The Local Paper. Diamond Valley News edition. Wed., Feb. 17, 2021

DIAMOND VALLEY NEWS EDITION GREENSBOROUGH • MONTMORENCY • BRIAR HILL • LOWER PLENTY • ST HELENA • ELTHAM Local and Independent. Not associated with any other publication in this area.

Phone: 9439 9927.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

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Page 2 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Where to pick up your free copy of The Local Paper ■ ALPHINGTON. 7-Eleven. 785 Heidelberg Rd. ■ ALPHINGTON. Foodstore. 52 Wingrove St. ■ ALPHINGTON. Milk Bar. 50 Wingrove St. ■ BRIAR HILL. Briar Hill Post Office/Newsagency. Shop 1/111 Mountain View Rd. ■ BUNDOORA. BP Service Station.

1050 Plenty Rd. ■ BUNDOORA. Bundoora Newsagency. Unit 3, 39 Plenty Rd. ■ CLIFTON HILL. Clifton Hill Lotto.

306 Queens Pde. ■ CLIFTON HILL. Clifton Hill Newsagency. 316 Queens Pde. ■ CLIFTON HILL. Continental Grocery. Spensley St. ■ CLIFTON HILL. McCoppins Supermarket. 292 Queens Pde. ■ CLIFTON HILL. Milk Bar. Cnr Fenwick St and Spensley St. ■ COLLINGWOOD. Metro Petroleum. 318 Wellington St. ■ EAGLEMONT. Australia Post/ Newsagency. 64 Silverdale Rd. ■ EAGLEMONT. IGA Supermarket.

83-85 Silverdale Rd. ■ EAST IVANHOE. Australia Post/ Tatts/Newsagency. 249-251 Lower Heidelberg Rd. ■ EAST PRESTON. East Preston News and Lotto. 669 Plenty Rd. ■ EAST PRESTON. Liberty Service Station. 502 Plenty Rd. ■ EAST PRESTON. Plenty Road Cellars. 766 Plenty Rd. ■ ELTHAM. Bolton Street Deli and Liquor. 120 Bolton St. ■ ELTHAM. Caltex. 527 Main Rd. ■ ELTHAM. Coles Express. 650 Main Rd (Cnr Mt Pleasant Rd) ■ ELTHAM. United Service Station.

1050 Main Rd. ■ ELTHAM NORTH. 330 Ryans Rd. ■ EPPING. Cnr Dalton Rd and Childs Rd. ■ FAIRFIELD. 7-Eleven. Cnr Darebin Rd and Station St. ■ FAIRFIELD. BP. 490-500 Heidelberg Rd. ■ FAIRFIELD. Caltex. 215 Heidelberg Rd. ■ FAIRFIELD. Coles Express. 377 Heidelberg Rd. ■ FAIRFIELD. Coles Express. Cnr Darebin Rd and Station St ■ FAIRFIELD. Fairfield News and Lucky Lotto. 99 Station St. ■ FAIRFIELD. Service Station. Cnr Separation St and Station St. ■ FAIRFIELD. Station Street IGA. 140 Station St. ■ FITZROY. BP. 143-145 Johnston St. ■ FITZROY. Fitzroy News. 125 Johnston St. ■ GREENSBOROUGH. Milk Bar. 31 Greenhill Rd. ■ HEIDELBERG. 7-Eleven. Cnr Burgundy St and Lower Heidelberg Rd. ■ HEIDELBERG. Heidelberg Tatts/ News. 112 Burgundy St. ■ IVANHOE. Ivanhoe Newsagency.

194 Upper Heidelberg Rd. ■ IVANHOE. Milk Bar. 53 Lower Heidelberg Rd. ■ KEON PARK. Australia Post/Tatts.

Johnson St ■ KINGSBURY. Bottle-O. 949 Plenty Rd. ■ KINGSBURY. BP. 935 Plenty Rd. ■ KINGSBURY. Supermarket and Tatts. Link St. ■ LALOR. Kingsway Corner Store.

1/70 Kingsway.

■ LALOR . Lalor Lucky L:otto. 332 Station St. ■ LOWER PLENTY. IGA Xpress Supermarket. 101-105 Lower Plenty Rd. ■ LOWER PLENTY. Lower Plenty Newsagency/Tatts. 95 Main Rd. ■ MACLEOD. Macleod Newsagency.

62 Aberdeen Rd. ■ MILL PARK. 7-Eleven. Cnr Childs Rd and Morang Dr. ■ MILL PARK. Mill Park Newsagency. 4 The Stables Shopping Centre.

■ MONTMORENCY. 7-Eleven. 215 Sherbourne Rd.

■ MONTMORENCY. Australia Post/ Newsagency. 41-43 Were St. ■ MONTMORENCY. Caltex. 180 Sherbourne Rd. ■ NOR TH FITZROY. Terminus Hotel.

492 Queens Pde. ■ NORTH IVANHOE. Australia Post.

Cnr Waterdale Rd and Beatty St. ■ NORTHCOTE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Victoria Rd and Separation St. ■ NORTHCOTE. Licensed Supermarket. Cnr Mitchell St and Victoria Rd. ■ NORTHCOTE. Northcote Newsagency. 335 High St. ■ PRESTON. United Service Station. Cnr Chifley Dr. and Bell St. ■ PRESTON. United Service Station. Cnr Bell St and Albert St. ■ REGENT WEST. Post Office and Tatts. 136 Regent St. ■ RESERVOIR. Australia Post. 10a Gellibrand Cres.

■ RESERVOIR. BP Service Station.

Cnr McFadzean Ave and Hughes Pde. ■ RESERVOIR. Broadway Lotto.

238 Broadway.

■ RESERVOIR. Caltex. 931 High St ■ RESERVOIR. Coles Express. 192202 Broadway.

■ RESERVOIR. DM Deli and Liquor.

35 McFadzean Ave. ■ RESERVOIR. Liberty Service Station. 101-111 Edwardes St. ■ RESERVOIR. Milk Bar. Cnr Yarra Ave and Boldrewood Pde. ■ RESERVOIR. News and Lotto.

251 Spring St. ■ RESERVOIR. Reservoir RSL. 251 Spring St. ■ ROSANNA. Rosanna Newsagency.

137 Lower Plenty Rd. ■ ST HELENA . Milk Bar. Cnr Glen Katherine Dr and Weidlich Rd. ■ ST HELENA. St Helena Newsagency. St Helena Marketplace, Aqueduct Rd. ■ THOMASTOWN. BP. 123 High St. ■ THOMASTOWN. Foodworks. 126 Alexander Ave. ■ THOMASTOWN. Milk Bar. 128 Alexander Ave. ■ THOMASTOWN. Stevens Cellars Licensed Grocery. 20 The Boulevard.

■ THOMASTOWN. Thomastown News and Lotto. 223 High St. ■ THOMASTOWN WEST. 7-Eleven.

Cnr Mount View St and Edgars Rd. ■ THOMASTOWN WEST. Supa IGA Supermarket. Edgars Rd ■ THORNBURY. 7-Eleven. Cnr High St and Hutton St. ■ THORNBURY. BP. 410 St Georges Rd. ■ THORNBURY. Normanby News and Lotto. 638 High St. ■ THORNBURY. Tatts and Licensed Grocery. 400 Station St. ■ WATSONIA. BP. Cnr Watsonia Rd and Morwell Ave. ■ WATSONIA. Coles Express. Cnr Greensborough Rd and Yallambie rD ■ WATSONIA. Watsonia RSL. 6 Morwell Ave. ■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Convenience Store. Moresby Cres.

■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Foodworks.

571-573 Waterdale Rd. ■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Licensed Supermarket. Olympic Village. Moresby Cres.

■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Milk Bar. Cnr Banksia St and Oriel Rd. ■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Tatts. The Mall. Cnr Bell St and Oriel Rd. ■ WEST PRESTON. Brightway Milk Bar. 107 Gilbert Rd. ■ WEST PRESTON. IGA Xpress Supermarket. 392-298 Gilbert Rd. ■ WEST PRESTON. Liberty Service Station. Cnr Gilbert Rd and Union St. ■ WEST PRESTON. Thornbury Cellars. 141 Miller St. ■ WEST RESERVOIR. 7-Eleven.

Cnr Gilbert Rd and Henty St. ■ WEST RESERVOIR. Lakeside Newsagency. 716A Gilbert Rd. ■ WESTGARTH. Lotto/SubNewsagency. 107 High St. ■ WESTGARTH. Milk Bar. Cnr Westgarth St and South Cres.

■ YALLAMBIE. 7-Eleven. 371 Lower Plenty Rd.

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Court Lists RingwoodMagistrates’ Court Plaintiff / Informant / Applicant vs Defendant / Accused / Respondent. Information Division.

Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, February 17 Alexander, Shaun Ancrum, Will Answer, Alexander Arbuckle, John Archer, David Ashton, William Audino, Jack Barnes, Janet Bell, Richard Bloomer, Ben Ryan Bohmer, Emily Bray, David Brohier, Ralston Bufalino, Jeremy Bullman, Adam Burum-Mikelat, Joel Camillo, Rhiannan Bianca Campbell, Anthony Darren Chandler, Shane Chia, Theresa Chuah, Louise Clavant, Nathan Collins, Macey Coumvoulidis, Thomas Cupido, Simon Dang, Thi Thoa Davis, Christopher George De Vond, Marc Dimech, Stephen Dinatale, Paul Anthony Duff, Scott Duffy, Martin Jay Eaves, Teresa El Osman, Ali Etiennette, Jean Fan, Wei Faraday, Warren Farrell, Scott Ford, Adam Peter Friend, Keanush Furze, Michael Garth, Aaron Garzoli, Sarah Jane Giltinan, Ben Green, Andrea Greene, Michael Grigg, Aaron Hearne, Rodney Francis Hopkinson, Marcus Howes, Shane Christopher Hunt, Robert Jameel, Majid Janssen, Melanie Ann Johnston, Ben Jonassen, Rachel Kay, Benjamin Kelso, Lauren Jayne Kercheval, Blake William Lambourne, Warren Troy Lamont, Cameron Uni-Knox Lawson, Robbie Lay, Margaret Layton, Megan Lee, Aaron Lee, Shi Xiong

Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Local Paper shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt, innocence or liability should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

Li, Shixiong Luong, Jenny Makieng, Games Kolang Martinez, Diego Matheson, Scott Mc Grath, Jason John Mcbride, Meagan Mcconnichie, Andrew Mcculloch, Shawn Robert Mcdonough, Barbara Mcewen, Craig Mcintosh, Luke Mcveigh, Kirsten Morris, Justin Nebi, Faruk Nelsson, Thomas Nokewal, Premjeet Singh Norton, Jesse Oakes, Matthew Darren O'loughlin, Jacob O'reilly, Kristen O'shea, Roy Parzatka, Stanley Pascoe, James Paver, Richard Petracca, Noe Phillips, Hayley Plose, Corey Pout, CraigAllen Presta, Dylan Preston, David Radojevic, Milan Rowlatt, Tess Elle Sampieri, Mitchell Sankhulani, Bilal Joseph Sargent, Anthony Scacco, Marie Shushtarian,Arsalan Singh, Parminder Smith, Daniel Smith, Kieran St Clare, Ngaere St Mart, Jay Christopher Stroud, Michael Totney, Alexandra Vankastel, Darcy Vernon, Claye Wanniarachige, Joseph Travis Wills, Shayne Christopher Zhang, Xiaopeng

Local News

Jobs at Maroondah Cl. ■ Local jobseekers are being encouraged to apply for new jobs at Maroondah City Council as part of the State Government funded Working for Victoria initiative.

The initiative is designed to assist councils to employ jobseekers, including those significantly impacted by COVID-19, in roles that support the community.

Maroondah Mayor, Cr Kylie Spears, said the Working for Victoria fund would provide sixmonth employment opportunities to those in the community who needed it most.

“Whether you are unemployed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic or have been without work for a longer period of time, I encourage you to visit the Victorian

Government’s Working for Victoria online portal and register your interest,” Cr Spears said.

Council will take on new employees to support a variety of roles including tree planting, gardening, landscaping and outdoor works such as garden bed enhancements, weeding, brush cutting and drainage management.

There will also be job opportunities available in areas including risk management, office administration, and community development and planning. All jobs will be offered as six-month contracts and are funded by the Victorian Government.

The roles will be available from this month, building on the more than 12,000 jobs already created.

The Whip Our Spy in Parliament

Parliament back?

■ State Parliament is due back TuesdayWednesday-Thursday (Feb. 16-17-18) for its second sitting week, but who knows what impact the sudden five-day lockdown will have on House arrangements?

Athletics support ■ Earlier this month, Louise Staley (MLA, Ripon, Liberal) told of the impact that COVID was having on Little Athletics across the state.

“Last night I was contacted by a parent of a Little Aths participant in Ripon to tell me that the regional meets had been cancelled, and the reason they have been cancelled is that Little Athletics Victoria is unable to get a permit from the government to hold these events.

“Now, I went to the Little Aths website, and they have a statement on the website.

They have said: “advice suggested this process would take 4–6 weeks”.

“Well, it is apparent to them that the process is now taking 10 weeks. This is entirely typical of this Government. The level of incompetence when it comes to actually implementing their plans in terms of COVID-safe plans or other aspects of this pandemic’s management is wholly flawed, and now we have Little Aths at the regional level cancelled.

“I spoke to Paul Cleary, who is a coach for Little Aths in Ballarat. He told me he had 19 kids there last night in Ballarat just in his group, and he had a little nine-year-old girl crying because they had missed last year and they understood that, but to miss again this year—totally unacceptable. This Government has failed these kids again, and it is completely unacceptable,” Ms Staley said.

Tribute to Paul ■ Bridget Vallence (MLA, Evelyn, Liberal) took time in State Parliament this month to pay tribute to the life of Paul Payne, who was known widely in Victoria. “t is with a heavy heart I rise to pay tribute to Paul Payne. Our community was saddened to hear of the loss of Paul Payne after his recent illness in December 2020.

“Paul was the president of the Lilydale RSL after having in his earlier life a distinguished 20-year career in the Royal Australian Navy. Paul loved his sports too and was a board member of the Eastern Football Netball League, a life member of the Coldstream Football and Netball Club and a life member of the Coldstream Sporting Club.

“Paul was a loving husband, dad and grandfather, an extremely valued member of our local community and generally an allround great bloke. Everyone knew Paul as a gruff but wonderfully kind-hearted, hardworking, dedicated community member.

“He was a quiet achiever, always willing to help, and was central to many successful local campaigns, obtaining funding to upgrade Coldstream sporting acilities and community facilities “Paul will be dearly missed in the Coldstream and Lilydale communities, and I extend my deepest sympathies to his wife, Jo; children Bec, Vanessa, Matt, Chris and Catherine; his grandchildren; and the Lilydale RSL sub-branch and the Coldstream football club,” Ms Vallence said.

Famous last words ■ Williamstown MLA Melissa Horne has learned that a week is a long time in politics.

On February 3, she told Parliament: “This year has started so positively for so many families in my electorate of Williamstown.

As we come away from 2020 and look to rebuilding our great state in 2021, I am thrilled to see my community come back to life.”

Then came the latest lockdown.

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Ticks & Crosses

The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - Page 3

Local News

Northcote Budget

Local lockdown anger North-West public exposure sites

● From Page One

Question ban ■ Northcote woman Agapi Pashos has had a question, addressed to Darebin City Councillors, banned by Mayor Cr Lina Messina.

The Council Minutes indicate: “Ms Pashos commenced a question that was contrary to Council’s Governance Rules.

“The Mayor advised that in accordance with Council’s Governance Rules 2020, no questions directed at an individual Councillor or officer will be allowed and that accordingly the question was disallowed and the question would be taken on notice and responded to privately.”

Preston Post ● Kat Theophanous, Noithcote MLA Northcote MLA Kat Theophanous told State Parliament this month that the area is is deeply proud of its live music scene and our creative industries. “Our area is filled with talented artists, musicians, actors teachers and businesses that have coloured our community, making it an incredible place to live. They are a big part of our social and economic life in Northcote.

But as we know, the creative industries were among the hardest hit during the pandemic.

Left behind by the federal government, many of these workers and businesses really struggled as the year progressed. That is why our creative ndustries support has been so vital. Last year alone 110 local artists, musicians and venues across Northcote shared over $1.3 million in creative industries funding through programs like our Sustaining Creative Workers scheme and our music industry recovery program, and many of the recipients are iconic to Northcote, like the Northcote Social Club, the Wesley Anne, Open Studio and the Thornbury Theatre.”

