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Fuel Shortage Fears Push Waverley Towards Electric Fleet

Waverley is preparing for a possible fuel shortage by looking at electric garbage trucks and its own fuel supply, aiming to keep rubbish collection running without disruption.

Waverley Council has begun looking at ways to reduce its reliance on diesel, including shifting key vehicles such as garbage trucks to electric models. Documents and planning reports show that while most passenger vehicles in its fleet are already electric, heavier vehicles still depend on fuel.

At the same time, officials are assessing whether it can store fuel at its Alexandria depot, possibly working with the nearby Woollahra Council. This step is aimed at ensuring trucks, street sweepers and lifeguard vehicles can continue operating if supply becomes limited.

Council representatives have indicated that services such as rubbish collection and beach patrols are still operating as normal, with no current fuel shortages affecting day-to-day work.

Rising Fuel Costs Put Pressure on Local Budgets

It was estimated that fuel costs are adding about $30,000 each month to its expenses. Despite this, Council has stated that residents will not face higher rates due to the current situation.

Under NSW law, they must ensure that domestic waste charges reflect only the cost of providing services. Waverley is now exploring whether those funds could temporarily help manage the financial strain caused by higher fuel prices, while staying within legal limits.

Statewide Concerns Over Fuel Supply

Waverley’s actions reflect a broader concern shared across the state. Local Government NSW has warned that without stable fuel supply, essential services like waste collection could face disruption in the coming months.

The organisation has also called on the state government to support councils through existing mechanisms, such as the waste levy, to ease the impact of rising fuel costs. Data collected from councils is being used to assess how widespread the issue may become.

At the national level, fuel security measures have encouraged motorists and organisations to limit consumption, adding to the sense that supply pressures may continue.

Shift to Electric Fleet Already Underway

Waverley’s long-term plans already include a gradual transition to electric vehicles, with environmental strategies aiming for a fully electric fleet where practical. Council reports highlight that fleet operations are a major source of emissions, and electrification is seen as a way to reduce both costs and environmental impact over time.

The current investigation into electric garbage trucks builds on this direction, though the technology is still emerging and may require further testing before full adoption.

Published 22-April-2026

Waverley Expands Affordable Housing With Dedicated Support for People Fleeing Violence

Photo Credit: Pexels

Waverley has expanded its affordable housing by setting aside dwellings for people fleeing domestic and family violence while progressing refurbishment works and building on a recent housing acquisition.

Waverley Allocates Housing For People Escaping Violence

Two affordable dwellings in Waverley’s housing stock have been set aside for people fleeing domestic and family violence. The allocation provides access to safe and stable accommodation for those leaving unsafe situations.

Housing support plays a key role in helping people rebuild their lives. Access to secure accommodation contributes to safety, privacy and stability, and reduces the risk of returning to abusive environments.

Queens Park Building Undergoes Full Refurbishment

In Queens Park, an existing apartment building at 2A Edmund Street is being fully refurbished to deliver six affordable housing units. Each of the two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments is being upgraded with new kitchens, flooring, air conditioning, paint and finishes.

Works are also being carried out on the building’s roof, façade and surrounding landscaping. Once complete, the refurbishment will add six updated dwellings to Waverley’s affordable housing supply.

Waverley housing support — *Photo Credit: Google Maps*

Recent Acquisition Expands Housing In Waverley

The refurbishment follows an earlier addition to Waverley’s housing stock in March 2025, when a six-unit apartment block at 49 Mitchell Street in Bondi Beach was acquired.

The Bondi Beach property is located close to essential services, transport and the local shopping area. The acquisition marked the largest increase in affordable housing stock in close to 20 years.

Together, the acquisition and refurbishment have contributed to the addition of 12 affordable dwellings within a 12-month period.

domestic violence support — *Photo Credit: WaverlyCouncil*

Addressing Affordability In Waverley

Affordability remains a significant challenge for many people in Waverley. The addition of new dwellings, upgrades to existing properties and targeted housing allocations have expanded available support within the community.

These measures combine broader affordable housing expansion with dedicated support for people escaping domestic and family violence.

Published 8-Apr-2026

Waverley Men’s Shed Opens Membership to Women in Landmark Decision

Waverley Community Men's Shed/Facebook

Waverley Community Men’s Shed has voted unanimously to amend its constitution to accept women as members, making it the first and only organisation of its kind in Sydney’s south-east and eastern suburbs to take this step, even as the shed simultaneously faces the prospect of losing its home within 18 months.

