Veterinarians honoured at 2025 Australia Day Awards

Two veterinarians have been awarded Australia Day Honours this year, recognised for their long-standing service to the industry. 

Dr Ross Cutler, an AVA and Australian Pig Veterinarian (APV) member, has been named a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division for his ‘significant service to veterinary medicine and the pork industry’, while Dr Colin Walker has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his ‘service to avian veterinary science and to pigeon racing’. 

Dr Cutler has dedicated his career to swine health and agriculture subject matters, travelling across Australia and the globe to share his extensive knowledge. He has collaborated with governments at local, state and national levels, industry organisations, universities, research agencies, small holder producers, large and small farming businesses, pharmaceutical companies, and in aid programs with the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations and the World Bank in South East Asia and Papua New Guinea. 

Now, he is mostly retired but currently works on African Swine Fever and other development projects in Timor Leste and Papua New Guinea and is an academic editor of the Australian Veterinary Journal (AVJ). 

^{Dr Ross Cutler working with young veterinary graduates and villagers developing skills about pig production, African swine fever and biosecurity.} 

“I am humbled by this award,” Dr Cutler told the AVA. “It seems strange to be recognised for doing a job that I enjoy. Indeed, it’s hard to think of a working day I didn’t look forward to.” 

Growing up in Mildura, Dr Cutler decided early that he wanted to work in some form of agriculture and set out to do that as a vet. In 1990 he was registered by the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Victoria as a specialist in pig medicine. 

“It’s a bit special that those who nominated me felt I have been of use. I am grateful to them. It’s been important to me to be able to contribute to my food producing ‘world’,” he reflected. 

“No one works in isolation. Things are achieved by people with shared goals working together.  Hence this award also recognises the many people who have shaped my life and been involved with me in farming, in animal health and production, in teaching, research, business and international aid. Without doubt my wife, Linden and grown- up kids (Geordie and Gus) must share this achievement. And I cannot forget my centenarian father who showed me how to work.” 

Like Dr Cutler, Dr Colin Walker knew early on that he wanted to work with animals. He began his life’s dedication to avian veterinary science and pigeon racing in 1969, when he became fascinated with pigeons.  

Throughout his career, the avian veterinarian worked with government agencies to develop vaccines for viral diseases to protect pigeons and has committed his life to the sport of pigeon racing. He's also shared his professional expertise at international conferences and lectures, published 4 books, contributed to journals and research for decades, and held the role of Honorary Veterinarian at the Victorian Homing Association for over 30 years.  

“I feel honoured, thrilled but a little bit shocked because really what I’ve been doing is just living my life as a veterinarian. So I am a little bit surprised that people think that what I’ve done during that time, warrants this award. I am very grateful.”  

The AVA commends Dr Walker and Dr Cutler for their outstanding achievements and extends our congratulations to them both.