Responsibilities of the Board include generating funding, developing policies and processes to promote effectiveness and efficiency, identifying strategies for the future, adhering to legal frameworks, ensuring accountability, responsiveness to stakeholders, creating an environment of equity and inclusiveness, all while acting in the best interest of the animals and the community.
SAFE Inc. Board of Directors
Sue Hedley OAM
SAFE Founder and Chairperson
After working in the Pilbara for many years, I became aware of the existence of an extraordinary amount of homeless animals and discovered that there were no animal rescue services to assist them. I felt a strong need to take action. I wasn’t aware that the need was across the whole state and consequently had no idea of the magnitude of what was to evolve to meet these needs.
I had worked extensively in the de-institutionalisation of disadvantaged adults and children, so it was a natural progression to seek foster carers (not institutions) for the many homeless animals in need. It was this passion to make positive change that led to the establishment of the first SAFE Branch in Karratha in 2003.
Since that time, we have established branches across regional Western Australia and rehomed thousands of companion animals. This would not have been possible without the generosity of the SAFE team committed to this life saving work.
SAFE as an organisation care for homeless animals in foster care where they remain connected and a part of our community. The fostered animals are then adopted into permanent homes with SAFE always available to support them through any life changes.
SAFE is the WA member of Companion Animal Network Australia (CANA) where members of each state work collaboratively across the country for an improved quality of life for companion animals.
SAFE has received many awards and much recognition for our life saving work and achievements over the years.
I am proud to have been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2019 for services to animal welfare. Most recently I have been recognized as one of 25 recipients in the Australian Pro Bono Impact 25 awards for 2022, all of us having been identified as change makers in our respective fields.
From concept to creation, I am proud of the children’s story book “Nellie to the Rescue” which is designed to showcase the foster care model and to assist build resilience in children.
With the 6-part TV series “Take Me Home” having been filmed at SAFE, I see this as a golden opportunity to capture our values and mission in the way SAFE operates.
With life circumstances ever changing, SAFE’s aim is to compassionately find positive outcomes for animals and people alike.
Debbie Allcott
Deputy Chairperson
I have an extensive work background in not-for-profits, local government, national and international organisations having worked with founding Directors, Presidents and CEO’s in a senior capacity in the areas of executive support, coordination and administration, community programs and project management in Melbourne and Sydney.
I was involved at a high level with those who established the French-owned Accor Asia Pacific (hotel development/management group) in Australia and was fortunate to travel overseas as part of my role. Some years later I was involved at a senior level in the successful consortium bid for facilities management /catering across the Sydney 2000 Olympic venues with the UK-owned Compass Group (Eurest).
I’ve received a number of opportunities for progression throughout my professional journey and have valued working alongside and learning from, so many passionate and wise professionals. I truly value these experiences and particularly the enduring lifelong friendships.
My working life in the Pilbara commenced many years ago as the Regional Development Officer with Regional Development Australia Pilbara. It was through relationship building and collaborative projects that I was offered a role with charity group IBN Aboriginal Corporation in the HO based in Hedland, and later in the Karratha office as the Community Partnerships Officer. IBN assist members of their three language groups, Yinhawangka, Banyjima and Nyiyaparli.
I am also a member of Go Gentle Australia and Dying with Dignity WA and was privileged to be invited to deliver a personal story on the steps of Parliament House at the commencement of the Parliamentary debate on Voluntary Assisted Dying. I was also invited to participate in the making of the film “The Broken Hearted” which is now shown in other Australian states and available for use overseas as a voice for truth and choice.
I am privileged to volunteer for SAFE, coming from a family of lifelong animal lovers. It’s truly inspiring to work closely with Founder Sue Hedley OAM and the many other volunteers who give of their time for this life saving work. I have assisted SAFE with some grant applications over the years and was fortunate to receive the Woodside Covid Community funding provided to enable SAFE’s Strategic Review performed by Talenting, helping to provide sustainability for SAFE into the future.
Sandy Tsalavoutas
Secretary
I grew up on a smallholding where we had horses, dogs, guinea fowl, chickens, a bird aviary and tropical fish, so pets were around me all the time. Currently we have just started an aquarium for my son, who seems to have a natural affinity to animals.
I am a Chartered Accountant and Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia with 22 years of experience. By day I work as an accountant in WA mining, by night I work for SAFE and commercial organisations in board support roles.
Prior to this I completed my traineeship at an accounting firm in South Africa, then worked and travelled in Europe for 8 years, spending 5 years in England and 3 in France, before settling in Perth in 2007 and starting a family.
I cannot overstate how important and how much not for profit organisations like SAFE do for people and animals, and I thoroughly enjoy giving back through my work and support for the Board of SAFE.
Stephen Martin
Treasurer
My professional career includes some 30 years in the financial services industry working in some of the largest Credit Unions and Building Societies in Australia along with major Regional Banks. My roles during that time were many and varied including senior management and executive positions with responsibilities for risk, corporate compliance, and strategic development all within the regulatory framework and controls of APRA and ASIC plus ASX listing requirements.
More recently I have been working for the past 15 years in the private independent school sector. Having occupied executive roles in two of the largest Colleges within the sector I am well equipped to understand the unique demands and challenges that the Not-for-Profit sector provides. My current role is Director – Finance & Corporate Services for a northern suburbs’ college owned and operated by Catholic Education Western Australia. I am currently the Vice President of the Board for the Association of School Business Administrators in WA.
