Community & Business
16 December, 2023
Local wildlife causes get big funding boost
MORE than $58,000 has been distributed to worthy causes through the North Queensland Wildlife Trust.
Of the seven causes that received money, $5,000 was given to support the work of Dr Karen Coombes PhD, at Tree Roo Rescue based on the Atherton Tablelands and $8,000 has been given to Tolga Bat Hospital who will disburse the funds to The Bat and Tree Society of Cairns (BatSoc).
The tree kangaroo group will use the money to help fund the employment of a Level 2 Wildlife Assistant.
Currently, the group has 20 adult and one joey Lumholtz tree kangaroos in care and rescues occurring regularly this time of the year from August to March.
Due to a recent health scare, Dr Coombes (pictured right) needs assistance with cleaning enclosures, feeding and direct hands-on care of the injured, displaced or orphaned Lumholtz tree kangaroos they rescue.
This also includes daily chores and supervision of the volunteers to make sure the tree kangaroos are kept to the high standard expected.
Dr Coombes and her partner usually rely on volunteers but decided they need to employ at least one full-time person to supervise the volunteers and possibly take on the role as manager.
Tolga Bat Hospital will use their $8000 in funding to distribute to The Bat and Tree Society of Cairns.
“BatSoc” will administer the funds and pay the amount of $2,000 directly to BatReach of Kuranda and also pay fruit suppliers.
Pam Tully is the founder and owner of BatReach, a bat and possum hospital and educational visitor centre, where she cares for non-releasable flying-foxes.
One of the other highly worthy recipients will be tireless Kuranda local and wildlife carer/artist Rebecca Koller for her Kuranda Flying-fox creche and release facility.
Rebecca is highly respected and has been a key bat carer and trainer in Cairns region since 2016. More than 95% of rescued flying-foxes rescued in Cairns are released at this facility.
The North Queensland Wildlife Trust (NQWT) was established in 2004 by the Freeman family who own and operate Hartley’s Crocodile Adventures, Kuranda Koala Gardens and Birdworld Kuranda.
Since inception, the Trust has distributed well in excess of $300,000 to local conservation groups, researchers and the like with Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) Status.
For more information, visit www.wildlifetropicalnorthqueensland.com
