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Vol 16 No 2
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Honour for living legend
By Lachlan Ellis
Fundraising continues for a striking new monument to honour Bacchus Marsh’s veterans, including a High Tea to be held this month. The Resting Poppy Memorial Project was established nearly three years ago, to find a way to fittingly honour Bacchus Marsh’s 462 WWI soldiers, many of whom are not memorialised in the Avenue of Honour. When fully funded, a “vibrant, monolithic, abstract bronze and plaque installation” will be built, with name plaques of those 462 diggers who served within the local community. Secretary of the Bacchus Marsh RSL, Carl Wright, told the Moorabool News that the Resting Poppy would be a fantastic way to recognise the sacrifices made by the area’s veterans. “World War I is but one story we have to tell. Veterans of subsequent wars are feeling, more keenly since the pandemic began, that they need recognition. For this reason, the project has expanded to include veterans of subsequent wars,” Mr Wright said.
Vol 16 No 17
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Turning a new page
Moorabool’s Citizen of the Year
“We are passionate about remembering and ensuring current and future populations remember those that served, not only in World War I but in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq, to name but a few.” At the time of writing, the Bacchus Marsh RSL has raised $61,000 for the Resting Poppy Memorial Project, and has also applied for a $300,000 grant from Creative Arts Victoria, with a decision due in late February. Avenue of Honour postcards are on sale in 18 businesses around town, with proceeds going towards the project.
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A High Tea will be held at the Bacchus Marsh RSL on Sunday 30 January from 2 pm – 4 pm. Tickets are on sale for $25, with refreshments available to purchase.
of the provides for all needs Mr Prince said the bank community. to be e town and we are happy “We want to be an all-inclusiv in community.” a bit part of that ‘unity’ y Bank Branch nominated were Staff at the Communit $700 for cheques choice and organisations of their Annecto Street Kindergarten, Young to given also Darley Marsh Primary School, (Merrimu Services), Bacchus programs and Soul Food had two Neighbourhood House,
Come along and enjoy some sandwiches, savouries, slices, pastries, and Devonshire tea, while contributing to a great cause at the same time. A sausage sizzle at the RSL is also planned for late February, if COVID conditions permit. The RSL also thanks Moorabool Shire Council, Bacchus Marsh Community Bank, Bacchus Marsh Grammar and the Village Shopping Centre for being major sponsors of the project, and the RSL craft ladies, who have made items to sell to raise funds.
funded. and makes the sport fun Specialist Hoops Basketball weekly with disabilities, running accessible for people and Melton Marsh Leisure Centre sessions at the Bacchus Indoor Recreation Centre.
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MEMORIAL HIGH TEA - (L-R) Cherrison Lawton, Iris Roberts and Terry Rosewarne from Bacchus Marsh RSL, promote their upcoming For tickets, call Iris on 0437 985 151, or Sheila on 0418 542 621. fundraising effort. Photo – Helen Tatchell
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(L-R) George Boyes (88yo) from Darley helped Bill Buist (89yo) from Long Forest restore the Ronaldson Tippett tractor. Photo – Helen Tatchell
Showcasing vintage machines
By Lachlan Ellis
The world’s biggest Ronaldson Tippett machinery museum is hosting its annual rally this weekend, and it’s located in Ballan. The Ballan District Vintage Machinery and Vehicle Club will run its 35th ‘Great Vintage Rally’ on Sunday 20 February, and there’s a wide range of things to see and do. From vintage engines, classic cars and motorbikes, sheep shearing demos, beautiful handcrafts along with stallholder displays and more, there will be something at the Rally for kids and adults alike at the Old Ballan Racecourse. And of course, the famous vintage tractor pull will be on again, with an assortment of tractors competing to see which has the most grunt, pulling a huge trailer with a water barrel on it.
President of the Club, Perc Robinson, said they were proud of its collection, and the work that had gone into it. “We’ve got about 160 members, ranging in ages from our youngest, Lucas, who’s 10…to our oldest member in his 90s. We’re basically a big men’s shed, we’re very active on Wednesdays,” Mr Robinson told the Moorabool News. “Our members are very enthusiastic and proud of our collection. Thousands of hours have been put into the collection and restoration, and there are lots more buildings out the back to come.” A faithfully restored Ronaldson Tippett tractor, believed to be from 1928, will also be on display for the first time. Club members Bill Buist and George Boyes spent 12 months restoring the tractor, which hadn’t been going for a decade. If not for the old-fashioned design, you wouldn’t know it was almost a century old.
