Our Hunter Heroes: Explore cohort take bounds towards their future goals

The Hunter Valley region in NSW is home to more than fantastic wine and beautiful views - it’s also home to our ‘wonder-fur-l' HPHH community. HPHH Hunter is a tight-knit group filled with like-minded people passionate about animals. Filled with funny characters like Cheryl – who recently appeared on ABC Radio Newcastle to talk about HPHH – it's a place of fun for humans and animals alike.

Many of our participants have been with us since the beginning, while others joined a little later. Whether they’re OGs or have been with us for just a few months, they all have incredibly kind hearts and support each other beautifully on their journeys with HPHH.

Led by our incredible Team Leader, Nina Waterton, the HPHH crew in Hunter has achieved some truly ‘paw-some’ things since opening just four years ago. Most recently, HPHH Hunter launched our Explore program with the help of the mobile classroom parked at Hunter Valley Animal Facility and Rehoming Centre (HVAFARC).

Explore is made for participants ready to take the next steps into volunteering, work, or further study in the animal care industry and beyond. Our participants learn employment skills and gain confidence to enter the next phase of their lives. With animals at the core of this program, participants are guided by our Program Trainers and rescue animals in a way that is familiar and fun for them.

A select few participants were invited to join the first cohort of this exclusive program, including Jax, Dylan, Steph and Gabby. We are elated to share that all four participants celebrated their graduation in June 2023.

Steph jumped the gun and graduated early, securing her dream job in the animal care industry.

Dog whisperer Dylan is completing his work placement at Barkers in Balance, and he’s doing amazingly well and loving the role. He attended a private consultation with a very anxious dog that didn’t want to be around anyone, human or animal. When the two met, they had an instant connection, and Dylan was able to teach a hand target or “touch” cue. Dylan is well on his way to working in the animal care industry just like he dreamed – he's a natural.

Jax recently filled out his paperwork to start volunteering at Maitland Animal Management Facility (MAMF). He completed his work placement at Purple Pear Farm and smashed it out of the park. He has also started an online Etsy business making leather dog collars and it is thriving. Having ticked off goals like making marketing flyers, setting up an Instagram account and setting up an email address – morecraftdesigns@gmail.com.

Gabby has achieved so much and achieved many of her goals. She completed a 6-week mechanical work experience stint at Cherry’s Automotive. Instead of just doing the required 3-hour shift, Gabby has been working the whole day. Cherry’s Automotive said she has taken to the job ‘very naturally’. Gabby also plays the drums and with her newfound confidence stepped into the limelight and featured in an ad for The Benevolent Society.To learn more about our ‘fur-bulous’ Explore graduates at HPHH Hunter, check out the slideshow the team put together celebrating their graduation here.