Moorabool News March 21

INSIDE THIS WEEK...

Moorabool women recognised

Surrendered animals hit record high

Play area revitalised

GLOBAL ART, CULTURE AND MORE

By Lachlan Ellis

A new art exhibition is coming to Ballan, with the opening day this weekend to feature dancing, music, and food. The Ways of Resonance exhibition will be held at the Ballan Art Space at 117B Inglis Street, with the opening night to run from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm on Saturday 25 March.

Featuring the works of Singapore’s Ayob Ismail, the Netherlands’ Barbara Henkes, and Bulgarian-born local artist Velislav Georgiev, the exhibition’s opening night will also include a performance from Bulgarian folk dancing group HORO.

“It’ll be running until Easter Sunday, we’ve left the date kind of open, the gallery is booked until then. It’ll be an international exhibition which is also travelling – Ayob Ismail is a senior lecturer of industrial design in Singapore. He’s interested in bamboo as a sustainable exhibition, in both industrial interior design and also artwork,” Mr Georgiev told the Moorabool News.

“I’m also a sculptor, I do mainly public art and architectural details. I’m presenting a series of models for larger sculptural work, which could be taken up and scaled up as big as a budget allows. And Barbara Henkes from the Netherlands is mainly a painter, she provides two dimensional works for the walls, mainly pastels but also on metal plates, copper and aluminium.”

Mr Georgiev urges lovers of art and culture to get to the exhibition at 5.30pm, or they may miss the extra fun planned. “We’ve got a very interesting guest appearance from HORO on our opening night, who do Bulgarian folk dancing. They’re coming specially from Melbourne for the opening, so be there at 5.30 or you’ll miss it. They’ll be dancing on the street too,” he said.

“That’s something that is unusual and unique in our exhibition, a live performance. They’ll bring music, costumes, everything. The reason for that is, we contacted SBS’ Bulgarian language program, they spread the word in the community, and the group said ‘Hey, we haven’t been to the area for a long time’.

“SBS will be coming as well to interview people, opening speeches around six o’clock, and little nibbles from foreign cultures…I’m asking the artists to present some dishes from their areas of origin. It’ll be an unusual, but fun event.”

Pastel and bamboo workshops are also planned, with spots still available – contact Velislav on 0490 455 429 to book.

For more information on everything happening at The Ballan Arts Space, visit ‘The Ballan Arts Space’ on Facebook, or email ballanartsspace@gmail.com.

Velislav Georgiev is keen for the community to view his scalable artwork, and the creations of the two fellow artists.

Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool women recognised

By Lachlan Ellis

Five Victorian women have been recognised as finalists in a state award for rural women –and two are from Moorabool Shire.

Greendale’s Sarah Duncanson and Glenmore’s Nikki Davey are both in the running to win the 2023 AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award, with the winner to be decided on Monday 3 April.

The Award supports Australian women to use and develop their skills to benefit a range of industries, including Victoria’s $17.5 billion agriculture sector – and the winner receives $15,000 towards her project.

Ms Duncanson is a paediatric intensive care nurse who founded paediatric healthcare education provider PAEDS, bringing the crucial learnings to regional and rural areas to train local healthcare professionals.

Meanwhile, Ms Davey runs Grown Not Flown with fellow farmers Sam Baff, Jayde Timms and Hayden Timms, which is an online platform and app connecting flower farmers and consumers both in Australia and around the world.

Both women said it was exciting to be named as finalists, bringing awareness to their fantastic projects.

“It’s such an honour [to be nominated]. I feel incredibly humbled to be named amongst some incredible women doing great things in their own communities. Whilst this is an individual award, I feel that I represent so much more than myself. I represent women who are working hard to improve the lives of rural families. I represent families and children who are battling medical systems in rural areas. I represent mothers multitasking to make big differences in their communities,” Ms Duncanson told the Moorabool News.

“This award would allow our service to be utilised by more families in regional, rural, and remote Australia who are caring for children with complex medical needs. By June 2023, five per cent of children will be accessing the NDIS, and a greater percentage of children in this cohort reside in regional, rural, and remote Australia compared to their metro counterparts.

“We would be able to become NDIS registered, which increases accessibility for these families as well as develop vital resources for schools and communities to support them to care for our smallest and most vulnerable community residents.”

Ms Davey said winning the Rural Women’s Award would be “a complete game changer” for Grown Not Flown, helping their work empowering local farmers and promoting the local flower industry.

“It is our long-term goal to empower growers by helping them to streamline their farming operations, easily record and access their own farm data, and make planning for the future as simple and seamless as possible. As part of this, we want to remove the need for micro and small-scale growers to have to build and manage their own website, something that can take up a lot of time, energy and money, and can be overwhelming if you’re not technically savvy,” she said.

“Being a self-funded start-up often means that progress can be slow, and so winning the Rural Women’s Award would not just be an incredible achievement, but would be transformative to us and the flower industry, as it will help us to build new features and functionality within the Grown Not Flown platform, as well as to promote our local flower farmers and raise the profile of our industry as a whole.”

The Victorian winner of the Rural Women’s Award will also go on to represent Victoria at the National Award, with the winner of that earning a further $20,000 in September.

Nikki Davey (left) and Sarah Duncanson (right) are hopeful of winning the Rural Women’s Award and securing more funding for their projects. Photos – Submitted

Surrendered animals hit record high

RSPCA Victoria has recorded the highest number of animals seized or surrendered, and has called on animal owners to ensure their animals are adequately cared for at all times.

In the second quarter of the 2022-23 financial year, 695 animals were seized by or surrendered to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate, the highest number ever reported for any quarter on record.

The total annual number of animals seized by or surrendered to RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate has risen significantly every year for the past five years. more than doubling from 1,035 in 2017-18 to 2,172 in 2021-22.

RSPCA Victoria Chief Inspector Michael Stagg said animal cruelty exists across all geographic and social boundaries but in recent years there have been several contributing factors to the higher level of incoming Inspectorate seized and

surrendered animals.

“In recent years the impact of COVID-19 and the rising cost of living may have contributed to the spiking numbers of Inspectorate seized and surrendered animals. Between 2020 and 2022 alone the number of seizures and surrenders rose by 38 per cent (597 cases),” Mr Stagg said.

Data from the 2021/22 financial year shows neglect continues to be the most common type of report received. During the year RSPCA Victoria’s Inspectorate responded to 10,577 cruelty reports, with neglect the basis for almost half (46 per cent), meaning members of the community had reported knowledge of animals subjected to lack of food, water, shelter, or veterinary care.

Other types of neglect included poor husbandry, lack of appropriate hygiene and insufficient grooming, shearing and farriery for horses.

“Our recently released online RSPCA Victoria interactive cruelty map illustrates the rates of animal cruelty in local government areas, and across the state. We acknowledge that in addition to the rising cost of living, which may impact the ability of some to care for their pets, many Victorians adopted pets during the pandemic, some as first-time pet owners who may still require information or support to help them understand how to best care for their animals,” Mr Stagg said.

“It is important all pet owners understand the specific needs of their pets in terms of food, water, shelter, grooming and exercise.”

Anyone with concerns for the welfare of an animal can lodge an official cruelty report to the RSPCA by calling (03) 9224-2222 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Alternatively reports can be lodged online via www.rspcavic.org.

Demerits for cutting off police

was spoken to in relation to failing to give way.”

Licence checks found that Mr Elphick’s licence had been suspended for medical reasons, but when questioned, Mr Elphick told police he believed his licence had been reinstated.

Jasmyne Cadman Wills and Estates Lawyer

Call

By Lachlan Ellis

A driver has been lucky to escape a licence suspension for not giving way on a Ballan road, but will receive demerit points.

George Elphick appeared at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court on Friday 17 March, entering a guilty plea to driving while authorisation suspended, and failure to give way at a give way sign.

“The accused was driving his son’s Holden Commodore northbound in Fisken St Ballan approaching the intersection on Inglis Street. At this intersection there is a give way sign saying that you must give way to all vehicles travelling along Inglis Street. This occurred 12 December last year,” Police Prosecutor Senior Constable Jack Fletcher said.

“Police were travelling east on Inglis Street about to pass the intersection with Fisken Street. The accused turned right into Inglis Street, failing to give way to the police vehicle. This caused the police vehicle to brake to avoid a collision. Police then intercepted the accused, where he

“When I pulled up to the give way sign, there was a horse float with a big vehicle in front of it that stopped to my left, and I looked up there, I couldn’t see any traffic. So I pulled out, the police car must have been behind the horse float,” Mr Elphick told Magistrate Hugh Radford.

“With my licence, I handed that to my doctor to look after it…I went and did the tests I was asked to do, and because I didn’t hear anything, I assumed everything was okay. When the police told me my licence was suspended, I called VicRoads, who said they hadn’t heard anything from my doctor.”

