Tristan Robinson - BA Veterinary Biology / BA Veterinary Science, 2011

Growing up on a beef farm in Northeast Victoria, Tristan's childhood was filled with caring for a menagerie of farm animals, which ignited his lifelong passion for veterinary science. “I’m from Victoria originally and grew up on a farm with all sorts of farm animals. We had sheep, cattle, horses, dogs and cats.”

This lifelong passion has seen him not only study veterinary science at Charles Sturt University, but go on to be a senior veterinarian and director at the Wagga Wagga Veterinary Hospital. From offering advice to pet owners, undertaking routine health checks and performing life-saving surgeries, Tristan has improved the quality of life for countless animals and earned the gratitude of families throughout the Riverina. It’s all in a day’s work for the passionate animal advocate. Even if the day’s work means facing the seemingly impossible task of rescuing a horse that’s become stuck in the mud!

His passion for animal care led him to pursue a Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science at Charles Sturt University, where he found not just an education but a sense of belonging within the tight-knit community of Wagga Wagga. During his time at Charles Sturt, Tristan participated in an equine ‘externship’ in Dubai, which provided him with a global perspective on veterinary challenges and instilled in him a deep appreciation for diversity and adaptability in animal care.

The life of a veterinarian is filled with diverse challenges and rewarding moments. Tristan highlighted the multifaceted nature of his work. "The main thing about veterinary science is that it’s about helping people. Working with animals is definitely enjoyable, especially the science behind it and problem-solving. It definitely has its challenges. You need to work hard and have lots of resilience. However, overall, the career is very interesting and definitely enjoyable."

Throughout his career, Tristan has encountered numerous memorable moments, including an incident where he played a pivotal role in rescuing a horse stuck in a muddy dam. Recounting this experience, he emphasised the importance of problem-solving and collaboration in veterinary practice.

"It’s not something they teach at university and you don’t read about it in a textbook. It was basically problem-solving – this horse was in a dam and we needed to solve the problem of how to get it out," he shared. Rescuing the horse with the help of local police and SES was an exciting challenge and something Tristan will never forget “It’s something that’s etched in my brain.”

Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Robinson emphasises the importance of resilience in the veterinary profession. "Persistence is key," he affirms, "You're not always going to have the outcome you wish for, but you must keep pushing forward." This resilience, coupled with a genuine love for animals and a commitment to community service, has propelled Dr. Robinson to the forefront of his field.

Tristan's dedication to his craft extends beyond the clinic walls, as he actively engages with the next generation of veterinarians, teaching final-year Charles Sturt University students at Wagga Wagga Veterinary Hospital. He is also a valued donor to the Charles Sturt Foundation Trust, contributing to scholarships that support aspiring veterinary students. His mentorship and guidance not only shape the future of the profession but also inspire young minds to pursue excellence and compassion in their practice.

“My day job as a vet means I am at the coal face of helping people and animals in need, which gives me great purpose,” Tristan said. “But outside of day-to-day work I love volunteer work, it’s the backbone of any community.”

“I’m a big advocate for veterinary science at Charles Sturt University. I want to continue to nurture the students and share some wisdom along the way. For me, it’s about giving back to the industry. I want to help improve the profession and also the mental health status of people in it. There is a lot of pressure on veterinarians.”

In 2023, Tristan's exemplary contributions to his profession and community were recognised when he was honoured with the Highly Commended Charles Sturt Young Alumni of the Year Award. Expressing his surprise and gratitude, Tristan remarked, "What a fantastic initiative by Charles Sturt University to recognise the positive impact of our alumni in the world we live in. This also shines a light on the importance of recognising why we do what we do, and that is to help others, learn and grow, share experiences and make the world a better place. Congratulations to all the other deserved award winners."

Tristan's journey from a farm in Victoria to becoming a respected veterinarian and director exemplifies the transformative power of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of excellence. His unwavering commitment to animal welfare, mentorship, and community involvement serves as an inspiration to aspiring veterinarians and showcases the profound impact of individuals dedicated to making the world a better place, one animal at a time.