Why does our wildlife need our help?

Our wildlife populations face many dangers as their habitat decreases and they are forced to live closer to us. The biggest dangers are cats, dogs, cars, poisons and loss of native habitat.

When concerned members of the public find wildlife that is sick, injured or orphaned, they look to vets and wildlife volunteers to step in and help. In a future of climate change, wildlife carers and rescuers will be more important than ever.

Save Our Wildlife Foundation Inc. (SOWFI) have partnered with NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service Inc. (WIRES) to provide this this online Wildlife Rescue 101 course. Following completion of the online component we would like you to come to a 2-hour practical application workshop and consider volunteering for SOWFI as a Wildlife Rescuer or as part of our Wildlife Ambulance crew.

Wildlife 101 Practical Course Outline Are you interested in becoming a wildlife volunteer? What will you get out of it?

Learn how to rescue sick, injured or orphaned wildlife

Help with research data collection

Receive mentoring and further training

Work with like minded people

Topics covered:

WHS risks involved in rescuing and transporting injured wildlife, assess injuries and contain the animal without inducing further stress or trauma

How to confidently handle animals, identify injuries and disease as well as minimise stress

Key aspects of species identification and skills and techniques to accurately determine the species that has been rescued

Assessments:

Each module will have a range of quizzes to which the answers can be found within the theory chapters. To be deemed competent in the online component of this course, all quizzes must be completed. A total score of 75% must be achieved, multiple attempts for the quizzes will be available. A Completion Certificate will be issued at the completion of the course via the online learning portal.

An email with you login details to the online learning portal will be sent to you 3-days prior to practical workshop. Ideally, you will complete the online component prior to attending the 2-hour practical.

Requirement of a volunteer wildlife rescuer:

A current drivers licence and a car

Ability to commit your time – includes leaf collection, regular milk feed schedule, cleaning enclosures

The costs for helping sick, injured or orphaned wildlife include:

equipment such as lockable baskets, net, thick gloves

petrol costs for going on rescues and driving to collect leaf

a smartphone and or a computer for data collection

If this is not for you but you still want to help we also need help with:

Volunteers to collect gum leaf for other carers

Fundraising

Writing for or monitoring social media

Grant writing

Approaching potential sponsors

Practical workshop will run from 10:00 am to 01:00 pm.

09:45am Registration.

PURCHASE TICKET NOW - LIMITED PLACES - 30 people max per course

Ticket sales end Wed 12th Aug 2026, 12:00 pm ACST

Course cost $35

Woorabinda Education Centre, Stirling

We hope at the end of the session you would like to commit to becoming an active member and contributing to our vision to be the leading organisation in the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sector in South Australia.

Event Queries - text Bridget - 0473 173 822

This NAIDOC week, Peramangk-Kaurna man and respected Elder, Uncle Ivan-Tiwu Copley will lead a bus tour exploring 2 of the culturally important Indigenous places and spaces in and around Campbelltown. Among other things, he will talk about living Kaurna culture and the importance of country. This is an unmissable opportunity to connect with local Kaurna heritage.

Stops will include Morialta Parri (Ever Flowing Creek) and Karra Wirra Parri (Reconciliation River Walk)

This tour starts at Campbelltown Council Office at 10am. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before the tour starts (9.45am) to allow enough time to check in and get on the bus. The bus will be departing as close to 10am as possible. Please contact the library on 8366 9299 if you are running late on the day.

The tour will end at 12pm at the Library where attendees will go inside for light refreshments and a chat. The event will end from 12.45pm.

Please note:

Photography: By attending this event you consent for you, and any persons you are responsible for, being photographed and/or filmed and agree that the City of Campbelltown may use the resulting photographs and film for promotional purposes, including by publishing them in print and other media. Please see one of our event staff if you do not wish to be photographed or filmed.

Physical Fitness: This tour requires a medium level of fitness due to walking required and climbing of steps to access the bus. Please contact the Library on 8366 9299 should you wish to discuss any accessibility requirements before booking.

About Ivan-Tiwu Waritya Copley

Ivan-Tiwu Copley (OAM, JP) is a Kaurna and Peramangk Elder from Adelaide Plains.

Ivan is a nationally accredited Aboriginal artist, Chairperson of the TURKINDI Network of SA Inc, member of the City of Campbelltown Reconciliation Advisory Committee, and is on a range of other community committees that deal with reconciliation, early learning curriculum for Aboriginal education, cultural learning, statistics, and history of missions and homes.

