Moorabbin police are appealing for public assistance after a caravan worth more than $60,000 was stolen in Moorabbin last month.

Police have been told two unknown men driving a stolen white Toyota Hilux attended Elna Court where a caravan was parked about 2.30pm on 31 December.

It is believed the offenders used an angle grinder to force the tow ball lock off the caravan before hooking it up to the Hilux and driving away.

The caravan is described as having unique modifications and is an Avan Aspire 555 worth $65,000.

The stolen Hilux was later found dumped in Noble Park on 11 January.

The first offender is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged in his 30s to 40s and 180cm tall.

He was wearing a green Las Vegas Oakland Raiders cap, white mask, grey shirt, black gloves, navy work pants and light brown boots.

The second offender is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged 30s to 40s, 180cm tall with brown/red hair.

He was wearing black sunglasses, blue mask, black shirt with a white stripe on the sleeves, black gloves and brown work pants.

Investigators have released CCTV and images of the caravan and two men who may be able to assist with their enquiries. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit Crime Stoppers online.

Detectives from the Major Drug Squad have charged a man and woman after seizing methylamphetamine and 1,4 butanediol from a property in Melbourne in recent days.

A search warrant was executed shortly after midday at an apartment on St Kilda Road Melbourne on Tuesday, 31 January.

A 37-year-old woman and a 31-year-old man, both from Melbourne, were arrested at the premises.

It’s alleged investigators intercepted 25 litres of 1,4 butanediol before this month’s warrant and located 1,4 butanediol, methylamphetamine, stolen and false identification and a number of electronic devices during their search.

Police allege the 37-year-old woman was importing the drugs into Melbourne via the domestic mail service.

She was remanded in custody and charged with:

• attempting to traffick a large commercial quantity of 1,4 butanediol

• possess 1,4 butanediol

• possess methylamphetamine

• possess identification information to facilitate an indictable offence

• committing indictable offences whilst on bail.

The 31-year-old man was released on bail having been charged with:

• trafficking 1,4 butanediol

• possess 1,4 butanediol

• trafficking methylamphetamine

• possess methylamphetamine.

1,4 Butanediol is a drug commonly imported as an industrial product and then often sold at significant profit to people who are led to believe it is GHB.

The drug can be unpredictable and because it works more slowly than the similar GHB, users are at risk of overdosing because they are likely to take a second or third dose. The difference between survival and a fatal overdose can be very small.

Anyone with information about illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report via Crime Stoppers online.

The Palais in Hepburn Springs is getting set for some serious belly laughs.

Independent comedy theatre Comedy Republic is hitting the road with a stacked lineup of their funniest favourites and they’re headed direct to The Palais for an evening of mirth coming up Friday February 24.

Comedians Claire Hooper, Alex Ward, Dane Simpson and Luka Muller will all be taking to the Palais-Hepburn stage for one night only.

Comedy Republic is an independent theatre and bar in the heart of Melbourne presenting the best live comedy all year round. The venue is owned and run by comedians, for comedians (and the people who love them).

Comedy Republic presents signature lineup shows Main Stage and Good Company every Thursday, Friday & Saturday. The theatre also regularly hosts a diverse array of stand up, sketch, new material nights, bar shows, improv, live podcasts, storytelling, cabaret and more.

Established in March 2020, Comedy Republic was co-founded by Kyran Wheatley, Rhys Nicholson and Alex Dyson. Alongside the hard-working team, they turned a former internet gaming cafe into a purpose-built theatre for comedy. With its intimate size, wide stage and a winged audience, the room is designed to hero standup comedians and the like. It’s small enough to elevate emerging creatives’ work, yet large enough for intimate evenings with the biggest names in comedy.

The Macedon Ranges Shire council has conditionally approved a new supermarket and shop on Main Street in Romsey, with a permit subject to the formal planning process concluding.
A Notice of Decision to Grant a Planning Permit has been issued to applicant Coles Group, outlining a
series of conditions to be met as part of the development, which include matters such as lighting,
footpaths, fencing and landscaping.

The council has worked closely with the applicant to ensure the proposed structure fits within the existing
streetscape and character of the town, and provides adequate car parking and pedestrian access.
Mayor Annette Death said the proposed development would support local jobs and the town’s
economy more broadly.
“An estimated 2,000 people moved to Romsey and surrounds from 2011 to 2021 – this proposed
supermarket is a welcome response to helping service that population growth,” she said.
“Ideally it will complement the existing independent supermarket and other shops in Romsey,
providing more choice for surrounding residents as well as more employment opportunities.”
Given Council’s Notice of Decision, the applicant must now confirm they will adhere to all of the
proposed permit conditions, while previous submitters to the original proposal have been contacted
and can raise an objection within 28 days of the notice being issued.