With no driving offences recorded over more than 50 years of driving, the Magistrate chose not to suspend Mr Elphick’s licence over the incident.

“Given this gentleman’s age and the explanations that have been put before the court today, and that he has an unblemished driving record or some 40 or 50 years, I’m simply going to prove and dismiss the charges. The charges will be proved but there will be no penalty,” he said.

“The entering intersection will attract some points however, that’ll go to VicRoads. I can’t do anything about that.”

Photo by Erda Estremera on Unsplash

Planned burns to reduce fire risk

Over 60? Free digital info sessions

It is autumn, and that means plumes of smoke may be visible as favourable weather and forest conditions, will allow Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic) to undertake planned burns across the Midlands District in the coming weeks. The purpose of the planned burns is to reduce the threat of bushfires to the community.

FFMVic Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Tony English said planned burning is one of the most effective ways to reduce the impact bushfires have on people, property and the environment.

"Reducing ground level fuels such as leaves, sticks, and fallen branches means fires are less intense and slower to spread, making it more likely that firefighters can keep bushfires small and contained before they pose a risk to communities,” he said.

“The wetter and cooler conditions this summer will mean communities can expect to see firefighters conducting planned burns if the weather and forest conditions are suitable and it is safe to do so.”

High priority burns are planned on public land near Greendale, North Blackwood, Daylesford, Hepburn Springs, Macedon, Smythesdale, Linton, and Beaufort.

“People in these communities may see and smell smoke, and some roads and forests may be closed for public safety while these works are being undertaken. We know that smoke from planned burns may concern some people, and

BALLARAT AND DISTRICT WATER MAINS CLEANING

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

we work with communities and stakeholders to reduce smoke impacts as much as possible,” Mr English said.

“However, it’s important that crews take every opportunity to reduce fuel loads while conditions are suitable. For some large planned burns, our crews will use aircraft including helicopters for aerial ignition, observation and to assist with the management of burn operations throughout the region.”

FFMVic works closely with the Bureau of Meteorology to assess weather conditions – such as humidity, temperature, and wind speed – and will only carry out burns when conditions are safe to do so.

The fuel management program is underpinned by scientific evidence and local knowledge, including bushfire history, to make sure works are focused where they can be most effective.

As well as burning, FFMVic crews conduct mechanical works such as mowing, slashing, clearing, and creating and maintaining strategic fuel breaks to reduce bushfire risk.

FFMVic also works with Traditional Owners to deliver its fuel management program and supports aspirations to undertake cultural burning practices. To find out when and where planned burns are happening near you, go to www.vic.gov.au/plannedburns or call 1800 226 226.

We conduct this program periodically to ensure the water mains that supply water to your home or business remain clean at all times. The program has been successful and has achieved its aims, so we have reverted back to the usual disinfection process.

Some customers may have noticed a change in the taste and smell of the water during the program. This will now return to normal.

We would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding while we have carried out this important work.

One-on-one or small group sessions are being offered to people over 60, with Moorabool Council organising the free personalised digital literacy sessions.

A range of topics will be covered including mobile phone use, downloading photos, social media and using eLibrary resources.

Run by Council’s library services, the sessions can be done at a time suitable to the resident. They can also be held at several locations throughout the shire, including Lerderderg Library in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan Library.

Moorabool Mayor Cr Rod Ward said this is a great initiative by the library services team.

“I know there are people over 60 out there who need a bit of a helping hand with using their phones, laptops, iPads etc – being able to offer individually-tailored information sessions will be invaluable to these residents.”

In addition to the one-on-one sessions, Moorabool’s library services is also hosting group information sessions in April, May and June about online scams, online security, organising photos and using bookmarks and favourites.

“Again, these sessions will contain valuable information, and especially when we’re talking security and scams – this is so important for all Moorabool residents to be across, especially as we see how sophisticated some of these scams are becoming with emerging technologies,” Cr Ward said.

The free digital information sessions have been made possible by a State Government grant through the Department of Jobs Precincts and Regions, under the State’s Digital Literacy for Seniors Program.

More information on the one-on-one sessions and the group sessions can be found at moorabool.vic.gov.au/ digitalsessions or phone 5366 7100.

All group sessions will be held at Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh:

26 April 11am-noon: Let’s talk digital scams

10 May 11am-noon: Online security

24 May 11am-noon: Organising and saving your digital photos

7 June 11am-noon: Make it easier to find shortcuts/ bookmarks/favourites

The Ballarat and District water mains cleaning program that started on 10 January has now concluded.

Photo – The Moorabool News

Photo - Pexels: SHVETS production

Crime stats released

For the 12 months to the end of December 2022 there were 483,441 criminal offences recorded in Victoria, representing an increase of 5,652 offences, or 1.2 per cent, from 2021. However, this number is still below pre-pandemic levels, with 52,418 less criminal offences committed last year compared to 2019, a decrease of 9.8 per cent.

Also encouraging for Victoria Police were decreases in family violence serious assaults (4.7 per cent decrease), assaults against police and other emergency service workers (4 per cent decrease), and robberies (lowest levels since 2014, reducing by 5.7 per cent since 2021 and 49.5 per cent lower than 2019 levels).

Burglaries were at their second lowest levels since 1993 last year, with 6,582 less homes broken into in Victoria than in 2019.There has, however, been a marked increase in aggra-

vated residential burglaries, with 15.4 per cent more occurring in 2022 than in 2021.

Car thefts have also increased year-on-year, with an increase of 6.2 per cent, though there were still 3,756 less cars stolen than in 2019.

The stats are even more positive for Moorabool, which saw a 4.5 per cent decrease in offences recorded, with three of the top five suburbs recording decreases: 696 incidents in Bacchus Marsh (compared to 759 in 2021), 258 incidents in Maddingley (271 in 2021), and 150 in Ballan (compared to 201 in 2021).

Thefts from motor vehicles also decreased from 188 to 163. However, minor increases were recorded in criminal damage offences (197 vs 181), a significant increase in family violence order breaches (321 vs 185).

Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations, Rick Nugent, said it was pleasing that crime as a whole “has not dramatically ‘snapped back’ to pre-COVID levels”.

Are you a young person in the Moorabool Shire?

“While criminal offending increased slightly from 2021, it is very pleasing that overall crime is still almost 10 per cent below pre-pandemic levels. There’s been some really encouraging results, with fewer robberies, family violence serious assaults, sexual offences against children, and thefts from motor vehicles in 2022 than in the previous year,” he said.

“While overall crime rates are looking relatively positive, there are a few key areas of concern for police, including offenders sneaking into homes to steal car keys and overall youth offending. The community can rest assured we are investing significant energy and resources towards preventing and responding to this offending, with dedicated operations in place that have led to thousands of arrests over the past year.”

To view the 2022 crime statistics, visit www.crimestatistics. vic.gov.au/crime-statistics and click ‘Latest Victorian crime data’.

Sam Rae MP

SamRaeforHawke

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

It is not every day that this state government volunteers to help the community sort a mess that it has created.

However, over the course of the last week the government has done just that and invited all Victorians to claim up to two $250 power saving bonuses, to help ease cost-of-living pressures. No strings attached.

The clever bit is that by donating some or all of that $500 to the STOP AUSNET’S TOWERS fund raising campaign, we can use that money to bring about real change for Moorabool communities.

Even more than previously, the STOP AUSNET’S TOWERS campaign needs real donations to increase the pressure on Lily D’Ambrosio and AEMO to encourage them do the right thing and redesign and re-route the Western Renewables Link.

The current round of $250 Power Saving Bonus is open to all households until midnight on 23 March 2023. The application is a simple process that can be undertaken by visiting the website https://compare. energy.vic.gov.au website. The Bonus is paid directly into your bank account. After 23 March, a second round opens and all of us can apply for another $250, again, no strings attached.

For those who’ve never claimed the $250 Power Saving Bonus, why not claim it, and the second. If you don’t need it to pay other bills, why not consider donating the money to the STOP AUSNET’S TOWERS campaign to help the community fight this project?

For info on how to donate email info@ stopausnetstowers.com.au

Supporting our future female councillors

The State Government is helping more women become leaders in their community, by providing training and mentoring to boost their chances of being elected as local councillors.

Applications have opened for the second round of the Government’s Women Leading Locally Program, which aims to build gender equality on local government councils by 2025.

The program is equipping 125 local leaders with the connections and tools to campaign as candidates in the 2024 council elections.

At the last local government elections in 2020, Victoria set a new national record for female representation with women making up 43.8 per cent of elected councillors –Moorabool followed this trend in electing three female Councillors in the seven-member Council, being Crs. Berry. Dudzik and Munari.

Cr Ally Munari said prior to the 2020 elections the government offered women information sessions, online during covid, on how to prepare, what to expect etc.

“This was incredibly valuable. It really prepared us for the campaign period and the lead up to the election, and if we were to be elected, what to expect.

