Behind the zoo

Dingoes, Tassie devils, snakes, lemurs… Stephen Crawford and Mal Draper from Currumbin/Palm Beach RSL Sub Branch have encountered them all up close. 

“The only thing I'm disappointed about is they won't let us in with the crocodile,” Stephen says. “He's 5.2m and 800kg – absolutely massive, like the size of a bloody bus.” 

“I'm happy to stand back and just watch him,” Mal laughs. 

Veteran Stephen Crawford (right) participating in the zookeeper program at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary 

Stephen and Mal – who served in the British Army and the Australian Army, respectively – have always been interested in nature.  

Now, they’re regulars of the Veterans’ Wildlife Studies Program, better known as ‘the zookeeper program’. 

An inside look 

Open to current and ex-serving Defence members, the zookeeper program takes veterans behind the scenes at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, a heritage-listed Gold Coast conservation park that’s home to all kinds of native and exotic animals. 

The program is funded by Currumbin RSL and Aurora Currumbin Clinic, a leading mental health facility that offers specialised care for veterans and first responders.  

“We take about five veterans from the RSL, who don't have to be Sub Branch members, and we also meet a small group from the clinic,” Army veteran and Currumbin RSL Veteran Engagement Officer Lauren Darcy, who organises the program, says. 

One week, the veterans make enrichments for the animals to ensure they’re challenging and stimulating them to ‘hunt’ or forage for food. The next week, the veterans might see wildlife undergoing surgery or rehabilitation. 

Each term, the program also involves a special project. 

“For our first group project, we built a frog pond and bird boxes that will be set up around the sanctuary. Last term, we built a greenhouse and planted seedlings which will be planted within the sanctuary once big enough,” Lauren explains. 

“The project work gives veterans the chance to be able to see something develop from start to finish, which they can watch grow over time. It lets them give back to the sanctuary as well.” 

“It's something different every week, and it's totally different from just visiting and reading the labels on the enclosures,” Stephen says. “I look forward to my Tuesdays there and just getting lost with all the animals.”  

Nature’s therapy

The zookeeper program has plenty of benefits for those who take part.  

“My wife tells me my temper's a lot quieter than it normally is,” Mal jokes.  

“It's a really nice environment to be in, and you get to meet like-minded people – it’s a bit of camaraderie for us all.” 

He says the program also brings people out of their shells. 

“For a period of time, some sort of hang back and don't say much. After a few months they tend to get more involved. So, the program seems to bring down some walls, which is really good. Everyone seems to just settle in and enjoy the morning.” 

“Just walking through the sanctuary is lovely,” Lauren says. “It's a chance to switch off and just wander, listen and enjoy without all the stresses of life.”  

That can make a real difference to those undergoing treatment at the clinic, she explains. 

“They really look forward to coming along each week. It's a chance for them to slowly come back out into the community without it being overwhelming, meet other veterans, start connecting to all our programs and services, and see what other things are out there for them to do.” 

Most importantly, Lauren says, the program helps veterans “see the value in their own self”. 

“One lesson that’s resonated deeply with me and other veterans is that every living thing has its place and purpose in the world,” she says. 

Purpose and fulfilment 

According to Currumbin/Palm Beach RSL Sub Branch Board member Cherisa Pearce – also an Army veteran – the zookeeper program is one of their most successful. 

“Everybody knows how wonderful animals can be for mental health. When I attended one of the sessions, it gave me goosebumps seeing the smiles on people’s faces.  

“Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary depends a lot on volunteer help, so veterans who take part in the program are contributing to our local community, which I think is really important for human connection and wellbeing.” 

Stephen enjoys the program so much that he’s signed up for a fourth term and offered to volunteer at the sanctuary. 

“It gives me a sense of fulfillment that I've done my little bit for the environment,” he says. “If you get given something, you've got to give it back some other way.” 

Helping the veteran community thrive 

The zookeeper program is just one of the Sub Branch’s many social initiatives, which range from coffee catchups to cooking classes, a weekly social run/walk, kayaking, pickleball, and an organic community garden dubbed the Veterans’ Backyard. 

Some activities are reserved for Sub Branch members and their families, but most welcome any veterans or Defence members, and their partners.  

Cherisa says these social events have played a big part in building the Sub Branch’s strong, inclusive community. 

“Those relationships that people build through our programs – which lead to them meeting other people in the veteran and wider community – are what makes us strong,” she reflects. 

“We’re a big family, and we just want everyone to thrive.”  

Mal, who’s lived in towns and joined RSLs all over Australia, has high praise for his Sub Branch. 

“All the stuff they put on is really good, so I try to get to as much as I can,” he says. 

“Currumbin/Palm Beach has one of the most active and efficient veteran programs going of any place I’ve seen or been associated with.” 

Stephen agrees.  

“I didn't have anything to do with the military until I came to Australia and joined the RSL. I get a lot of satisfaction from belonging to the Sub Branch,” he says.  

“The things they do for us veterans – there's always help and support.” 

For more information on Currumbin/Palm Beach RSL Sub Branch’s programs, please email Lauren Darcy: laurend@veteransupport.com.au  

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