WIRES Dedication to Wildlife Awards – Celebrating Our Exceptional Volunteers
Every day, WIRES volunteers are on the front line of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation — responding to animals needing assistance, caring for injured animals, educating their communities and supporting each other. Their compassion, professionalism and resilience are the reason countless native animals get the chance to return to the wild.
This International Volunteer Day, we are proud to celebrate the extraordinary people who make WIRES what it is — and to announce the recipients of the 2025 WIRES Dedication to Wildlife Awards.
Nominees were put forward by fellow WIRES members who see their commitment firsthand — often given quietly, consistently and without expectation of recognition. Each nomination was considered carefully against the award criteria, including:
- Significant contribution to wildlife rescue, care, education or branch support
- Reliability, professionalism and going beyond expectations
- Positive impact on wildlife, WIRES or their community
- Strong teamwork and support of peers
- Upholding WIRES welfare, safety and ethical standards
These awards celebrate volunteers who have shown outstanding leadership, compassion, and dedication throughout the year.
Member Award Recipients:
Amanda M, Charlie C, Inga S, Jocelyn V, Julie H, Julie M, Karen D, Kath H, Kristine R, Kylie R, Lisa H, Marian V, Michael B, Michelle B, Peter T, Phoebe W, Shelly R, Stephanie G, Tanya A and Tracey M.
Each of these volunteers has made an extraordinary difference — whether responding tirelessly to rescues at all hours, caring for wildlife through lengthy recovery journeys, mentoring new members, or strengthening community understanding of local wildlife.
Rescue 101 Volunteer Recognition Awards
This year, we also celebrate five outstanding Rescue 101 volunteers who went above and beyond in their first year with WIRES.
Rescue 101 Volunteers were invited to self-nominate by sharing:
- Their most memorable rescue
- How volunteering changed their relationship with wildlife
- Ways they’ve inspired others to protect wildlife
- Their advice to new volunteers
Award selection also considered their rescue activity, compliance with procedures and recommendations from Wildlife Rescue Office staff. These volunteers have made a remarkable impact early in their WIRES journey, and we’re proud to recognise their commitment.
Award Recipients:
Rebecca, Belinda, Shae, Jeanette and Brae
Wombat Warrior Awards
WIRES is also thrilled to present 3 Wombat Warrior Awards to these Community Mange Treaters:
Nominations were submitted by Mange Team Leaders, and some Mange Treaters shared their experience. Winners were selected for their:
- Outstanding dedication
- Positive impact on wombat communities impacted by mange
- Collaboration, leadership and support of others
These volunteers play a vital role in combating mange — a debilitating but often treatable condition — and their work improves the health and survival of wombat populations across NSW.
Award Recipients:
Elisabet, Fiona, Clare & Ian
We are truly grateful for all the work you do!
