May has been a busy month for the ACV Executive and myself, with plenty happening across several areas of the Association.
One of the key focuses this month has been reinvigorating our ACV subcommittees, including BULLCHECKTM, PREGCHECKTM and Education. These groups are now meeting monthly again, which is fantastic to see, and I thank all members who are contributing their time and expertise.
In the BULLCHECKTM space, we are working hard to finalise the BULLCHECKTM App, with the final phases of testing currently underway. We appreciate everyone’s patience as we work through the last details to ensure the platform is practical and reliable for members.
Also, of note for members wishing to become BULLCHECKTM accredited, we are currently putting together a BULLCHECKTM Workshop in Charters Towers, Queensland, scheduled for August. Please keep an eye out for further details, as places will be limited.
Within the PREGCHECKTM subcommittee, discussions this month centred around updating the online theory examination, as well as communicating the recent rule changes to members, which can be found via the Pregcheck page.
I would also encourage all PREGCHECKTM accredited members to familiarise themselves with the online certification platform and begin utilising online certificates where possible. The traditional green books are no longer being printed. If you have not yet used the online platform, a tutorial video explaining the process can be found via the Pregcheck page.
The Education Subcommittee is already well underway with planning for next year’s ACV Conference in Hobart. It is exciting to see early momentum building, and I have no doubt it will be an excellent event for members.
In mid-May, I attended the Council of Presidents Meeting in Brisbane prior to the Australian Veterinary Association Conference. For those who may not be aware, the AVA membership changes will come into effect from 1 July this year. These changes will provide members access to all SIGs under a single-price membership model. I am excited to see how this may help grow ACV membership and improve engagement across the profession.
While in Brisbane, I also attended the Policy Advisory Council Meeting on behalf of the ACV. This was a very interesting experience and highlighted how important these policies are in shaping our advocacy and position on, at times, controversial topics. I believe it is very important that as many members as possible review and comment on
these policies when they are released for consultation, so the views of cattle veterinarians are clearly represented.
I would also like to congratulate Dr Peter Letchford, who was elected as the new Cattle Sector Director to the AVA Board. Peter will no doubt represent our sector strongly at the AVA table, and I look forward to working with him to continue strengthening the voice of cattle veterinarians.
Congratulations must also go to our ACV members recognised at this year’s AVA Conference Awards:
- Dr Bill Tranter – President’s Medal
- Dr Paige Ayton – Don Kerr Award
- Dr Stacey Rae – Meritorious Service Award
- Dr Liam Mowbray – Emerging Leader Award
It is fantastic to see our members recognised, and all recipients are very deserving winners.
Finally, if there are ever issues where the ACV may be able to assist members, please do not hesitate to contact either the ACV Office or myself directly.
Brendan Brieffies
ACV President
0427 341 080