TO mark the start of the summer swimming season, Tilligerry Aquatic Centre put on a special treat for the children.

Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au[/caption]
Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE

Staff from Oakvale Farm at Salt Ash brought an assortment of small animals for the children to pat, cuddle and feed.

These included chickens, ducklings, guinea pigs, lambs, kid goats, a Shetland pony and a calf.

All three council owned pools are now on extended hours.

In the case of Tilligerry, the pool is open on weekdays from 6am to 6pm, Saturday hours are from from 9am to 5pm and Sunday trades between 9am and 4pm.

Meanwhile, Oakvale Farm is moving away from its ‘zoo’ image and is encouraging a more sustainable ethos in the care and conservation of native animals.

Staffer Jordan told News Of The Area, “Koalas are the most loved and threatened native species in Port Stephens. We received a government grant for their care so we used it to plant out a forest of koala friendly eucalypts as a sustainable food source.”

“Soon we will no longer have to scour the countryside for gum trees to harvest,” he said.

By Geoff WALKER