Become a member

Become a member of Bat Conservation & Rescue QLD Inc.

Recruitment of new volunteers is essential for the work BCRQ does to try and conserve the bat population in South East Qld. To achieve BCRQ aims of rescue, care, education and conservation of Australian bats BCRQ relies heavily on amazing individuals who wish to help the organisation and the bats.

Bat Conservation & Rescue Qld. Inc. has two types of members – Rescue and Care (Active), and Support (Associate).

A Rescue and Care Member can be involved in direct work and handling of bats while a Support Member never has direct contact with either flying-foxes or microbats.

Active members can of course be involved in the same activities as an Associate Member.

Family discounts are also available. One person in the household must be a full-fee paying Active or Support member. All other household members will receive a discount of 20%.

Membership fees

Rescue and Care Membership (Active)

Active members can be involved in some or all of the following activities:

• Rescuing bats
• Raising orphans
• Caring for flying-foxes
• Caring for microbats

Active Members must be over 18 years of age and have access to a private vehicle, driven by themselves or another licensed driver. Public transport, taxis and ride-share schemes are not acceptable forms of transport for bats. All members will have access to free annual rescue and orphan training workshops, including training manuals. Access to crèche and release facilities is made available either free, or for the lowest charge we can manage.

Active membership involves handling flying-foxes and microbats, both of which have been known to carry a rare disease called Australian Bat Lyssavirus. Although Australian Health authorities suggest that Lyssavirus poses a low public health risk, BCRQ active members MUST have a course of rabies vaccinations (3 injections over 1 month) before undertaking Active Membership activities. The responsibility for vaccinations rests with each individual member. BCRQ cannot be held liable should an Active Member neglect to be adequately vaccinated or fail to have booster vaccinations when indicated necessary by a low titre level.

Members must do the following to become Active members and to maintain Active Membership:

• Supply BCRQ with current titre results (in the form of an immunology report or Doctor’s letter)
• Pay annual membership fees
• Attend regular annual training

Once an Active Member you will be covered under BCRQ’s umbrella Rehabilitation permit and your personal details will be provided to the Department of Environment and Science stating how many bats may be allowed on your property.

Annual fee: $25.00 per year for one person

*Fees are paid on March 31st each year. Pro-rata of fees is calculated automatically for new members.

Support Membership (Associate)

Support Members are valued members who assist with areas of the organisation which do not involve direct contact with bats. Support Members can support BCRQ by assisting with any of the following activities:

• Fundraising
• Social Media Accounts
• Public awareness/education
• Newsletter production
• Rescue hotline
• Data entry
• Website maintenance
• Fruit cutting
• Other miscellaneous activities

Annual fee: $20.00 per year for one person

*Fees are paid on March 31st each year. Pro-rata of fees is calculated automatically for new members.