MEMBERS
Policies & Procedures
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Policies & Procedures: Strategic
When acting in the course of activities all members will:
- Behave honestly and with integrity;
- Act with care and diligence;
- Treat each person with courtesy, respect and without harassment, and take reasonable steps to avoid conflict in regards to malicious gossip or /and to the improper use of text messaging and/or email;
- Comply with all applicable laws and DECC licence conditions;
- Comply with all NATF Policies and Constitution;
- Maintain confidentiality and discretion on all NATF matters appropriate to the circumstances;
- Disclose and take reasonable steps to avoid, conflicts of interest (real or apparent) in connection with NATF activities and positions of office;
- Recognise and declare any situation which has the potential for a conflict of interest;
The above points are extracts from the Code of Conduct. For a copy of the Code of Conduct click on the link below.
Download:
Constitution of the Hunter Wildlife Rescue NATF Inc.) December 2015
Part 1 – Preliminary
Definitions
In this constitution:
(i) The name of the association shall be Native Animal Trust Fund Inc trading as Hunter Wildlife Rescue hereinafter referred to as “the association”.
(ii) Director-General means the Director-General of the NSW Office of Fair Trading.
(iii) Ordinary committee member means a member of the committee who is not an office-bearer of the association.
(iv) Secretary means:
(a) the person holding office under this constitution as secretary of the association, or
(b) if no such person holds that office in an acting capacity – the public officer of the association.
(v) the Act means the Associations Incorporation Act 2009.
(vi) the Regulation means the Associations Incorporation Regulation 2010.
In this constitution:
(vii) a reference to a function includes a reference to a power, authority and duty,
(viii) a reference to the exercise of a function includes, if the function is a duty, a reference to the performance of the duty,
(ix) a reference to written notice or signed documentation includes e-correspondence from the members’ registered email address, and
(x) the provisions of the Interpretation Act 1987 apply to and in respect of this constitution in the same manner as those provisions would so apply if this constitution were an instrument made under the Act.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Grievance Policy & Procedures and Grievance Form
The Hunter Wildlife Rescue (NATFInc) recognises the importance of respecting the contribution of every member and working harmoniously for the benefit and progress of the core purpose of the association– the rescue, rehabilitation and release of injured, orphaned and distressed wildlife in the Hunter Region. It is expected that all members treat one another with respect and abide by the Code Of Conduct and the OEH Code of Practice for Injured, Sick & Orphaned Protected Fauna. This policy aims to address concerns of members and make systemic improvements to the functioning of the Hunter Wildlife Rescue (NATFInc).
This Policy covers grievances made to the committee by any person that is a member of the association who:
1.1 Has identified a serious breach of the Code of Conduct/or Code of Practice for Injured, Sick & Orphaned Protected Fauna;
1.2 Has refused or neglected to comply with a provision or provisions of the Code of Conduct, Constitution or Committee directive; or
1.3 Has wilfully acted in a manner prejudicial to the interests of the Hunter Wildlife Rescue (NATFInc).
A grievance is any allegation of misconduct against a member or group of members made in writing by the aggrieved person or their representative that is likely to bring the organisation into disrepute or cause disruption to the normal conduct of the organisation’s affairs.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Grievance Policy & Procedures
1. Definition
“Intellectual property or ‘IP’ is a legal term used to describe the property of your ‘mind’ resulting from intellectual and creative efforts. It gives legal ownership rights to creators of certain materials.”( Not-for-profit Law Guide Guide to IP A Guide for community organisations in Australia on creating and protecting intellectual property)
Hunter Wildlife Rescue (NATF) intellectual property includes the rights it may have in relation to its:
• name
• logo
• programs or services developed by Hunter Wildlife Rescue (NATF)
• publications
• training and support materials
• photographic images of wildlife held under NATF license.
• website design and content
• domain name
• computer applications, programs, or databases it has developed, and
• any ideas, innovations and inventions.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Intellectual Property Policy
Social Media Policy
1. INTENTION OF THIS POLICY
The intention of this policy is to establish a culture of openness, trust and integrity in our online activities that will positively support the rescue and rehabilitation efforts of its volunteer members. It is intended to provide clarity to members and friends of Hunter Wildlife Rescue, Native Animal Trust Fund (NATFInc), on how to conduct themselves in social media. It aims to encourage members to find a voice through social media, be wildlife focused but at the same time protect the interests of its members and the organisation.
