Moments of Connection Ambassadors

Our coffee table book Moments of Connection is proudly supported by the following ambassadors, who we adoringly thank!

Rhonda Burchmore with Lulu & Buster

From London’s West End, opera, cabaret, television and the big screen to performances for Bill Clinton’s Presidential Tour, Rhonda Burchmore is one of Australia’s most loved entertainers.

Rhonda is an all-round performer. With an amazing voice, faultless footwork, impeccable comic timing and an effervescent personality, she has won a plethora of awards, including Australian Entertainer of the Year.

Not only is she talented, she’s also kind, generous, funny and caring. And even when you turn up at her house in the morning for a chat and she’s just tumbled out of bed, she STILL looks amazing and glamorous – how perfect is this woman?! Best of all, she loves animals and always strives to help make the world a better place for them.

In our book Moments of Connection Rhonda writes:

For as long as I can remember, animals have been a major part of my life – whether growing up with dogs or performing in my first big musical with 15 fantail pigeons (whose company I often enjoyed more than some of the other cast members!). I currently have two gorgeous standard poodles who are very much part of the family. Not only are they loyal, intelligent and non-judgmental, they are perfect walking companions with their long, long legs – like mother like poodles!

Robert Drewe with Ella

Writer Robert Drewe began his career as a journalist – winning two Walkley awards for excellence in journalism – before becoming literary editor at The Australian.

He’s the author of six novels, including the semi-autobiographical memoir/novel The Shark Net which was reproduced as an ABC mini-series.

Another of his novels, Our Sunshine was adapted for the cinema as Ned Kelly in 2003 and his novel The Drowner is currently in production as a major feature film in Western Australia.Robert is also a gifted editor with a host of books published under his artful guidance, as well as non-fiction books, including one of our favourites, about his dog Ella; appropriately named Walking Ella.

We’re so pleased to have such an esteemed writer (and all-round excellent man) gracing our pages!

In Moments of Connection Robert writes:
Over the years I’ve observed the great emotional and physical benefits that my own children have obtained from caring for animals. It encourages responsibility, kindness and an appreciation of the wider world of Nature that is easily disregarded in this technological age. As a writer and traveller I’ve also observed the damaged psyches of those either ignorant of, or predisposed to, cruelty to animals. This is a worthy cause and I wholeheartedly support it.

Sue Stanley with Penny & Tootsie

When thinking ‘fitness’ in Australia, it’s hard to go past Sue Stanley. In the sport of Competitive Aerobics, Sue Stanley reigned supreme, undefeated at both national and international levels for four years with an amazing 35 consecutive wins, including three World Championship titles, a swag of international titles and nine – yep, count them – nine consecutive Australian and National Championships.

Add to her impressive sporting achievements, Ms. Fitness World Champion 2000 (after five years in retirement!) as well as author, editor and company founder. Currently, Sue can be heard on her weekly radio gig with Denis Walter on Melbourne’s radio 3AW and seen on Channel 7’s television lifestyle show Go for Your Life.

Sue is also a member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, an Australia Day Ambassador and the recipient of the Advance Australia Award for her contribution to sport. Topping off her serious over-achieving, she’s also a motivational speaker and a board and committee member of various not-for-profits including Variety – the Children’s Charity.

Thank goodness for us, she’s also a dedicated animal aficionado, who has generously supported our project in so many ways. Despite all of that, Sue remains wonderfully down-to-earth!

In our book Moments of Connection Sue writes:
A woman’s best friend can be your body’s best friend too – as by nature, dogs love to pull, chase and run. Well, that’s what I thought, unfortunately, however, someone forgot to tell my 11-year-old Maltese Terrier, Penny. We are inseparable and she insists on being carried everywhere, especially when I am exercising. What I really love about my Penny is her innocence, loyalty and the way she always knows what I’m thinking and feeling before I do … she truly is my best friend.

Alanna Deutrom with Bentley

If you haven’t yet heard of Alanna Deutrom, trust us, you will soon. This talented young woman is just 16 years of age, but is already making her mark in music. Alanna has just finished recording her debut album in London, working with songwriter Tom Nichols (Kylie Minogue, Celine Dion, Vanessa Amorosi) and his team at Juicy Musik.

Alanna also writes her own lyrics and plays guitar and piano. In 2007, she was named ‘Girlfriend of the Year’ by Girlfriend magazine after wowing the judging team and was subsequently sent on an Australian national tour. In July 2009, she was on Today Tonight’s ‘Star Maker’ segment – where she received a rave review from Seymour Stein, co-founder of Sire Records (who discovered Madonna).

Wow, what a future! We adore Alanna because she’s a complete sweetheart; loves and cares for animals and is a proud supporter of Animal Aid.

In Moments of Connection:
Singer/songwriter Alanna Deutrom’s two favourite things are music and her love for animals. Alanna is pictured here with her best friend Bentley who is part of the family and who regularly sings along when she is practicing. Alanna is also a proud supporter of all charities involving animals, and has sung at many fundraising events. ‘I couldn’t imagine my life without animals, they always manage to make me smile,’ she says.

Trent Cotchin with Roxy & Emjay

Second draft pick in the 2007 AFL Draft, Richmond footballer, Trent Cotchin is a country lad and a vibrant new talent in the AFL. The 19-year-old midfielder is also a Victoria Metro Under 18 representative and an AIS/AFL graduate. Trent started his inaugural AFL season (2008) with an injury, but finally got his chance in Round 8 – booting a goal with his first kick! And although he missed eight rounds, he managed to poll third in the League’s Rising Star award.

This year he again started the season with an injury and, frustratingly, he’s finishing with another; Trent’s now recovering from a hip operation – softened a little by enjoying the antics of his new puppy, Emjay!

This isn’t the first time Trent has lent his name to a book; he was one of five teenage footballers whose final year of junior football was chronicled in The Draft: Inside the AFL’s Search for Talent, published in 2008.

In Moments of Connection Trent writes:
Growing up I was always wary of dogs but when the family got Roxy, I realised the true meaning of ‘man’s best friend’. She protects the family with such vigilance, that she has been badly injured by trespassers, twice. Roxy has become such a part of the family that I decided to get my own little best friend, Emjay.

Adore Animals Foundation Ambassador

Cath Jamison

Cath includes doves in her show and that’s where the magic really begins. Cath Jamison has been sharing her magic tricks with audiences since she was a teenager and in 2008 was recognised as world-class with her inclusion in the ‘Celebrating 100 Years’ show of the Australian Society of Magicians. Among only 13 performers selected from, Cath was among the world’s best from as far away as France, Sweden, Canada and America.

Sassy, bold and confidently funny, after 20 years on stage, it comes as no surprise that she’s the number one female magician in the country. Like many magicians, Cath works with doves on stage and says that working with them is more than a trick – it’s about building a relationship, with years of training and handling. At home, though, Cath’s number one is her dog called (naturally enough) Houdini.

Cath featured in Issue 8 of Adore Animals magazine and, being an animal afficionado, and an all-round fan of animal causes, when asked, immediately offered her services as an ambassador for our then-newly-formed Foundation. Yay – we were so excited! Did we mention she’s sassy, funny and does ‘how did she do that’ magic tricks?

When our next event comes up, you can see for yourself!