MN_2015-04-21

Tuesday 21 April, 2015 Serving Ballan and district since 1872 Phone 5368 1966 Fax 5368 2764 Vol 9 No 15

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The Bacchus Marsh ANZAC Day march started outside the local DjHS hospital, after the official unveiling of a memorial at the Lone Pine tree.The bitter cold and wet weather was a small sacrifice to pay as a record crowd lined the streets to watch the march, which included a large contingent from the Creswick Light Horse Troop leading the procession.

Arriving at the cenotaph, a short service was conducted with the laying of wreaths before official speeches by Federal Member Catherine King and Moorabool Mayor Paul Tatchell inside the Public Hall.Bacchus Marsh will conduct their dawn service this Saturday at 5.45am and a March and service will be from 12 noon at Ballan.

Lest We Forget

More photos next edition 28th April

The Moorabool News 21 April, 2015 Email - [email protected]

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By Kate Taylor

Ten thousand stars is a lot to fold out of ribbon but locals are up to the challenge.After all, the project is

just one part of the overall one million stars required as part of efforts to raise community awareness of violence against women.As Sally, co-ordinating

the local project with wrisc Family Violence in Ballarat, explained, it all started when Melbourne woman Jill Meagher was murdered. Fellow Brunswick resident,

weaver and artist Maryann Talia Tau, saw a Martin Luther King quote left on flowers for Ms Meagher Only in the darkness can we see the stars and decided to weave stars to raise awareness of violence against women.She did an installation at

the Melbourne Exhibition Centre two years ago of about 15,000 stars and people were so taken by the stunning beauty, Sally said. So then the idea was to

make one million stars and there are a hundred communities making 10,000 stars each. Ballarat and district is now one of those communities.The stars are eight-sided

and can be made from any material but pear ribbon available online, from florists, or from Wrisc for $3 per roll is often used.Its a series of folds - theres

a youtube clip that shows you how to make it. Your first star takes about fifteen minutes but once you get good, it takes about five minutes.Its a bit addictive you

end up thinking oh Ill just make another star,A workshop to learn how to

make the stars will be held at Thrifty Minx in Ballan on Wednesday 22 April from

7pm, with participants able to respond to the invitation on the 1 Million Stars to end Violence in Ballarat Facebook campaign or simply turn up on the night. The project, which has

already made nearly 5000 stars, is receiving great support locally.Noelle Seery, whose young

daughter Sarah Cafferkey was murdered in Bacchus Marsh, is part of the project making stars.

And Moorabool Shire Councils Family and Children Services staff learned how to make them last week, so theyre now starting - so hopefully that will spread through council, Sally said.She explained that 31

women have been murdered so far this year, with Ballarat being a hotspot for violence against women and the locally made 10,000 stars will go on display at Stocklands

Wendouree at Christmas time.I think the fact that its so

engaging visually, it helps people to talk about and address family violence. Its an awful topic that people find hard to talk about. But with the star project

you can do something, you dont have to feel powerless, you can draw attention to the issue - its a very beautiful project.

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SHINING STAR Noelle Seery, at her murdered daughters (Sarah Cafferkey) memorial in Maddingley Park, has been making stars as part of the 1 million stars to end violence in Ballarat campaign. Photo Helen Tatchell

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By Kate Taylor

Work has begun on a $1.5 million new road from Dar-ley to Bacchus Marsh.The northern extension of

Halletts Way is part one of what will be one of the big-gest road and infrastruc-ture projects undertaken by Moorabool Shire Council.The northern extension

a link between Ramsay Crescent and Links Road in Darley - is a joint project between council, two devel-opers and Melbourne Water. Councils Infrastructure

General Manager Phil Jef-frey said a lot of background work in the past 12 months has culminated in the com-mencement of the project.Id like to commend the

two developers: Telford Park and Oupan, as well as Melbourne Water for com-mitting to this project and getting us to the point where contracts could be awarded and work has commenced, he said.As well as providing

another route to Bacchus Marsh for Darley residents, this Western Link Road will assist with alleviating traf-fic in Bacchus Marsh. There is provision in these plans for a future retarding basin that will help flood-proof residents living downstream of this area and a shared user path will also be built adjacent to the road. Ulti-mately there is plans to have a shared path the entire length of Halletts Way into the future.Mr Jeffrey said the project

also creates the opportunity to extend the public trans-port bus routes further north into Darley once the north-ern extension was complete.The cost of the northern ex-

tension is approximately $1.5 million, with council put-ting in $500,000 and the rest made up of developer and Melbourne Water funding. The road is expected to be open to traffic by September, all going well with construc-tion throughout winter.Council is also currently

progressing the design of the southern extension of Halletts Way, which when completed, will create a western link road from Grif-fith Street to Links Road. If the southern extension pro-ject is funded, construction could start in early 2016. The other component of the

overall Western Link Road is east facing freeway ramps at Halletts Way and an associ-ated pedestrian bridge; the project was announced by the previous state govern-ment however controversy surrounds whether the pro-ject will be funded by the new state government.

Linking up road accessBy Kate Taylor

Buildings funded by the Federal Governments Building Education Revolution (BER) program should be optimised for community use.Woodlands Ward

Councillor Pat Toohey raised the matter in Urgent Business at the Wednesday 1 April council meeting.He said at launches such

as the Bacchus Marsh Primary Schools newly built sporting facility, the sites were announced as for

community use.What is our process to

making sure those federally funded facilities are picked up in the draft Sport and Recreation Strategy report, for full use by the community? he asked at the meeting.CEO Rob Croxford

confirmed that the report will cover projects funded under the BER and current and potential community use of the facilities.The draft Strategy is

currently out for public comment.

Council Clips(L-R) Crs. Tatchell, Dudzik and Spain helped turn the first sod of soil as works commenced on the new road link.Photo Helen Tatchell

Email - [email protected] The Moorabool News 21 April, 2015 Page 5

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By Kate Taylor

Following an idea to merge lo-cal government into 13 super councils, Moorabool Shire Council Mayor Paul Tatchell has Former Deputy premier Pat McNamara in his sights. Mr McNamara, who helped

oversee the widespread council amalgamations in the 1990s, said the move would create financial sustainability among vulnerable councils.The previous amalgamation dis-

solved 200 Councils and sacked 1600 elected Councillors and 11,000 Council staff to create 78 Municipalities.Just for the record, the 11,000

Council staff are not only back, they have doubled. So in reality all they managed to do was get rid of 1600 of those pesky Councillors - the bane of any State members ex-istence, Mayor Tatchell said.He said it all comes back to poli-

tics back at Circus Central in Spring street.Whilst you will never get an

argument out of me that we are over governed, its the type of gov-erning that would scare the back

wheel off a Massey Ferguson trac-tor, thats making me as nervous as a petrified chook the day before the Harvest Chicken!If you reckon Party politics comes

before the people in the State and Federal caper, wait until they get their hands on 13 Mega Councils and 135 Board member positions!Cr. Tatchell said local government

remains important.I am the first to admit that Local

Government has many flaws in it;

but its the last bastion of next door neighbour representation, where your local rep lives in the misery he or she has a hand in. At least they share the pain!You can walk up to your local

Mayor or Councillor in the street and throw a tomato, and hope it comes back as a toasted sandwich. That is what local Government is; local!Cr. Tatchell said there is no doubt

Local Government has become de-

partmentalised to sing to the tune of the State and Federal Govern-ment piper.The mythology of rates has be-

come nothing more than pseudo taxism driven by a cost shift from one department of waste to another.But in the economic light of day,

rural economics is in more trouble than a one-armed fisherman wres-tling with a blue marlin.Lets do a bit of perspective into

the dark world of rural council finances. Moorabool has become nothing more than the road be-tween Melton and Ballarat with an acute case of safeseatitus where the 2110 square kilometres of under investment are blatantly ignored by the folly of Spring street!We have less than a third of the

rate-base of our bookended coun-terparts, and three times the mass and road network.If the system for amalgamation

was such a brilliant idea back in the 90s why are 70 per cent of ru-ral councils dying the death of a thousand cuts, whilst the State leg-islative costs pile up in the council chambers like second hand bricks in a Beirut builders yard.Cr. Tatchell said that if Mr Mc-

Namara wants to be fair dinkum about the plight of rural councils then rather than bring it back to 13 Party driven Super Councils, why not dump local government all together and invite the lo-cal members into the real world to earn their keep.They would never do that; no

good having a dog if you have to do your own barking, as well as cleaning up the mess!

