Branches

The AVA has branches in each state and territory in Australia connecting veterinarians locally, offering community, CPD, support and a voice in the profession.

Discover your branch region, reach out to your local rep on AVA Member Hub (Circle) or register for an event and start building connections where you work and live.

Branch reps and members can request AVA support to plan and deliver a local event in your area. Complete the form below to get started.

ACT | Canberra & Surrounds

The ACT Canberra & Surrounds Branch represents veterinary professionals across the Australian Capital Territory and nearby regions. The branch provides networking opportunities, continuing professional development (CPD), and advocacy for veterinarians working in both urban and rural settings. Its focus is on supporting animal health and welfare, promoting professional excellence, and fostering collaboration among practitioners in the ACT and surrounding NSW areas.

Branch rep: Kevin Doyle

  • Barton

  • Civic

  • Belconnen

  • Woden

  • Tuggeranong

  • Gungahlin

  • Queanbeyan
  • Bungendore
  • Sutton
  • Collector
  • Murrumbateman
  • Binalong
  • Harden
  • Braidwood
  • Captains Flat
  • Michelago
  • Adaminaby

New South Wales 

The NSW Mid North Coast Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA)  represents veterinarians across the scenic Mid North Coast region of New South Wales. This branch supports professionals working  in  mixed, small animal, and large animal practices, offering continuing  education, networking opportunities, and advocacy. The region is known for its coastal towns,  rural  communities, and strong agricultural base, making this branch vital for promoting animal health and welfare in both urban and rural settings.

Local Areas In The Branch

  • Taree
  • Gloucester
  • Forster–Tuncurry
  • Port Macquarie
  • Kempsey
  • Nambucca Heads
  • Surrounding rural localities

Branch Rep

Michael Ferguson

The NSW Central West Branch serves veterinarians across the Central West region of New South Wales. This branch focuses on professional development, networking, and advocacy  for practitioners working  in mixed, small animal, and large animal  practices throughout rural and regional communities. Members benefit from continuing education opportunities, local events, and a strong support network dedicated to improving animal  health and welfare  in the region

Local Areas In The Branch

  • Bathurst 

  • Orange
  • Dubbo
  • Parkes
  • Forbes
  • Cowra
  • Mudgee
  • Surrounding areas

Branch Rep

Expression of interest (please apply by emailing branches@ava.com.au) 

The NSW Highlands Branch represents veterinarians working across the picturesque Southern  Highlands and adjacent areas of New South Wales. This branch provides a strong professional network, continuing education opportunities, and advocacy for members in mixed and small animal practices. Its focus is on promoting animal health and welfare while supporting veterinary professionals in rural and semi-rural communities.

Local Areas In The Branch

  • Bowral
  • Moss Vale
  • Mittagong
  • Bundanoon
  • Robertson
  • Surrounding Southern Highlands districts.

Branch Rep

Charlie Carter 

The New England AVA Branch encompasses an extensive geographical footprint from the northern border of the State to just south of Tamworth and from the Great Dividing Range in the east to the plains of the Moree and beyond. As we have such an expansive branch the tyranny of distance has restricted us to usually one annual  meeting a year in either Armidale or Tamworth, but it would be great if members would like to organise more local events to facilitate learning and friendships. The NE Branch has been fortunate to have numerous  great members over the years and we have had a real focus on championing our own members  as presenters at our Branch meetings. Not only has it been wonderful hearing cases from our region but also giving opportunities for local vets to present in front of their colleagues. Over my 15 plus years organising events in the NE, I have been impressed by the collegiate nature of our members, especially some of our longer-term members  such as Robyn Edleston, Deb Braithwaite, Peter Best, David Easterman, Peter Bagshaw, Leisa Brown, Tina Clifton, Nigel Scott and Bernie May -who without fail make time to come to the branch meetings and many have kindly presented cases at them as well. A number of NE Branch members have either run the branch or been involved on State and National AVA committees, so hopefully our newer crop of members  can be inspired  by our older members. An ongoing goal for the NE Branch is to encourage  all vets to come along and socialise with their colleagues and feel comfortable to present interesting cases to the membership.

Local Areas In The Branch

Covers the Northern Tablelands region

  •  Tamworth
  • Armidale
  • Inverell
  • Glen Innes
  • Tenterfield
  • Guyra
  • Uralla
  • Walcha

Branch Rep

Justine McNally

The NSW South West Slopes Branch represents veterinarians working across the South West Slopes  region of New South Wales. This branch provides  professional  support, continuing  education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. The region is known for its strong  agricultural  base, rural  communities, and livestock industries, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare in both farm and companion animals.

