WA Division President's Report March

If your February was as busy I as mine, I hope you are taking some time in March to slow down and prioritise yourself, whatever that may look like for you.

Planning for the 2024 WA Division conference is well underway and I’m excited that it will look just a little different this year. I’m all for trying new things and pushing boundaries in hopes that we can deliver a relevant and interesting program for all those involved. A huge thanks to Sue Beetson for entertaining my visions and all the extremely hard work she does for our conferences.

Also in February, committee member Dr Katy Davis and Senior Advocacy Officer Dr Robyn Whitaker met with the WA Vet Practice Board to discuss prescription and dispensing legislation. While we await the release of Tranche 2 legislation, it was comforting to know that the VPB is all too aware of issues many practitioners face around dispensing and were wholly supportive during our conversations to find a solution.

Beyond the confines of zoom and office meetings, one of the things I enjoy most being your Division President is combining these trips, or even personal trips, as an opportunity to catch up with practitioners throughout our state. A drive over to Margaret River allowed for a few quick pull overs in front of country clinics to say g’day.

I am excited that the Southern Branch looks to be having a fairly large gathering for our informal meetup in Albany in early March and will be a great opportunity to discover what more formal AVA CPD and gatherings can be delivered. I strongly encourage the South West, Metro and Geraldton areas to link up with practitioners or get similar get-togethers off the ground. I think the ability to come together, share ideas, healthy debates and support with colleagues is one of the great things about being part of a large organisation.

Dr Katie Kreutz
WA Division President

^{Pictured below: Waking up to a country breeze and birds chirping during drives between Esperance and Perth}