2025 Animal Welfare Award Winners

For a young person devoted to improving the lives of animals.

Evelyn Hughes (Bronze)

Inspired by an RSPCA WA workshop, Evelyn now dedicates herself to raising awareness and supporting animal welfare. She runs cat toy workshops at school and raises funds through creative projects. Helping animals has become her mission.

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Hudson Alva (Bronze)

Hudson ran a raffle this year as part of a school community project to raise money for the Staffy and Bully Breed Rescue, raising a whopping $1,649. His empathy and drive are remarkable, and his efforts deserve recognition.

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This award recognises individuals who have changed animals’ lives by volunteering.

Cheryl Filmer (Gold)

For over 21 years, Cheryl has been part of RSPCA WA. From administrative support to animal care, her contributions have been wide-ranging and long-lasting. She started by entering inspector reports into the database, before moving on to more administrative tasks, and eventually moving into animal care roles. Her commitment to RSPCA WA runs deep and has withstood the test of time. Cheryl is the very definition of a dedicated volunteer.

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Sue Forster (Gold)

Sue joined RSPCA WA in 2022 and has already contributed more than 1,500 hours. From working in the cattery laundry to helping at events and donation sorting, Sue brings kindness and energy to everything she does. She’s a staff favourite and an inspiration.

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Jacky Kemp (Gold)

For 12 years, Jacky has led Busselton Greyhound Awareness, rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming more than 300 greyhounds. Her work has changed lives and created a lasting legacy for animal welfare in the South West.

 

 

 

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Ruth Gourley (Silver)

Ruth has volunteered at Shenton Park Dog’s Home every Saturday for 11 years — while holding a full-time job. She has rehomed countless animals, transported dogs from remote regions, and even sells bread from her driveway to raise funds.

 

 

 

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Alan Hodson (Silver)

Since 2022, Alan has contributed over 1,000 volunteer hours at RSPCA WA. From groundskeeping to caring for small animals, his dedication is extraordinary. Every Thursday, without fail, he arrives at 7:30am and works all day.

 

 

 

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Christine O’Shea (Silver)

Since 2019, Christine has cared for small animals at RSPCA WA’s pet barn, giving more than 850 hours of service. Her reliability and attention to detail stand out, and she’s an invaluable part of the team. She is a firm part of RSPCA WA’s success and the epitome of a team player.

 

 

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Alan Dolphin (Silver)

Alan has been a consistent and long-term supporter of Free the Hounds. Week after week, year after year, he shows up to help lift heaving equipment to markets and events, to speak with the community, and to help pack merchandise orders. His commitment and reliability embody the true spirit of volunteerism.

 

 

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Yvonne Giblett (Bronze)

Yvonne has cared for countless kangaroo joeys over many years, feeding them day and night. She has also raised bandicoots and possums, giving her time, love, and resources without hesitation.

 

 

 

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Kira Martin (Bronze)

For more than seven years, Kira has given her time to Darling Range Wildlife Shelter — often multiple days a week. From bushfire recovery to roadside rescues, she’s always there when animals need help. Her compassion never stops.

 

 

 

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Jessica Albrow (Bronze)

Jessica is a passionate advocate for greyhound welfare through her work with Free the Hounds. She raises awareness in schools, showing students just how gentle and affectionate greyhounds can be. Her dedication and energy make her an exceptional volunteer.

 

 

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Amy Haskins (Bronze)

Amy has volunteered for years at Kimberley Animals, Nature and Education Inc. She rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes domestic animals, while also caring for injured wildlife. She is tireless, compassionate, and a true unsung hero of her community.

 

 

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Recognising an individual or group working hard to improve animal welfare in Western Australia.

Presented thanks to plumbing experts Tunnel Vision.

South Metropolitan TAFE (Gold)

Since 2016, the exceptional vets and students of South Metropolitan TAFE have volunteered their time at RSPCA WA’s Community Action Days, providing free vet checks for thousands of dogs. Their work has made a real difference to animals and their owners. Special thanks go to Michelle Foxcroft, Dr Carly Backhouse-Smith, Dr Teresa Walsh, Dr Beverley Taylor, Dr Peter Cruikshank, and Shannon Molloy for their expertise and dedication.

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Bark ‘n’ Pawz Pet Treatz (Silver)

What began as a school project for Connor just three years ago has grown into Bark ‘n’ Pawz Pet Treatz. Connor, who faces difficulty with motor skill coordination and speech impairment due to living with Dyspraxia, now makes delicious treats for dogs, cats, rabbits, and even horses — including special recipes for animals with allergies. He donates proceeds to animal charities and volunteers at Dogs Refuge Home. Connor is an inspiring young man and a true champion for animal welfare.

