The Local Paper. Northern Suburbs Edition. Wed., Mar. 22, 2023

■ ■ ■ ■ Louis Caruana has lost an appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal over a Whittlesea Council decision allowing an Optus tower at 52W Main St, Thomastown.

VCAT Acting Senior Member S.P . Djohan said the application for review was misconceived.

The Tribunal was told that 146 people sign-

ed a petition saying that they did not want the 5G/4G tower in the park area where children and adults gathered.

The petitioners feared there was “very dangerous radiation” which they claimed could cause “neurorlogical problems”.

“It is a disaster for our neighbourhood and the park to have this antenna,” the claim stated.

Monument restorer

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Local Briefs

Rates up 3.5%

■ More of Australia’s iconic Allen’s lollies will now be made in Melbourne’s outer north, thanks to an expansion of Nestlé’s manufacturing site at Broadford backed by the State Government.

Harriet Shing, Minister for Regional Development, visited the Nestlé Broadford factory, home of Allen’s lollies, to announce support through the Government’s Regional Jobs Fund for the factory’s $12 million expansion.

OUR TEAM

The factory is the largest private employer in Mitchell Shire and the project is set to create nine new jobs and provide long-term job security for more than 200 existing employees.

The project will mean Allen’s chew lollies, including Minties, Red Ripperz and Sherbies , will now be manufactured in Broadford, adding more than 2000 tonnes of products each year to the factory’s current production.

The Allen’s brand is owned by Nestlé Australia and has been produced in Broadford since 1982, with the factory now operating 24 hours a day, five days a week.

Food manufacturing is one of the biggest industries in the Goulburn Valley , growing 15 per cent faster than the Victorian average for industry growth.

Since 2015, the State Government has contributed more than $48 million towards projects in the Goulburn Valley through the Regional

Jobs and Infrastructure Fund and more than $700 million across the state, supporting around 13,000 jobs.

It is part of the Government’s record investment of more than $36 billion in rural and regional Victoria since 2015.

“Workers at the Nestlé factory in Broadford have built a delicious and iconic legacy over the past 40 years and our support is helping the Allen’s brand continue to grow,” Ms Shing said.

“Goulburn Valley is a food manufacturing powerhouse, and this investment is another example of what we’re delivering in the region – a strong economy, powered by secure jobs.”

Nestlé Broadford Factory Manager Emily Bradbury said: “We’re proud to make Australia’s favourite lollies right here in Broadford, thanks to our hard-working team.

“Our expanded facilities will allow us to scale up production –which is good news for lolly lovers, and for Broadford.”

Nillumbik budget

■ Nillumbik Mayor Cr Ben Ramcharan says an increase in the waste management charge was needed to cover the huge cost of rehabilitating the former Kangaroo Ground landfill site, as required by Environment Protection Authority, as well as the increasing costs of disposing recyclable materials and general waste.

Local Photo Flashback

Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Mike McColl Jones, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Jim Sherlock, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, Gavin Wood, John O’Keefe

Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Sherryn Danaher, Peter Green, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Peter Murphy, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel.

Logistics: Graeme Hawke, Susan Karolyi, Gary McQuade

Credit Manager: Michael Conway OAM, Fast Action Debt Recovery, 0402 142 866

■ Whittlesea Council’s proposed 2023-24 budget is $372.69 million, which includes an operating budget of $294.85 million and a capital works program of $77.83 million.

Average rates in 2023-2024 are proposed to increase by 3.5 per cent, at the maximum of the rate cap set by the Victorian Government under the Fair Go Rates System.

Dangerous patch-up

■ Reservoir resident Roger Matia has told Darebin Council that whilst it claims to be green, a “beautiful tree” was removed from the roundabout at Rathcown and Chenies Rds

“There is a dangerous patch up job done on the footpath at the corner of Nutwood and Ramleh Sts, Reservoir. When is the footpath going to be adequately and safely repaired?” Mr Matia said.

Sam Hewett, a Darebin Council General Manager, told the latest meeting that the tree was “in declining health and exhibiting poor structure.”

The Local Paper

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Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly. Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.

BANYULE

Incorporating the traditions of the Heidelberg City News (Est. Mar. 26, 1897), Heidelberger (Est. Nov. 12, 1958) and Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873). The Heidelberger area comprises Bellfield, Darebin, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West, Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East, Macleod, Rosanna, Watsonia, Viewbank and Yallambie. Banyule is home to more than 121,865 people, living in approximately 50,223 homes.

DAREBIN

NORTHERN

Incorporating the traditions of the Preston Post (Est. 1888) and the Reservoir Times (Est. 1955) Preston Post-Reservoir Times area comprises Keon Park, Kingsbury, Northland, Preston, Preston East, Preston West, Regent, Reservoir, Reservoir East, Reservoir West. The City of Darebin is home to more than 146,719 people, living in approximately 63,562 homes.

SOUTHERN

Incorporating the traditions of the Northcote Budget (Est. 1888) Northcote Budget area comprises Alphington, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Croxton, Dennis, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Merri, Northcote, Thornbury and Westgarth. The City of Darebin is home to more than 146,719 people, living in approximately 63,562 homes.

NILLUMBIK

Incorporating the traditions of the Heidelberg City News (Est. Mar. 26, 1897), Diamond Valley News (Est. 1959) Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873), and Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser

The Diamond Valley News area comprises Briar Hill, Eltham, Greensborough, Lower Plenty, Montmorency and St Helena. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.

WHITTLESEA

Incorporating the traditions of the Whittlesea Post (Est. 1935), Whittlesea Chronicle, Whittlesea Advertiser, and Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser, Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873).

Whittlesea Post area comprises Bundoora, Epping, Epping North, Lalor, Mill Park, Thomastown, South Morang, Wollert. The City of Whittlesea is home to more than 197,491 people, living in approximately 71,014 homes.

Read online editions at: www.LocalPaper.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Have a free copy of the online edition sent to your email address each week: www.FreePaper.com.au

United Kingdom Hotel. Queens Pde, Clifton Hill. 1964.

✖Nillumbik Council Recycling Centre in Plenty was closed last Saturday (Mar. 18) because of the Total Fire Ban and Extreme Fire Danger Rating. The Open Farm Day event planned for Saturday at Edendale Farm was cancelled. The Saturday events at the Warrandyte Festival were also cancelled.

5 BULLDOGS OK AT HOME

■ The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal has varied a Whittlesea Council rule limiting the number of dogs at a Dalton Rd, Lalor, address.

VCAT member Katherine Paterson determined that not more five fertile adult dogs over 12 months of age may be kept. They must be registered with Dogs Victoria.

Under the Tribunal decision, no more than three litters, up to 16 weeks of age, may be kept on the site at any one time.

Whittlesea Council’s rule is to limit the number of dogs on local properties to three fertile dogs, and not more than one litter to a maximum of 10 puppies, the Tribunal was told.

VCAT heard that Ilja Angelovski’s property had an area of 531 square metres and contains a dwelling and associated out buildings.

Mr Angelovski has been breeding French Bulldogs on the property for a number of years, at one stage keeping 10 dogs on the property.

Ms Paterson said one of the key issues was whether or not more than one litter on the site at any one time would result in an unreasonable impact on the amenity of adjoining properties.

The Tribunal conducted an inspection. The owner said the dogs will all go into heat at the same time, approximately every six months.

✖Some 25 Wingspan Ave resident from South Morang were due to have their petition presented to last night’s Whittlesea Council meeting. The petition called for the Council to “assess the mess that is created by the trees planted in front of our houses. These trees cause a massive mess at the front of the house and even in our backyard as the leaves travel from the front of our house to the back. We have to clean these areas every day because of the mess that has been created by these trees. This issue is getting out of hand, it is not practical for us (especially the elderly residents) to have to clean the front and back of our house every day. Not only that but, the leaves that fall from these trees even fly into the gutters which results in them becoming blocked.”

?Ongoing concerns about Clements Re serve were aired at the latest meeting of Darebin Council. Reservoir resident Serena O’Meley asked for a progress report on the purchase of three parcels of VicRoads land. “ I remain very concerned by the neglect of Clements Reserve. Most recently instead of weeding the area as requested it was slashed, causing damage to the rewilding efforts. What can be done to ensure that the park is properly maintained? When will remediation works commence at Clements Reserve to address the lead contamination that was discovered in the park? Council’s General Manager Governance and Engagement, Jodie Watson, said the Council and the Department of Transport had reached in principle agreement on the ale of the three parcels of land. General Manager Operations and Capital, Sam Hewett, said: “Council will continue to maintain the site until a decision on purchasing has been finalised. Our contractors and staff aim to be mindful of existing planting. We will arrange for a crew to attend the location later this week to carefully undertake required weeding and brush cutting works. Once Council has made a decision on any purchase of the land, it will consider the remediation works required and agreed and the timeframe in which these works should be undertaken.”

✖Whittlesea Council was due last night (Tues.), as this edition went to press, to endorse an all-inclusive, no fee, 20-year licence for community use and programming of the soccer facilities at the Casa D’Abruzzo Club at O’Hern’s Rd, Epping. Thbe funding agreement with Casa D’Abruzzo would be to the value of $3,610,000 over 20 years which includes $3,010,000 for capital upgrades and $600,000 for ongoing maintenance of the pitches and surrounds.

When will pool repairs occur? Banyule bus launched

■ Local resident Louise Kenney-Shen asked the latest Darebin Council meeting about overdue works at the Reservoir Leisure Centre.

“Can Darebin Council advise when the central hallway leading from change rooms to pool at Reservoir Leisure Centre, that has been closed off for close on 12 months now, will be repaired and opened, and also when whatever the reason for the plastic bollard in the Learn to Swim pool is scheduled to be repaired?”

Melanie McCarten, Manager Recreation and Libraries, said: “The safety barriers have been erected to prevent access to an area that requires roof renewal works. It is hoped that these works will be carried out in 2023.” Contractors had been contacted to repair the tiles in that pool as soon as possible, Ms McCarten said.

bus will follow a fixed route in Heidelberg West, Bellfield, Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Macleod and Rosanna for a 12-month trial, with the potential of becoming a permanent service.

The Banyule Community Bus is coming soon. The new, free community bus service for local residents, in partnership with Link Community and Transport social enterprise. The

● ● Craig Lloyd, CEO, Whittlesea City Council

My Fair Lady

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria presents Lerner and Loewe's My Fair Lady for five performances from March 30 to April 2 at the Alexander Theatre, Clayton

This is GSOV's first venture in presenting a Broadway musical, and My Fair Lady was chosen as being one of the best musicals ever written.

The story tells of Elza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl who takes speech lessons from Professor Henry Higgins, because she 'wants to be a lady in a flower shop', ‘Stead of selling flowers on the corner of Tottenham Court Road.'

Described as 'a masterpiece of elegant wit, superb characters, and the most enchanting musical score conceivable', My Fair Lady includes many hits such as I Could Have Danced All Night, On the Street Where You Live, Wouldn’t it be Luverly, The Rain in Spain and Get Me to the Church on Time.

First presented in New York in 1956 with a celebrated movie following in 1964, My Fair Lady has been constantly revived around the world ever since, including by Opera Australia in 2016, which broke all Sydney Opera House records.

Directed and choreographed by internationally award-winning director and choreographer Robert Ray, with musical direction by Timothy John Wilson, GSOV's new production is based on the recent 2018 New York Lincoln Centre Revival. “It’s the show everyone loves, but with new insights and nuances.”

