EOIs for the THRIVE Advisory Committee - September 2025

04 Sep 2025

The AVA is inviting interested candidates to join the THRIVE Advisory Committee. This is a skills-based committee consisting of up to 7 appointees, a board appointed Chair and an AVA staff member, who support the AVA Board and leadership team to successfully deliver THRIVE wellbeing initiatives. 

Current vacancies
Due to the imminent expiry of some current appointee terms, we are seeking applications for: 

  • 3 x three-year terms. 
  • 1 x casual position for one year. 

Committee activities
This committee will inform best practice for all THRIVE initiatives – supporting and protecting the wellbeing of all veterinary practitioners. Immediate project activities that the committee will be involved with are: 

  • THRIVE wellbeing stream at the AVA National Conference. 
  • Program response to 2025 Veterinary Wellbeing Stakeholder Research.  
  • Providing subject matter expertise to support the AVA’s advocacy team with mental health submissions. 

About the role 

  • The committee meets at least 5 times per year online, with one face-to-face meeting usually at the AVA National Conference in May (travel and associated costs will be covered).  
  • It is expected that members will be responsive to out of session requests for feedback on programs and AVA advocacy submissions. 
  • Participation is unpaid. 

Selection criteria
All expressions of interest will be comparatively assessed by a selection panel and reviewed by the AVA Board. We are seeking candidates who meet any or all of the following criteria:  

  • Demonstrated cultural safety awareness and/or lived experience of mental health challenges or marginalisation. 
  • Legal expertise or working knowledge of both workplace health and safety regulations and employment law. 
  • Robust professional networks to expand our reach with credible influence across charitable organisations, nursing, government or higher education sectors. 
  • Fundraising experience. 

In addition, the following attributes are desirable: 

  • Marketing, public relations or web design skills. 
  • Resource development experience, with a focus on delivering online learning programs or modules. 
  • Experience developing or leading peer-led communities of practice. 
  • Research and data analysis experience. 

We understand that not all interested applicants will meet all the listed criteria and may be hesitant to apply.  However we strongly encourage all interested parties to submit an expression of interest detailing the value they can bring to the role, as all applications will be considered. Submitting your expression of interest 

  • In 300 – 500 words, please outline:
  1. Your interest in joining this advisory committee,
  2. The skills and experience you would bring to the role, 
  3. Any relevant professional association or committee memberships, and 
  4. If you are applying for the three year or one-year casual position.  
  • Attach a relevant one-page CV. 
  • Forward your application (300 – 500 word statement and one page CV) to rebecca.faris@ava.com.au  

Deadline for all EOIs is COB 24 September 2025. 

Key documents 

Need more information? 
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the committee role further, please contact Rebecca Faris, Executive Officer - Wellbeing on rebecca.faris@ava.com.au or telephone: 02 9431 5092. 

*Lived experience is an individual’s experience of discrimination, mental ill-health and the journey of recovery - either their own or in support of others. It acknowledges the unique insights, knowledge and opportunities lived experience provides and differentiates between the lived experiences all people have, and those uniquely informed by life changing mental health challenges.