ARCHIVES of Breaking News and Events
| |
************************************** Past Events ****************************************
Having his cake and eating it too!
 Having his cake and eating it too, was Edgar Alan Pig at his sixth birthday party on Sunday at his home, Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary in Willowmavin, via Kilmore. Ever so careful not to make a hog of himself, the portly porcine gently devoured his vegan birthday cake as it was passed to him by his doting number one fan and guardian, Pam Ahern.
 “It was truly wonderful to see so many people turn out to help celebrate dear Edgar’s special day. What are the odds that out of the billions of pigs in the world that I would end up with the most handsome, dashing debonair, charismatic, witting and charming one of the all? He is indeed some pig” said Pam.
The ever popular Edgar turned on his inimitable charm as he left a stream of hundreds and thousands adorning his chin. Proving his versatility he even drew the raffle delving his snout firmly into the bucket emerging with the winning ticket stuck to his snout! With  music by Jade Leonard, face painting, chalk art and farm tours kept those gathered busy throughout the day, and the more adventurous even joined in for a spot of line dancing with the True Blue Country Line Dancers.
 “The standard of art this year was absolutely amazing, so many talented and compassionate people really supported our day and I wish to thank them most sincerely along with the loyal and dedicated volunteers without whom events such as this would not be possible” concluded Pam Ahern.
******************************************************************************
WOW-it was the bestest day!
Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary’s Kids’ Day Out
 With beautiful weather abounding, families from near and far packed up the kids and headed north to Willowmavin’s unique sanctuary for rescued farmed animals.
“One cannot help but be touched by the peace and tranquillity or this place, and with so many fun things to do I guess it is no wonder our open days just keep getting bigger and bigger.” Getting up close and personal with farm animals is certainly proving most popular as over 800 people enjoyed the hospitality of Edgar Alan Pig and all his farmyard buddies. “It gives me so much pride watching the children’s faces light up as they meet the animal residents here at Edgar’s Mission” said the Sanctuary’s founder Pam Ahern.
|
|
| |
Rolling paddocks were transformed into hives of activities with animal art projects of all kinds were created with flair and enthusiasm. The scarecrow making project was a big success and the farm tours made cuddling cows, patting horses and chatting with chickens a dream come true for many. |
|
| |
Faerie Fauna was on hand to read inspirational stories and grant children’s wishes for kindness under the watchful eye of playful baby goats.
|
|
| |
“Our wonderful day would not have been possible without our loyal band of volunteers, to them all I am deeply grateful” said a worn out Pam as she tucked Edgar Pig into bed. |
|
| |
Please watch out for our next event!
Visit our archive vault of Breaking News and Events
|
|
World Animal Day 2008
“I like it here”
 Contented sheep graze peacefully on grassy slopes, a lone alpaca watches on, cows happily chew their cud as a young boy wanders up the paddock, turns to his father and says “Dad, I like it here”. That pretty much summed up the spirit of the 800 plus visitors of World Animal Day 2008 at Willowmavin’s increasingly popular Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary.
 “Throughout every turn in the evolution of man there has been a member of the animal kingdom. This incredible relationship has enabled us to advance beyond cavemen to who we are today” said Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern. “It is now time we look at how we have honoured that contract and sadly it is not that well. Perhaps now is the time to repay the debt”
Filling in a leaf for the Kindness Tree, face painting, farm tours, line dancing, inspirational presentations, silent auction, dog agility displays, children’s activities, vegan luncheon and much more kept all entertained throughout the day. With many interstate visitors making the journey south proving that Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary is now truly a national beacon of hope for all farmed animals.
 “It has been one of my greatest honours being selected as the Australian World Animal Day Ambassador. For as long as I can remember I have been in awe of the animal kingdom. Animals really do define us human beings, our treatment of them says so much about the sort of people we truly are. It is my hope that all those who gathered here today left empowered to make the world a better place for all our animal friends” concluded Pam.
************************************************************************************
******************************************************************************
 While it may have been cold, wet and windy outside, nothing could dampen the warm glow emanating from a tiny manger in Willowmavin on Saturday. Gentle lambs chewed on sweet smelling hay as pigs happily grunted approval, while over the barn doors stretched the necks of beautiful horses - welcoming pats aplenty, as people came from near and far to join the good folk of Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary in Carols by Barnlight.
