Vol 15 June 2009

KOALAS IN CARE
Newsletter
Servicing the Greater Taree, Great Lakes & Gloucester Areas
KOALAS IN CARE INC
PO Box 1249, Taree NSW 2430
Email: [email protected]
www.koalasincare.org.au
24hr Koala Rescue
June 2009
(02) 6552 2183
Volume 15
4th Anniversary Edition - Founded 1 July 2005
New Enclosure for Boobook & Friends
Our new fully-enclosed yard for Boobook and the orphaned joeys is now complete and is in full use. How wonderful this is - the current babies are having loads of fun climbing, jumping and generally being mischievous. Being fully enclosed means they get to stay out after dark and pretend to be real wild koalas.
This has been made possible due to a very generous donation from Craig Gibbins from Protective Fencing and
we thank Craig very much. Koalas In Care could not have possibly afforded to build such an enclosure. Not only
did Craig donate all the materials for the enclosure but he also had it delivered to Taree from Somersby on the
Central Coast.
We also thank Paul Fechney and Mandy Penhall for their help with the construction. Too big a job for us to undertake we were pleased to have their assistance to get the job completed. Paul F prefabricated the walls and
roof sections before delivering them to the facility for completion. This was a great help which made putting it
together faster and much quieter considering we had several koalas in care at the time. The weather was not
kind to us during the construction stage with the sun cooking us one day and the next was freezing cold and raining. The two Pauls braved the rain and worked on regardless to complete the enclosure to lock-up stage.
We must also thank Vanessa and Elaine Standing for their very kind donation towards the bits and pieces
needed to complete the project. A very sincere thank you to all who were involved from Boobook and friends!!
President Paul’s Report
The current period of wet weather is certainly testing us all and hampering activities such as restricting
access to leaf cutting areas, rain falling on cue at shift time trying everyone’s patience and the 10hr detour Christeen and Mandy had to take to get home from the recent Koala Conference held at Lismore.
As reported previously our ‘Food For Furry Fellas’ tree farm project is progressing well with a welcome
boost of funds recently granted from Holiday Coast Credit Union which will cover costs for our first two
farms. The support from other agencies and individuals has also meant we can achieve our goal more
quickly. It is planned that farms one and two will be planted this coming spring.
Greater Taree City Council has been holding workshops to allow the public to put forward their ideas for
inclusion in the Manning Valley Community Plan. This is a long term plan to shape the area’s future direction. Our submission proposed that the Draft Shire-Wide Koala Plan of Management, a Tree Preservation Order and an Environmental Levy were crucial in protecting our area’s koalas.
Christeen and I recently attended a Dept. of Fair Trading information session where we were informed of
new legislation coming into force in late 2009 concerning Incorporated Associations such as KIC. New
items include more flexibility and simplified procedures to benefit the
running of groups. It also highlighted the need to ensure good practises are used when holding raffles.
It has been very pleasing to receive so much support from businesses
and individuals by way of items for our raffles which are a source of income to support our work.
I would like to thank the facility team for doing extra shifts and supporting me while I was filling Christeen’s role as Facility Manager while she
and Mandy were away at the Conference in Lismore. While everything
went smoothly despite the weather conditions, I think we were all very
pleased to see them return safely.
Kia bellowing
HABITAT REPORT by Paul McLeod
A recent site inspection of Tree Farm No 1 was
held with NPWS Area Manager, Kevin Carter and
Field Worker, Tim Milliken in view of slashing long
grass ready for our spring planting. Recent heavy
rain will obviously delay this work. Country Energy
in conjunction with its contractors, Active Tree Service, have generously offered support by way of
clean mulch for our project.
Great Lakes Council recently put on exhibition a
Draft Development Control Plan to guide the future
expansion of the Pacific Palms area south of
Forster. The koala population is low and under
extreme pressure and we have, through our submission, suggested stronger restrictions and actions be adopted to help the area’s koalas.
Recent alarming legislation put to the NSW Parliament proposed hunting of natives and release of
feral bird species into National Parks. This is obscene and dangerous to our rescuers who often
travel through these areas to rescue or check on
koalas reported to us as needing help. National
Parks should be fully protected and not used as target practice for a minority element of the community. Thankfully the Bill has been rejected but I expect another attempt at similar legislation in the future.
Leaf collecting has been severely limited due to the
current wet conditions with many of our areas inaccessible. There has also been an explosion of
’spitfire’ grubs on several species just to make collecting a bit more hazardous.
