Moorabool News June 27

INSIDE THIS WEEK...

RAV connects artists

Dumping win at court

Special donation to RSL

BIG APPLE ON BIG SCREEN

By Lachlan Ellis

A film crew has visited Moorabool Shire, with part of a new feature film being recorded at a local café.

Positive Ape and Umbrella Entertainment’s ‘How to Talk Australians: Highway to Hell’ film crew visited Bacchus Marsh’s Big Apple Café last month, with the film adapting the hit 2014 web series ‘How To Talk Australians’, which has over 12 million views on YouTube.

The film will be directed by Tony Rogers, who penned the script alongside Rob Hibbert, and will be produced by Jason Byrne and Victoria Schaw.

How to Talk Australians follows a group of students and teachers from The Delhi College of Linguistics who hit the road to discover Australia and gain experience of its authentic language and culture. When their plane is diverted to the country town of Dubbo due to storms, and their tour-leader is detained by customs, the hapless bunch unearth the ‘real’

Garages & Sheds

Australia while never making it to Sydney, Melbourne, or even Brisbane. Ms Schaw sat down with the Moorabool News in between filming to explain why Big Apple Café was an appealing place to film part of the movie.

“The story is around some Indians that come to Australia to learn the culture, language, everything around Australia. It’s a comedy, it’s entertaining, it’s a little bit risky…but it’s allowing us all to have a bit of a laugh about life,” she said.

“We had about 40 crew in town, and then a cast of many ethnicities. We go into post-production soon, we’ll have a number of months in post-production and we’ll be working towards releasing the film early next year.

“We’ve spent a lot of time travelling around regional Victoria…Bacchus Marsh is a beautiful rural area, and aesthetically it was what we’re after, and reasonably close to Melbourne. It was a beautiful drive, and everyone here at the café have been so supportive.”

Some famous faces will also feature in the film in support-

ing roles, including Shane Jacobson, Dave Lawson, and Richard Davies, stars of both the small and silver screens. Tony Rogers said it was fantastic to have both the trio, and the original How to Talk Australians cast, as part of the team.

“The original cast we began this journey with are still with us…we are so thrilled to have wonderful actors and many more joining the ranks. On top of incredible Indian Australian talent including Vikrant Narain, Robert Santiago and Ria Patel. We are so fortunate to have such talent to work with and bring this all to life,” Mr Rogers said.

“The film is a lot more than a very funny Road Movie, it is a powerful observation of this great nation. The light and the shade, the joy and the darkness.”

What medium exactly the feature film will be released on is still in the works, but Moorabool residents should keep an eye out for the film’s release, hopefully early next year, to see part of our Shire on-screen.

Shedding, Farming and Industrial Structures

For all your Domestic

Producer Victoria Schaw and director Tony Rogers (right) were thrilled to visit Bacchus Marsh’s Big Apple Café as a setting for the movie – and owner Mehettin Caymaz was happy to host them too. Photo – How to Talk Australians

RAV connects artists

By Lachlan Ellis

Local artists have thanked Regional Arts Victoria (RAV) for providing a program locally last week, connecting artists and providing fantastic one-on-one advice.

RAV is an independent, not-for-profit group that partners with every level of government to support regional Victorians in making, participating in, and experiencing creative work.

Last week RAV brought its ‘RAV in Residence’ program to Moorabool Shire, with a Creative Funding Forum and Network & Nibbles session on Tuesday afternoon, and private chats held across Tuesday and Wednesday.

Mount Egerton artist Min Ray – whose ‘Superstellar’ piece many would recognise at Lerderderg Library – made full use of the program, attending both events and having a one-onone chat with RAV’s Rhiannon Poley.

Ms Ray said the day was fantastic, and she’d love to see more support for local artists in the future.

“It was very good, it was so informative. I’ve learnt a lot, and I feel like there’s a lot of support out there for artists like myself in regional areas. The staff members are so approachable, and very helpful. It was a fantastic experience,” she told the Moorabool News.

“I had a meeting with Rhiannon on Tuesday. I had a few project ideas and she was able to guide me to see which funding might be suitable for certain projects. Not necessarily all of my projects fit well for grants…on Tuesday there was FRRR and Creative Partnerships Australia available to chat to as well, and Moorabool Shire Council as well. “It was super helpful.”

Ms Poley, who is RAV’s Membership Engagement Coor-

dinator, said the feedback from local artists had been “really positive”.

“I don’t think anyone’s had a bad word to say… they’ve had responses like ‘I feel really energised’, ‘I have lots of ideas now’, ‘I’ve got a lot of homework to do now’. It’s been very very positive,” she said.

“When we’re doing the one-on-ones, I feel like that’s the most valuable. We’re able to tailor the advice to specifically what their needs are, rather than them going to a forum and trying to gather some information and leaving with more questions, they’re able to sit with us and have really earnest discussions about their projects and goals.

“Because of our connections, we’re able to point them in the right direction.”

For more information on RAV in Residence, and the other fantastic programs RAV run, visit www. rav.net.au.

The local RAV in Residence sessions were sup

ported by Moorabool Shire Council.

TOP: Bec Grech from Regional Arts Victoria and Linda Purves from Moorabool Shire Council at Network & Nibbles at Ballan Art Space, on 20 June 2023, hosted in partnership with Regional Arts Victoria and Moorabool Shire Council.

BOTTOM: Creative Victoria representatives ran local artists through some grant opportunities for their future works at Tuesday’s Creative Funding Forum. Photo – Moorabool Shire Council

Power struggle

By Lachlan Ellis

Two regional MPs have spoken out at a Labor Party conference, urging the State Government to intervene and force further consultation on a controversial transmission line project.

Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae, who represents much of Moorabool Shire, and State Member for Ripon Martha Haylett, were among those who supported a motion at Victorian Labor’s State Conference, calling on the State Government to step in and change tack on the Western Renewables Link project.

Held across Saturday 17 June and Sunday 18 June, the Conference included a broad range of ‘Urgency Resolutions’, with Urgency Resolution 93 concerning the Western Renewables Link (WRL) specifically.

The motion called on the State Government to move planning, development, and engagement control of the project – which has faced staunch opposition from local communities for around three years – to VicGrid, a body within the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action (DEECA).

It highlighted “critical failures of [AEMO] and AusNet to

properly consult with the community”, which community groups such as Stop AusNet’s Towers have formed from the frustrations of.

Ms Haylett, who lives in Creswick, said the process run by AusNet Services and energy market operator AEMO so far for the WRL had failed to “bring communities along for the journey”.

“Transmission line projects need a social licence to be delivered. I am here to tell you that it [the WRL] simply does not have one in my community,” she told the Conference. Following a speech from Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, the motion was lost.

The Moorabool News asked Mr Rae how he felt about the motion being lost, what he told the Conference when voicing his support of the motion, and what reasons those who voted against the motion voiced for doing so, but he declined to comment.

On 8 June this year the State Government took control of planning for future renewable energy projects in Victoria under the ‘Victorian Transmission Investment Framework’ (VTIF), but the framework will not apply to pre-existing plans such as the WRL.

Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae supported a resolution on 18 June for the State Government to intervene in the Western Renewables Link. Photo – The Moorabool News

Community grants released

The latest round of community grants recipients has been announced, with projects ranging from an electronic scoreboard to a wildlife program.

The list of recipients was approved at Moorabool Shire Council’s Ordinary Meeting on 7 June, with the Ballan Football Netball Club receiving $54,917 for an electronic scoreboard at the Ballan Recreation Reserve, and the Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance receiving $3,000 for a public art sculpture titled ‘Platypus at Play’.

Other grant recipients were:

• Wombat Regional Arts Network – musical concert ($3000)

• Blackwood Times – technological enhancements ($3000)

• Ballan Shire Historical Society – book reprinting ($5000)

• Elaine Mechanics Institute Hall – life saving equipment ($1844.50)

• Moorabool Gardens for Wildlife – wildlife program ($1000)

• Bacchus Marsh Lawn Tennis Club – inclusive tennis tournament ($3000)

• Mount Wallace Hall and Reserve – open mic events ($3000)

• Woodlands Wildlife Rescue – community awareness project ($2910)

Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Rod Ward congratulated the recipients, and said the new scoreboard in Ballan would complement the new pavilion being built at the Recreation Reserve.

“All of these projects and programs are very worthy grant recipients and will bring great benefit to our communities. The Recreation Reserve will look fantastic with the new pavilion and scoreboard erected,” he said.

