March 4, 2016 Edition 22 For crying out loud, its festival time!
2 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
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Dog rescued from mine JACK, an energetic Labrador-cross, has been reunited with his family after being rescued from an old mineshaft at Barry’s Reef near Blackwood last weekend.
The CFA was called to Greendale-Trentham Road at Blackwood shortly after 5pm on Saturday, February 27 after being told a dog had fallen approximately eight metres down a mineshaft. Blackwood Fire Brigade Captain Ross Hall said the rescue wasn’t a simple operation. “We originally turned out with the ladder thinking we could use that to get down,” he said. “The hole was approximately 1.5 metres wide and we couldn’t trust that the edge wouldn’t further collapse.But after measuring the oxygen levels at the bottom of the shaft we realised it was too low for a normal rescue, and we had to use breathing apparatus. The mine rescue in action last Saturday. Photos courtesy CFA. “Getting to the site itself was also very difficult. We had to walk around 300 metres through thick scrub and there was a possibility of other disused mine shafts being in the area. It was unusual to find an open mine shaft in such thick bracken. “We could hear and see the dog at the bottom and he seemed fairly happy. His owners were there the whole time watching.” A specialist mine rescue ‘Oscar 1’ crew travelled from Bendigo to assist with the confined space rescue. “When they lowered a rescuer down the dog was wagging his tail, so he was pretty happy to see someone,” he said. Jack was finally lifted out at 8.30pm, safe and well. “The owners were very, very happy and he looked a very happy dog when he came up.” Mr Hall – who became Blackwood captain last year - said it was one of the most interesting jobs he’d attended. “It was very much an education. There was a lot of gear that was used that we hadn’t had the opportunity to see in use before. It was a good training operation. This was the first mine rescue that I’ve been involved in.” Five CFA crews from Blackwood, Bendigo, Ballan and Trentham attended. Bacchus Marsh Scoop is a fortnightly publication serving Bacchus Marsh and surrounding districts. ABN: 39 790 396 099 For all your editorial or advertising needs, contact: Publisher/editor: Renee Robinson, 03 5368 2870 / 0459 022 364 Contributors: Kate Sharkey, Rose De la cruz, Ros O’Sullivan, Renee Robinson Photographers: Kris Reichl, Renee Robinson. Images in this edition are available for purchase for $30. An unmarked digital file will be emailed to you for personal use only. Go to www.krisreichlphotography.com.au Email: bacchusmarshscoop@gmail.com Web editions: issuu.com/bacchusmarshscoop Facebook: facebook.com/bacchusmarshscoop Front cover: Judy Campbell, the Campaspe
and Murray Shire’s Town Crier, helped launch the Bacchus Marsh Harvest Festival on Wednesday. She will compete at the Australasian Town Criers Championship which will be held in conjunction with the festival on Sunday, March 13. Photo: Kris Reichl Printed by Fairfax Media Limited
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4 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
From left: Barbara Atkin, Heather Linsdell, Barbara Di Collalto, Anne Bennett and Betty Nelson. Photo by Renee Robinson
Auxiliary actions speak louder than words THE Bacchus Marsh Hospital Ladies Auxiliary has been looking after the health care of the community for 68 years through its fundraising activities.
The auxiliary was formed in October 1948 for the then Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Bacchus Marsh. The women set about establishing activities such as garden parties, garage sales, street stalls and a small opportunity shop consisting of two racks of clothing in the local barber shop on Main Street, to raise money for the hospital. Long-serving member Heather Linsdell remembers standing in front of the barber shop to sell clothing and serving sandwiches with her aunt to raise money. “We then moved into two rooms in front of the milk factory, now The Village,” she said.
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The op shop grew in popularity and moved into the old Lifeguard offices in Main Street until the building was demolished. In 1987 they finally found a building of their own in the Gell Street carpark behind Foodworks (then Festival supermarket). While the ladies wouldn’t discuss the exact amounts of money raised, they conceded that over the years they’ve raised enough to help set up the emergency department, for orthopaedic surgery equipment, improvements to Grant Lodge, new birthing suites, sterilising units, an ECG machine, electric beds, telescopic and laparoscopic cameras, furnishings for the palliative care unit and much more. Auxiliary member Anne Bennett said: “We’ve raised a significant amount of money over a long period of time which has contributed to the health care of this community.” While the last garden fete took place in 1986, the opportunity shop has gone from strength to strength and the ladies recently moved the business into a much larger building adjacent to their small shop. Anne said the community had actually raised the money for the hospital through their donations to the shop. “Every time they buy something from us they’ve helped the hospital. It’s enabled us to pass it onto the hospital. They can pat themselves on the back.” The 68 members of the auxiliary are all volunteers and 45 active members work behind the counter and help sort the donations. Barbara Di Collalto said the women were rostered on for three 2.5 hour shifts each day and put in countless volunteer hours. “It all runs pretty smoothly. We have sorting working bees three times a week and come in on weekends and holidays. ” Carol Wilson said: “We get to know our customers and become friends with them. It’s about helping people who are struggling. We’re always getting good feedback. It’s all about the health care of the local community.” At 91-years-old, Barbara Atkin, is the oldest active member of the auxiliary and she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It gets me out of the house. I enjoy it and have made lots of great friends.” The Bacchus Marsh Hospital Ladies Auxiliary Op Shop is open 9.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 12pm Saturday in the Gell Street carpark. All donations in reasonable, clean condition are welcomed.
