Moorabool News April 11

Moorabool News

Council shake-up planned

Indigenous sculptures unveiled

Project blossoms

By Lachlan Ellis

A Moorabool woman has taken out a prestigious award, with the cash prize attached to help grow her eco-friendly initiative.

Nikki Davey from Glenmore is the co-founder of Grown Not Flown, a digital platform connecting flower consumers with local and sustainable producers, to reduce the amount of transporting needed in the flower industry.

Ms Davey was awarded with the 2023 Victorian Rural Women’s Award last Wednesday, recognising her important work and also securing her a $15,000 grant from Westpac to expand the project.

She was among four other finalists in the running for the prize, and said it was a huge surprise to have her project deemed the best among that group.

“I didn't expect to win at all, and so it was definitely a shock when they called my name as the 2023 Victorian winner. The other finalists all had such amazing projects, it's been a re-

ally emotional and humbling experience from start to finish.

I feel so incredibly grateful for this opportunity to share our story, and shine a spotlight on our amazing flower community as part of this process. I’m absolutely blown away that this has happened,” Ms Davey told the Moorabool News.

“As a self-funded start-up, it often means that progress can be slow, and so the $15,000 grant is an absolute game changer for us and what we can achieve in the next 12 months. We're planning to use the money to build a knowledge hub within the Grown Not Flown platform, so that users from within Australia and across the globe can easily access and reference a library of helpful tips, tools, and best practices according to their growing region, conditions and seasons.

“We're also planning to run a support local campaign to increase consumer awareness and promote locally grown flowers and produce. We want to encourage consumers to celebrate the provenance of flowers, the same way they do with food, and raise awareness around flower miles, slow flowers, and the benefits of supporting local.”

Ms Davey also thanked AgriFutures, Agriculture Victoria, and Westpac for the opportunity, the AgriFutures Rural Women’s alumni, and her fellow Grown Not Flown cofounders: Sam Baff, Jayde Timms, and Hayden Timms.

Parliamentary Secretary for Agriculture and Regional Development, Michaela Settle, commended Ms Davey and fellow finalists – Grace Larson, Neha Samar, Michelle Daga and Sarah Duncanson – for their brilliant work and ongoing contribution to rural and regional communities in Victoria.

“Victoria is proud to congratulate the 2023 Victorian finalists, all of them showcase the powerful impact women have across our regional communities,” Ms Settle said.

Winning the Victorian award means Ms Davey will also be in the running to win the National Rural Women’s Award in September, taking on the winners from the other states with a further $20,000 on offer to develop Grown Not Flown.

The National Runner Up will also receive $15,000. For more information about the Awards, visit www.agrifutures.com. au/rwa.

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Shazam Lamb Grilling Chops $21 .99k g Chuck Steak $19.99kg

Glenmore’s Nikki Davey has been named Victoria’s Rural Women’s Award winner for 2023.

Photo – Lachlan Ellis

Mobile Wardrobe hits the road

Council shake-up planned

By Lachlan Ellis

The Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) has proposed two new models for Moorabool Shire Council’s electoral structure, and it wants to hear the community’s thoughts.

Moorabool Shire Council is currently undergoing an electoral structure review, which will see the number of Councillors increase from seven to nine.

Mayor Cr Rod Ward encouraged the community to have their say on their favoured model.

“An independent electoral structure review panel will look at whether the Council has an appropriate number of Councillors, how many wards there should be, and how many Councillors per ward there should be. The review panel has put forward two proposed new ward structures for Moorabool Shire,” Cr Ward told the Moorabool News.

“As the panel is taking submissions from the community, I’d encourage anyone interested in the future look of Moorabool Shire to provide feedback.”

In its preliminary report, the independent electoral structure review panel has also suggested that Moorabool Shire Council become either unsubdivided (no wards), or reduce the number of wards from four to three, with each ward then electing three Councillors each.

The changes are necessary due to the Local Government Act 2020’s mandate for rural shire councils to be either:

• Unsubdivided

• Multi-councillor wards with an equal number of councillors per ward

• Single-councillor wards

Moorabool Shire Council is one of 39 councils that doesn’t fit any of these requirements – while three of Moorabool’s four wards are single-councillor wards, the most populous ward – the East Moorabool Ward – has four Councillors.

Therefore, the VEC requires that Moorabool Shire’s wards be altered to fit one of the three requirements, before the next local government election in October 2024.

An unsubdivided council (Model 1) would mean Moorabool electors vote for all nine candidates regardless of where in the Shire they’re from, with wards no longer existing.

On the other hand, Model 2’s proposal suggests three wards of roughly equal voting population, but vastly different land area – the proposed Bungal Ward would take in the vast majority of Moorabool’s land area with around 1,777 km2, while the Bacchus Marsh Ward would take in just over 20 km2.

