Ballarat Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation Inc

20/06/2026

The news today that the deadly H5 avian influenza (bird flu) has finally found its way to Australian shores is devastating. Every wildlife rescuer, transporter, carer, shelter, sanctuary and the communities that support them will be on high alert.

The team at BWRAC have already been involved in information sessions with its members to prepare them on how to keep themselves safe, the correct use of PPE in the field and the necessary steps required to report suspected cases to authorities.

This link to the Australian Government resource sheet is very educational. It can be downloaded, printed and shared.

https://www.agriculture.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/fact-sheet-what-you-need-to-know-about-h5-bird-flu.pdf

This link to the Wildlife Health Australia website has some fantastic resources so please take the time to educate yourself and others.

https://wildlifehealthaustralia.com.au/Resource-Centre/H5-bird-flu #:~:text=It%20includes%20the%20serious%20and,wild%20birds%2C%20with%20unprecedented%20impact.

Lets do our very best to keep our precious wildlife safe.

Thank you, the team at BWRAC.

18/06/2026

Thanks Hamilton Wildlife Shelter -Victoria Australia for sharing this educational video.

This confronting behaviour is known as 'Pharlaris Staggers' in Kangaroos. It occurs when they graze on and ingest phalaris or bulbous-canary grass, which is an introduced plant species agriculturally grown as common pasture crop to feed livestock.

With an increase in lush growth around the region we ask the community to be vigilant and if they recognise any unatural behaviour in our Kangaroos to immediately report concerns to Wildlife Rescuers or Wildlife Shelters in their area.

Thank you for caring, the team at BWRAC. 🦘🦘🦘

17/06/2026

Our Possum Drey working bee on Sunday was very productive and we would like to thank all those that attended to assist BWRAC with these vital items for our local Wildlife in care. There was even time to get a coat of paint on some of our donated nesting boxes.

The dreys will make cosy homes for our beautiful Ringtail Possums and the nest boxes will keep our Brushtail Possums warm through Winter.

This working bee was supported by a of Ballarat and grants.

15/06/2026

EVER WONDERED WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU SEE SICK OR INJURED WILDLIFE?

Native wildlife that has become displaced, injured or looks unwell needs the help of our caring community members now more than ever. If you are interested in learning more about how you can actively make a difference, then BWRAC have two training opportunities available in June.

BASIC WILDLIFE FIRST AID INFORMATION SESSION

Sunday 21 June Ballarat Library 10am-12pm Cost: $5

This basic information session on Wildlife first aid covers topics such as identifying unusual behaviours in wildlife, safely approaching wildlife in distress, marsupial pouch checks and preparing wildlife for transport to care. It is ideal for people who commute daily, travel for work or leisure, live on a rural property or near a wildlife habitat corridor. This will also prepare those that are interested in attending our more intensive rescue and transport training later in the month.

To attend you must be 16 years of age or over.
NOTE: this info session does contain images of injured and/or deceased wildlife.

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DMYGQ or email [email protected]

SAVE THE DATE:
BASIC WILDLIFE RESCUE AND TRANSPORT TRAINING – WHOLE DAY COURSE
Saturday 27 June Buninyong 9am-5pm Cost: $50
Email [email protected] for more information

These training opportunities are supported by the City of Ballarat grants and National Grants Program.

14/06/2026

Our Wildlife of the Month for June is Wombats!

We have put together some very interesting facts on Wombat pouches and burrows and hope you enjoy reading and learning about our unique and precious Wildlife.

10/06/2026

POSSUM DREY WORKING BEE

Do you have a couple of hours free this Sunday the 14th June from 1:00pm - 3:00pm?

The team at BWRAC would like to invite you along to our Possum Drey working bee. You will be guided in the construction of creating these homes for our local Wildlife.

This working bee is supported by City of Ballarat and WIRES

Places are limited so please book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

https://www.trybooking.com/DMYFA

09/06/2026

Now is planting season and local groups need your help

08/06/2026

A new week for Wildlife advocacy and yet another petition appears on social media.

On Thursday the 11th of June, 60 Kangaroo's from the mobs that call the Benalla golf course and surrounding area home will be culled. There are many ways coexistence with our precious Wildlife can be managed without using dangerous and inhumane culling practises.

We ask that you please take the time to read through the petition and make an informed decision on being a voice for those that cannot speak for themselves.

Thank you from the team at BWRAC.

Protect the Benalla Golf Club kangaroos

07/06/2026

A reminder to us all when travelling over this long weekend to keep a watch out for our precious Wildlife.

Please drive to conditions, slow down during dusk and dawn and stay alert, especially when on roads with bushland along the sides. Wildlife are unpredictable and can be on the road in the blink of an eye.

If you come accross injured Wildlife, please call and report to a rescue service in the area.

Drive safe and enjoy the long weekend.

05/06/2026

Today is World Environment Day and it feels like the right time to share what is happening right here in Victoria.

Our endangered Water Birds are still under threat from the continuation of Duck Hunting season here in Victoria and the outlook for them is extremely concerning.

We applaude the work of Georgie Purcell - Animal Justice Party MP and want everyone in our community to read the facts, understand what is at stake and make an informed decision to have your say in protecting our Wildlife and the environment they call home. The link below will redirect you to their page where you can be a voice for our precious water birds.

Thank you for caring from the team at BWRAC.

https://vic.animaljusticeparty.org/ban-duck-shooting-victoria

The Game Management Authority is accused of of turning a blind eye to illegal behaviour by shooters while bullying wildlife rescuers and anti-hunting campaigners.