By LACHLAN MOORHEAD
It would seem that Doctor Dolittle has inspired a generation of aspiring veterinarians, particularly in Narre Warren North at the Australian College of Applied Animal Studies.
Director Liz Hoffman and the college students were excited to welcome the Minister for Higher Education Peter Hall this week who toured the stables, dog pool, surgery rooms and a host of other areas at the state-of-the-art facility.
Mr Hall, who visited the facility with representatives from Australian Council for Private Education and Training (ACPET), said the college was a unique school which effectively integrates animal care while teaching its veterinary students.
“I’m very impressed with this facility,” Mr Hall said.
“It’s certainly something that pet owners and animal owners around this region are well serviced by, with the hospital and the practice and the integrated learning facilities.”
Ms Hoffman said the college has gone from strength to strength since it started five years ago.
“It took me two years to set it all up by the time we got to audit and passed through audit. It’s set up actually for training,” she said.
“The emphasis was on providing a veterinary facility that was a one stop shop for everything.”
ACPET Deputy National Chair Mel Koumides said it was a pleasure to visit the college and speak to its students.
“We want to take this opportunity to bring the minister, who often is quite courageous in providing funding beyond just the public sector, to actually show what happens in the private sector as well,” he said.
Mr Hall repeated how important the animal college was for Narre Warren and the areas surrounding it.
“It’s certainly something that pet owners and animal owners around this region are well serviced by, with the hospital and the practice and the integrated learning facilities,” he said.
“I’m really impressed and my dog Molly might get a visit out here!”
