We are back from AFAC, our message is clear, we are here for the Wildlife

Matilda, Australia’s only Mobile Wildlife Hospital is back from a whirlwind, and very worthwhile road trip to Sydney to attend the Australasian Fire & Emergency Services Authorities Council #AFAC24) @AFACNews7907 conference.
Set against the spectacular backdrop of Sydney’s skyline on the International Convention Centre (@iccsydney719) Event Deck, we demonstrated our unique capability to work with Incident Management Teams to facilitate immediate, lifesaving care to wildlife impacted by natural disasters. This was very timely given the early arrival of hot weather and winds, early warnings of the dangers of bushfires to people, property, pets, livestock and wildlife.
There was strong interest from delegates and national media on our exhibit and live demonstrations. We sent invitations to
State and federal emergency services and environment ministers to visit us, but unfortunately, none were able to come and visit us. We would welcome their visit to witness our work at any time.
We were appreciative of the visit of the Parliamentary Secretary for Disaster Recovery and member for Lismore, Janelle Saffin MP.
Our message is clear:
1. Wildlife matter, and must not be forgotten in emergency response.
2. We are small but determined. We are reliant on philanthropy, donations and sponsors and we are here to help, working alongside emergency responders and government agencies.
3. As has been recommended in the independent review of the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Act and the Parliamentary Inquiry into the veterinary workforce shortage in New South Wales, Wildlife hospitals like ours desperately need immediate funding to continue doing our important work to protect threaten species and prevent natural disasters like bushfires, floods, and mass disease outbreaks like bird flu from decimating wildlife populations.
Special thanks to our incredible sponsors @UDTrucksAust who power our mobile deployments. Without them, this would not be possible.
Thanks also to Event Director Rob Keen and his team at Hannover Fairs, DB Schenkers, Truck Moves and AFAC who made us feel incredibly welcome
Thanks also to
@sydneywildliferescue and @raptor.reptiles for bringing our event exhibit to life with native animals, Port Stephens Koala Hospital and Sanctuary and Sydney Wildlife Rescue for hosting us on a visit of their incredible facilities in Port Stephens and Terrey Hills.
Last, but not least, thank you to our incredibly resilient, talented and patient veterinary team, who continued to treat wildlife patients free of charge from temporary site offices during our absence.
We are here for the Wildlife