November update: Climate wins and next steps
Christmas is only 31 sleeps, but there is little time to sleep on climate. The Government aims to pass its environmental law reforms by the end of the year. In its current form, the proposed legislation does not protect nature. The draft legislation fails to consider climate pollution or require decision-makers to consider the impact of climate harm from project approvals, as an example. You can have your say by writing a submission to the Government - the Climate Council has some helpful tips here.
There is some good news coming out of COP30 in Brazil, the annual UN meeting to discuss and negotiate climate policies: Australia has signed the Belém Declaration on the Transition away from Fossil Fuels, the strongest statement on fossil fuels from any Australian This acknowledges that our legally binding obligation to limit heating to 1.5 means no new fossil fuel projects. Our role now is to hold our Government accountable to this.
And it is possible. While the Nationals and Liberals have abandoned Net Zero, creating unnecessary uncertainty for business and investment, the clean energy transition is accelerating. With 4 million rooftop solar installations in Australia, and the renewable technology and infrastructure improving - we can phase out coal and gas. In fact, new modelling study suggests that Australia’s household energy bills will halve by 2050, through wide adoption of solar, batteries, and EVs. And, eligible apartment and townhouse residents can now access solar rebates of up to $2,800 through the Victorian Government’s Solar for Apartments program — helping reduce bills and emissions.
Now, it's time to ensure the Government matches this momentum, phase out coal and gas, and deliver the climate action our animals, communities and Pacific neighbours desperately need.
Contents:
> News
> Events
> Volunteer Opportunities
> In case you missed it...
> From our partners
News
Climate Care Programme: Aotearoa New Zealand
Following the success of our Australian program, we're excited to partner with the New Zealand Veterinary Association, Vet Sustain UK, and VetSalus to release a version of the Climate Care Programme specifically created for New Zealand veterinary teams.
Do you want to:
- improve the sustainability of your practice?
- attract more values-aligned staff?
- reduce operating costs in your business?
- create a better world for animals, people, and the environment?
Then the Climate Care Programme is for you!
Learn more about the Programme from Dr Jane Ough, NZVA Climate Change Ambassador, and co-developer for NZ.
As a special thank you to our early adopters, we're offering 30% off for anyone who signs up for the Programme this month. Enter the code NZCHAMPS to claim your discount before 30 November!
And, if you would like to be part of our team and share further sustainable steps in NZ, make sure to keep reading for an exciting opportunity...
A Celebration of Our Zero Heroes
As ZerOctober, our month of veterinary sustainability, drew to a close, we gathered online to share inspiring stories, and recognise the dedication of our growing Climate Care community and celebrate their actions!
A HUGE congratulations to all our winners:
🏅 Outstanding Individual Effort Award: Shalinie Navaratne at Brimbank Veterinary Clinic for going above and beyond: planting trees, creating a video highlighting the practice's sustainable steps and her day-to-day actions...
🏅 Sustainable Practice Award – celebrating clinics leading the way in climate smart operations: Grantham Street Veterinary Clinic who introduced recycling with Royan Canin, air drying, less plastic products and learning to reduce their isoflurane use.
🏅 Innovation Award – highlighting creative and practical solutions to reduce waste or emissions: Wattle Grove Veterinary Hospital for almost halving their emissions through simple steps like upgrading the water heater, turning off machines and lights, recycling, composting and more...
🏅 Team Spirit Award – recognising the power of collaboration in driving change: Emergency Vets 24/7 (Cairns) for their staff beach clean up at Holloways Beach!
🎉 Congratulations to all our Zero Heroes! 🎉
Here's to another year of progress, and we look forward to what's ahead as our community continues to lead the way towards a sustainable, climate-resilient future for animals and the people who care for them!
In addition to celebrating our wonderful Zero Heroes, in our ZerOctober Masterclass, we take you through how to take measurable climate action in your practice and calculate your carbon footprint.
We cover:
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How to interpret your clinic energy and gas bills
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How to measure your isoflurane and electricity use
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How to start tracking your emissions this year so you can compare progress in 2026
Whether your clinic is just starting its sustainability journey or already making strides, this masterclass will give you the tools and confidence to take the next step.
Sustainable Equine Futures Update
In October, Drs Caitlin Wood and Catherine Chicken hit the road, visiting Tamworth and the Upper Hunter, and meeting with and presenting to the Scone Equine group and Tamworth Equine Vet Centre. While there they also delivered a 30-minute presentation updating the Upper Hunter AVA Regional Group on the Sustainable Equine Futures program.
If you'd like to learn more about the Program, reach out to Caitlin on [email protected]
Events
We would like to warmly extend an invitation to join our AGM (via zoom) on:
Monday, 1 December 2025 from 6:30pm AEDT / 5:30pm AEST / 3:30pm AWST
This is an opportunity to hear about VfCA's achievements over the past year, and outlook for 2026.
The Notice and Agenda for the AGM is available here. You don't need to be a member to attend the AGM but only our members are entitled to vote.
If you are not currently a member, you are invited to become one today!
Earlier this year, inspired by natural forces, our membership program was updated to deepen members' connection with our work and amplify our collective impact, and plant native trees!
