Moorabool News 20 December 2022

Moorabool News

The history of Stoney’s

Local author pens a winner

Nominations open for Farmer of the Year

POOL ON WISH LIST

Christmas is almost upon us, and Moorabool Shire Council is hoping that they’re on the Federal Government’s nice list, renewing its calls for an indoor pool.

As we enter the season of giving, Council is hoping the Government will be generous and provide a long-awaited $15 million for an indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh, complementing Council and the State Government’s commitments.

Council has been seeking Federal Government funding for the project since before May’s federal election, to round off a $15 million commitment by Council and a $10 million commitment from the State Government.

Mayor Cr Rod Ward urged Federal MPs to keep the pool project front of mind as they consider the next Federal Budget in the new year.

“Our indoor pool project is shovel-ready and has strong financial support from Council and the state. Federal funding is the only missing piece of the jigsaw which would allow us to bring this vital piece of infrastructure to the Shire,” he said.

“While the Bacchus Marsh outdoor pool is great, and popular with residents and visitors, it was built in the 1930s and is only open a few months of the year. It simply cannot meet all the community’s needs for swimming lessons, recreation, and exercise.”

Mayor Cr Ward said the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC), which the indoor pool would form part of, would also provide a significant economic boost to Moorabool, generating $100 million in economic activity and helping to create “more than 200 direct and indirect jobs”.

MARC currently incorporates a stadium which is under construction, a community and bowls hub that will be tendered in early 2023, and the planned indoor pool.

For more information on the proposed pool, and other projects Council is advocating for funding for, visit www. moorabool.vic.gov.au/advocacy.

For email templates to send to our local politicians, head to www.moorabool.vic. gov.au/help-moorabool-thrive.

Mayor Cr Rod Ward says funding from the Federal Government is “the only missing piece of the jigsaw”. Photo – Lachlan Elli

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

In my opinion, the main cause of the angst generated by the flawed Western Renewables Link is the stubborn pursuit of a new straight-line easement, and going overhead, to achieve lowest cost. This will cut across communities, livelihoods, and landscapes alike. AusNet and AEMO continue to argue that other options are not possible.

This photo would say otherwise. It’s certainly not pretty, but this type of solution, which is running alongside the Westgate Freeway into Melbourne, shows to me that it is possible to share transport corridors to move renewable energy, as well as traffic.

Jim Phasey,

Myrniong

Award for effort

By Lachlan Ellis

A local pharmacist has won a state-wide award for her work at a community pharmacy, after another busy year for medical professionals.

Thirty one-year-old Lauren Haworth is Pharmacist in Charge at TerryWhite Chemmart Maddingley, and was awarded with the ‘Early Career Pharmacist of the Year’ award at the 2022 Victorian Pharmacist Awards.

Ms Haworth said it was a shock and an honour to receive the award on Thursday 8 December, after what has been a very stressful time for pharmacists.

“I was very surprised to receive the phone call that I had won. I’m really proud that a community pharmacy was recognised, because often the Early Career Pharmacist of the Year goes to someone who works in hospital or research. If was very nice after the three years of hell that many of us have had, that a community pharmacist was recognised,” she told the Moorabool News.

“It’s nice to be recognised for all the extra blood, sweat, and tears. And I’m really proud that a young female pharmacy owner from essentially the country has been recognised, out of all the young pharmacists in Victoria…it doesn’t happen very often.”

TerryWhite Chemmart Maddingley opened just two days before the first positive COVID cases in Australia in January 2020 – Ms Haworth says staff “haven’t really ever known a pre-COVID existence”.

“It was very hard to balance being a young pharmacist, running my own pharmacy for the first time, but also in a new community where we didn’t necessarily know what the community wanted and needed at first,” she said.

“It’s been a tough time, but I really value the relationships I have with my patients, and the fact they know they can come here at any time to get the help they need. Pharmacists are the most accessible health professionals…that people know they can wander in at any time and get a friendly pharmacist is really important to me.”

Lauren Haworth is the 2022 Early Career Pharmacist of the Year. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Shine a light on upgrades

Lighting upgrades in Darley were completed last year, and now Council wants to hear from the community on the bright idea.

Following community consultation in 2019, poor lighting along Holts Lane, Jonathan Drive, and Grey Street was identified as a major concern by local residents.

Funding from the Department of Justice and Community Safety in 2019 – 2020 allowed Council to conduct lighting upgrades along the shared use path along those streets in 2021.

A short survey on Council’s online Have Your Say platform is asking participants how far they live from the upgraded lighting locations, whether they use the pathway more since the lights were installed, and how often they use the pathway.

You can also call Council and arrange for a staff member to complete the survey with you over the phone.

The survey closes on 12 January 2023. For more information, head to moorabool.engagementhub.com.au/jonathan-drive-lighting-upgrade, or call Council on 5366 7100.

– the Ballan sign, normally at the bottom of the hill near Walsh Street, has been moved.

The Ballan Station sign was moved on Sunday 11 December by the Ballan Stationeers, a group of volunteers who maintain the station’s gardens, collect rubbish, and more.

Ballan Stationeers Coordinator, Michael Vale, said it was always intended for the sign to be in its new prominent position up on a hill, but wet weather over the years had made getting the sign up there impossible.

“When they upgraded Ballan Station and put in the new track, the new platform, and the footbridge, it was right where the sign was. The contractors who upgraded the station just dragged the sign over to the side, out of the way of their workspace…it stayed there for a couple of years, because with the wet weather you couldn’t get it up on top of the hill,” Mr Vale told the Moorabool News.

“Trying to get any kind of heavy vehicle up there with the sign would have made a terrible mess of all the native grasses and everything on top of that hill. It’s taken until the last couple of weeks for it to dry up and allow us to relocate the sign.” The sign was created by artist Paul

Wind Farm, and a donation of equipment and manpower by Crossroads Trading, allowing the sign’s installation.

“When it was dragged away for the infrastructure works, the sign kind of fell apart. Unfortunately we couldn’t do anything with it because each piece weighed several tonnes, so it was left as it was behind a fence,” Mr Vale said.

“We got a grant from the Wind Farm to rehabilitate the land in front of the pine trees, and to also relocate the sign when we could. Crossroads Trading also provided all the equipment and some of the extra manpower hours, because the quote that Paul gave me to relocate the sculpture was only for his labour.

“The heavy-duty equipment that was used to move it, Crossroads provided free of charge.”

