Moorabool News July 11

Cream of the chop

THIS WEEK...

First Nations culture celebrated

Planting for platypus

Exhibition of life

By Lachlan Ellis

Life is a cycle, and all things are connected – these are concepts being explored by a new exhibition, open to the public until next Sunday.

The ‘Circle of Life’ exhibition is open now at the Ballan Arts Space, with 55 entries on display, including both two-dimensional and three-dimensional works from artists across the region.

Lou Callow from the Ballan Artists Collective is among the many artists whose work is on exhibition, and said it was a good time to be reflecting on such a powerful theme.

“The exhibition is all about the circle of life, and it can be anyone’s interpretation, how you interpret what it means to you. There’s an abstract work with different colours for the different seasons, a semi-realistic one about the wind and environment, and works using circles as a symbol of that cycle,” Ms Callow told the Moorabool News.

“We put the idea out to the Artists Collective members, there’s around 65 of those. We were overwhelmed, we have enough exhibition titles for probably 10 years. It’s serving a much greater purpose than just showcasing art, it’s about people and connecting, their wellness, and inspiring people to do something under a theme.”

Another display, Leanne Brown and Ros Marchbank’s

‘Where Have All the Flowers Gone’, uses flowers to symbolise the circle of life, with the interactive exhibit featuring a music box playing the song of the same name.

“I thought it was timely because of what’s happening globally with war and peace. The song really reflects what happens in the life cycle of a flower, starting from romance through to going to war, passing away, and rejuvenation again as a flower,” Ms Brown said.

“On one side we’ve got a flower with petals picked off, ‘Loves Me, Loves Me Not’…I’m sure we all did that when we were young. Each piece represents each stage [of life]. I think the story it tells is always relevant.”

The Circle of Life exhibition and the Ballan Arts Space gift shop will be open from 10am – 3pm Friday to Sunday, until Sunday 23 July, and is located next to the SEEK Accounting building in Inglis street.

Local artist Leanne Brown and her granddaughter Everly are both big fans of the Circle of Life exhibition. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Over 50 entries in Circle of Life exhibition, exploring the theme of life, death and rebirth.

Cream of the chop

By Lachlan Ellis

Local karate students have shown off their skills at two international events, with podium finishes galore from the Moorabool academy.

Competitors from Shindo Karate Academy Bacchus Marsh & Melton took part in this year’s Oceania Championships and NZ Open, performing strongly while representing both Australia and the club.

Sensei Wayne Noble, who runs the Bacchus Marsh dojo with wife Annie, said he was beyond proud of the effort his students had shown.

“We had my son Max win a silver medal in the Senior Oceania and a gold medal in the team event. Alexei Phillipou got

a gold medal in the Under 21 division, he’s from just near Ballan. We also had a number of juniors take part in the New Zealand Open, James Simone won a gold and a silver medal, Justin Robins won a gold medal, they’re both from Bacchus Marsh. Aidan McDougall won two bronze medals. Those three boys were basically the Australian team for that age group, they won a gold medal in the Cadet boys which is for competitors who are 14 and 15 years old,” Mr Noble told the Moorabool News.

“Jason Pogkas from Hopetoun Park won a bronze medal as well. I’m always proud of our students. Our club is the top club in the country at the moment, we have been for a number of years. We’ve got a very strong program, we’ve got a lot of young kids coming through…it’s nice to see them now

starting to transition to an international level and see that success.”

Preparing for the international events was no easy feat for the medal-winners, with frequent weekly training in the lead-up.

There’s an elite class twice weekly, additional conditioning classes done regularly, and separate programs for strength and conditioning. Each competitor does kumite training at least three times a week, Mr Noble said.

“They also have all of the support stuff around them, because it’s quite high impact…you can’t train every day because you’d just get injured. They do their strength and conditioning programs around that as well,” he said.

Walking for early arrivals

By Lachlan Ellis

A Bacchus Marsh woman is raising funds for a cause close to her heart, inspired by her son.

Kimberly Gerlach is aiming to raise $1,000 for the Life’s Little Treasures Foundation, in the lead up to October’s Walk For Prems event in Ballarat.

The Foundation supports premature and sick babies and their families, providing information and assistance during what can often be an incredibly difficult time.

Ms Gerlach said she was raising funds in the name of her son Lucas, who was born premature in February this year.

“Our son Lucas was born at 35 and a half weeks here in Bacchus Marsh, and he was premature. He had a lot of difficulties when he arrived, he needed to go to the special care nursery here in Bacchus Marsh, he required some help with his oxygen being on CPAP. He was then transferred up to Sunshine, before getting transferred back to Bacchus Marsh when he was stable,” she told the Moorabool News.

“I wanted to do it for Lucas, having seen a glimpse of what it’s like. We count ourselves lucky compared to some other families who have babies a lot earlier than we did. Lucas was sort of on the later end in terms of prematurity. Knowing firsthand of what it’s like to have a premature baby and be in that unknown situation in the special care nursery environment, what people can go through and the emotional side of that, fundraising for Life’s Little Treasures sounded like a good thing to do.

“The way they’ve provided their information – their website includes a lot of information of what to expect and you can reach out to them. They also care for people who’ve had a lot longer stays…we had about a ten-day stay, but some people are in there for months.”

At the time of writing, the ‘Lucas preemie warrior’ fundraising page has raised $160 of its $1,000 goal.

To chip in and support a fantastic cause, visit walkforprems.org.au/my-fundraising/5150/lucas-preemie-warrior/..

Photos – Shindo Karate Academy Bacchus Marsh & Melton

Kimberly Gerlach’s son Lucas was born premature in February this year, and she wants to help other families with premature babies. Photo – Submitted

Sewage leak stinks

By Lachlan Ellis

A Ballan resident has called for urgent action on a septic spill, asking for the health hazard to be cleaned up as soon as possible.

A local who asked to remain anonymous contacted the Moorabool News about the spill last month, and said despite contacting Moorabool Shire Council and the EPA, he hadn’t

seen anyone out assessing the site.

The resident said he witnessed contractors Goldblade Civil Solutions break open a septic tank at a vacant home and spread sewerage from it in a backyard on Spencer Road, which he took photos of and sent to Council on Monday 19 June.

“In this whole duration since I reported it, which was the

day it happened, no Council officer has been out here to inspect it to affirm all the pictures I took…I rang the Senior Environmental Officer at Council, and she said they were waiting for the EPA to get back to them on what to do,” the resident said.

“That shouldn’t be the case…they should have their own procedures in place for stuff like this. In the meantime, all the rain we’ve had and the sun, all it’s done is it’s leached and pushed all the stuff into the ground even further. I think Council are going to do nothing about it, to be honest.

Cadman

and Estates Lawyer

APC Notice

“I know we’re a country area, but when it comes to something like this, it’s something time-sensitive that needs to be dealt with quite swiftly.”

1. Obligation to publish – Designated Resolution 5

But Council and the contractor say they’re hard at work assessing and dealing with the spillage.

5. Publication of notices about the Council

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

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

“Council, the EPA, and the contractor are working closely together to undertake further testing to understand the impact of the issue, which will determine what action to take. No infringement notice has been issued to date as the contractor is actively and constructively working with Council and the EPA to rectify the situation and ensure a satisfactory outcome,” Council’s Acting CEO, Caroline Buisson, told the Moorabool News.

