KATH Southwell is the first person outside of the Ferris family to be the general manager of Ballina-based Australian Seabird Rescue.

But she doesn't see it like that.

Seabird Rescue was set up by the Pelican Man - the late Lance Ferris - in 1992, with his daughter, Rochelle, taking on the position of general manager after Mr Ferris died.

Ms Southwell trained under Lance Ferris and was a volunteer for 11 years before completing a 15-month stint with the Broome Bird Observatory.

"I feel like I'm part of the (Ferris) family," she said.

"Lance trained me, and I've been around here for so long.

"I feel I am helping keep his dream alive."

She said one of her focuses for the organisation in its 21st birthday year was to attract more volunteers.

There are about 20 volunteer rescuers on the books and five volunteers on the fundraising committee.

For those who don't want to work in the field rescuing birds and turtles, there are plenty of other things.

She wants to continue educating the public about how important it is to minimise the use of plastic and to properly discard of fishing line.

To volunteer, phone 6686 2852.

To report injured seabirds or turtles, phone 0428 862 852.

Seabird Rescue is conducting tours of its North Creek Rd headquarters at 10am each weekday during the school holidays.