Engagements & Affiliations
Grounded in Science, Powered by Community, Built for Long-Term Impact
The Southern Highlands Wildlife Sanctuary exists to prevent the extinction of Australia’s native wildlife — with an immediate focus on the critically endangered koala in New South Wales. Through the establishment of a dedicated sanctuary in Bundanoon, we are creating a national centre of excellence for wildlife research, environmental education, wildlife rescue, and habitat renewal. Our integrated approach combines frontline care with genetic and disease research, rewilding initiatives, and public engagement. We aim to deliver lasting ecological impact, strengthen biodiversity, and build a model of conservation that is both locally grounded and globally relevant.
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Corporate Philanthropy
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Workplace
Giving
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In-Kind
Support
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Promotional Partnerships
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Strategic Sponsorships
Corporate Philanthropy
Workplace Giving
In-Kind Support
Promotional Partnerships
Strategic Sponsorships
SHWS Will:
- Establish the SHWS Education Centre and Research Centre of Excellence to secure a future for native Australian wildlife, the local environment, and surrounding communities.
- Set new benchmarks in the rescue, care, treatment, and release of injured native wildlife.
- Focus on priority species including koalas, quolls, sugar gliders, and wombats.
- Conduct and apply research in genetic rescue and translocation of endangered koalas.
- Lead disease management and research into key threats such as chlamydia, Koala Retrovirus (KoRV), and mange.
- Deliver immersive environmental education informed by the latest research — including curriculum-linked programs, outdoor learning, and strong partnerships with local schools to foster deep connection to native flora and fauna.
- Operate targeted rescue, rehabilitation, and release programs — particularly in high-risk areas such as country roads.
- Drive habitat renewal, restoration, and protection across the Southern Highlands.
- Develop a long-term sustainability plan that integrates economic, conservation, and tourism outcomes to support ongoing impact and legacy.
Our Funding Goals
1. Education Centre – $500k. Partly funded – land + architectural services.
Now under development, the Education Centre will be the sanctuary’s community and learning hub — delivering training, volunteer programs and educational experiences that build capacity in conservation and wildlife care.
Impact: Equipping the next generation with the knowledge and skills to protect Australia’s native species.
2. Research Centre of Excellence – $3.5mil by March 2026
A flagship facility designed to position the sanctuary as a national leader in wildlife science. The Centre will focus on health, disease prevention and rehabilitation research, driving evidence-based outcomes and policy innovation.
Impact: Advancing Australia’s capacity to understand, manage and restore native wildlife populations.
3. Habitat Enclosures and Field Research Land – $6.5mil 2026 – 2027
Establishing purpose-built habitat enclosures and protected research areas within the sanctuary to support rehabilitation, rewilding, and long-term ecological study.
Impact: Creating a living landscape that connects science, care, and habitat restoration — ensuring wildlife can safely return to the wild.
Financial Strategy
The Sanctuary Board has approved a five-year funding strategy, combining:
- Private philanthropy and major donor campaigns (2025–2027) • Corporate sponsorship and environmental partnerships
- Federal and State grant applications for infrastructure, biodiversity, and research
- Bequest and endowment program development
- Community fundraising and education-driven giving
- All donor funds for the Research Centre will be placed in a dedicated capital account under the Sanctuary’s DGR (Deductible Gift Recipient) status, ensuring full transparency and governance oversight.
We Invite You To Join Us
As a founding supporter of one of Australia’s most important wildlife restoration projects.
Your contribution will establish the country’s first integrated wildlife research and rehabilitation centre linked directly to a living release corridor and create the foundation for the scientific safe return of koalas, wombats and native species to the wild — forever.
First Target: $3.5 million by March 2026
Ask: Multi-year philanthropic pledges, major gifts or capital commitments.
