What a fantastic Bain Fallon we had in Melbourne this year — record attendances and brilliant speakers, delivered in partnership with the Australian College of Veterinary Scientists. It was a real boost to the continuing education on offer for our members, and we’re looking forward to a long and successful collaboration ahead.
First, a sincere thank you to Dr Albert Sole-Guitart for his steady guidance of EVA over the past twelve months. Thanks to that leadership, we’re in great shape heading into the new year, with plenty of exciting projects underway — including three new subcommittees covering equine welfare, equine dentistry, and racing. Off the back of a well-received and constructive racing round table on the Sunday before Bain Fallon, we’re pleased to confirm this will return in the Hunter Valley in 2027, with the session extended to three hours. A racing masterclass is also in the works — watch this space!
Plenty more to look forward to as well: Love the Horse Day, our ISELP course in 2027, Emergency Horse Rescue in May, Pre-purchase Examination Training, a series of webinars, and our state meetings.
Your committee has also been hard at work behind the scenes — consulting on animal welfare strategy as part of the AVA’s submission, and engaging with the Queensland Government on proposed changes to land transport.
We’re delighted to welcome our new committee members for the year ahead.
Brian Anderson – President
Paula Williams – President Elect
Albert Sole-Guitart – Past President
Rosemary Cuming – Education Chair
Mark McGarry – Stakeholder Chair
Jennifer Clulow – Treasurer
Sophie Waddell – Young Member President
Bruce Howlett – Qld State Representative
Leanne Begg – NSW State Representative
Merrilyn Fitzgerald – TAS State Representative
Jacqui McLeod – SA State Representative
Gareth Trope – VIC State Representative
Laura Cox – WA State Representative
A special thank you to Jordan Flood for her tenure as EVA young member president and we welcome Dr Sophie Waddell, who brings terrific energy — we’re looking forward to a great year with her on board.
As we head into a busy spring, congratulations are also due to our vets representing EVA at the World Equestrian Games — Dr Nathan Anthony, Dr Robin Bell, Dr Penny Dow, Dr Janine Dwyer and Dr Kirsten Neil — a fantastic celebration of equestrian sport. And with breeding and foaling season about to get underway, it’s shaping up to be an exciting few months across the industry.
Thank you for your ongoing support of the group and I look forward to catching up with you over the next 12 months.
Go well.
Dr Brian Anderson
President, EVA
I am EVA, you are EVA, we are EVA.