About us

A hundred million years of isolation has made Australia's fauna unique. We harbour some of the most ancient lineages on earth: marsupials, monotremes, reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. Australia's animals hold a treasure trove of secrets from which we can all benefit, and they require careful custodianship and thoughtful approaches towards their conservation.

The Trust

The Native Australian Animal Trust is a way for people who are passionate about Australia’s wildlife and their environments to connect with and support the University of Melbourne’s research, teaching and engagement activities. Philanthropic gifts to the Trust are already funding some of our students and researchers, who are working on a range of important environmental and ecological projects. If you would like to give to the Native Australian Animals Trust, you can do so via the button below, or find out more about giving.

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tim winton

Our Patron

The Patron of the Native Australian Animals Trust is multi award-winning Australian author, Tim Winton. The natural world plays a central role in Tim's work as a novelist and essayist, and he has long been a passionate advocate for the Australian environment. His involvement with the Native Australian Animals Trust reflects that passion.

The encounter between ourselves and the land is a live concern. Elsewhere this story is largely done and dusted, with nature in stumbling retreat, but here our life in nature remains an open question and how we answer it will define not just our culture and politics but our very survival.

The Big Science Pitch

On 1 November 2023, six emerging researchers will compete for a share of $110,000 funding at the Big Science Pitch, funded by the Native Australian Animals Trust.

Find out more