The end goal of the recent Maldon Inc Kangaroo Art Project was finally realised last Friday when the much-anticipated Mylab Five VET ultrasound machine was installed in the treatment clinic at Red Box Wildlife Shelter. The ultrasound machine will assist volunteer Senior Veterinary Surgeon Dr Mark Sayer in expediting diagnosis of internal injuries in kangaroos. The leading-edge machine was already in use the next day for consults.
The Mylab Five VET ultrasound machine was installed by Earl Rowland, BSc (Biological) national sales manager of Medical Plus Australia, suppliers of leading-edge imaging equipment in the veterinary market. Earl agreed to supply the ultrasound at a much-reduced price to assist the wildlife shelter, which is a registered charity that relies on volunteers and donations from the public.
The Maldon Inc Kangaroo Art Project took raw lengths of plywood and created life-size kangaroo ‘canvases’. Art kangaroos were created with the generosity and skill of local and regional artists, students, sports and community clubs. With the support of Maldon traders, the art kangaroos were showcased in Maldon shop windows during the July school holidays as part of the Maldon In Winter Festival. They were then auctioned online to generate the funds for this much-needed ultrasound machine.
Secretary of Maldon Inc Pamela Jewson and Project Coordinator Felicity Howard facilitated the handover to CEO and Founder Red Box Wildlife Shelter Nikki Medwell.
“There was much excitement surrounding the presence of the new ultrasound machine on clinic day with Dr Mark Sayer describing it as a game changer,” said Nikki. “During the machine’s inaugural run, we had a vet student shadowing Mark during the day. Mark was able to show the student where organs were situated in kangaroos. So, this machine is already helping the next generation of kangaroos.”
Felicity said, “We are totally proud and very grateful to all involved in the project. From the great blokes at Maldon Men’s Shed to North Melbourne Football Club. From the incredible artists to our local communities.
“On behalf of the Maldon Inc Kangaroo Art Project, our special thanks to the artists who made this happen… Robyn Riley, Carlo San Giorgio, Rocky and June Huxley, Trace Balla, MANet Focus Gallery resident artists, Eliza Tree, Troy Firebrace, Julie Patey, Stephen Phillis, Sally Andressen, YaRRn Collaborative, Maldon Primary School, Newstead Primary School, Elphinstone Primary School, Castlemaine Girl Guides, Castlemaine First Joey Scouts, North Melbourne Football Club, and Time Travellers Antiques.”
The Maldon Inc Kangaroo Art Project set out to acknowledge the dedication and commitment of volunteer wildlife rescuers, carers, and shelters. The MyLab Five VET ultrasound machine is up and running in time for World Kangaroo Day on 24 October 2024.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 20 October 2023.
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