Goldblade Civil Solutions Director Ross Morris said they take complaints of any nature seriously.

“The safety of our staff, community and the environment are our utmost concern," Mr Morris added.

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

“If there was any accident or incident on our worksite we will investigate and work with any relevant authority to have it rectified.”

[Name of publication] is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself email (info@presscouncil.org.au) or by phone ([02] 92611930). For further information http://www.presscouncil.org.au.

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

[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

Dedicated decade of service

Various community groups connected to the Ballan and District Community House, assembled last Friday night to honour Lyn Plummer, for her dedicated 10 years of service and to commemorate her retirement.

Ms Plummer decided to step back from her management role at the Community House and resume her career as an Installation Artist.

In his address, Cr Paul Tatchell commended Lyn's stellar work for the House. Representing the House committee, Cr Tatchell presented Lyn with a portrait crafted by Wendy, one of Lyn's former adult students.

The evening also celebrated the retirement of Kevin Healey, a long-standing committee member known for his roles as Secretary and Treasurer over the years.

Cr Tatchell acknowledged Kevin’s tireless

work by presenting him with a certificate and an art-focused weekend getaway for two.

The new manager of the Ballan and District Community House, Mary Francis, was introduced to the assembled group. The Community House has been at the heart of Ballan for over 150 years, and Ms Francis is poised to continue the great work of her predecessors.

Both Lyn and her husband Rodney, will continue to reside in Ballan as they look forward to traveling and focusing on some interstate erections, drawing from Lyn's experience as an Installation Artist. The evening served as a fitting tribute to the retirees' dedication and marked the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the Ballan and District Community House.

The frustrated local resident sent photos, including this one, of the mess left in a local backyard. Photo – Submitted

Lyn Plummer with husband Rodney (left) and Kevin Healey (right) – Photo - supplied

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 and published letters are at the discretion of the Editor.

Send your letters to news@themooraboolnews.com.au

Dear Editor, Promises Promises

In the last four seasons the Ballan Football Netball Club has only been able to play five games at home, given COVID and the long drawn-out redevelopment of the sporting pavilion.

We have not played a game at home this 2023 season and, looks highly doubtful for the remainder of the season given the state of the site.

The Pavilion project is now approaching its second year of construction and looks a long way off completion, with early 2024 looking optimistic. It is hard to ignore the delays when you consider the Bungaree Rec Reserve construction took 11 months to complete.

Given the delays experienced at the Darley and Ballan Pavilions you have to wonder about Moorabool Council’s Project Management skills.

We are tired after two seasons of wandering from different home venue to another like a mob of Mongolian goat herders.

There is an old saying “Men plan and God laughs”. In our case that should be “Clubs plan and Council laughs”. We are tired of a Council that consistently over promises but under delivers.

Stop laughing at our club and our community and come up with a genuine strategy to complete the project, not more excuses.

Mark Conlan Ballan

Now hiring: Care Workers

First Nations culture celebrated

By Lachlan Ellis

A range of events have been held in Moorabool to commemorate the achievements, history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, as part of NAIDOC Week. Running annually in the first week of July, NAIDOC Week ran from 2 – 9 July, with this year’s theme being ‘For Our Elders’.

NAIDOC Week ran alongside the winter school holidays, allowing the free Council-hosted events to focus on getting local kids involved with Indigenous-themed art and stories.

Proud Gundtjmara storyteller and musician Jayden Lillyst shared stories celebrating the rich history of First Nations peoples in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan last Wednesday, while craft and art workshops were held on Thursday and Friday at the

Lerderderg and Ballan Libraries respectively.

Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Rod Ward said it was fantastic to have local children learning about and getting involved with Indigenous culture.

“We were excited to run several NAIDOC Week events for the community, and especially for children during the school holidays. Our libraries in Bacchus Marsh and Ballan ran Indigenous-themed story-times, craft events and sessions using ochre paint-mixing to create Indigenous artworks,” Cr Ward told the Moorabool News.

“We thank everyone who took part in events for helping make NAIDOC Week a very special celebration in Moorabool Shire.”

For more information on NAIDOC Week and its significance, visit www.naidoc.org.au.

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Photo – MSC

End of the road

Council’s Ballan office on 4 September, to attend the meeting where the petition would be received.

Residents have long argued that crossing the busy road, which is used by school traffic from nearby Bacchus Marsh College and trucks going to the nearby Industrial Estate, is incredibly dangerous, especially for elderly people.

In a Letter to the Editor published in the 4 July 2023 edition of the Moorabool News, petition organiser and Providence resident Sylvia Merry thanked Council for getting the bus stop completed, but asked for an update on the pedestrian crossing.

“Roses to Council for finally getting the bus stop and shelter installed on Griffith Street opposite Providence Village. This is now widely used by the community. Except, how are the elderly to cross the road without the pedestrian refuge, that was also earmarked for installation,” Ms Merry wrote.

“Come on Council, finish the job.”

And last week, Council was happy to report that the job has indeed been finished.

By Lachlan Ellis

A campaign to get a crossing and bus shelter in Maddingley has concluded, with the long-awaited project completed recently. Residents of Providence Aged Care have called for a bus stop and shelter, and a pedestrian crossing to cross Griffith Street, for years.

The need for these culminated in a petition back in September 2019 which was signed by over 380 locals, and saw Providence residents head to Moorabool Shire

“Council’s scope of works for Griffith Street is completed. Pedestrian crossing points and new bus stop was provided and comply with PTV standards,” Council’s spokesperson told the Moorabool News.

The new crossing and bus stop have arrived at a time where there is particular government focus on the Maddingley area, with a bus route extended to Stonehill Estate, and $25 million invested to upgrade an intersection near Providence, over the last 12 months.

Hit and run results in fine

change details with the victim.

“At 4.30 pm police arrived at the scene and observed tyre marks. They attended the victim’s address and conducted an investigation…they interviewed the accused on the 22nd of December. She made full admissions and said she panicked basically,” Acting Sgt Smith said.

By Lachlan Ellis

Being “in a frazzled state” didn’t fly as a good excuse to drive off from a car collision that resulted with the driver fined and suspended for the act.

Mariah Roach appeared before Magistrate John Doherty at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court on Friday 7 July, with the court hearing she failed to give way and hit another vehicle, but failed to stop and provide details.

“On 10 November 2022 at 4.15 pm, the accused was driving a motor vehicle being a Holden Crewman utility, travelling eastbound on Atkinson Street in Ballan. She has approached Stead Street, the intersection of Atkinson and Stead Street is controlled by a give way sign. The accused has failed to give way at that sign, and the victim who was driving his Mercedes was collided with by the accused’s vehicle,” Police Prosecutor Acting Sergeant Smith said.

“The accused has then pulled over on Atkinson Street, before driving off at a fast rate of speed.”

The court heard the accused failed to ex-

Ms Roach entered a guilty plea, but said she was panicked at the time by her partner in the car yelling after the crash.

“I looked left and right and didn’t see the Mercedes until the last minute when I hit him, and I panicked [because my partner was on parole], he was screaming at me telling me ‘I’m on parole blah blah blah, you’ve got me into trouble’, and he told me to take the car back to where he lived, which I did,” she said.

“How could you have gotten him in trouble? You were driving,” Magistrate Doherty said.

Ms Roach said it was her “first time in an accident like that”.

“… and the Mercedes was chasing me as well…I was in that whole panicked state,” Ms Roach said.