Local Areas In The Branch

  • Young
  • Cootamundra
  • Gundagai
  • Temora
  • Harden
  • Adjoining rural districts.

Branch Reps

Sarah Hanlon & Josh Berryman 

The NSW Upper Hunter Branch represents veterinarians working across the Upper Hunter region of New South Wales, an area renowned  for its equine industry, livestock production,  and rural communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. Its focus is on promoting animal health and welfare while supporting veterinary professionals in both rural and semi-rural settings.

Local Areas In The Branch

  • Scone
  • Muswellbrook
  • Singleton
  • Merriwa
  • Denman
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Bridget Bester 

The Illawarra Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the Illawarra region of New South Wales. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners across small animal, equine, and mixed practices. The Illawarra’s unique blend of urban, coastal, and agricultural environments makes this branch an important contributor to advancing animal health and welfare throughout the region.

Local Areas In The Branch

  • Wollongong
  • Shellharbour
  • Kiama
  • Surrounding coastal communities

Branch Rep

Luke Michel

Victoria

The VIC Central Highlands Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the Central Highlands region of Victoria, which includes Ballarat, Daylesford, and surrounding rural communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. The region is known for its agricultural base, equine industry, and scenic landscapes, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

  • Ballarat
  • Daylesford
  • Creswick
  • Bacchus Marsh
  • Surrounding districts

Branch Rep

Robert Page

The VIC East Gippsland Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the eastern region of Victoria, including coastal towns, alpine areas, and rural communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. East Gippsland is known for its dairy and beef industries, as well as tourism and wildlife care, making this branch vital for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Bairnsdale & Surrounds

  • Bairnsdale

Coastal & Lakes Towns

  • Lakes Entrance
  • Paynesville
  • Mallacoota

East Gippsland Towns

  • Orbost
  • Cann River
  • Bruthen
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Dianne Phillips

The VIC Geelong Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across Geelong and surrounding coastal and rural communities in Victoria. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in small animal, mixed, and large animal practices. Geelong is a major regional centre with strong links to agriculture, equine industries, and companion animal care, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Geelong City & Suburbs

  • Geelong
  • Belmont
  • Highton
  • Newtown

Surf Coast & Bellarine Peninsula

  • Torquay
  • Barwon Heads
  • Ocean Grove

Rural Surrounds

  • Breakwater
  • Armstrong Creek
  • Corio
  • Nearby areas

Branch Rep

Belinda Haebich

The VIC Metro Melbourne Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across Melbourne’s metropolitan area, including inner-city suburbs and outer urban regions. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in small animal, mixed, and specialist practices. Metro Melbourne is a major hub for veterinary services, catering to a diverse population and companion animal care, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare in urban environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Inner Melbourne

  • Melbourne CBD
  • East Melbourne
  • West Melbourne
  • St Kilda Road

Inner North & East

  • North Melbourne
  • Fitzroy
  • Richmond
  • South Yarra

Inner South

  • St Kilda
  • Prahran
  • South Melbourne

Outer Metropolitan Areas

  • Northcote
  • Ivanhoe
  • Glen Waverley
  • Carnegie
  • Brighton East
  • Surrounding metropolitan suburbs

Branch Rep

Jennie Heslop

The VIC North Eastern Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the North Eastern region of Victoria, including major centres such as Wangaratta, Wodonga, and Benalla, as well as surrounding rural communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. The region is known for its strong agricultural base, dairy and beef industries, and proximity to alpine areas, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Wangaratta & Surrounds

  • Wangaratta

Nearby Regional Centres

  • Wodonga
  • Benalla
  • Mansfield

Bright & Alpine Region

  • Bright

Other North Eastern Towns

  • Yarrawonga
  • Rutherglen
  • Myrtleford
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Suffien Suharju

The VIC Peninsula Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the Mornington Peninsula and surrounding coastal and rural communities in Victoria. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in small animal, mixed, and equine practices. The region is known for its vibrant coastal lifestyle, equine industry, and agricultural enterprises, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Mornington & Surrounds

  • Mornington

Nearby Peninsula Towns

  • Mount Eliza
  • Frankston
  • Rosebud

Southern Peninsula

  • Sorrento
  • Portsea

Other Peninsula Towns

  • Langwarrin
  • Flinders
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Jacqueline Bowden

