Main fundraiser photo

Cape to Cape Cocky Run Fundraiser

MY STORY

On 4 April 2020, I am determined to overcome my biggest challenge to date: to run Margaret River’s iconic 124km Cape to Cape Track in under 24 hours. Starting from Cape Leeuwin at Augusta, traversing some of WA’s most spectacular coastal scenery to arrive at Cape Naturaliste near Yallingup the following day. Known for its dramatic coastline landscape, cliff-top vistas, white sand beaches, forest scenery, and an ever-changing display of vegetation and wildflowers, the Cape to Cape Track is a wild and formidable terrain.

More importantly, the GOAL of this herculean feat is to raise vital funds to support Nature Conservation Margaret River Region’s Black Cockatoo Conservation Program . Our target is $10,000 and all proceeds will go directly to cockatoo conservation.

Photo by Margarete Sciesinski

As an ecologist, I’ve always felt the responsibility to be engaged with my community to address current conservation issues, and as an endurance athlete, I’m constantly seeking the “next big challenge”. However, I have always struggled with satisfying both needs and feeling anxious that I'm not living up to my potentials in those two passions.

Therefore, when I moved to Perth, WA in early 2019, I was immediately inspired and motivated to combine my twin passions of running and conservation to make an impactful difference in my new community. After constantly seeing the charismatic black cockatoos and hearing their unique calls soon after we moved here to Perth, it did not take long to develop a string of fondness connection for these incredible birds. 

Through the fundraiser, we AIM to raise awareness of the three species of black cockatoos in the region and the threats they face, to raise vital funds for Nature Conservation’s Black Cockatoo conservation program, and to inspire the local community to engage and address conservation issues.

Photo by Margarete Sciesinski

THE BLACK COCKATOOS


The Margaret River Region is home to three species of black cockatoo - two white-tailed black cockatoos; Baudin’s Black Cockatoo and Carnaby’s Black Cockatoo  both listed as endangered, and one red-tailed black cockatoo; Forest Red-tailed Black Cockatoo  listed as vulnerable.

Photo by Margarete Sciesinski

“The three black cockatoo species for which our region is a stronghold are continuing to decline throughout much of their former range. Declining rainfall, increased fire threat and tree decline are the major major threats to their survival.  All three species are now listed as threatened, with action needed on re-establishing and maintaining healthy forest, including trees with nesting hollows and water sources" said Dr Boyd Wykes, Nature Conservation Board Member.

The Cape to Cape Cocky Run will raise funds to assist Nature Conservation Margaret River Region to better understand how these three black cockatoo species use the landscape within the Margaret River Region. The Black Cockatoo Conservation Program hopes to expand our understanding of how the birds use roost sites, water holes and feeding sites throughout the year. Understanding the bird's movements throughout the landscape will help us to target conservation activities aimed at protecting these iconic birds into the future.

THE TEAM AND THE COMMUNITY

The Cape to Cape Cocky Run Team proudly consists of current Murdoch University students whom are undertaking this massive project: Rankin Salinas (Murdoch University staff), Tenielle Wilk (Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Statistics), Oakley Hands (Bachelor of Creative Media in Graphic Design and Strategic Communication), Margarete Sciesinski (Bachelor of Creative Media in Graphic Design and Photography), Matthew Frederick (Bachelor of Business in Marketing and International Business), and Lily Robertson (Bachelor of Science in Environmental Management & Sustainability and Conservation & Wildlife Biology).

Left to right: Margarete Sciesinski, Oakley Hands, Nic Chirico (Surfpoint Resort), Tenielle Wilk, and Rankin Salinas. Photo by Margarete Sciesinski

We are extremely humbled to have the support of local partners and sponsors for the event, including Cape to Cape Explorer Tours, Surf Point Resort, Upper Hand Designs, Open Trails Margaret River, Kaarakin Black Cockatoo Conservation Centre, Boomers Protein, Margaret River-Busselton Tourism Association, Birdlife WA, Little Creatures Brewery and the Friends of the Cape to Cape Track.

Follow the Cape to Cape Cocky Run Facebook Page to keep up to date with Rankin’s training and support this important fundraiser by visiting www.facebook.com/cape2capecockyrun. 

Donations 

  • Anonymous
    • $10 
    • 4 yrs

Organizer

Rankin Salinas
Organizer
Bibra Lake WA
NATURE CONSERVATION PUBLIC FUND
 
Registered nonprofit
Donations are typically tax deductible in Australia.

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