17 September 2025
MEDIA RELEASE
Highly respected Australian philanthropist, environmentalist and global animal rights activist, Philip Wollen OAM, has been appointed as the first ever patron of not-for-profit, animal welfare organisation Stop Live Exports.
Mr Wollen, a former vice-president of Citibank, general manager at Citicorp and Australian of the Year Victoria (2007), has dedicated over four decades of his life to the worldwide advocacy and care of the disempowered and voiceless, predominantly children, animals and the environment.
His work supports over 800 welfare projects in more than 50 countries, and his tireless advocacy to expose the animal cruelty inherent in the global live export trade has been a focus throughout his charitable work, particularly over the last two decades.
In accepting the position of Patron of Stop Live Exports, Mr Wollen said live animal export had no place in modern Australia.
“The suffering inherent in the live export is needless and avoidable,” said Mr Wollen. “Stop Live Exports has shown courage, integrity and persistence for many years and I’m honoured to support their work, so that together we can consign this abominable trade to history.
“Let’s make no mistake about it, live animal export is not an industry, it’s an atrocity and it needs to end immediately.”
Lisa Baker, former West Australian politician and President of Stop Live Exports, said Mr Wollen’s patronage would accelerate the group’s work to end all live animal exports from Australia.
“Philip’s decision to stand with us is a powerful endorsement of our mission,” said Ms Baker. “He has a long track record of backing courageous, grassroots campaigns that deliver real outcomes for animals. His support will help us expand our investigations, increase our advocacy and grow our compassionate national movement to ultimately end the suffering of animals embroiled in the horrors of the live export trade.
“We are thrilled by his decision to accept the role of Patron.”
Stop Live Exports is a Western Australian based, community-led, non-profit organisation that advocates for the end of live animal exports from Australia. The organisation is run by a voluntary management committee comprised of individuals who are based across Australia. The group advocates for evidence-based policy and mobilises the community to protect animal welfare.
Philip Wollen OAM is an Australian philanthropist and former senior banking executive who supports projects for animals, children, the environment, the ill and young people. Through his charitable work he has backed initiatives in Australia and internationally that advance compassion, kindness and practical change.
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Media contact: Ruth Gourley – media@stopliveexports.org