Pink power in the Marsh

By Lachlan Ellis

Do you know if cancer is a hereditary risk in your family? Many Aussies don’t, and a local event will be held in a few months’ time highlighting that fact, and raising funds for a great cause.

The ‘Get Your Pink On’ luncheon is being held at the Bacchus Marsh Golf Club on 9 September, with a percentage of the $70 ticket sales going to non-profit charity Pink Hope, which works to educate and support Australians regarding hereditary cancer risk.

Dress in a little pink, or a lot of pink, and come down for a day of entertainment and laughter, while also learning about an important topic,

Local campaigner Rochelle McKenry is organising the luncheon, and said the cause was particularly close to her heart.

“Pink Hope focus on support, education, and advocacy for families of hereditary cancers such as breast, ovarian, and prostate cancer. They also focus on genetic cancer mutations which make people who are carriers more at-risk of developing breast, ovarian or prostate cancer,” she told the Moorabool News.

“This is very personal for me as I am from a family that is five-generation breast and

ovarian cancer battlers, and are carriers of the BRCA2 gene mutation. This makes us high-risk of developing these cancers. Genetic testing is optional to all, so the possibility of our family having the genetic mutation is greatly higher.”

The local event will be focused on raising awareness in Moorabool to genetic cancers, and gene mutations such as BRCA1 – made famous by Angelina Jolie, who went through risk-management surgery to reduce her risk of developing these cancers.

“To have the knowledge of prevention, and a possibility to plan a course of action before recognising you may or may not carry a cancer, is a positive to all,” Ms McKenry said.

“Pink Hope do amazing work. My family discovered we’re carriers of BRCA2 through The Familial Cancer Clinic by battling five generations of breast and ovarian cancers, and that’s why I find it so important to know your history.”

The Get Your Pink On luncheon will run from 12pm to 4pm on Saturday 9 September, and will feature a three-course meal, a key speaker from Pink Hope, silent auctions, raffles, prizes, and more.

For more information, email getyourpinkon@outlook.com.

chw.net.au/letstalkwater

We’d love to hear from you and welcome your feedback.

The Bacchus Marsh Platypus Alliance, which completed this mural last November, has been granted $3,000 for a public art sculpture. Photo - Lachlan Ellis

Caught and convicted

Two men who illegally dumped waste in the Moorabool Shire have been fined thousands of dollars.

The household waste was dumped in Coimadai and the matter heard recently after Council successfully had them prosecuted in the Ballarat Magistrates Court. The men were fined $13,000 plus clean-up costs.

The court case began in September 2022, but concluded on Friday 16 June, with the judge fining one man $5,000 and another $5,000 for legal fees, and the other man $8,000 and $440 for legal fees. Both men had conviction recorded and were ordered to pay clean-up costs of $12,284.

Council’s Acting CEO, Caroline Buisson, said the result was fantastic for the environment and community.

“This is a great outcome for preserving the health of our communities and the integrity of our natural assets. We hope this deters others from illegally dumping goods on Moorabool’s roadways, state parks or anywhere rubbish doesn’t belong,” she said.

Council was alerted to the rubbish dumping at the side of Reservoir Road, Coimadai, in January 2022, which consisted of a significant amount of household goods and rubbish.

Evidence from the rubbish led Council to two residents from a neighbouring shire, who told Council they had paid a rubbish removal service to clean up and dispose of a large amount of rubbish from their home. An investigation found that the rubbish had been illegally dumped by the removal service, rather than disposed of properly.

Illegal dumping of materials, whether household, building materials, chemicals or general waste, costs Council about $80,000 a year to clean up. Residents who see any dumping of rubbish occurring are encouraged to contact Council.

Residents are also reminded not to search through the rubbish to see who it belongs to as this can hinder any legal proceedings.

The defendants were not in court during the final session, which came about after several court adjournments.

There is more information on illegal dumping on Council’s website at moorabool.vic.gov.au/dumping.

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The two men who dumped this rubbish in Coimadai have been ordered to pay over $25,000. Photo – Moorabool Shire Council

Powerline protesters join forces

Groups opposed to overhead powerline plans have combined under one banner, pledging to collaborate and stop what they believe are poorly-planned projects.

On 16 May, the Steering Committee of the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) met in Maryborough with a number of other local action groups, voting unanimously to form the Regional Victoria Power Alliance (RVPA).

The purpose of the 16 May meeting was to discuss shared concerns about the Victorian Government and the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) proposal to build 80 metre high towers to carry over 400 kilometres of 500kV overhead transmission lines via the Western Renewables Link and VNI West Projects, as well as build new terminal stations.

It was the MCHPA that put the proposal forward to unite under the RVPA banner, which was unanimously agreed to by all groups at the meeting.

Update your animal’s details

Have the details of your pet changed? If so, it’s important to let Moorabool Shire Council know – and you can do so easily, online.

Keeping your details and the details of any pets you own is important, as it allows Council to reunite you with your pet faster if they go missing, and ensures your pet is not mistaken for a stray.

You can make changes to your animal's registration, including:

• If your pet has moved to a different address or has moved out of Moorabool Shire

• If your pet has been desexed

• If your pet has passed away

You can find more details, and complete an online form notifying Council of any changes, at moorabool.vic.gov.au/ update-animal-details.

You can also notify Council of any changes to your registered pet via email at info@moorabool.vic.gov.au, by post at PO BOX 18, Ballan, Victoria 3342, or in-person at any of Council’s three offices.

If you use email or post, make sure you include the animal’s name, owner’s name, address where the animal lives, and any relevant documentation such as a desexing certificate.

In a release announcing the move, the MCHPA said that the new alliance wouldn’t decrease the power of each group to take action in their local areas.

“This does not mean that those who are fighting either project lose their ability to organise locally and make decisions that address their concerns, but it does mean that this strategic Alliance, which will be managed by a larger RVPA Steering Commitee with members from along the lines of both projects, will have greater resources and a louder voice in the fight against both projects. The intent is to ensure that local action groups can connect and work within each region, unified under the enlarged RVPA umbrella,” the announcement reads.

“We are confident that this Alliance will strengthen our collective fight, bolster community morale, increase our resources, help with fundraising for campaign and legal action, and ultimately deliver superior outcomes.”

By Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool Shire Council has rejected plans for a new dwelling in Bacchus Marsh’s Avenue of Honour, after officers determined it was unsuitable for the area.

The proposal to develop a dwelling at 440 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh came before Council at the 21 June Development Assessment Committee, and while some amendments made to the initial plan reassured Heritage Victoria’s concerns, Council’s Strategic Planning opposed the application.

A number of amendments were made including relocating the dwelling outside the 20-metre Avenue of Honour Heritage precinct, but Council officers still recommended the proposal be rejected.

The land in question is located within the Bacchus Marsh Irrigation District and is being used for irrigated turf production, with Council officers arguing the application to build a dwelling on the property “does not comply with the objectives of the Moorabool Planning Scheme and leads to a proliferation of dwellings in the Farming Zone”.

Under Council’s Rural Growth Policy, Council should “ensure the siting of any dwellings is designed to have a minimal impact on any existing or future agricultural activities on the site and on surrounding land”, while the Rural Housing Policy states Council should “protect agricultural land use from loss and allow development that increases agricultural productivity”.

Council officers said in their report that the dwelling, which would have a total floor area just shy of 550 sqm with a total dwelling envelope of 3,390 sqm, did not abide by these policies.

The recommendation to reject the dwelling proposal was moved by Cr Tonia Dudzik and seconded by Cr Moira Berry, with all Councillors present voting in favour.

Crs Rod Ward and Paul Tatchell were both apologies and did not attend the meeting.

Councillors agreed with Council officers that a dwelling on this site would be unsuitable. Photo – Moorabool Shire Council DAC Agenda 21/6/23

Pearce Memorial Gates

Moorabool Shire Council

Bacchus Marsh & District Historical Society Inc.

Bacchus Marsh Express 1922:

Maddingley Park, the recreation ground for all Bacchus Marsh, has had some good, earnest workers on its behalf during the last decade, but none more sincere than the late Mr. T. G. Pearce, who had the welfare of these public gardens ever uppermost in his mind.

