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.
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.
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 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.
Louise
Veterinary Nurse
(Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Louise is one of our dedicated Veterinary Nurses, who brings many years of experience to the team. She is hands-on, attentive and deeply committed to caring for her patients, all whilst enjoying a good laugh with the team.
After a long or challenging day, Louise’s comfort ritual is simple and reliable — China Bar, delivered straight to her door.
While she doesn’t currently have pets of her own, Louise pours her affection into the patients she cares for, trusting that the right companion will come along when the time feels right.
Outside of work, Louise enjoys gardening and hopes to get back into horse riding in the future.
If Louise were an animal, she’d be…a wolf. Fierce, loyal and independent — qualities she brings to her work as a grounded, reliable presence for patients, clients and the team.
Chloe
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
(Currently enrolled 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.
Hanna
Trainee Veterinary Nurse
(Currently enrolled in Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing)
Hanna is one of our passionate Veterinary Nursing students, bringing generosity, empathy, and a kind, adventurous spirit to the clinic each day.
Her favourite part of the job is working within a supportive team and making a meaningful difference in an animal’s life. Seeing a patient recover and return home to their family is what makes the work truly rewarding for her.
After a rough day, Hanna’s comfort go‑to is anything sweet — especially chocolate or ice‑cream.
Hanna shares her life with Bindi, her cream Kelpie and little best friend. Bindi is the sweetest, most loyal girl, always ready for a belly scratch and never far from Hanna’s side.
Outside of work, Hanna rides and competes her two special horses, Rocky and Rosie, in Western events and reining. She also loves camping, 4WD‑ing, and snow skiing — anything that gets her outdoors, exploring, and embracing adventure.
If Hanna were an animal, she’d be…a dolphin. Generous, empathetic, and kind, with a love for exploring and going on adventures with the people she loves.