Strawberry Fields is celebrating its 15-year anniversary by giving back to the communities that give the eclectic music and art festival a warm welcome every year.
The music festival attracts thousands of visitors to the Berrigan Shire region, significantly boosting local economies and establishing Tocumwal as a vibrant cultural hub.
In its 15 years, it has become a renowned experience and a cornerstone of the local cultural calendar.
The festival’s Local Community Grants Program, funded by a portion of ticket sales, has been giving back to the community since 2015.
This year, Strawberry Fields has awarded $40,000 to local groups and causes.
From children's education centres to pony clubs and martial arts training, the grants support various activities and causes that benefit the region's residents, wildlife and environment.
The 2024 grant recipients are: Tocumwal Little Explorers, Berrigan Community Garden, NSW SES Tocumwal and Cobram Unit, Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue, the Barooga Public School Parents and Citizens Association, Finley Pony Club, the Barooga Botanical Gardens Committee, Tocumwal Primary School, Tocumwal Martial Arts and Little Wing.
Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue is a 24-hour-operating volunteer group focused on saving and rehabilitating injured and orphaned wildlife.
Dutch Thunder Wildlife received a grant of $500, which will fund free community wildlife information sessions.
“We do a lot of rescues for wildlife at the festival, and we get a lot of calls from the community who have spotted injured wildlife,” Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue’s Kylee Donkers said.
“A lot of the community are unsure of what to do next (after calling).
“We’ll hold free rescue information sessions where we will teach people the basics of rescue. How to safely pull over for an animal, how to contain small animals.”
The first session will be held in the Tocumwal area, with the date and time to be decided.
An experienced shelter member will lead the sessions, covering native animal identification, safety tips, how to transport animals safely and how to refer animals to suitable services.
Wildlife care kits will be available for purchase, with all proceeds directly supporting the animals in the shelter.
The rescue service is grateful to receive the grant with little limitations.
“We are extremely thankful for Strawberry Fields, as this is something we’ve wanted to do for a long time,” Mrs Donkers said.
“A lot of grants are strict about what they can be used for, many stipulate that it must go towards food for the animals.
“We’re grateful the grant doesn’t have any stipulations. Aligning with Strawberry Fields, which is a community event, what we’re doing is for the community, and for the wildlife.”
For more information, visit the Dutch Thunder Wildlife Rescue Facebook page.