When Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary launched, the goal was simple but demanding: protect native wildlife through care, science and community action. Since then, that work has moved from idea to reality. Rescue efforts are active, partnerships are in place, and long-term plans are beginning to take shape.
Building the foundations
One of the most important milestones has been laying the groundwork for the SHWS Education Centre in Bundanoon. The centre will be designed to be a practical learning space for schools, volunteers and community members, focused on wildlife rescue, ecology and biodiversity restoration.
Thanks to the generosity of the Quest for Life Foundation, led by Petrea King, land has been secured for the project. Studio Era has contributed architectural design and development expertise, and local trades have pledged their skills to support construction.
The next step is fundraising so we can finalise approvals and begin building.
In the meantime, the team has begun developing curriculum based education programs – building on the great work that John has already started with the local Bundanoon Public School, Vacation Care programs and St Mary’s College California.
Rescue work on the ground
Alongside this planning, rescue work has continued across the Southern Highlands. That includes ongoing wombat mange treatment, helping property owners address wombat concerns on their properties, emergency response following road incidents and koala monitoring. Improved equipment has made a real difference, with the addition of a dedicated rescue vehicle from Suzuki, and securing a grant to kit out a trailer with vital gear, we can reach injured animals and remote sites more safely and reliably. It’s a practical change, but one that directly affects outcomes for wildlife in difficult terrain.
Science, habitat and the long view
Rescue alone is not enough. Long-term recovery depends on research , good data and the ability to learn from what’s happening in the field. That’s why SHWS is working toward its most ambitious goal yet: securing Spring Hill Homestead as a permanent base for research and rehabilitation.
The property sits at the entrance to Bundanoon and connects to a natural corridor leading to Morton National Park. As a Research Centre of Excellence, it will support disease research, wildlife studies, community-led monitoring, and long-term care for species including wombats, koalas, gliders and other native animals..
Securing this land will allow SHWS to expand its work in a way that’s grounded, strategic and durable. The deadline to purchase the property is early 2026, and fundraising is now underway.
Recognition that reflects the work
The impact of this work has also begun to resonate beyond the region. Co-founder John “The Wombat Man” Creighton was recently featured in Our New World, a French-produced climate documentary examining how communities around the world are responding to environmental change. Filmed in and around Bundanoon, his segment shows the realities of caring for wombats in a changing climate, shaped by drought, bushfire and habitat loss.
“We’re not just talking about animals,” John says. “We’re talking about how we care for the places we all live in. And how we help each other keep going.”
Alongside his work with SHWS, John has spent years tackling mange in bare-nosed wombats, one of the most severe and under-addressed threats to local populations. His pioneering treatment work earned him the Australian Wildlife Society’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Award in 2019, recognising his innovative use of medicated burrow flaps, community workshops, and education of local and international volunteers.
What comes next
SHWS is now in a phase of growth that requires broader support. Completing the Education Centre and securing Spring Hill Homestead will give the sanctuary the infrastructure it needs to sustain rescue, research and education together.
This is where community involvement matters most. Memberships, donations, partnerships and shared advocacy all help move these projects forward. Every contribution supports practical outcomes, whether that’s rescuing an animal, restoring habitat, or training the next generation of carers.
“Every person who contributes becomes part of the solution,” says Peter Lewis, Founder and Chair of SHWS. “These spaces will serve our wildlife long after we’re gone.”
A shared responsibility
SHWS was built by people who saw a need and acted. That same spirit continues to guide the work ahead. With clear priorities, strong partnerships and a growing community of supporters, the sanctuary is focused on building something that lasts.
The work is ongoing. The need is real. And the next chapter is already underway.
Help us Grow. Watch us Thrive.
Our work is only possible because our community stands with us. By joining as a member or donating, you help fund rescue equipment, habitat projects and the day-to-day care of local wildlife.
If you are interested in corporate sponsorships or partnerships with us, please contact us directly
