Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc

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South Lismore, NSW
Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc

Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc. We have been part of the Northern Rivers community since 1992. License No: MWL000100243

is a not-for-profit network of trained volunteers that is licensed to rescue and rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned wildlife. We help wildlife from Ocean Shores in the north to New Italy in the south, from Byron Bay in the east to Tabulam in the west. This is one of the largest areas covered by any wildlife caring group in NSW.

11/06/2026

As the 2026 financial year comes to a close, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported us over the past 12 months.

Your generosity has helped wildlife across the Northern Rivers region and literally kept our wheels turning.

A massive shout out also goes to the incredible rescuers and carers at NRWC. Your dedication is nothing short of inspiring. From late night rescues to the many sleepless nights caring for wildlife, without you much of our wildlife wouldn't have a chance.

We’re also incredibly grateful to the amazing members of the public who stop to help injured animals or take the time to call them in. We are blessed to have so many kindhearted people in our community.

This year alone, NRWC has responded to over 2,400 calls for help and had hundreds of animals in care. As a small volunteer run group, we rely heavily on donations to keep doing what we do.

As the financial year closes, we’d love to ask for your support. Every donation helps us continue rescuing and caring for our local wildlife.

From the caller, to the rescuer, to the hospital, to the carer - it truly takes a community.

Your support means the world to us and to the wildlife we care for 🌏🪷✨️🙏🏽

https://www.givenow.com.au/northernriverswildlifecarers

24/05/2026

💙Meet Kerry-Anne💙

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re introducing you to some of the incredible people behind our organisation and the passion that drives them to help wildlife.

Kerry-Anne has been volunteering with NRWC for more than 18 years, dedicating her time to being a voice for wildlife and advocating for the animals that cannot speak for themselves. Her passion comes from wanting to make a difference in a world where habitat destruction and development continue to impact our native species.

With a background as a Neonatal Intensive Care nurse before later flying long haul for Qantas, Kerry-Anne brings an incredible depth of care, compassion, and experience to wildlife rehabilitation. 🦆

One of her key roles within NRWC is Training Officer, helping organise training days and supporting both new and existing members throughout their wildlife caring journey. She is also passionate about educating the public and helping people see wildlife from a new perspective.

For Kerry-Anne, some of the most meaningful moments come from raising orphaned possums and hearing that, after release, they have gone on to thrive in the wild, especially when a female returns later with a joey of her own. Moments like these remind her why every sleepless night and challenge is worth it. 🤍

Kerry-Anne says one of the greatest strengths of NRWC is the incredible support shared between volunteers, all working together with the same goal: helping wildlife.

Her message to the public:
“Wildlife are not pets, but when they lose everything, we try to be the best substitute we can be. If you find injured wildlife, please call a wildlife rescue group as soon as possible, time matters.”

Thank you Kerry-Anne, for your dedication, leadership, compassion, and tireless advocacy for native wildlife 🦋

23/05/2026

💚Meet Alicia💚

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re introducing you to some of the incredible people behind our organisation and the passion that drives them to help wildlife.

Alicia joined NRWC in 2021 after moving from the Gold Coast, inspired by her love for flying foxes and a desire to help protect these often misunderstood animals. During COVID, she found was the time to get involved and quickly discovered just how vital wildlife rescue and rehabilitation truly is. 🦇

Alicia’s main role is wildlife rescue and care, with a focus on trauma care specifically and orphan raising. One of her most meaningful experiences has been raising her first flying fox orphans, watching them grow from tiny vulnerable babies into strong animals ready to return to the wild and play their important role in the ecosystem.

She says one of the best parts about volunteering is that every day is different, with each rescue bringing new experiences and opportunities to learn.

While the emotional side of wildlife rescue can sometimes be difficult, Alicia says the rewarding moments far outweigh the hard ones, especially the feeling of releasing an animal back where they belong.

Alicia’s message to the public:
“Our wildlife is truly unique, and once it’s gone, it’s gone. Everyone has something to offer, whether on the frontline or behind the scenes, and every action matters.”

Thank you Alicia, for your compassion, dedication, and incredible work helping native wildlife.🦇

22/05/2026

🧡Meet Romilly🧡

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re introducing you to some of the incredible people behind our organisation.

Romilly has been volunteering with NRWC for over 2 years, with a passion for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat restoration. As a venomous snake handler her work includes reptile rescue, possum releases, nest box installation and workshops, as well as bush regeneration to help create safer habitats for native wildlife. 🐍

Inspired through doing her own rescues, Romilly says the most meaningful part of volunteering is seeing animals successfully released back into the wild after care and rehabilitation.

While wildlife rescue can be emotionally and physically challenging, Romilly says the reward of directly helping native animals and contributing to long-term conservation far outweighs the difficult moments.

Her message to the community:
“Wildlife deserves respect and protection. Small actions like slowing down on roads, protecting habitat, and contacting trained rescuers for injured wildlife can make a real difference.” 🐸

21/05/2026

❤️Meet Annie-May❤️

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re introducing you to some of the incredible people behind our organisation and the stories that inspired them to help wildlife.

