As a young girl growing up in beautiful Tasmania, Deborah had a special affinity with the Australian bush and the animals who live there. Many years later, she is now fondly known around the world as the ‘Koala Woman’, thanks to her bold yet heartfelt nature, and her relentless advocacy for the Aussie icon.

Deborah has been fearlessly leading the Australian Koala Foundation to success since 1988, trailblazing the fields of Koala research, mapping and legislation. Deborah’s tenacity is palpable, and she will not rest until Koalas are fully protected by a Koala Protection Act.