Learn about nature together in the Next-gen Hills Naturalists Podcast. Exploring the natural world of the Dandenong Ranges and beyond through knowledge, science and stories with nature curious people, like you. Created by thirteen year old nature lovers Coen and Eve to inspire, educate and raise awareness.
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Ep 11, Conservation and Animals with Dr Mark Norman
Dr Mark Norman is a chief scientist and conservationist with Parks Victoria. He has
worked at Museums Victoria and is now working at the Wilsons Prom Sanctuary. Dr
Mark has made his own documentaries and runs podcasts. He has discovered over
150 octopus species!
In this episode I talk to Dr Mark about climate change, pollution, and the many
endangered animals he is helping. Mark shares stories and facts about all sorts of
animals that are funny, interesting and thought provoking.
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24 May 2026
Ep 10, Bookbook Wildlife Shelter with Nalini
Boobook Wildlife Shelter is a perfect haven for birds, marsupials and mammals. The native wildlife in the Dandenong Ranges are often facing danger from habitat destruction to pollution. Nalini has set up a wildlife sanctuary to help rescue many animals such as the feathertail glider, brush tail possum, eastern rosella and many more. She inspires people to be aware and help injured animals. Nalini shares her stories and knowledge about wildlife.
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10 Apr 2026
Ep 9, Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery with Raffa
Native plants play a huge role in helping local wildlife. Raffa shares how the Southern Dandenongs Community Nursery grows indigenous plants that support habitat restoration and helps people learn what to plant in their own gardens.
🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/boobook-wildlife-shelter-with-nalini/ (https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/boobook-wildlife-shelter-with-nalini/)
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18 Mar 2026
Ep 8, Superb Lyrebirds with Alex
Lyrebirds are famous for their incredible mimicry - but their role in the forest is even more amazing. Dr Alex Maisey shares how Superb Lyrebirds shape the ecosystem of Sherbrooke Forest, the sounds they can mimic, and the science behind these remarkable birds.
🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/ep-8-superb-lyrebirds-with-alex/ (https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/ep-8-superb-lyrebirds-with-alex/)
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9 Mar 2026
Ep 7, Australian Wildlife Health Centre with Gerry
Go inside the Australian Wildlife Health Centre and discover how injured wildlife are cared for. Zoos Victoria vet nurse Gerry Ross shares what it’s like treating animals like the Brush-tailed Possum and how the wildlife hospital works.
🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/26/ep-7-australian-wildlife-health-centre-with-gerry/ (https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/26/ep-7-australian-wildlife-health-centre-with-gerry/)
📸 Image credit Zoos Victoria
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9 Mar 2026
Ep 6, Caring for Country with Aunty Anette
The Dandenong Ranges hold stories that stretch back thousands of years. Aunty Annette, Wurundjeri elder and Aboriginal archaeologist, shares Dreamtime stories like the Bunyip and Bunjil and her wisdom on caring for country.
🎥 Video version - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFoJ-zmxTWI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFoJ-zmxTWI)
🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/23/ep-6-caring-for-country-with-aunty-annette/ (https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/23/ep-6-caring-for-country-with-aunty-annette/)
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9 Mar 2026
Ep 5, Birdwatching and Conservation with Luke
How does a passion for birds turn into real conservation action? Teenage conservationist and birdwatcher Luke shares his journey into conservation, along with birdwatching stories and ideas for helping nature around you.
🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/07/ep-5birdwatching-and-conservation-with-luke/ (https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2026/02/07/ep-5birdwatching-and-conservation-with-luke/)
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9 Mar 2026
Ep 4, Dandenong Ranges National Park with Shannon
Shannon shares the ins and outs of working as a Park Victoria ranger – teaching people about flora, fanua and the Dandenong Ranges National Park – and caring for the forests of the area.
🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/29/ep-4-dandenong-ranges-national-park-with-shannon/ (https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/29/ep-4-dandenong-ranges-national-park-with-shannon/)
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9 Mar 2026
Ep 3, Birding Adventures with Luca
Go birdwatching through the eyes of young birdwatcher. Luca shares his stories, outdoor adventures and passion for learning about birds and the natural world.
🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/07/3-birdwatching-adventures-with-luca/ (https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/12/07/3-birdwatching-adventures-with-luca/)
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9 Mar 2026
Ep 2, Caring for the forest with Gary
What if protecting a forest started with something as simple as pulling out a weed? Gary Visser works incredibly hard protecting and conserving the Dandenong Ranges - from weeding and planting with the Friends of Hughes Creek Sassafras to managing Our Mountain Home.
🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/11/18/episode-2-caring-for-the-forest-with-gary/ (https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/11/18/episode-2-caring-for-the-forest-with-gary/)
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9 Mar 2026
Ep 1, Helmeted Honeyeaters with Sue
Only 250 stunning Helmeted Honeyeaters remain in the wild - and they need help. Sue Bendel, president of the Friends of the Helmeted Honeyeater, explains the story of the critically endangered Helmeted Honeyeater and the work being done to save them.
🌳 All links here - https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/10/31/episode-1-helmeted-honeyeaters-with-sue/ (https://nextgenhillsnaturalists.org/2025/10/31/episode-1-helmeted-honeyeaters-with-sue/)
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