Moorabool News April 4

It’s carnival time

News

National medals awarded

Marsh goes batty

By Lachlan Ellis

“…something like the Western Renewables Link, if it clears habitat that they feed on or roost in, that can have a serious impact.”

Endangered bird flocks to Moorabool

It’s known as more of a New South Wales and ACT bird, but an endangered cockatoo species has been spotted making its home here in Moorabool.

The gang-gang cockatoo, which is the faunal emblem of the ACT, has recently been spotted in the area by local wildlife photographer David Whelan, who is excited by the appearance of over 100 of the birds.

“It’s great to see gang-gang cockatoos here, it’s really remarkable. I haven’t seen many of them here in the past, and to see a flock of 130 to 150 is pretty significant. Even if they’re resident locally and haven’t moved from the fire-damaged areas, it’s still pretty significant,” Mr Whelan told the Moorabool News.

“They’re such iconic birds of the Australian bush. A photographer friend of mine is aware of some others near Gordon, I don’t think they’re the same population I saw in the Bolwarrah area. It’s a fantastic sign, I’m not aware of those sort of numbers being recorded here previously, though I can’t say for certain.”

According to the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment, there are around 25,300 mature gang-gang cockatoos in the wild, but the population of the gang-gang cockatoo declined by approximately 69 per cent from the period from 1999 to 2019, and was also hit hard by the 2019 – 20 bushfires.

“An analysis based on expert elicitation estimated an overall population decline at one-year post-fire of 21 per cent, and that three generations post-fire the population would still be 29 per cent lower than the pre-fire population size, and possibly as much as 52 per cent lower,” the Department wrote in its Conservation Advice for the species.

While a substantial population of gang-gang cockatoos in the area is promising, Mr Whelan is concerned that additional development could threaten the species.

“The long-term trend scientists have identified is that the population is declining…if we want them to survive, something like the Western Renewables Link, if it clears habitat that they feed on or roost in, that can have a serious impact. Every development that humans do can have that impact on species that are threatened or endangered,” he said.

“What I want people to understand is we need developments because we have a growing population, but one of the problems with the impact on other animals is you have a process that is effectively death by a thousand cuts. You might only need one or two factors to change to affect an endangered species, and that can plummet them towards an even greater decline, or even extinction.”

Endangered gang-gang cockatoos have been sighted in the Gordon and Bolwarrah areas. Photo – David Whelan / wildpix. com.au

It’s carnival time

By Lachlan Ellis

The countdown is on for the 121st Blackwood Woodchop & Easter Carnival, and with a new award under their belt, the Carnival’s organisers are hoping for a record crowd. In January, the action-packed event took out Moorabool Shire’s Community Event of the Year award, adding to the pride Blackwoodians feel welcoming people from out of town to the Carnival.

The much-loved Street Parade will lead attendees from Blackwood’s town centre this Saturday, down to the Lerderderg River and the Recreation Reserve – rightfully known as “the prettiest sportsground in Victoria” – where the Carnival and Woodchop will take place.

The action-packed event will feature live music, market stalls, tug-of-war, gumboot throwing, a pet show, goldpanning, a treasure hunt, and races – and that’s just scratching the surface.

The Carnival is run by local non-profit Blackwood Progress

Association, with proceeds put back into the community.

President of the Blackwood Progress Association, Brendan Hehir, said April is always an exciting time in Blackwood.

“We are really excited, because last year we basically welcomed tourists back for the first time in two years. We were thrilled to have around 4200 people turn up, it meant so much to Blackwood. We live on tourism here, and we understand that without tourists we’d be in trouble,” Mr Hehir told the Moorabool News.

“We’ve certainly publicised our Community Event of the Year award far and wide, it’s a great honour and a terrific badge to pin on ourselves. Awards like that aren’t handed out for nothing, we understand this is a great event and we believe we only get better and better as the years go on.”

As for where this year’s proceeds will go, Mr Hehir said a range of groups and events were funded by the Carnival’s popularity, but there was one project in particular that would be “first cab off the rank”.

“Thanks to Moorabool Shire Council, we have an upgraded

tennis court, and they’ve added to one of the tennis courts a netball court. This is the first time we’ve had a netball court in Blackwood, and there are a number of local young mums who are very excited. They want to fit it out, we need to get equipment for it, and they’ve approached Progress. We’ll be fielding a team before too long,” he said.

“We also support concerts, film nights, that sort of thing… and we’ve also helped a couple of families in need struggling through minor disasters, fires and things like that. We’ve had the funds available to help them out immediately. We’ve also agreed to support the next Blackwood Bush Dance, which is a major event for the town.”

Discounted Earlybird tickets can be bought online in advance at www.trybooking.com/CFPDV, or you can purchase tickets at the gate on the day.

Earlybird tickets are just $12.50 for adults (16 years and older), while children 15 and under can attend for free. For more information, visit www.theblackwoodtimes.com. au/2023-blackwood-woodchop-easter-carnival.

Photos – Submitted

Fungi underpin healthy ecosystems

part of the fungus exists underground as a network of connective fibres known as mycelia. This scaffold of mycelia provides the basic architecture of soil, underpinning its structure and function. Many fungi form connections with a great variety of plants (> 90 per cent) known as mycorrhizal symbioses. In these subterranean alliances, fungi greatly extend plant root systems, helping them to access water and nutrients. They also improve the resilience and health of plants by increasing their drought tolerance and resistance to soil-borne disease.

In return for all this work, plants supply fungi with sugars produced through photosynthesis. These relationships are especially important in Australia’s old and weathered, phosphorus-poor soils. What's more, these mycorrhizal networks stretch beyond just individual trees. Fungi extend relationships through the soil to other plants, assisting nutrient transfer between them and uniting plant communities. Mycorrhizal networks are now considered to be the orchestrators of plant interactions mediating their growth and survival. Successful revegetation therefore means understanding how to accommodate fungi as well.

By Alison Pouliot

In recent years, conservation groups are starting to recognise the importance of including fungi in their thinking about land restoration.

Many are wanting to understand their ecological significance and how to incorporate them in their efforts to rejuvenate ecosystems. Various Landcare groups host fungus workshops, communities run mushroom festivals and a general groundswell of interest in fungi are bringing these curious organisms into the spotlight.

While we often only become aware of fungi when mushrooms push through the earth, the growing and feeding

Fungi are also the great recyclers of organic matter, returning nutrients to the soil and making them available to plants. Through secreting enzymes they can degrade almost any organic material containing carbon. Although bacteria and invertebrates also contribute to decomposition processes, only fungi degrade lignin. Every leaf and stick that falls to the ground is likely to be recycled by fungi.

So how can we help fungi to flourish? Maximising habitat types and microclimates by retaining a variety of organic matter (leaves, sticks, branches, bark etc., of varying age and size) provides the best opportunity for a diversity of fungi to colonise. Additionally, removing, or minimising stresses to fungi such as physical disturbance to soils, compaction, over-watering, fire, excessive use of fertilisers and chemicals all help fungi.

Dr Alison Pouliot is an ecologist and photographer who runs fungal ecology workshops in Australia and internationally. She is author of The Allure of Fungi, Wild Mushrooming and Underground Lovers. www.alisonpouliot.com.

Mycelia provide architecture in soil.

Photo – Alison Pouliot

Ecologist and photographer, Alison Pouliot.

Photo – Valérie Chételat

Café thanks community for support

By Lachlan Ellis

It’s been a difficult four months for the owners of the Big Apple Café after a break-in and assault, but they say the outpouring of support from the community has made a real difference.

Café owners Jodie and Meto temporarily closed the Big Apple Café on Bacchus Marsh’s Avenue of Honour, after a drugaffected man broke in after hours and attacked Meto with a hammer last November, leaving him with a brain injury.

