Bacchus Marsh News

Bacchus Marsh remembered its fallen fathers and sons as its marked the 100th anniversary of the planting of its world-famous Avenue of Honour.

With 281 majestic elm trees towering overhead, dignitaries, descendants and locals gathered for a ceremony and a march along the avenue to the RSL club where stories were swapped over tea and Anzac biscuits.

Bacchus Marsh RSL president Cherrison Lawton said the commemoration was in part the fulfilment of an oft-recited promise: “we will remember them”.

“They were all volunteers. They were not conscripted and it was an honour for them to sign on the line to be volunteers and they made the ultimate sacrifice,” she said.

”I think for society it’s really good to reflect … it’s a special milestone.”

In researching the history of the 281 men named along the avenue, it was found that one had actually died on August 10, 1918 – the day the avenue was planted.

Read the full article at The Courier

Another reminder for motorists travelling between Bacchus Marsh and Darley this week to allow for extra time.

From Monday 9th until Wednesday 11th July Halletts Way, between Holts Lane and Burbidge Drive, will be closed from 7.00am to 5.00pm for pavement resurfacing works.

Detours will be in place via Gisborne Road or Bacchus Marsh Road.

It is part of a series of works to provide the Bacchus Marsh community with new entry and exit ramps to the Western Freeway at Halletts Way, and a new shared-user path bridge over the freeway.

VicRoads says the upgrade is on schedule, with the new on and off ramps expected to be operational by the end of August, and all construction works completed by November.

Full details at the MRPA Halletts Way website.

Bacchus Marsh could find itself at the end of the Metro rail line if a push from advocacy group Ballarat Rail Action Committee is successful.

Read the full post on thecourier.com.au

Bacchus Marsh Hospital has benefitted to the tune of $50,000, thanks to the town’s annual hot car showcase.

More than 4000 motor enthusiasts enjoyed the spectacle of 650 classic cars, motorbikes and trucks at Maddingley Park when the 13th annual David Calleja Memorial Car Show took place earlier this month.

This year’s event raised $50,000, which will go towards the purchase of medical equipment to fit-out the hospital’s operating theatre renovation.

Besides the automotive highlights, the show also included amusement rides, market stalls, barbecues and live music performances.

Djerriwarrh Health Services interim chief executive Amanda Edwards said the level of support received from the community was amazing.

“It was great to see the local community come out in such numbers,” Ms Edwards said.

“It was a fabulous family day out and I would like to thank all the sponsors, volunteers and service clubs who made the day such a success, as well as everyone who attended the event and kindly contributed to Djerriwarrh Health Services.

“The funds raised mean we can continue to invest in the future of our health service.”

Read the original article over at the Star Weekly

A teenager has been taken to hospital with serious injuries following an explosion near Osborne Street in Maddingley.

A spokesperson for Ambulance Victoria said the male teenager arrived to Bacchus Marsh Hospital shortly after 1:30pm and was transported to the Alfred Hospital with burn injuries.

While the circumstances of the explosion are yet to be established, a Victoria Police spokesperson said it is believed a gas pipe may have been ruptured, causing a small explosion.

“The incident has led to a secondary explosion on nearby Griffith Street,” the spokesperson said.

“Police are currently evacuating the area as a precaution and street closures are in place. Motorists are urged to avoid the area”.

Providence Nursing Home, Bacchus Marsh Grammar and Bacchus Marsh Secondary College have all been evacuated.

A second male is believed to have been hospitalised after suffering minor injuries.

A male witness, located in Smith Street at the time of the incident, said he heard a series of loud bangs.

“I thought it was an accident at a nearby workshop, only to walk out the front and see the manhole out the front of the cafe on the corner of Smith and Griffith pop up [from pressure],” he said.

Read the full article on themooraboolnews.com.au

Archie, Jack and Daniel Lalor. Pic Marco De Luca

Getting the three Lalor brothers in the one place can be difficult.

Along with all the normal teenage distractions, the three Bacchus Marsh boys have been travelling the state, and the country, playing cricket.

Jack, Daniel and Archie have been selected in Victorian cricket teams and by the end of this month, all three would have represented the state in the past six months.

Jack, the oldest of the three, played for Vic Country in the under-19 national championships for a second time last year.

“To be honest I felt that there was a bit more added pressure to make more runs,” he said.

“When you get to this level it’s more about focusing on your strengths and not worrying about other people or players.”

Jack, who plays for Northcote in Victorian Premier Cricket, hopes to finish the season on a high.

“It’s been an interrupted season with school and year 12,” he said. “I’d been playing ones all through the season, but was dropped to the twos.

“There’s still three more games left, so hopefully I can make some runs and contribute.”

He said it was good to see his younger brothers stepping up and playing at state level.

Daniel was selected for the under-15 school sports national championships and named in the Victorian country team which will compete in Queensland, starting this week.

He was previously part of the under-12 school sports team.

“The carnival is coming up and I can’t wait to get back to school and then go away to Brisbane,” Daniel said.

Over summer Daniel represented the Gisborne and District Cricket Association (GDCA) at country week where he led the batting average in his division.

He also represented Central Highlands in the state championships, while playing both junior and senior cricket at Bacchus Marsh.

After making his first XI debut last season, he’s played the past four games in the top side for Bacchus Marsh.

“It’s been really good and heaps of fun,” he said.

Check out the full article on the Star Weekly