2026 Ballarat & Surrounds Veterinary Nursing Conference
- Highly interactive, hands-on workshops designed to build real, practical skills you can take straight back into clinic
-
Small group workshop sessions (Max 20 delegates) to maximise learning and engagement
-
Expert-led lectures covering key areas such as triage, physiotherapy, and complex case management
- A larger Trade Hall showcasing the latest products, equipment, and innovations in veterinary care
- Opportunities to connect with industry leaders, suppliers, and fellow veterinary nurses
2026 Program
This is a practical, hands-on conference designed for veterinary nurses who want real-world skills, confidence, and connection!
Join us for a full day of engaging lectures, hands-on workshops and networking with like-minded veterinary professionals.
Designed with real clinical practice in mind, this conference focuses on practical skills, current knowledge, and building confidence in everyday nursing.
Whether you are looking to refine your skills, learn something new, or connect with others in the industry, this day has something for everyone!
Registration Includes:
- Full day of lectures and hands-on workshops
- Access to our interactive trade hall
- Morning tea, lunch, and afternoon tea
- Networking opportunities with industry professionals
- The day includes a mix of lectures and hands-on workshops, with opportunities to learn, practice and connect throughout.
Register now to secure your place — workshop numbers are limited!
TIME |
Saturday 11 July 2026 |
|---|---|
| 8:30 – 9:00 am | Registration |
| 9:00 – 9:15 am | Welcome |
| 9:15 – 10:00 am |
LECTURE 1: Compassion Without Burnout – mental health for veterinary Nurses Presenter: Nikki Catley |
| 10:00 – 10:45 am |
LECTURE 2: Triage and Critical Care Presenter: Dr Warren McInnes |
| 10:45 – 11:15 am | Morning Tea |
| 11:15 – 12:00 pm | MORNING WORKSHOPS |
| 12:00 – 12:45 pm |
LECTURE 3: Practical Rabbit Nursing – from handling to hospital Presenter: Sarah Hayward |
| 12:45 – 1:30 pm | Lunch |
| 1:30 – 2:15 pm |
LECTURE 4: Complex Case Management – multi-morbidity in geriatric patients Presenter: Shoned Hawksworth |
| 2:15 – 3:00 pm |
LECTURE 5: Physiotherapy – a complementary service to veterinary management to achieve best outcomes. Presenter: Kathleen Lott |
| 3:00 – 3:30 pm | Afternoon Tea |
| 3:30 – 4:15 pm | AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS |
| 4:15 – 5:00 pm |
LECTURE 6: Pride and Professionalism – building confidence, competence and professional growth Presenter: Sue Crampton |
| 5:00 – 5:15 pm | Close |
2026 Sponsors
We would like to acknowledge the generous support of our industry partners and thank them for helping us to deliver the 2026 Ballarat and Surrounds Veterinary Nursing Conference.
Platinum Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
2026 LECTURE SERIES
LECTURE 1: Compassion Without Burnout – mental health for veterinary nurses
Presenter: Nikki Catley
Compassion Without Burnout’ explores the emotional and psychological pressures faced by the veterinary industry team. The session highlights how constant exposure to stress, client expectations and ethical challenges can lead to compassion fatigue and burnout — two conditions that are connected but differ in important ways. Compassion fatigue is the emotional depletion that comes from caring for others in difficult situations, while burnout stems more from chronic workplace stress and overwhelm.
Attendees will learn to recognise early warning signs, apply practical strategies to protect their wellbeing and build personal resilience. Although this is a heavy and important topic, Nikki presents it in a fun, warm and relatable way, never minimising its significance, but celebrating the fact that we genuinely love what we do and want to keep doing it sustainably.
