Volunteers, connecting and serving our community

Friday marked a celebration of community, connection and contribution with the Canowindra Volunteer Expo bringing local volunteer organisations together. The event, organised by Canowindra Creative Centre Inc with support from Cabonne Council and the Centre for Volunteering, put the spotlight on the dedication of volunteers and community organisations in Canowindra, highlighting just how vital their contributions are to our community’s social fabric and economic wellbeing. The expo brought together enough groups to have something for everyone, from creative crafts to land management and community care. Volunteers shared their passion for the work they do and the causes they support, as well as the wonderful connection and community they gain from volunteering. For WIRES Central West volunteer Julie Eygenhuizen, the day was an opportunity to share information with the community about how they can help when they see injured wildlife. WIRES has been helping wildlife for more than 30 years, and central west volunteers like Julie cover a region that extends from Mount Victoria to Mudgee, Canowindra to Molong. They cover a big area, and there are ways the community can support the work these volunteers do. While Julie has had some interesting and challenging rescues, the most common are when animals are hit by vehicles, or get tangled in barbed wire. If you hit an animal with your vehicle and it is safe to do so, stop and check if it needs help. If it is injured, you can call WIRES. If the animal is deceased and has a pouch, check to see if it has a baby that’s still alive. If it does, call WIRES for help. Julie encourages people to carry coloured tape ribbon in the car and tie it to the nearest guidepost when you do make a report – this helps volunteers immensely when they are looking for the animal. If you don’t have anything to mark the location, giving really detailed directions and landmarks is the best way to help volunteers find the animal they need to help. To report a rescue contact WIRES on 1300 094 737 or go online to www.wires.org.au/rescue/report-a-rescue If you’re interested in becoming a WIRES carer you can go online to www.wires.org.au or email training@wires.org.au There’s an online Rescue 101 course that positions you to assist with critical rescue and transport or birds, possums, lizards, turtles and frogs. Then there’s the rescue and immediate care course, online and through a workshop, for those wanting to assist with rescues for a broader range of species, or wanting to start rehabilitating wildlife. The event also featured a guest presentation by Clint Bertenshaw, Director of Sector Development and Engagement at the Centre for Volunteering. The Centre is a leading voice in the NSW volunteering sector, offering support services, accredited training, and the prestigious NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards.