Our Team
Animal Aid Abroad Committee
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Janet Thomas - OAM
OAM, BA [Education], BEd, Grad DipSc
Founder & CEO
Janet has been the Founder and CEO of Animal Aid Abroad since August 2007. For nearly 19 years, she has served voluntarily on the AAA committee, dedicating herself to leading by example and building a team of like-minded members to improve the treatment and conditions of working animals worldwide.
Under Janet’s leadership, Animal Aid Abroad remains a volunteer-based organisation that has grown to support 20 working animal projects and initiatives across 11 different countries, working with grassroots partner organisations. Since 2007, with minimal operating overheads (<5% in 2025), Animal Aid Abroad has allocated $2.3 million in funds to directly assist working animals in need. In recognition of her dedication and service to animal welfare and her work with Animal Aid Abroad, Janet was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 2023. When Janet is not running AAA or teaching, Janet enjoys time at home with her dogs, rescued farm animals and garden.
“It would be both an honour and a privilege to continue serving on the Animal Aid Abroad committee.”
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Yvette Price
B Bus, FCPA
Treasurer & Secretary
Professionally Yvette brings a wealth of experience, being a qualified accountant of over 30 years and having worked in businesses of varying sizes. She has experience in the management of financial functions, information technology, administration, operations, quality assurance and risk management.
Yvette has been on the Committee since 2021 as Treasurer and Secretary, working closely with Janet, to ensure statutory compliance and accountability of our Partner Groups.
“I feel privileged to be able to apply my professional skills and experience to contribute to the incredible work being done by AAA. I would be honoured to continue on the Committee to support AAA’s wonderful work, helping working animals around the world.”
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Dr Kirsten Jackson
B Sc, B VMS (Hons), PhD, MANZCVS (Equine Dentistry)
Committee Member
Kirsten has been an equine veterinarian for 18 years and a committee member on AAA since 2016. She volunteered for AAA as an equine veterinarian on the Gili islands in Indonesia between 2014 and 2018 and provides medical advice to partner groups on clinical cases.
Kirsten has provided her time and expertise to support the training and exchange of information to our Partner Group veterinarians and para-vets.
“I believe strongly in the work that AAA does, working animals are often forgotten and their welfare is often some of the most severely compromised so is where intervention can have a significant, long-term impact”
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Jenny Grant
B Sc, Grad DipSc, RVN
Deputy CEO
Jenny is a vet nurse and is passionate not only about animal welfare but about the injustice in the treatment of many animals, in different scenarios, around the world. She has belonged to multiple animal welfare organisations over many years, and is strongly compelled to continue to do so as long as she can.
Jenny’s contacts in the medical industry have been an advantage in assisting AAA in procuring and distributing medical donations to our Partner Groups that assist in veterinary care.
“As someone who places immense importance on the treatment of animals worldwide, I would be very pleased to continue performing work within AAA to improve the animal lives that we touch.”
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Colleen McKenney
Ed Cert (TAFE)
Committee Member
Colleen has a passion towards supporting animal causes which is demonstrated by her active involvement with WA Wildlife (18 years) and Stopping Live Export. Colleen is the longest serving committee member of Animal Aid Abroad (apart from the CEO Janet Thomas) and has served to the best of her abilities whenever called upon. Colleen is always willing to contribute and support the fund-raising events of AAA both in attendance and planning.
“I feel privileged to be part of a group so committed to its aims and objectives. This includes supporting mobile outreach clinics that help working animals struggling in many countries worldwide.”
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Barbara Hacker
Barbara has 25 years running her hospitality business in Perth, involving hiring and managing up to 200 staff at one time, financial management, overseeing all legal and compliance requirements, running events and marketing. Barbara’s experience in managing teams of people and event planning will give strength to AAA’s fund raising and event coordination efforts.
“Animals and their welfare are my greatest passion in life and I would love to be able to assist AAA in improving the lives of working animals around the world”
Overseas Delivery Team
Our incredible on-the-ground teams are made up of experienced, dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to protect and care for working animals.
