IN the Perth Hills, where wildlife and people share the same landscape, a group of dedicated volunteers is giving orphaned kangaroo joeys a new start with help from the community, local governments and an outpouring of public generosity.

Darling Range Wildlife Shelter (DRWS), based in Martin, has cared for hundreds of native animals from across the Perth Hills, spanning the City of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan.

Now, thanks to community donations and support from the Shire of Mundaring, the shelter is setting up a soft release site on private bushland in Mundaring, giving young kangaroos a safe place to adjust to life back in the wild.

Volunteer Kate McDonald, who coordinates macropod care at the shelter, said the project means the world to those who have spent months, sometimes more than a year, raising orphaned joeys by hand.

“Each joey we care for has a story. They’ve come from local backyards, road verges and bushland across the hills,” she said.

“We put our hearts into getting them strong enough to return to the wild, and now this site gives them a soft landing. They can explore, grow in confidence and stay safe while we keep watch from a distance.

“We’re so grateful for the community support, from local residents who rescue and bring animals to us, to donors who have helped make this project possible.

“Our volunteers and the animals we care for come from everywhere – Kalamunda, Lesmurdie, Swan View, Parkerville, Gidgegannup, Mundaring and beyond. It’s a real community effort.”

Ms McDonald said the team is encouraged by the strong community response.

“When people, local governments and volunteers all pull in the same direction, amazing things can happen,” she said.

“It shows what’s possible when we care for the same environment that cares for us.”

The site’s setup has been boosted by $2500 from the Shire of Mundaring towards fencing panels, water troughs and equipment, as well as community donations bringing in $2900 for a target of $5000 through a GoFundMe campaign.

A grant from the City of Canning is helping fund solar-powered 4G cameras that allow carers to remotely monitor the joeys without human interference, improving welfare and safety while ensuring quick response if needed.

Additional grants are still pending, and with each new contribution the shelter is getting closer to fully realising this project.

The shelter is entirely volunteer-run and cares for close to 2000 native animals every year, including more than 500 from across the City of Kalamunda, Shire of Mundaring and City of Swan in recent years.

With fencing panels now being purchased and installation soon to begin, camera monitoring will ensure those first steps towards freedom are taken under careful watch.

To learn more or contribute to the project, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-build-a-soft-release-pen-for-our-orphaned-joeys