News

The wildlife rehabilitator enclosure and equipment grants program for 2022-2023 is now open

On the opening of the 2022-2023 wildlife rehabilitator grants program, NWC Chair, Audrey Koosmen announced an increase in the Grant ceiling to a grant budget of $50,000.   The grants program acknowledges the pivotal role played not only by wildlife rehabilitators but by their groups. 

The 2022-23 NWC member-only-group rehabilitator grant budget is increased by $10,000.  Any NWC group may be awarded a maximum of 2 individual member grants and 1 group grant; grant application amounts may be between $500 and $4000; independent general licensees may be awarded one grant.

The award of an NWC group grant will not disqualify individuals from NWC groups to be included in the application process. 

Grant applications for equipment and enclosure projects in the range of $500 to $4000 will be accepted between 17 June 2022 and 31 July 2022. 

Full details are included in the:

• Guidelines – (PDF)
• Application Form – (Printable PDF)
• Application Form – (Fillable Word Doc)

To be eligible to apply applicants must:

• Have 2 or more years’ rehabilitation experience
• Be authorised under an NPWS licensed rehabilitation group or be an independent general licensee (IGL)
• Have their application endorsed by their licensed group management committee (in the case of an NWC group member)
• Lodge application no later than 5 pm on Sunday 31 July 2022

All grant applications will be assessed on the criteria Need, Excellence, and Value for Money and full details including the Grant Guidelines and Application form should be downloaded from www.nwc.org.au

More than one application endorsed by any individual group will be accepted, however, a maximum of 2 individual and 1 group grant can be awarded to any one NWC group, and 1 to an IGL. A group application will be assessed separately from an individual application under the same licence.

The NWC Grants Panel will be responsible for the method of awarding grants for 2022 depending on how the August Annual General Meeting is conducted.

We acknowledge with gratitude the Late John James Northcote whose bequest to NWC has enabled the increase of $10,000 to the grant funding for 2022.

NWC encourages eligible authorised wildlife rehabilitators and licenced rehabilitation groups to apply. Inquiries to grants@nwc.org.au

NSW Wildlife Council is saddened by the death in hospital over the Christmas 2021 period of Julia McConnell one of NSW’s early wildlife rehabilitation pioneers.

Julia and her late husband, Bill, joined WIRES in the group’s formative years and Julia was Secretary of Blue Mountains WIRES branch and an integral part of its management team. As well as their active WIRES involvement Julia and Bill joined the pioneer reptile training team with Bill as a Trainer and Julia as part of the family support team attending handling courses which were operating to an intensive schedule during the height of the summer reptile seasons.

Specialisation into herpetofauna saw Julia and Bill gaining an Independent General Licence from NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and the formation of Reptile Rescue and Education Service from their home base at Bullaburra.

As passionate advocates for greater understanding and conservation of the reptile species Julia and Bill were founding members when the Hawkesbury Herpetological Society was formed in August 1993. She was Treasurer 2009-2010 and 2013-2014 and Secretary 2011-2012.

Fran Stopford, editor with Stephen Boys, of “The Hawkesbury Herpetologist Retrospective” remembers Julia as an always willing participant in reptile expos and other events to promote the importance and conservation of our native wildlife.

Fran recalls Julia’s particular love of Tiger Snakes and NWC Secretary Meredith recalls their interest in dingo education and how they shared their observations of their captive dingoes at Bullaburra.

Julia was a staunch advocate through local conservation groups of protection of wildlife through control of free-living cats in the Blue Mountains environment.

Julia took animals that were unable to be released and worked with National Parks and Wildlife Service about rehoming them with licensed herpetologists according to the rules.

Julia was part of the steering committee that formed the New South Wales Wildlife Council and was Treasurer from 2007 to 2011. Other roles Julia held were as Insurance Officer and she represented the interests and was spokesperson for the NSW Independent General Licensees on the Council from 2007 to 2014.

Lorraine Vass AM remembers Julia’s passion about strengthening the wildlife rehab sector and said “from time to time we collaborated on policy issues of mutual interest. We got on well – she was knowledgeable, diligent, forthright, and enjoyed a laugh”.

Though short in stature Julia was a straight shooter and freely made her opinions known, often intimidating those who thought she might be a “pushover” and not so adamant and convincing in her wildlife advocacy.

Julia made a strong and lasting contribution to the wildlife sector, not only to rehabilitation, but to protection and conservation.

Audrey Koosmen, Chair of the New South Wales Wildlife Council, said “Julia’s legacy to wildlife education, conservation and to the rehabilitation sector will be long remembered. Her commitment was enormous and engendered huge interest particularly in the region’s reptilian fauna”.

Julia’s full obituary can be found on the attached PDF.

Mice, rats and other rodents may carry infections that can spread to humans. These infections can spread through direct contact with infected mice or through contact with soil, food or water contaminated by infected mice. These infections are rare, but people should take steps to reduce their risk.

To read the full article go to the NSW health website at – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/mouse-plague.aspx

Download a PDF factsheet at – https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Factsheets/mouse-plague.pdf

Tips for protecting your health

Minimising rodent contact

• Seal any holes or gaps inside your home.
• Store food inside thick, well-sealed containers and clean up any spills/leftover food promptly to avoid attracting rodents.
• Do not set mouse traps near food preparation areas.

What to do if you are bitten by a rodent

• Immediately clean the wound with soap and water.
• Dry the area, apply an antibiotic cream and a clean bandage.
• Seek medical attention. You may need a tetanus immunisation, and in some circumstances (not always), antibiotics are given to prevent infection.
• As the wound heals, keep an eye out for signs of infection such as skin that is warm to the touch, redness or pain. See a doctor if these signs develop.

Clean and disinfect mouse contact areas

• Mop floors and clean countertops with disinfectant or bleach solution.
• Steam clean or shampoo upholstered furniture and carpets with evidence of rodent exposure.
• Wash any bedding and clothing with laundry detergent in hot water if exposed to rodent urine or droppings.

Clean up of mouse carcasses

When cleaning up mouse carcases or working in areas where mice have been:

• Wear gloves
• Wear waterproof protective clothing and footwear.
• Cover cuts and abrasions with a waterproof dressing.
• Wash hands with soap and dry your hands after completing the clean-up, and especially before eating.
• Ideally, any handling of mouse carcasses should be undertaken by household members who are not pregnant or immunosuppressed.