What a week! Highlights from the 2025 AVA Conference in Sydney

 

Over 1,000 veterinary professionals gathered at ICC Sydney last week for the highly anticipated 2025 AVA Conference. After months of meticulous planning and coordination, encompassing hundreds of speakers, volunteers, and countless logistics, the week culminated in a vibrant celebration of veterinary science, innovation, and community. 

Research Day and Poster Competition 

Monday saw the return of the second annual Research Day, presented in collaboration with the Australian & New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists. This event offered delegates the chance to engage with a diverse array of high-quality research presentations, spanning a broad range of species and topics. 

Congratulations to our Research Day award winners: 

• Mary Barton Prize - Peter Atkinson – Is Climate Changing the Landscape of Canine Heartworm Risk in Australia? 

• Daria Love Prize – Cathy Kneipp - Guidelines for the Management of Brucella suis in Dogs 

The AVA Poster Competition also provided a platform for veterinarians and researchers to showcase their clinical and research work. Congratulations to our winners: 

• Young researcher prize – Schyla Butcher - Cranial Tail Amputation in Horses - A Case Series 

• First prize – Tamara Graham - Genetic variation of the canine mu-opioid receptor 

• Second prize – Louisa Johnson - A study of worker isoflurane exposure levels in Australian veterinary workplaces 

• Third prize  - Pema Tshewang – Antimicrobial Resistance in Staphylococcus pseudintermedius isolated from clinical samples from dogs in Australia  

THRIVE Wellness Symposium 

The THRIVE Veterinary Wellness Symposium also took place on Monday, with an enthusiastic audience engaging in important – and sometimes uncomfortable – conversations on topics such as psychological safety, neurodiversity, managing incivility and menopause.  

AVA Vice President Dr Diana Barker reflected on the meaningful and sometimes challenging discussions that unfolded. 

“It was raw. It was real. It was a little uncomfortable — and that’s where the good stuff happens,” she wrote on LinkedIn. 

“The THRIVE Symposium created space for conversations we don’t always get to have in our profession. Big thanks to everyone who leaned in. It wasn’t always easy, but that’s how we grow and learn. You’re the bright lights helping shape a better future.” 

Conference  

Tuesday marked the official start of scientific sessions, with more than 40 sessions daily dedicated to surgery and cutting-edge veterinary medicine. 

The 2024 Gilruth Prize winner Dr Peter Reid, delivered the prestigious Gilruth Oration, while Dr Sarah Webb presented the Kendall Oration. Both joined an enthralling panel alongside Dr Steve Joslyn, Dr Diana Barker, and Dr Tom Brownlie, delving into the real-world integration of AI in veterinary practice, moving beyond the hype and hesitation. Two other thought-provoking plenary sessions set an exciting tone for the week, while crowds packed the rooms for Dr Duncan Lascelles’ osteoarthritis sessions, Dr Greg Ogilvie’s oncology talks, and Dr Crystal Loh’s dental expertise: 

• Mark McKeon, who shared insights from his peak performance program, ‘Go Zone’. In his session he discussed how Go Zones are for focus and productivity, Slow Zones are for routine work and No Zones are for guilt free recovery and resilience 

• Dr Kendall Crocker delivered the Ben Cunneen Memorial Plenary, ‘From war zones to One Health’, sharing insights from his time as a country vet in Tasmania through to Army Veterinarian on the front line in Afghanistan. 

Dr Meredith Flash, Head of AVA Education and Events reflected on the week. “It was a fantastic conference. The energy, passion, and networking among delegates was truly enriching. Every session was buzzing with ideas and meaningful conversations.” 

Over 100 exhibitors brought the exhibition hall to life, with delegates engaging with the latest in veterinary technology, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and more. 

“The exhibition space was a hub of innovation and networking. It’s always exciting to see our profession’s future on display, and we thank sponsors and exhibitors for creating such a thriving and engaging space.” said Dr Flash. 

Networking events including alumni reunions, Special Interest Group dinners, and a memorable harbour cruise added to the experience, culminating in the AVA Awards Gala Dinner, where the 2025 AVA Award winners were celebrated and the first-ever AVA Chartered Veterinary Practitioner accreditation was presented. You can read more about our AVA Award winners here, including AVA President’s Award recipient Dr Alex Harrison, who received a standing ovation following his acceptance speech.  

Another highlight was the announcement of incoming AVA president Dr Gemma Chuck and Vice President Dr Diana Barker. Dr Chuck expressed her gratitude and vision in her speech, saying, “I feel privileged to be in the position to lead the AVA through the next 12 months, as our association goes through some of the largest changes in its recent history. At times these changes may make us feel uncomfortable. They may challenge our beliefs. But I ask all of you to consider your default response to change, as our Plenary speaker Mark McKeown encouraged us to do yesterday. We need to accept and explore what this change looks like so that we can appropriately action it.” 

Friday was the final day of the conference, with 4 practical workshops spanning equine pre-purchase examination, dentistry, fear free techniques, and a business insights tour.

Save the date for 2026! Speaker EOIs now open

The 2026 AVA Conference will be held in Brisbane from 18–21 May. The theme, ‘Connection, Collaboration, Knowledge’, will focus on neurology, behaviour, and knowledge exchange, promising an enriching experience for all attendees. Four international keynote speakers have already been secured, and expressions of interest are now open for additional speakers. 

Video proceedings from the 2025 AVA Conference will be released in the coming days and will be accessible for 12 months. Registered delegates will receive an email with information on how to access the proceedings.