Moorabool News 15 November 2022

DINING PACK AGES

End of an era

By Lachlan Ellis

A local business will be without a familiar face for the first time in 34 years, with the owner making the decision to sell.

The Ballan Newsagency is currently owned by Ian and Olive Ireland, and has been since 1988, but a handover of the business is planned for 28 November this year.

Mr Ireland said it had been an honour to be a part of the Ballan community for over three decades.

“I think it’s time that we start enjoying life as we get older, our family’s grown up, the commitments are less. It’s a bit sad, we’ve made a lot of friends in the business,” Mr Ireland said.

“It’s been a pleasure serving the Ballan community. The people we’ve met over the years have been tremendous. We’ve seen the town grow, we’ve met new people coming to town from all walks of life to live here, and we’ve seen people move on. We’ve seen families start, and children grow up, get married and start their own families. It’s been great to participate in the Ballan community.”

The building will remain a newsagency, and Mr Ireland believes current staff will remain in their roles if they wish to.

“Our last trading day [Ollie and I] will probably be the Saturday morning [26 November], we’re hopefully going to have all our family members here, because they’ve all been a part of it. We’ll be able to chat with people who come in, but other than that, we don’t have anything extra planned at this stage.

“As for what’s next, Ollie and I will probably sit back, and enjoy Christmas. In the New Year we’ll hopefully go on a couple of little holidays in Australia, places we haven’t been that we want to go to, and just enjoy our little property. And we’ll start to get a few things done at home that we haven’t gotten done, because we’ve been working.”

Selling the business will be bittersweet for Ian Ireland, who has owned the Newsagency for 34 years.

The Ballan Newsagency was originally located next to the Ballan Hardware store, where Seek Accounting is currently situated, but purchased its current location from the closing Westpac Bank in 1996.

Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Road maintenance is being ramped up by Moorabool Shire Council this month, following rain and flooding which is estimated to cost up to $1 billion to fix across the state.

An increased work crew will be out and about fixing potholes and other road damage, after Council voted to increase its road maintenance budget by up to $600,000 at its 2 November Ordinary Meeting of Council.

Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said the motion moved by Cr Tatchell during Urgent Business, which was approved unanimously, was a good decision for the community, allowing more work to be done sooner.

“There is a lot of work to be done on our roads, we understand that,” Cr Sullivan said.

“Recent storms and rain have created many problems. We’re being very proactive in making plans to have the roads fixed up as quickly and effectively as possible.”

Some road repairs will be able to be claimed under the State Government’s Disaster Recovery Fund, and the recently announced Council Flood Support Fund.

However, those funds won’t cover all repairs needed on Moorabool’s extensive road network.

“This extra $600,000 on top of what we have already set aside to maintain and fix our Council-owned roads in the Budget, will result in obvious improvements to roads across our entire Shire,” Cr Sullivan said.

To keep the community in the loop, Council will provide regular updates on the road blitz via its website (moorabool. vic.gov.au), social media accounts, and print advertising.

Grant delivers for Chamber

By Lachlan Ellis

A $20,000 grant has been provided to the Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce, which its President says is a vital investment in the future of Ballan’s businesses.

The $20,000 was provided under Round 3 of Business Victoria’s ‘Business Chambers & Trader Groups Program’, and will go towards implementing the first year of the Chamber’s 5 Year Strategic Plan.

President of the Chamber Dr Michael Ryan, thanked Business Victoria for the funding, and said without such grants, the Chamber simply “wouldn’t be able to do anything of consequence”.

“This money will help us to implement the first year of our Strategic Plan we’ve set up for the township of Ballan and surrounds. We also got a grant from the Ballan Community Bank Investment Fund to prepare this five-year Plan – this $20,000 will help us engage a facilitator to engage in the first year of that Plan,” Dr Ryan told the Moorabool News.

“There are five steps to the plan, five key directions: membership drive, events and promotions, setting up efficient digital marketing, streetscape, and tourism. We’ll work with the Shire on this, because we want to do something with the street and obviously we have no jurisdiction over that. For example, we might be saying to Council that we think we need more seating in the main street, could you put four more benches out.”

The Chamber also received a grant from the Business Chambers and Trader Groups Program in Round One, allowing it to update its website.

“The philosophy of the grant is to make sure smaller communities like Ballan. and others around it, aren’t forgotten in the grand scheme of things, and all the money doesn’t go to the cities. I personally think it’s a fantastic program,” Dr Ryan said.

To view the Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce’s 5 Year Strategic Plan, visit ballanchamberofcommerce.com.au/initiatives.

The Lerderderg River flooded the North Blackwood Road Bridge last month after heavy rain.

Photo – Moorabool Shire Council

(L-R): Amanda Embling, Cr Paul Tatchell, Antony Galea, Dr Michael Ryan, Sarah Maguire, and Darren Rix presented the 5 Year Strategic Plan at Inglis St, Ballan in June. Photo – Submitted

‘Save Wombie’ – residents protest

By Lachlan Ellis

Almost 100 Blackwood locals have met at the town’s entry sign to protest draft plans for new signage, urging Council to keep the current sign.

Ninety-five residents (and eight dogs) met at the Welcome to Blackwood sign, affectionately known as ‘Wombie’, on Sunday 6 November, to protest the ‘Draft Moorabool Shire Gateways Strategy’.

Blackwood local Sue Donnelly organised the meetings and said Wombie had become an integral part of the community that should be retained.

Within the Blackwood portion of the document is the wording “Retain sign until decision to remove is agreed.

When removed, there is no need to replace with any new sign as sign 4 serves the same purpose”, sign 4 being a grey ‘Type B’ sign.

Ms Donnelly, and many within the Blackwood community, believe the new design wouldn’t represent Blackwood in the way Wombie does.

