Wildlife rescue caps off strong year

THE state’s largest kangaroo rehabilitation enclosure is almost compete with a local wildlife rescuer capping off another impactful year in the region.

Surfcoast Wildlife Rescue founder Jason Cichocki said the completion of a new 6,500sqm kangaroo rehabilitation enclosure at his Wensleydale property was expected to be complete in February.

The two-paddock enclosure features native trees for shelter, a man-made dam to keep rescued kangaroos hydrated, and a release door to direct recovered kangaroos into the Great Otway National Park.

“We should have the new enclosure done in the next couple of months, we still have a two-horse shelter to install as well as black mesh that needs to go on the outside of the enclosure to assist with kangaroos not jumping into the enclosure’s border,” Mr Cichocki said.

“The mesh has been donated by one of our rescuers, Duncan McMillan, and that speaks to the great community effort that helps make Surfcoast Wildlife Rescue run.”

The enclosure was made possible by a $72,000 injection from the Victorian government and former Member for Western Victoria Andy Meddick, and $20,000 raised by Mr Cichocki himself.

Mr Cichocki gave the update on Sunday afternoon at his end-of-year celebration, inviting various community representatives and wildlife rescuers to the event.

Organisations such as Torquay and Surfcoast Veterinary Clinics, The Country Women’s Association (CWA), volunteer rescuers, and Sewing with a Purpose, a Surf Coast sewing group producing essentials for rescued wildlife were all in attendance.

Anglesea resident Deb Elliot, who represents the CWA and Sewing with a Purpose, attended last Sunday’s event.

“Twice the CWA has sent Surfcoast Wildlife Rescue 10 $100 fuel cards to assist with their rescues over the past two years as they are on the road quite a lot,” she said.

“Sewing with a Purpose has also knitted dozens of joey pouches and flannelette pouches for Jason and his team, over 55 in our most recent batch.

“Jason does really important work here in the region and we’re really excited to see him continue his efforts into next year and beyond.”

Mr Cichocki thanked those in attendance and said Surfcoast Wildlife Rescue does not run without the support of the community.

“It takes many different community members to make what we do possible, there’s so many facets other than the rescuers themselves,” he said.

“People like Deb, people like Kate Gittings at Torquay and Surfcoast Veterinary Clinics, all dedicate the time off their own backs to care for wildlife in our region.

“Now, through Surfcoast Wildlife Rescue, we’ve been able to bring everybody together from different walks of life under one common goal.”

To contact Surfcoast Wildlife Rescue regarding an emergency, phone 0422 048 557.