Mandurah Wildlife Rescue is heading in a new direction with plans to become a registered training organisation and wildlife education facility servicing wildlife carers, students, vets and eventually tourists and the general public.
The local animal hospital has been active at its Dawesville base for more than 10 years now, but with the help of a strong volunteer core and it’s inaugural board of directors, the centre is hoping to expand into education to help raise awareness about its efforts in the community.
The service made enormous changes to its structure throughout 2017, attracting nine volunteer agencies to place workers at the centre, securing state government funding, developing plans for an onsite education centre, garden and workshop, as well as having Your Mobile Vet weekly servicing the centre.
Most importantly has been the work in partnering with other agencies, community groups and the public to create better awareness and improve the centre’s operations.
“While 2017 was a year of uncomfortable but necessary change, 2018 promises to be a positive year which will see us make significant steps towards our ultimate goal of being financially independent as a strong regional rehabilitation and education centre for wildlife care,” board chair Joanne Evans said.
“In November 2016 we elected our first board to develop a strong business focus and identify ways to be financially sustainable and to increase our impact in the community.
“The board has worked very hard this year on developing new partnerships, securing new sponsorships and developing a plan for a strong education program for schools, corporate and community groups.
“Our mission is to become a best practise registered training organisation.”
Ms Evans said the culture change at Mandurah Wildlife Rescue had led to the service reaching new heights in recent times.
“We now have more than 100 active volunteers, a strong board and supervisors’ group which have been working as a team to improve our policies and processes to support our wildlife through operations, outreach communication and education,” she said.
“We now have a very positive and inclusive culture which welcomes volunteers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities and prioritises training and opportunities for these wonderful people.
“We are very excited about our future.”
For more information on Mandurah Wildlife Rescue or to get involved as a volunteer, sponsor or member visit mandurahwildlife.com.au or search for them on Facebook.
Alternatively, you can email admin@mandurahwildlife.com.au