April 2010 Volume 27 No 2
Wildlife care is our focus and making the FAWNA group as proactive and responsive as possible, our goal.
FAWNA has entered a new era following the Annual General Meeting held on 17th April. New office bearers under the new Chairperson (Jeff Falconer) have pledged to provide FAWNA members with a more vibrant organisation that is designed to meet their needs as volunteer carers for our native wildlife.
We have plans to do some things new - training and information days for members and the general public (see page 8).
We also have plans to catch up on some things that may have been neglected in the past – finding “lost” equipment and cages & bringing them back into use (after repair if necessary).
Dates for your Diary
Date, Time, Venue, Event
Wed 28th April (see page 10) 6:30 pm Lotteries House, 2 Delhi St, W Perth Feeding our coal addiction: WA’s energy future at the crossroads.
Sunday 2nd May
(see page 9) 10 am – 1 pm Mary Craigie’s property Busy Bee to clean up shed.
Volunteers please.
Sunday 2nd May 1pm – 3 pm BDEC Committee Meeting.
Saturday 8th May (see page 8) 2:00 pm – 4:30 pm Wonnerup House Information and Open Day. For all members and visitors
Sat 3rd & Sun 4th July (see page 11) 9:30 – 4:30 each day DEC Office, SW Highway Kirup WAWRC organised Training (DEC Accredited)
Saturday 30th Oct All day Busselton Show Animal Nursery
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The AGM was a speedy one and several new office bearers have taken up the challenges that caring for wildlife and the carers themselves entails.
I would like to acknowledge the tireless work that all members have put into FAWNA over the years, in particular those who have previously taken on positions of additional responsibility.
I look forward to the work ahead and the challenges that are inevitable as we get to know the numerous responsibilities and commitments that are entailed in this field. This hopefully however will continue to be made easier by ongoing teamwork and a review of how we do things.
I recognise how hard it is leaving something you have put your heart and soul into and so to all those people who are no longer holding office, I thank you sincerely for the contributions you have made out of your love for wildlife and through dedication over time. I hope I can also give as much as is needed and in no way do I want anyone to feel unappreciated. I do know how hard your work must have been and the toll it often takes but everyone has gained a lot from your endeavours but especially those creatures you have helped.
I hope you can continue to share with the team your experience and knowledge so that FAWNA keeps growing and improving, as leaving a position does not take you out of FAWNA, it just gives you more time to think and do the things that are your passion
It would be remiss of me not to thank by name the likes of Kristy, Cheryl and Vicki, and also our many pioneers in this area of work such as Mabel and Mary.
Every organisation is only as good as it can be when all members are pulling together and I hope we all can feel we are doing this.
Wildlife care is our focus and making the FAWNA group as proactive and responsive as possible, our goal.
One issue we need to address immediately is to update our list of assets/resources. My recent search for cages for a new depot has highlighted this need.
I ask all members to simply compile a list of what you have that FAWNA has acquired (and you have in your possession) or that you have acquired and either use or have given to someone else and which may at some time be available for other members when you are not in need of it. We do not necessarily need the resources now but for the sake of accountability (to enable greater use and less waste). Please send this list to Donna in the next two weeks.
We will follow up each member who forgets to respond, but your help and action now in this matter, would be appreciated and make Donna’s workload less onerous.
Our first formal committee meeting on Saturday 17th April looked at
1. FAWNA’s approach and process for new membership and
2. guidelines for the operations of our depots
If you have any ideas or suggestions in these areas please contact one of the committee by phone or email.
I hope to systematically work through all aspects of our operations using our committee structure. We will keep all members informed of any recommendations or proposed changes that follow.
The FAWNA committee would like as much input as possible so no matter how insignificant they may seem, please communicate your ideas to us.
In this regard, we all have skills and training that could be of significant help to fellow members in their endeavours to care for wildlife. We also have useful personal contacts that could be of benefit to FAWNA
We will soon be asking you to share this information with us "if you are willing". Please be proud of what you can share to make FAWNA even better
Thank you for the trust you have placed in me and in the new committee. We will work hard to achieve our goals.