In its report, the VEC noted that Moorabool Shire has a greater population than both South Gippsland Shire and Moira Shire, yet while those Shires have nine Councillors, Moorabool Shire has only seven, with 4,116 voters per councillor in Moorabool compared to 2,775 for Moira Shire and 3,107 for South Gippsland Shire.

The VEC states an unsubdivided structure would be “an effective structure for accommodating changes in population”, but “there may be concerns in the community that most councillors may come from the main urban areas, rather than rural and regional areas”.

On the other hand, a multi-councillor ward structure would “broadly capture the communities of interest”, but carries “the real risk of voter numbers becoming unbalanced across wards over time due to forecasts of rapid and uneven population growth across the shire”.

The VEC’s preliminary report, and details on the two proposed models for Moorabool Shire, can be viewed in full at www.vec.vic. gov.au/moorabool.

Submissions close at 5 pm on Wednesday 19 April 2023, with a final report to be released by the VEC on Wednesday 24 May 2023.

What your Councillors say

“My view is, if you have divided wards, and you’re just trying to do it by population, you’re always going to have people who think they’re not represented. By having an open boundary, everybody has the equal vote for every person that’s elected to Council. When you’ve got two densely populated areas like Ballan and Bacchus Marsh, you’re always going to struggle getting those equitable boundaries.”

- Cr David Edwards:

“I tend to go with the subdivided. Mainly because you come on board as a Councillor, you are known as a Moorabool Shire Councillor and there are opportunities to go right across the Shire. However, the unsubdivided also gives that opportunity, some Councillors work and some don’t, so you can all travel within that area. I’m also concerned because of our population growth, that unsubdivided would work better. But I think either model will work, but before long, before all these new developments are established, I think it’s going to throw things out quite quickly.”

- Cr Moira Berry

“I think it [Model 1, unsubdivided] would be better for residents, because they could approach whichever Councillor they wanted, and there wouldn’t be conflict over whose area a resident resides in. You could just help whoever it is that’s requesting your assistance. The new three sections they’ve selected, I don’t think they’d serve residents the best way.

- Cr Tonia Dudzik

“Neither model is what I’d call satisfactory, but of the two that are offered, I think a subdivided one is better than an unsubdivided one. With an unsubdivided municipality, I don’t believe you get good representation. You could potentially end up with all Councillors coming out of one area, which is not really representation, is it?”

- Cr Tom Sullivan

“The rate that we’re growing, I totally understand that we’ll have to go to nine Councillors, and I think it’d work really well. With the two options, I think with the way Moorabool sits in terms of communities, my personal opinion would be to have three wards [Model 2]. Purely because listening to the community, they want local representation. They like that you live 10 – 15 minutes down the road, that you can meet them in their local area.”

- Cr Ally Munari

“I think instead of just rearranging the deck on the Titanic continually, maybe they should re-look at whether we need all of this government. Both models are bound for failure, you’re just adding more people to something that already doesn’t work. We’re paying a lot of money for Councillors already…adding two more Councillors is just going to add more to the cost of living by pushing rates up.”

- Cr Paul Tatchell

Model 1 proposes an unsubdivided Moorabool Shire Council with nine Councillors from anywhere in the Shire, while Model 2 proposes three wards with three Councillors each.

Cyber safety forum a success

By Lachlan Ellis

More than a hundred parents and guardians have attended a presentation on children’s cyber safety, and it’s hoped more sessions can be held in the future.

Hosted by Bacchus Marsh Blue Light and presented by Martin and Carley McGauran from Inform & Empower, the ‘Raising Kids in a Digital World’ presentation was held on 22 March with the goal of opening adults’ eyes to the world of social media and apps used by their kids.

Moorabool Youth Officer Leading Senior Constable Jim Ross said the event proved to be a real eye-opener for many attendees.

“We had a really good turnout, with about 150 people. A lot said ‘thank you, this information was incredible’. A lot said they didn’t know there were so many possibilities for young people on social media. The feedback was all positive, people said they’d recommend others to go,” LSC Ross told the Moorabool News.

“They all walked away with new knowledge, and a better understand of, I suppose, the potential dangers of social media in a young person’s hand.”

With the prevalence of social media and apps like TikTok, LSC Ross said it’s more important than ever that parents and guardians are aware what their kids are up to online.

“During the information session, you could see the expressions on people’s faces to some of the information being relayed, not all shocking or confrontational, but just what does go on on social media,” he said.

“Things like why these apps prefer people to be over the age of 13, for recording data and that sort of thing. We hope to run future sessions, there was every indication from people that they would attend or tell their friends to. It’s just a matter of finance, that’s the big thing.

“It’s absolutely awesome that Bacchus Marsh Blue Light was able to fund this initial session, but that’s not something they could possibly fund every year.”

