Nicholls, Julia Mary 
BVSc (Glasgow 1975) PhD (Glasgow 1978). She has owned her own practice in Adelaide since 1983. as contributed significantly to the Australian Veterinary Association as Policy Councillor 1983, Deputy President 1983, President SA Division 1986
Chairman Continuing Education subcommittee 1987-1989
Founder President of Employed Veterinarians in Private Practice
Committee member of Small Animal Practitioner s Branch (1982 -84)
Long time provider of veterinary advice on South Australian radio programmes on behalf of the Australian Veterinary Association
Executive member and Editor , Feline Association of South Australia
Served on Veterinary Surgeons Board of South Australia 1987 -1993 ( 1st woman to be appointed to Board)
Delegate to ALP State Convention 1993
A very popular, practical, interactive and successful small animal practitioner.
The first female South Australian Board member was Dr Julia Nicholls, who was appointed in 1987 for a 3 year term. Dr Nicholls continued as a Member or Deputy Member continuously until 1999, and in 2002 was reappointed for a further 3 year term. During her time as a Member of the Board, Dr Nicholls was very active in all aspects of Board responsibilities, including registration of veterinary surgeons, disciplinary procedures, development of standards, and practice and policy development. Her contribution in all areas has always been reflective of current developments within the profession, and the need to maintain and uphold professional ethics, conduct and standards to retain public confidence in the profession. Dr Nicholls was also active with a number of committees associated with the Board during her long involvement with the Board (such as the Geographic Practice Names; Complaints Committee) and when not involved with the Board, is one of very few veterinary surgeons prepared to voluntarily give her time and professional expertise in providing second opinions in complaints before the Board.
In addition, Dr Nicholls has willingly provided her time and expertise in mentoring overseas veterinarians to assist them in meeting the standards required for registration in Australia. This is a contribution not normally expected of Board members.
From 2000 to the present, Dr Nicholls has also made a valuable contribution as South Australia’s representative on the Australian Veterinary Board Council (AVBC). This is a role not recognized in any way and is a voluntary commitment, involving significant amounts of time and expertise.
Dr Nicholls has been a strong advocate for South Australia at meetings and is well respected within this national arena as one who is committed to continuing high standards and ethical conduct across the profession. Furthermore, Dr Nicholls has been a member of the Executive Committee of the AVBC, and in this capacity has taken a decision making role in many important national issues, again in a voluntary capacity (eg accreditation of particular veterinary schools, support for National Veterinary Examination candidates etc). Dr Nicholls has also been a member of and chaired many working parties of this national body (such as that considering the role of training and accreditation of veterinary nurses within the profession), which again attests to the level of her contribution going well beyond that which is considered normal.
In addition, Dr Nicholls has volunteered her time for a number of other Committees relevant to the veterinary profession in South Australia, including the Controlled Substances Advisory Council associated with the South Australian Department of Health. This is a role Dr Nicholls is continuing, and as such she provides advice on the role and responsibilities of the veterinary profession in relation to controlled substances and scheduled drugs to both the Board and the Department of Health on a voluntary basis.
Dr Nicholls is also involved with the Animal Welfare League in South Australia, owns the Prospect Road Veterinary Hospital, and is a respected judge of show cats.