Join 3rd generation Boandik descendant Berni for a hands-on weaving workshop celebrating culture, storytelling and connection to Country.

In this beginner-friendly session, participants will learn simple weaving techniques while creating their own whale tail artwork using natural and contemporary materials. Along the way, Berni shares insights into weaving traditions and the evolving expression of contemporary Indigenous art.

This workshop offers a relaxed and welcoming space to slow down, connect creatively and learn through lived cultural knowledge.

Tickets $10 Book tickets via bmorrison1715@gmail.com

Join us as we work together to reconstruct habitat for biodiversity!

Bio·R are kicking off this year’s festival with three big days over the June Long Weekend (June 6-8) at Myponga Beach, with strong support from the Human.Kind Studios community. Our goal over this weekend for this stunning coastal site is to plant 16,000 native seedlings, creating vital habitat for wildlife.

Bio·R is a South Australian grassroots charity dedicated to reconstructing habitats for native wildlife. The ambitious long-term goal is to reconstruct 100 hectares per year by 2032, and 1000 hectares per year by 2045. This weekend at Myponga Beach is the first event in Bio·R’s 2026 planting season.

Human.Kind Studios and The Circular Initiative are stewards of the Myponga Beach property. 45 hectares of habitat will be planted over the next three years, with hopes to build a wellness retreat space over coming years for people share this special place. You can learn more at www.thecircular.au.

What to Expect

Whether you’re a returning Bio·R Champion or joining us for the first time, you’ll find a welcoming community of people who care deeply about our environment. Expect an enjoyable day of planting in the fresh coastal air, delicious wholesome food, and the satisfaction of being part of a positive, large-scale habitat reconstruction project.

Tickets & Catering Contribution

To manage catering and eliminate food waste, your ticket covers tea, coffee, water, a delicious vegetarian lunch, and afternoon tea.

Adult (Full Contribution): $30

Adult (Partial Contribution): $15

Teen (13-17 years): $15

Child (0-12 years): Free (registration required)

Note: Ticket sales close at 12:00 PM (midday), Thursday June 4th, so that we can provide our caterers with accurate numbers and dietary requirements in advance.

Catering

Due to this year’s site layout, catering will be decentralised and brought directly to the planting sites each day, so you can stay immersed in the landscape and not have to walk to and from the catering area.

To make this a little easier, you’ll be asked to pre-order your lunch when you order your ticket.

Option 1: Falafel Bowl - Falafel, Rice, Cabbage, Cucumber salad, Maghmour (eggplant stew), Garlic Sauce, Pickles. Contains: Dairy, Onion, Garlic. (GF, Vegan option available)

Option 2: Leek and White Bean Stew - Served with mashed potatoes, steamed greens, and crispy shallots. Contains: Dairy, Onion, Garlic. (GF)

Please bring a water bottle (which you will be able to refill on site), and a reusable tea/coffee mug.

All catering items and packaging will be provided, and are 100% compostable.

Daily Schedule

9:30 AM: Arrival & check-in

9:45 AM: Safety briefing & introduction

10:00 AM: Morning planting session

12:00 PM: Staggered lunch break

1:00 PM: Afternoon planting session

3:00 PM: Afternoon tea

3:30 PM: Event concludes

What To Bring

Weather-appropriate Clothing: Be prepared for all four seasons in one day! Pack sun, wind, and rain protection. Layers are your best friend at Myponga Beach.

Footwear: Sturdy work boots or gumboots are essential, as the terrain can be uneven and muddy.

Tools: Gardening gloves and a hand trowel or mattock. We will have a substantial number of trowels/mattocks available, but not enough for everyone, so please bring your own if possible.

Backpack or bucket: A backpack or a small bucket is highly recommended for carrying your personal tools and water bottles to the planting sites (up to 1km walk).

Seating: If you’d like something to sit on for lunch and afternoon tea, please bring a camp chair or picnic blanket. You can drop these, and any other items you don't wish to carry, at our luggage vehicle upon arrival, and we’ll transport them for you.

Water bottle and mug: Please bring a water bottle (which you will be able to refill on site), and a reusable tea/coffee mug. No need to bring your own plates, bowls, or cutlery to this event as we’ve gone 100% compostable!

Personal medication: Please ensure you have any personal medication (asthma puffer/EpiPen) with you at all times.