Bendigo’s only locally owned newspaper
ISSUE NO. 604 – Friday, April 17, 2009
All set for the stage MATT BRAY, pictured, is in character for his role in the Bendigo Theatre Company’s latest venture All Shook Up. The 18 year old is involved with the production as a first step to being a singer. “I really like doing singing, going up on stage, showing ‘em what I’ve got,” he said. Matt is playing one of the lead roles, Dennis. “Apparently he’s a real nerdy kind of guy, wanting to become a dentist. Certainly a different role for me. But it’s going good,” Matt said. Shake, rattle and roll – Page 27
FUNDING BLOW Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN. More photos at www.bendigophotos.com
Hospital budget cash may head to Box Hill By ANTHONY RADFORD
18 days to go
BENDIGO has been dealt a blow in its attempts to gain substantial funding in next month’s state budget for a redevelopment of the Bendigo hospital. With about $750 million needed to redevelop the hospital, Bendigo’s biggest rival,
the Box Hill hospital, looks set to walk away with the bulk of health capital funding from the May 5 budget. Despite expectations the government will only commit more planning money for Bendigo in the May 5 budget, there are calls for up to $100 million to be allocated to Bendigo to allow site
works to begin. That would allow for almost immediate redevelopment works to begin if a larger amount of funding was allocated in the 2010-11 budget. Box Hill hospital’s redevelopment story is similar to Bendigo. A new masterplan was
> inside
produced in 2003, however no substantial funding as been announced, despite a series of state government commitments. Like Bendigo, the government went to the 2006 election with a commitment to building a new Box Hill hospital. n Continued Page 5
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WALK BACKFLIP
6
holding VISITS
Roadworks plan raises a row – page 6
act now before it is too late.
And you for a gracould qualify nt of up to
$
#
First Home Buyers Boost Grant is due to end June 30
5.09 5.36
Introductory variable rate*
Paul Cook
Branch Manager
88-92 Mitchell St Bendigo Ph: 5443 0000 Mob: 0409 805 729 CA2787BWR
First home buyers
% p.a.
% p.a.
www.regionalone.com.au
Comparison rate**
www.regionalone.com.au
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*Reverts to 5.35% variable rate after 12 months. **The Home Loan Comparison Rate is calculated on a loan amount of $150,000 over a term of 25 years based on monthly repayments at the 1 year introductory rate, reverting to the Rewards Home Loan variable rate of 5.35% for the remaining term. WARNING: This comparison rate is true only for the example given and may not include all fees and charges. A comparison rate schedule is available at any RegionalOne branch or visit www.regionalone.com.au. All loans are subject to terms and conditions and RegionalOne’s normal lending criteria. Fees and charges apply. RegionalOne Credit Union Limited. ABN 25 087 651 625. AFSL 239177. #First Home Buyers grant subject to eligibility
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Bendigo Weekly – Friday, April 17, 2009
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Graphic Designer Full Time Bendigo’s most read newspaper, the Bendigo Weekly requires the services of a full time Graphic Designer to join our busy pre-press production department. We are looking for a person with experience and versatility. The successful applicant will be able to handle pressure and tight deadlines, will have good knowledge of ad design and layout and be proficient in the use of the latest versions of Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop and Acrobat. You will work well in a team environment and maintain keen attention to detail. Salary to be negotiated according to experience. Please provide a letter of application and resume to: The Manager Bendigo Weekly PO Box 324 Bendigo 3552 Applications close Wednesday, April 22, 2009.