The large cast is headed by Lauren Lee Innis-Youren (Eliza Doolittle) and Ash Cooper as Henry Higgins

Performance Details: March 30, 31, April 1 at 7.30pm; April 1, 2 at 2pm

Venue: Alexander Theatre, 48 Exhibition Walk, Clayton (Monash University)

Tickets: https://www.monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/event/my-fair-lady/ - Cheryl Threadgold

Brahms concerto

■ Having forged an international reputation in the music world, Swiss-Australian conductor, Elena Schwarz, brought her energy and intensity to bear with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in a delightfully diverse program.

The musical ‘welcome to country’, something the MSO have made their own, was followed by Natalie Williams’, ‘Fourth Alarm’, with its evocation of the Australian landscape being readily identifiable. The percussion set the tone of a rising storm which gives way to a lyrical restive freshness after a cloud burst.

Czech composer Martinu’s ‘First Symphony’ combines lyricism with appeals to a neoclassic avant-garde that can be unexpected.

The piano is integrated as an orchestral instrument resulting in unanticipated surprises made all the more dynamic by the use of further texturing with moments of syncopation and string pizzicato.

Schwarz’s dynamism was the most pronounced when she almost danced whilst extolling the jauntiness from the orchestra that brings the final movement together.

The featured item was Brahms’ Violin Concerto with violinist Clara-Jumi Kang as soloist.

The final movement of this work is part of the collective consciousness being so memorable but Kang demonstrated an ability to highlight her individual prowess with the violinthe sonority, the tenderness and the powerbut still maintain a dialogue with the orchestra when required.

Her encore was equally as powerful; a single instrument filling the Hamer Hall with captivating pianissimo and lyric virtuosity.

The professionalism of the orchestra is also worthy of comment. They seem quite humble in the presence of international stars, but these works often called upon specific instruments to come to the fore when required which they did with aplomb and were duly noted by Schwarz during the bows. The audience applause was an acknowledgement of all.

- Review by David McLean

Talk

BOGAN SHAKESPEARE

On

Holding The Man

■ Taylor Made Productions present Holding the Man from March 23 to April 1 at Chapel off Chapel, Prahran.

Holding the Man tells how star-crossed lovers often overcome the odds to be with each other, and being gay in 1970s Melbourne is definitely something that is not easy for two Catholic boys to conquer.

But despite the odds, Tim and John survive everything life throws at them – the separations, the discriminations, the temptations, the jealousies and the losses – until the only problem that love can’t solve turns up to part them.

Based on Timothy Conigrave's original autobiography documenting the 15 year love affair, Tommy Murphy adapts the story of star crossed lovers and encapsulates a celebration of love that speaks across cultures, identities, and generations.

With artistic direction by Cat RobinsonTaylor, Murphy’s honest story of growing up gay in Australia during one of the darkest times in LGBTQIA+ history, into a world of reflection and discovery, will challenge learnt behaviours and explore the heart of the human condition.

Performance Details: March 23 - April 1

Venue: Chapel off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St., Prahran

● ● ● ●

cast:

■ Award-winning regional theatre company Here There and Everywhere is hitting the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with the comedy Bogan Shakespeare, from April 69 at the Motley Bauhaus, Carlton Writer and director Phillip A. Mayer says: “It’s going to be fantastic hitting the city in one of the biggest comedy festivals in the world, and presenting some home-grown comedy inspired by William Shakespeare

“The Bard is considered the greatest English playwright, with his plays still hugely popular, being performed around the world, even 400 years after his death.

“But who actually understands what he was on about? That’s what we’re going to answer and try to fix”.

After a tour in 2018 which included the Melbourne Fringe Festival and many awards, the show was described as “funny, irreverent, dramatic, serious, fast and inappropriate”.

“We present bogan jokes, social commentary, non-stop fun-poking at Shakespeare and the fact that he was too clever for most of us to understand," says Mayer.

“We look at classics like Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth, but we also extract insults and humour from many of his other plays. It’s all about making it fun and accessible to everyone, regardless of their exposure to Willy.”

The show is born from a love of WS, taking inspiration from his vast catalogue, borrowing from and paying homage to a cross-section of his plays, and mixing in contemporary Aussie comedy and observations, to make it comedy festival style fun.

“It’s inappropriate, bawdy adult comedy, which is what Shakespeare did, and it’s what we do too.”

Performance Dates: April 6, 7, 8, 9

Times: 8:30pm (65mins)

Venue: The Motley Bauhaus 118 Elgin Street

Carlton

Tickets: $28 Full / $20 All Conc

Bookings: https://www.comedyfestival.com. au/index.php/2023/shows/bogan-shakespeare-1

- Cheryl Threadgold

Grim

■ Ellen Grimshaw and the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival present Grim from April 10 -22 at The Motley Bauhaus, Carlton.

Written and performed by Ellen Grimshaw, directed by Kimberley Twiner and Ellen Grimshaw, with voice over by Guy Pearce, Grim is an alien who gets pushed off their Mum’s spaceship on their way to Data Collection Headquarters in Hollywood, landing prematurely in a Pepsi ad audition in Carlton. Grim is catapulted through a blender of ad auditions not knowing what’s going on, until re-

Creighton,

Luke Witham and Phillip Mayer. ceiving communication from Mum in Hollywood to be likeable and do whatever the humans say until the emergency recovery spaceship arrives ... but Grim's Mum accidentally catches alcoholism in Hollywood, and forgets about Grim in Carlton.

Grim is described as a “brutal, stupid new play that uses satire and absurdity to explore self abandonment, people pleasing, and the ever changing minds of those in control”.

Performance Dates: April 10-22 (no shows 17, 18, 19)

Times: 8.30pm April 10-16, 5.30pm April 2022

Venue: The Motley Bauhaus, Carlton More Info: www.comedyfestival.com.au/ 2023/shows/grim

- Cheryl Threadgold

Life of PI

■ Sharmill Films present National Theatre

Live: Life of PI, captured live from the Olivier Stage at the National Theatre, London, opening in select Australian cinemas on March 31.

Written by Yann Martel, adapted by Lolita Chakrabarti and directed by award-winning theatre director Max Webster alongside starring lead Hiran Abeysekera, puppetry, magic and storytelling combine in a unique, OlivierAwardwinning stage adaptation of the best-selling novel.

After a cargo ship sinks in the middle of the vast Pacific Ocean , a 16-year-old boy named Pi is stranded on a lifeboat with four other survivors–a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and a Royal Bengal tiger. Time is against them, nature is harsh, who will survive?

Filmed live in London’s W est End and featuring state-of-the-art visuals, the epic journey of endurance and hope is brought to life in a new way for cinema screens.

Bookings: https://chapeloffchapel.com. au/show/holding-the-man-2/ - Cheryl Threadgold

Crones Are Coming

■ Gabrielle Leah New and The Space Between Performance Collective are determined to establish that 'getting old doesn't have to mean becoming invisible' with their production The Crones are Coming being presented on April 22 at 7pm and April 23 at 5.30pm at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Mornington.

Reclaim the Crone is a bold new performance that uses contemporary Butoh Dance Theatre, Projection, Poetry and Song, to take audiences on an adventure to reclaim the archetype of the Wise Old Woman.

Witness the Crones as they journey and fight for recognition within the patriarchal domain, invoking the Goddesses of old through song, ritual and powerful dance.

Inspired by the wise words of local Crones, they will mourn the losses of climate devastation and get down to business cleaning up the metaphorical mess as they mend and weave a potential new world where humanity reconnects with the mysterious old croneMother Earth.

Defiantly coming out of the cultural shadow, these 'dangerous' older women reclaim their Crone superpowers to transform the planet, in a world where age, experience and knowledge are power, beauty and trouble.

Performed by: Gabrielle Leah New, Karen Berger, Helen Smith and Peter Fraser as the Patriarchy. Directed by Gabrielle Leah New Sound by: Norm Skipp

Running time: Approximately 60 mins

Dates and Times: Saturday April 22 at 7pm, Sunday April 23 at 5pm followed by a free QandA with the Artists at 6.15pm

Where: Peninsula Community Theatre. 91 Wilsons Rd, Mornington

- Cheryl Threadgold

Further information: https:// sharmillfilms.com.au/national-theatre-live/lifeof-pi/

Auditions

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: The Last Stretch and Airs and Manors on March 22 at the Crossroads Hall, Cnr Synnot St. and Duncan’s Rd., Werribee. Please contact 0414 264 783 (Text is preferred) to book a time or register interest at wyndhamtheatrecompany.org.au

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Whales of August (by David Berry) March 26 at 2.00pm, March 27 at 7.00pm at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Loretta Bishop. Audition enquiries: ljbishop@iinet.net.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: Art (by Yasmina Reza) March 29 7pm at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Ferntree Gully. Director: Justin Stephens. Audition enquiries: justin@redfox3.com.au Phone: 0473 596 567

Tickets: Full $35, Concession $25, Group of five $150

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/ eventlist/eventListingAccount/ reclaimthecrone

Free Event –Crone Walk: Saturday, April 22 at 11.30am at Rosebud Pier. 2 Jetty Rd, Rosebud.

Wear Red pants, skirts, shoes, tights- basically, Red on the Bottom, to walk together to support older women and their connection to the Earth.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Clarification

■ Liz Hicklin's book Kiss and Cry: A Passionate and Tragic Life (The Local Paper March 8) is published by MMH Press.

- Cheryl Threadgold

is cheap, gossip is priceless

● Bogan Shakespeare

Andrew Hood, Krissi

John Reisinger, Emily Slade,

Auditions

■ Encore Theatre: The Popular Mechanicals (by Keith Robinson, Tony Taylor and William Shakespeare) April 2 at 3.30pm and April 3 at 7.30pm at Fleigner Hall, 31-39 Highland Ave., Oakleigh East. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Audition enquiries and bookings: afconsulting@bigpond.com

■ The 1812 Theatre: Of Mice and Men (by John Steinbeck) April 2 at 7.00pm at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Malcolm Sussman. Audition enquiries: 0417 141 803 fatters@bigpond.com

■ Malvern Theatre:The Third Act (by Emma Wood) April 2 at 2.30pm, April 3 at 7.30pm at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., East Malvern. Director: Susan Rundle. Enquiries: theatre@psrundle.com, or 0416 298 136

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): The Normal Heart (by Larry Kramer) April 30 at 7.00pm, May 2 at 7.00pm at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: George Benca. Enquiries: georgebenca@gmail.com

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Fracked! Or Please Don’t Use the F-Word! (by Alistair Beaton) May 21 at 7.00pm, May 23 at 7.30pm at Brighton Theatre, Cnr Carpenter and Wilson Sts., Brighton. Director: Alan Burrows. Audition enquiries: aburrow1@bigpond. net.au or 0412 077 761

Shows

■ Theatrical.: Green Day’s American Idiot until March 26 at Chapel off Chapel, Prahran. Bookings: www.theatrical.com.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Puffs (Two Act edition by Matt Cox) Until March 25 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Directors: Dan Bellis and Kristina Doucouliagos. www.beaumaristheatre.com.au

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe Inc: The Other Place (by Sharr White) Until March 25 at the Shoestring Playhouse @ The MAC, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay. Director: John Bishop. Bookings: trybooking.com

■ SLAMS Musical Theatre Company: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder. Until March 25 at Knox Community Arts Centre, Cnr Mountain Hway and Scoresby Rd., Bayswater. Director: Justin Cleaver; Vocal Director: Julia Roper; Band Director: Glen Barnett; Choreographer/Ass’t. Director: Natasha Harvey. Bookings: www.slams.org.au or 0412 605 182.

