Moorabool News 25 October 2022

Moorabool

New club prepares to saddle up

By Lachlan Ellis

Adult horse riders in Bacchus Marsh & District will no longer have to travel out of town to take part in club activities, with the launch of a new club well underway.

The Parwan Adult Riding Club (PARC) plans to base itself at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, with lease negotiations with Council finalised earlier this month.

PARC President Dionne Smith said it was an exciting time for local riders, with the new club to fill a void for adult riders in Bacchus Marsh & District.

“There’s never been an adult riding club in Bacchus Marsh, so after a bit of discussion between friends – which is how

it all started post-COVID, wanting to reconnect with locals and ride horses – we realised there was a large void in the community that we thought we could help fill, and help people get together,” Ms Smith told the Moorabool News.

“We’re an affiliated club with the Horse Riding Club Association of Victoria (HRCAV), we have a uniform, we have some members, all we’re waiting on is a user group agreement from Moorabool Shire Council.”

Ms Smith said PARC had a range of events in mind once the initial establishment of the group is sorted.

“Once we’re up and running we’ll be holding some clinics to begin with, to sort of get people in and see what we’re all about, and hopefully rally as many members as possible. Then we’ll be looking to kick off with a combined training

day to begin with, some dressage days or pure show jumping days,” she said.

Ms Smith expressed her gratitude to PARC’s sponsors, Ray White Bacchus Marsh and the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Branch, for their support as the Club establishes itself.

“Ray White Bacchus Marsh have already been a huge support for the Club getting up and running, they’ve sponsored us quite generously. So has the Community Bank in Bacchus Marsh, they’ve been a huge support for the Club already,” she said.

“They’ve been fantastic, their support is very much appreciated by the Club.”

To express your interest in joining PARC, send an email to joinparc@hotmail.com.

Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Branch Manager Ian Prince is proud the Community Bank is helping PARC get off the ground. Photos – Submitted

A vote for “a better future”

By Lachlan Ellis

As the state election draws nearer, the Greens candidate for the local seat of Eureka has outlined the projects and policies he would pursue, should he be elected on November 26.

Twenty seven-year-old Sam McColl grew up in Ararat, where he says he found his love of volunteering with the local fire brigade, and where he “began to understand the importance of community”.

Mr McColl now lives in Ballarat, and works as the Venue Manager for the not-for-profit Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, volunteering as a first responder for St. John Ambulance and regional operations officer for the Southwest Victoria region in his spare time.

He said that what drove him to stand for election was a desire to see “more people like me in our state parliament”, and a feeling that Eureka has been neglected by the major parties.

“I’m only 27 years old, I’m a renter, I’m neurodiverse, and I’m a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I believe that with my lived experiences, I would be a great representative for the people of Eureka,” Mr McColl told the Moorabool News.

“For too long, our area has been taken for granted, and it is up to us to remind the major parties that regional and rural communities matter.”

In terms of policies to take to the election, Mr McColl said fixing the housing crisis, climate action, integrity in government, and better healthcare were major priorities for him and the Greens.

“Rents are rising four times faster than wages, and too many people are locked out of owning a home of their own. To tackle the housing crisis, we need to end the special treatment for big property developers. The Greens will end out-of-control rent rises, make big property developers pay their fair share for more affordable homes, and ban political

donations from property developers,” Mr McColl said.

“This is the critical decade for climate action. Coal and gas are the leading causes of the climate crisis; meanwhile, the Labor Government is fast-tracking gas drilling near the 12 Apostles. The Greens want to replace coal and gas with 100 per cent renewable energy by 2030, while protecting workers and creating jobs.”

Also on the agenda, Mr McColl says, are “the strongest integrity, transparency and anti-corruption standards” to hold the next government to account, electrification of the

Melton train line, $100 million for planning and early works for passenger rail from Geelong to Bendigo via Ballarat and a regional light rail, and an addition $5 billion for the healthcare system.

“I would like to remind people that your vote is powerful. This election, we can stop the major parties taking us for granted…a vote for me is a vote for a better future,” he said. For more information about Sam McColl and his campaign, visit www.greens.org.au/vic/person/sam-mccoll.

LOOK FOR THE KINDER TICK

LED BY A QUALIFIED TEACHER

The Kinder Tick recognises kinder programs that are led by a qualified teacher.

QUA TEA K recog prog a q d r

PLAY-BASED LEARNING PROGRAM

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It highlights kindergartens and long day care centres that offer play-based programs to help children learn and grow, before they start school.

P L I l o h b

FUNDED AND APPROVED BY THE VICTORIAN GOVERNMENT

FU A TH G

It a se ap Go G

It also identifies services that are approved for Victorian Government funding.

Find out more at vic.gov.au/kindertick

The Victorian Government is making it easier for families to find a three and four-year old kinder learning program they can count on.

Sam McColl is running as the Greens candidate for Eureka. Photo – Submitted

Bacchus Story to be reprinted (Bacchus Story back in print)

By Lachlan Ellis

The work of a late, great local historian will soon be reprinted and available for purchase, almost 50 years after its initial release.

Betty Osborn was a Life Member of the Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society (BMDHS), which this year is having her book ‘The Bacchus Story: A History of Captain W.H. Bacchus and his Son’ reprinted.

The book is a uniquely detailed work about Captain William Henry Bacchus, for whom Bacchus Marsh is named, with documented evidence.

BMDHS Secretary Barb McMillan said The Bacchus Story was a vital source of historical information, and had been out of print for years.

“The book is used extensively by our members, for research purposes and different projects undertaken by the Society. Visitors to our Archives have asked to purchase a copy but unfortunately, we didn’t have any copies to sell to the public as it was out of print,” Ms McMillan told the Moorabool News.

“At a committee meeting, the suggestion to look into republishing two of our publications – “A History of Bacchus Marsh and Its Pioneers 1836 - 1936” and “The Bacchus Story” – was discussed, and agreed to.

“Permission was sought and given from Betty’s children, and they were thrilled that we thought so much of Betty to honour her with the reprinting of ‘The Bacchus Story”. The family also made many donations to the Society including all of Betty’s research journals, correspondence, and notes in relation to the book. We are extremely grateful for these donations.”

Betty Osborn passed away on 10 December 2020, and the book has been republished in her memory, with the kind permission of her children Robyn, Diana, Cathy, and Philip.

Copies of The Bacchus Story can be purchased for $30 at BMDHS’ Archives at Lerderderg Library on Thursdays between 10 am – 12 pm or 1 pm – 3 pm, or from BMDHS’ online book shop at www.bmdhs.org.au/shop.

The reprint is an A4 size with a soft cover.

Bandidos arrested in Ballan

Echo Taskforce detectives have arrested a patched member of the Bandidos outlaw motorcycle club, following an incident outside a nightclub in Fitzroy earlier this month.

With the assistance of VIPER Taskforce, warrants were executed at a Weir Views residential address and a chapter clubhouse in Fitzroy at 10 am on Wednesday 12 October.

