Whites Creek Wildlife Care

03/12/2025

Dear community, carers, friends, and every wild soul we have had the privilege to help,

Today I am sharing something that has been sitting heavy on my heart. After several years of being part of Whites Creek Wildlife Care and helping shape it from the very beginning in 2020, it is time for me to step away.

When we began this journey, it started with nothing more than a shared belief that every injured or orphaned native animal deserved a chance. No big plan. No expectations. Just people who cared enough to act. Over the years that simple idea grew into something meaningful. Whites Creek Wildlife Care became a place built on compassion, dedication, and a deep respect for the wildlife that live alongside us.

Together we answered emergency calls. We rescued macropods, birds, possums, reptiles, and every small life that needed help. We created safe places for healing, supported rehabilitation, and whenever possible we watched those animals return to the wild.

More than anything, we built a community around care. We educated, we shared knowledge, we created awareness, and we offered support where it was needed. We showed what is possible when people put in the time and heart.

Every joey fed, every rescue completed, every creature released back into its home. These moments shaped me deeply, and they are memories I will always hold close.

As I step away, I do so with immense gratitude.

To the volunteers who gave their time.
To the rescuers who never hesitated to go.
To the carers who opened their doors and their hearts.
To everyone who donated, supported, or stood by us.

Thank you. You helped give countless animals a second chance.

I also want to acknowledge something openly. The future of WCWC is not something I can speak for at this moment. That responsibility and choice now rests with Jake, president and co-founder, as he works out his next steps and what direction his own life needs to go. It is his call to make, and I fully respect any decision he makes, noting that we have ran it as a team since we started it, all those years ago.

So this is not a hopeful promise about where WCWC goes from here. It is simply my goodbye, my gratitude, and my acknowledgment of everything we achieved together.

Whatever happens next, the work we did mattered. The lives we touched mattered. And I am proud to have been part of it.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you for the trust, the memories, and the chance to make a difference.

With respect and gratitude,

Josh

07/07/2025

Join Whites Creek Wildlife Care: A New Era of Wildlife Rehabilitation

Are you an experienced wildlife carer seeking a community that values collaboration, integrity, and ecological responsibility? Whites Creek Wildlife Care (WCWC) invites you to be part of a transformative movement in wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, education and conservation.

Why WCWC?

Community-Driven: Born from a desire to create a supportive environment free from politics and drama, WCWC is a sanctuary for both wildlife and carers.

Ecological Integrity: Our practices are rooted in ecological and conservation principles, ensuring that every action supports the broader ecosystem.

Continuous Learning: We provide resources and opportunities for carers to expand their knowledge and skills, fostering professional growth.

Innovative Practices: Embrace forward-thinking methods that go beyond traditional wildlife rescue, aiming for sustainable and impactful outcomes.

Your Role in Our Vision

As a valued member of WCWC, you'll contribute to:

~ Rescue and Rehabilitation: Providing top-tier care to injured and orphaned wildlife.

~ Education and Outreach: Engaging the community to promote wildlife awareness and conservation.

~ Habitat Restoration: Participating in initiatives that restore and protect natural habitats.

~ Research and Development: Collaborating on projects that advance wildlife care practices.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join us in creating a wildlife rescue organization that stands for more than just care—it stands for community, conservation, and change.

📱 Contact Us: 0461 398 407
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: whitescreekwildlifecare.com.au

Together, we can build a sanctuary not just for wildlife, but for the carers dedicated to their well-being.

03/07/2025

With the recent tragic death of a man in NSW from Australian Bat Lyssavirus (ABLV), I wanted to share some important info to help put things into perspective.

Since its discovery in 1996, there have only been 4 confirmed human cases of ABLV in Australia which were all fatal, yes, but extremely rare. You are statistically far more likely to die from a snake bite, shark attack, lightning strike, bee sting, dog attack, or even drowning in a backyard pool than from ABLV.