At the end of the night, LSC Ross’ message was that while

schools and police can support parents, they were not “the firewall”.

“It’s parents that are the firewall. They really need to engage with their kids, as the presentation suggested, it’s like teaching their kid how to ride a bike. They don’t just push them off into the road and say ‘keep your balance’… they nurture them into those kinds of things. Social media

is another one of those things parents need to get involved with,” he said.

“Parents are sometimes under the impression their kids are safe because they’re in their bedroom on their laptop or phone. They’ll go out to a playground to supervise their kids, but let them into the cyber world alone…but that can be just as dangerous.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

ANZAC DAY NOTICE

The Bacchus Marsh RSL Sub-Branch Inc would like to advise all Bacchus Marsh, and surrounding districts residents that this year the RSL will be conducting both a traditional Dawn Service and wreath laying ceremonies on Tuesday 25 April 2023 . The Dawn Service and wreath laying ceremonies will commence at 05:45 hours sharp, on the Village Green, which is located next to the Bacchus Marsh RSL.

At the conclusion of the Dawn service a Gun Fire breakfast will be provided by the SES outside the Public Hall .

All current and ex serving personnel, as well as those who would like to March, and honour their serving or fallen family members, are invited to form up at the Bacchus Marsh Hospital car park at 09:30 hours . At approximately 10:15 hours the March will proceed left from the car park, down Grant Street , then, turn right into Main Street. The March will then conclude back at the Village Green. At the conclusion of the March, all current serving, and ex serving Military personnel and partners are invited and welcome in the RSL’s “Dugout” for finger food, refreshments including tea and coffee, drinks at bar prices, and the traditional “two up”

The traditional ANZAC tokens will be sold at locations in Bacchus Marsh, being the Newsagency in Main Street, the Village Shopping Centre and the Bacchus Marsh Railway Station. Volunteers will be selling from Monday 17th April until Monday 24th April 2023 from 10:00am until 4:00pm. Train Station 5:00am -8:00am and 3:00pm – 6:00pm.

Donations can also be made to the General Appeals Patriotic Fund for Veterans and their Families via direct debit to the following details:

BSB: 633 000 Account: 182 429 985

The Price of Liberty is Eternal Vigilance

Lest We Forget Mick Baxter, President

Bacchus Marsh RSL Sub Branch Inc

Carley and Martin McGauran address the crowd of more than 100 people at the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall.

Mobile Wardrobe hits the road

Share your infrastructure ideas

Cafs Thread Together Program has received a very welcome Easter delivery, in the form of a fully operational ‘Mobile Wardrobe’.

The new van will allow the delivery of brand-new clothing to reach even more people experiencing hardship across the Central Highlands region, including here in Moorabool.

“The Thread Together Mobile Wardrobe is on loan to Cafs for the next six months giving our team a valuable opportunity to meet people where and when they need help the most,” Cafs CEO, Wendy Sturgess, said.

“We have a schedule of regional visits planned already to Bacchus Marsh, Ararat, and Daylesford in addition to local pop-up opportunities around Ballarat.”

Cafs doesn’t have a permanent source of funds for the program, so currently the Mobile Wardrobe is in a sort of trial period – but Ms Sturgess believes the service is needed permanently in the area, and will hopefully earn some much-

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needed funding to help those in need of clothes.

“Cafs does not receive any ongoing funding for the Thread Together Program, so whilst we are very excited to have the opportunity to test demand for the Mobile Wardrobe, the reality is that we would be looking for a generous benefactor to come forward and assist us to underwrite the operational costs associated with the extended service,” she said.

Operating in Ballarat since 2021, Cafs Thread Together Program is stocked with brand new clothing and is open, via referral, to anyone in the community who is experiencing hardship including people experiencing homelessness, women and children escaping family violence, long-term unemployed, refugees, individuals facing severe illness, children or young people in care and young adults preparing to leave care.

If you are interested in finding out more about the Cafs Thread Together Program and Mobile Wardrobe, please contact Cafs on 5337 3333.

Infrastructure Victoria is looking ahead to the next 30 years of the state’s infrastructure plans, and it wants to hear from Victorians from all walks of life.

Victoria has workforce, supply chain and financial constraints. As the state grows and changes, we’ll need to ‘do more with less’ and help decision makers choose the right infrastructure approaches to lift productivity.

As Infrastructure Victoria plans the next update of the state’s 30-year infrastructure strategy, it wants to hear from Victorians about what is most important, including ideas on how to do more with less through smart investment, navigate change and disruption, improve social equity through fairer access to infrastructure, and adapt infrastructure to more frequent and extreme weather.

Participants in Infrastructure Victoria’s engagement process will also be able to submit new ideas on infrastructure issues they see as most important, and on how to reduce infrastructure-related emissions.

To participate and have your say on Victoria’s 30-year infrastructure strategy, visit www.engage.vic.gov.au/ victorias30yearinfrastructurestrategy.