The couple re-opened the café on 8 March, and while Meto says he feels better, he still struggles with memory issues and headaches.

“If you ask me, I say I feel alright. But I’m not sure. People say I’ve changed a bit, but I can’t tell. It’s hard, sometimes I struggle with my memory and stress. But I feel much better,” Meto told the Moorabool News.

“After the last three years trying to survive [through the COVID pandemic], this happened after the first summer back. But we’re grateful for the Bacchus Marsh community and our customers. They’ve been amazing. I can’t explain, ‘grateful’ isn’t enough. The community said please stay, we’ll support you…for them I’m staying here. This place is my life, my culture.”

On top of well wishes, cards, hugs and flowers, the Bacchus Marsh community have also chipped in around $12,000 to help Jodie and Meto cover the costs incurred by the ordeal, and some customers have even offered to do volunteer work at the café.

While Jodie and Meto were reluctant to take money from the community, what they owed for rent, repairs, and supplies meant they had to swallow their pride for the sake of the café. Jodie thanked the local community for their generosity, and keeping their beloved café afloat.

“I’m happy to see all our regulars and friendly faces again, and everyone supporting us has been amazing. The amount of people who have donated to us is unbelievable, all the cards, flowers, gifts…I can’t explain it, I can’t find the words,” Jodie said.

By Lachlan Ellis

“I thought we were covered for loss of income, but we weren’t…I’d encourage people to check their insurance details very carefully. They told me everything was knocked back except the door, the till, and the lock on the door. Plus our landlords need their rent, electricity payments.

“Insurance gave us $900 or so, they said we weren’t covered for the food spoilage because it didn’t happen that night, it happened because we couldn’t open. Interruption to business they only pay if you can’t open the building…we had the

door fixed within a few days, so the insurance said we could use the building after that. We didn’t have a till though.”

Once things at the Big Apple Café are back to normal, Jodie and Meto plan to “pay forward” the kindness that has been shown to them.

“I don’t know what we’ll do, but we want to do something to say thank you to the community, once we get back on our feet and bring back a normal menu,” Jodie said.

National medals awarded

skills and knowledge. Being deployed would not have been possible without the support from family and friends,” Mr Schembri told the Moorabool News.

Three volunteers from a local SES unit have been honoured for their service during the Black Summer bushfires, receiving a medal from the Governor-General.

Bacchus Marsh SES Unit members Mick Schembri and Dave Lambrick were awarded the National Emergency Medal by Governor-General David Hurley at a presentation on Sunday 5 March, while fellow Unit member Keith Muller received the medal at a later date. The 2019 – 2020 bushfire season was declared a nationally significant emergency on 2 December 2020, which allowed the VICSES staff and volunteers to be put forward for nomination for a medal or clasp. Nominees for the medal receive a clasp if they have already received the medal.

Mr Schembri and Mr Lambrick said it was rewarding to be acknowledged for their service with the medal.

“I appreciate the recognition of my community service and helping others. Working with other emergency services was a great opportunity, many learnings to extend upon my

“It was an honour to be part of the ceremony and receiving the recognition. Assisting with deployment during the 2019-2020 bushfires, attending community meetings and working alongside other emergency service organisations was very interesting and rewarding too,” Mr Lambrick added.

During the 2019 – 2020 bushfires, VICSES staff and volunteers were deployed to Incident Control Centres set up to manage the response in the affected areas. They also worked closely as part of a multi-agency team, alongside emergency management colleagues, at the State Control Centre.

Mr Schembri and Mr Lambrick were among 129 recipients of the National Emergency Medal from the VICSES Grampians Region, Metro Region, and Victorian Head Office at the 5 March presentation.

Fifty-seven recipients from the Hume Region were also awarded the National Emergency Medal.

The Big Apple Café is open again, four months after being broken into. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Dave Lambrick and Mick Schembri were both awarded the National Emergency Medal by Governor-General David Hurley (right) at the 5 March ceremony. Photo – Submitted

Lower Stony Creek Dam Wall – Anakie Gorge Walking Track

Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society Inc.

The Lower Stony Creek Dam Wall at the south end of the Lower Stony Creek Reservoir including the two valve houses, has one containing an original outlet valve and a timber door.

The Lower Stony Creek Dam Wall is the first mass concrete gravity dam wall constructed in Victoria and Australia. It is the third such structure of its type in the world, being constructed soon after Boyds Corner (1872) in the United States and Perolles in Switzerland (1872).

It was constructed between February 1873 and June 1874 as part of Geelong’s first water supply system, after the failure of the scheme’s first dam wall, an earthen structure at the Upper Stony Creek Dam five kilometres upstream. Building a dam wall at Lower Stony Creek presented challenges because the narrowness of the site made the cost of traditional construction methods (earth with puddled clay core) prohibitive. George Gordon, a Scottish engineer was responsible for the design, and Edward Dobson, an English engineer, was responsible for the construction.

In 1874 the successful construction of a gravity dam involving the use of about 4,000 cubic metres of concrete, represented a significant technical advance. The Lower Stony Creek Reservoir supplied water to the Geelong area for more than 120 years. It was decommissioned in 2001, and subsequently included in the Brisbane Ranges National Park under the management of Parks Victoria.

The Lower Stony Creek Dam Wall is located 40 kilometres north of Geelong near Steiglitz. It is a curved mass concrete gravity dam wall 16 metres high and 68 metres long. Its inner face, that presented to the water, is convex, and the outer face is concave. At the base of the outer face at the centre of the dam, there are two arched valve houses, with the east one still having its original outlet valve and timber door. The dam wall is made from concrete consisting of Portland cement, broken sandstone screenings and twoinch gravel rammed into cambered laminations, each layer being about fifteen centimetres thick. Both faces of the dam wall are rendered with Portland cement mortar. This site is part of the traditional land of the Wada Wurrung people.

Lower Stony Creek Dam is a rare structure, being one of a small number of mass concrete gravity dams in Victoria.

Only three were built during the nineteenth century, the others being at Evansford and the Goulburn Weir, and a further eight were built during the twentieth century. Retaining its original vertical curved and horizontal convex-concave form, the dam wall demonstrates uncommon engineering techniques including thinness (it was 840 mm thick compared with at least 3 metres usually adopted in masonry dam walls), use of a scour pipe to remove sludge accumulations, and the absence of a by-wash, which meant that floodwater washed over the concrete wall testing its strength.

The Lower Stony Creek Dam Wall is a pioneering engineering structure in Victoria. It demonstrates innovation and technical achievement in its time through use of a new material - Portland cement concrete - which in 1873 was only beginning to gain acceptance as an engineering material. The Wall also demonstrates the first practical application of theoretical design principles developed by the Scottish civil engineer, WJM Rankine, relating to the stability, pressure, and tension of retaining walls. In 1874 the successful construction of a gravity dam involving the use of about 4,000 cubic metres of concrete, represented a significant technical advance for its time. The Lower Stony Creek Dam Wall is a fine demonstration of nineteenth century progressive engineering and workmanship. It served as an example to other engineers internationally, for example, being examined in the 1880s by the designers of the Quaker Bridge Dam, New York.

We’re

Community Sentiment Survey

Share your thoughts with AEMO

A new survey has opened up, asking select communities questions about the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and electricity transmission infrastructure. Run by community engagement program Voconiq, the Local Voices survey has been commissioned by AEMO to “assess and monitor community attitudes to electricity transmission infrastructure development” –giving the Moorabool community a chance to express their thoughts on projects such as the Western Renewables Link (WRL).

Victoria Police has opened a new survey on community safety concerns and experiences with local police, and they want to hear from you.

The findings of this survey will identify the issues your community cares about most – and help Victoria Police develop ways to tackle them.

Questions relate to social connection and safety concerns in the local community, how you get information about crime and safety, and how you’d like to engage with police and PSOs.

