On March 31, 13 members travelled to Ballan Railway station and a week later another ten members took the same trip.
We were met at the Station by Judy and Michael Pepi and Emma who took us to the Sanctuary. There we were met by Anne who managers the Sanctuary. We were given a tour of all the animals that are sheltered there and heard some of their stories. Anne and her team do a wonderful job in homing these animals who have been either neglected or found wandering homeless. Some of the stories were heartbreaking, especially the story of the latest addition to the farm, being little foal Cindy, who had been brought to the shelter a few days before group 1 visited. She stole all our hearts - the sad look in her eyes. Anne gave her a whisper of hope, however, a few days after group 2 visited, we were saddened to hear they had to put Cindy to sleep. Among the many animals we encountered were birds, roosters, a fawn, giraffes, horses, goats, and pigs. Anne knows the name of each one and treats them all with great respect and care.
After our tour, we were again met by Michael, Judy and Emma and taken back to the Pepi's where Judy had prepared a delicious 3 course meal for us all. Great conversation took place and we all got a tour of Judy's lovely garden while Michael explained the huge dam construction in progress.
We all ventured back to Melbourne with a deeper understanding of the incredible work being done at the Sanctuary, touched by the stories we heard, and grateful for a day filled with compassion, learning, and warm hospitality.
games.