Police dog Hunter and his handler arrested a solo motorbike rider after he ran from police in Werribee during an incident last Wednesday evening.

Officers first spotted the rider in Osprey Street when checks of the motorcycle confirmed the registration plates to be stolen about 11.25pm.

As police tried to intercept the rider in nearby Pigeon Street the rider sped off towards Daphne Crescent Reserve.

It is believed the rider tried to mount a gutter into the reserve before he fell off the bike and ran.

A search by local police found a discarded helmet before the Dog Squad was called in.

PD (Police Dog) Hunter and his handler attended the scene and following a search found the rider hiding in bushes in the front yard of a home in Hakea Court.

The duo arrested the 43-year-old man who has been taken to hospital for treatment to a laceration to his arm.

A quantity of suspected cannabis and alleged methylamphetamine was seized following the man’s arrest along with wire cutters and other items that could be used in connection with thefts.

The Werribee man was subsequently reported to be under police guard in hospital.

Westgate Divisional Response Unit is investigating and believe the Honda CB300 was stolen from Pacific Werribee Shopping Centre in November.

He was expected to be interviewed in relation to unlicensed driving, failing to stop for police, theft of the motorcycle and registration plates and possessing a drug of dependence and going equipped to steal.

The Macedon Ranges Shire Council is proposing a new 12-unit development in partnership with Homes Victoria and Wintringham Housing Limited in Lancefield to upgrade existing social housing and support more of the Macedon Ranges’ most vulnerable residents.

Funded by the Homes Victoria $5.3 billion Big Housing Build, the proposal in Lancefield would see
five existing, older units demolished and 12 modern units built across two Council-owned blocks of
land totalling around 3,700 square metres.
The development would be overseen by – and a 20-year lease for the site granted to – registered
housing provider Wintringham Housing Limited, which currently manages all housing units on behalf
of Council.
Mayor Annette Death said Council had reviewed its existing housing stock across the shire at sites in
Gisborne, Romsey and Lancefield, with the review identifying the Lancefield site as best suited to
redevelopment.
“We’re grateful for this funding and it is an incredibly worthwhile opportunity to provide a safe home to
more of our residents who may be doing it tough for a variety of reasons,” she said
“The proposed site at Lancefield is already going some way towards supporting social housing, but
this proposal would significantly improve that offering.”
Three out of the five existing units are tenanted and these existing tenants would be supported
throughout the process, including being offered interim accommodation for the duration of the build.
As a first step in this process, Council is advertising a Notice of Intention to Lease the site to
Wintringham for a 20-year term and welcomes public feedback on this initial proposal.
Feedback can be provided until 5pm, Tuesday 28 February.

Residents in the Macedon Ranges shire area are being invited to collaborate on a new plan aimed at managing the impacts of climate change.

The community is being invited to the official launch of Cool-ER Changesat Kyneton Town Hall on Thursday 2 March from 7pm –8:30pm, to celebrate “tangible climate action already underway” in the shire and outline the vision for further action into the future.

This launch will also see the debut screening of Bridging the Divide: a short film voicing the thoughts of young and old residents in the shire on climate change.

Building on the momentum of the earlier Cool Changes program and a unified call formore urgent action, Cool-ER Changes aims to take a broader lens on the future of our environment in creating a shared, shire-wide Climate Emergency Response Plan for the council and the community.

The plan will initially be informed by a number of themed workshops between March and June, delving into discussions on topics including healthy ecosystems,renewable energy, waste management and responses to natural disasters.

Mayor Annette Death encouraged all Macedon Ranges residents to get involved with Cool-ER Changes, given the broad impacts of climate change regardless of individual circumstances.

“Through the Cool Changes program, Council worked with residents across the Macedon Ranges to help address climate action at a localised level – this was important, but only one part of the story,” she said.

“Cool-ER Changes will result in a more universal action plan. From renewables to rural land management practices, future-proofing community sport to the liveability of our homes, there will be something tangible for everyone to take action on.”

Cool-ER Changes aligns with a council commitment within its Council Plan 2021-2031 to “lessen the severity of climate change through actions that enable Council and community to reduce greenhouse gas emissions”.