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Cafs Program & Volunteer Lead, Nicole Roberts, with the new Mobile Wardrobe. Photo – Submitted

Indigenous sculptures unveiled

By Lachlan Ellis

New sculptures at two Moorabool mineral springs have been unveiled, acknowledging Indigenous connection to the two sites.

A launch event for the two sculptural artworks was held at Spargo Creek Mineral Springs Reserve last Tuesday, where one of the works has been installed, while the other is located at the Ballan Mineral Springs Reserve.

The three-metre-tall sculptures, made from the same 120-year-old piece of locally sourced redgum split in two, were commissioned by Council, with funding from the State Government, and designed by cultural consultants MURRI:YUL.

The sculptures both draw your attention, and showcase Wadawurrung language and the significance of the mineral springs sites to Traditional Owner groups and the local environment.

MURRI:YUL Co-Directors Dr Heather Threadgold and proud Wadawurrung woman Melinda Kennedy invited attendees to take in the new sculpture at the Spargo Creek event, with Ms Kennedy opening the ceremony with a smoking ceremony.

The pair, who have over 30 years combined experience in cultural management, anthropology, Aboriginal perspectives, landscape architecture, and urban design, say the sculptures provide a greater sense of place for visitors, aiding their understanding and awareness of the diverse values of the mineral springs, and the traditional role of mineral water.

In the traditional spirit of gift-giving, each attendee at the launch event was given a small container of water from the Spargo Creek Mineral Springs.

Mayor Cr Rod Ward said reflecting cultural heritage is a cornerstone of contemporary public art in Australia and elsewhere.

“These new sculptures reflect the diverse ecologies of First Peoples lands and are a wonderful acknowledgement of the Shire’s Indigenous culture. As a community, we are unbelievably lucky to have our natural assets enhanced through public artwork that engages community members and fosters a sense of civic pride and belonging,” Cr Ward said.

“I encourage everyone to visit the mineral springs and new sculptures soon.”

MURRI:YUL Co-Directors Melinda Kennedy and Dr Heather Threadgold with the ‘Brim Brim’ sculpture at Spargo Creek Mineral Springs. Photo – The Moorabool News

New citizens welcomed

By Vanessa Parker

Thirty people, including four children, became new Australian citizens last Monday at a ceremony hosted by Moorabool Shire Council Mayor Cr Rod Ward.

The newest Moorabool citizens have travelled from countries across the globe including Brazil, United Kingdom, India, Netherlands, Canada, Philippines, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Cyprus, Iran, Poland, China, Ireland and Germany.

New Australian citizens demonstrate an understanding and acceptance of Australian values, dedication and commitment to Australia by becoming official citizens at ceremonies held around the country.

Cr Rod Ward said the event is a significant event in Council’s calendar and is an opportunity to reflect on the privilege of Australian citizenship and what it means to be Australian.

“There is no greater privilege than our citizenship. It’s a life-long commitment to Australia’s values of freedom, democracy, equality and respect,” Cr Ward said.

New citizens have a choice between taking an affirmation, introduced in 1999, or an oath.

Sam Rae, Federal Member for Hawke read out the Minister’s Message and encouraged the new citizens to look for the electoral commission documents in their packs.

“These documents will allow you to enrol

to vote, and this year you are going to get the opportunity to vote in a referendum. A referendum to recognise the First Nations People of our Country in our constitution,” he said.

“This is a critical step on the pathway to reconciliation for the First Peoples of this Country and all of us.”

One Councillor took to Urgent Business at the Ordinary Meeting of Council last week to express his dissatisfaction with Mr Rae’s actions.

“The Federal Member has turned this into a political soapbox; when citizenship ceremonies are not political, never have been and never should be. These new citizens are coming into a democracy and I do not know if it is appropriate. The Federal Member needs to understand what the rules of engagement are if he does come to these events.”

Cr Tatchell said he thought it was also inappropriate for the Federal Member to read out the Ministers Message, when the presiding officer (the Mayor) should be.

“As the presiding officer it is your delegation, it is your citizenship ceremony. My question is, has something changed where he takes that delegation away, I doubt it?”

Cr Ward handed out citizenship certificates with Mr Rae handing out native plants to the new citizens.

Member for Western Victoria Region Joe McCracken, attended the ceremony alongside Moorabool Councillors Tonia Dudzik and Moira Berry.

New Bacchus Marsh citizen Jennifer with her family Benedict, David, John-Henry, Veronica and Nathan

Federal Member for Hawke Sam Rae with new citizens from Maddingley Aaron, Chaitanya, Samuel and Aileen Nittala.

Moorabool Councillors Moira Berry and Tonia Dudzik with Mayor Cr Rod Ward.