Closure question

✔

✔

Ms Theophanous said: “I know from speaking to them that this funding has made an incredible difference. Of course yesterday the Minister for Creative Industries announced another $5.6 million in grants for the creative sector, and I encourage my community to check them out and to apply.

But most of all as we kick off 2021 I want to thank and congratulate all our local creative industry workers for your perseverance and for what you contribute to our community. Here’s to a bright and musical 2021.”

✔

Vicki Ward, Eltham MLA, has spo ken in State Parliament about local people honoured on Australia Day. “Congratulations to this year’s recipients of Nillumbik shire’s 2021 Australia Day awards: Peter Talbot, Jan Aitken, Finn Deacey and the Rotary Club of Diamond Creek.

“Peter Talbot is deservedly Nillumbik’s Volunteer of the Year. Peter is an active member of Community and Volunteers of Eltham (CAVE), a commitment spanning 20 years. He has been liaison officer for Eltham High School for 15 years and has served as the Lions Club president for seven years.

“Notably Peter helped raise $414,000 for the Eltham Lions Club in March 2020 before the COVID-19 lockdown began.

“Peter spoke on Australia Day on how the community, particularly in Research, has supported him throughout his life. As a community we are very grateful we have Peter in our community and thank him for all he has done for us.

“Nillumbik’s Senior Citizen of the Year was Jan Aitken. For 13 years Jan has been fundamental to the development and success of the Nillumbik Reconciliation Group.

Jan leads the reconciliation movement in Nillumbik, enhancing and strengthening understanding and actions to advance equality for our First Nations people.

“Jan is also president of CAVE, helping to provide important emergency relief and support for high school students in our district and surrounding areas. Jan has devoted decades of volunteerism to our community, and we are lucky to have her,” Ms Ward said.

● Jeroen Weimar, Testing Commander on Saturday.

■ Public exposure across Melbourne’s North-West have been listed by the Department of Health and Human Services: Tier 1 ■ Broadmeadows. Craigieburn train line.

■ Broadmeadows. Woolworths Broadmeadows Central, Pascoe Vale Rd. ■ Broadmeadows. Bon Bon Bakery, Broadmeadows Central.

■ Coburg. Function Venue. 426 Sydney Rd. ■ Glenroy. 513 Eltham to Glenroy bus route.

■ Maidstone. Marciana’s Cakes. 126 Mitchell St. ■ Melbourne. Yarra Trams No. 11.

■ Melbourne. Yarra Trams No. 58.

■ Melbourne. Queen Victoria Market.

Fruit vegetables and Section 2 female toilets.

■ Melbourne Airport. Brunetti, Terminal 4.

■ Melbourne. Airport. Terminal 4.

■ Melbourne Airport. 901 Frankston to Melbourne Airport bus.

■ Pascoe Vale. Oak Park Sports and Aquatic Centre.

■ Pascoe Vale. Elite Swimming Pascoe Vale.

■ Sunbury. Cellarbrations. 34 Batman Ave. ■ Sunbury. Sunny Life Massage. Sunbury Square Shopping Centre. 2-28 Evans St. ■ Sunbury. PJ’s Pet Warehouse. Shop 2, 104 Horne St. ■ Sunbury. Bakers Delight. Sunbury Square Shopping Centre. 2-28 Evans St. ■ Sunbury. Aldente Deli. Sunbury Square Shopping Centre. 2-28 Evans St. ■ Sunbury. Sushi Sushi. Sunbury Square Shopping Centre. 2-28 Evans St. ■ Sunbury. Asian Star. Sunbury Square Shopping Centre. 2-28 Evans St. ■ Sunshine. Dan Murphy’s 47 McIntyre Rd. ■ Taylors Lakes. Off Ya Tree Watergardens. 399 Melton Hwy. Tier 2 ■ Point Cook. The Coffeeologist Cafe. 70/ 300 Point Cook Rd. Tier 3 ■ Hoppers Crossing. Caltex Woolworths.

50 Old Geelong Rd.

Rezza, Coburg alert ■ COVID-19 fragments have been detected in wastewater in Melbourne’s north.

Coburg and Reservoir residents have been told to get tested immediately if they have any symptoms.

The unexpected detection was revealed by government last week (Wed., Feb. 10).

● Professor Brett Sutton, Victorian Chief Health Officer.

“The hotel quarantine system needs an urgent redesign. There are a range of solutions that shouldbe on the table, and Australia should be getting our best and brightest minds on to this task immediately,” Mr Guerra said.

Kate Carnell, Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman, said the Victorian Government needs to urgently compensate small businesses forced to close their doors on one of the busiest holidays of the year.

“Small businesses such as florists and restaurants currently have their storage rooms packed with supplies, ahead of what they thought would be one of their busiest trading days of the year,” Ms Carnell said.

“Unfortunately, this snap lockdown means thousands of Victorian small businesses need to shut up shop for five days without any notice.

“It is for this reason the Victorian Government needs to immediately announce a compensation package for affected small businesses who have lost stock such as flowers and food.

“The compensation should also cover all other costs associated with running a business including staff wages and rent.

“It is impossible for small businesses to plan for sudden lockdowns and the timing of this one – coinciding with Valentine’s Day and Lunar New Year celebrations - could not be worse.

“Victorian restaurant owners are understandably frustrated, given this lockdown announcement came just hours after their additional supplies were delivered. Many were fully-booked all weekend,” Ms Carnell said.

Woman tests COVID positive ■ Psychiatric wards at two Melbourne hospitals have been locked down and contact tracing is underway after a worker tested positive to COVID-19.

The woman worked in a psychiatric unit at the Alfred Hospital and on psychiatric wards at the Northern Hospital in Broadmeadows. The Northern Hospital unit is run by Royal Melbourne Hospital.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews confirmed the new locally acquired case on Monday(Feb. 15). She attended a family function with a COVID-infected hotel quarantine worker on February 6.

The woman is asymptomatic and was tested four times at the weekend, returning both negative and "weak positive" results.

"Given her exposure and the variability of those results, the public health team have taken the most conservative approach and have deemed her a positive case," Mr Andrews said.

"Those services have had those wards locked down. Staff, all those that she may have come in contact with, they are all isolating and have been tested," Mr Andrews said.

■ Northern suburbs resident John Nugent says Darebin Council’s facilities were not open over the Christmas-New year break, and he wants to know why. He put his question to the January meeting of Council.

Jodie Watson, General Manager Governance,replied that “there was a decision taken to close the Customer service Centre for three days between Christmas and New Year break. This was largely due to staffing pressures and having staff having to work in staff bubble in accordance with COVID requirements and also to give staff a break particularly after a challenging year in Customer Service area.”

Whittlesea Post Be Well in Ranges ■ Yan Yean MLA Danielle Green has spoken in State Parliament about the ‘Be Well in the Ranges’ initiative that was taken after the Black Saturday fires in 2009.

“The minister in his role in education has shown great compassion for my community and great insight and great support for the schools in my electorate over the many years since this tragedy ... Be Well in the Ranges, which was funded around the 10th anniversary—and it is actually people in the Kinglake Ranges working together on their own mental health solutions. They give great bang for buck,” Ms Green said.

Heidelberger Start to Bellfield ■ The new Bellfield Community Hub has kicked off construction starting with a ‘Turning of the Sod’ on February 5, with local MP Anthony Carbines joining Banyule councillors and guests.

The environmentally sustainable building will bring together many Council services and facilities in one large integrated Hub with: community garden, community rooms social support areas, adult education facilities, kindergarten rooms and outdoor play spaces, maternal and child health consulting suites, and a social enterprise café. It is expected to be completed by early 2022.

Diamond Valley News Vasey petition ■ A petition has been presented to State Parliament from residents of Vasey RSL Veterans Village. It draws to the attention of the House the imminent sale of the assets of Vasey RSLCare.

The petitioners request that the Legislative Assembly of Victoria intervene to protect and preserve the unique organisation and culture that is Vasey RSL Care. Vasey RSL Care provide care and homes for 700 War Widows and Veterans.

There is no other Veteran/War Widow centric organisation in Victoria that prioritises us and the proposed sale prejudices the aged care future of every single Veteran and War Widow’s access to aged care.

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Page 4 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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Deadlines Free Classified Ads: 5pm Fridays Paid Classified Ads: 5pm Fridays Display Ads: 5pm Fridays Trades Guide: 5pm Fridays Editorial: 5pm Fridays Sport: 9pm Saturdays Melbournewide NORTHERN DIVISION Diamond V alle y Ne ws E dition Valle alley New Edition (Nillumbik): Briar Hill, Diamond Creek, Eltham, Eltham North, Greensborough, Lower Plenty and Yarr amba t. arramba ambat.

Heidelberger Edition (Banyule): Bellfield, Darebin, Eaglemont, East Ivanhoe, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Heights, Ivanhoe, Macleod, Rosanna, Vie wbank, W es g, iewbank, Waa tsonia, W Wes estt Heidelber Heidelberg, Yallambie allambie..

Northcote Budget Edition: Alphington, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, C rro o x tton, on, Dennis, FFairfield, airfield, Fitzr o y, Fitzro Fitzr oy North, Northc ot hornbury Fitzro Northcot otee , TThornbury hornbury,, Wes esttgarth.

Preston Post/Reservoir Times es eserv oir Edition : Eas Eastt Pr Pres estton, Eas Eastt R Reserv eservoir oir,, Keon PPark, ark, Pr es egent, Kingsbury Pres estton, R Regent, Kingsbury,, Reserv oir es es es eservoir oir,, Ruth Ruthvven, W Wes estt Pr Pres estton, W Wes estt Reservoir Whittlesea Post Edition : Bundoor a, Epping, Lalor ark, Bundoora, Lalor,, Mill PPark, Thomastown.

• PENINSULA-FRANKSTONGREA TER D ANDENONG GREATER DANDENONG DIVISION Cranbourne Sun Edition: Cranbourne, Devon Meadows, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Eumemmerring, Hampt on PPark, ark, LLynbr ynbr oook, LLyndhurs yndhurs t, Hampton ynbroook, yndhurst, Pearcedale.

Dandenong Advertiser Edition: Bangholme, Dandenong, Dandenong North, Dandenong South, Keysborough, Noble Park, Springvale.

Frankston Edition: A s p e n d a l e , Bonbeach, Carrum Downs, Chelsea, Edithvale, Frankston, Frankston North, Frankston South, Karingal, Langwarrin, Langwarrin South, Mentone, Mordialloc, Sandhurst, Seaford, Skye.

Mornington Peninsula Post Edition: Arthurs Seat, Moorooduc, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha, Safety Beach.

Southern Peninsula Edition: Blairgowrie, Boneo, Cape Schanck, Capel Sound, Dromana, McCrae, Portsea, Rosebud, Rye, Sorrento, St Andr oot gar ook.

Andreews Beach, TToot ootgar garook.

Wes ort E dition: Balnarring, esttern P Port Edition: Baxt er ern, Crib PPoint, oint, Flinders, Baxter er,, Bitt Bittern, Hastings, Main Ridge, Merricks, Point Leo, Red Hill, Red Hill South, Shoreham, Somers, Somerville oint, TTyyabb Somerville,, SStton onyy PPoint, abb..

• SOUTHERN CRO SS WEEKL Y CROS WEEKLY DIVISION Bayside Times Edition: Beaumaris, Black Rock, Brighton, Brighton East, Chelt enham, Cr omer on, Dendy,, Hampt Hampton, Cheltenham, Cromer omer,, Dendy Hampton East, Highett, Moorabbin and Sandringham.

Bor oondar a W eekly E dition: Boroondar oondara Weekly Edition: Camberwell, Glen Iris, Glenferrie South, Hawthorn, Hawthorn East.

Glen Eira Standard Edition: Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Brighton East, Carnegie, Caulfield, Caulfield East, Caulfield North, Caulfield South, Coatesville, Elsternwick, Gardenvale, G l e n H u n t l yy,, H o p e tto oun G dens, Gaa rrd McKinnon, Murrumbeena, Ormond, Patterson and St Kilda East.

Kingston Standard Edition: Braeside, Cheltenham, Clarinda, Clayton South, Dingley Village, Heatherton, Highett, Mentone, Moorabbin, Moorabbin Airport, Parkdale, Patterson Lakes and Waterw erwaays.

Port Phillip Times Edition: Albert P ark, Balacla ood, G ar den City Balaclavva, Elw Elwood, Gar arden City,, Middle Park, Port Melbourne, Ripponlea, South Melbourne, Southbank, St Kilda, S t Kilda Eas t, SStt Kilda W es t, W indsor East, Wes est, Windsor indsor..

S t onningt on W eekly E dition: onnington Weekly Edition: Armadale, Glen Iris, Hawksburn, Kooyong, Malvern, Malvern East, Pr ahr an, South Y arr a, TToor oor ak, W indsor Prahr ahran, Yarr arra, oorak, Windsor indsor..

Melbournewide Yarr aT imes E dition: Abbotsf or d, arra Times Edition: Abbotsfor ord, Burnle ollingw ood, Cr emorne Burnleyy, C Collingw ollingwood, Cremorne emorne,, Richmond.

• NORTH-WEST DIVISION Brimbank Messenger Edition: Alban deer ooklyn Albanvv ale ale,, Albion, Ar Ardeer deer,, Br Brooklyn (part), Cairnlea, Calder Park, Deer Park, Delahe Delaheyy, Derrimut, Hillside (part), Kealba, K eilor eilor Do wns, K eilor Eas Keilor eilor,, K Keilor Downs, Keilor Eastt (part), Keilor Lodge, Keilor North, Keilor Park, Kings Park, St Albans, Sunshine, Sunshine North, Sunshine W Wee sstt , S y d e n h a m , TTaa y l o r s L a kkee s a n d Tullamarine ullamarine..

Hobsons Bay Edition: A l t o n a , Altona Meadows, Altona North, Brooklyn, Laverton, Newport, Seabrook, Seaholme, South Kingsville, Spotswood, Williamstown and Williamstown North.

Hume Observer Edition: Attwood, Broadmeadows, Campbellfield, Clarkefield, Coolaroo, Craigieburn, Dallas, Diggers R Ree sstt , FFaa w k n e rr,, Gladstone Park, Greenvale, Jacana, K a l kkallo allo eilor w Heights, allo,, K Keilor eilor,, Meado Meadow Melbourne Airport, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Roxburgh Park, Somert on, TTullamarine ullamarine es tmeado ws, Somerton, ullamarine,, W Wes estmeado tmeadow W ildw ood and Y ur ok ildwood Yur urok okee .

Maribyrnong Edition: Braybrook, F ootscr ville ootscraa y, Kings Kingsville ville,, Maids Maidstt o n ee,, Marib yrnong, Seddon, TTott ott enham, W es Maribyrnong, ottenham, Wes estt Footscr arr ootscraay and Y Yarr arraa ville ville..

Moonee V alle y G az ett eE dition: Valle alley Gaz azett ette Edition: Aberf eldie es t, Asc ot V ale Aberfeldie eldie,, Airport W Wes est, Ascot Vale ale,, Avondale Heights, Es sendon, Es sendon Essendon, Essendon North, Es sendon W es t, Flemingt on, Essendon Wes est, Flemington, Keilor East, Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, Strathmore, Strathmore Heights and or Travanc ancor oree.

Moreland Courier Edition: Batman, Brunswick, Brunswick East, Bruns wick W t, C obur g, C obur g Brunswick Wee sst, Cobur oburg, Cobur oburg North, FFaawkner oy North, Glenr oy, wkner,, Fitzr Fitzro Glenro Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Merlynston, Moreland, Oak Park, Parkville, Pascoe oe V V a l ee,, PPaa s cco Vaa l e S o u t h a n d Tullamarine ullamarine..

Sunbury Regional News Edition: Bulla, Sunbury • EASTERN DIVISION Knox-Sherbrooke News Editonia, FFerntr erntr ee Gully ion: Ba Bayyswater er,, Bor Boronia, erntree Gully,, K n ooxx f i e l d , LLyy s t e r f i e l d , R o w v i l l ee,, Ro Sas safr as, Sc or esb tudfield, TThe he Sassafr safras, Scor oresb esbyy, SStudfield, Basin, Upper FFerntr erntr ee Gully antirna, erntree Gully,, W Wantirna, Wantirna South.

