Welcome to new AVA President, Dr Julia Crawford

Dr Julia Crawford has become national President of the AVA, after serving four years on the Board. She has a passion for communicating, interacting and exchanging skills and information. Dr Crawford is looking forward to leading the AVA as it continues to advocate for the health and welfare of Australia’s animal industries.

Dr Crawford said it was an honour and privilege to be elected President of the AVA.

“We have come so far as a profession and association and are in times of rapid social and environmental change. As we approach our centenary, we look forward to promoting and advancing veterinary science in Australia and growing our wonderfully engaged and collegial veterinary community.

The role that veterinary science plays is crucial and it’s important that the AVA anticipates the future needs of the profession.

“It’s also a pleasure to chair a Board of such skilled and passionately engaged directors, who are committed to the success of the profession,” said Dr Crawford.

“I’d like to thank the AVA’s immediate past-president Dr Paula Parker for her inspirational leadership, particularly her strong governance and communication skills. The passion and the skillset she has brought to the AVA will stand us in good stead for years to come. Dr Parker will remain on the Board for another two years.

“We sadly farewelled Drs Chris Reardon and Malcolm McLennan, who both served on the Board for many years. Their wisdom, generosity and sense of humour will be sorely missed.

“We also look forward to working with new Board directors, Drs Bronwyn Orr and Nick Sangster, plus officially welcoming Drs Warwick Vale and David Petersen.”

About Dr Julia Crawford

Dr Crawford was appointed to the Board of the AVA in 2014, as the Australian Small Animal Veterinarians nominee. Dr Crawford has been President of the New South Wales Division, Chair of the National Industry Advisory Group for Veterinary Nurses, chair of Policy Council and has served on both the Nomination and Remuneration and Risk and Audit committees throughout her time on the AVA Board. Dr Crawford is also the Deputy Chair of the Animal Care and Management Industry Reference Committee. She is a very proud small animal general practitioner and a director of the Bondi Junction Veterinary Hospital.

Dr Crawford is passionate about all aspects of small animal general practice, veterinary wellness and the history of the veterinary profession .She has also had extensive community leadership experience including a public education project worth over $18 million.