By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
CHARLIE the cockatoo will be allowed to stay in his current position outside the Healesville Stockfeed store, after people-power saved the bird from a hefty rent fee.
On Wednesday 2 December, Charlie’s owner and owner of the stockfeed store Catherine Crow received a letter from Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) saying she would need to pay $600 a year to keep Charlie on the premises or remove him from public display.
An anonymous complainant notified DELWP that Charlie was on display outside the store, which led to them demanding Ms Crow pay the permit fee to keep him there.
After Charlie’s story came to light, his story was shared hundreds of times on social media and DELWP was contacted by concerned members of the community who did not want to see Charlie moved.
Ms Crow has since received word from DELWP that the whole ordeal was a “misunderstanding” and Charlie will be allowed to keep his current residence without having to pay any fees.
In a written statement, a spokesperson for DELWP said the matter had been reviewed.
“After reviewing the matter, the department has agreed that the sulphur-crested cockatoo can remain at the premises,“ the statement said.
“I was just blown away by the support we received,” Ms Crow said.
“We were very much surprised by how far the story went and how many people offered money even on the same day.”
Charlie has lived outside the stockfeed store for nearly a decade and people from Healesville and surrounds were outraged at the news he would need a permit to stay there.
“People were absolutely furious to find out what was going on,” Ms Crow said.
“We didn’t realise just how popular he was. We knew people loved him but the extent has just been overwhelming.”
Ms Crow said she was surprised the DELWP backed down, but was glad the whole ordeal was over with.
Ms Crow said the reaction to Charlie’s predicament showed just how loved he was by the Healesville community.
“I really don’t feel like he’s my bird anymore,” she said.
“He belongs to the people of Healesville.”
