Events

MIKEY THE POWERFUL OWLET HAS PRESENTED TO OVER 2000 PEOPLE AT MORE THAN A DOZEN LOCATIONS, INCLUDING EVENTS AT THE HISTORIC CUSTOMS HOUSE AT CIRCULAR QUAY AND MAIDEN THEATRE AT THE ROYAL BOTANIC GARDENS IN SYDNEY, RAISING $13,197 FOR A RANGE OF WILDLIFE ORGANISATIONS.

EVENTS 2024

WOO HOO! The 'original owl guy' and 'the crazy owl lady' had a hoot presenting our ‘Secret Life of Powerful Owls’ show to the wonderful residents of McQuoin Park Aged Care in Wahroonga on Tuesday 12 November 2024. It’s such a beautiful caring community and we send our appreciation to the lovely Lifestyle Coordinator Karen and all the staff for making us so very welcome. That takes our fundraising total for wildlife organisations to $13,197 and they have generously decided to donate the proceeds of their Christmas raffle (which will include one of our limited edition 2025 calendars) to Sydney Wildlife Rescue and BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project. Many thanks to local resident Trish Brown for connecting us and her tireless endeavours to save the home of ‘Mikey the Powerful Owlet’ in Byles Creek Valley. Sadly, as you may have heard on ABC Radio this morning at 6am, the construction fencing is in place and the chainsaws and excavators are revving up, despite our best efforts to save this precious Powerful Owl wildlife corridor. xoxo Mikey  

WOO HOO! 'The Owl Guy' and 'The Crazy Owl Lady' had a hoot at Macquarie University's Twilight Markets on Thursday 17 October 2024 talking all things Powerful Owl - roadkill, rodenticide poisoning, habitat fragmentation and wildlife rescue. As always, our preserved Powerful Owl 'Budawa' was the star of the show under Sydney's rising supermoon. Raised a little bit of coin for Sydney Wildlife Rescue Northern Districts Branch and BirdLife Australia's Powerful Owl Project too! xoxo Mikey 

WOO HOO - We had a hoot presenting our ‘Secret Life of Powerful Owls’ show at Macquarie University’s Junior Science Academy as part of their ‘Bird Time Lucky’ program today 8 October 2024. The Year 2/3 ‘junior scientists’ asked some very wise questions and learned a lot about Powerful Owls and how to help save the threatened species and their habitat - including some fun homework which their parents will receive by email tonight. We’re looking forward to our next presentation during the December/January school holidays. Our thanks to MQ for the opportunity which took our fundraising total for Sydney Wildlife Rescue and BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project to $13,147! xoxo Mikey 

WHAT A HOOT! It's been a busy week at the office for 'Budawa' the preserved Powerful Owl! Today, Tuesday 13 August 2024, the band was back together for a 'Secret Life of Powerful Owls' presentation to over 150 members of the Oakhill Dural Combined Probus Club at Cherrybrook Uniting Church Hall. We shared three important messages - preserving habitat, not using toxic rat poison, and driving safely between dusk and dawn. Our fundraising total for a range of wildlife organisations now stands at $12,997! Thank you Michael Bianchino and Liz Fountain Pash

WOO HOO! It was a treat to meet the Sydney Wildlife Rescue SouthWest branch legends for ‘Science in the Scrub’ at Lizard Log on Sunday 11 August 2024 for Science Week. There were thousands of families who enjoyed getting up close with ‘Budawa’ the preserved Powerful Owl and hearing her story. I hope they went home with a greater appreciation for this threatened species and our native wildlife, including driving safely (particularly between dusk and dawn), not using toxic rat poison (second generation anticoagulant rodenticide SGARs) and planting native trees (for habitat and food). xoxo Mikey 

WOO HOO – We had an absolute hoot at the Ray Park Heritage Group community event on Sunday 3 March 2024 with our ‘Secret Life of Powerful Owls’ marquee including live music from Michael & Liz! Our preserved Powerful Owl ‘Budawa’ attracted a constant stream of visitors who learned about the majestic threatened local apex predator (particularly roadkill and rodenticide poisoning) as well as other native wildlife. We thank everyone for their contributions to BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project and Sydney Wildlife Rescue Northern District Branch. A big shout out to the legendary Dorothy for coordinating the event, the other amazing environmental groups who participated and the support from local businesses including our friends at Bendigo Community Bank Epping. Can't wait 'til Clean Up Australia Day 2025! xoxo Mikey🦉❤🌳🎼♻

