The annual Ricky Wilson Award represents the recognition by their peers of actively practising rural veterinarians who have consistently (for over 20 years) rendered an excellent service to clients and who have served as models and inspiration for fellow practitioners.

The award is not intended for academics, teachers, administrators or researchers.

The award is named in honour of Dr Ricky Wilson who believed that the most important role of the rural veterinarian is the empowerment of the producer so that the veterinarian and the farmer can work together as a team to improve profits.

Ricky Wilson was a dynamic, enthusiastic and inspirational veterinarian in private practice based at Caledon in the Western Cape. Ricky was one of the founders of the Rural Practitioners Group, the forerunner of the LHPG, which is now RuVASA. He served on the SAVA Federal Council in many capacities for many years and was instrumental in getting many committees started to broaden the scope of the impact and value of the South African Veterinary Association. He was very keen to start and maintain good liaison with the livestock industries and sister professions. Tragically he died at home as a result of an electrical fault, and, as a mark of respect, the LHPG decided to create the award and name it in his honour.

The award is presented by the RuVASA Chairperson to the recipient at the annual RuVASA Congress Gala Dinner.

1. Purpose

The Ricky Wilson Award recognises actively practicing rural veterinarians who have demonstrated long-term excellence in service to livestock producers and rural communities.

The award reflects the philosophy of Dr Ricky Wilson, who believed that the most important role of the rural veterinarian is the empowerment of the producer, enabling veterinarians and farmers to work together as a team to improve farm productivity and profitability.

This award aims to:

• Recognise outstanding rural veterinary practitioners.
• Celebrate veterinarians who serve as role models and inspiration to their peers.
• Promote the values of collaboration between veterinarians and producers.

2. Background

The Ricky Wilson Award was established by the Rural Practitioners Group (the predecessor of **Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa (RuVASA)) in honour of Dr Ricky Wilson.

Dr Wilson was a dynamic and inspirational veterinarian in private practice based in Caledon. He was a founding member of the Rural Practitioners Group and served for many years on the Federal Council of the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA). His contributions included promoting collaboration with livestock industries and strengthening the impact and value of the veterinary profession.

Following his tragic death due to an electrical fault at his home, the Rural Practitioners Group created this award as a tribute to his legacy.

The award has been presented annually since 2002, subject to the availability of a suitable candidate.

3. Eligibility Criteria

3.1 Eligible Candidates

To be considered for the Ricky Wilson Award, a nominee must:

• Be an actively practicing rural veterinarian.
• Have consistently rendered excellent service for at least 20 years.
• Demonstrate a meaningful impact on rural veterinary practice and livestock producers.
• Serve as a model and inspiration to fellow practitioners.

3.2 Ineligible Candidates

The award is not intended for individuals whose primary roles are:

• Academics
• Teachers
• Administrators
• Researchers

Other awards within the South African Veterinary Association recognise excellence in those fields.

3.3 Membership

• Membership of Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa is not required.
• Membership of South African Veterinary Association is not a prerequisite.
• Any nominee must be a veterinarian registered with the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).

3.4 Repeat Awards

The Ricky Wilson Award may not be presented to the same individual more than once.

4. Call for Nominations

An electronic call for nominations will be distributed to members of Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa 90 days prior to the RuVASA Congress.

4.1 Who May Nominate

Any SAVC-registered veterinarian may submit a nomination.

4.2 Submission Method

All nominations must be submitted electronically to the RuVASA Chairperson or the designated email address communicated in the call for nominations.

5. Required Nomination Information

Each nomination must include the following information:

1. Name of Candidate
   (Full name and surname)
2. Email Address of Candidate
3. Membership Status
   Indicate whether the candidate is a member of:
   • The South African Veterinary Association
   • Ruminant Veterinary Association of South Africa
4. Concise Motivation
   A brief written motivation demonstrating the nominee’s:
   • professional impact
   • contribution to rural veterinary practice
   • influence on colleagues and livestock producers
5. Proposer Information
   • Full name of the proposer
   • Email address

6. Selection Process

6.1 Evaluation

All valid nominations will be reviewed by:

• The RuVASA Directors
• The RuVASA Central Committee

6.2 Selection Criteria

The committee will consider:

• Length and consistency of rural veterinary service
• Professional reputation among peers
• Contribution to producer empowerment
• Influence on the veterinary profession
• Inspiration to fellow practitioners

6.3 Decision

The committee will select one recipient per year, provided a suitable candidate is identified.

7. Award Presentation

7.1 Presentation Event

The award will be presented by the RuVASA Chairperson at the RuVASA Congress Gala Dinner.

7.2 Recognition at SAVA Congress

Every second year, the names of the two most recent Ricky Wilson Award recipients will be announced (but not formally presented) during the awards ceremony at the South African Veterinary Association Congress Gala Dinner, as approved by the SAVA Federal Council.

8. Award Benefits

The award recipient will receive:

• Travel costs to the RuVASA Congress (for one person)
• Accommodation (single or double room)
• Two tickets to the Gala Dinner

These costs will be financed by RuVASA.

9. Physical Award

The award will consist of:

• A framed certificate or
• An engraved glass plaque

The physical award will be presented to the recipient and may be retained by them.

The RuVASA Congress Event Organiser for the relevant year is responsible for arranging the certificate or plaque.

10. Record of Recipients

Recipients over the past years include:

• Dr Danie Odendaal
• Dr Luis Schwalbach
• Dr Tod Collins
• Dr At Viljoen
• Dr Clive Marwick
• Dr Alan Fisher
• Dr Roland Larson
• Dr Jannie van der Merwe
• Dr Francois van Niekerk