Our team

Karl Dawson

Creator of The KoaLocator

Wildlife Rescuer & Carer – The Wildlings Woodend Wildlife Shelter

Karl is a highly experienced wildlife rescuer, darter, and carer with over 12 years of hands-on experience in the field. His expertise is frequently called upon in high-pressure situations, including fireground search and rescue operations, where precision and calm decision-making are critical.

In addition to his frontline work, Karl is the creator of the KoaLocator, a purpose-built app designed to support wildlife protection through data-driven conservation. By combining his background in technology with his deep commitment to animal welfare, Karl continues to develop innovative solutions that improve outcomes for wildlife across Victoria.

Karl has also played a leading role in advancing best practices in wildlife euthanasia. Alongside veterinarian Dr Tristan Jubb, he introduced the safe and humane use of captive bolt devices within the wildlife sector. Together, they have trained hundreds of rescuers in its ethical application, helping to ensure suffering is minimised and professional standards upheld across rescue networks.

Karl's served as the Vice President of the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network for a number of years, including on various committees and wildlife advocacy groups. Whether caring for injured wildlife, developing infrastructure, or delivering specialist training, Karl brings a unique combination of practical skill, technical knowledge, and unwavering dedication to the sector.

Mel Fraser

Founder of Noah&Lil
Wildlife Rescuer & Carer – The Wildlings Woodend Wildlife Shelter

Mel has a long-standing history in the animal welfare sector, beginning as a volunteer with the RSPCA, where she worked with dogs in need of a second chance. Her compassion soon extended to native wildlife, and in 2007 she joined Wildlife Victoria.

On Black Saturday—one of the darkest chapters in Australian history—Mel was one of just four volunteers manning Wildlife Victoria’s emergency phone lines. Amid the chaos and devastation, she helped coordinate critical responses. Those harrowing days left deep scars and would ultimately cement her lifelong commitment to wildlife rescue.

After relocating to the Macedon Ranges, Mel became one of the region’s most active wildlife responders. In time, she and Karl opened their own licensed wildlife shelter, focusing on three core species close to their hearts: koalas, swamp wallabies, and gliders.

With a professional background in Local Laws and Animal Management, Mel’s involvement in the wildlife sector spans nearly 18 years. Her work is driven by a deep commitment to the protection of threatened and vulnerable species, including phascogales, greater gliders, powerful owls, and barking owls—but it’s the koalas of the Macedon Ranges that have truly captured her heart.

Mel's advocacy work extends to the creation, administration and management of the Macedon Ranges Wildlife Network's FaceBook page where she's provided unwavering social outreach and interaction with its more than 12,000 followers for over 12 years.

Having rescued many of the region’s koalas, Mel has become a fierce advocate for stronger protections and long-term strategies to ensure their survival in the wild.

Noah

King of Canines

Noah passed away on March 31st, 2024. A beloved and unforgettable team member, he was the most loyal of hounds and a true guardian of the Shelter. Though he may be gone, Noah’s spirit lives on. Forever King of Canines—gone but never forgotten.