All our partner groups are registered NGO’s and operate under strict, evidence-based reporting frameworks, ensuring full transparency and accountability in how funds are managed and spent.
These teams provide urgent first-response treatment, carry out rescues, supply essential equipment, and deliver much-needed education to improve animal welfare at its source.
Supporting them is our committee and administration team in Australia, who work closely with our partner teams, offering guidance, funding and critical resources.
Together, we share a deep commitment to creating lasting change and making a real difference in the lives of working animals.
We envision a world where no animal is made to work, but until that day, we will work towards lessening their pain, suffering and abuse.
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.
Candice Mclennan - Bcomm [Media]
Newsletter Editor and Graphics Designer
Joined AAA in 2018
Currently I work full time in marketing and events. Outside of work I’m a foster carer and my interests include reading fiction, learning to paint and studying Japanese. I joined AAA in 2018 and have attended a number of AAA fundraisers and do whatever I can to help with digital media, graphics and putting out their monthly newsletter
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.
miguel apAricIo
Social Media Marketing
I’ve worked in animal protection for nearly 30 years, first in Europe and now in Latin America.
Through Namigni Animal Sanctuary, I’ve come to know Animal Aid Abroad’s incredible work and, with their support, we’ve begun improving the lives of working animals in Colombia.
I’m honored to now collaborate with AAA more directly, using my experience in social media marketing to amplify their voice and strengthen their mission for working animals worldwide.
Graeme McElligott
Sponsorship Reports & Gift cards
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 - Chartered Accountant
Merchandise Coordinator
Joined AAA in 2017
I am a semi-retired Chartered Accountant from Melbourne, now living in Warnambool, Victoria. I have been volunteering for animal welfare organisations on and off for many years in various capacities. When asked if I would become the volunteer Merchandise Coordinator for the AAA on-line shop I was very happy to accept and support the great work that Animal Aid Abroad does for vulnerable working animals around the world.
Paul Sillato
NSW Branch Coordinator & Volunteer
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 and even as a child, I had a pull towards animal welfare. I initially began by sponsoring a few animals (an elephant and a donkey), which I did for many years. Early on, I took over the role of NSW Chocolate Coordinator which brings in a small, but steady amount of funds. I also run 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.
Patron of Animal Aid Abroad - Mr Philip Wollen OAM
Animal Aid Abroad’s founder, Janet Thomas, and the AAA Committee are excited to announce the appointment of our inaugural Patron, Mr Philip Wollen.
In his early thirties, Philip was Vice President of Citibank. Three decades ago, he decided to devote his energy and resource to the protection and care of Children, Animals, & the Environment. Today, he supports some 850 mission-critical projects in 60 countries.
Philip has delivered speeches in the Parliament in The Hague, the Knesset Parliament in Israel, European Parliament in Brussels, Parliament of World Religions, Universities & congresses in many countries, and has discussed ethics with Presidents, Prime Ministers, Parliamentarians, Nobel Laureates & Leaders from all the major faiths. His speeches have been translated into over 20 languages and been seen over 30 million times on the internet.
Philip likes to be invisible. The National Australia Day Council wrote: “Essentially a private man, Philip seeks no personal publicity. But he is not afraid to step into the limelight for a just cause”.
He has received the following awards:
➢ The Order of Australia Medal in The Queen’s Birthday Honours.
➢ Australian of the Year (Victoria).
➢ Honorary Fellow of the Oxford Centre of Animal Ethics, UK.
➢ Distinguished Alumni Award from The University of Adelaide.
➢ Australian Humanitarian Award, Australia
➢ Supreme Master Shining World Hero Award, Asia
➢ Cottonian of Eminence Award, India
➢ Humanitarian Award McKee Project, Costa Rica
➢ Sea Shepherd Volunteer of the Decade, Australia
➢ The Albert Schweitzer Award, USA
➢ The Peter Singer Prize and Medal, Berlin, Germany
➢ Homo Ahimsa Award, USA.
