Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation and Wildlife Education Centre in Chewton is holding a fundraising evening and silent auction at the Cumberland Hotel this Saturday.
The local sanctuary opened its doors to the public around six months ago and has been receiving five star reviews from visitors from across the world.
Jirrahlinga (meaning to seek a home for a kangaroo) initially began in 1975 at Barwon Heads and was founded by Tehree Gordon OAM and her husband Hamish, who took over the Dingo Farm at Chewton in 2005.
Since then the couple, and a small group of dedicated volunteers and employees, have spent countless hours revegetating the local property, building enclosures for the multiple varieties of native animals before amalgamating the two sanctuaries on the one site.
Jirrahlinga team member Jen Wursthorn said the June 10 fundraiser aimed to highlight the important work of the sanctuary over the past 47 years and celebrate their new chapter at Chewton.
As well as its population of 150 dingoes, the not-for-profit organisation is also home to many beautiful Australian native animals including kangaroos, koalas, reptiles and birds.
These animals have either been rescued/injured, surrendered, or born in captivity.
“With over 600 Australian native species our unique wildlife tours will give you the opportunity to meet our furry, feathery and scaley family,” Jen said.
“Our wildlife encounters are like no other, this is where we can educate guests on the history and conservation work we are doing to help preserve the biodiversity of our native species.”
The Silent Auction and raffle prizes will go on display at the Cumberland Hotel from 4pm this Thursday and community members are encouraged to pop in and make a bid. There will also be the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the inhabitants from Jirrahlinga at the Cumberland Hotel Saturday afternoon between 2pm and 4pm.
Auction and raffle entries will close at 7pm Saturday followed by the dinner and prize draw. Bookings for the dinner can be made direct with the Cumberland.
“If anyone would like to donate a prize or a gift voucher we’d be incredibly grateful,” Jen said.
“One hundred per cent of all monies raised will go directly to the feeding, welfare and upkeep of our animals, as well as their living areas,” Jen said.
If your business would like to donate a prize please email Jen at jirrahlingajen@yahoo.com or phone 0493 387 144.
Jirrahlinga Dingo Conservation and Wildlife Education Centre in Chewton is open every day except Wednesdays. Guided tours take place at 10am and 1pm daily. You can book your tour online at www.jirrahlinga.com.au
