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Kang aroo T r acks
Annual Report – 2010
Wildcare Australia Inc.
WILDCARE AUSTRALIA INC.
PO Box 2379, Nerang Mail Centre Qld 4211
Emergency Telephone: 07 5527 2444
Facsimile: 07 5534 2617
Email – [email protected]
Website –www.wildcare.org.au
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Annual Report – 2010 – Table of Contents
Table of Contents 1
List of Figures and Tables, List of Photographs, Acknowledgements 2
Presidents Report 3
Vice-Presidents Report 4
Treasurers Report 5
Secretary Report 6
Summary of General Management Committee Business, 2009-2010 7-12
Grants and Donations, 2009-2010 13
Membership Report, 2009-2010 14-15
Wildcare Education and Training 16
Telephone Coordinators Report 17
Wildcare Shop Report 18
Wildcare Office Report 18-19
Media & Publicity Report 19-20
Newsletter Report 21
Community Speakers Team Report 22
Record Keepers Report
23-24
2009 Rescue/Carer Records Summary Figures & Tables 25-31
Species Coordinators Reports 32-54
Birds – Gold Coast 32
Birds – Water Birds – Gold Coast 32-33
Birds – Parrots and Frugivores – Gold Coast 33-34
Birds – Lorikeets – Gold Coast 35-37
Birds – Seabirds – Gold Coast 37-39
Birds – Raptors – Gold Coast 39
Birds – Brisbane 40-41
Birds – Sunshine Coast 42
Reptiles – Sunshine Coast 43
Bats / Flying-foxes – Gold Coast & Brisbane 44
Bats / Flying-foxes – Sunshine Coast & Gympie 45
Koalas – All Areas 46-47
Macropods – Sunshine Coast & Gympie 48
Macropods – Gold Coast & Brisbane 48
Trauma Carers 49
Bandicoots and Small Native Mammals – All Areas 49
Echidnas – All Areas 50-51
Possums & Gliders – Gold Coast 51-53
Possums & Gliders – Brisbane 53-54
Possums – Sunshine Coast & Gympie 54
Thank You Lists 55-62
Honorary Memberships Awarded for 2010-2011 63
Management Committee Monthly Nominations, 2009-2010 64-65
Peer Recognition Awards, 2009-2010 66-78
Audited Financial Records for 2009-2010 79+
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List of Figures and Tables
Membership Figure 1 Distribution of Wildcare Australia Inc Members, May 2010 14
Membership Figure 2 Family vs. Single Membership, May 2010 15
Membership Figure 3 Percentages of members that rescue, care and do phone duty 15
Records Table 1 TOTAL NUMBERS rescued/rehabilitated - BY ANIMAL GROUPS 25
Records Table 2 REASONS for rescue/care - TOTALS (Table) 26-27
Records Figure 1 REASONS for rescue/care - TOTALS (Pie Graph)
27
Records Figure 2(a & b) REASONS for rescue/care - BY ANIMAL GROUPS (Pie Graphs)
28-29
Records Table 3 OUTCOMES of animals rescued/in care – BY ANIMAL GROUPS 30
Records Table 4 Rescue/Capture LOCATIONS – BY ANIMAL GROUPS 31
Koala Table 1 Outcomes of Koalas Presenting to AWH, 2009-2010 47
Koala Table 2 Reasons for Koalas Presenting to AWH, 2009-2010 47
Koala Table 3 Rescue Locations of Koalas Presenting to AWH, 2009 -2010 47
List of Photographs
Photograph Kangaroo Tracks – Photographer: Kiersten Jones Front Cover
Photograph King Parrot – Photographer: Kiersten Jones 34
Photograph Baby Rainbow Lorikeets – Photographer: Simone Smith 36
Photograph Rehabilitated Rainbow Lorikeets – Photographer: Simone Smith 37
Photograph Pelican – “Percy” – Photographer: Rowley Goonan 37
Photograph Pelican with Fish Hook Injury – Photographer: Rowley Goonan 38
Photograph Pelican – “Jake”, with Jo-Ellen – Photographer: Rowley Goonan 39
Photograph Sub-adult Pheasant Coucal – Photographer: Heather Frankcom 41
Photograph Magpie & Crested Pigeon – Photographer: Heather Frankcom 41
Photograph Sleeping Koala – Photographer: Australian Wildlife Hospital 46
Photographs Echidna treated for dermatitis – Photographer: Kiersten Jones 50
Photograph “Amii” - Baby Brushtail Possum – Photographer: Helen Bradley 53
Acknowledgments
Thank you to everyone who contributed reports and photographs towards the 2010
Annual Report .
Thank you also to those involved in the collation of these reports and overal l
design and editing.
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Presidents Report KAREN SCOTT
I really cannot believe that another year has passed and another AGM is now upon us. I am sure that
I am not the only one that feels like the months … and years just fly by so quickly.
The past year has been a little challenging for Wildcare. Even with such a large membership, we
still struggle sometimes with day to day issues such as fundraising and our emergency telephone
service. This is unfortunate but I think a sign that everyone is trying to fit so much into their
already busy lives. With so many family and work commitments, I know that a lot of members find
it difficult to dedicate much time to rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife but, no matter how small
your contribution, or how many animals you are able to rescue or care for, it is important to
remember that every single rescue is significant. If 100 of our members rescued only one animal a
week, that would amount to 5,200 animals a year. That effort would be very significant to 5,200
animals. So, on behalf of the Wildcare committee, thank you to everyone that has contributed in
some way towards both our native wildlife and Wildcare.
I will also take this opportunity to thank the Management Committee for all of their hard work in
the past year. Many of us are juggling full-time employment, study and family commitments and
most of the Committee members are actively rescuing and caring for wildlife. I think most people
would be surprised at how much effort and work goes into running a non-profit organization. I
have been very blessed this past year with a very strong committee and everyone has worked hard
to keep the organization operational. To all of you, a huge thank you. I have been honored to
work alongside others that are equally as passionate about Wildcare as I am.
I would also like to make special mention of our wonderful Office Volunteers – Roy and Trish who
have been running the Office for over 4 years now and to Katherine, Toni, Chloe and Carol who
have helped Roy and Trish tremendously in the past year. I am so grateful to each of you –
Wildcare would not be what it is today without each of you. Thank you so very much.
I wish for Wildcare a very prosperous and productive year coming up with less wildlife needing our
care.
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Vice-Presidents Report TONYA HOWARD
Well I must say, the past year has again flown by. I would like to thank all volunteers for their hard
work. A lot of us work full time, and have families, and sometimes it‟s hard to “find time” to do
rescues and look after animals. We all have to remember that we are only human and so we should
not take on more than we can handle. I know myself, it can get very tiring, you become stressed
and start making mistakes and feel overwhelmed! This shouldn‟t be the case, we should be enjoying
the volunteer work and be able to admit to ourselves and others when we have enough to look after
and can‟t possibly take on anymore.
There have been many funny stories of rescues, many sad ones, and many just plain unbelievable –
so this makes life very interesting for us all. If you do find you have one of these rescues, then send
in the story of it for our newsletter, so we can all share it with you.
One thing I do find is that it seems to be the same handful of people that do the “background” work
and it would be nice if we could all make an effort to help out just once or twice in the year at an
event to raise much-needed funding and to get our name out there!
One of our goals for the next financial year is to attract more people to Wildcare, and to take on
new volunteers and carers to lighten the load for everyone else. So if you hear of anyone interested,
then give them our website address/phone number, or a brochure, and tell them how rewarding it
can be.
Once again, thank you to everyone, no matter how much you do – Every little bit helps the
wonderful wildlife our country has.
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Treasurers Report AMY WHITHAM
Copies of the audited Financial Reports for the organization are included in the Appendix of the Annual Report.
I have not been doing the treasurers role for long. I took over the accounts in March this year and
have found learning the software and rules to be … interesting. I never envisaged the role to be as
involved as it has become but it also came down to timing – I had to take it on board at the busiest
time! Even though my day job is as a bookkeeper, dealing with a volunteer organisation has its own
set of rules and a different accounting software to what I‟m used to.
In April we started a new financial year with the records needing to go to the auditor in order to be
presented at the AGM. I have to say I have learnt a lot in the past couple of months! Please find a
copy of this report in the appendix.
As we are at the beginning of the membership renewals I envisage the bank accounts to start
increasing in funds.
Unfortunately at the moment I don‟t have access to all the previous financial year‟s records in order
to give some interesting facts about how much we have received in grants or donations in
comparison to other financial years. I hope in the next term to obtain this information to provide
next AGM.
We have also seen the introduction of a specific email address for the treasurer. This is
I would like to thank Kristy Arnold who still provides assistance with the taxation matters and to
Karen Scott (President) who is a great source of information in regards to the treasurer‟s role. I
would also like to thank Trish and Roy in the office for their superb effort. Their help makes life
easier for me.
Moving to the future I hope to bring to the table a fresh set of enthusiasm for things money related
in order to give the committee a better footing on being able to decide on how to manage the funds
we have.
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Secretary Report TRACY PAROZ
Another 12 months have flown by and the Committee has worked hard to keep Wildcare
functioning and meeting its reporting obligations. This year the Committee continued to tighten
up the application process for Rehabilitation Permits for Carers with advice and input from the
EPA.
The past year has seen the continued implementation of streamlined processes for administration
work undertaken by the Committee members and the implementation of more policies for our
organisation. A pre-printed Membership Renewal form went out to members with the opportunity
for personal information to be updated if incorrect. I am currently in the process of updating our
database with amendments as these forms are returned for renewal.
The last 12 months have been difficult for me with work pressures and family health problems and I
thank my fellow Committee members for being understanding when I was slow in getting meeting
documents circulated. I would especially like to thank Karen Scott “who picked up the slack” when
I was unable to finish tasks I had taken on.
I feel truly blessed to be a part of such a wonderful organisation and able to work with some
amazing people. I would like to thank the other members of the Committee for their dedication
and hard work in keeping Wildcare “ticking” (Karen Scott, Tonya Howard, Amy Whitham, Laura
Reeder, Liz Meffan, Gail Gipp, Kiersten Jones, Kathryn Kielly, Eleanor Hanger, Roy Webster and
Trish Hales).
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Summary of General Management Committee
Business, 2009-2010 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Below is an outl ine of some of the ‘General Business’ that have been raised and
discussed at Committee Meetings during the past year.
(Please refer to reports f rom other Committee Representat ives for business
specif ic to Treasurer, Education, Media Liaison, Record Keeping and Community
Speakers.)
Committee Roles and Obligations
Our newly-elected president, Karen Scott tabled the roles and obligation of each committee
position in Wildcare, to clarify roles of each member, and to clarify roles specific to the member-
elected core committee. The committee accepted the table.
Change of Account Signatories and Electronic Banking
Wildcare Australia Inc‟s General account and Gift Fund account required changes to signatories to
represent the newly-elected Committee. This occurred in July 2009. A move to electronic banking
at this time has also reduced our banking fees considerably and increased efficiency.
Wildcare Organisational Manual
Revision of this manual, which was initiated by the former Management Committee, was finalised
in July 2009. The purpose of the manual is to provide Committee members, Coordinators and Key
Volunteers all necessary information relating to the organisation and understanding of its
operational side.
2009 Volunteer Survey
A volunteer survey was included with the membership renewal forms sent out to all members in
early 2009. The objectives were to obtain feedback in order to improve aspects of the organisation
and what membership provides. Of the 500 surveys distributed, there were only 93 responses.
These completed surveys were collected and survey results collated, and published in the
proceeding WildNews newsletter. It was optional for volunteers to add their name so, where
possible, those members were contacted individually to discuss their suggestions, give feedback if
they requested or answer any questions that were raised.
Rehabil itation Permit Endorsements
Application was made to DERM for a new Group Rehabilitation Permit. Once again, our general
Permit was renewed and a Specialized Permit was approved for koalas and echidnas. This enables
Wildcare to issue Permits for these species to current rehabilitators that are able to fulfill the
requirements for those species.
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In August 2009 the Committee decided to limit the number of animals to be held by any one
rehabilitator to 20 animals, with exceptions able to be made for individual carers where warranted
(e.g. endorsed volunteers caring for ducklings, or crèches of ringtail possums). This ensured that
no rehabilitator became overburdened, and that no animal welfare issues could arise as a result of
caring for too many animals.
In September 2009, the committee decided to only issue permit endorsements to rehabilitators
belonging to Wildcare and caring for animals through Wildcare. Carers belonging to other groups
would need to decide whether their rehabilitation of wildlife would occur under Wildcare or the
other group. This would not however, prevent members from obtaining animals through Wildcare
but was instigated to streamline the permit process.
Rehabilitation permit endorsements continue to be approved according to consideration that the
volunteer has satisfied the items asked on the application form, such as attending sufficient ongoing
training via workshop attendance and submitting records.
Membership Database
After extensive investigation into online membership databases, the Committee subscribed to Wild
Apricot which is an online membership and event management database. This subscription was
funded through the GVEHO grant monies received. This is a secure online database that enables
our database‟s administrators to keep our membership list current and accessible to its
administrators (those committee members who take on this role of managing the membership list).
It has also resulted in more efficient and automated workshop registrations.
Name Change
As agreed at the 2008 Annual General Meeting, the legal name of the organisation continues as
Wildcare Australia Inc. New stationery letterhead and publicity icons were also changed in
December 2009 to reflect the change in name.
Privacy and Confidential ity
The management committee reviewed and updated Wildcare Australia‟s privacy documentation in
August 2009. This included updating the privacy policy and confidentiality agreement, which was
distributed to all telephone volunteers, office volunteers, committee members and species
coordinators, for signing.
The Management Committee also commenced adding a disclaimer to all outgoing Wildcare emails.
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Circular Resolution Process
In September 2009 the Committee approved a circular resolution process and document, that
could be used by the Management Committee to resolve urgent issues that arose between monthly
meetings in a timely manner. The process has since been used by the Committee in these situations.
More regular meetings were also considered, but at the time were not possible for most members
of the Committee.
Policies and Procedures
In addition to the Privacy Policy, other new or revised policies included the Grant Submission
Policy (2009), Publicity & Media Policy (2009), and Displaying Wildlife Policy (2010).
Fundraising Committee and Fundraising Prospectus
The need for a Wildcare Prospectus was proposed by Karen Scott, to have on hand to provide to
potential sponsors. This item is still unresolved and awaiting delegation.
Attempts were also made to establish a Fundraising Committee (formerly called the Community
Awareness Committee). Despite a successful planning meeting held in September 2009 and
attended by 10 volunteers with some great ideas, unfortunately we were unable to obtain sufficient
participation to establish this committee, and the Fundraising Coordinator position remains vacant.
Consequently, the Management Committee currently deal with all fundraising issues. Any
members interested in being involved in a new fundraising committee or in developing the
prospectus are encouraged to contribute.
Education, Orientation Training and Volunteer Manual
The Volunteer Manual has been updated and is now being included as part of the new member‟s
kit. This was finalised in May 2010 and is being distributed to all new members. It will also be
provided to all renewing members in 2010.
