Vale Audrey Koosman
A dedicated visionary who never gave up. This is truly a person who believed the more-than-human species that we owe our lives to are our best hope for the future.
FAILING TO ACKNOWLEDGE the fundamental roles these species play within the landscape, highlights an underlying issue – our lack of understanding about how habitats work and our place within them.
Audrey, who died on 8 December 2024, knew full well the devastating effect that roaming domestic cats had on wildlife. There was never a doubt in her mind, that the only way to deal with the problem, was cat containment 24/7. She emphasised this to us during our campaign with the NSW government of every persuasion. Audrey said no amount of education can get through to those people who believe, falsely, that cats are genteel pets just going for an innocent wander in the bush or the neighbour’s yard. Myth, said Audrey.
She is an inspiration to us at MHCS, and we are grateful for her advocacy and support.
Her passion for wildlife was ignited by the challenges faced by injured and orphaned animals in her local area.
Recognising the need for specialised care, Audrey founded the Native Animal Trust Fund Inc in 1978, the first volunteer-run wildlife rescue group in New South Wales.
Beyond her role at Hunter Wildlife Rescue, Audrey was a tireless advocate for wildlife conservation on a broader scale. She was well known and respected by Governments, vets, academia and the wildlife conservation community across Australia. She participated in many review panels to raise standards for wildlife rehabilitation and advocate for environmental protection. As the Chair of the NSW Wildlife Council, she played a pivotal role in shaping wildlife policy and influencing government decisions. Her expertise and passion were invaluable in addressing issues such as habitat loss, climate change, and the impact of human activities on wildlife.
Source: Hunter Wildflife Rescue …
A Champion for Wildlife … https://www.hunterwildlife.org.au/vale-audrey-koosmen/
“I knew Audrey for many years and knew of her before that! Audrey was a champion for wildlife and took up the fight for animals and habitat passionately,” said Greg Piper, writing in Lake Macquarie Matters, December 2024, E-Newsletter.
“A truly decent and caring person, Audrey will be missed but long remembered. I’m certain that Hunter Wildlife Rescue volunteers will continue the work she started.”
… From MMM Issue #48, Feb-Mar 2025
