K9 Assistance Australia (K9AA)
About Us
At the heart of K9 Assistance Australia (K9AA) is a deeply rooted commitment to enriching lives and communities through the establishment of empowering partnerships between animals and humans.
Our foundational mission is to advance the field of animal-assisted services by championing the principles of mutual respect, empathy, and shared growth. We strive to bridge the gap between potential and realisation, creating pathways for individuals to experience the transformative effects of these partnerships on well-being, independence, and social engagement.
Driven by innovation and underpinned by resilience and compassion, K9AA is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of what animal-assisted services can achieve. We aim to provide comprehensive support, education, and training that not only meet the current needs of individuals and professionals but also anticipate the evolving landscape of therapeutic and assistance relationships. Our initiatives are designed to foster a community where every interaction is characterised by understanding, respect, and a commitment to mutual benefit.
Embodying a culture of continuous learning and improvement, our mission extends beyond the immediate benefits of animal-human partnerships. We are committed to influencing policy, enhancing standards, and contributing to the broader conversation on animal-assisted services globally. By doing so, K9AA aspires to not only change lives through individual partnerships but also shape the future of how society recognises and integrates the profound benefits of working alongside animals.
Our Team
Behind K9AA’s success is a dynamic leadership team actively supporting in excess of 60 certified or in training handlers that are dedicated and committed to excellence and professionalism within the Animal-Assisted Services sector
Claire Turner - Founder
Meet Claire Turner, the founder of K9 Assistance Australia (K9AA), whose life and career encapsulate the essence of innovation, resilience, and transformative impact.
Claire’s journey is a riveting saga that traverses the high-intensity world of explosive detection to the compassionate realm of animal-assisted services. Her early initiation into the elite field of K9 operations as an Explosive Detection Handler, Instructor, and International Liaison Officer by the tender age of 21, showcases not just her professional acumen but a deep-seated commitment to service and excellence.
Claire’s story, however, extends far beyond her professional milestones. It is a deeply personal account of navigating life’s adversities, including her battle with PTSD, ADHD, and Autism. These experiences have not only shaped her but have fueled her passion for exploring the therapeutic potential of K9 partnerships, highlighting their indispensable role in fostering mental health and emotional well-being.
At K9AA, Claire’s mission is to share this rich tapestry of experiences, blending tales of courage and vulnerability to inspire change. Her speaking engagements are immersive journeys into the heart of what it means to live a life dedicated to service, both human and canine. Through her work, Claire aims to bridge the gap between the potential of animal-human partnerships and their practical applications, making strides in disability inclusion and creating innovative program designs for children.
Claire Turner stands as a beacon of hope and a source of inspiration, embodying the power of resilience, dedication, and the profound connections between humans and their K9 counterparts. Her unique perspective, born out of a life of both challenges and triumphs, offers invaluable insights into the transformative impact of K9 assistance.
Join us in embracing Claire’s vision at K9 Assistance Australia, where her unparalleled journey from the front lines of national security to the leading edge of animal-assisted services continues to inspire and transform lives across the country.
Craig Turner - CEO & Veteran Liaison
K9 Assistance Australia (K9AA) proudly introduces Craig Turner as our CEO and Veteran Liaison, a leader whose service to country and spirit of dedication define his approach to leadership and advocacy.
With a distinguished 24-year career in the Australian Army, Craig’s diverse experiences in operational, strategic, and capability development roles have ingrained in him a profound sense of duty, leadership, and resilience. His command positions, overseas deployments, and tenure as Head of Leadership Training at the Royal Military College, Duntroon, reflect a life committed to serving with honour and excellence.
Craig’s academic achievements, including a Master of Science and credentials from the Australian Command and Staff College and the Australian Institute of Company Directors, complement his military background, providing a solid foundation for his role at K9AA.
His transition into our organisation brings not only his military and leadership expertise but also a deep-seated commitment to leveraging his experiences for the broader benefit of all our clients, beyond just military and first responder circles.