The decision, passed by members at a meeting in early March 2026, reflects both a practical need to expand the volunteer supervisor base and a broader recognition that the shed’s work in combating social isolation and building community connection is valuable beyond a single gender. The shed currently operates three days per week from its location in the grounds of the Uniting War Memorial Hospital at 125 Birrell Street, Waverley.

How the New Membership Model Will Work

Under the amended constitution, the shed plans to reserve two days each week for male members while dedicating Wednesdays to female members. The immediate priority is training women as supervisors, addressing a shortage that has limited the shed’s opening hours. The shed houses expensive woodworking and metalworking equipment that requires a certified supervisor to be present at all times during operation.

To bring new women members up to speed safely, the shed will run a six-day introductory woodworking course covering fundamentals from safety training through to completing a finished project. President Peter Charlton said the expanded membership would give women access to skills and experiences many had not previously had the opportunity to try, and that he expected female members to find the creative and practical work deeply rewarding.

The decision also positions the shed to pursue federal funding opportunities more competitively. Eligibility for some funding streams favours organisations with broader community reach and membership diversity.

*Photo Credit: Waverley Community Men’s Shed/Facebook*

What the Waverley Men’s Shed Does

Waverley Community Men’s Shed gives members with a range of skills and experience the opportunity to come together to nurture woodworking skills, exchange ideas, discuss their experiences and get involved in community projects. Members can work on their own projects, help others with their projects or support charities by making furniture, toys or other useful items.

The shed operates on the principle that purposeful activity and social connection are central to mental health and wellbeing, particularly for older adults in retirement. Men’s sheds have been described as a male-friendly service providing a health by stealth approach, and research acknowledges the positive role that sheds can have in addressing the gendered health disparities that males face. The same principle applies increasingly to older women, who face comparable risks of social isolation after retirement or the loss of a partner.

The Australian Men’s Shed Association, which supports more than 1,200 men’s, women’s and community sheds nationally, reports that shedders experience improved mental health outcomes including increased self-esteem through participation and learning new skills, and de-stigmatisation of mental health challenges.

Women in Sheds: A Growing Trend

The Waverley decision aligns with a growing national trend. Approximately 30 per cent of men’s sheds across Western Australia already include women members and participants, and a number of sheds nationally operate as community sheds open to all adults. The approach adopted by Waverley — dedicated women’s sessions on a specific day, with women trained as supervisors — mirrors the model most commonly used by sheds making this transition, allowing a comfortable environment for new female participants while maintaining the shed’s existing programme and culture.

Full membership, which includes voting rights and committee participation, is the model Waverley has adopted through its constitutional amendment — a more comprehensive step than the associate membership arrangements some other sheds have used as an intermediate option.

The Shed’s Uncertain Future

The membership expansion comes at a critical time for the Waverley Men’s Shed’s physical future. The shed is located within the grounds of the Uniting War Memorial Hospital at 125 Birrell Street, a site undergoing a $500 million redevelopment into residential aged care for more than 300 people. Charlton said the shed expected to be without its current home within 18 months, and that the organisation had been searching for an alternative location for more than seven years without success.

The shed’s operating costs are currently covered by Uniting. If the shed relocates off-site temporarily during construction, it will need to seek external funding to cover those costs. Uniting has confirmed the shed will return to a new, purpose-built space within the redeveloped Waverley Estate once construction is complete, and that a temporary home will be found during the construction period. Both state and federal representatives have confirmed they are working with the shed to identify a suitable interim site.

Why This Benefits the Waverley Community

The Waverley Men’s Shed is the only organisation of its kind in Sydney’s south-east and eastern suburbs. Its decision to open membership to women significantly broadens the number of local residents who can access its programmes, equipment and community connection. For older women in Waverley and surrounding suburbs who may be recently retired, recently bereaved or simply seeking purposeful social activity, the shed now offers a structured, skills-based environment that was previously unavailable to them in this part of Sydney.

The expanded supervisor base the change generates also means the shed can potentially increase its opening days, making it accessible to more members of both sexes across the week. And the improved funding eligibility that comes with broader membership diversity strengthens the shed’s long-term viability — directly supporting its chances of securing and maintaining a permanent home.

Residents interested in joining the Waverley Community Men’s Shed, whether for the existing programme or the new women’s sessions, can contact the shed by email at secretary@waverleycommunitymensshed.org.au or by phone on 0480 439 315. The shed is located at 125 Birrell Street, Waverley NSW 2035.

Published 9-March-2026.