BendigoWeekly Bendigo’s only locally owned newspaper
Drum calls for a ‘common-sense solution’
MP up in arms over ‘dangerous’ roadworks By ANTHONY RADFORD VICROADS is planning what has been described as ridiculous and potentially dangerous alterations to one of the city’s busiest roads. Work will begin in spring to duplicate Eaglehawk Road between the Marong Road and Don Street intersections. The works will install traffic signals at Don Street and create two lanes either way between the two intersections. However, the $2.8 million project will leave a single-lane gap of about 250 metres between Don Street and where it becomes two lanes again before the Barnard Street intersection. Nationals Member for Northern Victoria Damian Drum, who has an office nearby, called on VicRoads to duplicate the entire road. “While this is welcome, it will create the ridiculous situation where vehicles travelling from Eaglehawk to the city will
RIDICULOUS SITUATION: Damian Drum is speaking out. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN
go from single lane to double lane, back to a single lane and then back to double lanes within a 500-metre stretch,” he said. “What I am calling for is a simple common-sense solution where the 250-metre stretch
from the Barnard Street lights through to Don Street becomes part of a duplication through to Marong Road. “What VicRoads is currently planning is potentially a very dangerous and short-sighted option and I, for one, am not prepared to wait for a tragedy to occur before the necessary work is completed.” Mr Drum said the area was too busy to not do the job properly. “Drivers familiar with the area will understand that the traffic levels in this area have increased dramatically with the introduction of the city’s inner box strategy,” he said. “My office is located in this direct vicinity and traffic levels have effectively doubled over the last few years due to the strategy of pushing traffic away from the CBD. “We have a number of primary and secondary schools, sporting facilities, and a growing business sector within the
affected area.” A VicRoads spokesman said the remaining 250-metre stretch was in the organisation’s “longterm planning”. “That will have to be subject to a submitted funding application,” he said. Acting VicRoads regional director Robin Miller said the changes would improve traffic flow and safety. “VicRoads has been consulting the local community to ensure their views are incorporated where possible into the project,” he said. “Design works are currently being finalised, including liaison with utility providers. “We expect the project will commence this spring and be completed by the end of 2009 and we will continue to keep local residents updated as works progress.” The project is funded under the state government’s Rural Arterial Road and Freeway Improvements Program.
Water minister steps in for book launch By ANNIKA SMETHURST MINISTER for Water Tim Holding visited Bendigo this week for the launch of a book on water during the gold rush. The book, Water for Gold, by local academic and historian Geoff Russell examines the 26-year long fight to supply water to Central Victoria’s goldfields. Speaking at the launch Mr Holding commended Dr Russell for his efforts and praised Coliban Water for their support. “This book reminds us that there is no such thing as average rainfall,” Mr Holding said. “We have to use our minds in more innovative ways.” Acknowledging the presence of other politicians at the launch, Mr Holding spoke about water as a political issue and stressed the importance of looking to our history when attempting to solve water problems. “We are reminded that the more things change - the more they stay the same,” he said. “It has always been controversial, trying to solve these issues.” Dr Russell said his interest in Bendigo’s water supply began in the early 1990s. “The old journo in me told me it was a bloody good yarn waiting to be told,” Dr Russell said. Thanking his friends and family, Dr Russell gave special mention to his wife
GOLDEN DAY: Tim Holding MP and Geoff Russell with his wife Penny Burke at the launch. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN
and children. “I have spent too many hours in the 19th century when I should have been here in the present with you,” he said, Following the launch, Mr Holding spoke to waiting media about the water-saving benefits of the Super Pipe. “It is a very important part of what the Victorian Government is doing,” Mr Holding said.
“It’s part of the biggest water saving project in Australian history.” When asked whether the energy costs for water projects were too high, Mr Holding said that the projects were considered to be sustainable. “We off-set the cost by purchasing renewable energy.” “Although projects such as desalination use lots of energy, we see it as sustainable.”
Friday, April 17, 2009 – Bendigo Weekly
Scheme continues despite low response
Rates holiday still the go
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SEE PAUL COSTA
By ANTHONY RADFORD THE City of Greater Bendigo council has no plans to scrap its rates holiday for first-home buyers, despite a poor take-up of the initiative. The program was introduced among much fanfare and nation-wide media coverage at the start of the current financial year. Under the plan, firsthome buyers who bought a house for less than $150,000 did not have to pay rates for the first year. It was expected more than 200 properties would be eligible for the holiday. Council Organisation and Support director Marg Allan said the figures so far were a lot less. “By the end of February, 2009, 62 dwellings have been sold with a value of $150,000 or less,” she said. “Eleven applications were received and granted for the rates holiday, at a total cost of $6354.10.” Ms Allan said council relied on the information supplied to apply for the federal government’s firsthome buyers grant to identify those eligible. “At this stage I under-
at Centro Lansell Saturday 18th from 11.00am To celebrate we are having a 3 day sale
15% RATE FREE: But take-up has been less than expected. Photo: ANDREW PERRYMAN
stand the government’s First Home Owners Grant will cease in June, 2009,” she said. “If that is the case the council initiative will also need to cease as we will have no way of verifying eligible purchasers. “Should we get advice the federal government
program will continue, council will then need to decide whether to continue the initiative in its current format or change the criteria. “Councillors have had an initial discussion but at this stage we are awaiting an indication from the government.”
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myki is giving Bendigo a lift (Again and again and again) myki will soon make travelling on the bus fast and easy. Just touch on and touch off! myki is a plastic, durable smart card that you will be able to use over and over again. So with myki, you won’t have to juggle loose change to purchase paper tickets. Just keep myki topped up in your pocket and you’ll be ready to go anywhere, anytime. For more information about myki visit myki.com.au or call 13 6954 (13 myki). Pre-purchase a $5 myki starter pack^ The $5 starter pack includes $5 of myki money. Pay $5 and you’ll be ready to travel with myki.
