Nicholls tops AVA board

Adelaide small animal veterinarian Julia Nicholls has been elected president of the Australian Veterinary Association Board.

“I have been on the board for four years and have served terms as treasurer and vice president. I have been fortunate in having the support and friendship of my fellow directors during that time,” Nicholls said. “As president, I will benefit from the strong financial and governance foundations we have built for the AVA. From this foundation, we will be able to continue to be a strong voice for the profession and to work to achieve more for our members.“I am very aware of the trust they have placed in me and my responsibility to represent them and to drive the success of our profession.”

Sydney unusual and exotics veterinarian Robert Johnson and Melbourne virologist James Gilkerson also begin three-year terms as elected directors, and Shepparton cattle vet Rob Bonanno is Board nominee for Australian Cattle Veterinarians.

The reshuffle follows the sudden death of former director and cattle expert Alastair Henderson on May 16.

“He will be sadly missed,” Nicholls said of the well-known Sunshine Coast leader of the Queensland red meat industry and veterinarian.

David Neck, Perth small animal vet, is vice president, while Perth pathologist Sue Beetson begins a second term as treasurer.

AMELIA DALTON