Our dedicated Board Members are committed to tackling animal cruelty.

The Board

RSPCA NSW is governed by a Board of elected members who volunteer their time to preside over the organisation. The Board meets regularly to review organisational progress and assist in supporting strategic development.

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Dr P Wright

BVSc, Grad Dip Ag Ec

President

Dr P Wright is a veterinarian who runs his own practice at Goulburn, NSW, and treats domestic pets, livestock, wildlife and other exotic species. He has a long involvement with animal care groups, including WIRES, and in assisting the region’s local RSPCA inspector.

Board Memebers 1

Dr I Roth

 PSM, BVSc, MACVSc

Vice President

Dr I Roth worked as a veterinarian with the NSW Department of Primary Industries (NSW DPI) for 40 years in biosecurity and animal welfare. He managed the NSW DPI’s Animal Welfare Unit and worked closely with RSPCA NSW. Until his retirement in December 2015, he was the Chief Veterinary Officer for NSW. His career successes were recognised with a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to veterinary science, particularly pertaining to animal welfare and biosecurity in NSW.

Board Memebers

Mr M Steele

SC, B.Comm, LLB (Hons) (Melb), BCL (Oxon)

Vice President

Mr M Steele is a barrister practising corporate and employment law at the commercial Bar in Sydney.  He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2013.  Mr Steele has a commerce degree and first-class honours law degree from the University of Melbourne and a master’s degree in law from Oxford University and is currently studying for a PhD in law at Sydney University.  Prior to coming to the Bar in 1995, Mr Steele worked for ten years as an investment banker in London, New York and Sydney.  He has been a lifelong supporter of the RSPCA as a donor and as the proud parent of a much-loved terrier cross adopted from Yagoona.  In recent years, Mr Steele has assisted RSPCA NSW pro bono on a number of important governance and regulatory matters. He is also a Director of RSPCA Australia.

new treasurer 1

Mr S Thompson

Bachelor of Business (Accounting), Member, Chartered Accountants, Australia and New Zealand and Registered Company Auditor

Treasurer

Mr S Thompson is a Partner al Hall Chadwick. He has over 30 years of chartered accounting experience and has been a partner in public practice since 2001. He has spent his career within both Big 4 and mid-tier firms providing audit and advisory services. His focus is on the middle market, providing audit and assurance services to a range of clients encompassing both corporate and not-for-profit entities. As Treasurer, he is particularly focused on the financial viability of the organisation.

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Ms S Cruickshank

Director

Ms S Cruickshank is currently a Senior Executive in the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet and has amassed three decades of experience in policy development, public affairs and strategic communications. Prior to joining the Australian Public Service in 2012, she spent 10 years as part of a global public relations agency, the last five years of which she was Managing Director of one of its Australian-based companies. Throughout her life, she has been the proud owner of multiple shelter cats and dogs and is passionate about protecting the interests of vulnerable animals in our society.

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Ms M Gaal

Director

Margaret Gaal joined RSPCA NSW in 1981 and was previously the President of our RSPCA Bathurst Branch, a position which she held for more than 30 years. Margaret brings with her a wealth of knowledge of the organisation and is the founder of the NSW RSPCA CAWS Program which commenced in 2003 and also completed the RSPCA CAWS Program in Tahiti. Outside of RSPCA NSW Margaret has sat on various NSW Government and Taskforces Committees and is the President of the Australian Institute Local Government Rangers Association and a life member of the Australian Institute NSW Rangers Association. 

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Mr G Hall

Director

Mr Hall is a Life Member of RSPCA NSW and has been an RSPCA Board Member since 1983. He is the primary producer and owner of a family property near Young. He breeds Shorthorn cattle.

Board Memebers 1

Mr P O’Callaghan

B.Bus, PostGrad Dip Mgmt

Director

Mr P O’Callaghan has over 35 years’ experience in risk management for not-for-profit organisations, government enterprises and health services, among many others. He is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) and was awarded the inaugural Certified Public Accountant (CPA) award for outstanding individual contribution to Victoria.

As well as serving on the RSPCA NSW Board of Directors, Mr O’Callaghan is currently Chairman of Andrew Kerr Care Ltd.

Board Memebers 1

Mr D Robinson

Director

Mr D Robinson joined the Board in November 2014. Born in Young in NSW, he had a varied career before joining the NSW Police in 1971. He served in small rural communities across the state for 23 years but resigned to take up the position of Chief Inspector for RSPCA NSW. He served for eight years, before becoming RSPCA NSW Manager of Branches and Properties. He is keenly interested in all facets of the RSPCA, but particularly in the branches and their operations. As an RSPCA Australia Farm Assessor, he carried out inspections of piggeries accredited under the Approved Farming Scheme. In 2012, Mr Robinson retired to a 60-acre farm in Grenfell in the Mid-West NSW, where he now runs a few cattle and an alpaca.

Board Memebers 2

Ms M Steele

MA (Oxon)

Director

Ms M Steele is a life member of RSPCA NSW and has been a supporter of the RSPCA since childhood.  She has a law degree from Oxford University and has worked as a volunteer with a number of community organisations in NSW over many years, including RSPCA NSW, where she worked with the Education Team and assisted in fundraising activities.

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Mr S Coleman

MBA, GAICD, Grad Dip of Investigations Mgt

Chief Executive Officer

Since joining RSPCA NSW in 1991, Steve has held many positions; Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector, Chief Inspector, Deputy CEO and now CEO. This has significantly assisted in developing his leadership style and approach, with the primary purpose of RSPCA NSW at the core of his development. Steve’s tertiary qualifications include a Graduate Diploma in Investigations Management and a Masters in Business Administration. Steve has extensive experience in stakeholder management including local, state and federal government, industry and media experience. With many years managing staff (approximately 500), volunteers (approximately 1500) and with a grassroots experience base, Steve is able to guide RSPCA NSW’s strategic development and execution.

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