Close-up portrait of a bush stone-curlew

About the Foundation

Community-led. Government-backed. A decade in the making.

The Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation is an independent, community-run charity — not a government agency or council entity. We exist because volunteer carers have spent more than a decade arguing the region needs a permanent home for wildlife care, and because that case has finally been heard. Government and council have been instrumental supporters; the build itself is being delivered by the community, for the community.

The People

Our Board

Ngaire Stirling

Director / Chair

Ngaire Stirling believes the surest way to protect Australia's wildlife is to raise a generation that has seen it thriving in the wild. As founder of Brisbane Kids, one of Queensland's most trusted family media platforms, Ngaire has connected millions of readers with their community for almost two decades. She became a Founding Director of the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation in 2022. Ngaire brings to the board expertise in communications, digital strategy and community engagement, along with a commitment to governing in a way that honours every donation. She holds qualifications in journalism, public relations and education, with over ten years of governance experience across Tourism and Events Moreton Bay and Nature Play QLD. She is proud to help establish the hospital and its education hub, believing it will connect a new generation with the wildlife in their own backyard, and inspire them to protect it.

Christine West

Director / Secretary

Christine West believes strong communities are built by people who are willing to step forward and make a difference. A wife, mother of three young adults, and passionate community volunteer, she has spent more than a decade bringing people together to create positive change. With a Bachelor of Business and over 20 years as a successful business owner in the construction industry, Christine combines expertise in governance, fundraising, project management, and volunteer leadership with a genuine commitment to community service. She has held leadership roles with the Albany Creek Scout Group and the Rotary Club of Albany Creek and became a Founding Director of the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital in 2022. Christine has worked alongside local councils, developers, community organisations, and government to improve planning outcomes that protect wildlife corridors and threatened species. Her dedication was recognised with the 2025 Federal Dickson Award for Excellence in Community Service. She is proud to help lead the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital, believing it will inspire education, strengthen community connections, and ensure Australia's unique wildlife receives the care and protection it deserves.

Rebecca Russell

Director / Treasurer

Rebecca Russell is the Founder and Director of Encompass Bookkeeping, a Brisbane-based bookkeeping and business advisory firm. A Registered BAS Agent & Bookkeeper with more than 25 years' experience, Rebecca works with businesses and not-for-profit organisations across a range of industries, providing financial management, governance support, payroll, compliance and strategic business advice. Having lived and worked in the Moreton Bay region for more than 15 years, she is passionate about supporting organisations that make a meaningful difference in the local community. As a Founding Director of the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital Foundation, Rebecca brings expertise in financial management, governance and strategic planning. She is committed to helping the Foundation build a strong and sustainable future through sound financial oversight, good governance and responsible stewardship, ensuring it can continue to grow and deliver lasting outcomes for wildlife and the Moreton Bay community. Rebecca and her family are proud to call Moreton Bay home. As the mother of two daughters, she is passionate about helping protect Australia's unique wildlife so future generations can continue to enjoy and appreciate it for years to come.

Beth Rounsefell

Director

As a Founding Director, Beth has been instrumental in establishing the hospital's governance and commercial framework and has provided strategic leadership in project and risk management, and organisational development. Her expertise in environmental planning, sustainable infrastructure, and governance supports informed decision-making and the hospital's long-term sustainability. Beth is passionate about protecting native wildlife and helping build a resilient organisation that supports wildlife conservation for generations to come.

Jason Beck

Director

BVSc MVetClStud FANZCVSc. Jason has been a veterinarian for 35 years and is a registered specialist in small animal surgery. He has held university faculty positions in Australia and the US and for the last 15 years was a director of a group of specialist and emergency veterinary hospitals. He has had a lifelong interest in wildlife and the environment and is a strong advocate for animal welfare. Jason brings to the board extensive proven experience with veterinary hospital design and construction and the financial and operational management of 24 hour veterinary facilities. He hopes to help shape the MBWH into a world class wildlife facility with a strong emphasis on clinical excellence and animal welfare. He views wildlife care and the protection of our environment for future generations as an important responsibility of modern society. Jason hopes to foster a thriving cooperative effort between the general public, wildlife carer organisations and the veterinary profession that benefits injured and displaced wildlife in the Moreton Bay region.

Senna Stewart

Director

Cert II Marine Biology, Cert II VN, Cert IV VN. Senna Stewart believes in protecting Australia's unique wildlife by maintaining animal health, conservation, and the environment. Growing up in the country in a family dedicated to animal care, she developed a lifelong passion for wildlife. Senna is a qualified veterinary nurse, holding certificate II and IV in veterinary nursing, certificate II in marine biology, and is currently undertaking a dual degree in Animal Ecology and Science at UniSC. She currently works in a veterinary clinic gaining experience in caring for a range of domestic and wild animals. Senna is also a tree planter, committed to restoring habitats through hands-on environmental work. Outside of professional and academic pursuits, Senna enjoys scuba diving, running, and art. Senna brings valuable perspectives as an emerging conservation scientist and veterinary nurse and is passionate about the success of the Moreton Bay Wildlife Hospital.

Derek Cameron

Casual Director

Derek is a project professional with more than 30 years in the mining, infrastructure and energy sectors. He has performed numerous senior organisational roles with a particular focus on engineering management and governance for complex processing plants, technology and renewable energy projects. Derek has a keen interest in supporting long term wildlife support opportunities in partnership with practical conservation practices and allied organisations. Derek holds a Masters in Business and Technology along with Electrical Engineering and trade qualifications and is an associate member of Engineers Australia. Previously, Derek was a volunteer with the Queensland State Emergency Service and held a number of front line and supporting roles within Scouts Australia with a keen interest in promoting sustainable outdoor adventure activities for young people.

Our History

How we got here

Founded

Volunteer carers across Moreton Bay identified the gap — no dedicated clinical facility for the thousands of injured native animals they were treating each year from home.

Momentum

Years of community advocacy, grassroots fundraising and coalition-building brought the project to the attention of every level of government and the wider region.