The main focus of our project is awareness: awareness on how critical some of Australia’s Native species are heading towards extinction. This is the message we hope to convey to as many people as possible during this project.
“Endangered Species Supporters Australia will endeavour to ensure as many people as possible are aware of the importance of preserving Australian wildlife and the environment.”
Australia’s History as an island-continent means it is home to a large range of unique species.
However, an overlap of human development and animal habitat means many of our creatures have edged closer to extinction.
Beyond the well-known koalas and kangaroos, Australian wildlife is incredibly diverse being home to more than one million species, many of which are only found only on our continent. As per WWF information, over 500 of our wildlife species are at risk of being erased forever, including the greater glider, black-flanked rock-wallaby, regent honeyeater, swift parrot and Australia’s iconic koala.
The conservation of endangered species is important for humans
A well-balanced ecosystem purifies the environment, giving us clean air to breathe, a healthy water system to support diverse marine life, and fertile land for agricultural production.
Endangered Species Supporters Australia is stamping it’s footprint in taking part assisting in conserving endangered species by educating people about the critical importance of Australian wildlife and the environment.
Our project will extend over a five year period covering many parts of Australia from the coastal and inland regions – Darwin, Adelaide, Cairns, Perth, Great Sandy Desert, Simpson Desert and up to the Torres Straits to name a few.
Meet our amazing team.
We’re a talented group of creative individuals interested in art, cinematography, design, music, and all niches in between.
Kevin Hughes BM OAM
Founder of ESSA
Having served in the military within Australia and Overseas, as a Firefighter in Brisbane and a professional pilot worldwide, Kevin’s passion for Australian native animals started in the early 90’s. He held the senior pilot position for the Wirrimanu Aboriginal Community located in Balgo, Western Australia with all aircraft based at Halls Creek. It was there his education of native animals grew along with the passion to assist in bringing awareness to as many people as possible. Kevin then formed the Endangered Species Supporters Australia – ESSA
The Lord Cashman CBE House of Lords London
Ambassador for ESSA
“Having travelled Australia and having an interest in native animals, when approached by Endangered Species Supporters Australia I felt I could assist and support this message from afar. The number of endangered species within Australia is at a critical all time high, so I fully endorse and commend the efforts of this dedicated team during their travels of Australia over the next few years and into the future. I respectfully urge all Australians to show their support by emailing the team.” In February 2020, Lord Cashman published his memoir – One of Them: From Albert Square to Parliament Square.
Steve Morvell
Ambassador for ESSA
Wildlife Artist
Steve Morvell is an international artist dedicated to raising awareness of the beauty and fragility of wildlife and the habitats in which we co-exist. His art has been widely featured through television and radio, including an ABC Wildscreen documentary and in many magazines and Australian Postage Stamps. His deep need to be with animals compels him to study is subjects in the field. His was the first wildlife art ever to be featured in ‘Australian Artist’ magazine.
Steve has his Studio and Art Gallary at 159 Grampians Road, Halls Gap, Victoria, Australia.
Shane Howard AM
Ambassador ESSA
Australian singer/songwriter, guitarist, producer and author.
For 40 years, Shane has established himself as one of Australia’s influential writers and singers. His songs created a new map of Australia. From the red heart, where he penned his anthemic ‘Solid Rock’, to the wilds of Tasmania that gave birth to ‘Let the Franklin Flow’, he’s created a uniquely Australian voice. His songs dig down into what it means to be a modern Australian. They also reach across the globe and champion the cause of the common people, the environment and the injustices of colonisation. ‘Dark Matter’, his 14th solo album released in March 2020, continues to plumb the depths.
Debrena Hughes
Co-Founder of ESSA
Debrena and Kevin have been married 11 years and share a passion for Australian Wild Life. Having spent many childhood years throughout outback Central Queensland, is aware of the harsh conditions in many areas however also has experienced the beauty of outback locations. She has held Management positions in various industries, all of which were dealing with people on a daily basis and has enjoyed her career immensely. Debrena now wishes to assist in bringing valuable knowledge to as many people as possible on a volunteer basis.
Paula Duncan AM
Ambassador for ESSA
Paula studied drama at Australia’s National Institute for Dramatic Art before making a huge impact on Australian TV playing several leading roles in many Australia Films and TV series. Paula states “As an ambassador for Endangered Species Supporters Australia, I am totally committed to supporting this amazing awareness project on endangered species. Part of their project is to inform as many Australians on how they can each help in reducing the increasing number of animal species that are close to extinction. Their work over the next 5 years is a credit to their dedication and unselfishness as caring Australians. Paula Duncan – Ambassador for Endangered Species Supports Australia”
Prof Peter Stilburn AM
Ambassador for ESSA
Prof Silburn is a Neurologist with a special interest in neurodegenerative disorders of the brain, in particular Parkinson’s disease, related disorders, movement disorders in general and innovative therapies including neurosurgery. He is a member of the National Health and Medical Research Council Expert Advisory Committee on Stem Cells and has academic affiliations with Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland. Professor Stilburn is a founding member and lead clinician for the Asia-Pacific Centre for Neuromodulation, a joint initiative between The University of Queensland and St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital.
Val Lehman AM
Ambassador for ESSA
Val Lehman is an Australian actress and director, best know for her role as the protagonist “Top Dog” and self-styled Queen Bea Smith in the highly successful Australian television series, Prisoner. She also made appearances in the following: All Saints, Flying Doctors, Blue Heelers and Charlie & Boots. More recently, Val was in the Australian version of “I’m a celebrity, get me out of here”.
Being a strong supporter of Australian wild life, she is also a Global Ambassador of Australia Zoo and a regular contributor to the Australian Conservation Foundation.
Tehree Gordon OAM
Ambassador for ESSA
Tehree Gordon is an Australian volunteer who has been working with animals since the 1950’s. In 1975 Tehree and her husband Hamish, established the Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary at Barwon Heads in Victoria which became the first koala sanctuary in the state. Tehree also owns the Chewton Dingo Farm at Castlemaine located in rural Victoria. Tehree is a true Australian, a person with a never die attitude. Her motto is “respect for the environment and community”. Her awards include The Centenary Medal (2001), Senior Australian of the Year (2004), Pride of Australia Award (2012), Lifetime Achievement Award from Volunteering Victoria (2012), Meal of the Order of Australia (2019).
Peter FitzSimons AM
Ambassador ESSA
Peter was born on a farm in the Central Coast of NSW and attended Knox Grammar School in Sydney before accepting a scholarship in Ohio. He then completed an arts degree majoring in government and political science and went on to play for the Australian Wallaby’s Ruby Team in 1984. He is one of Australia’s prolific authors and most sort after public speaker. Peter was named a member of the Order of Australia for service to literature as a biographer, sports journalist, commentator and services to the community. Peter is an avid supporter of conservation and wildlife.
Our project will extend over a 5 year period covering many parts of Australia
From the coastal and inland regions – Darwin, Adelaide, Cairns, Perth, Great Sandy Desert, Simpson Desert and up to the Torres Straits to name a few, the main focus of our project is awareness: awareness on how critical some of Australia’s species are heading towards extinction. This is the message we hope to convey to as many people as possible.
We will meet with aboriginal people from various communities who will take us to many locations to capture photos of some of our most endangered species. There will also be meetings with property owners, newspapers, televisions stations and council representatives.