Waverley Library Begins Major Interior Transformation

Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil/ Facebook

Waverley residents will soon enjoy a modernised community hub as extensive building upgrades and space refreshments take place inside their local library.

Starting the Transformation

library — *Photo Credit:* *WaverleyCouncil/ Facebook*

The project officially kicked off on Monday, 2 March 2026, marking the beginning of a significant construction phase for the facility. These improvements are not just about a fresh coat of paint; they involve a strategic overhaul of both the public areas where visitors read and study, as well as the administrative zones used by staff. According to the project plans, the council expects to have all the work finished by the end of May 2026.

Managing the Noise

To keep the library functional for the public, the construction team is performing the loudest and most intrusive tasks during the night or early morning when the building is closed. Even with this schedule, people visiting during the day might hear some background noise or find certain sections briefly blocked off.

The library management has expressed their gratitude for the community’s cooperation and mentioned that they are doing everything possible to keep the peace while these changes occur.

A Better Experience for Visitors

The main goal of the renovation is to create a more comfortable and efficient environment for everyone who uses the service. By updating the layout and fixing older parts of the building, the library aims to stay relevant as a key meeting spot for the neighbourhood. Once the scaffolding and tools are cleared away in late May, the community will be invited to see how the administrative and public spaces have been integrated to work better for the modern reader.

Published Date 06-March-2026

Redevelopment Plans for Waverley War Memorial Hospital Greenlit After Lengthy Planning Battle

After nearly a decade of planning and mounting local opposition, a $481 million redevelopment of the historic Uniting War Memorial Hospital site in Waverley has been approved. It is the largest seniors housing project Uniting has ever undertaken, and one that has been in the pipeline since 2017.

Read: Uniting Pushes Plans To Redevelop Waverley War Memorial Hospital

What’s in the approved plans

The approval authorises aged care provider Uniting to construct several buildings of up to seven storeys on the 3.5-hectare block between Carrington Road and Birrell Street.

The completed development will include 231 independent living apartments, 23 of which are classed as affordable, along with between 105 and 114 residential aged care places depending on the source, a seniors gym, café, salon, landscaped sensory gardens and multi-purpose community spaces.

According to Uniting’s planning documents, the number of residents aged over 65 in Sydney’s east is expected to double by 2040, and the organisation says the project directly addresses that growing demand.

The masterplan also preserves heritage-listed buildings on the site, including the Edina building on Carrington Street. Built around the 1860s by merchant and philanthropist Ebenezer Vickery, the building was donated by his family in 1919 to serve the community in honour of those who served in the First World War. Other existing structures will be demolished to make way for the new development.

Uniting says the finished estate will offer double the amount of useable landscaped space currently available, with publicly accessible gardens and outdoor areas for both residents and the broader community. Simon Furness, Uniting’s Director of Property and Housing for NSW and the ACT, has described the project as an opportunity to create an integrated seniors precinct that conserves the site’s Victorian heritage while delivering modern aged care and wellness services.

He also said the organisation had worked closely with both Waverley Council’s heritage team and descendants of the Vickery family throughout the planning process, and remained committed to honouring the site’s history for the next century and beyond.

Residents pushed back

The approval comes after years of community opposition. A petition organised by the group Friends of War Memorial called for the site to be listed on the NSW Heritage Register and for any new development to be capped at four storeys. Petitioners raised concerns about the proposed removal of significant fig trees, the loss of heritage gardens and the historic sweeping entry driveway, and argued the redevelopment would erode the health care values and services that have defined the site for over a century. The petition gathered more than 1,000 signatures.

Broader community objections also centred on the scale and height of the proposed buildings, the planned uprooting of 95 trees, and the required relocation of the Waverley Community Men’s Shed, a registered charity that has operated from the hospital grounds for more than 12 years at a peppercorn rent, with Uniting covering utilities.

Peter Black, vice president of the Men’s Shed, told City Hub the group had carried out extensive community work from the site, supporting local hospitals, service clubs, schools and kindergartens, and that the location had been well suited to its members, being central, peaceful and sheltered from street noise.

With the redevelopment of the Waverley War Memorial Hospital now approved, the shed faces a displacement that could stretch six to eight years before a purpose-built replacement space on the estate becomes available. Randwick Council has indicated it will build a dedicated shed in the Botany area, though that too is estimated to be five to six years away. In the meantime, Black said the group was actively searching for an interim space in the eastern suburbs, ideally an empty building of between 200 and 400 square metres with power and water connected, at a peppercorn rent.

