Member Moments

In Conversation

WITH BRAD WILSON

NSW’s Black Summer bushfires took a significant toll on the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary. But thanks to the support of the National Trust and others, it’s building back stronger than ever.

For more than 55 years, the sanctuary at Bargo, a small town about 100km southwest of Sydney, has been a steadfast advocate for the natural environment, cultural heritage and community education. Conservationist Dr Thistle (Harris) Stead established the David G. Stead Memorial Wildlife Foundation of Australia, and gifted the sanctuary to the National Trust (NSW) in 1965. The Foundation continued to manage the property until 2019.

Today, the sanctuary managed by the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary (AWS), contains beautiful gardens, water features and animal enclosures. It runs a successful breeding program for endangered species and outreach and education programs for young and old alike. But in December 2019, the sanctuary’s very existence was in doubt when the Green Wattle Creek fire tore through the surrounding area and destroyed a large part of the property.

Managing Director, Brad Wilson, remembers the day well. “I was trapped just down the road from the sanctuary between two fire fronts with other people for hours. A fire truck pulled up, and a man jumped out, walked over to me and handed me his helmet and said, ‘This looks like a job for you!’ At the time, I wondered if he wanted me to jump in the truck and start fighting fires? But then I looked in the helmet and saw a baby possum and realised what he meant”.

Brad says that the moment will stay in my mind forever. “Even during all of the frantic and dangerous work, this firefighter gave this little animal hope of survival. That is an amazing person.” The little possum was cared for, raised and released back into the bush. Unfortunately, the fire devoured 95 per cent of the sanctuary including nine buildings and most of the infrastructure. “Living through a bushfire that impacted so many people very badly, then the rebuilding and recovery effort that follows was like a rollercoaster ride - many ups, many downs and occasionally being thrown upside down.”

Brad and the team have slowly rebuilt this precious sanctuary with support from the National Trust and generous donations from the community. Their perseverance and dedication have brought life back to the sanctuary and given it a bright and exciting future. “Together in partnership with the National Trust, we are going to provide one of the best sanctuaries in Australia. It will be a place for the community to come together and share our passion for wildlife and the environment.”

The sanctuary is currently closed for redevelopment. Brad looks forward to re-opening the sanctuary and introducing the public to some of his favourite animals. “Terry the Tawny Frogmouth is one not to be missed. He’s not an owl but looks like one and has the most endearing personality. He greets me every day with his low-tone ‘oom’ call and always enjoys a cuddle inside my jacket. Our two resident ring-tailed possums, Ringo and Sandy, are always up for a snuggle and a treat. Holly and Eddy, our two rescued emus, have the cheekiest personalities and a love for everything shiny and dangly. They will be sure to put a smile on your face.”

Above: Brad and family at the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary.

VISIT BARGO

With such exciting development at the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary, there will be multiple reasons to visit Bargo. In the area, picturesque bushwalks are a must-see, such as the Bargo River Canyon Track and the Potholes to Bargo River Reserve. The NSW Rail Museum, located in Thirlmere is a stone’s throw from the sanctuary and home to a significant rail heritage collection, including over 100 rolling stock items associated with the history of the railways in NSW. Check when the Australian Wildlife Sanctuary is reopening on their website, visit australianwildlifesanctuary.com.au

THANK YOU

Patrons, Corporate Members and Sponsors

The National Trust (NSW) acknowledges and appreciates the support we receive from these generous individuals and organisations

Patrons J Calluaud L Calluaud Emeritus Professor D Carment AM K Eadie M Eadie P Flick R Flick A Hayward B Hayward H Hewitt P Homel The Kimalo Foundation The Nell & Hermon Slade Trust The Pratten Foundation C Sutherland L Taggart Anonymous (7) Corporate Members Allen Jack & Cottier Architects Cox Architecture Design 5 Architects GML Heritage Hector Abrahams Architects Lucas, Stapleton, Johnson & Partners Melgrand Winten Property Group Wollongong City Council

Corporate Partners Campervan & Motorhome Club of Australia International Conservation Services Laithwaite’s Wine People Museums & Galleries NSW Safewill Supporters J Church The Corella Fund The J Permsew Foundation I Kaiser The Mallam Family Fund The Maple-Brown Family Foundation I McIntosh S McIntosh N Paton S Pickles K Valder P Wade R Wade S White OAM C Wilkinson OAM Australian Heritage Festival and National Trust Heritage Awards Proudly supported by the NSW Government through the Heritage Council NSW

S.H. Ervin Gallery Supporters Allen & Unwin Art Gallery of NSW Holding Redlich Margaret Olley Art Trust National Trust Wine Service Perpetual

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