It also complements the council’s recently endorsed Counting Down to Zero plan, to target zero net emissions across council-managed facilities and operations by 2030. For more informationand to register your attendancefor the Cool-ER Changes launch, visit mrsc.vic.gov.au/Cool-ER-Changes

Water – the key to summer success
La Niña – there’s that fearsome name again. La Niña is certainly leaving her
mark throughout this (usually) dry, brown land of ours and we are still unsure when the devastation will cease.
Having said that, on the whole, Spa Country seems to have dodged the bullet. And apart from a few boisterous, scary thunderstorms and rising creek episodes, has ended up with thriving gardens, lush green, bursting at the seams, and along with them hopefully are your plants.
But there is always a downside.
Along with the good guys and probably ahead of the pack are throngs of weeds and,
of course, your lawns. They’re all galloping away, spurred on by the spasmodic rain
storms.
The next problem to be faced now is when and how often to water the garden and
lawns. Gardens can be damaged as much by incorrect watering as they can by neglect.
Fresh, green lawns and lush, healthy flower and shrub beds can be maintained
year-round by regular feeding and maintenance. But it is the way in which the garden
has been watered that holds the key.
Prolonged hot weather may place the plants under great stress if the moisture
supply isn’t kept up to the young and feeder roots, and is just as damaging as over-
wet, poorly draining soil.
The first point to remember is that it is the root system that takes in the water
supply for the plant, so apart from cleaning or cooling the foliage, there is no point in
supplying the water anywhere else but on the ground.
Drip watering systems are most efficient because they supply all the plant’s
needs, direct to the roots and use less than half the amount of water even the most
efficient sprinkler would need for the job. Besides, evaporation and run-off wastage
are completely eliminated. Our garden is almost totally watered by a network of that
brown plastic dripper tubing.
Apart from the fact that it is remarkably cheap, totally efficient, and child’s play to
install, its drippers are within the tubing and almost impossible to clog up, at least in
all the 20-odd years we’ve used it, we’ve never had a problem. Because of that it’s even
more efficient if covered with organic mulch.
This thorough watering is best as it encourages deep, strong, self-sufficient roots
ending in strong, healthy plants. A long, slow watering in this manner once or twice
a week is far better than frequent surface waterings that encourage all the developing
root systems to grow close to the surface and struggle for survival in anticipation of
the next shower.
It is best to water early in the morning so the moisture can soak right in before
the sun’s dry rays take effect. This is even more important in the heat of summer,
especially if you use sprinklers, when much of the water will evaporate even before it
reaches the ground.
Watering in the evening or at night builds up humidity in the lawn and garden
beds which will aid the spread of disease.
A plethora of photinia
I am noticing – with great delight – sprouting photinia hedges of delightful
brilliant deep green, with red-tipped new growth, throughout the shire.
There are several popular forms grown. The taller and sturdier photinia robusta
with deeper red new foliage and the other is a smaller hybrid form, red robin, with
vibrant red tips.
Among the century-old trees dotting our property are these photinia, pictured,
which I think might be a couple of rogue p.robusta which escaped the hedgeclippers
to become these magnificent specimens, especially when massed with those delightful
flowers.
Got a gardening query? Email glenzgarden@gmail.com

Trentham Haiku

Chaplins cafe
butterflies flower
on the dogwood
an earth-moving truck
drives between the cafe
and the pub
butterfly morning
three poets sipping
coffee
annual holidays
an old man carries an empty bag
towards the shops
strolling
around a duck pond…
a siren in birdsong
deep in thought
a duck glides through
murky waters
wisps of clouds
in the treetops
white cockatoos
picnic tables
mother and daughter
out for a walk
what kind
of duck is that mum?
a magpie

Contributed by Myron Lysenko
Myron Lysenko enjoys writing haiku in the
Macedon Ranges. He is a member
of the haiku group Fringe Myrtles.

For the third year, the Tuberous Begonia Garden in Ashbourne is open in February and March for its annual Tuberous Begonia and Fuchsia Show.

