Veterinary Business Group Awards: recognising excellence in Veterinary Leadership

Sponsored by Hills Pet Nutrition
Celebrating excellence in veterinary business leadership, management, and teamwork.

Reflecting the foundations of strong patient, client, staff team and business owner outcomes, this award recognises a veterinary organisation that demonstrates outstanding work and performance across AVA’s 10 Pillars of Great Veterinary Workplaces:

1. Meaning and Value
2. Health and Wellbeing
3. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
4. Job design and demands
5. Growth and development
6. Reward and recognition
7. Proactive people processes
8. Collegiality and connection
9. Social and environmental responsibility
10. Professional standards and ethics

Anyone may nominate any veterinary-related business for this prestigious award that encourages performance, professionalism, health, and sustained engagement for all stakeholders.

Submission requirements
To support your nomination, please open the linked document for submission requirements in full. 

Essential Criteria

• Nominations will be accepted from any veterinary-related business in Australia.
• Minimum one person from the submitting veterinary-related business must be a current AVA and Veterinary Business Group (VBG) member.

Business nominations will be considered by an impartial panel with varied perspectives of veterinary business. An award will be made solely on information within the nomination submission. Consideration will be given to the range of activities described, alignment with contemporary evidence-based leadership and management practices and outcomes, and the demonstrated impact of the described activities.

Veterinary Business of the Year prize includes:

• Hill’s Pet Nutrition product voucher valued at $1,500
• Two registrations to the VBG Conference Program (inclusive of socials) in 2025.
• VBG Membership for one year (Membership cycle June 2025 – June 2026)
• A profile of the practice in AVA and Veterinary Business Group’s electronic communications
• Award plaque for display
• A chance to present once within the Veterinary Business Group Education Program in 2025 (Webinars, AVA National, VBG Conference Program)  

Recognising champions shaping the future of veterinary business.

The Veterinary Business Thought Leader Award celebrates individuals who have challenged the status quo, ignited industry debate, or championed a fresh approach in addressing the challenges and opportunities within the veterinary business landscape. This award recognises thought leadership that significantly advances the field of veterinary business, for example through communication, advocacy, policy leadership, research, education, resource development, a start-up or NFP venture, or an evolution of approach to, or within, veterinary business. We welcome nomination of individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. By encouraging diversity of thought, we aim to inspire continued dialogue and progress within the veterinary sector.

Submission Requirements:
To nominate yourself, or a deserving colleague, please open the linked document for submission requirements and instructions in full. 

Essential Criteria:

• Nominees must be a current financial member of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and Veterinary Business Group (VBG).
• Veterinary Business Thought Leader Award is also open to student members of the AVA.

Business Thought Leader nominations will be considered by an impartial panel with varied perspectives of veterinary business. An award will be made solely on information within the nomination submission, based on the nominee’s demonstrated contribution to addressing challenges or opportunities within the veterinary business landscape. Consideration will be given to the nominee’s role in leading change (identifying or developing a novel or valuable approach; influential communication and activity); link to an identified challenge/opportunity; the scope, quantity, and duration of the nominee’s related contribution/s; and the demonstrated impact – or potential for future impact - of their thought leadership.

VBG Veterinary Business Thought Leader Award prize includes:

• Two registrations to the VBG Conference Program (inclusive of socials) in 2025.
• VBG Membership for one year (Membership cycle June 2025 – June 2026)
• A profile in AVA and Veterinary Business Group’s electronic communications
• Award plaque for display
• A chance to present once within the Veterinary Business Group Education Program in 2025 (Webinars, AVA National, VBG Conference Program) 

Honouring excellence in veterinary business leadership and service.

The Veterinary Business Professional of the Year Award recognises an individual who exemplifies excellence within veterinary business and who has demonstrated a sustained and outstanding service contribution to our sector. We welcome nominations of anyone from any background, experience or perspective who has been responsible for any form of veterinary business leadership, management and/or business technical support, either as a dedicated role or in combination with practicing veterinary science and/or clinical care.

Submission Requirements:
To nominate yourself, or a deserving colleague, please open the linked document for submission requirements and instructions in full. 

Essential criteria:

• Nominees must be a current financial member of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and Veterinary Business Group (VBG).

Veterinary Business Professional of the Year nominations will be considered by an impartial panel with varied perspectives of veterinary business. An award will be made solely on information within the nomination submission, based on demonstrated contribution to veterinary business excellence. Consideration will be given to the nominee’s role/s in contributing to business goals (client, patient, staff team and/or organisational success); their demonstrated commitment to developing and delivering valuable veterinary business skills, knowledge, attitudes, and behaviours over time; and their notable impact within or across veterinary organisations.

VBG Veterinary Business Professional of the Year Award Prize Includes:

• Two registrations to the VBG Conference Program (inclusive of socials) in 2025.
• VBG Membership for one year (Membership cycle June 2025 – June 2026)
• A profile of the practice in AVA and Veterinary Business Group’s electronic communications
• Award plaque for display
• A chance to present once within the Veterinary Business Group Education Program in 2025 (Webinars, AVA National, VBG Conference Program)

Sponsored by Provet, A Covetrus Company

Recognising emerging leadership in veterinary professionals.

The VBG Crampton Aspiring Business Leader Award aims to recognise individuals who demonstrate notable commitment and potential in the early stages of their veterinary leadership careers. We welcome nominations of individuals from any background, qualification, experience or perspective who are emerging as leaders, for example within a practice management, supervisory, coaching/mentoring, project or team leadership, or clinically-focused Head Veterinary Nurse or Lead Vet role. By recognising and supporting promising leadership behaviours, we aim to nurture positive veterinary business cultures and high-performing teams.

Submission requirements:
To support your nomination, please open the linked document for submission requirements in full.

Essential Criteria:

• Nominees must be a current financial member of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) and/or Veterinary Business Group (VBG).

Aspiring Business Leader nominations will be considered by an impartial panel with varied perspectives of veterinary business. An award will be made solely on information within the nomination submission based on demonstrated commitment to leadership, foundational leadership behaviours and attitudes, and potential for growth and impact from the award. 

VBG Crampton Aspiring Business Leader Award Prize Includes:

• Provet points voucher valued at $1500
• Two registrations to the VBG Conference Program (inclusive of socials) in 2025.
• VBG Membership for one year (Membership cycle June 2025 – June 2026)
• A profile of the practice in AVA and Veterinary Business Group’s electronic communications
• Award plaque for display
• A chance to present once within the Veterinary Business Group Education Program in 2025 (Webinars, AVA National, VBG Conference Program)