• Stay local. The firm advice from health authorities is to avoid unnecessary travel and stick to walking tracks close to home which helps avoid interaction with others.
• Keep it small. Don’t organise a large group of friends or family.
• Practise good hygiene and make sure you maintain 1.5m of physical distance from others around you.  
• Don’t go if you’re feeling unwell – it’s safer for everyone if you stay at home. 

The NSW National Parks says where possible, walking tracks and low-traffic open spaces will stay open so the local community can exercise. Some popular sites will likely be closed, so head to quieter tracks nearby. National Parks and Wildlife Service Officers and NSW Police will be patrolling national parks to make sure visitors are complying with regulations. If a national park or other public space is too crowded to practice social distancing, it’s your responsibility to leave the area. With those conditions in mind, check out some of Coastbeat’s favourite secluded walking tracks of the north and mid north coast.

Three Sisters Walking Track – Broken Head

The reserve is just 4 kilometres south of Byron Bay. Follow the coast road and turn into Broken Head Reserve Road. The Three Sisters walking track – 1.6km return and 30-45 minutes long – takes you through the rainforest and along a scenic cliff top. The views are incredible – a stunning panorama of secluded beaches, rocky coves and dense rainforest. Don’t forget to take the time to learn about the Aboriginal story behind the Three Sisters.

Goanna Headland – Evans Head

Venture along this 7.6km return walking track through the heath following the coastline. The Goanna Headland walk in the Dirawong Reserve will take you through scrub, across rocks and rock pools, onto pebbly and sandy beaches and up to the headland. It’s a special site for the local Bundjalung people who believe the Dirawong (a goanna) is the Creator Being who taught the people various aspects of Aboriginal culture and customs.

Solitary Islands Coastal Walk – Red Rock to Sawtell

Don’t worry, we’re not suggesting you set off on a three-day hike and cover this 60km stretch of golden beaches, rocky headlands, lush rainforest and charming villages in one go! Rather, pick one of the many access points to the Solitary Islands Coastal Walk and focus on the trail closest to your home. As well as appreciating the picturesque landscapes and local wildlife, be sure to seek out the indigenous and maritime history of your area.

Big Hill Rainforest Walking Track – Crescent Head

You’ll find the 1.4km loop Big Hill Rainforest Walking Track in the northern precinct of Limeburners Creek National Park, along Point Plomer Road. It starts out at the picnic area by the beach before winding along the headland. You’ll venture into rare coastal rainforest and meander through low heath vegetation as well. If you’re in the rainforest around sunset, be sure to keep an eye out for microbats flying overhead!    

Jack Perkins Walking Track – South West Rocks

If you want some of the best views in Hat Head National Park, take a walk along the short Jack Perkins track. It’s a downhill/uphill path that takes you through whispering she-oaks, rainforest and heathland. It should take between 30 minutes and an hour, depending on whether or not you take a dip before you turn around. Oh, and don’t forget your binoculars as you may spot whales or a glossy black cockatoo with red wing tips!

Booti Hill and Wallis Lake walking track – Forster

If you’re feeling adventurous and want a combination of bush, beach and lake, then tackle all or a portion of the 7.3km Booti Hill and Wallis Lake walking track. Starting at The Ruins campground (Elizabeth Beach and Sunset picnic area are alternate approaches), up the northern side of Booti Hill, through the rainforest and onto the ridge-crest above Lindemans Cove. The last 3.5km follows the shores of Wallis Lake. There are plenty of places to stop and opportunities to swim. Be prepared to dig deep as there are short but steep climbs in some sections.   

Remember, if you’re keen to get out on one of these tracks, it must be with the primary purpose of exercising. Most playgrounds, picnic and barbeque areas, car parks and even toilet blocks will be closed so best to get there on foot, carry water and snacks and keep those legs moving. Happy hiking!

Dreaming of a camping trip once travel restrictions are lifted? Check out some of Coastbeat’s favourite local destinations.

The post Take the road less travelled on some of the coast’s best secluded walking tracks appeared first on Coastbeat.

Getting up before dawn is always hard but it’s almost always worth it, especially when you live in this part of the world. Normally when I’m awake at this hour I’ve got my surfboard and wetsuit in the back of the van, hoping to score a few uncrowded waves, but today is different.