The VIC South Gippsland Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the South Gippsland region of Victoria, including coastal towns, dairy farming communities, and rural areas. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. South Gippsland is renowned for its dairy industry, beef production, and scenic coastal landscapes, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Leongatha & Surrounds

  • Leongatha
  • Korumburra

Coastal & Nearby Towns

  • Wonthaggi
  • Inverloch
  • Foster

Other South Gippsland Towns

  • Meeniyan
  • Koonwarra
  • Toora
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Chris Heislers

Tasmania

The TAS Northern Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across Northern Tasmania, including Launceston and surrounding rural communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. Northern Tasmania is known for its strong agricultural base, dairy and beef industries, and vibrant regional centres, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Launceston & Surrounds
Launceston

Nearby Northern Towns
Deloraine
George Town
Scottsdale
Bridport

Other Northern Towns
Westbury
Longford
Cressy

Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep
Rhianna Booth

The TAS Southern Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across Southern Tasmania, including Hobart and surrounding rural and coastal communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in small animal, mixed, and large animal practices. Southern Tasmania is known for its vibrant urban centre, agricultural regions, and unique wildlife, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Hobart & Surrounds
Hobart
Battery Point
Glenorchy
Rosny Park

Kingborough Region
Kingston
Blackmans Bay

Huon Valley
Huonville
Cygnet

Other Southern Towns
Sorell
New Norfolk

Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep
Rhianna Booth

South Australia

The SA Northern Adelaide Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the northern metropolitan and semi-rural areas of Adelaide, South Australia. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in small animal, mixed, and large animal practices. Northern Adelaide is a diverse region that includes urban suburbs and rural communities, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across varied environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Inner North

  • North Adelaide
  • Thebarton
  • Angle Park
  • Woodville North

Northern Suburbs

  • Gilles Plains
  • Modbury
  • Hope Valley
  • Pooraka
  • Ingle Farm
  • Para Hills

Outer North

  • Salisbury
  • Salisbury Downs
  • Brahma Lodge
  • Burton
  • Elizabeth
  • Elizabeth Downs
  • Munno Para
  • Smithfield
  • Gawler
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Catherine Harper

The SA Rural Veterinary Practitioners Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across rural and regional South Australia. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, large animal, and small animal practices. Covering vast agricultural areas, livestock industries, and remote communities, the branch plays a vital role in promoting animal health and welfare across diverse rural environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Mid North & Yorke Peninsula

  • Balaklava
  • Port Pirie
  • Kadina
  • Yorketown

Riverland

  • Berri
  • Renmark
  • Loxton

Murraylands

  • Murray Bridge
  • Tailem Bend

South East (Limestone Coast)

  • Naracoorte
  • Robe
  • Mount Gambier

Far North & Eyre Peninsula

  • Port Lincoln
  • Ceduna
  • Coober Pedy
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Sean McGrath

Queensland

The QLD Brisbane Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the Brisbane metropolitan area and surrounding suburbs. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in small animal, mixed, and specialist practices. Brisbane is a major hub for veterinary services in Queensland, catering to urban pet owners and supporting animal health and welfare across diverse communities.

Local Areas In The Branch

Brisbane CBD & Inner City

  • Brisbane City
  • Fortitude Valley
  • New Farm
  • Hamilton

Inner South & East

  • South Brisbane
  • Woolloongabba
  • Annerley
  • Fairfield
  • Balmoral

Inner North & West

  • Paddington
  • Toowong
  • Indooroopilly
  • Red Hill

Outer Suburbs

  • Eight Mile Plains
  • Logan Central
  • Oxley
  • Forest Lake

Branch Rep

Natasha Wilks

The QLD Central Queensland Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the Central Queensland region, which includes major centers such as Rockhampton, Gladstone, and Emerald, as well as surrounding rural communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. Central Queensland is a key agricultural and mining region, making this branch vital for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Rockhampton & Surrounds

  • Rockhampton
  • Yeppoon
  • Capricorn Coast

Gladstone Region

  • Gladstone

Emerald & Central Highlands

  • Emerald

Biloela

  • Biloela

Other Central Queensland Towns

  • Mount Morgan
  • Moura
  • Springsure
  • Barcaldine
  • Surrounding rural localities

Branch Rep

Hannake Van Sliedregt 

The Darling Downs and South West Queensland branch of the AVA features a diverse group of individuals and veterinary clinics. The branch represents a broad range of Small Animal, mixed practice and large animal veterinarians from Toowoomba in the East to Quilpie (and beyond) in the West. The DDSWQ AVA Branch is dedicated to supporting its members through continuing education, networking and advocacy ensuring their is a voice for our region.  

