Moorabool News June 13

King’s Birthday Honours

Protest for dead koalas

Refresh for pony club

Scouts honour new hall

By Vanessa Parker

King Charles III had the RAF Red Arrows flyover after his Coronation, and when the Minister for Youth officially opened the new Ballan Scout Hall facility, there was a very Australian flyover.

A flock of noisy, squawking cockatoos briefly interrupted the speech of Natalie Suleyman MP with the Minister saying, “this must be a bit of a welcome”.

Minister Suleyman said the new 1st Ballan Scouts facility was not just a hall.

“… but a place where family and friends can come along and make lifelong friendships and learn all sorts of skills, not just tying knots or camping out in the bush,” she said.

“The Ballan Scout Hall received a contribution of $500,000 from the Victorian Government, to make sure it will be a suitable venue for Scouts well into the future.”

The Scouts moved into what was, the old Guides Hall in Inglis Street a few years ago and outgrew that very quickly.

Tony Bellette is the Group Leader at 1st Ballan Scouts and told the Moorabool News the organisation had 45 youth members with eight leaders.

“This is just phenomenal to have this facility,” he said.

“It has allowed us to create new programs for the members, giving us a permanent home.

“We have more space now and this will also benefit the kids and help with their education in the scouting movement.”

The large crowd in attendance listened to a string of political speeches with the Member for Eureka saying she will keep this short “as you are at risk of death by a thousand political speeches”.

“There are a lot of us here, and I have to say this has been a long, long journey,” Michaela Settle said.

“The first announcement was way back in 2018 when I was first elected and, it has been a long time coming out of the ground with a lot of hard work by a lot of different people in the community to get where we are.”

The Scout Hall is a multi-use facility for the Ballan community to enjoy with improvements including accessible bathrooms, improved parking, modern kitchen facilities and several multipurpose rooms.

Moorabool Mayor Cr Rod Ward said everyone who has played a part in the new facility can be very proud.

“Great things can be achieved by working together, that is proven here and we are happy to have played a very small part in achieving this dream for the local Ballan Scouts group,” he said.

The Commonwealth Government also contributed $550,000 through the Building Better Regions Fund with, Moorabool Shire Council contributing $100,000 by their Community Development Grants.

To join the 1st Ballan Scouts you must be aged from five years old up until the age of 18.

TOP RIGHT: Young Cub Nate, is all smiles as the 1st Ballan Scouts Hall is officially opened. ABOVE: A potential new scout learns the ropes of abseiling. Photos – The Moorabool News

King’s Birthday Honours

By Lachlan Ellis

Four Moorabool residents have been named recipients of one of the country’s highest honours, with winners announced over the King’s Birthday Weekend.

The late Dorothy Elmer and Donald and Jennifer Rickerby from Bacchus Marsh, and Michael Ryan from Ballan, were all named Order of Australia Medal (OAM) recipients on Sunday 11 June by the Governor-General, His Excellency the Honourable David Hurley.

Mr Ryan – the current President of the Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce and Regional President of St Vincent de Paul Ballan – said it was an honour to be named a recipient of the OAM.

“It’s a funny thing, everybody says you don’t expect it, but I have to say I’m pretty proud, and thrilled that someone thought what I’ve done was worthy of a nomination. So, at the moment I feel really good about it,” he told the Moorabool News.

Mr Ryan said he received an email about six weeks ago.

“It was a real surprise. I had no idea I’d been nominated. Getting involved in cricket, footy, and school groups, you get to meet people, it’s in your own interest. I do enjoy being able to give something back – I’ve been very fortunate with my education and work life, so I do sort of feel a bit of a responsibil-

Mr

Michael Ryan (3342)

Ballan Chamber of Commerce

President, since 2020.

Chairman, Finance Committee, current.

• Administrator, Ballan Arboretum Group, 2015-2020.

Community

Regional President, St Vincent de Paul Ballan, current.

• Member, Horsham Book Club, current.

Auditor, Horsham Gold Club, 2009.

Former Auditor, Wimmera UnitingCare.

Horsham Rural City Council

• Mayor, 2010-2011.

Councillor, 2005-2012.

Fmr Representative of Regional Cities, Brumby Gov.

Saint Patrick's Parish Coordinator, 2016-2018.

Chairman, Finance Committee, 2016-2018.

St Michael's and St John's Parish Chair, Parish Council, 1985-1995.

Chair, Finance Group, 1978-1980.

St Michael's Horsham Saints Football Club

Various executive roles including President, Treasurer, and Senior Boundary Umpire, 1980s. Life Member, 1990.

Cricket

Member, St Michael Cricket Club, 1986-1991.

Treasurer, Horsham Cricket Association, 1980-1981

ity to help with training and things I’ve been involved with community groups, who may not have those skills and do a lot of other things I can’t do.”

Mr and Mrs Rickerby received the OAM for their service to horticulture, with Mr Rickerby serving as President of the Horticultural Society of Victoria since 2008, and Mrs Rickerby serving as the Society’s Secretary since 2008.

They also volunteered under the Society’s Disaster Fund, and were part of flood recov-

ery efforts in the Loddon region in 2011. The pair are passionate about horticulture, and hope that through their volunteering they can inspire more people to get involved.

“On a personal basis, we can’t really believe it. It came out of the blue. We don’t overly expect to be awarded, we’ve been volunteering so long we figured no-one really cared. We’re very pleased that people have thought enough of us to do it. It’s been a long haul… it’s good to be recognised,” Mr Rickerby said. Mrs Rickerby said they’d been involved

RECIPIENTS’ SERVICE

• Administrator, Western Victoria Cricket Zone, 1985.

Federation University

Governor-in-Council, Finance Committee, 2012-2015. Chair, Finance, and Combined Resources Committees, 2015-2019.

• Involved with various Committees including Infrastructure, Audit and Risk Management, and Investments, 2012-2020.

