The Local Paper. Northern Suburbs Edition. Wed., May 31, 2023

A Draft Budget, on exhibition in June, seeks to reeduce a $60 million expenditure to $30 million, according to the Reservoir Councillor.

“The key story is that from being an almost debt free Council for decades the Darebin council spent over $100 million on two projects and debt levels are soon to reach about 25 per cent of total council annual income.”

Cr Laurence criticised the extent of the cuts: “Over the next three years will see over $61 million has been removed from our capital works program.

“I have voted against previous unfair and unequal Darebin Council budgets that created this capital works drought.

“I made it clear on Monday night that the current draft is still unfairly placing burdens above Bell St.”

● ● ● ● Cr

Tim Laurence, Darebin Council

Types of Concrete

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Local Briefs

2 die at T’town

■ A second person has died following a single vehicle crash in Thomastown on Sunday morning (May 28).

■ My old State School - Reservoir East - is getting a new on-site kindergarten.

Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Early Childhood and Pre-Prep, joined Nathan Lambert, Preston MLA, last Thursday (May 25) to officially open the new kindergarten and family services facility.

Providing 66 new places for Three and Four-Year-Old Kinder, the new centre offers a rich environment for the littlest learners to play and explore – with capacity to accommodate a further 33 places as demand for early childhood services grows in the community.

Delivered in partnership with the City of Darebin, the new kindergarten used off-site fabrication to ensure rapid construction –minimising disruption to the local school and community.

Reservoir East Family Centre shared in $283 million in the Victorian Budget 2019/20 for ThreeYear-Old Kindergarten.

It is one of more than 34 kindergartens on or near school sites delivered since 2021, helping children across the state make a smoother transition to primary school.

A further 10 will be delivered in 2024, providing more families easier access to the services they need and want.

The Victorian Budget 2023-24 provides $1.2 billion for new and expanded facilities that support the delivery of 15 hours of ThreeYear-Old Kindergarten each week by 2029 and 30 hours of Pre-Prep each week for every four-yearold child by 2032.

Kemp, Art Rob Foenander, Music

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, Mary Downie, Peter Green, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Deborah Marinaro, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel

Logistics: Nicholas Caven, Tim Gianvillani, Graeme Hawke, Susan Karolyi, Rosa Vezzoso.

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

A further $546.4 million will support the continued expansion of Three-Year-Old Kinder and the introduction of Pre-Prep, and continue Free Kinder across the state.

“We’re delivering 50 government-owned and operated early learning centres, the first four of which will open in 2025, while an additional $10 million in Building Blocks Improvement Grants will support upgrades and maintenance for kindergartens across Victoria,” said a Government representative.

Ms Stitt said: “The Reservoir East Family Centre will be a great community hub that gives families and children the chance to smoothly transition to primary school, while saving local families time and money with a single school dropoff.”

“Our nation-leading early childhood reforms are giving every Victorian child the best start in life, while putting more money into the pockets of hardworking families and encouraging new parents back into the workforce.”

Mr Lambert said: “Families living in Reservoir East now have more options for kinder and early learning, with quick and easy access to a great local primary school right next door.”

■ Long Shots attended ‘East Reservoir State School No. 4686’ from 1962-67. Some of the teachers of the time were Miss McPherson, Miss Crawshaw, Mrs Jackman, Miss Proch, Mr Wilson, Mr Leahy and Mr Brennan.

Local Photo Flashback

Emergency services were called to Victoria Drive following reports a car had crashed into a power pole, about 7.20am.

The driver of the vehicle, a 42-year-old man from Roxburgh Park man sustained life-threatening injuries and later died in hospital. His passenger, a 42-year-old woman from Thomastown died at the scene.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash.

Nillumbik videos

■ Nillumbik Council has launched its first podcast series, a 10-part audio “how to” guide to support local businesses to navigate the planning, start-up and expansion phases of small business highlighting Nillumbik’s Planning and Business Concierge service. nillumbik.vic.gov.au/business-podcast

The Local Paper

Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly.

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

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

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● Nathan Lambert, Preston MLA

● ● Reservoir East State School. 1963. Grade 1, 41 pupils. Ash Lon (top right) stands next to teacher Jenny Crawshaw (now Jenny Morgan).

Some of the Whittlesea Business Award winners

The City of Whittlesea’s business community joined for a night of cel ebration at the inaugural Business Network Awards at the Mantra in Epping on Thursday, May 18. “We were thrilled to receive 88 nominations for our very first awards which is a testament to just how many wonderful businesses we have in the City of Whittlesea,” Administrator Lyndia Wilson said. Awards were presented to the following categories: Business of the Year –Repurpose It; Start Up – Brewer Sisters; Customer Service – Ristic Real Estate; Innovation and Enterprise – Whittlesea Community Connections; Community Contribution – LINK Community and Transport; Workplace Diversity – Costa Mushroom Exchange.

3.8 quake hits North

■ A minor 3.8 earthquake (first reported as 4.7 magnitude) hit Melbourne’s northern suburbs at 11.40pm Sunday (May 28).

The epi-centre of the ‘rattle’ was near Mickleham and Sunbury, near Tullamarine Airport, according to authorities.

Social media reports confirmed that the quake was felt in areas including Reservoir, Bundoora, Preston, Diamond Creek, Craigieburn, Killingworth, Flowerdale, Kinglake and Alexandra.

Further afield, effects were felt in areas in areas including Altona, Croydon and Hawthorn.

Prior to the tremor a low frequency rumbling could be heard followed by a mild shaking only lasting around 5-10 seconds.

According to Geoscience Australia it was a magnitude 3.8 Earthquake at a depth of 3km measured at the Greenvale seismological station only 10km away and later at various other stations acros south-east Australia

Seismological updates indicate the tremor was felt at Toolangi, Scienceworks, Ballarat, Mt Arapiles, Canberra ACT, Milan, Cobar, Young and Armidale in NSW, Gladstone and Hobart in Tasmania and Innaminca, Mulgathing and Leigh Creek in SA

Off to Canberra

■ Nillumbik Council has rescheduld Planning and Consultation Committee meeting from Tuesday, June 13, to Tuesday (June 6) to be held in the Council Chamber at Civic Drive, Greensborough, to allow Councillors to attend the Australian Local Government Association meeting in Canberra.

Vale Noel Fleming, 70

■ Eltham man Noel Fleming has passed away, after a long illness, just short of his 71st birthday.

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● ● ● ● Whittlesea Council CEO Craig Lloyd at Gisborne Rotary on Sunday afternoon (May 28)

Was that City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd appearing in his country music artist ‘second job’ at the Rotary Club of Gisborne on Sunday afternoon? He and accompanist Adam Dennis performed ‘Sweet Caroline’, American-style, for the crowd.

Mr Loyd publishes his private personal phone number on his ‘Craig LloydCountry Music Artist’ Facebook page.

✖The City of Darebin used a small classified ad in ‘The Age’ news paper last Wednesday (May 24) to announce a special meeting of Council on Monday night (May 29), as The Local Paper went to press. Subjects for discussion included the Preston City Oval cricket nets, the Municipal Monitor’s Report, Directions from the Local Government Minister, Parking Management, Operating Procedures, a Governance Report, and Urgent Business.

Darebin Council has published an advertisement in the Herald Sun to notify that its Draft Budget 2023-24 has been placed on community exhibition. The Council’s CEO, Peter Smith, said the Budget includes a four-year financial plan. The Council plans to vote on the budget at its June 26 meeting. A 100 per cent concession on rates is planned for all properties owned or managed by Aboriginal Housing Victoria as a registered agency. Concessions are also proposed for residentiasl propertioes with a capital improved value of less than $500,000, the notice advises.

Michael Nixon-Livy

Born in 1952 as the eldest son of Ernest Fleming and Violet Althea ‘Girlie’Fleming (nee Long), Noel was raised in Heidelberg, attending Banyule High School, before embarking on a career in sales and marketing.

He undertook further studies at Box Hill Institute.

In sport, Noel was a keen pigeon fancier, and was particularly known amongst the sport’s enthusiasts across the northern suburbs.

In later years, Noel and his partner Tina Dark ran D and F Creations.

The funeral service will be held at Tobin Brothers, Doncaster, at 2pm today (Wednesday), with a live streaming service.

His death is mourned by Tina and family, and brother John.

W’sea opts for cartoons

■ The City of Whittlesea has opted for animated videos to help residents understand and prepare for emergencies.

Thtwo-minute videos which are available captioned in nine different languages, provide tips to help keep people safe before, during and after emergencies including fire, flood and storms.

CEO Craig Lloyd said it was important to prepare for emergencies and know what to do if an emergency occurred.

“Unfortunately, none of us are exempt from the possibility of an emergency and we know from experience much of our municipality is at risk from grass fires or bushfires,” Mr Lloyd said.

The four videos include:

■ Understanding your emergency risks, based on where you live

■ Technology that can help you before, during and after an emergency

■ How to prepare for housefires, bushfires and grassfires

■ How to prepare for storms and floods.

The videos are available captioned in Arabic, Chinese, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Macedonian, Punjabi, Turkish and Vietnamese.

whittlesea.vic.gov.au/emergency

An Open letter to the PremierDear Mr Andrews

Please remove the Authority status from the Victoria Registration and Standards Authority. Put back the old framework so principals and the Minister can help curb the excesses of VRQA.

Drowning teachers/ schools in unnecessary paper work, VRQA actively prevent sensible education solutions from being implemented. Eg Indigenous women in Mildura spent 60,000 in philanthropy money and 2 yrs hard work to put together a modest school for 20 school refusers. VRQA killed the project Stone dead. Why?

Paperwork. 10 teachers working on it, 200 pages -not good enough. VRQA hamstrings teachers as professionals too. Teachers need to be allowed to act as intelligent professionals, not puppets.

Gab McIntosh

Education SpokespersonIndigenous Party of Aust.

25 Christie, St Mildura 3500.

ROCKY HORROR

● Jason Donovan stars in The Rocky Horror Show. Photo: David Boud. Beth Klein’s review: inside.

Photos: Linda Willmott Snaparazzi

● GoSet snapper Linda Willmott with lunch day guest Leo Sayer.

● Movie producer Barry Pierce with wife, Hollywood screenwriter Shirley.

● ● Brian Mannix with Michelle Little.

● ● Leo Sayer with Noriko O'Callaghan

● ● Thomas Samuelsson, magician Matt Hollywood and actor Deb Coulls.

● ● ●

● Sue Jackson and Gavin Wood (cousins)

● ● ● ● Tony Healey and rock legend Digger Revell.

Shows

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Fabuloso (Comedy) Until June 3 at the Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Brighton. Bookings: brightontheatre.com.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: Waiting for Godot (by Michael Aitkens) Until June 10 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Neil Barnett. Bookings: 9758 3964 admin@1812theatre. com.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Three Musketeers (by John Nicholson and Le Navet Bete) Until June 3 at 82 Wells Rd, Beaumaris. Director: Richard Keown. www.beaumaris theatre.com.au

■ Playhouse Players: Dracula (by Bram Stoker) Until June 3 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Peter T. Nathan. Bookings: trybooking. com/CFDEW

■ Mountain District Musical Society: The Sound of Music Until June 4 at The Karralyka Centre, Ringwood. Bookings: www.mdms. org.au

■ Wonthaggi Theatre Company: Dusty the Pop Diva Musical Until June 10 at the Wonthaggi Union Community Arts Centre, 96 Graham St., Wonthaggi. Enquiries: (03 5671 2470 or wonthaggi.artscentre@basscoast. vic.gov.au

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): An Inspector Calls June 1–10 at the Strathmore Community Hall, Loeman St., Strathmore. Bookings: stagtheatre.org

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Summer of the Seventeenth Doll (by Ray Lawler) June 18 – July 1 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Martin Gibbs. Bookings: 9587 5141 www.mordialloctheatre. com

■ Babirra Music Theatre: All Shook Up June 10 – 18 at the Karralyka Centre, Ringwood. Bookings: https://aukarralyka. sales.ticketsearch.com

■ Theatrical. : The Wizard of Oz, June 29 (Preview), June 30-July 9 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director Kim Davidson. Bookings: www.nationaltheatre.org.au

■ Leongatha Lyric Theatre: The Producers, Musical. June 30 – July 15 at the Leongatha Memorial Hall. Director: Dan Lawrie. Bookings: www.leongathalyric. com.au

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Whales of August (by David Berry) June 23 – July 8 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Loretta Bishop. www.malverntheatre.com.au

PEP Productions: Life Without Me (by Daniel Keene) July 21 – 29 at the Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Jeremy Guzman. Bookings: https:/ /www.trybooking.com/CINNB

■ Heidelberg Theatre: My Old Lady (by Israel Horovitz), June 30–July 15 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Maureen McInerney. Bookings: www.htc.org.au/.

■ PLOS Musical Productions: Strictly Ballroom,(Musical) July 28-August 5 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Bookings: https://plos.asn.au/.

Auditions

■ LOTS Theatre: Legends of the Skies Series 11, Wednesday June 7 at 7.30pm in Mordialloc. Expressions of interest invited for acting, singing, crew. Please contact director Maggie Morrison on maggie07@bigpond. net.au

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: Tartuffe (by Molière) June 13 at 7pm and June 17 at 2pm at the Shoestring Playhouse, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay (net door to the Australian National Surfing Museum). Director: Zina Carman. Audition enquiries: zinacarman@gmail.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Cosi (by Louis Nowra) July 2 from 6pm and July 3 from 7pm at 36 Turnham Rd., Rosanna. Director: Bruce Akers. Audition enquiries: bwakers27@hotmail.com

■ Williamstown Little Theatre:Agnes of God (by John Pielmeier) July 2 at 12.30pm and July 3 at 7.30pm at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Audition enquiries: orbbaf@ozemail.com.au or 0416 141

- Cheryl Threadgold

PATTI BACK IN POPPINS

■ Mary Poppins, based on stories by Australian author P.L. Travers and the original Disney film, completes a successful Melbourne season at Her Majesty's Theatre on Sunday, June 18. Marina Prior performs as Bird Woman until June 11, then Patti Newton performs the role from June 14-18.

marypoppinsmusical.com.au/ tickets/melbourne

- Cheryl Threadgold

Konstantin: Grandmother’s Tongue

■ Konstantin: Grandmother’s Tongue, a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary, political and creative performance piece about chickens and human migration will be presented at the Loft Theatre stage at Chapel Off Chapel from June 23-25.

Five years in the making, the production is helmed by writer and performer Alison Richards, with accomplished collaborators including Bosnian-Australian composer and musical director Nela Trifkovic, and Polish-born visual dramaturg and designer Dagmara Gieysztor, with images and animations by Abstract Productions.

The show features Alison Richards as Grandmother Babcia with singers, musicians, puppeteers and performers Justine Anderson, Victoria Bilogan, Eva Glover, Ernie Gruner, Kaira Hachefa, Gemma Horbury and David Howell.

The work explores themes of heroism and displacement, drawing on Slavic folk traditions. Grandmother Babcia and her hen Kazia are in quest of the truth about hero Konstantin, the loudest rooster in Poland.

Where did he come from - and where is he now when needed? Based around an original song cycle by Alison Richards and Nela Trifkovic, the show features a live performance ensemble of eight with music, puppetry, storytelling, and digital animation.

This work reveals the hidden intertwined histories of chickens and people through the ages, challenging us to stay hopeful through disaster and uncertainty.

Konstantin: Grandmother’s Tongue is the third stage of The Konstantin Projekt. The project began pre-pandemic with workshops on chicken history, puppetry and animation and continued to develop throughout lockdown.

A live concert in 2022, now a full musical theatre experience with a crew from diverse cultural backgrounds and creative disciplines.

