About W.R.E.S.
W.R.E.S. is about the rescue, rehabilitation and release of wildlife.
We are a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, with Gift Deductible Recipient status
We provide support services to injured and endangered wildlife within the Central Victorian and greater Victorian regions.
W.R.E.S. was formed in response to the need to protect and care for sick, injured, orphaned or displaced native wildlife, which is a growing necessity, due to human activities, as well as the more natural occurrences of storms, droughts, floods and bushfires. All impact on the wellbeing of our native animals.
Looking Back
In 2005, on July 29th, a small group of people got together to form W.R.E.S. From different backgrounds, with differing personalities, these folk had one major thing in common – a passionate dedication towards helping our Aussie wildlife. Many of us empathise with the plight of our wildlife – increasing loss of habitat, encroaching civilisation, deadly ribbons of bitumen crisscrossing the countryside that sever the travel paths of animals. This small group of people decided to act on their concerns, and at the same time promote awareness to others.
What about Now?
Since its inception, W.R.E.S. has grown in strength, membership and reputation. We receive an average of 5,000 calls every year – from all around Victoria, and, some from interstate. These are largely emergency calls for assistance with, collection of, or to despatch injured wildlife. As well as emergency calls, W.R.E.S. also receives enquiries of a general nature about wildlife native to particular areas, and requests for advice regarding wildlife ‘passing through’ properties and urban backyards.
We are volunteers. As such, we are justifiably proud of having acquired a headquarters in Epsom - the WRES Wildlife and Rehabilitation and Education Centre. The Centre is capable of providing rehabilitation facilities for raptors, land-loving birds, large and small water birds, and mammals, including wombats and dingos.
Thanks to a very welcome private donation, assistance in the form of person-power and expertise from CB&M, and a lot of hard work, the Centre now has a flight aviary suitable for the rehabilitation of wedge-tailed eagles and other raptors. W.R.E.S. has a qualified Raptor Handler. (Our current wedgie tenant makes full use of the area!)
How we act as advocates for wildlife
- By conducting regular training sessions in wildlife rescue and care for current and prospective members.
- Presence at community events, such as the Bendigo Easter Fair, Maldon Folk Festival Market Day, Bendigo Participaction Day, the Elmore Field Days, Australia Day Celebrations, and various other events in the Central Victoria region.
- Media coverage of rescues and wildlife awareness through local and regional newspapers and television stations.
Moving Forward
W.R.E.S volunteers continue (despite day jobs) to refurbish and improve the Centre, with the aim of providing a valuable wildlife rehab and educational facility in Central Victoria. With public amenities, ‘young’ buildings, existing animal rehab facilities and a substantial area of land, it is ideal for this purpose.
Our most immediate aim is to install closed circuit cameras in various positions around the Centre, which will send live video feeds to a public viewing area. This will inform and educate visitors to the Centre about native wildlife care and its habitat.
With the addition of uploaded footage of rescue and care work to our web site, we will educate and inform the public, locally, nationally, and globally.
We are working towards making our dream a reality – of inviting school students, community groups and the general public to observe and learn about the care, rehabilitation, habitat, and conservation of our unique wildlife.
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