Hi, my name is Shelly from Hamilton Wildlife Shelter in Victoria. This is the official fundraiser for WILDWOOD WILDLIFE SHELTER and HAMILTON WILDLIFE SHELTER to support wildlife following this devastation. No other groups have been given permission to fundraise on our behalf.

In the last week, devastating bushfires have ripped through a third of the Grampians national park. These fires have made headlines overseas, but to see their devastating impact on my doorstep has been so upsetting. This beautiful region I live in is also home to countless species of wildlife, and as one of the licensed wildlife shelters impacted in the region, I can’t even imagine how many animals have suffered. But there’s no time to sit and worry, we have to prepare for survivors may need our help.

Given the scale and intensity of the fire, it will be some time before the Government led response teams can access the firegrounds. But when they do, they will be calling on us at Hamilton Wildlife Shelter, Wildwood Wildlife Shelter and other smaller nearby shelters to help rehabilitate or raise those who have been injured, or orphaned.

As volunteers, we rely on the generosity of the community in times of emergencies like this. Donations will help us distribute fuel vouchers for our rescuers who’ll travel vast distances for animals in need- whether it be to save a life or mercifully end one. Donations will also help us buy milk formulas for orphans, supplements and food for other animals, cover expensive vet bills, and infrastructure like enclosures if we have an influx of animals.

We will work together as we always do at times like this to ensure that our small but dedicated team have what they need to help wildlife. We don’t yet know what the coming days and weeks will look like- even though I’m fearing the worst. But we can be prepared, and with your generous support, we will be.

Thank you so much for helping our natives in the aftermath of the Grampians Fires.