With the assistance of the Special Operations Group, a 29-year-old Weir Views man was arrested at a service station in Ballan West about 6.20 am.

He was charged with reckless conduct endangering person/serious injury, threat to inflict serious injury, assault police, hinder police, possess prohibited weapon, three counts of possess cannabis and discharge missile.

He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on 15 March 2023.

The charges follow an incident at approximately 2.30 am on Sunday 2 October. Police will allege an associate of the man attempted to stab members of staff at a licensed venue on Brunswick Street in Fitzroy.

Police allege the man became aggressive while being arrested, “attempting to provoke them into a physical altercation and threatening to bite their noses off”.

He was given a direction to move on, and as he walked away, he began throwing objects –including glass bottles – at police members.

A 28-year-old Melton South man, also a patched member, who was present at the service station that morning was found to be in possession of methylamphetamine.

He was arrested and subsequently charged with possess methylamphetamine.

He was bailed to appear at Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on 29 February, 2023.

Echo Taskforce Detective Acting Inspector Ash Ryan said the behaviour was appalling.

“This shocking behaviour will not be tolerated, and this investigation shows we will stop at nothing to put those responsible for putting others at risk before a court,” Acting Inspector Ryan said.

“The community can rest assured that groups such as this who break the law and go against community expectation will be continually held to account by Victoria Police.”

Anyone with information about outlaw motorcycle gang (OMCG) activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or submit a confidential crime report to www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Whether it’s free kinder or supporting casual workers – we’ll keep working to drive down the cost of living

Barb McMillan and the BMDHS are excited to have more copies of The Bacchus Story available for the community. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Music festival hits a high note

By Lachlan Ellis

A music festival run by Moorabool Shire Council has been voted among the best events from across the country this year, beating more than 20 other events in its category.

The Hide and Seek Music Festival, which ran from 25 June to 16 July in Blackwood, Gordon, Bacchus Marsh, and Ballan, was officially announced as the winner of the 2022 Creativity and Culture Award at the National Awards for Local Government, held on Thursday 13 October.

The free mid-winter music festival featured artists and venues across Moorabool Shire, with more than 200 artists performing at 20 venues. 27 other events were in the running for a Creativity and Culture Award, but it was the Hide and Seek Festival that finished with the most votes.

Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said the win was a great reward for the effort put in by Council’s Arts, Culture and Events Officer Bec Carey-Grieve, and everyone in Council who worked on putting the festival together.

“Congratulations to Council staff and everyone involved in making this festival a success – the musicians, the venues, the volunteers, those who attended- it was a fantastic event, and this award is very welldeserved,” Cr Sullivan said.

Ms Carey-Grieve said she was “beyond excited” to hear that the Hide and Seek Music Festival had won the award, which was a fantastic reward for the artists, volunteers,

and Council staff who had worked hard to make it happen.

“This is a great recognition of Moorabool Shire’s hugely talented creative communities and the hard work of a small group of dedicated volunteers who put their blood, sweat, and tears into pulling the festival together,” Ms Carey-Grieve told the Moorabool News.

“The Hide and Seek Music Festival presented a rare opportunity to discover Moorabool Shire’s hidden gems, exploring new music and one-of-a-kind venues from sweets stores, antiques shops to our local pubs and public halls. The festival shone a light on Moorabool Shire’s distinctive townships and local creative talent.

“We hope to continue to work in partnership with our communities, artists, and businesses to deliver many events like these in the future.”

Moorabool Shire Council was one of only two Victorian councils to win an award at the annual National Awards for Local Government.

Check if you’re on the roll

Young Victorians have been encouraged to check their enrolment status before the November state election, with many likely unaware they have been directly enrolled. Direct enrolment occurs when the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) uses information provided by other government bodies such as the Department of Transport or the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) to add people to the electoral roll.

While the VEC writes to everyone it proposes to directly enrol, research indicates that these people are often unaware they’ve been directly enrolled.

“The process is that we write to people and advise that unless they are not eligible and tell us within 21 days, we will automatically update their enrolment with the address details we have been provided,” Deputy Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming said. “At the last state election, voter turnout for directly-enrolled voters was close to 78 per cent compared to the overall voter turnout rate of 90 per cent, accounting for a significant proportion of the drop in voter turnout at the 2018 election.”

According to the data, this group of voters tend to be younger, less likely to vote, and more likely to have moved since the last election.

To alleviate the relatively low voter turnout of directly enrolled voters, the VEC will be sending VoterAlert messages to directly enrolled voters, via mobile numbers and email.

Ms Fleming recommends all young people who are eligible to vote in the upcoming election go to the VEC’s website before 8 pm on Tuesday 8 November to confirm that they are on the electoral roll and update their address details.

“If you’ve recently moved home, you may not be aware that you’ve been directly enrolled to vote. As everyone on the electoral roll must vote, I certainly don’t want a situation where a person first realises that they should have voted when they receive our ‘please explain’ letter after the election,” she said.

For further information on updating your enrolment details, visit www.vec.vic.gov.au/ enrolment/update-my-enrolment.

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Photo – Helen Tatchell

V/Line to assess signal box

By Lachlan Ellis

Despite community concern that the iconic Bacchus Marsh Signal Box will be demolished next year, V/Line has said there are no finalised plans for the structure any time soon.

Bacchus Marsh residents have expressed concerns that VicTrack will demolish the Signal Box, located at the Bacchus Marsh Railway Station, sometime in 2023.

The Signal Box has become quite dilapidated over the years, with some locals hoping it will be refurbished and opened as a historical museum, or moved if refurbishment isn’t feasible.

The Moorabool News put the community’s concerns about the new threat of demolition through to VicTrack, with questions passed on to V/Line given the Signal Box is on V/Line land.

“We are still assessing the signal box at Bacchus Marsh Station to ensure we have all available information about

the condition of the building,” a V/Line spokesperson said.

"V/Line understands the importance of the signal box which is why we will engage with the community once we have completed all of the structural assessments.”

Some structural assessments on the disused Signal Box’s condition have been completed, but further investigations are needed regarding the building’s foundations and power and water services.

V/Line plans to engage with the community and stakeholders once it has all available information about the structure’s status.

In 2017, V/Line told the Moorabool News that the Signal Box, which dates back to 1890, had been deemed unsound following an engineer report, which recommended it be removed.

V/Line also said the Signal Box was not heritage listed, but did have a council overlay across the site.

A combination of services approved

By Lachlan Ellis

A childcare centre and medical clinic will be built on the same lot in Ballan, after Council approved plans for the two facilities at a recent meeting.

The proposal to build the two facilities at 80 Steiglitz Street came before the Development Assessment Committee (DAC) on Wednesday 19 October, with one resident speaking against approval, and an urban planner speaking in favour on behalf of their client, the applicant.

