Conservation, Culture & Connection
| Wednesday, March 18, 2026 |
| 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary |
Overview
Experience a Traditional Welcome to Country by the Yugambeh people, acknowledging the deep cultural and spiritual connection to land and sea, before going behind the scenes at Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary to see world-leading wildlife care, research, and conservation in action. Hear insights from the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital on frontline efforts to protect threatened species and advance environmental innovation, then join a facilitated conversation on how cultural heritage, conservation, and community wellbeing intersect, illuminating how the Gold Coast connects sustainability with identity.
Speaker
Travis Couch
General Manager
General Manager of Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary and Hospital
Conservation, Culture & Connection
Biography
With a career spanning more than 20 years in tourism, sport, and entertainment, Travis has held senior leadership roles at world-renowned attractions and events. He brings extensive experience in operational management, strategic planning, and delivering exceptional visitor experiences across high-profile tourism and entertainment venues
Possessing extensive experience in customer experience, community engagement, stakeholder relations, and strategy, Travis is committed to leading the talented Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary team through this exciting phase of development.
Anthony Molyneux
Head of Life Sciences & Conservation
National Trust Queensland
Conservation, Culture & Connection
10:00 AM - 12:00 PMBiography
Anthony brings over 30 years of experience in the zoological industry, beginning his career at Currumbin Bird Sanctuary in 1992. He has developed a deep passion for environmental stewardship and connecting people with native wildlife.
Driven by his commitment to conservation, Anthony focuses on caring for habitats and educating the public about the importance of protecting native species from extinction.
Dr Michael Pyne
Senior Veterinarian & General Manager
Currumbin Wildlife Hospita
Conservation, Culture & Connection
10:00 AM - 12:00 PMBiography
Dr Pyne started at the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital in 2000 and has dedicated the past 20 years to protecting Australian native wildlife. In 2019, Dr Pyne won the City of Gold Coast Australia Day Environmental Achievement Award.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital is one of the busiest wildlife hospitals in the world, admitting almost 14,000 wildlife animals per year – a service that is provided free of charge to the community. Led by Dr Pyne, his team work tirelessly to treat sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife for release back into the wild.
Dr Pyne is leading the way in urgent koala research and working hard to prevent the imminent localised extinction of the koala. Dr Pyne has been treating koalas for more than twenty years and believes prevention is better than cure. His vision is that through Community education and vital research projects, less animals will require hospitalisation and there will be a brighter future for our native wildlife.