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Local members should earn their keep

Geoff Howard Don Nardella Mary-Anne Thomas


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communityJOSHUA MORRIS MPState Member for Western Victoria

By Kate Taylor

An annual memorial ser-vice previously held at Fiskville Training College will be held at St Patricks Cathedral in Ballarat. The College, which was

recently closed due to toxic contamination of the site, is home to a memorial garden which honours CFA mem-bers who lost their lives in the line of duty.The service will be held on

Sunday 3 May from 2pm.CFA Chief Executive Officer

Michael Wootten said the Annual Memorial Service for firefighters is an event to honour and commemorate the lives of CFA firefighters who never returned home from the fireground. It is a time for reflection

and just one of the ways we can remember the lives of 67 members who have given their lives in service to pro-tecting our communities, he said. Its also an opportunity

to acknowledge those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Through loss, hardship and experience, we have learnt from all those who have come before. A banner representing the

Fiskville Memorial Wall will be taken to the service. The Wall represents fire-

fighters who died in the line of duty with CFA and its pre-decessor organisations, the Country Fire Brigades Board and the Bush Fire Brigades Committee. It was built following the

Ash Wednesday fires of 1983

and includes a reflective pool and natural stone wall set in a landscaped garden situated in front of the teach-ing centre. The 67 memorial plaques

are mounted on the wall and show the name, fire brigade and date of the incident of each CFA fire fighter who has lost their life since the inception of CFA in 1944. In the past, CFA initiated

a program where the me-morial service was taken to regional centres around Victoria. The CFA Annual Memo-

rial Service is held on the Sunday closest to Interna-tional Firefighters Day and St Florians Day (May 4). St Florian is the Patron Saint of Firefighters.

By Jessica Howard

A blockbuster football match on ANZAC Day will see the Cobras take on the Devils, a day 100 years ago that saw troops land at Gallipoli in Turkey.Bacchus Marsh Football

Netball Club will host the event against Darley this Saturday.In round two of the Ballarat

Football League fixture, the two across town rivals will clash heads at Maddingley Park and according to Bacchus Marsh club president Adam Sutherland, the Cobras are confident for a win. I think we have definitely

improved and it will be a great game against Darley, he said. Everyone goes into the

season pretty confident so we are looking forward to the game. Im assuming Darley will be as fired up as

we will be. Members and supporters

can enjoy a commemorative afternoon with a service conducted by the RSL on the completion of the reserves match, and a number of other activities hosted by the Bacchus Marsh Club. We encourage all

supporters and members of the club to get down to support the RSL at the dawn service, which will be followed by a luncheon at 12pm at Stoneys for our sponsors and the public, Mr Sutherland said.The RSL will conduct

a service before the commencement of the seniors game and weve got a jumping castle for the kids and a marquee and live band at the completion of the match. The score is one all since

matches were introduced on ANZAC Day by the BFL just two years ago.

Darley president Grant Wright said he looked forward to the day as the spirit of ANZAC produced some pretty special things.Even though youre

playing for those four points I think its not just about that, he said.We really push hard to

both our juniors and seniors the sacrifices that were made that allow us to play footy in this era. I think that has become visible with all the dawn service attendees by both teams in the past.Members of the public

are invited to enjoy a two-course meal at Stoneys from 12pm 2pm with special guest speaker and ex-AFL player John Barnes, followed by entry to the Maddingley marquee with live band, 2 fat 2 skate. For more information

contact Adam Sutherland on 0402 133 696.

Service shifted from Fiskville

Clash of the locals

Ready for the bounce Senior Football Captains (L-R) Shane Page (Darley) and Tyson Shea (Bacchus Marsh). Photo Helen Tatchell

Email - [email protected] The Moorabool News 21 April, 2015 Page 7travel

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By Kate Taylor

Burglaries and thefts are on the rise in Moorabool as crystalline methylamphetamine or Ice - ad-dicts seek to fund their habit.Crime Prevention Officer Leading

Senior Constable Donna Parsons said that in recent months there have been a number of burglaries and thefts committed in the Moor-abool area. It is difficult to place an exact fig-

ure on how much crime is associ-ated with the use of Ice, however we do know that there remains a strong correlation between peo-ple who are detected for drug of-fences and their involvement in other crimes, in particular crimes against the person and property crimes. This is often related to funding dependence on the drug.Figures released in the first ever

report by the new Crime Statistics Agency showed that the number of drug offences across the state increased by 12.9 per cent in 2014, with drug use and possession making up three quarters of these offences. In response to the figures, Police

Minister Wade Noonan said that the scourge of Ice continues to ruin lives and communities.Earlier last month, Premier Dan-

iel Andrews and Parliamentary Secretary for Health, and Member

for nearby Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas announced a $45.5 mil-lion Ice Action Plan to reduce the supply, demand and harm of a drug that they said is ruining lives across regional Victoria.Under the Plan, the Government

will invest $4.7 million to help fam-ilies identify and manage Ice users and $1 million to support frontline workers who are at risk of getting attacked at work.The funding came amid reports

that a detox centre in Ballarat has a six-week waiting list to get users in.The Government will also invest

$18 million to expand drug treat-ment and rehabilitation so users can get the help they need and set up a dedicated Ice Help Line that directs families and health profes-sionals to advice - focusing on rural and regional communities, where services are needed most.Djerriwarrh Health Acting Chief

Executive David Grace said there have been no Ice--specific related admissions to the Bacchus Marsh hospital in the past year. Our Detoxification Program

manages patients with a variety of drug and alcohol dependencies and patients can often be using more than one drug, he said.Ms Thomas said the Plan also in-

cludes new measures to reduce the growing supply of Ice on Victorian

streets.A $4.5 million plan to crack down

on clandestine drug labs and tough new laws to stop dealers and man-ufacturers will make our commu-nity safer, she said. The Government will also invest

$15 million for new drug and booze buses and a $500,000 state-wide fund to help community groups tackle Ice use in their local area.Its important we offer commu-

nity groups the opportunity to play an active role in tackling this problem because often its locals who know best, Ms Thomas said. However Member for Melton

Don Nardella explained that lo-cal groups will have to apply for a share of the funding.Ms Thomas said the Ice Action

Plan also needs to be seen in the context of sky-rocketing youth unemployment over the last four years, particularly in regional areas. A stable job means a stable life,

and the Andrews Labor Govern-ment is improving the prospects of young at-risk people with the $1 billion Back to Work Plan and the $320 million TAFE Rescue Fund. Across our state, good, smart kids

are dropping out of school, run-ning away from their families and falling out of society. Ice is ruining lives, and the time to act is now, Premier Andrews said.

Government to tackle

What do you want to know? Provide us with your thoughts so we

can provide you with the information you seek.

Send to: [email protected]

Moorabool Drug Information Evening A Way Forward MAY 28TH 7.30 9.00PM

Special Guest Speaker

Glenn Manton

Co Founder Outside the Locker Room.

