Love at first sight……..
In September 2015, my family and I went to Australia Zoo. I was 10 years old. I had never seen so many koala's before. There were lots. What I loved most was that there were so many Joeys!! They were so cute I just wanted to take them all home. A keeper did a presentation about koala's. It was the first time I had heard things about them and the very first time I got to actually touch one. It was so woolly. I learned so much there that day and fell in love with all the joeys.
Over the years I have learned about the many things that are contributing to their decline. Habitat destruction is of course the biggest thing but also car strikes, dog attacks, and finally, various diseases that are impacting them. And of course, the 2019/2020 bush fires had a massive impact of their habitat and their numbers.
If it wasn't for Australia Zoo and the Irwin Family, I would not be doing what I am doing today. Their passion for wildlife is infectious and the experience I had at Australia Zoo, sparked my love for koalas.
Encounters like this can change lives. Being able to touch, feel and connect with an animal is priceless!!! I hope to one day meet them to thank them for all they do and for giving me my first experience with a koala. It really did, change my life.
For those that have been following my work over the years, you would have seen my passion has also grown from being just Koala‘s. After meeting lots of people in the wildlife realms over the years my passion now encompasses all wildlife, all species! Each time I meet a new species I can’t help but fall in love with it. From kangaroos to flying foxes, magpies etc - I can’t help but love all wildlife and want to help, all wildlife
Over the years I have learned about the many things that are contributing to their decline. Habitat destruction is of course the biggest thing but also car strikes, dog attacks, and finally, various diseases that are impacting them. And of course, the 2019/2020 bush fires had a massive impact of their habitat and their numbers.
If it wasn't for Australia Zoo and the Irwin Family, I would not be doing what I am doing today. Their passion for wildlife is infectious and the experience I had at Australia Zoo, sparked my love for koalas.
Encounters like this can change lives. Being able to touch, feel and connect with an animal is priceless!!! I hope to one day meet them to thank them for all they do and for giving me my first experience with a koala. It really did, change my life.
For those that have been following my work over the years, you would have seen my passion has also grown from being just Koala‘s. After meeting lots of people in the wildlife realms over the years my passion now encompasses all wildlife, all species! Each time I meet a new species I can’t help but fall in love with it. From kangaroos to flying foxes, magpies etc - I can’t help but love all wildlife and want to help, all wildlife
The spark
I I often get asked “what made you do this?”
Well, my “spark” was pretty simple.
In July, 2016 I watched a storey on an episode of The Living Room that was about Koala's. I was 11 years old. Dr Chris Brown was talking about the risk that our koala's face of becoming endangered and even extinct in the wild.
This was in 2016!! 2016!!!
Even then, Habitat destruction was the biggest threat to our koalas. Cutting down their homes and food sources was forcing them to look elsewhere- making them cross roads where they are struck by cars and roam into suburban backyards where they were being attacked by dogs.
I immediately decided that I wanted to do something to help.
So my mum helped me google charities and organisations that support koala's.
That’s where it all began and since then, I’ve not only raised and donated tens of thousands of dollars, I’ve raised awareness by sharing the work that I do, with others.
It’s truly heartbreaking that in less than 10 years after they were classified as vulnerable, they have been reclassified as ENDANGERED.
What will happen in the next 10 years?
Extinction in the wild in NSW & QLD???
I hope my journey can show people of all ages but especially kids, that they can make a difference, be a voice & support those out there who are trying to save our wildlife.
I hope we can stop extinction.
Every life needs to be protected.
Every home 🌲 needs to be protected
Well, my “spark” was pretty simple.
In July, 2016 I watched a storey on an episode of The Living Room that was about Koala's. I was 11 years old. Dr Chris Brown was talking about the risk that our koala's face of becoming endangered and even extinct in the wild.
This was in 2016!! 2016!!!
Even then, Habitat destruction was the biggest threat to our koalas. Cutting down their homes and food sources was forcing them to look elsewhere- making them cross roads where they are struck by cars and roam into suburban backyards where they were being attacked by dogs.