• Honorary Doctorate, 2021.

Chartered Accounts Australia and New Zealand Representative, Vic Regional Council, 2004-2005. Fellow, 1983 and Member, since 1977.

Mrs Jennifer Rickerby (3340)

Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria Secretary, since 2008. Secretary, Frankston Garden Club, 1980s.

Display Organiser, Great Hanging Basket Competition, Melbourne International Flower Show, current. Former Volunteer, Ballarat Begonia Festival.

Horticultural Adjudication

• Fmr Secretary, Australian Horticultural Judges' Assoc. Horticultural Judge, current.

Performing Arts

Coordinator, Ballarat Royal South Street Society, 2007-2014.

• Joint Front of House Coordinator, Ballarat Lyric Theatre, 2007-2016.

Disaster Relief

Volunteer, Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria, Disaster Fund, 2012. Flood Recovery Effort, Loddon Region, 2011.

Mr Donald Rickerby (3340)

Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria

• President, since 2008.

Display Organiser, Great Hanging Basket Competition, Melbourne International Flower Show, current.

• Member, Numurkah Garden Club, current.

Former Member, Operation Greenthumbs, 1984. Council Member, Horticultural Societies and Garden Clubs of Victoria, 1977.

Former Volunteer, Ballarat Begonia Festival.

Horticultural Adjudication

Member, Australian Horticultural Judges' Association. Horticultural Judge, current.

Royal South Street Society President, 2007-2008.

Former Committee Member. Volunteer, 2002-2014.

Ballarat Lyric Theatre Usher, 2007-2014.

• Joint Front of House Coordinator, 2014-2016.

Disaster Relief Volunteer, Royal Horticultural Society of Victoria Disaster Fund, 2012.

with horticulture since about 1976.

“I was Secretary of the Frankston Garden Club and Don was involved with the Royal Horticultural Society on the committee then. We love plants, we’re plant-a-holics,” she added.

Dorothy Elmer posthumously received an OAM for her service to netball, holding several roles over the years including at Netball Australia and Netball Victoria.

The Governor-General congratulated all 1,191 Australians on The King’s Birthday 2023 Honours list, including the 621 awarded an OAM.

“Congratulations to the outstanding Australians recognised in today’s Honours List. Recipients have made substantial contributions and had a significant impact at the local, national, or international level. Some are volunteers, others have had a remarkable impact in professional roles – many have done both. They are all inspiring and their service is valued by us all,” the Governor-General said.

“Collectively they speak to who we are now and who we can be in the future. Each recipient has something in common: someone nominated them. The Order of Australia belongs to each of us because nominations come from the community.

“I encourage all Australians to consider nominating someone they admire who has had a significant impact in the community.”

• Flood Recovery Effort, Loddon Region, 2011.

Mrs Dorothy Elmer (3340)

Netball Victoria

President, 1999.

Vice President, 1975, 1982, 1992-1998. Public Officer, 1993-1999.

Fmr Committee Member, Hall of Fame and Legends. Coordinator, Various State and National Tournaments including Super League Series and National Age Championships, 1980s-1990s.

• Manager, various State Teams, 1960s-1980s. Life Member, 1985.

Netball Australia

Liaison Officer, 1985-1991, 1994-1995.

Victorian Delegate, All Australian Council, 1981-1999. Convenor, various Committees including Umpires Appointment, and Coaching and Development, 1980s. Umpire, various tournaments and events including the Jean Cowen, and Married Ladies Tournaments, 1970s-1980s.

Northern Married Ladies Association President, 1976.

Senior Vice President, 1970s-1980s. Awards and Recognition include:

Recipient, Australian Sports Medal, 2000. Inductee, Hall of Fame, Netball Victoria, 2006.

• Honorary Regional Naming, The Elmer Region, 1991. All Australian Umpires Badge, 1973

Jennifer and Donald Rickerby have both received OAMs for their service to horticulture. Photo – Supplied

Michael Ryan is one of four OAM recipients this year from Moorabool Shire. Photo –Lachlan Ellis

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,

Under Labor, Victoria is broke. In a budget that highlights total financial incompetence, the Andrews Labor is making life harder for regional Victorians with funding slashed in key areas such as roads, health and agriculture.

Labor has cut a further $1 billion from the health system after cutting $2 billion in last year’s budget, despite the crisis gripping the system.

Our crumbling regional roads will also be left to disintegrate with maintenance funding slashed by 45 per cent since 2020 with $260 million cut in this year alone.

Labor is risking the lives of Victorian motorists by taking money from the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to try hide their mountain of debt, leaving life saving road safety initiatives on the cutting room floor. These savage cuts come despite deaths on Victorian roads being up a shocking 30 per cent on this time last year and following Federal Labor’s slashing of $1.3 billion from Victoria’s roads.

The regional development budget has also been halved from $211.5 million to $106.6 million in this year's budget with funding slashed a devastating 80 per cent since just 2020.

Funding for agriculture hasn’t escaped the axe either with a 34 per cent funding cut and Daniel Andrews signing the final death warrant for our sustainable native timber industry and communities in the state’s east.

In a brutal State Budget, regional Victorians are being punished for the Government’s own incompetence.

Peter Walsh MP, Leader of The Nationals

Urgent call for blood donors

Australian Red Cross Lifeblood is urging 8,500 people with O and A blood groups to donate as the cold and flu season, combined with ongoing COVID-19 cases, has created a perfect storm for a potential blood donor shortage. Around 2,000 donors a week are cancelling and rescheduling appointments due to cold and flu symptoms, and it’s expected to get worse in the coming weeks.

Lifeblood Executive Director of Donor Experience, Cath Stone, said Lifeblood data shows that higher numbers of people are cancelling or rescheduling their donations due to cold, flu and COVID-19 symptoms this year compared to last year.

“We are expecting those cancellations to increase over the coming weeks so are asking people with O and A blood types to book a donation. More than 80 per cent of the population has an O or A blood type, meaning these are the types most needed by patients,” Ms Stone said.

