Moorabool News August 29

INSIDE THIS WEEK...

Adventure on horseback

Quake Rocks Marsh

Jamboree journey

SIP OF SUCCESS

A local winery has won multiple trophies at the Heathcote Wine Show.

By Matt Romania

The coveted ‘Trophy for the Best Wine of Show’ at the Heathcote Wine Show, has been clinched by a local winery in Moorabool.

St Anne’s Vineyard in Myrniong received the monumental accolade with Angus McLean talking about the significance of the awards, and their new restaurant offering.

“I’ve been immersed in the world of wine since leaving Roseworthy Ag College back in 1992 and joining my family company. I love this industry and have thoroughly enjoyed the journey so far,” Mr McLean told The Moorabool News. This love and dedication bore fruit, both literally and metaphorically.

“St Anne’s has recently won three trophies with our 2022 Heathcote Grenache at the Heathcote Wine Show. This has been a humbling result in a quality field,” he said.

The award-winning wine, priced significantly below its competitors, showcased the excellence that St Anne’s brings to the table, or more aptly, to the wine glass.

These accolades, however, are not just about one wine or one winemaker.

“Teamwork is critical in our business and these recent awards are testament that our Viticultural and Oenology teams are performing in optimum synergy,” Mr McLean pointed out.

Looking forward, optimism fills the air of Myrniong as spring seems to have made an early appearance.

“With an early onset of spring and a dry summer forecast, we are looking towards Vintage 2024 with optimism,” he shared, highlighting the potential for another successful yield.

For the wine enthusiasts, the 2022 Grenache is a must-try.

Mr McLean said Granache is a mid-weight wine with uplifted fruit characters of raspberry.

“And it pairs wonderfully with cured meats, quail, and duck,” he said.

Culinary delights also await at St Anne’s, with Thursday night meals in addition to their Sunday offerings.

“Tom Webb, our chef, presents each dish with flair, and our menu changes weekly. With wines under $35 and a twocourse Thursday night meal at just $45, we promise an unmatched experience,” Mr McLean said.

With the three recent trophies from the Heathcote Wine Show, St Anne’s Vineyard underscores Myrniong’s rich wine legacy. The recent achievement serves as a testament to dedication, teamwork, and craft and, it is all local. Angus

McLean with St Anne’s award-winning 2022 Grenache. (Photo – Matt Romania)

Preferred route chosen

By Lachlan Ellis

Four years after four options for a new road in Bacchus Marsh were proposed, the preferred route has been chosen –though it could be some time before the road is actually built.

The options for the ‘Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road’ were first put to the public in May 2019, while the project itself was proposed a year earlier.

Aiming to divert heavy vehicle traffic away from the town centre of Bacchus Marsh, the four options varied from connecting Bences Road to Geelong-Bacchus Marsh Road via the Old Western Highway, or instead creating a new road between Gisborne Road and Bences Road heading south.

Three weeks ago, Moorabool Shire Council asked the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) for an update, with the last consultation sessions having been held back in 2020.

And just last week, the DTP did provide an update, with Option B chosen as the preferred route.

“We’ve completed a $3 million planning study to identify a preferred eastern link road alignment in Bacchus Marsh that will improve traffic flow and safety. We’ll now seek direction on what planning pathway is required going forward,” DTP

REGIONAL ROADS VICTORIA STATEMENT

The Victorian Government is investing $3m into a planning study for an eastern link road, to improve traffic flow and safety in Bacchus Marsh.

Regional Roads Victoria (RRV) has nominated Option B Alternative as the preferred alignment after examining a range of potential options for a future north-south route to the east of the Bacchus Marsh township.

The process of determining a preferred alignment has included community feedback, findings from various technical studies, consultation with landowners, key stakeholders and key government agencies, and a multi-criteria assessment.

While Option B Alternative has been determined as the preferred alignment, this is not a final decision. The alignment is still subject to a planning approval process which will be undertaken in the next phase of this project.

There are currently no plans for the construction of an eastern link road.

Next steps

RRV will now seek direction on what planning approval pathway is required going forward and we will provide further updates regarding:

Planning pathway for the Planning Scheme Amendment. The PSA includes a Public Acquisition Overlay to reserve land for road purposes and enable land to be acquired for the project.

• Process for the public to provide a formal submission and make comments on the preferred alignment.

For more information about this project, please visit our website visit Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road Planning Study | Regional Roads Victoria or contact us at bacchusmarsh@roads.vic.gov.au.

Regional Director for the Grampians Region, Simon Grant, said.

“We’ll continue to consult with key stakeholders to ensure this aligns with other significant projects planned for Bacchus Marsh.”

The Option B route is approximately 11 kilometres in length, and would begin at an upgraded Gisborne Road/ Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road intersection, intersecting with the Western Freeway at a new central interchange, approximately midway between the Gisborne Road interchange and

Bacchus Marsh Road.

A total of 55 private landowners would be impacted, but no landowners would lose their homes.

In a statement last Monday, Council said it would “review the information released by DTP to gain a full understanding of the implications, including community impacts, traffic congestion and future development outcomes”.

For more information and to view the planning documents online, visit regionalroads.vic.gov.au and search ‘Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road’.

The Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) released its preferred route for the Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road last week. Photo - DTP

Adventure on horseback

By Tina Seirlis

Local residents from across the Shire are encouraged to spend part of their Father’s Day at a heartwarming fundraiser in Korweinguboora, inspired by the memory of a much-loved local mum and teacher, Kerryn Wehrung who sadly lost her battle to breast cancer in 2020.

Taking place from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday 3 September and supported by the Korweinguboora Recreation Reserve, all proceeds from a sausage sizzle will go towards helping Kerryn’s daughter, Abbey Wehrung, achieve a target of $20,000 for the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Ms Wehrung who is 27 and grew up in Korweinguboora said her mum passed in 2020 when there were COVID restrictions, and many people couldn’t attend her funeral.

“She was genuinely a great human being, a teacher for about 30 years, and touched on a lot of people’s lives, had a lot of friends, and so many people who cared about her,” she told the Moorabool News.

As part of the continued fundraising effort, Ms Wehrung will then set off in the days that follow the event on an amazing 300km journey with her horse Ida, and accompanied by friends, family and neighbours, both on

horseback, and as supporting roadcrew.

Called ‘The Big Adventure 2.0’, Ms Wehrung said the idea came about from an earlier fundraiser in 2002 where she followed a similar route to raise money for epilepsy.

Twenty-one years later Ms Wehrung will again undertake the 300km journey on horseback over 12-days, riding from her home in Korweinguboora through to her grandmother’s property in Glenisla at the base of the Grampians.

Reflecting on her mother’s legacy and love of horses, Ms Wehrung said this ride is for her mum.

“She was horse crazy her whole life and we all have a lot of memories of her out riding with us. She was wonderful with animals, down to earth, and had an energy like no one I’ve ever met.”

Everyone is encouraged to attend the event, with an opportunity to not just buy a snag and support the sausage sizzle fundraiser, but meet Abbey, the horses and her team.

The Korweinguboora Recreation Reserve is located at 1399 Ballan-Daylesford Road, Spargo Creek.

To donate to The Big Adventure 2.0 visit: https://fundraise.nbcf.org.au/fundraisers/abigailwehrung/the-big-adventure-2-0

Compensation offered

By Lachlan Ellis

Letters to the Editor

The first offers have been made to acquire easements for a controversial powerline project, and while some are seven figures, community groups are arguing no price is high enough.

AusNet, which is planning the Western Renewables Link (WRL) project, says “more than a dozen compensation offers have so far been sent”, with the remainder to follow in coming months.

The company’s Chief Development Officer, Jon D’Sylva, said compensation ranged from hundreds of thousands of dollars, to multi-million dollar compensation offers.

“The payments are intended to recognise the important role that landholders play in hosting critical transmission infrastructure. This infrastructure is vital to connect renewable energy which will enhance the reliability of the grid, cut the state’s carbon emissions and put downward pressure on power bills as coal-fired power stations shut down,” Mr D’Sylva said.

“The amount of compensation will vary for each landholder and is based on a valuation by an independent and accredited valuer. Landholders are encouraged to seek their own valuations which will be paid for by the project.

“In addition to the market value compensation assessment, landholders will also be compensated for disturbance to their property and operations, for example to sheds, fencing and crops.”

The proposed compensation is on top of the payments the State Government announced in February, being $8,000 per year per kilometres of new transmission easement hosted, for 25 years.

But Emma Muir from the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) says all she and many other landowners along the proposed corridor will accept, is the project going underground.

“I don’t really think the compensation offers are worth the paper they’re written on. No amount of money will compensate landowners for what they’re about to lose,” Ms Muir told the Moorabool News.

“I don’t think it’s about money. There are better ways to do this project, and I don’t think you can pay us enough to risk our lives, our environment, our livelihoods, and our homes. People aren’t going to give all that up easily for money.”

More on the compensation offers can be found by visiting www.westernrenewableslink.com.au and searching ‘Landholder Guide’.

Dear Editor,

As the state’s environmental authority, EPA Victoria recently offered home gardeners a free-soil testing service as part of a research project designed to map soil conditions across the state.

More than 2,000 gardeners have taken up the offer, but most are in Melbourne, so I’m encouraging everyone who enjoys gardening in the Moorabool area to consider sending in soil samples from their garden.

