Leanne is currently our cat adoptions coordinator and president. Leanne joined Pet Rescue in 2018 and specializes in bottle feeding newborn kittens and nursing sick cats back to good health. Leanne understands cat behavior and finds joy in uniting kittens/cats to their perfect home. Leanne also believes that cats need to be desexed and housed either indoors or in an enclosure. Leanne has foster failed three cats, shifty whom she bottle fed from 4 weeks (Shifty has wonky eyes hence the name). Crews came to her very scared so he had to stay, and lastly Meri who was dumped on the side of the road with her litter mates all of whom needed bottle feeding. Meri had developed some quirks so she had to stay as well. Leanne has a multi pet permit as she also has two older cats so 5 in total. Leanne's husband built an enclosure that runs the entire length of the house. Leanne show's everyone who adopts a cat to try and inspires them to do the same

Learni has been with CQ Pet Rescue for eight years, during which time she has either been Adoptions Coordinator or Food Coordinator, in addition to being a foster carer.  Learni greatly enjoys being a part of CQ Pet Rescue because everyone shares a common goal and works so well together to achieve it.  Learni has spent most of her life on cattle properties, and has the requisite number of animals to prove it; Max the bull arab, Abby the lab x (both pictured) and Winston the mastiff were all adopted through CQ Pet Rescue, whilst Madeline, cats Taylor and Rousey and Stephen the fighting fish all found their forever home with Learni by their own methods!

I’m Treasurer of CQ Pet Rescue, and have been with CQ Pet Rescue since 2014. I consider the work we do to be of vital importance to both animals and the community as a whole, and it brings me a great deal of joy and personal fulfillment. I live with my fiancé and two rescue dogs Jess and Stevie.

Since joining CQ Pet Rescue in 2015 as a foster carer, I've grown into my current role as Dog Adoptions Coordinator, while also serving as a profile creator and general helper. Over the past 10 years with CQPR, my family has opened our hearts and home to hundreds of cats, dogs, puppies, and kittens - some staying for weeks, others for months, but each one holding a special place in our hearts. I'm passionate about being a voice for animals who can't speak for themselves and ensuring they find safe, loving homes. My own fur family includes three dogs - Manny and Jet (both CQPR alumni) and 11-year-old Missy - plus cats Ebony and Ruby, who started our CQPR journey a decade ago. When not working full-time or helping animals, I enjoy spending time in the garden with my family and fun fact: I was interviewed for TV when I was about 15 - my one claim to fame!

Joining CQ Pet Rescue in 2016 as a foster carer through a Facebook appeal for a dog named Jax, I've since held various roles including Foster Carer Coordinator, Secretary, and President, before returning to my current position as Foster Carer Coordinator. My passion lies in giving animals a second chance and educating our community about responsible pet ownership in the central highlands. When I'm not coordinating foster care, I'm spending time with my own fur family - Nadia, a 12-year-old staffy x, and Murphy, a 2-year-old golden retriever. Currently on parental leave from my role as a CHPP Supervisor, I keep active through touch footy, netball, and gym sessions. Fun fact: I could still do the splits at 8 months pregnant!

My journey with CQ Pet Rescue began after seeing their heartfelt public appeal in 2023, where they had to take a break due to exhaustion. Their dedication and compassion inspired me to step up and offer my help when they reopened in January 2024. Even in my short time with CQ Pet Rescue, I’ve witnessed the incredible care, understanding, and commitment that this team pours into every rescue. Being part of such a passionate group is truly rewarding. Volunteering here gives me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of animals who cannot speak for themselves. Rescue organizations like CQ Pet Rescue provide a second chance to fur babies who may not have had one otherwise. I am proud to contribute to this mission and be part of a community that believes every animal deserves love, care, and a forever home.

I joined CQ Pet Rescue in 2024 during the AGM after stepping away from my career in the animal care industry to start a family. Missing that connection, I took on roles such as Assistant Pound Coordinator and Emergency/Holiday Foster Carer. Being part of CQPR allows me to help animals get a second chance at life while also creating unbreakable bonds between them and their new families. I admire CQPR’s commitment to desexing and responsible pet ownership, and I’m proud to support their mission. Outside of rescue work, I am a registered nurse and enjoy jet skiing, motorbike riding, shooting, and caravanning with my family. At home, I have a wonderful mix of pets, including Phoebe (Golden Retriever), Ohana (Kelpie x Collie x Cattle Dog mix), Jax and Narla (DSHs), and five chickens. Fun fact—before I left school, I could drive an 18-speed gearbox prime mover!

I joined CQ Pet Rescue in late 2021 after seeing an appeal on Facebook looking for carers. I really wanted to be part of a group that helps animals, and I have learned so much from the amazing people who work so hard to save those who have no voice. I already felt strongly about the importance of desexing our animals, but now I see how truly crucial it is. At home, we have Lacey, a 5-year-old Staffy who is great at teaching the foster puppies boundaries, along with some fish. Outside of my role as Cat Pound Coordinator, I'm a mum of 4 beautiful kids, working in admin and volunteering at the school. As a family we love camping and swimming, and I enjoy golf, especially now that my boys play too. Fun fact - I can still do a headstand!

This role entails a few things. It's new to us so we're making it up as we go along. Community engagement role: Promote CQ Pet Rescue in the community – host market stalls, chat with people at Show days, go along as CQPR Rep when we are invited to attend functions, and visit schools to chat with kids about being good pet owners. Able to work with local businesses for sponsorship, donations and grants to assist in our rescue work. Enjoy using social media to promote CQ Pet Rescue events and activities. Suits a dynamic personality who enjoys being part of the wider community and working with different teams of people. We have a wonderful fresh committee with additional positions to help share the workload. The hours are flexible to suit you (within reason) and you'll be a part of some messenger chats where we mostly just talk rubbish and share TikToks of cats being ridiculous. Not to mention the odd team brunch (my favourite part).