“I don’t quite understand why they would want to remove the entrance signs. Certainly, Blackwood’s wombat is valued by young and old. We had lots of people attend with about three days’ notice, from babies in prams to 90+ year olds. People went to great effort to get there, and we had 30 or 40 messages of support from people who couldn’t be there,” Ms Donnelly told the Moorabool News.

“Wombie is sort of synonymous with Blackwood…a lot of community organisations and some businesses use a wombat as their symbol. It was a big rush getting the event organised, but I was pleased with the response. Wombie is a real personality in town, he’s been dressed for the Bushdance, and had a mask on for COVID, at Christmas he wears as Santa hat…so he’s really been adopted by the town.”

Ms Donnelly also argued that signs such as Greendale’s kangaroo sign, Gordon’s wedge-tailed eagle sign, and Bacchus Marsh’s wine and strawberry sign were unique and symbolised their towns, and shouldn’t be replaced.

The Draft Moorabool Shire Gateways Strategy closed for feedback on 31 October, but you can still view it at moorabool. engagementhub.com.au/gateways.

95 locals attended Sunday’s protest, calling on Council not to replace ‘Wombie’. Photos supplied

Blackwood residents dress ‘Wombie’ up for special occasions, including a Santa hat and beard for Christmas.

We will remember them

By Lachlan Ellis

Just like the guns on the Western Front on November 11, 1918, Moorabool fell silent at 11 am last Friday, as hundreds of residents honoured those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

Bacchus Marsh’s ceremony was broadcast live by Apple 98.5 FM’s van right next to the stage at the Village Green, with songs pla ying before the ceremony began.

An introduction by Bacchus Marsh RSL Secretary Carl Wright, and a Welcome to Country by Dean Petrov, was

followed by the RSL’s first rendition of ‘God Save the King’ in quite some time.

‘The Ode’ followed a blessing and the Lord’s Prayer guided by Pastor Scott James, then bugler John Mansfield played the Last Post, with the crowd of over a hundred marking a minute’s silence as the clock struck 11am.

After ‘The Rouse’ from the bugle and the national anthem, Mr Wright read out a poem, ‘In Flanders Fields’, before the ceremony concluded with the laying of wreaths. A long list of local schools, dignitaries, service people,

and organisations paid their respects to the fallen by laying wreaths, including but certainly not limited to, Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Pentland PS, Bacchus Marsh PS, St Bernard’s Parish PS, Darley PS, Deputy Mayor Cr Tonia Dudzik, Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle, Bacchus Marsh Police, Rotary, and the CWA.

While Remembrance Day was originally created to honour those who died in the First World War, including more than 60,000 Australians, today it also honours the heroes who gave their lives in all wars and armed conflicts.

Get pruning for free drop-off

Council is accepting green waste for free at its transfer stations this month, as the bushfire season approaches.

Garden organics will be accepted free of charge at Council’s transfer stations at Osborne Street in Bacchus Marsh, Monteville Lane in Ballan, and Ballan-Egerton Road in Mount Egerton, to help clear green waste as the weather heats up.

There is no restriction on the volume of green waste that can be dropped off, as long as it’s received in a residential vehicle or trailer.

Residents will be required to show proof of residency,

such as a driver’s licence or utility bill.

What won’t be accepted are tree stumps, branches over 200mm in diameter, green waste mixed with household garbage, building materials, recyclables or any other contaminant, and commercial customers. The free green waste drop-off was introduced in response to over 700 community responses to Moorabool’s Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030.

For any enquiries, contact Council on 03 5366 7100, or visit www.moorabool.vic.gov.au.

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Drink driving an ‘error of judgement’

By Lachlan Ellis

A Darley man has entered a guilty plea to drink driving, blowing over twice the legal limit earlier this year.

Jarryd Bramley appeared in-person at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on Friday 4 November, expressing remorse at his decision to get behind the wheel after a few drinks.

“It was 12.32 am on the 10th of April 2022, the accused was seen by police driving grey Holden Cruze east on Cromarty Circuit in Darley. He was intercepted and requested to undergo a preliminary breath test, which showed he had alcohol in his system. The final result was .130 grams of alcohol. He was served an immediate notice of suspension before he left the police station,” Police Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Clare Kane said.

“In respect of his alcohol consumption, he’d been drinking vodka spritzers, and he’d had about six in total. When he was asked ‘when you drove the vehicle, did you think you may be over the limit’, he said ‘I did, yeah’.” Mr Bramley’s lawyer said the decision to drive after drinking was “out of character”

for her client, as evidenced in references provided to the court.

“He had been at a friend’s house and had six drinks…the location was close to his home, and effectively it was a gross error. This is particularly out of character for him, it was merely that error in judgement on that particular day,” Mr Bramley’s lawyer said.

“He’s relied on his family and friends to drive him to work, he’s been off the road since April this year. He’s genuinely remorseful for this error in judgement, he accepts his responsibility, pleading guilty at the earliest possible opportunity. Your Honour, we would seek that the licence loss be kept to the minimum of 13-months, and submit that a financial penalty would be within range.”

Magistrate Letizia Torres agreed, accepting that Mr Bramley had made an error in judgement but had no recent relevant priors.

“It will be without conviction, a fine of $400. I will also cancel your licence and disqualify you from driving effective for a period of 13 months, as of the 10th of April 2022. And just remember that before you can drive again, it’s not just the period of time, you’ve got to talk to VicRoads about courses and all the things you’ll have to do beforehand,” Magistrate Torres concluded.

Merry campaign takes off

A new Christmas-themed Australia Post advertisement has hit the small screen this month, with a couple of locations familiar to Moorabool featured.

Australia Post’s annual ‘Spread the Merry’ campaign launched on 6 November, with a video created by The Monkeys showing an inflatable Santa blowing away from home across Australia.

On his journey, the inflatable Santa passes the Ballan Bowling Club, where the Club’s Secretary, Michael Conroy, is playing bowls in a Santa-themed outfit.

Later, it is deflated by a collision with a wind turbine, and ends up on the ground in front of the Ballan Post Office, before being delivered back to its owner by Australia Post.