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^ The initial card fee ($7 for concession and $10 for full fare) has been waived for a limited time only. Visit myki.com.au for details.
Friday, April 17, 2009 – Bendigo Weekly
S
Exciting development in growing Epsom
elling exclusively through Luke Goggin Real Estate, the opportunity has arisen to purchase allotments within Bendigo’s newest and most exciting sub-division, in addition to offering a fantastic opportunity to capitalise on the generous first home buyers grant now available for those within the rental sector who are tired of paying someone else’s mortgage for them. Developed by the Birchgrove Group, with stages 1,2,3 &4 selling fast with their titles available now, and 7 soon to be opened display homes constructed by Dennis Family Homes, Metricon and Symonds, the prospect of owning your own home in a brand new suburb is now a reality.
L
Epsom
stratH eppalOcK FencinG
Ascot Park Development Luke Goggin Bendigo, Travis Holt, 5442 1422; 0418 509 294
The infrastructure surrounding this new suburb has been developed and offers all amenities within walking distance owing to the new Epsom Shopping Complex barely 400m away, allowing for access to a supermarket, service station, chemist, local café and various other specialty shops. In addition to the close proximity to the local
30 years business plus plant
primary school, kindergarten and for the avid golfer, Bendigo Golf Course is an easy stroll away, whilst the surrounding locale of nature reserves, provides walking tracks and areas for children to indulge in outdoor activities
without venturing too far from home. With every need catered for, what is holding you back from stepping onto the property ladder? Georgia Scutt
verandah, an especially welcome feature in the summertime. The gas stove amongst the plethora of cupboards in the dine-in kitchen make it possible to reside here whilst improvements are made. Two of the three bedrooms contain built-in robes and the bathroom is conveniently separate to the toilet and the shower-room. The double stainless-steel sink in the laundry would come in handy. The corner allotment allows vehicle access to the securely fenced backyard, if required. A garden shed joins other sundry shelter structures for storage options.
H
peaceful personality, established trees and parklands close-by. And what makes the location so great? I’m glad you asked. At the end of the street there’s fabulous Max Bakery & Café – with the yummiest bee-stings in Bendigo – next door is the hairdresser, then the accountant and doctor. Oh, and across the road is the milk-bar and Quality Resort All Seasons. Then there’s the Bendigo Club with its famous bistro around the corner. The apartment offers openplan living and excellent kitchen. There’s one big bedroom with ample fitted robes and a bathroom with large vanity, separate shower-over-hip-bath room, toilet and laundry facilities. The property is very secure and most appealing. The front portico has been enclosed to make a delightful sunroom that’s
• Specialising in chain mesh and security fencing • Long list of plant in very good condition • Extensive local client base given in with sale • Excellent trading statements to support the business • Growth areas easily identified for expansion • View on www.landmark.com.au
price $175,000 (plus s.a.V)
Web ID: 7246984
148 Midland Highway, BENDIGO (03) 5448 3881 Brett Tweed 0429 864 551 Email: brett.tweed@landmark .com.au
Bendigo’s Best
DISPLAY HOMES G.J GARDNER HOMES
OFFICE 5 King Street, Bendigo Open Monday to Friday 8.30 - 5.30pm DISPLAY HOME 200 Station Street, Epsom Open Monday to Friday 10.00 - 5.00pm Saturday and Sunday 12.00 - 5.00pm
Eaglehawk 18 Panton Street Ken Preston Real Estate, Maureen Hosking, 5444 5100; 0408 462 285 Price $169,950 Inspect Sat 12.45-1.30pm
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Just a short walk to the bus stop, supermarket, school and so much more, this abode will be of interest to a variety of purchasers.
