SAFE HAVEN

TWO local wildlife rehabilitors have shared in funding to help them care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Shelter operators, Sheila Butler of Heathcote Junction and Bronwyn Kutz of Clonbinane, are among the 107 successful recipients across Victoria for the Wildlife Rehabilllator Grants, with each receiving up to $2000. Ms Butler received $1580 and Ms Kutz $500. Sheila Butler told the North Central Review that the grants would enable her lo continue her work looking after local wildlife many of which are in her care as the result of road trauma. I am currently looking after young kangaroos whose mothers have died as a result of being hit by a vehicle. They will remain in my care until they are old and big enough to be released back into the wild. Ms Butler said. Ms Butler has been opertlng her wildlife shelter Kanga Collage In Heathcote Junction for 10 years and over the lime has cared for and rehabilitated wildlife from across the region. The grants recognise the work undertaken by rehabilitators and will help with the cost of with caring for Victorias diverse wildlife. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes said that the program supports wildlife rehabilitators to buy equipment and infrastructure to assist with the operation of their facilities and to attend appropriate training. Were making sure our local volunteers have the tools and the training to protect our native wildlife. Ms Symes said. These grants are helping our rehabilitators respond to incidents like bushfires,floods and oil spills that can affect our wildlife. Now In its 10th year, the Wildlife Rehabllltator Grams Program has provided more than $1.3 million since it began in 2008. Applications for the 2018/19 round of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program will open on 1 July. To apply for a grant visit: www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-rehabililator-grants