James Iles was the first speaker to address Council at the DAC, raising concerns of a discrepancy between how many practitioners will be on the site, car parking availability, and the absence of a loading and unloading area in the plans.

He also said the plans for the medical centre were not part of the notice to adjoining landowners.

“The advertising notice placed on the site and sent to adjoining landowners states ‘use for development of a childcare centre’, there was no matter of a medical centre on that site. That may have some implications on other people in the community,” Mr Iles said.

“In the application itself, it clearly indicates on the plans...five practitioner rooms, but I see on the agenda item tonight there can only be three practitioners. My concern is if it’s allowing five practitioners there may be a reduction of car parking.

“As for loading and unloading, from that perspective obviously there need to be some supplies associated with childcare and medical centre. There doesn’t seem to be any designation on the plans as to where that will be located.”

Council’s Manager of Statutory Planning & Regulatory Services,

Rob Fillisch, acknowledged the lack of a mention of a medical centre in the advertising notice, and said a loading and unloading area would be “something they [the applicant] would need to provide to us at a later date”.

Stephen Coleiro from G2 Urban Planning said many changes had been made to the initial plans, as G2 and the applicant consulted with Council and nearby residents.

“Our client and the project team has committed itself to working closely with Council officers to achieve the outcome that is before the Committee this evening. The proposal has been modified significantly during the application process, in direct response to Council’s comments and recommendations,” Mr Coleiro said.

“The proposed buildings are single storey in scale, and notwithstanding the commercial zoning of the land, are designed to have a residential style, to engage with the Steiglitz Street style.

“Potential noise impacts on neighbours can be addressed with acoustic fencing...in response to concerns around car parking, the proposal includes requisite number of parking spaces in compliance with the planning scheme.”

The motion to grant a planning permit to the applicant was moved by Cr Rod Ward, and seconded by Cr Edwards, with Council then voting unanimously in favour of approval.

Crs Tonia Dudzik and Ally Munari were apologies at the meeting.

Work has begun preparing the site for a childcare centre and medical clinic.

Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Guilty plea for ‘rampage’

By Lachlan Ellis

lawyer has conceded that his client will be facing a term of imprisonment, after entering a guilty plea to a “rampage”, including crimes in Hopetoun Park, Harkness, Diggers Rest, and more.

Twenty-year-old Kalem George appeared at the County Court of Victoria on the morning of Thursday 20 October, facing a string of charges including assault with a weapon, theft, dangerous driving, and aggravated burglary.

Judge Frank Gucciardo heard that on 12 October last year, Mr George and a co-offender stole a Nissan Pulsar in Keilor Park, assaulted and robbed a man in Hopetoun Park, stole a Landcruiser in Kennington, and smashed the window of a Ford Territory in Harkness, assaulting a woman with a metal bar who told them to stop.

Then, on 9 April of this year while on bail, Mr George stole a vehicle at knifepoint, stole petrol, and drove on a highway in Bendigo without a licence. A knife, shotgun cartridge, and a small amount of cannabis were found in the car when Mr George was arrested.

These charges were all read out to Mr George by a court clerk, who asked him after each charge, “How say you Kalem George, are

you guilty, or not guilty?”

To each charge, Mr George responded, “Guilty”.

A victim impact statement from the man Mr George robbed at knifepoint was read out by Commonwealth prosecutor Mr Batten, detailing the financial impacts of his car being “damaged beyond repair”, and the loss of independence and trauma that followed.

“One day before work I found myself on the floor and was unable to do anything, it was as if my instincts wanted to protect me from the world outside … this is not something that has ever happened to me before. I sought mental health support … I fear

this may happen to me again,” Mr Batten read.

Mr George’s lawyer, Andrew Jackson, conceded that his client would be facing jail time for the offences, but emphasised Mr George’s youth, difficult upbringing, and poor mental health.

“Growing up, between the ages of 10 and 17…they call it disadvantage. He’s had little education or opportunity for employment. Essentially, the young man has come to the crossroads of life at an exceedingly early age, he’s had little go his way. He’s at real risk of being lured into the criminal way of life. It’s too early to throw him in the bin,” Mr Jackson said.

“I’m not going to say his prospects of rehabilitation are ‘good’…they’re up in the air. He could rehabilitate, but he needs the opportunity to do so, with supports in place. If the supports are in place, it’s up to him if he chooses to avail himself of them.”

Judge Gucciardo agreed, saying that there would “have to be a significant penalty imposed, but one that gives him the opportunity for redemption”.

Mr George’s case was adjourned to a date to be fixed for sentencing awaiting further information, likely to be in November.

Trash or treasure wanted

An auction of unwanted goods from the community will help fund playground redevelopment at a local primary school, with donations needed to get the auction going.

St Patrick’s Primary School Gordon plans to develop a new, ‘Village Community Playground’ in time for the 2023 school year, and the Parents & Friends Association is asking the community to chip in, with unwanted items for its ‘Trash to Treasure Auction’.

The auction will be held at The Wallace Pub from 5.30 – 11.30 pm on Saturday 26 November, with tickets priced at $40 per person including a shared entrée, main meal, and shared dessert.

Entertainment will also be provided and drinks will be served at bar prices.

This isn’t the first time the school has undertaken fundraisers to improve its playspace, with the community banding together in the past to raise funds for a cubby house, through the school production’s fundraising efforts in line with the school production, ‘What’s the Crime Mr. Wolf?’

A Round 3 Moorabool Wind Farm community grant has also been awarded to the school, allowing for an expansion to the project with extra landscaping works, the provision of extra cubby houses and a localised sandpit.

Tickets to the Trash to Treasure Auction can be purchased online at www. trybooking.com/CCWJH. Ticket sales and donations close on Monday 14 November.

Community fight for forest

By Lachlan Ellis

Over 80 Blackwood residents have attended a community meeting, discussing concerns over gold mining and logging in the area and agreeing to write to their State MP.

The Blackwood residents packed into St Martin’s Chapel on Saturday 15 October, expressing unease at nearby exploratory mining, and logging of parts of the Wombat State Forest under VicForests’

Timber Utilisation Plan.

Speakers at the community meeting included long-time forest campaigner Dave Stephens, Gayle Osborne from Wombat Forestcare, and members of local group No Wombat Gold.

The group are calling on the State Government to create a WombatLerderderg National Park, which was promised after last June’s Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) Central West Investigation Final Report, but has yet to occur.

In a media release, the group said that “Blackwood has a proud history of fighting logging and mining, and the meeting saw yet another swell of passionate locals who are willing to stand up and fight for the forest”.

“Both logging and mining have

the potential to impact the town’s revered water supply, but as the area also sits in the headwaters of the Lerderderg River, these impacts could potentially impact residents all the way to Melton,” the media release reads.

“Other potential impacts include noise pollution, traffic and road destruction from large trucks and negative impacts on tourism and local business. Clearing bushland also has potentially devastating effects on local flora, fauna and fungi including many threatened and endangered species such as the Greater Glider and the Mountain Skink.”

