The VBB Board

Peter is a 1972 veterinary graduate from Sydney University. After 17 years in mixed rural practice including equine stud practice and bovine and small ruminant assisted reproduction services, he joined the biotechnology industry as a senior research scientist working on gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) and developing an immunological castration/sterilization agent. Peter then completed a PhD in the molecular biology of male mediated birth defects. This remains his main research interest and he has recently concluded his MScMed (Reproductive health and human genetics) degree with a research project in the Fertility unit at Westmead Hospital Sydney. A highlight of his career, has been being involved with running large animal clinics and ABC-AR programs in Bodhgaya, India.

Anna has a Master’s degree in Economics and over 12 years work experience in a range of senior financial management positions with leading corporations in Europe as well as Clough Ltd and Curtin University of Technology in Australia. She was one of the founding principles of Trans-Tasman Resources Ltd, a mining and exploration company, and her current responsibilities cover its strategic planning and commercial activities. Anna’s main areas of expertise are business planning, corporate finance and governance. Anna is a Graduate Member of Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), a fellow of the Institute of Financial Services FINSIA, Graduate Member of Chartered Secretaries Australia and is currently enrolled in the Executive MBA program at Melbourne Business School. Anna is passionate and committed about improving animal welfare worldwide.

Margaret has held CEO positions in public health, overseas development and veterinary not for profits, and continues to hold a number of director positions on government and not for profit boards. Her qualifications are in management and political science, and she is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors. She has a long-standing commitment to improving human and veterinary public health as one of the important building blocks on which to nurture an understanding and acceptance of global interdependence.

Harrie Phillips is a qualified and accredited veterinary nurse, and is currently employed the Adelaide Veterinary Specialist & Referral Centre as the Nursing Manager. Harrie has completed her Diploma of Veterinary Nursing (Surgical) and has a major interest in neuro patient rehabilitation. In 2009 she won the Veterinary Nurses Council of Australia’s (VNCA) Professional Development Scholarship to travel to the UK to further study rehabilitation and physiotherapy for neurological patients. Harrie has also volunteered as a veterinary nurse for Vets Beyond Borders at the Sera Monastery project in Karnataka. As well as being Chair of Communications for VBB, she is also on the South Australian divisional committee of the VNCA. When not covered in animal hair at work, she lives with her husband Deane, her two border collies and her three cats. Outside of vet nursing, Harrie is actively involved in car rallying which does not leave time (or money) for other hobbies.

Miranda Bates is a UK qualified lawyer specialising in finance and has been living in Australia for the past 3 years. Miranda has vast experience in major international law firms across the globe and has a strong commitment to assisting in animal welfare issues particularly in Asis and Indochina.

Kirsty Officer graduated from Murdoch University in 1995 and worked for a number of years in mixed and small animal practice in both Australia and the United Kingdom. After some years in practice she returned to study for a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Western Australia, majoring in history and politics. Kirsty has a strong interest in and commitment to improving animal welfare in Asia. Since 2007 she has been a regular volunteer with Vets Beyond Borders projects, spending a total of 5 months in Sikkim and 2 months in Ladakh, and was a member of the teaching staff for the pilot phase of Project Vet-Train in 2009. Kirsty is currently working for Animals Asia Foundation as the veterinarian at their Moon Bear rescue centre in Northern Vietnam, which rescues and rehabilitates bears from the bear bile trade.