Her book, Charley Goes Out, will be launched at Candelo Books in Bega on Saturday, April 7, from 12pm.

“Where I live I am privileged to see many native animals moving about freely in their natural environment, but road kill and the nocturnal activities of animals not native to our forests, or domestic animals out for some fun tells another story,” she said.

The 59-year-old hopes the book will be educational to both children and also parents.

“It [the inspiration] was simply the concept of creating a voice from the forest that could speak to children and adults in a way that they might listen, and learn, and think about how life is for the native animal,” Ms Gordon said.

“I hope children grow up to be more responsible adults, who are aware of our native animals, and unaware adults will be hopefully encouraged to be more responsible on the roads, and in the forest.

“The question is, how do we teach people to be aware? and to care for our natural resources and our native animals? because we aren’t good listeners.”

Ms Gordon is “excited’ to be launching her debut book this weekend, as it has been years in the making.

“It has been four years in the creative process,” she said.

More books are in the workings, with Charley the echidna making a regular appearance, with all inspired by the natural environment around her.

“Hopefully, we will start listening to Charley the cheeky echidna as he moves through our forests meeting different animals, and hearing their stories trying to help,” she said.

“We too might stop, and listen, and think how we can help.”

“I have three more books waiting to be illustrated, all about local stories,” she said.

Another inspiration is the recent sighting of a koala at Wapengo.

A lost koala called Brian, whose “favourite food source was cut down, and in foraging for food becomes stranded”.

“Fortunately for Brian he was found by some kind two-legged strangers who saved him,” she said.