The Local Paper. Northcote Budget Edition. Wed., Dec. 8, 2021

‘NORTHCOTE BUDGET’ EDITION

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DAREBIN’S SNEAKY NEW GARBAGE TAX

■ RATEPAYERS are strongly criticising Darebin Council for introducing a separate ‘Garbage Tax’, after little consultation with the public.

“Councils can charge separately for waste and recycling services under the Local Government Act. Waste charges are not subject to the rate cap,” said Mayor Cr Lina Messina at the latest regular Council meeting.

Cr Messina was answering questions from residents Wanda Sullivan, Elif Ceitner, Douglas Leitch, Laura Fazio, Claire Hayes,Anthony Sullivan and Jessica Sullivan.

“It is necessary to separate waste fees from general rates so we can implement and respond to mandated state government reforms and increases in the landfill levy without taking money away from other Council services,” Cr Messina said.

“These State Government reforms mean that Darebin will need to spend an extra $26 million over the next 10years.

“If we don’t change the way we charge for waste and recycling, Council will need to educe funding for other services that are valued and relied upon by the Darebin community.

“Council has previously consulted with the community on this topic as part of the development of the 2021-25 Council Plan, 10-year Financial Plan and in developing our Waste and Recycling Strategy,” Cr Messina said.

Darebin Council has not sought to consult the community through this local newspaper.

At the public question time of the November 22 Council meeting, the Mayor was asked: “Why has there been no community consultation?”

The response was: “The Council Plan includes an action to undertake waste charge reform.

“Part of the consultation for both the Council Plan and the 10-year Financial Plan in May 2021 included a workshop with a deliberative panel who were provided with detailed information about the need for waste charge reform.

“The panel supported the introduction of the Fee if there were measures put in place to ensure that it only covers waste costs, is transparent, protects those experiencing hardship and that we work with community to achieve the long-term goal of zero waste. This feedback has informed the proposal.

“If Council endorses the officer’s recommendation, Council will be undertaking a consultation process about the changes to introduce the service fee and service rate using an inform approach.

“In March 2022 Council will undertake community engagement on the draft 2022-23 Budget, which will include the value of the service charge and service fee to be set from July 1, 2022.

“This will include the opportunity for community submissions on the draft budget to inform Council’s decision.

“There will be further consultation through next year we will consult broadly with the community about waste and recycling services and how we implement the reforms.

“All Councillors have been part of extensive discussions on this topic over the last 12 months.

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Inside This Week Urgent Darebin Cl. meeting called .. Page 2 Monitor apppointed to Yarra Cl. ....... Page 3 North’s one-man crime wave ........... Page 3 Rosanna’s Assisi centre progress .... Page 3 Editor’s ‘Long Shots’column ............ Page 4 Arrest at Epping after Police chase .. Page 5 CFA honoured at Nillumbik ............... Page 5 Bridge Inn Rd works to start ............. Page 5 Diamond Valley cricket scores ......... Page 6 Challenge for Preston MP ................. Page 6 Advertise Free ................................... Page 9

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● Cr Lina Messina, Darebin Mayor “Councils can charge separately for waste and recycling services under the Local Government Act. Waste charges are not subject to the rate cap.

“Council will reduce general rates to offset the introduction of the new service fee and service rate. These will only cover costs that costs related to providing waste and recycling services to the community.

“Waste costs are rising by more than the rate cap. The majority of Councils in Victoria charge separately for waste. We are one of only eight Councils out of 79 councils that don’t do this already.

“The new charge will have concessions aligned to equity principles. For properties valued at $500,000 or less, there will be concessions that equate to no net increase as a result of this charge.

“For properties valued above $500,000, the impact would be capped at a maximum of $100 increase for residential properties that currently receive a green waste service, and $168 for properties that do not currently receive a green waste service.

“This new fee will have concessions aligned to equity principles. Businesses and multi-unit dwellings who do not receive Council run kerbside collection service will still contribute to public waste costs via the Public Waste Services fee.

“Council is limited by the provisions of the Local Government Act 1989 in terms of the concessions and rebates that can be implemented to mitigate the impact of this change.”

The motion was sponsored by the Greens Councillors who dominate Darebin Council, assisted by Mayor Cr Lina Messina, who was re-appointed to the $100,000-a-year position, 48 hours after the vote.

Resident Bethwyn Mell told Councillors: “For a council that has a majority of councillors who supposedly espouse the social justice platform of the green party this appears to go against that principle.

“Is it that the Greens in this case want better recycling programs but want it for free for themselves and their mates and are happy to have the poor pay it for them? That doesn't sound progressive, that sounds conservative.”

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Page 2 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 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. ■ NORTH 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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Local News

Jose is missing mation on his whereabouts to contact Richmond Police Station on 8420 3600.

Urgent Darebin Cl. meeting

● Jose ■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing man Jose.

The 83-year-old was last seen at a home in Docker St, Richmond on Thursday (Dec. 2) about 2.30pm.

Police and family have concerns for Jose as he has Alzheimer’s disease, and his disappearance is out of character.

Jose, who is also known as Joe, is known to frequent Swan and Church Sts in Richmond and has been known to travel via tram to Chapel St in Prahran.

Jose is described as Caucasian, 168cm tall, a slim build, with thinning white hair, a white beard, and grey-coloured eyes.

Police have released an image of Jose and urge anyone with infor-

■ Darebin Council acknowledged that it had failed proper public notice of an urgent meeting of Councillors that it called for Thursday, November 25.

Mayor Cr Lina Messina said that there were “urgent and extraordinary circumstances [relating] to commercial and contractual matters associated with the Strategic Property Matter listed on this agenda”.

Chief Executive Officer Sue Wilkinson disclosed a general conflict of interest in a Governance Report , specifically the matter dealing with the extension of the appointment of the independent Chair of the CEO Employment Matters Committee.

She absented herself from the Council chamber while some matters were discussed.

The meeting was adjourned for 10 minutes because of “technical issues”.

The meeting was closed to the public between 6.33pm and 7.17pm whilst matters considered confidential were discussed.

These included a ‘Strategic Property Matter’ and the John Cain Memorial Park. JCMP State Sporting Facilities. The material was said to contains information that would prejudice the Council’s position i if prematurely released.

Court Lists Neighbourhood Justice Centre, Collingwood Magistrates’ Court Plaintiff / Informant / Applicant vs Defendant / Accused / Respondent. Information Division.

Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, December 8 Alberti, Davide Martin Bamblett, Cindy Lee Blackmore, Glen Boehme, Justin William Bordonaro, Nathan Bricknell, Stephen Anthony Cameron, Byron Choudhry, Mohammed Clarke-Hood, Kathleen Connelly, Xavier Dewage, Daya Galkissa Diep, Phi Long Doan, Van Van Doherty, Georgia Edebe, Kweya Galkissa Dewage, Daya Servarath Gialopoulis, Robin Hepburn-Richards, Jess Hunt, Sally Lees, Kieren Lomas, Julian Mackaway, Dylan Mahmoud, Kareem Marsh, Stephen Marx, Peter Hans Mirchandani, Mireille Mitchell, John Mohamed, Mohamud Nguyen, Chau Thi Nicholls, Helena O'neil, Julie Patterson, Adrian Pham, Lieng Hoang Radford, Shenae Sheikh, Hussein Singh, Surender Smith, Glen Smith, Julian Sutherland, Adam Templeton, Jane

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.

Thomas, Richard Thompson, David Trezise, Irene Votskos, Jim West, Leslie Gary Windebank, Sam Thursday, December 9 Cain, Joseph Durney, Paul Francis Gaut, Nicholas Geoffrey Griffiths, Matthew John Handcock, Linda Hinh, Phuoc Hipkins, Ross Iliovski, Paul Lim, Elvina Mcleman, Skye Moerth, Kyle Mohammed, Merhi Nixson, Rebecca Oksuz, Serkam Pierce, Shane Richard Reed, Kevin Michael Riak, Wol Tap, Kan Werry, Aleisha Williams, Patrick Young, Damien

The Whip Our Spy in Parliament

Garrett signs off

● Jane Garrett ■ Following in the steps of John Eren (Lara), Danielle Green (Yan Yean), Jill Hennessy (Altona) and Daniel Halse (Ringwood) ... Jane Garrett told Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews that she won’t be on his team at the November 2022 State Election.

Ms Garrett, Eastern Victoria MLC, was badly treated by her ALP colleagues. Yet, Mr Andrews’s statement on Friday (Dec. 3) provided a spectacular ‘eulogy’ “Across Jane’s long political career, she has served the Australian Labor Party and Labor Governments as a staffer, a local member, a party officer, a parliamentary secretary and a minister.

“Delivering secure jobs and a quality education for working people has always been at the heart of Jane’s commitment to her work.

“I thank Jane for her long service to the parliament and the party. She can be rightly proud of her contribution to our movement and to our state.

“I wish Jane and her family all the very best for the future.”

Gepp goes too

■ By comparison, PremierAndrews put out an effusive 12-paragraph media statement about Mark Gepp, Northern Victorian MLC, who has announced that he too won’t be on board when Dan seeks to win another poll in 11 months’ time.

Urban Myth Dept.

■ The Whip receives many State Politics news tips. Many are urban myths.

For the record, despite wide circulation of rumours to the contrary, no cases - civil or criminal - against Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews are listed on the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria database.

It pays to “fact check”. Spreading bogus claims about court cases that do not exist could prove expensive for the gossipers.

Family first

■ Flinders MHR Greg Hunt reckons it is family that has led to his decision not to recontest the seat. He told Federal Parliament last week: “My amazing wife, Paula, who is in the gallery today, is a nurse, carer, counsellor and confidante. But perhaps above all else she's raised two beautiful children largely as a single mother.

“I am so immensely proud of Poppy, who is going into year 11, and of James, who is about to go into senior school. They're both getting awards this week, and, again, I'm not there. On Sunday they looked at me and said: 'Dad, this is your last chance to be a proper dad. It's time to come home, Dad.'

Death threats

■ Rod Barton, Eastern Metro MLC, says that he has received death threats after giving his vote to Daniel Andrews’s pandemic laws. His vote wiped out maverick MP Adem Somyurek’s temporary power spike.

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The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Page 3

Local Briefs Fitzroy assault

Ticks & Crosses

Milton is new Master ● Geoffrey Davey (centre), flanked

by Barry Reaper (left) and Grand Master Richard Elkington.

A special presentation was made to Geoffrey Davey of Deepdene at Ivanhoe Grammarians Masonic Lodge in his 75th year of membership. Freemasons Victoria Past Grand Secretary Barry Reaper of Diamond Creek made the presentation, and was supported by Victorian Grand Master Richard Elkington.

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There has been a focus about grasses for the Darebin Creek rangers. They have focused most of their efforts on the Banyule Northern Grassland Reserve. “Removing invasive weedy grasses is crucial to restore indigenous species. Such grasses include Chilean needlegrass, serrated tussock and canary grass,” said a Bush Crew representative. “Our rangers spray these weeds, where possible, prior to setting seed and reducing their growth. In sections of the reserve where these species are under control, the Bush Crew has reduced the cover of annual weedy grasses such as the annual veldt grass, quaking grass and wild oats. This has been done through a combination of spot-burning, hand weeding and brush cutting where appropriate.”

● Anthony Carbines MLA Ivanhoe MLA Anthony Carbines asked a ‘Dorothy Dixer’ in State Parliament last week about a pocket park in Ivanhoe and the latest new in relation to its construction. “The Andrews Government of course at the last election committed some $35 million to the establishment of pocket parks and investment in public open spaces for local governments right across the state. That included another $10 million for the revamping and upgrading of other open spaces and small pocket parkland in different communities right across the state.

In Ivanhoe there is a commitment around two pocket parks, one of those down in the Ivanhoe central activities area just off Upper Heidelberg Rd. A lot of work has been done there both by Banyule City Council and the local community, and also the traders association there in Ivanhoe are very supportive of that pocket park establishment. I look forward to the latest information on the acquittal of that election commitment in my community.”

Can the bosses at Hungry Jacks and McDonalds Eltham trained their young staff about the use of the words ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as the way to do business properly?

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● Milton Tsaktsiras (pictured centre) was installed as Master of Ivanhoe Grammarians Masonic Lodge by Freemasons Victoria Grand Master Richard Elkington at the Ivalda Centre, Darebin, on Thursday (Dec. 2).

■ Thomastown-raised Milton Tsaktsiras, Simon Browning, Assistant Director; Nitin now of Eltham, was installed as ‘Worshipful Dutta, Inner Guard; Peter Winter, Senior Master’ of the Ivanhoe Grammarians Ma- Deacon; Ben Barsoum, Junior Deacon; Purui Chhatre, almoner; John Cantrill, organist; sonic Lodge last Thursday.

His officers include Geoff Lewis, Senior Frank Jenkins, Tyler. District Co-Orinator Warden; Alexis Rovero-Urdaneta, Junior Rahim Samat was in attendance.

The Freemasons Victoria Grand Lodge Warden; Wayne Smith, Chaplain; Haydn Gregson, Treasurer; Ash Long, Secretary; Ceremonial Team performed the ritual, led by Michael Holloway, Director of Ceremonies; Tony del Nivo.

Local News

Monitor appointed to Yarra sure Mayors have the support to perform their role.

Yarra Council officers have raised broader concerns about governance. There are concerns about widespread media coverage.

“I look forward to seeing Yarra City Council shift its focus to the priorities and challenges facing the local community, led by its newly elected Mayor and with the support of the monitor,” Mr Leane said.

■ Police have charged a man following an alleged assault in Fitzroy.

Following a public appeal, the 20-yearold man self-presented to a Police station about 2.15am on Thursday (Dec. 2).

He was interviewed and charged with recklessly cause injury and discharge missile.

The Maribyrnong man was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on April 29.

The charges follow an incident in Fitzroy about 11pm on Thursday, November 18.

A 25-year-old woman became involved in a verbal altercation with a man who allegedly threw a spray can towards her as she attempted to flee.

The woman was taken to hospital with minor injuries.

Banyule prunes

■ Banyule Council will soon be pruning trees on nature strips and various properties it owns to maintain a safe distance around powerlines.

Victorian regulations require the Council to maintain vegetation clearance around powerlines for public safety.

The locations where trees will be pruned are throughout parts of Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East and Rosanna (the area predominantly bordered by Lower Heidelberg Rd, Rosanna Rd, Upper Heidelberg Rd and Waiora Rd).

This will not affect any private property.

Work will begin in the week starting December 13, and will be completed within 60 days.

One man crime wave

■ ■ Whittlesea Crime Investigation Units detectives have reduced their crime rate with the arrest of a man charged with more than 100 offences committed in Melbourne’s northern suburbs past two months.

ADVERTISEMENT

● Shaun Leane ■ A municipal monitor will be appointed to the Yarra City Council to help guide good governance .

Shaun Leane, Minister for Local Government made the announcement last week to ensure the council has the guidance it needs to perform its role successfully.

The municipal monitor will be finalised in coming weeks. The municipal monitor will provide regular reports to the Minister on the council’s progress and recommend any further actions.

The council last week elected ew Mayor Cr Sophie Wade, onbly after three previous meetings during which it was unable to do so in accordance with the Local Government Act. The Act requires an absolute majority to en-

Help for Assisi

■ Ivanhoe MLA Anthony Carbines has sought to find out final details about State Government assistance to the Assisi Centre at Rosanna.

Mr Cabines referred to a promise to deliver the dedicated respite services at Laveter House, which is being repurposed for $625,000 at the Assisi Centre in his electorate.

“Assisi aged care was built in the 1920s.

It was actually a Sisters of Mercy novitiate convent and chapel, and it dominates the landscape off Rosanna Rd there.”

Authorised by Marilyn Nuske, Castlemaine.

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Page 4 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Ash on Wednesday published in association with the

Melbourne

Observer

First published September 14, 1969 Contact Us

Rodeo finals at Alex.

Short Shots Heidi moves on

Phone: 1800 231 311, 9489 2222, 9439 9927, 5797 2656, 0450 399 932 Reg. Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 (same address for 27 years) Mail: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au E-Mail: Editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Easy Contacts 24/7 Read Online: www.LocalPaper.com.au Free Ads: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au Subscribe Free: www.FreePaper.com,au

● Heidi Murphy ■ Radio man Neil Mitchell’s senior producer Heidi Murphy signed off on Friday (Dec. 2). She will still be heard on 3AW over summer, including her Sunday Morning stints with Darren James and Nick McCallum.

Heidi is known in media circles as a fair and ethical operator. She has aspirations for a TV career in 2022, and is expected to grow her profile with Nine News.

