History
Over 32 years ago Alan Giles was passing through Grafton and was attracted to the beautiful Clarence where sailing boats were dancing across the seamless waterway and decided this is where he wanted to build a life, and his veterinary career. He went into business with Dr Wayne Gadke, who together with Alan purchased The South Grafton Veterinary Clinic overlooking the river. Previously belonging to Dr Rene Fenech who had owned the practice for the preceeding 12 years.
The original Grafton Veterinary Clinic at 120 Bacon St from 1991 to 2005
In 1991 Alan purchased the founding veterinary practice in the Grafton CBD from Dr Jim Cartwright, who was the original veterinarian servicing the region.
The Grafton Veterinary Clinic has had a long standing place in the Clarence Valley's history. Most of the production farm animals and work horses were serviced by Dr Jim Cartwright from this clinic in the early years of operation, with cattle TB testing & Brucellosis testing, and dairy work taking up a considerable part of the practice. Historically, in the 1950's and early 1960's little attention was directed to small animal practice , and the needs of household dogs and cats. Over the years Jim steadily increased his small animal caseload. In the early years of his practice there were no veterinarians in the small fishing village of Coffs Harbour, and Jim would drive to Coffs with a trailer to pick up dogs for desexing & send them back from Grafton to Coffs on the train! With the development over the years of the pet companionship practice and the slow decline in the economic value of production animals, there has been a steady increase in the the number of veterinary practices throughout all the towns in the region that was once serviced by a single veterinarian practice.
The Grafton Veterinary Clinic has had a long standing place in the Clarence Valley's history. Most of the production farm animals and work horses were serviced by Dr Jim Cartwright from this clinic in the early years of operation, with cattle TB testing & Brucellosis testing, and dairy work taking up a considerable part of the practice. Historically, in the 1950's and early 1960's little attention was directed to small animal practice , and the needs of household dogs and cats. Over the years Jim steadily increased his small animal caseload. In the early years of his practice there were no veterinarians in the small fishing village of Coffs Harbour, and Jim would drive to Coffs with a trailer to pick up dogs for desexing & send them back from Grafton to Coffs on the train! With the development over the years of the pet companionship practice and the slow decline in the economic value of production animals, there has been a steady increase in the the number of veterinary practices throughout all the towns in the region that was once serviced by a single veterinarian practice.
The Grafton Veterinary Clinic becomes 128 Bacon St in 2005
In 2005 the new address for the Small Animal clinic moved a few doors up the street to 128 Bacon where space was quickly filled. Having the capability to ensure we had 2 consultation rooms, surgery, treatment, x-ray and pathology areas, along with storage and offices, it became a very practical space.
Together with Alan, Susan as the Practice Manager assisted in establishing a new era in the life of the Grafton Veterinary Clinic, developing systems, day to day operations, managing HR and Finances, supporting staff and coordinating events. Susan retired from that role in July 2015. |
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Lot 216 Prince street, the equine facility for large animal veterinary treatment, has developed over the years to become a well treed and
protected sanctuary. Giving clients great access to have large animals visit
and be treated over a course of time.