Alison Richards says: “In Konstantin: Grandmother’s Tongue we tell stories about stories: stories we have been told, stories we tell ourselves, stories we think we know, stories we have never heard and especially, stories we don’t often let ourselves hear.

“The journey of chickens across the globe tracks the history of human migration; its hidden tales of triumph and despair, love and courage, blood and feathers.”

The Loft, Chapel Off Chapel

June 23 – 25

Tickets: $20-$40

Duration: 70 minutes

Eternal Light

- Cheryl Threadgold

Play reading

■ Eltham Little Theatre invites an audience to a play reading of their Season Four production of Almost, Maine by John Cariani on Thursday, June 1 at 7.30pm sharp in the Rehearsal Room at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd, Research.

The production will be directed by Marti Ibrahim. This event is not an audition, but an opportunity to either read lines or listen to the play.

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/ 1063558?eid=1063558&

- Cheryl Threadgold

Marie Antoinette

■ The dedication of the cast in this Monash University Student (MUST) production on David Adjami’s, Marie Antoinette is evident. With limited resources, they have set themselves the

monumental task of staging an unwieldy piece of theatre.

It is never clear what the purpose of Adjami’s play is or the preferred style of theatrical form. He tries to encapsulate the whole arc of Marie Antoinette’s (Felicity Barrow) reign accurately but the contemporary dialogue and inflection creeps through.

The style could be epic but for the intervention of a talking sheep (Esther Penman) arguing the relative merits of Rousseau

Naturalism might be found in the relationship between Marie and Louis XVI (Luca Edwards) but most of the countervailing voices are caricatures.

Directorially, Annabelle Wemyss might have tried to accentuate one form over another to achieve the parallels with contemporary society she mentions in her notes but, even then, the script would have to be edited.

The period-like costumes ( Marni McCubbin ) and the plain white set (Suba Selvarajan ) of curtains and stencilled panels don’t necessarily provide for a counterpoint.

To her credit, Barrow, who is on stage for the entire time, does her best to sustain the momentum and interest. The difficulty is that the existential crisis of her confinement in the second act could be an entire play in and of itself.

Adjami hasn’t provided the character development progression that would have helped Barrow convey how a fourteen year old without any real knowledge of the world comes to terms with her imminent execution.

This piece works within a student context of exploration and the discovery of form. The discipline of the cast cannot be faulted. As a play, however, there are too many challenges for it to be considered a consistent work worthy of a larger audience.

Monash Uni Student Theatre

- Review by David McLean

● ● ● ● Lucas de Jong

■ With Melbourne’s cooler weather having arrived, going to a fine concert on a Sunday afternoon and being safely home before nightfall is an appealing prospect.

So the Eternal Light concert being presented by Cranbourne Chorale and Singularity Choir on Sunday June 4 at 2pm fits the bill nicely.

Featuring the Victorian premiere of composer Howard Goodall’s ‘Eternal Light – A Requiem’, it also has three fine young soloists, soprano Teresa Ingrilli, tenor Alastair Cooper-Golec and baritone Stephen Coutts, all under the assured baton of conductor Lucas de Jong

Goodall composed this unusual requiem as a piece of music for the living, those left behind grieving when a loved one dies.

Its lyrics include famous poems about death and loss, such as In Flanders Fields and Do Not Weep For Me, set to Goodall’s glorious music.

If the name Howard Goodall seems vaguely familiar, it’s because he wrote the theme song ‘The Lord Is My Shepherd’ for the television comedy series The Vicar of Dibley.

While Eternal Light is the centerpiece of the program, the musical menu for the day also features works by Eric Whitaker, Gilbert and Sullivan and Ola Gjielo

Accompanied by a small string orchestra, this is a great opportunity to hear a fine concert without having to travel to the city.

‘Eternal Light’ is being performed in the Casey Grammar Performing Arts Centre,3 New Holland Drive, Cranbourne East at 2pm on Sunday June 4.

To book, call 0438 358 032 or visit www.events.humanitix.com/eternal-light

Julie Houghton

Media Flashes

■ Peter Holder has announced he will step down as Managing Director at Daily Mail Australia after more than eight years in the role.

■ HT&E Limited has changed its name to ARN Media Limited, following shareholder approval on May 17.

■ Chester Ngan is now Chief of Staff at 9 News Melbourne.

Fabuloso - review by Cheryl Threadgold

■ For their second 2023 season, Brighton Theatre Company presents Fabuloso until June 3 at the Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre, Brighton. Written by American playwright John Kolvenbach and set in the present, Fabuloso takes place in the one-bedroom apartment of junior girls' soccer team coach Teddy and his bank employee wife, Kate. The couple appears comfortably relaxed in the everyday ordinariness of married life, until Teddy's friend from the past, madcap, eccentric Arthur, and his knife-wielding, quirky fiancé Samantha, arrive ... and stay.

Absurd situations and relationship dysfunction juxtapose with tender moments and intimate confessions, resulting in life-changing attitudes for both couples. Kolvenbach’s script effectively captures the emotions associated with this sharing of life experiences, particularly in Act Two. However, the play is described as a ‘domestic farce’, and whilst conceding that humour interpretation is individual, and wanting to laugh, Kolvenbach’s script for me is rarely funny. Absurd, yes, but there is a risk that unfunny ridiculousness can verge on pointlessness. But any shortcomings in the script are eclipsed by the first-class performances delivered by an excellent cast under the expert direction of Helen Ellis. Congratulations to Genya Mik (Kate), Liam Mitchinson (Teddy), Brett Whittingham (Arthur) and Claire Hanley (Samantha), whose impressively calm reappearances after quick costume changes achieve seamless transition between scenes. Janine Evans’ realistic set design depicting Kate and Teddy’s apartment is terrific, and the stylish, colourful, costumes enhance visual interest, as does David Brown’s atmospheric lighting. Also adding a dynamic energy to the show is the splendid choice of music played between scenes. Sound design is by Helen Ellis and Liam Mitchinson Brighton Theatre Company’s warm, inviting auditorium offers audiences an escape from Melbourne’s chills and the opportunity to enjoy a well-presented local theatre production. Performance Details: Until June 3. Venue: Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr. Wilson and Carpenter Sts, Brighton. Bookings: www.brightontheatre.com.au

Patti Newton as Bird Woman.

Photo: Daniel Boud

FULL-ON BLAST OF ANGST

■ Theatre Works production of Moth is a full-on blast of teen angst that has fantastic energy and heart but a narrative that can be difficult to follow at times.

The play follows two teenagers, Sebastian (played by Adam Noviello) and Claryssa (Lucy Ansell), as they navigate the perils of high school life.

The pair of marginalised “misfits” are almost friends by default (no-one w ants to befriend them), with Sebastian a hyperactive gay prone to flights of fantasy (bordering on schizophrenic delusions) and Claryssa a moody emo, his only friend.

One night their tense but affectionate relationship suffers a crisis, sendi ng Sebastian spiralling out of control.

Declan Greene’s script, first produced in 2010, still feels fresh in terms of its language and character portrayals.

And the play is to be commended for the bold approach it takes with regards to structure, such as characters commenting on the action and different perspectives taken regarding what is real and what isn’t.

Still, it doesn’t succeed 100 percent in its ambitions and, critically, can lose the audience in the mayhem unfolding on stage.

However, Ansell and Noviello both bring Sebastian and Calryssa vividly to life, having great rapport on stage. Without a hint of judgement of these two poor lost souls, the two performers take the audience with them on a wild ride.

Helping bring this wild ride to life is a wonderful creative team. Briony Dunn does a great job of directing her actors and keeping the action as cohesive as possible.

The team supporting her - Auhl (costume design), Pajanti (lighting), Verhagen (sound), Marich (stage manager), Gardam (set design) and Hansen (producer) - all help create a powerful depiction of the world(s) that the script conjures up.

Moth may not be everyone’s cup of tea; the language and narrative can confuse rather than enlighten. Regardless, it successfully wins its audience over through its pizzazz and sensitivity.

Venue:Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda

Dates and times: Until June 3 at 7.30 pm Tues.-Sat., school matinees at 11 am Tues.-Fri.

Duration: 75 minutes

Tickets: $20-50

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite. com.au/e/moth-tickets-479662993927

- Review by Peter Murphy

Rocky Horror

■ Celebrating a milestone return to the stage in Melbourne, it’s hard to believe Rocky is 50 years old. Progressive for its time, the themes and messages are still current today – diversity, inclusion, sexual liberation, and importantly, don’t judge.

7500

■ (M). 93 minutes. Now streaming on Amazon Prime.

Well-crafted and effectively compact, 7500 makes for a tense thriller, cleverly using its confined space to achieve a largely successful mix of drama and suspense.

Joseph Gordon-Levitt plays Tobias Ellis, an American pilot living in Germany with his flight attendant partner Gokce (Aylin Tezel).

Both are working on an aeroplane that will be flying from Berlin to Paris, with Tobias handed major responsibilities by veteran Captain Michael Lutzmann (Carlo Kitzlinger)

Not long after takeoff, a group of Islamic terrorists, which includes 18-year-old Vedat (Omid Memar), attempt to take control of the plane, but things don’t go smoothly for either side.

substantial amount of money on a deerskin jacket he has seen advertised. The elderly gentleman also gives the visitor a camcorder. So smitten by the jacket, Georges believes he is someone to obsess over and admire, but after his wife blocks access to their bank account, the increasingly unhinged Georges uses the camcorder to realise a very odd dream, one suggested to him by the jacket (voiced by Dujardin), which appears to have taken on a life of its own.

Dupieux takes a one-joke idea and imbues it with some fascinating themes, notably that of identity, personal responsibility, and the abuse of trust on imagery we see on screen.

The Rocky Horror Show storyline is ludicrous, the characters totally camp, the costumes outrageous and the music, amazing - catchy, iconic and timeless, Rocky Horror just doesn't get old.

This production featuring our prodigal ‘neighbour’, Jason Donovan has him home to don his fishnets and pearls in a revival of his 25th anniversary version of Frank N Furter. Not having seen his earlier version, one can only imagine time has honed his Frank.

Donovan dominates as the hysterically camp sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania – you can’t help but sing those lines. He dresses, skips and behaves in totally inappropriate ways, a hedonist on a self-pleasuring path to destruction.

The cast is outstanding. Stella Perry demonstrated magnificent vocals as the usherette in a gorgeous rendition of Science Fiction, but frustratingly, for a semi-lead role, her Magenta doesn’t get a solo.

Diedre Khoo (Janet) and Ethan Jones (Brad) were faultless - their vocals sublime, their tweeness gag-worthy and their virtue credible, until it wasn’t.

Equally, Henry Rollo as the memorable Riff Raff thrilled, as did Darcey Eagle (Columbia), Loredo Malcolm (Rocky) and Ellis Dolan (Eddie/Dr Scott).

Narrator Myf Warhurst does well in response to the expected but unscripted hecklers but lacks the energy and edginess that otherwise saturates this gutsy high-energy performance.

Superior production values from choreography (Nathan Wright), set design (Hugh Durrant), costume (Sue Blane), lighting (Nick Richings) and sound (Gareth Owen) add life and vitality.

The Band, directed by Jack Earle featuring Kieran Rafferty, Patrick Schmidli, Ash Griffin and Carlo Barbaro, didn’t miss a beat. It’s definitely time to do the Time Warp Again. Don’t miss this amazing 50th Anniversary production.

Season: Until July 30 Bookings: www.rockyhorror.com.

au Tickets: From $69.90.

- Review by Beth Klein

Dracula

■ Playhouse Players presents the play Dracula until June 3 at the Doncaster Playhouse.

Adapted by Steven Dietz based on the novel by Bram Stoker, this production of Dracula is directed by PeterT. Nathan.

Dietz's 1996 version remains faithful to Bram Stoker's original story, evoking the same chilling tone created by Stoker and emulating the style of language common at the end of the 19th century.

Performance Details: June 1, 2 at 7.30pm, June 3 at 6pm (Twilight)

Venue: Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster

Bookings: www.trybooking.com/ CFDEW or email playhouseplayers inc@gmail.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Co-writer/director Patrick Vollrath, making his feature film debut, strips everything down to the absolute essentials, not only to keep the premise as uncluttered as possible, but to make his players as apolitical as possible.

While this means that the characters aren’t fully three-dimensional creations, they are human, with Vollrath wanting the viewer to bring their own emotions, beliefs, and prejudices to what is happening on screen.

Gordon-Levitt remains marvellously grounded throughout, and is well supported by Memar as the growingly uncertain Vedat.

Technically the film is first-rate (98 percent of the film takes place in the cockpit).

A predictable plot turn does partially mute one of the story’s confrontations. While not in the same league as Paul Greengrass’ United 93 (2006), 7500 is still gripping viewing, and I’m eagerly awaiting what Vollrath does next.

RATING - ***½

Deerskin

■ (MA). 77 minutes. Now available on DVD.

A word of warning first. If you have never seen any of Quentin Dupieux’s previous films (Rubber, Wrong, Incredible But True, and his most recent, the terrific Smoking Causes Coughing), you may be unprepared for the strange viewing experience you are about to embark on. If you have, then you will be glad to hear that this unique filmmaker is in fine form, delivering what is undoubtably one of his most entertaining films to date. Oscar winner Jean Dujardin (The Artist, OSS-117, November) stars as Georges, a seemingly disillusioned man who has just walked out on his wife. Driving up into the Alpine regions of France, Georges spends a

While the latter could represent the responsibility of the film-makers themselves, it also criticises members of the public (especially online) who distort or fabricate information for their own gain, not caring of the cruel, fatal consequences that can occur to individuals, or entire communities, around them.

In a world of deep division and distrust, seeing this theme taken to surreal extremes makes Georges’ actions increasingly unnerving.

Durjardin is superb as Georges, detailing his gradual moral decline with expert precision, and he is well supported by Adele Haenel (Portrait Of A Lady On Fire), playing a local bartender who gets caught up in Georges’ skewed universe.

Dupieux continues to give his films an off-kilter visual design, which perfectly ties in with his darkly humorous script. While ostensibly a comedy, Deerskin has a bleakness underneath, and by the end, the two have entwined to impressive effect.

RATING - ****

Dark Waters

■ (M). 127 minutes. Now available on DVD.

Todd Haynes (Safe, Far From Heaven) invigorates familiar ‘David vs Goliath’ material with his distinctive style, unafraid to bring a dour, almost horror-like atmosphere to this compelling true story.

Gorgeously filmed, and filled with first-rate performances (including Mark Ruffalo, Bill Camp, Victor Garber, Anne Hathaway and Tim Robbins), this was criminally overlooked by the Academy in 2019, and like Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs, was largely ignored by audiences who claim to be crying out for quality entertainment.

With its local theatrical release cut short due to COVID-19 in 2020, thankfully DVD and streaming has allowed this outstanding film to gain the recognition it deserves.

RATING - ****½

- Aaron Rourke

● ● Lucy Ansell and Adam Noviello in Moth. Photo: Daniel Rabin

● ● ● ● Jackson Coe (Dracula) at left with Jackson Langelaan (Jonathan Harke) in Dracula.

Photo: Sally Burgess

■ Vera Lynn is a famous English singer whose voice was heard during the Second World War singing songs of hope and inspiration.

Vera Lynn was called the ‘Sweetheart of the F orces’ and has been loved and respected throughout the world for more than 70 years.

Vera Margaret Welch was born in 1917 in East Ham in London. Vera began singing when she was seven and used her grandmother's maiden name of ‘ Lynn’ for her stage name.

Vera Lynn made her first radio broadcast at the age of 18 when she was singing with The Joe Loss Band

Her voice could be heard on recordings singing with various popular dance bands.

