One shell of an honour
Turtle rescuer voted FNQ’s Aussiest Aussie
THERE’S nothing more Aussie than saving turtles according to readers as the Far North’s Aussiest Aussie has been revealed.
Turtle saviour Cairns Turtle Rehabilitation Centre cofounder Jennie Gilbert has been voted as the Aussiest Aussie for all the turtles she has rehabilitated and the time she has spent volunteering, fundraising and promoting the save the turtle cause.
Ms Gilbert said it was an absolute privilege to be voted as the Aussiest Aussie.
“It’s absolutely fantastic, I’d like to thank everybody that voted for me but it’s voting for the turtles,” she said.
“It’s really nice they’ve stepped up to vote to say this is a vote for the marine environment in turtles.
“I am only the spokeswoman ... the turtles are the champions.”
Ms Gilbert said the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre had come a long way after starting off with two people. The facility now has 95 volunteers.
“We have Fitzroy Island, Cairns Aquarium, JCU and a satellite one at Mission Beach,” she said.
“The greatest part about it is that it’s a great team. Everyone that does it is a volunteer.
“We have a wonderful team of volunteers and a great support from businesses around Cairns and the general public.”
Ms Gilbert said she was honoured to be crowned as the Far North’s Aussiest Aussie, and said the one thing she loved about Australians was how supportive they were.
“I think in Australia people are very supportive of each other, people rally together to help each other and help wildlife,” she said.
“What I like about Cairns is about being part of an FNQ community that helps each other.”