Regional Community Vet Clinic
Georgie PURCELL (Northern Victoria) (09:43): During my election campaign I visited the not-for-profit veterinary service Regional Community Vet Clinic when they were operating out of a donated space in a commercial clinic, severely limiting the days and hours they could offer to the community. That day I made a commitment to help them secure a permanent home for their life-saving work if I was elected. Now, one successful state budget bid and a few years later, that commitment has become a reality. Regional Community Vet Clinic now have a permanent building and their own home in Castlemaine, and I was honoured to attend and speak at the official opening with Maree Edwards last week. The clinic will provide essential vet treatment services to eligible community members at low or no cost, including desexing, vaccinations, dental care, general health check-ups, worming and flea treatments. The importance of this clinic right now cannot be overstated. We know that people’s circumstances change, especially in a cost-of-living crisis. They may experience family violence, lose a source of income or become disabled, and this should never mean losing the companionship of an animal. In fact it is in these periods it is often more important than ever that they experience this love, safety and comfort that our pets can provide. When we care for animals, we care for ourselves too, and that is why we must continue working towards making veterinary care fair and accessible for all Victorians.