The feedback window closes on 30 April 2023. To make your voice count, head to engage.vic.gov.au/annual-victoria-policecommunity-sentiment-survey-2023.

If you’d like the survey in an alternative format, contact OFFICE-OF-CMDRPSCD@police.vic.gov.au.

Victoria Police expect to ‘close the loop’ and report the results of the Community Sentiment Survey via Eyewatch social media pages, Engage Victoria, and a range of PSA Activities, from 15 May – 15 June 2023.

COMMUNITY UPDATE - April 2023

Community Fund

We are pleased to fund 11 local initiatives in the fourth round and one scholarship:

Flag poles for Meredith Primary School

Moorabool Catchment Landcare - Recreating Country

Improvements to internal building at Gordon Public Park

and Recreation Reserve

New security system for Ballan Recreation Reserve

Purchase of a utility tractor for Ballan Golf Club

Upgrade to the Artist Alcove at Wombat Regional Arts

Network

Community Arts Engagement Workshops with Wombat

Regional Arts Network

'Land in Focus' project with Moorabool Land Care

St Brigid's Primary School Parents & Friends Festive

Friday

Rowsley Landcare Group - additional equipment

Healthy Happy Ageing Ballan with Mecwacare

The next opportunity to apply for grant and scholarship funding will be mid-2023. Keep an eye out for details.

Participation involves completing a series of surveys, with the initial Local Voices survey taking around 15 – 20 minutes. Lighter follow-up surveys taking 5 – 10 minutes will be held every six months, and you can withdraw your participation at any time. Every time a survey is completed, community members can assign a donation to a charity active in their local area. For the first survey, a total of $10,000 in donations will be made to three charitable organisations. On completion of the survey, participants will be able to allocate

tokens for these organisations. A total of $5,000 will be donated to the group with the most tokens, $3,500 to the group with the second most tokens, and $1,500 to the group with the third most tokens.

Survey responses will be used to help form AEMO’s summary reports, communication materials, research papers, and presentations.

To participate in the Local Voices survey, head to voconiqlocalvoices.com/en/ aemo?SRC=FB.

Landscape and Visual Screening Program

Owners of residential dwellings within 4km of the wind farm are invited to participate in a landscape and visual screening program, designed to reduce the potential visual impacts of the project for our closest neighbours.

All agreed works are undertaken by Moorabool Wind Farm at no cost to dwelling owners.

The program is open until 30th June 2023 for Moorabool North and 30th Sept 2023 for Moorabool South. Please contact us if you have not previously participated and would like to register your interest.

chool, Gordon

Moorabool Shire Council

A journey to home

By Lachlan Ellis

A local author is releasing her second book with a launch event later this month, and wants to thank the community for their input.

‘Gnat’s Journey to Home’ was a collaboration between Ballan author-illustrator Heather Anthony, photographer Lawrence Winder, and artist Paul Anthony, and will have the book launch at the Lesley Batchelor Gallery at 11 am on Saturday 22 April.

The book tells the story of Gnat, a young dragon who doesn’t want to live alone and is adopted by mice.

Ms Anthony said the story was inspired by her sister who fostered two children, and the idea of trying to fit in when you come from a different culture to others.

The next Ordinary Mee�ng of Council will be held on Wednesday 7 July 2021 in the Council Chambers, 15 Stead St Ballan, star�ng at 6.00 pm

“The story came about because my sister had fostered a couple of children. I was exploring the idea of adoption and the way that children feel, there are lots of scenes where Gnat feels he can’t belong to that family. It’s that sort of feeling, it takes a while to become part of a family,” she told the Moorabool News.

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

Rather than containing drawings of the characters, the illustrations in the book are photos of 3D models made by Ms Anthony, photographed by Mr Winder with backdrops pained by Mr Anthony.

Three schools in the region, including St Brigid’s Primary School, helped shape a scene in which Gnat hides food in his bedroom. The students chose which foods Gnat would hide, including a bacon blanket, a dragonfruit plant, and a pancake rug.

Ms Anthony said that while working on the book during COVID lockdowns, the Ballan community had also been a source of inspiration.

“I just wanted to share the story with the community. They’ve had a lot of input, people have been fantastic. People in the op shop looked out for materials for me, and there’s been so many people along the way…I guess it’s a thank you to them for the effort they’ve put in,” she said.

“Even just in lockdown, the little talks in the library. I put the three librarians in the story…I just had to have someone to chat to and discuss things with, and have that sense of community.”

Gnat’s Journey to Home is Ms Anthony’s second book, and some of the 3D models featured in the story will be on display at the Lesley Batchelor Gallery from Friday 21 April to Sunday 23 April, from 10 am to 3 pm.

Copies of Gnat’s Journey to Home will be on sale for $25 at the book launch on Saturday 22 April.

Moorabool Shire Council

Council Mee�ng

Commi�ee Mee�ng

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated Public Mee�ng

Council Mee�ng

The next Ordinary Mee�ng of Council will be held tomorrow at 6pm. For details on mee�ng loca�on and a�endance, visit: moorabool.vic.gov.au/mee�ngs

Commi�ee Mee�ng

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated Public Mee�ng

Employment

2023 Good Friday Waste collection update

Tenders

Collections scheduled for Friday 7 April (Good Friday) will instead occur the day before on Thursday 6 April. This impacts the shire's south-west only

Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

Planning Permit

Please be patient as waste contractors will also be emptying bins as per the usual Thursday schedule.

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

Transfer Stations will be closed on Good Friday.

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

Employment

Employment

Council invites applica�ons for the exis�ng vacancies:

• Coordinator Digital Futures – Full-Time Permanent

Based at Darley

Tenders Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

• Team Leader Unsealed Road Network – Full-Time Permanent Based at Ballan

Applica�ons for above jobs close on Sunday 9 April 2023

Planning Permit

• Coordinator Early Years & Youth Services – Full-Time Permanent

Based at Darley

• Revenue Officer – Fixed-Term

Based at Ballan

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

• Pound Keeper – Casual

Based at Darley

Applica�ons close on Sunday 16 April 2023

Changes to Waste Service - Easter

For more details, visit moorabool.vic.gov.au/careers

Western Zone – Northern Collec�on - North of Old Melbourne Road

Community Grants

Unscheduled Mee�ng of Council

(L-R): Paul Anthony, Heather Anthony, and Lawrence Winder will launch Gnat’s Journey to Home on 22 April. Photo – Submitted

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,

A week ago, we had an unwanted visitor to our home and it was like something out of a horror movie. There are a few social media posts going around as I wanted all to be wary and alert. Basically, on the night, multiple things happened and left both me and my family very vulnerable – like watching and knocking on the window of my sleeping 14-year-olds room at 3am, and then also watching me get up and express milk for my prem bub at home in nothing but an open robe completely exposed. Somewhere I should feel comfortable and safe in an instant was turned into a place of fear and feeling like you’re being watched.

The police attended, but I must say did not take it seriously whatsoever, did one lap of Dales Creek Ave with their spotlights and headed back to Bacchus Marsh – this person left fingerprints everywhere, and had they had turned left and went up the road, instead of going back to the station, they would have come across this creep as people spotted him at 4:30am near O’Briens, which completely checks out.

But the point I am trying to get across is it feels like authorities have really let us down with zero support (my 11 year old who the man tried to lure outside isn’t sleeping and is fearful of leaving her bedroom, as there are too many windows where they could see her and I have currently had to put up every piece of linen I own on the windows, as I honestly say I feel the same way). Having said this since posting on Facebook the response has been insanely incredible and restores a little faith and gives me a sense of security on a whole other level). Members have taken the time at all hours to go out and spotlight or drive around to see if they could see this person who has been spotted many times since this incident occurred.

I feel the authorities have failed and don’t expect to hear anything from them- so live in a constant state of fight or flight watching over my shoulder as I don’t know what this unwanted person’s intentions are and with what happened it couldn’t have been anything good – I would have much preferred the offender to have stolen something instead.