LECTURE 2: Triage & Critical Care
Presenter: Dr Warren McInnes
LECTURE 3: Practical Rabbit Nursing – from handling to hospital
Presenter: Sarah Hayward
It is not uncommon to think of rabbit care and nursing as a daunting task as a nurse, often leading to stress on both the clinical team and the patient. The goal of this presentation is to help guide veterinary nurses to continue to build confidence in working with rabbits, and to feel more capable and supported in providing the care that these complex and unique patients deserve.
This talk focuses on practical rabbit nursing, covering key aspects of safe handling and touches on clinical nursing skills within the hospital space.
LECTURE 4: Complex Case Management – multi-morbidity in geriatric patients
Presenter: Shoned Hawksworth
As our patients live longer, managing multiple chronic conditions has become an increasingly common and challenging aspect of veterinary nursing.
This session explores the practical realities of caring for patients with co-existing diseases such as chronic kidney disease, arthritis, and endocrine disorders. With a strong focus on the role of the veterinary nurse, we will look at how to assess and prioritise patient needs, develop structured nursing care plans, and monitor meaningful trends over time.
The lecture will also highlight the importance of clear, supportive communication with owners, helping them navigate the complexities of long-term disease management.
By the end of this session, nurses will feel more confident in delivering holistic, patient-centred care that focuses on comfort, stability, and quality of life.
LECTURE 5: Physiotherapy – a complementary service to veterinary management to achieve best outcomes.
Presenter: Kathleen Lott
This session will cover what animal physiotherapy is and how can it complement the veterinary management of your clients. We will discuss some of the common conditions where physiotherapy provides valuable input to support positive outcomes in both the short and long term. The methods in which physiotherapists assess and treat will be reviewed, including several case studies to provide clinical examples of how we work. The session will also highlight how and when to refer animals to physiotherapy.
LECTURE 6: Pride and Professionalism – building confidence, competence and professional growth
Presenter: Sue Crampton
In this session Sue will address the importance of self investment and development as well as building clinical skills. Sue will cover some practical skills that she has applied in her own nursing career to build confidence, competency and professional growth whilst navigating the journey of communication skills with the many colleagues and clients encountered along the way.
We will also focus on the advancement of the nursing profession in Australia and will engage the audience in discussions to add value to your own career.
2026 WORKSHOP SERIES
Our workshops are hands-on, practical sessions designed to build skills you can take straight back to practice.
The day includes two workshop sessions — one in the morning and one in the afternoon. When registering, you will be asked to select one workshop per session.
⚠️ Places are strictly limited to 20 per workshop to keep sessions interactive and high-quality.
Workshops are allocated on a first come, first served basis, so if there is a session you really want — don’t wait to book!
If your first choice is full, you will need to select an alternative, so early enrolement is strongly recommended to avoid missing out.
-MORNING WORKSHOPS-
WORKSHOP: Surgical Nursing Skills
Presenter: Johlene van Eyk
Designed to build confidence and consistency, this workshop will cover correct kit wrapping, aseptic gowning and gloving techniques, and maintaining sterility within the surgical environment. Participants will have the opportunity to practice these skills in a supportive, practical setting, with a focus on attention to detail and real-world application.
Whether refreshing existing skills or building confidence, this workshop aims to ensure nurses leave feeling competent and confident in maintaining high standards of surgical asepsis in practice
WORKSHOP: EtC02 & Anaesthesia Monitoring
Presenter: Ron Mellenbergh
WORKSHOP: Nurse-Led Consulting – nutritional recommendations your clients will actually follow
Presenter: Jessica Joose from Royal Canin
In this workshop, you will learn how to integrate nurse-led consulting into your practice, build bonded clients and drive recommendations that lead to improved patient outcomes. You’ll develop the skills necessary to craft a compelling recommendation that clients will actually listen to, making nutritional recommendations and assessments a core part of your nursing practice. Jessica will also cover how to ensure the whole team is on board with your recommendations for continuity of care and pet owner satisfaction.
This session will include a short practical task where you will work on a case study to develop and deliver nutritional recommendations to a client, answer their objections and handover to your clinical team for maximum impact.
