NSW

The NSW Mid North Coast Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association  (AVA)  represents veterinarians across the scenic Mid North Coast region of New South Wales. This branch supports professionals working  in  mixed, small animal, and large animal practices, offering continuing  education, networking opportunities, and advocacy. The region is known for its coastal towns,  rural  communities, and strong agricultural base, making this branch vital for promoting animal health and welfare in both urban and rural settings.

Local Areas In The Branch

• Taree
• Gloucester
• Forster–Tuncurry
• Port Macquarie
• Kempsey
• Nambucca Heads
• Surrounding rural localities

Branch Rep

Michael Ferguson

The NSW Central West Branch serves veterinarians across the Central West region of New South Wales. This branch focuses on professional development, networking, and advocacy  for practitioners working  in mixed, small animal, and large animal  practices throughout rural and regional communities. Members benefit from continuing education opportunities, local events, and a strong support network dedicated to improving animal  health and welfare  in the region

Local Areas In The Branch

• Bathurst 

• Orange
• Dubbo
• Parkes
• Forbes
• Cowra
• Mudgee
• Surrounding areas

Branch Rep

Expression of interest (please apply by emailing branches@ava.com.au) 

The NSW Highlands Branch represents veterinarians working across the picturesque Southern  Highlands and adjacent areas of New South Wales. This branch provides a strong professional network, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy for members in mixed and small animal practices. Its focus is on promoting animal health and welfare while supporting veterinary professionals in rural and semi-rural communities.

Local Areas In The Branch

Branch Rep

Charlie Carter 

The New England AVA Branch encompasses an extensive geographical footprint from the northern border of the State to just south of Tamworth and from the Great Dividing Range in the east to the plains of the Moree and beyond. As we have such an expansive branch the tyranny of distance has restricted us to usually one annual  meeting a year in either Armidale or Tamworth, but it would be great if members would like to organise more local events to facilitate learning and friendships. The NE Branch has been fortunate to have numerous  great members over the years and we have had a real focus on championing our own members  as presenters at our Branch meetings. Not only has it been wonderful hearing cases from our region but also giving opportunities for local vets to present in front of their colleagues. Over my 15 plus years organising events in the NE, I   have been impressed  by the collegiate nature of our members, especially some of our longer-term members  such as Robyn Edleston, Deb Braithwaite, Peter Best, David Easterman, Peter Bagshaw, Leisa Brown, Tina Clifton, Nigel Scott and Bernie May -who without fail make time to come to the branch meetings and many have kindly presented cases at them as well. A number of NE Branch members have either run the branch or been involved on State and National AVA committees, so hopefully our newer crop of members  can be inspired  by our older members. An ongoing goal for the NE Branch is to encourage  all vets to come along and socialise with their colleagues and feel comfortable to present interesting cases to the membership.

Local Areas In The Branch

Covers the Northern Tablelands region

•  Tamworth
• Armidale
• Inverell
• Glen Innes
• Tenterfield
• Guyra
• Uralla
• Walcha

Branch Rep

Justine McNally

The NSW South West Slopes Branch represents veterinarians working across the South West Slopes  region of New South Wales. This branch provides  professional  support, continuing  education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. The region is known for its strong  agricultural  base, rural  communities, and livestock industries, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare in both farm and companion animals.

Local Areas In The Branch

Branch Reps

Sarah Hanlon & Josh Berryman 

The NSW Upper Hunter Branch represents veterinarians working across the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, an area renowned  for its equine industry, livestock production,  and rural communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. Its focus is on promoting animal health and welfare while supporting veterinary professionals in both rural and semi-rural settings.

Local Areas In The Branch

Branch Rep

Bridget Bester 

The Illawarra Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the Illawarra region of New South Wales. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners across small animal, equine, and mixed practices. The Illawarra’s unique blend of urban, coastal, and agricultural environments makes this branch an important contributor to advancing animal health and welfare throughout the region.

Local Areas In The Branch

Branch Rep

Luke Michel