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Become A Volunteer

Make a difference for wildlife

Hunter Wildlife Rescue has been making a difference for over four decades. Run entirely by volunteers, caring for injured, sick, orphaned, or distressed native wildlife across the Hunter region. Whether you’re seeking a hands-on role or support behind the scenes, we welcome people over 18 from all walks of life. There are roles for transporters, rescuers, carers or less hands-on support so no matter your lifestyle or schedule, there’s a way for you to help.

Before signing up, please make sure you’re eligible by checking our ‘Is Membership right for you?’ section.

Membership Options

New members who register between 1 February 2026 and 30 June 2026 won’t be due for renewal until June 2027.

Active

$120/ registration
  • $35 per year to renew
  • Introductory Wildlife Course
  • Access to species training opportunities
  • Access to Food Subsidy
  • Participate in transporting, rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in need
  • Wildlife Whispers newsletter
  • Access to member resources
  • Covered by NATF insurance
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Secondary

$100/ registration
  • $15 per year to renew
  • Introductory Wildlife Course
  • Access to species training opportunities
  • Access to Food Subsidy
  • Participate in transporting, rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife in need
  • Wildlife Whispers newsletter
  • Access to member resources
  • Covered by NATF’s insurance
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Associate

$35/ year
  • Associate members provide much needed and appreciated financial support to Hunter Wildlife Rescue. They do not undertake training or participate actively in transporting, rescuing or rehabilitation of animals.
  • Access to member resources
  • Wildlife Whispers newsletter
  • Members updates
  • Undertake support roles such as making provisions for wildlife in care, IT, marketing, fundraising activities
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Is Membership Right For You?

  • Are you over 18?
    All members must be over 18 years of age.

  • Are you a professional wanting a fee for service?
    Hunter Wildlife Rescue operates as a free, volunteer-based wildlife rescue and rehabilitation service across the Hunter region. Members must not operate a professional fee-for-service business to rescue, relocate, transport, care, or rehabilitation of native animals. All services provided under the organisation’s licence must be offered at no cost to the public.

  • Are you a professional wanting certification?
    Hunter Wildlife Rescue provides training solely for the purpose of ensuring volunteers are competent to rescue and rehabilitate native wildlife under the organisation’s licence. We do not offer professional certification, formal qualifications, or CPD accreditation. Membership is not intended for veterinarians, ecologists, students, or professionals seeking certification or recognised professional development outcomes.

  • Can you attend our New Member Introduction Course?
    Attendance at the New Member Introduction Course is a requirement for all members after registering. The course is held in-person on either a Saturday or Sunday on set dates throughout the year. You must be able to attend this course prior to undertaking any work with native animals under our licence.

  • Do you live in our licensed area?
    Hunter Wildlife Rescue operates within a defined licensed region – please refer to our region map. Applicants must reside within this area to be eligible for membership. In limited circumstances, we may consider applications from outside the licensed area. If you are unsure of your location or would like to request special consideration, please contact membership@hunterwildlife.org.au.

  • Have you ever been convicted of animal cruelty?
    We do not approve membership to anyone who has ever been convicted of an offence under the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974, Prevention Of Cruelty To Animals Act 1979 or other similar legislation.

Supportive environment

You’ll be joining a community of like-minded people who care deeply about wildlife. Whether you want to get hands-on with rescue and care, or support in another way, you’ll be encouraged, supported, and never left to figure things out on your own.

Learn from the best

As a new member, you’ll be guided by experienced species coordinators and local mentors who have decades of knowledge. You’ll gain practical skills and confidence through structured training and real-world support, giving native animals the best possible chance of survival.

Large, local network

Hunter Wildlife Rescue has been established for more than 40 years, with hundreds of active members across the Hunter region. That means 24/7 rescue coverage, coordinated teamwork, and a strong local presence—so you’ll always have people nearby to connect with and lean on.

Volunteer Roles You Can Fill

Hands-on roles for Active Members

  • Transporting. Move injured wildlife between vets and carers, or return rehabilitated animals back to the wild.

  • Rescuing. Receive rescue requests via our mobile app. Start with basic species (birds, possums) and train for more advanced rescues like macropods and monitors.

  • Caring. Provide in-home care to wildlife under guidance from species coordinators. Flexible options are available even for those with busy schedules.

  • Disaster Rescue Relief. Join specially trained teams during bushfires, floods, heatwaves, and other emergencies. Duties may include “black walks,” flood rescues, maintaining feed stations, triage, transport, and logistical support

Support roles for Active & Associate Members

  • Pouches, liners and wraps. Sewing/knitting pouches, liners or wraps for orphaned animals.

  • Food supplies for animals. Farming live foods – crickets, meal worms – or collecting fresh browse for our vegetarian species.

  • Making possum and bird nesting boxes. Carers often use nesting boxes and man-made dreys during rehabilitation of possums and birds but also when we release the animals to keep them safe in their new environment.

  • Support services. Fundraising, education & public awareness, IT support, professional services, financial support and so much more!

Frequently Asked Questions

wildlife rescue volunteer

No, you can support as a transporter, rescuer or as an Associate Member in non-care roles like fundraising or admin.

If you want to be hands-on with rescue or care, you’ll need to complete our Introduction to New Members course first. This ensures you and the animals are safe. Throughout your time with us you will be offered species-specific training as well which is optional.

No. All volunteers must be members to participate, ensuring training, safety, and insurance compliance.

All members and volunteer roles require you to be 18 years or older.

Memberships need to be renewed by 30 June each year. If you no longer wish to be a member of Hunter Wildlife Rescue , just don’t renew and your membership will lapse.

Membership fees are not tax-deductible; however, additional donations may be.

That’s okay! After your induction, your local coordinator will help match you with the best role based on your interests, skills, and personal circumstances.

Ready to Join Hunter Wildlife Rescue?

Take the first step:

We’re excited to welcome you into our community of passionate wildlife rescuers and supporters.

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