Most wildlife volunteers are hard-working and dedicated to animals, yet bullying and conflict is a longstanding problem in the wildlife rescue sector. The stress and trauma of the 2019–2020 bushfires and jealous rivalries over fundraising brought simmering tensions to boiling point for many groups.

Caitlin Fitzsimmons, ‘Rednecks on power trip’: culture of bullying and conflict in wildlife rescue‘, Sydney Morning Herald, 30 August, 2020

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Update: Since AWC reported this bullying issue in mid September, another article by Caitlin Fitzsimmons has been published — about how the NSW Government is stepping in to deal with this issue: ‘Government tackles toxic culture, conflict and burnout in wildlife rescue sector‘, Sydney Morning Herald, 13 November, 2020.

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No place for bullying

Let’s put a stop to bullying and conflict in the workplace — including our wildlife rescue volunteer groups

Aurora Wildlife Care members read an article published in the Sydney Morning Herald in August 2020 that reported both conflict and bullying were rife in wildlife carer groups throughout Australia. The article, ‘Rednecks on power trip’: culture of bullying and conflict in wildlife rescue‘, was noted with dismay but interest. Sadly, nothing in the report surprised our members.

Many of us have experienced similar levels of conflict and bullying from other individuals and groups within the broad church that is the volunteer wildlife care service community.

It’s sad that, when in a position of leadership or power, humans often attempt to hang onto their authority through conflict, bullying, aggression — or even violence.

When we share common goals and interests —like wanting to do our best to look after our wildlife and environment —we shouldn’t expect conflict from those who supposedly share these same goals.

Through our work we aim to improve our shared world

We aim for a better world that has widespread respect for Australian wildlife. Through discussion, awareness and education, we hope to influence the decisions we make — both as individuals and part of a collective, in both public and private realms — to achieve respect for Australia’s wildlife, our environment, each other.

We aim to share our common and unique skills to work together to achieve our common goals.

We aim for respect of our fellow humans, no matter what differences we may have.

We hope that, through respectful and cordial discussion, we can achieve our goals, raise awareness, and contribute to a better world.

Let’s keep the conversation respectful. Your thoughts?