Bega celebrates World Environment Day

1 June 2021

The Bega Valley Shire will celebrate World Environment Day with a free presentation by Anna Lindstrand (right) from Potoroo Palace and Cowsnest Wildlife Sanctuary at Bega Library on Saturday 5 June from 10.30am to 11.30am.

“We are very excited that Anna can spare some time to share her journey to become a wildlife carer and how she became devoted to conservation work,” Library Services Coordinator, Megan Jordan-Jones said.

“Caring for our wildlife is particularly important when you live in rural Australia, as we are surrounded by all sorts of amazing wild flora and fauna.

“Anna will teach us what we can do to care for an animal in need, like a bird fallen from a nest or a joey in the pouch of an injured mother wombat or kangaroo.

“We will also have members of wildlife groups – WIRES Wildlife Rescue, Wildlife Rescue South Coast and LAOKO Snowy Mountains Wildlife Rescue – attend this event to provide you with information about the work they do.

“If you are interested in becoming involved in wildlife rescue, this is a great opportunity to find out more and perhaps join a group.”

Potoroo Palace and Cowsnest Wildlife Sanctuary are passionate about improving the habitats and wellbeing of native animals in their care and educating the community of the importance of the conservation of Australia’s native animals and plants.

Anna Lindstrand is originally from Sweden and fell in love with Australia while backpacking with friends in 2005.

“After that trip, I took every opportunity I could to come back to Australia … every second year or so,” Anna said.

“After I finished my university degree, I decided to go to Australia for a bit longer and while here in the Bega Valley, I was offered the opportunity to work at Potoroo Palace and Cowsnest.

“So, I stayed for two more years, and another two and here we are!”

When Anna came to Cowsnest, she met likeminded people who devote their lives to save Australian fauna and flora.

“The reward is seeing animals in your care heal and rehabilitate back to the wild, or to see the tree you planted become food for a bird or a house for a possum.”

Celebrate World Environment Day with Anna and other wildlife group members by booking online via the Bega Library website or call (02) 6499 2127.