Tony 'Scooter' Nichols, a familiar name in the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, has spent 24 years caring for the Cradle Mountain-Lake St Clair National Park.
From an early age, Katelyn Nichols grew up listening to her father's stories about life as a field officer. His tales of rescuing wildlife and navigating the rugged terrain of Frenchmans Cap sparked Katelyn's own dream of also working in the Tasmanian wilderness one day.
Katelyn (2), sister Annie (5) and Dad in his PWS uniform
That dream became reality this year when, fresh out of year 12, she accepted a seasonal role as a visitor reception officer at Lake St Clair.
For Katelyn, the job is more than just welcoming walkers - it's a chance to share the park with her dad and create new stories together.
Katelyn said she had always grown up listening to her dad talk about work and what he did. These stories range from the time he rescued an echidna which was stuck in a pipe, to driving around the field centre boundary, and especially the trips up to Frenchmans Cap.
“From cleaning toilets and clearing tracks to being the go-to man for any vehicle or tractor maintenance, my dad's job varies every day," Katelyn said.
Scooter on the job clearing a fallen tree
“Having just recently turned 18 and completing my year 12 studies, I accepted the offer to work in the Visitor Centre in a heartbeat. Ever since I was little, I had dreamed of working for Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service, and this was made even better knowing dad would be there on my first day.
“The best part of my day would have to be when I get to sit down with him to have lunch. Lunch can range from sandwiches to home cooked meals made by dad or mum. No lunchtime is spent quiet - we always have a story for each other to tell and listen to.
“While dad is out in the field and I am in the visitor centre providing information to the keen walkers, we make sure we visit each other when we can.
“Every day I get to work in my dream job and also be with my dad."
Katelyn's first day in the Visitor Centre – October 2025