Manningham News Edition: Bulleen, Doncas t, Doncastt er er,, Doncas Doncastt er Eas East, Donvale, Nunawading, Park Orchards, Ringw o o d N o r t h , TTee m p l e sstt o w e , wo Temples o w e rr,, W andyt emplestt o w e LLo Waa r rrandyt andytee , Warr andyt onga PPark. ark. arrandyt andytee South, W Wonga Maroondah Mail Edition: Bayswater North, Croydon, Croydon Hills, Croydon North, Croydon South, Heathmont, Kilsyth, Kilsyth South, Park Orchards, Ringwood, Ringwood East, Ringw ood North, V ermont, W arr an wood Ringwood Vermont, Warr arran anw and W onga PPark. ark.

Wonga Monash Gazette Edition: Ashwood, Burwood, Chadstone, Cla yt on, Glen W ely Clayt yton, Waa ver erely ely,, Hughesdale Hughesdale,, H u n t i n g d a l ee,, M o u n t W Waa v e r l eeyy , Mulgrave, Notting Hill, Oakleigh, Oakleigh East, Oakleigh South, Pinewood, Syndal and Wheelers Hill.

Progress News Edition: Ashburton, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Burw ood, Cant erbury t, Burwood, Canterbury erbury,, K Keew, K Kee w Eas East, Mont Albert, Surrey Hills.

Whitehorse Gazette Edition: Blackburn, Blackburn North, Blackburn South, Box Hill, Box Hill North, Box Hill South, Burwood, Burwood East, Forest Hill, Mitcham, Mont Albert, Mont Albert North, Nunawading, Surrey Hills, ermont South.

Vermont, V Vermont • REGIONAL DIVISION Dindi Local (Murrindindi): Acheron, Alexandra, Buxton, Castella, Cathkin, Caveat, Cheviot, Dropmore, Eildon, Fawcett, Flowerdale, Ghin Ghin, G l e n b u r n , G o b u rr,, H a zzee l d e n ee,, Highlands, Homewood, Kanumbra, Kerrisdale, Killingworth, Kinglake, Kinglak al, Kinglak Wee sstt , Kinglakee C Cee n t rral, Kinglakee W Koriella, Limestone, Maintongoon, Marysville, Merton, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Narbethong, Pheasant Cr eek, Rubic on, Ruffy tr eek, Creek, Rubicon, Ruffy,, SStr traa th Cr Creek, Ta g g e r t yy,, TTee r i p TTee r i pp,, TThh o r n tto on, Toolangi, TTrrawool, W oods PPoint, oint, Y ar ck Woods Yar arck and Y ea.

Yea. Lily dale and Y arr a V alle y Lilydale Yarr arra Valle alley Express Edition: Chirnside Park, Chum Creek, Coldstream, Dixons Creek, Don V alle ernsha w, Glady sdale Valle alleyy, FFernsha ernshaw Gladysdale sdale,, Gruyere, Healesville, Kilsyth, Launching Place, Lilydale, Millgrove, Mooroolbark, Mount Dandenong, Mount Evelyn, Powelltown, Seville, Seville East, Steels a, TToolangi, oolangi, Upper Cr eek, TTarr arr arraa w arr arra, Creek, andin Eas t, W andin F erntr ee Gully Wandin erntree Gully,, W Wandin East, North, W arburt on, W arburt on Eas t, Warburt arburton, Warburt arburton East, Wesburn, W oori Y allock, Y arr Woori Yallock, Yarr arraa Glen, Yarr ellingbo and Y ering. arraa Junction, Y Yellingbo Yering.

Mitchell Shire Edition: Beveridge, Broadford, Bylands, Clonbinane, Dysart, Forbes, Glenaroua, Heathcote Junction, Hilldene, Kilmore, Kilmore East, Kobyboyn, Moranding, Northwood, P uck apun eedy Cr eek, Se ymour uckapun apunyyal, R Reedy Creek, Seymour ymour,, Sugarloaf Creek, Sunday Creek, Tallar ook, TTar ar ombe,, TTrra w ool, TTyy aak, allarook, arcc ombe Upper Plenty Plenty,, W Waa l l a n , W Waa n d o n g , Wa terf or d PPark, ark, Whit eheads Cr eek and erfor ord Whiteheads Creek Willowmavin.

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Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens ARIES: (March 21- April 20) Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.26.34.40.44.

A good period for mixing business with pleasure provided you keep confidential matters that way. Anew friend brings new paths to tread and you could be lucky with a Pisces friend.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20) Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5.

Take time with the important chores for the best results.

Keep emotions under control or your romantic affairs could blow up in your face. Wiser to act on proven facts rather than hearsay.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.24.40.22.

Be very careful about your reactions to a domestic upset it will blow over quickly if handled with tact. In a career sense don't take on more than you can handle.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22) Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5.3.6.9.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.8.33.

You could be susceptible to misunderstandings in your love life or family affairs, so step lightly. Travel is indicated and many could be altering their surroundings.

LEO: (July 23- August 22) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.9.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.29.34.8.11.

Be as polite as possible and stay away from family friction. Don't allow lovers to become too expensive or to become more trouble than they are worth. See that work affairs are u to scratch.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.6.3.2.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.24.410.33.36.

You should be more confident and communicating better. Those who are in love will be making plans to be together and for many a new arrival could upset the domestic routine.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23) Lucky Colour: Fawn Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.2.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.24.40.22.

Ignore snide remarks which could lead to trouble relating to your love life a so-called friend could be jealous of your popularity. You will go further by being considerate to those closest to you.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.3.2.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.24.44.1.22.

You could be under some pressure probably in business be very pleasant to senior people. There could be conflict between friends and home. However, remember family should come first when making decisions.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20) Lucky Colour: Dark Blue Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3.

People who are bad mouthing you may actually be doing you a favor even if unintentional. Your ambitions are strong but you need to work harder for success.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 8.9.6.2.

Lotto Numbers: 8.15.26.34.40.22 Friends could be taking up more of your time or costing more than you can afford wise to be unavailable more often. Travel arrangements could go wrong so check ahead.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19) Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.6.2.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.40.22.

Don't push personal and emotional type issues give lovers plenty of room and things will start to improve. Some may have to go somewhere they do not particularly want to be.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20) Lucky Colour: Mauve Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.24.40.33.36.

Those with an affair on the side could expect the lid to blow off any secrets. The hard workers should soon be able to see more successful results.

VISIT KERRY KULKENS MAGIC SHOP AT 1693 BURWOOD HWY BELGRAVE PH/FAX 9754 4587 WWW.KERRYKULKENS.COM.AU Like us on Facebook

The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - Page 3

Local News

Fitzsimons Lane trees axed ■ Trees at the Fitzsimons Lane roundabout at Eltham were cut down on Monday (Feb. 15).

The gateway works were completed in order to provide a new traffic junction.

A planned demonstration by protestors had to be cancelled because of COVID-19 restrictions.

“The timing of this cancellation, followed by the destruction of the trees today, leaves a very, very bad taste in the mouth,” said one resident, commenting on the Facebook page of the Eltham Community Action Group.

The Victorian Government’s Major Road Project Team will improve four intersections in Eltham and Templestowe to improve traffic and cycling across the Yarra River, noted an announcement on the City of Manningham website.

“The upgrade works are now coming up and BMD Constructions have been awarded the contract to deliver the project.

“Over the next few months, you may see contractors completing site investigations, spending time setting up safe work areas and then starting to relocate or protect utility services and build drainage in the area.

“The Fitzsimons Lane Upgrade plans to reduce congestion in peak periods to provide more reliable travel times, improve safety and make walking and cycling around the community safer.”

● Trees at the Fitzsomons Lane roundabout have been removed.

Photo: Eltham Community Action Group

■ Police from the Missing Persons Squad charged a 35-year-old Doncaster man as part of their investigation into the disappearance of Epping woman Ju ‘Kelly’ Zhang.

Th man has been charged with one count of murder and was to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Friday (Feb. 12).

The man was arrested by Police at Melbourne Airport .

Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad along with Police from the Search and Rescue Squad conducted a search of the Darebin Creek Reserve in Ivanhoe West as part of the investigation.

Ju was last seen at her home on Winchester Avenue about 5.30pm on Monday, February 1.

At the time the 33-year-old went missing, she was believed to be wearing a pink nightgown and possibly pink slippers.

The investigation into the matter remains ongoing.

Yan Yean winners ● The new Fitzsimons Lane at Eltham, as seen by planners.

Too fast at Templestowe CLOCKED AT 145-KMH ■ A probationary diver has had his vehicle impounded for 30 days after being detected allegedly more than 65km/h over the speed limit in Templestowe.

The grey Mercedes wagon caught the eye of Nunawading Highway Patrol members along Williams Rd about 4.35pm on Monday afternoon (Feb. 15).

Polices detected the vehicle, which was travelling northbound, allegedly reaching speeds of up to 145kmh in an 80kmh zone.

Police quickly intercepted the vehicle and spoke to the driver, a 19-year-old male who was just 10 seconds from his home.

His car was impounded at a cost of $843 and he is expected to be charged on summons for speeding offences.

Tribute to Donato ■ Thomastown MLA Bronwyn Halfpenny has paid tribute in State Parliament to Donato Polvere, born in Italy on August 9, 1936, who passed away on January 21.

“I have known Donato and his beautiful wife, Maria, for over 10 years and more recently their daughter Lina, with whom I would share a table at the numerous enjoyable dinner dances organised by Donato to raise funds for his spectacular feast of San Donato, a festival held every year in August to celebrate the saint with whom Donato Polvere shared his name.

“San Donato was a dragon slayer and miracle worker. St Luke’s church and primary school in Lalor hosted this celebration that was run continuously for 44 years, and while it was the work of many, no-one would dispute that Donato was the driving force.

“Donato and Maria were warm and welcoming when I was elected the member for Thomastown.

“Donato was very much a community activist: kind, gentle and respectful but also persistent and assertive when required. Donato was a very strong, loyal and honourable man who had great pride in what he achieved and also in bringing joy to others.

Local Briefs Murder charge

● Bronwyn Halfpenny MLA “He was also very caring and worked tirelessly for others, whether organising the San Donato feast or initiating Father Christmas visits for the elderly at San Carlo aged care.

“Donato was a longstanding member of the Australian Labor Party, with strong beliefs in justice, equality and rights.

“He also had a good sense of humour. Donato had the rare ability to bring people together and involve local people of all backgrounds in whatever activities and events he organised.

“Don Polvere will be missed by many but by none more than his family. I offer my deepest sympathy to Donato’s wife, Maria, and daughter Lina,” Ms Halfpenny said.

■ Yan Yean MLA Danielle Green has voiced praise in State Parliament for local award winners: “Today I rise to pay tribute to the Yan Yean locals who were in receipt of Australia Day awards,” Ms Green said.

“In Mitchell Shire the community award for Citizen of the Year was John Simpson, the Access and Inclusion Champion was Wallan’s Adam Georgelin and the Community Group of the Year was Wallan Circle of Friendship.

“The Nillumbik Australia Day awardees: Citizen of the Year was Josh Allen. At only 29 years old I could not be prouder of Josh and was honoured to have written in support of his nomination by Nick Brown.

“A dedicated father of two boys, partner to paramedic Megan and Diamond Creek dynamo, Josh started community life very young. He and I were on the same CFA truck on Black Saturday.

“He was merely 17 years old. Now a member of the Rotary Club of Diamond Creek, Josh’s work in the community has been notable for his energy and enthusiasm along with his ability to collaborate with various local groups and services, including the men’s shed, the Lions Club and the Diamond Creek Traders Association.

“He and his son Jace were instrumental in securing the W-class tram which now occupies such a prominent place in the new Diamond Creek Regional Playspace and operates as a community cafe.

“Josh was integral in getting SecondBite going during the pandemic, and he was instrumental in, I am sure, the Rotary Club of Diamond Creek being the Community Club of the Year.

“I also want to congratulate Gary Doorbar of Mernda, who received the national emergency medal, and Terry Larkin, OAM,” Ms Green said.

Ivanhoe Golf query ■ Ivanhoe MLA Anthony Carbines has asked, in State Parliament, about the latest information available regarding the expenditure of funds to upgrade the Ivanhoe golf course clubrooms?

“Golf in Victoria contributes $883 million to the state’s economy and supports some 6900 jobs,” Mr Carbines said.

“My Ivanhoe electorate is of course home to many fantastic golf clubs, including Ivanhoe Public Golf Course along the banks of the Yarra River. “ I can also say that the Andrews Government committed some $130,000 at the 2018 state election for clubhouse improvements at Ivanhoe golf course, and I am certainly looking forward to the latest information from the minister with regard to works that deliver on that very popular and welcome election commitment in the Ivanhoe electorate.”

Advertise Free ■ Private sellers can convert their unwanted goods into cash by advertsing them in The Local Paper. It’s free. See Pages 10-11.

Page 6 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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Local History

George Shrewin settled in Whittlesea Courtesy of the City of Whittlesea.

From ‘The Plenty’

by J.W. Payne, 1975.

■ The first known description of land which became the Shire of Whittlesea appears in the journal of Captain W.H. Hovell.

Hovell and the noted bushman, Hamilton Hume, were the first explorers to travel overland from Sydney to the shores of Port Phillip Bay. The journal relates their first unsuccessful attempt to cross the Dividing Range and their retreat to a point close to where Kilmore now stands; they named the unattainable height Mt Disappointment.

Resolved to try once again, the party took a more southerly route and found a pass through the hills.

The journal for December 14, 1824, reads in part: “Having passed through the first plan ... myself and Mr Hume ascended a high but single hill, in front from which we saw a very gratifying sight.

“This was a very extensive plain extending from west to south-east for several miles with patches of forest which appear to separate one plain from another.

“But the whole appeared in front, say south, to be level but in parts in the plains some hills arose of a conical shape, with only here and there a few trees upon the,, and all of the soil of the best quality.

“Mr Hume named this plain Bland’s Plain in compliment to my friend Dr Bland of Sydney.

“The range which Mr Hume and myself were upon on the 9th instant was on our left, and was seen to continue south as far as the ye could reach.”

Pressures which contributed to the settlement of the Port Phillip District, as the area became known, were fear of French colonisation, and shortage of unclaimed land in New South Wales and Van Diemen’s Land.

The former produced two official statements, both equally successful; one was just inside Port Phillip in 1803 and the other on the swampy eastern shore of Westernport in 1826.

The land shortage is illustrated by reports that “In 1824 stations had been formed near Yass about 180 miles from Sydney in the direction of Port Phillip”.

Similarly in Van Diemen’s Land, the grazing pressures were increasing. Each settler who bought money and goods to the Colony was entitled to a land grant; and with unpaid convict labour, the land suitable for grazing and cultivation was rapidly developed.

“Van Diemen’s Land ... by 1828 possessed more sheep and exported more wool than the whole the mainland.”

John Batman, a small landholder in Van Diemen’s Land had dreams of a larger holding across Bass Strait, dreams which Hume and Hovell’s journey stimulated.

W.G. Sams in a letter to James Bonwick tells of an evening spent with Batman.

“It was then that I first heard of Port Phillip spoken of as a desirable place for settlement; Batman telling me that when he was in Sydney he had heard from a schoolfellow, Hamilton Hume, who with Captain

Hovell had explored the neighbourhood of Port Phillip, that the country there was of the finest description and that this information had dwelt in his mind and made him ever anxious to verify the truth or otherwise of the report.

“It then occurred to me to suggest the formation of a Company in order that the expense incidental to exploration should be light when borne by a member.”

The suggestion bore fruit: Batman elsited men of substance to form the Port Phillip Association.

Included were William George Sams, sheriff of Launceston; Charles Swanston, manager of the Derwent Bank; Thomas Bannister, private secretary to Governor George Arthur; James Simpson, Police Magsitrate; Joseph Tice Gellibrand, Attorney-General; John and William Robertson of Hobart, merchants’ John Helder Wedge, surveyor; John Sinclair, superintendent of the Engineers Depot, Launceston; Henry Arthur, nephew of Governor Arthur; John Thomas Collicott, J.P., merchant of Hobart; Anthony Cotterill, Superintendent of Roads and Bridges; Michael Connolly, managing clerk for J.H. Wedge; and George Mercer of Edinburgh, late of the East India Company, signed an association agreement on June 29, 1835.

The agreement, amongst many matters, apportioned costs and profits, appointed managers for shifting livestock and barred liquor from the proposed settlement.

Armed with cocuments prepared

by Gellibrand, Batman sailed in the Rebecca in May, `1835, explored the hinterland of Port Phillip and signed his treaties with Jagajaga and other Aboriginal elders on June 6, 1835.

