15/03/2026
Vale June Butcher AM
A true West Australian gem.
I am deeply saddened to post this. June was a real inspiration to me. As a young vet running the tiny Hilltop Vet Clinic in Kalamunda I met her and helped out with advice, supplies and medications. While I'd always been a bit of a tree hugger - it was June that made me realise that a vet was able to do so much more than just help pets. After I had retired from sole practice (ie had burnt myself out) and launched into Internet pioneer stuff, she pulled me back, encouraging me to volunteer as a treatment supervisor back when Kanyana was a sprawling collection of tin sheds across their Gooseberry Hill property. That progressed to a Masters in Veterinary Conservation - again at June's enthusiasm and encouragement - and now Animal Happiness provides pharmaceutical supplies, advice and oversight.
Her work, progressing from treating that first injured galah, to establishing a vital endangered bilby breeding colony, to managing and orchestrating the immense task of kitting out and moving into Paxwold to continue the work, bigger and better, is an amazing legacy when you look at it. Kanyana Wildlife now treats thousands of animals a year and has been instrumental in a whole range of crucial wildlife research and rehabilitation.
Thank you June - for everything.
I will miss you very much.
