Moorabool News 10 January 2023

Moorabool News

By Lachlan Ellis

Lost Avenue emerges

You might have driven past it without even realising, but local groups hope to restore a “forgotten” Avenue of Honour in Barrys Reef – believed to be the final “lost” but restorable Avenue.

Led by the Ballan RSL, the committee plans to restore a 29-tree Avenue of Honour planted over 100-years ago in Barrys Reef, back in 1919.

The Avenue was originally planted by a local primary school that no longer exists, representing the 29 men from Barrys Reef who fought in World War I, with nine never returning home.

An initial $8,000 grant allowed the committee to pay an arborist to study the trees, with only a handful of the trees still standing in the area, which has become overgrown with weeds.

Ballan RSL President Pippa Morris said the committee wanted the area to become a “homage to the Blackwood and Barrys Reef community both pre- and post-World War I, and represent a long-lost community”.

“We’ve been negotiating with DELWP for four or five years to get the management of this. Originally, they weren’t aware that this was an Avenue of Honour…the RSL took it on as a project back in 2017, and we were able to get the licence early last year,” Ms Morris told the Moorabool News.

“This year we got a State Government Veterans Grant to do what we call Phase 1 of the project, that was to pull together a Community Reference Group with the Blackwood Historical Society, the Blackwood Landcare Group, and the Ballan Shire Historical Society, to put together a restoration plan for what we’ll then call Phase 2.”

Phase 2 will comprise the actual physical work to restore the Avenue, which the committee will apply for funding for in the next grants round in March 2023.

“The project itself will probably take at least three years, we need to break the work plan up into yearly lots, and seek individual grants for each year. It’s not just about the military history of this, it’s about the community that was here that isn’t here anymore,” Ms Morris said.

“This area was all about mining and sawmilling. The plan is to create a space here that represents the community, not just information about the 29 men who signed up. We want to turn it into a community space, and bring back the community that planted it in 1919, but also have it as a bridge to the current community that lives here.”

A project launch is planned for February next year at the Blackwood Hall, but an exact date hasn’t been set yet.

The committee is also planning a number of working bees to clear the weeds at the site.

Ballan RSL President Pippa Morris and Blackwood Historical Society member Ray Castellin, under the canopy of what remains of the Barrys Reef Avenue of Honour from 1919. Photo – Helen Tatchell

Be responsible on public land

Trail bike-riding, four-wheel driving and camping are all fun ways to get out and enjoy this summer but there are important rules to keep you and others safe.

Authorised Officers from all three agencies will be patrolling forests, parks, and reserves targeting illegal off-road activity, littering and unsafe campfires.

Grampians Acting Deputy Chief Fire Officer David Sayce had a message for anyone visiting the parks and forests.

“If you are taking the opportunity to get away these holidays and enjoy our state forests and parks, please obey all rules and signage to protect yourselves, others and the environment and have a wonderful time,” he said.

Over the holiday period some closures will be in place across the Grampians region. There will also be heavy machinery working on forest roads across the summer with local traffic management in place so please be mindful of this if you’re planning to visit any state forests.

Flood events have impacted many parts of Victoria recently, and with more rain possibly on

the way, the condition of dirt roads have been affected. Many tracks in state forest and parks will remain closed until further notice to allow repair work to be completed and prevent further serious road damage. It is an offence to use them while closed.

With many forests and parks impacted by the recent floods, it is recommended visitors have an alternate option in case their preferred location is closed.

Trail bike-riders and four-wheel drivers are reminded they must be licenced, vehicles registered and can only use formed roads and tracks to protect the environment and other forest users.

Anyone caught illegally riding or driving vehicles off-road in state forests can face on-thespot fines of $185 or up to $500 if the matter is taken to court. Damaging, disturbing or destroying wildlife habitat carries a maximum fine of more than $9,000.

Visitors are also responsible for building and keeping safe campfires, including where and what they use and never leaving it unattended, even for a short period of time. Campfires should be put out with water, not soil, and should be cool to the touch before leaving. And all rubbish must be taken home, not dumped, or burned.

Anyone who witnesses illegal vehicle use or rubbish dumping on public land is encouraged to report it on 136 186.

Festival will grow on you

By Lachlan Ellis

With all the events and festivals held in Moorabool, you might think there wasn’t ‘mushroom’ for more – but a new festival will be held in Ballan in April.

The Moorabool Mushroom Festival will be held at the Mechanics Institute Reserve & Ballan Community House on April 15 and 16, and was made possible thanks to a grant from Moorabool Shire Council.

Run by not-for-profit community organisation MYCOmmunity Applied Mycology, the Moorabool Mushroom Festival will feature expert speakers, workshops, art displays, and more.

President of MYCOmmunity Applied Mycology, Ema Corro, said the Festival would complement the range of festivals already held in Moorabool, and provide something for everyone, not only those interested in mushrooms.