They’ll be helping EPA’s science-based work and getting the soil from their garden scientifically assessed for trace elements and quality indicators, including soil texture, composition, nutrients, and organic carbon. The only cost to the gardener is the postage.

Anyone growing their own fruit or vegetables can find GardenSafe on the EPA website at www. epa.vic.gov.au/for-community/get-involved/ citizen-science-program/gardensafe

Prof Mark Patrick Taylor, Chief Environmental Scientist - EPA Victoria

Kerryn Wehrung with her horse - (Photo supplied by Abbey Wehrung)

“All I, and many other landowners along the proposed corridor will accept, is the project going underground.”

Some compensation offers have been in the millions, but the MCHPA’s Emma Muir says no amount of money is worth hosting an overhead power line easement. Photo – Moorabool News

Good things come in threes

By Lachlan Ellis

State Government MPs toured three state-of-the-art facilities in Moorabool last week – and our local MP has called for the Federal Government to come to the table on funding one.

Minister for Community Sport Ros Spence, and Member for Eureka Michaela Settle, joined representatives from Moorabool Shire Council last Thursday to visit the Bacchus Marsh Recreation Reserve, the Darley Park Community and Sports Centre, and the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC).

Ms Settle said it was fantastic to show the Minister for Community Sport the facilities being built in Bacchus Marsh, but the indoor pool portion of MARC desperately needed Federal funding.

“The last time Minister Spence was in Bacchus Marsh, we were announcing $10 million for the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre. I have written to the Federal Member for Hawke, Sam Rae, and the Minister for Infrastructure, Catherine King, to ask the Commonwealth Government to come on board for this vital project for Bacchus Marsh,” Ms Settle told the Moorabool News.

“It was wonderful to show Minister Spence the incredible projects across Bacchus Marsh, funded by the Andrews Labor Government. Bacchus Marsh is quickly becoming a sporting mecca in our region.”

Moorabool Shire Mayor Cr Rod Ward also welcomed Minister Spence to the Shire last week to show the progress of some of their exciting developments.

“We’re looking forward to welcoming sporting groups to both the indoor stadium and the new parts of BMRRR soon –both state of the art facilities that will be able to host an array of different sports and be fantastic community facilities,” he said.

Works are underway on a new Aussie rules football oval, soccer pitch, and all-abilities playground at the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse Reserve, with $3.5 million provided through the State Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program for Stage Two of the Reserve’s Active Sport Precinct.

The $4.1 million Darley Community and Sports Centre is also well underway, with $2.5 million provided by the State Government on top of commitments from Moorabool Shire Council and the Darley Football Netball Club. And finally, MARC, which is in its first construction phase, will soon offer four indoor sports courts, modern change rooms, versatile meeting spaces, and vibrant community area thanks to $15 million from Moorabool Shire Council, and $1.92 million from the State Government for Stage One.

• $2.9 million has also been provided by the State Govern-

ment for Stage Two, which will provide a dedicated bowls and community hub, while the proposed third stage would add an indoor pool complex.

• $15 million has been allocated to Stage Three by Council, as has $10 million from the State Government – but both Council and the State Government are urging the Federal Government to come to the table and provide the final $15 million needed.

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

Mayor Rod Ward, Michaela Settle MP, the Hon. Ros Spence overlooking the new basketball courts at the Moorabool Aquatic and Recreation Centre (MARC).

Photo – Office of Michaela Settle MP

Connecting carers with cash

Jamboree journey

By Matt Romania

The World Scout Jamboree (WSJ) is an event that resonates deeply within the scouting community. Founded by Lord Baden Powell, the very first WSJ took place in London in 1920. Powell’s vision was to invite young scouts from across the globe, enabling them to exchange cultures and embark on a grand adventure.

In 2017, the Korean Scout Association secured the right to host the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Seamanguem. So, in 2023, from 1 to 12 August, the global youth camp returned to South Korea with an Australian contingent from Ballan.

Recent times saw four remarkable youngsters from the 1st Ballan Scout Group standing tall, representing not only their scout group but also their local community at the international Jamboree in South Korea.

our. Yet, what stands out is watching the youth take charge, laying the foundation of a global community.

“It’s not just about gathering in large numbers. A World Jamboree signifies an unparalleled realm where barriers break down. Prejudice, colour, language, race, economic backgrounds, religion, or even names become irrelevant,” Mr Bellette said.

“What reigns supreme are acceptance, joy, and freedom. Imagine a world where the only transaction is the swapping of badges and where the youth can freely traverse from one country’s campsite to another.”

By Matt Romania

Are you one of Moorabool’s dedicated carers? Have you ever felt the weight of isolation in your selfless role, or wondered if there’s enough tangible support for individuals like yourself? The Victorian government, in tandem with Carers Victoria, has some news that might interest you.

The ‘Connecting Carers in the Community’ grants program is now offering grants of up to $40,000, aimed to curtail the isolation many carers face. It’s seen as a commendable step towards financial support, but with this financial initiative, a question arises: Is this monetary push enough?

“There are more than 700,000 unpaid carers in Victoria, and for many of those people, caring is a 24/7 job that they do selflessly – these grants are one way we can help make their lives a little easier,” said Lizzie Blandthorn, Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers.

“In partnership with Carers Victoria, we’re making sure support reaches selfless carers so they can get the time out they need to look after themselves as well as those they are caring for.”

Carers Victoria will be at the helm of this program, with a spotlight on regional and rural carers.

Minister Blandthorn said their endeavours, from advocacy to information dissemination, create a bridge between the community and the carer support sector.

“This initiative beckons a myriad of groups - community groups, grassroots organisations, and even those focusing on diverse sectors like First Nations, multicultural, and LGBTIQ+ - to step forward and apply.”

Parliamentary Secretary for Disability and Carers, Iwan Walters, echoed this sentiment:

“We know that unpaid carers work incredibly hard and their role is immensely important in the lives of many Victorians.”

So, to the carers and community organisations of Moorabool: While this grant is an opportunity for financial support, the broader question remains – are we doing enough for carers?

While carers steadfastly serve as community pillars, maybe it’s an apt time for reflection on the multifaceted support they truly deserve.

Application are open until 15 September 2023. Further details can be sought at carersvictoria.org.au.

“Lord Robert Baden-Powell had a vision; a vision that grew to see youth all over the world united through one cause, one movement, one purpose,” Group Leader Tony Bellette told The Moorabool News.

This event, which draws over 50,000 young minds and adults from an astounding 158 countries, is indeed a monumental endeav-

Gratitude runs deep within the 1st Ballan Scout Group, who wish to express their heartfelt thanks to those in the local community. Support poured in from many, including the Ballan Country Women’s Association (CWA), Ballan Farmers Market, Steptoes Op Shop, Ballan Country Grocers, and Sam Rae MP.

As a final word on this unforgettable experience for Ballan Scouts, Bellette encapsulates the sentiment.

“A World Jamboree is where our youth grow, destined to be the influential adults of tomorrow.”

Milestone for secondary triage

Ambulance Victoria’s Secondary Triage team is celebrating 20 years connecting Triple Zero (000) callers to the best care for them, and freeing up more ambulances for the sickest patients.

From January to March this year, 37,825 callers to Triple Zero (000) did not need an emergency ambulance and were instead connected by specialist clinicians in Secondary Triage to more appropriate care.

Executive Director Operational Communications Lindsay Mackay said the team, established in 2003, was now the largest of its type in any ambulance service in the world.

“Since 2016, we have connected nearly 1 million Triple Zero (000) callers to alternative care that better meets their needs or provided self-care advice in the comfort of their home, avoiding a trip to hospital,” Ms Mackay said. “While ambulances are always provided to patients when required, about one in five calls to Triple Zero (000) do not need an emergency ambulance response.”

Ms Mackay said the Secondary Triage team operates round-the-clock to help with less urgent calls.

“That results in 500 or more cases every day being safely

matched to services that better suit their needs,” Ms Mackay said.

“As a result, we are safely avoiding sending an emergency ambulance to around 20 per cent of calls to Triple Zero (000). This means we are freeing up more ambulance crews to get to patients facing critical emergencies, faster.”

The Secondary Triage team started with just a handful of people and since 2021 has tripled in size to respond to increasing demand.

Since then, it has expanded to include more than 270 registered nurses and paramedics, who are highly trained experts in determining the most appropriate healthcare for patients.

“They all have at least four years’ experience working in healthcare. They will be able to assess your condition and determine the right care for you,” Ms Mackay said.

“Depending on your condition, we may still send an emergency ambulance or connect you to alternative care options such as non-emergency transport, a doctor or pharmacist, or provide health advice to safely treat your condition at home.

“Some people hesitate to call 000 because they’re not sure if their situation is an emergency. If in doubt, always call Triple-000. If you do get transferred to Secondary Tri-

age, it is important to know that you are in safe and expert hands.”

This winter, Ambulance Victoria again urges the community to help Victoria’s paramedics, first responders and hospitals by saving Triple Zero (000) for emergencies and accessing alternative care options.

“This is to ensure the sickest Victorians receive life-saving care,” Ms Mackay said.

“Time is critical in a medical emergency and if paramedics are tied up with non-emergency calls, they are not available to respond to situations where an ambulance could mean the difference between life and death.”

There are lots of places to get health advice – that isn’t Triple-000. If it is non-life-threatening, there are other options:

• GPs and pharmacists can provide timely non-urgent care.

• Nurse-On-Call is a great service and offers free medical advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week - the number for Nurse-On-Call is 1300 60 60 24.

