Roshana Van der Wall's workspace is typical of many taxidermists.

There is a jar of glass eyes, a scalpel and a sharp objects bin, along with a pot of fine-tip paintbrushes on her desk.

A taxidermied mynah bird perched on a teacup sits nearby too.

It was a primary school museum excursion decades ago that piqued Ms Van der Wall's interest.

The experience even made her consider getting her cat taxidermied upon its death.

Years later when her cat did pass on, Ms Van der Wall did not have the resources to taxidermy her pet — so following a standard burial, she researched everything she could about the practice.

Starting with a chick, Ms Van der Wall then taxidermied rats, birds and rabbits, her confidence growing with each finished piece.

Her recent commission from Central Coast Council

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