Australian Bushfire Response and Wombat Refuge

In response to the 2019/2020 summer Australian Bushfire Crisis, where millions of acres of land have burned and 1.23 billion animals have been killed, volunteers are needed to help conduct food drops in a burnt-out area of Australia and help a small group of 50-100 animals survive the next few months until the forest regenerates. 

This is important work to ensure the survival of species in the area. Without this small group of animals, there will be nothing left. It is imperative that we keep them alive until they can survive by themselves. 

At a cost of $20 per day to replenish each food and water station, your financial contribution will also have a very significant and direct impact. With your help we aim to increase the number of stations from 5 to 50 in the local area for the survivors of the bushfires currently struggling to forage for food and water.

Volunteers will also assist in the care of an existing group of rescued, injured and orphaned wombats that are onsite at a local carer's residence. Wombats are this carer's speciality, given the fun and beautiful nature they have, but they need help as they nurse them back to health so that they can be returned to the wild when it is a safe and suitable time. None of these wombats are bushfire victims. The fire was so fierce that only the small group survive on the mountain.

Volunteers can expect to have a very hands-on experience bottle-feeding, exercising and providing lots of cuddles. In the last month there have been between 7 and 14 wombats in the refuge, with more expected as the rescue calls continue.

With our wildlife carers working overtime to fulfil their roles, volunteers are also expected to assist with cooking, cleaning, laundry and shopping so that both the carers and volunteers can dedicate as much time as possible to caring for wildlife, responding to rescue calls and ensuring food and water stations are replenished.

Conditions on Site

Volunteers work in a bushfire affected area where the surrounds are scorched as far as the eye can see. This can be an emotional experience as volunteers will see first hand the devastation that the fires caused this community. 

Country Victoria is very hot during the summer months, volunteers must be physically able to withstand long and hot days.

Bring a Telstra sim card if you require access to the internet. 

Accommodation

Homestay living with the carers and volunteers is included. The room consists of 2 single beds in a house in the centre of the Corryong town. Volunteers have the option to stay off-site in a tent or cabin at the local caravan park at their own expense.

Your daily activities will consist of

•         Replenishing food and water stations for bushfire survivors in the Australian bush
•         Bottle feeding wombats & ensuring they are looked after lovingly
•         Exercising and providing love and affection to wombats and, possibly, other native wildlife
•         Assisting with rescue calls and emergency medical treatment, if required
•         Maintaining animals enclosures
•         Keeping grounds and facilities clean and tidy
•         Food shopping
•         Cooking
•         Anything else that wildlife carers may need help and assistance with 

Volunteers will have some spare time at this project as there is time to walk into town and look around, shop, etc.

There is a public pool that volunteers can take a dip in to cool off in hotter weather.
You are only a few hours from Melbourne and Sydney so take in the sights of a big city or hit the coast for some rest and relaxation after your stay at the shelter.