The Project
Every year, hundreds of thousands of native animals are injured, orphaned or become sick, often because of interaction with people or pets.

Our wildlife shelters in Australia are unsupported, privately owned wildlife shelters in Australia and for many years, have rescued and rehabilitated sick, injured and orphaned native Australian wildlife and loved them back to health to be returned to the natural environment.

Since we receive no recurrent funding from governments, the shelters rely on the contribution of volunteers and donations from the public to keep it running.

Choice of 3 Locations
Plan your Australian adventure and choose your volunteer program location (tell us which shelter you prefer in your application)

Shelter 1:  Located on a working farm near Holbrook, in a small rural community in the eastern part of the Riverina. Bordered on the south by the state of Victoria and on the east by the Great Dividing Range, the Riverina is an agricultural region of south-western New South Wales, Australia distinguished from other Australian regions by the combination of flat plains. This combination has allowed the Riverina to develop into one of the most productive and agriculturally diverse areas of Australia.  Affectionately known as ‘Submarine Town’, Holbrook is named after the first submariner to receive the Victoria Cross, Lieutenant Norman Holbrook. Learn about his bravery during the 1914 Gallipoli campaign at the Holbrook Submarine Museum and explore a fascinating collection of submarine memorabilia and the decommissioned HMAS Otway submarine.

This project is a farm-style homestay, living and working hands on with the project hosts on a daily basis. 

Hands-on with animals? Every day. Comforts of home level: medium. Program starts: Wednesday or opt to pay a pick up fee on any other day.

Shelter 2: Located in Benalla, a small city located on the Broken River gateway to the High Country north-eastern region of Victoria, Australia, about 212 kilometres north east of the state capital Melbourne.  In 1974, the Broken River, which the town lies on, was dammed, creating an attractive and wide waterway known as Lake Benalla. Swimming and boating activities are popular on the lake which is surrounded by parkland and walking tracks. On the western bank of the river lies the town's botanical gardens which feature an art gallery, the Sir Weary Dunlop memorial statue and Benalla's famous rose gardens which are home to a large variety of colourful roses. The eastern bank of Lake Benalla is lined with a recreational park adjacent to the council offices and a network of bicycle and walking tracks which traverse the several islands that exist in the lake. Benalla is home of the renowned Benalla Art Gallery, high-speed action at the Winton Motor Raceway, street art, silo art, the nationally significant Winton Wetlands, events and cafes. 

Volunteers also spend time at secondary sites where animals are living in soft release. 

This project is situated at a private health retreat with the carers, a family of 4. Private guests may also be present on site.

Hands-on with animals? Every day. Comforts of home level: high. Program starts: Any day of the week.

Shelter 3: **CURRENTLY NOT AVAILABLE DUE TO A CHANGE OF SHELTER LOCATION** **PREVIOUSLY OUR GLADSTONE PROJECT**

Located in Deepwater and central to beautiful unspoilt beaches and a choice of boat ramps on tidal creeks - the closest being Deepwater Creek which is only 9km away. Only 74 kms from 1770, Deepwater and the nearby Baffle Creek is well known for good fishing, crabbing and prawns. A vastly undiscovered area, it is very quiet and peaceful. There are 4 tidal waterways and beautiful unspoilt beaches. Add a sub-tropical climate to all this and what you have is paradise. This project has separate fully equipped volunteer quarters set in the natural landscape. Apart from animals in care, there are often wild kangaroos, birds and other animals seen. 

This project is situated on a private property that has a permit for breeding endangered species.

Hands-on with animals? depends on animal needs. Comforts of home level: medium. Program starts: Monday and Wednesday (minimum 2 weeks).

Our Volunteers

Volunteers play a key role in wildlife rescue and care. Not only will you be learning new skills and helping animals in need, you will make new friends from around the world and will create an enriching experience for yourself.

While the number of native animals needing help is increasing, volunteer numbers are not keeping up. Your contribution is enormous as the shelters need your help to feed and care for them, provide enrichments, build and maintain enclosures. 

Conditions Onsite
Weather

Shelter 1 is cold in the Winter months with mild to sunny weather in Summer. 

Shelter 2 is cold in the Winter months with mild to sunny weather in Summer. 

Shelter 3 is situated North and it is very hot during the day so you must be prepared to work in the heat. 

In winter it can be quite cold overnight at any of the shelters.

Bring a Telstra sim card so you have access to the internet. 

Please Note:
The second instalment of your project fees is due within 1 week after you paid the deposit on Volunteer World. This is a total of $495 AUD and comes off your balance. The balance is due 90 days prior to travel. For all further information about the fees, please scroll down to the section "Program Fees“.