Here’s the simple truth:
You cannot get ABLV unless you are bitten or scratched by a bat.
So if you don’t touch bats, you won’t get the virus. It’s really that simple.

Please leave bat handling to trained wildlife professionals. If you find an injured or trapped bat, do not try to help it yourself instead please contact a licensed rescuer. And if you are bitten or scratched, seek medical attention immediately.

26/03/2025

Hey everyone, if anyone spots a family of magpie geese around the upper end of River Park Drive in Annandale, please let me know. We have a gosling in care that got separated from its family and would love to reunite them. Thanks! 😊❤️

03/02/2025

Slight Rant.

If our phone line is busy or you can’t get through, please leave a message or send a text. Trust me, I'll see it and I can send that information onto other organisations that will contact you rapidly, whilst I'm still on the phone to whomever I'm talking to.

Unlike the bigger rescues, we don’t have a fancy automated system directing calls to multiple people, nor do we have the luxury of staff just waiting around to take every call. It’s just us—real people, dealing with wildlife and tragedy, in real time.

Right now, Jake is flooded in with his family in Ingham and unable to do anything. He can't take calls or give advice as Ingham has no power and he is conserving what battery power he has, in case of an emergency, and I (Josh) am handling calls from all over—Townsville, Charters Towers, Ayr and beyond.

That includes talking people through wildlife emergencies when they’re also stuck because of floodwaters and can’t reach a vet or carer. These conversations take time. They require patience, back-and-forth communication, and problem-solving—none of which happen instantly.

If I don’t answer, it’s because I’m already on another call or tending to the animals we already have in care. And while I understand that you believe your situation is urgent, unfortunately, you are not my only priority. Please don't bombard the phone number over and over again (one caller was 10 times in a matter of 2 minutes)

If I can, I’ll redirect you to another rescue or offer advice. But throwing everything down just for your call is not an option, and I certainly won’t be risking the safety of our one other rescuer—who, by the way, isn’t fully trained yet—by sending them out into flooded or dangerous areas just to appease someone’s impatience.

We are doing the best we can under the circumstances. A little patience and common sense go a long way.

Thank you to everyone else who has left a message or texted in, I'm doing my best to push on your calls to other organisations or give advice, if you are sending pictures and information through with the text.

Please contact the organisations below if you can't get through to us:
Wildlife Carers Townsville WRAPT - Wallabies, Roos & Possums.,
Stonedeaf Wildlife Townsville,
Townsville Bat Rescue Australia,
Fight 4 Flight N.Q. Birds of Prey, or,
NQ Wildlife Care

02/02/2025

Wildlife Rescue Update – TSV Monsoonal Trough

The monsoonal trough is currently impacting Townsville and surrounding areas, affecting rescue efforts across the region. If you come across wildlife in need of assistance, please contact the appropriate group based on your location.

📍 City & Northern Areas – For rescues in these regions, please reach out to Wildlife Carers Townsville WRAPT - Wallabies, Roos & Possums. , Townsville Bat Rescue Australia , Stonedeaf Wildlife Townsville, or NQ Wildlife Care.

📍 Southern Areas – If you're in the southern parts of Townsville (Alligator Creek, Nome, Julago) and need help with injured or displaced wildlife, please contact us directly.

Severe weather can be challenging for our native animals. If you find wildlife struggling, keep them in a safe, quiet place and avoid handling them unnecessarily until a rescuer arrives. Stay safe, and thank you for looking out for our wildlife!

Apologies for the inconvenience, we are also running with very limited personnel!

01/02/2025

🚨 Leave Snakes Alone! 🚨

Snakes don’t need rescuing from the rain, and handling them is dangerous for both you and the animal. If you see a snake, don’t touch it—call a professional for advice!

Check out Snakefella Reptile Removals' post for more details.

Leave Snakes Alone – For Their Safety and Yours!

