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The Moorabool News – 26 April, 2022 Page 11
Delay for street name change By Lachlan Ellis A proposed name change for a street in Ballan has been put on hold, with an ongoing State Government review standing as an obstacle. A recommendation came before the 6 April Ordinary Meeting of Council (OMC), to approve renaming of the section of Duncan Street, Ballan off Simpson Street to ‘Shamrock Court’. The landowner at 26 Duncan Street suggested the ‘Shamrock Court’ name, as the noncontiguous nature of the street “causes her property to be difficult to locate due to vehicles not being able to access this section of road via Inglis Street”, according to the recommendation. Concerns around mail delivery and emergency services delays were raised by the landowner. However, an objector at the 6 April OMC, Helen Tatchell, suggested the street instead be named ‘Simpson Court’. Citing historical records, Ms Tatchell argued that Simpson Court would be a more appropriate name, and would help mail delivery workers and emergency services locate the court. “I’ll just explain some brief background. I read from the Ballan Shire Historical Society’s ‘The Settler’, which is their newsletter, from June 2003, Volume 7 Number 2. In June 2002, Moorabool Shire Council attracted funding under the State Government’s ‘Pride and Place Program’…in that, they wanted to develop street signage,” Ms Tatchell said. “In that study, they found that there was an early map of Ballan township, dated 1856. And in that, there was a survey done of the town…
within that framework, the names of eight streets were identified. One included Simpson Street. Of those streets, they were named to recognise persons of significance in Ballan. “In that, we have Mr Simpson. He was, from around 1854 to 1855, acknowledged in the Walsh Papers, and a reference was made in the Densley and Lewin memoirs, as an early school teacher. Mr Simpson was alleged to be the first teacher at the denominational school established by the Church of England in Ballan.” Ms Tatchell said a street name should be after a person of historical significance or for a person who has had some sort of standing within the community. “The Shamrock is just an emblem of Ireland, a piece of clover grass even,” she told the Moorabool News. “Currently, there are two properties in Simpson Street that have their letter boxes in Duncan Street, just metres from the applicants. The mail person already identifies with the name Simpson. There is no entry from Inglis to Duncan, so anyone wanting to stay at this Air B&B, would have to navigate to Simpson Street anyway. Confusing I know, but logical.” The name change to Simpson Court was supported by Cr Tonia Dudzik, however, Council moved unanimously to defer the motion until an ongoing State Government review on naming conventions has concluded. Council cannot change street names without State Government approval, as all proposed street name changes in Victoria are overseen by Geographic Names Victoria, a State Government agency. The applicant did not request to speak at the meeting.
The Court in question looking south from Simpson Street toward Duncan Street (top). Photo – Helen Tatchell
Rotary award for her service By Lachlan Ellis A policewoman from Bacchus Marsh has thanked Rotary for its support, after winning a Rotary Community Award this month. Leading Senior Constable Joanne Mutsaerts lives in Bacchus Marsh but works in Melton, and said the recognition by such an important community group was humbling. The award was the first of its kind awarded by the Rotary Club of Melton, and LSC Mutsaerts was also its sole winner, at the North West Metro Division 3 Police Awards on Monday 11 April. “It was a massive honour; it was the first time that Melton Rotary had handed out that award. Being recognised in towards the name that Rotary holds, I think it was a massive honour,” she told the Moorabool News. “On the back of what our community on a whole has gone through in the last two years…it’s been tough going. Hopefully we can come out the other side and return to some normality within the wider community, and get back to what we know and love about our community.” She was also recognised – belatedly, as has been the case with so many awards thanks to the pandemic – for her long career, being awarded for 25 years of dedicated service.
LSC Mutsaerts said she still loves her job after close to 28 years in the force, and felt privileged to serve. “I still love coming to work. I think the fact that I get to work amongst the community giving back helps. That’s something I really enjoy. Being there sometimes for someone’s worst day, and sometimes their best day… it’s a mix of emotions at different times,” she said. “When I look at the work with victims of crime and that sort of thing, just to be there as a helping hand to get them back on their feet is vital. It’s the most devastating moment for some people that they’ll ever experience. To know where that support is or where we can make some referrals is really important.” State MP for Melton, Steve McGhie, congratulated LSC Mutsaerts for winning the award, and thanked her for her long service to the local community. “Jo is a leading example of the many great Victoria Police in our area. To be recognised by Rotary is a testament to her standing in our community. I recognise and appreciate her long service to the community and Victoria,” Mr McGhie said. The Rotary Community Award complements an Australian Police Medal (APM) LSC Mutsaerts was awarded in June 2020, being one of just 12 Victoria Police recipients that year.
Steve McGhie MP with Leading Senior Constable Joanne Mutsaerts and her Rotary award. Photo - submitted
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