Edition 484, August 2021 Historic station to come back to life

CashAfter recurring media reports across $10for million for restoration works. Lal While Mildura. There is Lal64 km of track from Lal nine years of moves to restore the the Moorabool Shire Council will hold Lal to North . historic bluestone buildings of the Lal the head lease on the site, the restored Read the full story of the Lal Lal Lal railway station, it seems there will station will be used by local community station inside on p 8 soon be action. groups and for community activities. Above: Town Crier Gavin Barker welcomes local The Courier of 1 July 2012 reported that Cr Paul Tatchell, who chairs the residents (L to R) Geoff Hewitt, Yendon, Kristina the future use of Lal Lal station “was being Moorabool Council’s Heritage Advisory Kitchingman, Lal Lal, and Anne Beggs-Sunter, Clarendon, to the announcement. considered” by Public Transport . Committee, said that the announcement Below Cr Paul Tatchell, Moorabool Shire chats Then In July 2018, the would give the Lal Lal district a “great Moorabool News with Michaela Settle MP. carried a story which said that the station boost.” would be restored to its former glory with Historic the help of a grant possibly worth close to The station was constructed in 1862. A $750,000. branch line to the Lal Lal Racecourse and Action picnic areas at the Lal Lal Falls was opened But a 1 July announcement by Member in 1886. During the 1880s and 1890s, 23 for Buninyong Michaela Settle finally people were employed at the station. has committed the State Government to Passenger services on the line stopped in funding support. 1978. Presently the line, now branching With some forty locals present, Ms Settle off at Warrenheip, is used periodically announced that Lal lal was one of ten by freight trains carrying grain and other historic stations to share in a grant of goods to Geelong from as far away as LOCAL NEWS

2 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021 LOCAL NEWS

“I was very excited to receive this award, it brought me much happiness and joy but also my success made me feel deep pride. My hard work and dedication to my role as a student leader has shaped the person I have become, and to be formally recognised for this, is wonderful. Nepal again “At university I plan to continue to work in countries that need our help. As soon as the borders open up and I have a COVID vaccine, I am grabbing my things and flying back over to my community in Nepal.

“My dream is to lead an expedition team helping Nepali families, working with Nepali school children, and providing access to healthcare for those that need it. I believe this award will help to enable me to pursue this dream.”

Buninyong locals may also recognise Maya as one of the smiling young faces behind the counter at the Newsagency/BP service Major award to caring leader station. She is the daughter of Brett Tolliday, top-line Buninyong golfer who, with his brother Phil, was a member of the champion district golf team featured in the July edition of The Maya’s big win News. Buninyong teenager, Damascus College She said that the position of College Captain Damascus College Principal Matthew Byrne Captain and Year 12 student, Maya has strengthened her leadership skills and presents Maya Tolliday with her award. Below: Maya at work at the Buninyong Tolliday recently was awarded the Helen qualities, and she is very grateful for this Newsagency Handbury Leadership Award for her opportunity. leadership work and for her community Volunteer commitment and achievements. Outside of school, the Mrs Helen Handbury, a sister of media Buninyong teenager mogul Rupert Murdoch, was a generous volunteers her time benefactor to many charities in Western at Mercy Place, the Victoria. She lived at Hamilton, and died in Salvation Army Op Shop 2004, aged 75 years. The valuable Helen and is a keen volunteer Handbury Leadership Award is part of the as part of the Aussie outstanding contribution that she made over Action Abroad program many years to community development in – the aid program rural and regional . to Nepal founded by Top rural student Buninyong’s Graeme Kent – her grandfather. The award recognises Year 12 students in rural and regional areas who have shown “This overseas program outstanding community leadership. As part of involves fundraising, the award, Maya will receive $5,000 towards organisation and an international trip to experience community development strategies development in another culture. to help those living in remote villages in the Maya’s commitment to her school, her third-world country, community, and her growing leadership Nepal. Being a part of qualities were noted throughout her time at this team motivated me Damascus, she has represented students to travel and volunteer in as an SRC member and as a Year 10 peer Nepal in 2019. mentor.

Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 3 LOCALOPINION NEWS Future traffic in Buninyong brings a

