Towards consensus: history of the Australian Veterinary Association to 2000

From its earliest beginnings in Australia in the latter part of the 19th century, the veterinary profession has striven to achieve a national voice. Well‐known veterinarians were involved in the eventual establishment of the Australian Veterinary Association (AVA) in 1921. Today, all states are represented and the AVA has close contact with state and federal governments, and producer organisations. With the growth in the number of special interest groups, the AVA more than ever provides unity in diversity in order to fulfil its mission to promote the profession for the benefit of animals, the environment and the community.