Celebrating Excellence: 2023 Veterinary Business Awards

The 2023 Veterinary Business Awards evening was a resounding success, marked by moments of recognition, inspiration, and enthusiastic applause. This celebration of the veterinary profession featured an array of exceptional nominees, shining a spotlight on their innovation, leadership, and dedication. 

Veterinary Business Thought Leader of the Year: Alicia Kennedy and Cherished Pets 

Caption: Janet Murray, Chair of the Veterinary Business Group, Dr Alicia Kennedy, Cherished Pets, Tania Glover, Provet Covetrus 

Alicia Kennedy, the recipient of the 2023 Veterinary Business Thought Leader Award, embodies the essence of a catalyst for positive transformation within the veterinary profession. Over the course of the past seven years, Alicia has shown remarkable thought leadership by pioneering an unconventional approach to veterinary care, directly addressing critical industry challenges.  

Her creation of Veterinary Social Work, an emerging interdisciplinary field bridging human health and animal welfare, has blossomed into a pivotal resource for veterinary teams. Importantly, her approach aligns with the three pillars of the AVA's Thrive program: Protect, Prevent, Promote. 

What truly distinguishes Alicia is her unwavering commitment to making the joys of healthy companion pets and the flourishing human-animal bond accessible to all. Her exceptional ability to identify and tap into previously unnoticed funding channels ensures that veterinary care extends its reach to the often-overlooked "bottom 20%" of the population. 

Veterinary Business Professional of the Year: Dr. Penny Seet 

Caption: Janet Murray, Chair of the Veterinary Business Group, Dr Penny Seet, Perth Vet Emergency, Tania Glover, Provet Covetrus 

The 2023 Veterinary Business Professional of the Year Award honours an individual who excels both technically in the field of veterinary business and has made a profound service contribution over time. 

In 2019, Dr. Penny Seet assumed the role of hospital director at Perth Veterinary Emergency. Her journey began with a sense of trepidation, yet she orchestrated a remarkable transformation of the business, leading to a profound shift in organisational culture. Her colleagues describe this transformation as nothing short of extraordinary. 

Penny placed confidence in her team, believing the future of veterinary practice relies on supporting professionals in their career development and fostering a passion for their work. The extraordinary results achieved under her guidance, with a considerable improvement in practice profitability and team member retention soaring above industry averages, bear testament to the power of a supported and engaged team. 

Just weeks prior to the VBG Summit 2023, Penny opened a second Perth Veterinary Emergency in Cannington, Perth. Her dedication to shaping the future of the veterinary profession makes her a highly deserving recipient of the Veterinary Business Professional of the Year Award. 

Veterinary Business of the Year: Moe Veterinary Centre 

Caption: Janet Murray, Chair of the Veterinary Business Group, Laura Thorbecke, Owner of Moe Veterinary Centre, Samantha Schooley, Hills Pet Nutrition. 

The 2023 Veterinary Business of the Year is awarded to an organisation that demonstrates outstanding performance across the ten core competencies of veterinary business. 

Dr. Laura Thorbecke and Dr. Stuart Cocking, the owners of Moe Veterinary Centre, exemplify excellence in veterinary business. Their journey began with the acquisition of Moe Veterinary Centre in 2019 and the expansion in 2020, incorporating Gippsland Mobile Vets. 

Their commitment to their community is evident in their consistent delivery of excellent service, founded on principles of respect and empathy. Their leadership, described by their peers as nothing short of excellent, cultivates a positive workplace culture characterised by robust communication, unwavering staff support, and flexibility. 

Notably, Laura and Stuart are practicing veterinarians themselves, leading by example and generously sharing their wealth of experience with their team. Their direct involvement serves as a model for career sustainability within the veterinary industry. 

We wholeheartedly applaud their outstanding achievements. 

 We look forward to the continued success of these exceptional individuals and organisations as they continue to shape the future of the veterinary profession.