From Bundanoon Wombat Care to Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary

Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary - Wombats

Help Us Grow, Watch Us Thrive

Press Release Date: **FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 8h March 2025*

After more than a decade of dedicated service to local wildlife, John Creighton, the heart and soul behind Wombat Care Bundanoon, is proud to announce an exciting transition to the newly established Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary (SHWS). This step forward marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing mission to rescue, treat, and rehabilitate native Australian wildlife, particularly wombats.

Continuing the Legacy

Since 2013, John Creighton has been a tireless advocate for wildlife care, earning global recognition for his exceptional work. His efforts have touched the lives of countless wombats and other native animals, inspiring not just a community-wide, but global commitment to conservation. Recognising the need for expanded infrastructure and long-term sustainability, John has embraced the establishment of the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary in Bundanoon to ensure his work continues for generations to come.

“This transition is not just about building a sanctuary; it’s about creating a future where our wildlife thrives,” said John Creighton. “The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary will be a hub for rescue, rehabilitation, education, and community engagement. It’s a dream come true to see this vision take shape.”

The New Vision

The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary will be more than a continuation of John’s work; it’s an expansion. Located in the picturesque village of Bundanoon, near the Morton National Park bushland, the sanctuary is dedicated to preserving habitats, educating future generations, and fostering a community of wildlife carers and advocates.

With a focus on wombats and other native fauna, the sanctuary aims to:

– Secure permanent land to establish a state-of-the-art education facility.

– Expand educational programs for students from primary to tertiary levels.

– Develop field training programs and collaborate with community members and educational institutions.

– Create infrastructure to ensure the ongoing care, treatment & where possible reintegration into the wild of wildlife.

An Invitation to the Community

The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary invites all supporters of Wombat Care Bundanoon to join with us on this journey. Your continued support is essential as we grow, improve facilities, and secure the resources needed to protect our precious wildlife.

“We’re building on a legacy of care and compassion,” said Peter Lewis – Chairman of SHWS. “The sanctuary represents a commitment to our wildlife and the environment, ensuring a future where native species can thrive.”

To reflect this exciting transition, our social media profiles will soon be updated to reflect our new name, Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary. This change will ensure our growing community can continue to stay informed and engaged with our mission. If you’re already following us, there’s no need to do anything—just keep an eye out for the new name and logo. We look forward to sharing updates, stories, and ways you can help us protect and nurture our native wildlife under our new banner.

Help Us Grow

We invite you to be part of this journey. Your donation will directly support the sanctuary’s growth and work, with 100% of proceeds going toward land acquisition, facility upgrades, and educational programs that safeguard our native wildlife and their habitats.

Every contribution—big or small—makes a lasting impact. Together, we can build a future where wombats, wallabies, and countless other native species have a safe place to heal, thrive, and inspire the next generation of conservationists.

You can donate NOW and be part of this vital mission (all donations over $2 are tax deductible).

Visit https://southernhighlandswildlifesanctuary.org.au/donate/

Because when we come together, nothing is impossible.

About Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary

The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary Bundanoon is dedicated to the rescue, treatment, and rehabilitation of native Australian wildlife. Founded on the legacy of Bundanoon Wombat Care, the sanctuary aims to lead in conservation efforts, provide wildlife education, and foster a deep connection between the community and the natural world.

Media Contact: 

Amy Heague

Marketing & Communications

Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary

admin@southernhighlandswildlifesanctuary.org.au

0404 936 619

John Creighton

0490 695 245

For additional information, images, or interview opportunities, please contact us directly.

Download Official Press Release for Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary – March 2025

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