Australia Post Chief Marketing Officer, Amber Collins, said the campaign is all about creating a sense of joy, and demonstrates that no matter where you are, the Australia Post team and network can help reconnect you with your loved ones this Christmas.

“We could all use an added dose of merry, and our new Spread the Merry campaign perfectly brings together a feeling of fun, wonder and surprise. All of us at Australia Post are proud to be responsible for

delivering parcels and cards full of joy right across Australia this festive season,” Ms Collins said.

The ad began airing on television on 6 November, and the campaign will also be supported by radio and out-of-home advertising, including a 3D billboard in

Melbourne’s CBD going up on 21 November.

The campaign also includes an audio described version of the commercial for the visually impaired, and an Auslan version for the hearing impaired.

“This is the fourth Spread the Merry campaign we’ve made in collaboration with

Australia Post, and we’re really proud of how it’s come together,” The Monkeys Chief Creative Officer, Ant Keogh, said.

To view the Spread the Merry television ad, keep your eyes peeled while watching TV, or head to www.youtube.com

The inflatable Santa flies over the Ballan Bowling Club during his journey, as Michael Conroy lines up his bowl.

The front of the Ballan Post Office towards the end of the ad. Photos AusPost

Podcast on national stage

By Lachlan Ellis

Thousands of podcasts are published in Australia, and one podcast recorded here in Moorabool has been judged as one of the best.

‘OK Smart-ass’ is a podcast created by Ballan’s Patrick Bonello and Tor Roxburgh, and has this year been named one of six finalists in the Best Entertainment category of the Australian Podcast Awards.

The podcast covers developments in technology that affect us, such as solar powered cars and voice digitization, and the first episode was published back in March 2021.

Mr Bonello said it was an honour to have his and Ms Roxburgh’s podcast up there with some of the best in Australia.

“It’s really exciting for us. We started doing the podcast as a bit of a passion project, we both have a real interest in technology and the implications for us, and so to see that our podcast is up there with some really high-ranking podcasts is a blast,” Mr Bonello told the Moorabool News

“It’s on the national stage … to have our podcast recognised is a really big accolade, it’s something we’re really proud of. We love what we do, and we love the podcast. I suppose it’s very humbling, because I know how many people are out

there doing podcasts. Even here in the Shire, there a lot of really good podcasts that some really good people are working on.”

The winners will be announced on Monday 21 November at a live ceremony in Sydney, hosted by Mitch Churi.

While the Best Entertainment Podcast isn’t up for public vote, you can show your support by voting for OK Smart-ass to win the Listener’s Choice Award at australianpodcastawards. com/vote.

Voting closes Tuesday 15 November, so get your vote in quick.

Patrick and Tor have their fingers crossed for 21 November’s Australian Podcast Awards ceremony. Photo – Submitted

Bowled over by promises

By Lachlan Ellis

Both major party candidates have committed to providing millions in funding for a local sport complex, should their parties win the seat of Eureka at the state election.

Paul Tatchell and Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle are running for the Liberal and Labor Parties respectively, with Mr Tatchell, also a local Moorabool councillor, visiting the Avenue Bowling Club in Bacchus Marsh last Friday.

Mr Tatchell said that should he win the seat of Eureka and a Matt Guy Government be formed on November 26, the Basketball and Bowls Club complex would receive $3 million.

“If elected, the Liberal Nationals will put $3 million into the $12 million project to move the bowling precinct into one area in Taverner Street. Last night we drew the Labor Party into it as well and said that they have to match it – being a Councillor, I’m always concerned when it’s contingent on being elected,” he said.

“If she doesn’t, we’ll hold her to it, whether that be in Council, or however we can do it. Ultimately this is a great project, we’ve been working for a number of years to get Taverner Street livened up with a sports precinct.”

The next day, Ms Settle visited the Bowling Club and officially matched Mr Tatchell’s Liberal pledge, meaning the promise remains no matter which party wins government.

“A re-elected Andrews Labor Government will deliver a much-needed community centre for Bacchus Marsh,” Ms Settle said.

“We’ll invest $2.9 million towards a new modern purposebuilt community facility in the heart of a major new sports and recreation precinct.”

Whilst the Labor promise is $100,000 less than what the Libs have promised, Ms Settle said “locals will have somewhere to meet, organise activities, volunteer and find out local information.”

Mayor Cr Tom Sullivan said the sporting precinct was something that was sorely needed for Bacchus Marsh for some time.

“We’ve got a growing population here in Bacchus Marsh, probably one of the most rapidly growing area in the state just about. To see it having a sporting precinct, and the two clubs merging together, will be a great outcome. It’ll be a great community facility,” Cr Sullivan said.

Crs Tonia Dudzik, Moira Berry, Paul Tatchell, and Tom Sullivan are eager to see the Bowls Hub plans come to fruition.

Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Workshop to plan for bushfires

While bushfires might not be at the top of people’s minds with the recent rain, the threat is still there, and a free workshop this month will help locals plan ahead.

CFA, in collaboration with the Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group (MCLG), have invited the community to attend a free Bushfire Planning Workshop at the Ballan Community House, from 7 – 8.30 pm on Wednesday 16 November.

Aimed mainly for people who live or work in high bushfire risk areas, the workshop will support attendees to build an increased understanding of local bushfire risk, gain a basic understanding of bushfire behaviour relevant to their context/environment, identify personal limitations and barriers to bushfire preparedness, understand what a plan is and what it should contain, reassess intentions and decisions and start a written plan, have an awareness of available resources and tools to further assist bushfire preparedness, and increase skills and knowledge to develop a plan.

Letters to the Editor

WRITING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

‘Pork barrelling’ is a term which comes repeatedly to my mind in the lead up to this state election for new representatives for the Eureka and Melton regions. This is no longer just a slang term, it has been defined by the NSW ICAC in August in its “Report on investigation into pork barrelling in NSW”, as “the allocation of public funds and resources to targeted electors for partisan political purposes”. The report stresses that individual matters should always be assessed on a case-by-case basis, but the line between pork barrelling and corruption is a thin one.

