RiverConnect’s Crafternoon set to help bushfire affected wildlife

Posted on Monday 19th of January, 2026,

RiverConnect is partnering with the Animal Rescue Craft Group - Goulburn Valley, Goulburn Murray Landcare Network, Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project and Bohollow Wildlife Shelter to host a special Bushfire Assistance for Wildlife Crafternoon to support wildlife carers responding to animals affected by the recent heatwave and bushfires.

In Summary

  • RiverConnect is hosting a Bushfire Assistance for Wildlife Crafternoon in partnership with local wildlife, environment and community organisations to support carers responding to animals impacted by recent heatwave and bushfire events.
  • The free community event will be held on Wednesday 21 January, from 2pm to 5pm, at the Munch n Crunch Rooms at KidsTown, with community members able to drop in throughout the afternoon.
  • Participants will help create wildlife care items including pouches, bat wraps, nests and possum dreys, which will be distributed to local and regional wildlife carers.
  • Donations of suitable materials and tools are encouraged, registrations are required, and support is also available for those wishing to contribute items outside the event.

The free community event will be held during the school holidays on Wednesday 21 January, from 2pm to 5pm, at the Munch n Crunch Rooms at KidsTown. Community members are invited to drop in at any time during the afternoon.

Participants will help create urgently needed wildlife pouches, bat wraps, hanging bags, knitted or crocheted nests and wire possum dreys that will be distributed to local and regional wildlife carers supporting affected wildlife. All patterns will be provided, and both experienced makers and first‑time learners are encouraged to participate.

Families, children and adults can contribute through sewing, cutting patterns, knitting, crocheting, ironing, simple metal work and other tasks. Kids will have the opportunity to learn basic sewing or crochet skills and write messages of support to accompany their handmade wildlife items.

Donations of materials are strongly encouraged, including:

  • Pre‑washed 100 per cent cotton or flannelette sheets and doona covers
  • Balls of acrylic or woollen yarn
  • Other clean fabric made of natural fibres suitable for pouch-making

Donations of fabric will only be accepted on Monday and Tuesday at the Welsford Steet Council Building, and on Wednesday at the event location.

Attendees are also invited to bring sewing machines, fabric scissors, knitting needles or crochet hooks for use on the day.

Council’s Manager Environment, Sharon Terry, encouraged families to participate in this community event and make a difference for wildlife that has been affected by the recent bushfires.

“The Crafternoon gives community members the chance to play an active role in supporting injured wildlife and their rehabilitation. On the day, we’ll also have a local Wildlife Carer available to share insights about the challenges of caring for animals in bushfire-affected areas,” she said.

Registrations are essential to assist in planning space, machines and materials.

Register now here 

Those unable to attend the Crafternoon who wish to create wildlife pouches in their own time, are encouraged to contact RiverConnect for patterns and drop off times.

For further information, please contact Emily Lange, RiverConnect Education Officer on 5832 9700 or email riverconnect@shepparton.vic.gov.au 

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