A long-awaited wildlife hospital set to serve the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Central West regions is one step closer to opening, with a special end-of-financial-year fundraising campaign offering supporters the chance to double their impact.
The Australian Ecosystems Foundation Inc. is calling on the community to help complete the final stage of the Wollemi Wildlife Hospital project, a purpose-built facility that will provide urgent care and rehabilitation for injured, sick and orphaned native wildlife.
Thanks to a generous supporter, all donations received during the current campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar, helping the Foundation raise the funds needed to complete the hospital’s clinical fit-out and open its doors.
Importantly, Foundation Treasurer Julianne Evans said the project is not starting from scratch.
“The building is there, and we’re incredibly proud of how far we’ve come,” Julianne said. “What people may not realise is that we now need funding to complete the final fit-out so the hospital can become fully operational and start treating wildlife.”
While construction of the facility has been completed, essential items, including clinical cabinetry, treatment benches, diagnostic equipment, and specialist treatment areas, still need to be installed before patients can be admitted.
Mrs Evans said the project had faced some significant challenges over the years, including rising construction costs and lengthy approval processes.
“When funding for the building was first secured, it was before the sharp increases in construction costs we saw in recent years,” Julieanne said. “Combined with delays in approvals, those additional expenses have meant we now need community support to help us reach the finish line.”
Once operational, the Wollemi Wildlife Hospital will become a vital resource for wildlife carers, rescue organisations and veterinarians across much of regional New South Wales, providing dedicated treatment facilities for native animals in need.
The appeal comes at an ideal time for donors, with all contributions over $2 tax-deductible and every dollar donated matched while the campaign remains active.
Australian Ecosystems Foundation Secretary Trevor Evans said community support would directly help bring the facility into service. “Every donation, no matter the size, will help us move closer to opening the hospital and providing the level of care our native wildlife deserves,” he said.
Community members, businesses and wildlife supporters are encouraged to contribute or help spread the word about the campaign.
To learn more about the project or make a donation, visit www.ausecosystems.org.au.
With the building complete and the finish line now in sight, the Foundation hopes this final fundraising push will help turn years of planning and hard work into a fully operational wildlife hospital for the region.
