The 2024 Noosa Queensland Day Awards are all about honouring inspirational locals.
There are dozens of deserving nominees who will be awarded at Sandy Bolton MP’s Queensland Day Ceremony on Tuesday 6 June. This week we are showcasing another one of these nominees, the inspiring William ‘Will’ Watson.
After receiving compensation following a long recovery from serious injuries sustained in a car accident, Will moved to Noosa to care for his elderly mother. On arrival, he established the Wildlife Noosa charity with his own money and an unrelenting desire to care for our animals.
Will works 365 days a year 24 hours a day, is always available for residents to call, and responds immediately no matter the time of day or night or weather. He travels any distance to wherever he is needed, going above and beyond the call of duty.
This wonderful Noosan is dedicated, hardworking and extremely giving of his time and expertise, supporting young people who want to learn about animal rescues, and providing training to those who wish to help with rescues. He is available to schools for talks about our native animals and provides possum boxes, micro-bat boxes and any help the faculty need for those that inhabit the fauna in the school.
Currently 1000 animals per year (and growing) are being rescued by Wildlife Noosa, and the work Will and his volunteers do include water (Noosa River, lakes and close offshore), and land rescues across the Noosa electorate. In addition, they patrol the Noosa River, removing rubbish and fishing line in trees that frequently injure wildlife and rescuing any caught in wires or lines. As well, remove fallen or unused barbed wire throughout parks and other properties, where it is not necessary as it is a major cause of animal injuries and fatalities.
His team also takes the lead on innovative program trials; for example: humane feral animal trapping, barbed wire alternative programs and working with Noosa Council to establish wildlife crossings.
Will supports the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre at Eumundi, other organisations and local vets by transporting rescued wildlife to the centres and releasing them back into the wild once they are well enough.
“Our community and all of our inhabitants are incredibly fortunate! Having seen the enormous difference Will makes by genuinely caring for our environment and our animals, both native and domestic, I look forward to giving this very special Noosan and other recipients the biggest ‘hug of gratitude’ at our Queensland Day Award ceremony!” Ms Bolton said.
The Noosa Electorate Queensland Day awards are an initiative of Noosa MP Sandy Bolton with sponsorship support from Noosa Today and Cooroy RSL.
If you know someone who volunteers their time for Noosa, nominate them via their organisation at sandybolton.com/qld-day-awards by noon on Wednesday 22 May.