MEET THE GROWER
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 5
The Family Homestead Eggs farm in Myrniong. Photo supplied.
Genuine free range eggs set the standard
WITH no practical farming experience and no idea how to run a business, Vesna Luketic somehow always knew that farming was what she wanted to pursue. KATE SHARKEY* speaks with the enterprising owner of Family Homestead Eggs at Myrniong, one of Victoria’s leading free range egg producers.
When Vesna and husband Ivan stood in the middle of a bare, wind-swept paddock in Myrniong back in the 1980s, Vesna knew she was home. “My family are not farmers, I had no farm experience and the first farm I visited was my own. I’ve had to learn everything the hard way,” Vesna said. From the humble beginnings of the farm having a mix of traditional farm stock, Vesna knew if she was to fulfil her dream of being a genuine farmer she needed to find something she could ethically and commercially farm on her 100 acres. Despite being told she was mad to start an egg farm, Vesna proved that anything is possible. In just a few short years Family Homestead Eggs grew from 80 hens to 10,000 to supply the premium free range egg market. In 2003 Family Homestead Eggs became a preferred supplier to Coles and other leading food retailers, cafés and restaurants throughout Victoria. “I’m a little player in the industry by comparison, but I’m passionate about my business, my customers and of course my hens,” Vesna said. “I supply big and small retailers and my product deserves to be on their shelf. The only reason I got into Coles was because of the quality of my
eggs. I have a quality product. While the cost of production is high for free range eggs, I work very hard and I will not compromise my product for anyone.” Vesna immigrated to Australia with her parents from Croatia when she was seven-years-old. She grew up on the outskirts of Melbourne experiencing a whole new way of life and culture. “As a child I lived in a concrete jungle, but I always wanted to own my own farm. I didn’t want to live in the city. I think I’m a farmer in my soul.” Vesna believes in ethical farming choices, from the welfare of the animals to the way the product is packaged and every aspect in between. “Our priority is directed to animal welfare, environmental sustainability and the production of old-fashioned tasting free range eggs. I have standards and even when the going gets tough, as it has over the years, I know I have to find a way to make things work. That’s just who I am.” She has lobbied hard for the past 10 years to have the true definition of free range legislated. “Most eggs that are labelled free range are not what the consumer would imagine it to be. With no legal definition it makes it almost impossible to maintain credibility in the industry. However we are getting closer to this ultimate goal which I believe will be a game changer for the industry,” she said. On March 2 Vesna was at Parliament House in Canberra serving up free range eggs in a bacon and egg roll to Federal ministers. The Choice Magazine event gave free range egg producers the opportunity to speak with ministers and the media about the need for a real free range egg standard.
Family Homestead Eggs employs ten casual workers for the day-to-day tasks of running the farm. However, a number of other hard working employees also clock on. Six big beautiful Maremma dogs! “They are a great big bundle of white fluff,” Vesna said. “The Maremma give us that added peace of mind that our hens are safe.” Her fluffy guardians play an integral role on the farm. The Maremma is an extremely intelligent breed, devoted to protecting its flock. With any livestock, farm predators are always never far away. Wedge tail eagles, foxes and even feral cats can be a problem. “I’m proud to be a farmer and I’m proud of all Australian farmers. However, no longer can we say we do it for the love of it,” Vesna said. “Farming is a tough business and we must do more to educate the consumer that it’s in their interest to look after the primary producers. While consumers often shop on price it’s my belief it will cost them more in the long run. The cost to their health, the environment, welfare of the animals and an inferior product on the shelf. We must do all we can to educate consumers about buying Australian grown and understanding the true costs of food production in this country. “Australian agriculture is amongst one of the most highly regulated industries in the world. I don’t think too many consumers understand that. Without our farmers who knows what we could be serving up in the future.” Visit www.freerangeeggs.com.au *Kate Sharkey is establishing a Moorabool Food Producers Network.
6 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
Leading Senior Constable Jim Ross. Photo by Kris Reichl
The force is with you JIM Ross’s fondest childhood memories of Bacchus Marsh are hanging out with the other kids in his street while they showed off on their bikes and skateboards.