Our Team Editor: Ash Long Features Editor: Peter Mac Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Mike McColl Jones, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, John Rozentals, Jim Sherlock, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, Gavin Wood, John O’Keefe Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Sherryn Danaher, Mary Downie, Peter Green, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel Logistics: Sam Fiorini (All Day Distribution), The Gregson Family, Graeme Hawke, Maurice Golden, John Parry Credit Manager: Michael Conway OAM, Fast Action Debt Recovery, 0402 142 866

In 37 Local Areas Incorporating editions and traditions for these local areas: • Banyule: Heidelberger • Bayside: Southern Cross Weekly, Bayside Times, Bayside Advertiser, Brighton Advertiser, Sandringham Advertiser • Boroondara (Northern): Boroondara Weekly, Progress News • Boroondara (Southern):Southern Cross Weekly, Boroondara Weekly • Brimbank: Brimbank Messenger, Keilor Messenger • Cardinia: Cardinia Edition • Casey: Casey Edition, Cranbourne Sun • Darebin (Northern): Preston Post-Reservoir Times • Darebin (Southern): Northcote Budget • Frankston: Frankston Edition • Glen Eira: Southern Cross Weekly, Glen Eira Standard • Greater Dandenong: Dandenong Advertiser • Hobsons Bay: Hobsons Bay Edition • Hume: Hume Obserrver, Broadmeadows Observer • Kingston: Southern Cross Weekly, Kingston Standard, Moorabbin Standard, Moorabbin News • Knox: Knox-Sherbrooke News • Manningham: Manningham News, DoncasterTemplestowe News • Mansfield: Regional Edition • Maribyrnong: Maribyrnong Edition • Maroondah: Maroondah Mail, Croydon Mail, Ringwood Mail • Melbourne: Melbourne Observer, Nation Review, Southern Cross Weekly • Mitchell: Mitchell Shire Edition • Monash: Monash Gazette, Waverley Gazette, Oakleigh Times • Moonee Valley: Moonee Valley Gazette, Essendon Gazette • Moreland: Moreland Courier, Brunswick Sentinel, Coburg Courier • Mornington Peninsula: Mornington Peninsula Post, Hastings Sun, Southern Peninsula Gazette, Western Port Sun • Murrindindi: Dindi Local, Murrindindi Citizen, The Phoenix • Nillumbik (Urban): Diamond Valley News • Nillumbik (Regional): Regional Edition • Port Phillip: Southern Cross Weekly, Port Phillip Times, Emerald Hill Times, Sandridge Times, St Kilda Times • Stonnington: Southern Cross Weekly, Stonnington Weekly • Strathbogie: Regional Edition • Whitehorse: Whitehorse Gazette, Box Hill Gazette, Box Hill Reporter, Nunawading Gazette • Whittlesea (Regional): Regional Edition • Whittlesea (Urban): Whittlesea Post • Yarra: Southern Cross Weekly, Yarra Times, Collingwood Fitzroy Carlton Courier, Richmond Times • Yarra Ranges: Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express, The New Free Press Also incorporating Melbourne Press Network, Victorian Press Network, Victorian Press, Melbourne Trader Newspaper, Melbourne Advertiser, Melbourne Seniors News, Victorian Rural News, Melbournewide

● Jarrod McKane in the Open Bareback Bronc. Photo: Dave Ethell. and Recreation Re■ Victorian cowboy serve from 7pm on Jarrod McKane will January 21-22. be one of the favourThen rounds 3-4 ites for the bareback will be on January 28bronc ride at Alex29 from 7pm at the andra on January 8 Alexandra Dame and then at the Ariat Pattie Menzies Centre.

National Finals Rodeo Alexandra rodeo rounds at Alexandra. spokesman Andrew on January 28-29.

Embling said there Alexandra will host were finals held in three massive days of Victoria in the 1980s rodeo in January as but this was the first the best riders in the finals in the state in the nation go head-tointervening years. head in the battle for “It is fantastic to be titles in the Australian able to host the finals,” Professional Rodeo Mr Embling said.

Association.

As well as the There were no nachampionship events tional finals last year in the APRA, the due to COVID-19 so Alexandra Rodeo will the 2021 finals in Januhave extra entertainary will be the first with Ash Long, Editor ment with trick riders since Warwick hosted and musical entertainthe 2019 finals just Celebrating 52 years in local media ment before and after more than two years Winner, Best Local Reporting Award each night of the roago.

Victoria-wide Westpac Award deo.

The Ariat NationDirect: 0450 399 932 One of the Victoals Finals are the best E: editor@LocalPaper.com.au rian riders to watch will of the best in the APRA Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au be Chiltern bareback with the top 15 in seven Personal: www.AshLong.com.au bronc rider Jarrod events to compete at McKane.

Chiltern and Alex“For the cause that lacks assistance, All the action from andra in late January.

‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance the two nights of finals Rounds 1-2 of the For the future in the distance, will be livestreamed finals will be held at And the good that we can do” across the world.

Chiltern Racecourse

Long Shots

Radio pair celebrate Christmas

COVID count

■ The 11 local government areas with the highest number of new cases are Hume, Whittlesea, Moreland, Moonee Valley, Casey, Brimbank, Maribyrnong, Mornington Peninsula, Melton, Bayside and Darebin.

One more issue

■ There will be one more issue of The Local Paper and Melbourne Observer for 2022. It will have a cover date of Wednesday, December 15.

Deadline for content and advertising bookings is 5pm this Friday (Dec. 10). Our office will re-open at 9am on Thursday, January 27.

Smiths’ revenge?

● Tim Smith, Kew MLA ■ Thirsty Kew MLA Tim Smith is possibly seeking revenge against Liberal State Parliamentary Leader Matthew Guy and the political party, according to Shannon Deery reporting in the Herald Sun. Apparently Mr Smith thinks that Mr Guy should have stood by him, after Mr Smith allegedly blew .131, and crashed his Jaguar into a Hawthorn home.

Mr Smith wants to force a by-election, says the Herald Sun. It would need a 4.5 per cent swing for Labor to take the seat.

To Federal arena

Imprint

■ Strong whisper is more than one Liberal State MP might try to swap across to safe Federal seats. These type of moves can often be accompanied by a bit of backlash from local voters who feel a little bit of betrayal.

Printed under contract by Streamline PressPty Ltd, 155 Johnston St, Fitzroy, for the publisher, Local Media Pty Ltd. ABN 67 096 680 063, of the registered office, 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095. Responsibility for election and referendum comment is accepted by Ash Long.

• Copyright © 2021, Local Media Pty Ltd.

■ You can have a free digital edition of this newspaper emailed to you weekly. Go to www.FreePaper.com.au

Free newspaper

● 3MBS Fine Music Melbourne radio colleagues Julie Houghton and Stephen Clark were pictured at the ‘Tis The Season For Christmas Joy’ performance at St Paul’s. Canterbury, on Saturday afternoon.

www.LocalPaper.com.au

Your Stars

with Kerry Kulkens Aries : March 21- April 20.

Colour red Lucky day Monday Racing numbers 1.2.4.1.

Lotto numbers 1.5.12.24.40.33.

Accepting invitations to socialize more often could bring an excellent opportunity across your path. More will be in the public gaze. Problems in your love life should sort out.

Taurus: April 21- May 20.

Colour grey Lucky day. Wednesday Racing numbers 1.5.3.2.

Lotto numbers 13.15.26.24.40.44.

Surprises are in store, and many could receive a career offer that could create friction with your emotional relationships. You’ll need to be extra lovely to loved ones.

Gemini: May 21- June 21.

Colour green Lucky day Tuesday Racing numbers 2.5.4.2.

Lotto numbers 1.6.23.25.24.40.

Good fortune can come through social connections.

However, don’t let success go to your head and forget old friends or values. Romance can bring surprises.

Cancer: June 22- July 22.

Colour silver Lucky day. Monday Racing numbers 2.5.6.4.

Lotto numbers 13.15.24.29.27.10.

Loved ones will play a significant part in your decision making. It would help if you were successful in your career interests. If something is troubling, you Colour silver should discuss things with your nearest and dearest.

Leo: July 23- August 22.

Colour fawn Lucky day Friday Racing numbers 1.5.4.1.

Lotto numbers 1.15.14.40.22.3.

Take more care with travel and don’t overdo the social scene. Stay out of fights and arguments. You’ll lose even if you win. Apart from that, an auspicious time ahead.

Virgo: August 23- September 23.

Colour blue Lucky day Friday Racing numbers 1.5.2.3.

Lotto numbers 1.5.15.14.40.22.

Most should be able to relax more and get down to the serious business of having fun. Finances should improve, and most of your worries find solutions.

Libra: September 224- October 23.

Colour white Lucky day Monday Racing numbers 2.5.3.1.

Lotto numbers. 13.15.26.24.40.22.

Improved health and opportunities and perhaps some recent rift could be patched up without losing your dignity. Exciting opportunities will be offered to you— travel, love, and generally having fun.

Scorpio: October 24- November 22.

Colour red Lucky day Friday Racing 1.5.2.3.

Lotto numbers 13.15.24.40.22.10.

Dealing with authority should be more accessible. Business pleasure and travel should mix successfully. Some exciting news from a distance could improve your financial picture.

Sagittarius: November 23- December 20 Lucky colour blue Lucky day. Friday Racing numbers 1.5.2.4 Lotto numbers 1.5.19.17.7.13.

Misunderstandings in your love life and work scene, wiser to keep them apart if you can. Your secrets have a way of being revealed, although something extraordinary is about to happen to your luck.

Capricorn: December 21- January 19.

Colour red Lucky day Saturday Racing 4.5.6.4.

Lotto numbers 13.15.26.24.40.33.

Travel could come as a surprise, opportunities to improve your love life. For many, lives will head in a highly new direction and improve your health.

Aquarius: January 20- February 19.

Lucky colour green Lucky day Wednesday Racing numbers 1.2.1.2.

Lotto numbers 1.2.12.15.14.7.

Opportunities are now on offer with the possibility that new people will change plans and a new lifestyle. A social invitation could have strings attached.

Pisces: February 20- March 20.

Colour white Lucky day. Thursday Racing 1.6.5.5.

Lotto numbers 1.6.15.24.40.33.

Career prospects are better, so push ahead with plans stick to your intuitions with any financial undertakings. Unexpected visitors’ good news should make this a happier period.

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, December 8, 2021 - Page 5

Local News

Air Wing chases stolen car

■ An arrest in Epping occurred after Moreland Crime Investigation Unit detectives caught a man after he was caught driving an allegedly stolen vehicle in Melbourne’s northwest on Wednesday morning last week (Dec. 1).

Officers were originally called to Sydney Rd in Coburg to reports that a silver Toyota Kluger was stolen about 11.45pm on Tuesday, November 30.

Local Police began patrolling the area when they observed the stolen vehicle travelling on Pascoe Vale Rd in Meadow Heights about 30 minutes later.

Police attempted to intercept the vehicle near the intersection of Barry Rd and Malmsbury Drive, however the driver allegedly failed to stop and took off at speed.

The Police Air Wing attended and followed the car from above, with the driver reaching alleged speeds of 140kmh in an 80kmh zone.

The car was followed to a shopping centre in Epping where the driver pulled over and attempted to flee on foot.

With assistance from the Dog Squad, a 25year-old Corio man was arrested without incident.

He wasx charged with fail to stop vehicle on

● Police Air Wing. File Image. police request, reckless conduct endanger life, theft of motor vehicle, theft from motor vehicle, drive whilst disqualified, drive in a manner dangerous and drive at a speed dangerous.

He was remanded overnight to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’Court on Wednesday morning (Dec. 1).

Hunt for platypus

■ Local citizen scientists have been using an exciting new technique to detect the presence of platypuses in waterways. Merri Creek Management Committee Waterwatch has partnered with EnviroDNA and Odonata in the first ‘Great Australian Platypus Search’.

Nillumbik honours CFA

■ Nillumbik Shire Council has acknowledged the work of the Country FirAuthority and other emergency response partners at a CFA Appreciation Awards presentation.

Mayor Cr Frances Eyre presented awards to several representatives of the Nillumbik brigades at last week’s Council meeting.

Recipients were Brigades from recipients were: Arthurs Cree, Christmas Hills, Diamond Creek, District 14, Doreen, Eltham, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Nillumbik Group, North Warrandyte, Panton Hill, Plenty, Research, StAndrews, Wattle Glen, Whittlesea Diamond Valley Fire Brigades Group and Yarrambat.

Nillumbik’s 18 brigades and groups will receive a certificate of appreciation and a financial contribution for their ongoing service to the commu-

● Nillumbik Mayor Cr Frances Eyre with representatives of local CFA brigafes. nity. The total contribution by to support them to do what they Council to Nillumbik’s bri- do best; protecting lives and property. gades is $49,000.

“Volunteers are the backThe annual presentation is an opportunity for Council and bone of our community, and that the community to thank emer- is certainly the case with our gency response partners and exceptional CFA volunteers,” wish them well as we head into Cr Eyre said.

Cr Eyre thanked all emerthe fire season.

Cr Eyre said Council was gency service volunteers for the committed to working with our selfless and important work that emergency services personnel they do.

Bridge Inn Rd works to start ■ A contract to improve Bridge Inn Rd at Mernda has been let to Laing O’Rourke.

Pauyl Fletcher, Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts, said the Bridge Inn Rd upgrade will help reduce travel times and improve congestion across the northern suburbs.

“Melbourne’s north is one of the fastest growing regions in the country and the Australian Government is committed to delivering these vital infrastructure projects to support this growth,” Mr Fletcher said.

Jacinta Allan, Victorian Minister for Transport Infrastructure, said the upgrade includes duplicating 3.5 kilometres of Bridge Inn Rd from two lanes to four lanes from Plenty Rd to Yan Yean Rd, improving access to Mernda Railway Station and Mernda Town Centre.

The upgrade also includes the installation of a new walking and cycling path along Bridge Inn Rd, as well as the installation of safety barriers. A new bridge will also be built over the Plenty River, with the existing bluestone Morang Bridge to be retained and upgraded.

Danielle Green, Yan Yean MLA, said locals will reap the rewards of the upgrade. Construction is scheduled to get underway next year .

● Jacinta Allan

Local Sport North Metro Jika Shield. Reservoir Cobras 72 M Dunkerton 26 R Smith 3/12 H Short 2/4 D Rowley 2/10 J Tennent 2/16 def by Donath 1/76 S Dauer 36* A Neil 30*. Heidelberg West 119 BM Brown 40 A Young 34 TE Volitakis 3/4 M Sortino 3/21 D Castrucci 3/28 def by Preston Baseballers 8/120 M Sortino 33 C Taylor 2/26. Keon Park 73 J McNamara 29 CJ Volitakis 3/7 L Manteit 2/9 M Manteit 2/ 13 def byHoly Trinity 8/141(cc) M Manteit 35 L Williams 32 P Capaldo 3/11 R Docherty 3/29. Northern Socials 9/145(cc) B Firebrace 27 J Bannister 3/24 M Perri 2/17 C Murray 2/ 30 def byRivergum 7/146 J Bannister 27 P O'FIynn 26* C Sudaraka 3/28 N Ratnayake 2/1.

Jack Quick Shield. Dennis 123 M Smith 39 S Buddaraju 3/16 P valayil sivanandan 3/ 23 b viswanathan 2/24 def Fiji Victorian 122 H Kumar 25 V Dhankar 4/5 J Horder 3/32 M Chamberlain 2/14. Cameron 8/154(cc) BR Cornford 46 H Cox 2/18 J Hollaway 2/24 C Hughes 2/31 def Old Ivanhoe 153 M McLean 45 N Cox 37 H Cox 30 S Oliver 3/26 N Loorham 3/34 J Dickman 2/26. Camrea Cricket Club 9/194 A Indrajith 91 BR Dawson 26 J White 5/31 def by Olympic Colts 9/196 J White 95 A Sood 3/25 CA Dennehy 3/33.

Preston Footballers 137 H Ravichandran 61 R McBean 4/34 A Rai 2/17 M Bopardikar 2/ 27 def Fairfield 102 S Muhammad 27 S Saha 3/17 B Hardstaff 3/21 H Ravichandran 2/10.

Jack Kelly Shield. Preston Baseballers 2nd XI 2/99 D Wilson 44* DB Jordan 29 def Bellfield 95 P Sunil 30 R Gillett 7/11 P Bamford 2/26. Rivergum 2nd XI 4/180(cc) P Zadolinnyj 2/27 J Mooney 2/32 def Preston YCW District 117. Lalor Warriors 4/290(cc) D Turner 102 C Burns 56 S Suri 52* JP Perko 35 M Tate 2/65 def West Preston 74 M Soufi 4/24 T McDonald 3/25 JP Perko 2/14.

Strathewen 4/118 def Darebin Northern Riders 117.

John Adams Shield - B-Grade. Old Ivanhoe 2nd XI 122 V Pawar 45 A Hall 3/13 G Haas 3/37 V Sunkari 2/16 def by Reservoir Cobras 2nd XI 8/124(cc) S Vedula 48 J Warway 4/18 CJ Orton 2/21. Holy Trinity 2nd XI 8/153 J Cloonan 59* N Sirgiannis 27 def

by Camrea 2nd XI 158 J Cloonan 4/28 D Jones 2/32. Ivanhoe Mavericks 5/113 Y Gorthi 50 V Reddem 34 A Ford 2/23 def Heidelberg West 2nd XI 110 M Camilleri 75 YR Dharmavaram 4/26 s noormohammad 2/16 A Ghanghas 2/39. Preston Himalayan 125 S Thapa 59 def Strathewen 2nd XI 115 A Kharel 2/20 ST Chetri 2/20 R Ghouse 2/21 S Chhetri 2/21.

Les Horne Shield - C-Grade. West Preston 2nd XI 7/264(cc) K Ravi 104 A Balasubramaniam 78 B Nagarajan 32 d e f Dennis 2nd XI 163 AK Abdoul Rachide 3/19 B Ganesan 2/17 S Subramanain 2/26.

