Judith Addison, Byron Bay
A swamp wallaby was chased from the beach into the ocean by a cattle dog on Belongil beach last Wednesday. The wallaby was so scared, it swam out further and further. Local residents Andre and John took to their boards and canoe and rescued the wallaby, which unbelievably had swam all the way to Julian Rocks!
Back on the beach they rang WIRES, and the snake man was present as well. Sadly it was discovered that the wallaby was a mother, and the baby had drowned in her pouch. The mother is in care at the local Vet. My heart cries for her sadness.
I would like to ask people to try to be in control of their dogs, take note to walk their companions in dog exercise areas only.
The Belongil creek area is a resting safe haven and roosting place for many migratory birds, some of them who fly thousands of miles before finally landing on our shores.
Wallabies alike need to have some places to rest and feel safe. Next time you are thinking of walking past the signs located beachside on the staircase Manfred Street, show empathy and compassion, we should all do the right thing, and love our wildlife like you love your dog. Let’s be good people, sharing and caring. Thanks for taking your time to read this letter.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