• The Victorian Virtual Emergency Department.

• For more minor ailments, visit your local Priority Primary Care Centre.

• Visit your local GP respiratory clinic.

The ‘Connecting Carers in the Community’’ grants program is now open for applications. (Photo – Carers Victoria)

(L-R) - Ayla, Cooper, Millie and Imogen at Melbourne Airport bound for South Korea (Photo – supplied)

New court date for power fight Quake rocks Marsh

Two earthquakes hit Victoria last week, with the epicentre of the second near Bacchus Marsh.

By Lachlan Ellis

A second date has been determined for legal action against the Western Renewables Link (WRL), with the case to be heard in the Supreme Court next month.

After a submission to the Court in early August, the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA) case against two ministerial orders allowing AEMO to start early works on the VNI West and WRL projects.

Chair of the MCHPA, Emma Muir, said the group was eager to put forward its case against the two orders during the trial, which will commence on 7 September through to 12 September.

“We’ve put in our submission to the judge, what our legal argument is…we’re looking forward to going to court on the 7th of September. We’re full steam ahead for that,” Ms Muir told the Moorabool News.

“What we’re asking is for a review of the ministerial orders that Minister D’Ambrosio issued in February and May. The best out-

come is that they are quashed, and she can’t use those orders to say the VNI West and WRL have to go ahead as is.”

The orders in question were made under the National Electricity (Victoria) Act 2005, which Minister for Energy and Resources Lily D’Ambrosio says will “bring forward VNI West mean[ing] we can connect cheaper, more reliable renewable energy sooner, putting downward pressure on energy prices”.

But Ms Muir, and the Regional Victoria Power Alliance which the MCHPA is a member of, say fast tracking the projects risks the safety and livelihoods of thousands of people along the project’s corridor, as well as the environment where the powerlines are planned.

As with any legal action, the MCHPA’s legal planning hasn’t come cheap, and Ms Muir said financial support from local communities would be greatly appreciated.

You can view the MCHPA’s latest newsletter, which includes a donation link, at www. stoplaborstowers.com.au/news/stop-labors-towers-newsletter-22nd-august-2023.

It wasn’t a significant earthquake, measuring at just 2.8 on the Richter scale, but some residents reported being woken up by the earthquake or feeling it at work, while others left comments on social media such as “I felt nothing and I am up at 4am”, and “wasn’t even aware of it until I read the paper”.

VicEmergency reported that the quake hit at 2.48am, southwest of Bacchus Marsh, on Friday 25 August. No damage has been reported as a result of the earthquake.

The Bacchus Marsh quake came less than a week after a similar earthquake with a magnitude of 2.9 hit the regional town of Rawson, around 24 kilometres north of Moe.

That earthquake hit around 2.54 pm on Tuesday.

The epicentre of the earthquake was southwest of Bacchus Marsh. Photo – Geoscience Australia

Restoration legacy stands tall

By Tina Seirlis

As development infill further proliferates towards the historic landmark that is the chicory kiln on Taverner Street in Maddingley Bacchus Marsh, celebrations recognising the conclusion of hundreds of hours of restoration work have taken place throughout the week at the iconic location.

The privately-owned building was recently thrown a lifeline with thanks to a collaborative local effort and the Victorian Government’s Living Heritage Program.

Originally built in 1885 by the Pearce Brothers, the kiln was constructed to dry local chicory crops which were used as a coffee alternative and additive. The majority of Victoria’s historic chicory industry was focused around Phillip Island and French Island, as such the much-loved Maddingley monolith is particularly unique and significant, and holds a place as the oldest remaining intact example of a chicory kiln in the state.

It is further notable due to the large painted advertising sign on the south façade promoting ‘Dr Morse’s Indian Root Pills’, a popular subject for local photographers.

Spokesperson for the project, and long-term volunteer with Bacchus Marsh Lions, Russ Hendry said they saw a need to restore the kiln as the structure was unsafe.

“We also believed that this historical building built in 1885, was important as an icon in Bacchus Marsh. It is the largest standing chicory kiln in Victoria and we believe many in our community are unaware of its existence,” he said.

In order to qualify for the State Government grant, the amount sought had to be matched on a one to one basis with total project funding amounting to $66,000.

Mr Hendry said the funding partners were Bacchus Marsh Community Bank, Bacchus Marsh Rotary Club, Bacchus Marsh Lions Club and the Farmelo family.

“The project has taken over two years. There were 550 unfunded manhours by the Bacchus Lions and Rotary Clubs. Local contractors were used for the major works,” he said. Following the conclusion of works, the site was this week visited by Minister for Planning, The Honourable Sonya Kilkenny MP, along with local MP Michaela Settle.

Put the phone away Safe local roads…not yet

By Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool Shire Council has missed out on the initial round of a State Government road funding program, but is hopeful of qualifying for future funding.

This month the State Government announced the first 11-local governments to receive funding under its $210 million ‘Safe Local Roads and Streets Program’, to develop, design and plan road safety improvements along council-managed roads, intersections and precincts’.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety, Melissa Horne, said the program was “fostering new relationships between local governments and the Department of Transport and Planning and TAC”.

“Local councils play a crucial role in identifying their region’s road safety needs and this program will allow us to work together with councils to design and build safer roads for their communities,” TAC CEO Tracey Slatter added.

While the City of Melton and Central Goldfields Shires were among those receiving funding in the first round of the Safe Local Roads and Streets Program, Moorabool is not an initial recipient.

Moorabool Shire Council CEO Derek Madden said it was a shame not to be on the list, but hoped Council would be successful in future rounds.

“Although Council was disappointed not to be chosen as one of the councils in the initial development round of funding, we have an opportunity to put in an application for funding for round 2, which we will do,” Mr Madden told the Moorabool News.

“We haven’t identified specific projects for this funding yet, but will do so once the government opens the funding round.”

The State Government says all Victorian local governments will be progressively introduced to the program from late 2023, based on information from the initial expressions of interest process and councils’ willingness to participate in the program.

In what has been a terrible year for road trauma, new data from the Transport Accident Commission has revealed that apps are the biggest distraction to people who use their phones while driving.

Last week the TAC has released findings from its latest Road Safety Monitor, a survey of 2492 Victorians, which showed almost half of people who admitted to using a mobile phone while driving were using apps.

Fifty-two per cent of respondents said they used a mobile phone in their hands while driving and, of those people, a majority (45 per cent) were interacting with an app.

A quarter of respondents who reported hand-held mobile phone use said they ‘made or received a call’ (26 per cent) or ‘sent or read a text message’ (25 per cent).

Respondents also reported using apps behind the wheel at a higher frequency, with just over a quarter admitting to doing so ‘sometimes’ or ‘most of the time’, nearly three times more often than making or receiving a call.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Tracey Slatter said the risks of driving while distracted were indisputable, and it was concerning that so many people were still picking up their phone while driving.

“We’ve seen a devastating increase to the number of people killed on our roads and each one of those deaths was avoidable, we need people to put the phone away and play their part in making our roads safe,” Ms Slatter said.

“Driving a car is a task that requires

Concerningly, more than half of the 2492 survey respondents said they’d used a mobile phone while driving, most of whom were using apps. Photo - TAC

our full attention and if you’re looking at your phone while behind the wheel, you’re essentially driving blind,” she said.

“If you know that you may be tempted, put the phone in the boot, activate the do not disturb function, set your map and playlist before you leave; nothing is more important than your life and the lives of the people you’re sharing the road with.”

The TAC has also launched a new social media series ‘Not Just a Bad Look’, with three short videos high-

lighting the consequences of using mobile phones while driving. Minister for Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said findings from the TAC Road Safety Monitor would help inform key government actions on road safety.

“This is important advice to government as we work towards refreshing the road safety action plan, to address the terrible levels of road trauma we are seeing this year,” Ms Horne said.

At the time of writing, 177 people have been killed on Victorian roads this year – 34 more than at the same time in 2022.

Distracted driving is a major factor in road trauma, and drivers are 10 times more at risk of crashing if they are using their phone, while taking your eyes off the road for two seconds or more doubles your crash risk in a 50km/h zone.

The Victorian Government earlier this year increased the penalties for using a mobile device while driving to a $577 fine and four demerit points. New mobile phone and seat belt wearing detection cameras have also been introduced in Victoria to reduce road trauma and encourage safe choices.

A TAC public education campaign is supporting the cameras and informing Victorians of the penalties that have applied since July 1, after an initial three-month advisory period. 26 per cent of respondents also reported deliberately exceeding the speed limit by 10km/h or more, while 64 per cent said they had done so by 3 km/h or more.

Members of the Bacchus Marsh Lions Club and the Bacchus Marsh Rotary Club welcomed Sonya Kilkenny (in red) and Michaela Settle (in pink) to the chicory kiln last Wednesday. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Referendum recruits required

Moorabool Shire Council

Weir going digital

By Matt Romania

In Lerderderg State Park, a small yet significant upgrade is in progress at the local Weir. The well-used switchboard and controls, after serving the community for about 40 years, are getting a straightforward update.

employment opportunities spanning metro, regional, and remote areas - right across the country.

The next Ordinary Mee�ng of Council will be held in the Council Chambers, 15 Stead St

These jobs aren’t limited to the action on election day at polling booths. Early voting centres, outposted centres, and mobile polling will also require dedicated personnel.

