Luka Tremback is providing help to animals affected by the NSW floods

Without any formal veterinary qualifications, a Northern Rivers woman is “just a person who gives a damn”. She is inspiring the community to aid injured wildlife and animals. Read more.

As filthy, infested waters swept through the Northern Rivers, animals were left stranded and forgotten.

Luka Tremback, 34 rallied a small group of volunteers via Facebook to save as many trapped or injured animals as possible.

She is on a long term mission to bring feed where its needed.

A former business owner with no formal veterinary qualifications, she said she’s “just a person who gives a damn”.

Luka Tremback saved 4 kittens and has been able to re-home them after the 2022 floods in NSW.

Her project consists of two parts: to scour the lands for injured wildlife and to drop off feed to animal farm sanctuaries.

Mrs Tremback said it will be a “9-12 month project”.

“It's a long term issue. It’ll take a while to recover,’ she said.

Once flood water receded, Mrs Tremback took her cruiser out to look for joeys or injured wildlife.

She said heavy winds over the past week caused many bird nets to fall from trees.

Her task at the moment is to assist animal sanctuaries – farms where rescued farm animals have been taken.

“We go to the shops, pick up a whole bunch of feed, chuck in the trailer and drop it off.”

Luka Tremback with volunteer Amie San, giving their time to save wildlife and prevent animals from suffering from flooding. Picture: supplied

She said the flood affected locals can provide her with a comprehensive list of what's most needed.

“I fulfil that list within a day, directly to their homes.”

She said there is a lot of “bureaucracy and red tape” in applying for grants.

“Having to fill out forms, some of these people don't have access to internet or aren’t computer literate,” she said.

Mrs Tremback also said the animal sanctuaries are ineligible for government funding as they don’t profit off the animals.

“They have no access because they don‘t kill livestock,” she said.

Tomas Cifuentes is helping deliver truck loads full of hay and feed to animals in need during the NSW Floods in 2022. Picture: Luka Tremback.

Mrs Tremback said the rescue farms have been “left behind”.

A GoFundMe page was set up, funding her mission.

“It’s very frustrating for a lot of people who can't get donations because of the systems,”

“That's the gap I’ve seen in this and that’s where I step in.”

A group of vets did a similar mission in early March, providing urgent medical attention to flood affected animals.

An animal lover who just “gives a damn”, Mrs Tremback thinks the project will take 9-12 months

Mrs Tremback said there is a severe lack of hands to help, but remains grateful for donations.

“People are good at throwing money but what we need is people's’ time. A lot of people prioritise humans, animals come last,” she said.

“It's really awful to see. It’s quite raw. I really hope that we become better prepared for these things.”

She said she's seen it all.

“It's heartbreaking but at the same time, so heartwarming. It’s been incredible to see the community coming together,” she said.