Moorabool News 31 January 2023

Historic century made

Ash Wednesday – 40 years on

A CLIP FOR A CAUSE

By Lachlan Ellis

A Ballan girl has had her waist-length hair snipped for a special cause, donating her lovely locks and raising funds for sick kids at the same time.

Ten-year-old Layla Shugg made the decision to donate her hair to Wigs4Kids, where it will be made into a wig for kids with cancer.

She has also started up a fundraiser for the Kids with Cancer Foundation to support families with a child with cancer – recently breaking her goal of $1,000 raised.

Layla said she decided to donate her hair because she wanted to help out kids who were going through a tough battle with cancer.

“I wanted to do something nice for sick kids. I’m really proud that we’ve raised more than $1,000,” she told the Moorabool News.

“Thank you to everybody who’s made a donation.”

Layla’s mum Nadene said she was very proud of her daughter’s kind gesture.

“I’m not sure how it all came about, it was probably from conversations we have from time to time about kids that aren’t as fortunate as us because they’re unwell and have to spend time in hospital,” Ms Shugg said.

“She sees that as being a bit unfair, and she wanted to do something to help. She was probably ready to get her hair cut, and decided Kids with Cancer would be a nice charity to donate to, and the wig thing came about from there. I’m really proud of her, she’s had an attachment to her hair for a long time…she’s actually really taught me something in all this, it is just hair, it’ll grow back, and she’s doing something super amazing.”

And while the Shuggs all agree that her new hairstyle ‘bob’ suits her, Layla already has plans to let her hair grow out again.

“I want to grow it out again, and then cut it again, to donate for another wig,” she said.

Local business Hair by Tylar cut and styled Layla’s new look.

To donate to Layla Shugg’s Kids with Cancer Foundation fundraiser, head to fundraise.kidswithcancer.org. au/fundraisers/laylashugg/wigs-4-kids.

Local legends awarded

Layla Shugg after her hair cut last Friday, where more than 20 centimetres of hair was cut off for Wigs4Kids. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Call for flooding solution

By Lachlan Ellis

Business owners in Ballan’s industrial estate are seeking a permanent solution to the area’s flooding issue, but acknowledge it won’t be a quick fix.

Around ten commercial owners met with Council’s General Manager of Community Assets & Infrastructure Phil Jeffrey, and Manager of Major Projects Leigh Ryall, to discuss their concerns and possible solutions last Wednesday.

Photos and videos were shared to show the scale of the flooding, which landowners say “flooded twice before Christmas three weeks apart, and another time after Christmas”.

Kathleen Luke showed a box of photo albums, a family heirloom, and books with historical records that had all been damaged by the flooding in her rented storage unit.

Owner of Pine Ezyworks, Ian Fenwick, said floodwater had come six metres into his building, and Barry Sims (Ballan Storage) suggested the current 300 mm drainage pipes at Haddon Drive needed to be replaced with 450 or 600 mm pipes – but Mr Jeffrey said that would cost Council millions.

“A few years ago there was an holistic drainage study of south Ballan done all the way to Geelong Road by Melbourne Water. It looked at future development that might occur and what needs to be done to account for that,” Mr Jeffrey said.

“There was a bit of a pipe layout done. Some drainage schemes, and I’m not saying it’ll happen here, all properties contribute to get the outcome. If it’s left to Council to do it, it’ll all come to the budgeting process. We’ve got hundreds of drainage issues going on at the moment across the Shire that all needs to go into a melting pot.

“The ultimate drainage solution would cost

millions of dollars…that’s out of my hands.”

Culverts under the driveways of affected businesses were discussed as an option, but maintaining and installing them is the property owner’s responsibility.

“Then just supply them, we can install them,” Mr Fenwick said.

Ultimately, Mr Jeffrey collected the contact details of the affected business owners and asked them to send through summaries and photos of their concerns.

“Part of the reason I’m saying I can’t commit to anything right now, is we need to look at where Telstra is, where gas is, where water is, where sewer is…we might even need to dig a more decent swell. The railway line is a chokepoint too,” Mr Jeffrey said.

With more blocks planned for the industrial estate, and silt run off from construction already having contributed to the severity of the flooding, business owners are requesting a long-term solution to the flooding is completed before those blocks begin construction works.

Kathleen Luke with a box of heirlooms, photo albums, and books that were damaged by the floods.

Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Local landowner Barry Sims says the 300 mm pipes on Haddon Drive need to be at least 450 mm wide. Photo – Helen Tatchell.

Historic century made

By Lachlan Ellis

A Ballan cricketer has made history, becoming the first female Ballarat Cricket Association (BCA) representative player to make a century.

Thirteen-year-old Sarah Burton from the Ballan Cricket Club hit 105 not out on Thursday 19 January, in the BCA U/14 Girls’ Victoria Girls Shield win against Wimmera in Round 5. The century – only the third ever in the competition’s sixyear history, and the first by a BCA junior representative – ensured the BCA U/14 Girls made their third consecutive Grand Final appearance.

Ms Burton thanked club staff and the community for their support, and said it was an honour to be a part of the Association’s history.

“It was an amazing moment, to have Mum, Dad and my brother there cheering me on. It was pretty surreal; I didn’t expect it to happen. A lot of work has gone into it…I did play in the Youth Premier League beforehand, it was really nice to have all these people support me, and show them what I can do,” she told the Moorabool News.

“It’s pretty awesome to have made history…one of the Hamilton officials was talking about it, and said one of the other three that made a century is bowling for Australia in the Under 19s, so it’s pretty cool to know that I’ve done it too, and to be in the history books.”

Ms Burton also finished as the second leading run scorer at 179 runs at 89.5, in a stellar campaign marking her third straight selection for the BCA U/14 Girls.

The dream, she says, is to play for Australia – and performances like this year’s Shield campaign no doubt improve her chances.

“I’ve been dreaming about that for a while, I’d love to do that…I was really lucky to captain the BCA side, that was a real honour. Hopefully that helps me going forward, and I can represent Victoria or Australia in the future,” she said.

“I’d also like to thank everyone that’s supported me, … they’ve been amazing.”

at Work?

Letters to the Editor

Writing letters to the Editor

Each letter must be accompanied with the writer’s full name, address and phone number (name and suburb for publication only) and limited to 300 words. Letters to be received via post or email (preferred option).

The Editor has the right to limit the amount of words in each letter received and published letters are at the discretion of the Editor. Send your letters to news@themooraboolnews.com.au

Dear Editor, Victorians are staring down the barrel of a cost of living crisis.

They need relief on their household bills and more room in their weekly budget to keep the pantry stocked. This isn’t a problem that is months away, it’s currently on our doorstep, and every day of inaction from Daniel Andrews and Labor Government is another day Victorians are forced to make their weekly budget stretch as far as possible.

We have seen gas and electricity prices continue to climb, with one gas company announcing it will increase Victorian household gas bills by 26.7 per cent. And the Andrews Labor Government’s attempt to revive the SEC will do little to drive down energy prices. So far, all the SEC has achieved is high salary jobs for friends of the Labor Party.

