	{"id":32782,"date":"2024-12-27T04:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-12-26T17:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/themooraboolnews\/?p=32782"},"modified":"2024-12-18T20:30:07","modified_gmt":"2024-12-18T09:30:07","slug":"2024-the-year-in-review","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/themooraboolnews\/news\/2024-the-year-in-review\/","title":{"rendered":"2024 &#8211; The Year in Review&#8230;"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong>JANUARY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>FOOTBALLER Tamara Henry, previously of the Bacchus Marsh Cobras, Darley Devils, and Western Jets, was picked up in the AFLW Draft. The young player was taken at Pick 28 by the Adelaide Crows and said the selection was a dream come true.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/AprilMBL_36361.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"365\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Landcare kids had great fun promoting local fungi in the Blackwood Woodchop &amp; Easter Carnival parade. Photo: JASMINE FISHER<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Moorabool Shire Council and community groups expressed their disappointment at a Supreme Court decision, which backed fast-tracking of two controversial transmission projects. The Supreme Court ruled in favour of the State Government, in a case first brought before the court in September 2023 by the Moorabool and Central Highlands Power Alliance (MCHPA).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/MayMBL_38128.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"359\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Diane Cook, Jim Connell, and Karen Hinkley were some of the Elaine Recreation Reserve community asset committee&#8217;s 10 members lobbying to change the site&#8217;s name to the Ron Read Recreation Reserve. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The MCHPA sought to quash two orders made by Victorian Minister for Energy Lily D\u2019Ambrosio in 2023, which would allow the Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) to begin early works on the Western Renewables Link (WRL) and VNI (Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector) West projects. While a win for the MCHPA in court wouldn\u2019t have necessarily led to the undergrounding of the lines that the group had been campaigning for for years, it would\u2019ve led to a review of those orders made by the Minister. MCHPA chair Emma Muir said the result was disappointing.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/MayMBL3_38100.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"377\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Gordon&#8217;s Chris Tabb successfully restored a home built during the 1930s, which had been owned by the Ballan Hospital and was set to be bulldozed. Originally located at 166 Inglis Street, Ballan, he had it moved to 4 Rosenow Street, Gordon at Easter in 2013.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The $17 million Moorabool Aquatic Recreation Centre indoor stadium was opened in Maddingley, and a community-led group was formed to spearhead the MooraPool campaign for a new indoor pool in Bacchus Marsh.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/MayMBL2_38109.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"360\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">ey Football Netball Club senior president Mark Shelly, and junior president Marty Weaver were involved in the club&#8217;s Helicopter Ball Drop. Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Parents banded together to protest the ceasing of a local school bus service, and called on the State Government to provide funding to ensure the service continued. More-than a dozen families in the Dales Creek and Greendale area were affected by the removal of the Christians Bus Co service.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/MayMBL1_38131.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"535\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Simon, Cody, Chris, Marcus, Amy, and Harry were among 15 local firefighters taking part in a Stair Climb, and had been training at the Bald Hill 1000+ Steps. Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>FEBRUARY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Designs for the Ballan Library and Community Hub came before councillors at the 21 February Development Assessment Committee, with members unanimously supporting the project.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/JuneMBL2_40307.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"349\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ballan&#8217;s Ian Ireland was awarded a Life Membership by the CFA, after 35 years of service. Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The planned two-storey, purpose-built facility at 127 Inglis Street at Ballan (a former bank) will include seating areas, a dedicated children\u2019s library, meeting rooms, maternal child health rooms, laptop and computer spaces, public amenities, staff rooms, and a courtyard.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/JuneMBL_40353.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"505\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Donning everything from sombreros to cowboy hats, St Bernard&#8217;s students and staff raised more than $1000 for the Cancer Council as part of Hats On For Mrs Battaglia day. Photo: SUPPLIED<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>\u201cIt is anticipated the works will commence by June 2024 and be completed by August or September 2025, noting that a final program will be agreed with the successful contractor,\u201d said the shire&#8217;s general manager of community assets and infrastructure Phil Jeffrey.