"Really, animals are almost entirely at our mercy and they have no legal rights...We essentially harvest them." Sydney Morning Herald, 23 November 2008, read more
"I've always had a deep respect and empathy for animals...When animals are exploited, I feel compelled to speak out.” Holly Throsby, Voiceless Councillor, 22 March 2011, read more
“At what point do we fall out of love with animals and stop seeing them as nice, cute things?” Naomi Simson, Voiceless Councillor, read more
Australian Association for Humane Research (AAHR) was awarded the Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics grant of $5,000 to carry out a Public Opinion Poll. The Poll is intended to provide an understanding of how the community feels about animal experimentation. The information obtained will assist AAHR to determine how they can most effectively direct their work in opposing animal experiments.
Brightside Farm Sanctuary in Tasmania was awarded the hotly contested People's Choice! Award of $10,000 for their project to construct a
‘Compassion Trail’.
The trail will lead visitors and school students through paddocks and animal habitats, give them an insight into the animals’ lives, provide information and photographs detailing the cruel facts about factory farming and encourage people to make more humane choices.
RMIT University received the Against Factory Farming Grant and $21,000 for their project entitled: "What factors lead Australians to support or actively reject factory farming?".
There is a lack of sound academic research on Australian opinions, values and norms towards farm animals and factory farming. As a necessary first step in increasing awareness and changing attitudes, RMIT University will research and analyse existing levels of awareness, attitudes and the factors that motivate individuals to support or actively reject factory farming. A detailed report of the findings will be prepared.
The University of Newcastle was granted $10,000 towards their upcoming conference "Minding Animals". The "Minding Animals" Conference will be the first international conference dedicated to the emerging transdiscipline of animal studies. Some of the most celebrated and gifted Australian and international scholars and animal advocates will give presentations and participate in forums and panel discussions. This grant will include sponsorship of the Conference Dinner, at which Voiceless Patron, JM Coetzee, will speak. The Conference will be held from 13-18 July 2009 in Newcastle.
The University of Sydney was awarded the $5,000 Humane Resources Grant for their project entitled "Cardiovascular control practical: online design". Dr Laura Batmanian, Senior Lecturer with the Faculty of Medicine, will create an on-line, interactive practical which can be used as an alternative to classes involving rabbits and will thereby reduce animal-based learning and promote alternatives to animal use in teaching. Although it is many years since the University of Sydney has used animals in this area of teaching, a number of other Australian and international universities have indicated they are interested in adopting the on-line version of the practical once it has been created.
The Vegan Society of New South Wales, who are hosting the 4th Annual Sydney VeganExpo in 2009, were granted $1,500 towards promotion of the event. The aim of the day is to be fun, educational and informative with stalls, entertainment, a kid’s area and a range of speakers.
grants & prizes 
