AWLQ Accelerates Strategic Growth to Meet Rising Community Need

New Commercial Operations department and specialist roles to enhance commercial outcomes and partnerships
Continued investment in community vet services, assisting more than 35,000 animals and providing nearly 40,000 pet meals since July to community groups
Strengthening sustainability and modernising operations to support AWLQ’s 2024–28 Strategic Plan

GOLD COAST, Qld., February 5, 2026 – It is an exciting time for AWLQ as we focus on delivering our 2024-28 strategic plan, strengthening sustainability across the organisation and evolving and investing in our operations so we can continue to meet the growing needs in the community for our services. This includes modernising our retail operations, supporting our people as we work to help more animals and families across Queensland.

As an example, last financial year AWLQ assisted 35,794 animals through community vet clinics, with a focus on helping people with pets needing vet care who couldn’t afford vet care elsewhere. Since July, we have also provided 39,696 pet meals to community groups keep pets fed families together. This was only possible through continued improvements to business process, optimisation and investment in new capabilities.

AWLQ Chief Executive Officer, Sam Jacklin said:

‘Our focus is firmly on growing the capability of the organisation so we can continue building on our 66-year legacy in the community helping people and their animals and ensure we are here for the next 60-plus years.’

As part of a broader review of AWLQ’s operations, we have created a new Commercial Operations department to strengthen and modernise all retail experiences and business partnerships. This resulted in the restructuring of roles to better service a wider remit. These decisions are never easy and were carefully considered and made to support AWLQ’s long-term sustainability and viability in order to support growing community needs.

We are introducing two specialist roles to transform our overall retail experiences across our animal rehoming centres, vet clinics and retail outlets both offline and online plus to support the development of new corporate partnerships to support the organisation’s growth and impact. We recognised the need for our organisation to be more data driven, technology capable and competitive in the challenging retail sector. We seek the services of two new roles with an organisation-wide remit to deliver commercial outcomes and share industry expertise to our wider Commercial Operations team.

For full details, the job ads can be viewed here:

Commercial Operations Manager – https://awlq-external.applynow.net.au/jobs/AWLQ353-commercial-operations-manager

Commercial Visual Merchandiser – https://awlq-external.applynow.net.au/jobs/AWLQ351-commercial-visual-merchandiser

These roles support the next phase of AWLQ’s strategic direction by helping us respond to the changing needs and expectations of the community. As demand for our services continues to grow, it’s essential that the commercial areas of our organisation operate efficiently, professionally and in-line with modern retail standards. Strengthening this department allows us to maximise the impact of every dollar generously donated by our supporters and ensures our retail operations remain sustainable, competitive and viable.

As part of our strategic review of our overall retail operations, we have temporarily closed our Beaudesert Op Shop. The Helensvale Op Shop will close in February due to circumstances beyond our control, as the property owner has decided to end the lease and repurpose the space. The teams at both locations have been communicated with on these changes and signage is in place to direct customers to nearby stores.

‘We know how important our Op Shops are to the community and we are actively working to identify new locations across South East Queensland.’ Ms Jacklin said.

AWLQ remains committed to providing affordable services to the community, especially through our Community Vet Clinics, Op Shops, and Prevention and Advocacy department. While we carefully evaluate pricing decisions, our priority is ensuring that everyone has access to essential veterinary and welfare services.

-ENDS-

For further information, please contact:

Christian Bowman – Head of Marketing and Digital
[email protected]
Phone. 0405 157 417

About AWLQ:

Animal Welfare League Queensland (AWLQ) has supported animals in need since 1959. Through community programs, rehoming centres and veterinary services, AWLQ provides care and a second chance for thousands of animals each year. As a charity, AWLQ relies on community support to continue its vital work across Queensland. Visit http://www.awlqld.com.au