Lyn White AM is one of Australia’s most respected animal advocates, recognised nationally and internationally for her integrity, courage and impact.
In 2015, she was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for her significant contribution to the field of animal protection — and is a rare two-time state finalist for Australian of the Year, reflecting the deep regard held for her work by the Australian community.
Before joining Animals Australia, Lyn spent 20 years in the South Australian Police Force. Drawing on her law enforcement background, Lyn has led ground-breaking investigations across Australia, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Her work has exposed systemic cruelty and driven lasting change, earning her global respect as both an investigator and strategic advocate.
Lyn is also the Director of Animals International, the global arm of Animals Australia. Her work has led to unprecedented animal welfare advancements in a number of countries, including in Jordan, where she serves as Chief Adviser to HRH Princess Alia al Hussein and the Princess Alia Foundation. Lyn has advocated for animals at the European Commission, the Australian Parliament and Israel’s Knesset.
A trusted public voice on complex, confronting issues, Lyn has featured twice on ABC’s Australian Story and has been interviewed across all major current affairs programs, including 60 Minutes and Four Corners. She has designed and driven high-impact national campaigns that have shifted public awareness, challenged entrenched industries, and demonstrated the power of informed individuals to create systemic change.
In recent years, Lyn has initiated multiple ground-breaking projects designed to create recognition for the human psychological impact for workers who are required to harm or kill animals within their industries.
Despite witnessing more human and animal suffering than most, Lyn remains deeply hopeful. She holds an unshakable belief in human potential, guided by the conviction that compassion is the most powerful evolutionary force we possess.
Lyn’s 2015 national public speaking tour, ‘Becoming the best you can be’, was described by audiences as inspirational and life-changing by many who attended — a reflection of her rare ability to combine truth, courage and empathy.
