Carolyn Seegar, founder of the Emerald Monbulk Wildlife Shelter, has dedicated over 35 years to caring for orphaned joeys and various native animals in Victoria’s Dandenong Ranges. Recently, the shelter received a $2000 grant from Australia Post’s People of Post Grants program, which will be used to purchase essential items like metal storage bins and silicone teats. These improvements are crucial for protecting animal feed from pests and ensuring the safe feeding of rescued wildlife, as contamination can lead to serious health risks for the animals.
The shelter operates without government funding, relying heavily on community support and donations. Seegar spends approximately $2000 monthly on feeding the animals and is often overwhelmed by the volume of rescues, receiving numerous injured animals daily. The grant, facilitated by a volunteer from Australia Post, highlights the importance of community involvement in sustaining the shelter’s operations.
In addition to the Australia Post grant, Seegar recently received another $2000 donation from the local Rotary Club, which she plans to use for building a new aviary to accommodate the increasing number of bird rescues. The shelter is well-known in the local community, with many residents directly contacting Seegar for help with injured wildlife, underscoring her vital role in wildlife rehabilitation in the area.