Magistrate Doherty said Ms Roach had clearly done the wrong thing, and had to be penalised accordingly.

“In relation to this, you’ll be convicted and fined $1200. It’s one thing to have a prang, but you should’ve stopped. In relation to the first charge, your licence is suspended for three months, to take effect from midnight tonight,” he said.

Providence residents now have a bus shelter across the road from their aged care village Photo - Lachlan Ellis

Electoral review ongoing

By Lachlan Ellis

Local Government Victoria (LGV) says Moorabool Shire Council will have a completely different structure in time for next year’s local government elections – but has remained tight-lipped on what that structure will be.

Moorabool Shire Council is among 39 councils involved in a review into their ward structure ahead of the October 2024 council elections, with changes to be made to align with the Local Government Act 2020.

A preliminary report was published on 29 March, with response submissions on that report closing on 19 April, and the final report being provided to the Minister for Local Government on 24 May.

The Minister will select one of two vastly different models for Moorabool Shire Council’s wards, but whichever he picks, after the 2024 election Moorabool will no longer have seven Councillors, but nine.

Under Model 1, Moorabool Shire Council would be unsubdivided – meaning rather than only voting for candidates nominating for their local ward, voters could vote for any candidate from across Moorabool.

Under Model 2, voters would reside in one of three wards of roughly equal population with three Councillors each, from the 20.25km2 Bacchus Marsh Ward, to the 1,777.51km2 Bungal Ward.

Community concerns submitted to the Victorian Electoral Commission regarding Model 1 include the Councillors elected being overwhelmingly from the Bacchus Marsh area to the detriment of the rest of the Shire, and smaller areas being more neglected by Council than under the status quo.

WHAT COUNCIL COULD LOOK LIKE

The Moorabool News has looked back to the vote counts from the 2020 council election, and used them for an indication of who might have been elected if either of the new models was in place back then.

Under the current system, the East Moorabool Ward elects four Councillors, while the West Moorabool, Woodlands, and Central Wards elect one Councillor each.

In 2020, the East Moorabool Ward voted for Crs Rod Ward (2552 votes), David Edwards (1749 votes), Moira Berry (1681 votes), and Tonia Dudzik (1644 votes). The West Moorabool Ward elected Cr Tom Sullivan with 2249 votes, the Woodlands Ward voted for Cr Ally Munari with 1057 first preference votes (1522 after distribution), and the Central Ward elected Cr Paul Tatchell with 1266 first preference votes (1586 after distribution). Looking solely at first preference votes, the following candidates would be elected under either model if votes remained the same, in order of most votes received to least:

MODEL 1: UNSUBDIVIDED

• Rod Ward

• Tom Sullivan

• David Edwards

• Moira Berry

• Tonia Dudzik

• Jarrod Bingham

• Paul Tatchell

• Helen Tatchell

• Nicola Lane

MODEL 2: THREE WARDS WITH THREE COUNCILLORS EACH

• Bacchus Marsh Ward: Rod Ward, David Edwards, Tonia Dudzik

• Bungal Ward: Tom Sullivan, Paul Tatchell, Ally Munari

• Lerderderg Ward: Moira Berry, Jarrod Bingham, Helen Tatchell

Concerns raised over Model 2 were “an us-and-them mentality” between wards, and a lack of connection between communities sharing a ward, particularly in the large proposed Bungal Ward, and between Darley and the rest of the proposed Lerderderg Ward.

Some respondents also stated that they would prefer the

number of Councillors to remain at seven, while one suggested an increase to eleven Councillors instead of nine. An LGV spokesperson told the Moorabool News that “the recommendations of the advisory panel are being reviewed by the Minister in line with the review process”, but would not confirm a date or deadline for the decision.

One of these two models will be in place when Moorabool elects nine Councillors in October next year. Photos – Victorian Electoral Commission

Slick response to spill

By Lachlan Ellis

A spillage in the early hours of last Tuesday morning has been quickly dealt with, thanks to the prompt response from local emergency services.

Darley residents reported seeing firefighters and police at Halletts Way between Grey Street and Holts Lane at around 7am on Tuesday, with CFA confirming there had been a spill in the area.

“Two Bacchus Marsh CFA units responded to a hazmat incident in Darley at around 6.48am. Crews discovered an unknown substance had leaked from a container,” a

CFA spokesperson told the Moorabool News.

“The incident was deemed under control at 7.02am. Victoria Police and Moorabool Shire were called to the scene. The incident was deemed safe at 8.41am and handed over to Moorabool Shire.”

A Council spokesperson said a 1000-litre IBC drum and jerry can had fallen from a vehicle near the corner of Grey Street and Halletts Way, with the contents cleaned up by emergency services.

“The contents of the drum and jerry can were deemed safe for collection by Council, which has been done,” Council’s spokesperson said on Tuesday afternoon.

Farming voice needed in crime survey

A new survey on farm and rural crime is open for responses from across the country, and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is urging local farmers to have their say.

Commissioned by the University of New England (UNE), the Australian Farm Crime Survey is collecting responses from across Australia in order to provide a comprehensive snapshot of national farm crime. VFF President Emma Germano said it was important for Victorian farmers to get involved in the first national survey of farm crime in years.

“This is the first national survey to have been undertaken in two decades and the results will provide invaluable insight into farm crime across Australia,” Ms Germano said.

“Livestock theft in Victoria alone has hit a 10 year high, costing farmers a staggering $6.7 million dollars last year. We know farm crime is underreported, so the real figure could easily be much higher.

“Whether it be theft involving livestock, farm equipment or property damage and illegal trespass, farm crime has an enormous financial impact and can be a terrifying experi-

ence for farming families and staff, which can’t be tolerated.”

The results of the survey will be useful not simply in showing which areas are most impacted by farm crime and which types are the biggest problems, but also in advocating for greater resources and awareness campaigns to combat farm crime.

Co-Director of UNE’s Centre for Rural Criminology, Dr Kyle Mulrooney, said police and policymakers need better information from farmers with key insights to target farm crime more efficiently.

“Increasing the capacity to fight farm crime is crucial,” Dr Mulrooney said.

“This survey puts the farmers’ voice front and centre, allowing us to gain a better understanding of the scope of the problem, as well as find out what measures might be taken by the Government, police, farmers and rural communities to reduce farm crime across Australia.”

To take part in the Australian Farm Crime Survey, head to www.une.edu.au and search ‘National Farm Crime Survey’.

Planting for platypus

By Lachlan Ellis

A local Landcare group is calling on volunteers to get involved in its latest planting day, to help an animal icon thrive in Moorabool.

The Moorabool Catchment Landcare Group (MCLG) is running a Platypus Planting Day on Saturday July 22, with volunteers asked to help plant native vegetation to help support the local platypus population in the West Moorabool River.

Results from platypus surveys throughout the Moorabool Catchment in May 2021 showed that platypus do live in the West Moorabool River – and the MCLG is keen to help

make the river a thriving platypus habitat.

MCLG Coordinator Jackson Cass said planting of native species was a great way to help the vulnerable platypus population recover.

“On the day we will be planting 500 native plants that vary from gums, shrubs, and groundcovers along a tributary to the West Moorabool River just outside of Elaine. These plants will improve the health of the Moorabool River system and also improve the habitat of platypus in the catchment,” Mr Cass told the Moorabool News.

