MN_2016-01-12

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Tuesday 12 January, 2016 Serving Ballan and district since 1872 Phone 5368 1966 Fax 5368 2764

Vol 10 No 1

Quality Structures at Aﬀ ordable Prices - Contact John Hoﬀ man for more details - 202 Learmonth Street, Ballarat.

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A fresh drink of water, and a comforting ‘kiss better’ was welcome after the koala was found on Geoff Taylor’s property, stuck in mud trying to get a drink from a dam. Photo – Brian Brook

By Kate Taylor

They’re cute and cuddly… but they also have

claws, and it’s a brave man who kisses a koala.

But that’s exactly what local Ballan real estate

(John Kontek) guru Geoff Taylor did last week

when helping a little native in need.

Friday night, following a blast of hot weather,

Geoff was on his Gordon property with daughter

Kelly and her son when the distressed koala was

first spotted.

“The kids went down to the bottom paddock to

check on the horses for the night, and the poor

little thing was near the damn just sitting there,”

Kelly explained.

Geoff has a wildlife carer license - and so the

kids came running for their Pa.

“She was really dehydrated so he picked her up

and there’s a paddock behind the house that’s

full of gum trees and they got her up there and

she had some gum leaves.

“She had all really muddy paws, so we assumed

she tried to get into the dam to have a drink and

got stuck in the mud and thought ‘oh, bugger

that’… then tried to move on and it was all too

much.”

Kelly explained how the adorable photo came

about.

“We were offering her water - dad loves

animals... they have kangaroos and magpies

and all sorts of animals that have been wounded

- and he kind of just lent forward talking to the

koala, and the koala leaned over and got a kiss

on the nose and my partner was lucky enough to

get a shot at the right time.”

Kelly said that it’s sad that animals are putting

themselves in such a position to get water – but

this story is presumed to have a happy ending.

“He let her go in the top paddock, and she was

gone the next morning, so we think she’s moved

on.”

Or perhaps she is just a koala who doesn’t kiss

and tell!

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Limit rights reserved. Persons under the age of 18 will not be served alcohol or tobacco.

FOODWORKS BACCHUS MARSH

1-9 Bennett Street,

Bacchus Marsh

Phone: 5367 3388

specials available thursday 14th

JANUARY 2016 only - while Stocks Last

WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO LIMIT PURCHASES

ONE DAY ONLY

THURSDAY 14

th

_JANUARY

While Stocks Last – No Rain checks

MARKET DAY

Coca-Cola Cans 24 x 375ml Varieties

Multibuy 3 for $40 $1.48 per Litre or 2 for $30 $1.67 per Litre Single buy $2.00 per Litre

5kg Washed Potatoes

Twinings Tea Bags 100’s

Carlton Draught Gold Cans 30 Pack x 375ml

Pepperjack Shiraz 750ml

Fresh Salmon Portions

Family BBQ Chicken Fresh Oysters Blueberries 125g Punnet Pre Packed Tomatoes 500g or $3.99 Each

$

5

2

for Any or $7.99 Each

$

10

2

for Any

$

60

2 for

or $19.99 Each

$

90

6 for

Any

$

19

99 kg

$

7

49 EA

$

19 DONT

MISS

OUT!

56 ¢

Per Can

or $45.00 Each

2 DOZEN

OR 1 DOZEn $10.99

$

1

97 ea

$

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Any

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3 for

ANY

2 FOR $30

or $18.00 Each

(3)

Email - [email protected]

The Moorabool News –

12 January, 2016

Page 3

News

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Please Note: outer border represents the edges of the card Colours may vary when printed.

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Financial Planning

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Australian Credit License 390664 MN01 121G4 By Kate Taylor

When devastating fires swept through the Great Ocean Road, the owner of Lorne’s FoodWorks – and also the Bacchus Marsh FoodWorks - Alex Ng gave the keys to his shop to the local CFA and told them to take whatever they needed.

It was Christmas Day, and residents of towns along the Great Ocean Road had been given the order to evacuate while CFA firefighters took on a ferocious blaze – one

that would eventually take well over 100 homes.

It was, of course, hot and hard work done in extreme conditions and at a time when the firefighters should have been sitting down to their own Christmas lunch-es, it was water and bananas on the menu.

Alex Ng and his busi-ness partner Susan Lau are known in Bacchus Marsh and the Moorabool district for the many, many thou-sands of dollars they have donated to the community

over recent years – and when fire threatened the people in the Lorne sister store’s com-munity, they were there to help.

“We handed over the keys for them to come in and get supplies in their ef-forts to fight the fire,” Alex explained.

“They needed all the gen-eral things for the volunteers - water, bananas… we told them to take whatever they needed.”