Member for Western Victoria Region Joe McCracken and new citizen from Brazil, Lya Nadja Assef Photos – The Moorabool News

Put dairy ponds on your farm ‘to do’ list

EPA Victoria (EPA) is reminding all farmers in Southwest Victoria to put dairy effluent ponds on their ‘to do’ list before winter sets in.

EPA Southwest Regional Manager, Carolyn Francis, says last year’s wet spring and flooding in parts of the state were reminders of the hazards of an overgrown or backed up dairy effluent system.

“The threat from a neglected dairy effluent management system is in overflows and leaks, and any rainy weather can send backed up effluent pouring over the edge,” she said. “Dairy farmers need to get some pre-winter maintenance done on their dairy effluent ponds, pumps, and pipes as soon as they can. It’s the most effective way to make sure dairy effluent is a fertiliser that’s good for your farm, not a pollutant that threatens waterways and neighbouring properties.”

The pollutants can include:

• nutrients

• pesticides

• fertilisers

• milk from washdown, spillage and waste milk

• contaminated soil washed away by heavy rain

Letting those pollutants escape into channels, drains and waterways can reduce oxygen levels, kill aquatic life, encourage toxic algae, and create the danger of disease.

“Dairy farmers can prevent effluent ponds from overflowing by de-sludging, controlling weeds and irrigating the water component to pasture when weather conditions are appropriate,” Ms Francis said.

“Now is the right time to clean out ponds while keeping effluent irrigation equipment in good condition and preparing to deal with any pipe or pump failures.”

To read the EPA’s guide on dairy effluent management, visit epa.vic.gov.au/for-business/find-a-topic/effluent-dairy-farm.

Fined for speed, drugs and ammunition

missions to being the driver of the vehicle at the time of the offence.”

Mr Bongiorno was also observed by police on 22 March 2021 riding his motorcycle in Melton and deliberately lifting the front wheel of the motorcycle, balancing it on its back wheel for approximately 300 metres.

“He was displaying his L plates, wearing his high vis, he was doing other things he needed to to be a safe rider. In the drug drive matter, all I really have to say is there was no evidence he was under the influence of a drug…he concedes he had a few puffs two days previously and obviously the drugs remained in his system.”

By Lachlan Ellis

A motorbike rider has copped a four-figure fine and a year off the road, after pleading guilty to three separate charges.

Brendan Bongiorno appeared in-person at the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates’ Court on Friday 31 March, facing multiple charges including failing an oral fluid test and driving at a speed dangerous.

The court heard Mr Bongiorno travelled at more than double the speed limit while on his learner’s.

“In Brookfield at 2.20 pm on the 12th of November 2020, a speed measuring device was used and measured the accused’s vehicle travelling at 114 km/h, alleged speed of 110 km/h, in a 50 km/h zone. The accused is the registered operator of the vehicle,” Police Prosecutor Senior Constable Rossetti said.

“On the 23 December 2020 the accused was interviewed, produced a Victorian learner’s permit, and made full ad-

“He was intercepted, produced a Victorian learner’s permit, and underwent a preliminary oral fluid test and a further oral fluid sample, which returned a positive indication to methylamphetamine. He was interviewed and admitted to taking ice the Saturday previously, and stated there was no reason for driving with the drugs in his fluid,” Senior Constable Rossetti said.

A third charge was issued after Mr Bongiorno was seen jumping a fence at a Bacchus Marsh property after police were called to investigate an argument.

Senior Constable Rossetti said a search of the accused found 21 .22 rounds and a red Stanley knife.

“When asked about the ammunition he said it was just something he found at a house, but refused to say where that house was,” he said.

Mr Bongiorno’s lawyer, Ms McInerney, accepted the summaries, but raised an issue with the report saying the motorcycle was balanced on its back wheel for 300 metres.

“On the high-range speeding, he instructs that he just purchased a motorbike and got his bike licence…he got a bit excited on that straight bit of road,” she said.

Ms McInerney characterised the taking of the ammunition as due to a “boyish impulse” and asked for an adjourned undertaking for the charges.

“I think it’s a bit beyond that, the combination of charges. I don’t disagree with a fine though,” Magistrate Michael Wighton said.

Ms McInerney said Mr Bongiorno was in a difficult financial situation, being on the Newstart allowance.

“Mr Bongiorno, motorcycle riders are overrepresented in fatalities in this state and every state in Australia. Inexperienced riders are the highest group in that stat, and we don’t want to see you dead, I’m sure your family don’t want to either,” Magistrate Wighton added.

“I’m going to agree that a conviction and fine are the most appropriate course to take. There’s a minimum of 12 months on both the speed dangerous and the drug driving charge, but I’m going to, given your plea of guilty, make it a single period of 12 months…but you’ve got to change your relationship with motor vehicles.”

