It’s not often that you get to start the work day at the beach but on Thursday 5th March the SCCU team and community partners Australian Seabird Rescue did just that, meeting on the Kingscliff sands for the release of 2 rehabilitated turtles, back into the wild.
Joined by locals, news crews and students from the area, SCCU and Australian Seabird Rescue were overwhelmed by the support and attendance, with hundreds turning out to watch rescued turtles “Whistler” and “Jay Jay” swim out into the ocean.
A particularly special moment for SCCU Community and Sponsorship Specialist Cassie Nicole who was first to find rescue turtle “Whistler” washed up on Kingscliff beach in a bad way, malnourished and covered in barnacles. Cass stayed with the turtle until Australian Seabird Rescue arrived from Ballina to help and from there, a special partnership was formed.
“SCCU are very proud to partner with Australian Seabird Rescue, who do incredible work rescuing and rehabilitating our local Northern Rivers wildlife. From the moment I called Seabird Rescue to come and help Whistler, the team have worked around the clock to nurse him back to health. I was lucky enough to visit the rehabilitation centre and forge a strong partnership with Seabird Rescue to ensure SCCU would be able to play a small part in helping them continue their important work in our local community. Without support, Seabird Rescue wouldn’t be able to continue to do all that they do. As a customer owned credit union, we want to know we are making a real difference locally, and with Seabird Rescue, we know that we really are.
I’ve followed Whistlers recovery over the past 4 months and I’m just so proud of the way he has bounced back. To be able to play a part in bringing his release event to Kingscliff is awesome for our area.” says Cass.
SCCU and Australian Seabird Rescue look forward to a long and hardworking relationship and hope to share many more release days with the public in the near future. If you’d like to learn more about the Australian Seabird Rescue or donate to help them continue their work, visit their website http://seabirdrescue.org.au/ .
