Meet Our Staff
Your Experienced Pet Care Professionals
The staff at Golf Course Veterinary Hospital & Best Mates Pet Training in Taree are connected by a passionate commitment for the wellbeing of all animals. You can read about our team below.
Book an appointment on
(02) 6552 6022.
Paul Pitney BVSC
Veterinarian
After graduating from Sydney University in 1991, Paul initially worked in mixed practice in Illawarra. In 1996, he moved to the Mid North Coast and began working in this hospital with Colin Dry until 2000. Paul then moved to Tamworth with his wife Ngaia after purchasing a practice which they owned until 2011. Missing the coastal life, Paul and Ngaia returned to Taree with Paul resuming his working relationship with Colin and purchasing the business in 2020. Paul is devoted to the care and welfare of all animals and his special interests include pain management, anaesthesia and behaviour.
Paul has worked for TAFE teaching veterinary nurses and passionately promotes continuing education. He has volunteered as a veterinarian in the Cook Islands and Cambodia.
Paul shares his life with his wife Ngaia, a Great Dane called Wally, a crossbred named Zali, 2 cats Tuffy and Maddison, and assorted other pets.
Ngaia Pitney
Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse |
Certificate IV in Dog Behavioural Training (Delta Canine Good Citizen Trainer and Assessor) | Certificate IV Training and Assessment
Ngaia has worked as a veterinary nurse for over 30 years and her desire to do the right thing by her patients has never wavered. Ngaia started working in hospitals in the Illawarra, followed by Taree, then Tamworth (which she owned with husband Paul) before making her way back to Taree via Forster. Ngaia has a long standing passion for excellence in nursing, anaesthesia and behavioural training of companion animals. Ngaia has also been a TAFE teacher since 2002, passing on experience and knowledge to veterinary nursing and animal care students. Ngaia also volunteered in Cambodia with Free the Bears and the Ester Honey Foundation in the Cook Islands in 2015.
Ngaia has owned and run Best Mates Pet Training since 2001, helping people build strong balanced understanding for their animals.
Ngaia lives at Pampoolah where she conducts Best Mates Training with husband Paul, 2 dogs, 2 cats, horses, parrots, chickens and a snake.
Sabine Mentges-Carrol
Certificate IV Veterinary Nurse
Sabina is a familiar and friendly face to clients and pets having started at the hospital in 1996 (firstly as a volunteer then quickly gaining employment). Sabina has completed her certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. In 2000, Sabina moved to Tumut, then Canberra with husband Ben, where she worked as a veterinary nurse before returning to the Manning Valley in 2002. This move allowed her to be closer to family and resume employment with the hospital.
Caring and compassionate, Sabina has a deep love for all fur babies. Outside of work, her passions include horse riding, voluntary bible education and raising cattle with her husband on the farm.
Sabina's own fur babies include 1 dog, 2 cats, 2 horses and numerous cattle.
Jess Carrick
Jess began her veterinary nursing career in 2013, fresh out of high school. She started her training at Golf Course Vet Clinic under the guidance of Dr. Colin Dry. Over the years, she gained valuable experience working in four local clinics before being offered a position back at Golf Course Vet Clinic—a role she accepted without hesitation and continues to love. Jess is incredibly proud to be a veterinary nurse.
She thrives on the variety the profession offers, with no two days ever the same, and values the constant opportunities to learn and grow. Her passion lies in helping animals of all sizes—especially those who can’t speak for themselves—by providing care in a way that fosters understanding and compassion. Jess has a particular interest in surgery, anaesthesia, pathology, and medical case workups. She enjoys working closely with patients to help restore their health and reunite them with their loving families. Outside of work, Jess enjoys outdoor activities, especially hiking, and cherishes time spent with her energetic Foxy/Jack Russell Terrier, Snoopy, and her fluffy black-and-white cat, Dennis. Her ideal day ends with a glass of wine, good music, and playing her violin.
Jess also holds a Certificate III in Captive Animal Management and completed an internship at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. She is a member of the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia, regularly attends conferences, and participates in webinars to stay current with her skills and knowledge.
Troy Andrews
After completing 18 years working within the NSW Police Force, Troy decided to follow his love and passion for animals and take a new career path as a Veterinary Nurse starting in 2017. Troy prides himself on providing a high standard of care and compassion as well as positive client interactions. Troy is married with 2 children (now young adults) Georgia & Kye. They have 3 dogs (Madar the Labrador, Jazz the Border Collie, and Bonnie the Border Collie Cross) In his spare time Troy enjoys spending many hours on the bowling green playing lawn bowls.
Where the animal needs come first
At Golf Course Veterinary Hospital, animals always come first — it’s as simple as that. Whether it’s a routine check-up, a tricky procedure, or just helping a nervous pet feel at ease, we’re all about making sure they get the care, comfort, and compassion they deserve. We believe every pet is unique, so we tailor our approach to what they need most, while keeping you informed every step of the way. Your pet's health and happiness are our top priority, and we’re here to make sure they get the best care possible. After all, we’re not just treating pets — we’re caring for your furry family members!
