Vet clinic takes out awards

Small business powerhouse, Australind Veterinary Clinic, has continued its dominance at the South West Small Business of the Year awards after it took home two major awards last month.

The animal hospital was awarded Best Small Business with 11 to 20 employees at the awards night held last month, with its small team becoming known for its customer service and expertise.

Veterinarian and manager Dr Rob Hill said the award was testament to his team’s hard work.

“It is a wonderful achievement and I am proud of our members, ” he said.

“For me, you don’t have a good business unless you have great people who work in it and that is part of our philosophy.

“All the people who work for us are hired for specific roles and I happen to believe each is outstanding in their personal contribution. They are team players and what we have is exceptional.”

Bunbury-Wellington Small Business Centre chief executive officer Fiona Fitzgerald said Dr Hill and the staff at the Australind Veterinary Clinic had a unique business, with a genuine emphasis on caring for animals.

“Rob is truly an entrepreneur, having recently produced a range of children’s books based around animal characters exploring the different moral and personal issues kids today face, they are enlightening and beautifully written, ” she said.

“Their business is truly about authenticity, smart business practices, loyalty and passion.

“The clinic and its people are very inspirational. It’s a strong mix of values and astute business acumen, a perfect blend.”

Employee Veronica O’Keefe was also a major winner on the night, with the veterinary nurse taking home the Employee of the Year award.

Dr Hill said he and the other staff were happy for Veronica.

“Veronica has an exceptional work ethic and she is really engaged with the role, ” he said.

“She really enjoys what she does and loves being a veterinary nurse. It makes it easy for her to put in the hours that she does.”