RSPCA visits with view to starting a Cobar branch

Wednesday April 4, 2012

RSPCA

Local woman Sharni Clark (second from left) meeting with RSPCA staff Irene Argyros (Executive Manager of Finance), Steve Coleman (Chief Executive Officer) and Ken Robertson (IT Manager) last Tuesday at Bizzy B’s coffee shop. Absent from the photo is Mayor Lilliane Brady who later joined the meeting.

Local Sharni Clark said the chances of a branch of the RSPCA being set up in Cobar are looking “very good” after her meeting last week with RSPCA CEO Steve Coleman.

The RSPCA is a community based charity that works to prevent cruelty to animals by actively promoting their care and protection.

RSPCA branches do a lot of hands on work such as the operation of shelters, educating the community and fundraising.

Mr Coleman, along with other RSPCA staff members Irene Argyos and Ken Robertson, were in Cobar last Tuesday and met with Mrs Clark and mayor Lilliane Brady.
“We found Sharni very refreshing,” Mr Coleman said.
“She has a passion for animal welfare.

“She is practical and balanced as well which completely fits RSPCA’s mandate on animal welfare.”
Mr Coleman said they were very grateful to Mrs Clark for contacting them and giving them the opportunity to come to Cobar.

“It was great to also meet with Mayor Lilliane Brady and to have her reinforce her support and that of the council,” he said.

As a self confessed animal lover, Mrs Clark said she felt for a number of years that Cobar has been in need for an RSPCA branch.

“We haven’t had anyone in town working for the RSPCA since Bronwyn Welch left about 17 years ago.
“I think there’s a need for one so that we can help find a home for stray animals or direct people who want to report acts of cruelty to an RSPCA officer.

“There’s 32 RSPCA officers in NSW and our nearest is in Dubbo,” she said.
Mrs Clark plans to hold a public meeting in June to gauge interest.

“To set up a branch in Cobar we need 12 people to show an interest to form a committee.
“The RSPCA will help us to get set up as well as help with initial funding.

“Steve Coleman will come along to the meeting as a guest speaker as well as someone from Companion Animals and they will be able to answer any questions that people might have.”