AVA Transition Project

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A stronger, simpler, more connected AVA shaped by you  

 You spoke. We listened. Now we’re acting. 

The AVA exists to serve, support and strengthen the veterinary profession. But to keep delivering on that promise, we need to make some changes, together.

Members have told us loud and clear: 

  • “Make membership more affordable and inclusive”  
  • “Improve technology and communication”  
  • “Focus on what matters most”  
  • “Support volunteers and grassroots connection”  
  • “Back early career vets and students”  

This project is our response. It’s about creating an AVA that’s easier to engage with, better aligned to how veterinarians work today and ready to lead into the future. 

Have your say: transitionproject@ava.com.au | anonymous feedback form  

Catch up: watch the latest videos in the AVA Transition Project Video Library

Read: the Frequently asked questions 

The veterinary profession is changing. The way people work, learn and connect is shifting, and our current structures aren’t keeping up. 

What we heard from you 
Through the 2024 Stakeholder Survey and more than 35 focus groups, you told us what matters most: 

  • Simple, affordable and inclusive membership 
  • A structure that reflects different roles, life stages and work settings 
  • Transparent and inclusive leadership 
  • Equity in access and participation 
  • A Constitution that reflects who we are and how we work today 

These priorities are shaping every part of the Transition Project, from the membership model and proposed new categories to how directors are nominated and elected. 

This isn’t just about updating processes. It’s about securing the future of the AVA and making sure we remain relevant, trusted and impactful.  

A strategic step forward  

This project is a key step in delivering the AVA’s Strategic Plan 2025–2028, which was built on your feedback. You’ve helped identify where the AVA can have the greatest impact by focusing on what matters most to members and to the future of the profession.  

The Transition Project directly supports the plan’s four key goals: 

  • Champion the profession 
  • Advance professional excellence 
  • Empower connectivity 
  • Deliver an exceptional experience 

 To deliver an exceptional experience, the AVA is modernising its operations, simplifying processes and strengthening governance to improve how members engage. These deliberate choices will shape a future where veterinarians are recognised, celebrated and equipped to deliver exceptional care. 

By amplifying advocacy, empowering members and transforming how value is delivered, we’re building a stronger AVA and a thriving veterinary profession. 

It also supports the AVA in bringing to life our vision of A thriving veterinary profession, supported by a strong, inclusive and future-ready AVA. 
 

This is the biggest change to the AVA in over a decade, and it’s shaped by members at every step. 

Workstream 

What it’s about 

Why it matters 
  1. All-inclusive membership model 

One flat annual fee with access to all SIG communities and resources 

Easier to join and connect, better value, more inclusive 

2. Constitution reform 

Governance updates aligned with modern expectations and ACNC and Corporations Act requirements 

Stronger accountability and fairer representation 

3. Technology, process and system evolution 

Better digital experiences for our members supported by tools and clearer processes for our SIGs Divisions and Branches 

Easier to stay connected, find information and get support  

 

You told us, and we listened  

You told us... 

So we’re... 

Membership is expensive  

Introducing a single, all-inclusive fee 

You want to get involved but it’s not clear how 

Simplifying categories and boosting local involvement 

Our tech is clunky and outdated 

Rebuilding our website and member portal with other modern communication tools 

SIGs and Divisions feel under-supported 

Providing tools, resourcing and clearer roles 

Students and grads need help 

Investing in early career support and wellbeing 

 

The Transition Project is about making the AVA work better for all of us. The AVA Board gave in-principle approval to a new all-inclusive membership design in December 2024. Since then, your feedback (via emails, meetings, over 35 focus groups) has been shaping the detail. 

Wherever you are in your career or whatever role you play, this model is designed to support you. These are just some of the benefits being proposed under the new model.  

✅ No financial barriers to SIGs, just connection 
Join any SIG, access every resource and engage in the conversations that matter most to your work without extra fees.  

✅ A membership that fits you, not the other way around 
Clearer categories, fairer pricing and flexible options whether you’re full time, part time or in transition.  

✅ Real support when and where you need it 
From mentoring and mental health resources to peer networks, especially for students and early-career vets, support is built in not bolted on.  

✅ Less red tape, more impact 
SIG leaders, Divisions, branches and volunteers will spend less time on admin and more time building communities, advocacy and advancing their field.  

✅ Recognition for every role in the profession 
Nurses, technicians and support teams are included and supported as essential to veterinary care.  

✅ A stronger voice, whatever your setting 
Whether you work in academia, government or industry, you’ll have clear ways to contribute, influence and stay connected to practice, policy and advocacy.   

✅ Membership that works for practices, not against them 
Clearer pricing and simplified admin make it easier for practices to support staff development and engagement.  

✅ A lasting connection to your profession 
Retired or semi-retired? Meaningful ways for you to stay involved, mentor others and help shape the future, your experience matters. 

Phase 

Focus 

Timeline 

Key milestones 

Status 

0 

Discovery- What our Members want and need 

Sept – Dec 2024 

Survey, focus groups, financial modelling, all inclusive proposal and in-principle Board approval 

✅ Complete 

1 

Consultation and Codesign 

Feb – Late 2025 

Focus groups, feedback sessions, and future-state workshops guiding the final recommendation and business case with project plan   

🔄 Underway 

2 

Constitution reform (Stage 3) 

Feb - late 2025  

Proposal prepared, member Townhall and feedback sessions. Final proposal and vote.  