Jeff Falconer
Chairperson: Jeff Falconer
Vice-Chairperson: Beverley Sykes
Treasurer: Donna Cain
Secretary & Newsletter Editor: Ian Watson
Training Coordinator: Peter Vickridge
Membership Secretary: Carol Vickridge
Web Page Editor: Kristy Gawthrop
Grants Officer: Jodie Deeley
Emergency Assistance Contact
& Committee member: Vicki Newman
Show Organiser & Committee member: Cheryl Campbell
Committee member: Debra Gawthrop
Committee member: Linda Duggan
Committee member: Shelagh Benson
Committee member: Sean McArthur
It was around midday on one of those really hot days in January that a concerned member of the public arrived on my doorstep with a possum problem. “It is just sitting under a small shrub in my garden bed. I am worried that the cat will find it.”
On investigation, it was an ‘unwise’ location for a ringtail possum; on the ground, sheltered only by a few leaves of a very small plant and close to a house. There were no habitat trees close by and the home owner had a young cat which would have found the possum without much effort if the cat had not been locked indoors. Further investigation revealed that the possum was actually a mother and young juvenile. They did not appear to be injured and so we guessed that they had found somewhere cool on this very hot day.
It is always wise to have professional advice about animals found like this. We had checked as best we could and had found nothing to suggest injury – but a veterinary check is always worth while.
Our local vets are excellent. They have a simple protocol for taking in wild animals and will provide their services (time) at no charge. (If medication or complicated procedures are required, costs may arise.)
We had agreed that we would take the possums back into care after their check-up. Vets will generally pass such animals on to FAWNA Depot managers who will then find the most appropriate (available) carer.
Our advice from the vet was to keep the possums safe for a few days and build up their nutrition.
Once the hot weather was over, we were to return them to their original habitat.
We followed these instructions and watched over Morgan (the juvenile) and Mum. They received plenty of peppermint leaves and some supplementary fruit and appeared to be thriving.
We reconnoitred the location where they were found and earmarked a stand of peppermint trees for their return.
A coir mat ‘drey’ was constructed and placed as high as possible in one of the trees. On the day of the release we took Morgan & Mum to the trees about an hour before dusk so that we could see what we were doing
Morgan came out of the carrying cage, ran up my arm on to my shoulder, took a brief look around to get his bearings and jumped onto the nearest peppermint tree trunk and proceeded to climb. Mum needed no urging to follow her baby and soon we could see the two of them right up in the tops of the branches.
It has been some months since the release and there have been intermittent sightings – although it is difficult to be sure that the possums seen are the ones released. A little supplementary feeding of fruit was carried out immediately after Morgan and Mum were ‘repatriated’. It was always eaten so we know someone was getting a bit extra.
This is just one story about heat-stressed ringtail possums. It is told in some detail so that other carers may be guided to provide help in future.
More information about ringtails can be found in “Living with Possums” published (May 2009) by DEC: phone 08 9334 0427 or on the web at www.dec.wa.gov.au
Also see “The Western Ringtail Possum” published (Nov 2007) by BDEC: phone 9754 2049 or on the web at http://bdec.mysouthwest.com.au/
Ian Watson
Letter of Support from Seabird Rescue Mandurah.
Hello Jeff,
Great to hear from you and that FAWNA is up and running well.
I'm with WA Seabird Rescue based in Mandurah. If you need help or advice at any time feel free to call.
We (I) collect seabirds from your area as required.
We are fairly new; first formed in 2004.
We are having increasing success with Pelicans, Penguins, Albatrosses, and the incredible Giant Petrel!!
We are also having success with the smaller shearwaters & smaller petrels.
Swans are also cared for as they are a large bird and frequently running into trouble not unlike Busselton.
I have been around for many years so a few of your members will know of me as well as Busselton Vet Clinic - although Felicity has other issues to attend to at present!!
Our 24-hour call number is
0418 952 683.
If unavailable leave a message and we’ll get back to you quickly.
Marg Larner.
Seabird Rescue Mandurah
FAWNA recently provided a wild-life related community educational service at the Cambridge estate of Courtland Properties. This new housing development is located on Bussell Highway near the roundabout at Monaghan’s corner. One feature of the development is a dedicated 1.5 hectare “possum reserve” that was completed in late 2008. It is a fenced area of moderate peppermint trees that has been set aside as possum habitat.
The developer has engaged SMR (Strategic Marketing & Research) to publicise the possum reserve within the development. During February a series of information evenings were conducted by FAWNA on site.