I find the raft of promises in recent weeks, of cash being splashed across our communities if we vote for Michaela Settle and Steve McGhie, obscene and contemptuous. I find myself asking why didn’t these allocations get provided during the last term of government, as a reward for voting for them then? Instead, we got toxic soil, the hotel quarantine debacle, and now, the threat of overhead transmission lines. How, I ask you, does the promise of traffic lights in Bacchus Marsh (MNews, 1 Nov 2022) fix the congestion at the Grant Street rail crossing? Instead, how about removing our level crossings altogether? Where do the level crossings in Eureka and Melton sit on that long and expensive list?

My response to those offering these handouts is this: we don’t need band aids or bribes, we need actions to address the integrity of the current government. And we need bold agendas to reduce the stresses on and to rebuild the underlying social systems which provide services to all Victorians, such as the health system, aged care, roads and an integrated customerfocused approach energy planning, amongst others. It is telling, and I am disappointed, that I cannot seem to find a similar definition on our Victorian IBAC website.

Jim Phasey Myrniong

Hefty fine for smashing pub window

By Lachlan Ellis

A man has been ordered to pay almost $2000 after smashing a local business’ window, and hospitalising a patron on the other side in the process.

Lochlan Bezzina appeared in-person at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on Friday 11 November, pleading guilty to both reckless causing injury and criminal damage.

“On Friday the 12th of March 2021, at approximately 11 pm, the accused has become angry at another patron at Flanagan’s Hotel on Main Street in Bacchus Marsh. A verbal argument has ensued. The accused was out the front of the venue on the corner of Graham and Main Street when he was spoken to by police, and his identification was confirmed,” “At approximately 11.35 pm, the accused has returned to the hotel, and again was yelling at another patron from the Graham Street side of the venue. The accused has aggressively pushed one of the side windows, when yelling at the patron, shattering it inwards. The window has hit the victim in the head, causing a cut to her head, and concussion for which she was treated at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital.”

Mr Bezzina was interviewed at the Bacchus Marsh Police Station on 25 April 2021, where he admitted to breaking the window, but said it “wasn’t his intention to break it” and “was unaware the glass had hit the victim, causing injury”.

He acknowledged his wrongdoing to Magistrate Hugh Radford, apologising for his actions and promising he’d never behave in that way again.

“I was going through a rough time, my pop had passed away…I was probably hanging around with the wrong crowd. I didn’t mean it. I’ve changed my life around. I admit that I did it, I take responsibility for my actions, I won’t do anything again,” Mr Bezzina said.

“I don’t drink anymore, I’ve got an interlock in my car. I’ve got a baby boy on the way too.”

Magistrate Radford said “this sort of conduct’s not really being a good role model for a kid, is it?”

“I accept that you’ve got no relevant priors, you’ve entered a plea of guilty, and you appear genuinely remorseful for your actions, and that it was in circumstances where you were severely affected by alcohol…but more importantly, when you smashed the window, you were unaware, but you were reckless in respect of the person behind it.”

The Magistrate imposed a fine of $1500 without conviction, and ordered Mr Bezzina to pay Flanagan’s $260.15 to fix the window, with the hopes that the fine “makes you think twice about drinking too much in a pub, causing trouble, and being a public nuisance”.

Beware of ticket scams

Victoria Police has issued a call for Victorians to be wary of Blink-182 tickets up for sale online, with the band coming to Melbourne in 2024.

Tickets sold out in October, and scammers have taken advantage of Victorians eager to snap up any tickets they can find.

“Like other types of scams, most people will ask you to send the money first –but you’ll never see the tickets you were promised. Don’t be an easy target,” Victoria Police wrote on social media.

“When buying resale tickets, always remember; don’t pay for items up-front without knowing the person, don’t disclose any personal information, know that the profiles offering these tickets may be fake, take a friend, and meet in a public place.”

For tips on online safety and how to protect your personal and financial information online, visit Stay Smart Online at www.cyber.gov.au.

You can report any scams you come across to the ACCC’s SCAMwatch at www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam.

Native Grasslands ID Workshop

Victorian Volcanic Plains (VVP) grasslands have been reduced to less than one per cent of their original coverage –but you can help increase that, thanks to an upcoming free workshop.

The Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group (MCLG) is hosting a free ‘Native Grasslands Identification Workshop’ at the Ballan & District Community House from 10 am to 1 pm on Saturday 26 November, sponsored by the Ballan & District Community Bank Branch.

Join the MCLG as they dive into the world of native grasslands. Guest speaker Frank Carland has a wealth of knowledge to draw on from a long career in native vegetation management, particularly with native grasslands.

Have you seen this person?

Police are asking the community to come forward with any information about the person in this image, following a recent theft.

Police believe the person in the image may be able to assist with the enquiries regarding a theft that occurred in Darley on 12 October 2022.

If you know the identity of the person in the image, or you have any other information that may assist police, please contact Senior Constable Ben Gillett at the Bacchus Marsh Police Station on 03 5366 4500, or call Crimestoppers on 1300 333 000, reference number 220329355.

If you know something, say something.

During the session, the group will discuss the values and threats of native grasslands, have a plant identification workshop (including the opportunity to bring samples from your property), and discuss the management of grasslands.

By the end of this workshop you will understand the values of VVP grasslands and the threats to them. be able to identify common native and introduced grasses, understand how to manage grasslands and improve native grass coverage on your property, and know where to find more information.

Remnant patches of original grasslands are rare, and private land hosts some of the best patches – giving private landholders the unique opportunity to be stewards of native grasslands and improve the condition, connectivity, and extent of these critically endangered ecosystems.

To register for the Native Grasslands Identification Workshop, head to events. humanitix.com/native-grasslandsidentification-workshop.

