General News
20 April, 2026
Curry night backs animal rescue
About 50 people attended a successful Curry Night fundraiser that combined community spirit, generous food and strong support for Yarriambiack Animal Rescue.
Neighbourhood House set up the venue beautifully, decorating the tables in Indian flag colours and creating a welcoming atmosphere for the evening.
The event raised funds for Yarriambiack Animal Rescue, managed by Maryann Conduit, and also gave guests a closer look at the growing challenges faced by animal rescue services.
Ben Bentley donated fuel vouchers for the raffle, while guests enjoyed a Nepalese “momo” dumpling entrée prepared by Chef Hari Gautam.
Noel and Laura Maslamoney, from Dadswell Bridge Motel and Restaurant, then served an extra-large main course with a wide range of dishes.
Neighbourhood House also provided roti bread, takeaway containers and plenty of opportunity for second helpings.
The fundraiser achieved an excellent result: Rotary raised $1071.50, and an anonymous donor added $500, bringing the total to $1571.50.
During the evening, Maryann Conduit shared the story of Yarriambiack Animal Rescue and the pressures facing rescuers across the region.
She told guests, “I started roughly back in 2013.” With help from a friend in Horsham who was already involved in rescue work, she established the group and began helping the Yarriambiack Shire pound find homes for unwanted animals or arrange placement with other rescue organisations.
Since then, the work has grown significantly. Maryann said she has adopted out 261 cats and kittens and 246 dogs and puppies, making a total of 507 animals.
She has also helped rehome lambs, goats, horses, camels, llamas and even a rat.
She explained that the rescue operates from her home, where she has converted part of the property into dedicated animal spaces.
She also described the emotional and physical toll of the work, especially while balancing it with a job and daily care responsibilities.
Ms Conduit spoke strongly about the need for desexing and public education.
“People think they are doing the right thing by feeding strays, but the problem only gets bigger,” she said.
She recalled confronting situations involving uncontrolled breeding and neglect, saying rescue groups regularly face heartbreaking outcomes when help comes too late.
She also gave guests an honest picture of her daily workload.
“I work Monday-Thursday, I get up at 5.30am,” she said, before outlining the routine of feeding animals before work, returning home to clean, care for them and manage ongoing rescue needs.
At present, she is caring for 17 kittens and eight adult cats.
Despite the pressure, Ms Conduit said community support continues to make a real difference.
“I do struggle at times. I have come close on a few occasions to closing my doors, but then I worry about the animals, and I keep pushing on,” she said.
The evening not only raised much-needed funds but also highlighted the commitment behind local rescue work.