Wildlife rescuers are needed
Wildlife rescue service Wires Central Coast said it is in urgent need for volunteers in the Peninsula area.
"We've got a shortage of rescuers and carers on the Peninsula," voluntary rescuer Ms Jenny Warton said.
"This can mean that animals injured or orphaned in the Peninsula area often have to wait longer to receive attention as our members are coming from out of the area to rescue them. "We'd like to have more members to assist in rescues and to care for Peninsula animals."
Ms Warton said that WIRES was looking for new members who were able to rescue injured and orphaned animals, as well as members who can provide foster care for animals.
Ms Warton said that attending the group's two day rescue and immediate care course was the first step in what can become a "long and happy role" as a rescuer or carer.
"The two-day training course provides members of the public with skills in animal identification, caring for orphaned animals, preparing animal diets, monitoring animal health, capturing, restraining and transporting injured animals and the effective release of rehabilitated animals," Ms Warton said.
"Once you have successfully completed the course you will be issued with an authority to rehabilitate and release native animals under Wires General Licence, but you won't be left on your own.
"Experienced volunteer rehabilitators amidst Wires 2200 members around the state will be only a phone call away to help answer the inevitable questions which will arise.
"Volunteering with Wires is rewarding and fun.
"Our group is composed of people of all ages and backgrounds.
"I've met some really fantastic people through my volunteer work with Wires and gained some wonderful friends.
"We all work together for our common cause - to take care of our wonderful animals."
Wires Central Coast is holding the rescue and immediate care course on April 5 and 6.
Volunteers must be 18 years or older to participate.
For more information, telephone 4323 2326.
Press release, 5 Feb 2008
Jenny Warton, Wires