Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre

Amanda shone a spotlight on the Kanyana Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, and the urgent challenges facing wildlife carers across Western Australia.

Following a visit hosted by CEO Danny Shelton, Amanda praised the extraordinary work of more than 500 volunteers who tirelessly respond to the impacts of urban expansion, bushfires, and mining on our wildlife.

Amanda noted that, despite WA’s rich biodiversity and economic strength, organisations like Kanyana receive little to no government support. Wildlife carers face burnout, trauma, and financial stress, particularly after the closure of the WildTalk counselling service. Excluded from power bill relief and denied fringe benefit tax exemptions available to human health carers, wildlife rescuers continue their essential work without recognition.

Kanyana’s conservation impact is remarkable - releasing 135 bilbies into the wild and supporting recovery programs for wallabies and bandicoots. Yet, its ageing facility, riddled with asbestos and in urgent need of $2 million in repairs, threatens the future of its work. Amanda emphasised the need for a new site that could serve both as a wildlife sanctuary and an education hub for the community.

Amanda called for urgent investment and endorsed the Animal Justice Party’s Veticare proposal - a system that would ensure wildlife carers and rehabilitation centres receive sustainable support. With Kanyana nearing its 50th anniversary, Amanda urged the government to act now to honour and sustain this vital lifeline for WA’s native animals.