“Our group started about four years ago. We’re sort of a citizen science group, we do a lot of workshops, mushroom growing and foraging, things like that…but we also do citizen science, teaching people to identify and record mushrooms. We also do some more complex scientific work, like looking at eDNA and things like that,” Ms Corro told the Moorabool News. “At the Festival we’ll have a pretty wide variety of speakers, people from scientific backgrounds but also foragers and experts in mycology, hands-on workshops, hopefully a marketplace and exhibition as well. We’re hoping to get the community involved and make it a community event, so if anyone wants to get involved, they can contact us through our website.”

Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Rod Ward said Council was proud to support the event.

“Council supported the Moorabool Mushroom Festival through its Community Grants Pro -

gram in the August 2022 round of funding, with a $3,000 grant awarded to the not-for-profit community organisations MYCOmmunity Applied Mycology,” Mayor Cr Ward said.

“The event will increase awareness of environmental sustainability, encourage community capacity building through science and environmental education, and increase community connection through participation in social activities, with the aim of establishing an annual event for the community to enjoy.”

For more information and to express your interest in attending, running a stall, being part of the art exhibition, speaking at the event or running a workshop, head to myco.tidyhq.com/ public/schedule/events/45355.

The Conservation Regulator, Forest Fire Management Victoria and Parks Victoria are urging responsible recreation as Victorians take a well-earned break this holiday season.

Sponsors help with support

By Lachlan Ellis

With the yearly Christmas raffle now complete, Ballan Auxiliary has thanked all the sponsors and supporters, both in 2022 and in the past, for making its fundraising possible.

The group has a dedicated team of 12 ladies who work tirelessly to raise funds for the ageing community at the Aged Care and Hostel in Ballan, but President Jackie Wetzler said their work wouldn’t be possible without the support of local businesses and the community.

“Our supporters have been amazing…we’ve had IGA letting us sell tickets, vouchers from the Ballan Butcher and Ballan Take Away, and Sweet N Sassy always help us too. UFS have been great supporters as well. We get a lot of support from local businesses, we couldn’t do it without them,” Ms Wetzler told the Moorabool News.

“We ask the aged care residents what they need, and the funds go towards that. Anything we can help with, we will…we do four raffles a year, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, and Christmas.”

Param Singh is the owner of Ballan Fresh Fruit & Veg, and began supporting the Ballan Auxiliary this year. He said it was important to give back to the community, which had given so much to him and his business.

“This is all about the community…I remember when we started our business nearly three years ago. Without the support from the community we wouldn’t be open,” Mr Singh said.

“For us, it’s pretty much giving something back to the community, and helping each other out. This is the very first time, we put our hand up to help straight away. We’ve been helping out with the Ballan Cricket Club and the local schools too.”

The prizes were drawn on Wednesday 21 December, with first prize being a Christmas hamper valued at over $200, and second prize being a hamper valued at around $170.

Ms Wetzler also thanked The Tin Plate Cafe and the Ballan Newsagency for their support.

Moorabuild taking shape

The Darley Park Community and Sports Centre is progressing well and is on track for completion in mid-March.

A spokesperson for Moorabool Shire Council said progress over the last month included “the completion of external brick work, progress with the roofing and cladding and plastering of the ceiling of the ground floor.”

The pavilion is funded by:

- Growing Suburbs Fund – State Government ($2.5M)

- Darley Football & Netball Club ($481,000)

- Moorabool Shire Council ($1.1m)

Online safety – be vigilant

Police are urging parents, guardians and children to be aware and vigilant of online safety over the school holiday period following a marked increase in the reporting of sexual extortion, or ‘sextortion’ – where victims are blackmailed with the threat of their intimate images being shared online unless the victim meets the perpetrator’s demands.

A spokesperson for Eyewatch – Moorabool PSA said police are encouraging parents to have age-appropriate conversations with their child around personal safety online and what to do if they find themselves in a situation that makes them feel uncomfortable.

“Most commonly, offenders engage victims through chat based social media platforms, often purporting to be a young person of a similar age to those they are targeting.

“Offenders establish a rapport with their victims, often flattering them or pretending they’re in some kind of relationship, before sending what they suggest are intimate images of themselves. They’ll then coerce their victims into sending sexualised personal images back,” the spokesperson said on social media.

“Once they’ve received the images, the offender threatens to on-share the content with

friends and family of the victim, making demands for money, gift cards or cryptocurrency. Even if the demands are met, the offenders will often still distribute the images.”

A key piece of advice parents or guardians can give their children is not to accept friend requests from people they do not know.

If you are subject to any type of concerning behaviour like this online, we would urge you to contact police and discuss the circumstances with us.

Anyone who contacts police will be supported and treated with respect, courtesy and dignity.

“We believe that these matters are underreported and that can be for a range of reasons, including fear or embarrassment, and sometimes feeling unsure if an offence has occurred or if they will be believed.”

Victoria Police is committed to investigating these matters and holding offenders to account.

Anyone with knowledge of these incidents and those responsible is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au

Ballan Fresh Fruit & Veg have supplied some of the items being awarded as prizes in the Christmas raffle. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Aged

By Lachlan Ellis

Plans for an aged care facility have been controversially passed by Council, with an objector citing concerns over conditions for residents, and the removal of a garden believed to contain ashes.