Alex and Susan are both humble about their

generos-ity within the commungeneros-ity. “No, the CFA wasn’t sur-prised that we gave them the keys… they don’t have time to think of anything, they’re busy fighting the fires.

“We are in a small com-munity, and the community supports us so we should support each other.”

Alex was even contacted by radio station 3AW and given a $500 voucher for The Good Guys.

“I donated that back to the Wye River people,” Alex explained.

By Kate Taylor

A man was lucky to escape serious injury when a firework was discharged near his head at Pykes Creek, south of Ballan on New Year’s Eve.

Paramedics were called to the incident, in which the firework involved is believed to be illegal.

The man suffered cuts to the head and burns to the face; he

made his way to Bacchus Marsh hospital and was taken to Ballarat Base Hospital in a stable condition.

Ambulance Victoria Health Commander Neil Akers said thankfully the burns were not significant.

“It’s frustrating that we put warnings out about the risks of using illegal fireworks, yet it hasn’t deterred some people,” Mr Akers said.

Police are continuing their investigations into the incident.

FoodWorks;

works for me!

Not a bright spark

The Surf Coast Shire has delivered

their 2013-14 Draft Budget and the

Draft Council Plan 2013-17 and like

all budgets there is controversy on

who gets what and why do they get it.

Never have I experienced a process

that satisfies everyone and normally

those that forward their requests with

a plan and the support of their entire

community, are those most likely to

be supported.

Our local councilor Clive Goldsworthy

canvassed his constituents well in an

endeavor to table the needs of our

community and with the Committee

for Lorne in its early formation period,

we quickly recognized that without any

immediate short “must haves” we need

to focus on a plan that will allow us to

rally council for the community needs in

coordinated manner.

Cr Goldsworthy and Senior Surf

Coast Shire Officers have invited our

community to find out more about

the 2013-14 Surf Coast Budget by

attending a briefing at the Senior

Citizens Centre to be held on Monday

the 3rd of June from 6-8pm.

At this same briefing our Councilor

and Shire Officers will also be

discussing their 2013-17 Draft Council

Plan. This should be of great interest

to all Lorne Ward community members

as the Surf Coast Shire begins to map

out the overarching principles that lay

the platform for planning of our future

needs in the Surf Coast Shire. After

having attended a preliminary planning

session earlier this year to ensure we

had some input in the process, it was

a unanimous voice that echoed to the

Council Officers that each Ward need

to have their own specific plan that was

relevant to their differing and unique

communities.

It is with excitement that with Surf

Coast Shire consultants and under the

banner of Committee for Lorne, we

are about to embark on an intensive

workshop process with as broad a

cross section as possible to table what

will be the very first “community of the

Lorne Ward’s” Visioning Statement/

Lorne Plan. Our goal is to have our first

draft plan tabled prior to the end of the

current calendar year.

To the Committee for Lorne, it is

logical that a Lorne Ward plan be

formulated under the overarching

principles of the Surf Coast Shire plan

but also with direct reference and

correlation to the other Government

agencies that manage our town.

Once this plan is complete and our

needs clearly and precisely articulated.

it is then, and only then, that in my view

we can have direct strong comment as

to what is delivered in the Budget at the

time.

Hopefully our processes will start

and deliver what the Lorne Community

“really want”!

IAn STeWArT

CHAIrMAn

Committee for Lorne

Long time business partners Sue Lau

and Alex Ng are the proud new owners

of the well know local supermarket

FoodWorks in Lorne as of Wednesday,

1 May 2013. They have been flying the

FoodWorks truly independent banner

since its inception in 1998.

When FoodWorks Lorne became

available, they had to jump at the

opportunity. Both Sue and Alex are

excited to take FoodWorks Lorne to the

next level by offering the Lorne locals a

one-stop grocery shopping experience.

According to Sue they have exciting

plans for the store and can’t wait to show

the locals what FoodWorks has to offer.

“We have already been making our

list on what our plans are for our new

FoodWorks store and we want to support

our locals, because they support us.

“We plan to offer our customers lots of

weekly specials, the freshest of the fresh

produce, and a bigger range at

lower-prices and of course offer our customer’s

a great in store experience when they

shop with us,” said Sue.

Sue and Alex have hit the ground

running and are already making changes

to the store, one big change that the

locals will notice is a new fresh seafood

department which was not there before.

Also a bigger and better range of deli and

cheese and fresh produce.

In addition they will be also introducing

a pensioners discount for the pensioner

this year.

“Since we took over the store we

have felt extremely welcomed and the

staff have helped us with the transition

and they are also excited to come along

our journey to transform FoodWorks

Lorne, and make it into what the locals

want and that is to make it the one stop

supermarket,”

said Sue.