WORKSHOP: Dental Scaling & Grading
Presenter: Dr Tom Rampton
The mouth is an area of extreme sensitivity and importance in a dog or cat. If we don’t know how to clean and assess it, we are missing an opportunity to improve patient welfare.
We all get told ‘it’s just a dental’. New grad vets are left to deal with them, older vets may under appreciate the importance of them, and most vets prefer to avoid them because of a lack of confidence.
YOU could be the answer – A nurse with an interest in dentistry can do a huge amount to improve an animal’s welfare in dentistry, from initial assessment, through to educating the client (and vet!), examining the mouth, taking radiographs, charting and advising the vet. If you know what you are doing, you can significantly reduce anaesthetic time and improve patient safety.
What is the most common disease in animals?
Which bits of the mouth should be cleaned?
How and when to use an ultrasonic scaler?
How and when to hand scale? What is root planing?
How deep should a sulcus be and how to probe and measure?
How to chart? What is a CCRF??
If we get a chance, a secret all-important 30 seconds a day job that can change welfare, pain and reduce the swear jar contributions.
During this workshop we will be learning how to approach the mouth in a logical and concise manner and learn how to properly clean it. We will be looking at how to reduce periodontitis by reducing subgingival plaque, how to use an ultrasonic scaler in the way it is designed, how and when to use a hand-scaler, find and measure pockets, and how to record all your findings.
WORKSHOP: CPR Bootcamp
Presenter: Dr Warren McInnes
Fast-paced, hands-on, and a little bit competitive — just like real CPR should be.
This bootcamp is all about mastering the fundamentals of life-saving CPR. Focus on delivering high-quality chest compressions, effective ventilation, and working as a coordinated team under pressure. You will rotate through practical scenarios, refine your technique, and put your skills to the test.
Expect a high-energy session with real-time feedback, challenges, and plenty of hands-on practice — all designed to build confidence and improve performance when every second counts.
Come ready to get involved, sharpen your skills, and step up when it matters most.
WORKSHOP: IV Catheter Placement
Presenter: Natalie Mathews
Refine your IV catheter technique, with a strong focus on achieving a clean stick, appropriate vein selection, patient handling, and correct aseptic preparation. The session will also cover securing techniques and troubleshooting common challenges that can impact success.
Designed to be practical and interactive, this workshop aims to improve both confidence and success rates, ensuring nurses can perform IV catheter placement safely, efficiently and with minimal stress to the patient.
-AFTERNOON WORKSHOPS-
WORKSHOP: Feeding Tube Maintenance
Presenter: Dr Ruth Duncan
This workshop will cover feeding tube care and maintenance, including flushing, troubleshooting common complications, and ensuring patient comfort. The session will also include calculating feeding plans, with a focus on meeting nutritional requirements in a practical, clinical setting.
Designed to be interactive and clinically relevant, this workshop aims to build confidence in managing assisted feeding, ensuring patients receive appropriate nutritional support while minimising complications.
WORKSHOP: Dermatology
Presenter: Chloe Thomas from Zoetis
WORKSHOP: Nurse Led Weight Clinics
Presenter: Lucy Tofts
Running a successful weight management clinic isn’t just about putting pets on a diet, it’s about building a supportive, practical program that helps patients (and their owners!) achieve lasting results. In this interactive workshop, we will explore how veterinary nurses can confidently set up and run an effective weight management clinic in their practice. It’s a great way to build rapport and lasting relationships with your clients and their pets.
We will cover the essentials, including how we assess our patient’s body and muscle condition score, creating nutrition plans, and importantly, how we engage our clients; setting realistic goals and keeping them engaged and motivated. We will also look at ways to track progress, adjust plans when things stall, and tackle some of the common challenges that come up along the way.
You will also receive practical handouts designed to make nutrition calculations simple and straightforward, so you can feel confident creating and adjusting nutrition plans in your day-to-day practice.
