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The state and territory member Societies provide services to animals in need through their shelters and inspectorates. In the national office, RSPCA Australia works to influence animal welfare policy, practice and legislation across the country
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Key issues

The RSPCA advocates for the welfare of animals across a number of industries, issues and platforms. Help from our supporters is important to progress change. Working together is key.
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On 1 July 2024, the Federal Government…
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About

The RSPCA is an independent, community-based charity providing animal care and protection services across the country.
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By choosing adoption, you’ll not only have the chance to make a friend for life, but you’ll be giving an animal a second chance and helping support the RSPCA.
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RSPCA Australia has unveiled a prestigious new award which recognises the contribution, achievement and vision of a future leader in the field of animal welfare - The Hugh Wirth Future Leader in Animal Welfare Award.

Dr Hugh Wirth AM is one of Australia's best known animal welfare advocates. His commitment to the RSPCA spans more than five decades having played key roles within the organisation since the mid-1960s, including as a Board Director, President of RSPCA Victoria (a positon he still holds), and President of RSPCA Australia, a position he held for 26 years.

This award is in honour of the incredible contribution he had made to animal welfare throughout his lifetime.

“Dr Wirth has played an integral part in the history of the RSPCA here in Australia, he has helped shape the organisation along with animal welfare more broadly both nationally and internationally,” said Ms Eileen Thumpkin, President RSPCA Australia.

“In honour of the important role he has played the RSPCA has created a new award which will recognise future leaders in the space of animal welfare.

“RSPCA Australia is calling on individuals from all walks of life who can demonstrate their commitment to animal welfare and the philosophy and policies of the RSPCA, whether this is through their employment, study, research, personal interest or volunteer activities to apply now,” said Ms Thumpkin.

The Awardee will present the Hugh Wirth Animal Welfare Oration, an original speech that sets out their vision for improving animal welfare in Australia and providing animals with ‘a life worth living’ at the 2016 RSPCA Australia Animal Welfare Seminar.

For more information please visit: www.rspca.org.au/hugh-wirth-award

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