Forbes wins over two graduate vets

The Forbes Veterinary Clinic has welcomed two new graduate veterinarians from Charles Sturt University's Veterinary School in Wagga Wagga to the team, bringing much needed support to our area which has long felt the strain of a veterinary shortage. Zoe Collits, originally from Cunnamulla in south-west Queensland, and Jack Holmes, hailing from Swan Hill on the NSW-Victoria border, have both joined the clinic after completing university placements at the Forbes Veterinary Clinic. Animals have always been a big part of Zoe's life, growing up on a sheep and cattle property. "Naturally, becoming a vet was my dream from a very young age," she said. "I absolutely loved my time here (in Forbes on her placement) so when a job opportunity presented itself I jumped at it. "I may have also been persuaded by my partner who is a Forbes local," Zoe added. Similarly, Jack has wanted to become a vet since high school. "I was introduced to the industry with our own horses and I found it as an opportunity to work with livestock farmers," he said. Jack used his final year veterinary placement as a job trial for a position the Forbes Veterinary Clinic had available. "I enjoyed the clinic environment as well as the town and surrounds of Forbes and was drawn back." Zoe loves all aspects of veterinary medicine but her passion lies in equine care. "I do have a passion for everything horses," Zoe said. "They have always been a large part of my life and I love meeting likeminded people that share incredible bonds with their equine companions." By working in a regional veterinary clinic like Forbes, Zoe is excited to experience the large variety of cases that come into a regional clinic whether it be casting a broken leg on a working dog to performing an emergency caesarean on a cow. For Jack, his passion is for large animals. "I mostly enjoy helping farmers with their livestock at all levels of farm production from individual animals to herd health and pasture management," he said. "But being from a horse background I also enjoy helping other horse people with all their problems." By working in a regional clinic Jack knows he will be exposed to just about everything and is hoping to take in as much as he possibly can. There have already been some very rewarding moments for both. Zoe said helping pets through scary illnesses and watching them go home to their very relieved families has been incredibly rewarding and Jack said getting to meet everyone and their animals has been the most rewarding part so far. "It's been good finding the best way forward for everyone's animals and helping their journey," Jack added. For their first year in Forbes the pair both have very different goals. Zoe has developed the habit of bringing home orphaned animals from work so purchasing a farm to house all her new pets is on the cards for her while Jack joke that surviving will be his year-long goal while learning as much as possible with everything that comes his way. Both vets emphasise the importance of communication and preventative care. Jack encourages pet owners to always enquire as they can't help if they don't know while Zoe reminds the Forbes community, "Prevention is always better than cure so please don't underestimate the importance of those yearly check-ups and vaccinations!" The pair have already found Forbes very friendly and welcoming with Zoe saying she has met some wonderful people and Jack enjoying the variety of outdoor activities and friendly country atmosphere that the town offers. You can visit the friendly team at the Forbes Veterinary Clinic for all your veterinary needs at 62 Templar Street or give the team a call at 6852 1775.

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