The summer school holidays are about to draw to a close, the average primary school student needs $500 for stationary, uniforms and books to commence term one, that figure is more than $700 for a secondary student.

Instead of Labor looking after their own, they should be offering immediate assistance to hardworking families – such as back to school vouchers which have previously been called for by the Liberals and Nationals. No student should be starting the year behind the eight-ball, but it may be a harsh reality for many Victorian students.

Victorians don’t need over-budget, over-time major projects that are decades away from opening, they need common sense solutions to help their weekly budgets now.

Peter Walsh, Leader of The Nationals -Member for Murray Plains

A pleased Sarah Burton after her century of runs.

Photo – BURTON Family

Electoral structure review of Moorabool Shire Council

Notice of preliminary submission period

Notice of preliminary submission period

An electoral representation advisory panel is reviewing the electoral structure of Moorabool Shire Council under the Local Government Act 2020 (the Act).

The electoral representation advisory panel is an independent body appointed by the Minister for Local Government to make a recommendation to the Minister on electoral structures for councils requiring a review. The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is providing administrative and technical support to the panels.

Under the Act, all rural shire councils must now have electoral structures that are either:

• unsubdivided

• divided into single councillor wards

• divided into multi-councillor wards with an equal number of councillors per ward.

The review of Moorabool Shire Council will consider the appropriate:

• number of councillors

• electoral structure.

If the council is subdivided, the review will consider the appropriate:

• number of wards

• ward boundaries

• number of councillors per ward

• ward names

Making a submission

You are invited to make a preliminary submission to the panel to have your say on the electoral structure of Moorabool Shire Council. Submissions open at 9 am on Wednesday 8 February 2023.

You can view a submission guide and council factsheet to help you write your submission on the VEC website. The website also features a public submission tool, which you can use to map your proposed electoral structure and make a submission.

The panel will consider these submissions before releasing a preliminary report, outlining possible options for the electoral structure of Moorabool Shire Council.

You must make your submission by 5 pm on Wednesday 1 March 2023:

• online at vec.vic.gov.au

• by email: Moorabool.ERAPSubmissions@vec.vic.gov.au

• by post: VEC, Level 11, 530 Collins Street, Melbourne VIC 3000

Public information sessions

Online public information sessions to explain the processes and open the preliminary submissions period will be held on Monday 6 and Tuesday 7 February 2023.

For more information please visit vec.vic.gov.au

Public information sessions:

• 12 pm, Monday 6 February 2023

• 6 pm, Tuesday 7 February 2023

Please visit vec.vic.gov.au to register

Preliminary submissions close 5 pm on Wednesday 1 March 2023

Collision after ‘ten beers’

minor damage and black paint transfer.

“Police required the accused to undergo a preliminary breath test which confirmed the presence of alcohol. The accused was transferred to the Bacchus Marsh Police Station for a further test, and at 9.11 pm on Friday 3 September 2021, an evidentiary test was provided that returned a breath alcohol concentration of 0.167.”

Priorities for 2023

The Mayor of Moorabool Shire Council has shared his vision for the year ahead.

Improving roads, continuing important advocacy work and attracting more grant funding to the shire – are among the top priorities of Council’s new Mayor, Cr Rod Ward, for 2023.

By Lachlan Ellis

A man has had his licence suspended for almost three years, after blowing more than triple the legal BAC.

Harley Brown-Poaneki appeared in-person at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on Friday 20 January, following a collision with a parked car in Bacchus Marsh in 2021.

The court heard Mr Brown-Poaneki didn’t believe he was over the limit after drinking around ten beers.

“On Friday 3 September 2021, at approximately 8.10 pm, the accused was the driver of a motor vehicle driving east on Clifton Drive towards Gisborne Road, when he collided with a black Mitsubishi parked legally on the left-hand side of the road. The accused continued driving a further 20 metres before coming to a stop on the left side of the road,” Police Prosecutor Sergeant Michael Patterson said.

“Parked there was a vehicle owned by William Crawford…William’s father Michael heard the collision from inside his address, went out the front door, and observed the accused sitting in the driver’s seat. Triple Zero were called for assistance,” he said.

Sgt Patterson went on to tell the court that at approximately 8.16 pm, police attended, inspected the accused’s vehicle and observed

A notice of immediate suspension of his licence was issued to Mr Brown-Poaneki, and his vehicle was impounded.

“The accused admitted to drinking approximately ten full strength Carlton Dry stubbies at home before the collision. He stated he had his last drink at 8 pm, and did not believe he would be over the legal the limit, and didn’t consider it a possibility.”

Mr Brown-Poaneki entered a guilty plea to drink driving, with a relevant prior from 2014 doubling the minimum penalty Magistrate Hugh Radford was required to impose from 16 months to 32 months.

Magistrate Radford also imposed an aggregate fine of $2,000, and said Mr BrownPoaneki would have to do a drink driving course and make an application to the court to have his licence returned with an interlock fitted.

“You’ve made some very bad choices. There’s very good reasons these laws exist… you’re lucky you’re before this court, if you’d killed someone you’d be before the County Court facing seven to ten years in prison, not to mention the guilt of having killed someone on the road,” Magistrate Radford said.

“Even on a first offence, driving while suspended carries a term of imprisonment, so don’t do it under any circumstances.”

Cr Ward said he was looking forward to leading Council over the next 12 months and continue to deliver on the Council Plan 2021-2025 for the benefit of the community.

“Roads are a major priority, as there has been widespread damage from the large amount of rain this year as well as the recent flooding. Recently we increased our maintenance budget by $600,000 so we can move to fix our roads as quickly as possible.”

Cr Ward said this additional maintenance spending is on top of the $11.7 million allocated in Council’s current budget to improve roads, bridges, footpaths and drainage in the shire and an additional $500,000 in flood recovery funding from the state government – a total of $12.8 million to be spent on roads.

“Now the weather’s improved we are pushing ahead with our program of works to fix and improve our roads. While we’ve invested a significant amount in this, we’re also actively lobbying the state government to allocate more funds to allow us to accelerate our roads program even further,” he said.

Cr Ward said a lot of work had been done in the advocacy space, which had resulted in many infrastructure projects coming off the ground in recent months.

“The shire as we know it is going to have a whole new look in the next 12 months.

“We’ll finish construction on the basket-

ball stadium in Bacchus Marsh, pavilions at the main reserves in Ballan and Darley, the ovals and new playspace at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, skate parks in Ballan and Gordon, and the upgrades at Navigators Community Centre.

The next stage of Telford Park at the foot of the Bacchus Marsh 1000+ Steps will also open, and work will start on the West Maddingley Early Years Hub, the bowls and community hub in Bacchus Marsh, and the Ballan Library and Community Hub.

“It’s all part of our ongoing work to ensure our shire is meeting the expectations of our growing and changing community,” Cr Ward said.

