EOIs for THRIVE Advisory Committee - 2026

30 Apr 2026
THRIVE EOI Image.jpeg

The AVA are inviting interested candidates to join the THRIVE Advisory Committee. This is a skills-based committee consisting of up to 7 appointees, a board appointed Chair and an AVA staff member, who support the AVA Board and leadership team to successfully deliver THRIVE wellbeing initiatives. 

 

Current vacancies 

Due to the upcoming expiry of some current appointee terms, we are seeking applications for: 

  •     2 x three-year terms 

Committee activities 

This committee will inform best practice for all THRIVE initiatives – supporting and protecting the wellbeing of all veterinary practitioners. 

Immediate project activities that the committee will be involved with are: 

  •     THRIVE wellbeing stream at the 2027 AVA National Conference and annual webinar program design in line with Thrive Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework 

  •     Providing subject matter expertise to support the AVA’s advocacy team with mental health submissions 

About the role 

  •     The committee meets at least 5 times per year online, with one face-to-face meeting usually at the AVA National Conference in May (travel and associated costs will be covered)  

  •     It is expected that members will be responsive to out of session requests for feedback on programs and AVA advocacy submissions 

  •     Participation is unpaid 

  •     New members’ terms will commence from the 16 September meeting. 

 

Selection criteria 

All expressions of interest will be assessed by a selection panel and reviewed by the AVA Board. Candidates and their applications will be comparatively assessed according to the following criteria: 

  •     Robust professional networks to expand our reach with credible influence across charitable organisations, government and industry sectors 

  •     Advocacy experience to support the development of the AVA’s mental health advocacy strategy, including the ability to build partnerships for co-advocacy with allied professions. 

  •     Experience implementing industry frameworks. 

  •     Experience as a veterinary practice owner or manager. 

In addition, the following attributes are desirable: 

  •     Membership of the AVA 

  •     Fundraising experience 

  •     Demonstrated cultural safety awareness and/or lived experience of mental health challenges or marginalisation 

  •     Resource development experience, with a focus on delivering online learning programs or modules and webpage design. 

We understand that not all interested applicants will meet all the listed criteria and may be hesitant to apply.  However, we strongly encourage all interested parties to submit an expression of interest detailing the value they can bring to the role, as all applications will be considered. 

Submitting your expression of interest 

  •     In 300 – 500 words, please outline: 

  •     your interest in joining this advisory committee,  

  •     the skills and experience you would bring to the role, and 

  •     any relevant professional association or committee memberships. 

  •     Attach a relevant one-page CV. 

  •     Deadline for all EOIs is COB 25 May 2026. 

Key documents 

Need more information?  

If you have any questions or would like to discuss the committee role further, please contact Rebecca Faris, Executive Officer - Wellbeing on rebecca.faris@ava.com.au or telephone: 02 9431 5092 

 

*Lived experience is an individual’s experience of discrimination, mental ill-health and the journey of recovery - either their own or in support of others. It acknowledges the unique insights, knowledge and opportunities lived experience provides and differentiates between the lived experiences all people have, and those uniquely informed by life changing mental health challenges.