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Nanna Bingo (Bronze)

Nanna Bingo, a local drag queen, has turned bingo nights into life-changing fundraisers. Over the past year she has supported Free the Hounds and RSPCA WA, raising vital funds. Her generosity and genuine love of animals make her a standout fundraiser.

 

 

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TLC Kitty Rescue (Bronze)

Cathie Bell, who runs TLC Kitty Rescue in Narrogin, has saved hundreds of stray cats and kittens in the area. She pays for vet care herself, drives long distances, and even hand-feeds newborn kittens through the night. Cathie shows tireless dedication and compassion in the work she does for her community.

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Southern Cross Austereo (Bronze)

The Southern Cross Austereo WA regional breakfast show went above and beyond for RSPCA WA’s matched donation day, Give to Get Them Home, last year. They doubled the length of their show — a fun nod to donations being doubled. Thanks to Brianna Smith, and presenters Allan and Carly, this broadcast was delivered free of charge and raised more than nine thousand dollars.

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For a display of true bravery in rescuing an animal.

Carol Biddulph (Gold)
Many may remember when an Emperor Penguin found himself on Western Australia’s shores late last year – a rare sight indeed. Carol and Graham Biddulph stepped in to care for the penguin — affectionately known as Gus. Carol hand-fed Gus, kept his enclosure cool, and gave him the best possible care. Thanks to her dedication, Gus was later released into the wild to begin his long journey home.

 

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Merome Darvill and Beth Brideson (Gold)

On Boxing Day, sisters Merome and Beth were at the beach in Gracetown when rangers called for help to catch a dog. The dog was chasing a kangaroo, who had begun swimming out to the sea in distress. He had swum 150 metres out to sea by the time the sisters got to him. More concerned about helping the kangaroo than catching the dog, with wetsuits on and boards in hand, the sisters paddled out to the roo who had swum 150 metres out by then and spent 45 minutes guiding him safely back to shore. Their bravery saved a life that day.

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FAWNA Inc. (Gold)

When heavy rains disrupted breeding cycles in the Vasse-Wonnerup wetlands, hundreds of young cygnets were left behind. FAWNA Inc. stepped in, launching a rescue effort of massive scale — dawn until dusk, every day. In total, 250 cygnets were saved and thrived in the safety of Kooljak Castle, a swan house made possible through the generous donation of $45k by founding member Mary “Mac” Craigie. An extraordinary achievement.

 

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Callum Ashenhurst (Bronze)

Callum is a dedicated wildlife rescuer, working with WA Wildlife and WA Seabird Rescue. Earlier this year, he bravely waded through mud and water at Lake Herdsman to save a paralysed spoonbill struggling to survive. Thanks to his quick action, the bird received urgent vet care. Callum’s courage and compassion shine through his volunteer efforts.

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For an amazing animal who has changed lives for the better.

Molly (Gold)

Molly the labradoodle became a hero when her 90-year-old owner Ron fell in his backyard. Unable to get up, he was left stranded overnight during a storm. Instead of retreating, Molly stayed by his side all night, keeping him warm until help arrived. Her loyalty quite literally saved his life.

 

 

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Mabel (Gold)

Once neglected and malnourished, Mabel was rehabilitated and found a second life at Zia Park in Gidgegannup. Now, this gentle Gypsy Cob Waler helps people heal through equine-assisted therapy, offering safety, support, and moments of joy.

 

 

 

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Darcy (Gold)
Darcy the therapy pony brings comfort and healing to first responders and patients across WA. Calm, patient, and deeply intuitive, she has touched countless lives — even sitting with people in their final moments.

 

 

 

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Lucy (Silver)
Lucy began donating blood at just nine months old. For nearly a decade, her “liquid gold” has saved the lives of countless animals — giving families more time with their beloved pets. She has now retired, after an incredible legacy of giving.

 

 

 

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Georgia (Silver)
Georgia the greyhound overcame a traumatic start to life. Now, she is an ambassador for her breed, showing people that greyhounds are gentle, loving companions. She has visited schools, aged care homes, and community events, changing perceptions everywhere she goes.

 

 

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Hanna (Bronze)
Hanna, a golden retriever, works three days a week at John Tonkin College Education Support Centre. As a support dog, she has transformed the classroom environment — bringing calm, comfort, and connection to Year 11 and 12 students.

 

 

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