April Newsletter

While all eyes are on Canberra as the federal election campaign continues, we know that many of your communities, clients, and team members may still be mopping up after being directly impacted by recent flood events in Queensland and northern NSW.

From Vets for Climate Action, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your dedication to our animals (and the people who love them), and for your tireless work on the frontlines of emergency care. We know your hard work and compassion make an incredible difference during such difficult events. 

For those of you still impacted, or assisting with the flood response, the AVA has arranged a free Queensland Flood Hotline for veterinarians and flood-impacted graziers. The phone hotline is operated by volunteer AVA members who are experienced production animal veterinarians.

QLD Floods Veterinarians Hotline - 1800 621 918

Until we take the steps to reduce human-driven climate pollution, extreme heat, longer bushfire seasons, worsening floods and storms, and the rise of new diseases will continue their devastating toll on our pets, our wildlife, our livestock. 

This is why we are calling for the future government to end all new fossil fuel projects and increase in support for renewable energy and electrification. We invite you to join our call: your voice, your vote, and your advocacy matter. 

Contents:

> News
> Upcoming Events
> Volunteer Opportunities
> In case you missed it...
> From our partners


News

A Powerful Gathering of Veterinary Voices for Climate Action

We held the successful Veterinary Voices to Parliament event, on 27 March 2025, co-hosted with The Hon. Mr. Milton Dick MP, Speaker of the House of Representatives.  

The event was attended by a number of Members of Parliament across the political spectrum as well as veterinary colleagues and friends. We send our thanks to the veterinary professionals came together in Canberra to demand strong climate action for the animals we love, and those of you who donated to fund the event. 

We screened our powerful video: Veterinary Voices on the Frontline of Climate Change and unveiled our policy priorities. You can read these real, impactful solutions government must adopt to protect animals, ecosystems, and communities in more detail here

What’s Next? We Need Your Voice!

The event was very timely - sandwiched between the budget and the election announcement! That's why we’re asking you to help spread the word by writing to your electoral candidates. You can find a list of ALL candidates in the election on the ABC's website here.

We have prepared an email template and we'd like you to tell them:

✅ You are voting for strong climate action because it directly impacts animals, people, and the places we love.
✅ You want an end to fossil fuel expansion and urgent investment in renewables to safeguard our future.
✅ You support stronger environmental protections to prevent habitat destruction and species loss.
✅ You believe vets should be supported through a National Animal Disaster Fund, ensuring animals receive the care they need in times of crisis.


We're partnering with Bova AUS!

We’re proud to announce a partnership between Bova AUS and Vets for Climate Action, championing sustainability in veterinary care. Together, we’re working towards a cleaner future for animals, vets, and our planet.

Bova AUS’ commitment goes beyond medicine—Bova AUS is dedicated to improving animal welfare through innovative, high-quality compounded veterinary medicines. With over 50 years of expertise, Bova AUS supports vets with tailored medications, CPD webinars, and practical tools.

Their world-class facility ensures stringent quality standards, and CPD webinars, resources, and tools support veterinary professionals. Through its recent Investors in the Environment (IIE) Bronze sustainability audit, Bova AUS committed to addressing its packaging, implementing change at its Cronulla based sites such as staff recycling, waste management plans, changing to renewable energy, supply chain analysis, with more plans to be implemented, with an overall aim of net zero by 2050. Read more here.


Upcoming Events 

April Masterclass Online

Join us on Tuesday, 29 April 2025 at 7pm AEST / 5pm AWST and Paul Ainsworth, CEO and founder of the Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business, following up his last Masterclass on Goal Setting.

​Register now to hear from the premier provider of leadership and development training for veterinary professionals. The Lincoln Institute's innovative approach enhances team engagement, accountability, and productivity, directly impacting veterinary businesses through improved financial performance and reduced staff turnover.


NSW Northern Beaches Vet Summit - 3 May

Vets for Climate Action is delighted to be attending a brand-new one-day veterinary conference hosted by The Pet Specialists on the 3rd of May, 2025, at Q Station, Manly: Northern Beaches Vet Summit.

The Pet Specialists have put together a fantastic line up of speakers. Check out the program here and if you're in the area, make sure to register for this exciting event! 


AVA Annual Conference - Sydney  

We are excited to be attending the 2025 AVA Conference: Cutting Through at the International Convention Centre (ICC Sydney), with a stand on the exhibition floor. 