WOO HOO! We kicked off 2024 with our first ‘Secret Life of Powerful Owls’ presentation for 70 members of Beecroft Combined Probus on Friday 9 February at St John's Church Hall Beecroft. It was a hoot with our preserved Powerful Owl specimen 'Budawa' the star of the show. We fundraised $120, split between Sydney Wildlife Rescue Northern District Branch and BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project. It was also the first live performance of Michael Bianchino's new song for Bethany 'Shimmering White Feathers'. xoxo Mikey  

EVENTS 2023

WOO HOO - THAT’S A WRAP! Thanks so much for your support of our ‘Secret Life of Powerful Owls’ 2024 calendar. It was so popular we had to do a short reprint as everyone wanted to get their claws on a copy for Christmas - they made a great Secret Santa or Stocking Stuffer. We fundraised $1229, split between Sydney Wildlife Rescue Northern District and BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project – what a hoot! A huge shout out to Emma Heyde and her staff (Emily, Lisa and Olga) at her 'Beautiful Things By' store in the Beecroft Village Arcade for retailing the calendars for us; to everyone who purchased; and of course to Michael Bianchino for his amazing photos which made the project possible. xoxo Mikey 🦉❤🗓🎁🎅🎄

WOO HOO! Saturday 9 December 2023 was a perfect day for busking in the Beecroft Village – a hot and sticky 44 degrees – but we still fundraised $150 split between Sydney Wildlife Rescue Northern Districts and BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project. A HUGE thanks to Michael Bianchino (guitar/vocals), Liz Fountain-Pash (ukulele/vocals) and Robyn Wheatley (crowd control). Special appreciation to the legendary Graham Ross (2GB873 Garden Clinic) for the shout out on the wireless this morning; Greg Smith (Triple H 100.1fm) for the community service announcement on his breakfast show yesterday; Emma Heyde (Beautiful Things By in the Beecroft Village Arcade) for so generously retailing our ‘Secret Life of Powerful Owl calendars’; Hornsby Mayor Philip Ruddock for dropping by and purchasing a calendar; and Deb Fleet (Sydney Wildlife Rescue board member) for rocking the tambourine. IT WAS A HOOT!  xoxo Mikey the Powerful Owlet 

WOO HOO! We enjoyed presenting our ‘Secret Life of Powerful Owls’ show to All Saints Church North Epping on Thursday 28 September 2023. They generously fundraised $110 which we have split between BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project and Sydney Wildlife Rescue’s Northern District branch. That takes our fundraising total to $11,344 for a range of wildlife charities. Many thanks to Jackie & Jeanette for coordinating our visit! xoxo Mikey 

WOO HOO! We had a hoot presenting our ‘Secret Life of Powerful Owls’ show to Pennant Hills Combined Probus at Pennant Hills Hotel on Monday 21 August 2023. Such a friendly club which generously fundraised $100 which we have split with BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project and Sydney Wildlife Rescue’s Northern District branch. That takes our fundraising total to $11,234! Thanks to Robyn, Kath and Shelley for coordinating and all the members for making us all feel so welcome – particularly ‘Budawa’ our preserved specimen – she was definitely the star of the show!! xoxo Mikey

We flew into Brooklyn to present 'The Secret Life of Powerful Owls' to the river communities of Dangar Island, Mooney Mooney and Brooklyn with Jenny from BirdLife Australia's Powerful Owl Project and Ana from Sydney Wildlife Rescue on Sunday 23 July 2023 - raising $120 for both in the process! Many thanks to the Brooklyn Community Association, Dangar Island League and Brooklyn RFS for promoting the educational and entertaining event to like-minded wildlife-loving locals. It was a real hoot with our preserved specimen 'Budawa' enjoying her first public appearance thanks to volunteer Steve from BirdLife's Discovery Centre at Bicentennial Park - Woo Hoo!

We had a hoot with the West Epping & Beecroft junior guides and guides on Wednesday 31 May 2023. 'Poppy' the Powerful Owl was a hit and helped us fundraise $50 and secure another donation of $66 for BirdLife Australia's Powerful Owl Project taking our total to $9744! Send us a hoot if you'd like a 'Secret Life of Powerful Owls' presentation at your local community group.

