News

With less than 3 weeks left to secure early bird rates, now is the time to register for the 2026 AVA Conference; the premier event for Australian veterinary professionals. Held from 18–21 May 2026 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, this year’s conference promises to be bigger, better, and more inspiring than ever.

This year’s theme for International Women’s Day “give to gain’ reminds us that equality grows when we share our own unique lived experiences for the benefit of others. In 2026, we are invited to consider the transformative impact of this knowledge sharing across the veterinary profession and are reminded that one of the most powerful ways we can give to our peers is through mentoring.

The Victorian Government is conducting an Inquiry into the 2026 bushfires across Victoria. The AVA is preparing a submission to the Inquiry and is seeking feedback from members to inform our response.

How would you react if a leader in your professional network encouraged you to call the Employee Assistance Program (EAP)? If you are a leader – when should you suggest someone contact the EAP? For one AVA member, a chance phone call with an industry leader who felt confident and comfortable to suggest this, saved their life.

Each year on 3 March, we celebrate World Wildlife Day (WWD), an occasion dedicated to recognising the unique roles and contributions of wild animals and plants to people and the planet.

The AVA’s Animal Welfare Trust (AWT) is now inviting applications for its 2026 grant round, open from 23 February to 29 March. These grants support research projects that advance animal welfare and help build the next generation of expertise in veterinary and animal science.

The WA State Government has requested an Independent Review of Racing and Wagering Western Australia (RWWA) to ensure the racing industry has a framework for long-term financial sustainability. The AVA is preparing a submission to the review and is seeking feedback from members to inform our response.

This partnership combines a globally recognised workplace culture measurement tool with the AVA’s evidence-based guidance on what great veterinary workplaces look like, helping teams benchmark their culture, understand staff experience and identify practical opportunities for improvement

This report represents a significant milestone for the profession. It is one of the most comprehensive acknowledgements to date of both the immense value veterinarians provide to the community and the significant pressures and challenges the sector faces.

The Victorian Government is seeking feedback on proposed regulations supporting the new Authorised Pet Rehoming Organisation (APRO) scheme. The AVA is inviting members to share their views to help inform its consideration of the consultation. Members can provide feedback directly to AVA or respond through the government consultation, which closes on Monday 16 March 2026.

The AVA has launched a major national advocacy initiative — Managing Medicines and Poisons: A Path to Reform for Veterinary Practice in Australia — to tackle long-standing inconsistencies and impracticalities in how veterinary medicines and poisons are regulated across states and territories. Your insights will directly influence the AVA’s advocacy to legislators, regulators, and other stakeholders — and help shape a system that supports veterinary teams, protects animals, and serves our communities.