Deadline: 15 September 2023
The Victorian Government’s Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants (WRG) Program provides funding to support authorised shelter operators and foster carers to rehabilitate sick, injured or orphaned wildlife so animals can be released back to the wild.
The objectives of the WRG program aim to help wildlife rehabilitators to:
- improve the standard of wildlife care they can provide;
- improve their facilities to treat, house and rehabilitate wildlife for release;
- increase their knowledge/skills in the care of wildlife.
In addition, the welfare of all animals in Victoria is protected under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 (POCTA Act) under which anyone who commits an act of cruelty or aggravated cruelty is liable for an offence. Failure to comply with some of the conditions of an authorisation may constitute an offence under the POCTA Act (for example undertaking surgical treatment on animals in care).
Funding Information
- The total amount available for the 2023-24 Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants round for wildlife rehabilitators is $230,000.
- Grants are capped at $3,000 per eligible applicant.
- The amount of funding granted may be less than requested depending on the purpose for which it is to be used, the amount sought, total number of applications received.
- Note: Preference will be given to Shelter Operators or Foster Carers who have not received WRG funding support in the last two years.
Who can apply?
- To be eligible for these Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants individuals must:
- be a wildlife shelter operator or foster carer authorised under section 28A of the Wildlife Act 1975 (Wildlife Act);
- have submitted all completion reports for previous funding from this program;
- have the consent of the property owner if you are not the owner.
- Note: Funds are for the successful grant recipient to use i.e., not to pass to another person or place.
Who cannot apply?
- The following individuals are not eligible to apply:
- a person that has been convicted of any offence under the Wildlife Act 1975, Wildlife Regulations 2013, Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 or similar interstate or federal legislation during the last 10 years;
- any person who does not hold a current wildlife Shelter Operator or Foster Carer authorisation under section 28A of the Wildlife Act 1975 (Wildlife Act).
For more information, visit Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action.
