DABS Desexing & Rescue
Help Us To Make A Difference
Phone 1300 493330
Registered Charity CC 22520
It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of
NORMA FAULKNER.
In her 86th year
Much loved Mother to her Family,
and Grandmother to her only Grandson.
Founder of DABS, Teacher, Popular Author and Animal Lover
You will be missed by many.
FUNERAL NOTICE
Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend
Norma's Funeral Service which will be held on
Saturday, 22nd August at 10am
at St Mary's Catholic Church
Cnr of Broughton St & Parramatta Road,
Concord NSW
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R.I.P.
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free,
I'm following the path, God has laid you see.
I took His hand, when I heard him call,
I turned my back, and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work, to play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that peace at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Oh yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life's been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times,
a loved one's touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief,
Don't lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your hearts and peace to thee,
God wanted me now;
He set me free.
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Norma has sadly left behind several of her personal dogs and 2 cats which
are now orphaned and who now need our help to find them new 'forever' homes.
These were all previously rescues,
most are Seniors and some are Special Needs.
If you feel that you can offer one of Norma's babies a new home,
or to add a Tribute to this page,
please contact by clicking here to email
or call 02 6355 5004 or 0418171896.
Condolence cards, letters should be mailed to
DABS
PO Box 73, Canterbury NSW 2193
Obituary of Norma Faulkner, written by Harriet Veitch and printed in the Sydney Morning Herald, 20 August 2009.
Cinderella soprano had a passion for pet welfare
Norma Faulkner ... was billed as the "adorable songster of radio".
Norma Faulkner, 1922-2009
NORMA FAULKNER'S passions ranged from singing on stage, radio and television to animal birth control. She retired from teaching music only early this year and, until the day she died at 86, was still working for her beloved animals, seeking to reduce their numbers by desexing.
Norma Edith Cave was born in Sydney on Christmas Eve, the only child of Norman Cave, a greengrocer, and his wife, Edith Clarke. She showed early signs of musical talent and her mother encouraged her, arranging piano and guitar lessons and buying a rare 1855 Louis Panormo guitar. Norma entered eisteddfods, appeared in concerts and on radio and, at 12, started voice lessons planning to be an opera singer.
Graduating from St George Girls High, she became an accounts clerk at the Commonwealth Research Laboratory until having to leave to nurse her mother. Yet she continued singing in amateur shows and competitions, joined the Savoyeurs Operatic Society and had leading roles in Gilbert and Sullivan and other light operas.
During World War II, she sang in concerts, particularly those raising money for the Red Cross and the "Food for Britain" fund. After the war, she went to the Sydney Conservatorium of Music for a Licentiate in Music and an Associate Music Australia (AMusA) diploma in singing. Her professional career started in 1948, with 2UE's Colgate-Palmolive Radio Unit, where she became known as the station's "Cinderella soprano".
A regular on such programs as Calling the Stars, she also broadcast live for the Ticket of Leave, Melody Times and Starlight Variety shows. In 1950 she changed her stage name to the more euphonious Norma Cavell and was frequently billed as ''the adorable songster of radio''.
Faulkner also loved folk music, particularly Australian, and Aboriginal music. She became known as Australia's only "Lady Troubadour", singing and accompanying herself on her Panormo guitar.
Music, alas, didn't keep her. When she married Leslie Faulkner in 1956, she was working by day as secretary at Trinity Grammar, Ashfield, while singing in clubs at night and expanding her repertoire to include blues numbers.
She also took in typing work, often for musicians such as Peter Sculthorpe and Richard Gill, and started freelance writing. Her writing appeared in magazines and newspapers and she entered the Sydney Eisteddfod creative writing sections. She was still winning eisteddfod prizes for writing in the late 1990s.
In the late 1960s, Faulkner had started as the music teacher at Casula High and stayed there until 1987. Then in 1988, at an age when most people think of retiring, she joined MacKillop Girls High (now Holy Spirit), Lakemba to teach typing, often working with special needs students. She finally retired from that work early this year.