“But there is still a lot of work to do. We’ll continue to advocate strongly for an indoor pool for the shire and for the community’s voice to be heard on important issues such as the transmission lines proposal and investment in the Parwan Employment Precinct.”

The first Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held on 1 February 2023. For more information and to view agendas, visit moorabool.vic.gov.au/meetings

Know the COLOURS TAKE THE ACTIONS TO SURVIVE

Across Australia, the Fire Danger Rating system has changed. Using real-time scientific data, it now gives you a more accurate rating of the risk level if a fire was to start in your area. Each colour represents the actions you need to take to stay safe. If it’s orange, the fire risk is Extreme, so you need to take action now and be ready to go. The safest option is to leave early.

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

For more information on the new simpler and smarter Fire Danger Ratings, search Fire Danger Ratings.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

Ash Wednesday – 40 years on

The Greendale Rural Fire Brigade has marked the 40th anniversary of the devastating Greendale Fire, which saw two Forestry Commission workers make the ultimate sacrifice.

On Saturday 8 January, 1983, a fire started south of Dales Creek in the forest near Greenhills Road, at around 3 am.

It was a drought year in 1983 –in the 12 months prior, rainfall was less than 70 per cent of the long-term average throughout Victoria.

The fire initially spread slowly, but with the wind increasing and the dry conditions, the fire began sweeping through the bush towards the Greendale township, making it to the edge of the housing estate and continuing east toward Gisborne Road near Bacchus Marsh.

The area hadn’t been burnt for decades, and it’s likely the forests carried heavy fuel loads of more than 25 tonnes per hectare.

By 8 am, Forestry Commission Victoria (FCV) forces working on the fire, or heading towards it, included: 33 firefighters (including 2 in the Daylesford office), 1 Bedford tanker, 5 Slip-On-Units (SOU), 1 First Attack Dozer (FAD) from Trentham, 2 Komatsu 65A dozers, and 1 Komatsu 85A dozer.

The CFA numbered about 20 units, 10 private units plus one dozer and spotter aircraft.

Despite the best efforts of FCV and CFA crews, the tempo of the fire began to escalate between 1 – 1.30 pm that afternoon, with the wind unexpectedly and violently beginning to gust up to 70 km/h. The swirling fire became uncontrolled and

headed towards Dales Creek, breaching the CFA control lines along the southern private property boundary and spreading rapidly towards open country and Bacchus Marsh.

FCV workers Des Collins and Alan Lynch were alone with their Komatsu D65A bulldozer east of Dales Creek, attempting to break through to Charcoal Track, while a base camp was set up at the FCV nursery at Trentham after 4 pm.

But no word had been received from Collins and Lynch by 2.30 pm. By 4 pm, FCV workers were growing nervous at the

Coaches replace trains on the Ballarat Line

As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re building Melbourne Airport Rail. Connecting Victorians to Melbourne Airport for the first time with a new rail service.

Coaches replace trains in both directions on the Ballarat Line

At night, 3 and 4 February Southern Cross to Ballarat or Wendouree

Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au

radio silence after repeated efforts to contact them both.

John Nankervis instructed Kevin Noonan and Owen Matheson to take a portable radio and go on foot across Dales Creek and follow the dozer trail to find Alan and Des. Bob Dobinson drove them as far as the drop-off and waited to relay radio messages. John Nankervis anxiously checked every five minutes or so on their progress.

Tragically, about 40 minutes later, Kevin contacted John Nankervis to say he had found the machine, and the two men were dead.

The deaths of both men, Des Collins, aged 37, and Alan Lynch, aged 36, was the first loss of Forests Commission firefighters since 1939.

The fire was eventually declared safe 55 days later, on 4 March 1983.

A plaque to commemorate Des and Alan was later unveiled at the Daylesford FCV office on 5 November 1983 by the Minister Rod Mackenzie.

The Greendale Rural Fire Brigade took the opportunity on 7 January 2023 to honour the outstanding work of the Forestry Commission and CFA volunteers to protect property and life during that fire, and honour the sacrifice made by Des and Alan.

This information was sourced from Victoria’s Forests & Bushfire Heritage – for a more in-depth account on the Greendale Fire in 1983, visit victoriasforestsbushfireheritage. com and search ‘Greendale’.

Photo – Submitted

Yaloak Polo Club presents Colliers Ballarat Cup

Sunday 12th Feb - Gates open 11am at YALOAK POLO CLUB 4485 Geelong-Ballan Road, Fiskville

Fast & furious ACTION – Great family day out!

DON’T MISS OUT... BOOK NOW

CATERED Marquees: $1680 for 12 people includes food & drink

MEET THE PLAYERS marquee: $150 per person includes food & drink

VIP car parking: $100 BYO picnic etc

General admission: $20 per car. BYO picnic etc.

Refreshments available on site for purchase.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com then explore events: yaloak polo

Enquiries: yaloakpolo@bigpond.com or 0437 96 00 85

Single-use plastics ban

The State Government is creating a cleaner and healthier environment for all Victorians, with the next phase of the landmark ban on single-use plastics set to be introduced this week.

From Wednesday 1 February, single-use plastic drinking straws, cutlery, plates, drink stirrers, cotton bud sticks and expanded polystyrene food and drink containers will be banned from sale and supply in Victoria.

Single-use plastics currently make up a third of Victoria’s litter, pollute our precious waterways and harm wildlife. These items are often only used for a few minutes, yet generate a significant amount of waste – and can be easily avoided or replaced with reusable alternatives that save plastic, and save families money in the long run.

Minister for the Environment, Ingrid Stitt, said the single-use plastics ban would make a real difference to the welfare of Victoria’s wildlife and environment.

“We are taking action to protect Victoria’s environment and reduce pollution by banning single-use plastic items and supporting businesses to switch to reusables instead,” Ms Stitt said.

“Plastic pollution has significant impacts on our health, wildlife, and the environment. This single-use plastics ban is a crucial step to protect Victoria’s rivers, waterways and oceans from plastic pollution.”

The ban builds on the State Government’s successful ban on plastic shopping bags in 2019, and a $515 million investment to transform Victoria’s waste and recycling system and divert 80 per cent of waste from landfill by 2030. These reforms have created thousands of new jobs in recycling and manufacturing, increased our recycling capacity and found end products from our recycled materials. Last year, the Government invested $1 million towards new technology that will turn hard-to-recycle materials like cartons and coffee cups into sustainable building products.

As part of this transformation, Victoria will move to a standardised four-stream bin system – supporting households to easily sort their waste and recycling to reduce landfill – and have access to a container deposit scheme which will maximise the return of used drink cans, bottles, and cartons for recycling.

Since the ban was announced in February 2021, the Government has delivered $595,000 in grants to 15 pilot sites including catering businesses, universities and aged care facilities to help replace their single-use items with reusable alternatives.

The Reuse Pilots Fund alone, will prevent more than 5 million single-use plastic items ending up in landfills or as litter in our environment each year.

