Griffith impound facility is fairly typical of many impounds facilities throughout country NSW. It is outdated and run down, a problem that is being addressed by the Department of Local Government, with numerous new facilities scheduled for construction.

In relation to the animals themselves that are impounded at such facilities, all are prone to disease due to proper cleaning and sterilisation procedures not being performed on a daily basis, as they should be to cater for such an environment. This is evidenced alone by the number of incidents of dogs our organisation rescues from these impound facilities contracting parvovirus after having served their impound periods.

The pound staff themselves are usually quite easy to deal with, and are open to queries and requests. The pound you make mention of, Griffith, has always had rangers who have proven easily to deal with and obliging. Our belief is that the impound facilities are under resourced, under staffed, and as previously mentioned, outdated in their facilities. In relation to sick and injured animals; their care, and all costs associated with that care, is always left to third party organisations and third party individuals to cover. No assistance for medical expenses is ever given by council for animals taken under a duty of care, or to those that have contracted diseases while serving their impound periods, which is something we believe should be looked at in a serious manner by the state government, and a grants package put together to assist rescue and community groups cover the medical costs that caring for these sick and injured animals brings.

Sienna Therese Warr (pictured) was born to Kevin and Leanne Warr on June 11 at Griffith Base Hospital.

She is the grand-daughter of Michael and Luisa Snaidero and Trevor and Fay Warr.

I’m writing to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to the NSW community for their tremendous support of The Smith Family’s 2015 Winter Appeal.

The Smith Family, a national children’s charity, launched its Winter Appeal on May 20 to raise $3.5 million by June 30, for the ongoing support of thousands of disadvantaged children across the country.

This year’s appeal highlighted the vulnerability experienced by the one in 10 Australian children living in disadvantage, especially when they are at school and struggling to fit in and keep up with their classmates.

Our appeal brought attention to the isolating effects of disadvantage on children, and the fact that they often start school behind, slip further and further back and are at risk of being in poverty in the long-term.

It is heartening that this message struck a chord with so many people in the community, who responded with great generosity to The Smith Family, ensuring we exceeded our Winter Appeal target and raised more than $3.7 million for disadvantaged children.

I would like to thank each and every individual who made a donation, and let them know that their help will have a direct, lasting impact on more than 9000 disadvantaged children in Australia, helping them to succeed at school and create a better future for themselves.

Yours Sincerely,