Proudly Supported by

Town Hall Main Street Bacchus Marsh

Email - [email protected] The Moorabool News 21 April, 2015 Page 9News

Moorabool Shire Council

Moorabool Shire Council: PO Box 18, Ballan VIC 3342Telephone: 03 5366 7100 Facsimile: 03 5368 1757 Email: [email protected] Web: www.moorabool.vic.gov.au CEO: Rob Croxford

MOORABOOL RECREATION AND LEISURE STRATEGY FEEDBACK SOUGHT FROM THE COMMUNITY

Council has endorsed the Draft Recreation and Leisure Strategy for the purpose of public exhibition for an eight week period. We are therefore inviting feedback on the draft strategy during this time. The Draft Recreation and Leisure Strategy provides a strategic framework to guide the future planning, provision, management and development of active and passive leisure facilities throughout the Shire. The Strategy has been prepared to investigate, capture, summarise and make recommendations using an evidence based approach regarding the key issues, opportunities and themes that will drive recreation and leisure participation, provision and management in the future. The Draft Strategy has been developed as three volumes. Volume 1: details the Facilities Strategy Plan and Framework, Volume 2: Moorabool Play Strategy and Framework and Volume 3: Background Report that has informed Volume 1 and 2. It will be on exhibition until Wednesday 3 June for the community to provide feedback.The Draft Strategy can be viewed at Councils Customer Service Of ces: 15 Stead Street, Ballan, 182 Halletts Way, Darley, Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh and Ballan Library, download it at www.haveyoursaymoorabool.com.au or Councils website www.moorabool.vic.gov.au. Submissions can be made in writing or via www.haveyoursaymoorabool.com.au Contact the Recreation Development Unit on 5366 7100 for more information.

NOTICE OF ORDINARY MEETING OF COUNCILThe next Ordinary Meeting of the Moorabool Shire Council will be held Wednesday 6 May at the Council Chambers, 15 Stead Street, Ballan, at 5.00pm.

Members of the public are most welcome to attend.

COMMITTEE MEETINGSThe next Section 86 committee meeting will be of the Finance and Governance Committee and will be held Wednesday 29 April at 4pm.

Members of the public are most welcome to attend.

AGMBalliang Hall Committee of Management is holding its Annual General Meeting on Thursday 26 April at 6.30pm at the Balliang Hall, Balliang. Contact Council on 5366 7100 for more details.

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE2015 Ballan R&SL ANZAC Day March & Service

Saturday 25 AprilThe annual Ballan R&SL march and service will be held on Saturday 25 April 2015.The march will commence at 12.30pm at the Ballan R&SL, 146 Inglis St, Ballan to the Cenotaph in Inglis Street and will move up Inglis Street to the Mechanics Institute for the service.To facilitate the event, a temporary closure of Inglis Street, between Stead and Cowie Streets, will be in place from 12.15pm to 2.30pm.Motorists and pedestrians are urged to approach the area with caution during this time, observe all traf c signage, and seek alternative routes during the closure period. Your patience and co-operation is appreciated during this time.

ice with an action planICE facts and figures

Having your home or vehicle broken into can be a distressing

experience, however for opportunistic thieves, unlocked vehicles and homes is an opportunity to steal cash, credit cards, small electronics, jewellery, and easily sold valuables.

In nearly 20 per cent of residential burglaries, entry was through unlocked doors and windows. In more than 50 per cent of thefts from cars, there was no sign of forced entry. The community can help drive down crime by taking simple steps to protect their own property. Police ask that you lock your vehicle even if parked on private property, dont leave valuables in your car, and ensure that you properly secure your home with adequate locks and security devices.

Strangers and or strange vehicles should be noted when observed in the area and reported to police. As always remember - If you see something, say something and contact 000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

A Sentencing Advisory Council report released in February found that ice was the most common drug trafficked in commercial quantities in Victoria over the last five years.

Victoria police data indicates a significant rise in the frequency of use and availability of crystalline methylamphetamine, with related offences almost tripling from 1,274 in 2010 to 3,748 in 2014.

Ice is a strong, harmful and addictive stimulant usually in the form of small chunky crystals which look like ice and are generally smoked or injected.

Symptoms of overdose include racing heartbeat and chest pain; difficulty breathing; fits or uncontrolled jerking; extreme agitation, confusion, clumsiness; sudden, severe headache; unconsciousness; stroke, heart attack and possible death.

It can take several days to come down from using ice. Effects include difficulty sleeping and exhaustion; headaches, dizziness and blurred vision; paranoia, hallucinations and confusion; irritability and depression.

Anecdotal sources estimate the current street value of Ice to be between $400 - $500 per gram.

By Kate Taylor

Renowned youth worker Les Twentyman last month warned that as a regional town Bacchus Marsh is at risk of experiencing a US-style town wipeout or meth town, which has seen literally a generation of users wiped out through drug addiction.What our communities need are support

in regards to programs they can conduct locally, youth workers on the streets and in every school across the State, to try and combat the issue directly, he said. The issue also reached national media, with

Channel Nine show 60 Minutes recently featuring Bacchus Marsh in a story about Ice.Moorabool Shire Council Mayor Paul

Tatchell said that Moorabool will be a tricky place to fight drugs and that there is nowhere near enough funding to do so. The urbanisation of Moorabool gives

us a different demographic from a shire with traditional country values. For Bacchus Marsh in particular, its alright for government to say roads roads roads roads roads, but theres no plans to deal with the changing social demographic; which is the introduction to easy access to things that country people havent been educated about and are naive to.

Theres a missing link between coming from an area where drugs are commonplace, and arriving in an area where drugs have always been a hidden secret that you dont see because people in rural communities tend not to talk about it. When it finally comes, theres no background in the cause and effects of drugs because there hasnt been a problem in the streets.There have been drugs in rural areas

forever, but the rural mentality of what is acceptable behaviour in a tight community is different to that of a city where people dont even know their next door neighbour. If someone is off their head we tend to know about it, we know who it is, and who they belong to. And thats probably why the drug culture in places like Ballan and Gordon and the smaller villages isnt as prevalent.When you live in the cold world of

urbanisation, that community is not there. National figures released last month also

show that Ice is becoming more prevalent in rural and regional areas, where it had previously not been common.Meanwhile, the work of the Premiers Ice

Action Taskforce will continue, with a long-term role to support the implementation of the Plan and advise the Government where more effort is needed.

Marsh at risk of being labelled a meth town


Newborns in the districtBabies born recently at Bacchus Marsh and Melton Regional Hospital

Sarah Mann and Craig Beckett have welcomed the arrival of their first born child, a little girl. The Melton couple have named their daughter Grace Elizabeth BECKETT, and she arrived on Friday 10 April at 16.44pm weighing 7lb 14oz (3580 grams).

Brookfield parents Navrit and Manvinder have welcome a, yet to be named, little boy into their family. A brother for big sister Shereen, he arrived on Friday 3 April and weighed 4050 grams.

Lachlan Arron Jaffrey Lang is the first born child to Bacchus Marsh parents Tiffany Jaffrey and Wayne Lang. The little boy arrived on Saturday 11 April at 12.03am weighing 6lb 8oz (3150 grams).

Mick Bower and Samantha Azzopardi from Ballan are the proud new parents of twin girls. Although born only 43 minutes apart, they arrived on different dates. Evie Lee was born first on Thursday 26 March at 11.40pm weighing 2.4kg followed by her sister Frankie on Friday 27 March at 12.27am weighing 2.6kg.

Brookfield couple Kate and Mathew WARWICK have welcomed little Emmett George as their first-born child. Arriving on Wednesday 15 April at 12.40pm, the little man weighed 8lb 7oz (3760 grams).

Logan Joshua Allen MILLETT has been born to Darley parents Kathyrn Millet and Nicholas Allen. Arriving on Saturday 4 April at 10.38am, Logan weighed 7lb 2oz (3230 grams).

Darley couple Theresa and Luke have welcomed the arrival of a son, Koby William. He was born at 4.33am on Monday 13 April weighing a healthy 7lb 1oz.

Rosie Leigh BROWN arrived into the world on Wednesday 15 April at 14.47pm. Born to Brookfield parents Andriani Auraam and Luke Brown, Rosie weighed 7lb 7oz (3360 grams).

