RSPCA NSW is inviting Byron Bay locals to be part of a new initiative supporting animals and their owners during times of need. As part of a statewide program, the charity is building a team of volunteers who can step in to lend a hand when challenges affect the community.
The first step is an in-person training day at Byron Community Centre on Tuesday 1st October 2025, designed to give volunteers the knowledge and confidence to play an important role.
Please note, this isn’t a public event. You need to register with RSPCA as a volunteer, complete an induction and have a phone conversation before being onboarded.
Volunteers will not be first responders, but their support will make a real difference during recovery efforts. This could include helping at evacuation or relief centres, distributing animal supplies, assisting with basic animal first aid or transporting pets and essential resources.
The training session will cover the essentials of these roles, along with basic animal first aid, psychological first aid and safe animal handling. Participants will also gain access to a suite of online modules, including animal welfare and behaviour training, to continue building their skills.
“Byron Spaces is a fantastic venue that truly reflects the community spirit,” said Anne Keyvar, RSPCA NSW Emergency Response Manager. “It’s the perfect place to bring together like-minded animal lovers who want to make a real difference.”
Volunteering with the Emergency Response Team is flexible, with no set time commitment. Once trained, volunteers simply receive an alert if RSPCA NSW is activated in their region, and they can choose whether to respond based on their availability.
Community members who would like to take part in the training day can register by scanning the QR code on the poster or via the online link. This is a chance for animal lovers in Byron Bay to learn new skills, connect with others and be part of a network ready to support both pets and people when it matters most.
In Conversation: Anne Keyvar, Emergency Response Manager, RSPCA NSW
What inspired RSPCA NSW to establish the Emergency Response Team in Byron Bay, and why is it important for our community?
The Northern Rivers has unfortunately faced severe weather events in 2025, including Cyclone Alfred and the recent floods. RSPCA NSW is building a dedicated team of volunteers across the state, with a focus on communities most affected by floods and fires.
Our goal is to be there for the Byron Bay region and surrounding areas during times of emergency, while also providing meaningful ways for local community members to get involved and make use of our resources.
What kinds of situations will volunteers be trained to respond to, and how will they make a difference for animals and their owners?
RSPCA NSW volunteers are not first responders. Instead, they support communities during the relief and recovery stages of an emergency.
Volunteer roles may include:
- Assisting at the RSPCA stand in Evacuation or Relief Centres
- Supporting RSPCA Relief events by providing animal supplies and basic animal health services
- Helping transport animals and essential supplies
What can participants expect from the in-person training day on 1 October, and what skills will they walk away with?
The training will cover how volunteers can assist at relief events and with transporting supplies. It will also include basic animal first aid and psychological first aid. Volunteers will also receive access to multiple online training modules, including animal behaviour and welfare training.
For staff who might be interested, what is the best way to apply and how much time commitment is involved?
The easiest way for staff to apply is by registering for the Emergency Response Team using the QR code on the poster or the provided link. Once registered, an RSPCA team member will get in touch to guide you through the induction and provide access to the training resources.
The best part about joining the team is that there’s no ongoing commitment. If an emergency occurs in your region and RSPCA is activated, you’ll receive an alert with a call-out for volunteers. You’re never obligated to respond every time - it’s completely flexible, and you can contribute at a level that suits you. This also means you’re free to continue volunteering with other organisations in your community.
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