2026 Forum Speakers and Orgs

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

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!

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.

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.