Kylee Donkers holding a goanna that was rescued after being hit by a car and has been successfully returned to the wild.
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Whether rescuing an injured kangaroo, rehabilitating an orphaned joey or helping bushfire-affected families care for their pets, Kylee Donkers has quietly become one of the region's most dedicated volunteers.
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After nearly two decades of service, Kylee has been nominated for the Victorian Rotary Emergency Services Community Awards (RESCA), which recognise emergency services personnel who go above and beyond in their communities.
Not used to being in the spotlight, Kylee said she was “blown away” when she received news of the nominations.
“I was excited and very proud not just to be nominated, but for wildlife in general,” she said.
“To be nominated for an emergency services award as a wildlife rescuer is quite honouring.”
Kylee’s journey into wildlife rescue began about 17 years ago when she and her husband, James, first moved to the area.
“I wasn’t working for the first few weeks that we moved up here, I was still getting settled, and I just thought ‘I’ve got some spare time, I’d like to volunteer,’ ” she said.
After reaching out to a local wildlife rescue, Kylee became a licensed foster carer within weeks.
Her passion for helping animals, however, started long before she began volunteering.
“I was a child that if there was anything wandering around that looked a little lost, of course, I’d pick it up and take it home,” she said.
“So I was forever bringing baby birds home and things like that.”
Kylee holding a baby goanna that was rehabilitated and returned to the wild after surviving a dog attack.
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Today, Kylee and her husband, James Leonard, run Dutch Thunder Wildlife Shelter in Koonoomoo, where they rescue, rehabilitate and care for injured and orphaned native animals.
Kylee left paid employment to dedicate herself full-time to wildlife rescue, with the shelter operating entirely through donations and without government funding.
For Kylee, there is no greater reward than seeing a rescued animal return to the wild.
“The thrill of being able to rehabilitate an animal and release it into the wild is amazing,” she said.
She also values the opportunity to educate the next generation about protecting wildlife, regularly holding education sessions at local schools and kindergartens.
Among the hundreds of animals Kylee has rescued and cared for over the years, one story continues to stand out.
A male galah was brought to the shelter with a fractured wing after being hit by a car on the Murray Valley Hwy.
“A member of the public brought it to us, but told us exactly where it had been picked up from,” Kylee said.
“So he was with us for six weeks, and we were able to splint his wing and get him flying again.”
Knowing galahs mate for life, Kylee and James returned the bird to where it had been found.
“We released him out of the cage, and he sat on the edge of the cage and had a little chirp and then flew up onto a tree branch,” Kylee said.
“I kid you not, within three seconds, another galah flew in, and they were squawking, and then they started kissing. It was a little female, his partner.
“That was after him being away and out of his territory for six weeks. They know their partners’ call so well that she heard him.
“We have a lot of rescues that don't go so well, so that's one that I always try and remember as the reason why I do what I do.”
Beyond wildlife rescue, Kylee has also supported the wider community, including organising a “donate to feed” appeal during the January bushfires in Yarroweyah and Longwood, providing pet food and essential supplies to affected families.
Kylee has also been nominated for the Victoria Local Legend Award at the 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards, which recognises people who make an outstanding contribution to their local community.
It is this dedication to both animals and the community that has earned Kylee the respect of emergency services personnel, including Cobram SES Unit Controller Luke Herezo.
“Kylee is an extraordinary individual whose dedication to wildlife and the broader community extends well beyond what could reasonably be expected of any volunteer,” he said.
“Her resilience, leadership and compassion have earned the respect of emergency services personnel, veterinarians, volunteers and the wider community.
“Through her leadership, thousands of native animals have been given a second chance and strong partnerships have been built between wildlife rescue organisations and emergency services.”
The winner of the Victorian Rotary Emergency Services Community Awardswill be announced at an awards dinner in Melbourne on Saturday, August 29.
The 7NEWS Community Achievement Awards gala is set for late October, with the official date yet to be confirmed.
