Domestic dogs in Woodend are a major danger to pedestrians

I'm a long-distance walker and moved to Woodend because of its interesting walking opportunities. However, it's my experience that domestic dogs in this part of Australia are a major danger to pedestrians - the situation is out of control, and requires attention, and appropriate interventions by the competent authorities. Dogs are typically restrained by flimsy inadequate fences, and some have no form of restraint at all and roam as they please.

I should be free to safely walk any public space with no risk or likely hood of being attacked by dogs, and that is not the case. It is not safe to walk in Woodend and its surrounds. The risks from snakes, spiders, crocodiles, sharks are insignificant compared to the actual and real dangers of attack by domestic dogs. Since arriving in Woodend I have been bitten by a dog, and have had several near-misses. The keepers of these dogs are irresponsible and have no regard for the actual and real dangers their dogs are to pedestrians. I'm certain that this situation also curbs residents and visitors from the enjoyment of walking in this marvellous area as they rightly fear attack by dogs. Too many dogs are not kept confined to their keepers' properties, and keepers ignore the requirement to keep their dogs on a lead and under control in public spaces. This must change and quickly! I seek help with this important matter from the Macedon Ranges council, Victorian state parliamentarians, and other competent authorities.

Macedon Ranges Council are responsible for administering the Domestic (Feral and Nuisance) Animals Act of 1994.  The Council has wide ranging power if a dog owner is in breach of these conditions. Under the Act dog owners are required to adequately confine their dog to the property and must keep their  dogs under control when walking it. They can be fined or taken to the Magistrates Court.

Woodend Market

Woodend Market: Sunday 15 November 2009

Friends of Hanging Rock: Wildflowers and Flora Walk of 8 November 2009

My route to the cross

I discovered a truly delightful route to reach the memorial cross  at the summit of Mt Macedon, Victoria, Australia. The route includes a footpath that's not listed on any paper or online maps, for that matter.

From my home in Woodend, I proceed along Mt Macedon Road, taking care of cars, lorries and busses, and turn right at the Braemar College sign for about 500-metres (just before arriving at the college) and turn left into Turner Avenue to continue to the end of the country lane (ignore Glover Road). The lane changes into a track and arrives at two gates. Open and enter the one on the right and proceed along this enclosed footpath that ends at the Mc Gregor's picnic ground. However, before the picnic ground is reached turn sharp right to join another footpath to reach  the cross (3.5-km). There are signs that points the way. There are amazing panoramic vistas to enjoy and marvel and photograph at the Eastern, Western and Major Mitchell lookouts, and the Cross with views of Melbourne and beyond.

From the cross I took the downhill footpath to reach Bawden Road to return home. The road passes beneath the freeway to complete the circular route. I estimate a non-stop  journey of about 5 hours.

Of course, the reverse of the route would involve a rather steep walk up the footpath from Bawden Road. (I prefer ups rather than downs.) At the summit, you are rewarded with splendid panoramic views. Of course, the restaurant is the ideal place to recuperate and enjoy their fare.

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Woodend's supermarket

In 1900, Frederick McCubbin's wife, Annie had a chest infection and she was advised to recuperate in the clean mountain air of Mount Macedon. So, in the summer of that year, over the Christmas holiday period, the McCubbin family went to Mount Macedon, and, for a few weeks, rented a small cottage in Woodend. They purchased an English cottage named 'Dillon's Summer Residence' (later renamed 'Fontainebleau'), situated in a valley near the summit of the north side of Mount Macedon. However, his new home was too far from Melbourne for him to daily commute to the National Gallery of Victoria, and during the week, resided with his mother and sisters Wilhelmina and Helen at The Rose of Australia Hotel in Melbourne. He returned home at weekends and during school vacations and travelled by train to Woodend and transferred there to a wagonette for his home in Mount Macedon.

Woodend's supermarket Coles is adorned with four delightful murals: 'Golden Harvest', 'Morning Delivery', 'Welcome Break', and 'Picnic Races'. These paintings are clearly in the McCubbin style of works such as 'The Pioneer' that he painted whilst in Mount Macedon and is a major Australian art treasure.

The site of the defunct Woodend Produce Store may one day become a Woolworth supermarket. A formal planning notice was taped to the front window but that was taken down.

Railway station

From my home, which is almost directly opposite, it takes no more than 3 minutes to reach Woodend railway station.  It is attractive, clean and tidy. I haven't been able to find any historical information or details of the architectural style, so far. The station staff are helpful, friendly and knowledgeable, and provide coffee and tea, for a small charge, in the air-conditioned waiting room.  That's terrific!