With a mix of real-life examples and group discussion, you’ll walk away with simple, practical ideas you can start using straight away, helping improve patient health while building stronger relationships with your clients.
WORKSHOP: Lab Refresher
Presenter: TBC
A hands-on session to refresh your lab skills and boost your confidence behind the microscope.
Whether it’s revisiting the basics or sharpening techniques you haven’t used in a while, this workshop will give you the chance to get stuck in, troubleshoot, and refine your approach in a practical, supportive environment.
Expect a mix of core skills, real-world tips, and those “oh yeah, I forgot that” moments — all designed to help you feel more confident and capable with lab work.
WORKSHOP: The Hidden Clue: A Clinical Mystery Unfolds
Presenter: Dr Fiona Hendrie from Boehringer Ingelheim
Step into your very own Dr House–style mystery as we work together through a real veterinary case to uncover the cause of a serious zoonotic disease. In this interactive “Who dunnit” session, veterinary nurses will collaborate to analyse clues, interpret clinical findings, and piece together the chain of events leading to diagnosis. By the end of the workshop, participants will be better equipped to educate pet owners on safe and appropriate animal care -protecting not only their pets, but also themselves and their families.
WORKSHOP: Wound Care and Bandaging
Presenter: Natalie Mathews
Get hands-on developing confidence in assessing wounds, choosing the right dressings, and applying bandages that actually stay in place. With a focus on protection, support, and patient comfort, we’ll also cover common bandaging techniques and how to troubleshoot issues like slippage, pressure points, and strike-through.
Practical, interactive, and clinically relevant — this session is designed to help you walk away feeling more confident in your bandaging skills and ready to apply them in practice.
2026 Presenters
Learn from experienced veterinary professionals who bring real-world knowledge and practical insights.
Nikki Catley
Nikki Catley is a published author, Certified Grief Facilitator, and trauma-informed practitioner dedicated to supporting families through the emotional complexity of pet loss and end-of-life decision making.
With formal certification in facilitating the counselling relationship (CHCCSL602A), Nikki specialises in pet loss grief, anticipatory loss guidance, and quality-of-life assessment for ageing, unwell, or behaviourally challenged animals.
Her career began in the animal industry, where she worked in both pet retail and veterinary practice, gaining deep insight into the bond between people and their animals. Over many years supporting veterinarians and their clients, Nikki recognised the need for compassionate, specialised guidance, leading her to formalise the support she had long been offering.
Nikki’s lived experience with behavioural euthanasia gives her a rare depth of empathy and understanding, allowing her to hold space for families facing one of the most misunderstood forms of loss. Her commitment to service has been recognised through multiple awards, including Business Excellence Award finalist and Customer Service Excellence Award recipient.
She is the author of Fur the Broken Hearted, a practical and emotional self-help guide designed to support families navigating the hardest moments of pet ownership. Nikki offers phone and virtual sessions through Paws For Talk, providing gentle, informed, and compassionate care when it is needed most.
Johlene van Eyk
Jo graduated with a Diploma in Veterinary Nursing from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, in 2018. She furthered her studies with a Postgraduate Certificate in Emergency and Critical Care Medicine from the VetsNow institution in 2024. Currently, Jo works as a Senior Veterinary Nurse at Wendouree Veterinary Practice, with a clinical focus on anaesthesia, emergency medicine, and critical care.
Since 2017, she has gained broad experience across mixed, general, and specialist practices. Jo is passionate about empowering veterinary nurses through education and evidence-based practice and is committed to improving patient outcomes by sharing practical knowledge on managing anaesthetic complications in clinical settings.
