ACV Conference 2024 wrap up

From 18 – 20 March the Australian Cattle Veterinarians (ACV) gathered at The Cube in Wodonga for their annual conference.

More than 125 delegates came together to share expertise and discover new ways to take their veterinary skills and knowledge to “The Next Level”.  It was a well-received program packed with insightful scientific presentations, dynamic small-group workshops, inspiring keynote speakers, an innovative trade market and welcoming social events.

^{Laura Mason, Claire Rolston and Matilda Lovegrove. Photo: Peter Charlesworth}

The conference opened with a Welcome BBQ at The Cube and a presentation to the winners of the Coopers Rural Practice Scholarship and Norbrook Buiatrician-in-Training Award. The event was a wonderful opportunity to renew friendships and make new connections – it was particularly pleasing to see students and recent graduates networking with their more established counterparts. Another highlight was the birthday celebration for ACV President Woody – complete with Highland cow cake!

^{ACV President Craig Wood with his Highland cow birthday cake. Photo: Meredith Flash/Freya Herschel.}

Delegates fortunate enough to secure a place in the workshops delivered by John Penry, Alison Gunn and David Beggs were amazed with the knowledge they were able to take away and transfer immediately to their practice.

^{John Morton presents ‘Gumboot genetics for dairy vets’. Photo: Peter Charlesworth.}

^{Rob Bonanno presents ‘Gumboot genetics for dairy vets’. Photo: Peter Charlesworth.}

^{Winston Mason presents on claw horn lameness in dairy herds over breakfast. Photo: Peter Charlesworth.}

Adventurer Paul Watkins delivered the keynote presentation, discussing identity, how to build a mental and behavioural toolkit and building confidence. His stories of soaring success and crushing failure left an indelible impact on everyone in the room. Sam Barringer entertained with tales of his travels and military service through the veterinary lens and Sarah Matthews on ‘Next level technology to treat common diseases’ showed delegates how using all the tools at your disposal can lead to the best possible outcome.

^{Panellists taking part in the Animal Welfare in Transit panel included Leah Weaver, Helen Schaefer, Jemma Postle and Beren Matthews, plus moderator John House. Photo: Meredith Flash/Freya Herschel.}

^{Lachlan Strohfeldt, James Doumtsis, Matt Boon and David McKenzie make the most of morning tea. Photo: Peter Charlesworth.}

The bright colours of the auditorium set a vibrant scene for the trade exhibition. It was fantastic to see the cattle vets and exhibitors come together and ‘take over’ Wodonga for a few days, especially the large number of local vets joining from along the Murray.

^{Anna Gourley and Kate Norman tour the exhibition hall. Photo: Peter Charlesworth.}

^{Dee-Ann Sheahy with exhibitors at the Troy stand. Photo: Peter Charlesworth.}

At Tuesday night’s Gala Dinner, everyone happily brought their ‘Next Level’ outfits to celebrate our amazing veterinary community and some truly outstanding achievements.

Olivia Archer was announced the overall winner of the QSML George Osborne Memorial Lectures. Congratulations to both of our finalists on delivering their first-ever presentation at an ACV Conference; the delegates very much appreciated hearing your fresh perspectives on novel topics.

The incomparable Alison Gunn was awarded with the prestigious Jakob Malmo Bovine Practitioner Award. Gala attendees enjoyed guessing who the winner might be as clues were drip-fed during the citation. Almost a year to the day since Jakob’s passing, he remains very much missed by the Australian Cattle Veterinarians.

^{Taking it to the Next Level at the Gala. Photo: Meredith Flash/Freya Herschel.}

We would like to extend an enormous thank you to all our sponsors and exhibitors who joined us this year. Your support ensures that, together, we can advance the profession for our cattle veterinarians.

We hope everyone took away substantial learnings for their practice, along with some wonderful memories. We look forward to seeing you again in 2025!