RUSHWORTH P-12 College students had the opportunity this week to learn firsthand about sustainable hunting and conservation from two special guests — Lucas Cooke, CEO of Field & Game Australia, and Robbie Kroger, founder of The Origin Foundation, a podcast dedicated to wildlife conservation and ethical hunting.
The visit began at the Field & Game where Lucas and Robbie spoke to students about their work and the often-overlooked environmental benefits of responsible hunting. They discussed how conservation efforts are supported through habitat management, education, and community involvement.
After the presentation, the pair joined the H.O.P.E. (Hands-On Practical Education) students and Rushworth Field and Game members to inspect nesting boxes that had been built and installed earlier in the year as part of a collaborative conservation project. The inspection proved successful, with students discovering a ringtail possum and two baby galahs making use of the boxes along with eastern rosella eggs. Robbie was in Australia to do various Expos and engagements and said he had been following the projects and added our normal Wednesday morning working bee to his schedule.
The day concluded with a visit to the Rushworth wetlands, where Robbie recorded an episode of his podcast with Graeme Wall, discussing trends in local hunting participation and celebrating the environmental successes achieved in the region.
The event highlighted the ongoing partnership between Field & Game Australia and Rushworth P-12 College, reinforcing the value of practical environmental education and community-driven conservation initiatives.
After Lunch Robbie and Lucas accompanied some Field and Game members to the Corop wetlands discussing land and water management. It was particularly interesting comparing American and international strategies with Australian issues.
