Meet our vets
Dr Gary Stapleton
Practice Owner, Veterinarian (BVSc)
Woofpurnay Veterinary Hospital is owned and operated by Dr Gary Stapleton, who has a loyal client following and has been treating small and large animals throughout Victoria for over 50 years.
Whilst Gary has owned a number of veterinary clinics during this time, he custom built Woofpurnay, which opened in 2008. Designed with his patients in mind, this unique hospital has a viewing area for budding vets and nurses to see surgical operations, a swimming pool for dogs and also offers after hours on call emergency support.
Outside of work Gary is very active and enjoys boating, running, playing volleyball and swimming.
If Gary were an animal he’d be…an outdoor cat on acreage. They are free to climb, roam and explore wherever they want to go.
Dr Sachini Fernando
Veterinarian (BVSc)
Dr Sachini graduated from the University of Peradeniya in Sri Lanka in 2015 and has been dedicated to animal care ever since. Growing up in a family that often adopted stray animals inspired her to become a veterinarian, combining her love of animals with her passion for helping those in need.
Her favourite part of the job is caring for patients and seeing them recover, knowing she has made a real difference in their lives.
After a long day, Sachini enjoys a comforting cup of hot chocolate to relax and recharge.
Outside of work, she enjoys going on long drives, cooking and making the most of her time off to unwind and explore new things.
If Sachini were an animal, she’d be…a bird. Able to see the world from above, calm and observant, and free to explore all the possibilities around her.
Dr Keanu Zhang
Veterinarian (BVSc)
Dr Keanu Zhang graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2023 and has been turning his love of animals into a daily adventure ever since. With a natural curiosity and a knack for problem-solving, veterinary medicine gives him the perfect mix of what he loves most — caring for animals and figuring things out.
His favourite part of the job is doing surgeries with Dr Gary. For Keanu, teamwork is key — sharing the challenges and successes with a colleague makes every case more fun, satisfying, and rewarding.
After a long day, Keanu isn’t much of a snack person, preferring instead to focus on the work he loves and the satisfaction of helping animals feel their best.
Outside of work, he stays busy and active, whether it’s keeping fit, tackling board games with friends, or planning his next travel adventure — there’s always something to explore!
If Keanu were an animal, he’d be…a cat. Someone would feed him, but no one would bother him. Independent, relaxed, and quietly clever, just like him in the clinic.
Meet our nurses
Katrina
Practice Manager & Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Kat is the Practice Manager and one of our dedicated Veterinary Nurses here at Woofpurnay. With a background that blends both animal care and business, she brings a wealth of experience to the team. Kat previously worked in the equine nursing world, gaining hands-on experience in both ambulatory and hospital settings, and also spent several years as a Sales Manager for multiple car dealerships, honing her leadership and organisational skills.
Her favourite part of the job is working alongside a great team and seeing the positive difference they make for patients and their people each day. After a long day, you’ll often find her unwinding with a good old “girl dinner” — cheese, prosciutto, and a glass of red wine.
At home, Kat has a mixture of great and small — Koda and Vada (German Shepherds), Boots (kitten), and horses Riley and Kenai — plus a flock of cheeky chickens. Coming home to her little farmstead is always the best part of her day.
Outside of work, Kat loves being outdoors — whether it’s riding and competing in dressage, walking her dogs, or heading out on adventures with her son. She’s happiest tinkering around the farm or sitting with her chickens in their run, enjoying the simple things.
If Kat were an animal, she’d be…a hippo. Strong and fierce, yet elegant, fast, and super dangerous. Solid and a little stubborn when she needs to be, but still knows how to take things in her stride (just not in the water!).
Ashlee
Head Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate II Animal Studies, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Ashlee started her nursing journey at just 16, completing her Certificate II in Animal Studies at ACAAS, located here at Woofpurnay before going on to achieve her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. Over the years, she’s come and gone from Woofpurnay, but it’s always felt like home and now she’s back as our Head Nurse, leading the team with experience, passion, and care.
Ashlee loves mentoring and supporting her fellow nurses, helping everyone grow while ensuring every patient receives the best possible care. She has a special interest in emergency work and patient advocacy, because as she says, “animals don’t have a voice, but I do.”
When she’s not at work, Ashlee enjoys adventuring through forests and mountains, 4WDing, hunting for treasures in antique and vintage shops, or getting lost in a good book. At home, she’s kept company by Sully, her Great Dane- a big, smooth-brained lap dog and loveable land seal. And after a long day, you’ll likely find her winding down with pretzels dipped in Nutella and a well-earned glass of wine.
If Ashlee were an animal, she’d be…an Attenborough’s Goblin Spider. Quiet and observant, adaptable and detail-driven, thriving behind the scenes but confident when it matters most.
Melinda
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate II in Equine Industry, Certificate III in Equine Industry, Certificate II in Animal Studies, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Melinda has always had a deep love for animals and knew from a young age that she wanted to become a Veterinary Nurse. Caring for animals and being involved in the medical and surgical side of their treatment is something she finds incredibly rewarding.
Her favourite part of the job is working on the more complex or unusual cases. Being part of helping a patient recover and return home to their family is a truly special feeling.
After a long day, Melinda likes to unwind with a warm cup of tea.
