With the buzz about the pending arrival of the crew filming the latest Liam Neeson movie on the nearby Calder Highway, Red Box Wildlife Shelter operator Nikki Medwell contacted the crew and asked if they had considered the local wildlife?
With car chases and high-speed action anticipated and an increase in traffic in the region, the local shelter operator was concerned about the potential impact on local wildlife.
With that question posed, film and TV location manager Bret Salinger wasted no time visiting the Elphinstone shelter to discuss how they could help our local wildlife.
Nikki said that on top of general discussions with input from another local shelter operator Sam, Bret walked away with 200 free Wildlife Assistance Kits, which were to be handed to every extra, production team, traffic controller and everyone in between on the day filming began.
“Therefore, if they came across a wounded or orphaned animal they would have basic help at their fingertips,” Nikki said.
“Bret arrived at bottle time so was promptly handed a bottle and little joey Remy to feed. We never pass up a helping hand!” the local wildlife carer said.
Nikki said they were relieved that their concerns around filming in the area were taken seriously.
“We were pleased to see that they also installed ‘Wildlife Area’ signage in the proximity of the shelter to avoid vehicles connected with the filming from passing by the shelter, and therefore minimising the threat to the local mob,” she said.
You can pick up one of these free Wildlife Assistance Kits made by Jo, Nikki and fellow Red Box Wildlife Shelter volunteers from the Castlemaine Mail/Midland Express office at 13 Hargraves Street, Castlemaine. The kits include instructions on what to do if you come across an injured animal.
Film and TV location manager Bret Salinger is pictured with Red Box Wildlife Shelter’s Nikki Medwell and one of the free Wildlife Assistance Kits. 
The crew put up signage near the shelter to limit movement to local traffic.
