December 2, 2021
Six budgerigars – soon to be joined by another six – took up residence at Blue Care Kingaroy’s Canowindra Aged Care Facility this week, thanks to generous local donations.
Canowindra’s lifestyle co-ordinator Carolien Groenevelt-van Kleef put out a call for help recently to set up a walk-in aviary at the facility for residents to enjoy.
The Wondai RSL Sub-Branch Citizen’s Auxiliary and the Burnett Bird Keepers Association sprang into action.
The Auxiliary donated the aviary which was constructed by Barry Trewin, from Trewin Aviaries at Munruben.
“About six months ago, we received an email from Canowindra Aged Care Facility requesting assistance with an aviary. As Canowindra has veterans as residents, we were able to assist with their request,” Auxiliary secretary Julie Lohmann said.
“After several meetings with Barry Green, president of the Burnett Bird Keepers Association, Carolien, and members of the Wondai RSL Sub-Branch Citizens Auxiliary, including Warren Lohmann and Casey Davie, a plan was made to meet the needs of the residents at Canowindra.
“These discussions were in relation to aviary designs, the feasibility of the project, costings and the health and welfare of the birds.
“Burnett Bird Keepers Association donated six birds and accessories to assist in this project.
“Kingaroy Quarry Supplies donated the crusher dust (for the base of the aviary).
“And our wonderful plaque was made by Gumnut Place at Murgon.”
Julie said the Wondai RSL Sub-Branch Citizens Auxiliary also wanted to acknowledge the support they had received from the Wondai RSL Sub-Branch and its president, David Scrimgeour.
“Thank you to everyone who was involved with the Canowindra Aviary Project.
“Without your time, effort and financial support this would not have been possible for the residents of Canowindra, who will have much enjoyment from the result of this project.”
Carolien said a vege garden beside the aviary would allow residents to pick fresh greens for the birds.
Those that were able could go into the cage to feed them, while others could watch from outside or simply enjoy listening to the birds calling.
Carolien said all the budgies were males, but there were plans to get some females and maybe even install breeding boxes.
