Powering Wildlife Care Through a More Resilient Future
Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue is incredibly grateful to Community Bank Fleurieu and the South Australian Government for helping us strengthen the resilience of SKER’s Wildlife Veterinary Centre.
With support from a $5,000 Community Bank Fleurieu grant and $16,250 through the South Australian Government’s Powering Business Grant, SKER has expanded its solar capacity and installed a larger battery storage system at our Onkaparinga Hills facility. Together with additional project funding, this support enabled the installation of a 17.1 kW solar system with 40.3 kWh of battery storage.
Keeping critical wildlife care running
Reliable electricity is essential in a veterinary facility. Our team depends on power to operate oxygen concentrators, climate-controlled enclosures, diagnostic and treatment equipment, medication refrigeration and other systems used to care for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife.
SKER is also located on a property without mains water. Electricity is required to pump water from our rainwater tanks and bore, making reliable power critical for animal care, cleaning, infection control, staff and volunteer safety, and everyday operations.
During a blackout, these are not simply conveniences. They are essential systems that can directly affect patient welfare and our ability to continue providing veterinary treatment.
The expanded solar and battery system provides greater protection during power outages caused by storms, heatwaves and other emergencies. It also strengthens our bushfire preparedness by helping maintain access to water for our farm firefighting unit and spot-fire response.
Supporting wildlife and the wider community
Each year, SKER’s team responds to more than 1,800 calls through our 24-hour wildlife rescue hotline, attends more than 700 rescues, and provides veterinary care to approximately 700 native animals. Our Wildlife Veterinary Centre also supports external wildlife carers, rescue organisations, government agencies and members of the community who need somewhere to turn when native wildlife is injured or unwell.
By improving the reliability of our power supply, this project helps ensure those services can continue when our community needs them most.
The system will also reduce SKER’s ongoing electricity costs and reliance on grid power. These savings can instead be directed toward frontline wildlife care, including medications, diagnostic testing, veterinary equipment, rescue operations and support for wildlife carers.
“This project gives our team greater confidence that we can continue caring for vulnerable wildlife during a blackout or emergency. Knowing that oxygen, climate control, medication refrigeration and essential water pumps can keep operating provides enormous reassurance for our veterinary team, volunteers and the wider wildlife community.”
Mish Simpson, CEO, Southern Koala and Echidna Rescue
Thank you for investing in wildlife care
We sincerely thank Community Bank Fleurieu for recognising the importance of resilient local wildlife services and investing directly in the safety of our patients, volunteers and community.
We also extend our gratitude to the South Australian Government for its support through the Powering Business Grant, which was instrumental in enabling SKER to deliver this important infrastructure project.
Projects like this can be difficult for a charity to fund because they sit behind the scenes. However, when the power goes out, this infrastructure can make the difference between interrupted services and the continued delivery of life-saving veterinary care.
Thank you to Community Bank Fleurieu, the South Australian Government and everyone who helped make this project possible. Your support is helping SKER remain ready, resilient and able to be there for South Australia’s wildlife when it matters most. 🐨💚🔋