Fairfield 2nd XI 9/147(cc) M Lord 51 S Badkar 30 H Qureshi 4/18 P Silva 2/15 N Nteris 2/30 def by Northern Socials 2nd XI 1/148 RW Taylor 54* H Qureshi 53*. Donath 2nd XI 4/82 A Ellis 28* L Smith 2/39 d e f Cameron 2nd XI 80 J Annetta 35 K Finerty 27 J Purves 4/10 T Hopkins 2/14 JL LadigesTucker 2/23 T Sedgwick 2/29. Olympic Colts 2nd XI 8/124(cc) J Webb 40 M Coombe 35 B Barker 3/9 M Warren 2/13def by Keon Park 2nd XI 1/127 SS Baker 61* P Filis 41*.

Bob Herman Shield - D-Grade. Rivergum 3rd XI: Bye. Fiji Victorian 2nd XI 69 A Bodele 31* M Cutler 4/14 W Duson 3/23 def by Lalor Warriors 2nd XI 6/71 S Naidu 2/19.

Holy Trinity 3rd XI 4/79 H Tauber 27 def Preston Baseballers 3rd XI 78 HW Gillett 41 S Goodwin 4/10 H Tauber 3/17 X Coghlan Rennie 2/16. Darebin Northern Riders 2nd XI 154 def by Preston Footballers 2nd XI 6/ 180(cc).

Les Kemp Shield - E-Grade. Fiji Victorian 3rd XI 119 def by Old Ivanhoe 3rd XI 9/200(cc). Bellfield 2nd XI 9/178(cc) A Adudodla 32 N Surampudi 29 RR Kankanala 28 A Phelps 6/13 M Bin Aslam 3/31 def West Preston 3rd XI 5/172(cc) S Padmanabhan 58 G Devaraju 46 SJ Taylor 27 N Surampudi 2/ 25. Keon Park 3rd XI def by Reservoir Cobras 3rd XI. Syd Sault Shield - F-Grade. Fiji Victorian 4th XI 60 JR Morgan 3/2 B Robinson 2/ 2 DC Reid 2/17 def by Kinglake 160 J Heal 30 D Maloney 30. Dennis 3rd XI 5/240 def

by Rivergum 4th XI 3/251(cc). Camrea 3rd XI 176 def by Holy Trinity 4th XI 4/180.

Page 6 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Local Sport Premier Cricket Men’s Premier Firsts. Footscray0/194 DJ Brasher 101* DJ Sartori 88* def CaseySouth Melbourne193 HA Kannan 59 LJ Shelton 31 C Benedek 27 AJ Armstrong 2/14 BJ Roosenboom 2/31 MC Birthisel 2/35 J Reed 2/41. Frankston Peninsula216 RM Hammel 90 T Gandhi 30 AG Kodoth 28 MN Wilson 5/34 SM Wetering 4/42 def by Dandenong5/235(cc) J Slater 80 T Donnell 66 SP Newell 29 BS Forsyth 27 BJ Symons 2/55. Geelong7/210(cc) JC Riding 51 JB Larkin 46* HW Butterworth 43 NJ Selman 27 DJ Tibballs 2/43 def by Richmond6/214 AJ Humphries 63* Y Pednekar 62 JB Larkin 2/18. Kingston Hawthorn245 A Jain 53 S Chopra 37 T Attanayake 33 LP Bowe 3/44 M Hussain 3/46 J O'Donnell 2/47 def Essendon138 I Willett 37 NJ Shoesmith 35 RJ Stingel 30 P Patil 3/47 M Vorbach 2/24.

Melbourne9/237(cc) CJ Kellaway 130 JW Harper 45 TR Murphy 3/40 WR Lovell 3/42 def by St Kilda6/256(cc) MF De Iacovo 91 EJ Newman 64 TV Russ 39 DE Munro 2/55.

Greenvale Kangaroos5/209(cc) JP Trembearth 74 TN Cullen 44* MM Harrison 31 def byMelbourne University3/210 N Croes 107 A Yaksender 37* HS Emms 34.

Northcote5/225 MC Phelan 86* J Lalor 40 M O'Sullivan 32 T Rennie 26 v Fitzroy Doncaster 7/224(cc) L Smith 89* N Korkolis 70 J Rudd 33 A Crispe 2/44 R Lane 2/44. Prahran4/ 167 JC Hancock 66* ND Blaich 28 DT Egan 27 def Camberwell Magpies9/163(cc) LD Fitzpatrick 67* S Garber 4/30 M Wilcox 2/ 30. Ringwood193 A Amin 57 TF Rogers 38 TJ Smyth 3/26 XA Crone 2/25 C Rutland 2/ 32 EC O'Sullivan 2/33 def by Carlton6/ 286(cc) NJ Ross 88* HJ Smyth 70 B Stepien 57 TF Rogers 2/57.

Men’s Premier Seconds. Camberwell Magpies6/187 JW Wiseman 53 JT Di Stefano 46 A Pawha 28 N Munasinghe 2/63 def Prahran6/186(cc) J Agar 69 TA Jackson 48 A Pawha 2/25 A Vidajic 2/36. Carlton9/ 191(cc) A Poppa 55 D Sullivan 37* T Simpson 32 CP Henderson 4/23 TL Webb 3/ 34 def Ringwood115 ZW Grech 31 EP Walker 28 N Pottabathini 3/13 NE Hurley 3/ 32 MJ Culvenor 2/25. Dandenong9/190(cc) MN Marinic 71 DI Malik 54 LJ Gandy 2/24 def Frankston Peninsula10/172 V Mohotty 49 KW Peries 33 B Bhatia 6/18 J Cameron 2/27 J Murray 2/33. Essendon145 C Poulton 42 J Huddart 29 RA Majoka 3/9 S Sathyajith 3/30 def by Kingston Hawthorn9/203(cc) V Wickramasinghe 66 S Ivetic 42 S Sathyajith 26 L Stagg 4/47 L Busk 2/26 B Mulheran 2/ 27. Fitzroy Doncaster and 9/222(cc) A Johnston 47 I Dhanoa 42 CJ McIlveen 37 JM Kett 28 J Conlin 3/38 N Biscontin 2/20 v Northcote0/0 and 8/222(cc) T Gleeson 121 J Conlin 26* CJ McIlveen 2/40. Melbourne University4/205 I Borgas 108 H Bienvenu 68* A Mohammed 3/42 def Greenvale Kangaroos201 S Sharma 83 C Burton 35 J Peacock 3/28 L Bienvenu 3/31. Richmond9/179(cc) J Dekel 45 JJ Carroll 26* LG Field 2/22 KJ Helwig 2/31 N McGuane 2/43 def by Geelong2/180 LG Field 66 O Peake 58* D Mehta 25*. Casey-South Melbourne 8/ 181(cc) CG Diston 41 D Gamage 36 F Hay 4/43 def by Footscray6/183 S MihelakosJames 48 D Raniolo 40 MT Jamieson 31 IC Jassal 2/30. t Kilda5/188 JA Manning 54* DT Meddings 39 BS Davies 31 TR Morris 29* DP Daly 2/21 HM Pearson 2/30 def Melbourne9/183(cc) CJ Lill 58 AD de Lange 39 SG O'Brien 4/35 ML Sellenger 2/35 SM Powell 2/38 Men’s Premier Thirds. Frankston Peninsula v Dandenong J Coburn Oval.

Footscray4/204 N Markovski 59 R Nand 53* J Clements 35 K Bollu 27* LE O'Connor 2/ 38 S Halangode 2/39 v Casey-South Melbourne5/203(cc) L Grady 96 J Long 30 A Sehrawat 2/31. Geelong160 H Melville 42 J Mallett 38 KW Rice 4/25 TM Keast 2/25 D Parikh 2/34 def by Richmond9/162 H Gell 37* PM Pancholi 30 T Neate 4/37 M Potter 2/27 JJ Mastin 2/33. Kingston Hawthorn7/ 202(cc) PR Paramesh 94 BJ Toseland 4/18 def Essendon9/199 M Lawson 56 V Malhotra 40 SN Phillips-Williams 30 O Hanrahan 4/ 32 PR Paramesh 3/21. Melbourne161 RC Edwards 49 AM Cesarios 43 KA Parrott 25 def by St Kilda6/188(cc). Greenvale Kangaroos6/178(cc) GS Hundal 60 AO Webb 40 M Welsh 25* R Rakes 3/33 def by Melbourne University5/289(cc) HJ Barnes 133* J Kennedy 77 S Skinner 30 TJ Winchester 2/ 54. Northcote10/117 W Brennan 51 R Fernando 29 SF Morris 5/17 MC Sheridan 3/ 17 def byFitzroy Doncaster6/233(cc) LD Ingram 103 M Jephcott 46 V Vasan 2/37.

Ringwood8/214 JJ Roberts 79* ZE Flintoff 59 JB Pettitt 2/29 T Marchant 2/31 def Carlton9/212(cc) SJ Connop 55* BL Tracey 36 JJ Roberts 4/28 LR Saultry 2/31. Prahran3/ 137 WG Pike 65 MO Delaney 46* def Camberwell Magpies135 M Anson 36 S Challa 28 B Dhulipala 4/33 WG Pike 2/9 EP Wright 2/22.

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Local News

Challenge for Preston MP ■ Robin Scott, the Labor Party’s Preston Lower House MP, is facing a pre-selection battle from the union movement.

Nathan Lambert, from the Shop, Distributive andAllied EmployeesAssociation and transport Workers Union, will contest to be the ALP’s candidate.

Robin Scott was forced to stand down from his senior Parliamentary position as Assistant Treasurer, when he was publicly identified as an associate of Adam Somyurek and Marlene Kairouz.

The behaviour of Somyurek and Kairouz has come under the attention of the Independent Broad-basedAnti-Corruption Commission. Mr Scott has been able to avoid the major spotlight surrounding some of the allegations raised against his colleagues.

Journalist Kieran Rooney of the Herald Sun says Mr Lambert is a former assistant state secretary and government staffer.

The pre-selections are being managed by the ALP’s National Executive in Canberra.

Mr Scott’s office is said to have recently played a part in discussions with the Greens that saw a deal broked for Lina Messina to stay on for another term as Darebin Mayor.

Mr Scott has reportedly already re-nominated to continue as Preston MLA.

● Robin Scott, Preston MLA

Lookout for Maryam 13-YEAR-OLD MISSING ■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Montmorency youth Maryam.

The 13-year-old was last seen in Montmorency about 11pm on Saturday (Dec. 4).

There are concerns for her welfare as she has a medical condition that requires medication.

Police have released an image of Maryam in the hope someone recognises her.

She is described as being about 168cm tall, with a medium build, long dark curly hair, bottom lip piercing and was last seen wearing all black clothes.

■ Anyone with information about her whereabouts is urged to contact Greensborough Police Station on 8432 0200.

● Maryam: missing from Montmorency.

Epping church welcomed ■ Thomastown MLA Bronwyn Halfpenny spoke in State Parliament last week about the progress of the St Alphonsa church and community centre under construction in Epping.

Ms Halfpenny visited the centre on Saturday, November 28, and says she had the pleasure of inspecting and meeting many of the members of the parish council along with the project manager of the build.

“These are exciting times in Thomastown as the electorate welcomes the St Alfonso church of the Eparchy of St Thomas, Melbourne, and also new parish priest Father Varghese Vavolil,” Ms Halfpenny said.

“The eparchy was established in Australia in 2014. The minister at the table, the Minister for Multicultural Affairs, also attended the celebration, where we announced a $500,000 multicultural infrastructure grant for the community centre for the St Alphonsa parish.

“The build is coming along well. They are actually neighbours of my electorate office, and we look forward to having a long and fruitful relationship. The St Alphonsa church is named after the first native woman saint of India. Of course it is a fitting name for the community that is living in the northern suburbs.”

● Bronwyn Halfpenny MLA

Local Sport Diamond Valley CA Barclay Shield. Rosanna 9/125(cc) H Almatrah 30 N Horsford 29 DH Bedurke 2/ 19 BJ Shallard 2/22 def by Diamond Creek 5/ 127 RA Phelan 61* JT Ireland 35 A Khanna 3/16. Lower Eltham 9/153 LA Costa 42 MJ Stanley 38 B Roughsedge 5/29 JC Young 2/ 14 J Lambert 2/34 def North Eltham Wanderers 9/151(cc) JJ Bradbury 35 JC Young 30 R Mitchell 4/27 MJ Stanley 2/7 C Clayton 2/23. Macleod 5/190 N Lynch 40 T Wise 39 R Wise 38 AS Cheema 2/37 def Banyule 8/ 188(cc) JN Wilson 54 LJ Poyser 39 LA Willoughby 28* DK O'Leary 3/46 R Wise 2/ 29. Heidelberg 167 A Fotinopoulos 33* J Whitcher 30 A Renwick 25 J Kulikowski 3/ 32 R Tinsley 3/32 def by Epping 7/178(cc) J Henkel 82 T Emmins 32 A Fotinopoulos 4/ 22. Riverside 9/189(cc) S Villani 62 BC Money 30 L Morgan 25* BT Timewell 5/24 SR Velagala 3/30 def by Research Eltham Collegians 7/193 SJ Malone 42* J Ward 33 S Money 3/46.

Money Shield. Eltham 8/226(cc) S Sceney 82 L Rushton-McCoach 43 A Lamont 37 MJ Cheung 4/44 A Wright 2/31 def Old Paradians 9/182(cc) UJ Ranasingha 122* W McEntee 3/30 S McEntee 3/37 L Wilson 2/ 35. Bundoora United 1/153 M Ross 57* J Thompson 45 G Turner 42* def Montmorency 8/150(cc) R Shaman 53 J Taylor 28 J Greenwood 25 M Zealley 3/31 SC Barnett 2/32. Plenty 3/203 TK Rajarathna 104* CC Prasad 58 def Mernda 5/200(cc) D Stevens 55* D Ranatunga 50 SJ Solyom 43 E Weir 2/ 21 CC Prasad 2/35. Lalor Stars 9/192(cc) MA Hayse 50 R Scott 49 T Herath 4/35 DA Fox 2/16 R Singh-Dhillon 2/44 def by Bundoora Park 5/195 M Di Battista 41 T Herath 31 B Fox 30* R Singh-Dhillon 29 A Jordanidis 2/ 37. Bundoora 166 N Sharma 35 A Fairchild 30 S Silva 30 DD Wickramarathna 3/30 A Perera 3/31 J Russo 2/10 def by Rosebank 5/175(cc) DD Wickramarathna 53 J Dimarco 36* R Sharma 35 R Eley 2/15.

Mash Shield. Panton Hill 5/223(cc) M Stamkovski 56 R Ford 53 M Brook 45 def Laurimar 153 J Barton 3/7 J Mill 3/39.

Whittlesea 8/204(cc) N Fowler 103 DJ Tennant 27 B Bell 26 J Sandford 2/21 RG Patterson 2/37 A Fernando 2/49 def Thomastown United 177 J Lalios 35 G Patterson 29 BA Avola 3/33 BE Lawrenson 2/21. Hurstbridge 166 JR Lovett 47 T Sanjeewa 38 K Edussooriya 25 J Marshall 5/29 def by Mill Park 4/167(cc) R Hillyear 62 MK McAuley 26 N Blackwood 2/28. Greensborough 7/147 LM Bowden 31 JL Marenos 28 J Bellam 4/ 39 def South Morang 4/145(cc) KS Heckmann 64 C Cannata 28 M Vilchez 2/16 TR McNamara 2/47. Thomastown 87 L Caldera 4/16 M Willis 3/17 def by Lower Plenty 6/178(cc) B Wright 39 A Tsardakis 35* JP Carlyon 33 S John 2/13 S Bhatnager 2/42 B-Grade. Banyule 4/101 DA Kennedy 36* RJ Hartnett 26 def Lalor Stars 8/99(cc) TD Elmer 3/21 OA McGillion 2/7 JA Neilson 2/ 22. Diamond Creek 95 MR Jackson 3/14 M Crispe 2/5 AF Clarke 2/21 C Douglas 2/24 def by Rosanna /121(cc) T Lewis 25 L McLellan 2/17 LR Rowley 2/25 R McCormick 2/28. Epping 8/167(cc) P Ratnakumar 31 J Bubis 27 def Heidelberg 141 E Kunelius 4/34 MJ Fitzpatrick 2/16.

Montmorency 8/178(cc) R Edwards 54 B Edwards 48 B Woodhouse 27 L Symons 2/ 38 def Bundoora United 171 RM Slattery 50 L Symons 32 C Daw 4/21 S O'Brien 3/31.

