3 Oct 2025
Often ignored and seldom recognised for their outstanding contribution to wildlife rehabilitation work, wildlife carers in NSW now have the opportunity to be recognised for their outstanding contribution to the sector.
The New South Wales Wildlife Council (NWC) is pleased to announce a sector awards program that includes “The Audrey Award” and the “Wildlife Volunteer of the Year Award”.
To celebrate its 20th Anniversary the NWC is launching the Awards program. The NWC Awards celebrate the outstanding achievements of individuals and member groups across the NSW wildlife sector. These Awards recognise strong leadership, wildlife conservation excellence and innovation while fostering a sense of community and connection within the wildlife sector.
The NSW Audrey Koosmen OAM Award (The Audrey Award) is a biennial award for outstanding service by NWC members and member groups to the wildlife rescue and rehabilitation sector in NSW. The Awards honour the late Audrey Koosmen OAM, who sadly passed away in December 2024. Audrey was a pioneer within the volunteer wildlife sector dedicating almost 60 years of service. She was the founder of one of the first wildlife rehabilitation groups in NSW and was a founding member of the New South Wales Wildlife Council (NWC).
Groups and individuals will be recognised across two prestigious categories with the criteria reflecting a greater focus on the importance of making a positive impact within the sector.
Acting Chair of the NWC, Ms Sonja Elwood, said, “The NWC Awards program provides a valuable opportunity for individuals and groups in NSW to gain some recognition for their valued, ongoing contributions to the wildlife sector. The nominees encourage us to continue pursuing excellence, leadership, innovation and wildlife conservation today and into the future."
This is the first time an awards program has been initiated within the sector, and the NWC expects there may be several individuals who have provided lengthy and/or outstanding service. In acknowledging contributions, all nominees will receive certificates of commendation and may be re-nominated in future years.
The awards will be presented by the NSW Environment Minister, Penny Sharpe, on Friday November 28th 2025 as part of the NWC’s 20th Anniversary celebration in Sydney.
Please send enquiries to: secretary@nwc.org.au
Or Visit: https://www.nwc.org.au/
About the NSW Wildlife Council –
The NSW Wildlife Council, (NWC) is the peak policy body for wildlife rescue and rehabilitation in NSW. NWC represents 29 groups, comprising statewide and regional wildlife rehabilitators supporting over 5,500 members. The NWC adopts collaborative approaches to achieve desired outcomes in wildlife care. This collaboration is shown through its strong relationship with other wildlife rescue groups, the veterinary community, the Veterinary Practitioners Board and government departments.