WA Advocacy Report

Dear esteemed members of the WA Division,

I hope this note finds you all well. It is with a mix of gratitude and anticipation that I present some key updates from our Association.

Firstly, our sincere thanks to Dr. Alistair Webb for his commendable service as the AVA national president. Though his tenure was brief, his dedication was evident. As we bid him adieu, let’s warmly welcome Dr. Diana Barker to the role. With her at the helm, we hope to see a period of stability in leadership from the AVA national board of directors.

I’d like to emphasize that one of my topmost priorities remains the growth of our AVA community. We are constantly seeking avenues to increase our membership. Furthermore, I am committed to ensuring the cost of membership and Continuing Education (CE) becomes more affordable for all. Our members should not only benefit from the collective strength of our association but also receive individual support. Championing advocacy for those facing challenges is close to my heart, and I promise to stand steadfastly by each one of you should you require it at any point in your career.

The heart of our Association lies with you – the members. Now more than ever, we must stay connected, keep the lines of communication open, and concentrate our efforts on catering to the unique needs of our WA Division members. Our Division committee stands strong, stable, and brimming with motivation. We are wholly committed to uplifting every aspect of our profession for the betterment of our members.

There’s no denying the apprehensions surrounding moves that could weaken the power of our divisions. Please know that we are united in our concerns and that we are far from alone in this stand. Together, we will advocate for the strength and importance of our divisions.

Looking ahead, the excitement is palpable for the upcoming WA Division conference. Slated for 10-12 November at the Esplanade Hotel in Fremantle, it promises a gamut of enlightening experiences. The Friday evening Trade Fair, a crowd favourite, is set to be yet another spectacular gathering. Saturday evening’s cocktail party has a surprise twist awaiting all attendees, so make sure not to miss it. As for the clinical program, rest assured it’s shaping up to be a remarkable one.

Lastly, I’d like to share that I’ll be meeting with the Federal Member of Tangney, Sam Lim MP, in the coming days. I intend to bring several pressing issues concerning our profession to his attention and will build upon similar recent meetings with other state and federal politicians. They are hearing loud and clear about the challenges that face our profession. However all the listening in the world won’t change a thing unless we see some action, and this is sadly lacking.

In conclusion, let’s move forward together, united in purpose and passion. Here’s to a brighter future for our Division and our members.

Warm regards,

Dr Garnett Hall
President, WA Division
Australian Veterinary Association