Our Team

Dom was lured to Junction Street as a GP Registrar in 1995 to work with and learn from the founder, Dr Col Shepherd. He has enjoyed being part of the dramatic growth of the practice in his time here, while remaining dedicated to providing careful, patient centred care. He chose general practice as part of his broader ambition to help make the world a better place.

Day to day, building a better world for Dom starts with a happy, caring workplace, helping you make a difference to your health.
Alongside his general practice work Dom has been very involved in the national charity HeartKids, the peak body for people affected by childhood heart disease. He has played a role in the development of services to the local indigenous community, as well as projects in the the fields of youth health, and mental health. His concern for social justice has also led to involvement with a local high school, including participation in the school’s programme of immersion trips to Timor Leste.

Dom has shared in the teaching of many medical students and registrars in his time in Junction Street Family Practice. Working in a team, passing on the ‘Art of Medicine’ is an ongoing pleasure. Dom has keen interests in Paediatrics, Aged and Palliative care, Emotional well-being, and management of Complex Chronic Disease. Dom is enthusiastic to keep improving our service to you, our patients, and keen to offer the many benefits of a team approach to care.

As a great believer in a balanced life Dom dedicated a ‘day-off’ to his role as a parent and community member, spending many years involved in Little Athletics, Twilight Cricket {which he still plays}, and HeartKids. He likes camping, cycling and bush walking. Dom also loves to read and discuss philosophy, but not when he’s running late…

Dr Stuart grew up in Sydney and earned her medical degree at the University of NSW. She worked in a variety of general practices and gained fellowship of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners before moving to Nowra and commencing work at the practice in 1998 Along side Dr Dom Frawley and Dr Col Shepherd. She has a strong interest in youth health and also dedicates some of her time to working at Crossroads Youth Health.

Clarissa started at Junction Street Family Practice in 2017. This was following work in hospitals within the Illawarra/Shoalhaven district.

Clarissa grew up in Clermont in Central Queensland. A small town with limited access to medical care, it was here that she saw how valuable General Practice is. Clarissa has since moved down the east coast, first to Brisbane to complete a science degree and then on to Wollongong for her medical degree. Completing her medical training locally, Clarissa is pleased she has been able to continue working in the area. In 2019, Clarissa obtained her Fellowship of General Practice.

Appreciating the ‘Family’ aspect of Junction Street, Clarissa particularly enjoys being able to look after everyone in the family from grandparents to the latest newborn addition. Currently completing a Certificate of Women’s Health, Clarissa is also interested in Family Planning (including contraception and sexual health), Preconception care and Fertility concerns. Clarissa also enjoys caring for antenatal patients in GP Shared Antenatal Care with the local antenatal clinic.

Clarissa consults at the practice from Monday to Thursday. When not at work, you might find Clarissa taking her dog, Digger, to the beach (or to the cafe depending on the day he has had).

James is an experienced GP who moved from Sydney to the Shoalhaven in 2018. He has a special interest in children’s health, particularly behavioural issues, parenting and autism.

James is the Chair of the Child and Young Person Health Network, within the Royal Australian College of General Practice (RACGP).

Having a keen interest in GP education James has previously won the title of RACGP Supervisor of the Year.

James and his wife have three adult sons, and love living in this beautiful area.

Mitchell joined the Practice in 2020 after finishing his general practice training. Mitchell completed his university training at Western Sydney University before working at Liverpool hospital. He moved to the south coast as part of his GP training and has decided to stay.

Mitchell maintains a broad interest in all aspects of general practice. He is passionate about preventative health and chronic disease management. Mitchell provides care to a number of patients from aged care facilities.

In his spare time Mitchell enjoys surfing, cooking and playing guitar. You may also find him engaging in a range of local community groups.

Stay tuned for my full profile!

Dr Ben Pearce grew up locally in Nowra, and completed his medical training at University of Wollongong attaining a Doctor of Medicine qualification and a Bachelor’s degree in Medical and Health Sciences. He has previously worked within the health district at Shoalhaven and Wollongong Hospitals attaining experience in various aspects of medicine.

Ben is dedicated to holistic, patient centred care and has obtained Fellowship with the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and will be working at the Practice long term.

When not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, surfing, bushwalking and exercising outdoors.

Dr McKinstry undertook her university and junior doctor training in Northern Ireland before moving to Australia in 2014. She has experience in a broad range of medicine from paediatrics through to geriatric medicine as well as extensive experience in surgery and emergency medicine.