Philip has long supported the work of AAA, and we now feel very blessed to have him as our “figure head” and symbol for reducing the suffering of working animals across many, many countries.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome Mr Philip Wollen to the AAA family!
To read more about Philip and his organisation, Winsome Constance Kindness, please click here:
Volunteer Hall of Fame
Celebrating our everyday heroes
At Animal Aid Abroad, our work would not be possible without the dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts of our incredible volunteers. From behind-the-scenes support to hands-on fundraising, our volunteers are the heart and soul of our mission to improve the lives of working animals around the world.
This Hall of Fame is a tribute to those extraordinary individuals who have gone above and beyond — giving generously of their time, talents, and hearts.
We are proud to celebrate them here.
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We’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dianne Lawrence for her incredible contribution to Animal Aid Abroad since its beginning in 2007. For 14 years, Dianne devoted countless evenings and weekends to managing our finances with unwavering dedication and precision. Her professionalism and attention to detail have been second to none.
To honour Dianne’s long-standing service, we acknowledged her at our recent AGM and named a donkey stable after her at our AAA-TAHUCHA Donkey Sanctuary in Tanzania. Thankfully, Dianne isn’t stepping away completely—she continues to lend her skills as needed, and we’re grateful she remains part of the AAA family.
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This mother-daughter duo are tireless creators who make beautiful handmade crafts and run market stalls to raise funds for our animals. Their support over the years has been invaluable—thank you, Elaine and Elsie!
“We’ve volunteered in many ways over the years and it’s been a joy to support Animal Aid Abroad. It’s lovely hearing from people who love using our quilts and table runners. This is our way of giving back to the animals—and we’re proud to do it.”
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Seventeen years ago, Myrna met AAA founder Janet Thomas and joined the early team of passionate animal lovers. She was deeply moved by the plight of working animals and became a dedicated advocate for their protection.
Myrna has helped run stalls, raffles, quiz nights and more—always surrounded by a warm and committed group of fellow volunteers. She cherishes the friendships made and memories shared, and looks forward to many more years of giving her time to a cause close to her heart.
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Jaime joined AAA inspired by his mum Myrna’s volunteer work, offering his IT expertise to support events and help behind the scenes. From creating email accounts to solving tech problems, Jaime has always been happy to assist.
Whether lending a hand at quiz nights or troubleshooting systems, Jaime’s quiet contributions have been vital. He’s proud to play his part in such a meaningful cause that’s helping animals in need.
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Paul began volunteering with AAA in the early 2010s after being inspired by a pamphlet from our NSW coordinator. He’s since raised over $1,500, managed our chocolate fundraising efforts, supported stalls at events, and co-led our NSW volunteer team.
From church drives to coin collections, Paul’s efforts have funded vital equipment for clinics. Seeing the direct impact on animals continues to fuel his passion, and we are so grateful for his ongoing support and belief in our mission.
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Since 2015, Sylvia has supported AAA through travel, hands-on volunteering, and personal donations. She’s visited India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal with our team, witnessing firsthand the powerful impact AAA makes for working animals.
Her connection to Janet’s mission runs deep, and Sylvia continues to help at events, raise awareness, and support our cause wherever she can. Her journey with AAA is marked by compassion, commitment, and an enduring belief in a better world for animals.
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Denise joined AAA after meeting Janet at a festival stall - drawn in by the mission to help discarded working animals. As a long-time vegetarian, her empathy for animals made AAA the perfect fit.
From selling chocolates and collecting donations to visiting project sites abroad, Denise has seen how funds are used to bring real change. She’s proud to be part of this hardworking, compassionate team and hopes AAA continues to grow, raising awareness and inspiring kindness for all animals.
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Franklin, a former Perth Zoo staff member, brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for animals. She’s supported AAA at fundraising events and helped with their tax exemption status. Her children’s book Nuru’s Moment of Courage, about a Tanzanian donkey, donates proceeds to AAA.
Franklin also volunteers on a grants committee, advocates for stronger animal and environmental laws, and supports education in wildlife and ecology. Her compassion and energy are a gift to animals—and to our team.