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According to the Newcastle Herald, earlier this week oil was pumped accidentally from a coal ship on Kooragang Island. The oil and water mixture was pumped into the harbour as the ship was "deballasting" to take on coal. The thick, black oil has coated rocks on the island shore despite efforts to contain the spill.

In addition to covering the shoreline, the oil has also affected birdlife with a number of pelicans rescued, which were covered in a dark, greasy sludge.

The wildlife rescue effort has seen NATF, ASR, WIRES, RSPCA & NPWS working together to save the affected animals. Members from all groups have been trained in processing, washing and drying the pelicans found and so far all but one are faring well. Sadly no other smaller birds have as yet been found.

If you are over 18 and would like to help wildlife check our list of scheduled Rescue and Immediate Care Courses now and see if there is one coming up near you.

Satisfactory completion of this course will provide you with the skills you need to begin rehabilitating Australian wildlife and NPWS authorisation under the WIRES license to rehabilitate wildlife.

Courses are currently scheduled for: Coffs Harbour, Lismore, Dubbo, Warimoo, Gordon, and Liverpool.