Leading people to save wildlife

Wildlife Rescue Queensland
Kind. Generous. Tough

Wildlife Rescue Queensland CEO Byron Cann is always on standby to help animals in crisis.

As the dedicated leader of the non-profit organisation, he works with 250 volunteers to rescue, rehabilitate and release wildlife and educate the community about the many issues related to native animals.

Volunteers are always top of mind for Bryon. One of their most rewarding roles is to be trained as a volunteer carer to look after animals in their own home.

But inclusive Byron ensures there are roles suitable to different skills. This includes making pouches, building possum boxes, staffing the telephone hotline or assisting with fundraising.

Byron leads by example and is prepared to jump out of bed at any time of night to rush to the aid of his beloved wildlife.

One of his many achievements was coordinating the rescue of over 450 grey-headed flying foxes from the NSW bushfires and arranging transport for them to be cared for in Queensland.

Byron feels humbled to be nominated as a Westfield Local Hero. “I just want to make a difference. But I could not do the work I do without the massive group of wildlife carers and volunteers that I support.”

Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Wildlife Rescue Queensland will invest in veterinary equipment and plant a koala fodder plantation.

For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here