Mission Beach, in far north Queensland, is well known for its cassowaries, and on June 4 the picturesque rainforest town will hold a huge Community Cassowary Festival to celebrate its long history with the imposing big birds.
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“We love our cassowaries, and are so lucky to have them we felt they needed a thank you, and also a thank you to all the people who have helped them over the years,” said organiser, artist and jeweller Liz Gallie.
For a community focused on cassowaries, it seems almost everyone has their own special thoughts about them.
Artists have been making life-sized statues for the big “drumming of the Cassowaries” parade. Schoolchildren have painted road signs emphasising the need to take care when driving (cassowaries still don’t have a lot of road sense). And local shops are vying for the best “big bird” window dressing.
“There will be live music, performances, market stalls, fancy dress is encouraged and expert guest speakers will be there to talk about our beautiful big birds,” Liz said.
“Cassowaries are endangered, even though this is sometimes hard to believe in Mission Beach where they wander through gardens and on the beach, often with chicks in tow. Queensland’s Wet Tropics is the only region where they can be found in Australia, so it is vitally important we look after them.
“The festival will be held in a park alongside the beach and everyone is invited.”
This story originally appeared on The Senior.