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How the RSPCA NSW Rescue Centre will help animals in natural disasters
February 3, 2024
PRESS RELEASE
The RSPCA NSW Rescue Centre was officially opened today giving the organisation a significant boost in resources to its animal disaster relief response capabilities.
Premier Chris Minns led today’s formalities in opening the Yagoona-based centre.
Animal disaster relief response
The new facility is testament to the organisation’s unwavering dedication to improving animal welfare and animal disaster response efforts across NSW.
The centre is jointly funded by the NSW Government and the RSPCA NSW community, with a $912,000 contribution from the state.The marks a pivotal moment in the organisation’s efforts to bolster state-wide animal disaster response capabilities.
The centre houses essential resources including vehicles, horse floats, animal trailers, and multiple inflatable tents. These all significantly enhance the organisation’s animal emergency response capability.
And, the purpose-built facility is strategically located at the organisation’s largest shelter, the Sydney Adoption and Education Centre in Yagoona.
Joining Premier Minns was Minister for Agriculture, Tara Moriarty, Member for Auburn Lynda Voltz, Chief Animal Welfare Officer of the Department of Primary Industries Kim Filmer, and RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman.
Staff and guest celebrate today’s opening (image: RSPCA NSW)
Step forward in animal rescue during natural disasters and emergencies
Steve Coleman, CEO of RSPCA NSW, says the new centre is an important step forward.
“Today is a momentous day for RSPCA NSW,” Coleman says.
“We (are) celebrating the opening of our brand-new Rescue Centre here in the heart of our Sydney Adoption and Education Centre, in Yagoona.”
Coleman emphasises the importance of the RSPCA NSW’s preparedness when disaster relief is needed.
“This centre is pivotal in RSPCA NSW’s disaster relief strategy,”he says.
“Ensuring we can continue to build the resilience of our state when, not if, the next disaster strikes.”
Animal casualties of natural disasters
NSW has faced a series of unprecedented challenges in recent years. Severe drought, the black summer bushfires, record-breaking floods, and a devastating mouse plague have all resulted in the need for an animal emergency response.
Sadly, pets and livestock have been large casualties of each disaster.
But throughout these crises, RSPCA NSW has stood with local communities, providing support and care to both humans and animals affected by these disasters.
NSW Premier Chris Minns today highlighted the centre’s significance.
“This new Rescue Centre will be a lifesaving operation, offering a lifeline to animals in the most challenging situations we can’t possibly imagine.”
Premier Minns emphasised the government’s commitment to supporting the staff and volunteers who perform this vital work.
Minister for Agriculture Tara Moriarty speaks of the government’s committment to improving animal welfare.
“The NSW Government takes animal welfare seriously,” Minister Moriarty says.
“Our funding to make the new emergency centre fully operational is a strong indicator of that commitment.”
She acknowledged RSPCA NSW’s crucial role in upholding the state’s animal welfare laws. She also spoke about the positive impact the new centre and team will have on animals affected by natural disasters.
Premier Minns spent time with some of the shelter dogs (image: RSPCA NSW)
RSPCA NSW Emergency Response Team is recruiting!
The opening of the Rescue Centre coincides with RSPCA NSW’s recruitment drive for the RSPCA Emergency Response Team.
The team will be group of passionate volunteers that will assist animals and their guardians during bushfires and other emergencies.
→ To find out more about the centre or the recruitment drive, head to the RSPCA NSW website.
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