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13 SEPTEMBER, 2023
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Trophies held high Grand final footy fever hit Yarraville Oval on Sunday. Four Western Region Football League premierships were decided, with three of the matches going down to the wire. West Footscray claimed the women’s division 2 title by two points and Parkside won the division 2 men’s premiership by the same margin. Spotswood finished the day with a one point win the women’s division 1 grand final. For the finals wrap up, turn to sport
Spotswood co-coaches Ian Allan and Chris Grant with captain Sienna Bradley. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Parkside co-captain’s Jackson Barrett and Shaun Campbell with coach Chris Muratore. (Ljubica Vrankovic)
Swans savaged by dogs By Jennifer Pittorino Volunteers with Friends of Newells Paddock were left devastated on Sunday, September 3, when an off leash dog killed three swans. President Bruce Dickinson said the community was left devastated and in shock by the killing of the two parents and one baby cygnet. “The swans are an important part of the local area, people have loved watching them learn to fly and go into their adult lives,” he said. “Especially those particular swans that come back year after year, we estimate since 2018 they have raised 20 cygnets into adulthood.”
The family of swans had been living at the paddock for close to ten years, Mr Dickinson they move between ponds happily. “They have become part of the local area so it is a real loss, and we don’t know what is going to happen with the other swans and if they will come back.” This is not the first attack Mr Dickinson has heard of. He said in the past few weeks there have been other encounters between dogs and the swans as well as other animals. He hopes that publicity around the latest attack will highten awareness among dog owners about keeping dogs on leads around areas with wildlife.
“Dogs can go crazy and you can’t control a dog once it gets into a frenzy, you can’t stop them,” he said. Mayor Sarah Carter said the death of the swans was of concern to the community and council. “Maribyrnong River Reserve and the neighbouring Heavenly Queen Temple are on-lead dog areas,” she said. “This means no dog should be off lead at any time.” Council’s local law states dogs must be on-lead when outside the owner’s property except for designated off-lead areas.Fines of up to $192 can be given to owners of any dog
found off-lead in an on-lead area. “These measures are in place to protect our precious native wildlife and ensure our parks and reserves are safe and enjoyable for all residents,“ she said. “Council is investigating the latest incident and will prosecute the owner if identified.” Council said staff will be patrolling the area and auditing current signage to ensure visitors are aware of the requirements if they are bringing dogs into the area. The three surviving cygnets were rescued by Wildlife Rescue and are in the care of the Melbourne Zoo. Details to council on 9688 0200.
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