President’s message from Dr Sally Colgan - April 2025 

I hope you had a restful Easter break. As we move through April, much of our focus has been on future planning to ensure the AVA continues to meet the evolving needs of our members.   

Director elections  

Today marks the close of voting for the 3 vacant AVA Board positions. A big thankyou to all 6 nominees for their dedication to our profession. I look forward to welcoming the successful candidates alongside our continuing directors - Dr Gemma Chuck, Professor James Gilkerson, Dr Geeta Saini, Dr Mark Schipp, and Dr Tracy Sullivan.   

The Board plays a vital role in steering the AVA’s direction, and with the new AVA Strategic Plan 2025-2028 as our foundation, I’m excited for what’s ahead. But we also need you to help shape the AVA’s vision, with a number of opportunities coming up that enable you to get involved, stay informed, and share your feedback.  

AVA Annual General Meeting  

On Thursday 8 May at 6.30pm (AEST), the Annual General Meeting will be held virtually, allowing all members the opportunity to join regardless of location. The AGM is an important platform for transparency and accountability and to ensure that our actions as a Board are aligned with the needs and aspirations of our members.  

Membership model transition  

As we work to deliver more value for AVA members, the development of an all-inclusive membership model will be a key component. In the coming months there will be consultation opportunities as part of the transition – please get involved.  

AVA Conference in Sydney  

I hope to see many of you at the 2025 AVA Conference in Sydney from 12–15 May. It’s a fantastic opportunity to connect, share ideas, and have some fun along the way. The AVA Board will be there too, and we’d love to chat all things AVA with you. Please come to the AVA stand in the expo hall during the lunch breaks and say hello.  

Check out the full program here, with single day registrations also available.  

Federal election and advocacy  

With just over a week until the Federal election on 3 May, our advocacy work doesn’t stop there. Our Federal Election priorities - Robust Workforce, Mental Health for Vets, Public Good Funding, Vets for Tomorrow, and Animal Health and Welfare – will continue to be critical focus areas in our pursuit of a thriving veterinary profession.  

Your voice is powerful, and I encourage you to add your support and help reinforce these messages in your own networks and by contacting your local MPs and candidates.   

World Veterinary Day  

This week we’ve been celebrating all the teams behind animal health – veterinarians, vet nurses, researchers, producers, and policymakers – as part of the global ‘Animal Health Takes a Team’ theme for World Veterinary Day on Saturday 26 April.   

I encourage you to share the AVA’s social media messaging, as we celebrate World Vet Day and the essential nature of every member of the veterinary team.   

Dr Sally Colgan  

President