The application for development of a residential aged care facility at 166 and 168 Inglis Street, 33 Cowie Street, and 91 Simpson Street came before Council’s Development Assessment Committee (DAC) meeting on Wednesday 14 December.

Two speakers addressed Council on the application: Emma Dukic objecting to the application, and Angela Ash on behalf of the applicant, mecwacare.

Ms Dukic argued the plans would result in an unsuitable facility for residents, and would remove the community garden which she claimed contained the ashes of people who had passed away.

“I live opposite the site, so it’s quite close to home to me what’s happening there. It’s mainly a change of use from aged care to mainly end of life...there’s only small light wells which, in a COVID-safe world, I thought we weren’t meant to keep people outside in fresh air. As dementia care, it doesn’t seem to meet guidelines,” she told Council.

“They’re demolishing the memorial garden that has people’s ashes in it, I don’t think anyone’s actually addressed that issue. Our community’s community-funded garden is going to be removed, that belongs to the people of Ballan. I think it’s really unfair.”

Ms Ash, speaking on behalf of mecwacare, acknowledged that the site was an important place to the Ballan community, but said the proposed changes would improve the current facility.

“I understand the nature of this application, and change, is always highly emotive...I suppose this application has come about due to an identified need by mecwacare for these facilities. I talk to the history of the former hospital...but this is about looking to the future, and the redevelopment for this site, to provide for a service that is in need for this community,” Ms Ash said.

“The architects that have prepared this plan have worked closely with landscape architects to design the indoor court-

approved

yard spaces to be an area of high amenity. The conditions the officers are recommending through the agenda seeks to further enhance those spaces in terms of seating, additional landscaping, planters and the like.”

On the question of ashes potentially being located on the site, Council’s Manager Statutory Planning & Regulatory

Services, Robert Fillisch, said Council had “no idea” on whether or not there were ashes there, and their possible presence was “not a planning issue”.

The application was approved unanimously by Council, however Crs Paul Tatchell and Moira Berry were apologies and not present at the meeting.

The site of the aged care facility crosses five properties.

Mixed response on powerline review

By Lachlan Ellis

A neighbouring shire has welcomed an investigation into alternate options for transmission lines, but Moorabool Shire Council is taking a more cautious stance.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Transgrid provided its fifth update for the VNI West project’s RIT-T process on Friday 2 December.

The VNI West project would connect New South Wales’ Energy Connect network with the proposed Western Renewables Link (WRL) here in Victoria, the latter of which has faced significant community opposition.

In its project update, AEMO said that “AVP (AEMO Victorian Planning) and Transgrid are embarking on an investigation of alternative VNI West options, still running via a terminal station near Kerang, but with connection to WRL west of the currently proposed terminal station, including areas around Bulgana (Wotjobaluk Country) and Waubra/Lexton (Djaara Country)”.

“Our analysis of potential alternative options is not complete, and no decision has been made to change the currently proposed location for connection to WRL. Any changes to the configuration of WRL may have potential implications for the timing and scope of

the WRL Environmental Effects Statement,” the update reads.

Neighbouring Hepburn Shire Council put out a media release on 15 December welcoming the review, with Hepburn Shire Mayor Cr Brian Hood calling the review “a positive sign that we may be listened to”.

“We are grateful that levels of government are listening to our community’s concerns with this project and will be very interested in the alternative options that they propose,” he said.

However, Moorabool Shire Council CEO Derek Madden believes the investigation by AEMO and Transgrid will most likely have

Pets are for life

It may have been the season to be jolly recently, however it is now kitten season.

Bacchus Marsh Veterinary Centre has had an in influx of kittens into their program, with approximately 15 kittens coming into their care.

A spokesperson for the Vet Centre said that as a result they will be “looking for homes for many a kitten now we are in the New Year.”

“If you are interested or may know anyone that would be interested – the Vet Centre would love to receive an application at

BALLARAT AND DISTRICT WATER MAINS CLEANING

We are currently preparing for our Ballarat and District water supply network routine mains cleaning. This cleaning program will commence on 10 January 2023, and continue for approximately 8 weeks.

To find out more, visit our website: chw.net.au/water-mains-cleaning

bmvet@westvetcare.com.au (alternatively you can collect one from reception), and we will be calling applicants as the kittens become available.”

And, this is a timely reminder to remember that a pet is not just for Christmas, it’s for life.

“A cat should be lucky enough to have a 10-15 year relationship, sometimes longerand we would love nothing more than for all our babies to go to loving, and permanent homes,” the spokesperson said.

no significant impact on Moorabool.

“While the location of this terminal station may change, it appears the alignment of the transmission lines in Moorabool Shire are not likely to change in any substantial way,” Mr Madden told the Moorabool News.

“We will continue to liaise with AEMO and Ausnet and keep the community informed on any developments, including any likely impact on the proposed Western Renewables Link project, scope and route.”

To read the progress update in full, visit www.aemo.com.au and search ‘Project Update 5’

The program is carried out periodically, and is an important routine maintenance program to ensure the drinking water we supply to customers continues to be safe to drink.

