The Stephanie McColl PPGA Fellowship Award recognises the extraordinary contribution of Steph McColl and her long-standing dedication to the growth, professionalism and ethical future of the Pet Professional Guild Australia (PPGA).

Known affectionately as Steph by colleagues and peers, she played an integral role in the establishment of PPGA Australia in 2014 and worked tirelessly to help shape the organisation into what it is today. Over many years of committee service, Steph held several executive positions including President, Treasurer and Secretary. She was also a generous mentor, educator and advocate for force-free training practices.

This Fellowship Award has been created to honour Steph’s legacy by supporting projects that advance companion animal welfare and contribute positively to the pet training and behaviour community.

About the Fellowship

The Fellowship Award provides financial support to current financial PPGA members undertaking projects that align with the Guild’s values and mission to improve companion animal welfare.

Eligible Project Examples

Applicants may propose projects such as:

• Development of educational resources or training programs
• Research projects
• Publications or written resources
• Welfare-focused initiatives for companion animals
• Community education or outreach programs

What the Award Includes

The successful recipient will receive:

• $3,000 funding to undertake the proposed project
• Full registration to attend the PPGA Conference
• An official certificate
• Future opportunities to present project outcomes through PPGA webinars and conferences

The Fellowship Award is presented biennially at the Pet Professional Guild Australia Conference (subject to suitable applications being received).

Eligibility Criteria

To apply, applicants must:

• Be a current financial member of PPGA Australia
• Submit their application by the advertised closing date
• Complete the official application form and provide all required documentation

Please note that current PPGA committee members are not eligible to receive the award.

Application Requirements

As part of the application process, applicants will be asked to submit a project proposal outlining:

• Key project milestones
• Project costs and budget allocation
• Proposed outcomes and deliverables
• How the project will benefit companion animal welfare
• How the outcomes from the project will assist PPGA Members
• Proposed collaboration with PPGA

Apply for the Fellowship

Applications are submitted online via the official application form.

Applications close: 20th August 2026
Application Form - Click Here

Continuing Steph’s Legacy

The Stephanie McCall PPGA Fellowship Award celebrates the values Steph embodied throughout her career — compassion, generosity, ethical practice and a commitment to supporting both animals and the professionals who care for them.

Through this Fellowship, PPGA Australia aims to continue fostering innovation, education and welfare-focused initiatives within the companion animal industry for years to come.