By Oliver Lees
A new board game highlighting the best bits of the Macedon Ranges is on the cards.
The Connecting Communities Game will take its players on a journey across the notable features and hidden gems of the Macedon Ranges.
The original concept was thought up by Jenni Ivins, who is currently seeking community input on the unmissable destinations across the shire.
Ms Ivins said the idea came from an urge to connect people with their immediate community.
“It came to me before lockdown,” she said.
“I thought it was a good idea to map an area and show people what is in their shire so people learn more about the area they live in.”
Ms Ivins was one of 10 recipients of the Macedon Ranges council’s COVID Creative and Cultural Support Program, which will assist in the production of art projects from April to June.
And this is not her first game creation.
Last year, Ms Ivins worked on a similar project in Cardinia , south-east of Melbourne.
Ms Ivins said the last project served as a timely creative outlet.
“The last project really created a connection during lockdown as people provided artwork that went into the game,” she said.
“A lot of people learnt about towns in Cardinia shire they didn’t even know were there.
“For example, a lot of people discovered there was a waterfall in Koo Wee Rup.
“I’d like to find some of the secret places in the Macedon Ranges, the special places.”
The board game will feature ‘Go To’ cards that will direct players around the board, which will be filled with notable spots.
Ms Ivins has created a Facebook group, ‘Connecting Communities’, where people can share artwork and photos of their favourite places in the area.
The board game will be completed in mid-June.
To share your suggestion for the game join the Connecting Communities Facebook page or email Jenni on spokenpictures@gmail.com