During this period, we will be temporarily altering the method of disinfection used to treat the water and flushing the water mains network.

Some customers may temporarily experience a slight difference in taste and odour, however the water will continue to meet required drinking water standards.

VNI West, shown with a red dotted line, from the Draft 2022 Integrated System Plan (ISP).

Trio rescued at Pykes Creek

A Ballan police officer came to the rescue of three people at Pykes Creek, diving into the water in-uniform and swimming around 250 metres.

The trio fell off a jet ski and were left stranded in the middle of Pykes Creek Reservoir on Sunday 11 December, when Acting Sergeant Sally Fairweather spotted them from the Western Freeway at around 6pm.

Acting Sergeant Fairweather spotted the jet ski circling without passengers and drove to the shoreline, spotting the two adults and child huddled together in distress, unable to reach their jet ski.

While all three were wearing life jackets, they were unable to swim and were left stranded in the water, with noone nearby to help.

With heavy intermittent rain and a significant wind chill factor on the day, Acting Sergeant Fairweather removed her boots and belt before swimming out around 250 metres, retrieving the jet ski, navigating it to the group in the water, and transporting them back to shore.

All three were assessed by Ambulance Victoria at the scene, and despite being extremely cold, were cleared of any significant physical injuries.

Acting Sergeant Fairweather was contacted for comment but was unavailable to talk by the deadline – however, she was interviewed by Channel 7 Sunrise program following the rescue.

“I was just driving down the Western Freeway heading to my sister station down at Bacchus Marsh. I always happen to look down at Pykes Creek checking out what the water’s like and how many people are out there. On this day I saw a jet ski circling and I knew that wasn’t right,” Acting Sergeant Fairweather told the Sunrise program.

“To get the young child on board, he was one of my main concerns. I knew they’d been out there for probably at least 20 minutes, I certainly didn’t realise they’d been out there for 45 minutes. It was pretty cold out there, so to get them out of that water was a pretty good feeling, and I know that they had a pretty big sigh of relief too.

“To be able to do this and help people is certainly what I wanted to do when I joined this job,” she said.

Acting Sergeant Sally Fairweather was reunited with the lucky people her quick thinking saved, one week later.

Photo – Eyewatch – Moorabool Police Service Area

Mining history

By Lachlan Ellis

have occurred over the weekend of 16 to 18 December.

Secretary of the Blackwood & District Historical Society, Elizabeth Hall, said she

Dear Editor,

It is my belief, Centrelink legislation is in drastic need of reform.

The Social Security Act and Social Security (Amendments) Act each contain over 1,000 sections, most of which are designed to deny people payments, and many of which are in contradiction to other legislation.

Lottery wins, insurance payments and inheritances, when paid in more than one payment, are not classified as income by the Australian Taxation office, but they are by Centrelink.

Further, Centrelink use income averaging to calculate a fortnightly "income" amount over a 12-month period, a practice which was found to be illegal in the Robodebt court cases. This affects tens of thousands of people on Centrelink benefits each year, right across Australia.

The legal age for voting is 18, but Centrelink expect parents to support their children until they are 22.

That is, of course, unless the parent is receiving a carer's payment for a disabled child, in which case Centrelink consider the child an adult at age 16, and carer's payment is cancelled.

Carers for disabled people are paid about $400 a week to care for people with disabilities, about $10 an hour. If they

decide to supplement this with other work, their carer's payment is reduced or cancelled. Centrelink consider their payment to be welfare, whereas it is actually a job.

Taxation law considers each partner in a relationship to be financially independent, as it should be. However, Centrelink considers that if one person in the relationship is working, the benefits of the other partner are reduced or cancelled.

This means the non-working partner is completely dependent on the working partner, and has no financial independence. The result for tens of thousands of men and women is domestic violence in the form of economic coercion.

MPs elected prior to 2004 are able to collect a hefty pension for life, and still work full time in high paying jobs, but Centrelink cancels payments to aged pensioners if they dare to get a job. The aged pension was set up in the 1950s as a reward for working and paying taxes, but Centrelink now regard it as welfare.

These are just a few of the examples of how Centrelink works against Australia's most vulnerable, and it is time Human Services Minister Amanda Rishworth did her job and amended this legislation.

Craig Hill, Brisbane

Dear Editor,

Council Mee�ng

Chambers, Ballan

5 July 2023 Council Chambers, Ballan

Council has the following consulta�ons open • Jonathan Drive Ligh�ng Upgrade All details of consulta�ons are on our website moorabool.engagementhub.com.au

Employment

It has been two and a half years since we first heard of the WVTNP (now Western Renewables Link (WRL)), AusNet and AEMO. Now, as 2023 opens, I invite your readers to do a Google search for the words: “AEMO Supreme Court MCHPA”.

The top hit, will show that the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) lodged an application on 23 Dec 22 and is taking AEMO to the Supreme Court (Vic), seeking to quash AEMO’s decision that the WRL is still the preferred option to resolve renewable energy constraints in Western Victoria, and to have the options reassessed.

