News coverage highlights AVA’s CST AWARE Program, with EOIs now being accepted

Expressions of interest are now being accepted for the THRIVE Cultivating Safe Teams (CST) AWARE Program, following a significant boost with a new USD $125,000 grant from the Zoetis Foundation. This grant will enable further expansion of this vital wellness initiative, designed to support the mental health of veterinarians and promote safer, more supportive work environments within the industry. 

The AVA’s ongoing commitment to veterinary wellness was last week recognised in this ABC News article highlighting the mental health pressures facing vets and the impact of AVA’s efforts to address these challenges. 

^{Screenshot of ABC article, published 27 July 2025}

Dr Rebecca Faris, AVA Executive Officer of Wellness, commented: “It was great to see the recognition of the work AVA is doing to support veterinary mental health and the sustainability of the industry,” she said. 

“However, it's important to remember that Cultivating Safe Teams is not the only program under the THRIVE umbrella. The AVA also supports veterinary mental health through discounted Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training, the graduate mentoring program, telephone counselling, the annual THRIVE symposium, advocacy for veterinary mental health, and the sense of belonging that comes from being a member of a professional organisation attending events at the national, SIG or branch level.” 

Dr Faris also addressed public perceptions of veterinary work and how the article helped to challenge some of those myths. 

"Being available now 24/7 via social media and mobile phones decreases vets’ ability to switch off, combined with exponential advances in medicine and technology our rural and regional vets are under increasing pressure to keep up with client expectations despite limited resources, which can fuel feelings of inadequacy.” 

She continued, “This makes programs like Cultivating Safe Teams really important, because before we can face the criticism of the public, we need to know we are supported by our peers and colleagues. And as Kelley highlighted, unless you ask you may not know how safe or unsafe your team really is. Don't be afraid of finding out - you can't improve what you don't measure - awareness of the problem is the first step in addressing it.” 

Veterinarians, practice managers, and teams interested in cultivating safer, more supportive workplaces are encouraged to submit expressions of interest for the CST AWARE Program. With ongoing advocacy, education, and peer connection, the AVA is dedicated to supporting the wellbeing of Australia’s veterinary professionals.