<\/p>\n<p>Gordon Public Park entered Stage 2 of major upgrades which included car parking, fencing and playground equipment works.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/JuneMBL1_40378.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"903\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bacchus Marsh Primary School principal Melinda Williams was a silder during Big Freeze in the Marsh. Photo: EDWINA WILLIAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>MARCH<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pentland Primary passed the 500-Student milestone for the first time in the school\u2019s history and principal Andrew Harrison said there was areal buzz around the school community.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/JulyMBL1_41842.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"331\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Eureka MP Michaela Settle, with Clarendon Recreation Reserve committee of management members Joan Smith, Trevor Hart, Trevor Smith, and Mark Prunty. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Bacchus Marsh SES Unit&#8217;s Bill Robson stood down as Unit Controller after more than six years in the role, and the Ballan Group of Fire Brigades led fundraising efforts for the Royal Children\u2019s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/JulyMBL_41858.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"362\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Member for Eureka Michaela Settle (centre) with Paddock Creek Reserve Committee members. Photo: JESSICA COATES<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Bacchus Marsh Primary School grade 6 students Asher, Harry, Zeke, and James had their heads shaved to raise funds for the Peace of Mind Foundation which supports brain cancer patients and their families.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/JanuaryMBL1_32754.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"507\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">After almost two decades at the helm of the Moorabool News, former editor and owner Helen Tatchell passed the torch onto the Times News Group. Photo: FILE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>APRIL<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Emergency service volunteers at Bacchus Marsh SES Unit received a long-awaited, brand-new Medium Rescue Truck from the VICSES Fleet Team, to support the increasing demand for requests for assistance in the Moorabool Shire.<\/p>\n<p>St Bernard\u2019s Church parishoners in Bacchus Marsh formed a 150th Committee ahead of the institution&#8217;s big anniversary in June.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/AugustMBL2_43775.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"531\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Senior sergeant Brett van der Vliet presented police medals to Bacchus Marsh&#8217;s Graham Henderson, a retired senior constable. Photo: MIRIAM LITWIN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The first round of the Central Highlands Football League saw the official opening of the new Bungaree Oval.<\/p>\n<p>The Bungaree seniors took out a win against Hepburn, and local politicians as well as Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Catherine King, were in attendance.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/AugustMBL1_43819.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"925\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">St Brigid\u2019s Primary School Ballan year 5 student Anni who competed at the School Sports Victoria Vic 10 to 12 years cross country team, pictured with principal, Jayne Bosworth. Photo: MIRIAM LITWIN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The upgrade was made possible with $200,000 for the Federal Government, $470,000 from Moorabool Shire and $130,000 from Community Bank Ballan and District.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/AugustMBL_43824.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"346\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ballan Red Cross chair Anne Eskdale, with vice-chair and historian Gail Binks, and secretary Mary Williams celebrated the group&#8217;s 100th anniversary. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Bacchus Marsh RSL Sub-Branch called on the community to put pressure on the Moorabool Shire Council for a new war memorial,<\/p>\n<p>The Sub-Branch had been in discussions with Moorabool Shire Council for more than a year on a memorial they hoped to have established at the Village Green on Main Street.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/SeptemberMBL2_45274.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"373\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Greendale Cemetery Trust life member Patrick Shannahan with chair Simon Lidgett. Mr Shannahan has been honoured with a plaque placed on the cemetery&#8217;s new shed. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>MAY<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ian and Mark Barnett from Regional Tyre Service were jointly honoured as Number 1 ticket holders of the Bacchus Marsh Football Netball Club, with Club president Ian McClure presenting the pair with a framed Cobras jumper.<\/p>\n<p>The Young Street business has sponsored the Cobras for more-than 45 years, and Mark Barnett said it was fantastic to see his and his dad\u2019s commitment to the red, yellow, and black acknowledged.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/SeptemberMBL1_45292.