New Statement of Purpose for Divisions and Branches

At the AVA Conference in Adelaide in May this year, the AVA Board met with Division Presidents to discuss the Division Statement of Purpose and how to evolve to meet the changing needs of our members and stakeholders.

Following that, a new Statement of Purpose for Divisions and Branches was developed and approved by the AVA Board on 28 July 2023. The statement specifies that responsibility for CPD events sits with Branches, while Divisions focus on state and territory level advocacy. 

The Board took feedback from Division Committees and Presidents into account when revising the statement. They also considered the rapidly evolving external CPD environment and the clear message from our members that they want the AVA to focus on advocacy and other initiatives such as our wellbeing program, THRIVE. For more information on the Board’s considerations in relation to the statement, read the message from AVA President, Dr Diana Barker.

Division Presidents were provided an overview of the changes the following week and staff and Board members have met with each Division Committee and Branch Representatives to answer questions.

Divisions without established branches will need to form a Branch if they would like to continue to hold CPD events at the local level. Seven members are required to sign an application to set up a new branch as set out in the AVA Constitution. More information on the Branch Formation/Activation Process can be found in the member section of the AVA website.

The AVA will liaise directly with Divisions and Branches that have already proposed CPD events for 2024.

The Board believes that the new AVA Division and Branch Statement of Purpose will provide clarity on our vision on how the Divisions and Branches will evolve to align with the four pillars of the AVA to provide voice, education, community and support to AVA members. We value the contribution Division Committees and Branch Representatives make and we look forward to working with you to achieve these objectives.

More information

A model of operation has also been added to the statement to provide guidance on how the statement will be put into practice. The Division and Branch Handbook is being updated to provide additional details. The Education Advisory Committee is also working to complete the Event Pricing and Planning Policies and Procedures. The Event Scheduling Policy and Procedure has been finalised