Pindimar Market advances environment work

MYALL environment volunteers raised hundreds of dollars at the Pindimar Market Day and trialled a new feature in publicising their wildlife work.

Thanks largely to a generous first prize of entry tickets from the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, visitors to the Market Day gave more than $200 dollars in the group’s raffle, adding to general donations of $100.

The Myall Koala and Environment Group (MKEG) also introduced a free ‘Spot the Wildlife’ competition in which people were asked to name 12 native animals from photos of parts of their bodies.

Competition organiser Adrienne Ingram said she was pleased with the number of people who took on the challenge, especially young children who displayed a good knowledge of Australian wildlife, ranging from a glimpse of a dolphin fin to a close-up of a cicada’s face.

“While some of the pre-schoolers were assisted by their parents in completing the forms, they all entered into the challenge with real enthusiasm,” Adrienne said.
“Of course, having Kim the Koala watching probably inspired them.”

The winner of a JanSport backpack with a perfect score was Dieu Trân of Hawks Nest, supported by her daughter Mai Trân Morante.

MKEG President Richard Streamer said the stall was a great success and thanked everyone for their help, plus all those who took away free koala food trees for replanting, donated money, gave prizes for the raffle and bought tickets.

“Free entry to the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary for six people was a very special prize,” he said.

“They will enjoy a great day out and see the vital work of the sanctuary with a guided tour of the hospital, work which is so important for the future of koalas in our area.”

Winners of the raffle were Karen Goss (PSKH tickets), Sue Dever (decorated rug) and Luke Redman (two hand-crafted koalas).