Our Story
Every story has a beginning. This is ours…
How it all began
On 20 November 2014, Animal Therapies Ltd director Wendy Coombe went to work like any other day as a senior manager for a large ASX-listed corporation. However, that afternoon – with no memory of how she got home – her life took a dramatic turn. A critical path for Wendy’s recovery came in the form of an Assistance Dog called Jack.
The wide-reaching therapeutic benefits of animal-assisted services are now well documented, but Wendy’s personal experience identified some major gaps in the sector within Australia.
Until now, there has been no national organisation advancing health through animal-assisted services as a whole.
Animal Therapies Ltd, a registered Health Promotion Charity, was established on 21 February 2018. It offers an impartial lens creating linkages, partnerships and joint initiatives between recipients, the private, public, education & community sectors.
OUR PURPOSE Advancing the understanding, acceptance and accessibility of animal-assisted services for those suffering trauma, disability and adversity.
OUR VISION is to become Australia’s leading institution for promoting the prevention and management of mental illness, disability, disease and human suffering using animal-assisted services.
OUR VALUES
- Transparency
- Health
- Equality
- Respect
- Animals
- Partnership
- Yielding Positive Outcomes.
” The Animal Therapies Ltd conference was a most professional, engaging and collegiate experience. I learnt a great deal, and am delighted to be part of this most important and developing area of care for others.”
“A wonderful national movement that is enhancing so many symbiotic human/animal partnerships that produce enormous benefits”
Our Board
Brian Zanker
Chair
Brian has over 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry, providing strong leadership over the course of his career. He is currently Chair of the NSW State Executive at the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) and has an extensive network of corporate relationships throughout Australia.
Julia Weber
Director
Julia has always dedicated herself to contributing to the community, with the publication of her self-help book for teenage girls at age 14, anti-bullying campaigning throughout her high school years and becoming a financial literacy ambassador at university. Her work in the financial literacy space saw her nominated for NSW Young Woman of the Year in 2020. Currently studying a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) and Bachelor of Business (Leadership and Management) at the University of Newcastle, her dream career is to advocate for disadvantaged Australians. Julia is also part of the Information Technology team at Newcastle Permanent Building Society.
Ric Lamont
Director - Digital
Ric is a startup and strategy professional who brings deep technical and commercial expertise to the board. Ric is responsible for guidance and oversight of the National Register which will connect those in need with animal-assisted services. Ric will also oversee the continued development of the ATL website.
James Flavin
Director - Finance
Thirty years in Finance & Operations, last ten years at C-Level. Insistent on robust corporate governance, meaningful risk management and useful reporting. Industry coverage: Superannuation, Financial Services, Not-For-Profit (NFP), Energy, Infrastructure, Construction, Transport and the Faith Community. Responsibility coverage: Governance, Strategy, Accounting, Regulatory, IT, HR & Payroll, Treasury and Finance.
Wendy Coombe
Founder
Wendy has held board roles and senior management positions across a number of industries, including CEO of a not-for-profit business advisory service which held contracts with the government and supported the growth of small business.
Alex Gerrick
Director - Veterans & First Responders
In March 2018, Alex completed a successful 30 years career in the federal public sector, working in agencies such as the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Workplace Relations and the Department of Defence. Alex was selected for the Senior Executive Service within the Department of Veterans Affairs in early 2012.
Alex joined FearLess as CEO in October 2018 and was responsible for delivering its first National Conversation on Post Traumatic Stress in August 2019.
Scott Charaneka
Company Secretary - Legal Counsel
Scott has comprehensive experience in governance. He presently acts for many of Australia’s largest private and public sector institutions. Scott has previously worked as an in-house counsel at Legal & General and ING, is a regular speaker at conferences, has designed key training programs for boards and responsible managers and has received a number of awards.