Vera released her first solo song Up The W ooden Hill tT Bedfordshire in 1936.

In 1939 she was under contract to Decca Records and recorded We'll Meet Again for the first time with ArthurYoung, who later became musical director at Channel 9 in Melbourne

In 1941 Vera married Harry Lewis, who was a musician. Harry became her manager.

During the War years she had a radio program tiled Sincerely Yours where she sang and read messages from families to service men and women.

Her hit songs We'll Meet Again, The White Cliffs Of Dover, A Nightingale Sang In Berkeley Square and There'll Always Be An England were tremendously popular during the war years.

She also appeared in three British films We'll

Whatever Happened To ... Vera Lynn

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Meet Again, Rhythm Serenade and One Exciting Night

Vera toured in countries such as Egypt, India and Burma to entertain the troops and visited many military hospitals.

In 1947 Vera Lynn gave birth to her only daughter, Virginia

She became the first UK artist to go to the top of the hit parade in the US with her hit song Auf Wiederseh'n Sweetheart.

Vera appeared in radio and television shows in England and the US

She has devoted much of her time to charity work connected with ex-servicemen, disabled children and breast cancer.

Vera Lynn has received many awards dur-

ing her career including Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1959 and then in 1975 was promoted to Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) in the Queen's Birthday Honours

Vera has published three books Vocal Refrain, We'll Meet Again and Some Sunny Day

Vera Lynn performed in Melbourne in 1962 and returned again in 1972. My friend, the late musical director Tony Osborne, made several albums with Vera during the 1960s.

Her last public singing appearance was in 1995 at the celebrations to mark the fifty years since the end of World War II

I must say that Melbourne's own Dorothy Baker did a beautiful job of singing the popular songs of Vera Lynn

In 2009, at the age of 92, Vera Lynn became the oldest living artist have a number one album on the British album chart with We'll Meet Again: The Very Best Of Vera Lynn

Dame Vera came out in support of the underprivileged residents in her local area. At the age of 95, Dame Vera Lynn was still thinking of other people.

Sadly, she passed away on June 18, 2020, at home in East Sussex, having reached the grand old age of 103.

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

JOHNATHON WORLD PEACE BUSH AT LINDEN NEW ART

What’s On Wizard of Oz

■ Acclaimed new musical theatre company and registered charity Theatrical announces a special charity partnership, supporting The Lost Dogs’ Home new winter adoption appeal, There’s No Place Like Home, which kicks off on June 1.

Through program sales and awareness raising during their new production of The Wizard of Oz, Theatrical hopes to find more homes for the many animals in need at The Lost Dogs’ Home shelters.

The iconic duo, Dorothy and Toto, have captured imaginations for over a century, and the human canine connection holds a special place in the heart of the cast’s 19year-old star, Lyla Digrazia.

“I love that Dorothy and Toto both do anything to protect each other, and how unbreakable their bond is, no matter what trials they go through. They are always each other's first priorities,” says Lyla.

“It makes me so happy to know that there are places always striving to help find animals their forever loving homes. It’s not an easy process, and The Lost Dogs’ Home really takes into consideration what makes a perfect home in order for each dog to have a good life.”

Based on the beloved 1939 movie and the classic L. Frank Baum tale of the same name, the crowd favourite musical is being staged in Australia for the first time in six years, from June 29- July 9. A full orchestra will accompany a skillful cast of over 30 performers, filling Melbourne’s historic 783seat National Theatre with one of the most celebrated stories of all time.

Lost Dogs Home’s spokesperson, Suzana Talevski, said: “The Lost Dogs’ Home is thrilled to be working with Theatrical, a company that is also committed to mental health and wellbeing. We know how much having a pet can improve a person’s life in so many ways, so to be able to get that message out together is wonderful.”

Everything that became before makes the present – Johnathon World Peace Bush

Johnathon World Peace Bush expresses his views on equality, culture, art and language through painting, writing, and song.

Bush’s ochre paintings present an unique combination of Tiwi culture and his personal views on global politics, family, and cultural heritage.

He adopts painting techniques that reflect Jilamara (Tiwi body image) combining them with representations of political figureheads.

Catholic imagery that relates to the colonial existence of the Tiwi, stories of colonial crimes against indigenous people, and adaptations of old anthropological images of First Australians.

Everything that came before makes the present will be Bush’s first institutional exhibition.

It is framed around three key ideas. Religion, Colonial Crime, and indigenous culture.

The exhibition consists of 15 works, including several to have their debut, showing at the gallery.

Exhibition opens June 17 and closes September 10.

Linden NewArt 26 Acland St, St Kilda

Lyon Galleries

Figurative Sketching Class from Shae to Form

Join Melbourne artist and educator Tim Buckovic as he leads a twohour hands-on workshop introducing participants to the fundamentals of figurative sketching.

Suitable for all sketching abilities. Paper and pencils provided on the day, Tea and coffee available.

Saturday June 17 ,10am – 12 Noon.

Artist Talk with Penny Byrne

Join in for an engaging afternoon with acclaimed Australian visual artist Penny Byrne as she presents her ideas and concepts behind, and the making of her major work Felled 2014.

Byrne shares the creative processes and unique challenges encountered while producing this remarkable large-scale bronze sculpture in collaboration with Urban art Projects.

A Q&A will follow. Drinks provided following this illustrated talk.

Saturday July 1. 3pm – 4,30pm

The Arts

New book about Olivia

Architectural Drawing Class

Workshop #10

Spend the morning with Corbett Lyon learning how to set up a drawing in two-point perspective. Discover fundamentals of sketching and colouring and master the art of lines and proportions.

Beginners and aficionados are all welcome. Drawing paper and pens provided on the day.

Saturday July 22. 10.30am –12noon

Lyon Housemuseum Galleries

217 Cotham Rd, Kew

Burrinja Gallery

Between Two Sites

The Between Two Sites exhibition and public programs respond to the impact of human activity on habitats in the Yarra Ranges and Alpine Shire. This is cvurated by Madelynne Cornish and Sarah Lynch for the Bogong Centre for Sound Culture. It showcases the artwork of Victorian and international artists who participated in the centre’s residency program.

The artists have undertaken extensive fieldwork within the Yarra Ranges., Alpine National Park and Kiewa Valley.

Burrinja Gallery

351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey - Peter Kemp

■ Miranda Young has penned a new book about everyone's favouriteOlivia Newton - John, called 'Olivia; Grace & Gratitude'.

It's a fabulous, insightful read about a superstar, entrepreneur, activist, mother. Available, all good book stores, priced $30.

Wannabe star booted

■ According to Daily Mail Australia, a one-time contestant on Married at First Sight attempted to gatecrash the recent reception to Australian Fashion Week.

Security saw him first, posing as a journo, and asked Nasser Sultan to leave and an argument ensured.

It appears Nasser has priors for gatecrashing; maybe he wanted to nosh on the canapes on offer.

Kate’s Mum calls it quits

■ The party's over for the Princess of Wales (nee Kate Middleton). Her Mum, Carole, has sold her party goods company in the UK Carole's one-time lucrative business was hit by the downturn during COVID. Top secret about sale price.

Donut festival

■ Yes, you read it right, even the humble fried donut gets a two-day festival entirely devoted to devouring donuts. It is on June 3 and 4 in the sheds at Queen Victoria Market. Entrance is free and so too, are samples.

Looking chic on the slopes

■ Walt Disney is one of the partners in a bricks and mortar fashion store launched in Melbourne Central retailing merchandise under the brand inspiration , National Geographic.

From a puffer jacket to T-shirts, to travel accessories, this worldwide retail juggernaut is well worth a sqiuiz

RMIT Design had involvement in the environmental design in the store layout and fittings.

- John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● ● Vera Lynn

with Peter Kemp

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● Olivia Newton-John

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

•Close to everything Broome has to offer

•Set amongst tropical landscaping

•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

Diana Trask: Memories Are Made Of This

A great CD by one of Australia’s popular singers $20 including postage

Diana Trask was one of the first popular Australian singers to be successful in the USA but soon after many others followed: Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton-John and in recent times Keith Urban. Diana's success began on the Sing Along with Mitch TV Show from New York. Coming back to Australia she had a national hit TV show The Di Trask Show.

Dear Friends, I am so happy and excited to have my CD “Memories Are Made of This” made available to you through The Local Paper. I trust you will enjoy hearing this great selection of wonderful songs I sang on “The Di Trask Show” all those years ago. With love, Diana

1. Memories Are Made of This

2. Unforgettable

3. Alley Cat

4. Que Sera Sera

5. Heather on the Hill

6. Half as Much

7. All or Nothing at All

8. Auf Wiedershen

9. Green Eyes

10. Blues in the Night

11. Hello Young Lovers

12. To the Ends of the Earth

13. Days of Wine and Roses

14. Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

15. Goodnight Irene

16. Comes Love

Simply send the form below. All orders will be dispatched within two working days of cheque/money order clearance. Please include your name/address/phone number, and mail with cheque or money order to Kevin Trask Enterprises.

To: Kevin Trask Enterprises PO Box 200, Canterbury, Vic 3126

Yes! Please send me the CD “Memories Are Made of This” I enclose my Cheque/Money Order for $20.00

Name: .........................................................................................................

Address: .......................................................................................................

.......................................................... Phone: ............................................

$20 including Postage or “Memories Are Made of This” can be purchased from Diana’s website www.dianatrask.com

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

Ramada Plaza Hotel sponsors Gold Coast lunch

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

Leo Sayer was VIP guest

■ A new showbiz industry lunch every month is being held at the D’Arcy Arms Irish Hotel on the Gold Coast.

This special lunch was sponsored by the Ramada Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood.

Many stars have relocated to the Gold Coast and now they have a monthly lunch just like we have in Melbourne with The Debonaires and the Marquee Club lunches.

Ramada Managing Director Alan Johnson and PR guru Tony Healey got Leo Sayer to the latest lunch. It was a pleasure to be there and also to interview one of the greatest singers in the pop world.

Daughter goes to Mum

■ Alanis Morissette’s daughter has a new name to use when calling out for her mum. Appearing on the Gary Bryan Morning Show on Audacy’s K-EARTH 101, the ‘Ironic’ singer, 48, shared that her six-year-old daughter Onyx Solace no longer calls Morissette “mom.”

“My daughter has taken to calling me by my full name because she notices that no one uses my full name when we’re in personal environments,” Morissette said.

“So instead of saying ‘mom,’ she’ll say, ‘ Alanis Morissette’.”

No tax paid

■ Some 72.5 million households or 40 per cent of households will pay no federal income tax this year, down from the prepandemic high of 60 per centtwo years ago, according to new estimates from the Tax Policy Centre.

In 2021, nearly 56 per cent of households or 99 million households paid no federal income tax, down from 60 per cent or 100 million households in 2020, the nonpartisan think tank said in the report.

For 2022, the standard deduction is worth $12,950 for individuals and $25,900 for married couples filing jointly. People earning below that amount do not owe federal income taxes.

Massive job losses in the pandemic’s early stages sent millions of people to unemployment lines and temporary rules exempted much of 2020 jobless benefits from income taxes, Howard Gleckman, senior fellow at Tax Policy Centre , said.

Meanwhile, there were waves of direct cash assistance that were all technically tax credits, two rounds of stimulus checks in 2020 and another round in 2021, plus a temporarily enhanced child tax credit. Those waves came and went.

The approximate 40 per cent of households projected to pay no federal income tax is back to pre-pandemic levels, and is even slightly smaller than the 42 per cent to 43 per cent range during recent pre-pandemic years, Gleckman noted.

Dog music beats stress

■ If your dog gets stressed on long car rides, don’t worry, just put on some Bee Gees

Researchers are sharing the 10 most calming songs for dogs, with the 1977 hit ‘How Deep is Your Love’ topping the charts. It turns out two in three dog owners say their furry friends gets stressed out while traveling. That’s bad news for the 75 per cent; planning to take their pet on a staycation this year, with 72 per cent of these dog owners traveling by car.

Retirement age rises

■ The average retirement age of American men has risen three years since 1990, to 64.7 years. The average is the age at which labour force participation falls below 50 per cent. But a new paper by Alicia H. Munnell, director of the Centre for Retirement Research at Boston College, concludes that the five factors that delayed men’s retirement over the past three decades are no longer having a substantial impact and are unlikely to increase the average retirement age going forward.

Changes in Social Security such as the increase in the normal retirement age are complete, there is unlikely to be much more of a shift to defined-contribution retirement plans from definedbenefit pensions, gains in educational attainment at older ages have flattened out, as have improvements in health, and the shift away from retiree health benefits is nearly complete, Munnell writes.

She concludes: “The major drivers for the gains to date appear to have played themselves out.”

Out and About Cannabis danger

■ Visits to the emergency department and hospitalisations are 22 per cent higher among individuals who use cannabis compared with those who do not, according to a study published in BMJ Open Respiratory Research

“Cannabis use is not as benign and safe as some might think,” said study author Nicholas Vozoris, assistant professor and clinician investigator in the division of respirology at the department of medicine at the University of California “Our study demonstrates that the use of this substance is associated with serious negative outcomes, specifically, emergency department visits and hospitalizations,” Vozoris said.

Bad spelling problems

■ Independence Day may be synonymous with summer, but a new survey finds many Americans should go back to school. It turns out one in three people don’t know how to spell “independence” and even fewer know why Americans celebrate on the Fourth of July. Specifically, the poll of 1030 Americans found over a third spell independence incorrectly. Moreover, researchers add that internet searches for “how to spell independence” skyrocket by 85 per cent during the July 4th holiday weekend.

More fat, less fibre

■ US researchers discovered that eating more saturated fat and less fibre from foods like vegetables, fruits and whole grains led to reductions in slow-wave sleep, which is the deep, restorative kind.

In general, clinical trials have also found that carbohydrates have a significant impact on sleep: People tend to fall asleep much faster at night when they consume a high-carbohydrate diet compared to when they consume a high-fat or high-protein diet. That may have something to do with carbs helping tryptophan cross into the brain more easily.

Policy on tattoos

■ Soldiers can now sport ink on their hands, behind their ears and on the back of their necks, according to an updated US Army tattoo policy aimed largely at helping recruiters avoid the lengthy waiver process to bring recruits with body art into the service.

Army officials said the new policy would better align the service with social norms on tattoos and make the enlistment process simpler for recruits with tattoos in some areas of their bodies that were previously banned.

The updated policy was issued byArmy Secretary, Christine Wormuth, and went into immediate effect for soldiers and incoming recruits.

“We always review policy to keep the Army as an open option to as many people as possible who want to serve,” said Maj. Gen. Doug Stitt, the Army’s director of military personnel management. “This directive makes sense for currently serving soldiers and allows a greater number of talented individuals the opportunity to serve now.”

Your Californian holiday

Believing in God

■ The vast majority of US adults believe in God, but the 81 per cent who do so is down six percentage points from 2017 and is the lowest in Gallup’s trend.

■ 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

Between 1944 and 2011, more than 90 per cent of Americans believed in God. Gallup’s May 2-22 Values and Beliefs poll finds 17 per cent of Americans saying they do not believe in God. Gallup first asked this question in 1944, repeating it again in 1947 and twice each in the 1950s and 1960s. In those latter four surveys, a consistent 98 per cent said they believed in God. When Gallup asked the question nearly five decades later, in 2011, 92 per cent of Americans said they believed in God. A subsequent survey in 2013 found belief in God dipping below 90 per cent to 87 per cent, roughly where it stood in three subsequent updates between 2014 and 2017 before this year’s drop to 81 per cent. Gallup has also in recent years asked other questions aimed at measuring belief in God or a higher power. All find the vast majority of Americans saying they believe; when given the option, 5 per cent to 10 per cent have said they were “unsure”.

