The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) Board has elected Dr Diana Barker as President, following Dr Alistair Webb's decision to step down from the role. Dr Webb also resigned as a director.
The Board thanked Dr Webb for his services.
Dr Barker was elected as an AVA director in May 2021. She was appointed Vice President of the Board in May 2023.
Dr Barker takes on the AVA presidency during a challenging time in the veterinary sector as we face a range of issues including workforce shortages.
"The AVA is doing great work advocating on behalf of the profession and I look forward to helping build a stronger, more progressive AVA so that we continue to be part of the solution," Dr Barker said.
Prior to being elected to the AVA Board, Dr Barker represented the profession at a regional and state level, including roles with the Melbourne Metropolitan Practitioners Branch and the Victorian AVA Division, as well as being an active member of the AVA's Veterinary Business Group.
Dr Barker is an experienced small animal surgeon and the managing director of a practice group in Melbourne's inner suburbs employing more than 60 staff. She holds an Executive MBA from the Monash Business School and obtained her Membership with Australia New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in small animal surgery.
Dr Sally Colgan was elected Vice President, and her years of experience as an AVA director, past AVI president and AVA conference convenor will enable her to support Dr Barker and the Board to achieve the goals of the AVA.
