Welcome to our AWC Volunteer Community

Survey Title: Scotia Bridled Nailtail Wallaby Translocation - Harvest 

Sanctuary: Scotia Sanctuary 

Dates: 10th – 17th June 2024 

Sanctuary Details:  

Scotia Sanctuary is situated in southwestern NSW, approximately 150km north of Wentworth. The property is 65,000ha in size, bordering South Australia. Scotia has an 8,000 hectare feral predator-free area which is made up of two 4,000 hectare areas known as Stage 1 and Stage 2. Reintroduced animals existing in the fenced area include Greater Bilby, Numbat, Bridled Nailtail Wallaby and Burrowing Bettong. 

Project Specifics: 

At the end of May 2024, AWC will be undertaking a translocation of Bridled Nailtail Wallabies (BNTW) from Scotia Sanctuary Mallee Cliffs National Park. This is to genetically supplement the existing population of BNTW that were reintroduced to Scotia’s feral predator-proof fence in 2005.  

We’re looking for enthusiastic and capable volunteers to assist AWC field ecologists in setting and checking a trapping grid of Thomas Traps in Stage 2. A subset of suitable Bridled Nailtail Wallabies will be selected for translocation to Mallee Cliffs. Work will be conducted at night with traps set at dusk and checked 3 hours later. The process of checking traps can take many hours, so we will be working into the early hours of the morning. Primary tasks will include setting cage traps, assisting AWC staff with processing mammals, taking measurements, body condition scores and entering field data. Time will be allocated for volunteers to rest during the day before commencing fieldwork in the late afternoon. In addition to Wallabies, there is the chance to catch and handle Greater Bilbies and a potential to see Numbats (during daylight hours).  

Volunteers will work under instruction from AWC staff and will be required to adhere to AWC’s workplace safety guidelines. Previous experience in field work is strongly desired, but not essential. All volunteers will receive a full induction into the project and comprehensive training from AWC staff. We’re looking for enthusiastic people interested in learning more about our unique wildlife and their conservation. This opportunity would be great for anyone interested in gaining more experience in field-based skills required for a career in conservation.  

Required tasks: 

Required skills: 

Logistics:  

Volunteers can either meet AWC staff in Buronga, NSW and share transport up to Scotia in AWC vehicles. Volunteers also have the option to make their own way to Scotia Sanctuary. Note that travel to Scotia requires driving on unsealed roads. Please let us know your travel preference so that we can plan accordingly. 

Accommodation will be provided at Scotia however you will need to bring your own bedding (see ‘What to bring’). Facilities include a communal kitchen with all cooking equipment, shared bathroom, drinking water and communal spaces. Showers are available, although due to running on desalinated bore water, we ask you to keep them short. Wi-Fi is available in the main office building, but as it is satellite internet and therefore expensive, we ask that use is kept to a minimum and no streaming services are used. There is no reception at Scotia, however the office landline can be used if required.  

All meals and snacks are provided. If you haven’t given your dietary requirements via the Better Impact portal, please let us know ahead of time. Please feel free to bring any personal snacks if desired. 

What to bring: