Eungella to welcome giant platypus after Mackay radio hosts Jay and Dave put call out to community
There’ll be no chance of leaving Eungella without seeing an elusive platypus after an incredible $5000 was raised in less than 24 hours to secure a sculpture to the monotreme
Mackay
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There'll be no chance of leaving Eungella without seeing an elusive platypus after an incredible $5000 was raised in less than 24 hours to secure a sculpture to the monotreme.
The fundraising drive spearheaded by Triple M's Jay Shipston and Dave Peters will mean visitors to the mountain destination will be guaranteed to see a platypus.
Broken River Information Centre manager Oskar Krobath called on Jay and Dave on Tuesday to help spread the word and raise $5000 to install the larger than life platypus at Eungella.
"Probably a lot of people know I'm very passionate about our region," Mr Krobath told the lads.
"And as a lot of people know, Broken River is known for being one of the best places to see a platypus in the world."
Mr Krobath said he needed about $5000 to deliver the 2.5m long and 1.5m wide monotreme - weighing about 60kg - up to Eungella.
And being involved in getting the next big thing in the region was easy for Jay and Dave who have helped deliver Buffy the Sarina cane toad and Ivana Banana on Harbour Rd.
"We already have those things in our region and we would just like to add a platypus," Mr Krobath said.
"We will put it in front of the Broken River Information Centre for the community and visitors to enjoy it."
Less than 24 hours later, the funds were in the pool and plans were under way for the magical monotreme to find its way home up the mountain.
The $5000 covered the cost of freight so the platypus should be on its way soon.
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Jay and Dave have now turned their mics to the task of naming the monotreme with reports Poida the Platypus is leading the naming stakes.
The radio duo thanked businesses that supported the cause including Muscle Garden Health & Fitness Centre, M & P Services, Wests Leagues Club Mackay, Rob Bounds, Sirens Tantalizing Beauty, Poppys Pizza, Get Real Workwear & Safety Australia, Sports Health and Massage, Broken River Visitor Information Centre, and Extreme Excavators.
It comes after reports a bee long thought to be extinct was found to be thriving in Eungella.
Originally published as Eungella to welcome giant platypus after Mackay radio hosts Jay and Dave put call out to community
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