According to Alex, they wanted the

customers to have customer satisfaction

when they shop at FoodWorks Lorne, and

both Sue and Alex are looking forward

to having long-term relationship with the

Lorne community.

“I have been asked now a few times

why Sue and I choose Lorne as a

destination to own a FoodWorks and its

simple; it’s a great location and we love

Lorne, the Locals are always friendly and

happy.

“We have big plans for FoodWorks

Lorne and understand that the locals

need to shop local and we want to offer

them a local supermarket that listens to

the customers; the local’s feedback is

important to us and we are always open to

suggestions,” said Alex.

Sue and Alex are known to be hard

working when it comes to the needs of

their local community and are proud to be

part of the Lorne community and cannot

wait to start getting to know their new

locals.

“We look forward to having a great

relationship with the Lorne locals and

of course continue to support the local

community through sponsorship

initiatives.

“We will also continue to sponsor the

local football team, the local hospital and

the well-known ‘Pier to Pub,” said Alex.

Located at the at the town entrance,

FoodWorks has a full range of grocery,

dairy, and frozen, as well as top quality

meat, deli, and produce. Whether you’re a

local or holidaying; pop in and say hello to

Sue and Alex.

Lawrie Baker

New owners for

foodWorks

juNe

1 Lorne vs Eagles football and

netball, at Stribling reserve, juniors matches from 9am, seniors at 2pm

9 Preview & launch of the Lorne

Festival of Performing Arts, 4:30pm to 6pm at Qdos Art, Allenvale rd, Lorne

8 Lions Fair on the Foreshore,

10am to 4pm Lorne Foreshore

15 Lorne vs Irrewarra Beeac

football and netball, at Stribling reserve, juniors matches from 9am, seniors at 2pm

22 Lorne vs Otway football and

netball, at Stribling reserve, juniors matches from 9am, seniors at 2pm

juLy

13 Lorne vs South Colac football

and netball, at Stribling reserve, juniors matches from 9am, seniors at 2pm

Please forward the dates of your Lorne Ward community event via the contact details at the bottom of this page.

LorNe WArD

eVeNTS CALeNDAr

CommUNiTY

ProfiLe

CONTACT DeTAILS

Committee for Lorne

P.O Box 168, Lorne 3232. [email protected]

www.cfl.org.au

Phone: 0438 843 258

Lawrie and wife Carol, holidayed in Lorne before moving there permanently 28 years ago. He has been involved in just about every regional Coastal and Foreshore project and held positions on most of their Boards. He was the inaugural chair of the Great Ocean road Coast Committee. One of his obvious achievements in Lorne was the construction of the new pier. His long list of qualifications and the achievements earned him an AM for service to the environment, engineering and education in 2009. Lawrie and Carol enjoy travel and have worked overseas. In 1978 they took their family to Canada for 12 months at the University of Calgary and later, 6 months in Ottawa writing a text book on Masonry with Canadian and American co-authors. After failing at retirement in 1999, Lawrie took on a 2 year job as Deputy Leader of an AusAid program to improve science and engineering degree programs in the 20 public universities in Thailand. Most recently they spent an extremely interesting time at the University of Isfahan in Iran.

Somehow he also has time to be an emeritus Professor, read, garden, attend an exercise group, cook Asian dishes, work on an engineer’s cookbook (with boxes and flow charts) and be a grandfather. He has invented and produced a game, Mosiac Sudoku, using colours instead of numbers which is also an app on the Android system. His familiar beard has even qualified him to be a sometime Santa Claus.

Follow us on TwiTTer

@Committee4Lorne

FoodWorks Business Partners Alex Ng and Susan Lau at the 2013 opening of their store in Lorne.

Photo courtesy – The

Committee for Lorne

Direct Farmers Market

411 Avenue of Honour, Bacchus Marsh

This Week’s Specials

Seedless Watermelon

(whole)

$1.29

kg

$2.99

Plums

kg

New Season

Seedless White

Grapes

$3.49

kg

Continental Cucumbers

99c

each

Shop 5367 5338 | Deliveries 5367 0606

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Open

8am-6pm

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Fruit Box 4: $15

2 Granny Smith Apples

2 Pink Lady Apples 3 Bananas

500g White Seedless Grapes 2 Valencia Oranges

2 Packham Pears 250g Strawberries from our farm

1 piece Seedless Watermelon 1/2 Sweet Pineapple

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IN THE BISTRO

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MONDAY

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conditions apply

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Present this coupon when ordering your meals in the Bistro and receive two meals for the price of one on selected meals.

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The offer is valid Monday, Wednesday and Thursday for lunch and dinner, conditions apply. Make sure you bring the coupon with you!

