We Just Want To Help Wildlife

Wild Truths: John’s Story

Episode Summary
“This was never about politics. It was always about the animals. That’s why we joined.” - John Palmer

In this episode we hear from John who has been a WIRES carer since 2017. Like so many others, he’s poured his time, his energy, and his heart into caring for injured and orphaned wildlife. But last year, that care was met with something no volunteer should ever experience. His home was raided. John is not alone. His story echoes the experiences of many others across NSW: wildlife carers who’ve been excluded, demoted, or discredited. People who simply wanted to help — and who found themselves caught in something bigger. That’s why this moment matters. This isn’t just about one raid, one board, or one vote. This is about the kind of WIRES we want to be part of — and what we’re willing to stand for.

Key Issues John Raised:

• The constitution was re-registered despite being voted down by members three times
• 1,000+ members were quietly reclassified as “authorised persons,” losing voting rights
• Lack of transparency and consultation from the board
• Suppression of dissent – carers targeted for raising concerns
• Donor funds diverted – millions spent on consultants, not wildlife
• No meaningful support for grassroots carers
• AGMs not held in recent years – undermining member voice
• Ongoing legal battles in the Supreme Court and Fair Work
• Culture of fear and exclusion across branches

John’s Suggestions for Change:

• Reinstate full member status to all downgraded carers
• Replace board directors who ignore the membership
• Appoint interim leaders who prioritise transparency and fairness
• Return to a truly member-led model of governance
• Create clear pathways for communication between carers and leadership
• Stop wasting public donations – refocus funding on wildlife and carers
• Hold regular, open AGMs to keep leadership accountable
• Cultivate a culture where volunteers are valued, not feared

Why It Matters:

If WIRES continues down this path, it risks losing the very people who built it — the volunteers on the ground.

John’s story is a call to protect not just our wildlife, but the community that gives up time, money, and emotional energy to care for it.
This is about restoring trust, rewriting the rules, and making WIRES a place where good people can do good work — without fear.

Take Action:

• Vote at the upcoming SGM to remove directors and demand change
• Share this episode with fellow carers and concerned supporters
• Stay informed – knowledge is power
• Speak up – your voice matters

Listen. Reflect. Reform.


Let’s build a WIRES that’s accountable, transparent, and truly for the carers — and the creatures — it claims

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