In 1978, Faulkner had founded DABS, the Domestic Animal Birth Control Society, originally dedicated to promoting the welfare of domestic animals, particularly by the desexing of cats and dogs. The society expanded into rescuing animals and providing new homes for them.
She lobbied ministers, councils and agencies, and pressed the point to the media. In her last days in hospital, she was remonstrating with the nurses taking her blood samples and dictating instructions for DABS.
Norma Faulkner is survived by her son Glenn, daughter-in-law Stana and grandson Thomas. Leslie Faulkner died in 1988.
Harriet Veitch
Tributes to Norma
My heart goes out to Norma's family & friends....& those who worked close to her, in rescue.
She was one of the most special human beings I've ever come across.
I never met her.....but had lots of contact via phone & email over the years.
And feel honoured to have known her. What can I do to help? She specially loved China, her senior girl.
Also is there a family member & snail-mail address I can send a card to?
I'd dearly love her family to know how far Norma's wonderful influence spread.....to Qld in my case.
I'm going to miss her terribly. So I can imagine how much those close to her will.
Marie (in Brisbane)
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Dear Norma, she was such an inspiration to many of us in rescue. She worked so hard and so long for dogs and achieved so much.
She helped so many of us and she was always full of sound advice.
I didn't talk to her often but I will miss knowing she's there, working every minute of the day to help abandoned dogs.
Vale Norma, you will be very missed.
With love, Jane_________________________________________________________________
I am saddened to hear of the lose of Norma, althought I never met her,
we did speak over the phone a few times.
Please know our hearts are with all who knew her and especially her family!
If we can help in anyway with the animals please let us know!!
Bianca
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I've been a foster care for DABS for only a few months and had the privilege of
meeting Norma a few times. She gave me a lot of time out of her busy day on the
phone in support over my various foster dogs. Norma was a great inspiration
and I so admired her way of working the DABS organisation- with so much sense,
sensitivity and endless love. I can only hope to grow into the amazing woman that she was.
Her parting is such a true loss to animals, and people alike.
Kim, Petersham NSW
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Norma is a special person and always will be even though she has left this often
cruel world, she will never be forgotten and is still caring for the animals on the other side.
Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and her fur kids and if any
assistance is needed we are here for you.
Narelle & Paul
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Norma is a very special person and will not be forgotton. The green
frog lady as some of us called her @ Renbury (thats DABS's rescue
icon)helped saved so so many animals, not just taking them in herself
but trusting people who she had never met before, allowing those people
the chance to foster for her.....Norma had a heart of gold and was
always there for the animals and you rescuers....
We will miss her daily emails and phone venting lol
she was actually a funny character of a person
Norma, I am sure has not given up on rescue even though she has left us, she
is at the other side of the rainbow bridge now looking after all those
poundies that didnt make it..
God bless you Norma, we will miss you.
Rach @ the gals at Renbury
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We at Coastal Paws Rescue are devastated to hear of Norma's passing yesterday.
I have spoken to Corrine our President just now and we would like to
offer assistance to any of Normas fur family and pass on our heartfelt
sympathy to her family and of course all at DABS.
Please dont heaitate to call if we can assist with anything and if
possible we would like to send flowers to the service. Could you please advise the details.
I just want to add that the last "poundie" Norma assisted us with is 14+
and was to be PTS at end of business some 5 weeks ago.....a quick call
to Norma and we had him released and he is spending his final days here
with me and I am sure Norma would be very happy at that outcome.He has
many special needs and I am sure she is happy he came to us.
A big thanks and hug to all at DABS
Regards and Hugs
Debbie Wilesmith
Secretary Coastal Paws rescue
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My heartfelt sympathy to Norma's family and all at DABS and the many friends
that Norma made on a daily basis.
You made such a difference to the poundies and many many lives were saved because of you.
I will miss you my friend, our chats and laughs and the constant
beeping of another call waiting.............