A unanimous vote was passed at the meeting to write to Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, requesting a moratorium on “all licenses, permits and works for all commercial log removal and mining activities in the Wombat Forest until the planned legislation is proclaimed granting National Park and Regional Park status”.

In response to the community concerns, Ms Thomas said that all forestry and mineral exploration activities were being done “under strict regulations”.

“Storm recovery work in the Wombat State Forest and elsewhere involves cleaning up windthrown

trees to reduce fuel loads and the fire risk to communities over the coming years. Importantly, the work in the Wombat State Forest and surrounding areas to restore Country is a partnership between Traditional Land Owners, the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, and VicForests,” Ms Thomas told the Moorabool News. “This is not salvage logging, it is removing fallen trees and

getting access to improve forest health and resilience, based on cultural practices and backed up by scientific research that supports active management of our forests.”

Mineral exploration is being done with low-impact methods, and new mineral exploration licences will no longer be granted in areas of the Central West where national parks are being created.

Work is currently underway to map out three national parks, and other parks, being created in Central West Victoria, in a major step towards the areas being permanently protected through Victorian legislation.

Ms Thomas said the park would be given permanent protection through legislation by a re-elected Andrews Government.

Funding pledge delivered

An election promise to the country’s struggling newspaper industry has been fulfilled by the Albanese Government, delivering a $15 million lifeline to 208 papers, including The Moorabool News.

The Regional and Local Newspaper Publishers (RLNP) forms part of the Government’s $29 million local news and community broadcasting transition package, helping print publishers absorb newsprint price increases.

Acting-Editor of the Moorabool News, Lachlan Ellis, said the funding is very timely.

“It is always appreciated receiving any sort of government funding that we apply for, and this grant will definitely help with the ongoing printing and production costs that have risen this year.”

A total of 222 applications were received across four funding streams: Stream 1 (regional publishers), Stream 2a (independent, suburban publishers), Stream

2b (multicultural publishers), and Stream 2c (First Nations publishers).

In total, 133 grants were awarded to eligible regional publishers from the $10 million available under Stream 1, and 78 eligible independent suburban, First Nations and multicultural publishers received a share of the $5 million under Stream 2. Three applicants will receive funding under both Streams 1 and 2.

Minister for Communications Michelle Rowland said local news is critical to so many communities across Australia.

“This announcement delivers on our election commitment to help newspapers adjust to significant price increases in newsprint,” she said.

Publications can use grant funding to cover printing costs during the Grant period, purchase or lease of assets and equipment, the costs of acquiring technology to assist with printing, or any other costs that directly support the printing of core news content.

Blackwood locals voted unanimously to write to their State MP, Mary-Anne Thomas.

Photo – Submitted

Photo: Lachlan Ellis

Hats off to teachers

This coming Friday (28 October) is World Teachers’ Day, and to celebrate all our wonderful teachers, the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL) has launched its annual campaign – ‘Hats off to Teachers’.

Teachers have a significant impact on the development and learning lives of children across the country, and should be celebrated and recognised every day – especially on World Teachers’ Day.

AITSL Campaign Ambassador Eddie Woo hopes to see as many Aussies as possible joining AITSL in celebrating what teachers mean to them.

“It’s simple. We want everyone to show that they value educators and schools by taking a “hats off” selfie and sharing their message of appreciation for our teachers. Our teachers have risen to face so many challenges over the past few years: floods, fires and a worldwide pandemic that have all turned our lives upside down and required us to reinvent the way we live and work,” Mr Woo said.

“All through that, they’ve continued to support and educate our children and students. As a teacher, I appreciate World Teachers’ Day because it’s encouraging to see the messages flow in from across the country – from students, their parents and carers, the community, and even other teachers.

“It reminds us of the positive impact that our work has on the lives of the children and their families, which is often unseen and unexpressed.”

AITSL has also launched a virtual photo booth with a variety of hats to use in selfies and then share on social media – making it easy for everyone to get involved.

Parents, carers, students, schools, and early childhood centres can download a World Teachers’ Day celebration toolkit from AITSL’s website.

AITSL CEO, Mark Grant said that it was the high-quality expertise of Australian teachers that helps our students succeed.

“World Teachers’ Day is important because, not only is the expertise of Australia’s teachers recognised and celebrated, but it positively highlights the status of the profession,” Mr Grant said.

“In Australia World Teachers’ Day is on Friday 28 October. In the lead-up, we invite everyone to start visiting the virtual photo booth and to start sharing their messages of appreciation. Just don’t forget to include #WTD2022, and tag @aitsl.”

To find out more and download the celebration toolkit, visit www. worldteachersday.edu.au.

Photo: MSC

Feedback sought on Moorabool gateways

Gateway signage is the first thing many people see when entering Moorabool Shire, and Council wants to hear from you on a new strategy regarding the Shire’s gateways.

The Draft Moorabool Shire Gateways Strategy is up on Council’s Have Your Say website until 31 October, aiming to address uneven distribution of signage, ageing signage and maintenance costs, outdated Shire identity, an inconsistent approach to signage replacement, and more.

Six welcome signs already exist in Moorabool complementing the character and history of the towns, namely Blackwood’s wombat sign, Ballan’s autumn leaf sign, Gordon’s eagle sign, Myrniong’s cockatoo welcome sign, Mt Egerton’s gold miner sign, and Bacchus Marsh’s welcome sign, which includes a wine glass, an apple, and two strawberries.

Concept art within the Strategy shows three types of signs proposed for use: Type A Shire Boundary signs around 1.6 metres wide and 2 metres tall for use on faster speed

environments, Type B Main Gateway signs around 3.6 metres wide and 2 metres tall for use at prominent township entries, and Type C Secondary Gateway signs, for use at secondary township entries or town centres.

A vertical, double-sided design using layered basalt and granite, referencing the geology of Moorabool Shire, is also proposed as an alternative.

Planting is also proposed near the gateways as backdrop and features, including both native and exotic trees, shrubs and groundcovers, and native grasses.

On top of signage and features complementing it, the Draft Strategy also emphasises not placing signage near vistas or heritage structures, supporting existing signage and gateway elements, and filling potholes and other ground conditions in the area that may detract from the gateways.

To view the Draft Moorabool Shire Gateways Strategy and have your say, visit haveyoursay.moorabool.vic.gov.au/ gateways.

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Renewed call for pool funding

By Lachlan Ellis

With the Federal Budget due to be handed down on Tuesday 25 October, Moorabool Shire Council is urging the Federal Government to deliver funding for an indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh.

Council has been seeking $15 million in Federal Government funding since before the Federal election in May, to match funding from Council ($15 million) and the State Government ($10 million) for the project.

“The indoor pool project is shovel-ready and has the financial support from Council and from the State Government. All that’s missing to turn it into reality is Federal funding,” Moorabool Shire Mayor, Cr Tom Sullivan said.

