It's Nice to MEET YOU!

Dr Jeannet Kessels is a creative entrepreneur and climate advocate based in Queensland, Australia. She is the founder/director of Greater Springfield Veterinary, founder/chair of Vets For Climate Action, and mother to four wonderful adult children.

Jeannet graduated from the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science with First Class Honours in 1986 and embarked on an enjoyable 30 year veterinary career, with highlights including surgery and reproduction. She loved the deep connections formed with the community around her. Starting with a little two-room clinic at her home, allowing time with children, the practice grew into the Greater Springfield Veterinary Group, now with three hospitals, over 50 dedicated staff, and an excellent work culture epitomised by a staff retention rate of almost 90%.

Jeannet’s strategic, fun, creative and forward-thinking approach, together with strong leadership, has created a culture that promotes individual sustainability and professional satisfaction. Her motto ‘Excellence with Heart’ is reflected across both life and work. She is driven by kindness and surrounds herself with brilliant minds. Over the years, Jeannet’s entrepreneurial spirit has led to the creation of Groodles Australia, an incredible community enterprise which has raised over $650,000 to charity so far, whilst enriching many lives.

Since 1970, when Jeannet was five years old, there has been a 70% drop in global wildlife numbers. Climate change is now heaping critical, escalating impacts on the health, welfare and sheer existence of those that remain; our animals; wildlife, livestock and pets, who have no voice to speak. Jeannet is single-minded in her passion to bring about real change, and fast, through establishing and chairing Vets for Climate Action. She dedicates much of her time and resources to this critical venture, inspiring many to advocate for the animals we love and need while modelling practical steps towards net zero, together with 2000 supporters.

Under her leadership, VFCA has garnered the support of over 2,000 individuals and is developing the pioneering Climate Care Program, a groundbreaking sustainability and education initiative for veterinary practices across Australia and now NZ.

Leading the way, Greater Springfield Veterinary Group donates 1% of turnover or 10% of profits, whichever is greater, to crucial environmental work and its Springfield hospital is proudly Carbon Neutral.

If you would like to work with Greater Springfield Veterinary, or learn more about Vets for Climate Action, please reach out!