2026 Microbat and Flying Fox
Volunteer Rescue Training
Scheduled Upcoming Training Sessions 2026
August 15th 2026 - Mirboo North - Register Here
August 29th 2026 - Bendigo - Register Here - Waiting List
September 12th 2026 - Alphington (Melbourne)- Register Here -Waiting List
September 19th 2026 - Alphington (Melbourne)- Register Here -Waiting List
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be vaccinated against Australian Bat Lyssavirus before attending training?
No. Vaccination is not required to attend the training. We will cover personal safety, vaccination requirements and immunity testing during the session. Vaccination and confirmed immunity are required before undertaking rescues or handling bats. If you haven't started the vaccine process please wait until training to receive all information.
Who is this training suitable for?
This training is suitable for wildlife rescuers, carers, transporters, bat camp monitors, veterinarians, veterinary nurses, ecologists, scientists, people who regularly work with bats, and those interested in becoming bat rescuers. Beginners are welcome, and information about volunteering pathways will be provided.
Do I need a car or reliable transport?
Ideally, yes. Bat rescuers need access to reliable transport to attend rescues and transport animals when required.
Can I bring additional people or children who are not registered?
No. Places are limited and each attendee must have a booked ticket. Please do not bring unregistered guests or children.
Will I receive support after completing the training?
Yes. Once vaccinated and cleared to rescue, you will receive ongoing support and mentoring from experienced bat rescuers as you begin attending rescues.
Can I volunteer if I work full-time?
Absolutely. Many of our rescuers work full-time. Rescue calls can occur at any time, so volunteers simply assist when they are available.
Is the rabies vaccine the same vaccine used for ABLV - Australian Bat Lyssavirus protection?
Yes. The rabies vaccine is used to protect against Australian Bat Lyssavirus. Further information will be provided during training.
Is there a minimum age to attend training?
We recommend participants be at least 14 years old due to some graphic rescue images included in the presentation. Participants under 18 years of age must attend with a parent or guardian.
Will lunch be provided during the training?Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day to keep everyone fuelled and comfortable. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch or take advantage of nearby food options during the lunch break.
Will this training allow me to become a volunteer bat carer?
To care for bats or other wildlife in Victoria, you must hold the appropriate licence through Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. The training covers the process briefly, and many carers begin their journey as rescuers.
Can I have pets if I volunteer with bats?
Yes. Many rescuers and carers have pets at home. Following correct hygiene and safety procedures means there is no risk to your pets from participating in bat rescues.
Can I volunteer at a wildlife shelter or bat clinic?
Yes. The first step is obtaining your rabies vaccination and a successful titre (blood) test to confirm immunity. Once this is complete, we can help guide you through the next steps for volunteering opportunities.
Do I need previous wildlife experience?
No previous experience is required. We welcome people who are new to wildlife rescue and will provide guidance on the pathway to becoming a bat rescuer.
Do I need to be vaccinated against Australian Bat Lyssavirus before attending training?
No. Vaccination is not required to attend the training. We will cover personal safety, vaccination requirements and immunity testing during the session. Vaccination and confirmed immunity are required before undertaking rescues or handling bats. If you haven't started the vaccine process please wait until training to receive all information.
Who is this training suitable for?
This training is suitable for wildlife rescuers, carers, transporters, bat camp monitors, veterinarians, veterinary nurses, ecologists, scientists, people who regularly work with bats, and those interested in becoming bat rescuers. Beginners are welcome, and information about volunteering pathways will be provided.
Do I need a car or reliable transport?
Ideally, yes. Bat rescuers need access to reliable transport to attend rescues and transport animals when required.
Can I bring additional people or children who are not registered?
No. Places are limited and each attendee must have a booked ticket. Please do not bring unregistered guests or children.
Will I receive support after completing the training?
Yes. Once vaccinated and cleared to rescue, you will receive ongoing support and mentoring from experienced bat rescuers as you begin attending rescues.
Can I volunteer if I work full-time?
Absolutely. Many of our rescuers work full-time. Rescue calls can occur at any time, so volunteers simply assist when they are available.
Is the rabies vaccine the same vaccine used for ABLV - Australian Bat Lyssavirus protection?
Yes. The rabies vaccine is used to protect against Australian Bat Lyssavirus. Further information will be provided during training.
Is there a minimum age to attend training?
We recommend participants be at least 14 years old due to some graphic rescue images included in the presentation. Participants under 18 years of age must attend with a parent or guardian.
Will lunch be provided during the training?Light refreshments, tea and coffee will be provided throughout the day to keep everyone fuelled and comfortable. Participants are encouraged to bring their own lunch or take advantage of nearby food options during the lunch break.
Will this training allow me to become a volunteer bat carer?
To care for bats or other wildlife in Victoria, you must hold the appropriate licence through Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. The training covers the process briefly, and many carers begin their journey as rescuers.
Can I have pets if I volunteer with bats?
Yes. Many rescuers and carers have pets at home. Following correct hygiene and safety procedures means there is no risk to your pets from participating in bat rescues.
Can I volunteer at a wildlife shelter or bat clinic?
Yes. The first step is obtaining your rabies vaccination and a successful titre (blood) test to confirm immunity. Once this is complete, we can help guide you through the next steps for volunteering opportunities.
Do I need previous wildlife experience?
No previous experience is required. We welcome people who are new to wildlife rescue and will provide guidance on the pathway to becoming a bat rescuer.
Future Training
Can't make one of our 2026 training sessions? We’d still love to hear from you.
Register your interest to be notified about future Microbat and Flying Fox Rescue Training opportunities across Victoria in 2027.
2027 Expression of Interest (EOI)
Click here to register your interest for 2027 training
Can't make one of our 2026 training sessions? We’d still love to hear from you.
Register your interest to be notified about future Microbat and Flying Fox Rescue Training opportunities across Victoria in 2027.
2027 Expression of Interest (EOI)
Click here to register your interest for 2027 training