“It was truly up lifting to see the happy faces of everyone as they joined in the carols” said sanctuary founder, Pam Ahern. “While we cannot complain about the rain, what we lacked in numbers was certainly made up for by the intimacy of the evening. It was as if we were all one huge big happy family celebrating life, our love of animals and the spirit of Christmas”
 “Palpable was the feeling of peace and tranquillity in the barn” added Pam. “It was wonderful to see animals and humans interact so freely, with no feelings of fear. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to think that scenes such as this could be acted out 365 days a year? Now that would truly make Christmas a time to celebrate.”
Despite the appalling weather, the view was unanimous that the evening was a resounding success, with those that braved the conditions vowing to return. Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary, in paying tribute to its many volunteers who made the evening possible, also gave thanks to the Mitchell Shire for their support of the event.
************************************************************************************
Happy Birthday Mr. Pig!
(See party on YouTube !)
Not many birthday celebrations can boast around 500 guests, an Australian of the Year and a Deputy Premier. When you consider the guest of honour was a pig, you certainly have a wildly exciting party and some pig indeed!
Sunday April 20 marked the fifth birthday celebrations of the eponymous Edgar Alan Pig of Edgar’s Mission farm sanctuary, situated at Willowmavin via Kilmore. Pam Ahern, guardian to not only Edgar but over 100 rescued farm animals who reside with her at the sanctuary enthused about Edgar “This pig is indeed some pig, oinking his way into my heart 5 years ago and changing my life forever”
 With the Honourable Rob Hulls MP, Deputy Premier, Victoria's Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Racing assisting the affable Edgar cut his cake, Victoria’s own 2007 Australian of the Year Phil Wollen OAM made an impassioned speech, addressing the need for a change in the way we view and treat not only animals but the planet. Wollen stressed that to ignore this message will be at the peril of our species. The diminutive Cybele Stockley, Vice President of Lawyers for Animals proved that she could punch well above her weight as she told about the work of this recently formed group which is dedicated to strengthening Australia's protection of animals through education and law.
One could not help but notice the passion of Pam for animals as being the impetus for what drives her to raise awareness about their plight, the injustice we afford them and more importantly that the true test of our humanity is our treatment of them. And while Edgar may have received the bulk of the presents it was this unique sanctuary that came up trumps as Phil Wollen OAM, presented them with a cheque for $10,000.00 in recognition of their valued work and for its continuance.
Kilmore’s own True Blue Country Line Dancers trotted off the entertainment with renowned district laureate Rick Van Weenen delivering an inspirationally moving poem.  Talented singers and musicians from the Karen Leonard School of Music and Art’s dulcet tones were also greatly appreciated. The hugely popular band “Quinn” rounded out the afternoon’s fabulous entertainment while Gemma transformed many a child into their favorite animal with her incredible face painting talents. The sanctuary’s garage was transformed into “Gallery Edgar” for the day displaying many creative and compassionate works of art of many different mediums, all in all truly an ark of inspiration!
************************************************************************************
Kids' day out celebrating rain and reverence in Willowmavin
January 20th 2008
 Grandma always said never look a gift horse in the mouth and never complain about the rain. The two went hand in hand on Sunday at Willowmavin’s unique Edgar’s Mission – farm sanctuary “Kids Day Out”. With a menagerie of rescued farm animals, many from gruesome fates, and welcome rain, animal loving kids of all ages came together to celebrate life, love, our four legged and feathered friends and just have a plain old fashioned good time.
 As drizzling rain gave way to clear skies the farm tour meandered on. With inquisitive and friendly animals happily greeting guests, wheetbix treats breaking language barriers and creating friendships along the way.  The “Amazing Maze” proving popular with thought provoking questions throughout making it a fun educational experience followed by art activites and face painting by Gemma turning the young and not so young into their favorite farmyard friends. And what day at Edgar’s Mission could be complete without a yummy vegan lunch, complete with cupcakes and ice cream!
“I am keenly aware that the survival of our species will be determined by the commitment and passion of our youth to make the world a better place and this starts with a reverence of life, all life. Given the strong link between children who are raised to care about animals becoming more considerate in their relations with other human beings I truly believe we should be fostering their natural empathy with animals from a young age. I think to a large extent many older people have been shortchanged when it comes to animals, while loving those in our care we were persuaded not to think about those that weren’t. Seeing the smiling faces on the kids here today as they patted the cows, learned the names of some of our 52 sheep and cuddled chickens, one just knew that the seeds of kindness were being sown.  And to think all this started with one gentle jovial pig named Edgar, it is as one little boy said today of Edgar ‘awesome!’ “ concluded a philosophical Pam.
