On the Grapevine

WITH BARB LOVE

Hello everyone, welcome to On the Grapevine. This is designed to be a newsy, chatty column that offers you an opportunity to discuss with me your views, news and happenings.

It is for you and it is about you and the community, so have your input and tell me what you, your family members or organisations are up to.

Tell me what you would like to read about and how I can make this column interesting and informative.

I can be contacted at onthegrapevine@cobramcourier. com.au or by phone on 0402 858 877.

— Barb Love

Wildlife saviours

Our local wildlife warriers Kylee Donkers and James Leonard have been working day and night over the summer period rescuing and caring for injured wildlife.

There is no such thing as an early night for the pair who operate Dutch Thunder Animal Shelter at Koonoomoo, receiving at all times of the day and night emergency calls regarding the plight of yet another animal needing their assistance.

While many of us are bedded down for the night spare a thought for the couple who readily respond to calls from people advising them of an injured or distressed young animal, separated from his mob or family group.

The following photos showcase the variety of wildlife rescued by the couple and after professional care and attention are in the majority, on the road to recovery.

A great day for racing rider mowers

The Australian Ride On Lawn Mower Racing Association held a hugely successful day last Sunday at Scott Oval in Cobram with more than 30 riders competing in various classes.

With a variety of engine power, ranging from 150cc to 450cc

it sounded at times more like hot-rod racing than lawn mowers and proved exciting for fans who numbered in excess of 600. Friends and family cheered on their favourites and watched some closely contested competition.

Organised by the Cobram Apex Club, who spent the day before laying out the track with bales of hay in readiness for the event, club treasurer Scott Gleeson was

hugely delighted with the day.

“The weather was fantastic and it had to be one of our most successful race days. We ran out of food which is always a good sign, while nearly 60 youngsters enjoyed the lolly hunt, sack race and spoon and spark-plug race. It was just a really good family day out,’’ said Scott.

“There was some great racing and tight finishes and everyone seemed to have a good time,” he added.

Proceeds from the day will be distributed in the community by the hard-working members of the Cobram Apex Club.

On the mend: A blue-tailed lizard hit by a car in a residential street in Cobram. The lizard lost part of his tail but has since recovered and recently released close to where he was found.

Grey Teal ducklings: Currently there are four Grey Teal and one Australian wood duck at the shelter. Generally there are quite a number found along the river by campers after being separated from their families due to the frightening sounds of ski boats and jet skis on the river.

Boobook owl: Found drowning in a swimming pool while attempting to catch a mouse, it was rescued by the homeowner and while trying to escape crashed into the roof of the house and sustained a major head injury. It remains in care at Dutch Thunder Shelter.

Healing: Currently there are six mobs of joeys in care, ranging from the newest and youngest orphans to those ready for release. Pictured are Tuff, Ferret, a tiny swamp wallaby, and Gerry.

Young guest: Pocket, a swamp wallaby, has been a long-term resident of Dutch Thunder after being hit by a car out on the highway.

In action: Ned and Amber Elliott took out first and second placing in C class up to 200cc.

Top class: Ashely Mackay won the A Class race.