“I’ve been working with tractors all my life. The steam box was all full of water and rust, I had to dismantle it and clear it out…had to renew all the panels and tin work. Had to make a cowl for the radiator too, that was missing,” Mr Buist said. “There was water in the two rear cylinders too, we cleaned it up and got it to turn over and run. It ran rather nicely actually, I was surprised. We made it really to look nice, rather than to be movable. “It’s been in the shed for about three years, just gathering dust, we spent a lot of work on it and now it’ll be on display.” Entry is free for kids, while adults can enter for just $10, and families for $20. Hot and cold food will be available for purchase on the day. The event will be held at the Ballan Racecourse Reserve, Racecourse Road, Ballan.
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et cetera.” back sales will be invested All proceeds from ticket , with the Carnival into the Blackwood community groups a range of community providing funds for Committee, Blackwood including the Crown Reserves Senior Citizens Club. Cricket Club, and Blackwood Blackwood the with worked Moorabool Shire Council to prepare a grant application Progress Association Recovery Fund – Regional through the Regional Development Victoria. in in receiving $30,000 The group was successful music will allow an all-day grant funding which into the evening, featuring event which will continue country old time, Irish, and rockabilly, bluegrass,
a small fee. the Martin Street and at Tickets will be sold from at 11 am. the parade to kick off gate from 10 am, with free for over 16, while entry is Tickets are $10 for those 10 am events will also start from under 16s. Woodchop Title for Hard Hitters. – including the Victorian on the day or have a general If you’d like to volunteer or progress@gmail.com, enquiry, contact blackwood Alice on 0481 706 179.
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There’s excitement brewing in and around Moorabool’s live music scene. The second of The Stage is Yours (Central Highlands) events is all set to go at St Anne’s Winery in Myrniong on Sunday 10 April. The aptly named, ‘Vibes in the Vines’ will showcase a fabulous line-up of local, talented musicians, including solo artists and bands, performing across three stages. Several music workshops will also be on offer (included in the ticket price) held in amongst the barrels in the winery’s beautiful rooms. Visitors can meander their way around the different stages and workshops, listening to a wide variety of music genres: blues, folk, funk, Irish, originals and covers from the 1950’s
Dig deep and donate
“We’re struggling to get volunteers at the moment, though. on the freeway on Thursday and go until Friday afternoon, All people need to do to get involved is give me a ring … it’s when we take the money down the Melbourne,” Mr Ireland The tins will be rattling again this coming Good Friday, as simple as being out there on the roads on Good Friday, said. and fundraisers are hoping to break their record tallies once shaking the can for us.” “This year we’re not collecting on the corner of Daylesford Donations can also be given at pubs in Bacchus Marsh, Road and the freeway, we can’t get a permit to collect there. again. The Bacchus Marsh Lions Club and the Ballan Group of Foodworks, the bowls clubs, Jeff Jones Plants & Produce, and It was a good money spinner getting people coming off the freeway, but we’ll follow the law, we don’t want anyone to Brigades both raised over $30,000 for kids at the Royal the UFS pharmacies, just to name a few locations. In 2021, the Ballan Group of Fire Brigades (Ballan, Gordon, get hurt.” Lunch Only Children’s Hospital, and they’re asking Mooraboolites to dig Bookings essential 4.30PM to 7.30PM Mr Ireland said they’re hoping people will dig deep and Greendale and Mt Egerton) collectively raised $30,779.90 – a deep again in 2022. record for the group. Bookings $10 Espresso spare a few coins. David Atterbury from the Lions Club said both donations “We never knock back anyone that wants to help collect Despite some new restrictions on where they can shake tins, essential and volunteers would be gratefully accepted. co-ordinator Ian Ireland said the brigades were Martini* hopeful of either,” he said. “Considering the COVID restrictions, we were very happy breaking the record again. If you can help collect, visit the Ballan Fire Station at 9.30 am with what we raised last year [$30,338.60]. Our record is on Good or, ifWed you’d to likeSun to volunteer for the Bacchus “We’ll be doorknocking in Ballan, and Mt Egerton greatwesternhotelballan.com.au Ph 53Gordon, 682 492 OPEN 5 DAYS A Friday WEEK about $33,000, the year prior to COVID…it’d be great to beat I think. Greendale collect outside the Greendale Pub in the Marsh Lions Club’s fundraising efforts, contact David morning. We also collect out at the Mobil Service Stations Atterbury on 0439 324 494. that,” Mr Atterbury told the Moorabool News. By Lachlan Ellis
