It was the end of an era in Lennox Head this week, as the iconic donkeys and horses who have lived for many years on the grassy hill overlooking the village were removed, causing an outpouring of emotion on social media.
Local Nikki Tester has been helping to look after the animals, together with Margaret Condon, ‘who has been an amazing caretaker for the horses since their family sold their property. If it wasn’t for her, they possibly would have been asked to move years ago. She was raised on that property and her dad ran cattle.’
Ms Tester says the current owners of the property gave them only a week to find new homes for the horses and donkeys.
A number of the horses are going to live in Tintenbar, and others in Newrybar Swamp Road, with the last two due to be moved when their owner, who is currently unwell, returns from Sydney.
Donkey rescue
The donkeys (mother and daughter) have had no official owner for many years, but have now been rescued by Lisa Marie Willey from Free Rein Horsemanship.
Nikki tester told The Echo, ‘It’s been unbelievably emotional saying goodbye to the donkeys and horses. Fortunately we have managed to keep most of them together with incredible support from the community.’
The Echo has sought comment from Ballina councillors about whether there are any new official plans for the Lennox hill, with the property having changed hands recently.
Many longtime locals have said how sad they will be to no longer see the iconic animals on the Lennox ridgeline, or to have their kids pass them on the way to school, as the once sleepy village continues to transform beyond recognition.
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