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"337\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">CWA&#8217;s Ballarat district president Jennifer Peters presented Bacchus Marsh branch president June Webb with her service awards for 10 and 20 years with the organisation. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The Cobras&#8217; rooms were also renamed to the Graham Dawson Clubrooms, after the premiership player, and former coach and president of the same name.<\/p>\n<p>Mr Dawson played for the Maddingley Spiders back when he was a teenager. The club would merge with the Bacchus Marsh Tigers to form Maddingley-Bacchus Marsh Football Club in 1979, which was renamed the Bacchus Marsh Football Club in 1983. Mr McClure said Mr Dawson was a \u201cpatriarch\u201d of the club, and had been a father figure to countless young footballers since his involvement began.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/SeptemberMBL_45216.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"868\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The team at Ballan Local Butcher won big at the Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards. Photo: EDWINA WILLIAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Forty people gathered at Caledonia Park, Ballan to formally open a new track. Organised by the Ballan Arboretum Group, works at the park began in 2021 with volunteers clearing weeds such as hawthorn and gorse from the slope leading up to the park\u2019s gazebo.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/OctoberMBL2_46557.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"431\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bacchus Marsh and District Historical Society members Pat Burchat, Cathy Pevitt, and president John Spain hoped the Border Inn\u2019s historic significance would be preserved on the building&#8217;s sale. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>The gazebo was hidden by weeds and had been vandalised, but thanks to the Arboretum Group, with financial support from Moorabool Wind Farm and community groups, the Gazebo Slope Project was completed.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/OctoberMBL1_46527.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"353\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Chris, Jan, Ben, Lauren, Bec and Terry Daniher were among the eponymous family members who visited the region in support of Daniher&#8217;s Drive. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Twenty-one-year-old Sam Hughes, also known as The Travelling Jackaroo, stopped in Ballan as part of his journey around Australia to raise funds for the Royal Flying Doctors Service, Dolly\u2019s Dream, and Drought Angels. Mr Hughes was travelling in a 1960 Chamberlain tractor, with a caravan on the back, and a dinghy and a plane on top.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/OctoberMBL_46513.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"378\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ballan Golf Club president Barry Sims was presented with a plaque from Jake Cole-Sinclair, Golf Australia&#8217;s senior relationship officer for Victoria&#8217;s west, to mark the group&#8217;s 100th anniversary. Photo: SUPPLIED<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Michael Crawford Funerals in Bacchus Marsh marked their 20th anniversary.<\/p>\n<p><strong>JUNE<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A four-goal performance from a Brownlow medallist and three-time AFL premiership captain wasn\u2019t enough to get Ballan Football Club a game win, but the champion\u2019s appearance certainly generated the hype intended.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/NovemberMBL2_48034.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"938\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Soul Food\u2019s Susan Sanderson with St Andrew\u2019s Uniting Church\u2019s Kylie Lumb and Iris Blythe helped to give back this Christmas with the Bacchus Marsh Reverse Advent Calendar Initiative. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Hundreds of people flocked to the Ballan Recreation Reserve to see retired Richmond Tigers player Trent Cotchin don Ballan\u2019s navy blue against the red-hot Newlyn Cats. The day was made possible through The Carlton Draft.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/JanuaryMBL_32795.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"1004\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tamara Henry, a former Bacchus Marsh Cobras, Darley Devils, and Western Jets player, was drafted to the AFLW. Photo: FILE<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Ballan Cricket Club announced they&#8217;d field an inaugural women\u2019s team this year. State Member for Eureka, Michaela Settle, visited the Ballan Recreation Reserve to announce the club had been successful in its bid for a Change Our Game Community Activation Grant to make it happen, receiving $4500.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/NovemberMBL_48095.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"432\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Joanne Toulmin opened Montanah&#8217;s Playroom Toy Shop in Ballan after previously selling children&#8217;s items to Ballarat schools. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Ballan CFA member Ian Ireland was honoured for his 35 years of service with Life Membership, and works to dismantle the old Commonwealth Bank building in Inglis Street, Ballan begun to make way for the new Ballan Library and Community Hub.<\/p>\n<p>Frozen fun slid into Maddingley Park as Big Freeze in the Marsh returned for the FightMND foundation. Thirteen members of the Bacchus Marsh community were sponsored to slip down a slide and into an ice-filled pool, all in costume. The sliders raised $55,000, and the day\u2019s total takings were $68,000, all to boost research into motor neurone disease.