Lilydale High School (LHS) Year 9 students have been putting their creativity and sewing skills to good use, led by Marie Hovanjec, the class created beautiful pouches for orphaned wildlife.
As part of their Fabrics for Fauna subject, the students donated over 40 joey pouches to the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter, helping to keep rescued animals warm and comfortable.
The Fabrics for Fauna initiative is part of the school’s Community Time elective, a subject that encourages students to use their talents to support local wildlife and animal shelters.
The project was inspired by LHS teachers, including Amanda Mortel, a passionate animal lover, and Ms Hovanjec, who recognised the growing need to help displaced and injured wildlife.
The students have worked with donated materials, such as bed linen, blankets, and fleece, to craft a variety of items including pouches, jumpers, and enrichment toys for animals in need.
Ms Hovanjec said the initiative has been running for three years, with students creating essential items for shelters that care for injured or orphaned wildlife, including joeys, wombats, and kangaroos.
“The class of 2024 made these pouches,” she said.
“We’ve been able to donate over 40 pouches to the shelter, and there are more being completed.”
The donations don’t stop at pouches. In addition to the wildlife support, the students have also created enrichment toys for domestic animals, like snuffle balls for rabbits and dogs, which were donated to Animal Aid in Coldstream.
These creations have been part of broader fundraising efforts, with more than 50 products – including beaded bracelets, scrunchies, and pet bandanas – being made by the class of 2025.
For the students, the project provides an opportunity to develop practical skills while contributing to a meaningful cause.
“It gives the students the chance to increase their confidence, develop leadership skills, and take pride in their work,” Ms Hovanjec said.
“They love animals, and they walk out of the classroom feeling like they’ve made a real difference.”
The initiative not only teaches sewing and artistic skills but also instills a deeper sense of responsibility and community engagement.
The students have seen the impact of their work firsthand, and Ms Hovanjec said the project has encouraged them to look beyond themselves.
“It helps them realise how they can enrich the wider community with their actions,” she said.
The founder and long-time volunteer at the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter, Carol Seeger expressed her gratitude for the school’s support.
“A big thank you to Lilydale High School for these beautifully made joey pouches,” she said.
“All wildlife carers are inundated with kangaroos and wombats due to the amount of roadkill. This has been the worst year we’ve experienced. The wildlife is being displaced by the large amount of development going on, and sadly, our government seems to have little sympathy for it.”
Ms Seeger’s dedication to wildlife care is clear, but she also highlighted the tough reality that wildlife carers face.
“My washing machine runs all day, and the clothesline is always full. We go through a lot of pouches to replace the dirty ones,” she said.
The shelter is grateful for the continued support from the community, especially as they deal with the aftermath of road accidents and the growing demand for pouches.
Ms Seeger also shared the emotional toll of the work, depicting a recent incident where a joey tragically died after being left in its mother’s pouch.
“A driver didn’t phone in the rescue, and the little joey froze to death, please, slow down on the roads and check for pouches,” she said.
The Fabrics for Fauna program at Lilydale High School is just one example of how local communities can come together to make a real difference for wildlife.
The students and staff involved have shown that even small actions, like sewing a pouch can have a significant impact on animals in need.
The students are preparing for a fundraising event in collaboration with the Year 9 Community Time Cafe class.
Their hard work and dedication are helping to raise awareness and support for local wildlife shelters, and proving that community spirit is alive and well at Lilydale High School.
“We are so grateful for the tireless efforts of everyone involved,” Ms Hovanjec said.
“Thank you to the students, staff, and families for their selflessness and commitment to this cause. You are truly making a difference.”
