Stray or surrendered cats of the Mountains will soon linger in swish new surrounds, thanks to a major bequest to the local RSPCA.
The money was bequeathed by Lily Halsey, who, with her husband Les, retired to Leura from Sydney many years ago.
The pair, a couple of 10 pound Poms, had no children but always surrounded themselves with animals. Mrs Halsey died recently aged 97. She had always talked about the unconditional love of her animals.
The money from the estate will be used to build a new cattery at the Katoomba shelter, as well as a new veterinarian treatment room where all arrivals will be assessed.
At a ceremonial sod-turning event on Wednesday, RSPCA NSW CEO Steve Coleman said the project was “another major milestone for this shelter”.
Blue Mountains branch president, Tony Nikolich, offered a “heartfelt thanks to the benefactors – it’s only through people’s generosity that we are here.”
Mr Coleman, Mr Nikolich and deputy mayor, Chris Van der Kley, then grabbed shovels to turn the first sod. Despite rain the day before, the earth was “like concrete”, Cr Van der Kley said. Amid much huffing and puffing, the trio persevered and finally broke through.
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