The Government has worked with organisations like the National Retail Association to help thousands of retail and hospitality businesses prepare for the change, with more than 6,500 visits to metro and regional businesses across the state.

For more information, resources and translated materials to assist businesses and organisations to understand the ban, visit vic.gov.au/plastics.

Letters to the Editor

Writing letters to the Editor

Each letter must be accompanied with the writer’s full name, address and phone number (name and suburb for publication only) and limited to 300 words. Letters to be received via post or email (preferred option). The Editor has the right to limit the amount of words in each letter received and published letters are at the discretion of the Editor. Send your letters to news@themooraboolnews.com.au

Dear Editor,

Last year, many Victorians experienced extreme weather with heavy rain and flooding. Our changing climate means these events are becoming more frequent and extreme.

The recent State of the Climate report by the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO confirms that changes to weather and climate extremes are happening at an increased pace across Australia.

In the coming decades, we will see an increase in the number of dangerous fire weather days and a longer fire season for southern and eastern Australia. Even though conditions have been wetter through most of the state this year, Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) has continued to take action to manage bushfire risk.

Victoria is Australia’s most bushfire prone state. By investing in prevention, we aim to protect people, property and the environment by reducing the risk and impact of major bushfires.

We look for opportunities year-round to conduct planned burns that will protect people, and our environment – including forests, their wildlife and biodiversity – from bushfires this summer and in the drier years to come.

We burn to the conditions, not the calendar. Some burns that were planned for spring may take place this summer if conditions are right and it’s safe to do so. Others could take place in autumn this year.

Although we don’t expect many longrunning or large forest fires this summer, areas across the north and west of the state may see increasing fire potential from mid-summer, especially in areas of high grass growth.

Drier forests, woodlands and heathlands are also at risk of fires with the onset of hot and dry weather conditions.

Going forward, we will prioritise planned burns in places with increased risk.

The wetter weather has presented opportunities for different types of burning. In some areas, the higher levels of moisture in the soil and natural gullies have allowed our crews to conduct lowerintensity burns. The gullies act as natural boundaries for the fire, which is not always possible during drier conditions.

Past events show us that planned burning can reduce the loss and destruction caused by bushfires.

As a world leader in bushfire risk management, we have many different tools in our toolbox.

Planned burning is not the only way we manage bushfire risk and reduce fuel, we’ve increased our use of mowing, slashing and mulching.

We’ve also expanded our network of strategic fuel breaks to better protect against bushfires.

We have also upgraded our infrastructure, including forest roads, fire dams and fire lookout towers.

In addition to our bushfire risk management program, FFMVic, together with Country Fire Authority (CFA), is continuing to support Traditional Owners to use cultural fire on Country. Over 200 cultural burns are planned over the next three years.

While FFMVic does a vital job managing bushfire risk, I encourage all Victorians to ensure they have the right information, tools and actions to prepare for fires.

To find out more about what my team at FFMVic and I are doing to help keep Victoria safe, visit ffm.vic.gov.au/ bushfire-management-facts.

Chris Hardman, Chief Fire Officer, Forest Fire Management Victoria

Most popular stolen vehicles

The RACV has shared a list of the most popular cars for thieves to target, and some tips on how to reduce the risk of your ride being stolen.

Over 13,000 vehicles were stolen in Victoria in 2021 – 22, according to the Crime Statistics Agency (CSA).

The most common time for car thefts was between 6 – 9 pm on Fridays, with the top four car models stolen being the Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Toyota Corolla and Toyota Hilux.

Utes such as the Hilux are also among the most in-demand vehicles on the used car market, with prices surging thanks to the semiconductor shortage crippling supply of new cars into Australia.

This data highlights the need for Victorians to be mindful of simple ways they can help reduce the risk of car theft, according to Neighbourhood Watch Victoria CEO Bambi Gordon.

"Relaxed attitudes to property security, including cars, make it easier for opportunistic thieves to take advantage of Victorian motorists and steal cars directly from properties and driveways," Ms Gordon said.

Common reasons for car theft include keys being left in easy-to-find places, valuables being left in cars, poor car security, and ease of access for thieves into homes.

"Older models can be hot-wired, but there are fewer of these pre-2000 cars on the road. Modern cars, on the other hand, are impos-

sible to hotwire – meaning that thieves need your car keys to steal your car,” Ms Gordon said.

“Thieves can be ruthless. They’ll take what they can easily get their hands on inside your car, and if the opportunity presents, they’ll take the car too.”

Neighbourhood Watch Victoria statistics reveal that 70 per cent of late model cars stolen in Victoria are stolen using their own keys. In addition, a shocking 41,000 cases of items being stolen from vehicles were reported by NMVTRC during the year ending March 2022.

Putting your home address on key rings is a security risk, providing anyone who steals your keys not only access to your car, but an easy way to find your home and steal your belongings too.

To best protect your car from theft, lock your car and take your keys with you after driving, keep them in a place that’s out of sight in your home like a drawer or cupboard, and invest in home security equipment such as security cameras and home alarms.

"Anything that makes a thief aware that the theft won’t be easy and there is a chance they will be spotted is great protection for your car. Thieves are after low risk and high return,” Ms Gordon said.

“Never leave a spare key hidden somewhere in or near the car. Thieves are used to this and know where to look.”

Get into the Summer of Glory

Letters to the Editor

Writing letters to the Editor

Each letter must be accompanied with the writer’s full name, address and phone number (name and suburb for publication only) and limited to 300 words. Letters to be received via post or email (preferred option). The Editor has the right to limit the amount of words in each letter received and published letters are at the discretion of the Editor. Send your letters to news@themooraboolnews.com.au

Dear Editor,

On 14 July 2021, the new CEO for the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO), Daniel Westerman, delivered a keynote address to the Centre for Economic Development of Australia, titled “a view from the control room”. It is free to read online.

In that speech, fresh back from a distinguished career in the UK and US electricity industries, he gave a positive impression of the Australian energy system, and he presented an optimistic view of the challenges it faced as it transitions from a reliance on coal to renewable energy.

energy, and we support new technology which removes risk from our community.

By Tim O’Connor (HRV)

The return of the sport’s next potential megastar provides an added layer of excitement to this weekend’s Summer of Glory finale at Melton.

Captain Ravishing has the entire harness racing world talking after a brilliant end to 2022, and the Emma Stewart-trained speed machine will step out for his first race in more than two months this Saturday night at Tabcorp Park.

A sizzling trial at Ballarat last week has the four-year-old primed for a big season and fans will get to see him up close and personal when he contests the $100,000 COGS Services 4YO Bonanza.

It’ll be the first stepping stone in a campaign that will target the Chariots of Fire and Miracle Mile in Sydney, and likely include a shot at the world’s richest race – the $2.1 million TAB Eureka – in September.

Captain Ravishing’s return adds some extra star-power to a night featuring Victoria’s Grand Circuit classic, the Group 1 Del-Re National A. G. Hunter Cup.

