Your local WIRES branch (Clarence Valley) is holding a Rescue & Immediate Care Course (RICC) face to face workshop in Grafton on May 15, 2016. All WIRES members are dedicated volunteers giving time and care free of charge. Unfortunately there are never enough troops on the ground, particularly in summer, our busiest time of year. Locally, we are in desperate need for new members so anyone interested please keep reading. It is a requirement to hold a licence to rescue and care for wildlife. WIRES volunteers operate under a WIRES licence issued by NPWS and you must be over 18. To become a volunteer with WIRES you need to complete the RICC which consists of an initial online component which can be completed at your own pace and a face to face workshop. The cost of the training is $175. The course fee covers your first year’s WIRES membership, WIRES rescue manual, your authority to rescue and care for wildlife under WIRES licence and the cost of running the course. WIRES training is now delivered under the auspices of a Registered Training Organisation and successful completion of both components of the WIRES RICC can result in qualifications that are accredited, nationally recognised and accepted by industry and educational institutions. Once you have completed RICC you can commence your career with WIRES. There are many avenues open to you and the level of commitment you offer is totally your choice. WIRES members can choose to rescue and/or care for wildlife, help with fund raising, be on the front line taking phone calls for our hotline or administration roles. The opportunities to meet new people and learn new skills are endless and although challenging at times, it is also extremely rewarding. One new member within her first year with WIRES had rescued a koala, a sea turtle, a possum, several birds and a young joey whose mother was left for dead on the road after being hit by a car. “The satisfaction you feel in being able to help our defenceless and in some cases endangered wildlife is immeasurable” she said. To take the first step, go to the WIRES organisation website at wires.org.au, click on the Volunteer tab where you can browse for further information and register your interest in commencing your training.