THRIVE News

The final report from the 2025 South Australian Parliamentary Inquiry into Veterinary Mental Health and Wellbeing highlighted the value of industry-led initiatives that build leadership capability and workplace culture.

How would you react if a leader in your professional network encouraged you to call the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? If you are a leader – when should you suggest someone contact the EAP? For one AVA member, a chance phone call with an industry leader who felt confident and comfortable to suggest this, saved their life.

Welcome to 2026! It’s a big year for THRIVE with our flagship Cultivating Safe Teams program expanding to pilot the next tier to the program, CST Action, and the return of the AVA | THRIVE Community Wellbeing Survey to deliver updated data on the state of mental health and wellbeing of the veterinary sector.

October marks both Mental Health Month and Safe Work Month - a time to reflect on how we can build healthier, safer workplaces. Within the veterinary profession, the THRIVE Cultivating Safe Teams (CST) AWARE program plays a vital role in creating a culture that supports psychological health and safety and helps workplaces meet their psychosocial safety legal requirements

Discover a range of live and on-demand webinars available through the AVA that support veterinary workplaces going from good to great.

Registrations for the November course are open now. This course will equip veterinary staff with life-changing skills to identify and help colleagues in need.

From saving cattle during floods and treating koalas burnt in bushfires, to being the ones people turn to for expertise amid biosecurity threats, veterinarians are often on the frontline of humanitarian emergencies. Their work goes far beyond the clinic, placing them directly in high-stress, emotionally charged environments.

The AVA will host an R U OK? Day webinar on Wednesday, 18 September at 12:30pm, titled Welcome Back: Creating a culture of care and connection after workplace absence.

National Volunteer Week 2025 (19–25 May) is a time to pause, reflect, and celebrate the unwavering passion and profound impact of those who volunteer for the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and the wider veterinary profession. This week, the AVA is celebrating these contributions, while also highlighting the mental health benefits that come from offering your time and expertise.

In its comprehensive submission to the South Australian Parliamentary Inquiry into the Mental Health and Wellbeing of Veterinarians, the AVA has highlighted the urgent need for systemic change and government support.