The $500,000 heavyweight championship is the state’s biggest annual race and this year’s renewal will again feature a field jam-packed with stars.

And if the hot racing on-track isn’t enough to get you excited, there’ll be no shortage of fun on the other side of the fence with roving entertainment, bustling bars, food trucks, a DJ on the lawn, the ever-popular after-party and a plethora of children’s entertainment options. While Saturday is poised to be a beauty, the action at Tabcorp Park heats up the night before with the first leg of the Melton double-header.

The Woodlands Stud Great Southern Star is one of racing’s most unique events and takes centre stage on Friday.

Contested by the trotters, the GSS requires horses to compete in heats early on the card before qualifiers back-up and race in a rich $300,000 Group 1 final later the same evening. The two-night Melton extravaganza is a brilliant way to close the Summer of Glory carnival, with a gold coin donation all that’s required to enjoy the top-class racing on offer. Gates open from 5pm on both nights and more information can be found at thetrots.com.au/ events/tab-summer-of-glory.

He acknowledged that the technology required to generate alternate renewable energy was rapidly advancing but stressed that this was the easy bit. Hard realities also need to be discussed he said, referring to the need to augment the national transmission network to be able to capture this new energy and bring it to consumers. He argued that the key to successfully delivering these new transmission links was to “create the critical social and community licence …, by working with communities, early on and collaboratively, to listen to and address their concerns.”

Eighteen-months on from that speech, I would like to ask Daniel Westermann, how is that sentiment working for AEMO now?

Here in Victoria, the Western Renewable Link’s (WRL) attempt to garnish some form of social licence has all but petered out and the project now hides behind new-look branding and a name change and is seemingly waiting it out until the Environment Effects Statement. Meanwhile community opposition grows and is taking the fight to the Victorian Supreme Court.

I would also like to ask Daniel Westerman why it is that he believes, as CEO AEMO, that social licence is so important for these new transmission projects? I would be interested to hear his response. My answer to that question is as follows. I think it is because the community’s view of what is ‘in the community’s best interest’ has changed since the existing transmission network was built some 40 -50 years ago. In the face of increasingly hostile climate change, we now value our environment, our health and mental wellbeing, and our food security more. We want to preserve this. It is the reason we support the shift to renewable

Back in the day, the existing transmission network was primarily built by government agencies who were ‘publicly’ owned. Transmission lines opened up the country and delivered reliable electricity and a higher standard of living to many members of the community. Back then, when we looked at transmission lines going through paddocks, we appreciated them for what they delivered, and even cared for them up to a point. Collectively the community owned them, and while they presented challenges in living or working around them, we tolerated this and still felt that we all benefitted. If they occasionally failed, it was a community asset that failed, and we all shared that burden.

From the time that the transmission networks were sold to private, primarily foreign-owned companies, I argue that all that community goodwill has slowly been lost or is tenuous. The community now has no ownership in the transmission lines that criss-cross our state. Sure, they move power around, but this is primarily to benefit the electricity generators, not the greater community good. Now, I argue, many would, if they could afford the option, go off grid to avoid paying escalating prices we cannot influence for electricity, and to avoid suffering the impact when the company’s lines come down and the power goes off. We have to bear the cost of failure through our insurances, yet we are unable to seek compensation for losses caused by a power transmission company failing to deliver to contract. Before, we accepted this, but why should we continue to suck it up now?

I think that the current transmission lines around Melbourne and those snaking to Geelong and Ballarat are at best, just tolerated. At worst, they are resented and have become the focal point of our dissatisfaction with the ‘market’ driven energy system. As such, they are extremely vulnerable and I believe that it is critical that the AEMO and the transmission network operators rebuild the lost community goodwill as ‘social licence’ to ensure both the integrity of the current network and to facilitate the much-needed expansion.

Jim Phasey, Myrniong

Have your say as part of our Community Consultative Committee

Maddingley Brown Coal (MBC) are looking for volunteer community and business representatives to be part of our Community Consultative Committee (CCC) from March 2023.

The CCC provides MBC with informed and constructive advice which will help to guide us on operations and future projects.

To find out more use the QR code to access our website and update your details in the application form.

Expressions of Interest are open until 5pm Friday 17 February 2023

For enquires contact Alice O'Mara, Group Communications Manager by email alice@callejagroup.com.au

Photo - Stuart McCormick

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Local legends awarded

By Lachlan Ellis

This year’s Moorabool Shire Australia Day Awards were officially handed out last Thursday 26 January, honouring the hardworking locals who make Moorabool the place to live, work and invest.

As reported in last week’s edition of the Moorabool News (24 Jan 2023), Judy D’Attoma was the Citizen of the Year for her work with food relief program Bacchus Up to Pay it Forward (BUTPIF), with the Young Citizen of the Year, Community Event of the Year, and Mayor Award winners unveiled on Thursday.

12-year-old Noah Barlow was awarded the Young Citizen of the Year award, for his work advocating for people with disabilities. Mr Barlow has raised over $100,000 as the Captain of ‘Noah’s Ninjas’, raising money for the Mito Movement in The Bloody Long Walk.

The Mito Foundation supports people affected by mitochondrial disease (mito), funding research into prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cures of mitochondrial disorders, and increases awareness and education about the devastating disease.

The 791 members of Noah’s Ninjas have raised over $236,000

for the Mito Movement. Mr Barlow is also a co-founder of Voices Podcast, in which children share stories for children in hospital or hospice to listen to, and he also helped set up the first ever junior wheelchair AFL team, currently playing for Richmond, and playing powerchair soccer for Melbourne City.

Noah said that winning the Young Citizen of the Year award was an honour.

“It felt really good to be recognised as Moorabool Young Citizen of the Year…I feel like I’m just getting started. There’s so much more we can do as a community to make things better for people with disabilities,” he told the Moorabool News.

“The inspiration came from being disabled myself, and seeing how hard it is for me and all my mates to do things people do for granted. I want to help other kids like me know they can do anything with the right support, that anything is possible. Thank you so much to everyone who’s supported me from the start, and everyone who sees me for who I am.”

The Community Event of the Year went to the Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Festival, which celebrated its 120th year in 2022, welcoming around 5000 people on Easter Saturday.

The event celebrates Blackwood’s history, and includes longstanding activities such as the gumboot throw, treasure

hunt, pet show, and of course the woodchop.

The Bacchus Marsh Christmas Festival and Carols also received a Community Event of the Year award.

Glenda and Jeff Jones took out the Mayor Award, having both played a major role in promoting tourism and local food festivals in Bacchus Marsh. For over 15 years, the couple worked as volunteers for the Bacchus Marsh Tourism Association (BMTA), and have hosted garden parties and ‘meet the grower’ events on their farm.

As part of the BMTA, the Joneses contributed to organising the Bacchus Marsh Strawberry & Cherry Festival, and the Bacchus Marsh Harvest Festival.