The three locations where Council has installed lighting upgrades. Photo – Moorabool Shire Council

Artist Paul Blizzard stands beside the Ballan sign he created, in its new position overlooking Ballan Station. Photo – Submitted

New learning hub a blessing

By Lachlan Ellis

A new multimillion dollar learning hub has been officially opened at a local school, with the community and the Federal Government thanked at the opening day.

St Bernard’s Parish Primary School in Bacchus Marsh had its Official Opening and Blessing of the Mary MacKillop Learning Hub on Friday 9 December, welcoming the school community and Member for Hawke Sam Rae to the school. St Bernard’s teacher and member of the Student Wellbeing team, Kelly Dear, said the new building had been in the works for a long time.

“It did take a long time to get all the funding approved, and then of course we started and the difficulties with COVID came about. It was quite a long process,” she told the Moorabool News.

“The building houses six new classrooms, a kitchen, some meeting rooms, and new toilets for the children. We’re a very old school, and we were using portables at the back as classrooms. There was no room for open learning…this isn’t open learning as such, but it does allow us the chance to open doors between classrooms, bring children together, and do some team teaching.”

Ms Dear said the Learning Hub also accommodates for special needs students with the extra space they sometimes need, and those with medical needs such as diabetic students, allowing them to get insulin without being excluded from other students.

The Opening began with an Acknowledgement of Country, followed by a welcome to guests by Deputy Principal Larissa Feketa, the National Anthem, a prayer, and an address by Principal Sr Mary Sarah. Staff, students and guests then joined a walking procession out to the Learning Hub, where Member for Hawke spoke of the importance of education, before unveiling a plaque for the building.

St Bernard’s students Silas and Alexis said they were excited to use the new building. “We didn’t expect to have it, and it’s for all of the Grade 1s and 2s. I think it’s pretty, and it’s

good that it’s made for Mary MacKillop,” Silas said. “It’s really nice to be with all the juniors, and you can see everything. It makes me feel like we’re important, to have a new building. It’s good to see different people and different grades, and all the windows are really cool,” Alexis said.

The Mary MacKillop Learning Hub was jointly funded by the Federal Government with $1.5 million under the Capital Grants Program, and the St Bernard’s Parish School community, which contributed the remaining $1.2 million.

If you plan to travel through Victoria during fire season, it’s important to check the Fire Danger Rating every day. If the rating is Extreme or Catastrophic, avoid travelling to high risk bush or grassfire areas. It’s safer to travel to cities or towns for the day.

Plan. Act. S u r v ive. G o to emergency.v ic . gov. au

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Don’t travel to bushland on Extreme Fire Danger Rating days.

St Bernard’s students of all ages are excited to use the new Mary MacKillop Learning Hub. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Local author pens a winner

By Lachlan Ellis

A Moorabool author has taken out one of the country’s top writing awards, for her dystopian short story ‘The Surrogate’. Bacchus Marsh’s Jem Tyley-Miller won the Melbourne Athenaeum Body-in-the-Library Library Award, at the 29th Scarlet Stiletto Awards on Saturday 3 December.

The Scarlet Stiletto Awards is open to female authors only, and has had almost 3000 stories submitted since it began in 1994.

Ms Tyley-Miller took home $1250 along with the Award, and said it was an honour to receive it after years of entries.

“Winning this award has left me on such a high; I’ve been trying to crack this competition for a few years now, and with the Body in the Library Award being the most fought over category, a win feels especially sweet,” she told the Moorabool News.

“The story I entered is actually the second short story I ever wrote. I always loved the idea behind The Surrogate but didn’t have the skills to tell it the way I wanted until recently; learning to write well takes a lot of dedication and time. I must have revised a good 30 times.”

Ms Tyley-Miller’s winning piece is a climate fiction crime story set in a waterlogged Melbourne 100 years in the future, where those who are wealthy inhabit the spaces high above the waterline, and those who are poor endure the wet. She said her writing was often inspired by her feelings on certain ideas, such as climate change in the case of The Surrogate.

“Throw a crime at an idea and you get to see human beings interact within that given set of circumstances. The end result is always illuminating,” Ms Tyley-Miller said. “I’ll definitely be holding tight to this win as I embark on a new novel come February.”

Moorabool residents may recognise Ms Tyley-Miller as the co-organiser of the Peter Carey Short Story Award. Her short stories are also published in Meanjin, Overland, Margaret River Press, Scarlett Stiletto – The 14th Cut, and other places.

Latest crime stats

There were 474,446 criminal offences recorded in Victoria for the year ending September 2022, representing a decrease of 21,373 offences or 4.3 per cent from the same 12-month period in 2021.

This represents the lowest number of criminal offences committed in the year ending September since 2014. The overall offence rate per 100,000 people also reduced by 5 per cent, resulting in the lowest overall offence rate since 2011.

In Moorabool, offences recorded decreased from 2,287 in 2021 to 2,019 this year, a drop of 11.7 per cent.

Of the top five suburbs for offences recorded in Moorabool, Bacchus Marsh (first) and Ballan (fourth) experienced significant decreases, with Bacchus Marsh recording 675 offences compared to 945 last year, and Ballan recording 133 offences compared to 210 in 2021.

Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Rick Nugent said it was “really pleasing” to see crime in Victoria drop once again.

“While we anticipate overall crime will increase gradually as we move further away from the pandemic, Victoria Police will be doing everything we can to keep crime as low as

possible. A significant degree of proactive enforcement occurs each and every day to keep the community safe and prevent offending before it occurs,” Deputy Commissioner Nugent said.

“Over the summer months when the community is celebrating with family and friends, they can be assured that Victoria Police will be working hard so that they can do that safely. Our officers will be out and about on the roads, at our beaches, around bars and clubs and at public events to ensure that everyone is able to enjoy the festive season and the new year.”

Offending decreased across 19 of the 28 crime subcategories reported on by the Crime Statistics Agency, and the majority of the nine crime subcategories that increased only experienced negligible rises.

Victoria also had the lowest number of victims of crime for this twelve-month period since the introduction of Victoria Police’s Law Enforcement Assistance Program (LEAP) in 1993.

For the 12 months until the end of September, there were 199,261 individual victims of crime – 44,556 less people than the same reporting period in 2016, which was the highest point of the past decade.

For more information, go to www.crimestatistics.vic.gov.au

Graduation the end of an era

The latest graduation at St Brendan’s Primary School in Dunnstown marks the end of an era not just for the students themselves, but also their families.

Three students at St Brendan’s officially graduated from primary school on Tuesday 6 December, and two of their families are connected, spanning back five generations.

