Sydney, 23 July 2007 - IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare) is searching for animal lovers across Australia to participate in the prestigious IFAW Action Awards.

Friends, relatives or colleagues of animal heroes who have accomplished outstanding work with wildlife or domestic animals are encouraged to come forward and nominate individuals for an award.

The awards will be presented during IFAW’s 15th Annual Action Week, which is held from 1-7 October 2007.

“We want to recognise the exceptional efforts of unsung animal heroes who give their time, and often money, to care for animals,” said IFAW Asia Pacific Director, Mick McIntyre.

“Whether someone has set up an animal sanctuary, works to re-home unwanted pets or is campaigning to protect endangered native animals, we want to honour these special people through the IFAW Action Awards,” Mr McIntyre said.

In 2006 the IFAW Young Animal Welfare Campaigner Award went to Skye Bortoli for her remarkable efforts to raise awareness of the plight of humpback whales.  Since then Skye’s animal welfare work has taken her to the International Whaling Commission meeting in Alaska.

 n Victoria wildlife carer Colleen Wood received an IFAW Action Award for her outstanding work rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of koalas at her Southern Ash Wildlife Centre. 

Nominating someone is easy, just write to IFAW and tell us about your nominee’s work with animals, along with addresses and daytime phone numbers for both you and the person you have nominated.

You can mail your nomination letter to IFAW Action Awards, 8 Belmore Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010, or, email info-au@ifaw.org, with IFAW Action Awards in the subject.

Nominations must be received by 5pm on Friday 31 August 2007.