“O Negative, the universal blood type, is found in fewer than seven per cent of the population, making it one of the rarer blood types, however its versatility means it makes up 16 per cent of the blood ordered by hospitals.

“It is used to treat patients when their blood type is unknown. It’s often stocked in ambulances and rescue helicopters to be used to treat trauma patients who can require huge quantities of blood in a short amount of time.”

To combat the seasonal drop in donors, Lifeblood has partnered with emergency services across the country to launch a blood drive to help secure blood stocks over the winter months.

“Emergency Service workers are used to coming to the rescue in times of need and emergencies, and at this time of year they will also help save lives by donating blood and plasma,” Ms Stone said.

Make an appointment to donate this winter by calling 13 14 95, visiting lifeblood.com.au, or downloading the Donate Blood app.

Comedy & Auction Night

Comedy & Auction Night

Saturday, 17 June 2023

Saturday, 18 June 2022 from 6:30pm

Mechanics Hall, Ballan

7pm - 11pm

Mechanics Hall, Ballan

Hosted by legendary comedian Tom Siegert!

Comedy by Nelson Twins with support by Chris Franklin

$48 per ticket available online or at the door on the night

TIX ONLINE: www.ballanblues.com.au

Come and enjoy a quality comedy show, whilst supporting our growing club! Incredible items up for auction!

Come and enjoy a quality comedy show, whilst supporting our growing club! Incredible items up for auction!

$48 per ticket at the door on the night or online at ballanblue.com.au

Half time raffle with a huge cash prize up for grabs; $10 per ticket or 10 tickets for $50

BFNC Goods & Services Auction Light refreshments provided Drinks at bar prices

Cocktail style food with grazing boards

Drinks at bar prices

Bitumen bandits are back

By Vanessa Parker

If someone knocks on your door and asks about filling in your driveway potholes with bitumen, there is a clear message…NO THANK YOU.

The ‘Bitumen Bandits’ are back and operating within Moorabool Shire, targeting rural and residential properties. A Mt Egerton resident posted on social media last week for people to be aware of the scammers.

“A man with an Irish accent in a white MUX knocked on my door wanting to fill potholes for free, with leftover highway roadworks material,” she wrote.

“When requested to leave, he acted suspicious.”

Victoria Police were notified and told the Mt Egerton lady that this is a known scam operation Victoria wide and, have

just moved into the area.

A local Ballan business also had a phone call the following day.

“This was also a male with an Australian accent, and he just kept saying ‘roadworks’.

“He then went on to say he could fill the potholes in the drive way from roadworks material. I told him he was a scammer, hung up and reported the incident to police,” she said.

From the social media post, comments reflected the area this white car was targeting on that day, including Fiskville, Bunding, Ballan industrial estate and north of Ballan. Moorabool residents are advised not to accept this offer of ‘free’ bitumen and not hand over any money if asked. Report all scams to police on 131 444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

How it’s set up would be determined after the referendum with input from First Nations people, the broader public and the Government. The Parliament would then make a law to set up the Voice. The intention is that its members will be chosen by and representative of, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from across Australia.

By Lachlan Ellis

The Bacchus Marsh and Greendale communities, in conjunction with the Bacchus Marsh Cobras, are coming together once again to host the Big Freeze in the Marsh this Saturday.

Raising funds and awareness for FightMND, this year’s slide will be MC’d by Doug Hawkins, who will no doubt take great delight in pushing the sliders into the icy waters after braving the slide himself last year.

This year’s event will take at Maddingley Park at 1.45 pm, and will be held in memory of Greendale’s Phil O’Keefe, who fought hard against MND since being diagnosed in May 2015, but sadly passed away on 25 May this year.

Mr O’Keefe was the face of the Big Freeze in the Marsh, and

participated in the trial of ‘Stentrode’ implant technology to help future sufferers of the condition.

Event coordinator Anne Phyland said it was people like Phil that would see the beast that is MND be finally defeated.

“What Phil has done with the Stentrode trial is incredible. People like Phil, people like Neale Daniher, making sacrifices in the face of adversity and wanting to make a difference, even though it wouldn’t benefit them in their lifetime, finding opportunities to help people from such an awful diagnosis, are so important in this fight,” Ms Phyland told the Moorabool News.

“This year we’ll be sliding in Phil’s memory basically. It’s fairly raw and quite an emotional time, but this was certainly one of Phil’s last wishes, that he wanted this to go ahead and

nominated to of his friends to slide this year. He was passionate that this should continue, and continue raising awareness and funds for this cause.

What makes MND so terrifying, and so worthy of fighting, Ms Phyland said, is that it’s “one of very few things where you get a diagnosis, and it’s basically there’s nothing you can do”.

“The Bacchus Marsh and Greendale communities have been so supportive, banding together with the football club. It’s something we feel really passionate about. We’re hoping to get a good crowd to honour Phil’s memory – it’ll be a really special and emotional day,” she said.

“This awful disease takes so much from people. With many people fighting MND, it takes away everything, and there’s no hope without a treatment or a cure. To me, that’s just terrifying, and no-one should have to endure that.”

The goal for this year’s Big Freeze in the Marsh is to raise $25,000, with all funds going to FightMND for vital research into finding treatments and a cure for MND.

To donate, head to Maddingley Park this Saturday at 1.45pm, or the scan the QR code below.

THE BIG FREE ZE IN THE MARSH IS BACK

Refresh for pony club

There have been lots of changes at a Moorabool pony club, from new uniforms to a change in location – and the club is eager to ring in the new era with some new members.

Established in 1968, the Bacchus Marsh Pony Club recently moved to new grounds at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve, and while there have been a few teething problems, the Club has proudly announced the new grounds are up and running, and membership is continuing to grow as rallies and events are in full swing.