And Day 4 Thursday, 15 May at 3pm Room C3.2, Level 2, Dr Jeremy Watson is presenting Making a better planet is better for your business: How you can use Net Zero to deliver better animal health, profitability, team purpose and client value. 
Make sure to add this to your conference agenda, and the other climate topics including Caitlin Pfeiffer's Veterinary Climate Action: Perspectives from the literature and Australia's veterinary clinic staff immediately following Jeremy in the same room at 4pm!

Volunteer Spotlight

Meet Terry – a valued and inspirational VfCA volunteer! 

In 2021, Terry joined Vets for Climate Action as a volunteer, proudly calling the group ‘her tribe’. Since then, she has played a key role on our Climate Care Program Advisory Committee and delivered inspiring lectures at national conferences, championing sustainable veterinary practices.

Terry’s passion for climate action dates back to the 1980s, when she recognised climate change as an animal welfare issue. A lifelong learner and seasoned veterinary nurse, she now teaches animal care and veterinary nursing at South Metropolitan TAFE.

Living on timbered acreage in regional WA with dog Millie, two indoor cats, Kimba and Zelda, and husband Mark, Terry draws daily inspiration from the natural world she works so hard to protect. We are incredibly grateful for her dedication, wisdom, and tireless advocacy. 


THANK YOU, Terry, for everything you do! 


Volunteer Opportunities

If you are passionate about animals and climate action, like Terry, and enjoy speaking to and spending time with like-minded people, join us as a volunteer at Veterinary Science Week 2025 on the Gold Coast: 24 - 26 July 2025.
We have plenty of volunteer opportunities - from event attendance, presenting, writing important articles and advising our programs! You can register your interest to volunteer here, email Clare at [email protected] or visit our stand at the 2025 AVA Conference!

In case you missed it...

Watch our March Masterclass with Dr Caitlin Wood, Program Development Manager for our new initiative: the Equine Emissions Reduction Program. 

The Australian Equine Veterinary sector has a significant opportunity to lead in the shift toward sustainable veterinary practices. The emerging VfCA Equine Emissions Reduction Program aims to educate and empower equine veterinarians and related professionals to adopt strategies that provide more sustainable care, reduce carbon emissions, and advocate for climate action within the broader equine community and industries. 


Greater Springfield Veterinary's journey to carbon neutrality was featured in ASAV's Companion Q1 featuring key volunteer Dr Annaliese Johnson. 

The Conversation explored how Vets for Climate Action and other unconventional climate advocates can reach new audiences

CVS Australia joins our Climate Care Program, as profiled in The Australian Veterinarian

Sierra Magazine explained how Your Pet’s Health Is Tied to Climate Change, Just Like Yours with help from Vets for Climate Action, and our US-based friends Veterinary Sustainability Alliance and Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. 

Covetrus' 2025 Veterinary Industry Trends report highlights economic conditions and staffing challenges are top concerns for veterinary professionals. Dr Jeremy Watson highlights cost-saving opportunities, new revenue streams, and build a sense of purpose within the team in adopting environmentally sustainable practices. 

Volunteer Dr Janet Berry asks us to follow the science in her opinion piece published in the Tasmanian Times

BOVA Group has published its 2024 Sustainability Report, positioning them as a pioneer in their field, and setting a benchmark for responsibility and innovation that they hope will inspire others

Specialist medical lender Credabl and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) are empowering veterinary, medical and dental professionals to invest in energy-efficient solutions with the launch of Green Loans. Credabl offers veterinary providers reduced interest rates to facilitate the adoption of eco-friendly assets. 


From our partners...

The Vet Nurses Council of Australia's Student Hub Now Open!

The VNCA Student Hub is now open, providing dedicated support and resources for student veterinary nurses and technologists!

To celebrate the launch, the VNCA is offering an incredible deal—students can join at 50% off the full student membership fee and receive extended membership until 30 June 2026. Don't miss out—this special offer is only available to those who join before 1 May 2025. Secure your discounted membership today: Join here.


Vets for Climate Action is powered by passionate professionals committed to protecting animal health, our environment, and the future we all share. To continue attending key industry events like the AVA Conference, growing our impact, and driving meaningful climate action, we need your support. Your donation—no matter the size—helps us educate, advocate, and lead the way towards sustainable veterinary care. Please consider contributing today to help us keep up the momentum.


We, and the animals, thank you for your ongoing support.

Warm regards

Steff Goldring
Chief Executive Officer

p.s. The election is just around the corner, and your voice matters more than ever. We've made it easy with a ready-to-go email template—let your local candidates know that strong climate action is a vote for animals, people, and our shared future.