Urgent need for animal rescue: Support Eventide Sanctuary

Ian Womack is organizing this fundraiser.

Donation protected

Eventide Sanctuary is seeking funds to help keep the sanctuary running and achieve the goal of providing a safe, loving home for any animal that needs respite, all while proving it is possible to achieve a sustainable lifestyle from animals without consuming them.

Eventide's founder, Ian, began Eventide at his 40ha Carlton River property just over two years ago, and over this short period of time, Eventide is now home of 160 animals, from goats to highland cows.

This rapid increase in the number of animals alongside the quiet winter tourism seasons has put strain over Eventide's funds, which include the cost of feeding and caring for hundreds of animals, medical care, and maintaining a huge property. All of which is managed by Ian alone.

The Heartfelt Journey of Eventide Sanctuary

Ian is a veteran who came out of the British Army and came to Australia to readjust after his experience in the Army as a young man. In Australia, he bought an old 4x4 and began his journeys around Australia seeking the remote tracks and trails to find the real hidden beauty of Australia.

Along the way he stopped for work, working on outback stations, (where he got fired after they found out it was him who deactivated all the home-made wombat traps!) and as a mechanic on Fraser Island, (where he collected all the spare parts to build his 4x4!).

He then completed the iconic Telegraph Track up to the most northern tip of Australia at Cape York. His truck was needing repairs after the gruelling journey, so he asked the local indigenous workshop to use the facilities in return for work. Unknown to Ian, this was a huge surprise to them, and they soon loaded him up with work and he integrated into their community. During this time, Ian connected with his loyal friend Wally. Wally was a stray bush dog who had found shelter in the local workshop. Poor Wally had a nasty leg injury and Ian spent his wages and spare time feeding Wally, taking care of him and sharing adventures together.

Something connected between Wally and Ian and they both explored the rest of Australia together over the next 10 years, Wally’s adventures have become well known all over the country, never being too far from Ian’s side even in most workplaces!

Ian believes Wally gave him a new direction in his life and from the moment he met him he knew his purpose was to rescue more animals like Wally!

10 years on Ian has never lost sight of this goal and currently lives very basic himself, while devoting all his time and resources into rescuing all of the animals of Tasmania who need a new loving home.