Page 10 The Moorabool News – 20 July, 2021
By Lachlan Ellis
News
Email - news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Youth show off their talent
In celebration of Victorian Youth Week 2021, the Moorabool Youth Action Group (YAG) hosted ‘Moorabool’s Got Talent’ – with hundreds of dollars awarded to the most talented entrants. The contest was open to young people aged 12 to 25 years, with participation certificates and gift cards worth up to $100 awarded to the winners. The special screening of finalists was originally planned to be held at the Darley Civic & Community Hub on Thursday 1 July, but due to the uncertainty of COVID-19 restrictions, finalists instead sent video entries which were then reviewed by the YAG team. There were six finalists – in first place was
Tristan Morrison, whose impressive pianist skills earned him a $100 gift card. Chloe Lindorff came second, sending through a performance of ‘Take Me Home, Country Roads’ and earning herself a $75 gift card. Two people came third – Connie Degnen and Robyn Murphy. Connie sang ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ and won a $50 gift card, while Robyn sent through a creative story piece and received a $50 gift card. Kadeejah Climpson and Emily Dudzik both received a $30 gift card, in recognition of their efforts. The aim of the competition was to encourage young people to express themselves freely, giving them a platform to show off their creativity and step outside their comfort zone.
First place winner Tristan Morrison playing the piano. Photo - YAG
Super rise for councillors By Lachlan Ellis A proposal to increase Councillors’ allowances and superannuation contributions has been approved unanimously by Council. At the 7 July Ordinary Meeting, the Mayoral and Councillor Allowances motion came before Council, proposing they receive the maximum allowance as a “designated Category 2 Council”, which is based on the income and population of Council. The proposed maximums, as set by the Victorian Government, are $81,204 for the mayor and $26,245 for Councillors, plus 10 per cent (the equivalent of a superannuation guarantee contribution). Mayors and councillors are entitled to receive an allowance while performing their duty as an elected official. The motion was moved by Cr Berry and seconded by Cr Edwards, before Councillors all voted in favour of the proposal. The maximum allowance was already approved at the Statutory Meeting of Council on November 23 last year, and on 1 July 2021, the super guarantee rate rose from 9.5 per cent to 10 per cent and, is the only rise in the allowance for all councillors. Council is now awaiting a determination from the Victorian Independent Remuneration Tribunal. In accordance with section 223 of the Local Government Act 1989, written submissions were invited from members of the public.
Facebook feedback
Page 4 The Moorabool News – 13 July, 2021
News
Email - news@themooraboolnews.com.au
A life committed to others Sylvia Palmer (3/9/1922 - 1/7/2021) By Bianca Roberts (Intern 3rd Year Melb Uni)
Photo – Lisa Palmer
A Moorabool woman lived a full life for 98-years with an amazing 82 of those years, as a committed volunteer in the community. Sylvia Mary Palmer, sadly passed away on 1 July. She spent her life dedicated to helping others, a volunteer with the Country Women’s Association (CWA) for a phenomenal 82 years across the Dean, Ballan and Bacchus Marsh branches. “She was the loveliest lady … She never said a bad word about anyone in her life,” said President of the CWA Bacchus Marsh, Hope Mann. Gabrielle Shanahan, the longest serving member of the CWA Bacchus Marsh, fondly recounts her 50 years of friendship with Mrs Palmer. “She lived a very full life… she was just a wonderful woman,” Mrs Shanahan said. Mrs Palmer’s volunteer work extended to a variety of other organisations too, including, but not limited to, the Bacchus Marsh Hospital Auxiliary, the Anglican Church and Mother’s Union Choir, Bacchus Marsh Poultry Club, Bacchus Marsh Agricultural Show Society and Myrniong Primary School. It comes as no surprise, therefore, that she was awarded Moorabool Citizen of the Year in 2013. Her children and grandchildren gave a heartfelt tribute Mrs Palmer at her funeral service on July 7.
