Wildlife Conservation in the Australian Bush - a
seriously rewarding placement for nature lovers. Hands-on work with Native Wildlife
in a Rehabilitation Centre near Perth, Western Australia's finest city!
Australia's unique animals are known throughout the world and are
an important part of its natural heritage, making Australia an essential
destination for anyone with a passion for nature and wildlife.
At this wildlife rehabilitation centre you'll have the opportunity to
interact with some of Australia's fascinating native wildlife.
ABOUT
THE WILDLIFE REHABILITATION CENTRE:
You will be working at a
Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre on the outskirts of Perth, aimed at caring
for injured, orphaned, displaced or sick animals. You will work with many
native species, to assist in their rehabilitation and eventual release, as
well as educating the local community about the need to conserve and
protect local wildlife.
The centre that you will work at opened
during the 1960's and has seen continual growth since this time - it is a
not for profit organisation run entirely by volunteers from the local
community, with the support of local businesses. Together they are committed
to the protection and welfare of native wildlife.
Wildlife brought to centre is examined in the
hospital and appropriate care is administered including medication, crop
feeding, physiotherapy and veterinary surgery. Quality care is provided and
directed towards doing what is best for a distressed native animal with the
ultimate goal of returning the animal to its native habitat.
When an animal is ready to be released it is
transferred to a suitable location within the community and its progress
monitored so that the centre can ensure that the repatriation has been
successful. Approximately 60% of admissions are successfully nursed back to
good health and released into their natural habitats.
The centre's recognition of Australia's native
species and the need to ensure
their continued survival has led them to develop several breeding
programmes for species on the edge of extinction. Captive breeding
programmes are now underway for the endangered Bilby and Western Barred
Bandicoots.
A 'Hands on' educational
programme has also been established at the centre to ensure that children
learn about the protection of native wildlife from a young age.
Nocturnal visits can be arranged for small groups of
children to show wildlife feeding and interacting with each other.
“A BIG thank you to everyone at the Wildlife Centre
and Travellers Worldwide for such an enjoyable and educational voluntary
project. I have the greatest respect and admiration for everyone at the Wildlife Centre,
for all their hard work, understanding and patience! I miss you all
terribly, especially as the weather since I have returned home has not been
the kindest and the central heating broke down! I certainly miss the warmth
of Australia and I don't mean just the weather! You all showed me great
kindness and friendliness and it’s an experience that I will never forget
(nor the cakes and bickies at coffee break!)”
Linda Dallaway
YOUR
WORK AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Over 100 volunteers work at the centre,
covering two shifts per day, every day of the year. The day-to-day
activities of the volunteers provide for all of the needs of the animals and
the operation of the centre. Specific tasks include nursing and feeding sick
and injured birds and animals, cleaning and maintenance, administration and
public education.
The rehabilitation of sick, injured,
orphaned and displaced wildlife. This means giving care to the animals at
the same time as promoting independence to ensure they become ready for
release back into the wild.
The endangered species captive breeding
program.
Educating the community about the need
to preserve wildlife and eco systems and to value wildlife as a resource
for a healthier living planet.
This may involve using the centre’s educational animals to help with
wildlife displays.
You will assist with weighing and
preparing food, feeding the animals, cleaning enclosures and the hospital,
acting as a general assist in the hospital and recording information.
You will be required to assist with all
areas of work and will need to capable of mucking in to do whatever is
required of you.
Hours of duty and Work Schedule:
You will be asked to work 4 days a week, for around 6 hours
each day. Your hours will overlap both the morning and afternoon shifts
of other volunteers. You will be expected to work some weekends, but
will have 3 days off each week.
THE IMPORTANCE OF
CONSERVATION IN AUSTRALIA:
Australia supports a significant
proportion of the world's biodiversity - over 80% of its mammals,
flowering plants and reptiles are only found in Australia. The
destruction and fragmentation of habitat, particularly as a result of
clearance of vegetation for agriculture, and the impact of feral animals
and invasive weeds, has had a substantial impact on Australia's
biodiversity.
Since European settlers arrived in Australia 22 mammal
species have become extinct - the worst mammal extinction rate in the
world. Around 20% of Australia's remaining mammals species are now
threatened with extinction.
These alarming figures indicate how vital the
conservation of native Australian wildlife really is.
Read about the various
Australian animals under threat, all
of whom can be found at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre.
ACCOMMODATION AND LOCATION:
Your accommodation is located in the CBD (Central Business District) of Perth, Western
Australia. Therefore you are very central, close to the main train station
and shopping district.