A Certificate of Achievement was also awarded to Ophelia Fernando, who was nominated in the Young Citizen of the Year category.

The winners were formally awarded at a ceremony at the Mechanics Institute in Ballan, where 86 new Australian citizens were also welcomed, from countries including but certainly not limited to India, Pakistan, United Kingdom, United States, Philippines, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China, Fiji, Singapore, the Netherlands, Vietnam, and Afghanistan.

The Moorabool News would like to issue a correction to our article ‘Soldiers Avenue explored’ (Pg 5, 17 January edition).

While the information supplied by Blackwood & District Historical Society historian Margot Hitchcock was correct, the photo, believed to be the ‘Soldiers Avenue’ in Barrys Reef, is in fact a photo of the Blackwood Mineral Springs Avenue of Honour.

Ms Hitchcock has compiled and supplied the following information on ‘The History of the Blackwood Avenue of Honour and the Honour Boards’.

In 1919, the Avenue of Honour from the main road to the Mineral Springs area was graded and formed and 60 pine trees were planted, which were provided by Bill and Ken Matheson and Tom Vigor. The lower parking area was then levelled through a working bee. The Avenue of Honour was erected to honour all the men from the Blackwood area who enlisted in the 1914-1919 1st World War. Some were lucky enough to return to resume their lives in Blackwood. Others made the supreme sacrifice by losing their lives in some far distant country from their beloved Blackwood. The Avenue of Honour had a significant entrance marked with two solid column constructions with a timber sign above attached to the top of the columns with the words “Avenue of Honour”. Inside this entrance on either side were two monuments with a small cannon mounted on each monument. Leading down to the mineral springs were the Pine trees planted to honour the men who died for their country, each tree had a name tag to honour one of those

men who died.

Have you ever looked at the two boards hanging in the Blackwood Hall and wondered about the men behind the names? The second board hanging in the Blackwood Hall is the Barrys Reef board.

The 48 names of these men who enlisted for active service on the 1914 – 1919 “Roll of Honour” board, mounted in the Blackwood Hall which states “Past Scholars of the Mount Blackwood State School No. 1074, who enlisted for Active Service Abroad - in a small list in the middle is written -In Memoriam - Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends” this is for the eleven men

who died during active service whose names are in the first list.

Men whose names appeared on the Blackwood Honour Board at the Mineral Springs were:

Armstrong A.M.*, Armstrong T.M., Armstrong W.E., Byrne J., Broad W.J., Byres W., Carruthers G.R.*, Carruthers H., Cherry H., Cocciardi A., Davey R., Davey L., Downing A., Downing G.T., Downing R., Hall R.W.M., Lawrence W.*, Morrish H.C., Marshall A.S., Murphy T.*, McCracken J.N.*, Nelson S., Nelson H., Perry G., Gribble.V.V., Derrick.E.H., Pattinson A.O., Pattinson J.H., Pattinson W.B., Pearce R.L., Pearce L., Pincombe J.R., Rae F., Speary N.J.W., Skinner W.F.*, Saunders G.*, Shebler G, Smith M.H., Smith T., Smith E., Seymour E., Seymour J.*, Suffern G.E., Sweet H., Stephens I.*, Stephens C.R., Vigor A.J., Whatmough R.H.*, Whatmough W.J., Webster T., Whitford.L., Langford. B.D.*. * = died on active Service.

Blackwood has been honoured to have two Honour Boards and two Avenue of Honours to commemorate the Soldiers who served in WWI. One Avenue of Honour is at Barrys Reef, and the other Avenue of Honour was on the road down to the Mineral Springs at Blackwood.

An excerpt from the Bacchus Marsh Express from Saturday 26 July 1919 from The National Library’s Trove website was also forwarded on, detailing the establishment of the Blackwood Mineral Springs Avenue of Honour.

To read the Express article, visit trove.nla.gov.au/ newspaper/article/262260812.

Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Rod Ward congratulated some of the Shire’s newest citizens.

Photo – MSC

Young Citizen of the Year Noah Barlow attended the award ceremony with his school helper Marg, and parents Kat and Mark. Photo – MSC

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce SHOP LOCAL SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

DEATH NOTICE

WEBSTER – Edith Elizabeth (Bette)

15.07.1922 ~ 21.01.2023

Passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, in her 101st year.

Dearly loved wife of Ron (dec).

Proud and loving mum to Beverley (dec), Maurise, Yvonne (dec), Nigel (dec) and Dawn (dec).

Loved Mother-in-law to June and Jim.

Cherished Nanna to 17, Great Nanna of 27 and all their partners and Great Great Nanna to 8. Sister to Marlene and loved by all her extended family in the United Kingdom.

Special friend of many years to Keith.

The family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to the Staff at Providence Aged Care and also to Dr. Sooknandan for the support and care of Bette over many years.

Thanks for a lifetime of memories, for your love and kindness, help and encouragement.

APC Notice

1. Obligation to publish – Designated Resolution 5

5. Publication of notices about the Council

FUNERAL NOTICE

WEBSTER

(1) Each publisher must publish a notice about the Council in each print publication it controls and on each website it controls.

The Funeral Service for Mrs Edith Elizabeth (Bette) Webster will be held at Michael Crawford Funerals Chapel, 226 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh on TUESDAY (January 31, 2022) commencing at 1.30pm

Following the Service Bette will be laid to rest at the Maddingley Cemetery.

SELL IT LOCAL FOR LESS!

Sell with a photo $50inc. for 1 month

sales@themooraboolnews.com.au

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8ft×5ft. Opening doors on front, back & top. New brake linings, jockey wheel & lights. Over run brakes. $1900 neg. Contact Jim ph. 0408 380 737

GARAGE SALE

Saturday 4 February 7am – 4 pm 16 Taylor Drive, DARLEY

(2) The content and format of the notice will be as determined from time to time by the Council. The notice is to be published in a prominent position on the same page as letters to the editor or the home page of a website, or in such other position as is agreed with the Executive Director of the Council.

The Service for Bette will be live streamed and available to view on our website: michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.au (Select – Funeral Notices)

2. Form and content determined by the Council – Council decision

GORDON RECREATION RESERVE AGM

Bacchus Marsh Ph 5367 6733 michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.au

DEATH NOTICE

DEHNERT-

Jessie Jane Elizabeth

27.11.1924 -23.1.2023

Passed away in hospital after a short illness

Adored and loving mother of Lynette and Graeme

Aged 98 years

Forever in our hearts

Household goods, electric goods, furniture and more. Lots of FREE Stuff. All must go.

[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.org.au) or by phone ([02] 92611930). For further information see http://www.presscouncil.org.au.

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

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[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.

Notice is given of a Public AGM to be held at The Gordon Recreation Reserve on Tues 21st Feb 2023 commencing at 7pm. The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three or more than nine persons as the Committee of Management for the Gordon Recreation Reserve for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on March 17th 2023. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting you local Department of Environment. Land, Water and Planning office or at the meeting. For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Stephen Conroy on 0418354144.

