The Northern Rivers is known for its extraordinary biodiversity. Many animals native to our region, already threatened with extinction, were heavily impacted by the bushfires in 2019/2020 and floods earlier this year. The 2022 natural disaster stressed the overwhelming need for a centrally located, easily accessible and dedicated Wildlife Hospital in the Northern Rivers.
The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital Ltd was set up in 2019, to provide a multi-disciplinary facility incorporating best practice veterinary and hospital services for sick, injured and orphaned Australian native animals. With a two-hectare site secured in Wollongbar and the Development Application approved earlier this year, construction of the hospital is scheduled to commence in 2023.
The hospital site which has an existing dwelling, will allow ample space for animal admission, operating theatres, animal wards, and enclosures, for acute care and long-term rehabilitation of wildlife. A fundraising event is being held on Thursday 3rd November (6-8pm), to raise funds toward renovating the existing dwelling into a world class veterinary wildlife hospital.
This special information and fundraiser event is being hosted at the Metropole Hotel Lismore. “While we’re raising funds to help the wildlife of our region, we also wanted to support local businesses. The Metropole Hotel has done an incredible job rebuilding after the floods and created a great place for the community to come together. We are grateful for their support in holding this special event” said Ilka Nelson, Admin & Project Coordinator of the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital.
All are welcome to come and celebrate the unique wildlife of our region at this special fundraiser. Apart from hearing about the projects progress, guest speakers will include well renowned wildlife ecologist Steve Phillips. Music will be provided by local singer Katzia. A raffle will be drawn for prizes including a vet consultation from Vitality Vetcare, and beautiful artworks by Vikki Liddel and IzWoz.
If you are unable to make the event but would like to support the project you can make a tax deductible donation via the NRWH GoFundMe page https://gofund.me/4e1c6350. For more information or to RSVP please email Ilka via info@nrwh.com.au