pavilion public toilets and a rooms, two umpires’ rooms, canteen. Budget, Council will go out With the approval of the months for several projects to tender in the next few works, cricket net at the site, including landscaping camp-draft fencing and a construction, park furniture,
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A day on the vineyard through to today. Artists include, Andrew Borg, Breckin, Five O’clock Charlie, Heartbeat, The Darlings Family Trust, Marty Luke & Bec Peel, Rock ‘n Co, Salty Dog, Scott McCallum, Sharyn Jury & the Mellow Men, The Old Married Couple, Trunk and Wicked Grin. The free workshops offer participants opportunity to learn more about Cigar Box Guitars (with ‘Salty Dog’, Steve Plater) Vocal Improv (with ‘Breckin’s’, Hetty McMarsh) Ukulele (with Gordon Ukestra’s, Tony Warby) and a Guitar Seminar (with ‘Hooked on Music’s’, Andrew Borg). The Vibes in the Vines event is a wonderful opportunity for local musicians to get back into the (ahem) swing of things, as well as a chance for the community to get out and visit a beautiful local venue, enjoy great food and wine and listen to some excellent music.
Tickets for Vibes in the Vines are great value for money at just $15 adults, $5 kids 5-14 (under 5s free) and all-day parking at $5 (cash only). Gates open at 11am and dogs are allowed on a leash. There will be food vans (pre-orders available for some) and of course, quality St Anne’s wine and tastings at their Cellar Door. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit Facebook at, The Stage is Yours, Central Highlands, or St Anne’s Winery Myrniong, or go to: Trybooking.com - The Stage is Yours - Vibes in the Vines. ‘The Stage is Yours, Central Highlands’ formed a Working Group, which was successful in securing a $3,000 community grant from Moorabool Shire Council to host a series of live gigs around Moorabool.
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Winter 2020
Winter 2020
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elcome to our new look Moorabool Matters, produced quarterly by Moorabool Shire Council. In this edition, read about Council’s newly adopted 2020/21 Budget, which includes more than $38-million in capital works, delivering fantastic projects for our region. The Budget includes plans for the next stage of the Moorabool Regional Sports Hub. Currently, work is nearing completion on the sports pavilion (pictured), which will include four change rooms, two umpires’ rooms, public toilets and a canteen. With the approval of the Budget, Council will go out to tender in the next few months for several projects at the site, including landscaping works, cricket net construction, park furniture, camp-draft fencing and a playground. This entire site is an extremely important project for Council, for Moorabool and for the entire region. When completed, the site will be able to be used for state, national and international competitions in several sports, including BMX and horse events. It will also be used widely at a local level for soccer, cricket, Aussie Rules football and passive recreation. With the current unprecedented times of the global COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Council Budget offers relief for residents most affected by the pandemic. You can read more about this inside, in our detailed summary of the Budget. We hope you enjoy the revamped Moorabool Matters, now delivered to you quarterly via The Moorabool News newspaper.
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In this edition, read about Council’s newly adopted 2020/21 Budget, which includes more than
capital works, delivering fantastic greatwesternhotelballan.com.au Ph 53 682 492 OPEN 5 DAYS A WEEK$38-million Wedinto Sun *Selected projects for our region. The Budget includesVarieties plans for Only
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the next stage of the Moorabool Regional Sports Hub. Currently, work is nearing completion on the sports pavilion (pictured), which will include four change rooms, two umpires’ rooms, public toilets and a canteen. With the approval of the Budget, Council will go out to tender in the next few months for several projects at the site, including landscaping works, cricket net construction, park furniture, camp-draft fencing and a playground. This entire site is an extremely important project for Council, for Moorabool and for the entire region. When completed, the site will be able to be used for state, national and international competitions in several sports, including BMX and horse events. It will also be used widely at a local level for soccer, cricket, Aussie Rules football and passive recreation. With the current unprecedented times of the global COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s Council Budget offers relief for residents most affected by the pandemic. You can read more about this inside, in our detailed summary of the Budget. We hope you enjoy the revamped Moorabool Matters, now delivered to you quarterly via The Moorabool News newspaper.