It is a little girl for first time Melton West parents Tiffany Rizzi and Sean Davidson. Little Alexia Jade arrived at 12.42pm on Sunday 12 April weighing 3670 grams.

Lukas, Luther, Lance and Annabelle have a new brother, Liam Osmond. Born to Melton parents Jasmine and David LYNCH on Tuesday 14 April, Liam arrived at 5.09am weighing 3820 grams.

It is a little girl, Hannah Beverly SCOTT for first time Melton parents Jessica Evans and Eric Scott. Weighing 8lb 4oz (3740), she arrived at 9am on Thursday 16 April.

Isaac James has a new little brother. Born on Thursday 16 April to Bacchus Marsh parents Nileshni and Nick, he arrived at 5.10am.

themooraboolnews.com.au

Serving Ballan and district since 1872 Phone 5368 1966 Email [email protected]

Moorabool NewsThe

Your Local News FR

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Email - [email protected] The Moorabool News 21 April, 2015 Page 11 News

By Kate Taylor

The State Government has warned local councils to get back to basics with their spending.Local Government Minister

Natalie Hutchins pre-empt-ed any moves by councils to blame future financial issues on her governments controversial introduction of rates- capping. The rate-capping policy will

see councils unable to raise their rates above the level of inflation without going before the Essential Services Commission. Ms Hutchins said rate-cap-

ping will not come into effect until 2016-17 and that any council attempting to blame rate-capping for staff or ser-vice cuts is failing to be hon-est with its local community.

This is not about cutting staff and services. Its about encouraging councils to get back to the things that mat-ter to their communities, she said.Councils need to put a stop

to over-the-top executive pay rises and needless waste.Moorabool Shire Council

Mayor Paul Tatchell has pre-viously spoken out against the rate-capping policy, pointing out that a one-size-fits-all approach will not work because Moorabool has never been funded equally

by the state government, and that the shire has a vast road network to maintain with a low ratepayer base.First the Minister says

cap the rates and make sure Councils maintain the services, then the Minister says she understands the financial pressures on Rural Councils, and there will be allowances made, and now the Minister says that Coun-cils should get back to basics; it appears to me that the Minister has become a little indecisive and now she is

not sure! Seriously; instead of the

Minister politicking in her generic emails with some fairly broad assumptions on the Local Government econ-omy, maybe the good Minis-ter might like to reserve her judgement from somewhere other than the confines of her office. I wait in anticipa-tion for the Ministers next gem from her cyber world within Spring Street.However Council CEO Rob

Croxford was circumspect with his comments.Moorabool notes the Min-

isters comments on restraint and balancing the needs of our growing communities. A draft budget will be pre-

sented to a special meeting of council on 22 April for the councils and communitys consideration.

Core business is the approach needed

Councils need to puta stop to over-the-top

executive pay risesand needless waste.- Minister Natalie Hutchins

POP UP RETAIL AT THE VILLAGEBOOK YOUR CASUAL SPACE NOW!Do you have a Product or Service you

wish to promote?The Village offers Casual Mall Leasing at great rates. Rates for Daily, Weekly, Monthly to suit your requirements and

budget. Call 5367 6200 or email [email protected]

today to book your space!MN

0600

G2

ANZAC DAY Saturday 25th April

We will be open at 1pmLest We forget

CHANGED TRAFFIC CONDITIONS

Customers please be aware that the tunnel between The Elms Car Park

and the West Car Park will be closed to traffi c and pedestrians between

Monday 20th April to Sunday 26thApril. Reopening on Monday 27th April. The Elms Medical Centre and The Village

Shopping Centre will be trading as usual. We thank you for your patience during this time and we are pleased to advise this is the fi nal works to be

undertaken in this area.

A Turkish bayonet from the First World War is just one of the pieces of memorabilia in an exhibit for the 100th anniversary of ANZAC.Bellbrook Gardens Retirement Village

have been collecting war memorabilia since January in order to create the display in time for Anzac Day.Bellbrook resident, Marilyn Ericson

said she posted a notice to the village residents and shortly after the display began to grow.About 15 people started off helping

and then as more people came to see it they realised how good it looked. They would get excited and come back with their own memorabilia, whether they owned it or inherited it, and over time the display just kept getting bigger,

she said.From Egyptian embroidery greetings

to Christmas cards and handwritten letters from soldiers to mothers - the display has it all. Theres medals from both World

Wars, an authentic, original paper from the Japanese after their surrender, heaps of photos, stories, books and even a copy of an old soldiers diary, Mrs Ericson said.The generation of people who live

here have important access to this history because of their mothers and fathers and grandparents, but the next few generations dont have that. We are really hoping we can get a few visitors, especially some children.

Co-organiser and Bellbrook resident, Meg Williams-Mallett said the display had been split into four sections, which acknowledged important parts of the history of Anzac. The display provides information

about the first and second World Wars, Korea, Vietnam and the Red Cross, she said.People have been absolutely

wonderful in bringing in all of their treasures. The display will be available for

viewing at the Bellbrook Gardens Retirement Village every day until Anzac Day (Saturday, April 25), with hand-knitted poppies for sale to raise funds for Legacy widows.

Unique anniversary display(L-R) Mike and Jack hold a WWI Turkish bayonet and Meg has a WWII edition of The Herald at the Bellbrook Gardens Retirement Village display. Photo Helen Tatchell


StyleName Location Hours Contact Special

Traditional Bistro

Links RoadBACCHUS MARSH

Lunch & Dinner - Tue to SunMon 10am - 9:30pmTue/Wed/Thu 10am - 10:30pmFri/Sat 10am - 12:00amSunday 10.30am 10.30pm

5367 2226Morning Melodiestwice a month only $13.50 including 2 course meal

Bacchus Marsh Golf Clubwww.bacchusmarshgolfclub.com.au

Traditional Australian& European

424 Clarendon Lal Lal RdLAL LAL

Fri Night Dinner 6-8.30pmSat lunch 12.30-2pm, Dinner 6-8.30pmSun lunch 12-2pm, Dinner 6-8pmBar Mon-Fri 3pm-late 5341 7574

Specials Board Weekly

Fammartinos Lal Lal Hotel

DiningMooraboolDining Guide to the Moorabool Region April 2015

An advertising feature of Th e Moorabool News

HudsonsGreat Western Hotel

Traditional 110 Inglis StreetBALLAN

Lunch Fri-Sun 12-2pmDinner Wed-Sun 6-8pm

5368 1000 Seniors and veterans meals available

Greendale Country Pub Hearty Homestyle Country Meals

3 Greendale-Myrniong Rd GREENDALE 5368 1355

Open Daily from 10am, Lunch Everyday 12-2pm, Dinner Tuesday - Sunday 6-8pm

Tuesday: Locals $14 Parma & $12 Pasta & Weekly Draw. Wed, Thurs, Friday: PIZZA. Friday: 5-7 Happy Hour in the Bar & Meat Tray Raffle.