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Under the Table (by Sean Guy) Until April 1 at 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Louise Phelan.www.trybooking.com/CFMEX

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Shoe-Horn Sonata (by John Mistro) March 23 – April 22 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Directed by Andrew Ferguson. Bookings: www.1812theatre.com.au

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Puffs, or Seven Increasingly Eventful Years at a Certain School of Magic and Magic (by Mat Cox) March 23 – April 1 at the Bradshaw St. Community Hall, Bradshaw St., Essendon. Director: Alexander Gibbs. Bookings: 0400 448 368

■ Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Victoria: My Fair Lady March 30, 31 and April 1, 2 Matinee at 2pm at The Alexander Theatre, Clayton. Director/Choreographer: Robert Ray; Musical Director: Timothy Wilson. gsov.org.au

■ Frankston Theatre Group: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) March 24 – April 2 at 90-100 Canadian Bay Rd., Mt Eiza. Director: David Dodd. Bookings: frankstontheatregroup.org.au

■ Ballarat National Theatre: Dust and Run (by Alexandra Meerbach) April 14 – 22 at the Mt Rowan School Theatre, 453-457 Forest St., Wendouree. Director: Alexander Meerbach. Bookings: www.bnt.org.au

■ Next Gen Theatrical: Be More Chill March 31 and April 1, 2.30pm and 7.30pm at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, 1 Civic Place, Warragul. Enquiries: 0427088060 or email nextgentheatrical@gmail.com

■ CPP Community Theatre: Sense and Sensibility (adapted by Kate Hamill, based on the novel by Jane Austen) April 15 – 22 at Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Albert Ave. Entrance, Parking at Rangeview Rd., Boronia. Director: Kathryn White. cppcommunitytheatre.com.au/

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Much Ado About Nothing (by William Shakespeare)April 21 –May 6 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, Main Rd., Research. Director: Matthew Freeman.

■ Legends of the Skies Theatre: A Special Anzac Eve Performance Monday April 24 at 7.30pm at the Australian National Aviation Museum, Moorabbin. Quizzes, yarns, music, fscts, games. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. Cabaret style. BYO drinks and nibbles. Tickets $20 or $140 table of eight. Bookings: Trybooking.

ONE WOMAN SHOW

■ Damien Hewitt presents One Woman Show from Australian expat performer Liz Kingsman, at Malthouse Theatre as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from April 1123.

Direct from sold-out seasons at Sydney Opera House and London’s West End, One Woman Show has been nominated for an Olivier Award for Best Entertainment or Comedy Play.

The show has previously enjoyed successful sell-out seasons at Soho Theatre London and Edinburgh Fringe, where it was nominated for the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award for Best Show.

This critically acclaimed show-within-ashow is written and performed by Liz Kingsman.

Liz Kingsman says: “I am thrilled to return to Australia’s cosmopolitan shores with One Woman Show to seek out another wave of fun Australian audiences.

It has been a long-time dream to bring something to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival (a comedy show ideally) so this opportunity is very exciting and deeply convenient.”

When: Tuesday April 11 – SundayApril 23 Tuesday to Saturday at 8.30pm*, Sunday at 5pm*, Saturday matinee 3.30pm (*Wednesday April 19 at 10pm, Sunday April 23 at 4 pm and 7.15pm)

Where: Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse, Melbourne

Price: From $39 + booking fee

On-sale: malthousetheatre.com.au and comedyfestival.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

True West

■ Human Sacrifice Theatre presents Sam Shepard's True West fromApril 19 to May 7 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Company co-founders Justin Hosking and Mark Diaco will be alternating the roles of Austin and Lee.

Austin, an educated writer who is finishing a screenplay that is sure to be a hit, is house-sitting his mother’s quiet Los Angeles suburban home.

Everything changes when his estranged, lawless, drinking brother Lee, who has been living aimlessly on the desert, drops in.

Having not seen each other for five years, the two complete opposites navigate the inextricable tension that permeates between them.

The sons of a desert-dwelling alcoholic father clash violently over a film script and the notion of what the West means. A brutal standoff ensues. Perhaps they are not as different as they seem.

Through this dark comedy, Shepard explores the psyche through sibling rivalry, revealing its double nature. All the while, this grinding muscularity of brotherly love is ringing with the temperature of our modern times.

Performance Details: April 19 - May 7

Venue: foryfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Bookings: https://fortyfivedownstairs.com/ event/true-west/

- Cheryl Threadgold

Fire Brand

■ Standup comedian Nick Schuller brings his new show Fire Brand to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from April 11-23 at the Chinese Museum, Tea Room, Melbourne. In 2019, Schuller's family home burned down in the Black Summer bushfires.

Like all good comedians, he has monetised any trauma and turned his family’s tragedy into an hour of light entertainment.

The show explores the use of comedy as a coping mechanism and how we can always find laughter in times of tragedy.

Venue: Chinese Museum – Tea Room, 22 Cohen Pl, Melbourne

Dates:April 11-23

Time: Tues.-Sat. 6.30pm, Sun 5.30pm

Tickets: $20 - $26

Bookings: https://www.comedyfestival.com. au/2023/shows/fire-brand

- Cheryl Threadgold

Passion Play

■ For the past 23 years, the Passion of Jesus Christ has been enacted every year in Melbourne by a group of volunteers.

This is a real scene by scene representation of the Ministry of Jesus by real people in real open air natural surroundings.

The Melbourne Passion Play re-enacts the journey of Jesus Christ’s life; the triumphs, the trials, the devotion and the betrayal. The Play reveals how one man’s life more than 2000 years ago changed the lives of many millions of people all over the world.

This year, the Play will be performed at the Holy Cross Centre , 207 Serpells Rd in Templestowe, where the natural surroundings of a vast tree-lined park form part of the theatrical scenery and atmosphere.

From the Entry into Jerusalem to the Resurrection, the audience literally follows in Christ’s footsteps from scene to scene.

The Melbourne Passion Play is professionally produced and directed. The event is free of charge and this year will be performed on Palm Sunday, April 2 at 1.30 pm and on Good Friday, April 7 at 10am.

All are welcome to attend this free event. Free off-street parking is also available.

Production Dates and Times: Palm Sunday, April 2 at 1.30pm and Good Friday, April 7 at 10am.

Venue: Holy Cross Centre, 207 Serpells Road,Templestowe

Admission: Free

Further details: www.passionplay.info - Cheryl Threadgold

■ Death isn’t a subject associated with beauty, but when it comes to music, much inspirational music has been written to celebrate the passing of life.

Such a case is Mozart’s famous Requiem in D Minor, written especially to honour the dead. It’s one of those gloriously soaring works that immediately reaches listeners’ hearts as well as their ears.

The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic specialises in presenting these works to the highest possible standard so Melbourne music lovers are in for a treat with their forthcoming concert Mozart by Candlelight at St Paul’s Cathedral on Saturday April 1 at 2pm and 6 pm.

The program also includes Mozart’s Symphony no 25 in D Minor and the beautiful vocal motet Ave Verum Corpus.

The RMP choir and orchestra are conducted by RMP artistic director Andrew Wailes, and features fine soloists soprano Jacqueline Porter, mezzo-soprano Syrah Torii, tenor Benjamin Gloverand bass Christopher Richardson.

Mozart’s Requiem was reportedly commissioned by an anonymous messenger dressed in grey, and was unfinished at Mozart’s death.

But conductor Wailes says it remains an audience favourite from the Mozart repertoire.

“From the Requiem’s dark and ponderous opening bars, right though the dramatic choral fugues and famous movements such as Dies Irae and Lachrymosa, the work takes the listener on an emotional journey like few others in Western music,” Wailes explained.

The first movement of Mozart’s Symphony no 25 in D Minor was made famous in the film Amadeus, and the whole symphony is a fine example of the Sturm und Drang (storm and stress) style of music.

Finishing the program is the motet Ave Verum Corpus (Hail, true body), fittingly the final choral composition completed by the great composer.

Being performed in the atmospheric space of St Paul’s Cathedral, Mozart by Candlelight promises to be a very special musical occasion.

Ticket bookings at rmp.org.au

Julie Houghton

Superstar violinist

■ Canadian superstar violinist, Alexandre Da Costa and his 1701 Stradivarius join Zelman Memorial Symphony Orchestra to celebrate the magic of Vienna – in two spectacular concerts this month.

This mesmerising program - to be performed at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday evening, March 25, and Sunday afternoon, March 26, at Daylesford Town Hall - includes immortal works by the Viennese masters.

Features Strauss’ Beautiful Blue Danube and Emperor Waltz, Kreisler's Viennese Rhapsodic Fantasietta and Korngold's Straussiana Waltz.

● ● ● ● Liz Kingsman

● ● ● ● Sam Ianni, Gino Gammaldi, Brian Smith (Roman Soldiers), Tony Barbuto (Thief on the Cross), Therese Hummel (Woman Kneeling), Chris Masters (Jesus Christ), Mary Martin (Mary, Mother of Jesus).

● ● ● ● Jacqui Porter

IT’S ALL PEAR-SHAPED

■ Theatre Works St Kilda and Rogue Projects present the premiere production of Pear-Shaped as part of the prestigious By Theatre Works program from April 5-15 at 7.30pm.

A blend of wordplay, magic realism, and puppetry, Pear-Shaped is a dark new dramedy about growing up, growing down, and everything in between.

In it, 23-year-old theatre designer, Frankie, is struggling with their graduating design project.

Not only is their director a Virgo, they’ve also been allocated an eerily personal childhood story - ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Frankie hopes that a box of old costumes will inspire some ideas, but when their sister Kayla drops it off, they’re instead sent spiraling down a rabbit hole of memories they’d rather forget.

An entirely new story from Miranda Middleton and Ziggy Resnick, Pear-Shaped interweaves theatricalised excerpts of Lewis Carroll’s classic story to chart the relationship between two sisters, and the eating disorder that comes between them.

Told with humour, heart, and nuance, the production explores one Jewish family’s experience of what happens when food – a symbol of culture, tradition, connection, and love –becomes the enemy.

The idea for Pear-Shaped was born out of a 2020 lockdown walk between Ziggy and Miranda, as they dreamt about their next creative collaboration.

Ziggy had previously starred as Amélie in Miranda’s original adaptation of the screenplay for her graduating production at NIDA

“What emerged was a shared interest in theatre magic, puppetry, the delicate and sometimes difficult relationships between sisters, and the disordered eating patterns that afflict more people in our communities than we think.” said Miranda.

“As writers, Pear-Shaped has sent us down some weird, wonderful and mind-bending rabbit holes. We’re incredibly humbled and honoured to be bringing this personal and original story to life with an amazing group of creative minds”.

Performance Details:

Dates: April 5-15, 7:30pm, TuesSat

Cost:Adult $50/ Concession $42/ Preview $28 + Booking Fees

Duration: 75 minutes (no interval)

Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Aclad St., St Kilda

Tickets: theatreworks.org.au/ 2023/pear-shaped

- Cheryl Threadgold

Not Finished With You Yet

■ Dick Gross, former high-profile

A Hidden Life

comic subtlety. There were some cracking numbers – Urinal Lamentation (Heyward, Hamilton and Gilbert) deserves a special mention, as does the delightful duet and title song Not finished with you yet (Whelan Browne and Browne), No Singleton Blues (Brinsley and Zilberman), Hit the Bottle (D’Agostino) and the Impregnation Story (Heyward). While Not Finished With You Yet has some unintentionally awkward scenes that seem superfluous to the plot and the pace at times is sluggish –which a few more workshops should iron out - as a debut piece, it’s impressive.

Performance Season: Until April 2 Venue: The Alex, 1/135 Fitzroy St., St Kilda Bookings: www.notffinishedwith youyet.com.au

- Review by Beth Klein

Ring Cycle

■ Bendigo will play host to another destination arts event for Australia. Melbourne Opera’s Ring Cycle Cultural Festival, from March 24- April, 30.

■ (PG). 174 minutes. Now available on DVD.

Once one of the most celebrated film-makers in the world, Terrence Malick has now become one of the most divisive, and his most recent film, A Hidden Life, will either exhilarate or infuriate, depending which side of the fence you sit on.