From this, it will be seen that the case is substantial, clear and thoroughly researched. It is not a frivolous complaint, or a complaint because certain people don’t want this powerline in their backyard. AEMO deserves to be held to account for, what in my opinion is, a series of embarrassing errors, deliberate omissions and blatant non-compliances.

Planning Permit

A summary legal briefing note of the MCHPA’s case against AEMO’s flawed and disingenuous assessment process can be found on their website at http:// www.StopAusNetsTowers.com.au and via Facebook. This is a ‘must read’ for everyone who has been following the campaign.

As a community we have a right to be angry that AEMO, the operator of the energy market, has handled the WRL so appallingly. And we have a right to be disappointed in our politicians and the regulators that let ‘it’ happen this way.

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

We should also be very proud of the community volunteers and the leadership of the MCHPA that have stood up in the face of incredible pressure over the past two and a half years to challenge AEMO’s behaviour and call it out. They deserve our ongoing support.

Jim Phasey, Myrniong

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

Dear Editor, Allocated in the Moorabool Shire Council 202w0/2021 capital budget was $40,000 for a pedestrian refuge to be erected outside Providence Village. This pedestrian refuge would assist the community with crossing the road in a safer manner.

Also, that officials or Council managers, apply to the Victorian Public Transport for a DDA compliant bus stop and shelter also for installation on Griffith Street in the vicinity of the Village.

Community Grants

Well, it’s now January 2023 and guess what? Nothing has been done.

Sylvia Merry, Maddingley

Unscheduled Mee�ng of Council

Encouraging awards

Hefty fine for drug-affected learner

Students from Coimadai, Balliang East, Myrniong, Bacchus Marsh Grammar, Bacchus Marsh Primary, St. Bernard’s, Pentland, and Darley all received awards, with Lions Club President Bill Richards expressing his hopes that the awards would “encourage all students to become involved in wider community activities”.

Some students were awarded under categories, such as ‘Outstanding Character’, ‘Academic Excellence’, and ‘Resilience’.

The following students were recipients of a Bacchus Marsh Lions Club Encouragement Award for 2022:

Bacchus Marsh Grammar Middle School

Connie Degnan (Outstanding Character)

Aikam Brar William Mizzi

Bacchus Marsh Primary Lexie Worboyes

Mikayla Denning-Brizzy Kenzi Grey Naris

Balliang East Primary Dexter Mudie Solomon Franklin

Coimadai Primary Brooke Lamberton (Academic Excellence)

Owen Montgomery (Resilience “I can take it in my stride” Award Billy Nguyen (Encouragement Award –‘Anything is possible if I apply myself’)

Darley Primary Ben Nguyen Zane Jackson Jackson Hogg

Myrniong Primary

Khloe Spiteri (Foundation)

Piper Vanderklift (Grade 1) Charlotte Rowlands (Grade 2)

Gemma Stewart (Grade 3)

Levi Sacco (Grade 4) Ellie McGillivray (Grade 5)

Pentland Primary

Cooper Goodrem (Academic Numeracy)

Lily Norman (Academic Literacy) Michael Gabra (Academic Encouragement)

St. Bernard’s Primary Franchesca Guinto (Exemplary Student) Ethan Gierak (Exemplary Student)

By Lachlan Ellis

A learner driver has been ordered to pay thousands of dollars for driving without an experienced driver in the car with him, while under the influence of drugs.

David Schick appeared at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on Friday 16 December, entering a guilty plea to driving without a supervising driver and driving under the influence of an illicit substance.

Police Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Clare Kane told the court that Mr Schick was involved in a collision the day he was first caught without a supervising driver.

“On 25 June 2021 at 5.16 pm, the accused was driving a motor vehicle north on Gisborne Road in Darley. He was sole occupant of the vehicle. He was attempting to turn in an easterly direction into Holts Lane, and failed to give way to a vehicle travelling straight ahead. The accused vehicle and victim’s vehicle sustained moderate damage… both were in a drivable condition after the collision,” LSC Kane said.

“Police arrived, he produced his learner’s permit. Again, he was the only person in the car. He did a breath test, there was no alcohol in his breath. He then did an oral fluid test and that showed he had an oral fluid drug in his system…that was further tested and it confirmed the presence of cannabis.”

LSC Kane said Mr Schick was also caught on 14 October 2021 driving a blue Holden

station wagon, again without a supervising driver.

“Checks confirmed he had an active learner’s permit, but he was driving without an accompanying driver and had no L plates on his vehicle. The change of address label on his licence was fraudulent, it was visibly different and included an extra digit in the licence number,” she said.

Mr Schick told Magistrate Hugh Radford that he “no longer uses drugs” and works in Melbourne, as well as running his own business part-time.

However, due to Mr Schick’s prior history and the multiple offences, the Magistrate had to hand down a significant penalty.

“You’ve got a prior in the last 10 years for the drug driving, in the absence of that it would have been six months, but because you have a prior it’s going to be twelve. That’s the minimum disqualification period set by Parliament,” he said.

“You’ve got a very poor driving history. All licences you hold will be suspended now for 12 months. But I also have to set a deterrent,” Magistrate Radford said.