Rallies are held on the traditional first Sunday of the month, and events, clinics, and training days/weekends on the third weekends. The Club offers memberships for all ages, from very young beginners up to and including adult riders. Recently the Club has introduced a program for “Riders without Horses Program” which has proved popular and has a waiting list.

A Key Membership or a Ground Use Fee is also available for riders wanting to use the grounds for schooling and training their horses. Anyone wanting to use the grounds can book through the Booking Officer by emailing bm-

ponyclub@hotmail.com.

On Saturday 3 June the Club hosted the fourth and final round of the B.E.S.T. Show Jumping with around 90 riders competing in two Show Jumping classes, followed on Sunday with a combined Rally with Ballan in the form of a Mini Horse Trials, which was a learning and training experience for all riders and parents.

The Club is hosting the Pony Club Victoria “State Games, Flat & Musical Ride Teams” on 24 and 25 June, two composite Games Teams competing made up of riders from Bacchus Marsh & Ballan Clubs, as well as riders in the Pairs.

It will be the first time the Club’s new grounds have been used for a State Event. The Club has recently had their first rider competing and placing in the Tetrathlon in the Junior section at State Level.

The Club’s next major event will be their Horse Trials (Dressage, Cross Country & Show Jumping) on 15 and 16 July – this will be the first time the Club has run all grades (1 – 5) since moving to their new grounds. The Club has run a few smaller events; Combined Training (Dressage

Detox your Home is coming to Daylesford & Ballan

Saturday 17 June 2023 9.00 am to 12.00 pm

Victoria’s free household chemical drop-off day, supported by Hepburn Shire Council

Daylesford Event

Daylesford Transfer Station and Landfill, 16 Ajax Road, Daylesford

Ballan Event Ballan Transfer Station and Landfill, 118 Monteville Lane, Ballan

& Show Jumping), a Show Jumping Day and Horse Trials Grades 3,4, and 5, working up to this major event.

The Club has also updated their uniform and logo. The new uniform will be predominantly black with a little gold and white, with the change to officially occur on 1 July. The Club would like to acknowledge sponsorship from Ray White Real Estate which has helped make this update possible.

Over the years the Bacchus Marsh Pony Club has been successful in obtaining a number of Grants, which combined with Club fundraising has enabled the club to develop their grounds and purchase and upgrade equipment over many years.

These grants include Moorabool Shire Community Grants, SRV Grants, and Bendigo Bank Grants, all of which have contributed to improving the grounds, purchase of equipment and training for members such as first aid training.

For more information on the Bacchus Marsh Pony Club, head to the Bacchus Marsh Pony Club Facebook page or contact bmponyclub@hotmail.com.

Detox your Home accepts:

Acids and alkalis

Aerosol cans

Ammonia based cleaners

Anti-freeze, coolant

Brake fluid

Car care products and waxes

Cooking oil

Cosmetics, nail polish and remover

Detergents, bleach, disinfectants and drain cleaner

Fertilisers

Fire extinguishers

Floor-care products and waxes

Fuels: petrol, diesel, kerosene

Glues: water-based and solvents

Hand sanitiser

Herbicides and weed killers

Insect spray, pesticides, rat poison

Oven cleaner

Pool chemicals

Solvents

Thinners, turps and paint stripper

Transmission fluid

Wood preservatives and finishes

And other items found at home with these symbols:

For a full list of chemicals accepted, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ accepteditems

To register to attend Scan the QR code, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/detoxyourhome or call 1300 363 744

Photo – Bacchus Marsh Pony Club

Council Mee�ng

Free rego for apprentices

The State Government is backing Victoria’s hard-working apprentices, helping to ease cost of living pressures by making vehicle registration free for eligible apprentices from next month.

Premier Daniel Andrews and Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne visited the Kangan Institute in Broadmeadows on Thursday 1 June to meet apprentices who will be eligible for free vehicle registration from 1 July, saving them up to $865 every year.

The $10 million initiative is being delivered in the Victorian Budget 2023/24 to put more money back in Victorian apprentices’ pockets – and will provide free registration to apprentices like carpenters, joiners, bricklayers, plumbers, electricians, and chefs if their employer can verify that their vehicle is an essential part of their work.

The initiative adds to a number of measures the State Government has already introduced to ease financial pressure for trainees and apprentices across the state.

Apprentices who need their car for work are already entitled to a 50 per cent discount on their vehicle’s registration fee as part of the State Government’s Trade Apprentice Reg-

Commi�ee Mee�ng

istration Discount scheme – with over 12,000 apprentices and trainees currently taking advantage of the discount.

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated

New South Wales and South Australia the same savings as those who live and work in Victoria.

The scheme was introduced in 2016 to reduce costs for trade apprentices needing to use their own vehicle for work purposes, and expanded to border communities earlier in the year – giving apprentices who live in Victoria but work in

Public Mee�ng

Premier Daniel Andrews said the State Government was committed to helping lower living expenses for Victoria’s industrious apprentices.

Employment Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

“We’re backing our hard-working Victorian apprentices and helping ease cost of living pressures by making vehicle registration completely free, saving eligible apprentices hundreds of dollars every year,” Mr Andrews said.

The Government has also made car registration more budget-friendly by introducing short-term registration, allowing Victorian families to split the cost of rego fees into smaller payments.

Planning Permit

Learner and probationary licences and online testing are now also free, while drivers who have not incurred demerit points or committed road safety offences in the three years prior to their licence expiring benefit from the reintroduction of a 25 per cent discount on their licence renewal. Eligible apprentices can apply for the free vehicle registration via the myVicRoads portal on the VicRoads website.

