Potoroo Palace inundated with support after documentary goes national

‘Being Change’, which documents philanthropist Alexandra Seddon’s work at Potoroo Palace, Panboola and Cowsnest, aired on the Compass program on May 6.

Lea Pinker, co-director of Potoroo Palace, said the native animal educational sanctuary had been flooded with donations.

“At least $4000 has been received since it aired,” Ms Pinker said.

“People want to know how they can donate money or make monthly donations.”

Despite the documentary debuting in the South Coast last year to local audiences and receiving great support, Ms Pinker said she had never seen a response to the extent following the national screening.

“It’s been an intense, concentrated flurry,” she said.

“People want to know how they can help. We offer opportunities to volunteer or tell people to publicly share the story about what Potoroo Palace is about.

“We’ve had people from the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia all contacting us.”

Ms Pinker said the “extraordinary” response was also great publicity for the region, as well as the other foundations such as Cowsnest.

“It’s great recognition for Alexandra too in a big way,” Ms Pinker said.

“For so long it’s been her dream to reach far and wide, to show the ethics of what Potoroo Palace is about and what it can achieve.

“It’s heartwarming and nourishing for her and all the staff that her dream is working to preserve the planet and wildlife.”

Donations received will go into the “melting pot” of ideas, particularly with the focus on education. 

The sanctuary might receive a second wave of support after Chris Humfrey’s ‘Animal Extinct’ showcases Potoroo Palace on Pay TV on May 14.

Ms Pinker said the recent media would hopefully have a wider impact beyond the South Coast.

The documentary, by filmmaker Toni Houston, can be viewed at http://iview.abc.net.au/programs/compass/RN1611H010S00