THERE are plenty of local animal rescue services in Port Stephens, but sometimes they are the ones that need a helping hand.
As well as being extremely expensive to run, they’re often entirely made up of volunteers who dedicate their time to helping local wildlife. They ask for nothing in return.
Recently, the region’s animal rescue services came together at Soldiers Point Community Hall for an enjoyable afternoon where local animal lovers could learn and share information that could save a native animal in need.
News of the Area talked to the members of these organisations to learn what the community should know about their work and how they could support them.
Haylea, from Wildlife In Need of Care (WINC), encouraged people to simply call them when they encounter injured, sick or lost animals.
“When they find injured wildlife, a lot of people call WIRES,” she said.
“WIRES goes straight to us anyway, so we want to get our name out there so people know that we’re here.”
WINC is equipped to rescue any wildlife, from kangaroos to possums, native birds, bats, reptiles and snakes.
Koalas are the focus of Port Stephens Koala Hospital.
People should be on the lookout for koalas on the move during the current breeding season, a spokesperson said
She urged locals to visit the hospital’s website for information on what to do if they spot an injured koala.
The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA), represents the marine side of rescue services.
With six members in the local area (and more soon to join), ORRCA is currently raising money for a drone to enable its members to conduct more extensive search and rescue operations.
Its spokesperson asked the community to support its fundraiser on 25 October.
However, native animals are not the only ones in need.
Dog Rescue Newcastle, which also offers services for cats, spoke about the difficulties involved in rehoming pets.
“We rehome around a thousand dogs a year,” a spokesperson said.
“We’d really like dogs to be in homes, but we can’t get enough carers.
“We need carers – even for short periods – so dogs aren’t stuck in a kennel.”
Like to help? Contact any of the rescue organisations to find out more.
By Nico LOMBARDO
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