First Aid Training was arranged for all trauma carers that did not have a current First Aid
Certificate, in view of requirements set down by Queensland Health.
More recently, arrangements have been made to sell Wildcare Training notes to TAFE, for use by
students completing the Certificate III in Native Animal Rehabilitation.
Refer also to the Education Coordinators‟ Report.
IT Equipment for Administrat ive Roles within Wildcare
New computer equipment (keyboard) was purchased for the Wildcare office, and some technical
issues with internet access were resolved. Another laptop with Microsoft software was also
purchased, and is currently being used by our Record Keeper (Kiersten Jones) to fulfill her duties
in this role.
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Public ity Equipment Purchases
In addition to new portable display boards, a new marquee was purchased for $90. In April 2010,
quotes were being obtained for large flags used for attracting attention to our Wildcare stands at
events.
New Wildcare brochures and booklets were printed in May 2010.
Volunteer Recognition by Management Committee
Volunteer recognition became a regular agenda item for all Committee meetings as of December
2009. Nominations made are those people who have significantly contributed to either Wildcare or
our local wildlife. Awards were issued to all those nominated, and nominations are now listed in
the WildNews newsletter. The list of those nominated is also included with the Peer Recognition
Nominations section in this AGM report.
Honorary Memberships
Several members were issued with Honorary Membership for the 2010-2011 year, in view of their
outstanding contribution to the organisation in various ways. They are listed with the Peer Recognition
Nomination Section of this AGM Report.
Treasurer Position
This position has been vacant since the 2009 AGM. In March 2010, Amy Whitham was appointed
by the Committee into this position.
New Coordinators – Gold Coast
Several new species coordinator positions were appointed in the Gold Coast area over the past
year. These included Carla Harp as Possum Placement Coordinator, Rowley Goonan as Seabird
Coordinator, and Mimi Dona as Raptor Coordinator. Most recently, Natasha Lewis-Millar has
accepted the position of Carnivore Bird Coordinator on the Gold Coast (May 2010). Thank you to
these volunteers for taking on their coordinator positions.
Resigning Coordinators – Gold Coast & Brisbane
We are sadly losing some coordinators too, these being Jim McNeill as Tawny Frogmouth
Coordinator, Karen Raison as Pigeon/Dove Coordinator and Heather Frankcom as Brisbane Bird
Coordinator. Carla Harp has also recently resigned from the possum placement coordinator
position, and Natalie Rasmussen has taken on this position. Thank you too to these volunteers for
taking on their coordinator positions.
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Fetes, Shows and Expos
Wildcare Australia Inc stall displays occurred at a number of fetes and shows this year. These
included the Mudgeeraba Show (arranged by Trish Hales and the Senior family), Springbrook Fete
(instigated by Anne Asquith), CWS Careers Expo (attended by Laura Reeder), Beaudesert Show,
and Parrot & Finch Society Event (represented by Liz Meffan).
Refer to the Community Speakers Team Report by Laura Reeder for further details.
School Talks (Australian Veterinary Association PetPep Program )
Laura Reeder accepted this new position of coordinating a new system being put into place for
volunteers conducting talks at schools, including creating „Talk kits‟ for these volunteers.
Refer to the Community Speakers Team Report by Laura Reeder for further details.
Habitat and Vegetation Clearing
Letters were sent to a number of local councils, requesting information on how this process occurs,
and whether Wildlife Spotter/Catchers are involved in all clearing activities. This came about after
several occurrences where vegetation clearing resulted in local rehabilitators being given a large
number of displaced wildlife.
Emergency Response Team
This idea was proposed following the Arundel (Gold Coast) bushfire in October 2009 resulting in
the loss of many wildlife (found in a search following the fire), and the rescue of a koala (“Jacinta”)
that was severely burnt in the fire. The establishment of this team on the Gold Coast is currently
under discussion, with preliminary meetings held with those invited onto the team.
Wildcare on Facebook
This idea was proposed in February 2010 by Kathryn Kielly, and agreed by the committee as a
useful means of communication, for Wildcare and its membership (in addition to the current
modes) and also for carers to share information, resources and experiences. A trial period
followed, which has been successful to date, with many Wildcare members now „friends‟ with
Wildcare Australia. Guidelines were implemented at the time it commenced, and these are visible
on the site.
Wildcare Website
Over the past year, there has been much effort put into revamping the website. At time of writing,
the text is being finalised. Thanks to Karen Scott, Tracy Paroz, Kelly Clark, Gail Gipp and Eleanor
Hanger for their involvement in this.
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Companion Animal Stakeholders Meetings
The Committee has continued to be represented by Eleanor Hanger at these meetings with the
Gold Coast City Council and Animal Welfare League, and continue to contribute to the aims of
these stakeholder meetings. In the past 16 months, this committee has been working towards the
introduction of two important initiatives to reduce the oversupply of cats; these being, introduction
of Breeder Permits (with associated code of practice to set cat breeding standards and desexing
kittens prior to sale at 10 weeks of age); and a Cat Safe Fencing Campaign commencing in June
2010.
Specialised Rescue Equipment
Over the past year, various requests for specialised equipment have been agreed upon for purchase.
These include rescue and tagging/identification equipment for koala rescues, bird capture nets for
6 bird rescuers and a large rescue carrier for pelican rescues/transfers. Most of this equipment
was funded by donations.
Foraging Permits for Wildlife Carers
Eleanor Hanger is currently in the process of liaising with local councils, requesting foraging
permits for Wildlife rehabilitators. She is also investigating with local council extension officers
whether we can be given contacts for Land for Wildlife Property owners, with the view of
approaching these property owners for obtaining leaf for feeding wildlife in care.
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Grants and Donations, 2009 – 2010 MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE
Successful Grant Applications
Thank you to Karen Scott and Tracy Paroz who have been instrumental in applying for grants over
the year, along with the people listed below, many of whom acted on Wildcare‟s behalf or
instigated these applications. Grant applications are a very competitive area, and many hours go
into writing grant submissions and putting together the evidence to substantiate getting them, with
a lot of unsuccessful applications to match those ones granted. Throughout the past year, the
following Grants were given to Wildcare Australia Inc.:
Brisbane City Council Grant – To Caroline Oertal – for the purchase of 2 possum aviaries
Brisbane City Council Grant, $500 – To Wildcare Australia Inc. Brisbane Possum Carers – for the
purchase of possum boxes
Redland City Council Grant, $300 – To Gloria Litchfield – towards caring for Redlands wildlife
Brisbane City Council Grant – To Deb Turnbull – for purchase of a humidicrib, travel expenses and
food supplements
Brisbane City Council Grant – To Amie Low for the purchase of a possum aviary
Brisbane City Council Grant – to Kelly Clark for the construction of a bird flight aviary
Brisbane City Council Grant – To Anika Lehmann for the purchase of a possum aviary
Adobe Software – To Wildcare Australia Inc. – four software packages received
Logan City Council $5000 – Envirogrants – Successful submission by Nicole Walters on behalf of
Wildcare Australia Inc. – for printing costs of new brochures and posters, the purchase of a laptop, and
covering travelling expenses.
Donations
The following substantial donations were received in 2009-2010:
$3500 – Gold Coast Post Forming
$1750 – Woolworths Region 10
$2000 – Gold Coast City Council
$1000 – Cr. Chris Robbins (South Gold Coast City Councilor) – donation to fund koala rescue
poles/flagging equipment for Gold Coast koala rescuers and a microchip reader
$1000 – St Francis Assissi College – Jasmine Rasmussen‟s school, donated as a result of tremendous
efforts by the Rasmussen family and with support from the School Principal.
$819 – Commonwealth Bank (CBA) Customer Service Team – raised through a weeklong publicity
drive in late 2009
$900 – Westpac Gift Matching Program (Westpac matched donations made be Westpac employees)
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Membership Report 2009 – 2010
Listed below is an indication of our current membership database.
List of Tables and Figures:
Figure 1 Distribution of Wildcare Austral ia Inc Members, May 2010
Figure 2 Family vs. Single Membership , May 2010
Figure 3 Percentages of members that rescue wild l ife, have permit
endorsement to rehabil itate wildl ife, or help with the Wildcare
Telephone of Members who rescue wildl ife, May 2010.
Figure 1: Distribution of Wildcare Australia Inc Members , May 2010.
Notes: Figure provides number of Memberships; Regional Queensland - OTHER includes: St George (Balonne Shire), Bundaberg, Cairns, Central Highlands,
Gladstone, Isaac Region, Julia Creek, Western Downs and Whitsunday Regions.
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Family = 180
Single = 309
Honorary =1
Lifetime = 3
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
TOTAL RESCUERS = 158 TOTAL PERMIT-ENDORSED CARERS =
141
TOTAL TELEPHONE VOLUNTEERS = 22
Total Membership
Proportion Active
Figure 2: Family vs. Single Membership, May 2010
Single Memberships (63%) Family Memberships (37%)
Figure 3: Percentages of members that rescue wildlife, have permit
endorsement to rehabili tate wildli fe, or help with the Wildcare
Telephone.
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Wildcare Education and Training Report KAREN SCOTT & KATHRYN KIELLY
Our education program has continued to thrive during the past year.
Our registration process has become more streamlined since we have upgraded to a new online
membership and event database. As many of you know, we can now create automatically
generated emails to confirm that registrations have been received.
Thank you to all of our wonderful Coordinators who have dedicated many, many hours to develop
and deliver our quality training courses to our volunteers. Thank you also to everyone that has
given up time on their weekends to attend a training session.
We continue to strive to develop new training courses for both experienced and new rehabilitators.
If you have any ideas for workshops, please let us know.
We continue to be indebted to the staff of Currumbin Wildlife Hospital (particularly Dr Michael
Pyne and Nurse Mimi) for providing bird workshops.
A special thanks also to those that allow us to use their venues free of charge. This is so helpful for
non-profit organisations. We are very grateful to the Australian Wildlife Hospital for the use of
their wonderful Conference Room facilities, Currumbin Sanctuary for the use of their volunteer
room, Daisy Hill for the use of their training room and Trish and Terry Wimberley for the use of
their premises for workshops.
Thank you again to everyone who has attended our training sessions. Giving your time in order to
improve your knowledge and skills ensures a much better outcome for the animals in your care.
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Telephone Coordinators Report LIZ MEFFAN
I cannot say thank you enough to our dedicated small number of volunteers who keep our 24 hour
emergency phone line open. Whether you do a 3 hourly shift once a month or fill in for a few hours
during the week it is appreciated. If we could all do one 3 hour shift once a month life would be so
much easier for those few holding the fort at present. I am so grateful to this dedicated bunch.
I hope when you read this you also will be astounded as to how few of you actually are prepared to
give up 3 hours a month to help this very much needed cause. I am currently putting out an urgent
plea out to those of you who do not care for animals to come on board and provide some relief to
our current operators who are really feeling the pressure and deserve a break!!! Most of these
people work and care for wildlife as well. Like you, I also do not know how some of these people
fit everything in.
At the writing of this report we are down to 17 operators from 40. We have 124 shifts to cover!!
The current people are just exhausted and NEED YOUR HELP. It‟s just 3 hours a month! If you
really care about helping our native wildlife, then get to where the core of things happen and help
out on the phones. Ask any of us how rewarding it can be and how much you really learn. So c‟mon
and help our fellow carers, and of course our wildlife.
The main areas we need help with are the weekends, which are 3-hour time slots, and 4-7pm
during the week. Also as the office is not open on Mondays we do need help then also. Our two
busiest and dedicated members are Trish Hales and Roy Webster. These people operate our office
and telephones based at Currumbin from 8.00am to 4.00pm Tuesday to Friday. Even if you cannot
give 3 hours let me know and we will slot you in somewhere. Please note that while you are on the
phones for Wildcare you are reimbursed for your telephone expenses so all we ask for is your time
- 3 hours a month!
Every single one of our telephone operators deserve a medal for your dedication. I look forward to
recognising you all at the AGM for your efforts.
For the rest of you I am still extremely frustrated how once again so few carry so many!
Please call me on 0419 684461 and we will find a time slot that suits your lifestyle.
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Wildcare Shop Report TRACY PAROZ
This year has seen a decline in the number of members purchasing from the Wildcare shops. We
continue to offer a substantial range of products for the benefit of our carers and members
(including a supply of Wildcare clothing available for immediate purchase rather than having to wait
until we have a minimum order to send to the embroiderer).
The carers‟ subsidy continues to be a flat 10% across all shop items, due to no funds being available
to continue this subsidy. Continuing this carers‟ subsidy remains as a “priority” for the Committee
members, but in these tough economic times, sponsorship and donations are becoming more and
more scarce. Of those grants that are available for Wildcare to apply, most are to fund capital items
or equipment.
A big thank-you to Roy Webster, Rachel Lyons and Renay Robb for continuing to operate the
shops for the benefit of carers.
Wildcare Office Report TRISH HALES (WILDCARE OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR)
Over the last year Roy Webster and I have been very fortunate in having more helpers in the office.
I would like to thank firstly Katherine Page. Katherine has been like a breath of fresh air. Her
bubbly sense of humour and lovely phone manner dealing with sometimes very trying members of
the public, is a joy to listen to.
Secondly, Toni Brown. Toni is a great help to me and keeps the coffee coming and nothing I ask is
ever too much for Toni, even fighting her way downstairs in the dudgeon for supplies. Thank you,
Toni.
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Thirdly, Chloe Chambers. Chloe was able to help both Roy and myself for several days but
unfortunately with her busy schedule can no longer spare the time for the office. We are both very
grateful for the time you spent in the office.
Now we have a new helper Carol Cartan who is very keen to learn. Welcome, I hope you will
enjoy your time with us.
We hope you have a LONG and happy time with us, as you are sorely needed and maybe both Roy
and I can retire.
We welcome anyone who can spare a day or a few hours in the office as I am sure you will learn a
great deal about Wildcare and wildlife and as they say, “many hands make light work”.
Media and Publicity In addition to her other roles as Bird Coordinator and coordinating the 24-hour telephone service,
Liz Meffan has taken on the new role of Media Coordinator this past year. As you will read, she‟s
already made a significant contribution in this position:
Media Coordinator Report
LIZ MEFFAN
If you have read the latest newsletter you will see what has taken place in this area over the last 12
months. Here is a summary:
June 2009 The Gold Coast Sun – Photo and story on Whitlam the koala who fell out of a tree.
July 2009 Filming began with Channel 9‟s „The Shak‟. Gliders and Possums Segment.
August 2009 Gold Coast Channel 9 News filmed the release of Whitlam the koala.
September 2009 The Shak filmed twin Eastern Grey Kangaroos.
October 2009 The Shak filmed a segment on Baby Birds.
October 2009 Karen Scott was a guest on ABC Gold Coast FM Radio speaking about koalas. … Continued…
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November 2009 The Gold Coast Sun – article and photo on Baby Bird rescues.
