What’s involved?
Why Bother?
Over one hundred Australian bird species alone, face extinction in the coming five to fifteen years. By volunteering for WIRES you can play a part in curtailing this phenomenon.
What's involved?
To become an authorised WIRES volunteer - and receive a very authoritative looking photo I.D and animal care goodie bag - the first thing you will have to do is participate in the inner west branch of WIRES’ introductory course. For details of when and where the next introductory course will be offered, have a look at the WIRES website. If it's a while until the next one, contact your local WIRES branch, for information on membership and other opportunities that might be available in the meantime.
WIRES generally appreciate help from people with skills in administration, marketing, promotions, film making, writing, public speaking... let them know what you can do and they'll most likely find a way to get you involved. I personally have learnt skills that might very well save an animals life, and have assisted my belief that as much as humans cause the destruction of animals, they can play a part in their rehabilitation.
No experience required, and no particular level of availability necessary. WIRES is a supportive, understanding, and innovative organization, who understand the we each have personal committments and time constraints, they will happily work around your availability.
The Drawbacks:
Volunteering for WIRES is recognised as potentially one of the most time consuming, expensive and demanding volunteer activities. Animals can die in care, as often they arrive sick and injured. Time can be eaten up travelling to sites where sick animals are (although you will generally only be asked to attend to animals in your local area). Also, most of the time you are expected to feed, care and shelter animals at your own expense.
What if I want to do More?
After the introductory course there are more specialised options available, looking in detail at macropods (kangaroos and wombats), possums, reptiles, flying foxes, and birds. Also, you can contact WIRES for information on how to get involved in activities/campaigns they are pursuing.
Quick stats for this action:
Cost involved: $80-$100 (depending on branch) covers course cost, manual, one year WIRES membership, morning tea, and lunch for two days
Time required: 14 hours (9 – 4 pm Saturday and Sunday)
What to do next: Further training, day trips out to sea to help with research on Australian sea birds, fundraising, public speaking, writing, film making, present WIRES with your brilliant idea...
Looking for more information:
WIRES: NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Incorporated Website can be accessed at http://www.wires.org.au
Lloyd, Chris (ed.) Rescue and Immediate Care Manual: WIRES Training (2nd edition) WIRES Inc. and the Environmental Trust, 2005
I want to do this!
