Testimonials

People participating in Living with Wildlife courses have been affected in many ways:

• Being taken beyond their perceived limits
• Developing self confidence
• Correcting misinformation
• Replacing fear with knowledge
• Feeling enlightened
• Gaining team confidence
• Putting fear into perspective
• Understanding snake behaviour
• Changing their attitude
• Increasing respect
• Team building and reliance

The following quotes taken from participants' feedback sheets illustrate the impact courses have had:

"The content and methodology has taken the group (catering for individuals) from controlled apprehension to observable self-confidence, but not over-confidence."
New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry, and Department of Conservation

"Real eye-opener to how much misinformation exists. Very informative and confidence inspiring,"
Warringine Park

"One of the best run and most interesting courses I have done in 25 years of NPWS employment."
National Parks & Wildlife SA

"Good rapport between participants and yourself. The atmosphere was lighthearted without trivialising the content of the course."

"I was encouraged by Geoff's appreciation of the possible fears of participants and the way in which we were able to overcome them."

"An excellent course which developed a high level of confidence in dealing with snakes physically, far exceeded my expectations. Highly recommended."
Western Australian Department of Conservation & Land Management

"Geoff, you take in the perceived abilities of the enrollees and have developed a package suited to all who come into contact with these venomous Australians."

"Excellent course. Far better than I expected. Good practicals and situations."
National Aquarium/National Botanic Gardens, National Aquarium & Wildlife Sanctuary Canberra

"Your calm and quiet confident approach created a (safe) learning environment which I think everyone benefited from. Your knowledge and experience with the course content and structure constantly kept me interested."
Australian Capital Territory Parks & Conservation Service

"The improved understanding of potential snake behaviour has instilled team confidence. One member of the team believes that his life-time fear of snakes has been put in perspective as respect rather than fear."
Torrens Island Power Station

"All were impressed by the depth of your knowledge and your ability to relay some quite complex information in an interesting and enjoyable manner."

"After attending one of your courses three years ago at Jervis Bay National Park I realized that you had the ability to change peoples' attitudes and beliefs when it comes to fear of snakes. I was heartened to see that attitudes changed to the point where the participants actually felt an empathy for snakes."
Bookmark Biosphere Reserve

"It was highly educational, insightful and enlightening - would be good for all Australians. Your approach to overcoming people's anxieties worked very well."
Australian Capital Territory Parks & Conservation Service

"I now have a new respect for snakes. Thank you for building my confidence to work with venomous snakes when required in my work."
Department of Environment & Conservation, WA

"Thoroughly enjoyed the course, the pace and content of the course was pitched just right. Breaking down the misconceptions surrounding snakes was a vital part for me. Would not change a thing."
New Zealand Ministry of Agriculture & Forestry

"The presenters always had our safety in mind. This was the most amazing course I have ever attended. I have a greater respect for snakes. The course was also fantastic for my personal development as I successfully achieved things that initially scared me".
Department for Environment & Heritage, SA

"Absolutely brilliant. I'll be back for more."
Public Course, Mt Barker, SA

"I attended this course with a great fear of snakes. While I still fear them I have a lot better understanding of their ways and habits and a lot more respect. An excellent course."
BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance, QLD

"Initially I thought that 3 days would be too long but in reality it is possibly not long enough to cover other aspects that interests me - such as advanced techniques of restraint."
Hamilton Island Resort, QLD

"The end result was a course that provided wonderful material that will be extremely useful in my job - allowing me to perform my duties with a greater awareness and with confidence and safety".
Queensland Parks & Wildlife Service

"This course and the trainers in particular helped me to gain enormous confidence in handling snakes due to their safety first approach and clear explanation of risks. I have a new respect for snakes".
Hardy Wines, SA

"I particularly enjoyed the challenging aspects to the course. Great introduction to handling and would like to attend a more comprehensive course. Big confidence builder".
Energy Resources of Australia, NT

"Snake awareness seminar was an excellent knowledge sharing about the snakes found around the world as well as Pakistan".
BHP Billiton, Zamzama Gas Field, Pakistan

"Well structured and thought course. It must be made available to the other 90% of staff who do snake calls".
Department of Environment & Heritage, QLD