Mentorship

Opportunity

guinea pigs

PIAA Mentorship Program

The PIAA Mentorship Program empowers members to grow, lead, and thrive.

Program Info

The PIAA Mentorship Program is designed to help members grow with purpose—developing new skills, refining existing ones, and building meaningful connections across the pet industry. Through carefully matched mentor-mentee partnerships, participants gain personalised support tailored to their professional goals and experience. This is more than just guidance—it’s a two-way exchange that fosters confidence, leadership, and innovation. We’re proud to offer this program as a valuable development tool that delivers tangible personal and professional benefits to both mentors and mentees, while strengthening the future of our industry.

Program Requirements

  • Commit to participate in 6 x 1 hour Mentor Sessions to be held on a regular, mutually agreed basis
  • Be open to different perspectives, Take on the challenges and tasks set as part of the program, Be able to accept appropriate feedback and coaching, Act with integrity, demonstrate commitment and respect
  • Commit to provide feedback at the end of the program and to reconnect 6 months post for a follow up review

Selection Criteria

  • Active PIAA member for 2025
  • Demonstrates a clear desire to collaborate for a successful program
  • Mentor believes Mentee’s interest & goal align with their own strengths for a mutually beneficial outcome

Choice of Mentors

Anthony Ramsey
PIAA CEO & Company Secretary

With over 20 years in Sydney’s pet and aquarium scene, I lead PIAA as CEO—driving operations, governance, and member support.
I’m passionate about pets and policy, advocating for fair regulation that protects both our rights and animal welfare while minimising trade restrictions. I’m committed to protecting the rights of Australians to keep, breed, and sell pets.
Outside work, you’ll find me beekeeping, gardening, and collecting rare plants, fossils, crystals and minerals.

Tim Scotcher
President & National Director

Pets have always been part of my life—from birds to fish, dogs, and even a goat. I started in animal health with a Bayer traineeship in 1996, returning to the industry in 2008 after roles at Mars. Since 2020, I’ve been with Cenversa (Central Pet). I’m proud to work with our board to support members and champion responsible pet ownership. Outside work, I enjoy sports, time with family and friends, and our rescue blue heeler cross, Bodhi.

Simon Mansbridge
Boarding & Pet Services Director

I manage Pet Resorts Australia in Terrigal and previously spent six years building Pet Resorts Eumundi into one of Queensland’s best-known. With a tourism background—from charter boats in the Whitsundays to running a beachside hire and functions business— my true passion has always been animals. A lifelong owner of dogs, cats, horses, and cattle, I jumped at the chance to run a pet resort and I have not looked back. My goal with PIAA is to promote top-quality pet care and a positive image of all pet resorts.

Jo Marsden
Pet Grooming Director

I’m a Master Groomer and small business owner with 40 years in pet care. Starting as a kennel hand at 14, I became a vet nurse, then a cat groomer in 1993. In 2003, I opened my first grooming salon and one of Australia’s earliest dog day care centres.

Now, I run Get Grooming in Allambie Heights and distribute Delta Grooming Scissors globally. During lockdowns, I advocated for groomers as essential workers. I’m passionate about animal welfare and supporting the grooming industry.

Barry Tonissen
Suppliers & Manufacturers Director

I’m the National Sales Manager, Companion Animal at Boehringer-Ingelheim Animal Health. With 22 years in the industry, I’ve valued the camaraderie and passion of this space and was proud to receive the Kevin Pakes perpetual achievement award.
I look forward to representing PIAA members, strengthening our voice across the industry, and supporting responsible pet ownership.
I live in Kinglake, VIC, with 3 horses, 8 chickens, 2 cats, and 2 dogs.

Paul Talbot
Aquatics Director

I’ve been in the aquarium industry since 1994 and started Majestic Aquariums in 1999 with the goal of creating Australia’s most entertaining and educational aquarium business. Sharing my passion has always been central—whether in-store or through content creation over the years.
From VHS tapes and DVDs to seminar tours and YouTube, I’ve connected with fishkeepers worldwide as a blogger, vlogger, and presenter.
Outside of work, I play guitar, write music, and perform in a band. I also enjoy quality time with my family and friends.

Jared Patrick
National Director

I’ve been part of the pet and aquarium world my whole life—my parents bought a pet shop the year I was born. I grew up keeping and breeding fish, along with reptiles, birds, and furry pets. I later studied Marine Biology and Vertebrate Physiology before joining the wholesale business that became Premier Pet.
As Managing Director of Premier Pets, I oversee the import and distribution of fish and pet products across Australia. I’m back on the PIAA board, focusing on advocacy, especially around fish importation, and continue working to protect Australians’ right to keep pets.

Sandra King
National Director

I’ve worked in insurance for over 30 years and am well known in the industry. Before launching King Insurance Services, I helped develop products specifically for the pet industry—filling gaps that hadn’t been addressed before.
I enjoy supporting clients and members through events, training, and understanding the varying needs across Australia. COVID-19 highlighted how geography impacts support and services, which is important for PIAA to consider.
I’m passionate about helping PIAA members. Together, we can grow the association and support the pet industry by bringing our unique skills to the table.

Fred retail director

This is front side content.

Back Title

This is back side content.

Apply Below

Take me back to the
PIAA Member's Portal

HEAD HOME