Research Eltham Collegians 135 E Zumbo 44 W Purvis 27 D Mills 4/23 J Money 3/27 N Brennan 2/24 def by Riverside 3/137 E Smale 55* M Doyle 37* C-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 8/ 188(cc) B Morris 58 J Hedley 43 D Naidoo 32 L Williams 25 L Burgoyne 4/24 def Lower Eltham 7/160 J Caldarelli 48 K Whitcher 37 C Lyall 5/25 T Centorino 2/25. Old Paradians 155 BJ Sergi 47 N Silva 36 D Juchnevicius 4/35 N Gleeson 3/33 def by Riverside 5/ 222(cc) C Skiba 66 KJ Mahony 49 S Gibbs 38* JR Di Giuseppe 4/49. Laurimar 7/133(cc) AJ Nicholls 32 D Fisher 2/22 T MacLeod 2/ 33 def Bundoora 83 J Kaminski 30* H Foster 3/19 O Stoneham 2/27. Lower Plenty 8/ 156(cc) LM Sirianni 42 ST Staples 31 C James 26* DD Kovac 3/23 LJ O'Leary 2/22 L Grech 2/31 def Macleod 130 D Bosso 26 C James 5/28 AJ Campbell 2/28. Mernda 124 L Mottershead 36 JG McIntyre 3/33 JG McIntyre Snr 2/11 LC Sier 2/16 def Banyule 109 JG McIntyre Snr 38 SM Pinner 31 J Marshall 2/9 S Sekhon 2/15 M Edwards 2/18 D Bainbridge 2/21 D Taylor 2/26

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Local Theatre Shows

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Three Little Words (by Joanna Murray-Smith) Until December 9 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna.

Director: Tim Scott. www.htc.org.au ■ Essendon Theatre Company: Death of a Salesman (by Arthur Miller) Until December 4 at 9 Bradshaw Street, Essendon (Entry off Buckley St). Directors: Directed by Michele Haywood and Nicola Taylor. Bookings: www.essendontheatrecompany.com.au ■ Melbourne French Theatre: La Candidate December 7 – 11 at The Meeting (‘Meating’) Room, Meat Market, 3 Blackwood St., North Melbourne. Director: Donald McManus; Producer: Michael Bula.

Bookings: melbournefrenchtheatre.org.au ■ Eltham Little Theatre: Playbill Launch, Trivia Night and Music Night December 11 from 7.00pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Tickets: $10, BYO nibbles, drinks and conversation. 6 per table. Bookings: https:// www.trybooking.com/BVITT ■ Peridot Theatre: Hypnosis (by David Tristram) January 28 – February 12 at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley. Director: Pip LeBlond. Bookings: www.peridot.com.au ■ Adelphi Theatre Players: The Christian Brothers (by Ron Blair) January 28 – 30 at GEALC Centre, 260 Booran Rd., Ormond.

Evening and Matinee performances. Director: Michael Mace. Admission $10. Information and bookings on 9690 1593 or 9578 0952.

Bookings are essential.

■ Playhouse Players Inc: Around the World in 80 Days (by Jules Verne, adapted for stage

by Mark Brown) February 1 – 5 at 7.30pm and 3pm matinee at Clayton Theatre, Cooke St., Clayton. Tickets: $25/29. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/BQIMV ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Kitchen Sink (by Tom Wells) February 18 – March 5 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Rod Hulme.

Bookings: www.mordialloctheatre.com ■ Monash One Act Play Festival: February 25 – 27 at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt Waverley.

Auditions

■ Playhouse Players: Director required for a one-act play to be presented in the delayed 20th National Playwright Competition. Please contact Graeme McCoubrie for further details. playhouseplayersinc@gmail.com ■ Playhouse Players Inc: The Crucible (by Arthur Miller) December 12 at 9.30am and December 14 at 7.30pm at Monash Community Inn, 72 Clayton Rd., Clayton. Director: Emma R Newport. Audition bookings/enquiries: 0450 279774 or emmarnewport@ hotmail.com ■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: 4000 Miles (by Amy Herzog) December 12 at 2.00pm, December 14 at 7.00pm at 417-419 Warrigal Rd., Cheltenham. Director: George Werther. Audition bookings and enquiries: george.werther@rch.org.au or 0402 222 090.

■ Peridot Theatre: A Season of One Act Plays January 30 at 6.00pm, February 13 at 2.00pm/5.00pm and February 19 at 2.00pm at the Unicorn Theatre, Mt Waverley Secondary College, Lechte Rd., Mt. Waverley.

Audition bookings: Line-Up directed by Joe Dias joe.dias. actor@gmail.com Love is a Dish directed by Audrey Farthing 0421 600 441 or treasurer@peridot.com.au Embers directed by Colin Morley 0420 947 373 morcolin@gmail.com Just a Straight Man directed by Bob Bramble 0418 586 273 or bobbramble2013@gmail.com - Cheryl Threadgold

4-Peace Band

■ The 4 Peace Band returns after lockdown to celebrate Christmas on Friday, December 17 at 7.30pm at the Mentone RSL, 9 Palermo Street, Mentone.

Featuring Paul O'Gorman, Peter Grant, Gary Hammond and Peter Shilton, the band will play a mix of hits from the 50s through to the 80s, with dancing and special guests.

Event date: Friday, December 17 at 7.30pm. Venue: Mentone RSL, 9 Palermo St., Mentone. Bookings recommended: 9583 2841. Free entry. - Cheryl Threadgold

Observer

The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Page 7

Melbourne

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

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

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021

Christian Brothers

■ The Adelphi PlayersTheatre Company will stage Ron Blair's classic play The Christian Brothers from January 28 - 30 at the GEALC Centre, 260 Booran Rd, Ormond.

Set in the 1950s, the play centres on Brother John as his lesson rushes around the intellectual arena from history to the French language to science to theology, as the audience glimpse another side of the man - his insecurities and fears, and his not so quiet desperation.

Under the direction of Michael Mace, The Christian Brothers will feature Melbourne actor Matthias Kootz as Brother John.

Performance Details: January 28 - 30, 2022, with evening and matinee performances Venue: GEALC Centre, 260 Booran Rd., Ormond Admission: $10 Information and Bookings on 9690 1593 or 9578 0952 Bookings are essential.

- Cheryl Threadgold

● Matthias Kootz as Brother John in The Christian Brothers.

Lifetime Performance

■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra reunites with artists and audiences in Performance of a Lifetime: Live at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on December 13 and 14 at 7.30pm (gates open at 6pm).

Melbourne's Dannii Minogue will join an all-star line-up of popular artists celebrating the return of live music, theatre and dance to Melbourne this summer.

Minogue says she is excited to be making her MSO debut as part of this celebratory performance: “It is an honour to be joining the MSO at the iconic Bowl.

“What a way to kick off summer in Melbourne alongside the incredible line-up. We are ready to celebrate the return of live music and it will be beautiful to sing with a home crowd.

“I can’t reveal what I will be singing but I am ready to get on stage with the MSO.” Hosted by Double J radio presenter, Zan Rowe, and conducted by MSO’s Benjamin Northey, Performance of a Lifetime: Live offers an evening of show tunes, soul tunes and rock-n-roll that will feature the stars of MSO’s industry leading Performance of a Lifetime vaccination campaign, alongside a diverse program of guest performers.

Performers include Tim Rogers, Kate Ceberano, Kaiit, Mo’Ju, Liz Stringer, Emma Donovan, The Bamboos, Rhonda Burchmore, Deborah Cheetham , Paul Grabowsky, Lior, Felix Riebl, Lucy Durack, Josh Piterman ,Alinta Chidzey and Des Flanagan, Jemma Rix and Courtney Monsma and Gillian Cosgriff .

Also represented in the industry-wide lineup are performers from across Melbourne’s major arts companies such as The Australian Ballet, Melbourne Theatre Company, Opera Australia, Orchestra Victoria andVictorian Opera.

Performance details: Dates: Monday December 13 and Tuesday December 14 at 7.30pm (gates at 6pm) Venue: Sidney Myer Music Bowl Bookings: Ticketek All ticket holders must show proof of vaccination upon entry, with attendance in line with any other government restrictions.

- Cheryl Threadgold

● Dannii Minogue is a guest artist in Performance of a Lifetime: Live at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl Photo: Nicholas Wilson

Free Weekly in ‘The Local Paper’

Observations Chime at Rosanna

● Chime ■ It is definitely the season for Christmas spirit, and popular choir Chime is bringing just that to Arden Crescent Uniting Church in Rosanna at 3pm on Sunday (Dec. 12).

Promising that they are all ‘vaxxed to the max’, the singers of Chime are champing at the bit to sing to audiences in person again.

The concert will be a festive cornucopia of old favourites and new music, with a healthy dollop of Christmas cheer amongst other material Chime Choir was founded in 1984 and has blossomed into a renowned Melbourne choir, which has toured America, England, Italy and Austria and competed in several international choral competitions.

In 2018 the choristers had a once in a lifetime opportunity to sing at Carnegie Hall in New York singing compositions by Norwegian composer Ola Gjeilo.

The choir’s diverse membership is united by the desire to sing choral music that speaks to the heart and mind, exploring the worldpast, present and emerging.

Under the baton of conductor Jenny Mathers, Chime will send you out smiling and humming melodies after this popular concert.

Audience members must prove their vaccination status upon entry, and a light afternoon tea will be served following the concert.

Tickets are $30 adult, $25 concession, $10 (student) and can be booked by calling 9457 2595. www.chime.org.au Julie Houghton

At the Malthouse

■ The MalthouseTheatre starts 2022 with three new plays premiering indoors, plus comedy, theatre, circus and music lighting up the outdoor space Dave Hughes, Lior and Domini, and Circus Oz will perform at Malthouse Outdoor Stage, alongside a new adaptation of the classic book, Looking For Alibrandi, Carly Sheppard’s creation Chase and new Australian play Stay Woke in Malthouse’s indoor theatres.

Stay Woke, a new play written by Aran Thangaratnam and developed by Malthouse, sees two brothers head to a cabin in the mountains for the weekend, hoping to bury the hatchet on a lifelong rivalry. Directed by Bridget Balodis, it stars RoseAdams, Brooke Lee, Dushan Phillips, Kaivu Suvarna and opens at the Beckett on February 25.

Writer and performer Carly Sheppard brings Chase to the Beckett, directed by Kamarra Bell-Wykes.Chase is living her best life. Hailing from the streets of Frankston, Chase is a macro metaphor of our colonial shame, equally offensive to theatregoers from every walk of life. But therein lies her power.

Chase is a mirror back to Australia, in the Tower from March 8.

The premiere of Looking ForAlibrandi, written by Vidya Rajan and based on a modern classic novel by Melina Marchetta and a ground-breaking film, is a theatrical experience examining the Italian-Australian experience through the lives of three generations of women. Directed by Stephan Nicolazzo, it plays at the Merlyn in July.

Malthouse Outdoor Stage returns for the second time off the back of a sell-out season in the summer of 2021. Beneath twinkling stars on balmy evenings, MOS welcomes a summer lineup of comedy, talks, theatre, music and circus with comedy superstars Dave Hughes, Geraldine Hickey, and Sam Simmons, plus music performances by Lior and Domini and Parvyn from The Bombay Royale.

Midsumma Festival also returns to the stage in February and in collaboration with Rawcus will stage AResourceful Hero Struggling Against Incredible Odds, while Circus Oz will take to the highwire with the awardwinning Wunderage in March. malthousetheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Page 8 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Local Theatre Sweeping Saga

■ Melbourne author Cenarth Fox wasted no time during lockdown to pen his latest novel A Sweeping Saga and new stage play, Corgi Queen.

This multi-generation sweeping saga from the slums of 1800 London to the bush of Van Diemen's Land includes crime, injustice and cultural genocide.

Cenarth jokingly says this is "50 per cent bigger than my average novel and doubles as a door-stop."

Cenarth explains that Jonathon Sweeping became Oliver Twist before Dickens was born.

In a London slum, his young parents battled poverty, disease and heartache. Forget schooling. Shove the child up a chimney.

Make young Sweeping a sweep. Threaten him, injure him but under no circumstances pay him.

No wonder death and stealing dominated society when even children fronted the Old Bailey. What hope for the boy?

Jonathon moved from prison hulk to convict ship to the other side of the world where Van Diemen’s Land with its stunning natural beauty became a war zone. It was kill or be killed as genocide exploded. The boy became a man fighting injustice, cruelty and bushfires.

He started a family and together they lived, loved and built a new nation in what became Tasmania. This is Jonathon Sweeping’s sweeping saga.

A Sweeping Saga is available as paperback and eBook from Amazon US, UK or Australia, or for paperbacks give the bookseller the book title and author's name. Ingram Spark the international distributor will supply the bookshop. ★ Cenarth's new play Corgi Queen tells of Queen Elizabeth II, born in 1926 and crowned in 1953, who has led an amazing life and is the longest-reigning UK monarch.

Her passion for corgi dogs prompts the play’s title. The play tells much of Her Majesty's life, including a link to an Eton education, driving and fixing trucks in WWII, falling in love as a young girl, winning a BAFTA and having a fascinating family tree.

Set in a Buckingham Palace kitchen, the cook is Peter Pan-like and never ages as the decades roll by. She is visited by the butler, maid, gardener, guard, nanny, lady-in-waiting, equerry, secretary and cleaner.

Cenarth's new play is timely considering the Queen's Platinum Jubilee special celebration is in 2022.

The whole play can be read online on www.foxplays.com/two-act-plays For enquiries about Cenarth Fox's new novel and stage play, email cen@cenfoxbooks.com - Cheryl Threadgold

Confidential Melbourne

What’s On Stiletto winner

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Tis The Season

● Barbara and Roy Alderton at ‘Tis The Season for Christmas Joy’

● Leah Phillips and Julie Houghton at St Paul’s, Canterbury.

● Suzanne Shakespeare.

● Sharon Murphy and Laura Dean.

● Hayley Young ■ Canberra pharmacist, Hayley Young, has won Sisters in Crime’s 27th Scarlet Stiletto Short StoryAwards, compered by Professor Sue Turnbull and presented by multiaward-winning actor Catherine McClements.

Young, a first-time crime writer, was awarded the Swinburne University of Technology First Prize ($1500) and the coveted trophy, a scarlet stiletto shoe with a steel stiletto heel plunging into a mount. Her outback police procedural, Monster Hunters also took out the ScriptWorks’s Great Film Idea Award, this year worth $500. She is the first pharmacist to win an award in the history of the Scarlet Stiletto Awards.

Young, 32, has only been writing fiction for a year, though she did a bit of writing when younger. In that short time, she has been shortlisted in five competitions – the 2020 Hammond House International Literary Prize, a UK flash fiction competition and in three anthologies by Stringybark Publishing Australia. Monster Hunters is her first stab at crime writing and her first win.

“I think I’ll be writing more crime. It’s such fun,” she said. “I am taking my inspiration from Jane Harper and Kyle Perry. I write every day. Now that I’ve started, I can’t stop.”

This year 241 short stories – equal to last year’s record – competed for a record $11,910 in prize money and benefits. Over the lifetime of the awards, 4137 stories have been entered with 30 Scarlet Stiletto trophy and category winners going on to have books published.

Entries for next year's Scarlet Stiletto Awards close on August 31, 2022.

- Carmel Shute and Cheryl Threadgold

Jewel for Roger

● Bernie and Wendy Smith.

Circus Oz

■ Circus Oz will present its brand new classic circus show Everything But the Circus from January 14-29 as an outdoor roving experience through Melbourne's city streets..

A crew of 20 circus characters and musicians will guide audiences to different city locations that will culminate in "a mind-blowing extravaganza. " Circus Oz Executive Producer Brian Robertson described Everything But the Circus as "a city walking tour like no other filled to the brim with suspense, wonder and delight."

Audiences will meet at six secret locations and move through Melbourne’s cobblestoned streets as they stumble across acrobatics, live music, flash mobs, tightwires and aerials. Eventually the groups will converge for a spectacular finale.

“We’re not telling people where we are going," says Mr Robertson, "but we will guide them through a rediscovery of their city."

Sally Capp, Melbourne Lord Mayor, says this will be a unique experience. “If there’s ever been a time to celebrate and rediscover Melbourne, it’s right now. Our city is the perfect backdrop for a circus performance that will delight and tantalise audiences.

Performance Details: January 14 - 29, 2022 Bookings: experiment2021.circusoz.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

www.LocalPaper.com.au

● Christan Smith and Julie Houghton.

● Cathie Elliott and Hamish Paterson

● Liz Olie and Ann Harding at the Nativity Dress-Up marquee.

● Rev. Rachel McDougall and Nick Scott at St Paul’s

■ Bayside resident and Past Master Roger Wilson OAM received his 50-year service Freemasonry jewel presentation from Past Grand Master Garry Sebo.

Garry praised Roger as a "fantastic contributor to the Craft in every sense of the word, and not only to the Craft but also to the community as well."

Those in attendance heard that Roger, one of eight children, was educated at Brighton Grammar and Monash University. He was appointed school captain of Brighton Grammar in 1962 and commenced his lifelong love of the sport of rowing.

Winning an Australian Rowing Championship in Ballarat in 1966, Roger commenced coaching soon after leaving school, including for Brighton Grammar.

Garry described Roger as being known in Australia today as "the voice of rowing" due to his extensive experience in commentating for rowing and Head of the River events from 1973 - 2021, for the ABC at four Olympic Games, plus World Rowing Championships. Now a Life Member of Rowing Australia, in 2000 Roger received the Australian Sports Medal for services to rowing.

His community involvements include Past President of the Beaumaris Probus Club, Chairman of the Uniting Church in Beaumaris, Group Leader and District Commissioner for Scouting in the Mordialloc District, Patron of the Flying Doctor Rowathon and compere and convenor of the Beaumaris Community Christmas Eve Carols for 43 years.

