Over four and a half years, Vets for Climate Action has matured from a nebulous idea to a flourishing organisation. It is with gratitude and excitement that I hand over the baton of VfCA Chair to the newly elected, wise and deeply experienced Malcolm Lazenby. 

Dear Vets for Climate Action friends and supporters

Over four and a half years, Vets for Climate Action has matured from a nebulous idea to a flourishing organisation whose work is making a tangible impact across Australia: educating the veterinary profession on the impacts of climate change to the animals we love and care for, advocating for strong leadership on climate issues, and promoting more sustainable veterinary care through our groundbreaking Climate Care Program.  Veterinary climate action was a surprising idea at first; now we are leading the way globally.

Dr Jeannet Kessels at the inaugural forum on Climate Change and Animal Health in Bangalore, India with current and former Deans of Banglore Veterinary College

Personally, this has been an absolutely unexpected journey of connection and growth, fuelled by complete commitment and resolve; not only my own, but that of the volunteers and staff who have joined this adventure. 

So, it is with gratitude and excitement that I hand over the baton of VfCA Chair to the newly elected, wise and deeply experienced Malcolm Lazenby. 

Malcolm is the co-founder of Global Leadership Foundation and is passionate about making a positive difference to people's lives, their businesses and communities - both local and global. He has over 30 years experience in the private sector, in a range of senior leadership/management roles including operational and strategic positions. He also has had a number of years experience in working with Government and Local Government sectors, in development/supportive roles.

Our organisation is built on the strength of many, and Malcolm will quietly steer our board, and organisation, to be increasingly effective. Thank you, Malcolm.

I am absolutely delighted to continue in the role of VfCA board director, with Drs Liz Clarke and Helen Scott-Orr AM PSM, and Prof Mark Howden, where I can be strategically effective and remain as a valuable connector for the veterinary profession.

(L-R) Prof M Howden, Dr L Clarke, Dr J Kessels & Dr H Scott-Orr AM PSM

Climate change impacts animal health, welfare, global food supply, biosecurity, One Health, biodiversity and extinctions. As the world experiences its hottest day in recorded history last month, and its hottest year last year, I believe veterinary professionals have a moral, financial and soon legal imperative to get active, to be a voice for the animals we all love and need; for wildlife, livestock and companion animals. 

The world never changes without some disruption. If we want to change things we need to reconsider what we regard as normal, for the future of our local communities and of our nation. It is time to rethink how we live, how we regard money and precious natural resources, how we approach our business and corporate lives and how we engage the strength of community and deepen connections.

Now is the time for the veterinary profession to lead by positive example, to waken our community to the responsibilities we all must carry for this planet. This precious planet, the only one we know of in the whole universe with laughter, intellect and love. Love for humanity, love for a spectacular natural world and love for the diversity of animals that we as veterinarians are honoured to care for.

I would like to thank the VfCA board, staff, volunteers and supporters, past and present, for your enduring patience and support to me as founding chair.  

I very much look forward to speaking with you when we next meet.

With warmest regards

Dr Jeannet Kessels 
Founder 
E: [email protected] 
W: www.vfca.org.au

PS. I’m so proud of our achievements - here are the highlights from June. Whether you are a veterinary professional or otherwise, I invite you to join our wonderful community - with your financial support we can escalate positive change, for the animals we love and care for.