Animal Welfare League NSW proudly hosted our second annual state conference, Changing Lives: Bridging the Gap Between Animal and Human Welfare, held on 15 November 2024 at Novotel Parramatta.
Officially opened by our President, Linda Geddes, the event brought together over 100 dedicated professionals, experts, and thought leaders in animal welfare from across Australia to explore the complexities of the bond between animals and humans.
We were honoured to welcome the NSW Minister for Agriculture, The Hon. Tara Moriarty MP, to the conference. She arrived with exciting news, greeted by enthusiastic applause, that the Puppy Farm Bill had been passed by the NSW Parliament just 25 minutes earlier. The Bill aims to strengthen the regulation of dog breeding practices across the state, marking a significant milestone for animal welfare in NSW.
Keynote speakers included Dr. Cameron Grundy from Nestle Purina; Naomi Elkin, Executive Producer of the hit TV show The Dog House Australia; Monique Dam, CEO of Lucy’s Project; Debra Doolan, Team Leader in the NSW DPIRD Animal Welfare Team and Professor Jacquie Rand, Executive Director and Chief Scientist of the Australian Pet Welfare Foundation, renowned for her expertise in Community Cat Management. Each speaker delivered invaluable insights and practical strategies to help attendees better understand and support the diverse needs of animals in their care.
The program also featured two dynamic panel discussions with rehoming providers. Facilitated by AWL NSW CEO Stephen Albin, the panels featured industry leaders Melissa Penn, Managing Director at Sydney Dogs and Cats Home; Jamie Palmer, Director of Rehoming at Greyhounds as Pets; Tony Gabrio, Manager of Blacktown Animal Rehoming Centre, and Nell Thompson, Coordinator at G2Z Program and Consultant at Animal Companion Animal Management and Sheltering Services. All shared a range of valuable perspectives and expertise.
Collaboration emerged as the central theme of the day, emphasising the importance of partnerships among rehoming organisations, local pounds, private industry, and the NSW Government to achieve the shared goal of improving animal welfare across the State.
We extend our thanks to all the speakers for their valuable contributions and to everyone who attended for their enthusiasm and engagement.