He was chairman of Trustees for its management for many years, and when he was called to rest, the duties of Trustee were taken up by his brother, Mr. E. Pearce, who also devoted much attention to- this public work, and it was during his term of office as a Trustee that the question of erecting a memorial in the Park to his late brother was discussed, and entrance gates at the railway side of the gardens were decided on. Then something unexpected happened— Mr. Ebenezer Pearce himself passed away. His son (Mr. Fred. C. Pearce) filled the vacant Trusteeship. The families of the two gentlemen named then combined forces and decided to elaborate the original Memorial Gates. The result is seen to-day—a very handsome gift to the Trustees of the Park and to the community, and a monument that will perpetuate the memory of two of the district's best men.

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

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

The gates are constructed in fancy metal work, painted green and gold, and hung in reinforced concrete piers, 10ft. high, cement faced, and coloured cream; the pair of main gates (12 feet wide) are flanked with two passenger gates (4 feet wide), and these footways are flanked again with 20 feet wings, the whole making a crescent some 60 feet in width, interspersed with six 10

feet piers and two of 8 feet. The two central pillars will be surmounted with electric globes.

Over the main pair of gates are the words, in polished solid brass letters— "The T. G. and E. Pearce Memorial Gates."

On a brass plate on one of the piers the following words explain to visitors and others, what the memorial represents: "1922. This entrance was presented to Maddingley Park by the Pearce families, and stands as a memorial to the late T. G. and E. Pearce, who were Trustees for many years."

The ceremony of officially handing the memorial over to

Moorabool Shire Council

Council Mee�ng

the Trustees of the Park took place on Sunday afternoon last, in the presence of a large number of people….Mr. Alfred Pearce performed his part of the ceremony by asking Mr. J. A. Johns, as the present chairman of Trustees, to accept the gift on behalf of the two families.

Mr. Johns said he did so with pleasure, but at the same time he was sorry indeed that both Mr. T. G. and Mr. E. Pearce had passed away, as they were great enthusiasts for the Park, both by their personal and financial efforts. He sincerely thanked the two families for their very handsome gift. Mr. Johns also mentioned that this was not the first gift the Park had been fortunate in receiving, as there was the Evans pavilion, the Dickie bandstand and memorial lamp; the Staughton memorial seat; the Sloss drinking fountain; the Hodgson display fountain; Alford sun dial; and others, including the more recent gift from the local A.N.A.—the entrance gates at the northern end of the Park, which stood as a memorial to district soldiers. For all these gifts Mr. Johns said the Trustees were deeply thankful.

Miss M. I. Pearce and Miss Nellie Pearce (daughters of the two fathers who were that day being honoured) were then called upon to sever the white streamers across the main gates.

This they did, and threw them open to the large concourse, which then wended its way into the gardens to listen to a programme of music rendered by the Bacchus Marsh brass band, who also played a selection prior to the above ceremony.

Council Mee�ng

Commi�ee Mee�ng

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated Public Mee�ng

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated

Council Mee�ng

Public 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

Employment

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

Commi�ee Mee�ng

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

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated

Employment Tenders

Public Mee�ng

• Economic Development Officer – Part-Time Fixed-Term

Based at Darley

Applica�ons close on Sunday 9 July 2023

Employment Tenders Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

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

Have Your Say

Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

Keep up to date with all our community consulta�ons and opportuni�es to have your say: moorabool.engagementhub.com.au

Planning Permit

Employment Tenders

Planning Permit

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

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

Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

Planning Permit

Commi�ee Mee�ng Changes

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

Community Planting Day 2023

Sunday 16th July, 9.30 am - 4.00 pm

Bring the family and help us improve habitat near the Werribee River. You will be joining other volunteers to plant 5,000 seedlings and make up and install tree guards to protect the seedlings.

What to bring: warm clothes, hat, gardening gloves and sturdy footwear (clean). To minimise waste, please bring your own water bottle (filling stations will be available), cup, plate and cutlery for lunch

Catering: morning tea will be provided at the planting sites. Lunch and afternoon tea will be provided by the Bacchus Marsh Lions Club.

Parking: Ingliston Road, Ingliston Follow the signs and parking attendants.

Arrival: please check in at the registration desk and get allocated to your team.

Contact: For more information, contact Lindy at servicepartnerships@melbournewater.com.au or 0460 878 586

Date: 16th July 2023

Time: 9.30 am - 4.00 pm

Where: Ballan Treatment Plant

Registration Close: 9th July 2023

Register at Event Brite: https://GrowWestPlantingDay.eventbrite.com

This event is run in partnership with Melbourne Water, Central Highlands Water, Wadawurrung

Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation, Moorabool Shire Council, Fifteen Trees, Moorabool Landcare Association, Friends of Werribee Gorge and Long Forest Mallee, Bacchus Marsh Lions Club, Victorian Mobile Landcare Group & Victorian National Park Association.

This event is funded by the State Government's Iconic Urban Waterways fund.

Crime stats up in Moorabool

There are some good signs in the latest statistics on criminal offences, despite an overall crime increase, according to Victoria Police.

Statistics on criminal offences over the 12-months to March 2023 were released on Thursday 15 June, with an increase of 26,424 offences recorded. When population growth is taken into account, overall crime increased by 3.5 per cent (7,349.1 offences per 100,000 people, up from 7,102.3).

Overall crimes against the person increased by 3.2 per cent year-on-year, driven mainly by crimes such as assault and dangerous driving.

However, offences such as stalking and harassment, rape, and sex offences against children saw a decrease.

Overall crime also remains 9.1 per cent below pre-COVID levels, with 45,470 less offences than in the twelve months leading up to March 2020.

“Serious offences including family violence serious assaults, rape, sex offences against children, and stalking and harassment all recorded reductions,” Deputy Commissioner Regional Operations Rick Nugent said.

“While this is positive, there are clearly a number of areas of concern that police are investing significant energy and resources towards. Every single night, we have significant numbers of local police working alongside the Air Wing, Dog Squad, and Public Order Response Team until dawn to prevent burglaries and car thefts from occurring.”

A Melbourne-wide operation has seen over 200 burglars and car thieves arrested during the night over a three-month period.

“Our intelligence is telling us there has been a decrease in burglaries and associated car thefts since the operation commenced, however we will not let up,” Deputy Commissioner Nugent said.

“In some parts of Melbourne, up to 70 per cent of homes broken into are unlocked, so we also implore the community to take simple measures such as looking all doors, windows, and gates to help foil opportunistic thieves.”

Moorabool Shire also saw an increase in offences recorded, with 2,185 offences in the 12-months to March 2023, compared to 2,041 recorded last year, an increase of 7.1 per cent.

The top five offence subgroups in Moorabool were breach

family violence order, steal from a motor vehicle, criminal damage, other theft, and residential non-aggravated burglary, which all increased from the same time last year.

The top five suburbs for offending were Bacchus Marsh, Darley, Maddingley, Ballan, and Leigh Creek, with Bacchus

Special donation to RSL

By Lachlan Ellis

A local RSL branch has received a significant donation this month, in the form of a replica Vietnam War memorial item.

Wishing to do something special in remembrance of Australia’s Vietnam Veterans, Mr Zack Betts decided to make replicas of the Long Tan Cross and donate them to selected Victorian RSL Sub-Branches. During its General Meeting on the 10th of June 2023, the Ballan RSL Sub-Branch was honoured to receive one of Zack’s crosses.

The Battle of Long Tan occurred in a South Vietnam rubber plantation during the afternoon of the 18th of August 1966, when 105 soldiers from 6th Battalion Royal Australia Regiment (6RAR) and 3 New Zealand soldiers from 161 Field Battery encountered a force of 2,000 Viet Cong soldiers. Even though they were outnumbered by more than 10 to 1, for 3 hours during a monsoon thunderstorm the Australians and New Zealanders held back the Viet Cong onslaught.

During the battle artillery support was called in, but the Viet Cong were so close that the shells fell very near the Australian and New Zealand positions. When all seemed lost, at about 7.00pm a relief company reached the surviving 6RAR soldiers and drove the Viet Cong off.

To commemorate the battle, on the 18th of August 1969 members of 6RAR erected the Long Tan Cross at Long Tan in South Vietnam.

Today the original Long Tan Cross is on display at the Australian War Memorial in Canberra after being donated to Australia by the Vietnam government in 2017. A replica of the Cross commemorates the site of the Battle of Long Tan in South Vietnam.

The Battle of Long Tan resulted in Australia suffering its heaviest casualties in a single action during the Vietnam War. 18 Australians were killed and 24 were wounded. The Viet Cong suffered 245 killed and 350 wounded.

Ballan RSL Sub-Branch Pippa Morris said the replica Long Tan Cross was a welcome addition to the RSL.