Read: Waverley Set for $500 Million Seniors Precinct to Support Ageing Community

Uniting points to community benefits

Uniting has pointed to a range of community benefits it says the redevelopment will deliver. On the tree removals, Furness indicated the completed site would have more publicly accessible greenery than exists today, while the masterplan also promises to double the amount of useable landscaped space available to both residents and neighbours.

The Men’s Shed, Uniting has said, will eventually return to a new purpose-built space on the estate, designed with direct input from the group and offering more functional facilities than its current home. A confirmed timeline for that space has not yet been provided.

Construction of the entire redevelopment is expected to take approximately four years, though the Men’s Shed has been advised it could be six to eight years before its new permanent home on the site is ready.

Published 21-February-2026

Waverley Set for $500 Million Seniors Precinct to Support Ageing Community

Photo Credit: United Org/Waverley

A $500-million redevelopment in Waverley is set to reshape how older residents live and receive care, with plans approved for a large integrated seniors’ community that will provide housing, health services and shared spaces for about 400 people in Sydney’s eastern suburbs.

The project, announced on 28 January 2026, will transform the Uniting Waverley Estate at 125 Birrell Street into a precinct combining retirement living, aged care and specialist health services, with construction planning expected to move towards a builder tender process in 2027.

Community Living at the Centre

The redevelopment will deliver 231 independent living apartments, including affordable housing, alongside 105 residential aged care places. The site sits next to War Memorial Hospital and within walking distance of Bondi Junction, positioning residents close to existing health and community services.

Uniting NSW.ACT chief executive officer Tracey Burton said the project builds on more than a century of community health and aged care services in the area. She stated that the plan aims to create a place where older people can continue living in their local community while accessing support as their needs change.

According to Uniting, many older Australians value remaining in familiar neighbourhoods when moving into independent living. The organisation said the redevelopment responds to this demand by providing housing and care options in one location.

Shared Spaces and Green Areas

Plans for the estate include expanded green spaces, sensory gardens and social courtyards designed for both residents and the wider community. The redevelopment will also feature an intergenerational playground, community facilities, a seniors’ gym, a café, a hairdressing salon and multi-purpose rooms.

Design teams from Architectus, Welsh and Major, and Arcadia are working on the project, which aims to balance modern buildings with the conservation of heritage features. Four heritage-listed cottages on the site will be restored to their original use, while the total amount of open space will be increased.

Uniting said these shared spaces are intended to support wellbeing and social connection among residents while encouraging interaction with the surrounding community.

Economic and Local Impact

The project is expected to create around 250 local jobs during construction and up to 125 ongoing roles once completed. Seven buildings, ranging from four to seven storeys, will be developed using natural materials and landscaped surroundings.

Uniting confirmed that there will be no changes to operations at the nearby War Memorial Hospital and that construction will be staged to avoid disrupting essential health services.

The organisation stated it will continue engaging with residents, families and the local community as the project moves into detailed design.

Published 16-Feb-2026

Waverly Family Home Renovation Earns Major Design Awards

Photo Credit: Sam Crawford Architects

A thoughtfully renovated home tucked away on a tree-lined Waverley street has caught the attention of the architecture community, earning shortlist recognition in three major design awards.

The project, completed by Sydney-based Sam Crawford Architects for a young local family, transforms a 1950s single-storey bungalow into a contemporary multi-level residence whilst preserving its original character and footprint.

Located on a landscape heritage street beneath mature Moreton Bay fig trees, the home maintains its existing external walls and structure but reimagines the interior to better suit modern family life.

“The family wanted a home that could grow with them, that encouraged connection whilst also allowing parents and kids to have their own spaces,” explained Jarad Grice, senior associate and project architect at Sam Crawford Architects.

Rather than opting for a typical open-plan layout, the architects created a series of split levels connected by a central spotted gum timber staircase. This design allows family members to see and connect with each other whilst still maintaining individual zones for different activities and moods.

The renovation includes lowering the rear ground floor to meet the garden level, essentially embedding the living areas within the surrounding greenery. Two additional split levels were added above, wrapped in charred timber cladding that contrasts with the original white-rendered bungalow facade.

Natural light was a key consideration throughout the design. A lightwell above the central staircase brings sunshine deep into the home’s centre, whilst roof periscopes help ventilate the space and draw additional light through double-height voids.

“You can stand in the centre of the house and look in multiple directions to greenery,” noted Charly Watson, associate and project architect on the project. “Each space maintains visual connections outward to the gardens and tree canopy beyond.”