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_32821\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-32821\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-32821\" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/DecemberMBL1_49634-1-rotated.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"1058\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-32821\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bacchus Marsh Christmas Festival and Carols By Candlelight organisers put on the 10th edition of the event for children like Tori, Hannah and Lily-May. Photo: TIM BOTTAMS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>JULY <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Friends of Paddock Creek Committee received $25,240 through the first round of the State Government\u2019s Tiny Towns Fund to create a new master plan and vegetation survey, and a new playground at Clarendon Recreation Reserve was also backed as part of the same State program.<\/p>\n<p>Kindergarten facilities, to open in 2026, were announced for Gordon Primary School as part of the State&#8217;s Best Start, Best Life program<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/DecemberMBL_49646.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"392\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Moorabool Shire Council&#8217;s people and culture team won an award at the Australian Business Awards. Photo: SUPPLIED<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>AUGUST<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Members of the Ballan Red Cross Branch celebrated the group&#8217;s 110th anniversary with a brunch at the Ballan Mechanics Institute.<\/p>\n<p>Stage two of the Bacchus Marsh Racecourse and Recreation Reserve redevelopment was opened which included four new tennis and netball courts, two new soccer pitches within a cricket oval, all with lighting, plus perimeter fencing and player shelters.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/MarchMBL2_34283.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"361\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bill Searle and Ian Ireland from the Ballan Fire Brigade supporting the Good Friday Appeal. Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>An all-abilities accessible playspace featuring a spinning dish, a sensory and sound area, a flying fox and a sand pit with a sand table, junior play equipment, climbing nets, three trampolines and swings were additions to the reserve too.<\/p>\n<p>Bacchus Marsh Grammar\u2019s executive deputy principal Kevin Richardson announced his retirement having joined the school in 1999.<\/p>\n<p>About eight months of work between the Lal Lal Catchment Landcare Group, and the Vietnam Veterans Association Ballarat Sub-Branch was revealed to the public on Vietnam Veterans&#8217; Day The Landcare group\u2019s newest addition to the Lal Lal Anzac Memorial Park was a garden and plaque devoted to Vietnam veterans.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/MarchMBL1_34276.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"348\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Disciples of Ink&#8217;s Kieran Tyrrell also got behind the Good Friday Appeal for the RCH. Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Providence Aged Care resident Graham Henderson was presented with two medals to recognise his service to the police force and community. The 92-year-old retired senior constable was presented with the National Police Service Medal and Victoria Police Service Medal at a morning tea.<\/p>\n<p><strong>SEPTEMBER<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Family-run Ballan Local Butcher took home the Hip Pocket Workwear and Safety (Ballarat) Retail Business Award at the 2024 Federation University Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/MarchMBL_34290.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"344\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pentland Primary staff marked the 500-student enrolment milestone Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>After much community contention, the name of Elaine\u2019s recreation epicentre would remain unchanged following a decision from Moorabool Shire Council. The reserve\u2019s community asset committee had proposed to rename the site to the Ron Read Recreation Reserve. During a public feedback period, 56 people supported the proposal and 255 people objected to it.<\/p>\n<p>Elaine Cricket Club secretary Shane Dunne said the move to keep the name had been community-driven. &#8220;The community didn\u2019t want it,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/AprilMBL3_36326.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"331\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Federal and local politicians, Community Bank Ballan and District representatives and members of the Bungaree Football Netball Club were at the Bungaree Oval for its official re-opening. Photo: MIRIAM LITWIN<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Ballan Golf Club marked their 100th anniversary, and Moorabool Shire councillors welcomed a Parliamentary Inquiry into the expansion of transmission lines across Victoria.<\/p>\n<p><strong>OCTOBER<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Young Bacchus Marsh athlete Tilly Grant was selected for the Little Athletics Victoria Development Tour, which takes place in 2025, and Clarendon Recreation Reserve turned 150 years old.<\/p>\n<p>Residents of Moorabool Shire were among the winners of this year\u2019s Royal Melbourne Show art, craft and cookery competitions.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/AprilMBL1_36322.