Lumen Spring Summer 2023 - Flipbook - Page 21
samples from all over Australia. It is impossible for scientists alone to
obtain such an extraordinary number of sightings and samples.
“The ongoing success of a project on the national scale of
EchidnaCSI depends on the public”, Dr Perry says, referring to
citizen scientists as “saviours”.
“People love echidnas, and we see the passion for their conservation
growing exponentially since the beginning of EchidnaCSI.”
Despite being the face of the five cent coin and an undisputed
national icon, little was known about these shy creatures until
relatively recently.
“Roadkill, habitat destruction and feral animals like cats are the
main threats for echidnas and they exist Australia-wide,” Professor
Grutzner explains.
“We urgently need to obtain more data and material from echidnas
across the country. There have been local studies in Tasmania and
Kangaroo Island, but we still know very
little about echidnas across most of
the Australian continent.”
Gifts are needed to support the growth
of citizen science in Australia and the
invaluable benefits it provides to
our habitat.
The short-beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) is the most widely
distributed mammal in Australia. The echidna and platypus are the only
members of the unique egg-laying mammals, monotremes, that diverged more
than 180 million years ago and represent the oldest surviving mammals
Waite clubrooms redevelopment
Plans are in place for the Waite clubrooms
to undergo major redevelopment in 2025
as part of the proposed masterplan for
Waite Oval.
New 1,300 square metre two-storey
clubrooms will offer participants four new
unisex changerooms, adjoining showers and
toilets, a high-performance gym, recovery
facilities, referee rooms, and first-aid room.
The plans prioritise inclusion, safety and
functionality for the sports clubs based at
Waite, which include rugby, touch football,
gridiron and soccer. It is also the home base
for SA’s elite women’s rugby 7s team (the
Adelaide University Roma’s), and the State’s
only gay and inclusive rugby team, (the
Adelaide University Sharks).
Kim Evans, President of Adelaide University
Rugby Union Club, says the new facility
is designed for modern day sport and
supporting the University’s sporting
community:
“We’re a big community, including
students, adults, kids, all genders, all
sexualities, and many different cultures. It
isn’t just about running around with a ball
on Saturdays; we’re creating a welcoming,
healthy space for everyone, not just in terms
of getting out there and becoming fit and
strong, but also for growing as a person in
emotional and psychological safety.”
The first stage will also see new social spaces
including a function room, bar, café, kitchen,
grandstand, and public toilet facilities.
This stage is estimated to cost $6 million,
of a $13 million total project.
The following stages will see the adjacent
playing fields completely resurfaced, with
a new irrigation system installed. High lux
sports lighting will illuminate the perimeter,
offering expanded and safer training
opportunities. A new bitumen car park
will also be added.
“In the new facility we’ll have a café
offering, with revenue helping to future
proof the clubs that use that space. It will
improve the student experience and offer
a place for alumni to reconnect,”
Michelle Wilson, General Manager of
Adelaide University Sports and Fitness
Association, says.
Kim Evans has been involved in rugby for
25 years, and with University sports for
eight years, and is excited about what this
redevelopment means for the future.
Your gift today to the University of Adelaide
is a valuable investment in our community.
LUMEN – SPRING/SUMMER 2023 21