● ● PR guru Tony Healey with lunch sponsor, Ramada’s MD Alan Johnson.

Photos: Linda Willmott Snaparazzi

Crossword No 28

Across Across Down Down

148. Health setbacks

149. Tartan

150. Bronze medal position

152. Ski slope

154. Time of great success

157. Plane part

158. President ... Lincoln

162. The A of AM

163. Anxious

166. Repeat

167. Jazz legend, ... Fitzgerald

169. Twirl

171. Soon

172. Wrench (ankle)

173. Stupid

175. ... & crannies

176. Bravery award

179. No-one

180. Utterly exhausted (3,2)

182. Deity 183. Sphere

184. Befuddle

186. Egg shape

189. Vietnam war leader, ... Minh (2,3)

190. Fossilised resin

191. Construe

192. Evading (capture)

196. Spy, ... Hari

197. Blunder

198. Dummy pill

199. Conferred (on)

201. So-so

202. Nonsense

203. Stunned

204. Not deadly (3-5)

205. Flog

208. Snow shelters

210. Horseback bullfighters

211. Thailand & Korea are there 212. Enthusiastic applause 213. Regretted 215. Most high-pitched 219. Appeals 221. ... or famine

223. Slips backwards 227. Sweet bun 228. Accuse (president) 230. Red-yellow pigment 231. Batman & ... 232. Loots

233. Contained within this 234. Cowboy's hat

238. Window canopies

239. Wider

240. Sheathe

243. Computer phone links

246. Disabled (racehorse)

247. Mention, ... to

250. Guru

251. Started

253. Brings together

256. Greasiest

257. Youthful

258. Cruelty

262. Paw roughly

263. Embezzlement

266. Ark builder

268. Insane lady

269. Literary conclusion

270. Worms for fishing (4,4)

271. Sewer coverings

272. Digital read-out (1,1,1)

273. TV tycoon, media ...

274. Greenwich Mean Time (1,1,1)

275. Circus swings

276. Pollen allergy (3,5)

277. Fragile china, ... porcelain

278. January 1st, New ... (4'1,3)

1. Scoffs

2. Outspoken

3. Stockings fibre

4. My ... are sealed

5. Electronic payment for goods

7. Renovate

8. Water outlet

9. Surplus

10. Protected

11. Pour carelessly

12. Bullied verbally

13. Small wager

14. Neatly arranged (4,3)

15. Seem

16. Lightning flash

17. Deep chasm

18. Lay oneself open to

19. Fizzy

24. Dutch cheese

26. Mend (sock)

30. Soil-enriching mixture

33. Yearbook of forecasts

34. Malice (3,4)

35. Strangest

38. Normally (2,1,4)

39. Cut into three

40. Without gender

42. Laundry clips

43. Become rusty 46. Able to be heard

130. Powerful light (3,4)

132. Hitler's Third ...

133. Minuscule

134. Spaghetti or lasagne

137. Intimate (thoughts)

138. Western Australian capital

141. Colorado ski resort

142. Jungle vine

143. Father

151. Dog-like predators

153. Underground passage

155. Throw out of school

156. Sheikhdom, Abu ...

159. Dressed (wound)

160. Single-celled organism

161. Mixed

164. Lodge deeply

165. North African land

168. Prisoner's shackles (3,5)

170. Partaking of liquor

173. Resides in

174. Of forebears

177. Political deserters

178. Generosity

181. Effervescent soft drink

185. Football position (4,4)

186. Extends

187. Trainee

188. Win

193. Unconscious (of fact)

194. Within house

195. Lubricates

200. Information bank

201. Acapulco natives

206. Part of pelvis

207. Party-giver

208. Large fire

209. Excursions

211. Track competitor 214. Trickle

216. Baseball score (4,3) 217. Imprecise

218. Lewd men

220. Moral 222. Saunter

224. Thinks logically

225. Pierced with dagger

226. Inexhaustible

229. ... & now

232. List of meals

235. IVF infant, ... baby (4-4)

236. Locate

237. Skipping

241. Make legally void

242. Tentacled creature, sea ...

244. Increases in depth

245. Cleaver

248. Former French currency units

249. Function

251. Stooped

252. US music award

253. Unfulfilled

254. Pakistan's neighbour

255. Inspire

259. Detest

260. Lazed

261. Green (of stone)

262. Masculine

264. Be informed

265. Frozen floating mass

267. Loathe

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@countrycrossroads com.au

Garage 2 Gig

■ The Garage 2 Gig program was devised as a means of providing a career pathway for emerging artists and is supported by the City of Port Phillip’s Cultural Development Fund. The program has benefits for all venues, headliner acts, audiences and of course supporting artists. The support act receives widespread exposure and credibility from the performance whilst appearing in front of an audience they aren’t yet able to attract. The artist is paid good rates and enables them to develop their skills from playing with music icons to larger audiences and venues.

Hide With Me

■ Melbourne singer-songwriter Kaiyah Mercedes has released her new single Hide With Me. The teenage sensation was recently chosen to be the support act to music superstars Leo Sayer and Joe Camilleri for their double 75th birthday concert held at the renown Palais Theatre Kaiyah was handpicked by the promoters from a shortlist of local emerging artists as part of the innovative Garage 2 Gig Emerging Artists Program. More info: kaiyahmercedes.com/

Story Tellers

n Casey Radio 97.7FM presents the next instalment in their successful Story Tellers at the Station series. Australian music legend Mick Pealing along with renowned guitarist Nick Charles will no doubt be covering tracks from their new album ‘Songs from This Town’ along with some of the timeless classics both have been associated with over countless decades.

‘WORSTWARD HO’ AT ST KILDA

■ In its Australian premiere of Samuel Beckett’s Worstward Ho, Theatre Works, with the support of the Victorian Theatre Company, have created an intriguing and challenging piece of theatre.

Essentially an interior monologue, the “action” as such is minimalist as a lone man grapples with the nature of existence, both his own and that of others, in a seemingly indifferent, if not hostile, world.

Questions are raised but no answers given, just an insight into the struggle involved in living, the courage of continuing to exist.

A towering figure of late 20th century literature and the theatre of the absurd, Beckett wrote Worstward Ho as a novella rather than a stage play.

The language is a dense thicket of half-formed sentences and thoughts, snatches of words repeated over and over; there’s very little in the way of full sentences or paragraphs.

It takes a while to adjust to this different style/use of language but the effort is rewarding as it reveals how the text, at times, has a Shakespearean majesty to it.

Performing this challenging text might have been a disaster in lesser hands but this production involves Robert Meldrum , one of Melbourne's, if not Australia’s , most admired actors.

Meldrum works the text almost as a potter or sculptor might, bring-

Crossword Solution No 28

Observations

ing it to life in a compelling and, at times, hypnotic fashion.

Richard Murphet, the well-respected theatre practitioner, directs this labour of love (he and Meldrum worked on the script for over three years).

It is a great example of his ability to work creatively with script and actor and produces a masterful rendition of Beckett’s creation.

Matthew Connell produces while Kris Chainey’s lighting gives the production an almost film noir feel.

Be clear, in no way is this an “easy” night at the theatre; the play is challenging and requires no small degree of concentration and effort on the audience’s part. It is undoubtedly, however, an effort well worth making.

Venue: Explosives Factory, Rear Laneway 67 Inkerman St, St Kilda

Dates and times: Until June 3 Tues-Sat at 7.30pm

Duration: 1 hour

Tickets: $20-45

Bookings: https://www.event brite.com.au/e/worstward-ho-tickets-479671399067

Review by Peter Murphy

● ● ● ● The Melbourne Observer newspaper is a free insert in The Local Paper, which is produced in local editions across 40 local government areas across Victoria. It is published weekly online, and in print fortnightly, February- December.

Robert Meldrum in Worstward Ho.

Photo: Chelsea Neate

■ Sydney four-year-old Think About It is the logical pick with punters for the up and coming Stradbroke Handicap to be run at Eagle Farm on Saturday (June 3)

The son of former champion galloper, So You Think, made it five in a row in winning the Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford in brilliant style.

Joseph Pride has trained many a good horse, and he has a high opinion of the four-year-year gelding.

Another smart type on the next line is Yellow Brick, who has won four of his last five starts as a three-year-old, and is capable.

Prepared by Tony and Maddysen, the son of Mission, is smart and will be right in this, although a three-year-old, matching it with the older horses.

Yet again another smart one in Aft Cabin, another smart youngster winning the Arrowfield Sprint at Randwick, prepared by leading Sydney trainer, James Cummings.

On his day he can beat the best, and is sure to be in the firing line here.

Open Ridge, prepared by Luke Pepper at Scone, is bred to go quick by the former flying machine, Rubick. She has now won five of her seven starts, with two seconds. Smart indeed and will be right in this.

STRADBROKE HANDICAP PREVIEWED Ted Ryan

Leading Queensland trainer, Tony Gollan, produced his smart four-year-old, Antino to win his last three in the Cascade Handicap at Eagle Farm on April 29 over 1400 metres, and proved too good for them.

The well performed Royal Merchant with the powerful Maher-Eustace team, proved too good for them in the Tobin Bronze Stakes and is most consistent.

He has had 12 starts for four wins and four placings, being by the former top-notcher, Merchant Navy

The New Zealander, Dragon Leap, trained by L. O’Sullivan and A.Scott, produced a big run in the BRC Sprint coming from Barrier 20

Then we have the ex-New Zealand filly, Ruthless Dame, prepared by two of the best in the business in Ciaron Maher and David Eustace.

She had seven runs before winning the Robert Sangster Stakes over 1200 metres at Morphettville in brilliant fashion. This took her record to three wins, a second and a third.

In the Sangster, she just came from the clouds out wide, in the straight with John Allen aboard, to win in great style. If she can produce the Sangster form, she is going to be right in this.

The Gai Waterhouse-Arian Bott trained Hawaii Five Oh was impressive winning the Hawkesbury Guineas over this distance on April 22. Prior to that he just got beaten after missing the start.

The Victorian galloper, A Case of You, an Irish bred five-year-old. appeared out of his class, when matched with some of the best sprinters in Australia in the Victory Stakes at Eagle Farm over 1200 metres on April 29.

Now prepared by two top Victorian trainers, Mick Price and Mick Kent Junior, he will improve quickly.

Before that he ran a reasonable fifth in the

Young breeders

■ Thoroughbred Breeders Australia have announced the creation of a new group for young people in the industry, the next BA Crop . The Group is being created with the aim of providing those aged 36 and under, with the chance to network with their peers in the Industry, as well as the opportunity to continue professional development and education.

Entry will be open to anyone who has an interest in breeding, and will provide access to a number of exclusive events.

“The Board of the TBA believe there is a chance to create a network where young people who are already in the industry, or those who may be interested in taking part, can meet,” said TBA Chief Executive, Tom Reilly.

Ridden by Jordan Childs, he lumped 60 kilos to beat a good field and has now won six times with six minor placings from 20 starts, being by top sprint sire, Choisir.

He has since added to his good record, with a slashing third in the BRC Sprint at Doomben on May 20.

He is right in this, and will be right there when the whips are cracking.

Down to Far to Easy, prepared by David McColm at Murwillumbah, he has ability as shown, when he beat a smart field over 1110 metres at Doomben.

He drew out in the park, racing out of barrier 15, but proved too good for them.

Down to a good Sydneysider in Vilana, a recent winner at Randwick, He carried 58 kilos to get home from Waihaha Falls and Key Lago.

“There will be three key elements to the Next Crop ; meet, grow and lead. We want to develop a forum for like-minded young people to meet and develop their networks; to access learning and training opportunities so they feel they are continuing their own personal development, and also to have an input on the future of the thoroughbred industry through this group.

“TBA aims to have a chapter of Next Crop in each state, which will then feed into a National Leadership Committee membership which will be free, with TBA making a contribution to the group’s activities.

TBA has brought many young people into the industry through its national traineeship program, Fast Track, and this has given the organisation, an understanding of some of the issues faced by those early in their careers.

Anyone wishing to become a member of Next Crop can register their interest at www.tbaus.com or, if they are attending the Magic Millions Mare Sale, speak to a member of the TBA team at their marquee.

Or if you wish, ring the Chief Executive, Tom Reilly, on 0423 146 334.

- Ted Ryan

● ● James Cummings. Brett Holburt/Racing Photos.

William Reid Stakes at Moonee Valley. The Graeme Begg trained, Cardinal Gem, has ability as shown when he made it two on end in winning Anniversary Vase over 1400 metres at Sandown Hillside back on April 29.

The DOJ is Destroying Presumption of Innocence Through Miles Guo, Others

How the DOJ, FBI and SDNY are reviving trial by ordeal

George Santos was arrested Wednesd ay, May 10 by the Department of Just ice (DOJ) and charged with seven counts of wire fraud, three counts of money laundering, one count of theft of public funds and two counts of lying on congressional financial forms.

Obviously, he’s guilty, right?

Not so fast …

Presumed Innocence is Foundational

The presumption of innocence is enshrined in common law systems going back to the Code of Hammurabi. This legal maxim applies to anyone charged with a crime, ensuring that the defendant is treated as innocent until they are proven guilty “beyond a reasonable doubt” in a court of law. Prosecutors must prove a defendant’s guilt rather than a defendant having to prove their innocence.

In other words, no one is obliged to go t o court to prove they’re innocent. Rather, they have the opportunity to d ismantle the prosecution’s allegat ions—they are even entitled to any exculpatory evidence the prosecution may have.

The presumption of innocence is a fundamental right recognized in various documents like The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, the Fifth, Sixth, and Fourt eenth Amendments of the United States Constitution.

E nglish Common Law—from which U.S. law was birthed—swung from a presumption of guilt to the fundamental principle that one is considered innocent until proven guilty in the 19th Century. While trial by jury was established in 1219 by King Henry III, trial b y combat remained an option in English law until 1819.

Trial by Ordeal

In medieval times, trial by ordeal was common.

According to Harvard Law School Professor, Elizabeth Papp Kamali, “It’s referred to as the judicium Dei, the judgment of God.

The two methods used most typically

person would be dunked into a cistern. If they sank, they would be declared innocent, because the water had accepted them. If they floated, they would be declared guilty. In trial by hot iron, the priest would heat an iron, and at the appropriate point in the service, the accused would grasp the hot iron, walk a certain number of paces, and put it back down. The hand would be bandaged, and then three days later, the hand would be examined to see, not if the person had been burned or not burned, but whether the hand was healing or festering. If the hand appeared to be festering, they would be pronounced guilty. And if the hand seemed to be healing, they would be pronounced innocent.”

The U.S. Constitution enshrined the finest Justice System of its time, providing a model for the world to this day:

“No State shall…deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws” (Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution, Section 1).

“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defence” (Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution).

Standard jury instructions state that

“In every criminal proceeding a defendant has the absolute right to remain silent…at no time do defendants have a duty to prove their innocence…from the exercise of a defendant’s right to remain silent, a jury is not permitted to draw any inference of guilty, and the fact that a defendant did not take the witness stand must not influence your verdict in any manner whatsoever.”

So, why, after hundreds if not thousands of years of legal precedent and worldwide acknowledgement of this foundational right is presumption of innocence dying in the “City on a Hill?”

Once a beacon of hope for a world riddled by injustice and corruption, America has regressed because the U.S. Department of Justice is broken and corrupted.

Our society has a new system of “trial by ordeal,” but instead of fire and water, guilt is pronounced by the priests of the Legacy Media and social media mobs.

“How Americans Know Trump is Guilty,” a 2021 CNN article headline read. Okay, CNN, we don’t just “presume,” we KNOW. Why have courts at all?

