A further update on what's next at Vets for Climate Action

Last week we shared some significant news about the future of Vets for Climate Action, and we wanted to make sure it reached everyone in our community.

If you missed our update, here's a brief summary of what we announced - and what's coming next.

VfCA is transitioning to the Australian Veterinary Environmental Alliance (AVEA)

After careful consideration and consultation, the organisation will transition to the Australian Veterinary Environmental Alliance (AVEA). This is more than a rebrand: it reflects a strategic evolution of our mission, broadening our focus while staying true to the values and purpose at our core.

We'll be sharing much more detail about what AVEA means, what it will look like, and how you can be part of it at our Town Hall on Thursday 18 June at 7pm AEST. We'd love to see you there.

Staffing

On the staffing front, there are two changes:

• Steff Goldring will conclude her tenure as CEO on 10 July 2026. Steff has been the driving force behind so much of what VfCA has achieved over recent years, and we are deeply grateful for her extraordinary leadership, passion and dedication to the animals and profession we all care about.
• Dr Caitlin Wood will conclude her current contract as Program Development Manager (Equine) on 24 July 2026. Caitlin's contribution to the Sustainable Equine Futures program has been groundbreaking, and invaluable, and we thank her warmly for everything she has brought to that work.

What's next for our Programs

We want to be clear: our programs are not going away. We know there are important conversations to be had about our programs over the next 12 months and what's realistic to achieve with our volunteer resources. We look forward to having exactly that conversation: at the Town Hall and beyond.

Climate Care Program

The Climate Care Program remains one of VfCA's most meaningful achievements, a result in large part to the incredible commitment of our long-term volunteers. The Program will continue under AVEA, and we are focused on building on the momentum that's already there, including the excellent feedback we've received on the recent upgrade to the introductory module. Dr Jeremy Watson remains committed to leading the Advisory Committee and supporting clinics on their sustainability journey. 

Sustainable Equine Futures (SEF)

Dr Caitlin Wood will complete the Climate Care Program: Equine Edition online modules by mid-July, a significant milestone for the SEF program.

Looking ahead, SEF pilot practices will continue to be ably supported by Dr Catherine Chicken and the SEF Advisory Committee through:

• Ongoing online access to SEF resources
• Six-weekly touch-base meetings 
• Peer-to-peer engagement, including facilitated introductions between practices

SEF webinars and focus groups will continue every 2–3 months, with a focus on practical sustainability topics for equine practices. 

Masterclasses

Our Masterclass series continues — with Masterclasses running from July 2026 on alternating months to the Sustainable Equine Series webinars. Our next Masterclass is on Wed, 29 July at 7pm AEST, with VfCA founder Dr Jeannet Kessels joining us to talk about the World Veterinary Environmental Alliance and its growing global network. We can't wait.

We invite your contribution and involvement in our programs so please reach out. More information about specific roles will be shared soon. 

Join us: Town Hall — Thursday 18 June, 7pm AEST

There is a lot to talk about, and we want to do that together. Please join us online on Thursday 18 June at 7pm AEST for our community Town Hall with the Board, and key volunteers, to share updates on our programs and AVEA, and there will be plenty of time for your questions and ideas.

This is your community, and your voice matters deeply as we shape what comes next.

Date: Thursday 18 June 2026
Time: 7pm AEST
Where: Online via Zoom

Thank you, as always, for your support, your passion and your commitment to a more sustainable future for animals and the profession. We are so grateful to be doing this work alongside you.

With gratitude,

Dr Catherine Harper on behalf of the Board, Dr Jeannet Kessels, Dr Helen Scott-Orr AM PSM, & Mr Wayne Wescott

Vets for Climate Action
www.vfca.org.au