Lesley Hawson

Lesley Hawson

Human Resource Manager

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location of Lesley HawsonHeathcote, Victoria, Australia

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  • Timeline

  • About me

    Helping people and horses be safer.

  • Education

    • University of Sydney

      2009 - 2014
      Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Science of Horse Training

      Bachelor of Veterinary SciencePhD

    • RMIT University

      1986 - 1987
      Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations

      Post Graduate Diploma in Industrial Relations

    • University of Adelaide

      1982 - 1984
      Bachelor of Science
    • RMIT University

      2005 - 2006
      Graduate Diploma Animal Chiropractic Chiropractic

      Post Graduate Diploma in Animal Chiropractice

    • University of Sydney

      1995 - 2000
      Bachelor of Veterinary Science
    • University of Sydney

      2009 - 2014
      Doctor of Philosophy - PhD Equitation Science

      Equitation science provides a lens through which the full diversity of horse-human interaction can be examined, evaluated and improved. In this thesis I investigated many aspects of the human/horse relationship from safety to animal welfare at the 2008 Olympics. The process equipped me with data management, questionnaire and most importantly good communication skills.

    • Macquarie University

      1993 - 1993
      Post Graduate Diploma of General Management

      Activities and Societies: Post Graduate Certificate in Business Management.

  • Experience

    • Orica

      Dec 1988 - Feb 1995
      Human Resource Manager

      Core Responsibilities;• Delivered a high quality, professional and seamless human resource function by showcasing an authentic and collaborative leadership style• Drove the strategic planning activities within business management teams through a focus on workforce planning, compliance, employee and organisational development• Led the provision of employee and industrial relations of up to 50 sites, 1600 employees and ten unions (e.g. ICI Australia)• Enhanced employee engagement and operational performance through the development, execution and maintenance of management systems (e.g. recruitment, training, development, team building, performance management)• Instilled a positive, inclusive culture by encouraging integrity, respect, teamwork, safety, continuous improvement and recognition• Decreased operational and safety risks through the development and implementing of WHS initiatives including; safety operating procedures, policies and standards• Negotiated, developed and implemented enterprise agreement to enhance business offerings to employees and create a global interest• Addressed staff and union grievances by gathering preliminary information, investigating details and formulating solutions Show less

    • Various Veterinary Practices

      Jan 2000 - Dec 2012
      Veterinarian

      Core Responsibilities;• Met operational requirements of practices attended including health consultations, minor surgeries, emergency medicine and euthanasia’s• Managed the Equine Influenza Program for the David Hayes stable, including providing vaccinations, accommodating to horse racing schedules, coordinating resources and complying with relevant TGA, APVMA and Racing Victoria requirements• Delivered a professional, efficient small animal and equine practice • Led the development and execution of the strategic plan, budget, and standards (e.g. policy, procedures, framework and guidelines)• Managed all aspects regarding Human Resource Management including administration, rostering, recruitment, training, development, team building and performance management• Diagnosed animal’s health problems by conducting examinations including physical, blood tests and x-rays• Treated animals for medical conditions by providing medication, treating wounds and performing surgery• Provided advice to animal owners in relations to general care, medical conditions and treatments available• Supported philanthropy activities by conducting euthanasia’s and desexing Show less

    • University of Sydney

      Feb 2009 - Nov 2014
      Researcher

      My doctoral thesis was entitled "The science of horse training: implications for rider safety and animal welfare". I measured the communication process between horse and rider while using these measurements to identify the optimal training process for horses, particularly sports horses. I had the privilege of being supervised by Professor Paul McGreevy of the University of Sydney and Dr Andrew McLean of the Australian Equine Behaviour Centre. The collaboration gave rise to eight research papers and the intellectual experience of a lifetime. Show less

    • Melbourne Polytechnic

      Jan 2012 - Dec 2015
      Lecturer

      Taught functional equine anatomy and physiology, equine exercise physiology, managing the equine athlete, and equine behaviour into the Bachelor of Equine

    • Charles Sturt University

      Feb 2016 - Nov 2017
      Lecturer

      Taught theoretical and practical components of equine biomechanics and equine exercise physiology to undergraduate equine science students. Approximately half of my teaching was traditional didactic face to face and half of my teaching was on online. I ran practical sessions across the full gamut of equine biomechanics from anatomy through to on treadmill sampling of blood parameters.

    • Harness Racing Victoria

      Oct 2017 - May 2024
      Veterinarian

      I have extensive experience across veterinary science, tertiary education, and human resources management. I am an internationally recognized leader in equitation science. I enjoy improving animal welfare and human safety by monitoring legislation, best business practices and applying the latest research to influence key stakeholders, maintain industry standards and actively execute best practices. I have been relied upon by my team members, government entities and communities to deliver good governance, quality assurance and compliance across internal functions. I have a profound sense of responsibility to add value by driving continuous improvement through feasible solutions within my sphere of influence. Show less

    • SaferHorses.com.au

      Jan 2022 - now

      G'day. I'm Dr Lesley Hawson. I want you and your horse to be safer! Safer means less likely to be injured, sounder for longer and less expensive! I am a veterinarian with a PhD in equitation science, a teacher and a researcher, but first and foremost I am a horse lover and horse owner. My studies with some of the best equine behaviour scientists in the world combined with my long-standing commitment to safety has led me to this capstone practice. Be it housing, nutrition, transport, handling, training or rehabilitation, there is always a safer way to do it resulting in better outcomes for you and your horse. Show less G'day. I'm Dr Lesley Hawson. I want you and your horse to be safer! Safer means less likely to be injured, sounder for longer and less expensive! I am a veterinarian with a PhD in equitation science, a teacher and a researcher, but first and foremost I am a horse lover and horse owner. My studies with some of the best equine behaviour scientists in the world combined with my long-standing commitment to safety has led me to this capstone practice. Be it housing, nutrition, transport, handling, training or rehabilitation, there is always a safer way to do it resulting in better outcomes for you and your horse. Show less

      • Principal

        Jan 2022 - now
      • Principal

        Jan 2022 - now
  • Licenses & Certifications

    • Certificate in Horse Husbandry

    • Provide First Aid Certificate

    • Eye Emergencies in the Horse with Dennis Brooks, DVM PhD DACVO

      The Veterinary Dental Company
      Nov 2025
      View certificate certificate
    • Licenced to practice Veterinary Science in Victoria

      Veterinary Practitioners Registration Board of Victoria
      Oct 2001
      View certificate certificate
  • Honors & Awards

    • Awarded to Lesley Hawson
      Best Oral Presentation Award 8th International Equitation Science Conference Edinburgh Jul 2012