Committee

Image Belinda

Belinda Oppenheimer

President

Belinda Oppenheimer is a welfare advocate and practicing veterinarian currently working in general and referral unusual pet practice.

She has a decade of experience in animal shelter and welfare work and is a veterinary adviser and volunteer for numerous animal advocacy groups. She graduated with honours in her veterinary degree and went on to attain her Membership of the Australian and New Zealand College of Veterinary Scientists in the field of Medicine and Surgery of Unusual Pets, indicating a high level of knowledge of the biology and care of commonly used laboratory species including rabbits, rats, mice, guinea pigs and ferrets.

Her interest in the use of animals in research stemmed from witnessing the use of greyhounds throughout her veterinary education, inciting a passion for a better way forward. Belinda first joined Animal-Free Science Advoacy in an advisory role in 2020, in memory of her greyhounds who were utilised in veterinary training prior to their adoption.

David Boyd

SECRETARY

David is a distinguished professional specialising in corporate governance, risk management, and policy development, with a background spanning government, corporate, entrepreneurial, and not-for-profit sectors.

Holding an Executive MBA, he was awarded the 2016 Colin Brain Governance Prize for Business Ethics. David’s career is also enriched by his dedication to animal welfare. In this field, he plays significant roles in secretarial, risk management, and administrative capacities.

His adaptability across different roles and environments highlights a versatile skillset, emphasising his ability to implement effective governance in various organisational contexts.

Gary Wright

Gary Wright

ordinary member

Gary has been a vegan for 26 years. The original motivation for this was to cease contributing to animal cruelty.  

Gary has completed a law degree and will be eligible for admission as a lawyer in May 2025. His reason for becoming a lawyer is to contribute to justice for animals and for the environment.

Gary has contributed to many animal and environmental organisations.  Gary is excited by the possibilities of new technologies for assessment of pharmaceutical drugs and the benefits this could have for both human and non-human animals.

Georgia Blomberg

ordinary member

Georgia has worked for 30 years in not-for-profit membership-based associations, in various roles from professional services/consulting, project management and member services. 

Georgia has been a passionate advocate for non-human animals and climate activist during her lifetime, via financial and artistic donations, volunteering, eco-tourism and political activism.

Georgia’s philosophy for progress is that we must all move forward together, without alienating anyone or spending our energy pushing against entrenched systems, but rather building the new for the benefit of all.

Georgia has a bachelor’s degree in computing science and a Cert IV in Project Management.

Corey Thompson

TREASURER

Corey has over 10 years’ experience volunteering with a number of not-for-profit associations.

He has been involved in community organising as the lead organiser of protests within a small team and volunteered with campaigns such as the 30-day Vegan Easy Challenge and Bendigo Saleyard Shade and Shelter Campaign. Corey has 3 years committee experience with Lamb Care Australia as a founding member filling various roles. He is a member of the Institute of Community Directors Australia and has qualifications in bookkeeping. Corey has completed the online ANZCCART ComPass Animal Welfare Training and Animal Ethics course. 

Before moving on from Lamb Care Australia, Corey helped begin the transition from Microsoft Excel to Xero Accounting where he obtained a basic understanding of Xero Software. In 2000, Corey studied Basic Bookkeeping – Manual & Computerised (Kangan Batman TAFE).

 

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