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Cath Milburn
Apartment in prime Strathdale
ere’s a property that’s just listed and sure to sell this weekend. It’s a sturdy brickveneer apartment with a first-rate location and a sweet price tag. Ideal for first homeowner couples, investors and smart-as-a-whip singles. The apartment is in a tidy group of only four and it’s set back from Woodbury Street. This is a gorgeous street with a
GLEN LODDON HOMES NEW HOMES SALES CENTRE 53 Wills Street, Bendigo Open Monday to Friday 9.00 - 5.30pm Saturday & Sunday 11.00 - 2.00pm
J.G. KING HOMES SALES OFFICE 17 High St, Kangaroo Flat Open Monday to Friday 9.00 - 5.00pm DISPLAY HOME OPEN ‘The Armadale’ Lot 105 McIvor Forest Drive, Junortoun Open Mon-Wed, Sat & Sun 1.00 - 5.00pm
METRICON HOMES SALES OFFICE 53 Myers St, Bendigo Open Monday to Friday 8.30 - 5.00pm
a perfect spot for a cuppa or a cold beer. This home includes good kitchen benches and storage, gas cooking and heating, private yard, small shed, personal carport and easy native surrounds. Currently leased to excellent tenant or vacant possession available. Cathy Matthews
Strathdale 2/26 Woodbury Street Trevor Andrew Real Estate, Trevor Andrew, 5443 7088; 0419 117 495 Price $135,000 - $145,000 Inspect By appointment
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1
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DISPLAY CENTRE McIvor Forest, 73-75 McIvor Forest Dve, Junortoun VicRoads Ref:44 G6 Ph: 5449 3728 Open Every Day 1.00 - 5.00pm
McCARTHY HOMES SALES OFFICE 60 McIvor Road, Bendigo Mon-Fri 8.30-5pm. DISPLAY HOME ‘The Sienna’ 6 Medika Ave, Kangaroo Flat Open Sat & Sun 1.00 - 4.00pm
OTOWERTH CONSTRUCTIONS KAMAROOKA DISTRICT - 284HA - 704ACS APPROx OUTSTANDING OPPORTUNITY - SITUATED 30KMS BENDIGO, 180 KMS MELBOURNE Lot 1: “Moxoms” SOLD
A/C BACON BROS
211 Acs, Subdivided Into
FOR SALE BY TENDER BIRCHIP / WATCHEM 455HA–1126ACS AS A WHOLE OR IN 3 PORTIONS FAMILY OWNERSHIP SINCE 1860
3 Main Paddocks 2 Dams Subdivision Potential S.T.C.A. Lot 2: “Grills” SOLD
70 Acs, 1 Paddock, 1 Dam
Lot 3: “Grills” SOLD
70 Acs, 1 Paddock, 1 Dam
Lot 4: “Mulls” SOLD
70 Acs, 1 Paddock, 1 Dam
Lot 5: “Grose” SOLD
60 Acs, 1 Paddock, 1 Dam
Lot 6: “Lee” SOLD
60 Acs, 1 Paddock, Timber Trees
Lot 7: “Homeblock” 73 Acs, 1 Paddock, 2 Dams
SOLD
R e a l e s tat e
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www.landmark.com.au
Welcome willing hands
ooking for a rent-buster that you can really get stuck into before the first home buyers grant expires at the end of June? Want to take full advantage of the profit that can be generated by a major renovation? Then this may be the property for you. Rejuvenated by willing hands, this residence could shine once again. High ceilings with ornate cornices remain to entice, and floorboards could glow with a polish. Currently in habitable condition, gas heating along with a ceiling-fan in the loungeroom keep the living area comfortable. Double glassdoors lead directly out to the
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Alister Kemp: 0407 965 641 150 Murphy Street BENDIGO Ph: 03 5442 5211
Lot 8: “Murphys”
50 Acs, 1 Paddock, 1 Dam
Lot 9: “Old Place”
40 Acs, Subdivided Into
SOLD Situated 15kms Watchem, 19kms Birchip, 300kms Melb. Lot 1: 640acs – Vacant Land, subdivided 4 main paddocks, 2 dams. Soil types are mostly red & grey loams sown down to tree foil clover and native pastures. Lot 2: 320acs – Vacant Land, subdivided into1 main paddock, 2 dams. Lot 3: 166acs – Vacant Land, Buloke timbered and sheltered shade trees. Subdivided into 1 main paddock. Remarks: Splendid opportunity to purchase fresh healthy mixed farming, fattening country in renowned district. TENDER CLOSES WITH SELLING AGENT 12pm THURSDAY 9th APRIL THE HIGHEST OR ANY TENDER NOT NECESSARILY ACCEPTED.
