90
# Animals in care everyday
234
Koalas leaf trips per year
(7 hrs per trip)
41,600
Average yearly Kms travelled
Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation and Education Association Inc.
Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Education Australia (WRREA) is a dedicated organisation committed to protecting and rehabilitating Australia’s wildlife. Founded by Trish LeeHong in 2005, WRREA has grown into a Wildlife Centre where injured, orphaned, displaced animals and lost pets receive the care they need to heal and thrive. The organisation’s mission extends beyond rescue and rehabilitation, as it actively engages in education and conservation efforts to create a more sustainable future for native species.
WRREA holds a rehabilitation permit for least concern and specialised species such as koala, echidna, platypus, bats, emus and birds of prey (eagles, falcons, owls, raptors, etc.).
WRREA relies on the passion and dedication of volunteers and the support of corporate partnerships to continue its vital work. Through rescue operations, rehabilitation programs and education workshops, WRREA empowers communities to take an active role in wildlife conservation. Whether it’s hands-on care for animals in need or spreading awareness about environmental stewardship, WRREA stands as a beacon of hope for Australia’s unique and diverse wildlife.
Book a tourMeet the team
Trish LeeHong
Ceo and founder
Kris Stokes
Secretary
Chris Lee-Hong
Treasurer
Rodney Clarke
Website stuff
Volunteers are our lifeblood…
At the heart of our mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and protect wildlife are our dedicated volunteers. Their passion and commitment enable us to provide timely and effective responses, ensuring that vulnerable animals receive the care they need. From field rescues to hands-on rehabilitation, every effort made by our volunteers plays a crucial role in safeguarding native species and fostering coexistence between wildlife and communities. Their expertise, compassion, and tireless dedication strengthen our ability to act swiftly and responsibly in times of crisis.
Beyond direct rescue efforts, our volunteers also drive our education and outreach initiatives, helping to spread awareness about wildlife conservation. By engaging with the public, providing essential training, and sharing knowledge, they empower communities to better understand and support the natural environment. Their contributions ensure that wildlife protection remains a collective responsibility, inspiring new generations to take action and preserve ecosystems for the future. Without our volunteers, none of this would be possible, and we honor their indispensable role in fulfilling our vision
Interested in volunteering? Click here..A word from our founder…
Welcome to WRREA: Wildlife Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Education Australia. My name is Trish LeeHong, and while I may be the founder of WRREA, this organisation is far from a solo endeavor.
Building WRREA into the wildlife and rehabilitation centre it is today has taken the dedication of many dedicated individuals, each contributing their expertise, time, and unwavering support. It is their collective effort that makes WRREA what it is… a place of hope, healing, and education for wildlife in need.
My interest wildlife began in western Queensland after being given some kangaroos, wallabies and emu chicks to raise, these were returned to the wild and that feeling of satisfaction was to change my life forever. In 1994 my husband and I expanded our deer farm to Wondae Deer Farm and Wildlife Park and it grew steadily. Our commitment to providing guided tours not only protected our precious wildlife it was welcomed by many tourists. In 1999 I moved to the Toowoomba Region and at age of 45 I decided it was time to learn more about our precious wildlife.
Shortly after after settling into the Lockyer Valley my journey into wildlife biology has been shaped by a deep respect for the natural world and the creatures that inhabit it. With a Bachelor of Applied Science (Honours) in Wildlife Biology, my academic pursuits lead me to serve as an Adjunct Lecturer and PhD Candidate at The University of Queensland. Through my long history of hands-on rehabilitation, research and education I strive to bridge the gap between science and conservation, ensuring our work at WRREA continues to make a tangible impact.
But WRREA can’t do this alone. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our organisation, and we welcome anyone who shares our passion for wildlife conservation to join us whether by assisting in rescue efforts, habitat restoration, or community education programs.
We also believe in the power of collaboration, and corporate partnerships play a crucial role in expanding our reach and impact. Businesses looking to make a meaningful difference can support WRREA through sponsorships, employee engagement programs, and sustainability initiatives. Together, we can ensure that Australia’s unique wildlife has a future worth fighting for.
If you’re interested in becoming part of our mission, we’d love to hear from you—because real change happens when we work together.
I hope to hear from you soon,
Patricia (Trish) LeeHong
2011 IFAW Action Award
2022 Serventy Conservation Award, Australian Wildlife Society
2025 Citizen of the Year, Lockyer Valley Regional Council