I immediately decided that I wanted to do something to help.
So my mum helped me google charities and organisations that support koala's.
That’s where it all began and since then, I’ve not only raised and donated tens of thousands of dollars, I’ve raised awareness by sharing the work that I do, with others.
It’s truly heartbreaking that in less than 10 years after they were classified as vulnerable, they have been reclassified as ENDANGERED.
What will happen in the next 10 years?
Extinction in the wild in NSW & QLD???
I hope my journey can show people of all ages but especially kids, that they can make a difference, be a voice & support those out there who are trying to save our wildlife.
I hope we can stop extinction.
Every life needs to be protected.
Every home 🌲 needs to be protected
How I began my crusade
It all started off pretty small and easy.
My goal was to raise $450.00 to plant koala trees.
The plan was to go to two local festivals in my area, sell some things that we bought and that were donated and raise awareness.
I wanted to do it from August 23 to the end of September.
Mum created a Facebook page and we started to share my goals, market details and things we had for sale.
I ended up raising and donating $1,100.00 thanks to some amazing support from my community. It inspired me, to keep learning and keep going.
And it literally grew from there!
My goal was to raise $450.00 to plant koala trees.
The plan was to go to two local festivals in my area, sell some things that we bought and that were donated and raise awareness.
I wanted to do it from August 23 to the end of September.
Mum created a Facebook page and we started to share my goals, market details and things we had for sale.
I ended up raising and donating $1,100.00 thanks to some amazing support from my community. It inspired me, to keep learning and keep going.
And it literally grew from there!
Past Projects
Over the years I’ve done lots of things to help wildlife. In the early years I was lucky to meet lots of new people. I got to see things they did and observed their setups and needs. I was then able to plan ways to help.
Ballarat Wildlife Park park inspired my first project in Jan 2017 where I answered their call for towels. We collected hundreds in a couple of weeks and donated them. And continued to donate them to shelters as far as Macarthur, Yackandandah & Koonoomoo. That’s where my “linen 4 wildlife” project began.
Then I started making and collecting pouches for wildlife. So my “sewing army” was formed.
I collected thousands of milk bottle caps to help groups in Tasmania who are treating wombats for mange.
I saw the many everyday “grocery” items that shelters used for cleaning etc and thought that was an easy way for others to help. So we started “groceries 4 wildlife” and christmas hampers.
Car rescue kits was another project that has seen hundreds of kits sent all around the country ready to prepare people, to do a pouch check.
Create 2 donate is where I asked people to make Australian style things for my market stalls to help raise money. From toys to jewellery, soap to beeswax wraps and more. If you’d like to help- let me know.
I’ve sold many things over the years and one was bags made from pillow cases. These were great too.
I’ve made milk bottle stands, water bowl holders, browse holders and more. (A great project for a scouting/guide) group to do.
There’s so many things, big and small, that anyone of any age and of any ability can do to help wildlife carers & rescuers.
Ballarat Wildlife Park park inspired my first project in Jan 2017 where I answered their call for towels. We collected hundreds in a couple of weeks and donated them. And continued to donate them to shelters as far as Macarthur, Yackandandah & Koonoomoo. That’s where my “linen 4 wildlife” project began.
Then I started making and collecting pouches for wildlife. So my “sewing army” was formed.
I collected thousands of milk bottle caps to help groups in Tasmania who are treating wombats for mange.
I saw the many everyday “grocery” items that shelters used for cleaning etc and thought that was an easy way for others to help. So we started “groceries 4 wildlife” and christmas hampers.
Car rescue kits was another project that has seen hundreds of kits sent all around the country ready to prepare people, to do a pouch check.
Create 2 donate is where I asked people to make Australian style things for my market stalls to help raise money. From toys to jewellery, soap to beeswax wraps and more. If you’d like to help- let me know.
I’ve sold many things over the years and one was bags made from pillow cases. These were great too.
