Claire Smith

Founder, Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast

2025 QLD Local Hero Nominee

Claire Smith is a fierce protector of all living things, but especially native Australian wildlife. 

She is the founder of Wildlife Rescue Sunshine Coast, the first dedicated, volunteer-run, 24-hour wildlife rescue service in Queensland. The group’s purpose is threefold: education, rescue and rehabilitation. 

Over decades of advocacy and conservation, Claire has actively forged vital relationships within the community, educating people about wildlife management through online resources and speaking on radio and in person. She engages with all levels of government to advise on policy decisions, motivating them to take action to protect native species through habitat preservation. 

Claire raised over $600,000 to directly assist those caring for injured animals after the 2019 bushfires. She also fundraised to establish Queensland’s first dedicated kangaroo hospital and purchase two wildlife ambulances to facilitate more animal rescues. Claire inspires others to join her fight to protect our precious native fauna with her compassion and determination.