November 2009 Channel 7 News and Sunday Mail completed story on Koala rescue involving fire crews at Currumbin Waters.
November 2009 Sunday Mail – story and photo on Baby Tawny Frogmouths.
November 2009 Courier Mail and The Australian – story on Koala joeys.
January 2010 94.9 River FM Brisbane – Advertisement for Wildcare.
January 2010 Channel 9 Gold Coast News – followed Rowley Goonan at Pacific Pines in relation to poisoning of the lake and birds being rescued with botulism.
February 2010 Rowley Goonan was a guest on ABC Gold Coast FM Radio speaking about rescuing water birds and their plight in relation to fishing line and other hazards.
February 2010 Liz Meffan was a guest on 4BC Brisbane speaking about rescuing birds.
February 2010 Channel 9 Gold Coast News – Rowley Goonan and Dianna Smith conducting a rescue of a Brahminy Kite dangling in the middle of Pimpama River.
March 2010 Rowley Goonan spoke with ABC Gold Coast FM Radio about a duck rescue he attended on the 18th floor of Jupiters Casino which took 4 hours.
April 2010 Karen Scott was a guest on ABC Gold Coast FM Radio in relation to what wildlife carers do and a need for an Ambulance service.
April 2010 ABC Gardening Show Exhibition in Brisbane. Refer to Laura’s report for details.
April 2010 Liz Meffan did talk on Wildcare for Bird Society at Mt Tamborine.
April 2010 Gold Coast Mail – photo and story on duck release at Currumbin Valley.
May 2010 Volunteer week Nationwide 10th to 15th May. Interviews took place during the week with River 94.9FM radio station, and ABC Gold Coast FM Radio 91.7FM who now wish to hold regular monthly segments.
May 2010 The Courier Mail, Sunday Mail, Channel 9 Brisbane, Channel 10 Brisbane and ABC Radio Brisbane were invited to take part in a story on „Betty‟ the carpet python who was in for a check-up at the vet after a severe injury due to a whipper snipper. Thanks To Deb Turnbull and „Betty‟ for their cooperation on this one. The Courier Mail ran the story in the weekend paper of 15 May and the video clip on their website. In 3 days, the clip had over 1000 hits.
May 2010 ABC FM Gold Coast Radio visited Tonya Howard and Sam Howard. They completed an interview about a bat, snake and lizard and took photos for their website. Several wildlife photos were supplied for this.
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Newsletter Report ELEANOR HANGER
We are pleased to announce that the newsletters are back on track after a few hiccoughs last year.
We had some wonderful assistance from Hope Hagar and Mike Egan, of EganCreative, whose
design has taken the newsletter to a new level of excellence and we are delighted to welcome
Renée Rivard, the prodigal, who left us to return to the States, but has now taken over the
production from afar. The wonders of Internet! My sincere thanks to you all.
The newsletter provides an avenue to disseminate information on the work of the management
committee, the office, the emergency telephone service, the keeper of the records, the community
speakers‟ team and the species coordinators, as well as on our education courses and events. We
also try to have at least one article from a veterinarian or other expert in a particular field, to assist
us in the treatment of injury or illness in wildlife. To round off we publish articles and stories of a
lighter nature. Thank you sincerely to those who contribute to the newsletter.
As this is your newsletter, we like to receive input from you, the readers. Your stories,
observations, interesting or important findings add to its value and interest. Any material sent for
inclusion should be original, or, if not, must be correctly acknowledged. Please contact me or
Renee if you are not sure how to do this. Stories should be no more than 800 words. Photos
should be sent in a high resolution as this ensures that best quality when they are reproduced.
As well as the electronic production of the newsletter, the hard copies have to be made compiled
and distributed. We would like to thank the staff, especially Jason, of the office of the Federal
Member for Forde, Brett Raguse, for kindly doing the photocopying and stapling, and Sonia Laws,
my faithful assistant, who always makes herself available for folding, labeling and stamping. My
sincere thanks also to Ricky Johns, Carla Harp, Michelle Hanger and the Wildcare office staff who
are always willing to lend a hand when needed.
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Community Speakers Team Report LAURA REEDER
After a few delays in starting up, this team of dedicated volunteers has been working hard to
promote Wildcare Australia to the general public. Our objective is simple; to teach the public to
care about and protect native species.
The team has about twenty volunteers, with more regularly offering their services. We speak to
schools primarily in conjunction with the Australian Veterinary Association PetPep Program, and
to community groups on request.
With special thanks to Eleanor Hanger and Tonya Howard as well as all the generous contributors,
we have built up an awesome photo library for the display boards. These, like the marquees and
exhibitors kits are available for use by members representing Wildcare at events.
Our members have attended local activities as well as those far from their own home base. These
include Harrisville State School, Coomera Joey Scouts and the Alex Hills TAFE to mention just a
few. In September we had two busy days at the Beaudesert Show with lots of enquiries and
product sales. Special thanks to Liz Meffan, Karen Barney and Pam Elliott who helped me organize
this event.
The ABC Gardening Expo in Brisbane was an eventful three days with much public exposure and
interaction at the Wildcare stall. We handed out hundreds of brochures and answered as many
questions. Many thanks to Tom and Jay Lima, Marcela Castro, Deb Turnbull, Eleanor Hanger,
Naomi Mumford, Kylie and Chloe Tsangaris who assisted me tremendously over the three days.
Chloe spoke on stage about her pride in being a “Wildlife Warrior” and she continues to inspire
those around her. Many thanks to all.
In May, Karen Scott gave a very interesting and inspiring talk to Gecko (Gold Coast), and Eleanor
Hanger spoke to and attended a spotlight session with the Beechmont Landcare Group.
We need more volunteers to make light work for all, plus it’s way more fun!
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Record Keeping Report KIERSTEN JONES [email protected]
2009-2010 Records Data Reports
Thanks to everyone who has been emailing in their rescue/carer records! I realise that the
conditions of your Permit Endorsement requires this, but to see how much the records can be used
makes the „chore‟ of doing records well-justified. This past year our records data reports have once
again been used for public awareness and media activities, to back up successful grant submissions,
for student assignments, and to demonstrate the need for more road signage and wildlife-friendly
development proposals.
Thank you to the following exceptional volunteers who consistently and accurately submit their
records (and I apologise if I have left anyone out):
Allison Roberts, Amie Low, Amy Whitham, Anika Lehmann, Anne Asquith, Bev Hellyer,
Bob & Mary Collier, Britta Hawney, Carla Harp, Caroline Oertal, Christel & Mick Story,
Clare & John Boyd, David A‟Gardner, Debbie Melville, Debbie Myberg, Deb Turnbull,
Dianna Smith, Elizabeth Cheetham, Gloria Litchfield, Heather Frankcom, Helen Bradley,
Jan Eva, Jane Koltoft, Jessica Hughes, John & Cath Mitchell, Kelly Pringle, Kim Morris,
Kylie Tsangaris, Lesley Saunders, Liz Meffan, Lynne Hirst, Marian Burcher, Maureen
Linacre, Michelle Benson, Natalie Rasmussen (with help of her sister Amanda Hoyland!),
Natasha Lewis-Millar, Nikki O‟Donoghue, Patricia Van De Berkt, Penelope Hacker, Petra
Derrington, Roy Webster, Simone Smith, Sue Redhead, Tamsin Westrup, Tom & Jay
Lima, Vicki Rayner, Vicky Carlsson and Violet Hopkinson.
The following records data reports were completed in the past 12 months:
2000-2008 Koala rescue/carer records for Karen Scott (for EPBC koala data submission)
2000-2008 Koala Road Trauma/Road kill stats to Queensland Main Roads specifically for
Springbrook & Tallebudgera signage - signage was approved for both locations!
2008 Bat/Flying-fox Records - to Karen Scott for grant application for bat rehabilitation
equipment, records also sent to Bat Coordinators.
2008-2009 Currumbin Wildlife Hospital outcome records – to CWH – provided every 6
months.
2008 Records sent to USC Lecturer, for use in student assignment.
2003-2008 Burleigh records stats to private sector Ecologist. Continued…
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2003-2008 Burleigh Records also given to Member of the Public for use in application to
council for wildlife friendly overpass on West Burleigh Rd/Tallebudgera Ck Rd.
2003-2008 Road Trauma/Road Kill stats – For 2 Qld Main Roads(Gold Coast) representatives.
2009 Road trauma/Road Kill records for same Qld Main Road Reps – provided every 6
months.
2003-2009 Willow Vale records and species list (based on records) for Wildcare member in
local conservation group concerned over a large development proposed in this location.
2003-2009 Springbrook Road trauma records– for local residents (and Wildcare members)
concerned about a shopping centre being proposed, for inclusion with a resident‟s letter to the
Minister, and for publication in Springbrook‟s local newsletter.
2000-2009 Gold Coast Koala Records Data – to GCCC Koala Project Officer, DERM and local
Wildcare Koala Coordinator.
2003-2009 Annual summary tables compiled - for revised Wildcare Orientation manual.
2003-2008 Possum & Glider Records (Brisbane area) – for Brisbane Possum Coordinator‟s
grant application to BCC for possum cages, aviaries.
2003-2009 Bahrs Scrub & Surrounding towns‟ records (2003-2009 records) and Species List
based on these records – for the Bahrs Scrub Alliance (and Wildcare member) and Logan and
Albert Conservation Association (LACA), both concerned over a large development proposed
in this location. Species list also used by BSA to create picture identification list for distribution
to community, for locals to use to identify their local wildlife.
2003-2009 Logan City Council Records – Road trauma records and road kill sightings, for
Logan City Council Environmental Officer (also Wildcare member) – for local road kill hotspot
analysis.
2003-2009 North Beaudesert/Logan records – For Logan and Albert Conservation Association
(LACA).
2009 Sunshine Coast Domestic Pet attack records - for use in university student‟s assignment.
All 2009 records compiled for 2009 Records Summary Report, and 2009 Records and
Summary tables/figures finalised – for use in future data reports.
2009 Records Summary Tables for Radio Interview and other media activities being carried out
by Liz Meffan (Wildcare‟s Media Consultant), during Volunteer Week.
2009 Records Summary Tables for 2010 AGM Annual Report. Speaking of these ....please refer to the Summary Figures overleaf.
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2009 Rescue/Carer Records Summary Figures & Tables
List of Tables and Figures:
Table 1 TOTAL NUMBERS rescued/rehabil itated - BY ANIMAL GROUPS
Table 2 REASONS for rescue/care - TOTALS (Table)
Figure 1 REASONS for rescue/care - TOTALS (Pie Graph)
Figure 2 REASONS for rescue/care - BY ANIMAL GROUPS (Series of Pie Graphs)
Table 3 OUTCOMES of animals rescued/rehabil i tated – BY ANIMAL GROUPS
Table 4 Rescue/Capture LOCATIONS – BY ANIMAL GROUPS
The following tables and figures summarise the 2009 rescue and carer records submitted to
Wildcare Australia Inc by volunteers, up until 2nd June 2010. If anyone wishes to use the following
data, it would be appreciated if you could advise the Record Keeper (via [email protected])
so we can keep track of who requires this information, and why. However, more specific data
reports can be assembled upon request, similar to those listed above.
Table 1 Wildcare Australia 2009 Rescue/Carer Records
– ANIMAL CATEGORIES
ANIMAL GROUP TOTAL
(n)
TOTAL
(%)
ANIMAL GROUP TOTAL
(n)
TOTAL
(%)
2009 Records 2009 Records
Bird 1514 51.4%
Bird 1499 50.9%
Feral Bird 13 0.4%
Domestic/Pet Bird 2 0.1%
Amphibian 5 0.2% Amphibian 5 0.2%
Reptile 88 3.0% Reptile 88 3.0%
Mammal 1338 45.4%
Bat 81 2.8%
Koala 160 5.4%
Macropod 317 10.8%
Mammal-Small/Other 86 2.9%
Monotreme 37 1.3%
Possum/Glider 653 22.2%
Feral Mammal 4 0.1%
TOTAL 2945 100% TOTAL 2945 100%
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Table 2 Wildcare Australia 2009 Rescue/Carer Records
– REASONS FOR RESCUE/CARE, TOTALS
REASON FOR RESCUE/CARE QTY TOTAL (n) TOTAL (%)
2009 RECORDS (ALL ANIMALS) Total Total
Attacked Attacked by domestic cat 71 279 9%
Attacked by domestic dog 117
Attacked by cat, suspected 20
Attacked by dog, suspected 12
Attacked by cat/dog, suspected 14
Attacked by feral animal (dog/cat/fox) 3
Attacked by native animals/birds 42
Disease Disease, Abscess on mouth 1 105 4%
Disease, Beak & Feather (Psitticine) 7
Disease, Chlamydia 24
Disease, Coccidiosis 1
Disease, Dermatitis 36
Disease, other 21
Disease, suspected 15
Injury Injury - Barbed Wire 25 434 15%
Injury - Burns 1
Injury - Electrocution/Powerlines 6
Injury - Fruit Netting 5
Injury - Impact (e.g. window) 46
Injury - Trapped 16
Injury - other 237
Injury - suspected 98
Habitat Loss /
Urban Risks Habitat loss / destruction 32 93 3%
In danger / needed relocating 61
Orphaned Orphan, due to disease 5 1175 40%
Orphan, due to domestic cat/dog attack 44
Orphan, due to Habitat loss 60
Orphan, due to Road Trauma 144
Orphan, found without mother 415
Orphan, not viable 14
Orphan, other 493
Road Trauma
(excluding
orphans)
Road Kill 126 528 18%
Injury - Road Trauma 279
Injury - Road Trauma (suspected) 123
Unwell / Sick Unwell - Exhaustion 21 119 4%
Unwell - Malnourished/Emaciated 34
Unwell - Dehydrated 8
Unwell/Sick - unspecified, on ground 56
Further
Rehab/Care Transferred to me for further rehab 39 81 3%
Transferred to me for pre-release 42
Other Parasites 5 131 4%
Poisoning / Suspected Poisoning 16
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Surrendered Pet / Lost Pet 10
Old age 2
Trapped, uninjured 34
Unknown Reason 22
Not applicable 5
Observation only 16
REASON UNSPECIFIED 21
TOTAL 2945 2945 100%
Figure 1 Wildcare Australia 2009 Rescue/Carer Records
– REASONS FOR RESCUE/CARE, TOTALS
The reasons for animals entering care varied between species. Therefore, reasons were also
categorized by animal groups, and pie charts were done using the most common reasons (“Other”
included reasons occurring in less than 4% for that animal group). Refer to Figure 2 (over 2 pages).
9% 4%
15%
3%
40%
18%
4%
3%
4%
Attacked (n = 279)
Disease (n = 105)
Injury (n = 434)
Habitat Loss / Urban Risks (n = 93)
Orphaned (n = 1175)
Road Trauma (excluding orphans) (n = 528)
Unwell / Sick (n = 119)
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Figure 2a Wildcare Australia 2009 Rescue/Carer Records
– REASONS FOR RESCUE/CARE, BY ANIMAL GROUPS
Orphan-without mother (19%),
Orphan-other (19%),
Injury-other (16%),
Road Trauma/Road Kill (13%),
Pet Attack/suspected (4%),
Habitat Loss (4%).