Today, I’ve got a van full of camera gear and audio recording equipment and I’m hoping to capture something just as elusive as the perfect wave.

A Pied Oyster Catcher

As I pull up at Santa Barbara Reserve on Seven Mile Beach, a slight orange glow is starting to show behind the silhouettes of the towering Norfolk pines. A car pulls up and local nature photographer, Glen Golby steps out. He has a quick look skyward to the top of the pine trees. We both collect our camera gear and head toward the dunes.

I run a video production company, creating video content for brands and businesses, so this shoot is entirely different to what I’m used to. The challenge with this shoot is to capture the story behind a single photograph.

Glen and I step onto the beach just as the sun rises. The dawn is mesmerizing. We take the short hike up the sand dune to a spot Glen has been many, many times. He sets up his Nikon with a 600mm lens and points it toward the top of one of pines. I’m not sure where to train my lens so I start with Glen.

A White Face Heron searches for food

“I’ve been on this Whistling Kite nest for about a month now,” he says. “I reckon the youngster will leave the nest any day. He’s been flapping like mad on the edge of it and I’m sure he’s going to make his first flight. I’ve been coming every single day and really don’t want to miss it.”

Glen points to the top of one of the pine trees. “See that small branch at the top, how it’s bent over to the left?” he says. “That’s because the parents fly from the nest to that spot over and over every day. It’s the highest vantage point for them to take in this whole area. When that youngster takes his first flight, I reckon that’s where he’ll land so that’s where I’ve got my lens pointed,” he adds.

Who am I to argue? I swing my camera around and zero in on the branch. Now what? I ask. “We wait,” comes the obvious answer.

It’s not easy for me to wait. I’m a busy person with important stuff to do. Glen, however, has clearly mastered the art of waiting. He stands centred and still.

Spotted Turtle Doves perform the mating ritual

With a smile he says, “It would be an absolute waste to stand here every day and not notice everything.” He continues, “The whales drifting past, pods of dolphins hunting, fishermen up the beach. The Kite is watching the fishermen too, waiting for them to leave – ready to fly straight to where they’ve gutted their fish. I watch wrens darting amongst the scrub at my feet and sea eagles overhead. I watch the tide change and see what it leaves behind – for other birds of prey to come to claim the prize. I love it. I can’t get enough of it.”

We spend the next two hours talking, watching and simply being. Glen’s not yet taken a single picture.

The next morning, we return to the same spot, except something has changed. I think it’s me. Today I’m happy to wait and am totally absorbed by every move of the Whistling Kites. As the young bird stumbles to the edge of his nest and flaps his wings like mad, Glen and I are both completely fired up. “Oh yeah! Go you good thing!” calls Glen, urging the youngster on. In between short and frantic bursts of excitement, there’s plenty of time to talk cameras and exposure as well as the different
ways of setting a ‘trap’ to capture that elusive shot.

Two Osprey having a territorial dispute

You can’t help but love Glen. He’s the perfect mix of old school hippie surfer, crusty fisherman and a pirate. When he gets excited, which is often, he morphs into a 12-year-old kid.

We’ve focused our cameras on one of the Whistling Kite adults on a nearby tree top. My video camera has now been rolling for two hours.

Suddenly, Glen lurches for his camera. “Look here!” he exclaims and starts firing shots. “Mr Crow!” he yells as a single pesky crow flies toward the Kite. With lightning speed, the Kite launches, spearing straight at the crow. The two birds engage in 10 seconds of awe-inspiring manoeuvres, twisting and contorting with perfect balance until the crow bails out and the Kite lands back on the top of its favourite branch.

The Whistling Kite defends his family

I stand there dazed…is that it? It happened so quickly. Did I actually get it on film? Was it in focus? We both huddle around the back of Glen’s camera as he checks the shot. “Yep. It’s a bloody good shot,” he says with understated excitement.

“The Kite’s wings are at full spread and its talons are clearly visible.” I’m blown away by the intensity of the image. You can feel the fear in the crow’s eyes and the dominance of the Kite’s power is overwhelming when isolated by this one frame in time.

After two days of shooting, I tell Glen that we’ve got enough footage for his video. “No worries,” he says. “I’ll be back here first thing again tomorrow and every day until that youngster takes his first flight if you’re keen to join me?” Why not? Glen the bird man has me hooked.