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

By Matt Romania

“Elections are a fundamental part of our democratic process in Australia,” said an official from the Australian Electoral Commission (AEC),”and it offers an extraordinary opportunity for Moorabool citizens to actively participate.

2023 promises to be a defining year in Australian politics. The Federal Government is setting the stage for a pivotal referendum between September and December. With the date yet to be announced, the spotlight isn’t just on the referendum’s subject matter, but also on the massive recruitment drive. For those looking for temporary work towards the end of the year, there could be a referendum opportunity for you, so the AEC is encouraging expressions of interest.

It’s not just about voting; it’s also about delivering the vote. For this, the AEC has announced the availability of up to 100,000

After the hustle and bustle of election day, there’s a need for meticulous individuals to count votes, manage election materials, and complete a slew of vital administrative tasks. No prior election experiences? That’s no problem according to the AEC. They will “train, prepare, and support” all temporary recruits. The Commission said it is eager to welcome individuals from every background, including those from Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, and culturally diverse origins.

According to the AEC, benefits of joining this democratic drive are numerous. Not only will workers be contributing to the bedrock of Australian society, but they’ll also earn between $25.54 and $48.29 an hour. On-the-job training ensures that every worker is adept and confident in their roles, with support provided throughout the referendum process.

So, what’s in store for those heeding the call? Paid work, short-term employment opportunities, invaluable work experience, and the unparalleled satisfaction of upholding democracy says the AEC: “Working at elections provides a unique opportunity to earn, learn, and be a part of something much larger than oneself.”

Council Mee�ng

“The upgrade of controls and electrics at Lerderderg Weir has been given the green light,” a spokesperson from Southern Rural Water (SRW) said.

“This will simply allow us to manage the three gates from a distance.”

Commi�ee Mee�ng

Enhancing the project’s simplicity, an eight-metre pole has been installed to ensure mobile reception and network connectivity. Its folding design ensures maintenance is straightforward and safe.

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated

The primary role of the Lerderderg Weir is to direct water from the Lerderderg River to the Merrimu Reservoir.

The new digital setup ensures a consistent flow of at least 30 ML down the river, and when there’s extra, it guides the surplus through tunnels to the reservoir.

Public Mee�ng

Employment Tenders

Given its tucked-away location, the Weir does have its challenges, like potential fire threats and occasional flash floods.

The spokesperson said with the new ability to remotely manage the gates, they can respond a bit more efficiently to water level changes.

Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

Planning Permit

“Especially when the weather doesn’t cooperate. It’s a practical change for our staff and the community.”. Digital operation function for water flow at Lerderderg Weir. (Photo –SRW)

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

Changes to Waste Service - Easter

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

Community Grants

Moorabool Shire Council

Council Mee�ng

Commi�ee Mee�ng

Unscheduled Mee�ng of Council

Tourism Grants

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated

Council Mee�ng

Council Meeting

Public Mee�ng

Rates Payments Rates Notices - Objections

How do I object to my property valuation?

The next Ordinary Meeting of Council will be held Wednesday 6 September, at 6pm in the Ballan Chambers, 15 Stead St, Ballan. The meeting is open to the public.

Commi�ee Mee�ng

For details on meeting location and attendance, visit: moorabool.vic.gov.au/meetings

Employment Tenders

Navigators Community Centre Incorporated Public Mee�ng

Australia Day Celebra�ons 2021

Thank you!

Objections must be lodged on the Valuer General Victoria portal or on the prescribed form and lodged on the portal or with Council within sixty (60) days from when Council issues your Annual Rate and Valuation Notices.

Further Information regarding Valuation

Have Your Say

Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

Consultations open this week include:

• Draft CCTV Policy

Employment Tenders

Objections can be obtained from the Revenue Services Team or by lodging your objection directly with the Valuer General’s Office at ratingvaluationobjections.vic.gov.au/.

Planning Permit

All details on our website: haveyoursay.moorabool.vic.gov.au

Have Your Say: Female Friendly Strategy

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

Planning Permit

Changes to Waste Service - Easter

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

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

There’s a variety of referendum roles available. (Photo – AEC)

Support for flood recovery

The Australian and Victorian Governments have joined forces to support communities affected by the floods in October and November 2022, with millions already provided.

Under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, the Federal and State Governments have provided more than $11.8 million to 125 voluntary committees of management, to help restored recreation areas and facilities damaged by the floods.

Federal Member for Hawke, Sam Rae, said the funding was helping communities like Moorabool get back on their feet.

“This vital funding will help restore our much-loved community facilities after the devastating floods in 2022. Our communities across Moorabool Shire saw first-hand the impact of the devastating floods. This is just another way we’re working to support their recovery.” Mr Rae said.

One local group affected by the floods was the Ballan Golf Club, with member Les Martin saying the Club suffered extensive course damage.

“We’re excited that this funding will allow our golf club to continue to provide the Ballan community, and indeed Moorabool residents, as well as state and interstate visitors, including world travellers with the benefits from our golf course,” Mr Martin said.

“Our golf club has not been developed for only playing golf but provides a picturesque tour along recreational pathways for families, senior citizens, and groups with interests in fauna and flora and caters for dogs/pets on leashes.”

The Ballan Golf Club received $19,065 under the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements.

Other groups to receive funding include:

• Myrniong Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Inc ($29,700)

• to repair and reinstate driveways and drainage at the Myrniong Reserve

• Myrniong Recreation Reserve Committee of Management Inc ($14,800)

• to repair and reinstate driveway and drainage at the Myrni-

Getting the best start in Ballan

“The Minister for Early Childhood & Pre-Prep announced five of these new kinders this morning, it’s a commitment we made in 2021, to start establishing kinders within school precincts. It makes so much sense for those transition periods between kinder and school. As someone who’s been a parent, with the endless drop-offs, having the kinder and school right next to each other will make an enormous difference,” Ms Settle told the Moorabool News.

“I’m delighted to say that Ballan is one of the five schools that Minister Stitt announced this morning. It’ll be a threeroom kinder. The final design will be worked through with Council and the school. Obviously Ballan is a growing town, and this government has made a huge commitment to those early years.

“We know those early years make all the difference to a child’s life, so this is another step, or another building block in fact, in the Best Start, Best Life program.”

Mr Carlyle said the new kinder would be a fantastic asset for the growing Ballan community.

“The court at the end of Steiglitz Street will have an entryway to the kinder, the school, and our community facility. It’ll be a great little precinct, you could almost say,” Mr Carlyle said.

ong Mechanics Institute Blackwood Crown Reserves Committee of Management Inc ($6840)

• to clean up the Blackwood Mineral Springs and Tourist Camp.

To learn more about the Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements visit disasterassist.gov.au and vic.gov.au/2022-flood-recovery.

Newborns in Moorabool Grace

Maddingley couple Natalie and Peter Boyle, have welcomed their second child, a little girl. Arriving on Tuesday 18 July at the Joan Kirner Women’s & Children’s Hospital, Grace Ann BOYLE was born at 12.31pm and weighed 3750g. Grace is a new sister for brother Lucas.

Letters to the Editor

Writing letters to the Editor

Each letter must be accompanied with the writer’s full name, address and phone number (name and suburb for publication only) and limited to 300 words. Letters to be received via post or email (preferred option). The Editor has the right to limit the amount of words in each letter received and published letters are at the discretion of the Editor. Send your letters to news@themooraboolnews.com.au

Dear Editor,

By Lachlan Ellis

More young learners will have access to a quality early education in Ballan, thanks to a new kinder being built at Ballan Primary School.

As part of the $14 billion ‘Best Start, Best Life’ reforms, the State Government has made sure that every new primary school since 2021 has a kinder on-site or next door, ensuring kindergarten programs are easier to access, drop-off and pick-up times are more convenient, and children have a smoother transition to primary school. And soon parents and students in Ballan will enjoy that same benefit, with land right next to Ballan Primary School set to have a new kinder open in early 2025.

Eureka MP Michaela Settle paid a visit to the site on Friday 25 August, speaking with Ballan Primary School Principal Lachlan Carlyle.

“We are finding ourselves all of a sudden as a growing community. Our enrolments last year and this year are going steadily north, and next year we’ll be going up a class size. What we’re hearing from the community is the need for infrastructure and facilities…what a boon it is for us to be able to have another kinder facility to cater for this community, right on our doorstep.”

Having a kinder so close will allow the school to “build our practices and processes to so strongly support families along their whole education journey here in Ballan”.

“It’s a long time coming. This is my second year at the school but my understanding is this site has been spoken about for upwards of a decade, as a great place for another centre,” he said.

“This initiative wasn’t in place back then, but it is now. It just makes sense for us, and for the community.”

The new kinder will provide up to 99 places for local kids to play, explore, and learn in.

By

7,000 people.

I would like to thank all those farmers and residents from Moorabool and Central Highlands, for rallying together in the city of Melbourne (M/News 22 Aug), protesting against the construction of high voltage powerlines on agricultural land.

The construction of these high voltage transmission towers will have a serious impact on the farming community.

The Victorian government has no consideration when it comes to their renewable energy policy, the idea to use our farmlands, bush and regional areas as a massive power station to generate electricity for greater Melbourne, at a cost to our environment, is foolish.

Not only is Premier Daniel Andrews irresponsible, but grossly negligent when it comes to renewable energy, in my opinion. I am not an advocate of wind and solar, simply because they are unreliable and will not deliver the electricity on demand.

