The Directors of the Regional Community Vet Clinic (RCVC) are delighted to announce that after years of hard work to find a suitable location, they have finally secured a permanent home to build their clinic. The clinic, which will be wholly owned by RCVC, will be the first Not-for-Profit community veterinary clinic in regional Victoria. This is a major milestone for this groundbreaking initiative, which will deliver massive benefits to the residents of Mount Alexander and surrounding shires.
The initial project was for a transportable building to be located on council-owned land at the Campbells Creek Community Centre but unfortunately, due to inaccurate information received, the site proved unsuitable. RCVC then had no choice but to look at other options, Co-founder and Director Robyn Slattery said, “This was a major setback and meant the Directors’ vision of creating a low-cost veterinary clinic for disadvantaged residents of the Shire has been delayed by over two years.”
After a long search for a suitable and affordable property and lengthy negotiations with funders, RCVC is happy to announce that they have secured 4 Midland Highway, Castlemaine as their permanent home. Locals may recall that previously the property housed a retail nursery. Chair of RCVC Yvette Berkeley said, “We have worked tirelessly for over 12 months to secure this property, which now means RCVC will have a forever home that will secure the long-term future of the Clinic.” Yvette said they hope to announce the successful commercial builder soon.
RCVC is hoping to have the clinic open one day per week in the first quarter of 2025, providing preventative veterinary services to financially disadvantaged residents (who are recipients of a government support payment). Despite not having a permanent home, RCVC has since early 2022 conducted monthly pop-up clinics de-sexing cats, provided dental and general health checks and for the first time in June, a de-sexing clinic for dogs. RCVC has also since mid 2022 been offering an outreach program, assisting older members of the community to maintain their companion animals at home and assisting with emergency care for pets whose older people require unplanned emergency hospital stays.
To renovate and fit out the premises for its purposes, RCVC will need to spend significant funds. RCVC is now reaching out to community members, businesses and individuals who can offer in-kind or financial support towards the renovation and fit out costs for the clinic. RCVC is a registered charity with DGR1 status, which means any donation over $2 is tax deductible.
RCVC is a volunteer-run organisation, founded with the belief that companion animals play a vital role in the welfare and overall well-being of residents in regional communities. Our aim is to reduce isolation and build social cohesion, while improving the lives of companion animals.
If you would like to get involved or need more information, please feel free to contact RCVC on ph: 0493 447 394 or email: info@rcvc.org.au.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 30 August 2024.
Related stories: Regional Community Vet Clinic neuters 31 cats on inaugural de-sexing day, Non-profit veterinary service for Mt Alexander
