
Our Team
Animal Aid Abroad Committee
Janet Thomas - OAM
OAM, BA [Education], BEd, Grad DipSc
Founder & CEO
Started AAA in August 2007
The sight of an injured and bleeding horse struggling under the weight of an overloaded cart in Alexandria, Egypt was the moment that changed everything. I had been teaching abroad, planning a move to Islamabad, but witnessing that suffering in the blistering heat made it impossible to look away. That same year, I returned home and founded Animal Aid Abroad.
Since then, I’ve worked to grow this organisation into a lifeline for working animals around the world. When I’m not teaching or running AAA, I enjoy time at home with my dogs, farm animals and garden, my peaceful retreat after years of passionate advocacy.
Yvette Price
B Bus, FCPA
Treasurer & Secretary
Joined AAA in 2021
After retiring from a long corporate career, I knew I wanted to volunteer somewhere that aligned with my values—and for me, that meant animals. Meeting Janet and learning about the work of Animal Aid Abroad was exactly the spark I needed.
Animals have always been close to my heart, and like so many others, I’m shocked by the cruelty they often face.
I now use my professional background in accounting and risk management to contribute in a meaningful way, combining purpose with passion as part of the AAA team.
Jenny Grant
B Sc, Grad DipSc, RVN
Deputy CEO
Joined AAA in 2017
Soon after joining AAA, I travelled to India with our team to meet some of our partner groups—and I was blown away. The dedication of local carers, vets working with limited resources, and the animals themselves left a lasting impression. I knew I had to be part of this movement.
With a background in science and vet nursing, I now help coordinate donations of medical supplies and merchandise. It brings me joy to support animals who are often overlooked in global campaigns—those whose lives are shaped by hard labour, but who deserve dignity and care just as much.
Dr Kirsten Jackson
B Sc, B VMS (Hons), PhD, MANZCVS (Equine Dentistry)
Committee Member
Joined AAA in 2014
My passion for animal welfare began in childhood and led me to a career in veterinary medicine. I now run a busy equine dentistry practice and volunteer with AAA, providing veterinary advice to partners around the world.
I first got involved with AAA in 2014 during a trip to the Gili Islands, helping run free vet clinics for working ponies. That experience sparked a deeper commitment, and I’ve been proud to support our mission ever since.
Helping these animals is a cause I will always stand behind.
Colleen McKenney
Ed Cert (TAFE)
Committee Member
Joined AAA in 2013
I’ve proudly served on the committee for several years, after joining AAA in 2013. In 2015, I had the opportunity to travel to India and Nepal with the team to visit the sanctuaries we support. Seeing the impact of our work firsthand was incredibly inspiring.
In addition to AAA, I’ve spent over 12 years volunteering at Native Arc, a wildlife rescue centre in Bibra Lake. I love being hands-on and close to the animals.
Being part of AAA connects me to a compassionate, purpose-driven team making real change where it’s most needed.
We’re working for the working animal
Our amazing team is made up of passionate, hardworking animal lovers.
We have people stitching wounds in the field, organising a fundraiser, or coordinating volunteers. They are all committed to making a difference.
Admin / Operations
✨Dianne Lawrence
Bookkeeper & Admin Support
Joined AAA in 2007
I’ve had the pleasure of being a member, volunteer and treasurer of Animal Aid Abroad since it started in 2007. In 2021, I retired from the Treasury role however in 2022 re-joined the AAA team to assist the current treasurer and help with other admin duties. In my time with AAA, I have met many wonderful supporters of AAA and seen the charity grow from zero. I was honoured in 2021 to have a donkey stable in Tanzania named in my honour.
✨Ellie Herodes - B NMA (Media Design), G Cert UX & Web Design
Digital Communications and Social Media Manager
Joined AAA in 2024
I have been involved in animal advocacy for several years, working with various animal rights groups in Melbourne through protests, outreach and raising awareness about animal cruelty. Wanting to extend my advocacy globally, I joined Animal Aid Abroad in 2024. Being involved with AAA has allowed me to support international efforts to protect and care for working animals and I’m proud to be part of a dedicated team making a difference worldwide. My adopted greyhound, Lance, is my best friend and a constant reminder of the importance of compassion.
✨Renate Homburg - B ASc, G Cert
Project Partner Updates
Joined AAA in 2015
I have always been passionate about animal protection and joined Animal Aid Abroad in 2015 after seeing a harrowing photo of a broken working donkey who had collapsed on the road. In 2017, I travelled to India with AAA to witness the work of our partner groups first-hand, which was an incredibly humbling and memorable experience. Volunteering with AAA has involved everything from fundraising stalls in Adelaide to assisting with social media, writing the newsletters for a few years and now helping to coordinate our Global Giving campaigns. It is a privilege to be part of a dedicated team who are making such a difference for suffering working animals around the world.
✨Graeme McElligott
Sponsorship Reports & Gifts that Give Certificates
Joined AAA in 2016
I am a retired public servant living in Canberra. In 2016 my wife and I joined the local Canberra committee for Animal Aid Abroad and became part of the information and fund raising team for the ACT. We attended various markets and shopping centres handing out flyers, selling merchandise and talking to people about Animal Aid Abroad's work. In 2020 I became a volunteer helper maintaining the AAA website where I focus on providing feedback to people who buy Gifts that Give as well as memberships and also assist in general website support activities.
✨Lyn Board
Merchandise
NSW Fundraising
✨Paul Sillato - Enrolled Nurse, Zookeeper & Youth Worker TAFE NSW
Joined AAA in 2013
I've been involved with AAA for over 10 years, after having been given a pamphlet about the Charity.
I cannot remember a time when I didn't like Animals (both Wildlife and Domesticated). As a child I generally read books about animals. I had pets growing up, including dogs, mice and fish, plus I was a regular helper with my father and his aviary full of Budgies. Even as a child I'd had a pull towards Animal Welfare. I initially began by sponsoring a few animals (Elephant and Donkey) which I did for many years. Early on, I took over the Role of NSW Chocolate Coordinators role which brings in a small, but steady amount of funds (I work at a major Hospital, so I have a good customer base). I also help MarieCrilley with Stalls and other activities like fundraising walks. I even had a fundraising darts day at my local Darts Club. Other fundraising has included recycling drink containers, which has included giving $1,570 to AAA. I really admire AAA for being a hands-on charity and helping where it's needed with these often-neglected working animals.
I've also been involved with other animal charities including the Animal Welfare League NSW and spent two years on the Board of Directors (2010-2012) and have been involved with Free the Bears in NSW for over 15 years.