Native animals in the spotlight at town’s FAWNA free open day

Wildlife advocates will hold an open day for residents visiting Augusta this weekend.

The Far South West Coast division of Fostering Assistance for Wildlife Needing Aid will hold their free open day tomorrow, from 10am, at the Augusta Community Resource Centre.

Augusta-based FAWNA spokeswoman Stevia Goldworthy told the Times it was a great chance for adults and children to get close to native animals and understand their role in the region’s habitat protection.

“The day is to encourage the local community together and discover ways that we can all live with the wildlife that surround us, in a mindful and harmonious way,” she said.

“The first project for (our) new committee is the Kangaroo Gate Program, which we will be launching at the Living With Wildlife day.”

The not-for-profit volunteer group wants to install more gates for migrating kangaroos to avoid damage to bush as well as fences.

“Many kangaroos get caught up in fences and left to die horrible deaths, and many farmers’ blood pressure rises when they see broken fences and stock getting out,” Ms Goldworthy said.

“So to solve these problems, FAWNA members are volunteering to install the kangaroo gates within our region, which are provided for free.”

The Augusta Men’s Shed have signed up to help with the project.

Tomorrow’s fundraiser includes guest speakers such as former Nature Conservation chairman Boyd Wykes representing Birdlife Australia, and Cherie Kempt from Land for Wildlife who will discuss helping wildlife thrive on private property.

Entertainment, stalls, lucky door prizes and a raffle with a whale-watching pass as the main prize will all be on show tomorrow.

FAWNA would also welcome new volunteers at the open day, which runs until 1pm.

“There are lots of ways FAWNA members can help such as making joey and possum pouches, cages and boxes, help set enclosures, and transport equipment,” Ms Goldworthy said.

“A member may like to attend to assist injured wildlife and transport them to the nearest FAWNA carer or veterinary clinic. Help in the releasing of wildlife back into the wild or be part of any number of projects that are happening.”

Visit www.fawna.com.au or phone 0438 526 660 to get involved.