Stony silence This publication is a community project of the Buninyong & District Community Association (BDCA) On two occasions over the past week, • the West Employment Zone supported by the Buninyong driving along the new Link Road to would provide 250 hectares of land for Community Bank. the Lucas Shopping Centre corner, industrial and commercial users before Published monthly then along Dyson Road to Carngham 2035 Editor: Barry Fitzgerald Road, and then to the long queues • the final stage of the Ballarat Western Design: Sian Blohm, Design Studio at the Wiltshire Lane roundabout, Link Road would ‘create a continuous Ballarat brought home the scary future of link between the Midland Highway and Advertising: Gayle Adams traffic in Buninyong. In coming years the Western Freeway Reporters: Cassandra Carland, much of this traffic will be wanting to Ray Sullivan, Russell Luckock, Rita head to the Buninyong district or on to Increase Russell The writers of the report stated that it was Geelong. All contributions (copy, letters, considered “reasonable” to expect annual photographs or advertising) must be A glance to either side of the road on the traffic volume growth to be some 1 per submitted before the twelfth of each month to buninyongnews@gmail. above trip brings the sight of thousands of cent to 2 per cent on Warrenheip Street com. Enquiries to 5341 2844. new homes jammed gutter-to-gutter onto and between 1.5 and 2.5 per cent along Copy should not exceed 400 words and small blocks, with any vacant land now Learmonth Street. a maximum of two photographs per crammed full of excavators hard at work item may be submitted. Material may Basic mathematics would suggest that on more sub-divisions. be edited because of space, style, or in the nine years since this study traffic clarity, or for legal reasons. Count volumes along Learmonth Street might The name and address of the person In 2012 Vicroads undertook a traffic count have increased by some 20 per cent. submitting any material must be of the traffic travelling through Buninyong. Many Buninyong residents say that would provided (address not for publication). A May 2013 paper Buninyong Traffic be a conservative estimate, particularly of The Community News reserves the right not to publish material considered Impact Study reported that “Learmonth the truck traffic. to be offensive or inappropriate or not Street carries a daily traffic volume in the deemed to have community interest or The increase in heavy vehicle traffic is order of 6900 vpd (west of Warrenheip relevance. what’s causing concern. Speed and noise Street), and 6300 vpd (east of Warrenheip The views expressed or information are getting to the serious stage. Street) with heavy vehicles comprising in provided in this publication are not necessarily those of the Buninyong and the order of 10-12 per cent of all traffic.” It’s all very well building super roads to District Community Association or of the But it was the section on Future Traffic get the traffic away from the airport area, Buninyong Community Bank, including any officers, members, agents or that was of most interest, and the Lucas area and the Winter Valley area, Volumes contractors. concern, to locals. In section 3.1 it was but where do our planners and politicians Printed by Baxter and Stubbs, Ballarat. reported that expect it to go when it hits the Midland Highway at Magpie? That question has Available online in full colour at: • the Ballarat West Growth Area was been asked before... with stony silence buninyong.vic.au/news/newsletters expected to see some 16,000 new from our representatives in Spring Street Member of the Community dwellings in the period to 2045 and Sturt Street. Newspapers Association of Victoria

4 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021 LOCAL NEWS

THE TWO BUNINYONGS cover story in last month’s edition created some interest. Not least with Mike Ryan a senior tradie working on a local new build who, after saying how he had moved from Dubbo to Ballarat, also added that not only had he heard of the second Buninyong – but the actually lived there on Buninyong Road!

WITH ALL of the improvement works on the Warrenheip Street business strip about to start, it was sad to see

Elsie, Emma and Mia, from the Scotsburn Campus, look very happy as they get set to help with the the recent closure of the Pig & Goose recent replanting exercise along stretches of the Midland Highway. Food Store and the Three Times Blest clothing store. There also will be a New trees replace start soon on streetscape works in Learmonth Street between the old post highway axed ones office and the Crown Hotel corner. In June, students from Buninyong for the project was donated to a Ballarat WILLIAMS NEWSAGENCY in Primary School’s Scotsburn campus wildlife sanctuary to help feed their koala Sturt Street, opposite the hospital, and joined forces with the Upper population. At the same time, timber owned by local resident and Cemetery Williamson Creek Landcare Group from the felled trees was also repurposed Trust member Jo Thomson and to plant seedlings to help revegetate by local groups and organisations, husband Bruce, has hit the Tattslotto the roadside along the Midland including the Scotsburn Primary School. jackpot for a second time in six months selling a recent Division 1 winning ticket Highway following major safety Nesting boxes improvement works. worth $829,000. They have sold eight In addition, 30 timber nesting boxes big winners in eight years! The trees will replace some of those – custom-made by the Men’s Shed at removed to accommodate safety St Andrews – to suit different types improvements undertaken between of animals – were installed in trees THE COVID REGULATIONS which Buninyong and Clarendon to widen the along the route earlier in the year to required the Village Market to be totally road and install flexible safety barriers. encourage habitat back to the area. contained within a fence may have had Species Member for Buninyong Michaela Settle an unintended positive result. Seems The trees selected for planting along the helped students plant 150 seedlings, use will now be made of the fenced highway include Silver Banksia, Christmas taking the total number of trees replanted grounds of the historic Uniting Church. Bush, Blackwood, and Golden Wattle. The along the works zone this year to 750. A superb setting for the market. species of trees were carefully chosen This $23 million Midland Highway to ensure they were suitable habitat for upgrade is part of the Victorian AT PRESENT, the State seat of wildlife such as crimson rosellas, gliders, Government’s $1.4 billion investment Buninyong held by Michaela Settle, koalas, and possums. into reducing road trauma, with major takes in a fair chunk of the likes of The total number of trees being replanted works on this 12km section due for Sebastopol, Delacombe, Mt Pleasant along the works zone this year is 750 completion in late July once the centre and even . But, if the with a further 3,500 trees and bushes barrier is installed. boundary changes proposed by the planned to be planted along this stretch Victorian Electoral Commission are A reseal still needs to be applied to the of road in 2022. adopted in October, these areas will go, old road surface, however these works and be replaced by the whole of Golden More than 300 trees were required to be require warmer temperatures and will be Plains Shire, and a northern bit of removed to make way for the Midland undertaken in summer. Final line marking Corangamite. Buninyong, Mount Helen Highway safety improvement works. The and rumble strips will be applied after and the Moorabool Shire will remain. vegetation from the native trees removed the reseal.

Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 5 LOCALPEOPLE NEWS

charming the ladies in his group of regular Henk, himself, could have penned the fellow coffee drinkers. invitation included in the official death notice in The Courier which invited those With his family, Henk migrated from attending to “Please feel free to bring a the Netherlands in 1958 aged sixteen coffee”. years. The family first settled in Clunes. He had some basic skills Seven of Henk’s Buninyong friends as a hand compositor, undertook (Joan, David, Anna, Michael, Niki, related studies, and then was Alan and Howard) described him as employed by The Courier “uniquely amazing… with so many and subsequently by the stories to tell, so many opinions, and so Maryborough printing firm much laughter.” of Hedges & Bell. But a tribute from friends and business Start up colleagues, the Campana family, probably In 1974, and said it all. They described Henk as “funny, partly-funded honest and loving... one of a kind.” by working as a cleaner by night, he commenced his own printing business, Henksan Printers, located in OBITUARY Humffray Street, Ballarat, just near the corner of Mair Street. Henk... one In this business he quickly became involved with the of a kind Ballarat business community. One One of the village’s most recognisable former client said “while he was a bit characters, Henk Batstra, died on 28 testy, had strong opinions on all kinds June, aged 78 years. After cycling of subjects, Henk was an honest and down from his Henderson’s Road excellent printer.” home each morning, Henk became a Design 61 daily fixture downtown as he sipped a Still in the same location, the business is coffee outside of Espresso Depot. now called 61 Design and is run by Henk’s He had the uncanny ability to be able to son, Stefan. almost simultaneously carry on banter with Henk was farewelled by a large group of passers-by, express his strong views on friends, clients and business colleagues wide-ranging issues to anyone who would on 7 July at the Regent Cinema followed listen, and at the same time, work on by a private cremation. Catherine KING MP Federal Member for Ballarat

03 5338 8123 CatherineKingMP

[email protected] @CatherineKingMP

www.catherineking.com.au | Standing up for our Community! Authorised by Catherine King, Australian Labor Party, 5/9 Sydney Avenue Barton ACT.

6 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021 LOCAL NEWS

the vision and master planning process of the Buninyong Botanic Gardens which are Gardens gurus now in their 161st year. The planning process proposed by the Friends group for the Gardens Master Plan has been informed by models developed share a vision by the RBGV for planning at both its Over sixty gardens enthusiasts met involved in ’s Botanic Gardens Melbourne and Cranbourne sites. at the Buninyong Bowling Club in late there was a large sign at the entrance June to hear about and discuss the telling visitors what they could not do after President of FOBBG, Roger Permezel vision and plans for the Buninyong they entered. said, “Project Botanica hopefully will aid Botanic Gardens from two highly- the discussions amongst the community He soon had the signs changed so that regarded academics and public and Ballarat City Council and be a key the ‘welcome’ was first and foremost – gardens professionals. part of the coming review to look at followed much later by the ‘please don’ts’. the structure and function of our local Guest speaker at the meeting was “After all, these Gardens are public Gardens into the future.” Professor Tim Entwisle, Director and gardens,” he said. CEO of the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria Buninyong resident, Jock Gilbert, led (RBGV). He was appointed to this post some twenty of his students from RMIT in 2013 after stints at Sydney’s Royal University’s School of Architecture & Botanic Gardens and at the RBG Kew, Design in a joint visioning and design London. project entitled Project Botanica, together Welcome with the Friends of Buninyong Botanic He was adamant that any Botanic Gardens (FOBBG) group. Gardens should be welcoming to visitors. Project Botanica was commissioned to He recalled that when he first became contribute to the discussion that will drive

Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens chief Tim Entwhistle (right) discusses the forum with Jock Gilbert (centre) and Roger Permezel. Love Buninyong?

BUNINYONG Support our BUSINESS NETWORK “Bringing Business to Buninyong” local businesses

[email protected]

Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 7 LOCALHISTORY NEWS The story of the Lal Lal railway station… and of Power and influence The opening of the railway was a time. Why were the Lal Lal and Yendon Following is an abridged version of marvellous advance for passengers. stations so close together? And why was local historian Anne Beggs-Sunter’s Trains left Geelong four times daily, and Yendon initially called Buninyong? short history of the 160-year-old the journey took two and a half hours, railway which provides a back- One story was that the Fisken family stopping at Steiglitz Road, Lethbridge, ground to the recent decision by wanted a station close to their home Meredith, Lal Lal, Buninyong (Yendon). the State Government to fund the for the convenience of themselves and Later more stops were added at restoration of the historic Lal Lal important visitors to their property. In Warrenheip, Navigators and Elaine, but Railway Station 1861 Archibald Fisken was Chairman of these did not have elaborate station the Buninyong Roads Board and a man of buildings. In January 1862 tenders were some influence. accepted for railway stations at Lal At Lal Lal, a reservoir with a capacity of The mis-naming of the station was to Lal and at Yendon (initially called three million gallons was built to supply give the impression that the train passed Buninyong East) and for other stations water for the steam trains at a cost of through the bustling gold-mining town on the new line to Geelong. The firm £25,000. The associated water tower of Buninyong, although in reality a cab of J Campbell & Co. built all stations was removed in 1963 when diesel engines service was needed to take passengers on except that at Bannockburn. replaced steam. the five mile trip there. All were fine bluestone structures. Many Busy This festered with the citizens of bluestone bridges were built, including one During the nineteenth century up to 23 Buninyong who finally achieved their near Mt Doran and another at Navigators people were employed at the Lal Lal own branch line from Ballarat East to with large numbers of quarrymen and Station. With goods for the iron mine, the Buninyong in 1889. stonemasons being employed. One lignite mine, and large quantities of timber, contractor even imported 500 masons as well as the racecourse branch line from The station at Yendon was demolished in from Germany to provide an instant 1886 to 1942, it was a busy station. 1968, and the passenger service between workforce. Geelong and Ballarat was replaced by There was a turntable, and an engine a bus service in the 1970s. From that Open 1862 repair shop. Houses were supplied nearby time the Lal Lal railway station has been The line was officially opened on 10 April for the gangers and the gatekeeper. unoccupied. 1862. Passenger trains began running on The building of a station at nearby Yendon 11 April, and freight trains on 20 August – Anne Beggs-Sunter caused considerable discussion at the 1862. No to village idea I have been very concerned to read in recent copies of The News of some interest in turning the old soccer ground into a retirement village. I live quite close to this site and observe this open green space being utilised by all age groups in our community. I have noticed a lot of recent infill development in Buninyong in the form of units. This is a much better way of accommodating older people in the village, integrated in the community. The construction of a retirement village is counter-intuitive to village life, especially when it entails the loss of well utilised open green space. – Anne Scott, Buninyong