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Vol 16 No 15
“We look forward to the build of this facility, it’s welldeserved and it’s a great commitment by Moorabool Council and the State Government,” he added. Cr Sullivan said the development would build a “premier sports precinct that will benefit the whole Shire and beyond”. “The stadium being built here today will provide four new indoor courts, as part of a major new sports and recreation precinct, and will enable existing sports expand, ensuring a greater to number of residents can participate in various levels of competition,” he said. Premier Daniel Andrews was joined by local MPs Steve McGhie (Melton) and Michaela Settle (Buninyong ) to turn the first sod, alongside Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan, Deputy Mayor Cr Tonia Dudzik, and Cr Moira Berry. Representatives from future users of the stadium, the Bacchus Marsh Basketball Association (BMBA) and Bacchus Marsh Netball Association (BMNA), also joined in the celebrations.
Lions member (L-R) Russ Hendry, Alf Hawken, and Bill Richards are ready to collect donations for the RCH Good Friday Appeal. Photo – Lachlan Ellis
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playground. important project for This entire site is an extremely for the entire region. Council, for Moorabool and will be able to be used When completed, the site competitions in for state, national and internationalhorse events. It will BMX and several sports, including local level for soccer, cricket, also be used widely at a passive recreation. Aussie Rules football and times of the global With the current unprecedented year’s Council Budget offers COVID-19 pandemic, this affected by the pandemic. relief for residents most this inside, in our detailed You can read more about Budget. the summary of Moorabool Matters, We hope you enjoy the revamped The Moorabool via now delivered to you quarterly News newspaper.
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By Lachlan Ellis
Moorabool Matters, elcome to our new look Shire Council. produced quarterly by Moorabool adopted
playground. important project for This entire site is an extremely for the entire region. Council, for Moorabool and will be able to be used When completed, the site competitions in for state, national and internationalhorse events. It will BMX and several sports, including local level for soccer, cricket, also be used widely at a passive recreation. Aussie Rules football and times of the global With the current unprecedented Council Budget offers year’s this COVID-19 pandemic, affected by the pandemic. relief for residents most this inside, in our detailed You can read more about summary of the Budget. Moorabool Matters, We hope you enjoy the revamped The Moorabool via now delivered to you quarterly News newspaper.
By Jane Gardner
Come Comeand andsupport support Lunch LunchOnly Only 4.30PM 4.30PMtoto7.30PM 7.30PM $15 $15 Local LocalCommunity Community $2 $2Stubbies* Stubbies* Bookings Bookings Clubs Clubs&& $5 $5J/Daniel J/DanielCans* Cans* essential essential Charities Charities $8 $8Negroni NegroniCocktails* Cocktails* Quality Structures at Affordable Prices - Contac t John Hoffman for more Ph: (03) 5336 2227 – details - 202 Learmo FaxPh greatwesternhotel.com.au greatwesternhotel.com.au Ph 53 53682 682492 492 OPEN OPEN 55DAYS DAYSAAWEEK WEEK Wednesday Wednesday through through totoSunday Sunday Ballara (03) 5336 *Selected *SelectedVarieties VarietiesOnly Only nth Street, 2557 Email: ballarat@eurek t. agarages.com.au
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Ready to Rock n’ Roll – (L-R) Tony Warby, Ken Smith, Jim Minto, Sharyn Jury and Andrew Borg at St Anne’s Winery Myrniong. Photo – Helen Tatchell
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In a week full of funding announcements in Moorabool the headline event was , a visit from the Premier Victoria, to announce of almost $2 million for an indoor sports stadium. The Bacchus Marsh Indoor Sports Stadium is Stage One of the Moorabool Aquatic Recreation Centre (MARC) to be located at Taverner Street, with a $1.92 million injection from the State Government announced on Wednesday 13 April, complementing Council’s close to $15 million commitme nt. Premier Andrews said the State Governmen t was proud to provide not just a contribution to a project, but an investment in local youth sports. “Moorabool Shire are great partners and we would not be able to get this new stadium without that partnership . “This is almost $2 million from than that from the Council…b our government, more ut it’s not a ‘cost’, it’s profound investment a in making sure that local families have got the very best facilities,” he said. Mr McGhie said the new facilities will be fantastic, not only for basketball but for netball and every other highball competition that’s played within the Bacchus Marsh district.