“I still use some of that information today as the Woodlands councillor for Moorabool Shire,” she said.

The Women Leading Locally Program is being delivered by the Institute of Community Directors Australia in partnership with Women for Election – the first round has provided training and mentoring to 60 women from local government areas with low female representation. The second round is open to women from a further 32 areas.

Hume resident Emily Greco began the program in 2022.

“Before this program, the idea of running for local council was daunting and it seemed like an exclusive club where people spoke a different language,” Ms Greco said. “This training has broken down a lot of those barriers and taught me that anyone with a passion for their local community has a right to run for council.”

Applications for round two of the Women Leading Locally Program are open until Friday, 14 April. To find out more visit, localgovernment.vic.gov.au.

Susan Phasey, Myrniong

FORMALLY

Trafficking nets four figure fine

previously mentioned vehicle with an expired registration was intercepted. The accused was spoken to by police, and appeared substance-affected, red-eyed and a strong smell of cannabis was coming from the vehicle. Accused said it came from his friend he had just dropped off,” Police Prosecutor Senior Constable Jack Fletcher said.

“The accused was informed his vehicle was going to be searched. Police asked the accused what they would find, and the accused produced from the passenger side footwell a zip lock bag containing approximately 20 grams of marijuana clippings. The accused was arrested and a search of his car was conducted.

“He’s done six months of CISP, he’s been a model citizen on CISP. The question is do we want to have him trouble corrections over the next period of the corrections order…I understand there may be some reticence to deal with it by financial penalty,” Mr Madden said.

“If we go on how he’s performed on a CISP path, I’d be submitting that he’s blemish-free, he hasn’t missed a meeting which is exceptional in my experience Your Honour. That’s a big tick in terms of considerations.”

By Lachlan Ellis

A man with a traffickable quantity of drugs in his car has escaped jail time, but not a substantial financial penalty, thanks to his excellent record attending a support program.

Jeffrey Antonio appeared at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court on Friday 17 March, charged with drug trafficking after being intercepted in Ballan with cannabis and methamphetamine in his car.

The court heard that Mr Antonio appeared drug-affected when pulled over by police for driving unregistered.

“The accused was driving a vehicle, a Holden Commodore. On the 6th of August 2022, at approximately 3.45 am, police were patrolling Old Melbourne Road in Ballan when the

“In the driver’s footwell, a small bag of methamphetamine, 0.36 grams, was located. In the passenger footwell, two zip lock bags of approximately 50 seeds were located. In the glove box, a small bowl of loose dried cannabis, 1.54 grams, was located. In the centre console, a zip lock bag containing dried cannabis of nine grams was located.”

What landed Mr Antonio in the most trouble was a black backpack in the back seat he admitted was his, which contained “scales, a large silver zip lock bag, 451 grams of cannabis, an empty large zip lock bag, and $680.40 in cash”.

Mr Antonio’s lawyer, Mr Madden, said his client’s six-month participation in the CISP (Court Integrated Services Program) had been “exceptional”, and he should be served a financial penalty, not a prison sentence or corrections order.

Operation Arid catches thousands over long weekend

Glenn Weir, said that while the majority of people did the right thing on Victorian roads, some people were still ignoring the warnings.

“Disappointingly, we continue to detect motorists for the type of behaviour that’s been contributing to road trauma this year – that being speed, distraction, and impaired driving,” Assistant Commissioner Weir said.

While Magistrate Hugh Radford said “hassling Corrections isn’t really something that can be considered under the Act”, he agreed that the reports from CISP for Mr Antonio had been remarkable.

“There’s been a deferral of sentence for about 6 months, you haven’t committed any further offences in that period. I’ve got to take into account the plea, and you do have the capacity to pay a substantial fine…your CISP report is one of the best CISP reports I’ve read in some 12 years of sitting where I am at the moment, that’s very much to your credit,”

“But the objective seriousness of these matters is significant. Trafficking is a very serious offence, and the starting point is usually imprisonment. But nonetheless, I take account what’s been said…hopefully this will be the last time you’ll be before the courts ever.”

Mr Antonio was ordered to pay a fine of $8,000.

Tradies, keep tools secure

Police detected almost 7000 traffic offences during a four-day statewide road policing operation over the Labour Day long weekend.

Operation Arid saw police ramp up enforcement following a shocking start to the year on Victoria’s roads.

There have been 74 lives lost in the first 73 days of the year, 45 per cent higher than the same time last year and the five-year average – both 51.

Speeding, impaired driving, mobile phone use and unauthorised driving were the key issues detected by police during the four-day operation. More than a third of offences detected related to speeding, with almost 80 per cent of speeding motorists detected between 10km/h and 25km/h over the speed limit. There were almost as many drug drivers caught as drink drivers, with 198 drink driving offences and 192 drug driving offences detected.

Mobile phone offences jumped 23 per cent from the last statewide operation in January, with 323 motorists caught using their phone while driving.

Unauthorised drivers accounted for 396 offences, with police using automatic numberplate recognition technology (ANPR) to detect and remove disqualified, suspended and unlicenced drivers from the road.

Assistant Commissioner Road Police,

“Police are constantly engaging with the community to educate first and enforce when the message doesn’t get through and we make no apologies for this. We are doing everything we can to reduce trauma on our roads.

“March is a busy time with footy returning, lots of major events and good weather – so if you’re out and about this month, you can expect us to be out too.”

There were two lives lost on Victorian roads over the long weekend, with fatal collisions in Barnawartha North on Saturday and Wangaratta on Monday.

There have been 11 lives lost to date in March, historically the highest-risk month on Victorian roads.

Operation Arid ran from 12.01am on Friday 10 March, and concluded at 11.59pm on Monday 13 March 2023.

The total 6764 offences detected during Operation Arid included: 2573 speeding offences; 727 unregistered vehicles;

• 396 disqualified/suspended and unlicenced drivers;

• 323 mobile phone offences;

• 313 disobey signs/signals;

198 drink driving offences from 107,435 preliminary breath tests;

192 drug driving offences from 3454 roadside drug tests;

• 159 seatbelt offences; and 123 vehicle impoundments.

Tradies are among thieves’ favourite targets, but Victoria Police have provided some key tips on ensuring you’re not the next target of a theft.

Keep wallets and car keys in your possession, and never leave documents in your car – your address may be used to locate your home and break into your car or home later. You should also make sure house keys or garage door remotes aren’t left in the car as they can be left in burglaries.

Recording serial/model numbers, and taking photos of your tools, can be vital in helping police find them if they are stolen.

If possible, engraving or marking tools with the letter ‘V’ for Victoria and your driver’s licence number will also help police identify and return any of your stolen tools.

When leaving your vehicle unattended, lock all doors and windows, and consider investing in a sturdy, lockable ute toolbox

to bolt to your ute’s tray.

Installing an alarm on your toolboxes, vehicle and trailer, and parking in a garage or somewhere with CCTV and sensor lighting will also deter criminals.

To keep your construction site secure, consider installing monitored onside CCTV, audible alarms, and good lighting, ensuring the worksite is secured when leaving, and locking work vehicles when you’re away from the vehicle.

Securing equipment in storage containers with heavy duty padlocks and chains is an excellent way to keep any work tools secure.

For emergencies, call Triple Zero (000). For non-emergencies, call the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131 444, report online at www.police.vic.gov.au, or in-person at your local police station.

To report information anonymously, call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Play area revitalised

Letters to the Editor

Dear Editor,

When I saw a photo of MP for Eureka Michaela Settle handing out Kinder Kits (M/News 7 March) to young children in the shire, I thought about my own children. I could not imagine any other way to raise my family than on a farm in one of the most beautiful places in Victoria among a community of caring and hardworking locals. My children are held responsible for daily farm chores, animal care and maintenance. They are well rounded children who are not afraid to get dirty, jump in and help or take risks. Living on a farm teaches children skills that can never be taught in any classroom. No kinder kit full of play doh and flip cards would have taught my children the life skills they know.  I am grateful every day for this simple, yet involved and busy life my family lives. This way of life will be destroyed for my family and the thousands of families that live within the transmission corridor. I ask Ms Settle what will happen to the next generation of farmers if they cannot farm their land because it is covered in outdated transmission towers? What will happen to our food supply if there are no more farmers? What will happen to the native animals and birds who we share the land with?  What will happen to my children if a fire cannot be fought? Where will families go to rest and relax if all the tourist destinations are covered in transmission towers? I ask Ms Settle to stand up for the children of Eureka. I ask her to protect and guarantee our way of life for future generations. My children’s future is in your hands and the hands of the Labor party.

Ms Settle, their future doesn’t come in a kit. Please STOP AusNet’s Towers.

Ms Settle, please see the drawing my son drew. What his future will look like. The drawing is titled “BOO POWERLINES”. In the drawing you can see our house on fire and my family screaming. This will be our reality, if the project is not stopped.

