November 2009

Our branch would like to pay a very special tribute to cherished long term member, Marion Collins, who due to recent ill health and other concerns, has not renewed her WIRES membership this year. She will be sorely missed by the branch and all its members.

Marion has worked tirelessly for the past thirteen years, in a range of capacities. She first joined Clarence Valley WIRES in 1996, when her granddaughter left home and she was looking for something to do. Marion has always loved animals and joining WIRES was a natural choice for her.

In her early days with the group she was mentored by June Richards, one of the groups founding members. Initially, like all of us, she was a little nervous but just a quick call to June would fill her with enough confidence to tackle the task at hand. Marion quickly developed a reputation as a dedicated carer with magical rearing and curative skills; no creature was too large or too small. Marion's commitment was such that she has regularly been one of the branch members to receive the most animals into care and has notably made the largest number of rescue in a year. He ability to raise and release tiny baby birds, whose gapes could barley be seen, is legendary.

On and executive level, Marion was never afraid to speak her mind if she thought the animals would benefit, even in the face of opposition. A true independent thinker, her point of view has always been fresh and unbiased. If Marion witnesses cruelty to animals, she never hesitates to speak up, even to the meanest 'tough guy'. And her wry sense of humour is a priceless asset wherever she operates.

At training courses, Marion's presence has been invaluable. Quietly imparting hands on information about the animals she loves and understands so well, she made every newcomer feel welcome and that little bit wiser for the contact with her. She was always ready to answer phone calls about wildlife care from other carers both new and experienced, never tiring of listening to their concerns or imparting her knowledge with infinite patience. Marion was ideal for the role of New Member Officer which she undertook for some time, mentoring new members with her typical kindness and expertise. As a fund raiser, Marion has been equally dedicated, devoting literally hundreds of hours to WIRES and indeed other volunteer organisations on and ongoing basis.

We would like to take this opportunity to honour Marion, to thanks her for the huge contribution she has made to wildlife care and to shaping out branch and steering it in the right direction. We wish her all the very best as she embarks on this new phase in her life.

By Linda Wright, on behalf of Clarence Valley WIRES

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