Festival Line-Up
Providing a varied selection of entertainment suitable for all ages, our lineup features everything from a Tai Chi master to an energetic DJ playing 'Happy' music. Moreover, you'll have the chance to gain insights from veterinarians, mental health experts, our partners, and more.
Dr. Rob Zammit
Dr. Rob Zammit is a prominent Australian veterinarian and media personality, best known for his work on Burke's Backyard and his commitment to animal welfare. With over 40 years of experience, he practices at Vineyard Veterinary Hospital, where he forms strong bonds with pets and their owners, particularly thriving in moments like assisting with caesareans and welcoming new life.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Rob is a passionate educator and advocate, sharing his expertise through The Doggy Pod podcast, where he discusses animal care and veterinary insights. His dedication to both animal health and public education has earned him a respected place in the Australian veterinary community.
Nicole and Baby
Nicole and Baby is a luxury pet boutique in Sydney, founded in 2022 by Nicole, who was inspired by her Australian Silky Terrier, Baby. Frustrated by the lack of stylish and high-quality pet clothing, Nicole used her Master’s degree in Fashion and Luxury Business Management to create a brand that blends fashion and comfort for pets and their owners.
Known for its commitment to quality and style, Nicole and Baby has become a favorite among pet owners who value luxury. As a proud supporter of the RSPCA, Nicole and Baby also contributes to the community, including sponsoring the Pawshion Show with a generous $250 voucher. Nicole’s passion for pet fashion and dedication to animal welfare make the brand a standout in the industry.
Matt Falloon
Matt Falloon is a talented Sydney-based entertainer known for his unique mix of balloon twisting, magic, and comedy. With over a decade of experience, he’s become one of the city’s top party entertainers, captivating audiences at children's events with his imaginative balloon sculptures and playful performances.
Originally starting out as a magician, Matt discovered his passion for balloon art and quickly became known for his creative and intricate designs. His dedication to the craft has earned him international recognition, including first-place wins at balloon twisting conventions in Missouri (2013) and Nevada (2015), as well as third place for stage performance in New York (2014).
Matt’s engaging performances and artistic balloon creations continue to make him a standout in the world of balloon artistry.
Lara Perret
Lara Perrett is a passionate health and fitness professional with over 20 years of experience, combining her background in social work, mental health, and addiction psychology with practical personal training and nutrition coaching. This holistic approach helps clients make lasting changes by focusing on both physical and mental well-being.
Lara’s philosophy centers on resistance training and balanced, sustainable nutrition, steering clear of restrictive diets and instead fostering long-term, healthy habits. At MaxFit, she’s dedicated to building a supportive community, guiding clients on their wellness journeys, and celebrating every step toward positive change.
Knose Pet Insurance
Knose Pet Insurance is an Australian provider focused on making pet insurance simple and flexible for dog and cat owners. Founded in 2017, Knose offers customizable policies with annual benefit limits up to $25,000 and reimbursement options between 70% and 90%. Unlike many insurers, Knose doesn’t impose sub-limits on treatments, giving broader coverage for pets’ healthcare needs.
Pet owners can also choose add-ons for dental illness, behavioural conditions, and alternative therapies, making it easy to tailor coverage. With 24/7 access to a Pet Health Hotline and fast claims processing, Knose makes managing pet health hassle-free. Recognized with awards like the 2022 Mozo Experts Choice Award, Knose is a trusted choice for pet owners seeking comprehensive insurance and peace of mind.
Oz Pup Culture
Oz Pup Culture, founded in 2019 in Glenfield, NSW, is all about high-quality, affordable, and Australian-made pet products. What started with crafting premium macrame pet leads from 100% locally sourced Australian cotton has grown into a brand known for a wide range of products designed to keep pets happy and healthy.
Today, Oz Pup Culture offers a variety of Australian-made treats, enrichment toys, grooming products, and unique gifts for both dogs and cats. With a strong focus on sustainability and quality, they’re dedicated to providing pet owners with the best while supporting local industries. Whether you're after natural treats or unique accessories, Oz Pup Culture has your furry friend covered.
Pet Resorts Australia
Pet Resorts Australia sets a new standard for pet hotels by offering luxurious accommodations and top-quality care. With locations across the country, they provide a range of services, including doggy daycare, secure pet hotels, and premium catteries, all designed with comfort and safety in mind.
The doggy daycare is all about fun and socialisation, giving dogs plenty of exercise and attention. For longer stays, the pet hotels offer private or shared boarding options, complete with tailored enrichment activities to keep pets happy and relaxed.
