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Australian Dog Lover
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Every Australian pet owner knows their local vet is a hero, providing essential care to the furry, feathered, and scaled members of their family. But the incredible work of veterinarians in New South Wales extends far beyond the consultation room, safeguarding our food, preventing national disease outbreaks, and setting the highest ethical standards for all animal care.
The Veterinary Practitioners Board New South Wales recently celebrated this crucial, behind-the-scenes work by announcing the recipients of the prestigious 2025 Centenary Awards.
“Veterinarians don’t just care for animals; we safeguard people, communities and the environment. Our work sits at the intersection of science, ethics and public wellbeing,” said Dr. Magdoline Awad, President of the Veterinary Practitioners Board.
The awards, established in 2024 to mark 100 years since the Veterinary Surgeons Act 1923 formalised veterinary registration in NSW, recognised three leaders across the critical pillars of One Health, One Welfare, and Professional Practice.
The One Welfare Champion: Dr. Tanya Carter
The work most immediately relatable to dog and cat owners was celebrated with the One Welfare Award, presented to Veterinarian Dr. Tanya Carter. Dr. Carter was honoured for establishing and successfully managing a community-orientated practice, the Haberfield Veterinary Hospital in Sydney.
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| Welfare in Action: Dr. Carter comforts a stray kitten with a missing paw, illustrating the ethical focus of her award-winning practice. |
She has also attained post-graduate qualifications and published in animal welfare, ethics and law, and served as President of the Animal Welfare and Ethics special interest group of the Australian Veterinary Association.
Dr. Carter’s work is a powerful example of One Welfare, which she describes simply:
“So much of (veterinary) work is about serving our communities by caring for animals, supporting the people who love them and contributing to broader welfare, ethics and environmental issues.”
“Helping animals means helping people — that’s the essence of One Welfare and it’s at the heart of everything I do.”The Big Picture: Keeping Our Communities Safe
The other two awards recognise the deep scientific and ethical work that supports the entire Australian community—including your local pet clinic—by controlling diseases and ensuring high standards.
The One Health Leader: Associate Professor Dr. John House
University of Sydney Associate Professor Dr. John House received the One Health Award for his outstanding contributions in advanced veterinary diagnostics, disease prevention, herd health, animal welfare, and food system resilience.
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| Associate Professor Dr. John House: One Health Award recipient, recognised for protecting community health through veterinary diagnostics and outreach. |
One Health is an approach that recognises that the health of people, animals, and the environment are inextricably linked. Dr. House’s work in areas like antimicrobial stewardship (ensuring medicines remain effective) and education protects everyone.
“When I look back, all the different parts of my career — clinical work, teaching, research, supporting farmers and their families — really do reflect the One Health approach. For me, this Award acknowledges not just the work with animals but also the relationships with people and the constant learning that continues throughout a veterinary career.”
Professional Standards: Adjunct Professor Dr. Ian Lean
The Professional Practice Award went to University of Sydney Adjunct Professor Dr. Ian Lean. As Managing Director of Scibus and Cows R Us, he is acknowledged nationally and internationally as a leading dairy scientist.
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| Adjunct Professor Dr. Ian Lean: Professional Practice Award winner, setting high standards for animal health and food chain integrity in the field. |
His work, though focused on production animal practice (farm animals), is critical for maintaining the professional standards that all vets, including those caring for your pet, must uphold. It also protects the integrity of Australia's food supply chain.
“Production animal practice isn’t very visible to the public anymore, but it remains one of the most important parts of our profession because it supports animal health, rural livelihoods and the wider Australian economy. This award means a great deal because this has been my life’s work: improving herd health, farm viability and the integrity of the food chain.”
A Century of Service and Community Impact
Since the legislation formalised the profession, over 11,700 veterinarians have served across NSW, with almost 5,000 currently registered today.
Dr. Awad emphasised the profession’s essential nature and culture of giving back: “During COVID, veterinarians were deemed an essential service because our role matters, and it continues to matter every day.”
She also highlighted their commitment to community: “Whether it’s disaster response or pro-bono local initiatives, vets regularly volunteer their time and skills... work that often goes unrecognised.”
Together, the 2025 recipients demonstrate the breadth and resilience of modern veterinary careers, spanning everything from research and teaching to community practice and ethical leadership. As Dr. Awad concluded:
“For more than a century, veterinarians have protected the health and welfare of animals, people and the environment. That’s a legacy we all share and one that reminds us we are privileged to call ourselves vets.”More information about the Centenary Awards can be found at:
Photo Credit (all): Veterinary Practitioners Board NSW
About the Veterinary Practitioners Board New South Wales
The Veterinary Practitioners Board NSW is a body corporate established under the Veterinary Practice Act 2003 (Act) and regulates the provision of veterinary services in NSW, ensuring high standards of professional conduct and public trust. For more information, www.vpb.nsw.gov.au
