We open this newsletter with a farewell and thank you to Dr Yvette Berkeley. Yvette was one of the three Co-Founders of RCVC and after four years of dedicated, voluntary work she resigned from her position in late December.  We thank Yvette for her work in contributing to what RCVC has become.

Our current committee of Robyn Slattery and Khiara Jenkinson will soon be joined by a new committee member.  We will have news about our new member soon.

This summer has been tough for our area, and the community has responded with generosity and kindness, supporting those directly affected by the fires and the greater community.  RCVC and its volunteers played a small part in the immediate emergency response, and the committee are exceptionally proud of the collective efforts of everyone involved. Thank you and well done to everyone.

With the opening of the clinic at 4 Midland Highway in May of last year we have been able to provide regular clinic times.  We are proud of our growing capacity.  In summary, operating one day a week this financial year we:

• Saw patients at 248 veterinary appointments at the clinic

• Performed 153 surgeries

• Facilitated financial assistance for 18 cases at full fee veterinary clinics

In May we had our first anniversary, and we have much to celebrate. Our grant team have been successful with two major grants. We have received $100k to purchase a van that will be used initially to extend the reach of our pet food pantry from our Castlemaine premises to other towns in adjoining shires. The van will also be fitted out as a mobile health check clinic which will enable our services to be extended to smaller rural towns in adjoining shires. The second grant for $50K will enable us to purchase additional diagnostic equipment for the clinic, including a dental x-ray machine. This will enable us to continue to look after and expand our services for the most vulnerable in the community and their pets. On average, in the last 8 months our capacity has increased and we see approximately 10-12 patients of financially disadvantaged community members on clinic days.

We continue to look ahead, planning for our long-term viability, service delivery and impact. To that end, we lobbied our local state MP’s for support in the most recent state budget delivered on 5th May 2026. RCVC received a budget allocation of $600K to complete the building of the clinic. This means that the current ‘Shed’ will be renovated and we will have a full functioning veterinary clinic, allowing us to provide additional services including the capacity to x-ray and ultrasound animals. Making the announcement we were honoured to be joined by Maree Edwards MP and Georgie Purcell – Animal Justice Party MP, both passionate supporters of our work and the belief that caring for vulnerable people and their beloved animals is something that rises above politics.

This funding will allow RCVC to grow well beyond our current one-day-per-week preventative care model. In the future, we hope to offer expanded veterinary services across multiple days with multiple vets, helping us see more patients, reduce waiting times and provide additional diagnostic services including x-rays. The completed facility will include dedicated dog and cat wards, an x-ray room, sterile operating theatre, second consulting room, prep room, staff room and office space.

We do not receive funding to operate and cover day-to-day expenses. Our grants and the budget allocation are only to be used to purchase or build infrastructure

Bushfire Response

RCVC had always planned for the clinic to be available in the event of a natural disaster to respond to the community’s needs. Regrettably the Harcourt fires arrived before our building was completely ready.  Nevertheless, RCVC responded immediately with a callout to the community for food, bedding and toys. This met with an overwhelming response and our volunteers manned the clinic for weeks to receive and distribute donations to those affected by the fires. 

Thank you to Vets for Compassion

RCVC hosted Vets for Compassion who arrived with their caravan and a team of vets to respond, along with local rescuers, to the suffering of affected wildlife.

Thank you to Aussie Hay Runners

A call to Aussie Hay Runners resulted in a convoy of five utes and trailers arriving with 300 bales of hay to help sustain the fire affected wildlife.  It was a tough time for everyone and we are still providing assistance to those on the long road to recovery

The last six months have been tough for the entire community and for those of you who have continued to support RCVC via donations, either via mycause, the donation boxes around town, the Container Deposit Scheme or dropping in with goods or a financial donation, we are very grateful.  Our recurrent funding is entirely dependent on donations from animal welfare groups, community organisations and the public.

Aside from the grants to purchase equipment or make capital improvements we need to cover all other costs ourselves. Currently with building and business insurances, rates, utilities and outgoings RCVC needs $25k per year just to open the doors.

We recently received a lovely donation from the CWA – Harcourt branch. Working together with these like-minded groups will amplify our collective missions assisting regional Victorians.

RCVC is a registered charity, with DGR status, meaning every donation over $2 is tax deductable.

Here’s how you can help:

• Financial donations – Every contribution helps fund our clinic and outreach work.
  Regional Community Vet Clinic BSB: 633-000 Acc: 192414894
• Donation boxes – Found at local businesses including Cabosse and Feve, Midland Pet Supplies, Maldon Takeaway, Bubble and Squeek, Crameri’s Mitre 10 Maryborough, The Daily Express Café and Mutz Kutz.
• Victorian Container Deposit Scheme – Quote C2000019668 when returning eligible bottles.
• My Cause – https://donate.mycause.com.au/charity/52305
• Share the word – Tell your friends, family, and neighbours about RCVC’s services and forward this Newsletter.
• Bequests – Nominate RCVC in your Will.

Together, we can continue to strengthen the safety net for animals across our region.

RCVC – Because Every Pet Deserves a Vet