The Andrews Labor Government is helping Victoria’s wildlife rehabilitators continue to care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today announced the launch of the 2017/18 Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants – recognising the importance and value in the work that rehabilitators undertake, and the costs associated with caring for Victoria’s diverse wildlife.

Now in its ninth year, the Government’s Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program provides funding to support wildlife rehabilitators, including shelter operators and foster carers, to purchase a range of equipment and infrastructure to assist with the operation of their facilities and to attend appropriate training.

The program aims to help wildlife rehabilitators by:

• Increasing their knowledge/skills in the care of wildlife
• Improving their facilities to treat, house and rehabilitate wildlife for release
• Improving the standard of wildlife care provided for specialist species (e.g. raptors) or threatened species (e.g. brush tailed phascogales)

Grants are open to any wildlife rehabilitators in Victoria who meet the funding criteria, with contributions of up to $2,000 available to successful applicants.

Applications for the 2017/18 round of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program are now open.

To apply for a grant go to wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is about giving a helping hand to many of Victoria’s dedicated volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife – when they need it most.”

“We encourage all of Victoria’s registered wildlife rehabilitators to apply for future grants to help continue their important work.”

“Our wildlife carers should be commended for their time and commitment to ensuring our native species continue to flourish – and I thank them for their dedication.”