Part of a big vision (from left) Mayor Len Cox, James Merlino MP, Nell Thompson, Wayne and Glenda Walker with Arnold the labrador at the opening of Animal Aid’s Elizabeth Walker Education Centre. 50755
By Kath Gannaway
THE Elizabeth Walker Education Centre was opened last week, providing a state-of-the-art multi-purpose facility for the Victorian Animal Aid Trust in Coldstream.
“At last, Animal Aid has a facility worthy of the amazing work that is done here,” chair of the VAAT Trust Lesley Humphreys said of the $850,000 project.
Among the many guests at the opening were state minister and MP for Monbulk James Merlino, Yarra Ranges Mayor Len Cox and councillors Jeanette McRae and Noel Cliff, indigenous elder Dot Peters, students from Coldstream Primary School and Wayne and Glenda Walker, the parents of Elizabeth.
Elizabeth, a passionate animal lover, was 18 when she was killed in a car crash at Chirnside Park in November 2008.
The Walkers donated $100,000 to the project in memory of their daughter and in recognition of the bond which exists between people and animals.
Providing a brief overview of the work of the more than 60-year-old institution, Ms Humphrey said Animal Aid had an annual turnover of nearly $4million and operated nine distinct business operations, including municipal pound service contracts covering an area equivalent to 25 per cent of the state, a commercial veterinary clinic, commercial boarding kennel and cattery – and more.
The commercial operations support the work for which Animal Aid is most recognised – animal re-homing, welfare and education work.
Ms Humphreys said in 2009 around 14,000 animals passed through one of Animal Aid’s many doors.
The Education Centre will house a wide range of training programs for groups from Animal Aid, volunteers and the wider community.
They include in-house training for nearly 50 staff, education programs for school children, community education seminars and accreditation courses for council rangers and animal industry professionals.
The building will also be used for post-adoptive training sessions, puppy classes and volunteer induction sessions and serve as a co-ordination communications room during natural disasters.
Mr Merlino said Animal Aid played a vital role in society in terms of the shelter and protection of animals and in educating about respect and compassion between people and animals.
Cr Cox spoke of the important role Animal Aid played during the 2009 bushfires – and of the important role they play in educating animal owners on responsible pet ownership.
He said the Elizabeth Walker Education Centre was stage one of a “wonderful plan for the future”.
“I have no doubt it will be achieved and will be achieved in the 10 year time-frame they have set out,” he said.
Wayne Walker then spoke of their bitter/sweet inspiration to become involved as supporters of Animal Aid.
Their daughter, he said, had a great love of animals.
“The importance of animals in her life is something very important to Glenda and I,” he said.
He told of how their first involvement with Animal Aid was when mother and daughter took the family’s two dogs through puppy school … with mixed results.
“Glenda and Liz failed,” he smiled. “The dogs passed.”
He said he and his wife were enormously impressed with the response of Animal Aid during the bushfires and by the passion, love of animals and dedication to the task shown by general manager Nell Thompson and her team.
“We wanted to do something to reflect the values we have as a family and contribute to what is an amazing organisation,” he said.
Ms Thompson said the new facility would promote all aspects of the Animal Aid brand of companion animal care.
“At Animal Aid, we are determined to maintain a facility that will change the face of animal welfare sheltering not only in Victoria, but Australia-wide,” she said.
