May newsletter
Stronger together: Flood support, climate hope, and action ahead
As communities across New South Wales face the devastating impacts of yet another severe flood event, our hearts go out to those affected—families, farmers, and the countless animals caught in the path of rising waters. These floods are a stark reminder of the real, immediate consequences of a changing climate, and they reinforce the urgency of our mission at Vets for Climate Action: to advocate for policies that protect the environment, people, and the animals we care for.
For those directly impacted and requiring assistance, see the AVA's list of resources and contacts.
Amid this difficult time, the recent federal election has brought a renewed sense of hope. The outcome signals a clear public mandate for stronger climate policies and a national transition toward renewable energy. This is not just a win for the environment—it’s a win for public health, the economy, and the future of our agricultural and veterinary sectors. The Australian electorate has made it clear: the time for meaningful action on climate change is now.
As veterinary professionals, animal lovers, and advocates for science-based policy, we are more motivated than ever to continue this vital work. In this issue of our newsletter, we highlight steps we are taking, and outline how you can get involved in shaping a safer, more sustainable future. We invite you to read on and stand with us in this pivotal moment for animals, people, and the planet.
Contents:
> News
> Volunteer Opportunities
> Upcoming Events
> In case you missed it...
> From our partners
> Join Vets for Climate Action
News
Exciting news from our Climate Care Program!
We’re proud to announce the launch of our first stand-alone module: it’s a game-changer for sustainability in veterinary practice.
This brand-new module, Veterinary Carbon & Cost Savings, tackles a crucial truth: the biggest source of waste in vet clinics isn’t what goes in the bin, it’s carbon emissions!
We break down how all forms of waste can be converted into a carbon value and how to address your clinic’s energy use is the single most powerful step you can take on behalf of our animals.
Through this module, you’ll explore the practical benefits of switching to renewable energy, the different types available, and how reducing reliance on fossil fuels can not only help combat climate change but also improve your practice’s bottom line.
💡 You’ll learn how to:
✔️ Save money on energy costs
✔️ Improve energy reliability
✔️ Understand and measure your carbon footprint
✔️ Create a clear, achievable path towards Net Zero and enjoy the benefits!
This is the easiest, most impactful step your practice can take to begin its sustainability journey. Let’s lead the way to a healthier future, for your planet, your patients, and your profession!
Inaugural Northern Beaches Vet Summit
A big thank you to Alexandra from Mona Vale Veterinary Hospital, who represented us beautifully and shared her inspiring experience completing our Climate Care Program. Her passion for both animal care and environmental sustainability is exactly what our movement is all about.
With thanks to The Pet Specialists for their support, we’re already looking forward to returning next year! 2025 Australian Veterinary Association Conference
Vets for Climate Action had a fantastic week at AVA Annual Conference in Sydney!
Our very own Dr Jeremy Watson presented on "How you can use Net Zero to deliver better animal health, profitability, team purpose and client value", and we loved the chance to share our work, have meaningful conversations, and hear about the fantastic sustainability initiatives already happening in clinics across the country. Congratulations to Toby Lee for correcting identifying the carbon pollutants in practice and winning our $100 Coles Myer voucher!
Thank you to everyone who visited our stand, shared ideas, and showed their support. And a big thank you to the AVA for supporting our attendance - we’re already looking forward to next year’s conference and continuing to grow this amazing community of climate-conscious vets and vet teams.
Upcoming Events
May Masterclass: Tues, 27 May at 7pm AEST
Join Vets for Climate Action for our May Masterclass, "From Waste to Worth: How vets can lead on sustainability with Banish".
About the Presenter:
Lottie Dalziel is an award-winning sustainability advocate, educator, author, and founder of Banish, a platform dedicated to empowering Australians with the knowledge and tools to live more sustainably. Since launching Banish in 2018, Lottie has helped millions of Australians make more informed choices through education-first initiatives, including corporate workshops, community programs, and her pioneering Banish Recycling and Diversion (BRAD) Program, which successfully diverted over 1 million pieces of plastic waste from landfill in 2024 alone.
Recognised for her impact, Lottie was named NSW Young Australian of the Year in 2023 and has been featured in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 for her contributions to sustainability and entrepreneurship. She has also delivered a TEDx talk, The Power of Community in Fighting Climate Change, further cementing her role as a thought leader in the environmental space.
