Our News | NSW CFA

Sofia Bird

I have always loved animals, especially cats, my first cat was a present for my 8th birthday, a cream Burmese. My mum and I joined the cat fancy and the Burmese cat club after buying our first show cat in 2007, and very naughty chocolate tortie Burmese. We also starting breeding Burmese around the same time under the prefix ’Misara’. I really enjoyed showing our cats and wanted to be more involved in the cat fancy, and when I thought I was ready and the judging course was offered I jumped at it. In my day to day life I am a theatre nurse at a major teaching hospital in Sydney. I find this work to be rewarding, challenging and very interesting as you never know what is going to come through the doors. Even though I am very new to the world of judging I hope to get the same fulfillment out of it as I do my job, because you never know what you’ll be faced with.
Address: PO Box 40 Willoughby NSW 2068

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Maureen Camarsh

I joined the Cat Fancy with my husband in 1976 with the purchase of a Red Point Siamese Kitten. After breeding and successfully showing Red and Tortie points for some time, we moved into all other colours and patterns of Siamese, still with the emphasis on Red, Cream ,Tortie and Tabby Points
With the purchase of a Chocolate Oriental from Western Australia we bred and showed with great success him and his progeny , gaining many Best in Show awards and Cats of the year.

Our next, still within the Siamese family we obtained, showed and bred Foreign Whites We then bred Balinese with some measure of acceptance and success. I currently breed Foreign Whites and Siamese ( mainly Tabby Points) with the addition of the Longhair Foreign Whites, I have owned many Best in Show and Cats of the year in this group. I have also bred and shown successfully Abyssinians, Devon and Cornish Rexes and Burmese –these also featuring in many Cat of the Year awards, Along with the Foreign Whites and Siamese, at present, I still breed breed Cornish Rexes –under the prefix of FRETOMAU which I have held for over 40 years.

I am a Life Member and Secretary / Treasurer of the Federal Cat Club of Australasia , as well as President of Kempsey Kat Club , Blue Point Siamese and Jacaranda Cat Clubs and am actively involved in promoting the showing and breeding of Pedigreed Cats in the Country areas of NSW.

I am an International All Breeds Judge, having completed my Shorthair Licence in 1988 and Longhair Licence in 1998. I have judged extensively throughout Australia and New Zealand. I am an All Breeds Tutor Judge having organised and aided with Judges’ Training Courses for a number of years

I was privileged to be granted Life Membership of the NSWCFA

Before retiring I was a Medical Scientific Officer working as such in Biochemistry Department of a large Private Pathology Practice

Address: 10 Palmer Rd Woolgoolga 2456

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Sharon Hodge

Sharon Hodge (NSW CFA)

I have been involved in the cat fancy since approximately 1986. During that time my husband and I have bred and shown Persians and Exotics (solids, colourpoints and bi–colours).

During this period of time we were regular exhibitors at shows, except for a period of time where I took a brief hiatus to study law. We both feel blessed that we were able to enjoy some success on the show bench with our breeding.

With my husband and children, I have donated time working at and supporting cat shows in a variety ways. Not only have I had the joy sharing my life and home with Persians and Exotics but currently enjoy the pleasure of the company of a Siberian and a Bengal.

I have held a number of positions in cat clubs over the years and I presently hold the position of President of the Longhair Cat Association of NSW. In 2008 I attained my Group 1 Licence and in March 2015 I was granted Group 1 Tutor Judge status. In March 2017 I attained the status of All Breeds Judge.

Location: Campbelltown

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Nikki James (Gr 1 Prob)

I come from a family of cat lovers and have grown up always with a cat on my lap. I developed a love for the elegant and talkative Siamese and as a teenager I was given a Red Point male, Conan who I started to show with the RAS Cat Control in 1989. He sired a few litters with our seal point female Serena, and our Seal Lynx point female under my mother’s prefix ‘Eronel’.

I returned to the cat fancy in 2005 after I fell in love with a beautiful blue point female as a member of the NSW CFA. I started my breeding journey with her in late 2005 when she had a wonderful litter of 6 kittens from an Oriental stud under my prefix ‘Zoel’. And so began my love of the Oriental breed!
I kept a black spotted tabby female, Tabitha from my first litter, and continued my breeding program with her. My mother kept a lovely Black Oriental neuter from my first litter, Romeo, and continued to attend shows with me over the years showing him and later exhibiting some other beautiful show neuters she spoilt over the years. Unfortunately, she passed away in 2013 and I miss attending shows with her.

