Meritorious Service Award: Dr Michael Kidd

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) has honoured Dr Michael Kidd with the 2025 Meritorious Service Award, presented at the AVA Awards Gala Dinner in May. The award recognises his outstanding commitment to the veterinary profession through decades of dedicated service, leadership, mentorship, and clinical innovation. 

Dr Kidd’s introduction to the AVA occurred during his first year out of university, while working at a practice in Wollongong, New South Wales. “I was lucky, the practice owners were involved in the local branch and encouraged me to come along to the meetings,” Dr Kidd reflected.

“I immediately enjoyed the experience including getting to know people from other practices. The sharing of ideas and funny stories was quite exciting for a new graduate.” 

After moving to Sydney, Dr Kidd became a regular at the AVA Metropolitan Branch meetings and enjoyed their “robust but beneficial discussions.”  

“There was a great sense of being part of a terrific profession."

"I got onto the NSW committee by accident. A friend and colleague, Geoff Scarlett, saw me at a rugby game and suggested I come and observe a meeting.  

“When I did that, I was impressed that the committee members were giving up their time to discuss important issues for our profession.” 

A few months later, a position became available on the committee, and he joined for the next 9 years, including a two-year President term. 

Throughout his career, Dr Kidd has pioneered holistic approaches to veterinary care, notably animal acupuncture, and his clinical work has improved outcomes for countless animals. His dedication to teaching and active mentoring has enriched the profession. Dr Kidd has held leadership roles as NSW AVA President, Vice President of the NSW Canine Research Foundation, and has contributed to surgery, education, and welfare, leaving a lasting legacy. 

“I think it made sense to me to be part of the AVA because it is the sounding voice of our profession."

 "I have always loved the conferences with a good mixture of continuing education and social get-togethers. I have been involved with the Graduate Mentoring Program which is so important for our younger colleagues. The annual Sailing Day is a wonderful reminder of getting the right work/life balance.”  

His term as NSW AVA President provided valuable insight into diverse branches of veterinary science. 

“I think my time is fondly remembered because I learnt so much,” he said. 

“I got an understanding and appreciation of the essential work of our government vets. I got a better understanding of academia, welfare, wildlife, industry and large animal vets. A highlight for me was being part of the team running successful regional conferences - giving non-metropolitan vets a chance to participate without having to travel too far.  

“Another highlight was giving the AVA awards to the Uni final year students and sensing their joy to be joining our profession. I was proud that our committee was involved in continuing the important work in the mental health area.”  

The Meritorious Service Award is a testament to special or long-term service to the AVA, its Divisions, Branches, and Special Interest Groups. This year, Dr Michael Kidd was recognised alongside Dr Alexander Rosenwax and Dr Bronwyn Orr. 

“The awards are important to quantify some of the work that recipients do, but in my case, I worked with lots of gifted people who equally are entitled to win my award. I feel the AVA is so important to the wellbeing and advancement of our profession. There is a lot of work that SIGs, committees and AVA staff do that form part of this crucial role.” 

Nominations for the 2026 AVA Awards open soon.