RSL

Marsh the only one of the five to see a decrease in offences recorded.

However, the total number of offences is far lower for this period – almost 500 less – than the 12-months leading to March 2021, which was 2,634.

The significance of the Battle of Long Tan is highlighted by the promulgation of the 18th of August as Vietnam Veterans’ Day.

“The Ballan

Sub-Branch thanks Zack for his wonderful donation. The replica Long Tan Cross is proudly on display in the RSL Hall,” Ms Morris said.

ABOVE: Vietnam Veteran Rod Edwards (left) receiving the replica Long Tan Cross from Zack Betts. Photo – Ballan RSL Sub-Branch

TOP: The original Long Tan Cross at the Australian War Memorial. Photo – Australian War Memorial

Transmission guide released

Rubbish to be removed

Dale Barry says the rubbish has been identified as medical waste originating from Brighton Hospital. Photo –Submitted

By Lachlan Ellis

VicRoads says waste on the Western Freeway will soon be disposed of, after a local resident complained of medical waste dumped near Pykes Creek.

Dale Barry from Myrniong spotted the rubbish adjacent to the bridge at Pykes Creek Reservoir, and made “numerous calls to VicRoads and Melbourne Water”, but said despite this, “nothing has been initiated to investigate the numerous bags of rubbish”.

But when contacted regarding the waste, the Department of Transport and Planning said it was aware of the site in question, and was working to clean it.

“Illegal dumping remains an ongoing

challenge for the Department - we will attend the site and rectify this issue in the coming days,” the Department’s Regional Director Grampians, Simon Grant, told the Moorabool News.

“We encourage everyone to dispose of their rubbish in a responsible manner and to be aware of the impact that roadside dumping can have on the surrounding environment.”

All illegal dumping should be reported to the EPA by contacting 1300 372 842 (1300 EPA VIC).

Fines for littering from a vehicle range from $370 to $740.

To report any issues or hazards on the road network, call the VicRoads hotline on 131 170.

By Lachlan Ellis

A new guide on social licence for energy transmission projects has been released – and its author has grave concerns over a local project’s compliance.

The Energy Grid Alliance released the ‘Evidence-based engagement guidelines for electricity transmission’ last month, explaining that as the transition away from fossil fuels continues, project planners must be “credible, legitimate, and trustworthy” to get the approval of local communities.

The guide outlines a number of ways that project planners can gain social licence, including providing access to reliable information, encouraging fact checkers and independent media outlets to verify information, and communicating uncertainties.

And while the guide doesn’t mention AusNet Services’ controversial Western Renewables Link (WRL), Energy Grid Alliance Director Darren Edwards said the company was unlikely to ever acquire social licence.

“I struggle to see how AusNet Services can ever acquire social licence for the WRL. Social licence for this project was lost in 2017 when the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) commenced the Regulatory Investment Test for Transmission (RIT-T). The public were not aware of this project until mid-2020 when all decisions had been made and landholders were contacted requesting access to their land for the new transmission development,” Mr Edwards told the Moorabool News.

“Landholders and regional communities were completely blind-sided. From that point, all credibility, legitimacy, and trust (the three pillars of social licence) were lost, not only for AusNet but for the network planning process and its supporting framework.”

Mr Edwards said that, in fairness, the loss of social licence was not AusNet Services’ doing, and it “has battled ever since to recover from that loss”, but “has not done itself any favours by continuing to keep the public at arm’s length”.

“The energy market and its participants can do a great deal more to forget about trying to gain acceptance for transmission infrastructure and focus more on being ‘good corporate citizens’. Show genuine respect, be honest and transparent, be open to scrutiny, and be willing to listen and have the tough conversations,” he said.

AusNet Services was contacted for comment on the guide, and a spokesperson told the Moorabool News that the company “takes social licence seriously”.

“AusNet Services acknowledges the uncertainty and concern around the Western Renewables Link, particularly for impacted landholders and communities…we are committed to working with local communities to create longstanding social value in the areas impacted by the proposed project,” the spokesperson said.

ENTERTAINMENT IN THE WEST

FAMILY FUN

Circle of Lif e Life, Death & EXHIBITIONRebirth

30th June - 23rd July

After a successful ‘Winter Wonderings’ show, the next Ballan Arts Space Exhibition is themed “Circle of Life’, based on the music (lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Elton John) and deeper messages explored in ’The Lion King’ movie, which was first released in 1994. In the movie, the Lion explains that as a leader he must understand and live in balance and with respect for all living things. He also explores ‘All things are Connected’; each living creature, no matter how big or small, plays such an important role in our ecosystem. This is such a powerful theme to reflect on in today’s world.

Winter is the seasonal time to hibernate, rejuvenate and prepare for the coming of spring with new life and growth. And so, this ‘Circle of Life’ theme provides artists the opportunity to creatively express their seasons of life, and for viewers, the opportunity to respond to the works from their individual life experiences.

The Ballan Arts Space

Club BM Art Show

Diana Gibson Award - Best Oil Painting in the Show

First Prize - Peter Tankey - Meikle St. Maddingley

Diana Gibson Award Award - Best Watercolour in Show

First Prize - Barbara Madden - On Parade

Diana Gibson Award - Best any other Medium in Show

First Prize - Lyn Cooke – Sunbird’

Bacchus Marsh Community Bank Choice AwardAn Acquisitive Prize

Janice Webster - Werribee Vale from Rock Top

Grow West – Best interpretation of the work of Grow West – an Acquisitive Prize

Susan Watson – Meeting Place (photograph)

Moorabool Shire Award - Best Photograph

First Prize - Elizabeth Thompson - Nimmons Bridge

Arbee Real Estate Award - Best Art-

Drug driver “wanted to get home”

his vehicle in the right emergency lane,” Leading Senior Constable Smith told the court.

work by a Local Artist

Winner - Nerrida Parfitt - Night Drive -Vibrance

Bacchus Marsh Community Bank AwardBest 21 Years & Under

Winner - Skye McBain - Woman with a White Flower

Arbee Real Estate Award - Best Local Content

Winner - Uma Barry - Last Light – Bacchus Marsh

Bacchus Marsh Community Bank

Award -

Best Small Painting

Winner - John Walsh - Pt Lonsdale

Best Sculpture

Winner - Ri Van Veen - Sunset @ the Werribee Gorge

2023 Moorabool Shire Acquisitions

Elizabeth Thompson - Nimmons Bridge

Janice Webster - Main St, Afternoon Light

People’s Choice Prize

Lyn Cooke - Yellow Rosellas

By Lachlan Ellis

A driver who was under the influence of drugs when he crashed into another vehicle has been served a four-figure fine and a period off the road, admitting he shouldn’t have been driving at the time.

Indiana Richards appeared via livestream, in custody for a separate County Court matter, and entered a guilty plea to drug driving in the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court.

Police Prosecutor Leading Senior Constable Smith told the court on Friday 23 June that Mr Richards hit another car on the freeway, while under the influence of ice late last year.

“The accused was driving a white Isuzu truck east on the Western Freeway in Gordon. He was driving in the left lane when the front of his vehicle collided with the rear of a Mazda station wagon which was also travelling east. The accused stopped

“The Mazda span out of control and hit a wire barrier. Police attended, a PBT (preliminary breath test) was conducted, and an oral fluid test subsequently done, all done with prescribed devices. The analysis indicated there was a drug, being methylamphetamine, in the accused’s saliva. During the field interview he became agitated and refused to answer questions.”

Magistrate Timothy Bourke remarked that Mr Richards was, “relatively young” and asked the circumstances around the crash.

Mr Richards said he had considered pulling over before the accident, but made the wrong decision to continue driving.

“I was on my way home from an event in Ballarat, we’d been working extensively over the past seven days…I was pretty wrecked, I should’ve stopped. I thought to myself, I shouldn’t drive, but I just wanted to get home, you know, back to Melbourne,” Mr Richards said.

“It ended up pretty bad. Before I knew it, I’d rear-ended this poor bloke on the freeway and he spun out of control.”

Mr Richards was convicted and fined $1,000 for the drug driving charge, and his licence was suspended for six months.

Library to benefit and a Foundation formed

There has been a lot of talk on the street, and Letters to The Moorabool News, about the whereabouts of the residual funds from the sale of a local health organistaion.

The proceeds of the sale of Ballan District Health & Care, to Mecwacare in 2021 is close to $2 million, and the discussion of how this money should be spent within the local community has been a hot topic since.

