About Us
Southern Cross Veterinarians is a locally operated veterinary group caring for pets and their families across the Moreton Bay region of Queensland. With clinics in Bellmere, Woodford and Wamuran, the practice provides a broad range of general veterinary services while maintaining a strong community focus.
The group is owned by veterinarians Dr Roelof van der Merwe and Dr Karien van der Merwe, who took ownership of Southern Cross Vet Group in 2023. Together, they bring many years of veterinary experience gained across Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom, including backgrounds in general practice, emergency medicine, surgery, animal welfare and clinic management.
This depth of experience helps shape a practical, well-rounded approach to veterinary care. Southern Cross Veterinarians provides preventative healthcare, general medicine, dentistry, diagnostic services and surgery, supporting pets through everything from routine health needs to more involved medical and surgical cases.
Diagnostic capabilities include radiography and clinical pathology, while surgical services extend across soft tissue procedures, orthopaedics, dentistry and emergency surgery. When a patient requires care beyond the services available within the practice, the team can also coordinate specialist referral.
The practice’s approach centres on providing accessible, thorough veterinary care while building trusted relationships with clients and the communities it serves. Operating across three locations allows Southern Cross Veterinarians to support pet owners throughout a broad part of the Moreton Bay region, while each clinic remains connected to its local community.
The team itself brings together veterinarians, veterinary nurses, reception staff and support team members with a wide range of experience and professional interests. This includes clinicians with backgrounds in small animal practice, emergency medicine, surgery and mixed veterinary environments, as well as experienced nursing staff with exposure to general, emergency and specialist care.
Southern Cross Veterinarians also places importance on professional development and the continued growth of its team. Its careers information highlights collaboration and ongoing learning as part of the organisation’s approach, reflecting a workplace where people are encouraged to contribute their experience while continuing to develop professionally.