CONGRATULATIONS

HAZELL/Valori-Gardner

Congratulations on the wedding of William Hazell to Olivia Valori-Gardner at St Anne’s Vineyard, Myrniong on Friday 20th January 2023. Welcome to the family Liv, - Love Mum & Dad (Dorothy and Michael Hazell)

MN

Moorabool News

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EDITOR Helen Tatchell GRAPHIC DESIGN Ruth Comey

PUBLISHED BY The Ballan News Pty Ltd PRINTED BY Latrobe Valley Express

Responsibility for electoral material is accepted by the editor, Helen Tatchell of 15 Haddon Drive, Ballan 3342. ABN 84 115 355 461.

Sport

Two out of three ain’t bad

By Lachlan Ellis

The Ballarat Cricket Association (BCA) Under 14 Girls have won their second Western Victoria Girls Shield in three years, and three Ballan players spearheaded the campaign. The BCA side has made three Grand Final appearances in a row at the tournament, going down last year and winning the year before – and one of the team’s coaches, Max Burton, said it was a thrill to win once again this year.

“It was very exciting to win again. Last year we finished second, and we really asked the team to play out every game in this year’s tournament, which they did incredibly well over the five matches we played. To come away from Hamilton with another tournament win was very satisfying for our team of fantastic young athletes and also for both coaches,” Mr Burton told the Moorabool News.

“Although the main aim is to always have fun, some success allows the individuals within the team to see an outcome from their performances that is nice to experience in a sporting world.”

Mr Burton was brought in this year to assist Anthony McIlwaine, who has coached the BCA team over the past few years.

He said it was fantastic watching the players develop and improve, and strengthen their bonds.

“It is pleasing to see young people enjoy what they do and develop skills. The core of the BCA U/14s representative side has been together for a number of years now and it’s great to see the development and friendships of the players from across the Ballarat region,” Mr Burton said.

“The ‘Amigos’ as ‘Mac’ calls them (Kori Davenport, Clover McIlwaine, and Sarah Burton) have shared some cricket highlights over the last few years, including winning the BCA U/13 premiership last season. Ballan Cricket Club has been very fortunate to nurture the beginnings of these three cricketers. From club level to representative level, and now the state championship over the last few years.”

Some highlights from the ‘Amigos’ during the campaign include Clover making bowling figures of 4/12 in the Grand Final, Sarah making 105 not out in the semi final, and Kori continuing to improving their wicketkeeping, bowling, and batting skills.

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Coaches Max Burton and Anthony McIlwaine with the ‘Amigos’: Sarah Burton, Kori Davenport, and Clover McIlwaine.

Photo – Mary Hayes

Ballan Cricket Club

Results – Day 1 of 2-day matches

Ballan 1st XI (BCA 2nd Grade)

Ballan 205 v Burumbeet 1/12 (Day 1)

Batting - Matt Thomas 53, David Gardner 40, Jack Jarvis 39 Ballan won the toss and chose to bat against Burrumbeet for the East-West Shield. The team got off to a solid start with contributions from Mark Kennedy (24) and Micky Nolan (15) before both fell in quick succession leaving the score at 4/44. Thanks to another great partnership from Matt Thomas (53) and Jack Jarvis (39) they fought their way back into the game with some great late order hitting from David Gardiner, who managed 40 from only 37 balls. Ballan finished all out for 205 with 10 overs to bowl at the end of the day.

A great bowling spell from Kobe Heafield helped snag an early wicket leaving Burrumbeet 1/12 at the end of the first days play, a solid day for the boys with a big effort required next week to grab the victory and keep the shield.

Ballan 2nd XI (BCA 4th grade)

Ballan 5/143 v Wendouree 2/159

Bowling - Sarah Burton 5-1-1-12, Jake Wernicke 7-1-1-31

Batting - Param Singh 53, John Costello 26, Ryan Lister 19 Wendouree won the toss and elected to bat at Ballan Recreation Reserve.

Young-gun Jake Wernicke and elder statesman David Leach were brought into the attack to try and capture a wicket. The results were immediate as the scoring rate dipped and new measures in the field were applied to the openers. Jake produced two chances that could not be held onto unfortunately and the Wendouree batters became quite cautious in their shot selection, waiting for the bad ball to come along.

Ballan picked up its first wicket in the 18th over with the score on 77 as Jake got the older Haydon to hit to deep mid-wicket. James Somers took a difficult, but brilliant catch right on the boundary line.

Sarah came on to bowl and immediately put even more pressure on the Wendouree strike rate. Starting with a maiden, her five overs went for only 12 runs, with plenty of wicket opportunities presenting themselves, but not going to hand. She eventually picked up her first senior wicket in her fifth over of one of the three Steenhuis' family members playing, Ally - who was caught by Michael Vallance at mid-on.

Lions wild about Harry

hand bat Drew Locke saw he and Killoran add a game saving 133 for the sixth wicket, taking the total to a far more respectable, defendable tor that matter 6/249. Wickets fell sporadically late but not before the Lions tail along with Killoran helped extend the asking target ahead of day two to 9/310 from their 80 allotted overs.

At the split of innings, Wendouree were 2/159.

Ballan opened with John and Param who forged a fantastic opening stand, the best for Ballan all season. Both batters were selective with their shot making and really made the bowlers work hard. They both brought up multiple boundaries - John 4 fours, and Param 7 fours in their 90-run partnership before John was caught for 26 off Ally Steenhuis.

James Somers came to the crease and together, he and Param upped the strike rate with a quick 18 run partnership that included a four from James, and 2 fours and 2 sixes from Param. James was dismissed by the team of two Steenhuis', with Ally picking up her 2nd wicket. Ryan joined to bat, getting off the mark with a six and following this up with 2 fours.

After a great innings, Param was next to go.

After a 15 run partnership Ryan was caught at deep mid-wicket.

David Leach at number 7 and Max Burton held on and fought until the day's close of play.

** The match currently sits with Ballan 16 runs behind in the first innings. Day 2 – this Saturday at Ballan Recreation Reserve.

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Centre

By Todd Whelan

A marathon century on the road from top order batting all-rounder Harry Killoran has put the Lions into the box seat against third placed Naps-Sebas following day one at the weekend.

The popular English prodigy's return to the fore was timely to say the least when he made his way to the crease at 2/22 after the Lions were sent into bat. Killoran's previous seven innings this current season had amounted to 115 runs at a tick over 19. But there was never denying the talent of this skillful right hander, whose work ethic alone suggested a big knock was just around the corner. When reigning EJ Cleary Medalist Dilon Chandima and opening partner Rockey Hoey went early, there was a sense of occasion for Killoran to deliver, just when his team needed it the most.

His near four-hour knock of 135 off 193 balls included 13 boundaries and a six was not dissimilar to his unbeaten 164 (14x4s,1x6) against Buninyong back in 2019/20. Harry aside, there was none happier than Lions Coach Brian Wheelahan.

