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Local News
FEBRUARY 23, 2024
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Sad end of an era
‘Purrfect’ time for kittens l WOREE
Junior Choral Society shuts doors after 71 years l PARRAMATTA PARK | Isabella Guzman Gonzalez PILES of music sheets and a cabinet full of glorious trophies are all that remain at the Junior Choral Society hall on Grove St as it prepares to close the doors after 71 years training the young voices of the Far North. On February 29, the society will officially shut the doors to the iconic hall, that has seen talented young singers come through its ranks for decades, after struggling to reach its member quota in the last two years. Toni Dunstan, society conductor since 1985 and daughter of its founder Tom Sewell, said it was time to close the organisation’s
chapter in the city’s history. “COVID was the last nail in the coffin for us,” she said. “After that our numbers dwindled and we couldn’t get enough members. “I’ve also been the conductor for 39 years and needed to find a new conductor because it’s time for me to step down, but that wasn’t possible either. “I really enjoyed spending time with the children – that was the highlight for me, having all of these children join the club and be wary of me and, by the end of the term, we’re best mates. It was amazing.” Mrs Dunstan said she had been extremely fortunate to witness the glory days of the society. CONTINUED PAGE 2
Junior Choral Society conductor and daughter of the society’s founder Toni Dunstan farewells the organisation after 71 years of service. Picture: Isabella Guzman Gonzalez
CAIRNS Regional Council is joining forces with local rehoming organisations to find the “purrfect” new home for rescue cats and kittens. The Cat Adoption Day tomorrow involves residents meeting cats and kittens available for adoption from 9am-noon. The council has held successful adoption days since 2019, with more than 350 cats and dogs rehomed through the initiatives. Council chief executive officer Mica Martin said the day was one way the council could support local rehoming organisations, which do the heavy lifting when it came to finding new homes for otherwise unwanted pets. “Cats make great companions and are known for their loving nature – a lot of people would say they make the ‘purrfect’ pet,” she said. “Unfortunately, many end up lost, abandoned, or surrendered to council. “Putting down animals is always our last resort, and we work closely with local rehoming organisations to find new loving homes for cats and kittens that come into our care.” Cat Adoption Day will be held at the animal care and education centre at 55-57 Links Drive, Woree. RESCUE A DOG PAGE 7