President
Aaron Heiler
I am honoured to hold the position of President at ANCATS since October 2022.
My journey in the world of breeding and showing cats began back in 1995 when I developed a passion for showcasing the beauty and excellence of my chosen breeds. Throughout the years, I have had the privilege of breeding and owning numerous Best in Show and Supreme Exhibits, which has brought me immense pride and joy.
My commitment to the feline community extends beyond breeding and showing. For over two decades, I have served as a steward with ANCATS, contributing my expertise and ensuring the smooth operation of events. In May 2022, I achieved the pinnacle of becoming an ANCATS All Breeds Judge.
In addition to my involvement with ANCATS, I have also contributed to the welfare of animals on a broader scale. I served as a director on the Animal Welfare League NSW board, where I actively worked towards promoting and safeguarding the well-being of animals. Although I eventually retired and relocated to Tumbarumba, I am grateful for the opportunity to have made a meaningful impact during my time on the board.
Furthermore, I proudly hold the distinction of being a founding member of the Jervis Bay/Nowra branch of Animal Welfare NSW. This endeavour allowed me to collaborate with like-minded individuals to address animal welfare concerns within the local community.
Lastly, I had the privilege of being part of the visionary team that established ANCATS alongside Brian and Bambi in Western Australia. Together, we laid the foundation for a thriving organisation that promotes cat breeding and shows excellence.
At present, my focus revolves around breeding and showing Burmese, Siamese, Orientals and Foreign Whites. These endeavours bring me great fulfilment as I work to preserve and enhance the beauty and characteristics of these remarkable feline breeds.
It is with immense pride and enthusiasm that I continue to contribute to the feline community, striving to uphold the highest standards of excellence and welfare.
Secretary
Jane van Dyk
I feel incredibly fortunate to have embarked on a journey that took me from my birthplace in NZ to the vibrant city of Melbourne in 2003. This relocation was made possible by my employer at the time, opening up new opportunities and adventures for me to embrace.
Since 1994, I have been deeply involved in the rewarding world of breeding, dedicating my passion and expertise to nurturing the Burmese, Mandalays, and Siamese breeds, and working with other passionate breeders to develop the cinnamon colour in Burmese and Mandalays.
My journey has also taken me beyond the realms of breeding. I had the privilege of serving several years on the national NZCF Executive and Judges Panel, where I had the opportunity to contribute to and gain knowledge from the feline community. This experience was invaluable, allowing me to expand my understanding of the intricate nuances of feline standards and judging processes and the running of a national organisation. I am now honoured to be registered on the ANCATS panel of judges, and working with the breeders and members of ANCATS on the Committee. I am also the Victorian Rep for Animal Welfare VIC
In addition to my passion for cats, I am a registered Chartered Accountant across both NZ and Australia through CA ANZ. My educational background includes a Bachelor of Commerce degree from Otago University, which laid a solid foundation for my career. Fueling my desire for continuous growth and development, I also
pursued a Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Monash University, further sharpening my skills and expanding my horizons.
The combination of my love for feline breeding, involvement in feline organisations, and professional achievements gives me a well rounded background. I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and opportunities that have come my way, and I look forward to the exciting prospects that lie ahead for ANCATS going forward.
Committee Member
Nicole Whatson
Hello everyone! My name is Nicole Whatson, and it brings me great pride to introduce myself as a dedicated member of ANCATS since 2013. Throughout my journey, ANCATS has been a remarkable community that has enriched my life in countless ways.
My passion for showing off the beauty and charm of my cats started with my beloved Companion Part Pedigree Sakima. Since then, I have expanded my feline family by welcoming another delightful Companion. The success I have experienced with both of them has been truly remarkable. They have each earned the prestigious title of Companion Cats of the Year, filling me with absolute pride!
Over the past five years, I have enthusiastically increased my involvement with the club. I have actively contributed to the smooth running of our shows, lending a helping hand wherever needed.
I have also taken on the responsibility of organising fundraising events for COTY, putting my baking skills to good use and coordinating generous raffles that add excitement to our gatherings and fundraise to give our members a great end of year function..
Additionally, I have taken charge of coordinating lunches at various shows, ensuring that every member is included. Moreover, I have successfully sourced corporate sponsors, whose generous support enables us to present the fabulous awards that many of you have had the pleasure of receiving.
ANCATS has become an integral part of my life, providing me with opportunities to connect, contribute, and create a positive impact. The camaraderie and shared passion within our community are truly inspiring. Let us continue to celebrate the magnificence and achievements of our beautiful cats, embracing the joy they bring to our lives.
Executive Consultant
Bambi Edwards
I am absolutely delighted to have taken on the role of Executive Consultant, as it allows me to share my 44 years of experience in the captivating world of feline enthusiasts. This opportunity brings me immense joy as I actively contribute towards bolstering ANCATS' reputation within the community and fostering meaningful discussions with local and state government entities. I feel privileged to utilize my expertise and insights to strengthen ANCATS' position and promote the welfare of cats on a broader scale.
My journey as a judge has been truly remarkable, not only in Australia but also across various countries worldwide. The joy I've experienced while judging in places like the UK, France, Belgium, Malaysia, USA, Japan, Dubai, and New Zealand is beyond measure. These global experiences have provided me with invaluable insights into the diverse and wonderful world of feline enthusiasts.
Beyond my role as a judge, I am deeply passionate about exhibiting and breeding cats under the esteemed Bajimbi prefix. This passion has also led me to actively participate in numerous TV shows that celebrate the charm and beauty of these delightful creatures. Together with Brian, I had the pleasure of co-founding the Waratah State Cat Alliance in 1997, a milestone that fills me with immense pride. Witnessing its evolution into the prestigious ANCATS organization has been a source of great satisfaction for me.
Even before the establishment of Waratah, Brian and I dedicated ourselves to the feline community by founding the Rex Club of NSW. This long-standing commitment has earned us the esteemed title of life members in both the Rex Club and ANCATS, representing our unwavering dedication and significant contributions to the cause.
In my role as Executive Consultant, I am enthusiastic about utilizing my experience and knowledge to further elevate ANCATS' standing in the community and advocate for the well-being of our beloved feline companions. It is an honour to be a part of ANCATS' incredible journey and contribute to its continued success.
Executive Committee
