The Great Toad Muster -
I WAS THERE

"Since I got back everyone has been asking me what it was like to Stop the Toads, and each and every time I have come up with a new and exciting story, all true and without any exageration. People have expressed envy and admiration. You couldnt get much better than an exciting new adventure catching toads, meeting interesting people from all over the world all joined for the cause, learnt many things about the wildlife, had a great atmosphere..Never have doing something for the community and the state been so much fun. So next year the question will not be, 'so what brings you to the Muster', it will be, 'Why not'. "

Christine Parlevliet, Perth

It was the fantastic people, the stunning scenary, the joy of the hunt and the real difference we can see that we’re making out here that made us stay. We arrived with intensions to stay 2 or 3 days and here we are, over a week later! When else would we have the opportunity to get out on a private station and explore this magnificent land? We’ve seen an abundance of snakes, birds, crocs, frogs, wallabies and many other amazing things and enjoyed every moment of it all.
Thanks to the marvelous, good solid people who keep this place in order who feed us (onya Chris!) and look after us so well.

What’s been done out here is fantastic and I can promise we’ll be spreading the word everywhere we go.

Good luck to you all, who knows, I might even see you again next year!

Oliver Edwards from NSW. Volunteer STTF.

"I have enjoyed meeting people from such different backgrounds that I would not have had the chance to meet in a different circumstance. When we go out catching toads at night and getting to know people like Malcolm and Rosemary has been great."

Marshall Blecher from NSW. Volunteer STTF.

"My husband and I saw the article advertising the Muster in Darwin, and we thought it was a good chance to get involved in the control of the cane toads, meet new people and see the environment which has turned out to be very fascinating. We are staying for the duration of the Muster. It has just been a blast "

Lexie and John Gribbin from NSW. Volunteer STTF.

"I came to take pictures and write a story, and I have discovered that you can make a positive impact with the work on the field."

Paul Bradley . Volunteer STTF. from Perth, WA.

"The fact that the toads are so close to the border is really scary and from catching them you really get a toad rush, toadlly!"

Lee Armstrong. Volunteer STTF from Denmark, WA.

Keep piss fartin' around, love you all.

Conor McCloud and Dan the male model from Canada

"What an unreal experience. The wildlife is abundant. So many snakes, frogs and wallabies and different birds. Not to mention the metre "barra that got away"! The busting is something special too. Fully geared up in the dark of the night, navigating and negotiating through the bush and mangroves, there's always something new to see along with a lessening amount of toads to capture. The people have been amazing (crazy and entertaining!!), and continue to do an excellent job organising and keeping the camp running smoothly. I've learnt so much this week through the knowledge and expertise of everyone and will remember my time here for many years to come. Have fun everyone and keep on killing those toads. (I'm going to miss Chris feeding me 3 times a day! Nice work, man!)"

Bevan Yiu – 2/10/06

Down the toad!

Amelia Cann, volunteer & frog princess from Broome

We stopped for petrol at Timber Creek – and look what we got ourselves into! We have stumbled across a wonderful community of people – friendly, hospitable & passionate about catching toads! Thanks for accepting us into your team. I’d like to come back next year – if you’ll have me! Good luck with catching 50, 000 toads.

Inneke Woodhill, volunteer from Victoria, originally from Perth.

As above! Thanks so much for having us – would love to come back and stay for longer. Best wishes

Amy Watts – volunteer from Victoria

Thanks guys for some great days out here on Auvergne station. It’s been a great experience; catching toads, seeing wildlife, meeting wonderful people and experiencing Australian cuisine! Good luck – hope you catch them all, cheers.

The Dutchies – Boudewyin & Violanda

In Feb 2001 I was in Kakadu at Jabiru and a family of northern quolls ran around the BBQ area. A couple of years later I learnt that the cane toad had invaded causing the death and local extinction of all quolls in the areas they invaded along with monitor lizards, snakes & other animals, very sad. A bit later I learnt that very little had been done to stop the cane toad spreading & they could be stopped with the required resources. I came to the toad muster thinking we probably wouldn’t make a difference, I was wrong! I now believe we can stop great to see people of all ages, many cultures, and no previous environmental background & from all over Australia & the world being involved.

Carl Danzi, Volunteer Perth WA

Thanks guys, had heaps of fun in the short 2 days we were ‘Toadbusting’ was good to be able to contribute a little to the cause & hope it makes a difference. Looking forward to the final count. Keep us updated! Thanks again for the experience.

Sean & Corinne, volunteer from Victoria

Supporting The Operations Positively

The Helpers Ensured

The Overbearing Attack Didn’t Settle

It’s been wonderful to meet such a dedicated bunch of people, it can’t have been all done just for fun. But everyone I have met have thrown their hearts into this gruesome task in order to help make a difference and there is always something to smile about.

A big “thanks” to STT for making all this happen!

Dawn Fleming, Volunteer Perth WA

“I have met a lot of people from different towns, cities, lot of different and interesting stories a lot of hard working individuals that have come to take part in the Toad Muster and they are learning a lot about the toads, the country, making this a unique experience for them.”

Elaine Watts, Community Member. Timber Creek, NT.

