AVA Strategic Plan 2025-2028

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February 2025

Please click on the below video to watch AVA President, Dr Sally Colgan, launch AVA's 2025 - 2028 Strategic Plan. 

 

 
Vision:  A thriving veterinary profession

 

Purpose:  Building a vibrant future for veterinary professionals

 

Context 

The development of AVA's new strategic plan, 2025 – 2028, comes at a pivotal moment for the veterinary profession. Societal expectations around animal care are shifting, competition is rising, and new challenges are emerging. To thrive, the AVA must evolve and focus on our unique strengths.   

Building on detailed member, non-member and industry feedback received in AVA’s 2024 Stakeholder Survey and focus groups, the AVA’s 2025 - 2028 strategic plan is designed to set the benchmark for advocacy, professional excellence, and community building to maximise AVA's unique strengths. We are dedicated to building a vibrant future for veterinary professionals, together creating a thriving profession. 

 


Four key goals 

For 2025 – 2028, the AVA’s 4 key goals are – to Champion the profession, Advance professional excellence, Empower connectivity, and Deliver an exceptional experience.  

  • Champion the profession – Advocacy remains a core strength of the AVA. We will amplify the veterinary voice to drive meaningful policy change and build trust and pride within the profession. 
  • Advance professional excellence – The AVA will redefine its role in CPD. We will continue to provide technical and scientific guidance and knowledge to support the profession as well as partner with education providers to connect veterinarians with the best learning opportunities, ensuring relevance and leadership. 
  • Empower connectivity – A strong professional community is vital to a thriving profession. The AVA will strengthen networks, foster collaboration, and support veterinarians at each career stage. 
  • Deliver an exceptional experience – To enhance member engagement, the AVA will modernise our operations, simplify our processes, and strengthen our governance to improve member experience. 

Focusing on these goals will enable the AVA to be the essential partner for every veterinarian in Australia and collaborate with you to create a Thriving Veterinary Profession. 

By making the deliberate choices outlined in our strategic plan and allowing AVA to step away from activities that others can address more effectively, the AVA will create a future where veterinarians are recognised, celebrated and equipped to deliver exceptional care.  

By amplifying advocacy, empowering members, and transforming how value is delivered, we will build a thriving veterinary profession that elevates veterinarians, enriches animal care, and strengthens our communities. 

Consultation 

The AVA undertook extensive consultation in 2024 through its member/non-member survey (AVA Stakeholder Survey), 6 focus groups comprising a cross-section of the profession, and additional insights provided by the Member Advisory Working Group.  

Over 2,500 survey responses were received with 75% from AVA members. This feedback has assisted us in shaping our strategic direction for 2025-2028 and reviewing our value and membership model. Further consultation in the form of 12 focus groups, linked to AVA strategic planning and future direction, were held in late 2024. Feedback from this consultation has been listened to, and our aim is to put this feedback into action. 

AVA Strategic Plan 2025-2028 (download)