By Lachlan Ellis

A local primary school has given its play area a much-needed update this month, with both repainting and new designs completed.

Lal Lal Primary School proudly showed off its eye-catching play area on social media last Monday, and students are already making good use of the vibrantly designed games such as hopscotch and twister.

Lal Lal Primary School’s Principal, Siobhan Gosney, said the new playground markings had created “a real buzz amongst the students”, and thanked the community for chipping in for the updates.

From March 24th

WE’RE BRINGING BACK THE POWER SAVING BONUS

AND THE SEC

“The old markings were done over 15 years ago and looking tired, so it was time to update them. The school community has worked very hard to fundraise for them over a number of years. Without fundraising, this would be too expensive for a little school,” Ms Gosney told the Moorabool News.

“The students looked at the available designs, and chose to keep some of the original designs as well as add new ones that are more culturally inclusive. We have had many comments about the bright new images, and it’s great to see the students interacting with them.

Ms Gosney also thanked the crew at Brighter Lines for their work on the playground markings.

Moorabool News

The Moorabool News OFFICE 15 Haddon Drive, Ballan, 3342 PHONE (03) 5368 1966

EMAIL Editorial news@themooraboolnews.com.au

Advertising sales@themooraboolnews.com.au

Ad copy graphics@themooraboolnews.com.au

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.

Please

Sandra Attard, Korobeit

Lal Lal Primary School students are making good use of the updated playground markings.

Photo – Lal Lal Primary School

Don’t ask Google...

Ask your local Experts!

FINANCE

Q.

What does “No Win - No Fee” mean?

This type of agreement means that legal costs are only payable to us if you receive compensation. So, if you don’t receive compensation, we don’t get paid either.

Sometimes there are disbursements that are payable. Disbursements are out-of-pocket expenses payable to third parties for things such as medical reports, court fees or barrister fees. At Grainger Legal, we make sure there are no surprises to you about legal costs but if you’re concerned about costs at any stage, please ask us and we will gladly talk you through it.

GRAINGER LEGAL Contact Jasmyne Cadman today: info@graingerlegal.com.au • ph. 5303 0250 105 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, VIC 3340

Q.Tooth Mousse. What is it and should I be using this?

Tooth Mousse/Tooth Mousse Plus is a topical dental cream that is formulated from a milk derived protein (CPP-ACP). The Plus version also contains 900ppm fluoride, which is almost the same amount of fluoride that is in adult strength toothpaste or toothpaste labelled 6+. CPP-ACP helps reverse early signs of tooth decay and bu ers plaque acid. It can be a fantastic adjunct to the oral hygiene regimen, including patients with a high risk of decay, acid damage, sensitive teeth or dry mouth symptoms. Please speak to your local dentist to discuss the best oral health regimen to suit your needs as well as the other ingredients in this product due to the possibility of allergies.

Q.What incentives are there for 1st home buyers in Victoria?

A.There are several incentives provided by state and federal governments. The main ones are:

1. Stamp duty waived when buying up to $600,000

2. Stamp duty discount when buying between $600k and $750k

3. $10,000 First Home Owners Grant when buying brand new or building

4. First Home Guarantee - a government guarantee waiving the requirement of Lenders Mortgage Insurance, saving you thousands of dollars.

If you would like help navigating the First Home Buyer landscape, reach out to book an appointment and I would be happy to guide you through the eligibility criteria.

Contact ADAM BAKER today: adam.baker@rateone.com.au • ph. 4311 1900 2 Grant Street, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340

OPTOMETRY

Q.

What to consider when choosing spectacles?

What matters most is what you think. It’s nice to get a second opinion from loved ones, but keep in mind that people you see often are used to seeing you a certain way and may not at first like a style you don’t usually wear. If there is a particular frame you love, go for it!

6 tips to remember:

- Face and frame shapes make a di erence

- Consider your skin color and tone

- Express your style and personality

- Lifestyle

- Consider your prescription and lens type

- Look for good fit and comfort

Treat Dental Bacchus Marsh hello@treatdental.com.au • ph.5323 0660

Shop 33, 160 - 190 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, VIC 3340

Kirstie Shanahan (Manager)

Darryl Wilson Optometrist by George & Matilda Eyecare bacchusmarsh@georgeandmatilda.com.au ph. (03) 5367 4944 • 21 Grant Street Bacchus Marsh

REAL ESTATE

Can I move

into the property before

settlement?

A. A. A. A.

CONVEYANCING Q.

Yes, if both parties are agreeable, a Licence Agreement is entered in to from the day of occupation until the settlement date at an agreed fee, to be paid to the Vendor.

The terms of the Licence Agreement are negotiated between each party’s conveyancer at the cost of the incoming purchaser.

Once you take occupation of the property, the risk of any damage to it transfers to you as the occupier, so it is important that you take out insurance from the date of occupation and provide the Vendor with evidence of the insurance policy.

CASA CONVEYANCING

Contact JASMINE VAGHERA today: info@casaconveyancing.com.au

Ph. 5303 0252 • 105 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

Q.

What are the benefits of a home stylist when selling?

Engaging a professional stylist can help to add value to your home. It helps potential purchasers to visualise the home looking its very best and can help define awkward spaces.

There are various levels of styling, from better utilising your existing furniture, to adding soft furnishings, through to full styling including furniture & accessories. The di erence in presentation is often quite amazing.

ARBEE Real Estate

Contact STEVE CREESE today: steve.creese@arbeerealestate.com.au 0475 888 101 • 140 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

A Moorabool News Advertising Feature

A dry autumn forecast

The Bureau of Meteorology has released its long-range forecast for autumn 2023, and it indicates coming months are likely to be drier and warmer than usual across most of Australia.

Warmer than usual daytime temperatures are very likely this autumn for much of Australia, while warmer nights are also likely in coastal areas of the mainland and particularly Tasmania.

Bureau of Meteorology Technical Lead Extended Prediction Dr Andrew Watkins said drier than average conditions have emerged in some areas over summer, including parts of southern Queensland, western Tasmania and south-west Western Australia.

"Australia's key climate drivers are easing and expected to be neutral over the coming months. When our climate drivers are more neutral, autumn rainfall in southern Australia has generally been lower than average over recent decades,” Dr Watkins said.

La Niña is nearing its end in the Pacific Ocean, with conditions likely to be neutral (neither El Niño nor La Niña) during autumn. The Indian Ocean Dipole is neutral and has little influence on Australia's climate during the northern wet season, which extends through until April.

“With drier conditions emerging in some areas over summer, and dry and warm conditions likely in autumn, some areas may continue to have below average rainfall over coming months,” Dr Watkins said.

Australia's fire agencies have identified that most of Australia has normal bushfire potential during autumn. However, areas of above normal bushfire risk include parts of New South Wales, Queensland, and

Western Australia.

There is also a continued risk of grassfires across southern Australia after abundant vegetation growth during the second-wettest spring on record in 2022 dried over summer. For northern Australia, the wet season continues during March and April. Tropical cyclones, tropical lows, storms, and active monsoon bursts can occur in the north.

During the northern wet season, tropical weather systems may, at times, reach southern Australia. The chance of more rainfall means the flood risk remains, particularly in areas where rivers and water storages are still high.

Development restrictions not possible

Manager Community Planning & Economic Development, Henry Bezuidenhout, responded to the petition, stating that Council must by law judge each application for a permit on its individual merits.

By Lachlan Ellis

Council has responded to a petition submitted by members of the Bacchus Marsh community, telling them it’s not within Council’s power to put a blanket ban on developments.

A petition titled ‘Request to Prevent Further Unit Development In Masons Lane End of Dickson Street Between Numbers 70 – 80 George and Young Streets, Bacchus Marsh’, came before Council at the Development Assessment Committee (DAC) held on Wednesday 15 March. The petition was initially tabled at the 7 December 2022 Ordinary Meeting of Council, with the decision being for Council officers to prepare a report for Council’s consideration.

At 15 March’s DAC, Council’s Executive

“When Council considered the planning application at 79 Dickson Street, there was also a petition that required Council does not allow any further development along certain parts of the street as described. Based on the petition, I can just clarify that Council is not in a position to limit development,” Mr Bezuidenhout said.

“The Planning Scheme allows development in that specific instance. The development needs to be considered on its merit and against the Planning Scheme requirements. The Act also allows any person to make applications to Council. We can’t allow or not allow applications to be submitted.

“On that basis, the petition can’t be adhered to.”

The motion to advise the petition organiser of Council’s decision was moved by Cr Paul Tatchell, seconded by Cr Tonia Dudzik, and approved unanimously by present Councillors, with Cr Munari an apology and not present.

Communities are encouraged to stay up to date with forecasts and warnings through the Bureau's website and BOM Weather app.

