About AIAM - The AIAM Committee

Executive Committee

	Dick Murray President Western Suburbs Vet Clinic KIRWAN QLD 4817 Dick Murray is a North Queensland veterinary practitioner who has had a deep interest in and commitment to animal management for most of his professional career. For his work, in concert with many remarkable people in this field, he has been recognised in his being awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia and the Gilruth Prize of the Australian Veterinary Association.
	Chris Button Deputy President Manager, Public Health & Safety, City of Onkaparinga, Noarlunga Centre SA 5048 Chris has a background and qualifications in Human Resource Management. He has worked in Local Government for the past 13 years. With eight years experience managing Animal Managements Officers, Chris is currently employed as Manager Public Health and Safety at the City of Onkaparinga. This position entails the management of the General Inspectorate, Environmental Health, and Emergency Management functions of the largest Council in South Australia. In addition to the operational aspects of this position, Chris is currently focusing on performance measurement and the utilisation of technology by within the regulatory environment.
	Elke Tapley Secretary Coordinator Local Laws and Traffic, Knox City Council The role covers Animal Management, Local Law compliance, School Crossing Supervision and Traffic Management. Elke's experience in Local Government spans 15 years and includes the on-road roles of Municipal Laws Officer and Municipal Laws Project Officer with Nillumbik Shire Council. Elke commenced with Knox in 2006 and holds an Advanced Diploma in Business Management, Diploma in Business (Frontline Management), Certificate IV in Assessment and Workplace Training and is (still) finishing a Diploma in Business (Human Resources). Elke is a member of the Domestic Animal Management Implementation Committee (DAMIC), LGPro Statutory Services SIG, Metropolitan Council Animal Management group (MetCAM). She was also a member of the UAM/AVA ‘AMO Team of the Year’ in 2001.
	Rick Walduck Treasurer Trovan Microchips, Keysborough Vic 3173 Dr Rick Walduck is a veterinarian having been in practice for 30 years and developed a keen interest in a range of issues broader than veterinary practice. He was a founding Director of Animal Emergency Ctr ( Melbourne ), Delta Society (Melbourne). He has been a member of Animal Ethics committees including Howard Florey, MUVS and Psychology(Monash). He developed an active interest and been involved with Animal Management issues since the late 70’s, initially assisting in developing via the AVA legislation in Vic, progressing through member of the executive of UAM, to current executive position as treasurer of AIAM Inc.

Full Committee

	Sharleen Jordan Lecturer, Local Govt/Animal Studies and rep for WARACY O'Connor College Of Tafe, Northam WA 6401 I have a double major science degree from Murdoch University (WA) in Biology and Environmental Science as well as a Teaching degree, also from Murdoch. I have been working for CY O'Connor for 12 years and I am an ASL2 (Advanced Skills Lecturer level 2 - the highest position possible for a lecturer besides Principal). I have been a member elected member of the WA Rangers Association committee for about 5 years. I deliver a wide range of both Nationally Accredited and customised training to all facets of Local Government from Law to Animal Management and Behaviour and even Reptile Handling. I have an extensive network within Local Government and other agencies as well as having been exposed to a variety of councils, communities and the issues and challenges faced.
	Steve Larsen Pittwater Council, New South Wales
	Mykel Smith Coordinator Local Laws, Townsville City Council Qld 4814 Mykel has worked in the animal management field for the past 10 years, beginning as an Animal Management Officer with the Townsville City Council progressing to the Senior Compliance Officer with Thuringowa City Council. Due to the amalgamation of Thuringowa and Townsville, Mykel was appointed Coordinator Local Laws for the new Townsville City Council. Mykel completed his Bachelor of Business, majoring in Marketing and Management, in December 2009.
	Robyn Butterfield Manager, Regulatory Services, City of West Torrens SA The local government area of City of West Torrens has a population of approximately 52,600 and is located between the city and the sea. The Regulatory Services Department consists of Compliance, Environmental Health and Waste Management Teams. Robyn has been working in Local Government for over 25 years. She has experience as an animal management officer in the field and for the past 8 years as the Manager Regulatory Services. Robyn currently has the Certificate IV in Business (Frontline Management) and is undertaking a Diploma in Business Management. She is a member of the Authorised Persons Association (APA) in South Australia. Outside of work, Robyn is the owner and registered breeder of german shepherd dogs and has trained dogs in obedience and conformation. Other interest is in owning and breeding Australian native birds, finches and parrots.
	Geoff Irwin Gold Coast City Council, Queensland Having started in Local Government in 1976, Geoff has gravitated to a portolio in Animal Management. The natural progression was then to become involved in a premium national body for the industry such as AIAM. Having been heavily involved with developing animal management in his region and across Australia, Geoff is now a board member for AMRRIC. He is hopeful he can assist Indigenous Communities in animal management issues.
	Margaret Gaal Bathurst City Council, New South Wales
	Claire Gick Director, Benotto Animal Management Claire has a background and qualifications both in Veterinary Nursing and Municipal Law Enforcement. She has worked as an animal management consultant in recent years producing community events, sterilisation schemes, legislative consultation groups and animal management plans for Local Government. She has trained a dog to top Obedience and Agility competition titles as well as gaining and Australian Championship for showing. Claire runs Benotto Dog Lifestyle Classes educating owners in the benefit of exercising, socialising and educating their dogs and puppies in addition to some private behaviour management consultation (www.benotto.com.au). She is a regular cat foster carer and an active supporter of local animal rescue groups.
	Steve Rigby City Inspector, Glenorchy City Council, Tasmania
	Peter Chandler Ex Officio Committee Shadow Minister for Natural Resources, Environment and Heritage, Parks and Wildlife and Shadow assisting on Education, NT Arriving in the Northern Territory in 1985 as a Police Dog Handler for the Royal Australian Air force Peter soon realised the Territory was for him. Together with his wife Robyn, they built their first home together and have since raised three children. Peter left the Air force in 1991 and since then has owned and operated a number of small businesses and worked for a number of Government and Local Government Departments including the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Defence Housing Authority. His roles have included Supervisor Animal Management for the Darwin City Council and the Regulatory Services Manager for the City of Palmerston. Peter’s passion for improving urban animal management culminated in him being awarded a Winston Churchill Fellowship in 2007 taking him to Los Angeles, Vancouver Canada, New Orleans, Miami, Washington, New York and London studying the link between urban animal control and animal welfare. Peter’s full report at www.churchilltrust.com.au Since returning from overseas Peter’s focus turned political gaining pre-selection for the Country Liberals. Peter went on and was elected to the seat of Brennan in Palmerston for the Northern Territory Legislative Assembly