Eighty six-year-old Nellie Leonard is the great grandmother of Sienna Cahir and Kade McKay, who both graduated on 6 December.

Ms Leonard attended St Brendan’s for 16 years as a mother, 20 years as a grandmother, and 13 years as a great grandmother – and has had an association with school for six generations.

She and her late husband Leo were both students at the school in the 1940s, and their respective mothers (Nell Murphy, née Britt and Kathleen Leonard, née McCormack) also attended the school in the early 1900s.

Ms Leonard’s grandfather, Con Britt, was also educated at the rural Catholic school.

Ms Leonard’s seven daughters, and 14 of her 25 grandchildren, have been educated at Dunnstown, as have seven of their 33 great grandchildren.

Sienna and Kade are the last of Nellie and Leo Leonard’s great grandchildren to graduate from St Brendan’s Primary School.

Jem Tyley-Miller (centre) with writer Barbara Gliddon (left) and actress Nicole Chamoun, who presented the awards. Photo – Sisters in Crime

Nellie Leonard with the Cahirs and McKays.

Photo – Submitted

Victoria Police have released the latest crime statistics this month, with another drop in crime for the 12 months to the end of September.

Navigators Community Centre

Public Mee�ng

Moorabool Shire Council

Moorabool Shire Council

Say:

Female Friendly Strategy

Planning Permit

We would like to wish all residents a safe and happy Christmas and New Year.

For details on a�endance or to the view the agenda, go to www.moorabool.vic.gov.au

We have an exci�ng 2023 ahead, with a number of key projects due to be completed including the Ballan Recrea�on Reserve pavilion and the basketball stadium at Bacchus Marsh. We look forward to con�nuing to work for you in the new year.

Cr Rod Ward, Mayor and Derek Madden, CEO

Council Mee�ng

The next Ordinary Mee�ng of Council will be held in the Council Chambers, Ballan, Wednesday 1 February 2023, at 6pm

Commi�ee Mee�ng

The mee�ng will be open to the public and live-streamed on our website: moorabool.vic.gov.au/mee�ngs

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated Public Mee�ng

1 February 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

1 March 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

5 April 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

3 May 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

7 June 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

5 July 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

Employment Tenders Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

2 August 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

6 September 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

4 October 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

1 November 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

6 December 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

Council Mee�ng

Planning Permit

CHRISTMAS OFFICE CLOSURE AND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Commi�ee Mee�ng

Order made pursuant to sec�on 25 of the domes�c animals act 1994

Christmas/New Year Closure no�ces will be placed on the Moorabool Shire Council website and the Customer Service answering machine, as well as being adver�sed in the Moorabool News.

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated

Public Mee�ng

Maternal & Child Health

Employment Tenders

Maternal & Child Health Services will be closed from 12.30pm Friday 23 December 2022 and will re-open on Tuesday 3 January 2023. Families with urgent health issues rela�ng to newborn babies are advised to refer back to the hospital of delivery or their local Doctor. 24 hour phone advice is available through the Maternal & Child Health Line on 13 22 29.

Early Years

Have Your Say:

Kindergarten Central Registra�on will be available from Tuesday 3 January 2023 and Supported Playgroups will resume on Monday 30 January 2023.

Female Friendly Strategy

Youth Services

Planning Permit

The Youth Services Team are available from Tuesday 3 January 2023, programs and events will be adver�sed on social media.

Waste and recycling

All kerbside garbage, recycling and greenwaste collec�ons will occur on their scheduled day.

Order made pursuant to sec�on 25 of the domes�c animals act 1994

All transfer sta�ons will be closed on Sunday 25, Monday 26 and Tuesday 27 December as well as Sunday 1 and Monday 2 January.

Rates Payments

Christmas in Moorabool Shire

Visit our website for details on Christmas ac�vi�es around the shire.

Thank you!

Changes to Waste Service - Easter Western Zone – Northern Collec�on - North of Old Melbourne Road Community Grants

Order made pursuant to sec�on 25 of the domes�c animals act 1994

No�ce is hereby given that an Unscheduled Mee�ng of Moorabool Shire Council will be held in Council Chambers, Ballan and online on Wednesday 21 December 2022 commencing at 6pm

The business to be conducted at the mee�ng is as follows:

1 Domes�c Animal Management Plan

2 Bacchus Marsh Racecourse & Recrea�on Reserve Lease and Licence Agreement Update

Changes to Waste Service - Easter Western Zone – Northern Collec�on - North of Old Melbourne Road

3 Australia Day Award Selec�on Panel Recommenda�ons

4 C09-2022/2023 Taverner Street, Bacchus Marsh Road Reconstruc�on Contract

Community Grants

5 C15-2022/2023 Bacchus Marsh Shared Use Path (Aqualink) Landscaping and Signage Contract

6 C20-2022/2023 Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Recrea�on Reserve Stage 2 – Play Space Construc�on Contract

Tenders Have Your Say: Female

Friendly Strategy

Unscheduled Mee�ng of Council

7 C23-2022/2023 West Maddingley Early Years & Community Hub Construc�on Services Contract

Tourism Grants

8 C08-2022/2023 Collec�on and Transporta�on of Kerbside Garbage, Recyclables and Greenwaste Services Contract

The Unscheduled Mee�ng of Council will be open to the public and will also be live-streamed on Council’s website.

Rates Payments

Derek Madden, Chief Execu�ve Officer

Celebrate Australia Day 2023 with Moorabool Shire Council

Australia Day Celebra�ons 2021 Thank you!

Moorabool Shire Council invites you to join in the shire’s official Australia Day Celebra�ons.

Ceremony 1 – Australia Day Awards and Australian Ci�zenship Ceremony

Commencing at 9am in the Mechanics Ins�tute, Ballan this ceremony will include:

• Musical Entertainment

• Town Crier

• Australia Day Award Presenta�ons

• Australian Ci�zenship Ceremony

Ceremony 2 – Australian Ci�zenship Ceremony

Commencing at 11.30am in the Mechanics Ins�tute, Ballan this ceremony will include:

• Musical Entertainment

• Town Crier

Day Celebra�ons 2021 Thank you! Rates Payments Unscheduled Mee�ng of Council

• Australian Ci�zenship Ceremony

Both events will be livestreamed.

Please note that all Government health guidelines will be followed. If you wish to wear a mask, you may do so.

Keep in touch with us through our digital channels! As well as our website, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts, you can subscribe to our e-newsletter at this link

It has been a rewarding year for the shire, as we have successfully advocated for a significant amount of grant funding from other levels of government, enabling us to build and improve infrastructure throughout the shire. However, there have also been significant challenges as we recover from the pandemic and last year’s storm events as well as recent rains and flooding which impacted our roads quite significantly.

