Pooches On Pakington

12/11/2025

FYI

28/10/2025

Such a great idea

Imagine growing up with kindness on your timetable.

In Denmark, kids aged 6 to 16 sit down every week for a simple class about how we treat one another. It’s called “klassens tid” - class time.

There’s no test. No grades. Just a safe space. Kids talk, listen, and solve small problems before they become big ones. They practice empathy in real life.

Teachers guide the group to notice feelings, say sorry, include others, and make room for every voice. It sounds small. It isn’t.

Caring doesn’t stop at people. Danish schools also teach kids to be kind to animals. They learn that animals have needs and feelings too.

Lessons and projects cover how to care for pets, what farm animals need, and why gentle handling matters. It’s common sense, taught with heart.

That weekly hour builds trust in the classroom. It makes space for shy kids to speak up and for strong kids to listen. It reminds everyone that community is something we build together.

Over time, children learn that empathy is a skill. You practice it. You get better. And it changes how you act at home, at school, and online.

I love that this is part of the school week - not a poster on the wall, but a habit. One hour. Every week. Year after year.

It’s a soft idea with hard results. Kinder classes. Fewer conflicts. More belonging.

If you could add one hour to your child’s week, would it be this one?

References
Skolens timebank - Børne- og Undervisningsministeriet (Denmark)
Klassens tid - Skole og Forældre
Dyrevelfærd i skolen - Fødevarestyrelsen (Danish Veterinary and Food Administration)
Lessons From Denmark: Teachers Can Incorporate Empathy in the Curriculum - Education Week

Disclaimer: Images are generated using AI for illustration purposes only.

23/10/2025

Have you always wanted to do wildlife rescue around Geelong. Here is your chance

🐾 **Ready to save lives? Join the wildlife rescue adventure!** 🐾

Are you passionate about helping our furry & feathered friends? This **amazing training course** is your perfect starting point!

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Spots are limited—don't miss out! Who's in? 👇

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1486553?fbclid=IwY2xjawNmPo1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHlG660uTBafwZls4jOAmD2IntZ0dnge59IZ_evt7A-P9YkC3NH19EvFMYlB__aem_0TCix7MHEpabpjLlmdJliw

16/10/2025

Who to write to. TEMPLATE LETTER BELOW.

City of Melbourne

General: [email protected]
Animal Management: [email protected]

City of Port Phillip

General: [email protected]
Animal Management: [email protected]

Yarra City Council

General: [email protected]
Animal Management: Same as general contact

Bayside City Council

General: [email protected]
Animal Management: [email protected]

Councillor Contacts:
Mayor Cr Hanna El Mouallem – [email protected]
Deputy Mayor Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes – [email protected]
Cr Robert Irlicht – [email protected]
Cr Kylie McIntosh – [email protected]
Cr Elli Murray – [email protected]
Cr Geoff Leigh – [email protected]
Cr Andrew Hockley – [email protected]

City of Casey

General & Animal Management: [email protected]

Cardinia Shire Council

General & Animal Management: [email protected]

Frankston City Council

General & Animal Management: [email protected]
Mayor: [email protected]
Deputy Mayor: [email protected]

Kingston City Council

General & Animal Management: [email protected]
Mayor: [email protected]
Deputy Mayor: [email protected]

Hume City Council

General & Animal Management: [email protected]

Greater Dandenong City Council

General & Animal Management: [email protected]

Councillor Emails:
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]

Brimbank City Council

General & Animal Management: [email protected]

Maribyrnong City Council

General & Animal Management: [email protected]

Wyndham City Council

General & Animal Management: [email protected]

Moonee Valley City Council

General: [email protected]
Animal Management: [email protected]

Hobsons Bay City Council

General: [email protected]
Animal Management: [email protected]

Macedon Ranges Shire Council

General & Animal Management: [email protected]

16/10/2025

How cool is this.

This is me with my amendment that just passed parliament.

We have officially legalised joint human and pet burials in Victoria.

It is set to become law soon.

For many of us, our pets are family. This change honours that bond and gives people the right to rest eternally beside their best friends.

I want to thank the community, the hundreds of cemetery managers, funeral directors, anthropologists, animal advocacy organisations and fellow colleagues who supported this change.

In particular, I want to thank my friend Deb Tranter from Oscar’s Law and Castlemaine Cemetery for her determined advocacy to fix this issue.

This is a victory for Victorians, their companion animals, and the love that connects them — which can now be honoured forever.