This is Giddy the goanna.
He has been visiting Eleanor Lennard's property at Mount View in the Hunter Valley "almost every day in the warm weather for 19 years".
"The last day he came for lunch was in June last year. I have been looking for him ever since the weather warmed up last spring," Eleanor said.
Giddy finally arrived home last Thursday.
"He looked almost as happy to see me, as I was to see him," Eleanor said.
"I thought he was gone forever."
Eleanor believes Giddy to be male.
"He actually attacked another goanna that came near me a few years ago. Then he chased it away," she said.
She really missed him over the summer.
"I would love to know where he's been. He's never showed up on any trail cameras. I don't know how he has survived all summer without water," she said.
"I know he's only a big lizard and not a permanent pet, but I'm so used to him being around. I've thought every goanna since spring was him coming home, only to be disappointed when it came closer."
Other animals missed him, too.
"The cat and duck knew it was him as soon as he arrived. They don't like other goannas - they try to chase them away. They don't mind Giddy," she said.
Giddy loves his tucker.
"He likes canned dog food, bread soaked in milk, custard, yoghurt and - for a special treat - he loves a few eggs."
Soccer Boots for Refugees
Wallsend MP Sonia Hornery is asking people to donate old soccer boots to help local refugee families who can't afford new boots.
The Development and Relief Agency (DARA), a registered charity of the Catholic Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle, is collecting soccer boots in a decent condition that aren't being used.
It will donate them to children of local refugee families.
Ms Hornery's office - in Nelson Street, Wallsend - is an official drop-off point for any clubs or individuals who have boots to donate.
"The Wallsend electorate has many proud football clubs. I am asking these clubs to join me in supporting this great initiative," Ms Hornery said.
"Getting involved in sport can be expensive, but we know the benefits children get from regular physical exercise and being part of a team."
The inability to afford the costs of sport could prevent local refugee families - who are often isolated - from being connected to others through sport.
"The simple act of donating boots unlocks multiple avenues and allows them to be involved within the sport, generating new opportunities for friendships and community spirit," she said.
They don't call it the world game for nothing!
- topics@newcastleherald.com.au
