Alyssa Davies, Southern Region Cat Management Coordinator, and Anna Viney, Community and Education Officer, have been hard at work across the region promoting responsible cat ownership and rolling out initiatives that support cats, the environment, and the broader community.
It’s been a full few months for the Ten Lives team, with a strong focus on working alongside councils, schools, and residents to make a real difference on the ground.
Anna Viney has been delivering the Edu.Cat program across local schools, helping young people
understand what it means to be a responsible cat owner. With the recent upgrade to Ten Lives’
facilities, Ten Lives is now better equipped to host school and group visits, providing a valuable opportunity for hands on learning in our cat shelter environment. These visits will play an important role in strengthening community awareness and education into the future.
The Ten Lives team recently hosted representatives from Clarence and Glenorchy City Councils at their Selfs Point Road facility. Led by Alyssa Davies and Operations Manager Carolyn Dunnewijk, the visits
offered an insight into the range of work Ten Lives is doing and sparked productive conversations
about improving collaboration and effi ciency in dealing with unwanted and stray cats. Feedback
from council staff was overwhelmingly positive, with many impressed by the scale and professionalism of the operations.
Work with Tasman Council has also progressed, with a recent survey helping to highlight local issues and
trends around cat ownership. Additional discussions are underway with Brighton, Sorell, Kingborough, and Derwent Valley councils as Ten Lives continues to build practical, long-term partnerships for effective cat management
A strong existing relationship with Kingborough Council has also continued to yield positive outcomes, particularly in environmentally sensitive areas. A new brochure developed through this partnership helps educate the public on how to keep both cats and wildlife safe.
Ten Lives has recently trialled Community Surrender Days. Pop-up events designed to make it easier for
people to responsibly surrender cats or kittens. For some, transport or mobility limitations can make
getting to the New Town shelter difficult, while others may feel overwhelmed by the process.
By offering surrender services in local neighbourhoods, Ten Lives is removing those barriers and giving people a straightforward, supportive option. There are no fees involved, and the team is there to guide each person through the process. Whether it’s an unexpected litter or a stray that’s made itself at home, these events offer practical help. The hope is to continue and expand these days based on community response.
As the cost of living rises, more pet owners are facing difficult choices. In response, Ten Lives introduced Meow Meals, a food assistance program aimed at helping people keep their cats even in tough times.
The premise is simple: provide free cat food to those experiencing financial hardship, so they aren’t
forced to give up a pet they love. Since it launched, Meow Meals has provided over 24,000 meals to local cats.
“No one should have to give up a beloved pet because they can’t afford food,” says Operations
Manager Carolyn Dunnewijk, who developed the initiative. “With Meow Meals, we’re keeping cats where they belong; in loving homes.”
The program has also become a useful way for Ten Lives team members, including the Cat
Management Coordinator, to connect with the community and have open conversations about
broader cat welfare issues.
Whether it’s through education, council collaboration, or practical support for cat owners, Ten Lives remains committed to practical solutions that protect cats, environment and our communities.