As AWL NSW’s first Regional Coordinator at the new Bega Companion Animal Centre, Olivia combines her passion for animals with her deep commitment to community. In this Q&A, she shares her path into animal welfare, what life looks like on the Far South Coast, and the challenges and rewards of caring for animals in a regional setting.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey into animal welfare and what led you to AWL NSW?
A: I actually started out in wildlife conservation, which took me all the way to Africa. I spent some years in Etosha National Park, Namibia, working on a big cat conservation project with lions and cheetahs, an incredible experience I’ll never forget. In Australia, I’ve been lucky enough to work on projects with various different bird species, and with landholders who have endangered potoroos or quolls on their properties.
But no matter where I’ve been or what I’ve worked on, my love for dogs (and cats!) has always been constant. About eight years ago, after finishing my last full-time conservation role, I started volunteering with AWL NSW’s Far South Coast Branch as a foster carer. One thing led to another, and I gradually took on more roles within the branch. So when the Regional Coordinator position came up, it felt like it was made for me, combining my passion for animals with the chance to keep supporting our amazing volunteers, as well as the inspectorate, but this time as part of the AWL NSW staff.
Q: You’re the first Regional Coordinator at one of our new Regional Companion Animal and Inspector Centres – what does a typical day in your role look like?
A: My three working days are spread over four so we can keep the hub open as much as possible. When we’re open, I’m usually in the hub doing admin, answering calls, and chatting with people who drop in. Most hub time is done with puppies in attendance (I am the branch puppy foster carer) which always makes the day interesting! We get all sorts of enquiries, about adoptions, surrenders, fostering, and donations, most of which relate to the branch. We also have people seeking advice on cases of cruelty or neglect in the community, and I work closely with our Regional Inspector, Amanda Shane, on these matters. Sometimes I’ll go out with Amanda to provide practical support.
Outside of hub hours, I’m running a community cat desexing project in Bega, supporting the Wallaga Lake Indigenous community, and continuing my volunteer work with the branch. No two days are ever quite the same, but they all revolve around helping animals and the people who care for them.
Q: How has the Regional Companion Animal Centre in Bega made a difference since it opened?
A: Having an inspector, and the centre, based here has made a huge difference. It’s really raised the profile of AWL NSW in the community and strengthened their ability to help animals in real need, from the inspectorate through to our dedicated volunteer branch and all the work they do.
With our shopfront right on the main street of Bega, people now have a clear place to go if they need help or advice. We’ve had so many community members drop in for a chat, to ask questions, or to seek guidance. That visibility and accessibility mean we’ve been able to step in early in a lot of situations, and the result is that many animals have been saved from suffering. The community feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, which makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Q: Bega is a beautiful part of NSW. What are some of the unique challenges and rewards of working in a regional setting when it comes to animal welfare?
A: Because of Bega’s rural setting, we work with a lot of working and hunting breeds of dogs, as well as working cats on dairies and farms. These animals are often kept very differently to your average suburban pet, so finding the right balance between practicality and comfort in their living conditions can be tricky. Our distance from Kemps Creek also means we often have to find local places to house surrendered or seized animals, which puts extra pressure on the already limited resources we have here.
On the flip side—apart from living in what I think is paradise—there’s a really strong sense of community here. People look out for each other and for the animals, and that makes a big difference in what we can achieve.
Q: What’s one moment in your role that has really stuck with you or made you feel proud of the work you’re doing?
A: There have been quite a few moments, but the ones that stand out are when you can clearly see the difference you’ve made to the life of a dog or cat, and to their people too. Sometimes it’s as simple as helping someone find the support they need to become a better pet owner. Other times, it’s being part of a cruelty investigation that ends with a really positive outcome. Those are the moments that remind you why you do the job.
Q: How important is community involvement in supporting animal welfare in regional NSW? Are there any local heroes or success stories you’d love to share?
A: In a regional area like ours, community is everything. Without many resources or much backup, we rely on each other to get things done and to support both animals and people in need. Our local AWL NSW volunteer branch is amazing, they rehome animals on a shoestring budget, and they also foster pets when an owner has been hospitalised or can’t care for them temporarily.
Because we’re such a small community, very few animals that come into care are “just” animals, there’s usually a person and a story attached to them. That makes it far more personal… and sometimes a lot harder. But it’s also what gives this work so much meaning.
Q: What advice would you give to someone who wants to make a difference for animals in their local area?
A: Get involved with your local AWL branch, or WIRES if wildlife is more your passion. You’ll be surrounded by like-minded people, and together you can make a real difference. Everyone has something to offer. If you’ve only got a couple of hours a week, you might help with Facebook posts, transport animals to the vet, or lend a hand at events. If you’ve got more time, there are plenty of volunteer roles within a branch that keep everything running. And if time’s tight but you still want to help, financial donations are always needed and appreciated.
Now that we have regional inspectors, there’s another important way you can help: if you see cruelty or neglect, report it. Speaking up can literally save lives.