I am a Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning licensed wildlife shelter and passionate about wildlife, the environment, and sustainability.

As a licensed shelter and active rescuer of wildlife since 2007, I see, on a regular basis, the reasons why wildlife come into care and that many of these reasons could be easily avoided.

Living with Wildlife was formed to share rescued animal’s stories, and to empower others to help. Our aim is simply to inspire and educate our community to protect and help wildlife.

I do this through educational talks, workshops, activities, and event displays for students and adults. All sessions include practical ways participants can start making a difference to their local wildlife.

By sharing personal experiences and knowledge to demonstrate that with simple changes we can all help wildlife, the environment, and biodiversity.

Included in presentations is local data, as well as regional information from ecologists and a local wildlife rescue group, on regional species, environmental impacts and the benefits of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

Living with Wildlife is proud to be a member of the Frankston Environmental Friends Network (FEFN).

I volunteer with the Frankston City Council, Gardens for Wildlife program, and in the Friends of Baden Powell Bushland Reserve.

I am an active member of AWARE Wildlife Rescue group operating in the Frankston and surrounding region.

Living with Wildlife do not use wildlife at our displays and presentations.

As a Dept Environment Land Water & Planning (DELWP) licensed wildlife shelter the animals I am privileged to care for are being prepared for release. It is a condition of our licenses that no wildlife are displayed.

We support this license condition and believe it is in an animal’s best interests to not be subjected to noise, travel and the discomfort and potential fear of being handled. Also, many of our native species are nocturnal so being out during the day is unnatural for them.

Living with Wildlife acknowledge the educational value, as well as the wonder and delight that can be experienced by observing wildlife up close. We highly recommend going on a guided tour with a Council Ranger or guide in a reserve or sanctuary to observe our precious wildlife.

If all the beasts were gone, man would die from a great loneliness of spirit. For whatever happens to the beasts, soon happens to man. All things are connected.
Chief Seattle (1850’s)

Presenting for Living with Wildlife is an opportunity to inspire and empower people of all ages to enjoy nature, learn about amazing local wildlife and how we can all support them and the environment.

I particularly enjoy educating and interacting with young people to encourage them to spend time in nature and learn about local wildlife.

I have a Diploma of Children’s Services and Cert III in Early Childhood Education and recently completed 'Introducing Bush Kinder'. I have worked in early childhood education and managed a home based Family Day Care Service.

I have also been rescuing wildlife since 2007 and operate a licensed shelter.  Learning from numerous workshops and conferences enables me to provide appropriate support and care for wildlife orphaned or presenting with injuries such as burns, car hit trauma and heat stress.  I have a Cert II in Animal Management and also completed relevant units from Cert III in Captive Animals, Rehabilitate & Release Native Animals, in 2010 at University of Victoria.

Recognizing the importance of the environment, habitat and conservation, not only for ourselves but also for wildlife and biodiversity, I completed a local Habitat Management Course through SPIFFA (Southern Peninsula Indigenous Flora & Fauna Association) in 2017.

Volunteering as a Garden Guide in Frankston Council's Gardens for Wildlife Program and in local Baden Powell Bushland Reserve are rewarding.  This volunteering also increases my knowledge of our beautiful indigenous plants that our local  wildlife species evolved with.

I have authored and presented at the national Australian Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference, to community groups, schools and early learning centres.

I believe we all have a role to play and can work together to support and protect wildlife and their habitat into the future.

When we return wild animals we merely return them to what is already theirs. For man cannot give wild animals freedom, they can only take it away. Jacques Cousteau