I’ve made milk bottle stands, water bowl holders, browse holders and more. (A great project for a scouting/guide) group to do.
There’s so many things, big and small, that anyone of any age and of any ability can do to help wildlife carers & rescuers.
Markets & Events
Raising awareness & funds
Having a stall at my two local festivals was where I launched my crusade and started my fundraising, goal and raising awareness for the threats koalas face.
Here are just some of the markets I’ve done over the years. As you can see I’ve done loads.
Markets are not just about selling things to raise money they are about raising awareness for wildlife, sharing the work that I do, connecting with people, teaching and hopefully inspiring others.
There has definitely been some markets where I’ve not sold very much or raised very much money but, I have spoken to a lot of people about the work that I do.
Mum and I have enjoyed our times at markets. We’ve sat in 40+ degree heat, endured wind, hail and rain (all in one day 🤣) and met some really great people each time. I always feel so proud when someone walks up and says excitedly “you’re libby!”
Raising money does help in so many ways, but, raising awareness, educating & inspiring others, that is one of the best things anyone can do.
Huge thanks to all the market organisers, community groups and schools, that have invited me or given me a stall at their event.
Having a stall at my two local festivals was where I launched my crusade and started my fundraising, goal and raising awareness for the threats koalas face.
Here are just some of the markets I’ve done over the years. As you can see I’ve done loads.
Markets are not just about selling things to raise money they are about raising awareness for wildlife, sharing the work that I do, connecting with people, teaching and hopefully inspiring others.
There has definitely been some markets where I’ve not sold very much or raised very much money but, I have spoken to a lot of people about the work that I do.
Mum and I have enjoyed our times at markets. We’ve sat in 40+ degree heat, endured wind, hail and rain (all in one day 🤣) and met some really great people each time. I always feel so proud when someone walks up and says excitedly “you’re libby!”
Raising money does help in so many ways, but, raising awareness, educating & inspiring others, that is one of the best things anyone can do.
Huge thanks to all the market organisers, community groups and schools, that have invited me or given me a stall at their event.
Previous Fundraisers
Over the years we’ve done lots of different fundraisers. It’s always a challenge to try and come up with new ways to raise money.
- lucky ticket draws
- selling local orchard apples and pears plus farm eggs
- we did a koal skate night at a local roller rink
- selling donated hand made Australian themed goods
- markets
- putting calls out for specific things to buy and donate (enclosures, tools, fuel vouchers, groceries etc)
- 2019/2020 I did weeks of fundraising specifically for fire effected shelters
- raising money to plant habitat
- doing weekly fundraisers for specific shelters.
Finally, I’m very lucky to have a couple of people that have set up weekly, fortnightly or monthly, direct debits. Just $5 a week adds up and helps.
Together, we have raised more than $80,000.00 😮
All possible because of the incredible support of my followers.
If you’d like to donate to my work, it would be awesome. It’s been a very tough 2years for raising money.
- lucky ticket draws
- selling local orchard apples and pears plus farm eggs
- we did a koal skate night at a local roller rink
- selling donated hand made Australian themed goods
- markets
- putting calls out for specific things to buy and donate (enclosures, tools, fuel vouchers, groceries etc)
- 2019/2020 I did weeks of fundraising specifically for fire effected shelters
- raising money to plant habitat
- doing weekly fundraisers for specific shelters.
Finally, I’m very lucky to have a couple of people that have set up weekly, fortnightly or monthly, direct debits. Just $5 a week adds up and helps.
Together, we have raised more than $80,000.00 😮
All possible because of the incredible support of my followers.
If you’d like to donate to my work, it would be awesome. It’s been a very tough 2years for raising money.
Volunteering
Over the years I’ve been lucky enough to meet some amazing people and do awesome things whilst volunteering.
From picking up litter, planting trees & removing weeds with Koala Clancy and of course, spending most of my school holidays volunteering at Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter
With Koala Clancy I met the amazing Janine. Her knowledge about koalas and their environment was incredible. KC plants trees on properties around the You Yangs and in summer months, they remove boneseed weed from the park. It’s a really great thing to get involved with- I only wish I had Sunday mornings available to get back down there.