Local Areas In The Branch

Toowoomba & Surrounds

  • Toowoomba

Darling Downs

  • Dalby
  • Oakey
  • Warwick
  • Goondiwindi

South West Queensland

  • Stanthorpe
  • Roma
  • Charleville

Other South West Towns

  • Mitchell
  • Cunnamulla
  • Surrounding rural localities

Branch Reps

  • Tom Kirby
  • Alistair Webb
  • Kim Kelly 
  • Mai-Xin Koh 
  • Tim McClymont 

The QLD Far North Queensland Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the tropical Far North region of Queensland. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. The region includes Cairns, the Atherton Tablelands, Cape York Peninsula, and Torres Strait Islands, making this branch vital for promoting animal health and welfare in both urban and remote communities.

Local Areas In The Branch

Cairns & Surrounds

  • Cairns

Atherton Tablelands

  • Atherton
  • Malanda
  • Yungaburra

Mareeba

  • Mareeba

Cassowary Coast

  • Innisfail
  • Mission Beach
  • Tully

Cape York & Gulf Communities

  • Weipa
  • Thursday Island
  • Torres Strait Islands

Other Far North Towns

  • Babinda
  • Edmonton
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Katelyn Shannon

The QLD North Queensland Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the northern region of Queensland, including major centres such as Townsville, Charters Towers, and surrounding rural communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, small animal, and large animal practices. North Queensland is a diverse region with strong agricultural, equine, and tropical industries, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across varied environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Townsville & Surrounds

  • Townsville

Nearby Centres

  • Charters Towers
  • Ingham
  • Ayr
  • Home Hill
  • Bowen

Other North Queensland Towns

  • Cloncurry
  • Mount Isa
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Laura Seccull 

The QLD South East Queensland Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the densely populated South East Queensland region, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, and surrounding hinterland areas. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in small animal, mixed, and specialist practices. South East Queensland is a major hub for veterinary services, catering to urban pet owners and rural communities alike, making this branch vital for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Brisbane Metropolitan

  • Brisbane
  • Inner Brisbane
  • Northern Suburbs
  • Southern Suburbs
  • Eastern Suburbs
  • Western Suburbs

Gold Coast Region

  • Gold Coast

Sunshine Coast Region

  • Sunshine Coast

Ipswich & Surrounds

  • Ipswich

Other South East Queensland Towns

  • Beaudesert
  • Boonah
  • Surrounding hinterland areas

Branch Rep

Geoffrey Edward Niethe

Northern Territory

The NT Darwin Metro Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the Darwin metropolitan area in the Northern Territory. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in small animal, mixed, and exotic practices. Darwin Metro is a vibrant hub for veterinary services, catering to urban pet owners and supporting animal health and welfare in the tropical Top End.

Local Areas In The Branch

Darwin City

  • Darwin CBD
  • Northern Suburbs
  • Inner Suburbs
  • Berrimah
  • Darwin River

Surrounding rural localities

  • Howard Springs
  • Humpty Doo
  • Virginia
  • Girraween
  • Coolalinga
  • Berry Springs
  • Lambells Lagoon
  • Middle Point
  • Acacia Hills

Branch Rep

Amy Trembath

Western Australia

The WA South Perth Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across South Perth and surrounding metropolitan suburbs in Western Australia. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in small animal, mixed, and specialist practices. South Perth is a vibrant urban area with strong demand for companion animal care, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare in metropolitan communities.

Local Areas In The Branch

South Perth & Surrounds

  • South Perth
  • Como
  • Kensington
  • Victoria Park
  • East Victoria Park

Other Nearby Suburbs

  • Bentley
  • Rivervale
  • Belmont
  • Surrounding metropolitan areas

Branch Rep

Katie Currie

The WA Southern Rural Branch of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) represents veterinarians working across the southern rural regions of Western Australia, including major agricultural areas and coastal communities. This branch provides professional support, continuing education, and networking opportunities for practitioners in mixed, large animal, and small animal practices. The region is known for its livestock industries, cropping, and dairy production, making this branch essential for promoting animal health and welfare across diverse rural environments.

Local Areas In The Branch

Albany & Great Southern

  • Albany
  • Denmark
  • Mount Barker
  • Katanning

Esperance Region

  • Esperance

Other Southern Rural Towns

  • Boyup Brook
  • Donnybrook
  • Manjimup
  • Surrounding rural areas

Branch Rep

Robert Graham