**********
 Making Christmas a time to truly celebrate in Willowmavin
December 8, 2007
“Lean on me, when you’re not strong. And I’ll be your friend. I’ll help you carry on…” Clap sticks, tambourines, maraca’s and the odd grunt from Edgar Pig provided musical accompaniment as the two hundred strong happy songsters sang songs of peace and goodwill at the inaugural “carols by barnlight” at Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary last Saturday. Decking the barn were freshly cut bales of hay providing bucolicly sweet aromas, inquisitive chickens meandered about, and a gentle horse stretched his neck over the stable door for a scratch- the setting could not have been more welcoming.
 “Christmas is a time of peace and goodwill” said Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern. “Let’s make it a time to truly celebrate as we open our hearts not just to the animals that share our hearts and homes but all animals. I hope your visit here today will be joyful, inspiring and empowering. My wish is for everyone to leave here today thinking that they can make the world a better place 365 days a year”
A farm tour kicked off the day, followed by carols, and was rounded out by a delicious and nutritious vegan barbeque. And what Christmas event would be complete without a visit from Santa. Rocking and rolling his way into the farm, children of all ages learned that he had long been watching “this special place called Edgar’s Mission, where peace and harmony reign supreme”. Traditional carols of Jingle Bells, We wish you a merry Christmas, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Silent Night were married with the powerful and moving lyrics of Try a little kindness, Imagine, Lean on me and Amazing Grace.
“It was wonderful to see so many new faces here at the mission today, with many making the most of the opportunity to have their very first pat of a pig or cuddle of a cow. Indeed the experience will last with many a lifetime. I think it fitting too that we finished up with ‘Amazing Grace’. The beautiful song by the former slave trader, John Newton who went on to become a Minister of God, has so many parallels to our current treatment of animals. I trust the song will serve as a timely reminder that there is never a point in our lives when we cannot say I am not going to be a part of this any more.” concluded a weary Pam
***************************************
WORLD FARM ANIMAL DAY at EDGAR’S MISSION
SUNDAY 7th OCTOBER 2007
 Throwing open their barn doors is proving highly successful for Willowmavin’s unique farm sanctuary Edgar’s Mission. With around 500 people coming from near and far to attend what is now recognized as a world wide event - World Farm Animal Day. Held the first Sunday in October, this special day also marks the birth date of renowned human and animal rights activist Mahatma Gandhi. With over $4000.00 being raised for the not for profit group the value of staging such a free to the public event proved it was not only an asset to Edgar’s Mission but the Mitchell district.
“Today has far exceeded our expectations and I am enormously proud of the dedicated and committed volunteers who have worked tirelessly to make this event happen. It is the first time we have had a silent auction of kindly donated books, wonderful crafts and beautiful artworks. This worked extremely well with many enquiring if we can do it again next year” enthused Edgar’s Mission founder Pam Ahern.
 After greeting those gathered Pam stated “that many people don’t realise or care to realise that animals have their own unique language along with rich emotional lives. Never bothering to learn what makes an animal happy or sad, seeing farm animals in particular as mere production units” Pam added “what defines us as human beings is how we treat those at our mercy and when we take from the lives of animals we also do ours in terms of our compassion, our sense of justice, and our quality of life; diminishing resources, causing environmental damage and yes even our health suffers. For those who doubt the worth of animals take a look around you here today, all this has been inspired by one pig, Edgar Alan”.
Edgar’s Mission was fortunate to secure a major sponsor for this year’s event in Australian Ethical Investment Ltd with executive director James Their heading south from Canberra for Sunday’s Event. Australian Ethical like Edgar’s Mission is a pioneer in its field. Established in 1986 the company has seen its ethical fund management grow to more than $600M employing a unique investment process which incorporates environmental and social, as well as financial, criteria in the management of its investment trusts and superannuation strategies.
James spoke of the need to not only consider how our direct actions affect others including animals but also how our invested funds do as well. He stressed that at Australian Ethical they “avoid investment in harmful activities, by actively seeking positive investment in areas such as renewable energy, recycling, efficient transport, education, healthcare and sustainable food production”. James also commented on “how wonderful it was to see such an enthusiastic group of volunteers all working passionately to raise awareness about farm animal issues”.
