Veterinary Centenary Memorial Sculpture
To commemorate our centenary, the School of Veterinary Science is commissioning a life-size, bronze statue by renowned Melbourne artist, Peter Corlett. Peter's works are extensive and include Simpson and his donkey (at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra), Sir Henry Bolte and John Cain (near Treasury Place), Sir Edward "Weary" Dunlop (on St Kilda Road) and Phar Lap (at Flemington Racecourse).
The commissioned work, to be called "New Life", will depict an agricultural animal veterinarian, holding a newly delivered calf, while a kelpie watches the pair. Dr Val Sloss, who migrated from Latvia to Australia in the 50s, has agreed to be the inspiration for the veterinarian in the sculpture. Val is fondly remembered by graduates from the 60s, 70s and 80s, for his very practical approach to the teaching of obstetrics and rural practice and his empathy for animals, students and clients.
Val inspired many students, from both urban and rural backgrounds, to literally 'try their hand' at obstetrical and gynaecological tasks in cattle and other species and to undertake 'mixed practice' as their first job after graduation. Furthermore, Val has been very active in Latvian community, helping to preserve their cultural heritage, while simultaneously fostering closer ties with their 'new' Australian society.
"New Life" celebrates the centenary of the veterinary school at the University of Melbourne and the proud history that this encompasses. It also acknowledges the importance of veterinary science to agriculture and to rural life in our vast country. This was one of the founding credos of the school. It is still a major focus of our education and research programs and of the career aspirations of many of our young graduates.
"New Life" will be a lasting testament to our centenary year and its catch-phrase: "Learning from the past - Looking to the future".
The sculpture will be sited at the eastern end of the main lawn at the Veterinary Clinical Centre at Werribee (near the entrance to the main hospital reception). It will be completed by November 2009 and will be unveiled on Saturday 28 November, to which all alumni, donors and past and present staff will be invited. This will be the culmination of several events throughout the year, celebrating the centenary.
You can help bring this sculpture to life by donating to the Veterinary Centenary Memorial Sculpture Project. All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible and all gifts of $500 and over will be acknowledged on a special plaque. Donors contributing $50 or more will be acknowledged in a book recording details of the project.
Support the Veterinary Centenary Memorial Sculpture Project (PDF)
To see more photos of the "New Life" sculpture and the artist at work, download the New Life PowerPoint file.
For further details on how you can help please contact Professor Bruce Parry on 03 9731 2214, brucewp@unimelb.edu.au; or Peter Moran, Advancement Manager on 03 8001 2420, pgmoran@unimelb.edu.au.