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

Changes to Waste Service - Easter

Moorabool Shire Council

Council Mee�ng

Commi�ee Mee�ng

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated

Council Mee�ng

Public Mee�ng

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

Community Grants

Unscheduled Mee�ng of Council

Road closure – Holts Lane, Darley

Employment

Commi�ee Mee�ng

The next Ordinary Mee�ng of Council will be held Wednesday 5 July, 6.00pm in the Ballan Chambers, 15 Stead St, Ballan. The mee�ng is open to the public

For details on mee�ng loca�on and a�endance, visit: moorabool.vic.gov.au/mee�ngs

Tenders

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated Public Mee�ng

Tourism Grants

To facilitate service connec�ons and drainage works for the newly developed lots, the closure of a sec�on of Holts Lane, Darley will be in place from 19 June to 21 July 2023.

Rates Payments

Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

Have your Say – Bungaree & Wallace Structure Plan

A traffic detour will be in place during this �me, along with warning and speed reduc�on signs to no�fy drivers in advance of the changed condi�ons. Residents living on the closed sec�on of Holts Lane will be communicated by means of le�er drop and door knocking in advance of the closure.

Australia Day Celebra�ons 2021

Council is exploring op�ons for the future of Bungaree and Wallace by developing a structure plan and we want to hear from you.

Planning Permit

Join us at one of two drop-in sessions (please note that you can arrive at any �me during the session).

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

Employment Tenders Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

This is your chance to share your thoughts on:

• How we can build on and protect what is valued in Bungaree and Wallace.

Planning Permit

Changes to Waste Service - Easter

• Mee�ng the evolving needs of residents, businesses and visitors.

• What type of growth is appropriate for these small towns.

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

Session 1: 4:30pm - 6:30pm, Thursday 22 June 2023

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

– Wallace Recrea�on Reserve

Session 2: 4:30pm - 6:30pm, Tuesday 27 June 2023

Community Grants

– Bungaree Community Centre

Changes to Waste Service - Easter

You can also share your thoughts online by 14 July 2023 at haveyoursay.moorabool.vic.gov.au

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

Unscheduled Mee�ng of Council

Community Grants

Tourism Grants

Unscheduled Mee�ng of Council

Rates Payments

Tourism Grants

If you have any ques�ons in rela�on to the above, please contact John Miller, Manager Asset Management, on 5366 7100.

Photo – Ryno Marais, Unsplash

Pedestrians, be aware

Memorial wall completed

By Lachlan Ellis

A local cemetery has just finished its latest project – a memorial wall acknowledging locals who have passed, but are not buried at the cemetery grounds.

After approving the concept at a meeting on 13 February this year, the Maddingley General Cemetery Trust agreed to name a new wall at the cemetery ‘The Allan Comrie Wall – For Plaques Acknowledging the lives of People whose Ashes are Scattered Elsewhere’.

Trust Member Rick Dickson said the Wall both acknowledges those who had passed away and had their ashes scattered, and honours a long-serving volunteer at the cemetery.

“Not only are we honouring the 40-year voluntary service of Allan Comrie to the Cemetery Trust, we have also created a place whereby the remembrance of a departed loved one can be recorded for eternity,” Mr Dickson told the Moorabool News.

“We already have had a number of enquiries for this unique manner in remembering a loved one following the permanent scattering of their ashes.”

For further information on how a plaque can be installed on The Allan Comrie Wall, contact the Maddingley General Cemetery on 0493 474 924.

There is a new Crime Stoppers Victoria campaign being delivered in partnership with Victoria Police and, pedestrians are being urged to "Stop. Look. Live."

The campaign will focus on reducing the number of pedestrians seriously injured or killed while crossing the road in built up areas, where there is a speed limit of 60km/h.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith said the campaign would use a variety of techniques to educate vulnerable pedestrians on how they can stay safe using Victorian roads.

“Every Victorian deserves to get home safely and the easiest way to achieve this is to identify risks and follow the road rules,” Ms Smith said.

"No matter whether you are a pedestrian, driver or cyclist on the road, we challenge everyone to stop and think, is this safe?”

According to Victoria Police and TAC data, 70 percent of all pedestrian deaths in Victoria occur in metropolitan Melbourne.

The most vulnerable people are primary school children aged 4-12, intoxicated pedestrians aged 30-39, and elderly pedestrians aged over 70.

Ms Smith said 36 pedestrians had been killed on Victorian roads over the past 12 months – a figure she hoped would decrease with more education.

"We all play a role in keeping our roads safe and Crime Stoppers Victoria is offering

vulnerable pedestrians the tools they need to use our roads safely,” she said.

“We have seen 175 pedestrians killed on our roads over the last five years, and a significant number of those have been in 60 km/h zones.

"We hope with more education and awareness we can reduce the number of injuries and most importantly, deaths on our roads."

As part of the campaign, Crime Stoppers Victoria will hit the streets to actively engage with high-risk pedestrians to educate them on how they can help keep our roads incident-free.

Crime Stoppers will also visit locations across Melbourne which have the highest number of pedestrian fatalities, focusing particularly on community hubs and primary schools.

Victoria Police Road Policing Command

Acting Assistant Commissioner Martin O’Brien said police were focused on protecting the most vulnerable road users.

“Too many vulnerable road users, including pedestrians, are being killed or seriously injured and it’s all too preventable. We are grateful to have Crime Stoppers Victoria launching this campaign, along with the many councils, schools and businesses that will support this initiative to improve road safety,” he said.

Learn how you can keep our roads safe at crimestoppersvic.com.au.

The Allan Comrie Wall was completed recently, and has had its first plaque installed. Photo – Submitted

Photo – Crime Stoppers Victoria

Protest for dead koalas

Community groups have staged a demonstration in Gordon, calling for greater protection of the local koala population after the deaths of three koalas on the Western Freeway. Extinction Rebellion Ballarat and a number of other groups headed to Cartons Road Overpass on Friday 28 May, many wearing koala costumes and staging a ‘die in’ to symbolise the untimely deaths of the koalas.

The demonstration follows almost two years of campaigning from advocates, who have been calling for the relocation of koalas at the Cartons Road blue gum plantation. Campaign advocates say the only learned of the two most recent koala deaths in April from a witness not directly involved in the campaign.

