JULY 31, 2018 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE
Starved pigs rescued By Laura Michell Wildlife rescuers fear three pigs and a piglet found in the Wombat State Forest near Bullengarook last week had been dumped. Five Freedoms Animal Rescue’s Manfred Zabinskas came across two of the pigs while attending a call-out to help an injured joey on July 22. He said the pigs were “desperate for food” and in a horrible condition. Mr Zabinskas called his partner, Helen Round and asked her to bring food for the pigs, while he made arrangements for them to be taken to animal sanctuary Edgar’s Mission to be treated and rehabilitated. A passing motorist alerted the couple to another pig and piglet he had found injured nearby. The sow had suffered a serious foot injury and was covered in blood and unable to stand. Ms Round said she was concerned the pigs had been neglected before being dumped. They were infested with mange, lice and ticks. “The were emaciated …” she said. “With the harsh weather they wouldn’t have survived [in the forest]. They would have died of exposure.” Ms Round said it wasn’t unusual to come across pigs in the forest, with people often dumping pigs there so they can be hunted later. However, she did not believe this was to be the fate of these pigs which she described as friendly. “There were lovely, friendly pigs and up for pats,” Ms Round said. “They were obviously loved by someone once before. “I want people to know that there are things you can do. You don’t have to dump them. The could have been handed over to the RSPCA.” Anyone with information about the pigs is urged to contact the RSPCA.
Two of the pigs found in the Wombat State Forest. (Supplied)
You shall go to the ball The glass slippers are being polished and the final magical touches are being made to the sets ahead of Salesian College’s production of Cinderella later this week. Students have been working tirelessly in recent months, rehearsing, singing and dancing ahead of opening night on Friday. The students will take to the stage in the storybook classic for three shows bringing to life all the characters you love – and love to hate. Salesian College principal Mark Brockhus hopes the production will leave audiences spellbound. “Our biennial college production provides an occasion for all students to participate in the creative life of the college, with opportunities to display their skills in acting, music, dance, stage management or backstage orientation,” he said. “Students work together as a cohesive group to ensure they present and develop a high quality and memorable performance. “We love to provide opportunities for our local community to get together with their families. “This Cinderella college production will leave everyone feeling positive and uplifted. “It will have you smiling and laughing and remind you that anything is possible, if only you wish hard enough.” Cinderella will be at the Clocktower Centre on Friday at 7.30pm and Saturday at 1pm and 7.30pm. Details: www.salesiansunbury.vic.edu.au Tahlia West and Max Irwin as ugly sisters Joy and Portia. (Dennis Manktelow)
Laura Michell