Education

Educating for a Brighter Future 

The Animal Welfare League believes that education is the key to securing a Brighter Future for companion animals. Our professionally developed Education Programs are designed to educate current and future companion animal caretakers about responsible animal care.   

The AWL Rehoming & Education Centre is the heart of our educational operations, delivering our school and community education courses, seminars, workshops and training in Companion Animal Care and Animal Welfare Issues.   Our School Programs span the entire educational spectrum and offer learning opportunities for students in Prep right through to year 12.  We also offer a diverse selection of Community Programs, which include short courses, workshops and seminars, for the purpose of reducing unwanted companion animals in our community.  Our School Holiday Programs give offer both primary and high school age children an opportunity to have some fun and learn about animal care during their school holidays.   

Please browse our extensive Education section to find out more about our exciting programs. For a FREE AWL Education Information Pack that includes much of the information on this site, please email education@awlqld.com.au

Education Team

The AWL is fortunate to have a team of fully qualified, dedicated and passionate teachers and instructors to develop and implement our education programs. In addition, our Education Tean are lucky enough to be assisted by equally passionate and dedicated volunteers. If you would like to learn more about becoming an AWL Education Team Volunteer, please contact our Education Division. 

Zoe Hinds EDUCATION AND TRAINING DIRECTOR

Zoe has been with AWL for going on four years. As the Education and Training Director, Zoe is responsible for the development, implementation and coordination of the AWL's school, community and vocational training programs. Zoe has worked as a classroom teacher for lower primary and special needs children, a freelance journalist, music publisist and behaviour modification therapist for children with autism. She has worked as a volunteer for a variety of companion animal and wildlife organisations and is passionate about animal rights and welfare. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Education (primary), Bachelor of Communications and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.   

 

 Joy Verrinder STRATEGIC DEVELOPMENT OFFICER

Joy has been with AWL for going on seven years. As the Strategic Development Officer, Joy works at local, state and national levels with governments and other stakeholders to end the killing of thousands of cats and dogs in pounds and shelters in Australia each year.  She has formed coalitions, co-organised two National Summits to End Companion Animal Overpopulation and is working with the Queensland Government in their Companion Animal Management Working Group to develop legislation and programs for the prevention of unwanted animals. Joy is an enthusiastic educator, and has been a secondary teacher, Deputy Principal and Teacher Trainer in multiple intelligences and thinking skills. Joy has developed and implemented education programs at the AWL and was responsible for the initial development of the Education Division. Her research into the inclusion of animal ethics in primary and secondary education suggests there is a need for greater emphasis on non-human animals in the curriculum, teacher training and resource development. She is currently President of Animals Australia and has been involved in animal advocacy for 30 years. Joy's qualifications include a Bachelor of Arts, Diploma of Teaching, Masters of Business Administration and Masters of Arts (Professional Ethics and Government). 

Rachel Wills SCHOOLS EDUCATION OFFICER

 Rachel has been with AWL for almost 6 years, starting out as an animal atendant then working on front reception. With her past experience as a high school and primary school teacher in England and Dubai, Rachel was the perfect candidate to transfer to the Education Division. As the Education Officer, Rachel assists in the development and teaching of AWL's school education programs. She is also the Coordinator of the AWL Kid's Club and Best Friends Project. Rachel is a dedicated mother of two and animal lover with a rescue Boxer called Ellie. Her qualifications include a Bachelor of Education, Diploma of Textiles and Certificate IV in Training and Assessment.   

 

Sharee MacKay WORKPLACE TRAINING COORDINATOR

Sharee has been with AWL for almost 7 years, starting as a volunteer dog walker and moving over into Education. Sharee's natural teaching abilities make her a great asset to the Education Division, where she is responsible for training high school students in dog obedience and basic care needs in the Companion Animal Course. Sharee also trains new volunteers in dog handling and obedience techniques, coordinates the Work Experience Program and is involved in many other hands-on, practical teaching aspects of the AWL's education programs. She has been involved with Gold Coast Dog Obedience Training Club for many years and is an experienced Dog Training Instructor.  

 

 Wendy Sleeman NEW OWNER EDUCATION & TRAINING COORDINATOR

As coordinator of AWL's Friends-for-Life New Owner Training Program, Wendy teaches new dog owners how to turn their furry friends into polite pooches! She is also in charge of making contact with new AWL dog owners, checking in to see how they are settling in and offering support where needed. Trained as a teacher , Wendy has worked in primary, secondary and tertiary levels. After starting a family,  she developed her love of animals and worked in partnership with Guide Dogs Qld.  Wendy has also spent considerable time working with children with disabilities. In the past year Wendy has completed her study to become a dog trainer and is involved with two of the Dog Obedience schools on the Gold Coast. Wendy has a Bachelor of Education and is an experienced Dog Training Instructor. She is currently completing her Certificate IV in Companion Animal Services.

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