Drivers needed to help Long road to recovery for injured koala others get out and about Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au
PENINSULA Transport Assist board member Clare Harwood has seen the significant difference transport assistance can make to the lives of people who have poor mobility or do not drive. “I have always felt that people who go into aged care probably feel that all their outside interests now need to cease,” she said. “However, we have one client in particular – Ralph Parker – who has proved this to be incorrect. Ralph resides at Mecwacare in Mornington, and he uses PTA’s service to get out and about. He uses a wheelie walker and does not drive. “Personally, I have taken him to Pure Peninsula Honey where I thought he would just want me to wait in the car. But no, he asked if I was ‘coming in’. “So I did, and it seems he knows everyone there as he has a passion for honey in and on beverages and food and goes there regularly. When we came out to the car, we sat there for some time while he showed me photos of his late wife and also of the art work he does. He really enjoyed having a chat.” Harwood said PTA drivers take Parker to Bunnings, Garden World, Coolart Nursery, as well as doctor’s appointments. “Really, wherever Ralph wants to go, we will take him,” she said. Harwood said the service needed more drivers, along with volunteering rates Australia-wide falling over
the past year. PTA’s volunteers had dropped from 75 to 65. “These drivers are spread all over the Mornington Peninsula and in the City of Frankston and service clients from these areas,” Harwood said. “We are coming up to the cooler months, and many drivers head north for the winter. “Two drivers have recently had health problems, some have left for personal reasons and some have had other issues that take up their time. “The fewer drivers we have, the fewer people we can assist. It would be great if we could encourage more people to volunteer with us. “Drivers meet some interesting people, such as lovely lady in Mount Martha who used to be the food writer for the Herald Sun. She no longer drives and said to me ‘I hope your service continues’ when I told her about some funding cuts we have had to deal with.” PTA is not free, but clients are only asked to contribute on a kilometre basis. Anyone needing help getting into a hospital or appointment (drivers can offer assistance and stay if needed), just shopping or coffee and a chat is welcome to use the service. For information phone 9708-8241 or email info@peninsulatransportassist.org Office hours are 9.30am to 2.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Liz Bell
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A SERIOUSLY injured koala found close to death in Tyabb last month is on the road to recovery thanks to the efforts of wildlife rescuers, rehabilitators and local police. The injured marsupial was seen clinging to a tree overhanging busy Tyabb-Tooradin Road on 10 February, one ear missing and open wounds all over its body. Canons Creek wildlife rescuer Nigel Williamson was called and used his well-honed tree climbing skills to retrieve the ill animal, helped by police officers who were able to redirect traffic while he undertook the risky rescue. Once safely down the koala’s injuries became obvious, including a head wound full of maggots and multiple cuts and abrasions that Tyabb Koala Hospital’s Jenny Bryant says were most likely caused by being hit on the road. Bryant was able to sedate the animal to keep it calm while the wound was cleaned, and quickly administered fluids and antibiotics that undoubtedly saved its life. She said the koala’s sad story highlighted the need for drivers to slow down and be alert for wildlife on the peninsula. “In recent months there have been around 20 koalas killed here and in and around Purdies Road. That’s really appalling and could be prevented if drivers slowed down and were aware that wildlife often have to cross the road,” Bryant said.
Survivor: The koala is recovering well but still bears the scars of the road trauma that almost killed it and claimed one of its ears. Picture: Supplied
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she said. Bryant said there were signs warning of wildlife on the roads just metres from where the injured koala was found. “There are road signs, but people don’t pay attention, we probably need some bigger signs right at the entrance to the peninsula so people are aware it is such a unique area and drivers need to be on alert.” Bryant has spent the past 45 years caring for native animals as a registered volunteer wildlife carer.
“The koalas that I’ve been seeing since the start of the year have just been left to die on the road, so it’s really important if you do hit an animal to check whether it’s alive or dead and get it to a vet or wildlife carer.” Bryant said that despite its horrific injuries, the koala responded to treatment and is eating well, is very active and showing good signs of recovery. “It will be a long road for this one, maybe 12 months in all, but I’m confident he’ll come through and will be able to be released when ready,”
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YEAR two students at Our Lady of Fatima Primary School Laarni and Guyan during Harmony Day. Picture: Supplied
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Harmony in colour STUDENTS from schools around the Mornington Peninsula participated in Harmony Day at the end of March, getting involved in a range of activities linked to the theme of diversity and inclusiveness. On Friday 25 March, parents and friends of Our Lady of Fatima Primary School in Rosebud held a crazy colour fun run, where the rainbow of colours added to the celebration of diversity. The money raised will be used to buy resources for the school’s lunchtime club, which promotes a welcoming and inclusive environment for all children on the yard.
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for such a sensitive part of the bay.” The push for an artificial reef has largely been led by the government body the Victorian Fisheries Association, and the Futurefish Foundation, which describes itself online as “a fearless watchdog” representing recreational fishers, with an aim to “protect and enhance” recreational fishing throughout Victoria. One of its mandates is to increase the number of artificial reefs in all parts of Port Phillip. Continued Page 12
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