So, why would you construct and build massive transmission lines and towers on prime farming land?

Tony Brimson, Ballan

Photo – Office of Sam Rae

2041, Ballan’s population is expected to soar from its 2021 total of 3,000 people, to around

Ballan Primary School Principal Lachlan Carlyle showed Eureka MP Michaela Settle the land where the new kinder will be located last Friday. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

More paramedics to respond to demand

Code 1 emergencies was 16 minutes and 4 seconds.

In the Grampians, response times have improved in the Ararat, Horsham and Northern Grampians Local Government Areas (LGAs). Compared to the same time last year, the average response time to Code 1 patients has improved from:

• 19 minutes and 6 seconds to 16 minutes and 59 seconds in the Ararat LGA, an improvement of two minutes and 7 seconds.

Near death experience

By Matt Romania

On a seemingly ordinary morning in Darley, a man set out for a walk with his old dog, Snowy. What should have been a routine stroll turned into a traumatic ordeal that left both the man injured and Snowy fighting for his life.

“On that day, I was just walking Snowy along Tate Street, Darley, like any other day,” Dominic told The Moorabool News. He recalls a person with their new dog, standing at the intersection of Dundas Street and Tate Street. This person reassured Dominic their dog was “very friendly” and trusting this advice, Dominic let Snowy approach.

In the aftermath, Dominic made an emergency visit to a vet, fearing for Snowy’s life.

“I feared the worst because of the severity of his injuries, blood and how lifeless he looked,” he said.

The injuries were so dire that Snowy had to stay at the vet’s overnight, with concerns he might not make it to morning.

Dominic’s own injury also required immediate medical attention.

“The staff at the vet clinic helped tend to my wounded finger before I went to the doctor.”

More paramedics are hitting the road across the Grampians Region as new data shows demand for emergency ambulances is rising sharply again for winter.

Ambulance Victoria Grampians Director Regional and Clinical Operations Peter Jenkins said the fourth quarter of 2022/23 was Ambulance Victoria’s third busiest on record, with ambulance responses impacted by a 5.5 per cent increase in demand compared to the previous quarter.

“Every winter we see demand rise, and this year is still challenging as COVID-19 and influenza spreads, and more staff are furloughed due to illness,” Mr Jenkins said.

“April to June saw ambulances called to 97,509 Code 1 cases state-wide, which is more than 5,000 additional ‘lights and sirens’ cases compared to the previous three months. This is a huge 29.3 per cent increase from 75,398 Code 1 cases five years ago before the pandemic hit.

“This winter we again urge you to help our paramedics, first responders and hospitals by saving Triple Zero (000) for emergencies and accessing alternative care options which can better meet your needs.”

From April to June, paramedics and first responders across Victoria responded to 61.7 per cent of Code 1 cases within the state-wide average target of 15 minutes. The state-wide average response time to

• 14 minutes to 12 minutes and 33 seconds in the Horsham LGA, an improvement of one minute and 27 seconds. In the major population centre of Horsham, paramedics responded to 87.2 per cent of Code 1 cases within the state-wide average target of 15 minutes – making it the best performing in the state.

• 18 minutes and 48 seconds to 16 minutes and 28 seconds in the Northern Grampians LGA, an improvement of two minutes and 20 seconds.

Between April and June state-wide, an average of nearly 88 staff were furloughed every day due to COVID-19. As a wave of COVID-19 spread during the quarter, the number of staff furloughed increased from a low of 54 on 1 April to a peak of 149 on 24 May.

On top of staff furlough and increasing winter demand, Ambulance Victoria was also impacted by the pressures felt across the entire emergency care system.

Mr Jenkins said to help respond to increasing demand and get more ambulances on the road and to patients quicker, Ambulance Victoria had recruited 118 new graduate paramedics over the past month, including 10 in the Grampians Region.

“This builds on our record recruitment of more than 1,300 paramedics over the past two years,” Mr Jenkins said.

“We welcome all our new graduate paramedics and wish them the best for long and rewarding careers at Ambulance Victoria.”

In mere moments, the scene turned horrific.

“Before I knew it, the other dog had Snowy by the neck, and no matter what we did, he wouldn’t let go,” Dominic said.

“There was blood everywhere. It was the worst minute of my life.”

Trying to separate the dogs, Dominic sustained a bite on his middle finger.

As for the other person’s reaction? Dominic’s disappointment was evident.

“All they said to the dog was ‘naughty boy’, and she didn’t even offer an apology, help - or to even check on Snowy’s recovery.”

After a procedure under anesthesia and a tetanus shot, Dominic’s hand began its healing journey, just as Snowy’s recovery had started at the vet.

While Dominic and Snowy continue their journey to healing, Dominic reflects on the resilience of his loyal companion.

“Snowy’s a tough little guy,” a relieved Dominic said.

The ordeal has not only tested their bond but has also underscored the responsibility of pet owners to avoid causing harm to others.

After an investigation into Snowy’s attack by Moorabool Shire Council, the other dog has been surrendered and the owner fined.

New wheels for firefighters

By Lachlan Ellis

With a harsh fire season predicted this year, local firefighters have received a timely upgrade, with new Heavy Tanker trucks provided.

Boasting the latest firefighting technology and a greater water capacity than existing trucks, seven new Heavy Tankers have been rolled out in the broader Ballarat area this month, with one of the trucks given to the Ballan Fire Brigade.

Local Fire Brigade Captain Ben Hatfield said the new Heavy Tanker had arrived at a perfect time.

“For us it’s come at the right time, just before fire season, which by all accounts seems like it’ll be a busy season. It’s definitely a timely gain for us,” Mr Hatfield told the Moorabool News.

“Basically, they’re the brand-new iteration of CFA’s Heavy Tankers. They come with more water, the newest safety systems and pumps.”

Mr Hatfield said it will help enhance their capacity.

“It replaces a 20-year-old tanker we’ve had in service for a long time, and lets us use the latest equipment we’ve got available,” he said.

Other District 15 CFA brigades set to receive Heavy Tankers are Buninyong-Mt Helen, Creswick, Daylesford, Miners Rest, Napoleons-Enfield and Wendouree.

CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the state-of-the-art assets were a welcome addition.

“The Heavy Tankers feature a 15-tonne crew-cab chassis with a 4000-water litre tank, electronic monitors and electric rewind hose reels. Their 4x4 capability and automatic transmission will help crews access fires in difficult terrain,” Mr Heffernan said.

“The heavy tankers also have a 1200 litres per minute diesel engine-driven firefighting pump, crew/vehicle rollover and burnover protection and full equipment stowage cache.”

Also being provided to the District is an ‘Ultra-Heavy Tanker’ with a capacity of 10,000 litres of water, which will be housed at Ballarat City Fire Station.

District 15 consists of 62 brigades. The seven brigades receiving the heavy tankers are supported by 471 volunteers that have responded to almost 570 incidents since the beginning of the year.

Snowy is back in Dominic’s arms after being attacked by another dog. (Photos – Matt Romania)

Ballan Fire Brigade Captain Ben Hatfield says the new Heavy Tanker has arrived “at the right time”. Photo – Lachlan Ellis

YOUR COMMUNITY MARKETS

Ballan

Dates: 9 September 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: September 2 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: September 24 9am - 2pm • 487 Eynesbury Rd, Eynesbury

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

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.

PAINTING

TOPLINE COATINGS

Master

•

•

•

•

• Free Quotes

ANDY

PUBLIC EVENT

BALLAN BOWLS CLUB OPEN DAY

Sunday 10th September, from 10am

Families welcome, Bowls activities, BBQ and Bar open

APC Notice

1. Obligation to publish – Designated Resolution 5

ACCOMMODATION

BALLAN CARAVAN & TOURIST PARK

Short term accommodation available

FUNERALS

EMPLOYMENT

VARIOUS FARM WORK

Regular part time position

3 days per week

Driver’s license required

Contact Bob 0412 335 246

The Moorabool News Office 15 Haddon Dve, Ballan, 3342 Phone (03) 5368 1966

Email: Editorial news@themooraboolnews.com.au

Advertising sales@themooraboolnews.com.au

Ad copy graphics@themooraboolnews.com.au

Editor Helen Tatchell Graphic Design Ruth Comey

Published by The Ballan News Pty Ltd Printed by Latrobe Valley Express

5 Cowie Street, Ballan. Phone 5368 1797

5. Publication of notices about the Council

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

Published by Helen Tatchell, 15 Haddon Dv, Ballan, 3342 for The Ballan News Pty Ltd, 15 Haddon Drive, Ballan, 3342. Printed by Latrobe Valley Express. Responsibility for electoral material is accepted by the editor, Helen Tatchell, of 15 Haddon Drive, Ballan 3342. ABN 84 115 355 461.

DEATH NOTICE

(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.

Wilkie - Michael Bernard (Mick)

05.10.1961 - 21.08.2023

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

*Cabins with ensuite • *Vans • Powered sites • Unpowered sites

*includes linen and manchester Dogs welcome!

45 JOPLING ST, BALLAN 0467 084 733

FUNERAL NOTICE

WILKIE

AERATOR battery powered new

$25 – 0447 672 218

AIRTRACK inflatable tumbling mat, 2.8m x90cm x10cm, EC, pale green & grey $80 0428 282 808

ANGLE GRINDER WorkZone

93549 EC. $50 – 0412 741 865

ASICS Women’s runners Gelexcite 7 AWL grey/silver (US81/2).