Local carer and President of Ballarat Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation, Jess Robertson, was involved in the early consultation process, and said the advocates’ calls for the koalas to be relocated before logging at the plantation began had fallen on deaf ears.

“We told the landowner, DEECA officers and the plantation company that this would happen, and we were right. Due to the inaction from local MPs, the environment minister and the conservation regulator, three koalas are now dead. Three koalas is worth a hundred in a place where they have almost disappeared,” Ms Robertson said.

“DEECA officers are clearly advising based on what is happening in the southwest of Victoria where tens of thousands of koalas live in plantations, but their reasoning has no relevance here. They could have saved these koalas, but they chose not to. Koalas breed between spring and summer, and this is when they move.

“We knew those koalas would not stay put, which is why we requested the safety fence that CHW [Central Highlands Water] took down in January. It’s yet another tragedy for our local wildlife played out by decision makers who demonstrate no interest in protecting them.”

Extinction Rebellion Ballarat also staged a protest on

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Friday 17 March at CHW’s Ballarat Office in Wendouree.

In a statement prior to that protest, the group said it had “no objection to the blue gums being harvested and we understand the need to expand the sewerage works in Gordon to cater for the increasing population”.

“Additionally we applaud the plans of Central Highlands Water to remediate and revegetate the land once the blue gums are removed. However, we have concerns for the safety of the animals,” the statement read.

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Protesters staged a demonstration at the Cartons Road Overpass on Friday 28 May. Photo – Submitted

Shining a light on financial abuse

A new podcast exploring the complex dynamics of financial abuse and coercive control in relationships has been released by Crime Stoppers Victoria.

An eye-opening two-episode series, titled “What is financial abuse” and “Escaping financial abuse”, features Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Family Violence Command, Lauren Callaway, and Safe Steps Chief Executive Dr Chelsea Tobin.

The series, made in partnership with BankVic, aims to educate the community on the significant impacts of financial abuse and how to escape this rising form of family violence.

Crime Stoppers Victoria Chief Executive Stella Smith said financial abuse was often misunderstood by the community - even by those suffering from it.

“Financial abuse can happen to anyone, whether it’s a form of control over your income, child support, pension, or even forcing you to sign important documents such as mortgages or loans,” Ms Smith said.

“Financial abuse occurs whenever a person’s financial independence is restricted through manipulative and controlling behaviour.

“Through our new podcast series, Crime Stoppers Victoria is hoping to shed some light on this form of family violence and to help support those who are suffering from it.”

Assistant Commissioner Callaway, who features in the first episode of the series, said financial abuse and coercive control often wasn't recognised as traditional family violence by the public.

“In Victoria, we have the broadest definition of what family violence is, and financial abuse and coercive control are included in that definition,” she said.

“We know that family violence occurs in all sorts of settings, and our priority is to keep these victims safe and bring the perpetrators to justice”.

Safe Steps CEO Dr Chelsea Tobin, who features in the second episode of the series, said Safe Steps was Australia's only 24/7 crisis response service which assisted victim-survivors of family violence.

Dr Tobin described financial abuse as, “a strategic campaign of abuse held together by fear.”

To listen to the podcast, search for Crime Stoppers Victoria on your favourite podcast app, or visit https://play.acast.com/s/crime-stoppers-vic.

Raceway development approved

By Lachlan Ellis

A proposal for earthworks, new lights, and extension of a light curfew at a Moorabool raceway has been approved by Council, despite opposition from a number of nearby landowners.

Five speakers spoke against the motion at the Ordinary Meeting of Council on Wednesday 7 June, which proposed earthworks at Redline Raceway in Buninyong “to help provide noise barriers and spectator mounds”, six separate 12 metre high light poles, and extension of the existing light curfew from 11pm to 11.59pm “in exceptional circumstances”.

Regarding the earthworks, Council’s officers noted that “the earthworks have mostly already been undertaken without planning approval”, a point touched on by many of the speakers.

“I represent a number of local residents that object to the current planning proposal lodged by Redline. On the first item of six light towers and associated earthworks, the lights already being used are more than adequate for purpose, and to imply there’s any safety issue is ridiculous,” objector Jane Robson said.

“Additional lights will only cause more problems for residents, and further damage amenity of the area. The current lights are already intrusive to neighbours, are a safety issue for road users, and upset sock, poultry, and native fauna in the area. As to the associated earthworks, it has been well-documented that there have already been massive earthworks completed at Redline Raceway without a permit. Is this just another attempt

to get another retrospective permit?”

Other speakers suggested Redline Raceway had conducted other breaches of their existing permit with Council, and Phillip Warner asked Council to impose a noise limit of 64 decibels on the site. Several speakers also suggested that Redline Raceway should start their events earlier in the day to mitigate noise at night disrupting residents.

Crs Tom Sullivan and Paul Tatchell both sympathised with the objectors, but called attention back to what the proposal was about.

“I guess we have to refer back to what this application is for, the light towers...noise and the like, is not what application is about before us. This is a conditional permit, there are ten conditions that must be followed for the permit to be valid going forward. I think our officers have tried to get a balance here, I understand the concerns of the residents, but we have to get back to what this application is about,” Cr Sullivan said.

Cr Tatchell said there’s been a lot of allegations [against Redline Raceway].

“...we can’t assume people are doing the wrong thing. That’s not our role, our role is purely a planning role. The fact is, this item is a planning item that’s come to Council, that we deal with unemotionally, practically, based on the information put before us,” he added.

Cr Moira Berry objected to the proposal, asking for the point regarding the extension of the light curfew to be removed. However, she was the only Councillor to vote against the proposal, and thus it was passed.

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,

We wrote to your paper recently (MN 23 May) with the question “What has happened to the Community’s money from the Sale of the Ballan Hospital”. We had a number of people contact us, some concerned about the money, others concerned that money that had been donated to the Hospital was never used for the purpose it was given.

