May 16th, 2026MORE SUPPORT FOR VOLUNTEER WILDLIFE REHABILITATORS

The Victorian Government is boosting support for Victoria’s wildlife rehabilitators, helping them care for more injured and vulnerable native animals.

Minister Erdogan announced $150,000 of Wildlife Recovery Support Rebates that will help authorised wildlife rehabilitators cover the costs of providing care to wildlife impacted by recent emergency events.

These rebates recognise the important role of wildlife rehabilitators who often dedicate their own time and money to rehabilitate injured or displaced wildlife and release them back into the wild.

Rebates will be available to registered wildlife carers to recoup some of the costs associated with care, including veterinary supplies like x-rays, blood tests and medication, milk formula and food, fuel costs for travel and personal protective equipment.

This is in addition to more than $218,000, which has supported over 100 wildlife carers from across the state as part of 2025-2026 Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program.

The grants program aims to increase the standards of wildlife care through upgrades to rescue equipment, appropriate training and education.

This funding delivers on the Government’s long-term plan to protect the environment – Biodiversity 2037.

Grants are open from today until 5pm 15 June 2026. For more information about the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants visit environment.vic.gov.au/grants/wildlife-recovery-support-rebate.

Minister for Environment Enver Erdogan said:

“We’re making sure our wildlife carers get the support they need to protect our precious wildlife.”

“These rebates will help cover the costs of caring for injured and orphaned native animals so our wildlife volunteers can focus on giving them the best chance to recover and return to the wild.”