The interior palette moves away from stark white walls, instead featuring earth-toned hues selected to harmonise with Australian hardwoods used in windows, joinery and detailing. Spotted gum timber features prominently in the stair, pantry, built-in joinery and even a mesh hammock.

Landscape designers TARN collaborated on creating green spaces surrounding the home, including an internal courtyard that brings garden views and light to multiple rooms. A rear deck floats above a small lawn, allowing vegetation to reach up against the window seats.

Sustainability measures include preserving the existing structure to minimise demolition waste, using Australian hardwoods, incorporating passive ventilation strategies and fitting the home with solar panels and provision for battery storage. The home is fully electric.

The project has been shortlisted for the 2025 Australian Institute of Architects NSW Residential Architecture Award for Houses (Alterations & Additions), the AIA NSW EmAGN Project Award and the Houses Awards in the House Alteration & Addition over 200 square metres category.

Director Sam Crawford said the project demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can respect existing structures whilst significantly improving environmental performance and creating nurturing living environments.

Photography for the project was completed by Brett Boardman, with the build managed by Build by Design and structural engineering by Structure Consulting Engineers.

Published 28-January-2026

Driveway-Blocking Cars in Waverley Could Be Towed Under Early 2026 Trial

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0

Cars left blocking driveways in Waverley may soon face removal, with a trial set to begin in early 2026 that would allow unauthorised vehicles obstructing access to be towed.

The move comes after ongoing concerns raised by residents about vehicles obstructing driveways and access points across the area, particularly in streets where parking pressure is high.

Trial Moves From Decision to Preparation

The driveway towing trial was formally approved by council in October, with Council staff now working through the practical steps needed to implement the program in the new year.

Under the proposed arrangements, vehicles that block lawful driveway access could be removed by authorised tow operators. The trial period will be used to assess how the system operates in practice and whether any adjustments are needed before a longer-term approach is considered.

Why the Trial Is Being Introduced

Blocked driveways and access issues have been a recurring topic in community feedback to council. Residents have raised concerns about delays, inconvenience and safety issues caused by illegally parked vehicles.

Council has acknowledged these concerns and is looking to the trial as a way to respond, while also ensuring that enforcement is applied fairly and consistently.

Community Information Still to Come

While the early 2026 start has been confirmed, council staff are continuing to work on the details of how the trial will operate. This includes processes around authorisation, signage and how residents will be informed before towing is introduced.

Council has indicated that communication with the community will form a key part of the rollout, with information to be shared ahead of the trial commencing.

What This Means for Local Drivers

Once the trial begins, drivers will need to be careful not to block driveway access, even briefly. Vehicles found obstructing legal access may be towed during the trial period.

Council has said the aim is to improve access and reduce ongoing frustration for residents, rather than to penalise motorists unnecessarily.

What Happens Next

Further updates are expected before the trial begins, with council to review the outcomes of the trial once it is underway.

If successful, the trial could inform future parking enforcement approaches across Waverley.

Published 31-Dec-2025

Community Response Praised After Bondi Beach Tragedy

Photo Credit: WaverleyCouncil/Facebook

The actions of locals, first responders and council workers in the aftermath of the Bondi Beach attack have been acknowledged as an example of how the Waverley community responded during a moment of crisis.

In the hours following the incident, lifeguards, council staff and members of the public helped those who were injured, assisted people fleeing the area and supported emergency services as they arrived on scene.

Waverley Mayor Will Nemesh said the response showed the strength of the local community during an extraordinary situation.

“The courage, care and compassion shown by so many people on the day reflects the true spirit of Waverley,” he said.

Actions on the Ground

Lifeguards on duty at Bondi Beach were among the first to respond, providing immediate assistance and helping manage the scene before police and ambulance crews arrived. Council staff who were nearby, including rangers and parking officers, also helped direct people away from danger and towards safer areas.

Mayor Nemesh said these actions went beyond normal responsibilities.

“Our lifeguards and staff acted with professionalism and bravery in circumstances none of them could have anticipated,” he said.

Members of the public also stepped in, offering help to those injured and supporting people who were distressed or separated from friends and family.

A Collective Effort

The mayor said the response was not limited to trained professionals, noting that ordinary residents also played a role.

“What stood out was how quickly people looked after each other,” he said. “Strangers helped strangers, and people did whatever they could to assist.”

In the days following the attack, messages of support and gratitude were shared across the community, recognising the efforts of those who responded and acknowledging the impact of the events on residents and visitors alike.

