Meet Robyn Whitaker - Branch Coordinator

In January 2022 I commenced my role as Branch Coordinator. This role will encompass AVA Branches in WA, SA & NT.

I graduated from Murdoch Uni Vet School in 1989, working in GP Small Animal practice in WA, Victoria and the ACT for almost 30 years.

I held Vet Management roles as well as non-Vet sector Project Management and Administrative roles concurrently with GP work during the 10 years leading up to hanging up my stethoscope in 2017, when I took on a Regional Manager (WA) position with the then newly formed VetPartners.

With the Veterinary profession in full blown crisis, I have seen the opportunity to embark on a path to contribute to some of the solutions. This led to my change in role to join the AVA and also pursue my passion around supporting the Veterinary profession's Mental Health & Wellbeing.

After collaborating for some time with a group of amazing colleagues and friends, we have now progressed a Social Enterprise to develop Veterinary Social Work and Community Vet Services. These services are focused on being accessible to the ever-increasing community of vulnerable people who are animal owners.

The Vet profession’s mental health is closely linked to the daily challenges of managing this aspect of client and animal care. These services will support not only these clients and the animals in their care, but also the Veterinary teams themselves, improving the mental health of the profession.

Connection, Community and Collaboration will be the key to providing the solutions for the challenges facing the Veterinary Profession. I see my role as a facilitator and coordinator in this area and hope to contribute productively in both my AVA Role and Social Enterprise.

I look forward to being able to connect with and support AVA Members in 2022.

- Robyn Whitaker