Glen Golby by Glenn Leahy

Watch Glenn Leahy’s video and find out more at Glen Golby Photography on Facebook 

The post Nature Lover – the Photography of Glen Golby appeared first on Coastbeat.

When: Friday October 2 to Sunday October 4
Where: The Shed, Lot 1 Bell Street, Dunbogan

For more information visit Facebook.

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Along with the scenery and occasional wildlife, some of our road signs are worth a second look too. (And of course, those “big things” – in Coastbeat territory we have The Big Axe at Kew, The Big Bowl at Lake Cathie, The Big Banana at Coffs Harbour and The Big Knight at Knockrow. While some of these attractions are still closed you can still get your photos with the giant sculptures).

Roman Road Signs

As the Ancient Romans were the first civilization to construct roads, it makes sense they were the first to create road signs – or at least “markers”. These 2,000 kg stone slabs serve as intervals along the 100,000 kilometres of roads leading to the nearest Roman village or town. 

The rest, as they say, is history. We’ve come a long way since then and the Australian sense of humour plays a large part in some of the weird and wonderful signs you’ll see today.

Outback Oz

While we might not be travelling that far afield for a while, it’s hard to beat the Australian Outback for unusual signage. Take Parachilna in the Flinders Ranges of South Australia. The local pub serves a mean feral mixed grill featuring kangaroo steak, emu fillet mignon and camel sausage. And rest assured, it’s not roadkill.

Meanwhile, in Queensland, enormous cows apparently eat cars for breakfast.  Be warned!

Also in Queensland, this picture certainly paints a thousand words. Shame on you if you fail to slow down and keep an eye out for the giant flightless cassowary. The last thing we need is more speed bumps.

Along the North Coast of NSW, you may be more likely to see koala and kangaroo warnings, while further afield, watch out for those camels “and other beasts”.

Tasmania might be one of Australia’s smallest states but the wallabies and kangaroos there are huge! The kangaroos grow so big and strong they can obviously lift cars using just their toes. You’re given fair warning when travelling near Freycinet National Park. 

None of us should need reminding that drinking and driving don’t mix. However, this sign is all over Victoria and has been around since the 1990s. Although there are divided opinions about the use of language, it certainly leaves no room for confusion.

For those not born in this great southern land, this sign is a useful reminder. It can be seen along the Great Ocean Road in Victoria.

So those are just a few of our favourites – share your photos or memories of your own favourite signs from travels Australia-wide so we know what to look out for.

If you’re looking for a road trip guide, read this article about The Top 10 Australian Destinations for 2020.

And to accompany you on your road trip, here’s Coastbeat’s Road Trip Spotify playlist. Yes, we got you.

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The post Favourite Australian Road Signs appeared first on Coastbeat.

What is From Farm to Fridge?

Bringing together producers and providores from the Great Lakes Food Trail, Farm to Fridge is an online store that offers meat, dairy, baked goods, fruit, vegetables and beauty products. Sue Williams says it was set up to maintain the connection established between local producers and the community at Food Trail events. The online store opens every Sunday when they upload the week’s products. Orders placed by 2pm Wednesday are dropped off at collection points between Bulahdelah and Taree or delivered to your door on Friday. 

“We’ve had a lot of support from people who want to buy fresh produce from farmers they’ve met on the Food Trail but don’t necessarily have time to go to markets,” Sue explains. “Farm to Fridge means they can have almost anything from the Great Lakes Food Trail in one weekly parcel.”

Gourmet selection

The online store features unique products you wouldn’t find in the average supermarket like Pot Set Buffalo Yoghurt from Burraduc Farm, Medium Rye Sourdough from Palms Artisan Bakery, Organic Vegan Pumpkin Chana Dahl from Chef Sarah and Blood Orange Sorbet from Serendipity.  

“We’re very fortunate that the only A-Grade Buffalo dairy in Australia is right here in the heart of the Great Lakes,” Sue says. “Burraduc has won the prestigious Delicious Produce Award three years in a row!”

Sue is proud of the region’s family farms and says they set it apart. This is clear as she talks about some of Farm to Fridge’s contributors.    

