Southern Cross University has unveiled a new veterinary training facilities in the Northern Rivers, a move aimed at strengthening the pipeline of veterinarians in one of Australia’s key agricultural regions and supporting local communities that rely on animal health services.
Regional Australia continues to face persistent shortages of veterinarians, particularly in rural and large-animal practice. The shortage has flow-on effects for farm productivity, animal welfare and the nation’s biosecurity resilience, with regional producers often travelling long distances or waiting extended periods for veterinary care.
The new facilities at Southern Cross University are designed to expand training capacity and deepen connections between students, regional veterinary practices and the agricultural sector.
Professor Jon Hill, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Southern Cross University, said the purpose-built facilities strengthen the University’s commitment to building the veterinary workforce in the Northern Rivers.
“We know veterinary workforce shortages are not simply about the number of graduates – they are about where those graduates choose to practise,” Professor Hill said.
“By strengthening our veterinary training facilities here in the Northern Rivers, we are reinforcing a regionally anchored training pipeline and giving students greater exposure to the communities and industries that need them most.
“This approach also aligns closely with the Universities Accord’s focus on workforce outcomes and place-based solutions.”
The refurbished spaces will support contemporary teaching, clinical training and industry engagement. The university says the facilities are intended to enhance the student learning experience while strengthening partnerships with regional veterinary clinics and livestock producers.
For communities across the Northern Rivers and surrounding agricultural districts, the investment is expected to help address long-standing workforce gaps by encouraging graduates to build careers locally.
Federal Member for Page, the Hon Kevin Hogan MP, said strengthening the veterinary workforce in regional communities is critical.
“Regional communities like ours depend on a strong local veterinary workforce. When students train in the regions, they are far more likely to stay and build their careers in regional communities,” Mr Hogan said.
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