The treaties, more accurately titled Deeds of Feoffment, ceded to the Port Phillip Association 100,000 acres near Geelong and 500,000 acres to the north and west of what later became Melbourne, in exchange for goods to the value of £320 and annual grants of at least £200.

From the outset the Deeds of Feoffment failed to impress the authorities; even some of the Port Phillip Association members had doubts; Simpson wrote on June 19 that Gellibrand’s deeds were the subject of joking on the island (Van Diemen’s Land) and again four months later, admitted he had offered

● Whittlesea in the early days Swanston his share for £300 without success.

Richard Bourke, now Governor of New South Wales, rejected the signed Deed of Feoffment, issued a proclamation forbidding settlement and conferred the matters to the Colonial Secretary in London, a time consuming operation.

During this, the Association members proceeded; others, John Pascoe Fawkner, George Evans, George Brodie, spurred on by their example, followed suit and settlement of the Port Phillip District by Europeans began. ★ Port Phillip! A land where a newcomer could acquire a kingdom for a few pounds and the honour of being among the first on the spot.

Into this new district poured men, equipment and livestock, despite the strictures of Governor Bourke and perils of travel overland or by sea.

Bourke scowled in Sydney, Governor Arthur smiled benevolently from Hobart, even offering to provide administration.

Bourke reacted vigorously; the territory was his cobcern and the settlers were nothing but illegal squatters.

Then on sober reflection he recognised that settlement was a fait accompli, established securely against the French and he sent Lonsdale to exhibit the authority of Sydney.

Gellibrand, with John Robertson, followed Batman’s example and explored the Port Phillip Association’s purchase, and in Gellibrand’s diary of the journey he recorded on February 12, 1836: “We then continued our course about eight miles over fine feedling land and came upon a rapid stream of water flowing, like all the other ivers, from the North to the South.

“We called this river the River Plenty as it is the only stream except the Barwun deserving the name of River.”

Prior to the 1853 surveys of township reserves in this area, localities were unnamed and loosely referred to by salient features.

The area which later became the Shire of Whittlesea took its name from the river discovered by Gellibarnd’s party, Plenty District, or more frequently ‘The Plenty’.

In loaction, imagine a giant sprawled over Melbourne, his head,

Mt Disappointment, his shoulders, the hills of the Dividing Range, his feet the islands in Bass Strait; the Shire of Whittlesea becomes his chest, with Port Phillip his ventral section.

The land tilts from the 2000-feet of Mt Disappointmenyt down to the 300-400 foot contour. The dominant middle feature is the Plenty River, which, with its tributaries, the Barber’s and Darebin Creeks, drains what in 1975 was the central area of the Shire.

The newcomers to this land found a fertile region. In the northern portion beneath Mt Disappointment are areas of deep loam washed from the limitinh gills, while the eastern section is intersected by hills and gullies densely covered with timber.

To the west are Hovell’s ‘hills of conical shape’, volcanoes which had filled the valleys with lava, metamorphosed to a plain of deep soil dotted with mossy rocks and leaning red gums.

Two Port Phillip Association members took up their portion within what became the Shire of Whittlesea. John Sinclair settled south of present-day Kalkallo and Henry Arthur established himself on the creek now bearing his name, a holding maintained until 1848, when the common scourge of bankruptcy drove him elsewhere.

Remarkably there were few disputes between the Port Phillip Association members and the other settlers.

Land enough for all lay before them and the problems of stocking and management loomed larger than tenure or title.

John Huntre Patterson came early, ignoring the Port Phillip Association’s claim to the area.

“In November 1836 I shipped six cargoes of sheep from Van Diemen’s Land for Port Phillip and landed myself early in December at Williamstown, and finding the country almost totally unoccupied.

“I took up the Greenhill Station about 25 miles north.”

Another recorder of the area in 1836 was George Russell who relates that: “On the following day we rode over a wooded country, well grassed, about the district of Kilmore, at the time quite unoccupied by anyone.

“In the evening we got to a station occupied by a Mr George Brodie

on the Deep Creek where we remained for the night.

“On the third day we rode over an open tract of country to the eastward of Mr Brodie’s place, it was at that time called Mercer’s Vale.

“A portion of this country was afterwards occupied by Mr Archibald Thom from Tasmania and other settlers.”

By 1837 settlement of the Plenty Valley had begun;George Sherwin pushed up tyhe valley to erect his hut beside the Plenty River, on what is now the Whittlesea township reserve.

His brother, John, followed shortly after taking up 10,000 acres east of his brother’s station, an area known as the Sherwin Ranges.

A pastoral life was new to him; he had been a supercargo on vessels trading between Sydney and South America.

It is noted that not all settlers had a rural background, but they were men of substance, accustomed to management.

North of George Sherwin’s station, Campbell Hunter farmed the bogs and swamps he called ‘West Lowlands’.

His cousin, Alex (Alexander McLean Hunter), writing to his mother on July 19, 1842, mentions him: “Cam is farming on the Plenty about 30 miles from town, he is putting in about 25 or 30 acres of oats for hay, a fair crop is 2 tons per acre the average price £9 per ton, he also has a few acres of potatoes put in and carries on a dairy.”

North of West Lowlands, Kirk and Harlin took up a holding they called ‘Glenvale’.

James Bowie Kirk later operated a horse bazaar in Bourke Street and was associated with the early coaches.

His partner, Dr John Harlin, was more closely connected with the district.

The Seymour Telegraph of October 20, 1909, reported: “Mr Patrick Darcy came here as a boy, a native, he being born at ‘Glenvale’ the property of Messrs Kirk and Harlin.

“He still recollectes Mr Harlin who used to treat all the sick of the district and one of his great cures was honey.

The first honey he saw was at Mr Harlin’s Strawberry garden.”

South of George Sherwin’s station, Dr William Ronald took up a small holding called ‘Virtue Hall’.

His neighbour to the west of the Plenty River was Captain John Harrison of ‘Bendemere’.

Captain Harrison’s son H.C.A. Harrison recorded the overland journey and settlement of ‘The Plenty’.

“Towards the end of 1837 we joined ‘the overlanders’. The journey lasted about three months something like modern caravanning: the camp fires the starry nights, except for the continual watch for attacks by the natives.

“A wonderful invasion of a new land extending over about four years, to the bewinderment of the native population.

“What a varied collection of flock-masters was there, most of them men of good education and possessing a fair amount of capital, all brave, sturdy, self reliant and resourceful.” ● To be continued

www.LocalPaper.com.au

Local Theatre Shows ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Love Letters by A. R. Gurney, Until February 20 at The Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Darylin Ramondo. Bookings: 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au ■ Malvern Theatre Company: Any Given Monday by Bruce Graham, Until February 27. A hybrid production presented online and at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern.

Director: Loretta Bishop. Bookings: 1300 131 552 or https://aumalverntc.sales. ticketsearch.com ■ The 1812 Theatre Ltd: War of the Worlds

by Howard E Koch. Until March 6 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: www.1812theatre.com.au 97583964 ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Love, Loss and What I Wore by Delia and Nora Ephron. February 18 - 28 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Barbara Crawford. Bookings: 9587 5141 or online at www.trybooking.com/BOGVT ■ Playhouse Players Incorporated: No Time On February 18 - 27 at the Rentoul Theatre, 16 Livingstone Close, off Elgar Rd., Burwood. Director: Graeme McCoubrie.

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/BHPAE or www.playhouseplayers.org.au ■ Off the Leash Theatre with Teeth: Rabbit Hole by David Lindsay-Abaire, February 25 - 28 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, Cnr Smith and Albert Sts., Warragul. Director: Annette O'Shea. Bookings: https:// sales.wgac.com.au/event/379:2058/ ■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke by C. J. Dennis. February 26 - March 13 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Brad Buckingham.

Bookings: www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au ■ Skin of Our Teeth Theatre Company: Love. Labours. Won - Or Much Ado About Nothing … (by William Shakespeare, adapted by Emma Louise Watson) March 5 - 15 at Waurn Ponds Hall, 225 Waurn Ponds Drive, Waurn Ponds. Director: Emma Louise Watson. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/ BMVNJ ■ Encore Theatre Inc: Lord Arthur Savile's Crime by Constance Cox. March 12 - 27 at the Clayton Theatrette, 9-15 Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Richard Burman. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/BOIMR or 1300 739 099

Auditions ■ Essendon Theatre Company: Death of a Salesman by Arthur Miller. February 24, 28 and March 6 at the Bradshaw Street Community Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon.

Directors: Michele Haywood and Nicola Taylor. Audition bookings essential. Email: michwood@bigpond.com or nicola_taylor4 @yahoo.com.au ■ Peridot Theatre: Curtain Up! (by Peter Quilter) April 18 and 19 at Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: John Jennings. Audition bookings: john.jennings@live.com.au or 0419570081

Cancellations ■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG) regretfully announced cancellation of last week's performances of Fool for Love due to a cast member having visited a recent COVID exposure site identified by the Victorian Government.All relevant protocols have been followed regarding testing and isolation. At the time of going to press, the STAG Committee was planning to meet to determine whether Fool For Love will be postponed or cancelled. For updated details visit stagtheatre.org - Cheryl Threadgold

Showbiz Briefs New at Ballarat ■ Kris Kroemeris leaving Power FM Breakfast in Ballarat, and will be replaced by a newlineup of Josh Arthur and Maddie Jarosz.

The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - Page 7

Observer

Observations The Shaman

Published statewide weekly in the Melbourne Observer and all editions of The Local Paper.

Phone: 1800 231 311. Email: editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2021

SENTIMENTAL BLOKE

● Timothy Camilleri (left), Rachel Enders and Don Nicholson in The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke opening February 26 in Eltham.

■ Eltham Little Theatre presents a stage ad- regains the love of Doreen. aptation of C.J. Dennis's The Songs of a SentiHe becomes a better man as we see his mental Bloke for three weekends from February growth to a caring, happy family man, running a 26 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, Re- farm. search.

Directed by Brad Buckingham, the small, Published in 1915 and the literary hit of its intimate show will be performed in the round. age, The Songs of a Sentimental Bloke is a verse Seating levels are reduced and spread out in novel comprising fourteen interconnected long accordance with Covid-safety requirements. poems (the 'songs' of the title).

Performance Season: February 26 - March The show starts with Bill, a rough ne'er-do- 13 (weekends) well, looking for something more in life than Venue: Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 drinking, gambling and fighting.

Main Rd., Research The audience follows him through the fourBookings: www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au teen songs as he meets, falls for, loses and then - Cheryl Threadgold

BASIN THEATRE BOOK ■ The Basin Theatre Group celebrates their 65th anniversary with their history book The Basin Theatre: an Ongoing Production, to be launched by local Member of Parliament Jackson Taylor at 2pm on Sunday, February 28 at at The Basin Theatre.

The company engaged James Nicolas to write the history, and James attended the 65th Anniversary Open Day in 2019 to talk with members and subscribers.

During the course of his research, James also interviewed a cross-section of members, patrons and others in the community for their valuable contributions.

As the book progressed, a small team of longterm members assisted with reading drafts, reviewing photos, putting names to faces and generally assisting James.

The result is a splendid 162-page history book about The Basin Theatre Group from 1954 to 2019.

Introductory pieces in the book include the Foreword written by Brian Amos, 'Setting the Scene' by Dr Cheryl Threadgold, and the Preface by Alison Minty.

A complimentary COVID-safe afternoon tea will follow the launch.

Signed copies of the book will be available for purchase at the event for $27.50. A webbased shop for The Basin Theatre promotional items and the book will be launched soon.

Event Details: Sunday, February 28 at 2pm Venue: The Basin Theatre, Cnr. Doongalla and Simpsons Rd., The Basin

BAYSWATER MLA TO LAUNCH 65-YEAR HISTORY

● Roland Perry ■ Roland Perry must be one of the most prolific authors in Australia.

Following on from the huge success of last year's book, Red Lead, Roland has just released his latest, The Shaman.

Billed as a gripping international thriller, it examines the cutting-edge new science of Plasmoids and an invention that is a huge threat to a multi-trillion-dollar energy corporation, which relies on fossil fuel consumption.

In The Shaman, the spiritual Al Haut is a mysterious inventor and geologist from Tasmania.

He has created a new style of engine, using Cold Fusion that harnesses atomic energy from water.

Instead of carbon waste expelled from cars, for instance, it releases life-giving oxygen. The development is a massive challenge to the world's biggest energy companies, in particular, the giant Conquer Corporation. It will stop at nothing, from bribery to murder, to thwart Haut.

So what led Roland to write this contemporary thriller?

“The motivation for writing The Shaman is to tell the story of an Uber-genius and his success in creating an engine that will eliminate all Carbon pollution from cars to space ships," Roland explained.

"The book exposes the trouble he has had from those wishing to stop him with bribery, fraud, destruction of his business and attempts to murder him."

The Shaman sounds like the perfect book to keep us engaged and to focus on something other than the COVID world we are living in. And going on Roland's past books, it will be another page-turner.

It's published by Allen and Unwin and will be available from Monday, February 22.

- Julie Houghton

Siren Delay For No Time On ■ Stage Four Lockdown has stalled the opening of No Time On, the comedy with a touch of drama about a country football club.

The show was due to open Thursday, February 18 but is now scheduled to open Saturday, February 20 at the Rentoul Theatre, Burwood, running until February 27.

Bookings still available at: www.trybooking.com/BHPAE Enquiries: playhouseplayers@ hotmail.com Note: COVID-19 protocols will be followed incl, masks all patrons. Supported by Whitehorse City Council Community Support Grant.

- Graeme McCoubrie

Media Flashes Admission: Free Bookings: https://authebasin.sales. ticketsearch. com/sales/salesevent/6280

■ Anne Hyland has commenced a new role as a Senior Correspondent at The Age. She was previously the Deputy Editor at Good Weekend.

■ Else Kennedy has started a new role as a Journalist at the Sunraysia Daily.

Page 8 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Victorian Arts Track Gallery ■ Located at the Mount Waverley Community Centre, The Track Gallery is dedicated to providing local artists and cultural groups with access to a professional exhibition space to share their talents and ideas with the Monash community.

The Gallery accommodates exhibitions of either two or three weeks and hosts up to 20 exhibitions a year featuring painting, photography, textiles, sculpture and multimedia.

The Monash Community Art Society is licensed to use the gallery and program eight exhibitions per year. They are also active in supporting community arts in Monash and encouraging community organisations and individual artists to hold exhibitions.

Entry is free to the public.

To exhibit at the Track Gallery, contact the Council's Cultural Development Officer on 9158 3636.

Coming exhibitions include smart 2021 Small Works Art Exhibition by Preetkriti, February 17 - 28, Wednesday to Sunday 10am-4pm Batik Exhibition: Museum of Indonesian Arts Inc. March 3 - 21.

Track Gallery 45 Miller St., Mt Waverley - Peter Kemp

Dark House Suburban Isolation: Adrian Doyle Mostly known for his controversial painting of Rudge Lane entirely Empty Nursery Blue, Adrian Doyle brings his latest research to the fore in this upcoming exhibition. Suburban Isolation is the culmination of Adrian Doyle's PhD research into the intersection between street art and fine art. From working on the large-scale water towers in the desert, to creating one of the largest models if 'artist as a consultant' through a two- year residency at The District shopping centre in Docklands, this research has taken Doyle on a journey through mediums and ideas enabling thorough exploration of this juncture. During this extended research period, Doyle has created a number of important projects which have all led to this exhibition.

Exhibition opens Friday February 26 and runs until March 20. Enter from Maloney Lane off Dudley St. Dark Horse Experiment 33-35 Dudley St, West Melbourne - Peter Kemp

Castlemaine Festival ■ Castlemaine Festival returns in 2021: March 19 to April 4 The Castlemaine State Festival will take place in the creative capital of central Victoria, returning with a bright and colourful program of visual arts, performance, music, talks, workshops and a variety of outdoor performances shining a light on the diversity and culture of the region.

The visual arts program will range from a celebration of pop cultural fashion icon Mary Quant at the Bendigo Art Gallery, Melinda Harper's first major survey in regional Victoria at the CastlemaineArt Museum, to local artist Cameron Robbins. Visitors to Castlemaine and Bendigo are encouraged to create their own art trail, exploring the local galleries and art spaces.

