Global initiatives:
‘Sentient’ Documentary
Sentient reveals the hidden realities of global animal testing where researchers experiment on animals while grappling with the profound psychological toll of their work. Directed by Tony Jones and produced by In Films, Sentient had its world premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival in Utah in January and has since been screening to outstanding reviews in film festivals around the world.
Dartmouth College (US) Research Project
A world first study at Dartmouth University examining human empathy for animals by measuring brain activity and the body’s physiological and immunological responses to witnessing positive and negative human-animal interactions. The outcomes of this study will enhance understanding of the importance of the human/animal relationship.
Justify
Growing Kindness is proudly supporting Justify, the first NGO founded by and for animal lab workers to provide confidential peer support, community dialogue, and resources for those navigating the emotional and ethical challenges of laboratory work.
Research study into slaughterhouse worker welfare
A joint project by Australian National University and the University of Kent investigating the psychological impacts of working in slaughterhouses and associated effect on lives and families.
‘The Human Cost of Animal Research’ (in production)
A captivating film exploring the ‘Caring Killing Paradox’ in the Animal Research Industry.
This film sensitively explores the deeply personal stories of individuals impacted, the reasons why they felt powerless to walk away, and how their lives have been forever changed by the animals they met.
Dog ambassador programme Jordan
In Jordan, a unique programme is being implemented to shift community and generational attitudes to dogs, towards the implementation of humane population control methods and a new paradigm of peaceful co-existence.
Animal Research Initiative:
The Unspoken Impact
Growing Kindness is supporting efforts to understand the often-overlooked emotional impact of animal research and animal-based teaching on students, graduates, researchers and laboratory workers.
Through confidential conversations, we are listening to experiences that may have gone unrecognised or unsupported. What we learn will help build greater understanding of this issue and inform efforts to improve recognition and support for those affected.
Guided by Horses
Growing Kindness is proudly supporting Guided by Horses — a documentary set in the remote Kimberley, where Aboriginal young people are finding their way to adulthood through life-changing bonds with wild horses.
At the heart of this journey is Yawardani Jan-ga ('horses helping' in Yawuru) — a unique sanctuary created by Aboriginal Equine Psychotherapist Juli Coffin, whose own life was saved by horses. Over five years, her equine-assisted learning program has supported more than 3,500 young people to build confidence, feel seen and be proud of who they are.
In her own words: “Horses are not just companions. They are teachers. They guide you to a place of connection and see you for you. When you feel the value of being seen in your authenticity, you learn to love those parts of you again.”
The film celebrates the strengths of Aboriginal young people and champions the community-led, on-Country solutions already helping them heal — in a region carrying one of the world's highest youth suicide rates.
Growing Kindness Vision Project
The Kindness Centre
A living model of a Kinder World
The Kindness Centre is a visionary, place-based project designed to bring to life a simple but powerful idea: that a world guided by kindness, compassion and respect for all beings is not only possible — it is achievable.
The Centre would embody Growing Kindness’ ethos by:
inspiring humanity to live from our highest potential
evoking reverence for nature and our fellow species
modelling values through action, not abstraction
healing the fractured human–animal relationship
The intention of the Kindness Centre is to reveal what is possible — through beauty, experience, and connection.
Set on naturally beautiful land, powered by renewable energy and designed in harmony with the environment, the Centre would weave together nature, learning, creativity, healing and community.
Possible elements include:
reflective nature trails and quiet spaces for contemplation
meaningful encounters with rescued animals that foster lifelong heart connections
human animal relational therapy healing programmes
spaces honouring Indigenous wisdom and cultural heritage
plant-based food experiences celebrating sustainability and diversity
inclusive spaces for children, elders, refugees and volunteers
education that nurtures empathy, responsibility and care
The Kindness Centre is not intended as a single destination, but as a prototype for a new way of living — one that could inspire similar centres around the world. By offering a tangible, uplifting example of kindness in practice, it aims to quietly shift hearts, perspectives and choices long after visitors leave.
This project has rested for some years, awaiting the right moment — and the right collective of like-hearted people — to bring it into being. We believe that moment is approaching.