Faster care for wildlife
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
When wildlife is injured, the first few hours can make all the difference.
For the team at Ballarat Wildlife Hospital, having the right equipment close by means injured animals can be assessed sooner, treated faster and given a better chance of returning to the wild.
That is why Community Bank Buninyong backed the hospital through SparkTank, where the project stole hearts and took home $10,000 towards a portable X-ray machine.
The remainder of the funding was provided by the Buninyong Mt Helen Lions Club, creating a true local effort for a very local need.
Ballarat Wildlife Hospital is run by dedicated local people who are caring for injured wildlife, often while self-funding rescue and rehabilitation efforts. Their work is practical, emotional and deeply important, especially across a region where native animals are regularly impacted by injury, illness, road trauma, habitat pressures and emergency events.
For Veterinary Director Dr Adrienne Lavinia (above left), the portable X-ray machine is not just a piece of equipment. It is a tool that helps the team make quicker and clearer decisions for animals in care.
“In the short time that we’ve had the X-ray machine, it has meant we’re able to provide immediate triage and welfare assessments,” Dr Lavinia said
For wildlife, that speed matters. Unlike domestic animals, native animals can become stressed very quickly in care. The sooner the team can understand what is happening, the sooner they can make the right decision about treatment, rehabilitation or release.
“It means that we’re able to be very nimble with wildlife,” Dr Lavinia said.
Adi and Nikki share the story of a koala that came into care following the Bayindeen bushfires. After treatment and monitoring, the team was able to release him back into the wild, a moment that showed exactly why this work matters.
Hospital Director and Chairperson Nikki Shanahan (above right) said the project reflects the hospital’s broader commitment to protecting local wildlife and improving welfare outcomes.
“We have a duty of care to protect our wildlife,” Nikki said.
Community Bank Buninyong’s support was made possible through SparkTank, the community pitch event that gives local groups the chance to share big ideas and secure funding for projects that matter.
This one was impossible not to love.
Community Partnerships Lead Kelly Bevan said the project captured exactly what SparkTank was created to do.
“This is what community banking makes possible. Local customers support us, we return profits to the community and projects like this can get the backing they need. Ballarat Wildlife Hospital is doing extraordinary work and we’re proud to stand beside them.”
Community Bank Buninyong encourages locals to support Ballarat Wildlife Hospital too.
These are local people volunteering their time, skills, money and resources to care for native animals when they need it most.
To learn more or donate, visit ballaratwildlifehospital.org.au.
Comments