Stewart swans around

By CHRIS EARL

HIS name is Stewart ... a demanding young chap with determination and a mind of his own.

Time for consuming a daily diet of corn, water and lettuce signalled with a tapping of his beak on the cabin door of Boort Lakes Caravan Park managers Wendy and Tim James.

A swan named Stewart who learnt to fly on Little Lake Boort trying to keep up with skiers in summer.

That’s when Stewart waddled back into the park where he was rescued as a grey and fluffy cygnet by Tim and Wendy last AFL Grand Final weekend.

“We found him abandoned in the park and I thought, we don’t know what to do with a swan,” said Wendy.

The small ball of infant feathers was adopted out to Vaughan and Tanya Toose who named him Stewart.

In the heat of summer, Stewart went wandering and returned to the lake.

Tanya put out the call around town that Stewart the swan was missing. She called Wendy who spotted Stewart back in the abode where he was rescued.

“So he’s stayed here ever since,” said Wendy. “He’s popular with park visitors and we even have special instructions we send out before check-in on his strict diet of water, corn and lettuce.

“Normally people would feed bread to the birds and swans but that’s not a good idea for swans because of the sugar it contains.

“Although we don’t think Stewart realises that he is swan. All the other black swans around the lake are ignored as he goes wandering during the day.”

Tim no longer has the need to set a waking alarm each morning.

“At daylight, there’s a knock on the door from Stewart - time for food,” Tim said. “And if there is a campfire in the park, he’s happy to sit nearby and watch.”

Wendy said: “People might think we’re crazy but Stewart

Jed shares his strategies with students

EAST LODDON P12 College Year

11 and 12 students have met with the Health Project founder Jed Zimmer talking about the journey to better mental health.

The visit was inspired by SRC president Libby Clymo who had researched motivational speakers and was keen to find someone local, young and inspiring.

Jed, from Bendigo, spoke to students about some dark days he had and how he had often tried to hide his sadness before reaching a point where he couldn’t explain the cause but knew something was wrong and needed help. He confided in his mother who assisted him on his journey to better mental health.

Jed shared some strategies that have helped him over the years including recognising emotions and feelings and being grateful. He encouraged students to have a tool kit that helped them improve their mental health.

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