APRIL 7, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Crafting for a crisis he Ranges Rescue group is doing its bit to say ‘thank you’ to medical professionals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Earlier this year, group members knitted up a storm and created pouches for animals injured or orphaned in the horriic bushires. Now, they have turned their attention to designing and sewing scrub hats for medical professionals working on the front line. Group founder Kate Nabarro said more than 60 hats have already been made and will be sent to the Royal Melbourne Hospital for distribution. “I personally know people in this ield and they have put everything on the line to do what they need to do,” she said. “I want to try and turn this into a wartime efort. People used to sew bandages for the army. What we are going to do is become a group that is crating for a crisis, which can help with these kinds of situations, whether they are here or anywhere around the world.” Ms Nabarro will also arrange a small care package to be sent of with the scrub hats as her way of saying ’thank you’. Ms Nabarro is hoping her creations bring a “little bit of joy” in a tough and uncertain situation. Jessica Micallef
Kate Nabarro from Ranges Rescue with scrub hats. (Damjan Janevski) 207145_03
Visitors lout group ban By Jessica Micallef Macedon Ranges council has urged visitors to stay away from tourist hotspots across the region ater “hundreds” of people visited the shire’s autumn leaves displays. Last week, police closed the road to the Mount Macedon Memorial Cross at the corner of Cameron Drive and Mount Macedon Road ater visitors ignored government recommendations to stay home, and visited Macedon’s Avenue of Honour and nearby gardens and parks. Large electronic signs have since been
installed on the Calder Freeway and local roads, urging visitors to avoid the area. Traic management staf are in place near the Avenue of Honour and Centennial Park to ensure traic lows eiciently through the area. Free buses, which normally run during the autumn showing, will not be in service. he closures and warnings come ater the council closed popular tourist attraction Hanging Rock, including the site’s cafe, discovery centre and carpark, last month. Victoria Police has informed the council that regular patrols will take place to ensure visitors
and locals are not gathering in groups in public areas around Macedon and Mount Macedon. Police will issue on-the-spot ines to individuals and businesses who do not follow containment measures. he council’s chief executive Margot Stork said she was disappointed visitors locked to the area despite warnings to stay away. “We are all for people getting some fresh air and exercise,” she said. “But there is no need for tourists to travel long distances to the area to do so. “Normally we welcome visitors but with
the current [COVID-19] pandemic, it is not appropriate. “he health and wellbeing of the community is the main priority at this time. We want everyone to be safe. “he Avenue of Honour is a VicRoads -managed road so the council cannot close it to vehicle and foot traic, however we can and will be discouraging visitors during this time. “People should rethink their plans and look to visit when the current pandemic is over.” To stay up to date with service changes and closures, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
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