Australian Veterinary Association

Australian Veterinary Association Official account of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) - the peak body for vets

05/06/2026

A true leader, educator and advocate for the veterinary profession.

At the 2026 AVA Awards, Professor Bill Tranter was honoured with the President’s Award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine, education and the cattle industry.

Over a distinguished career, Bill has shaped generations of veterinarians through his teaching, pioneered preventative herd health management approaches, contributed to the development of dairy herd software, and generously shared his expertise as a NABSnet QLD advisor and leader within the profession, including as a past President of the Australian Cattle Veterinarians.

Despite an impressive list of accolades, Bill is known for his humility, practical wisdom, and unwavering commitment to supporting young veterinarians to succeed.

Congratulations, Bill, on this well-deserved recognition and thank you for the lasting impact you continue to have on our profession.

The spirit of connection, collaboration and knowledge was on full display throughout the AVA Conference, thanks in no sm...
02/06/2026

The spirit of connection, collaboration and knowledge was on full display throughout the AVA Conference, thanks in no small part to our incredible student volunteers. Their enthusiasm, professionalism and tireless support helped make the week such a success. A sincere thank you to our volunteer team, and a special thank you to Guild Insurance for their generous support of the program.

The countdown to the 2027 AVA Conference has begun! 📅Following an incredible week in Brisbane, we're excited to begin sh...
01/06/2026

The countdown to the 2027 AVA Conference has begun! 📅

Following an incredible week in Brisbane, we're excited to begin sharing what's in store for next year's event in Melbourne.

The first keynote speakers have been announced, with more world-class presenters and program highlights to come. Visit the conference website to discover who's joining us in 2027 and start planning for another outstanding week of learning, connection and inspiration.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/43BBR9c

🎉 2026 delegates: Have your say and be rewarded! Complete your delegate survey by 19 June for your chance to win a FREE registration to the 2027 AVA Conference.

We look forward to welcoming the profession together again in 2027.

📖 The May issue of the Australian Veterinary Journal is out now.In a must-read for any practice navigating modern workfo...
26/05/2026

📖 The May issue of the Australian Veterinary Journal is out now.

In a must-read for any practice navigating modern workforce pressures, HL Gray, E King, AM Neall, D Parker, and RL Scotney explore how interactions between employees and veterinary leaders shape staff retention.

Also in this issue:
🐾 The tyranny of distance: mapping the accessibility of veterinary services across Australia using geospatial modelling
🐾 Two cases of Ehrlichia canis acquired locally in Victoria
🐾 Antimicrobial resistance trends in rabbit infections from 2018 to 2024
🐾 Australian veterinarians' perspectives and practices on equine pain management
🐾 POCUS imaging of the equine abdomen, and the effects of sedation on intestinal motility
🐾 Best practice for chorioptic mange in South American camelids
🐾 Pet cat dietary supplements, and parasite management in Pony Club horses

Read the full issue: https://bit.ly/3RDVDy1

Big changes are coming to AVA membership...Over the past 18 months, AVA has been working with members, SIGs and the broa...
25/05/2026

Big changes are coming to AVA membership...

Over the past 18 months, AVA has been working with members, SIGs and the broader profession to reimagine what membership should look like for today’s veterinary professionals.

In June, we’ll be launching a new membership. It will be:
✔ More flexible
✔ More inclusive
✔ More affordable
✔ Simpler to navigate

The new model supports the many different ways vets engage with the profession today.

Stay tuned in June as we unveil the biggest evolution of AVA membership in more than 10 years.

👉 Find out more: https://bit.ly/4uuuH2i

Your community, your career. Your AVA.

✨ What a night at the 2026 AVA Awards Gala Dinner!On Wednesday 20 May, members and guests gathered at the Plaza Terrace ...
22/05/2026

✨ What a night at the 2026 AVA Awards Gala Dinner!

On Wednesday 20 May, members and guests gathered at the Plaza Terrace Room, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre, for an unforgettable evening of Regency glamour, sparkling company, and well-earned celebration.

The Bridgerton-inspired dress code was embraced in spectacular style, our 2026 AVA Award winners were honoured with speeches of distinction, and the room held more than a touch of intrigue as the night unfolded.

Our sincere thanks to Guild Insurance for supporting the evening, and to everyone who joined us.

🏆 Congratulations to our 2026 AVA Award winners!Presented at the AVA Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday 20 May at AVA Confe...
22/05/2026

🏆 Congratulations to our 2026 AVA Award winners!