Set in the early 1940s, the story centres on Franz and Fani Jagertatter (August Diehl and Valerie Pachner), an Austrian couple who earn a living as farmers.

The effects of war are getting closer, with young men sent to training camps so they can be ready to serve Hitler at a moment’s notice.

When all Austrians are asked to swear an oath to Hitler, Franz refuses, as he rejects the leader’s monstrous beliefs and predilection for war, and as time goes on, his fellow neighbours begin to turn on him, as toxic, pure blood nationalism starts to stain and distort their way of thinking.

mirers, but for those who cherish his unique, heartfelt vision, A Hidden Life may be seen as one of this film-maker’s best artistic endeavours, and it’s a real pity that this stunning achievement isn’t available locally on blu-ray or 4K. RATING

Arctic

■ (M). 98 minutes. Now available on DVD.

Gripping and gruelling in equal measure, this beautifully crafted movie manages to fully involve even though it tells us very little about its central protagonist.

The viewer is bluntly introduced to Overgard (Mads Mikkelsen), who we quickly see has been stranded in the Arctic for some time after his plane has crashed, and while using the battered remains as shelter, has been doing his best to try and signal for help.

councillor and Mayor City of Port Phillip, lawyer, some-time activist and author, has now added musical theatre composer to his bow.

Not finished with you yet, written, composed and produced by Gross, is an ambitious and courageous undertaking.

While the basis of the storyline is preposterous - the government passes a mandatory law that all marriages must divorce after 13 years (the logic behind however not so preposterous), the themes of love, fidelity, purpose and the desire/need to have or not have children emerge in a unique and thoughtful way.

The story revolves around Kate (Christie Whelan Browne) and Rupert (Rohan Browne) – the pair are a real-life couple – who, very much in love, seek an exemption from the mandatory divorce.

A 25th school reunion, complete with the usual angst, is the vehicle that introduces the rest of the characters.

It’s an eclectic bunch – the straightshooting provocative Betty (Cristina D’Agostino), her husband Dan (Matthew Hamilton), former school cocaptain and irritatingly ditzy Lecaysia (Leah Zilberman), her sleazy and unlikeable co-captain husband Anthony (Matt Heyward), and single gay guy Lance (Dinesh Mathew).

We later meet Kate’s sister Maria (Alexia Brinsley), Kate’s daughter Ella (Lauren Gunson) and the hilarious judge (Albert Gilbert) and prosecutor (Rebecca Cullinan) – the court scene was a highlight.

The cast is brilliant - gifted performers and masters of a variety of musical genres from grungy blues to beautiful soulful harmonies, and

It is a truly rare opera occasion, drawing opera lovers from around the world to the regional Victorian city.

The festival is built around an Australian regional-first staging of one of the biggest productions in all the performing arts, Wagner’s Ring Cycle.

A 15-hour epic encompassing four operas, the Ring Cycle will be staged three times over a total of six weekends, complemented by gala dinners, symposiums, recitals, intimate concerts and more across the six week program.

Visitors are encouraged to stay in Bendigo to experience the full Ring Cycle and associated festival events, with Cycle 1 from March 24-April 2, Cycle 2 from April 7-16, and Cycle 3 from April 21-30.

More information as well as tickets to each cycle, single operas, and cultural festival events can be found via www.bendigoringcycle.com.au

All four Ring operas will be staged in full at the acoustically impressive Ulumbarra Theatre, and will be conducted by international Wagner specialist Anthony Negus and David Kram.

The Ring Cycle directly follows Anthony Negus’s highly successful productions of Die Walku¨re with the English National Opera at London’s famed Colosseum, and at his famous Longborough Festival Opera, not to mention Melbourne Opera’s previous Ring productions.

The company began tackling the Ring Cycle in 2021, staging the first two Ring operas in full over two years (Das Rheingold and Die Walku¨re), to resounding public acclaim. Das Rheingold won the 2021 Green Room Award for Best Opera Production.

Franz’s pacifist views will soon put he and his family in harm’s way. Malick achieved legendary status with just two films in the 1970s, Badlands (1973) and Days Of Heaven (1978), before disappearing from view for two decades, resurfacing in 1998 with the outstanding WWII drama, The Thin Red Line, but it was unfortunately overshadowed by the infinitely inferior Saving Private Ryan, which came out the same year.

Since his Palme d’Or winning feature The Tree Of Life in 2011, Malick has certainly become more prolific, frequently experimenting in ways that have left some audiences cold.

However, for fans who appreciate the director’s fearless, freeform approach, in an attempt to capture not just the inner thoughts of his characters, but also how they (along with the human race) figure in the grander scheme of things, then his works offer incredible joy, awe, and wonder.

Like all of his films, A Hidden Life is extraordinary to look at (thanks to cinematographer Jorg Widmer, who, along with so many other people who worked on this film, should have received an Oscar nomination for his gorgeous lensing), and the entire cast immerse themselves fully in the world Malick has convincingly recreated.

It really says something about Malick’s lengthy, meticulous editing process when one of the cast members is Michael Nyqvist (The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo), who passed away in June 2017.

A Hidden Life probably won’t win Terrence Malick any new ad-

Overgard feels like his prayers have been answered when a helicopter spots him, but the two pilots suffer the same fate, with only one surviving.

Managing to get the injured young pilot back to his shelter, Overgard, seeing that rescue now seems unlikely, decides to pack a sled and drag his new companion across dangerous territory toward a station, as the woman urgently needs medical attention.

Co-writer/director Joe Penna keeps proceedings very visceral and real, allowing us to immediately relate to Overgard’s predicament and mindset.

Shot on incredible, inhospitable locations (Iceland to be precise), and gorgeously lensed by cinematographer Tomas Orn Tomasson, Penna is more concerned about his main character’s resilience against the elements than flamboyant or over-the-top set-pieces, and thus may make some viewers impatient and unsatisfied, much like Baltasar Kormakur’s under-rated Everest did. Mikkelsen, who was coming off his starring role in the reprehensibly awful Netflix action/comedy/ thriller Polar, thankfully got back on track here, and is outstanding as Overgard, and certainly looks like he earned his paycheck with what must have been a very demanding shoot.

Arctic would make a great double-bill with J.C. Chandor’s exceptional survival drama All Is Lost (2013), starring Robert Redford, and while it doesn’t reach those lofty heights, it still makes for mustsee viewing. Another visually stunning feature that truly needs a bluray and 4K release.

RATING - **** - Aaron Rourke

● ● ● ● Ziggy Resnick in Pear-Shaped.

■ I only saw Sammy Davis Jnr onstage on one occasion and that was with Frank Sinatra and Liza Minelli in 1989 at the Rod LaverArena

He was an amazing performer and I will never forget his rendition of the song Mr Bojangles.

He was a singer, dancer, actor and comedian with an incredible talent.

Samuel George ‘Sammy’ Davis Jnr was born in New York City in 1925. His mother Elvira was Puerto Rican and his father Afro-American

His parents were vaudeville performers and Sammy was onstage at the age of three. When the marriage broke up Sammy Snr gained custody of his son and young Sammy performed in vaudeville show called The Will Mastin Trio with his father.

He was cared for by his grandmother who adored him.

In 1933 when Sammy was only eight he got the lead role in a short film titled Rufus Jones For President and the world saw for the first time just how much talent this skinny kid had.

He also appeared in several small singing roles in films during the 1930s.

Sammy served in the Army during the Second World War and during this time he was exposed to racism.

After the war he became a solo performer

Whatever Happened To ... Sammy Davis Jnr

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

and was signed by a recording studio. He sang the title song in the Tony Curtis film Six Bridges To Cross

In 1954 he lost his left eye in car accident. His friend Jeff Chandler had offered to donate one of his eyes if Sammy was to be totally blind. Luckily retained the sight in his right eye and wore a glass eye for the rest of his life.

Sammy was working Las Vegas and appearing in Broadway shows during the early 1950s.

I once asked Jerry Lewis how he got to meet Sammy Davis Jnr and Jerry told me that he and Dean Martin got to know Sammy when they

were performing in Las Vegas shows.

He became a member of the legendary Las Vegas ‘Rat Pack’ with Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Peter Lawford and Joey Bishop

He was nominated for a Tony Award for his performance in the Broadway musical Golden Boy

Although he did have a hit song with his version of What Kind Of Fool Am I, his biggest success came in 1972 went he went to number one with The Candy Man

My cousin Diana Trask toured Australia with Sammy and tells a great story of her brother Peter ringing the family home in South Rd, Brighton, to tell my Aunty Thelma that he would be late home for tea. Peter was told don't worry too much Diana had invited a guest. When Peter walked into the kitchen there was Sammy Davis Jnr in the kitchen enjoying some grilled chops.

Peter said he had the best night of his life talking to Sammy about show business.

Who will ever forget the night Sammy appeared on The Don Lane Show? He came straight from his show at Festival Hall and was driven into the Channel 9 television studio in a limousine.

The program ran way past its allotted time while Sammy sang songs and chatted

to Don Lane . What a fantastic night that was and something that may never happen again in Australian television.

His film roles included Ocean's Eleven, Sweet Charity, Robin And The Seven Hoods, Sergeants Three, The Cannonball Run and Tap

He was a guest star in many of the popular American television series and loved the westerns.

Sammy married three times and his second marriage to Swedish actress May Britt attracted a lot of controversy in 1960.

His final film appearance was in The Kid Who Loved Christmas in 1990.

Sammy Davis Jnr passed way from cancer in May 1990 at the age of 64. He was bankrupt at the time of his death and heavily in debt. It seems that he was not worried about money and all he wanted to do was to entertain his legion of fans.

I am so glad I went to see him onstage - a night that will live in my memory.

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays 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

WILAM BILK EXHIBITION AT LATROBE REGIONAL

Wilam Biik

Latrobe Regional is staging a major exhibition Wilam Biik focussed on the Home Country of First Nations artists from South-East Australia.

Wilam Biik means ‘Home Country’ in the Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.

The exhibition will invite visitors to appreciate how First Nations people see, listen and connect to Country.

The exhibition features references to Gunaikurnal matriarchal laws and history.

Wilam Biik is curated by Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrang and Ngurai Wurrung woman Stacie Piper who says the exhibition is about exploring the true spirit of ourselves, which is found in the spirit of Country.

Exhibition closes June 3.

★ Looking Glass

An exhibition of works themed on the monumental elements of earth, water, fire and air by Aboriginal artists Judy Watson and Yvonne Scarce.

The exhibition represents both a love song and a lament for Country, a fantastical alchemy of elemental materiality, through paintings, video and sculptural works.

Exhibition curator, Heti Perkins, said the artists are concerned essentially with Australia’s secret war – a battle fought on many fronts from colonial massacres and Stolen Generations through to the British atomic bomb tests at Maralinga.

Exhibition closes March 26.

Latrobe Regional Gallery

138 Commercial Rd., Morwell

100 Faces

■ Through the lenses of over 50 artists, 100 Faces brings together the 100 works drawn from three photographic collections to explore the portrait in its many ways, as well as what it means to collect portraiture both publicly and privately.

This exhibition draws from two private collections, belonging to the Harris and Rosenthall families.

Works from these collections have been placed in conversation with the significant public collection to reveal a diversity of faces.

From celebrities and cultural figures to anonymous individuals caught

The Arts

nurture a sense of community and shared history by reflecting the lives of those who live in Boroondara.

Exhibition closes Saturday April 15.

Town Hall Gallery

360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn

Four Mediums

■ An exciting, awarded exhibition by the members and the public displaying of their artworks come in any of the four mediums, Acrylic, Oil, Pastel or Watercolour.