Now part of the gardener’s calendar, Peter Harris and Jesse Exiner put on this show due to Peter’s passion for tuberous begonias. His interest has been lifelong, after started in the nursery industry at the age of 14.
Jesse said while the show was not just for viewing, with people able to buy tuberous begonias which will flower until May. “There will be hundreds to choose from as either hanging baskets or as a standard plant. And each plant comes with a naming right, as no two plants are the same – making them the perfect gift.
“There are so many colours and shapes of blooms, it’s hard to choose but these beautiful shade-loving plants will brighten up the inside of your home, verandah or porch – bringing joy and happiness year after year.”
To make looking after your tuberous begonias easy, Jesse has recorded a three-minute YouTube video: Tuberous Begonia Maintenance Tips. In his video, Jesse shows every stage of growing the tuberous begonia, and how to feed, water and store them over winter. Each plant also comes with a written maintenance suggestions.
Another shade-loving, and a well-loved favourite, is the fuchsia. Peter and Jesse will have about 50 varieties on show which are also for sale.
“Fuchsias are very popular again because of their shade-loving qualities and their beautiful flowers with so many variations of colour,” Jesse said. “A suggestion sheet for placing and maintaining your fuchsias is supplied with each purchase.”
The show is free to enter with carparking at the rear of the property. The show opens from 10am to 4pm, Saturday and Sunday, on the first weekend in February, until the first weekend in April. Unfortunately, due to Covid, there are no public toilets available on the property but they are nearby at Woodend or Trentham.
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Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology helped police detect more than 500 unauthorised drivers during a five-day road safety effort in recent days.

Operation Amity saw police enforcing on Victorian roads during the high-risk Australia Day period, with ANPR technology fitted to highway patrol and specialist police vehicles used to detect disqualified, suspended and unlicensed drivers.

Police detected an average of 100 unauthorised drivers during each day of Operation Amity, which is an increase on the 85 unauthorised drivers detected per day during the statewide road policing operation over the Christmas period.

More than a third of all infringements issued were for speeding, with majority of detections for speeding ranging between 10km/h and 25km/h over the limit.

Police also caught 225 drink drivers and 198 drug drivers during the operation, with 117,703 alcohol and drug tests conducted across the state.

A total of 6,728 traffic offences were detected during Operation Amity, including:

• 2,384 speeding offences – 1,876 of these for speeding between 10km/h and 25km/h over the limit

• 258 disqualified/suspended drivers

• 244 unlicensed drivers

• 225 drink driving offences from 114,973 preliminary breath tests

• 198 drug driving offences from 2,730 roadside drug tests

• 261 mobile phone offences

• 374 disobey signs/signals

• 168 seatbelt offences

• 186 vehicle impoundments

• 741 unregistered vehicles

There were six fatalities on Victorian roads between 25 and 28 January, with fatal collisions occurring in Tatong, Moutajup, Lilliput, Broadford, Berwick and Halls Gap, bringing the total lives lost to 30 this year, up from 21 at the same time last year.

More than 75 per cent of fatal collisions this year have occurred on rural Victorian roads.

Operation Amity ran from 12:01am on Wednesday 25 January to 23:59pm on Sunday 29 January 2023.

Acting Assistant Commissioner Road Policing, Justin Goldsmith: “Whilst it’s great that ANPR technology is helping police to detect and remove more unauthorised drivers than ever before, it’s also frustrating that we continue to detect an increasing number of these suspended, disqualified and unlicenced drivers on our roads.

“Unauthorised drivers have no right to be on the road, yet they continue to flout the rules, putting their lives and others at risk.

“Rest assured, our enhanced capability means that we are stopping these drivers in their tracks and removing them from our roads, making it safer for all road users.

“Disappointingly, we’ve also seen another tragic period on our roads that has resulted in six lives lost within four days. It’s been a particularly bad start to the year, and we’re really concerned about the high number of fatalities this month, particularly on rural roads across the state.

“With school resuming this week, and more people returning to work after the holidays, now is not the time to be complacent behind the wheel.”

Local casual and contract workers are expected to benefit from a new Victorian Government partnership with Neighbourhood Houses Victoria, affording them access to sick and carer’s pay.
Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas, last week announced that the Woodend
Neighbourhood House will provide free assistance to help community members sign up for
the Victorian Sick Pay Guarantee.

The Woodend Neighbourhood House is one of up to 100 neighbourhood houses around the
state ready to help eligible casual and contract workers sign up for sick and carer’s pay.
Participating neighbourhood houses and community centres can provide access to in-
language support, computers and the internet, and help workers understand and sign up to
the scheme.
Eligible casual and contract workers can sign up for 38 hours a year of sick and carer’s pay
with direct support from a participating neighbourhood house. This community-based
approach will make the Sick Pay Guarantee more accessible for local workers who may
face technology or language barriers.
More than 55,000 workers have already signed up to the nation-leading initiative.