Court House Hotel Traditional Pub 116 Main StreetBACCHUS MARSHLunch 7 Days 12-2.30 PM Dinner 7 Days 6-8.30 PM 5367 6421

Mondays: Kids eat freeTuesdays: $12 parmasWednesdays: $13 porterhouseOther daily specials

AlexandersGordon Hotel

Good Wholesome Meals

92 Main StreetGORDON

12 Noon to 2 pm 7-DaysEvening 6-8 pm Mon-Sat 5368 9203 Specials daily

Under New Management

BISTRO BAR31 High St, Trentham (03) 5424 1144

Open Thursday to Sunday, 11am to late

WINERY RECEPTION CENTRE64 Garrards Lane, Myrniong

(03) 5368 7173Cellar door 7 days, tours by appointment

BISTRO BAR B&B17 Main St, Myrniong (03) 5368 7173

Open Thurs to Sat: lunch & dinner Sunday: lunch only

2805_Plough MN strip banner-May2014.indd 1 3/10/14 8:26 PM

Busin

ess

Pro

file

Irish theme 139 Main StreetBACCHUS MARSH

Mon-Fri 12-2pm lunchMon-Thur 6-8pm dinnerFriday 6-9pm dinnerSat 12-9pm, Sun 12-8pm (all day meals)

5367 2016Monday-Friday$12 - $14 MealsFlanagans Border Inn

Stoneys Club Riverstone Bistro

Traditional Pub 59 Grant St BACCHUS MARSH

12pm-2pm Mon to Sun6pm-8pm Sun to Thurs5pm-9pm Fri and Sat

5367 2031Two-for-One Tuesday (buy one meal and get one free)

GREENDALE COUNTRY PUBA Great Country PubLocated just 45 mins from Melbourne and only 35 mins from Ballarat off the Western Freeway. In the heart of Moorabool and bordering the Wombat State Forest in the Central Highlands, the Greendale Pub offers great food, warm fires in winter, cold beer and hearty hospitality. Wednesday to Friday offer Pizza and Full Menu. Also on Friday Nights, Happy Hour 5-7pm, Meat Tray Raffle and Bar Nibbles. Check out their Facebook site for Live music and whats happening. Pool table, jukebox and function room also available. Open 7 days from 10am. Lunch everyday, Dinner Tuesday to Sunday.

3 Greendale-Myrniong Road, Greendale Bookings 5368 1355 Tuesday Special: Parma $14 Pasta $12

Email - [email protected] The Moorabool News 21 April, 2015 Page 13NewsKERB CHATTERBy Jessica Howard

How will you be celebrating the 100th anniversary of Anzac?

Im a committee member for the RSL so I will be in the dawn service in the morning, then Im going to the city - Keith (Bacchus Marsh)

Ill be going to the dawn service - Abbey (Bacchus Marsh)

Im an ex-Vietnam soldier so I am going over there for the dawn service. I leave on Tuesday - Garry (Bacchus Marsh)

I dont think Ill be doing anything - Jan (Bacchus Marsh)

Keith

Garry

Abbey

Jan

By Kate Taylor

Putting the arts front and centre is what the newly established Bacchus Marsh Arts Council Inc is all about.The BMAC will cover

visual, performance, dance, indigenous, heritage, and architectural arts - the full gamut, according to Presi-dent Barry Wilkins.Its relatively new, but

theres a fair enthusiasm with the group, he said.Since its formation last year,

BMAC has elected a com-mittee and held a series of public meetings, culminat-ing in the development and adoption of a strategic plan. We are now at a stage

where weve got a plan and were looking for ways we can implement that.A priority is the need for

an art space of some descrip-tion within Bacchus Marsh itself, theres a lot of work to be done on that.And some of the art-

ists expressed a wish that theyd like to see a dedicated gallery.And a third festival, to com-

pliment the Strawberries and Cherries and the Har-vest festivals, is also going to be explored.Perhaps even just adding

in the arts to those existing festivals to showcase the arts and what is here. A lot of people dont necessarily see Bacchus Marsh for whats here in terms of the arts, in terms of culture, so part of the reason the group was formed is to try and raise the profile of that.There may be a way that

the Arts Council can add

another dimension to events that are already being pro-moted and value-add to them.Already with about 40 on-

going members, the group has David Leach as Secre-tary, East Ward Councillor John Spain as Treasurer and a committee made up of Kylie Burton, Eric Daws, Ri Van Veen, Anu Patel and Jim Wilson.BMACs vision is for Bac-

chus Marsh to become a regional hub of cultural vitality where arts and cul-ture connects community through education, partici-pation and creativity.The groups mission in-

cludes involving local peo-ple, investing in local artists and events, supporting a shared sense of place and developing opportunities for communities to interact with, enjoy and participate in the wider world of the arts. Mr Wilkins said that Cr

Spain was instrumental in establishing BMAC.Theres a lot of ideas

around - from an arts festi-val to a film festival to art ex-hibition spaces to a jazz fes-tival for example, essentially our role as the Arts Council is not so much to organise those things ourselves but to facilitate, support and get people in touch with each other, somebody else will actually run the show, but well support them as much as we can. We dont have any money at the moment! So were facilitating discus-sions, making suggestions, thats really where we are at the moment, Cr Spain said.

He explained that the BMAC had not applied for any grants or funding as it was not ready but now it is.Now that weve put our

strategic plan out to the members, hopefully some-thing will come out of that.The Central Highlands

Imaging and Photographic Association, they put on a display for the Harvest fes-tival and the Strawberries and Cherries, and the Arts Council has sponsored them to help them with the hire of the Supper Room which is where theyve been exhibit-ing - thats our first spon-sored program, but its small change because theres not much money to pass around.And another suggestion

is using the Hall for film nights its about making those connections, putting people together. All these things take time to get up and running.He added that the BMAC is

looking up to the Wombat Regional Arts Group as an example of how to bring arts to a town. Ballan is the arts hub of

Moorabool; and I think there are more opportunities for us here in Bacchus Marsh for arts in our parks and our walking tracks to add a bit of interest and get people visiting. Now, with a plan in place,

BMAC will set about achiev-ing its objectives.Its quite an exciting ini-

tiative Ballan has certainly done the arts well, theyve got the Wombat Regional Arts Network which is excel-lent, Mr Wilkins said.

Connecting community with art and culture

(L-R) Barry Wilkins and Cr. John Spain

By Kate Taylor

There is something wonder-fully ironic about turning old army bullets into pop-pies, the symbol of the AN-ZAC Gallipoli landing. For Trentham artist Ron Da-

vis, its a passion.Over the last four years, I

have been collecting the old original lead bullets from a local historical rifle range, which dates back to 1906 and throughout the wars. The range was used by the ca-dets, the Light Horse Brigade and the VDC (Voluntary De-fence Corp), he explained.Instead of pillaging the site,

Mr Davis waits for heavy rain to wash away the soil and reveal the bullets. I have a passion about lead

like no other, with my back-ground being architectural lead roofing, the perfect time has come for me to recycle these lead bullets into beau-tiful handmade poppies. Mr Davis then cleans the

bullets, melts the lead out, and hammers them into the shape of petals before num-bering and painting them.Ive got orders coming out

my ears, I can do four or five in a day if Im lucky.The art of lead flowers is not

new to Mr Davis, an English transplant himself, who won an award at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show for his lead flowers.No two are the same - there

is a limited edition of three hundred and three to repre-sent the 303 calibre bullet. They are selling at $95

each, of which $20 gets do-nated to the RSL, including the Ballan RSL.Well auction off number

100, and number 303, and

the first one and that way we can raise more money.The bullets are on display

at the Kyneton Historical Society, Kyneton Museum, The framesmiths on High Street Kyneton, and also at the newsagents in Trentham.This is probably one of

the most powerful, poign-ant and significant pieces of artwork that I have ever created.A time-lapse video of how

each poppy is made will soon be available on Mr Davis website www.lead-astray.com.au.

Each bullet comes with the following poem written by Mr Davis:

Fired from a rifle a gun they soundFly through the air some

fall to the groundCovered in soil and grass

they lay100 years we remember our

heroes this dayNow rise the bullets recy-

cled from the pastA beautiful poppy that will

ever last

Limited edition art


WHATS ON The Whats On section is for non-profit community organisations. All free events submitted will be considered for FREE publication at the Editors discretion. Advertising of AGMs in this section will only appear if a paid public notice also appears in the classifieds section, as per the constitution of Business & Consumer Affairs for incorporated groups.

Letters to the EditorEmail: [email protected]

WRITING LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Each letter must be accompanied with the writers full name, address and phone number (name and suburb for publication only) and be limited to 300 words. Letters to be received via fax, 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.

You may also Post messages on the Moorabool News Facebook page.

B3 Community Bacchus Marsh

www.b3community .org

contactus@b3community .org

WE ARE LOCAL,pass ionate, authent ic , and community-focused.