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canteen. Budget, Council will go out With the approval of the months for several projects to tender in the next few works, cricket net at the site, including landscaping camp-draft fencing and a construction, park furniture,
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Tuesday 29 March, 2022
Vol 16 No 7
$4m overhaul for rese rve
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project. So, I’m absolutely delighted to see this funding announced,” she said. Cr Sullivan and Cr Tatchell both thanked the State Government for their support for the project, with Cr Sullivan stating the new facility would become “the heart of Ballan”. “Council has been advocating for a new library in Ballan for a number of years now, and it’s great with this announcement we can advance this very exciting project,” Cr Sullivan said. “For a good while, Ballan and rural parts of Moorabool have been serviced by mobile libraries, and what I would call a ‘library-ette’ in the Mechanics Institute. This part of Ballan, there’s a vibrance about it…this site will add to that and be accessible.” The site is anticipated to include not just a library, but also a maternal and child health centre, community meeting spaces and exhibition/event spaces, with a central courtyard connecting the rooms. continued page 2
The
Making his M ARC
Council’s newly In this edition, read about t. than Ballara which includes more Budget, Street, 2020/21nth Learmo delivering fantastic Moorabool Matters, elcome to our new look $38-million in capital works, n for more details - 202 plans for Shire Council. produced quarterly by Moorabool adopted our region. The Budget includes W projects for.au - Contact John Hoffma Prices agarages.com Regional Sports Hub. read about Council’s blenewly this edition, Inat Afforda the next stage of the Moorabool than Email: ballarat@eurek Budget, which includes more completion on the sports Quality Structures 2020/21 Currently, work is nearing (03) 5336 2557 delivering fantastic capital works, 2227 – Fax four change for (pictured), which will include (03)in 5336 The Budget includes plans Ph:$38-million projects for our region. Regional Sports Hub. the next stage of the Moorabool completion on the sports Currently, work is nearing will include four change pavilion (pictured), which public toilets and a rooms, two umpires’ rooms,
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Minister Leane said he was proud to help secure the funding, stressing the importance of libraries in a time when staying connected has been difficult. “The work that this Council, staff, and Councillors have done supporting your community during the pandemic has been fantastic. And the work that library staff have done in the last 20 months dealing with the pandemic has been nothing short of fantastic as well,” Mr Leane said. “We all know that libraries are so much more than what they might have been perceived to be a couple of decades ago. They are now essential, important community hubs...the contribution of library staff is always fantastic, and in these times, they’ve gone over and above.” Ms Settle added the Library and Community Hub had been a priority for Moorabool since she became the State Member for Buninyong in 2018. “After I was elected, I think one of the first meetings I had with you [Minister Leane] was around this
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blues music. for also be able to fundraise Community groups will pay previously having to free at this year’s Carnival,
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SHOVEL READY - Member for Buninyong Michaela Conroy (Ballan Bowls) Settle helps Moorabool and Bronwen Davenport Mayor Tom Sullivan turn (Ballan Cricket). Photo the first sod for the new – Helen Tatchell $4m development at the Recreation Reserve, with Mick “I’m eternally grateful that Council got The pavilion’s new behind this project and The pavilion at Ballan change rooms will supported it in a really Recreation Reserve Secretary of the Ballan include four female friendly substantial way. There will be demolished in Bowling Club, change rooms Michael was a substantial and the coming weeks, financial umpire change rooms, Conroy, said the upgrades commitment that was with just over $4 million with a new tiered would required concourse improving for the new works from Council benefit the whole community the view of the oval. to get what we needed, contributed by a range . but it’s of groups. User groups including also been about the consultatio “It’s been a long time the Ballan Football & coming, but it’s going The State Governmen n,” Ms Settle Netball t provided $3 million said. to be a great community Club, Tennis Club, Cricket under Sports & Recreation Club and function centre Kyokuchin Karate Club Victoria (SRV), “There’s a lot of people’s also use the Reserve for the wider community to utilise, needs that needed and will while Moorabool Council not benefit from the upgrades. contributed close to be addressed