This presumption of guilt is paired with selective enforcement and “protection” of the current regime’s criminals. The FBI lied to the American people and to Congress about Hunter’s laptop to shield him from prosecution and influence the 2020 election; they are ignoring the mounting evidence against “the big guy,” Joe Biden. But they’re going after Donald Trump, Miles Guo, and George Santos with a vengeance because they don’t have the “acceptable” politics.

And the Media is complicit in this as the mouthpiece of this corruption.

Mother Jones Magazine is one of the most destructive, puerile publications eroding the principle of presumed innocence. Senior reporter, Dan Friedman, who doesn’t bother with objective reporting (and who has ties to the Chinese Communist Party) has a long history of targeting anti-CCP dissidents, published an article suspiciously quickly after the indictment of George Santos—which “coincidentally” occurred on the day James Comer and the House Oversight and Accountability Committee revealed a trove of influence peddling against Joe Biden. It was also immediately following Santos’ support of Chinese Whistleblower icon, Miles Guo, who is still being held without bail by the Southern District of New York and DOJ, both increasingly criticized for prosecutorial misconduct.

Besides likening Mr. Guo to Santos and labeling him a “fraudster” and “definite liar” Friedman also wrote, “Santos showed up Friday…to back Guo suporters’ kooky conspiracy theory that their leader has been framed by the FBI at the behest of the Chinese Communist Party.”

Santos has the right to the presumption of innocence until he gets his day in court—no matter how Friedman or anyone else feels about it. Comparing Guo to Santos is a classic False Equivalence fallacy (also known as comparing apples to oranges). It is also a breathtaking demonstration of the Genetic Fallacy, whereby Friedman assumes that because Santos is facing charges, Guo must be guilty.

Don’t American Media programs teach basic logic anymore?

Utah Senator Mitt Romney had the coup de grâce, however with his recent comments regarding Santos. “I think the wheels of justice grind slow,” he stated, “but they grind fine.” Right, Mitt, they grind people into dust before they ever see the light of a courtroom.

House Republican leaders Kevin McCarthy and Steve Scalise opted to respect centuries of judicial tradition, saying Santos deserved a presumption of innocence until proven guilty.

It is not my job as a journalist to comment on whether or not Santos is innocent, but I sure as hell am not going to assume he’s guilty until he is able to avail himself of the protections afforded by what used to be—and must become again—the most advanced system of justice the world has known.

The corrupt DOJ and SDNY, as governmental agencies, do not enjoy the presumption of innocence, however. Their misconduct and abuse is rampant and traceable, and the House must investigate them deeply, particularly in regards to their treatment of Guo and the Chinese Whistleblowers.

“Not even Rep. Jim Jordan—the Ohio right-winger leading the House’s ‘Select Subcommittee on the Weaponization of the Federal Government’—has taken that bait,” boasts Friedman, “at least so far.”

Jim Jordan, that sounds like a challenge. Look into it, and let’s restore true justice to the land.

Kelly John Walker is an American statesman, writer, branding professional, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of FreedomTalk , host o f FreedomTalk TV, and a freelance writer.

Chinese Communist Party’s Infiltration of DOJ and CIA Exposed in Light of Guo Wengui/ Miles Guo Prosecution

Chinese espionage poses a significant and growing threat to the United States, encompassing various activities aimed at obtaining classified information, intellectual property, and technological advancements. This threat is multifaceted and encompasses both traditional espionage methods and emerging cyber espionage techniques.

The media often focuses on the economic threat that CCP espionage faces, primarily through IP theft, which costs the U.S. hundreds of billions of dollars per year. But the consequences of Chinese espionage for the United States are more far-reaching than that, as the C CP has already infiltrated America’s intelligence apparatus.

Just scrolling through the headlines in the past few years reveals countless cases of FBI and CIA employees being arrested for helping the CCP.

Consider just the following cases

● August 2, 2016: FBI employee pleads guilty to acting as agent of China. He admitted that on several occasions he passed on sensitive i nformation to China.

● January 20, 2017: Former FBI employee sentenced to 24 months in prison for providing sensitive information to China.

● May 17, 2019: Former CIA officer sentenced to 20 years and then 5 years supervised release for

● July 10, 2019: Former State Department employee is sentenced to 40 months in prison for concealing her interactions with two Chinese intelligence agents.

● August 17, 2020: Former CIA and FBI official charged with selling classified U.S. secrets to China.

● July 07, 2022: A federal grand jury indicts a current U.S. Department of Homeland Security agent and a former agent in connection with an alleged Chinese government-sponsored scheme to target the CCP’s critics.

● November 22, 2019: Former CIA officer sentenced to 19 years for conspiring to deliver classified information to China

And that’s just a sampling of the headlines.

The CCP’s infiltration of the FBI and CIA cannot be overlooked in context of the persecution of Guo Wengui (also known as Miles Guo), the anti-CCP dissident who sought asylum in the U.S. after fleeing China, where he faces imprisonment or death. The DOJ brought bogus charges against Guo in March, and he’s been held without bail since March 15th, which is

unprecedented in New York.

One method China employs is pressuring foreign governments to extradite individuals who are critical of the Chinese regime, often on dubious charges.

Among those who’ve tried to get Guo deported back to China include former DOJ attorney George Higginbotham, who was instrumental to a $100 million criminal conspiracy financed by alleged mega-fraudster Jho Low to advance that goal. Despite engaging in illegal lobbying, Higginbotham faced no jail time for this scheme, and was given a lenient plea deal while another man widely believed to be the DOJ’s “fall guy” was convicted instead.

Guo is public enemy number one to the CCP , which was further confirmed back in March when a number of arrests were made of those operating Chinese police stations on U.S. soil. In addition to two men charged in running one of those police stations in New York, dozens of men were also arrested and charged in connection to running an elite task force called the “912 Special Group.” The 912 Group is named after September 12th, the day that Guo filed for asylum in the U.S. after fleeing CCP persecution.

The 912 Group is part of a larger 912 Project that includes Ministry

of Public Security (MPS) officers from Bejing’s Municipal Public Security Bureau working in a “Command Group,” “Comprehensible Material Group,” and “Assessment Group.” This includes MPS officers from the National Security Police, the Political Security Protection Bureau - the CCP’s secret police that are mandated to suppress political dissent and criticism of the CCP , Criminal Investigations Bureau, and Internet Security Bureau. The group also receives taskings directly from MPS headquarters.

Without question, this is an extremely extensive operation that goes all the way up to the CCP’s equivalent of the CIA, and it has the central mission of stopping Guo.

It is important to recognize that the use of lawfare and infiltration by China is not only a domestic concern but also has implications for the rule of law and human rights globally. By manipulating legal systems and suppressing criticism, China undermines the principles of justice, freedom of expression, and the protection of human rights.

It’s long overdue that we drain the swamp once and for all – and one of the easiest ways to identify even more corrupt players within our institutions will be to investigate the coordinated persecution of Guo.

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SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

■ Victorian Amatuer Football Association. Premier Men’s. Old Scotch 16.12 (108) d Old Brighton 8.12 (60). University Blues 17.15 (117) d Caulfield Grammarians

8.11 (59). Collegians 1`7.18 (120) d St Kevins 8.7 (55). University Blacks 15.10 (100) d Old Xavierians 12.7 (79). Old Melburnians

20.11 (131) d Old Haileybury 14.14 (98).

Premier Men’s Reserves. Old Scotch

8.8 (56) d Old Brighton 5.5 (35). University

Blues 18.19 (127) d Caulfield Grammarians

3.4 (22). St Kevins 15.11 (101) d Collegians

5.6 (36). Old Xavierians 20.12 (132) d Old Haileybury 5.2 (32).

Premier B Men’s. Old Tribity 10.10 (70) d St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 10.8 (68). AJAX

15.19 (109) d Monash Blues 16.7 (103). De La Salle 14.13 (987) d Williamstown CYMS

13.8 (86). Fitzroy 15.14 (104) d Beaumaris

9.8 (62). St Bernards 13.10 (88) d Old Geelong 3.5 (23).

Premier B Men’s Reserves. Fitzroy

12.15 (87) d Beaumaris 4.4 (28). Old Trinity

12.19 91) d St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 3.11 (29). AJAX 16.16 (112) d Monash Blues 7.10 (52). Williamstown CYMS 5.8 (44) d De La Salle 3.3 (21). St Bernards 10.8 (68) d Old

Geelong 6.3 (39).

Premier C Men’s. Old Carey 14.6 (90) drew with PEGS 13.12 (90). Mazenod OC

5.12 (42) d Parkdale Vultures 3.8 (26). Old

Ivanhoe Grammarians 18.9 (117) d Hampton Rovers 9.8 (62). Old Camberwell Grammarians 11.5 (71) d Ormond 5.9 (39). Marcellin

OC: Bye.

C Men’s Reserves. Old Caery 14.15 (99)

d PEGS 5.5 (35). Mazenod OC 11.10 (76) d Parkdale Vultures 6.4 (40). Old Ivanhoe Grammarians 21.15 (141) d Hampton Rovers 2.3 (15). Ormond 9.7 (61) d Old Camberwell

Grammarians 10.4 (64). Marcellin: OC.

Division 1 Men’s. Old Peninsula 8.9 (57)

d Therry Penola 8.7 (55). Glen Eira 16.9 (105)

d Oakleigh 8.18 (66).UHS-VU `16.12 (108)

d West Brunswick 12.6 (78). Prahran 10.13 (73) d Kew 10.11 (71). Ivanhoe 13.13 (91)

d Preston Bullants 12.10 (2).

Division 1 Men’s Reserves. Therry

Penola 17.8 (110) d Old Peninsula 6.6 (42).

Glen Eira 6.16 (52) d Oakleigh 5.5 (35). West

Brunswick 10.7 (67) d UHS-VU 7.9 (51). Kew

8.13 (61) d Prahran 6.10 (46). Preston

Bullants 13.17 (95) d Ivanhoe 6.10 (46).

Division 2 Men’s. Parkside 19.9 (123) d

Aquinas 8.12 (60). Old Yarra Cobras 19.11 (125) d St Mary’s Salesian 14.7 (91). Old

Paradians 19.12 (126) d Whitefriars 9.10 (64). South Melbourne Districts 24.18 (162)

d Bulleen Templestowe 5.5 (35). Brunswick

12.8 (80) d MHSOB 9.17 (71).

Division 2 Men’s Reserves. Parkside

4.11 (35) d Aquinas 4.1 (25). St Mary’s

Salesian 16.11 (107) d Old Yarra Cobras 11.8 (74). Old Paradians 6.12 (48) d Whitefriars

5.5 (35). South Melbourne Districts 25.21 (171) d Bulleen Templestowe 4.3 (27).

MHSOB 10.11 (71) d Brunswick 6.4 (40).

Division 3 Men’s. WattlePark 14.5 (89) d Elsternwick 9.8 (62). Canterbury 27.12 (174) d Richmond Central 7.10 (52). Swinburne University 12.15 (87) d Power House 7.8 (50). Hawthorn 16.12 (108) d La Trobe University 6.8 (44).

Division 3 Men’s Reserves. Elsternwick

9.5 (59) d Wattle Park 9.13 (67). Power House 11.17 (83) d Swinburne University 2.4 (16). Hawthorn 12.13 (85) d La Trobe University 5.8 (38). Richmond Central 14.6 (90) d Canterbury 7.5 (47).

Division 4 Men’s. North Brunswick 23.16 (154) d Masala 10.4 (64). Box Hill North

14.18 (102) d Albert Park 6.14 (50). St Johns

10.6 (66) d Eley Park 8.11 (59).

Division 4 Men’s Reserves. North Brunswick 20.14 (134) d Masala 4.2 (26). Box Hill North 13.18 (96) d Albert Park 4.12 (26). St Johns 10.14 (74) d Eley Park 9.8 (62).

■ Esatern Football League. Premier Division. Balwyn 15.4 (94) d Park Orchards

10.12 (72). Berwick 8.8 (56) d South Croydon

7.10 (52). Blackburn 21.16 (142) d Donvaster

4.7 (31). Norwood 9.7 (61) d East Ringwood

6.12 (42). Vermont 15.7 (97) d Noble Park

10.3 (63). Rowville 16.11 (107) d Doncaster East 6.14 (50).

Division 1. South Belgrave 14.12 (96) d Mooroolbark 12.8 (80). Mutcham 12.3 (85)

d Croydon 8.11 (59). Montrose 12.10 (82) d

Beaconsfield 5.5 (35). North Ringwood 5.13 (43) d Bayswater 6.6 (42). Wantirna South

18.11 (119) d Lilydale 12.9 (81).

Division 2. Templestowe 13.12 (90) d East

Burwood 8.9 (57). Heathmont 13.8 (86) d

The Basin 6.5 (41). Mulgrave 24.10 (154) d

Upper Ferntree Gully 9.7 (61). Waverley Blues

23.13 (151) d Knox 9.8 (62). Ringwood 7.9

(51) d Boronia 6.14 (50).

Division 3. Ferntree Hully 19.15 (129) d

Coldstream 6.4 (40). Donvale 13.19 997) d

Fairpark 10.14 (74). Silvan 15.13 (103) d

Oakleigh District 7.8 (50). Warrandyte 10.16

(76) d Whitehorse Pioneers 9.13 (67).

Division 4. Forest Hill 21.12 (138) d

Chirnside Park 7.9 (51). Scoresby 25.17 (167)

d Croydon North MLOC 4.6 (30). Surrey Park

24.13 (157) d Nunawading 16.8 (104).

Kilsyth: Bye.

■ Essendon District Football League.

Premier Division. East Keilor 14.10 (94) d

Avondale Heights 6.6 (42). Airport West 16.12

(108) d Aberfeldie 11.7 (71). Keilor 20.13

(133) d Greenvale 10.9 (69). Maribyrnong Park 15.15 (105) d Essendon Doutta Stars

8.5 (53). Pascoe Vale 11.10 (76) d Strathmore 9.14 (68).

Division 1. Craigieburn 19.10 (124) d

Westmeadows 12.9 (81). Deer Park 15.14

(104) d Hillside 11.12 (78). West Coburg

14.15 (99) d Keilor Park 7.10 (52). Roxburgh Park 8.17 (65) d Tullamarine 8.8 (56). Moonee Valley 27.15 (177) d Glenroy 7.9 (51). St Albans 10.8 (68) d Rupertswood 9.10 (64).

Division 2. Northern Saints 15.17 (107)

d Oak Park 12.9 (81). Sunbury Kangaroos

21.13 (139) d East Sunbury 4.12 (36). Taylors

Lakes 17.9 (111) d Coburg Districts 13.9 (87).

Burnside Heights 11.9 (75) d Hadfield 6.10 (46).

■ Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League. Division 1 Seniors. Frankston

Bombe4rs 11.10 (76) d Red Hill 9.8 (62).

Bonbeach 16.12 (108) d Sorrento 16.4 (100).

Dromana 13.12 (90) d Pines 4.7 (31).

Frankston YCW 18.5 (113) d Mt Eliza 14.8

(92). Rosebud 10.9 (69) d Langwarrin 8.14 (62).

Division 2 Seniors. Chelsea 13.17 (95)

d Tyabb 9.8 (62). Edithvale-Aspendale 19.15

(129) d Crib Point 9.5 (59). Somerville 12.15

(87) d Hastings 6.14 (50). Karingal 8.9 (57)

d Pearcedale 7.9 (51). Mornington 26.15

(171) d Seaford 13.9 (87). Devon Meadows

18.7 (115) d Rye 9.9 (63).

■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Bundoora 15.22 (112) d Hurstbridge 9.5 (59). Banyule 18.12 (120) d

Whittlesea 6.11 (47). Heidelberg 22.14 (146)

d Macleod 14.7 (91). North Heidelberg 19.12

(126) d Greensborough 11.3 (69). Montmorency 15.6 (96) d West Preston-Lakeside 19.12

(126).

