It’s fair to say that Tamara Chippindall has changed a fair bit she appeared on the front page of the first edition of the Mountain Views Mail 40 years ago.
She was four years old at the time photographer Colleen Miller snapped a photo of her nursing a baby joey named Sam at the Sir Colin MacKenzie Fauna Park.
But Tammy’s love for animals has continued throughout the decades since that image helped to launch the Mountain Views Mail.
“Tam had a wonderful time with the joey and a baby wombat,” her mum Cheryl Chippindall explained.
“We were so proud when Colleen Miller asked if Tam could go on the front page.
“Naturally I have about six copies!”
Tammy, a police sergeant, was born at Healesville Hospital and is still involved with Healesville Pony Club and other facets of the town.
Mountain Views Mail founders Mardie and Harry Lambert were friends with her grandparents, who built guest house Strathvea on Myers Creek Road in Healesville.
Her granddad, John McVea, was born in Healesville, and her parents Cheryl and Rob still call the town home.
The Mail editorial team couldn’t resist recreating the image and can’t thank Tamara, her family, wildlife carer Yolanda and Mail photographer Rob Carew enough for making this beautiful photo possible.
