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The AVA’s new membership model is inclusive, multi-tiered and cheaper. So what are you waiting for? Now’s the perfect time to join up. By Kerryn Ramsey
The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) recently launched a new membership model that significantly overhauls and updates membership from the ground up. The new model is the result of extensive surveys, focus groups and feedback from members and non-members over the past 18 months.
AVA president Dr Diana Barker says one common response surprised her. “Nearly everyone recognised the good work the AVA does, particularly in the field of advocacy, but the membership cost was a major stumbling block,” she says. “Many people found membership to be unaffordable.”
Dr Barker and the AVA board responded to this issue with an elegant solution. Membership was divided into four distinct categories: All Access, Flexi, Connected, and Student. Each tier offers different levels of connection and all are at a reasonable price, offering great value for money.
All Access, the most comprehensive membership, is $888 per year while providing $3000 worth of value. Flexi, designed for full-time working vets is $488 per year while Connected, a great level for vets working part-time, is $266 per year. Student, for those starting their veterinary journey, is free.
Special interest
Along with the four tiers of membership, there are also three group packages that cover an entire team—the Veterinary Practice package, the Academic Team package, and the Government Team package.
“The group packages means an employer can sign up everyone involved,” Dr Barker says. “That includes technologists, practice managers and staff. It’s a much more inclusive system.”
One big advantage of the new membership model is that every member across all tiers can join any of the AVA’s Special Interest Groups (SIG) at no extra cost. Previously, a fee was charged for each SIG a member wished to access.
“The AVA is about finding your tribe,” Dr Barker says. “The new membership model allows each vet to delve deeper into their special areas of interest. Whether you’re dealing with cows in the country or oodles in the city, we offer SIGs that have everyone covered.”
Some of those SIGs include a cattle vet group, a small animal group, a business owners group, a dentistry group, and an integrative health group. With the new membership model, you can join as many groups as you like, and it’s all included in the membership fee.
Mentally healthy
Dr Barker first took the role of president of the AVA in 2023/24. The position was then held by Dr Sally Colgan and Dr Gemma Chuck, with Dr Barker starting her second term in 2026/27.
Mental health is a big issue in the veterinary profession, and this all-inclusive model will go some way in promoting prevention of some factors.
Dr Diana Barker, president, AVA
“Returning for a second term had a lot to do with implementing the new membership system,” she says. “During my previous presidency, Melissa King joined us as CEO and she’s been absolutely incredible. She has driven a lot of this change with the board’s support. I’m excited to serve as president for this term.”
Another great aspect of the new membership model is that Thrive, the AVA’s wellbeing program, is available at all membership levels. Thrive includes mentoring, mental health support, first aid and the Cultivating Safe Teams program which is about ensuring psychological safety.
“Mental health is a big issue in the veterinary profession, and this all-inclusive model will go some way in promoting prevention of some factors,” Dr Barker says. “The AVA has been running the Thrive program for a while but bringing it to the forefront improves accessibility and awareness.”
Connect and engage
The AVA exists to represent veterinary professionals. It advocates for veterinarians at local, state and federal levels. Representatives raise issues with government on everything from needing more vets to maintaining professional standards to democratising veterinary access in rural areas. The AVA represents vets who work in universities, government, pharmaceutical companies, industry and clinics on the frontline.
“Becoming a member of the AVA allows you to have a say on matters that are important to our profession,” Dr Barker says. “It’s an opportunity to be involved and connect with like-minded professionals while also engaging with a diverse range of people in the profession. Being part of our community makes it easier to talk to each other, which can be a challenge in our busy lives.”
Easy access
In conjunction with the new membership model, the AVA has also updated its website—a problem area highlighted during the survey of existing members. The site is now refreshed, streamlined and intuitive to use. It’s easier for people to sign up and see where they fit. Membership costs are laid out clearly in the most transparent manner.
“We‘ve taken on board criticisms and suggestions, and that’s reflected in our new membership and website,” Dr Barker says. “I’m proud to say we’re making the AVA more inclusive, relevant and affordable.”
Dr Barker has a few major goals for her new presidency and improving the membership model was the first thing she wanted completed.
“In all honesty, the previous membership model and how the AVA was presented was a little stale,” she says. “I intend to turn that around. Our goal is to make the AVA more dynamic and agile while listening to feedback and growing our membership. We actively represent all our members, positively leading the profession forwards. The new membership model is exciting but we’re also keen on getting a public campaign out there. We aim to be proactive, responsive and sustainable into the future.”
Explore the updated membership model on the AVA’s website at www.ava.com.au
