Joanne Blake

Wildlife and animal companion volunteer

2023 VIC Local Hero Nominee

Emergency nurse and animal lover Joanne Blake is a volunteer for wildlife and companion animals in Gippsland and beyond. She rescued animals in Gippsland during the Black Summer bushfires then the floods, as well as delivering food to pets of people in isolation during the COVID-19 lockdowns.

Joanne volunteers with the Animal Rescue Cooperative (ARC), coordinating and distributing food and medical supplies to wildlife shelters, dog and cat rescue groups, council animal shelters and people in need throughout Gippsland and country Victoria.

Her experience, support and advice helped volunteers working with ARC in the 2022 floods in northern New South Wales. Joanne also works with the Office of the Governor of Tonga to provide ongoing food and medical supplies for animals affected by the island nation’s January 2022 tsunami.

Joanne’s amazing efforts have saved the lives of many vulnerable animals affected by crisis, disaster, injury or abandonment.