Rosie Cawley-Birkenhead is 25 and hails from Auckland, New Zealand. Her decision to become a vet was not her initial career choice, but it has ended up being an occupation she was meant to be in, as her love for animals was obvious when she was a young child.

Although from Auckland, Rosie spent much of her time before moving to Australia in the Northland region of New Zealand and studied at Massey University in Palmerston north which is the only training institute for veterinarians in New Zealand, offering a five-year Bachelor of Veterinary Science course.

“Auckland is basically a mini-Sydney,” Rosie explained.

“I spent any opportunity I could in Northland with the stunning beaches and much more relaxed lifestyle, so like to consider myself an honorary Northlander.”

Rosie changed to veterinary science after she had started a course in science.

“I was initially in a Bachelor of Science with a focus on chemistry and biology at university until I realised I didn’t want to spend my life in a lab and much prefer to be outside and helping people.

“I took the leap and decided to fully commit myself to getting into veterinary practice, even if it took a move to the middle of nowhere [Palmerston north].

“The course at Massey in Palmerston north has a big focus on large animal work as NZ is dairy cattle central so it was during my studies I discovered how much I love cattle, and the farmers.”

Rosie graduated in November last year and started work on the South Coast of NSW in March; very much still a baby vet, she said.

When she began vet school Rosie was reminded by her brother that it was what she wanted to be all the way back in kindergarten.

“I love all animals - from cats and dogs, to sheep and cattle, to chickens and goats - although rabbit and ferret medicine still scares me a little,” she said.

“I have a soft spot for farmers and huge respect for the mahi (work) they do and love being part of their wider team and supporting their incredible work. I do also especially love a calf or lamb, probably a touch more than a puppy or kitten.”

Rosie started at Monaro Vet Clinic only two weeks ago, but she said it’s been an amazing fortnight.

“At my last job I was only doing work with cats, dogs and the occasional rabbit. I realised how much I miss mixed practices, particularly rural practice, where you never know what the next day will bring.

“I have had an incredible welcome to the community and everyone in the clinic has been so lovely, friendly and patient with me.

“It’s so nice to drive around and see cows and sheep in paddocks instead of lines of traffic and buildings.”

Prior to this year Rosie had never been to the Snowy Monaro region but has been a frequent visitor since moving to Australia.

“Like every New Zealander I found a lovely partner, who works at one of the resorts, and he convinced me to live a little closer than the NSW South Coast, making the likelihood of returning home to NZ anytime soon small,” Rosie said.

“My attempts at convincing him to return to his hometown of Wollongong fell short as he loves his job up the mountain too much.

“It seemed like everything aligned for me to move here when he found the job advertisement for a new grad at Monaro vet. He considers himself a good public servant for bringing a new vet to the community,” Rosie said.

Monaro Veterinary Clinic has a long and proud history in the community with Peter and Margot Brennan opening the doors of the practice in 1977 before retiring quietly, without any fanfare in July. Peter spent nearly 50 years as a local vet and was admired and appreciated within the local community.

In that time, Peter cared for and treated thousands of cats and dogs, pocket pets, birds, cattle, horses, and even a few reptiles.

The Cooma practice is now under the ownership of veterinarian, Tim White, with a seamless transition taking place some months ago.

In this time Tim has been familiarising himself with the running of the business, developing and nurturing relationships with existing and new clients and growing the practice.

Tim completed his veterinary degree at the University of Melbourne and has worked in various clinics across most states of Australia including mining towns in the Pilbara, farm work in the Tablelands of Queensland and at the University of Adelaide, shelter work and University of Melbourne agricultural research.

He has also worked in the United Kingdom.

The professional, friendly and caring team at Monaro Vets is happy to have a second vet on board and has ensured Rosie’s introduction to rural practice has been smooth and enjoyable.