SIDEBAR: Summer 2022-23 snapshot

While it was wetter than average summer for most of northern Australia, large areas in the south have had a drier than average summer.

North Queensland had well above average rainfall this summer. However, rainfall in parts of south-eastern Queensland and north-eastern New South Wales was well below average. It has been a much drier summer than usual for southern and inland parts of Western Australia, western Victoria, and western Tasmania.

There have been 4 tropical cyclones in the Australian region between November 2022 and the end of February 2023.

Ex-tropical cyclone Ellie brought heavy rainfall and flooding to northern areas of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and Queensland contributing to above average summer rainfall in these areas.

Summer days were warmer than average in Tasmania, western and central regions of Western Australia, and large parts of South Australia.

Daytime temperatures were cooler than average across most of the Northern Territory and most of Queensland.

Top temperatures for this past summer in Australia's capital cities were:

• Adelaide 41.0 °C on 27 December

• Melbourne 40.5 °C on 17 February

• Perth 39.5 °C on 21 January

• Hobart 36.7 °C on 17 February

• Canberra 36.1 °C on 18 February

• Darwin 36.1 °C on 2 December

• Brisbane 35.7 °C on 12 February

• Sydney 30.6 °C on 3 February. For more information, head to the Bureau’s website at www.bom.gov.au.

Women’s History Month

Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society Inc.

March – we celebrate Women’s History Month.

Mary Rennie Low.

Mary Rennie Way was born 4 October 1828. She was the daughter of Catherine and William Way of St Andrews Scotland. Mary Way arrived in Victoria on the ship ‘Wanata’ in 1852.

On 29 June 1853 Mary married Thomas Low. Mary and Thomas had eleven children; David born in Collingwood in 1854, Thomas, Jane, Catherine in Bacchus Marsh, Mary in Fitzroy, Margaret, James, Caroline, Barbara, Janet, and Charlotte were born in Bacchus Marsh. The Low family lived at what we call

the’ Underbank’ area, on west side of the Korkuperrimul Creek also known as Low’s Hill.

In Thomas’ obituary in the Bacchus Marsh Express newspaper 8 July 1890 it states that ‘The family was one of the earliest dairy farmers in the colony.’ Mrs Low is not mentioned very much in our newspapers, but then again with supporting her husband and raising eleven children, she would not have had time for much else.

Mary died at the home of one of her children at Captains Flat in NSW in 1901 and is buried at Bacchus Marsh with her husband.

Dates: April 8 9am - 1pm • 73 Inglis st, Ballan

Fresh local produce, wine, bread, homemade products and plants. The gold coin entry donations going back into

Darley

Dates:

Ba hus Marsh

Dates: April

Eynesbury

TRADES & BUSINESS

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce SHOP LOCAL

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS

Visit our new website www.ballanchamberofcommerce.com.au

TOPLINE

Free Quotes

SEPTIC CLEANING

Biocycle

Aqua Nova Taylex Systems

Lachlan Ivers

APC

1. Obligation to publish – Designated Resolution 5

PUBLIC NOTICE

5. Publication of notices about the Council

NOTICE OF AGM for LAURELS EDUCATION AND TRAINING INC

POULTRY

Chooks/Pullets for Sale

Delivery 1st April

Ballan, Bacchus Marsh, Melton areas Hyline brown Pre order Ballarat Chooks 0400 559 559

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

229 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh

EMPLOYMENT

FULLTIME GROUNDS/ MAIWNTENANCE POSITION

Bacchus Marsh College is seeking a permanent fulltime grounds/maintenance person.

Essential Criteria:

• Current Drivers Licence

• Current Working with Children’s Check

• Covid Vaccinations x3

• Experience in a similar role

For a full job description please contact the HR Manager at the College on 03 5367 2955

HOLLOWAY – Kenneth John ‘Legs’ 29.01.1946 ~ 14.03.2023

On Wednesday, 12th April, 2023 commencing at 6.30 p.m.

Guest Speaker

(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.

Mr Robert Russell – Zoos in Victoria

Robert volunteers for Zoos Victoria and will discuss his experiences in volunteering and the volunteer program. He will also provide an insight into some history of the Zoos in Victoria and how far they have come today. Zoos Victoria focus on strategies for conservation of animals and Robert will give details of some of those strategies and projects.

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

Board Members Wanted

If you are a community minded person interested in assisting to support this valuable community owned education facility. Please contact the office on 5367 1061 to request a nomination form

[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.

Dearly Loved Husband of Janet. Loved Father of Daniel & Glenn. Loving Father-in-law to Donna. Cherished Grandad to Pauly. Forever In Our Hearts

FUNERAL NOTICE

HOLLOWAY

The Funeral Service for the late Mr Kenneth John ‘Legs’ Holloway will be held at Michael Crawford Funerals Chapel, 226 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh on FRIDAY (March 24, 2023) commencing at 11am. Following the Service, Ken will be laid to rest at the Maddingley Cemetery, Bacchus Marsh. The Service for Ken will be Live Streamed and available to view on our website: michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.au (Select – Funeral Live Stream)

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

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

Bacchus Marsh Ph 5367 6733 michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.au

Gold Air with tile top, & trolley, $80. 0418 318 164

BBQ Red Centre, 4 burner w side burner/cover GC $100. 0490 070 463

BBQ 6 burner with gas bottle & cover. $100 - 0417 478 593

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

BIKE Ladies Mountain Bike Huffy Tundra $50 - 0417 478 593

BILLIARD TABLE, 7'6" x 3'6", GC, wooden, comes with balls & 3 cues, $50 – 0406 513 089

BIRDCAGES x 2 on stand with castors VGC $80 ea – 0407 920 648

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

BIRD Transporter Box, double sided, suit small birds, GC, $20 0467 488 414

BOOK, "All Cats have Asperger Syndrome", Kathy Hoopmann.

VGC $10 – 0490 462 513

BOOK, "Training the Best Dog Ever" –Stasiewicz & Kay. As new, unused, $10 – 0490 462 513

BRICKS 2nd hand (mixed colours) approx. 100 FREE Pick up Bacchus Marsh - 0481 744 011

COFFEE MACHINE Sunbeam 2 cup. EC $90 – 0448 046 735

DOG STEPS, Paws brand, to get up on bed, $70 - 0414 763 557

DRAWING SET, Reader's Digest

"Watercolor Pencil Set." As new, unopened. $15 – 0490 462 513

DRILL & TECH BITS, combination wood, metal & masonry drills.

Full Kit. $40 - 0428 671 116

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

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

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

FABRIC various pieces priced from $2-$5 per mtr – 0448 032 155

FIRE DRUM 3 legs, old washing machine drum $20 – 0448 737 854

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

FISH TANK 60cm x 30cm. All accessories – light, filter, heater etc.

$50 ono - 0418 121 582

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

FOOTBALL BOOTS - size 12

Nike $10 – 0423 252 922

FOOT STOOL, Beige patterned material $10 Ph 0423252922

FOWLERS BOTTLES, clean, no chips size 36 $3 ea – 0400 579 124

FRIDGE Westinghouse. Man's Cave fridge $30 - 0427 417 690

FRIDGE, LG, two-door side-byside, GC. $50 – 0406 513 089

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

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

HEATER Dimplex 2.0kw Riley Electric Fire with Optiflame Log Effect. new $95 – 5310 6671

HEDGE TRIMMER Ryobi Electric

63cm bar EC $50 - 0407 229 990

HUTCH for display, GC, 2m tall, timber, $80 – 0433 809 387

JEWELLERY stands (2) $5 each

0423 252 922

KEYBOARD Casio with stand

EC $100 0432 973 539

LOUNGE SUITE 3 seater + 2 chairs, choc brown velvet FREE –0410 597 620

MATTRESS DB Latex. As new.

