August 8, 2015 Edition 9
LEN SMITH REAL ESTATE 51 Main St BACCHUS MARSH
Auction
Saturday, August 15 at 11am
‘BANOOL’ Blue Chip Location, Outstanding Development Opportunity Forming an integral part of Bacchus Marsh’s rich heritage ‘Banool’ circa 1929 is a superb example of the architectural elegance of this era. Magnificently advantaged by a coveted north‐east aspect displaying glorious views overlooking the Bacchus Marsh township, all within walking distance to local amenities. Set on a significant allotment of 8890 sqm represents an exceptional opportunity for potential subdivisional development STCA. Alternatively, the home features high decorative ceilings, timber flooring, leadlight windows, feature timber wall panelling define elegant formal living areas. Accompanied by 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, study and all living areas overlooking old style gardens. Zoned general residential this redevelopment opportunity enjoys close proximity to village shops, cafes, restaurants, train station & great schools. __________________________________________________________________________________________________
TERMS
10% Deposit, Balance 30/60 days
CONTACT LEN SMITH
www.lensmith.com.au
166 Main St, Bacchus Marsh
0418 343 754
03 5367 8128
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP
is a fortnightly publication serving Bacchus Marsh and surrounding districts. For all your editorial needs, contact: Publisher/editor: Renee Robinson, 03 5368 2870 / 0459 022 364 Despite the Moorabool Shire and its councillors remaining tightlipped about a current Sales: Sheree Mayfosh, 0411 016 669 investigation by the Local Government Inspectorate into possible breaches of the Local Government Act, Cr Tatchell told the Bacchus Email: bacchusmarshscoop@gmail.com Marsh Scoop the investigation related to matters Web editions: issuu.com/bacchusmarshscoop which occurred 14 months ago. Facebook: facebook.com/bacchusmarshscoop In early June 2014 (14 months ago) confidential documents relating to a dog attack case were leaked from within Moorabool Shire Council to ABC Radio Ballarat and then sourced by The Moorabool News. The documents included a recommendation by animal behaviourist Vern Ryan to have the ABN: 39 790 396 099 Front cover: Minister for Education James Merlino dog destroyed and a Moorabool Shire Council is driving education forward with help from Don officer’s recommendation to declare the dog dangerous. The documents were leaked after Nardella and Bacchus Marsh College students councillors’ voted at a confidential meeting on Joshua, Chandler and Jarrod. Story page 5. the fate of the dog which attacked a six-yearPhoto: Renee Robinson old girl. They voted to return the dog to its
For all your advertising needs, contact:
owners with restrictions. Sources connected to ABC Ballarat have confirmed that these documents were leaked from within Moorabool Shire Council at that time, however they couldn’t confirm who had leaked them. Questions remain over whether the inspectorate was called in as a result of these breaches or another serious matter. Last week Moorabool Shire CEO Rob Croxford and mayor Paul Tatchell released a joint statement regarding the investigation which said: “The investigation was at the request of the council over matters of concern it became aware of. Council is providing every support to the Local Government Inspectorate to investigate the matter. The matter cannot be discussed by councillors or staff as it is of a confidential nature. When a final report is received from the inspectorate the matters can be made public as appropriate.”
Now is the time to say NO to re-zoning to suit Bunnings This is the only chance residents will get to let their Councillors know that they object to decision, which includes the option to abandon the amendment, after considering submissions
If approved, the proposed amendment will: • • • • • • • • •
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reserving residential land to prevent pressures on valuable agricultural land directing commercial activity to the central business area of Bacchus Marsh
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St Bernard’s Parish Primary School students celebrated 125 years at their Gisborne Road school on Friday, July 31. The students marched from the original school site in Fisken St, along Crook St and Lerderderg St to the current school site at Gisborne Rd. They dressed in period costume and were led by a Cobb & Co. coach carrying Father Brian Glasheen and someone dressed as Saint Mary MacKillop, founder of the Josephite nuns.
