Regional Community Vet Clinic awarded $200,000 grant from the Victorian State Government to deliver non-profit veterinary services across Mt Alexander Shire and surrounds.
Regional Community Vet Clinic, a Mt Alexander Shire based non-profit organisation, are delighted to announce that as of 29/04/2022 they have been successful in obtaining a grant from the Victorian State Government via the Animal Welfare Grant program towards the establishment of a purpose- built non-profit veterinary clinic.
Campbells Creek, Victoria – April 29, 2022
The founding members of Regional Community Vet Clinic (RCVC), Dr Yvette Berkeley, Robyn Slattery & James Mack, were delighted receive official confirmation from State Member for Bendigo West, Ms Maree Edwards, on the success of their grant application.
The founders of RCVC welcomed Ms Edwards to the proposed site of the clinic at Campbells Creek Community Centre. They were joined by supporters, members of the Campbells Creek Community Centre Special Committee and Deputy Mayor of Mt Alexander Shire, Councillor Rosie Annear.
RCVC as a Not-for-Profit community veterinary clinic will support the elderly, socially and financially disadvantaged in our community, providing them with access to affordable preventative veterinary care for their companion animals. This will enable the most vulnerable to continue to live in their own homes with their pets.
“RCVC recognise the importance of companion animals in maintaining individuals’ physical and mental wellbeing. By supporting the health and wellbeing of pets, we reduce owner anxiety and increase overall health and wellbeing.” Says founding member Robyn Slattery, “By enabling access to affordable preventative veterinary care our aim is to legitimise and support the importance of animal companionship for people experiencing various forms of disadvantage.”
“Every veterinary clinic experiences the daily dilemma of clients unable to afford necessary care for their animal.” Added founder and local veterinarian Dr. Yvette Berkeley. “Currently, in regional Victoria, clients unable to afford veterinary care are required to apply for a loan, go into debt, decline veterinary treatment for their animals, or surrender them”
After receiving support from Mt Alexander Shire Council and the Campbells Creek Community Centre Special Committee for their proposal to build a community-funded, non-profit vet clinic, the RCVC founders applied for the 10th round of the Victorian Government’s Animal Welfare Grant Program. This program has committed $2 million for not-for profit and community vet clinics to maintain and expand their services and allow new low-cost clinics to be set up in areas of need around Victoria.
The $200,000 received from the State Government takes the organisation halfway towards it’s estimated establishment costs of $400,000 for the clinic. The founders are hopeful that this commitment from the State Government will help show other philanthropic, government and corporate sponsors that the need for low-cost veterinary services in regional areas is sorely needed and a cause worthy of support.
“We’ve been wonderfully heartened by the response of the community to this idea. Regional communities place an enormous sense of value on looking after one another, so being able to bring a facility that helps those who have fallen on difficult times keep their beloved pets is a cause everyone has completely gotten behind.” Says founding member James Mack, “We’re deeply committed to having the community be an integral part of this journey, so we encourage anyone with any questions or ideas to reach out to us via our website – www.rcvc.org.au”
RCVC have 3 key activities planned for the next 12 months to continue the momentum from the grant:
- Fundraising activity to raise the additional $200,000 needed to complete the build.
- Seeking expressions of interest from practicing veterinarians who are interested in contributing their time to procedures at the clinic when open.
- Hosting community events and information sessions both to support the clinic, but also to educate about responsible pet ownership across the region.
In the mean-time RCVC invite anyone who is interested in contributing, or would like to know more about the organisation and its mission to write to them at info@rcvc.org.au, call 0493 447 394 or visit www.rcvc.org.au and sign up for the newsletter.
About Regional Community Vet Clinic:
Regional Community Vet Clinic (RCVC) was founded in 2021 with the belief that companion animals play a vital role in the welfare and overall wellbeing of residents in regional communities.
Our mission is to establish facilities that provide affordable, quality veterinary care for companion animals when their owners are experiencing social disadvantage or financial hardship in Central Victoria.
Media Contact:
James Mack
Co-Founder & Secretary
Images courtesy of Mandy Murphy Baker.