Jessica Joosse BAnVetBioSci, VTS (Nutrition), PgCertHlthProfEd, RVN, AVN
Jessica graduated with her Bachelor of Animal and Veterinary Biosciences from La Trobe University in 2016 and went on to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing in 2018. She became one of the first Australian Registered Veterinary Nurses in 2019 and further obtained Accreditation in 2020. Jessica has worked in the veterinary industry since 2010 in every role from Animal Attendant to Practice Manager. Jessica now works as Health & Scientific Affairs Nurse for Royal Canin Australia and New Zealand, focusing her attention on veterinary nurse education and training in her area of specialty – nutrition. In 2023, Jessica obtained Veterinary Technician Specialist status in Nutrition, becoming the 28th veterinary nurse to obtain this title in the world and the 4th VTS (Nutrition) in Australia.
Lucy Tofts AssocDegVN, RVN, AVN:
Lucy is a registered and accredited veterinary nurse with 10 years experience in small animal general practice in Melbourne and Ballarat. She has special interests in emergency, critical care, surgery, and medical nursing. She is RECOVER certified in basic life support and is the vice chair of the editorial committee for the AVNJ, as she is highly dedicated to the empowerment of veterinary nurses and the industry.
Shoned Hawksworth Dip. Leadership & Management, Dip. Advanced Vet Nursing (Small Animal), Dip. CVN, Cert. IV TAE, Cert. IV VN (AU), Cert. Exotic Nursing, Cert. Canine & Feline Nutrition, VN (UK)
Shoned is a UK-trained veterinary nurse with over 20 years of experience across general practice, referral, and emergency settings, bringing extensive hands-on experience and exposure to a wide range of clinical cases.
Having spent years working in the UK before moving into a Nurse Hospital Manager role in Hong Kong, and now practising in Australia, Shoned brings a strong international perspective to veterinary nursing. She has significant experience managing complex medical and multi-morbid patients, alongside years of locum work across diverse clinical environments.
Now Clinic Manager at Ballarat Veterinary Practice, Shoned is known for her engaging, no-nonsense teaching style and her ability to simplify complex cases into clear, actionable nursing strategies.
As the driving force behind the Ballarat & Surrounds Veterinary Nursing Conference, she is passionate about delivering practical, hands-on education that empowers nurses to feel more confident, capable, and impactful in their roles.
Her sessions focus on real-life clinical challenges — not textbook scenarios — with an emphasis on skills nurses can apply immediately in practice.
Natalie Mathews VN
Natalie is a Certificate IV–qualified veterinary nurse with over 10 years of experience in small animal practice. She is currently a Clinical Team Leader at Ballarat Veterinary Practice, where she is dedicated to delivering high standards of patient care while supporting and developing her team.
Passionate about patient comfort, team wellbeing, and mentoring the next generation of veterinary nurses, Natalie brings a thoughtful and supportive approach to both clinical work and leadership. Her career began volunteering at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, sparking a lasting interest in wildlife care.
As a registered AVNAT nurse, she is committed to ongoing professional development and takes pride in continually building her knowledge and skills within the profession.
Outside of work, Natalie enjoys travelling and running, valuing the importance of balance and wellbeing alongside a busy career.
Dr Tom Rampton BSc, BVSc, MANZCVS (Small Animal Dentistry and Oral Surgery)
Dr Tom has over 20 years’ experience in small animal practice. He developed an interest in veterinary dentistry as a young vet in the UK. He has been working solely in the field of small animal dentistry and oral surgery since attaining Membership to the Australia and New Zealand College of Veterinary Surgeons in 2018.
Dr Ruth Duncan BVSc
Ruth graduated from Massey University, New Zealand in 1997 with her Bachelor of Veterinary Science.
She worked in Mildura and England before calling Ballarat home in 2002, where she started working at Ballarat Veterinary Practice. She enjoys all aspects of Veterinary Science especially behavioural problems in her patients.
Outside of work Ruth enjoys her garden, staying active and working on the farm alongside her family.
Kathleen Lott
Kathleen has always been passionate about the way people and animals move, which has largely driven her career path to date. Kathleen’s tertiary education began with a Bachelor of Dance at the Victorian College of the Arts, where she danced professionally in Melbourne and Canberra for several years. Kathleen continued on to a Masters of Physiotherapy Practice at La Trobe University.
