Barna Mia Nocturnal Wildlife Experience unveils viewing platform funded by $48,000 bequeathed by Judy Kellett

Visitors with disability will be able to enjoy a new viewing platform at a Wheatbelt wildlife centre thanks to the generous donation of an Eastern States woman. Barna Mia Nocturnal Wildlife Experience in Williams unveiled a new viewing platform on November 25 funded by Victorian woman Judy Kellett, who bequeathed $48,000 to the centre. Including Barna Mia, Ms Kellett shared more than $180,000 between Perth Zoo’s numbats, the Save the Bilby Fund and quolls in the Otways in her will when she died in 2020. Two of Ms Kellett’s four children, Paul Kellett and Anne Miller, journeyed from Geelong to Williams for the opening ceremony, and had been involved in the process since Barna Mia received the money in 2022. The viewing platform consists of two wooden decks on either side of the Barna Mia building that leads to the tourist trail and aims to enable visitors who are elderly, disabled, or have trouble walking the track to enjoy the nocturnal wildlife tour. Barna Mia is in the process of setting up viewing stations to optimise the experience for visitors using the platform. Mr Kellett said he and his mother visited Barna Mia for the first time in 2000 ,and about five times after that. Their last visit was last in 2019, nine months before her death. Mr Kellett said he was not surprised his mother donated the money because she was a deeply caring and community-oriented person. “When we walked out to see the viewing platform, I was like ‘oh wow, Mum will be so, so happy’”, he said. “It allows all abilities to come and see the animals up close and get the experience like we had. “It will be so special for them, and special for the park.” Parks and Wildlife Service operations officer and Barna Mia manager Ray McKnight said the team was very grateful for Ms Kellett’s generosity. “It is just fabulous. We were lucky that she gifted us some money,” Mr McKnight said. “Her and her son came over several times, and she absolutely fell in love with the magic of Barna Mia. “There is a plaque made for ‘Mum’ dedicating and thanking her for her love and generosity.” Mr Kellett said the endangered animals inspired his mother to leave money to the wildlife centre. “It is so touching and emotional. How could you not love the little animals?” Mr Kellett said. “It is so beautiful in the dark and quiet. You see them feeding in front of you.” Mr Kellett encouraged others to include Australian wildlife in their wills.