“This is the new Albanese Government’s first budget, and we’d be ecstatic to see our pool project in there.”

Cr Sullivan said the project was vital not just in terms of the services it would provide to the Moorabool community, but also for the Shire’s economy and local jobs.

“The project is so important for our community – the Taverner St site for the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre will generate $100 million in economic activity, and help create more than 200 direct and indirect jobs,” he said.

“Our outdoor pool, built in the 1930s, no longer meets the needs of the community. Council and the State Government have recognised that – now it’s time for the Feds to come to the party.”

Federal MP for Hawke Sam Rae, who was elected the inaugural holder of the new local seat at this year’s election, said he was a big supporter of the indoor pool project.

However, Mr Rae couldn’t promise Federal funding for the project from this year’s Budget.

“I strongly support the Bacchus Marsh pool and I’ll continue to work across all stakeholders to get it built. My local priority for our community is to kickstart the Western Highway

upgrade and ensure our $10 million commitment is delivered through this budget process,” Mr Rae told the Moorabool News.

“We’re focused on cleaning up the mess the previous government left behind, helping Australians with cost-of-living pressures, and building a better future. We will provide responsible cost-of-living relief through cheaper child care, cheaper medicines and more paid parental leave.”

To see more details on the proposed pool and Council’s other advocacy priorities for Moorabool Shire, visit moorabool.vic.gov.au/advocacy.

It’s time to help save a life

With summer less than two months away, Kidsafe Victoria has joined forces with Olympic champion Matt Welsh, urging pool and spa owners to check their pool barriers.

The call comes as Kidsafe launches its annual ‘Safe Barrier Save Lives’ campaign, with the latest figures from the Royal Life Saving Society of Australia’s (RLSSA) National Drowning Report showing that in 2021/22, 17 Australian toddlers drowned.

Swimming pools were the leading location where these incidents occurred, accounting for 35 per cent of all toddler drowning deaths.

As an Olympic swimming champion and father of six, Matt Welsh knows the benefits of growing up around water and learning to swim as a child, but he also acknowledges the risks pools and spas can pose without child safety strategies in place.

“With the summer months just around the corner, and families spending more time in and around water, it’s important to be prepared. By checking that your pool barriers and gates are in good working order, you could save a life,” Mr Welsh said.

Toddler drowning rates dropped 29 per cent compared to 2020/21, but General Manager of Kidsafe Victoria, Jason Chambers, said that drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death for Australian children under five.

“Toddlers are attracted to water; however, they don’t yet understand the dangers that

it can pose. Toddlers can drown quickly and silently – a split second is all it takes for them to gain unsupervised access to the water area and find themselves in trouble,” Mr Chambers said.

In addition to maintaining safety barriers, Mr Chambers said active adult supervision, water awareness/swim classes for kids, and knowledge of CPR/first aid for parents and carers were crucial in keeping children safe in and around water.

Though safety barriers can be effective in reducing the risk of children drowning, evidence suggests many drowning deaths involve barriers that are faulty, haven’t been maintained, or are non-compliant with Australian standards – highlighting the importance of checking safety barriers regularly.

Chris Samartzis, CEO of the Master Pool Builders Association of Australia (MPBAA), said barrier checks are an important part of a regular routine for all pool and spa owners.

“Adding a pool or spa to your home provides endless fun and healthy activity for any family. Pool barriers are constantly exposed to the extremes of weather, so it’s important to regularly check for any rust, loose or missing bolts, and general wear and tear,” he said.

For more information on the campaign and pool and spa safety, visit the Kidsafe Victoria website at www.kidsafevic.com.au

Photo – Kidsafe Victoria

The top five issues with pool and spa barriers identified by Kidsafe Victoria are:

- gates or doors that are no longer self-closing

gates or doors that are no longer self-latching

gates that are propped open for convenience allowing children unsupervised access - gaps, holes, or spaces in and under the barrier, and

climbable objects near the pool barrier such as barbeques and outdoor furniture.

Concept art of the planned indoor pool at Taverner Street. Photo – Moorabool Shire Council

Ballan Fire Brigade - Award Presentations

Kylie Day

Jake Kennedy

Irene Keating (BASO) Johnathon Day

Sam Myers

Justin Cameron

Karen Easterbrook Ken Birch

Emma Winter

Kerryn DeLuca

Olive Ireland

Chris Thom

Matthew Thorne

Samantha Searle

Phillip Winter

Pamela Searle

Lisa Van Meurs

Scott Dart

Mark Ireland

Kaine Myers

Rex Jose

Bob Nason

May Burling

Tracey Ryan

Steven Mullane

Tegan Searle

Ben Hatfield

Vicki Winter

Marcus Darley & Dale Ryan.

Ian Ireland & Paul Dehnert

Photos Chris Thom

Free programs for parents

By Lachlan Ellis

It’s currently Children’s Week, and Cafs (Child & Family Services Ballarat) is celebrating the occasion with a suite of free parenting programs.

Children’s Week runs from October 22 – 30, and the theme this year is based on the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) Article 27 – ‘All children have the right to a standard of living that supports their wellbeing and healthy development’.

Early Help aligns to the Victorian Government’s Roadmap to Reform, and is one of three key service areas for Cafs.

“In caring for the wellbeing of children, we recognise the need to support parents in understanding and responding to behaviours. That is what our Parenting Groups aim to do,” Rebecca Pilven, Cafs Team Leader Family and Disability Case Management, said.

“At Cafs we focus strongly on an early help approach. By giving families the skills necessary to build strong, meaningful relationships we can interrupt patterns of need and vulnerability in our community.”

Among the free Early Help Group Programs on offer are ‘Circle of Security’, an 8-week program designed for parents and carers of children aged 0 to 12 years who want to strengthen the bonds with their children, the 9-week ‘Understanding Your Child’ program for parents and carers with

children from 18 months to 18 years, and ‘Tuning Into Teens’, which helps parents and carers of children 12 to 18 years old talk and with and understand their child, and help them manage their emotions.

Cafs also offers five weekly parenting groups, and a schools-based program for Grade 5 and 6 children.

Ms Pilven said Cafs was working to ensure the parenting program is available to Moorabool residents.

“Depending on demand, we offer these programs in person at our Cafs Bacchus Marsh site on Grant Street or with groups of clients from across all Central Highlands online. We are also happy to deliver our school program to any primary school across Central Highlands,” she said.

Anyone with enquiries about Cafs Parenting Groups can contact Cafs on 1800 692 237.

Don’t buy in to wildlife crime

Crime Stoppers Victoria is urging the community to do their research before buying a pet, and speak up about the trade of illegal wildlife and exotic pests, through its new ‘Don’t Buy In’ campaign.

The joint campaign with the Conservation Regulator and Agriculture Victoria aims to stop people buying pets that have been illegally brought into the country or taken from the wild.

