Happy 30th birthday WILVOS

This December is a month of dual celebrations for WILVOs. Besides Christmas we are also
celebrating our 30th birthday.
After some years working under the umbrella of National Parks and Wildlife Service, the
Wildlife Volunteers Association Incorporated came into being on the 15 th December 1993.
Yes, WILVOS began last century!
Soon after, wildlife carers had to become completely independent and self-funded. It was a
struggle meeting printing costs and the annual $2000+ to Telstra for the 24 Hour Hotline.
This meant some serious fundraising. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers the organization
continued to provide an invaluable service to the community. Injured and orphaned wildlife
had someone to rescue them from often sad situations. Local parliamentarians provided use
of their photocopy machine. The lovely staff at MP Peter Wellington’s office copied
newsletters and printed material.
Emailing was the dream, but did people ever know their correct email addresses? There were
so many ‘bounce backs’ in the early stages. Technology was a great time saver as it became
more user-friendly.
The continual pressure of meeting costs makes wildlife volunteering even more exhausting.
Along came a beautiful lady from Nambour who sent WILVOS a large cheque. It was a
credit to the committee that before banking this cheque a couple of weeks later, the treasurer
made sure that the lady was quite sure it was what she really wanted to do! What integrity!
In coming years Chairperson, Sylvia Whiting, was awarded an OAM for her contribution to
native animals and the environment. I was very proud to receive a Pride of Australia Medal.
WILVOS as an organization has been recognized with many awards over the years, but the
priority has always remained focused on native animal welfare, and the education of our
youth, who are the future of wildlife in Australia. A number of Junior WILVOS members are
studying or have graduated from vet science at university. Their knowledge of native animals
will make such a difference.
WILVOS are always grateful for the support of their amazing volunteers, wonderful members
of the public, local parliamentarians and Sunshine Coast Council.
In today’s environment our statistics are needed to provide for the future welfare of our native
animals. Domestic animals need to be contained, native gardens need to be planted,
development has to be restrained. There will be many battles to be fought in the future but
looking at the passion of WILVO active carers, hotliners and the lovely Friends of
WILVOS, there is always hope!
Donna Brennan Wildlife Volunteers Assoc Inc (WILVOS) PO Box 4805 Sunshine Coast Mail
Centre Q 4560 PH 5441 6200 www.wilvos.org.au