The H5 Bird Flu Wildlife Preparedness Grant Program provides authorised wildlife shelter operators and authorised foster carers funding to improve preparedness in response to H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu).

The program supports wildlife rehabilitators to strengthen biosecurity readiness, improve isolation capability and reduce the risk of disease spread. Funding can be used to purchase personal protective equipment, cleaning and disinfection products, and other approved preparedness items that support H5 bird flu readiness and mitigation of virus spread.

For more information about H5N1 avian influenza (H5 bird flu) including current advice, visit Agriculture Victoria’s page on H5 bird flu.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the H5 Bird Flu Wildlife Preparedness Grant Program, applicants must meet all the following requirements:

  • hold current authorisation as a wildlife shelter operator or foster carer under section 28A of the Wildlife Act 1975
  • be actively engaged in wildlife rehabilitation, including the care of injured, sick or orphaned wildlife, and maintain an up-to-date shelter record or equivalent record in accordance with authorisation conditions
  • propose purchases or activities that support H5 bird flu preparedness, implementation of biosecurity measures, safe wildlife handling, animal separation or isolation capability, or mitigation of virus spread
  • agree to the program terms and conditions.

The following individuals cannot apply for funding:

  • a person convicted of any offence under the Wildlife Act 1975, Wildlife Regulations 2024, Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994, Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 or similar interstate or Commonwealth legislation during the last 10 years
  • any person who does not hold a valid wildlife shelter operator or foster carer authorisation under section 28A of the Wildlife Act 1975
  • any person who is currently subject to investigation or is subject to a written direction or compliance notice from the Conservation Regulator.

Application process

Applications for a grant must be submitted online using the DEECA Grants Online portal.

Funding will remain available until all grant funds are allocated or 12:00pm 30 September 2026, whichever occurs first.

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Supporting information

Applicants will be asked to provide:

  • a brief description of the proposed purchases and estimated costs, up to the maximum grant amount of $500
  • information required to confirm eligibility

Guidelines

For full details, refer to:

Notification process

Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be notified via email after the eligibility assessment.

All decisions are final and are not subject to further review. Unsuccessful applicants can request feedback.

Funding information

Eligible applicants may apply for an upfront grant of up to $500.

Eligible applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. Applications will remain open until all funding has been exhausted or 12:00pm 30 September 2026, whichever comes first.

Eligible for funding

The following expenditure is eligible for funding:

  • disposable gloves
  • heavy-duty rubber gloves
  • P2 (N95) masks
  • goggles and face shields
  • protective clothing, including coveralls and gowns
  • protective washable footwear and disposable shoe covers
  • cleaning, sanitising, and disinfectants and rubbish bags suitable for avian influenza biosecurity purposes
  • biosecurity supplies that support infection prevention and safe wildlife care.

Other reasonable preparedness items that align with the purpose of improving biosecurity readiness or risk mitigation of virus spread.

Not eligible for funding

The H5 Bird Flu Wildlife Preparedness Grant Program will not support:

  • major capital works or substantial facility upgrades.
  • general wildlife rehabilitation equipment, including cages, crates, enclosures or consumables, where the item is not clearly linked to H5 bird flu preparedness, biosecurity, separation, isolation or mitigation of virus spread.
  • general equipment such as exhaust fans, dishwashers, freezers, fridges, washing machines, portable air conditioners, heaters and sterilisation equipment.
  • payment of staff wages, volunteer allowances or traineeships.
  • routine operating costs such as rent, utilities, insurance or council rates.
  • retrospective expenditure incurred before funding approval.
  • other items determined by the Department to be inconsistent with the purpose of the program.

Funding will be provided as a single upfront payment.

Successful applicants must accept the funding offer, complete any required funding documentation and provide payment information before payment can be made.

Recipients must retain receipts or tax invoices for funded purchases. The Department may request copies of receipts, tax invoices or a declaration confirming funding was used for the approved preparedness purpose.

Detailed project reporting will not be required.

How applications are assessed

The Department will assess whether:

  • the applicant is eligible
  • the proposed purchases support H5 bird flu preparedness and biosecurity objectives
  • the proposed purchases are eligible under the program guidelines
  • the funding request is within the maximum grant amount of $500.

Applications that meet these requirements may be approved, subject to available funding.

Additional information

If you require assistance submitting your application online, please email grantsinfo@deeca.vic.gov.au.

For questions specific to the H5 Bird Flu Wildlife Preparedness Grant Program, please email enviro.grants@deeca.vic.gov.au or contact the DEECA Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.

Note: No hard copy applications will be accepted. Late and incomplete applications will not be considered.