Worn once -In box $40 0408 872 293

BED - Queen size metal frame with slats $50 – 0406 710 909

BED SIDE DRAWERS (3 drawers)

timber stained $15 – 0409 186 576

BED SPREAD purple velvet $40 –0403 193 976

BEDS SINGLE (2) – coil spring steel base. Stained wood bed ends. GC $40 – 0490 178 340

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

BINOCULARS Zivitar $45- 0423

190 097

CAGE animal, suit rabbits, guinea pigs or birds $30 – 0423 252 922

CAR SEAT, Infants 6mths to 8yrs, ‘Infarsecure’ brand EC. Hardly used $50 - 0448 519 552

CARGO-MATT Rubber, original, Landcruiser 200, EC $30 – 0414 311

835

[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.

Passed away at home with his loving partner Vicki by his side. Cherished and loved soulmate of Vicki for 31 years. Supportive and proud dad to Lee & Paul (dec), Peter (dec), Tammie and Jack & Jess. Loving Pop of 7 Grandchildren and Great Grandfather of 2. Loved by his sisters and extended family. Forever in our Hearts.

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.

CHAIR Lifted & Recliner fair cond, some wear on arms FREE – 0437 485 588

CHAIRS (2) Amart recliner brown

FC Free - 0408 998 700

CHESS SET, Pieces 4” high, Asian made in case $40 0458 644 633

CHEST OF DRAWERS 2 sml drawers top, 4 lge bottom $100 ONO – 0418 318 164

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

CORDLESS DRILL AEG with 2 batteries charger and case GWC $100 – 0419 523 670

COUCH 2 seater, black vinyl FREE – 0428 407 449

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

CROWBAR, used 1800mm x 30mm $15 - 0428 671 116

CUPS & SAUCERS 24ct new $40 –0403 193 976

DOG KENNEL timber suit med dog $30 – 0418 318 164

DOLLHOUSE large wooden with few accessories $30ono 0408 260 727

DOONA COVER Queen, cream with pink flowers at bottom, new $20 – 0423 774 019

DRESSER, Pine 204cmH x 118cmW x 50cmD $50 - 0413 847 978

DRESSING TABLE with mirror

FREE – 0428 407 449

ELNA PRESS clothes iron, $100 –0423 774 019

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

FILING CABINET grey, 4 drawer

$30 – 0412 076 999

FIRE EXTINGUISHER 1kg powder type $20 – 0447 672 218

FOOD PROCESSOR Breville

Cyclonic $50 – 0417 110 261

FUTON FANTASTIC 2 seater grey plush FREE -0409 850 931

GARDEN BLOWER/VACUUM

cleaner Gardenline GC $30 - 0412 076 999

GARDEN TOOLS Shovel & rakes

$20ea – 0412 076 999

GARDEN TRIMMER Black & Decker Electric 330mm Blade EC

$20 - 0428 671 116

GOLF CLUBS Mens 1 RH, 1 LH

$40 per set – 0412 076 999

The Funeral Service for the late Mr Michael Bernard Wilkie will be held at Michael Crawford Funerals Chapel, 226 Main Street Bacchus Marsh on Friday Sept 1st, 2023 commencing at 11.00 am. Following the Service, Michael will be laid to rest at the Maddingley Cemetery, Bacchus Marsh. The Funeral Service will be livestreamed and available to view on our website: michaelcrawfordfunerals.com.au - (Select Funeral Notices)

In the care of

Bacchus Marsh • Ballan ✆ 5367 6733

HANDBAG clutch, leather Hall of Fame $50 – 0423 774 019

HEADPHONES Sony Noise

Cancellation $45 – 0423 190 097

HEATER Rinnai/Aira Mobile Gas with cylinder, 3 tiles $90 – 0490 178 340

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

JACKET Jag Jean Jacket size 10 $15 - 0423 252 922

JACKET leather, mens new $100 –0401 062 365

JEANS Jag jeans size 12 brand new $15 - 0423 252 922

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

LOUNGE 7 pce pink suede, wooden frame incl 2 x single seats, 1 x 3 seater, 2 mini seats, VGC $100 ono – 0408 260 727

LOUNGE SUITE 3pc light coffee colour vinyl FREE – 0428 407 449

LUGGAGE - garment/suit bag, black, many compartments, VGC

$15 - 0417 356 908

MATTRESS Queen size in new condition $100 – 0406 710 909

MINT SETS Great Britain coins 1983, 84, 87,88 $20 ea 0429 092 092

MINT SETS NZ various $20 ea $20 ea – 0429 092 092

MOTORBIKE JACKET Dririder, blue, waterproof/padded, small adult, hardly used, VGC $30 - 0417 356 908

MOTORBIKE PANTS - 1 x XXL, 1 x small adult, waterproof/padded, GC $20 each - 0417 356 908

MY GENERATION DOLL horse, 45cm, pink Jeep car, $35 ea - 0428 282 808

MY GENERATION DOLL horse, 45cm, pink Jeep car, $35 ea - 0428 282 808

POWER SCRUBBER hand held for bathroom, boats etc, new in box $30 – 5310 6662

POWERTECH charger 12v, 1.5w, solar trickle new $25 –0447 672 218

RECLINER chairs Anmart x 2 brown fair condition – Free for collection ph 0408 998 700

RECLINER Ezy-lift brown velvet seat, VGC $100 ono – 0408 260 727

ROLLER BLADES womens size 7 ½ $30 – 0456 243 956

ROLLER SHUTTERS 3 x 500mm (w) x 870mm (h) white $65 – 0419 523 670

Ballarat Football League

RESULTS – ROUND

Central Highlands Football League

Central Highlands Netball League

RESULTS - WEEK 1 FINALS QUALIFYING FINALS

A Grade

Learmonth (46) def Daylesford (27)

BEST on court - Kaitlyn Balazic (Ler)

B Grade

Learmonth (49) def Newlyn (25)

BEST on court - Georgia Godson (Ler)

C Grade

Buninyong (28) def Ballan (24)

BEST on court – Ella Young (Bun)

D Grade

Gordon (35) def Newlyn (21)

BEST on court - Ryley Nagel (Gor)

17&Under

Hepburn (29) def Bungaree (23)

BEST on court - Maddie Lewis (Hep)

15&Under

Springbank (23) def Ballan (14)

BEST on court – Sophie Kennedy (Spr)

13&Under A

Gordon (26) def Daylesford (20)

BEST on court – Charli Busuttil (Gor)

Central

Ballarat Football/ Netball League

Elimination Finals

A Grade

Beaufort (68) def Gordon (42)

BEST on court - Alana Roberts (Bea)

B Grade

Bungaree (37) def Skipton B Grade (30)

BEST on court - Marli Clark (Bun)

C Grade

Bungaree (30) def Beaufort (27)

BEST on court – Olivia Elliott (Bun)

D Grade

Clunes (23) lost Ballan (29)

BEST on court Tori Barbara (Bal)

17&Under

Springbank (33) def Gordon (28)

BEST on court - Elsie Conroy (Gor)

15&Under

Hepburn (39) def Waubra (15)

BEST on court - Nayomi Fairhurst (Hep)

13&Under A

Buninyong (23) def Newlyn (11)

BEST on court – Naomi Poole (Bun)

Ballan Brumbies Basketball

RESULTS – W/e 27 August

Under 8 Boys

Ballan 25 def Sovereign

Knights 14

Under 10 Boys

Ballan E 20 lost Excies

Acmy 25

Ballan B 16 lost Drummo Dragons 32

Under 12 Boys

Ballan F 17 def Phoenix

Gladiators 9

Under 12 Girls

Ballan 18 def Saints

Shock 16

Under 14 Boys

Ballan F 32 def Drummo

Dragons 19

Ballan E 26 def Phoenix

Cannons 25

Ballan D 34 drew Phoenix Crocodiles 34

Ballan B 29 def Excies Acmy 21

Under 14 Girls

Ballan B 20 lost Saints

Spirit 34

Under 16 Boys

Ballan G White 33 def

Phoenix Rollers 30

Ballan G Blue 34 def

Drummo Dragons 23

Ballan D 41 lost Drummo Dragons 45

Ballan C 27 lost Saints

Blazers 30

Under 19 Boys

Ballan G 35 lost Saints

Rollers 100

Ballan E 33 lost Phoenix

Flyers 38

Ballan C 31 drew Wildcats 31

Under 19 Girls

Ballan 59 def Excies

Acmy 9

Photo – © Tim Saultry / sportingherald.com.au

BATHROOM KITCHEN LAUNDRY

(03) 5367 2277

242/244 MAIN ST, BACCHUS MARSH VIC 3340

EVERLAST TYRE SERVICE

5 Osborne Street, Maddingley

Ph 5367 8818 Mob: 0413 936 128

Hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am-5.00pm Saturday 8.00am-12.00pm

PLUMBING

ROUND 18

DARLEY V SUNBURY

SUPPLIES

FOOTBALL

It was a tough last home and away round this weekend with both our U19’s and Reserves sides losing to a strong opponent in Sunbury. Our Seniors, however, had a terrific 9 goal win and proved they deserve to be up there on the ladder.

