President's message from Dr Diana Barker - April 2024

^{Image: Diana Barker with colleagues at the International Veterinary Officers Council in Cape Town.}

39th Annual World Veterinary Association Congress

I have been delighted to represent the AVA at the 39th Annual World Veterinary Association Congress (WVAC2024) in Cape Town this week.

Meeting with delegates of the World Veterinary Association and the global veterinary community against the backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain has been invigorating. Discussions ranged from One Health initiatives, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in our workplaces, to the global veterinary workforce shortage, the resilience of our profession and the impact of AI.

^{Image: WVA Congress 2024. Diana Barker.}

I’ve enjoyed talking about the state of Australia’s veterinary profession and the initiatives of the AVA, including our world leading THRIVE program. My mind is full of ideas after hearing what other countries are doing for their members such as sustainability initiatives, rural veterinarian advocacy and whole of career support.  A real highlight for me from this year’s conference was listening to the One Health work of the World Veterinary Association and seeing our very own Jeannet Kessels present to the WVA her work on climate change. I’m looking forward to bringing renewed knowledge about the global workforce shortage and how initiatives around the world will impact us here in Australia.

^{Image: Dr Jeannet Kessels Vets for Climate Action, WVA 2024. Diana Barker}

 Key priority areas for the 80+ WVA members are animal welfare, pharmaceutical stewardship, veterinary education and One Health. Dr Mark Schipp, former Australian Chief Veterinary Officer, was recently elected as one of the 2 Oceania and Asia representatives on the WVA Council for the 2024 – 2026 term and it was great to catch up with him and other international veterinary leaders.

^{Image: WVA Congress 2024. Diana Barker.}

This year’s WVAC2024 conference is a great lead into World Veterinary Day, celebrated on Saturday 27 April. The theme this year is ‘Vets are Essential Health Workers’, and I look forward to celebrating the day, and the essential nature of every member of our profession, with you all next week.

^{Image: Diana Barker and family, Cape Town 2024. Diana Barker.}

Voting for 3 AVA Board Director Positions is Open – Cast Your Vote Today

Each year AVA members vote in the election of new directors to the AVA Board. This is an important opportunity for you to have a say in the leadership of your professional association. This year 9 eligible nominations were received.

There are vacancies for 2 of these nominees to be appointed as directors for a three-year term, and one of these nominees to be appointed as a director for a one-year term.

The three successful candidates will join the AVA Board alongside continuing Directors.

When and how can I vote?

Voting is open and closes on Monday 6 May at 5pm.  Members who are eligible to vote will have received an email with instructions on how to vote.

The Board and I strongly encourage you to review the nominees and use your vote to play a role in determining the leadership of the AVA. Together, we can build a sustainable and resilient organisation to amplify the work of the profession, and reinforce its valuable contribution to our members, government, and broader society.