and just the user groups. It’s discussed, there for all Ballan to $870,000, including and I was Cr Sullivan said it has a $90,000 Community really delighted about been a journey, but and surrounding districts,” he told the amount of effort Grant. the at the end of the day “we’re Council have put in to discussing with these going to end up Moorabool News. Member for Buninyong with a very good developme , Michaela Settle, local groups what they wanted, and making “The SAG [Stakeholde nt for Ballan.” rs Advisory Group] joined Moorabool Shire sure that they got it.” This is an exciting developme Mayor Cr Tom nt …this is a have put in a lot of hard work for this Sullivan to turn the first collaborative affair,” he project.” The Ballan Recreation added. sod on Wednesday Asbestos removal is Reserve’s Committee the first step and is 16 February and said “There’s been a lot the works were the of Management raised $40,000 for of buy-in from already underway, with the Government, the project expected culmination of consultatio improvements, which Council and the community to be completed when completed will n with the user by October this year. that gives these projects include a large function groups, and cooperation a far better outcome. room, kitchen and between the State Goldwind provided Everyone has ownership bar, office space, meeting Government and Council. a further $73,400 of it, it’ll be a place Communit rooms and storage y Grant for the kitchen of pride for the people sheds for the tenant sporting of Ballan who use this while fit out, clubs. the Ballan Communit facility.” y Bank Branch provided $50,000 for the works.
thanks to the COVID After a two-year hiatus Woodchop & Easter pandemic, the Blackwood will on, and this year it Carnival is finally back y. celebrate its 120th anniversar to one Blackwood will be open April, 16 Saturday On of fun activities in store, and all, with a huge variety parade. beginning with the traditional and floats, as well costumes striking Featuring will head down to the as brass bands, the parade nd in “the prettiest sportsgrou Lerderderg River and
Photo – Helen Tatchell
(Continued - page 3)
By Lachlan Ellis
Moorabool News. ’s tourism is Blackwood “We are a holiday town, out. ever since the gold gave economy, and has been but the community as Not just the town’s economy, sa in the holiday industry…a a whole, is embedded all the caravan park, we run community we run the ground, too, the hall, the sports other facilities in town
Blackwood Easter Carnival.
A new library for Ballan has been just a dream for many years, but thanks to a major funding pledge from the State Government, the dream will become reality. Minister for Local Government, Shaun Leane, and Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, joined Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan, Deputy Mayor Cr Dudzik, and Crs Tatchell, Munari, and Berry, to announce the funding on Thursday 27 January. Under the Growing Suburbs Fund (GSF), Council will receive $3.5 million for the Ballan Library and Community Hub, with a further $1.5 million coming from the latest round of the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program. On top of this $5 million from the State Government, Council will provide $2 million for the Hub, which will be located at the former Commonwealth Bank building at 127 Inglis Street.
The
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time since 2019. quiet over the pandemic, “The town’s been incredibly it off the big event that’ll kick so this is going to be going years of lockdowns. It’s for the town after two told the a big day,” Mr Hehir to be a big one, it’ll be
for the post COVID 2022
By Lachlan Ellis
BEST by a Country Mile!
Moorabool News
Victoria”. a the day will feature Along with the woodchop, including tug-o-war, gumboot plethora of free games, the food races, not to mention throwing, and novelty will , and local produce that stalls, artisan workshops be available for all to enjoy. of the not-for-profit President is Hehir Brendan , and said it would be Blackwood Progress Association back in town for the first exciting to have the Carnival
Brendan Hehir is ready
(L-R) Mayor Tom Sullivan, Cr Paul Tatchell with Michaela Settle (Member for Buninyong) and Minister Shaun Leane who announced partnership funding of $7m, with Council and State Government, to build a library and community hub at Ballan. Photos: Helen Tatchell
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“Those were the good times, when everythin g went well…we had a huge amount point while I was President. of riders, 120 at one I was lucky, we had good Committee and we a all worked well together, and oversaw a lot of changes.” Mr Closter says he never expected accolades for his voluntary roles – he helped solely to help young people have fun. “I love the Club, I got a lot of enjoyment out of my own daughters and other children. I’ve spent a lot of time with young people – my grandsons at junior cricket and football too, that sort of thing,” he said.
