Cassowary Coast News

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Cassowary Habitat Areas & Pathways Click to enlarge Cassowary Habitat Areas & Pathways

Cassowary deaths 1997-2008 New deaths

	CASSOWARY DISCOVERY TRAIL - MISSION BEACH Click to enlarge Glass head, neck, feathers Head, neck and feathers made of glass Click to enlarge Overhead Elevation Landscape View Papermache model Clay model of neck and head Ferroing and feathers The new artform installed at the C4, MB Visitor Information Centre and the location of the future MB Community Arts Centre, has been nicknamed "Cassie" by its creators.   It is the culmination of 6 months hard work by a dedicated group of local artists, mainly involved with Mission Beach Artists group mentored, tutored and co-coordinated by local artist Jude Bohm-Parr.   Community input came through the involvement of local school children who contributed tiles for the pathway. There were also many volunteers who gave time or inkind support to assist.    Cassie evolved from a concept through several stages of incarnation. He is a very well travelled cassowary as during his creation he (or his parts!) travelled between Mission Beach, Tully, Fishery Falls and Bingil Bay; a true local, before settling in his new home in front of the tourist info centre in Mission Beach.   This installion, "Entwined", (one of 3 similar projects) was finished at the end of April 2009, when there was an official unveiling to the public.   He began as a drawing, was made 3 dimensional originally in paper mache, chicken wire and cardboard which translated to clay models of his glass components - the neck, head and feathers.   These sections were transformed into glass over several workshops held in Mission Beach and Fishery Falls. His body, which is constructed from ferro cement over a steel inner framework was conceived in Tully, refined in Mission Beach and coated in Bingil Bay. Making of glass head Cassowary body and artists Installation Artist Judith Bohm-Parr and Meredith Moreau             AIM: To develop a Cassowary Discovery Trail of permanent contemporary sculptures designed and produced by local professional artists.  The installations will highlight environmental, indigenous, cultural or historical issues linked with this iconic and endangered species.    FUNDING BODY: The project is funded through Queensland Arts art+place program, further submissions for funding through art+place are intended at the successful completion of the first phase.   The sculptures will be placed in ‘public spaces’ that have high exposure to the community.    MANAGEMENT OF THE PROJECT   This project has the support of three key community based organisations in Mission Beach; they are C4, Mission Beach Artists and Mission Beach Visitor Information Centre as well as support from Cassowary Coast Regional Council.                       ENTWINED   The cassowary, on its mound, is visible from the Porter Promenade road. The actual male cassowary sculpture guarding his eggs, which includes the imitation tree trunks, vines, leaves and berries, are elevated on a 1 metre high concrete mound/nest appearing to be emerging from the constructed rainforest - and future real rainforest pocket. Small tree trunks surrounding the mound would hinder direct physical access to the sculpture.   A path of pavers made by the children of Mission Beach lead around the front of the sculpture to an entrance behind the sculpture (where a plaque will be attached to faux tree trunks). Hence the entrance would be through an actual living rainforest (to be planted as part of the landscape) and the visitor would “happen” upon the cassowary in its natural environment. This experience would initially be assisted with further faux tree trunks (in patinaed copper which will age to verdigris greens and blend into the forest) dotted in the real forest, adding a link between the constructed setting of the bird on its mound and its natural habitat thus providing an immediate sense of environment and over time - a realistic one.   The path will double back to the beginning providing a 360 degree view of the sculpture whilst deterring actual physical contact. The planted pocket of rainforest will become a virtual realistic rainforest within 18 months and need little maintenance except initial watering to establish. Leaf-litter from the forest and shade from the developing trees would deter weeds and create a realistic environment.   The story of the cassowary would unfold as the visitor followed the path of hand made illustrated and worded pavers. At the entry to the rainforest a plaque would further inform the visitor.   Judith Bohm-Parr Studio 8 Glass PO Box 394 Gordonvale Q 4865   Ph/Fax 07 4067 5354 www.studio8glass.com.au Check out other work by Judith in our Artists Samples

	CASSOWARY POO HUNT 28th February 2009   Here is a rundown on the results from the late February Cassowary poo survey, with an attached map showing the locations and sexes of the collected samples We had 29 collectors, from CSIRO, QPW, C4, MB community alliance, Birds  Australia, ATGIS We covered a total of 27km of tracks We collected 26 poo samples and 3 feather samples, with a further 45 old dungs being mapped In the lab DNA extractions were attempted on all 26  poo  samples collected.  8  samples were from Females 12 samples were from Males In   3 of the samples we extracted DNA but were unable to sex the sample We were unable to extract DNA from  3 samples We are pleased with the results from the day, with some small changes to the survey technique making things run a bit smoother.   The locations of the collected samples are interesting (no activity on the Licuala walk??) and we are looking forward to seeing how this changes over the course of the year.   The DNA samples are being collated so a large scale analysis can be done to discriminate between individuals.   Next survey:   We are hoping to do an April survey but all the weekends look unfavourable for us due to public holidays  and/or other commitments.   Given this we are thinking of trying to do a midweek survey, either in the morning or afternoon.   Can you please reply with your thoughts on this as we are keen to gauge the response to this idea.

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A positive identification, she is alive and well   We are very pleased to announce that ‘Cassius’ aka ‘Grabba’ aka ‘Ms Cass’ has been located over at Brooks Beach hanging out with one eyed ‘Bandit”   It would seem that there was a vacancy after the sad demise of  Garners Beach matriarch ‘Betty’ also known as ‘Mario’     She is no doubt safer  there as the daily risk of crossing the Bingil Bay road was very worrying especially with the speeding traffic along  the area where she used to cross.   Young  ‘Joov’ who has settled into her territory seems a little more relaxed now she is not around. Now he/she has to contend with the crossing. Perhaps we can get some speed calming installed.  Thanks for all the feedback, great to know community interest is alive and well also. Liz Gallie May 2008