Our Team
Behind our mission is a hands-on team turning urgency into action. Our team brings together wildlife carers, project leads, educators, and operations specialists working across rescue, rehabilitation, research support, and community programs.
They are on the ground, in the data, and in the details—driving the day-to-day work that protects native wildlife, advances conservation outcomes, and builds the foundations of a long-term sanctuary. United by purpose and guided by science, this team is where vision becomes impact.
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.
Vanessa Warnock
Vanessa brings over 30 years’ experience in hospitality and events across Europe and Australia. Now based in the Southern Highlands, Vanessa specialises in conferences, retreats, and bespoke event delivery, with a strong focus on service and relationship-building. As SHWS Events Director, she combines strategic marketing, social media, and event expertise with a genuine passion for community connection and creating meaningful experiences that support the Sanctuary’s mission.
Darian McBain, PhD
Darian McBain is a globally experienced Chief Sustainability Officer, advisor, and board member recognized as a UN SDG Pioneer for a Sustainable Ocean Economy, a Fast Company Most Creative People in Business honoree, and one of Asia’s Top Sustainability Superwomen, with expertise spanning corporate sustainability, supply chains, ocean economy, and sustainable finance. As CEO of Outsourced CSO Asia, Venture Partner at The Yield Lab Asia Pacific, and Senior Fellow at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, she brings deep experience from prior roles as inaugural CSO of the Monetary Authority of Singapore and CSO of Thai Union, where she developed their landmark SeaChange sustainability strategy.
