WESTERN Australia's Fauna Rehabilitation Foundation has undergone an extensive rebranding campaign to better reflect its role on conserving native fauna.
WESTERN Australia's Fauna Rehabilitation Foundation has undergone an extensive rebranding campaign to better reflect its role on conserving native fauna.
The little-known not-for-profit, non-government incorporated body, now called Native Animal Rescue, has launched an advertising campaign with the help from major agency 303.
The new name and identity celebrates the history of an organisation that has served the community for more than 25 years and the start of a new chapter, according to the organisation's president Lizzie Aravidis.
Native Animal Rescue, which relies heavily on bequests and donations to run its operations, also hopes to secure long-term funding and create a new fully paid chief executive position, to complement funds provided by Murdoch University.
Perth-based 303 undertook more than $200,000 worth of pro bono work for the rebranding campaign, including a television commercial.
Ms Aravidis told WA Business News the centre could no longer deliver value if it remained a totally voluntary organisation, nor could it effectively service the needs of animals if it solely focused on the rehabilitation of rescued animals.
"We need a new structure to better manage our 100-plus volunteers and to create more public awareness of the work we do," she said.
"Murdoch [University] is providing for half of the new paid position, we're just looking for the other half."
Ms Aravidis said Native Animal Rescue needed paid staff to provide long-term leadership and continuity within the organisation.
"It needs to collaborate strongly with local government, local businesses and other volunteer environmental groups to ensure a holistic approach to the care of our native animals and their habitat. And it needs to develop a strategic focus to be able to effectively participate in the care of some of our endangered species," she said.
Native Animal Rescue clinic liaison officer Kelli Ellemor said Native Animal Rescue cared for about 3,000 native animals and birds each year, with a goal to help them recover, and then release them back into their natural habitat.
But as a voluntary organisation, it relies almost entirely on public support.
Ten years ago, the organisation appointed a new board with representatives from Murdoch Veterinary School, the Department of Environment and Conservation, Perth Zoo and the City of Swan.
Ms Aravidis said these experts shared a wealth of experience in animal management and conservation, environmental management, occupational health and safety, and business management, and worked closely with the executive to develop policies and procedures that ensured the organisation was accountable and effective.
Since then, the centre has built new facilities for its volunteers and animals and has run training programs for volunteers on how to handle local fauna and correct methods of capture and restraint.
"We're also now cooperating with local veterinary practices in the Native Animal Rescue program," Ms Aravidis said.
"This gives the local community a much more accessible rescue service."
Native Animal Rescue runs work experience and learning programs for local schools and Work for the Dole participants, and gives veterinary students the opportunity for practical experience in the handling and care of native animals and birds.
It also works very closely with Murdoch Vet School, Perth Zoo, Fremantle Volunteer Sea Rescue, the Detached Youth Work Project, and the Ellenbrook & Districts Men's Shed.