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Back row: College captains Matthew, Josh, Kiera, Sophie with College Council president David Lord. Front: Don Nardella, James Merlino and Dionne Fenton. Photo: Renee Robinson
Darley Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre Victoria’s Minister for Education, James Merlino, and Member for Melton, Don Nardella, announced the funding on July 30. Mr Merlino said: “Education is everything. It’s through education that you work your way out of poverty, achieve dreams and reach your full potential. This investment will give students a state-of-the-art learning environment and teachers the facilities to continue providing a world-class education.” He said Victoria’s 2015-16 budget included a $4 billion investment in education from early years through to skills and training, plus an additional $730 million investment in school infrastructure. “This is the single biggest boost to education funding in one budget in the history of the state. It’s not just capital support. Schools will see significant support in September through teaching and learning. We are targeting the disadvantaged. What we’re working on is additional support to tackle social disadvantage as well as catch-up loading. “It’s exciting times ahead.” Don Nardella said: “We’re rebuilding Bacchus Marsh Secondary College and giving its students the safe, modern and comfortable classrooms that they need to learn.” Bacchus Marsh College principal Dionne Fenton said the investment meant so much for the school community and was exciting for Bacchus Marsh. “It means a lot to us to make this the school of choice. The new (Year 9 science and technology wing) is going to be the icing on the cake. Thank you for honouring your election promise.”
OCCASIONAL CARE: Thursday/Friday, 9am - 2pm in the Anna Curry Childcare Centre. Friendly qualified staff provide a quality service in a warm and relaxed environment VENUE HIRE: Our modern and well-equipped training spaces and meeting rooms are available for hire at extremely competitive rates
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The Lerderderg Library Coordinator officially retired on July 31 after 15 years with Central Highlands Libraries. “In my retirement I’m going to be a blacksmith and set up a smithy with a forge and anvil. I used to make decorative ironwork,” he said. Dale (pictured left) is used to unusual career changes. He was a farmer for 19 years before becoming a librarian. “I had a farm and then sold that and had some difficult times in my life before I got the job as a mobile librarian. It helped me get back on my feet.” He believed that he got the job because he had a truck licence and an arts degree with an interest in literature; skills that weren’t often found together in one resume. He worked as a mobile librarian in Ballarat, Ballan and Blackwood for seven years before taking up the position of Library Coordinator in Bacchus Marsh eight years ago. “I enjoyed looking after the collection and keeping it up to date and weeding it out. I’ve really enjoyed working with all my colleagues and in that environment. I’ve developed a lot of friendships over the years with colleagues and members of the public.” Dale said places like Lerderderg Library benefitted from a change of hands and new, fresh ideas.
“Places like this benefit from a change of hands and new, fresh ideas.” Baby Show Friday August 21 11.30am 0404 169 353
Melton Community Hall, High St, Melton
He said he wasn’t a collector of books, just an avid reader with a particular penchant for mystery thrillers. He named Lee Child and Ken Follett among his favourite authors. Dale and his artist wife Reisha will move to Dunkeld to a scenic property which fronts on to an arboretum with lots of red gums. “I’m looking forward to living in a natural environment, the quiet and peace and doing my own thing.”
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP
Described as the “heartbeat” of the Darley Football Netball Club, Lorissa (pictured right) has been a volunteer at the club for more than a decade in various roles including player, volunteer, committee member and secretary. Lorissa said she didn’t know she was even nominated until she attended the BFL’s Women Football Luncheon on July 24 and heard the announcer read out her life story. “I was really surprised. Normally I see all the emails and nominations for things like this. They started to tell the story of who had won and what they’d done and I thought that’s my story. It’s me!” Lorissa said she took over from Rod Ward as secretary for the Darley Football Netball Club more than a decade ago and was in the position for five or six years until her first son was born. She then took up the role again three years ago when the club underwent a restructure and Grant Wright became president. “I’ve grown up with the Darley Football Club. I played netball for years until I had a bad knee injury. My husband (Travis) is in football operations with Darley. Our two boys are now 10 and four and next year the oldest wants to start footy. “I love the people, the players and the supporters. It’s such a great club to be around. It’s a real family club.”