More than 40-years-later he’s still hanging out with local kids in his role as Bacchus Marsh Police Youth Resource Officer. The leading senior constable has a regular gig at schools talking about drug harm minimisation and cyber safety, but is perhaps best remembered by kids for participating in youth camps and busting a move at the tri-annual Blue Light discos. “I break down the barriers and it helps to build up those relationships,” Jim said. “It helps them to see me dressed casually and in a casual environment. Kids who are now in their 20s come up to say hello and say they remember me from camp. They have a better understanding of police in the community and it helps take that fear of police away.” Jim believes the biggest hurdles faced by youth in rural and regional Victoria are boredom and isolation and, to some degree, lack of employment and training opportunities. “There’s also a generational problem with some families. When kids aren’t in a good, positive environment at home they lack social skills and fall behind in their education. Breaking that pattern is the key to their future.” He admits it’s a different world today, one in which most kids would rather stay at home and play on their computer or gaming consoles or phones than go outside and interact with other kids. The father-of-three said he made sure he took his own children camping a lot so that they played with other kids and developed those ever-important social skills. “They always talk about those trips and memories. No-one is ever going to remember sitting at home on a computer for a weekend.” Jim knew he wanted to be a policeman when he was 20-years-old, however he applied to become a postman and policeman at the same time and Australia Post got back to him first. After a stint with Australia Post, he wanted a change and better job security for his young family and re-applied for the force. “There is lots of scope to grow in this career; lots of things you can do.”
When youth resource officers were introduced in all 74 police service areas across Victoria about six years ago, Jim’s senior officer suggested he apply and he hasn’t looked back. He said his role involved a lot of education and it was important to get the right messages out there. He has given several talks to local organisations about the impacts of the drug ICE (methamphetamine) on communities but said alcohol abuse was a bigger problem and was often a gateway to drug abuse. He also chairs the Moorabool Drug Action Group, which includes health professionals and representatives from church groups, schools and local government. “It’s not just about working with kids. It’s about involving all those other agencies and working collaboratively to try different approaches to the issues of mental health and addiction.” When he’s not on the clock with the force, Jim still looks out for his community as a member of the Coimadai CFA. He said the junior CFA based at Coimadai and the local scout organisation took it in turns to run the canteen at the Blue Light discos and fundraise for their clubs. However, when he really wants to unwind after a tough day at the office, Jim enjoys staying at home working on his small cattle farm or watching his beloved Collingwood.
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BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 7
Start your engines! THE SRE Australian Street Stock Title, to be held at the Redline Raceway on March 11 to 13, will be the largest Australian Title of any category in Australia for all time.
A massive 139 drivers from every state and the Northern Territory have entered the event and will take part in an action-packed 48 heats to reduce the field down to 50. The remaining 50 will then compete in three finals over the final night of racing on March 13. It will be the first time in the history of street stock that every state and the Northern Territory will compete in a national title, and just the second time in Speedway Sedans Australia’s 49-year history that this has been achieved. Redline Raceway president Mick Purdie said it was overwhelming for a club to receive such a huge honour from all the drivers Australia-wide to attend this meeting, not only beating all records for every category of speedway racing, but smashing those records. “Last time Redline held the Aussie title for street stocks was back in 2000, and we were lucky to receive half that many entries. It just goes to show what a lot of hard work and dedication from a few people can actually do.” The record entry list of 139 will do battle on Saturday, March 12 and Sunday, March 13. The line-up includes reigning Australian champion and South Australian champion Anthony Beare, Victorian champion and three-time Australian title holder Brad McClure, Tasmanian champion Matt Templer, Northern Territory champion Justin Brumfield, Western Australian champion Jason Oldfield and
Redline Raceway presents:
SRE Australian Street Stock Title
Scott Purdie cuts some laps in a Darren Davis street stock car. Photo: Dean Miller
local Ballarat hopes Sean Henry, Mick Clark, Andrew Burgoyne, and Scott, Mark and Clinton Purdie. The heats will involve 12 laps of Redline Raceway’s 420 metre clay track, with a maximum 12 cars battling it out per heat. Each car competes in four heats and all points count towards the finals. Gates open at 1pm and racing starts 4pm both nights. Adults $30 one night, $50 two nights, aged and disability pensioners $25 one night, $40 two nights, children 15 and under $5 for two nights. For more information contact Mick Purdie on 0418 399 917.
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8 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
Premier Daniel Andrews tours Daylesford Secondary College with Member for Macedon Mary-Anne Thomas and students Trent Eccles and Zoe Ingham.
Premier: We’ll fix existing schools first VICTORIAN PREMIER Daniel Andrews has toured the fire-ravaged Daylesford Secondary College, while failing to rule out future plans to provide secondary education in Ballan.
