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‘Swans’ forage for funds on Armidale lawns

May 16, 2005

swan_thumb.jpgFundraisers at The University of New England have reported the sighting of a flock of swans on the lawns of Booloominbah.

On closer inspection, they said, the “swans” appeared to be “unique, attractive garden ornaments on their way north for the winter”.

Further inquiries revealed that the “swans” had begun their life as old car tyres that had been rehabilitated, groomed and decorated by residents of UNE’s Duval College (as illustrated here).

The Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ingrid Moses, came down to have a closer look at the “swans” after their arrival at Booloominbah last Friday and, understanding that they would be flying off to raise funds for the local Rural Fire Service Brigade and the Duval College Scholarship Fund, wished them well.

“They’re ready to go and alight in gardens around Armidale over the next two weeks,” said the Principal of Duval College, Edwina Ridgway. “From today [Monday 16 May],” she told Armidale residents, “they will be prepared to swan around your garden for the day.”

Mrs Ridgway said that the “swans” would be carrying labels that explained their fund-raising mission, and that the first of their hosts would have advance warning of their arrival. “For information on how you can book a fly-in, send swans on their way to other gardens (single $10 and flock $50), or insure against a visit ($20), please phone 6773 5700 within the next two weeks,” she said. “The tyres were generously donated by Armidale Trailers, Super Moto, and Cliff Wright Motors.”

She praised what she called the “enormous energy” of the senior members of Duval College in preparing the “swans” for the campaign: “especially”, she said, “the President of the Senior Common Room, Dr Gudrun Dieberg, SCR members Jennifer Miller, Ben Quast and Andrew Watson, and the teams of Resident Fellows and College Academic Mentors.”

Reports of swan sightings and calls for the adoption of “orphan” swans have appeared in the media recently, and Mrs Ridgway said she had received several expressions of interest, including inquiries about the particular breed of swan involved.


Media contact: Edwina Ridgway, Principal, Duval and Drummond & Smith Colleges, UNE (02) 6773 5701 or Jennifer Miller, Alumni Relations Officer, UNE (02) 6773 3365.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at May 16, 2005 02:42 PM