- Peter Kemp

Heide Museum Photo 2021: Agnieszka Polska: The New Sun Kerry Gardner andAndrew MyerProject Gallery. Heide will present the Australian premiere of Agnieszka Polska's award winning video work, The New Sun during the inaugural Photo 2021. Polska is an innovative Polish artist who investigates society's shared experiences of environmental and humanitarian catastrophe.

The New Sun features a projection of the sun personified as an animated character bearing witness to the Earth's increasing environmental calamity.

Exhibition opens February 20 and closes June 29.

Heide Museum of Modern Art 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen - Peter Kemp

www.LocalPaper.com.au

Melbourne

Confidential Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

TRAFFIC DELIGHTS ■ Traffic (Clan Destine Press), the debut novel by author, Robin Gregory, is said to apply a blow torch to sex-trafficking.

Melbourne private investigator, Sandi Kent, has her hopes for an easy December dashed when two complicated cases crash into her lap.

First, she is hired by her sexy but volatile exgirlfriend, Cassy Joynson, to rescue a young South Korean woman from an illegal brothel.

And then – in a curiously parallel case – she’s engaged by a lawyer friend seeking defence angles for a Colombian immigrant charged with murdering a sex worker.

As Sandi juggles the demands of her clients (and her desperately low bank balance), she becomes embroiled in the city’s seamy underworld of human trafficking, drugs and murder. And soon more lives, including her own, are at risk Gregory was prompted to write Traffic by an incident at a community health centre where she was working some years ago.

“A young Asian woman came in, fearing for her life. She’d been bought and brought as a sex slave and the man who had acquired her, married her to solve any visa issues.

The only place where she was able to go was church and that’s where she fled from her husband,” said Gregory.

“The minister’s wife accompanied her to the centre – she had been sheltering with a friend for a few days but a longer-term solution was needed.

“Her husband had hired someone to hunt her down. A black car ominously remained outside for the better part of the day while we struggled to find her a refuge. We eventually had to call on the police to escort her to safety.”

Gregory started researching sex-trafficking and connected with Project Respect, an organisation which offers support to women who have been trafficked and advocates on their behalf.

“Sex trafficking is surprisingly prevalent, even in legal brothels, but prosecutions are few and far between. The sex workers are often reluctant to go to the police. They rightly fear that, if they speak up, they’ll be deported and lose any slim hope of a new and better life in Australia.

Getting evidence that will stand up in court is very difficult.”

“I decided that it was a problem that Private Investigator Sandi Kent should confront. Sandi has been around for twenty years – she featured

● Author Robyn Gregory in a story of mine that was shortlisted in Sisters in Crime’s Scarlet Stiletto Awards – and remarkably hasn’t aged!”

Gregory said that Sandi, who supplements her meagre PI income by teaching swimming part-time, has a lot going for her.

“Sandi is in her late twenties. She is strong, she is brave – sometimes recklessly so – and like many women of her age, experiences the crashing waves of love.

“In Sandi’s words her relationships ‘start well and then sourly plummet’. Her relationships with her mother and sister are fraught but she does have a wonderful best friend – Stewart, a gay man who Sandi ropes in as a sidekick,” she said.

In the course of her research, Gregory didn’t actually venture inside any brothels but, like her PI, did actually spend time parked outside both legal and illegal brothels. Like her, Sandi is also a student of Spanish, a skill which she is able to utilise to great effect when investigating the Columbian man charged with murder.

“One of my other missions in my novel was to represent Melbourne’s diversity in all its glorious complexity,” Gregory said. “I like to think I’ve succeeded.”

Traffic by Robin Gregory. rrp $29.95 (paperback) ISBN: 9780648523604; rrp $6.99 (Ebook) ISBN: 9780648523611 www.clandestinepress.net P.O. Box 121, Bittern Victoria 3918 Ph: 0423 422 317 - Carmel Shute with Cheryl Threadgold

Macbeth: confusing, confused ■ From A Midsummer Night's Dream to Macbeth, the Australian Shakespeare Company's had its fourth outdoors offering for 2021.

Director Glenn Elston's choice for Lady Macbeth, Alison Whyte, exudes more sexual energy than any Juliet I've seen with the same force she urges action on her husband. She drives the tragic consequences of impious murder of guest and king.

The essential ingredient of tragedy; Macbeth is cursed with a prophecy of ambition filled; which promise fuels his wife's impatience to act.

"Come you spirits, That tend on mortal thoughts unsex me here,and fill me from the crown to the toe top-full of forest cruelty " This cruelty to Dion Mill's Duncan; a very well measured performance as Macbeth's grateful patron.

There is much more in this production to recommend it. Kevin Hopkins as the drunken Porter, who breaks into metatheatre in conversation with a male in the audience about possible alcohol induced erectile dysfunction.

The Macduffs; Elizabeth Brennan's playful exchanges with her daughter before the horror of their murders.

Syd Brisbane's Macduff alone worth the

evening's wait .I had opera glasses up when his Macduff have us "All my pretty ones, Did you say all " He stood stock still in a long pause.I could see his face.It moved not but conveyed all.

The great set pieces of the night were the Witches' scenes. Around a massive smoking cauldron; Annabell Tudor, Claire Nicholls and Madeleine Mason were choreographed Weird Sisters with great effect; invocations of evil and fatal prophecies .

But on the night I was there all this surrounded a confusing and confused performance from Nathanial Dean as Macbeth.

- Review by Peter Green

Local Theatre ■ A stitch in time saves ... theatre.

Yes, Red Stitch Theatre Company is back. This time last year my guest and I were about to see Michele Lee's Single Ladies, only to have the occasion rudely curtailed byCOVID-19. That spectre is with us still but the sense of déjà vu prevailed as we experienced as if almost forgotten what it was like to laugh and react collectively as an audience. A review will appear next issue.

- David McLean

What’s On Transitions ■ The Transitions Film Festival returns this February with a program of world-changing documentaries about the existential challenges, creative innovations and heroic pioneers that can help us envision a new normal.

After previously hosting festivals in Melbourne,Adelaide, Darwin, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane, this summer the Transitions Film Festival presents its first-ever virtual program, available online nationwide from February 23-March 15..

The festival kicks off February 23 with the premiere screening of Environment Victoria’s Beyond the Burning at MPavilion in Melbourne.

The full online program will be available between February 26 and March 15 and can be viewed on https://watch.eventive.org/ transitionsfilmfestival Transitions Film Festival shares real, inspiring stories, offers solutions to society's greatest challenges and showcases local heroes and change-makers who are building a better world.

Highlights of this year’s program include the documentary The Hidden Life of Trees, Making A Mountain, which follows globally renowned architect Bjarke Ingles and his halfa-billion dollar quest to build an artificial skislope on a waste-to-energy power plant in the heart of Copenhagen and Beyond Zero, an inspirational biopic about pioneer Ray Anderson, Founder of Interface, and his mission to redefine the meaning of business in the era of climate change.

The Invisible Hand, a documentary produced by, and featuring, Emmy-Award winning actor Mark Ruffalo, spotlights a new tool in the quest to protect our planet - the legal rights of nature.

The climate crisis is a central theme of this year’s program.

Borealis explores the threats and solutions to managing the Boreal forests of Canada, Megafires highlights the cutting-edge solutions to this new genre of threat facing humanity, and Where There Once Was Water explores the heart of the Navajo Nation, asking us to reimagine our relationship with our most sacred element.

Citizen Nobel follows the journey of Nobel Prize-winning scientist Jacques Dubochet, Barefoot travels with Mark Baumer who walked barefoot across America for 100 days to bring attention to climate change and Youth On Strike! gets up close and personal with Australia’s leading youth climate organisers preparing for the biggest student action in history.

NOW blends the personal stories of youth activists with the wisdom of iconic influencers including Muhammad Yunis, Patti Smith and Wim Wenders, and The Walrus and The Whistleblower presents a biopic about an animal rights activist sued for 1.5 million dollars for trying to protect the life of a walrus named Smooshi.

New ways of imagining politics and the economy are highlighted in Inherent Good, which champions the benefits of ‘Universal Basic Income’ as a panacea to society’s ills, and Birddog Nation, which celebrates the power of inspired women to create political and social change.

Protecting oceans and environment is explored in An Ocean Story, which follows Dutch filmmaker Sander Van Weert as he travels the world searching for solutions to the greatest threats facing our oceans and Microplastic Madness, an adventure with a class of 11-year-old students as they achieve victories in the fight for a world free from plastic pollution.

When: February 23 - March 15. 8pm10pm; Program available to watch online Feb 26 - March 15.

Where: MPavilion, Kings Domain, Melbourne, and online.

Website: transitionsfilmfestival.com Ticket Info: MPavilion, Free. Online Tickets $12, $9. Festival Passes available.

- Cheryl Threadgold

MARKETING FEATURE

The Local Paper - WWednesday, February 17, 2021 - Page 9

Magazine

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

Eddie McGuire steps down

■ Hi everyone, remotely from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites comes this week's news.

Out and About

Eddie can do anything

■ I remember a very young Eddie McGuire and Steven Quartermain kicking the Sherrin in front of the Channel 10 studios out at Nunawading back in the early 1980s.

I was young too and doing breakfast radio for Fox FM at the same location. I saw Eddie's determination to be the best back then. Having known Eddie for that long I can tell you that he is a straight up guy who has a heart as big as Texas.

His work in the media was always first-class and his presidency at Collingwood was inspiring.

The club was on its knees when Eddie took over and he and his board worked tirelessly to resurrect it back to its past glory and beyond.

The facilities at Collingwood Football Club have set a high bench mark among the rest of the clubs.

Maybe he stayed at the party a little too long and eventually the pressure to move on develops and it all becomes too hard to carry on.

It's a tough business but the club should have let Eddie see out his finalyear. He called it and if you can't respect his wishes after everything that he has done for the club then maybe the club has a problem.

I believe a political career is in the future. I would vote for him.

US harassment grows ■ Growing shares of Americans report experiencing more severe forms of harassment, which encompasses physical threats, stalking, sexual harassment, and sustained harassment. Some 15 per centexperienced such problems in 2014 and a slightly larger share (18 per cent) said the same in 2017.

That group has risen to 25 per cent today. Additionally, those who have been the target of online abuse are more likely today than in 2017 to report that their most recent experience involved more varied types and more severe forms of online abuse. In a political environment where Americans are stressed and frustrated and antipathy has grown, online venues often serve as platforms for highly contentious or even extremely offensive political debate. And for those who have experienced online abuse, politics is cited as the top reason for why they think they were targeted.

● At the G'Day USA Gala Ball held in Los Angeles, Alan Johnson, Managing Director of Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, catches up with Eddie McGuire.

China stronger after COVID ■ Over a year ago, the Coronavirus began spreading rapidly in China. Today, China's economy is bouncing back hard, and expanding faster than it did before the pandemic.

Economic data showed that China logged 2.3 per cent growth for 2020, becoming the only major economy that grew during a year that exacted a generational toll on swaths of the world.

As other major nations and geopolitical competitors, from the United States to Europe to India to Japan, struggle to beat back a winter wave, China's containment success has buoyed its economy and the ruling Communist Party's claims to global leadership in the post-pandemic world.

In a sign of how quickly China has managed a turnaround, the National Statistics Bureau said gross domestic product rose 6.5 per cent during the fourth quarter of 2020, exceeding the 6 per cent pace at the end of 2019, before the pandemic took hold.

President Joe Biden is confronted with a China that does not seem at all diminished in economic health or international stature.

Xi Jinping, the Chinese leader, struck a bullish tone during his New Year's Eve address, when he told his countrymen that he was "proud of his great motherland" and the sacrifice and unity its people displayed to quickly beat back the Coronavirus through lockdown measures and a mobilization of medical and manufacturing workers.

In recent weeks, Chinese state media and the nation's globe-trotting foreign minister, Wang Yi, have told world leaders from Myanmar to the European Union, as well as global investors, that China's fast recovery could lift the rest of the world.

Under Xi's leadership and through his diplomacy through online video calls, Wang claimed this month, China "has brought hope for the world economy to step out of the doldrums.

"China's economy continues to power ahead with remarkable momentum, leaving other major economies, most of which are still struggling to register some semblance of growth, in the dust," said Eswar Prasad, a professor at Cornell University and former China director for the International Monetary Fund.

"With its outstanding growth performance, China has cemented its position as the primary driver of what has so far been a dismal global economic recovery."

■ If you are considering coming over for a holiday to see the stars later on in 2021, then I have got a special deal for you.

We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

I have secured a terrific holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer and The Local Paper.

Please mention 'Melbourne Observer' when you book to receive the 'Special Rate of the Day' for your advance bookings.

Please contact Jennifer at info@ramadaweho.com

GavinWood

From my Suite at the Ramada Plaza Complex on Santa Monica Blvd

Drinking, eating more ■ For Americans working from home in 2020, it seems happy hour is starting a little earlier than usual. A new survey finds many people are nearly half of adults working remotely have secretly signed off early to have a drink. The survey polled 2000 Americans (approximately 800 of whom are over 21 and working from home) to examine the bad habits people are picking up during lockdown and the impact it's having on their planning for 2021.

Forty-six per cent of those working from home have clocked out early to pour themselves a drink at least once during their time in quarantine.Another 45 per cent of these respondents have even admittedly taken the liberty of having an alcoholic drink during the workday.

Conducted by OnePoll, the survey discovered that 53 percent of those polled have been drinking alcohol more frequently during lockdown. More than six in 10 employed respondents (1400 people) shared that virtual happy hours with their co-workers has increased their alcohol intake during quarantine.

Over half (52 per cent) of respondents also said that they've felt the need to drink while watching the news this year and they average about four adult beverages each week. It's no surprise that six in 10 adults shared they'll be trying to drink less for the remainder of 2021. The survey finds having a few extra drinks isn't the only habit respondents have picked up during lockdown. Two in five of all 2000 respondents shared they've been snacking more and enjoying more comfort foods as quarantine continues. Americans have also been stresseating an average of three times a week. Other bad habits picked up during this time included drinking too much caffeine (32 per cent) and staying in pyjamas all day (23 per cent).

Firearms at the Capitol

● President Joe Biden

www.gavinwood.us

■ Colorado Congresswoman-elect Lauren Boebert, alongside 83 other representatives, have countered an effort by Democratic legislators to disallow politicians from carrying firearms in the Capitol. Boebert, a vocal supporter of gun rights, rallied the group of lawmakers to oppose a measure by Democratic California Rep. Jared Huffman to prohibit gun carry throughout Capitol grounds. Huffman garnered support from 19 other House members and said the "current regulations," which allow concealed firearms for politicians, "create needless risk" in a mid-December letter. "I refuse to give up my Second Amendment rights," Boebert said in a press release. "I'm a 5-foot tall, 100-pound mom with four children and will be walking to work and serving in one of the most dangerous cities in the US." The letter from those supporting the ability to carry guns in the Capitol read, "If members can't carry on Capitol grounds, they can't protect themselves in D.C. while making their way to and from their offices to perform their official duties. The 'last-mile' transition of self-protection is critical. The current regulations provide transitional coverage once the member is physically on campus." Boebert is the owner of Shooters Grill in Rifle, Colorado, a gun-themed restaurant where waitstaff openly carry pistols. The restauranteur has also insisted that she plans to carry her Glock while serving in Washington, D.C.

Page 10 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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DIRECTORY DISTRIBUTORS WANTED. Distribution of the Melbourne metropolitan 202021 Yellow Pages telephone directory has commenced and we are seeking reliable distributors to assist with the deliveries. Excellent opportunity for individuals and families to earn some extra cash and community and sporting groups to raise some extra funds. Must have suitable vehicle, ute, van or trailer. All instructions and support given. Must have an ABN. Give it a go. Get fit and earn some extra dollars. Email kerri@mrad.com.au or call 0429 214 229.

FGH TELEMARKETER casual and part time for calling into businesses. Home based calling and requires internet access, clear voice and interest to build a growing role. Would suit housewife, retiree looking for extra income and others. Training provided. If interested give Geoff a call on 0432 900 907, or text for questions.

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WANTED. Tennis players for Moomba Park Tennis Club, McBryde St, Fawkner. Social tennis, junior and senior competition, coaching, racquet restringing and some funding available for girls/young women for coaching. For particulars contact Shirley 0405 976366.

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COMMERCIAL freehold property. Positioned in main shopping strip of Whittlesea: 28 Church Street, Whittlesea.. Has long term tenants.

Strong investment opportunity. GC. Price on asking (POA). Whittlesea. Ph. 0417 861 498 for more information.

HIJK EUCALYPTUS TREES. 50. Various species, 80cm high. Healthy state. $180 the lot.