OTHER
Birds
Road Trauma/Road Kill (53%),
Orphan-Road Trauma (21%),
Orphan-other/without mother (10%).
OTHER
Macropods
Injury-other (15%),
Barbed Wire Injury (14%),
Habitat Loss (9%),
Orphan-other (9%),
Trapped (9%),
Orphan-without mother (7%),
Injury-impact (6%),
Fruit Netting injury (5%).
OTHER
Bats/FFs
In danger (40%),
Road Trauma/Road Kill (40%).
OTHER
Frogs Pet Attack (34%),
Road Trauma/Road Kill (32%),
Injury-other (16%).
OTHER
Reptiles
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Figure 2b Wildcare Australia 2009 Rescue/Carer Records
– REASONS FOR RESCUE/CARE, BY ANIMAL GROUPS
Orphan-other/without mother (30%),
Road Trauma/Road Kill (10%),
Orphan-Road Trauma (8%),
Dog/Cat Attack (13%),
Orphan-by Dog/Cat Attack (5%),
Dermatitis (5%),
Habitat Loss/orphan by (3%).
OTHER
Possums / Gliders
Road Trauma/Road Kill (25%),
Chlamydial Disease (15%),
Dog Attack (14%),
In danger (13%).
OTHER
Koalas
Road Trauma/Road Kill (49%),
Dog attack (19%),
In danger (8%).
OTHER
Echidnas
Orphan-other/without mother (31%),
Pet Attack/orphan by Pet attack (21%),
Orphan-Road Trauma (13%),
Road Trauma/Road Kill (12%).
OTHER
Small Mammals
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The outcomes of those animals rescued and rehabilitated are shown in Table 3. Some animals (i.e.
birds, possums and echidnas) had a relatively good proportion released, while others like
macropods had a high proportion of deaths, mainly resulting from road trauma - as the previous pie
graph showed. Those transferred to a vet or wildlife hospital are included under their eventual
outcome if this was known (the figures remaining under this category are those where outcomes
were not known or followed up). Percentages are based on total numbers for each animal group.
Those empty boxes represent 0% (n = 0).
Table 3 Wildcare Australia 2009 Rescue/Carer Records
OUTCOMES, 2009 – BY ANIMAL GROUPS
OUTCOME
BIR
DS
FR
OG
S
RE
PTIL
ES
BA
TS
/F
Fs
KO
ALA
S
MA
CR
OP
OD
S
SM
ALL
MA
MM
ALS
EC
HID
NA
S
PO
SS
UM
S/
GLID
ER
S
Released 652
(43%)
2
(40%)
24
(27%)
17
(21%)
26
(16%)
18
(6%)
28
(33%)
18
(49%)
245
(38%)
Died 246
(16%) -
19
(22%)
16
(20%)
14
(9%)
65
(21%)
29
(34%)
3
(8%)
112
(17%)
Euthanased 161
(11%)
2
(40%)
23
(26%)
6
(7%)
19
(12%)
114
(36%)
6
(7%)
7
(19%)
82
(13%)
Road Kill 18
(1%)
1
(20%)
10
(11%) -
5
(3%)
40
(13%)
3
(3%)
1
(3%)
20
(3%)
Transferred to Vet
or Wildlife Hospital 97
(6%) -
7
(8%)
1
(1%)
66
(41%)
7
(2%)
10
(12%)
1
(3%)
9
(1%)
Transferred to Private Carer
or Other Group 148
(10%) -
1
(1%)
37
(46%)
1
(1%)
38
(12%)
9
(10%)
1
(3%)
74
(11%)
Still in care (SIC) 29
(2%) - -
3
(4%)
2
(1%)
5
(2%)
1
(1%)
1
(3%)
24
(4%)
No Rescue 4
(0.3%) - -
1
(1%)
15
(9%)
12
(4%) -
3
(8%) 2
(0.3%)
Escaped 13
(1%) - - - -
2
(1%) -
1
(3%)
6
(1%)
Transferred to WC Member
– outcome not yet advised 116
(8%) -
1
(1%) -
2
(1%)
13
(4%) -
1
(3%)
54
(8%)
OUTCOME NOT ADVISED 15
(1%) -
3
(3%) -
10
(6%)
3
(1%) - -
25
(4%)
TOTALS 1499 5 88 81 160 317 86 37 653
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The capture/rescue locations appear to largely follow suit with residential locations of those
volunteers rescuing and rehabilitating the animals, as well as natural distribution of the various
species. Percentages are again based on total numbers for each animal group, with empty boxes
being 0% (n = 0).
Table 4 Wildcare Australia 2009 Rescue/Carer Records
LOCATIONS, 2009 – BY ANIMAL GROUPS
LOCATION
(Council Shire) B
IRD
S
FR
OG
S
RE
PTIL
ES
BA
TS
/F
Fs
KO
ALA
S
MA
CR
OP
OD
S
SM
ALL
MA
MM
ALS
EC
HID
NA
S
PO
SS
UM
S/
GLID
ER
S
Brisbane City Council 94
(6%) - 8
(9%)
8
(10%)
3
(2%)
12
(4%) - 1
(3%)
171
(26%)
Fraser Coast Regional
Council
33
(2%) - 4
(5%) - - 6
(2%)
2
(2%) - 2
(0.3%)
Gold Coast City Council 637
(42%) - 26
(30%)
29
(36%)
129
(81%)
135
(43%)
37
(43%)
6
(16%)
87
(13%)
Gympie Regional Council 121
(8%)
2
(40%)
8
(9%)
12
(15%)
1
(1%)
8
(3%)
6
(7%)
1
(3%)
21
(3%)
Ipswich City Council 4
(0.3%) - 1
(1%)
5
(6%) - 3
(1%)
1
(1%)
2
(5%)
6
(1%)
Logan City Council 80
(5%)
2
(40%)
3
(3%)
2
(2%)
9
(6%)
27
(9%)
7
(8%)
8
(22%)
68
(10%)
Moreton Bay Regional
Council
99
(7%)
1
(20%)
6
(7%)
3
(4%)
6
(4%)
32
(10%)
6
(7%)
3
(8%)
74
(11%)
Redland City Council 78
(5%) - 13
(15%) - 1
(1%)
10
(3%)
1
(1%)
4
(11%)
31
(5%)
Scenic Rim Regional
Council
75
(5%) - 2
(2%)
5
(6%)
10
(6%)
48
(15%)
4
(5%)
3
(8%)
30
(5%)
Sunshine Coast Regional
Council
56
(4%) - 7
(8%)
11
(14%) - 14
(4%)
15
(17%)
5
(14%)
59
(9%)
OTHER Regional
Queensland *
3
(0.2%) - 1
(1%) - - 15
(5%)
1
(1%)
2
(5%)
2
(0.3%)
NSW - Northern NSW 4
(0.3%) - 1
(1%) - - - - 1
(3%) -
Not Specified 104
(7%) - 3
(3%) - 1
(1%)
1
(0.3%)
5
(6%)
1
(3%)
36
(6%)
Unknown 111
(7%) - 5
(6%)
6
(7%) - 6
(2%)
1
(1%) - 66
(10%)
TOTALS 1499 5 88 81 160 317 86 37 653
* OTHER Regional Queensland included: Balonne Shire (St George), Blackall-Tambo, Bundaberg, Flinders Shire, Maranoa, Rockhampton, Somerset,
South Burnett, Southern Downs, Toowoomba, and Western Downs.
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Species Coordinators Reports
Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast & Gympie
Birds –Gold Coast LIZ MEFFAN, ON BEHALF OF ALL GOLD COAST BIRD COORDINATORS
We anticipate a busy season ahead again and therefore we are in need of the following coordinators
for the Gold Coast:
Pigeon Coordinator
Nectivore Coordinator
Insectivore Coordinator
Frugivore Coordinator
Thanks to Natasha Lewis-Miller who has just taken on the Carnivore Bird Coordinator role.
If we can get all these bird groups covered, then it will make the whole bird network run very
smoothly without placing too much strain on those already covering these species as well as others.
Please let me know where you can help.
Birds –Water Birds – Gold Coast CHRISTINE WILSON
Our team of water bird carers have had a busy time this season, which never seems to end with
ducklings still coming into care.
Sue Schwartz worked hard, taking most of the ducklings that needed fostering through Currumbin
Wildlife Hospital. Sue has taken a break from caring as she now has a beautiful baby boy to keep her
busy. We hear she is moving the family to Victoria near Healesville and I am sure she will find lots
of wildlife there to keep her happy. We wish Sue and family all the best.
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Tracey Corcoran has had everything from Swans to Banded Rails, Wood Ducks to Whistlers,
Plovers and a Magpie Goose! I don‟t know how she does it. Tracey averages about 30 birds in care
at any one time.
Fortunately we have two new water bird carers who have both taken to it like ducks to water!!
Vicki Rayner has jumped in feet first with ducklings and is also caring for other birds. Vicki often
drives for miles to rescue these little cuties. Clare Boyd only came into the Wildcare office one day
for some supplies but found herself taking 6 wood ducklings home and she and her husband John
have not looked back. Their first release was recently on the front page of their local newspaper.
I would also like to thank Christel Story, a Brisbane carer who came to the rescue one week earlier
in the year when we had 3 clutches of 9 ducklings each. Christel drove to the Gold Coast and took
18 babies home with her.
Birds –Parrots and Frugivores – Gold Coast LIZ MEFFAN
This season I took on the role of the coordinating the Parrots and Frugivores. One of the most
disturbing things I have seen in a while were the Sulphur-crested Cockatoos coming into care due
to gunshot wounds. Only one had to be euthanased by Currumbin Wildlife Hospital after coming
into care as his recovery was not progressing at all and the chances of him living a free life in the
wild was going to be non-existent. I must admit one does question the length of time these birds
need to be in care and whether they will adapt to their natural habitat and be accepted. However
with strict correct care and providing everything possible to make this happen these birds were
released very successfully. I think sometimes we need to realise what „toughnuts‟ some of our
wildlife species are. And of course the high level of intelligence of parrots in general. Then there
was the odd baby Galah as well as injured adults, some Rosellas who all recovered well and were
successfully released, and some corellas with wing issues and a few King Parrots.
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The busiest species by far were the Figbirds getting into trouble, with an enormous amount of
orphans coming into care. Many of these could not be reunited with their families and came in with
injuries to their wings where they were also required to be on medication. Being a strong social
kind of bird they thrived only in numbers of which there was no shortage! I would like to thank
Dianna Smith, Patricia Van De Berkt, Jim and Greer, and Heather Frankcom for helping out with
these guys. Also to our busy new carer Vicki Rayner who took on the season‟s end of our figgies. I
hope next season is not as busy with these guys! We would like to think next season we could have
someone just caring for the Figbirds.
I also would like to thank Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for their assistance with the hundreds of
birds coming into care. They pack us off with medications and instructions so that the bird has the
best chance of recovery and the right to a life of freedom again, and we all know they are just a
phone call away should we require assistance.
King Parrot at Burleigh
Photograph: Kiersten Jones
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Birds – Lorikeets – Gold Coast SIMONE SMITH
Thank you everyone in the past year who has helped with the care and rescue of our birds,
especially lorikeets. The lori‟s hold a special place in my heart with their vibrant personalities and
intelligent little minds (except for when it comes to looking where they‟re flying).
Over the last year we have seen an increased number in road fatalities and more babies/juveniles
coming into care due to habitat destruction. Unfortunately many of our medium strips on busy
roads are covered in an array of native trees which always seem to be flowering (funnily enough).
More inexperienced birds are then succumbing to being yet another road fatality when trying to
feed. The lorikeets that survive these "bird versus car" accidents account for 85% of lorikeets that
come into care. The good news is that the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital are now trialing new
methods to treat spinal patients, resulting in some of these guys getting a well-deserved second
chance. The bad news is this requires more carers as these little patients need more one-on-one
time including medications and physiotherapy.
One of the most amazing cases I have seen came into care with myself in January this year. He was a
sub-adult and, yes, hit by a car. He was not moving any part of his body except for the movement
of his eyes. He went to the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and they informed me that he had a lot of
swelling and possibly C5 spinal damage. By the end of the day we noticed he was trying to lift his
head up. It was this little guy‟s lucky day. Because of the trial I was told to give him 2 more days
with lots of medication to see if there was improvement and I was shown how to do his physio 3
times per day. I was also told there was little chance of improvement, a poor prognosis but I
wanted to try.
With every day that passed, slowly by slowly my guy moved one more toe to one more leg to more
neck movement to standing up then dragging his body to walking with one leg then using both,
then two weeks after that flying. The process took 51days! By that stage he had also learnt how to
bite again and the physio ended! This was the most amazing gradual recovery I had ever seen
and it shows the resilience in these lorikeets. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary was also amazed by his
recovery. When he was released it was the best feeling… Not all spinal cases take this long, they
often vary.
With the enormous amount of development that is going on, we have been getting a lot of babies
over the past year. We had 15 come into care from one development site alone. All these babies
sadly lost their homes and parents for that fact but were raised as a group and soft-released.
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Wouldn't it be nice if we could hold these developers accountable for the expenses to raise these
babies?
One thing I would also like to touch on is we continually have many birds that come into care with
members of the public thinking they are "tame". Please be wary, 98% of the time they are not
tame, and instead have something very wrong with them, despite not always showing obvious signs
of illness or injury. If a bird has parasitic worms it can also act "tame" and requires Veterinary
attention to address this. The juveniles are easily imprinted and can sometimes act this way as well.
Unfortunately each year a large number of juvenile lorikeets are kept by members of the public and
Wildcare is not contacted until something eventually goes wrong. By this time the appropriate
veterinary and rehabilitative intervention that could have resolved the original injury comes too
late. Despite this, we have successfully rehabilitated and dehumanized lorikeets that have been
imprinted by members of the public. It is extra work that could have been avoided, but worth it
when successful.
Thanks must go to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital for the veterinary care of all the lorikeets rescued.
Also thanks to Barb van Luyn, a private carer who takes many of our lorikeets for soft release, and
to Carole Green, another private carer who takes on so much. Once again, thank you to everybody
who has helped out with lorikeets over the past year, in particular the following carers within
Wildcare: Karen Fiest, Jessica Hughes, Petra Derrington and Dianna Smith. If you haven‟t cared
for a lorikeet before, you are missing out! They are beautiful to work with and so much fun.
Orphaned Baby Rainbow
Lorikeets
Photograph: Simone Smith
These two baby lorikeets were
hand-raised by Simone Smith,
… now “grown up”!
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Birds – Seabirds – Gold Coast ROWLEY GOONAN
We've had a steady year of seabird rescues. Happily the number of pelicans needing assistance
dropped off dramatically in 2010 with only two captures recorded for the first four months of the
year. That followed a brisk seventeen pelican rescues in a row for the latter part of 2009. The
number was inflated by Percy, a very sweet but recalcitrant bird from the Broadbeach canals who
had to be caught and carted off to hospital three times in three months, all for different reasons.