Kathleen has been practicing as a human physiotherapist in the public, private and community health settings in regional Victoria since graduating in 2018. With this knowledge and experience behind her, Kathleen went on to complete her Masters of Veterinary Physiotherapy through the University of Liverpool, UK. Since receiving this qualification, Kathleen and her family established Ballarat Animal Rehabilitation Centre (BARC) in 2024. BARC is currently the only clinic in the Ballarat region to offer physiotherapy services to all species.
Outside of her work caring for the humans and animals of the Ballarat region, Kathleen enjoys spending time with her family and participating in dog sports with her Great Dane, Eden and Cocker Spaniel, Joseph.
Dr Fiona Hendrie
Dr Hendrie’s experience as a companion animal general practitioner and business owner extends over a period of 20 years. Adding to her practical experience, her role on the Victorian Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria heightened her understanding of the importance of educating the public in areas of public health significance. Fiona now brings the insight gained from working with Boehringer Ingelheim to showcase the responsibility and expectation from the community to provide them with the information needed to keep their family healthy.
Dr Warren McInnes BVSc MANZCVS (Emergency and Critical Care, and Small Animal Medicine)
Sarah Hayward VN
Sue Crampton B.Bus (HR, Marketing), Dip Company Leadership, VN, GAICD, TAE, Prosci Change Management. Masters NLP.
Position
Business Manager: Provet/ Animal Industries Resource Centre Crampton Consulting Group
Sue is a member of many professional associations such as the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia on Regulation and Professional Advancement committees and was awarded the Australian Veterinary Association/VBG Inaugural Veterinary Business Professional of the year 2020 and Honorary member of AVA 2022 due to her contribution to the profession over the past years.
Sue has a Bachelor of Business, majoring in Human Resources and Marketing, as well as her Diploma in Company Directorship (GAICD), accreditation in Change Management Methodologies and a Masters in NLP. Sue has a practical hands-on approach and brings with her a wealth of both corporate and small business skills, having been the founder of the much-respected Crampton Consulting Group and AIRC.
Sue commenced her career in the UK as a veterinary nurse in 1982 and has gained invaluable global veterinary knowledge having worked in a variety of roles including animal welfare, general practice, emergency and university settings in the USA and Hong Kong. Sue maintains her working connection with her local veterinary clinic to ensure her knowledge remains current and relevant.
Ron Mellenbergh
Ron is your go-to guy for technical questions and problem solving for all things veterinary equipment. With an early passion for learning and understanding how things work, Ron completed studies in electronic engineering and worked for some of Australia’s leading bio-tech companies. Ron mastered the dark-art of understanding medical technology.
Specialising in Monitoring and Anaesthesia systems plus a healthy understanding of ultrasound Ron is able to explain complex concepts to a non-technical and clinical audience.
Chloe Thomas
2026 Trade Hall
Don’t miss our buzzing trade hall — a lively space packed with around 20 stalls from leading industry brands and representitives, as well as local animal-focused businesses.
Explore the latest products, technologies, and innovations, chat directly with the experts, and get hands-on with what’s new in the veterinary world. There will be giveaways, competitions, prizes, and plenty of surprises throughout the day!
Whether you are looking to discover something new, ask questions, or just take a breather between sessions, our 2026 Trade Hall is the perfect place to connect, learn, and have a bit of fun while you’re at it.
Be sure to go and say hello to:
Zoetis, Zebravet, Ballarat Veterinary Practice, Lyppard, Boehringer Ingelheim, Royal Canin, Sound Veterinary, Provet, Eden Hills, Prime, Compounding 4 Vet, Minitube, Idexx, BARC (Ballarat Animal Rehabilitation Centre), Paws for Talk, A Bark Above, Cat Lovers Ballarat
2025 Ballarat & Surrounds Veterinary Nursing Conference Video
