The Ballarat Youth Council is selling animal rescue kits created by members with a passion for wildlife and caring for animals.
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The bags are intended to be kept in the car and provide basic tools to assist injured wildlife that may be found on the side of the road.
Each kit contains a towel, pillow case, a water bottle, gloves, reflective tape, scissors, bandages, pens and saline solution, in addition to an information sheet and a contact number for wildlife rescuers.
Ballarat Youth Council member Gabriel Gervasoni and City of Ballarat youth development officer Katja Fiedler said the kits had been a 'life saver' for some animals.
"I had a friend who rang me and she had found a small magpie that was injured on the side of the road," Ms Fiedler said.
"She had one of the animal rescue kits in her car, rang the number provided and the rescue group told her exactly what to do - to wrap the magpie in a towel and take it to the vet.
"Unfortunately it didn't live but they did everything they could."
Mr Gervasoni and a fellow youth council member were the driving forces behind creating the kits that are now being sold at events including markets and music event Spring In The Park, and the Ballarat Library.
Funds raised from the sales will be donated to animal welfare groups and wildlife rescuers.
"I have always been invested in animals since I was a child... and this is an issue young people care about," Mr Gervasoni said.
The animal rescue kit bags feature a screen-printed logo designed by a young person and quotes from leaders such as Steve Irwin: "we don't own the planet earth, we belong to it, and we must share it with our wildlife".
Other youth council priority focus areas include environment and sustainability and mental health.
Members behind the environment focused project group are hosting a 'green wardrobe' event on Saturday including a clothes shop and up-cycling workshops from 1.30pm at the Old Sheriff's Office.
More information about youth-led events and projects in Ballarat can be found here: linktr.ee/ballaratyouth.
People aged 12 to 25 can apply to be a part of the Youth Council at ballarat.vic.gov.au/careers/youth-council.
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Rochelle Kirkham
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
Rochelle covers court and has a particular interest in social issues including homelessness, food security and family violence.