Percy of Broadbeach ....just too
naughty for her own good!
Photograph: Rowley Goonan
Soft Release of
Rehabilitated
Rainbow Lorikeets
Photograph:
Simone Smith
“Another lot free!”
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The lunchtime pelican feed at Charris Seafoods continues to be an excellent place to monitor the
health of up to eighty of the Broadwater pelicans on a daily basis. We have a very good working
relationship with Charris and this year we helped provide them with a pelican holding cage so
that rescued birds could be housed safely until collected.
Fish hooks and fishing line remain the primary enemy of all seabirds and many terrestrial
birds especially ibis, bush turkeys, swans and ducks. Others that suffered greatly because of
this scourge where gulls, cormorants, great egrets and white faced herons. I'm pleased to say we
were able to help nearly all the birds reported to WILDCARE plus many that were
reported directly to our rescuers by Currumbin Wildlife Hospital. I join all other Coordinators
who've expressed their gratitude to the great team of vets and nurses at Currumbin Sanctuary. The
care they provide and the onsite facilities for seabirds is the best in Queensland.
Our WILDCARE seabird team is still very small but our effectiveness has been boosted this year by
some valuable new equipment. I also want to welcome Jo-Ellen who has had experience
with raptors at Currumbin and is now in training with us for seabird rescues. We continue to
expand our group of spotters who live on or near the water and call us directly if they see any
creatures in trouble.
Pelican with fish hook injury
Photograph: Rowley Goonan
“This was a large male from Jacobs Well.
Very easy capture. He came running up to
me with that nasty hook in his face and
grabbed a fish straight off my hand. I
grabbed him and he spent the night in
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and was good
to go the next day. Because he travelled so
poorly I released him at Currumbin Estuary.
Two days later I was back at Jacobs Well
checking the birds and there he was
standing on the beach. He made a complete
recovery with no problems.”
– Rowley Goonan
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Birds – Raptors – Gold Coast MIMI DONA
The past year has seen a more structured approach to raptor rescue within Wildcare. With the
help of the staff at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital we have been able to conduct several hands-on
training sessions to keen bird rescuers which have resulted in Wildcare now having a good team of
volunteers that are conversant with raptor rescue and assessment.
Wildcare does not have any members that hold the required specialised permit for raptors but we
are very fortunate that the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital has excellent raptor rehabilitation
facilities. Raptors rescued through Wildcare are generally rehabbed through this facility. This has
resulted in many successful rehabilitation stories for injured birds of prey. This is due to the
dedication of both the veterinary staff and Currumbin Sanctuary bird keepers that have invested
considerable time in not only treating injuries but also preparation for release to ensure their
survival after release.
Thank you also to the staff at the Australian Wildlife Hospital and the RSPCA for their help with
rescues and veterinary care.
Many thanks to our small team of volunteers who have taken the time to learn more about these
magnificent animals, and who have ensured that they are rescued in an timely and efficient manner.
Thank you to Dianna Smith, Liz Meffan and Rowley Goonan in particular.
“Jake”,
held by Jo-Ellen (Seabird rescuer)
Photograph: Rowley Goonan
This was a very bad case hooks and
fishing line – this pelican was captured
on a jetty!
Upon capture, Rowley and Jo-Ellen took
him to Currumbin Wildlife Hospital,
where he required 40 stitches to mend
his wound.
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Birds –Brisbane HEATHER FRANKCOM
In the Brisbane region, this bird season has been the longest and busiest I have experienced so far in
my 3 years of caring. It seems to get busier every year. I am also getting to accumulate lots of
contacts of bird carers from other Brisbane groups, especially B.A.R.N. and Pelican and Seabird
Rescue. I can't say enough of how much they have helped me in the last 12 months. Many thanks to
them and also to Sonya Wing (Wildcare Member) who took some of my juvenile magpies for
release. I would also like to thank Helen Kruger for all her help too. Our newest bird carer is
Allison Roberts and she has jumped right in to help me with the little birds and she never says no
when asked to rescue or do pick-ups. Amy Whitham has her aviary up and running now too –
thanks Amy for taking on the Tawnies. .
I must mention our local vet, David Banks of Raby Bay Vets. I think every wildlife carer in the
Redlands City takes their animals to him. He does a fabulous job.
I soft released 13 juvenile magpies around my street this year. My neighbours have been very
patient and I have only had one complaint about the bird droppings on their pavers. After observing
my magpies interacting with the resident adults and reading a book on Magpies by Gisela Kaplan, I
recommend that carers soft release juveniles as they need to learn how to hunt some foods such as
Scarab beetle Larvae. Magpie parents take care of their young for 8 months so I am sure they teach
them a lot that we can't. If there is no alternative but to hard release them, then juveniles should
not be released until they are 8 months old. All but one of my magpies had external pox this season
but they all survived. Feeding them good nutritious food and administering antibiotics helped them
get over it.
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Sub-adult Pheasant Coucal,
“Henry”
Photograph: Heather
Frankcom
This bird was a combined hand-
raising effort by Allison Roberts
and Heather. Soon after this
photograph was taken, Henry
was transferred to a carer on a
soft-release acreage property.
Juvenile
Australian
Magpie, with
Crested Pigeon
Photograph:
Heather
Frankcom
This bird one of
Heather’s hand-
raised magpies,
pinching seed
from a crested
pigeon in her
backyard.
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Birds –Sunshine Coast AILSA WATSON
I hope, that this coming spring is as quiet as this past year has been here on the Sunshine Coast.
The number of animals coming in, both for hand-raising and for rehabilitation, have been way
down on figures for last year, but of course this only applies to birds up this way.
Possibly the fact that we had no major storms was one reason for the birds managing on their own
and can't say I enjoyed no hungry mouths looking at me every time I entered the room. The first
few days are the worst while they are working out your role - they then realise you are the food
source and slight tap on the bill opens their mouth on cue. Of course it gets worse again when they
find their voice and there is a complaining magpie or butcherbird when you are on the phone.
Releasing is slightly harder when you don't have enough birds to form a flock, but it just takes a
little more time to encourage them to accept that food is no longer on tap, especially with the
figbirds as most of the lilly pilly trees finished fruiting.
Still it was an interesting year. With more time, I tried out a few new bird recipes I had been able
to obtain and even ran a trial on feeding the figgies soft fruit and lilly pilly. I have to admit that the
ones on lilly pilly fruit - with added insectivore etc. - seemed to come along that bit faster than the
other two. Their poos were more normal to a wild bird (no runny ones) and it seemed that the
food was digested much better. ... Will hopefully be able to trial again this spring!
I would like to thank the Australian Wildlife Hospital for the veterinary care of many of the birds I
receive for rehabilitation.
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Reptiles – Sunshine Coast JACQUIE DE VOND
This has been another wonderfully challenging and personally rewarding year as far as reptile
rehabbing has gone. I have had the privilege of looking after all the normal range of non-venomous
reptiles plus some less commonly seen species like a Two Lined Dragon and a real Frill Neck Lizard
(not a beardie in disguise). As usual there were emotional highs and lows as patients were released,
died or had to be euthanized, but overall just to have one reptile return home makes it all
worthwhile.
I must extend a huge thank you to the Vets & Vet Nurses at the Australian Wildlife Hospital whom
have provided the highest level of veterinary care and treatment for all the reptilian patients no
matter how high the monetary cost (every day I say a silent Thank you to Lyn, Steve & Terri Irwin
for making this all possible).
This year I have had three new reptile carers come on board full of enthusiasm and willing to help
to spread the rehabilitation load, to Nicole, Matt and Tracey thanks for all the help “Team Reptile”
I look forward to working with you all in the coming year.
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Bats / Flying-foxes – Gold Coast & Brisbane TRISH WIMBERLEY AND GREER MCNEILL Well this year‟s annual report is a little different from 2009 season, as thankfully we did not have a
repeat of the Canungra rescue, but the news is far from good. Our bats are in real trouble out there
and sadly we as a species have to answer for most of their predicament. Our orphaned babies this
year came in a little later than usual with around 50 babies, predominantly grey-headed flying-
foxes. One would get excited about those low numbers but up until May, we were still getting
baby bats into care. At this stage these flying-fox orphans have been mostly little boys, with one or
two girls. Along with these late babies came many injured adults and sub-adults, predominantly
from barbed wire injuries, head trauma and dog attacks. Some days as many as eight needed to be
either treated or euthanased. The injuries were such that the bats had to have longer rehabilitation
time, with at times intensive wound management. A greater number of young bats came in
weighing in from around 125gms to around 300gms - these would be the young that didn‟t make it
into care this baby season, or have been in care and continue to come into care because they are
having trouble finding food. Our little red flying-foxes are still hanging around and we have had a
number still coming into care with mostly barbed wire injuries again.
The weather has not been kind to our furry friends either. Along with the change of season has
come a lot of adverse weather. Consequently this has led to a shortage of food. This can be seen by
the number of bats appearing during the day in back yard gardens. These bats are staying close to a
food source and trying to conserve their energy, and this is putting them closer to danger from
domestic dogs as well as a greater danger of human contact. The number of the public receiving
bat bites and scratches has increased this year as well.
Our little microbats have not missed out this season either. It was a little like last season only in
miniature we had approximately 100 baby microbats in care this season. This has necessitated
running a baby microbat workshop this coming year as they need a little different care in order for
them to survive to release. These babies need to be fed more frequently at first and need to be kept
extremely clean, and recognising the different dietary requirements of the different species is
important.
We take this opportunity to once again thank all the baby bat carers for their support this year. Not
all carers were able to get bubs, which I see as a plus, as for every baby we have to care for we lose
a mother. I am particularly grateful to our carers that are now taking on the care of our injured
adults. Understanding the nature of these adults gives us a better understanding of how to raise
their babies when the need arises. I hope that this year will see a greater education and
understanding from the public of these wonderful creatures - we all need to make a concentrated
effort to do so.
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Bats / Flying-foxes – Sunshine Coast & Gympie RACHEL LYONS & DELICIA WILLIAMS
2009-2010 has been a fairly good year, with few major mass bat emergencies (a change from last
year).
The flying-fox baby season was very light on, with less than about 10 bats coming into care through
Wildcare, most of them black flying-foxes.
Between February and May 2010 we had a run of underweight and „behind-the-eight-ball‟ juveniles
and adults, with one adult Grey-headed Flying-fox with 64 bat flies – …Never a good feeling when
you have a bat fly running around under your clothes!!
Most flying-foxes came in as a result of barbed wire entanglements; however, we also had a few
unusual reasons for them coming into care, including bird-of-prey attacks, boat hits and gutter hits.
We were fairly busy with microbats however, including one busy night where 40 juvenile Large-
footed Myotis came in as a result of their maternity roost being destroyed. A whole myriad of
species have been seen, although the usual suspects of Gould‟s Long-eared, Eastern and Little
Broad-noses and Eastern Free-tails dominated the stats.
We have lodged a grant to have a microbat flight aviary purchased and have our fingers crossed that
it gets approved!!
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Koalas – All areas GAIL GIPP (WILDCARE KOALA COORDINATOR & MANAGER, AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE HOSPITAL)
The past twelve months have seen a large volume of koalas come through the Australian Wildlife
Hospital, and I would like to give a big thank you to all the koala rehabilitators, vets and staff that
have been involved in the care and treatment of these amazing animals across QLD and NSW.
The hospital has in the last year admitted over 7184 native animals, of these 891 (12.4%) were
koalas. The most marked difference overall for koalas in the past year has been the change in the
reasons they are admitted to the hospital compared to data collected from previous years, and that
in itself has been depressing and scary. This year also saw a rise in orphans coming into care, with
many found without any sign of their mothers, and ranging in size from tiny pinkies to around the 1
kilogram mark.
In the past, the three most common reasons koalas come into care (in order) were being hit by a
car, dog attack and disease, and this year the order of this trend changed to disease, hit by car and
dog attack. The future for koalas, particularly those in Queensland and New South Wales, is
looking very grim unless some drastic action is undertaken now. Whilst most of us know and
understand the impacts that affect koalas in urban areas, and most of us associate land clearing as
being the major threat in the western areas, we also assume koalas that live in areas where humans
have little or no impact are the safest. The reality is that disease across all areas is the main threat
and the most significant to koalas as a whole, regardless of area. The government has recently
committed 45 million dollars to koalas, predominately to buy and secure habitat, but without
research, securing habitat will not be enough. Koala Retrovirus (KoRV) is a real and devastating
disease that has been found in every koala population that has been sampled so far, and is believed
to be linked to cancer, AIDS-like symptoms, leukaemia and bone marrow failure in koalas. So far
we know a little about KoRV, but nowhere near enough. What we do know is that it is as
devastating for koalas as the Tasmanian facial tumours are for the Tasmanian Devil, and the same
sort of research money that has gone to that research desperately needs to be allocated to koala
research if we are to have some chance of saving this amazing animal.
The follow page contains summary tables of the koalas that presented to the Australian Wildlife
Hospital in 2009-2010; specifically,
their outcomes, reasons for admittance,
and area.
Sleeping Koala
Photograph: Courtesy of the
Australian Wildlife Hospital.
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Outcomes for Koalas Presenting to AWH
Euthanased 362
Koalas Released 242
DOA 115
Unassisted Death 78
Under Vet Care 60
Rehabilitating 31
Euthanased by off-site Vet 3
Reasons for Koalas Presenting to AWH
Sick - Chlamydiosis 277 Presented Dead-Unknown Cause 6
Sick - Other 95 Dead On Arrival 4
Hit by car 242 Displaced 6
Domestic Animal Attack - Dog 88 Endangerment 4
Domestic Animal Attack - Other 3 Misadventure 4
Predation - Wild Animal Attack 1 Injury - Hit Object 1
Orphaned 46 Entanglement - Other/natural/plant 1
Injury - Other 30 Shooting - Firearm 2
Tree Fall 12 Surrendered/confiscated Animal 1
Bushfire/burn 9 Pre-Release Check 2
Entanglement - Fence 2 Human - Deliberate Injury 1
Entanglement - Barbed Wire 1 Entrapment - Accidental/natural 1
Electrocution 1 Human - Accidental Injury 1
Drowning – Unnatural, E.g. Swimming Pool 2 History Not Supplied/no Diagnosis 2
Drowning/in Water - Natural 1 Research - Health Check 45
Jurisdiction of Rescue Locations of Koalas presenting to AWH Moreton Bay Regional Council 409 Balonne Shire Council 2
Redland Shire Council 98 Western Downs Regional Council 1
Gold Coast City 90 Cooloola Shire Council 1
Sunshine Coast Regional Council 54 North Burnett Regional Council 1
Logan City Council 28 Gladstone Regional Council 1
Gympie Regional Council 21 Mackay Regional Council 1
Brisbane City Council 20 Central Highlands Regional Council 1
Somerset Regional Council 20 Rockhampton Regional Council 1
Toowoomba Regional Council 17 Out Of State 73
Fraser Coast Regional Council 12 NSW - Lismore 5
South Burnett Regional Council 9 NSW - Ballina 4
Dalby Regional Council 9 NSW - Byron 1
Scenic Rim Regional Council 8 Unknown 1
Southern Downs Regional Council 3 Unknown 1
KOALA ADMISSION TABLES:
Courtesy of the
Australian Wildlife Hospital.
