Published on 30 September 2022
Resilience powers animal rescue centre
In 1992 Bev Langley from Cherry Gardens was suffering from a debilitating illness and it was a low point in her life.
She needed a focus to help her deal with this confronting health issue. Bev had always had a passion for native animals so, with the support of her husband Glenn, she started taking in orphaned and injured native wildlife, using her living room as a ‘rescue centre’.
From these humble beginnings Bev and Glenn have used their own land to develop the Minton Farm Animal Rescue Centre. This amazing not-for-profit facility now has a reception area, small animal hospital and the recently installed Freedom Flight enclosure which is the first of its kind in South Australia to rehabilitate birds of prey.
Tomorrow is International Day of Older Persons and this year’s theme is ‘The Resilience and Contributions of Older Women’. This is a call-to-action for all of us to embrace the voices of older women such as Bev, and to showcase their resilience and contributions in society.
Bev relies totally on public donations and grants, including from the City of Onkaparinga, to run the rescue centre together with a band of willing volunteers. In dedicating her life to rehabilitating injured and orphaned native animals and releasing them back into the wild, Bev developed the drive necessary to progress her own health recovery.
“Throughout the 30 years of running Minton Farm I have learnt how much we need the support of others to achieve our dreams,” Bev said.
“Involving other like-minded people, especially as we age, gives them the joy of involvement, camaraderie and satisfaction. Without each other’s teamwork, there would be no Minton Farm.
“I set out to improve the environment and assist injured animals but I hadn’t realised the value that work held for people as well.”
City of Onkaparinga’s Active Ageing and Disability Team are committed to help build confidence, connections and resilience for our older community through a range of programs, events and workshops.
An event to celebrate International Day of Older Persons will be held in October for registered participants of the council’s Active Ageing Program to celebrate the valuable contribution they make to our community.
For more information on active ageing programs and events email Lisa Elder or phone 8301 7232.