Wallaby, Kangaroo and Possum Care

The Project

Predominantly, animals are given to the program by the largest animal welfare organisation in Australian, the RSPCA (Royal Society of the Protection of Animals) where they are rehabilitated and released into South D’Aguilar National Park via a number of broad bush corridors located at the rear of the property. The National Park encompasses Lake Manchester and Gold Creek Reservoir.

The program cares for around 40 animals at a time and animals are released when they are healthy and able to survive in the wild.

The program is also heavily involved in reforestation programs on their own and surrounding properties.

The Location

Brisbane is known for its festivals including the Lantern Love Festival and Art Exhibition, Bites and Brews Festival, Alliance French Film Festival, Sea and Beats Music Festival Cruise, Brisvegas and the Harmony Day Festival.

The rescue centre is located on a private property in Brookfield, approximately 13 kilometres to the west of the Brisbane CBD. Brookfield was named by Mrs J. S. Brimblecombe due to the creeks and gullies in the area.

Your Contribution

The program relies on program fees and donations from the public (both monetary and materials) to afford enclosures, medical costs and food for sick, injured and orphaned animals brought in for care. Without this assistance, less animals could be cared for.

You will be working very closely with wildlife, including animals that have suffered trauma. Volunteers are expected to follow Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection requirements and are not allowed to handle joeys and baby animals. Volunteers will predominantly work with the pre-release animals. During your time at the program, you may assist with releasing animals back into the wild.

Conditions Onsite

Some of the animals have severe injuries and this can be very difficult to deal with and adjust to. You must also be prepared that some animals do not survive their injuries.

The first 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“.

Volunteers will be directly involved in caring for around 20 animals. Daily activities consist of:

• providing care to the residents of the program
  
• feeding the various animals through the day
  
• animal rehabilitation and enrichment
  
• assisting in rescue calls
  
• assisting with the release of animals
  
• cleaning enclosures
  
• tree planting
  
• building and/or repairing nesting boxes and feeders
  
• general maintenance
  
• keeping the volunteer accommodation clean and tidy
  
• preparation of volunteer meals
  
• visits to the wildlife hospital to be involved in the assessment and treatment process
  

You will work 5 days a week.

On request.

To get there, fly to Brisbane, Australia, take a train to Indooroopilly then a bus to Kenmore.

After the morning duties, you may be required to attend a rescue or complete other activities around the shelter as there is plenty to do if you like to keep busy. Your afternoon and days off are usually free to do what you choose until the afternoon feed takes place.

Volunteers can be dropped off at the nearest shopping centre or train/bus stop at various times during the week to explore the city.

Enjoy regular trips to Indooroopilly Shopping Centre or the city. There is two local food markets where you will find tasty locally made muffins, cakes, sauces and other goodies along with crafts and fresh fruit and veggies

Catch the bus or train into the city where you'll find a modern, vibrant city with a sunny, sub-tropical climate. Climb Brisbane’s iconic Story Bridge for a view of this amazing city and Glasshouse Mountains.

Walk or cycle on the Brisbane Riveraround South Bank. Famous for its diverse mix of entertainment and recreational activities, South Bank offers 17 hectares of parklands, restaurants, cafes, bars, boutiques, museums and galleries. For a different perspective, take a ride on the Wheel of Brisbane.

Lay on the Beach in the Middle of Brisbane City! This fully patrolled, a man-made beach is free to pass away the time, boasting a sparkling lagoon surrounded by white sand and sub-tropical plants.

Take a kayak up Brisbane River Friday and Saturday nights followed by a meal of prawns and lamingtons.

Camp on 257 acres beside crystal-clear rapids in the ancient rainforest of the Lamington National Park. Explore, relax and enjoy a fire-cooked organic dinner before drifting off to sleep in a private luxury tent.

Enjoy a laid-back time at North Stradbroke Island (known affectionately as “Straddie”) just a short ferry ride across Moreton Bay. Customise your stay to include eco-touring, 4WD tours, kayaking, fishing and sandboarding. Watch the dolphins surf or wander miles of untouched beach.

The Gold Coast and Sunshine Coasts are only an hour or two away.

There’s so much to do!