HRA Staff

Helen Marston, Chief Executive Officer

Following a 12 year career in investment banking, Helen pursued a number of projects specific to animal welfare/rights. She was employed by Animals Australia for eight years, during which time she participated in the NHMRC’s public consultation on xenotransplantation, and founded Humane Charities Australia Inc. a project aimed to identify health charities that do not conduct nor support animal-based research.

Helen left Animals Australia in 2004 to produce ‘Animals Matter’ – Australia’s first television program about animal welfare and rights issues. In 2005 she completed the Grad. Certificate in Animal Welfare at Monash University. She currently serves as a Board Director of Animals Australia.

Robyn Kirby – HRA Office Manager

Robyn first became aware of the use of animals in experiments over 25 years ago when a toxicology facility, that would use over 100,000 animals, was proposed for Victoria. This major facility (which did not go ahead) highlighted to Robyn the hidden industry that is vivisection (experimentation on live animals). Robyn believes that this outdated method of research has well and truly reached its use by date. Robyn holds a Diploma of Communications from Griffith University and has over 25 years experience in office administration.

Rachel Smith, Campaigns and Communications Manager

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.

Rachel has been committed to various animal welfare causes since a young age. During her career has worked for NGOs in the animal welfare and conservation fields, in Europe, Asia and Australia, as well as employment in the community sector for local, state and federal Government.

She currently serves as a Board Director for Act Compassion Together Asia, a NGO focussed on humane education in China.

Adam Walsh, Operations and Administration Officer

Adam became conscious of the mistreatment of animals after visiting a food market in Siem Reap, Cambodia. After discovering more about how animals for human benefit are treated in Australia he changed the impact of his lifestyle and following an enlightening trip to India, decided to pursue animal advocacy as a career.

Adam grew-up in Dubbo, in central New South Wales, and has twenty years administration and customer service experience, including customer service team management. Adam spends his life drinking tea, practicing yoga, and hanging out with his partner and their toy poodle Jesper.