“We’re very, very lucky to have these amazing farms,” Sue enthuses. “Long Table Farm at Coomba Bay produces some delicious pasture-raised pork, Yeo Farm in Bulahdelah has Australian White Sheep and they produce pasture-raised lamb which is incredibly popular, while Valley View Farm at Rainbow Flat has won several awards for their organic garlic strains and also have an amazing market garden selling organic vegetables.” 

Farm to Fridge during isolation

Farm to Fridge started slowly in December 2018 but Sue says production has ramped up over the last four months. The restrictions associated with COVID-19 meant fresh food delivery was more important than ever. 

“During isolation, there were a lot of people who needed food to be brought to their doorstep,” Sue recalls. “In areas like Hallidays Point, Old Bar and Red Head, it’s a bit of a drive to the shops so we were happy to support residents there.”

Sue hopes that Farm to Fridge will continue to shine a light on the Great Lakes’ capacity for nutritious and ethical food production and enhance existing relationships between producers and the community. All going well, we will stage the next Great Lakes Food Trail event this spring. Sue says she can’t wait for people to have the opportunity to meet local growers, tour their farms and learn about their processes once more. Until then, we’ll have to jump online and order from the Farm to our Fridge.

Place your order on Farm to Fridge here and follow Great Lakes Food Trail on Instagram

Looking for dinner inspiration? Try our cheap and easy schnitzel recipe.

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The post Farm to Fridge – Connecting Mid North Coast Producers to the Community appeared first on Coastbeat.

Did you know that…

There are about 1,700 types of “true blue” bees that are endemic or can only be found in Australia. 

Yes, that’s a lot of bees. But the more bees, the honey-er it gets. These bees may look like a bigger and fuzzier honeybee, but there’s more to them than meets the eye. Some of these bees nest underground. They also create a teeny tiny loose soil door for them to burrow in and out of their nest. 

Other bees nest on creek banks, and even in tiny hollows drilled into timber. The bees in Australia are solitary bees. They just go about their business in collecting pollen and a bit of honey, seal it in with their larvae, and then abandon their nest.

Australian native bees come in many shapes and colours

They can be metallic green, black, yellow, red, or even black with little blue polka dots. They can be fat and furry OR sleek and shiny.

To the untrained eye, they may look like the same old hairy and buzzy, but they’re actually unique in a lot of ways. Some of the native bees might look like a wasp, so please be careful!

Then how do you know whether you’re seeing a bee, a wasp, or a fly? 

Would you like to learn how to make your own Beeswax Wraps? Make sure to check out our recipe.

If the flying friend has a bag of pollen on its back legs or under its abdomen, it’s a bee! Also, check their wings – bees have two sets of wings and two sets of flying patterns. So, the next time you go bee-spotting, make sure to take note of these things. Don’t you mix them up with the wanna-bees.

Australia is home to the smallest native bee, which is less than 2 mm long

This bee can be found in Cape York. 

We also house the Great Carpenter Bee of the tropical north and northern NSW. It is the largest bee that can grow up to 24 mm long!

Yes, Australia is home to the tiniest species of bees and even the largest one. Now that’s honey-mazing! 

Stingers, no stinging 

Unlike their other bee siblings from other parts of the world, our bees don’t leave their stinger in their victim. That’s good news, right? Yes, unlike the honeybees, the sting of our native bees are less painful. Also, there are less reported allergic reactions related to a native bee sting. 

Not unless you grab them all by hand on your bee spotting journey. Please, don’t do that.

Meet some of our lovely Australian Native Bees

Do you want to see how beautiful and cute our hairy and buzzy friends look like? Here are some of their photos.

Stingless Social Bee

Blue Banded Bee (Amegilla)

Great Carpenter Bees (Xylocopa)

Teddy Bear Bee (Amegilla)

Remember, bees are our bee-friends forever. Let’s keep them safe. 

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The post Fun and Bee-zarre Facts About Australian Native Bees appeared first on Coastbeat.

Anzac Day conjures up powerful memories for many of us, be it as a youngster waving a flag when soldiers, tall and proud, marched along the high street or perhaps it’s the dawn service at The Cenotaph in Sydney’s Martin Place you remember well. Others may have stood on former battlefields in France or overlooking the Aegean Sea at Gallipoli on this important day. Personally, I picture having a ‘spin’ in a game of Two-up with the late afternoon light behind me and a gorgeous old ‘digger’ by my side showing me the way at a bustling RSL by the coast. It’s a memory more than two decades old but still so vivid.