Cats are treated to spacious, peaceful catteries, ensuring they have a calm and enjoyable stay. Plus, with personalised boarding that includes gourmet meals, wellness checks, and a pet taxi service, Pet Resorts Australia makes it easy for owners to ensure their pets are well cared for while they’re away.
Rufftrack
RuffTrack is a youth program in Londonderry that supports disengaged young people (ages 11–17) by building skills, confidence, and community connections. Partnering with Hawkesbury Police and BackTrack Youth Works, the program focuses on hands-on learning, animal care, and personal development.
Participants bond with a dog, learning responsibility and communication while gaining practical skills like carpentry, mechanics, and welding. Through mentorship and real-world experiences, RuffTrack helps young people find purpose and build a positive future.
Nathan Cassar
Nathan is a dynamic Wedding MC, Corporate Event MC, Trivia Host, and Radio Presenter known for making events unforgettable. With over a decade of experience, he knows how to keep the energy up and the crowd engaged.
Formerly an Entertainment Host for Princess Cruises, Nathan entertained thousands from over 40 nationalities, honing his skills in captivating diverse audiences. Now an award-winning MC, he’s dedicated to delivering top-notch entertainment, ensuring every event is fun, exciting, and flawlessly executed.
Katherine Pinczuk - MindLight
MindLight, founded by Katherine Pinczuk, offers meditation and stress management programs designed to help people reduce stress and improve well-being. In today’s fast-paced world, many feel overwhelmed, but MindLight’s evidence-based techniques help individuals find balance, clarity, and resilience.
By practising mindfulness, participants can reconnect with themselves, make better decisions, and live with more joy and less stress. MindLight’s approach empowers people to navigate life’s challenges with a calm and focused mindset.
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George Tran
George Tran is a compassionate dog behaviourist dedicated to keeping families and their dogs together. He’s seen too many dogs surrendered or euthanised due to behavioural issues that are often preventable or misunderstood, and his mission is to change that.
To help dog owners worldwide, George created a free resource offering practical, proven solutions to common behaviour challenges, from lunging to fear-based reactions. His approach is rooted in love and compassion, never using force or violence, with the goal of saving even one dog from surrender being the ultimate reward.
Elena Villacorta Cortez
Sheng Zhen is a meditative practice centered on "Unconditional Love" and "Open Heart," combining movement and stillness to release negative energy and cultivate positive life force (qi). It promotes inner peace, emotional balance, and a sense of purpose and compassion.
Led by Elena Villacorta Cortez, the Head Teacher of Sheng Zhen Australia, the practice is inclusive and welcoming to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Through classes, workshops, and demonstrations, Elena guides participants toward healing, clarity, and deeper self-connection.
Zuna Puppyporium
Zunas Puppyporium is all about high-quality, 100% Australian-made treats for dogs and cats. Their treats are natural, additive-free, and packed with essential nutrients, designed to keep pets healthy and happy.
Whether you pick from the premium Treat Bar or their packaged range, your pet will love the delicious flavors. Pair the treats with their enrichment products or toys, and your furry friend will be thrilled.
Founded out of a love for dogs, Zunas Puppyporium is committed to quality and pet care, offering natural, healthy products that make pets’ lives better.
Snuffle n' Sniff
Snuffle n' Sniff specialises in handmade enrichment products for dogs, cats, and other furry friends. Their creations are designed to stimulate pets’ senses, reduce boredom, and encourage natural foraging behaviours.
Focused on promoting mental stimulation, alleviating anxiety, and supporting overall well-being, Snuffle n' Sniff ensures that pets of all ages stay happy, engaged, and enriched.
Their products are perfect for fostering a healthy and fulfilling environment for furry companions, helping them thrive both mentally and physically.
Naturawr
Naturawr offers healthy, delicious treats for pets, made with 100% natural Australian ingredients.
Using freeze-dried technology, their treats retain full nutritional value while staying shelf-stable for long periods without cooking.
Naturawr treats are crafted from high-quality, locally sourced ingredients, including protein from pasture-raised livestock, fresh veggies from local farmers, and cheese from free-grazing dairy cows.
Give your pet the best with Naturawr – feeding them as nature intended!
Pookie Pets
Pookie Pets, founded by Natasha, a Veterinary Nurse with over 15 years of experience, combines modern technology with quality pet care. As a small family-owned business, they offer a wide range of products for pets of all kinds, from dogs and cats to parrots and more.