Roger's Masonic journey commenced in August, 1970, and in the Bayside Chapter he has been the Welfare Officer since 2013.

Cheryl Threadgold

www.LocalPaper.com.au

The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Page 9

ABC Staff Reunion

Local People

● Elaine Canty and Helen Richardson.

● ABC Reunion Club secretary Garry McKechnie, Julie Copeland and Mary Lou Jelbert.

● Tania Nesbit and Ross Smith.

● Peter Marks with Carmel Shute.

● Julie Houghton with Robert Broughton.

● Lee Christofis and Robert Gibbs.

Classifieds

● Joan O’Connor and Phyllis Jones.

● Henry Gaughan and Rob Young.

● Michael Norman, Julie Peters, Peter Stock.

The Local Paper

Incorporating the ‘Melbourne Trader’ and ‘Melbournewide’. Melbourne-wide readership - and beyond. Appearing weekly in the following editions of The Local Paper: Eastern Division: Knox-Sherbrooke News, Manningham News, Maroondah Mail, Monash Gazette, Progress News, Whitehorse Gazette. Northern Division: Diamond Valley News, Heidelberger, Northcote Budget, Preston Post, Reservoir Times, Whittlesea P ost. North-West Division: Brimbank Messenger, Hobsons Bay Edition, Hume Observer, Maribyrnong Edition, Moonee Valley Gazette, Moreland Courier , Sunbury Regiona News. Peninsula-Frankston-Dandenong Division: Casey-Cardinia Edition, Cranbourne Sun, Dandenong Advertiser, Frankston Edition, Mornington Peninsula Post, Southern Peninsula Gazette, Western Port Gazette.

Southern Cross W eekly Division: Bayside Times, Boroondara Weekly, Glen Eira Standard, Kingston Standard, Stonnington W eekly, Port Phillip Times, Yarra Times. V ictorian Division: Dindi Local (Murrindindi), Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express, Melbourne Observer, Mitchell Shire Edition.

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Deadline for advertising material is 5pm Friday, Dec. 10, at which time the office will close for 2021.

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PRIVATE Sellers can list their goods for sale in The Local Paper, without any advertising charges to pay. Fill out the coupon in this edition or go to AdvertiseFree. com.au

HALL STAND. Small. Light Oak Colour. GC. Frankston North. 0433 886 874.

WW-YY SOFA CHAIRS. 2 Teal, Wingback style.

GC. Frankston North.

0433 886 874.

WW-YY

BUNNINGS Complete Guide to Gardening. As New. $10.

Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356.

FOR SALE

BIKES. 2 new bikes, never used. Lady’s bike, 24”, brand name: Radius. 15gear range. Man’s bike, 26”, brand name: Gemini, 21gear range. 2 helmets also never used. Price for the lot: $245.

Wantirna South. 0415 886 496. WW-YY

ALARM. Senior’s pendant (Life Love).

White. Never been used. Full instruction sheet. Will post if required. Sell $400.

Alexandra. 0419 445 VV-YY 697.

BOAT ANCHOR, Chain, Rope and Float. GC. $60.

Brighton. 0434 801 031.

WW-YY

BOAT. Caper and Trailer. Caribbean.

4.5m. 2 seater, fully restored, all new instruments, 74HP Mercury motor that needs attention or replacement. Trailer EC. $3500 nEG. Croydon.

0417 514 707.

VV-YY

CHILDREN’S Green Smiggle Talking Clock. Battery operated. VGC. And Children’s Green Sniggl;e Eloectric Sharpener. VGC. $25 for both items. Box Hill North. 0401 494 336.

UU-XX CLOTHES DYER. Hoover 195 Front loading. 80cm high, 56cm wide. Hot/ warm switch, timer control, lint filter, wheels, slots for wall mounting. Little usage, GC. $55. Reservoir. 9442 3263.

UU-XX

CROCKERY to select from,. Walnut buffet, large glass doors, drawers, lots of cupboard space, EC. $220. Alexandra.

0419 445 697.

TT-WW DINING CHAIRS. Set of 6, fabric upholstered (seats and backs). Small spindle feature between back and seat, solid and same feature on legs.

Oak-walnut wood stain. 1950s era.

VGC. Could be re-upholstered. $250.

Kew. 0417 577 637.

VV-YY

DINING TABLE. Solid Timber with 8 chunky leather chairs.

Colour: dark brown.

GC. $490. Donvale.

0418 380 095.

WW-YY DRAWERS. Set. 3 drawers. Orange.

Wooden. 80cm high, 66cm wide. GC. $45.

Reservoir. 9442 3263.

UU-XX ELECTRIC Recliner Chair. Dark green colour. GC. $500.

Templestowe. 0422 036 386.

WANTED TO BUY PIANO ACCORDION. 24 bass. Italian brand, red colour if possible, in good condition. Mt Martha.

5973 4163. VV-YY

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CABIN at Over 50s permanent residential park. Air Con., Heating, one bed, self contained, furnished if desired.

VGC. $42,000. Alexandra.

Claudia, 0409 470 TT-WW 107.

CHAIR. Pressure Cushion QS 10 x 10 inches. VGC. $250 Templestowe. 0422 036 386. WW-YY CHINA CUP and saucer sets, nine some with plates, 1950s style. $210 lot, other collectables.

Alexandra. 0419 445 697.

TT-WW

A FREE COPY of the Digital Edition of this newspaper can be emailed to you each week. Simply register your email address: www.FreePaper.com.au

ELECTRONIC Fluro lights, 240 volt, suit mobile homes, trucks, etc. New in box. $15 each.

Greensborough.

0406 939 273.

TT-WW

Page 10 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021

www.LocalPaper.com.au

www.LocalPaper.com.au

The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Page 11

Melbournewide Classifieds FOR SALE

EXTENSION LADDER. Fibreglass.

6.3m. GC. $100.

Greensborough. 0406 939 273. WW-YY FIREWOOD. Gum. Truckload. No reasonable offer refused.

Bayswater North.

0455 411 630.

VV-YY FLOOR CRAMPS x 3. Australian made.

GC. $325 for the lot.

GC. Croydon. 0408 332 181.

UU-XX FLURO LIGHTS. Electronic. 24V DC. New. $15 each.

Greensborough. 0406 939. 273. WW-YY FOOD Deyhydrator.

Never used. Still in box. Keitch couture model. FO770A. New. $45. Pascoe Vale.

0419 138 356.

VV-YY FRIDGE or Bar Trolley. Rubber tyres, light weight. Scratch marks to the red paint. GC. $15.

Croydon. 0408 332 191.

UU-XX

FOR SALE

GENEALOGICAL Research Directory.

Editors Johnson and Sainty Volumes.

1981-2002. As National Genealogical Directory. Editor Michael Burchall 1981-85. VGC. $25.

Ashburton. 9885 2203.

TT-WW INSULATED refrigeration panels. 3x3m 1 1h. $95 per panel.

1m 6w. Alexandra.

0409 470 107.

TT-WW MAG WHEELS. Genuine Nissan. 15 x 6 with tyres. Suit Navara. GC. Free.

Homewood (Yea).

0418 354 641.

VV-YY MOVIE, Books, Cinema of Obsession, Master of Cinema, Billy Wilder, many others. Nerw. $5 each. Pascoe Vale.

0419 138 356.

VV-YY NATURE XT600 Elliptical Cross Trainor. Yellow and black. Barely used. EC. $450.

Mornington. 0419 GAS BARBERCUE. 301 303. WW-YY Five burner with ORGANIC Tomato wheels, new ignition Seedlings, Dwarf, assembly. 9kg and Tall. Also Flower Pots, 4kg gas tanks. Both all sizes including sucfull. New valves fitted. culents. From $5.

VGC. $300. Pascoe Box Hill, close to FreeVale. 0419 138 way. 9898 8046..

356.

VV-YY VV-YY GAS COOK-TOP. PERSONALISED Chef. White. 4 burn- Car Number Plates. ers and a wok burner. Victoria Black/white Never used as wrong slimloine ‘MISUBI’ for size. Paid $488. Sell Subaru. Ideal for for $400. West dealer or proud owner. $1500.

Brunswick. 0414 245 VGC. Frankston. 9789 680.

UU-XX 9634. UU-XX

FOR SALE

FOR SALE

PUSH WHEELCHAIR. Hardly used.

EC. $300. Templestowe. 0422 036 386.

WW-YY SOLAR Hot Water panels. 10 of complete with stainless steel and gal. roof frames. GC. $600.

Launching Place.

5967 4412.

TT-WW TEA OR DRINKS TROLLEY. Stained timber, light brown, circa 1930s. On Casters. GC. $25.

Croydon. 0408 332 181.

UU-XX

WATER TANK 1000litre. Plastgic. Approx one-metre square.

Comes with large tap and 5 metres. Hose.

VGC. $25. Eaglemont. 0435 262 662.

TT-WW

WEDDING DRESS. Full length white dress. Short train and full-skirted with bolero style jacket. Size 10.

Suited to height 5’1” or 1.25m. $450.

Wantirna South. 0409 522 798, call after 6pm.

WW-YY

TO GIVE AWAY VINYL KITCHEN CHAIRS. 4 retro style cane stand. Large single black, wrought iron bed with good mattress. To give away. Must be able to pick-up. Alexandra. 0419 445 697.

TT-WW

REAL ESTATE SELLERS CASH BUYERS WAITING TOWNHOUSE SITES over 20 builders require DUAL OCC sites Can be with or without permit, all northern, inner and outer suburbs ■ Townhouse sites without permit from 10 to 50 per project. 2 buyers ■ Townhouse sites. 8 to 5 per project with permit. 3 buyers DEVELOPMENT SITES: all types, child care, medical ■ Residential land subdovisions $5MILLION TO $100 MILLION INDUSTRIAL land subdivisions. $5m to $20m. 2 buyers FAMILY HOMES: north suburbs only Over 40 years in real estate Will pay referral fee to introducing party for any resulting business done

LATE ADVERTISEMENTS ALUMINUM sliding door, 1800W 2100H. Silver colour,flat packed with all attachments.

New. $450 .Dandenong 0413 400 400.

BOOKCASE. Baltic pine. English made. 21 cms h x 90cm wide c 30cm deep. EC. Antique pine colour. $300. Croydon. 9736 9690.

FOOD DEHYDRATOR. Never used. Still in box. Kitche Couture model. As new. $45.

Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356.

GARAGE ROLL DOOR. Sky blue colour.

2500w/2300h. Dandenong 0413 400 400 INDUSTRIAL OVERLOCKER. Brother brand.

5 cotton used. Includes safety stitch. Very little used. Cost new $3450 selling $1450. As new Dandenong. 0402 385 692

MOBILE 0419 886 798

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Page 12 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021

■ It is now 59 years since Pete Best was fired from The Beatles and replaced by Ringo Starr.

This event changed the life of a young drummer who now lives in the shadow of the one of the most famous singing groups of the 20th century and he is commonly referred to as ‘the fifth Beatle’.

Peter Best was born in 1941 and spent the first four years of his life in British India before the family moved to the UK and settled in Liverpool.

His father Donald Scanland was killed during the war. His mother Mona, who was a beautiful young lady of Anglo-Indian ancestry, married John Best from Liverpool and they had a son Rory in 1944.

A year later the family moved to Liverpool.

Mona had her eye on a large double storey house and won the money to buy it on a race horse which won the Derby in 1955.

Mona opened The Casbah Coffee Club in the cellar of the family home.

A young unknown rock group known as The Quarrymen made their first appearance there on the opening night, August 29, 1959.

The group included John Lennon, Paul McCartney and George Harrisonwho were later to become The Beatles.

Pete was playing drums with his own band The Black Jacks when he was invited to join The Beatles in 1960.

He went with them to play a season of club

www.LocalPaper.com.au

Magazine

Whatever Happened To ...

Pete Best (The 5th Beatle)

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

appearances in Hamburg, Germany.

In 1961 The Beatles returned to Hamburg and backed singer Tony Sheridan on the hit song My Bonnie.

Over the next two years The Beatles began to take shape. Pete was the only one in the group not to adopt the famous hair style.

Brian Epstein became their manager and got the group an audition with Decca Records, but they were not successful.

Brian arranged another audition with Parlophone Records and they came to the attention of George Martin who suggested that the group had potential and should be signed to a contract.

Pete told me in a radio interview that on Au-

gust 16, 1962 he was called into Brian Epstein's office to be told that his services as a drummer were no longer required.

He had walked into the office with no idea that anything was wrong, he was very happy because The Beatles had just had their first recording session at the Abbey Road Studios.

Those few minutes in Brian Epstein's office changed his life forever. He was replaced by Ringo Starr.

Two months later The Beatles were on the top of the charts with the hit song Love Me Do. Over the years there has been great controversy over the reasons for Pete's dismissal.

He joined a band called The All Stars and worked with other groups.

In 1963 Pete married his wife Kathy and they have been married for almost 50 years. He gave show business away in 1968 and eventually became a training manager.

Pete refused to discuss The Beatles for many years but returned to show business in 1988 with The Pete Best Band.

He can be heard drumming in songs on the 1995 Anthology 1 album. He has never spoken to any of the group members since that day in 1962 but in 1967 his mother lent John Lennon her father's war medals for him to wear on the album cover of Sgt Pepper's Lonely Heart Club Band.

Pete Best is a very quietly spoken man and I enjoyed interviewing him, thanks to our own pub-

‘He has never spoken to any of the group members since that day in 1962’

licity superstar Di Rolle. He signed my copy of his book The Beatles - The True Beginnings.

Pete wrote and produced a DVD documentary titled Best Of The Beatles in 2005 which told the story of his career and how he was sacked. Pete Best tours the world doing concerts and interviews.

His website is www.petebest.com and it is worth a look.

He is in good health and enjoying life.

Pete and his wife Kathy are proud of their two daughters and four grandchildren.

In 2011 a road was named after Pete Best in Liverpool and another was named after his mother Mona Best who passed away in 1988.

Mona was known as ‘the mother of the Mersey Beat’.

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

Seeing Time at Tolarno Galleries

Seeing Time – Brook Andrew Seeing Time is Brook Andrew’s new body of work reflecting on and abstracting the concept f time and mark-making.

That is how one perceives and hopes to either manipulate, push against or fall into time.

These paintings were created during 2021 and centre on Brook’s alternative visions of time and mark-making outside the Western art canon.

This is a contribution to current challenges and dialogues around decolonisation, which is for him, a progression towards a state of yindyamarre-gunhanha (ongoing respect) yindyamarre-gunhanha is a term Brook has developed to deal with the often-challenging space of museum research and repatriation.

His signature black and white patterns are adopted from his Wiradjun cultural heritage.

By doing so, he reinforces the strength and cultural continuity of the Wiradjun for himself and others.

In 2020 Brook Andrews was named by Art Review’s Power 100 list as one of the most influential people in the art world. Artsy recognised him as one of the most influential artists of the year.

Exhibition closes December 18.

Gallery Opening hours :10am – 5pm Tuesday – Friday, 1pm – 4pm. Saturday Tolarno Galleries Level 4. 104 Exhibition St. Melbourne

The Arts

Hilda Elliott in conversation is an insight into the character of this fashionably elegant and poised woman whose voice is rarely heard.

Exhibition opened December 3 and closes Sunday February 13.

Mildura Arts Centre 199 Coreton Rd, Mildura

Golden Shells and the gentle mastery of Japanese lacquer: The beauty and artistry of the historical Japanese ‘shell ,matching’ game, kai-awase, will be celebrated in a new exhibition at the centre of which will be a contemporary 720piece set commissioned by Melbourne philanthropist and NGV donor, Pauline Gandel.

Comprising two Japanese lacquerware shell boxes and 720 bold, gilded and hand=painted clam-shaped shells, this new addition of the game ia the only complete set known to be in existence that has been introduced in the traditional manner using specialised techniques and materials, offering audiences with a rare opportunity to admire the craftsmanship behind the centuries old pastime.

Exhibition closes April 18.

National Gallery of Victoria 150 St Kilda Rd. Melbourne - Peter Kemp

Visions of India

Tribute to Bert

with Peter Kemp

Visions of India: from the colonial to the Contemporary Since its invention in Europe in the 1840s, the genre of photography has played an integral role in the course of Indian art history.

Although it is often quoted that InHilda Elliott:A Conversation dia is the most photographed country The eldest daughter of the promi- in the world, the history of its reprenent Melbourne politician and pub- sentation is more complicated and lisher Theodore Fink, Hilda Elliott more political that initially meets the grew up in an environment which the eye. arts were valued and supported.

Visions of India: from the coloIt is an experience that Hilda took nial to the Contemporary will be the with her into her marriage to R.D. first major survey of Indian photogElliott who came to be an avid col- raphy in Australia, and all artworks lector of Australian and international showcased will be from the collecart in his own tight. tion of Museum of Art ’s PhotograWhile much is written about the phy Bengalaru which is one of the lives of Theodore and RD, little is most celebrated photographic collecdocumented of Hilda’s life. tion in India.

For this read, the collection of Exhibition closes March 20. works she bequeathed to Mildura Monash Gallery of Art Arts Centre upon her death in 1970 860 Ferntree Gully Rd. are important.

