Next-gen Hills Naturalists

Boobook Wildlife Shelter is a perfect haven for birds, marsupials and mammals. The native wildlife in the Dandenong Ranges are often facing danger from habitat destruction to pollution. Nalini has set up a wildlife sanctuary to help rescue many animals such as the feathertail glider, brush tail possum, eastern rosella and many more. She inspires people to be aware and help injured animals. Nalini shares her stories and knowledge about wildlife.  

Native plants play a huge role in helping local wildlife. Raffa shares how the Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery grows indigenous plants that support habitat restoration and helps people learn what to plant in their own gardens.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/boobook-wildlife-shelter-with-nalini/--

Go inside the Australian Wildlife Health Centre and discover how injured wildlife are cared for. Zoos Victoria vet nurse Gerry Ross shares what it’s like treating animals like the Brush-tailed Possum and how the wildlife hospital works.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/26/ep-7-australian-wildlife-health-centre-with-gerry/📸 Image credit Zoos Victoria--

The Dandenong Ranges hold stories that stretch back thousands of years. Aunty Annette, Wurundjeri elder and Aboriginal archaeologist, shares Dreamtime stories like the Bunyip and Bunjil and her wisdom on caring for country.🎥 Video version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFoJ-zmxTWI🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/23/ep-6-caring-for-country-with-aunty-annette/--

How does a passion for birds turn into real conservation action? Teenage conservationist and birdwatcher Luke shares his journey into conservation, along with birdwatching stories and ideas for helping nature around you.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/07/ep-5birdwatching-and-conservation-with-luke/--

Shannon shares the ins and outs of working as a Park Victoria ranger – teaching people about flora, fanua and the Dandenong Ranges National Park – and caring for the forests of the area.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/29/ep-4-dandenong-ranges-national-park-with-shannon/--

Go birdwatching through the eyes of young birdwatcher. Luca shares his stories, outdoor adventures and passion for learning about birds and the natural world.🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/07/3-birdwatching-adventures-with-luca/--

What if protecting a forest started with something as simple as pulling out a weed? Gary Visser works incredibly hard protecting and conserving the Dandenong Ranges - from weeding and planting with the Friends of Hughes Creek Sassafras to managing Our Mountain Home. 🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/11/18/episode-2-caring-for-the-forest-with-gary/--