An increasing number of the 460 students at DSC are from the Ballan area, after changes to the school bus route. The Premier told a February 19 school assembly a $10 million project to replace the damaged 55-year-old classrooms should start next summer and take 18 months. “That’s no comfort when you’ve had to deal with the trauma of that fire and all the impacts its had as students and teachers have begun the school year here,” he told a media conference. “But we are very keen to make sure we waste no time at all with construction and get those new buildings open.” The Premier was asked about students from Ballan who faced a 66km round-trip to DSC every day and when their own community could expect to see a secondary school. “I am not here today to make an announcement about a new school for that particular community, but I will say this: the new schools, the
improved schools, they’re always built by Labor. “We will be here to support Ballan and to support every community across our state.” Mr Andrews said building schools took time “and the first thing you have to do is to fix schools, refurbish schools, then build schools. It’s about starting that planning.”
“The first thing you have to do is to fix schools, refurbish schools, then build schools. It’s about starting that planning”. “In our very first budget in May last year we spent a significant amount on education. It was critical. “Both the deputy premier and education minister (James Merlino) together with myself and local members – whether its Mary-Anne Thomas (Macedon MLA) - or others, we understand what we ought to do.” According to the latest data, Daylesford had 462 students in 2014, including 40 who completed Year 12. The town has a State primary school with 292 students and a Dharma (Buddhist) school with 43.
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BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 9
Chef Susie and owner Simon. Photos by Renee Robinson
The Merchant of Blackwood Simon Daniel always knew he would end up a cafe operator.
Having spent most of his life working in the industry, he left hospitality to explore several other options before realising that this really was his calling. “I always had that niggling feeling in the back of my mind that although I was enjoying what I was doing, hospitality was the place I wanted to be,” Simon said. Then he came across a freehold opportunity too good to let pass. He and his business partner – also Simon – operate the café, store and curios, The Blackwood Merchant, with a combined 25 years of experience in the field. They’ve been here for most of 2015 and the place looks and feels great. A hidden gem, housed in a century-old building in the middle of the Wombat State Forest, the Merchant has a major focus on its customers, service, and handcrafted food; oh and the views are to die for. The team’s focus is translating the business philosophy of fresh, housemade, ‘real food’ and regional produce into action. The guys are joined by chef Susie, who shares this same philosophy. “The entire team is passionate about food – slow food – and regional produce. We prepare most of our food from scratch so that when our clientele eat with us, it’s ideally one of the best meals they’ve ever had,” Simon said. Offering daily breakfasts, lunch and dinner (on Friday) the fully licensed
café specialises in homemade pies, tarts, cakes and pizza (Friday nights only), expertly-prepared coffee, organic teas, and a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options. They stock a wide selection of beer, wine, cider and soft drinks, many from the region. The Blackwood Merchant has close personal relationships with its regional producers and are happy to share their related stories. “We’re just 20 minutes from Bacchus Marsh and have a big Bacchus following already. So pop in and order a great meal and enjoy a local beverage, whilst taking in those magnificent forest views,” Simon said. The atmosphere feels like home, where you’re welcome and know that you’re cared about. There are even a few antiques, vintage artefacts, furniture, essential grocery items, fresh baked bread, regional small goods, a small takeaway menu and a couple of local artists selling stuff here too. Take the road less travelled, visit Blackwood. The Blackwood Merchant is located at 21 Martin Street, Blackwood and is open Wednesday to Sunday between 9am and 5pm and Friday night from 6pm to lateish. Bookings are recommended. For more information, visit www.theblackwoodmerchant.com or the business’s Facebook and Instagram page.
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10 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
No creche, no competition THE closure of the creche at Belgravia Leisure Centre could mean the netball season is over before it’s even begun.
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Bacchus Marsh Netball Club director Bernie Walsh said the Monday morning ladies competition players relied heavily on the creche, with up to nine prams parked next to the court for the 9.15am game alone. “We also have a team who come from Gordon with six babies between them,” she said. “Last October we got a message from council to say they’d arrange a meeting with user groups who used the creche to discuss options. Then the next time we heard from them was December 11 to say they would close it on December 18.” She said they had a meeting with the mayor, Allan Comrie, and a council officer on February 4 and were told that council officers would prepare a report. However, at the Moorabool Shire council meeting held last Wednesday she was told the creche wasn’t financially viable and would be shut down. “Council deemed it wasn’t viable and was costing them money. They’ve added Monday morning’s high creche user numbers to the rest of the week when the creche isn’t in such high demand and averaged it out and made their decision based on that. They won’t even discuss reducing the hours of the creche or increasing the fees. “It’s very, very frustrating. We would have 20 to 30 kids using it on Monday alone. We were told to look at childcare options elsewhere.” She said they were also offered a room upstairs at the leisure centre, which was highly impractical for people with prams, and which would mean mums who weren’t professional childcarers would have to take it in turns caring for each other’s children. She said they would have to close the netball program, which was used by up to 70 women on Monday morning alone, if they didn’t have childcare available. Bernie said when she tried to address the councillors and plead her case at the council meeting they were extremely rude and wouldn’t let her speak after she’d asked her question. “It was absolutely mind-boggling. The way he (mayor Allan Comrie) spoke last night was totally different to the way he spoke to us at our meeting in February. “This week (International Women’s Day) is supposed to be all about encouraging women in sport. It’s just a circus. Councillors take an oath before each meeting about supporting the community and it’s hypocritical. They treat you like you’re nothing.” At the time of going to print Council had not responded to questions from Bacchus Marsh Scoop.
