The entry of the Friends of Oolong in the Register of Environmental Organisations (REO) in May 2003 has been a just reward and a recognition for all the work we have done in conservation at Oolong and how we disseminate our news and other information pertinent to conservation, on the Internet with our WebPages, maintained and kept up to date by me, on behalf of the organisation.
To get a major Sponsorship is a big task ahead of us since we need finances to be able to continue at least some of the on-going projects with volunteers. To take some remedial action we have formed a Task Force, which will make submissions in the national interest and will address in particular the issue of tax rebate on gifts and donations. (Details and list of submissions are in "News" under Task Force Submissions).
We have received several applications by volunteers from overseas.
We have succeeded in getting a grant for $1,000 from the Australian Ethical Investment Community Grants for the year 2002 and at least we are able to cover our volunteers with the compulsory insurance and public liability. Our subsequent application for the year 2003 has been unsuccessful.
Our application to Toyota for vehicle support has been unsuccessful and this is an unexpected set back for us since we are not able to carry out regular patrolling and maintenance of the electrified vermin proof fence, the baiting program with RLPB and the refilling of frog ponds during the persistent drought.
Unless we secure a major donation or grant the expenditure will be very restricted in the year 2004 and it will cover only the insurance premium for our volunteers and public liability. We will have to keep on relying on individual contributions for essential works.
The following is an abstract of the reply I received from Dr Pat Bingham Senior Lecturer (Anatomy) School of Human Biosciences Faculty of Health Sciences, La Trobe University, Victoria, 3086 after our failed attempt in 2002 to get funds for our artificial nest project:
"I am currently Chair of the Trustees of ABEF". I know you made an application in 2002 which the committee felt did not clearly define which component of your large and varied activities you were asking support for. However, the committee were very impressed by the whole thrust of your project and would welcome a more focussed application."
Unfortunately our submission was again rejected in the year 2003 and, since ABEF is a major support of birds programs, it is necessary for us to abandon the project till we are able to locate a suitable and more understanding sponsor.
The inventory of fauna and flora is progressing satisfactorily and the bird inventory was completed by our Tony Saunders.
Eleven threatened species are present at Oolong and also one of the four ecosystems is part of an endangered ecological community in the NSW Species Conservation Act,1995. These results - so far - with some inventory yet to be completed already support our concern with the fragility of habitat/remnants linked by wildlife corridors and the need to have them recognised as endangered and in need of protection.
We hope to appoint next year an Honorary Resident Scientist to complete some of the more critical projects.
The removal of the Siphton Bush is proceeding and we have discovered that by piling up the cut branches we offer a place for our birds to nest.
We thank and are grateful to the members who serve in a full-time capacity. They provide over $73,000pa in-kind contribution.
Regards,
Dr Gianni W D'Addario, President
Friends of Oolong Inc.