In the wake of Cow Appreciation Day on July 11, there is some good news for Kiama's favourite bovine, Daisy the Decorated Cow.
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Earlier this year it was feared the 22-year-old papier mache cow's days were numbered when a diagnosis was delivered that Daisy's internal wire framework had rusted away and she was considered "beyond repair".
Plans were even drawn up to spend $10,000 on a fibreglass recreation of sculptor Ernesto Murgo's 1991 creation.
But Daisy, a long-term resident of Kiama's Old Fire Station Art Gallery, recently underwent an internal examination for rust and a skin biopsy to determine skin thickness and content.
A Kiama Council spokeswoman said Daisy was also weighed in order to gauge the compounds required to support the long-term strengthening of her legs.
"The results of all examinations show positive signs that Daisy is likely to survive repairs ... council is continuing to discuss plans and negotiations with relevant repairers," the spokeswoman said.
A report on Daisy will be discussed by the cultural board meeting in September.
Daisy's life will then be in the hands of Kiama's nine councillors, with recommendations from the cultural board meeting to be taken to a subsequent council meeting.
However, it was business as usual for Daisy on Wednesday when she hosted a fund-raiser to help young Illawarra athletes with an intellectual disability achieve their dreams and goals.
Athletes from Special Olympics Illawarra who live in Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven districts have been selected to represent NSW at the Australian National Special Olympic Games, in Melbourne in October.
Officials say this honour comes at a cost to the athletes' families, and Special Olympics Illawarra is committed to financially helping out.
Three Illawarra artists have combined their talents to host an art exhibition, Art for our Athletes, from July 15 to 21 at the Old Fire Station.
Julia Walsh, whose son Tim is a member of the state basketball team, and Judi Goodwin and Jacinda McCurry, whose grandson and cousin, Charley McFarlane, is a member of the NSW swimming squad, will display their paintings.
A Gala Evening with Daisy at the Old Fire Station is being held on Saturday, from 6pm, where the community can meet and socialise with the athletes.
Special Olympics Illawarra will also host a trivia night on Saturday, August 16.
For more information, contact Special Olympics Illawarra on 0401 418 600.