The Allan Labor Government is delivering affordable, quality veterinary care for the Castlemaine community with opening of the first community veterinary clinic in regional Victoria.
The purpose-built Regional Community Vet Clinic officially opened today thanks to a $530,000 investment from the Labor Government - bringing more affordable veterinary care closer to home for local families and their furry friends in Central Victoria.
The clinic offers a range of affordable veterinary care services including desexing, vaccinations, health checks, dental care and minor lump removals, which will provide much-needed support to pet owners doing it tough amid cost-of-living pressures.
The clinic is currently open on Fridays by appointment between 9am till 4.30pm - opening hours will increase as the clinic expands.
In addition to the physical clinic, it will offer pop-up clinics in regional towns and will continue to hold these events, up to six annually, throughout the year.
In addition, Regional Community Vet Clinic has provided more than 1,200 volunteer hours in community outreach to date to assist owners in keeping their pets safely and happily at home for longer.
Since 2014, the Labor Government has invested almost $13.2 million through the Animal Welfare Fund Grants program to shelters, carers and animal welfare organisations that are now helping to care for Victorian pets.
For more information about the Animal Welfare Fund Grants Program visit animalwelfare.vic.gov.au.
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"I've been a proud advocate for the Regional Community Vet Clinic project over many years because I know the immense benefit it will have for locals and across regional Victoria."
"This service will be so important for our community, ensuring that our much-loved pets receive the care that they deserve at an accessible and affordable price."
"Congratulations to the Regional Community Vet Clinic volunteers on all they've achieved, it's been a great pleasure to work with them to secure the funding and support needed to make their dream a reality."
As stated by Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence
"The opening of this first not-for-profit vet clinic provides more accessible and quality vet care that will help support more regional Victorians."
As stated by Regional Community Vet Clinic Co-Founder Robyn Slattery
"Recognising the importance of companion animals to community health and wellbeing the co-founders and committee of RCVC have worked tirelessly over the past four years to deliver this vital and innovative project."
"This first regional Victorian Not-for-Profit veterinary clinic has been a huge undertaking and could not have been realised without the support of our grantors, volunteers and supporters."
