Our Journey, Their Future

Like most volunteer community groups, it has humble beginnings, with a few dedicated people sharing a similar passion. For Midwest Marsupial Carers Incorporated (MMCI), the passion was marsupials, mostly kangaroos. 

During the 1990s in the Midwest of Western Australia, a small group of women were working in isolation, dedicating time and effort to rescuing and nurturing orphaned and injured kangaroos. Their paths might never have crossed if it weren't for a local vet named Ali Banfield. Ali had met all these women independently when they sought assistance with a sick or injured kangaroo. Ali believed if they all met each other, they could provide support, guidance, and education to one another, and share resources to better care for the kangaroos.

The women, who had once been strangers working in isolation, soon became friends. For years, this small team worked quietly but made a meaningful impact. By 2010, they realised it was time to step things up to ensure their work could continue to grow. That’s when MMCI was officially created. Today we are 33 members strong, with 22 active carers. MMCI is more than just a name, it symbolised decades of resilience, teamwork, and commitment.

Want to be part of their mission? Whether it’s volunteering, donating, or simply spreading the word, every little bit helps. Together, we can make a big difference for these amazing animals!

  • Our organisation spans an impressive 72,000 km², dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating approximately 100 orphaned joeys each year. These include red kangaroos, euros (wallaroos), and western grey kangaroos. Unfortunately, not all joeys make it to the release stage due to injuries, illnesses, or accidents. We primarily release red kangaroos and some euros, while western greys are entrusted to other wildlife groups for release.

  • Like many wildlife organisations, we face significant challenges, including limited resources, financial constraints, and a shortage of carers. Despite these obstacles, our dedication remains strong. Each year, we successfully rehabilitate and release up to 35 red kangaroos, giving them a second chance to thrive in their natural habitat.

  • Kangaroos play a vital role in Australia’s ecosystem. Their movements shape the landscape, their grazing helps maintain healthy grasslands, and their survival reflects the overall health of our environment. However, they face growing challenges due to misinformation, policy complexities, and human activities. Thoughtful, science-based management is essential to ensure their future.

  • For those interested in kangaroo conservation and management, we encourage exploring available resources. By staying informed and supporting ethical conservation efforts, we can all contribute to protecting these iconic Australian animals.