“I love the people, the players and the supporters. It’s a real family club.” Lorissa is a two-time winner of Darley’s Best Club Woman award and a winner of the Victorian Volunteer of the Year award. Devoted to the devils, she juggles her hours as secretary with a full time job, raising her two sons and when needed helps with club functions, match day fundraising and team manager duties. More than 150 people attended the bi-annual Women in Football Luncheon. Lorissa was co-winner of the Woman of the Year along with Natalee McKay from the Lake Wendouree Junior FNC. Lorissa said when she turned up at the football the following day she was showered with congratulations and hugs. “All the guys down here are really good and know how much work goes into the job, but it was really nice for it to be recognised.” She said she would now focus on the club’s push for the finals and said if the ladder stayed put it would set up an exciting clash between Darley and Bacchus Marsh for the first final at Darley Park.
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The purpose of the forums is to allow Public Transport Victoria and V/Line to hear from residents/commuters about their ideas for the transport needs of Melton and Bacchus Marsh. Feedback will help to shape a new Regional Network Development Plan which is setting out public transport priorities in the short, medium and longer term in regional Victoria. Public transport forum sessions will be held on: Melton Thursday, August 13, 2015 2.00pm – 3.30pm Bridge Roads Children’s & Community Centre 260 – 266 Bridge Road Melton South
This additional funding will support health services to meet the increasing demands of a growing and ageing population, expand and improve services and care, and reduce waiting On August 3, Minister for Health Jill Hennessy times. announced the 2015-16 budget allocations for Ms Hennessy said the state government’s Victorian hospitals, including $45.5 million extra investment in hospitals would enable for Djerriwarrh Health Services. an additional 60,000 patients to be admitted “We are providing extra funding to hospito Victorian hospitals, and an extra 40,000 tals; we are building and expanding health patients to be treated in emergency departservices; and we are improving care in our ments, each year. communities. We are putting patients first,” “Not only are we investing more in health she said. than the previous Liberal Government, we are Djerriwarrh Health Services has received also making important reforms so that our funding to open four maternity care and elective health system improves and Victorians can surgery points of care, which will enable it to get the care they need, when they need it.” treat an extra 800 patients each year. Member for Melton, Don Nardella, welcomed In 2015-16, the Andrews Labor Government the announcement. is spending a total of $15.85 billion across the He said: “The doctors, nurses and staff at entire health system; in hospitals, ambulance Djerriwarrh Health Services do such a fantasservices, mental health and drugs services, tic job. I’m proud to be part of a government aged care, community health and public that is investing in our health system which health services. means they can provide even more care for This is an increase of six per cent on 2014-15. our loved ones.”
Bacchus Marsh Thursday, August 13, 2015 6.00pm – 7.30pm St Bernards Hall 61 Lerderderg Street Bacchus Marsh Residents/commuters are invited to come along and have their say about their town and its future transport needs.
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Bacchus Marsh Secondary College students in rehearsal. Photo: Renee Robinson
Remembering World War One was performed at Bacchus Marsh Sec-
ondary College on Thursday by students from the college and Bacchus Marsh, Darley, Pentland, St Bernard’s, Coimadai and Balliang East primary schools. The Great War Centenary Committee (Bacchus Marsh) president Damien Strangio said the committee approached schools several months ago with a proposal for a combined schools musical event to coincide with the centenaries of the momentous Gallipoli battles of Lone Pine and The Nek. “It was really successful and we were incredibly impressed with the efforts of all of the schools. The kids were fantastic.” He said the production had several purposes: to remember the centenaries of the battles at Gallipoli; to help educate the children about these significant events in Australia’s history, and; to bring the schools together. “It got seven shire schools to work together and I don’t remember that ever happening before.” He said between 100 and 120 students performed Remembering World War One and all of them performed the last song of the evening together. Students wore period costumes, sang, acted, played instruments and performed ensembles. Mr Strangio said the Bacchus Marsh Secondary College hall, which has a capacity of about 300, was “jam packed” with people. Guests included family members, RSL members, Moorabool Shire representatives, school council presidents and relatives of commemorated WW1 diggers.