“Platypus are now listed as “Near Threatened” by the IUCN and “Vulnerable” in Victoria, in recognition of mounting evidence of population declines and localised extinctions throughout its range. The Moorabool Catchment has been significantly modified due to widespread

land clearing for agriculture, presence of invasive species, poor water quality, and reduced river flows due to water extraction and diversion as well as climate change.

“By reintroducing native vegetation, we address all of these issues and are able to engage the local community in the process.”

The planting day will also include a discussion on platypus conservation in the Moorabool Catchment and what the community can do to help the local platypus populations.

A free morning tea will also be held on the day. For more information and to register for the Platypus Planting Day, visit the website events.humanitix.com/ platypus-planting-day.

Dr Kyle Mulrooney is Co-Director of UNE’s Centre for Rural Criminology, and is keen to hear from farmers from across the country on how crime affects them. Photo - UNE

Photo – Roger MacRaild

Delivery for Demons

By Lachlan Ellis

Bungaree netballers will be shooting goals with a brand-new court this month, thanks to investment from the State Government and Moorabool Shire Council.

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle met with Mayor Cr Rod Ward, Cr Moira Berry, and representatives from the Bungaree Football Netball Club last Thursday at the Bungaree Recreation Reserve, for an official launch of the new court.

Made possible by more than $36,000 from the State Government’s Country Football and Netball Program, alongside around $14,000 from Moorabool Shire Council, the new acrylic surface court has replaced an ageing, cracked asphalt surface.

The new surface is Netball Victoria competition standard, and is complemented by new court fencing, and will also allow the club to host more competitions, and provide space for Bungaree Primary School and the community to host events.

“We know how important these sports facilities are in communities, they’re really the heart of communities like Bungaree. I’m really delighted the State Government contributed around $36,000 for the courts. As ever, it’s a wonderful collaboration with Moorabool Shire Council,” Ms Settle said.

“For too long regional clubs like the Demons have been limited by outdated or non-existent court facilities – they deserve appropriate facilities they can be proud of.”

“I’d like to thank everyone involved, this isn’t just the Football Netball Club here, this is a community centre as well. This incorporates tennis courts as well as netball courts, and incorporates an area that goes out to Bullarook and Millbrook. It does accommodate for a lot of communities…we’ve come a long way, it’s not just about the sporting clubs, it’s great to be able to help the communities as well,” Bungaree FNC President Heath Boyd added.

Cr Ward said that without programs like the Country Football and Netball Program, upgrades like this wouldn’t happen in regional communities.

“This was a $50,000 project made possible by the Country Football and Netball Program. Having been involved in community sport for over 20 years, this is one of the best programs I’ve seen, and without programs like this, it’d be difficult to get sports upgrades for country towns,” he said.

“This project has delivered safe and fit-for-purpose netball courts, in line with Netball Australia standards, which is what our local netballers deserve.”

The Country Football and Netball Program is a partnership with the AFL, AFL Victoria, and Netball Victoria. Since 2005, more than $37.5 million has been invested in over 560 projects across the state.

For more information about infrastructure grant opportunities available, visit sport.vic.gov. au.

Bungaree FNC President Heath Boyd and netballers Myah, Allira, Ruby, and Charlotte welcomed Eureka MP Michaela Settle and Crs Ward and Berry to the new acrylic court.

Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Intersection upgrade for Marsh

Village reptile encounter

The State Government will upgrade two of Bacchus Marsh’s busiest intersections to keep traffic on the move through the city’s centre and get drivers home sooner and safer.

Member for Eureka Michaela Settle met with Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, in Bacchus Marsh last week, giving the Minister a firsthand look at where the upgrade will occur.

Under a $25 million upgrade, new traffic lights will replace the existing single lane roundabout at the intersection of Grant, Griffith, and Station streets, near Bacchus Marsh College and Maddingley Park.

The overhaul will ensure that the intersection can cater to rapidly growing traffic volumes associated with Bacchus Marsh’s reputation as one of Victoria’s fastest-growing semi-urban areas.

It’s not an uncommon sight for Marshians to see the roundabout blocked up with traffic, but Ms Settle said the new traffic lights will allow road users to get around faster and more safely.

“These intersections are significant for the local commu-

nity, that’s why we’re taking the time to ensure we deliver the best possible outcome for all road users,” she said.

“The safety of all road users is our number one priority –that’s why we’re installing new traffic lights, making sure that people can reach their destination sooner and safer.”

“These projects will provide huge benefits to all road users by improving road safety and traffic flow, regardless of whether you’re a local driver, a freight operator or a visitor to the area,” Ms Horne added.

The intersection serves as a key access point to the Bacchus Marsh Station precinct, which recently expanded to add 100 new car park spaces as part of the Ballarat Line Upgrade.

The project will complement works to improve the intersection at Main Street, Grant Street and Gisborne Road, with new traffic lights to be installed to improve safety for all road users as well as boost the flow of traffic in the CBD.

This intersection connects two key arterial roads, which often serve as freight route linking the Western Freeway with the Port of Geelong.

Young Muggles to celebrate Harry Potter month

By Tina Seirlis

Aspiring young witches and wizards eagerly awaiting their invitations to Hogwarts, can now attend the local wizarding event of the year. Harry Potter Month is taking place in Moorabool Shire at local libraries with magical events suitable for children aged 5+.

Although it has been 26 years since the release of the first book, and 22 years since the release of the first movie, the magical appeal of Harry Potter continues to resonate globally and locally. Local children are encouraged to prepare their cloaks, brooms and wands as they participate in a range of events intended to bring their love of Hogwarts and all things wizarding to life.

Moorabool Shire Mayor, Cr Rod Ward says, “Being a modern-day classic, loved by all ages, we wanted to have a range of programs and events leading up to his birthday (31 July), celebrating the wonder and wizardry that is Harry Potter.” Events include Wizard Craft-ernoons at Ballan Library each Friday with no bookings needed. Other enchanting events which need to be booked in advance include; The Wand Chooses The Wizard where local muggles can create their first wand, along with Potions Class, The Triwizard Tournament (ages 8+), and Charms Class. Magically-minded parents and carers who grew up alongside Harry Potter, will likely be as eager to attend as their young wizards and witches. For young people new to Harry Potter, local libraries will

have colouring activities, photo opportunities, and extra books on order which can be taken home via loan. The month culminates with popcorn and a free screening of Harry Potter and the Philosophers Stone on 29 July. Those attending are encouraged to dress in their Hogwarts finest. For bookings and more information, visit Council’s website and search Harry Potter month

By Matt Romania

As part of The Village Bacchus Marsh's school holiday program, Bryce and the 'Reptile Encounters' team provided an exciting and informative experience for shoppers, introducing them to a fascinating array of native reptiles. This event series wasn't solely about the thrill of seeing a snake up close, it was also an initiative to educate both children and adults about these intriguing creatures and promote ways to live harmoniously with them.

Bryce showcased two frogs, Shrek and Princess Fiona, driving home an important message: you should never touch a frog if you see one, as these creatures also breathe through their skin, and human contact could potentially interfere with this process.

Penny, the 25-year-old Mary River Turtle from Queensland, was unexpectedly quick on her feet, much to the surprise of the younger audience members. On the other hand, the Shingleback Lizard, affectionately known as Bob, was rather slow.

