INBRIEF

Knee deep in work

Bacchus Marsh SES had its hands full when the shire was hit by wild weather last week. A crew worked to remove a fallen tree on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Road at 11.45am last Tuesday. About 10pm on the same day, a training centre in Maddingley was flooded. “We got a little bit of damage on the carpet but nothing too serious,” a spokesman said. The Sheoakes weather station recorded 16 millimetres of rain last Tuesday.

Sounds like a plan

Moorabool Council is seeking community input on three major plans. Feedback is needed on draft plans for the Bacchus Marsh aquatic centre, in particular whether the new centre should have a play or hydrotherapy pool. Input is also sought on a tourism and events discussion paper and a health and well-being plan. More details: haveyoursaymoorabool.com.au.

This one’s for Ben

Moorabool residents can honour the life of Ben Lopes-Aldenhoven and raise money for the Leukaemia Foundation by attending a Feast of March event in Wallace this month. Last October, Mr Lopes-Aldenhoven lost his battle to leukaemia, aged 34. He had suffered several bouts of the illness from the age of 12. His brothers and best mate Casey Bandy have organised a family day and barbecue at Wallace Recreation Reserve on March 16. Entry is $2. The Feast of March program is available from Bacchus Marsh Visitor Information Centre or visitmoorabool.com.au.

Picking up sticks

The start of the autumn firewood season has been delayed by a week due to bushfire concerns. Department of Sustainability and Environment land and fire co-ordinator Rob Price says the season will begin on Friday. DSE and Parks Victoria patrols will ensure people are doing the right thing.

Ode to Moorabool

A Bacchus Marsh resident is calling on local scribes to help her create a map of Moorabool through poetry. ‘Community poet’ and published author Jennie Fraine hopes to address the concerns of the community by creating a map of Moorabool, including its many voices and interests, to be put on display in the Lerderderg library from the end of April. Ms Fraine will also share her skills at the Darley Market (March 16), Gordon Cafe (March 10), Harvest Festival (March 17) and Ballan’s Autumn Festival (March 24). She will accept poetry via email to jennief@westnet.com.au until April 10.