Called to care: Volunteers mark 40 years of WIRES

WIRES (Wildlife Information Rescue and Education Service) has turned 40! 

That’s 40 years of wildlife rescue, rehabilitation and advocacy for Australia’s native animals. Beginning in 1985 in response to an injured ibis found in Sydney’s Hyde Park, the organisation was officially launched in Sydney in March 1986. 

WIRES co-founder Mikla Lewis, who continues to rescue as a volunteer today, reflects on how that rescue of an ibis has brought awareness of Australia’s native wildlife around the world. 

“It’s hard to believe that, some 40 years ago, there was no organisation in NSW to assist wildlife in distress,” Mikla says. “What began as an idea to address an obvious need, was taken up by a small, dedicated group of people. At first only Sydney-based, it grew rapidly into a statewide organisation. I am immensely proud that WIRES is now a household name throughout Australia.” 

WIRES was built on one guiding principle: heart. Its founding was based on a deep love for Australia’s wildlife and the foresight to recognise that increasing urbanisation, habitat loss and environmental pressures would create growing challenges for native species. From those humble beginnings, WIRES has grown into Australia’s largest wildlife rescue charity dedicated solely to native animals, improving welfare outcomes for more than two million native animals. 

WIRES now provides 24/7 rescue support, 365 days a year, coordinating thousands of volunteers across NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory. It also provides nationwide 24/7 rescue advice and supports rehabilitation projects across all Australian states and territories. 

WIRES Illawarra, established in 1989, has received more than 6000 calls from the community for native wildlife assistance in the past 12 months. 

The current chair, Giuliana Ferrari, who joined the organisation in 2015, reflects on her involvement. 

“I was hesitant to join at first, having no animal-related qualifications apart from a love of wildlife, but soon realised that the training was not difficult and there are many ways to contribute. 

“I soon found my passion was possums and gliders, eventually taking up the role of possum coordinator and more recently chair of the Illawarra branch.” 

As for the future of the organisation, Giuliana says: “Having worked in the education field all of my life, I am passionate about this aspect of our organisation and would like to see further development in this area.”

Heather Milroy, bird coordinator and avian trainer, who joined the Illawarra Branch in 1998, says: “What a privilege it is to get so close to wildlife and to be trusted with nurturing the sick and injured to recovery. 

“After 28 years I still feel the absolute joy of releasing a bird back into its habitat to see its mate arrive to greet it. There is no greater pleasure than reuniting a chick with its relieved parents and watching them arrive with juicy bugs to feed it. 

“For the future I hope WIRES can work with vets to provide specialist wildlife hospitals.”

Lorraine Toohey, macropod and wombat coordinator, who joined WIRES Illawarra when she retired 28 years ago, says: “I have always loved animals so I joined and have never regretted it. 

“I have seen highs and lows over this time but have never lost my passion for helping our wildlife.

“I started with birds and possums, then became the flying fox coordinator for two years but my heart was always with my beloved kangaroos and wombats. I love caring for these creatures and helping them get back to being wild and free again. 

“As for my hopes for the future of WIRES, I would like to see more connection with the branches and the needs of their carers. 

“I also believe that education of the public and our children is the only way to save what is left of our wildlife.”

WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor says the 40th anniversary is both a celebration of the past and a call to action for the future. 

“The next 40 years will require deeper collaboration between community, corporate partners, researchers and government… If we are to secure a future for our native species, we must work together, with urgency, innovation and heart.”

As humans, we are so fortunate to be living alongside Australia’s wonderful and diverse native species, but our wildlife is facing escalating threats from climate-driven disasters, disease, habitat fragmentation and human impact. Our wildlife is vital to our ecosystems, and small changes in how we live can make a big difference to their survival and the environment. 

The founding spirit of WIRES endures, even now 40 years on from the organisation’s beginnings.

If you care about native wildlife and would like to make a difference to their survival, please consider joining WIRES Illawarra. We are looking for rescuers and carers and welcome new volunteers. See the website or email info@wires.org.au for information.

Call WIRES national line at 1300 094 737 to report an injured native animal or to seek rescue advice.