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 11
Hey tykes, get on your bikes SCHOOLS across Moorabool are encouraging kids to get active and participate in the tenth National Ride2School Day today.
Federal Member for Ballarat and Shadow Minister for Health, Catherine King, said the initiative was extremely valuable in promoting healthier lifestyles for the region’s young people. “I have visited schools in the past on Ride2School day and seen the great enthusiasm among our kids and all at the school,” Ms King said. “I want more and more kids to get on their bikes, skateboards and scooters and make their way to school in the healthiest ways possible. “If we promote this good exercise in people when they are young it is more likely they will continue to lead healthier and happier lifestyles as they grow through adult life. “Sadly the last 30 years has seen a rapid decline in children being physically active. “In the 1970s more than 80 per cent of students walked or rode to school but that number has fallen shockingly to 20 per cent today despite the fact that most primary students still live within two kilometres of their school gate.” Last year more than 400,000 children from 2,041 Australian schools participated in National Ride2School Day by riding, walking, scooting or skating to school. “The day celebrates an active journey to school and aims to empower children, through routine physical activity, with the tools to combat the alarming threat of chronic diseases in modern life such as obesity and diabetes,” Ms King said. “I encourage all schools to give their students an opportunity to participate this year on the 10th occasion of National Ride2School Day.”
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12 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
HARVEST FESTIVAL LAUNCH
Town Criers Gavin Barker and Judy Campbell (above), David Goldman (below left), and scarecrow Jessica Macdonald from the Performing Arts Headquarters. Photos by Kris Reichl
HARVEST FESTIVAL LAUNCH
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 13
Bells toll for Harvest Festival THIS year’s Bacchus Marsh Harvest Festival will have all the bells and whistles.
New highlights will include the 27th annual Australasian Town Criers Championship to be held in Bacchus Marsh for the very first time, an educational farm fresh bus tour which encompasses local producers, and a masterclass from world-renowned chocolatier and patissier Deniz Karaca. Favourite activities including the best apple pie competition, pick-yourown farm fresh produce, the best backyard vegie patch and more will also make a reappearance. Bacchus Marsh Tourism Association president David Durham said local cafes were also embracing the harvest festival by introducing special harvest menus. He said the Farming Moorabool bus tour was an opportunity to visit operational farms that were not always open to the public, meet the growers, discuss their unique range of skills and products, and develop an exclusive and rare insight into different types of farming, and learn where your fresh amazing foods really come from. The festival will also feature more than 60 market stalls, children’s activities, guest speakers and more. The Bacchus Marsh Harvest Festival kicks off at 10am on Sunday, March 13. Town Crier Chris Beggs (above), Emily Robinson from Baby Black (below) and a guest at the For more information go to visitbacchusmarsh.com.au launch (below left). Photos by Kris Reichl
14 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
Your community page proudly sponsored by The Scoop Community diary March 13: Bacchus Marsh Harvest Festival The annual Harvest Festival welcomes in the Harvest season in Bacchus Marsh - apples, pears, heirloom pumpkins, grapes, quince
March 20: Ballan Autumn Festival Street parade, stalls, pet show, quilt exhibition, vintage cars, children’s activities, inaugural IGA tasting trail. 9am - 3pm.
and more. Starts 10am.
March 25 (Good Friday): March 13: Town Criers Cham- Bacchus Marsh Easterfest Easter bonnet parade, egg hunts, pionships The Australasian Guild of Town Easter Bunny appearance, children’s Criers will hold its 27th annual activities, market and food. 9amGuild Championships in Bacchus 4pm, Maddingley Park, Station St, Marsh. Commences 11am at Eddie Bacchus Marsh. Toole Park.
•
Chris Beggs will compete at the Australasian Town Criers Championships next Sunday, March 13, at Eddie Toole Park. Photo: Kris Reichl
March 19: St Andrew’s Fete Stalls, paper plane flying, decorated Easter Egg competitions, display of classic Holden cars, flower show. St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Bacchus Marsh, 9am - 2pm.
March 26 (Easter Saturday): Blackwood Easter Festival Features Victorian Woodchop championship, mechanical bull, children’s activities, parade. 11am - 4.30pm. Adults $5, children (5-12) $1, under 5 free.
