Melinda Kerr with Vinnie the rescue kangaroo (Image supplied)
Story by Hamish Dunlop
Melinda Kerr, Blackheathen Jo Tibbitts and Greg Keightley are all passionate about kangaroos and other macropods. They share their intimate experiences with kangaroos and how they recognise and celebrate their uniqueness.
Key Points:
Kangaroos are a national icon, but are seen by some as pests and are also harvested for their meat and skins
Kangaroo researchers and carers, alongside Indigenous leaders, argue for a rethink of how we see kangaroos and their place in the landscape
New technology is being developed that aims to identify and help sick or injured wombats and kangaroos, then alert the nearest licenced carer.
Melinda Kerr is passionate about kangaroos. For two years she looked after Vinnie until, as she says, “he hopped off into the bush.” Melinda is a licenced wildlife carer. Vinnie, an eastern grey kangaroo, came to her as a joey after his mother was hit by a car. “I love that kangaroo,” Melinda says with longing in her voice. “Looking after him changed my life. It changed my whole perspective on the relationships we can have with wildlife and just how unique and special kangaroos are.”
Melinda had already written a story about wombats and she wanted to tell Vinnie’s story too. “I wanted the whole world to fall in love with him the way I did. If families and communities can connect to Vinnie’s story, the next time they’re driving down a country road, maybe they’ll drive a bit slower”.
Melinda with her book Vinnie The Rescue Kangaroo (Image supplied)
“This is particularly important around dusk and dawn when kangaroos and other macropods are more active,” Melinda says. The book also aims to provide families with tools to help kangaroos who have been killed or injured in roadside collisions. The first dot point on the roadside rescue page says: When pulling over to check an animal’s pouch, stop in a safe location and use your hazard lights.
The iconic kangaroo
When she’s travelled overseas, Melinda says everyone wants to know about kangaroos. “People are fascinated,” she says. “They see these incredible creatures that are unique to Australia and they want to know what kind of relationship we have with them. They find it difficult to understand that kangaroos are harvested and that many people see them as a pest.”
Kangaroos at West Blue Mountains Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Photo: Greg Keightley)
Before she started working in the environment sector, Melinda was an early childhood teacher. She combines this with her love for kangaroos and wombats by going into schools and pre-schools and talking about wildlife. “It’s a really great opportunity to inspire children and sometimes to gently have those tricky conversations about what’s happening in our own backyard.”
Melinda says that some of the issues we face around climate change can be quite heavy; she does think there are important conversations to be had about the reality of what’s happening. However, she’s happy to play such a positive role in helping children and families understand what they can do to help native animals.
Melinda in the classroom and in the field. (Images supplied)
Part of what she teaches is general awareness of the world and how everything is interconnected. Another element is fostering compassion for all creatures. “Climate change is tough for all of us: humans and other animals,” she says. “Sometimes, events like heatwaves mean that animals come closer to people’s homes than they might otherwise. This might be to seek shelter or to access water. It might be because of habitat loss. Being compassionate is so important. If you find a kangaroo eating or drinking in your backyard, that’s what they need right now.”
A theme of Vinnie The Rescue Kangaroo is slowing down around dusk and dawn. Melinda says it’s always awful when you hit a kangaroo. She hopes what she does helps children to participate in family discussions about what can be done to support native wildlife. Slowing down during high-risk times is one of these things. “It’s like school zones,” she says. “We slow down during those times because we want to look after our children. Shouldn’t we slow down for kangaroos too?”
World Kangaroo Day in the Blue Mountains
Jo Tibbitts next to the Yuin Declaration For Kangaroos. (Photo: Hamish Dunlop)
Jo Tibbitts is a Blackheathen who is also passionate about kangaroos and wombats. A few years ago, she was inspired by a talk given by licenced wildlife carer Greg Keightley. “They’re just extraordinary creatures” she says. Jo is the founding organiser of Blue Mountains Kangaroo Day. Each year experts, local licenced carers and advocates gather to talk about all things related to kangaroos and wallabies.