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2 FOR 1

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✂

News

By Kate Taylor

Damien Johnson could feel in his bones that it was going to be a bad day.

But he didn’t know that this particular day, albeit bad, and being just before Christ-mas, would end with his house directly in the path of a bushfire and burned to the ground.

Damien had been sitting at the Buninyong Fire Station for eight hours, waiting for them to give him a lift back into the fire zone – the blaze was not yet classed as under control – and when he ar-rived back at his Clarendon property at one o’clock in the morning, he already knew what he would find there.

“Everything was gone.” Known by his kids as ‘the pony poo farm’ as the John-sons sold it, along with fire wood, from their property, all 70 acres including the house were destroyed in the blaze.

All that remained was one shed – with Damien’s tools in it.

“With my tools I can re-build, but without them I can’t.”

Everything else was lost on that one hot, smokey,

flam-ing night – from the vital pa-perwork accumulated over a lifetime, to the kids’ musical instruments, all went in the fire.

A neighbour, Murray Arnel, had notified the Johnsons of the fire’s approach.

Damien knew that if his wife and kids hadn’t left when they did, they wouldn’t get out; so there was no time to grab anything.

With his wife and four kids, aged between 10 and 16, safely out of the way, Dam-ien had stayed behind to man the impressive network of pumps, hoses, sprinklers and tanks that was defend-ing his house from spot fires and ember attack.

And with ten years in the CFA under his belt, Damien knew what he was doing – and he believes his plan would have worked, if not for one incident involving a phone.

“I needed my mobile to have contact with the out-side world and find out what was happening… I went to grab it from my wife, and when I was driving back the police stopped me from coming back.

“At that point, it was sort of inevitable what would

happen - if you’re not there to put out spot fires, to man your equipment, you know that you’re going to lose your property.

“I knew it was inevitable that we would have a fire one day, so that’s why I had everything set up with the pumps and the hoses and the tanks of water. I had a new 1000 litre tank, being fed from an underground tank as well… I had set it up that morning because I could feel in my bones that the day was going to be a bad day.”

But the bad day could have been a lot worse.

“At least all my neighbours surrounding me were okay and nobody was hurt, no-body was killed. I don’t know how… but that’s the case.

“I think someone must have been watching over us that day.”

And ever since, it’s the community that has been watching over the Johnsons, donating money, clothes and food – and even a caravan.

“Strangers, people that we don’t even know are coming in and offering a hand and the only way I can describe it is awesome.”

Blaze Aid has been in doing the fencing, and the Central Highlands Football League has donated money – along with the kids’ schools, while Kevin and Shirley Ryan also donated household items.

“It’s always a bit funny when you’re someone who’s not used to taking char-ity. While I was unloading a truck one day someone stopped and said ‘can I help you unload this truck?’ They helped me with the posts and fencing gear.

“And Rowdy (legendary Elaine local) donated all his time, his efforts - he didn’t have to and he has. They’re the ones who, when life sits you on your backside, they’re the ones who turn around and pick you up.”

The helping hands didn’t stop there; the fellow who donated the caravan keeps popping in to help, and the kids, all musical, are attend-ing a music summer school with instruments that have been donated or lent to them.

Meanwhile, keeping in mind that Christmas was approaching, people bought gifts not only for the kids but for Damien and his wife also.

As Damien puts it, it’s the

little things that make you push forward.

“A lady bought a date loaf straight out of her oven, and she came from Rokewood - we didn’t know her, she didn’t know us, and it was just overwhelming, and as we sat there my wife’s eyes filled with tears as she ate the cake - not because it was bad, but because of the love and generosity that’s been shown toward us from the whole community. It’s just amazing.”

Damien’s work, KTP Trans-port Logistics, also chipped in.

“They brought out a con-tainer and put it down and said ‘there you go, early Christmas present’ so I could lock up all my valuables.”

But one of the most touch-ing random acts of kindness came at a service station.

“A little kid recognised my son, and bought him a can of Coke.”

And now comes the time to rebuild.

Moorabool Shire Council has issued the permit re-quired to clear the land, and the Johnsons are determined to rise from their ashes.

Damien doesn’t blame the

police for stopping him get-ting back to his home that night – he says the blame should be put squarely on the person who it is believed started the fire by using a slasher on a hot, dry, windy total fire ban day.

But still, there is no an-ger; Damien is a man of kindness.

“I think you’ve got to make way for peoples stupidity… it’s just how it is, people do dumb things and sometimes that affects other people.”

He wouldn’t mind a little bit of natural justice though.

“I did think maybe I can go and live in his house, which wasn’t burned down, and maybe he could come and live in mine until we rebuild one.”

