AVA Transition Project
A new membership model, shaped by you
The feedback is clear. Members want an AVA that is simpler to engage with, more inclusive, and better aligned with the needs of a modern veterinary profession. We have listened and we are making some important changes.
What you told us
Through our 2024 Stakeholder Survey and focus groups, over 2,500 members and non-members shared feedback. Here’s what you told us:
- “Make membership more affordable and inclusive.” Many respondents - especially early career professionals - said the cost of AVA membership, particularly the add-on fees for Special Interest Groups (SIGs), was too high and didn’t represent value.
- “Improve technology and communication.” Outdated systems, long emails, and a clunky website were frequently cited. Members want clear, personalised, and timely communication across modern platforms.
- “Focus on what matters most.” Members indicated they want AVA to lead on advocacy, workforce sustainability, public perception, professional development, and mental health support.
- “Support volunteers and grassroots connection.” Divisions and SIGs said they are under-resourced and overburdened, and asked for practical support, streamlined processes, and better engagement with local members.
- “Back early career vets and students.” There was a strong desire for career guidance, financial relief, mentorship, and better preparation for the realities of practice.
What we are doing
With your feedback, together, we are building a better AVA. This transition is about more than a new membership fee model. It is about creating a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected AVA - one that reflects your needs and leads the profession boldly into the future.
You spoke. We listened. And we are acting. Through this transition project, the AVA will deliver:
1. A New, All-Inclusive Membership Model
We are committed to providing members with more value than ever before. To deliver this, we are reducing the cost for membership and making it free to join all SIGs. Under the new model, AVA membership will include access to all SIGs - at no extra cost. This means more members can engage, access benefits, support and collegiality, and SIGs, Divisions, and Branches can reach and support a broader audience.
2. Streamlining Membership Categories
We are introducing clearer membership categories to better reflect your career stage, work situation, and level of involvement - from students and early career vets to part-time practitioners, retirees, and industry partners.
3. Backing Students and Early Career Vets
We are redesigning our support for students and recent graduates with a stronger focus on affordable membership, transition-to-practice programs, mentoring, and mental health support.
4. Improving Technology and Communication
We are reviewing our technology systems - including revamping our website to better integrate CPD, advocacy updates, and SIG communications so you'll be better connected than ever before.
5. Strengthening the Impact of Branches, Divisions, and SIGs
We are working with the SIGs, Divisions, and Branches to support them to define, communicate, and deliver their unique value. We want to ensure members clearly understand how getting involved can grow their careers, expand their networks, and make a lasting impact on the profession.
6. Aligning the Constitution with Our Future Direction
We are continuing to progress updates to the AVA Constitution (Stage 3) to ensure it reflects modern governance best practice and aligns with the new membership model. This includes clarifying member rights, streamlining decision-making, and ensuring all components - SIGs, Divisions, and Branches - are supported within a consistent and contemporary framework. A draft of the proposed changes will be circulated for feedback before anything is finalised.
How you can get involved
We want this transition to be shaped by members, by you - the people who drive the profession every day. Following on from the 2024 Stakeholder Survey, there are several ways you can continue to be involved depending on your time, your interest, and your role within the AVA.
Attend the AVA Transition Briefing – 8 May 2025
Join us at 7.15 pm on Thursday 8 May (after the AGM) for a live briefing. You will hear directly from the project team and governance experts about the proposed changes to the membership model and the Constitution - and how these changes will help you. Can’t make it? A full recording will be available here shortly after the session.
Click here to register for the 8 May briefing
Watch the recording (link to come!)
Participate in a Focus Group
Want to go deeper? We are holding a series of focus groups with SIGs, Divisions, Branches and members. These sessions will help refine the membership value proposition and the unique role of different groups. Participate to have your perspective help shape the final design.
Book into a focus group that best reflects you (registration links to come!):
- Students
- Veterinarians
- Allied Veterinary Professionals
- Veterinary Practice - Larger
- Veterinary Practice - Smaller
- Government Vets
- Academic Vets
- Industry Supplier
Review the Constitution Consultation Paper
We are making important changes to the AVA Constitution to support the new membership model and modernise our governance. You can read the draft consultation paper here:
Download the Constitution paper (available late April).
All feedback will be reviewed by the Constitution Reform Working Group and the AVA Board before final recommendations are made.
Share your feedback on the Constitution paper → constitutionfeedback@ava.com.au
Have Your Say on the Transition Project
Whether it’s a big idea, a practical tweak, or a concern you want addressed - we want to hear from you.
Share feedback or ask a question → transitionproject@ava.com.au.
Together, we are building a better AVA
This transition is about more than a new fee model. It’s about creating a stronger, more inclusive, and more connected AVA - one that reflects your needs and leads boldly into the future.
You spoke. We listened. And we are acting.