Photo – VicPol

Kangaroo grasslands covered around 70 per cent of Australia when the First Fleet arrived, but this number has since been dramatically reduced. Photo – Submitted

Victorians who will be interstate or overseas on election day should check what services are available to them ahead of time, with a number of voting methods offered.

Electoral Commissioner Warwick Gately urged voters to act now, to avoid missing out on having their voice heard at 26 November’s state election.

“Applications for postal voting in the November election are now available online.

Our research tells us that voters who are away from Victoria are still keen to have their say in who governs the state, but they will need to act swiftly,” Mr Gately said.

Voters who are interstate can request a postal vote online and have it mailed to their interstate location. Those who prefer to vote in person can attend any interstate electoral commission during business hours, from Monday 14 to Friday 25 November.

Voters who are travelling or living overseas will also be able to apply for a postal vote, and can request to receive their ballot pack by email. Completed ballot papers can either

Voting options for holidaying Victorians Japanese encephalitis update

Flooding and heavy rainfall have increased the risk of mosquito-borne diseases such as Japanese encephalitis – but the Department of Health has provided some tips on how you can stay safe.

Japanese encephalitis a rare but potentially serious infection of the brain caused by a virus that can be spread to humans through mosquito bites.

Though the risk of contracting the disease is low, if you live or work in flood affected areas, you may be eligible for a vaccine.

The simplest way to avoid contracting Japanese encephalitis is to avoid mosquito bites – this can be done by covering up with long, loose-fitting clothing, using mosquito repellents containing picardin or DEET on all exposed skin, and limiting outdoor activity.

You should also remove stagnant water around your home, and use ‘knockdown’ fly spray, mosquito coils, or plug-in repellent where you gather outdoors.

be

Overseas drop-off locations can be found on the VEC’s online Voting Centre Locator maps.vec.vic.gov.au/elections.

More information on interstate and overseas voting options is available at vec.vic.gov.au.

Is your child safe online?

Police have urged parents to have ageappropriate conversations with their child around online safety, with a spike in reports of online abuse.

Detectives from the Victorian Joint Anti Child Exploitation Team (JACET) – which is comprised of both Victoria Police and Australian Federal Police investigators – are calling on parents to have the chat, as reports from at least 100 families have recently come in.

The reports detail instances where offenders have coerced children, particularly teenage males, into producing explicit images, before extorting them for money.

For more information and access to tools, resources, and advice, as well as reporting and support services, please visit www. accce.gov.au.

It doesn’t matter how small or insignificant

you may think the information you have is – something that may appear small could later prove vital in an investigation, and stop another child being exploited.

For more information on Japanese encephalitis and how to protect yourself against it, visit www. health.vic.gov.au/health-advisories/ japanese-encephalitis-vaccination-update.

Financial counselling for farmers

A lot of primary producers and small rural businesses are hurting financially in these difficult times, but there’s an experienced team on standby to help.

The Rural Financial Counselling (RFCS) is co-funded by Commonwealth and State Governments, and provides free and independent financial information, decisionmaking support, and referral services to farmers and small related businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship.

RFCS’ Victoria West offices are located in Hamilton, Ballarat, Cobden, Colac, Horsham and Warrnambool, and counsellors can visit businesses and residences to provide advice and support.

Additional funding has been made available for RFCS’ services as a result of the floods, and their impact on the agricultural sector.

For more information, visit the RFCS’ Victoria West website at www.wswrcs.com. au.

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mailed back to Victoria, or dropped at one of several overseas locations for a faster return via diplomatic pouch.

Hop into counting frogs

The Australian Museum’s scientists need your help during FrogID Week, with everyday Aussies able to help conserve frogs just by taking part in a quick count.

FrogID Week runs from 11 – 20 November, and is the biggest frog count in Australia. To date it has received over 474,000 calls, around 750,000 verified frogs, and has found 211 species.

To take part, simply download the free FrogID app and record any frog calls you hear during FrogID Week. The app also allows you to compare the call you heard with the calls of different frog species, so you can find out which

frog species you heard.

This is an especially important time to gather data on frog populations, as sadly thousands of frogs from over 40 species died this winter, which the Australian Museum Herpetology team is working to find the cause of.

Your FrogID submissions will help understand what impact this mortality event is having on Australia’s frog populations, both now and into the future.

For more information on FrogID Week, head to www. frogid.net.au.

Free skin cancer checks

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, but Lions Clubs in Victoria and NSW are helping reduce that level, including in Ballan.

The Skin Check van will be at the Ballan IGA car park from 9 am to 3 pm on Thursday 17 November and Friday 18 November, providing a free skin screening service from fully trained, certified, and professionally supervised volunteers.

Run by the Lions’ incorporated charity Lions V Districts Cancer Foundation, the Skin Check and Awareness Unit has been able to help residents across Victoria and Southern NSW thanks to financial support from Lions Clubs, and generous public and private supporters.

The Unit will also be a valuable resource for local people to access not only the skin check, but valuable and timely information about skin care and self-checking techniques.

After having a skin check, visitors will be issued with a referral to their GP if there are any suspect spots or lesions.

The Unit isn’t a medical clinic – simply the first step in ensuring urgent needs are addressed, providing an alert to any spots or lesions that require further checking.

The air-conditioned van has three fully equipped screening rooms and an entry foyer, as well as a disabled lift and entry at the rear.

Bookings are essential. To book a free skin cancer screening, call 0412 819 110.

Photo – Australian Museum

CANCER—June 22-July 22

You take on a peacemaking role, especially where family disagreements are concerned. If entering a business partnership or sharing expenses, be sure all terms are understood.