“I’m going to impose a fine of $3,000. You’ve got to be careful going forward, if you drive while suspended in the future there’ll be the question of whether you serve a term of imprisonment.”

Domestic animal plan approved

By Lachlan Ellis

A new ‘Domestic Animal Management Plan’ has been approved by Moorabool Shire Council, with the plan to run until 2025. Under the Domestic Animals Act 1994, each municipal council must prepare a Domestic Animal Management Plan every four years, and review it annually.

Consultation for the plan was undertaken in July 2022, with 34 responses received on issues people are facing, and priority areas they believe Council should be addressing.

Four main priority areas were identified during the consultation period: promotion of responsible pet ownership, cat confinement, mandatory de-sexing, and minimising the risk of dog attacks.

Additional comments from the community included further provisions for off leash dog areas, cat and dog registration fees, and volunteer transport services for vet care.

A range of programs are mentioned within the Plan, including information with registration renewals on responsible pet ownership, auditing the amount of cat traps available to residents, and providing discounted microchipping services to the community.

Council will also work to identify and report illegally operating breeding establishments in the Shire, promote adoption of Pound dogs and cats, undertake educational programs promoting the benefits of dog and cat registration, and more.

The Plan was moved by Cr Tom Sullivan at Council’s 21 December Special Meeting and seconded by Cr Moira Berry, with all Councillors present voting in favour.

Crs Paul Tatchell and David Edwards were apologies and not present at the meeting.

Len Murfitt (Lions Club Project Co-Ordinator) with Awardees Solomon Franklin and Dexter Mudie. Photo – Lions Club of Bacchus Marsh

The Lions Club of Bacchus Marsh has provided Encouragement Awards to primary school students across the district for the 42nd year, inspiring local youth to be their best.

Photo by Hannah Lim on Unsplash

DEATH NOTICE

KNELL (Hedger ) Maureen Ann

On January 4 2023 peacefully at Ballarat Health Services, surrounded by her loving family, aged 86 years. Loved and loving wife of Thomas (dec); dearly loved Mum of Susan, Wendy and Mick, Tony and Jan; adored Nanna of 7 grandchildren and Nanna Knell of 9 great grandchildren. Sadly missed

FUNERAL NOTICE

KNELL

The Funeral Service for the late Mrs Maureen Knell will be held in St Johns Anglican Church Simson St, Ballan on Monday (Jan 16 2023) at TWO (2.00) p.m . Burial will follow in the Ballan Cemetery In lieu of flowers donations to Ballan Elderly Citizens would be appreciated

Live streaming https://patcashinfunerals.slcaust.com. au/102625.html

DEATH NOTICE

Full

at moderate cost

Ballarat 5333 3911 SMITH – Simon David 10.07.1967 – 23.12.2022

In our hearts forever. Best friend and loving husband to Vicki. Greatest Dad to Thomas and Abbey. A friend to many. Our memories will live on.

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.

Ballan Golf Club

Results - W/e Saturday 7 January

Wednesday – Stableford

Winner - Aggy Germon (21) 41 points.

R/up - Barry Lenaghan (20) 38 points.

Magpie - 14th Chris Dunn.

NTPs - 12th Aggy Germon, 15th Andrew Carton.

Saturday – Stroke – Monthly Medal

A GRADE

Winner of Monthly Medal - Frank Raffaele 71-12-59.

R/up - Anthony Moore 68-6-62.

B GRADE

Winner - Aggy Germon 80-19-61 on c/b

R/Up - Pete Clifford 78-17-61.

NTPs - 12th Denis Conroy, 15th Damian Toohey.

Magpies - 14th Anthony Moore, 18th Thomas Paarhammer. Balls 5, Cut-off 63 on c/b

Frank Raffaele, Aggy Germon, Pete Clifford, Anthony Moore, Vic Buttigieg.

Results - W/e Saturday 31 December

Wednesday – Stableford

Winner - Kev Lockman (19) 37 points.

R/up - Peter Cox (18) 35 points.

Magpie - 14th Peter Clifford. NTPs - 12th John Costello, 15th Don Wickson.

Saturday – Stableford

A GRADE

Winner - Frank Raffaele (12) 36 points. R/up - Bob Arklay (11) 34 points.

B GRADE

Winner - John Costello (22) 42 points. R/up - Stuart Hill (17) 37 points. NTPs - 12th Graeme Mc Call

The Funeral for Simon was held on 30.12.2022 at Michael Crawford Funerals Chapel, 226 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh. Privately Cremated.

EMPLOYMENT

Magpies - 14th Cam Wilkosz.

Balls 5 Cut-off 34 points

John Costello, Stuart Hill, Frank Raffaele, Aggy Germon, Bob Arklay.

Results - W/e Saturday 24 December Wednesday– Stableford

Winner - Jimmy Walsh (19) 37 points on c/b

R/Up - Kev Lockman (19).

Magpie - 14th John Costello. NTPs - 12th Bob Arklay

Saturday – Stableford (Christmas Eve)

Winner - Bob Arklay (11) 37 points on c/b

R/Up -Chris Tudor (13).

