The Lott is proud to donate a further $100,000 to WIRES to help bring the Wedderburn Koala Rehabilitation Centre to the finish line.
The centre is set to make a real difference, helping reduce travel time for koalas needing urgent care, so WIRES volunteers and wildlife ambulances can get them to specialist treatment faster.
Wedderburn, in Sydney's south-west, was chosen as the location for the dedicated facility because the area contains the only disease-free, growing koala population listed in Greater Sydney. By bringing specialist rehabilitation closer to where koalas are found, this will help more sick, injured and orphaned koalas receive best-practice care and be safely returned to the wild.
Koalas are listed as endangered in New South Wales, Queensland and the ACT. In FY25 alone, WIRES received over 800 calls relating to sick, injured, orphaned and displaced koalas, highlighting the need for fast access to specialist care.
In urgent cases, getting a koala into care can involve multiple steps, including rescue, transport to a vet for stabilisation, and transfer to specialist rehabilitation. Shortening that journey can reduce stress during transport and support better outcomes.
This donation marks our fourth year of support for WIRES and for this project, sustained funding that has helped the centre get off the ground and move steadily towards completion.
WIRES CEO Leanne Taylor said the new facility will strengthen specialist care in the region.
"We're incredibly grateful to The Lott for their continued support of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in the Campbelltown region. Investment to facilities like the Wedderburn Koala Rehabilitation Centre is critical in helping us build and strengthen programs that deliver long-term outcomes for native species," she said.
"With koalas listed as endangered, this support enables us to expand our capacity to provide best practice care and improve rehabilitation and release success, contributing to the future of local koala populations."
The Lott by NSW Lotteries Partnership Manager Liz McPherson said it's a privilege to support WIRES and help protect one of Australia's most loved locals.
"We're proud to continue our support in establishing WIRES' new rehabilitation centre and ensure Australia's unique animals are protected for years to come," she said.
To help safeguard the lives of Australian wildlife, you can purchase a Play For Purpose ticket in support of WIRES. At least 50 per cent of every raffle ticket goes directly to the charity, while giving you the chance to win a First Prize Pack!
