WELCOME TO THE OOLONG SANCTUARY NEWS!

January 2010

Dear Friends,

The demands on funds for appeals from calamities and disasters nationally and internationally coupled with the international financial crisis do affect donations to organisations like ours therefore we had to reconsider the program and concentrate on activities which are at the core of our program.

The local support in all respects is not to our satisfaction and effects will be made to promote the visitations and we are planning an annual event to take advantage of the New Event Funding Policy of the Upper Lachlan Tourist Association. These events, if approved, will attract a sponsorship of $1500 for two consecutive years. Strict criteria must be met.

The visitations and tours will be kept on a 24/7 basis.

The successful trapping of wild cats near our buildings is demonstrating that the vermin program must be intensified and extended and we need more traps to set in the bush to remove the large number of cats. This vermin is affecting the bird population in particular and we must take a strong action. Patrolling has been also intensified since we have purchased a 4x4 Suzuki vehicle.

The building of the facilities at Oolong has been slow but we have finally the room to be used for lectures and accommodation for visiting volunteers.

The extensive drought - as expected - has increased the germination of the native woody weed Sifton Bush and we need more volunteers to assist in this task and purchase more brush cutters.

We have to accept with great regret that one of our major supporters and active foundation member Kay Fredericks is relinquishing the position of Secretary/Treasurer. The contribution of Kay has been pivotal in the running of the association and the establishing of the environmental organisation. We all express our gratitude to Kay who will move to Corowa to stay close to his ageing father but will remain as a member of the Friends of Oolong. We wish Kay all the best in her move.

We welcome Dr Judith Bourne as a proposed replacement for Kay. Judith is a veterinary surgeon working for the Australian government with keen interest in wildlife, previously involved in writing policy on zoo animal imports. She also attended the RSPCA carers’ course and volunteered at their centre.

Gianni D’Addario
President
Friends of Oolong