Hazel and Dennis have always been keenly interested in wildlife. Hazel is involved with a local bird watching group and both Hazel and Dennis have been keen to assist in the Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat Recovery Project.

As members of a Lions Club, Hazel and Dennis were were invited to visit the Bilby release site at Currawinya. Whilst at this event they learnt that the Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service were looking for volunteers to help care for the endangered Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat.

They contacted Dr Alan Horsup and registered their interest and their first opportunity to be volunteer caretakers came in March 2004. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience - despite the remoteness and ticks - and decided then to make Epping Forest NP (Scientific) part of their retirement experience.

Hazel and Dennis have returned to the Park twice since then and have been involved in two Hair Census'. Each visit presents new wildlife marvels and Hazel and Dennis find it interesting to record their daily observations and findings in a diary.

Since becoming involved with this project Hazel and Dennis have become grandparents and are hoping that their grandsons will learn from their wildlife experiences. And even more importantly Hazel and Dennis think it would be nice to think that they have helped in their own very small way to preserve this very special mammal so that their grand children too can enjoy seeing a live Northern Hairy-Nosed Wombat when they are adults.