Our Team
The organisation’s strategy is directed and overseen by an Executive Committee and is managed by a small, qualified and experienced team who recruit, train and supervise a dedicated volunteer force.
PATRON
HON MELISSA PARKE
PATRON 2013 – PRESENT
The Hon Melissa Parke is a former Minister for International Development and former federal member for Fremantle (2007-2016). Prior to entering the Australian parliament Melissa served as an international lawyer with the United Nations in Kosovo, Gaza, New York and Lebanon (1999-2007). While in Kosovo, Melissa helped establish the Pristina Animal Welfare Shelter (PAWS). During her time in parliament, Melissa was an active advocate for improved animal welfare, including championing an end to live animals exports and the importation of ‘trophies’ from lion hunting, and the establishment of an Independent Office of Animal Welfare.
After retiring from parliament, Melissa served for 4 years (2017-2021) as a member of the UN Group of Eminent Experts on Yemen for the UN Human Rights Council, investigating violations of international law committed by parties to the conflict in Yemen. Melissa has been an Ambassador for ICAN (International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons) since 2017. Melissa is currently the Chair of the Western Australian Museum Board of Trustees, and a director of BRAC (an international development NGO based in Bangladesh) and Animals Australia.
Executive Committee
ROBERT DUNN
CHAIRMAN 2006 – PRESENT
Bob is the Managing Director of a successful small business with over 20 years’ experience. Bob has a passion for the natural environment, community and education and recognises WA Wildlife’s leadership role in environmental rehabilitation and education is critical. He brings experience in management, finance, construction and innovation.
DIANE MUNROWD
SECRETARY 2009 – PRESENT
Diane is WA Wildlife’s CEO. She holds undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Psychology and a Masters in Rehabilitation. Diane brings over 20 years’ management experience at a senior level with skills in strategic leadership, management, policy development, stakeholder engagement and relationship building, change management, and corporate governance. Diane also taught at a tertiary level in the area of rehabilitation. Diane has a passion for the environment and education regarding the importance of biodiversity and sustainability.
SUE HENDERSON
TREASURER 2017 – PRESENT
Sue holds CPA and Chartered Management Accountant qualifications. Sue has broad finance, business improvement and program management skills and experience. Currently employed by Tourism WA with previous management and analysis roles across public and private sectors including NZ Navy, Goodman Fielder, Motorola and ICL Fujitsu. Sue ensures WA Wildlife delivers on finance and accounting obligations as well as enabling robust decision making through financial modelling and business case development.
PAULINE MEALOR
COMMITTEE MEMBER 2009 – PRESENT
Pauline has volunteered at WA Wildlife since 2007. Pauline has volunteered primarily as a Hospital Supervisor and was the Training Coordinator from 2010-2018, overseeing and facilitating numerous in-house and external workshops. Pauline was employed my the Main Roads Department for 26 years in secretarial administration. Pauline is a specialist bird rehabilitator and provides ongoing advice to the public via Wildcare Helpline referrals (State Gov). She represents the role of volunteers in wildlife rehabilitation.
ANNE BELLAMY
COMMITTEE MEMBER 2010 – PRESENT
Anne has a long involvement in State and Federal Government policy development. As an industry advocate on State and Federal Commissions and similar bodies Anne has assisted governments in the development of legislation in social policy areas such as work health safety, workers’ compensation, health, fatigue, chemicals and security. Anne has represented industry at international forums including the International Labour Organisation (ILO). On a personal level Anne is from a small business background and has helped to establish and manage two family companies. Her current role is non-executive Director of Autorun Technologies which designs, manufactures and supplies radio frequency technology into mining and associate areas.
DEAN HUXLEY
COMMITTEE MEMBER 2010- PRESENT
Dean is WA Wildlife’s Director of Operations and holds a Graduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership. Dean began volunteering for WA Wildlife in 2008 and has been employed since 2012. He was the Centre’s Animal Care Coordinator (volunteer role) from 2010 to 2018 and has conducted more than 150 training workshops for private sector, government and NGO’s. Dean (alongside Diane Munrowd) has been a driving force behind WA Wildlife since 2010 and was instrumental in the development of the WA Wildlife Hospital (first wildlife veterinary hospital in WA). Dean sits on several advisory committees including the Animal Welfare Advisory Committee (State Gov) and the Committee for Animal Welfare in Emergencies (State Gov). He is a ‘Climate Reality Leader’ after participating in the 2019 Climate Reality Leadership Corps training in Brisbane and continues as a Mentor for new trainees. Dean was previously involved at an Executive level with Western Australian Seabird Rescue and the Western Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.
Staff
WA Wildlife employs part-time, casual and contract staff (fixed-term) who are funded by annual grants and fee for service income (i.e. education and training) who oversee daily operations and special projects.
VOLUNTEERS
WA Wildlife has a team of 220 volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure animals admitted to the WA Wildlife Hospital receive the best possible care.
Volunteers are reflective of a wide variety of backgrounds and disciplines including veterinarians, veterinary nurses, graphic designers, landscapers and plumbers just to name a few.
Volunteers bring a wealth of life experiences, enthusiasm and passion to the team!