LEO—July 23-August 22

Mixing with a stimulating group of people makes for an intellectually stimulating week. Tempers, including yours, can be short on the weekend. Financial luck is possible

Stars & Puzzles

VIRGO—August 23-September 22

QUICK PUZZLE

ACROSS

6.Understanding (11) 7.Desire (4) 8.Captive (8) 9.Improved (6) 10.Generous (6) 12.Viaduct (6) 15.Ruminate (6) 17.Adventure (8) 19.Flank (4) 20.Climber (11)

NO. 9273

DOWN

1.Copied (8) 2.Hinder (6) 3.Piercing (6) 4.Fragrant oil (4) 5.Admittance (6) 6.Quiver (5) 11.Disappeared (8) 13.Summary (6) 14.Performs (6) 15.Bird (6) 16.Senior (5) 18.Fever (4)

CRYPTIC PUZZLE

ACROSS

6. Totally unchanged, neverthe less (4,3,4). 7. As I anticipated, starting with the East (4). 8. What a dog might dream of having when you have chicken? (4-4). 9. Open with the tune I’d composed (6). 10. Walk right back into the team (6). 12. What the slow cameraman said when asked if he’s long taking pictures? (6). 15. One may be charged with intent to kill! (6). 17. Is ice-hockey played with it? (8). 19. I hurried round with the water (4). 20. Start telling jokes? (3,8).

DOWN

1. While talking, examining the metal (8). 2. Ready to eat, having had too much to drink (6). 3. Lets the easels get into a bad state (6). 4. Possibly joint author (4). 5. Was inclined to have the field at the end ploughed up (6). 6. “Yes,” said the German. “My boy, he is a legendary hero” (5). 11. Check the break-water (8). 13. Contrive to get beyond boyhood? (6). 14. Looks, we hear, for the means of access to the top (6). 15. A friend one has at court (6). 16. Due to making the duck fly (5). 18. Senses they expect to be laughed at (4).

QUICK SOLUTIONS

Across - 6, Thumbscrew. 8, Idle. 9, Loot. 10, Eider. 11, Luck. 12, Rejoinder. 16, Constable. 20, Plus. 22, Leper. 23, Muse. 24, Trio. 25, Pleasantry.

Down - 1, Choose. 2, Emotion. 3, Astern. 4, Bridge. 5, Twirl. 7, Slack. 13, Den. 14, Harmony. 15, Flare. 17, Osprey. 18, Stress. 19, Lustre. 21, Slope.

CRYPTIC SOLUTIONS

Across - 6, Breaks even. 8, Date. 9, Ants (anag.). 10, A-L-I-ce. 11, Ring. 12, Match-less. 16, Al-lowanc-e. 20, Shot. 22, (gr)Ouse-l(ike). 23, Reel. 24, Irma (anag.). 25, Stringiness.

Down - 1, Bren-da. 2, Ran-sack. 3, Assail (a sale). 4, AV-ails. 5, Under. 7, Sting. 13, Ell(L). 14, E-a-rring). 15, Short. 17, Lass-I-e. 18, Oblige. 19, C-r-ease. 21, Toast.

ARIES—March 21-April 20

A career or a volunteer activity offers some interesting new options. Avoid making hasty decisions. Romance is on the upswing, but don’t take for granted the love of your life.

TAURUS—April 21-May 22

A commonsense approach is needed in most areas this week. If planning a diet, resist fads. Avoid snap decisions with regards to finances and your career. In romance, spontaneity is all important.

GEMINI—May 23-June 21

This is a cultural week in which creative writing, music or painting could figure prominently. The moneybelt should be tightened. Resist accompanying a friend on a shopping spree.

CANCER—June 22-July 22

You take on a peacemaking role, especially where family disagreements are concerned. If entering a business partnership or sharing expenses, be sure all terms are understood.

LEO—July 23-August 22

Mixing with a stimulating group of people makes for an intellectually stimulating week. Tempers, including yours, can be short on the weekend. Financial luck is possible

VIRGO—August 23-September 22

Thursday - Friday, the accent is on legal or other negotiations. The weekend may find you immersed in a new hobby. Aim to clear up misunderstandings. Relationships improve.

LIBRA—September 23-October 22

This is the week to develop your professional skills or to enroll in an academic programme. Your self-discipline is weak so be careful with anything to do with finance. Be especially careful that what is owed to you is paid in full.

SUDOKU NUMBER GAME

SCORPIO—October 23-November 21

Hunches pay off - so long as you don’t take them too seriously. Expect to spend added time meeting with your accountant or balancing the budget. A challenging job is on the horizon.

ANSWER BELOW

SAGITTARIUS—November 22-December 22

Self discipline and patience could lead to a key accomplishment by the end of the week. Renewed relationships are spotlighted through the weekend. You may make an interesting contribution to the arts.

CAPRICORN—December 23-January 20

The first part of the week is filled with social activity, but after the weekend, the focus may be on a major new project. Important allies come from unexpected quarters.

AQUARIUS—January 21-February 19

Branching out is favoured. You may be signing up for an unfamiliar course of study. Collecting money should become less difficult. The weekend finds you catching up on chores around the home.

PISCES—February 20-March 20

The week finds you taking a stand on a controversial issue. Friends benefit from your support and upbeat philosophy. At work, experimentation could bring positive results.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You are a born leader, an adventurer, and you are bursting with imaginative ideas. These traits could lead to a career expansion later in the new year. The key is to be more willing to adapt your ideas. Be more generous about sharing the limelight.

Thursday - Friday, the accent is on legal or other negotiations. The weekend may find you immersed in a new hobby. Aim to clear up misunderstandings. Relationships improve.

LIBRA—September 23-October 22

This is the week to develop your professional skills or to enroll in an academic programme. Your self-discipline is weak so be careful with anything to do with finance. Be especially careful that what is owed to you is paid in full.

SCORPIO—October 23-November 21

Hunches pay off - so long as you don’t take them too seriously. Expect to spend added time meeting with your accountant or balancing the budget. A challenging job is on the horizon.

