In Queensland’s Sunshine Coast region, where lush bushland meets sprawling suburbs, one woman’s passion for native wildlife has sparked a grassroots movement — and earned her one of the state’s highest community honours.
Claire Smith, the founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, has been named the 2025 Queensland Local Hero in recognition of her decades-long dedication to saving and protecting Australia’s native animals.
🐨 Building a 24/7 Rescue Lifeline
Claire’s organisation began with a simple idea: no injured animal should go without help. She founded what is now Queensland’s first volunteer-led, 24-hour wildlife rescue service, offering rapid response to distressed, injured, or orphaned animals across the Sunshine Coast.
Under her leadership, Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast has grown into a vital part of the region’s environmental fabric — rescuing thousands of animals every year and working closely with vets, carers, and volunteers to ensure they’re safely rehabilitated and returned to the wild whenever possible.
📚 Championing Wildlife Education
Claire’s impact reaches far beyond rescue work. She regularly leads community workshops, school presentations, and training sessions to help locals better understand how to coexist with native wildlife and respond to emergencies. She also advises local councils and environmental bodies on policy, offering firsthand knowledge to shape practical, wildlife-friendly strategies.
“Most people want to help; they just need the knowledge and confidence,” Claire has often said — a principle that fuels her educational outreach.
💰 Leading with Action During Crisis
During the catastrophic bushfires of 2019, Claire led a region-wide fundraising and relief effort that raised more than $600,000. The funds supported urgent medical care, food, and shelter for thousands of displaced animals. More importantly, it helped build long-term resources for wildlife responders across Queensland—a legacy of preparedness that continues today.
🌟 Recognition and Looking Ahead
Being recognised as the Queensland Local Hero for 2025 has given Claire a larger platform to continue her mission. She’s now focused on expanding rescue coverage, building stronger networks across regional Queensland, and mentoring the next generation of wildlife advocates.
Claire Smith’s story serves as a reminder that one person’s commitment can drive meaningful and lasting change. Through her work, the Sunshine Coast has become not just a haven for wildlife — but a community united by care, action, and hope for the natural world.