2. DEFINITION OF SOCIAL MEDIA
Definition of Social Media may include (but not limited to):
- social networking sites (e.g. Facebook, Myspace, LinkedIn)
- video and photo sharing websites (e.g. Flickr, Instagram, YouTube)
- blogs, including corporate and personal blogs
- micro-blogging (e.g.Twitter)
- instant messaging (including SMS)
- newspapers and magazines
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Social Media Policy
Policies & Procedures: Operations
This program will be implemented at the beginning of each management year (July – June) where a budget will be allocated. Once the budget has been reached the Management Committee will determine if further funding will be available based on the current income and expenditure for the year.
Background
The Food Bank or wildlife food subsidy scheme was established to support members meet the cost of food items associated with rehabilitation of wildlife. Specialised foods are available at subsidised rates. The subsidy is currently 50% if purchased via a Food-Banker (this increased in March 2014 from 30%). Bulk purchasing and NATF GST refunds means members will pay less than purchasing individually. Additional items such as Lectade, Spark and other first aid and rehabilitation items and live foods such as crickets and mealworms, may also be purchased through the Food Bank. In March 2014, the wildlife food subsidy program was expanded to include fish, fruit, meat products and other foods purchased from supermarkets, fish co-ops etc) including fish for birds, fresh fruit for possums, bats, birds and meat for carnivores etc.
The goal of establishing a wildlife food bank is to
• Assist authorised members in the cost of rehabilitating Hunters’ wildlife.
• Strengthen the consistency of fauna data returns as per NATF Inc, Hunter Wildlife Rescue License.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Wildlife Food Subsidy Policy & Procedure
Introduction
The Hunter Wildlife Rescue (HWR) improvement initiative has nominated specific supplies as ‘medicine’. Medicine supplies will be offered at no charge to rehabilitators with active authority cards for specific Species.
This guide provides a long-term commitment from the HWR committee to support and provide clear guidance on how medicine will be provided and used.
By following simple procedures outlined in this reference guide, you and the committee will be able to take full advantage of the Medicine Supply process.
Scope
For the purpose of this process ‘medicine’ is classed as non-food supplies which do not require a prescription. Such as and not limited to Spark, Lectade, Protexin, Impact.
Items which carers use in their own husbandry are out of scope of this process, example, yoghurt, slippery elm bark, honey, various oils and creams.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Medicine Supply Guidelines
As you all know fires and other disasters can happen at any time in our area and the impact on our wildlife is enormous. The NATF Inc Disaster Team is looking to improve communication and information to members at short notice.
The process will be
1. A “DISASTER STANDBY ALERT”
will be emailed to all members, outlining the type of disaster (bushfire, oil spill, heat stress event etc.) and location. At this stage, members are asked to prepare the mandatory safety clothing and equipment listed below. For personal comfort please bring a spare set of clothes and a change of shoes.
For bushfires, the Rural Fire Service is responsible for ensuring the area is safe and at such time will give permission to the Disaster Coordinator to enter the area for search and rescue of injured wildlife (this may be one or more days after the fire).
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
PDF Download: Disaster Response Protocols
PDF Download: Disaster Volunteers ID Form
1. Background
The primary mass flying-fox incident is a heat stress event. Other disasters include, storms, bushfire and disease outbreaks. Heat stress occurs when temperatures reach extremes in the campsite. Extremes usually mean greater than 40° over more than one day. Cool nights, intervening cool days, rain and cool understories mitigate the situation. High 30s in the days before, wind, lack of understory and disturbance exacerbate the situation.
The aim of this document is to provide the protocol for the following events:
- Heat-stress,
- Storm,
- Bushfire,
- Flood.
Disease is rare and more complicated and is not covered by this document. The standard NATF Disaster protocol is the parent document for this document and covers all ancillary tasks such as the care of volunteers, media, etc.