Child employment blitz

In the lead up to Christmas, Wage Inspectorate Victoria has launched a campaign to check retail businesses employing kids under 15 are complying with child employment laws.

The child employment watchdog is putting boots on the ground, ensuring that seasonal demand and extended opening hours don’t lead businesses to overlook child employment laws in a rush to fill vacant positions.

The campaign will see child employment officers visiting stores in some of Melbourne’s busiest shopping centres in the lead up to Christmas and across the school holidays –educating employers about child employment laws and checking compliance.

In Victoria, retailers can hire kids as young as 13, but they typically need a permit before employing anyone under 15.

Child employment permits are free and the online application process to have one issued is straightforward. Employers can apply online at www.wageinspectorate.vic.gov.au.

The permit system enables the Wage Inspectorate to ensure employers have considered

matters like safety, hours of work, rest breaks and supervision before employment starts.

If an employer fails to apply for a permit, the Wage Inspectorate is unable to assess the risk of employment to the child and check that their health, safety and welfare will be protected, potentially putting them at risk.

Commissioner of Wage Inspectorate Victoria Robert Hortle said the Wage Inspectorate would be hard at work keeping kids safe this festive season.

“All workplaces have risks, and these are magnified for young, inexperienced employees, so retailers need a permit to employ a child under 15, and to comply with rules around hours of work, rest breaks and start and finish times,” Mr Hortle said.

“Kids under 15 are still developing. They don’t have the stamina of adults, so it is vital they receive adequate rest breaks, have enough down-time between shifts and are well supervised. The permit system helps ensure the employer understands the risks and puts measures in place to keep young staff safe.”

Mr Hortle said parents also have a role to play, urging them to check their workplace has a child employment permit before their child under 15 starts work.

Businesses breaking child employment laws face consequences ranging from warnings to fines of more than $18,000. Parents can be fined up to $1,800 for letting their child work for an employer without a permit.

The Wage Inspectorate has prosecuted six employers for breaches of child employment laws since 2020.

Seventy happy years

By Lachlan Ellis

A Bacchus Marsh couple have celebrated their 70th anniversary this month, and while 70 years seems like a long time, they say it “hasn’t felt like a long time at all”.

Betty and Geoff Nelson got married in Numurkah on 6 December 1952, moved from Pascoe Vale to Bacchus Marsh in 1990, and have lived at the Royal Freemasons aged care residence since October 2018.

They met at the Women’s Hospital, where Betty worked as a nurse and Geoff as a plumber, and after having her two children, Ms Nelson worked at Yooralla in Pascoe Vale.

While it’s not a secret per se, the couple attribute their long marriage to “never arguing” and leading busy lives.

“I don’t know if there’s a secret. Geoff worked and I worked, we used to have a busy life. Geoff’s a Freemason, we had a

very busy life before we moved to Royal Freemasons,” Ms Nelson said.

“I’ve been a Freemason for 68 years and was a member of the Avenue Bowling Club and Bacchus Marsh Bowling Club. I was Sponsorship Director at the Avenue, coordinating sponsors for tournaments,” Mr Nelson added.

Ms Nelson also volunteered at the Hospital Op Shop in Bacchus Marsh, and was a Hospital Auxiliary Member for 27 years.

To celebrate the anniversary, the couple had their daughters and their families over at Royal Freemasons for a morning tea.

Along with their two children, Mr and Mrs Nelson have five grandchildren, and ten great grandchildren.

The couple agreed that their most treasured memories during their married life was the birth of their two daughters.

Geoff and Betty today, celebrating their 70th wedding anniversary. Photos – Submitted

Geoff and Betty Nelson at their Numurkah wedding on 6 December 1952.

Mon 19th - Fri 23rd: 8am - 6pm

Saturday 24th (Xmas Eve): 8am - 12pm

Sun 25th - Tue 27th: CLOSED

Wed 28th - Fri 30th: 8am - 6pm

Sat 31st (NY Eve): 8am - 12pm

Sun 1st - Mon 2nd: CLOSED

Nominations open for Farmer of the Year 2023

Nominations for the Kondinin Group and ABC Rural 2023 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards are now open, rewarding some of Australia’s hardest workers for their efforts.

Every year, the Awards offer an opportunity to celebrate individuals and families involved in Australian agriculture, encompassing a diverse range of sectors and service provisions.

This year’s Awards unearthed some incredible farmers from across the country, from the New England plains of New South Wales to the coastal stretches of Esperance in Western Australia.

General manager of Research at Kondinin Group, Ben White, is expecting another crop of exceptional farmers to win the Awards in 2023.

“Over the course of the Awards, we have received around

1000 nominations. It has been great to see nominations change over that time, and reflect the shifting landscape of Australian agriculture. This year we have modified an existing Award to support this,” Mr White said.

“The Award for Excellence in Diversification will now be known as the Award for Excellence in Diversification and Sustainability, identifying the growing appreciation of our role in the sustainability of our land, our farming enterprises, our industry and our communities.”

Potential winners of this award will be drawn from finalists in the Australian Farmer of the Year and Young Farmer of the Year categories, as well as nominees selected by Senior Judges as standouts in this field.

Nominations for Australian Farmer of the Year can be completed at www.farmeroftheyear.com.au.

The history of Stoney’s

Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society Inc.

Vallence’s Family Hotel was established in 1875, and later known as the Bridge Inn / Stoney’s.

James Vallence, a saddler by trade, applied for a beer licence for a house he occupied in Maddingley Flat, in 1867. His application was successful.

Then in 1872, James applied for a Publican’s Licence which was successful and saw him erect the six-room hotel, made from brick and plaster, and known as Stoney’s Bridge Inn Hotel.

In 1886 the second storey with a balcony, was built by Taylor and Reece, and made from bricks fired at Rowsley. This was the year before the railway had come to Bacchus Marsh.

With the opening of the railway line,

Maddingley advanced, businesses commenced such as Pearce Brothers Chickory Kiln, a bakehouse and store in Labilliere / Franklin Streets. Others included a saddler, harness-maker, Blacksmith, chaff-mill and a sawmill.

James also built a butcher shop, which later became a barber’s shop.

In 1896, James Vallence leased the hotel and turned to farming at the bottom of Anthony’s Cutting for several years before returning to the hotel for a brief period as licensee. (1905 – 1907). His sons also held the licence for the Bridge Inn. James died in 1914 aged 71, and the hotel remained in the family for several years after James’ death.

