New Purpose-Built WIRES Native Animal Recovery Centre Opens in Randwick
Community Celebration Held as Part of Biodiversity Open Day
A first-of-its-kind native animal recovery centre has officially opened today at the Randwick Sustainability Hub, offering the public a unique chance to celebrate local conservation efforts as part of Randwick City Council’s Biodiversity Open Day.
The new WIRES Native Animal Recovery Centre replaces makeshift infrastructure with nine possum enclosures, three bird enclosures, an aviary, and dedicated storage and work areas. It’s the result of a landmark funding partnership between Randwick City Council, the NSW Government, and WIRES, Australia’s largest wildlife rescue organisation.
Among the centre’s first residents are ring-tailed and brush-tailed possums, rainbow lorikeets, and two juvenile ibis—all rescued and cared for by WIRES’ highly trained volunteers.
Randwick Mayor Dylan Parker said the facility represents a major step forward for local biodiversity conservation:
“I’m thrilled rescued native wildlife and the WIRES volunteers that keep them safe and healthy now have a home at our incredible Randwick Sustainability Hub. This makes an immense contribution to sustaining the rich biodiversity we enjoy in Sydney’s east.”
WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor praised the facility as a gamechanger:
“The new centre provides our incredible volunteers with a dedicated environment to do what they do best — caring for our native wildlife with the professionalism it deserves.
Being based at the Randwick Sustainability Hub also strengthens community connections and builds stronger ties with Council, local vets, and partner organisations.”
The centre was officially opened this morning by Mayor Dylan Parker, WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor, and the Member for Coogee, Dr Marjorie O’Neill.
Today’s Biodiversity Open Day continues until 2pm, featuring sustainability stalls, live entertainment, a community birding group walk, and hands-on workshops including how to build a possum ‘palace’.
Mayor Parker encouraged the community to take part in the celebration:
“Gather your loved ones, pack a picnic and join us for a fun day out. It’s a great opportunity to explore the Randwick Sustainability Hub and learn more about how we can all support local wildlife.”
