Meet Our Team
Roelof van der Merwe
Director & Veterinarian
Roelof qualified in 1994 as a Veterinarian in South Africa. He has a keen interest in Surgery but enjoys all aspects of his day as a vet. He has experience in Emergency work, small animal practice, managing large Welfare organisations and has spent a few years in corporate life managing clinics and emergency centres but finds life as a small animal GP Vet the most interesting by far. Where else can you start the day welcomed by 11 such cute pups.
Karien van der Merwe
Director & Veterinarian
Dr Karien qualified in 1997 from the University of Pretoria, South Africa and married Dr Roelof, soon after. Together they have travelled and worked in South Africa, England, Scotland and eventually immigrated to Australia in 2017. The couple bought Southern Cross Vet Group in August 2023.Working in a range of different cultural and socio-economic areas taught her to be adaptable and flexible in her clinical approach. Being a vet is hard work, Mentally and physically, but seeing the joy that pets bring to people’s likes makes her feel privileged to be apart of such a special bond.
Mark McGinley
Veterinarian (BVSc)
Senior Veterinarian. Experienced in Large and Small Animal Veterinary Medicine.
Neva Doctor
Veterinary Nurse
Neva is one of our Veterinary Nurses with over 12 years of experience , working in emergency and specialty departments in America. After training as a Chiropractor in the US her family moved over to sunny Australia. Neva & her family have 2 dogs, 3 cats and some chickens.
Lauren Stanley
Receptionist
Lauren loves all animals especially dogs, but started her career journey in the medical industry as a Phlebotomist. After starting her family, Lauren decided to switch over to the animal industry. Lauren has a busy household with her little boy, husband and 3 dogs. Australian Kelpies Moose & Luna, and toy poodle Alfie.