B3 Community is a church with a difference

Begins Sunday 26 Apri l

4:306:30pm

Avenue Bowling Club

254 Main St

Bacchus Marsh

Ballan Shire Historical Society and the Ballan RSL present

We RememberAn Exhibition for the Anzac Centenary

Saturday 18th April to (continuously) Saturday 9th May10am - 4pm each day.

RSL Hall, 146 Inglis St. BallanFurther details contact Rick Biden on 5368 2544

or by email at [email protected]

ADULT EDUCATIONBallan & District Community HouseTERM 2 Program is out now check your mail boxes. Workshop/courses - Respectful Workplaces Workshop - Wednesday 29 April, 1.30-3.30pm or 5pm-7pm. First Aid Course - Friday 8 May, 9am to 3pm - limited numbers. Bookings and enquiries call 5368 1934.Bacchus Marsh Community College Places available - Cert IV Training and Assessment and Cert II Community Services; Cert II Horticulture (EOI), Intro to Digital Literacy - Level 1 Wed 6/5; Level 2 3/6; Introduction to Excel (evening) 6/5; Food Hygiene 21/4; Book Keeping (day) Wed 6/5; RSA 29/4; First Aid. Enquiries/Bookings - 53671061. Melton South Community CentreOffering classes in - Website design, Latin & Ballroom Dancing, Yoga 28/4; Accoustic Guitar, French & Japanese Language 29/4; Meditation, Manual Bookkeeping, Microsoft Office 30/4; Jewellery Making 3/5. Enquiries & Bookings - 9747 8576.Darley Neighbourhood House & Learning Centre 33-35 Jonathan Drive Darley. Short courses, recreation classes, community groups, occasional child care, venue hire. Enquiries welcome. Phone 5367 4390, www.darleylearning.com

MEETINGSBacchus Marsh Family Drug Support GroupFor Family Members who have a loved one affected by drugs. Enquiries - 1300 660 068.Lal Lal Moorabool Photographic Group IncMeeting 3rd Wednesday each month, 7pm. Soldiers Memorial Hall, Lal Lal. Enquiries 5341 7535 or [email protected] Poultry Club (at Bacchus Marsh)Meetings held 2nd Sunday of month, 2pm. Poultry Pavilion. Racecourse Rec. Reserve, Balliang-Bacchus Marsh Rd, Bacchus Marsh. All welcome Jack 9741 9705.

MARKETSBallan Lions Club MarketSaturday 2 May, 8am-1pm. 1st Saturday each Month. Inglis St, Ballan.Darley Market Saturday 2 May, 8am 1pm. Stalls offer bric-a-brac, fruit/veg, clothing, plants and more. 1st & 3rd Saturday each month at Darley Park Football Reserve. Enquiries 0488 345 145 (Alan)Ballan Farmers MarketNext Market Saturday 9 May, 9am-1pm.2nd Saturday each month, Mill Cottage car park. Enq 0498 361 291 or 0490 114 130.

CHURCHB3 Community Beginning Sunday 26 April, 2015Focused, family friendly church with a difference. Services every 2nd & 4th Sundays at Avenue Bowling Club, Main St, Bacchus MarshCatholic Parish of GordonMass Times - Saturday 25 April Clarkes Hill, 6:30pmSunday 26 April Gordon, 8:45am; Ballan, 10:30am.Anglican Parish of West MooraboolBallan, Bungaree, Morrisons and GordonService Times - Sunday 26 April - St Johns Bungaree, 9am; St Johns Ballan, 11am. St Marks in the Pub Gordon: 5pm. Enquiries to Glen Wesley on 5368 2730.

p resents

CELEBRATION OF SACRED MUSICSunday 3 May 2015 @ 2pm

St Bernards Catholic Parish ChurchBacchus Marsh

featuring 40 Member Moorabool Light Orchestra Barry Wilkins OAM (Musical Director) Robert Wrazszcz (Leader)

Special Guest Artists MELBOURNE MALE CHOIR CAROLYN BENNETT (Ballarat Soprano) Admission: $12

Tickets available at door from 1pm or pre-sales from Bacchus Marsh Florist & Nursery

Enquiries: 5367 3567www.Moorabool-Light-Orchestra.com

presents

CELEBRATION OF SACRED MUSIC Sunday 3 May 2015 @ 2pm

St Bernards Catholic Parish Church Bacchus Marsh

featuring 40 Member Moorabool Light Orchestra Barry Wilkins OAM (Musical Director)

Robert Wrazszcz (Leader) Special Guest Artists

MELBOURNE MALE CHOIR CAROLYN BENNETT (Ballarat Soprano) (PHOTO)

Admission: $12 Tickets available at door from 1pm

or pre-sales from Bacchus Marsh Florist & Nursery Enquiries: 5367 3567

www.Moorabool-Light-Orchestra.com

Carolyn Bennett (Ballarat Soprano)

Dear Editor,There are people who want

us to: close all coal mines and abandon reliable power stations while littering the landscape with unreliable wind turbines and solar pan-els; abandon grasslands and grazing animals to scrub and ferals; stop coastal fishing and development; live with-out cars in high rise dormi-tories; create their brave new world where electricity will be rationed, expensive and intermittent; and hand con-trol of national development, resources and tax revenue to a vast unelected global gov-ernment. Their real aim is to end national sovereignty and individual property rights. What global crisis could justify this global revolution? It is all based on scary climate forecasts pro-duced by computer models which assume that the key

driver of future world tem-perature is mans production of carbon dioxide. But what really determines tomor-rows temperature anywhere on Earth? The sun is the pri-mary controller of surface temperature. So the first question is Where is the sun tomorrow? This depends on location, season and time is it mid-day, mid-summer on the equator, or just before dawn, in mid-winter at the pole? Or somewhere in be-tween? Secondly, are we in the centre of a continental desert, with temperature extremes, or near an ocean, where extremes are moderat-ed? Thirdly, is there a warm wind coming from the trop-ics or a frigid wind coming from the poles? Fourthly, what cloud cover is affecting incoming radiation from the sun, and outgoing radiation from Earth? Finally, what trends can we expect from

solar system cycles and the related ocean oscillations or from volcanic dust? Notice one thing not one of these powerful temperature con-trollers depends on the level of carbon dioxide in the at-mosphere. Carbon dioxide is not reported by meteorolo-gists on the nightly news, is not charted by private long term weather forecasters, and normal weather stations dont even bother recording it. Moreover, every comput-erised climate model using carbon dioxide as its key driver has failed. Maybe there is a message here the whole climate scare based on carbon dioxide is bogus. Viv ForbesRosewood (Qld)

Dear Editor, Since WWII, residential de-

velopment has been in the hands of people driven by

a combination of ignorance and greed with the result that the vast majority of homes are barely providing:1. outsize shelter instead of

gracious living 2. at a price totally beyond

the means of the great ma-jority of young couples3. in the hands of profes-

sionals with a social con-science infinitely superior homes and land could be built 20-30% cheaper than current deplorable practice.However, this is just by the

way. My main concern now is a calamity that is about to hit Bacchus Marsh. The need for extending of Hal-letts Way across the river to meet Griffith Street has become so glaringly obvious that even the two develop-ers concerned and also the Council have become well aware of the urgency of the work. However, in the usual

fashion the powers that be have decided that instead of finding the money neces-sary to extend the bridge to span not only the river but also over Werribee Vale Road, they are proposing a round-a-bout at the intersec-tion. In consequence of ill advised Town Planning on the cheap, they will not only commit two nasty pieces of vandalism but also instead of solving a traffic jam, it will only cause another one. Werribee Vale Road is an

attractive avenue greatly appreciated by many locals and equally attractive is the old area around Franklin Street. A round-a-bout as planned will condemn both into thoroughfares as well as spill a great deal of extra traffic on the intersection of Grant and Labilliere Streets. As all of Bacchus Marsh is well aware of, this intersec-

tion as well as Grant Street itself cannot cope even now with the existing mama-taxi traffic and even far less with the combination of mama-taxi and train arrival traffic. It should also be noted the Victorian Planning Panel sit-ting re amendment C62 has quite clearly advised against this mean and ill advised recommendation.In conclusion: If we, the

community of Bacchus Marsh, get together to pro-test as we did on the matter of selling the Councils - i.e., our land - to finance the building of the new library, the powers that be - in par-ticular, the two developers involved - will have to lis-ten and comply. If not, the ensuing adverse publicity would greatly damage their business.Peter MattersMaddingley

