The Gillies Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing financial assistance to animal rescue groups in Victoria, Australia.

Founded in 2023, our mission is to support these remarkable groups that extend care to vulnerable animals, ensuring they receive the protection and compassion they deserve.

In Victoria, over 100 rescue groups engage in various activities – from supporting individuals who may be unable to afford veterinary care – to assisting those facing illness or homelessness – that allow them to keep their beloved compassion animals. Some groups focus on senior cats and dogs, as well as animals with disabilities such as amputation, blindness and so the list goes on.

Behind these rescue efforts are dedicated volunteers, who provide everything from foster care to fundraising. Their commitment is truly a 24/7 endeavour, with many volunteers travelling extensive distances annually to transport animals to a safe haven. These individuals cover their own expenses and remain ‘on call’ at any hour of the day or night.
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In addition to their diverse responsibilities, volunteers play a critical role in ensuring that rescued animals go on to find their forever home. Fostering is a particularly vital aspect of their work, involving the temporary care of animals rescued from shelters or precarious situations. Whether it’s a dog saved from a shelter or another challenging circumstance, volunteers open their hearts and homes, providing the necessary care until a permanent adoptive family is found.

Prue Gillies AM, Founder

Prue Gillies AM is an educator, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for animal welfare. A graduate of Monash University and the University of Melbourne, she enjoyed a distinguished career in education, culminating in her appointment as Principal of Ruyton Girls’ School, where she served from 1985 to 1999. In 1998, Prue was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for her significant contribution to education and the community. Throughout her career, she has held leadership and governance roles across numerous educational, charitable, and community organisations, including serving as Chair of The Invergowrie Foundation and The Lost Dogs’ Home. Following her successful ownership of Kids on Collins, one of Victoria’s largest childcare centres, Prue devoted increasing time to philanthropy and community service. A lifelong supporter of animal welfare, she has served on the boards of the RSPCA Victoria and the World Society for the Protection of Animals. In 2023, Prue established The Gillies Foundation to continue her commitment to creating positive and lasting outcomes for animals and the organisations that care for them.

Bernie Landy, Chair & Trustee

Bernie is a non-executive director and business leader with over 30 years of board and senior executive experience in publicly listed companies in Australia, ASEAN and China. Bernie’s interest in animal welfare comes from a lifetime association with animals ranging from dogs and cats to birds, ferrets and horses. He has derived a lot of happiness from his experiences with animals and now wants to contribute his efforts and skills towards helping organisations that provide vital protection to the most vulnerable animals in the community. In addition to his role with The Gillies Foundation, Bernie is a director of an ASX listed company, a member of a university advisory board and has previously served as director and chair on the boards of several other companies and industry associations. He brings a vast amount of management and governance experience to The Gillies Foundation.

Wendy Boland, Executive Director & Trustee

Wendy Boland is a dedicated advocate for animal welfare whose lifelong love of animals was inspired by her parents and a childhood spent surrounded by pets and nature. One of her earliest memories is of her father bringing home a stray black Kelpie-cross puppy, an experience that helped shape her enduring compassion for animals. With a background in marketing, brand management, and not-for-profit leadership, Wendy has held senior roles across Australia and internationally, including serving as Executive Director of a scholarship organisation in Shanghai supporting underprivileged children. She brings strong strategic, communication, and organisational skills, along with extensive experience in community engagement and philanthropy. As Executive Director and a Trustee of The Gillies Foundation, Wendy combines professional expertise with a deep commitment to improving the lives of animals, helping to drive meaningful and lasting impact for animal welfare causes.