THEODORE BIRD HIDE OPENING AND UNVEILING OF PLAQUES.

As a posse of wood-ducks took to the air, ‘birds’ of a different feather from the Dawson Valley representing the Banana Shire, the Theodore Lions Club, the Indigenous community, Fitzroy Development Association, Rotary, the Theodore Chamber of Commerce, WPSQ members and friends flocked together for the opening and unveiling of plaques of Theodore’s long-awaited bird hide along the Castle Creek walk on Thursday 6th August.

Loraine Hellyer – cutting the ribbon, with Anne Chater. Photo – curtesy Liz Shoecraft

When Loraine Hellyer suggested the Upper Dawson branch of the Wildlife Preservation Society (WPSQ) erect a bird hide to encourage the observation of our local avian fauna, the branch drew plans, obtained quotes, engaged a builder and applied for funding. Thanks to generous financial support from the Banana Shire Council and the Theodore Lions Club and the construction by Bock Engineering works, the project came to fruition.

Mrs. Anne Chater OAM was (trilled) thrilled to be part of the opening ceremony and gave a wonderful address highlighting the role birds have inspired in everyday songs, poetry, nursery rhymes, children’s stories, classical music and art. In her address Anne cleverly wove in the everyday language of references made about birds – Stop skylarking around, what a galah, proud as a peacock, free as a bird, as the crow flies, has an eagle eye, early bird catches the worm, feather your nest, skinny as a rail, high as a kite, a night owl and to take you under my wing. The sporting world too have used birds to name their clubs

and teams. Beyond the cultural – birds also play an essential role in the functioning of the world’s ecosystems.

Dani (Beezley) Martin, a proud Wulli Wulli woman spoke on the spiritual meaning of their totem – the Tawny Frogmouth, a reminder of protection during dark times and that they are a part of everything that surrounds them, including the wilderness.

As Loraine Hellyer stepped forward to cut the ribbon and ‘open’ the hide, the clear, rapid rollicking rising and falling notes of a striped honeyeater were heard overhead while the ever present and much loved willie-wagtail with his pleasant musical chatter announced his presence - and the kookaburra laughed.

Morning tea was served following the opening. We now look forward to following up with permanent interpretative signage to complement the project.

Melanie Simmons

Upper Dawson branch WPSQ

Plaques

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

Opening of Bird hide. Photo – Curtesy Liz Shoecraft.