In which Australian city would you find Rundle Mall?

Chris and Lynne from Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre with Wellington Shire Council’s sustainability education officer, Sharon Ray. Photos: Contributed Meet the bats

A NEW display in Sale aims to educate people on a widely misunderstood species, the Grey-headed Flying Fox, which has again taken roost around Wellington Shire, including along the shores of Sale’s Lake Guthridge and Lake Guyatt. The exhibit, which is now showing at Nakunbalook Environmental and Cultural Education Centre, next to Seed Community Garden, centres on Australia’s largest native bat and the crucial role it plays in the health of the bush as a major pollinator. Between 11am and 1pm each day until Friday February 3, Lynne and Chris from Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue will be at Nakunbalook to share stories and answer any questions. A free ‘Meet the Bats’ session will also be held at Nakunbalook on Monday January 23 from 7.30pm. Attendees should meet at Nakunbalook for a short presentation, followed by a short walk to Lake Guthridge to see the bats skim the lake to collect water on their fur before heading out to feed for the evening. A day session will be held on Wednesday January 25, from 11am. No booking is required for either session. Bats are foragers and will travel to where food is available, which means that they will likely move on when resources diminish. Council does not have a definitive time frame for how and when this might occur. Grey-headed Flying Foxes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975 as they are a nationally threatened species. Penalties apply for harassing or disturbing them. The bats are sensitive to noise, so it is in their best interests to minimise noise when near them. Grey-headed Flying Foxes pose no risk to humans

Grey-headed Flying Foxes at the Sale Botanic Gardens.

when they are flying overhead or roosting. It is very important, however, that flying foxes are not handled because a small percentage may carry Australian bat lyssavirus or Hendra virus. Neither droppings or urine can spread these viruses, so it is not dangerous to have a colony sited nearby. If you see a bat on the ground or low in trees, this indicates it may need help. Do not touch the bat. Alert a wildlife carer by phoning Moonshadow Flying Fox Rescue on 0429 930 138 or The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action as the responsible authority on 136 186.

Nakunbalook Exhibition on the Grey-headed Flying Fox.

 A BUY, swap and sell market will be held at the Glenmaggie Hall this Saturday (January 28) from 9am until 1pm. Sites available for $20, anything can be sold except take-away food or alcohol. Stall holders to arrive for set up at 8am. Please phone Lee on 0418 108 691 to register and for further information.  COONGULLA Boat Rally 2023. The annual fundraiser for the Coongulla CFA will be held this Saturday (January 28), at Wootens Cove, Coongulla. $20 entry per team boat or car, rally theme is rainbow bright and colourful. For details and to register your team join the Facebook page Coongulla Boat Rally. There will be activities, prizes, raffles and food available.  MAFFRA Ukulele group led by Julie Bradley will commence on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at 9am until 10.30am at the Maffra Band rooms, Function Centre, Maffra Recreation Reserve, 6 Maffra NewryRoad, Maffra. This group is for those who enjoy playing their ukulele and have one of their own. For more information please visit www.maffraband.com.  A ROYAL Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal Market stall and Garage Sale fundraiser will be held on Saturday, January 28, from 8am until 1pm at 14 Nerrigundah Drive, Glenmaggie (entry off Licola Road, opposite Lake Glenmaggie Caravan Parks camping ground. There will be many and various stalls, raffles, a sausage sizzle and cold drinks. Everyone most welcome.