Throughout this severe weather event, we’ve had too many calls and seen a few posts where people have already handled snakes before reaching out to qualified catchers or wildlife carers—putting them in pillowcases, containers, or even picking them up to "help" them out of the rain.

We get it—you think you’re doing the right thing. But snakes don’t need rescuing from the weather. They know how to handle the elements far better than we do. What they do need is to be left alone.

Handling a snake without training or experience is extremely dangerous—for you and the snake. Many species look alike, and a mistake can be life-threatening.

If you see a snake and need it relocated, call a professional. Let us do our job safely and correctly.

Please, do not touch, move, or try to "help" a snake. The best thing you can do is keep a safe distance and call us if necessary.

"Fast, Safe, Reliable, Knowledgeable – Reptile Relocation Done Right."

📞: 0461 398 407

📷: Eastern Brown Snake (Dangerously Venomous)

01/02/2025

⚠️ Severe Weather Alert – Wildlife in Need of Help ⚠️

Townsville and nearby regions are currently facing heavy monsoonal rains, leading to significant flooding, strong winds, and hazardous conditions. While emergency services are focused on ensuring human safety, our wildlife is also in dire straits.

Soaked Birds – The relentless rain has left many birds drenched and unable to take flight, putting them at risk of exhaustion, predation, and starvation. If you come across a waterlogged bird, gently place it in a warm, dry, well-ventilated box and reach out to a wildlife rescuer for guidance.

Flood-Displaced Animals – Rising waters are forcing numerous native animals out of their natural habitats, often leading them into urban areas, roads, or even your backyard. If you spot any displaced or injured wildlife, please maintain a safe distance and contact a professional for help, if the need arises.

Snakes & Other Reptiles – Flooding can drive reptiles into unusual locations, including homes and sheds. If you see a snake, please do not approach it—most are simply looking for higher ground. Instead, call a licensed snake catcher for safe relocation.

How You Can Help:
✔️ Drive with caution—many animals are trying to cross roads to escape the floodwaters.
✔️ Offer safe shelter (a dry, ventilated box) for any exhausted or injured wildlife until help arrives.
✔️ Keep pets indoors to avoid causing stress or harm to displaced animals.
✔️ Report any stranded, injured, or at-risk wildlife to your local rescue organization.

These extreme weather conditions have a profound impact on our native species, but with awareness and action, we can support them through this crisis. Stay safe, and if you require wildlife rescue assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact us or another Wildlife Rescue organisation!

15/01/2025

~ Caring for Wildlife and the World They Live In ~

At Whites Creek Wildlife Care, we’re more than just a rescue organization—we’re a passionate team working to protect, rehabilitate, and enrich the natural world around us. Based in the heart of the community, we provide life-saving rescue services for injured and orphaned animals, work tirelessly to rehabilitate them, and strive to restore and improve the ecosystems they call home. Through conservation efforts, habitat restoration, and education, we aim to ensure a thriving future for our native wildlife and their environment.

Who We Are and What We Do

🐨 Wildlife Rescue: Responding to calls for injured, orphaned, or displaced wildlife, ensuring they get the care they need.

🦘 Rehabilitation: Providing specialized care for animals until they are ready to return to their natural habitat.

🦅 Conservation and Restoration: Protecting and enhancing habitats to support wildlife populations, ensuring ecosystems remain healthy and sustainable.

🐍 Education and Awareness: Hosting community events, workshops, and programs to teach coexistence, conservation, and how to protect native wildlife.

🌏 Environmental Stewardship: Partnering with the community to clean up and restore local ecosystems, creating healthier environments for wildlife and people alike.

⚡ Emergency Response: Offering on-call assistance to handle wildlife emergencies with expertise and care.

Volunteer and Membership Opportunities

There are so many ways to get involved! Join our team as a:
🤝 Rescue and Transport Volunteer – Respond to calls for injured or orphaned wildlife and transport them to safety.

🦘 Wildlife Carer – Provide hands-on care and rehabilitation until animals are ready for release.