Exhibition opens April 2 – 30. Open Fridays 1 pm– 4pm, and weekends 11am- 4pm, from April 2. Gallery is closed for Easter.

Official opening and presentation of awards Sunday, April 16, at 2pm. Free Entry.

First gig for five years

unawares on the street, this exhibition features works by major Australian and international artists.

Exhibition closes May 26.

Museum ofAustralian Photography (MAPh)

360 Ferntree Gully Rd. Wheelers Hill

At Town Hall

Banana – Vanessa Bong

Community Exhibition

Banana by Vanessa Bong is a community exhibition exploring what it means to be Asian Australian, focusing on themes of food, family, displacement, and personal experiences that reflect Bong’s heritage with her upbringing.

Gouache, water colour, and digital techniques all form Bong’s max-media practice as she explores her identity.

Exhibition closes Saturday April 8.

★ Collections of You

Community Exhibition

Collections of You is a community exhibition featuring three artists’ visual responses to works from the Town Hall Collection

Artists Hua Cun Chan, Liz Johnson, and Susan Lowe exhibit works that respond to a piece in the collection through their own lens, Collections of You echoes the aims of the Town Hall Gallery Collection to

The Ferntree Gully Arts Society at The Hut Gallery 157 Underwood Rd, Ferntree Gully - Peter Kemp

Triple treat

■ Following Melbourne Bach Choir’s highly successful St Matthew Passion last Easter, MBC presents a mouth-watering Easter triple treat this year to launch its exciting 2023 season.

Come to the Melbourne Recital Centre on Good Friday (Apr. 7) at 2.30pm and thrill to the grandeur of Bach’s St John Passion - for the first time performed by MBC with a small choir.

Then return on Sunday, April 9, at 7pm to hear the full massed choir in Handel’s Messiah.

Sandwiched in-between on Saturday afternoon (Apr. 8)) at 5pm - the delight of violin virtuoso Rachael Beesley performing Bach Sonatas and Partitas.

For Good Friday’s St John Passion, Melbourne Bach Chamber Choir is joined by a superb group of soloists.

Andrew Goodwin’s masterful narration as the Evangelist and Christopher Hillier’s moving Jesus frame the commentary of soloists Lorina Gore, Sally-Anne Russell, Henry Choo, Jeremy Kleeman and James Emerson as Pilate.

■ Actor Craig McLachlan has gone into training for the next session of SAS Australia on Seven Craig has been in exile for five years being involved in the battle with the law over claims resulting from the Rocky Horrow Show From a professional point Craig is top talent, remarkably fit and should be a stand out in SAS Australia.

Side hustle with Shark Tank

■ After an absence of 10 years, Shark Tank is to make a comeback on Ten. There will be a new team of judges. Poducers, Curio Pictures, casting for entrepeneurs with a side hustle.

Birthday bash for Justin

■ Justin Bieber celebrated his 29th birthday with a carnival themed garden party. Guests included his nearest and dearest showbiz pals. Australian rapper, The Kid Loroi, got an invite to the festivities. Justin, in my opinion, has lost weight following his recent bout of ill health that caused cancellation of his Australian tour. He looks far from being match ready.

Crypto-currency cricketer

■ Test cricketer Steve Smith has confirmed that he has become a minor equity and brand ambassador to a Perth based Crypto app Bamboo. Smith has already appeared in a sales video for Bamboo, and no doubt other PR plans for Bamboo are in the mix.

Up close and personal

■ Nigella Lawson is in royalty class when it comes to effortless cooking. She is on her way to conduct a one night stand at Hamer Hall , May 19. Topics will be cooking, and life advice. Tickets will go lickedly split, so book your seats today.

with Peter Kemp

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Craig McLachlan

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

‘VISIT WEST HOLLYWOOD’ COMES DOWN UNDER

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

WeHo open for business

■ West Hollywood is a trendy area known for its high-energy nightlife. The fabled Sunset Strip features the Chateau Marmont, a swanky celebrity hideaway, plus comedy clubs and live music venues like the legendary Whiskey a Go Go.

Santa Monica Boulevard, awash in rainbow flags, is home to a number of gay bars, dance clubs and shops. WeHo also offers some of the city’s most buzzworthy restaurants.

West Hollywood is at the cultural and geographical heart of the Los Angeles region, surrounded by must-see hotspots in every direction.

If you want the true Southern California experience, booking at the Ramada Plaza Hotel, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard in walkable West Hollywood will give you convenient access to everything and situate you in one of the hottest hubs of LA Ramada Managing Director Alan Johnson and General Manager Bill Karpiak visited radio, television outlets and travel agents in Australia to do the big sell that West Hollywood is open and ready for the Aussie traveller.

Australia is the second largest international tourism market in the world and it’s essential to continue to build key relationships in Australia to keep West Hollywood on the forefront of everyone’s minds.

Concerns for the Joker

■ Jack Nicholson’s friends have shared concerns about the actor’s solitary lifestyle, saying they’re worried about the end game.

The three-time Academy Award winner hasn’t been seen out in public in over a year as his pals claim he’s “living like a recluse”.

Multiple sources told Radar Online that the 85-year-old actor “doesn’t leave his house anymore” and that his “mind is gone”, listing concerns of possible dementia.

The father-of-five was last seen at the Staples Centre for a LosAngeles Lakers game with his son Ray in October 2021.

Nicholson spends most, if not all of his time in his plush Beverly Mansion, according to the report. He purchased the lavish property from his friend, the late Marlon Brando, for $5 million back in 2005. The 3303-square-foot pad boasts four bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a pool.

Prison can be tough

■ The Idaho jail where the man suspected of killing four University of Idaho students is being held is trying to accommodate his vegan diet requirements. Latah County Sheriff Richard Skiles told News Nation that he hasn’t heard of anything out of the ordinary when it comes to the suspect’s behaviour in jail. He did say, however, that jail officials are trying to accommodate the suspect’s vegan diet, “but we are not going to buy new pots and pans or anything like that.”

Attorney’s new gig

■ Attorney Camille Vasquez has landed a new gig as a legal analyst with NBC News. Vasquez became a household name after she helped actor Johnny Depp win his defamation case against his former spouse, actress Amber Heard and according to new sources, at least three national news outlets had expressed interest in working with her after the trial ended.

Ozone getting healthy

■ Earth’s ozone layer is expected to return to 1980 levels in the next few decades, according to a United Nations. The once every four years assessment confirms the collaborative efforts of one of the world’s most successful treaties, the Montreal Protocol of 1987, which saw 198 countries agree to ban the use of ozone-depleting substances. In the 1980s, scientists discovered diminishing levels of UV-blocking ozone in the stratosphere, particularly in the Earth’s polar regions. Researchers noted chlorofluorocarbons used widely in fire suppression, refrigerators, and aerosol sprays broke down into ozone-depleting bromine and chlorine in the stratosphere, contributing to a decline in the ozone layer. Concerns over the damage a thinner ozone layer would have on Earth’s ecosystems led to the rapid adoption of bans on ozone-depleting substances. See the global reduction in harmful chemicals here. The report claimed average global ozone levels will reach pre-1980 levels in 2040, while the Antarctic region will do so by 2066.

Gavin Wood

Woke wrong for company

■ Victoria’s Secret brand CEO Amy Hauk, who was also CEO of the company’s Pink brand, announced this week that she is leaving the company after less than a year on the job. “Amy Hauk will be stepping down as CEO of Victoria’s Secret and Pink in order to spend more time with her family in Florida,” a spokesperson for the company said. “Amy has graciously agreed to a managed transition between now and the end of March. There are no plans to replace her role.” It was reported over the summer that the company did away with the iconic Victoria’s Secret Angels, replaced models with the likes of soccer star and liberal activist Megan Rapinoe, and even hired the company’s first biologically male transgender model – but, unsurprisingly, the wokeness has not paid off. Victoria’s Secret fired 160 management-level employees over the summer at its Ohio headquarters in an effort to save the business $40 million. Notably, sales at the lingerie company dropped by 4.5 per cent to $1.5 billion earlier in 2022, the New York Post reported, adding that comparable sales from the same period in 2021 had declined by 8 per cent.

Out and About Get to work

■ The co-founder of Home Depot slammed “woke people”, and said nobody wants to work anymore. Bernie Marcus, 93, believes the success the company he began withArthur Blank in 1978 couldn’t happen today because of people standing in the way of the business community. “We would end up with 15, 16 stores,” he said in an interview with the Financial Times. “I don’t know that we could go further.” Marcus added that he’s worried about capitalism and said thanks to socialism, “Nobody works. Nobody gives a damn. ‘Just give it to me. Send me money. I don’t want to work, I’m too lazy, I’m too fat, I’m too stupid.’” He also listed human resources executives, government bureaucrats, socialists, Harvard graduates, MBAs, Harvard MBAs, lawyers and accountants as the obstacles to entrepreneurial success in 2022.

Public transport crossroads

■ Several of the nation’s largest urban mass-transit systems are at a crossroads, with ridership still depressed three years into the pandemic and federal aid running out. While offices have largely reopened and travel has resumed, many commuters are only coming in a few days a week. That shift has left subways, buses and commuter trains operating at well below capacity particularly on Mondays and Fridays. The ridership shortfall is forcing transit authorities to question their decades-old funding models for public buses, subways and trains, which are based on a combination of rider fares and public money. On average, fares provided about a third of the operating income for transit systems nationwide in 2019, according to the Federal Transit Administration. In major cities such as New York and San Francisco, transit authorities have been leaning on emergency funding to plug budget holes and prop up operations.

Come to California

■ If you are considering coming over to California for a holiday, 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

● ● Pictured after their radio interview on 3AW, Ramada Managing Director Alan Johnson, 3AW’s Darren James and Ramada General Manager Bill Karpiak.

Across Across Down Down

204. Implement

205. Haggard

207. Drizzles

208. Musical, Porgy & ...

210. Cuban currency

212. Sink in middle

213. Following 214. Clothing

215. Tennis great, ... Borg 217. Ermine

220. Eternal City

222. Singer, ... Horne

224. Italian money unit 225. Blunders

226. Glum

229. Canadian gold rush region

231. Lifeless (hair) 233. Rescue 235. Jazz style, bossa ...

236. Toadstools

237. China's ... Zedong

239. Bark

241. ... mortis

243. Boxing dais

245. White ant

247. Wordless acts

248. Actors Gibson or Brooks

249. Underneath 251. Of birth

253. Murder (2,2)

255. Cash advances

256. Pulverises (fruit)

257. Ravine 258. Old photo shade 260. Scour

Haemorrhaged 264. Brazil's ... Paulo

Surrenders 266. Metal mixture

Howls shrilly

Egret

US shares index, ... Jones

Unwanted plants

Verdant

Chairs

Inflexible

Playwright, ... Simon

Macho

Small change 283. Delivery vehicle

286. 135 down opera house, La ... 288. Uncovered (facts) (3,2) 290. Elevators

Police klaxon

Also known as (1,1,1)

Skip

Sections

The Constant Gardener's ... Fiennes

Longbow timber

Skating stadium

Hitler's Third ...

Golfing stroke

CDs, compact ...

Thus far, as ...

Yasser Arafat's group (1,1,1)

Windies batsman, ... Richards

Fashionable, ... mode (1,2)

186. Resin glue

188. Coronet 190. Burns surface of 191. ... & brace 192. Humbly, ... in hand 193. Mr & ... 194. Wise men 196. Drunkard 198. Apply friction to 200. Transgression

206. Steak cuts (1-5)

209. Tart

211. Actor, ... Sharif

213. Type of orange

214. Yield, ... in

216. Prompts (memory)

218. Similar

219. Roman garments

221. Writer, ... Blyton

223. Singer, ... King Cole 224. Auction items 225. Jostles 227. Yeses 228. NRL legend, Laurie ... 230. Nick 232. Door handle

Cupid 235. Weather feature, El ...

