As days become warmer, snakes are emerging from months of inactivity to search for food and a mate.
Many snakes stop eating during winter and conserve energy by not moving around as much but on a warm sunny day in the middle of winter snakes may still come out and bask. Snakes are more visible during warmer months, but they are rarely a threat, as a Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) spokesperson explains.
“Snakes prefer to keep away from people. They rely on external sources like the sun to give them energy.
“Most snake bites occur when people try to capture or kill them. Leave them alone and keep your pets away.
“Snakes are known to bite animals if they feel threatened. If your dog or cat encounters a snake, move your pet away or keep it on a lead while the snake is in the area. If you suspect your pet has been bitten take it to a vet immediately.”
Please remember:
* Snakes present little or no danger to people when left alone.
* Keep your pets away from areas with snakes.
* If you see a snake, keep calm and move yourself and anyone with you away from the area.
* Wear long pants and proper shoes.
* Carry your mobile and snake bandages when in the bush.
* Maintain lawns and clean up around your house, as snakes are attracted to shelter such as piles of rocks and timber, sheets of metal, and building materials.
* Keep pests under control as rodents are an excellent food source for snakes.
* Don’t attempt to capture or harm snakes; instead call a licensed snake catcher or call DEECA on 136 186If someone is bitten, call 000 immediately.
Snakes are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975, and capturing, harming, or killing them is illegal. You can report wildlife crime to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.
Run The Maine returns today for its 15th edition. The popular community event celebrates health and wellbeing and raises valuable funds for local hospital Dhelkaya Health.
This year’s 21km half marathon has once again proven popular with the Victorian Goldfields Railway train to the start line in Maldon selling out last week and at capacity with 225 runners.
However, the RTM team has created a special ‘Maldon to Go’ ticket offer for participants keen to do the half marathon, which will allow runners to collect their bib from Camp Reserve and make their own way out to Maldon for the start of the event.
The Rapid Relief team will once again be on hand providing delicious free burgers and vegie burgers (gold coin donation welcomed) and free tea and coffee.
To find out more or to register, visit runthemaine.org
Muckleford Cricket Club hit the field for pre-season training earlier this month in preparation for the 2023-24 season.
At 158-years old, Muckleford is one of the state’s oldest continuing cricket clubs and one of the Castlemaine District Cricket Association’s strongest teams.
In the past year, Muckleford lost two of its legends with the sad deaths of club and Castlemaine District Cricket Association Life Members Chris Cole and John Bassett. Thanks to the work of Chris, John and a crew of committed supporters over decades, Muckleford enters the new season with four senior teams, an Under 16 side and an Under 13 squad. The club also runs a Blasters program for 5 to 10-year olds.
Club co-president Stu Finlay said there has been good numbers hitting the Old Muckleford Ground he was encouraged by the early enthusiasm.
“We have a great base of young players coming through the ranks. Last year our A Grade side made the semi-finals and A Reserve lost the final by a single run. Both our B Grade sides performed well and our Under 16 side had a great win in the final,” Stu said.
Finlay’s fellow co-president is Callan Hough, the popular owner of new local business Axedale Irrigation. Callan said that the club’s culture was focused on family involvement in a relaxed rural setting.
“Muckleford tends to feature in finals cricket every season. But on the field is not the only place we want to succeed. We have carefully cultivated a strong family club over many years, and we have plans to strengthen that this year,” Callan said.
One of the club’s innovations for this cricket season will be to have senior players training with the Under 13 and Under 16 teams every Tuesday afternoon.
Muckleford coach David Envall explained “We want the junior players to feel safe around our senior players and to know that their place in the club is just as important as the guys who have been around for 20 years or more. We don’t want to leave it to just a few parents to help the kids. We want to integrate them into the whole club so that their path into the senior teams is an easy and natural one.”
Muckleford is looking for senior and junior players of all levels to join the club this season. Anyone interested in playing for the season or just a few games is invited to contact the club at Mucklefordcc@hotmail.com
Join the teams at ASQ Garden & Landscape Castlemaine, Maryborough and Eaglehawk on Saturday September 23 for a day of gardening fun as part of their ‘Launching into Spring’ open day events.
It will be a great opportunity for locals to check out the new ASQ Garden & Landscape site at 3 Miners Court, Castlemaine and its new purpose-built facility including cafe, giftware, garden rooms, nursery, landscaping supplies and more.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, ASQ Garden & Landscape Castlemaine manager and horticulturalist Lis Templeton said ASQ’s workshops, activities, and products will help you take your gardening skills to the next level and create a beautiful, thriving garden at home.
“Come prepared with your trailer to stock up on all your gardening essentials, including plants, pots, tools, and more. You’ll have access to a wide range of high-quality products and experts to help you take your gardening skills to the next level,” Lis said.
“At ASQ Garden & Landscape, we believe that education is just as important, so we’ve put together a range of fun and informative 30 minute workshops and family activities to enhance your gardening expertise,” she said.
Here’s just a small taste of what you can expect:
‘Best on the ground’ with Jane Boal of Coolabah Turf – Jane will guide you to the optimal turf choice for your garden and family needs.
‘Pot and decorate for kids’ – Bring your young and enthusiastic junior gardeners to our workshop, where they can have a great time decorating pots and planting herbs or flowers. They’ll then take their creations home to care for and watch them grow.
‘Create a native wildflower garden, with Ken Wells of Neangar Nursery’ – Ken will guide you on selecting hardy and local native plants to create vibrant garden color and growing stunning blooms for vases. You’ll learn how to create a native wildflower garden, attracting pollinators and create a thriving ecosystem in your own backyard.
‘Passionate about passionfruit with Leigh Purtill of Purtills Nursery and Nellie Kelly Passionfruit’ – Learn expert secrets from Leigh on cultivating abundant, succulent, and flourishing Nellie Kelly passionfruit for your backyard environment. You’ll learn everything from planting to harvesting, and leave with the knowledge to grow your own delicious passionfruit.
‘From bulb to beautiful bloomer with Gary Sobey, ASQ Horticulturist’ – Legendary Horticulturist and Orchid grower Gary Sobey will share his extensive orchid knowledge on separating a crowded orchid and create a new flowering plant.
‘A compost garden lasagne with Paul Ward, ASQ Horticulturist’ – Paul will showcase his extensive permaculture knowledge on how to construct a garden lasagne by skilfully layering various garden materials to create a fertile and productive garden.
See the ASQ Garden & Landscape website at www.asq.net.au or their socials for the full workshop timetable and when you can catch workshops at each of the three venues.