Under 19’s

Sunbury 11.11.77 d Darley 1.2.8

GOALS: Cooper Murley 1

BEST: Cooper Murley, Nick Cadman, Cooper Parsons-Jones, Cohan Edwards, Brady Wright, Jarrod White

Reserves:

Sunbury 10.15.75 d Darley 7.3.45

GOALS: Jett Fuller 2, Drew Lock, Jake Ancrum 1, Noah Baker, Ben Crawford

BEST: Jake Ancrum, Dale Peacock, Ryan Densley, Alex Sweet, Regan King, Harley Inglis

NETBALL

Seniors

Darley 20.4.124 d Sunbury 11.13.79

GOALS: Will Johnson 4, Leigh Spiteri, Billy Myers 3, Andrew Azzopardi 2, Brett Bewley, Joel Cadman, Darren Leonard, Dylon Bishop 1

BEST: Leigh Spiteri, Billy Myers, Will Johnson, Luther Baker, Joel Cadman, Mitch Ward

Our Under 19’s have finished the season underfeated. An amazing accomplishment.

Unfortunately, E Grade wasn’t able to come away with the win but the girls have shown amazing improvement throughout the season.

The C Grade side had a tough and challenging match. It was a slow start but they fought back in the second quarter. They kept their heads up and kept fighting for the ball. With a few turnovers, they couldn’t pull through to win and the game ended with a draw.

After a slow first two quarters, B Grade was able to dig deep and pull through to get the win and jump to first to win the minor premiership. They turned the game around and kept positive going all the way to the end of the match.

Unfortunately, A Grade suffered their first season loss, but the girls fought back in the last quarter and finished the season on a high. Regardless of the loss, the team has had an extraordinary season and finished minor premiers

19’s & Under Darley 42 d Sunbury 22

GOALS: Ella Closter, Bridie Shanahan, Greta Gorman-Jacobs

BEST: Lucy Taylor, Maddy Ierino

C-Grade Darley 27 tied Sunbury 27

GOALS: Renee Hulls, Lauren Martin

BEST: Addison Wright, Alyssa Normington

E-Grade Sunbury 40 d Darley 8

GOALS: Isobella Di Mieri, Keeley Libbis, Jessica Blake

BEST: Zoe Attard, Keeley Libbis

B-Grade Darley 49 d Sunbury 45

GOALS: Ella Closter, Bridie Shanahan

BEST: Bridie Shanahan, Sophia Andreula

D-Grade Sunbury 18 d Darley 42

GOALS: Macey O’Hehir, Takeya Tanner, Isobella Di Mieri

BEST: Chloe Elcoat, Zoe Attard

A-Grade Sunbury 50 d Darley 45

GOALS: Becca Hicks, Olivia Cawthry, Monique Nagle

BEST: Grace Markovic, Matilda Elliot

SENIOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALL – FINALS ROUND 2

Another spectacular match for the girls. This win sends them straight into the grand final.

Kim Bessell kicked a whopping 9 goals and Spud (Tameeka), played a magnificent game. The girls have a week off before they play in the big GF. Let’s get around them and get to training and the Grand Final to cheer them on.

Darley 14.6.90 d Lake Wendouree 4.3.27

GOALS: Kim Bessell 9, Matilda Rawlings 3, Crystal Layton 1, Tameeka Morrissey 1

BEST: Lilli Condon, Matilda Rawlings, Madison Lister, Rebecca Gillon, Emmerson Hitch, Kim Bessell

By Greg Tinkler

Tigers into grand final

Results – Round 1 Final

BM Tigers 2 def Alfredton 1

Another tight game between BM Tigers and Alfredton Eagles, with a pitch dual between the Tiger’s Shiori Hoshino and the Eagles Dan Hamilton. Both pitchers pitched extremely well with only 6 hits a piece in 7 innings of work. Tiger’s James Early came on to close in the last innings and needed only 3 pitches for the last out of the game.

Defensively both teams performed well with 3 errors by the Eagles and 2 by the Tigers none of which resulted in a run.

The Eagles 6 hits including 2 doubles, 1 each by Adam Spiel-

vogel and Waruna Lekamlage with Waruna Lekamlage coming home of the batting by Scott Trezise in the 5th innings.

The Tigers with 6 hits all by different batters, with Shannon Hornstra coming home off the hit by Jon Bell in the 2nd innings and, Bronwyn Gell coming home off the walk by Shannon Hornstra in the third.

The GBS D3 grand final will be held on Saturday 8 September, 1:30pm at the East Belmont Saints baseball Club (Geelong Baseball Centre 4)

The Tigers are hoping to run some summer programs, in particular Baseball for All and juniors programs. Anyone interested please contact the club on our email, bacchusmarshbaseball@gmail.com

Devils secure double chance

By Todd Whelan

A nine-goal opening quarter blitz has led Darley to a seventh straight win, and deserved double chance bonus ahead of the BFNL finals series starting this weekend.

Visiting Sunbury were left stunned by the sheer nature of the Devils efficiency going forward and, were made to pay the ultimate price in more ways than one by afternoon’s end.

Dan Jordan’s army took full toll of their 15-11 inside 50s advantage to lead 9.0-54 to 1.2-8 at the first change.

Rejuvenated small forward and dual Premiership player Leigh Spiteri (four goals) gave the Devils a timely reminder of his importance with a blue print example of how to play one of the more understated roles in the modern game.

The 25 year old was super efficient with his distribution and finishing, clean at ground level and sure overhead when required.

Will Johnson’s break-out season continues to head in the right direction with the versatile forward adding another four goals to his season tally, taking him to 36 and an equal sixth place finish on the Tony Lockett Medal table. Some effort.

Billy Myers (three goals) and Darren Leonard (two goals) posed an aerial threat for the most part and the ultimate beneficiaries of the Devils improved quality of entries.

Brett Bewley seemingly had his own footy in the first half before Luther Baker assumed the reins in the second with his tireless work rate and accumulation.

While Sunbury outscored the Devils through the middle part of the game to reduce the margin to near single figures, a seven-goal final term would consolidate a second win for the season over Travis Hodgson’s men by 45 points or more.

The fall out for Sunbury was devastating given underdog road wins to Redan and East Point relegated the Lions to seventh on the ladder, one game shy of featuring in the finals action.

Not since 2009 (13-3) have we seen the Devils finish second after the BFNL home and away season. Their impressive 14-2 win loss record eclipses any of the Devils previous re-

turns since their move into the BFNL in the late 1990s. For the record the Devils finished the home and away season in third (124) during their BFNL Premiership successes in 2015 and 2017.

A meeting with reigning Premiers Melton awaits the Devils in this Saturday’s Qualifying Final at Maddingley Park. Can’t wait! What the coaches said Jordan (Darley) - “A real game of momentum swings. Great effort from our boys to dig their heels in and get the game back on our terms when Sunbury threw everything at us. Some great learnings to prepare for finals.”

Hodgson (Sunbury) - “Poor start as we were totally out worked early. Darley’s conversion at quarter time meant we paid the maximum price. We lifted our work rate and played some really good footy after quarter time and got the margin back to single digits in the last. Other results going against us meant that it was a disappointing way to end the season.”

Final scores

Darley 20.4-124 def Sunbury 11.13-79

Darley (Whelan’s Best) - L. Spiteri, W. Johnson, B. Myers, B. Bewley, L. Baker, J. Cadman, B. Young, An. Azzopardi, M. Ward.

Darley (Goals) - L. Spiteri 4, W. Johnson, B. Myers 3, D. Leonard 2, B. Bewley, J. Cadman, An. Azzopardi, D. Bishop 1

Cobras finish on a high

By Todd Whelan

Bacchus Marsh survived a second half comeback to deny Ballarat the win, in a thriller at Maddingley Park last weekend.

Notching up a fourth straight win to finish the season looked a foregone conclusion early on for the Cobras as they went into the first change well on top with a handy 21-point lead.

But to the Swans credit, they were able to work themselves back into the game after the reset, outscoring the hosts nine goals to six through the middle stages to set up a grandstand finish for the unofficial race for eighth place.

While both sides had their chances to win the game during an arm wrestle final term, it was the will of the Cobras that stood firm hanging on to win by

Bacchus Marsh Basketball Association (VJBL)

RESULTS – FINALS ROUND 2 BOYS

U/12.1

BM Lions 44 def Eltham (3) 35 U/12.2

Whittlesea (2) 43 lost BM Lions 49 U/16.2

BM Lions 45 lost Sunbury (5) 49

BM Lions 53 lost Altona (2) 59 GIRLS

BM Lions 38 def Altona (1) 25

Keilor

Ballan Golf Club

RESULTS - W/E SUNDAY 27 AUGUST

Wednesday – Stableford

Winner - Bob Arklay (12) 33 points on a c/b

R/Up - Frank Raffaele (10) on c/b from Don Wickson (14).

NTPs - 12th John Costello, 15th Bob Arklay. Magpie - 14th David Leach.

Sunday – Stroke – 2nd Qualifying Round McIlvena Cup

A GRADE

two points in a most entertaining conclusion to their respective 2023 campaigns.

Both sides endured rebuild campaigns and witnessed first-hand the fruits of their labour with promising wins over (then) top six opposition Sunbury (both) and Redan (Ballarat).

