20 Jun 2018 Alexandra Eildon Marysville Standard, Alexandra VIC (General News) THE Victorian Government has provided Victorias wildlife rehabilitators with a further $170,000 in funding to help them care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, has announced that 17 Northern Victoria shelter operators and foster carers are among 107 successful recipients across Victoria for the 2017/18 Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants, with each receiving up to $2000. The grants recognise the important work undertaken by rehabilitators and will help with the cost of with caring for Victorias diverse wildlife. The program supports wildlife rehabilitators to buy equipment and infrastructure to assist with the operation of their facilities and to attend appropriate training. Were making sure our local volunteers have the tools and the training to protect our native wildlife. Ms Symes said. These grants are helping our rehabilitators respond to incidents like bushfires, floods and oil spills that can affect our wildlife. This is about supporting the volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife when they need it most. Grant recipients from Murrindindi Shire are shelter operators Catherine Raeburn in Jamieson ($1000) and Andrea Schlifelner in Taggerty ($987). Now in its tenth year, the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program has provided more than $1.3 million since it began in 2008. Applications for the 2018/19 round of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program will open on July 1. To apply for a grant, visit wildlife.vic.gov. au/grants/wildlife-rehabilitator-grants