Jo says this coming year she wants to do something slightly different. “I’m keen for people to experience the magic of kangaroos, as well as understand the ins- and -outs of kangaroo welfare. Towards this end, she is planning to have an immersive audio-visual component at the 2024 event. “Art has such a wonderful way of bringing people into a connectedness with the world around us.”
Technology helping native animals
Jo has a background in electrical engineering and IT and has started a company called DJT Technology For Wildlife. Her first project is working with Melinda Kerr and Anna Culliton on a project to transform the way wombats and kangaroos are cared for.
The initial project involves developing a system to analyse the massive amount of animal footage recorded by wildlife cameras used to track the health of animals. The software will identify wombats suspected of having mange, a type of skin disease caused by parasitic mites. When a potentially infected individual is identified, the system will alert the appropriate carer about its location. Jo sees the technology as having a broad application including monitoring other wildlife such as kangaroos.
Human and kangaroo coexistence
Sunbathing kangaroo. (Photo: Greg Keightley)
Like Melinda, Jo thinks that education and community-level action is critical to furthering kangaroo welfare. For her, the Yuin Declaration, issued by Yuin Elder Uncle Max Dulumunmun Harrison in 2021, is a blueprint for how we should view kangaroos and our relationship with them. One of the central themes of the Declaration is the harmonious physical, cultural and spiritual coexistence of humans and kangaroos.
Greg Keightley, who is a licenced wildlife carer, is focused on how kangaroos and humans can better coexist in rural areas. Greg was chairman of WIRES in the Blue Mountains for many years. Along with his partner Diane he now runs West Blue Mountains Kangaroo Sanctuary. Both Greg and Jo have serious misgivings about the kangaroo harvesting industry and what drives it.
It’s a complex debate with science supporting different and sometimes opposing arguments. What is true is that millions of kangaroos are killed each year for skins and meat. There are arguments about whether we should be killing our national icon at all, but one of the most contentious issues is about the way kangaroos are harvested.
The 2021 inquiry into the Health and wellbeing of kangaroos and other macropods in New South Walesmade a range of recommendations including the need for more transparency with respect to the process and practices of the industry. However, the first recommendation was to engage genuinely with Aboriginal peoples and seriously consider their views with respect to the management of kangaroo populations.
For Greg, kangaroos are built to be in the Australian landscape. He points to their evolution on the continent over millions of years. “Their soft feet don’t harden the land; they consume relatively small amounts of water and they nibble grasses selectively. As they move about, they lay pellets that fertilise the ground and spread seed. Sometimes in a dusty landscape, the only new shoots to be seen are ones sprouting amongst kangaroo poo.”
“It’s a different way of looking at them,” he says. “We need to carefully examine the old farming narrative about kangaroo plagues and how they destroy the landscape. It’s ultimately human activity that disrupts the natural order of things. When this happens, other undesired consequences can follow.
Blue Mountains Kangaroos
Greg is keen to emphasis the good work people are doing in the Blue Mountains. “There’s a lot of care and compassion for kangaroos and wallabies up here. I know people in Blackheath and Mount Victoria who are delighted to have them in their gardens. There are also a lot of proactive people who call WIRES or other carers when they think roos need help. There was big fella lying down in someone’s garden the other day. He got a dose of antibiotics and was on his way.”
Kangaroo magic
The one thing that Melinda, Jo and Greg all have in common is an intimate connection with the animals themselves. For all three, the way they are viewed as a resource with economic benefits misses the heart of the matter.
Melinda says that Vinnie treated her like his family. “He’d hop behind me as I went about in the paddock and was always sensitive to social cues. If I was feeling comfortable and happy, he’d be relaxed too. They are social animals,” she says, “just like us. How can we treat them with anything other than care and respect?”
Take Action:
Slow down at dusk and dawn to reduce the risk of vehicle-kangaroo collisions.
Learn what to do if you find an injured or killed kangaroo or other macropod.
Find out about World Kangaroo Day and look out for the Blue Mountains event when details are announced.
This story has been produced as part of a Bioregional Collaboration for Planetary Health and is supported by the Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (DRRF). The DRRF is jointly funded by the Australian and New South Wales governments.
Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026
We are pleased to announce that the program and registration for Plate to Planet: Blue Mountains Food Security Fair 2026 is now live!
Follow this link to view the program and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
Key information:
When? Saturday 10 October, 9AM - 4PM
Where? Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba
Who is it for? Families, gardeners, enthusiasts, community groups and businesses, anyone looking to learn about how to be more resilient through local and sustainable food systems.
What to expect? Talks, workshops, demos, market stalls, family activities, music, food
Is there a cost? Entry to the Fair and Markets is free. Talks and workshops are ticketed (both free and paid) and have limited capacity, so please register in advance.
Program highlights:
🌏Headline talk: The age of renewable Food – Julian Cribb AM 🎋Wild edibles foraging workshops – Diego Bonetto, Eat More Weeds 🏞️The importance of bioregions in uncertain times – Rowe Morrow, Permaculture Matters 🥒Home canning and food preservation workshop – Kirsty Berté, Permaculture Hawkesbury Valley 🏡Designing your own Permaculture Property – Leni Nyssen, Alchemy Farms 🍃Utilising what’s in front of you – Uncle Lex, The Ganya Shed 🪱How to worm farm - BMCC 🎸Live music by Olivia Dustmann 🌾Community crop and seed swap
Tickets are limited so please register your place now: https://events.humanitix.com/blue-mountains-2026-food-security-fair
We are also seeking stallholders for the event. If you are a grower, retailer, community organisation or business that would like to get involved, please reach out to [email protected]!...
Thank you to everyone that joined us at the Planetary Health Centre on Saturday for the first of our Skill Share Saturdays program!
The Centre was a hive of activity all day, and we heard from @alchemyfarms_permaculture, the @ediblegardentrailbluemountains team and Andy Mann. Also thanks to Sherlie McMillan from Greater Blue Mountains Rotary for teaching the Fashion Upcycling workshop, and Virginia Field for the Tai Chi and Qigong class.
The next event will be held on Saturday 1st August - you can register your place here: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
🖐Get involved!
Do you have a skill, program or interest that promotes planetary health that you`d be willing to share with members of the local community? We are looking for more workshop and session hosts for our future events.
Join us at the Planetary Health Centre in Katoomba on the first Saturday of every month for Skill Share Saturdays!
Our July program includes: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Eating for Earth - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion upcycling and clothing reuse workshop - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
If you have a skill that you want to share, or any questions or queries, please contact [email protected]
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place.
Join Andy Mann, a 23 year old Lawson local, for their Eating for Earth session 🌏
Eating for Earth is a judgement-free plant-based educational workshop that all types of eaters are encouraged to attend. There will be a presentation about the environmental impact of diets, a discussion section, and best of all, food! The food will be fully plant-based.
Andy wants to help inform our passionate community about how we can better reduce dietary environmental impact.
The session will run from 11AM - 12PM on Saturday 4th July.
Other sessions include: - What to grow in a Blue Mountains Climate - Fashion Upcycling - Tai Chi and Qigong - Bushcare on the Planetary Health site - How to get involved with the Edible Garden Trail
To register your place, visit our website: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
We’re excited to announce the second Blue Mountains Food Security Fair, taking place in Katoomba in October 2026.
This annual event will bring together growers, thinkers, makers, and community members to explore one of the most important challenges of our time: how we grow, share, and sustain food in a changing world.
Across the weekend, we’ll be exploring themes including: - Healthy soil and regenerative systems - Food and human health - Plant-based food futures - Home and community food resilience - Water-sensitive and climate-adapted growing - Indigenous food knowledge and systems - School food systems - Australia’s food procurement - Global food security challenges Expect a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, practical workshops, and hands-on experiences designed to leave you informed, empowered, and connected.
Key information Date: Weekend of 10th October 2026 Location: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre, Katoomba, NSW We’ll be announcing speakers and program details soon.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program, host workshops, run a stall or partner with us.
Do you struggle making the most of your veggie garden all year round?
