ORRCA FUTURE RESCUERS FUND
Removing Barriers. Building Future Rescuers.
The ORRCA Future Rescuers Fund is an application-based bursary designed to help remove financial barriers to becoming a trained marine mammal rescuer. The fund provides support for eligible individuals who may otherwise be unable to complete ORRCA’s marine mammal rescue training, helping us build a stronger, more diverse network of trained rescuers across our coastline.
By improving access to specialist marine mammal rescue training, the Future Rescuers Fund helps ensure more communities have the skills and capacity to respond when marine mammals need assistance.
LICENCED, TRAINED, and READY
BUILT FOR RAPID RESPONSE
The ORRCA Future Rescuers Fund helps remove financial barriers for people who want to become trained marine mammal rescuers but may not otherwise be able to afford the cost of training.
Successful applicants receive support to complete ORRCA’s marine mammal rescue training and join a highly skilled rescue network responding to stranded whales and dolphins, entanglements, seals, dugongs and other marine mammal incidents.
In New South Wales, ORRCA is the only licensed volunteer marine mammal rescue organisation authorised to undertake marine mammal rescue operations, with responses conducted under the NSW Government’s Biodiversity Conservation Act (2016). Our rescuers work alongside government agencies, veterinary professionals and partner organisations to support safe, coordinated and welfare-led outcomes.
Applications to the Future Rescuers Fund are assessed through a bursary application process, with support prioritised for people facing genuine financial barriers and areas where additional rescue capacity is needed.
If cost is standing between you and becoming a trained ORRCA rescuer, we encourage you to apply.
Be Part Of The Response
Training & Preparedness
ORRCA Rescue Team members undergo specialised training to ensure rescues are carried out safely, effectively and with animal welfare at the heart of every response.
Training includes:
- Marine mammal handling and rescue techniques
- Incident management
- Safety procedures & response protocols
- Species identification
Is Rescue Volunteering Right For You?
It's a Great fit for people who are:
- Passionate about marine conservation
- Calm under pressure and team-oriented
- Willing to undertake training
- Adaptable and safety-focused
rescue team TRAINING
DO YOU WANT TO JOIN THE RESCUE TEAM?
We run public courses regularly throughout the year at locations along the coastline. If you’d like to join one of our Marine Mammal Rescue Workshops, you can explore our upcoming training dates and find a session near you.
there's a role for everyone at orrca
Together, We Make Rescue Possible
JOIN THE HOTLINE TEAM
our 24/7 Rescue Hotline is the heartbeat of ORRCA. Be the vital first point of contact for marine mammals emergencies, supported by our team.
JOIN THE RESEARCH TEAM
Rally your community to support marine mammal rescue and conservation.
become a member
Support our work by becoming a member and stay up to date with ORRCA. You'll receive exclusive access to our member portal.
Fundraise for ORRCA
Rally your community to support marine mammal rescue and conservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. ORRCA provides training pathways and ongoing support for rescue volunteers.
Some rescue operations can be physically challenging and take place in outdoor coastal environments. However, regardless of your physical abilities, there's a job for everyone to do. If you're concerned about any physical limitations that may prevent you from joining the rescue team, reach out to us at orrca@orrca.org.au.
The team are trained and licenced to assist whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs.
Yes! Rescue volunteers undertake specialised marine rescue training and ongoing skill development. You can view a list of our upcoming training dates in your local area here.
Generally, our rescue teams are located along the coastline which allows for repaid deployment of trained responders to an emergency incident. However, there are many ways to get involved with ORRCA which can be undertaken from anywhere in Australia. Check out our Get involved page to find out more.
Some calls can be confronting, but volunteers are supported through training, mentoring and access to mental health services. You will never be alone managing an incident.
No. ORRCA’s Rescue Team is made up of dedicated volunteers donating their time to support marine mammal rescue and conservation efforts.
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