Therese brings her passion for wildlife protection to TAFE Queensland

A 15-year TAFE Queensland veteran in the Brisbane region, Therese worked across various areas, including Faculty and Executive Services, before joining the Facilities and Infrastructure team in 2013.

Today, she oversees finance applications, campus room hire, contracts, hire agreements, and assists outer campus site coordinators in achieving operational needs.

“The best part of my role is the satisfaction I get from seeing students at graduation events and learning about their TAFE journey,” Therese said.

“Being in facilities, we don’t get to interact with students often, so volunteering for graduations and orientations gives us an appreciation of how our work contributes. I’ve also been blessed to work with some wonderful and inspirational people throughout my career.”

Outside of work, Therese is equally dedicated to an entirely different mission.

A long-time advocate for environmental conservation, she has volunteered for Moreton Bay Koala Rescue and is a current member with Queensland Koala Crusaders, Rehabilitate Educate Facilitate (REF) Environmental, and Brighton Kangaroos, focused on protecting the habitats of koalas and other native wildlife.

Her passion stems from growing up on the Redcliffe Peninsula, where a vulnerable population of approximately 96 koalas is now under threat.

Working with local councils, government departments, and fellow advocates, Therese helps to protect and rejuvenate koala habitats affected by development, such as the Kippa-Ring rail corridor.

Her extensive volunteer work includes planting trees to regenerate dwindling koala habitats, representing wildlife interests in critical infrastructure negotiations, and supporting community education.

“My interaction with koalas inspired me to help in a bigger way. I joined Moreton Bay Koala Rescue to assist with rescues and transport injured koalas to wildlife hospitals,” she explained.

“During my time with MBKR, I facilitated the release of healthy koalas back into the wild after sometimes months of treatment, which is truly special,” she said.  

As a committee member for REF Environmental, she attends monthly meetings at the Deception Bay Environmental Hub and helps host fortnightly community education events.

As a member of Queensland Koala Crusaders, she frequently assists with tree planting and public education days like Wild Koala Day.

One of her proudest volunteering achievements was helping with a grant submission for $45,000 to support weed eradication and new koala tree plantings at Hays Inlet on the Peninsula.

With additional funding applications for drone surveys and genetic testing, Therese and her fellow volunteers are taking proactive steps to ensure the long-term survival of local koala populations.

“Educating the public and seeing someone’s amazement at spotting their first koala in the wild reminds you why the work matters.”

Therese recently brought her public education skills to TAFE Queensland to celebrate Wild Koala Day in May 2025.

Alongside the Queensland Koala Society and local advocate Talia Love-Linay, Therese led a koala spotting tour through TAFE Queensland’s Mt Gravatt campus, home to a thriving population of koalas.

Joined by community members, and a co-worker from TAFE Queensland’s Brisbane Facilities team, the group spotted 12 healthy koalas during the walk, learning more about the endangered species and the importance of protecting the habitats within our campus.

“Australia’s wildlife and environment need everyone to participate in their protection. Groups always need help - from koala-specific rescue groups to organisations that assist all wildlife species.”

In addition to volunteering, Therese says there are small actions we can all take every day that can make a big difference.

“Slowing down on roads in wildlife zones, keeping pets restrained in wildlife areas, and reporting wildlife sightings to apps like Koala Spotter are easy ways for anyone to contribute,” she said.

“If you’re walking in reserves with koalas, kangaroos or other wildlife, please keep your dog on a leash. If you ever spot a koala and are concerned about its health, report it to a local rescue group or RSPCA on 1300 ANIMAL.”

From her work supporting student outcomes at TAFE Queensland to her tireless volunteer efforts, Therese brings the same passion, dedication, and drive to make lasting change for people and wildlife.

“Koalas are endangered in Queensland and functionally extinct in many parts of the Brisbane City Council area and the Moreton Bay Region. If we don’t act now, koalas could be extinct in the wild in South East Queensland by 2050.”

“It’s not always easy work, but if it helps educate others and protects these animals for future generations, it’s worth every minute,” concluded Therese.