FEATURE - Healing Hoppers

Tucked away in the tranquil hills of Conondale, near Crystal Waters, is a place where hope is given form in the soft steps of eastern grey kangaroos and the gentle nuzzles of orphaned wallaby joeys.

By Jenny Kemp

Conondale is home to Dhil’um-bar Kangaroo Sanctuary - which includes Queensland’s first dedicated kangaroo hospital - and at its heart is the tireless and compassionate work of wildlife carer, Tabatha Needham.

Tabatha has been rescuing and rehabilitating macropods - kangaroos, wallabies and their kin - for nearly 25 years, but her connection to these animals stretches back to childhood. 

“I rescued my first joey when I was just a kid,” she recalls. 

“I learned early on that these animals need specialist care from trained and authorised carers - and that they deserve it.”

After volunteering with Steve Irwin at Australia Zoo and gaining hands-on experience with a variety of native wildlife, Tabatha focused her energy and expertise solely on macropods. She has been caring for them at her Conondale property since 2008. 

In 2022, the dream of a dedicated kangaroo hospital became reality when Dhil’um-bar’s treatment facility opened - complete with climate control, intensive care units, fluid therapy stations, and patient warming systems.

The need is immense. At any one time, Dhil’um-bar may have up to 70 macropods in care, ranging from fragile pinkie joeys to adult kangaroos recovering from vehicle collisions. Many others, having been successfully rehabilitated and released, return to the sanctuary grounds daily - a living testament to the quiet victories achieved here.

Among them is Lily, a young Eastern Grey with a heartbreaking story. After her mother was struck and killed by a car near Pomona, Lily sought shelter in a public toilet block - only to be horrifically sprayed with caustic soda. Her tiny face, ears, paws, and mouth were severely burned. 

A vigilant local vet alerted Dhil’um-bar, and Lily was brought in for intensive treatment. Months of expert care saved her life. Though she has physically healed, Lily’s fear of people remains. Today, she is gaining confidence in a structured pre-release mob, where she is learning how to be a kangaroo again.

While the sanctuary’s medical capabilities are impressive, the work behind the scenes is staggering. Tabatha is supported by a team of eight volunteers, a network of carers who take in joeys once they’ve stabilised, and other helping hands who provide vital backup. Still, the burden is heavy. Tabatha works full-time to personally fund 90% of the sanctuary’s running costs.

“Funding is our biggest challenge,” she says. “Every donation helps us keep the doors open - especially for animals who need surgery or long-term care.”

Dhil’um-bar Kangaroo Carers Association Inc., the registered charity formed to support the sanctuary’s work, channels donations directly toward urgent veterinary needs. Locals can also help by donating eligible containers at their nearest Containers for Change depot under scheme ID C11194970, or by donating clean linen (sheets, towels, and blankets) for use in hospital enclosures.

At Dhil’um-bar, no kangaroo is considered too small, too sick, or too difficult to save. 

“If there’s a chance they can recover, they’ll be given that chance,” Tabatha says. 

“These animals are a part of our country. They deserve a life in the wild - and we do everything we can to give that back to them.”

In a time when so many wildlife stories begin with tragedy, Dhil’um-bar is a rare beacon of resilience. Through compassion, science, and sheer determination, this sanctuary is giving Queensland’s kangaroos the future they deserve.

To see more of the incredible work happening at Dhil’um-bar Kangaroo Sanctuary - and to follow the stories of the animals whose lives are being transformed, follow the sanctuary on Facebook. 

You will see a heartfelt and often inspiring glimpse into the day-to-day care of kangaroos and wallabies, along with updates on rescues, recoveries, and releases. It’s a wonderful way to stay connected, support the sanctuary’s mission, and witness the difference your help can make.

Recent storm damage has heavily impacted the sanctuary, so if you would like to donate, the details are as follows: Account Name: Dhil’um-bar Kangaroo Carers Association Inc / BSB: 064 473 / Account: 10470041 / Bank: CBA