Quiet heroes: volunteers wanted for new WIRES shelter in Coffs Harbour

As Australians, we are rightly proud of our natural environment.

We march to protect forests, campaign for clean rivers and speak passionately about saving wildlife and ecosystems.

Those voices do matter, but beyond the headlines and protest banners, another story unfolds quietly every day.

It’s a story of people who don’t just speak for wildlife, but care for it, feed it and fight for its survival, one animal at a time.

On roads, in paddocks, along creeks and in our backyards, wildlife is constantly intersecting with human life.

We drive through their territories, we clear land to build homes, we fence, light, drain, and develop places that were once habitat.

Most of us never intend to do harm but the impact is real.

The injured kangaroo on the roadside, the possum hit at dusk, the bird tangled in fishing line or caught by a pet are all part of this shared landscape.

When those animals need help, a small group of volunteers step in.

Wildlife carers and rescuers don’t wear uniforms or march in crowds.

They are ordinary people who answer their phones at all hours, travel long distances, clean cages, prepare food, nurse tiny joeys, and sit quietly beside injured animals as they recover, or sometimes, as they pass.

Their work is deeply practical, deeply emotional, and largely unseen.

On the Mid North Coast, WIRES volunteers – Wildlife, Information, Rescue and Education Service – are part of that quiet frontline.

They rescue, transport and rehabilitate sick, injured and orphaned wildlife across towns, bushland and coastline.

But the reality is simple: there are not enough hands.

That’s where the new WIRES Mid North Coast Wildlife Shelter in Coffs Harbour comes in and where the wider community has a chance to be part of the solution.

Not everyone can rescue a koala or care for a baby bird but many people can give a few hours to support the work that makes those rescues possible.

At the shelter, community volunteers can help with non-contact roles such as preparing food and fresh foliage, cleaning and maintaining enclosures, building nesting boxes, and keeping the site running smoothly.

These behind-the-scenes tasks free up trained wildlife carers to do what only they can do, and that is respond to emergencies and provide hands-on care.

Volunteering is flexible and you can help a little or a lot.

Once a week, once a month, or whenever it fits your life.

To get started, the next Shelter Induction Training will be held this Saturday, 17 January 2026 at 10am at the Coffs Harbour shelter.

Places are limited, so to secure your seat simply email mncwildlifeshelter@gmail.com.

By supporting the WIRES MNC Wildlife Shelter, you’re not just helping animals, you’re backing the people who quietly and tirelessly give them a second chance.

And, in doing so, you become part of a community that doesn’t just love nature in theory, but protects it in practice.

By Mick BIRTLES