It has been another jam packed few months for RCVC . Our team has been hitting the road, responding to calls from dedicated welfare groups across regional Victoria. In true partnership we have travelled to Huntly working alongside Bendigo Animal Welfare and Community (BAWCS) offering a day of cat desexing, were 37 cats were desexed; to Horsham working alongside Phoenix Animal Rescue where 60 cats were desexed over a weekend. Incredibly, a total of 97 cats have been desexed in just two locations, this is a huge contribution in curbing the number of unplanned kittens born in Communities who have limited resources to cope with an overwhelming cat population. This contribution would not have been possible without the passion and commitment from 15 dedicated volunteers coming from Bendigo, Castlemaine, Melbourne and Horsham. Volunteers who are Vets, Vet Nurses and compassionate skilled animal lovers dedicating their time to this worthy cause.
During this time we continue our vital community outreach programmes visiting pets and their people in their homes providing animal welfare support, medications and general support to care for their loved pets when challenges arises leaving the pets and their owners in a vulnerable position. RCVC has also stepped in and provided financial support subsidising some veterinary costs where possible of four veterinary cases in the last three months. As the work continues each month and we witness the difference made to both pets and their people, it is exciting to see our mission to contribute more on a veterinary care front become closer to fruition.
We are working towards establishing a more permanent base in Castlemaine and hope to share more news about this in the coming months – please watch this space. The tireless work of our volunteers is never far from my mind. The dedication, commitment and skill that is generously donated cannot be underestimated. Our volunteer base is growing, skilled professionals have started approaching us willing to dedicate their time in a way that is so deeply rewarding and moving. We are very grateful for these volunteers without them the work of RCVC just would not be possible. Amongst all this activity in the field there have been some changes at our Board level. Sadly, James Mack has made the difficult decision to step down as Secretary from RCVC due to family and work commitments. James is a founding member of RCVC and his contribution, inspiration and commitment is evident in the achievements we have had to date. I thank James for his ideas, passion and skills which have helped get RCVC to where it is today. I wish James all the very best. Khiara Jenkinson has taken up the post of Secretary with RCVC and brings with her many years of experience in the animal welfare setting, I look forward to working alongside her in the coming months as we enter a new stage for RCVC.
As I reflect on the past few months and all the activity both in the field and behind the scenes, I feel a quiet excitement for what is possible. We are currently planning the coming month’s activities and will let you know what we will be doing and where. What I can say is later this month we will again visit Huntly for round two of cat desexing for the Bendigo area.
Thank you to our supporters, you help fuel our fire, remind us that what we are doing is making a difference and encourage us to do and be our very best for pets and their owners who are doing it pretty tough out there.
– Dr Yvette Berkeley
Co-Founder & Chair of Regional Community Vet Clinic
The significance of our work isn’t always apparent to those outside our sphere, particularly individuals and organisations unfamiliar with the struggles of disadvantaged communities. We’re truly touched by the generosity of Castlemaine Support Services, an organisation dedicated to assisting individuals with complex needs. It’s heartening to know that an organisation committed to caring for the vulnerable also sees value in supporting RCVC financially to carry out our vital work.
In a world often overshadowed by negative news and hostility, it’s easy to forget the abundance of goodness that exists. Yet, it’s important to recognise that countless individuals quietly contribute to positive change without seeking recognition. Castlemaine Support Services exemplifies this virtue; they are among those quietly fostering hope and compassion in our community. Thank you, Castlemaine Support Services, for the very generous financial support you provide to us.
As hinted at by Yvette, we are working on plan ‘B’ for a permanent home. Investigations have been ongoing for over six months, and we may soon be at a point where we can make a public announcement. Changing our original project is not as easy as you would imaging, we have been consulting with the granting bodies and philanthropic funders to seek approval for a variation to our original project and the approvals are almost complete with everyone being supportive of the new plan.
Our outreach services have had a very busy three months, and thanks to the Christmas appeal we have been able to make multiple deliveries of pet food to Castlemaine Community House, Maldon Community House and Mill House Maryborough, making a difference to struggling pet owners.
As the demand for our outreach services increase, we realise the importance of people making some consideration in their affairs for the ongoing care and responsibility of companion animals. Please consider making formal arrangements in your Will for your animals, relying on a verbal agreement with family and friends isn’t always wise.
As we currently don’t have all the approvals for our plan ‘B’ project the grant writing team haven’t been able to apply for grants. We envisage that very soon they can once again get back to what they do well and apply for more funding opportunities.
Like with any organisation of this type we need a constant stream of donations to assist us to assist the community. If you’re in a position to donate please consider RCVC as we approach the end of the financial year. RCVC is ran exclusively by volunteers in all positions, so donations go directly to supporting our community and their companion animal’s needs. As a registered charity all donations over $2 are tax deductable