Stoney’s is situated on the corner of Labilliere and Grant Streets in Maddingley.

Bumper year for agriculture

Despite devastating floods in the eastern states, the Australian agriculture industry is on track for an outstanding 12-month result.

Executive Director of the Australian bureau of Agriculture and Resource Economics and Sciences (ABARES), Dr Jared Greenville, said the ABARES Agricultural Commodities and Crop Reports show new benchmarks in export commodities, and high yields for winter crops.

“The gross value of agricultural production is forecast to be a near-record $85 billion in 2022-23, just shy of the record set the previous year. Meanwhile, the winter crop is forecast to be the second largest on record at over 62 million tonnes. Livestock production is expected to hold steady, contributing $34 billon to the national total,” Dr Greenville said.

“Another bumper year combined with high commodity prices means Australia’s agricultural exports are forecast to break records at over $72 billion in 2022-23.”

While spring rain has impacted production, yields, and quality in some parts of the country, some states are experiencing their best winter crops on record, Dr Greenville said.

“Crops in Western Australia and South Australia benefitted the most from spring conditions, with total production in both states forecast to reach new record levels. Total production in Queensland is forecast to reach the second highest on record, despite parts of the Darling Downs missing out on plantings after being impacted by the floods.

“We saw a record amount of crop planted in Victoria this year. At the state level, high yields in the Mallee and the Wimmera will offset crop losses in central and northern border regions. However, the full picture of damage to crops from extensive waterlogging remains an unknown.”

New sewerage investigation

By Lachlan Ellis

Central Highlands Water (CHW) has announced a $15 million project in Ballarat, but Bungaree and Wallace residents will have to keep waiting for a much-needed sewerage connection.

CHW announced construction of the $15 million Stage 2 Ballarat Sewer Build program this month, which will commence works in January 2023.

The company said the project was part of the biggest upgrade to Ballarat’s sewerage system in almost 100 years – however, when asked about progress on Bungaree and Wallace’s requests for sewerage, a CHW spokesperson said plans were in very early stages.

“Central Highlands Water continues to work with customers, community, and stakehold-

ers to provide high quality and safe water and wastewater services. Preliminary investigations are underway into the potential to provide sewerage to Wallace and Bungaree,” CHW’s spokesperson told the Moorabool News.

“This process will involve a number of studies, relating to planning and engineering, to determine viability, as well as community engagement to determine the level of community support. No commitments have been made from any parties at this time to progress past the investigation stage.”

A sewer system in the growing towns is a priority for Council, with current estimates at $10 million for the project with Council investing $1 million, and other entities such as CHW hoped to provide the remaining $9 million.

The winners of the 2022 Australian Farmer of the Year Awards came from almost every state in Australia. Photo – Australian Farmer of the Year Awards

(L-R): Chris Loader (CHW Project Manager), Jeff Haydon (CHW Managing Director), Jack Barrett (Civil Works Project Manager), Stephen Answerth (CHW General Manager Capital Delivery and Networks), Graeme Hall (Construction Manager). Photo – CHW

thriving Before and After School Care Hours Service.

Applicants should have recognized qualifications to work in this setting.

Interested applicants should write a letter addressing why they are suited to this position.

Addressed to Mr. Russel Cowan (Principal), 1 Dicker Street, Gordon Victoria 3345.

Applications close on 1st January 2023

DEATH NOTICE

KENWRICK-BURVILL

Nichole passed away at the Alfred Hospital 12/12/2022, aged 48. Most dearly loved and treasured by Pat, Leon(dec), Helen, Brian, Joan, Fiona and their families. Our love and support goes out to Vince, Marnie, Brydie and Archie.

You were just like angels, looking over Ron and gently caring for him, thank you so much.

1. Obligation to publish – Designated

5. Publication of notices about the

The ladies in the kitchen

You know how awesome you all are, you’re the best Grant Street UFS Staff

(1) Each publisher must publish controls and on each website

Thank you for your help with Rons medications and your special hugs.

(2) The content and format of the Council. The notice is to be published to the editor or the home page Executive Director of the Council.

MATTHEWS – Carmel and Samantha

We would like to thank family and friends for all your beautiful flowers and caring thoughtful cards we both received. We would also like to thank all of Rons mates and relatives who just turned up to help him with odd jobs around the house, or just popped in for a chat. He really did appreciate all your visits. Now he is free of pain and can truly ‘REST IN PEACE’

2. Form and content determined

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

http://www.presscouncil.org.au.

DECLARATION

PUBLIC NOTICE

DECLARATION

DECLARATION

Fire

Danger Period

Fire Danger Period

Fire Danger Period

The Chief Officer of CFA will be introducing the Fire Danger Period for all land within the municipalities listed below.

The Chief Officer of CFA will be introducing the Fire Danger Period for all land within the municipalities listed below.

The Chief Officer of CFA will be introducing the Fire Danger Period for all land within the municipalities listed below.

The Fire Danger Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on

The Fire Danger Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on

The Fire Danger Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on

Date of Commencement

Municipality

BOROUGH OF QUEENSCLIFF 24/12/2022

Municipality

Date of Commencement

CITY OF GREATER GEELONG 24/12/2022

BOROUGH OF QUEENSCLIFF 24/12/2022

Municipality Date of Commencement

GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE 24/12/2022

BOROUGH OF QUEENSCLIFF 24/12/2022

CITY OF GREATER GEELONG 24/12/2022

SURF COAST SHIRE 24/12/2022

CITY OF GREATER GEELONG 24/12/2022

GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE 24/12/2022

GOLDEN PLAINS SHIRE

SURF COAST SHIRE 24/12/2022

SURF COAST SHIRE 24/12/2022

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period.

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period.

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period.

Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Heffernan Chief Officer, CFA

Jason

Jason

Heffernan Chief Officer, CFA

Jason Heffernan Chief Officer, CFA

[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.

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.

Bacchus Marsh Hospital Palliative Care

Ballan CCricket

Sport Ballan Cricket Club

Results – W/e Saturday 17 December

Under 11 Washed out Under 13

Ballan 5/74 lost East Ballarat Gold 5/111

Batting - Jackson Letcher 14 n.o, Callum Lister 12, Sarah Burton 11, Eamon Grigg 9

Bowling - Sarah Burton 1/10, Mabel Ayres 1/14, Jackson Letcher 1/17, Eamon Grigg 1/21

Under 15

Ballan/Brown Hill 6/123 def Golden Point 6/86

Bowling - Charlotte Wallace 1/3, James Bayard 1/4 Golden Point batted first with regular wickets and some very disciplined bowling making it hard to score. Charlotte Wallace combined with Ed Sullivan (Brown Hill) to remove the opener who was starting to look comfortable. James then took a caught and bowled. Both Jai and Riley kept it tight with some line bowling.

