Nigel Allsopp

Australia and New Zealand Ambassador

Nigel is the Australian ANZAC of the year 2017, a veteran of military overseas deployments and a decorated police officer. He served in the Australian and New Zealand Defence Forces for over 25 years, and has spent a lifetime working with animals, initially as a Military Working Dog handler. Nigel is the Founder and President of the Australian War Animal Memorial Organisation (AWAMO) and the driving force behind the establishment of memorials honouring the deeds and sacrifices of animals in wars.

He is a published author of nine books on police and military animals and is a recognised subject matter expert. Nigel has established over 30 war animal memorials all over the world. In June 2017 he opened the WWI War Animal memorial in Pozieres, France. The memorial honours all animals from all nations.

Today, Nigel remains in uniform where he is an operational explosive detection dog handler for the Queensland Police Service. He is a qualified Mounted Police Officer having undertaken basic and advanced Police riding courses in California and is a member of the Australian Light Horse Ceremonial troop.