Croydon. 0408 332 181.

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HIJK HAY. Small sqaures and round bales. Variety of types. Delivered to your place, Mitchell Shire. Contact-free, EC. Price varies with type of hay, round/small sqaure bales. 0413 034 261.

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GHIJ MOBILITY Rain Rider Scooter. Just been serviced, new battery, removable doors, indicators, hazard lights, windscreen wiper, high and low speed. Great for all year round. $3500 ONO. EC. Preston. Phone 0481 295 445 FGHI STEAM CLEANER. New. $40. Leaf blower, $30. Antique meat mincer, $30. Car Collector Overland Oil Gauge, year 1916, $80. Ne car jak, $130. Retro vinyl kitchen chairs, 4, $50. Set trundle bed, black, $50. Alexandra.

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Tree Crew Workers

Based in the Whittlesea area our Arboricultural Company has vacancies for Tree Crew Workers.

• Experienced Tree Climber also Crew member with chainsaw experience, Min. MR Licence a must, EWP and Industry tickets an advantage.

• Also a position available for fit young worker with a view to apprenticeship.

Pay rates neg.

For further information please contact our office.

Star Tree Services Pty Ltd. PH: 5783 3170 Email: mail@ treeservices.com.au

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FOR RENT 103/13-15 Goodson St Doncaster Situated just moments awa from Westfield Doncaster Low maintenance lifestyle. This residence is perfect with its L-shaped living, modern kitchen, a meals and lounge area which adjoins the balcony ideal for entertaining guests.

With 2 bedrooms, both with BIRs and the main with ensuite the apartment also enjoys an open study. Other features include: Air conditioning, Dishwasher, Powder room, 1 car space.

Situated moments away from shops, bus stops with direct city route and close to local schools and easy freeway entry, this one is not to be missed. Open for inspection by appointment only. $395 per week. Phone: 0407 535 298.

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WANTED KNOWN WANTED. Tennis players. Eckersley Tennis Club, Eckersely Court, Blackburn South. Social tennis, families, males, females. Membership much lower than bigger clubs. Multicultural, all welcome. Coach available. For particulars of play, contact Keith, 9878 2906.

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The L ocal Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - Page 11

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LATE ADS ANTIQUE Dining Chairs. 6. Upholstered with good embossed fabric. Light to medium coloured Blackwood. Solid timber. Sturdy. Front legs, side and middle supports have curved pattern. VGC. $450.

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Page 12 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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Magazine ■ I never saw ‘Mo’ live onstage but I loved his radio shows. As a child I listened to McCackie Mansion which featured Mo and a whole host of great characters - which included Horrible Herbie, Spencer the Garbageman and Lasho.

This was another world to me - great comedy writing performed by a wonderful cast of talented Australians.

Roy Rene Mo was one of the most popular Australian comedians of the 20th Century.

Harry van der Sluys was born in Adelaide in 1891, he was the fourth born of seven children.

Although his family were Jewish, young Harry went to a Catholic school.

At the age of 10 he won a singing competition at the Adelaide Market and this led to a role in the pantomime Sinbad The Sailor at The Theatre Royal.

In 1905 the family moved to Melbourne and Harry trained as a professional jockey. But the theatre beckoned and in 1908 he was singing in vaudeville shows at the Gaiety Theatre, in those days he was known as ‘Roy Boy’.

Two years later he was using the name of Roy Rene Mo and appearing onstage in comedy sketches throughout Australia.

Whilst he was touring for Sir Benjamin Fuller in New Zealand he developed the black and white makeup which became his trademark.

In 1916 he teamed with Nat Phillips and they became the comedy duo of Stiffy and Mo. They played shows in Sydney and Melbourne where

Whatever Happened To ...

RoyRene ‘Mo’

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM they broke box office records. In 1917 Mo married Dorothy Davis who was an actress but the marriage was to end in divorce 12 years later.

Stiffy and Mo finally broke up in 1928 and the following year Mo married Sadie Gale with both Christian and Jewish services.

Sadly Stiffy died of a heart attack at the age of 49 in 1932.

Mo had been appearing on the Tivoli circuit and was known as the ‘King of the Tiv’ but The Great Depression saw a decline in live theatre attendances and Mo went on a tour of the Hoyts Suburban Picture Theatres with Sadie.

In 1934 he made his one and only film Strike Me Lucky which was directed by Ken G Hall.

The film has been panned by some critics

● Roy Rene Mo but I have seen it several times and I really enjoy watching Mo at work. I think it is a national treasure.

Throughout the war years Mo was again playing to packed houses on the Tivoli circuit but his contract was terminated in 1945.

My friend, the late Ian Travis, recalled Mo presenting a show at the Collingwood Town Hall.

His family were given free tickets because they loaned Mo young Ian's bed to be used in one of the stage sketches.

Mo began in radio in 1946 after joining the Colgate Palmolive Unit and appeared in a program titled Calling The Stars.

The following year a new radio show McCackie Mansion was launched and it was to run for three years.

Mo played the lead and the theme was his frustration with family, friends and neighbours.

The cast included Hal Lashwood, Harry Griffiths, Jack Burgess, Harry Avondale and Rita Pauncefort.

It was full of ‘catch phrases’ and eccentric characters. The program had the biggest listening audience of any Australian radio show at that time.

Mo appeared in several other popular radio shows in the early 1950s and visiting stars such as Dame Sybil Thorndike and Jack Benny described him as ‘comic genius’.

Roy Rene died of heart disease at his home in Sydney in 1954 and was survived by his wife, son and daughter. He is buried in the Jewish section of Rookwood Cemetery in NSW. The Mo Awards for stage performers are named after him and in Adelaide they erected a statue in his honour.

In 1973 Freddie Parsons wrote a wonderful book titled A Man Called Mo and in the foreward Graham Kennedy described seeing Mo onstage in 1949 at the old Kings Theatre in Melbourne Graham said it was the funniest night he had ever spent in the theatre. What a compliment.

Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AW The Time Tunnel - Remember When Sundays at 10.10pm with Philip Brady and Simon Owens.

And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au

Gladstone welcomes Mantra Hotel

■ Gladstone has welcomed a Mantra hotel to a central business district location with the opening of Mantra Gladstone.

Formerly the Mercure Gladstone, this stylish and modern hotel has won a raft of awards, including the accommodation and resorts category of Gladstone's Best in Business Awards for five consecutive years.

To strengthen the hotel's position as Gladstone's premier hotel, Mantra Gladstone has undergone a number of upgrades and enhancements as part of the rebrand, including transforming 33 of its 60 guestrooms into spacious open plan self-contained apartments - suited to holidaying couples and corporate travellers who are seeking greater space and selfcontained amenities.

Mantra Gladstone is ideally lowith John Rozentals cated near the CBD and adjoins the local restaurants and cellar doors.

Yaralla Sports Club.

The hotel features many ameni- There's the Sampson Street Lunch ties, including fitness centre, food and with some of Orange's gastronomic beverage options and the soon to be icons, Meet the Producer workshops and opened swimming pool, in terms of a Producer Market and Brunch, across choice and quality in the region.

To celebrate the launch, Mantra a COVID-safe format.

Visit www.orangefoodweek.

Gladstone is offering overnight stays from $120 per night in a hotel room com.au and from $135 per night in a refurbishment apartment room.

Visit all.accor.com

Travel

Orange wild weekend

Puttin’ on The Ritz

■ The Ritz Hotel, Geelong, a heritage-listed building in the heart of the city, which has sat dormant for 40 ■ Rediscover natural foods, forage years, has had an extensive makeover in the forest and taste bush-tucker in and will open its doors to the public on Central NSW with new food trails, March 1.

Formerly known as the Belle-Vue events and farm tours in 2021.

Orange has launched Country Hotel and built circa 1854, The Ritz Food Trails and The Orange Wild has undergone a transformation and Weekend, Parkes' Outback Lamb is will launch with 128 rooms and apartoffering Farm Tours, and Oberon's ments over nine floors, with views Field to Forest Festival in April is a over Geelong's north facing waterfront and city skyline. mushroom forager's delight.

Located a five-minute walk to Central NSW is perfect for a foodie road-trip, located two-hours' drive Eastern Beach, Ritz Hotel Geelong from Sydney it includes Oberon, offers visitors a 4.5-star full-service Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Lachlan, hotel experience with hotel rooms, Cowra, Canowindra, Grenfell, one and two bedroom self-contained apartments, pet friendly apartments Parkes and Forbes.

From April 9-18, Orange's Food and a 24 hour reception.

All guest rooms are air-condiWeek is celebrating 30 years as Australia's longest-running regional tioned and have LCD TV, free highfood festival with six signature events speed wi-fi, free cable channels, reand over 90 satellite events hosted at frigerator, espresso machine, room

safes and laundry facilities. Visit www.ritzhotelgeelong.com.au

Cruise packages ■ Cruise Traveller has released a package for August 2022 that pairs free business class flights and hotel stays with an ultra-luxury voyage exploring the wild, rarely visited places and islands along almost the entire Western Australian coastline between Darwin and Perth.

The 19-night fly-stay-and-cruise package with Silversea - 'Wild Western Australia and the Kimberley' offers two departure dates - August 2, 2022, from Darwin to Perth and August 19, 2022, in the other direction from Perth to Darwin.

The centrepiece of each package is a 17-night all-inclusive cruise between Darwin and Perth aboard the luxurious. 144-guest, all-suite expedition ship, Silver Explorer, which offers complimentary adventure excursions, beverages, gourmet cuisine, wifi and personal butler service.

As a special exclusive offer, Cruise Traveller is offering free business class flights across Australia at the start and end of the trip as well as a free hotel stay before and after the cruise for bookings made before this March 15.

The 17-night voyage aboard Silver Explorer features a range of wild, remote and rarely visited places along the WA coast such as the Abrolhos Islands - scene of the infamous Batavia shipwreck in 1629, Dirk Hartog Island, pristine Ningaloo Reef near Exmouth and the birdlife sanctuaries of the Montebello and Lacepedes Islands.

Also featured are the ancient rock engravings in the Dampier Archipelago, and the pristine BuccaneerArchipelago where guests can speed on Zodiacs through the gushing tidal phenomenon.

The 19-night 'Wild Western Australia and the Kimberley' package is available from A$16,290 per person, twin-share, including business class flights, hotel stays, adventure excursions and onboard beverages.

Visit www.cruisetraveller.com.au - John Rozentals

OK. With John O’Keefe Kevin ‘Bloody’ Wilson

● Kevin Bloody Wilson ■ Aussie singer -comedian Kevin Bloody Wilson is hitting the road with his rollicking show.

The new show kicks off March 16 at Memo Music Hall , and winds its way through Victorian provincial cities for the balance of March.

Check Kevin’s website for dates and bookings.

In The Buff ■ TV networks broadcasting this year’s Super Bowl play-off on stations throughout the US decided to do some pre-game market research.

One of the questions they asked revealed that 6 per cent of viewers admitted they intended watching Super Bowl in the nude. Each to their own.

The Donald resigns ■ Donald Trump penned a savage one-page letter to the Screen Actors Guild tendering his resignation.

The letter included all his starring roles in TV sit coms as well as ranting about ‘fake news’ and most things on his mind.

Upon receipt of his vitriolic letter the Screen Actors Guild replied with two words - ‘Thank You’.

New shows for C31 ■ Channel 31 has a slew of new shows ready to launch autumn. Keep an eye out for The Beer Pioneer, and another drinking show called Local Drinks.

We should continue to support C31, keep them on air as C31 is responsible for the stars of the future.

Ice Cube’s Fireside Chat ■ Rapper and actor Ice Cube has set-up a meeting with President Joe Biden to discuss Black people in America. Hope they understand each other.

- John O’Keefe

www.LocalPaper.com.au

The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - Page 13

Magazine

Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke DVD, Blu-Ray, Streaming FILM: GREENLAND (Streaming on Amazon PRIME VIDEO): Genre: Action/Drama/Thriller.

Cast: Gerard Butler, Morena Baccarin, Roger Dale Floyd, Scott Glenn.

Year: 2020.

Rating: M .

Length: 119 Minutes.

Stars: * * * ½ Review: A family struggles for survival as they fight to get to a possible safe haven in the face of a cataclysmic natural disaster as a planet-killing comet and breakaway particles hurl towards the earth.

Following on from a long list of formulaic running, jumping, shouting and shooting action popcorn potboilers such as "Olympus Has Fallen" (2013), and its subsequent sequels "London Has Fallen" (2016) and "Angel Has Fallen" (2019), along with "Geostorm" (2017), "Gods of Egypt" (2016) and "Hunter Killer" (2018), to name a few, it's no surprise that Scottish action beefcake Gerard Butler should front this latest earth-threatening disaster epic, but surprise, surprise, this latest offering in the disaster genre is actually a relatively intelligent, restrained and emotionally charged experience that delivers very effectively on all fronts.

The performance by Gerard Butler is subdued and respectful, along with Morena Baccarin (Deadpool, Deadpool 2) as his wife, along with veteran Scott Glenn as the father, and as you would expect, the CGI Special Effects, which start small and increase along the journey, are a spectacular and gripping feast for the eyes.

As much a family drama as a natural disaster tale, this is respectively in the spirit of the George Pal classic "When Worlds Collide" (1951), along with Steven Spielberg's version of H.G. Wells "War of The Worlds" (2005), to name a few, and what director Ric Roman Waugh (Shot Caller/2015) has ultimately delivered for the most part is a new addition to a sometimes tiresome and unoriginal genre a film that remarkably avoids the sci-fi disaster B-Movie clichés, and a thrilling, dazzling, thought provoking, fun and haunting journey with very little to indicate that we've been along this path too many times before.

FILM: NEVER TOO LATE (DVD & Digital): Genre: Comedy/Romance/Drama.

Cast: James Cromwell, Jack Thompson, Jackie Weaver, Dennis Waterman, Shane Jacobson, Roy Billing, Max Cullen.

Year: 2020.

Rating: M .

Length: 95 Minutes.

Stars: * * ½ Review: It has been a long time since a group of Vietnam veterans escaped a torturous Vietnamese POW camp, and now they find themselves sharing a new prison, The Hogan Hills Retirement Home for Returned Veterans, but each of the boys has an unrealised dream they want to achieve before it's too late, so once again they band together to devise a plan to escape, but he rules of engagement have changed, in fact, they barely even remember what they were and that's half the problem.

Following an impressive opening credit sequence to the music of the sixties and Vietnam war sequences, "Never Too Late" soon transcends into a formulaic, predictable but nonetheless, a very nicely amiable romantic-comedy-adventure of baby boomer retirement home blues for a bunch of grumpy and bewildered retired veterans with one more mission in mind to put some stimulating vigour in their twilight years, and even though their plans of a 'Great Escape' don't include robbing a bank (Going in Style) or heading off to a gambling hot spot one last time (Last Vegas), their intensions here are far more poignantly honourable as they fumble through misadventure and frustration.

'The Great Escape' meets 'Grumpy Old Men,' the stellar cast includes veterans James Cromwell, Jack Thompson, UK's Dennis Waterman, Roy Billing, Max Cullen, Jackie Weaver as a love interest, Shane Jacobson as the estranged son, and each and every one are in top form, however, where the film does tend to fail is in the unimaginatively weak or phoned in direction and relatively paper thin screenplay, however, there's plenty to enjoy by watching this great cast all come to the fold and make each character very much their own.

Primarily filmed in South Australia, despite any flaws, this is a pleasant, light-hearted, undemanding and old fashioned journey well worth your effort and time, an inoffensive and fun bittersweet 'BabyBoomer' tale on rigours of age and the realization of lost dreams infused with a touch of "The Notebook" that has its heart in the right place, and along the way will put a smile on the face, a feeling of warmth and a sprint in your step, but sadly, all too fleeting.

- James Sherlock

Rourke’s Reviews

● Malcolm and Marie.

■ Malcolm And Marie (MA). 105 of lifelong friends take a trip to Italy minutes. Now streaming on in hope of re-energising their static Netflix. lives.

Slick, striking film-making by This Danish production disapSam (son of Barry) Levinson, and pointingly lacks bite, and is as fortwo strong performances by John mulaic as any Hollywood film.

David Washington and Zendaya RATING - **½ help carry an at-times self indul- Below Zero (MA). 106 minutes. gent script and growingly static nar- Now streaming on Netflix. rative arc.

