I am a wildlife carer and rescuer and have dedicated my time and energies into rescue, rehabilitation and release of these unique animals.

I have also had the privilege of being involved with The Bathurst Kangaroo Project and all of the great scientific discoveries this research has provided.

Apart from my own personal love of kangaroos, I have some practical questions for the residents applying for culling licences and for NPWS who are issuing them.

As regulation requires, have all non-lethal measures been tried before culling? No one has contacted WIRES or any other rescue groups in our area for help or advice.

Kangaroos are flight animals, easily stressed and more active when under pressure. When they are allowed to live peacefully and safely, they cause no harm.

Who is going to take responsibility for the casualties caused by terrified and fleeing kangaroos, if a cull goes ahead?

Kangaroos will flee into cars driving by, potentially causing serious human injury and many dollars of damage?

When kangaroos were displaced by work at the orchard on The Mount a few months back - we recorded at least three car collisions and 16 displaced kangaroos hopping around terrified in town. All work in the Orchard was immediately stopped and placed on hold due to the safety risk.

That was noisy work conducted in a large open paddock - no blood fear, or night time terror. What do you think will happen if they conduct a cull in a built up area?

I suggest that any damage and damages should be charged directly to those conducting the cull, and those who issued the licence. Do you think a safety and risk assessment has been done?

The rifles stipulated for use in kangaroo culls are very large and loud. Shooting is illegal in built-up areas. Is this even legal?

There are other ways to do this, and we are currently working proactively with council to find a win-win solution for all, that provides a safe place for these animals to live.

Culling is unnecessary.

NAIDOC Week takes place this month from July 5-12.

It is a time to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It also provides an opportunity to shed light on one of most significant issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples – homelessness.

Aboriginal people are significantly over-represented in our Inner West Youth Homelessness service, making up 17.8 per cent of our young people. Australia wide, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people make up 23 per cent of those accessing specialist homelessness services, but only make up 2.5 per cent of the population.

Youth Off The Streets recognises the need to facilitate discussions about this issue, that is why developed our #laceitup campaign, which aims to raise funds and awareness for both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal homeless young people in Australia.

The campaign draws on the idea that not everyone has the privilege to untie their shoes of a night; some young people have to keep them on in order to flee from danger at a moment’s notice.

NAIDOC Week is a perfect opportunity for all Australians to get involved in Aboriginal issues because unfortunately, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are over-represented in many of our services.

Our goal is to bring these numbers down, but we need communities to get behind this if we are to make it a reality. For more information, visit www.laceitup.com.au.