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But despite his many years of service, Mr Closter says he was shocked to get a call from the Mayor, telling him he’d won the prestigiou s award. “It was a real surprise, to be quite honest. I wasn’t counting on receiving anything, but it’ll gradually sink in, I think. It’s a great honour…I’ve lived here all my life,” he told the Mooraboo l News. “I was a rider all my life, on my mother’s side they showed horses, that’s where it all started and where I learnt. I got involved with the Pony Club when I had my own daughters, and then next thing you know, I was President of the Club,” Mr Closter said.
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Photo - submitted to smile for the camera. seven of those happy more stable growth. have nine new preps with hopes Council can foster older for rural areas – but he , the average age is somewhat “In the rural areas of Moorabool there’s a number of young people areas, where at school last week, than in the residential it doesn’t surprise me kids had their first day children. So I suppose ..............112 Hundreds of Moorabool ,” Cr Sullivan primary schools coming in and having Bacchus Marsh PS .................. education journeys at trend in rural enrolments ................... 103 beginning their exciting that there is a downward Bacchus Marsh Grammar Moorabool News. across the Shire. ............................. 80 Ballan, so there’s and enrolled across 17 primary told the have Marsh Darley PS .................. Bacchus students in In total, 533 Foundation ......................... 65 “There’s residential growth year, a decrease of people to move Pentland PS .................. – down from 584 last there’s an inability for to schools in Moorabool more people coming in…but .......................... 57 there’s no opportunity St Bernard's Parish PS regional areas, because almost 9 per cent. ............................. 31 sharply in schools in more into some more . most .................. seen enrolments is PS affects Ballan that The decrease in enrolments had no Preps enrol, build new homes, so in advocating ........................ 24 : for example, Bungaree Myrniong PS .................. Council is hoping to address rural parts of Moorabool Hill had 1, compared “That’s one of the things might arrest that ........................... 15 and St Mary’s Clarkes and Bungaree, which Gordon PS .................. compared to 5 last year, for sewerage in Wallace ........................ 12 Coimadai PS .................. to 5 in 2021. Marsh-based primary trend.” for students than the ............................ 9 all but one Bacchus year will be more stable St Patrick’s PS Gordon On the other hand, Cr Sullivan hopes this enrolments increase. year at school particularly ............................... 8 school had Foundation with 112, past two years have been, with the first Lal Lal PS .................. .............. 7 School had the most enrolments .................. Primary nt. Ballan PS Marsh Bacchus 57 Foundation crucial in a child’s developme St Brigid's sorry for .. 5 St Bernard’s has welcomed important … I do feel East PS .................................... compared to 96 last year. Balliang year of school is very but first “The education, I’m not in ....................... 3 students, up from 49. enrolments in children who’ve had interrupted learning. Mt Egerton PS .................. had the second-most learning to get on with ......................... 1 Bacchus Marsh Grammar while Darley one thing I’ve observed is socialisation and St Brendan's Dunnstown at its Maddingley Campus, ............ 1 Moorabool with 103 saw its Foundation others has been disrupted,” he said. Clarkes Hill .................. Primary Mary's St Pentland process 80. ......................... 0 ge for them if this stop-start had the third-most with Bungaree PS .................. to 65. “It would be a great disadvanta enrolments rise from 63 surprised wasn’t he in education continues.” Cr Tom Sullivan said more pictures page 14 Moorabool Shire Mayor residential and rural enrolments between by the disparity in in enrolment figures “cyclic” ups and downs Moorabool, given the
St Patricks PS Gordon By Lachlan Ellis
@
Vol 16 No 5
New school faces
Tuesday 8 February, 2022
from Bacchus Marsh.