BACCHUS MARSH GOLF CLUB, LINKS RD, BACCHUS MARSH
PH: 5367 2226
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BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP
Planning Scheme amendment C71 would rezone the land from residential to commercial 2 and open the way for a planning permit for the development of a bulky goods retail centre: Bunnings. Concerned resident Russ Hendry encouraged people to “get out there and please put a submission in” before the cut-off date on September 18. He said Moorabool Shire councillors could vote to abandon the amendment which would keep the land for what it was originally intended for: residential real estate. “This is a zoning issue, not a planning issue, so it can’t be taken to VCAT, which is what some councillors seem to believe. I wanted to make sure the councillors clearly understood this,” Mr Hendry said. “If approved, it’s going to have a significant impact on the traffic.” He said traffic was already congested along Gisborne Rd from the Western Highway to Main St and along Grant St to the railway line. “Houses are only 10 per cent built in the West Maddingley development now. When that fires up we’ll have even more traffic issues.”
about with signage and lighting. The section of Lerderderg Gorge Road from Camerons Road to Bacchus Marsh-Gisborne Road in Darley will also receive $410,000 to Federal Member for Ballarat, Catherine King, widen pavements, install or renew line markannounced the funding on Wednesday and said: ing, install chevron alignment markers and ad“The Black Spot program provides funding to vance warning signage for curves, install guard improve road safety where it’s needed most.” fence and construct a sealed shoulder. $1,345,000 has been allocated to the intersection Ms King said: “The funding will target a variety of Bacchus Marsh – Balliang Road and Glenmore of road locations across the region where Road in Rowsley to install a single lane roundcrashes are occurring and build infrastructure
“The community needs to have their say on these things and put in as many submissions as possible. You don’t need to be a planner to make a submission.” From August 6, the Amendment documentation, planning permit application, supporting documents and draft planning permit can be viewed at www.dtpli.vic. gov.au/planning/publicinspection or any of the Moorabool Shire Council offices during office hours. Council’s planning officers will be at the Lerderderg Library, 215 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh to answer questions on Amendment C71 and the associated planning permit application (PA2013-187) at the following times. •Tuesday August 11, 9am – 1pm •Monday August 24, 1pm – 5pm •Friday September 11, 9am – 1pm Submissions close on September 18, 2015. Council will consider all submissions made to the amendment. If the council wishes to proceed with the amendment, it must request the Minister for Planning to appoint a Planning Panel to consider submissions and make recommendations to the council. Council will decide whether to adopt the amendment (with or without change) or abandon the amendment.
improvements to reduce the risk of any crashes. “It’s important that people remember that anyone can suggest an intersection or section of road they believe should be considered for a safety upgrade under the Black Spot program.” For more information about the Black Spot Program go to www.investment.infrastructure. gov.au/funding/blackspots/index.aspx
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The ATM will be installed at the Village Shopping Centre to offer bank customers more convenience. Bacchus Marsh Community Bank® chair, Claire Sutherland, said the new ATM would make community banking easier and more appealing for Bacchus Marsh residents, traders and community groups. “Visitors to our town will also appreciate the easy access to banking.” Claire said the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank® Branch had grown from strength to strength since its opening in October 2014 and had already returned funds to the Bacchus Marsh community. “This is an exciting step forward for our Community Bank® branch, and comes as our branch staff continue to open new accounts and welcome new customers,” Claire said. “Our board is delighted that this new ATM is improving banking services to the Bacchus Marsh community. Talk to us about your banking business and help support the bank that supports your community.”
Corner
MEET THE NEW MANAGERS!
Café CROWN CATERING
My Little Mate General Store Fuel/Milk Bar
Shop 6/151 Gisborne Rd, Darley Phone: (03) 5367 4848
Corner
Café
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BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP
Community diary Anglican Church, Gisborne Rd Bacchus Marsh. 10am to 2pm. Call Brad on 0419 508 569 Moorabool Light Orchestra presents a Concert in Cabaret at Melton Community Hall. Doors open 7pm, admission $25. Bookings essential (no door tickets). Ph: 5367 3567 10am - 2pm, Darley Primary School, 21 Nelson St, Bacchus Marsh. To book stalls phone 0432 738 203
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Literacy Trail events will take place across Moorabool on Friday, September 4.
Wine and food festival, 11am - 5pm, St Anne’s Winery, Myrniong. Tickets $15. Ph: 0400 141 811 or visit vivaladulce.org 7pm - 9pm, Belgravia Leisure Centre, Labilliere St, Bacchus Marsh. For primary school aged kids. $5 per person. 10am - 1pm, Inglis St, Ballan. Primary and preschool children participate in a number of fun activities designed to promote their love of reading, writing and counting.
