Page 16 The Moorabool News – 30 November, 2021
News
Email - news@themooraboolnews.com.au
Tigerland scores rewards
By Lachlan Ellis
Over 150 football and netball clubs across the state will share in over $1 million thanks to the Transport Accident Commission (TAC), including one Moorabool club. Springbank Football Netball Club has been allocated $6,000 under the TAC’s Club Rewards Program, to go towards “new registers for the canteen and merchandise shop to ease volunteer burden”. The Club Rewards Program recognises grassroots clubs who have promoted road safety throughout the season, and will be a welcome support after the disruptions to the last two seasons. Alana O’Neil is Secretary of the club and said the funding would help the club prepare for a big 2022 season. “This will be extremely valuable for our volunteers, making their jobs on game days as hassle free as possible, as well as assist those that work behind the scenes with the ordering of stock and replenishments,” Ms O’Neil told the Moorabool News. “We are so excited for 2022 across the board at Springbank, as I’m sure every club is, with the hope we have an uninterrupted season.” Clubs affiliated with AFL Victoria were eligible to apply by showing their support to road safety, which included taking part in the TAC’s Band Together campaign. At Springbank, road safety was promoted across the club’s social media platforms, and promotional TAC/AFL Victoria items were used such as bar mats, coasters, and posters, all including crucial road safety messages.
“As a club we also spoke about road safety and being safe on the roads on training nights and game days, as well as encouraging our learner drivers to ensure they are doing their 120 hours of driving in all conditions, before going for their P plates,” Ms O’Neil added. AFL Victoria Head, Brad Scott, said TAC’s partnership with community sporting clubs had again proven invaluable. “TAC has been an incredible supporter of community football clubs in Victoria for decades and the Club Rewards Program is yet another major show of support – with clubs set to benefit tremendously with the financial boost,” he said. At the time of writing, 210 people have lost their lives on Victorian roads this year, up 9.4 per cent from 192 deaths the same time last year.
Forum for youth A Moorabool Youth Forum will be held in coming weeks as part of Children’s Week celebrations. Proudly presented by the Moorabool Youth Action Group (YAG), the Forum will focus on mental health and the importance of self-care and wellbeing. YAG aim to raise awareness at the forum of the struggles some young people experience managing their mental health and help break down the stigma around mental health and seeking support. Guest speakers include local VFL legend Doug Hawkins and a Beyond Blue Ambassador who will share their personal experiences overcoming mental health challenges and their stories of building resilience. This is an opportunity to also meet the youth team and find out about programs available to you. Studio 22 will be open for young people to ‘Make their own stress toolkits’ with a variety of sensory items of home-made stress balls, DIY glitter jars, fidget spinners and more. Food and drinks provided and door prizes available to be won. For more information contact the Youth Team by calling 5366 7100 or via email to youthservices@moorabool.vic.gov.au WHEN - Monday 13 December 2021 from 6pm – 8pm WHERE - Darley Civic Hub Pavilion – 182 Halletts Way, Darley WHO - Moorabool Shire Council Youth Services
Farm crime – call it out
Farm crime is on the rise in Victoria, and a campaign is urging farmers and rural landowners to speak up about theft on farms. Crime Stoppers Victoria, in partnership with Victoria Police, launched the ‘Putting a Spotlight on Farm Crime’ campaign last month. The latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency shows a 2 per cent increase in livestock theft in Victoria in the past 12 months, which translates to almost $2 million in losses for rural communities. Chief Executive of Crime Stoppers Victoria, Stella Smith, said farm thieves are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and highlighted the issue of underreporting of farm crime. "We're seeing offenders use drones and satellite imagery to spy on rural properties. It doesn't matter if you live in a remote area, with technology criminals can easily find a way to steal from you," Ms Smith said. “Even the smallest piece of information could assist police with an investigation and help reduce the rate of farm crime in Victoria." A recent study by Dr Alistair Harkness, CoDirector of the Centre for Rural Criminology at the University of New England, found there were concerns from farmers that reporting offences from a known person in the community may attract retaliation. However, information can be provided to Crime Stoppers anonymously, eliminating that fear.
Acting Inspector at the Farm Crime Coordination Unit, Emma Bartel, said Victoria Police “take farm crime very seriously”, and any information about farm crime could help catch offenders. “It is vital farmers come forward to report any crime and they should know we will investigate it fully. We understand the impact theft of livestock and equipment can have on farmers and their livelihoods,” she said. “We encourage people in rural areas to report any suspicious activity. The information they have might be the piece we need to hold perpetrators to account. “We also urge farmers to take precautions – a simple measure like a sign on the fence warning would-be trespassers to stay off private property can go a long way to discouraging crime.” Ms Smith said, “farm owners are helping protect themselves and their properties from both organized criminals and opportunistic offenders”. She also urged the public to check livestock and second-hand farming equipment was being sold legitimately, before purchasing it. “If you buy livestock or machinery for a steal, it probably is," she said. It is also recommended that rural property owners download the Farm Security checklist by logging on to www.crimestoppersvic. com.au/current-focus/farm-crime Are you a victim of farm crime? Report as soon as possible by calling the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.