Division 1 Reserves. Banyule 17.12

(114) d Whittlesea 5.3 (33). Hurstbridge 19.9

(123) d Bundoora 9.10 (64). Heidelberg 25.19

(169) d Macleod 1.4 (10). Greensborough

19.14 (128) d North Heidelberg 12.5 (77).

Montmorency 12.8 (80) d West PrestonLakeside 9.9 (60).

Division 1 Under 19.5. Banyule 13.13

(91) d Montmorency 5.1 (31). Greensborough 1 17.17 (119) d Eltham 10.4 (64). West Preston-Lakeside 16.11 (107) d Bundoora 7.4

(46). Heidelberg 8.17 (65) d North Heidelberg 3.7 (25).

Division 2 Seniors. Thomastown 16.10

(106) dre with Panton Hill 15.16 (106). South Morang 14.9 (93) d Northcote Park 7.10 (52).

Eltham 10.11 (71) d Watsonia 9.4 (58). Diamond Creek 11.12 (78) d St Mary’s 5.5 (35).

Epping 15.13 (103) d Lower Plenty 9.6 (60).

Division 2 Reserves. Thomastown 12.6

(78) d Panton Hill 10.14 (74). South Morang

14.20 (104) d Northcote Park 4.8 (32).

8.15 (63) d Watsonia 7.7 (49). Laurimar 17.14 (116) d Lower Plenty 7.7 (49). St Mary’s 11.21 (87) d South Morang 5.5 (35).

Division 3 Seniors. Fitzroy Stars 21.18 (144) d Reservoir 3.7 (25). Mernda 14.0 (84)

d Heidelberg West 8.14 (62). Kilmore 29.22 (196) d Lalor 1.5 (11). Kinglake 10.12 (72) d

Laurimar 5.12 (42). Old Eltham Collegians: Bye.

Division 3 Reserves. Fitzroy Stars 25.14 (164) d Reservoir 1.1 (7). Mernda 12.7 (79)

d Heidelberg West 7.8 (50). Kilmore 21.10 (136) d Lalor 3.2 (20). Laurimar 20.11 (131)

d Kinglake 7.4 (40). Old Eltham Collegians: Bye.

Division 3 Under 19.5. Panton Hill v Kilmore. Greensborough 2 14.11 (95) d Hurstbridge 11.9 (75). Thomastown 10.17 (77) d

Macelod 9.7 (61). Mernda 8.11 (59) d

Banyule/Heidelberg West 6.5 (41).

■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Gembrook-Cockatoo 11.11 (77) d Woori

Yallock 10.14 (74). Wandin 13.17 (95) d

Pakenham 6.10 (46). Monbulk 11.8 (74) d

Mt Evelyn 8.16 (64). Narre Warren 26.14 (170) d Olinda-Ferny Creek 3.7 (25). UpweyTecoma: Bye.

Premier Division Reserves. GembrookCockatoo 16.6 (102) d Woori Yallock 8.7 (55).

Wandin 6.10 (46) d Pakenham 5.3 (33). Mt

Evelyn 8.3 (51) d Monbulk 6.10 (46z). Narre

Warren 8.7 (55) d Olinda-Ferny Creek 0.3 (3).

Upwey-Tecoma: Bye.

Division 1 Seniors. Hallam v Healesville. Officer 15.12 (102) d Belgrave 5.12 (42). Berwick Springs 11.3 (69) d Seville 6.10 (46).

Emerald: Bye.

Division 1 Reserves. Hallam v Healesville. Officer v Belgrave. Berwick Springs 6.8 (44) d Seville 2.7 (19). Emerald: Bye.

Division 2 Seniors. Alexandra 11.16 (82) d Yarra glen 8.9 (57). Powelltown 23.17 (155) d Yarra Junction 13.8 (86). Warburton-Millgrove 27.11 (173) d Broadford 5.7 (37).

Division 2 Reserves. Alexandra 21.15 (141) d Yarra Glen 0.4 (4). Powelltown 11.14 (80) d Yarra Junction 3.5 (23). WarburtonMillgrove 18.22 (130) d Broadford 3.4 (22).

Under 19 Boys. Narre Warren 22.9 (141) d Seville 3.6 (24). Woori Yallock 8.13 (61) d Mt Evelyn 5.10 (40). Upwey-Tecoma 8.8 (56)

d Monbulk 5.3 (33). Officer 11.9 (75) d Emerald 3.5 (23). Wandin: Bye. ■ Southern Football League. Division 1 Seniors. Cheltenham 17.13 (115) d Mordialloc 13.6 (84). Cranbourne Eagles 14.14 (98) d Spring-vale Districts 5.5 (35). St Paul’s McKinnon 8.20 (68) d Port Melbourne Colts 8.12 (60). Dingley 17.22 (124) d Cheslea Heights 9.6 (60). Bentleigh 17.13 (115) d St Kilda City 17.10 (112).

Division 2 Seniors. Hampton Park 19.17 (131) d Skye 15.10 (100). East Malvern 20.17 (137) d Black Rock 5.8 (38). Easrt Brighton 10.6 (66) d Keysborough 3.2 (20). East Malvern 20.17 (137) d Doveton Doves 15.9 (99). Murrumbeena 20.16 (136) d Highett

11.15 (81).

Division 3 Seniors. Endeavour Hills 14.6 (90) d Frankston Dolphins 9.11 (65). Ashwood

15.14 (104) d Heatherton 11.12 (78). Lyndhurst 14.14 (98) d Narre South Saints 4.3 (27). Carrum Patterson Lakes 18.16 (124) d Clayton 2.5 (17).

Division 4 Seniors. South Mornington 40.17 (257) d South Yarra 3.3 (21). Lyndale 16.8 (104) d Hampton 16.10 (106). Dandenong 1.0 (6) d Moorabbin Kangaroos 0.0 (0). Doveton Eagles: Bye.

■ Western Region Football League. Division 1 Seniors. Altona 13.16 (94) d Point Cook Centrals 5.5 (35). Werribee Districts

18.14 (122) d Caroline Springs 7.10 (52). Point Cook 5.14 (44) d Spotswood 6.5 (41). Yarraville Seddon Eagles 13.14 (92) d Hoppers Crossing 5.11 (41).

Division 2 Seniors. Parkside 13.10 (88)

d Albion 8.7 (55). Newport 15.9 (99) d Wyndhamvale 6.8 (44). Sunshine 16.12 (118) d North Footscray 5.7 (37). Braybrook: Bye.

Division 3 Seniors. Alabnavle 19.13 (127) d Laverton 7.4 (46). West Footscray 20.18 (138) d North Sunshine 2.4 (16). Sunshine Heights 11.8 (74) d Suns 8.3 (51). Tarneit: Bye.

Your Stars with

Kerry Kulkens

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.26.34.40.44. There could be family friction and you could be getting the blame. The hard work you have been putting in lately will gain recognition. Stay clear of arguments with authority figures.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.36.39.

Some of you are going to make major changes soon and anything well planned will work. Prestige could be yours if you can impress the right people with your thoroughness and expertise.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 1.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.24.40.22.

Tenacity and ambition will gain during this period your ideas should produce. Your ideas will need to be smart enough to keep one jump ahead of the operation.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 5.3.6.9.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.8.33.

A tense period and you could be put to the test to sort out problems for others. Listen to both sides before making any decisions. Romance could be highlighted and your head could be in the clouds.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1.3.5.9.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.29.34.8.11.

If you wish to create an impression or show affection to someone is subtle an extravagant streak needs stifling. Your judgment could be poor and your confidence misplaced.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 2.6.3.2.

Lotto Numbers: 2.15.24.410.33.36.

Your business ability should not be in doubt but some tendency to be restless and lacking in confidence. Stick to your plans and ambitions and do not let anyone throw cold water on your ideas.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Fawn

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.2.

Try not to interfere with anyone’s ideas even if you think yours are superior. Romance should be favorable and could occupy your attention almost exclusively.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.3.2.

Lotto numbers: 5.12.24.44.1.22.

Obstinancy may cause some difficulties and needless tension if something annoys you forget about it. You can charm when you want to keep authority figures on your side.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Dark Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing N umbers: 5.6.2.3.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.40.22.

An excellent period ahead and romance could play a starring role not a minute to be wasted. Moderation is necessary when dealing with financial affairs don’t spend what you haven’t got.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 8.9.6.2.

Lotto Numbers: 8.15.26.34.40.22

Your mood could be restless and inconsistent unwise to attempt anything that calls for heavy concentration. Routine could be the best bet during this period and most things will fall into place.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1.6.2.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.34.40.22.

For some the forming of long lasting romantic ties is indicated. You should be in a good humour. However, your judgement may be unpredictable. For many an ambiton could be realized.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1.6.5.2.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.24.40.33.36.

Exaggretation could be something you might have to control a restless mood could prevail. But there should be nothing you cannot sort out with a little care and diplomacy

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

AQUARIUM. Large. 210ltr. 141 cm long x 31.5cm wide x 72cm high on a solid pine table, made to measure. Used Cond. $130. Whittlesea. 0421 521 320.T-AA

BED. Plega Electric Adjustable QS. Inner spring and latex mattress used by one person for only two weeks. As new. $1200 ONO. Bayswater. 9729 7875. T-AA

BEDROOM SUITE. Near new. QS Bed, large dressing table, bedside tables. Toorak. 0412 728 133. F-I

BELT AND DISC SANDER. FC. $25. Greensborough. 0406 939 273.O-R

BIKE. 28”. Shogun Metras. Extended handles. Comfort seat plus helmet. Bottle holder. As new. $300. Mornington. 0409 511 329. T-AA

BOAT. 3.6m. Savage Kestrel, three seat, Dunbier trailer with spare wheel, 15HP , Suzuki outboard, 30 hrs, registered all safety gear, two fuel tanks, tonneau cover. EC. $4500. Flowerdale. 0411 577 050.L-O

LOST. Missing kitten Bella. If you find her please call Susanna on 0439 305 655. She is microchipped. Missing from Grimshaw St Greensborough.

BRICKLAYER’S SCAFFOLDING. Long pipes and planks. Various sizes. Single and double clips. VGC. Best Offer. Cheltenham. 0438 533 123. T-AA

CANE LOUNGE, Table, Chair, Sofa, Cushions. Never used. EC. $450. Frankston. 0488 062 837.O-R

CLOTHING. Concert and custom. Clearance. Music and Movie Memorabilia. ACDC, Pink Floyd, Billy Eilish, Kiss, U2, Guns and Roses, Billy Joel, Dua Lipa,. Elton John, Rod Stewart, Harry Styles, Ed Sheeren, INXS, Kraftwerk, Pink, Midnight Oil, Pantera, Black Sabbath, Deep Purple, Kate Bush, Iron Maiden, Alien, LOTR, Blade Runner, Ice cube and more. VGC. $30-$100. Cheltenham. 0401 623 388O-R

CURTAIN RAILS. Cord drawn. Heavy Duty Brown. 2 x 282cm long. 1 x 191cm long, non-adjustable with brackets. Selling as a bundle. Used Cond. $30. Whittlesea. 0421 521 320.T-AA

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 801 928 L-O

ENCYCLOPEDI A

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

CLOTHES. Boys. Approx. 200 pieces. New and as new. Age 0-14. Ex Op Shop stock. Excellent for market. VGC. $50 the lot. Tullamarine. 0417 999 224.J-M 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

COLLECTORS. Shelby Lane Bear, ‘Bridget’, $50. Rubik’s Cube, 1982 instruction book, $40. Frigidaire steel door handle, $25. Skippy Bush Kangaroo book, $35. Bone China cup/saucers, 9, $20 each. Disability scooter, hardtop canopy, under 1 yr, other extras, $2900. Alexandra., 0419 445 697.L-O

FORD. 93 XF Panel Van. VIN 6FPAAAJGCMPM. 77,320. Fair Cond. $1500. St Alabns. 0481 213 471.T-AA

Diana Trask: Memories Are Made Of This

A great CD by one of Australia’s popular singers $20 including postage

Diana Trask was one of the first popular Australian singers to be successful in the USA but soon after many others followed: Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton-John and in recent times Keith Urban. Diana's success began on the Sing Along with Mitch TV Show from New York. Coming back to Australia she had a national hit TV show The Di Trask Show.

Dear Friends, I am so happy and excited to have my CD “Memories Are Made of This” made available to you through The Local Paper. I trust you will enjoy hearing this great selection of wonderful songs I sang on “The Di Trask Show” all those years ago. With love, Diana

1. Memories Are Made of This

2. Unforgettable

3. Alley Cat

4. Que Sera Sera

5. Heather on the Hill

6. Half as Much

7. All or Nothing at All

8. Auf Wiedershen

9. Green Eyes

10. Blues in the Night

11. Hello Young Lovers

12. To the Ends of the Earth

13. Days of Wine and Roses

14. Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

15. Goodnight Irene

16. Comes Love

BABY GRAND PIANO. beautifully maintained and cared for by piano teacher for 25 years. Needs a loving home due to retirement of piano teacher. Regularly tuned and inspection is most welcome. VGC. $10,000. Glen Waverley. 0409 014 377

DOUBLE WINS FOR ALEX. TEAMS

Scoreboard

Women’s Football

■ Outer East. Division 1. Upwey-Tecoma

2.10 (22) d Olinda-Ferny Creek 0.0 (0).

Healesville 17.22 (124) d Monbulk 0.0 (0).

Pakenham 4.9 (33) d Berwick Springs 2.5 (17).

Division 2. Belgrave 8.4 (52) d Hallam

2.4 (16). Yarra Junction 8.10 (46) d

Thornton-Eildon 0.3 (3). Wandin 6.6 (42) d

Seville 5.5 (35).

Division 3. Montmorency 1 6.6 (42) d

Eltham 3.2 (20). Diamond Creek Women’s

1 10.8 (68) d West Preston Lakeside 1 3.3 (21). Banyule 2.10 (22) d Darebin Women’s

1 1.5 (11).

■ Northern Football Netball League.

Division 1. Montmorency 1 6.6 (47) d

Eltham 3.2 (20). Diamond Creek Womens

1 10.8 (68) d West Preston Lakeside 3.3 (21). Banyule 2.10 (22) d Darebin Womens

1 1.5 (11).

Division 2. Heidelberg 13.16 (94) d

Hurstbridge 1.0 (6). Greensborough 3.5 (23)

d Whittlesea 2.5 (17). St Mary’s 5.3 (33)

d Fitzroy Stars 5.1 (31).

Division 3. Heidelberg West 13.16 (94)

d West Preston Lakeside 2 0.0 (0). Darebin Womens 2 4.8 (32) d Laurimar 0.0 (0).

Wandin 3.9 (27) d Diamond Creek Women’s 0.0 (0). Montmorency 2 6.11 (47) d North Heidelberg 1.1 (7).

Goulburn Murray Junior Football

■ Seymour Under 12. Wandong 4.5 (29) d Alexandra 3.9 (27). Broadford 6.3 (39) drew with Tabilk 5.9 (39). St Mary’s v Yea.

Under 14 Seymour. Alexandra 9.11 (65) d Wandong 1.1 (7). Tabilk 8.15 (63) d Broadford 2.2 (14). Yea 10.7 (67) d St Mary’s

3.4 (22).

Under 16 2. Seymour 9.17 (71) d Maoma 2.3 (15). Leitchville-Gonbower 11.6 (72) d Shepparton United 8.11 (59). Alexandra 6.213 (49) d Euroa 1.6 (12). Tatura: Bye.

