AWARE’s Education volunteering program is for anyone interested in training and education with a passion for wildlife and the environment. AWARE’s education sessions are run for students in school, as well as youth groups, scout/guide groups and volunteers will work under the guidance of a Committee Member and are responsible for the following tasks: Set up of education sessions and equipment. Presenting talks and information to students on various topics. Some training is provided for this role however you will need to arrange travel to and from the events as well as our primary wildlife shelter in Langwarrin to collect and drop off educational materials. PLEASE NOTE: As we often volunteer in schools and scout groups you would be required to obtain a Working With Children Check (WWCC). This can be obtained online and is free to volunteers. Follow this link for additional details. The WWCC is free to volunteers although if you already have one from a workplace you can have AWARE added. Once you apply online you will be required to attend at a post office so they can see your ID in person and to have a photo taken. This is still at NO COST. AWARE’s postal address is PO Box 4054 Frankston Heights 3199. You will need this information for the online form. Please apply ASAP unless you already have one as it takes between 2 and 3 weeks for the Check to be processed.

Answering AWARE's 24/7 emergency hotline for injured, sick or orphaned wildlife is a critical aspect of the work AWARE Wildlife Rescue does for the community. This hotline runs off a "Voice Over Internet Protocol" (VOIP) app (from your mobile phone) and is answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is the first important contact with the public to get help for wildlife in distress. As this position runs off an app on your mobile phone, it would suit someone who wants to volunteer to help wildlife but does not want, or is not able, to get physically involved with rescuing and caring. To fulfil this role you will need patience, a clear telephone voice and must enjoy talking to people from all backgrounds. Also, often callers may be distressed so a calm disposition is critical. It is important to note that the phone can and does ring 24/7 and we are looking for people who can take the phone for a minimum of a 4 hour shift. Training is provided and there is always someone available to support you and answer questions. You will also need a mobile phone in order to access AWARE Wildlife’s Hotline VOIP app from your home.

FAQs Archive - AWARE Wildlife Rescue

Q: Shelter Helper Volunteer

Each day, the wildlife in our care are given ‘room service’, which involves cleaning of their enclosures, washing food dishes, food preparation, laundry, collecting browse and so on. Shelter Helpers generally come in between 8.30AM and 9AM (for 3 hours approx) to assist with "housekeeping" at an AWARE Wildlife Shelter. We also require Shelter Helpers in the afternoons, arriving between 4.30PM and 5PM (for 1.5 hours approx.) Ideally, we’d ask that Shelter Helpers to commit to particular days where possible, so we can be sure we have adequate care for the animals each day, but we also understand that everyone has varying commitments, so we ask that you let us know in advance if you’re not able to make it on your set day. Training is provided and there is always someone available to support you and answer questions.

Q: Wildlife Foster Carer

Wildlife foster care is the process of providing aid to injured, orphaned, displaced, or distressed wildlife in such a way that they may survive when released to their native habitat. AWARE Wildlife Rescue does not have an official position description for "Wildlife Foster Carer" as this role is varied; wildlife foster care does require training after which you’ll then be able to apply for a foster carers permit through DELWP (Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning). For more information about becoming a wildlife foster carer, please click here .

Q: Do you rescue seagulls?

Yes we do! They are native to Australia as well as to other countries. Many people believe they are ‘too common’ to worry about. They feel pain and stress like all other animals and should be treated with the same respect.

Q: Why do I have to hand over injured/orphaned wildlife to a carer when I can I look after it myself?

It is a case of ‘the more you learn, the more you realise you didn’t know’. There is an incredible amount of knowledge out there and each bird and animal is unique and therefore treated differently. Even hand rearing a healthy orphaned possum can turn to disaster with a lack of knowledge. Feeding them the wrong diet can be fatal! Not recognising correct weight gain (and therefore an underlying problem) can be fatal! Giving them oral antibiotics can be fatal! Our wildlife should not have to suffer a prolonged death because somebody wanted ‘to give it a go’ and did not have the correct training and support to do so.