Veterinary Centenary Memorial Sculpture
To commemorate our centenary, the School of Veterinary Science commissioned 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, called "New Life", depicts 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 1950s, 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.
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"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.
The sculpture was unveiled on the lawns of the Veterinary Clinical Centre at Werribee on Saturday 28 November 2009.
Alumni, past and present Faculty staff and special guests were present to see "New Life" unveiled by Dr Mark Lawrie, President of the Australian Veterinary Association. Special guests included Dr Val Sloss and his wife Mrs Astra Sloss. The Faculty was also privileged to have three past Deans attend – Professors Emeritus Douglas Blood, Kenneth Jubb and Ivan Caple – along with former lecturer Dr Clive Gay and his wife Mrs Carol Gay who travelled from the US to attend the celebrations.
In his address Professor Ken Hinchcliff, Dean of Veterinary Science, spoke of the tremendous achievements of the Faculty over the last 100 years. "The success of the School can be judged by the contribution that our staff and graduates have made all over the world, enhancing animal health and welfare, improving food safety and quality, and caring for animals that provide companionship to humans".
Dr Lawrie also praised the considerable contribution the Faculty has made to the veterinary profession."Today, our country's veterinary education system and the graduates it produces are in the cream of the world’s veterinary crop. This is typified by the school here at Melbourne which has accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Melbourne's veterinary graduates are recognised and indeed eagerly accepted worldwide".
Following the unveiling, guests mingled with old friends and colleagues over afternoon tea in Kendall Hall.
"New Life" will stand as a lasting testament to our Centenary year and remind those who come after us of the immense contributions of so many to make the School what it is.
Special thanks must be extended to Associate Professor Bruce Parry for his unstinting dedication in raising the funds needed to create the sculpture. The sculpture was funded through support of alumni, staff and friends of the Faculty. Donations are still being accepted. 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)
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.