Kerstin Schweth
Highlands Hero, June 2023
Arriving at Native Wildlife Rescue, the sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife just outside Robertson, you are struck by the beautiful surrounds and the warm welcome of owner Kerstin Schweth.
Kerstin and her husband Woody founded Native Wildlife Rescue in 2007 and for the past 16 years Kerstin has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in the Southern Highlands.
Born in Frankfurt, Germany, Kerstin lived in Sydney for several years before moving to the Highlands to pursue her passion for animal rescue. Over the years, Kerstin and Woody transformed their Robertson property to create a sanctuary for injured and orphaned wildlife.
“We are thrilled to announce Kerstin as our first Highlands Hero. Kerstin’s nomination was just incredible. She works tirelessly and rarely gets the time to promote or talk about the amazing things she is doing. She self-funds much of the care and expenses and manages the sanctuary with the help of volunteers since her husband passed away. Kerstin is a true example of a Highlands Hero, a person whose work and unwavering commitment is so essential for our community”.
Nicole Smith, Chair, SHCF
Native Wildlife Rescue is home to kangaroos, wallabies, wombats and koalas (as well as a herd of goats, sheep, several dogs and a pig!). Many animals arrive at the sanctuary requiring urgent medical care, or as orphans needing to be hand-reared longer term. Animals are assessed, treated for injuries and cared for at the sanctuary until they are ready to be released.
Through the Highlands Heroes award, the SHCF aims to recognise and reward the work of volunteers in our community. Winners receive a $5000 grant for their organisation.
I am a very quiet person, I see my work as being behind the scenes with the animals and so I was taken aback to receive the award in recognition of what we do here. I am so proud of what we’ve achieved over the years and how may animals we have been able to help.
Kerstin Schweth, Highlands Hero winner
I am proud that I can still be here and do what we set out to do, despite losing my husband, it’s hard work but what drives me every day is the positive change that I can make to the lives of the animals coming into my care.
Kerstin Schweth, Highlands Hero winner
Through the Highlands Heroes award, the SHCF aims to recognise and reward the work of volunteers in our community. Winners receive a $5000 grant for their organisation.
Kerstin plans to put the $5000 SHCF grant towards converting a shed into a treatment room where animals can be assessed, quarantined if necessary and given medical care.
Find out more about Kerstin’s work or make a donation to support Native Wildlife Rescue
Kerstin is a member of Wildlife Rescue South Coast.
The WRSC 24-hour hotline is 0418 427 214
Do you know an unsung hero?
We’re looking for nominations now. If you know of someone who might fit the bill, please complete the nomination form below.