8 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021 LOCALPEOPLE NEWS Lesley shares her passion for art with others Hale and arty

From about four years of age, Lesley Hale had a passion for most forms of art.

It started off with her drawing horses – all forms and sizes and colours of horses – on any paper or other surface that might have been nearby. antiques dealer. Metal garden art will also next one will be a four hour Working with At primary school in Cheltenham, she won be an exciting new venture. Clay workshop at the Town Hall on 21 several prizes and competitions for her art August. Enquiries can be made to 0409 In 2020, she says she had a Eureka work. 317 697. Her website is at gildedgarden. moment in her life. ”It hit like a blinding com.au. Then at Mentone Girls’ College she flash,” she said. This was when she excelled in art studies. Not only did her art realised that “there was more to life than Oh, and in case she looks a little familiar, work receive outstanding marks from her just work” and she suddenly decided that Lesley can be seen in the Customer teachers, her fellow students also were in the future she would “strive to do the Service and Supervisor role at the local happy to part with the occasional 20 cents things that make me fulfilled and happy.” Foodworks store on Mondays, Tuesdays to buy some of her drawings of old-time This now takes the form of her own art and on Sunday mornings. movie stars. work, teaching workshops, and garden. Above: Lesley at work in her home studio and Lost it Her very own studio will be a reality in the (below) at work at Foodworks. near future. After leaving school, a move to Gippsland, marriage, and health problems resulted Earlier this year she in her art interests and practice “kinda conducted the first of these getting lost” for about ten years. workshops for a group of local residents at the Grenville But after moving to Ballarat in 1992 Hall. Along with the twelve and with time on her hands being a ‘students’ she had a great ‘stay-at-home mum’, Lesley commenced time making folk-art rabbits art classes at BRACE, continuing them from air-dried clay. across the next five years. There she worked mainly in oils and water colours. Credit During that time she was also kept busy Lesley gives much credit with numerous appearances in stage for having found her niche productions with Ballarat National Theatre. to friend and next-door Even after purchasing a property in neighbour Miranda Donald Durham Lead in 2008, Lesley still has who she said had been problems with finding enough time and “incredibly encouraging and space to accommodate her wide range supportive.” They first met of art interests. Recently this has even while in the cast of a National expanded into an art restoration business, Theatre production in 2007. along with partner Chris, an engineer, Now she is starting up art expert restorer and formerly a Ballarat workshops in Buninyong. The

Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 9 LOCAL NEWS As student interest in farm education soars TAFE review coming

The agricultural industry and interested supports many more jobs, including shape the future of an industry that means students will benefit from a coming many in logistics, transport and advisory so much to our community and state.” review which will identify how TAFEs services. Aims can continue to meet the changing The thriving Victorian agriculture sector The review aims to: needs of the industry and provide produces more than $14.9 billion worth wider educational opportunities. ensure agriculture training remains of meat, milk, and produce – supporting a • innovative and relevant The TAFE review comes on the heels $41.5 billion food processing industry. understand the factors involved in of reports that enrolments in University- • Future student choice level agricultural science courses have The review will consider the future of explore how TAFE training can soared in recent years. For example, at • agricultural training in Victoria. It will be continue meeting the needs of the Longerenong Agricultural College at led by Member for Buninyong Michaela employers and students Horsham, enrolments in 2021 showed a 66 Settle who studied at TAFE and owned per cent jump over the previous year. Similar It will involve extensive consultation with and operated a family sheep farm in Ararat increases were reported in other States. industry, employers, TAFE and other for more than a decade. training providers and students to develop The agricultural sector is especially She said that with this background she a series of key recommendations to important to regional Victoria and directly was “looking forward to this really exciting ensure the sector has the training needed employs about 145,000 people. It also opportunity to use my experience to help to grow the agricultural industry.