At K9AA, Craig applies his service-to-country spirit by ensuring that our programs and support systems are inclusive, adaptable, and sensitive to the needs of a diverse clientele. While he has a particular focus on enriching our services for veterans and first responders—recognising their unique contributions and sacrifices—Craig’s leadership ethos and vision encompass a wider audience. His goal is to ensure that anyone seeking the healing companionship of a K9 benefits from programs that reflect the highest standards of empathy, understanding, and tailored support.
Under Craig’s guidance, K9AA is dedicated to fostering an environment where the virtues of service, commitment, and community are paramount. His experience and perspective enrich our mission, driving us to offer services that are not only transformative but also a reflection of our collective gratitude and respect for those who have served, in any capacity.
Craig’s stewardship ensures that K9AA remains a beacon of hope and support for all, embodying the principles of service to country and community.
His vision is to see K9AA expand its reach, offering support that acknowledges the sacrifices of those at the receiving end of Animal Assisted Services. With the goal in providing a pathway to healing and companionship through the power of Animal-Human partnerships. Under his leadership, we are inspired to work towards a future where every individual, irrespective of their background, finds solace and strength in the companionship or support of a K9, guided by the spirit of service that Craig so exemplifies.
Emily Wilson - Governance & Intake Coordinator
At the core of K9 Assistance Australia’s mission to provide exceptional national service lies Emily Wilson, our Governance & Intake Coordinator.
Emily’s journey with us is underpinned by an impressive 15-year tenure in regulatory and organisational roles, primarily in state and federal governmental Health Regulation departments. Her vast experience encompasses a range of pivotal positions, ranging from Palliative Care to support of national boards and more recently in coordinator level roles for Governance and Training of Leadership teams across several boards, showcasing her remarkable versatility and leadership capabilities.
Emily’s knack for identifying the optimal tools for any given task and her ability to deliver results within strict timeframes and legislative frameworks make her an invaluable asset to our team. She has a proven track record of excellence, which includes demonstrations of her swift and effective management style evidenced during the transition to remote working amidst the Covid-19 restrictions within a complex governmental context.
This transition, executed with minimal disruptions to workflow on a national level, underscores her adaptability and forward-thinking approach.
Her background and expertise in governance and training is not just about maintaining compliance; it’s about enhancing the quality and accessibility of our services across Australia. Emily’s contributions ensure that K9AA remains well-resourced, supported, and seamlessly connected, both internally and with our valued stakeholders. Her role is pivotal in ensuring that every interaction with K9AA is informed, efficient, and deeply attuned to the needs of those we serve.
Emily’s passion for making a difference and her comprehensive background in healthcare regulation blend harmoniously with K9AA’s mission. Her work enhances our ability to offer a national service that is not only accessible and well-supported but also embodies the highest standards of governance and organisational excellence.
Welcome to the heart of K9AA, where Emily Wilson’s dedication and expertise continue to drive us forward, ensuring we remain at the forefront of service and support in the animal-assisted services sector.
Our Impact
Our Vision
Looking to the future, K9AA is committed to expanding our reach, enhancing our programs, and continuing to innovate in the field of animal-assisted services.
We envision a world where the animal-human bond is recognised as a vital component of health and well-being, where every individual has access to the support and companionship of a dog where they choose to and are supported to do so, instead of facing barriers.
Where our community of clients, professionals, and supporters grows ever stronger. Guided by our ongoing commitment to service, excellence, and the transformative power of reciprocal relationships, K9AA will continue to lead, inspire, and make a lasting difference in the lives of humans and dogs alike.
Welcome to K9 Assistance Australia — where every partnership is a journey of growth, healing, and mutual discovery- let the adventures begin!
Together, let’s embrace and expand the potential of the animal-human bond, making a positive impact on the world one mutually beneficial interaction at a time.