7.30pm James Young Room, LerMaddingley Park, Bacchus Marsh. derderg Library. Guest speaker Ken Phone Gillian on 0417 583 753 for McDonald. Public warmly welcomed. more information
‘MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS’
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP Tanya Stojanovski
Ph: (03) 5367 7327 M: 0412 078 058 E: tanya@busykidsonline.com.au W: busykidsonline.com.au Shop 14, 168 Main St, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340
“I had worked in banking/finance for a number of years and felt like a career change, and this seemed like a great opportunity as I have always had a love of fashion.” She said Interior Motive catered for women aged from 25 to 95, and all sizes from 8 to 24. “We have beautiful clothing, footwear, handbags, jewellery, scarves, watches and hats. We also have a great range of giftware including ECOYA candles. Heading into Spring Racing we also stock a fabulous range of race hats and fascinators. “We love bringing the beautiful world of fashion to Bacchus Marsh, and that our clientele love coming to our boutique. We have so many customers who say they will only shop with us when they are looking for something in particular, or just needing some retail therapy! It’s wonderful to see so many people walking around wearing fashion from Interior Motive. “We like to think that our customers will always have a great shopping experience when they walk through our door. We strive to provide the best customer service from a friendly smile and greeting, to providing full style advice. We like our clientele to feel happy and serene when they come into our store, as the ambience is very calm and peaceful. We also like to think that the customer feels satisfied that they have been provided with great service, but more importantly, an honest opinion.” She said Spring and Summer 2015 will see very feminine pastel colours - pale pinks, mint green, light blue, lemon, mauve and pretty feminine prints - for clothing, footwear, handbags and jewellery. “But of course there will always be black and white. We are in Victoria after all!” Interior Motive is open from10am until 5pm Monday to Friday and 10am until 2pm Saturday and closed Sundays and public holidays, at 131 Main St, Bacchus Marsh. For updates on new arrivals, upcoming sales and their popular Deal Of The Day like them on Facebook (Interior Motive Bacchus Marsh). Phone 5367 1008.
Ph: 5367 4884 Fax: 5367 4639 www.conveyancingquarters.com.au 154 Main Street Bacchus Marsh
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HEALTH & WELLBEING
MCs, DJs & entertainers, karaoke, party fun games
Sharon Shelley sharon@ourseahorse.com.au Web address http://ourseahorse.com.au Address 3, 2-4 Graham Street Bacchus Marsh, VIC 3340
Creating healthier alternatives Sarah Nicole Izzard
0410 217 817
Phone (03) 5367 1991
www.facebook.com/OrganicConcepts
Midweek Special: 2 players with cart
$50
Where we enhance your mind, indulge your body and embrace your spirit
Dudley Raine - Civil Celebrant Weddings Commitment Ceremonies Renewal of Vows Naming Ceremonies Life Celebrations Funerals Mobile: 0422 628 409 Ph/Fax: 03 5367 5431 Email: DudleyRaine@gmail.com
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BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP
I have been a Registered Nurse for 35 years. I work with an orthopaedic surgeon as his personal assistant, educating and preparing patients for surgery. All our patients are given information on the Bauerfeind Genutrain splints. My business Sole Support Orthotics commenced in 2014 when I became a Clinical Consultant and authorised distributer for Step Forward Orthotics , Melbourne Orthotics and Bauerfeind supports and orthoses. Step Forward Orthotics supply a flexing orthotic which has been around since 1974 and provide relief and correction for 95 per cent of the people fitted. These orthotics have proven to have the integrity, durability and reliability of a great orthotic. They are used by doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, osteopaths and sports trainers worldwide.
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These orthotics can be used by everyone from debilitating foot problems, heel pain, flat feet, bunions, high arches and plantar fasciitis.
