WA Division President Update - December 2023

^{(Image: WA President Dr Katie Kreutz)}

A huge thank you to all those involved with this year’s WA Division Conference held earlier in November. I believe we’ve found the sweet spot for conference topics combining progressive medicine that can be implemented across general practice. While we love to change up the location of the cocktail party every year, I think anyone who attended would agree the food and service at Sailing for Oranges in Fremantle will be a hard act to beat.

With that positivity in mind, allow me to introduce myself as your new WA Division President. After 4 years on the WA AVA committee, I thought I’d give a leadership role a crack and hope that my enthusiasm for this profession is as contagious as COVID. My background is in general mixed practice and I am an associate at Swans Vet Service in beautiful Esperance. I have a passion for mental health initiatives, rural veterinary work, new graduate and student progression and improving the public’s perception of the veterinary profession. Dr Garnett Hall left some massive shoes to fill in terms of government voice and advocacy. His past 3 years of presidency have paved the way and I hope to continue the work he started to benefit the membership and our profession.

The role of the Division Committee is to insert itself into opportunities to advocate for the profession. This is within government and legislation, animal advocacy groups, veterinary and public events. I want to thank Dr. Susan Beetson, Dr. Rick Fenny, Dr. Sherrilynn Wakefield, Dr. Katy Davis, Dr. Garnett Hall and our student representative Caitlin Skead for continuing to add their expertise to the committee. We are currently looking to fill 2 committee vacancies that will commence Feb 2024 for a 2 year term. If you have a passion for being a part of change and progression please email expressions of interest to robyn.whitaker@ava.com.au and if you have any questions about the committee position feel free to email katiekreutz@ava.vet , text, facetime or show up on my doorstep.

But what about events? I’m so glad you asked. Events both social and educational will be conducted through branches. Previously branches were informally established geographical areas (Northern, Metro, SouthWest and Southern) but are now being more formally registered through groups of AVA members to ensure resources are being allocated to the greatest effect. If you have ideas, opinions or a desire to bring AVA events to whichever group (social, generational, geographical) you belong to, you must have 7 AVA member signatories including a branch leader and can submit event requests from there. I am strongly supportive of branch formation so please contact me if you need help getting started.

With great hopes and best wishes for 2024,

Dr Katie Kreutz