I have been breeding Siamese and Orientals for 17 years and remain active in the cat fancy as an exhibitor. I recently resigned from NSW CFA committee, after serving for 3 years. However, I am currently a long serving member of the Oriental Cat Club of NSW and sit on the board as club treasurer. I have a small cattery on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, and breed my kittens for health, temperament and to improve show quality. I currently have 5 breeding girls and recently imported a Red spotted bicolour Oriental stud from Norway, Love Actually, to bring genetic diversity to my lines and the ‘modern’ European type. I am proud to have received many Top 5 Cat of the Year awards and had the honour of showing and breeding cats who have been awarded Supreme Exhibits in Show in both Australia and New Zealand.

I commenced working at shows as a steward in 2007 and attained my Shorthair Judges license in 2015. I plan to complete my Gr 1 Longhair Judges course in early 2023, to qualify as an All Breeds Judge. I consider myself privileged to admire, handle and judge the show exhibits. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to judge interstate which has enabled me to develop many new friendships and meet many new felines!

When not attending cat shows, I work as a midwife at the Northern Beaches Hospital. I am a mother to 5 children and have a grandson, Chase. I have 2 boys left living at home, Arian and Zahn who love having our cats as part of our family.

Address: 11 Hawea Place Belrose NSW 2085

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Fiona Mangan

Animals have always been important in my life. After growing up with the company of whippets, greyhounds and a succession of cats of varying descriptions, I became interested in cats in a serious way after forming a liaison with my first Abyssinians, a tawny and a silver, in 1989. Initially, it was just an involvement in showing cats but breeding them soon followed, specialising in Silver Abyssinians under the Nivalis prefix. Today, we have a multi–cat household, each of them allotted time according to their need to love and be loved. All cats are special and each is unique, regardless of their ancestry.

I have held membership with several cat clubs and for many years, was involved with the Abyssinian and Somali Cat Club of Australia serving in roles including President, Secretary, Treasurer and Show Manager. Since 1998 I have been active as a steward, enjoying assignments in all groups and in 2003, qualified as a Companion Exhibit Judge.

My pedigreed judging experience began with Group 3 (full licence 2010), followed by Group 2 in 2013, attaining my Shorthair Judge’s licence. I completed my Longhair licence (Group 1) and was granted full licence as an All Breeds Judge in November 2016.

Currently residing in the Hunter Valley Wine Country region of NSW, I enjoy observing and learning about our local wildlife. Apart from my strong interest in all things feline, other interests include zoology, embroidery, quilting and music.

Closest airport: Newcastle (NTL)

City: Branxton NSW 2335

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Cathy McGrath (Prob G1)

I have been interested in cats ( and horses) as long as I can remember. I remember clearly my first kitten, Tibby, a tabby, I must have been all but three years old, and my love for felines has grown from there, and I cannot not remember a time that I did not own a cat.
In the early 80’s I bred Persians, which I found so rewarding and an enjoyable relaxing hobby. Unfortunately, due to family commitments I retired from breeding, but promised myself once the family had grown up, I would continue my passion.
Hence in 1990, I purchased and showed my first neuter Ragdoll, and finally in 2000’s I started up a Prefix “ Grathbrae” which is now founded on Ragdolls imports from America and Europe.
My passion, apart from breeding is showing (also showing Clydesdale horses), my partner and I travel wide afield, as I am truly committed in showing others the beauty of the gorgeous Ragdoll cat.
I am also a trainee G1 Judge and Steward.

Address: Maclean

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Phillipa Perkins

Location: Muswellbrook, Upper Hunter Valley. NSW
Airport: NTL - Newcastle. NSW

I have been involved with the cat fancy since 1987.~ 35+ years!! From when I first registered my breeding prefix “SINJIN” in 1988, under which I have exclusively bred Siamese & Orientals and much to my delight achieved numerous Breeder/Owner ~ Cat & Kitten of the Year awards over the years.

I'm a founding & life member of “The Oriental Cat Club of NSW” (Est:1989) and have over the years of my involvement with this club, I have held the positions of - President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Show Manager/Show Secretary.

In July 2022, I was proudly presented with a “Honorary Membership” from the New Zealand Siamese Cat Association, which I had the privilege of judging for in Christchurch. NZ.

I become an approved steward in 1994, and then a NSWCFA Companion Judge in 1999.

