As Australia heads into peak bites and stings season, the Australian Reptile Park joined forces with CSL Seqirus and St John Ambulance to remind Australians how important awareness and first aid are for snake and spider encounters.
On Wednesday 19 November 2025, an event hosted at the Park marked the start of the country’s high-risk season for venomous bites and stings, a time when being prepared and knowing how to respond can mean the difference between life and death.
To support public safety, CSL Seqirus, Australia’s flu vaccine and antivenom manufacturer, launched its new Bites & Stings App, a free interactive resource offering step-by-step first aid instructions, safety tips, and information about Australia’s venomous creatures. The app aims to make vital first aid knowledge easily accessible, especially during this peak season.
The event featured live snake milking demonstrations, a funnel-web spider safety presentation, and first aid demonstrations from St John Ambulance, designed to teach visitors and local students how to act quickly and correctly in the event of a bite or sting.
The Australian Reptile Park plays a crucial role in public safety through its world-renowned antivenom program, supplying venom collected from the Park’s snakes and spiders to CSL Seqirus for life-saving antivenoms. This partnership has protected countless Australians over the decades and remains a cornerstone of national health.
Tips for a Safe and Enjoyable Summer
To stay safe outdoors, Australians should:
- Download the free Australian Bites and Stings App for up-to-date first aid guidance.
- Pack a bag for the bush or beach with a current first aid kit, snake bite kit, mobile phone, and food and water.
- Wear long pants, enclosed shoes, and stay on marked trails.
- Never touch wild animals, get too close, or place limbs in unseen areas.
- Wear heavy-duty gloves and exercise caution when lifting logs, rocks, or debris, which may shelter snakes or spiders.
Australian Reptile Park Director Tim Faulkner said:
“Our team works every day with some of the world’s most venomous animals to produce the raw venom that becomes life-saving antivenom. This time of year is always a reminder of how important that work is and how essential it is for Australians to know what to do in an emergency. The Bites & Stings app is another tool that can genuinely help save lives.”
St John NSW CEO Dominic Teakle said:
“Summer brings more time outdoors with family and friends, and it’s also when our native wildlife is more active. Most encounters are harmless, but if a bite or sting does happen, those first few moments matter. First aid saves lives. Knowing your basic first aid and feeling confident to act, applying a pressure bandage, calling Triple Zero, and using tools like the Bites & Stings app, is vital to keeping you, your family, and your community safe.”
The collaboration between the Australian Reptile Park, CSL Seqirus, and St John Ambulance highlights a united effort to keep Australians informed, prepared, and safe this summer. When it comes to venomous bites and stings, knowledge and fast action are everything.