Annie has been volunteering with NRWC for around 3 years after a tiny fairy wren changed everything. During severe weather, Annie found a fallen nest in her garden and contacted NRWC for help. Unable to reach each other safely, coordinator Cheryl talked her through caring for the baby overnight until conditions eased. Annie stayed up all night determined to keep the little bird alive and from that moment, her wildlife rescue journey began. 🐦

Since then, Annie has become a dedicated carer for macropods and possums, finding purpose in helping orphaned animals grow strong enough to return to the wild. One of her most meaningful experiences has been raising her first pinky wallaby joeys and eventually watching them be released back where they belong. 🦘

Annie says wildlife rescue is incredibly rewarding, not only because of the animals, but also the amazing community of like-minded people involved. While there are challenges including heartbreak, emergencies and difficult injuries, the opportunity to help wildlife makes it all worthwhile.

Annie’s message to the public:
“Slow down and drive carefully on our roads. If you see wildlife needing help, contact your local wildlife rescue group. We are all here to share this planet, so be kind to our precious wildlife.” 🦘

Thank you Annie, for your compassion, care, and dedication to native wildlife.

20/05/2026

💜Meet Sonya💜

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re introducing you to some of the incredible people behind our organisation and the passion that drives them to help wildlife.

Sonya has been volunteering with NRWC for 7 years, after first becoming involved when she found an injured magpie and wanted to help with its rehabilitation. Since then, she has dedicated countless hours to caring for native wildlife across the Northern Rivers region.

Sonya specialises in rehabilitating birds and reptiles, with a particular love for snakes and lizards. In fact, she says she used to be terrified of snakes, but through education, patience, and experience, she learned to respect and appreciate the important role they play in our environment. Now, she’s the person people call when a snake needs help or safely relocating. 🐍

For Sonya, the most rewarding part of volunteering is seeing injured wildlife recover and return to the wild, knowing the care and dedication given helped give them a second chance.

She also acknowledges that wildlife rescue can be emotionally challenging, especially when animals are too severely injured to survive. But she believes that providing compassionate care and preventing suffering is just as important as successful rehabilitation and release.

Sonya’s message to others thinking about volunteering:
“Keep an open mind, be willing to learn, and don’t underestimate what you’re capable of. You too can overcome your fears.”

Thank you Sonya, for your compassion, dedication, and incredible work helping native wildlife. 🦎

19/05/2026

💛Meet Kat💛

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re introducing you to some of the amazing people behind our organisation and the stories that inspire them to help wildlife.

Having volunteered in schools, sports, and community groups for many years, wildlife rescue always felt like a natural path for Kat. After joining NRWC around a year ago, alongside several years volunteering with Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue she quickly discovered just how rewarding and important wildlife rescue truly is.

Kat’s main role is rescue and transport, a role that can be challenging and unpredictable, but one she genuinely loves. She says one of the most valuable things about volunteering is how quickly you learn, with every rescue teaching you new skills and problem solving abilities, all while being supported by an incredible team of fellow volunteers.

One rescue that deeply impacted Kat involved a badly injured pelican that took an entire week of organising, including sourcing a boat to finally catch it and get it the help it desperetly needed. While emotional the experience only strengthened her passion and determination to continue helping wildlife.

Kat’s message to the public:
“We know accidents happen, but please never hesitate to call a rescue group. There is absolutely no judgement, just appreciation for letting us know.”

Thank you Kat, for your compassion, dedication, and willingness to help wildlife in need 🐢

18/05/2026

🩷Meet Ruby🩷

As part of National Volunteer Week, we’re introducing you to some of the amazing people behind our organisation and the stories that led them to wildlife rescue.

After constantly rescuing birds, Ruby was encouraged to officially join NRWC around 2 years ago and has been helping native wildlife ever since. Her main focus has been bird care, especially raising baby Tawny Frogmouths, along with transport and hotline support. 🦉

One of Ruby’s most meaningful experiences was caring for a baby Tawny named Baby Girl, who was eventually released back into the wild. The experience was so life changing, she even had her tattooed on her arm.

While wildlife rescue comes with heartbreak and loss, Ruby says the wins make it all worthwhile especially the feeling of releasing an animal back where they belong.

Ruby’s message to the public:
“Please slow down on our roads. If you hit or find an injured animal, contact your local wildlife rescue group as soon as possible.”

Thank you Ruby, for your compassion, care, and dedication to wildlife. 🪶

17/05/2026

🔆 National Volunteer Week 2026 🔆

National Volunteer Week is Australia’s annual celebration of volunteering, recognising the incredible people who generously give their time to support communities and make a difference.

This year’s theme, “Your Year to Volunteer,” encourages more people to discover how rewarding volunteering can be.

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. From rescue and transport, caring, fundraising, hotline and behind the scenes support. Every role helps to make a difference. 🦘

Over the coming week, we’ll be introducing you to some of our amazing volunteers, sharing their stories giving you a little insight into the important work they do.

To all of our amazing volunteers, thank you for your compassion, dedication and hard work, we couldn’t do it without you 🤍

05/05/2026

Today we hold the team at Marine Rescue Ballina close in our hearts.

The loss of lives has deeply touched not only your crew, but the wider community and volunteers who stand beside you. We know that behind every uniform is someone who gives their time and heart to protecting others, often in the most challenging and unpredictable conditions.

To lose members of that family is something no organisation should have to endure.

From all of us at Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers, we honour their dedication, courage, and the quiet, selfless work they carried out for the safety of others. Their impact will ripple far beyond the water.

We are thinking of your entire team, your families and the community as you navigate this grief. May you feel supported, held, and surrounded by the same care you so freely give to others. 🤍

Address

PO Box 6439
South Lismore, NSW
2480

Telephone

+61266281866

Website

http://www.wildlifecarers.com/home/

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