Uni student, charity founder and future wildlife vet Maeve Turner shares her story.
Maeve Turner, 21, grew up in Helensburgh and is now studying wildlife conservation at the University of Sydney. Many residents would know Maeve as the daughter of long-serving Helensburgh Lion Gina Krohn. Last year, Maeve started her own charity, called sayari nyuki.
How did growing up in the Burgh shape you?
It has such a strong sense of community. I remember so many times when the community rallied around to support people in need. I’m sure this influenced my attitude to life and my ‘giving back’ mindset. From age eight, I was involved in many events, such the Lions’ Country Fair and the wonderful Twilight Christmas Market at Sunrise Nursery, where all stall fees went to charities.
I was lucky enough to find a second family in my job at Grima Brothers Fresh Produce. When I was 16, they helped me get to the University of California, Berkeley, both by donating and giving me a chance to work hard to largely pay my own way into the prestigious pre-collegiate program.
For my trip to UC Berkeley, the community rallied around, even those who didn’t know me, to help achieve my first huge dream. Raya Thai held a huge fundraiser and have consistently supported me. They’re also like family, we have known Dede and Irwan for the best part of 20 years.
Helensburgh Public School was also such a community-orientated school, and I remember always being encouraged by all of my teachers there. Bulli High School allowed me to thrive; my teachers weren’t only mentors but also friends, most of whom I still keep in contact with today.
Who has inspired you?
First and foremost, my parents. Both are altruistic, driven, kind and believe that small changes can make the world a better place, values that have been instilled in me and inspired me. My mum has always been so passionate about human and animal rights, the power of education and social justice, and her drive to make a difference has always been a source of inspiration for me. My dad, humble yet laser-focused, whose dedication to issues that affect us all (such as water quality in the catchment) and his constant perseverance in the face of adversity, inspires me everyday. My brothers, Simon and Calum, also help me keep it real!
Other people who have inspired me include Dr Jane Goodall and Sir David Attenborough, Lawrence Anthony and countless others who are constantly working to conserve our natural world.
Gigi Hadid, Angelina Jolie, Ben Stiller, Emma Watson have all used their platform to work to speak up on behalf of others and make vital changes to communities around the world with UNHCR and UNICEF, and other smaller organisations, as did Chadwick Boseman, and the particular characters he played inspired millions.
Sally Sara, Rupi Kaur, Michelle and Barack Obama, Martin Luther King, Ruth Bader-Ginsberg, Malala Yousef are all people whom I admire, and my list could be even longer.
Why are you passionate about helping children in Tanzania?
We are so lucky to live in a country where we have access to free, quality education. I want to be able to provide these children in Arusha with the same. Every child should be able to access education, in a safe and secure environment. Working with Zuma (someone who also inspires me) through Cheti Schools allows this to happen, though it’s hard work and is very challenging.
I see the potential in these children, but without help they can’t access education, simply because of where they were born.
What are your plans?
For sayari nyuki: to expand our projects and to help more people and communities in need. I plan to finish my studies, become a wildlife veterinarian and explore the world. I want to make a difference in the lives of others, and help protect and preserve our natural world and the animals that roam the earth. I want to leave this world a better place.
How can we help?
Equilibrium Healthcare is selling beanies with all profits donated to sayari nyuki and funds used to buy food for the children at Cheti schools. For some, this is the only meal they get a day.
You can buy the beanies from the reception desk, or order online at www.sayarinyuki.org/donate/beanies