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17 FEBRUARY, 2026
Recycling for rescues A Bacchus Marsh woman is turning her recycling into rescue relief. Local animal lover Rachel Gormley is collecting bottles and cans and donating every cent raised to struggling animal rescue groups, proving small change can make a big difference. Mrs Gormley said her drive to help animals has only grown stronger, crediting her husband, clients and the Bacchus Marsh community for their unwavering support. Now, she’s urging locals to dig into their recycling bins to lend a helping hand to local rescues. Read the full story on page nine.
Rachel Gormley is digging deep into her recyling bin and giving back to animal rescues. (Damjan Janevski) 533617_07
A slippery problem By Jack O’shea-Ayres Multiple snake sightings have been made at Burnside Heights Recreation Reserve, prompting safety concerns from Burnside Springs United Cricket Club and renewed calls for assistance from authorities. A snake was sighted on Friday 6 February emerging from the curator’s shed at the club’s grounds. According to the club, the reptile exited through the door seal without the shed being opened and moved directly towards the club’s curator as he crouched to unlock a padlock.
It then reportedly travelled along the top oval while an under-10s match was underway, before leaving the playing surface and heading toward a drainage area between the shed and a shipping container. Club committee member Tony Planinic said the incident had caused genuine concern among families. “The area where the snake was first observed –near the curator’s shed and the adjoining grassed space – is a popular spot where younger children often wait while their siblings or parents are on the field,“ he said. “It’s understandable that the sighting
has caused anxiety.” Mr Planinic said after initial contact with Melton council snake-removal line on Friday, the club was notified a snake-catcher would not attend. “They acknowledged our concerns but advised that, because the snake had already vacated the shed, they were not required to attend,” Mr Planinic said. “This was despite the snake entering the playing surface for a short time and later into a drainage area. It was considered to be within its natural environment.” Another snake sighting occurred on Saturday 7 February, this time on the top
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oval before moving on to the drainage area. The club said authorities were contacted a second time. “Once again, they understood the concerns raised, but because the snake was technically located within a reserve, there were legal limitations on whether they could intervene or relocate it,” Mr Planinic said. He said the close encounter had left the club’s curator shaken, with the snake emerging about 15 centimetres from his hand. Continued: Page 4.
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