Francesco Corda grew up in a small town in Sardinia, Italy, in a family of butchers, in a community where hunting was common. From a young age he recognised animals as sentient beings and was deeply affected by their suffering. At just 10 years old, he became vegetarian, despite strong opposition and bullying from family and friends — a decision that marked the start of a lifelong commitment to protecting animals.

Francesco moved to Australia with a one-way ticket to Sydney, little money, and no English. He built a new life from the ground up, teaching himself English and learning rock and roll swing dancing. After discovering the animal advocacy community, he went vegan and began joining protests and rallies, donating the money he earned from dancing to animal charities. He went on to work in cat rescue and wildlife care with WIRES, working hard towards his long-term goal of one day running a sanctuary for rescued farmed animals.

Francesco now lives in Lakemba with his partner, who shares his passion for animal welfare, and their six rescue cats — plus foster cats who pass through from time to time. He works as a carpenter, while continuing to rescue and rehome cats, care for injured wildlife, and speak up for animals at every opportunity.

As the Animal Justice Party candidate for Canterbury-Bankstown, Francesco is campaigning for humane solutions for homeless cats and stronger laws to prevent animal abandonment and neglect. He supports the creation of an independent Office of Animal Welfare, so that animal welfare laws are overseen by a body with no financial ties or vested interests in the industries it regulates. He is also pushing for stronger action on illegal dumping and development that threatens local waterways, mature trees and remaining wildlife habitat.

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