In March 2017, I successfully completed with NSWCFA ~ The All Shorthair Judges Training Course (Groups 2 & 3) and was granted my All Shorthair Open Judges Licence,

Then in August 2022, I advanced to being an All Shorthair Tudor Judge.

NOW - I have my “Allbreeds Open Judges Licence” since completing my Longhair Training (Group 1) at the end of October 2023.

My love & admiration for all felines gives me enormous pleasure judging and I am so looking forward to continuing this experience over the years to come. As we have some truly amazing pedigree cats on the show bench today.

In my other life ~ What other life?? .......The Cats Rule It. 😊

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Sue Thomas (Prob.G1)

I have had an association with various domestic cats for my entire life. Our family’s first
Burmese cat came to us in 1983, after conducting a lot of research. In 1985, after
purchasing two more neuter boys, we began showing our cats. That was it! My fate as a
burmese owner was sealed. In 1999 a further cat joined us, and so continued my interest in
showing. In 2006, my breeding programme commenced with the arrival of two breeding
girls, and over the years, under our Sukimah prefix we have had some success on the show
bench. (At the same time we also became the slaves of a lovely spotted spay Bengal).
After successfully completed the Shorthair group judging course in 2015, I became a fully
qualified shorthair judge in 2017. In 2023 I was successful in becoming fully qualified in the
Longhair Group so I am now a CCCA recognised all breeds judge, and a tutor judge in the
Shorthair Group.
My involvement with affiliate clubs began with membership of the Newcastle & Hunter Valley
Cat Club in 1985, which continues today. I am an active member of The Burmese Cat
Society of Australasia Inc and have been for many years, appointed firstly as Treasurer for
6 years and since 2011 I have been the Society’s secretary. I am also co-editor of our
Society’s magazine. I hold membership of three other cat clubs affiliated with NSW CFA.
I am now in my 5 th term on the NSW CFA Management Committee. I am a member of the
Judges/Breed sub-committee, Education & Compliance sub–committee, and also the Show
Sub-committee. I have served for a term and a half as President, and I currently hold the
position of Vice President of our Association.
Away from Cat Fancy involvement, (and apart from my part time work), reading books,
meeting up with friends, researching cat articles, enjoying time with our cats, a little
gardening and spending time with our family here and in Perth, WA are my main interests.

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Christine Tomlinson

I have always had a love affair with cats for as long as I can remember and would always befriend any cat I came across. I got my first pedigree cat in 1977 and started to show in 1978. He was a red point Siamese and this was the beginning of my involvement in the cat world.

Together with my husband Ray, an All Breeds Judge, we breed and show both Siamese and British shorthair under the Tomadah Prefix. We specialise in red, cream and tortie point Siamese which have taken out many Best In Show and Group 2 Cat of the Year Awards. We live in Griffith in the heart of the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area and in 1982, with the help of others, were instrumental in the founding of the MIA Cat Club. For various periods over the years since then I have held the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Publicity Officer of the Club.

I am an experienced Steward and completed the Companion Cat Judges Training Course in 1997 and since then have judged at many shows. I successfully completed the Group 2 Judges Training Course in 2001, obtaining my full Group 2 Licence on 1 July 2003.

Address: 33 Watson Road Griffith 2680

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Lavinia Anderson

Hi Everybody, as a child I grew up around companion cats, there was always one or two dominating the household during my childhood. Tibby, a domestic female tabby, was my very first companion as a child and I had the pleasure of enjoying her company for 21 years. The love of companions carried on into my adult life and as the years got on, I found the love of showing companion cats and my first companion show cat was a black and white semi long hair female by the name of Tabitha Lee.
I continued showing companions even when I began breeding and showing Egyptian Mau’s. The companion cat has a special place in my heart, and I look forward to meeting you all and your wonderful companions.

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Marcelle Brown

I have been in the Cat fancy since June 1988 when it was the RASCC

I purchased a little brown Burmese neuter from Cilff and Wendy Chambers under the Zoar Cattery & that is when the showing bug bit me.

