The Culture Shift Within

Kerrie’s Story – “This Was Meant to Be a Community”

In this episode, Kerrie — a long-time WIRES member, carer, and coordinator — shares her heartfelt account of how WIRES has changed. What began as a mission grounded in care and community now feels distant, centralised, and disconnected from its volunteers.

Kerrie opens up about:

• The culture shift inside WIRES — from transparency and collaboration to secrecy and control

• The 597-member volunteer survey that exposed major issues like bullying and lack of support — but was never shared

• The financial deep dive showing a massive gap: volunteers contribute an estimated $8.8 million in unpaid time, yet staff wages far outweigh the cost of supporting carers

• The false allegations that upended her life, simply for asking questions

• The new constitution that moved WIRES away from its core mission and why Kerrie believes it puts both members and animals at risk

Despite personal challenges, Kerrie remains hopeful. She believes WIRES can return to its roots, if members are informed, united, and willing to speak up.

 Key Issues Raised

• Survey results withheld from members

• Bullying, isolation, and lack of support for carers

• Financial concerns and lack of transparency

• Governance changes without democratic input

• Disempowerment of volunteers and branches

 What Kerrie Wants WIRES to Be

• A transparent, volunteer-first organisation

• A safe space for carers to speak up

• A collaborative network of branches, not a top-down corporation

 Listen to Kerrie’s story.
Share it with someone who cares.
Your voice — and your vote — matter.