AUSTRALIA'S Commonwealth Games team couldn't be in better hands than that of Ballarat's own Steve Moneghetti.Mona has been appointed to the noble-sounding role of chef de mission of the team which will head to Delhi in India next year - and no, that doesn't make him the cook.The chef de mission role generally falls to a well-respected identity whose job it is to provide leadership, support, mentoring, encouragement and motivation for the team as well as being its public spokesperson.On all counts, Mona has a proven track record.And his long and prosperous affiliation with the Commonwealth Games will make this appointment a personally satisfying one. "I've always felt I owed the Commonwealth Games so much for giving me the opportunity back in 1986," he said on his appointment yesterday. Mona's charges next year will include more than 425 athletes from dozens of sports - the largest team Australia has ever sent to an overseas Commonwealth Games.Ballarat knows Steve Moneghetti as a generous man who has always been giving of his time and proud of his citizenship of this city.He has always taken on an ambassadorial role for Ballarat without question and in this regard, his loyalty and commitment can't be faulted.During his competitive years, and since, he has earned the respect of his fellow competitors and team mates for his honest approach to his sport and his own genuine nature.Put simply, he is a good bloke.For these reasons and others, we are confident that Mona will execute his new role with all the professionalism and skill required - and more.Long after his retirement from sport at the highest level of competition, Ballarat is thrilled to see him still involved and giving back. Well done Mona.