At the heart of every strong community is a spirit of generosity—and thanks to the incredible support from Community Bank Tambellup-Cranbrook , that spirit is alive and thriving in our wildlife rescue efforts.

With their generous contribution, we were able to create and distribute wildlife rescue kits—not just basic transport packs, but thoughtfully equipped kits containing pouches, hanging bags, rescue pods, heating packs, thermometers, and written instructions. These kits are now in the hands of dedicated volunteers who are ready to respond to wildlife emergencies with confidence and care.

One of the most meaningful outcomes of this project has been our unexpected but deeply valued collaboration with Esperance Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation. This group has traditionally worked in isolation, doing incredible work with limited connection to the broader wildlife care network. Through this project, we’ve been able to bridge that gap—donating kits, sharing knowledge, and building a sense of community that has brought joy and renewed purpose to their team. Lynn, one of their key carers, has provided one-on-one training to her volunteers, further strengthening their capacity to respond to wildlife in need.

Volunteers like Patricia, who once felt unsure of how to help, are now empowered and part of a growing network of wildlife carers. These kits are more than just supplies—they’re a symbol of community, compassion, and preparedness.

We’ve proudly acknowledged the Community Bank’s support across our Facebook page and blog, sharing stories, photos, and updates that highlight the real-world impact of their funding. Their belief in our mission has not only helped save lives but has also strengthened the bonds between people who care deeply about our native wildlife.

Behind the Scenes: Why Community Support Keeps Wildlife Rescue Alive

When people see a rescued joey wrapped in a pouch or a bird safely transported to care, they often don’t see the countless hours, emotional energy, and personal resources that go into making that moment possible. As wildlife carers, we do this work out of love and commitment—but the truth is, we receive no government funding. Every pouch, every rescue pod, every kilometre driven is funded by our own pockets or through the generosity of our communities.

That’s why the support from Community Bank Tambellup Cranbrook has meant so much. Their grant allowed us to create and distribute specialised wildlife rescue kits—something we simply couldn’t have done on our own. These kits are not just bags of supplies; they’re lifelines for animals in distress and tools of empowerment for volunteers who want to help but don’t know where to start.

What We Do, and Why It Matters

Our work goes far beyond picking up injured animals. We:

Respond to wildlife trauma from motor vehicle accidents (MVAs)
Provide emergency first aid and safe transport
Educate the public on how to help wildlife safely
Train and support new volunteers
Collaborate with other carers to share knowledge and resources

Every rescue is different, and every day brings new challenges. But what remains constant is our dedication to giving wildlife a second chance.

The Reality of Grant Projects: Plans Change, and That’s Okay

When we first applied for this grant, it was as part of a joint project with another organisation. The plan was to run community events, recruit volunteers, and distribute transport kits. But as the project unfolded, things changed. Our collaboration didn’t go as expected, and we had to pivot.

Instead of large events, we focused on one-on-one training and targeted kit distribution. We upgraded the kits to be rescue-specific, including pouches, heating packs, thermometers, and more. We carefully selected recipients to ensure the kits wouldn’t go unused. And in the process, we built new relationships—like our unexpected but wonderful collaboration with Esperance Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation, a group that had long worked in isolation and now feels more connected and supported.

Why Flexibility Matters

From applying for a grant to receiving the funds and implementing the project, things evolve. Needs shift. Priorities change. And that’s not a failure—it’s a reflection of real-world conditions and the ability to adapt for greater impact. We’re proud of how we’ve used this funding, even if the path looked different than we first imagined.

Thank You for Believing in Us

To Community Bank Tambellup-Cranbrook, thank you for trusting us. Your support has not only helped wildlife—it’s helped build a stronger, more connected community of carers. And to everyone who follows our journey, thank you for being part of it. Your encouragement, your shares, your kind words—they all matter.

Together, we’re making a difference.

From all of us at Amaris Wildlife Sanctuary, and on behalf of the animals we serve—thank you. Your support is making a lasting difference.

“Inspiring hope and healing for Australia’s wildlife, one rescue at a time.”

Program Evaluation

The wildlife rescue kit initiative, supported by Community Bank Tambellup Cranbrook, has been a valuable and impactful project, despite some changes in scope and delivery. Below is an evaluation of the program based on key areas:

1. Relevance and Need

The project addressed a clear and ongoing need within the community: equipping volunteers with the tools and knowledge to respond to injured and orphaned wildlife. With no government funding available for wildlife carers, this support filled a critical gap and enabled us to continue our work more effectively.

2. Implementation and Adaptability

While the original plan involved a joint project with broader community events, the collaboration did not proceed as expected. We adapted by shifting to a more personal, one-on-one model of engagement. This allowed us to:

Provide higher-quality rescue kits with more comprehensive contents.
Deliver individualised training to ensure proper use and understanding.
Build stronger relationships with committed volunteers and local carers.

This flexibility proved essential and allowed us to maintain the integrity and impact of the project.

3. Outcomes and Impact

Rescue kits distributed: A number of kits have been distributed to carefully selected volunteers and groups, including Esperance Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation.
Volunteer empowerment: New volunteers, such as Ella, have joined the wildlife care community and are now actively involved in roadside checks and emergency response.
Community connection: The project fostered unexpected but meaningful collaborations, reducing isolation among carers and strengthening the local wildlife network.

4. Efficiency and Use of Funds

The funds were used efficiently to maximise impact. While not all funds have been spent due to the scaled-down outreach, the quality of the kits was significantly enhanced. We also benefited from donated pouches, which added value without additional cost. Remaining funds will be returned to the bank, in line with our commitment to transparency and responsible stewardship.

5. Lessons Learned

Flexibility is key: Wildlife rescue work is unpredictable, and the ability to adapt plans is crucial.
Community contributions matter: Donations of materials and time added unexpected value and strengthened engagement.

Gratitude in Action: How Community Bank Tambellup Cranbrook Helped Us Help Wildlife