CEO UPDATE
Member Engagement Week is almost here
As we settle into 2026, it’s been fantastic to see such strong engagement from across our membership.
Thank you to everyone who has registered for Member Engagement Week (MEW) happening in Canberra on 2–5 March. Registrations close on Monday 16 February 2026 at 5pm. If you haven’t booked your spot yet, now is the time!
The full program for the event is out now. This year’s refined agenda is designed to spark deeper, more interactive conversations on the challenges and opportunities you’ve told us matter most.
I’m confident the discussions will further strengthen our preparedness and support even better outcomes for Australia’s animal health system.
Upcoming AOP webinar
Before MEW, we’ll be hosting a special webinar on 24 February to walk members through the development of the 2026–27 Annual Operating Plan (AOP). Every member organisation has now received a meeting invitation with the full details.
This session is particularly important, as AHA is transitioning to a clearer, activity‑based budgeting model in the new AOP. The webinar will explain what these changes mean for member‑funded programs and how the new approach supports our Strategic Plan. There will also be time for member questions.
I encourage all CEOs, senior executives and program leads to attend.
AHA Director Sharon Starick honoured at Grain Industry Awards
It’s my great pleasure to congratulate AHA Director Sharon Starick on being recognised with the Women in Grain Award at the 2026 South Australian Grain Industry Awards.
This award reflects Sharon’s exceptional leadership, her deep commitment to the grains sector, and her long‑standing contribution to Australian agriculture. We are incredibly proud to see her dedication acknowledged in this way.
Congratulations, Sharon — an inspiring and well‑deserved achievement.
Global signals, local preparedness
Recent international events continue to show why our work matters.
Ongoing H5N1 detections in North America highlight how quickly disease risks can shift, with widespread impacts across wildlife, livestock and people. At the same time, South Africa is responding to extensive foot‑and‑mouth disease outbreaks with a national mass vaccination program — a reminder of the scale of effort required once diseases become established and the challenges of regaining control.
While Australia remains free of these diseases, these developments demonstrate the importance of staying vigilant and continually strengthening our systems. They also underscore the value of learning from international responses, so we can apply those insights to our own preparedness and planning.
Our resilience comes from the way government, industry and service providers work together to meet challenges and find solutions. Thank you for your continued collaboration. I look forward to seeing many of you at Member Engagement Week and continuing our work together in the year ahead.
Regards
Dr Samantha Allan
MEMBER UPDATE
Last chance to register for Member Engagement Week
Registrations for our March Member Engagement Week close on Monday 16 February at 5pm. This is your opportunity to connect and collaborate on the future of national biosecurity and emergency animal disease preparedness.
AUSVETPLAN – latest communiqué
The latest AUSVETPLAN Quarterly Communiqué is out now, sharing updates on current work across operational manuals, supporting documents and technical guidance.
NSHMP Annual Report 2024–25: key trends every producer should know
AHA has released the National Sheep Health Monitoring Project (NSHMP) Annual Report 2024–25, offering fresh insights from 9.8 million sheep inspections across the country.
The report highlights the conditions most affecting carcass value and on‑farm productivity — and where things are changing.
Producers can turn these insights into action through MLA’s myFeedback, where mob and property level data helps identify trends and reduce avoidable losses.
EADRA news
Member Engagement Week – EADRA Workshop
EADRA stakeholders have now received meeting papers for the upcoming workshop on Tuesday 3 March 8:30am – 12:30pm (as part of Member Engagement Week).
To support preparations, stakeholders and participants have received meeting invites to attend one of the upcoming virtual briefing sessions:
- Government representatives: Wednesday 18 February 4-5pm AEDT
- Industry representatives: Thursday 19 February 4-5pm AEDT
If you have any questions about the workshop, please reach out to the EADRA team at eadra@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
EADRA Variations and Amendments
The finalised package of the 2025 Variations and Amendments will be sent to all EADRA Signatories for formal signing in February. Following endorsement by all Parties, the updated version of the Deed will be published on the EADRA webpage.
Training updates
National Management Group (NMG) training exercise
Registrations for the NMG Training Exercise happening on the 4-5 March as part of Member Engagement Week close on 16 February. Email the AHA Training Team at trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au to secure your spot.
Liaison – Livestock Industry (LLI) program review
AHA’s appreciation goes out to our members who contributed their time to provide feedback on the LLI Program. The information collected via surveys and one-on-one meetings will assist us to continue delivering a training model that meets the needs of our Peak Industry Bodies and jurisdictional governments in partnership.
The AHA Training Team is currently finalising the LLI Program Evaluation Report. For any enquiries, email trainingsupport@animalhealthaustralia.com.au.
Put the vet shortage on the national agenda — complete the 2026 Occupation Shortage List survey
Jobs and Skills Australia has opened the 2026 Occupation Shortage List (OSL) Stakeholder Survey.
The OSL helps government understand which jobs are in short supply and why. It also informs key workforce planning tools, including the Core Skills Occupation List and the Australian Apprenticeships Priority List.
With the national veterinary workforce shortage still a significant challenge — especially in rural and regional areas — we encourage all members to participate and help government better understand your industry’s recruitment needs and challenges.
If your organisation or region is feeling the impacts of the vet skills shortage, this is an important opportunity to ensure those challenges are recognised at a national level.
Consultation closes at 5pm on Wednesday 18 March 2026.
You can complete the survey and find more information on the Jobs and Skills Australia website.
Resource of the month
National Biosecurity Training Hub
Free, trusted courses for growers, producers, veterinarians, supply chain operators, educators and more. With nearly 80 verified courses from 20 providers, the Hub makes it easy for Australians to find the skills they need to detect, prevent and respond to biosecurity risks.
Upcoming AHA events
Member Engagement Week
Canberra Airport ACT, Australia
National Management Group (NMG) Training Exercise
Canberra Airport ACT, Australia