Anzac Day brings people together to reflect upon the courage, mateship and sacrifice so intrinsic to the Anzac spirit. As ‘The Last Post’ plays and we speak the words from ‘For the Fallen’ we do remember them and their incredible sacrifice.

Coastbeat chats to Greg Laird OAM, President of Port Macquarie RSL Sub-branch and a Vietnam Veteran about what Anzac Day means to him.

Q: Greg, you served in Vietnam and are a third-generation soldier?

Yes, both my maternal and paternal grandfathers went to war and my father served in the Middle East and New Guinea. My maternal grandfather actually won the Military Medal at Fromelles. At some stage, I’d very much like to get to the Western Front and retrace his footsteps.

Q: How do you usually commemorate Anzac Day?

I’d be out of bed at 3:30am to set up everything at the war memorial for the dawn service. After the service, we head to Panthers Port Macquarie for the gunfire breakfast before returning to town for the march and 11am service. After that it’s a luncheon at the Club.

The afternoon is when we all unwind over a few drinks. All the returned servicemen are very like-minded and although you tend not to talk about war, we understand that we’ve been through many shared experiences.

Q: What are the most rewarding moments of Anzac Day for you?

Time with other returned servicemen is very special. Also, there are so many kids that come along and show their appreciation which is wonderful. I was walking in the march last year when a little girl watching called out “Hello Greg” and I just melted. She recognised me from a visit I had made to her pre-school.

Q: I understand that the Port Macquarie RSL Sub-branch has the largest membership in the country area (some 440 members) and among its ranks are 20 to 25 World War II veterans. It must be devastating to think you may not march with some of these veterans again.

These fellas are well into their 90s by now. The oldest one is 99 years of age. Hopefully we’ll all march together again next year. They’re not to be underestimated – one of them still drives and just bought himself a fancy sports car at the age of 96!

Q: What does being an Anzac mean to you?

I baulk at being called an ANZAC. I call myself a returned serviceman. I feel that ANZACs did a bit more than I ever did….

Q: Tell me about Anzac Day 2020?

It’s sad that we can’t do what we normally would, but I encourage everyone to go and lay a wreath at their local war memorial. I’ve had many enquiries from various organisations and schools and have told them the same thing.

I know that I’ll be standing in my driveway in the little village I call home playing ‘The Last Post’ at 6am.

I appreciate that there cannot be an organised crowd, but I will call into the war memorial throughout the day to see all the beautiful wreaths left by others. I will also get together with other servicemen during the day. While we will observe social distancing, we still plan to raise a glass to commemorate the importance of the day.

Q: How can we pay our respects and show our support?

Get behind whatever you can and if possible, tune into the 6am service on the ABC. With ‘The Last Post’ or ‘The Reveille’ playing, stand at your front door or in your driveway and light a candle or raise the Aussie flag.

And next year, we’ll be able to attend the Anzac services and I’ll be marching proudly and getting together with my fellow servicemen and women.

Thank you so much, Greg. It was a great pleasure chatting with you.

Anzac Day 2020 will be different to ever before. This year, we won’t be attending our local dawn service or supporting returned servicemen and women as they march but there are other ways we can pay tribute to our ANZACs, past and present. Take a look at the different ways you can commemorate ANZAC Day this year.

The post Lest We Forget – Anzac Day 2020 appeared first on Coastbeat.

Light Up the Dawn

RSL Australia is encouraging us all to pledge to ‘light up the dawn’ by standing in our driveways or on our balconies at 6am for a moment or remembrance and to symbolise unity. Many are choosing to light a candle or hold an Australian flag to show their support.

Tune in

The ABC will be broadcasting a dawn service from the Australian War Memorial from 5.30am. A little later, at 10am, a service will be broadcast from Sydney’s Hyde Park. This will also be broadcast on ABC TV or you can watch it on the Memorial’s Facebook page.

At 1pm, the network will show the 2015 Centenary Commemoration from Gallipoli and an hour later, the 2018 Dawn Service from Villers-Bretonneux.