Last week, the Board and Association

Members of Ballan District Health & Care issued a statement announcing their delight that the proceeds from the sale will create an ongoing legacy for the district.

BDHC President Lyn Gunnell said 15-months ago, the Board advertised for community ideas for spending the proceeds from the sale.

“The community responded with some 24 concepts, ranging from scholarships for nursing students, to art projects for health, to walking tracks, to bidets for age care residents, to memorial plantings,” she said.

Ms Gunnell said the community’s inventiveness was striking.

“The message was clear. The current BDHC members wanted the money to be used to improve local health outcomes, but they asked us to think beyond the doctor’s office. They also wanted us to find a practical way to memorialise our bush nursing hospital’s history.”

After many meetings and discussions, two key decisions were made to contribute to the new Ballan Library & Community Hub, and to establish a new local charitable health promotion foundation.

A quarter of a million dollars will now be contributed to the new Ballan Library and Community Hub, memorialising the BDHC history and helping young people.

Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Rod Ward said Council is pleased this funding has been allocated to the new complex.

“The Ballan Library Hub is going to be a fantastic asset for the community of Ballan and surrounds, once its built.”

The library was scheduled to begin construction in May 2023, no date has been indicated for the first sod to be turned. Council was contacted for comment.

Merilyn and Ray Meadows had many letters of concern published in the Moorabool News, about the allocation of residual funds.

“What has happened to the Community’s money from the sale of the Ballan Hospital?” one letter read.

“The Ballan Hospital was sold by the former Committee to cover debts and as a way for-

ward. At the time no public meetings were held to alert the community as to what was going on,” the former BDHC Board Member and Life Member Ray Meadows said.

Mrs Meadows said last week she had no objections to the library fund, when asked about the decision of where the money from the sale was to be spent.

“I still believe the trust is a waste of money and how much was spent setting this up?

“My personal opinion is the money should also have been spent on some sort of physical activity, which could have been a walking trail, something that will last into the future,” she told the Moorabool News.

“It is a huge disappointment that no public community meetings were ever held to discuss this.”

The bulk of the $250,000 will be tied to purchasing resources and equipment for young people, to better support their mental health and wellbeing.

“In addition, some of the funds will be used towards a First Nations Public Artwork and a small balance will contribute to housing and memorialising BDHC’s history,” the statement read.

The remaining $1.55 million will be used to establish a local charitable health promotion foundation, The West Moorabool Foundation Ltd.

The statement said the Foundation will be a health promotion and disease prevention not-for-profit, focused on Ballan and its surrounding districts.

“The foundation will have the capacity to implement some of the community’s suggestions over time and will focus on key health problems such as poor mental health, diabetes, heart health, and dementia.”

And just who will implement these programs is still a work in progress.

According to CEO BDHC James McComb, the exact details have not been worked out. “The foundation would engage an organisation or individuals to carry out a specific program,” he said.

“For example, if a free health check was run one night to offer to check people’s blood pressure etc, the foundation could engage mecwacare just for this project.”

The foundation will be open to new members and new directors and currently include founding directors Ann Griffin, Tor Roxburgh and Robert Eskdale.

Membership enquires can be addressed to the foundation’s Secretary at westmooraboolfoundation@gmail.com

Stroke care milestone

An incredible 20,000 patients have received lifesaving stroke care over the past decade, thanks to the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine (VST) service, which has recently expanded to two new locations.

Run by Ambulance Victoria (AV) and operating across 20 regional hospitals throughout Victoria and Tasmania, VST allows clinicians to collaborate across organisational boundaries and provide time-critical care locally.

AV’s Grampians Regional Director Peter Jenkins said the service in Ballarat and Horsham plays a vital role in stroke treatment, with more than 300 consultations conducted between 1 July 2022 – 31 March 2023.

“Many rural and regional hospitals do not have a stroke specialist on site or lack around-the-clock access to this type of expertise,” Mr Jenkins said.

“People in these areas are 19 per cent more likely to have a stroke and a poorer outcome, making VST a game-changer in the emergency care of patients.”

When a suspected stroke case presents, the hospital contacts the 1300 number to speak directly with the on-call specialist. The specialist then has an audio-visual consultation with the patient, their family, and treating clinicians via a secure video link.

Patients needing more specialised stroke treatment are promptly transferred by Ambulance Victoria to hospitals in Melbourne.

AV’s Director of Stroke Services Professor Chris Bladin said every minute matters when suffering a stroke, which is why VST is crucial.

“The world-class service connects patients with expert doctors who provide diagnosis and treatment, enabling them to receive the right care at the right time regardless of their loca-

tion,” Professor Bladin said.

“With stroke telemedicine, patients are receiving clot-busting drugs an average of 40 minutes earlier and often within an hour of arriving at hospital.”

VST operates in 18 regional Victorian hospitals and two sites in northern Tasmania.

VST is one of a range of health services Ambulance Victoria provides to the community as part of its ongoing commitment to world class research and best care for patients across the state.

There are hopes to further expand the service to other locations across the country.

Melbourne grandmother Jacqueline Wilson reunited with paramedic Peter this month, who helped save her life after a stroke one year ago. Photo – Ambulance Victoria

The proceeds from the sale of the former BDH&C to Mecwacare have been announced.

Photo – The Moorabool News

YOUR COMMUNITY MARKETS

Ballan

Dates: July 8

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.

Darley

Dates: July 1 & 15 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: July 23

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

ANDY UNDY’S ROOFING

FULLY QUALIFIED ROOF TILER For all your roofing needs!

✔Re-bedding and Re-pointing

SEPTIC CLEANING

Biocycle Aqua Nova Taylex Systems

Lachlan Ivers 0419 400 025 “Couldn’t

• Free Quotes TREE

SEPTIC

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

Classified ad bookings close 12pm Friday. Bookings ph. 0448 918 665 or email - sales@themooraboolnews.com.au

Email must include full contact details or advertisement cannot be placed.

CLEARING SALE

CLEARING SALE MUSKVALE

Friday 7th July 2023 9.00 am START

A/C S MRSIC (No GST)

71 Ridge Road (Property Sold)

MUSKVALE VIC 3461

FUNERALS

FUNERALS

PAT CASHIN FUNERALS

VINTAGE

TRACTORS & FARM MACHINERY & PARTS & MUCH MUCH MORE

For full details visit: www.tbwhite.com.au or phone our office on 03 5335 9832 and ask to join our Clearing Sale mailing list

Vendor - Stan Mrsic 0413 970 282

Agent - Lockie Shaw 0428 928 027

FUNERAL NOTICE

FISCHER

The Funeral Service for the late Mr Gerhard Peter “Garry” Fischer will be held St Anne’s Winery, 61 Garrards Lane, Myrniong on FRIDAY (June 30, 2023) commencing at 12.00pm. At the conclusion of the Service the Funeral will leave the Chapel for the Blackwood Cemetery, Blackwood.

No flowers by request.

In lieu, please consider a donation to Barmah Brumby Hay Angels in memory of Garry. You can donate online here: www.gofundme.com/f/Garry-Fischer-Brumbies

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

1114 Doveton St. Nth, Ballarat

Ph: 5333 3911

All Hours

Full service at moderate

MN

Moorabool News

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

EMAIL: Editorial: news@themooraboolnews.com.au Advertising: sales@themooraboolnews.com.au

EDITOR: Helen Tatchell

GRAPHIC DESIGN Ruth Comey

PUBLISHED BY The Ballan News Pty Ltd

PRINTED BY Latrobe Valley Express

ANGLE GRINDER WorkZone

93549 excellent condition. $50 –0412 741 865

ASICS Women's runners Gelexcite 7 AWL grey/silver (US 8 1/2). Worn once. In box EC $40 - 0408 872 293

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 $100 - 0423 252 922

BED Queen Iron frame, mattress & base $100 0419 332

403

BED Single Pine, EC $100 - 0419

332 403

BEDSPREAD QS padded, reverse shan $60 – 0418 318 164

BICYCLE RACK, takes 3 bikes, attaches to tow bar GC $35 – 0411 741 999

BINOCULARS Zivitar $45 –0423 190 097

BLANKET Frozen Disney Elsa wearable. New $15 - 0423 252 922

BLENDER Mistral new in box $25 - 0417 110 261

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

COUCH 3 SEAT, club style arms, separate seat and back cushions, GC Free – 0419 565 406

CRYSTAL BASKET W25cm x

H23cm, exc condition . $20 - 0417

356 908

DOG KENNEL small - medium

dog, timber with colorbond

roof, $55 ONO – 0419 979 153

DVDS - The hobbit trilogy $100

– 0423 252 922

Old Jewellery, Toys, Signs, Vintage items, Tools, Rusty stuff

$$ CASH PAID $$

Prompt & polite service

1. Obligation to publish – Designated

WANTED Ian 0418 539 736

5. Publication of notices about the

(1) Each publisher must publish controls and on each website

(2) The content and format of the Council. The notice is to be published to the editor or the home page Executive Director of the Council.