"We all know the class of Harry," he said. "His innings showed all the leadership and maturity of a fine player."

Killoran's potential match-winning return was aided by the support roles of Drew Locke (51), Danza Hyatt (47) and better than a run-a-ball 28 late, from Madushanka Ekanayake. Hyatt was the third Lion to be dismissed after he and Killoran put on 54 to help restore the innings. But when Hasitha Wickramasinghe and Bradley Barnes departed, the Lions were again in trouble at 5/116.

A timely half century from middle order left

Wheelahan's tone was one of pride and relief at the end of the day's play, citing the job clearly not done, merely halfway. But that didn't stop the dual Premiership coach recognising the importance of not only Killoran's knock, but an invaluable support crew.

"Danza (Hyatt) looked a million bucks and looked in for a big one before he went, and Drewy (Locke) was pivotal with his contribution which should prove a major confidence builder for him," he said.

"Ekka's cameo at the back and just the running between wickets all helped us beyond 300."

Play (Day 2) resumes on Saturday from noon.

BCA FIRST GRADE - (Round 15)

Darley 9/310, Overs 80. H.Killoran 135, Dr Locke 51, D.Hyatt 47.

Naps-Sebas

Naps-Sebas need 311 runs to win.

BCA SECOND GRADE - (Round 11 - Day 1)

VRI Delacombe 9/227, Overs 80. T.Cox 3/38, M.Seager 1/19.

Darley need 228 runs to win.

BCA THIRD GRADE - (Round 11 - Day 1)

Coronet-City 4/114, Overs 40.

Darley 2/155, Overs 40. M.Ingvorsen 83, D.Hoey 51*.

BCA FOURTH GRADE - (Round 11 - Day 1)

Darley 3/113, Overs 40. S.Ward 55, T.Gallagher 21.

Golden Point 5/88, Overs 40. P.Jarvinen 2/9, A.Bird 1/11.

BCA FIFTH GRADE - (Round 14) - Bye

Little Athletics was conducted on Saturday morning at Masons Lane Reserve in blustery conditions. Athletes took advantage of the early tail wind, but a wind change mid morning saw the younger kids having to contest a strong headwind down the front straight.

Mackenzie Delaney and Pippin Moog continue to improve, and recorded 5 Personal

Best results seeing them awarded the PB Stars of the Week.

This week’s meet will be held on Friday evening with a modified program of 4 events per athletes. On Saturday the Centre will have 13 teams represented at the State Relay Championships to be held at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.

Ballan Golf Club

Results - W/e Saturday 28 January

Wednesday – Stableford

Winner - John Costello (20) 38 points on c/b

R/Up - Bill Pickering (18).

Magpie - 14th Anthony Moore.

NTPs - 12th Frank Raffaele, 15th Anthony Moore.

Saturday – Stableford – 2 Person Multiply

Winners - Vic Buttigieg & Greg McAloon 84 points.

Second - Rob Brown & Brian Cran 69 points.

Third - Bill Pickering & Aggy Germon 62 points.

NTPs - 12th Chris Tudor, 15th Greg McAloon. Magpies - 14th Brian Cran (Birdie), 18th Pete Clifford.

After retiring hurt with an ankle injury, Matt Thomas returned to the ground to top score with a gutsy 53 runs. Photos - Chris Thom

Photos – PB Stars of the Week - Mackenzie Delaney and Pippin Moog

Kiwi star is the Man

By Tim O'Connor (HRV)

He may only be here in Australia because some of his compatriots aren’t, but New Zealander Majestic Man showed he will be a major player in all the upcoming squaregaiting features with a second victory in the TAB V L Dullard Trotters Cup at Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday night.

Trainer Merv Williamson recently stated he was only sending the eight-year-old overseas due to the absence of Kiwi big guns like Sundees Son, Bolt For Brilliance and Muscle Mountain, and the trip has returned instant dividends. After initially being held out for the lead by Sundons Courage, Williamson’s son Brad continued to pour the pressure on and eventually found the top with Majestic Man down the back straight the first time. And that’s where he stayed, fending off all the challengers in the run home to score by just under 3m over Queen Elida, with Just Believe (Tubbs/Sugars) getting

third on protest from Sundons Courage for interference near the line.

“His last run at Cambridge (NZ) - it was okay. He won, but he didn’t feel as though he was on top of his game,” Brad said.

“Having missed a couple of races in Auckland that they didn’t hold, he might have just needed that run a little bit.

“He’s certainly bounced off that run at Cambridge, come here a better horse and raced well.” Majestic Man’s next major target is this Friday night’s Woodlands Stud Great Southern Star, an event he contested in 2020, 2021 and 2022.

“He’ll go there and then whether he goes to the Knight Pistol or the Grand Prix, I’m not too sure. We’ll just go race-by-race and let Dad assess how he thinks the horse is,” Brad said. “Night one has been a success, so hopefully with the big one this week he can get a bit of luck with draws and what have you and put his best foot forward.”

Majestic Man has now won 24 of 84 career starts for prizemoney in excess of $750,000.

Teen guides outsider to victory

By Tim O'Connor (HRV)

Shane Sanderson and his connections would have headed to Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday night confident of success in the Group 2 $100,000 VHRC Caduceus 3YO Classic. And while they were ultimately celebrating a victory, it wasn’t with the horse most expected.

Dangerous started a red-hot $1.15 favourite following the scratching of top youngster School Captain, but his chances were all but over when he galloped as the bell sounded for the final lap.

This left stablemate Catalpa Rescue as the Sanderson stable’s best hope of victory, despite being one of the despised outsiders at $101 on the TAB fixed odds.

Given a perfect drive by Sanderson’s 17-year-old daughter Abby, Catalpa Rescue peeled from his spot in the running line approaching the turn and quickly surged up to leader Soho Seraphine. And in a scrap down the straight, the son of American Ideal dug deepest to win by a neck over Michael Stanley’s filly.

The result was a career highlight for young Abby, who was pleased to get one over her brother Ryan aboard Dangerous.

“I definitely won't let Ryan forget this one,” she said.

“Catalpa Rescue and Dangerous – there’s very little between them. Probably the only thing is Dangerous does have the manners. He’s a bit more mature than Catalpa Rescue.

“They’re very, very similar in ability. What Dangerous can do, so can Catalpa Rescue. When he matures, he will be a very nice horse.

“He had a gear change tonight and he was super.” Catalpa Rescue and Dangerous are both owned by Paul and Daniel Lowry, John Wilson, Leon Hogan, Robert Hodge and Max Dillon.

Saturday night’s triumph was a third-straight win this preparation for Catalpa Rescue, who broke his maiden at Cobram on January 8 and backed it up with a narrow victory at Swan Hill on January 18.

Majestic Man wins the TAB V L Dullard Trotters Cup with driver Brad Williamson PhotoStuart McCormick

Majestic Man and his team after the win Photo - Stuart McCormick

Catalpa Rescue Photo - Stuart McCormick

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