“It is illegal to buy and sell exotic animals or to acquire native wildlife through unofficial channels in Victoria,” Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith said.

“Don’t buy into the illegal wildlife trade and don't support dodgy dealers. Make sure you do your research before you buy any animal and always check the animal’s condition and the seller’s licence.”

Smuggled animals are often sold through online marketplaces and by word of mouth, with many people unsure about the animal’s history or legality.

“Native Australian animals are essential to sustaining our local ecosystems and while it’s not always illegal to own a native animal, we want to remind all Victorians to purchase them responsibly and have the right

licence,” Chief Conservation Regulator Kate Gavens said.

Animals taken from their native environments and illegally trafficked are often bound, gagged, and shipped with limited air, food, and water. This cruel treatment means many do not survive.

On top of the horrific conditions these animals endure, some also pose a threat to Victoria’s agriculture and ecosystems, including the Red-eared Slider Turtle.

This species can cause significant damage to fragile ecosystems by killing or competing with native species and spreading new diseases, which in some instances has led to the extinction of native animals.

Shingleback lizards are one of the

most heavily trafficked Australian species, selling for thousands of dollars overseas and often subjected to dreadful trafficking conditions because of demand.

Online marketplaces, such as Facebook and Gumtree, have made illegal sales of native animals and exotic pests easier, and many Victorians are caught out unintentionally buying animals smuggled into the country.

“Exotic pest animals aren’t pets. The illegal pet trade is one of the two main pathways of entry into Victoria for exotic pest animals,” Agriculture Victoria Acting Biosecurity ManagerHigh Risk Invasive Animals Miranda Green said.

“Native wildlife must be bought from a licensed breeder, not taken from the wild. Anyone caught breaking the law will face serious consequences.”

Penalties for illegally acquiring native wildlife in Victoria can result in $40,000 in fines and up to 2 years in jail. Penalties for buying and selling exotic animals can result in $210,000 in fines or up to 2 years in prison.

If something feels suspicious, or you have information relating to the trade of native wildlife and exotic pests, share what you know with Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

A guide to cutting greenhouse gas

EPA Victoria has released new tips on how farms and other businesses can minimise their greenhouse gas emissions, following a draft version put out for feedback earlier this year.

The new Guidelines for Minimising Greenhouse Gas Emissions is not compulsory to follow, but provides businesses with a guide for choosing reasonable actions to cut their emissions based on their circumstances.

EPA Victoria CEO Lee Miezis says the guide provides a sensible way for businesses to cut down on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

“Importantly, the guideline does not impose a rigid set of rules on farmers or other businesspeople. It focuses on

taking reasonable actions based on your individual situation,” Mr Miezis said.

“Big industrial operators might calculate their greenhouse gas emissions in proportion to their scale and resources, while a family farm or other smaller business might use simpler measures of success, such as reductions in their power and gas bills.

“Showing you have introduced improved methods or new technology to reduce your use of electricity, gas or diesel would be an easy way to show a cut in your GHG emissions.”

The guide fits with the General Environmental Duty (GED), a legal obligation under the environment Protection Act 2017, requiring anyone whose activities pose risks of harm to the environment or human health to understand those risks, and take reasonable steps to minimise them.

“Just like all businesses, we must act to ensure the harm from industrial emissions – including greenhouse gases – is minimised in a meaningful and sustainable way,” Mr Miezis said. You can download the new ‘Guideline for Minimising Greenhouse Gas Emissions’ from the EPA website at www.epa.vic.gov.au/about-epa/ publications/2048.

are hearing different sides from different people. It’s in your friends interest for you to be a good listener - only.

LEO—July 23-August 22

Stars & Puzzles

QUICK PUZZLE

ACROSS

1.Direct (8)

(4)

(5)

(5)

(8)

(4)

(8)

(4)

(8)

(6)

(6)

(6)

(6)

(4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

ACROSS

DOWN

(7)

(4)

(8)

(5)

(7)

(7)

(7)

(5)

(5)

ARIES—March 21-April 20

It is easy to forget names and dates right now, but on the other hand you are remembering some events and people from the very distant past. One of these people may suddenly step into the present.

TAURUS—April 21-May 22

Friendship is the theme of this upbeat week. Someone from the past could turn up. You know that he/she has changed but are not sure if it’s for the better.

GEMINI—May 23-June 21

This is a rapid fire week, as you move from project to project with speed - and success. Goals seem within easy reach at last. Financial details demand the most careful attention.

CANCER—June 22-July 22

Your current role is that of confidante, but it seems you are hearing different sides from different people. It’s in your friends interest for you to be a good listener - only.

LEO—July 23-August 22

(8)

(4)

Friends and family may seem a little possessive and social plans may need rearrangement. Exercise is important. If a friend asks you to consider a new sport, look at the advantages.

VIRGO—August 23-September 22

(5)

There’s a fine opportunity for alert Virgos to make a career advancement. Confide more in relatives - your oldest and wisest ones. Your sense of humour can be too subtle for loved ones.

LIBRA—September 23-October 22

1. What to wear to ensure you’ll win the tug-of-war? (8).

6. Yorkshire water music, by the sound of it (4). 8. School that gives a return for your money (4). 9. Result of a panic in the stock market! (8). 10. Aim the gun at the row of wagons (5). 11. Jet home! (6). 13. Come down flaming (6). 15. And lie at random when caught (6). 17. A greyhound? (6). 19. Hit five fours at a cricket match? (5). 22. Greenery that wouldn’t fool a limpet! (8). 23. A sentence - such as. “The bar is now about to close”! (4). 24. The oculist’s girl? (4). 25. Showing up at the former sitting (8).

DOWN

2. Put money into circulation, say (5). 3. Catching and taking the fish round (7). 4. In parts, the devastation has been very great indeed (4). 5. Getting as far as making everyone call round (8). 6. It gets all of a flutter while approaching the fold (5). 7. Looking angry, bind about bureaucracy (3,4). 12. The beginning of the Stone Age, possibly (5,3). 14. We wear it, but it came from animals (7). 16. “Urges”, in quotes (7). 18. Are rubbishmen depressed when in them? (5). 20. Keep battering, senor! (5). 21. Bound to miss (4).

SOLUTIONS - CROSSWORD NO. 9269

14,Leather.16,In-cites.18,Dumps.20,Ram-on.21, Skip).

QUICK SOLUTIONS

Friends and family may seem a little possessive and social plans may need rearrangement. Exercise is important. If a friend asks you to consider a new sport, look at the advantages.

VIRGO—August 23-September 22

There’s a fine opportunity for alert Virgos to make a career advancement. Confide more in relatives - your oldest and wisest ones. Your sense of humour can be too subtle for loved ones.

LIBRA—September 23-October 22

New money making opportunites could open up and it’s possible that you can take on a sideline of sorts. For singles, it’s a marvellous time for meeting serious prospects.

