AVA SA Division President August Update

The local Robe conference was a great success with a good group of practitioners attending - both those new to the profession and long time old hats. We had a number of excellent speakers on Saturday - challenging new ideas to old ways, presenting us with innovative technology and much more. Sunday was very well attended with many people interested to hear presentations from PIRSA and our Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mary Carr, regarding the current state of emergency animal diseases.

We also welcomed a visit from the Minister of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Ms Clare Scriven. The Minister made a point of speaking about her appreciation of the vital roles that veterinarians play in our livestock industry and wider communities. She acknowledged that there was more work to be done to support the veterinary workforce challenges and welcomed feedback regarding to reforms of the veterinary act in the future. It was great to see that our profession is very much at the forefront of the minds of those who hold positions of governance and I believe this to be a very positive step for our south Australian profession.

The collaborative discussions between local veterinarians and our Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr Mary Carr, were very productive and her contribution to the weekend was excellent. It gave our practitioners a great forum to ask questions and provide suggestions for how we might be involved in and support a response in the event of a emergency animal disease outbreak - and we were well informed of what work is being done in preparation for such an event.

We would like to make special mention of Dr Rebel Skirving for her contribution as Rural Vet Practitioner Branch President, her efforts to promote collegiality in our industry is fantastic and in organising this weekend's events. She has now handed this role over to Dr Sean McGrath as new Branch President (Millicent and Kingston veterinary clinic) and we look forward to seeing some more local events for all of those members soon.

On a state level, I am delighted to stand in for Adele Feakes as Division President during her time finalising her PhD for submission.

Our aim this year is to endeavour to work to help our members re-discover how fantastic it is to be part of our magnificent profession. We are all so privileged to have this education and toolbox of skills. I know we will all work together find solutions for workforce challenges, but we also have to be brave enough to have tricky conversations as individuals and be empathetic to employers and employees alike. Now is the time to lift each other up and remind each other how great this job can be.

Please remember our job does not define us, we don’t have to be everything at once sometimes it is ok to just be you.

Dr Sarah McGrath
Acting AVA SA Division President