Thank you to our AVA volunteers – National Volunteer Week 2024

 

In National Volunteer Week (20-26 May), the AVA would like to express our deep appreciation to the almost 400 volunteers who are instrumental in making the AVA the influential voice of the veterinary profession.

This week provides an opportunity to celebrate, recognise, and applaud our volunteers for their dedication and hard work. They generously give their time, skills, and energy to support our initiatives and our progress is a testament to their contribution, commitment and enthusiasm.

Four pillars underpin the AVA: advocacy, education, community, and support. These pillars are not just upheld but significantly strengthened by the volunteers spread across Special Interest Groups (SIGs), advocacy groups, working groups and committees, and the numerous education, continuing professional development and social events that occur throughout a year.

From students who volunteer at AVA conferences, through to our experienced SIG and Division Presidents, without our volunteers and members the AVA would not exist, and without the AVA servicing and advocating for the profession, veterinary science and veterinary practice in Australia would look very different from how it does today.

If you’d like to find out more about volunteering for the AVA, please get in touch, or visit our Get Involved page.

Thank you to our volunteers!

Some highlights from a selection of AVA volunteers shared on social media this week:

"I am very fortunate to collaborate with a dedicated and passionate team as a member of the AVA Veterinary Wellness Steering Group.  

“It may sound cliché, but it's truly about giving back. The 2021 Superfriend report, which highlighted alarming concerns about the mental health of our profession, served as a "call to arms" and provided an opportunity through the AVA for me to contribute to the well-being of our colleagues.  

“For me, volunteering provides the opportunity to connect with other like-minded people in your community and work towards improving the welfare of others."

• Dr Ben Smith, AVA Veterinary Wellness Steering Group (pictured 3rd from left with fellow Committee members, 2023)

 

“I think it’s vital to be an active member of a professional body.  

“As a practitioner, I can make a difference to individual patients and clients, but being involved with a professional body gives me a broader impact, for example through contributing to discussions around AVA policies, attending parliamentary inquiries and advocating for animals and the veterinary profession.  

“Through the mentoring program I meet new graduates joining the profession. I learn a lot from them about the challenges they face, and get to see our profession through their eyes. I love catching up with my mentee and hearing about their challenges and small wins.”

• Dr Anne Quain, NSW Executive Committee, AVA Graduate Mentoring Program (pictured with Dr Zach Lederhose at the NSW Pounds Inquiry, 2023)

 

“I volunteered to expand my network and enhance my veterinary education beyond the classroom. As a student, it can be hard to make an impact on the industry, but volunteering offered a way to make a meaningful impact. Additionally, I was eager to learn from hard working and dedicated veterinarians.   

“Volunteering for the AVA has been incredibly rewarding. It gave my studies a greater purpose by showing me the wide range of work in the equine community. I received support from experienced veterinarians who shared advice and placement opportunities. Meeting students from other universities was also great for exchanging ideas about veterinary school. I discovered a supportive community within AVA and feel privileged to be a part of it.  

• Jessie Field, AVA Student Volunteer, JCU Townsville (pictured 3^rd from right with fellow student volunteers, Bain Fallon Conference 2023).

 

“I volunteer so that I can improve animal health and welfare through policy development and advocacy and also to build the capabilities and capacity of our profession. 

“I would recommend volunteering to others so that they can meet and network with veterinarians across various sectors. It gives one a good appreciation for the broad knowledge and skills veterinarians have.  

“I think we are part of a very unique and special profession and it’s great to be able to support each other.”

• Dr Anna Sri, QLD Division Executive Committee (photo abc.net.au)

 

“I enjoy volunteering for the AVA and SIGs such as EVA as I get to network with incredible people, learn new skills and through the process have developed a great community of colleagues.  

It also means that each year I go to a conference or event I have friends to catch up with, and if I need support, I’ve got a great network to reach out to.”

• Sophie Waddell, AVA Education Advisory Committee, AVA Student Volunteer