Scott, Lyndal
BVSc (Qld 1963), Dip Ed (Melb 1975), MACVSc (1987)

Tributes flow on retirement of Victoria’s
Dr Lyndal Scott, BVSc (Qld 1963)

At the recent November Dinner Meeting of the Central Branch of the AVA’s Victorian Division, colleagues noted the retirement of Dr Lyndal Scott from being the first person to hold the position of Animal Welfare Officer at the University of Melbourne. Branch President Dr Andrew Turner paid warm tribute to Dr Scott as follows: “It would be difficult to find an individual who has done more to advance laboratory animal science and welfare in Melbourne than Lyn Scott. Lyn’s involvement with research commenced at Royal Melbourne Hospital in 1964/65.   This experience was invaluable for her teaching position at Footscray TAFE where she was employed (1975-1986) soon after new training courses for animal technicians were established in 1973 by TAFE in Victoria.  Lyn played an active role in the development of the Applied Science (Animal Technician) Certificate training course, contributing as Course Co-ordinator, Head of Study Area for all TAFE Animal Based Courses in Victoria, and chief protagonist for a National Core Curriculum.  She also served as Chairman of the Industry Advisory Committee after her appointment to The University of Melbourne.  Lyn was the first Animal Welfare Officer appointed to the University of Melbourne (1986) and the second in the State – the other universities soon followed.  As a pioneer in animal welfare in a major research institution Lyn was the ideal person to undertake the major shifts in attitude required to conform to the legislation and indeed recognise that good animal welfare is good science. Who else could take on those university dinosaurs and win.  Her confidence, conviction and charm enabled this to happen. As well, Lyn possessed good political instincts – absolutely essential in the university environment. Lyn has maintained an optimistic and enthusiastic approach to her work.  This has resulted in numerous useful teaching items - her anaesthetic video still has the best view of endotracheal intubation, and the animated diagrams must have driven the educational technology buffs crazy!  The success of this production lead to Careful how you hold me videos 1 and 2 (1986/7) - starring Lyn’s dog modelling euthanasia (a university best seller) - and later the CD (2000) by the same name.  Lyn also edited and contributed to Mouse Management - A Practical Guide to the Care of Laboratory Mice (1991), provided the major portion of the publication on Alternatives to the Use of Animal in Undergraduate Teaching in Australia and NZ (1993) and produced a suppliers Register for the laboratory animal industry.  Lyn’s energy in organising people has benefited Melbourne with speakers, conferences, seminars, articles, and training programs to promote laboratory animal science and welfare. She has been highly visible in ANZCCART, ANZLAS, AVA (both AVERT and Central Branch, Vic Div) and the AATA, serving terms as president of each of the last three. Her generosity in supporting animal technicians, animal house managers and veterinarians involved in the field are legend.  Many have benefited by Lyn’s mentoring.   All those involved in laboratory animal science have been enriched by her work and her many colleagues wish her a long, happy and fruitful retirement.

AVA Meritorious Service Award 1999