ADVERTISEMENT MICHAELA SETTLE MP State Member of Parliament for Buninyong Delivering for Buninyong

e: [email protected] p: (03) 5331 7722

Authorised by M Settle MP, 15 Main Road, Ballarat. Funded from Parliamentary Budget

10 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021 LOCALPEOPLE NEWS Logistics, liquor and now Lions leader David, the village grocer

David Searl may now be living in Patterson Reid & Bruce. Five years later Ballarat, but his ties to Buninyong he was posted to Papua New Guinea to be could not be much stronger. To older involved with the export/import side of the residents he is well remembered as business. the owner of Searl’s Licensed Grocery Move here for about ten years up to 1990. He and wife Jenny then moved to But, in addition to being installed as the Buninyong in 1980 where they President of the Buninyong Mount Helen purchased and operated the Lions Club a few weeks ago, he also is an local grocery store and liquor active member of the Buninyong Bowling business, now Buninyong Club and the local Men’s Shed. Foodworks. After that was sold in 1990, he worked at Born and educated in Brisbane, David, Woolworths until he ‘retired’ 73, moved to Melbourne in 1970 to work in 2005. He then spent six with major logistics and supply company years driving the Ballarat to Airport shuttle bus.

David joined the local Lions Club in 1981, assisting charities and the needy in various soon after coming to Buninyong. His ways – David said that his goals this year recent installation as the President of the were “to maintain and hopefully build on club marks the second occasion he has our modest membership base, so as to served in that role. The previous term was develop a better succession plan.” in 1984. While there are no signs at all of David’s He said that the local club was now cutting back on this active range of generating substantial funds from its community involvements, perhaps one two local ventures – the ‘world famous’ clue as to a major future development was bookshop and the Op Shop. Both rely his becoming a member of the Ballarat heavily upon volunteers to raise the tens of Alexander Croquet Club (pictured left). In thousands of dollars the local club returns April of this year he had already notched up to charities and local organisations each a win Section 3 of the District Tournament. year. “It’s just near where we live, and I can In addition to continuing the present easily ride my bike down there,” he said, activities of the Club – the two businesses, rejecting any hint of his slowing down by providing BBQs for local activities, and entering the gentle world of croquet.

Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 11 LOCAL NEWS New faces now lead local Lions There were two new faces in the key projects – the Book roles of President and Secretary Shop and the Op when the Lions Club of Buninyong Shop – various Mt Helen recently held its annual community BBQs, Changeover Dinner. assisting individuals with clean ups and New President is well-known local identity wood drives, and David Searl, and the incoming Secretary has given funding is Malcolm Freeman. These and other support to many office-bearers were installed by Lions groups including Past District Governor Ron Thomas at five local schools, the Dinner held at the Barkly Motorlodge recycling, Blaze and attended by some 45 members and Aid, Talbot Place, guests. the Soup Bus, Busy Breezeway, BBRIC, In her outgoing President’s report, the Salvation Army New Secretary of the local Lions Club Malcolm Freeman (left) is installed Barbara Voigt detailed some of the and the Buninyong by Lions District Governor Ron Thomas (centre) while President David activities of the group over the previous News. Searl looks on. year. A continuing major commitment has been is working with the Council to have large Despite the impact of the Covid problem, to the Lions Youth of the Year project. canvas curtains installed on the stage the club and its volunteers has been More evidence of the Lions’ work will soon building. involved with its two major front-line be seen in Desoza Park where the Club

BUNINYONG MEET NEW OWNER STU BRIEN Stu will assist with all your real estate needs including residential and commercial sales

PRD BUNINYONG 511 Warrenheip Street prd.com.au/buninyong [email protected] | 5341 2200

12 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021 LOCAL NEWS PAUL’S MOVE TO UNITING CHURCH The Buninyong Uniting Church printing were all formative and welcomed a new minister in May. instructive experiences which later He is the Rev. Paul Sanders whose led him to theological and ministry appointment was also to the South training. Ballarat Uniting Church (Sebastopol), Paul’s ministry and training and to Meredith. He and his wife has largely been in the fields Pauline, moved here from Dunkeld, of contemplative spirituality, where they conducted a meditative spiritual education and in leading retreat house ministry along with meditation and mindfulness-related pilgrim walks, and also built a retreats. He has training and community labyrinth. teacher appointments in Zen and During the years 2010-2014, Pauline and Christian Contemplation. Paul also restored and opened the Dunkeld Camino walk Wood-Fired Bakery and Café. There, they Paul and Pauline spent some time quickly discovered the value of old historical on Lindisfarne Island, in the North assets, communal belonging and the of England. They both undertook difficult and hard work of small businesses. Camino walking, and were so There, he says “he learnt the value of social pleased with the natural beauty capital and the strength of local stories.” and walks in the area. They are delighted to be now living in Paul has also worked with the Augustine engagement for creative and spiritual/life Buninyong with easier access to their four Centre in Melbourne, a personal growth skilling, stating that “researched evidence children and nine grandchildren. centre and a creative Uniting Church of contemplative practices shows Growing up educational ministry which offered stress and tension can be lessened, Paul’s early life was growing up in opportunity to link and integrate art creativity enhanced and personal and Queensland. His parents were in the arts – spaces, group work, community discourse communal connectivity restored and most his dad a violinist, his mum in theatre. Sun, and meditative practices. importantly, burnout avoided.” open spaces and a green landscape, he Both Pauline and Paul maintain an interest They both feel fortunate to be living here says, “is what drew him into inner spaces.” in the arts. Pauline has a Diploma in Art with Lucy, their spoodle dog, and are He found himself caught between visual Design and loves garden work. Paul grateful for the warm welcome received arts, and the language of myth, metaphor paints, writes poetry and is presently by the Uniting Church Community. Rev. and poetry. These experiences and working with a composer on contemporary Paul Sanders can be contacted on sensibilities continue to influence. Working sung chant responses. 0407833515 or on the church phone at in the Queensland forestry industry, 5341 2440. He hopes to further encourage use orchard work in Victoria, and a trade in of Church spaces for learning and – Rita Russell End of VCAT barrels hearings After almost six days of hearings, changes relating to the height of the proposed VCAT now seems set to deliver its 16m high Vertigo barrel, and the lowering of determination on the Buninyong barrels the other barrels into the hillside setting. case in about six weeks’ time. Other proposed changes included a much In the latter stages, most focus was on water more detailed landscape plan, improvements waste, amenity impacts on neighbours, to and partly-sealing access roads, and bushfire dangers and even potential damage diminished lighting to dry stone walls. The two VCAT members Neighbours, representatives of community recently visited the site on Yendon No 2 Road. groups and the attended and Since the first period of hearings in May, the made submissions opposing the development Application had been significantly modified with at all sessions.

Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 13 LOCAL NEWS

POLICE BEAT

ONLINE SCAMMERS successfully targeted a Buninyong resident on 3 June. The scam involved a malware notification on the victim’s computer screen. A response by the victim allowed the scammers to gain remote access to the computer. As a result, account details were located and several monetary transactions were made. To reduce the risk of becoming a victim of cybercrime, ensure you have set strong passwords and delete any suspicious emails that you receive. Avoid clicking on links or downloading anything from people you don’t know or trust. For tips on avoiding online scams, visit www.scamwatch.gov.au

A THEFT occurred in Webbs Hill Road Buninyong on 14 June. Several items including flowers, eggs and fertilizer were Service with a smile stolen from a stall located outside of residential premises. Kaitlyn and Elle Disappointingly, the offenders also broke into an “honesty box” and took a small amount of cash. A Silver Ford Falcon 1 Tonne Ute was captured on CCTV in the vicinity at the time. in r Deli secti If any one has information relating to this theft, please call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 and make an anonymous report.

A HOLDEN COMMODORE was stolen from the driveway of a residence in Forest Street Buninyong on 23 June just after midnight. Patrolling police spotted the stolen vehicle a short time later in Main Road and the offender was arrested after a brief foot chase. As a result, a 23-year-old Buninyong man was charged with a number of offences and remanded to appear at the Ballarat Magistrates Court the following day.

THERE HAS BEEN a spike in theft from motor vehicles reported to the Buninyong Police in the month of June. Areas affected include Mount Clear, Mount Helen and Buninyong. Several vehicles were targeted by opportunistic thieves who have accessed vehicles and taken items of value including wallets, cash and keys. Remember to ensure that you “target harden” to minimise the chances of becoming a victim. Lock and secure your vehicle when not in use, refrain from leaving items of value in your car at any stage and park it in a well-lit location at night where possible.

IF ANY member of the Community has any information that could assist Police in solving these or any other Crimes, please call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000. Remember “If you know something, say something.”

14 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021 LOCAL NEWS

Start on LETTERS TO THE EDITOR signage Ballarat City Council has installed the Bus stop... first of three signs delineating the Sanctuary Bushland Reserve at Mt Michaela’s wrong Helen. Like Janine (The News, July, p 18) The Sanctuary reserve was developed as I too beg to differ from Michaela a result of a VCAT determination that, while Settle’s stance on the bus stop. permitting housing in the ‘estate’ area, a She may have observed the traffic bushland corridor had to be retained as conditions in Warrenheip Street safe koala habitat. The estate is covered for approximately an hour with an by four environmental overlays, and VCAT accomplice on a particular day further mandated that there were to be no from which she has deduced that cats or dogs kept on any lot. all is well in the Eyre St/Forest St Nearby residents are urged not to throw block. any garden refuse (including grass clippings) into the Sanctuary. There is I too use my post office box daily as already evidence of gorse, broom and well as having been a very regular blackberry problems. Council has received patron of the Pig and Goose. a request for regular weed eradication to My observations are of congested follow up on work started late last year. parking (sometimes even around the The Sanctuary reserve is a peaceful and corners into Forest and Eyre Streets. I significantly vegetated piece of retained have seen many traffic and pedestrian bush. There have been 56 species of near-misses. plants identified within its boundaries. If Michaela does not wish to support Wall art at the majority wishes found by her own recent survey perhaps she would be the House better to stand aside and allow another The new Community House had some to represent Buninyong. exciting artwork installed on interior walls recently by Robert Young Signs. Buninyong resident, The copy of an original photo from name and address supplied the Buninyong and District Historical Solar helps Society has been made into a large format graphic now covering an entire Bus stop... students wall in the meeting room. Recently Buninyong Primary School why the fuss? had solar panels installed at both The photo is believed to be circa 1901 I’d like to ask why a bus stop can campuses. A 59kw system has been with a procession march associated cause so much of an issue for the fitted at Buninyong and a 5.8kw with the Boer War. It clearly shows the some of the residents of our town! system at Scotsburn. streetscape of Warrenheip Street (between Forest and Eyre) where the Community The systems were switched on in June, We live in a beautiful place with clean House is situated. and despite the wintery conditions, the air, friendly people and quiet streets. panels are already having a significant Work is currently under way on a new The side streets and the council impact. To give an idea of that impact, website for groups to book the House carpark behind the service station the Buninyong campus on average, uses online. It’s not too far away now... stay quite often have numerous parks approximately 50kw on a school day tuned. available. Is 100m too far to walk to in June, and the new panels are now the post office? producing an average of 60kw per day. It is a privilege to drive a car. Have a The panels were funded by the State thought for the people who may be Government through a Greener unable to drive and have no choice Government Schools grant. but to catch public transport. On top The Buninyong Primary School Principal of that public transport should be Bernie Conlan said that the school is promoted, not denigrated! looking forward to a saving of between $25,000 and $30,000 each year, and he Andrew Aitken, plans to inject those savings into initiatives Buninyong that will make a difference for students.

Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 15 LOCAL NEWS

Tempest from the South Thanks to this year’s unusually wet May, Winter opened with the ground saturated and tree canopies heavy with water. With 12.2mm falling in the first week, the score since early May came to over 100mm. Then the worst happened. A new choice for specs On 9 June, after two days of relative calm, the Great Tempest of 2021 roared Your place or his from the south. It lasted two nights and a day, destroyed thousands of trees If you have broken those spectacles There’s no fancy reception desks or shiny and everything they landed on. While that you need to read, look at the TV, display cases at Steve’s place. He won’t we received 46.7mm of rain, the floods or see way up the road, you now have be wearing a sharp name badge, colour- generated by much higher falls across a choice – head to an optical store, or coordinated uniform or expensive suit. But the state resulted in loss of life. All types call up a local bloke who has been an you can be assured that he knows what of infrastructure were wrecked, and the optical technician for 45 years. he’s on about if you need new glasses, recovery is going to take ages. frames repaired or lenses replaced. All you Owner of the mobile Countrywidespecs After that, the second half of the month need is a cuppa and a prescription. business is Buninyong resident, Steve was routine. Regular rain brought the total McKee, who started off his working He also is into adding lens coatings, to 95.6mm and the score for the first half life in 1975 with the famous but now and supplying specs for safety, diving, of the year to 407.5mm, around 100mm defunct firm ofColes & Garrard in shooting or for cyclists. Over the years more than average. The start of Winter Bourke Street Melbourne. He opened the he has even fitted lenses to the lanterns 2021 won’t be forgotten soon. Countrywidespecs business in 2006. on vintage cars, repaired or improved JUNE 2021 Mobile telescope lenses, and made diving masks to prescription. Date Rain Date Rain He’s been a resident in Buninyong for 3-4 9.1 12-20 15.2 seven years, and is happy to come to your Eye testing is not available, and he’s place with his mobile service, or (along unable to provide health fund receipts. 6 3.1 23-26 19 with his two poodles) to meet you at his 9-11 46.7 28 2.5 Full contact details and other useful home workshop where he has his technical technical information is to be found on his Total 95.6mm equipment and a range of hundreds of website – countrywidespecs.com or call Average 68.6mm frames from which to choose. 0477 066 013.

For all your local electrical requirements

Phone Murray on 0417 518 930

REC 11582

16 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021 LOCAL NEWS Natural environment under review Green action at golf course Golf’s governing body, the Royal vegetation found in water bodies on is environmentally significant both for & Ancient (R&A), has directed the course. its diversity and relatively undamaged clubs around the world to move to • to avoid disturbing known bird nests condition. harmonise the playing quality of golf or den sites, particularly those To the left of the 14th tee is an area of courses with the conservation of of ground-nesting birds such as ecological significance primarily because their natural environments. plovers of its high plant species diversity typified within designated non-playing Locally, the grounds of the 64 acre • by several native grasses, wildflowers environmental areas, to restore Buninyong golf course have significant and many species of orchids. degraded habitats, such as eroded potential to be managed to promote slopes, compacted soils, polluted Appropriate management will be critical ecosystem services that provide water sources, or areas overrun undertaken after further assessment of this balance between conservation, with invasive exotic species. both sites. This will include further weed restoration and recreational interests. removal, seed dispersal, off-site plant Sensitive areas Plan propagation, limited soil enhancement, Two main environmentally sensitive areas An overall course management plan to have been identified. These are on the These areas have the potential to not enhance recreation and conservation left of the 6th tee in the vicinity of the only enhance the environment of the values for both private and public benefit dam, and to the left of the 14th tee. golf course, but provide an opportunity is being considered by the Golf Club for members to better understand and Board. The surrounds of the dam adjacent to become involved in the conservation of the sixth fairway provide an example of a The Club has now developed basic the club’s natural resources. uniquely variable ecosystem dominated aims that provide for the environmental by native grasses and orchids. The area – Greg Horrocks management of the course. These are • to protect and enhance local flora and fauna communities • to develop an economically viable golf course which is environmentally responsible • to ensure that any revegetation of environmental areas is carried out using endemic plants • to educate golfers to understand that environmentally-sound golf courses are quality golf courses. Action To achieve these aims the following action is proposed • to revegetate to connect small and large natural areas to better provide natural corridors that facilitate wildlife movement, particularly koalas, both through the course, and from the course to neighbouring natural areas. • to maintain or plant a diversity of endemic plant species of varying heights from ground cover to shrub and tree layers in habitat areas. • to leave dead trees standing when they do not pose a safety hazard. Greg Horrocks is a Research Fellow in the School of Science at Federation • to promote and enhance aquatic University, and is a recent appointee to the Board of the Buninyong Golf Club.

Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 17 LOCALSPORT NEWS When Zero means a lot The jumper of a senior Buninyong footballer carried an unusual number Shannon’s death devastated the football in a recent game. Leaving his usual club and many in the local community. number 4 in his locker, Alex ‘Bomma’ 300 mark Bomitali wore the number zero for two Alex said, “It was a great honour to wear reasons that number in memory of my good mate, rolls on by and also in memory of others from the Firstly a major sponsor of the club is the sporting and local community who have A HUGE MILESTONE was recently Transport Accident Commission (TAC) which lost loved ones on the roads.” passed by veteran Bombers footballer heavily markets the Towards Zero slogan. Mark Phelps who passed his 300th A son of Buninyong’s Keith and Rose game with the local football club in the Memory Murphy, Shannon was also well known for game against Dunnstown on 12 June. But the main reason that Alex wore that his role as Assistant Greenkeeper at the A presentation was made to him by number on his jumper was in memory of Buninyong Golf Club, having completed the club at the following home game. his team-mate Shannon Murphy who was his apprenticeship under the Club’s He clocked up game No 306 playing tragically killed in a road trauma accident long-standing Greenkeeper Maurice with the Buninyong Reserves against some twenty years ago during an end-of- Cartledge. Learmonth on last Saturday 24 July. season football trip to Bendigo. Day out... night out Buninyong’s football and netball teams each had a big day out recently when visiting Clunes. The footballers won by 27 goals, and the netballers had a 67-14 goal win over the home team.

The ‘hot’ netball team is undefeated for the season with a huge 400 plus percentage, while the footballers remain hopeful of making the Finals with a current 6-3 record.

That big day on the sporting field rolled into the evening with the Club’s Annual Ball held at Federation University. Shown enjoying the night at the Ball was club stalwart Gerard McCarty with grand- daughters Eden (left) and Ella.

18 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021 LOCAL NEWS

Just Beautiful.

The first step towards your beautiful new Kitchen begins with a little time to meet one of our qualified designers. They’ll help guide you through all the different displays in our beautiful Kitchen Showroom and show you the style that will complement your home.

Make the time and you’ll quickly see our innovative and customised cabinetry will create a functional and beautifully stylish lifestyle space.

Contact our team to begin your journey, and discover your beautiful new Kitchen.

Ballarat Sales Office & Showroom 134 Fussell Street, Ballarat East T. 03 5332 7040

9:00am – 5:00pm Monday to Friday

9:00am – 12:00pm Saturday advancedcabinetry.com.au Closed Sunday

Community Bank • Buninyong & District Your town. Your bank. Everything you need

We deliver the products and technology you’d expect from a big bank, plus the personal service you wouldn’t. As one of Australia’s biggest banks, our heartland remains firmly local. As does our focus on you and the quality banking products you need. Feel good about who you bank with. Try Bendigo. Find out more. Call 5341 8066 or search Bendigo Bank Buninyong.

Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited ABN 11 068 049 178, AFSL/Australian Credit Licence 237879 A1455027 OUT_1952970, 29/03/2021

Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 19 LOCALSPORT NEWS Driving women’s golf forward Golf Australia’s leaders in town Two key officials from Golf Australia to better cater for (GA) recently visited the Buninyong women golfers Golf Club to discuss future directions isn’t an easy task. for women’s golf. They were GA’s She said, “There Female Engagement Officer Megan is resistance Carr, and GA’s Development Officer sometimes, and Tony Collier. you hear things like ‘we’ve tried that They discussed a national project referred before and it hasn’t to as Even Par which is designed to worked’.” support golf clubs in developing initiatives to encourage greater female participation in Possibilities the sport. It commenced in 2018 when the After the Golf female participation rate in golf had fallen to Australia visitors under 20 per cent – the lowest on record. addressed about New ideas fifteen women golfers at the Written reports and several videos of Buninyong club, Initiatives already introduced by golf clubs they met with Club are available. President Ron Some of the examples include one at the Delaland, Board Bannockburn Golf Club where the club member Betty Champion soccer player, Megan Carr is now also an changed its constitution, dissolved the McGuinness, and accomplished golfer. women’s committee, and reformed the Match Committee board including several women. members Helen At the Huntingdale and Kew golf clubs, McSparron and Matt Burdon to discuss club championships are now offered on possibilities for the local Club. weekends to cater for women who work or Coming from Sydney to Shepparton some study midweek. At the Northern Golf Club, fifteen years ago, Megan Carr had a the club sought a government grant and brilliant record as a soccer player before ran a This Girl Can campaign. Other clubs taking up golf. have introduced shorter games to allow Tony Collier is a Ballarat-based PGA Graphic and web design services for women busy with other activities. Professional who has received national designstudioballarat.com.au Megan Carr admits that trying to change awards for his work in coaching junior [email protected] the ideas about how a club should be run golfers. 0497 084 381

20 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021