Wheelers Hill

At Mildura

National Gallery

■ John Foreman’s Aussie Pops Orchestra will pay its tribute to Bert Newton at its New Year’s Eve concert of popular hits and Broadway classics.

“In chatting with the artists who are appearing at our upcoming New Year's Eve and The Night Before concerts, it became evident that a tribute to our beloved Bert would be an essential part of our NewYear's Eve shows,” said John Foreman.

“I was lucky enough to work with Bert for more than twelve years on Good Morning Australia; Marina Prior was a regular guest on many of Bert's shows; and Lucy Durack starred alongside Bert in the musical, Wicked.”

The concerts are at 8pm on Thursday. December 30, and 2pm and 8pm on Friday, December 31.

Arts Centre Melbourne.

OK. With John O’Keefe Brownlow boy tackles breakfast

● Jimmy Bartel ■ Jimmy Bartel is best known for winning the 2007 Brownlow Medal. He then became a footy broadcaster on 3AW and has now graduated to become breakfast host on AW this summer while Ross and Russ enjoy their summer break. Normally there is a joint female presenter in the brekky gig and our bet is Emily Power.

Must-see exhibition

■ Between now and end of December make sure you go and see a special exhibition at Docklands, displaying a gallery full of entertainment posters from the past to present. Posters will bring back memories of past headline acts and events. Posters are a mix of genres - many garish in choice of colours and typefaces and others just deplorably bad.

It tastes like ...

■ If you have visited Fiji you must have tasted the local drink Kava, and formed your own opinion of the flavour. Very controversial , anything made from roots from the earth attracts comments like 'muddy water'.

Importation rules have been relaxed and Kava is about to take on the world as the new relaxative drink. Already there are 52 Kava Bars in Florida, USA, and the first Kava Bar has opened in Brisbane. Expansion to Melbourne is immanent , so no longer will you be advised to take a chill pill, just drink some Kava .

Boy wonder

■ Anthony McManus is the lucky guy who convincingly won the million dollars on Nine the other night. There is quite a back story to Anthony - at 14 years of age, he appeared as a vocalist on Young Talent Time, he went onto regular acting gigs in cop shows produced by Crawfords and TV commercials by the score. With COVID, jobs were few but now a million in his kitty he has purchased a new apartment and new wheels .

Where mega-wealthy invest

■ Oprah Winfrey and actress Reese Witherspoon have oodles of available cash. Rather than spending the cash on flashy extravagances they're looking for return on investment. Their latest investment is in Spanx Inc. women's wear , a fashion brand based in Atlanta, USA. valued at $ 1.2 billion. The policy of Spanx is to strive for an all-female board, no mention of Oprah and Reese being appointed - watch this space.

- John O’Keefe

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The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Page 13

Movies, DVDs with Jim Sherlock, Aaron Rourke What’s Hot and What’s Not FILM: FINCH (Streaming on AppleTV+): Cast: Tom Hanks, Caleb Landry Jones, Marie Wagenman, Oscar Avila.

Genre: Drama/Sci-Fi/Adventure.

Year: 2021.

Rating: M .

Length: 115 Minutes.

Stars: * * * Review: On a post-apocalyptic earth, a robot, built to protect the life of his creator's beloved dog, learns about life, love, friendship and what it means to be human as they go on a road trip across a desolate earth to reach a safe harbour.

Despite its bleak premise there is much, if not too much, soft heartedness in this post- apocalyptic road trip, a journey in which Tom Hanks carries completely on his shoulders for the most part with total conviction and believability, primarily a one-man-andhis-dog-and robot show that encompasses many thrills, charming humour and heart-breaking revelations along their journey.

Along with the wonderfully grizzled performance by Hanks, you are immediately won over by a scene-stealing dog called Goodyear and a delightfully quirky robot called Jeff (voiced by Caleb Landry Jones), and as the trio make their way along the deserted landscapes and cities it's the uniquely individual character traits that make this adventure spark and bubble with life, joy, danger and sadness, ultimately revealing a dark but overall charming, funny, poignant and rewarding experience unlike any postapocalyptic experience before it.

FILM: ONLY MURDERS IN THE BUILDING (Streaming on Disney+/10 Parts): Cast: Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez.

Genre: Crime/Comedy/Drama.

Year: 2021.

Rating: M .

Length: 30 Minutes per Episode (Approx.)

Stars: ***1/2 Review: Three strangers who live in the same apartment block in New York share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves caught up in one, so they team up to solve the crime.

Co-created by Steve Martin and John Hoffman, this well made and delightfully quirky mystery who-done-it shares many similarities with Woody Allen's superb comedy "Manhattan Murder Mystery" (1993), but that aside, this entertains beautifully in its own uniquely kooky and prickly way due primarily to the charming chemistry of its three sleuthing veteran leads Steve Martin, Martin Short and the scene stealing Selena Gomez, each creating their own individually idiosyncratic character as they fumble their way through the maze of twists and turns in search of the guilty party of the crime, and producing a podcast of their findings along the way.

More a simplistic, subtle and off-centre parody than a wildly uproarious laugh out loud comedy, when it does miss its mark it soon falls quickly back on its feet, the banter is often hilarious, and at the expense of many we know, and in addition to the immensely engaging characters, sprightly screenplays and eye-catching New York locations, there's a delectable sprinkling of cameo tenants that will raise the eyebrows with joy (no spoilers here), and when all is said and done, "Only Murders in the Building" is a fun, clever, playful and exceptionally entertaining slice of comedy, murder and mystery that will ultimately satisfy the sleuth in us all.

- James Sherlock

Rourke’s Reviews Dune Part 1

■ (M) (2021). 155 minutes. Now showing in cinemas, including IMAX 3D. The highly anticipated adaptation of Frank Herbert’s beloved novel by Denis Villeneuve (Blade Runner 2049) finally arrives, and while it lacks the unique imagination of David Lynch’s troubled but unfairly dismissed 1984 production, this new vision is entertaining in its own right.

The plot remains the same, centring on Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalamet), who will play a crucial part in a war between his planet, planet Harkonnen, and the Emperor himself.

All want control of planet Arrakis, where a precious mineral called ‘the spice’ is harvested.

When planet Atreides is allowed to commandeer Arrakis, it sets in motion a series of betrayals and unexpected alliances, as Paul begins to discover powers he never knew he possessed.

To compare, the material this film covers took up the first 90 minutes of the 1984 version (and around the first half of the first novel), so those familiar with the earlier big screen incarnation will find the non-ending here a little disorientating, even unsatisfying.

But given the dense, layered structure of Herbert’s books, this is the most logical way to present what is a complex narrative.

The visual effects are completely convincing, and sound design again plays a large part in delivering an immersive experience.

The main thing missing here is the highly distinctive creativity and originality that David Lynch brought to his adaptation.

The cast acquit themselves well, although Jason Mamoa is too flippant as Duncan (the role was played to much better effect by Richard Jordan in the 1984 film).

Dune : Part 1 has been a success at the global box-office, so Part 2 can now go ahead as planned. It would’ve been disappointing if boxoffice failure stopped this epic project dead in its tracks, resulting in a single film that would forever feel incomplete, its potential greatness left dangling in the wind.

As one piece of a larger puzzle, it will be interesting to see if that greatness is achieved.

RATING - ***½

Dune

■ (M) (1984). 137 minutes. Now available on 4K UHD and Blu-ray.

The first big budget studio film from then-young wunderkind David Lynch (Blue Velvet, Wild At Heart), who had wowed and weirded out audiences with his first two films, the memorably bizarre

Eraserhead (1977) and the Academy Award nominated The Elephant Man (1980), would eventually be compromised by producer interference, leading to a release that would end in box-office disaster.

However, despite financial failure and largely negative reviews, Dune would pick up a loyal cult following, one which increased considerably over the decades, and despite its flaws, has been reassessed by many as a creation worthy of praise and acclaim.

The cast here is impressive, including Kyle McLachlan (in an extraordinary feature film debut), Max Von Sydow, Dean Stockwell, Brad Dourif, Kenneth McMillan, and Patrick Stewart, to name a few.

Though modern audiences will be used to nearly everything being created via CGI now, the elaborate, old-school effects hold up well, and truly feels like a gargantuan endeavour.

Not having read the novels, I was probably in a better position to enjoy Lynch’s adaptation solely as a piece of cinema, but now having seen the 2021 version (which is apparently a lot more faithful to the first in the best-selling series of books), it is fascinating to see what came from Herbert’s mind, and what has obviously come from Lynch’s one-of-a-kind vision.

There is imagery and sound design that is pure Lynch, and one can see why the film-maker was drawn to the project.

While Herbert fans complained that too much of the story was slashed and condensed, especially in the second half, it was unfair to aim this criticism at Lynch, as his original cut reportedly ran over three hours, which would have given subplots and characters more room to breathe.

It was in fact the producers who took an axe to Dune, as they didn’t want the film to have such a mammoth running time, so this is the reason why fans of the book were incensed at how the movie suddenly became so choppy in structure, as entire plot threads were skimmed over.

Thankfully Arrow have recently released a beautiful special edition of Dune, with a new, 4K restoration plus a wealth of extras.

Universal Studios tried for years to coax David Lynch back to put together his definitive version of the film, sadly to no avail, so this gorgeous set from Arrow will have to do as the next best thing.

RATING - ****½ - Aaron Rourke

Top 10 Lists DECEMBER 5-11

THE AUSTRALIAN BOX OFFICE TOP TEN: 1. VENOM: LET THERE BE CARNAGE. 2. NO TIME TO DIE. 3. BOSS BABY: FAMILY BUSINESS. 4. ETERNALS. 5. A BOY CALLED CHRISTMAS. 6. LAST NIGHT IN SOHO. 7. ANTIM: THE FINAL TRUTH. 8. RON'S GONE WRONG. 9. MAANAADU. 10. SHANG-CHI: The Legend of the Ten Rings.

NEW RELEASES AND COMING SOON TO CINEMAS AROUND AUSTRALIA: DECEMBER 2: DUNE (+3D), ENCANTO, THE CARD COUNTER, THE BATTLE AT LAKE CHANGJIN. DECEMBER 9: DEAR EVAN HANSEN, HENCHMEN, THE EYES OF TAMMY FAYE. DECEMBER 16: SPIDER-MAN: NO WAY HOME, THE SCARY OF SIXTY-FIRST, UNDINE. DECEMBER 26: DELICIOUS, LICORICE PIZZA, SING 2, SWAN SONG, THE MATRIX RESURRECTIONS, THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH, THE WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD, WEST SIDE STORY. TOP DVD AND BLU-RAY SALES: 1. JOE BELL. 2. CANDYMAN. 3. REMINISCENCE. 4. THE SUICIDE SQUAD. 5. MY NAME IS GULPILIL. 6. PIG. 7. ICE ROAD. 8. RESPECT. 9. DON'T BREATH 2.

10. COMING HOME IN THE DARK. NEW RELEASE HIGHLIGHTS ON DVD, BLURAY AND 4K-UHD THIS WEEK: INFINITE. PAW PATROL: The Movie.

STILLWATER. ONE SHOT. DVD AND/OR BLU-RAY NEW & RERELEASE CLASSIC MOVIES HIGHLIGHTS: MULHOLLAND DRIVE 4K-UHD. THE OUTSIDERS 4K-UHD. CLASSIC MONSTERS 4K-UHD: Dracula, Frankenstein, The Invisible Man, The Wolf Man. NEW RELEASE TELEVISION, DOCUMENTARY AND MUSIC HIGHLIGHTS: NEW AMSTERDAM: Season 3.

SILENT WITNESS: Series 24.

STAR TREK DISCOVERY: Season 3.

THE EQUALIZER: Season One. HEARTLAND: Series 14.

- 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 UNIT 2, 21 FLIGHT DRIVE, TULLAMARINE PHONE: 9338 4879 HOURS: Tuesday-Friday, 10am-4pm vidcoll@bigpond.net.au www.ebay.com.au/str/dvdcoll281

Page 14 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Melbourne

Observer

Magazine

www.LocalPaper.com.au

Lovatts Crossword No 14 Across

1. Competitive touring-car driving 6. Leaned back 11. Rubber overshoes 15. Fires (missile) 20. Wheat spike 21. Tall African warrior tribe 22. Boxer, Muhammad ...

23. Circuit board component 24. Fierce shark (3-5) 25. Movie organiser 27. From the menu (1,2,5) 28. US rocket agency 29. Calibrate anew 31. On Her Majesty's Service (1,1,1,1) 32. Oppose 36. Petticoat fabric 37. Encroachments 38. Barely 41. Pays attention to 44. Resting on bed, ... down 45. Endurance swimmer, ... Maroney 48. Give authority to 49. Talked to God 52. Fenced with bushes 56. Arresting 57. Pillage 58. Cotton tops (1-6) 61. Responds 62. Runs off 63. Hangman's rope 64. Yes man 65. Pipe-discharge to ocean 66. German measles 67. Courier 71. Pakistan's ... Khan 73. Weepy 75. Endless 80. Preserve 82. Severe 83. In control, at the ...

85. Rissole 86. Friend by correspondence (3,3) 88. Walked purposefully 90. Hair-root gland 91. Softened 93. Most meagre 94. Fills with blood 95. Gloomiest 96. Contributes (5,2) 97. Des Moines is there 99. Rent 100. Intervenes (5,2) 104. Fathered 105. Writer, ... Binchy 106. Seance board 107. Finer (fabric) 111. Join (traffic) 113. Muslim leader, ... Khan 114. US spy group (1,1,1) 115. Small & efficient 117. Pierce with spike 118. Thieve 121. Computer data 122. Tinted 125. Frisk (about) 126. Fibber 127. Urged on, ... up 129. Orient 131. 12th of foot 132. Cried in pain 135. Bullets 136. Rises 139. Slash 140. Any of two 144. Shopping plazas 145. Astounds 146. Gnat-like fly 147. Takes to address

Across 148.

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Amazement Precedes V-shaped cut Dutch cheese Legendary kingdom, El ...

Hawaiian island Turned on edge Wading bird Regales Pimples Scruff (of neck) Loch ... Monster Arm Twins star sign Rock shelf Wanderer Miaowed Violently criticises Disagreeable Jog Or near offer (1,1,1) Kingly Essential qualities for, ... of Cuban dance More competent Greek fruit Saviour Indonesian isle Insensible Nourish Comprises, ... of Engine repairer Without help Cold meal Whiz kids Sledge Guidance Synthetic compound Sheriff's badge Public speech Nodule Dons finery (7,2) Russian rulers Polynesian kingdom Suspects Foreword Fellow feeling Vietnam's capital The N of NATO Mosquito fever Australian (colloquial) Water tank Optic cover Joyful Medieval maiden Painters' stands Willingly Chars (meat) Boost (3-2) Cinema attendant Minister Keyboard player Secret collector Most rational Mother Helicopter vane Metal pen-points Used sponge (6,2) Bed dresses Demonstrators Person sharing name Pig's home Cricket prize Canine Quietens Arriving at (conclusion) (6,2) Anxiety disorder Hair loss

Down 1. Less frequent 2. Continues 3. Positive replies 4. Sign-light gas 5. Vehicle depot 7. Fir 8. Mental pictures 9. Green gems 10. Be brave enough 11. Open mouth wide 12. Sealed shut 13. Requisitioned 14. Land measure 15. South American animals 16. Sickens 17. Recess 18. Mob 19. Sickly 24. Small rugs 26. Singer, Diana ...

30. Space film genre (3-2) 33. In a group (2,5) 34. Map pressure lines 35. Into that place 38. Take dimensions 39. Refusals 40. Wool fat 42. Geological ages 43. Wheelers & ...

46. Radioactive element 47. Involved in 49. Thoughtful 50. Love affair 51. Rome, the ... City 53. Properties 54. Tropical fruit 55. Emotionally unmoved (3-4) 59. Warm-climate shrub 60. Eased 67. Mutters 68. Shipping route (3,4) 69. Symbols 70. Jelly-setting agent 72. Animal exhibition 74. Dog, ... ridgeback 76. Best quality 77. Unsurpassed (favourite) (3-4) 78. Cutting tooth 79. More lush 81. Satisfies 84. Southpaw's main asset (4,4) 87. Large terrier breed 89. Harbour vessels 91. Fish/women 92. Showed the way 98. Synagogue 101. Musical time 102. Shellfish 103. Actress, ... Staunton 108. Dash 109. Praise highly 110. Toastmaster 112. Reassigns 116. Operating 119. Moderate 120. Anguishing (over) 123. Or else 124. Too much 128. Entirely consumed (5,2) 130. Straddling 132. Acted without words

Down 133. Viper snake 134. Edit (text) 137. Indian social class 138. Snooped 141. Arab faith 142. Cures 143. Wily tricks 151. Seeping out 153. Indulge in half-heartedly 155. Classical musical drama 156. Elsewhere defence 159. Flags 160. Agile 161. Sanctioned 164. Russian mountains 165. Accessory 168. Carbonating 170. Kissed 173. Songwriter 174. Tyrannises 177. Neighing 178. Drowned 181. Fireproof material 185. Hidden attacks 186. Chewed 187. Former aerials ski champ, now MP, ... Marshall 188. Zeros 193. Speak haltingly 194. Brings on (birth) 195. Nestles 200. Crusaders' foes 201. Soak before cooking 206. Secured 207. Home for terminally-ill 208. Insect feeler 209. Trains (team) 211. Backer 214. Emperor's wife 216. Walker 217. Thai 218. Use up 220. Yearly, per ...

