2010 Media Releases

On Christmas Day 2007, newlywed Megan Dodd received the worst news imaginable.

While on their honeymoon in Europe, Megan’s husband Paul tripped down a flight of stairs after a self-timed light went out early. He sustained a severely traumatic brain injury just 24 days after their wedding. As a result, Paul’s cognitive abilities were almost entirely reduced and he would remain in 24 hour care until his passing in late 2009.

What’s Black and White and Red all over?

It’s time to decorate for Christmas but one resident isn’t putting up lights or Santa’s with reindeer. Instead the Mistletoe Bird is decking the halls of its nest with caterpillars and cobwebs.

Mistletoe Birds breed from October through to March, so a little cobweb and leaf nest could be suspended up to 13 metres in trees. If you’ve seen Mistletoe in your neighbourhood, chances are you might also spot the small but dazzling Mistletoe Bird darting rapidly from tree to tree.

The critically endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum is calling out for help. 

Australia is in danger of losing the only alpine marsupial that hibernates under the snow during winter, the critically endangered Mountain Pygmy-possum. The Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife, in conjunction with Australian Geographic and the Paddy Pallin Foundation, is attempting to fund a new captive breeding program for this species.

If you have recently seen what looks like a purple chicken, chances are you’ve spotted a Purple Swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio.

Spring rains are bringing Purple Swamphens to roadsides. You may think that Purple Swamphens are not too bright when you see them on the roadside darting backwards and forwards, looking for an opportunity to cross the road. However they are not stupid or suicidal – they are just attracted to roadside ditches and drains as they are a great source of food.

Three outstanding young scientists are receiving $21,000 to help save Australia’s ecosystems. The Royal Zoological Society of New South Wales announced the grant recipients today after assessing 49 applications from across Australia.

“These research projects will lead to tangible outcomes for the management of Australian ecosystems.” explained Associate Professor Peter Banks, President of the Royal Zoological Society.

On National Threatened Species Day our plants and animals are relying on us now more than ever, as human impacts on the environment are prompting changes never before experienced. Many of our unique species are in a life and death struggle for survival.

“The rate of change is not giving some of our species a chance to adapt, so they need our assistance to ensure they are around for our grandchildren to meet.” said Mrs Leonie Gale, CEO for the Foundation for National Parks & Wildlife. “We know from experience, that if we act now there is hope.”

You can feel the weather warming and the fragrant scent of flowers is in the air. Can you hear the buzz of our insect friends as they get busy in your backyard? Spring flowers are full of rewards for little buzzing bee visitors - nectar, which is rich in sugar, and pollen that provides protein. Flowers advertise these rewards to attract bees through their colour, shape and scent.

You can feel the weather warming and the fragrant scent of flowers is in the air. Can you hear the buzz of our insect friends as they get busy in your backyard?

City2Surf participants have raised millions of dollars for charity in recent years. So far this year, runners have already raised more than $1 million.

To help make more of a difference to two charities, The Sim -Herald is donating a fantastic fund-raising prize - $10,000 for the chosen charity of the highest individual and team fund-raisers from this year's event.

Maree Thompson of McLeans Ridges today received a Private Land Conservation Grant for outstanding conservation efforts on her property.

John Millington of Wallanbah today received a Private Land Conservation Grant for outstanding conservation efforts on his property.