NTPs - 12th & 15th Frank Raffaele.

Magpie - 14th Rick Roden.

Sport

A wave of wins on eve of new year

VICBRED SUPER SERIES - Pacers

By Tim O'Connor (HRV)

Stars shone and others emerged as the sun set on a wonderful 2022 season of Victorian pacing at Tabcorp Park Melton on New Year’s Eve.

Some added to Group 1 hauls while others landed their first victory at the elite level on a night of exciting Vicbred Super Series finals action.

The late Richard Matthews was in the thoughts of trainerdriver combination Andy and Kate Gath after their emerging superstar Catch A Wave took out the Ride High Vicbred Super Series final for three-year-old colts and geldings.

Matthews owned the son of Captaintreacherous and wife Pauline has continued racing the exciting youngster since his passing in September.

“It’s just such a thrill for the Matthews family…,” Kate said. “They’ve continued on with Richard’s legacy. His son David, who Andy has a lot to do with, and obviously Pauline his wife.”

Catch A Wave led easily from barrier three, and despite a mid-race challenge from Matthew Craven and Heza Son Of Agun, had little to worry about in the $130,000 showdown. He slipped clear at the top of the straight and hung on to win from a fast-finishing Roarforroscoe, who closed the gap to 2.8m at the post.

Catch A Wave has now won 13 of 17 career starts for prizemoney earnings of almost $400,000.

Perhaps the most impressive performance on the night came in the juvenile ranks by a horse hailing from the state’s leading barn.

The Emma Stewart-trained The Lost Storm has long promised he was capable of something amazing and he produced it with a stunning display.

Aided by a hectic early tempo from Dougs Platter and Blake Bolac, the son of Captaintreacherous cruised to the death seat at the bell and then put his rivals to the sword in the back straight. In the end, his 36.7m demolition job came in a mile rate of 1:52.2 - a new age group record at Melton over the 2240m trip – and added a much-deserved Group 1 success to

his brilliant campaign.

“I expected him to do something like that – he’s a quality animal this horse,” driver Mark Pitt said.

“He had a couple of tough runs before the Breeders Crown final so that probably told on him a little bit, but he had two soft wins - the heat and the semi - and then he was cherry ripe for the final.

“I’ve sat behind a few really, really good horses and he’s right up there with them.”

Stewart clinched more glory later in the night with stablemates Joyful and Amore Vita.

Formerly trained by Brent Lilley, Joyful clinched her fifthstraight victory since joining the Cardigan stable before Amore Vita backed up her Vicbred win as a two-year-old when prepared by Nathan Purdon in the decider for threeyear-old fillies.

Amore Vita was transferred to Stewart when Purdon returned home to New Zealand in November and won her first race for the team in the semi-final last week.

Chris Alford has built a great relationship with the former Kiwi pacer and partnered her to victory at his 22nd race in her company on Saturday night.

“She's done a great job, but she's been building up to it,” Alford said.

“The main thing is she's racing really kind now, and just settling and racing when she's supposed to.”

Dougs Babe emerged from the shadow of her more highprofile competitors to break a Group 1 duck in the Vincent Vicbred Super Series final for four-year-old mares.

The Geoff Webster-trained daughter of Western Terror climbed to the top of her division by running down Tough Tilly in the home straight to secure a long-awaited elite level triumph.

Dougs Babe was driven beautifully by Anthony Butt, who worked to the lead through the early stages of the race and then handed up the top to Tay Tay when she came from the back of the field. With Tough Tilly outside the leader for the

last lap, Butt muscled Dougs Babe onto her back approaching the turn and she sprinted best to score by just over a metre on the line.

“I thought (Tough Tilly) would be hard to beat. Tough Tilly is a champion, we all know that, but it’s always hard when you’ve got to come from the second row and circle them, and I thought she probably wouldn’t find the front,” Butt said.

“The way she went last week and the way she has progressed for Geoff over the last six months, I think she has closed the gap on them (the leading four-year-old mares).” Butt’s partner Sonya Smith purchased Dougs Babe during December, with her record now sitting at 11 wins from 51 starts.

The scratching of Major Moth due to lameness on Saturday afternoon took some shine off the Rock N Roll Heaven Vicbred Super Series final for four-year-old entires and geldings, but the race proved to be one of the most eventful of the evening.

Matthew Craven attempted a daring early bid for the lead from outside the back row before Jodi Quinlan came searching for the top with her charge Act Now. This forced Greg Sugars to burn in front on favourite Better Eclipse, who used up vital energy to keep the lead.

In the end it proved telling as Better Eclipse faded in the closing stages and Captain Bellasario, who had a sweet run midfield in the running line for Jack Laugher, swept down the centre of the track to grab Act Now in the shadows of the post.

La Captain, for Bailey McDonough, hit the line hard for third at big odds.

Laugher was thrilled to score his second career Group 1 and first with the Jayne Davies-trained pacer, who has now won eight of 29 starts.

“We’ve sort of thought all along the way that he’s a pretty special horse and he just needed a chance to show it. And tonight he showed it,” Laugher said.