A steady top order made a solid start to the innings before the middle order came in towards the end to make small contributions to a total of 123 securing us the win and gaining the team some confidence and great game experience for the new year.

Under 17s

Ballan 6/246 def Wendouree 105

Batting - Ryan Lister 101 retired not out, Jack Jarvis 44, Max Hoey 21, Ned Loft 16 not out

Bowling - Ryan lister 8.1/3/5/11, Eli Muir 7/1/2/28, Clancy Mathieson 4/0/1/12, Angus Britt 2.1/0/1/13

After setting the tone last week, Ryan Lister continued his fantastic run securing his maiden century off just 65 balls.

At the crease, Ryan was well supported by Max Hoey as he made his way to a tough 21. This helped guide our team to a solid 6/246. With the ball Ryan Lister was unstoppable again, taking a marvellous 5/11. Everyone else also played their role throughout this game and it paid off massively.

Ballan 2nd XI (BCA 4th Grade)

Ballan 91 lost Coronet City 0/92

Batting - David Leach 21, Max Burton 16, Glenn Easterbrook 13

Bowling - James Burton 3-1-0-8, Kobe Heafield 2-0-0-9, John Costello 1-0-0-3

Ballan 1st XI (BCA 2nd Grade)

Ballan 150 lost Wendouree 232 (day 2)

Batting - Mark Kennedy 86, Jack Jarvis 34 no

Ballan 2nd XI (BCA 4th Grade)

Ballan 91 lost Coronet City

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics

The Centre held their final meet for 2022 last Friday evening with a Twilight Meet conducted.

Prior to competition kicking off, presentations for the BMLAC Combined Event, held the previous week, were awarded. Trophies were presented to the winner in each age group and medals awarded to 2nd and 3rd overall placegetters. All competitors received a Certificates

of Participation which included full results and overall placings.

Once presentations concluded competition quickly got underway. All athletes participated in a modified program, consisting of 4 events. Conditions were tough for racing, with athletes running into a strong head wind. Evie Taylor was the sole athlete to record PBs in all her events, earning her the PB Star of the Week.

Mid way through the meet the Centre had a special visit from Santa where all athletes had the opportunity to meet with Santa and an age group photo taken. The Centre Christmas Raffle was also drawn – 1st prize, $250 Coles voucher – Jason Sultana; 2nd prize, $150 Coles Voucher – Baker Milligan; 3rd prize, $100 Coles voucher – Faye Price; 4th prize, $50 Ballan Local Butcher voucher – Marilyn Cauchi.

The Centre will now take a break over the Christmas/New Year period before returning for a busy second half of the season on Saturday 21 January.

Cups and champs at Cranbourne

By Michael Howard (HRV)

A happy hunting ground for Kate and Andy Gath became doubly so as the pair claimed a fifth Cranbourne crown and, along the way, picked up a season-long premiership.

An eventful and entertaining Betavet Bruce Skeggs Memorial Cranbourne Trotters Cup had action throughout and that was all perfectly to script for Kate Gath and her steer Majestuoso, who sat in wait and then took command late to win handsomely.

And with that Majestuoso joined Elegant Image (2012), Tornado Valley (2018 and 2019) and Havehorsewilltravel (2021) as Cup champ for the Gaths, and while the latter could only muster ninth in his title defence he did claim his own riches.

Havehorsewilltravel picked up the $25,000 bonus for winning the Maori’s Idol Trotting Championship, amassing 25 points across the season to take the prize ahead of Travel Bug (20), with Cranbourne the last qualifying Cup of the season.

It was part of a successful night for the Gath stable, with Sanday and Chinese Whisper also scoring, while Majesutoso’s impressive win would have eased a little of the anguish of the talented trotter going so close when second in last Saturday's SENTrack Inter Dominion final.

“It’s really special to win it tonight,” Kate Gath told TrotsVision, with the significantly beefed up $50,000 purse giving the race Group 1 status.

“We couldn’t quite get the Inter Dominion win, but it’s a pretty good consolation. It’s really good the job he did tonight.”

“There was a bit of speed on early, which really helped. There was lots happening,” Kate Gath said. “We got to pop around at the time and his class just proved too strong. Hopeful Beauty’s been absolutely flying, so it was a really good effort to beat her in the straight.”

The rich Aurora Australis series lies ahead for trotters in Victoria, an eight-race series that begins with Bendigo's Maori Mile on January 7 and runs through to the February 25 Australian Trotting Grand Prix, offering $705,000 in prizemoney plus bonuses.

BAIN MARIE gold air brand with tile top, and trolley type, $80. Ph: 0418 318 164

BAR Retro Bar, dark wood laminate with glass display cabinet, overhead glass rack and 4 bar stools. $80 - 0418 121 582

BATHERS Ladies’, one new with price tag, two used. Two size 22 and one size 24, mauve and teal, $50 negotiable. Ph: 9747 6420

BELT BUCKLE Mens, Punisher (Marvel comics) $10 - 0423 252 922

BIKE RACK CARRIER, fits tow ball, up to 3 bike capacity, $30 Ph 0428 325 264

BIKE Mountain bike, Giant, 26”, VGC, 24-speed, blue, $90 - 0466 989 010

BIRD CAGE Large, suitable for cockatoos, $70. Ph: 0423 327 040

BIRD Transporter Box, double sided, suit small birds, good condition, $20 Ph 0467 488 414

BOOKCASE pine GC $70 – 0401 085 454

BOOTS, Steel-capped, Women’s Blender, Mistral brand, new in box, $25. Ph: 0417 110 261

BLENDER, Mistral brand, new in box, $25. Ph: 0417 110 261

BOOTS Size 8, Black, only worn once, EC $20 Phone 0432 973 539

CAR BATTERY, Century, 500cca, good condition, $60 Ph 0406 513 089

CHRISTMAS TREE, 195 cm, purple, only used once, $40. Ph: 0434 547 266

CHRISTMAS tree, enclosed in Perspex box. 1'3" wide, 3" high, plays Christmas carols and snows, $100. Ph: 0418 302 463

CHAIRS Lounge Retro 1x3seater, 2 x single seater GC $50 – 0423 173 215

COFFEE Maker 3-in-1 Russell Hobbs. $50 - 0418 121 582

COOKERY and garden books, big variety, $25 for the box Ph: 0417 110 261

COUCH, 3-seater, cream leather, no nicks or cuts, $50. Ph: 0490 070 463

COUCH, 3-seater, grey fabric, new, never used, $100. Ph: 0490 070 463

COUCH/DIVAN, A modern style off-white fabric 2 seater. Also Dark wood dressing table and mirror with 2 matching bed-side tables.

