cheryl owens and the Phillip Island's

Phillip Island, a picturesque destination known for its natural beauty and wildlife, has been home to Cheryl Owens for over 56 years. A passionate dog owner, wife, and mother of three, Cheryl moved to the island at the tender age of six. Over the decades, she has witnessed the island's transformation, from a sleepy coastal retreat to a bustling hub of tourism and development. While these changes brought new opportunities and challenges, Cheryl's commitment to her community and love for her environment have only grown stronger.

Six years ago, Cheryl experienced an unexpected challenge while walking her Cavoodle on the beach at Cape Woolamai. A routine stroll turned into a moment of realisation when she was informed that she was in violation of a new law restricting where dogs could be walked. Though she accepted the fine graciously, it sparked a desire to understand the new regulations better and advocate for the needs of dog owners on the island.

Cheryl has always believed in living in harmony with her environment, diligently picking up after her dog and respecting the natural beauty of Phillip Island. However, as she engaged in conversations with other dog owners, she realised that many shared her frustrations about the limited spaces available for exercising their pets. This common concern led to the founding of the Phillip Island and Bass Coast Dogs Association, an organisation dedicated to advocating for dog-friendly spaces and educating the community.

The association collaborates with various environmental and community groups, including the Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP), the Bass Coast Shire, Landcare, Parks Victoria, and Phillip Island Nature Parks. Cheryl and her committee, emphasise the importance of balancing the needs of the island's residents, including dog owners, with environmental concerns. "Liveability in conjunction with the environment is our focus," she says, highlighting the need for inclusive community planning.

Through diligent research, Cheryl and her committee with the association's members have uncovered some surprising statistics. Phillip Island is home to approximately 7,700 registered dogs, yet there is only one beach, at Ventnor, where dogs can roam off-leash for most of the year. This beach accounts for just 1.2 kms of the island's 97-kms coastline. Additionally, 80% of the Hooded Plovers' nests are washed away by high tides, a smaller percentage are taken by predators, and less than 1% are impacted by dogs.

Cheryl dedicates over 20 hours some weeks to the association, attending meetings, conducting research, and advocating for the rights of dog owners. Her motto, "Just do the right thing," encapsulates her belief in responsible dog ownership and community engagement. She stresses the importance of rules and boundaries to ensure safety and harmony but believes that the voices of dog owners are often underrepresented or even misrepresented in these discussions.