TAWC stands for The Animal Welfare Collaborative.

TAWC is a broad network of individuals, companies, and organisations working together to improve animal welfare. The network is facilitated by key Australian universities.

TAWC facilitates positive change in the welfare of animals by providing the following:

• A safe forum for diverse groups to engage constructively around ways to improve animal welfare
• A supportive network for those with animals under their care to learn from others and grow in their capacity to ensure the welfare of the animals
• A clear process for those with animals under their care to make tangible and ongoing improvements in animal welfare
• A swift vehicle for different sectors to exchange critical information on animal welfare and coordinate action
• An inclusive mechanism for society to participate in existing initiatives in animal welfare, identify gaps, and propose strategies to make further improvements to animal welfare

• Serve as political platform on the subject of animal welfare, promoting one viewpoint over another
• Endorse or accept endorsement from other organisations
• Duplicate existing activities and mechanisms for improving animal welfare

TAWC’s vision is to achieve continuous improvement in the welfare of animals as a result of collective action.

TAWC covers all animals under the care of our society, including livestock and production animals; animals used for research and teaching; animals used for work, recreation, sport, entertainment, and display; pets and companion animals; and wild animals.

Anyone who cares about animals and agrees to abide by TAWC’s Philosophy can work with TAWC. For example, TAWC welcomes members of the public, community groups, industry bodies, animal protection organisations, companies, academic institutions, and government agencies to participate in the network.

Subscribe to our mailing list via TAWC’s website, follow TAWC on social media, meet with one of our university-based facilitators to join discussions on animal welfare, and consider participating in TAWC events and projects.

There are several structures that enable collaboration between industry sectors and between research institutions and industry, but TAWC is unique in that it is inclusive of all animal sectors and all parts of society, including members of the public.

TAWC is facilitated by key Australian universities that take an evidence-based approach to animal welfare. TAWC is inclusive of everyone but is independent of the political views and interests of the collaborators in our network.

Since the end of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy (AAWS) in 2014, there has not been an overarching mechanism for national coordination, collaboration, and engagement on animal welfare for all animals. TAWC operates in a similar spirit to the AAWS but is facilitated by academics across multiple Australian universities rather than by the Federal Government. TAWC facilitates information exchange and national conversations about animal welfare and provides a mechanism for various groups to drive on-the-ground practice change.

TAWC is currently funded by The University of Queensland, with support from The University of Newcastle, The University of Western Australia, and The University of Adelaide. To ensure its future sustainability, TAWC will be funded through a combination of university support, philanthropic support, event sponsorship, and project funding.

TAWC does not have a position on whether animals should or should not be used. TAWC welcomes all people who care about animals to join us in improving their welfare.

TAWC is inclusive of everyone but is independent of the political views and interests of the collaborators in our network.  TAWC is not a decision-making body. TAWC facilitates collaboration and information exchange across multiple stakeholder groups. TAWC strives to ensure that all stakeholder groups in our network have an equal opportunity to express their views and priorities.

TAWC facilitates collaborative relationships and exchange of support among various companies, organisations, and individuals. Whether your business is interested in a research question or specific changes in practice, TAWC will assist you in finding partners.