TV takes aim on possums- Channel Ten cameraman Clinton Glenny, HELP members Ellie Travica and

By Monique Ebrington
CHANNEL Ten has gone wild over the Leadbeater’s possums which habitat Yellingbo Reserve and Lake Mountain Plateau and the people who ensure the survival of the colony.
Cast and crew from the animals, adventure and outdoors show for young people Totally Wild filmed a segment at the reserve with Healesville Sanctuary senior keeper Paula Watson, Parks Victoria Ranger Jo Antrobus and a group of eager school girls last Wednesday, 12 August.
Twins Ellie and Mollie Travica, Elly Robertson and Emma Falconberg have made up a group of dedicated volunteers who have helped replace habitat which was burnt during the Black Saturday fires.
The girls have formed a group called Helping Endangered Leadbeater’s Possums (HELP) and have been heavily involved in planting trees, raising awareness and funding for the possums.
Mrs Antrobus co-ordinates the Leadbeater’s Possum Program and said Healesville Sanctuary, Parks Victoria and volunteers have been working together to replace the possums’ food and habit that were lost in the fires.
She said that 43 per cent of the possum’s habitat in Lake Mountain Plateau was wiped out in the fires.
“We had a well established monitoring program there since 2003 and we have 20 nesting boxes there,” Mrs Antrobus said.
“We went to assess the state of the boxes and, unfortunately, 22 were totally destroyed, six were damaged and only two were intact.”
She said that the exposure of the HELP group of girls on a show like Totally Wild would highlight the positive influence that they and other volunteers can bring to a project.
“We are really appreciative and grateful for the work the girls have been doing, selling wrist bands and assisting with the nest box and supplementary feeding programs,” she said.
“The girls are being great ambassadors not just for young people but also for endangered species.
“We are hoping that other schools and clubs will get on board, buy wrist bands and support the girls, supporting the Leadbeater’s possums.”
HELP member Elly Robertson said it was ‘cool’ that Totally Wild took interest in their group and hoped the segment would get across an important message.
“First we did shots in our class at school to show that we are normal kids and that anyone can help out,” Elly said.
“We were aiming to show that you’re never too young to make a difference. It feels great knowing that you’ve helped out.”
The segment is expected to air in the coming months.
For more information on Leadbeater’s possums visit www.leadbeaters.org.au.