Protecting Australia’s native wildlife in the heart of the Northern Rivers
The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the care, treatment, and rehabilitation of orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife. Nestled in Wollongbar, NSW, one of Australia’s most ecologically diverse regions, our hospital provides critical support to wildlife carers and the broader conservation network.
With rising numbers of animal injuries caused by habitat loss, road accidents, and climate events, NRWH plays a pivotal role in addressing the growing demand for specialised veterinary services. We treat a wide range of species including wallabies, koalas, echidnas, native birds, possums, gliders, and all reptiles – all of which require expert care to ensure their survival and eventual return to the wild.
We are proudly 100% community-owned, managed by a volunteer board. Treatment at our hospital is free for all animals, but we rely on government funding, grants, fundraising, and sponsorship to continue our work in saving and rehabilitating our precious wildlife.
We provide expert, compassionate care for orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife, giving them the best chance to recover and thrive back in the wild.
We advocate for the preservation of natural habitats and work with the community to protect local wildlife and their ecosystems.
Through education and outreach, we strive to enhance the community’s understanding of wildlife conservation and inspire collective action.
We support local conservation projects and collaborate with other environmental initiatives to create a lasting impact for our native species.
We care deeply for all wildlife and the people who protect them.
Working together with carers, vets, researchers, and the community is at the core of what we do.
We are committed to ethical practices, transparency, and responsible stewardship.
We protect wildlife and their habitats through environmentally sustainable practices.
We believe in empowering others with the knowledge and tools to protect our natural world.
For those who want to learn more about our governance, finances, or strategic plans, visit our Resources Page to download our Constitution, Annual Reports, Financial Statements and more.
The timeline of how NRWH became a reality:
Discussions begin among local vets, conservationists, and business leaders about the urgent need for a dedicated wildlife hospital in the Northern Rivers.
The first formal NRWH committee is formed, bringing together key advocates for wildlife care.
Following the Black Summer bushfires, the need for NRWH becomes even more urgent, sparking widespread community and governmental support.
After securing funding from both government bodies and private donors, planning for the hospital’s construction begins.
Construction of the hospital is underway.
The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital prepares to open its doors, ushering in a new era for wildlife care in the region.
The NRWH opens it’s doors and accepts first patients.
NRWH is not just a hospital—it’s a critical link in the Northern Rivers’ conservation efforts. We collaborate closely with local wildlife carers, veterinarians, and environmental groups as well our local, state and federal politicians to provide a holistic approach to wildlife care and rehabilitation. Our work extends beyond the hospital walls, offering training programs, resources, and education to help the community better understand the importance of protecting our region’s unique biodiversity.
NRWH is committed to becoming a leading hub for research, education, and advocacy in wildlife care, not just for the Northern Rivers but for all of Australia.
Our Role in the Northern Rivers Wildlife Network
The Northern Rivers Wildlife Network (NRWN) is a collaborative forum for wildlife care groups and wildlife hospitals across the Northern Rivers region of NSW.
In 2021, NRWH received $20,000 in seed funding from WWF Australia to establish the Network, under an agreement signed by the late Tony Gilding on behalf of the Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital. This funding supported the development of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Network members, enabling collaboration on shared goals such as disaster response and emergency action planning, and setting in place objectives for a regional database.
The project included workshops, minuted meetings, engagement of specialists, and administrative support. A final report was issued to WWF and Network members in June 2022. The WWF funding Agreement was selected for independent audit by PWC in December 2022, with no adverse findings.
Although the initial seed funding Agreement concluded in June 2022, NRWH continued to support the Network’s administration through 2023. In 2024, NRWH committed to independently funding a part-time Network Coordinator to support meetings and action plans. Ongoing funding beyond 2024 is being discussed collaboratively between Network members.
Our long-term goals include developing community outreach initiatives, becoming a leader in veterinary research, and expanding our services to support more animals and carers across the Northern Rivers.
Our Visitors Centre and Work Experience programs will also soon offer exciting opportunities for the public to engage directly with our work and learn more about how to contribute to wildlife conservation. Sign up for our Newsletter to be the first to know when these program will begin.
Get involved in hands-on wildlife care or help us with events, education programs, and more.
Your contributions directly support the care of injured animals and the expansion of our facilities.
We welcome partnerships with businesses and individuals to help us equip the hospital and meet our long-term goals.
