Having a thriving and connected veterinary profession is vital as climate change results in more frequent and severe extreme weather events and disasters in areas such as the Northern Rivers, not just so that they can respond to the needs of their communities in times of crisis, but in order to be an important and ...
Veterinarians for Climate Action
Climate Resilience in the Northern Rivers Veterinary Network

GOAL
$14,750
Field of Interest
- Civic engagement and leadership
- Environment conservation and climate change
Target Population
- General population

Caring for animals means caring for the climate.
Vets for Climate Action represents over 2000 members of the wider veterinary profession around Australia. We are united by our concern by the impact climate change is already having on the animals we love: our pets, wildlife and livestock.
Vision: A world where animals and people thrive in a healthy climate
Mission: We mobile the veterinary profession and broader animal care community to tackle the climate crisis within and beyond our sector
Purpose: To lead those who love and work with animals to act urgently on climate change
Major Programs
- Sustainable veterinary care through The Climate Care Program: a world-first management tool designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and increase sustainability in practice. The Program consists of 6 online modules including water, waste and recycling, energy efficiency, renewables, procurement and responsible use of chemicals, and includes Australia’s first Carbon Calculator for the veterinary profession.
- Advocating for strong policy and strong leadership on climate - across all levels of. Recognising that climate change is already causing significant impacts in rural and regional areas, the Rural and Regional Program (RRP) educates rurally based veterinary professionals about climate change and animal welfare, encourages veterinary sustainable practice and empowers vets to act as climate champions within their communities.
- Educating the, via social media, newsletters, web-based resources, speaking at major events, and monthly masterclass series
Project Summary
Having a thriving and connected veterinary profession is vital as climate change results in more frequent and severe extreme weather events and disasters in areas such as the Northern Rivers, not just so that they can respond to the needs of their communities in times of crisis, but in order to be an important and powerful voice to leadership and policymakers, advocating for the health and welfare of animals and people alike in favour of ambitious climate action. Having a cluster of practices in the region participating in the Climate Care Program will also be beneficial, for sharing of resources and support on their sustainability journeys, and will serve as an important example of climate and sustainability leadership to other industries and businesses in the region.
We will build climate resilience in the Northern Rivers veterinary network by:
– Educating veterinary professionals about the risks that climate change poses to animal health and welfare, and their subsequent impact on community wellbeing
– Building connections between veterinary practices and practitioners in the region through the development of a Northern Rivers Regional Chapter of Vets For Climate Action
– Helping flood affected veterinary practices to rebuild in stronger and more sustainable ways via participation in VfCA’s Climate Care Program.
– Empowering regional veterinary professionals to advocate for climate action on both local and national environmental issues
Outreach to the Northern Rivers began in May 2024 via our Rural and Regional Program, forming connections within the regional veterinary network, and we look forward to continuing this work.
Project Outcomes
Successful outcomes for this project will include:
- Enrollment of five (5) flood-affected veterinary practices in VfCA's Climate Care Program, with ongoing support from VfCA staff and progress check-ins at 3 and 6 months after commencement
- Establishment of a Northern Rivers Regional Chapter of VfCA, including 25 members (tracked via VfCA’s database)
- Development of an online social media channel to facilitate communication
- Quarterly email update
- Biannual social networking meetings
- An outreach program via VfCAs Rural and Regional Program building on a visit in May 2024* including:
1. Visits to a further 5 previously uncontacted clinics in the region
2. 3-5 in-clinic educational sessions for veterinary clinic teams
3. Hosting a climate action and advocacy workshop with 6-10 attendees
- Rural and Regional Program Survey results recognising improved access to information and resources. (please see attached report for survey results for pre-June 2024)
In May 2024 we began engagement with the local veterinary community.
- Visited 13 veterinary practices in the region, four of which had been directly flood impacted in 2022.
- Hosted in-person seminar and networking attended by 15 veterinary professionals and allies
- Met with a senior staff member from the office of Janelle Saffin, NSW MP for the seat of Lismore, and Greens candidate for the federal seat of Richmond, Mandy Nolan.
- Made connections with local wildlife and conservation networks, including the Northern Rivers Animal Hospital and Friends of the Koala and Southern Cross University, which is in the process of establishing a new veterinary school in the region.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $16,325
FUNDING
Funding source | Amount |
---|---|
Organisation contribution (confirmed) | $1,575 |
Funding gap (unconfirmed) | $14,750 |
EXPENSES
Expense item | Amount |
---|---|
Enrolment of 5 practices in Climate Care Program @ 5 x $2340 | $11,700 |
Outreach Visit - travel costs incl. flights, car hire, incidentals | $2,300 |
Staff Wages for 5 days (5 days = 37.5 hrs at $42/h) | $1,575 |
Advocacy workshop incl. materials, venue, catering | $750 |
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