WHEN: MARCH 18, 19, 20 TIME: 10AM - 4PM WHERE: MILLROSE QUILTING GALLERY, BALLAN COST: $5
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 15
Garden to Plate By Ros O’Sullivan
Anyone who’s ever planted zucchini will tell you about ‘the one that got away’. Turn your back for a few days, and the finger-length vegetable has turned into a giant the diameter and length of your lower leg. Maybe it’s this galloping tendency that’s given rise to a plethora of recipes calling for zucchini, including this version of a tasty slice. It’s easy to prepare, suitable for the kids’ lunchboxes and makes a fine picnic or meal, served with a green salad. ZUCCHINI SLICE Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium brown onion 2 bacon rashers (omit for vegetarian version) 400g zucchini 1 large carrot, grated 2 tablespoons each parsley and chives, finely chopped 5 eggs, lightly beaten ½ cup plain yoghurt or sour cream 1 cup self-raising flour, sifted salt, pepper 1 cup grated cheese (tasty or parmesan)
Zucchini fresh for the garden is turned into a delicious slice (above). Photos by Ros O’Sullivan
Method: 1. Grate the zucchini and place in a strainer over a bowl. Leave for 30 minutes. Squeeze out excess liquid (by hand, or by tightly rolling the grated zucchini in a clean tea towel). 2. Preheat oven to 180 degrees. Line a 20cm by 30cm lamington tray or 25cm square cake tin with baking paper. 3. Finely chop the onion and bacon rashers and sauté in oil for 4 or 5 minutes until the onion is transparent. Place in a mixing bowl and add all the other ingredients, except for the grated cheese. Mix gently. 4. Spread the mixture evenly into the tin and sprinkle the grated cheese over. Cook in the centre of the oven for 35-40 minutes until the top is nicely browned and the egg mixture is set (ie, a knife comes out clean when the slice is tested).
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16 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
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Tel: 03 5367 0110 Fax: 03 5367 1108 Mob: 0407 828 545 email: info@motorworx.com.au www.motorworx.com.au
CENTRE
214 Main Street Bacchus Marsh 3340
Email: general@bmflooring.com.au Web: bacchusmarshflooring.com.au
CAR WASH
29 HOLTS LANE, DARLEY 6AM TIL 10PM - 7 DAYS
Self serve - auto - truck/boat - dog wash - car care - vacuum Attendant on duty 8:30 - 5:30 - 7 DAYS
Western Screens
bcard_Layout 1 2/02/15 3:26 PM Page 1
LOGISTICS PTY LTD
Glenn Pluck
Andrew Clarke Wool Buyer | 0409 511 739
p: (03) 9369 7218 | f: (03) 9369 4147 105 Boundary Rd, Laverton North VIC 3026
Mob: 0413
17 Grant Street, Bacchus Marsh, VIC. 3340 info@westernscreens.com.au
066 163 ABN 42 603 705 509 ACN 162 859 047
BUSINESS & TRADE GUIDE
(03) 5367 7442
Maddingley Car Care Servicing & General Repairs All Makes and Models Vehicle Restoration Chris Trotter 0415 270 983 1B Millbank Street, Bacchus Marsh, 3340
RI V ET T E
UPHOLSTERY NEW FURNITURE | ANTIQUES | MOTOR TRIMMING
Luke 0439 355 282
9 Park St, Bacchus Marsh, 3340
Show this ad for free car wheel rotation
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 17
18 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
‘MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS’
25 McPherson St, Maddingley
Terry Wilson
Handy hubby for hire
IS home maintenance getting the better of you? Has something broken that you just can’t fix? Or do you just want a job done professionally? Hire A Hubby Bacchus Marsh is the answer. Hire A Hubby Bacchus Marsh owner Terry Wilson (pictured) said he has been providing maintenance services since 2008. “Prior to that I individually built a beach house, renovated kitchens, laundries, bathrooms and built bespoke tables, wrought iron gates, patios, timber decking and many other customised items.” Terry said his services included carpentry, painting, installing fencing and gates, welding and any general handyman jobs that needed doing. “My business is a one-stop-shop as I can provide all guaranteed workmanship. I am police checked and project manage all jobs.” He travels to homes in Bacchus Marsh, Darley, Bullengarook, Gisborne, Gisborne South, Coimadai, Toolernvale, Merrimu, Long Forest and Macedon in his full equipped van. He said his clients included general residential, commercial and real estate property managers. Terry operates from Mondays to Fridays and by arrangement on weekends. Phone 0448 099 621.
‘MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS’
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 19
BACCHUS MARSH WOOL SHOP LOIS HUNT Proprietor
151 Main St Bacchus Marsh Victoria 3340 Phone: 5367 1514
Wedding specialists DID you know that floralevent specialises in wedding flowers and decor?
