By Rowan Forster
Pakenham Pony Rescue could soon be rendered “homeless”, with the non-for-profit scrambling to secure a new property.
The group has recently received marching orders from its current Ballarto Road landlord, who wants to pursue other options for the site.
It comes as bittersweet timing for Pakenham Pony Rescue head Dean Cowan, who was last week nominated as a finalist in Westfield’s ‘local heroes’ campaign.
Mr Cowan said he aspires to create a Myuna Farm for Cardinia, similar to the one in Doveton.
“I want to promote it as a sanctuary, a haven and a place of rescue – to have the ponies and other animals for the community to see and enjoy,” he said.
“Of course, that all depends on us finding another property.
“We had one place in mind but it has fallen through, so we’re really in need of a new home.”
The horse rescue takes in unloved, abandoned and mistreated ponies, which would “otherwise be dogfood”, and restores them to health.
It also allows the general public to volunteer their time at the rescue or sponsor a pony for their own, as part of a program aimed at restoring the animal’s trust with people.
But as a not-for-profit, money is tight and so it relies on fund-raising and donations.
“It’s a massive tax write off and so it’s a financially worthwhile thing for people to do – allowing us to use their land,” Mr Cowan said.
The group currently cares for 31 ponies, which requires significant resources to keep in good health.
Mr Cowan claimed the rescue’s outlook would change substantially if he wins a $10,000 grant from the Westfield local heroes’ promotion.
He said he would use the money to assist with relocation, building new stables and fences and repairing the non-for-profit’s horse float.
Westfield Fountain Gate manager Cathy Main spruiked the initiative as a game-changer for the Casey-Cardinia community.
“We’re looking forward to acknowledging our Westfield Local Heroes for all their incredible work to date as well supporting them in their cause for the community”, Ms Main said.
“(The) $10,000 can make a big difference to the social wellbeing and harmony of our community, so we urge people to vote for the change and good-will they wish to see.
“As a final step, we’re calling on the public once more to help determine the three Westfield Local Heroes by casting their vote on the Westfield Fountain Gate website.”
The winners will be announced from 13 August.