You'll be accommodated in a centrally
located lodge that is
friendly and relaxing, making it ideal for long term stays. You'll have your
own room, but will share a bathroom with others on your floor. There is an
excellent kitchen and storage area for cooking meals and plenty of space to
relax.
Entertainment at your accommodation includes a pool table, cheap internet
access, arcade machines and cable TV (Foxtel), to name a few. But with all
the sunshine Perth has – you’ll be out and about enjoying the many outdoor
activities! You are literally a stroll from the Swan River and free CBD
transport. Trains and buses are also only a few minutes away to take you to
Fremantle, King’s Park or to the many other ‘things to do’! T
The city centre
boasts great shopping, restaurants and pubs or head over to Northbridge for
more pubs, nightclubs and multicultural cuisine. You'll get to work via bus,
which stops outside your accommodation.
Perth was built on the
banks of the magnificent Swan River over 150 years ago and is now a city
rich in culture and filled with theatres, art galleries and museums.
The city is modern and vibrant - a fun, friendly and 'laid back' place, with
clear skies and a sunny climate. Western Australia is locally known as the
'state of excitement!'
Some of its more famous attractions include
Kings Park, Scarborough Beach, Fremantle and the Swan River.
Fremantle (or as the local’s call it, ‘Freo’) is the city’s port and is
rich in history. At weekends you will find
markets,
entertainment and plenty of alfresco style cafes to laze in.
Perth has
restaurants to suit all tastes - the most popular cuisine is of course the
great Australian BBQ. Barbeque facilities are abundant in local parks - take
your own food and cook up a feast, Australian style!
For meals in local
restaurants, a trip to Perth's inner city centre is well worth the effort -
it bustles with activity and offers a range of choices of restaurants.
ARRIVAL: YOUR INTRODUCTION TO THE COUNTRY
When you arrive you will be welcomed at the airport by Jenny,
our Australian Manager, and she will take you to your accommodation. During
your first few days Jenny will give you an induction so that you can learn
about the country and its culture, as well as useful information like how to
use the transport system etc.
During the first few days of your stay you will also
receive an induction at the Rehabilitation Centre. This will include an
overview of the centre, health and safety information and give you a chance
to familiarise yourself with the location.
WHAT IS REQUIRED OF YOU:
As with all our destinations, the
Australian Culture and heritage must be borne in
mind.
Self-reliance and independence are highly
appreciated in all our destinations and will help you to make the most of this
wonderful opportunity!
Once you have applied for a placement, we will send you
detailed information about Australia, as well as an equally detailed Safety Guide
- both of these will help to make your stay in Australia one that you will never
forget!
Jenny Ashworth, Travellers Australia Manager and long-time
friend of our UK Team!
NOTES ABOUT YOUR PROJECT:
For your safety, and for the
safety of our animals, you will require a good command of the English
language to work on this project.
You are required to have an up-to-date
Tetanus vaccination.
Please note: You need to be 18 or over to take part in this project.
TRAVEL:
You have the option to arrange your
own flights or we can assist you with your flight arrangements. If you would
like us to do this for you, we will liaise with you regarding available flights
and dates to suit you. All arrangements for your flight bookings/payments will
be fulfilled by Murray Rogers Travel Ltd., ATOL No. 6856. (Read more about Murray Rogers Travel Ltd.)
Where possible, we arrange for two or more people to travel on the
same flight and we will let you have the names and telephone numbers of other
volunteers on your flight, so that you can chat to each other or even meet up
before leaving for your placement.
We can also arrange your flight
dates
to give you additional time at the end of your project for travelling around and
sightseeing - this is a fascinating country!
You will fly into Perth where
you'll be met by Jenny,
our local organiser. From the airport you'll be taken to your accommodation.
Several days later, once you have settled in and recovered from the flight, you
will be introduced to your staff on your project.
To read aboutSupport
& Backup we provide,
please click here.
VISAS:
We will liaise with you about
specific requirements, if any, and make the Visa process very easy.
Where possible, all flights we arrange for you have changeable return tickets because many of our
volunteers choose to extend their stay once they are in their destination
country.
Changeable return tickets enable you to do so, within the limits of your visa
and the level of your air ticket,
of course. If you choose to book your own flights, you should endeavour to get
a changeable ticket.
PRICES:
To see the Prices of this project and all
our other projects in Australia, please
click here
Prices
include
Food & accommodation while on your project,
2 T-shirts, if required
for your project
All support and backup
during your programme
Meeting you at the
nearest airport, where appropriate, but exclude international travel.
.
+44 01903 502595
