LOCAL wildlife rescue group FAWNA is holding a one day induction training course in Port Macquarie in its bid to encourage more volunteer members to help its work with injured or orphaned native wildlife.
FAWNA operates from Bulahdelah up to the top of the Kempsey Shire and already this year volunteers have responded via the 6581 4141 wildlife rescue hotline to more than 3000 calls for birds, animals and reptiles, with many of those being successfully rehabilitated and returned back to the wild.
FAWNA president Meredith Ryan encouraged people who might have thought of becoming a wildlife carer to register for this course, which is one of the three annual inductions held in February, June, and October.
“Volunteer members must be trained in the rescue and care of wildlife for rehabilitation purposes before they can start caring for animals,” Ms Ryan said.
“The one-day training course teaches participants what is involved in being a volunteer wildlife rescuer/carer, the recommended ways of rescuing fauna and how best to tend to their immediate care.
“Volunteers can take on a wide range of roles, including wildlife rescuer, carer, telephone operator, administration help or fund-raiser. New volunteers are supported by a community of experienced wildlife carers who are willing to freely mentor and share their knowledge.”
New member Nicole Smith, who completed her training in September 2013, said being a FAWNA member was an incredible experience.
“I have met many kind and like-minded people who have a wealth of knowledge they are willing to share,” Nicole said.
“The support is excellent.”
The full day training course will be held in Port Macquarie on Saturday 28 June from 9.15am to 4.30pm.
Call Wendy on 6581 2996 for more information. Forms can be downloaded from www.fawna.org.au. The course fee is included in the first year’s membership subscription and covers morning teas and lunch, a wildlife rescue and care starter pack and training notes on DVD. Over time members are offered more specialised training such as possums and gliders, macropods (kangaroos and wallabies), birds and other wildlife species groups.
You can also find out more about FAWNA’s latest rescues at www.facebook.com/FAWNANSWINC
