Neveah's courageous heart in overcoming her fears

At RSPCA Mackay, participants often work with a variety of small pets—including rats—as part of animal care and enrichment activities.

While some participants are eager, others, like Neveah, can be fearful.

Neveah is a current participant attending HPHH Mackay with Mackay State High School, thanks to generous funding from St George Foundation.

When Neveah started with HPHH, she openly shared her long-term fear of rats. Over time, and with support from her Program Trainer and peers, Neveah set a personal goal to gradually overcome her fear. With patience and encouragement, she has not only built confidence around the animals—but recently took it a step further by creating a mini "rat care course" and leading the training sessions with the group. She now courageously handles the rats in session.

Neveah’s growth is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most unexpected goals lead to the biggest breakthrough and meaningful moments.

Neveah with her rat obstacle course