BVSc (Qld), Veterinarian
Dr Craig Bailey is a male Veterinarian.
I grew up in Dorrigo, son of a third generation farmer and rural businessman (although I was born and lived in Armidale for two years while Dad finished Rural Science at UNE).
My schooling was at Dorrigo High, before I spent a year overseas in South Africa on a Rotary exchange. It was here I confirmed my lifelong love of rugby. I had played rep rugby at school at a decent level (though I peaked in high school).
I loved farming and living in a small community, and so thought a career as a vet was an appropriate option. I studied Vet Science at University of QLD, and thoroughly enjoyed most of it. Perhaps a little too much at times, but I still managed to graduate with first class honours (somehow).
My first job was in Tenterfield, followed by fifteen years in Goondiwindi. I loved Goondi very much, where I could continue to be involved in rugby - first as a player and then a referee. I also learned to preg test big cattle numbers quickly and accurately, and test bulls' semen as well. Goondi was also a great place to develop small animal skills - referral centres were far away- hence my interest in orthopaedics and other surgery.
I came 'home' to the Tablelands in 2012 to be closer to my family and the great schools in Armidale. I was very lucky that Sarah Butler had a position available when I rang up out of the blue, and have had a very happy time at the North Hill Vet Clinic since then. The girls welcomed me whole-heartedly, and our skill-sets have complemented each other nicely. Working in a cohesive team makes work very enjoyable.