“She was well known for her homely hospitality and gentle disposition … a welcome asset to the Myrniong community,” said her daughter Jean. “She will be remembered for her many talents and abilities,” she added. Her key talents included cooking and craft work, which she always did ‘for the purpose of sharing with others’. “She believed in supporting others via leading by example,” Jean said. “You have taught us to be loving, selfless and kind”, her grandchildren said. Although her passing comes as a sad loss to the community, her fellow Anglican Church members have great faith that she is resting in the eternal peace she deserves. “She was a very Christian person and she realised that there was something to follow after,” Mrs Shanahan said. Mrs Palmer was a loving mother of Jean, Charlotte, Florris (dec) and Fred. Mother-in-law of Alan, Franklin (dec), Paul and Barbara. Fond Grandmother of Daryl, Simone, Heather, David (dec), Kathryn, Ian (dec), Kerry, Alysha, Sarah, Jessica, Jason and Lisa. Great Grandma of Jaymie, Mikayla, Lachlan, Owen, Kayley, Jarrod, Samuel, Peter, Michael, Florris, Milly, Emma, Bill and James. Great Great Grandma of Beau.
Wheelie good rescue
A life committed to others By Jane Gardner
It started with a walk down the driveway to collect the rubbish bin after being emptied, and then, what appeared to be a rat, was struggling in a puddle of water at the base of the wheelie bin. Gordon resident Trevor Baldwin had a closer inspection, and discovered the ‘rat’ was in fact a sugar glider, that had inadvertently fallen in. “Sometimes the bin lids flip open when the rubbish truck puts them back down,” Trevor said, speculating that the glider might have been attracted by the food smells in the bin and fallen in. Either way, if it wasn’t for Mr Baldwin and the enlisted help of his daughters Matilda and Lilly, the sugar glider would likely not have lived to tell the tale. Trevor’s family quickly wrapped the glider in an old towel and tucked it away in a warm, dry box. They then called Wildlife Victoria who arrived within an hour or two to collect the glider and take it away to be nursed back to health. Sugar gliders are small, tree-dwelling,
(M/News 13 July 2021)
RIP Sylvia. - Karen Easterbrook
are left open) can attract native animals that sadly, sometimes perish when the bins are emptied. “It’s safer for our wildlife if people close their lids,” Jennifer said. She also suggested that upwards of 200 creatures (including insects) are supported by every mature tree, which is a timely reminder to be mindful of wildlife as people clean up fallen trees after the recent storms. After a short 2-3 day stint with Wildlife Victoria, the Baldwin’s were delighted to learn that their sugar glider was fighting fit and ready to be returned to its native habitat. Mr Baldwin nailed an old bird house up high in a gum tree on the family’s property, then, with one hand (the other holding the wrapped-up sugar glider) carefully climbed a tall ladder and placed the Australian marsupial into its new home. Thankfully, Matilda and Lilly had planned ahead and made the gliders new home comfortable with leaves and bark and included a few sweet berry treats to welcome their new friend home.
A great courageous lady glad to have known her. - Janet Quinn Lucky to be alive - A sugar glider is returned to its natural habitat with the help of Wildlife Victoria and Gordon residents, (L-R) Lilly and Matilda Baldwin. Photo – Jane Gardner nocturnal marsupials, sometimes thought of as ‘gliding possums’. They get their name from their love of sweet, sugary foods such as sap, nectar and berries, as well as their ability to glide through the air.
Jennifer, a Wildlife Victoria representative, came to collect the glider, suggested that native animals are indeed often attracted to food smells and gave the example of how school rubbish bins and skips (if the lids
117 Inglis Street, Ballan
Phone: (03) 5368 2011 Email: info@seekas.com.au
Lovely story about a truly generous lady. - Your Local helping hand to all things Tax - Jennie Tabone Taxation for Personal and Business Bookkeeping BAS preparation & lodgement Providing quick turnaround Reasonable Rates Accessible