Reflecting at Year’s End

As the year draws to a close, the incident has prompted reflection across Waverley on community connection and resilience. While the events themselves were deeply distressing, many locals have focused on the way people came together during the aftermath.

Mayor Nemesh said the response would not be forgotten.

“It was an incredibly difficult day, but it also showed the values that matter most to this community,” he said.

Published 18-Dec-2025

Future Vet Kids Camp Returns To Waverley In January 2026

Photo Credit: Future Vet Kids Camp/Facebook

Future Vet Kids Camp is preparing to hold its 2026 program in Waverley, offering face-to-face and online sessions for young people interested in animal care and veterinary pathways.

Long-Running Animal Program In Waverley

Future Vet Kids Camp will return to Waverley College in Waverley for two five-day face-to-face sessions from 5–9 January 2026 and 12–16 January 2026. A Virtual Online Camp will run from 4–16 January 2026, allowing participants across Australia and overseas to join the classroom live and take part in real time.

The camp has been running in Sydney for more than 17 years and has expanded to Brisbane and Melbourne. The program is designed and led by veterinarians, including Bondi Vet TV twin veterinarians Dr Audrey Shen and Dr Alison Shen, and is aimed at kids aged 9 to 16 years.

Programming at the January camp is split into three age groups running at the same time: Wombats for ages 9–11, Kookaburras for ages 12–14 and the Junior Vet program for ages 14–16.

animal care education — *Photo Credit: Future Vet Kids Camp/Facebook*

Hands-On Activities At Waverley

The Waverley program introduces campers to a wide range of animal-related careers and skills, including ultrasound, acupuncture, reptile care, grooming, dog training, animal rehabilitation and marine biology. Campers also learn about pet nutrition, genetic disorders, exotic animals, rescue operations and wildlife conservation.

Excursions include behind-the-scenes tours of veterinary hospitals and a visit to Hills Wildlife Sanctuary in the Berowra Valley National Park at Dural, where participants see wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and threatened species work in practice. Back at camp headquarters, Dr Alison demonstrates veterinary acupuncture and laser therapy.

Other sessions feature certified canine scent detection handler Tiffany Chapple and her Labrador, Hera, with a live demonstration of scent work and training steps. Former camper Oliver Whetton, now a free flight bird keeper and working towards a career in zookeeping, leads a hands-on wildlife session with his birds.

Campers take part in practical activities such as baking pet treats, practising bandaging, drawing blood from models, dog training workshops and performing CPR on vet models. Junior Vets also work through real-life cases, imaging, blood results and observe surgeries to gain insight into veterinary practice.

Scholarship Opportunities Linked To Waverley Camp

PetSure is funding the registration fees for three face-to-face Future Vet Kids Camp participants in Sydney, each valued at $725, and three Virtual Online Camp participants, each valued at $295, for the January 2026 sessions. Applications close in December 2025.

Applicants must submit a 1–2 minute video explaining why they would like to attend, a 150–200 word written statement in the child’s own words outlining why they should receive the scholarship, and may include additional supporting documents. They also need to indicate whether they are applying for a face-to-face or online place.

To be eligible, applicants must be between 9 and 17 years of age as of January 2026. Recipients agree to the use of media posts or interviews, accept responsibility for any costs beyond the registration fee such as meals and transport, and complete the liability waiver, media release form and Code of Conduct. Applications are judged by the Future Vet Kids Camp organisers, with recipients notified one week after the application closing date. All documentation must be submitted by email to the camp’s official address.

veterinary program for kids — *Photo Credit: Future Vet Kids Camp/Facebook*

Outcomes For Young Animal Enthusiasts

Future Vet Kids Camp provides a supervised environment that focuses on the human–animal bond, responsible pet ownership and an introduction to veterinary medicine and the wider animal industry. Over the years, some repeat campers have gone on to enrol in veterinary science at university and pursue related careers.

Campers meet like-minded animal lovers, connect with professionals across the animal industry and gain experience that can help them understand both the realities and opportunities of animal-related work. Former campers such as Oliver Whetton illustrate how early exposure at the camp can support a pathway into roles such as zookeeping and wildlife care.

Next Steps For Waverley And Beyond

Registrations for the January 2026 Waverley program are now open, and Christmas gift vouchers are available for families wanting to secure a place. Future Vet Kids Camp also plans additional face-to-face and virtual offerings in Melbourne and Brisbane during future school holidays, with specific dates still to be announced.

Updated 2-Dec-2025