I then progressed to a wonderful Red Burmese neuter under the Sinh prefix of Mick Patterson. His registered name was Sinh Aztec Gold. This boy was the first cat to win the very prestigious Tomahawk Trophy St the Sydney Royal Easter show. I progressed with great success with many Cat of the year awards with a Lilac Oriental and his litter brother a Chocolate Siamese

I have been involve in may many clubs over the years ....to many too mention. I have been an active member Of The Oriental Club of NSW .....Vice president 12 yearrs & now President of 2 years

My husband and I have actively breed and shown Weimaraner dogs for over 38 years

I am very excited that I have qualified to be a Companion Judge with the NSW CFA. I am totally besotted with all of the feline breed

Felines are " Simply the Best "

Kurrajong Heights

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Chris Buckley

I am a steward and became a companion Judge in 2003. I am also heavily involved in the Burmese Cat Society where I am the Secretary as well as the Show Manager. I am also involved with the Camden Show Society as a Committee member. In my professional career I also work with animals and feel that I have a great understanding with many aspects of animal ethics and welfare and believe I offer a valuable resource to the Cat Fancy.

I began showing in 1989 with a Burmese Chocolate spay, Rosepark Choc A Chip, who is still going well at nearly 20 years of age and have been a cat owner for as long as I can remember, usually companions before I got involved with Burmese. I love all animals, however cats are my favourite and I believe that most cats tend to be aware of those people that are confident with them and act accordingly. I enjoy all my judging and stewarding assignments and look forward to handling these beautiful companions exhibits as much as possible as no real standard means you judge each cat on its merits, not its pedigree.

22 Werombi St Camden 2570

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Margaret Cummings

My husband and I joined the cat fancy in June 1976 and since then I have held many positions within the Newcastle & Hunter Valley Cat Club and as an accredited steward, I have worked for many clubs within NSW.

I have always had cats as my companions and since joining the cat fancy have shown and bred Persian cats successfully, gaining many top awards during this time.

I was invited to attend the first classes held to train Companion judges and I consider it an honour to hold this position within the fancy.

It is a pleasure to judge our companion cats who are an important part of our shows. I look for good health, cleanliness, presentation and temperament, when judging these lovely exhibits.

I know how precious they are to the owners and when requested, will offer my advice and experience to the best of my ability.

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Jaen Dickeson

Two days after arriving in Australia in 1969 I purchased a Blue Point Siamese (having shown and bred them in the U.K) I had considerable success in showing and breeding under my prefix of Littlebrook. Later I was given a beautiful Cornish Rex which had considerable success on the show bench and became a Double Grand Champion. Although I am no longer showing or breeding, I enjoy my stewarding and judging assignments. My husband John and I now live in Tumut in the Snowy Mountains, where I hope to maybe breed cats again.

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Paul Fitzhenry

I have been involved in the Cat Fancy since 1984 with my wife, Julie, when we began showing a seal tortie point Siamese, Gd Ch Moovalong Tegan. We have also successfully showed Abyssinians since 1984, branching out into Somalis when we began to show our tawny neuter, Gl Db Gd Ch & CCCA Ch Glordawn Wala (Wally) in 1987. We now show Balinese as well as our lovely Abyssinians and Somalis. Together we also show several companion cats, all of whom have had successful show careers in their own rights.

I am the manager of a Service Station/Post Office (combined business), a position of great responsibility and was the Treasurer of the now defunct Orana Cat Club from 1986–1990. Since moving back to Kempsey in 1990, I became Vice President of Kempsey Kat Klub, finally becoming treasurer, a position I have now held for several years.

I became a Companion Cat Judge in 1999 and I enjoy judging these lovely cats and kittens.

Photo of me with Nareira Owain, our Tawny Abyssinian male cat.

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Lyn Keevers

I am a keen cat lover and enthusiast and my passion for cats has been ongoing since I was a young child.
I became a member of NSW CFA Inc. and obtained my prefix “Benzots” in 2007.
I have an extensive background of breeding and showing, the beautiful Bengal Cat plus showing my delightful rescue cats in the Companion Group.
I am actively involved, in the organising of the annual Armidale and New England Cat Club Show, since 2015 and I have been working closely with my cat loving colleagues in the organising of the annual Dorrigo and District Cat Club Show, since 2018.
I became a Steward in 2016 and I love and enjoy my Stewarding assignments immensely.

I am looking forward to my Companion Judge’s assignments.

Armidale

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Linda Osborne

I first became a cat lover when I was sick as an 8–year old child. My mum hand raised my kitten with as eye–dropper the kitten was my companion for the next 24 years. I got my first Chinchilla in 1984 and have had a love for them ever since. I joined the CFA of NSW in 2008 when I bought my first breeding cat and under my Esmalin prefix I solely breed Persians – chinchilla’s, shaded silvers, black tipped & goldens. I have been active in breeding some great show cats as well as companion cats.

