Toad Media

MEDIA RELEASE

Thursday 14 September 2006

WHAT DO VIETNAM VETERANS, ST JOHN’S AMBULANCE AND THE ENVIRONMENT HAVE IN COMMON?

CANE TOADS AND THE GREAT TOAD MUSTER!

As a 21 year old Alan McKenzie served in Vietnam, and 40 years later he is again serving his country in the battle to stop cane toads from entering Western Australia.

Alan and his 16 year old son Lane leave Dawesville this weekend to begin the long trek to the remote town of Timber Creek, 170kms east of the WA border.

“Perth to Geelong is 2,100 miles to the east” says Alan proudly, “and Timber Creek is 2,200 miles north east. My wife Pam, a dual Commonwealth medallist, will join us in a few weeks.”

For many, capturing cane toads at night in “difficult” conditions is not an ideal holiday, but the volunteers who are travelling to Timber Creek view The Muster as an adventure and an opportunity to make a difference.

“I spent time in Cairns and the bloody things were everywhere. Don’t want to see them in my backyard down here. They’re hopping all over the place in Kakadu and they’re great hitchhikers. They’ll be into hiding places underneath the car and before you know it they’ll be in Perth!” says Alan.

At St John’s Ambulance, Claremont this week, Alan, Stop the Toad Foundation team leaders and community volunteers, completed a Senior First Aid Course in preparation for The Muster. As trained First Aiders, they hope that they won’t have to put into practice the skills learned during the course, but are now prepared if they need them.

A St John’s trainer will travel from Kununurra to Timber Creek for a few days to teach basic first aid to volunteers from all over the state.

The Muster has embraced the sense of Australia’s community spirit where people of all ages and from all sectors, are making a valiant effort to stop the cane toad from entering the pristine wilderness of the Kimberley.

THE GREAT TOAD MUSTER is being held from September 23rd – October 31st at Timber Creek in the NT.

PHOTO OPPORTUNITY – Alan McKenzie and his son, passing through Perth collecting St John’s Ambulance First Aid field kits with his heavily loaded 4wd and trailer.

For further information and to organise interviews please contact

Dennis Beros
Campaign Manager
Stop The Toad Foundation
0409 244 029