Dossiers 237. Cantaloupe 238. Friend in war 240. Pontiffs 242. Less frequent 244. Cover with gold 246. Address to royalty (2'2) 247. Caked with soil 248. Stubborn animals 250. Cunning tricks 252. Graphic

Inert gas 256. Removes skin from

Music guru, ... A Baker 259. Quickly 261. False 263. Lived

Dollars & ... 266. Ram zodiac sign 267. Piously 269. Musty 271. Timbuktu's river 273. Thin biscuit 274. Injures with horns 275. Announces (5,3) 277. Deadly sin 279. Three Musketeers author 281. Excavated 282. Cat-like mammal

284. Bullets

285. Pen-points

287. Greenfly

289. Squeeze between fingers

290. Mooed 291. Facets 292. Lethargy

293. Actor, ... Russell

295. Trial

297. Famous Swiss mountain

300. Send (payment)

301. Sudden bumps

302. Ooze

305. Chirp

307. Feels about

309. Clemency

310. Mucus

312. Sharp-tasting

314. Happy face

316. Eject lava

317. ... & crafts

318. Speaks gratingly

319. January birthstone

321. Dry

322. Blades

324. Spurn

326. Ski trail

327. Lives without comforts, ... it

329. Banish

331. Ku Klux ...

335. Submitted (application)

337. Islamic governors

340. Of kidneys

341. Treats royally, ... & dines

343. Dallied

344. Holding dear

345. Blood-sucking creature

347. Dried coconut kernels

349. Small chunk

350. Folk heroes

351. Dubious

352. Male duck

353. Zigzag-edge scissors, ... shears

354. Listen attentively (3,4)

357. Dirtied

358. Wrinkle

360. Floral arrangement urn

361. Fellows

366. ..., steady, go

367. Assault weapon, battering ...

368. Swimming places

370. Truck's unladen weight

372. Snow-covered peaks

374. Vagrant

375. South African conflict, ... War

377. Belonging to it

378. Jar top

380. Chinese ... sauce

382. Centre

383. Liquid crystal display (1,1,1)

384. Teeny-weeny

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads com.au

Jackson Browne

■ Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters’ Hall of Fame inductee Jackson Browne will return with his full band to Australia and New Zealand in April.

His first live dates in both countries since 2018, Browne’s forthcoming tour follows the release of his 2021 Grammy-nominated 15th studio album Downhill from Everywhere, it is the latest work in a multi-platinum career, says his media release. Tickets at Margaret Court Arena.

Don McLean

■ Mr American Pie, Don McLean, heads down under in April for a month of shows.

Victorian fans can catch his 50th anniversary tour on April 29 at the Palais in St Kilda.

Regarded as one of the worlds greatest songwriters, his songs have been recorded by the biggest names in the music industry whilst American Pie featured in the recent Tom Hanks movie Bios.

Live at the Bowl

■ A festival of music, dance, communityled and family-friendly events for everyone continues at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl until the end of April.

YVONNE LAWRENCE DIES AT 85

■ One of the popular Melbourne Observer columnists of years past, Yvonne Lawrence, has died at age 85.

Yvonne was best known for her work as a broadcaster, mostly on talk station 3AW.

Yvonne’s early years were in the Mildura region, where she was raised by her grandmother.

She was involved in the retail shopping centre sector, as a manager for outlets such as Eastland, Whitehorse Plaza (Box Hill) and Greensborough.

Yvonne had worked as a copy- writer at 3AW, but was encouraged by manager Bob Quinn to go on air as one of the after-midnight girls.

Her overnight colleagues included Caryl Browne and Cecile Blackman.

Yvonne took on weekend evening shifts at 3AW, and pioneered with the Matchmaker and Sexually Speaking programs.

Her 3AW days came to an end in the late 1990s when Program Director Steve Price re-organised the host line-up.

Yvonne went on to work at 3AK led by Mal Garvin for a short while. Like many of the other presenters on the station, she went unpaid for much of her work.

rity guests including Greg Evans, Baby John Burgess, Keit h McGowan, Simon Owens, Muriel Cooper and John-Michae l Howson.

Her weekly columns in th e Melbourne Observer were a favourite amongst readers.

She was fearless in covering all subjects, often taboo topics.

Yvonne and partner Peter Bedwell held a lifetime interest in antiques and collectables.

Listener Damian O’Brien said:

“So sad to hear that Yvonne passed away, I can remember having met her many years ago at the Glencoe and also I remember her columns that she used to write in th e Melbourne Observer and her having mentioned me in one of her editorials from a letter I sent in to her column in the Melbourne Observer many years ago.

“I also fondly remember listening to Yvonne on 3AW all those years ago and reading her editorials in the Melbourne Observer.

“A lovely lady who bought a smile to many of her 3AW listeners of a Saturday night. RIP Yvonne, you will be sadly missed.”

Foenander

Featuring a host of well known and upcoming bands, musicians and performers, the event is hosted by the City of Melbourne - Rob

Yvonne then presented her Life and Style program on community station 3WBC-FM at Box Hill.

One of her favourite past-times was running monthly luncheons at Glencoe Restaurant, with celeb-

Crossword Solution No 6

INCAS MONA WEA

O OVALS PUREE MINUTE SELES NERO B

RELATE MASKS JUGGLERS DEATH D GRAS

MUTTS MARES MASH REAM SLEEK BLUNT

ORES LURED RICHTER CLAD SATES ETNA

NON PARIS MUSKY E TONIC LURCH HOI

E PARKA MASTS ESAU NIGEL PROOF N

S BOGGY MILKS H CRY CIDER YOURS S

TEPEE MINTS RAP HEAL TAPED TRACK

CHAPS GOLDA PILLS ANON REFER SYRIA

AMY PAPAS PONTOON KNIT RIVAL SAN

TIS HAVEN AULD DRAW GLEN TITAN PGA

U POSED WELL D TYRE EMIT LAMAS T

N BANTU CARL MESS OPS PAIR PIES I

NAIVE PLATO ORCA TOOL GAUNT RAINS

E BESS PESO SAG NEXT GARB BJORN H

L STOAT ROME LENA Y LIRA BOOBS O

SAD YUKON LANK SAVE NOVA FUNGI MAO

YAP RIGOR RING TERMITE MIMES MEL

BELOW NATAL DOIN LOANS PULPS GULLY

SEPIA SCRUB BLED SAO CEDES ALLOY

D YELPS HERON DOW M WEEDS GREEN R

E SEATS RIGID NEIL MANLY COINS E

VAN SCALA DUGUP L LIFTS SIREN AKA

OMIT ELOPE SEMI THRONES JIVES SPUD

UMBER ETHIC RANG EWER MODES PEARS

TOSS A HIGHS SCREAMED RELET GHETTO

L TACK DEEMS HORRID PARTS RALPH U

YEW RINK REICH PUTT DISCS LORE YET

X TIDILY PLO REPS W SPY LOUNGE M

VIV DIVA C ERNEST LISTS DODGEM PIP

ALA CENSOR NUN VENUE BRIGHT IRA

LEMON S OPUS BARRAGES PLATES PANSY

T FIRM A LEASES HOOKED B K H

LAPELS AMEN HOOKER LOWTIDE

TRIPE L POND DOUBLE EMCEE N E

GUESSED DRESSY YOBS BOSSED DREDGED

Retired newspaper executive Robert Bradley swaid: “he certainly called a spade a spade and expected perfection. If there was an error in an ad she certainly let you know about it and then moved on to the ad for next week. A great shopping centre manager sadly gone.”

● Yvonne L awrence

EXCITING 10-EVENT PROGRAM AT HORSHAM

■ The $30,000 W (Group 3) Woodlands Stud Horsham Trotters Cup over 2700 metres was the feature race on a ten event at Horsham on Monday March 13 – the victor quality 5Y0 Angus Hall-One Over Kenny gelding One Over All in a mile rate of 2-02.

Trained at Larajay Farm by Jess and Greg Sugars, One Over All stepped beautifully from 10 metres only to be left in the open after Adelaide visitor Hammers Law (barrier three) found the lead after a slow beginning, crossing old timer Glorious Finale which flew away from barrier six.

Applying pressure to the leader mid-race, One Over All was able to assume the front running role and rated to perfection, cruised to the wire 6.1 metres in advance of Hatchback (20m - one/one at bell) after switching down to trail the winner approaching the home turn and using the sprint lane.

Victree Hill after missing away from barrier five settled at the tail before moving three wide in last lap to finish an excellent third a metre back, with Bullion Harry a game fourth (3.1 metres back) when left in the open for the final circuit when One Over All took over.

■ Portland breeder/owner/trainer Gloria Council combined with Ballarat’s Connor Clarke to snare the Hyland Harness Colours Pace over 1700 metres with Rockella, a 5Y0 gelded son of Rock N Roll Heaven and Acella settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second line as polemarker Onwatch led.

Going forward three wide solo in the back straight, Rockella finished best to prevail by 5.9 metres over Tossup which followed him home, with The Stylist (one/one) third a half neck away. The mile rate 1-55.3.

■ Ecklin South trainer Mattie Craven’s Art Major-Josies A Delight gelding Roadmaster led all of the way from the pole with brother Glen in the sulky to take The Weekly Advertiser 3Y0 Pace over 2200 metres proving too strong for Delightful Tammy which raced outside him in a rate of 1-59.8. Keayang Cedric (one/one – three wide home turn) was third 2.3 metres back.

Thrilling finish

■ The fast class race at Mildura on Tuesday –the Zilzie Wines Pace over 1790 metres saw 7Y0 Art Major-Sahara Miss gelding Sahara Tiger victorious in a thrilling finish returning a mile rate of 1-55.9.

Trained at Charlton by Shane Sanderson and driven as usual by son Ryan, Sahara Tiger starting from the extreme draw settled three back in the moving line as rank outsider Jakes Sportswriter at odds of $151.00 began brilliantly for Corey Johnson from outside the front line to lead with the odds-on favourite Rick Reilly ($1.80) caught in the open from gate two on the second row being trailed up by one time Mildura ‘horse of the year’ Bernie Winkle.

When Rick Reilly took over in the straight, he was immediately challenged by Bernie Winkle (three wide), with Sahara Tiger extricating four wide and flashing late to prevail by a half head, with Rick Reilly a head away third 2.7 metres in advance of Jakes Sportswriter who ran the race of his life.

It was Sahara Tiger’s fourth victory in succession at Mildura and seventh on the track making a total of 21 wins in 56 race appearances.

Double day

■ Two meetings were held on WednesdayYarra Valley and Bendigo.

What a great day Andy and Kate Gath enjoyed at Yarra Valley after providing three winners on the program with ex-Kiwi’s Robbinmemates, Rakero Blaze and Sly Terror.

■ Five year old Love You-Whitney Grace gelding Robbinmemates was slowly away from 10m in the United Petroleum Trotters Handicap over 2150 metres which was actually the pole as there were no front markers, ending up four pegs as Kyvalley Chichy (Chris Alford) led from 10 metres before handing over the front running to Red White And Bloom (10m) which came off his back.

When Easy Pickings ahead of him came away from the markers entering the back straight

Harness Racing

■ Marong trainer Terry Gange’s honest Modern Aet-Caro Ella 6Y0 gelding Mister Jimaringle ran up to his recent form when greeting the judge in the Pryde’s Easifeeds Pace over 2150 metres. With Alex Ashwood in the sulky, Mister Jimaringle began fast from gate four to lead for the majority of the journey, coasting to the wire 1.7 metres in advance of Miki Mahoney which ran on late out wide from the rear. Wingate Guy was third off a mid-field trip 1.7 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.4.