2. Form and content determined

[Name of publication] is bound the Standards may have been breached, email (info@presscouncil.org.au) http://www.presscouncil.org.au.

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

ENTERTAINMENT UNIT, Brand new, woodgrain, W150cm, D40cm, H52cm, $100 - 0448 241 508

FAN, Coleman, rechargeable with lights, brand new, $75 – 0412 076 999

FOOTSTOOL Kcare. Adjustable height, tilt top, for elderly/ disabled person, EC. $40 - 0417 356 908”

FUTON FANTASTIC 2 seater grey plush FREE -0409 850 931

GUTTER GUARD - black - 8 rolls

180mm x 8m $20 – 0409 186 576

GIRLS clothing size 2, 4 dresses & jacket; size 4 barbie dress. $20 lot - 0423 252 922

HEADPHONES Sony Noise

Cancellation $45 – 0423 190 097

HOMYPED SLIPPERS blue velvet size 8, new $20 – 0408 951 676

HUTCH low-rise, 4 drawer, dark brown GC FREE, pick up only –0455 480 196

JEANS Calvin Klein (Low rise, classic boot leg) Female, Waist-32, New $30 - 0408 872 293

LAWNMOWER Masport just serviced,. starts easy, GC $90 0458 644 633

LAWNMOWER weed -eater, 3.5hp runs well. starts easy, with catcher $90 0458 644 633

MATTRESS single, Sealy EC $100 - 0419 332 403

MUSIC STAND Heavy duty, used once $20 - 0401 418 732

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

SHOPPING TROLLEY, 4 wheels, floral, brand new $80 –0417 110 261

SPOTLIGHTS stainless steel bar x

3, globes incl $40 - 0418 318 164

STRING LIGHTS 20 bulbs 4.1mtr with battery $30 - 0447 672 218

THERMO COOK Kuchef, used

3-4 times $100 - 0437 023 383

T-SHIRT Pacman size small

$10 – 0423 252 922

T- SHIRT Tie dye style Santa Cruz size L $10- 0423 25 2922

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.

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

TRAILER 6x4 not pretty but functions, FREE 0437 459 615 TV/VIDEO CABINET on castors, 4 doors. Honey coloured stained wood, 60cms H x 97cms W x 40cms D, $30 ONO - 0405 003 487

POTTERY DINNER SET handmade, brown tones, for 4, dinner & side plates, dessert & pasta bowls, mugs, spare pieces, EC. $50 - 0417 356 908

PRINCESS BED, single, canopy, white and gold, steel, four posts, with mattress, $90 – 0412 076 999

SHOPPING TROLLEY, 4 wheels, brand new $80 – 0417 110 261

SUNBEAM MIXMASTER, excellent condition, hardly used, $50 – 0417 110 261

WORK SHORTS hard yakka size 92R Brand new $7 – 0423 252 922

240 VOLT VACUUM GARDEN CLEANER/BLOWER, Gardenline, GC, $30 –0412 076 999

Bacchus Marsh Ballan 5367 6733

Kangas catch Cobras on the hop

By Todd Whelan

Bacchus Marsh’s two game winning streak came to an abrupt end at the weekend, going down to finals contender East Point by 43 points.

Despite a goalless second term the spritely Kangas assumed control with 11 goals to five after half time to consolidate their position in the top six, percentage shy of fifth placed Sunbury with five wins.

While a win for the Cobras was deemed unlikely in the lead up, they were well served by top end talent Luke Guertz, Jake McCreery and Tyson Shea. Youngster Bryce Kerney did his job forward of centre to finish with three goals.

Cobras co-captain Jack Parente continued with his solid season while speedster Ashton Craig maintained his recent run of good form. Newcomer Hunter Tudball also surprised a few onlookers to get the nod from the Cobras hierarchy to feature among the best.

Cobras coach Jason Williams would have been thrilled his boys first half, within striking distance, just five points in arrears.

However, it felt inevitable Kangas guns Bryce McDougall (three goals) and Brad Whittaker (four goals) were always going to have a lasting influence at some stage and didn’t let playing coach Jackson Merrett (one goal) down.

Star playmaker Jordy Johnston and busy

small Joe Dodd were the driving force behind the Kangas shifting of the gears after half time that equated to some much deserved separation on the scoreboard at the final siren. While the four premiership points on the road were invaluable for the Kangas, life at Cobra land continues in the learning phase for an otherwise inexperienced group.

The Cobras meet Ballarat in Round 11 for their next outing post the interleague bye.

Jack Parente will fly the flag for the Cobras this Saturday after being named in the BFNL Under 23s squad to take on the Hampden League at Mars Stadium.

The coache’s verdict

Williams (B/Marsh) - “After half time we were expecting too much from too few. Credit to East Point they were pretty good inside the contest and equally as good on the outside.” Merrett (E/Point) - “After a disappointing first half, our resolve to come out with a couple of soldiers down was pleasing. We had the game on our terms after half time and go into the bye happy with how our young fellas are going.”

FINAL SCORE

Bacchus Marsh 8.7-55 lost East Point 14.14-98

B/Marsh (Best) - L. Guertz, J. McCreery, J. Parente, A. Craig, T. Shea, H. Tudball.

B/Marsh (Goals) - B. Kerney 3, A. Porter 1, C. Salmon, E. Davis, J. McCreery, J. Parente.

Ballan Brumbies Basketball

In the final round before the midseason break, championship hopefuls

Ballan Brumbies U14 Girls B, took to the court against a Celtic Tigers side looking to keep in touch with the top four.

Celtic were immediately on the back foot as late arriving players meant they had to start with four on the court, not getting a 5th (let alone a reserve) player until a few minutes after the jump ball.

Ballan took full advantage, opening the contest with a quick 8-0 run as Ruby Sims, Ruby McLeod and Indy Cassar got on the board before Emily Brown was able to break the run with Tigers first points from a strong drive to the basket.

Ballan's pronounced athletic advantages were apparent as, perhaps Brown and Ella Braybrook aside, Celtic were neither big nor swift enough to halt the Brumbies from doing just about whatever they wanted on the floor through the first half.

Albi Pike came off the bench to great effect picking off a pass and racing away for an easy layup. When the Brumbies, not by any means the greatest lineup of shooters, did miss their superior size saw them own the offensive glass.

A late run from Celtic saw them close the gap at half time to 18-9, though Ballan remained well in control.

The game degenerated in the 2nd half as Celtic, Brown especially, began to show their frustration. Playing somewhat of a lone hand, Brown tried to use her strength to bustle her way to the basket. Against most sides in the division that tactic would work but Ballan's size, combined with referee's that were allowing the game to flow meant that she was repeatedly stonewalled.

The physicality on show from both sides saw both Ballan and Celtic players come to the bench nursing bumps and bruises as frustrations threatened to boil over at times.

Bacchus Marsh Baseball Club

Results - Round 9

Bacchus Marsh Tigers 13 defeated Bellarine 4

At home, Bacchus Marsh faced Bellarine to mark the halfway point of the season.

Bellarine came out strong scoring in the first and third innings which was matched by Bacchus Marsh scoring in the first, third and taking the lead of the game in the fourth inning five to four runs. Bacchus Marsh then blew the game open in the last inning scoring 8 runs off 6 hits, including a triple to Shannon Hornstra and two doubles to Thomas Shaw.

In his first outing for the Tigers, Jon Bell closed out the game on the mound. In other exciting news, Bronwyn Gell is setting off with the Australian Women’s Baseball Team, as part of the Diamonds in the Rough campaign, to teach baseball skills, raise self-confidence levels, promote positive female role models and creates new opportunities for the girls to be part of a team environment in Indonesia.

Tate Heiskanen is off overseas to play in the 2023 Pesäpallo World Cup (Finnish baseball) held in Finland.

Devils homecoming no fairy tale

By Todd Whelan

McLeod was pulling the strings at both ends, seemingly everywhere on defense and deftly controlling the offense. Ballan's passing was cutting up Celtic's defense, Addie Jacobs finding Chloe Newton for a jumper and Dakota Mulgrew feeding Sims for a fast break layup after a smart interception.