R e a l e s tat e
1 Paddock, 1 Dam
Alister Kemp: 0407 965 641 150 Murphy Street BENDIGO Ph: 03 5442 5211
5 Henry Court Strathfieldsaye Open Saturday and Sunday 1.00-4.00pm
PAUL GRAY BUILDERS SALES OFFICE Factory 1, 4 Merino Court Bendigo Open Monday to Friday 9.00 - 5.00pm DISPLAY HOME 74 McIvor Forest Drive, Junortoun Wednesday to Sunday 12.30-5.00pm
RUSSELL PARSONS SALES OFFICE 172 McIvor Road, Bendigo Monday to Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm
SIMONDS HOMES SALES OFFICE 172-176 McIvor Road, Bendigo. Phone 5443 3344 Open Monday to Friday 8.30am - 5.00pm DISPLAY HOMES Epsom - Station Street Open Monday - Sunday 12.00pm - 5.00pm Junortoun - Lanark Drive VicRoads 608 K11 Open Monday - Sunday 12.00pm - 5.00pm
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Bendigo Weekly – Friday, April 17, 2009
Sport
bezzo
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April 17 Cricket – South Africa v Australia, Johannesburg
April 18 Racing – Doncaster Handicap, Randwick
with Alan Besley
April 19 Motor Sport – V8 Supercars, Hamilton
email: bezzo@bendigoweekly.com.au
Storm strolls into a dream start
Bezzo’s horses to follow over the Autumn months.
AFL Round 4 Friday Brisbane Lions v Collingwood Saturday Sydney v Carlton Hawthorn v Port Adelaide St Kilda v Fremantle Adelaide v Geelong Sunday North Melbourne v Essendon Richmond v Melbourne West Coast v Western Bulldogs
Bezzo’s Selections Brisbane Carlton Hawthorn St Kilda Geelong Essendon Richmond West Coast Last Week: 7 Season Tally: 17
Australia’s newest football club the Strathfieldsaye Storm had a dream start to its entry into the Bendigo Football Netball League. On the football field the Storm downed one of the nation’s oldest football clubs Castlemaine by 25 points in front of a vocal crowd at the Tannery Lane complex. Ben Richmond had the honour of kicking the first goal for the new club as they led the Magpies at every change before capping off a memorable day for football followers of the region. The footballers won the seniors and the Under 18 clashes against Castlemaine and the Storm girls won all four encounters against the Magpies on the netball courts. Storm coach Clint Whitsed said it was a remarkable day for the club. “It was just a sensational day for the whole club and I am just so happy for our supporters. “If we can follow up with a win over reigning premiers Eaglehawk it could set us up for a big year,” he said. “We have set a team goal of six to nine wins in our first year and
autumn Watch Bezzo’s horses to watch during the autumn months MISS MAREN A very nice win in the Easter Cup at Caulfield last weekend. Trainer Mick Price is looking to take the mare up to Sydney for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. ORTENSIA A nice filly from the Tony Noonan stable, she was most impressive in winning at Randwick last weekend. The $60,000 purchase is rewarding her owners and they should now look forward to the James Carr Stakes at Randwick on Anzac Day.
if we achieve that we will go very close to making the finals in our first year which will be very special,’’ he said.
BFL This Week Castlemaine v Kyneton Eaglehawk v Strathfieldsaye Gisborne v Maryborough Golden Square v South Bendigo
Job well done: Strath Storm players leave the field after their great win over Castlemaine at Tannery Lane.
VFL Werribee Tigers v Bendigo Bombers Saturday 7pm, Werribee.
TAC Cup Bendigo Pioneers v Dandenong Stingrays Saturday 10am QEO.
CHASM A big run at Caulfield last weekend where he came from well back at the top of the straight to get within a neck of the winner Masked Assassin. With some nice races coming up in both Sydney and Adelaide there are plenty of options available for trainer Heath Connors and another win is just around the corner.
y l s u o i r e S Local!
Be listening at 7:10am weekdays d, for our secret soun it’s worth
$3000!
RED DEVIL: Juhn Cutting makes his dash in an MG. Photos: ANDREW PERRYMAN.
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The 3BO’s Big breakfast with the lot! Start your day with Cogho & Shaz for breakfast. They’ll give you the chance to win cash and prizes with the Secret Sound and give you the scoop with what’s happening in Central Victoria! Also, local news updates from Shaun Makepeace every 15 minutes.
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Top time at the saleyards A top turn out of spectators for the popular Easter Saleyards Dash at the Bendigo Livestock Exchange. Rhys Howell, 16, stole the limelight from his more experienced opponents when he drove a Honda Civic to victory on the testing lay out to narrowly defeat 18 year old Craig Thomas in a Nissan Pulsar. The promising young dup demonstrated that you don’t have to have an all wheel drive or turbo charging to dominate this form of motor sport. There were 48 drivers who contested the Saleyards Dash with Renee Larter tak-
ing out the women’s section in a Honda Civic from Tammy Gill and Tanya Hardiman both driving a Subaru WRX.
IN A SPIN: There was plenty for the crowd to see.