Nine million dollars from the NSW Government will boost support for thousands of volunteers and veterinary professionals caring for injured, sick, and orphaned native animals. 

Led by the Parliamentary Secretary for the Environment, Ms Trish Doyle MP, the NSW Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Review commenced in July 2024 and involved extensive consultation across the state.

The review was undertaken to address funding, training, and logistical challenges for over 8,600 dedicated wildlife volunteers rescuing over 110,000 animals annually.

Recommendations from the review will be adopted in full. This includes reinstating the much-loved Wildlife Heroes initiative with a centralised resource hub that is proposed to support wellbeing and sector cohesion

Actions from the review include:

• Expanding training and upskilling carers for situations like fires and natural disasters.
• Grants to cover the cost of food, bandages, medication and vaccinations.
• Upgrading mental health support for volunteers, including access to counselling and peer support networks.
• Relaunching of the Wildlife Heroes initiative, which will act as a centralised hub for information.

The $9 million package will include a number of support programs for small operational expenses and collaborative initiatives for rehabilitators, veterinarians, and researchers.

NSW Minister for the North Coast and Lismore MP Janelle Saffin welcomed the government’s targeted support for the Northern Rivers and Northern Tablelands regions’ network of passionate and professional wildlife carers.

“I have strongly backed in the work of Friends of the Koala (FOK), Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital, Quoll Headquarters north of Tenterfield, Byron Bay Wildlife Hospital, and WIRES groups, and welcome new grants and support programs which have been flagged,” Ms Saffin said.

“I’m pleased that my Parliamentary colleague and friend Trish Doyle was able to do a deep dive consultation with the wildlife rehabilitation sector, which truly reflects the enormous volunteer contributions being made to protect our native species.”

NSW Parliamentary Secretary Trish Doyle said, “It's been a privilege to hear the stories of our wildlife rehabilitators. I’ve been moved by the dedication, resilience and passion for our native wildlife. 

“I want to thank everyone who has worked with me to pull together this incredible piece of work to make a real difference in the sector.”