Volunteers at the Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre (KBCCC), in Martin, have been applauded for their extraordinary levels of dedication and hard work.
KBCCC recently received $1050.50 in grant funding from Volunteering WA, which was used to put on a special event for the volunteers last month.
Cockatoo conservation expert Rick Dawson delivered a presentation to the volunteers, and acknowledged the value of their efforts.
Each volunteer received a Volunteering WA ‘Certificate of Appreciation’, along with a black cockatoo sticker made by CTKNS owner Cameron Atkins.
The event was organised in honour of National Volunteer Week 2021, held from Monday, May 17 to Sunday, May 23.
“Our volunteers put in so much time and effort to keep the centre running,” KBCCC volunteer and site co-ordinator Kloe Balsley said.
“We would not be able to do it without the help and support of these amazing people, who give their time, effort, and love every week.
“The funding gave us the opportunity to be able to give back to the volunteers, which we are not always able to do as we are a not-for-profit organisation and are not government funded.
“It was especially great for new volunteers to learn a bit more about our endangered black cockatoos, and the importance of what we do here at Kaarakin.”
Ms Balsley and her team are encouraging everyone to sign up and volunteer at the centre.
“I think if you have a genuine passion for wildlife conservation you would not need convincing, it would be an opportunity you would just jump at,” she said.
“Most people who start here already have a passion for conservation and love working with not only the birds but also our dingos, Kangaroos, emus, and other animals on site.
“They are all really caring people who care about our animals and know the importance of their existence.
“I think that’s the best place to start when recruiting for volunteers at Kaarakin.”