We flew over to Estia Health Epping on Friday 21 April 2023 to present the 'Secret Life of Powerful Owls' amongst the poplars. It was a trill (oops thrill) to see our number one fan Rose in the audience. Looking forward to our next gig and send us a hoot if you'd like us to perform for your local community group.

We love giving back to the local community! It was a real hoot to perform for the residents of Arcare Oatlands on Monday 13 February 2023. We tailor each of our presentations for the audience and this one included a few of their favorite tunes. In fact, when we hang up our wings we might even retire there! 

Our first gig for 2023! We had a hoot on Monday 6 February 2023 performing our 'Secret Life of Powerful Owls' presentation to Beecroft Rotary Club at West Pennant Hills Sports Club and thank the club and its members for their generosity.

EVENTS 2022

We bought some Christmas cheer to Beecroft Village on Saturday 10 December 2022 and fundraised $380.35, which we rounded up to $400.00 for Wildlife Carers Network Central West!

These wonderful volunteers rescue, rehabilitate and release sick, injured and orphaned wildlife across Central West NSW – an area previously affected by bushfires, recently impacted by floods and now dealing with road access issues! It can take over an hour by road to get to their patients. Funds raised will help them provide food for native critters and cover vet bills.

Many thanks to Michael on guitar/vocals, Liz on ukulele/vocals and newest band member Freda on vocals. 

 

We rocked the 'bowlo'  for the North Epping Probus Club meeting on Monday 17 October 2022 with our 'Secret Life of Powerful Owls' presentation and thank them for their generosity fundraising $160 for Sydney Wildlife Rescue. It was a real hoot with everyone singing along to 'When the owls come flying in'. Always happy to perform for local community and environmental groups to raise funds and awareness for our Powerful Owls and native wildlife. 

EVENTS 2021

We were thrilled to busk at Beecroft Village on Saturday 11 December 2021 and fundraise $750 for Sydney Wildlife Northern District (plus online donations direct to SW Head Office) thanks to the very generous 'Beecroftian & Cheltenhamite' community. Many thanks to Liz Fountain-Pash SW volunteer on ukulele & vocals (our new song bird with the voice of an angel), Ernst & Diane local SW volunteers, Peter & Louisa local Scout leaders, Robyn one of our local Powerful Owl Project Citizen scientists, Greg Smith Jazz & Blues Breakfast host of Triple H 100.1fm Hornsby Ku-ring-gai community radio AND Graham Ross AM VMM The Garden Clinic 2GB873 for the huge shout outs. 

Sending a big HOOT to Matt Kean NSW Environment Minister for a very productive meeting at his Hornsby office on Tuesday 25 May 2021 to discuss: the work of BirdLife Australia's Powerful Owl Project and its citizen scientists; building green wildlife corridors; saving Byles Creek Valley as an exemplar; urgently investigating bromadiolone with EPA scientists and its impact on wildlife before rollout across NSW; and declaring Powerful Owls an iconic species in NSW. Pictured left to right - Michael Bianchino (Save Beecroft Cheltenham Alliance), Matt Kean MP (NSW Environment Minister), Dr Beth Mott (BirdLife Australia Powerful Owl Project), Trish Brown (Byles Creek Valley Union Inc) and Georgia Cameron (Author - Mikey the Powerful Owlet book series)

We were excited to fly into the 1st Roselea Scout Group on Friday 12 March 2021 for our first performance since Covid-19 - and it was a hoot! 

 EVENTS 2020

Woo Hoo! The Eagles and Powerful Owls rocked Beecroft Village on Friday 18 December to raise money for Higher Ground Raptors Centre https://www.highergroundraptors.com/. Despite the rain setting in, the Byles Creek Valley locals generously donated $105 to help licensed carer Peggy McDonald continue to rehabilitate and release Australian birds of prey at the educational facility she conceived and built in the Southern Highlands.

What a Hoot - we raised $175 busking in Beecroft Village for Sydney Wildlife's rescue, release and rehabilitation service on Saturday 12 December 2020! Sending a big Woo Hoo to the local community for their generous donations, Graham Ross on the Garden Clinic for the shout out on radio 2GB873 and our local carer Deb. If you missed our gig and would still like to donate before Christmas, just follow this link http://www.sydneywildlife.org.au/ and please store their 24/7 advice and assistance number 9413 4300 in your mobile phone if you need help with sick, injured or orphaned native birds and animals like my friend Karlotta the Koala. PS - Thanks to our roadies/photographers Sue & Brett and the lady who left the lovely note - it touched our hearts. 

