Miriam Canning

Miriam grew up in Leonora and like many children went to boarding school from the age of 10.  Miriam’s mother was a matron at a local hospital, leading to her affinity towards medicine. In 1997 Miriam graduated with a Bachelor of Veterinary Science, Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Murdoch University Western Australia.  Miriam now works in the Live Animal Exports program in the Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service (AQIS).

My mother was the matron of the local hospital so I always had an affinity towards medicine. The local people also bought their animals to the hospital as the closest vet was 250kms away. As a result my mother brought sick or injured animals home to heal them. We had a menagerie of animals at home especially wildlife so my love of animals naturally grew from this and my mother Sadie was a great inspiration for me to pursue an education.

I began my professional life as a veterinarian operating a mobile clinic from a hessian tent in the WA outback and although I was Australia’s’ first Aboriginal Veterinarian, I was the second to graduate as a Vet from Murdoch University’s Professional Education Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders.

After a few years in Leonora I decided it was time to buy a practice in Perth. I bought Gnangara Animal Hospital and a year later started Ellenbrook Animal Clinic. I operated a mixed practice with a special interest in wildlife and assisting Malaga fauna rehabilitation centre. After 7 years I sold the practices and started working as a locum and contractor for AQIS in the meat programme.

I was successful in obtaining a permanent position with AQIS in the Live Animal Exports program (LAE). LAE is responsible for the safe export of live animals to a number of countries around the world.  Dogs, cats, goats, sheep, cattle, horses are transported by air and sea from a variety of different locations in Western Australia.  We also are involved with the importation of dogs and cats into Australia as well as animal semen, and embryos.

I have now been with LAE for a year and enjoy the variety of work involved with the exports and imports of animals in and out of Australia.