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.
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
- Australian Rainbow Vets and Allies: An advocacy and support group for LGBTQIA+ individuals in the veterinary industry in Australasia and South East Asia.
- AAVMC's Diversity & Inclusion on Air: Conversations about Diversity, Inclusion & Veterinary Medicine
- Pride Veterinary Medical Community: The mission of PrideVMC is to create a better world for the LGBTQ+ veterinary community.
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
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Resources, activities and initiatives
Our priority is to create an inclusive workplace for all our staff and students by advocating and enabling education and engagement through various initiatives and resources.
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Support
Support is available for students and staff – find out how to call or email someone, lodge a formal report or anonymously report a complaint.
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Training and education
Access resources to help you with your studies and wellbeing, and to learn how the University expects its students and staff to conduct themselves in their relationships with others.