RAYMOND TERRACE News Of The Area
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Happy Climbers FROM Page 1 able to enjoy the beautiful vista of the Australian Alps is
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something only a few of us get to enjoy. However, three students from Irrawang High School will be attempting just that on Saturday 17 February. However, this isn’t just any ordinary walk, nor are these just ordinary students.
Tim and Mitch Low are excited for the challenge
If anything, they are extraordinary. Tim, Mitch and Maddy, who all call Medowie home, will be making the trek along with their families as part of the Krazy Kosci Klimb. The Krazy Kosci Klimb is a challenge event for young people over the age of twelve with cerebral palsy or another disability. The Krazy Kosci Klimb is also a fundraising event with proceeds going to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. The local community have definitely pitched in with a huge show of support for Tim, Mitch and Maddy at a recent fundraising night. “We raised just under $3,000 last week at the ‘Bull n Bush’ Hotel.” Maddy’s mother Kristyne Petith told News Of The Area. “We received wonderful donations from businesses and the support of people that attended on the night
was outstanding.” So far, the trio have raised over $9000 but would love to crack the $10,000 mark. The Krazy Kosci Klimb begun in February 2014 and has raised almost $1million for the Accessible Gym and Sports Program at Cerebral Palsy Alliance. The Cerebral Palsy Alliance provides familycentred therapies, life skills programs, equipment and support for people and their families living with cerebral palsy and other disabilities. However, as important as fundraising for a service as important as the Cerebral Palsy Alliance is, the benefits from participating in such events can bring for the individuals involved are immeasurable. If you would like to help Tim, Mitch and Maddy, you can donate at krazykosciklimb. com.au/events.
someone to blame, this is just simply a side of Mother Nature that we are not used to. The lack of rainfall has given the blue-green algae conducive conditions for
growth and therefore rainfall is the only sure way of eradicating the bloom. “Unfortunately, the algae is naturally occurring and pretty difficult to manage,” West Ward Councillor Giacomo Arnott told News Of The Area. “I’ve been in constant contact with Council’s environmental team who assure me that management plans are being put in place.” Blue-green algae can
It’s not easy being green By Rachael VAUGHAN
THE blue-green algae outbreak at Raymond Terrace’s Newline Road Wetland and Ross Walbridge Reserve has had a devastating
effect on the local wildlife, with many species of waterfowl succumbing to effects caused by the bluegreen algae bloom. Unfortunately, whilst looking for something or
q Councillor Arnott standing on the dry bed of the duck pond, which is usually filled with water past this point.
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Maddy Petith is ready for the climb.
cause severe stomach upsets, nausea and skin irritation in both people and animals. Animals especially can become very sick as a result of drinking contaminated water. Therefore, Port Stephens council is urging all residents to be vigilant. Signposts have been erected around the contaminated sites warning people to ensure they keep their children and pets away from the water. “I encourage all to follow the signposted warnings and act sensibly,” Councillor Arnott said.
q It is a dire situation for the animals who call this duck pond home,
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“This is a sad event but it will pass with time and with rain.” Until the rain comes however, the affected area will continue to be hazardous, which means more wildlife will succumb to effects caused by the algae. According to Councillor Arnott, Port Stephens Council has been to the site to assess the situation and will continue to do so until the pond is back to its former glory. “Council is cleaning up the area when needed and I’ve already ensured this has happened once,” Councillor Arnott said. Once the wetlands are healthy again, it is important to remember a couple of simple rules that will help the native ducks and wildlife get back on their feet. Despite public opinion, bread is a terrible food to feed them. Instead, it is recommended that we use chopped lettuce, watermelon, tomato or grated carrot. The ducks will be around for a lot longer if you do.
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