Volunteers like Wombat Care Bundanoon and the Wombat Warriors are dedicated to treating mange in wombats. Video: Shivé Prema
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A new Wom-bat Mobile means one organisation in the Highlands can reach and treat more wombats like never before.
Wombat Care Bundanoon received a Mitsubishi Pajero that has been modified "with things you have to respond straight away" such as cages, nets, first aid and heating pads that are the same temperature as a mother's pouch.
The vehicle was donated by members from the Wombat Protection Society last year, and has been officially insured and on the road this month.
The four-wheel drive allows the organisation to go to places that were previously harder to reach and reach more wombats.
"It's got everything we need for high mud and water and streams and the rest," said founder and licensed carer John Creighton.
"We're using it to the fullest already, we couldn't imagine going back to the way we were."
The organisation previously had a hatchback then a Ute that were unable to go deep into the bush and off the road.
Cameras have also been installed and shovels and crowbars for flooded burrows are also in the new vehicle.
"The cameras are the eyes and ears of what we are doing," he said.
He said the organisation has set up cameras in the bush to observe the condition of a wombat's habitat but and assess the marsupial's health.
Mr Creighton said that calls have "not slowed down one bit" since the bushfires.
"The fires at least in the wombat world, the dominoes haven't dropped yet," he said.
More wombats have been spotted in residential areas throughout the Highlands "causing trouble" because they are in search of food and shelter if their burrows are flooded.
Mr Creighton said that this has caused the infestation of mange mites, which lay eggs under the skin, to spread in wombats.
Wombat Care Bundanoon has cured over 500 wombats from mange since it was established.
The organisation has also rescued up to 200 wombats and joeys from pouches from roadsides.
"On the side of roads, they have no idea what a car is, by the time they do, they basically hit them," Mr Creighton said.
"Numbers are reeling back fast due to mange, road kill and development.
"Awareness saves lives, [and] word about mange saves lives."
If any Highlanders spot a wombat with scabs, notice one on the side of the road or cannot check pouches for joeys, they can call Wombat Care Bundanoon on 0490 659 245.
If unavailable, residents can contact Wildlife Rescue South Coast's 24/7 line on 0418 427 214.
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