Well first of all I have to admit that when I woke up on the first morning drenched in sweat and hardly able to breathe in the heat my first thought was “what the hell am I doing here”. 12 days of heat mosquitoes, snakes, crocs and late nights didn’t seem that appealing! It says everything about the people involved that not only was it bearable, it was the best “holiday” I have ever had. I’ve certainly never laughed so hard while counting putrid cane toads! I’m genuinely sorry to be leaving today but I’ll be taking so many great memories with me (not to mention a lingering scent of toad goo). Thanks guys for the wonderful memories and experience! Gen xxx

Gen Clutton, Volunteer Perth WA

After nights of catching toads, travelling along bumpy, rough roads and sharing the great spirit of the STTF camp, I feel proud to have been part of it all. The highlights – there were many! Well done to all the fantastic people who’ve kept the great toad muster on the road –my deepest thanks to each of you.
Going back to cleaned out lagoons, we’ll be able to enjoy the intact wildlife, the fruits of our labour.
Thanks to everyone for your wonderful contribution to the future.
Long live WA – free of toads!

Chris Tallentire, STTF Board Member

It was all very pleasant, thanks for all the lovely & fun people we met at Timber Creek. It has been an experience above all expectations. I will surely keep these unforgettable moments in my memory forever. Bravo and thanks to all those who gave up some days & money to the ”hunt”.

Irene Tallentire, Volunteer Perth WA

It was great to meet you all and help for a few days and to actually see the difference that was made. Please give us an update on the final tally. Bye everyone.

Judy & Kevin Price, volunteers from Queensland!

“The A Team”
To all STTF volunteers and staff, what you guys are doing is great! I have only been here a short while and had a blast! I hope I can be part of the team next year. Thanks for the fun and the great adventures

Kate Toovey, volunteer from Broome

Well what fun we have had, lots of great people and plenty of laughs! The wildlife was unreal to see, hopefully we can stop the toad and save what is out there.

The best holiday Ive ever had! And yes we did catch toads. What a wonderful group of people to be stuck in the bush with! I learnt a lot and hopefully we can do it again if it happens next year. Thanks for the laughs! I think we put a dent in the toad populations and keep going for it guys! Love Kylie and Leanne stay safe everyone and keep smiling and keep in touch.

Kylie & Leanne aka Thelma & Louise Volunteers Broome WA 9/10/06

I’m really quite sad to be leaving today. It’s amazing how when all aiming for a common goal, people of all sorts get on so well, there are a fair few odd balls thrown into the mix! My life’s not gonna be the same, not getting up to count toads and having that beautiful ‘essence of toad’ smell lingering in my nostril’s for the rest of the day! It’s really fantastic all the different people that have come along. I’ll be back next year, and I’ll be sure to drag a few people. Take care, be happy & bust heaps of toads!!
Lou Kloss, volunteer from Derby, WA

To be honest, I had no real ideas of what I was getting myself into when Lou first mentioned “toadbusting”. But I still did come along and I am glad I did! The best night was the first one, talk about spoilt rotten and what a laugh – it was good to see it wasn’t just the Derby girls who got stuck in the mud – we just did it the most!! I’ve met a great bunch of people and it was a great way to see the surrounds of Timber Creek – even if it was at night. And now I am a pro Toad sorter I’ll come back next year – if someone’s willing to do my exams! Good luck with the last few days and fingers crossed for 50, 000. I’ve had a ball and it was an awesome experience!
Gabe Kloss, volunteer from Derby, WA

I’m toadally toaded out! No more toads! Thanks to all the people who care enough to do something about it

Pete, volunteer from Victoria.

“I am devastated with how close the toads have got to the West Australian border, and the two nights that I was out there busting. I was overwhelmed with the amount of toads that we picked up, almost 2,000. The people of Western Australia need to open up their eyes to the devastation heading their way, and come to terms with the problem now before it’s too late.

Peter and Lyn Lynch from Sydney. Volunteers STTF.

I am amazed at the dedication and enthusiasm of all involved – staff & volunteers, whether here for 1 day or foe 6 weeks. This sort of exercise would not be possible without this level of commitment. Around 50,000 toads removed from the landscape has to make a difference.
How effective we have been – we will not know until after the wet – when we get back to those waterholes. Rest assured the Foundation will be lobbying hard to get the funds to allow us to do that!
Congratulations to everyone involved – a job well done! “Those toads are in Fear”

Andrew Storey – Board of Management STTF

Loved it guys! I will be here again next year.

PJ, volunteer from Broome

“Thank you friends, for all your camaraderie. Happy Toading”

Mick Finney, STTF Volunteer from Perth, WA.

Well after a long drive we finally found the campsite you guys were at. From the moment you made us feel welcome and looked after us. I have had an amazing experience & wish I could stay to the end.
You all do an amazing job and I would love to keep up to date with your great progress. Good luck

Vicki – volunteer from WA

"Being able to see this unique part of Australia, and learn so much from the local experts has been an amazing opportunity for me. Especially the main camp operations, and the positive attitude and efforts of all the volunteers involved are really inspiring."

Paola Diaz. Staff Member STTF.

"To be the Camp Host for the Muster has been a wonderful experience. I have met a great bunch of people who have been willing to help in all aspects, in spite of the harsh conditions, so I find it extremely positive. "

Chris Roylance. Staff Member STTF

"After presenting the cane toad issue to the Perth community for the past year, to now, being in the field and actively hand capturing toads and facilitating this for so many interested people is a great experience. Having this beautiful country as my office sure beats the fluoro lights of the city! I recommend this adventure for anyone interested in the great outdoors"

Lisa Brideson, Community Campaigner STTF.