Boost to rural vets

The Australian Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Warren Truss, today announced the placement of six scholarship recipients under a program to increase the number of vets in rural Australia.

The Australian Quarantine and Inspection Service's (AQIS) Rural Veterinary Bonded Scholarship Development Program provides selected veterinary science students with financial assistance in their final year of study, and one year of initial employment.

"The Australian Government-funded program provides graduates with paid work experience in regional Australia where their skills and experience can make a real difference," Mr Truss said.

As part of the $500,000, four-year program, scholarship holders receive $10,000 at the start of their final academic year, and a further $15,000 on the successful completion of the work experience program. As well as delivering vets to rural communities, the program will play a vital role in enhancing the Government's significant investment in border and post-border protection.

"I am sure that the experience and knowledge the six recipients gain from this program will provide a strong base to develop their veterinary careers and I encourage them to practise in a rural area," Mr Truss said.

Mr Truss also congratulated a number of private veterinary practices for taking part in this scheme as professional hosts, bringing new vets and their professional skills to rural Australia.

The six scholarship recipients are:

• Dr Zoë Cutcher, University of Sydney, to be hosted in Leongatha, Vic;

• Dr Beth Cookson, University of Queensland, to be hosted in Murray Bridge, SA;

• Dr Callie Smith, Murdoch University, to be hosted in Shepparton, Vic;

• Dr Tim Craig, University of Sydney, to be hosted in Wangaratta, Vic;

• Dr Beth Stewart, University of Queensland, to be hosted in Barraba, NSW; and

• Dr Peter Harding, University of Melbourne, to be hosted in Camperdown, Vic.

On-the-job development during the 11-month work program includes full employment by AQIS while working in the private veterinary practice. Scholarship holders also participate in a comprehensive professional development program designed by the Scholarship Project Team to enhance their understanding of animal health issues.

This involves spending four to six weeks at a combination of government agencies, including working alongside an AQIS veterinary officer based at an export abattoir, hands on experience at a government veterinary laboratory and the opportunity to undertake exotic animal disease training at the Australian Animal Health Laboratory in Geelong.

A mentoring scheme ensures regular liaison with a more senior veterinary officer to share professional skills and experience while assisting the new vets to grow and develop in their chosen career. Further information on the AQIS Rural Veterinary Bonded Scholarship Program can be obtained by emailing