Most wildlife rescues start with a phone call and end somewhere far off the beaten track. A wombat with mange tucked deep inside a gully. A koala spotted low in a tree after a storm. A pinkie found on a roadside at dusk. Reaching these animals safely depends on having a vehicle that can handle whatever the bush throws at it.
Thanks to support from Suzuki Australia, and with help from Moss Vale Suzuki, we now have a Suzuki Jimny XL that can do exactly that. The Highlands is a big region, and this vehicle helps us get where we need to go without wondering whether we’ll make it through a track or need to call for help ourselves.
“We are deeply grateful to Suzuki Australia and Moss Vale Suzuki for making this possible,” says Peter Lewis. “A reliable, purpose-built vehicle is essential for our rescue work. This partnership gives us the tools to reach more animals in need and deliver them the care they deserve.”
Support from local partners who understand this work
A special thank you goes to Brian Higgins, General Sales Manager at Moss Vale Motor Group. Brian and the team helped ensure the vehicle matched the reality of our days in the field.
The Jimny XL will allow the team to carry medical kits, rescue crates, PPE, and monitoring equipment without worrying whether the car can handle the route. The reliability matters: volunteers can respond to more calls in a day and reach animals that would otherwise be too far off-road. It also means safer transport for injured wildlife, which is critical when animals are stressed or sedated.
The vehicle carries a full co-branded wrap thanks to Simon Weston, Owner of Spartan Creative. The artwork makes the 4×4 easy to spot when we’re on rescues or attending community events. It reflects exactly what this partnership is about: practical support backed by people who care about the wildlife we’re trying to protect.
Arriving at a time when wildlife needs every advantage
Koalas in New South Wales are officially listed as endangered, and the pressures they face are growing. A 2020 parliamentary inquiry warned that koalas could disappear from the state by 2050 if habitat loss continues. That risk is not distant for us. We see it when we monitor corridors, assess injured animals and respond after storms and heatwaves.
The Jimny XL is more than a new car. It is a commitment that wildlife across the Southern Highlands will not face these challenges alone. The SHWS team now has the capacity to reach more animals, tow our new fully equipped rescue trailer, support more field projects, and respond to emergencies that would have been harder to access before. It also allows volunteers to focus on the animals instead of worrying whether the vehicle can get them out to a site or back home again.
Making a practical difference every week
With the new vehicle, we can:
- visit mange-affected burrows more efficiently
- respond to calls in remote locations without delay
- transport wildlife securely for treatment or rehabilitation
- carry seedlings, fencing materials and monitoring equipment into hard-to-reach areas
- support joint research and habitat renewal with local groups
Every one of these tasks directly affects the animals living in the NSW Southern Highlands.
Help us Grow. Watch us Thrive.
Our work is only possible because our community stands with us. By joining as a member or donating, you help fund rescue equipment, habitat projects and the day-to-day care of local wildlife.
If you are interested in corporate sponsorships or partnerships with us, please contact us directly.
