AHA would like to thank NSW Chief Veterinary Officer (CVO), Sarah Britton for her leadership, expertise and support during her tenure, and wish her all the very best as she moves on from NSW DPI.

Sarah joined NSW DPI in 2013 whilst still owning her own veterinary clinic in Orange NSW. Within two days of starting, her initiation to emergency responses occurred as Avian Influenza unfolded near Young in NSW. Little did she know that this was the start of many more responses and that she would become a seasoned player over her 10-year employment at DPI.

In 2016, Sarah led the NSW peri urban program which was a cross collaboration to improve biosecurity around NSW ports and set up smallholder networks with Local Land Services. This successful program delivered over 100 projects and was a foundation for the Biosecurity Warrior and Costa’s (Georgiadis) foray into biosecurity.

Sarah was appointed to the NSW CVO role in 2018 and drove significant change whilst juggling multiple biosecurity responses. She will be remembered for her contribution to driving national livestock traceability, building high performing teams, chairing the African Swine Fever (ASF) taskforce, her roles as Animal Health Committee Chair and Executive and Chair of Wildlife Health Australia, leading Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) preparedness, and delivery of more than 50 FMD projects within NSW and so much more. All this whilst being in emergency responses for much of the past 5 years including for Salmonella Enteriditis, QX (Queensland Unknown), Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis, White Spot, Japanese Encephalitis, bushfires, floods, COVID and enhanced preparedness for ASF, FMD, LSD and Avian Influenza.

Sarah will be taking a short break to spend time with family and head off on a much-deserved holiday overseas before taking on her next adventure. Stay tuned!

Farewell Sarah, you will be greatly missed!