Editor’s Note: Kate Tay-lor would like to add that when she asked Mr Johnson if he wanted the Moorabool News to put out requests for any donations, or if the Moorabool News could as-sist in any way, Mr Johnson said no – he just wanted to put out a “big thank you” to the community for all their help. On your behalf, Mr Johnson, the Moorabool News puts out the biggest thank you of all.

(5)

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few years back, was in 1967.

Having started at the back of the Lal Lal Hotel in late February of that year, the fire nearly claimed the Wells residence near Elaine – and the December 2015 fire came even closer.

The 1967 fire started at Lal Lal and burned all the way to Shelford, claiming homes at Bamganie in its wake. “We finished building the house in January, in 1967, and we were going to move in February – we moved the washing machine, the table and chairs, the refrigerator on the Sunday, and the fire came up from Lal Lal and the house was surrounded with fire before we lived in it,” Tim Wells recalled.

“It went from the Lal Lal Hotel, to Shelford - it wasn’t very wide, at one stage it jumped about two or three miles, there were some homes lost at Bamganie.”

Having been in the CFA since the age of 16, and now at the age of not-quite-74, Mr Wells recalled his first ever fire.

“I was at the state school at Elaine, and I was 12, it was a fire coming from Mt Doran down onto us.

“After it, the teacher asked us if we liked fighting the fires any more than we liked being at school… and we said yes.”

But it was the 2015 fire that was the hardest.

“This one was closer - the trees in the garden got scorched and all I could keep doing was spraying the side of the house with the garden hose - I’ve been to a lot of fires in my time and this would have been the hottest fire I’ve ever witnessed, and that’s the honest truth.

“It was pretty tough.”

It will likely be the last fire Mr Wells will see at Elaine though - the property has been sold, with plans to downsize and live on a residential block in Alfredton.

WHAT THE COMMUNITY DID

• As news of the fire spread, offers of paddocks sprang up on Ballarat’s Buy, Swap and Sell, while the region’s horse lovers converged on facebook to make offers of help.

• An appeal to help victims of the Scotsburn fire has been set up by the Community Bank network; while Ballan’s branch of the Community Enterprise Foundation is yet to decide on the amount it will donate to the appeal, the Buninyong branch has announced it will kick off donations with $10,000.

• A wedding with 120 guests to be held on a private property near Narmbool was evacuated to the Crown Hotel in Buninyong – one of the wedding party took the wedding feast to the Buninyong Fire Station and it was distributed to points around the fire for firefighters to eat. It was part of the coverage of the fire seen on Channel Seven’s Sunrise.

• The Buninyong Foodworks donated pallets of water to the CFA firefighters – the manager attended a community meeting and said “I have donated everything I have - but I will have more soon.”

THE MEETINGS

Four community meetings held on the Saturday and Sunday of the Scotsburn fires were well attended – seemingly by politicians as much as locals.

A meeting held at Buninyong at 10pm on Saturday 19 December saw 150 attend, with meetings also held the following day in Buninyong (250 attending), Elaine and Meredith.

Local police attended the meetings as well as Moorabool Shire Council CEO Rob Croxford along with emergency representatives and councillors Tom Sullivan and Paul Tatchell, with a Department of Water, Environment and land representative and Bill Mundy Telstra also attending. Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard attended the Sunday meeting in Buninyong, Member for Ballarat Catherine King also attended the meeting as did Member for Western Region Joshua Morris.

A community recovery event organised by the Department of Health and Human Services, and supported by Moorabool Shire Council and the City of Ballarat, was then held on Wednesday 6 January, with 84 community members present and more than 20 representatives of Councils, Agencies and support services.

A presentation made by psychologist Dr Rob Gordon at the event will be made available via the DHHS and Council website in coming days for residents who weren’t able to attend the session.

WHAT THE MAYOR SAYS

Moorabool Shire Council has taken the lead role in co-ordinating recovery efforts following the Scotsburn Fire and is working closely with the neighbouring Shires of Ballarat and Golden Plains and the State Government, according to Mayor Allan Comrie.

“The recovery process will take some time and Council will be working with the community for as long as is required,” Mayor Comrie said.

“Moorabool Shire Council is the central point of contact for Moorabool residents requiring assistance or wanting to assist with the clean-up and recovery.

“We have established a Recovery Centre at Buninyong House, 407 Warrenheip Street Buninyong where residents can access services, support and free computer access. “We have also arranged with Central Highlands Water for drinking water to be made available in the fire area, we have delivered 21 skips bins to assist with clean up and we have had Officers in the area assessing homes and shedding.”

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

Financial assistance for eligible Scotsburn bushfire victims is being provided under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.

