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The Moorabool News – 16 November, 2021 Page 3
Debut win for Declan By Lachlan Ellis It is ‘Murphy’s Law’ that a son would travel the path of his father after a Dunnstown teenager scored a win in his first ever drive, hoping to make it the first of many. The son of harness horse trainers David and Erin Murphy, 17-year-old Declan Murphy said he has been around horses “from day dot”. “Mum and Dad have been training horses since I was little, I was pretty much born and bred into it. I’ve always been working with them and been around them, eventually as I got older, ended up doing track work and haven’t looked back since,” he told the Moorabool News. Racing in the 1710m Regent Entertainment Pace, Mr Murphy’s horse Atego Shades was second favourite to win, but the victory was by no means an easy one. Murphy came from the back of the pack and around the outside, to clinch the win in the last moments of the race. “Going into the race, I thought I’d be happy to run a place. But to be able to come out on top from coming last was a real big thrill. I was just over the moon with it all,” he said. “Leading up to the race, being my first ever drive…there was a lot to take in. In the back of my mind, was just to get around safely and get the best out of my horse.” Atego Shades was in fact trained by David Murphy, and Declan said he was proud to win for his parents. “Walking in after the win, Mum and Dad had the biggest smiles on their faces. Seeing those smiles meant a lot to me…I think they were very proud,” he said. And his future looks likely to follow in his parent’s footsteps. “Once I get a bit older, I’m looking at getting my own horse to train, which shouldn’t be too far away. I’ll be in it for the long haul, I reckon, if everything goes to plan and I can make a living out of it.”
Declan Murphy with his Mother Erin and Atego Shades, after his inaugural win. Photo – Ballarat & District Trotting club
Economy and tourism on Council’s agenda As Victoria opens back up again, Council’s Economic Development team is focusing on revitalising Moorabool’s economy and tourism.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, AND VISITOR ECONOMY STRATEGIES HAVE YOUR SAY
Two new strategies are in the works – the Economic Development Strategy and Visitor Economy Strategy – and consultation with the community and local businesses will help shape the strategies. Council has appointed consultants from Urban Enterprise to help ensure the engagement process is sound. Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said much had changed since Council last implemented an Economic Development Strategy. “The last Economic Development Strategy was adopted in 2015,” Cr Sullivan said. “The Shire and the world have changed a lot since then and it’s time for a fresh approach, setting a strong foundation for a thriving local economy. And after a decade without a tourism plan, it’s time to hold our own and celebrate our Shire’s unique and breathtaking attributes.” One way Council is engaging with the community is through the Business & Community Survey, which is available online until 30 November. A series of virtual workshops will also be held with geographical themes such as ‘Rural West of the Shire’, aiming to uncover localised opportunities and themes across Moorabool. The workshops will cover both the Economic Development Strategy and the Visitor Economy Strategy, as economic development and tourism often go hand-in-hand.
Moorabool Shire Council has commenced consultation for the new Economic Development Strategy and a separate Visitor Economy Strategy. We encourage all Shire-based businesses including tourism and home-based, along with the broader community to take part. The survey and workshops will cover both strategies as opportunities related to economic development and the visitor economy are often intertwined.
Timeline Virtual workshops (only for those registered)
15 to 29 November 2021 Register for virtual workshops Bookings open: 29 October to 12 November 2021 Survey open 29 October to 30 November 2021
“We encourage everyone across business and community to get on board and complete the survey and to help us shape our future direction,” Cr Sullivan said.
Visit our Engagement Hub to book in to our virtual workshops, and to complete the Business & Community Survey.
For more information, visit www.moorabool.engagementhub.com.au and click ‘Economic Development Strategy and Visitor Economic Strategy’.
https://moorabool.engagementhub.com.au/
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