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Macropods – Sunshine Coast & Gympie PAULA ROWLANDS
Our macropod carers were kept fairly busy this year with lots of Swampy‟s and Red-necks in
particular. A few Rufous Bettongs were among the mix, as were Whiptails and our lovely Eastern
Greys.
This year we have had bad luck with viruses, particularly with the Grey Kangaroos. This has
happened throughout the region with many remaining undiagnosed, despite Veterinarian
necropsies. Special thanks to the Australian Wildlife Hospital for your support with a number of
difficult cases that we have had.
Hopefully we can work towards holding more macropod workshops up this way in the coming
year. There are a number of private and other group carers that would benefit from them too, as
we all work closely together.
Thanks also to the many macropod carers and release site carers, particularly Jo who has been of
particularly good support for me.
Macropods – Gold Coast & Brisbane KAREN SCOTT
It has been another busy year unfortunately for our macropod carers. The increased development
on the Gold Coast has certainly taken its toll on the Eastern Grey Kangaroo population. This is a
very sad predicament for such a magnificent animal.
We have welcomed a few new macropod carers to Wildcare who have done tremendously well
with their first joeys.
Thank you to everyone that has helped raise and release these wonderful animals. They are
certainly a „high-demand‟ animal and the compassion and commitment by our macropod carers is
second to none.
Many thanks also to Roy Webster who has given so much of his time in placing the macropods.
Roy continues to be a tremendous help to both myself and all of our macropod carers. His
dedication is very much appreciated. Our emergency phone volunteers are very familiar with Roy
as he attends a large number of macropod trauma calls and travels huge distances to attend to these.
He never says „no‟ and this is such a relief to our tired phone volunteers! Thank you Roy, for all of
your hard work.
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Trauma Carers Report KAREN SCOTT
Also thank you to the other trauma carers who also have the unenviable task of dealing with these
tragic circumstances. It is not an easy thing to do – not only emotionally but sometimes physically
as well. I am grateful to each and every one of you. It takes a special person to be able to do what
you do and I admire you all for your compassion.
Bandicoots and Small Native Mammals – All Areas KAREN SCOTT AND VICKY CARLSSON
We still continue to receive a steady stream of bandicoots into care. We have successfully treated a
number of adults with minor injuries and returned them back to their natural habitat.
We have again had good success with rearing several litters of orphaned bandicoots which have also
been returned to the wild.
This past year we also had the pleasure of rehabilitating and releasing Brush-tailed Phascogale babies
that came into care. Two litters brought us a total of six juveniles, who all demolished as much
insect life we could purchase and find. Wonderful creatures, be it expensive to keep them fed.
Antechinus, Dunnarts and Melomys rounded out the other small mammals we saw.
Many thanks to those carers that have taken on these little guys – Amie Low, Naomi Mumford,
Natasha Lewis-Millar, John and Cath Mitchell, Dianna Smith, Paula Rowlands and Rachel Lyons.
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Echidnas – Gold Coast, Brisbane & Sunshine Coast KAREN SCOTT AND VICKY CARLSSON
The past year has thankfully been a little quieter for echidnas, compared to the year before.
Echidnas are not a common animal to come into care which makes the process of learning more
about them a difficult one. We have tried hard over the past year to update our training and
develop better ways of caring for these remarkable animals.
We have a number of rehabilitation successes with several road trauma and dog attack victims being
returned to the wild.
Last year saw the arrival of two puggles, Cami and Pomona. Both were successfully hand reared
and soft-released. This was a truly amazing experience for both puggles encountered no problems
and were an absolute joy to rear. We also had several burrow-emerging juveniles arrive into care
that required a little TLC and extra nutrition and then they were on their way.
Many thanks to our very small team of echidna carers for all of their hard work. Gail Gipp who
dusted off her echidna-caring skills who helped to raise Cami. Sophia Jago who cared for Knuckles,
Perry and Lychee, and Kiersten Jones who has cared long-term for Whiskers, a young adult echidna
with dermatitis.
Echidna “Whiskers”
Photographs: Kiersten Jones
This echidna was found on a rural property
without fur & with all spines broken. These
photos were taken mid-treatment and towards
the end of treatment for dermatophytosis.
Many thanks to both the AWH and the CWH, as
both have been involved in his long-term
veterinary care and treatment.
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Many thanks also to John and Clare Boyd and Shawn Senior who have rescued a number of echidnas
this past year and helped to ensure that they received immediate veterinary attention.
Many thanks also to the specialised veterinary care provided by Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and
Australian Wildlife Hospital in treating these remarkable critters.
Possums & Gliders – Gold Coast ELEANOR HANGER
How does a possum report for 1996 vary from a possum report for 2010? It varies to the extent
that in 2010 things are significantly worse for possums, in fact for all native animals, and the habitat
on which they depend for survival.
In 1984 at a dinner with the Mayor, a prominent real estate agent was expounding his vision for this
area which included the Gold Coast linked to Brisbane by a corridor of development: residential,
commercial and industrial. Farmland and forest were just waiting for the bulldozers to move in.
Down the years that conversation has haunted me, the more so, since his vision has become a
reality. The resulting loss of habitat – loss of food and shelter - has contributed significantly to the
poor prognosis for possums (for possums read also macropods, flying foxes, bandicoots, birds,
koalas……..).
Loss of habitat is not only caused by large and small scale clearing (even the loss of one large old
Eucalypt tree can impact heavily on a local animal population), but also by rampant weed growth
(introduced pasture plants and garden escapees) choking and killing the native vegetation on which
our wildlife depend for their survival.
What has this to do with a possum report?
The possums that come into care have usually been directly (loss of food resources and shelter) or
indirectly impacted by loss of habitat, caused by increasing human population, increasing domestic
animal population and predation, the spread of serious weed species, the use of barbed wire and
loose fruit netting, the increasing number or cars on our roads and the list goes on. Add to this the
natural events to which they have always been subject such as extreme weather conditions, fires,
predation by owls and snakes, competition for territory, and we realize life for our possums is
extremely difficult. All we can do is use our education programmes, community talks and other
events to inform members of the public and encourage them to consider ways of minimizing their
negative impact on the environment.
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Dermatitis has become a major issue for the Common Brushtail Possum over the past ten or so
years and has been found occasionally in other species, including the Short-eared Possum. It can be
successfully and easily treated if the problem has not advanced too far, but as the dermatitis may
well be a secondary problem, not the primary issue for these animals, there are many other
questions to be considered before returning them to the wild. Some of these will hopefully be
addressed in the research being done by Kathryn Kielly and others. Cost is always a factor, but it
would be enormously helpful if we could obtain blood samples from all the possums brought into
care with dermatitis, together with detailed information about their age, sex, any other obvious
health problems, and the exact location from which they were rescued. In this way we could build
up a data base which would be of great value to researchers and ultimately ensure that we are doing
the right thing by our possums.
We are receiving more Common Ringtail Possums into care in the Gold Coast area. Some of these
have been found alone on the ground and this invites many questions. Puncture marks are not
always evident on cat attack victims and can be difficult to find. The number of roaming, domestic
cats I see in my nocturnal travels leads me to suspect cat attack in many of our small marsupials,
such as bandicoots, gliders and young ringtail possums coming into care. However there are other
possible causes and therefore all animals coming into care should be checked by a veterinarian.
We seem to have had fewer gliders this year. The reason could be that there are fewer surviving the
massive loss of habitat in areas where they were formally abundant, or perhaps they are just not
being found. One could speculate indefinitely. Cat attacks still claim many victims. This is a tragic
and totally unnecessary loss and a good reason for wildlife carers to actively support the Gold Coast
City Council‟s upcoming cat safe fencing campaign. Carers in other areas should encourage their
local Councils to initiate similar campaigns.
As well as the usual possum and glider workshops we added two new ones to our education
calendar: Helen Bradley presented a Pinkie Possum Workshop, which was very well received and
Carla Harp presented a half day Basic Possum Workshop, which also received high accolades.
Thank you Helen and Carla. The time and effort you put into the preparation and presentation of
these workshops was greatly appreciated.
To conclude, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Carla Harp who has taken on what has
proved to be a very difficult role, as Assistant Possum Coordinator, and has performed her duties to
a very high standard. Carla is a great observer and has developed a deep understanding of the needs
of these animals. Her priority has been to place the animals as quickly as possible and to focus on
improving standards of care. Her commitment to their wellbeing is unwavering.
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Carla is now taking a well earned break from coordinating and Natalie Rasmussen has very kindly
offered to fill the role. Thank you so much, Natalie, I greatly appreciate your taking on this role and
I know the possums will be in very good hands.
I would also like to offer my sincere thanks to Tonya Howard for her continuing support and for
taking on the role of Assistant Glider Coordinator with its associated responsibilities and to Trish
Wimberley for always being there for the animals and for your ongoing support.
Possums & Gliders - Brisbane CAROLINE OERTEL
Brisbane continued to have a steady stream of possums coming into care this past year, with all of
our active carers kept busy with rescues and care. Cat attack, road trauma, and separation from
mother (unknown cause), were the regular reasons for care, as well as dermatitis for the adult
brushtails. A shortage in available rescuers has impacted on our ability to attend to some calls,
especially ones during business hours as many of our carers are working.
PEG (Possum Email Group) was officially named in 2010 and increased in membership to 35,
consisting of possum carers from the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, and the Gold Coast. PEG has
significantly improved the process of finding permanent carers in a timely manner, and has opened
up the carer network ensuring that individual carers are not being over-burdened. Positive
“Amii”
Photograph: Helen Bradley
This little female Common Brushtail
Possum was orphaned by road
trauma. She was found in her dead
mother’s pouch where she’d been all
night, … in winter! Helen said she felt
like an ice cube on rescue!
Entering care at just 87 gm, she was
successfully hand-raised and released
by Helen.
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feedback has also been received regarding the discussion forums where knowledge and experiences
are shared.
This past year has also seen the continued financial support from the Brisbane City Council through
the Wildlife Carer Grants. Much needed equipment (e.g. aviaries, possum boxes/dreys and
humidicribs) have been acquired using this funding with carers reporting better outcomes and more
sustainable care practices as a result.
Further growth of PEG, an increase in active rescuers/carers, and more carer networking, are
goals for the year ahead. Thank you to all members who have supported the possums & gliders of
Brisbane this year. We look forward to your continued support in this next twelve months.
Possums – Sunshine Coast & Gympie RACHEL LYONS
We have had a relatively quiet year with possums. Most have been adults, particularly car hits and
dog attacks.
February and March 2010 saw a brief run of orphaned ringtail possums, fortunately all mostly
furred. In fact compared to previous years there were decidedly less pinkies all round.
The usual dermatitis cases occurred throughout the year and we had a steady stream of both
Common Brushtail and Short-eared Brushtail Possum juveniles pass through.
Thanks again to our small but dedicated number of Possum Carers!! May next year be relatively
quiet also, although with the extensive late autumn rain we have had, I don‟t like our chances!!
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Thank You
There are many people involved in the operation of Wildcare
Australia Inc, who each contribute in various ways.
The 2009-2010 Management Committee
Many thanks to the fol lowing people who represented the Elected Core
Management Committee over the 2009-2010 year:
Karen Scott – President, Education Coordinator, Grant Submissions, Support to Treasurer
Tonya Howard – Vice President
Tracy Paroz – Secretary, Shop Coordinator, Grant Submissions
Amy Whitham – Committee Member, Treasurer
Laura Reeder –Committee Member, Community Speakers Coordinator
Gail Gipp – Committee Member, Head Carer
Also thanks to the fol lowing people who played signif icant roles in the extended
Committee over the 2009-2010 year:
Trish Hales – Office Administrator, Membership Secretary, & best job ... Chocolate Manager!
Eleanor Hanger – Newsletter Editor, Head Carer
Kiersten Jones – Record Keeping Coordinator
Kathryn Kielly – Education Coordinator
Rachel Lyons – Sunshine Coast/Gympie Area Coordinator, Shop Coordinator
Liz Meffan – Telephone Coordinator, Public Relations/Media Coordinator
Paula Rowland – Sunshine Coast/Gympie Area Coordinator
Roy Webster – Shop Coordinator, Office Volunteer.
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Wildcare Australia’s Management Committee would like to
specifically thank the following people for their valued contribution :
Emergency Phone Volunteers Thank you to the following telephone volunteers who have contributed to Wildcare’s 24-hour, 7 day
a week telephone service over the past year. Special thanks to Liz Meffan, who has continued to
persevere in the very difficult and continuously-demanding role of Telephone Coordinator. Once
again, only a very small group, yet provide such an essential service for our wildlife and community:
Liz Meffan – for being our Telephone Coordinator
Michelle Benson – regular shift for a number of years now
John Boyd – helps fill in gaps where possible
Robyn Braniff – regular shift for last 12 months
Marian Burcher – a regular early morning helper before the office opens
Mimi Dona – also helped teach courses at CWH
Melanie Fitzell – another early morning helper
Heather Frankcom – bird coordinator for Brisbane
Melanie Freshwater – getting married in October!
Penelope Hacker – a regular volunteer for the last 12 months and also helps to fill in other
gaps
Eleanor Hanger – also our possum coordinator – Gold Coast
Carla Harp – also our possum placement coordinator
Tonya Howard – another early morning helper the last 12 months
Trish Hales – one of our highly-valuable office volunteers
Sophia Jago – regular shift for last few years
Anika Lehmann – always helps in the time slots where she can
Natasha Lewis-Millar – our regular Sunday morning volunteer and also helping on other
shifts where needed
Tom and Jay Lima – great help over weekends and multiple shifts
Rachel Lyons – a reliable overnight helper when needed
Greer McNeill – a very long term phone helper for many years
Michelle Morgan – does a regular shift
Barbara Newson – Wed 4-7 shift for a number of years now
Brenda Nilsson – fills in several gaps when needed at weekends
Caroline Oertel – also our possum coordinator – Brisbane. Great help on Sundays
Katherine Page – our new office volunteer, who has been a great help to Trish & Roy.