This fully-booked event at Hornsby Library was attended by Mayor Ruddock, Councillor Browne, Councillor Heyde and Councillor Waddell as well as special guests Dr Beth Mott of BirdLife Australia's Powerful Owl Project and Deb Fleet local Sydney Wildlife volunteer carer, raising another $155 for Sydney Wildlife. This takes their fundraising total for wildlife organisations to over $6,400 - Woo Hoo! Collage images courtesy of M.Bianchino & E.Heyde 

Join Mikey the Powerful Owlet & Friends at this special event to support Sydney Wildlife with a gold coin donation. Seats are limited and bookings essential:

https://www.hornsby.nsw.gov.au/lifestyle/events/library-events/The-Secret-Life-of-Powerful-Owls

 

EVENTS 2019

 

With Michael on guitar, harmonica and vocals and Georgia incognito as “Karlotta the Koala” on tambourine, they raised $900 for the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital Foundation on Thursday 28 November 2019 thanks to the generous support of the local community and Beecroft Smiles and Belle Property Beecroft who donated the proceeds of their sausage sizzle to the cause. Image courtesy of M.Bianchino 

Getting the band back together to rock Epping Heights Public School on the last day of term, Friday 27 September 2019 - HAPPY FRIDAY. Image courtesy Sue McAlister/Michael Bianchino.

'Mikey the Powerful Owlet' was again pleased to donate books for the winners of the Threatened Species Children's Art Competition at NSW Parliament House ceremony on Friday 6 September 2019. Image of Powerful Owl artworks on display at the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney courtesy of Lorraine Bower TSCAC.

On Thursday 4th July 2019, I flew over to Ashfield Public School to see three 'Mikey the Powerful Owlet' books presented for participation and attendance awards at the graduation ceremony for Rev. Bill Crews Literacy Program. Image courtesy of Exodus Foundation Program Manager Amarlee Leslie.

EVENTS 2018

'Mikey the Powerful Owlet' nominated for the Nature Conservation Council of NSW 'Marie Byles Award' at the annual Environment Awards on 20 October 2018. Images courtesy NCC.

Donating 50+ Mikey books to finalists of the NSW & ACT Threatened Species Children's Art Competition attending the presentation ceremony at Glebe Town Hall on Threatened Species Day Friday 7 September 2018. Images courtesy TSCAC. 

Presenting to Epping Rotary Club on Monday 13 August 2018. With thanks to Vocational Director Sharyn, President Bruce and club members for their support of Mikey's second book and Sydney Wildlife. Images courtesy of B Gardiner.

Donating 20+ Mikey books to graduates of Sydney Wildlife's Rescue & Care Course on Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 August 2018. Image courtesy of D Fleet.

Presenting at Beecroft Public School's special Silver Assemblies on Wednesday 27 June 2018 to over 800 students, plus staff and parents. A special thanks to Principal Mrs Tanya Rose and Stage 1P teacher Mrs Judith Pretorius for coordinating the event, as well as all the entries in the Threatened Species Children’s Art Competition. Image courtesy of Tanya Rose BPS.

 

BirdLife Australia's Powerful Owl Project "Urban Powerful Owls - Current knowledge and future action" at the Maiden Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney on Friday 6 June 2018. Image courtesy of B Gardiner.

Greater Sydney Local Land Services "Regional Landcare Bushcare Forum 2018" on City Living - Stories of Urban Wildlife at Customs House Circular Quay Sydney on Friday 18 May 2018. Image courtesy of GSLLS.

Letter from the Lord Mayor of Sydney - Clover Moore congratulating Mikey on his book and commending him on his interest in Powerful Owls on Monday 14 May 2018.

Entertaining and educating the community about Powerful Owls through song and dance at Beecroft Village event on Sunday 6 May 2018.

 

Presenting a copy of "Mikey the Powerful Owlet & Friends: Saving Byles Creek Valley & Beyond" and "Mikey's Hollow" 18-track music CD by Michael Bianchino to David Shoebridge NSW Greens MLC in the valley on Friday 13 April 2018.

Supporting Save Sydney Coalition launch with RIPA near the Tree of Knowledge Parliament House on Thursday 12 April 2018.

BirdLife Australia's Powerful Owl Project forum at Lane Cove, Sydney on Saturday 7 April 2018 - presenting to another full house thanks to Dr Beth Mott, Project Officer!