I am degree qualified with a Bachelor of Commerce from Curtin University majoring in Finance & Economics (B. Com Finance & Econ) and in 2016 I was admitted as a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD). These qualifications coupled with my knowledge gained from various Board positions over several years equip me well to be a proactive and responsible Director and Treasurer for SAFE.
SAFE, like so many entities in the Not-for-Profit space, faces many challenges. I look at these challenges as opportunities, opportunity to meet them head on and create further value to our mission and vision that we serve both now and into the future. I really look forward to being a continuing part of that opportunity, providing and contributing in any way I can. I believe I have the right financial skill set, the correct balance of perspective and the drive, enthusiasm, and commitment to achieve the right outcome.
On the personal front I am married with three adult children and two beautiful grandchildren. We have always had dogs and collectively we currently have four dogs within our immediate family. An avid soccer player in my earlier years I played at NPL level and represented the State at both junior and senior level, and the Australian National Team at junior level. In 2012 I was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame.
Mal Bradley
General Board Member
I have a broad education with university degrees in science, sustainability, various social sciences as well as law.
I have worked in various positions within the iron ore industry and spent significant time volunteering in the not for profit sector, including Murdoch University, MIDLAS and Peel Community Legal Service.
Since being admitted as a lawyer in 2016, I’ve worked in various front-line family violence roles in the community legal sector, as a criminal lawyer in private practice, and currently work in a generalist role at Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre.
Madeleine Williams
General Board Member
I am an accomplished business owner, having jointly built and operated a highly successful national pet cremation business before selling to an ASX-listed company. A core component of our business success was sensitively supporting pet owners through an emotional time saying goodbye to beloved family members.
Having had roles in both the public and private sector, I have developed a strong understanding of governance, operations management, and strategy setting. My experience includes business development, marketing, financial management and international procurement.
During my career, I have had extensive experience as a leader and a mentor. Having more recently specialised in human resources, I have a passion for people’s well-being and a strong focus on improving employee relations contributing to organizational success.
Prior to this, I worked at the Australian Trade & Investment Commission (Austrade) for 15 years including a posting to Thailand as Trade Commissioner, and I was an international marketing executive for a U.S. multinational in Japan, Hong Kong and the USA.
As a pet lover with two dogs and a cat, the work of SAFE is well aligned to my values and I look forward to working with the SAFE Board to help thousands more pets find loving homes.
Gina Chatellier
General Board Member
I have a soft spot for animals and a passion for gender equity and LGBTQI+ issues. I have fostered 14 cats over the last 4 years, am a mentor for the Diverse Women’s Leadership Program, and am on working groups at RAC to address the gender pay gap and another to support LGBTQI+ inclusion. I have previous board experience through the Society for Industrial and Organisational Psychology Australia where I was a board member and secretary for 3 years and worked towards furthering the future success of the profession. I have been an animal lover my whole life, and had one of my first jobs at a pet supply store for many years where I first learned about the many animal welfare issues that exist.
I am a seasoned data analyst and previous management consultant with an organisational psychology PhD. My experience in data analysis has equipped me with the ability to gather, interpret, and derive meaningful insights from various datasets. Moreover, my experience as a management consultant at Deloitte specialising in workforce transformation has provided me with a keen eye for identifying opportunities for operational improvement and organisational growth. Through my work, I have helped organisations navigate complex challenges, enhance their processes, and foster a culture of collaboration and innovation. I aim to use these skills to enhance SAFE’s strategic decision-making processes, optimise operational efficiency, and measure the impact of various initiatives.
My background in psychology and my PhD on volunteer attraction and retention brings a comprehensive understanding of human behaviour and the needs of volunteers. I am attuned to the emotional and psychological well-being of the dedicated individuals working tirelessly to rescue and care for animals. I aim to use my knowledge in this field to help guide SAFE in implementing effective and compassionate strategies for animal rehabilitation, adoption, and overall welfare.
Finally, my hands-on experience as a dedicated cat foster parent for the past four years has provided me with an intimate understanding of the challenges and joys involved in animal rescue. This experience has not only enriched my knowledge of feline behaviour, health, and socialisation but has also solidified my commitment to animal welfare and advocacy. I am also the proud parent of two rescues, a cat named Monty, and a mastiff cross lab named Maggie.
As a board director for SAFE I am committed to contributing my time, energy, and expertise to advance SAFE’s mission through my passion for animal welfare, my commitment to data-driven decision-making, and my hands-on experience as a foster caregiver.
Samantha Bing
General Board Member
As a massive animal lover, I am absolutely honoured to volunteer as a Board Director for SAFE. Growing up, I have been surrounded by animals, specifically dogs and am continually in awe of the love and happiness they bring to our lives.
I work in the not-for-profit disability sector and hold a Masters of Human Services; I also volunteer at various other organisations focusing on addressing homelessness and social isolation. I bring enthusiasm and passion to my role at SAFE and am committed to supporting the organisation to achieve its vision.
SAFE’s ongoing goals and objectives to save companion animals from unnecessary euthanasia is something I am very passionate about. It gives the opportunity for so many positive outcomes for animals who would not have previously had the future or opportunity to have them.