EDUCATION NEWS
Students passion for the wild
side
Katie Hunt and Kirsty
Heseltine look like two
kids in a lolly store, except
in this case their elation
is not over sweets but
rather wildlife. Every year,
echidnas, koalas, turtles,
snakes, kookaburras, and
many other exotic animals
arrive at the Currumbin
Wildlife Hospital for their
wounds to be treated by the dedicated staff.
As Veterinary Nursing students from Kingscliff
TAFE, Katie and Kirsty have been participating
in 12 months work placement at the hospital as
part of their Animal Studies qualification which
specialises in wildlife.
“On top of caring for the Currumbin Wildlife
Sanctuary animals, the hospital also admits
over 8000 native animals brought in by the local
community each year,” says Katie.
Kirsty, who is dedicated to conservation of our
native wildlife says she recognises the importance
of education in forming strategies for humans and
animals to co-exist.
“The hospital offers us a hands-on environment
in which to learn and assist the staff in working
towards the ultimate goal of releasing these
animals back into the wild,” says Kirsty.
Mimi Dona, Teacher of Animal Sciences North
Coast TAFE says the unique co-delivery of this
course between TAFE and Currumbin Wildlife
Hospital, allows students to learn the fundamental
skills of Veterinary Nursing during valuable face
to face time on campus, and then continue to
develop these skills in a clinical environment.
“Within the hospital the students rotate through
4 main areas which includes reception, wildlife
rehabilitation, surgical procedures and general
nursing of the animals from the Currumbin Wildlife
Sanctuary,” says Mrs Dona.
For more information about the Triple Diploma
package or any courses in either hospitality, events
or business at North Coast TAFE, people can go to
northcoasttafe.edu.au or call 1300 628 233.
ADVANCE SCREENING
WEDNESDAY 8 JULY
6pm - Pre-film activities begin! 7pm - Film starts
TICKETS ON SALE JUNE 12
TICKETS $26*
eventcinemas.com.au
facebook.com/chicksattheflicks
@chicksattheflicks #catfevent
CHICKS AT THE FLICKS IS ASSOCIATED WITH:
*Plus $1.20 online booking fee. ^Plus $3.25 online booking fee.
www.coffeeshopgoss.com.au > POTTSVILLE TO FINGAL > JUNE 2015
7