222. Audacity 224. Merchants 225. From Kampala 226. Jelly/sponge desserts 229. Christmas 232. Mud 235. Abuse (3-5) 236. Taut 237. Say differently 241. Tooth filling 242. Besotted 244. Harder to find 245. Stocking runs 248. Modifies 249. Stretch across 251. Grecian vases 252. Keep company (with) 253. Cougars 254. Incite to action 255. Beer mug 259. Onward 260. Remove completely 261. Cedars & oaks 262. Contemplate 264. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco 265. Foreboding 267. Long story

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Magazine

The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Page 15

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Page 16 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads com.au

McNaMarr Project

■ Andrea Marr and John McNamara play Martha Salt Music at Mt Martha Bowlo on Saturday (Dec. 11).

Drenched in Old School Soul, two powerhouse voices come together with a mutual love of Gospel, Soul and Blues to create the McNaMarr Project.

A musical match made in heaven is on offer by these award winning local artists.

Tickets at www.trybooking.com/BVJDS

Boolara 2022

■ Gippsland Country Music Club Inc is proud to announce and support the first annual Boolarra Country Music Festival featuring home made talent.

Held from Feb ruary 3-6 at the Boolarra Hotel, the line up consists of Pete Denahy, Rodney Vincent, Bec Hance, Tom Maxwell, Destiny Band Oz, The Hoffmans, Tony McKenna, Joe Musico, Robyn Gleeson, Evan Platschinda plus the ‘Gippsland Showcase’ of local artists and walk up sessions daily. Tickets Ticketor.com/ Boolarraevents/default

Clyde Carols

■ Gethsemane Church and Charity Clyde present sthe 2021 Christmas Carols extravaganza featuring local and international artists. Hosted by Kerrigan La-Brooy, the event will be held on December 18 commencing 7.30 -9.30pm and aired on Channel 31. More info at https://www.facebook.com/events/ 1891578914563573/ - Rob Foenander

www.LocalPaper.com.au

Magazine

Gender imbalance addressed with writers’ fund ■ State Library Victoria has announced the launch of a new Women Writers Fund which seeks to redress the historical bias in the state collection, in which women writers in the 19th and 20th century were under-represented.

The fund has been created with the support of two Founding Donors: Krystyna Campbell-Pretty, a passionate collector of literature and historical texts; and Helen Sykes who is keenly interested in fostering access to historical texts by women to inspire young women of today.

Their generosity has already enabled the Library to make a number of significant purchases such as the first illustrated edition of Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1831); and first editions of the following works: Letters of Gertrude Bell of Arabia, edited by Lady Bell (1927); A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf (1929); The Mandarins by Simone de Beauvoir (1956); To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960) and Ariel by Sylvia Plath (1965).

State Library Victoria Senior Librarian History of the Book and Arts, Dr Anna Welch said the fund will enable the Library to fill a gap in its collection.

“The Library’s rare books collection is a national treasure – but until now it has been skewed towards male writers,” Dr Welch said.

“It is so exciting to now be able

to even out the gender imbalance and represent female writers more fully. We are incredibly grateful to Krystyna and Helen for their generous donations that have made this fund possible.”

“We’ve been working hard to make sure that we acquire works that represent a really diverse array of women’s voices from different times and places, different cultures and in different disciplines including some iconic authors like Harper Lee (To Kill A Mockingbird, 1960) through to lesser-known authors like Gertrude Bell, the archaeologist and traveller whose collected letters we now hold in a 1927 first edition.”

Krystyna Campbell-Pretty said she is delighted to be able to contribute to such an important collection.

“Women have theoretically had equal rights for a very long time now, but they haven’t always been recognised retrospectively,” Ms Campbell-Pretty said.

“I have long been passionate about gender equality, particularly when it comes to the political plight of women and the suffragettes. I am thrilled that this fund has made it possible for State Library Victoria to acquire two volumes of Votes for Women which was a penny newsletter of the suffragette movement in England, as well as Sylvia Plankhurst’s Germinal which was an extremely socialist newspaper.

Crossword Solution No 14 RA L L Y I NG RE C L I NE D GA A A E E A R O M MA S A I RE S I S TOR MA NE A T E R P R E T E NA S A I G RE S E T RE S I S T G T A F F E T A C I N S HE E DS E R L Y I NG E M P OW E R E P R A Y E D F H A B RA V AGE M T S H I R T E S CA P E S L NOOS E I E S R I E S U RUB E L L ME S S E NGE R I MRA N I I U E M E S A V E A US T E R ME A T B A L L P E NP A L C V B L L A P A I MU T E D L E A NE S T E NGORGE S D I E N M I OW A E E R T R S I RE D MA E V E S T E P S I N E R ME RGE I AGA M C I MP A L E E S T E A L I NP U T P W L I A R E GE E D L E MOA N E D L A MMO A S C E N D I D MA L L S P N T A O M I DGE O DE L I V E RS S U E E NO T CH R S N T E UP E NDE DORA DO A MA U I P L Z I T S T NA P E I N GEM I N I E L E DGE NOMA D R B NA S T Y O RUN B O MA K I NGS RUMB A A B L E R I O B A L I I T N E S U NUR T URE CONS I S T S ME I E N S A L A D C S G S HO T S HO T S S L E I GH R R E I T O S T A R ORA T I O T S A RS C N DRE S S E S UP A I X O C N P RE F A C EMP A T H Y N HA NO I N T B M A US S I E U C I S T E R G L E E F U L O DAMS E L I E E S S E A RS M M L EGUP P R I E S T D P I A N I S T H H L T RO TOR U M T MAMA MOP P E DU P N I GH T I E S MA I S T Y A E A S HE S A E S I L E NC E S COM I NG T O N E

L OS HE R E ODUCE E T NROA D E R E DGE D S U R TOA D Y A V E T E A R Y E HE S T ROD U D NG I E S B S OU I J I A A TONE A S T X S HA C T E E RP R I S I W S D I B I E S S V MEWE NO H O L I V C N CHA N I E Y A DV I C N NO TONGA E E C NOR T H N V E A S E L S C A OA RDE R D RCHE R E R UROS I

S

L A UNC A L I I R A L A CA OHMS H S A ME R S US I E E R NA B B E A C T S U N OU T F I R F UNCE A S L M H L E FO L L I F I T T CH I P H I RE M A S HE E N I F T Y X D U P RA I NCH L K C E I T S T UNS E I L E GOUDA S N AMU L I MB R D N B L A REGA L L E ME S S NUMB T C UNA I H S M E CHEM I DE E E M I S T RU P R G R MA L A Y E L I D N S RE A D US HE R A R O S A N N I B S H S NAME S DOG A S B A L DN

“This fund enables us to honour women who’ve gone before us, and who in many ways have enabled us to enjoy the freedoms we have today, and I am sure there’ll be many more Victorians who will want to contribute.”

Helen Sykes said her lifelong appreciation of female authors was born during her studies at Oxford University.

“I think it’s so important for young women to see examples of what’s possible. I don’t thoroughly believe ‘I cannot be what I cannot see’ but I think it’s much more difficult to be what you cannot see,” Ms Sykes said.

“One of the things I love most about libraries is the sense that you’re part of a continuum of knowledge and of learning, and I just think how wonderful it would be for young women to be able to come in and see the work of other extraordinary women and to understand that they can be part of that continuum of achievement.

“My vision is that it becomes a fund that every woman who loves and uses and has grown up with State Library Victoria can feel part of, whether that’s through donation, or through suggestion for acquisition. This is an initiative where people can make a difference at whatever level suits them.”

Screen boost

■ Australia’s screen sector has

warmly welcomed the passage through Parliament of measures to increase the level of support for screen content provided through vital tax incentives.

That is the message from the ‘Make it Australian’coalition, supported by the Australian Directors’ Guild, the Australian Writers’ Guild, the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance and Screen Producers Australia.

The Parliament passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (2021 Measures No. 5) Bill 2021, which includes the much-anticipated increase in the Producer Offset for television productions from 20 per cent to 30 per cent The Parliament also passed a series of amendments, moved by the ALP and supported by the Greens and others, and ultimately the Government, to protect access to the Producer and Post, Digital and Visual Effects Offsets. Changes which would have restricted access to the tax offsets for some in the industry were ultimately rejected by the Parliament.

“The Parliament’s actions mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter for small screen production, and will boost the amount and quality of Australian content reaching Australian audiences on the small screen,” said Alaric McAusland, Executive Director of the ADG. - Contributed

Observations HE S O E R T E D D E L Y A I NG O A L L I I NG N R C L E I E S I N O E RE R M NCE E HE R E U A DS L E S E S X S T S R I A H N U DE D U D CA L E E S T S R R I A F I L Y E E S T R R A K E S E E S S

with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Mike McColl Jones

Top 5

THE TOP 5 EMAIL ADDRESSES FOR 2021.

5. francis@pope 1. Vati.com 4. mrwhippy@coldmail.com 3. queenliz@palace.pom.uk 2. harold holt@bigpond.com 1. grantdenyer@littlepuddle.com.au

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

Sport

Standby for the Magic Millions

■ The Magic Millions Classics are fast approaching, coming up next month on the Gold Coast.

Prior to nominations, Neds the Bookmakers have framed a market on both the two and threeyear-old races.

First ,let’s look at the two-year-olds.

Before nominations they have the Victorian filly, Coolangatta, on top after her impressive win at her first outing winning the Gimcrack Stakes for fillies over 1000 metres at Randwick back on October .

By leading sire Written Tycoon, out of Piping Hot, she gave nothing a chance as she blitzed them on a good 4 track.

Prepared by leading Victorian trainers, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, she gave nothing a chance racing away to win easily beating Drisan from the Snowden stable, and Pantonario, with Gai Waterhouse.

Punters had the right mail about her, when she was backed right into nearly even money.

The jockey of the moment, James McDonald, didn’t have to do much on her, just to keep her mind on the job, which she did with aplomb.

On the second line is another smart youngster in, Get In The Spirit, by the Queensland sire, Spirit Of Boom from Spraffina, a bay or brown filly.

She, like Coolangatta, won well, and won convincingly, beating Lascars and Rampant Lion up the straight 1000 metres at Flemington in the Maribyrnong Plate for fillies.

Get In The Spirit showed them what he was about in winning a trial at Sandown in smart style.

She is in the top stable of Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior, who like all Caulfield trainers had to move out recently from their home of many years.

An interesting possible nomination is a smart filly from New Zealand, by the name of, Bright Blue Sky, who won at Te Rapa.

She is in the camp of leading New Zealand trainer, James Richards, who has the Group One winning mare, Melody Belle.

The mail is that the stable has a high opinion of her, being by leading sire, Fastnet Rock.

The Peter Moody trained two-year old, Brereton, named after former Hawthorn champion Dermot, won well first up, and was relegated to fourth in the Merson Cooper Stakes at Caulfield behind Ebhaar.

Brereton was named such by leading stud man, Andrews Mithen at Rosemont Stud at Geelong.

From his three starts he ran second at his first start to Kiki Express up the straight at Flemington.

Then he beat Renosu at Flemington before his fourth to Ebhaar, at his last start.

He like a lot of the early two-year-olds, is by top sire, Zoustar.

The winner of the Ballarat Magic Millions two year old trial, Cusack impressed the stable and racegoers, with his win for the powerful Trent Busuttin and Natalie camp at Cranbourne. Cusack is by Not ASingle Doubt, from the good mare Belle Que, and the colt could

Of the others the favourite in the Magic Millions Qualifier, Fly Nice, who ran unplaced, wasn’t helped by the ride of John Allen, who couldn’t position her and was never give a chance to strut her stuff.

She is in the powerful stable of Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, and would pay to forget all about her, she just didn’t get one. She is much better than that.

Off track

■ Yet another good move by Racing Victoria, and the Off The Track Program, with Equine Pathways Australia, to offer more opportunities for off-the-track horses to support athletes with a disability.

EPA helps people with a physical disability engage in equine sports and activities by providing sporting and community participation and integrated high-performance sporting programs for equines and athletes.

Initially founded in 2017, to provide a structured program for people with a disability of re● Cusack winning the Magic Millions. Racing Photos. covering from illness or injury, to return to Intime at Flemington back on October 2, but he volvement in equine sport.

EPA is now an accredited Paralympics Ausfailed to show up.

But I feel it would pay to forget that run, first tralia Centre of Excellence for Paralympic time in a race, and up the straight track at preparation EPA is a breeding ground for Paralympic athFlemington.

He was bought for a tick under one million letes, with former jockey and current EPA member, Louise Cooper, aiming for Paris in 2024. dollars, and has impressed in workouts.

He is by the triple crown winner in Sydney, Another jockey, Brenton Primmer, who is Capitalist, from Golconda, I would say forget riding again after suffering injuries in a race fall, the run after missing the place. is also hoping to make the next Paralympic One of the good runs in the Magic Millions Games, and is competing on an Off The Track qualifier at Ballarat was that of runner-up, Cover thoroughbred.

Star, prepared by Mathew Cumani on-course.

There are also a number of retired raceShe is nicely bred being by a former Blue horses in EPA’s program, including fan-favorDiamond winner, and a top sire, Star Witness, ite, Jungle Edge, a multiple Group winner who she ran a good second behind Cusack. finished his career with over $ 1.7 million in She sold for only $67,000, being out of a half- prizemoney, having won 18 races, and placed sister to the 2016-17 Macau Horse of the Year on 25 occasions from his 89 starts. in Californiatreasure.

- Ted Ryan

Ted Ryan

Looking for a Professional to run the show? be good. The stable has a big opinion of him.

With his win he automatically qualifies for a run in the Magic Millions in January.

The Freedman stable had their promising two-year-old, Cannonball, running for the first

★ 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 ● Brereton winning at Flemington. Racing Photos.

E-Mail: tedryan@australiaonline.net.au ted.ryan@optusnet.com.au

Page 18 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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Sport

Rockinthecity breaks maiden status

■ Hamilton commenced the week on Monday November 29 and Terang owner/trainer Darren Cole’s A Rocknroll Dance-Final Patrol colt Rockinthecity broke his maiden status at start number 11 by taking the Easter Supersprint Meeting 18th April 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1660 metres.

Given a cosy trip by Codi Rauchenberger three back in the running line from the extreme draw, Rockinthecity after going forward three wide in the last lap raced clear in the straight to score by 1.7 metres from Story To Tell which had followed him throughout, with Sunrise Ruby (one/ one – three wide home turn third) a neck away.

The mile rate 1-56.

■ Another Terang trainer to provide a winner was Matthew Horsnell when Silver Mystique, a Western Terror-Lombo Madam Lashe filly won her fourth race in 25 outings by taking the 2160 metre Matthews Petroleum Pace with Jason Lee in the sulky.

Driven with vigour from the pole to retain the lead, Silver Mystique defied all challengers to record a 4.1 metre margin in 1-58.2 over a game Triple Zed which raced exposed from gate five.

Eastbro Jesse after trailing the winner from inside the second line used the sprint lane for third 4.7 metres back.

■ Peter Manning’s frustrating 4Y0 LawmanPocket Fantasy gelding Dublin Chubb a half brother to outstanding stablemate Plymouth Chubb, scored his seventh success and first since December 2019 when victorious in the Hamilton Trotters Cup 16th January Trotters Handicap over 2160 metres.

Despite being very fractious at the start, reinsman Jason Ainsworth got him away safely from outside the front line to cross Aldebaran Rocky (barrier two) on the first turn and allowed to run as he usually does, defied all challengers to register a 1.4 metre margin in advance of Show Me The Moolah (three back the markers) which flashed late after being held up approaching the home turn. Icicle ran his usual honest race to finish third a half neck away after racing three wide in the last lap. The mile rate 2-03.7.

Confident drive

■ Shepparton was Tuesday’s venue and Beerburrum breeder/trainer Glen Beale landed the the Barastoc Maiden Pace over 1690 metres when 4Y0 Elsu-Chicka-Chicka mare Sky Chicka saluted the judge.

Driven by Euroa based Cameron Maggs, Sky Chicka led throughout from gate three, accounting for Son Of Zodiac (one/one) by an easy 9 metre margin, with Casino Barry (gate seven) third 1.2 metres back after going forward to race in the open. The mile rate 1-58.4.

■ Echuca duo Shane Gloury and wife Susan Hunter were successful with 5Y0 Majestic SonDizzyinterest gelding Partytime in the 2190 metre Saddleworld Shepparton Trotters Handicap.

Driven confidently by Bendigo’s Rod Lakey, Partytime ($21.60) trained by Susan went forward from 10 metres as the start was effected to cross the leader Willdomxav and with Lakey not panicking approaching the final bend as the challengers appeared, kept on giving in the straight to prevail by 2.6 metres from La Serena which raced exposed returning a mile rate of 203.2.

Twenty metre marker Blue Coman (one/two last lap – four wide home turn) was third 2.3 metres away.

