Australian Government announces additional support for Wildlife Heroes
Wildlife Carers will be able to access first aid equipment, animal food and formula, fuel vouchers and mental health support as part of a $1 million funding program announced by the Morrison Government and the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife on 15 February 2020.
The funding is part of the Morrison Government’s initial $50 million bushfire wildlife and habitat recovery package and allows the Foundation to expand its Wildlife Heroes program, accepting applications from across the country.
Building on the success of the NSW program, applications are currently open in Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory. A Western Australian grant round will open soon. Additional support for all groups for longer term response and mental health support will be rolled out in the coming months.
Wildlife volunteers spend thousands of dollars of their own money every year to rescue, treat and rehabilitate native animals. The recent influx of injured, orphaned and homeless animals has put our wildlife heroes under enormous mental and financial strain. The Wildlife Heroes project will ensure wildlife volunteers get the help they need, so they can continue providing the best care for our amazing native wildlife.
As well as the Foundation’s role in the supply of necessities for emergency responders including safety equipment, animal food and formula, fuel vouchers, first aid equipment, medications and outdoor work equipment, the Morrison Government funding will assist in longer term care and release projects.
Importantly, $150,000 of the Australian Government funding will be used for mental health services to care for our inspirational carers who have witnessed some incredible trauma through their efforts.
Chief Executive of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife, Ian Darbyshire said that funding will allow the organisation to support carer groups in upgrading facilities at a time of unprecedented need.
“This may include holding and rehabilitation facilities as well as post release supplementary feeding programs,” he said.
“There is an enormous challenge ahead but the dedication of so many carer groups is a real inspiration in the face of that.”
Volunteers involved in wildlife rescue and care can apply for grants through the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife: https://www.fnpw.org.au/wildlifeheroes
Thank you to everyone who has helped us reach every state and territory in need:
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Photo by Doug Gimesy