Aims
The Aims of FAWNA are:
- to provide emergency care, shelter and rehabilitation for wildlife in need and to release them into a suitable natural environment.
- to encourage appreciation and respect in the minds of others for our native animals by providing educational programmes for FAWNA members and the public, with particular emphasis on schools.
- to provide support for other wildlife carers.
- to form associations with groups who have similar aims.
- to educate and increase awareness in FAWNA members and the public of the environmental issues that affect our indigenous fauna.
- to provide a pool of equipment for the use of members.
- to raise funds necessary to implement our aims.
Location
FAWNA is based in Busselton with the majority of members located in the South West of Western Australia.
We meet quarterly at the
Busselton/Dunsborough Environment Centre,
23 Prince Street (Mitchell Park), Busselton
Phone/Fax:
9754 2049
Postal Address:
The Secretary FAWNA Inc.
P.O. Box 551 Busselton WA 6280
History
Established January 1984, FAWNA held its first official meeting on
29 February 1984
at 8pm in the Busselton Senior High School Library.
The first president elected was Tess Hunt, vice president Bernie Hadfield.
Amy Cocker
was secretary/treasurer and Rita Watts publicity officer.
Carers
FAWNA members take care of the wildlife in their own homes. Some members like to specialise in certain species because of their particular interests or due to the fact that not everyone is able to house all kinds of wildlife adequately.
Threatened species come under DEC jurisdiction and may require experienced carers.
No salaries for carers are paid and they usually even pay for equipment and food for the wildlifethey are caring for themselves.
Carers running a Depot take in casualties and will provide guidance on care. They may transfer fauna to other carers.
Rules and Regulations
Duty of Care Rules of FAWNA Inc.
1. Rules and regulations of the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC, formerly CALM) are to be adhered to at all times and directives by officers of that department must be obeyed.
2. It is imperative for members to complete and submit a DEC Volunteer Registration form to be covered by DEC insurance or be held personally responsible for any damage caused to any person or property as FAWNA is unable to secure insurance.
3. All FAWNA carers'/members' premises must be managed in a manner which does not contravene the Health Act.
4. All carers/members must accept that personal and human safety must always come before the animals’.
5. No venomous creatures are to be handled by carers/members unless trained and licensed to do so.
6. All carers/members to wear protective clothing before entering any wetland; ie.long pants, long sleeves, boots or closed in shoes.
7. Members are not to engage in any activities likely to cause damage or personal injury to themselves or others, such as climbing trees or buildings to retrieve injured or sick animals.
8. Any boats that members use in the course of wildlife rescue and release, must be carrying life-saving equipment.
9. Any carer/member who cannot swim is prohibited from going in boats for any FAWNA related purpose.
10. All carers/members must obey the rules of road safety.
11. Any carer/member who does not abide by these rules will be dealt with (at the discretion of the management committee) in accordance with the FAWNA constitution.
General Rules of FAWNA Inc.
12. Rules and regulations of the Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC, formerly CALM) are to be adhered to at all times and directives by officers of that Department must be obeyed.
13. FAWNA Inc. will maintain a complaints register. Any complaints made against FAWNA carers/members are to be documented in the complaints register.
14. All records in above register will clearly show whether they are written or oral complaints.
15. Members of the public are to be treated with courtesy, care and due respect at all times, any breaches are to be recorded in the complaints register.
16. Any contact with the media and any content of media release is to be approved by the management committee.
17. All subscriptions are due on the 30th of April in any year and if not paid by the 30th June these persons will no longer be deemed members of FAWNA.
18. All funded depots must present to the committee an annual record of all native animals taken into care on the FAWNA Inc. record sheet provided.
19. Any carer/member who fails to obide by these rules will be dealt with at the discretion of the management committee.
WA LAWS & REGULATIONS REGARDING NATIVE FAUNA
Almost all native fauna in WA is protected by law and the following acts are ILLEGAL unless the appropriate license has been obtained:
Taking from the wild, unless in need of care.
Keeping in captivity EXCEPT for temporary care when sick, injured, orphaned or derelict UNTIL ready for release back into their native habitat. If the fauna is unable to be released, it either needs to be handed to a wildlife officer, with CALM approval given to a person licensed to keep it or if unlikely to recover or fend for itself have it humanely destroyed.
Releasing into an area where the animal/bird does not occur naturally.
Keeping for breeding or holding for gain or reward.
Using a trap or snare.
Marking any wild fauna by means of rings, bands, dyes or any other means, e.g. wing-clipping, EXCEPT for veterinary reasons.
INJURY TO OR ILLEGAL TAKING OF NATIVE FAUNA MAY INVOKE A FINE OF UP TO $4,000 & IF LISTED AS ENDANGERED SPECIES MAY INVOKE A FINE OF UP TO $10,000.
CALM to be notified within 72 hours of obtaining any fauna received into care declared to be notifiable fauna, eg rare fauna and all reptiles.
It is necessary to apply to CALM’s Local Wildlife Officer (9725 5914) BEFORE deciding to pass over any fauna to a wildlife park, bird park, etc.
Fauna in care may NOT be displayed for gain (donations allowed).
Injured fauna may not be displayed publicly.
If it is desired to display fauna in care publicly, permission MUST be obtained from the Department of Conservation & Land Management. Applications should be made via the FAWNA Committee at least one month before the planned display.
It is illegal to keep in captivity wildlife classified as vermin.
IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING WA WILDLIFE LAWS PLEASE REFER TO THE CALM REGIONAL WILDLIFE OFFICER ON 9725 5914.