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The duckies have landed

November 16, 2006

Professor Mingan Choct and duckies.A mass migration of yellow rubber ducks has descended on the University of New England. The ducks landed in Armidale yesterday, where they were immediately declared fit for introduction into the community by internationally renowned poultry expert Professor Mingan Choct.

"These beautiful ducks will thrive in our clean and green environment in Australia," Professor Choct said.

"They look healthy and happy, and will do well in your backyards."

The ducks, which go on sale today at Booloominbah and Marketing and Public Affairs, are of various breeds, including surfer ducks, princess ducks, sports ducks, academic ducks and student ducks.

The "Bucks for Ducks" sale, as the event will be known, is part of UNE's Celebration of Sharing, an annual event that raises money for local charities. This year, proceeds will go to Street Beat and St Vincent De Paul.

Event coordinator Kerry De Jong said the ducks had already generated tremendous interest, with many people ordering whole sets for their family and friends.

"People are just going crazy for these little yellow duckies," she said.

Ms De Jong said the ducks were suitable not only for bath time play, but also for decorating your office cubicle or hanging on your Christmas tree.

"You could even get creative and make earrings out of them," she said.

The ducks sell for $3 each or $10 for a set of four. Squeezable academic "stress" ducks are also available for $5. With every purchase you will be entered into the Lucky Duck Draw to win a scenic helicopter flight, donated by Fleet Helicopters.

The Lucky Duck Draw will be drawn at a barbecue to be held in the Central Courtyard on Wednesday, November 22 at 12pm, where you will also be able to bid on a number of exclusive, one-of-a-kind ducks, not available elsewhere.

For more information contact Leon Braun (UNE Public Relations) on 6773 3771. A photo is available to accompany this story.

Posted by Leon Braun at November 16, 2006 12:56 PM