Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary is a non-profit charity founded in 2014 to protect farmed animals and promote the benefits of a compassionate, cruelty-free lifestyle.
Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary was founded in 2014 with a mission to protect farmed animals from harm and promote the benefits of a compassionate, cruelty-free lifestyle.
As one of the leading farmed animal sanctuaries in Australia, we have rescued and cared for hundreds of survivors of cruelty, neglect and abandonment. For many animals, we are their last chance at life.
Located in Laguna, the sanctuary is home to more than 200 rescued cows, horses, donkeys, pigs, goats and other animals – each with an individual story to tell.
These animals are more than just rescue stories; they stand for the billions still trapped in the horrific animal farming industry. Their tales of survival highlight their will to live, their awareness and their resilience. Together with our education programmes, our animal ambassadors play a crucial role in driving awareness about the harsh truths of animal farming and its impact on the climate, plants and the animals themselves.
Here, every animal is recognised as an individual with a name, not a number. They are seen as friends, not food. These animal ambassadors are changing mindsets across generations.
We envision a world where respect and compassion replace exploitation and suffering for all animals.
We work to protect farmed animals, end their exploitation and foster compassionate cruelty-free living.
Our journey to establish Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary was driven by a growing awareness of the grim realities that farmed animals face within modern farming practices. Hidden from the public eye, these animals endure horrific suffering, day in, day out, ignored by society.
For many years we followed the global growth of the sanctuary movement and its significant role in promoting a compassionate, cruelty-free lifestyle and, as lifelong animal lovers, we recognised an urgent need for sanctuaries dedicated to farmed animals here in Australia.
Whilst there were many rescue initiatives to protect companion animals, wildlife and exotic animals, someone needed to step up for the underdogs of the animal world – farmed animals. Rather than repeatedly saying “someone should do something” we decided we should do something. We took the big leap, left the city life and the corporate world behind and started Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary in 2014. We haven’t looked back.
For us, the sanctuary offers a platform to demonstrate a kinder, more compassionate relationship with farmed animals. The sanctuary serves as a living example of how life can be for them—peaceful and free from suffering.
Since its inception, Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary has risen to become one of Australia’s leading farmed animal sanctuaries. This achievement reflects our lifelong commitment and the community’s growing concern for animal welfare and our planet.
Debbie Pearce and Jamie Bedford
Co-Founders – Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary
Our board members are responsible for providing strategic direction and governance, ensuring effective financial and risk management oversight and continued organisation viability and sustainability. They are passionate guardians of Where Pigs Fly’s mission and work. All committee members are volunteers freely giving their time and expertise to improve the lives of animals.
President and Co-Founder
Debbie is the co-founder of Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary. With a lifelong passion for animal welfare and animal rights, Debbie’s commitment to creating a better world for all animals has always been at the forefront of her work. With over 20 years of experience in the marketing industry, Debbie brings a wealth of expertise to the sanctuary. She has a proven track record of establishing and driving brand growth, having worked at well-known financial services firms such as BlackRock, iShares, and Barclays Global Investors. Debbie’s expertise and passion for animal welfare have come together at sanctuary, where she works tirelessly to bring awareness to the plight of farmed animals and advocates towards a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Vice-President and Co-Founder
Jamie is the co-founder of Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary. Driven by a lifelong passion for animal welfare, Jamie has always surrounded himself with animals, forming deep bonds that drove his lifelong ambition to help those without a voice. With over 20 years of experience in the IT industry and a specialty in business solutions, Jamie uses his skills to ensure the sanctuary runs smoothly and efficiently. His dedication not only improves the lives of countless animals but also inspires a community of supporters and volunteers to join in the sanctuary’s mission. Jamie is a driving force behind the sanctuary and all the rescue animals absolutely adore him.
President and Co-Founder
Debbie is the co-founder of Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary. With a lifelong passion for animal welfare and animal rights, Debbie’s commitment to creating a better world for all animals has always been at the forefront of her work. With over 20 years of experience in the marketing industry, Debbie brings a wealth of expertise to the sanctuary. She has a proven track record of establishing and driving brand growth, having worked at well-known financial services firms. Debbie’s expertise and passion for animal welfare have come together at sanctuary, where she works tirelessly to bring awareness to the plight of farmed animals and advocates towards a cruelty-free lifestyle.