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Tracy Paroz – also our Secretary. Took on several shifts including overnights
Sally Purbrick – a regular volunteer for some time now
Vicki Rayner – a newcomer and already proving to be very valuable and reliable taking on
several shifts
Laura Reeder – always reliable on overnights for several years now
Renay Robb – a regular volunteer for 3 years
Lesley Saunders – a regular overnighter and gap filler for last 12 months. Very reliable
Kerry Schilling – an enthusiastic helper always taking multiple shifts
Karen Scott – what can we say…… along with everything else, has filled in for a
tremendous amount of overnights
Diane Senior – Would take on shifts for the whole day to help out when we were short
Shawn Senior – Like his mum, would also take on shifts for the whole day to help out
Dianna Smith – always willing to help pitch in where needed
Patricia Van De Berkt – a very dedicated volunteer taking multiple shifts including
overnights
Wendy Walburn – a reliable weekly early morning helper
Nicole Walters (nee Lechner) – regular overnight shift
Roy Webster – as well as phones, volunteers in the office 2 days a week
Rebecca Wild – helped on overnight shifts on regular basis
Christine Wilson – our dedicated Monday volunteer.
Toni Brown, Chloe Chambers and newcomer Carol Cartan - these three volunteer in the
office, a lot of which involves answering the Wildcare Telephone.
Wildcare Office Volunteers These volunteers have once again donated their time to attend the Wildcare Office, involving
operating the emergency telephone as well as attending to general administration duties and shop
sales/ordering. Thanks must particularly go to Trish Hales and Roy Webster who have each
committed themselves to this for several years now.
Trish Hales Roy Webster
Katherine Page Toni Brown
Chloe Chambers Carol Cartan
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Species Coordinators Our Species Coordinators have been busy thanking those who assist them, but they too must
especially be thanked. They each spend a lot of time rescuing and rehabilitating a large amount of
these animals themselves, as well as arranging suitable placement of individual animals with an
appropriate rehabilitator, providing guidance and advice to less-experienced wildlife rehabilitators,
and also conducting workshops. Wildcare wishes to thank the following volunteers who have
provided their assistance in these roles during the past year:
HEAD CARERS/COORDINATORS
Gail Gipp
Eleanor Hanger
BIRDS
Heather Frankcom – Birds, Brisbane
Ailsa Watson – Birds, Sunshine Coast
Christine Wilson – Water birds & Insectivores, Gold Coast
Liz Meffan –Parrots & Frugivores, Gold Coast
Simone Smith – Lorikeets, Gold Coast
Karen Barney – Carnivores, Gold Coast
Mimi Dona - Raptors, Gold Coast
Rowley Goonan – Seabirds, Gold Coast
Jim McNeill – Tawny Frogmouths, Gold Coast
Karen Raison - Native Pigeons & Doves, Gold Coast
MAMMALS
Eleanor Hanger – Possums & Gliders, Gold Coast
Caroline Oertal – Possums & Gliders, North Brisbane
Carla Harp – Possum Placements, Gold Coast
Tonya Howard – Glider placements, Gold Coast
Trish Wimberley – Possum placements Gold Coast, and Bats/Flying-foxes,
Gold Coast & Brisbane
Karen Scott –Koalas, Macropods, Echidnas, Bandicoots & Native Mice/Rodents,
Gold Coast and Brisbane
Greer McNeill - Bats/Flying-foxes, Gold Coast & Brisbane
Rachel Lyons – Sunshine Coast & Gympie Coordinator for Possums &
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Feathertail Gliders, and Bats/Flying-foxes
Delicia Williams – Sunshine Coast Coordinator for Possums & Feathertail Gliders,
and Bats/Flying-foxes
Paula Rowlands – Sunshine Coast & Gympie Coordinator for Sugar & Squirrel
Gliders
Gail Gipp –Koalas and Macropods, Sunshine Coast.
Roy Webster – Macropods, Gold Coast & Brisbane
Vicky Carlsson – Echidnas and Small Mammals, Sunshine Coast
REPTILES & FROGS
Jacqueline De Vond – Reptiles & Frogs, Sunshine Coast
Jai Hennessey – Reptiles, Gold Coast & Brisbane
Kristie Remmert – Reptiles, Gold Coast & Brisbane
Shane Ho – Frogs, Gold Coast & Brisbane
Trauma Carers It is with much appreciation that we thank our trauma carers, who provide a vital role in minimizing
the unnecessary suffering that some wildlife would otherwise endure, especially in remote areas
and areas lacking 24-hour Vets. Thank you to these special people:
Roy Webster Trish Wimberley Mark Alexander Erica Hoeksema Lee Pirini Vicky Carlsson
Greer McNeill Kristie Remmert Laura Reeder Rachel Lyons Karen Scott
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Record Keeping This role involves collecting and collating all rescue records, carer/rehab records and road kill
sightings, and producing periodic summary figures and individual information reports based on the
records data received.
Kiersten Jones
Education Team We wish to thank our many experienced wildlife rehabilitators who teach high-quality workshops to
our volunteers. Each of our trainers spend considerable time developing and coordinating these
workshops.
Education Coordinators
Workshop Trainers
Karen Scott Kathryn Biber
Karen Scott Kathryn Biber Eleanor Hanger Helen Bradley Carla Harp Ricky Johns Trish Wimberley Greer McNeill Mimi Dona Ailsa Watson
Dianna Smith Liz Meffan Christine Wilson Jai Hennessey Kristie Remmert Gail Gipp Kathy Keed Rachel Lyons Laura Reeder
Narrowleaf
Trish & Terry Wimberley
For several years, Trish & Terry Wimberley housed our office and held workshops at their home, with
members regularly at their home. These days our Wildcare office is located at Currumbin, but Trish &
Terry have continued to provide us with workshop facilities for Gold Coast workshops. We continue
to be very grateful and thank them for their ongoing generosity.
Newsletter Team Every quarter the Wildcare newsletter WILDNEWS is published and distributed every quarter, to
Wildcare members, local veterinarians and sponsors. With each issue, there are many hours
invested in collating articles, editing, graphic design to create a very professional newsletter, and
then the photocopying, labeling and posting of hard-copy versions.
Eleanor Hanger Renée Rivard Ricky Johns
Sonia Laws Carla Harp Michelle Hanger
Hope Hagar Mike Egan
Jason and the Staff of the office of the Federal Member for Forde, Brett Raguse
Trish Hales, Roy Webster & the Wildcare Office volunteers
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Community and School Talks Some of our members volunteer their time to attend schools and community groups to provide
informative talks on wildlife and wildlife-related issues. These people include:
Laura Reeder Eleanor Hanger Kelly Pringle
Tonya Howard Liz Meffan Sally Purbrick-Illek
Karen Scott Karen Barney Jodie Alderton
Pam Elliott Tom & Jay Lima Trish Wimberley
Marcela Castro Kylie & Chloe Tsangaris Deb Turnbull
Naomi Mumford Natalie, Jasmine, Lilly & Jack Rasmussen
Young Wildcare Achievers
Jasmine, Lilly & Jack Rasmussen
Chloe Tsangaris
Both Jasmine and Chloe have, at such young ages, inspired their fellow school mates, teachers and
Wildcare members alike. Their passion for our wildlife and the environment is fantastic and should
make many adults stop and think about conservation too! Well done girls on all of your hard work!
Wildcare Shop These volunteers have been responsible for ensuring that members are able to purchase wildlife
products at near-cost price, at convenient locations and by mail order.
Tracy Paroz Roy Webster
Rachel Lyons Renay Robb
Chocolate Fundraising From selling chocolates to processing donations, they may be few and far between but Trish Hales
has done a wonderful job again this past year, along with help from the following people:
Trish Hales Karen Scott Melanie Fitzell
Caron Isaac Sophia Jago Kiersten Jones
Michelle Benson John & Clare Boyd Suncorp Runaway Bay
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Our Wildlife Hospitals and local Veterinary Surgeries It is with much appreciation that we thank our Wildlife Hospitals, 24-hour Vets, and local Vets. In
particular, we would like to acknowledge the following two facilities:
Australian Wildlife Hospital & staff
Thank you for your dedication in assessing all the wildlife brought to you, no matter what time of
day or night. We are so fortunate to have a wildlife-specific hospital within access of many wildlife
carers.
Currumbin Wildlife Hospital & staff
Thank you for assessing all the wildlife we rescue and bring to you. With animals presenting to
your door each and every day of the year, things would be so different without you there. Those of
us on the Gold Coast are very lucky to have this specialised wildlife hospital at such close range.
After-Hours Veterinary Clinics
Thank you also to the after-hours veterinary clinics that provide such important emergency care for
critically injured wildlife throughout the night. Many animals would suffer tremendously if it were
not for the generous donation of your services and equipment in treating these animals. Your
assistance is very much appreciated by not only our local wildlife, but also our volunteer wildlife
rehabilitators. Specifically, we wish to thank:
Animal Emergency Services – Carrara
GCARE – Varsity Lakes
Animal Emergency Services- Underwood
Manly Road Veterinary Hospital – Manly
Animal Emergency Centre, University of Queensland – Brisbane
Brisbane Vet Emergency & Critical Care Services – Albany Creek.
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Honorary Memberships Awarded for 2010-2011
A number of members were issued with Honorary Membership for the 2010-2011
year, in view of their outstanding contribution to the organisation in various ways.
They include:
Toni Brown
Michelle Benson
Helen Bradley
Tracey Corcoran
Heather Frankcom
Rowley Goonan
Penelope Hacker
Trish Hales
Eleanor Hanger
Carla Harp
Kathy Keed
Jim & Greer McNeill
Liz Meffan
Caroline Oertel
Katherine Page
Renée Rivard
Lesley Saunders
Kerry Schilling
Shawn Senior
Dianna Smith
Simone Smith
Deb Turnbull
Roy Webster
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Management Committee Monthly Nominations,
2009-2010
Each month, Members of the Management Committee nominate people who have
significantly helped either Wildcare or our local wildlife, regardless of whether they
are Wildcare members or not. All nominations were accepted by the Management
Committee, and awards were issued to the following people:
Karen Fiest – for the urgent transfer of Jacinta the bushfire victim (Koala) up to AWH in
October 2009. (Nominated Dec 2009)
Moreton Bay Koala Rescue – these volunteers had assisted with the transfer of many
Gold Coast koalas taken to Brisbane, by then taking these koalas from Brisbane to the AWH
over the past 8 months, regardless of day or night. (Nominated Dec 2009)
Natasha Lewis-Millar – a relatively new carer at the time, who jumped into the
volunteer role with professionalism and reliability, initially assisting with the Wildcare
phone, followed by numerous rescues and caring for various species. (Nominated Dec 2009)
Jasmine Rasmussen – at such a young age, this 8-year-old (at the time) has taken some
remarkable steps in the advocacy of her local wildlife, including asking her school principal
to arrange a wildlife spotter/catcher when some trees required felling and selling Ashdene
mugs at the school gate as a means of fundraising for Wildcare. This led to her School
raising $1,000 for Wildcare (refer to list of donations).
Kerry Schilling – for her fantastic contribution of attending to a large number of wildlife
rescues and animal transfers. (Nominated Dec 2009)
Rowley Goonan – for his significant contribution to the rescue and care of seabirds.
(Nominated Dec 2009)
Liz Meffan – for being so reliable, and for providing a great means of communication
between phone volunteers (nominated Jan 2010)
Barry Johns – for making possum boxes for Wildcare at cost price for so many years
(nominated Jan 2010)
John Hanger – for making latest batch of possum boxes for Wildcare possum carers
(nominated Jan 2010)
Eleanor Hanger and Renée Rivard – for the very professional quality of the
WildNews newsletter (nominated Feb 2010)
Trish Hales and Roy Webster – for keeping the Wildlife Office running so efficiently
(nominated Feb 2010)
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Patricia Van De Berkt – for her contribution to both the emergency telephone service
and caring for wildlife (nominated Feb 2010)
Simone Smith – for her significant contribution to lorikeet coordination and caring
(nominated March 2010)
Amy Whitham - for taking on the position of Treasurer which has been a tremendous
help to Karen Scott (nominated April 2010)
Katherine Page – for volunteering in the Wildcare Office and being so keen to learn –
she has attended just about every workshop offered (nominated April 2010)
Carla Harp – for significant contribution to Wildcare activities (nominated May 2010)
Vicki Rayner – for significant contribution to Wildcare activities (nominated May 2010)
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Peer Recognition Awards, 2009-2010
The Peer Recognition Awards provide Wildcare members with an opportunity to
honour their fellow members who they feel deserve recognition for the work that
they do for wildlife and Wildcare Australia Inc.
NOMINATED FOR OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE IN 2009-2010:
Emergency Telephone Operators
“Thank you, thank you, thank you. I admire each and every one of you – I am so proud of the hard
work that you all put into keeping our telephone service operating. It is such a relief to me that
you all consider our emergency hotline to be as important as I do. Thank you for your hard work”.
