JUNE 23, 2020 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU
Ranges’ Rock re-opens By Jessica Micallef
Zoologist’s deadly game
(Damjan Janevski) 209732_06
Macedon Ranges locals and residents can again admire the beauty of Hanging Rock. he iconic reserve re-opened on June 23 with restrictions implemented to help reduce the spread of COVID-19. A limit on visitor numbers is in place and once the designated number of visitors are reached, the reserve will close for the day. Visitors are being asked to visit the site early in the day. Normal entry fees will apply. Barbecues are not available for use and some areas of the reserve, including the Discovery Centre and the very top of the Rock, will remain closed. Visitors are asked to practice good hygiene, maintain appropriate physical distancing and not to visit the reserve if they are feeling unwell. Increased cleaning will also be in place and the Hanging Rock Cafe has reopened for select days. It comes as libraries in Kyneton, Woodend and Gisborne reopened to the public last week. Romsey library will not open to the public immediately as it is currently being used to accommodate council staf, instead a click and collect service will remain available. he council’s chief executive Margot Stork said the new arrangements would be subject to ongoing review. “he health and safety of visitors and staf is our top priority,” she said. “While government restrictions are easing, the council is taking a measured and careful approach to the reopening of all our facilities. “Once appropriate measures are in place, we will look to reopen a service or provide access to public areas.” Playgrounds, outdoor gyms, sports grounds parks and some public toilets across the region are available for public use. Council-run pools, gyms, libraries, some public toilets, council service centres, community halls and sport pavilions remain closed. Decisions regarding the opening up of services and any modiications in place will be made in the coming weeks. Residents will be informed of any new developments. For updates on council service changes and closures phone 5422 0333 or visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/coronavirus
Australia’s deadliest creatures will come alive in a bingo-inspired game. Zoologist and Macedon local Chris Humfrey is releasing Australia’s Deadly Animals Bingo – a family-friendly game packed with the country’s weird and wonderful creatures. “It’s all about deadly animals … teaching kids and adults all about Australia’s deadliest animals and the importance of protecting them,” Mr Humfrey said. “I have always been a big fan of bingo games. My kids love them, and I think it is a great way to learn when you are having fun with your family and friends.” The game features watercolor illustrations of all sorts of creepy crawlies and “unusual deadly denizens” of Australia with facts about each creature, written by Mr Humfrey. “There will be the obvious ones like the saltwater crocodile and various types of species of snakes,” Mr Humfrey said. “But there will also be invertebrates – animals without a backbone, jellyish and sea jellies, stoneish and blue-ringed octopus.” Mr Humfrey is no stranger to being surrounded by animals. The zoologist lives with 2000 animals at a Macedon private zoo facility. “I have penguins in my backyard and ostrich in my front yard, wedge-tailed eagles, koalas, dingoes, crocodiles and snakes,” he said. “There is always something different happening.” Australia’s Deadly Animals Bingo will be released on July 10 and is available for preorder now at local bookshops.
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Jessica Micallef