Meet the Team
Delaney Martin - Operations Manager
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Del has travelled internationally to help non-government organisations in their efforts to conserve threatened species, such as the endangered Peruvian Woolly Monkey and Blue Headed Macaw in the Amazon Rainforest, and Asian Elephants in Cambodia. These opportunities provided her with a direct insight on the importance of conserving our environment. Closer to home Del has assisted PhD students to catch and track the movements of Powerful Owls across South-West Victoria, and with lizard surveys in the Little Desert National Park. She has since found her ‘dream job’ working in Science Communication as a Nature Guide at Wildlife Wonders and looks forward to welcoming all of our guests and sharing her love for the Otways region and its native inhabitants.
Sasha Heath - Nature Guide & Education Development Officer
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She has a depth of experience in developing engaging and innovative education programs that share her love of science and Australia’s diverse landscapes and wildlife. As an enthusiastic lifelong learner, Sasha is keen to expand Wildlife Wonders educational programs, with an aim of ensuring every visitor develops a great appreciation of our environment. A Victorian born and bred, Sasha has lived in Melbourne, Alice Springs, Exmouth (WA) and the stunning Snowy Mountains region Jindabyne (NSW). She is excited to now call the incredible Great Ocean Road region, and all its nature has to offer, her home.
Nicole Tielemans - Nature Guide & Social Media Coordinator
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Since then, she has journeyed through the realms of life sciences, fueled by an insatiable curiosity and a profound reverence for the natural world. Yet, amidst this exploration, her heart found its true calling amidst the canopies of the forest, particularly captivated by the world of birds. Beyond the realm of academia and fieldwork, she is driven by a deep passion for science communication and firmly believes in the transformative power of storytelling and education to evoke wonder and instil care for the natural world. Through her work, she strives to transmit her love and care for nature, envisioning a brighter future for ecosystems, particularly those nestled within the vibrant landscapes of the Otway region.
Johnny Boyd - Nature Guide
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He hails from the northern parts of Ireland, moving to Australia in his teens to experience a bit of sunshine. He quickly fell in love with the Australian bush, coastline, wildlife, and contemporary outlook. And didn’t look back. His family’s quarrying business in Ireland led Johnny to thinking about human impacts on landscapes and ways degraded land can be rehabilitated. He’s been revegetating his Otways property, reverting cleared paddocks to bushland and has enjoyed watching bird life return.
Johnny has a deep respect for what the Conservation Ecology Centre has achieved, and is thrilled to be able to further their aims by welcoming guests to Wildlife Wonders. He enjoys highlighting aspects of the ecosystem that have piqued his interest, particularly the animals that have captured his heart.
Johnny swims most mornings in the frigid waters of Apollo Bay, just to remind himself of his Irish home!
Erin Bradley – Nature Guide
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It’s no surprise Erin has a strong connection to the natural environment. She has always been surrounded by wildlife and has experienced many environments through family camping and hiking adventures. As a toddler Erin began her volunteer journey with the Werribee River Association at a tree planting day. Many more tree plantings, litter clean ups and community events have followed. As part of completing her Bachelor of Environmental Science – majoring in Wildlife and Conservation Biology – at Deakin University, Erin travelled abroad to the Peruvian Amazon Rainforest. Two highlights were supporting a community to construct bio-gardens and close encounters with frogs – even seeing one lay eggs in a puddle! Another university project saw her undertaking acoustic surveys for frogs in her local area, during which she encountered the nationally threatened Growling Grass Frog. A council grant allowed her to develop and deliver a frog engagement project. She has also volunteered at Werribee Open Range Zoo for five years. Taking visitors on a journey of discovery is deeply rewarding and Erin is keen to share her infectious enthusiasm about Wildlife Wonders with you all.
Johnny has a deep respect for what the Conservation Ecology Centre has achieved, and is thrilled to be able to further their aims by welcoming guests to Wildlife Wonders. He enjoys highlighting aspects of the ecosystem that have piqued his interest, particularly the animals that have captured his heart.
Johnny swims most mornings in the frigid waters of Apollo Bay, just to remind himself of his Irish home!
Jane Buckingham - Visitor Experience Officer
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After moving from England to Apollo Bay in 2004, she discovered Cape Otway and the Conservation Ecology Centre’s Ecolodge, joining the team there delivering a unique guest experience. In between ecolodge duties, Jane worked with the team caring for injured wildlife and in turn learnt a great deal about the Otways and its animals.
Carolyn (Boo) Lalor - Visitor Experience Officer
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She has lived on a small farm just outside Apollo Bay for over 20 years where she raised her three sons and feels fortunate to live in this beautiful part of the world surrounded by such a diverse natural environment.
