When a Southern Highlands wildlife carer ends up on French television, you know something special’s going on.
Our co-founder, John ‘The Wombat Man’ Creighton has spent the last decade rescuing, rehabilitating, and fiercely protecting one of Australia’s most beloved native animals. Now, his work has been recognised on the global stage, featured in a major new climate documentary produced out of France.
Our New World, directed by Gilles Dufraisse and Fred Fougea, is an ambitious, human-focused look at how climate change is impacting communities and wildlife across the planet. Alongside stories from Kenya, Alaska and the Alps, the film highlights the environmental challenges, and resilience, of Australia’s bushland.
That’s where John comes in.
Filmed in Bundanoon and surrounding parts of NSW, John’s segment shows the impact of bushfires and drought on wombat populations, and the grassroots efforts being made to restore habitat and care for orphaned or injured animals.
His work through Wombat Care Bundanoon and now Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary has earned him awards, media coverage, and the deep respect of locals. This international recognition is another powerful moment for a man who never set out to be a conservation celebrity.
“We’re not just talking about animals,” John said. “We’re talking about how we care for the places we all live in. And how we help each other keep going.”
The documentary airs in Europe later this year, and the team at SHWS couldn’t be prouder.
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