Australian Seabird Rescue

ASR North Coast News

// February 3rd, 2010 // Blog Articles

In this edition:

· Pelican Dedication
· Next Marine Wildlife Workshop
· Marine Debris Research Project
· Make Turtles Count
· Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
· Vodafone Project – Work for the Charity of Your Choice
· Dolphins in Cudgen Creek
· ASR on the interwebs
· Next Turtle Release

Pelican Dedication
The Ballina Shire Council has decided to name the main jetty in the heart of town, Lance Ferris Wharf and has commissioned a bronze pelican statue to be mounted on the wharf. All ASR members and friends are invited by the artist, Frank Miles, to a preview mounting and private dedication ceremony at 11.00am on Saturday 20th February (finish 12noon). It would be truly wonderful to view of sea of blue shirts on the wharf, to remember Lance in a place he loved. There will be a formal unveiling of the statue by Council at a later date, but this is the opportunity for members and friends to be a part of the ceremony.

Marine Wildlife Workshop
The next ASR Marine Wildlife Workshop will be held on Saturday 13th March at the ASR Marine Wildlife Centre, Ballina. The workshop is a must for all licensed members of ASR (you are required to do a workshop every two years to stay a licensed member), as well as a great opportunity for new and potential members to find out what ASR is all about and how you can help save our local wildlife. Please contact Keith (by reply email) if you can help posting workshop notices in your area.

You MUST register prior to the workshop to secure your place, either by reply email or phone 02 66 862 852. The workshop will commence at 8.30am and finish by 4.30pm. The workshop is great value at $20 for members and $30 non-members and includes morning and afternoon tea, lunch and handbook.

Marine Debris Research Project
Just prior to Christmas, ASR was successful in securing a grant from the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) to undertake a research project on Marine Debris and interactions with Wildlife. As part of this project we’ll be collaborating with an international consortium of conservation groups through the 5 Gyres project (see www.5gyres.org ) to survey the waters offshore Cape Byron to assess the extent of plastic debris and we’ll also be working closely with other local wildlife groups to report on all negative interactions between wildlife and debris (rubbish!) on the North Coast for the past year. The project must be completed by the end of May 2010 and will recruit two project officers to undertake the work.

Make Turtles Count
MTC has been running again this summer and so far we’ve identified 9 nests at time of laying (2 more than last year) on beaches at Cudgen, Tallows, Lennox, South Ballina and Evans Head. We expect more over the coming weeks, so keep those eyes peeled whenever you’re near the beach (especially early morning), and remember the first person to report a verified turtle nest wins a prize pack from the ASR gift shop.

Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
ASR is looking to recruit a Project Coordinator and a Project Officer for the Marine Debris Research Project. Both positions are 12hrs/week until the end of May. ASR is also looking to recruit a Project Coordinator for Make Turtles Count. The position is 10hrs/week until end of June. Selection criteria for the three positions include excellent communication and computer skills. Position descriptions are available from Keith by reply email or by phone 02) 66 862 852. Applications must be received by 5pm Friday 5th February.

Vodafone Project – Work for the Charity of Your Choice
The Vodafone Foundation is giving five Australian’s the opportunity to work for the charity of their choice for one year and to do this the Foundation will pay an annual salary of up to $50,000 and expenses of up to $25,000.

There is no limitation on the type of charity work, rather it is about the skills the person can bring as well as being realistic about their achievements. Applicants also need to have had some previous connection with their chosen charity. Applicants need to complete an online application form describing how you will make a world of difference for your chosen charity. Submit your application of between 500 to max 2000 words before the 7 Feb 2010. Anybody interested in working for ASR through this program should discuss their application with Keith.

Dolphins in Cudgen Creek
A big thankyou to the many members who assisted with baby-sitting our three dolphin friends in Cudgen Creek over the Australia Day long weekend. NPWS Rangers asked me to pass on their appreciation for the assistance provided by ASR volunteers. The excellent response from local residents is also a testament to a job well done. As of this morning they were still there, but have been assessed as healthy and just enjoying the school of fish which is obviously hanging around the same area.

ASR on the Interwebs
Not getting enough of an ASR fix, perhaps you’ve moved, or just got busy, then keep up with the goings on via the web. Search for ‘Australian Seabird Rescue’ as a facebook group or ‘seabirdrescue’ on twitter. Our twitter postings are also updated ‘live’ on our website.

Next Turtle Release
Harriet and Ellie have to go… so join us next Friday 5th February at 9am at the Byron Surf Club for their release.

Keith Williams