Melinda has two beloved pets — a Dachshund named Penelope and a Cavoodle named Oliver — who bring cheekiness, love, and happiness to her family.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her daughter and being with family whenever she can.
If Melinda were an animal, she’d be…a bird. Enjoying the freedom of flying and seeing the world from above.
Sophia
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Sophia is one of our dedicated Veterinary Nurses, recently starting her journey as a Veterinary Nurse after completing her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at ACAAS, but she is already smashing goals. She is ever-present, hands-on, and has a special interest in surgery and orthopedics.
Her favourite part of the job is, in her words, “getting paid to hang out with animals! HAHA.” She enjoys the variety, learning new skills, and the challenge of problem-solving to provide the best care possible.
After a long day, Sophia likes to unwind with any kind of junk food she can shovel in without overthinking, paired with a sip of a good drink.
While she isn’t ready for new pets after losing her beloved dogs, Sophia chose veterinary nursing to continue caring for animals and keep their memory close to her heart.
Outside of work, Sophia enjoys staying in bed binge-watching Netflix, and she likes to unwind by playing her clarinet and saxophone whenever the mood strikes.
If Sophia were an animal, she’d be…a giraffe. Calm, graceful, and quietly strong. She admires their calm confidence, graceful composure, and ability to see the bigger picture. Qualities she strives to bring to her work as a grounded presence for patients, clients, and the team.
Rabia
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Rabia has been a Veterinary Nurse for two years and loves working with animals of all shapes and sizes. Her favourite part of the job is meeting different animals and learning about all the unique breeds she encounters every day.
Over the years, Rabia has had a wide variety of pets, including chickens, lambs, cows, horses, and many cats — each leaving a special mark on her love for animals.
After a long day, Rabia enjoys coffee or hot chips as her go-to comfort treat.
Outside of work, Rabia is an active adventurer. She enjoys archery and competing, riding, and spending time outdoors on activities like camping.
If Rabia were an animal, she’d be…a red fox. Curious, adventurous, and always on the move. She loves exploring new experiences, keeping busy with her many hobbies, and taking life as it comes, all while staying close to her family and embracing a little spontaneity along the way.
Jamie
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate III in Animal Studies, Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Jamie holds a Certificate III in Animal Studies and a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. He completed his training at ACAAS, which is located here at Woofpurnay. After spending 28 years working in and running a manufacturing business, he decided in 2020 it was time for a career change — and chose to follow his lifelong passion for working with animals. He graduated in 2023 and joined the team in July 2025.
Jamie’s favourite part of the job is being able to help animals big and small. He enjoys surgical nursing, but also likes being at reception, chatting with clients about their beloved fur babies and helping them feel at ease.
After a long day, Jamie’s go-to comfort is a delicious spread of homemade salami, cheese, and bread, perfectly paired with a glass of wine.
At home, he has a goofy German Shorthaired Pointer named Nami, and two playful rescue kittens, Miffy and Ivy, who keep him constantly entertained.
Outside of work, Jamie enjoys spending time with family and friends, camping, fishing, riding his motorbike, simulator car racing, and building with Lego — he’s always up to something hands-on and creative.
If Jamie were an animal, he’d be…a bear. Protective, steady, and resilient, with the perfect balance of calmness and quiet strength.
Rebecca
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Bec is our newest member to join the team. She is a highly motivated Veterinary Nurse who thrives under pressure, staying calm in chaotic situations and always ready to get her paws dirty - especially if it means helping an animal feel better.
Her favourite part of the job is being able to make a real difference in an animal's life and in their owner’s. Whether it’s helping a sick pet recover, comforting an anxious client, or supporting both through tough moments, it’s incredibly rewarding. Seeing an animal go home happier and healthier makes all the hard work 100% worth it.
After a long day, Rebecca loves indulging in Ben & Jerry’s Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream, her ultimate treat-yourself moment.
Rebecca has two German Shorthaired Pointers, Nova and Dexter, who think they’re lap dogs, personal trainers, and part-time comedians.
Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with friends and family, taking her dogs on adventures, and unwinding with a good movie.
If Bec were an animal, she’d be…a tiger. Observant, quick to react, and surprisingly gentle when needed; pretty much the ideal vet nurse in animal form.
Chloe
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
(Currently enrolling in Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Chloe has been part of the team for three years and has loved every moment working with a variety of animals. Her experiences here inspired her to take the leap and pursue veterinary nursing as a full-time career, combining her love of animals with her passion for helping people.
Her favourite part of the job is being there for both patients and clients, from comforting anxious pets to celebrating the small victories and milestones, no two days are ever the same. She thrives on the variety, the challenges, and the chance to make a real difference in the lives of animals and their humans.
After a long day, Chloe knows the perfect pick-me-up: chocolate. Simple, sweet, and completely stress-relieving, it’s her ultimate comfort snack.
When she’s not at work, Chloe is a bit of an adventurer. She loves travelling, camping, and getting outdoors whenever she can. She’s happiest exploring new places, curling up with a good book, or spending time with friends — Chloe is always up for a laugh and loves being around people.
If Chloe were an animal, she’d be…a green sea turtle. Calm in stressful situations, always steady under pressure, loves to migrate (just like her love for travelling), and enjoys gathering for food, much like her enjoyment of good meals with friends and family.