Bryce humorously commented, "Bob is pretty terrible at building things," a reference that fans of the popular children's show Bob the Builder would quickly catch. Sunday, the non-venomous python, was met with a variety of reactions ranging from cheers to gasps and 'okay, I've seen enough' reactions.

Bryce seized this opportunity to remind everyone that snakebites often occur when individuals either accidentally step on a snake or venture too close. He shared some crucial advice, especially for the younger members of the audience.

"You stop. You stand still,” he said.

“Snakes have really bad eyesight, so they rely on feeling vibrations as you walk. As soon as you see a snake, freeze, and stay nice and still. If you’re scared, you can scream as loud as you want, and the snake won’t hear you.”

He recommended that after stopping, individuals should take three large steps away from the snake then swiftly inform an adult.

This school holiday showcase was not just about captivating audiences with the spectacle of up-close interactions with reptiles. It was an educational experience among an otherwise busy Village shopping centre, shedding light on the fascinating world of reptiles and their behaviours. By transforming fear into understanding and respect, the program aimed to foster harmony between humans and reptiles. As evident by the enthusiastic engagement and participation from both children and adults, the event successfully achieved its mission, proving that education, even about something as potentially fearsome as snakes, can be both engaging and entertaining.

Photo – Submitted

Bryce (Reptile Encounters) with a python at The Village Bacchus Marsh. Photo – Matt Romania

Madeleine from Merrimu at Moorabool Libraries 2022 Harry Potter Month. (Photo – supplied)

‘Glass-y’ win for apprentice Park plan adopted

By Lachlan Ellis

A new master plan for Maddingley Park has been approved at Council’s latest meeting, after amendments were made following community feedback.

Shane Jenkins addressed Council at the 5 July Ordinary Meeting, representing the Bacchus Marsh Lawn Tennis Club which he is Secretary of.

Mr Jenkins said there was a large gap between what Council was allocating for some redevelopments, and what experts had told the Club these redevelopments would cost.

“The Bacchus Marsh Lawn Tennis Club has a 120-year history with Maddingley Park, and we would like to see all stakeholders benefit from the Maddingley Park Master Plan developments. Bacchus Marsh Lawn Tennis Club received the latest Master Plan on the 29th of June, last week, less than a week ago. This version of the Master Plan included a new section which outlines action items, indicative budget, and approximate delivery timing,” Mr Jenkins said.

“The indicative budget for items 2.21, 2.22, and 4.11 seem to vary significantly from what the club’s industry contacts calculate. Item 2.22, listed as $70,000, we’ve had, just for our own interest, Tennis Victoria write to us… they’ve indicated $250,000 for that line item. I’ve subsequently had Turf One, which constructs courts…come up with $350,000.”

The discrepancies of the other two items were also in excess of $100,000, Mr Jenkins added.

He also asked for Council to better explain the plans, and asked for the Master Plan

to be postponed until these concerns were addressed.

“Will there be a greater understanding of costings in the next process given that this is the Master Plan at the moment? How do you explain the difference in the larger costs?” Cr Moira Berry asked Council officers.

“The Master Plan does provide indicative costings, the next stage of detailed design will include more detailed costings, that will be the next stage,” officers responded.

“The indicative costings that have been included in the Master Plan are just that, based on the Master plan at this stage. The next level of design will have a great level of detail.”

The motion was moved by Cr David Edwards and seconded by Cr Berry, before being unanimously approved by Councillors, with the exception of Cr Tom Sullivan who was an apology and not present at the meeting.

Upgrades included in the Master Plan for the Tennis Club include resurfacing of existing courts 1, 2, and 3, relocation of court 7 to the eastern side of court 1 freeing up court 7 for an additional netball court, resolving drainage issues, and a new shed.

Community feedback, which included a record 312 submissions – the most ever for a Moorabool Shire Council Master Plan – also highlighted the importance of the park’s rose gardens and maintenance on the heritage rotunda.

The plan was updated after the four-week consultation period to state that the rose garden bed locations would need to be modified, to ensure the structural integrity of the rotunda was not compromised.

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 and published letters are at the discretion of the Editor. Send your letters to news@themooraboolnews.com.au

Dear Editor, More and more voices are joining together to call for a government review into electricity transmission planning in the face of AEMO’s Western Renewables Link debacle.

And inflicting the same type of above-ground solutions on those to be impacted by the VNIWest project, without genuine consideration of reusing or sharing other easements, or undergrounding, has ignited another whole level of community opposition.

But in the midst of this ongoing debate, a number of key voices are noticeably absent.

A recent call for a Federal Senate enquiry was voted down by Federal Labor and we are still waiting to hear how our local representatives Sam Rae and Catherine King voted.

A similar call at the Victorian State Labor con-

Story: New pavilion delay

Date: The Moorabool News, July 4 2023

ference by Labor Member for Ripon, Martha Haylett, was also voted down. We know how Martha feels about the WRL and VNI-West, but which side of this motion did our local members Michaela Settle and Sam Rae vote on? I think your readers of the Moorabool News, who are represented by these two, deserve to know.

An example has just been set by the NSW Labor government which has just announced such an enquiry, to ensure that transmission projects in that state earn the social licence needed to be successful.

Why are the policies, social conscience, and values of our Victorian government so different? And why have our local members gone silent on this issue?

Jim Phasey, Myrniong

By Lachlan Ellis

A local apprentice has won a state honour for his work at a Moorabool business, and says the award came as a shock.

Twenty-year-old Darcy Lachner-Marion from Greendale has won this year’s Australian Glass and Windows Association (AGWA) Victorian Apprenticeship Award – Commercial, for his work at Ballan’s Paarhammer Windows & Glass.

The award was delivered personally by AGWA CEO Clinton Skeoch, who paid a surprise visit to the Ballan factory from the Association’s headquarters in Sydney.

Mr Lachner-Marion thanked AGWA and the team at Paarhammer Windows & Glass, and says he loves his job.

“I was a bit surprised, I didn’t even know he [Clinton Skeoch] was coming. He rocked up and I thought ‘who’s this guy?’ and he pulled out the award and handed it to me. I wasn’t expecting it at all, I sort of just go to work and do my job, so to win an award is pretty big,” he told the Moorabool News.

“I’ve been an apprentice here two and a half years. The work’s awesome, every day there’s something different. I get to work on some really cool projects, a lot of circles and arches and angled windows, they’re really cool to make. It’s awesome coming from raw timber down to this beautiful, finished product.”

If they followed the same procedures as the private sector has too, there wouldn’t be any unforeseen circumstances as the pressure in the water mains would have been shown to be insufficient right from the start, as they don’t suddenly change.

Mr Lachner-Marion is undergoing a four-year apprenticeship, and said that while he was originally meant to finish in September next year, at the rate he’s advancing he could finish in February instead.

As for the future, he hopes to stick around at Paarhammer Windows & Glass and show new apprentices the ropes just as he learned.

“At the moment I’ve been moving into a more managing position and sort of starting to run things, and work more independently, and start helping others. It’d be good to stay here and move up a bit more, maybe take over from my boss and he can go into the office,” he said.

“I’d like to give a big thanks to Tony, Edith, and Thomas Paarhammer for giving me the job and the opportunity to start doing well. And especially my supervisor Mat Thorne, he’s taught me everything…I wouldn’t be where I am without his guidance and help.”

