A newly built animal recovery centre has opened in Randwick, NSW
Ring-tailed and brush-tailed possums, rainbow lorikeets and two ibis siblings are among the first ‘guests’ that have been transferred into the new Wildlife Information and Rescue Service (WIRES) Native Animal Recovery Centre, which is the result of a first-of-its-kind funding partnership between Randwick Council, the NSW Government and WIRES.
The new facility replaces a set of 20-year-old ad hoc pens and shelters, with WIRES volunteers now utilising nine possum enclosures, three bird enclosures, an aviary, and new storage areas and dedicated working areas.
“Conserving our area’s biodiversity and supporting individuals to take action to protect our environment are major goals for Randwick City Council,” Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said.
“I’m thrilled rescued native wildlife and the WIRES volunteers that keep them safe and healthy now have a home at our incredible Randwick Sustainability Hub, making an immense contribution to sustain the rich biodiversity that we have in Sydney’s east.”
The $1.8 million project is jointly funded by the NSW Government, Randwick City Council and WIRES.
The Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully said: “This NSW Government isn’t just creating great places for people but supporting the native species which often inhabit and share our urban bushland and parks.
“This new WIRES Native Animal Recovery Centre will enable the local community to care for and rehabilitate wildlife.” Member for Coogee Dr Marjorie O’Neill said:
“WIRES play a crucial role in our community helping sick or injured animals recover and return to their natural environments.
“This new centre is a wonderful addition to our community and a place of hope for the future of native animals and the people who love them.”
WIRES is Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organisation and is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers. The organisation co-ordinates rescues, provides emergency care and aides long-term rehabilitation.
The wildlife rescue organisation’s CEO, Leanne Taylor, said that the new purpose-built facility is a gamechanger for rescued animals and the volunteers responsible for their rehabilitation.
“The new centre provides our incredible volunteers with a dedicated environment to do what they do best, caring for our native wildlife with the professionalism it deserves.”
“Positioned at the Randwick Council’s Sustainability Hub also provides opportunities for connection, a space where our members can come together, share the load, and build strong relationships with Council, local vets, other organisations and the community.”
