Redlands After-hours Wildlife Ambulance celebrates 20th anniversary

An anniversary celebration has brought together previous and current volunteers and stakeholders to acknowledge the milestone for the service which is co-ordinated by Redland City Council.

Redland City mayor Karen Williams said RAWA was a crucial environmental and community service.

“Council initially began supporting wildlife rescue in 1985, when the then Redland Shire Council donated a vehicle to Eprapah Scout warden Don Burnett in support of the work he and volunteers were doing rescuing and releasing koalas,” Cr Williams said.

“In 1998, council resolved to undertake full co-ordination and operation of the service and RAWA, as it exists today, was born.

“The rescue vehicle has been upgraded five times, with the newest vehicle received in June 2018 but the engine that keeps this service running is our amazing volunteers.”

Cr Williams said there had been a volunteer on call every day for the past 20 years.

“On an annual basis, the RAWA volunteers contribute 5475 hours of dedicated service to council and the community, working from 5pm to 8am every day,” Cr Williams said.

“This 20-year milestone would not be possible without the dedication, sacrifice, compassion and tireless work of these volunteers...”

Representing the mayor at the event to celebrate the milestone, deputy mayor Lance Hewlett reminded people to look out for wildlife as it was breeding season for many animals.

“Now is the time to be particularly cautious by slowing down and taking caution when driving and keeping pets indoors or contained at night when native animals are at their most active,” Cr Hewlett said.

“If you see an injured native animal, contact council’s 24-hour Wildlife Rescue Service on 3833 4031.”

Cr Murray Elliott, who was part of the council that endorsed the creation of the RAWA service, also attended to thank volunteers and support the celebrations.

For information, visit indigiscapes.com.au or phone 3829 8611.