Meet our People
Our People
Located in Bundanoon, NSW, adjacent to the diverse ecosystems of Morton National Park, the Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary (SHWS) builds on the legacy of esteemed wildlife carer John Creighton and operates as a locally established non-for-profit organisation dedicated to the research, care, rehabilitation and conservation of native Australian wildlife.
Guided by a knowledgeable, volunteer-based board, SHWS is comprised of educators, conservationists, researchers, and community members who share a commitment to safeguarding native species and restoring resilient ecosystems. The sanctuary partners with universities, educational institutions, local entities, and national organisations to foster an environment where both people and wildlife can coexist and flourish.
Meet our Board
The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary is guided by a passionate and experienced volunteer board committed to protecting and rehabilitating native Australian wildlife. With diverse expertise spanning law, finance, governance, conservation, and community engagement, our board provides strong leadership to help shape the sanctuary’s future.
Each member brings a shared dedication to wildlife care, habitat preservation, and education, ensuring we remain focused on our mission to support wombats, koalas and other native species across the Southern Highlands.
Peter Lewis
Mary Anne Rossi
Mary Anne is a finance professional with experience across wealth management, small business advisory, and education. She manages a portfolio of high-net-worth clients and brings strong analytical skills, community insight, and a hands-on approach to financial governance and strategic planning at SHWS.
John Creighton
John is a dedicated wildlife rescuer, naturalist, and educator. Founder of Wombat Care Bundanoon, his award-winning work in wombat care and conservation has earned national recognition. With a background in teaching, counselling, and the military, John brings deep field knowledge, passion, and community leadership to SHWS.
John Gray
Grant White
Our Team
Amy Heague
A creative thinker with over 20 years’ experience in marketing, publishing and storytelling. Amy thrives on creativity, collaboration, and building systems that help meaningful projects and communities grow sustainably. As Operations & Innovation Coordinator, she helps shape the sanctuary’s systems and future growth. A Southern Highlands local with deep, generational ties to the region, Amy’s commitment to conservation is rooted in a genuine love for place, people, and purpose.
Alex Fitzpatrick
Alex brings extensive expertise from a career in the corporate sector, with a particular focus on travel and aviation across Australia, the UK, Switzerland, Greece, and the UAE. Throughout her international tenure, Alex has also demonstrated a deep commitment to animal welfare. In the UK, she volunteered in the rescue and reunification of lost animals. During her time in Greece, she was involved in the rescue, treatment, and rehoming of homeless cats. Now residing in the Southern Highlands, Alex’s passion is centred on the preservation of local Australian wildlife.
Our Partners
