Welcome to the GOVAs.
The second annual GOVAs – GapOnly® Veterinary Awards – were held on Friday 6 March 2026 at Doltone House, Pyrmont, celebrating excellence across the Australian veterinary sector.
Building on last year’s successful debut, the event brought together more than 300 people from the veterinary profession and the broader industry to recognise outstanding individuals and practices.
New award categories were introduced in 2026, acknowledging the contributions of both metropolitan and rural clinics, as well as those advancing wellbeing and education within the industry.
With women forming nearly three quarters of the veterinarian workforce, and the ceremony taking place just before International Women’s Day, the program continues to acknowledge the contributions of female veterinarians with its Woman Veterinarian of the Year Award.
Returning host Mark Humphries, joined by special guest Celeste Barber, delivered a warm and humorous reflection on the challenges and rewards of veterinary life.
Following the success of the 2026 event, the GOVAs will return in 2027, with nominations opening later this year.
A night to remember.
View the full 2026 photo gallery here.
Congratulations to our 2026 winners & finalists.
Woman Veterinarian of the Year
WINNER:
Dr Alison Taylor (Kippax Vet Clinic, ACT)
FINALISTS:
Dr Yoko Clinch (Roleystone Animal Hospital, WA)
Dr Georgia Ladmore (Orange Vet Hospital, NSW)
Excellence in Metropolitan Veterinary Services
WINNER:
Veterinary Dermatology Specialists (WA)
FINALISTS:
Vet HQ Veterinary Hospitals (NSW)
The Village Vet (NSW)
Excellence in Rural and Regional Veterinary Services
WINNER:
Sugarland Animal Hospital (QLD)
FINALISTS:
Monto Veterinary Group (QLD)
Longford and Northern Midlands Veterinary Services (TAS)
Veterinary Mentor or Educator of the Year
WINNER:
Asha Yeoman (Greencross Vet Hospital Werribee, VIC)
FINALISTS:
Dr Jeremy Watson (Brimbank Veterinary Clinic, VIC)
Dr Charles Kuntz (AEC Moorabbin, VIC)
SafetyNet Welfare and Wellbeing Champion
WINNER:
Dr Alicia Kennedy (Cherished Pets, VIC)
FINALISTS:
Jennifer Howard (Safe Pets Safe Families, SA)
Marisa Debattista (Second Chance Animal Rescue, VIC)
Team Member of the Year
WINNER:
Brooke McIntosh (Sugarland Animal Hospital, QLD)
FINALISTS:
Melissa Hall (AEC Gold Coast, QLD)
Melissa Shoard (SASH Western Sydney, NSW)
Special thanks to our 2026 sponsors.
Award categories.
Knowledge hub
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Awards evening
Friday 6 March 2026
Doltone House, Jones Bay Wharf, Pyrmont, Sydney NSW
Raise a glass and enjoy a seated meal with curated entertainment.
Scroll down to register your interest for complimentary event tickets.
Special guest speaker
Celeste Barber, Australia’s queen of relatable comedy, social media phenomenon and passionate advocate for everyday heroes, will feature in a headline interview-style comedy session. Together with host Mark Humphries, she’ll deliver a fresh, funny and emotionally resonant take on what it means to care, to lead and to laugh through life’s chaos – all tailored to the veterinary world.
Master of Ceremonies
Returning for the GOVAs’ second year as MC, Mark is an Australian satirist and comedian renowned for his incisive political satire and engaging media presence. He has served as the resident satirist on ABC’s 7.30 and hosted the quiz show Pointless. In July 2024, Humphries began hosting The 6.57pm News, a weekly satirical segment airing every Friday at the end of Seven’s 6 pm bulletins nationally.
2025 GOVAs winners.
Woman Veterinarian of the Year
Dr Elizabeth Thrift (The Pet Specialists)
“I’ve never felt seen like this in my 20 years in practice. It’s more than an award
– it’s recognition of who we are and why we do this work.”
Veterinary Practice of the Year
Wagga Wagga Veterinary Hospital
SafetyNet PetAssist™ Community Service
RSPCA NSW Hunter Veterinary Hospital
Veterinary Team Member of the Year
Ashleigh McIntosh (Greencross Vets Lawnton)
Register your interest
to attend the 2027 awards evening.
GOVA. Privacy Policy and Consent.
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See Collection Notice (APP 5) for information on how we handle personal information.
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