Page 2
KOALA CARE FACILITY REPORT
by Christeen McLeod, Koala Care Facility Manager
March - May has been very quiet regarding incoming patients with only one koala per month being admitted. However in our facility we still have two joeys being reared and several adults undergoing treatment. Patient updates: Boobook remains well and is enjoying her new enclosure. Tallow has improved and is putting on weight slowly. She is spending time with Boobook and is practising to be a wild
koala. Larni has responded well to her treatment for wet bottom. She will be kept in care over winter
allowing her time to grow and mature. Timmy has not responded as well to his treatment for wet bottom to date. CeeBee is doing very well as an orphan. He is having fun, building skills in preparation for
his release come spring and generally being a torment to the girls in the enclosure. He is doing a very
good job at becoming a wild koala. (See admissions on the next page for further information).
The facility is looking like a bog hole at present with the persistent heavy rain. Conditions
have made the day to day activities hazardous and very time consuming. The amount of
washing generated from sick koalas is always a problem during wet weather. The washing
machine and dryer operate constantly and we all pray for sunshine.
There has been some changes on the facility team with Michelina giving up her position on Mondays to
pursue other interests after almost three years on the team. I thank Michelina and wish her well in her
other endeavours. I look forward to her continued involvement on the Management Committee and as a
working member. Tina Collins has completed her basic training and will be filling the Monday position in
the interim to advance her skills. Mandy is enjoying her advanced training involving rescues, pickups and
many other activities.
My First Koala Conference
I made it to my first koala Conference at Lismore in May. Luckily the
Conference wasn’t called off due to the heavy rain and flooding. Unfortunately some of the speakers got evacuated the night before. Some
parts were really sad especially Dr Jon Hanger’s presentation on Koala
Retro-virus, with the enormity of the range of symptoms and how literally devastating it could be
for our koalas. On the
brighter side there were
speakers there that gave
you goose-bumps and I
thought how lucky our
koalas are to have them on
their side.
by Mandy Penhall
Top right: Looking across paddocks Lismore to Casino Road
I know Christeen won’t give herself a big enough pat on the back so
I am - Christeen left all the dramas of the day at the door and delivered her presentation with confidence and pride. She was really
well prepared with KIC’s presentation and slide show up on the big
screen of photos and data which I thought was very informative.
Above: Mandy at the Lismore levy gates.
We should all be proud of Christeen, she has put KIC on the map.
Thank you Christeen from all the furry fellas and all of us who care.
KOALAS IN CARE Admissions
March - May 2009
Date
Name
26/5/02
Boobook
7/4/08
Age Sex Reason for Admission
Area
Result
AM
F
Will remain in care due to her Tinonee
disability & ongoing treatment.
Permanent Care - remains well
Tallow
Joey
F
Abandoned in logging area heavy tick infestation + head
trauma
Elands
In care - making better
progress
17/1/09
Timmy
AM
M
Wet Bottom - poor condition
Tinonee
In care - treatment
continuing
18/1/09
Kia
AM
M
MVA - head trauma
Gloucester
Released 17/3/09
7/2/09
Gateway
AM
M
Bilateral Conjunctivitis advanced (See story)
Taree South
Released 12/5/09
13/2/09
CeeBee
Joey
M
Abandoned & dehydrated
Crowdy Bay
National Park
In care - maturing with
no problems
(A twin)
15/2/09
Larni
Juv
F
Wet Bottom & mild
conjunctivitis
Tinonee
In care - progressing
well
23/3/09
Swampie
Juv
F
MVA - minor injuries
Tinonee
Released 9/4/09
30/4/09
Mileena
AY
F
MVA - slow to recover
Old Bar
In care
Further tests being done
29/5/09
Turtle
AM
M
Bilateral conjunctivitis requiring surgery
Died 3/6/09
Wallabi Point
In care
Above: Tallow spending time in the new enclosure
Left: CeeBee relaxing in the sunshine
Page 4
Koala Conference - Lismore
‘Friends of the Koala’ hosted a Koala Conference in May at Lismore. KIC was represented at the Conference by
Christeen McLeod and Mandy Penhall. Unfortunately the Conference coincided with the severe weather event
which caused major flooding in the Northern Rivers area. While some who travelled to Lismore were evacuated
prior to the Conference commencing, others like us were flooded in and found the Conference to be a welcome
distraction to the weather.
Held at Southern Cross University the day was filled with interesting presentations including Dr David Lloyd,
Southern Cross University; Mark Graham, Coffs Harbour City Council; Jamie Morton, Catchment Management
Authority; Sue Higginson, Environmental Defender’s Office; and Dr John Hanger, Australia Zoo.
