DPI fishcare volunteers donate fish tank to children's ward

The South Coast Fishcare Volunteers have restored a fish tank to donate to Wollongong Hospital’s children’s ward, Wollongong, on Monday, 10 January, at 11 am.

The 1.2 metre by 0.6 metre tank has been fully refurbished with the fish, filters and heaters donated by Aquascene at Cliff Drive, Kiama Downs.

The NSW Department of Primary Industries’ (DPI) Recreational Fishing State Coordinator Community Programs, Dee McElligott, said the Fishcare Volunteers involved had done a wonderful job.

”Lead Fishcare volunteer for the project, Kurtis Tory, and DPI Fisheries Education Officer Gavin McDonall, have done a great job restoring the tank and networking with hospital staff,” she said.

The NSW DPI Fishcare Volunteers are funded by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust.

All money raised by the NSW recreational fishing licence scheme is placed into saltwater and freshwater trusts overseen by anglers and used to improve recreational fishing .

Ms McElligott said Mr Tory would also be donating his time each week to maintain the tank.

“I’m sure the children in the ward will have a lovely time watching and helping to feed and look after the fish,” she said.

“It will be an exciting New Year’s addition to the ward for children who are unable to spend that time at home.”

Children’s ward Nurse Unit Manager, Judy Ayre, said that the aquarium was a wonderful gift to the children in the ward.

“We have an average of 200 children staying in the ward each month and they will get countless hours of enjoyment from it,” she said.

The hospital plan to celebrate the fish tanks arrival with a ‘Finding Nemo’ theme. There will be a colouring competition by judged by Ms McElligott.

DPI MEDIA CONTACT: GAVIN MCDONALL ON 0438 245 190.

HOSPITAL MEDIA CONTACT: MARILYN JOHNSON ON

(02) 4253 4869 OR 0411 267 321.