The 2020 devastating bushfires focussed the world’s attention on Australian wildlife, with everyone looking for a way to help. My idea was to raise money for NSW bird clubs and conservation societies as they have the local knowledge and expertise to help with recovery, then Covid hit, followed by two ‘once in a lifetime’ floods, so bushfire recovery seemed like a moot point.

My idea was to expand on my original Emu/Kingfisher Tattoo, representing not only earth & water but Birds Australia (now BirdLife) and Birding NSW. I was going to visit the bird clubs of NSW and highlight conservation and education. Covid scuttled my plans for a tattoo, travelling (esp. to visit elderly members) so this is my post-Covid plan…

Five years on, I want to raise funds by recording 400 birds in NSW with help from club members from the Byron Bay Bird Buddies to the the Far South Coast Birders and those out west. If successful I’ll commemorate this with an ‘elemental’ tattoo incorporating all the groups (24 to date). All funds raised will be allocated to bushfire/flood recovery, education and conservation projects.