The evenings consisted of a short talk about possums, question and answer session followed by an opportunity for members of the audience to see a ringtail possum and a brushtail possum (currently in care).
After the talk and demonstration, headlights were fitted and the group moved into the possum reserve to start spotting. Despite the early evening start a number of ringtail and brushtail possums were seen each evening – much to the delight of the locals.
Kristy, Donna & Vicki
Free Possum Boxes
Built to DEC specifications contact
John Gunnell Phone: 9306 1079
Email: gunnelljohn@hotmail.com
Location, Contact FAWNA member, Contact phone number(s)
Boyanup: Vicki 08 9731 5252
Busselton: Donna & Peter 08 9752 2218 or 0417 060 977
Busselton: Mabel & Peter 08 9752 2275
Busselton: Kristy 08 9751 3023 or 0411 037 143
Carbunup: Roger and Kim 08 9755 1771 or 0413 149 689
Capel: Helen 08 97271501 or 0438 663 411
Cowaramup: Margaret 08 9755 6207
Karridale: Robyn 08 9758 5556
Kirup: Peter and Carol 08 9731 6116
Peter 0409 207 950 Carol 0488 085 117
Ludlow: Amanda and John 0407 440 743 or 0427 055 451
Manjimup: Temporarily unavailable
Yallingup: Helen and Sean 08 9755 2460
Yarloop: Kathy 08 9733 5139
Depot Managers who require replacement roadside signs – please contact Donna 9752 2218.
Depot Managers please advise any amendments to these contact details - Ian 9752 1853
Information and Open Day – Sat 8 May
This meeting for all members will be held on Saturday 8th May at Wonnerup House. It will be an Information and Open Day from 2:00 pm until 4:30 pm.
The meeting will be open to all FAWNA members and their guests. We will also be inviting members of the public to join us and share our interest in caring for wildlife.
This is planned to be a meeting for sharing information in a sociable setting. There will be time to talk about your own interests, any problems and questions you may have about wildlife caring. Presenters will allow plenty of time for questions and for seeking information from other attendees.
The presentations on the afternoon will be:
Cygnets and swans – Bev Sykes
Dealing with animals injured in road accidents – Peter Vickridge
What do you want to see FAWNA do in the future? A ‘PMI’ exercise – Linda Duggan
An overview of Geocatch including “Peppies for Possums” and “Bay OK” – Gene Hardy (Geocatch)
There will also be a lengthy afternoon tea break when you will be able to catch up with friends or make new ones.
A number of FAWNA Depot managers will also be present to explain their key role in FAWNA’s work and to share their valuable experiences.
Who can come? FAWNA members and their guests. Members of the public with an interest in wildlife caring.
What is the cost? There is no charge for this Information and Open day. FAWNA members are asked to bring a plate suitable for afternoon tea (cakes, biscuits etc). Guests and members of the public will be asked to make a gold coin donation to offset the costs of running the event.
For other information and for catering, please tell us that you are attending by contacting: Ian Watson ph: 9752 1853
NEWS SNIPPETS
Busselton Vet Open Day
The Busselton Vet Hospital has recently moved to 60 Bussell Highway. FAWNA was invited to provide public information at the Open Day held at the Vets on 27th April. Donna took on the task of presenting FAWNA to the many visitors, handing out leaflets and answering questions.
Gabrielle
Many FAWNA members will know Felicity Bradshaw from the Busselton Vet Hospital. She and husband David were delighted to announce the arrival of Gabrielle on 1st March weighing 3.2 kg. On behalf of all FAWNA members we wish Felicity and her family good health and continuing happiness.
Busy Bee – Sun 2 May
FAWNA has a shed of equipment that is currently located on Mary Craigie’s property at NILGUP PARK on Bussell Highway. This shed needs to be cleaned out prior to being dismantled and re-erected at another location. To carry out this task we are holding a Busy Bee on Sunday 2nd May starting at 10 am.
Please give an hour or two of your time to help with this task.
Jeff is coordinating this task and has requested MANY hands to assist with the work.
Anyone who can spare the time is asked to contact Jeff on 9754 8256.