That said, both teams stepped up the intensity as Ballan found it far tougher to score in the second half.

As it was, Ballan's defense was resolute throughout the 2nd stanza, holding Celtic to just a single basket as they ran out comfortable 29-11 winners on the day.

RESULTS

Under 8

Ballan 22 def Excies Acmy 2

Under 10 Boys

Ballan D 12 lost Drummo Dragons 16

Balan B 27 def Drummo Dragons 17

Under 12 Boys

Ballan F 27 def Phoenix Gladiators 4

Under 14 Boys

Ballan E 34 def Sovereign Knights 21

Ballan D 30 def Phoenix Crocodiles 29

Ballan B 71 def Phoenix 13

Under 14 Girls

Ballan E 26 def Sovereign Knights 11

Ballan B 29 def Celtic Tigers 11

Under 16 Boys

Ballan G 31 Blue drew Brumbies White 31

Ballan G 31 White drew Brumbies Blue 31

Ballan D 41 lost Drummo Dragons 43

Ballan C 48 lost Saints Blazers 49

Under 19 Boys

Ballan G 58 def Saints Rollers 17

Ballan E 45 def Phoenix Commanders 41

Under 19 Girls

Ballan 29 lost Sovereign Knights 32

Darley slipped to fourth place on the BFNL table after a disappointing 18-point loss to Redan at the weekend.

The highly anticipated return to Darley Park ended in a fizzer for Dan Jordan’s men, culminating in a second straight loss.

The Devils had few winners on the ground, winning just one quarter for the match resembling a shell of the team that went 7-0 to start the season.

You can theorise all you like, but the reality is the Devils are simply not coping without key personnel Billy Myers (ankle), Luther Baker (hamstring), Bailey Young (shoulder), Mace Cousins (Geelong VFL), Duncan Cadman (concussion), Lucas Impey (Western Jets) and Jake Ancrum (overseas).

Given Redan had some important absentees of their own, Saturday’s outcome was always going to tell its own story of depth comparison between the two clubs. All honours with Redan seizing the moment. Their ability to outwork and outnumber the Devils both inside the contest and out was a recurring pattern for the afternoon. As a result, the Lions were cleaner extricating from stoppage, allowing more effective ball movement on the outside, placing the once ladder leaders on the back foot.

Devils Captain Brett Bewley near single handedly kept the home side in the game until 3/4 time, reducing a 20-point deficit at the main break to just five at the last, his metres gained by foot and tireless bullocking work, with very little protection, was another blue print example of his superior standing in the game. However, the absence of Baker in his support role for the reigning Henderson Medalist was palpable.

Will Johnson (four goals) and Riley Matricardi (two goals) provided some aerial presence that was otherwise a non-existent feature for the Devils.

Clunky execution of the basic fundamentals (at the level) became the Devils undoing, costing them any chance of a dream return

to their homeland.

With the week off for interleague, the Devils wounded soldiers get another 14 days into their recovery, while there’s plenty of work to be done for the current band of frontline soldiers.

The Devils meet second placed Sebastopol in Round 11 at Darley Park. That, I assure you, won’t be any easier.

Coaches’ verdict

Baker (Darley Footy Mgr) - “Our skills have been poor over the last fortnight. Our inability to find a target through the middle of the ground cost us. We got within a goal at 3/4 time but they were always able to reply. Redan have some really good young talent and thoroughly deserved the win.”

Learmonth (Redan) - “We competed really well for four quarters and were pleased with our spread of goalkickers and our ability to respond when Darley was able to kick a goal. (We) understand the Devils had a few out but Lachie George, Liam Hoy and Lachie McLean will only make us better.”

FINAL SCORE

Darley 11.13-79 lost Redan 15.7-97

Darley (Whelan’s Best) - B. Bewley, R. Matricardi, W. Johnson, S. Page, M. Denham. Darley (Goals) - W. Johnson 4, R. Matricardi 2, B. Bewley 1, C. Murley, D. Matricardi, S. Page, D. Bishop

Bronwyn Gell with the bat (Photos - Greg Tinkler ©)

Photo – Tim Saultry / sportingherald.com.au

COBRA NEWS – JUNE 27, 2023

This weekend saw the female football head up the highway to Ballarat in very cold and wet conditions. With the Under 14’s starting proceedings against East Point at Lake Wendouree the girls put in a mighty effort in very cold conditions to bring home the win. Under 16s had the bye. The Under 19s came up against strong opposition against Ballarat swans in very difficult conditions to keep putting up a show of good passage play to go down to the Ballarat Swans.

The Senior Women played very well with some of the under. 19s stepping up to play and coming home with a great win against Carisbrook, all played well with some great skills to watch.

We also held our mid-year ball Saturday night at the Maddingley Clubrooms and a successful and enjoyable night had by all in attendance with a full house.

Upcoming Senior Football we have games against Melton (15/7) and Darley at Darley (22/7) looking forward to great crowds and competition at both.

RESULTS – ROUND 9

Bungaree

5.5 35 def

7.6 48 def Ballan 0.3 3

C’ham/Linton

Dunnstown Netball

Bye - Hepburn

UNDER 18

C’ham/Linton 4.6 30 lost Daylesford 9.7 61

Bungaree 11.11 77 def Dunnstown 3.6 24

Beaufort 8.13 61 def Learmonth 2.3 15

Springbank 6.8 44 def Waubra 5.5 35

R’wood/C’hap 14.17 101 def Newlyn 3.3 21

Skipton 9.12 66 def Buninyong 4.3 27 Clunes (forfeit) lost Gordon

Bye – Hepburn

UNDER 15

Photo – Tim Saultry / sportingherald. com.au

Ballarat Football/Netball League

13 & Under B

RESULTS – ROUND 9

Bungaree 15 def Dunnstown 0

Awards - Isla Bergman, Summer Cooper, Adele Leonard

13 & Under A

Bungaree 4 lost Dunnstown 14

Awards - Sienna Cahir, Neve Taylor, Ahlia Sarra & Sophie Howard

15 & Under

Bungaree 20 lost Dunnstown 25

Awards - Lyna Begbie, Tierney Leonard

Lachies Legacy Award - Emma Dash

17 & Under

Bungaree 16 lost Dunnstown 15

Awards - Isla McKay, Meg Cahir & Enna Rinaldi

C Grade

Bungaree 37 def Dunnstown 12

Awards - Milla Rinaldi, Ashley Gloury, Isla McKay & Enna Rinaldi

B Grade

Bungaree 35 def Dunnstown 21

Awards - Amy O’Loughlin, Annie Flood & Holly Learmonth

A Grade Bungaree 49 def Dunnstown 45

Awards - Liz Carson, Rhiana Collins & Johanna Dash

Next week – Dunnstown (H) v Carngham Linton

Congratulations to Sally McKay who played her 200th senior game for Dunnstown. Photo – Supplied

Central Highlands Netball League

Tim Saultry / sportingherald.com.au

ROUND 10 DARLEY V REDAN

FOOTBALL

It was a tough round back on home turf against Redan on the weekend. The U19’s played a very strong Redan side and unfortunately lost by 12 goals. Our Reserves played brilliantly and had a strong win with Brad Layton kicking 5 goals. The seniors went down by 4 goals with Will Johnson kicking 4 of his own but the side needs to improve after two substandard weeks.

Under 19’s

Redan 17.16.118 d Darley 5.5.35

GOALS: Nick Cadman 2, Brock Rainbow 2, Koby Churchill 1

BEST: Koby Churchill, Jacob Presnell, Cohan Edwards, Cooper

Parsons-Jones, Jarrod White, Chase Sanders

NETBALL

Reserves:

Darley 18.17.125 d Redan 5.4.34

GOALS: Bradley Layton 5, Jyson Fawcett 2, Regan King, Leigh Spiteri, Ayden Tanner, Noah Baker 1, Ben Crawford, Tim Hardinge, Dimitrios Lambris, Trae Van Leth

BEST: Tim Hardinge, Dale Peacock, Jacob Zeestraten, Ryan Densley, Leigh Spiteri, Noah Baker

Seniors

Redan 15.7.97 d Darley 11.13.79

GOALS: Will Johnson 4, Riley Matricardi 2, Brett Bewley 1, Dylon Bishop, Darcy Matricardi, Cooper Murley, Shane Page

BEST: Brett Bewley, Riley Matricardi, Will Johnson, Matt Denham, Mitch Ward, Shane Page

The U19’s started off slowly and it was goal for goal to begin with. Once they built up momentum, they played extremely well together and finished with a strong 26 goal win.