■ Goulburn Valley (Kialla) trainer Brian Crossland combined with grandson Cody Crossland aboard 5Y0 BG’s Folly-Suffolk Star entire Bee Gee Cee to land the Alabar Pace over 1690 metres.

Raced by Brian and long time partner Melinda Smith, Bee Gee Cee raced expsed for most of the trip from gate six, defying all challengers to prevail by 2.5 metres in a mile rate of 1-57 from Holstein (one/two) and Shaq (one/one last lap) which finished 2.1 metres away in third place.

Mifsud at Melton

■ At Melton on Wednesday, the Julie Mifsud (Kilmore) owned and trained 11Y0 Blissful HallTealsby Force gelding Wonderforce ($21.00) led throughout from the pole with niece Monique

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker Burnett in the sulky to snare the DNR Logistics Pace over 2240 metres, accounting for Ears Ponder which trailed by 4.3 metres. Runsafarirun (one/one) was third 16.1 metres away. The mile rate 1-59.6.

■ Another roughie by the name of Aldebaran Jazzi ($41.00) a 8Y0 Bettors Delight-Ally McBlossom mare trained by good guy Arthur Wood for Breeders Aldebaran Lodge Pty Ltd was successful in the TAB Long May We Play Pace over the same trip.

Driven by Connor Clarke, Aldebaran Jazzi enjoyed an easy time three back the markers from gate two before angling to the back of Extortion which had raced in the open from gate four.

Easing three wide on turning, Aldebaran Jazzi finished best to prevail by a neck from Lotakevo from the tail, with Extortion holding down third 7.2 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.1.

■ Six year old The Pres-Baltic Son mare Baltica was a tough winner of the 2240 metre The Big Screen Company Pace.

Trained in partnership by Richard and Emmett Brosnan at Meredith, Baltica driven by Emmett went forward from gate six to race outside polemarker Bad As Now, outstaying her rivals to score by 2.2 metres from Flash Kyvalley (one/ one) and favourite Naked Ambition who’s effort was good after breaking shortly after start and running home from five back in the moving line to finish 3 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.5.

Rated to perfection

■ Bolinda and Riddell trainers were victorious at last Thursday night’s Kilmore harness meeting.

Bolinda trainer Brent Lilley’s 4Y0 Amore Stride-Nitengale Stride mare Tiara Stride raced by neighbour Alexandra Hurley and sister Fran based in Adelaide, led throughout from gate two in the Jet Roofing Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres.

Rated to perfection by Chris Alford as one would expect, Tiara Stride coming off a promising third at Ballarat a week earlier greeted the judge 1.6 metres in advance of La Bella Figura (gate four) which trailed, with Another Nip third 1.9 metres back from four pegs. The mile rate 2-03.6.

■ Another Bolinda winner was Vince Vallelonga’s 4Y0 Art Major-Sheng Li gelding Art Of Sheng Li in the C&M Build Group Pace over 2180 metres.

With Charlton based Ryan Sanderson in the sulky, Art Of Sheng Li began swiftly from gate five to lead, scoring by a metre from Heavenly Belle (gate six) which raced outside him. Cheez was third 8.2 meres back from mid-field in the moving line.

■ Riddell trainer/driver Chris Lang’s team have been going great guns of late and handy 3Y0 Muscle Hill-Miss Bullion gelding Bullion Harry was too good for his rivals in the 2180 metre Buds and Branches Florist Trotters Mobile.

Starting from the extreme draw, Bullion Harry pushed through at the start to settle three back in the moving line as polemarker Euryphaessa led from the pole. Going forward at the bell to join the pacemaker and make an unsuccessful bid for the lead leaving him parked.

Gaining the upperhand in the straight, Bullion Harry just lasted by a head from the fast finish-

ing Lady In The Sky (gate four) from one/three, with Euryphaessa holding third 1.1 metres back.

The mile rate 2-03.9.

■ Kialla trainer John Hallam snared the Carlton and United Breweries Pace over 1690 metres with Goulburn Valley owned 4Y0 Western Terror-Eastern Lookout mare Wonga Lake in 159.1 giving ChrisAlford another winner on the program.

Showing plenty of speed from gate five to cross Yankee Boot Flat (gate two) before handing over to Atlantas (gate three), Wonga Lake enjoyed a cosy passage before using the sprint lane to register a 1.9 metre victory over ever reliable Atlantas, with Yankee Boot Leg also along the sprint lane 3 metres away in third place. The mile rate 1-59.1.

Success at Geelong

■ At Geelong on Friday, Alex Ashwood and partner Tayla French were successful with highly promising 3Y0 Love You-Schleck gelding ParisianArtiste which raced so well in the recent Breeders Crown Series, taking the $10,000 Jack Rabbit Winery Trotters Mobile over 2100 metres.

Despite racing in the open from gate five, Parisian Artiste was far too classy for the leader Mufasa Metro, scoring by 2.5 metres in a rate of 11-59.2. Bromwich which trailed the pace-

Sulky Snippets This Week

■ Wednesday – Maryborough/Mildura, Thursday – Melton/Echuca, Friday – Bendigo, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Stawell (Cup), Monday – Warragul/Swan Hill, Tuesday – Shepparton. maker from gate three was third 5.5 metres away.

■ Myrniong trainer Jess Tubbs landed the 2180 metre Jims Mowing 2Y0 Pace with Always B Miki-Arms Of An Angel filly Nonparriel on debut.

With James Herbertson in the sulky, Nonparriel led throughout from the pole to register an easy 9.7 metre victory over Rainbowsend (three back the markers), with Leave Your Hat On third a head away after racing uncovered. The mile rate 2-04.5.

■ Readers may remember a horse by the name of Non Pariel which raced with success in the Moonee Valley era.

Radio Confidential BESTSYNDICATED ACRA winners AUSTRALIANPROGRAM

■ Some of the Australian Commercial Radio Awards winners were: BEST ON-AIR TEAM – METRO FM The Kyle & Jackie O Show; Kyle Sandilands & Jackie Henderson, KIIS 106.5, Sydney NSW, ARN BESTON-AIR TEAM – METRO AM 3AW Breakfast with Ross Stevenson & Russel Howcroft; Ross Stevenson & Russel Howcroft, 3AW, Melbourne VIC, Nine Radio BEST ON-AIR TEAM COUNTRY&PROVINCIAL Stolzy & Damo; Glenn Stolzenhein & Damien Leith, Power FM, Muswellbrook NSW, Grant Broadcasters C Galey, Emily Jade & Christo; Paul Gale, Emily Jade & David Christopher, Hot Tomato, Gold Coast QLD, Grant Broadcasters P BESTTALK PRESENTER Kris Seabert; 3CS, Colac VIC, ACE Radio Broadcasters Stephen Cenatiempo; 2CC, Canberra ACT, Capital Radio Network P Ben Fordham; 2GB, Sydney NSW, Nine Radio M BEST NETWORKED PROGRAM The Morning Rush; Sean Cullen & Kate Meade, ACE Radio Broadcasters C Mike E & Emma; Michael Etheridge & Emma Chow, ARN P Kate, Tim & Joel; Kate Ritchie, Tim Blackwell & Joel Creasey, NOVA Entertainment M BESTCURRENTAFFAIRS PRESENTER Stephen Cenatiempo; 2CC, Canberra ACT, Capital Radio Network NM Neil Mitchell; 3AW, Melbourne VIC, Nine Radio M BESTENTERTAINMENTPRESENTER Craig Prichard; 2GN, Goulburn NSW, Capital Radio Network C Ellie Angel-Mobbs; Hit 104.7, Canberra ACT, ARN/SCA P Jackie Henderson; KIIS 106.5, Sydney NSW, ARN M BEST MUSIC PRESENTER James Preston; Hit FM Mid North Coast, Port Macquarie NSW, Southern Cross Austereo C Gemma Maddox; Hit 104.7, Canberra ACT, ARN/SCA P Chris 'Becko' Beckhouse; Triple M, Sydney NSW, Southern Cross Austereo M BEST SPORTS PRESENTER Martin Agatyn; 7AD & 7BU, Devonport & Burnie TAS, Grant Broadcasters C Jeremy Ryan; Triple M, Newcastle NSW, Southern CrossAustereo P Tim Lane; 3AW, Melbourne VIC, Nine Radio M

Kate, Tim & Joel; Kate Ritchie, Tim Blackwell & Joel Creasey, NOVA Entertainment BEST STATION PRODUCED COMEDYSEGMENT Coles Ninja Warrior; Ben Stevenson, Hit105.5, Coffs Harbour NSW, Southern Cross Austereo C Trump does India; David Dollin Triple M, Newcastle NSW, Southern Cross Austereo P Wookie; Sam Pang, Nova 100, Melbourne VIC, NOVA Entertainment M BESTDIGITALRADIO FORMAT Little Fox Digital Radio; Gemma Fordham, James Speed, Mathew Eggleston & Aaron Sokolenko, Southern Cross Austereo BEST NEWCOMER ON-AIR Krysti Dixon; Hit Mid North Coast, Port Macquarie NSW, Southern Cross Austereo C Rob Palmer; Triple M, Central Coast, Gosford NSW, Southern Cross Austereo P Joel Creasey; Nova Network, Melbourne VIC, NOVA Entertainment M BRIANWHITEAWARD FOR RADIO JOURNALISM Jaclyn Underwood; 2BS, Bathurst NSW, Super Radio Network NM Gareth Parker; 6PR, Perth WA, Nine Radio M BEST COMMUNITY SERVICE PROJECT Goulburn's Radio Relay; Eagle FM & 2GN, Goulburn NSW, Capital Radio Network C Jimmy & Nath's Climb For Cystic Fibrosis; Jimmy Smith & Nath Roye, Hit 100.9, Hobart TAS, Southern Cross Austereo P QLD Eye Institute Foundation’s Last Seen Exhibition; Jeanna Manifold, Hannah Lucas, Andrew Fritsch, Tony Byrne & Matt Dickson, B105, Brisbane QLD, Southern Cross Austereo M BEST RADIO SHOW PODCAST Untold Story; Bridget Brousard, Peter Everitt & Sean Flanagan, Triple M, Gold Coast QLD, Southern Cross Austereo NM Jonesy & Amanda’s Holiday Book Club; Brendan Jones & Amanda Keller, WSFM, Sydney NSW, ARN M BEST ORIGINAL PODCAST – BRANDED NSW Police State Crime Command: Lost at Sea Adam Shand; Grant Tothill, Sarah Grynberg, Matt Nikolic & Michael James, Southern Cross Austereo BEST ORIGINAL PODCAST – UNBRANDED Zero Waste Baby; Veronica Milsom, Southern Cross Austereo

MARKETING FEATURE

Magazine

The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021 - Page 19

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

Back to Los Angeles in 2022 ■ Hi everyone, remotely from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites in West Hollywood comes this week’s news.

Out and About

After 2 years, back to work

■ All the indicators are there for a major assault across the Pacific in 2022. It has been a lean two years with COVID-19 and the battle that is still continuing across the globe.

Movies are being made again and the entertainment industry on both sides of the pond are now open and ready for business.

My company, Countdown Motion Pictures, has had time to reflect and improve our stable of screenplays, series and sitcoms.

It is time to get back and be represented as an Australian company doing business in America.

Managing Director of the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites in West Hollywood, Alan Johnson, has witnessed a disastrous two years with occupancy levels at an all time low.

Now there is confidence in travel and tourism and the hotel industry is bouncing back.

International film director and producer, Rod Hardy, is being offered many film projects around the world. It’s great to be back.

Christmas in Australia before the three amigos head off back to America.

Russian hackers return

● Gavin Wood, Alan Johnson and Rod Hardy.

■ A group of Russia-backed hackers responsible for last year's widespread solar winds attack has reportedly been targeting hundreds of companies and organizations in recent months, despite the threat of sanctions. Microsoft announced Monday the group, known as Nobelium, has been stepping up cyberattacks against tech companies resulting in more than 140 attacks since May, including at least 14 breaches where data were stolen. The latest hacking campaign has been targeting cloud computing and managed service providers in the US and Europe to obtain sensitive information and disrupt the global IT supply chain. The most recent attack used unsophisticated methods such as phishing and password spray. The attacks come even after the Biden administration imposed several financial sanctions on Russia and expelled near a dozen diplomats. The moves have done little to slow the attacks – Microsoft reported more than 600 companies attacked since July 1.

Cigarette sales up

Elon Musk speaks

■ Americans purchased more cigarettes last year, the first uptick in two decades, according to a new report released by the Federal Trade Commission. The number of cigarettes purchased by wholesalers and retailers rose slightly, 0.4 per cent , to 203.7 billion from 202.9 billion in 2019. The FTC’s Cigarette Report didn’t offer reasons for the increase in sales among the major tobacco companies, Altria Group Inc., MO -1.49 per cent ITG Brands LLC, Reynolds American Inc. and Vector Group Ltd. VGR -1.45 per cent. Altria Group, maker of Marlboro cigarettes, previously pointed to the pandemic as a reason people are lighting up more. Chief Executive Billy Gifford said Americans spent less money on travel, gas and entertainment last year and that fewer social engagements led to more tobacco use occasions.

Off-the-charts shoplifting

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

■ Available warehouse space near significant distribution hubs fell to historic lows in the third quarter of 2021, placing even more pressure on supply chain bottlenecks and increasing inflation, according to The Wall Street Journal. Demand for industrial real estate in the third quarter outpaced supply by 41 million square feet, increasing the vacancy rate to 3.6 per cent, down 0.7 per cen tfrom Q3 2020, and marking the lowest level since 2002. Warehouses near the Los Angeles and Long Beach ports in California, some of the most important distribution points of entry in the country, reached a vacancy rate of 1 per cent in Q3 this year. During the same quarter in 2020, the vacancy rate was 2.3 per cent.

● Elon Musk

■ President Joe Biden’s border crisis reached a new level as data released by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) showed that the Border Patrol has made approximately 1.66 million arrests of illegal aliens entering the US from Mexico for Fiscal Year 2021. “Border crossings surpassed 1.6 million annually at least twice recently, in 1986 and in 2000,” The Wall Street Journal reported. “In 2019, when crossings reached a peak under the Trump administration, the Border Patrol made about 850,000 arrests.” The Journal added that the 1.66 million arrests in Fiscal Year 2021, which started in October 2020, was “the highest annual number ever recorded.” Chad Wolf, former acting DHS secretary and Heritage visiting fellow, slammed Biden in a statement over the latest numbers, calling his policies a failure.

Migrants from all over the world are crossing illegally into Yuma, Arizona: The border sector in Yuma, Arizona, is dealing with a surge in illegal border crossings as agents are overwhelmed with the constant flow of migrants. In August of 2020, agents in the Yuma sector encountered less than 700 migrants, compared to August 2021, when agents encountered over 17,000 migrants.

Cartels offer cash to young Americans willing to smuggle illegal immigrants: Cartels have been posting ads on social media, asking young Americans to help them smuggle illegal immigrants in exchange for money. The cartels use social media apps such as Tik Tok and WhatsApp to offer young people cash if they act as drivers for migrants.

■ Tesla CEO Elon Musk warns that Austin, Texas, needs to be its own city and not become a “copycat” of San Francisco, one of the most far-left cities in the United States.

Musk made the remarks in response to a Fox News item about how Austin made “the largest cut” to its police budget “of any major city in America.”

“Austin implemented one of the biggest police budget cuts,” journalist Zaid Jilani wrote in a tweet that linked to the report.

“Their homicide rate soared over the next year, and today the surge is larger than most of the country. Now, voters will decide whether to boost the ranks of the police.” Musk responded, “Austin should be its own city, not a San Francisco copycat.”

■ Yet another major retailer in San Francisco has made the decision to close earlier due to excessive theft particularly at night, according to San Francisco Supervisor Rafael Mandelman.

The Castro Safeway on Market and Church Streets was open 24 hours, but that’s not the case any longer.

Signs posted on its entrance state its new hours are 6 am to 9 pm. Many shoppers were surprised to find that the Safeway they frequent at off-hours is cutting back.

Mandelman’s district includes the Market Street Safeway.

He said the company reached out to him to discuss problems with theft. “I think like a lot of retailers they’ve been experiencing increasing property crime and theft from their stores,” Mandelman said.

“I think the last ]six months from what they say has been sort of off the charts in terms of how bad it’s been. It’s sad, upsetting and frustrating.”

Supply chain bottlenecks

GavinWood

Border numbers shock

US jobs waiting

■ The Labour Department's Bureau of Labour Statistics announced that 100,450,000 people in the US were not in the labour force in October, up 38,000 from the 100,412,000 in September.

This is the 14th straight month that this "not in the labour force" number has remained above 100,000,000.

People who are neither employed nor unemployed are not in the labour force.

This category includes retired people, students, those taking care of children or other family members, and others who are neither working nor seeking work.

Among those not in the labour force in October, 1.3 million persons said they were prevented from looking for work due to the pandemic.

This measure is down from 1.6 million in September. The number of people not in the labour force reached a record high of 103,418,000 in April 2020, as the pandemic took hold; and the highest it hass been under President Joe Biden is 100,708,000 this past February.

Come and visit us

■ If you are considering coming over for a holiday to see the in 2022, 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 Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood

www.gavinwood.us

Page 20 - The Local Paper - Wednesday, December 8, 2021

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