Kindness Connects: Meet Native Wildlife Rescue
Published on 18 June 2026
Native Wildlife Rescue - The quiet work of saving native wildlife
For many injured and orphaned native animals across the Southern Highlands, survival depends on the dedication of volunteers like Kerstin. This week we visited her Robertson property, where she has been providing specialist care and rehabilitation for native animals for more than 20 years.
Kerstin operates Native Wildlife Rescue and is a wildlife carer with Wildlife Rescue South Coast. In NSW, wildlife carers must be authorised through a licensed wildlife group, such as WIRES or Wildlife Rescue South Coast, to care for native animals.
At the time of our visit, Kerstin was caring for around 26 native animals, ranging from young joey’s needing round the clock care and older kangaroos, wallaroos, wombats and swamp wallabies. Alongside rehabilitation work, she also coordinates wildlife placements and helps respond to around 80 reports of injured wildlife across the Southern Highlands each month.
Across her property, purpose-built yards support animals at different stages of recovery. While caring for wildlife may seem straightforward, Kerstin says it requires specialised training, patience and a deep understanding of how to care for each species.
The most common animals rescued locally are wombats and kangaroos, many of them injured in vehicle strikes.
"The biggest threats are habitat loss, fragmented landscapes, increasing traffic, mange and, sometimes, an uncertainty about how to share land with wildlife," Kerstin said.
While some species like kangaroos and wombats can seem abundant in certain areas, she explained, this is often due to changing conditions and reduced habitat rather than true overpopulation. Looking after wildlife, she says, is ultimately about sharing space wisely and maintaining the long-term health of both the environment and the community.
"Seeing animals respond to care and providing them with a second chance at life is what I love most," Kerstin said. "Life is precious for humans and animals alike."
Like many wildlife carers, Kerstin invests significant time and personal resources into her work. Looking ahead, she hopes to raise funds to support the completion of new triage room, hospital boxes and additional enclosures.
Residents can support wildlife rescue by reporting injured animals and driving carefully in wildlife-prone areas. If you see or accidentally hit an animal on the road, please call Wildlife Rescue South Coast on 0418 427 214, and they will direct the report to a trained wildlife carer.
To learn more or get involved, visit:
The Wildlife Rescue South Coast’s website, and to learn more about Native Wildlife Rescue, visit Kerstin’s website:
Council is proud to celebrate local volunteers like Kerstin through the Kindness Connects series, recognising the people and groups who work quietly behind the scenes to make Wingecarribee Shire a stronger, more connected community.
Get your group listed! Do you run a local club, service, charity or community event? Add it to Council's MyShire Community Directory so more people can find the support and activities available across the Southern Highlands.