Leadership, Compassion, and a Passion for Animals

At Animal Emergency Service Tanawha (AES), we’re proud to have incredible leaders like Ali Stewart, our Hospital Director. Since joining the AES team in 2017, Ali has combined her wealth of experience in leadership with her love for animals, ensuring our hospital thrives in delivering exceptional care for pets and their families.

A Leader with Heart

Ali’s approach to leadership is rooted in thoughtful decision-making and empathetic communication. Her ability to actively listen and foster collaboration has built a culture where every team member feels valued and motivated to perform at their best. Ali prioritises the well-being of both her team and the animals they care for, making her an integral part of our mission to provide outstanding emergency veterinary services.

A Remarkable Career Journey

Before joining AES, Ali held a leadership role as Director at TAFE Queensland, where she focused on strategic planning, team development, and operational excellence. She successfully drove initiatives that empowered her teams to deliver exceptional results while prioritising health, safety, and ethical guidance.

Ali’s expertise in aligning goals with organisational vision has been a cornerstone of her success. At AES, she applies these same principles to create an environment where collaboration, growth, and excellence flourish.

What Drives Ali

For Ali, the most rewarding part of her role is supporting her team as they tackle the challenges of emergency veterinary medicine. While she’s not directly involved in the clinical aspects of care, she finds it incredibly fulfilling to contribute to a team that saves lives every day.

Ali describes the AES atmosphere as one of dedication, collaboration, and constant challenge, where extraordinary outcomes are achieved through teamwork and determination.

Life Beyond the Hospital

Ali’s love for animals doesn’t stop at work – it’s an integral part of her personal life. At home, she cares for:

• 6 horses, each with a unique personality and story, from rescued racehorses to family ponies.
• 3 dogs, including her beloved Scout, an 18-year-old Kelpie/Collie cross she rescued 16 years ago, and two other rescues, Teddy and Buddy.

Scout holds a special place in Ali’s heart. Rescued after a rough start to life, Scout has grown into the most loyal companion, always ready for cuddles, adventures, and swimming. Ali describes Scout as her “rock,” a constant reminder of the power of trust and patience.

Ali’s Passions

When she’s not leading the team or caring for her animals, Ali enjoys:

• Horse riding and motorbike riding
• Gardening and nature walks
• Swimming and spending time outdoors

Her connection to nature and her animals fuels her dedication to both her work and personal life.

Celebrating Ali’s Impact

Ali’s leadership has been instrumental in the success of Animal Emergency Service Tanawha. Her ability to balance operational excellence with a compassionate approach ensures that the hospital continues to provide the highest standards of care.

Her story is a testament to how passion, dedication, and collaboration can create meaningful change – for the animals we care for, the teams we work with, and the community we serve.

We’re grateful to have Ali as part of the AES family and look forward to her continued contributions to our team and the Sunshine Coast community.