Whether you visit us in the clinic or meet us out on the road, you’ll find a team that treats your animals as if they were our own, taking the time to listen, explain and ensure you feel supported every step of the way. Get to know the friendly faces who keep our practice running and who are proud to care for your pets, horses and livestock.
Our Veterinary Team
Our Veterinary Nurse Team
Our Reception Team
Our Kennel Attendant Team
Des Viero
Head Veterinarian (BVSc) and Clinic Owner
Dr Des is the owner and senior Veterinarian here at Burdekin Vets. Des graduated from the University of QLD in 1991 and, after a stint working as a Vet in the UK, she returned to the Burdekin to take over the practice. Des recently celebrated her 20th anniversary as owner of the clinic. She has a long-standing relationship with the Thoroughbred and Greyhound racing industries in Townsville, having been the on-track Veterinarian for over two decades. Des is either found in the clinic doing orthopaedic surgeries, or on her tractor doing farm work. She is a lover of Chihuahuas and anyone who knows Des knows that her little mate ‘Penny’ is never far away!
Emily Pucciarmati
Veterinarian (BVSc)
Dr Emily is a Veterinarian who graduated from James Cook University in 2017. Emily is a Burdekin local where she grew up on her family’s mango farm – you will see Emily out and about town with her beloved dog Roo. She loves all things mixed-practice, with an interest in cattle reproduction and management.
Louise Groth
Veterinarian (BVSc)
Dr Louise grew up in Maryborough, South-East QLD and graduated from JCU in 2019. She worked in Kingaroy for a year before joining the Burdekin Vets team in 2021. Louise enjoys all aspects of mixed practice – you will see her out and about in Townsville and surrounds for Equine jobs, as well as in the clinic.
Vanessa Di Benedetto
Veterinarian (BVSc (Distinction))
Dr Vanessa originally hails from Sydney, and completed her studies at JCU in Townsville. After graduating in 2019, she commenced work at Burdekin Vets. After a short stint working in Townsville in 2023, she returned and is here to stay. Vanessa loves all things small animal, with a particular interest in medicine.
Jarred Whitman
Veterinarian (BVSc)
Dr Jarred is Burdekin born and bred, and graduated from JCU in 2023. He commenced work at Burdekin Vets in early 2024. Jarred enjoys mixed practice and is often found in the clinic, with an interest in small animal medicine and exotics.
You might see Jarred around Home Hill with his rescue greyhound ‘Con’.
Justine Towler
Veterinary Nurse & Practice Manager
Justine is a Veterinary Nurse within the clinic and has been a very valued staff member since joining the team back in 2005. She is our beloved Practice Manager, AKA problem-solver!
You might see Justine in the clinic followed closely by her two beautiful children of an afternoon.
Jody Lindley
Receptionist / Accounts Manager
Jody started working at Burdekin Vets in 2016, and is our invaluable Financial Administrator. She is behind the scenes working tirelessly to ensure the business runs as smoothly as possible. Outside of work, Jody enjoys spending time with her beautiful family.
Nicole Rea
Veterinary Nurse
Nicole is a Veterinary Nurse within the clinic and is a very valuable staff member since joining the team in 2005. Nicole grew up just out of town on a Droughtmaster stud that her family owns and runs. You will see Nicole working within the clinic and on many outcalls.
Alex Milburn
Veterinary Nurse
Alex has been a part of the Burdekin Veterinary Services family since 2003. Alex is a local girl from Home Hill, growing up on her family’s cane property. Alex has always had a love for the land, which is why she took a break from Veterinary Nursing to go out west where her love for the country flourished.
Nowadays, Alex is back in the clinic and has her hands full with her beautiful kids and an array of animals.
Casey Spedding
Veterinary Nurse
Casey grew up in Glenden, Central QLD, and started working at Burdekin Vets in late 2021. Casey enjoys nursing for our large animal and equine jobs, and you will often find her on our outcalls.
Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her young family and friends.
Bronte Pemble
Veterinary Nurse
Bronte is a Burdekin local and grew up on her family’s cattle property just outside of Ayr. She started working at Burdekin Vets after school in 2012, and has had a few breaks in between for other jobs and to have her 2 beautiful daughters.
Bronte enjoys Large animal work and travelling to our surrounding rural towns. You will often find her nursing on our trips to Collinsville, Bowen, Townsville or Charters Towers.
Aurora Totorica
Veterinary Nurse
Aurora is a Gumlu local, having grown up on her family’s vegetable farm. Aurora started working at the clinic after school and, since graduating in 2024, has commenced full-time work.
You might find Aurora around town with her 2 Chihuahuas ‘Maggie’ and ‘Murphy’ in-hand.
Hannah Smoothy
Veterinary Nurse
Hannah hails from Charters Towers, having grown up on her parents’ cattle property. Hannah commenced work at Burdekin Vets in late 2024, and has developed an interest in surgery and equine nursing.
Outside of work, you can find Hannah camping and fishing with her friends.
Layla
Kennel Hand
Layla is one of our after-school kennel attendants, and has been working at Burdekin Vets since 2023. She has aspirations to be a Veterinarian when she graduates.
Maya
Kennel Hand
Maya is our youngest member here at Burdekin Vets, and is a great help as a kennel attendant after school. Maya is a hard worker who loves caring for the animals in hospital.
Zandi
Kennel Hand
Zandi is our newest member of the Burdekin Vets team, and she joins us as an after-school kennel attendant. Zandi is a proactive worker who loves a cuddle with any dogs or cats in hospital that day.
Sarah Moran
Kennel Hand
Sarah grew up on a Goat farm outside of Mitchell and moved north to commence her Veterinarian studies at JCU in Townsville. She is Currently in her second year of studies and has developed a keen interest in large animal medicine and aspires to work in reproduction. She joined our team recently in 2025 and works with us most weekends and holidays as a nurse.
If you have any questions for our team, please get in touch.
We’re always happy to help!