Founder & CEO

Charlie Maddaluno

Charlie’s passion working with animals dates back to 1973 when he specialised in animal health for the Commonwealth Government in the Department of Primary Industries: The Australian Quarantine and
Inspection Service (AQIS).

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Charlie’s hard work and enthusiasm was quickly acknowledged after two
years with AQIS and he found himself elevated to a role in animal health
with the Department of Agriculture which he enjoyed for 14 years between
1975 and 1994.

In 1994 Charlie’s career with the Government came to an end and an
opportunity to work in private enterprise presented itself. For the next
eight years Charlie worked privately in Quality Assurance as a
consultant for an export meat works. In 2002 Charlie became the
operations manager for an export meat processing plant where he was to
spend the next six years until his retirement.

Charlie’s love for animals and dogs began in 1975 when he first started
breeding, showing and training dogs. This passion continued for the next
forty five years while Charlie acquired blood lines of different breeds
to show and sell.

Charlie completed a Breeding Dogs and Cats Course and has successfully
obtained a certificate of registration of domestic animal business. He
has an Australian All Breeds Pedigree Registry Certificate of membership
and is a Member of the Australian Association of Pet dog breeds.

Tech Lead

Sharron Maddaluno

Sharron is the backbone of Puppies Downunder. She has tirelessly worked
beside Charlie over the last forty five years and deserves much of the
credit for the success of the organisation and the accomplishments that
have been achieved through-to-today.

Sharron has nurtured each puppy from the day it was born and has loved
and attended to the puppy’s every need until the day a home could be
found that would love it as she has loved it.

Many of the systems and processes, specialty foods and diets,
socialisation and enrichment programs currently in place are the result
of years of refinement by Sharron from years of experience, in an effort
to increase the health, happiness and welfare of all puppies and adult
dogs.

Sharron has had a passion for animals and dogs and has enjoyed a
fulfilling lifestyle; breeding, showing and training dogs from 1975. She
has completed a Breeding Dogs and Cats Course and works closely with the
team at Puppies Downunder as a mentor and educator.

Office Manager

Damian Maddaluno

Damian commenced work with Puppies Downunder in October 2020. Damian’s
has a background in Accounting and is a member of the Institute of
Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. He is currently
completing a Master in Taxation with an expected completion date in
2021. Damian was honored to serve the community as a President of the
Rotary Club of Morwell which he was a member for over ten years. He was
also a member of the Rostrum club of Morwell for six years where he
engaged in public speaking and various speaking related activities.
Damian is currently the Treasurer of Gippsland Disability Advocacy Inc
where he has been privileged to serve the community for the past seven
years.

Damian has completed a Breeding Dogs and Cats Course and is registered
as a DNA Collection agent.

Damian is responsible for the financial operations of Puppies Downunder
and maintaining customer relationships in a sales and marketing
capacity.


Damian also serves in the role as a marketing strategist for Puppies
Downunder. He performs a crucial role in the organisation by being at
the forefront of digital media, and maintaining the website and
advertisements.

While Damian is quite busy in his role, he also finds time to complete
each day by ensuring puppies, and adult dogs enjoy a life that is filled
with happiness and enrichment.

Product Manager

Lisa Rose

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HR Lead

Ashleigh Peters

Ashleigh has worked as an employee with Puppies Downunder for almost
three years and was employed through the Kurnai College work placement
program.

Ashleigh has completed a Breeding Dogs and Cats Course and has completed
Certificate 3 in Companion Animal Services.

Ashleigh is currently undertaking a course with the National Dog
Trainers Federation in Dog Behaviour and Training. This course provides
an excellent understanding of animal psychology and it provides a
scientific view toward working with dogs from different breeds, ages and
temperaments.

Ashleigh’s role with Puppies Downunder is to train the animals in a
humane manner and ensure they meet training goals efficiently and
effectively. Ashleigh’s specialist skill set provides the animals at
Puppies Downunder with training that focuses on obedience and agility,
detection work, and tricks. Her understanding of animal psychology and
behaviour, and her attention to animal health and nutrition ensures all
animals are well training and well cared for.

Ashleigh is a registered DNA Collection agent and works closely with
staff at Puppies Downunder educating on animal behaviour and training.

Customer Support Lead

Janet Parnell

Janet has worked with Puppies Downunder for a number of years and has a
current certificate in First Aid and CPR. Janet is the first aid officer
and ensures the team, animals and customers at Puppies Downunder are
safe and are in good hands.

Janet has completed a Breeding Dogs and Cats Course and is currently
undertaking Certificate 3 in Companion Animal Services.

Janet has a great love for animals and this is obvious from the moment
she arrives in the morning to the time she leaves in the afternoon.

QA Specialist

Claire O’Meara

Claire has worked with the team at Puppies Downunder for a number of
years and is a key driver behind the day-to-day operations. Clare is
responsible for ensuring the health and welfare of all adult dogs and
puppies are a priority. She ensures the facilities are clean, and all
adult dogs and puppies are contented with healthy food, playtime, social
activities and exercise.

Clare has completed a course in breeding dogs and cats and is currently
undertaking a Certificate 3 in Companion Animal Services

Clare has a very positive and caring attitude toward the puppies and
adult dogs at Puppies Downunder and is greatly loved back by all her
furry friends.

Content Strategist

Madison Ohlson

Debbie Green