Meet the Vollie HQ Team
Michelle Henderson State Volunteer Manager
- What do you do in your role?
- I manage the state-wide Volunteer Department, which is made up of some amazing people – some very dedicated paid team members, and a 2000 strong team of Volunteers. I ensure the smooth operation of our Volunteer Programs around the state, and create, innovate, and implement. Basically anything that drives the Volunteer department into new domain. The bigger and better the RSPCA Volunteer force, the bigger and better RSPCA Qld, and the larger our scope. Hence, the more animals and peoples lives we can positively impact.
- What did you do to end up in this role (background etc)?
- I have a background in Human Resources, and studied Human Resources and Psychology at University...and most importantly, here I can couple my skills with my passion for Animal Welfare.
- Why did you choose to work at the RSPCA?
- Because I believe strongly in it. What more can you ask for? To know you are making a difference is the best. Besides, if I ever get frustrated or start feeling a little down (for those who know me will vouch that this isn't very common)...I always have a vast selection of animals an arms length away who always know what to do!
- Favourite quote
"The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated,"
— Ghandi — "and the greatness of an individual can be assessed in the way they treat those who are innocent or more defenceless than they"
— my personal extension (no quote is complete without a personal extension).- Favourite food
- Mmmmm...bruchetta, crepes, pasta, tacos, organic and free range steak with creamy sauce...and anything potato. Bring on the carbs!
- Who makes up your furry family?
- My not so furry husband Greg and I have 5 furry children. 'Doidy Dog' the Jack Russel x Corgi, 'Chad' the German Shorthaired Pointer, 'Lulu' the rescued Dalmatian, 'MosieKat' the grey shelter cat and 'Cubby' the ginger kitten rescue. One word to describe our house at playtime...chaotic!
- Why do you think people should volunteer?
- Because life's too short to not do things you believe in. If you believe in the fight against animal cruelty and want to become a defender of the defenceless, then do it! Our programs are varied, and chances are we will have something perfectly suitable for your skills. Volunteers make a real difference in many animals lives – no matter what role within the RSPCA you fill. One last reason (and it's a good one). In all seriousness, Volunteers are the backbone and the lifeblood of RSPCA Qld, and we could not function without them. That's the truth of the matter really. Oh, and its FUN!
- Some wise words
- Have loads of fun doing something you care about. Life's too short to be all serious and stifled!
Anita Lawes Volunteer Systems Coordinator
- What do you do in this role?
- My job involves updating, maintaining and improving our volunteer processes around the State. I also organise the Corporate Volunteer Program and assist with other volunteer projects that come along.
- What did you do to end up in this role (background etc)?
- I worked in the Healthcare IT industry for the past 12 years and then started volunteering Saturday mornings at the Fairfield Shelter, taking photos of the animals available for adoption. I loved volunteering here so much I decided to work here!
- Why did you choose to work at the RSPCA?
- I love what the RSPCA is all about and what we do.
- Favourite quote
"Call me butter...I'm on a roll."
- Favourite food
- Reece's Peanut Butter Cups or Anita's Cheese Balls.
- Which famous person would you like to meet and why?
- Jon Bon Jovi – I've loved him since 1983.
- Who makes up your furry family?
- I have two cats, Rosie and Cleo that I fostered from six weeks old. I fell in love with them and adopted them as soon as they were old enough. I also have various foster cats and kittens at all times.
- What makes you special?
- I have three main passions in life – my family and friends, animal welfare and Jon Bon Jovi. I think that combination makes me pretty special!
Mel White Fairfield Volunteer Coordinator
- What do you do in this role?
- Recruit, retain, support, encourage and co-ordinate the 250+ volunteers at the Brisbane Shelter.
- What did you do to end up in this role (background etc)?
- I started volunteering with the RSPCA 15 years ago as Work Experience but started official paid work in 2002 as a casual Animal Attendant on the Gold Coast. I moved into a full time position at Fairfield in 2003.
- Why did you choose to work at the RSPCA?
- It wasn't so much that I chose to work for the RSPCA but more that I knew I HAD to work for the RSPCA. I wanted to make a positive difference in the Shelter animals lives' and be involved in the progress towards a better future for all animals.
- Favourite quote
"The greatness of a nation; and its moral progress, can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
— Gandhi- What's your starsign?
- Libra – the scales of Justice.
- Why do you think people should volunteer?
- The self rewards are endless. You hold your happiness in your own hand and it's up to you what you get out of it.
- Some wise words
- Anything spoken by my mother.
- What makes you special?
- The Politically correct answer: We are all special in our own way, its just what others perceive that categorise that 'specialness'.
The self-opinionated answer: I do what I do because I belong to a special kind of people. You need to have that 'specialness' to work in this industry!
Rosslyn Valentine Foster and Branch Volunteer Coordinator
- What do you do in this role?
- My role in Foster is to determine our recruitment needs and to fill those needs with suitable candidates. You will also see me on weekends running orientations for our new Volunteers, including our Foster Carers. As the Branch Assistant it's my responsibility to help the Volunteering State Coordinator service our Branches and Friends of Groups [FOG]. Our Branches and FOG are amazing volunteers who raise funds for the RSPCA and help raise awareness in the community.
- What did you do to end up in this role (background etc)?
- I have a background in people management and recruitment.
- Why did you choose to work at the RSPCA?
- I chose to work at the RSPCA because it was an ideal opportunity to work for an organisation which truly does make a difference.
- Favourite quote
"You, me, or nobody is gonna hit as hard as life. But it ain't how hard you hit; it's about how hard you can get hit, and keep moving forward. How much you can take, and keep moving forward. That's how winning is done."
— Rocky Balboa- Favourite food
- Chocolate.
- Which famous person would you like to meet and why?
- I would love to have met Bruce Lee. As well as being a fan of Bruce Lee's martial arts films I'm also in awe of his martial art skill and his holistic approach to not only his craft but to life in general. He always saw and embraced the connection between the mind, body and spirit.
- Why do you think people should volunteer?
- Volunteering is personally rewarding and a lot of fun. You get to experience things you may not otherwise have the chance to.
- Some wise words?
- Actions speak louder then words.