October 2025

My week at Mount Rothwell was one to remember. A chance to get my hands dirty, meet passionate people and see real conservation in action.

Watching science, teamwork and care all come together to protect Australia’s threatened species was incredible.

Arrival
I arrived one sunny afternoon and it felt like stepping straight into a dream I’ve had since I was little. I grew up outdoors, started volunteering at the Australian Reptile Park at sixteen and always thought I’d be a zookeeper. Life took me on a detour through business and watersports, but being here felt like coming home.

The Odonata crew set me up in a cosy cabin surrounded by bushland and rocky outcrops. As the sun dropped, curlews called and wallabies appeared everywhere. Later, bandicoots, quolls and possums wandered out too. Pure magic.

Weeds, Curlews and Dingoes
Day one, I joined Jacqui in the buffer zone pulling African weed orchids. The tiny weeds spread fast, so it’s a high priority job. We filled buckets while chatting about plants, wildlife and life in general.

Later, I found a quiet rocky spot, sat with my paints and captured the view. The next morning, I helped feed the captive curlews and cleaned up the dingo enclosures with another volunteer, Meredith. It brought back memories of my zoo days, but I realised what I love most is observing animals and sharing their stories through art and community projects.

Rabbits and a Breach
Monday was all about rabbits. I joined the detection team and Rue, the star kelpie, who worked like a pro. After finding a small warren, we came across a fence breach made by a curious echidna. Even a tiny hole can let rabbits through, so the search was on to find our spiky friend before more damage was done.

The Great Echidna Hunt
The next day, about ten of us spent hours searching across the hills. We didn’t spot him, but the walk was full of laughs and good company. That evening, I joined a dusk walk with the comms team. As the sun faded, the sanctuary came alive with wallabies, bandicoots and possums. It felt like stepping back in time to what this landscape used to be.

Found at Last
On the final morning, sunshine returned and so did our luck. While the team was weeding and rabbiting, Dale, the property manager, rolled up with a grin and an echidna tucked under her arm. The little escape artist was safe and would be relocated to a stronger-fenced area. Everyone cheered. It was a small win, but it meant a lot.

Community Connection
That afternoon, I chatted with the Odonata comms team about Banyula Conservation Reserve and our shared hopes for seeing threatened species thriving again. I also ran my Community Engagement module for Odonata Academy participants. The group was bright, curious and full of ideas on how to better connect people with conservation.

Wrapping Up
Leaving Mount Rothwell, I felt refreshed and full of hope. The week was everything I’d wanted and more. Being surrounded by wildlife, working alongside such dedicated people and seeing conservation in motion reminded me why I do what I do.