Paarhammer Windows & Doors manufacture high performance windows and doors for energy efficiency and bushfire safety, and their products get delivered Australia-wide for residential and commercial projects. As an industry leader in regional Victoria, the company has always been committed to training and apprenticeships with more than 50 tradespeople qualified since its inception in 1990.

The company currently has a vacancy for a self-motivated person with good maths skills for an apprenticeship.

Unfortunately the Darley Football Netball Club and Ballan Football Netball Club, have to suffer the consequences of the Moorabool Shire Council being incompetent, and incapable of running projects like this in my opinion.

They should tender these works out to a reputable builder with penalty clauses attached and stop trying to meddle with the build, as they aren’t up to speed.

How unfair that two local sport ing clubs, run by volunteers, have to lose hard earned cash because of an incompetent shire council. The proof is in the pudding as they have three little projects running into two to three years, and still not finished.

Darcy Lachner-Marion is AGWA’s 2023 Victorian Apprenticeship Award –Commercial winner. Photo - Submitted

YOUR COMMUNITY MARKETS

Darley

Dates: August 12 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: July 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 27 9am - 2pm • 487 Eynesbury Road, Eynesbury

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

ENGINEERING

ROSSCO ENGINEERING AND SALES

0418 301 841 www.rosscoengineering.com.au

APC Notice

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5. Publication of notices about the Council

GARDENING SERVICES

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

(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.

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

[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.

HANDYMAN

BANG4BUCK

Handyman Services

Painting and Repairs

Tile and Grout Sealing

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Fly Screen Replacements

Door Locks Fitted

Rat and Wasp Traps

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And Much More Just Ask CALL FRANK 0427 184 808

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ABN 23 565 633 680

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

CONTACT SERVICES

Stump Grinding | Landscaping | Acreage Mowing

Weed Control | Chainsaw Work | Pressure Washing Gutter Cleaning | Handyman | General Garden Works

NDIS Plan Managed Gardening Services Available

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LAWN MOWING

Ballan Lawn Mowing

Affordable•Local•Reliable

For all your Lawn and Garden Maintenance needs. Call 0436 350 442 for a free quote.

ANDY UNDY’S ROOFING FULLY

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ANGLE GRINDER WorkZone 93549

EC. $50 – 0412 741 865

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

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timber stained $15 – 0409 186 576

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

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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.

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

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

[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.

POULTRY

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Chooks/Pullets for Sale

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Delivery 22nd July

Wood Technology (Joinery)

Paarhammer Windows-Ballan

Full time

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• Good Maths skills

• Good communication skills

• Ability to follow instructions

• Reliability

• Willingness to learn

Email your resume & details to: info@paarhammer.com.au

NOTICE OF AGM of the

Bacchus Marsh Cricket Club

Wednesday 26th July 2023 at 7.00 pm

Maddingley Park Social Rooms Susie McDowell, SecretaryBacchus Marsh Cricket Club

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

COAT LAMBSWOOL, from Skin Inn, light color as new, size M $100 – 0409 534 572

COINS & BANK NOTES to swap, Aust and World, will also sell –0429 092 092

COUCH 3 SEAT, club style, separate seat / back cushions, GC FREE – 0419 565 406

CRYSTAL BASKET W25cm x H23cm, EC . $20 - 0417 356 908

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

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cleaner Gardenline GC $30 - 0412 076 999

GUTTER GUARD - black - 8 rolls 180mm x 8m $20 – 0409 186 576

HEADPHONES Sony Noise

Cancellation $45 – 0423 190 097

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

JERRY CANS 1 x 20L Diesel – $15, 1 x 10L Diesel - $10, 1 x 20L petrol$15 - 0419 565 406

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

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

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Devils cook-a-burra

Both sides should be applauded for such an entertaining display that lent itself to lower scores.

The Devils finished with 13 goals, Sebastopol 10, as both sides fielded one of their more stronger outfits of the season.

Johnson’s haul was aided by the work rate of his teammates between the arcs and surety and self confidence in the air. The 20-year-old has always shown promise - his nine goal return from his last two games has seen him rise to equal 11th on BFNL Goalkicking table with 18. Matt Denham was tireless at the coalface enduring high midfield minutes while Shane Page was typically industrious.

The return of Billy Myers was duly noted, his presence is crucial to the Devils fortunes.

Joel Cadman showed encouraging signs in the first half after an interrupted month with illness while Darren Leonard provided some much needed aerial presence in the difficult conditions, an area the Devils have struggled with in recent weeks.

With Johnson and Riley Matricardi (two goals) proving dangerous in the Devils front half, Burra duo Jed Hill (four goals) and James Keeble (three goals) kept the visitors in it with their clean ball use and finishing.

Yet somehow the Devils were able to get the job done despite a landslide disadvantage in ruck hit-outs. Clearly undersized, the Devils will only improve structurally with the return of young talls Lucas Impey (overseas) and Brady Wright (Rebels). Core midfielder Luther Baker (hamstring) is likely to return ahead of schedule in Round 14.

The Devils under Jordan were made to fight out the win and deserved the honours. They’ve now beaten both last year’s Grand Finalists and sit a game clear in second place after a full round of matches.

Devil’s youngster Mitch Gardiner is a contender for Mark of the Year, an amazing grab in the first quarter.

What the coaches said

Jordan (Darley) - “Good response from our group after a couple of flat weeks. Pleased to play four quarters and have 22 contributors against a high quality side.”

Bacchus Marsh baseball

RESULTS - ROUND 11

BM Tigers 5 drew Corio 5

By Thomas Shaw

In testing conditions with strong wind and some rain, it was a tough day out for both teams.

Corio got off to a two-run lead after the second inning which was matched by Bacchus Marsh in the third inning. Corio matched this by scoring two of their own. After three innings Corio were ahead 4-2.

Bacchus Marsh then rallied in the fourth inning scoring 3 runs to hit the lead for the first time in the game, off some good hitting all round, with a hit each to Nathan Gell and Thomas Shaw and walks to Cooper Wallace and Shannon Hornstra.

Bacchus Marsh were ahead going into the last moments of the game, before a walk and a hit by pitch put two runners on base for Corio before one of them was battered in to draw the game.

By Todd Whelan

Rejuvenated Darley ended a two-game losing streak with a morale boosting 17 point win over flag fancy Sebastopol.

The Devils led by versatile forward Will Johnson (five goals) and star midfielder Brett Bewley, held off a game Burras outfit sporting 17 players (no Tony Lockyer) from their 2022 Grand Final side.

Darley Park played host to trying conditions with all the elements represented on a difficult day executing the basic fundamentals.

Kiel/Columbro (Sebastopol) - “Darley started the better, we tried hard all day but couldn’t get close enough. Will learn and continue to improve.”

FINAL SCORE

Darley 13.10-88 def Sebastopol 10.11-71

Darley (Whelan’s Best) - W. Johnson, B. Bewley, M. Denham, R. Matricardi, S. Page, B. Myers, Ad. Azzopardi. Darley (Goals) - W. Johnson 5, R. Matricardi 2, B. Myers 1, M. Gardiner, D. Bishop, D. Leonard, J. Cadman, An. Azzopardi.

Swans swoop on Cobras

By Todd Whelan

Bacchus Marsh offered little resistance on the road, beaten soundly by Ballarat to the tune of 41 points.

The Cobras went into the game confident of challenging the Swans for the unofficial eighth place ranking in the BFNL but fell well short.

Coach Jason Williams summed up the nature of the performance with a recurring theme.

