A STRONGER SHELTER FOR INJURED MACEDON WILDLIFE

A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will support the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter and its important local work.

We’ll provide a $50,000 grant, helping the shelter continue its compassionate work rescuing, treating and rehabilitating injured and distressed native wildlife across the Hepburn Shire and surrounding areas.

Established in 2005, the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter’s network of volunteer rescuers, rescue groups and shelters work tirelessly to provide emergency treatment and foster care to sick, injured and orphaned animals.

Funding from a Labor Government will make sure the shelter – which is home to an average of 100 animals at any one time and responds to about 1000 calls for help each year – continues its critical work, rescuing our unique wildlife in response to situations such as droughts, bushfires, development and road accidents.

It builds on the massive investments in community support already delivered by the Labor Government, including grants of up to $3000 supporting wildlife shelters and foster carers across Victoria.

Labor will also invest $5 million in the Animal Welfare Fund to supporting pet shelters, animal rescue and rehoming organisations, as well as $4.7 million for a new wildlife hospital in the state’s south west, $960,000 to support the Wildlife Emergency Network and $480,000 for the Zoos Victoria Wildlife Outreach program.

In sharp contrast, when it comes to delivering the vital support that people in our community rely on, Matthew Guy’s Liberals can’t be trusted. Their policy of cuts and closures would leave volunteer organisations behind.

Only Labor will back the community organisations that keep our community strong – because only Labor will do what matters.

Quotes attributable to Labor Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas

“Hepburn Wildlife Shelter’s volunteers give everything they have to rescue and care for our unique native wildlife, which is why we’re going to make sure they have what they need.”

“Victorians love their wildlife and this investment will help the Hepburn Wildlife Shelter to support the needs of sick, injured and orphaned animals.”

“We’re proud to be giving a helping hand to the volunteers who protect and care for native wildlife, allowing for animals to be released back into the wild.”