Those affected can apply for the following emergency grants to relieve personal hardship and distress:

• Emergency Relief Assistance, which provides payments of up to $520 per adult and $260 per child (up to a maximum of $1,300 per household) available to help meet immediate needs, including emergency food, shelter, clothing, and personal items.

• Emergency Re-establishment Payments, which provide up to $32,500 per eligible household for clean-up, emergency accommodation, repairs, rebuilding (a principal place of residence), and replacing some damaged contents.

The Department of Health and Human Services has also provided financial support to those affected by the Scotsburn fires with 49 relief payments to the sum of $53,080, and 10 re-establishment applications are being assessed.

Myrniong Fire Brigade fill their tanker at a dam as part of the major effort to contain the Scotsburn/Clarendon fires.

(6)

Holiday

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SCHOOL

11am – 2pm

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Collect and ow

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Plant and Grow your own garden. A different one to collect each day

Wednesday 13th

-Friday 15th January

Follow us on

Facebook

Ba s week

Wednesday 20th

-Friday 22nd January

11am – 2pm

FREE

Wednesday decorate your own pencil case Thursday decorate your own drink bottle

Friday decorate your own notebook

BACCHUS MARSH

COMMUNITY COLLEGE

RTO 5064

2016 ACCREDITED COURSES

AGED CARE

CHC30212 Certificate III in Aged Care

Commences : Wednesday, 3rd February, 2016

CHILDREN’S SERVICES

CHC30113 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care

Commences : Tuesday, 2nd February, 2016

FLORISTRY

SFL20115 Certificate II in Floristry (Assistant)

Commences : Thursday, 18th February, 2016

Contact the office if you would like any further information on Nationally Recognised Courses

Email: [email protected] Phone: 5367 1061

TRAINING and ASSESMENT

TAELLN411 Address adult language, literacy & numeracy skills—Unit ONLY

Wed16th March & Wed 23rd March, 2016

2 Sessions / 6pm—9pm

Expressions of interest now being taken for the following qualifications

TAE40110 Certificate IV in Training and Assessment CHC30312 Certificate III Home & Community Care AHC20410 Certificate II Horticulture

22236VIC Certificate I in General Education for Adults

Basic English and Numeracy

This course is designed for people needing assistance to increase their reading, writing and basic math skills for everyday use. This course includes basic money handling skills, reading and understanding of basic documents and writing skills to complete forms and other documents.

Our trainer is experienced in working with people who have dyslexia and other learning barriers

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Acknowledgements:

Nationally Recognised Training at the Bacchus Marsh Community College is delivered with funding made available by the Victorian & Commonwealth Governments.

For information on these and other courses or to enrol, please call 53671061

or visit our website: www.thelaurels.org.au

*People with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

News

By Kate Taylor

Woodlands Ward Council-lor Pat Toohey has called on the Planning Minister to reconsider a permit for wind turbines to be built at Lal Lal.

The existing planning per-mit allows for 130 metre high towers to be built – but an amendment being sought by proponent WestWind Energy seeks to increase the height by 31 metres, meaning they will stand 161 metres.

The light towers at the MCG are 75 metres tall; the amendment would mean the turbines stand more than twice as tall as the MCG light towers.

Cr Toohey says the permit should not be amended – but that a new permit should be sought.

“It puts them up into the flight path so they will then in turn need lights on them, and they’re also requesting an increase in the blade size - which should be enough for the Minister to ask questions around the data, and all the infrasound, and previous studies that were done,” Cr

Toohey said.

“I call on Minister Wynne, the Minister for Planning, to extend the consultation and consider that this amend-ment should turn into a new permit application on the basis that it’s very signifi-cant, in a highly populated and historic area with in-digenous landmarks such as Lal Lal Falls, which will be significantly impacted on by the request of this amendment.”

Cr Toohey said the original data that looked at the flight paths of owls and eagles was based on the 30 metres lower height, and that the new height may put the blades in different wind channels which could carry noise further.

“It’s quite a big change, it’s like somebody saying ‘I was going to build a single sto-rey house and now I want to build a double storey house… but just make it an amendment.

“Given we’re talking about 50 of these in a big patch together… it’s a very signifi-cant potential impact on our bird life.”

Cr Toohey also criticised

the short notice that people had to be involved in com-munity consultation over the amendment, with just three weeks given.

“Given that it’s very close to Christmas the process of consultation and commu-nity input has been greatly diminished.

“I think the community, particularly the couple of thousand people that live in close proximity to this proposed wind farm, seri-ously need an opportunity to be part of any process that makes such a substantial change.”

Cr Toohey called on local members to ensure a proper process.

“You would think that our local members Geoff How-ard and Jaala Pulford would make sure our community is not affected by a rushed process with a significant impact.

“They should lobby Minis-ter Wynne on behalf of the community.