“Again, we expected too much from too few” he said.

The frustrations for Williams are real despite little or no expectations on finishing In the mix come the business end.

Usual suspects Jake Owen (three goals), Jake McCreery and Tyson Shea led the challenge for the visitors, but it was to no avail.

The Cobras seek breakout games from the young group, not solely bit part contributions.

Clearly the Swans have given every indication they’re ahead of the ninth placed Cobras with a fourth win of the season. The journey for a scalp, albeit a win against any opposition

above them on the table continues for the red, yellow and black but they’re running out of genuine chances.

Ladder leaders Melton this week doesn’t help their cause but an eye toward a breakout game from any of the unexpected majority would at least change the narrative ahead of a highly anticipated local Derby against Darley in round 13. The jury rests.

What the coaches said

Williams (B/Marsh) - “Tough day in some really tough conditions. Ballarat was more efficient going forward and put a gap on us because of that.”

Maple (Ballarat) - “A solid performance from our boys, the Marsh applied a lot of pressure throughout the game. A good result for all three grades on a day that means so much to our football club.”

Final scores

Bacchus Marsh 4.7-31 lost Ballarat 10.12-72

B/Marsh (Best) - J. Owen, J. Huxtable, J. Parente, J. McCreery, T. Shea, C. Salmon.

B/Marsh (Goals) - J. Owen 3, C. Salmon 1.

Ballan Golf Club

RESULTS - W/E SATURDAY 8 JULY

Wednesday – Stableford

Winner - Barry Sims (12) 34 points.

R/up - Kev Lockman (16) 33 points on c/b from Les Martin (19) & Bob Arklay (10).

NTPs - 12th Frank Raffaele, 15th Don Wickson. Magpie 14th Barry Sims.

Saturday – Stableford (6th Round House Teams)

Winner - Barry Sims (12) 40 points.

R/up - Biull Pickering (19) 36 points.

NTPs - 12th Mat Reid, 15th Tom Paarhammer.

Magpies - 14th Chris Tudor, 18th Barry Sims. Balls 3, Cut-off 35 points on c/b Barry Sims, Bill Pickering, Matt Reid

Fairbairn Cup

Winner -Tom Paarhammer def Rick Roden 2 up, 1 to play.

James Bailey Pitching - Photo Daniel Gosev ©

Mitch Gardiner takes a screamer for Darley against Sebastopol Photo - Tim Saultry / sportingherald.com.au©

COBRA NEWS – JULY 11, 2023

BACCHUS MARSH V BALLARAT.

Massive week of football and netball for all our Cobra teams!

FRIDAY NIGHT Club 18 vs Eynesbury @Maddingley Park to support the Eynesbury community.

SATURDAY Senior Men’s Football vs Ballarat & Senior Netball vs Ballarat @Alfredton Oval

FOOTBALL

Under 19’s Reserves Seniors

Bacchus Marsh 3.4.22 def by Ballarat 8.13.61 Bacchus Marsh 4.4.28 def by Ballarat 7.9.51

Bacchus Marsh 4.7.31 def by Ballarat 10.12.72

A tough day on the road for our Senior Men’s Football grades and our Senior Netballers.

A huge thank you to all volunteers and supporters who braved the horrible conditions to cheer on our Cobra teams!

NETBALL

A GRADE B GRADE C GRADE

Swans 88 – Cobras 6 Swans 58 – Cobras 18 Swans 32 – Cobras 7

D GRADE E GRADE Under 19

Swans 42 – Cobras 14 Swans 18 – Cobras 8 Swans 55 – Cobras 5

SUNDAY

Senior Women’s Football vs Lakers, Junior Girls Football vs Ballarat @Maddingley Park

On a cold morning we saw the under 14s start against a strong Ballarat Swans to put up a great effort, but unfortunately go down.

The under 16’s came out firing on Sunday with a great team game and are looking the goods heading to finals.

Then an undermanned 19’s team started strongly with some under 16’s stepping up and playing for us with great team work and skills to come out winners against a undermanned Ballarat Swans.

The senior women were the last to play with some of the 19’s playing up and never giving up till the final siren but unfortunately going down to a strong Lakers team.

Under 14 Under 16 Under 19

Bacchus Marsh 3.1.19 def by Ballarat Swans 9.8.62 Bacchus Marsh 9.11.65 def Ballarat Swans 0.0.0 Bacchus Marsh 3.4.22 def Ballarat Swans 2.1.13

Senior Women

Bacchus Marsh 3.2.20 def by Lakers 9.4.58

We will reset for another week and get back on the training track.

JUNIOR NETBALL - RESULTS ROUND 10

Under 11R Under 11S Under 13R

Woady Yaloak 7 - Cobra 3 Woady Yaloak 2 - Cobra 16 Mt Clear 3 - Cobra  15

Under 13S Under 15R Under 15S

Mt Clear 18 - Cobra 8 Mt Clear 10 - Cobra 22 Mt Clear 22 - Cobra  24

Under 17R Under 17S

Mt Clear 13 - Cobra 22 Mt Clear 20 - Cobra 10

Don’t forget Thursday night training along with team selections and Parma for dinner, from 6pm @ Maddingley Clubrooms keep up to date on our social media facebook.com/bacchusmarshcobras

Coming Up: July 15: Bacchus Marsh V Melton at Maddingley Park

BFLW Senior V Lake Wendouree Sun, July 9 at Maddingley Park

Juniors V Mount Clear Sunday July 9 at Mount Clear

Upcoming Club Social Events

Saturday August 12 – iPod Shuffle @ Maddingley Clubrooms

Saturday August 26 – Jazz & Shiraz @ Maddingley Clubrooms

Ballarat Football League

Central Highlands Football League

Central Highlands

Netball League

Dunnstown Netball

Photo - Tim Saultry

ROUND 11 DARLEY V SEBASTOPOL

FOOTBALL

The U19’s battled hard against a strong opponent in ordinary weather conditions and unfortunately lost the match. The Reserves lost by only one point in a tight contest and the Seniors had a strong win against a very good opposition.

Under 19’s Sebastopol 11.14.80 d Darley 3.1.19

GOALS: Cohan Edwards 1, Brock Rainbow, Kristian Williams

BEST: Jarrod White, Cooper Murley, Jack Wilson, Cooper Parsons-Jones, Taine Powell, Kristian Williams

NETBALL

Reserves: Sebastopol 6.16.52 d Darley 8.3.51

GOALS: Dimitrios Lambris 2, Jay Altay 1, Noah Baker, Kai Coghlan, Ben Crawford, Jyson Fawcett, Justin Runge

BEST: Jett Fuller, Ryan Densley, Jyson Fawcett, Harley Inglis, Alex Sweet, Tim Tyler

Seniors

Darley 13.10.88 d Sebastopol 10.11.71

GOALS: Will Johnson 5, Riley Matricardi 2, Andrew Azzopardi 1, Dylon Bishop, Joel Cadman, Mitchell Gardiner, Darren Leonard, Billy Myers

BEST: Will Johnson, Brett Bewley, Matt Denham, Shane Page, Riley Matricardi, Adam Azzopardi

Another great win by the under 19’s who remain undefeated this season. Despite a rocky start, they maintained composure and finishing with an 8 goal win. A special mention to Grace for playing while three of their players are in Europe While E grade didn’t come away with the win, the girls played a strong game, showing some improvements in their structure. They worked great as a team throughout the whole game.

