A healthy wombat. (Supplied)
These hairy, furry balls of cuteness are one of Australia’s most appealing animals, but many wombats are dying painful deaths from an infectious parasite. We joined the volunteers on a mission to save local wombats.
Key Points:
- Mange is a parasite that proves fatal to wombats if left untreated and is decimating immunocompromised wombat populations after the recent drought, fire and floods.
- The Blue Mountains Wombat Conservation Group is working to save wombats in the Megalong Valley but relies on donations of lids and corflute, and financial donations for the heavy cost of the Moxidectin treatment and the much-needed fauna cameras. They are also keen to attract more volunteers.
It feels like a covert operation. We’re dressed in sturdy shoes and warm clothes on a chilly day in the Megalong Valley, armed with makeshift poles to administer emergency treatment to sick wombats.
I’m instructed to be as quiet as possible. It’s the middle of the day but we can’t risk scaring the wombats away. It’s vital they get their treatment if they have any hope of survival.
Melina Budden, founder of the Blue Mountains Wombat Conservation Group, is leading me and another volunteer. It’s part of a weekly ritual, volunteers making the downward trek from the upper Blue Mountains far into the dirt roads of the Megalong Valley.
Wombat Veronica sadly could not be saved. She died of renal failure not long after this photo was taken. (Supplied)
Here in the Valley, Melina and her team have named each of the wombats as they attempt to slow the spread of mange, a parasite that proves fatal to wombats if left untreated.
Today we’re expecting to see Eve, a wombat they successfully treated two years ago, now in danger again.
On cue, beautiful but bedraggled Eve appears just as Melina said she would. While we think of wombats as nocturnal creatures, they’re now venturing out in daylight for food, malnourished by the mange.
As Eve tentatively lumbers towards us, Melina remarks that she’s looking improved. To me, she still seems crusty and rough around the edges; a far cry from a postcard-cute wombat.
Anyone who’s encountered a wombat with mange will be familiar with the look: they’re often flyblown, with raw skin where they’ve been scratching and sometimes bloody, open wounds.
What’s less obvious is that they’re also dying from secondary infections, severe malnourishment, renal failure or from being hit by vehicles due to failing sight and hearing loss caused by mange.
As Melina approaches holding the pole and scoop filled with the chemical Moxidectin to treat the wombat from a distance, Eve lollops away, dodging the cure that could save her life.
Melina Budden treating wombats with the ‘pole & scoop’ method. (Supplied)
Eventually Melina catches up with her and Eve gets two doses, but she will need more.
It’s difficult to combat mange in the wild because wombats need a series of treatments, not just one. In total, each wombat requires a weekly dose for fifteen weeks, making it a costly and labour-intensive process.
A zoologist, Melina travels weekly from Sydney while juggling paid jobs and a PhD. The work can be challenging at times – scrambling around uneven terrain trying to find mange-inflicted wombats and keeping a rigorous record of treatment.
As well as the pole and scoop method, the volunteers place corflute flaps – made from old real estate signs – at each burrow and pour the Moxidectin into a recycled plastic jar lid above the flap. When a wombat ventures in or out of the burrow, the treatment spills onto them.
Afterwards, Melina and the crew check the fauna cameras that track the wombats’ movements day and night, making note of who got the flap treatment and how many times.
Melina Budden and fellow volunteer Freya Carnie check the fauna cameras. (Liz Durnan)
The mange is so infectious they put flaps at every burrow they find within a one-kilometre radius of an affected wombat so that every wombat is treated.
“We always try to treat the whole population,” Melina says, “because an infected wombat will bring it back to the burrow and spread it everywhere.”
While it might seem like a makeshift process, it’s still the tried and tested method used around the state by wildlife groups and volunteers.
But Melina sees it as a short-term solution: “Essentially we’re just buying time,” she says. “It’s a band aid.”
There are other species of wombat with diminished numbers: the northern hairy-nosed wombat, now only found in Queensland, is officially endangered and the southern hairy-nosed wombat, found in South Australia, is classified as near-threatened. The population of bare-nosed wombats in Tasmania declined by more than 80% after a sarcoptic mange outbreak.
Today we’re dealing with the bare-nosed wombat, formerly known as the common wombat. While Melina tells me there are calls to get this wombat listed under the IUCN red list of threatened species, there’s no official agreement on the threat level it currently faces.
Last year though, the NSW Government earmarked $2.8 million to address mange.
Melina hopes that community groups like hers will receive a fraction of the funding. “It’s community groups that are doing the work on the ground to tackle the issue,” she says.
Meanwhile, her group relies on donations of lids and corflute, and financial donations for the heavy cost of the Moxidectin treatment and the much-needed fauna cameras.
