The calendar features 13 animals from wombats, penguins and goannas to sugargliders, frogs and native birds.

An author of 132 books, including the multi-award winning Diary of a Wombat, Ms French is a patron of her local Wildcare organisation and a The Wombat Foundation patron, which raises funds for research into the preservation of the endangered northern hairy nosed wombat.

“I have had the privilege of watching, writing about and appeasing 48 wombats over the past two decades, amongst a variety of other animals,” she said.

“I know many WIRES FSE volunteers who have helped to rescue wombats in the local area would appreciate the characters of these wonderful, but very demanding animals.”

She congratulated the volunteers for their efforts to help protect native wildlife and urged the local community to support WIRES FSE by purchasing a calendar.

WIRES FSE chairperson Janine Green said the calendars would be the major fundraising initiative for the group this year, and the funds raised would go towards critical supplies and support for native animals.

“Each year the food bill alone for our rescued animals, including special supplements for babies, is around $12,000,” she said.

“The South Coast community has always been a great supporter of WIRES FSE, from members of the public calling to let us know about injured or orphaned wildlife, to the amazing sponsors of our calendar and other fund-raising events.”

Volunteers rescue, rehabilitate and release about 1500 sick, injured displaced or orphaned wildlife in a region which spreads from Bombala and Bermagui, to the Victorian border.

Calendars are available from Pambula and Community

Bank, Booktique, Merimbula Newsagency, Cartridge World and Tathra Chemist. They can also be obtained by calling 6495 4150. The cost is $15.