Their selection includes handmade freeze-dried fruits and vegetables, reflective wear, collars, toys, and more – all tested by their own pets and vetted by professionals to ensure top quality. Natasha’s goal is to provide affordable, high-quality products that give pet owners peace of mind.
Plus, Pookie Pets is dedicated to giving back, donating a portion of their profits to animal welfare organisations worldwide.
Nathan Bennett
With two decades of DJ experience under his belt, Nathan Bennett is highly sought after by corporate giants, private events, weddings and upscale cocktail gatherings throughout NSW.
Face painting with Fairy Brooke
Add a splash of colour, a touch of sparkle, and plenty of joy with Brooke’s Face Painting! With over a decade of experience, Brooke has been creating magical moments for children across Western Sydney.
Specialising in bringing smiles to birthday parties and events, her face painting transforms kids into their favourite characters, making every occasion truly unforgettable.
Sam Lee
Sam, known as "The Social Coach," is an award-winning Certified Social Skills Coach who helps professionals build confidence, improve social skills, and expand their networks.
As a two-time published author (The Social Way and Connect with Confidence), Sam combines expertise in Life Coaching, NLP, and Neuro Transformation Therapy with real-world experience, having coached over 500 individuals.
Sam’s influence extends to media appearances, corporate training for organisations like the NSW Government and UNSW, and leadership roles such as Vice-President of the Australian Vietnam Business Council. Sam’s approach empowers clients to thrive both personally and professionally.
Dr Padmini Howpage
Dr. Padmini Howpage is a Clinical and Academic Psychiatrist based in Sydney, Australia, and the co-founder of Mind Connections. She is the author of two books, Mindful Coco and 7 Magic Minutes for Today.
Dr. Howpage, MBBS FRANZCP, exemplifies excellence in psychiatry, combining her expertise as a consultant psychiatrist with her roles as an author, mentor, and philanthropist.
Known for her compassion and leadership, she is dedicated to improving mental health and well-being through her work and contributions to the field.
Heritage Bank
Heritage Bank is all about helping customers achieve their financial dreams, whether it’s buying a car, a home, or starting a business. They’re committed to supporting members through every stage of life, offering great products, competitive rates, and a personal touch.
Proud supporters of the Pawsitive Steps Festival, Heritage Bank also participates in the Walk for Wellbeing. As a member-owned bank, they give members a say in how the bank operates, fostering a strong sense of community.
With branches across Queensland and NSW, plus a 24/7 Contact Centre, Heritage Bank is always there to support its members, no matter the situation.
MM Photos
MM Photos is dedicated to capturing the special bond between dogs and their owners. With a fully equipped studio stocked with treats and toys, the team ensures that every dog feels comfortable and happy during their photo sessions.
Specialising in dog photography since 1993, MM Photos was recently honoured with the Optus Small Business of the Year award. Based in Rosebery, they continue to create timeless memories for furry friends and their families.
Kotes by Kobe
Kotes by Kobe is a one-of-a-kind brand founded by Kobe, a Pyrenean Mountain Dog from the Blue Mountains, Australia. Known for its luxury dog clothing and accessories made from recycled dog fur, Kotes by Kobe repurposes fur into bespoke yarns and linings to keep other dogs warm. They even offer matching garments for humans!
Originally focused on cozy dog wear, the brand has since branched out with the Mount Kobe range, featuring hiking guides like Hiking Mount Kobe: A Dog’s Guide to the Blue Mountains and unique merchandise like custom jigsaw puzzles. Celebrating their Blue Mountains roots, Kotes by Kobe blends style, sustainability, and a love for adventure.
Charlie and The Treat Factory
Charlie and the Treat Factory is all about creating delicious, nutritious treats for pets, made with love and high-quality ingredients. Their dehydrated treats are crafted from ethically sourced, single-ingredient Australian products, except for their special pupcakes available at markets.
Inspired by Charlie, a beloved rescue dog who loved his treats so much he’d dance around the kitchen, the brand carries on his joyful spirit by offering wholesome snacks that pets will love. Charlie’s legacy lives on through their commitment to providing the best for every furry friend.
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Mind Connections Foundation
The Mind Connections Foundation, founded in August 2020, is dedicated to enhancing mental health and well-being in the Hills community through awareness programs and research. Focusing on community engagement, the foundation provides accessible support and education to those in need.
Backed by generous donors and partnered with Mind Connections Specialist Health Services, the foundation offers resources like mental health awards and administrative support. By working with local stakeholders, Mind Connections continues to make a positive impact, helping individuals build a foundation for better mental health.