Teyvia Williams - Visitor Experience Officer
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Her favourite way to explore is heading off on a run, whether it's through the Marengo Reserve spotting koalas or toward the stunning rainforests of 'Paradise' or somewhere entirely new! You will find Teyvia at the front desk ready to enthusiastically answer all your questions about Wildlife Wonders and the local area. She hopes that guests can take away a new appreciation and passion for the world around them and carry this into their day to day life. Currently studying at Apollo Bay P-12 College, Teyvia hopes to follow her passion for the environment by studying marine biology with the opportunity to travel, learn and support conservation efforts. And do a lot of running along the way!
Katy Schrederis - Cook
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She is a well loved long time Apollo Bay local, that fits in perfectly in the Wildlife Wonders team. In her spare time Katy works with the local wildlife rehabilitation group Otway Wildlife Group, rehabilitating all kinds of local wildlife, from koalas to magpies and blue-tongue lizards. Anyone is lucky to find Katie on their visit to Wildlife Wonders.
Marlon Pezalbon - Cook and Cafe All-rounder
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Marlon Pezalbon, from Cebu City in the Philippines comes to us with a background in hospitality and cookery. He brings a blend of kitchen experience and a passion for creating positive, welcoming environments.
Beyond his work in the kitchen, Marlon is an animal lover with a special fondness for birds. He once trained free-flying birds, an experience that taught him patience and deepened his appreciation for feathered friends. Marlon enjoys helping to create a cheerful, supportive space where both the team and customers feel at home.
In the near future, he hopes to volunteer with the local wildlife rehabilitation group in his spare time.
Tess Neal - Visitor Experience Officer & Barista
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A student at Apollo Bay P-12 College, Tess loves science, is developing her skills in nature photography and is an electric guitarist in Apollo Bay rock band, ‘Total Control’. On weekends and school holidays you will find Tess at the Wildlife Wonders front desk, behind the coffee machine, or in the coffee caravan.
Sarah Buckingham - Visitor Experience Officer & Barista
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She has a love for dogs and is often pet sitting or caring for friends’ dogs. Now in her last year of school at Apollo Bay P-12 college Sarah will be studying hard but always making time for her role at Wildlife Wonders!
Keahan Omeara - Visitor Experience Officer & Barista
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Keahan hopes to add joy into the visitor experience at Wildlife Wonders and assist in bringing wonder of his home to all. Keahan is often found behind the coffee machine, but also brings skills from his punk band (who performed at Top Acts in Melbourne) to playing ukulele during Storytime at Wildlife Wonders with Delaney. He was School Captain at Apollo Bay P-12 College and plans to study psychology at Deakin beginning in 2024.
Nell Ustundag - Admin & Bookings Coordinator
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In addition to working here at Wildlife Wonders, Nell is writing her first novel and transforming her family's soggy patch in lovely Lavers Hill into a permaculture farm. Nell's favourite region in Australia is the Otways and she is determined to protect and nourish it. She believes that sustainable living and ecological conservation go hand in hand and she is excited to encourage home-based sustainability whilst sharing her love of the Otways with visitors to Wildlife Wonders. Nell's favourite critters in the sanctuary are the potoroos and echidnas (both being wondrous soil engineers). Nell made her way to the Otways from NYC, stopping to live in Maine, Melbourne and Fremantle along the way. Since arriving in Australia in 1998, she has earned a bachelor's degree in politics, as well as a masters degree in art curatorship. She has also completed post graduate qualifications in law and native title/cultural heritage.
Stephan Ras - Finance Manager
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He is responsible for the day-to-day financial management of both organisations and is also responsible for implementing the financial strategy and direction, which support this innovative approach to wildlife conservation. He identifies and implements systems, policies and processes to improve financial monitoring, accountability and growth across the Conservation Ecology Centre and Wildlife Wonders. Steve has a Master of Science in Educational Studies and feels right at home with his management skills. He has a passion for eco-tourism and sustainability and managed the Great Ocean Ecolodge on the grounds of the Conservation Ecology Centre from 2015 to 2021 with his partner Karlijn Sas.
Toni Stevens - Communication Manager
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Toni believes telling the stories of our wild places is an important step in helping people to understand the value of conserving them. Toni completed degrees in Journalism and Environmental Science at the University of Canberra and spent her honours year studying the habits of the endangered Grassland Earless Dragon. She now oversees all the communication and digital marketing activities for both Wildlife Wonders and its founding organisation, the Conservation Ecology Centre.
Tania Jacobs - Manager, Trade Partnerships
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Since that time Tania has supported tourism businesses around the country to achieve their sales and marketing objectives, including Ocean Spirit Cruises, Kingfisher Bay Resort & Village Fraser Island, Domaine Chandon and the Hepburn Bathhouse & Spa. She also spent 10 years working at Visit Victoria, the state’s tourism and events marketing organisation, where she was responsible for delivering international marketing activities for Australia’s Asian and European markets. She has also worked closely with touring routes as a key driver of visitation to regional areas. Tania has considerable expertise in upskilling industry members to develop unique and compelling experiences, and in generating demand within both domestic and international markets.