of Animal Science obtained through three years of full time study at Western Sydney University.
- Experienced in veterinary nursing, animal handling and animal health.
- Experienced practice manager and bookkeeping.
- Qualified Animal Scientist.
Emma Crino
Emma has worked in animal health since she started work at Bligh Park Veterinary Hospital in 2007. Emma has a Bachelor of Animal Science obtained through three years of full time study at Western Sydney University.
- Experienced veterinary nurse and animal handler.
- Excellent Animal Handler.
- Qualified Animal Scientist.
Nicole Rigas
Nikki has been working at BVSC since July 2021. She has a Bachelor of Animal Science obtained through three years of study at Western Sydney University and is currently studying to be a Certificate 4 qualified veterinary nurse.
- Experienced in animal care through work at the RSPCA and shelters.
- Qualified Animal Scientist.
Joanne Reynolds
Joanne has been a qualifed veterinary nurse for over 15 years and shows ongoing commitment to an incredible standard of animal care. Jo is an excellent animal handler and an engaged and entertaining team member.
- Experienced veterinary nurse and animal handler.
- Excellent Animal Handler.
Mikayla Ducksbury
- Veterinary Nurse
Mikayla started as a veterinary nursing student in 2022 and became a paid staff member shortly thereafter. Mikayla has become an important team member very quickly and has become a proficient animal handler with a high level of commitment to animal welfare.
- Veterinary Nurse
- Caring and Enthusiastic
Charley-May Knight
Charley joined Bligh Veterinary Services Centre in 2024 and brings a high level of nursing experience to the team. Charley loves monitoring anaesthetics and thoroughly enjoys spending time monitoring and treating our in-hospital patients.
- Experienced Hospital Veterinary Nurse
- Strong Advocate for Animal Welfare
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Annabelle Denne
Annabelle has been working at BVSC whilst studying her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Annabelle is already a highly valued member of the team and brings a high level of professionalism to all aspects of her work.
- Experienced Animal Handler
- Puppy Preschool Trained Nurse