Animal rehoming organisations across the North Coast and Mid North Coast are among the recipients of the first round of the NSW Government’s $6 million Companion Animal Welfare and Rehoming Grants program.
A total of $1.5 million has been awarded to 58 organisations statewide, with several North Coast and Mid North Coast groups receiving funding to support the care of vulnerable cats and dogs.
Recipients in the region include Friends of Kempsey Pound ($54,000), Port Macquarie Animal Welfare Service ($32,400), Animal Welfare League NSW Far South Coast Branch ($42,660), Animal Welfare League NSW – North Coast ($27,000), and Friends of the Pound (Tweed) ($37,800), among others.
The grants can be used for equipment, facility upgrades and veterinary treatments such as desexing and vaccination, helping local organisations expand their capacity and improve animal welfare outcomes.
Rehoming and rescue organisations play a critical role across regional NSW, particularly in coastal and rural communities where resources are often stretched. Much of this work is carried out by volunteers, easing pressure on council pounds, reducing euthanasia rates and giving animals a second chance.
The program, administered by the NSW Office of Local Government, will allocate $1.5 million annually over four years through a competitive application process.
“These wonderful organisations are largely run by volunteers who dedicate their time, effort and hearts to protecting the most vulnerable cats and dogs.” said Minister for Local Government Ron Hoenig.
“This funding will help provide safe havens for surrendered animals, return lost pets to their owners, and find temporary and forever homes for animals without care.
“This support by the Minns Labor Government will make it easier for rehoming organisations to continue delivering essential animal care and rehoming services.
“I congratulate all the grant recipients and thank them on behalf of the government and community for their outstanding work.”
CatRescue901 Director and successful applicant Carole Nesse welcomed the funding.
“This grant is an absolute gamechanger for us. Now we can grow our operations and help get more cats off the streets. It will also ease the pressure on our desexing program, which is really stretched at the moment because of the number of cats needing our support.” said Nesse.
“The funding also allows us to offer more subsidised vet care to people who need it.
“We’re incredibly passionate about what we do, but a small organisation like ours relies on public donations. This grant gives us the security we need so we can save more cats and give them the second chance they deserve.”
Got something you want to say about this story? Have your say on our opinion and comment hub, North Coast Times Engage