Country Leagues

■ Goulburn Valley Football L eague. Seniors. Mooroopna 17.9 (111) d Benalla

8.5 (53). Shepparton 10.11 (71) d

Shepparton Swans 7.9 (51). Kyabram 12.11 (83) d Seymour 12.10 (82). Mansfield

11.14 (80) d Rochedster 4.6 (30). Euroa

11.8 (74) d Tatura 6.8 (44). Echuca 22.5 (137) d Shepparton United 5.6 (36).

Reserves. Mooroopna 23.20 (158) d

Benalla 9.1 (55). Shepparton Swans 5.13 (43) d Shepparton 4.7 (31). Seymour 9.10

(64) d Kyabram 2,.6 (18). Mansfield 9.8 (62) d Rochester 2.8 (20). Euroa 15.11 (101) d Tatura 2.4 (16). Shepparton Unitedd

11.7 (73) d Echuca 7.10 (52).

■ Kyabram District Football League. Seniors. Merrigum v Rushworth. Murchison-Toolama 20.17 (137) d Undera 3.3 (21). Nagambie 18.24 (132) d Girgarre 4.3 (27). Longwood 21.14 (140) d Violet Town

6.8 (44). Stanhope 18.17 (125) d Avenel

5.8 (38). Lancaster 15.11 -101) d Dookie united 10.11 (71). Shepparton East 9.22 (76) d Tallygaroopna 6.4 (40).

Reserves. Merrigum 18.,8 (116) d Rushworth 1.6 (12). Murchison-Toolanba

12.15 (87) d Undera 2.1 (13). Nagambie

12.12 (84) d Girgarre 0.4 (4). Longwood

9.9 (63) d Violet Town 5.13 (43). Stanhope

10.4 (64) d Avenel 3.5 (23). Lancaster 11.7 (73) d Dookie United 3.5 (23). Shepparton East 16.10 (106) d Tallygaroopna 5.9 (39).

■ Riddell District Football League. Seniors. Melton Centrals 8.7 (55) d Riddell

7.12 (54). Diggers Rest 10.14 (74) d Wallan

8.5 (53). Woodend-Hesket 10.18 (78) d Macedon 8.8 (56). Romsey 15.6 (96) d Lancefield 9,.8 (62). Western Rams: Bye.

■ The Outer East League 2023 season Round 6 saw the Rebels host Yarra Glen for twogames of football and three games of netball.

A good crowd came along to enjoy the Clubhospitality including a number of past players who managed to reminisce on previous achievements.

Reserves

The Reserves were looking to rebound from a football lesson learnt at Warburton last week and started with six unanswered goals in the first quarter, an undermanned Yarra Glen continuing to work hard but the Rebels put together a good four quarter performance, Alexandra 21.15 (141) to Yarra Glen 0.4 (4).

Awards: Shepparton Volkswagen – Mitchell Coutts, Ampol fuel card – Riley Frankcombe, Alex Sportspower – Michael Coombs, Buxton Hotel – Angus Smith

Seniors

The Seniors had a couple of changes but were outworked in the first quarter, Yarra Glen kicking two goals two whilst the Rebels could only manage 3 behinds.

The Rebels responded in the second quarter with six goals to three with less than a goal the difference at half-time.

The Rebels kicked six goals to two in the second half to take the win in a forgettable game, Alexandra 11.16 (82) to Yarra Glen 8.9 (57).

Awards: Incentives – Lachlan Nankervis, D’Arcy Kennedy and Brayden Norris, Buxton Hotel – Steve Steiner. Yarck Hotel / Endeavour Petroleum volunteer award – Kath Hedger.

Raffle winners after the games, meat tray –Dawn Jack, wine – Larry Fallon, gate raffle –Sue Haggis.

Netball Awards

A-Grade lost 30 – 74: Incentive – Ashlee Frankcombe, Corner Hotel / Grant St Grocer –LaurenBenson.

B-Grade lost 23 – 38: Incentive – Fiona Stephens, Corner Hotel / Grant St Grocer – Ash Creighton.

C-Grade lost 20 – 56: Incentive – Emiliah Delconte, Corner Hotel / Grant St Grocer –PennyVan Lierop.

Club Notes

Thursday’s Rebel Raffles continued last Thursday and we thank our sponsors Swenrick Constructions, Yarck Hotel, Reddrops Foodworks / Houseboat Sales Lake Eildon, Eildon Bakery / Yarck Meat and Produce, Alexandra Quality Meats / AFNC canteen, Yea Chinese Restaurant / Bailey Funerals with the winners Rocky Parkinson, Murray Parsons, Rodney Hunt / Steve McDonald, Melissa Crane, Sam Kidd and Dawn Jack.

The Swenrick Constructions Joker Jackpot was not won and will be worth $800 on Thursday, June 8.

Last Saturday evening a good crowd attended the Club Masquerade Ball with a good night and plenty of dancing. A big thank you to our organisers, kitchen and bar staff.

This coming Thursday (June 1), the Club rooms and bar will be open, junior meals will be available. There is no senior football training, no senior meals and no raffle.

This coming Saturday, June 3, the senior Club football and netball teams all have a bye as part of the split round, the following week hosting Broadford for the Truck Show weekend.

2023 Club memberships are available: $200 – Patron, $150 – Family and $100 –Members. $600 Rebel Raiser Sponsor together with Business, Corporate, Executive and Major Sponsor packages available, so if you would like to support the Club, please contact Ray Steyger on 5772 2627.

Do not forget to order your Club merchandise – polo shirts, warmup shirts @ $50, hoodies, vests @ $70, casual shorts, netball top @$40, Club stubby holders @$10, travel mugs @ $15, peaked caps and beanies @ $25, visors @$20, bumper stickers arefree.

Thursday night dinners are available after training with main course and sweets –adults$15 and kids $10, everyone is welcome.

- Ray Steyger

NFNL Sunday

SENIORS

ALEXANDRA ............0.3, 5.9, 9.13, 11.16 (82)

YARRA GLEN ................ 2.2, 3.4, 7.8, 9.9 (57)

Alexandra. Best: Lachlan Nankervis, D’Arcy Kennedy, Brayden Norris, Stephen Steiner, Mitch Parker, Lucas O’Sullivan. Yarra Glen. Best: Ben Ashton, Richard Gurney, Jayden Schille, Thomas Sullivan, Sam Wood, Heath Chamberlain.

POWELLTOWN ...... 5.5, 11.9, 18.13, 23.17 (155)

YARRA JUNC. ............ 7.2, 7.3, 10.4, 13.8 (86)

Powelltown. Best: Russell Cowan, Gary Conyers, Ben Wratten, Justin van Unen, Adam OCxley, Michael Fowkes. Yarra Juncton. Best: Dylan Cowsey, Sam Morton, Jhdra Jones, Mackenzie Ball, Jake Cawsey, Harry Relf.

WARB.-MILL. ...... 5.2, 11.7, 21.8, 27.11 (173)

BROADFORD ............... 1.4, 2.4, 5.5, 5.7 (37) Warburton-Millgrove. Best: Patrick Hunyh, Liam Westlake, Bailey Himphrey, Blake Muir, Tyson Henry, Jack Farrugia. Broadford. Best: Jayden Welch, Liam Lucas, Tom Knight, Braydon Hardstaff, Tynan Howard, Zach Neilson.

RESERVES

ALEXANDRA .......... 6.2, 8.6, 16.11, 21.15 (141)

YARRA GLEN .................. 0.0, 0.2, 0.2, 0.4 (4)

Alexandra. Best: Mitchell Coutts, Riley Frankcombe, Michael Coombs, Angus Smith, Beau Scott, Jared Hendley. Yarra Glen. Best: Nathan Deri9ngowski, Regen Daniel, William Duff, Ash Bryans, Braedyn Crombine, Brenton Cantle.

POWELLTOWN ........... 3.8, 4.8, 6.9, 11.14 (80)

YARRA JUNCTION ......... 0.0, 1.2, 3.3, 3.5 (23)

Yarra Junction. Best: Dale Treller, Andre Dos Santos, Byle Ousley, Josh Lees, Paul Young. WARB.-MILL. .. 3.8, 7.14, 13.19, 18.22 (130)

BROADFORD ................ 0.0, 0.1, 0.3, 3.4 (22)

Warburton-Millgrove. Best: Marcel Kocher, Christian Toy, Jamie Nelson, Matthew Godenzi, Tarkyn Nicolandos, Cody Ladewig. Broad-ford. Best: Daniel Williams, Lachland White, Edward Neilson, Jai Heers, David Hussey, Rhys Mortlock.

LADDERS

DIVISION 2. SENIORS. 1. WarburtonMillgrove, 257.20, 20. 2. Powelltown, 192.01, 230. 3. Alexandra, 185.59, 20. 4. Yarra Glen, 60.50, 8. 5. Broadford, 35.40, 4. 6. Yarra Junction,. 54.57, 0. RESERVES. 1. Warburton-Millgrove, 711.54, 24. 2. Alexandra, 216.07, 20. 3. Powelltown, 153.88, 16. 4. Yarra Junction, 58.67, 8. 5. Yarra Glen, 19.87, 4. 6. Broadford, 34.23, 0.

Under 12 Girls Red. Wallan 2.4 -16) drew with Mernda 2.4 (16). Research 3.3 (21) d Darebin Womens 2.1 (13). Whittlesea 3.1 (19) d Kilmore 2.2 (14).

Under 12 Blue. Diamond Creek 2.7 (19) d Montmorency Black 1.0 (6). Eltham Black 5.6 (36) d Wallan 2.3 (15). Mernda Blue 10.11 (71) d Greensborough 1.5 (11). Yarrambat 7.4 (46) d Whittlesea 2.2 (14).

Under 12 Green. Montmorency White 8.14 (62) d Hurstbridge 1.2 (8). Thomastown 4.9 (33) d Laurimar Teal 0.1 (1). Mill Park 4.17 (41) d Keon Park 0.1 (1). West Ivanhoe 6.8 (44) d Kinglake 2.3 (15).

Under 13 Blue. Eltham Black 6.1 (37) d South Morang Blue 3.7 (25). Mernda 7.3 (45) d Yarrambat 3.4 (22). Greensborough White 4.8 (32) d Montmorency 4.4 (28).

Under 13 Red. West Preston Lakeside 4.6 (30) d Research 2.8 (20). Greensborough 7.8 (50) d Diamond Creek Demons 3.3 (210. Laurimar Black 6.2 (38) d Diamond Creek Devils 4.3 (27).

Under 13 Green. Kilmore 4.8 (32) d Laurimar Teal 0.4 (4). Wallan Black 17.15 (117) d South Morang Gold 2.1 (13). Panton Hill 3.4 (22) d Eltham Red 0.3 (3). Epping 8.10 (58) d Whittlesea 3.1 (19).

Under 14 Girls Blue. Diamond Creek Womens 6.7 (43) d Kilmore 0.4 (4). Yarrambat 11.5 (71) d Wallan 1.0 (6). Mernda 3.5 (23) d Montmorency 3.0 (18).

Under 14 Blue. Yarrambat 12.16 (88) d Whittlesea 4.2 (26). Eltham Black 11.8 (74) d Kilmore 7.4 (46). Laurimar Black 10.14 (74) d Mernda Blue 2.5 (17).

Umnder 14 Girls Red. South Morang 7.13 (55) d Epping 0.0 (0). Whittlesea 2.8 (20) d Darebin Womens 1.5 (11). Eltham 5.6 (36) d Laurimar 0.0 (0).

Under 14 Red. South Morang 13.10 (88) d Greensborough 1.7 (25). Research 6.6 (42) d Montmorency 3.7 (25). Diamond Creek 5.10 (40) d Epping 1.4 (10).

Under 14 Green. West Preston Lakeside v Mernda Red. Wallan 14.15 (99) d Laurimar Teal 1.0 (6). Hurstbridge 13.5 (83) d Eltham Red 2.5 (17). West Ivanhoe: Bye.

Under 15 Blue. Eltham Black 21.18 (144) d Wallan 3.7 (25). Mill Park Blue 7.13 (55) d Montmorency Black 4.11 (35). Yarrambat 13.11 (89) d Diamond Creek 6.4 (40).

Under 15 Red. Whittlesea 12.12 (94) d Mernda 5.3 (33). Laurimar Teal 7.10 (52) d Montmorency White 5.8 (38). South Morang 7.14 (56) d Mill Park White 7.7 (49). Eltham Red v Keon Park.

Under 16 Girls Blue. Diamond Creek Womens

OE DIV. 2 SCOREBOARD

● ● ● ● Alexandra 11.16 (82) d Yarra Glen 9.9 (57). Photo: Rebels

Scoreboard

NFNL Netball

■ Section 1. Bundoora 1 40 d Heat 1

27. North Heidelberg 1 67 d North Heidelberg 3 43. North Heidelberg 73 d Diamond Creek 1 41.

Section 2. Bujndoora 2 29 d North

Heidelberg 4 22. Hurstbridge 1 31 d

Bundoora 3 24. Heat 2 33 d Montmorency

1 30.

Section 3. Greensborough 1 31 d

Watsonia 4 26. Hume 1 33 d Thomastown

1 24. North Heidelberg 6 d North Heidelberg 5 17.

Section 4. Heat 3 26 d Kinglake 1 20.

South Morang 1 v Epping 1. Greensborough

2 37 d Heidelberg West 1 27. Watsonia 2

31 d Hurstbridge 2 23.

Section 5. Lalor 2 33 d Heat 4 29.

Whittlesea 1 32 d Thomastown 2 26. Fitzroy

Stars 1 30 d Heat 5 19. Montmorency 2

24 d Hazel Glen 1 22. Kilmore 1 31 d

Bundoora 4 26.

Section 6. Epping 2 35 d Hume 2 20.

Bundoora 5 34 d Panton Hill 1 25. Dia-

mond Creek 2 30 d Kilmore 2 29. Epping 4

24 d St Mary’s 1 21.

Section 7. Bundoora 6 34 d Kilmore 5

12. La trobe 1 28 d Watsonia 3 13. Heat 6 33 d Thomastown 4 21. Montmorency 3 20 d Hurstbridge 3 13.

Section 8. Thomastown 3 37 d Whittlesea 2 29. Kiolmore 3 36 d Diamond Creek 3 18. Montmorency 4 27 d Northcote Park 1 26. Greensborough 3 32 d La Trobe 2 28.

South Morang 2 22 d Bundoora 7 19.

Section 9. West Ivanhoe 1 16 d Kilmore 4 15. Lower Plenty 1 37 d Heat 7 8. Epping 3 3`1 d Epping 5 20. Bundoora 9 20 d Hurstbridge 4 19.

Section 10. Hurstbridge 5 31 d Heidelberg West 2 9. Watsonia 4 38 d Heat 9 20. Heat 8 29 d Montmorency 5 22. Bundoora 8 31 d Kinglake 2 18. Lalor 3 28 d South Morang 4 27.

Section 11. West Preston Lakeside 1 39 d La trobe 3 27. Epping 6 55 d Fitzroy

Stars 6. Hazel Glen 2 26 d Watsonia 5 22. Kilmore 6 30 d Bundoora 10 27. Epping 7 31 d Thomastown 5 21.

Section 12. Epping 8 13 d Hazel Glen 3 12. Whittlesea 3 41 d Bundoora 11 12. Hurstbridge 6 27 d Kilmore 7 10. Montmorency 6 19 d Bundoora 12 15.

Section 13. Heat 10 34 d Hazel Glen 5 5. Hazel Glen 4 37 d Epping 9 12. South Morang 4 12 d Bundoora 13 9.

OE Netball

■ Premier Division A-Grade. Mt Evelyn 52 d Monbulk 31. Beaconsfield 37 d

Gembrook-Cockatoo 29. Wandin 58 d Pakenham 38. Narre Warren 61 d OlindaFerny Creek 48. Upwey-Tecoma 49 d Berwick 38.