D grade played in some testing weather conditions and the rain and wind caused some issues with their ability to deliver the ball effectively. Unfortunately, they didn’t come away with a win.

C grade had another win today. While missing several key players, they were able to show the depth of their up and coming junior stars. Their full court defensive pressure worked well which caused turnovers and gave them the opportunity to score.

B grade managed to get back on the board with a 26 goal win. This Was a great result after a couple of recent losses and having a few girls out away. Addison and Holly were welcomed into the team this week and both had strong games.

A grade remains undefeated in their second home game for the season. The terrible conditions made it their scrappiest win of the season but the girls pulled through showing that they are a strong unit across the court.

19’s & Under

Darley 37 d Sebastopol 29

GOALS: Ella Closter, Bridie Shanahan

BEST: Maddy Ierino, Addison Wright

C-Grade

Darley 37 d Sebastopol 25

GOALS: Ella Closter, Bridie

Shanahan, Renee Hulls

BEST: Lauren Martin, Renee Hulls

SENIOR

WOMEN’S

E-Grade

Sebastopol 38 d Darley 16

GOALS: Chloe Elcoat, Isabella Di Mieri, Jessica Blake

BEST: Isabella Di Mieri, Kelsey Pendrey

B-Grade

Darley 51 d Sebastopol 25

GOALS: Ella Closter, Bridie

Shanahan, Renee Hulls

BEST: Erin Robinson, Tarni Lopes

FOOTBALL

ROUND 11 - DARLEY VS REDAN

D-Grade

Sebastopol 27 d Darley 16

GOALS: Takeya Tanner, Macey O’Hehir

BEST: Ebony Raudino, Lauren Martin

A-Grade

Darley 54 d Sebastopol 47

GOALS: Monique Nagle, Becca Hicks

BEST: Ailish McCormack, Shannon Blackman

The girls came out confident that they could beat Redan this time around and they managed it by one point! Madalyn Clark was the star of the game playing in the forward line. A terrific, hard-fought match.

Darley 4.6.30 d Redan 4.4.29

GOALS: Kim Bessell 2, Emmerson Hitch 1, Madison Lister 1

BEST: Lilli Condon, Madison Lister, Abbey Killeen, Madalyn Clarke, Katie Mcaloon

NEXT WEEKEND – BYE for all teams except for Women’s Football Friday 14th July - Darley vs Lake Wendouree @ 7:00pm - Darley Park

Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics

This week’s Centre Cross Country competition was held on Saturday morning at Bostock Reservoir, Ballan. Due to the strong winds and extreme weather conditions, new courses were set out around the north end of the reservoir having all athletes run amongst the protection of the pine plantations.

The Under 6 athletes were first up this week competing over their standard 500m distance. Top 3 placegetters for the boys were Jude BrodyWall (BM), Jack Ainsworth (BM) and Ryder Reid (Mel) and for the girls, Zyah Cameron (Mel) returned to the winners list, with teammates Olivia Anikeev and Cory Lewis in 2nd and 3rd place, respectively.

In the combined Under 7 & 8 1km event Fletcher Reid (Melt) and Rylee Robinson (BM) claimed the wins for the Under 8 age groups while Chayse Johnson (Melt) and Arijana Brown (BM) were declared winners for the Under 7’s.

The Under 9 & 10 athletes contested one lap of the 1k course, finishing with a 500m loop. Little separated the top 4 runners, and it was Under 10 athlete Joshua Askew (BM) who claimed line honors. Anni Clarke (BM) remains undefeated for the Under 10 girls. Bacchus Marsh athletes Auden Sundqvist and Emilia Ibrahim recorded wins for the Under 9 age groups.

Under 11 athletes Iyla Robinson and Logan Simons had a great battle out front in the Under 11/12 combined 2km event. In a sprint finish it was Iyla that claimed line honors. Melton’s Ella Preddy also continues her dominance in the Under 12 age group taking the win, while Elijah Sundqvist claimed maximum points for the boys.

The Open age athletes completed 3 laps of a 1k course with several fallen trees amongst the pines adding to the challenges of this week’s competition. While Nicholas Ibrahim (BM) was first home for the Under 14 boys, Mia Preddy (Melt) placed 1st for the girls. Lachlan Simons (BM) was the Under 13 winner while Mackenzie Estlick finished her race off in style to claim the win for the Girls Under 15 age group.

All athletes must be congratulated on braving the elements on Saturday morning and big thank you to all those who assisted in ensuring our athletes safely completed their events this week. Thank you to our BBQ Chefs, Brenda & Brian who had a yummy hot sausage ready after your races. Please keep supporting this Centre fundraising event.

Next Saturday we return to Rupert Vance Moon Reserve, Bacchus Marsh and I am sure we will be greeted with better conditions at this venue.

An email has been sent to all families with an end of season award qualifications report. If you are yet to qualify, please ensure you attend the remaining events to receive a Cross Country trophy on Presentation Day.

Gath brings home four

By John Dunne (HRV)

Kate Gath, fresh from a personal best time in the Gold Coast Marathon, extended her lead in the Metropolitan Drivers Premiership after steering home a quartet of winners at Bendigo last Saturday night.

The Team Gath trained rising eight-year-old Tango Tara topped $300,000 in prizemoney after leading all the way in the J & A Mazzetti Painting Koala King Free For All.

Tango Tara was joined and headed by the $2.10 favorite Bettor Isolate around the home turn however the son of A Rocknroll Dance refused to yield and fought back to score by a head from the fast finishing Max Delight.

Gath admitted she held the lead against her better judgement on Tango Tara.

“There has been a couple of times when he has led and should have won, he’s just been a touch disappointing,” Gath said.

“And then there are times when he’s sat parked and been beaten four metres and run home really well in quick sectionals yet when he’s led, he has just got run down late and half way down the straight tonight I thought not again,” she said.

Earlier in the night Gath partnered the Emma Stewart trained mare Dannemora to take out the Prydes Easifeed Pace after sitting parked for the last 1600 metres of the race.

Dannemora is now unbeaten in seven starts since arriving at Stewart’s stable from New Zealand earlier this year.

Gath said the four-year-old passed her toughest test to date with flying colors.

“She did it really easily, she picked up the leader really

quickly in a couple of strides,” she said.

“And as she does, she just holds where she is after that and does what she has to do, she got her really quick in what were pretty cheap sectionals for the leader and I was impressed.”

Later in the night Gath opted to surrender the lead on former New Zealander Terry before that pacer outsprinted his rivals in the Vale Noel Ridge Pace.

“It was a pretty solid effort especially the lead time and he copped it left right and centre, he had never been used out of the gate in New Zealand so I just decided to use him

but when we copped that second burn from Major Manbar I thought we’d better hand up,” she said.

Gath rounded out the night with a victory aboard Chinese Whisper in the Aldebaran Park Trot providing Team Gath and owner Norm Jenkin with a winning treble.

“He’s pretty seasoned and he raced during the Inter Dominion series against the best trotters we have here in Victoria, he’s a pretty quality horse and hopefully we can see the best of him this season,” she said.

Gath heads the table on 28 metropolitan successes holding an 11-win lead over Mark Pitt on 17 wins.

Tango Tara was one of four winning drives for Kate Gath at Bendigo (Photo – Stuart McCormick ©)

Photo – BMLAC