SCORPIO—October 23-November 21

A conflict with someone who is a lot like you can make for a difficult weekend. Romantic uncertainties vanish and you get the affection you have been seeking. Sports are favoured on the weekend.

SAGITTARIUS—November 22-December 22

This is a great week for proceeding with creative enterprises - but professional tasks require a much more serious and more positive approach. Be sure that you allocate jobs to the right people.

CAPRICORN—December 23-January 20

Accept very little at face value. A casual remark may have a hidden meaning. A bargain too good to be true is just that. The wokplace is on the upswing, now that moody people have cheered up.

AQUARIUS—January 21-February 19

Mingling with a new group of people can make for a stimulating week. There may be financial strain on the weekend - perhaps an unexpected repair bill can lead to a major monetary decision.

PISCES—February 20-March 20

You could find yourself doing a lot of explaining. It seems that everyone wants to know the whys and wherefores of your actions. Pets are in the picture - perhaps you will be petsitting.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You have a great love for children, home-life, humanity and sometimes you are too sensitive and too worried about security. This is a great time for entering completely new ventures.

SUDOKU

New money making opportunites could open up and it’s possible that you can take on a sideline of sorts. For singles, it’s a marvellous time for meeting serious prospects.

SCORPIO—October 23-November 21

NUMBER GAME

A conflict with someone who is a lot like you can make for a difficult weekend. Romantic uncertainties vanish and you get the affection you have been seeking. Sports are favoured on the weekend.

ANSWER BELOW

SAGITTARIUS—November 22-December 22

This is a great week for proceeding with creative enterprises - but professional tasks require a much more serious and more positive approach. Be sure that you allocate jobs to the right people.

CAPRICORN—December 23-January 20

Accept very little at face value. A casual remark may have a hidden meaning. A bargain too good to be true is just that. The wokplace is on the upswing, now that moody people have cheered up.

AQUARIUS—January 21-February 19

Down-2,Utter.3,L-and-ing.4,(de)Vast(ation).5,Reach-ing.6,As-pen.7,Red-tape.12,Stageone(anag.).

Time.24,Iris.25,Ex-posing.

Across - 1, Back. 7, Pantomime. 8, Rare. 9, Beak. 10, Writ. 11, Halt. 14, Histrionic. 16, Hindustani. 19, Tosh 22, Ruff. 24, Lead. 25, Lion. 26, Stationed. 27, Very. Down - 1, Birch. 2, Carol. 3, Caress. 4, Stoker. 5, Smew.

Mingling with a new group of people can make for a stimulating week. There may be financial strain on the weekend - perhaps an unexpected repair bill can lead to a major monetary decision.

PISCES—February 20-March 20

6, Ambitious. 12, Antiquity. 13, Thud. 15, Omit. 17, Salmon. 18, Amazed. 20, Olive. 21, Handy. 23, Fate.

Across-1,Pull-over.6,Aire(air).8,Eton(rev.).9, Stampede.10,Train.11,Hangar.13,Alight).15,Nailed (anag.).17,Lap-dog.19,Score.22,Sham-rock.23,

CRYPTICSOLUTIONS

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS

You could find yourself doing a lot of explaining. It seems that everyone wants to know the whys and wherefores of your actions. Pets are in the picture - perhaps you will be petsitting.

18,Party.20,Sales.21,Weds.

Budge.7,Sorcery.12,Ascribed.14,Correct.16,Rooster.

Down-2,Trade.3,Apparel.4,Gust.5,Traverse.6,

19,Boast.22,Terrible.23,Tale.24,Stay.25,Distress.

Across - 1, Cub-a. 7, Henrietta (anag.). 8, Rock. 9, Stun (rev.). 10, Lo-n-g. 11, (chal)Et-na(turally). 14, Carp-enters. 16, Some-bodies. 19, Sp(ray)ed. 22, S-to-w. 24, Nips (rev.). 25, S-cat. 26, Repeaters. 27, Ends.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

Across-1,Straight.6,Base.8,Lamp.9,Standard.10, Heart.11,Eleven.13,Scolds.15,Strays.17,Proper.

QUICKSOLUTIONS

Down - 1, Car-V-e. 2, Bacon. 3, Better. 4, Orange (anag.). 5, Well. 6, At any rate. 12, Throttled. 13, A-C-re. 15, Tess (rev.). 17, Or-nat-e. 18, Imp-o-rt. 20, Pe-ca-n. 21, Dates. 23, Wee-d.

clueintheformofastripofleather

You have a great love for children, home-life, humanity and sometimes you are too sensitive and too worried about security. This is a great time for entering completely new ventures.

Classifieds/Sport

Ballan Brumbies Basketball

Coming off the bye, the U/12 Boys E took to the court against Drummo Dragons on Saturday looking to pick up their first win of the young season.

Coach Max Farrell was looking for an offensive spark as Ballan got off the mark quickly through a Michael Edwards basket.

The Brumbies were creating good opportunities, though were unfortunately unable to capitalise. Luckily their defense was a strong as ever, the Brumbies limiting Drummo to longer, heavily contested shots.

Lachie Grech, playing his first ever game of basketball, was a menace on defense where his speed and equally fast hands gave the Dragons ball handlers fits. At the other end of the floor Grech finally put another score on the board for Ballan with a baseline jumpshot.

Whilst their offense was sputtering, only scoring four points for the half, Ballan were able to hold Drummo scoreless to the breaka sterling effort.

Toby Rewuk canned a long jumper to open the second half as Ballan looked to press home their advantage, though things didn’t quite go to plan for the boys in white.

Connor Bryne finally broke the duck for Drummo after 25 scoreless minutes before Sam Hillis completely broke the game open, scoring seven points in about as many minutes, only punctuated by another Rewuk basket. Hillis’s offensive flourish stunned the Brumbies and gave Drummo a 9-8 lead with only four minutes to play.

Both teams stepped up their defensive intensity, though again Ballan were able to create the better chances. Eddie Tranter was getting to the rim with ease though wasn’t able to finish his slaloming drives; Hugh Blair and Tommy Sims creating second chances through strong work on the boards, though again they were unable to convert.

With under a minute to play, Rewuk launched a long jumpshot that clanged off the rim. Drummo secured the rebound, though Rewuk’s attentive defense created a loose pass that Tranter picked off. He drove to the basket, missing his shot. Sims, though,

was in the right place at the right time to snare the rebound and score, putting Ballan up 10-9 with only seconds to play.

With one last defensive stand required, Grech and Rewuk stepped up again, doubling teaming Hillis and causing him to cough up the ball, Grech running out the clock for a tight, dramatic win for the Brumbies.