“Our concept is to put the bones of the feet back into anatomically correct shape, and then to exercise the muscles in that correct alignment.� Misaligned feet can cause painful heels, back pain, ankles, hips, knees and shoulders. Our concept is to put the bones of the feet back into anatomically correct shape, and then to exercise the muscles in that correct alignment. Melbourne orthotics provide me with professional advice regarding the best equipment to promote healing and stability for injuries such as ankles and knees, thighs, elbows. These splints can be worn both pre and post operatively. Genutrain active supports helps athletes to become pain free and regain mobility more quickly after an injury. The products reduce swelling and pain, speed up the healing process and stimulate muscles effectively. No need to go to Melbourne. Make an appointment to see me in Bacchus Marsh. If you have private health cover, Vet Affairs, TAC and WorkCover, please discuss. Phone Lynne on 0427 674 771 today or email wywurrie6@bigpond.com
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BUSINESS & TRADE GUIDE
Bacchus Marsh
Domestic Service: Installations, Alterations & Renovations Industrial & Commercial Service Installations, Maintenance, & Repairs FREE QUOTES Terry & Jason Hooper (R.E.C. 13532) P.O. Box 628 Bacchus Marsh 3340
115 Main Street, Bacchus Marsh, VIC 3340 Ph: (03) 5367 8422 Fax: (03) 5367 6944
Terry: 0417 390 793 Jason: 0429 099 980 hoopselec@gmail.com
Anthony & Lisa Simone Tel: 03 5367 0110 Fax: 03 5367 1108 Mob: 0407 828 545 email: info@motorworx.com.au www.motorworx.com.au
214 Main Street Bacchus Marsh 3340
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Fuel injection servicing Full log book servicing Engine diagnostic scanning Disc & drum machining Tel: (03) 5367 6500 Mob: 0419 507 331
23 Park St Bacchus Marsh 3340
UPHOLSTERY Luke
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Servicing & General Repairs All Makes and Models Vehicle Restoration
1B Millbank Street, Bacchus Marsh, 3340
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Ballan Rotary Club president Chris Carroll invites everyone to come to the inaugural Viva La Dulce (Sweet Living) wine and food festival on Sunday, August 30. The festival will be held at St Anne’s Winery, Myrniong and feature an array of food and beverage stallholders, entertainment and more. Tickets $15 with proceeds to the Ballan and District Hospital.
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP
Local government both fascinates me and infuriates me. In between journalism jobs I’ve worked for three universities and three local government organisations: one rural, one regional and one metropolitan. I’ve also reported on more local governments than I can count and have seen my share of ‘the good, the bad and the ugly’. What makes a good or bad local government? One word. Communication. Communication among themselves and with their ratepayers. Good communication creates trust. Trust that the shire is in good hands and that our ratepayers’ money is being spent effectively and for things that we need. Bad communications creates distrust, suspicion and anger. The last local government I worked for was one of the best communicators I’ve ever seen and so I’ll name it: Moonee Valley City Council. All 900 plus staff had an extensive induction and one of the core principles of the organisation was to respond to ALL enquiries within three days. Even if it was just to say “we’re still trying to find the answer to your question but will get back to you”. If there wasn’t a three-day-turnaround then we failed one of our key performance objectives. Nobody was left waiting for the phone to ring or for their letter to be answered. Sure, there were still complaints, but ratepayers’ felt valued and respected and important. As they should. Without them, local governments couldn’t exist. The other extreme was a rural local government that I reported on as a journalist. The CEO had put in place a policy that no member of the organisation could speak to the public without her permission. All responses had to go through her office first. Micro-management was rife and caused dissent among the workers. A young man newly employed by that shire shared his thoughts on his social media account (something about too many chiefs, not enough indians...) and was sacked. He went on to win an unfair dismissal claim which cost the shire (and ratepayers) thousands of dollars. And so the councillors turned ‘rogue’ - they couldn’t be sacked; they were elected officials - and if I ever had any media questions I went directly to them. Long story short. The CEO was dismissed before her five year contract had ended after an Auditor General report came out slamming the management of the organisation. Unfortunately for her she couldn’t stop that information from going public... So what do I think about the Moorabool Shire being under investigation for breaches to the Local Government Act? I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s a sign that people within the organisation aren’t happy about it’s processes or lack of transparency. Bringing in an inspectorate to get to the bottom of it won’t fix the problem (in fact it has only cast more suspicion and distrust on the organisation). Better management and communication will. SCOOP
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