 As with last years event Edgar’s Mission World Farm Animal Day boasted an impressive and eloquent line up of speakers. This year saw vet and 3AW presenter Dr Jack Ayerbe, Animals Australia Executive Director Glenys Oogjes and Victoria’s Australian of the Year Phil Wollen OAM take to the “kindness” podium stump. Dr Jack spoke of how our understanding of animals has greatly advanced but it has not been matched by our treatment of them. “The public would be outraged if they saw horses or dogs butchered and slaughtered the way farm animals are, yet their capacity to suffer is just the same”. Jack continued to say that while the majority of the public had no idea of what occurred in the “production” of chicken and eggs they should as many would be horrified to see the sorts of inhumane practices they were supporting.
 And Australia’s foremost animal protection group, Animals Australia Executive Director Glenys Oogjes told how farm animals have fallen through gaps in our animal protection legislation. Ms Oogjes highlighting key areas such as the live export trade, factory farming and the treatment of bobby calves-(baby calves taken from their mothers in the first few days of their lives with many being killed before the first week) as the most egregious. Long time Edgar’s Mission stalwart Phil Wollen, who is no stranger to moving people, did so with conviction and passion that is now his hallmark. Leaving many searching discreetly for a tissue as he told of the travesty that our species is wreaking upon the animal kingdom right here right now on our watch. Concluding “that in their capacity to suffer a dog is a pig is bear is a boy”.
With vegan cooking demonstrations occurring throughout the day and a delicious and nutritious vegan barbeque lunch providing proof positive that one can lead a happy and healthy life without harming others. Edgar’s Activity centre was immensely popular again as children found creative ways to express their love of all animals. A farm tour and screening of the incredibly moving “Peaceable Kingdom” wound out the day. And as the sun set on Edgar’s Mission and the eponymous Edgar Alan Pig himself waddled off to bed well pleased he had done his bit to make the world a better place.
*********************
Breaking News: 12/07/07
Author of book "Pleasurable Kingdom" visits
 “Anyone who has spent time with their cat or dog will readily be able to tell you what makes them happy or sad” said Pam Ahern founder of Edgar’s Mission –farm sanctuary “but try telling people that farm animals have emotions and many people will look at you rather oddly”
An avid reader is Pam and it was with great delight she recently came upon a book titled ‘Pleasurable Kingdom’ by the Washington based biologist and Animal Behaviour Research Scientist for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine, Dr Jonathan Balcombe. The book offers a most convincing argument that animals share a wide range of emotions and feelings that are much more than an evolutionary imperative.
 “The book has almost become a bible for me” enthused Pam “Long excluded from our animal protection legislation and many people’s thoughts, sadly is the lot of farm animals. Jonathan’s book, along with a plethora of recent scientific research questions much of our current animal husbandry practices and further has serious ethical implications for how we treat and use animals”
And so it was with great delight that Edgar’s Mission played host to Dr Balcombe on Wednesday 11th of July 2007 as part of his Australian Tour. “Watching Jonathan interact with the animals was amazing” said Pam,  “I was totally enthralled with his passion and knowledge about animal behaviour. It is wonderful to know that we have such articulate, committed and scholastically accredited people speaking out for a better deal for animals”.
Dr Balcombe who studied at York University (Toronto) and Carleton University (Ottawa) before obtaining his doctorate in ethology (animal behaviour) from the University of Tennessee (Knoxville) has published papers on the behavioural ecology of bats, birds, and turtles, and has written many scholarly and lay articles on animal use in education and research. His presentations have spanned the USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Brazil, Israel, and mainland Europe.
Dr Balcombe commented on visiting Edgar’s Mission “From the time I stepped into the Edgar's Mission van to be greeted by a happy and trusting dog, my visit to this beautiful animal sanctuary was a joy. Every animal there is clearly enjoying life. The sight of five calves gamboling across the lawn to join us when Pam called out to them was a high point, and Melbourne the sheep's passion for back massages was a perfect complement to my cold hands!"
“Indeed they, the animals of Edgar’s Mission now truly have a life worth living. And it is a day I will long remember” concluded Pam.
***********
Breaking News: 29/06/07
Creating Caring Kids
 “That’s a really good question, ‘why do pigs roll in the mud?’ ” said Pam Ahern, founder of Edgar’s Mission* – farm sanctuary in response to a question from one of the young attendees of the Strathmore Preschool this morning, Friday 29th June, 2007. “Well, unlike people, pigs cannot sweat so to help them keep cool they will roll about in a wallow or a mud bath. They will cover themselves with mud, which will be like a sunscreen to help stop them from getting sunburnt. And another good thing about the mud covering them is that it will stop all those pesky insects biting them. Then at night they will roll about in their straw bed to clean themselves off as pigs really are clean animals. So you see pigs are also really smart!”
