Community
28 March, 2024
Council seeks new direction for shelter
AFTER running the Warrnambool animal shelter for the last 20 years, the RSPCA has this week been informed it will cease operations on June 30.
Following a decision by Warrnambool City Council to investigate alternative operating arrangements, RSPCA Victoria on Tuesday advised its employees and volunteers at the Warrnambool shelter that in just over three months’ time it would no longer operate the facility.
Supported by a group of 25 volunteers, the organisation currently has a dedicated team of 15 local employees at the Warrnambool shelter who now face redundancy.
Dr Liz Walker, RSPCA Victoria chief executive, and head of operations Tanya Drakopoulos met with the local team on Tuesday to inform them of the change and said their focus would now be on supporting the team in the coming months and ensuring a smooth transition with council.
“This is a difficult day, especially for our wonderful team of employees and volunteers at Warrnambool, some of whom have been with us for a long time, and all of whom have made a real difference for animals in the local community,” Dr Walker said.
“We’re so proud of what we have achieved in our time operating the Warrnambool shelter, with the local team caring for around 1,200 animals each year, providing food, shelter, vet care and giving as many as possible the chance to be fostered or adopted into loving new homes.
“We want to sincerely thank our people who have made a real difference in the community through their dedication and compassion for animals.”
Dr Walker also paid tribute to the local community for its support over many years and said RSPCA Victoria looks forward to continuing to support animal welfare in the region through its Education and Community Outreach programs and through the work of local inspectors.
These inspectors will continue to investigate animal cruelty reports from the area and take animals into the care of the RSPCA when required.
For many years RSPCA Victoria has been subsidising the cost of operating the shelter and has moved to a cost-neutrality model for all its council contracts, allowing the animal charity to invest its limited resources in areas and work where it can have the greatest impact for animal welfare.
Warrnambool City Council representatives also attended this week’s meeting.
Council’s chief executive officer Andrew Mason said council would continue to work with local volunteers to support animal welfare in the region.
“This is a significant change, but council remains committed to maintaining a shelter that has a focus on returning lost animals and re-homing those where owners’ circumstances have changed,” Mr Mason said.
“This is a council-owned facility and in addition to looking at a new operating model, council will invest in improvements to the building over coming years.
“We thank the RSPCA for its commitment to animal welfare and also the many volunteers who are key to ensuring better outcomes for domestic pets.”
RSPCA Victoria head of operations, Tanya Drakopoulos, said her team was “deeply saddened” to no longer run the facility from June 30, however RSPCA Victoria would continue to work with the council and the community through its education programs and vaccination days.
“We are all really sad about this week’s outcome and unfortunately our staff will be affected but we will support them in finding other job opportunities,” Ms Drakopoulos said.
“We will support council through this transition to make sure it is a smooth process and that our animals are all well cared for.
“As for adoptions, we will continue to run our adoption process until the end of June so if you are looking for a new animal to come into you home please come into our site, have a look and see if you fall in love with one of our furry friends “
Ms Drakopoulos thanked staff and volunteers for all their hard work and dedication over the last 20 years.
“We also thank the community that has supported us for so many years and really made the Warrnambool shelter successful.”