The sense of community around here is something I wish I could give them an award for, or recognition for, so was hoping to be able to spread the love and encourage all members of the community to follow suit.

(Name withheld)

Dales Creek

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,

I have just completed my 2nd-round, Vic Govt $250 Power Saving Bonus application, and have just donated $250 to the STOP AUSNET's TOWERS campaign. I'll get my reimbursement from Lily D'Ambrosio, our Energy Minister, in a few weeks. Thanks Lily. It's time you paid for the grief you are forcing on us.

This is probably more helpful than Lily actually responding to our letters, or finally coming out to talk with us. This money will go directly to fund our legal campaign to have the Victorian Supreme Court call her and AEMO to account, and force them to direct a redesign of the Western Renewables Link (WRL).

Can I ask that you and all your readers seriously consider doing the same? It takes minutes to earn the $250 online, seconds to donate it, and gives you a great feeling to be able to strike back.

Jim Phasey, Myrniong

Marsh goes batty

By Lachlan Ellis

You might have seen bats flying overhead at night if you live in Bacchus Marsh, and a local bat expert has explained where they’re coming from.

Meaghan Scott is a local wildlife rescuer and carer, and said the grey-headed flying foxes spotted throughout March had come south for the warm weather, and would likely remain here for the next few weeks, before heading back north.

“Generally around about October or November, they’ll generally migrate from New South Wales and Queensland where it’s warmer, down to Victoria. I’m not entirely sure why they’ve chosen that Bacchus Marsh/Darley area, but there are a few colonies around the state in Geelong, Werribee, Kew, Darley and Bendigo,” Ms Scott told the Moorabool News.

“Over the next few months they tend to migrate back to the warmer climates as it gets cool here. The majority of the colonies will move north to New South Wales and Queensland, and then the cycle happens again.”

While Bacchus Marsh’s orchards might be considered a target for the bats, Ms Scott believes the more likely food source locally is pollen.

“They’re able to fly out in a sort of 60 to 100 kilometre radius, so I’m guessing there’s a good enough food source with eucalypts and stuff around, which they pollinate. Without them we wouldn’t really have the trees, and other species like koalas reliant on forests. So, they’re pretty important for our ecosystem,” she said.

“My understanding is there preferred source of food is pollen, so our native vegetation. I haven’t had any rescues this year for the Bacchus Marsh area in terms of netting, though they do have to sometimes rely on people’s backyard fruit trees where there’s unfortunately some illegal netting they get entangled in.

“The weather’s been a bit crazy, so we’re seeing later season pups. I visited a different colony near Bairnsdale and there’s been some late pups coming into care…so I think climate change is really having an effect on the bats. But I imagine they [the bats in Bacchus Marsh] will move off in the next few weeks or months.”

Ms Scott says powerlines and netting are two major threats to flying foxes.

If you encounter a flying fox caught in netting or that needs a rescue, contact BADGAR on 1300 223 427, or Wildlife Victoria on 03 8400 7300.

Mobile phones not only distraction

messages, social media, emails or photos, or rest a device on any part of the body.

Drivers must not touch portable devices, allow them to be on their lap, look at one being operated by another person in the vehicle, or pass a portable device to a passenger.

As a general rule, drivers may use a mounted or inbuilt system for functions such as music and navigation, provided they are not entering text, scrolling or viewing images or video.

New rules regulating the use of many portable devices while driving have just come into effect, expanding and clarifying some rules already in place for phones.

The new road rules came into effect on Friday 31 March, and concern portable devices, wearable devices (such as smartwatches), inbuilt devices, mounted devices, and motorbike helmet devices.

While driving, full licence holders are not allowed to text, scroll, play videos or games, take video calls, display text

Wearable devices must not be touched, or used for reading or writing text, viewing social media and photos, engaging in video calls, or using a navigation function. However, a driver may initiate, accept or reject an audio call, play or stream audio, or adjust volume levels, but only if using voice controls.

Permitted motorbike helmet device uses are limited to touching the device briefly or using voice commands.

The rules are different for Learner, P1 and P2 drivers. To view the full list of changes, visit www.vicroads.vic. gov.au/safety-and-road-rules/new-vic-road-rules-2023.

A grey-headed flying fox in flight at Mason’s Lane. Photo – David Whelan

Tapping into clean water

Water Aid Australia has benefitted from a donation from a local water authority.

Central Highlands Water (CHW) raised, and donated $10,918, by team members in recognition of World Water Day on Wednesday 22 March.

The donation will support the important work Water Aid does in Papua New Guinea, like the recently completed program in the Wewak District, which focused on increasing equitable and universal access to sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) services.

CHW Managing Director, Jeff Haydon, said World Water Day was an important day “to reflect on those not as fortunate as ourselves”, lacking reliable access to safe and sustainable water and wastewater services.

“Access to safe water and sanitation can sometimes be taken for granted, but World Water Day, and the work of Water Aid, reminds us that for many, seeking water is a daily struggle,” he said.

Prior to the commencement of the project, only 37 per cent of the Wewak population had access to an improved water supply, 36 per cent had access to safely managed sanitation, and less than 1 per cent of the population had access to basic handwashing facilities.

Following the introduction and improvement of WASH infrastructure across 10 rural

communities, one healthcare facility and four schools; a total of 3,296 people, including 1,654 women and girls and 275 people with disabilities, have been reached with improved access to clean, safe water.

An additional 4,091 school students can now access clean water and sanitation at school.

Mr Haydon said CHW supports Water Aid’s efforts to improve communities’ access to WASH. CHW team members also hold fundraisers, to provide further assistance.

“Increasing WASH services improves equity in regions where lack of water access limits the ability of girls to engage in regular education; and where poor sanitation poses significant health risks for people with disabilities,” he said.

WaterAid Australia Chief Executive, Rosie Wheen said this year’s World Water Day theme of Accelerating Change sends a clear message that faster progress is possible, necessary, and something we should all be striving for.

“We know that water, sanitation and hygiene are 3 absolute essentials in allowing people to live dignified, healthy lives. But we also know so many people around the world are lacking these 3 basic human rights, and that progress so far has been too slow,” Ms Wheen said.

The donated funds as part of World Water Day were raised by CHW team members through a workplace giving program and a series of internal events, coordinated by a volunteer committee of staff.

Increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases

If you are heading away for Easter, especially up around the river regions, read on.

Flooding and heavy rainfall have increased the risk of a range of mosquito-borne diseases in Victoria, including Japanese encephalitis (JE) and Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE).

JE and MVE viruses can cause rare but potentially serious infections of the brain.

People who work or live on properties in northern Victoria may be at high risk of infection if they are bitten by infected mosquitoes, particularly people working or spending prolonged time outdoors in these regions. Mosquito management on private property is the responsibility of the landowner or land occupier. Avoiding mosquito bites is the most important way to prevent mosquito-borne diseases:

• Wear long, loose-fitting, light-coloured clothing when outdoors. Cover up as much as possible.

• Use mosquito repellent that contains picaridin or DEET on all exposed skin.

• Limit outdoor activity if mosquitoes are about (particularly at dawn and dusk when they are most active).

• Make sure accommodation is mosquito-proof (e.g. fitted with mosquito netting or screens).

• Reduce stagnant water around your home, yard or other property where mosquitoes can breed, by draining or filling these areas with sand or soil where possible.

For further information see: Japanese encephalitis virus at health.vic.gov.au

Use outdoor gas appliances safely

Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) is urging campers to ensure they are not using outdoor gas appliances inside tents and caravans this Easter long weekend.

The four-day weekend, this year between Friday, 7 and Monday, 10 April, is an annual opportunity for Victorians to enjoy the great outdoors before the mercury drops. To ensure a safe and enjoyable break, ESV is reminding campers to never use gas appliances designed for outdoor use, such as heaters, barbecues and gas cookers inside tents, caravans and campervans.