Joining is simple – just visit www.vfca.org.au/membership to select your annual membership tier and be part of our next chapter.
In case you missed it!
In our November Masterclass, Dr Caitlin Pfeiffer presented From Literature to Action: How research in Veterinary Climate Action is Informing Practice Change.
About the Presenter:
Dr Caitlin Pfeiffer is a veterinarian, researcher, and dedicated advocate for sustainable veterinary practice. Caitlin brings a deep passion for the health of animals, people and the environments we all share. With experience across clinical practice, academia, and climate-focused veterinary leadership, she understands the real-world pressures veterinary teams face — and the powerful role our profession can play in responding to climate change.
In this webinar, Dr Pfeiffer who leads the University of Melbourne’s Veterinary Climate Action research program shares current evidence on:
- How clients value sustainability in veterinary practices
- The perspectives of clinical staff in the USA, UK and Australia
- The role of veterinary schools and veterinary students in progressing climate action
- The role YOU can play in supporting and contributing to research efforts
♻️ National Recycling Week!
National Recycling Week (11–17 November) has been and gone, but it is never too late to take stock of our habits and make small changes that make a big difference.
At Vets for Climate Action, we know that sustainability starts with simple, everyday choices — and recycling is one of the easiest ways to reduce waste and protect our planet for animals, people, and nature.
Every week, we’re encouraging our community to look around their homes and workplaces and ask:
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What can be reused, repurposed, or recycled instead of thrown away?
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Could your clinic set up a recycling station for soft plastics, batteries, or printer cartridges?
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Can you switch to recycled paper, refillable pens, or sustainable cleaning products?
And if you’re cleaning out cans, bottles, or containers — you can make your recycling go even further!
Many recycling programs, including Container Deposit Schemes, allow you to donate the refund directly to your chosen charity. Simply search for Vets for Climate Action in your local recycling app or drop-off point and choose to donate your refund to help us continue our work supporting a climate-resilient veterinary profession.
Every 10c container can help fund education, advocacy, and practical sustainability tools for vets and clinics around Australia — proving that small actions really do add up to big impact.
Let’s make this National Recycling Week count — for the planet, for the animals we care for, and for a more sustainable future for us all.
Visit our website to learn how you can Recycle AND Donate to Vets for Climate Action!
Volunteer Opportunities
Are you the marketing rockstar we're looking for?
We're looking to expand our team to include a (volunteer) Marketing and Business Development Manager (1 day/week, remote-friendly!) to help grow the Climate Care Program.
While this will initially be a volunteer role, it is designed to become paid as the program achieves financial sustainability. It's perfect for someone wanting to make a real environmental impact while potentially building their next career opportunity!
If you are interested or know someone who is, you're very welcome to contact Steff at [email protected]
Want to turn your love for animals into climate action?
We are looking for our very first NZ Climate Care Programme Co-ordinator!
Join our Climate Care Programme team as our NZ Coordinator! This volunteer role is perfect for someone who:
- Loves connecting people and ideas
- Gets excited about sustainability
- Wants to make vet practices climate champions
- Has a day a week to give back
You'll organise fun lunch and learns, respond to enquiries, grow our NZ presence, and help veterinary teams become environmental heroes.
It's flexible, it's remote, and you can even share it with friends!
Ready to be part of something special?
Please see more details in the position description
To express interest in the role, please email Steff Goldring, CEO at [email protected], with your CV. We can't wait to here from you!
Volunteer at events!
Volunteers will chat with attendees about the work VfCA is doing, sign people up to our mailing list or invite others to volunteer! We will host a briefing prior to the events to get you up to speed. To register your interest, or with any questions please email Clare at [email protected]
We love hearing from you!
Got a story, tip, or news or event to share? Email us at [email protected] — your ideas and support keep this community strong.
From our partners
32nd VNCA Conference Brisbane - Education Program and Online Registration now available!
On behalf of the of the Conference Committee, the VNCA are pleased to announce that online registration and the education program for the 32nd VNCA Conference are now available.
‘Waves of change – empowering our profession’ calls on veterinary nurses and technologists to unite, embrace transformation, and lead the way in forging the future of our industry.
This conference is your gateway to cutting-edge education, hands-on learning, and meaningful connections with peers and industry leaders. With an inspiring lineup of speakers – including International Keynote Speaker Laura Jones - interactive workshops, networking functions, and a showcase of the latest innovations from sponsors, together you can ride the currents of change, foster collaboration, and empower one another to achieve professional excellence!
Register now and start planning your attendance at the 32nd VNCA Conference - we are looking forward to seeing you in Brisbane next year!
For enquiries, please contact the conference team at the VNCA Office by emailing [email protected]
To register now and view the program click below!
I hope to see you online at our AGM as we reflect on the year that's been and share our plans for 2026.
Warm regards,
Steff Goldring
Chief Executive Officer
E: [email protected]
W: www.vfca.org.au
P.S. Want to make your voice heard? The Government's environmental law reforms need your input. The Climate Council has helpful tips for writing a submission
P.P.S Join us for our AGM on 1 December at 6:30pm AEDT. RSVP here