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The global economic climate has bitten Ballina-based Australian Seabird Rescue.
General manager Rochelle Lees said a major sponsor of the organisation has been forced to halve its funding, and thieves recently stole a donation tin from the counter of the Beach Hotel in Byron Bay, containing an estimated $500.
All up, ASR is out of pocket to the tune of about $40,000 for its $150,000 annual operating costs.
Ms Ferris said the volunteers will have to limit the use of its five boats in NSW, and the four-wheel-drive vehicle, as well as reduce the number of outgoing calls on the three mobile phones, calls which are generally made for consultations with vets and other wildlife carers around the country.
"Funding for operational costs like rescue phones and fuel costs are difficult to source and are our biggest unavoidable expenses," she said.
"It is a difficult year for everybody and we’re just feeling the brunt of it now." she said.
She said it is wildlife which will suffer as the not-for-profit organisation is forced to tighten its belt.
And this summer has been one of the busiest the volunteers have seen since ASR was established in 1992.
There currently are a record 28 sea turtles in care at ASR’s Ballina headquarters on North Creek Road, including hatchlings and Sheldon, the 90-year-old green turtle rescued from Sandon on January 4.
Ms Ferris puts down the increase in reporting of sick turtles to an awareness campaign run by ASR.
Sheldon, weighing 92kg, had major injuries to his shell inflicted by a boat’s propeller, and his condition was critical when he arrived in Ballina for long-term care.
Ms Ferris said his condition has improved dramatically, but said he will probably have to stay in care for a total of 12 months.
Also, there were several pelicans in care which have suffered avian botulism, which she said was commonly caught from water in hot conditions.
The Rotary Club of Ballina is holding a charity golf day on March 8 at the Ballina Golf Club to raise money for Australian Seabird Rescue.
For information on the golf day or to make a donation to ASR, phone 6686 2852.
Meanwhile, Ballina Shire Council is investigating options to commemorate the founder of Australian Seabird Rescue, Lance Ferris.
Mr Ferris, who was also known as the Pelican Man, died in October 2007 after suffering a major stroke.
At last week's meeting, councillors voted to invite public comment on naming the wharf at Ballina's Fawcett Park the Lance Ferris Wharf.
The council will also look at erecting a statue or plaque in honour of Mr Ferris.
This follows a failed attempt to rename Fawcett Park in Ballina’s CBD to Lance Ferris Park. That proposal, originally put forward by Ballina’s mayor Cr Phillip Silver just after Mr Ferris’ death, was knocked back last year by the Geographical Names Board.
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