The $245.7 million two-year pilot is fully funded by the Victorian Government until March next year.

Eligible workers include casual and contract retail assistants, hospitality workers, aged and
disability care workers, supermarket workers, supermarket supply chain workers, cleaners,
laundry workers, security guards, food trades workers and food preparation assistants such
as cooks, bakers, fast food workers, and kitchen hands.

Casual and self-employed contract workers who want to check their eligibility and sign up are
encouraged to contact the Woodend Neighbourhood House, visit www.nhvic.org.au or sign
up at vic.gov.au/sickpayguarantee.

Eligible workers can apply for sick and carer’s pay from the day they sign up.

Information is available in 19 languages on the Sick Pay Guarantee website. To speak to an
interpreter, call the Translating and Interpreting Service on 131 450 and ask for the Victorian
Sick Pay Guarantee hotline.

Member for Macedon, Mary-Anne Thomas MP: “We’re making it easier for casual and contract workers to access sick and carer’s pay. I encourage all eligible workers to sign up today, whether it’s online or through our local Woodend Neighbourhood House”

As of yesterday, safe electronic items are now available for sale through the Daylesford Transfer Station tip shop.

Their sale on site at the tip shop comes after Hepburn Shire Council announced the launch of an e-waste recovery pilot at Daylesford Transfer Station.

Electronic items received through Transfer Station e-waste collections that pass safety inspections and testing will now be made available to the community through the Hepburn Shire Council Tip Shop.

The move is part of the plan to unlock circular economy opportunities and increase resource recovery locally in our shire.

E-waste is the fastest-growing waste stream, caused by increased technology trends, constant upgrades, and reduced product lifespans. E-waste is banned from landfills and requires particular disposal for it to be correctly recycled. Items that do not pass the visual assessment and electronic testing will continue to be recycled through our no-charge e-waste recycling program.

Hepburn Shire Council will review the results of this pilot within six months, with the intention of extending the program to Creswick and Trentham Transfer Stations.

Hepburn Shire Council’s annual road reseal program is now in full swing with roads in Blampied, Creswick, Daylesford, Drummond North, Kingston, Lyonville, Newlyn, Smeaton and Ullina all receiving attention.

The road reseal program is the largest annual rolling budget item that the council manages and, where possible, roads are grouped together based on condition to maximise value for money.

The annual road reseal program commenced last month with the resealing of Kingston Road between Kingston-Allendale Road, Creswick Newstead Road, the final seal on Lone Hand Road and the resealing of Forest Hill Road in Newlyn.

The road reseal program is the largest annual rolling budget that Council manages and is procured through a group procurement with 6 neighbouring councils. Total duration of works on Hepburn Shire roads is estimated at 7-8 days over six weeks.

The program will deliver 14.4km of reseal. Resealing roads is a maintenance activity, and where possible, roads are grouped together based on condition to achieve better value for money.

Here’s a list of projects:

• Daylesford-Clunes Rd Missing Section, Ullina
• Daylesford-Clunes Rd Patching package, Smeaton-Ullina
• Daylesford-Clunes Rd, Blampied
• Kingston Rd, Kingston
• Williams St, Creswick
• Hospital St & Hospital St/Jameson St Intersection, Daylesford
• Volari Lane (final Seal), Daylesford
• Orford St (final seal), Daylesford
• Stanhope / Grant St (From Grenville), Daylesford
• Grant St (From Queensberry), Daylesford
• Vaughan Springs Rd, Drummond North
• Lone Hand Road (final seal), Smeaton
• Forest Hill Rd, Newlyn
• Bremner Av, Lyonville
• Main St, Lyonville
• High St, Lyonville
• Gleeson St, Lyonville
• Central Springs Rd, Daylesford
• Table Hill Rd, Daylesford
• Garibaldi Dr, Daylesford
• Morella Ct Daylesford
• Raglan St (Daylesford), Daylesford
• Jamieson St intersection, Daylesford

Fences are now in place for the trial off-lead dog park in Trentham.

The trial site is the park near Trentham Swimming Pool, formally named Trentham Recreation Reserve with the Hepburn Shire Council is trialling the site as a quick and low-cost way to improve safety for children at the playground, while giving four-legged friends the chance to run free.

“This trial is a quick and low-cost way to improve safety for children at the playground, while giving four-legged friends the chance to run free,” Hepburn Shire mayor Cr Brian Hood said.

“We’re working on a broader project for dog parks around the Shire, and more information will be available later this year.”