An interesting off season beckons for these two sides as they aim to add (to) and develop their current crop of organic stocks to a level capable of a return to finals sooner rather than later. Just who will lead the Cobras in 2024 is now high on the agenda after Jason Williams announced his intentions to leave the club, after a development opportunity presented with AFL club Port Adelaide. What the coaches said Williams (B/Marsh) - “Really proud

of the boys and the way the club has finished off the season (four wins in a row). Credit to Ballarat who never gave up, coming back to give us a scare late. Rapt the boys were able to hang on.” Maple (Ballarat) - “After quarter time we played a good brand of football. Centre bounce(s) became the deciding factor. A shame not to get the points after another comeback but our boys will surely benefit from the experience.”

Final scores

Bacchus Marsh 12.10-82 def Ballarat

12.8-80

B/Marsh (Best) - A. Porter, T. Shea, J. Huxtable, J. Owen, X. Jenks, E. Ogden. B/Marsh (Goals) - J. Owen 4, J. Huxtable 2, S. Jenks 1, J. McCreery, R. Porter, C. Salmon, T. Shea, J. Verbeker.

Winner - Damian Toohey 72-9-63 on c/b

R/Up - Rick Roden 75-12-63.

B GRADE

Winner - Sam Griffiths 75-25-51

R/up - Bob Ross 79-15-64, on c/b from Brian Cran & Rob Brown.

NTPs - 12th Don Wickson, 15th Anthony Moore.

Magpies - 14th Anthony Moore, 18th Damian Toohey. Balls 6, Cut-off 64

Sam Griffiths, Damian Toohey, Bob Ross, Rick Roden, Brian Cran, Rob Brown. McIlvena Cup Semi- Finalists

1. Anthony Moore, 2. Sam Griffiths, 3. Rob Ross, 4. Stuart Hill.

McIlvena Semi-Finals are to be played prior to or on 16 September.

Anthony Moore v Stuart Hill Sam Griffiths v Rob Ross.

Waruna Lekamlage at bat, Bronwyn Gell catching - (PhotoGovici Photography ©)

Photo – © Tim Saultry / sportingherald.com.au

ROUND 18 – AUGUST 29, 2023

COBRAS SENIOR FOOTBALL VS BALLARAT AUGUST 26

Our Senior men’s team made it a fine finish to season 2023, with our 2nd successive 2 point win, this time against Ballarat. Four wins in a row! A much-improved 2nd half of the season, just as coach Jason Williams predicted to the group and the club earlier in the season. The team finished in very creditable 8th position on the ladder which was better than many of the “experts” had predicted. We played with a very young squad through the year, which bodes well for the future.

The reserves battled hard all year without a lot of success, but played out every game. Thanks to all the players who took the field this year and flew the flag each week.

The U19’s were unlucky to miss out on finals this year, despite having a number of our leading players getting valuable experience playing senior football. Thanks to all the players who took the field this year.

JAZZ AND SHIRAZ NIGHT

A great way to finish the season. A good number got along to the club last Saturday to the Jazz and Shiraz night. Good music, tasty supper and great fellowship were sampled by all who went. An appropriate finish to another successful day on the field for the Senior Football side.

BFNL FINALS SERIES

Don’t forget to let Bernie Walsh (0450 678 182 / bernie90919395@ gmail.com) know you are keen to help out with the catering during the Senior Men’s football final series. Saturday September 2, games at Maddingley Park and Eastern Oval. Sunday September 3rd, games at Eastern Oval. Saturday September 9 and Sunday the 10th, games at City Oval. Saturday September games at City Oval. Saturday September 23rd, the Grand Finals at Mars Stadium.

The U16’s are playing their Grand Final on Saturday September 9th at Mars Stadium. Watch them first thing in the morning then come over to City Oval to help out with the catering. As you would be aware a financial club can provide better services to the community.

WOMENS FOOTBALL – SUNDAY AUGUST 27

The Cobras are still alive in the race to the flag for 2023. Our U16 girls ha a rousing win in Ballarat in the 2nd Semi. They have earned next weekend off and are straight through to the Grand Final on Saturday September 9th? Great effort, and 2 weeks to freshen up before the Grand Final. Go Cobras!

Bad luck to the U19 girls, who were good enough to make it through to the Semi Finals, but unfortunately went down to Redan at City Oval in Ballarat. Great effort getting that far, and they can look forward to 2024.

Come to Mars Oval to watch the U16’s play their Grand Final, then head over to City Oval to help with the catering for the senior finals. Just let Bernie Walsh know you’ll be there (See above).

WOMENS FOOTBALL

Sunday August 27

U19 Semi Final 1: Bacchus Marsh 1.1.7 lost Redan 6.7.43

U16 Semi Final 2: Bacchus Marsh 10.6.66 won Ballarat 0.0.0

JUNIOR FOOTBAL

Sunday August 27

U15 Seniors Elimination Final: Bacchus

Marsh 10.11.71 won Ballarat 7.4.46

U13 Seniors Qualifying Final: Bacchus

Marsh 6.2.38 won Redan 3.5.23

U13 Reserves Elimination Final: Bacchus

Marsh 0.1.1 lost Darley 5.4.34

U11 Seniors Elimination Final: Bacchus

Marsh 5.3.33 lost Mt Clear 5.9.39

Pentland Calisthenics College

The competition season is underway with numerous placings and two aggregate trophies in hand, it’s a good start. The Masters were first to take to the stage at Longbeach back in July and once the competition nerves were out of the way, they received: Honourable Mention (4th) March, Clubs, Rods and Aesthetics, Highly Commended (5th) Free Exercises, and a Special Mention for their Revue. At Werribee the results were: March - Honourable Mention, Clubs - Third, Free Exercises - Honourable Mention and Rods - Highly Commended. The Tinies (3-7-years) have hit the stage twice and they were awarded the following places at Werribee: Honourable Mention (HM) - Song & Dance, Highly Commended (HC) Free Exercises, Rods and Aesthetics. At Broadmeadows for their

Northern Competition: Free Exercices - HC, Rods - HC, Aesthetics - HM and Song & Dance - HM.

The Sub Juniors (8, 9 & 10-year olds) opened their competition season at the Northern District Competitions in Broadmeadows. They were awarded a placing in five of six events: March - 3rd, Clubs - 2nd, Rods - HM, Aesthetics - 2nd, Song & Dance 3rd.

The Intermediates(14-17 years) have completed two performances. At Coastside - HC: Rods & Clubs, HM: Dance Arrangement, 3rd: March and Free Exercises. At Burwood the coaches were pleased with all their performances even though they only had their number called for two of their routines: HM for both March and Dance Arrangement.

Dream start for teen

The Juniors (11-13 years) had to wait until the last weekend in August to hit the stage, with their first performance in the Northern District Competition: two 2nd placings - March and Clubs, along with four 1st placings - Free Exercises, Rods, Aesthetics and Calisthenics Revue.

The Seniors (18 years & over) have also performed at both Coastside and Northern Competitions. Coastside in Werribee: March - HM, Clubs - 3rd, Free Exercises - 2nd, Rods - HM, Rhythmical Aesthetics - HM and finished of strongly with a 1st Place for their Dance Arrangement. Northern Competition: Overall Aggregate - 1st March and Dance Arrangements, 2nd Clubs, Free Exercises, Rods and Rhythmical Aesthetics.

She gets her wish

By John Dunne (HRV)

Lightly raced filly Shesawish chalked up another feature race win when she led all the way in the Group 3 VHRC The Holmfield at Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday night. Anthony Butt ensured the Neville Pangrazio trained Shesawish was up on the bit early, in order to hold the lead from the coveted pole position.

“Nev just left it to me really, we knew we had the good draw and we wanted to make the most of it,” Butt said.

“He said if we really get hammered then he wouldn’t mind if I let another horse go but she’s a good filly who has always raced well in front, so we thought that we would take a chance and if she’s good enough then she’s good enough,” he said.

The daughter of Wishing Stone has now won four of her eight starts including the $50,000 Platinum Home Grown Classic (3YO Trotting Fillies) Final.

“It’s great for Nev and Louise who put a lot into the game and to get a horse like this is really exciting for them,” he said.

By John Dunne (HRV)

YOUNG teenage horsewoman Courtney

Laker enjoyed a dream start to her career when she saluted with her first starter as a trainer, after Curly James ran his rivals off their legs in the Centre State Printing Pace at Tabcorp Park Melton last Saturday night.

The 19-year-old Laker produced Curly James first up since April and the fiveyear-old didn’t let her down leading all the way and holding off Vanquish Stride and Triple Eight in a slick mile rate of 1:51.3 for the 1720 metre journey.

Curly James was previously trained by David Moran who partnered the son of A Rocknroll Dance to victory and Laker acknowledged Moran’s role in her securing a training licence.

“I worked with David and he has helped me a lot, he’s taught me so much since I’ve been working with him and now I’m 19

and wanted to get my trainers (licence) and he said that I could put Curly in my name,” Laker said.

Laker has spent her career to date working with Curly James.

“My nana and my father were lucky enough to buy him at the yearling sales and I’ve been working him from the start,” she said.

Laker said she was confident of a good first up showing from Curly James.

“He always puts 100 per cent effort into his races and while his track work at home has been really good, his couple of trials haven’t been the best as he’s been very lazy and I’ve been soft on him at the trials, so I knew when David got on him with a change of gear he’d be hard to beat,” she said.

“He looks good and feels good so we were extremely confident in him tonight if he found the front.”

David Moran drove Curly James to victory for 19-year-old trainer Courtney Laker. (Photo – Stuart McCormick ©)

Driver Anthony Butt steers lightly raced filly Shesawish to her fourth win from eight starts.(Photo – Stuart McCormick ©)