2025 New Zealand Veterinary Association Conference - Wellington, NZ
Volunteer Opportunities
Veterinary Science Week 2025 on the Gold Coast: 24 - 26 July 2025 at Gold Coast Conference & Exhibition Centre
Vet Expo 2025 in Melbourne: 3 - 4 September 2025 at
Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre
In case you missed it...
Watch our April Masterclass:
Paul Ainsworth, BSc, MBA (Exec), DipHR, Founder and Director of Lincoln Institute of Veterinary Business, delivered an engaging session
This practical and encouraging session is your check-in point – a moment to reset, reflect, and reenergise your resilience to achieve both personal and professional success and wellbeing.
Paul explores one of the most important skills for thriving in veterinary practice – resilience – and gives you simple tools to help you bounce back and stay strong.
And with thanks to our friends at NZVA, we are delighted to provide access to their suite of online webinars:
Driving enduring change
Alec Tang (KPMG) shares insights from his work driving enduring change and embedding climate change and sustainability into core organisational strategy. He shares highlights of his recent work with Kianga Ora, Auckland Council and most recently Greater Wellington Regional Council. This is powerful, positive stuff with some big picture thinking and also detailed examples on how to get effective sustained action in an area where many people are resistant to change.
Agrivoltics: Farming Under Solar
Professor Alan Brent discussed why farming under solar makes sense. An inspiring presentation with very good news for farmers — win-win! Alan will share insights about how adding solar to farming systems can increase overall income and resilience. Even for the climate change deniers, this is a no brainer and brings animal welfare benefits.
Co-benefits from Reducing Carbon Foot, Hoof and Pawprints
From our partners..
Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia (VNCA) Annual Membership
Now is the perfect time to discover the value of becoming a member of the Veterinary Nurse Council of Australia (VNCA)! Whether you’re familiar with our work or this is your first introduction, we invite you to join their growing community of veterinary professionals and enjoy exclusive membership benefits.
What’s in it for you?
When you join today, you’ll receive up to 14 months of membership for the price of 12. Their official membership period runs from 1 July 2025 to 30 June 2026, but if you join before 1 July 2025, you get the extra time for free. The earlier you join, the more benefits you’ll enjoy!
Why Become a VNCA Member?
As a VNCA member, you’ll unlock a range of valuable benefits, including:
- Access to the AVNAT Registration Scheme with up to 50% discount for members
- Early bird rates for the 32nd VNCA Conference (Brisbane, March 2026) – save up to $350!
- FREE CPD opportunities — earn over 20 points annually through webinars, online learning, and quizzes
- Mental health and wellbeing support through our Member Assistance Program
- Quarterly issues of the Australian Veterinary Nurses Journal (AVNJ) plus vault access to 40+ past issues
- Exclusive member discounts on seminars, leadership programs, industry courses,
and veterinary resources - Access to scholarships, leadership pathways, and a national professional community
- Discounts from trusted partners like Wiley, Vetcheck, Recover CPR, and VfCA Climate Care
Joining the VNCA means gaining more support, more career opportunities, and more savings—for both you and your professional development.
Protect animal health with Vets for Climate Action
Are you a veterinarian, vet nurse, vet technician, receptionist, animal care professional, student, retiree, or animal lover concerned about climate change?
Join Vets for Climate Action today to make a powerful difference for animals and the planet.
By becoming a member, you amplify our collective voice, advocating for climate action that prioritises animal health and welfare. Membership gives you:
- Voting rights at our Annual General Meeting, directly influencing our strategic direction.
- Greater influence in public policy and climate advocacy.
- Networking opportunities with passionate professionals and animal advocates.
When you join us, your support directly contributes to:
- Raising awareness of the critical link between a healthy environment and animal wellbeing.
- Promoting sustainable veterinary practices to mitigate climate impact.
- Driving leadership for climate action within the veterinary community.
- Educating and empowering veterinary professionals to advocate for effective climate policies.
Plus, thanks to you, there will be extra trees in the world!
To celebrate you joining us on our mission for stronger action on climate change, and in support of biodiversity, we’ll be planting native trees in a legally protected forest.
Together, we can truly become a voice for all animals, ensuring a healthier, thriving future for animals and people alike.
We, and the animals, thank you for your ongoing support.
Warm regards
Steff Goldring
Chief Executive Officer
E: [email protected]
W: www.vfca.org.au
p.s. Caring for animals involves caring for the climate. If you support our work and want to see more of it, please join us and become a member today!