ESV CEO Leanne Hughson said outdoor gas appliances fuelled by Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), were ideal for cooking, heating, refrigeration and lighting.

“Outdoor gas appliances should never be taken indoors, and that includes inside tents, campers or caravans,” Ms Hughson said.

“These appliances are unflued which means exhaust gases – including carbon monoxide – are released into the atmosphere. If they are used indoors, there is a very real risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

“We urge campers to ensure they are using these appliances safely and as per the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid risk to the health of you and your family.”

Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause serious and long term health conditions with symptoms similar to the flu, including headaches, tiredness, dizziness or nausea. In more severe cases, confusion, shortness of breath or chest pain can be symptoms. Very high levels of carbon

monoxide can be fatal.

ESV is also reminding campers to ensure their gas appliances and LPG cylinder connections are safely connected, protecting against gas leaks and the potential for fire or explosions.

ESV’s Know the Drill Before You Grill campaign educates LPG cylinder users to avoid risk by checking connections before igniting the appliance.

This involves connecting the LPG cylinder or container to the appliance either directly or via a hose assembly, turning the gas on, and squirting soapy water on the connections.

If no bubbles appear, it’s safe to use. If bubbles appear, turn it off and re-check the connections and if using a hose assembly check the hose and its connections to ensure they do not leak.

If bubbles continue to appear, turn the gas off and have the connection or hose assembly replaced.

Safer Cylinders

ESV has led the introduction of Australian Standards, resulting in new appliance connections and cylinder valves that will not allow gas to flow unless the hose connection is screwed in adequately – even if the cylinder valve handle has been left on.

If the hose connection is disconnected and the cylinder valve handle has been left open, gas will not flow, reducing the risk of an explosion or fire.

The new LCC27 appliance connection incorporates a black plastic nut which in the event of a fire at the cylinder connection will melt and stop gas from flowing from the cylinder valve.

The safest thing to do, when using an appliance with the new connection with a cylinder with the old style cylinder valve (i.e. no external thread), is to is swap the old cylinder for one featuring the new LCC27 cylinder valve with the course external thread at local hardware stores or service stations.

ESV strongly discourages people from using adaptors to connect incompatible connections and valves as this increases likelihood of a gas leak.

Photo - WaterAid/Tariq Hawari

How are your farm dams holding up?

While spring was very wet and many farm dams were full at Christmas time, this may no longer be the case.

Full dams at the start of summer may not be guaranteed to make it through a dry summer and autumn, particularly if dams are small or shallow.

Dams lose up to one metre of water from evaporation.

Rather than wait for levels to drop too low, Agriculture Victoria is encouraging anyone to have a go at the water calculator to check on water levels in your dams and tanks and to estimate how long water for stock will last.

It’s a simple calculator that is menu driven and steps through easily.

It can be used for different dam shapes and for tanks, allows for summer evaporation and has helpful information as you go.

Knowing the depth of your dam is critical for getting an estimate of its capacity.

There is also a short video that shows you how to make the DAMDEEP depth measuring tool, just visit agriculture.vic.gov.au and search Summer Water Calculator.

By Vanessa Parker

If you know a road that needs funding under the Black Spot Program, now is the time to nominate that road.

The Australian Government allocates $110 million per year to the Black Spot Program which funds safety measures such as traffic signals and roundabouts at locations where serious crashes are known to have occurred, or are at risk of occurring.

Black Spot projects make an important contribution towards reducing serious injuries and deaths on Australia’s roads, and build on previous road safety investments.

Nominations for Black Spot locations are invited from state and territory governments, local governments, community groups and associations as well as individuals.

Moorabool Shire Council CEO Derek Madden told the Moorabool News, Council is assessing whether any of their roads meet the criteria set by the Government in relation to potentially being labelled a blackspot.

“If we do find we have roads that meet the criteria, we will be applying to receive funding,” he said.

Nominations are considered annually by Black Spot Consultative Panels in each jurisdiction, who recommend projects for approval to the relevant federal Minister.

Member for Ballarat Catherine King said applying for Black Spot funding is as simple as filling in the online two page form and submitting it to your local state or territory Consultative Panel for consideration.

“Black Spot funding is only available to projects submitted through the nomination process – so I’d encourage residents to take the time to make a submission about roads that concern them.”

Safer roads with black spot funding program ATTENTION – Local Business Owners

Ba an Lions

Ba hus Marsh

Dates: April 8, May 13 9am - 2pm • Maddingley Pk, Station St, Bacchus Marsh

A lovely variety of quality stallholders and food trucks. Bring

Dates:

Eynesbury

TRADES & BUSINESS

Dates:

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

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

FUNERALS

FUNERALS

HOUSE LEASE

FIREWOOD & CHIMNEY SWEEP Good Quality dry firewood Boxwood

PAT CASHIN FUNERALS

1114 Doveton St. Nth, Ballarat

DEATH NOTICE

ATKINSON (nee Fawns) Anna Ruby

21/02/1950 – 28/03/2023

Dearly Loved Wife of Dennis (dec).

Loving Sister to James (dec) & Allan.

Much Loved Cousin & Niece. Cherished Friend to many. Your laughter will linger with us all.

FUNERAL NOTICE

ATKINSON – (nee Fawns)

The Funeral Service for the late Mrs Anna Ruby Atkinson will be held at Michael Crawford Funeral’s Chapel, 226 Main Street Bacchus Marsh on THURSDAY (April 6, 2023) commencing at 11.00am. Refreshments to follow. Following refreshments, the Funeral will leave for the Ballarat Cemetery, 1250 Doveton St, Ballarat. The Service for Anna will be Live Streamed and available to view on our website: michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.

au (Select – Funeral Live Stream)

Ph: 5333 3911

All Hours

Full service at moderate cost

Bacchus Marsh Ph 5367 6733 michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.au

SELL IT LOCAL FOR LESS!

Reg. $6000 ONO – 0429 399 745

ROAD CLOSURE

Easter Saturday, April 8 Martin Street, Whalebone Road and Golden Point Road will be closed to all traffic at 10.30 am. Greendale-Trentham

HEPBURN SPRINGS

HOUSE FOR LEASE

2 bedroom and study

Peaceful walks and serene views lawn maintenance incl. $370 p/w ph. owner 0417 510 564

DEATH NOTICE

GOSNOLD - Marie

Passed away peacefully on the 30th March aged 65.

Dearly cherished Mother to Alastair, Catriona & Andrew, Mother in-law to Chris & Georgia, & Gammy to her wee Millie.

Missed by her beloved family in Scotland - Daughter to Annie & Alick (dec), & Sister to Donald, Catriona & Margaret. Our deepest thanks to her treasured friends for all their help, kindness & companionship over many lattes at Baby Black in her final years.

Special thanks to both Dr Rav Sadhai & the Bacchus Marsh Palliative Care team for their many years of care & support for Marie & family.

Rest peacefully knowing you are so deeply loved & will never be forgotten. We will miss you forever.

FUNERAL NOTICE

GOSNOLD

The Funeral Service for the late Marie Gosnold will be held at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall, 207 Main Street Bacchus Marsh on WEDNESDAY (April 12, 2023) commencing at 1.00pm. A Private Cremation will follow.

The Service will be Live Streamed and available to view on our website: michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.au (Select – Funeral Notices)

Bacchus Marsh Ph 5367 6733 michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.au

EASTER SERVICES

Our Lady Help of Christian Church Korobeit

Easter Sunday 9th April 8.30am Church Services change of mass times from Saturday 15th April at 5.00pm

EASTER SERVICES

EASTER SERVICE

St Paul's Uniting Church

73 Inglis Street, Ballan

Easter Sunday 10am with Jenny Trewhella

2023 BFNL CLUB PREVIEWS - PART 3

DARLEY COACH: Dan Jordan ON THE RECORD:

(Todd): Can we expect much of the same from the Devils in 2023 or is it fair to suggest you can better a group second time around - natural progression if you will?

