Kindness helps wildlife shelter

By Kath Gannaway
WILDLIFE carers Tony Woolley and Georgina Rowley have found they can bank on the help of strangers.
A year after the devastating Black Saturday bushfires destroyed their Steels Creek wildlife shelter, a series of generous donations is helping them rebuild at a new location. Sadly, all the animals in their care died in the fire.
The couple relocated after a story in the Mail told of their desperate search for a new home resulted in a generous offer of land at Dixons Creek.
Thanks to generous donations and assistance from volunteers, they have been rebuilding the sanctuary and their lives.
Since last year, they have received funding and volunteer assistance from the Bendigo Bank to rebuild enclosures, pens, aviaries as well as tracks and fences. Conservation Volunteers Australia has also helped with planting and fencing.
Last week, they received a new refrigerator thanks to Westpac Bank, which has donated $10,000 worth of fridges to bushfire victims.
“If we hadn’t received help, Tony and I and the wildlife sanctuary just wouldn’t be here today,” Georgina said.
“Losing all the animals was the worst thing – we have to live with that every day, but getting so much help from so many people to rebuild has been unbelievable.”
Kim Ettershank, Westpac’s regional general manager for the outer east said Westpac was delighted to be able to help fire victims and after conversations with Yarra Ranges Council decided whitegoods was the way to go. Yarra Ranges councillor Jeanette McRae said all the donations of goods, money and labour, had been truly appreciated by those who have been rebuilding after the fires.
“If you are trying to keep not only your food but also food for injured and orphaned animals fresh, a fridge is a pretty essential item,” Cr McRae said.
“This donation, like so many others that have been made in the year since the Black Saturday bushfires, makes such a difference to people’s lives and we are thrilled that we have been able to play a part in facilitating this wonderful outcome,” she said.
The fridge was delivered by the Healesville Salvation Army Bushfire Recovery Team, which will continue to assist with the logistics and delivery of material aid to the region.