There are short form documents for each process described here. They are for quick reference only. This document is the “point of truth” if there are any discrepancies between this document and the quick reference guides.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Disaster Protocols for Disaster Events in Flying-Fox Colonies
Download: Permanent Care Wildlife Policy & ProceduresDownload: Permanent Care Wildlife Policy & ProceduresDownload: Facilities Management Policy
These guidelines are to be read in conjunction with OEH & NPWS Rehabilitation of Fauna policy, 2002 (See extract Appendix A) , and NATFInc General License & Conditions (See extract Appendix B)
“Written proposals justifying the retention of animals on an individual basis, must have the written endorsement of the licensee and be submitted to the local office of the Service where it will be considered on its merits.” General License & Conditions
1. Retention of protected fauna
Background Only in exceptional circumstances will the NPWS permit a privately licensed person or a rehabilitation organisation to permanently retain an unreleasable animal in captivity. Approval may be granted only if the animal will serve as an essential companion animal to others of its species which are undergoing rehabilitation, or will be used as an acceptable resource in a licensed exhibit, or an approved educational or scientific program. Consideration will also be given to the granting of approval to retain some aviary and caged birds, reptiles and frogs. The NPWS may place limitations on the numbers of such animals which may be held and specify conditions under which they should be held. (NPWS Rehabilitation of Fauna policy (2002) Section 26)
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Bandicoot/Dasyurids/Native Rodent rehabilitators are authorised to hold, for the purpose of rehabilitation, sick, injured or orphaned wildlife and return all successfully rehabilitated or hand raised fauna to a suitable natural environment. Dasyurids include phascogales, antechinus, and quolls.
Bandicoot, dasyurid and native rodent rehabilitators must demonstrate compliance with the Standards in the OEH Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Protected Fauna (2011) in relation to rescue, transport, assessment, care, husbandry, housing release and euthanasia.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Bandicoot, Dasyurids and Native Rodent Rehabilitation Policy
The following Birds Rehabilitation Policy refers to the rehabilitation of all birds, including water birds, sea birds, general birds and raptors and must be read in conjunction with the:
- NPWS Rehabilitation Policy
- NATF General Licence Conditions and
- NATF Rescuers’ and Rehabilitators’ Policy (revise 2004)
NATF bird rehabilitators are authorised to hold, for the purpose of rehabilitation, sick, injured or orphaned native birds only and return all successfully rehabilitated or hand raised birds to a suitable natural environment. Bird rehabilitators must demonstrate a commitment to legal and ethically responsible rehabilitation of all birds.
The minimum requirements for the care and rehabilitation of all birds include
1. Completion of the Introduction to the NATF & Basic Rescue workshops
2. Completion of a NATF approved Bird Rehabilitation training course or equivalent one-on-one approved training.
3. Be competent in the techniques of wild capture, transport, husbandry and housing.
4. For Birds of Prey, to have completed an approved Raptor Rehabilitation training and meet the NPWS guidelines for Raptor Rehabilitation.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Bird Rehabilitation Policy
The following policy refers to the rehabilitation of Grey-headed (Pteropus poliocephalm), Little Red (Pteropus scapulatus) and Black (Pteropus alecto) Flying-foxes and must be read in conjunction with the
- NPWS Rehabilitation Policy
- NATF General Licence Conditions
- NATF Rescuers’ and Rehabilitators’ Policy
NATF Flying-fox rehabilitators are authorised to hold, for the purpose of rehabilitation, sick, injured or orphaned flying-foxes and release successfully rehabilitated or hand raised flying-foxes into a suitable colony site or NATF approved release program.
The minimum requirements for the care and rehabilitation of flying-foxes include
- Completion of the Introduction to the NATF and Basic Rescue workshops
- Completion of a NATF approved flying-fox rehabilitation training course or equivalent one-on-one training
- Competence in the techniques of rescue, transport and appropriate handling and housing of sick, injured and orphaned Flying-foxes
- Undertaking appropriate vaccinations for Australian Bat Lyssavirus
- Undertaking annual checks of titre levels to ensure adequate cover against ABL
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Flying Fox Rehabilitation Policy
NATF macropod rehabilitators are authorised to hold, for the purpose of rehabilitation, sick, injured or orphaned joey macropods and return all successfully rehabilitated or hand raised joey macropods to a suitable natural environment. Macropod rehabilitators must demonstrate a commitment to legal and
ethically responsible rehabilitation of all macropods.
The following Macropod Rehabilitation Policy refers to the rehabilitation of all macropods, and must be read in
conjunction with the
- NPWS Rehabilitation Policy
- NATF General Licence Conditions and
- NATF Rescuers’ and Rehabilitators’ Policy (revise 2004).
- The Macropology Handbook ‘A Guide to Raising and Releasing Kangaroos and Wallabies’ by Cheryl Dooley, June 2004. Website http://www.ozemail.com.au/~dooleydy/macropology.