Wildlife groups were represented and presentations were given by Christeen McLeod, Koalas In Care; Audrey
Koosmen, Native Animal Trust Fund; Cheyne Flanagan, Koala Preservation Society; and Barbara Dobner,
Friends of the Koala.
At the end of the day a lengthy discussion took place reviewing key points raised by speakers and attendees.
Outcomes were prioritised, recommendations were formulated and actions were determined. There were no
great surprises for those of us working with koalas. The message
was the same from all the represented groups up and down the
coast - continued habitat loss, localised extinction of koalas, increase
in disease affecting koalas, Government at all levels not listening to
those at the front line, lack of funding for research, lack of funding
for groups caring for koalas, ineffective legislation to protect koalas,
and the outdated SEPP 44 needs to independently reviewed immediately. There will be a strong push from those working with koalas
to have the status of the koala elevated at a Federal level.
Sadly, while I feel that we as koala carers know our koalas are sick
and in trouble, it hits home when the likes of Dr Jon Hanger talk
about the level of disease that is ravishing our koala population.
Infectious disease such as chlamydia, retrovirus, koala AIDS, as well
as leukaemia and cancer and yet all levels of Government are hesitant to implement measures to protect koala habitat and koalas.
Obviously they just don’t get it and would prefer to wait until its too
late.
Christeen delivers KOALAS IN CARE’s presentation at the Conference.
ENVIROFAIR
The Envirofair was held 6th June. Amazingly the sun shone but it
was extremely soggy underfoot. A good crowd attended and it
was again a great opportunity for us to talk koalas with the general public. We held a day raffle and the winners were:
Tina & Mandy on the KIC stall at the Envirofair
1st Prize: Bev Pettersen
2nd Prize: Gisela Duber
3rd Prize: Marjory Spence
4th Prize: Hanne De-chelard
There was a lot of interest in our stall and lots of questions asked
regarding koala issues. We thank the community for their
support of our work with koalas.
Page 5
HOLIDAY COAST CREDIT UNION
Pet Barn Expo
Community Partnership Grants 2009
Held 15 March 2009
KIC applied for funding through the
HCCU Community Partnership Program
for the first two tree farms. The funding
will be used to purchase items which will be
required to complete the plantings such as
mulch, stakes, potting mix, etc.
This was a great opportunity for KIC to
KIC has received a grant of $1000. Paul
attended the presentation and morning tea
on behalf of KIC at the Holiday Coast
Credit Union.
2nd Prize - Dani Lawless - pet goods do-
speak to the general public about koalas as
there was a good crowd in attendance. The
day proved to be quite profitable for the
group. A raffle was held on the day with
the winners being: 1st Prize - Keith Sumpner - pet goods donated by Taree Pet Barn.
nated by Taree Veterinary Hospital. Thank
you to those who volunteered on the day
and to Taree Pet Barn and Taree Veterinary
Hospital for donating the prizes.
WANTED - Fencing Material
Plans are now underway to establish our No 3
Tree Farm. To achieve this goal we are in
need of a supply of fencing timber. We are
looking for a contact within the Taree/
Wingham area that would be willing to donate
the following items: 7 x strainer posts; 8 x
stays; 15 x normal posts. (Tallowwood, White
Mahogany or Stringybark is preferred)
LARNI
CAN YOU HELP? 6552 2183
A Successful Working Bee
During April we held a Working Bee/Social Day at our house to pot up the seedlings for the first two tree farms.
As you know we have generous people who have put their hand up to help with land for the ‘Food For Furry
Fellas Tree Farm Project’ and this means many seeds have to be raised for planting.
The day was great weather wise. We started at about 11am
with many hands making light work because a couple of hours
later we had potted up about 300 plants. We have had about
an 85% success rate which is good for our first effort.
After the Working Bee was completed we enjoyed a B.B.Q
lunch and relaxed in the sun enjoying a chat. Thank you everyone who came along, Michelina. Lou, Nancy, Christeen, Paul,
Tina, Dave, Jye and Jess.
Thanks again from Mandy, Paul, Jaxon, Declan &
Skye.
Page 6
Development at Cundletown
A development site opposite Cundletown Airport
consumed a lot of time during April. Reports of
koalas being in the vicinity during clearing activities were taken from members of the public. Inspections by KIC were carried out daily with one
female koala known to KIC for about ten years
located nearby. She spent several days in the same
tree but eventually moved on. She has since been
sighted visiting her favourite trees in the nearby
area. While various agencies were notified of this
clearing and the fact that a female koala was in the
area nothing was done. Another case of loopholes in legislation that is supposed to protect
koalas and their habitat. The irony of this is our
koala sign saying that koalas live in the area sits on
the edge of this clearing.