Joining Pam Ahern on her mission of kindness was Wilbur the celebrity pig, many may remember him trotting down the red carpet with Hollywood child actress Dakota Fanning last year at the world premiere of Charlotte’s Web. Also creating kindness was Chicquin the rescued rooster and Billy the saved goat. On the human front Edgar’s Mission supporters Sue Werret and Lexy Lacy added their talents.
“Bringing rescued farm animals to schools has benefits for all” said Pam “children telling of their adventures of meeting animals encourages one and all to think about the animals in their lives. Although animals touch the lives of all of us, not many people stop to think of how the choices in our lives affect animals”.
“Providing children with the opportunity to meet animals they would not ordinarily encounter encourages creative thought about the world around them. And learning what makes animals happy and sad encourages empathy. These are the leaders of tomorrow, and while they are still very young many life long values are established at this age. I hope in some small way our visit today will nurture their awe for animals and the natural world and see them on the path to becoming compassionate, creative and peace loving citizens” added Pam.
“It has been an absolute pleasure to come here today and to watch the expressions of fascination, delight and awe on the children’s faces has been its own reward. We look forward to visiting many more schools with our animal ambassador team as we spread the message of kindness” concluded Pam.
***********
Million Paws (and four trotters) Walk - May 2007
(see YouTube video)
 “May I please take a photo of your pig and my dog” was heard many times today at Albert Park Lake as Wilbur the celebrity pig continued on his mission of kindness. But a much longer walk was today’s than his debut red carpet stroll with Hollywood child actress Dakota Fanning at the world premiere of Charlotte’s Web last November. Taking part in the RSPCA’s million paws (and four trotters) walk saw the affable Wilbur show people that pigs are not all that different to dogs.
“People are amazed to see just how much like a dog Wilbur is, with many commenting “oh my it’s a pig not a dog” as they take a second look as Wilbur nonchalantly meanders by offering a gentle “nff nff” here and there” commented Pam Ahern of Edgar’s Mission and Wilbur’s guardian. “Watching the friendly little guy walk on a lead and sit on command sees many taken aback as they learn of the intelligence of pigs. Wilbur has been easier to train than a dog and is a great icebreaker; people come from all around to ask about him and his life. They are intrigued to learn of the natural cleanliness of pigs and are equally appalled to find out how Wilbur’s cousins live miserable lives on factory like farms never getting to experience any of the joys of being a pig” added Pam.
 Wilbur coped most admirably with hundreds of dogs prodding his derriere with their most unfortunate greeting method; thankfully he just turned the other cheek. The highlight of the day came with Wilbur’s contribution to the bands rendition of “Big Yellow Taxi”, and “the pig can even dance a jig” was uttered all around as Wilbur and Pam took to the turf with a performance worthy of dancing with the stars. And as the porcine prodigy made his way to his chauffeur driven pigmobile the crowd was heard to utter “some pig”, “terrific” and “simply radiant”. Their lives will never be the same after meeting Wilbur.
*********************
Edgar Alan Pig turns four!
Edgar Alan Pig, a Landrace Large White cross pig who was the inspiration of Edgar’s Mission celebrated his birthday at the Compassion - Art Festival 22 April.
Edgar as usual turned on the charm as he happily devoured his birthday cake to a rousing rendition of “happy birthday Edgar”. See YouTube video of the festivities!
******************
Thanks for making the Compassion Art Festival such a great success! See YouTube video of the festivities!
With a conservative guesstimate of over 250 attendees, the majority of which were first time visitors to the sanctuary the day far exceeded our expectations. Not only did we receive wonderfully creative, compassionate and thought provoking entries from both local and non local artists but the support for the work of Edgar’s Mission on the day was truly gratifying” commented a very pleased Pam Ahern.
With the 2007 Victorian Australian of the Year, philanthropist Phillip Wollen in attendance those gathered were treated to one of Phillips trademark insightful, compassionate and articulate speeches. Mr. Wollen reminded those present of the impact we all have on not only the environment but animals, and how we treat both will be our legacy. Cementing his support for the work of Edgar’s Mission Mr. Wollen presented Pam Ahern with a cheque for $10,000.00
“Such a substantial donation will not only enable us to continue our work both on farm and around the state through our outreach programs but confirms that our “mission of kindness” is certainly seen as a credible initiative to effect positive change for the treatment of farm animals, indeed all animals” added a beaming Pam
|