SAGITTARIUS—November 22-December 22

Self discipline and patience could lead to a key accomplishment by the end of the week. Renewed relationships are spotlighted through the weekend. You may make an interesting contribution to the arts.

CAPRICORN—December 23-January 20

The first part of the week is filled with social activity, but after the weekend, the focus may be on a major new project. Important allies come from unexpected quarters.

AQUARIUS—January 21-February 19

Branching out is favoured. You may be signing up for an unfamiliar course of study. Collecting money should become less difficult. The weekend finds you catching up on chores around the home.

PISCES—February 20-March 20

The week finds you taking a stand on a controversial issue. Friends benefit from your support and upbeat philosophy. At work, experimentation could bring positive results.

BIRTHDAY THIS WEEK

You are a born leader, an adventurer, and you are bursting with imaginative ideas. These traits could lead to a career expansion later in the new year. The key is to be more willing to adapt your ideas. Be more generous about sharing the limelight.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

DEATH NOTICE

GILLESPIE (nee Dickson) – Tammy 09.08.1935 – 27.10.2022

Nanna Tammy to everyone. Dearly Loved Wife of Bill (dec.) Loving Mother & Mother-In-Law of Andree & Andrew, Byron & Beck, Geyle & Brian.

Adored Grammy Tammy to Clayton & Mandy, Dwayne & Carly, Joshua (dec), Carley & Nigel, Jason & Bianca, Brendan, Matthew & Jessica, Essie, Corey, Brandon & Julia.

Cherished Great Grammy Tammy to Seth, Ashlee, Alayah, Jamie, Lacie, Ryder, Lachlan, Parker, Aelin, Jesse, Jaymon, Millie, Rory, Logan and Sophie.

Great Great Grammy Tammy to Alexander. ~ Reunited with Bill ~ Always in our memories and hearts

FUNERAL NOTICE

The Funeral Service for the late Mrs Tameta ‘Tammy’ Gillespie (nee Dickson) will be held at Michael Crawford Funerals Chapel, 226 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh on TUESDAY (November 22, 2022) commencing at 11am. Following the service, Tammy will be laid to rest at the Maddingley Cemetery, Bacchus Marsh.

GRAPHIC DESIGN Glen Martin

PUBLISHED

[Name of publication] is bound by the Standards may have been breached, email (info@presscouncil.org.au) http://www.presscouncil.org.au.

The Moorabool News is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the Council by email (info@presscouncil.org.au) or by phone ([02] 9261 1930). For further information see www.presscouncil.org.au.

[Name of publication] is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the Council by email (info@presscouncil.o rg.au) or by phone ([02] 92611930). For further information see www.presscouncil.or g.au.

Classifieds/Sport

Ravishing eight Breeders Crown wins sets Stewart further apart

By Michael Howard (HRV)

Emma Stewart’s place in Australian harness racing folklore was further ensconced at Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday with the trainer producing a stunning eight victories on Breeders Crown semi-finals night.

Stewart was already without peer on Harness Racing Australia’s chronicles for most training wins at a meeting but Saturday, racing some of the nation’s best two and three-year-olds, her stable reinforced that status.

Stewart’s eight victories matched her stable’s feat in the 2018 Vicbred Super Series semi-finals and was only one win shy of the national record, the unprecedented mark she set in Launceston in April.

Setting a high bar

By Lachlan Ellis

A local student is the pride of his primary school, having made it to the state level for high jump this year.

Sam Vallance is a Grade 5 student at Darley Primary School, and his hard work and excellent results in high jump have seen him qualify to represent the region at this year’s Victorian All Schools Track & Field Championships.

Darley Primary School Principal Fiona Kerton congratulated Sam on his fantastic achievement.

“As a school we are exceptionally proud of Sam and his achievements in High Jump this year. Sam has competed in four events to now be competing in the State Track and Field Championships being held at the Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park. In gaining a place to represent the ‘Western Ranges’ Region, Sam has competed through the school, district, division and region competitions,” Ms Kerton told the Moorabool News.

“Sam has been training at school once a week in his lunch breaks, we commend him on his dedication and drive. We can’t wait to hear what his result at the State Championships will be.”

In his journey to qualifying, Sam placed in the top four at the school, first place in Bacchus Marsh District, first place in the Western Ranges Division with a jump of 1.18 metres, and second place in the Western Metropolitan Region with a jump of 1.38 metres.

The Victorian All Schools Track & Field Championships were held over two weekends, from 29 – 30 October and 5 – 6 November.

The trainer has also recorded seven wins at single meetings on four occasions and six wins on five occasions, achievements that have her on course for an extraordinary eighth successive state and metropolitan premiership sweep.

Six of Saturday’s victories were secured with reinsman Mark Pitt and the other two by Kate Gath, including the last, when Tough Tilly nosed to victory in the final frame of the TAB Breeders Crown Graduate Mares Free For All.

And the success appears set to continue into this Saturday night’s finals, including in the headline Woodlands Stud three-year-old colts and geldings category.

Stewart runner Captain Ravishing looks to have the class in hand after another brilliant performance in tonight’s semi-final, crushing all comers with a 25.9-second last quarter, part of a 53-second last half.

“He’s a star,” Stewart’s partner, Clayton Tonkin, said of Captain Ravishing. “Wherever he draws he’s going to be awful hard to beat in the final.”

He would draw gate five and, while there’s plenty of class on his inside with Khafaji, Hes Charlies Angel, Ripp and Repelling all drawing better, Captain Ravishing looks set to open a short-priced favourite for the $200,000 final.

The class’s other semi-final was won by Barry Purdon and Scott Phelan’s entrant Major Perry, who couldn’t have been more impressive for reinsman Josh Dickie.

Having his fourth Victorian start, Major Perry ripped to the front from gate four and from there his semi-final was largely a procession.

His main challenger, Interest Free, emerged to his outside with a lap and a half to go and that’d ensure

no more advances until the closing stages, enabling a moderate pace until the final sprint to the line.