Presented at the AVA Awards Gala Dinner on Wednesday 20 May at AVA Conference in Brisbane, the awards celebrate veterinary excellence, dedication, and the outstanding contributions our members make across Australia and around the world.

Please join us in recognising this year's worthy recipients:

🌟 President's Award: Professor Bill Tranter
For outstanding practical contribution to the profession, including pioneering preventative herd health management, influential education programs, and decades of service to the ACV and the AVA.

🌟 Gilruth Prize: Emeritus Professor Roger Morris
The AVA's highest honour, recognising more than five decades of global leadership in veterinary epidemiology, biosecurity, and disease control across Australia, New Zealand, and internationally.

🌟 Kesteven Medal: Dr Leslie (Les) Sims
For distinguished international contribution to disease control, including his pioneering work on avian influenza eradication and consultancy with the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation, the World Bank, and governments across South-East Asia.

🌟 Meritorious Service Awards

Dr Stacey Rae, for outstanding leadership in rural and cattle practice, including her role as ACV President from 2024 to 2026.

Dr Susan Swaney, for advancing sheep husbandry, nutrition, and welfare across research, practice, and industry.

Dr Deborah Monks, for more than two decades of leadership in avian and exotic veterinary medicine.

🌟 Emerging Leader Award: Dr Liam Mowbray
For early-career leadership in cattle health, reproduction, and genetics, and his work establishing a national ACV student representative network (Sponsored by Bank of Queensland Specialist)

🌟 Don Kerr Student Award: Dr Paige Ayton
For exceptional academic achievement, clinical skill, and dedication to cattle medicine throughout her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Sydney.

Congratulations to all our winners. Read the full announcement: https://bit.ly/4f2gKUv

The AVA is delighted to announce Dr Diana Barker as incoming AVA President for 2026–2027. The announcement was made at t...
22/05/2026

The AVA is delighted to announce Dr Diana Barker as incoming AVA President for 2026–2027. The announcement was made at the 2026 AVA Awards Gala Dinner, held during the AVA Conference in Brisbane.

The AVA is also pleased to confirm Professor James Gilkerson as Vice President and Dr Margaret Reilly as Board Chair.

Returning to the presidency after previously serving in 2023–2024, Dr Barker is an experienced small animal surgeon and the Managing Director of a Melbourne practice group employing more than 60 staff. She brings deep experience across the Melbourne Metropolitan Practitioners Branch, the Victorian AVA Division, the AVA Veterinary Business Group, and as Chair of the THRIVE Advisory Committee.

In accepting the role, Dr Barker reflected on the AVA as a community where ideas are shared, friendships are formed, and leadership grows, saying: "As President, I want us to continue building an AVA that listens, that evolves, that welcomes diverse voices, and that helps shape a sustainable and positive future for veterinary professionals across Australia.”

We also extend our deepest thanks to outgoing President Dr Gemma Chuck. Under her leadership, the AVA completed Stage 3 Constitution Reform and undertook the most extensive profession-wide consultation in our history, paving the way for our new all-inclusive membership model launching in June.

Thank you, Dr Chuck, for your dedication, leadership, and vision.

AVA Conference wrapped up today in style, beginning with another packed breakfast hosted by IDEXX.An enthusiastic audien...
21/05/2026

AVA Conference wrapped up today in style, beginning with another packed breakfast hosted by IDEXX.

An enthusiastic audience, not deterred by the excitement of last night’s AVA Awards Gala Dinner (more to come on this event soon), heard Dr Graham Swinney share the latest on cancer detection.

Prof David Hayman from New Zealand also drew a crowd for the Ben Cunneen Memorial Plenary, where he addressed ecological and evolutionary drivers of viral spillover from animals to humans.

These were just two of the many sessions today that educated, challenged and inspired delegates.

And congratulations to the many lucky winners of the Passport Competition, with fantastic prizes generously provided by our exhibitors.

It’s been a truly collaborative week for delegates, speakers, exhibitors and industry partners alike. Together, we’re building a vibrant future for veterinary professionals – thank you for being part of it.

20/05/2026

Dr Paige Williams' message resonated throughout today – Better Together.

Veterinary work is deeply human. When we lead with clarity, connection, and courage, teams become steadier, care becomes stronger, and culture becomes a source of energy rather than strain.



🎥 Cam Fink

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