Bacchus Marsh Uniting Church ParishServices - St Andrews 9.30am every Sunday (3rd Sunday of month Family Service). Pentland Hills 2pm 1st Sunday of month. Enq 5367 2543 (office) or www.themarshuca.org.au Holy Trinity Anglican Church - Bacchus MarshService Times - Sundays 8.30am & 10am; Wednesdays 10am; Balliang - 2nd & 4th Sundays 9am; Myrniong - 1st & 3rd Sunday 11am; Messy Church - 3rd Sunday 5pm. Enquiries 5367 5362 (office).Church of the Living GodChristian youth ministry and bible teaching. 2nd Sunday of every month, 5pm. Open to all ages. At 14 Darcy St Maddingley. Enq 0408 260 727.Bacchus Marsh Baptist Church - Sundays, 10:30amWorship Service and Childrens Program. Phone 5367 6550 for more details.Our Lady Help of Christians KorobeitSunday Mass 11.30am (2nd & 4th Sunday of Month)Ballan Uniting ChurchServices 1st, 2nd & 3rd Sundays 11.15am. 4th Sunday 9.30am Reflective Worship Golden Harvest Christian FellowshipNon denominational - Prayer every Sunday 10am, Mens KYB Monday evenings 6pm. Ladies KYB Wednesday 1pm. Further details 0429 681 566Bacchus Christian FellowshipSunday Services 11am, RSL, Main St, Bacchus Marsh. Enquiries Jim Barefoot 0434 341 797

Email - [email protected] The Moorabool News 21 April, 2015 Page 15News

By Jessica Howard

Bacchus Marsh Josephites have celebrated 125 years in the Moorabool Shire.On April 12, 1890 four Sis-

ters of St Joseph arrived at the convent with the Mother General, Bernard Walsh. Formally a doctors resi-

dence for a period of ten years, the convent was erect-ed as a double-storey brick building with living accom-modation for the Sisters, and classrooms on the ground floor.The Sisters soon began to

teach at St Bernards Prima-ry School, the first Josephite school in the Melbourne dis-trict and the second in Victo-ria, and the numbers gradu-ally grew from 60 pupils to over 200.On the same date, 125 years

later, close to 70 people and 15 sisters of St Joseph gathered to celebrate the

convents rich history and to thank God for the many years spent in Bacchus Marsh. Sister Mary Fermio, who

resides in the convent in Lerderderg Street, said the afternoon was spent thank-ing the parishioners of St Bernards for their support and care of the Sisters over 125 years. When the Sisters first ar-

rived, and until the 1970s, they received no wage or stipend and depended largely on the generosity of the people with gifts of food. School needs were paid for by conducting bazaars and concerts, she said.Two of the convents oldest

male and female students attended the celebration, including Val Dickson and Patrick OLeary who started school in 1938 and 1941. Bernice Light, who started

school in 1939, came a close

second. Each was presented with a small gift in memory of the 125-year feat.Sister Mary said she was

delighted with the afternoon and pleased so many came to share the occasion.

Bacchus Marsh SES volunteers responded to a reported road accident on the Bacchus Marsh - Gisborne Road near Bullengarook last Thursday afternoon.Bill Robson, Deputy Controller Operations

from Bacchus Marsh SES said about 2pm a single vehicle left the road and rolled into a paddock. The vehicle ended up on its side with the driver able to exit through the front windscreen before Emergency Services arrived on the scene.Our SES volunteers assisted Ambulance

Victoria to transport the patient to the waiting ambulance before he was taken to hospital, Mr Robson said.The road was reopened shortly after.Local Police, Ambulance and CFA also attended.

Society members, Colin and Sharon Boyd with the 100 poppies.

The quasquicentennial of Sisters Rock solid memorial

Members of Bungaree and District Historical Society will unveil an impressive granite ANZAC memorial this Saturday at the Bungaree Recreation Centre. Research from WWI Honour Boards will be displayed alongside 100 poppies. Members of

the public are invited to attend and bring along any photos and memorabilia that may be of interest.

Photo: Bungaree & District Historical Society members, Colin and Sharon Boyd, with one hundred poppies that will be placed on the new memorial

.

Val Dickson and Heather Shugg

By Kate Taylor

New fencing at Maddingley Park will be finished in time for the local footy derby on ANZAC Day.Chair of the Maddingley

Park Committee of Management Russ Hendry explained that the $35,000 project would see the hedge removed from the Station St side of the park, along with part of the hedge on the Grant St side, and replaced with chain link fence to match the rest of the park.It will be finished by Friday

because the local derby is on the Saturday, Darley plays Bacchus Marsh, he said.He explained that the

hedge, once removed, would not be wasted.All the mulch from the

old hedge will be used to support the trees in the park.

Fence upgradeBy Jessica Howard

A former Bacchus Marsh woman has narrowly avoid-ed jail-time after fraudu-lently obtaining close to 1000 pain-relief tablets.In October 2013, the mother

of three, who the Moorabool News has chosen not to name, attended two separate doctors clinics, where she waited for the medical pro-fessional to leave the room before stealing a prescrip-tion pad, the Bacchus Marsh Magistrates Court heard on Friday.Signing the prescription

statements with either her own name or a fictitious one, the woman proceeded to purchase a number of pain-relief medications from pharmacies across Bacchus Marsh, Melton, Sunshine, Geelong and Point Cook.Close to 12-months later,

the defendant attended a friends house in Melton, where she allegedly left with stolen Medicare and health-care cards in the name of the

homeowner. Over a three-month period,

purchases were made across various pharmacies, which included packets of paracet-amol, codeine, diazepam and metronidazole.In February 2014, the owner

of the Medicare card was contacted in regards to an unpaid medical bill of $109, and upon realising that a second party had used the card, CCTV footage was ob-served and the police were immediately contacted. A search warrant was con-

ducted and it was found that the woman had also saved the details of two other sto-len Medicare cards in order to purchase the prescription medication. A total of 48 prescriptions

were found in the car and home of the accused, which accounted for 992 pain-relief tablets. Magistrate Cynthia Toose

condemned the actions of the woman, stating that it was a very, very serious

matter.To steal from your doctor

and to go into the home of your friends and steal their cards is very premeditated, she said. The womans defence law-

yer stated the accused had purchased the medication in absolute desperation, as she had chronic back-pain after a workplace accident in 2013.She has since been seeing a

drug and alcohol councillor and also a doctor through the methadone program. She is taking positive steps to no longer be dependant on the medications, and had no intention of causing harm to the community only to relieve her pain, he said.Magistrate Toose said that

considering the severity of the crimes, the woman should be behind bars, how-ever she had taken into con-sideration that the accused was a mother of three and allowed for an assessment to be undertaken for a commu-nity corrections order.

