Veterinarian recognised in Queen's Birthday Honours

19 Jun 2017

The outstanding contribution of a Western Australian veterinarian to both animal science and welfare was recognised this month in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Dr. Helen Jones was appointed a Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to veterinary science and animal welfare as a clinician and educator and as a mentor to women in the profession.

Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) President, Dr. Paula Parker said that Dr. Jones is an accomplished veterinarian who is known to many in the profession for her commitment to welfare and education. She has also worked tirelessly to raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing among the veterinary profession.

“Dr. Jones’ career spans close to five decades and in that time, she has been dedicated to furthering the education of aspiring vets, serving her profession and advocating for improvements to animal health and welfare here and abroad.

“In 1982, she was the first woman to be elected National President of the Australian Veterinary Association. More recently, she has been a driving force behind the AVA Wellness Centre, which has become an integral part of the AVA Annual Conference since 2011. It’s a great initiative and her efforts to help veterinarians lead happy and healthy lives provides an invaluable service to the veterinary community,” Dr. Parker said.

Based in Bull Creek, Western Australia, Dr. Jones has worked as an Associate Professor in public health, Dean of International Programs and Director of International Programs, all at Curtin University. She has served on animal welfare committees and from 1979-1983 she was the Vice-Chair of the World Veterinary Congress Organising Committee.

Dr. Jones’ work in the veterinary profession and the wider community has also been acknowledged through various awards. In 2014, she received the AVA President’s Award, the University of Melbourne DC Blood Professional Achievement Award, she was named Citizen of the Year for the City of Melville and she received a Paul Harris Fellowship from her Rotary Club. Prior to that, in 1989 she became a Fellow of the AVA.

Currently, Dr. Jones is involved in research regarding occupational diseases and injuries of veterinarians, serves on the SAVE the African Rhino Foundation committee and is the secretary of the Rotary Club of Canning Bridge. She is also Vice-President of The Alchemist Foundation.

Also recognised for their service to Australia’s animal industries and to veterinary science were:

  • Chair of Animal Health Australia, Peter Milne, who received an AM for significant service to primary industry, particularly to the livestock sector, to animal health and biosecurity programs, and to the community.
  • Emeritus Professor of Biology at the University of Sydney, Ian Douglas Hume, who received an AO for distinguished service to science in the field of biology, particularly through contributions to nutritional ecology and the conservation of Australian native animals, and to tertiary education.
  • Scientist and researcher, Dr. Leslie Hall, who received an AM for significant service to veterinary science as a specialist in the area of bat biology, and as an academic, researcher and mentor.

Congratulations to all those who received awards in recognition for their service to veterinary science and animal health and welfare.

For further information and requests for interviews contact the AVA media office on 0439 628 898 or media@ava.com.au.

The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) is the only national association representing veterinarians in Australia. Founded in 1921, the AVA today represents 9000 members working in all areas of animal science, health, and welfare.