A 70th birthday is a big one for anyone – and the RSPCA ACT’s branch is inviting you along for its celebrations. Photo: Rhiannon Kwateng.
Rhiannon Kwateng has a lot of fond memories from her almost 20 years with the RSPCA ACT, but her favourites are when animals are adopted into their forever homes.
In one memorable instance, the marketing and fundraising manager says two dogs needed to stay at the shelter for an extended period while allegations of animal cruelty were investigated.
“They were in the shelter environment for over two years, and one of them spent every day in the office,” Rhiannon says.
“After two years, we were very, very fond of her. When they finally did go up for adoption, it was very bittersweet – there were tears all around!
“The moment you see them walking out to the car park, jumping into the car and being driven off, is very sweet.”
Since the RSPCA ACT shelter opened in 1955, thousands of animals – of all kinds – have passed through its doors for adoption, medical treatment, microchipping and other services.
Now, as the organisation prepares to celebrate the anniversary, the team is calling on the public’s help.
“We’re a part of the community. We’re nothing without our community,” she says.
“We can’t operate without our community.”
The plan is to gather memories, stories, and adoption updates on animals enjoying life in their forever homes, as well as memorabilia.
Chief executive officer Michelle Robertson says she is “incredibly proud of everything” the branch has accompolished.
“There are hundreds and thousands of animals that we have saved, whose lives we made better [as well as] the humans attached to those animals,” she says.
In addition to the many animals finding their forever homes, there has been a “fantastic change” to strengthen animal welfare laws in the ACT, with the Territory being the first Australian jurisdiction to include sentience in law.
Also, in 1978, the RSPCA ACT appointed its first female inspector, which Michelle says is believed to be a nationwide first.
The submissions will be collated to help showcase the RSPCA ACT’s work over the past seven decades.
“It is the love of animals and of the community that supports us that’s kept us going – and will keep us going,” Michelle says.
The team is “kicking around some thoughts” about how the submissions will be put together, but Michelle says photos, videos and written submissions are all welcomed.
But despite reaching 70, the ACT branch has no plans to slow down.
“What drives me is [what we do] – it’s animal welfare, it’s educating our community,” Rhiannon says.
“It’s being able to get these animals from not-so-nice conditions and getting them to a point where they can live their best possible lives.”
Rhiannon says the organisation is also planning a move to a new fit-for-purpose shelter.
“Being able to have something that was actually built to be a shelter, and being able to help animals and provide the best possible care, will allow our team to be able to do the work that they need in a safe environment,” she says.
A site in Pialligo was identified in 2022, and a government spokesperson told Region that as of February 2025, the concept design for the new shelter was being finalised in consultation with RSPCA ACT.
Those keen on sharing stories, photos or other material can contact the RSPCA ACT by phoning (02) 6287 8100 or emailing reception@rspca-act.org.au.
Loading ...