Their team of florists were trained at the top floristry school in Melbourne and completed full apprenticeships that included extensive training at the prestigious Marjorie Milner College, the longest operating Floristry School in Australia. For decades they have worked with brides and grooms to bring their wedding dreams to life and have worked throughout Melbourne and across Australia. They work closely with many venues and event stylists to ensure that every bride has her dream day. Floralevent also has a range of wedding and event props that clients are free to choose from when they select floralevent for their flower needs. These include rustic jars, vases, timber boxes, ladders, birdcages, wishing wells, shepherds hooks, timber slabs, candleholders, vintage bottles, vintage crockery and linen, table numbers and place card holders. Many brides begin by choosing floralevent to style their engagement party, then bridal shower and of course wedding. Owner Janet Heaney said: “We also create floral designs for a range of other events such as baby showers, birthdays and corporate events.” “We encourage all of our clients to meet with us any many times as they feel necessary and to share their colour schemes, inspiration and theme with us so that we get a clear understanding of the look that they are wanting to achieve for their special day. We firmly believe in providing a quality service from the initial meeting to the delivery and set up of your flowers. We have established many relationships with top growers and importers and believe in using a local product whenever possible. We believe in providing quality at a reasonable price.” Phone 5367 5705.
Floral Design & Event Styling at Affordable Prices Ph: (03) 5367 5705
Tobacco Station Tobacco accessories & gifts
Shop 40, Bacchus Marsh Village Shopping Centre
Ph: 03 5367 8560
If it’s glass...we can tint it
Leigh Cotter Manager Factory 2, 22-24 McPherson St, Bacchus Marsh VIC 3340 ph: 5367 7977 mob: 0433 333 319 email: wwcoatings@hotmail.com
22-24 Unit 9, McPherson St, Maddingley
20 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
A pub that offers health checks IF MEN won’t visit the clinic for a check-up, then Dr Ravin Sadhai is determined to take the clinic to them!
Dr Sadhai will hold his tenth ‘pub clinic’ on March 16, and this year’s theme focusses on the harmful effects of sugar and skin cancer. Dermatologist Belinda Welsh will be a special guest, along with allied health professionals including dietician Ellen Moran and personal trainers Matt Prince and Rob Greco. “I am really excited to have Dr Belinda Welsh who is an experienced dermatologist to talk to us blokes about skin issues including skin cancer,” Dr Sadhai said. He said men seemed to be the worst when it came to asking for help. This hit home for the doctor when he noticed that several Bacchus
Marsh men aged in their early 40s had died of preventable diseases in 2005. Soon after he decided to open his first pub clinic and, with the help of The Plough proprietor Mark Mills, the event has attracted growing numbers of men each year. “Everything is on the house, including one free beer, but we welcome donations,” he said. “It engages men in a small way and encourages them to think about their health long term. The pub clinic is about having a familiar, nice environment to chat in.” A bus will be available from Bacchus Marsh Hospital at 6.30pm and at Darley outside IGA approximately 6.45pm. For more information visit thepubclinic.com.au or email info@thepubclinic.com.au
Social club deals also available
Junior Memberships for under 16s $70 Includes free coaching
Golf carts available for hire Starting Twilight Golf on Friday nights with 6 hole competition and *Junior Clinic for $10 *Meal included
Licensed Bar
Tee off
BACCHUS MARSH WEST GOLF CLUB PHONE: 5367 3492 Bacchus Marsh - Balliang Rd, Bacchus Marsh
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 21
Spotted in the garden ROSE De la cruz was spotted in her garden last week extracting honey from her busy bees.
The member of the Moorabool Environment Group is a regular contributor to Bacchus Marsh Scoop and will be back for the next edition. Maybe she’ll talk about bees?
Sheree’s Dancercise Want to learn the latest dance moves but find exams and competitions a bit daunting? Book in now to one of our classes in a friendly and happy atmosphere. Thursday classes: Juniors 4pm - 4.30pm Intermediates 4.30pm - 5pm Seniors 5.30pm - 6.30pm • •
• •
We teach jazz, tap, hip hop, lyrical and acro. Vacancies are available for our senior girls’ fun jazz and hip hop class and our ‘funky feet’ pre-school class. Costumes are supplied. Classes are held at the RSL Hall, Main St, Bacchus Marsh.