“We hope the government doesn’t make any rushed de-cisions over the Christmas/ New Year break while peo-ple are on holidays.”

By Jessica Howard

The iconic Bacchus Marsh Public Hall has received a new lease on life.

Moorabool Shire Council received $250,000 worth of funding to help refurbish the 120-year-old building located on Main Street.

The works included an upgrade to the kitchen and storage facilities, installation of a new kitchenette and a much-needed paint job.

Member for Melton, Don Nardella officially welcomed the building’s new and im-proved look on Tuesday, De-cember 15.

“The improvements may just be a toilet upgrade or a new kitchen, but it serves the community in an absolute real sense,” he said.

“This building represents us, so when hiring it out we want it to have the best pos-sible facilities. This has been completed by partnerships within the community that have worked really well to-gether in order to get things done”.

The total amount donated to the refurbishment was a mix of funding received by the State Government ($180,000), the Moorabool Shire Council

($55,000) and the Bacchus Marsh Public Hall Commit-tee of Management ($15,000). Committee of Management chairman, Bob Prewett said he appreciated the ongoing liaison and efforts of the Council and State Govern-ment, which allowed for the project to be completed.

“Things like this don’t just happen over night. This building is now lighter and brighter than ever. The new kitchenette facility is great as it allows those who only hire the hall to still be able to

have tea or coffee,” he said. “We will now look to im-prove the sound system and acoustics, and most importantly the wheelchair access”.

Moorabool Mayor Allan Comrie praised the work of the committee but also ac-knowledged the hard work by Cr. John Spain.

The Bacchus Marsh Public Hall was built in 1883 and can seat up to 450 people.

For more information, visit http://bacchusmarshpublic hall.org.au.

Turbines to tower

into flight path

Hall makeover

Bob Prewett (front) with (L-R) John Ginnane, Eric Daws, Allan Comrie, Don Nardella and John Spain. (Absent - Carol Young) Photo – Helen Tatchell

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01-14-SD04

FURTHER INFORMATION

For further information on Permanent Water Saving Rules call 1800 061 514 or visit chw.net.au

A GUIDE TO

PERMANENT WATER SAVING RULES

Permanent Water Saving Rules are a set of common sense rules that are applied every day of the year to ensure we use water efficiently. They are designed to allow flexibility and choice regarding your water usage, especially through the warmer months.

The key permanent water saving rules are:

USE RULE

Vehicles Can be cleaned at any time with:

• a hand held hose that is leak free and fitted with a trigger nozzle; or • a bucket

Gardens You can water a residential garden or lawn using:

and lawns • a hand held hose, bucket or watering can at any time; or • a watering system between the hours of 6pm-10am on any day

Hand held Water using a hand held hose anytime if it:

hose • is fitted with a trigger nozzle; and • is leak free

Fountains and Water can be used in a fountain or a water feature when the water features fountain or water feature recirculates the water

Hard surfaces Water can be used to clean driveways, paths, concrete, tiles and timber decking if:

• cleaning is required as a result of an accident, fire, health hazard, safety hazard or other emergency; or • staining to the surface has developed and then only once a season; or

• due to construction or renovation, and then only using:

• a high pressure water cleaning device;

• or a hand held hose or bucket

By Jessica Howard

Moorabool Libraries have been a popular destination for children this summer, as avid readers took part in a nation-wide reading challenge.

The 2015/16 Summer Reading Club ran for 45-days over December and January and encouraged preschool, primary and secondary aged children to continue to read throughout the summer holidays.

The program is divided into three levels with age appropriate activities for each level, and an interactive website that provides fun and engaging online activities.

In it’s fifth year as a national program, the 2015/16 theme was ‘Lost Worlds’.

Moorabool Shire Mayor Allan Comrie said it was a fantastic way to keep children reading during the holidays.

“This is a fantastic competition that has been successful in the past and I encourage Moorabool school and pre-school kids to get involved,” he said.

Each child who reads ten books, or reads for ten hours will go into the draw to win a number of prizes including a V-Tech digital camera, V-Tech smart watch or a $150 Collins Booksellers Gift Card.

The Summer Reading Club Challenge will officially end on Friday January 15, with an end of program party to be held at Lerderderg Library to celebrate the children’s achievements. Moorabool Shire Libraries provide a number of entertaining activities for all ages, including a youth space, home library services, sports equipment and gallery space.

For more information, visit http://www.moorabool.vic.gov. au.

word is;

read

Local Ballan transport operator Bruce Snaith checks the load of hay bound for stock,victims of the Scotsburn, Elaine and Clarendon fires. Photo – Michelle Connor

By Kate Taylor

Helping out those affected by the Scotsburn fire is as easy as dropping off good quality stock feed and fodder to a newly established depot.

