Bringing joy and compassion
Wellbeing Dog
Schnauzer-cross
A bundle of wiry Schnauzer-cross joy motivated by kind words, pats and treats, you would be excused for assuming life has been easy for Scout. His tough start on a puppy farm allows him to connect with those who have had less-fortunate beginnings. Scout’s calm demeanour and many talents (sitting, staying, spinning and shaking) make him an adored, founding canine member of our team.
Wellbeing Dog
Labrador
Born to respected service dogs, Haddie’s lineage and training make her highly socialised and well-mannered – ideal for supporting young people and adults, especially those experiencing trauma. Also a mum, Haddie is a natural nurturer, sharing a special bond with her pups and her owner and Foundation team member, Barbara.
Wellbeing Dog
Labrador
Roman began his journey at Guide Dogs Victoria. Despite being highly trained and well behaved, being deemed ‘too clever’ for guide dog work meant Roman was to pursue another ‘career’. And it is with the Foundation together with Barbara, where he has been able to share his skills and bring immense joy and calm to those in need.
Wellbeing Dog
Labrador x Golden Retriever
Scottie started his working career at Guide Dogs Victoria. Having successfully served as a guide dog for many years, Scottie now brings joy to young people and adults in need alongside Angela, sharing his calm demeanour and people skills for the benefit of many.
Wellbeing Dog
Pomeranian
Having been surrendered to an animal rescue at three weeks of age, Pippin has had a challenging start to life. After several weeks in foster care, Pippin found his forever home with Leah Munnery and her family, including Scout, our founding wellbeing dog. Like Scout, Pippin can connect with those young people and adults who have had less-fortunate beginnings.
Creating impactful connections
Program Leader
BSc(Hons), AdDipMgmt, DipVET, Berry Street (BSEM)
For over two decades, Leah has been actively involved in animal advocacy and humane animal education, with more than 10 of those years dedicated to animal-assisted therapy work. She has worked predominantly with young people and adults to support their wellbeing through animal-assisted engagement including in schools, community organisations and in rehabilitation, foster care and family violence settings.
Program Officer
BA(DipEd), Berry Street (BSEM)
Starting her career as a teacher in Tasmania, Barbara brings experience supporting young people in classrooms, particularly those students with additional learning and developmental needs. Having joined the Foundation with her ex-guide dog Labradors, Haddie and Roman, Barbara now brings joy to young people and adults by delivering our animal-assisted wellbeing programs in classrooms and the community.
Program Officer
DipNsg, Berry Street (BSEM)
Angela brings almost four decades of experience as a registered nurse and over 10 years working with Guide Dogs Victoria. There, she generously gives her time and has raised seven guide dog puppies in her home, along with helping with puppy care and training. Angela joined the Foundation with her ex-guide dog, Scottie, bringing joy to young people and adults in classrooms and the community.
Stephen Sedgman OAM
Founder and Chairman
BCom, FFin, RG146
Long-standing philanthropist and animal advocate, Stephen is Founder and Chairman who shares his home with two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. He has spent more than five decades in investment management and holds directorships on several boards. Stephen is actively involved in multiple philanthropic endeavours having founded a number of for-purpose organisations and, for his service to the community, was awarded in 2023 the Medal of the Order of Australia.
Lynette Sedgman OAM
Founder and Director
A long-time philanthropist and animal advocate, Lynette is Founder and Director who also shares her home with two Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. In 2023, Lynette was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community through her philanthropic contribution, including her generous support of The Australian Ballet School.
James Dickson
Director
LLB, BEc, FFin, FAICD
A Partner at Piper Alderman, James has spent three decades advising corporations and organisations on legal matters relating to transactions, governance, risk and compliance. Currently, he is a fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, a fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia and a member of the Association of Corporate Counsel. James is a Director and Responsible Person of The Unconditional Love Foundation.
Jane Harris
Chief Executive Officer
BCom, BA, RG146
With over two decades in the investment management industry, Jane has worked with global and Australian funds management organisations to advise on investor attraction and engagement. She has also supported capital raising and relationship development on behalf of corporate and philanthropic clients. In the for-purpose sector, Jane serves on the Board of Trustees of the Royal Melbourne Hospital Neuroscience Foundation. She also shares her home with a senior West Highland White Terrier.
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