Dog attack victim Sally Holland was ‘not your average 90-year-old’
Keen swimmer Sally Holland “lived life with vigour” and was “not your average 90-year-old” say her friends. Ms Holland was killed on Sunday after she was attacked by three dogs at Vincentia.
The South Coast News
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A victim of a vicious dog attack in the Shoalhaven died near the beach she loved to walk and swim at almost daily.
Sally Holland, 90, suffered serious injuries during the early morning attack at Collingwood Beach, Vincentia.
About 7am on Sunday, March 29, emergency services responded to reports of a dog attack. Paramedics found five people – one man and four women – suffering lacerations and bite marks.
Four people, including Sally’s daughter, were taken to Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital for further treatment.
CWA Jervis Bay Day Branch president Jann Kalff said foul weather was the only thing that would stop the long-term branch member from walking or swimming at Collingwood Beach.
“Sally walked and swam that beach every day,” Ms Kalff said.
“She was as vibrant as some 60 year olds and still had a great deal to give.”
As well as her CWA duties, Ms Holland was a member of the Huskisson Community Hall Management Committee and the Combined Probus Club for Jervis Bay and Districts.
Both service clubs threw 90th birthday parties for her last October. But, she was not “your average 90-year-old”.
“Sally was one of those ladies who just ‘did’,” Ms Kalff said.
“She was a fit 90-year-old. “
Ms Holland joined the Jervis Bay Day Branch in February 1989, less than six months after it started in October 1988.
The Vincentia resident had sat in most positions during her time with CWA and had only recently relinquished the vice-president role for more personal time to travel.
Sally was a personal mentor for Ms Kalff.
“Sally was warm, funny and I had never heard her say a bad word about anyone,” she said.
“She was my VP [vice-president] for five years. She stepped down to travel more.
“She was a fountain of knowledge for members. Her mind was sharp.
“She had such a wonderful life, one of caring, support. The community meant a great deal to her, the south coast and Vincentia meant a great deal to her. It’s such a tragedy.”
With greater restrictions on gatherings due to the coronavirus pandemic, it is a tough time for the community to mourn. It’s also restricted visitors’ ability to support victims of the attack at hospital.
“The difficulty with COVID-19 is we can’t meet,” Ms Kalff said.
“Our community centre has been closed. Normally we would get together and talk. It’s an extremely difficult time.”
A NSW Police media spokesman said the three dogs involved were seized by Shoalhaven Council rangers.
Arrangements are being made to have the dogs euthanised.
A report is being prepared for the Coroner, police said.