It seems that not only the animals have been abandoned by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council, but the young shelter manager and her mother have also been made homeless!

The Shelter managers employment was terminated by the Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Association via email, without notice, on Wednesday. The Association were aware that removalists had been arranged to move the Shelter manager and her mother into the home this weekend. They sent the email anyway, knowing that terminating the arrangement in this manner would leave the family homeless!

The Shelter manager has worked 24/7 caring for these animals since March 2024. She does not receive any payment, or wage, or holiday entitlement and she also has duties that she must perform on behalf of Cassowary Coast Regional Council, at their animal holding facility across the road from the Shelter. 

In return for this work, a 2 bedroom home, which is owned by the Cassowary Coast Regional Council is available to the Shelter manager. 

The house was in such an unfit state and did not meet minimum occupancy standards - there weren’t even any smoke alarms, there was exposed electrical wires and other, structural damage. It has taken 3 MONTHS for the house to be repaired by Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Association, and now that it is habitable, they have terminated the arrangement and left the Shelter manager and her mother homeless. 

Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Cr Nicholas Purvan, Division 4 (Deputy Mayor) are more than happy to have a young, Shelter manager undertaking tasks at their animal holding facility “for free” but suddenly this arrangement is private, and has nothing to do with them!! You can’t have it both ways Cassowary Coast Regional Council!! 

As the  owners of the accommodation and Shelter, Cassowary Coast Regional Council and Cr Purvan have allowed this young girl to be completely exploited and then they abandoned her when she turns to them for help. 

Shame Cassowary Coast Regional Council! What example are you setting for our community? 

Shame Councillor Nicholas Purvan! You are an elected official, and a representative of the community. How can this be allowed to happen under your portfolio? What oversight do you have of what has been a systemic issue of neglect and mismanagement at the Cassowary Coast Paws and Claws Animal Shelter for several years!! 

it’s time to step up Cr Purvan, or step down and give your portfolio to someone who has an interest in Animal Welfare!