The NSW Wildlife Council
The NSW Wildlife Council (NWC), founded in 2005, is the state-wide peak body, the largest and longest-standing network of rescuers, rehabilitators, wildlife facilities and wildlife hospitals in NSW. The network of specialised facilities, hospitals and home-based care groups work together to provide rescue, medical attention and recovery to native animals, longer-term care, and to raise orphaned young to maturity and successful release. NWC currently represents 29 independent groups and 68% of NSW volunteers licensed under the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016. Each group nominates two Council representatives who work voluntarily to further the common cause of the 29 groups.
The mission of the NSW Wildlife Council is to support and empower those who care for New South Wales’ native wildlife by providing advocacy, clear access to best-practice guidelines, training, a state-wide network, resources and funding support.
NWC Mission
The key functions of the NSW Wildlife Council are to:
advocate for wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators
provide a collective training hub
small-grants funding
support best practices for rescue and rehabilitation
lead collaborative campaigns to improve outcomes for native animals
relieve some of the burden on the wildlife sector.
NWC Leadership
The Council is guided by a Management Committee, the Council of Representatives of member groups, and the 3 Year NWC Strategic Plan.
The strategic plan is developed in consultation with the representatives and member groups.
View our Constitution and recent Impact Report for transparency and accountability.
NWC Member Groups
The NSW Wildlife Council is the umbrella organisation representing more than 29 licensed wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups across New South Wales. Together, our members care for tens of thousands of native animals each year.
NWC History
The NSW Wildlife Council was established in 2005 to give a united voice to the many dedicated wildlife rescue and rehabilitation groups across New South Wales.
The idea for a statewide council emerged in 2003–2004, when carers and government agencies recognised the need for a single peak body to coordinate efforts, share knowledge, and advocate for wildlife. A steering committee was formed in March 2005, bringing together representatives from wildlife rehabilitation groups and independent licence holders.
The inaugural meeting of the Council was held in October 2005, and the NWC was formally incorporated in June 2006. This milestone created a recognised organisation that could represent wildlife rehabilitators in policy discussions, support best-practice standards, and strengthen the sector’s capacity to respond to the needs of injured, sick, and orphaned native animals.
Since its formation, the NWC has grown to include most of NSW’s licensed wildlife rescue and care organisations. For nearly two decades, it has worked to improve outcomes for wildlife through advocacy, training, research partnerships, and statewide campaigns—standing alongside thousands of volunteers who dedicate their lives to protecting Australia’s native animals.
The NSW Wildlife Council honours the foundational contributions of its early leaders and long-serving volunteers.
In particular, the late Audrey Koosmen - a pioneer in wildlife rehabilitation in NSW and a founding member of the NWC, whose dedication spanned nearly six decades and helped establish the Council as the key representative body for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in the state.
Through this legacy, the Council remains committed to transparency, publishing governance documents, minute books, reports and more- carrying forward the values and vision set by its earliest stewards.
NWC Legacy Board
In celebration of our 20th anniversary, the NSW Wildlife Council has launched an inaugural Wildlife Awards program to recognise outstanding individuals and member groups across the NSW wildlife rehabilitation sector. The awards highlight leadership, innovation, conservation excellence, and community building.
Among the honours is The Audrey Koosmen OAM Award (The Audrey Award), a biennial award recognising exceptional service by NWC members or groups - named in memory of Audrey Koosmen, a founding figure of NWC whose wildlife volunteer dedication spanned nearly six decades.
A second category, Wildlife Volunteer of the Year, will acknowledge individuals whose impact and commitment stand out. All nominees will receive certificates of commendation, and winners will be presented their awards by the NSW Environment Minister at the 2025 NWC anniversary event.
This year’s award winners:
Lorraine Vass - The Audrey Koosmen OAM Award (The Audrey Award)
Lorraine Vass has been a leading figure in wildlife conservation for 25 years, beginning her work in 2000 through local koala rehabilitation and growing into a lifelong commitment to strengthening voluntary wildlife rehabilitation as a core part of conservation practice. She served as President of Friends of the Koala from 2002 to 2017, later as Patron until 2024, and has returned as Vice President. Her leadership and public advocacy helped establish Friends of the Koala as a highly respected regional organisation, recognised through her Honorary Life Membership and induction into the Tree of Fame.
Lorraine has played a foundational role in the NSW Wildlife Council, serving on its Steering Committee and Executive Team in its early years, including as Chair in 2011–12, and continues as a member of the Management Committee. From 2020–2024 she was a Director of the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital Ltd. and inaugural Chair of the Northern Rivers Wildlife Network. Awarded a Member of the Order of Australia in 2021, Lorraine’s career has powerfully demonstrated the value of the wildlife rehabilitation sector in the stewardship and protection of native wildlife.
Meredith Ryan - Wildlife Volunteer of the Year
Meredith Ryan has been a committed member of FAWNA (NSW) Inc. since 1991, contributing 34 years of continuous service to wildlife care in New South Wales. Over two decades as President, she has also served in numerous critical roles including Flying-fox and Bat Coordinator, Reptile Coordinator, Central Area Macropod Coordinator, and undertaking roadside euthanasia when required. Her lifelong dedication has shaped the work of FAWNA, supported generations of carers, and directly contributed to the survival of thousands of animals.
For more than a decade, Meredith has also been a key contributor to the NSW Wildlife Council, administering the NWC grants program and insurance scheme, and serving as Secretary and Treasurer. Following the 2019 bushfires, she was instrumental in advocating for the inclusion of post-bushfire wildlife search and rescue protocols in the NPWS Fire Management Manual—laying vital groundwork for improved wildlife response and recovery well before formal systems were established.
NWC Wildlife Awards