– Karen Scott
Wildcare Office Volunteers
“Each of you are truly an inspiration. The support that you give to not only the committee but to
all Wildcare members is truly remarkable. You are Wildcare! Thank you from the bottom of my
heart”. – Karen Scott
Wildcare Management Committee – 2009-2010
“For your dedication and commitment to achieving excellence in wildlife rehabilitation and care
and in educating the public” – Eleanor Hanger
“I know how hard a year this has been as we have all struggled with such a huge workload and very
little thanks! You are all an inspiration to me and I thank each of you for all hard work and
dedication to keeping this organization running. Please come back next year for more
punishment” – Karen Scott
Wildcare Species Coordinators
“Thank you for opening your hearts and your homes – not only to the many critters that need your
expertise but also for the support that you offer less-experienced wildlife carers. And for many of
you that also provide a „shoulder‟ to more-experienced wildlife carers. Thank you for your hard
work, dedication and commitment.” – Karen Scott
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Karen Barney
“I would like to thank all the bird coordinators who I work closely with – Liz, Simone, Karen B,
Karen R, and Heather, who all do such a great job, and especially Liz who always picks up the
slack.” – Christine Wilson
Clare & John Boyd
“Thank you for all of your help this past year with koala and echidna rescues. You both have such a
calm, gentle, natural way with wildlife. I will miss you – hurry back!” – Karen Scott
“You are always willing to help, Thank you! You are an amazing couple. Clare, your devotion to
your possums is without question. You are a wonderful carer and you always do the right thing
when it comes to your possums. You will be missed. John, I hope you come across some great ideas
for aviary no. 2 in your travels. It will be hard to beat the first one you built. Great job.” – Carla
Harp
Helen Bradley
“for her dedication, knowledge and support for fellow carers. Helen's kindness and guidance has
always helped me to make better decisions as a carer. Thank you.” – Natalie Rasmussen
“I wish to nominate Helen Bradley and Kathy Keed: For continuing to share all of your possum
secrets!! You are truly wonderful carers – thank you for everything that you do to support our
possum carers.” – Karen Scott
Robyn Braniff
“It is all about the animals with you, and not the people – very refreshing. You quietly go about
doing more than your share, without a complaint. You are just happy to be helping the animals that
come into your care. You are an exceptional carer and great lady.” – Carla Harp
Marian Burcher
“I greatly admire this lady and all she takes on. She is constantly on call to rescue wildlife and care
for possums, and her heart is certainly in the right place.” – Kiersten Jones
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Tracey Corcoran
“Tracey takes everything into care that she can, and travels miles to do so” – Christine Wilson
“Tracey is a truly incredible contributor. She has 100% dedication day or night, no matter what
species, till the very dark and dirty end! She is always reliable, willing to help out anyone for
whatever reason. Tracey puts in countless hours to running around in her vehicle to do rescues,
hospital runs, even assisting other carers who may not have the means to transport such things as
aviaries etc. She is a keen listener, learner and knowledgeable advocate for wildlife, yet maintains a
realistic and balanced approach to species management and health. She is resourceful, fantastic at
problem solving, and is also an intelligent and highly-professional representative of Wildcare... An
Absolute Asset!” – Natasha Lewis-Millar
Heather Frankcom
“I would like to thank all the bird coordinators who I work closely with – Liz, Simone, Karen B,
Karen R, and Heather, who all do such a great job, and especially Liz who always picks up the
slack.” – Christine Wilson
Gail Gipp
“What can I say? You continue to be a great support to me – someone to whinge to and a shoulder
to cry on when I need it!” – Karen Scott
Gold Coast Koala Rescuers
“To our little team of koala rescuers – without you last year I would surely have gone mad! To
Shawn Senior, Kiersten Jones, Mimi Dona, John and Clare Boyd and Amber Cameron
– you truly saved me last year! Thank you to Shawn and Kiersten who helped in the many
midnight dashes to Brisbane and Beerwah – I would be lost without you both. Let‟s hope that our
southern Gold Coast koalas learn to stay out of trouble this year….” – Karen Scott
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Rowley Goonan
“for his outstanding work in rescuing birds specifically water birds. The time he puts in is
priceless. Although I have only known him for a few months, in that time I have been frequently
amazed by his effort and efficiency not to mention his knowledge of bird rescue. He is an
extremely valuable member of the wildlife community. Surely he‟s going to heaven with many
gold stars.” – Joellen Hair
“The ibis of the Gold Coast salute you! Honestly…you do an amazing job! You are a true
inspiration and one of our unsung heroes.” – Karen Scott
Jo-Ellen Hair
“A new member, she is always very keen to help any injured bird. She is fearless and willing to
jump into any rescue.” – Rowley Goonan
Trish Hales
“For the fantastic job she does in assisting with the Wildcare shop and phone inquiries. Trish is also
very enthusiastic and encouraging towards carers happy to help fund-raise. Her positive attitude to
everything is infectious.” – Sophia Jago
“Roy & Trish in the Office – Always reliable, The „Backbone‟ of Wildcare”. – Rowley Goonan
Eleanor Hanger
“For your compassion and patience. Thank you also for sharing your many years of experience with
our possum carers! Also for your many, many hours each quarter putting together the Wildcare
Newsletter.” – Karen Scott
“Thank you for helping me raise so many of my darling possums. It is always a relief when I know
they will be going to you for pre-release. Your continued support has been much appreciated. I
admire your ability to see the best in every member and your non-judgmental nature. I don‟t know
how you do it year after year. You are an inspiration.” – Carla Harp
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Carla Harp
“Carla Harp - for her hard work and dedication to improving the standard of care for possums.” –
Eleanor Hanger
Tonya Howard
“for her generosity in providing Wildcare with professional printing” – Laura Reeder
“Thank you for your support this past year. It‟s been a very busy year for all of us as we try to
juggle everything in our lives – thank you for fitting Wildcare in your already full life!” – Karen Scott
Kiersten Jones
“For her patience, perseverance and commitment to achieving excellence in record keeping” –
Eleanor Hanger
“One of the few other people that I know that can walk out of the door in less than a minute to go
to a koala rescue! Thank you so much, your help this past year has been such a relief to me. You
are always so happy to help and so reliable. Thank you for caring about our local koalas as much as
I do.” – Karen Scott
Kathy Keed
“I wish to nominate Helen Bradley and Kathy Keed: For continuing to share all of your possum
secrets!! You are truly wonderful carers – thank you for everything that you do to support our
possum carers.” – Karen Scott
Jane Koltoft
“A wonderful addition to the possum carers list. It was hard to catch you when you were not caring
for a baby bat, but once you took on your first possum, I knew we had another great possum carer
in Wildcare.” – Carla Harp
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Jay & Tom Lima
“For their dedication to possum rescues, anytime and anywhere” – Caroline Oertal
Greer McNeill
“Greer is always there and helping wherever assistance is needed. This includes helping with
rescues and advice, and supporting wildlife carers, wildlife and the public concerned about wildlife
in this regard.” – Anne Asquith
Jim & Greer McNeill
“The life of a trauma carer is not an easy one – thank you for holding out for so many years and
continuing to do what you do. There are hundreds of animals that have passed peacefully because
of your compassion … and many hundreds more that you have successfully rehabilitated and
released back to the wild!! You have a good heart.” – Karen Scott
Robyn Martin
“You take care of the possums that no one else will. The wild ones – Brave lady!” – Carla Harp
Liz Meffan
“For her commitment to maintaining a twenty-four hour a day, seven day a week Emergency phone
service for wildlife.” – Eleanor Hanger
“I would like to thank all the bird coordinators who I work closely with – Liz, Simone, Karen B,
Karen R, and Heather, who all do such a great job, and especially Liz who always picks up the
slack.” – Christine Wilson
“Liz is one of the most enthusiastic tireless workers within Wildcare. She „dares to go‟ where
others don‟t, and takes on a tremendous amount of tasks, both in her Committee roles and
involvement as well as our essential telephone service and bird coordination and advice. Thank you
Liz for all your hard work and ambitious efforts.” – Kiersten Jones
“for her positive outlook and amazing capacity to get so much done.” – Laura Reeder
“Liz is such a dedicated worker. She is always super keen and always available.” – Rowley Goonan
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Liz Meffan – continued!
“What can I say? Thank you Liz for keeping the Wildcare emergency telephone service operating
so efficiency this past year. Your support is greatly appreciated by both myself and our phone
volunteers!” – Karen Scott
“for all your help with the possums up the hill and down, and for your continued help in releasing
carers‟ possums. Whenever we get really stuck for an aviary, you always seem to be able to offer
one of yours. Thank you.” – Carla Harp
Caecelia Michalowitz
“For her dedication to raising macropods for soft release on her property.” – Kelly Pringle
Tabatha Needham
“For her conservation efforts in establishing a mob of whiptail wallabies, to ensure their numbers
increase in the Maleny area.” – Kelly Pringle
Caroline Oertel
“for establishing and maintaining PEG (Possum E-mail Group) – an invaluable support network for possum carers.” – Deborah Turnbull
Tracy Paroz
“Tracy has been such a tremendous support to me in the past year. She works so hard at keeping
Wildcare‟s administrative tasks in hand, never complains and is a tremendous support to both
myself and the rest of the Committee. Thank you sincerely Tracy for your support and help in the
past year.” – Karen Scott
“Tracy continues to be very professional and dedicated within her role as Wildcare‟s Secretary, and
I know she dedicates much of her time to doing this, in addition to full-time work and caring for
orphaned joeys”. – Kiersten Jones
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Karen Raison
“I would like to thank all the bird coordinators who I work closely with – Liz, Simone, Karen B,
Karen R, and Heather, who all do such a great job, and especially Liz who always picks up the
slack.” – Christine Wilson
Natalie Rasmussen
“I would like to thank Natalie – for her support and advice to me as I learn to care for possums.” –
Christine Wilson
Natalie, Blake & Jasmine Rasmussen
“Your dedication to wildlife is wonderful to see. Jasmine, you are truly an inspiration. Some of us
adults could learn a thing or two from you. Natalie, you are an amazing possum carer, and always
willing to take „just one more‟ into your care. You learned the hard way but figured out the right
way to raise a possum. Blake, keep cutting and building – it is wonderful to see an involved
partner.” – Carla Harp
Vicki Rayner
“Vicki also takes everything into care that she can, and travels miles to do so” – Christine Wilson
Laura Reeder
“Where would Wildcare be without you beating down the doors pushing the education. Your drive
and enthusiasm is infectious and I hope you get a ton of helpers in the 2010/2011 year for all of
your projects. I would encourage anyone who wants to get involved in the education and
promotion of Wildcare to jump on board with Laura. She is extremely organized and passionate
about the cause – and trust me, life is never dull around Laura. You will have fun! Great job Laura,
congratulations on a job well done.” – Liz Meffan
“Thank you for taking on so much work last year with teaching workshops. This enabled me to
finish my vet nursing studies, which I would never have been able to do with my workload. Thank
you also for taking on the Community Speakers Team – you have done an amazing and professional
job. Thank you.” – Karen Scott
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Kristie Remmert
“Thank you for your help with „Poor Boy‟ – With that help we can now call him „lucky boy‟! Great
job.” – Carla Harp
Renee Rivard
“For your continued support of Wildcare – even from so far away! The Newsletter never looked
so professional! You do a wonderful job and we will have you back in Australia any time!!” – Karen
Scott
Allison Roberts
“As a new bird carer, I have found Allison eager to learn how to care for birds. She is always happy
to pick up or rescue birds whenever she is asked. She has been a great help to me over the recent
bird season, taking on the smaller birds and doing a great job of raising them.” – Heather Frankcom
Paula Rowlands
“Paula is always answering the phone and giving us advice when needed. She is always there for us
when things get tough.” – Kelly Pringle
David & Paula Rowlands
“Outstanding dedication to rescues, rehabilitation and preservation of all species of wildlife, along
with providing great advice and information to other carers.” – Gloria Vagg
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Kerry Schilling
“Most people run like lightning to get away from telephone duty but you…well at first I thought
you must be simply mad but now I realize that you are so passionate about our wildlife that you just
can‟t stand the thought of them not getting the help that they need. If all the little critters could
speak they would say THANK YOU!” – Karen Scott
“You have taken on so many phone shifts since becoming heavily involved with Wildcare mainly as
a possum carer. Due to our lack of helpers you have given us a lifeline on Mondays by taking on the
7am to 7pm shifts. As phone coordinator I know how draining it can be on the phones at times for
even just 3 hours. You are doing this all day as well as squeezing in pinkie feeds, and carrying out
rescues in your area. It is with much appreciation that I acknowledge your efforts as one of our
valued members of our phone team.” – Liz Meffan
Karen Scott
“I think the only way to describe Karen‟s role in Wildcare is that she is a „Jack of all trades‟. Not
until becoming an active member on the committee did I realize the amount of work Karen carries
out so that Wildcare can continue to operate in the professional manner in which we are
accustomed to. It is pleasing to work with someone who also just wants to get the job done. And
heaven also knows how many Gold Coast residents know you as the koala rescuer in pyjamas!!!” –
Liz Meffan
“Another year has passed and this gal has not ceased to amaze me – she knows no limits! Is there
anything within Wildcare that she is not involved in? My hat goes off to Karen‟s continued
dedication both to this organisation and to the wellbeing of our wildlife. On a personal note, she
has been very dependable and always just a phone call away when I need advice on koala rescues (at
any hour) and echidna caring.” – Kiersten Jones
“For her tireless and expert contribution to Wildcare and the Australian native animals” – Anne
Asquith
“Karen is the backbone of Wildcare! She does such a great job in educating new carers and
providing ongoing training and support to experienced carers. She also does a fantastic job in her
own rescue, rehabilitation and release of a large number and wide variety of Australian native
fauna.” – Sophia Jago
“For her loyalty, commitment and sheer hard work for Wildcare, and dedication to achieving
excellence in Wildcare‟s education programmes” – Eleanor Hanger
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Karen Scott – continued!
“for services above and beyond belief” – Laura Reeder
“for outstanding dedication and service to Wildcare” – Rowley Goonan
Shawn Senior
“I don‟t think that I have sufficient words in my vocabulary to tell you how grateful I am for all of
your help this past year. Your passion, commitment and tree-climbing ability has been amazing –
although the tree-climbing perhaps needs some improvement???? You have been a great help and I
really appreciate it.” – Karen Scott
Dianna Smith
“I would also like to thank Dianna Smith – Although she is no longer a bird coordinator, she does a
great job in taking many birds for rehabilitation each year and always helps with bird coordination
and workshops when she can.” – Christine Wilson
Simone Smith
“I would like to thank all the bird coordinators who I work closely with – Liz, Simone, Karen B,
Karen R, and Heather, who all do such a great job, and especially Liz who always picks up the
slack.” – Christine Wilson
Kylie Tsangaris
“for promoting Wildcare and inspiriting so many, especially children.” – Laura Reeder
Deb Turnbull
“for her consistent helpfulness and dedication to wildlife and much appreciated support for the
Brisbane Possum Coordinator.” – Caroline Oertal
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Deb Turnbull – continued…
“For your continued enthusiasm and sharing your vast knowledge and experience. The little
possums appreciate it!” – Karen Scott
Patricia Van De Berkt
Thank you for always being at the ready for rescues and helping on the emergency phone service.
Even working full time, caring for several possums and birds doesn‟t seem to deter you from doing
even more. I would like to thank you for your dedication and the way in which you deliver your
professional manner and positive attitude to members of the public when they call our emergency
phone service. – Liz Meffan
“I can‟t believe that there is now someone else that is as mad as I am to pick up the empty night
shifts. Thank you so much, you will probably never understand how much I appreciate how much
you have contributed to the Wildcare telephone. Without asking, you pitch in and help whenever
you can. You are truly an angel!” – Karen Scott
Roy Webster
“Roy assists in so many ways, and has done so for many years now. Not only does he devote days in
our office and ordering in wildlife supplies rain hail or shine, but he also rescues, provides trauma
care, places macropods with carers, and looks after orphaned macropods himself”. – Kiersten Jones
“You travel very far and wide to relieve the distress of any animal that needs help. The roos and
koalas in the Scenic Rim area can be thankful they have you. I think everyone in Wildcare should
know the commitment and care you show towards our wildlife. We are grateful of your association
with Wildcare.” – Liz Meffan
“Roy & Trish in the Office – Always reliable, The “Backbone” of Wildcare”. – Rowley Goonan
“Thank you for everything that you do for Wildcare. For the trauma calls, the macropod joeys,
helping in the Office, running the Wildcare Shop. Every day I am thankful that you found
Wildcare!” – Karen Scott
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Christine Wilson
“Christine is one of Wildcare‟s great assets, taking on bird coordinating, phone advice to other
carers (including me!), caring for ducks and other wildlife, and helping with workshops, while still
maintaining all the other important things in life.” – Kiersten Jones
Trish Wimberley
“Trish Wimberley is my light and inspiration when it comes to bats of all sizes. She gives me
calmness when I'm bouncing with fear and excitement rescuing a bat, and she gives me the
confidence so I can help them. She constantly opens her home and her mind for us all who care.
I aspire to be like her. Thank you, Trish.” – Kelly Clark
“Trish is my yellow pages for wildlife! If I can‟t find someone else to do a rescue, then I call Trish
and she‟ll pull a number out of her book. If I need a Vet‟s advice, then Trish has that vet‟s number
in her book - Trish, don‟t lose that book! Thanks again for an interesting year.” – Carla Harp
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Audited Financial Records
for 2009-2010