This blend of Assault On PreBeautifully shot in black-and- cinct 13 and King Of The Hill ofwhite, Levinson seems inspired by fers up a neat premise, stylish diWho's Afraid Of Virginia Woolf?, rection, and some tense moments. but the final result never attains that Stumbles somewhat towards the movie's lofty heights. end, but a good thriller that has U.S. RATING - *** remake written all over it.

RATING - ***½ ■ Another Round (M). 116 minutes. Now showing in selected cin- The Rescue (MA). 138 minutes.

Now showing in selected cinemas. emas.

Director Thomas Vinterberg and Mega-budget blockbuster that is star Mads Mikkelsen (The Hunt) clearly influenced by Hollywood re-team for this powerful explora- films such as Top Gun and tion of what happens when people Backdraft, as well as the hugely succumb to the addiction of alco- successful Umizaru films from Japan. Some genuinely jaw-dropping hol.

Low-key and thoughtful, this action set-pieces (a mid-film plane crash is the highlight) are unfortucomes highly recommended. nately mixed in with soap opera RATING - **** ■ Wrong Turn (MA) (2021). 109 sub-plots and typical Chinese naminutes. Now showing in selected tionalism. Would have looked impressive in IMAX 3D. cinemas.

RATING - *** Surprisingly good reboot of the Earwig And The Witch (PG). 83 2003 cult horror hit, which spawned minutes. Now showing in selected way too many sequels.

Uses its southern backwoods cinemas.

The first CGI animated feature premise to examine the deep divisions currently tearing America from the renowned Studio Ghibli is apart, and is smart enough to not unexpectedly routine, missing their make everything black-and-white. typically distinctive hand-drawn visuals and richly detailed characRATING - ***½ ■ The Food Club (PG). 99 min- ters.

Watchable, but hardly memoutes. Now showing in selected cinrable. emas.

RATING - **½ Pleasant but all-too-predictable - Aaron Rourke comedy/drama which sees a trio

Top 10 Lists FEBRUARY 14-20 THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. THE DRY. 2. PENGUIN BLOOM. 3. THE CROODS: A New Age. 4. THE MARKSMAN. 5. HIGH GROUND. 6. WONDER WOMEN 1984.

7. PROMISING YOUNG WOMAN. 8. THE WAR WITH GRANDPA .

9. OCCUPATION: RAINFALL. 10. DRAGON RIDER. NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: FEBRUARY 11: ANOTHER ROUND, ASSASSINS, LONG STORY SHORT, LOVE, WEDDINGS & OTHER DISASTERS, SYNCHRONIC. FEBRUARY 18: BOSS LEVEL, FIRESTARTER, MINARI, DAYS OF THE BAGNOLD SUMMER, BOONIE BEARS: THE WILD LIFE, THE LITTLE THINGS, THE TRUFFLE HUNTERS, ZAPPA .

FEBRUARY 25: BLACKBIRD, THE PEOPLE UPSTAIRS, DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA THE MOVIE, MICK FLEETWOOD & FRIENDS. THE DVD AND BLU-RAY TOP RENTALS & SALES: 1. HONEST THIEF [Action/Thriller/Liam Neeson, Kate Walsh, Jai Courtney].

2. RAMS [Comedy/Drama/Sam Neill, Miranda Richardson, Michael Caton].

3. NEVER TOO LATE [Comedy/Romance/ Drama/James Cromwell, Jacki Weaver, Jack Thompson].

4. IRRESISTIBLE [Comedy/Drama/Steve Carrell, Rose Byrne].

5. ANTEBELLUM [Mystery/Horror/Thriller/ Janelle Monae, Jack Huston].

6. THE OUTPOST [War/History/Drama/ Scott Eastwood, Orlando Bloom, Celina Sinden].

7. THE CRAFT Legacy [Fantasy/Drama/ Horror/Cailee Spaeny, Gideon Adlon].

8. DAVID BYRNE'S AMERICAN UTOPIA [Stage Musical/David Byrne].

9. THE SECRET GARDEN [Family/Fantasy/ Colin Firth, Julie Walters, Dixie Egerickx].

NEW HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS THIS WEEK: FATMAN [Action/Thriller/Mel Gibson].

THE MYSTERY OF HENRI PICK {Comedy/ Drama/Fabrice Luchini, Alice Isaaz].

THE DOORMAN [Action/Thriller/Jean Reno, Rupert Evans, Ruby Rose].

THE BIG UGLY {Action/Drama/Malcolm McDowell, Vinnie Jones].

DVD AND/OR BLU-RAY NEW & RE-RELEASE CLASSIC MOVIES HIGHLIGHTS: COLD COMFORT FARM [Comedy/ Romance/Kate Beckinsale, Stephen Fry, Joanna Lumley].

NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: I AM GRETA. LOVECRAFT COUNTRY. THE TRIP TO GREECE. LOST ON EVEREST. WALKABOUT TO HOLLYWOOD. BOGNER: The Complete Series.

- James Sherlock

DVD COLLECTION: Specialising in Classic and Hard to Find Movies, and Latest Releases Classics, Comedy, TV, Drama, Thriller, Action, Music, Adventure, Cult Classics, Horror, Documentary. All Genres for All Tastes - Box Sets and Limited Editions Collections SHOP 43, THE WALK ARCADE, BOURKE STREET, MELBOURNE. PH: 9654 3825.

HOURS: Mon-Thurs 10am to 6pm. Friday: 10am to 7m.

Saturday and Sunday: 10am to 5pm.

www.LocalPaper.com.au

Page 14 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

Magazine y Melbourne

Observer

y

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Lovatts Crossword No 1 Across

Across 1. Pony competition 6. Meddler 11. Large NZ city 15. Drinking glasses 20. Moose 21. Drizzles 22. Married title 23. Nudism 24. Armed conflict within nation (5,3) 25. Family favouritism 27. Segregated 28. Roman robe 29. Hungry 31. Slightly open 32. Skin eruptions 36. Staining 37. Room 38. Painter of The Queen's latest portrait, Rolf ...

41. Length unit 44. Hair dye 45. Touchy 48. Metal extraction plant 49. Cupboard 52. Banked (on) 56. Gets 57. Form of prayer 58. Futile 61. More affluent 62. Bring honour to 63. Gladden, ... up 64. Japan's capital 65. Shillyshallies 66. Greed 67. Withdraws from position (5,4) 71. Fertile desert spot 73. TV personality, ... McGuire 75. Aid financially 80. Pistols 82. Intervening time 83. Jog 85. Definitions 86. Old Spanish money unit 88. Split in church 90. Slays (5,3) 91. Biting insects 93. Wise biblical king 94. Tossing 95. Fragile & airy 96. Suit-makers 97. Jot 99. Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane ...

100. Concludes 104. Of kidneys 105. Taco sauce 106. Sing monotonously 107. Revolved 111. Deserve 113. Fah, soh, ...

114. Inflatable vest, ... west 115. Serving platters 117. Irrational fear 118. Kitchen strainer 121. Saturate (with colour) 122. The Hunchback Of ... Dame 125. Harpoon hunter 126. Formerly Persia 127. Garden of Creation 129. In place, in ...

131. Actress, ... Thompson 132. Stellar 135. Kuwaiti ruler 136. Eternal 139. Siamese 140. Up-to-date 144. Physicist, ... Newton

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Down

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109. Stop! (nautical) 110. Odds or ...

112. Emerging again from sleep 116. Protective shielding (6,5) 119. Act of dunking 120. Say 123. Canoe with attached float 124. Set out differently 128. Enthusiastically 130. From Tel Aviv 132. Allow inside 133. Banjo sound 134. Gangway 137. Cleopatra's land

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Solution on Next Page

The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - Page 15

Magazine

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Page 16 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

www.LocalPaper.com.au

Magazine Crossroads

By Rob Foenander

Jazz at the Memo ■ On Sunday February 28, Memo Music Hall will launch a fabulous new monthly series of Jazz Soirees in the Ruby Carter Jazz Lounge, the superbly refurbished lounge bar upstairs in the St Kilda RSL, named after ‘The Godmother of Melbourne Jazz’.

The event will kick off at 4pm with a spectacular showcase by some of Melbourne's finest jazz vocalists and musicians featuring Nichaud Fitzgibbon, Nina Ferro and Julie O' Hara accompanied by one of the hottest swinging trio around with Stephen Grant (piano), Mark Elton (bass) and Danny Fischer (drums). More info and tickets at www.memomusichall.com.au

Talent at Bunjil ■ Get ready to bop with some of Melbourne's hottest local talent at Bunjil Place's resident outdoor music festival, Summer Sounds. Wander through the Plaza, space and soak up a day of live music, AndyWarhol style stage design, and delicious food and beverages on Saturday, February 27, from 6.pm until late.

Tickets are $10, which will include a redeemable item at the candy bar upon arrival. Four live acts will be headlining a tremendous evening of live entertainment, including Emma Volard, Bailey Judd, The Mamas and The Steel Syndicate. https:// www.bunjilplace.com.au/summer-sounds

Kasey at the Bowl ■ Kasey Chambers will perform at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Sunday, March 14, as part of the Live at the Bowl concert series. It will be her first solo headline show in over a year..Joining Kasey will be rising country star Brad Cox and Andy Golledge.

- Rob Foenander

Overcoming COVID challenges ■ John Rozentals tastes some New Zealand wines that survived covid19.

In 2020, with COVID-19 looming on the horizon and harvest fast approaching, the New Zealand wine industry held its breath.

Preparations for a nationwide lockdown meant there was a very serious risk that harvest would not be allowed to go ahead.

The inability to pick grapes would have meant no 2020 vintage produced, affecting wine production and retail for several years to come.

Rather than cross their fingers, the Giesen team sprang into action and were among the first to take drastic action to protect its workers and preserve the chance of a successful harvest.

This included separating the team into night and day shift teams, each with their own winemaking staff, and going above and beyond to ensure their safety.

Many of the teams were moved into hotels and accommodation away from home a full week before the nationwide lockdown was announced, with staff banding together to ensure Giesen could still deliver on harvest goals.

This, coupled with the industry's classification as essential business, meant that harvest proceeded under unprecedented safety standards including rigorous physical distancing measures and significant additional work.

● Winemaker Duncan Schuller: held his breath during the coronavirus outbreak.

Workers overcame the chal- Some residual sweetness in a popuWINE OF THE WEEK lenges of running completely sepa- lar style. Inexorably drawn to Thai Giesen 2018 The August rate day and night shift teams, de- dishes such as green curry. Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc: veloping brand new processes, and Giesen 2020 Uncharted Dry and flinty with rich, ripe tropiin many cases being isolated from Sauvignon Blanc: This very differ- cal notes and layers of toasty alfriends and family as well. ent sauvignon blanc, a dry white mond and brioche flavours.

WINE REVEWS which spent three to four months Its a tribute August Giesen's Giesen 2020 Sauvignon Blanc: on yeast lees for to build a beautiful legacy which is inextricably tied to A wonderful expression of typical mouth-feel, to back maturation in the Giesen story.

Complex and a match for quite New Zealand sauvignon blanc, with oak. Uncharted OK. Match with emphasis squarely on ripe, fresh smoked trout and herby new pota- rich cuisine.

- John Rozentals gooseberry-like fruit. toes.

Crossword Solution No 1 GYMKHANA BUS Y BODY AUCK L AND T UMB L E E U RA I NS N M MRS A N O Y O E L K I SO L A T N A T UR I SM C I V I LWA R N E PO T I SM E H S TOGA E L UN F ED W A A J AR S E I CHAMB ER L HARR RA SHE S S MARK I NG M I ME T RE A E HENNA L L T E S T Y E SME L T ER E C L OS E T A RE L I ED N OB T A I O L L I T ANY B US E L E S S R R I CHER C ENNOB L E R CHE ER X M TOK YO R D I T HE I C E I L Y A V AR I CE E V U D E B A C K S D OWN O A S I S C G E D D I E S U B S I D I I N T ER I M T ROT L M R E R E R GUNS ME AN I NGS P E S E T A I A SCH I SM BUMP SO U W S A S U O GNA T S R N E S R N SO L OMON T H R OW I N G E T H E R E A L T A I L O I I OT A A E A G J S R E YRE N U E E DEDUCE S RENA L S A L S A CHAN T ROT A T T M MER I T C L AH O MA E N T RA Y S V PHOB I A E S I E V E I MB U E NO T R E R WH A L O E I R A N M E D E N A S I T U E EMMA S A S T RA L W EM I R AGE L E S S T HA I O L A T E D W I S A AC E B G G I R R R OU T DO B K ORNA T E L Y GRA Z I ERS R RA B MOA T S N L ACED S L R P E E G A UP S E T E I L A T ERA L GYN T L MA YD T AGGED N K I W I I R HA I R O S A Y S N N I CE G J AMB E I MMU N E N ON S E T P R E E N U RG E D T RWA N E M RAGED U L E I R OUR A WE E D Y R ADOP T ED OMEGA RUGB Y R A B B I ROUS I I Y I E E NOV A N C M R R MA I M Z N E XC I T I NG ENSNARED MOC K E NA I ROB I T A I GO I NG C D L A L P E G D R S P I ND L E S ERNE S T N V B Y L I NE S T E ERA N E R URE A RUDD I ER NODS I A C I ARSON I S T S F L ARE O S OGRE S MUCKRA K O K M U U N B E L G I AN H I O E L EMB A LMS R GA V E L A O Z A I RE K MENAC A Y E L A P S E I E S S ENCE N S T E F AN B I ND I ANA E S P L A SH R ADV EN T R NEGA T C N SMAR T A P OBOE S I O A S S E S M ME AGRE W HE L I P AD D HE A V I ER W TOA S I R DRE AM D S ME AD C A E N O MA Z E ME D I A T OR MONGO L I A B E A U T I E S MA T CH B G V E I DER C E OP S U L O R L DD T S T E AD I E S M I SHE ARD L EOT ARDS SHOR T E

Observations RS O ED A I S G NS O RS E S E F F F U RS E ED V ER N S T O I D A A Y R DA E NG E RY S GE R E S V ED R ED S T S E OX E NS

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5 THE T OP 5 EXPRES SIONS OUR TOP EXPRESSIONS PARENT SW OULD NEVER ARENTS WOULD HA VE UNDERS TOOD HAVE UNDERST 5.“AN INFLUENCER”. Something Dad was under on Friday nights.

4.“SOCIAL MEDIA”. A journalist who was partial to a long lunch.

3.“HOLEY MOLEY”. Moley is a new saint.

2. “RETWEET”. To walk away from an argument.

1.“BABY BOOMER”. A small child who farts a lot.

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The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - Page 17

Sport

Entahaar: one to beat in the Diamond ■ Classy filly Enthaar is the one to beat in Blue Diamond this Saturday (Feb. 20).

Beautifully bred by boom sire, Written Tycoon, from Final Agreement, she has only raced twice for two great wins, and in good time on both occasions.

At her first outing, she blitzed a top field in the Gimcrack Stakes over 1000 metres, winning by three lengths, in 57.06 seconds, running her last 600 metres in 33.94 seconds.

That was back in October, and her trainers the combination of top mentors, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, showed them how good she was, which they already knew, running an oddson favourite.

Prior to her second start, they trained her to have a trial over 800 metres at Werribee on January 12, which she won in easy style by just underthree lengths, under a hard hold.

Then when produced at Caulfield recently she blitzed them in the Chairman's Stakes over 1000 metres, never out of an exercise galloped, going to the line untouched.

Her rider, Mark Zahra, said after the race she was under a tight hold throughout and it took him to at least 200 metres after the post, to pull her up.

So the distance of the big one won't worry her over the 1200 metres Grand Final.

I feel the main danger to her is the colt, Anamoe, in the care of astute trainer, James Cummings ,for the Godolphin camp.

Prior to his run when second to General Beau in the Blue Diamond Prelude, Cummings advised the media by way of emails to let us know that he is one of his best chances, if not the best, and will run well.

That proved spot on with Anamoe going down narrowly to General Beau, after coming from a long way back.

His rider, Damien Oliver, was very impressed with the run, and said he could run a big race in the Diamond this weekend.

That was his third start. At his first start, he was a bit slow into stride, when fifth at Caulfield in October last year behind Fake Love, after being held up at the turn.

He then won the listed Merson CooperStakes at Sandown, after a break, and despite shifting out at the turn won narrowly, but well.

As stated by James Cummings who thought he would he hard to beat, and just missed behind General Beau in the Prelude.

The 1200 metres will be right up his alley, and with odds around $ 8, he represents very good value.

After that, the filly Arcaded came into play, putting together two wins from as many starts, and in good style.

