VOLUNTEERING
Become a Member and Get Involved
As an organisation, W.R.E.S. is made up entirely of volunteers. There are numerous opportunities for members to get involved. Not all entail hands-on working with the wildlife. Many of our volunteers work to help our native wildlife by offering time and skills in their own particular area of expertise and interest. All are rewarded by the knowledge that they are making a difference.
You might have limited time to offer but possess a huge dollop of enthusiasm for helping wildlife. An hour or two, even once a month, is a valuable contribution and always welcomed.
Opportunities for Volunteers
Wildlife Rescuer
Rescue Orphaned, Injured or Displaced Wildlife. Possibilities to become a Foster Carer or a Shelter Operator. Begin by going out on rescues with another rescuer, to build confidence.
Transport of Animals
Pickup and transport animals already in care, often between towns.
Foster Carer
Must be registered under a Shelter to hold or raise wildlife. Becoming a foster carer takes dedication, time and money. Must do at least 1 year of rescuing first and lots of hands on training. Very rewarding but also heartbreaking at times.
Shelter Operator
Must be a registered Foster Carer for at least 1 year. Must demonstrate a realistic approach to making life or death decisions for wildlife. All wildlife must be released or euthanased.
Shelter Assistant
Help with feeding and toileting of joeys, possums etc. Help with cleaning of cages, finding natural foods etc.
Centre On-Site Assistant – W.R.E.S. Wildlife and Rehabilitation Centre (Epsom)
At present, the Centre is open only as often as members can spare the time to be there. As we build on information, resources, displays and retail products, we need folk who can be on-site at the Centre on a regular (though not necessarily frequent) basis for rostered attendance. We’d love to hear from you.
Sewing/ Knitting
Make pouches for orphaned wildlife, kangaroo rescue bags, make craft items to sell etc. Specifications are available.
Nesting/ Transport Box Construction
Construct various wooden boxes for release and holding of birds and possums as well as transport boxes for birds of prey. Specifications are available.
Aviary Construction
Build wooden or metal aviaries for wildlife in care.
Grow Food for Animals in Care
Plants or insect and rodents. Grow grasses, native gums and plants for herbivorous animals/birds or farm insects (eg. mealworms, crickets) and mice/rats for carnivorous animals/birds.
Newsletter reporters
Keep members up to date on current wildlife issues as well as what is in care, animals rescued, members experiences etc.
Photographers
Take photos of animals in care, rescues etc. For use in newsletter, website, posters and other promotion and marketing opportunities.
Film and Video
Produce (and even star in) training videos and documentaries for educational purposes.
Graphic Design
Contribute your talent to help produce professional style posters, pamphlets and artwork for promotions, information and marketing.
Promotions and Marketing
Contact with media, help produce merchandise.
Fundraising
Help with general fundraising, e.g. Sell merchandise, raffle tickets, sausage sizzles, garage sales, fundraising events.
Website updates
Keep website updated with photos, stories and general information
Community Information Days
Help man our site at information days and make the public aware of WRES and what we do
Children’s Wildlife Awareness Program – Children are our future ‘Wildlife Guardians’
Teach children about wildlife and their habitat. In schools, on the website, newsletter, newspapers, competitions etc.
Friends of WRES
Help organise and participate in members’ social BBQ’s and functions.
Committee Members
Get involved with the executive decisions regarding W.R.E.S. and statewide wildlife issues.
Grief Counselling
There is a huge need for a grief counsellor to advise members how to deal with the emotions involved in wildlife rescue.
Download Volunteer Expression of Interest Form