You can also do tree planting with Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation and Bangalow Koalas.
Since I was 12, I’ve been spending most of my school holidays with Kylee & James at Dutch Thunder. I met them after we reached out to see if we could help in some ways with donations. We stayed for a weekend and really hit it off. Since then, they’re not only my mentors but they’ve literally become my second family. The things I do and learn, will stay with me forever.
There’s lots of opportunities to help our environment and our wildlife. And if there’s not- why not start one?
Plant trees in your area.
Organise a clean up event.
Have a stall at an event to raise awareness.
Speak to your class, school or community group about what you’re doing.
Reach out to your local shelter and see what they need help with. Transporting supplies or animals? Cleaning? Washing? Making pouches? Helping them with fundraising or applying for grants?
From picking up litter, planting trees & removing weeds with Koala Clancy and of course, spending most of my school holidays volunteering at Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter
With Koala Clancy I met the amazing Janine. Her knowledge about koalas and their environment was incredible. KC plants trees on properties around the You Yangs and in summer months, they remove boneseed weed from the park. It’s a really great thing to get involved with- I only wish I had Sunday mornings available to get back down there.
You can also do tree planting with Mornington Peninsula Koala Conservation and Bangalow Koalas.
Since I was 12, I’ve been spending most of my school holidays with Kylee & James at Dutch Thunder. I met them after we reached out to see if we could help in some ways with donations. We stayed for a weekend and really hit it off. Since then, they’re not only my mentors but they’ve literally become my second family. The things I do and learn, will stay with me forever.
There’s lots of opportunities to help our environment and our wildlife. And if there’s not- why not start one?
Plant trees in your area.
Organise a clean up event.
Have a stall at an event to raise awareness.
Speak to your class, school or community group about what you’re doing.
Reach out to your local shelter and see what they need help with. Transporting supplies or animals? Cleaning? Washing? Making pouches? Helping them with fundraising or applying for grants?
Wildlife Talks
In 2017 I was contacted by a local girl guide group. They asked if I could come and talk to them about what I was doing.
Although I’d never done something like that and I was scared, I did it. After I did it, I felt so good! It was so nice to share with kids, the things I was doing.
From there, I’ve spoken to many groups and schools. During lockdowns I even did some online talks to schools.
I think that kids teaching kids can be very powerful and inspiring.
One of the best things from doing this is hearing from teachers or parents later on, telling me what their kids did after listening to my talk. Hearing that I have inspired just one person from a talk to do just one thing, is amazing.
If you’d like me to speak to your class or community group please reach out.
Although I’d never done something like that and I was scared, I did it. After I did it, I felt so good! It was so nice to share with kids, the things I was doing.
From there, I’ve spoken to many groups and schools. During lockdowns I even did some online talks to schools.
I think that kids teaching kids can be very powerful and inspiring.
One of the best things from doing this is hearing from teachers or parents later on, telling me what their kids did after listening to my talk. Hearing that I have inspired just one person from a talk to do just one thing, is amazing.
If you’d like me to speak to your class or community group please reach out.
Current projects
We always seem to be busy doing various things throughout the year.
Here’s what we have going on at the moment:
- collecting groceries for wildlife rescuers & carers
https://www.libbyskoala.org.au/donate-2-buy.html
- doing talks to schools and community groups
https://www.libbyskoala.org.au/conservation-talks.html
- selling car rescue kits to prepare people to do a pouch check or save a life. Order yours today https://www.libbyskoala.org.au/car-rescue-kits.html
- donating rescue kits to emergency services across Victoria
- fundraising to support volunteer carers & rescuers. I’d love some more people to commit to weekly or fortnightly direct debit donating. Even $5 a week or fortnight is a great help.
https://www.libbyskoala.org.au/
Anything you can do to support my work is a great help. All money raised enables me to continue to support volunteer wildlife carers and rescuers.