Join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture on Saturday 4th July for her Permaculture Workshop: Learn how to grow WITH the Upper Blue Mountains seasons, rather than battling against them.
During the two-hour session, you`ll cover crop selection for different seasons, what to grow from seeds vs seedlings, frost and wind protection, and nurturing your soil with a seasonal cycle.
Register for this and other sessions as part of our Skill Share Saturdays program via this link: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre...
From Saturday 4 July, we are opening up the Planetary Health Centre for our monthly Skill Share Saturdays program: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Throughout each day, you can expect to find a variety of sessions focused on restoring the health of the planet, in terms of the environment, community and economy.
Sessions at the first event include:
- What to grow in a Blue Mountains climate - Plant-based eating - Tai Chi and Qigong - Fashion Upcycling and clothing reuse workshop
You are also welcome to bring any surplus seeds or produce for our Crop Swap, or wind down in the Planetary Health Cafe (until 2pm).
Visit the website to view the full program of events and register your place: https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
Registrations essential.
We are also inviting expressions of interest from individuals and organisations who would like to contribute to the program - please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!...
🍃Volunteer weekly at the Planetary Health Centre 🍃
From next week, Tuesday 28th April, come and join Leni from @alchemyfarms_permaculture from 10am - 12pm, to help with the management of the Planetary Health veggie gardens, where any surplus produce can be shared!
The gardening session will be followed by a complimentary tea or coffee in the Planetary Health cafe.
📆Day: Every Tuesday 🕙Time: 10AM - 12PM
📍Where: Blue Mountains Planetary Health Centre 33-39 Acacia Street Katoomba (follow the pathways at each side of the building, round to the terrace and gardens).
What shall I bring? All you need to bring is water, gardening gloves and a hat.
Last week we had the pleasure of hosting the first year Medical students from @notredamesyd for their Rural and Indigenous Immersion trip across Katoomba and Lithgow. Across two days, 150 students learnt about the link between human health and a healthy environment, the work of the @bluemountainsplanetaryhealth Initiative and the @bluemountainscitycouncil to create climate resilient communities, and got to explore our site using heat mapping tools....
Join Rotarians for Planetary Health on International Women`s Day, from 2.30-4pm Sun 8 March, for the opening of a portrait display to celebrate local women who have made a meaningful impact on protecting animals and nature. The photographs by Sue Lightfoot and others are part of a long-term initiative to build a living, community-driven database of women working to protect animals and the natural world.
The display will be open until 1 April, Thursday to Saturday, 9.30am–3.30pm at the Junction 142 Village markets (church space). As the project develops, community members will be invited to nominate women whose work deserves recognition.
The launch follows the Uniting Church and Plant Inspired`s monthly community luncheon from 12-2pm, which this month features the Older Women`s Network Blue Mountains. For more information contact 0434 691 496 (Teya)
In a world being threatened by war, greed, cruelty and selfishness, the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend will close with a gathering of people who have faith that kindness, generosity, love, creativity and community, and the healing of our land, are a better way forward. We`re thrilled that harpist Dawn Egan will be performing at this inspiring event in the Planetary Health exhibition space. Afternoon tea will be provided. Register to attend here (link in profile under Wellness Weekend): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
Had lunch yet? Head over to the Planetary Health Centre for these delicious offerings from @8thingskatoomba today (Sat 28 Feb): South Indian dosa, Korean bao, NY Cheese burger, Bali nasi, Mullum tofu fries, shoestring fires & red bean mochi!
Hamish Dunlop is a writer, visual artist and environmentalist. During his career he has worked in communications, as an academic at UNSW and ACU and more recently in the conservation space. He is currently completing a Diploma in Conservation and Ecosystems Management. He lives on the bush in Medlow Bath and is a passionate bush walker, gardener and cold-water enthusiast.
Inspired by Norwegian sod roofs, Blackheath engineer Mark Liebman built a green roof on his shed. This innovative design significantly reduced stormwater runoff during 2024's heavy rains, potentially by 65 per cent, while also providing excellent insulation and attracting wildlife. The family now fondly refers to their shed as their mini Viking Long House!
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