PRESS RELEASE – 6th
JULY, 2008
CHANGES
AT SAVE THE GOULDIAN FUND
The Save The Gouldian Fund was formed in September, 2005 as a funding body to support scientific research into the causes of the decline of wild populations of the Gouldian Finch across northern Australia. Under the stewardship of Mike Fidler, Elisabeth Fidler, and Marcus Pollard, the concept of a STGF developed to the point where it now provides significant support for the researchers tackling the problem head-on in the field.
Due to changed personal circumstances Marcus Pollard has resigned from his position as general manager of the STGF. We are very grateful to Marcus for the tremendous amount of time and effort that he put in to turning the STGF concept into the reality that it is today.
With the departure of Marcus, several ‘new’ faces are now working for the STGF to deliver the desired outcomes. Many of you will already be familiar with the names.
Arthur Orford, from Western Australia, has taken over the role of general manager. He will oversee the day to day running of the STGF and to liase with individual and club donors. Arthur can be contacted by email at: birdswa@iprimus.com.au
David Myers, from New South Wales, has taken on the role of communications manager. He will liase with the various print media publications to promote the STGF and to regularly report on new data coming out of the Gouldian Finch recovery program. David can be contacted by email at: zoeda@bigpond.com
Chris Baker from New South Wales, will also be heavily involved in the communications area. Chris brings to STGF an artistic talent which the others lack. His work will be seen in many avicultural publications in the months ahead.
Dr Sarah Pryke, together with one of her technical colleagues from Macquarie University, has taken over the role of web master. There will be a short delay in updating the website as they have also decided to update the technology to make it a little less 'clunky' and easier to use. There will also be some new and interesting sections added.
Have a look at the site towards the end of July at www.savethegouldian.org/
John Butler retains the role of STGF Open Day organiser and raffle organiser. He is a legend in this area!
NEW INITIATIVES
STGF has recently entered into a joint venture with WWF-Australia that will start within the next two months. Basically this will see fire cells and their associated controlled burning programs being implemented on properties adjoining Mornington Wildlife Sanctuary for the first time since the Gouldian Finch research started. This is a very exciting development, as it is the first major step to restoring the Gouldian in the wild! We will report on this initiative in another article.
Another major development will be the shifting in focus of the Gouldian Finch research program from Mornington to Wyndham.
The STGF has just negotiated a 21 year lease with Shire of Wyndham East Kimberley on the old Wyndham Town Hall. This is a heritage listed building which had basically fallen into disuse and was currently being used for storage. Our intention is to refurbish and convert this building to provide facilities and accommodation for up to twenty scientists at any given time. There will be two executive-type suites, and twin rooms to accommodate a further sixteen people. Kitchen, showers, toilets and laboratory facilities will also be included. Each room will have internet access. A secure lockup will be built to house scientific equipment and enclosed garaging will be provided for three vehicles. Upon completion this complex will be known as the Wyndham Hall Science Village. A more detailed report will be provided shortly.
STGF OPEN DAY
John Butler and his team are up to their necks preparing for the STGF Open Day, which this year is being held as part of THE HUNTER BIRD BONANZA!
The Open Day is on Saturday 18th October and the Hunter Valley Finch Club’s Bird Sale the following day, Sunday 19th October, at the Singleton Showground. A social get together and lecture have been organised in Singleton on the Saturday night.
This year's Open Day will be a vintage performance. Although we are following the same successful formula of the previous open days, there will be a lot of new and interesting things to see and hear.
Sarah Pryke is going to do the alternative spot on the Workshop with Mike Fidler, rather than be in the laboratory as previously. This means that she will be able to deliver an hour of interactive talk instead of the 15 minutes as she was able to do in the past. This is a big plus as she has a lot of very interesting information for us this year that we guarantee will send you home enthused with new ideas that you can't wait to implement.
As usual all visitors will be split into groups. There will be four aviculture stations and four Research Block stations. Each station will be manned by either a scientist or one of Australia's top aviculturists who will give you a guided tour explaining all the features of their station and answer any questions.
There will also be trade stands and a STGF stand together with catering and drinks facilities.
The day is organised so that you have just enough time to grab something to eat and drink, allowing each group enough time to sequentially attend a one hour workshop.
A busy old day but we are told that we deliver value!
YOU MAY BRING BIRDS! On previous Open Days we have banned the entry of outside caged birds on to the property as a quarantine measure. However, as many visiting us this year may be going on to the Sales Day on the Sunday We have set up a separate facility to house them on the other side of the property for you. Seed and water will be provided. Please ask about its whereabouts upon you arrival at the gate.
In previous years some visitors experienced difficulty walking up the hill from the car park – this year TALKING BIRDS has sponsored a buggy. If you think that you may have a problem negotiating the driveway just tell the gate attendants and they will give you a ride on the TALKING BIRDS SPECIAL! Be warned!!! - The way John Butler drives you may be better off walking!!!
The number of visitors attending the Open Day is strictly limited to 150 as that is all we can comfortably accommodate and make sure we deliver an enjoyable as well as an educational day. Spaces are filling up fast, so please BOOK NOW TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT!!
To book for the Open Day contact:
JOHN BUTLER
1696 Wine Country Drive,
North Rothbury.
NSW 2330
Tel: 02 49383552
email - marjo43@bigpond.com
To book for the Hunter Valley Finch Club Bird Sale contact:
MARK JOLLY
20 Wollombi Street,
Broke.
NSW 2330
Tel: 02 65791216
email - jennymark@yahoo.com.au
David Myers
STGF Communications
6th July, 2008