Precious memories, how they linger. Our angel on earth has gone home.
With love
Gail (Tasmania)
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It is with great sadness that I hear of Norma's passing,
an enormous loss to the canine rescue community.
Norma was truly one of the good guys in life.
Anne - Pug Rescue Sydney
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I was very saddened to hear the sudden passing of Norma. Not only is it a tragedy for her
beloved son and his family but for all the animals needing her help it has left a huge void.
You see, if you were in trouble, Norma was always there.
I only ever met her once but she helped me out so many times I have lost
count over the years. When I was rehoming dogs from Burwood Pound and years after
that when I came across animals who needed help.
Only recently I tentatively rang her with a problem. A dog that I knew who had lived
on a chain since a small pup. I wanted so much to help this dog but
did not know how. All Norma said to me was " Is it a pitt bull?" although she would
not have cared if she was of that I am sure!!! She never once tried to put me off
because this dog was a large, active, untrained dog who had never had much care.
Did she find a home - yes, she did, a lovely home!!
Thank you Norma for never turning a needy animal away.
You will be sadly missed by all the desperate animals in this world and the equally
desperate people trying to help them.
Corinne
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Just last Saturday we sat in Norma's little office,
packed full of donated stuff, filing cabinets and piles of paper, fat
cavvies and answering machine beeping, and her indomitable spirit
just shone through all of that. Her passion was flowing - about education,
responsible pet ownership and desexing so that rescue isn't necessary.
Norma was a truly inspiring woman.
We didn't always agree about everything over the last couple of years,
but when we chatted (and as long as Inspector Rex wasn't on) we had some
great debates and I will miss that. I wish I'd met her years ago.
She really was in it 'for the dogs'.
My condolences to her family, extended rescue family and many many friends.
Katrina
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& was first to volunteer if help was needed.
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I've met "our Norma" a few times at our Tibbie Picnics - always with
her beloved China Plate. I can hardly believe she was really 83.
Last time we talked, she was still teaching!
She was such a vital, intelligent lady, I can't believe, she is gone.
Norma was so lovely to chat with. Her love of the cats and dogs, she
has helped rescue - and the several, that remained in her care - was
inspirational. So was her energy.
Norma, you are sadly missed by the friends you have left behind, but you
will live on in our memories and in the pets, you have given another
chance to.
Rest in Peace.
Love
Kathy
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Indomitable spirit, dogged determination and boundless compassion. An icon in rescue and mentor to many.
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Sincere condolences to Norma's family and friends. She will always be remembered for
all the good she has done for animals in her life. As I have never met Norma
only spoken on the phone, my respect and admiration for her charity work
towards animals will never be forgotten.
Should there be anything I can do to help in the immediate future please contact me.
Kay Munn.
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My sincere condolences to family and friends. While I know that words are only a small gesture of support
I want you to know that Norma’s spirit has touched many people’s lives as it has mine.
I just want to say ‘Thank You’ to Norma, one more time for helping me and my dog,
when no one else was willing to, and ‘Thank You’ for letting me experience what it means to save lives,
as you let me save five of your dogs.
Rest in peace, I’ll always remember you.
Love Virgil
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Sincere condolences to Norma's family and all at DABS
Whilst only speaking to Norma a few times on the phone she helped me adopt
Blue Star a magnificent greyhound and I shall always remember her kind words to me.
Big or small Norma cared for all.
Marita Rose
Tasmania.
__________________________________________________________________My sincere condolences to Norma's family and all at DABS, I only spoke to Norma a
couple of times lastly a few weeks ago and was shocked to hear of her passing.
Norma was an inspiration to all and will be sadly missed by all who knew her,
not to mention the furkids, she was very kind and helpful and I was sponsoring
a couple of dogs, which I would like you to know I plan to continue doing.
If there is anything I can do to help, I am only to happy to.