Listen to ‘The Last Post’

Amy Corrigan from Port Macquarie-Hastings Municipal Band will be doing a live feed of ‘The Last Post’ at 6am which you can watch here.

Alternatively, you can head to Spotify and listen to / download ‘The Last Post’ and other music such as ‘The Reveille’ and ‘Waltzing Matilda’.

Show your support on social media

Show your support for veterans on social media by recording a video of you reciting The Ode or by posting a kind and supportive message to past and present servicemen and women.

Reach out to others

This national day is also about mateship and RSL NSW is encouraging us to reach out to those who may be alone.

Donate

Pledge your support by donating to the ANZAC Appeal.

Find out what Anzac Day means to one local veteran and discover fascinating stories about ANZACs such as Olympic medallist Cecil Healy and Australian Light Horseman Roy Parsons.

The post 6 ways you can commemorate Anzac Day this Saturday appeared first on Coastbeat.

1. Turn off your lights for an hour

The official Earth Hour took place on March 28^th and saw individuals, communities and businesses such as Coffs Central and Port Central turn off their lights in a symbolic gesture of global solidarity. But who says we can’t do it again? Why not use the hour to consider how you and your family can switch to a more sustainable lifestyle? 

2. Do a plastic audit at home

If you’ve never really looked into how much single-use plastic you use, today’s the day! Take a peek in the pantry, cleaning cupboard and bathroom. Which plastic products can you switch out? Think about your shopping and takeaway habits, too. Yes, we know it’s hard to avoid plastic but there ARE alternatives. Consider using beeswax wraps, metal straws, reusable water bottles and coffee cups. You can also  buy in bulk and support the local business making stylish home and personal products while closing the loop on plastic supply and demand.

3. Measure your ecological footprint

What impact does your lifestyle have on the planet? How energy efficient is your home? Where do your fruits and veggies come from? How far do you drive in an average week? This calculator helps you assess your lifestyle and add up your ecological footprint then explore solutions to reduce your impact. I took the test and must admit, I found the results quite confronting! It got me thinking about ways to cut back on the amount of travel I do and the importance of reducing energy consumption in my home. 

4. Reduce Food Waste

According to the national sustainable food campaign FoodWise, Australians discard up to 20% of the food they buy. That means more than $1000 worth of food is thrown away by the average household each year (in NSW the average is even higher). The combined total is $8 BILLION worth of edible food! It’s easy enough to do. You buy groceries for the week and end up grabbing takeaway on Friday and Saturday. By Sunday night Tuesday’s leftovers aren’t looking very appetising and the carrots at the back of the fridge have shrivelled. Eating seasonally and locally, growing your own veggies, and composting your scraps are just some of the solutions. Register for the free Food Smart program to find out more.  

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5. Donate to an environmental charity

While it’s important for us to take action individually, donating to reputable environmental charities on Earth Day can make a massive difference. They have the clout, the connections and the commitment to protect our earth and effectively combat the climate crisis. Donations to the Gowings Whale Trust fund research projects focused on the life, habits and preservation of the majestic Humpback Whale. In 2016, the trust formed a partnership with Sea Shepherd, donating a chase boat which is used to fight illegal whaling activities off Antarctica. Sea Shepherd uses direct action to defend, protect and conserve the world’s oceans.

6. Go plant-based for a day (or a day a week)

For some, cutting back on animal products is a walk in the park while others find it impossible to entertain. According to the Earth Day team, our food system accounts for more than a quarter of all greenhouse gases, making animal agriculture one of the largest contributors to climate change. If you’re ready to make a change, start small: one meal and one day at a time. Don’t focus on what you have to cut out, instead, concentrate on increasing your intake and enjoyment of fresh and local fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds and grains. Fresco Marketplace at Coffs Central have got you covered. You can order one of their delicious fruit and veggie boxes right here.  

7. Help keep our beaches clean

We live in a beautiful part of the world with the Pacific at our doorstep. Did you know eight million tonnes of plastic enters the ocean every year and that an estimated 100 million marine animals are killed by plastics each year? Hopefully, this is all the motivation you need to get involved with one of the many great organisations dedicated to protecting our local beaches and waterways. Check out Coastal Warriors Mid North Coast, Seaside Scavenge and Clean Coast Collective. 

