Opening Hours

Animal Viewing Hours:
Monday - Saturday: 10am - 3pm

General Hours: 
Most Days: 9am - 5pm
Wednesdays:  10am - 5pm
CLOSED: Sundays and Public Holidays

Our Shelter will be closed to the public the first Wednesday of each month.

RSPCA ACT announces four new appointed Board Members including Katy Gallagher

RSPCA ACT is proud to announce the appointment for four new Board Members to fill vacancies on the RSPCA ACT Board.

 

The Board is comprised of a group of talented Canberra professionals with experience in governance, law, technology, construction and finance who are committed to supporting the RSPCA ACT to continue to deliver on its mission to prevent cruelty to animals in the Territory.

 

The new appointees include Katy Gallagher, Chris Collins, Viki Press and Michelle Bennet. They will join the current elected Board members:  President Jeffrey Butler, Vice President Sara Goldsworthy and Board Members, Robert McMahon, Dr Bernie Towler and Alexandra Wedutenko.

 

RSPCA ACT Board President, Jeffrey Butler, was happy to share the news, “On behalf of the RSPCA ACT Board, we’re excited to welcome four outstanding individuals to join our team and look forward to collaborating with them further in the future.

 

The four new appointees are from a diverse array of backgrounds, and all have vital experience that will help us engage with both the community and local government. Together, we hope to continue the good work of the RSPCA and to assist the Shelter’s core mission, ‘To prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.”

Meet our new Board Members

Katy Gallagher

Katy Gallagher was born and raised in Canberra.  After completing a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Sociology at ANU, she worked for seven years in the disability and community sectors.  Katy was first elected to the ACT Legislative Assembly in 2001 and became our 6th Chief Minister ten years later. In 2014, she was sworn in as a Senator and served in that role until recently.  Katy is currently working as a service development consultant for the Little Company of Mary Health Care.

 

Katy is a lifelong animal lover, and currently shares her kids and home with “Pip,” and 19-year old “Monty,” both of whom she adopted from RSPCA ACT.   

Chris Collins

Chris Collins is a property and construction project professional in JLL within the Federal Government account. He has experience in delivering projects in the property and Defence capability sectors. 

 

Chris is a qualified Portfolio Executive, has a Masters of Business Administration and has completed the AICD course. He looks forward to providing governance and support to RSPCA ACT.

 

Chris has always been surrounded by animals his whole life, and he and his family are currently proud owners of a dog called Pebbles. 

Michelle Bennetts

Michelle joined Airservices in 2005 and has been part of the Airservices Executive Leadership Team since 2007.  Her current role is the Executive General Manager of the newly established Customer Service Enhancement (CSE) group.  Prior to this, Michelle led the national Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service of approximately 1200 staff including professional firefighters, emergency vehicle technicians and support staff and spent more than a decade in the professional services firms.

Michelle is married with two children and two four-legged friends. Frankie the dog and Basil the cat, who are best of friends.

Viki Press

Viki is a senior manager and leader with the Australian Public Service, with experience in governance, regulation and project management, across several government agencies. Viki is currently working in the field of internal audit and assurance.

 Viki has an honours degree in Environmental Science, a graduate diploma in Urban and Regional Planning and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She believes animals have a right to live free from harm and cruelty and for her three children to grow up with these values.

With the departure of current CEO Tammy Ven Dange on the 30th June, the RSPCA ACT Board will announce her replacement in the near future.