**Ballan Brumbies have places available for junior boys and girls as well as senior places available. For information please contact us through the ‘How To Join’ section at www. ballanbrumbies.com.au

RESULTS

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 6 lost Drummo Dragons 40 Ballan C 22 def Drummo Dragons 8

Under 12 Boys

Ballan E 10 def Drummo Dragons 9 Ballan C 36 def Celtic Tigers 22

Under 12 Girls

Ballan 12 def Phoenix Pearls 9

Under 14 Boys

Ballan F 12 lost Saints Taipans 14 Ballan D 29 lost Saints Lakers 36 Ballan C 46 def Celtic Tigers 10

Under 14 Girls

Balan D 12 def Sovereign Knights 3 Ballan C 71 def Celtic Tigers 5

Under 16 Boys

Ballan F White 12 lost Sovereign Knights 26 Ballan F Blue 2 lost Wildcats 32

Ballan D 30 def Drummo Dragons 15

Ballan C 61 def Drummo Dragons 18

Under 19 Boys

Ballan F 17 lost Phoenix Raiders 36 Ballan D 68 def Saints Rollers 29 Ballan C 44 def Drummo Dragons 16

Under 19 Girls

Ballan 20 lost Drummo Dragons 30

Six wins in one night at HQ

By Tim O'Connor (HRV)

Petracca picked up the biggest payday of his short but successful career at Tabcorp Park Melton on Friday night when he cruised to victory in the Logical Staffing Solutions Tatlow Stakes for the two-year-old colts and geldings.

The Emma Stewart-trained juvenile eventually found the lead from barrier four and controlled the $50,000 feature before rocketing home with an explosive 26.0sec final quarter to beat stablemate Rock Artist (Mark Pitt) by just under 3m.

It was another brilliant performance by the Danny Zavitsanos-owned pacer, who hadn’t been seen at the races since his fourth placing in the Group 1 Nutrien Equine Alabar Farms 2YO Colts and Geldings Final behind First Responder in late August.

Driver Nathan Jack said his charge was a little lazy in the run, but was pleased with how he zipped home in the concluding stages.

“It’s probably going to be an ordinary form race to say what went good and what went bad because of just the way it was run. It was a walk and dash so it’s easy to get mixed up with things,” he said.

“But the best part about Petracca is he can run those sectionals at the end of running solid.” Petracca has now won five of seven career starts, and Jack felt the likely path forward for the horse would be tilts at the Breeders Crown and Vicbred Super Series before the end of the year.

Later in the evening, Tempting Tigress helped secure Stewart an amazing sixth winner on the card when she took out the Logical Staffing Solutions Tatlow Stakes for the two-year-old fillies.

The daughter of Bettors Delight broke in the early stages of the race, but quickly got back down to sit midfield off the hot tempo.

Driver Mark Pitt peeled three wide heading into the back straight the final time and Tempting Tigress hit the front approaching the turn. She raced clear and held her rivals at bay to win by more than 6m over stablemate Perfect In Pink (Kate Gath), with Soho Seraphine (Michael Stanley/Anthony Butt) rattling home for third.

“She sort of half went like she was all out. And then when I pulled the plugs and she got down to the fence, she really knuckled in which was really good because there was a strong tempo and it was the first time over the long trip,” Pitt said.

“I was super impressed with her.”

The result keeps Tempting Tigress’ unbeaten record in tact, with the filly having won at her only other start back on October 3 at Kilmore.

Stewart’s massive night at the office included victories with Our Little Jet, Narutac Prince, Ladies In Red and Hes Ideal.

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Petracca winning at Tabcorp Park.

Photo Stuart McCormick

Danny's dream comes true

By Tim O'Connor (HRV)

Mach Dan made owner Danny Zavitsanos’ dream of a Geelong Pacing Cup success come true with a dominant display in last Saturday night’s feature at Beckley Park.

Zavitsanos, from Geelong, was on track to witness the Emma Stewart-trained pacer survive a mid-race attack and lead all the way from barrier one in the Group 2 event.

Jack Laugher on Torrid Saint had a crack for the front down the back straight the first time, and while Mach Dan had to kick up to hold his place in control, he still had more than enough in the tank when the sprint went on late in the race.

He broke clear approaching the turn and never looked like being run down despite the best efforts of Max Delight (David Aiken/Chris Alford), who flashed home hard to grab second ahead of Interest Free (Julie Douglas/Daryl Douglas).

Driver Mark Pitt said Mach Dan was among the best horses he’d driven throughout his career in the sulky.

“He sits up pretty high,” Pitt said.

“I really like this little horse. I've only driven him a few times - I've actually driven him twice in the Vic Cup and this is the third time tonight.

“I think he's the perfect little racehorse. Anyone would like to have this horse. He relaxes in whatever he does.”

Mach Dan’s Geelong Pacing Cup triumph sits nicely next to his Horsham and Mildura country features from last year and secures him a golden ticket into the Inter Dominion Pacing Championship heats in November and December.

Saturday night’s win came at just the five-year-old’s second start this preparation, and after returning from a stint racing in New Zealand through April and May.

Pitt and Stewart combined for four winners on Saturday night's card, with Wheres The Gold, Polly Put Kettleon and Coco Mia also prevailing.

Harness Highlights

By Tim O’Connor (HRV)

Earlier in the night at Geelong, One Over All produced a devastating staying performance from the breeze to win the Haras Des Trotteurs McNamara Memorial Trotters Cup.

The Jess Tubbs-trained (Myrniong) squaregaiter sat parked throughout the Group 3 clash and drew clear in the home straight to beat early leader Cuchulainn (Chris Svanosio) by just over three metres.

The mile rate of 2:01.4min was a new 2570m standing start record at Beckley Park, and Sugars was understandably thrilled with the effort.

“He’d put the writing on the wall that he’d come back pretty good obviously last week (when third in the Maryborough Trotters Cup), but even I had concerns once I got left in the open right from the word go with the leader running along like that,” Sugars said.

“But he’s a wonderfully talented horse when his mind is on the job, so it was great to see him get the job done the way he did tonight.”

One Over All, who only arrived in Australia from New Zealand in October last year, has now won 10 races from 34 career starts.

Bacchus Marsh vs Darley womens cricket

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics

The early morning clears skies allowed for the Centre Combined Event to get underway on Saturday morning.

Unfortunately, an hour into the program the weather turned and came up from the south bringing heavy downpours, forcing the program to come to an abrupt holt.

The Committee have decided to give athletes the opportunity to complete the Combined Event without impact on the season calendar and conduct a twilight meet this Thursday 27th October commencing at 5.45pm. This will replace the Centre’s regular training session.

Any athletes who were absent on Saturday are welcome to participate on Thursday evening but must have completed all 5 events to be eligible for Combined Event awards.

Combined Event awards will be presented the following week, Saturday 5th November prior to competition commencing.

This Saturday morning will see the continuation of the season’s calendar with program being conducted. Eagles Club will be on set-up duty from 7.30am.

Mach Dan won the Geelong Pacing Cup (Group 2). Photo Stuart McCormick

One Over All winning at Geelong.

Photo Stuart McCormick

A close finish in the Girls Under 8 70m sprint. Photo - BMLAC

Photos - Tim Saultry / sportingherald.com.au