In news that will warm even the crankiest Spring magpie… the Rainbow Steps Walking Group this December becomes five years old.
What began in 2020 as a small experiment in “what if LGBTIQA+ people & allies simply wandered around the Botanic Gardens together every Tuesday” has now become a fully-fledged social institution.
Over 100 different walkers have participated in this weekly meander as well as so many dogs that the census will never successfully capture them. The success of this group inspired spin offs in Daylesford and Kyneton and ventured to do an excursion to show them how it was done. Closer to home was another memorable incursion with the Castlemaine Botanical Gardens Lead Gardener Tina Thanos, who revealed top secret tree lore.
Speed and competitiveness are never involved but for some a coffee after the walk is now a non-negotiable. It is here that many of the deepened friendships have grown, brewed and solidified.
Participant Sue summed it best: “It is such a casual and natural way to connect with others of like mind and to find out what’s going on… and the dogs set the pace.”
Volunteer Cathy – heroic, consistent, benevolent weather alchemist – has led this group solo for more than 2.5 years and Ange now joins her, making the next 5 years of Rainbow Steps Walking Group look promising.
If this group might be of interest to you or you’d like to come and join us for a lap of the gardens again, please come along or send an email to lgbtiqa+@castlemainehealth.org.au for more information.