- Species Coordinators responsibilities
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Macropod Policy
Hunter Wildlife Rescue (NATF Inc) Possum and Glider rehabilitators are authorised to hold, for the purpose of rehabilitation, sick, injured or orphaned Possum/Gliders and return successfully rehabilitated or hand raised joey Possum/Gliders to a suitable natural environment.
Possum/Glider rehabilitators must demonstrate compliance with the Standards in the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage policies in relation to rescue, transport, assessment, care, husbandry, housing, release and euthanasia.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Downloads:
Possum and Glider Policy
Possum and Glider Facilities Checklist
The following Reptile Rehabilitation Policy refers to the rehabilitation of lizards, monitors and turtles and must be
read in conjunction with the NATF Non-Endemic and Exotic Reptile Policy. Snake rescue and rehabilitation is covered by
the NATF Snake Policy.
The minimum requirements required for the care and rehabilitation of lizards, monitors and turtles include:
1. Training: Have completed Introduction to the NATF & Basic Rescue workshops and a NATF approved Reptile
Rehabilitation training course or one-on-one approved training and be competent in the techniques of wild capture, transport, husbandry and housing.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Reptile Rehabilitation Policy
NATF wombat rehabilitators are authorised to hold, for the purpose of rehabilitation, sick, injured or orphaned joey wombats and return all successfully rehabilitated or hand raised joey wombats to a suitable natural environment. Wombat rehabilitators must demonstrate a commitment to legal and ethically responsible rehabilitation of all wombats.
The following Wombat Rehabilitation Policy refers to the rehabilitation of all Wombats, and must be read in conjunction with the:
- NPWS Rehabilitation Policy
- NATF General Licence Conditions
- NATF Rescuers’ and Rehabilitators’ Policy (revise 2004) and
- Species Coordinators responsibilities
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Wombat-Policy-2010.pdf
Policies & Procedures: Human Resources
Policies & Procedures: Other
Application
This policy applies to wildlife (fauna) rehabilitators making application for a firearms licence for the genuine reason of Animal Welfare – Owner, Transporter, Drover or Other Handler of Animals.
Policy
Individuals who hold or are authorised under a general licence issued to a Fauna Rehabilitation Organisation under section 120 of the NPW Act which permits the person to harm protected fauna for a specified purpose may make application for a firearms licence for the genuine reason of Animal Welfare – Owner, Transporter, Drover or Other Handler of Animals.
Evidence must be provided that the person has been approved by the Fauna Rehabilitation Organisation to shoot animals, consistent with any Code of Practice that applies and the individual has an active role in the fauna rehabilitation organisation.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: NSW Police Firearms Registry
1.1 Introduction
Major oil spills have occurred, and will continue to occur, in Australia and other parts of the world. In 2000, the Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) commissioned a risk assessment of pollution in Australian waters which indicated Newcastle, Botany Bay andSydney ports as relatively high risk, while other areas along the NSW coast indicated relatively low risk.
A major spill is most likely to come from ships en route to and from ports, crude oil refineries or storage and docking facilities. In the event of a major spill it is likely that large numbers of wildlife, mostly seabirds but including marine mammals and turtles, will be affected.
In the event of a spill, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service will be requested by the relevant combat agency (which is determined by the location of the spill) via the Agricultural and Animal Services Functional Area Coordinator to:
- manage the rescue and rehabilitation of oiled wildlife;
- provide advice on sensitive areas to be protected from the spill and also potential damage
- resulting from clean-up operations, and;
- provide a wildlife liaison officer to the Incident Control Centre.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Procedural Guidelines for the Rescue and Rehabilitation of Oiled Wildlife
Introduction
- The Director-General of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) has a legislative responsibility for the protection and care of fauna (National Parks and Wildlife Act, 1974, s. 92).
- The Director-General of DECCW may enter into arrangements for the carrying out of such works as the Director-General considers necessary for the protection and care of fauna (NPW Act s. 8(7)(b)).
Scope and Application
This policy applies to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of all injured, sick and orphaned protected fauna in NSW.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Rehabilitation of Protected Fauna
Preface
The Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Flying-foxes (the Code) is intended for everyone authorised by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to rehabilitate and release flying-foxes. To protect the welfare of animals and help conserve the wild flying-fox population, the Code contains both standards and guidelines for the care of flying-foxes. It is designed to be read in conjunction with the Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Protected Fauna (OEH 2011) – see https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/resources/wildlifelicences/110004FaunaRehab.pdf
Grey-headed flying-foxes Pteropus poliocephalus are listed as vulnerable under the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 and the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Black flying-foxes, P. alecto, and little red flying foxes, P. scapulatus, are not threatened, but are protected species under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act).
