Fun indoor activities for you and your dog

Macedon Ranges

Obedience Dog Club's July new members' induction was a cold, but not wet, welcome to our newest members.

Winter is here but that does not mean you can’t have fun with your four-legged friend. Here are some fun indoor activities to keep you both engaged.

Teach your dog a new trick – There are plenty of YouTube clips/websites to give you ideas for new tricks to teach, from rolling over and playing dead to dog dancing.

Teach your god the ‘Cup Game’ –Just as you see in the movies or on the streets in cities, dogs love this game. You just need three cups and something yummy they can eat. Place a treat under one cup and let them sniff it out. Once mastered you can start to shuffle them around.

Happy Garden Club committee members serve soup at the club’s mid-winter lunch. When taking the photo, Bernhard asked them to say “soup!”

Souped up garden club a hit in wet winter

Hello to all enthusiastic gardeners in the Macedon Ranges. I apologise for the dearth of news from the Gisborne Garden Club, largely due to my absence overseas and interstate. I can, however, report that the Cairns Botanical Gardens are in spectacular form at this time. But, back to our garden club and the most recent events.

We had a successful meeting in a garden on Mt Macedon in June, followed by our equally successful mid-winter lunch at the Masonic Hall, Gisborne, in July.

Around 40 members took part in what turned out to be a very social event with much vocal interaction over steaming cups of soup provided by the generous members of the garden club committee. This is an annual club event at a time when the weather is inclement, gardens are often dormant and a warm soup is most welcome. Long-time club member Kerry gave a short speech on the history of the club on the occasion of its 35th birthday, which we celebrated with tea, coffee and an enormous birthday cake.

With the approach of spring and warmer weather, we hope to become more active, visiting wonderful gardens in our district again. If this, or the social company of like-minded people, appeals to you, you are most welcome to join us as a guest on our next club outing.

The Gisborne Garden Club meets once a month on the second Wednesday of the month between 1 and 3pm. For more information on where, when and how, contact me, Bernhard Sucher, on 0424 038 474.

Create an indoor obstacle course – pillows, a hula hoop, chairs and a blanket/sheet are all you need. Be creative and let your imagination take you away.

Play with bubbles – most dogs love to play with bubbles. Just make sure they are child-friendly and non-toxic.

Give your doggo a massage – We know how good a massage can be so treat your furry friend to one. It’s easy to learn and you can find tutorials online.

Play hide and seek – There are two ways you can do this: hiding your dog’s favorite snack or hiding their favorite toy; and it’s as easy as using a pile of blankets or hiding spots in one room or around the house.

So, keep yourself and your doggo warm, dry, and entertained in your own home this winter.

Visit our website, www.macedonrangesdogclub.org.au, our Facebook page or email info@macedonrangesdogclub.org.au and we will contact you.

Take care, stay safe... a dog is family.

Carol Instructor/Treasurer MRODC

1st Gisborne Scout Group news

The past month has been another busy one for 1st Gisborne Scouts. The Joeys have been learning about the four elements of matter this year, and this term is all about the element of fire. On the first night back after the school holidays, they learnt about fire safety and had fun practising the ‘Stop, Drop and Roll’ safety technique.

In the coming weeks the Joeys will be preparing for a ‘survival sleep over’ at the Scout hall where there will be some toasting of marshmallows over the campfire and practising some songs in preparation for our concert at The Oaks nursing home at the end of the year.

On the last meeting before the school holidays, 1st Gisborne Cubs had a challenge to touch the roof of the Scout hall by only standing on top of a milk crate tower that they build as they climb. Some cubs made it whilst others fell off! Don’t worry, all cubs were safe as climbing ropes and harnesses were used. This activity was a bit scary, but the cubs loved it and challenged themselves to climb higher and higher.

Over the past month the Scouts went on a 12km day hike in the Blackwood area, where they had to cook their lunch over a camp stove. They also attended an end of term District Bowling Laser-tag night at Watergardens with 90 other Scouts and spent a night constructing camp gadgets using spars in the hall.

