Equity, diversity and inclusion

Melbourne Veterinary School is committed to providing a collaborative, diverse and inclusive environment with shared values and behaviours that attracts and supports talented staff and students and delivers an outstanding student experience.

Zoom meeting with 12 committee members in it
We aspire to be a place where all members of the University community feel included and valued, regardless of gender, ethnicity or origin, culture, language, relationship status, pregnancy, parental or carer responsibilities, sexuality, gender identity, medical conditions or disability, age and political or religious belief, and can perform to the best of their ability. MVS Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Our goals

The Melbourne Veterinary School Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee was formed in 2020 to identify, discuss, and promote action across all aspects of School activities and procedures related to equity, diversity and inclusion. This committee of staff and students is working to:

  • Promote a positive workplace and learning culture that embraces diversity
  • Increase awareness of diversity across our partnerships, collaborations and student placements, to embed an ethos of safety, mutual respect and dignity
  • Identify equity and diversity-related issues, support responses and procedural initiatives and monitor impact
  • Provide advice to staff and students within MVS, promote transparency and facilitate communication
  • Work with the University of Melbourne Diversity and Inclusion Committee to help implement the University’s Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (2030).

Committee members

  • Anke Wiethoelter (Chair)
  • Jenni Bauquier (Academic Staff Representative, VCS)
  • Laura Brannelly (Academic Staff Representative, VBS)
  • Peta Hitchens  (Academic Staff Representative, VCS)
  • Caitlin Pfeiffer (Academic Staff Representative, VBS)
  • Tao Wang (Academic Staff Representative, VBS)
  • Nadeeka Wawegama (Academic Staff Representative, VBS)
  • Cameron Raw (Assistant Dean (Indigenous))
  • Dan Guinto (Postgraduate Student Representative, Werribee)
  • Hwaylee Downey & Savini Seneviratne (DVM3 Student Representatives)
  • Amanda Cheang (DVM4 Student Representative)
  • Shirley Treloar (Professional Staff Representative, Werribee and Secretariat)

Are you an MVS staff member or student and would like to get involved in the committee? Please contact MVS-EDIC@unimelb.edu.au

Resources and support for those in the veterinary profession

Mental health and wellbeing external resources

  • Flynn’s Walk: An Australian registered charity aimed at bringing the community together, encouraging meaningful conversations and spreading awareness of mental health challenges faced by veterinary and para-veterinary professionals. Next Melbourne walk on Sunday 28 April 2024 - register here
  • Australian Veterinary Association Counselling Hotline: The Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) provides a united voice for the veterinary profession, and students are invited to join with a free membership fee. The AVA counselling hotline (1300 687 327) is available 24/7 to members, vet professionals that work with members and family.
  • Cultivet Well-being: a curated series of podcasts to support wellbeing of veterinary professionals and students.
  • Sophie's Legacy: A national education campaign to help stem the shocking suicide rate among veterinarians. Pet and animal owners are asked to take the pledge to be kind and respectful and to understand the massive pressures impacting veterinary staff.

LGBTQIA+ Inclusion external resources

Other resources

  • Resources and initiatives: The Faculty of Science has brought together a range of resources in priority areas for the faculty including Women in Science, Disability services, LGBTQIA+.

Diversity, inclusion and belonging in the Faculty of Science