Safe and sound: CFA volunteers and a special unit rescued Bruno, a Bull Arab, from a mine shaft (above and below) in Castlemaine Diggings National Park recently. Bruno was none the worse for his adventure.
An echidna halted the Bathurst 1000 with a casual Sunday afternoon stroll during Australia's most famous motor race.
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The critter wandered onto the famed Mount Panorama circuit 105 laps into the Supercars season final on December 5.
Several cars, travelling at more than 250 km/h, narrowly missed hitting the echidna as it slowly made its way across the width of the track.
A safety-car was immediately called, forcing all cars to slow down and bunch up for two laps.
Wildlife, usually rogue kangaroos, have often caused havoc at the regional NSW circuit, but it is understood to be the first time an echidna has interrupted the race.
A video of the incident, posted by the Supercars' social media accounts, went viral in a matter of minutes.
Dog gone — for a while
Photos: Steve Womersley, Chewton CFA
CFA volunteers successfully rescued a dog that fell down a mine shaft and was forced to spend a night underground on Sunday, December 4.
Chewton Fire Brigade’s David Button said they were called out to Castlemaine Diggings National Park about 1.30pm on Sunday, when the owner realised where his Bull Arab named Bruno had ended up.
“The owner and a friend had been out exploring tunnels but his dog went in after him, passed him in the tunnel, and fell into a mine shaft at the end of the tunnel,” Mr Button said.
“The owner couldn’t find Bruno that day despite a thorough search, so he returned on Sunday morning.
“That’s when he shimmied up to the edge of the shaft, shone a light down the shaft, and saw the dog walk across the beam of light.
“It was probably a 20 or 30 metre drop but the dog wasn’t scratched or limping, and seemed not to be injured in any way.”
Oscar1, CFA’s specialist mine rescue team based in Bendigo, was called in to help with the operation.
“We set up an area for the team who brought in their gear, went down the shaft, and found the dog — which was completely fine and in good spirits,” Mr Button said.
Bruno was reunited with his relieved owner after being brought back above ground just before 5pm on Sunday.
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