Julie grew up in the bushland of the Blue Mountains in New South Wales, where her love for animals began with a rescued kitten at age two and a childhood spent exploring nature. That early connection with the environment led her to study Environmental Biology and complete a PhD on bird migration.

After working for years in veterinary and zoo settings, Julie moved to Townsville and began volunteering at a wildlife sanctuary - where she met dingoes for the first time. Expecting dog-like behaviour, she was surprised by their independence, intelligence, and sensitivity. That encounter sparked a fascination that would shape the next chapter of her life.

Training dingoes required a new kind of relationship - one built on trust and respect rather than obedience. Over time, she developed deep bonds with them, spending hours outside of work just to be near them. Their behaviour challenged everything she thought she knew about animal training and shifted her perspective on human-animal relationships.

Now working in natural resource management, Julie engages with graziers, traditional owners and policymakers to explore the role dingoes can play in landscape health. She advocates for coexistence strategies and challenges the long-held myth of the “wild dog”, calling for greater recognition of dingoes as native apex predators.

For Julie, dingoes are more than animals - they’re teachers, helping her understand ecology, connection, and what it means to work with nature, not against it.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

Juliette grew up near Kuringai Chase National Park surrounded by animals. She spent childhood days outside climbing trees, watching wallabies, collecting cicadas, and caring for strays she brought home.

She is a creator, artist, author, and all-round joy spreader. Her wonderfully colourful career that includes being a professional clown, a fun manager at a children’s playland, and training other businesses to generate fun.

Her passion for creativity has taken many forms, including painting artworks that have been exhibited across Queensland and teaching art to people with special needs and those on a mental health journey—something very close to her heart.

During lockdown, Juliette and her dog Peggy discovered an abandoned baby magpie named Molly, leading to an extraordinary bond and friendship between different species in her home.

Juliette believes animals are quiet healers and says her animals have taught her about love, kindness, peace, acceptance, and the importance of living in the moment.

These days, she puts her energy into writing and creating content that spreads love, kindness, and positivity. She has appeared on TV many times and connects with a growing community online, who have joined her in celebrating joy, acceptance, and the magic of friendship—especially the beautiful bond between Molly and his two best friends, staffies Peggy and Ruby.

Their book Peggy and Molly, Be Kind, Be Humble, Be Happy, is readily available.

Juliette’s mission? To make people smile, focus on the positive, and maybe even dance a little.

Social Media

https://www.instagram.com/peggyandmolly?igsh=OHh6ZThyczZkc3F2

https://www.facebook.com/peggyandmolly/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61562351700775

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us (Kintsugi Heroes).

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need. This may be Lifeline, AA, a friend, a counsellor, or some other support group.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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Theme Song: "Follow the Sun" by Xavier Rudd

From a young age, Dave dreamed of being a policeman, inspired by early experiences and playing with boxes that he labelled "police."

He joined the Queensland Police in 1989, driven by a desire to make a difference, and soon became a respected officer.

A chance conversation led Dave to the competitive dog squad, where he found his calling and passion for working with police dogs.

Over 26 years, Dave formed strong bonds with dogs like Buddy, Zed, Vader, Axel, and Jet, each with unique traits and abilities.

His career includes stories of tracking offenders, rescuing people in dangerous situations, highlighting the vital role of his canine partners.

Despite tough times and PTSD, his dedication to his dogs and the community helped Dave overcome personal and professional challenges.

Axel, one of Dave's beloved dogs, became a local icon, celebrated with a statue in Cairns, honouring Dave's contributions and his dogs' impact.

*****

We hope that you enjoyed this episode of Animals & Us, produced by Kintsugi Heroes.

Please take care: if you have been triggered by listening to this episode we recommend you get in contact with someone who can help keep you safe and give you the support you need.

If you’d like to share your story on Kintsugi Heroes, please get in touch by contacting us via the website here - https://www.kintsugiheroes.com.au/contact

We hope you continue enjoying the heroes stories!

Warmly,

The Kintsugi Heroes team

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