FREE Phone 0414392363.

DESK – Student desk, large GC –0407 097 941

DVD’S x 30 mostly thrillers $15 the lot, contact 0408 951 676

DVD players (2), one Blu-ray $15, standard one, $10. Both $25 – 0414 691 891

DVD recorder Panasonic, new condition $70 – 0417 575 248

FISHING KNIFE Set Mojiko in carry case $50 ph 0447 672 218

FISH TANK 60cm x 30cm. All accessories – light, filter, heater etc. $50 ono - 0418 121 582

FLY REEL with six weight line, Blackridge, $70. Ph: 0447 672 218

FOOT STOOL, Beige patterned material $10 Ph 0423252922

FORD FALCON, EL, mag wheel, with brand new Supercat tyre, $70 Ph 0406 513 089

FORD FALCON hupcaps, BA/BF, 16in, (x4) $60 Ph 0406 513 089

FREE PLANTS, geranium, pelargoniums in flower. Ph: 0412 869 304

FRIDGE, large, Westinghouse, suitable for garage fridge, works well, $50. Ph 0490 070 463

FRIDGE - Westinghouse. ideal as a Man's Cave/beer fridge $300427 417 690

GRASS CUTTER Handheld, $30. Ph: 0423 327 040

HAND BAG - Silver glo-mesh handbag & grey glo-mesh retro purse $30 lot – 0423 252 922

HEDGE TRIMMER Ryobi Electric 63cm bar EC $50 - 0407 229 990

HOT PLATE, Breville portable electric hot plate, as new, $30 Ph 0428 325 264

HYDRANGEAS, fuschias, jade plants, $8 each. Aloe veras, $5 each. Ph: 0408 058 986

JERRY CAN HOLDERS, suit caravan, bracket to suit tow bar or bumper, $30 Ph 0428 325 264

KITCHEN DRESSER. Pine GC $50. 04221107878

KITCHEN dresser/cabinet 3 door and drawers $80 - 0407 097 941

LAUNDRY or kitchen sink, marble, still in box, $100 Ph 0456 243 956

MATTRESS DB Latex. As new. FREE – 0413 152 448

MCDONALD'S BOX of collectors items, Happy Meal toys collected over the years, $50 ono Ph: 0417 110 261

NESPRESSO pod Coffee machine plus accessories $55 ono, Phone 0433 786 763

PETROL BLOWER VAC – brand new, never used $85 ono, Phone 0433 786 763

PIANOLA rolls, old x 60, $60 for the lot. Ph: 0457 053 041

PRINTER Canon Pixma MP 800 EC $50 – 0417 575 248

RONSON Sentinel electric bug zapper, as new in box, $25. Ph: 0412 869 304

SCREWDRIVER set, Stanley, 14 piece, new, $20. Ph: 0418 318 164

SEWING MACHINE, Singer “Feather Weight”, Model 100 $500407 229 990

SHOES/BOOTS girls (5 pairs) size 10,11 & 12 GC $20 lot – 0423 252 922

SPOTLIGHTS for ceiling, three on stainless steel bar, LED globes included, $40. Ph: 0418 318 164

TABLE Glass outdoor, seats 6. Ph: 0407 434 134

TABLE TENNIS table, no net $100 – 0423 252 922

TABLES (2) bedside, two tone (blue painted drawers and wooden look) GC $50 - 0401 085 454

TABLES (2) bedside (Mojo) Rosewood, iron grid inserts & metal/wood handles. $50 - 0401 085 454

TRAILER BALL MOUNT 50 mm chrome ball, used once $50 - 0407 229 990

TREATED PINE, 2 planks, 100mm x 50mm, 2.7m long, $20 Ph 0406 513 089

TV cabinet $40 - 0407 097 941

QUILTING HOOPS, Bonwick & Co 14-inch lap $50, Bonwick & Co 14-inch normal $40, very solid, Ph: 0401 828 629

WELDER: CIG Transarc Welder 160 amp good working condition, $85, 0413 555 954

WINDOW lock, new, all keyed the same, total of nine, suit A&L sliding windows, $20 for the lot. Ph: 0412 869 304

BMLAC Combined Event age group champions Photo - submitted

Photo: Stuart McCormick

Ballan Brumbies Basketball

In the final round of the calendar year, Ballan Brumbies

Under 16 C Boys took on Wildcats in what promised to be a free flowing encounter between two teams that love to score quickly.

James Prosser and James Pace missed driving layups and leading scorer Noah Pace was freezing cold. It was only the tough interior of Barney Batiste that was keeping the scoreboard ticking over for Ballan.

At the other end Wildcats were firing away from deep with abandon, though they themselves were not entirely on song.

A pair of baskets from Will Lewis and a conversion close to the hoop from Noah Cardona pushed Ballan's lead out late in the first half, though a quick burst from Wildcats reduced the halftime score to 22-18 in Brumbies favour.

A clearly frustrated Noah Pace finally got on the board with a tough pull up in the lane to open the second half, Prosser following suit. When Batiste scored from in close and Noah Pace connected on a three pointer, Ballan once again looked in control of the match.

Wildcats, though, came roaring back through a three point barrarge from Harrington. The forward connected on four three pointers in the final 10 minutes to drag his team back in to the match. Wildcats were suddenly bossing the match. Their defense was tight, creating turnovers from Harrison Clark and both Pace brothers. When Harrington wasn't letting it fly, Wildcats were attacking the basket and getting to the free throw line.

Ballan trailed by two points into the final 30 seconds and were fortunate that Wildcats missed an easy layup and a pair of free throws that would have put the game beyond reach. With just 4.7 seconds remaining, Ballan had the ball after a timeout. Their hastily drawn up play came to nothing, though they somehow found its way to Noah Pace, who pulled up for a shot a full two metres behind the arc, the ball gracefully falling through the hoop as time expired.

Thanks to Pace's buzzer beater, Ballan flat out stole a 38-37 victory to close 2022.