E Grade fought hard in the first half and the scores were close at half time. The Devils shooting duo put up some great goals but unfortunately, Redan’s defense was too good which resulted in a loss.

D Grade started off strong with a competitive first half, building the pressure against Redan. An inconsistent second half saw them go down fighting, but with some great cohesive plays and connections, will continue to see them build and improve.

The C Grade girls were excited to finally play their first home game for the season. They started with a fantastic first quarter of netball and played some good patches with strong defensive pressure throughout the game and finished with a great team win.

The A Grade girls pulled out an impressive 22 goal win against Redan. Congratulations to Lucy Taylor on a stellar A Grade debut. Lucy played beautifully and fitted in well with the teams’ mid court who all gave a solid performance both defensively and offensively. Matilda and Grace continued to prove they are a force to be reckoned with, keeping Redan to just two goals in the 2nd quarter. Dynamic duo, Monique and Becca scored goals from all angles which proved to be too much for the Redan defenders.

19’s & Under

Darley 51 d Redan 25 GOALS: Ella Closter, Sarah Mason, Bridie Shanahan

BEST: Chelsea Mason, Sarah Mason

C-Grade

Darley 37 d Redan 27 GOALS:

Renee Hulls, Lauren Martin, Katie Kakoschke

BEST: Addison Wright, Ava Densley

E-Grade

Redan 28 d Darley 16 GOALS: Chloe Elcoat, Isabella Di Mieri

BEST: Chloe Elcoat, Hollee Iredale

B-Grade

Redan 35 d Darley 29 GOALS: Sarah Mason, Bridie Shanahan, Ella Closter

BEST: Bridie Shanahan, Ella Closter

SENIOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL

ROUND 10 - Darley vs Lake Wendouree

Darley 6.6.42 d Lake Wendouree 4.8.32

D-Grade

Redan 32 d Darley 17 GOALS: Macey O’Hehir, Takeya Tanner, Lauren Martin

BEST: Ebony Ravdino, Lauren Martin

A-Grade

Darley 54 d Redan 32 GOALS: Monique Nagle, Becca Hicks

BEST: Prue Stanley, Monique Nagle

GOALS: Kim Bessell 4, Crystal Layton 1, Chloe Oughtred 1

BEST: Bella Phillips, Crystal Layton, Chloe Oughtred, Maddison James, Summer-Lee Prior, Emmerson Hitch.

NEXT WEEKEND - BYE

Barnes-storming

By Len Baker

Parwan co-trainers David and Brad Barnes were successful at Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday night, with lightly raced 4Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Indi Rose gelding Rocknroll Walla, in the 2240 metre Allied Express Pace.

Driven by globetrotting reinsman superstar Greg Sugars, Rocknroll Walla led out from gate two before being eased to trail Captain Maastricht (gate five). After enjoying the run of the race, Rocknroll Wall dashed away along the sprint lane to register an easy 8.3 metre margin over Captain Maastricht, with A Rocknroll Jet (three pegs) also using the sprint lane for third 1.1 metres back.

The mile rate 1-58.8.

Harness Highlights

By Len Baker

The $10,000 2100 metre Alabar Vicbred Platinum Pace at Charlton on Monday June 19 saw Daylesford trainer Mick Barby and wife reinswoman Anne-Maree Conroy, greet the judge with 4Y0 Betting Line-Glenlyon Glad gelding Glenline, a half brother to smart gelding It Is Billy (It Is I). Settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second row with Letsdancetilldawn going forward from outside the front line to lead, Glenline after making the home turn very wide, swept to the front in the straight to easily account for Epic Orion along the sprint lane off the back of the leader by 5.9 metres, Letsdancetilldawn held down third 3.8 metres away. The mile rate 2-01.9.

* * *

On Wednesday (21 June) at Echuca, Parwan owner/trainer Paul Parsons has had a terrific month and added another winner to the tally when 5Y0 Bettors Delight-Naevia mare Kendys Butterfly brought up two wins in succession by winning the $10,000 Alabar Mares Sprint Championship (Heat 6) over 1755 metres. Driven by Codi Rauchenberger, Kendys Butterfly was given a nice trip three back in the moving lane from gate two on the second line and after going forward three wide approaching the home turn, finished full of running to prevail by 4.2 metres over the leader Roslyn Gaye which had led from gate five. Alwaysbealady (four pegs) was third 3 metres back. The mile rate 1-56.8. Kendys Butterfly had won the Mooroopna Cup at her previous start.

Daylesford trainer/driver Anne-Maree Conroy’s most promising 4Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Efficacious mare Constant is getting better all the time and chalked up her 4th victory in 25 outings by taking the Ballarat Laundry Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres. Raced by mother Pat, Constant was given an easy time one/ one from gate four and after easing three wide prior to the home turn joined the pacemaker Charlie Walker which galloped enabling her to race clear over closing stages to score softly by 4.8 metres from Majestic Pride off a three wide trail from the rear last lap. Kyvalley Picasso (four pegs) was third 1.1 metres away. The mile rate 2-02.2.

Smart mare Constant has come back bigger and better, getting her second win from three starts this season in the Ballarat Laundry Trot Race 6. Photo – Ballarat & District Trotting Club Inc

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics

Cross Country runners competed at two different venues last Saturday.

Athletes represented the Centre at the State Little Athletics Cross Country Relay Championships held at Cruden Farm, Langwarrin while the Centre’s regular weekly competition was held at Caledonian Park, Ballan.

At the State Championships Bacchus Marsh athletes Evelyn Grant and Emilia Ibrahim combined with Melton’s Sofia Anikeev to form a Western Metro Region Girls Under 9 team, producing a good solid team performance, finishing in 10th place. Harry Johansen, Auden Sundqvist and Cohen Mills formed a Under 9 BMLAC team and in a hot contested event finished in 11th place.

Under 10 athletes Joshua Askew, Angus Norman and Mitchell Tung formed a BMLAC team while Liam Way and Miller Clark were part of the WMR team combining with Melton’s Octavius Pirangi. The BMLAC team finished in 10th place with the Region’s finishing place to be confirmed (final results to be released early this week).

Lyla Clark and Anni Clarke advanced in age groups to form an Under 11 BMLAC team with Iyla Robinson. All girls produced excellent legs and the team finished a creditable 9th overall.

The final event for the Centre saw Under 12s Elijah Sundqvist combine with promoted athletes Logan Simons and Zeke Horne. In some very tough conditions, the boys finished in 14th place.

Athletes competed in blustery conditions at Caledonian Park in the Ballan, the course was quite wet in patches and slippery on the downhill finish.

With a large contingent of Under 9 & 10 athletes at the State Champs, a small field contested the 1500m course. Ballarat’s Archer Morris relished the opportunity to control the race and led from start to finish. Returning from injury, Melton’s Harry Wark crossed the line in 2nd place with Sam Ainsworth (BM) the 3rd placed Under 9 athlete. Ayla Preddy (Melt) finished ahead of teammate Bebe Williams with Bac-

chus Marsh’s Scarlett Wake in 3rd place.

In the Open Age 3km event Melton athletes Jujhar Tamber and Mia Preddy were the clear winners for the boys/girls category.

The Under 6 athletes competed over their usual 500 metres. While these young eager athletes anticipated the start, a recall was required to get the race underway. After a quick start, athletes settled into their run and all produced great results. The top 3 placegetters were awarded to Judy BrodyWall (BM), Sahib Cheema (Melt) and Jack Ainsworth (BM) while Zyah Cameron (Melt) finish 1st for the girls with Mil-

licent Johansen (BM) in 2nd place.

The final event for the morning saw the Under 7 & 8 athletes racing over a 1km loop. Melton’s Chayse Johnson ran a wellcontrolled race, sitting in on the leaders, prior to heading along the gravel path, where he was able to pull away from the group and claim a well-deserved victory. George Jacobson (BM) and Fletcher Reid (Melt) took the minor placings. Arijana Brown (BM) was the first girl across the finish line.

**This Saturday’s competition will be held at Bullengarook Reserve.

Myrniong driver Greg Sugars, drove Rocknroll Walla to victory for Parwan trainers David and Brad Barnes. (Photo – Stuart McCormick)

Bacchus Marsh Athletes at the State Cross Country Relay Championships (Photo – BMLAC)