By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
SICK, injured and orphaned animals will now have a sanctuary of their own, outside Sharon Williamson’s home in Devon Meadows, thanks to a $10,000 government grant.
For 10 years, Ms Williamson, a passionate animal carer and President of the not-for-profit, Australian Animal Rescue Inc, (AAR) has been taking in animals, big and small, to her home.
Using a spare room in her four and a half acre property, Ms Williamson, nurses hundreds of animals back to life each year and was overjoyed when her grant application was awarded.
“You put in for these grants all the time, but you don’t necessarily think you’ll get them,” she said.
AAR is one of 21 community animal welfare groups funded in the latest round of animal welfare grants.
Ms Williamson said the money would be used to build a triage shelter for the treatment of injured wildlife and to buy a trailer for the transport of large animals.
“This is the first time we’ve received funding, and it’s desperately needed,” she said.
“The establishment we have now is quite good, but this grant means we can expand and continue to take in the same number each year, and it means the animals aren’t inside my house.”
Ms Williamson is currently caring for 100 creatures and hopes to have the triage shelter built this year.
“It’s starting to quiet down heading into winter but by spring we will have it set up,” she said.
Cranbourne MP Jude Perera said the funding would ensure local wildlife and domestic animals had help when they needed it.
“During emergencies, pets and horses sometimes get forgotten – I’m happy to support an organisation that makes sure our companion animals are also looked after at times of high stress,” Mr Perera said.
Animal welfare groups around Victoria have received almost $350,000 in the round of grants released in February.
