Meet Our Team
Dr. Ross Polst BVSc (hons.)
Owner, Veterinarian
Dr Ross Polst is the owner and Principal Veterinarian for Hinterland Veterinary Surgery, joining the clinic in November 2006. Dr Graeme Lyon, the original owner, retired in 2015 and Ross took over ownership from then. Ross grew up in Adelaide and studied in Melbourne, graduating with Honours in 2001. He has a particular interest in small animal medicine, with over 20 years working with birds and exotics species. He performs both general and orthopaedic surgeries, including TTA and TPLO techniques for cruciate ligament repair.
Danielle
Practice Manager, Head Vet Nurse
Danielle joined the Hinterland Vet Surgery team in 2013. She has been nursing since 2006 and completed her certificate 2009. Danielle takes pride in running the clinic and training team members. She has a passion for emergency nursing and also enjoys running, gardening and drawing in her spare time. She is the owner of a very cheeky (but cute) German Shorthaired Pointer named Georgie as well as three beautiful hens!
Emily
Vet Nurse
Emily joined the Hinterland Vet Surgery team in March 2023, after volunteering for placement to complete her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. She has a special interest in exotics and wildlife and is a professional wildlife photographer in her spare time. She also volunteers her time as a registered wildlife carer. She has been lucky to work with platypus, whales, koalas and many more.
Anna
Vet Nurse
Anna joined the Hinterland Vet team in November 2023. She completed her work placement at our clinic, while studying her certificate IV in veterinary nursing. She is originally from Russia and loves to experience new and challenging things. She is a welcomed member to the team.
Jess
Vet Nurse
Jess joined the Hinterland Vet Surgery team in January 2024, after completing her certificate IV in veterinary nursing through Tafe QLD. Jess has previous experience in customer service, in a supervisor role and is enjoying putting her new knowlege into practice in the animal industry. She is the owner of a Staffy x
Shar Pei named Mika and a kitten named Parrot!
Dr Kelly Leung
Veterinary Surgeon
Dr Kelly graduted from University of Queensland in 2018 and has experience in Emergency and Critical Care as well as General Practice. She has an interest in feline medicine and enjoys embroidery and painting in her spare time. She is the owner of Ringo the ginger ninja, domestic shorthair and Bucky the poodle.
Sonia
Veterinary Nurse
We’re excited to welcome Sonia to our nursing team. As a passionate newcomer to the veterinary industry, she brings fresh enthusiasm, a calm and caring nature, and a genuine love for helping animals feel safe and supported.
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At home, she’s kept on her toes by her beloved Miley — a cheeky Pug–Jack Russell mix who perfectly matches her energy and sense of fun.
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She’s already become a valued member of our clinic family, completing her placement at our clinic and we know our clients and their pets will feel the same the moment they meet her.
Rhani
Veterinary Nurse
Rhani joined the Hinterland Vet Surgery team in August 2024. She completed her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing through Tafe QLD and graduated in 2022. She has an interest in general surgery and enjoys camping and horse riding in her spare time. She is the owner of two very cheeky American Staffys named Goose and Snooky.
Natalie
Veterinary Nurse
Nat joined our team in October of 2025, after completing her placement through TAFE for her Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing. As a lifelong pet owner — including many furry friends with unique medical needs — she brings a rare blend of hands‑on experience, empathy, and practical know‑how to every patient she meets. Her naturally bubbly energy makes pets feel safe and owners feel supported, and her kindness shines through in every interaction. Whether she’s comforting a nervous animal, answering questions with patience, or lending a hand to her teammates, she’s the kind of person who lifts the whole clinic. Now a proud and welcomed member of our veterinary team, she’s excited to grow in the industry, build strong relationships with clients, and provide the gentle, knowledgeable care your pets deserve.
Dr Rachel Leaning
Veterinary Surgeron
Dr Rachel graduated from the University of Queensland in 2024 and has an interest in avian and exotic medicine, soft tissue surgery and general practice. She enjoys going to the gym, music, crafts, and playing video games in her spare time. She is the owner of Missy the cat, Jay the border collie and two green cheeked conures named Robbie and Cinnamon.
Jean
Veterinary Nurse
Jean joined the Hinterland Vet Surgery Team in March of 2025, recently moving from interstate. She has been nursing in the industry for 3 years and enjoys assisting in surgery and providing a high level of patient care. She is the owner of a German Shepherd cross Husky, named Augie and two cats named Pumpkin and Zoe.
