Established in 1981 as the
proudly serving Melton and Moorabool
25 NOVEMBER, 2025
Tree-mendous Christmas sale
Members from the Bacchus Marsh Rotary Club and SES volunteers say get in quick and pre-order your Christmas Tree! (Damjan Janevski) 518745_03
Bacchus Marsh families can officially start counting down the days to Christmas, with the annual Rotary and SES Christmas Tree Fundraiser set to return on Saturday 29 November. The much-loved community tradition will once again offer locally sourced Christmas trees, with all proceeds supporting Rotary and SES initiatives. Organisers are encouraging residents to get in early, with tree supplies expected to be limited. Trees will be available for purchase from the Bacchus Marsh SES headquarters on Gisborne Road, with sales taking place across two weekends on Saturday 29 and Sunday 30 November, and then the following weekend on Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December. Sales begin from 7am. This year’s fundraiser includes extra services to make the holidays easier for families. Tree stands are available for purchase on site, while an on-the-dayby-sleigh home delivery service will help customers get their tree home safely. A post-Christmas kerbside pickup service will also be offered, ensuring trees are disposed of responsibly once the cheery Christmas celebrations come to an end. To secure your tree, call 0452 587 973.
16 Days of Activism Melton and Moorabool councils are joining communities across the globe in marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, launching a series of events and public activations aimed at raising awareness, promoting respect and calling for the prevention of violence against women and girls. Starting on International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, through to Human Rights Day on Wednesday 10 December, the annual campaign is aimed at encouraging education, reflection and action to address gender inequality and drive cultural change. In Melton, council has unveiled a 2025
program featuring a keynote address by leading advocate and writer Tarang Chawla at the Melton Library and Learning hub on Thursday 27 November. A commissioner with the Victorian Multicultural Commission and founder of Not One More Niki, Mr Chawla has been at the forefront of national conversations on prevention and accountability following the loss of his sister to domestic violence in 2015. Melton will also host its Walk for Inclusion and Respect on Wednesday 3 December coinciding with the international Day of People with Disability. Beginning at Hannah Watts Park at 9.30am, participants will walk to the Melton Town Centre Amphitheatre in a show of
unity against gender and disability-based discrimination. Melton mayor Lara Carll said the campaign was a powerful reminder that everyone has a role to play. “Everyone in our community has the right to go about their lives feeling safe and valued,” she said. “Creating a culture of respect and support is essential to ending violence against women.” Further west, Moorabool council is shining a light on violence against women through this year’s local theme of Shine a Light, which highlights women’s safety in public spaces at night. In partnership with the Wombat Regional Arts Network, the Village Green in Bacchus
Marsh has been transformed into an illuminated public art experience. At the centre of the activation is the MaPP Ip in Lights Gallery, featuring nine vibrant lightboxes installed between the Green and the nearby carpark, with glowing extensions into surrounding trees and pathways. Mayor Steve Venditti-Taylor said the installation invites community reflection. “It looks amazing and will create conversations about respect and safety,” he said. Residents are encouraged to attend events or visit the installation throughout the 16-day campaign. For support, contact 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732. In an emergency, call triple-0.
Helloworld Travel Bacchus Marsh
12736651-MP03-25
By Jack O’Shea-Ayres