Animal Hero :
Linda Dennis was one of five Australians to be awarded an IFAW animal action award on Friday.
Photo: Steve Gosch

Article Text:

By Ben Brennan

A local woman has been honoured as one of five "animal heroes" across Australia as part of Animal Action Week.

Animal welfare crusader Linda Dennis received her second prestigious award this year at Hotel Canobolas on Tuesday, for her work to educate people about animal welfare.

The International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) awarded Ms Dennis the 2007 IFAW Action Award for education.

"The significant thing about this award is we only give them to a select few people every year," IFAW Asia Pacific director Mick McIntryre said.

"It's all about recognising the unsung heroes and Linda really fits the category... it's a chance to recognise her work regionally and nationally."

Ms Dennis impressed the IFAW with her wildlife refuge Fourth Crossing and her efforts to educate the public through a TAFE course and her website, www.fourthcrossingwildlife.com.

"Linda's efforts in raising awareness really struck a chord... her efforts to educate the pubic and her website are outstanding," Mr McIntyre said.

"It's great to be able to recognise someone as worth as Linda."

Ms Dennis said that she hoped the award would further raise the profile of animal welfare.

"It's a real honour, with the recognition I can spread the word even further," she said.

"My mission is to support all animals, everywhere."

Her work involved providing as much information as possible about the proper care of wildlife.

Fauna First Aid was developed by Ms Dennis and is widely used in TAFE training veterinary nurse students as well as school children and community groups.

Her wildlife refuge has also helped rehabilitate numerous native animals over the last eight years.

Ms Dennis was one of just five "animal heroes" across Australia to receive an award.

IFAW Animal Welfare and Action Award

Linda's Acceptance Speech

IFAW's Media Release