“ENOUGH IS ENOUGH” CAN MACKAY CRACK $500 THOUSAND IN DONATIONS FOR LEUKAEMIA FOUNDATION?

AMackay-based author, who introduced Billy the Aussie Easter Bilby to the world at the age of nine, is working to educate Australians about animal conservation.

64-year-old Rose-Marie Dusting wrote Billy the Aussie Easter Bilby at nine years old after an intimate interaction with a bilby near her childhood home in Richmond, Queensland. Since then, she’s created a bevy of characters, including Billy’s friends Wally the Whale, Dudley the Dolphin, and Thomas the Turtle, to carry a message of preservation and conservation.

“Australia has the worst mammal extinction record in the world, with 22 mammals becoming extinct in the last 200 years,” Ms Dusting said.

“It would be heartbreaking and internationally embarrassing if we stand aside and witness another wave of extinctions.”

Ms Dusting said introduced species such as rabbits, cats and foxes have caused this decline, as well as environmental and human factors including fire, floods, and the clearing of land.

When the platypus, a species special to the

Mackay area, came on the endangered species list, she said “enough is enough!”

“I am calling for a save an Aussie endangered species revolution,” Ms Dusting said.

“We need action now.”

Ms Dusting has been working with all levels of government as well as zoos and conservation organisations including Taronga Zoo to share her message.

“I have a proven IQ of 171, and I will use my God-given gift to help our unique Aussie species,” Ms Dusting said.

“There is no place in the world like what we have in Australia, and we have to look after it.

“I want our wildlife to feed our next generations’ imaginations.

“I intend to educate about our Aussie endangered species and take immediate action to help save them.

“I hope I inspire all Australians and people to use my motto, ‘I stand up for our wildlife.’”

Ms Dusting’s new version of “Billy the Aussie Easter Bilby” will be released in early 2024 with a book launch in Mackay.

Mackay’s biggest annual fun run has big plans to increase in size this year and exceed fundraising expectations, adding more funds to its impressive tally of over $480,000 raised in the previous 14 years.

The BMA Mackay Marina Run, held Sunday 4 June, yearly raises much needed funds for the Leukaemia Foundation with contributions to date totalling nearly half a million dollars.

“We are extremely proud of our long-term relationship with the Leukaemia Foundation and what we have been able to contribute to such an important organisation,” Event Director Tim Magoffin said.

“Each year our event evolves and this year we are hoping to welcome an expanded running field of just under 3,500 runners from throughout Australia.”

Held annually on the first Sunday in June, the run follows a stunning 21.1-kilometre course all the way from the Marina to Sydney Street for its major event, with smaller runs on the day including three- and five-kilometres.

Mr Magoffin said the future of the BMA Mackay Marina Run is “bright”, with an ex- panded number of registrations in 2023, meaning more donations for the Leukaemia Foundation.

“That makes us especially proud,” he said. “Our goal for this year is to reach the $500,000 mark and we are well on track for that.”

Leukaemia Foundation CEO Chris Tanti advised that funds raised through the BMA Mackay Marina Run would help support local families in their fight against blood cancer.

“Blood cancer doesn’t discriminate, it can affect anyone, at any age,” he said.

“Every 27 minutes, a person is newly diagnosed with blood cancer. It’s our mission to not only provide education and support services for those impacted by blood cancer but to also take steps towards curing and conquering this disease.

“Whether you chose to run 5km, 8km or tackle our half marathon, corporate or junior dash events - every registration makes a difference and will help save lives.”

To register for this year’s BMA Mackay Marina Run or to make a donation, visit www. mackaymarinarun.com