29/01/2026
A platypus rescued while wandering down the main street of Marian on Australia Day certainly sounds like the start of a 'bonza' joke, but rescuing native wildlife is no laughing matter for Professor Alison Pighills.
“It was likely picked out of the Pioneer River by a bird of prey who found it too heavy and dropped it in the middle of downtown Marian,” she said.
“Fortunately, it had no injuries, so we released it as soon as possible after assessing it.”
Professor Pighills’ passion, dedication and achievements extend far beyond her work as a Principal Research Fellow with Mackay Hospital and Health Service (HHS). She has built an impressive academic career around helping people stay safely on their feet, but her other passion is firmly grounded in protecting Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife.
It is this rare blend of science and compassion that has earned her a local honour recognising a commitment to care that reaches far beyond the pages of research journals.
On January 25, Professor Pighills was presented with an Environmental Achievement Award by Mackay Regional Council, one of six Australia Day awards celebrating people who make the region stronger, kinder and more connected.
A leader in wildlife rehabilitation, Alison has spent nearly a decade caring for injured and orphaned native animals on her Mount Jukes property.
As treasurer and koala coordinator for Fauna Rescue Whitsundays, she has helped raise and release hundreds of animals and recently established a purpose-built koala and wildlife rehabilitation facility — a sanctuary that will support the region’s wildlife for years to come.
Alison’s dedication to animal rehabilitation is matched by her commitment to improving human health. Alongside her role at Mackay HHS, she is also an Adjunct Professor at James Cook University, where she has spent years researching falls prevention.
She describes wildlife rescue and rehabilitation as “my passion and my life”.
“These beautiful creatures give me back far more than anything I could ever give them,” she said.
“How anyone could ever drive past an injured native animal is beyond me. I adore my job, but I can't wait to retire because I have another full-time job waiting in the wings for me to be able to give my all to it!”
Alison said she was honoured and humbled to receive the Mackay Regional Council 2026 Environmental Achievement Award.
“There are so many amazing individuals in our community battling daily to preserve our beautiful local flora and fauna, so it's a shame to have to single out any individual when there are so many worthy recipients,” she said.
As she continues her work, Dr Pighills is urging the community to get involved by volunteering, donating, or simply being vigilant around wildlife.
“It’s about creating a future where our wildlife has a fighting chance,” she said.
To report injured or orphaned wildlife, or to learn how you can help, contact Fauna Rescue Whitsundays’ 24-hour hotline on 4947 3389 or visit www.frw.org.au
Congratulations on this well-deserved award and another fantastic achievement, Professor Pighills!
