The community behind the long-running protests outside Maxine Fraser’s Mount Eliza property has raised $4,500 to help feed the 35 horses seized by RSPCA Victoria late last month.
The funds, collected over the past fortnight, will go directly towards feed and care for the rescued animals, which are now under RSPCA supervision. Donations are being coordinated through Hastings business, LIKEN Fencing, Stockfeed & Garden Supplies, with locals urged to continue their support.
Anyone wishing to donate can contact the business directly and speak with John to contribute to the feed fund via 0419 223 449.
“People have really rallied since the rescue,” protest organiser Carly Wines previously told STPL News. “Every dollar goes toward ensuring these horses get the nutrition and care they’ve been deprived of for so long.”
Wines Speaks Out on RPP FM: ‘We’re Not Stopping Until They’re Safe’
In a recent interview with Brendan Telfer on RPP FM’s Peninsula Talks, Wines reflected on the 25 consecutive weeks of protest and the conditions that sparked community outrage.
She described the years of alleged neglect that first drew attention to the property, where dozens of horses and goats remain.
“This has been going on for well over a decade,” Wines said.
“Every few months someone would post photos saying, ‘Have you seen these horses?’ and nothing ever happened. I just thought — enough.”
Wines told Telfar that the protests, which began in April, have continued to grow in support each week, even after the RSPCA’s September operation.
“Eighteen horses are still on the property,” she said.
“Most are stallions, and we’re deeply concerned about their welfare. We’re calling on the RSPCA to come back and not forget these boys.”
Listen to the Interview with Brendon Telfer & Carly Wines
You can also stream the Interview via the RPP FM website.
Call for Legislative Change
Wines also used the radio appearance to push for stronger animal welfare laws and an independent animal welfare office, arguing that current legislation leaves too many animals unprotected.
“We can’t have outdated laws sitting on a Premier’s desk for ten years,” she said.
“This needs to move quickly — we’re heading into drought, feed prices are soaring, and animals are suffering.”
She confirmed that protesters will continue demonstrating outside the property every Sunday until all animals are removed and accountability is achieved.
“When the animals are gone, that’s when we’ll stop,” Wines said.
“Until then, we’re not going anywhere.”
Community Momentum Continues
The 25-week campaign has become one of the Peninsula’s longest-running grassroots animal welfare actions. What began as a small group of locals has now drawn dozens of weekly participants, national attention, and a growing network of supporters.
“This has started something that can’t stop now,” Wines told RPP FM.
“We’ve got the ball rolling and every week, new people join us. The community voice is only getting louder.”