(Dan): Clearly last year was an educational phase learning how we want to play. Given that base we have an opportunity to consolidate and build on our connection and familiarity.

(Todd): You lose A Grade talent Nick Rodda and Dylan Landt - does this make the challenge considerably more difficult to improve?

(Dan): It's exciting really. Opportunity presents for some that wouldn't necessarily have had that chance with Nick and Dylan in the side. Spreading the load essentially is what we're ready to embrace.

(Todd): You played Grand Finalists Melton and Sebastopol only once in 2022 but still averaged 75.3 points AGST per game (comp #6) - please rank in order your primary 'line' concern/focus during the pre-season (1,2,3)…

(Dan): There's no one particular focus. All three lines we will aim to develop. I see considerable growth for this group with our connection and depth.

(Todd): The addition of Billy Myers is significant. His versatility gives you options. If round one was tomorrow – where would we likely see him line-up? Do you have an ideal position ear marked for him?

(Dan): Billy is a quality player who drives standards in preparation and on the track along with Brett (Bewley). We're kind of tossing up at the moment to be honest what role would be 'the ideal'. At the moment I would say forward / mid but his versatility as you say certainly gives us options.

(Todd): Runaway 2022 Henderson Medalist Brett Bewley was hampered by a calf complaint at the business end of last year. Has that meant

NORTH BALLARAT COACH:

Brendan McCartney

ON THE RECORD:

(Todd): Macca, great to see you going around again at North Ballarat. Have you reassessed your approach to this season given your boys fell away at the back end of 2022 losing 5 of the last 7 games?

(Brendan): We had a tough draw and played four teams coming off the bye I reckon. We were in all games bar a couple into the last quarter but if I had to pinpoint, it was more our polish than anything.

(Todd): Stewart Crameri is a better than handy pick-up. How's he travelling and what role have you earmarked for him in his first year at the Roosters?

(Brendan): 'Stewie' is a very good footy person and positive role model for our young group. His role will be forward/mid as well as a bit of forward coaching. With 100 games under his belt at the top level, 'Stewie' has lots to offer.

(Todd): Your Under 19s won the flag last year. Can we expect those boys to fill the void left by the exit of a handful of depth players in the off season?

(Brendan): Definitely. They're fit, strong young men who have been training with us for the last two seasons. We're hopeful of seeing the benefits of the club’s (youth) plan this year.

(Todd): The group didn't have much luck with injury last year - how's Josh Chatfield (knee), Tom Hotchin (ACL), Joey Symonds (concussion) and Elliot lamb (shoulder) progressing?

(Brendan): Josh (Chatfield) is with us at the moment but will return to Footscray at some point. Travis (Hotchin) is coming off a 12-month ACL – expect early season return, won't be rushed. Elliot (Lamb) is on track for round one. Joey (Symonds) is being monitored – he's still having up and down days but we're hopeful – again, won't be rushed.

(Todd): On a broader scale, what are you enjoying most in your time in the BFNL? To the eye, is

a re-assessment of his potential midfield minutes despite the absence of Landt?

(Dan): Depends on our depth around the ball. Brett shouldered a heavy workload for us last year and had an outstanding season. I've always been a fan of having your best players around the ball, but we'll keep an eye on it – I’m quite happy for him to be peaking later than round one.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS:

(Dan): Our connection in defence and knowing each other’s roles.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT:

(Dan): Contested ball craft and intensity. Creative ball movement and less predictability. Forward half defence. Dealing with expectation

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:

(Dan): The boys came back after the break looking good. That fitness base gives us an advantage to work at higher intensity and be less prone to injury.

PLAYER INS:

B.Myers (Williamstown), M.Denham (Melton), B.Sullivan (Melton South), R.Matricardi (Trentham), D.Matricardi (Trentham)

PLAYER OUTS:

N.Rodda (moved to Warrnambool), D.Landt (NT, Dimboola)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

B.Young (Footscray). M.Cousins (Geelong)

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF DARLEY)

(Dan): Sunbury - played some good footy at the back end of last season. Beat Melton.

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF DARLEY)

(Dan): Melton – similar to last year, hard to beat.

Todd's Darley prediction – 3rd

footy in the region in a good place?

(Brendan): Seems to be. I'm loving the competitive nature and evenness of our competition primarily but I’m confused by the number of players who are willing to leave clubs for a lower standard of footy. Some of these blokes are being lost too early to good standard local footy. Go later I say, I don't understand it.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS:

(Brendan): Young group who embrace training. We're quicker, 'more legs' than last year.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT:

(Brendan): More run and aggressive ball movement going forward. The Crameri correction will straighten us up providing a target. We were a bit slow moving the footy last year.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:

(Brendan): Going pretty well mate. Like most clubs you have your up and down nights but on the whole, definitely a tick I’d say.

PLAYER INS:

S.Crameri (Maryborough)

PLAYER OUTS:

R.Hobbs (work), T.Spiers (Caroline Springs), J.O'Brien (Melton), C.Perks (Barwon Heads), R.Luke (Beaufort), F.Toose (Springbank), M.Tate (moved to Melbourne), M.Wilson (Beaufort)

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

J.Chatfield (Footscray), J.Riding (Werribee), S.Glover (Collingwood), R.Polkinghorne and J.Quick (Geelong training)

IMPROVERS: (Outside of North Ballarat)

(Brendan): Sunbury

FLAG TIP: (Outside of North Ballarat)

(Brendan): Sebastopol - hard to beat Todd's North Ballarat prediction – 4th - 6th

EAST POINT

COACH: Jackson Merrett (new)

ON THE RECORD:

(Todd): Jackson, congratulations on your coaching appointment at the Kangas for 2023. Where did the interest in the job start, I mean you're still quite young (29) to be a head coach?

(Jackson): When I finished up at Essendon four years ago I knew I wanted to coach if/ when an opportunity (at the right time) presented.

(Todd): While losing Mickitja Rottumah-Onus and Jacob Brown is not ideal – on paper you're still right in the hunt. But it's fair to say the group has been 'up' a while including two flags (2018/2019). How's the motivation levels?

(Jackson): I'm confident the group will thrive under a new structured game plan. The young players too will add pressure to the selection table as we look to add more leg speed. Exciting times ahead for the club.

(Todd): The Johnston brothers are bona fide A Graders in the comp. What separates them from most? What impresses you about them, you've seen plenty of footy over your journey...

(Jackson): Their will to win and get the most out of themselves. They drive standards, leading by example.

(Todd): Brad Whittaker missed just about all of 2022 with a freakish leg injury – how's his return tracking?

(Jackson): Brad had a setback before Christmas but with a measured build up over the remaining pre-season we’re confident he'll be right for round one.

(Todd): The Kangas have been blessed with quality juniors for some time now – is this the year we can expect you to experiment with a few more or are you more likely to go with 'the proven' until form says otherwise?

By Todd Whelan

(Jackson): We're keen to continue developing our next generation. I think we had as many as 10 debutants last year from our Under 19s. And look out for the emerging crop up from our Under 17s also (played in GF v Redan) – they haven't missed a session. We're excited with the potential growth of our firstand second-year players.

IDENTIFIED STRENGTHS:

(Jackson): Cohesion / acceptance regardless of age. A will to play for one another. Collective buy-in.

PROJECTED IMPROVEMENT:

(Jackson): Structured game plan across the board. For example, when challenged or under the pump we're all on the same page of what to do next. A couple of times last year we were blown out of the water in a single quarter and couldn't stop the bleeding. Also, an injection of leg speed will sharpen us up, especially in defence and on the wings.

