A quaint, true story of dogs protecting an endangered Victorian penguin colony has taken an unexpected but welcome twist.
International media attention and, now, a children's film have shone a spotlight on the coastal town of Warrnambool, and tourism operators could not be happier.
Luke Waters reports.
Their coats may be snow white and fluffy, and their faces curiously adorable, but Italian-bred Maremma dogs are stubborn, aloof and bred to guard.
The resilient hounds live independently on Middle Island, a 30-metre, knee-high wade off the coast of the regional Victorian city of Warrnambool.
They were introduced about eight years ago to ward off predatory foxes, and they have been a success at it.
Warrnambool City Council dog manager Peter Abbott says the dogs have restored the once dwindling penguin population from single figures back to just under 200.
"They think the island is their island, so anything that comes onto their space, that's a little bit unusual. If that threat comes closer and closer, then the bark will become more agitated and more aggressive."
Introducing Maremmas was the brainchild of local chicken farmer Allan "Swampy" Marsh.
A decade ago, he successfully trialled the dogs to protect his free-range chickens from foxes.
He says, when he learned of the penguin decimation on Middle Island, he pitched the concept to the council.
"A penguin is really only a chook in a dinner suit. As far as the dog's concerned, it's a bird with feathers, it makes noise, it walks funny."
The international media loved the endearing story of the penguin protectors, and it even reached the film world, with Shane Jacobson starring as "Swampy" in the movie Oddball.
Mr Marsh says the portrayal is perfect.
"Shane's almost exactly the same as I was 15 years ago. He and his brother studied me closely, and they've got all the mannerisms, all the sayings -- you know, 'That's the first time in a row that's happened' sort of thing, all that corny stuff."
Oddball is now synonymous with Warrnambool, and tourists are drawn to the town.
Venue operator Jon Watson says the increase in numbers is noticeable.
"There are stories of people jumping off planes,* hiring a car, just because they've seen the film on the plane. (They) come to visit Warrnambool and see where the story took place."
Visitor numbers are up an estimated 30 per cent, and the hype has spawned an Oddball cottage industry.
The current Maremmas that prowl the island will soon retire and take on what is being termed an ambassadorial role.
"Swampy" Marsh says he never thought he would be the subject of a film, but suggests it is proof that the simplest concepts are often the best.
"It vindicates that it was a bloody good idea, to start with. But it took so much work to convince everyone else that it was a good idea."
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