40. SHAUN WARDEN

A Wild Symphony: Shaun Warden's Journey from Music to Wildlife Advocacy Today, I'm thrilled to share the insights and experiences of Shaun Warden, the remarkable founder of the Growing Food for Wildlife Project, a wildlife rehabilitator, citizen scientist, educator, aspiring vet, violinist, and conductor. A Symphony of Skills: Shaun Warden's Multifaceted Life Shaun's journey is a testament to the power of diverse interests converging towards a singular purpose. From his early days mediating disputes among classmates, Shaun recognised his innate leadership abilities. His love for music and historical performance not only led him to become a musician and historian but also shaped his approach to leading community-driven conservation efforts. Nurturing Nature: The Project's Impact and Expansion Throughout our conversation, Shaun shared the project's evolution, from its humble beginnings to its recognition by notable figures like Costa Georgiadis from ABC's Gardening Australia. The project's reach has extended to various sites in Sydney, such as Pennant Hills, Flat Rock Gully in Willoughby, and the Randwick Sustainability Centre, as well as a site within Melbourne city in collaboration with Melbourne University. Overcoming Challenges: The Art of Collaboration Shaun's ability to bring together different organisations and councils, despite initial resistance, underscores the significance of communication and collaboration. He emphasises the need to prioritise wildlife well-being and the role of mentorship in his personal and professional growth. The project's workshops and educational sessions further highlight the collective effort in wildlife conservation. Tech Meets Nature: An App for Conservation In a move to harness technology for environmental good, Shaun discussed the development of an app designed to connect individuals with native plants to wildlife rehabilitators. This innovative tool aims to simplify the process of caring for local wildlife and encourage community participation. The Harmony of Leadership: Conducting Change Drawing parallels between his musical background and his leadership style, Shaun reflected on the importance of trust and empowerment. He shared how gardening for wildlife has the power to unite people and mend relationships, demonstrating the unifying force of shared goals. Life Lessons and Self-Care: The Elastic Band Metaphor Shaun's personal story of learning the importance of balance and boundaries resonated deeply. He likened life to playing with elastic bands, emphasising the need to challenge oneself without overstretching. His experience with burnout and the crucial role his partner played in finding equilibrium offers a powerful message about self-care and living in the moment. Parting Wisdom: Empowerment and Purpose As our conversation drew to a close, Shaun imparted advice for aspiring leaders: listen to the environment, draw inspiration from others, and lead with purpose and heart. His encouragement to set boundaries and focus on self-care is a reminder of the delicate balance required to sustain passion and avoid burnout. For those eager to learn more about Shaun's incredible work, I invite you to visit the Growing Food for Wildlife Project's website at www.growingfoodforwildlifeproject.org. It has been an absolute pleasure to host Shaun Warden on my podcast, and I am honoured to share his story with you. His dedication to wildlife conservation and community engagement is a beacon of hope and a call to action for us all. Let us take a leaf out of Shaun's book and strive to make a positive impact in our own communities, one plant, one animal, and one conversation at a time.