PRE-SEASON TRAINING:

(Jackson): We had a five-week block before Christmas. Returned two nights a week since Jan 30.

PLAYER INS:

M.Williams (Mt Clear Juniors)

PLAYER OUTS:

M.Rottumah-Onus (Mallee Tigers), J.Brown (Keilor), J.Maher, J.Gallagher, I.Quick.

VFL AFFILIATED PLAYERS:

None

IMPROVERS: (OUTSIDE OF EAST POINT)

(Jackson): Sunbury

FLAG TIP: (OUTSIDE OF EAST POINT)

(Jackson): Sebastopol will be the benchmark.

Todd's East Point prediction – 4th - 6th

Ballan Brumbies Basketball Girls bring home premiership

Things looked bleak for Ballan when Nairn and Vallance scored the first two baskets of the 2nd half, a 17-3 lead looking insurmountable.

The Brumbies, though, began to dig in. An Emma Karimi deflection saw Ballan break and though the initial action was halted, the ball eventually found its way to Taylor, who scored on a short baseline jumper.

With under two minutes to play, Seketa fed Taylor under the basket. She was fouled, hitting one of two to tie the ball game.

With a record seven teams making grand finals, it was a bittersweet weekend for Ballan Brumbies, with just one team coming through to win a championship. The squad that did win - the under 12 girls - came through in one of the most extraordinary matches you might ever witness. Coming in as a marginal favorites against Saints Mystics, Brumbies started well with league leading scorer Victoria Taylor getting the opening bucket, followed quickly by a Millie Grech free throw.

From there, though, Saints began to run rampant. Emmi Nairn, Saints leading scorer on the season, started to have an impact with a couple of quick baskets and a pair of Ava Vallance free throws stretched Saints lead out. Nairn again connected as Saints were dominant; Ballan's offense running ice cold.

Taylor was being kept under lock and key by a combination of Nairn and Emma Brown. With their offensive focal point struggling, Grech, Brandi Mulgrew and Grace Monterosso stepped up, all getting into scoring positions though none were able to connect.

When Brown scored a few seconds before the end of the half, Saints found themselves in a commanding position, leading 13-3.

Grech and Monterosso began to double team the Saints ball handlers, creating passes that were easy to pick off. Another Karimi deflection saw Mulgrew gather the loose ball and get up the floor for another basket, as the tide began to turn.

Esther Seketa then picked up a loose ball, weaving her way through the defense for a basket. Monterosso quickly added to the score, as the Brumbies started to believe. A potential disaster struck as Monterosso, the emotional heartbeat of the team, fouled out with eight minutes remaining. Coach Heath Cooper quickly called a time-out to settle the girls and steel them for one final push.

With Saints in foul trouble, Taylor and Mulgrew started to drive hard to the basket, creating contact and getting to the free throw line, both girls shooting unusually well from the stripe.

Saints faced their own setback as star player Nairn fouled out. With their primary scoring option off the floor, Saints began to panic. Brown tried to pick up the slack but with Ballan's defense keying in on her, she wasn't able to make the tough shots she was forced to attempt.

Mulgrew was a force on the defensive glass, corralling rebound after rebound. She was either quick to draw a foul or get the ball to Taylor, herself then finding contact. With both players living at the free throw line, Ballan were whittling down Saints lead....ever....so....slowly.

Saints broke through Ballan's first defensive line but then threw a panicked pass that fell to Seketa who instantly fed Mulgrew. She drew another foul and, with the championship on the line, knocked down the back end of her free throws to give the Brumbies the lead and complete a most unlikely turnaround.

Brumbies defense held firm to flat out steal the championship from a stunned Saints side, in one of the most incredible comebacks you will ever witness.

The Brumbies girls were victorious, 18-17.

RESULTS – Grand Finals

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 12 lost Drummo Dragons 21

Under 12 Boys

Ballan E 18 lost Saints Suns 22

Ballan C 28 lost Excies Acmy 42

Under 12 Girls

Ballan 18 def Saints Mystics 17

Under 14 Boys

Ballan F 19 lost Phoenix Titans 30

Ballan C 32 lost Wildcats 38

Under 14 Girls

Ballan D 17 lost Phoenix Flames 34

Under 19 Boys

Ballan E 33 lost Phoenix Lions 43

ARM CRUTCHES (2), EC, adjustable height legs/handles.

FREE - 0417 356 908

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

BED SPREAD padded with reverse sham $60 - 0418 318 164

BLENDER Mistral new in box

$25 - 0417 110 261

BIKE 26” GC $35 – 0415 295 139

BIKE Ladies Mountain Bike

Huffy Tundra $50 - 0417 478 593

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

BRICKS House, approx. 300 matching, unused pick up

Darley $100 ONO – 0402 206 437

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

CAT CARRIER, portable, EC $15 – 0412 869 304

CHESS SET, Pieces 4” high, Asian made in case $70: 0406 513 089

CONCRETE MIXER, Electric Lightburn 1 3/4 cubic feet $100 -

0408 998 700

COT dismantled GC, plus new mattress still in packaging $400418 302 463

COT - JOIE TRAVEL COT & bassinet combo, plus change unit, used twice $100 – 0418 302 463

COUCH 2 Seater, fabric FREE –0450 784 308

DRESSING GOWN, white, micro plush, Hotel Living brand, new, $15 – 0412 869 304

DRILL & TECH BITS, combination wood, metal & masonry drills. Full Kit. $400428 671 116

EXERCISE BIKE Everlast Brand GC $50 – 0488 521 323

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

FLY ROD 8 weight 9 ft 4 piece $60 – 0447 672 218

FOOTBALL BOOTS - size 12

Nike $10 – 0423 252 922

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

GUITAR tribute $50 ph 0456 243 956

GUN CASE Hard Aluminium

Double-Sided Box $75 - 5367 5663

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

ICE CREAM MAKER small, like new $20 – 0448 427 768

INCONTINANCE BRIEFS 8 pairs size 12 $90 – 0417 110 261

JEANS (Mens) Black chinos size

36 brand new $20 – 0423 252 922

JEWELLERY stands (2) $5 each 0423 252 922

KEYBOARD Casio with stand

EC $100 0432 973 539

KLEVA SAFETY SLICER (one push XL slicer) new in box, incl peeler $35 - 0402 858 098

MAGAZINES Australian

Heritage numerous copies FREE

– 0406 513 089

METABO Power Hand/

Hammer Drill 1.5" Chuck.

Masonry drill bits, various GWC

$50 - 0428 671 116

MOBILITY WALKER GC, light weight, brakes & bag $85 - 0409 942 224

MOBILITY WHEELCHAIR GC, Foldable $85 - 0409 942 224

MONITORS LG Studio Works

(2) 14” CRT computer monitors, $40 each ONO – 5367 5663.

MY LITTLE PONIES Princess

Twilight Sparkle & 2 soft ponies

$15 – 0423 252 922

NECK & SHOULDER RELAXER new $10 – 0400 579 124

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

PORCELAIN DOLLS (11), GC

$100 lot - 0418 302 463

QUEEN BEDROOM SUITE, Parker 5 pieces, $100: 0450 784 308

ROLL-TOP DESK VGO 123cm. wide, 110cm high, 10 drawers, very heavy $100 - 0408 998 700

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

SINK Art Deco sink free standing $50 – 0423 252 922

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

TERRACOTTA Eureka

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

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

TVS 50” panasonic plasma, 42” Samsung plasma, no stands with remotes. FREE-0412 069 484.

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

STANLEY screwdriver set in case. $25 - 0428 671 116

WHEELCHAIR black folding new, ExCond $100 - 0431 301 521

WOOD LATHE 100cm bed $100 - 0408 998 700

WHEELCHAIR black, as new, folding, ExCond $100 - 0431 301 521

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics Championship Day (Saturday 25 March)

White card system for local football

BFNL

“This includes behaviour such as language, constant abuse or ongoing questioning of decisions.