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"431\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Member for Eureka Michaela Settle joined Darley Primary students and principal Fiona Kerton to usher in a new era for the school. Photo: SUPPLIED<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Moorabool Shire councillor Rod Ward paid tribute to two colleagues who didn&#8217;t seek further terms on the council at the recent election. Cr Ward hailed the work of colleagues David Edwards and Tonia Dudzik for their &#8220;outstanding contribution to the Moorabool Shire Council and our residents.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><strong>NOVEMBER<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Ballan disability advocate Keeley Johnson was added to the State Government\u2019s Victorian Honour Roll of Women, and Ballan Cricket Club\u2019s first ever women\u2019s team started its career with a bang, defeating VRI Delacombe by 82 runs in a T20 match at Ballan Recreation Reserve.<\/p>\n<p>Two murals by Bacchus Marsh resident Justin Nemeth were unveiled at Ballan Station as part of the Transporting Art Pilot Program, and jockey Koby Jennings won the Community Bank Ballan and District Ballan Cup on Place of Gold, a six-year-old chestnut gelding.<\/p>\n<p>Five councillors were re-elected for a further term on the Moorabool Shire council, with two new faces and two former councillors returning. Paul Tatchell, Ally Munari, Rod Ward, Moira Berry and Tom Sullivan all retained their positions following the recent local government election.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_30038\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-30038\" style=\"width: 600px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-30038 \" src=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/AprilMBL2_36394.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"320\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-30038\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">St Bernard\u2019s Church Bacchus Marsh parishioners Fr Glasheen, Margot, Carmel, Maisie, Jack, Ellen, and Fr Lucas preparing for the 150th anniversary. Photo: LACHLAN ELLIS<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Past councillors Jarrod Bingham and John Keogh returned, while Steven Venditti-Taylor and Sheila Freeman were the two new faces. Mr Tatchell was elected mayor with Cr Ward his deputy.<\/p>\n<p>The Bacchus Marsh Reverse Advent Calendar initiative was launched at St Andrew\u2019s Uniting Church, inviting locals to gift an essential item each day across 20 days to be donated to one of three local non-profits.<\/p>\n<p>DECEMBER<\/p>\n<p>Founder of Peppertree parkrun Adrian Hillyer celebrated 250 runs with the group, Bacchus Marsh Christmas Festival and Carols By Candlelight marked 10 years, and St Andrew\u2019s Uniting Church\u2019s Fellowship Hall turned 100.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>JANUARY FOOTBALLER Tamara Henry, previously of the Bacchus Marsh Cobras, Darley Devils, and Western Jets, was picked up in the AFLW Draft. The young player was taken at Pick 28 by the Adelaide Crows and said the selection was a dream come true. &nbsp; Moorabool Shire Council and community groups expressed their disappointment at a [&#8230;]<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"btn btn-secondary understrap-read-more-link\" href=\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/themooraboolnews\/news\/2024-the-year-in-review\/\">Read More&#8230;<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":153,"featured_media":32815,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[15],"tags":[],"post_folder":[],"class_list":["post-32782","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.7 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>2024 - The Year in Review... - The Moorabool News<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore key events, achievements, and community highlights from Moorabool Shire in 2024, including local sports, community initiatives, and council updates.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/themooraboolnews\/news\/2024-the-year-in-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"2024 - The Year in Review... - The Moorabool News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Explore key events, achievements, and community highlights from Moorabool Shire in 2024, including local sports, community initiatives, and council updates.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\/themooraboolnews\/news\/2024-the-year-in-review\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Moorabool News\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2024-12-26T17:00:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/static.timesnewsgroup.com.au\/prod\/uploads\/sites\/28\/2024\/12\/Untitled-design-96.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1200\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"630\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Times News Group\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Times News Group\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"19 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\\\/themooraboolnews\\\/news\\\/2024-the-year-in-review\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\\\/themooraboolnews\\\/news\\\/2024-the-year-in-review\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Times News Group\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/timesnewsgroup.com.au\\\/themooraboolnews\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/a18f05ec53852f1d7d0528135e60d795\"},\"headline\":\"2024 &#8211; 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