A Huge Thank you!
Raising funds to cover our
expenses that are incurred
doing our koala work is very
hard especially in today’s
economic climate.
To our
generous supporters who kindly make donations to KIC we sincerely thank you. You make
our job easier and we couldn’t continue to do
this work without your assistance.
Paul & Mandy return from a rescue
National Volunteers Week 2009
Christeen was recently nominated and received
recognition of her outstanding volunteer services and special contributions to the well-being
of the community as part of her work with KIC.
Paul and Christeen attended a presentation at
Greater Taree City Council where she was presented with a certificate and badge by Mayor
Paul Hogan and Councillors Mave Richardson
and Katherine Bell. The presentation was followed by morning tea and recognised about
20 volunteers from various organisations in the
community. Congratulations Christeen!
Supporters of KIC
Taree Veterinary Hospital
Manning River Times
47 Chatham Avenue, Taree
Wingham Chronicle
Vets, Donald Hood, Stuart Knox, Rob Brudar & Staff
at their fantastic new Hospital for their caring attitudes, advice & ongoing support in the treating of
our special koala patients.
Great Lakes Advocate
Gloucester Advocate
Prime TV
Kevin Carter (Area Manager Manning
NPWS) & Staff
NBN TV
for ongoing support & guidance.
Southern Cross Ten
Terry Evans (Area Manager Barrington
Tops NPWS) & Staff
Agile Filly
for ongoing support & guidance.
Exciting Website Design & Development
Geraldine Kirby, Mob: 0429 331 109
Bushland Fair Newsagency
Mudford Street, Taree
Bushland Bakery
Chatham Avenue, Taree
Bayer Australia
for their donation of ‘Baytril’ to treat our koalas.
Ingelheim Boehringer
for donating ‘Metacam’ to treat our koalas.
Barrier Signs
29 Grey Gum Road, Taree
Marloy Pastries
1 Olympia Street, Taree
Nancy Dixon
Charcoal Chicken
28 Pulteney Street, Taree
Taree Pet Barn
Whitbread Street, Taree
Coopernook Service Station
Bowen Therapist - Mudford Street, Taree
The Lunch Spot
Pets Direct
Whitbread Street, Taree
Stockland Shopping Complex, Forster
The Reef Bar & Grill
Mik’s Pet Barn
1/2-6 Wharf Street, Forster
Enterprise Court, Forster
Kate - The Soap Lady
P & A Haulage
Experience the luxury of Kate’s beautiful homemade
range of goats milk & vegetable oil soaps
48 tonne Tipper Hire
Ph: 6557 0080
0429 999 069
Page 8
Disclaimer: Any opinions expressed in reports/articles published in this newsletter are
not to be necessarily taken as being the opinion of KOALAS IN CARE INC. but rather
the author’s personal opinion. No responsibility is accepted for the accuracy of any
information in the newsletter published in good faith as supplied to the Editor. The
President & Editor reserve the right to edit any article submitted for publication.
DECC Licence No: MWL000100263
ABN 78 337 974 646
KOALAS IN CARE Inc.
Servicing Greater Taree, Great Lakes & Gloucester Areas
Management Committee
2008 - 2009
Office Bearers:
Paul McLeod - President/Habitat Coordinator
Christeen McLeod - Vice President/Secretary
Mandy Penhall - Treasurer
Calendar
KIC 4th Anniversary 1 July 2009
Management Meeting 9 August 2009
Annual General Meeting - 13 Sept
Committee:
Nancy Dixon - Fundraising Coordinator
Do you wish to receive your
Vacant - Committee Member
newsletter by email?
Michelina Sirianni - Committee Member
Please send your email address
Other Positions:
to [email protected]
Aimee McLeod - Newsletter Editor
Paul McLeod - NSW Wildlife Council Representative
NB Please disregard if you already receive
your newsletter by email.
Christeen McLeod - Facility Manager/Public Officer/
NSW Wildlife Council Alternate Representative
Dr Donald Hood B.V.M.S. - Patron
Ron Witham B. Comm. ACIS CPA - Auditor
NB All above positions are honorary
James Paton (Paton Hooke Lawyers) - Legal Advisor
All Koalas admitted to our Facility are
treated by
Taree Veterinary Hospital Veterinarians
MEMBERSHIPS
ARE NOW DUE
Please pay by 1 July 2009
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OR BECOME A SUPPORTING
MEMBER!!!