I am an active steward and have been for several years. I am also a member of the NSW CFA Management Committee, a position I have held for the past 5years. My love of cats has motivated me to be pro active in educating the public about responsible pet ownership. My love of all cats has also led me to complete the companion judges training course, and I look forward to judging the exhibits put before me.

Newcastle

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Trish Scrivener

I began the crazy cat lady journey before I could walk. Living and growing up on a farm we had cats all through our childhood. We always had a ‘grey’ cat adorned to some part of the furniture and then as an adult I always had a tabby that someone would give me to love. In 2013 after the passing of my sister to breast cancer I followed through my promise to her. I purchased my first Ragdoll ‘Rosy’ and created our prefix ‘Bonnybrooke’ after my families Angus Stud. I joined the local Cat Club where I participated as a sponsorship coordinator and general committee member. I started showing extensively when my American Shorthair journey began in 2016, I am now just breeding the ASH and I am passionate about strengthening and educating the breed in Australia having imported several from around the world. I became a steward in early 2019 and became a Companion Judge mid 2019. I adore cats and the healing qualities they share. No one knows true love until adored by a beautiful feline. I am very excited to be part of the Companion Judges panel. I am also a trainee Group 1 Judge

Walcha

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Lyn Thwaites

I have been involved in the cat fancy since 1971 and in that time I have successfully bred and shown Persian cats, and recently Siamese and Orientals, under the Perzeena prefix. I bred the 1985 Longhair RASCC Male Cat of the Year (Db Gd Ch & CCCA Ch Perzeena Drifts Son � orange eyed white Persian) and I have owned other Cats of the Year and numerous Top 5 award winners as well. I have also shown a British Shorthair and a Devon Rex with success on the show bench for both.

In 1995 I was invited t become a Companion Cat Judge. This is an honour which I take very seriously and which I greatly enjoy.

I am actively involved in several clubs, including Kempsey Kat Klub of which I am a Life Member. I have also stewarded for many years and I have worked in the card room and on trophy tables of many affiliate shows throughout my time in the cat fancy.

I now live on the Mid North Coast of NSW, in the town of Kempsey, since moving from Sydney in 1995.

pajuwal@ausnet.net.au

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Sharyn Yelland

I first started showing cats in 1984 and quickly became a steward, stewarding consistently over the last 12 years. I am currently a member of the NSW CFA Stewards Committee. I enjoy all my stewarding assignments and the chance to handle all breeds of our lovely cats. I think that the NSW CFA has a wonderful Companion Cat Standard. I breed and show Patched Persians under the Ardara prefix.

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Keri Burns

Hi Everyone,
My name is Keri Burns. I have loved cats all my life , we had Siamese and domestic shorthair cats as I grew up. I started in the Cat Fancy towards the end of 1999. I decided after much research to breed Tonkinese. I developed up to 5th generation . Showing them and talking about Cats was my favourite part of being in the Cat Fancy.
I started as a Steward in 2000 , assisting many international and interstate judges. Over the years I have moved and always support the local club by working to set up and pull down at shows as well as source prizes .
While living in QLD I worked on becoming a companion cat judge.
Now I look forward to becoming a All Breeds Judge in the future.

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Hazel Rossiter

Since my childhood I have had animals in my life, so it was inevitable that I would be involved with cats as an adult. In 1986 I bought two Siamese cats as pets, and this was invariably my introduction to the Cat Fancy!

I have bred and shown Burmese, Siamese, and Oriental Shorthairs and had considerable success under the "Ahzel" prefix. I have also shown a Devon Rex, Scottish Fold and our household currently includes two British Shorthairs and an American Shorthair which I currently show. Over the years I have rescued domestic cats and welcomed them into our home. Whilst they do not have a pedigree, there is a place for them at shows as companion show cats and I take immense pleasure in judging them.

I have been actively involved in clubs and have held various positions including Secretary of the Burmese Cat Society of A/Asia and President of the Oriental Cat Club of NSW.In 1999 I gained my Group 3 judges’ licence, Group 2 in 2004, finishing Group 1 in 2007 to become an All-Breeds Judge. In 2015 I joined CatsNSW and recently have transferred my licence to NSWCFA.

I have had the pleasure to judge in all states of Australia and internationally in New Zealand and the Philippines.

Email: hazel.rossiter@icloud.com
phone: 0413720569

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