Page 87 - Port Douglas Magazine 35

“It is an unbelievable and unique environment at the
Habitat, I love the diversity and challenges of working

with both humans and animals,”

Clare Anderson

Between squawks of cheeky cockatoos within the lush haven of the nature
park I sit with the affable Clare Anderson, general manager for Wildlife
Habitat Port Douglas. As we chat, I am reminded of what Gandhi once said:
“We need to be the change that we wish to see in the world.” Within mere virtues she holds today. “To have a strong but warm soul in a father that
moments of meeting Clare, it is evident that she is a strong inspirational gives their time is an incredible role model for a child.”
leader who strives to make positive differences all around her in the world we It’s been 22 years since she first called the Douglas Shire home. She has been
share, and for future generations to be able to appreciate the same magical loyal to the Wildlife Habitat from day one, working her way up the ranks
wonders as we do now. and bringing an eco-conscious approach to the park as she achieved many
Fresh from university, Clare set out to make environmental waves across personal and professional milestones. Clare is the essence of ‘if you love
the country, leaving her home in the Yarra Valley with an ecotourism what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.’ Acting as a Swiss Army
qualification in hand to experience the marvels of Australia. knife for the Habitat she has given it all a red-hot go, from tour guide to
Her travels came to a halt as her passion to change the world progressed to wildlife handler, sales, and management. “It is an unbelievable and unique
the Douglas Shire where there was a brighter shade of green with the growth environment at the Habitat, I love the diversity and challenges of working
of eco-tourism. This was a place she felt she could champion with her skills with both humans and animals,” she said.
and desire. Proud of her community, she admires the balance of tropical, wilderness, and
It was evident when she arrived in the area that there was a greener vision luxury in the region, how each one seamlessly complements the other.
for the future that the Douglas Shire was working towards, eco-tourism was When the pitter-patter of tiny footsteps was blessed upon her there was
in its infancy and the council had been a pioneer in ensuring eco-accredited never going to be anywhere else where she and her partner Murray were
status for the Douglas Shire, an ethos in line with Clare’s own. going to raise their young children.
“With two acknowledged world heritage areas along with tourism being Now on adventures with their children, Clare is loving re-visiting the world
massive in the region. Having attractions and operators who put an through her little ones’ eyes, the beach and forest full of purer wonder, new
emphasis on reducing the impact of tourism on the environment through curiosity and a timely reminder of all the wholesome beauty we so often
sustainable practices while still upholding the benefits of sought-after nature- overlook. An innocent appreciation for the region that feeds her soul and
based experiences is amazing, and to have this lead by the shire is highly that love for the life that she has shaped a million times. But also the perfect
important,” Clare jubilantly pointed out. antidote to any tough day. “When my kids launch into my arms, and I
Her childhood was spent among a medley of plants, a kaleidoscope of see the delight and excitement in their little faces it makes an incredible
colours and perfumes in her parents’ nursery. The grass never grew under difference.” We were created to love and to be loved.
her feet. She was always on the move looking for the next adventure on Clare has been able to craft a beautiful lifestyle in what she would call one
horseback or building cubbies, however, the fun was always intermittent as the most amazing places in the world to visit and raise a family. Maintaining
the ongoing responsibility to change dreaded sprinklers around constantly her vision of a healthy work and life balance is a top priority as she loves her
bellowed, kids just wanna have fun, right! family, friends, and community as well as her career … could you really have
Little did she know that it was those little responsibilities along with wise it all? Maybe in Port Douglas.
words and patient teachings from her dad that would instil many of the

PORT DOUGLAS MAGAZINE 89