Moorabool Shire Council will operate the depot, from which bushfire victims can pick up feed and fodder for their stock that has been donated by generous locals.

More donations of feed such as hay are desperately needed, and the address of the depot is available upon request to

ensure that the stocks are safeguarded for the people that need it the most.

A local landowner donated the land on which the depot is being operated, and the Victorian Farmers’ Federation is assisting the project.

Council’s Community Safety Officer Shannon Walsh can be contacted on 53667100 to arrange to either make a donation of feed, or to collect feed for animals.

Some people also raised money via a Go Fund Me page and purchased 21 round bales that saw a local transport

operator jump in to help with the cartage.

Michelle Connor and Anne Turner raised enough money to purchase the bales and Ballan’s Bruce Snaith from Snaith Transport carted the round bales to the Elaine area.

“Allison Pengelly and her husband from Elaine Farm Supplies helped also with the dispatch of the bales and I must say how proud I am to see communities working together and helping out,” Ms Connor said.

Fodder for four

legged victims

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ZO551446

Authorised by V/Line Pty Ltd, 750 Collins Street, Docklands

Pick up your

V/Line timetable

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> Pick up a copy of the timetable at your nearest ticket agent,

staffed V/Line station or download one at

vline.com.au

An adjusted timetable will be introduced across

the V/Line network from Sunday 31 January 2016.

Newborns in the district

Babies born recently at Bacchus Marsh and

Melton Regional Hospital.

Mulah Yusuf Whyte arrived at 9.15 am on News Years Eve, Thurs 31 December. Born to Sunbury parents Nazau Yusuf and John Whyte, Mulah is a new sister for older brother Kiah and weighed 6lb 7.5oz (2930 grams).

Leigh Ryan is the new son for Maddingley couple Jayne and Cain and also a new brother for older sister Chloe. Arriving on Sunday 20 December at 8.05pm, Leigh weighed 3340 grams.

Darley parents Belinda Duggan and Aaron Trickey have welcomed a little girl to their family. Arleeyah Maree TRICKEY arrived on Saturday 26 December at 3.42am. She weighed 7lb 4oz (3380 grams) and is a new sister for Summar and Shaylah.

It is a boy for first time Melton West parents Sarah Leheny and Brett Prentice. Born on Tuesday 5 January at 2.47am, Cormac Charles PRENTICE weighed 6.195 pounds (2810 grams).

Little Ava Emma is the first born child to Melton West parents Lauren and Andrew. Weighing 7lb 7.5oz (3440 grams) Ava arrived on Monday 28 December at 10.55am.

Harleen has a new little sister. The yet to be named little girl arrived on New Years Eve, Thursday 31 December at 7.33pm to Brookfield parents Kuldeep Kaur and Santokh Singh Grewal, weighing 3390 grams.

Leanne and Josh from Melton have welcomed their third child, a little boy. Noah arrived on Tuesday 22 December at 2.44am. He weighed 7lb 1oz (3220 grams) and is a new brother for Jacob and Tenee.

Parker and Edie have a new little sister. Kiana Jean was born to Brookfield parents Emma Sexton and Matthew Robertson on Wednesday 6 January at 15.59pm. Kiana weighed 7lb 15oz (3610 grams).

It is a girl for first time Bacchus Marsh parents Tayler Gunther and Shanon Rustin. Little Savannah Rose RUSTIN arrived on Saturday 2 January at 5.58pm, weighing 6lb 8oz (2960 grams).

It was a Boxing Day baby for Melton couple Melloney and Matthew Henderson. Arriving on Saturday 26 December at 4.46 pm, Drae HENDERSON weighed 8lb 8oz (3840 grams).

Happy New Year! It was a boy for Sunbury couple Tegan Abercrombie and Nic Dwyer. Little Tyler Micheal DWYER arrived on the first day of 2016, Friday 1 January weighing 8lb (3630 grams).

Brookfield couple Jessica Mitchell and Trevor Weise have welcomed their first child, a little boy. Oliver Thomas WEISE was born on Sunday 20 December at 4.32am and weighed 8lb (3630 grams).

A little boy is the first baby for Hopetoun Park couple Brook Hosking and Robert McMaster. Silas Kevin McMASTER arrived on Saturday 2 January at 12.08pm and weighed 6lb 3oz (2800 grams).

Bacchus Marsh couple Carrie and Bernard Clancy welcomed their first child on Monday 28 December. Tucker Maurice CLANCY arrived at 9.18am weighing 7lb 5oz (3.3kg).

themooraboolnews.com.au

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

Moorabool News

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Your Local News FRE

E

themooraboolnews.com.au

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

Moorabool News

The

Your Local News FRE