FREE – 0413 152 448

MCDONALD'S collectors, Happy Meal toys $50 ono Ph: 0417 110 261

METABO Power Hand/Hammer Drill 1.5" Chuck. Masonry drill bits, various GWC $50 - 0428 671 116

NECK & SHOULDER RELAXER new $10 – 0400 579 124

PETROL BLOWER Gardenline

Vac. New $65 ono – 0433 786 763

PICNIC set canvas cooler bag $25 (new) - 0419 161 063

PJ Mask scooter with suitcase $20 – 0423 252 922

PLANTS, Hydrangeas, Lion’s

Tail, Impatients, Beefsteak Plant, Fuschsias $5ea – 0408 058 986

PRINTER Canon Pixma MP 800

EC $50 – 0417 575 248

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

SAW - BLACK & DECKER 8”

heavy duty, $70 – 0448 032 155

SCREWDRIVER set, Stanley, 14

piece, new, $20. Ph: 0418 318 164

SEWING cabinet Horne GC $70 - 0433 828 194

SEWING MACHINE, Singer

“Feather Weight”, Model 100 $500407 229 990

SHOES/BOOTS girls 5 prs, size

10/11/12 GC $20 lot – 0423 252 922

SOFA BED, beige fabric GC $50 –0448 427 768

SPOTLIGHTS for ceiling, 3 on steel bar, LED globes inc, $40. Ph: 0418 318 164

STEEL CABINET 12 drawers, 360w x 650h x 650d $50 ONO –0400 579 124

STEEL GRATES 2 grates 1100 x 670 $25 ea - 0448 737 854

STRING lights 20 bulbs 4.1mtrs, battery operate $20 – 0447 672 218

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

TERRACOTTA Eureka floor Tiles) New 150 approx. 305x295x15mm. $100 - 0439 637 294

TILE CUTTER extra wide, used once $100 – 0419 523 670

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

TROLLEY heavy duty gas welding, repaired to as new $100 – 0490 070 463

TV 26” Phillips Flat analogue $50 – 0448 032 155

WALKER for Elderly, New, $60 –0421 745 262

SHEETS (2 packs) black satin sheets. Incl fitted, flat & 2 pillow cases. $20 each - 0423 252 922

STAR TREK tapes, approx. 30, $50 – 0455 632 593

STANLEY screwdriver set in case, lots of Sizes. $25 - 0428 671 116

BACCHUS MARSH

COACH: Jason Williams (new)

ON THE RECORD:

(Todd): Well Jason, your firstyear assignment as coach of the Cobras has been made tougher with a number of key player exits in the off season. What type of play can we expect from the new group under your tutelage?

(Jason): We're setting up to be a side that is hard to move the ball against with an emphasis on pressuring the ball carrier. Offence looms an exciting prospect for us on the back of youth promotion and potential 'ins'.

(Todd): Talented duo in tall Luke Goetz and small Jake McCreery are welcomed additions. What can you tell us about these two?

(Jason): Luke is a quality person with a big heart who thrives with interaction. He will be a highly valued and popular clubman. Jake's highlights reel suggests he's capable of anything. He takes pride in his performance and is very excited about wearing the Cobras jumper for the first time.

(Todd): Is the club willing to concede this year a redevelopment phase without focus on win/loss or are you confident overcoming who many predict a challenging road ahead?

(Jason): No, I’m not willing to concede anything until the matter of facts are done. I don't deal in probability, rather certainty.

(Todd): Two part question - Are you familiar with the BFNL and secondly what has been your first impressions of your new club?

(Jason): I live in Sunbury and was a junior at the club. I coached a lot of Sunday games last year and was able to see a number of their games. And given my history with the Calder Cannons I’m quite familiar with a few names. As for my first impressions of Bacchus Marsh? - See identified strengths!

(Todd): What are 3 non-negotiables you'd have written on the white board for your

LAKE WENDOUREE COACH: Jack Fitzpatrick FOR THE RECORD:

(Todd): Well Jack, clean slate, year two, here we go! While it wasn't the best season for the club in 2022 what were your impressions of the wider competition (on-field) in your first year?

(Jack): Standard was good. I think we're starting to regain momentum out of the covid period. The Ballarat Football Netball League would be more than competitive against most other country leagues if not all.

(Todd): It's encouraging to see the club has attracted a handful of new talent over the off season - tell us about them....

(Jack): Well they all come from different areas with different ideas which is exciting. We've added a blend of youth and experience we're confident will add to our ball use depth.

(Todd): Near all of your progressive young talent has remained at the club - how do you, given your experience, ensure they continue to get better?

(Jack): It doesn't happen automatically, it really is up to them. I can only guide them. They will get their rewards as a player more often, from what they put in.

(Todd): There's a wrap around on new 200cm ruckman Tom Zampatti (St Josephs, GFL) - do you plan on spending considerable time with him on the teaching front given your skillset or will you just let him do his thing?

(Jack): While he's moving well, I won't be overburdening him - he's come off a couple of serious knee injuries. We just want to see him enjoying his footy and see what he can do first - let him find his feet. We'll go from there.

(Todd): One win seasons are tough. What did you learn in your first year at the Lakersabout coaching for one and secondly the club?

(Jack): As a coach - finding ways to stay in games for longer - we really took it up to Sebastopol (2nd) and Ballarat (3rd) but could

players on match day to adhere to?

(Jason): Pride in the jumper, pride in yourself and show that you care.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS:

(Jason): Off field infrastructure is in a good space with access to medicos, physios etc.

I've been blown away by the quality of people at this club who just want to help and be a part of something they believe in. Also, our junior program is very strong with a number of players vying for NAB league selection.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT:

(Jason): To facilitate a level of enjoyment, club unity and general wellbeing of the club.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:

(Jason): Really good. Feedback has been positive and the buy-in great. Boys have welcomed the change and sensing a complete cultural shift around the place for the better.

PLAYER INS:

L.Goetz (Bell Park), J.McReery (Cove SA), J.Long (Collingwood VFL), Roy George (see U-Tube clips), M.Smith-Bye (Ballan).

PLAYER OUTS:

D.Burton (Pt Cook), H.King (Barwon Heads), N.Stuhldrier (Greenvale), R.Stuhldrier (Barwon Heads), T.German (Spotswood), M.Eastmure (Spotswood), S.Meagher (Spotswood), S.Crea (Ballan), Q.Butt (CHFL), A.Willetts, J.Williams (work), J.Robinson, M.Culliver

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

L.Goetz (Carlton), J.Long (Collingwood).

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF B/MARSH)

(Jason): Darley - Dan Jordan is a high-quality coach, I’ve enormous respect for him.

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF B/MARSH)

(Jason): Darley

Todd's Bacchus Marsh prediction - 9th - 11th

not sustain it for the entire four quarters. On the club front - you wouldn't have known at training we were a one-win team - the feeling around the group was always positive. We're not defined by win/loss, rather identify something out of each game to improve on the following week.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS:

(Jack): Solid around the ball (inside).

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT:

(Jack): Minimising errors that impact scores against. Better ball use. Being in games for longer.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:

(Jack): Cold, wet nights in the middle of summer was a strange experience! That aside it was pleasing to see the boys had done the work over the break. That can only improve our progress.

PLAYER INS:

M.Foster (Donald), T.Zampatti (St Josephs), F.Loader (GWV Rebels), L.Holmes (South Barwon), M.McCullogh (Taylors Lakes), A.Daffy (Horsham Demons), T.Davis (North Ballarat)

PLAYER OUTS:

F.Greene (Hawthorn), R.Emerson-Jones (Bungaree), C.Brennan (overseas), M.Phillips (moved to Melbourne)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS: None.

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF LAKERS)

(Jack): Sunbury

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF LAKERS)

(Jack): Melton - defending champs, impressive outfit.

Todd's Lake Wendouree prediction - 9th - 11th

SEBASTOPOL

COACHES: Luke Kiel & Michael Columbrio

ON THE RECORD:

(Todd): Congrats on your appointment at Sebastopol Luke, when did you think coaching was an avenue you would like to pursue?

(Luke) To be honest, I never really thought about coaching until I had a stint 'in the box' last year nursing an injury. I guess that sparked the motivation and genuine interest. I'm looking forward to the challenge with my Joint Coach Michael Columbrio.

(Todd): Runners Up in 2019 and 2022 suggests you're not far away from securing a first flag since 1974. You've been busy in the marketplace – what player type was deemed a priority to add to an already solid group?

(Luke): Keeping the current group together first and foremost. Players who have an ability to cover the ground and not turn the ball over have been on our radar.

(Todd): Your inspirational leader Tony Locker has had two surgeries to mend a syndesmosis injury sustained in last year’s finals series - how's he tracking along?

(Luke): Ankle movement for Tony has finally freed up which is positive. He's already back in the gym and not far off running at full capacity.

(Todd): You lose ruckman James Richards and shutdown defender Ben Trew but appear to have added some quality personnel over the break. Given the small sample size, are you better placed at this time than your

SUNBURY COACH: Travis Hodgson

ON THE RECORD:

(Todd): Trav, you've another opportunity with the Lions to start better than your previous two years of W1-L4. What gives you the confidence we won't see a repeat?

(Travis): When you only play 16 games and start slowly it’s very hard to catch up. We've made a conscious effort to adjust our preparation to get better results early. Time will if we get the desired outcome.

(Todd): Tell us about the newbies and their roles - Garisto, Karpany and Brand and what they can add to the group?

(Travis): (Josiah) Garisto and (Riva) Karpany are both 27 and we felt we needed to add some experience to the age profile of our group. Garisto is a strong bodied, rebounding defender with standout leadership qualities while Karpany is a versatile, extremely talented X-factor small forward. Brand can play at either end at 6'5", and straight off an AFL list - his type is rare in this competition. His competitive nature at training has been a feature.

(Todd): Despite being only 1 of 2 sides to beat reigning Premiers Melton throughout last year’s home and away season, you lost more than your fair share of close ones. Have you put the line through looking back or is it something you have worked on at training with match simulation for example?

