Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy

​​Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy

​​​​​​​​​​​The Department convened a Coordinating Body in April 2021 for the purpose of developing a community owned and led Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy in response to calls from the sector to address a range of issues. 

Sector consultation, including a survey and a series of workshops, was undertaken throughout the second half of 2021.

The Coordinating Body sought written submissions on a draft Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan between 22 December 2021 and 31 January 2022.

The final version of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan (the Strategy) is available here: 

 Tasmanian Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan 2022 - 2024 (PDF 6Mb)​

See page 27 of the Strategy for more information on how the Strategy was developed.


Interim Implementation Body

An Interim Implementation Body has been established to begin the implementation of the Strategy. This group will transition to the Statewide Guidance and Implementation Body. 

Members of the Interim Implementation Body are:

​Lisa Schimanski (Chair)
​Volunteering Tasmania
​Leanne Taylor
​WIRES
​Sharon Smith
​Wildcare Tasmania
​Greg Irons/Suzy Nethercott-Watson
​Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary
​Tering Davies
​Thylacine lutruwita Wildlife Hospital 
​Lyndell Whyte
​Tasmanian Wildlife Rehabilitation Council
​Pam Doyle
​Independent wildlife rehabilitator/educator
​Honey McClay
​Independent wildlife rehabilitator/educator
​John Dennett
​Independent wildlife rehabilitator
​Jo Crisp

​Department of Natural Resources and Environment Tasmania
​Kristen Steele
​​Australian Veterinary Association

Updates from the Interim Implementation Body are available here:

 Interim Implementation Body Communique - 2 May 2022 (PDF 154Kb)

 Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy - Interim Implementation Body - Meeting 3 Communique - 6 June 2022 (PDF 205Kb)

 Interim Implementation Body Communique - Meeting 4 Communique - 4 July 2022 (PDF 199Kb)

 Interim Implementation Body Communique - 22 August 2022 (PDF 309Kb)​

The Department is supporting the Interim Implementation Body to undertake its work, including providing this interim webpage, to ensure the sector can be kept up to date. 


    The Coordinating Body

    A Coordinating Body was established by the Department to oversee the development of a Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy.

    The Coordinating Body provided updates to the sector:​

     Coordinating Body Meeting 1 Communique - 29 June 2021   (204Kb)

     Coordinating Body Meeting 2 Communique - 22 September 2021 (PDF 201Kb)​

     Coordinating Body Meeting 3 Communique - 27 October 2021 (PDF 188Kb)​

    The Coordinating Body completed its task in February 2022 and transitioned to the Interim Implementation Body which is currently overseeing the implementation of the Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy and Action Plan 2022-2024. 

    Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy Consultation

    ​The Coordinating Body conducted a survey of people across the whole sector. The summary of survey results is provided below:​

     ​Wildlife Rehabilitation Sector Strategy Survey Findings   (886Kb)​​

    Workshops were also held around the state:

     Workshop 1 - Standards of Care and Training (PDF 2Mb)

     Workshop 2 - Volunteer Support and Culture (PDF 2Mb)

    ​ Workshop 3 - Wildlife Rehabilitation Coordination (PDF 1Mb)

     Workshop 4 - Community Engagement  (PDF 1Mb)

     Workshop 5 - Recruitment, Retention and Succession Planning (PDF 2Mb)


    Contact the Interim Implementation Body: wildliferehabilitationsgib@gmail.com