Veterinary Wellness Steering Group update

The AVA Veterinary Wellness Steering Group would like to deeply thank outgoing Chair, Dr Warwick Vale, for his passion and exceptional stewardship of our industry-led veterinary wellness initiative, THRIVE.  

“Warwick has been instrumental in establishing veterinary wellness as an AVA strategic priority, and I would like to thank him for his tireless work and dedication bringing THRIVE to life”. said Dr Diana Barker, AVA President, and Veterinary Wellness Steering Group incoming chair.  

^{Image: THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium participants, May 2023}

We also welcome two new members to the steering group, Dr Bruce Smith (AVBC Sustainable Practice Committee Consultant) and Ms Rebecca Coventry (Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia President), who will join us for a twelve-month term. Together with existing members of the Veterinary Wellness Steering Group, we will continue to champion an industry-led veterinary wellness initiative that aims to support veterinarians and veterinary staff to lead satisfying, prosperous, and healthy careers. 

^{Image: Dr Bruce Smith and Dr Rebecca Coventry}

A key project for us this year has been developing of an industry-specific Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Framework. We are deeply grateful to all stakeholders involved in bringing this framework to life. It aims to support individuals, workplaces, and organisations to implement mental health and wellbeing strategies that positively impact mental health outcomes for all veterinary team members. It highlights the importance of an integrated approach to wellness —  Preventing harm from psychosocial hazards in the industry, Promoting strengths, capabilities and the rewards of work, and Protecting us when we experience stress and mental ill-health. 

Stay well. 

Monika Cole 
Executive Officer Wellness