Timeline of Key Events

2019/2020

  • WIRES received an unprecedented $100 million, compared to a previous annual income of $4 million.

2021

  • Introduction of policy changes, a new Welfare Team, and a volunteer Rescue 101 program.

  • Member concerns were ignored.

  • Welfare Team began inspections of senior carers.

  • New vet check policy created problems: unpaid vets, lack of wildlife specialists, and unnecessary stress on animals.

  • Head Office expenses and staff numbers rose sharply.

 

September 2023 – SGM 1

  • First Special General Meeting (SGM): tied the vote on adoption of a new constitution to transferring WIRES to a company structure.

  • Proposed constitution:

    • Removed Rescue & Rehabilitation from WIRES’ core Objectives.

    • Required members to reapply annually.

    • Created a Nominations Committee with veto power over Board candidates.

    • Introduced vague activities, including advocacy for illegal practices.

  • Governance experts described it as “a business plan” focused on funding, not wildlife.

  • Members rejected the constitution.

 

March 2024 – SGM 2

  • WIRES Board made minor changes but added a new category: ‘Authorised Person’, creating confusion over membership rights.

  • Members again did not accept the constitution.

 

July 2024 – SGM 3 (called by members)

  • Members secured consent from 172+ members to call their own SGM.

  • Proposed a constitution based on ACNC guidelines:

    • Preserved democratic member voting.

    • Retained the Public Gift Fund Committee.

  • WIRES denied access to the Register of Members, limiting communication.

  • Members created WIRES Members – Vote to Keep Wildlife in Our Hands on Facebook.

  • Both constitutions failed to reach the 75% required for Special Resolution.

  • Ordinary Resolution passed: members would transfer to the new company with only written agreement.

  • The Members’ Constitution received 48% support despite limited access; the ProLegis Constitution received 56%with heavy promotion by HO.

 

September 2024 – WIRES Ultimatum

  • WIRES gave members 7 days to “click to agree” to the ProLegis constitution to remain members.

  • Many refused, choosing integrity over compliance.

  • WIRES transferred to ASIC, excluding those who didn’t click — effectively removing them from membership.

  • Members were left questioning their licensing, insurance, and ability to rescue wildlife.

October 2024 – WIRES correspondence stated:

November 2024 | Legal Action Commenced

  • Members initiated legal action in the NSW Supreme Court seeking reinstatement of excluded members (now labelled Authorised Persons).

  • The case remains ongoing, focused on restoring democratic member rights and protecting the future of WIRES.

Ongoing

Reclaim WIRES continues to advocate for:

  • Transparency in decision-making

  • Respectful consultation with members

  • Volunteer-led wildlife care at the heart of WIRES’ mission