A reduced fine of $1,000 with court costs of $131.50 was also imposed, and the ammunition and weapon were ordered to be forfeited and destroyed.

Photo – The Moorabool News

Live music census released

the pandemic. We have a three-year back log of events, and significant government investment bolstering us up. We have not yet settled into a new normal, and it’s going to take ongoing long-term strategic planning, commitment and support to reach the full potential, that we were on track to achieving,” she said.

“The insights from our census provide a great benchmark. This is the first time we have access to whole-of-state data and findings that will help guide the potential and growth trajectory for our live music industry.

“Victoria is renowned for its world-famous live music scene. As such, our priority is to secure support, partnerships, resources, and investment that enhance and build the Victorian live music sector to make it even better.”

Music Victoria is creating partnerships with Visit Victoria, local councils and tourism boars to promote live music offerings, and helping kickstart live music venues and communities impacted by last year’s flooding with locally-led gigs enabled thanks to $1 million in funding from the Victorian Government, through Creative Victoria.

Music Victoria has published its latest ‘Victorian Live Music Census’, showing that strong year-on-year growth from 2017 onwards was derailed by the pandemic.

The 2022 Victorian Live Music Census, which was released last Wednesday, shows that from 2017 to 2019, there was a 48 per cent growth in the economic contribution made by live music across Victoria ($1.72b to $2.55b), where most of the growth was identified at regional Victorian box offices (12 per cent growth a year in regional areas, compared to 10.5 per cent growth in metropolitan areas).

In 2019 the data in the census reveals that:

• there were 1,076 live music venues;

• there were 184,043 gigs that reached audiences of 50.15 million (not including small regional venues); and

• the average ticket price was $25 (not including free shows). When comparing 2019 with 2020-21, it is inevitable that the census data would show large reductions, including:

• over 75 per cent of Victorian events were either cancelled, postponed or rescheduled

• 69 per cent of event revenue lost

• 71 per cent of audience and visitor spending lost

• 72 per cent of music related income lost by performers

• 46 per cent of performers considering leaving the industry While acknowledging that Victoria’s live music industry is in uncharted waters, Music Victoria CEO Simone Schinkel is optimistic that the industry can get back on its feet.

“It’s no surprise that we are still managing the ripples of

The Music Industry Advisory Council will ensure that at least 25 per cent of music festivals and live music gigs are held in regional Victoria, invest $7.5 million to provide up to $1,000 to musicians to perform at venues, and invest $2.5 million for a ‘Live Music Major Events Fund’ that provides grants of up to $50,000 for music festivals.

“Over the last three years, we seen bands broken up, workers leave the industry, fan networks disperse, and venues suffer major losses. We must not underestimate the challenges ahead,” Ms Schinkel said.

“However, given the consistent and significant growth in revenue and attendance between 2014 and 2019, there is every reason to suggest that Victoria’s live music sector can be reinvigorated. Victoria’s live music recovery requires significant commitment and cooperation, which will be guided by the findings in our census. It will inspire action to make Victorian live music even better.”

To view the census data in full, visit www.musicvictoria. com.au/initiatives/victorian-live-music-census/.

Meet the Chamber Business Networking Lunch

Date: Friday 28 April, 2023

Time: 12.30pm to 1.30pm approx

Location: Hank & Heidi's, Ballan

Tickets: Free! Bookings required: bit.ly/Chamber28April

Budget out for consultation

By Lachlan Ellis

Moorabool Shire Council’s budget is now out for the community to provide feedback on, after the draft was approved at Council’s latest meeting.

The motion to approve and put the Proposed 2023/24

Annual Budget was moved by Cr Paul Tatchell and seconded by Cr Tonia Dudzik at Council’s 5 April Ordinary Meeting, with Council then approving the motion unanimously.

Council CEO Derek Madden said the proposal was “not the final Budget – this is the Budget proposed to go out to public consultation”.

“When that comes back, Councillors have the chance to make changes...depending on the materiality of the change, we may have to then put the Budget out for another 28 days.”

Close to $57 million of capital improvement works are contained within the draft budget, including $6 million for the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse & Recreation Reserve Pavilion, $5.98 million for the Ballan Library and Community Hub, and $5.2 million for the West Maddingley Early Years Facility.

Rate increases have been capped at 3.5 per cent, and the Waste Management Service Charge will increase from $110 to $120.

100 years for Polish expat

By Lachlan Ellis

A Ballan resident has marked a century of life this year, and though he was born in Poland, he says he never looked back after coming to Australia.

Ballan Aged Care resident Bill Chwalik celebrated his 100th birthday on Monday 20 March, close to 70 years after arriving in the country.

Born in a village near Glwice, Mr Chwalik was a boiler attendant by trade, working in a factory during German occupation before working on a farm for 2 years in Australia to earn his citizenship, arriving here in 1954.

