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Posted by SASTA

on 02/09/2024

Staff News

Belinda Sykes began with us at the beginning of Term 2, replacing Jenna Hoffman who is taking parenting leave. We have recently taken on 3 new staff on a casual basis who have experience in delivering talks and presentations which now gives us 5 staff who are able to present.

Recent Accreditations

About 18 months ago NEC was granted charity status from the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. Following this we applied to the ATO to be a Deductible Gift Recipient.

We received notification at the end of July that our application was successful so now gifts over $2 to NEC from donors are tax deductible for them. We are hopeful that this will place us in a good position to apply for gifts and grants.

Bookings for animal loans, kits and talks

  • This year we introduced an online booking system. There have been a few issues with it integrating with our existing system, but these are being addressed.
  • In the first instance, please book via the online system. If you are experiencing any problems, then please email us.
  • Bookings for loans in term 4 open on week 8 of term 3.
  • There are only a few time slots available for talks in term 3, but there are spots still available for term 4. We can do up to three talks at the one site if required and ideally require 2 days notice for talks.
  • We now have Plain’s Rats available for loan. Think Hopping Mice but larger!
  • With summer approaching in term 4, there is a reminder that animals won’t be able to go out on loan if the temperatures are too high and that axolotls aren’t available for loan in term 4 due to their sensitivity to higher temperatures.

Volunteers

As with any not-for-profits organisation we rely on a mixture of staff and volunteers.

We are always appreciative of anyone who can assist. If you can assist, or know of others that can, please contact the centre. We have a range of areas to volunteer in including:

  • animal care,
  • publicity and marketing,
  • educational kits maintenance and development of new ones,
  • finance etc

NEC’s Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday November 25 at 5pm. We would welcome anyone who would like to become part of our committee to help ensure a successful future for NEC.