Volunteers Freya Carnie and Melina Budden checking the flaps at a wombat burrow. (Liz Durnan)
She would also love to see more research into the reason why sarcoptic mange is affecting wombats so severely. The mange is also known as scabies, a parasite introduced by European settlers and their animals. It affects other animals, including humans, dogs, and kangaroos, but doesn’t usually kill them. It’s a different story for wombats, but no one knows why.
While mange isn’t a new issue for wombats, Melina tells me the situation is particularly dire right now due to a series of extreme environmental events, such as drought, bushfires, then multiple floods, causing them to become severely immunocompromised.
In addition to lack of research and funding, volunteers can sometimes face resistance from landowners and farmers, who have traditionally seen wombats as pests.
While it’s true that a combination of land clearing and wombat burrowing can cause damage to farming land and infrastructure, the wombats have a positive function. Melina reports that some farmers are becoming more sympathetic to their plight:
“I call them the engineers of the environment,” Melina says. “Yes, they make a hole, but they’re improving the soil health by allowing the continuation of the soil nutrient cycle.”
As well as much needed funds, the Blue Mountains Wombat Conservation Group is always on the lookout for volunteers.
“We’re going to have to expand because this is the worst we’ve ever seen it and we’re having to go back to areas we already treated three years ago.”
Despite the naming and bonding, Melina is keen to seek volunteers looking for more than a “selfie with a cuddly wombat.” The work is rewarding though, and they ask for a regular commitment of just a couple of days each month. The group now comprises around 40 volunteers.
After weeks of treatment, Eve is clear of mange but needs to regain her weight and hair. (Liz Durnan)
Despite the difficulties, Melina is motivated to keep going by the small wins they see each week. They regularly document these on their social media accounts to gain support for the cause. “If one person tells ten people and those ten tell another ten, it will have a ripple effect,” she says.
While there’s no consensus among wildlife groups and scientists on exactly how much trouble wombats face, Melina urges fast action before it’s too late, citing inaction on other species leading to disaster.
“There have been many common species in Australia, and we thought we didn’t need to intervene,” she says.
“But we see these once common species, like the Greater Glider, going from common to endangered in one fell swoop and we shouldn’t be waiting until they’re in danger before we intervene.”
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.
More from around the region
bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Jun 15
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.
https://events.humanitix.com/skill-share-saturdays-at-the-planetary-health-centre
...
bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Jun 4
Skill Share Saturdays: featured session!
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
...
bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Jun 3
Save the date!
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.
Please reach out to [email protected] if you are interested!
...
bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
May 25
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
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
May 22
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!
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Apr 22
🍃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.
If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]
We look forward to seeing you!
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Apr 8
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.
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Mar 5
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)
@internationalwomensday_global #internationalwomensday @plantinspired @rotaryaustralia @rotary_club_lower_blue_mtns #communityluncheon #olderwomensnetworkbluemountains #katoomba #bluemountains @junction.142
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Feb 28
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
#togetherwecan #faithinlove #interfaith #interfaithgathering #planetaryhealth #spirituality #wellnessweekend #katoomba #bluemountains
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Feb 28
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!
Yum!
#vegetarian #katoomba #bluemountains
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Feb 27
Don`t miss hearing Andrew Skeoch at 2pm today at the Planetary Health Centre! He`s an acoustic ecologist and author of `Deep Listening to Nature` and uses technology to help identify the different `conversations` happening in the world around us. His presentations are a revelation! Reserve your spot here (link in profile under Planetary Health Wellness Weekend):
https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
#acousticecology #deeplistening #deeplisteningtonature #natureconnection #planetaryhealth #birdsong
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bluemountainsplanetaryhealth
Feb 26
Experience the joy and sense of purpose that connecting to community, nature, and your own creativity can provide this weekend at the Planetary Health Wellness Weekend. There will be delicious food and coffee, music, art, workshops, nature walks, talks, an Interfaith Gathering and the following stalls:
Food vendor: @8thingskatoomba
Zensational Coffee Cart
@blue_mts_conservation_society
Blue Mountains Wildplant Rescue
Blue Mountains Women`s Health & Resource Centre (BMWHRC)
Greater Blue Mountains Rotary
@permaculturematters
Acoustic Ecologist and author of ‘Deep Listening to Nature’, Andrew Skeoch
@lacebrookstitchery
Sustainable death care
BMCC Sustainability and Waste team
BMCC Bushcare team
View the full program and reserve your spot for a range of activities here (link in profile): https://bit.ly/4kUkzfm
#wellnessweekend #planetaryhealth #katoomba #bluemountains #community #connection #purpose #greatweekend
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