Particular areas of interest include skin cancer management and excisions, and women’s health including offering mirena IUD insertions and implanons.

In her free time you might spot Dr McKinstry walking her dog or enjoying the beach. If you can’t find her she might be exploring this beautiful country in her camper van.

Dr Vicki Bonney joined Junction Street Family Practice in 2021 after 25 years of working in General Practice in Culburra Beach. She has an interest in Women’s health and pregnancy, but appreciates the opportunity to care for patients at every stage of life.

Dr Elise Parker was born and raised in Canberra. She completed both her Bachelor of Medical Science and post-graduate Doctor of Medicine and Surgery at the Australian National University. She relocated to Shoalhaven in 2021 with her family where she has completed her GP training and will be working at the Practice long term. Elise has always been drawn to rural healthcare, and this was solidified after spending time on rural placements as a medical student.

Dr Elise is passionate about preventative health and the continuity of patient care that General Practice offers. She has special interests in paediatrics, women’s health and skin cancer procedural work. She has completed the Sydney Child Health Program and the FPAA National Certificate in Reproductive and Sexual Health. She hopes to complete further training in skin cancer medicine over the next few years.

When not at work you can find Elise at the gym, enjoying outdoor adventures such as camping or fishing, or spending time with family and friends. Dr Elise is loving her sea change to the Shoalhaven and is looking forward to both caring for and being a part of this community for the years to come.

Stay tuned for my full profile!

Stay tuned for my full profile!

Stay tuned for my full profile!

Dr Chelsea Ricketts grew up in Canada, having completed both a Bachelor and a Master of Science degree prior to moving to Australia to study medicine at the University of Wollongong. After working as a junior doctor at Toowoomba Hospital she found her passion in General Practice.

Dr Ricketts has a special interest in women’s and maternal health. She provides antenatal shared care with Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital and offers medical abortions (MS-2Step). She performs Implanon and hormonal IUD (Mirena/Kyleena) insertions. Even though Dr Ricketts does a lot of women’s health work, she enjoys all aspects of medicine and providing personalised care for her patients.

Outside of work, she is married with two young children and enjoys spending time exploring the Shoalhaven.

Stay tuned for my full profile!

Stay tuned for my full profile!

Lorraine has been a registered nurse for over 30 years having trained at Wagga Base Hospital. She has been a practice nurse at Junction Street Family Practice since 2002. Prior to that she worked in operating theatres locally and in Sydney.

She has a special interest in aged care, dementia, grief and loss and palliative care. She is a facilitator of Shared Medical Appointments. Lorraine also teaches Aged Care Nursing at TAFE and finds the two roles greatly complement each other.

Stay tuned for my full profile!

Stay tuned for my full profile!

Stay tuned for my full profile!

Janine has been working as a medical receptionist for over 20 years at the practice and felt like she needed a change. She had the opportunity to train and study to be a Medical Practice Assistant and found it rewarding and challenging. She loves being able to interact with the patients more and loves the different types of work. She has lived locally most of her life, is married and has two sons with successful careers.

Gail commenced work at Junction Street Family Practice as a casual receptionist in 1997, when there were two doctors and three part time receptionists and has been an integral part of the growth of the practice over the past 23 years.

Over the last 10 years Gail completed a Certificate III in Professional Practice Management and then received a scholarship to complete her Diploma in Professional Practice Leadership, for which she won the Barbara Meredith Memorial Award in 2018. Gail also won the GP Synergy Practice Manager of the Year Award for South East NSW in 2017.

Gail loves being part of this dynamic and ever changing practice and enjoys working with our team to be always striving to provide the best possible care and experience for you and your family, at what can often be a very stressful time in life.

Nikki has been working as a medical receptionist since 2006.

She joined Junction Street Family Practice as a much valued `assistant to the Practice Manager in early 2019 and has quickly become an essential member of the team in a period of rapid change.

Nikki lives in Conjola Park with her family and in her spare time you will find her spending time with her family. Nikki enjoys bushwalking, going to the beach and watching her kids play sport.

• Janine Adams
• Louise Hamill
• Hope Ide
• Angus Mahon
• Alice Malcolm
• Kelsey McDowall
• Tahleka Morris
• Karen Muller
• Hannah Mundey
• Sophie Phillips
• Zoe Schofield
• Elisha Turner
• Melanie Wolfenden
• Sabine Wooding