Compliance with the standards in the Code is a condition of licences issued under s. 120 of the NPW Act, to rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned protected fauna. Failure to comply with a licence condition is an offence under s. 133 of the NPW Act, and may result in a penalty infringement notice being issued or a prosecution being commenced.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Code of Practice for Sick and Orphaned Flying-Foxes
Preface
The Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Koalas (the Code) is intended for anyone authorised by the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) to rehabilitate and release koalas (Phascolarctos cinereus). It has been developed to protect the welfare of koalas in care and for the conservation of wild koala populations. The Code contains both standards and guidelines for the care of koalas and is designed to be read in conjunction with the Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Protected Fauna (OEH 2011).
Koalas are listed as vulnerable under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995. The koala population in the Pittwater Local Government Area and in the Hawks Nest and Tea Gardens areas are listed as endangered.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Koalas
The Code of Practice for Sick, Injured and Orphaned Birds of Prey (the Code) is designed for everyone trained in the activity of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing birds of prey. It has been developed to protect the welfare of birds of prey in care, and to contribute to the conservation of birds of prey in the wild. The Code is designed to be read in conjunction with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Protected Fauna (General Code).
Compliance with the Code does not remove the need to abide by the requirements of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act), Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979, NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 or any other relevant laws and regulations.
The Code contains standards and guidelines for the care of birds of prey that are incapable of fending for themselves in their natural habitat. Compliance with the standards is a condition of licences to rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned protected fauna issued under section 120 of the NPW Act. Failure to comply with a licence condition is an offence under section 133 of the NPW Act and may result in a penalty infringement notice or prosecution.
The Code has been prepared by a number of wildlife rehabilitation groups working in consultation with specialist wildlife veterinarians and OEH. Groups involved in the preparation of the Code include For Australian Wildlife Needing Aid Inc NSW (FAWNA), Looking After Our Kosciuszko Orphans Inc (LAOKO), Native Animal Trust Fund Inc, Northern Rivers Wildlife Carers Inc, Tweed Valley Wildlife Carers, Wildcare Queanbeyan Inc, NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc (WIRES), and Wildlife Rescue South Coast Inc.
The Code is neither a complete manual on animal husbandry, nor a static document. It will be revised from time to time to take into account new knowledge of animal physiology and behaviour, technological advances, developments in standards of animal welfare and changing community attitudes and expectations about the humane treatment of birds of prey.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Birds of Prey
The eagles, kites, hawks, falcons and owls, that are collectively known as birds of prey, or raptors, rely on their agility, stealth, speed and strength to locate and, in most cases, to capture their prey.
Relatively minor injuries, such as bruising or damage to flight or tail feathers, would not seriously impede or jeopardise the survival of most types of birds in the wild, but any injury suffered by a raptor can be life threatening. Studies have shown that falcons and goshawks, for example, may be successful, on average, in only one in about every seven attempts to catch prey. As this group of birds relies, more than any other, on their fitness to be able to capture their next feed, so the question must be asked “What chance does an injured, or unfit, raptor have of acquiring its next
feed if it is not near to 100% fit?” It is obvious that the rehabilitation of raptors requires very special techniques and the rehabilitator must have very special skills and facilities to give the bird a better than fair chance of survival when it is returned to the wild.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Guidelines for the Rehabilitation of Birds of Prey
1. Preface
The Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Wombats (the Code) is designed for everyone involved in the activity of rescuing, rehabilitating and releasing wombats. It has been developed to protect the welfare of wombats in care and to contribute to the conservation of wild wombat populations. The Code is designed to be read in conjunction with the Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH) Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Protected Fauna.
Compliance with the Code does not remove the need to abide by the requirements of the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 (NPW Act), Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1979. Threatened Species Conservation Act or any other relevant laws and regulations.
The Code contains both standards, which are enforceable, and guidelines, which describe recommended approaches for the care of wombats that are incapable of fending for themselves in their natural habitat. Compliance with the standards is a condition of licences to rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned protected fauna issued under Section 120 of the NPW Act. Failure to comply with a licence condition is an offence under the Section 133 of the NPW Act and may result in a Penalty Infringement Notice or prosecution.
The Code has been produced by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The above is an extract ONLY – to read the full policy click on the link below to download the policy.
Download: Code of Practice for Injured, Sick and Orphaned Wombats