Premier Division B-Grade. Mt Evelybn 55 d Monbulk 37. Beaconsfield 47 d

Gembrook-Cockatoo 27. Pakenham 53 d Wandin 44. Narre Warren 61 d Olinda-Ferny Creek 59. Upwey-Tecoma 53 d Berwick 25.

Premier Division C-Grade. Beaconsfield 49 d Gembrook-Cockatoo 24. Wandin 46 d Pakenham 26. Olinda-Ferny Creek 46 d Narre Warren 39. Berwick 38 de UpweyTecoma 33. Mt Evelyn 39 d Monbulk 22.

Premier Division D-Grade. Beaconsfield 24 d Gembrook-Cockatoo 19. Wandin 26 d Pakenham 25. Narre Warren 25 d Olinda-Ferny Creek 16. Berwick 28 d UpweyTecoma 20. Mt Evelyn 27 d Monbulk 10.

Division 1 A-Grade. Emerald 107 d Yea 16. ROC

Local Sport Bulls bounce back brilliantly

■ Bundoora have responded to a three-game losing streak in the NFNL Division 1 competition, with an impressive 53-point win over Hurstbridge at Ben Frilay Oval.

The Bulls came out firing from the opening bounce and didn’t look back, with a display of football that broke down the Bridges defensive structures and left them scrambling for answers up the field.

A dominant effort saw the visitors produce a 15.22 (112) to 9.5 (59) victory.

Hamish Shepheard was the main bull for Bundoora on the day, dominating the middle of the ground while aiding in some of his team’s many forward entries.

The backline pressure applied by Jackson Davies and Isaac McMillan shut down any Hurstbridge looks up forward, allowing Daniel Younan and Zane Barker to impose their will on the game.

For the hosts, Blake Fitzgerald became a common distributor of excellence, with his play of the footy sparking momentum for a side that struggled to build on any throughout the day.

Cooper Barbera was another standout with his prolific kicking, along with Jake Richards and Christopher McCabe who were among the bests.

Bailey Jordan would draw the first score for Hurstbridge, who snapped truly.

After a barrage of Bundoora misses, Kain Proctor was the one to finally breakthrough for a goal with his snap, fuelling momentum for Peter McEvoy and the returning Sam Lloyd to follow with a goal each in set shot fashion that pushed the lead to 19-points.

Joel Naylor would respond with a major for Hurstbridge that kept them within 14-points heading into the second term.

The Bulls continued to disrupt the opposing contests and capitalise on them, as Jesse King would kick two goals in the opening 10-minutes to extend their advantage to 36-points.

Hurstbridge struggled to connect their chain of kicks up the ground, with one Christopher McCabe major all that Joel Cordwell’s men could show on the scoreboard in the second quarter.

The quick play of Bundoora in the forward line became the main influence of goals from Zane Barker, Kyle Green and Daniel Younan, who lifted the margin to 49-points at the main break.

Younan picked up the third term where he ended the second as he produced goal number two to kickstart Bundoora’s charge.

Green’s explosiveness around the ball paid off with a side-snap that snuck in for a goal just moments later.

McCabe would again break the scoring drought for Hurstbridge with his goal, but Green would respond in dribble-kick fashion for his third of the game, squashing any potential opposing momentum in the process.

Lloyd would close the term out with a goal from a set shot that marked a game high 70point lead at three quarter time for Michael Ryan’s side.

The Bridges were determined to gain some respectability back on the scoreboard in the final term.

They would kick five consecutive goals to start the last quarter to suddenly reduce the deficit to 41 points.

William Cookson would follow as he kicked true from set shot to reduce the lead to 41-points.

With the siren fast approaching, Bundoora found a pair of goals through Jack Maruff and Liam Kolar to solidify a 54-point victory.

- Miles Earl, NFNL

Rebels play at Wandong

■ The Alexandra Football Netball Club junior football teams travelled to Wandong for four games of football.

Alexandra Black and Alexandra Red played each other at Rebel Park for round 6 of the 2023 season whilst the Under 16 football travelled to Euroa.

The Under 9s and 10s football had a game but theirs is noncompetitive and non-scoring so there is no win loss for that competition.

Under 12s Football

Alexandra 3.8 (26) defeated by Wandong 4.5 (29)

North Central Construction – Will Simpson; Essence Coffee Lounge – Jayden Dimech; Foodworks – Jet Olive; Alexandra Bakery and Café – Sienna Heard; Coach–Eli W eeks

Under 14s Football

Alexandra 9.10 (64) defeated Wandong 1.1 (7)

North Central Construction – Aiden Campbell; Essence Coffee Lounge – Logan Conway ; Foodworks – Ryan Te Giffel ;

Alexandra Bakery and Café – Jamie Nash Coach – Hamish Wilson

Under 16s Football

Alexandra 6.13 (49) defeated Euroa 1.6 (12)

DMK Taxation – Luke Wal; Essence Coffee Lounge – Will Granter; Foodworks –Drew Coller; Alexandra Bakery and Café – Josh Crane; Coach – Angus Antrobus.

Under11s Netball

Alexandra Black 11 defeated Alexandra Red 8

(Alex Black) Foodworks – Ashleigh Francis;

Alexandra Bakery and Café – Havana Fereday, Award – Lillian Savage.

(Alex Red) Foodworks – Tilly Miljkovic;

Alexandra Bakery and Café – Lila Friswell, Award – Zelda Van Lierop.

Under 13s Netball

Alexandra Black 17 defeated Alexandra Red 9 (Alex Black) Foodworks – Samantha Fraser;

Alexandra Bakery and Café – Cassie Kidd,

Award – Megan Kendall

(Alex Red) Foodworks – Indi Hoornweg; Alexandra Bakery and Café – Ella Palmer, Award – Bella Twitchett.

Under 15s Netball

Alexandra Black 17 defeated by Alexandra Red 31 (Alex Black) Foodworks – Brianna Golland; Alexandra Bakery and Café – Regan O’Toole; (Alex Red) Foodworks – Billie Birminghan; Alexandra Bakery and Café – Abby Miljkovic, Award – Eva Twitchett.

A very big thank you to the above award sponsors for their continued support of our junior footballers and netballers in 2023.

Next Sunday, Alexandra junior football and Alexandra Black netball travel to Nagambie to play Tabilk, the Under 16 footballers play Leitchville Gunbower at a venue to be confirmed, whilst the two Under 15 netball teams play each other at Rebel Park. If anyone can assist with the canteen on home games during the season please speak to Melissa Crane and Shona Miljkovic to go on the roster.

● ● Bundoora 15.22 (112) d Hurstbridge 9.6 (59). Photo: NWM Studios.

● ● ● ● Yarra Glen’s Callum Morison and Alexandra’s Lachlan Nanker vis.

Blues claim first win of season

■ Epping produced their most outstanding performance in many years to claim their first win of the 2023 NFNL Division 2 season, defeating Lower Plenty by 43 points at Montmorency Park South Oval.

An intense match-up between two teams seeking their first of the year saw the Blues be the more dominant side in transition, claiming a 15.13 (103) to 9.6 (60) result.

It is Epping’s first win over the Bears since Round 12, 2013, back when the two sides were playing in Division 1. They move into ninth spot following the victory while Lower Plenty’s losing streak has now extended to nine games.

Daniel Rakhlin had a cracking game for the Blues, kicking four goals and taking some magnificent marks in the forward half.

Mitchell Moate also had a significant impact, kicking two third term majors while the ever reliable Leigh Judd was strong in the backline, playing his role in keeping Lower Plenty to low scores in the first half of the game, as well as providing support through the middle when necessary.

NFNL

Bulldogs make statement

■ North Heidelberg have made four consecutive victories with a margin of 40 points or more, this time defeating Greensborough by 57 points at Greensborough War Memorial Park.

The Bulldogs’ poise and composure in a gritty and contested match proved to be the difference in the 19.12 (126) to 11.3 (69) victory. As a result, they’ve jumped into third after occupying a bottom two position on the ladder a month ago.

Jesse Tardio was at his prolific best for North Heidelberg with numerous clearances and a goal.

Dane Whitnall proved to be an authoritative presence in the Bulldogs forward line with three goals, while Liam Nunan led all goal scorers with a career high four majors.

Majak Daw played just over half of the match, but he inflicted plenty of damage in that time kicking three majors, which included a goal of the year contender, after he took it out of the ruck and snapped truly from the forward pocket.

For the Boro it was Will McFawn who worked tirelessly in the ruck. With no Nathan Howard or Jamie Smith available, McFawn made up for his lack of height against Daw and Michael Florance with an exceptional leap.

Andrew Stellas also featured heavily around the forward half, while Jack Johnston was again named as his side’s best despite his defensive unit conceding the Boro’s biggest score since Round 5, 2017.

From the outset it was apparent that the breezy conditions would be difficult to negotiate. The ball was hotly contested, before North Heidelberg’s Dane Whitnall opened his side’s account.

Ethan Luke then laid a superb tackle, running down his opponent on Greensborough’s half back line before his free kick hit up Jordon S mith who got the scoring under way for the home side.

Majak Daw continued on from his five-goal haul the previous week with a major, but the Boro answered immediately with a goal from Andrew Stellas to level the scores.

It would be Daw who broke the game open with a memorable goal, grabbing it out of the ruck contest and snapping it across his body and through the big sticks.

That major started a run for North Heidelberg, as they would kick the next three goals in the space of just five minutes, to surge to a 24point quarter time lead.

Jesse Tardio winning the first clearance of the second quarter with ease, set the tone of the match.

After kicking one in the first quarter, Nunan would produce a second major with a great snap.

Outer East Junior Football

Both sides traded goals over the next little period, but it was the Bulldogs that looked the more organised team, often running the ball forward from contested play while when Greensborough had possession, it seemed more likely to result in a stoppage.

The Boro would attempt to produce some scoreboard pressure in the latter stages of the term.

Will McFawn was working hard around the ground and was soon rewarded with a goal before Daniel Ferronato followed up with a checkside kick that sailed through.

However, just as Saade Ghazi’s men thought they were back in the game, Daw and Nunan would kick their third goals of the afternoon, helping the visitors take a commanding 46-point advantage into half time.

Greensborough would come out of the main break firing, with HarrisonAndronaco and Thomas Phelan kicking two quick majors, but again North Heidelberg would respond courtesy of Whitnall and Mitchell Dillon.

The Boro’s Brody Glenn would get one back before a scuffle resulted in a free kick to Glenn He missed the set shot but as tensions boiled over, Glenn would be afforded a third shot on goal which he converted, meaning he had kicked 13 points for the Boro in a minute of play.

But the hosts couldn’t build any momentum from those scores as two more majors for the Bulldogs put the margin to 53 points at the final change.

A lower scoring final term followed but the damage had been done in the previous three quarters, as North Heidelberg made it four wins on the trot with a 57-point triumph.

For the Bears, Liam Riley and Jack Fitzpatrick were the only multiple goal-scorers, each scoring two goals.

Dion Stallbaum was a notable inclusion for the hosts, having an influence throughout the entire afternoon while co-captain Jordan Sacco was named best on ground for Lower Plenty

Epping kicked three of the first four goals of the game with Caleb Newport, Daniel Rakhlin and Luke Di Mauro all converting their shots on goal.

Liam Riley and Tyler Wallace were the Bears’ only goalkickers for the quarter, both slotting through a major each.

Ruckman Patrick Flynn has had a solid few outings of late and his form continued into this clash, with his ability to produce deep inside 50 entries giving his side multiple chances.

Trailing by 12 at the first change, Lower Plenty coach Phil Plunkett told his side to “look after each other” after what he described as a “positive quarter”.

The Bears lifted the pressure in the second quarter as emotions began to rise.

Co-captain Josh Turner was particularly brilliant in getting the ball to Lower Plenty’s forward 50, but Epping’s defence was too strong for the Bears to convert those efforts into scores, only finishing with one minor for the term as a result.

The visitors managed to kick two further goals for the quarter however they also produced seven behinds, with that inaccuracy keeping Lower Plenty in the game as 30 points separated both sides at half time.

Dion Stallbaum started the third quarter with a goal for the Bears after a brilliant clearance from his side.

But Epping would continue to find answers. Mitchell Moate was crucial inside forward 50, kicking two majors for the term despite lots of pressure being applied from the Bears backline.

Tyler Wallace was a standout for the home team, keeping them in the game through his daring efforts around the ground.

However, another five-goal term gave Epping a 44-point advantage at three-quarter time, putting them in the hot seat to earn a first win of the 2023 season.

Daniel Rakhlin was the star player for the final quarter, kicking three of his four goals in the term while taking some impressive grabs inside 50.

Lower Plenty were able to add four goals to the scoreboard, but Epping’s ferocity in defensive 50 ensured a comeback never really looked likely.

Olinda-Ferny Creek 6.9 (45). Emerald Black 12.13 (85) d Wesburn 6.4 (40). Wandin 8.8 (56z) d Mt Evelyn 4.8 (32). Under 16 Girls. Belgrave 2.5 (17) d Monbulk 0.3 (3). Mt Evelyn 5.4 (34) d Healesville4 0.2 (2). Yarra Glen 6.15 (51) d Wesburn 0.0 (0).

Under 17 Boys. Mt Evelyn 13.12 (90) d Wandin-Yarra Glen 3.3 (21). Woori Yallock 10.15 (75) d Olinda-Ferny creek 4.5 (29). Upwey-Tecoma 7.14 (56) d Monbulk 4.3 (27). Healesville 17.15 (117) d Seville 5.2 (32).

Outer East

Junior Netball

■ 17 And Under Premier Division Blue. Seville 40 d Beaconsfield 8. ROC 58 d Mt Evelyn 10. Narre Warren 60 d OlindaFerny Creek 4. Wandin 28 d Pakenham 22. Berwick: Bye.

17 and Under Blue. Powelltown 18 d Yarra Junction 15. Warburton-Millgrove 18 d Broadford 14. Alexandra: Bye.

17 and Under White. Narre Warren 31 d ROC 19. Pakenham 25 d Becaonsfield

10. Berwick: Bye.

15 and Under Blue. ROC 28 d Narre Warren 27. Beaconsfield 26 d Pakenham

12. Berwick: Bye.

15 and Under White. Narre Warren 32 d ROC 19. Beaconsfield 41 d Pakenham

17. Hampton Park 23 d Berwick 18.

13 and Under Blue. Narre Warren 30 d ROC 29. Pakenham 24 d Beaconsfield 9. Berwick: Bye.

13 and Under White. ROC 31 d Narre Warren 22. Pakenham 24 d Beaconsfield 18. Berwick 20 d Hampton Park 3.

NFNL Sunday

■ Under 17.5 Blue. Diamond Creek Blue 13.15 (93) d West Preston Lakeside 5.4 (34). Eltham 11.4 (80) d Whittlesea 4.7 (31). Laurimar 11.20 (86) d Epping 5.8 (38. Yarrambat 7.10 (52) d Montmorency

7.6 (48). Under 17.5 Red. South Morang 17.14 (116) d Wallan 8.3 (51). Kilmore v Diamond Creek Red. Research 11.12 (78) d Greensborough 11.7 (73).

OE Netball

■ Division

A-Grade. Powelltown 34 d Yarra Junction 19. Yarra glen 74 d Alexandra 30. Warburton-Millgrove 62 d Broadford 23.

- Sheridan van Gelderen, NFNL

● ● Epping 15.13 (103) d Lower Plenty 9.6 (60) . Photo: NWM Studios.

- Hamish Phillips, NFNL

● ● North Heidelberg 19.12 (126) d Greensborough 11.3 (69).

Photo: NWM Studios