There was no school in the village he grew up in, so he didn’t receive a formal education – but worked incredibly hard to make sure his daughter Marcie would, working “6 days a week so Marcie could go to college and do better for herself”, including 27 years working at the Smorgon butcher in West Footscray.

Mr Chwalik celebrated his birthday at Ballan Aged Care with a special Smirnoff cake, and said the secret to his long life was “eating well, and a shot of vodka every now and then”.

“Also, keep your mouth shut and work hard!” he told the Moorabool News with a laugh.

Mr Chwalik met his wife, Gelda, at a soccer game around the end of World War 2, and has one daughter, one grandson, and two great granddaughters.

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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).

Dear Editor, May’s state budget will set out the government’s priorities for the coming four-year term, with Victorians being warned to brace for significant cuts in the face of state debt now rocketing to over $110 Billion – that’s a debt of about $15,000 per adult.

As interest rates increase, this impacts the state budget in the same way it impacts your household budget.

Victorians are now being slugged $10 million a day in interest to service Labor’s debt.

Daniel Andrews is pouring billions into city projects –such as the $34.5 billion Cheltenham to Box Hill rail line – while regional Victorians are left waiting for basic infrastructure and services, including driveable roads and upgraded healthcare with more health professionals.

Regional Victoria cannot continue to be neglected by Labor, which will continue funding Daniel Andrews’ pet projects.

In the face of skyrocketing energy bills and an increased

cost of living, this budget must deliver financial relief for Victorians.

The Andrews Labor Government’s attempt to revive the SEC will do little to drive down energy prices, and one-off payments are only a band-aid solution.

This budget must deliver recurrent funding for community hospitals to ensure smaller health services can plan for the future and cater to growing populations.

Victoria was once home to more than 40 community hospitals and now there is only a handful left.

This budget must deliver increased and ongoing funding for state-managed roads, and funding for local councils’ road maintenance budgets.

We have seen Labor leave regional councils struggling to balance their budgets after it axed the Country Roads and Bridges Program.

Most importantly, this state budget must be fairer for all Victorians.

Peter Walsh, Leader of The National

The overall Waste Collection Charge will increase from $224 to $258. The State Landfill Levy will increase from $68 to $69, and the optional Kerbside Green Waste service will increase from $90 to $101.

Council will consider submissions on the Draft Budget and Draft Council Plan on Wednesday 10 May 2023 at a Special Meeting of Council to be held in the Council Chamber, 15 Stead Street, Ballan, at 6.00 pm.

Any person who wishes to be heard in support of a submission should indicate in the written submission that he or she wishes to be heard. Any person requesting to be heard in support of a submission is entitled to appear before this Special Meeting of Council, either personally or by a person acting on their behalf.

Please note that a summary of submissions, including the submitter’s name, will be made available to the public for the meeting where submissions will be considered.

Copies of the Proposed 2023/24 Annual Budget and the Council Plan 2021-2025 proposed 2023 update can be viewed at Council offices located at: 15 Stead Street, Ballan,182 Halletts Way, Darley, and 215 Main Street, Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh.

You can also view the documents and make submissions at www.moorabool.vic.gov.au.

Submissions will be accepted until 5 pm on Thursday 4 May 2023.

Hurdler to represent Victoria

By Lachlan Ellis

A Bacchus Marsh Little Athlete will compete for Victoria for the first time this month, being named in the state squad for a national event.

Thirteen-year-old Nicholas Ide will compete in the 90 metre hurdles at the Australian Junior Athletics Championships, which run from Friday 21 April to Sunday 23 April at Lakeside Stadium, Albert Park.

Nicholas’ dad Jorge said Nicholas is a passionate athlete, and the family is beyond proud of his achievement.

“We’ve been working hard with him, he loves his sport. So I’m very proud of my son. His loves his athletics and his footy,” Mr Ide told the Moorabool News.

“For him, it’s a great achievement. The last two years he’s been running very well and has been competing at the state level. This is something higher than the state level, to be selected to compete for Victoria is something very important for him. He can’t wait to run next week.”

Nicholas began participating in Bacchus Marsh Little Athletics at the Under 6 level, and Mr Ide says hopes are high for a podium finish in the hurdles.

“He’s pretty good at the hurdles. Every year the hurdles get higher and the distance changes…this year my son unfortunately isn’t growing as fast as he’d like, but he’s qualified for the team and he’s grateful for that,” he said.

“We’d love to see him up on the podium, we’ll wait and see.”

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

A lovely variety of quality stallholders and food trucks. Bring a picnic blanket

TRADES & BUSINESS

LOCAL SMALL BUSINESS Ballan & District Chamber of Commerce SHOP LOCAL

SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS

Visit our new website www.ballanchamberofcommerce.com.au

TOPLINE

Free Quotes

SEPTIC CLEANING

Biocycle

Aqua Nova Taylex Systems

Lachlan Ivers

EMPLOYMENT

James Crane is a small Australian owned company base in Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340 specialising in the design, manufacture and installation of all types of overhead cranes, hoists, winches and servicing company. We are currently seeking an experienced, confident Officer Manager .You will perform the efficient operation all-rounder Officer duties for the company.