Following the letter being published we received an email advising that the project we had applied for was unsuccessful, and have since heard of others receiving similar news.

Dear Editor,

The Victorian Minister for Water has been asked to get involved in a plan by Central Highlands Water (CHW), to increase some water charges over the next five years by 500 per cent.

In its 2023 water price review submission to the Essential Services Commission (ESC), the water authority – a government entity – wants to increase water and wastewater charges for new growth zones from $1500 to $8000 per lot. For infill or current building sites, the increase would be 65 per cent of that amount. Even the ESC, is highly unimpressed.

Thankfully, the Commission is yet to sign off on this extraordinary proposal, despite CHW telling the Commission that it is not inclined to change its plan.

Even if financial mechanisms are put in place, mumand-dad customers, first home buyers and some of the 1.5 million immigrants coming to Australia in the next three years will still need to pay the much bigger costs.

An extraordinary part of the price increase was to pay for two full time jobs a year – at a cost of $4.5 million over the five years. That’s $900,000 a year – or $450,000 a year for each staff member.

APC Notice

1. Obligation to publish – Designated Resolution 5

Disabled toilets and walking tracks in town don’t seem such a bad way to have spent some of the money. A number of people I have spoken too would be happy to see it all go to the new library, it will be a facility which needs extra funds to match what is available in the Bacchus Marsh library.

5. Publication of notices about the Council

These are massive salaries for employees at a government water authority – and customers are the ones paying for it.  How out of touch are these government bodies? Even the ESC agrees the largesse is completely inappropriate. Central Highlands Water covers an area of Victoria including parts of Moorabool in the west.

'Brain fade' results in fine

By Lachlan Ellis

A motorcyclist has admitted a lapse in concentration resulted in him being caught speeding, while also suspended from driving.

Tyrone Parkhill appeared in-person at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court on Friday 9 June, admitting there were “a myriad of excuses” for the two charges and apologising.

Police Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable David Vanderpol told Magistrate Hugh Radford that Mr Parkhill was caught travelling at almost 120 kilometres an hour earlier this year.

We have been advised that those former board members of the Hospital want to hold on to the money and form a trust which would be used to reduce the impact of diseases which affect people living in the Ballan region.

These are essential services we are talking about –needs, not wants. It was just the other week that the Premier’s latest budget was handed down. He told the media: ‘We’re doing what matters – supporting families, jobs and fairness in rural and regional Victoria.

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

“At Ballan on the 18th of March 2023, the accused was the driver of a motor vehicle on Ballan-Daylesford Road whilst his licence was suspended. Also on that date, he was observed driving on that same road between Dehnerts Road and Flacks Lane, at a speed of 119 kilometres per hour, the alleged speed being 117 kilometres per hour,” Leading Senior Vanderpol said.

(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.

He said that he had mistakenly started driving again before his licence suspension ended after being unwell.

With this thought in mind, I would like to ask these people how they plan to do this with the community’s money? People in our town and area would all visit doctors in either Ballan, Bacchus Marsh or Ballarat and if diagnosed with diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dementia or COPD, their doctors will refer them to specialists in the appropriate area. This is unlikely to be Ballan and again we would like to stress that this money should be returned to the community, which worked hard to raise funds for the Hostel and Hospital, as soon as possible and not held onto the money with airy fairy ideas in mind.

Ray and Merilyn Meadows, Ballan

He needs to explain what is fair about a 500 per cent increase to the cost of getting water and wastewater connected to a building block.

I ask the Minister, Harriett Shing, to insert herself into this impending financial disaster to ensure that an authority, under her auspices, does not slug Victorians unfairly and cruelly for the most essential service of all: water.

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

“I was basically one week in, I miscalculated when I should’ve stopped driving. I’d been away, a bit of brain fade from having COVID, that put me out a week of where I was supposed to be. I had a ride to clear my head, had a rain cell above me, and my visor was broken,” Mr Parkhill said.

[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.

Bev McArthur MP, Member for Western Vic Region

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

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

“I’m in my late 50s and I’m here for something like this, it’s very embarrassing.”

The road in question is a 100 kilometres an hour zone, meaning that luckily for Mr Parkhill his speeding was less than 25 kilometres an hour, meaning no mandatory disqualification period.

Magistrate Radford decided not to add a further period to Mr Parkhill’s licence suspension, but imposed a fine of $600 without conviction.

YOUR COMMUNITY MARKETS

Ballan

Dates: June 10

9am - 1pm • 73 Inglis st, Ballan

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

Dates: June 17

9am - 1pm • Cnr Fitzroy & Grey Sts, Darley

A Farmers’ Market/Flea Market held at Darley Park - on the 1st & 3rd Saturdays of each month.

Eynesbury

Dates: June 25

9am - 2pm • 487 Eynesbury Road, Eynesbury

Relaxed surroundings with a wide range of stalls from produce growers & makers, food vendors & artisan crafts.

BUILDING DESIGN

PAINTING

TOPLINE COATINGS

• General Domestic & Commercial Painting

• Wallpapering, Faux & Specialised finishes

• Complete Handyman & property maintenance service

• Plastering & General building repairs

Contact Neil Harty Ph: 5367 1776 Mob: 0418 312 288 Email: neilharty1@gmail.com

ROOFING

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• Free Quotes TREE

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PAT CASHIN FUNERALS

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PUBLIC

BALLAN CRICKET CLUB

Annual General Meeting

Monday, 19th June, 7pm

Fire Lounge, Commercial Hotel, 151 Inglis St, Ballan

and nominations to

Reservoir

The dam and reservoir are located on a tributary of the Werribee River and impound 22,119 ML of water when full, as seen in the picture above

RAINFALL May 2023 rainfall 50.1 millimetres Total for the year 2023 243.3 millimetres May 2022 rainfall 28.2 millimetres Total at same time last year 275.5 millimetres Western Water Report Reservoir levels Pykes Creek Reservoir at 30 May 2023 87.0% Water level this time last year 97.0%

Ph: 5333 3911

All Hours

MN Moorabool News

DEATH NOTICE

Hearn Vivian Robert

Passed away 06/06/2023 aged 67 years

Will be sadly missed, in our hearts forever, your loving sisters Tania and Angie. Reunited with Mum and Dad RIP our brother

EMPLOYMENT

JOURNALIST

Casual/Part-Time/Full-Time

Are you ready to inform, educate, entertain and engage local community audiences in print and online?