To enrol now call 0411 016 669
22 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
Your Letters Councillor etiquette missing Dear Editor, During Public Question Time at last night’s Council Meeting speakers were treated like naughty children. We weren’t given the 3 minutes we were entitled to in order to provide background to our question, and responses from the Mayor could only be considered unsatisfactory. My question to the Mayor and the meeting, was why Councillors extended a permit to build in Rivergum Place, for the fourth time, when the Council Officer report made it very clear that the application didn’t meet not one but many Council policies and guidelines; there was evidence of ‘warehousing’ land (the land has been on the market for over 6 years); plus the Officer report, which our rates pay, for recommended that the request to extend the permit not be granted. ‘Red flags’ were ignored by Councillors and when someone asked if Councillors had inspected the land in question, one councillor put his hand up. The Mayor’s response to my question was that Councillors can make whatever decisions they like. Having sat through many council meetings I am well aware that Councillors sometimes make decisions that are contrary to the advice of Council Officers, and they have a right to do this if they think the decision is not in the best interests of the community. However, I am also aware that this leads to inconsistencies. I witnessed one application for an extension of a permit knocked back on very flimsy grounds. So much for working with Council staff who have knowledge and expertise in planning issues, and for ‘working with’ and hearing concerns of the community; for continuously improving the way council interacts with the community, for transparency and accountability. Margaret Scarff, Maddingley
A digital divide Leaked documents today confirm large areas of Ballarat are being punished with a badly delayed and second rate NBN to protect Malcolm Turnbull. The leaked document from inside Malcolm Turnbull’s chaotic NBN Co reveals that a trial rollout to homes in Buninyong and Mount Helen proved the cost of building Labor’s superior Fibre-to-the-Premise version of the NBN is falling. The leaked document also shows the time needed to provide Labor’s superior FTTP to all homes and businesses in Ballarat is coming down. This document confirms Malcolm Turnbull has been lying to Ballarat residents about how much it costs to connect to Labor’s superior fibre NBN. It confirms there is no need to deny people in Ballarat west of Lake Wendouree Labor’s superior FTTP, and instead force them to wait until 2018 to get Malcolm Turnbull’s second rate copper NBN. It proves the only reason that Malcolm Turnbull is not delivering on his promise to connect all homes and businesses in Ballarat to the real NBN is politics. Malcolm Turnbull is so arrogant that he won’t just admit he got it wrong. He promised his second rate NBN would be built for $29.5 billion—that cost has almost doubled to $56 billion. He promised that his second rate NBN would be rolled out to all homes and businesses by the end of 2016—a promise he knew was never going to be kept. Malcolm Turnbull had one big job as Communications Minister – to build the NBN – it is now clear that he was an utter failure. Instead, Malcolm Turnbull’s NBN has left a digital divide – where some Australians have access to the real NBN, and others are stuck using a decaying copper network. Only Labor will ensure that the NBN will run on fibre to every home and business in Ballarat. Catherine King Federal Member for Ballarat
Where can I find copies of the Scoop? If you don’t receive it in your mailbox this fortnight, you can find copies at Foodworks, The Village (outside Aldi), Darley IGA, Lerderderg Library, Bacchus Marsh Newsagency, out front of the Bacchus Marsh Community Bank/Collins Bookstore, the Bacchus Marsh Train Station, Ballan Newsagency and Melton Library. And if all else fails, contact us directly to pick up a copy at
bacchusmarshscoop@gmail.com
BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016 • 23
The Last Word Oh dear. Business can be a dirty game. It appears local event organisers are being locked into ‘exclusive’ media contracts (aka media partnerships) that prevent them from advertising elsewhere. On top of that, I have discovered a Federal Member of Parliament received a phone call questioning why they dared to advertise with Bacchus Marsh Scoop. Apparently I’m a threat. Little old me ?!?! If you’re signing or verbally agreeing to exclusivity contracts – and they have nothing to do with Today Tonight’s chequebook – I’m sorry, but you’ve been played. If you’re being locked into a yearly advertising contract that prevents you from leaving your advertising ‘provider’ and getting a better deal elsewhere – I suggest you get some advice from the ACCC. And if you’re paying the same high prices for your advertising that you were a year ago, you’re missing an opportunity. It’s called competition. Competition leads to lower ad prices – and more bang for your hardearned buck. Take a look at the Scoop ad prices on page 3. We’ve deliberately printed them this week (and will continue to print them) so that you know exactly what you could be saving. Even if the Scoop is not your thing, then at the very least you should be
getting other local newspapers to match these prices. Some switched-on businesses have already benefitted, as their ad prices have been dropped to match the Scoop’s. They’ve rung up to say thanks. All this is FABULOUS for our community. Price matching is what happens when there is competition. It only happens when there is competition. The minute someone has the monopoly on something then you no longer have other options or any power to negotiate. For the first time in a very long time you have a choice and you, dear people, have the bargaining power. Last February – before the Scoop was born - one of my advertisers paid $600 for a small ad in a feature. This year she gave my paper a go and only paid $200 for a large half page ad. She was thrilled and so was I. I’d be delighted if you came on board too – but if you don’t, that’s OK. All I am saying is that you should use the Scoop’s ad price guide as a valuable bargaining chip to get yourself a better deal. With a new publication in town, you can do it. Make the most of competition – and please, please, pretty please read the fine print of any ‘exclusivity contract’. Ask yourself why you are being asked to sign this for the first time. And if it’s not in writing walk away! I can guarantee it’s not for your benefit. Don’t get played folks.
SCOOP
Read Bacchus Marsh Scoop online @ issuu.com/bacchusmarshscoop February 19, 2016 Edition 21 Horses and hounds
January 22, 2016 Edition 19 Young Citizen Steven Tandy
24 • BACCHUS MARSH SCOOP, March 4, 2016
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