Major Perry found separation, with Interest Free fading to fourth from the breeze and driven along by Daryl Douglas from a long way out. Khafaji boxed on well to run second, with Roarforroscoe filling the placings to continue his good form with an eye-catcher after only emerging from the pack late. Commander Buzz and Repelling capped the top six qualifiers.

The focus now turns to the final and an early burn looks on the cards as those drawn inside on the front row seek a place on the pegs before likely leader Captain Ravishing takes hold.

Set to be among that early sprint is trainer-driver Charlene Gusman, who plucked gate two for Hes Charlies Angel.

“This week, we’ll have a think about it but we’ll probably have to try and go forward and cross the one (Khafaji),” Gusman said.

“(Hes Charlies Angel) definitely has (gate speed), I’ve been trying to work on him taking a sit. Just to hold him and relax him and educate him a bit more, but with that draw and in that field I’ll probably have to ask him to go forward.”

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Sam Vallance was awarded the second-best high jumper in his age group for the Western Metropolitan Region. Photo – Submitted

Tough Tilly winning at Tabcorp Park.

Photo: Stuart McCormick

Sport

Encipher on course for second Breeders Crown

By Michael Howard (HRV)

Encipher’s outstanding three-year-old season looks on path for more acclaim after a dominant semi-final performance and a peach of a draw.

Having already claimed a Breeders Crown for owner-breeder Tyson Linke in last year’s two-year-old final, Encipher looks well placed to repeat the dose for trainer Emma Stewart and driver Kate Gath in this Saturday night’s A Rocknroll Dance three-year-old fillies class.

The Captaintreacherous filly drew gate two, with only stablemate Amore Vita inside her, coincidentally the same pair who quinellaed last year’s final.

“That’s really encouraging,” Gath said of the draw. “She got off the gate better tonight too, so that’s a really good draw and I’m looking forward to it.”

Gath and Encipher made short work of tonight’s semi-final, sweeping to the front and then cruising for a good portion of the race before rattling home in a 55.2-second last half to win comfortably in a pegline dominated affair.

Nonparreil (leader’s back), Interject (three back the fence) and Diamond Shooz (four back the fence) filled the first four placings, while Amore Vita and Petillante filled out the top six to also advance.

The latter was driven by reinsman Mark Pitt and was his first unsuccessful steer of the night, having teamed with Stewart to win five of the previous six races.

That included winning with Soho Historia, who dominated the first three-year-old fillies semi-final to record a second successive win and ninth since crossing to the stable.

Last Saturday at Tabcorp Park Melton, she was able to stroll to the lead from gate four, cruising in front until she switched gear when Rickie Alchin (Soho Rhapsody) injected speed into the race on the final lap with a three-wide assault.

A 31.1-second second quarter was set alight by a 26.5-second third and, while some initially kept pace, the 27.2-second

final quarter separated the leader from the pack, with Soho Historia saluting by 11.1 metres.

“She keeps stepping forward when the time counts,” Pitt said. “I was super impressed with her run tonight, I know she got an easy first half but she zipped home pretty quick and she was strong on the line.”

And he thinks she’ll be much better for the run.

“She did need the run a bit,” he said. “Her first up run in the heat was good, but tonight she needed a little bit of a blow

without going over the top. I think that will top her off well for next week.”

Stablemate Beach Life followed the leader throughout to be next best, while Miss Chantilly emerged from traffic after sitting in the one-one to impressively fill out the placings.

Miss Ex, Talk Time and Star Celebrity also advanced.

Unfortunately for Soho Historia her chances in the final weren’t helped at the barrier draw, plucking gate 11 and giving a significant advantage to her lead rivals.

Special visitor for future athletes

By Lachlan Ellis

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics

After the overnight rain and early morning mist, the scheduled program was altered and the Centre conducted a wet-weather program on Saturday morning.

All athletes participated in 4 events for the meet. Eden Batten and Maddison Sultana produced PB’s in all their events. Next Saturday will be the Centre’s Coles Community Round. Athletes and families are encouraged to wear Coles related dress or just something red to win 1 of 10 Coles vouchers. This is a great way to celebrate Little Athletics Victoria’s partnership and provide the kids with something slightly different to the normal weekly program.

The Centre has been extremely fortunate to have Coles Ambassador and Australian Olympian, Matthew Denny as a special guest. Matt is an Olympic finalist, World Champion finalist, Commonwealth Games gold and silver medallist, World Youth Champion and 9 times National Champion.

An Olympian and Commonwealth Games gold medallist is visiting Moorabool this weekend, and kids and adults alike are excited to meet him.

Matthew Denny won gold for Australia in the discus throw at the Birmingham Commonwealth Games, and was just 0.05 metres off bronze at the Tokyo Olympics – and on Saturday 19 November, he’s paying a visit to the Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre (BMLAC).

Mr Denny is visiting as a part of ‘Coles Community Round’, a celebration of Coles’ support of Little Athletics centres across the country.

BMLAC President Maria Downes said the club and members, were already buzzing about meeting an Olympic athlete.

“We’re all absolutely excited, not just myself as President of course, but the entire Committee and all the Little Athletes, they’re all very happy. Because Coles is a major sponsor of Little Athletics, they also have an association with Olympians such as Matthew Denny,” Ms Downes told the Moorabool News.

“All the Centres have a chance to have an athlete visit their centre. We’ve missed out the last couple of years, but this year we were fortunate enough to get a call saying Matthew Denny would be visiting. I think the kids will be well and truly inspired and in awe, I believe he’ll also be giving us a discus demonstration.”

Mr Denny will arrive towards the end of Saturday’s session at 11 am.

Ten $10 Coles vouchers are also up for grabs, to be awarded on the day to Little Athletes wearing a splash of Coles red.

For more information on Coles Community Round, head to littleathletics.com.au/coles-community-round.

Encipher winning at Tabcorp Park on Saturday. Photo Stuart McCormick