D L O S
Moorabool News The
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Newly crowned Citizen By Lachlan Ellis
He’s spent more than 40 years in volunteer roles to benefit young people, and now an 88-year-ol d Bacchus Marsh man has been justly awarded Mooraboo l’s Citizen of the Year for 2022. Local legend Bob Closter has spent about half of his life involved with the Bacchus Marsh Pony Club, including eight years as its President in the 1980s. He has also been involved with local cricket and football, serving as Vice President of the Maddingl ey Football Club when they entered the Ballarat Football League, prior to the merger with Bacchus Marsh.
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Hoops important to Specialist “This money is extremely for inclusion and provide programs as it helps us develop behind, and about no one getting left to the area. We are all outlay of our take bigger steps in the the $700 will help us to said. program in 2022,” she Wheelchair Basketball y Bank is Communit local our from “Having the support us only the community is behind amazing and knowing .” a more inclusive community opens up the path for to the said it is very important Branch Manager Ian Prince , to be able to help financially. bank, and the community creates in local organisations “To be able to invest and for groups to get established opportunity for new said. he grow,” established ones to
Branch. Photo – BM Comm
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instead its 7th birthday and A local bank has celebrated cheques to they handed out seven of receiving presents and an all-abilities basketball seven community groups, recipient. organisation was one grateful of a $700 Hoops was the recipient Specialist In November, Branch, Marsh Community Bank cheque from the Bacchus a sports wheelchair. with the money to go towards Attard, of Specialist Hoops, Emily Founder and Director in helping that the money was vital told the Moorabool News expand the group’s programs.
Marsh Community Bank
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Molenkamp from Bacchus
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(L-R) Emily Attard with
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Work on the site has already begun, with a completion scheduled for mid-2023. Stage Two of MARC will add a Regional Bowls Facility to the stadium, while the third and final stage will add an Indoor Aquatic Centre. Funding is still to be sourced for both projects. Mr Andrews said he was “not here today to make any announcements about future stages.”
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The front cover of the Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society book ‘Honour to whom Honour is due’ Bacchus Marsh & District Volunteers 1914-1918 (Authors Katrina Lyle & Katrina Bradfield)
Moorabool remembers
The Gunfire Breakfast and Traditional March were also “It’s very important to have the community back, not only for the RSL but also for all the veterans and their families, back, after the events were also cancelled in 2020 and 2021. After three years without a public Dawn Service, the to be able to get together and mix. Honouring all the fallen, The March always gets a large turnout, and with this Bacchus Marsh RSL has welcomed the community back this servicemen and servicewomen, and civilians … a lot of year’s March being the first since 2019, the community was year, to honour those who have served Australia in all wars, people forget innocent civilians were killed in the conflicts unsurprisingly out in force. and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice. too,” Mr Baxter told the Moorabool News. Hundreds took part alongside current and ex-serving The COVID-19 pandemic meant most locals were sadly “There’s a great vibe going around at the RSL, coinciding military personnel, gathering at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital unable to attend the Dawn Service in Bacchus Marsh in 2020 with the ANZAC Day Appeal, we did pretty well selling the at 9.30 before beginning the March down Grant Street, into and 2021, with 2021’s Dawn Service limited to RSL members, tokens. ‘Light Up theBookings Main to the Village Green. Dawn’ didn’t have the same significance Lunch Only essential 4.30PM to 7.30PMStreet and back their guests, and invited dignitaries only. I suppose … people were able to pay their respects, but in The service concluded with military personnel and partners family, enjoying foodBookings and refreshments in the RSL’s Dugout, But with the country emerging from the pandemic and private they weren’t able to join with their mates $10orEspresso restrictions easing, the RSL welcomed Marshians back not only to commemorate their service, but everyone else’s followed by the traditional ‘two-up’. Martini* After years ofessential in droves, to commemorate our brave servicemen and service.” limited commemorations and events, ANZAC servicewomen in the traditional way. A fire pit was lit, representing the eternal gratitude of the Day this year was a special one, as the community finally re-connected to say “Lest greatwesternhotelballan.com.au Ph 53 682and 492 5 DAYS A WEEK Wedwe toforget”. Sun served, the OPEN more than President of the Bacchus Marsh RSL, Michael Baxter, said it community towards those who was vital to have the community back as part of the ANZAC 100,000 Australians who have given their lives in defence of Services were also held in Ballan, Bungaree, Balliang and Lal Lal. our country. Day commemorations. By Lachlan Ellis
more pictures page 8
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