8. Plant a tree to absorb CO2 and restore native wildlife habitat

If your local nursery is still open, buy some native seeds and get planting! Can’t get to the nursery? Go online and order seeds to your door. In order to survive and thrive, it’s best if plants are propagated from seeds collected locally. When it’s possible to do so again, join a tree planting event in your local area. Check out Big Scrub Landcare, Coffs Harbour Regional Landcare or Koala Hospital Port Macquarie for community days.

The post 8 simple ways to make a difference on Earth Day and beyond appeared first on Coastbeat.

Roy Hilton Parsons was a young horseman from Forbes who, full of patriotic fervour, joined the Cooee March and enlisted in World War One as an Australian Light Horseman. However, Roy’s son Jack can never officially claim his father’s WWI record because Roy enlisted aged 15, using an assumed name. But the exploits of the Light Horsemen are legendary.

The Australian Light Horse were renowned for their hardiness and spirit throughout the WWI desert campaigns, famously demonstrated at the Battle of Beersheba on October 31, 1918 when the Light Horsemen charged the entrenched Turkish lines, leaping clear over the trenches to break the enemy stronghold.

Imagine the courage of both horse and rider, galloping through gunfire to leap over the riflemen’s heads and fight their way into the city. Consider the trust between horse and rider that allowed such bravery.

Jack Parsons describes his father as serious man who was “hard but fair”; who rarely spoke of his time as a Light Horseman. With hindsight, his reticence to revisit such memories may have good reason. After the war, the government deemed it financially unviable to bring the horses home. Heartbroken, the Light Horsemen refused to allow their equine comrades to be sold into servitude in Egypt.

Jack Parsons holds a photograph of his parents. Image by Elize Strydom

What happened next is still debated. Popular folklore claims that the horses were shot by their own riders; official records differ. Either way, one can understand why a soldier like Roy Parsons, still so young, might refuse to talk about leaving his horse behind. Those who knew Roy before WWI have told Jack that he returned from the war a changed man.

However, at the outbreak of WW2 Roy volunteered again, this time under his real name. He joined the 2/1^st Gunner Battalion. Like before, Roy never discussed his war experiences with his son, barring one exception: another animal mate that we would like to honour, whose story has a happier ending than the brave war horses of WWI.

Jack remembers his father talking about their battalion mascot, an Egyptian terrier they called Horrie the ‘Wog Dog’ (sic), now known as Horrie the War Dog. Horrie was an honorary corporal and has his own page at the Australian War Memorial online. His mate, Private Jim Moody, trained Horrie to carry messages to outlying soldiers, tucked into a handkerchief around his neck, and his sharp hearing provided early-warning for incoming enemy planes. So loved was Horrie that he would accompany the Commander of the battalion on parade, wearing his own uniform, made to keep him warm during the cold Syrian campaign.

Image of Horrie courtesy of the Australian War Memorial

In 1942 Jim Moody was given home leave before being deployed to Papua New Guinea. Not wanting to abandon his mate, Jim smuggled Horrie into Australia in his duffel bag. Horrie lived happily at the family farm for three years until quarantine officers learned of his existence and threatened Jim with gaol if he did not surrender Horrie. Although the mascot was obviously disease-free, an example was to be made to dissuade others. Moody surrendered Horrie, who was destroyed on March 12, 1945.

Not a happy ending? There is a second part to this story:

Legend has it that Jim, unwilling to see his mate destroyed, searched dog pounds until he found a look-alike dog and surrendered this fake-Horrie to be euthanised. Apparently, the real Horrie lived out his life with the Moodys in Corryong, Victoria. This revised story is thoroughly explored in Roland Perry’s entertaining 2013 book, Horrie the War Dog.

A tobacco tin young Jack made for his father. Image by Elize Strydom

Indisputably, quarantine laws are crucial to keeping Australia disease-free and must never be broken. But the abandonment of the beautiful horses, and the many mascots like Horrie who supported our soldiers, seems callous. Let’s hope that in the future we find a kinder way to show our gratitude for their services. Better still, for the sake of the innocents: the animals and the children like Roy’s son Jack, let’s never go to war again.

Horrie the War Dog is available at Book Face, Port Central: Ph) 6584 6001

To discover more visit: www.awm.gov.au

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