WIRES and Landcare Australia are delighted to announce a landmark $1 million partnership supporting the recovery of wildlife habitats impacted by bushfire and drought across Australia.

Facilitated by global support for wildlife, the WIRES Landcare Wildlife Relief and Recovery Grants will provide eligible local Landcare environment networks and community groups access to grant funding of up to $20,000 to maximise and coordinate restoration projects to help wildlife.

This is a ground-breaking alliance between two not-for-profits who have been part of the fabric of local communities for over 30 years.

The largest wildlife rescue organisation in the country, WIRES mission is to actively rehabilitate and preserve Australian wildlife and inspire others to do the same. Whilst wildlife rescue and rehabilitation of native animals is WIRES priority we are also working extensively on relief and recovery plans to implement the best solutions to assist surviving wildlife and ensure the survival of remaining species. Working with Landcare Australia, WIRES is supporting the grassroots movement of individuals and groups who have a shared vision to restore and protect wildlife habitat in local communities through sustainable land management and conservation activities.

WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor said “This partnership between Landcare Australia and WIRES is an important step towards the restoration and recovery of Australian wildlife and landscapes deeply scarred by the unparalleled impacts of bushfires and drought.”

Welcoming the new partnership, Landcare Australia CEO Dr Shane Norrish said the grants program will improve outcomes for wildlife support and associated habitat rehabilitation projects. Dr Norrish said: “Through partnerships like this, Landcare Australia is helping to drive and coordinate national bushfire and drought response with targeted high-priority actions, being delivered on the ground by locals.

Dr Norrish added: “For over 30 years, WIRES has actively rehabilitated and preserved Australian wildlife and inspired others to do the same. Now WIRES are funding community-led protection of habitat by actively supporting Landcare groups and networks, and other environmental community groups to improve the outcomes for wildlife and biodiversity.”

Applications for grants will remain open until April 30 with successful applicants notified early May.

Landcare Australia will be considering applications from: Landcare groups, networks, or community environmental organisations undertaking works in an area affected by drought or bushfire in 2019 or 2020; with projects that are directly-related to the implementation of bushfire or drought-related wildlife recovery activities including; post fire habitat restoration/creation projects, installation and monitoring nest boxes and revegetation of habitat and food trees for native fauna.