Koala sanctuary to bear another day after fund injection

A MUCH-needed tranche of funding will keep the doors of a Barwon Heads wildlife sanctuary open a while longer as they continue to grapple with the ongoing pandemic and continuous financial loss.

The Jirrahlinga Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary has managed to secure $50,000 from the Victorian Government thanks to the work and outreach of Member for Western Victoria and Animal Justice Party MP Andy Meddick.

The sanctuary urgently needed the funds as Jirrahlinga has not been able to run public tours and education programs over the past 18 months, resulting in a substantial loss of income.

“Jirrahlinga is famous not just in and around Geelong, but around the world,” Mr Meddick said.
“They have provided care for wildlife for over 40 years.

“This funding is an acknowledgement from the government about the important work our wildlife carers and shelters do, and the service they provide to the community caring for injured and displaced animals.”

Mr Meddick originally wrote to the Victorian Treasurer on June 10 after speaking to Jirrahlinga chief executive officer Tehree Gordon, citing that should the sanctuary close, “it would present a crisis for the sector, as they have many native animals on site who live there permanently, as they are unsuitable for release, or are patients at their hospital”.

Ms Gordon said she could thank Mr Meddick enough for his efforts in obtaining the necessary funds, not just for Jirrahlinga but also other sanctuaries across the state.

“We are enormously grateful to Andy for his diligence, dedication and tireless efforts in campaigning for Australian wildlife.

“We thank Andy for not only assisting Jirrahlinga, but also many other shelters and sanctuaries throughout Victoria, who will benefit by receiving long awaited assistance and funding.”

Jirrahlinga plays an important role in educating school students about the region’s wildlife, and according to ranger Jack Gatto, this injection of funds will help staff pass on their knowledge to the next generation.

“These funds give us the opportunity to be able to educate children, which is the main thing we aim to do here at the sanctuary,” Mr Gatto said.

“This is so they know how they have an impact on our environment and these animals moving forward and to create a special connection to a place like Jirrahlinga and a memory that lasts for a lifetime.

“It isn’t just being able to hold a koala, it is also about knowing the role that every animal plays in our ecosystem. Every animal has its place.”

The funds acquired will be solely used towards food and any medical necessities that are required by the sanctuary’s animals.