Dr Michael Rhodes

Dr Mike graduated from Melbourne University in 1984.

He began his career in an Equine practice on the outskirts of Melbourne before joining a dairy practice in New Zealand.

He has now been in the Colac district for most of his 34 years, initially working beside his father, the late Dusty Rhodes.

Dr Mike is a very experienced dairy cattle veterinarian who also enjoys small animal surgery and medicine. Dr Mike is available for pregnancy testing, herd health visits, emergency visits and advice.

Dr Mike enjoys travelling (France is a favourite), a bike ride, socialising and a nice glass of red.

Dr Ness Edwards

 Ness grew up on a sheep and cropping farm near Lismore where she always had a menagerie    of animals, so it was only natural that she pursued a career in Veterinary Science.

Ness graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2012. She has over 12 years’ experience as a mixed practice vet and loves all aspects of working in a rural mixed practice. She particularly enjoys working with production animals and small animal surgery.

Outside of work hours Ness is often out competing on her horses, running with her German  Short Haired Pointer and taking care of her busy little toddler.

Dr Caz Simpson

Caz grew up on an orchard in Bacchus Marsh and spent time over the years working on their sheep farm at Meredith. Along with a number of childhood dogs and cats, they had a 40 year old pet turtle Herbie, which was her fathers as a child. From School in Ballarat she then ventured to Wagga Wagga where she graduated from Charles Sturt University in 2012 before moving back to Bacchus Marsh for her first job in Mixed Practice.

Caz moved over to the South West in 2014 after purchasing the Old Garvoc Pub with husband Gavin. Since then they have outnumbered themselves with 4 adventurous children. They have two dogs Ned and Nellie, Fergus the cat and growing flocks of sheep and chooks.

Caz joined the team in April 2024 and is keeping busy in the clinic in a Small Animal Vet role.    She has a keen interest in small animal surgery and is always up for a challenge.

In her “spare time”, Caz loves boxing in Warrnambool, tending to her large veggie garden, preserving her own fruit and veggies, and sharing her love of cooking and meeting new people as a Thermomix Consultant. She is also a passionate blood donor and advocate, accomplishing over 100 donations!

Dr Ben Rhodes

Ben grew up in Colac, attending Elliminyt Primary School and Trinity College and has always had a deep connection to the area and its community.

Ben recently graduated from James Cook University and is a third generation of the Rhodes Family to join the veterinary industry. At the completion of his studies in Queensland Ben made the decision to return to Colac with his wife and daughter, eager to raise his family in the same welcoming community he cherished growing up. Ben is thrilled to be back home serving the local families and their large and small animals with his expertise and dedication.

Outside of work Ben enjoys playing local football, mountain biking, fishing and always seeking adventure and relaxation in the great outdoors.