The Venturers had a fun-filled term 2, including rock climbing and roller skating. They finished the term attending the Gang Show, which is an annual youth musical presented by the Scouts and Guides of Melbourne. The shows give Scouts and Guides an opportunity to develop their performance skills in a professional theatrical environment and are always lots of fun for both the cast and audience.

If you are interested in joining Scouts, either as a Leader or a Scout, please email us at info@1stgisborne. com.au for more information.

Carolyn Goode (Assistant Joey Leader)

The latest from Gisborne Guides

Gisborne Girl Guides have resumed after two weeks off for the school holidays.

This term we will be completing both our Girl badge and Guiding badge. The girls have been investigating Guiding as a world member organisation and learning skills such as being in a Colour party (carrying the flags), using a compass, and tying knots. Each patrol also took on the challenge of planning a skit based on the Guide law and promise to present to the other patrols. This was a very entertaining activity.

This term many of the girls will be learning camping skills in preparation for a Stradbroke camp that requires the group to organise themselves without an adult directing. This involves setting up tents and a campsite and cooking their own meals.

If you are aged seven to 12 and would like to try Guiding, phone Deb on 0409 542 619 for details. We currently have 19 girls listed with our unit so would be very interested to hear from any female 18 or older who would like to be involved as a support leader so that we can offer this experience to even more girls.

Reiltin,

New Gisborne (Church of Christ) Scouts

We are sending nine Cub Scouts and five leaders to the Cuboree in September with much excitement about this massive Cub Scout camp over five days and four nights, held every three years at the Gilwell Park camp near Gembrook. Our Cub Scouts were excited recently to welcome Aussie, who has just come up from our Joey Mob. The Joeys have been working hard making cards to send along with a care package to the nearby Warrina Aged Care facility.

Deb Fleming

Guides meet on Thursday nights between 5 and 6:30pm in the Daly Reserve hall.

The Scouts are working in the Scout Hut, carrying out maintenance, planning equipment storage and moving in the trailer. Our task now is to fit out the hut so it can be used fully for weeknight meetings. We are now raising funds to complete the services connections to the hut. All donations welcome and tax-free. Opening ceremonies will be in November.

A big achievement is the award of the Wood Badge to Assistant Group Leader Cathy. The Wood Badge program operates across Australia and in most countries for the training and development of all Scouting leaders. Our next big group event is our annual snow camp at Mt Baw Baw. Fingers crossed for lots of snow! This wonderful camp is open to our wider Scout families as well as the youth members and leaders.

We meet on Wednesdays, 6.30-8pm, and Venturers meet on Fridays. Contact Group Leader Russell Barker on 0400 297 025 or russell@jeem.com.au to learn more.

Submitted by John Frearson

Probus Club visits historic Bendigo villa

The Gisborne Probus Club travelled to Bendigo by bus to visit the historic private residence Fortuna in July.

The house was first built in 1857 by Christopher Ballerstedt and further developed by its second owner George Lansell from 1871. The property sits on what was the ‘180 Mine’ of the New Chum Gold Reef and still has the original quartz-crushing battery building.

The property is on 7.5 hectares and has botanical-style gardens featuring an ornamental lake, Roman bath and Pompeii fountain. Lansell undertook major extensions to the villa which included elaborate ceilings, a grand cedar and blackwood staircase and extensive acid-etched glasswork in the conservatory which can be seen in the photo. What a fabulous historic property we were able to explore and almost on our doorstep.

We are looking to employ a ‘morning tea’ person to undertake the catering at our monthly meetings. For further information you can contact our president, Michael O’Brien, on 0427 762 757.

The Probus Club of Gisborne meets on the first Thursday of the month in the Gisborne Community Centre Hall (old Senior Citizens Room) at 10am. You are welcome to join us at our next meeting will be on 3 August.

