For Steve and Bianca Haslam, maintaining a 400-acre fenced wildlife sanctuary is — quite literally — a labour of love. This nature-loving pair are two of the Directors of the Northern Tablelands’ only fenced wildlife sanctuary, Quoll Headquarters.

On Sunday 19 April (from 11am to 3pm) they’re inviting locals and interstate visitors inside the sanctuary to learn about the endangered and native wildlife they protect, and the scientific research that takes place on site.

Quoll Headquarters — a lifeline for endangered and threatened species 

When Steve first stumbled across the property that’s now home to their wildlife-sanctuary (more than 20 years ago) it was a rare, endangered mammal that caught their attention.

When they sighted spotted-tail quolls, mainland Australia’s largest marsupial predator, Steve and Bianca knew the property was something special. Steve explains: “Quolls are very discerning. They will only inhabit the very best locations, with abundant flora and fauna.”

The property’s location, atop the Great Dividing Range, is where wildlife from both sides of the divide come together — making it even more appealing to Steve and Bianca. “We knew instantly this was an ideal site for a sanctuary,” Bianca says. “Fencing the property was vital in order to protect its native wildlife and plants from feral animals and other predators.”

Fast forward to today and Quoll Headquarters is not only a safe haven for the endangered spotted-tailed quoll but up to a total of 20 threatened species that call Quoll Headquarters home. Hundreds more native animals also take refuge here. Think koalas, greater gliders, platypus and lyrebirds … to name just a few!

Combining education with action

Visitors to the Quoll Headquarters Open Day will be hosted at the property’s Interpretation Centre. Here, they’ll hear from Steve and Bianca, as well as wildlife researchers and specialists in feral animal control.

Admission to the Quoll Headquarters Open Day (on Sunday 19 April from 11am to 3pm) is free and inclused a sausage sizzle. People can purchase a beverage and merchandise will also be available to purchase.

All proceeds from the event will go directly to supporting Quoll Headquarters’ work to protect endangered species and other native animals.

It’s an expensive undertaking to keep Quoll Headquarters operational. “Fencing, infrastructure, machinery, rescue equipment and food for the wildlife, veterinary bills, it all adds up,” Steve and Bianca explain. But the reward for the work they do, alongside researchers and volunteers? Priceless.

To find out more about the Quoll Headquarters Open Day, visit Instagram @quollheadquarters.

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