On Thursday 18 December 2025, the AVT community came together for a truly special evening to celebrate our 2025 Veterinary Nursing graduates. Surrounded by family, friends, trainers, and supporters, the night was filled with pride, emotion, and a strong sense of achievement as we recognised the hard work and dedication of our graduating cohorts.
The ceremony was a heartfelt reflection on the journeys our students have taken, from their first days of study through to reaching this significant milestone. It was inspiring to pause and acknowledge the resilience, commitment, and compassion each graduate has shown along the way, and to look ahead to the meaningful careers that now lie before them.
Becoming a veterinary nurse requires more than academic knowledge alone. It calls for compassion, adaptability, perseverance and a genuine commitment to animal welfare. Throughout their studies, our graduates balanced theory, hands-on training and workplace experience, often alongside work and personal responsibilities.
The evening also featured thoughtful speeches from AVT Trainers and Assessors, reflecting on the growth they have witnessed in their students throughout their training.
As always, it was the Student Representatives who captured the hearts of the room, sharing personal reflections on behalf of their cohorts and bringing laughter, gratitude, and a few happy tears. A special thank you to Madison Lamb and Jacqui Howlett (pictured) for representing your fellow graduates with such authenticity and pride.
Alongside the presentation of certificates, we proudly announced our annual special recognition awards, including the Student of the Year Award. This award celebrates students who have demonstrated excellence across their studies, strong practical skills, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to animal welfare and veterinary nursing.
We extend our warmest congratulations to all of our 2025 graduates, including those who were unable to attend the ceremony on the night. Your achievements are something to be incredibly proud of, and you will always be a valued part of the AVT community.
As you move forward into the next chapter of your careers, we cannot wait to see where your paths lead. Whether you are stepping straight into the industry or continuing your learning journey, we know you will make a positive difference to the lives of animals, clients and teams along the way. Your journey is just beginning, and we are so proud to have been part of it.
Congratulations to the graduates of 2025!
Lara Akkermans, Sulet Graffin, Lachlan Ward, Madison Lamb and Fiona Czaikowski (left to right)
2025 Veterinary Nursing Graduate Award Winners
- Lachlan Ward: Student of the Year for Veterinary Nursing
- Lara Akkermans: Certificate of Merit for Vet Nursing (On-Campus Studies On-Campus)
- Fiona Czaikowski: Certificate of Merit for Vet Nursing (eLearning)
- Madison Lamb: Workplace Excellence Award
- Sulet Graffin: Award of Excellence (sponsored by Lawnswood)
Lachlan Ward with Caitlyn Nicholson (AVT)
Lara Akkermans with Dr Liz Woodberry (AVT)
Fiona Czaikowski with Chloe Morley (AVT)
Madison Lamb with Dr Kate Radford (AVT)
Sulet Graffin with Caitlyn Nicholson (AVT)
AVT proudly celebrates the next generation of veterinary nurses
As Perth’s dedicated animal care college and registered training organisation, AVT is proud to provide students with high quality training, strong industry connections, and meaningful career pathways. More than 80% of our veterinary nursing graduates secure employment during their studies or shortly after graduating, reflecting the practical focus and industry relevance of our programs. Through close collaboration with professional partners, we ensure our training meets the evolving needs of the veterinary industry across Australia, while giving students access to mentors, workplaces and real world experience as they learn.
AVT courses are delivered online, blended or on campus, offering flexible study options to suit different lifestyles and career goals. On campus places are highly competitive and include hands on workplace training with some of Perth’s leading veterinary and animal care organisations, including the RSPCA, Dogs’ Refuge Home, Cat Haven and Landsdale Farm.
Our students benefit from learning environments, resources and practical experiences that are difficult to find elsewhere. These opportunities play a key role in preparing students for the realities of veterinary nursing and are a major reason aspiring animal care professionals choose to study with AVT.
Completing a qualification at AVT is more than earning a certificate. It is a journey of growth, confidence building and skill development that prepares students for long term careers in animal care. Having completed their studies and demonstrated their capability in both theory and practice, our 2025 graduates can look ahead to bright and rewarding futures. We extend our sincere congratulations to every graduate, and our thanks to the families, friends and supporters who helped them reach this milestone.
For those considering their own pathway into veterinary nursing, the Certificate II in Animal Care – Veterinary Nursing Pathway provides a strong foundation. This course is designed for aspiring veterinary nurses and focuses on building essential skills and knowledge through practical and simulated learning environments.
Appreciation and thank you
We’d like to thank the supporting industry partners we work with including many of Perth’s leading veterinary hospitals, welfare organisations, wildlife and rehabilitation centres, kennels, catteries, animal day care centres and other animal-related businesses. We couldn’t do it without you!
Thank you also to the Lawnswood for sponsoring the Award of Excellence.
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