“It’s pretty special to get the win on him.

Lucky last race win for Myrniong duo

VICBRED SUPER SERIES - Trotters

By Michael Howard (HRV)

Class came to the fore on the biggest stage as young trotters Rockinwithattitude, The Locomotive, Revelstoke and Cravache Dor reaffirmed their talent in a New Year’s Eve to remember at Tabcorp Park Melton.

The Aldebaran Park Vicbred Super Series trotting finals were full of thrills, with four-year-olds Locksley Lover and Visionary also triumphant, as a big crowd savored huge moments from the very first race. Much-heralded trotter Rockinwithattitude kicked off the celebrations when he gave his connections the Group 1 moment they’d long desired.

“Everyone would agree she deserves it,” said trainer/driver David Miles after Rockinwithattitude held on to win by a metre, leaving behind the misfortunes that had plagued her season.

“It’s what we train horses for. It’s the pinnacle, this is why we’re here on these nights. Doesn’t matter whether they are $1.20 or 100-1, all the owners are hoping for that dream of having a Group 1 winner. It’s great for these owners, they’ve had a tough year.”

The 28.8 and 28.6-second final quarters secured the trophy ahead of a game Valerie Lane, who ran second for Peter Manning and Kerryn Manning.

It was a somewhat different scenario in the two-year-old boys’ trotting class, with The Locomotive having already notched three Group 1s this season, but it seemed a fourth may go up in smoke when he miss-stepped on the final lap.

However, Wayne Potter’s trotter showed great maturity to quickly settle in Nathan Jack’s hands and he was able to recover and round the field, mowing down the tiring leaders to score.

Jack told TrotsVision he had his heart in his mouth on the back straight before the brilliantly bred Yabby Dam Farms colt, who’s by Muscle Mass out of La Coocaracha, showed his class.

“Everything was going great and then he got a little bit of a check there at the 900 and things went pear-shaped pretty quick after that,” Jack said.

“To his credit he got back down and showed what a great little juvenile he really is, to gather his gate so quick.

The Locomotive scored by one-metre from Watts Up Partytime, who was among the raft of good runs by the beaten brigade that also included Steve Gee (third) and Moonwalka (fourth).

The good times continued for Yabby Dam Farms in the following race, although again there was a worrying break of gait before the Group 1 delight was secured.

On this occasion race favourite Courmayeur galloped out of the gates and out of contention, but trainer Anton Golino’s outstanding depth of stock shone through with stablemate Revelstoke coming with a big three-wide win to score handsomely.

“I don’t think there’s one in our stable that deserved to win a Group race like this more than her,” Golino told TrotsVision.

In Daryl Douglas's hands, Revelstoke scored by 16.7 metres from second-placed Lindys Love and a further gap to Used To Be A Maid in third.

Pat Driscoll and Anton Golino’s Yabby Dam Farms team would add another in the Aldebaran Eagle final for threeyear-old trotting colts and geldings, and this one was an absolute clinic.

As it had looked on paper, Cravache Dor was in a class of his own, gliding to the front and then leaving them standing in the run to the line, winning by 10 metres for an unusually "nervous" but extremely proud Nathan Jack.

“He’s beautiful,” Jack told TrotsVision. “I would hate to see what he could run if you really really had to ask him. I think he ran 1:55.5, 1:56.6 over the long, it’s scary what they have to run these days but it’s just scary how easy he does it.”

The three-year-old, who’s now won 10 of his 13 starts this

year, was untroubled and showed his class with a 27.6-second last quarter, further convincing Jack he’s the best of the Yabby Dam Farms talent.

Emotions were also high when Rebecca Bartley produced a breakthrough win in her 59th Group 1 start, steering Locksley Lover to victory in the Skyvalley four-year-old trotting entires and geldings final.

Bartley teamed with long-time supporter trainer John Nissen to take the popular win with their Love You gelding, who held his ground from gate one to take Dont Care’s back and then lay in wait as the leader duelled with favourite Aldebaran Zeus.

When the sprint lane opened it was a zip to the line and Locksley Lover’s fresher legs told, scoring by 2.4 metres from Dont Care with Aldebaran Zeus holding on for third.

“It probably wasn’t the (horse) I thought I’d get my first Group 1 on, but just the same this is good,” Bartley told TrotsVision.

Fittingly, the night ended with another Yabby Dam Farms success, giving the breeder four of the six Group 1 trotting finals.

In the Skyvalley final for four-year-old trotting mares Larajay Farm's Jess Tubbs (trainer) and Greg Sugars (driver) scored with Visionary, who entered a short-priced favourite but had to sit and wait until opportunity knocked.

The four-year-old mare, who's registered five wins and two seconds since joining Tubbs, was crossed by Keayang Xena initially but Sugars was happy to sit tight in leader's back when it became clear Glen Craven would hold the lead.

Moderate quarters would mean the final crown of 2022 would be won with a sprint to the line, and that played into Visionary's hands as she swept clear to score by 3.5 metres from Keayang Xena, with breeze horse Sheza Pleasure filling out the top three.