🌿 Habitat Restoration Volunteer – Help clean up and restore local ecosystems for healthier habitats.

📚 Education and Outreach Volunteer – Support workshops, events, and community programs that promote conservation.

📢 Fundraising and Events Volunteer – Assist with organizing events and campaigns to support our work.

🗂️ Administrative Support – Help with tasks like managing records, social media, and communications.

💰 Financial Member – Support our mission by becoming a financial member, contributing directly to the care of wildlife and habitat restoration efforts.

How You Can Help

💰 Donate: Your contributions directly support wildlife care, medical supplies, and rescue operations.

🌿 Join Clean-Up Efforts: Help us remove waste, plant native vegetation, and restore local habitats for wildlife.

📚 Learn and Share: Attend one of our events or workshops to discover more about native wildlife and how to help, then share your knowledge with others.

📢 Spread the Word: Share our mission by following us on social media and encouraging others to get involved.

Get Involved Today!

Every action, no matter how small, helps us create a better world for our wildlife. Visit our website or follow us on Facebook to:
✅ Report wildlife in need of help.
✅ Learn about upcoming events, clean-ups, and workshops.
✅ Find volunteering opportunities that suit your skills and interests.
✅ Donate or become a financial member to support wildlife care and habitat restoration.

Together, we can rescue, rehabilitate, and restore—not just for the animals, but for the ecosystems they depend on. Join us in creating a brighter future for our wildlife and the places they call home!

www.whitescreekwildlifecare.com.au

02/01/2025

Endangered spectacled flying foxes and vulnerable grey-headed flying foxes are ‘astonishing’ animals but misinformation is rife

31/12/2024

🎉 Wrapping Up 2024 at Whites Creek Wildlife Care 🎉

As the year draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to reflect on the incredible work we’ve done together to protect and care for our wildlife. It’s been a year full of challenges, growth, and, most importantly, countless lives saved. Here’s a look at what we’ve achieved:

Rescues:

Over 1,200 animals were rescued, with the majority being hit-run victims or injured by pets.

- 240 animals released back into the wild after short-term care. (Overnight or a few days care)

- 120 animals underwent long-term rehabilitation to regain their strength and be released.

- 360 animals transfered to specialist carers or other organisations for continued care.

Sadly, many more rescues, too many to count, were Dead on Arrival (DOA) or required roadside checks for deceased wildlife to ensure no pouch young were left behind.

On the Road:

Our team travelled an astounding collective 80,000 or so km this year, responding to rescues, vet visits, and checkups—a true testament to our dedication.

Information Days:
This year, we conducted 4 information sessions, with most of them being the popular Snake Information and first aid presentation and an introduction to what we do as a rescue.

Emerging Trends:
A significant rise in paralysis syndrome cases, highlighting the importance of timely intervention.

An increase in animals caught on barbed wire, emphasizing the need for wildlife-safe fencing.

While every rescue is unique, the sheer number of road-related and pet-induced injuries reminds us how much work is still needed to educate and protect our native wildlife.

Thank you to our community, None of this would be possible without the support of our incredible community! We'd also like to thank the dedicated volunteers and carers from other groups for their help and continued ability to take on animals our small group can't look after. Together, we’ve made a difference, and with your continued support, we’ll keep fighting for our wildlife in 2025 and beyond.

Here’s to a brighter, safer future for our native animals and their ecosystems!

26/12/2024

Glue traps might seem like a simple solution, but they’re anything but. These traps don’t just catch pests—they harm birds, reptiles, and other wildlife, often leaving them to suffer terribly.

In this article, our president, Jake Goldring, shares his thoughts on why it’s time to stop selling and using these cruel devices. It’s a powerful reminder that small choices can have a big impact on the animals we share our world with.

Take a moment to read it.

Let’s work together to create a kinder, safer world for all creatures.

The devices cause 'unimaginable' suffering to Australia's native animals.