The Greencross 2024 National Clinical Symposium was held last week, featuring plenty of learning, networking, and fun.

Held at Royal Pines RACV on the Gold Coast, the symposium provided an opportunity for over 1000 team members from Greencross Vet Services to come together and connect, learn, and share ideas to enhance the well-being of pets across the country.

With over 65 clinical and leadership sessions led by experts in their field, attendees were able to learn from both Australian and internationally renowned speakers and further expand on their knowledge. Attendees of the lectures also received Continued Education (CE) points, enabling them to further both their education and careers.

Dr Michelle Dries, Chief Operating Officer, Vet Services, Greencross Pet Wellness Company, said this year’s Greencross Clinical Symposium and Leadership Conference was an engaging and inspiring week for both the vet and retail teams.

“The level of camaraderie, collaboration, and connectivity between our veterinary and retail teams, as well as our suppliers, was empowering. I know I speak on behalf of the leadership teams when I say a highlight was the Better Together sessions, where we shared knowledge so we can continue to build an integrated approach to pet care. Our commitment to leading the industry is reflected in these discussions and our collaborative efforts.

“Our clinical and leadership streams were exceptional, reflecting our commitment to innovation across every touchpoint of the pet parent journey.

“We’re excited for 2025 and what the future holds for the pet wellness industry.”

Dr Michelle Dries, Chief Operating Officer, Vet Services, Greencross Pet Wellness Company.

The lectures were spread across seven categories, encompassing everything from best in practice techniques to veterinary advancements to leadership and business, there was something to be learnt in every single session.

Also at this year’s symposium was The Petbarn Foundation, sharing the incredible work they’ve been doing as well as highlighting the achievements of their charity partners such as Vets Beyond Borders and Seeing Eye Dogs.

Janelle Miller, Manager of The Petbarn Foundation, said the mission of the foundation is to partner with their team members and their clients to enrich the lives of people and the pets they love.

“Being such a big organisation and visible charity, we use our five R’s philosophy to keep us in line so that we’re able to deliver on our mission. That philosophy is around reducing euthanasia of pets, encouraging Australians to think about adoption first, rehabilitating abandoned and abused animals, demonstrating responsibility to animal welfare, and bring relief to pets and the people who love and care for them.”

Following the sessions on Saturday, attendees were invited to a ‘County Fair’ themed event, packed full of delicious foods and drinks, activities like dodgem cars and bull-riding, and a country music band cranking out tunes to dance the night away.

The Greencross National Clinical Symposium ran from 19 to 20 October, with the Vet and Retail National Leadership Conference on 20 to 21 October and the Retail National Leadership Conference running from 21 to 24 October.

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