Orphaned possums get a new home

Water Corporation staff and their families joined forces with Dunsborough and Busselton Wildlife Care Group last week to help give 20 sick, orphaned and injured possums a new home.

About 20 children and their parents who work for Water Corporation across the State’s south west banded together to build possum habitat boxes supplied by Busselton Men’s Shed.

The new homes will be donated to the Dunsborough and Busselton Wildlife Care Group to give possums in their care a home when they are ready for release back into their natural habitat.

South West Regional Manager John Janssen said it was terrific to be part of such a great project, and partner with a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to wildlife conservation.

“Getting kids involved in meaningful community projects that help increase their understanding of the importance of taking care of our endangered wildlife is so important,’ Mr Janssen said.

“Part of our aim at Water Corporation is to make a positive contribution to the communities we live and work in across the south west – this project provided a worthy opportunity to work with a like-minded community organisation dedicated to caring for wildlife in need.”

Mr Janssen said every year across the south west sadly hundreds of possums were orphaned or injured and required intensive care.

He said dog attacks, traffic incidents and new developments where native habitats were removed or disrupted were some of the most common causes.

“I’m really pleased to be able to support Dunsborough and Busselton Wildlife Care Group as the round the clock care they give our wildlife is an incredibly important job.” Mr Janssen said.   

Dunsborough and Busselton Wildlife Care Group is run solely by volunteers and operates through donations and the generosity of volunteer staff. 

For more information, visit the Dunsborough and Busselton Wildlife Care Facebook page.