Friends of Narrabeen Lagoon Catchment Forum on Monday 26 February 2018 - presenting to a full house! 

Supporting Hornsby Shire Council's improved tree protection at Gordon Library on Sunday 25 February 2018.

LAUNCH AND EVENTS 2017

Supporting TEC/EDO 'Trees in Sydney North: New Clearing Laws' at Cheltenham Recreation Club on Thursday 30 November 2017.

 

Launch Night Wednesday 29 November 2017 - guest speakers from left to right: Dr Beth Mott - BirdLife Australia Powerful Owl Project Officer; Georgia Cameron - author; Graham Ross VMM - Australian Gardening legend; Michael Bianchino - photographer; Dr Mehreen Faruqui Greens MLC; Deb Fleet- Sydney Wildlife carer; and MC James Stanton-Cooke - Co-founder BeardsOn for Conservation.

More exclusive launch pics available at https://www.facebook.com/mikeythepowerfulowlet/

Michael Bianchino and Georgia Cameron with window display in community pod at Beecroft Place on Tuesday 21 November 2017 - with thanks to Wayne, Lisa, Ali, Tracy and the Beecroft Place Team!

 

Michael Bianchino and Georgia Cameron presenting book to Dr Mehreen Faruqi MLC on Friday 10 November 2017.

Michael Bianchino and Georgia Cameron presenting book to Dr Beth Mott, BirdLife Australia Powerful Owl Project Officer on Friday 17 November 2017.

Delivering Mikey the Powerful Owlet's portrait by Joel Moore (Mulga the Artist) to the Art Gallery of NSW for entry in the 2017 Archibald Prize on Tuesday 4 July 2017. 

Michael Bianchino and Georgia Cameron presenting to Epping North Public School on Tuesday 6 June 2017.

A peaceful protest by Mikey the Powerful Owlet, Gabby the Gang-gang Cockatoo and friends to save Byles Creek Valley outside Hornsby Shire Council on Wednesday 8 March 2017.

Supporting "The Rally in the Valley" to save the home of Mikey the Powerful Owlet in Byles Creek Valley in Sunday 26 February 2017.

LAUNCH AND EVENTS 2016

MIKEY WAS JUST SETTLING INTO HIS TEMPORARY HOLLOW IN THE WINDOW OF THE CHILDREN’S BOOKSHOP AT BEECROFT ON THE NIGHT OF WEDNESDAY 14 DECEMBER 2016 WHEN HE WAS WOKEN TO MUCH COMMOTION!

A flock of people flew through the doors toward the champagne and nibbles tables before heading upstairs. It was a pretty wild event with music from “Steph and Eye” including the first live performance of his new single “Mikey’s Hollow” and a welcome from Paul Macdonald of The Children’s Bookshop before MC Lesley Snelgrove introduced speakers Anne McLeod the author of “The Summit of her Ambition: The spirited life of Marie Byles; Trish Brown on behalf of The Byles Creek Valley Union; Georgia Cameron my alter-ego and biographer; Michael Bianchino my personal paparazzo; Dr Mehreen Faruqi NSW Greens MLC; and keynote speaker Mr Graham Ross VMM radio and TV gardening legend.

Sounded like a real hoot with $5 from each book sold donated to BirdLife Australia’s Powerful Owl Project and proceeds from the lovely Powerful Owl merchandise and raffle of his framed poster to Byles Creek Valley Union.

Mikey's been practising his claw-writing if you’d like to buy an autographed copy of his biography.

(Thanks to Michael, Ron and Sue et al for photos)

Michael Bianchino and Steph Miller (the Byles Creek Valley songbird) debut unplugged acoustic performance of "Mikey's Hollow"

Paul Macdonald host and owner of The Children's Bookshop Beecroft and MC Lesley Snelgrove Secretary of the Beecroft Cheltenham Civic Trust

Anne McLeod author of The Summit of her Ambition: the spirited life of Marie Byles

Trish Brown President of the Byles Creek Valley Union Inc (Publisher)

Georgia Cameron author and Mikey's alter-ego

Michael Bianchino co-author and Mikey's paparazzo

Dr Mehreen Faruqi NSW Greens MLC

Mr Graham Ross VMM

Mikey the Powerful Owlet with Gabby the Gang-gang Cockatoo and friends supporting Save Manly Dam outside Premier Mike Baird's Office in Manly on World Wildlife Day Thursday 3 March 2016.