MAGAZINE INFORMATION
FAWNA is a member of organisations such as the Conservation Council of WA. We receive copies of magazines for the information of all members. To help our members get access to these magazines we have arranged to include them in a magazine rack in the BDEC Building in Mitchell Park. Although this building is not always open we hope that you will find time to pop in a have a look when you are in the area.
Membership
If you are not already a financial member of FAWNA for 2010 - apply and subscribe by contacting Donna on 9752 2218.
As a member you will receive regular issues of our newsletter.
ASSET REGISTER
FAWNA continues to update the asset register. This register lists all equipment and other assets that belong to FAWNA.
Donna is the Asset Manager and needs to know where everything is so that she can direct our resources to where they are needed at any time. So when you find you need a cage to house your recent arrival – Donna is the person to ask to see whether FAWNA has one to loan you.
It makes sense for one person to know where everything is and to direct it to the member who needs it most at that time.
Please make sure that you contact Donna and let her know about the FAWNA assets that you currently have. She will not take them away from you, but she may ask you to pass them on to someone else who really needs them from time to time.
One of the committee will be in contact with you if we do not hear from you soon. It would be helpful if you could make a list of the assets in your keeping and give Donna a call on 9752 2218.
FAWNA ACCOUNTS
FAWNA is reviewing the charge accounts that currently exist in FAWNA’s name at certain businesses in the Busselton locality. It is important to make sure that nobody who needs these services is omitted. We request that those members who have made use of these charge facilities in the past should speak with our Treasurer - Donna (9752 2218) to ensure that their needs and requirements are understood.
CONSERVATION COUNCIL OF WA
Presents ENVIRONMENT MATTERS
Feeding our coal addiction: WA’s energy future at the crossroads
Speakers include;
Professor Glenn Albrecht- ISTP Murdoch Dr George Crisp- Doctors for the environment Sustainable Energy Now Secretary Tim Barling and Introducing CCWA's new campaigns coordinator Louise Morris
When: Wednesday 28th April 2010
Time: 6.30pm
Where: City West Lotteries House, 2 Delhi
St, West Perth
Cost: Free for CCWA supporters and affiliates. $15 for others.
This includes light refreshments.
RSVP: to conswa@conservationwa.asn.au
or phone: 9420 7266
VOLUNTEER REGISTRATION
All FAWNA members who work with wildlife are requested to complete a “Community Involvement Program - Volunteer Registration Form” for DEC. A copy of this form is available from the FAWNA Secretary please contact them for a copy.
The benefit of registering with DEC is that a level of medical insurance applies to registered volunteers. It is recommended that FAWNA members seriously consider registration.
WAWRC Wildlife Care Training Course
Proposed dates: 03 and 04 JUL 2010 all day both days 09:30 – 16:30
Venue: DEC Office, South Western Highway Kirup (Donnybrook side of the town)
Target Audience: Intermediate level - Not intended to replace the DEC Basic Wildlife Course, attendees preferably will have completed the basic course and have at least some experience.
Costs: TBA but WAWRC members will receive a discount. Cost will be minimised, but will need to recover costs
Will be limited to a maximum number of attendees around 40 – 50
Information Peter 0409 207 950
Wildlife Rehabilitation Courses
DEC are planning Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Courses at DEC, Bentley ~ provisional dates
29th & 30th MAY
17th, 24th & 25th JULY
11th & 12th SEPTEMBER
Another course is planned for Walpole-Denmark
21st & 22nd AUGUST
Basic Wildlife Rehabilitation Course – Registration - phone (08) 9334 0279
For information on courses, phone (08) 9334 0582 or email:
community.involvement@dec.wa.gov.au
National Wildlife Rehabilitation Conference
Adelaide: JUNE 21st – 25th 2010
Further details from website http://nwrc.com.au/nwrcsa/index.html
FAWNA Inc. NEWS
Published by Fostering and Assistance for Wildlife Needing Aid
Paper supplied for hard copies by DEC (Department of Environment and Conservation). Photocopying courtesy of Troy Buswell.
Morgan hiding under Mum.
Morgan relaxing in care.
Kristy & Donna
Possum spotters
Ringtail possum that was spotted on the nightstalk
Beverley Sykes with her swans
Wonnerup House Courtesy - The National Trust of Australia (WA).
Wonnerup House Courtesy - The National Trust of Australia (WA).
Donna
To download a copy of FAWNA’s Newsletter