6 trotting events

■ Geelong was Thursday’s venue with an interesting night’s racing which included six trotting events.

len-baker@ bigpond.com

on the final occasion, Robbinmemates immediately latched to his back for a sweet ride home. Easing three wide on the final bend to issue a challenge on turning, Robbinmemates could have been fortunate to score as Easy Pickings appeared to be holding him at bay only to gallop over the concluding stages allowing Robbinmemates to gain the day by 2 metres. Red White And Bloom was third 3.8 metres away.

■ Four year old Bettors Delight-Delizioso mare Rakero Blaze was nothing short of amazing when winning the 2150 metre AGPower Trotters Mobile. Galloping away from gate two on the second line losing a great number of metres before regaining his gait around 50 metres off the leader Sonnyboy (gate five).

Gradually making ground to tack on to Trixy Nixy ahead of him at the bell for a ride home which still looked an arduous task, Rakero Blaze after angling three wide on the home turn finished best to prevail by 1.6 metres over Sonnyboy, with Baltic Spirit (one/two at bell after a bad beginning) third 16 metres back. The mile rate 2-02.9.

■ Sly Terror, a 6Y0 gelded son of duel New Zealand Cup winner Terror To Love and Betterbesly making his Australian debut for a large number of owners including some of the stablemate Outlaw Man connections.

Starting from the extreme draw in the T Ferdinand Leather Co Pace over 2150 metres Sly Terror settled four back in the moving line as polemarker Cocora led.

With Kate biding her time until late in the race, Sly Terror went forward four wide on the final bend to register a 1.8 metre victory in 158.8 over Mitzi Said which raced exposed for the final circuit. Cocora held down third 3 metres away.

■ Cranbourne co-trainers Craig and Toby Jamieson landed the De Bortoli 2Y0 & 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1650 metres with 3Y0 Hes Watching-Melita Bromac filly Whos Watching Lily in a 1-56.1 mile rate.

Driven by Chris Alford, Whos Watching enjoyed a perfect trail from the pole on the back of first starter Hay There Joe. Using the sprint lane, Whos Watching scored by a nose from Blackmirra (one/one at bell), with Hay There Joe a head away third.

■ Up close and handy was the place to be in most races at Bendigo with Orlando Vici-Top Of The Anvils gelding Shaq The Anvil taking the Aldebaran Park Vicbred Home Grown Classic (1st heat) for Three Year Old Trotting Colts & Geldings over 1650 metres.

Trained at Harkness by Joe Pace and driven by Anthony Butt, Shaq The Anvil at start number three raced outside the poleline leader Kyvalley Anthony throughout, proving too strong at the finish by 1.1 metres over the pacemaker, with Majestic Mover (three pegs) third 7.2 metres away. The mile rate 2-04.4.

■ Heat Two saw Majestic Son-Im Havinaball colt Imhavinagoodtime bred and raced by John Christine Yeomans victorious on debut in a rate of 2-00.9. Trained and driven by Chris Lang at Riddell, Imhavinagoodtime well educated led all of the way from gate four to easily account for Maoris Return which trailed from the pole by 5.7 metres. Gatesys Mate after a slow beginning from gate six was third 4.9 metres away off a mid-field passage.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Ballarat, Thursday –Bendigo, Friday – Echuca (Cup), Saturday –Melton, Sunday – Ouyen (Cup)/Cranbourne, Monday – Maryborough, Tuesday – Kilmore.

The beers would have been popular following the running of the VHRC – Aldebaran Park Benefiting Our Members Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2100 metres when Rockbank’s David and Kevin Beer’s 4Y0 Skyvalley-My Account entire Highpoint was successful in a rate of 204.7.

Making only his second race appearance, Highpoint trained by David, bred and raced by Kevin and driven by Ian McMahon enjoyed a sweet passage from gate two trailing the leader Reine De La Lune (gate three), with the heavily supportedAldebaranspartacus going forward three wide at the bell from the rear to park in the open for the final circuit.

Coming away from the markers to be one/ one running into the final bend, Highpoint ran on nicely to prevail by a half head over Aldebaranspartacus, with Reine De La Lune holding third 5.2 metres back.

■ Toolern Vale part-owner/trainer Kim Proctor was jumping for joy after her internationally bred 6Y0 Used To Be-My Dreamweaver gelding Abitofadreamer scored in the 2100 metre VHRC –Aldebaran Park Benefiting Our Members Trotters Mobile. Driven by Brad Chisholm, Abitofadreamer starting solo on the second line settled four pegs as Krakeur (gate three) led. Coming away from the inside hitting the back straight on the final occasion, Abitofadreamer despite making the home turn wide, ran home best to gain the day by 1.8 metres from Bellmac Bambi (three pegs) after extricating wide on turning. Krakeur held third 1.3 metres away.

The mile rate 2-03.9.

■ Seven year old Angus Hall-All Finesse gelding Claudy An Gus trained by Kelly StuartMitchell at Mount Wallace snared the VHRC Aldebaran Park Benefiting Our Members Trotters Mobile over 2100 metres. With Jason Lee in the sulky, Claudy An Gus was able to find the front from gate four and travelling strongly , defied all challengers to run out a 3.9 metre victor, accounting for Majestic Pride (three pegs after an early break), with rank outsider Madena Bay third 1.4 metres back after trailing the winner from the pole. The mile rate 2-02.3.

■ The sixth Aldebaran Park Benefiting Our Members Trot saw Lance Justice’s 9Y0 Muscle Mass-Mystic Hush gelding Carnera chalk up his 19th success in 182 outings.

Driven by Lance, Carnera starting from the pole trailed the leader Petite Love (gate four) which had been pressured by Fling It Rainbow. Angling off Petite Love’s back on turning, Carnera raced by John Hawke bloused him by a metre in a rate of 2-01.7. Gee Cee Calder (one/two – four wide home turn) was third 9.3 metres away.

The other trot winners were Anikitos (David and Brent Murphy) and Tetra (Bill Milner & James Herbertson).

■ Lance Justice combined with niece Ewa Justice taking a concession aboard 5Y0 Sportswriter-Love The Odds gelding Over The Odds to capture the VHRC Super Bonus Program Pace over 2100 metres, leading all of the way to defeat Byalla Boy which trailed from a solo second line draw by 4.6 metres. Shardonant was third 11.3 metres back after following the pair from gate two. The mile rate 1-56.9.

At Shepparton

■ Shepparton raced on Friday and Rockbank based owner/trainer John (Piggy) McCullagh a former gun Yarraville Cricket Club wicket keeper (not a bad bowler either) provided Yan-

kee Rockstar-Mea Princess filly Chermear Princess to land the Vin McConnell Memorial 3Y0 Pace over 2190 metres. Driven by Jack Laugher, Chermear Princess having start number seven came out running from gate five to cross Major Milestone (gate two) shortly after the start before electing to take a trail on NSW visitor Kingofglitter which showed plenty of speed from outside the front line to press forward.

Enjoying a cosy passage, Angling off the markers on the final bend to issue a challenge, Chermear Princess finished best to prevail by 2.5 metres over the pacemaker, with Major Milestone (three pegs) using the sprint lane for third 5.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.7. It was John’s 22nd win from 324 starters.

■ Four year old ex-Kiwi Art Major-Miranda Maguire gelding Sir Sonny Maguire was a big winner of the 1690 metre Ben O’Donoghue Memorial Pace for Girgarre duo Lisa and Mark Pitt who only recently tied the knot.

Restrained to well back in the field from the extreme draw after being trapped wide approaching the bell as Roslyn Gaye had taken up her customary front of the field position from gate two with Mister Cheese going forward to shadow her from outside the front line.

Sir Sonny Maguire was again sent forward from four back to join Mister Cheese on the home turn which had surged past the pacemaker.

In a great performance, Sir Sonny Maguire was too strong at the business end, recording a 3.9 metre margin over Mister Cheese, with Roll With Ron (three pegs) third 5.2 metres away. The mile rate 1-55.2.

■ Maiden Gully breeder/trainer Maree Campbell’s very honest sit/sprinter Belittled, a 7Y0 gelded son of Western Terror and Ah Dinnae Ken chalked up his 10th success from 82 outings by taking the Kath Muir Memorial Pace over 2190 metres in 1-56.8.

Driven by Josh Duggan, Belittled settled three back along the markers as the hot favourite The Wolf flew away from gate three to cross polemarker Major Watson.

Angling wide on turning, Belittled ran home stylishly to score by 1.9 metres over The Wolf who had no answer to his finishing burst, with Major Watson third 3.3 metres away. The mile rate 1-56.8.

- Len Baker

What’s On Open Day

■ St John’s Preceptory of Knights Templar will be holding an open day from 1pm-5pm on Sunday, April 2 at Freemasons Bayside.

The history surrounding the Knights Templar holds great interest to many people and the Masonic order of Knights Templar, although in no way connected to the original order, does base its ceremonies on what is known of the original installation of a new Knight of the Order.

On the day there will be two rooms set up, one for the Knights Templar and one for the Knights of Malta, for the public to look through, the members will be dressed in the colourful regalia of both Orders and will answer any queries raised by visitors.

Tea and coffee will be available and there will be occasional short talks regarding both Orders.

- Reginald Temple email: ahtemp860@gmail.com Preceptor, St. John’s Preceptory

with Len Baker

■ Leadingbookmakers, Neds, have opened an early market before nominations for the Australian Cup to b run at Flemington on Saturday (Mar. 26).

The Melbourne Cup winner, Gold Trip, heads the market after a first-up second at Sandown Park back on February 25. behind Steinem over 1800 metres, on the Lakeside track.

I thought it was a top run seeing he hadn’t been seen since his Melbourne Cup win.

Prepared by leading young trainers, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, he looked good in running a close second.

Right behind him in the opening call is I’m Thunderstruck, who wasn’t suited by the distance of 1400 metres in the Futurity Stakes, also at Sandown Park on February 25.

By the time he got going it was all over, with the top front runner, Alligator Blood, getting home in style, with Mr Brightside splitting the pair.

Both runners were competing in the All-Star Mile when we went to press.

I’m Thunderstruck will be well suited by the 2000 metres of the Australian Cup, if they decide to run him.

The consistent galloper, Steinem, was impressive in beating Gold Trip in the Peter Young Race at Sandown , thought he had a few runs prior to Gold Trip

She is yet another consistent type prepared by Maher and Eustace.

Back in December, the team decided to have a go at a couple of top events on the Western Australia racing calendar.

Steinem didn’t let them down with a good third in the top-class event, the Northerly Stakes, over 1800 metres, finishing just behind champion Western Australia mare, Amelia’s Jewel.

She followed this up with a good unlucky second to another top WA type in Marocchino, beaten a long neck over 2100 metres.

NonConformist , one prepared by another leading trainer, Graeme Begg, surprised with a first up win in the Blamey Stakes at Flemington on March 4.

He accounted for some good types like Tuvalu, Smokin’ Romans, Gentleman Roy, Banker’s Choice and Pounding.

He is a handy type having won nearly $2 million in stakemoney.

Smokin’ Romans, last year’s favourite for the Caulfield Cup, didn’t show a great deal first up, but naturally it will take a couple of starts to show something.

He is in the smart Ciaron Maher-David Eustace camp, so it will take a couple of runs to show his class.

The All-Star Mile favourite, Alligator Blood, is in the market here, but may not go around after running the 1600 metres, of the All Star Mile the week before.

The Mick Price-Michael Kent Junior trained Heza Shocka found the class a bit too high, when he raced in the Blamey Stakes.

He was never a chance, and these look a bit too strong here, plus the 2000 metre trip.

