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DECEMBER 3, 2019 \ STARWEEKLY.COM.AU

NEWS + SPORT + PROPERTY GUIDE

(Damjan Janevski) 201134_02

Pop in for fun Get ready to pop in to Gisborne’s very first arcade. POP Gaming is almost ready to open its doors to the public and it promises to be a trip down memory lane with classic vintage games. Owner Vicky Mezzapesa said the plan to establish the arcade was prompted by a lack of entertainment venues close to home. “It popped into my mind that we didn’t have an arcade where we lived and I thought it would be a good idea to make one,” she said. “The planning sort of started five years ago but we didn’t quite get there. Then we had a treechange and … that plan from five years ago just came again. I couldn’t get it out of my mind.” Mrs Mezzapesa has spent the past six months carefully planning the perfect arcade for Gisborne Village Shopping Centre. “We have a lot of skill testers,” Mrs Mezzapesa said. “We have the claw-type machines, for the smaller children we have ones that require them to whack something or hit a target.” POP Gaming is expected to open this month and will be open seven days a week from 10am to 10pm. Details: bit.ly/2KS04A0 VICKY MEZZAPESA

Jessica Micallef

Concern over Lodge sale By Jessica Micallef The looming sale of Lloyd Williams’ iconic racing facility Macedon Lodge has been met with a mixed reaction. While some residents hope the unique property will be retained as an equine training facility, others are concerned about its long-term use and potential for future development. Six-time Melbourne cup winner Lloyd Williams is expected to close Macedon Lodge and put it up for sale next year. The 121-hectare property, which includes more than 8000 metres of track, 25 paddocks and 25 grass day yards is expected to fetch more than $20 million.

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Over the years, Macedon Lodge has produced the likes of Mahogany, What a Nuisance, Just a Dash, Reset, Zipping, Gallic, Perlin, County, Plush, Efficient, Green Moon and Almandin. Keatings Real Estate managing director John Keatings said it would be sad to see the property not used to its full potential after a sale. “A few residents I have spoken to are upset about the sale,” he said. “It’s a fantastic property and it’s had great success. “It’s a classic, country property with a success of training thoroughbreds. It’s a great buying opportunity for someone that wants a property like that. “I would hope that somebody who buys it would want to use it the same way Lloyd has

and that they would keep it within the status quo – keep it in good order or improve it even further. “It would be tragic if nobody wants to have the benefits of all the developments and allow it to deteriorate. That would be sad to see.” Macedon Ranges Residents Association secretary Christine Pruneau said the potential sale of Macedon Lodge would be received with mixed views from the public. “I think that the people around the area are hoping the place is sold and that there is no new works or further expansion,” she said. “You’ll find some people that think it’s a magical place. But there have been a lot of people who have not seen it as something to celebrate.

“I think the concern is how the land is used after it is sold.” Macedon Ranges council planning and environment director Angela Hughes said the potential sale of Macedon Lodge would not affect the visitor economy. “It isn’t a tourist destination but a private business venture,” she said. “It is unfortunate that Lloyd Williams is selling Macedon Lodge but we look forward to the new opportunity that this property presents including the potential of a new equine establishment.” Mr Williams, who is turning 80 next year, has said he will collaborate with Irish trainer Joseph O’Brien in Ireland.

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2 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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By Ewen McRae An emaciated American bulldog that was found tied to a tree below a bridge in Diggers Rest recently is on the improve, and the hunt is now on for its owner. Bella, was found by a member of the public on November 17 in a poor condition, suffering significant injuries that appear to be inflicted maliciously. She was taken to an emergency vet where she recieved a number of blood transfusions and is now in recovery. RSPCA Victoria inspector team leader Karen Collier said it was an horrific act of cruelty and

Bella was lucky to be alive. “We found Bella near Jackson’s Creek behind a small hill, nestled in bushes littered with garbage and debris. It’s a miracle she was found at all,” Ms Collier said. “She’s clearly suffered abuse and has been treated in a way no animal deserves. But despite the immense trauma she has been through she’s an extremely sweet, good-natured dog. Far too forgiving considering her experience. “After several blood transfusions, Bella’s blood cell count is slowly improving and her condition is stable. Vets will continue to monitor her neck wound and blood work to ensure she receives plenty of care.”

Bella was located near Jackson’s Creek, underneath the Holden Bridge off Bulla-Diggers Rest Road in Diggers Rest. The RSPCA say Bella was most likely left there between November 8 and 17, but more likely between November 15 and 17. They are appealing for anyone with information to come forward. “We are asking anyone who recognises Bella or has information about this incident to make a report and please come forward to help us identify the person or persons responsible for this act of cruelty,” an spokesperson said. Anyone with information can make a report by calling 9224 2222 or visit rspcavic.org

(Supplied)

