Wildlife ARC volunteer Debra Maksimovic celebrates 30 years

HER car smells like fish, but she doesn’t care — such is this Wildlife Arc volunteer’s Debra Maksimovic’s 30 year devotion to the famous pelicans of The Entrance.

Debra Maksim has been a Wildlife ARC volunteer for 30 years. She is pictured at The Entrance daily pelican feeding show. Picture: Sue Graham

WELL KNOWN pelican One Wing has been an identity at The Entrance for the past 30 years — and so has Wildlife ARC volunteer Debra Maksimovic.

Ms Maksimovic is celebrating 30 years with the organisation that looks after orphaned, sick and injured native animals in the Central Coast region.

She joined in 1987, when she heard the late Gwen Parry-Jones on the radio talking about starting a wildlife group.

“I telephoned the number that she gave out and joined straight away,” she said.

One Wing had a different experience with Wildlife ARC, needing to be rescued after injuring his wing.

Ms Parry Jones rescued the pelican which had its wing amputated. It was released at The Entrance and still returns regularly for feeding time.

Ms Maksim’s fish-smelling car comes in handy when pulled over by police. Picture: Sue Graham

Ms Maksimovic carries out The Entrance Pelican Feed daily at 3.30pm. She is the head carer of the seabird section for Wildlife ARC.

“The Central Coast has a lot of waterways all of which are teaming with wildlife,” she said.

“I love being part of the ARC because you can make a difference in your community, as well as meeting other nice, friendly people who also care about our animals and wildlife.

“Occasionally you may get to meet some famous people and visitors to the area, but mostly treasured memories are made from the funny things that happen with local people and fisherman during rescues.”

She recalls rescuing a pelican tangled in fishing line from a motorboat, and being towed back to shore with a rope before realising her car keys were at the bottom of Chittaway Bay.

Ms Maksimovic at the pelican feeding back in 2003. Picture: Rohan Kelly

She also remembers being pulled over by the police for a seatbelt check and the officer quickly telling her to move on due to the strong fish stench in her car.

“My poor old car still makes its way very slowly and carefully to the feed every day and will probably always smell like the ocean and fish until I am able to secure a more reliable and practical one,” she said.

Ms Maksimovic is grateful to all of the carers and helpers at Wildlife ARC, the Coast community, The Entrance Town Management, Marine Rescue, KV Seafood and Casanova Seafood.

“I look back over the last 30 years with great fondness and many memories,” she said.

For more information visit www.wildlife-arc.org.au