Report from the Australian Veterinary Association Conference

It was with great pleasure that I attended the recent annual Australian Veterinary Association conference in May 2018 on behalf of the president of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association, Dr Peter Thornber. The conference presents a great opportunity to see a snapshot of the broad reach of the AVA in terms of governance, stakeholder engagement, technical expertise and logistics operating at a high level. I was able to meet with a number of other visiting veterinary association presidents and the AVA president and directors. There was an opportunity to address the AGM to reiterate the important networking opportunities, information and equipment exchange and support that the CVA provides to many of our colleagues in the Commonwealth, many of whom operate in much more isolated and technically challenging environment than vets in Australia are largely accustomed. Finally, it was an ideal opportunity to exchange greetings with some of colleagues in parallel organisations such as Vets Beyond Borders and publicise the upcoming 7th Pan Commmonwealth Veterinary Conference to be held in Bangalore India in March 2019. More information can be found at pcvc7conference2019.com and I would encourage you all to consider attending the conference.

Dr Dianne Phillips
CVA Australian Councillor