18-19 October 2025

Dogs Queensland’s Canine Welfare and Liaison Officer and has over 25 years’ experience in contributing, managing and consulting to different sectors of the animal industry involving animal care, control and management, animal welfare and ethics, event management and community education.

Courtney’s role at Dogs Queensland is to support and provide assistance to members in meeting their obligations as responsible dog owners and breeders and to highlight Dogs Queensland’s commitment to animal welfare and helping breeders achieve success.

Dr Xavier graduated as a veterinarian from the University of Queensland and began his veterinary career working in mixed practice in Northern Australia focusing on Equine and Bovine Reproduction. On returning to Brisbane, he completed a rotating internship in Equine surgery, medicine and reproduction at The University of Queensland Equine Specialist Hospital. Xavier completed a residency in Theriogenology and is a Diplomate of the American College of Theriogenologists, a Member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists and a Registered Specialist in Reproduction at Queensland Veterinary Specialists. Xavier is also a lecturer with the Faculty of Science at The University of Queensland. Xavier has a clinical interest in canine, equine and bovine reproduction, medicine
and surgery.

Alecia graduated from The University of Queensland in 2016, before undergoing a rotating internship and a surgical internship at Queensland Veterinary Specialists. She subsequently undertook a residency in small animal surgery at Murdoch University in Perth. During her time in Perth, Alecia was involved in teaching and gained a Graduate Diploma in Tertiary Education, as well as a Masters in Veterinary Clinical Studies and a Masters in Veterinary Surgery. In 2025, Alecia successfully completed the ECVS Board certifying exams officially becoming a Diplomat of Small Animal Surgery (specialist) of the European College of Veterinary Surgery.

With over 20 years as a veterinary nurse in private practice and welfare, Veronica has seen how unexpected vet bills can overwhelm families.

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In 2019, she launched Trupanion Pet Insurance with Dr Steve Rose.

Today, Veronica works closely with breeders across the country to ensure no breeder is expected to cover vet bills once they’ve gone home, and every pup has access to the care they need.

Eve McKenzie is an accredited Animal Trainer and Behaviour Consultant with over 20 years of experience helping people understand and improve their animals’ behaviour. She is the founder of Dogaholics Dog Training and Behaviour Services, based in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie, NSW, where she provides training lessons, behaviour consultations, and support for pet guardians.

Eve holds multiple national and international qualifications and is passionate about education and animal welfare. Eve regularly presents at industry conferences, continually expanding her knowledge to stay at the forefront of the industry.  Her practical, compassionate approach helps bridge the gap between people and their pets, making life better for both.

In her spare time, Eve enjoys life with her husband, son, and their lively household of animals.

Stephanie graduated as a veterinarian from the University of QLD in 2014. After a short
time in small animal general practice, Stephanie started working as an industry veterinarian
with a specific focus on small animal nutrition, both in Australia and abroad.

Most recently, Stephanie has worked in small animal pharmaceuticals for Ceva Animal
Health, focusing lots of her time on educating both veterinary professionals and pet owners
about various aspects of cat and dog health, behaviour and wellbeing.

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Moira Bruce is a Fear Free Certified Professional with over 24 years of experience in the
veterinary industry. Holding a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing and currently studying
Certificate IV in Animal Behaviour and Training, Moira has a strong foundation in both
clinical and behavioural care.

She has assisted in countless caesareans and whelpings, worked closely with rescue
organisations, and supported breeders through temperament testing and puppy placement.Her passion lies in helping breeders raise happy, resilient, and well-adjusted puppies.

A senior ANKC Agility, Jumping, and Games Judge, Moira travels nationally to officiate and
also runs her own dog Agility training school, Perception Agility. As the owner and trainer of
Champion show dogs and Agility Champions including two Border Collie stud dogs - she
understands the importance of breeding for both soundness and temperament.

Since 2013, Moira has worked with Ceva Animal Health, a global leader in veterinary
behaviour, to educate veterinary professionals and dog owners. Through her work, she has
witnessed the positive impact that Adaptil pheromone therapy has had on improving the
welfare of dogs experiencing stress and anxiety.

Mel is dedicated to making
dogs and their families happier and safer. Specialising in creating safe, happy, and positive relationships between babies, kids, and dogs. Mel is a Family Paws Educator, Fear Free Certified Professional, IAABC accredited
dog trainer, and certified Family Dog Mediator.
With a background in psychology, zoology, and business, Mel has a deep
passion for understanding the science of behaviour and using positive, ethical, and force-free methods to strengthen the bond between families and their dogs.

As a busy mum of three, Mel fully appreciates the chaos and joy of managing kids and dogs together. Her personal and professional experiences fuel her commitment to educating
families about safe interactions, bite prevention, and enriching their dog's lives to meet their individual needs.

Her focus is on educating families about safe child-dog interactions and providing in-home and online puppy training to help raise confident, well-mannered dogs. Mel’s mission is to enrich lives, prevent issues before they start, and foster lifelong bonds rooted in respect and mutual understanding.