The road to recovery has not been easy for the Dingo Sanctuary Bargo.
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The home of 30 native dogs was decimated by the Green Wattle Creek bushfire that raged through the village of Bargo and the sanctuary on December 19.
The centre, which is entirely run by volunteers, is now battling to survive through the restrictions of COVID-19 pandemic.
The sanctuary has been closed since it was ravaged by bushfires, and the ability to rebuild has been hindered by the pandemic.
As a result the normal form of income - paying visitors through the gates - needed to feed and care animals, cover vet bills and support volunteers, has been completely halted.
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One of the founding members and volunteer at the sanctuary for the past 52 years Lucille Ellem said the road to recovery was "slow and heartbreaking".
Mrs Ellem said that all the buildings and historic records were lost in the bushfire, fences were damaged and there were still many fire-damaged, dangerous trees on the property.
She said the shelter for "our wonderful volunteers" was now under a makeshift tent.
"Sticking to the rules of the COVID-19 restrictions mean that we can only have two volunteers on site at any time to feed and medicate dingoes where necessary, and do whatever maintenance work we can," she said.
"The dingoes are pretty resilient. Their character is freedom and survival.
"This character was proved during the bushfires.
"The dingoes were back at the sanctuary within a week, but we are still a long way from returning their environment to normal."
In addition to rebuilding and repairing fences, the sanctuary volunteers are also keen to replant the property with colourful natives and rebuild the collection of historical photos and other items.
Mrs Ellem said many people had been wonderful in donating items such as photos from the past.
"We would welcome any further donations such as this.
"Donations of native plants are also welcome.
"The sanctuary is on National Trust land. Heritage enrichment is a requirement of the trust and that includes natives plants on the grounds."
Mrs Ellem said donations and the wonderful volunteers were invaluable in the continued survival of the sanctuary, especially through the tough shutdown period.
"One of our volunteers, Lyn Cummings, whose son Peter is also a volunteer, has been working hard to prepare grant applications," she said.
Mrs Ellem said that she was also waiting to find out if the sanctaury was eligible for funding under the recent Federal Government announcement that $94.6 million had been allocated to support zoos and aquariums through the COVID-19 crisis.
The funds would be used to pay for the cost of caring for animals and keep operations afloat until travel and other coronavirus restrictions were lifted.
In the meantime, Mrs Ellem said donations could be made directly to the sanctuary and would be greatly appreciated.
"Every cent donated always goes towards the animals, resources for volunteers and the ongoing rebuild," she said.
For details about the Dingo Sanctuary Bargo or to donate go to https://dingosanctuarybargo.com.au/
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