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Excellence with Heart
Dr Jeannet Kessels is a veterinarian, creative entrepreneur and climate advocate based in Queensland, Australia.
Leading The Way
After graduating from the University of Queensland School of Veterinary Science in 1986, Jeannet embarked on an enjoyable 30-year clinical 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 her children, Jeannet’s practice grew into the Greater Springfield Veterinary Group, now with three hospitals, employing 60 dedicated staff, an excellent work culture, and high staff retention.
Jeannet’s strategic, fun, creative and forward-thinking approach, together with strong leadership, has created a culture that promotes individual growth 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 raising over $750 000 for charity – enriching many lives.
Her love for animals is now directed through the World Veterinary Environmental Alliance – focussing the global veterinary profession on Climate, sustainability and biodiversity.
Most of all, Jeannet loves time with family, especially her four children.
Caring for the animals of the world
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 – wildlife, livestock and pets – who have no voice to speak.
Jeannet is single-minded in her passion to bring about real change, and fast, initially through establishing Vets for Climate Action (Australia), now scaling to the World Veterinary Environmental Alliance, inspiring veterinary organisations all around the world to collaborate on climate, sustainability and biodiversity. She dedicates much of her time and resources inspiring many to advocate for the animals we love and need while modelling practical steps towards net zero.
Vets for Climate Action has garnered over 2,000 supporters. Its pioneering Climate Care Program is a groundbreaking sustainability and education initiative for veterinary practices across Australia and now NZ.
Leading by example, the Greater Springfield Veterinary Group donates 1% of turnover to crucial environmental work, and its hospitals work actively towards carbon neutral status.
Speaking Engagements
Ipswich City Council Executive; Why real Climate Action Matters.
Vet Expo Australia; Creating a Legacy.
Australian Veterinary Practice Management Association. Thoughts on Excellence.
Veterinary Business Group – Thoughts on Culture.
University of QLD; Clinical Coats Ceremony.
Awards & Memberships
Recent Awards
Certifications
Memberships
Videos & Podcasts