(Travis): Yep, that was extremely frustrating and shaped our season. The short answer is we have focused on it (arresting the close losses) and I didn't see it as bad luck, rather an inability to convert strong positions in games, into wins. Experience (lack of) I thought played a role.

(Todd): Having Josh Guthrie, Mitch Lewis and Jack Newitt full time gives you some security at the selection table - with the twos winning the flag last year and thirds winning a final can we expect a return to finals for your proud club?

(Travis): Having (Mitch) Lewis, (Josh) Guthrie and (Jack) Newitt full time is a great starting point (selection). We played 44 players last year - 30 odd would be more conducive to the continuity we believe is required to succeed.

By Todd Whelan

previous Runners up years?

(Luke): It's hard to tell. I'd like to think we've done everything right so far to give us every chance of success.

(Todd): And finally mate, what will Burras footy look like under Luke Kiel and Michael Columbrio?

(Luke): We want to be more attacking with our ball movement and hit the scoreboard more – (Comp rank #6 for attack in 2022)

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS:

(Luke): Disciplined, hard working.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT:

(Luke): To start well. Our opening five games are a real focus for us.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:

(Luke): We've never trained harder in my time at the club.

PLAYER INS:

J.Clark (Werribee VFL), J.Dalhaus (Werribee), L.Latch (Maryborough), N.Sanders (St Josephs), R.Birthesel (St Josephs), C.Jackson (Bungaree)

PLAYER OUTS:

J.Richards (overseas), B.Trew (shoulder reco)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

J.Clark (Werribee), J.Dalhaus (Werribee)

IMPROVERS: (Outside of Sebastopol) (Luke): Sunbury

FLAG TIP: (Outside of Sebastopol)

(Luke): Melton are still the team to beat, Darley next.

Todd’s Sebastopol prediction - 1st - 2nd

(Todd): While you're an experienced coach at this level, what have you learned during your time in charge of Sunbury - W21/L22 @ 49% (2019-)

(Travis): It's a good reminder it takes time with kids. I had a side in the Ovens and Nurray a while ago who went at 50% win rate for two seasons before becoming a real force in the third. There's a big difference between 0-10 game players and 30-40 game players. We have a large number entering the latter phase so I’m expecting measurable improvement from our younger brigade.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS:

(Travis): Solid back six, good behind the ball. Tyson Lever and Harry Minton-Connell ran 1st and 2nd in our Best and Fairest off half back. That speaks for itself.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT:

(Travis): Better balanced up forward with Cody Brand (6'5") and Rivva Karpany (dangerous goalkicking small forward). Also having Josh Guthrie and Mitch Lewis full time should see progressive improvement in the group.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:

(Travis): Been solid. We're more advanced and fitter having brought everything forward with an aim to start well.

PLAYER INS:

J.Garisto (Aberfeldie), R.Karpany (Coburg), C.Brand (Essendon VFL)

PLAYER OUTS:

J.Eales (Kyneton), D.Toman (Woodend), H.Ross (Riddell)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS: (training)

J.Sutton (Essendon), H.Minton-Connell (Essendon), J.Newitt (Northern Blues), M.Gook (Williamstown), C.Bramble (Box Hill).

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY)

(Travis): North Ballarat to resemble more of 2021.

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF SUNBURY)

(Travis): Sebastopol

Todd's Sunbury prediction - 4th - 6th

Ballan CCricket lub

Under 11 Junior

Last game of the season for the Under 11 juniors was a tough one with the heat. Henry Cairns top scored with nine runs which included two fours off his last two balls.

He also had a direct hit to run out one of their players. Jack Mullane made six runs including a four, he took a wicket and a caught behind while keeping. Angus Muldeary and Oscar Phillips both made four runs, Oscar with a well thought out 4, while Angus worked hard for his - running two twos. Oscar took a wicket, while Angus worked very hard in the field, at times he ran from one end of the ground to the other to back up a fielder. Jamie Jarvis and Isaac Kettle made two runs each and bowled well.

Under 11 Senior Ballan 7/128 def North Ballarat 100

A great win for the Ballan youngsters with skilled bowling and great fielding from all players. Katie Bayard - 4 wickets to, 3 to both Kiara Grigg, Ned Conroy and Jay Fenwick, and 1 for Bridie Grigg. Hudson Squires' bowling was excellent too. Kiara also assisted in 3 of those outs.

Ned was the top scorer and made 22 off the bat, followed by Jay 13 and Kiara 8.

Hudson impressed everyone in his first game with the senior 11s with his super fast running and fielding.

Under 13 - Semi Final Ballan 6/107 lost Mt Clear Hurricanes 0/108 Batting - Sarah Burton 40, Clover McIlwaine 24 n.o, Kori Davenport 11, Eamon Grigg 9 Bowling - Clover McIlwaine 0/5 from 4 Overs, Sarah Burton 0/11 from 4, Eamon Grigg 0/11 from 2. Batting first and unexpectedly short of players, Clover McIlwaine and Sarah Burton again opened the batting and both retired on 15 and 19 respectively after their allo-

cated 20 balls, to set a perfect platform for the team to build on and see off the opposition’s better bowlers. Kori Davenport and Eamon Grigg added runs before being dismissed with the remaining 3 batters trying their best but adding minimal runs to the total and being dismissed in short succession. Clover and Sarah returned to the crease adding another 36 runs to the team’s total, to push the score past 100 before Sarah was dismissed with 3 overs remaining in the innings and Clover out of batting partners.

The team tried their best in the field however the opposition continued to creep ahead as the game progressed. With 7 overs remaining and all eligible players having had a bowl, the opposition required 11 runs to win. Clover and Sarah again took on the responsibility of restricting the opposition’s scoring, bowling the next 4 overs in tandem for a total of 6 runs. Eventually the game was lost with 3 overs remaining.

While the team was disappointed with the result, they were very pleased with their efforts over the entire season after stepping up to the top U/13 Division this season, and finishing second on the ladder.

Harness Highlights

Ballan Brumbies Basketball

With just one round to go before finals, Ballan Brumbies Under 12 Boys E were looking to hold on to top spot on the ladder against the balanced and dangerous Phoenix Eagles.

Phoenix jumped out to an early 6-0 lead though Rory Anderson before Ashton McFall eventually broke the Brumbies duck. A pair of baskets to Toby Rewuk, the latter a lovely pull-up jumper, leveled the scores.

What looked in the opening minutes to be a free-flowing, high scoring affair quickly turned raggedy as both teams lost rhythm.

Ballan’s on-ball defense was superb, creating a raft of turnovers – Rewuk, Hallam Reid and Lachlan Grech were menaces – though the Brumbies failed to turn those chances into points as Phoenix’s defense remained stout. When Phoenix did break through Ballan’s pressure they were met by a scrambling Michael Edwards-Kellett or Tom Sims, who did enough to hold up their opponent until teammates could get back and help.

With baskets hard to come by, McFall used his strength to burst through and score a pair of much needed baskets late in the first half, the scores tied at 10 apiece at the break.

through a tired Phoenix team but were making things harder than they needed to be with Brumbies primary playmakers constantly looking off their better positioned teammates.

Eddie Tranter showed the benefits of keeping your head up, twice finding McFall for baskets on the break to keep Ballan in the contest.

As Phoenix continued to keep the Brumbies at arm’s length, the powerful Sims got to work. The burly centre used his strength to bully his way into offensive rebounds, converting on a pair of put-backs.

With the game hanging in the balance, Brumbies coach Max Farrell took out both her primary ball movers in McFall and Rewuk, a risky move that could have proved costly but the team’s defense held strong in their absence. Both boys were sent out with new instructions and it paid immediate dividends. Rewuk’s defense was back on point and McFall looked a far calmer player, picking apart the Phoenix defense rather than trying to plough right through it.

By Michael Howard (HRV)

Another horse with big plans that were further justified last Saturday night at Tabcorp Park Melton is Mufasa Metro, who appeared in a class of his own in dominating the City Of Melton Scotch Notch Memorial.

Despite a bit of early speed underneath him from Nephew Of Sonoko and Lunchwitharthur, Mufasa Metro comfortably cruised to the lead and then opened the race up with a 58.3-second last half that saw him shoot clear for a 13-metre win.

“I’m very happy with him, he’s just getting better and better,” trainer/driver John Justice told TrotsVision.

“He’s turning into a complete racehorse. When he first used to get out on to the track he’d want to rip and tear a bit and he’d be pretty keen to go in the warm up, but his last two he's just jogged around like an old cart horse, he’s just been so relaxed. “He’s exceeding my expectations. We are going to set the Inter Dominion for him in Queensland, so that will be his main mission this year in December. He may just have one more run and then I think it will be time for him to go out and grow a bit and get a bit stronger.”

