Our Story
North Queensland Animal Rescue (NQAR) began in 2011 with a single foster dog, Gilly, a small red cattle dog who quickly stole a heart.
For founder Jess Grinter, letting Gilly go to her new family was both heartbreaking and rewarding, and it marked the beginning of a journey driven by a simple purpose: to give vulnerable animals a second chance. What started as fostering soon grew into volunteering—collecting dogs from local pounds, travelling across the region, and working alongside others who shared the same concern about the number of animals being euthanised due to overpopulation.
At the time, there were no foster-based rescue groups in Cairns, and many animals relied solely on limited shelter space. Determined to make a difference, Jess and a small group of like-minded volunteers came together to create what would become NQAR.
Starting with just a handful of foster carers and self-funded vet care, the group formally became an incorporated association on 4 July 2012. From the outset, NQAR has been committed to ensuring every animal receives the care they need—not just the basics like desexing, vaccinations, and microchipping, but also any additional medical treatment required—laying the foundation for the compassionate, foster-based rescue it is today.
Our Achievements
in 2025
Operation
in 2025
Heartworm in 2025
in 2025
Operation
in 2025
Heartworm in 2025
Our Team
Our Management Committee
Sandra
Downing
President
Lorri
Williams
Treasurer
Sarah
Laphorne
Secretary
Sonia
Girle
Board Member
Andrew
Hay
Board Member
Vicki
Reimann
Board Member
Our Operational Team
Jennifer
Mancinelli
Adoption Coordinator
Maddie
Martin
Intake Coordinator
Tina
Beckham
Admin Coordinator
Shey
Goddard
Adoption Coordinator
Tenille
DavisÂ
Events Coordinator
Heather
Hewitson
Social Media coordinator
Our Support Teams
Admin Team
Onboarding Team
Delivery Team
Photography
Fundraising Team
Social Media Team
Admin Team
Our Admin Team manages essential behind-the-scenes tasks, including finalising adoption paperwork, coordinating desexing follow-ups, updating microchip records, and maintaining volunteer databases. Their work ensures compliance, accuracy, and the smooth running of our operations.
Admin Team
Our Admin Team manages essential behind-the-scenes tasks, including finalising adoption paperwork, coordinating desexing follow-ups, updating microchip records, and maintaining volunteer databases. Their work ensures compliance, accuracy, and the smooth running of our operations.
Our Programs
Discount Desexing
Affordable desexing to prevent unwanted litters Help reduce stray animals in North Queensland
Last Litter
Desex your pet for free when surrendering their final litter so you can stop the cycle.
Timeless Tales
Some dogs come into our care and are found to have conditions that make them unsuitable for rehoming. These dogs are welcomed into our Timeless Tails permanent fostering program, where they receive lifelong care and support.
Strategic Plan
NQAR’s Strategic Plan provides a clear roadmap for the organisation’s priorities, guiding decision-making and ensuring our activities align with our mission. It helps focus our efforts, measure progress, and support sustainable growth and impact.
Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission
We are a registered charity dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of every dog in our care.
Vision
A community where all animals have a loving home and are valued, respected and cared for.
Mission
NQAR transitions dogs to forever homes, serves as a community resource and advocates for responsible dog ownership.
Value Statements
We are compassionate, kind and respectful in all interactions with each other and the community. We are dedicated to the safety and wellbeing of animals in our care.
We support, care for and value our volunteers. We demonstrate integrity by being fair, ethical, open and consistent.