One that is racing well and not far behind the top echelon is Mr Brightside.

Record to be envied

■ The death of one of the most influential breeders and a Hall of Famer, New Zealander Sir Patrick Hogan, brought to light his record in breeding, both in New Zealand and Australia.

He finished with 14 Melbourne Cup winners being bred in the Cambridge region in New Zealand, going back to 1947. That particular year the Cup was won by the grey Hiraji, ridden by Jack Purtell. In 1949, Sydney jockey Bill Fellowes booted home, Foxami.

Ten years later another one jumped in, with Macdougal, ridden by South Australian jockey Pat Glennon scoring.

Galilee got home for Western Australian rider John Miller in 1966. Five years later he bobbed up with Silver Knight for the New Zealand rider Bruce Marsh in 1971.

On a wet day in 1976, New Zealand rider Bob Skelton booted home Van Der Hum in one of the wettest Cups on record.

Gurner’s Lane saluted for jockey Mick Dittman in 1982.

Cascadian, in the powerful Cummings camp in Sydney.

He finished fifth behind Artorious in the Canterbury Stakes on March 4, having a first-up run over the short trip of 1300 metres, which wouldn’t have suited him.

He will be better suited here over the longer trip.

The former Queenslander, Fan Girl, ran up to her usual strength when a good second behind Anamoe in the Chipping Norton Stakes over 1600 metres.

Now with the top team of Sydney trainer, Chris Waller, she is still racing well and in top company.

TheAnnabel Nessham trained Mo’unga ran a good third.

I am sticking with Alligator Blood, I’m Thunderstruck and Gold Trip.

Kensei took out the honours in 1987, ridden by Queensland er Mick Dittman.

Empire Rose, the big New Zealand mare, won in 1988; she was that big they had trouble getting her into the stall properly.

AN EARLY LOOK AT THE AUSTRALIAN CUP Ted Ryan

Might and Power saluted in 1997 leading all the way for Sydney champion rider Jimmy Cassidy.

Jezabeel, ridden by Quenslander, Chris Munz, got up the following year.

Brew won in 2000, piloted by Kerrin Mc Evoy, for trainer Mike Moroney.

Queensland rider, Scott Seamer , booted home Ethereal, for Sheila Laxon in 2001.

Efficient, ridden by Michael Rodd, saluted for owner Lloyd Williams in 2007.

In all, he bred14 winners, just beating Bart who trained 12 winners of the Melbourne Cup

He

★

Steinem winning at Sandown on February 25. Racing Photos.

● ● Gold Trip winning the Melbourne Cup. Racing Photos.

The Hayes combination trained was a good second behind Alligator Blood in the Futurity Stakes at Sandown.

relegated I’m Thunderstruck, into third spot. Another with good form is the Sydneysider

FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE FOR SALE WHAT’S ON

ALL CAR advertisers must supply registration or Vehicle Identification Numbers. By law, we are unable to publish listings without those details.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE VODAFONE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT COOLAROO INCLUDING 5G

38780 Broadmeadows North: 20 Lexton Street, COOLAROO VIC 3048 (RFNSA 3048003)

1. The proposed facility consists of the addition of new equipment and associated works, including 5G, as follows:

Removal of existing Vodafone antennas, equipment and headframe

Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 2.7m long, on a new headframe

Installation of three (3) panel antennas, 0.8m long, on the new headframe

Installation of existing Optus equipment on the new headframe

Installation of ancillary equipment including up to fifteen (15) remote radio units, antenna mounts, and cabling

2. Vodafone regards the proposed installations as Low-impact Facilities under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 (“The Determination”), based on the description above.

3. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Should you require further information or wish to comment, please contact Rohan Montgomery at Indara, 02 9495 9000, community@indara.com or Level 1, 110 Pacific Highway, St Leonards NSW 2065 by Thursday 6 April 2023. Further information may also be obtained from www.rfnsa.com.au/3048003.

DINING TABLE. 150cm x 150cm. 8 chairs, blackwood colour. Micro fibre seat covers. $1350. Briar Hill. 0417 312 034. L-O

ELECTRIC CHAIR LIFT. Lan Franco Chelsea. Dual Motor Ambience Stone Fabric (Fawn). GC. $350. Eltham. 0438 801 298. L-O

ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA. Complete full set with 24 volumes of 1965 edition. Maroon

‘leatherette’ covers. Original wooden shelving unit. GC. $50. Ashburton. 9885 2203.F-I

FLOOR MATS. Honda Accord. Euro luxury MY12 Genuine, front and rear. Genuine cargo mat/boot liner. Colour: Grey/black. EC. $85 ONO. Gladstone Park. 0402 282 477.F-I

FORD FALCON. 2006. RTV Ute. Gas. Reg. 9/23. New tyres, hard lid, canopy. RWC. Drives great. 335,000. Rego. 1HU9JS. $8750. Yarck. Barry, 0414 718 812. L-O

HAY. Top quality grass hay. Square bales, $6.50. Rolls, $50. Kinglake West. 0400 529 469. L-O

PUBLIC NOTICES

PROPOSAL TO UPGRADE MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION LOCATED AT CAMBERWELL

Telstra plans to upgrade an existing telecommunications facility located at 736 Riversdale Road, Camberwell VIC 3124 www.rfnsa.com.au/3124001

1. Telstra Limited (A.C.N 051 775 556) are currently upgrading existing mobile network facilities to allow for the introduction of 5G to Telstra’s network. As part of this network upgrade, Telstra proposes the installation of 4G and 5G technologies at the Camberwell locality and surrounds.

2. The proposed works at the above site include the removal of (3) panel antennas, installation of (6) panel antennas (each no more than 2.8m long), installation of (3) RRUs and associated ancillary equipment. All internal equipment will be housed within the existing equipment shelter located at the base of the facility.

3. Telstra regards the proposed installation as a Low-Impact Facility under the Telecommunications (Low-impact Facilities) Determination 2018 based on the above description.

4. In accordance with Section 7 of C564:2020 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment Code, we invite you to provide feedback about the proposal. Further information and/or written submissions should be directed to Meg Wilson, Aurecon Australasia Pty Ltd (A.B.N 54 005 139 873) via email to: Meg.Wilson@aurecongroup.com or via post to: Meg Wilson, Aurecon Australasia 25 Grenfell Street, Adelaide SA 5000 by 5pm on 6/04/2023.

EMPLOYMENT

HORSE BITS. Two. Different sizes. Ex Light Horse Brigade. As new. $100 each. Rosebud. 0467 845 449.

J-M

KITCHEN ‘Cupboards and drawers in various sizes in American oak timber. $300 ONO. East Iavnhoe. 00418 322 569.

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KNICK KNACKS. Variety of items. $50. Springfield Lakes. 0408 777 876. L-O

LOUNGE SUITE. ‘Fler’ Modular 6 Seater L-shaped Corner Unit with Fluro Light Sand Colour, would suit large room or Man Cave. EC. $200. Endeavour Hills. 0468 954 177.F-I

MICROWAVE OVEN. Samsung. Owners Instruction Book included. GC. $80. Box Hill South. 9890 7904.J-M

OVEN. Fisher and Paykel, double doors, approx. 6 years old with new element and all shelving. $300 ONO. East Ivanhoe. 0418 322 569.F-I

RECLINER CHAIR Princess, on wheels, with full tilt, pressure care, manual and pump. Hardly ever used. EC. Cranbourne. 0452 442 561.F-I

REGISTRATION PLATES. ‘MISUBI. Slimline B&W. Great gift for Subaru owner. EC. $1500. Frankston. 9789 9634.

J-M

ROCKING CHAIR. Antique. American style, adult size, spring based, casters, carved timber frame, EC. Upholstery in need of replacing. GC. $100. Croydon. 0408 332 181.

SUITCASE. Antique. Old. Full of old board games. GC. $20. Tullamarine. 0417 999 224.

J-M

TABLES. Small wooden table. 60cm extends to 120cm. $15. Small wooden cupboard, 900cm x 45cm $15. Plastic table. Oval white 90cm c 120cm, outdoor type. $15. Padded cahirs, $5 each. Box Hill South. 9890 7904.

J-M

TANDEM TRAILER. 10’ x 5’, all steel construction, lights, brakes all in good working order. Made by Forest Hill Trailers. GC. $2000. Croydon. 9726 8513.F-I

VEGEPOD. Medium size. 2 covers. Base has been assembled (never used). One opened box which contains the cover/poles and joiners and a new unopened cover and all accessories/instructions. New cond. $250 ONO. Seymour. 0438 228 617.

CHOIR - YARRA GOSPEL COMMUNITY

CHOIR. Starts on Thurs., Feb. 9. Weekly. 7.15pm. Join us singing in harmony in a friendly inclusive group. First night free. no auditions. Sheet music, wine and cheese supper provided. $12.50 per week. At St John’s Anglican Church, 552 Burke Rd, Camberwell. 0421 277 862. www.yarragospel.org

Email: editor@LocalPaper. com.au

Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, 3095

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WATER TRANSFER

PUMP. Yardworks. 1100W model. YW1100TP integrated trolley. 4600 litres per hour. EC. $65 ONO. Gladstone Park. 0402 282 477.F-I

WHITE METAL BATH. Removed from a bathroom reno. Original from 1960s. No leaks or damage. surplus to needs, use for an animal water trough, lily pond, raised garden bed or could put back into a house. Pick-up in Watsonia. GC. $50 ONO. 0408 704 995.F-I

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MOONEE PONDS BAPTIST CHURCH , 45 Eglinton St, 5.30pm Mondays, supports those from Moonee Valley in a tough place. All welcome for a free hot meal from 5.30pm on Mondays. If you have food handling, listening or cleaning skills, then contact us to help out. 0466 075 820. UFN

MORNINGTON Dutch Australian Seniors Club. Meets weekly in Tyabb Community Hall, Frankston-Flinders Rd, Tyabb on Mondays, 10am2pm. Morning coffee, games of Klkaverjas and Rummicub. New members welcome. Nel, 0414 997 161. Paula, 5779 8291. UFN

SOCIAL BALLROOM

DANCING. Lessons and practice, 7.30pm -10pm Wed. Scots Church Hall, Yea. $5. Dance: 1st Saturday of month. 7.30pm11pm. 0490 425 234UFN

Free ‘For Sale’ and ‘What’s On ads are available in The Local Paper to private parties and community groups

BOOKING AND COPY DEADLINE: 5pm Fridays, prior to Wednesday issue. CLASSIFIED ADS Classified ads ar e available each week in The Local Paper, which is published on Wednesdays, February-December (with the exception of Easter Wednesday). Al Classified Ads appear in the print and online editions. It is important to check your advertisement is correct on the first day it appears. While ever y care is taken to ensure your advertisement is correct, errors can occur. If this happens to your ad please contact us the first day your advertisement appears and we will be happy to correct it as soon as we can.

Broome Beach Resort welcomes all guests to this relaxing retreat, situated at Cable Beach in the magnificent Western Australian coastal town of Broome.

Within a short leisurely stroll to the iconic Cable Beach, Day Spas, restaurants, cafes and bars, Broome Beach Resort is the ideal 4½ star family resort.

Set amongst lush, tropical gardens, each of our fully selfcatering, air-conditioned 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments are well appointed and feature full kitchen and laundry facilities, a spacious open plan dining and living area, a private verandah and free WIFI and FOXTEL. Free off-street parking is also available for in-house guests' vehicles.

FOR SALE

•Long-term agreements

•Body Corporate salary of over $129k

•Well-appointed two-bed, one-bath unit with large office and storeroom on the one title. Available for $560,000

•Located in one of Western Australia’s most sought after destinations

•Property inspections are by appointment only NET PROFIT: $381,153. PRICE: $1,143,459