Dr Michele Cotton AM NEAF Councillor from 1 April 2002 to 1 April 2011.
Michele wanted to be an archaeologist when she was a child – but then became a vet! She had lived and worked in the Middle East (Riyadh) for many years (as a result of her husband Peter’s work) and while bringing up her family (Peter, Sophia and Andrei), she devoted time to studying local animals and providing veterinary care. Michele’s interest in native wildlife in the Middle East grew, and with it her interest in the archaeology of ancient human cultures and their relationship with wild and domesticated animals. This interest in the human animal bond more recently took her to Africa, and Jordan, where she contributed to efforts to save endangered wildlife and habitats. She joined the NEAF Council in 2002 and also served as a Director of the Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science at the University of Sydney, and was a strong advocate for community outreach. She was a volunteer at Pella in Jordan.
Michele passed away on the 13th January 2020 a brief illness, and to the last continued to come to NEAF Council meetings, helped by her son Peter Judzewitsch. We were delighted that Peter accepted a tribute and presentation for Michele on her behalf at our 2021 reception to honour retiring Councillors.