The daughter of Street Boss, impressed greatly with a very easy win in the Fillies Open over 1100 metres, at Caulfield back on January 21.

She impressed all and sundry, who saw the run. Then she backed up with another good win at her second outing, when she won her Blue Diamond Prelude in easy fashion.

She is one of the good chances among the fillies who could cause an upset.

Another who will be knocking on the door is

Alderson, ran a good third behind General Beau and Anamoe.

On pulling up his rider, Michael Walker said he never had a chance of getting near them after being forced three and four wide all the way.

I am sticking with Enthaar (she has the goods), from Anamoe.

Teeing off

● Damian Oliver.Racing Photos. the Maribyrnong Trial over 1000 metres, up the straight at Flemington.

He is a strong colt and always gives of his best. Then you have the good filly in Dosh.

Dosh, in the care of leading trainer, Graeme Begg, who won the Blue Diamond a couple of years ago with Written By, is confident this will give him a second chance at the big event.

She was quite impressive in her Blue Diamond Preview, back on Boxing Day, defeating the highly touted Frost Flowers, the odds-on favorite.

That made it two on end from as many starts, winning her first race up the straight back in November.

By leading sire, Rich Enuff, she has plenty of speed has shown with her all the way win in the Preview. They were both over 1000 metres.

Another colt, Jigsaw, trained by Cindy

Ted Ryan

■ The popular Epsom Golf Day at the Woodlands Golf Club is on March 22 for the National Jockey Trust and the Woodlands Golf Club Trust.

Many sporting celebrities will be having a swing on the big day. They include many of our top jockeys like, Damien Oliver, Dwayne Dunn, his son Dylan, Nash Rawiller, Jye McNeil, Jason Benbow, Dean Yendall, Jack Martin and Patrick Moloney.

Hoops from yesteryear are well represented, with the likes of Gary Willetts, Simon Marshall, Pat Trotter and the Cox Plate King Brent Thomson.

Other noted celebrities include, former top Hawthorn player, Russell Morris.

They will be joined by the former Chairman of the VRC, Rod Fitzroy, and former top Steward, Des Gleeson, and current Racing Steward, Darren Triandafillou.

I will be conducting interviews with racing personalities such as top young trainer Clinton McDonald, jockey Gary Willetts, and the Grandson of the jreat jockey Scobie Breasley, Jason Swift.

The event gets underway at 11am through until 12 noon.

NGI are putting up $10,000 for a hole in one on the fifth, which can be won twice.

If you would like to come along and see and hear all the action, ring John Sweeney on 0425 796 318. Or email him on jmsween@ bigpond.net.au Hope to see you there, it is a great day,

Looking for a Professional to run the show? the Matt Ellerton-Simon Zahra trained General Beau, who had to be paid up for as a late entry at a cost of $55,000.

From his four starts he has won three of them, with a second to Ingratiating, beaten a length in

★ Compere/Host ★ Auctioneer ★ Promotions ★ A-Grade Journalist ★ Voice-Over Commercials ★ Race Caller All Sports, Race Nights ★ TV, Radio, Press ★ Respected Member of the Media

Ted Ryan Phone 9876 1652 Mobile: 0412 682 927 E-Mail: tedryan@australiaonline.net.au ted.ryan@optusnet.com.au ● Scobie Braseley.

Page 18 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

www.LocalPaper.com.au

Sport

Six-event card at Yarra Valley ■ Yarra Valley commenced the week on Monday February 8 with a small six event card and Bannockburn co-trainers Emmett Brosnan and father Richard were successful with smart 5Y0 American Ideal-Diamonds N Gold gelding Yankee Gold in the Yarra Valley Toyota Pace over 2150 metres.

Driven a treat by Emmett, Yankee Gold enjoyed a sweet passage one/one from gate three as The Red Moon Rising scorched away from gate four to lead.

Running along well ahead of his rivals, the race was set up for those back in the field and after easing three wide in the last lap, Yankee Gold surged to the front on the home turn and raced away with the race in his keeping.

Although The Red Moon Rising came again in the straight for a game second, Yankee Gold scored by 2.1 metres. Brevity was third 6.6 metres away third after racing exposed for the trip. The mile rate 1-56.6. It was Yankee Gold's 5th victory in 12 race appearances.

■ Six year old Bettors Delight-Donna Rosso gelding Aces Jet broke the ice at start number 14 by taking the 1650 metre Alabar Vicbred Platinum Maiden Pace in a rate of 2-00.2.

Trained by part-owner Alex Freeman at Mount Cottrell, Aces Jet with Alex Ashwood in the sulky was strong in winning after racing in the open from gate two outside the polemarker Cmonbabylitemyfire, scoring by a neck, with Our Cheeky Devil (one/one) third 8.5 metres away.

■ Monegeetta based duo Nick Beale (partowner/trainer) and Jayden Barker (driver) chalked up another victory (his 5th) with Reign Maker, a well performed 5Y0 Bettors DelightMajestic Reign gelding who snared the Ashmores Smash Repairs Pace over 1650 metres.

Beginning brilliantly from gate four, Reign Maker was untroubled to lead throughout, greeting the judge 2.4 metres in advance of Village Skipper which ran on late from the rear. Millah Joy (one/two) was third a nose back after racing three wide for the final circuit and switching down to the sprint lane on turning. The mile rate 1-54.9.

■ Reign Maker repeated the dose for the pair at Melton on Thursday, taking the TAB Long May We Play Pace over 2240 metres in identical fashion from the pole, accounting for Explicit Castle which raced outside him by a neck, with Regulus third 5.9 metres away after following the winner. The mile rate 1-56.8.

At Swan Hill ■ Swan Hill raced on Tuesday with an entertaining nine-event program.

Astute Ararat trainer Terry Young commenced proceedings by winning the opening race - the McLardy McShane Insurance Swan Hill 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1750 metres with Art Major-Lierra Noir gelding Classicmajor.

Raced by long time stable client Terry Cahill, Classic Major was first up since May last year and with Grant Campbell in the sulky, began swiftly from the pole to lead.

Kicking clear on the final bend, Classic Major scored by 4.2 metres in a mile rate of 1-56.4 from Pray Tell (one/two - three wide last lap) and Tino Tere Maori which raced exposed from the bell.

■ The Swan Hill Chemicals Pace over 1750 metres went the way of local Woorinen partowner trainer Joe Costa's 6Y0 ChangeoverRoyal Abbey gelding SolomansAbbey. Driven

by Bendigo based Jayden Brewin, Solomans Abbey led all of the way from gate two, accounting for Payuporleave (one/three - three wide at bell) by 1.3 metres in a rate of 1-56.5.

Skippers Swan Song ran on late from near last for third.

It was a terrific night for Horsham trainer/ driver Aaron Dunn who was successful with Auckland Reactor-Miss Potential gelding Maxactor raced by him in the Vernon's Steelyard Pace over 2240 metres and 4Y0 Art Major-Batini gelding Kenya in the Doeys Meats Pace over 1750 metres.

Starting from the extreme draw, Dunn wasted no time in sending Maxactor forward as the mobile pulled away to assume the front running role. Dictating terms to suit, Maxactor coasted

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker for the entire trip, running out an easy 4.6 metre victor from Bruised Ego which led out before taking a trail on the winner and using the sprint lane.

Bettor Romance (three back the markers) was third also using the sprint lane to be 2.8 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.4. It was Maxactor's 4th success in 25 outings.

■ Kenya had nothing more than a "stroll in the park" to take his race untouched. Settling one/ one from a solo second line draw, Kenya raced

by Stephen Blacker vacated the prime spot to race outside the leader Markleigh Jill racing for the bell before cruising to the front on the final bend to win in a breeze 7.4 metres ahead of Calgary Bay from last, with Graceful art (one/ one last lp) third a half neck back. The mile rate 1-56.6.

■ Even though a small field of five contested the 2240 metre Murray Downs Resort Trotters Handicap, it was still an interesting contest, the victor being 7Y0 Down Under Muscles-La Poeme gelding Downunder Barkers.

Trained at Shelbourne by Kate Hargreaves and driven by Alex Ashwood, Downunder Barkers was slow to begin from 30 metres as both Get Smart Max and Allawart Bob stepped cleanly from barriers one and three.

Gradually making ground to be four back along the markers, Downunder Barkers moved up to join Get Smart Max at the bell with the pair going head and head in the last lap.

Gaining a narrow lead at the straight entrance, Downunder Barkers' class prevailed at the finish as he greeted the judge by 1.7 metres from Allawart Bob which followed him home. Get Smart Max weakened to be third 3.9 metres away. The mile rate 2-02.4.

Shepp. successes ■ The highlight of Shepparton's Wednesday meeting were the first three heats of the Lyn McPherson Memorial Bronze, Silver and Gold Trotting Series over 1690 metres.

Carisbrook trainer/driver Brett Shipway snared the quinella in the Bronze with 8Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Earls Gold mare A Nip Will Do having start number 194 defeating Louiville Lass and Pinevale Victoria in a mile rate of 159.4.

Given a cosy trip from the pole trailing stablemate Louiville Lass (gate three), A Nip Will Do after easing off her back on turning finished best to prevail by a metre, with Pinevale Victoria (three wide last lap from last) third 8.8 metres away.

■ The Gold for fast class saw Andy and Kate Gath chalk up another winner when Kiwi bred 5Y0 Superfast Stuart-Monaro Miss mare Monaro Mara scored in 1-55.8.

Trapped three wide from outside the front line, Monaro Mara had little difficulty in striding past Aldebaran Crescent (gate four) early in the piece and allowed to run. Monaro Mara was much too classy for her rivals, greeting the judge by 5 metres in advance of Aldebaran Crescent which safely held second 14.1 metres clear of a death-seatind Andyou.

■ Locally trained 5Y0 Majestic Son-Sunbeam Song mare Allwoods Sunbeam took the Silver in a rate of 1-59.4. Driven by Josh Aiken for trainer Clive Dalton, Allwoods Sunbeam enjoyed a sweet passage one/one from gate two on the

econd line as Aldebaran Alissa (gate two) led and after moving three wide approaching the home turn, finished best in a punishing finish to blouse Aldebaran Alissa by a half head.

Prettylilangeleyes (three back the markers) from inside the second line was third a half neck back after moving four wide on the final bend.

■ It was great to see Tatura trainer/driver Craig Turnbull in the winners stall after the running of the Cottrells Electrical 2Y0 Pace over 1690 metres when beautifully bred Pet RockPressplay gelding Masquerading was successful.

Enjoying a one/one trip from gate two for the final circuit, Masquerading after easing three wide approaching the home turn ran home best to score by 4.2 metres in 1-59,4 from first starter Popcornfriday along the sprint lane after trailing the pacemaker Ozzie Joy which flew out from gate four, finishing a head away in third place.

Two meeting were held on Thursday - TP Melton and Bendigo.

■ At Melton, Parwan owner/trainer Jaime Madruga's A Rocknroll Dance-Onedins Courage filly No Win No Worries, a raging hot $1.20 favourite led throughout from gate two in the 1720 metre DRN Logistics 3Y0 Pace with Darby McGuigan in the sulky.

Racing clear of her rivals for most of the trip, No Win No Worries ambled to the wire 13.4 metres in advance of Wave Of Defiance (one/ one) which dropped to trail the winner approaching the home turn. Classy Countess was third 42 metres back after following the winner from the pole. The mile rate 1-55.5.

■ Dunnstown's John Murphy combined with nephew Brent Murphy to land the Congratulations to Tornado Valley Trotters Mobile over 2240 metres with 4Y0 Lawman-Granuaile gelding Cork.

Given a sweet trip from gate five trailing the leader Piesridingshotgun (gate four), Cork came off the inside on the home turn to issue a challenge with the pair drawing right away.

Doing best over the concluding stages, Cork reached the wire 4.2 metres clear in a mile rate of 2-02.8. From The West (four back the markers) used the sprint lane for third 16.9 metres away.

Bendigo best ■ At Bendigo, former South Australian trainer Steven Branson was successful with Cher Ami, a 4Y0 daughter of Great Success and Brylin Crescent in the Great Ocean Road Real Estate MaidenTrotters Mobile over 2150 metres.

With James Herbertson in the sulky, Cher Ami making her 10th race appearance was given an easy time one/one from gate four as polemarker Delarose led.

Switching down to follow the leader in the last lap after Along Came A Spider galloped, Cher Ami used the sprint lane to record a 2.9 metre victory over Delarose, with Lota Fuss (one/one home turn) third. The mile rate 2-03.3.

■ Sebastopol owner/trainer/driver Peter Fiscalini snared the Aviva Communities Bendigo Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres with extremely promising 4Y0 Quality Cam-Troys Sunset mare Quality Sunset, returning a mile rate of 1-59.1.

First up since last September, Quality Sunset (gate two on the second line) was eased to the tail of the field as Jay Bee Flex (gate three) worked past Whos Countn (gate two) shortly after the start.

Latching to the back of Whizzbang Dan (one/ one) three wide ahead of her in the last lap, Quality Sunset after making the final bend wide, ran home strongly to score by 16.3 metres from Whizzbang Dan and Ball Park (four back the markers at bell) who was 2.7 metres away.

Ararat action ■ It was Ararat's night of the year on Friday with the running of the $30,000 (Group 3) Renown Silverware Ararat Pacing Cup over 2195 metres and the $20,000 (Group 2) Niota Bloodstock Ararat Trotters Cup over 2570 metres.

It was the 46th running of the Pacers Cup and Charlton trainer Greg Norman knocked punters for a six after 8Y0 Kiwi bred Mach Three-Copper Beach gelding Zadaka scored at tote odds of $54.50.

Sulky Snippets This Week ■ Wednesday - Bendigo, Thursday Ballarat, Friday -Cobram/ Melton, Saturday Terang (Cup), Sunday - Cranbourne, Monday - Maryborough, Tuesday - Kilmore.

Rather puzzling ■ Three of the greatest stayers which grazed the harness tracks were Pure Steel, Gammalite and Knight Pistol renowned for their staying prowess so has it been bad programming by clubs that races such as The Gammalite, The Pure Steel and The Knight Pistol have all been held over the short distance between 2150 metres and 2240 metres.

Surely these horses deserve the recognition of a long distance feature named in their honour.

Racing under the banner of Adelaide owners AB & T Cormack Racing Pty Ltd managed by Adam Cormack, Zadaka driven by Jodi Quinlan was taken back from gate six to settle at the rear as the two favourites Riley Major (Zac Phillips) and Im Anothermasterpiece (Kerryn Manning) scorched out of gates five and seven, with Riley Major leading.

With the pair going head and head all through the race, Im Anothermasterpiece got the better of the leader on turning with Zadaka joining in with a well timed run.

Relishing the speed battle, Zadaka finished full of running to record a head margin in a thrilling finish over the in-form Majestic Cruiser (four wide on turning) from three back the markers, with Im Anothermasterpiece a game third 4.9 metres away in third place 4.5 metres in advance of Riley Mac. In quarters of 29.7, 29.8, 28 and 30 seconds for the last mile, Zadaka returned a new track record mile rate of 1-56.7, bettering Love Ina Chevy's 1-57.2 set in 2019.

Trotters Cup

■ The Trotters Cup was a triumph for Shelbourne (Bendigo) trainer Kate Hargreaves and reinswoman Ellen Tormey when 6Y0 Majestic Son-Focus On Me gelding Well Defined produced an unbelievable performance to win in a track record mile rate of 2-03.3, smashing Ronerail's 2-04.8 set in 2011.

Beginning quickly from outside the front row only to go off stride shortly after, Well Defined appeared to put himself out of business as rank outsider Glorious Finale led from barrier two.

With the entire field ahead of him on settling, Well Defined followed the raging hot $1.10 favourite Havehorsewilltravel (six from six in Oz) forward three wide on the back of Sunny Brooke the last lap from three back.

When Havehorsewilltravel raced clear on turning, he looked all over a winner, however Well Defined was outstanding and claimed him in the shadows of the post to gain the day by a half neck in a last half of 59.4 - quarter 29.9.

Scruffy Doolan was 17.2 metres back in third place after trailing the weakening leader and being held up prior to the home turn.

- Len Baker

The Last Word Best in the West ■ A Melton farmer says he can’t wait to buy himself a new tractor after discovering he won $100,000 in the latest Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw.

The winning entry of four random numbers was purchased at Melton Lotto & TSG, 293 High Street, Melton.

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The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021 - Page 19

Page 20 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, February 17, 2021

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