Celebrating the Heart of Koala Conservation: Our Volunteers - Meet Sharyn

In 2026, we’re proud to celebrate International Volunteer Year by shining a light on the people who make our work possible — our extraordinary volunteers. 

Behind every koala rescued, every joey nurtured, every visitor welcomed and every tree planted, there is a volunteer giving their time, energy and heart to protect Australia’s koalas. Their contributions are as diverse as the roles they play, but they are united by a shared love for wildlife and a deep commitment to making a difference.

Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing the stories of individual volunteers from across Koala Conservation Australia (KCA) — the carers, rescuers, guides, educators, maintenance team, behind-the-scenes helpers and advocates who show up day after day, often quietly and without fanfare. Through these stories, you’ll meet the people behind the passion and learn what inspires them, what volunteering means to them, and why they choose to stand up for koalas.

This series is our way of saying thank you — and of celebrating the community spirit that drives conservation forward. We hope these stories inspire you as much as these volunteers inspire us.

Stay tuned as we begin this year-long celebration of the people who truly are the heart of koala conservation. 💛

Meet Sharyn Brown

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role at KCA

I love everything about koalas from their ears to their hands and feet, their noses and the noises they make!

I currently volunteer in the Retail Shop at the Wild Koala Breeding Visitor Centre and love meeting and talking to visitors from all over the world, and making sure they go home with something special to remember their visit - and help our koalas!

How long have you been volunteering with KCA?

I've been volunteering with KCA for 15 years!

Why did you start volunteering at KCA?

I first started volunteering with KCA after my last major surgery. I needed to get out of the house and my love on animals led me to the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital. I started in Retail before moving to volunteer in other areas of the organisation including the Koala Care team, Team Leader Adoptions, Data Entry and then back to Retail. 

What is your background and experience outside of KCA?

My background is in childcare, animal studies and business studies. I have a deep love of animals - apart from spiders!

Were you new to the area when you joined? Has volunteering helped you meet new people?

I am a Port Macquarie local, so not new to the area, but volunteering has helped me get out after being held back by multiple surgeries.

Once I was able, I set about seeking volunteer work - and the Port Macquarie Koala Hospital were recruiting volunteers!

I have definitely met and made new and lasting friendships through volunteering at KCA.

Are you able to use your skills (eg trade, admin etc) in your volunteer role?

I was able to apply my animal studies skills while doing koala care. When I began volunteering, I was very quiet but working with people like the former Clinical Director Cheyne Flanagan, and another volunteer Pam, helped me come out of my shell and gain confidence, which has also helped with my volunteering work with Apex Wauchope also!

What's something that people don't realise about volunteering at KCA?

I have a lot of information in my brain and volunteering allows me to share this, as well as let me share my cheeky side!

What does your role involve day to day?

In Retail the day starts with setting up the retail space, and then once we open, greeting visitors and then we sell, sell, sell - all for the benefit of caring for koalas of course!

We clean and dust and help with merchandising in the shop space.

The afternoon shift involves restocking and chatting to visitors, and of course...taking a stroll out to the deck to visit the koalas!

What's the most rewarding part?

Being able to continue volunteering! After a severe injury I wasn't able to go back to Koala Care, so to be able to still be involved and support koalas is very rewarding!

How does your role help support koala conservation?

Talking to visitors and giving them information, answering their questions and selling our retail goods is all about supporting koala conservation. Every item we sell goes to supporting and saving koalas. I love that people take something home with them to remember their time with us.

What does being part of this community mean to you?

Being a part of this community has meant I can talk freely without feeling incredibly shy and awkward. This community gives me confidence, support, love and a chance to be myself.

What would you say to someone thinking of volunteering at KCA?

I would say do it - you won't regret it!