Parks launches probe over West Arnhem Regional Council CEO Jessie Schaecken’s foal rescue

What was intended as an act of humanity has ruffled feathers among those familiar with a troubled regional council, with Parks Australia confirming it has launched an investigation.

Rescued foal Imijimi is said to be ‘thriving’ in her new home. Picture: Kakadu Air

A regional Top End council has issued a full-throated defence of its chief executive after Parks Australia launched an investigation into allegations she brought a wild foal into Jabiru without a permit.

Sources with knowledge of the matter said acting West Arnhem Regional Council chief executive Jessie Schaecken rescued the filly after it was attacked by dogs at Warruwi on South Goulburn Island in December.

They claim Ms Schaecken sedated the horse, since named Imijimi, and transported it back to her rural property outside Darwin via Jabiru where the WARC head office is located.

In response to questions about whether it was investigating any permit or environmental regulation noncompliance, a Parks Australia spokeswoman said: “Kakadu National Park has been notified of this incident and is currently investigating.”

The insiders also questioned whether the use of council vehicles and staff to “babysit” Imijimi during her journey was in breach of its CEO code of conduct.

“The CEO must not utilise council equipment, or the skills or working time of council employees, for personal benefit,” the policy reads.

But in a statement on behalf of the council and mayor Matthew Ryan, WARC issued a full-throated defence of Ms Schaecken’s conduct and vehemently denied any policies were breached.

Kakadu Air’s Owen Agius-Mikin with Imijimi on her journey to her new home. Picture: Kakadu Air

“We can confirm there was a foal relocated with full traditional owner approval, no council policies were breached, any use of council resources were approved and there was no use of council funds,” it reads.

The council said “the many hats our staff wear” were “invaluable and honourable”.

“Life on Warruwi is often dropping what you’re doing to ensure safety, to put out fires, to chip in and unload the barge, to drive the elderly to the clinic, to pick up injured wildlife and hosting community brekkie at picnic point,” it said.

“When the traditional owners supported the on-island efforts to save an injured, disowned foal, the decision was made she could not remain on the island due to the ongoing risks an acclimated human friendly horse in town would bring.

“Mrs Schaecken came forward to personally fund the relocation, council supported the efforts because this is what the community wanted and supported and this is what regional councils do.

“Council firmly agrees that the minimal support from staff and vehicle use was acceptable.

“Council views that this was not for the personal gain of anyone, this was a good deed, this saved a life.

“This foal will be considered in Warruwi and by council as the foal that got a second chance.”

Ms Schaecken declined to comment.

Originally published as Parks launches probe over West Arnhem Regional Council CEO Jessie Schaecken’s foal rescue