Here’s what we have going on at the moment:
- collecting groceries for wildlife rescuers & carers
https://www.libbyskoala.org.au/donate-2-buy.html
- doing talks to schools and community groups
https://www.libbyskoala.org.au/conservation-talks.html
- selling car rescue kits to prepare people to do a pouch check or save a life. Order yours today https://www.libbyskoala.org.au/car-rescue-kits.html
- donating rescue kits to emergency services across Victoria
- fundraising to support volunteer carers & rescuers. I’d love some more people to commit to weekly or fortnightly direct debit donating. Even $5 a week or fortnight is a great help.
https://www.libbyskoala.org.au/
Anything you can do to support my work is a great help. All money raised enables me to continue to support volunteer wildlife carers and rescuers.
The future…
I always get asked “what do you want to do?”
It’s actually hard because I really don’t know. I definitely want to do something with wildlife. I don’t want to be a vet (it deals with too much domestic).
I think it’s kind of hard to find careers in wildlife.
I do know that I’d love to continue to help educate and inspire kids. Hopefully I can do more talks and help introduce more “wildlife” into school curriculums. I think it’s very important to not just teach kids about our wildlife but to also give them the tools to go out and “be the change” if that’s what they want to do.
Every bit that we do or they do- can make a difference. It would be amazing to continue to help educate and inspire others.
I want to continue to help support volunteer wildlife rescuers and carers. They are so important to the survival of our wildlife but sadly, all of them are volunteers. They will always, need help.
Finally, I know that I will continue to be a rescuer.
I can’t wait to be old enough to be able to drive so I can do more. I’ll also be able to go out with other local rescuers and continue to learn from them as well as learn & help even more from my mentors Kylee & James at Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter.
I’ve been “training” to be a rescuer for years now. I’ll always be “training” as there’s always, things to learn. Special thanks to everyone from Wildlife Rescuers 0417 506 941 and Krysti from Rescue Rehabilitate Release who I have done training and rescues with. I’m so thankful to have amazing people that teach me and I can’t wait to work with them, and others, in the future.
I’m working hard preparing and learning all I can plus- I’m saving hard for my first car and to set myself up with equipment to rescue. If you’d like to help me with this, we have set up a specific fundraiser for this. It’s totally separate to my regular fundraising. Every dollar helps and hopefully within the next year, I’ll be able to buy my own car to begin rescuing.
It’s actually hard because I really don’t know. I definitely want to do something with wildlife. I don’t want to be a vet (it deals with too much domestic).
I think it’s kind of hard to find careers in wildlife.
I do know that I’d love to continue to help educate and inspire kids. Hopefully I can do more talks and help introduce more “wildlife” into school curriculums. I think it’s very important to not just teach kids about our wildlife but to also give them the tools to go out and “be the change” if that’s what they want to do.
Every bit that we do or they do- can make a difference. It would be amazing to continue to help educate and inspire others.
I want to continue to help support volunteer wildlife rescuers and carers. They are so important to the survival of our wildlife but sadly, all of them are volunteers. They will always, need help.
Finally, I know that I will continue to be a rescuer.
I can’t wait to be old enough to be able to drive so I can do more. I’ll also be able to go out with other local rescuers and continue to learn from them as well as learn & help even more from my mentors Kylee & James at Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter.
I’ve been “training” to be a rescuer for years now. I’ll always be “training” as there’s always, things to learn. Special thanks to everyone from Wildlife Rescuers 0417 506 941 and Krysti from Rescue Rehabilitate Release who I have done training and rescues with. I’m so thankful to have amazing people that teach me and I can’t wait to work with them, and others, in the future.
I’m working hard preparing and learning all I can plus- I’m saving hard for my first car and to set myself up with equipment to rescue. If you’d like to help me with this, we have set up a specific fundraiser for this. It’s totally separate to my regular fundraising. Every dollar helps and hopefully within the next year, I’ll be able to buy my own car to begin rescuing.
