30/06/2024
"WIRES willingly invests more money in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation than any other group in Australia" - SMH
This statement by WIRES included in the article below is somewhat bemusing.
Of course WIRES invest more because they have more. In fact they still have millions of dollars in their bank account which was donated for ALL wildlife groups and carers across Australia that they kept and did not distribute. How can others invest what has not been shared to them as it was originally intended?
Also with a monopoly across most of NSW on wildlife licensing areas, and their gradual seepage into other states, WIRES' ability to fundraise with publicity far outweighs the other smaller organisations. This does not make WIRES any better, it only makes them more dominant. And when they retain funds that should have been distributed instead of being squirreled away in their own bank account it is much easier to do. Smaller groups simply cannot compete on this scale.
While they may invest more into wildlife rescue and rehabilitation than other groups, WIRES also pays wages, has vehicle, accommodation, catering and other expenses that consume a substantial amount of money each year. As a volunteer organisation this is an unjustifiable luxury that actual hands on wildlife rescuers and carers could not even fathom having as every penny they receive goes towards the animals.
Hiding behind a statement such as the one made to SMH is a classic manoeuvre by WIRES to deflect from their other expenditure and behaviours that evade scrutiny. Since when does doing what they were created for become a way of justifying the other unethical and self gratifying things that they do or become pat on the back?
WIRES is long overdue for a culture change. Their dominance in wildlife rescue and care needs to be reassessed after investigation into their operation and practices, and everything put into perspective. Their unpaid volunteers are the back bone of the organisation but are treated so poorly many either leave or break down under the pressure and bullying to comply to unrealistic demands, lack of support and persecution. These rescuers and carers do an amazing job but their value is lost within WIRES' constant strive to control and growing corporatism.
Start asking questions and form your own views. Complacency will only allow the unmetered behaviour of WIRES HO and their self appointed control to continue. We will always support WIRES members helping our wildlife and not their management who are self glorifying at the expense of their volunteers and our native animals.
If you are a WIRES member then join the group in the link below and become a part of the conversations shaping your future in wildlife care as one of their volunteers.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3717245121880596/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT
- (Opinion of the writer)
