Mobile ‘tiny home’ transformed into wildlife treatment clinic
‘Yunbenun Land and Sea Wildlife Clinic’ was launched in October providing a facility for Magnetic Island’s wildlife carer groups to treat and care for sick and injured wildlife on the island and surrounding Townsville waters.
Glencore’s Queensland Metals Community Assistance Program (CAP) provided funding to the Magnetic Island Community Development Association (MICDA) to fit out a mobile tiny house which included solar panels and battery, security system, stainless steel benching, lockable cabinets for medical supplies, pull down lighting, treatment tables and medical equipment.
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The tiny home arrives off the barge on Magnetic Island ready for its fit out.
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Artwork on the Yunbenun Land and Sea Wildlife Clinic was generously donated by local artist Garth Jankovic.
The mobile wildlife emergency treatment facility currently resides beside Magnetic Island’s Turtle Hospital at Horseshoe Bay and is available to the island’s wildlife groups to care for wildlife patients, including Magnetic Island Network for Turtles (MINT), Magnetic Island Koala Hospital, Magnetic Island Wallaby Refuge, and Magnetic Island Fauna Care Organisation.
Les Sampson, MICDA President, who was successful in securing CAP funding, says this project has come to fruition through a community effort.
“We’re grateful to everyone who has supported the wildlife clinic financially and those who have put in their own valuable time and effort”, says Les.
Left to right: Paul Groves, MINT Coordinator, Kellie Whitby, Superintendent Metallurgical Processing, Townsville Copper Refinery and Hon Scott Stewart, Member for Townsville checking on ‘Charlie’ the green sea turtle at the launch of the Yunbenun Land and Sea Wildlife Clinic.
MINT Coordinator, Paul Groves said the clinic is a game changer for local wildlife care groups.
“Before the clinic was opened, we would treat our turtle patients on a makeshift treatment bench (table) under a tree to administer care.”
“Having a suitable facility with state-of-the-art medical equipment will allow us to help save and extend the lives of so many more land and sea animals,” Paul says.
Paul Taylor, Manager Copper Refinery said it’s uplifting to see the dedication these small community volunteer organisations put into caring for and working towards conserving our native fauna.
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Colleen Mandris, Vet Nurse and volunteer for the Magnetic Island Network for Turtles demonstrating the new microscope with TV connector checking sea water samples for parasites.
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Left to right: Paul Groves, MINT Coordinator, Kellie Whitby, Superintendent Metallurgical Processing, Townsville Copper Refinery and the Honorable Scott Stewart, Member for Townsville officially opened the mobile clinic on 21 October 2023.
“Providing the equipment to fit out the clinic means volunteers can safely treat animals in a clean, sterile, airconditioned environment with modern facilities,” Paul says.
“Through our sponsorship of projects like the Yunbenun Land and Sea Wildlife Clinic, we hope to encourage sustainable communities in helping to preserve and protect endangered and local native wildlife.”
The heart and soul of Magnetic Island’s tight knit community has gone into this project. A local competition was held to name the clinic and the beautiful artwork that adorns one side of the building was generously donated and painted by local artist, Garth Jankovic.
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A toast to the event with cute turtle cupcakes.
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Members of the community, supporters and wildlife care groups gathered for the official opening.
Free wildlife cards with contact details of the Magnetic Island wildlife carer groups, and decorated with art from Jan Malkin Originals, have been handed out to provide awareness throughout the island community.
Glencore’s support of the wildlife clinic builds on our commitment to environmental initiatives while helping to promote biodiversity in and around the Townsville region.