Member for Currumbin Jann Stuckey, a vocal supporter of the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary, has encouraged a former potential sponsor back to the negotiation table today, one year after popular CEO Michelle Monsour’s contract was not renewed.
“Worldtourism CEO Paul Whitehead was one of the sponsors who pulled out of negotiations with the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary as a result of what he perceived to be the National Trust’s poor treatment of then CEO Michelle Monsour,” said Ms Stuckey.
“One year on and the much needed new wildlife hospital is under construction. Several thousand injured animals are brought to the Sanctuary each year and this figure is expected to rise as development creeps into natural habitats.
“Like any other tourism business battling the economic crisis, money does not flow freely. Whilst tourism is the Sanctuary’s core business, it also has strong conservation, education and research credentials.
“I am very pleased to have been able to organise a meeting with the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary CEO Jonathon Fisher, Vet Michael Pyne and Mr Whitehead to discuss the hospital project’s needs.
“Michael Pyne and his team have performed miracles on countless injured animals, and had to work in a cramped, dilapidated old building with scarce resources. I am hopeful Mr Whitehead will recognise the importance of their work and the urgency to properly resource the new hospital.”
Mr Whitehead recently gave $20,000 to Wildcare to build an aviary to house 300 stranded baby flying foxes.
“It is important to do our bit to protect wildlife that cannot look after itself. Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary cares for thousands of injured wildlife each year and I am pleased to be able to contribute to the new hospital,” said Mr Whitehead.
“Currumbin Sanctuary holds a special place in the hearts of many Gold Coast residents and especially those who live in Currumbin,” said Ms Stuckey.
“People here understand the enormity of Alex Griffith’s gift of his beloved Sanctuary to the people of Queensland, and they get very angry if they think that Alex’s wishes are not being respected.
“It is the desire to protect Alex’s grand philanthropic gesture of 1976, one that unites the Currumbin community whenever our Sanctuary is in the spotlight.
“I urge residents across the Gold Coast to assist with the construction of the new hospital facility and give generously to this worthy cause.”
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Contact Jann Stuckey 0439 755 919