2026 Forum Speakers and Orgs

Amanda is a dedicated animal rights activist, with nearly a decade of frontline experience in the movement. Her work includes leading powerful campaigns, conducting investigative work, organising grassroots actions, and creating compelling media that gives voice to animals. She is driven by a deep commitment to bearing witness and keeping animals at the heart of the animal protection movement. Amanda played a central role in the creation of Imogen’s Story and Boe’s Story—impactful campaign pieces that have resonated deeply with the public and sparked vital conversations around animal suffering. She was honoured with the 2021 Animal Justice Foundation Award for Outstanding Activism in Animal Justice, and the 2023 Award for Best Public Service Announcement at the International Vegan Film Festival.  

Amy is the proud owner of a greyhound named Buddy, and has been an advocate for ending greyhound racing. Amy was previously a member of the Queensland state parliament, and prior to that, worked in research, teaching and community engagement. Amy brings insights into the political process to help the Coalition’s ongoing goal of ending greyhound suffering and ending greyhound racing. 

Angela Banovic is a vegan animal rights activist and founder of Dolphin Freedom Fighters, leading a relentless pressure campaign against Sea World through monthly protests for nearly six years. With over a decade on the frontlines, she has taken part in 11 international marine conservation campaigns, including Ground Leader in Taiji, Japan, and Campaign Leader for the 2025 GrindStop campaign with Sea Shepherd France in the Faroe Islands. 

Her activism has led to multiple arrests and deportations, reflecting her unwavering dedication to protecting animals, people, and the planet. Angela stands firmly in the belief that real change comes from showing up, taking risks, and refusing to look away.

April Broadbent (she/they) is the President and founder of Pigeon Rescue Queensland, a charity for the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of non-native pigeons. She’s been rehabbing pigeons for over five years. Feral pigeons sit in the gap between native species and invasive species - meaning that their interests are neglected. April formed Pigeon Rescue Queensland to bring together existing rehabbers, recruit new carers, and raise funds to give pigeons the help they desperately need. In her day job, April works for the Australian Alliance for Animals as their Better Chicken Commitment Campaigner.

Bill Shead (he/him) has been involved in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife for over 10 years, beginning with bats. His focus is currently on raising and releasing orphaned short-eared brushtail possums: a species which is very uncommon in the Greater Brisbane region, mainly due to habitat loss. He has raised and released back to the wild over 50 possums, about 80% of which have been “shorties.” Bill is also actively involved in the Land for Wildlife Program by restoring his small acreage to its natural state. He also volunteers as a wildlife driver for the RSPCA. Bill has been vegan for 3 years and, as time allows, is involved in animal activism. 

Brad King (he/him) is the Founder of Farm Animal Rescue, a sanctuary dedicated to giving abused, abandoned, and vulnerable commercially farmed animals a second chance at life. Driven by a deep commitment to compassion and protection, Brad has built a safe haven for over 120 rescued animals, many of whom require ongoing medical care and support. Through his leadership, the sanctuary not only provides lifelong refuge, but also inspires others to see farm animals as individuals deserving of kindness, safety, and respect.

A long-term advocate for the animals, Cameron is also one of the organisers of the Action for Animals forum, an idea inspired by his participation in the Brisbane Social Forum back in the mid-2000s. He has been active for animals, people and the environment in both Brisbane and London. Currently, he co-organises the Brisbane Vegan Meetup, the A4A Community website and events, and writes. To hear some of his philosophy about veganism and animal rights, click here to listen to a podcast he was featured on. 

He/Him

Vegan Action Brisbane, led by Greg Dean and Ryan Cusack, is a grassroots animal rights organisation dedicated to promoting compassion and ending animal exploitation. Through regular street outreach, including weekly events, the team engages the public in respectful, thought-provoking conversations, using real footage from farms and laboratories to raise awareness about the realities animals face. 

As part of the broader Vegan Action Global network, the organisation contributes to a growing international movement focused on education, ethical reflection, and positive change. Their mission is simple: to inspire individuals to align their values with their actions and choose a lifestyle free from unnecessary harm.

The Vegan Action Global YouTube channel hosts a range of podcast interviews, including with Gary Yourofsky, documentaries, outreach conversations and educational and philosophical deep dives.

