Visiting Edgar’s Mission – Lancefield, Victoria

By Chris R.

Edgar’s Mission was a destination we had been keen to visit for a number of years. The rescue and education work undertaken by the Edgar’s team is inspirational and provides a source of hope for all animals for the future.  

As we passed through the gate upon our arrival at Edgar’s Mission, the Sanctuary's mantra ‘our mission is kindness’ caught our eye. Overwhelming kindness can be observed throughout the Sanctuary. The sheep, pigs, chickens and other animals living there are fortunate to be in the Sanctuary's care.

Public toilets in Lancefield featuring cow design

         Lunch at the Aspey Café, Lancefield

Our guide for the tour was Kyle, who lives on site and has worked at the Sanctuary for many years.  He was clearly a favourite with the residents, being shadowed by Ruby the Kelpie throughout the comprehensive and informative walk, which meandered from one end of the Sanctuary to the other.

Eddy the Goat

First on the list of meet and greets were the Sanctuary goats. We were fortunate to spend some paddock time with the highly friendly caprines and enjoy their diversity and different personalities.  Next was one of our favourites – the sheep.  Armed with Weet-bix, we made some instant friends. A few were too shy to introduce themselves. While Kyle explained their stories and discussed some of the amazing behavioural traits of sheep, we provided pats and cuddles to these incredibly affectionate creatures. 

Next on the kindness trail were the pigs. The accommodation for these big beauties is second to none, with straw filled barn stalls, outside grassy paddocks and even pig showers which could be nose activated by residents should they wish to cool off. We continued on to meet horses, ponies, deer and an array of poultry, all with varied and often sad backgrounds, but all having bright futures. A highlight of the tour was meeting the gorgeous Saturday Lamb, who was born with spasticity and now, with the aid of a wheel chair, can enjoy the company of visitors and other animals at her leisure. Teamed with Steady Eddy, an adorable goat who had made an amazing recovery from brain issues, the pair are a reminder that miracles can happen.

Saturday the Lamb

At the end of the tour we perused the beautiful Edgar’s Mission merchandise available and said some last goodbyes to our new animal friends. We departed with shirts, gifts and photos and most importantly, a rejuvenated morale with which to return to the Valley. One day we hope that sanctuaries will no longer be needed, but in the meantime, thank goodness so many exist, giving hope to all animals.

Be sure to take a look at the incredible work done at Edgar’s Mission and pay them a visit if ever visiting the east coast. For more information see https://www.edgarsmission.org.au/