RESULTS

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 6 def Phoenix Hawks 40

Ballan B 5 lost Wildcats 40 Under 12 Boys

Ballan E 38 def Drummo Dragons 6

Ballan C 35 def Drummo Dragons 12 Under 12 Girls

Ballan 17 def Tigers 0

Under 14 Boys

Ballan F White 26 def Phoenix Titans 24

Ballan F Blue 32 lost Drummo Dragons 37

Ballan D 37 lost Saints Bulls 38

Ballan C 51 def Saints Nuggets 36 Under 14 Girls

Ballan D 44 def Celtic Tigers 18

Ballan B 23 lost Saints Spirit 26 Under 16 Boys

Ballan G White 43 def Ballan Brumbies Blue 12

Ballan G Blue 12 lost Ballan Brumbies White 43 Under 16 Boys

Ballan E 30 lost Wildcats 35

Ballan C 38 def Wildcats 37

Under 19 Boys

Ballan H 17 lost Phoenix Raiders 45

Ballan E 24 def Phoenix Commanders 21

Ballan D 18 lost Excies Acmy 25

Under 19 Girls

Ballan 48 def Drummo Dragons 28

Ballan Golf Club

Results - W/e Saturday 17 December

Wednesday – Stroke

Winner - Kev Lockman (18) 38 points on c/b f

R/Up - Denis Conroy (18).

NTPs - 12th Chris Tudor, 15th Chris Dunn. Magpie - 14th Bob Arklay.

Saturday – Stroke – 3 Person Cross Country Ambrose.

Winners - Peter Clifford, Andrew Carton & Stuart Miller 58-9.2-51.8.

R/Up - Chris Tudor, Don Wickson & Damian Toohey 59-5.7-53.3.

NTPs - 16th Chris Tudor, 15th Stuart Miller.

Local takes out St Arnaud Cup

By Len Baker

What a day on Sunday 20 November for Gordon’s McGuigan family after 8YO Shadow Play-Whata Western gelding Byalla Boy greeted the judge in an action packed $14,500 Weirs IGA St Arnaud Pacing Cup over 2150 metres.

Trained by Tim McGuigan for wife Fiona, Byalla Boy driven by son Darby was able to cross polemarker Modern Bliss from gate two shortly after the start when driven vigorously in a race which changed complexion through the middle stages as Modern Bliss trailing dropped back sharply and was pulled out of the race taking Sew What (three pegs) with him back to the tail of the field as positions changed. Allowed to dictate terms to a nicety, Byalla Boy kicked away in the straight to record a 3.2 metre margin in advance of Vanquish Stride (one/one at bell – three wide home turn) to be outside the leader on turning. Sew What was the unlucky runner when third 2.7 metres away after being very wide in the final circuit. The mile rate 2-01 (last half mile 58.8 – quarter 30.7).

A very good leader, Byalla Boy has recorded 15 wins from 196 race appearances and in winning, cracked the $100,000 take barrier.

Rampant Lions roar

By Todd Whelan

Darley is 'sitting pretty' at the summit of the BCA table ahead of the Christmas break after a convincing 113 run win on the road over last season champions Golden Point.

Big guns Danza Hyatt 110* (99) and Dilon Chandima 67 (90) came out to play after the Lions won the toss and batted their way to an imposing 3/264 from 50 overs. Hyatt's innings early was 'measured' by his own standards as the number three assumed the 'steering of the ship' role throughout the middle overs after Chandima was bowled aiming to raise the scoring rate. At the 40 over mark the former West Indian International had done all the hard work to be 42 off 69 balls before the chaos. LIons coach Brian Wheelahan summed it up best in his post match comments.

"The big fella put on another show," he said.

Hyatt added a further 68 runs of his own including six monster sixers during the last 10 overs despite facing just 30 of the remaining 60 balls. As a result, a second century in just his third hit-out of the season could not be denied. Eastern Oval has proven a happy hunting ground for Hyatt with 389 runs from six innings at 77.8 avg. As impressive as those numbers are they pale in comparison to his overall current season avarage of 255. Hyatt ranks #4 in the competition for runs scored (255) behind fellow teammate Chandima (450 runs @75avg) despite just three innings under his belt. `

Chasing 265 for victory the home side dug in, looking an outside chance at 1/64 before Lions seamer Dayle Locke sparked a dramatic batting collapse. Locke took three quick wickets to have the 'Pointies' on their knees at 5/76. Lion’s debutant Lachie Bona was among the early wicket takers to make the most of an opportunity presented in the absence of strike bowler Madushanka Ekanayake (family reasons). Offspinner Dilon Chandima (4/20) rest assured his star quality is not limited to his batting exploits alone. Chandima played a part in all of the last five Golden Point wickets to fall that included a run out. For the record, the reigning EJ Cleary Medalist ranks #2 in the competition for wickets taken with 13. Only East Ballarat experienced seamer Joshua Brown (15) has more.

Coach Wheelahan had every right to have a spring in his

step heading into the break as his Lions made it seven wins on the trot.

"It was a fantastic win by the boys against quality opposition," he said.

"We're sitting pretty on top at the break, I couldn't ask for any more than that."

The Lions head into the break not only #1 on the BCA points table but also #1 for runs made, wickets taken and least number of runs conceded. The numbers alone indicate the Lions to be on track replicating their title successes of 2019/20 and 2020/21.

BCA 1st GRADE - (R10)

Darley 3/264, Overs 50. D. Hyatt 110*, D. Chandima 67. Golden Point 151, Overs 38. D. Chandima 4/20, Da Locke 3/29.

Darley won by 113 runs

BCA 2nd GRADE - (R7)

Darley 123 & 6/207 dec. Overs 36. Dr Locke 102, M. Ward 50

Coronet City 186, Overs 49.3. Da Locke 4/48, L. Bona 2/28, B. Longhurst 2/43.

Darley lost on first innings.

BCA 3rd GRADE - (R3)

Darley 5/187, Overs 40. Lucas 6/189, Overs 37.3. Darley lost by 4 wickets.

BCA 4th GRADE - (R3)

BFB 3/260, Overs 40. A. Ward 1/24, P. Jarvinen 1/30.

Darley 71. Overs 33.3. D. Kilmartin 14, N. Dodemaide 13. Darley lost by 189 runs.

BCA 5th GRADE - (R11)

Darley 88, Overs 19.1. A. Clarke 33, J. Penny 27.

Ballarat-Redan 0/89, Overs 16. Darley lost by 10 wickets.

(L-R) Grace Munro, Darby McGuigan (driver), Chelsea Munro, Steve Dickson (owner) with trainer Tim McGuigan (father) after the win. Photos - supplied

Photos - Tim Saultry / sportingherald.com.au