“We need to ensure that the game is safe not just for players and officials, but also for families and supporters.”

In conjunction with the BFUA, the White Card trial will allow three warnings to be provided for behaviours that do not meet expectations, each warning having various sanctions. The first warning will see the White Card displayed to the coaches’ box, indicating a behaviour or action is not acceptable. The second warning will again see a White Card shown to the coaches box and a free kick awarded to the opposition team, again for behaviours or actions that do not meet expectations. The final White Card will see the head coach reported as there have been multiple instance of behaviour or actions that are not acceptable and have not been suitably addressed.

Mr Anwyl said there were isolated instances in 2022 where unacceptable behaviour was an issue.

“The concept is being looked at across all leagues and we are proud to lead the way in trialling this across leagues in our region”

The BFNL 2023 season kicks off with Good Friday football and netball on 7 April, Redan will host Lake Wendouree. The season proper will commence on Saturday 15 April.

The Ballarat FNL will lead a trial in 2023 of a White Card that will be used to improve and enhance gameday behaviours and expectations for players, officials, volunteers and supporters.

General Manager Shane Anwyl said the introduction of the White Card will allow clubs to be made aware of behaviours that are not acceptable.

Intermediate Champion: Mathilde Grant & Harrison Lovett

Most Improved Athlete: Nicholas Ibrahim

Wayne Arnold Award for most outstanding High Jumper : Nyah Halfhide

Junior Champions: Mia Dutt & Hendrix Wake

Senior Champions: Mackenzie Estlick & Sam White

Troy Lorensini Sportsmanship Award: Nicholas Ide

Trevor Lyne Award for most outstanding Triple Jumper: Mackenzie Estlick

Bliss, as pacer produces modern miracle

By Tim O'Connor (HRV)

Less than 24 hours after his 32m defeat behind Cant Top This in the Ararat Pacing Cup, Modern Bliss pulled a rabbit out of the hat to claim a long-odds victory at Victorian headquarters, Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday night.

The Ash Warton-trained 11-year-old stunned punters with success in the Nutrien Equine Pace, saluting at $61 for young driver Shannon O’Sullivan.

It was a remarkable turnaround in form from Modern Bliss, who settled three back the pegs from gate one before pushing away from the inside approaching the straight and finishing too strong for his rivals.

In the end he beat Gotta Smudge by a metre, with key market fancies Ever Hoping and Magnetic Terror close-up in third and fourth respectively.

TrotsVision host Rob Auber was quick to ask O’Sullivan why it was that horses could often perform better when racing after a run the day before.

“I think they tuck themselves up pretty well and they lighten up a little bit overall if they have runs like that with a day apart or so,” she said.

Harness Highlights

By Tim O'Connor (HRV)

Connections of former top-liner Code Bailey were celebrating after the nine-year-old scored his first victory since the 2020 Terang Pacing Cup, at Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday night.

Driven by Lochie Cook, the son of Christian Cullen was given a quiet time at the back of the field but finished best to claim the IRT Australia Pace.

Code Bailey was having just his eighth start since that Terang Pacing Cup triumph, and Cook said plenty of work had been going on behind the scenes in a bid to get the horse back to winning ways.

“He’s had a massive preparation on the treadmill and in the dam…,” Cook said.

“It’s a huge credit to Paddy Lee, Marg Lee and Jason (Lee) who have put a lot of time and money into this horse, and along with them is a massive group of owners who have backed this horse and always had faith in him to be a star.”

Code Bailey has now won 18 races from 51 starts, with prizemoney up over $300,000.

Early on the Melton card, 79-year-old trainer Faye McEwan took out the Colin Redwood Memorial Victorian Square Trotters Association Trotters Handicap Final with Watch And Act thanks to a perfect drive from Josh Duggan.

Cant Top This triumph

By Tim O'Connor (HRV)

A truly stunning performance from Emma Stewart’s emerging star Cant Top This helped give champion reinswoman Kerryn Manning a fifth victory in the Ararat Advocate Pacing Cup last Friday night.

Manning was in the sulky as the six-yearold produced one of the biggest performances in the race’s history, adding to her earlier triumphs with Allbenz (1997), Go Charles (2001), Blatant Lie (2005) and Ideal Success (2016).

From gate seven, Cant Top This was trapped three deep for more than a lap before eventually working to the spot outside Helluva, who was sent forward by John Justice and wrested the lead from early pacesetter Julius Shadow.

As the field approached the home turn, Cant Top This put in a few rough strides and galloped, which seemingly handed the race to Helluva as he skipped clear into the straight. But, somehow, the Rock N Roll Heaven gelding got back down, recomposed himself and wore down the front-runner in the shadows

of the post to snatch victory.

It was a stunning performance in a mile rate of 1:57.0 and closing quarters of 28.5 and 28.7. Scott Ewen’s old marvel Bulletproof Boy sat last and stormed home for third.

Cant Top This has now won 12 of 33 career starts, with his recent Charlton and Ararat pacing cup triumphs taking his stake earnings past $139,000.

Earlier in the night, One Over All added another trophy to his owners’ cabinets when he scored a narrow success in the Premix King Ararat Trotters Cup.

The Jess Tubbs-(Myrniong) trained and Greg Sugars-driven squaregaiter overcame a 20m handicap to grip on and beat Victree Lee, who lunged late and missed by a head. The horse has now won his last four starts, which includes cup glory at Horsham, Charlton and Ararat.

Cant Top This is now five points clear on the season-long Trots Country Cups Championship, while One Over All has moved two ahead in the Maori’s Idol Trotting Championship.

“To be fair, a lot of the horses now get trained interval and heat work, so they’re pretty used to it and I don’t think it really knocks them around too much.

“He’s one I think thrives off it. He does very well for himself, so he probably lost a few kilos to lighten him up for tonight and I think it may have got him over the line because of that.”

O’Sullivan said it was great to land a win with Modern Bliss after running a number of placings with him in the past.

“I’ve been actually knocking on the door with him,” O’Sullivan said.

“I think there was a stage when I reckon I ran five seconds on him, and then Ellen Rixon jumped on and he won. I was hoping we would be able to break through with a win for him.

“It’s good to partner up with Ash. He actually used to work for my Dad (Jim) when I was a little kid, so it’s really good nowadays to be able to drive for him and to get a winner.”

Modern Bliss has been a marvel for Warton, with the horse boasting a record of 16 wins from 139 starts and almost $140,000 in prizemoney.

Ballan Golf Club

RESULTS - W/E

SATURDAY 1 APRIL

Wednesday – Stableford

Winner - Hugh Miller (16) 36 points.

R/up - Jimmy Walsh (16) 34 points on c/b from Les Martin (16).

Magpie - 14th Chris Tudor.

NTPs - 12th Barry Lenaghan, 15th Jimmy Walsh.

SATURDAY – STROKE –

MONTHLY MEDAL

A GRADE Winner of Monthly Medal Peter Clifford 79-16-63.

R/Up - Damian Toohey 73-9-64 on c/b from Jason

&

B GRADE

Winner - Aggy Germon 82-18-64.

R/up - John Mullan 95-29-66 on c/b from Brian Cran.

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

Magpies - 14th Jason Bonar, 18th Damian Toohey.

Balls 4, Cut-off 64 on c/b

Peter Clifford, Damian Toohey, Jason Bonar & Kev Lockman.

Winner March Monthly Medal play-off

Brian Cran

Bonar

Kev Lockman.

Code Bailey with Lochie Cook in the sulky, wins at Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday night. Photo – Stuart McCormick

A big drive and a big win for youngster Shannon O’Sullivan, as Modern Bliss took line honours in the Nutrien Pace. Photo – Stuart McCormick