Why We Can Do It
Susanne Scheuter
Susanne has dedicated 9 years to rescuing and caring for Australian native wildlife (Koalas, Macropods, Birds, Possums, Gliders, Flying Foxes and Bats). She spent 6 years actively volunteering at Koala Conservation Australia in various roles including the Management Committee, Souvenir Shop Coordinator, Supervisor, Team Leader, Rescuer, Home Carer and Presenter for international visitors (German speaking visitors). She also gained experience running a Charity, and was an active participant on it’s board of management. Susanne has the knowledge and skill to facilitate wildlife search and rescue missions in bushfire zones. Susanne has worked as an ambassador for Australian Wildlife, appearing several times in popular human interest shows on German TV and has partaken confidently in live interviews on German speaking Radio Channels and magazine articles.
Before moving to Australia, Susanne built her own retail business in Switzerland from the ground up, growing it into a profitable enterprise. She managed all aspects of operations -product sourcing, supplier negotiations, inventory control, store design, customer service, staff recruitment and training, marketing, financial management, and regulatory compliance. Due to this experience, she has developed the insight, resilience, and practical skills to oversee and coordinate the many moving parts of our sanctuary, ensuring its smooth operation and sustainable growth as we expand.
Jane Duxberry
Jane has over 30 years practical experience in rescuing and caring for Australian native wildlife (Koalas, Macropods, Birds, Possums, Gliders, Flying Foxes and Bats). She has spent over 10 years actively volunteering at Koala Conservation Australia in various roles including President, Treasurer, Team Leader, Rescuer, Home Carer and Presenter. She is also trained and has experience in undertaking wildlife search and rescue missions in bushfire zones. Jane is confident in her experience, managing a Charity, and has consistently participated as a member of management committees, working with and mentoring volunteers.
Before co-founding the sanctuary, Jane was a successful business manager, overseeing staff recruitment, training, and management while fostering a positive and productive workplace. She ensured compliance with labor laws and handled all financial aspects, including budgeting, accounting, and reporting. This experience has equipped her with the leadership, organisational, and financial skills essential to guiding the sanctuary’s operations and long-term success.
Trae Thomas
Trae brings over a decade of leadership experience as the manager of a successful not-for-profit incorporated association in Sydney’s education sector. In this role, she developed expertise in governance, ensuring compliance with regulatory guidelines and legislation, and overseeing all aspects of daily operations, including WHS, financial management, human resources, and program development. She recruited, trained, and mentored a diverse team of more than 25 staff, while building a thriving client base and maintaining the organisation’s financial stability.
A lifelong educator, Trae has extensive experience working with school-aged children and is deeply passionate about inspiring the next generation to be socially responsible and environmentally conscious. She creates hands-on learning experiences that encourage children to explore, infer, predict, and hypothesise, fostering a deeper understanding of the interdependence between land, people, plants, and animals.
As a global citizen, Trae has also worked for several years in international travel and hotel management. This experience has given her valuable insight into hospitality operations, equipping her to oversee the sanctuary’s planned eco-accommodation as a long-term revenue stream.
In recent years, Trae has gained qualifications in medical administration to support the operation of the sanctuary’s future wildlife hospital. She is skilled in quality control of stock and supplies, infection control, hygiene, and record-keeping, and is currently working in the clinical field to gain hands-on experience with medical procedures and equipment. Her broad skill set, global perspective, and deep commitment to wildlife and community education make her an integral part of the sanctuary’s vision and future.
Michelle Rogers
With 25 years of dedicated experience in human health and wellbeing, Michelle has built a strong reputation as a trusted educator, trainer, and advocate. As Manager of an exclusive health facility in Sydney, she honed her skills in funding acquisition, regulatory compliance, staff recruitment and management, and client care. She successfully built relationships with international companies, expanded the client base, and promoted programs to enhance overall wellbeing. Her proven ability to connect with people and foster trust makes her a skilled communicator, adept at engaging corporate partners, securing support, and driving growth.
Earlier in her career, Michelle served as a lecturer and researcher at the University of Technology Sydney, contributing to academic advancement in her field. Beyond her professional achievements, she is a passionate advocate for animal rights and welfare. An active member of Animals Australia and a volunteer with the Animal Justice Party’s political campaign, she has fostered community engagement and successfully lobbied the NSW State Government to install 19 speed humps in a wildlife-dense area, significantly reducing animal injuries and fatalities. Her experience working with government agencies and liaising with politicians further strengthens her value as a key asset to the sanctuary’s mission and advocacy efforts.