🔄 Underway 

3 

Planning and build 

Late 2025 – and beyond  

Commence implementation of recommendations. Design, build and test new systems and processes  

 Scheduled 

4 

Launch and rollout 

From mid-2026  

New all-inclusive member model launch, commence technology updates and rollouts  

Scheduled 

We’re currently in Phase 1 and 2.  

Stay up to date with what’s happening in each workstream of the Transition Project. Check back in regularly to watch on our Transition Project video feed the latest or read updates in the national newsletter.  

 

All-inclusive Membership model 

  • ✅May–June 2025 [COMPLETE]: Value proposition workshops with all SIGs, categories and segments completed 
  • 🔄 August 2025 [COMPLETE]: Final report with member insights and recommendations from our Partner – Belinda Moore from Strategic Membership Solutions. 
  • September 2025: Final Implementation plan prepared by AVA Project team, shaped by your feedback 
  • Late 2025: Implementation activities begin 
  • Mid 2026: New all-inclusive model launches with the 2026–27 membership renewal period, ahead of 1 July start date 

 

Stage 3 Constitution reform 

  • ✅ April 2025 [COMPLETE]: Consultation paper and Nominations Committee Terms of Reference released for member feedback and input 
  • ✅ 8 May 2025 [COMPLETE]: Stage 3 Constitution reform proposal presented to members at AGM 
  • ✅ 27 June 2025 [COMPLETE]: Townhall 1 overview of the proposal– Member feedback session  
  • ✅ 8 July 2025 [COMPLETE]: Townhall 2 – Deep dive on board structure and nominations proposal- Member feedback session 
  • ✅ 24 July 2025 [COMPLETE]: Townhall 3 – Membership category updates and streamlined clauses   
  • August 2025: Feedback consolidated by CRWG and draft Constitution refined and shared with Members ahead of the vote 
  • Late September 2025: Member vote opens on Stage 3 Constitution proposal 

 

Technology and systems 

  • ✅ May–June 2025 [COMPLETE]: Member feedback collected on technology and system pain points captured in focus groups 
  • August–late 2025: Future design requirements and business case developed based on feedback  
  • Late 2025: Roadmap released outlining phased rollout. Some early improvements will begin from late 2025, with core system upgrades continuing into 2026 
  • From early 2026: Technology and system updates begin, including build, testing, training and support 

This is your AVA. Here’s how you can shape what’s next:  

  • Review and provide input on proposal documents 
  • Join a Townhall to ask questions and share your views 
  • Email us: mailto:transitionproject@ava.com.au or submit feedback anonymously 
  • Talk to your SIG or Division / Branch representative  
  • Keep an eye out for more opportunities to get involved (focus groups, test groups, pilot teams) via our national newsletter and this webpage 

Read more in our frequently asked questions 

 All-inclusive membership model  

Myth 

Fact 

“SIGs would lose their influence and culture.” 

 

❌ No. SIGs will retain their voice in governance and their unique identity, and gain broader reach under the new model. Currently, only 60% of AVA members join a SIG, often due to cost. Removing that barrier means more members can connect, contribute and grow SIG communities, collegiality and impact. 

“Students and new grads are being sidelined.” 

❌ No. The new model was co-designed with early-career vets and includes tailored support, fairer pricing and more opportunities to connect. 

“The AVA is just trying to increase member numbers.” 

❌ No. This is about acting on what you told us and creating a fairer, more inclusive association that supports the whole profession – not just boosting stats. 

  

Stage 3 Constitution reform  

Myth 

Fact 

“The Board will be hand-picked behind closed doors.” 

❌ No. Under the proposed model, all Directors would be elected by members. An independent Nominations Committee would assess all candidates and eligible candidates who meet the criteria (position description and skills matrix alignment) would be put forward for a member vote.  

“Sector Directors like equine or cattle might not get elected.” 

❌ No. Under the proposal these positions are guaranteed. Members would vote from a list of qualified candidates who meet requirements with sector experience, ensuring these voices remain at the table. 

“Independent Directors will cost too much.” 

❌ No. The AVA is a mission-driven organisation, and many experienced professionals are willing to contribute their expertise for little or no pay. If any remuneration is offered, it would be modest and aligned with our purpose and long-term sustainability. 

“Members are losing their rights.” 

❌ No. Your core rights, including voting, remain unchanged. Members will still vote on Directors and any changes to the Constitution. 

“These changes are already decided.” 

❌ No. The proposals are still being shaped by member feedback. Final decisions, including governance reform, will go to a full member vote. 

 

If you have questions or feedback, we want to hear from you. 

 Share Your Feedback 

 Stay Informed 

  • Make sure to read your AVA national newsletter
  •  Visit this webpage regularly for project updates and key dates

 Meet the Teams 

Constitution Reform Working Group 

The CRWG was established by the AVA Board to guide the review of the AVA Constitution and governance model. It is made up of a group of dedicated veterinarians from a mix of clinical and non-clinical backgrounds, states and sectors.  

Members: 

  • Dr Gemma Chuck 
  • Dr Warwick Vale 
  • Dr Stephen Yeomans 
  • Mr Jeremy Lee 
  • Dr Wesley Simek 
  • Dr Simone Maher 
  • Steven Bowman- external advisor from conscious governance 

 AVA Transition Project Team 

  • Melissa King, Chief Executive , AVA 
  • Sarah Bell, Head of Strategic Projects , AVA 
  • Michael Ghattas, Head of Corporate Services, AVA  
  • Rachel Zeng, Strategic Projects Officer , AVA 

AVA Constitution Townhalls

Your Voice, Your AVA. Join the conversation.
Register here

Transition Project FAQs

A comprehensive review of member questions.
View FAQs

Videos & Recordings

Catch up here