Msw 20170912

SEPTEMBER 12, 2017 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE

(Dennis Manktelow)

Top tips baa none The Diggers Rest pet show will be a celebration of all things four-legged, feathered, furry and fun. Animal lovers and their pets can learn about pet care services in the area and enjoy the festivities of the annual event. Awards and prizes will be presented to winners for best dressed, best trick and best behaved, as well as a competition for owners who resemble their pets. For those who are on the hunt for a fur baby, Melton Pound staff will be telling residents about how to adopt a pet. Among other highlights, Vision Australia and the Lions Club will give talks on seeing eye dogs and hearing dogs. Melton mayor Sophie Ramsey encouraged pet owners to come along to learn how to better care for their animals. “There will be so much to learn from Sunbury Veterinary Hospital’s guest talk on first-aid, or Melton Veterinary Hospital’s informative speaker addressing issues of pet dental care,” Cr Ramsey said. “Our local laws officers will also be attending to answer questions about microchipping and registering your pets with Melton council.” Other activities include dog massage, dog walking and pet care services, dog washes and children’s entertainment. Details: www.melton.vic.gov.au/ PetShow MARCUS AND KATIE WITH CYRIL THE LAMB

Esther Lauaki

Flu death shocks town Tributes continue to flow for a young Bacchus Marsh father who died of influenza last week – a victim of the most widespread epidemic in 15 years. Ben Ihlow, 30, was a healthy and devoted dad when he was struck down by the flu on what should have been his first Father’s Day with his baby son. Family and friends farewelled the devoted father last Thursday at his funeral in Bacchus Marsh. The family is well loved in the Moorabool community where Mr Ihlow worked at the local

supermarket and his wife, Samantha, works as a teacher. The couple welcomed their first child, Andrew, just 10 months ago. A Myrniong Primary School community group has launched an online crowdfunding appeal that has raised more than $29,000. “He was a warm and generous man with a loving wife and young son who is yet to turn one,” the online campaign said. “His death has come as a great shock to all and as a community we want to help support Samantha and the couple’s baby for their future.” Mr Ihlow’s uncle, Neil Adams, said the family was devastated by the loss of the “bubbly and bright man” who was in the prime of life.

“Everyone’s in shock, because it was so sudden,” he said. “He got sick on the Monday, just had a bit of a bug.” By Friday, Mr Ihlow’s condition had deteriorated and he was taken to hospital, where he died on Sunday. The state health department has declared this flu season the worst in years, with the number of confirmed cases up 81 per cent from 2016. Mr Ihlow’s death comes as an eighth person died after a flu outbreak at an aged-care facility in Victoria. More than 11,800 cases of influenza have been reported in Victoria this year. Ben Ihlow with wife Samantha and baby Andrew. Donate at: bit.ly/2gL6FAd (Supplied)

EXCLUSIVE

18V 2 Piece Brushless 6.0Ah Combo Kit REDEMPTION 18V Powerbox Radio Valued at $290 75602

$649

116133

By Esther Lauaki and The Age

MELTON

169 High Street Ph: 9971 8888