Submitted by Dianne Egan

Bushwalkers find much to excite in walks and Maldon

The saying goes that there is no weather too bad to go walking in – just unsuitable clothing. Weather conditions are often a challenge for the club, but keen walkers are not deterred.

A 13km walk at Tunnel Point Track in the Lerderderg State Park proved a challenge for the 11 walkers with wet weather and a few more hills than expected. All was forgiven as the leader, Mark, provided a yummy afternoon tea at the conclusion.

Third time was lucky for a walk around the Cherokee/Lions Head area. This time walkers battled muddy conditions but were rewarded with a visit to misty Sanatorium Lake to enjoy lunch with the local kookaburras along with many other delights in the local bush. Cleaning the boots was a job for another day.

On a sunny winter’s day, the highlight of a meander around Maldon, Australia’s 'First Notable Town', was a visit to the local station for a prearranged tour of the vintage train visiting from Castlemaine. One of our members, Keith, a train volunteer, shared many interesting insights and tidbits of these trains of yesteryear. The interior of the old carriages revived memories for some and delight for all. Maldon has so much to offer, and the morning was spent exploring old goldmining sites close to the town with numerous ruins to excite feelings of the past. Historic buildings were visited around the town in the afternoon.

For details about the Gisborne Bushwalking Club, please contact Margot on 0438 260 792 or Gail on 0419 374 603. Our website is www.gisbornebwc. org.au. Janeen Edward

Hello from the Ramblers

Again, the Ramblers have been fortunate with the weather on our recent walks, only one having a short shower.

Considering we are in midwinter this is great for walking, but combined with the mild temperatures, the portents are worrying for the coming summer.

We visited Blackhill Reserve near Kyneton on the most perfect day – mild, sunny and windless – for the first time since Before COVID (a new BC?).

This is a walk for most people to try. The lower track is an easy circuit of the hill, the ridge climb a little more challenging but offering great views of the surrounding country.

The walk is described separately, at left.

For details of our weekly walks, why not join our mailing list? There is no cost and details are emailed out each Wednesday.

Charles (gisramblers@gmail.com)

Distance: varies, can be up to seven kilometres.

Level –

Lower circuit: easy Ridge track: medium

This is a great scenic walk. No special footwear is required, average runners are fine, hiking poles recommended only for safety on the ridge track.

Getting there

From Gisborne, drive up the Calder Highway taking the turn off (C326) to Heathcote. Turn right after 7km into Ennis Road. The reserve is about 700m along with a parking area near the entrance.

Walk directions

At the entrance, there is information on the reserve tracks and they are well marked along the route. My preference is to complete the full lower circuit first, before attempting the ridge track.

Highlights of the reserve are the granite boulders and the views from the ridge line.

A download of the Ramblers’ 7km route map is available on request.

Caring For The Planet

Eliza Ransome

Water is an essential part of life, every living thing relies on it. Saving water can have many positive effects.

Saving water saves energy.

Treating and transporting water along with heating it up uses a lot of energy. This means your bills go up as well. Saving water cuts back on your energy costs.

Eliza Ransome

Saving household water leaves more water during droughts, bushfires and other emergencies. An individual saving water could possibly save lives. The average Australian uses around 100,000 litres of water annually. For a family of five that equals 500,000 litres a year. Imagine what cutting back on water could do.

Saving water also helps animals. It ensures rivers and lakes do not run dry which means the ecosystem of the animals living in these waterways is preserved.

Saving water also helps to reduce pollution in our oceans. Reduced water use means less excess and waste water will flow into our oceans – which can affect our aquatic animals and their habitat.

You can save water by having shorter showers, turning off the tap while cleaning teeth, checking for water leaks, using the hose carefully, filling up the kettle only as much as you need, and trying to fill up your dishwasher.

If we save water, we can help improve so many more things, and it can also help you save money on your bills. I hope you have learned something and can maybe try to save a bit of water.