Sarah is a policy analyst with legislative development expertise and a background in government and international relations. She has over 19 years of experience working in management and senior policy roles within government. Sarah is committed to facilitating positive change and delivering improved outcomes for people and animals in her professional and volunteer roles. Together with her partner and their rescue dog, Sarah lives sustainably in a tiny house on wheels. She spends every possible opportunity volunteering at the sanctuary.
Joe is a healthcare executive with 20 years of experience in senior management, specialising in finance and operations. He has a proven track record of successfully leading teams and improving operational efficiency across Australia’s leading hospitals. Joe's passion for animal welfare and animal rights is evident not only in his personal life, but also in his long-term volunteer work at the sanctuary. As a pet parent of three cats and two dogs, all rescued, he understands the importance of providing animals with the care and support they need. Joe has been on the board of Where Pigs Fly since 2015.
Lisa is a seasoned technology leader with over 40 years of experience in Australia and New Zealand. She is well-known for her innovative approach to transforming the insurance distribution channels, having created, and led several industry-leading digital platforms. Lisa is an experienced director and holds directorships in a number of private companies and has been on the board of Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary since the very start in 2014. Lisa has three daughters and a beloved rescue dog called Teddy. Lisa has been a life-long advocate for animal welfare.
Gill is the owner and managing director of Third I Management Consultants, a consulting firm specialising in areas such as commercial management, governance, risk and assurance. Gill has been a business owner and manager for over 30 years and is well versed in governance requirements and ensuring effective business processes. Gill is a committed animal advocate whose passion for animal welfare led to her establishing her own private horse and animal haven. Gill has been a committee member at Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary since 2021.
We are incredibly thankful to have our devoted team of volunteers supporting our cause. We couldn’t operate or achieve the remarkable impact we do without the numerous hours and skills they generously contribute. Their tireless efforts, enthusiasm and commitment to creating a better world for animals is truly immeasurable.
Secretary
Alex has been a key volunteer since the sanctuary started in 2014.
With a full-time role as a school administrator, Alexandra brings a wealth of experience in project and event management as well as a passion for improving productivity and efficiency.
Residing on the Central Coast with her partner Matt and two rescue cats, Alex enjoys a balanced lifestyle encompassing her passion for fitness, art, literature and music.
Her compassionate nature towards all animals is driven by a deep seated belief in animal welfare and advocacy for kindness towards all beings.
Treasurer
Joe is a healthcare executive with 20 years of experience in senior management, specialising in finance and operations. He has a proven track record of successfully leading teams and improving operational efficiency across Australia’s leading hospitals. Joe’s passion for animal welfare and animal rights is evident not only in his personal life, but also in his long-term volunteer work at the sanctuary. As a pet parent of three cats and two dogs, all rescued, he understands the importance of providing animals with the care and support they need. Joe has been on the board of Where Pigs Fly since 2015.
Committee Member
Lisa is a seasoned technology leader with over 40 years of experience in Australia and New Zealand. She is well-known for her innovative approach to transforming the insurance distribution channels, having created, and led several industry-leading digital platforms.
Lisa is an experienced director and holds directorships in a number of private companies and has been on the board of Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary since the very start in 2014.
Lisa has three daughters and a beloved rescue dog called Teddy. Lisa has been a life-long advocate for animal welfare.
Committee Member
Gill is the owner and managing director of Third I Management Consultants, a consulting firm specialising in areas such as commercial management, governance, risk and assurance. .
Gill has been a business owner and manager for over 30 years and is well versed in governance requirements and ensuring effective business processes.
Gill is a committed animal advocate whose passion for animal welfare led to her establishing her own private horse and animal haven.
Gill has been a committee member at Where Pigs Fly Farm Sanctuary since 2021.
Committee Member
Sarah is a policy analyst with legislative development expertise and a background in government and international relations. She has over 20 years’ experience working in management and senior policy roles within government. Sarah is committed to facilitating positive change and delivering improved outcomes for people and animals in her professional and volunteer roles. Together with her partner and their rescue dog, Sarah lives sustainably in a tiny house on wheels. She spends every possible opportunity volunteering at the sanctuary.