Dog cruelty case hits a nerve

BELLA

Post office open longer Gisborne post office is keeping its doors open longer during the Christmas period. The post office, located at Gisborne Village Market on Hamilton Street, will offer extended retail hours of 9am-6pm Monday to Friday and 9am-12.30pm on Saturdays, through to December 22. Australia Post general manager Davis McNamara said the extended trading hours would give customers more choice and convenience to send gifts this festive season. “We know Christmas is a busy time of the year, so the Gisborne post office will remain open for longer this festive season,” he said. “Extended opening times provide our customers greater flexibility to send and receive their Christmas gifts and cards and with our exciting new range of products available in store, there is more opportunity to spread the merry this Christmas.” Mr McNamara said Australians continue to shop up a storm online, with online purchases up 20 per cent from last year. “The online shopping boom continues,” he said. “Last year, Australians spent $27.5 billion online. Last Christmas we delivered 40 million parcels in December alone and we’re expecting to exceed that number this year.” Australia Post customers can collect their Christmas gifts at a free 24/7 parcel locker in more than 350 locations across the country and can track their deliveries online. Details:: auspost.com.au/christmas

Scouting for festive trees You’re invited to rock around the Christmas tree with the Sunbury Scouts this festive season. Third Sunbury Scouts Group is again selling Christmas trees to help fund group activities. Joey leader Marlo Aisbett said the Christmas tree sales were the group’s biggest fundraising event of the year. “We’ve been selling trees for over 10 years and there is a really good community spirit and community vibe on the day,” she said. “We get them [the trees] from a Christmas farm in Daylesford and we’ve been dealing with them the whole time. “We get fresh trees. They are all kept in the Scout hall with water which keeps them really fresh and they do last for quite a few weeks.” Ms Aisbett said last year’s tree sales raised between $5000 and $8000. She said the money goes “a long way” for the Scout group. “At the moment we are interested in getting grants so we can upgrade our bathroom facilities.” Tree prices start from $60. They can be picked up at Max Gifford Hall, 8 Miller Street, Sunbury on December 7 and 8 between 9am-3pm. Delivery is also available to Sunbury, Diggers Rest, Bulla, Riddells Creek, Gisborne and Wildwood. Details: 3rdsunburyscouts.org.au/ christmas-trees

Jessica Micallef Clockwise: Genna, Michaela, Olivia, Aidan and Joseph. (Shawn Smits) 201101_01

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Jessica Micallef

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4 SUNBURY & MACEDON RANGES STAR WEEKLY Tuesday, 3 December, 2019

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Cold water poured on upgrades By Jessica Micallef The Kyneton Water Reclamation Plant is set for further upgrades, but a Kyneton resident claims the Campaspe River will still be “exposed to future contamination”. Coliban Water last week announced phase two plans to double water storage and increase irrigation capacity at the plant so that only high quality water is discharged into the Campaspe River. Managing director Damian Wells said water capacity at the plant would be increased

through a new storage lagoon. Phase two will also deliver the construction of a class C water to class B water treatment plant, with additional water storage of about 200 megalitres. Class B recycled water can be used for human use. Class C recycled water cannot be used for drinking, food production and filling swimming pools or spas. Phase one works are currently underway at the plant and include the installation of additional aerators in lagoons to ensure water released from the plant is within the Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA)

licence conditions. However, resident Sallyanne Craig has slammed the phase two announcement, saying it was “bitterly disappointing in content”. “Tragically for our sickening waterways, the barest minimum in the tardiest fashion is always the way with Coliban Water,” she said. “It was a hasty, panicked, repacking of piecemeal, stale news solution and it still leaves the river exposed to future contamination.” Ms Craig said Coliban Water needed to commit to a “full upgrade” to treat all the “noxious trade waste to class B [water]”.

Mr Wells said the two projects would ensure all treated water is stored at the plant until a legal discharge to the river can occur. “This will be achieved via the installation of additional lagoon storage and future increased irrigation capacity,” he said. “In exceptional circumstances where heavy rainfall impacts the lagoons on site, for example a one in 10-year flood event, Coliban Water may need to discharge lagoon water to the river.” Phase two works are expected to be completed in December 2020.

Call for toy donations The Macedon Ranges Toy Shop is seeking toy donations this festive season as it reaches out to families in need. Shop co-ordinator Georgina Harvey said the toy drive, now in its 10th year, was organised in conjunction with health and family service Cobaw Community Health. Ms Harvey said new toys of all shapes and sizes, and valued at $20, will be accepted until Wednesday, December 11. Parents and guardians referred to by Cobaw Community Health can pop into the Kyneton Baptist Church on Friday, December 13 to pick out the perfect gift. “Parents can come in and choose gifts that are appropriate for their kids,” she said. “No one knows their kids better than parents.” “Each child can get a small gift, stocking filler, plush toy, or a book or stationary item. “We also offer a gift wrapping service.”

“It’s a great initiative [and] it’s quite amazing to see when it is all set up,” Ms Harvey said. “There are lots of other bigger organisations that you can contribute to, which is nice, but to be able to support your local community and know that you’re helping the person next door … you can see it’s got a tangible effect.” Donations can be made at Cobaw Community Health in Kyneton, Romsey or Woodend. Details: 0404 442 891 Jessica Micallef

Georgina Harvey, Tracey Marshall and Carly Visscher. (Damjan Janevski) 201432_02

DECLARATION

2021 Academic Scholarships

Fire Danger Period The Chief Ofﬁcer of CFA will be introducing the Fire Danger Period for All land within the municipalities listed below. The Fire Danger Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on 1st May 2020

Municipality

Date of Commencement

City of Melton

Monday 9 December 2019

Hume City Council

Monday 9 December 2019