BRIDGETTE and Paula Powers from The Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue, based in Landsborough are here to stay.
In a segment on A Current Affair, which aired on Tuesday, January 10 2023, it was revealed the property they lease, where they rehabilitate hundreds of injured and sick native birds had been purchased by one of their many supporters, Brisbane-based philanthropist Dr Peter Sherwood, essentially meaning they will be “here forever and a day”.
Bridgette and Paula, with the support of their mother Helen Powers, have been caring for injured and sick birds for over two decades. Helen spoke with GC&M News sharing that the generosity of Peter – or “Saint Peter”, as they call him – was “better than winning the lotto”.
Helen shared Bridgette and Paula are very thankful to “Saint Peter” and are happy for the birds.
“We thank Saint Peter for his generosity and we really feel like we are one of the lucky ones to have his support,” Helen said.
“Out of a really awful experience [Paula’s stress-related hospitalisation after receiving an abusive phone call during an ACA segment last year] has come this, and the Twins now have a secure place here on the Sunshine Coast for as long as they like.
“There’s a lot of work ahead but there’s a big future for Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue.”
Recent years has seen the charity face a number of challenges at their purpose-built facility, including rising costs of operation, with the charity continuing thanks to the generosity and support of fundraising efforts and some community grants.
Helen said plans for the future of Twinnies Pelican and Seabird Rescue include training others up to assist with the rescues and rehabilitation of birds, as well building more aviaries on site and extending wheelchair access throughout the premises for visitors, as well as additional wheelchair toilet access. Donations of building materials and supplies are welcome and will go directly to additional on site aviaries.
The Twinnies are located at 2147 Steve Irwin Way, Landsborough. To find out more about what they do, visit www.thetwinnies.com.au or follow them on Facebook. For those wishing to volunteer, contact 5439 9995.