The second half saw both teams rediscover their attacking verve. Phoenix was suddenly comfortably navigating Ballan’s extended pressure, Aidan Rattray and the very impressive Deakin Fletcher connecting from close range. For their part, Ballan were slicing

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 12 lost Excies Acmy 19

Ballan B 2 lost Saints Pistons 31

Under 12 Boys

Ballan E 26 def Phoenix Eagles 25

Ballan C 57 def Saints Clippers 18

Under 14 Boys

Ballan F White 32 def Phoenix Razorbacks 14

Ballan F Blue 11 lost Saints Taipans 41

Ballan D 53 def Excies Acmy 17

Ballan C 62 def Celtic Tigers 7

That newfound composure brought instant success as McFall weaved his way to the hoop for three consecutive baskets to swing the match in Ballan's favour, giving Brumbies a three point lead with under a minute to play.

Anderson brought the margin back to a point, but Ballan held on to win 26-25 in a fascinating game of basketball. As a nice little bonus, the two teams will do it all again in this Saturday’s semi-final.

Under 14 Girls

Ballan D 36 def Sovereign Knights 6

Ballan B 42 def Celtic Tigers 14

Under 16 Boys

Ballan G White 29 lost Sovereign Knights 60

Ballan G Blue 6 lost Wildcats 64

Ballan E 43 def Saints Crocs 19

Ballan C 35 lost Wildcats 55

Under 19 Boys

Ballan H 45 def Wildcats 33

Ballan E 41 def Drummo Dragons 27

Ballan D 31 lost Sovereign Knights 50

Top scorer in the U13 Semi Final, Sarah Burton made 40 runs. Photos – CHRIS THOM Opening bowler, Clover McIlwaine, also did well with the bat scoring 24 not out.

Trainer and driver John Justice win the City of Melton Scotch Notch Memorial with Mufasa Metro. Photo – Stuart McCormick

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics

The Community Bank Bacchus Marsh – Bendigo Bank Gift was held prior to competition commencing on Saturday morning. The fastest athletes from the Under 7 to Under 16 age groups competed in a handicap 100m event. There were 2 races – Girls and Boys.

Athletes and supporters lined the front straight, as they cheered on their club/age group representatives. Under 7 athlete, Blaithe Fletcher took out the Girls Gift, while Under 12 athlete Dushan Baniluk was the winner of the Boys Gift.

The winners were presented with a shield and a $50 Bendigo Bank account while 1st, 2nd and 3rd were also presented with sashes by the Community Bank manager, Ian Prince. All competitors were then presented with certificates of participation.

Overall results

BOYS

1st Dushan Baniluk U12, 2nd Jacob Cassar U8, 3rd Harrison Lovett U11, 4th Samuel White U16, 5th Max Schoemaker U14, 6th Harvey Whitney U7, 7th Angus Norman U10, 8th Nicholas Mai U13, 9th Lucas Priestley U9, 10th Alex Lloyd U15. GIRLS

1st Blaithe Fletcher U7, 2nd Halo Arahanga U11, 3rd Mackenzie Estlick U15, 4th Mia Dutt U8, 5th Evie White U14, 6th Myah Estlick U12, 7th Skyla Berryman U10, 8th Lucy Phy-

land-McClure U13, 9th Mya Berryman U9.

After the advice from Little Athletics Victoria and due to the forecast of extreme high winds and warm temperatures, the Centre conducted a modified program. Under 6 athlete Kyson Berryman flew down the straight and set a new Under 6 100m Centre record in a time of 17.80 seconds. As the winds became stronger throughout the morning, the high risks to athletes and officials forced the meet to conclude.

This Saturday the Centre Championship Day will be held at Masons Lane Reserve. All competing athletes must register their attendance with their team manager by 8.15am. Athletes who fail to register will be deemed absent and scratched from all events. For safety reasons the side gate will be closed during the day, please enter via the main gate.

Athletes must be in full Club uniform – Club polo shirt and plain black shorts and Commonwealth Bank registration tags must be worn.

Championship events will conclude at approximately 2.30pm. Athletes from all Clubs will then come together for the official Centre end of season presentations. These presentations will take approximately an hour. At the conclusion of presentations, athletes will then disperse to their Club area for Club presentations which should take approximately half an hour.

Best of luck to all competitors in the final summer track & field season meet.

Ballan Golf Club

RESULTS - W/E SATURDAY 18 MARCH

Wednesday - Stableford

Winner - Kev Lockman (16) 42 points

R/up - Chris Tudor (10) 41 points.

Magpie - 14th Chris Tudor.

NTPs - 12th Hugh Miller, 15th Jimmy Walsh.

Saturday - Stroke – 3rd Round Club Championships.

A GRADE

Winner - Frank Raffaele 69-8-61

R/up - Barry Sims 76-11-65 on c/b from Bob Arklay 75-10-65.

B GRADE

Winner - Tom Paarhammer 75-18-57.

R/up - John Ryan 99-38-61.

NTPs - 12th Frank Raffaele, 15th Les Martin. Magpies - 14th Aggy Germon, 18th Damian Toohey. Eagle - 9th Chris Tudor.

Balls 5, Cut-off 63

Tom Paarhammer, Aggy Germon, John Ryan, Frank Raffaele, Vic Buttigieg.

Current Stroke Leaders of Championship

A Grade – Chris Dunn 196

B Grade – Don Wickson 233

C Grade – Robert Brown 255.

Current Net Leaders of Championship

A Grade – Chris Dunn 193

B Grade – Peter Clifford 126 & Aggy Germon

C Grade – Athol Love 189.

Next week - Championship finals next week

A Grade

Chris Dunn, Anthony Moore, Frank Raffaele & Bob Arklay to tee-off @ 11.30 am.

B Grade

Don Wickson, Peter Clifford, Aggy Germon & Bill

Pickering to tee-off @ 11.15 am.

C Grade

Rob Brown, Athol Love, Barry Lenaghan & Greg McAloon to tee-off @ 11.00 am.

Papworth Semi-Final

Frank Raffaele & Tom Paarhammer 44 points defeated Peter Clifford & Stuart Miller 40 points,

Myrniong trainer joins special list

“He took out the Melton Plate obviously with their special horse Melpark Major and to do it with our horse Better Eclipse is a real special moment for us.”

Better Eclipse zipped past the $600,000 mark in career earnings with victory in the Group 3 $50,000 feature, part of three races on the card that celebrated harness racing’s valued partnership with the City of Melton.

Two of those were snaffled by Tubbs and Sugars’ Larajay Farms (Myrniong), with veteran pacer A Gs White Socks continuing his great form for the stable in winning the Melton City Much More Stampede.

The nine-year-old sat in wait while Bulletproof Boy (second) and comeback kid Code Bailey (fourth) made the early running, circling the leaders in a 27.2-second final quarter to win by 2.7 metres with Tango Tara finishing well for third.

Sugars showed similar patience with Better Eclipse in the 34th running of the City Of Melton Plate, having settled on to key rival Major Moth’s back in the running line while Outlaw Man led.

The front pair fought on well but Better Eclipse gradually ground to the lead in the straight, winning by a head from Outlaw Man with Major Moth finishing a close third.

“I thought he was pretty close to the mark but if something didn’t go his way that he might be vulnerable,” Sugars said of the winner.

By Michael Howard (HRV)

Being able to replicate some of the deeds of her late, celebrated father Alan has been one of the joys of Jess Tubbs’ young but thriving training career and she ticked another box on a terrific night of metropolitan racing at Tabcorp Park Melton.

The Tubbs name will now feature three times on the renowned City of Melton Plate honour roll, with Jess teaming with reinsman Greg Sugars and Better Eclipse to replicate the deeds her sister Amy (driver) and dad Alan (trainer) achieved in 2008 with Melpark Major. “It means a lot for us to get this race under our belt, especially for Jess, she likes to tick off the bucket list the races that her dad and Amy have won previously,” Greg Sugars told TrotsVision.

“I’d say that will really tighten him up, his mannerisms just coming straight off the track he looks like he was still full of beans.

“He couldn’t have gone any quicker up that straight, it was a pretty solid dash up over the last furlong or two, but I think he was strong enough.”

Better Eclipse is working towards a tilt at New Zealand’s $1 million Race By Grins on April 14 and Sugars was satisfied with how he was building on last year’s breakout four-year-old season.

“He’s had a bit of a break and obviously he’s a bit more seasoned to that style of racing, he’s physically a bit stronger in himself,” he said. “I wouldn’t say he’s a better racehorse necessarily than what he was beforehand, but he’s certainly a more mature animal and hopefully we can keep him competing at that high level for a few more seasons yet.”

Another win for the Tubbs/Sugars Myrniong stable, with A Gs White Socks. Photo –Stuart McCormick

Girls Age Group Gift competitors with Bacchus Marsh Community Bank representatives. Photos - BMLAC