Life Members

Members are the life blood of the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia. Whilst all members make a large contribution to the Trust, some people make a very large commitment in supporting the Trust in its work. The Trust is proud to be able to award to such members Life Member recognition. 

Anne Sim

For long term committment to and work for the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia

Anne has been a part of the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia since its beginnings in the early 2000s. Anne has held a number of positions on the Board, holding the position of Managing Director up the 2025 AGM in November 2025.  Anne supported the stability of the Trust through her long term “corporate knowledge”. Anne was the public face of the Trust fielding questions from members and the general public, and maintaining contacts with Australian and overseas stakeholders. 
Awarded at the 2024 AGM.

Megg Miller

For long term committment to the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia

Few know that the Rare Breeds organisation in Australia was started by an article in Grass Roots magazine in February 1991. Grass Roots was a magazine run by Megg up until late 2025. As a result, a group was set up to establish The Australian Rare Breeds Trust.  In 1994 a name change was forced as the word Trust could not be used in a registered name. So, the group became Australian Rare and Minority Breeds Association (ARMBA).  In 2001 again a new group was started with a registered company and eventually the word Trust being allowed. During all this time Megg was involved, as a member, and for a time producing a newsletter. Megg remains a Trust member and an active supporter.  She has provided valuable support for the Poultry Census through publishing information on the Census as well as being a generous donor to the Future Farms Fund Genebank Auction.

Awarded at the 2025 AGM.

Michael Peel

For commitment to the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia and contribution to rare poultry in Australia

Michael has held the position of Patron of the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia for many years. He has provided and continues to provide valuable support and guidance for the Trust's poultry census work. Michael's contribution as an official, exhibitor, and breeder to the poultry industry is well known. He has recently been acknowledged for his contribution to the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW through an award in 2024. Michael breeds exhibits large numbers of quality geese and waterfowl, including the rare Toulouse Goose breed and the development of the White Toulouse (the Camden) in Australia. He sponsors Champion Goose and Gander awards at the Sydney Royal, which show now has a 100 year perpetual trophy in his name.
Awarded at the 2024 AGM.

Tasman Doornbusch

For commitment to the Rare Breeds Trust of Australia since its beginnings

Tasman (Tas) is a well known rare poultry breeder in Western Australia. Since the first inception of the Trust in the early 2000s, Tas has maintained membership without fail. His annual donations have supported important activities of the Trust. Tas provides feefback to the Trust on its activities and publications, giving encouragement to the volunteers who have been part of the Trust over 20 years. 
Awarded at the 2024 AGM.

Image. Tas Doornbusch (R) receiving his Life Membership Certificate from Board Director Peter Gelmi (L)