A self-motivated reporter to be the eyes and ears in our Moorabool community.

We need people with a passion for people and a hunger for sourcing local news to deliver across our media platforms. Provide significant content daily.

Excellent phone manner; confidentiality, and interview skills. **University (2nd/3rd Yr) journalism-degree students are encouraged to apply.

Our more than 25,000 audience members want to be informed, entertained and engaged in print and online. They want to be informed about local, state and federal politics … show us your experience in this kind of reporting. And they want to read the latest reports, well researched and professionally put together … this means working to deadlines, excellent spelling and grammar, and a high level of computer skills.

The successful applicant will work from our Ballan office, hours/ days TBC.

To apply please submit your CV, along with a cover letter telling us how you fit what our audiences want (use the list in this advert as your guide). Submit the best examples of your work (professionally or from university) to further your opportunity. Email – editor@themooraboolnews.com.au

Successful applicants will be contacted for an interview.

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BACKPACK, Bulldog cap membership 2023 & football $25 - 0423 252 922

BACKPACK Wenger - multiple compartments inc. padded sleeve for laptops to 17" EC $30 - 0408 872 293

BEANIE BEARS variety of types x 10 $2 each - 0423 252 922

BED SIDE DRAWERS (3 drawers) timber stained $15 – 0409 186 576

BED single - Girls pink brass bed $1000423 252 922

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BEDSPREAD QS padded, reverse shan $60

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BOOTS BOGS mens size 10, worn once $100 – 0407 200 942

CHESS SET, Pieces 4” high, Asian made in case $70 0458 644 633

CHEST OF DRAWERS 3 large & 2 small drawers, GC $25 ONO – 5367 1319

DOG KENNEL small - medium dog, timber with colorbond roof, $55 ONO –0419 979 153

DVDS - The hobbit trilogy $100 – 0423 252 922

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MATTRESS single, Sealy EC $100 - 0419 332 403

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POLISHER - Black & Decker Buffer

Polisher model WP1500K, new buffer pads, used once $90 – 5310 6671

SHOES girls boots, Asics runners & slippers sizes 10,12 & 13 $12 lot, will separate - 0423 252 922

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SPOTLIGHTS stainless steel bar x 3, globes incl $40 - 0418 318 164

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T-SHIRT Pacman size small $10 – 0423 252 922

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TV CABINET Wooden, 2 glass doors & wooden door. $50 – 0423 252 922

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COBRA NEWS – JUNE 13, 2023

WOMEN’S FOOTBALL ROUND 7 – SUNDAY JUNE 4

The Cobras came away with two wins out of four which is great. It is a pleasure to see the girls doing what they love playing footy. A great day at the home of the Cobras and awesome with some U19s stepping up to play senior football. The senior women played well against East Point, but unfortunately didn't come home with the win. The junior games against Ballarat Storm saw the U19 and U16 teams win, whilst the U14 girls had a crack but were ultimately unsuccessful.

A raffle was organised on the day by Leanne Bassett, with all proceeds going to Exford Primary School Thanks Leanne. Thank you to all supporters and volunteers who help out, you are very much appreciated.

VALE - DALLAS KEOGH-FRANKLING

Great to see teams across the league come together and put their boots out for Dallas. Our thoughts are with everyone in Dallas’ family and the Castlemaine and Kyneton Football Netball Clubs

U18 WOMEN’S INTERLEAGUE

The Ballarat League U18 Women’s rep side took on the Bendigo League in Bendigo on the 3rd of June and came away with the win. It shows the strength of women’s football in our region. The girls, captained by our own Emma Stewart, got a second opportunity, and took on the Riddell League last Friday night at Maddingley Park. Keep an eye on the media for results.

MEN’S

U23 INTERLEAGUE SQUAD

A big shout out to our co-captain Jack Parente, who has been named in the final squad for the U23 men’s Ballarat League Interleague squad. They will take on the Hampden League at Mars Stadium on Saturday July 1st. Bit of a celebrity flavour to this match. Ballarat to be coached by Kouta (Anthony Koutafides) and Hampden by Browny (Johnathon Brown). Congratulations JP!

MND BIG FREEZE

Don’t forget the MND Big Freeze, Bacchus Marsh style this Saturday June 17. The ice cubes are still getting colder. The list of sliders so far include Nick Myrianthis and Neal Morgan who will take the plunge in memory of Phil O’Keefe from Greendale. Also up are Ian McClure, Nat Watson, Jackie Cook, Belinda Wakefield, Jacinta Reid, Alison Hetherington and Flynn Gianni. It’s for a great cause and is great entertainment. So come along donate some money to this great cause, buy a MND 9 beanie, watch games of footy or why not do them all.

SPONSORS DAY

The club will be saying thanks to our generous sponsors this Saturday June 17. Full details are yet to be released, but a tasty meal, cool drinks and some great footy are assured. All the Cobra community, please make yourselves aware of our sponsors and give them a call first when you have a job or service you need.

COBRAS MID YEAR BALL

The Cobras Mid-Year Ball is on again, so keep the night of Saturday June 24 free, following our home game against East Point. The theme is Red, Yellow and Black so dress up in your red, yellow and black finery and come to the club rooms. Dinner and dancing at 6.00 for 6.30pm for $60 per head. Or come after dinner for just the dancing from 7.30PM for $30 per head.