20 Jun 2018 Benalla Ensign, Benalla VIC (General News) Benallas Sharon Miles has received $1840 in Victorian Government funding to help run a local wildlife shelter. The state government has provided $170 000 in funding to assist Victorias wildlife rehabilitators to help care for sick, injured and orphaned wildlife. State Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes has announced funding for 17 shelter operators and foster carers in northern Victoria. The funding is part of the 2017/18 Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants, with each recipient receiving up to $2000. The grants recognise the important work undertaken by rehabilitators and will help with the cost of caring for Victorias diverse wildlife. The program supports wildlife rehabilitators to buy equipment and infrastructure to assist with the operation of their facilities and to attend appropriate training. Were making sure our local volunteers have the tools and the training to protect our native wildlife. Ms Symes said. These grants are helping our rehabilitators respond to incidents like bushfires, floods and oil spills that can affect our wildlife. This is about supporting the volunteers who house, feed and care for our wildlife when they need it most. Now in its 10th year, the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program has provided more than $1.3 million since it began in 2008. Applications for the 2018/19 round of the Wildlife Rehabilitator Grants Program will open on July 1. To apply for a grant, visit wildlife.vic.gov.au/grants/wildliferehabilitator-grants