RECORD OF MEETINGWildcare Friends of the Orange Bellied Parrot

General Meeting, 2.25pm September 19, 2018

Venue: Lands Building, 134 Macquarie St., Hobart.

Attendees

Deborah Searle, Craig Searle, Will Oliver, Marianne Gee, Deborah Taylor, Marg Cranney, Erika Shankley, Peter Williams, Phyl and Terry Smithhurst

Apologies Margaret Walker, Mark Holdsworth, Karen Alexander, Kevin Perkins, David Neilson, Natasha Szybinski, Sally and Michael Simco, Barbara Willson, Peter Marmion, Cathie Plowman, Pip Gowan, Mick and Helen Statham, Treen French, Aase Brown, Shannon Troy

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1. MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETING Accepted

2. MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES OF THE PREVIOUS MEETINGSuez Grant ApplicationStill no word.New Inverter at Willson’s HouseA single powerpoint will be installed to avoid overload, followed by the installation of a separate power supply for the NBN.Desperate Plight of the Orange Bellied Parrot film David Neilson showed the film to a very appreciative audience in Scottsdale. Resulted in a $200 donation from the NE Field Naturalists to FoOBP. Autumn Migration SurveysInitial discussions with Cradle Coast and Birdlife Australia to undertake surveys from March to May 2019. Go Fund Me money will be used to repeat King Island Blitz and field day presentations at Currie and Smithton. Crowd Funding CampaignFunds will be sued to pay for half of the volunteer flights, NBN, Willson’s maintenance and autumn surveys.Thank you letter to Andrew BoonThis letter has been sent thanking Andrew for donating his time and materials to upgrade the wiring on Willson’s houseFeedback to DPIPWEList from last years volunteers sent. Gas audit Willson’s houseThere are 5 full bottles. 1 part-full and 6 empty bottles.

Letter of thanks to be sent to the NE Field Naturalists

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3. PLANNING FOR THE 2018/2019 MELALEUCA VOLUNTEER MONITORING SEASON

Transportation of supplies by boatIt is hoped that a combined boat load of supplies will occur but there is no movement on this yet. Work in progress. There is enough gas until Christmas. Mark has already taken in toilet paper, stationery, matches and cleaning products

Volunteer RosterCraig reported that it was a transparent and rigorous process. The Expression of interest was advertised widely resulting in 40 applications which was twice as many as required. Craig shortlisted using the selection criteria provided by DPIPWE and the list was accepted. There are 13 returning and 11 new volunteers. 7 males and 17 females. There was one application from the US and one from Europe and several from the mainland.

AccommodationThe majority of volunteers are staying at the Parks Hut. A question was raised about the use of the NBN. Shannon is trying to get vouchers for volunteers to use the Par Avion? NBN.

InductionSame day inductions will continue. Shannon will go down to Melaleuca and support new volunteers.

Additional Baggage AllowanceNo funds are available from DPIPWE or Go Fund Me. DPIPWE has guaranteed $10,000 for airfares but not baggage.It was resolved that the $200 donation from the NE Field Naturalists and other FoOBP funds be used to pay for additional baggage if financial difficulty is caused. Ask volunteers to contact us if there is a problem and we will fund additional baggage.

Airfare negotiationsMark and DPIPWE have tried to negotiate cheaper fares. Another airline from Bruny Island was approached but fares were more expensive.

Partnership Agreement for 2018/2019 seasonThis has been developed between Wildcare FoOBP and DPIPWE. It supports and acknowledges the value of the volunteer observation program. Recognises collaboration between the FoOBP and the Tasmanian OBP Program by outlining the roles and responsibilities of each group. Craig expressed appreciation for the work of Sam Cuff and Sharon Smith in developing this agreement..

Volunteers to be contacted about availability of funds for baggage if required.

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4.

Funding for ANU VolunteersA request has been made for us to fund ANU volunteers. Any funds left over from the guaranteed DPIPWE funds could be used, but it is likely that these funds will be entirely spent on FoOBP volunteer airfares. FUNDRAISINGThe need for fund raising was discussed. The differences between Go Fund Me and Crowd Sourcing campaigns were noted.

Peter stated that fundraising done under the auspices of Wildcare should be transparent and timed strategically given that other branches are also fundraising. Wildcare has a document written by Carol Jackson that describes the process. It will be forwarded to the group. Wildcare should be notified by branches of fundraising campaigns to avoid duplication. There will be no interference from Wildcare Corporate. The money would come into our general account and be available only to us. However, if fundraising is made tax deductible, the funds would need to go into the Gift Fund so that tax deductibility can be claimed.

5. NEW AVIARYWill reported that a new aviary is being built at 5 mile beach for the captive breeding program at a cost of $2.5 million. It will have capacity for 350 birds.

6. WORKING BEE AT BIRCHS INLETParks intend to go to Birchs Inlet in summer to remove the aviaries and the boardwalk to the hide and carry out repairs on Frog Lodge. We can liaise with Taylor at Strahan Parks and Wildlife Office.

7. APPRECIATION TO TREENA FRENCHTreena has had 2 bikes, from the 16/7 season, serviced and degeared. They will be taken to Melaleuca to make a total of 5 bikes.

It was resolved to send a letter of appreciation to Treena.

8. APPRECIATION TO DEBORAH SEARLEThe meeting expressed gratitude to Deb for doing such a wonderful job as President and Secretary of FoOBP.

9. NEXT MEETING: May 2019 (after the season has finished)

10. MEETING CLOSED: 3.09 pm

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