DR JEANNET KESSELS

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 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, 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 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 which has raised over $680,000 to charity so far, whilst enriching many lives. She is also founder and chair of Vets for Climate Action.

Most of all, Jeannet loves time with family, especially her four children.

Climate Action – Now

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!

Speaking Engagements

2024

Banagalore University; Climate Change and Animal Health; Inspiring Climate Action through the Veterinary Profession.
Advocating for Climate Action; An Overview of VfCA.
Provet National Conference; Introducing VfCA’s Climate Care Program.
Rotary Brisbane.

2023

Chief Veterinary Officer’s Forum (federal); An Overview of Vets for Climate Action.
Commonwealth Veterinary Association; Why Vets Need to Act on Climate Change.
Veterinary Business Group of Australian Veterinary Association; Creating a Legacy.
Landcare Boonah; Vets and Climate Action.
Springfield Chamber of Commerce; Why Climate Change Matters to Business and What We Need to do About It.

2022

Provet National Conference 2022; Why Climate Action Matters.
Vet Expo Australia; Vets for Climate Action.
Canter for Climate; Inspiring Climate Action for the Equine Community.
Rotary Ipswich.
Animal Emergency Services Australia; Why Climate Action Matters to Vets.

2021

Ipswich City Council Executive; Why real Climate Action Matters.
Vet Expo Australia; Creating a Legacy.

Earlier

Australian Veterinary Practice Management Association.
Thoughts on Excellence.
University of QLD; Clinical Coats Ceremony.
Veterinary Business Group – Thoughts on Culture.

Awards & Memberships

Awards

ASAV Accredited Hospital of Excellence – Augustine Heights Veterinary Hospital.
Business Manager of the year – Australian Veterinary Business Association.
Practice of Excellence Award – Australian Veterinary Practice Management Association.
Telstra Small Business Awards – QLD Finalist.
2023 GSCC Environment Award.
2019 GSCC Members Choice Award.

Certifications

BVSC Hons 1, 1986.
AICD Not for Profit course
Lincoln Institute Leadership and Mastery.
Small Giants Academy Mastery of Business and Empathy.

Memberships

Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce.
Australian Institute of Community Directors.
UQ School of Veterinary Science Curriculum Committee (2019 – present).
Director; Australian Veterinary Business Association (2015 – 2017).

Videos & Podcasts

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