Court in action

Lucky escape


Environmental Opinion with Tom KingstonTOM

I have yet a little more to share on the 12th Permacul-ture Convergence, but it will come in time. This week

I would like to examine the work of Robyn Eckersley, the Professor of Political Science, School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne. What follows is from a project that aims to stimulate fresh thinking about the many challenges from climate change, and related issues, facing de-mocracies in the 21st cen-tury. This article is entitled, Anthropocene raises risks of Earth without democracy and without us. To quote Robyn, The term

Anthropocene has made many democrats nervous about democracys future. Earth scientists tell us we have drifted out of the Holo-cene into the Anthropocene. In this new epoch, humans are the dominant geological force shaping the Earths

systems. Over the past 11,500 years, the Holocene provid-ed a relatively stable climate conducive to the emergence and development of human civilisation. In contrast, the Anthropocene may be characterised by unpredict-able and possibly abrupt and cataclysmic environmental changes.Robyn goes on, On the one

hand, pundits are warning that if climate negotiations fail to hold warming below two degrees Celsius, democ-racy will unravel on a hot and lawless planet. Earth will be marked by extreme weather events, ecological collapse, food and resource scarcity, millions of displaced people and increasing conflict and violence. Some have argued that uncontrollable climate change is already locked in and/or that we can expect an age of authoritarianism.However, this very pros-

pect of civilisational collapse

has been invoked to justify the suspension or trunca-tion of democracy to ensure the protection of planetary boundaries through authori-tarianism or technocratic planetary management via geoengineering techniques such as solar radiation man-agement. Either way, democ-racy loses. Yet many of those who reject such prescrip-tions also have little faith in the capacity of existing liberal democracies, envi-ronmental multilateralism or proposals for Earth-sys-tems governance to usher in an ecological transition.The question for demo-

crats, then, is: how might the idea of the Anthropocene be enlisted to expose and overcome the limitations of existing democracies? How might democratic debate and practice be radicalised so that we are better pre-pared to respond to global ecological challenges?

In other words, it seems to me Robyn is asking the question, are democracies capable of handling what is coming?Robyn states that he be-

lieves that the answer lies in, getting back to basics: time, space and community. The space-time-community co-ordinates of liberal de-mocracies are ill-suited to serving the long-term pub-lic good of environmental protection. This arises from not only short-term election cycles but also inequalities of political participation and bargaining power in the policymaking process, low levels of ecological literacy and, in cases of concentrated media ownership, a distort-ed public sphere. Together, these features make it easier for well-organised private interests to influence policy at the expense of diffuse and much less organised public interests.

We are presently seeing this is the proposed Trans Pacific Free Trade Agree-ment where corporations are to be given powers over governments. This is no ac-cident happening at a time of uncertainty. Believe me these people believe in the impacts of climate change and are acting now to secure their futures and to hell with the rest of us.Robyn goes on to argue that,

political representatives are not obliged to answer to non-citizens (for example, foreigners, non-human spe-cies and future generations) for the trans-boundary and trans-temporal ecological and social consequences of their decisions. How right that it when our

current federal government in its disregard for climate action is not answerable to our grandchildren and their children.

Hence Robyn asks the ques-tion, How might the lead-ers of nation-states be made accountable for the global impacts of their decisions? Yet these claims are vul-nerable to the paradoxical democratic boundary prob-lem: there is no democratic means for determining the boundaries of the people/nation or the territory of the state for the purposes of self-rule. Modern liberal de-mocracy has simply fastened onto pre-existing territorial boundaries.With these thoughts in

mind I will conclude Ro-byns thinking next week.What is your opinion?

Next Moorabool Environ-ment Group (MEG) meeting - Thursday 30 April, 7.30pm James Young Room, Ler-derderg Library. 215 Main St, Bacchus Marsh. All Welcome

Are we prepared for what lies ahead?

News

By Jessica Howard

A long-term former Bun-garee councillor and six-time grand final winner for Springbank Football Club, has been remembered as a hard-working and devoted family man.John Jack Toohey, born

September 3 1917, passed away peacefully in his home on April 9, aged 97.Family and a large contin-

gent of friends attended a ceremony at St Michaels Church, Springbank on the afternoon of April 15 to cele-brate a life that was led with good humour, optimism and a devotion to both his family and the community.Mr Toohey served on the

former Bungaree Shire as a councillor for close to 50 years, where he was elected as mayor on eight occasions, and was the first elected president for the Bungaree Historical Society. A man who loved his sport,

he graced the honour boards as secretary of the Wallace Racing Club, the Spargo Creek Athletic Club and president of the Springbank Football Club. Mr Toohey played in nine grand finals over his 97-year life, win-ning six.

In a tribute spoken by his three surviving sons John, Tim and Robert, Mr Tooheys ability to tell a good story was remembered fondly.Dad had a great sense

of humour he taught us things we needed to know, things we already knew and things we really didnt need to know, Robert said.Tim reflected on his fathers

extraordinary ability to remember quotes, dates and

texts, and his never-ending love and affection for both his kids and grandkids.For someone who lost a

mother at a young age, he grew up to lead a warm hearted and generous life, he said.Jack Toohey was a lov-

ing husband, father and grandfather to his wife Judy, nine children and 13 grandchildren.

VALE Jack Toohey

A warm-hearted and generous life

An unusual amount of traffic graced Korobeit road in Myrniong with the RPMs slightly up from a normal Sunday drive through the countryside.The Historic Car Sprint

attracted over 120 competitors ranging from racing, sports, touring and

reproduction cars.The 850 metre sprint, rising

60 metres, has a level start that rises to a slight crest then a steep uphill curve before another crest and dip with the finish line in sight.

Each competitor races as an individual in his or her class,

hoping to record the fastest time. Cars are pre 1975.Probably the oldest

competitor racing was 83 year old Glen Bishop in a Schultz Austin 7 S/C. The youngest was 14 years old and three ladies competed in a Ford Cortina, MG Midget and an Austin Healey Sprite.

Myrniong Historic Car Sprint

Email - [email protected] The Moorabool News 21 April, 2015 Page 17

Luxury Living In Ballan

7 Hogan Road, Ballan$599,000 - $649,000

This magnificent four bedroom weatherboard home is bounded with 2m verandas providing cool relaxing zones and views from every aspect. Set on the rise of the Werribee River, this property provides contemporary lines and great floor plan adaption. A fully fenced manicured garden, garden shed, chicken coup, 30,000L water storage and of course the trickle of the river, present a home with real purpose. Set on approx 4010m2 this property deserves a full inspection to appreciate the quality.

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Phone 5331 1111

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Strong start for sales and rental market

The 2015 property market has begun solidly, buoyed by low interest rates, with the cash rate kept on hold by the Reserve Bank recently, at its 2.25 per cent record low.Despite some economic

uncertainty around employ-ment levels, consumer con-fidence has picked up since the March interest rate cut. This is flowing through to the property market.Price growth has continued

to strengthen, with the REIV House Price Index (HPI) for regional Victoria rising by 0.9 per cent in March 2015 to 133.5. The HPI also rose in Melbourne, increasing 0.8 per cent to 171.6.A key contributor to the re-

gional increase was Geelong, with the index for the region up 0.4 per cent in March.The auction market, which

is a key determinant of ac-tivity in regions close to Melbourne, continues to grow. In the year to date, there have been 7600 auc-tions statewide, with most of these - 4200 auctions - in March. The 76 per cent statewide

clearance rate for the year to

March 31 was the highest for five years. We expect that in the short term the low inter-est rate environment will continue to drive demand.More broadly across the

state, private sales continue to be common, and statewide in March there were 10,780 sales in total an increase on March last year when there were 10,600 private sales.For investors in regional

Victoria there was some good news with the rental vacancy rate stable at 2.1 per cent in March and 50 basis points lower than a year ago. While the rate actually

eased to 2.8 per cent in both Ballarat and Bendigo, both of which have been experi-encing severe accommoda-tion shortages, in Geelong it has been tightening for the past six months. The rate of 3.1 per cent there is at its low-est since April 2013.

Median house rents across regional Victoria were sta-ble at $300 a week, while median unit and apartment rentals were up $5 to $245. Median unit rents in Gee-long were up $10 to $290 and Ballarat were up $30 to $240. Both vacancy rates and house rents in Melbournes outer suburbs remained stable, while unit rents there increased from $316 to $320.

Enzo RaimondoCEO, REIV


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Bacchus Marsh 108 Albert StreetPositioned on the ed

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