It was Christmas in August for Dutch Thunder Wildlife, with the arrival of a new red-gum woodchipper courtesy of a donation from RACV Cobram Resort.
The organisation’s owner-operator, Kylee Donkers, said she was ecstatic to receive the machine.
“Back in March, I received a phone call from a lovely lady by the name of Nicole Ballina who is the community engagement manager for the social impact and corporate communications team for RACV,” Ms Donkers said.
The phone call was to say RACV Cobram Resort wanted to make a donation to help the wildlife shelter.
“Nicole asked me what was on our wish list of things we needed to assist us in the rehabilitation of the wildlife that comes through the shelter,” Ms Donkers said.
After some pondering, Dutch Thunder Wildlife decided to purchase a commercial woodchipper.
Ms Donkers said the organisation used a lot of native browse to feed the animals in its care.
This includes gum leaves for koalas, bottlebrush for possums and sheoak for parrots that are being rehabilitated; however, Ms Donkers said old, dry browse was dangerous.
“Piles of dry browse pose a huge fire risk to the shelter, neighbouring properties and the surrounding bushland,” she said.
The organisation has used the woodchipper to mulch the old browse as well as ensure the organisation has a consistent flow of tanbark.
Both materials can then be spread on the floor of enclosures, ensuring a more comfortable stay for animals.
Along with the woodchipper, Dutch Thunder Wildlife was able to use donated money to buy two purpose-built macropod feeders.
Ms Donkers said that since arriving, the woodchipper had become an invaluable piece of equipment and that staff were incredibly thankful for the donation.
“Your kindness has made such a difference to so many native animals,” Ms Donkers said.