Around 500 people and their pets attended the annual Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter Open Day and National Tree Day giveaway on Saturday, 30 July. Two dogs and one cat were rehomed, with lots of others putting their names down on a waiting list for a pet, for when they are ready to be adopted. The Shelter also raised over $400 in cash donations.
Thank you to all who attended on the day to support the Animal Shelter and received a free plant in the process. It is great that the two events were held in conjunction with each other to celebrate Local Government Week.
Organised by the Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter staff, the Open Day included animal focused market stalls, the stand out activities being paw fingerprinting on canvas, as well as demonstrations by the Australian Working Dog Rescue Int (AWDRI).
Many locals also took up the offer of free micro chipping, with 28 dogs and cats micro chipped on the day.
The Hawkesbury Community Nursery, located next door to the Animal Shelter, gave away hundreds of free plants to residents in celebration of National Tree Day for the 15 th year in a row. The plants that the Community Nursery gave away will help local residents use less fertiliser, reduce water costs, and control pests, because these plants prefer local conditions and generally help to achieve a healthier garden. The most popular choices were Goodenia, Water Gum, Mint Bush, and Bottlebrush.
Residents were given local expert advice on how to revamp their gardens in time for Spring, and how to deal with noxious weeds, thanks to an informative display from Hawkesbury River County Council staff.
The Hawkesbury Companion Animal Shelter operates Monday to Friday: 9am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4.30pm, Saturday 9.30am – 11.30am and Sunday 7am – 9am.
The Community Nursery sells plants to the general public and is open every Wednesday from 9am – 1pm.
New volunteers for the Community Nursery and the Hawkesbury Bushcare program are always welcome.
For more information, call Council’s Bushcare Officer on (02) 4560 4525.
Both sites are located at 10 Mulgrave Rd, Mulgrave.
