Jessica Micallef
Sunbury’s kangaroo population is flourishing, according to results of the annual kangaroo count.
Resident Robert Irvine, who has been part of the annual count for the past five years, said about 500 roos have this year been spotted on the outskirts of Sunbury – up from 300 spotted in the first year.
Mr Irvine has spent nearly two months, guided by four Melways reference maps of Sunbury, counting kangaroos.
“It [the count] started during the drought. I was cycling to the Sunbury station … and a kangaroo overtook me as I was cycling along,” Mr Irvine said.
“He was hopping into town … I had already heard that there were a lot of kangaroos and I started to think ‘why was that?’
“There were a lot of kangaroos coming into Sunbury because of the drought. Five years on, the numbers are similar.”
During this year’s count, Mr Irvine said he and half a dozen Sunbury residents spotted about 500 kangaroos in paddocks on the outskirts of town.
“We walked around the outskirts of Sunbury because there are endless paddocks,” he said.
“This year in particular, because of the [COVID-19] lockdown, has been perfect because almost every second day I have been out walking around because there is nothing else to do.
“I have got to know the kangaroos almost by name.
“I see them again and again … I see the mobs in similar places moving around depending on the wind, the sunshine and the food.”
But Mr Irvine warned locals against getting up close and personal to one of Australia’s favourite animals.
“They are not to be messed with. Do not think they are tame and happy at all. Just be careful,” he said.
