Cash for Lal Lal - Historic station to come back to life - Buninyong
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Edition 484, August 2021
Historic station to come back to life
Cash for Lal Lal
After recurring media reports across
nine years of moves to restore the
$10 million for restoration works. While
the Moorabool Shire Council will hold
Mildura. There is 64 km of track from Lal
Lal to North Geelong.
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
Kitchingman, Lal Lal, and Anne Beggs-Sunter,
the future use of Lal Lal station “was being Moorabool Council’s Heritage Advisory
Clarendon, to the announcement.
considered” by Public Transport Victoria. Committee, said that the announcement
Below Cr Paul Tatchell, Moorabool Shire chats
Then In July 2018, the Moorabool News would give the Lal Lal district a “great 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
L O C A L N E W S 2 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021
L O C A L N E W S
“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
Maya’s big win Phil, was a member of the champion district
golf team featured in the July edition of The
News.
Buninyong teenager, Damascus College She said that the position of College Captain Damascus College Principal Matthew Byrne
presents Maya Tolliday with her award.
Captain and Year 12 student, Maya has strengthened her leadership skills and
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
commitment and achievements.
Volunteer
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 Australia. to Nepal founded by
Buninyong’s Graeme
Top rural student
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
L O
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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 Ballarat 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 All contributions (copy, letters,
Geelong.
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 be edited because of space, style, or
on more sub-divisions.
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. provided in this publication are not
Street) with heavy vehicles comprising in
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
the Lucas area and the Winter Valley area, any officers, members, agents or
Volumes that was of most interest, and
contractors.
concern, to locals. In section 3.1 it was but where do our planners and politicians
expect it to go when it hits the Midland Printed by Baxter and Stubbs, Ballarat.
reported that
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
L O C A L N E W S
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
New trees replace
clothing store. There also will be a
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
Highway following major safety selling a recent Division 1 winning ticket
Nesting boxes worth $829,000. They have sold eight
improvement works.
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 Bacchus Marsh. 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
LP O
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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
OBITUARY Printers, located in
Humffray Street,
Henk... one
Ballarat, just near
the corner of Mair
Street.
of a kind
In this business he
quickly became
involved with the
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
daily fixture downtown as he sipped a
Design 61
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
Catherine.King.MP@aph.gov.au @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
L O C A L N E W S
Gardens gurus
the vision and master planning process of
the Buninyong Botanic Gardens which are
now in their 161st year.
share a vision
The planning process proposed by the
Friends group for the Gardens Master Plan
has been informed by models developed
by the RBGV for planning at both its
Over sixty gardens enthusiasts met involved in Melbourne’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 and Ballarat City Council and be a key
regarded academics and public
the ‘welcome’ was first and foremost – part of the coming review to look at
gardens professionals.
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
buninyongbusinessnetwork@gmail.com
Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 7
L O
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Y E W S
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
In January 1862 tenders were buildings.
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
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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
Then at Mentone Girls’ College she com.au.
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
Her very own studio will be a reality in the (below) at work at Foodworks.
Lost it
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
L O C A L N E W S
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: michaela.settle@parliament.vic.gov.au 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 2021L O
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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 11L O C A L N E W S
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
B U N IN YO NG
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
stu.brien@prd.com.au | 5341 2200
12 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021L O C A L N E W S
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 They both feel fortunate to be living here
Both Pauline and Paul maintain an interest
says, “is what drew him into inner spaces.” with Lucy, their spoodle dog, and are
in the arts. Pauline has a Diploma in Art
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 – Rita Russell
of Church spaces for learning and
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 City of Ballarat 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 13L O C A L N E W S
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.
Service with a smile
Several items including flowers, eggs and fertilizer were
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 in our Deli section
1 Tonne Ute was captured on CCTV in the vicinity at the time.
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 2021L O C A L N E W S
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
the House recent survey perhaps she would be
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
Solar helps the Buninyong and District Historical
students
Society has been made into a large
format graphic now covering an entire
Bus stop...
Recently Buninyong Primary School
wall in the meeting room. 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
streetscape of Warrenheip Street (between some of the residents of our town!
system at Scotsburn.
Forest and Eyre) where the Community We live in a beautiful place with clean
The systems were switched on in June,
House is situated. air, friendly people and quiet streets.
and despite the wintery conditions, the
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 15L O C A L N E W S
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
A new choice for specs happened.
Your place or his
On 9 June, after two days of relative
calm, the Great Tempest of 2021 roared
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 of Coles & 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
telescope lenses, and made diving masks JUNE 2021
Mobile
to prescription. Date Rain Date Rain
He’s been a resident in Buninyong for
Eye testing is not available, and he’s 3-4 9.1 12-20 15.2
seven years, and is happy to come to your
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 Average 68.6mm
website – countrywidespecs.com or call
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 2021L O C A L N E W S
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
Locally, the grounds of the 64 acre
• within designated non-playing
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
Plan Sensitive areas 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 17L O
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When
Zero
means
a lot
The jumper of a senior Buninyong
footballer carried an unusual number
300 mark
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’
Bomitali wore the number zero for two
reasons
Alex said, “It was a great honour to wear
that number in memory of my good mate,
and also in memory of others from the
rolls on by
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 2021L O C A L N E W S
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Edition 484, August 2021 Buninyong & District Community News 19L O
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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
fifteen women
New ideas
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 accomplished golfer.
McGuinness, and
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 Graphic and web design services
Tony Collier is a Ballarat-based PGA
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 hello@designstudioballarat.com.au
the ideas about how a club should be run golfers. 0497 084 381
20 Buninyong & District Community News Edition 484, August 2021You can also read
