Happy birthday, ladies!

ALTINA Wildlife Park has welcomed 12 African hunting dog puppies. According to senior animal keeper Rebecca Surian, the parents know exactly what to do and when as the puppies venture out of their dens for the first time.

This species of wild dog is very difficult to handle and incredibly highly strung. 

African wild dogs are classified as critically endangered. Altina has been “highly commended” by other zoos for successfully breeding these tremendously unusual animals!

GET ONLINE on August 9 and make a difference for your community by participating in the Australian Census.

For more than 100 years, the Census has provided a snapshot of Australia, showing how our nation has changed over time, allowing us to plan for the future.

The aim of the Census is to accurately collect data on the key characteristics of people in Australia on Census night and the dwellings in which they live.

In 2016, the Census will count close to 10 million dwellings and approximately 24 million people, the largest number counted to date.

Griffith City Council’s Economic Development Officer, Sarah Collis said the 2016 Census will be Australia’s first predominantly digital Census.

“Later this month and into early August households will receive a letter with a unique Census Login which every household must use to complete the Census online,” Miss Collis said. “Residents also have the option of ordering a paper copy by following the instructions on the letter. In some locations, households will automatically receive a paper copy, with the option to complete it online.”

The information residents provide in the Census helps estimate Australia’s population, which is used to distribute government funds and plan services for your community – housing, transport, education, industry, hospitals and the environment.

Census data is also used by individuals and organisations in the public and private sectors to make informed decisions on policy and planning issues that impact the lives of all Australians.

“Beyond being a simple count of people and assets, the information collected may be used to improve our material and social lives, through better understanding of what resources are required in what areas,” Miss Collis said.

“It is extremely important that you take the time to complete the Census as accurately as possible.”

The ABS takes privacy very seriously, and ensures that your confidentiality is protected.

Census data is stored in highly secure environments, protected by physical and information technology security measures that are regularly audited and upgraded.

For more information regarding census night visit www.census.abs.gov.au or please contact Sarah Collis on 6962 8100.

BEYOND Bank Australia will be holding the first events in its community fundraising appeal for Griffith-Leeton Riding for Disabled and Kalinda School.

About a month ago, Beyond Bank launched its $100,000 Foundation for the Riverina by providing $10,000 in grants to help Kalinda School purchase LCD Interactive Panels and Griffith-Leeton Riding for the Disabled to replace its Caretaker’s Cottage.

To complete these projects, both organisations require additional support and Beyond Bank pledged to work with them to raise further funds. Beyond Bank will host a barbecue lunch at its Griffith branch on Friday to kick-off the fundraising partnership.

Everyone is welcome at these events and can enjoy a sausage or a scone for a gold coin donation, which will go towards supporting these two worthwhile organisations. It is also a chance to meet representatives from both groups and learn more about how they help our community.

“It would be great to have as many people as possible join us in getting behind Kalinda School and Riding for Disabled,” Beyond Bank Australia Regional Manager, Denis Conroy, said. “We would also love other community organisations to take this opportunity to come in and meet with Beyond Bank staff to hear about the ways we can assist them in their important work.”

THUMBS down to the rough roads near the old Woolworths and The Willows. There are too many potholes which need to be fixed.