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Devastation for Victoria with Grampian Bushfires

Wednesday, January 15, 2025

In December 2024, the Grampians region in Victoria was struck by devastating fires. Over the course of several weeks, the fire burned through more than 76 000 hectares of land, destroying vast swathes of native bushland and posing a serious threat to both human settlements and wildlife. The fire was fueled by extreme temperatures and dry conditions, making it one of the worst wildfires in the region in years.

For Wildwood Wildlife Shelter, situated at the entrance of the Grampians National Park, the situation became increasingly urgent. WIRES quickly mobilised via our Disaster Relief Program, working closely with Animals Australia to coordinate an emergency supply run to the shelter on Christmas Eve. This collaboration was essential to ensure that vital supplies reached Wildwood Wildlife Shelter in the midst of the fires. A big thank you to Louise Bonomi from Animals Australia and Natalie Thomson from Warriors4Wildlife, who worked alongside WIRES during the busy Christmas period to ensure that the necessary wildlife food made it to the shelter when it was needed most. 

Pam Turner from Wildwood Wildlife Shelter says “while our shelter was thankfully spared from the fires, injured surviving wildlife have begun to come into our care. Our small local team of rescuers and carers will do all we can to help ease the suffering of animals in the region for weeks and months to come.”

“Support from WIRES will help feed animals like this joey, Jodie who survived the fires and will one day call the Grampians home again.”

Image Credit: Jodie the Eastern Grey joey: Wildwood Wildlife Shelter

For wildlife rescuers and rehabilitators, the aftermath of the Grampians fire has been especially heartbreaking. Not only did we witness the destruction of critical habitats, but also the dire consequences for the many species that call this area home. 

The Grampians’ rich biodiversity makes it a crucial area for wildlife conservation, as it serves as a home and rehabilitation release site for many native species, including Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Bare Nosed Wombats, Swamp Wallabies, Brush-tailed Possums, Long-Nosed Potoroo, Emus, and an array of reptiles, frogs and insects. The recent bushfires have put these animals and their habitats at significant risk, underscoring the need for targeted, rapid recovery and rescue efforts.

The recovery after a bushfire is a long and gradual process, with both the environment and wildlife facing immense challenges. In the immediate aftermath, habitats are left scorched, food sources are scarce, and many animals are displaced or injured. Wildlife must contend with the destruction of their homes and the limited availability of shelter and resources, that drive them into urban areas and increase the risk of vehicle strikes and human interaction.

It can take years, sometimes decades, for ecosystems to fully recover and support the biodiversity that once thrived. In the meantime, dedicated carers and wildlife rescuers work tirelessly to rehabilitate injured animals and help reintroduce them to their natural environments when safe. While recovery may be painstakingly slow, the resilience of nature, supported by the unwavering efforts of volunteers, provides hope that these ecosystems will eventually heal and thrive once again.

The risks to wildlife are escalating, and it is more urgent than ever for government recovery plans to include clear, structured support for wildlife rescue, rehabilitation, and habitat restoration. WIRES Emergency Response Manager, Matthew Godwin explains that volunteers play a key role in the response and recovery phase after bushfires, often self-funded and with limited resources. He emphasises the role that government has in ensuring a successful response, post fires, stating that, “Government support, resourcing and cooperation is critical for a coordinated response to the increasing number of natural disasters impacting native wildlife.”

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s the Grampians region begins its slow recovery, the steadfast work of countless wildlife volunteers reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming loss, nature has the capacity to rebuild. The region's wildlife—like Jodie the joey reminds us that while the scars left by fire may last a lifetime, the fight to heal them never ends.

A heartfelt thank you to all those who continue to care for, rebuild, and restore our fragile yet resilient ecosystems.

WIRES would also like to thank Woolworths for their ongoing support of the Disaster Relief Program.

To learn more about the program: https://www.wires.org.au/wildlife-programs/disaster-relief-program

Image credit: Ross Walker/Scoresby Fire Brigade