The Heart of Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation
- Howard Priestley
- Apr 17
- 2 min read
Goodwill is a rare and invaluable resource—one that Mandurah Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre (MWRC) depends on entirely to save and heal injured wildlife before returning them to the wild. Without the generosity of volunteers, donors, and sponsors, this life-saving work simply wouldn’t be possible. The Power of Volunteers At the heart of MWRC is a dedicated team of volunteers who give their time, energy, and compassion to help animals in need.
Take Jane Lord, for example. When she retired, she wanted to step into something new and meaningful. She found it at MWRC, where she cares for sick and injured animals while learning something new every day. The day we met, Jane was caring for two young cuckoo-shrikes that had fallen from their nest. Without intervention, these fledglings—birds just on the cusp of flight—would have perished on the ground, vulnerable to predators.
Thanks to Jane and the team, they were almost ready to move to an outdoor aviary to learn to fly before being released back into the wild.
Loretta Hing, an NDIS support worker, has also found a unique way to combine her passion for animals with her work. Instead of the usual outings to shopping centres or the cinema, she brings her two clients—one, who loves birds and the other who enjoys gardening—to MWRC on separate days. These visits give them the chance to engage in meaningful activities while contributing to wildlife rehabilitation.
The Key to Survival
Beyond hands-on care, MWRC relies on financial support to keep its doors open. Heather Hamilton, a business coach and management consultant for a nonprofit organisation, volunteers her expertise to help with the critical task of fundraising. Without sufficient funds, MWRC would be forced to close—at a time when habitat destruction is pushing more and more wildlife into crisis.
Private donations are the lifeblood of MWRC, ensuring that vulnerable animals, like the cuckoo-shrike, get a second chance. Without this generosity, many creatures would perish before ever making it back to the wild.
Corporate sponsorships add another layer of support. While individual donors are often moved by compassion, businesses, government bodies, and organisations like the Lotteries Commission are drawn to the broader impact—conservation, education, and rewilding efforts that benefit both wildlife and the community.
Companies like ALCOA have been invaluable partners, providing both financial contributions and in-kind support, such as encouraging staff to volunteer at the centre. But the need is greater than ever. As urban development rapidly transforms the Peel region, more animals are at risk.
You can help. Whether through a donation, corporate sponsorship, or volunteering, your goodwill ensures that MWRC can continue its vital work. Every contribution—big or small—makes a difference.
Your gift today could be the reason a life is saved - help protect our previous wildlife now!