 Initially, it all started with Vegan Action Melbourne, founded by Terry Phillips. There is now: Vegan Action Melbourne, Vegan Action Sydney, Vegan Action Brisbane, Vegan Action Essex, and Vegan Action Kent

Gregory Dillon (he/him) majored in genetics whilst gaining a Bachelor in Science, but once he became aware of the cruelty to animals during research projects, he made the decision to withdraw from furthering his education in this area. As a strong advocate for the protection of animals, nature and the planet, he is proud to represent the Animal Justice Party, currently serving as Secretary for the AJP Queensland. Greg is committed to the phase-out of animal experimentation, factory farms and other industries that don’t recognise animals as sentient beings, and ensuring that all animals are protected under the law.

Jennifer Stephens (she/her) is the Secretary of the UQ Vegan Society, a University of Queensland student club bringing together vegans, vegetarians, and the curious through food, friendship, and advocacy. With a warm and welcoming approach to outreach and a deep commitment to animals and the planet, Jennifer plays a key role in building a community that creates real connection and positive change – both on campus and beyond.

Occupational therapist

Bio coming soon!

Over the past 9 years, Johann has supported various organisations (e.g. Sea Shepherd, Animal Justice Party, AnimalKind) and campaigns (e.g. Stop Live Export, Adidas to end use of kangaroo leather) through volunteering, donations, street outreach, protests, petitions and event organisation. 

Johann has worked professionally on the design of medical devices and their manufacturing processes (e.g., needle-free EpiPen alternative, Cochlear implant). He is passionate about leveraging scale-up skills developed from his experience in startups and established companies to industrialise bioprocesses that replace the current exploitation of animals.  

Jonathan Clark (he/him) is Queensland Coordinator of the Apex Harmony campaign - Sea Shepherd Australia's Shark Defence campaign to defend, conserve and protect sharks in order to maintain a healthy ocean.

Liz Clarke (she/her) lives by the mantra ‘Be the change you want to see in the world’. Her lived experience and values align with the Animal Justice Party’s mission to create a kinder, fairer world for all. 

With a Bachelor of Environmental Planning and Master of Environmental Management, Liz has 17 years of experience as an environmental professional across the public and private sectors, and a strong understanding of how human-centric systems harm ecosystems and jeopardise the wellbeing of future generations. She believes that shifting away from systems that exploit ecosystems and non-human animals are essential for environmental, social, and animal justice. 

Liz actively volunteers at farm animal sanctuaries, where she builds meaningful relationships with rescued animals and fundraises to support their care through her artwork. As a proud Aboriginal woman, she is also a passionate advocate for equity and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Lucy O’Brien (she/her) has spent the past 10 years learning about, and advocating for, animals and the environment. Lucy has supported two animal sanctuaries through volunteer work and fundraising, has been involved in wildlife rescue and awareness campaigns, has engaged in vegan outreach and supported many different environmental and animal rights campaigns. She has recently joined the AJP Queensland Committee.

Professionally, Lucy is an Early Childhood Teacher. Through her work, Lucy hopes to inspire kindness, respect for wildlife and nature, and compassion for all living beings - non human and human.

Lucy wants to see a world where animal suffering and cruelty no longer exists, and where biodiversity and nature thrives.

Natalie Lis is a vegan who works and lives in the Sunshine Coast, Australia. Her research intersects Human–Animal Studies and Architecture, and she currently works as a teaching associate at the University of Queensland. She advocates for nonhuman animals through her academic work. She desires to enhance understanding around how architecture impacts human–nonhuman relationships and how these are shaped by power imbalances. She has been a member of AASA since 2020, joining the committee in 2024.

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Rachel Smith (she/her) has worked for Animal-Free Science Advocacy (formerly Humane Research Australia) since 2019, where she is now CEO. During her career, she has worked for NGOs in the animal welfare and conservation fields, in Europe, Asia and Australia, as well as roles in the community sector for local, state and federal Government. Rachel holds a MSc in Animal Welfare Science, Ethics and Law from the University of Winchester, during which she undertook her dissertation project on Freedom of Information legislation and animal research.