YAPS Smithfield officially opens upgraded shelter facilities

A Cairns not-for-profit finding loving homes for Cairns’ homeless and unwanted furry friends has been given a major boost as they opened their upgraded facilities, naming the centre in honour of a long term local volunteer.

Wolfhound x Debbie is seeking a new family and is up for adoption at the YAPS Smithfield facility. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

A Cairns not-for-profit finding loving homes for Cairns’ homeless and unwanted furry friends has been given a major boost as they opened their upgraded facilities, naming the centre in honour of a long term local volunteer.

The Young Animal Protection Society Smithfield dog shelter has reopened following major renovations to upgrade the facility.

The upgraded centre was named in honour of long time volunteer Carol Clifton, with the new administration building named in honour of YAPS president Margaret Cochrane.

Ms Cochrane said the new facility would make a world of difference.

“It has been a long and arduous journey, but the results are fantastic for the organisation and we intend to do further service improvements over the next 12 months.

(From left) volunteer Kaye Birch, Barron River MP Craig Crawford, YAPS president Margaret Cochrane and long-time volunteer Carol Clifton with Wolfhound X Debbie and Dachshund X Wanda. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

“The new administration block features a new reception, dog food prep kitchen, handover adoption rooms, new accessible toilets, storage, laundry, a dog wash area, a committee room and a staff kitchen and facilities.

“A big thankyou to Craig Crawford for making this happen and for being one of our biggest supporters.”

Ms Cochrane thanked the organisation’s volunteers for their hard work.

The new administration building was name after current president Margaret Cochrane. Photo: Dylan Nicholson

“We are extremely grateful for our volunteers, we have over 100 now — when the call goes out for assistance, people are quick to respond and are very generous with their time.”

The upgrades were undertaken with the assistance of a $1.1m commitment from the Queensland Government.

Mr Crawford said YAPS was a much loved and well-respected local organisation.
“The staff and volunteers at YAPS do a brilliant job and thoroughly deserve to have decent facilities to do their invaluable work,” he said.

“I am so proud to have delivered this $1.1m new building and to be officially opening it today.”

Originally published as YAPS Smithfield officially opens upgraded shelter facilities