In this position, you will

• Answer and screen phone calls

• Schedule jobs for over 4 technician using Inspectall system, run report and sending to the customers.

• Book keeping

• Pay roll: pay wages to the team weekly

• Action accounts correspondence emails

• Invoicing - MYOB (AccountRight).

• Pay suppliers

• Reconcile banks accounts

• Ordering Stock/ office and workshop consumables

• Purchasing

• Data Entry

• Filing

• Manage Cars regos and fleet cards

Skills needed:

• Experience in an Administrative Assistant role

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft word & Excel

• MYOB experience preferable (AccountRight)

• On the job training will be provided

Hours negotiable

Send your applications to: kim@jamescrane.com.au

Fire Danger Period

A reminder that the Fire Danger Period is scheduled to cease. The Fire Danger Period will terminate at 0100 hours on the dates shown.

SENIOR PARAPLANNER

Full time Role ($80k plus Super) based on experience Minimum 2-3 years’ experience required

Sign Up Bonus, Work from Home Option Available

Ability to prepare Statements of Advice and Record of Advice

Competent in MS Excel, XPlan & Preferably Class Software

Ability to Undertake Financial Modelling & Cash Flow Longevity

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period. Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Jason Heffernan Chief Officer, CFA

Ballan CCricket lub

Ballan Cricket Club 2022/2023 PRESENTATION NIGHT

Full results in next week’s edition of the Moorabool News.

Max Burton with the U13 team. They made the Semi Final but couldn't quite get the win.

All photos by Chris Thom

Jenny Bates (coach) with the U11 Juniors.

David Leach won the "2nd XI Chris Mullane Cricketer of the year"

Jack McGregor and Ben Loughnane with Ballan's U17 team.

U17 Cricketer of the Year, Ryan Lister.

Ballan's 2nd XI award winners and players.

Ballan's U11 Seniors with coaches Matt Shugg and Stuart Grigg.

Ballan's 1st XI team members on the night.

U15 coach, Summer Dehnert with Jai Singh and James Bayard, who played for the Ballan/ Brown Hill combined side.

Mick Nolan won the "McConnell Family Club Champion" for the fourth time. He is with Jack McGregor who picked up the "Leigh Conroy Memorial Best Club Person Award"

Phone: 5367 6655

COBRA NEWS – 3 APRIL 2023

SENIOR MENS FOOTBALL

The club wishes to welcome our 2023 Senior Mens coach Jason Williams to the Club. Jason has had an extensive football career playing and coaching and we wish him well. Great to have club legend Ricky Miller back to Bacchus Marsh Football and Netball Club (BMFNC) alongside Jason. The club is pleased to announce our Senior captains for 2023. Congratulations to Simon Lafranchi & Jack Parente. The club welcomes back players from last year, and extends a warm welcome to all new players who were all presented to a packed house at our Club playing kit presentations on Sunday 2 April 2023.

Maddingley

4 O'Leary Wy, Maddingley Phone: (03) 4311 1561

TALENT SQUAD REPS

Over the last few weeks BMFNC has been excited and proud to learn of the Season 2023 Playing Squads for Australia’s Elite Football development program; the Coates Talent League ( Formerly the NAB Cup.)

Jason Williams the club senior coach could not believe the number of juniors we have involved in representative footy this year. Six girls and twelve boys will feature in Coates Talent splaying squads in the 2023 season.

Greater Western Victoria Rebels U/18 Girls – Elise Cook , Emma Smith, Chloe Walker and U/16 Emma Stewart & Ruby Thomas.

Greater Western Victoria Rebels. U/18 Boys. Cody Gates, Sam Lalor, Ethan McKercher, Joshua Huxtable and U/16 Cody Salmon.

Western Jets U/16 Girls Jazmine Dalli.

Western Jets U/18 Boys – Joel Freeman, Luca Grego, Jack Kovacevich, William Lalor, Isaac Nixon and U/16 Kade Hilton & Jacob Martin .

Mitch Gardner a former Cobra junior player has also been selected for the development program.

JUNIOR FOOTBALL & NETBALL, SENIOR NETBALL AND WOMEN’S FOOTY

All of our teams were present and represented along with Life Members, Members, Sponsors, Supporters and families at our Season launch on Sunday 2 April. All teams have been training and playing practice matches and are looking forward to the first round on Saturday we are away against Sebastopol and Sunday with our Women’s team at Maddingley Park.

Then a huge weekend on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 April against Darley. Lookout for next week’s edition for more details.