Helen Velden is a dedicated volunteer who provides high quality shelter and rehabilitation for Australian native animals who need help. Her animals may come from anywhere in the local region and sometimes up to about 100 kilometres (60 miles) away.

Helen is a Member of Wildlife Victoria Inc, the East Gippsland Wildlife Shelter Groups Inc, the Victorian Wildlife Council working party, Zoo Peru Inc and Australian Volunteer Coast Guard. She has a Snake Authority Licence - a licenced snake catcher so she can relocate them for their own safety and and to remove them from unsuitable habitat where they may threaten people and their pets.

Helen has been caring for Australian wildlife for more than 25 years since well before there were any carer networks and the combined knowledge that has developed over recent years. She has been specialising in wombats for nearly 10 years.

Cape Conran Wildlife Shelter was set up in 1998 and Helen continues to be involved in learning as much as possible about Australia's wildlife including attending training such as "Australian Seabird Rescue" with Lance Ferris, "Cetaceans Strandings" (dolphins & whales) wih Verne Dove. She has been a WildLine operator on the roster for 24 hour wildlife emergencies - phone 0500 540 000. Helen also shares her experiences to help build awareness and educate primary school children about "wildlife rescue".

In 2002 Helen and the Shelter were featured in a BBC documentary - "Extreme Animals" at the recommendation of Barbara Triggs, author of the "Common Wombat". A film crew of 6 visited and filmed for 3 1/2 days. The series was called "Deep" and was about the Common Wombat - deep under the ground. Steve Leonard, a Vet in England was the presenter.