First and foremost, Alan is a father of two wonderful kids - now wonderful adults - living their best lives in Melbourne and New Zealand.
The bulk of Alan's working career involved over 25-years’ experience in Public Practice as a Chartered Accountant, including roles as Director and Managing Director of a Perth-based Chartered Accounting advisory practice.
In 2013, he was advanced to the status of Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia & New Zealand (FCA) – in recognition of length of membership leadership role within the profession, and contribution to the community.
Alan retired in 2015 due to ill-health, and has spent much of the time since then facing head on the many challenges associated with achieving and maintaining his own mental health and wellbeing.
From 2017 to 2022, Alan spent extensive periods camping in remote areas of Australia – predominantly Kimberley / Northern WA, Arnhem Land / NT, across the gulf & North Queensland - as well as many places along the various routes between these locations and his then hometown of Perth. During this time, he did what he could to help others in need, but missed having a base from which he could devote further time. This was a major part of Alan's decision to relocate permanently to Broome in January 2023.
Alan has been a life-long dog lover and been lucky enough to have golden retrievers as companions for over 40 years.
Prior experience in charitable/volunteer roles includes:
- Presbyterian Ladies College (Member of School Council & Chair of Business Finance Committee).
- Assistance Dogs Australia (Casual fundraising).
- Centacare Homeless Breakfast (Volunteer aid).
- Feed the Little Children Inc (Committee Member).
- Broome Golf Club (Treasurer).
- Sundry other assistance in a less formal capacity.
Broome Therapy Dogs is the culmination of all of the above prior experiences, incorporating:
- An overriding culture of offering a helping hand to those in need, with a two-fold approach - free therapy dog services, and raising much needed funds for other worthy Broome-based charities.
- Over 25 years’ experience of advising start-up and evolving businesses.
- Building a volunteer-based network of supporters with relevant skillsets, bonded by a common desire to assist others.
- A determination to raise the awareness of mental health-related resources available in Broome and beyond to help others who may be struggling with their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Over 40 years’ experience of golden retriever ownership and training, and first-hand experience of the benefits of therapy dogs in mental health & wellbeing settings.
Other relevant facts about Alan:
- Working with Children Card No. 955656, expiring 26/10/2028.
- Federal Police Clearance.
- Member of Chartered Accountants Australia & New Zealand (Fellow - retired).
- Member of Broome Chamber of Commerce.
- Member of the Golden Retriever Club of WA.