** Rest in Peace Norma **
Ronnie
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There are no words that could describe how much Norma ment to the vet nurse
that once worked at Belmore Vets. Myself and Amanda Loved this little lady
that came in and brightened our days with her wild hair and her sweet smile,
taking our stray dogs that came in finding them new homes. Norma was one in a million
and we were both felt priveleged to have worked with this special women.
She will always be remembered in our hearts.
Norma we love you and will miss you so much Lowana and Amanda
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I thought something was wrong as she would always reply very quickly when we contacted her.
We both imagine that Norma is in doggy heaven and she is surrounded by a sea of wagging tails.
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I would like to extend my heartfelt condolences to Normas family and friends
I did not get to meet Norma only spoke on the phone Her kindness and sincerity
was amazing God will have a special place for Norma as that is what she was ONE SPECIAL LADY
Dorothy
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I would like to add my voice to the growing chorus singing Norma's praises.
She was a lovely lady and a true human being - in the absolute best sense of the word.
Her care, devotion and tireless efforts on behalf of helpless, homeless and
often hopeless animals will never be forgotten.
Her passing is a great loss for us all.
Cathy Brockman on behalf of Cat Defence Network Inc.
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Always on the lookout for new approaches to the old problem of getting the
message out there, Norma enabled in a rehoming program through the then owners of
Revesby Pet Shop - this program saw over 60 adult cats and kittens desexed and rehomed,
also a real sense of community responsibility, so that any kittens brought to the
shop would not be accepted for sale until 'Mum' had been desexed.
God Bless you Norma for all the little people who's lives are richer for knowing you.
Gene and Tony
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I'm so saddened to hear about Norma's passing. She was a huge support to me
during a difficult period in 2006. She opened her heart and the kennels of DABS
to me, and I found my beautiful forever friend Trina who is still my
faithful companion and shadow. Norma's kindness and focus made a huge and
lasting impression on me. I pray for peace for her family and those
closest to her. What an amazing and wonderful woman she was.
Mary Fisher
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I never had the pleasure of meeting Norma, but spoke to her a number of times on the phone.
The first time, an enquiry about a dog she was fostering. He went to another
home - people who had called before me. Norma called me a few weeks later to ask
if we were interested in adopting another poodle, which was in the pound.
Of course, we said yes. Again, we missed out, but everything happens for a
reason and Norma helped us to adopt our beautiful Milo.
I recently sent some photos of Milo to Norma, which she requested to put in the Newsletter.
What a wonderful, warm woman she was. I'm deeply sorry I didn't get to meet her,
but rest assured I'll never forget our wonderful conversations about loving animals.
Condolences to Norma's family and many friends.
From Trish, Garry and Rhiannon. Of course, our Milo as well.
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To add a Tribute to this page, please email by clicking here
Welcome to DABS Rescue.
| We thank you for visiting and hope that you find your next 'furkid' listed on our pages. DABS is a non-profit registered charity, and any funds raised from the adoption of our dogs and cats is entirely put towards the costs involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, vet fees, ongoing feeding and worming of our animals. All animals we rehome are vet checked, vaccinated, microchipped, desexed and are heartworm tested. Most of all, they are loved, but need your ongoing love and patience, and a nice snuggly bed at night! DABS also provides discounted desexing for low income, needy people wishing to have their dogs desexed. We encourage this as it helps prevent unwanted litters - many of which end up in our pounds, or worse, euthanised. Please help us to help the animals - who else will? |
FOSTER CARERS: DABS have lovely dogs 'coming out our ears' and VERY URGENTLY require foster carers
able to take one (or more!) of these darlings into their homes, get to know them and assist in
finding them forever homes. Perfectly adoptable dogs are being killed in pounds every day,
this needs to STOP NOW! If you would like to find out more or to offer your help,
please contact us here.
Desexing help in NSW
DABS is a volunteer run registered Charity, we can help pensioners, low-income families and people purchasing undesexed dogs and cats from New South Wales pounds to have their pets desexed. If you need help with desexing costs or know someone who does please contact one of the following numbers for a DABS form for assistance. (NSW only)
