The Local Paper. Southern Cross Weekly Edition. Wed., Sep. 27, 2023

Lions roar with 85-point margin

COURSE REZONED FOR HOUSING

PROBE INTO S. YARRA CRASH

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a crash in South Yarra on Monday morning (Sep. 25).

It is believed a male rider was travelling south along Chapel St, when he crashed into the back of a Critical Incident Response Team police vehicle which was stationary at a red light, about 1.15am.

The 29-year-old man of an unknown address was immediately assisted by the two male Police members and later taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The police officers were not injured. Investigations are ongoing.

POLICE DOGS AT FESTIVAL

■ Police will be on the look-out for disruptive crowd behaviour and illicit drug activity at Listen Out music festival at Caribbean Gardens in Scoresby this Friday (Sep. 29).

A Passive Alert Detection dog operation will be conducted at the festival, with the aim of deterring and detecting individuals with illicit drugs.

Local police will be patrolling on foot at the festival grounds to ensure safety and security of festivalgoers.

■ Kingston Council says it is disappointed that green open space at the Kingswood Golf Course site has been rezoned for housing by State Planning Minister Sonya Kilkeeny.

“Council fully supports the need to address Melbourne’s housing crisis, but there is absolutely no need to sacrifice important green open spaces like golf courses to achieve this,” said a Kingston Council representative.

“Kingston’s Housing Strategy is a positive plan that identifies more suitable sites for new housing growth to meet the forecast demand, and we call on the Minister to approve this plan as soon as possible.”

Kingston Mayor Cr Hadi Saab said Australian Super’s proposed development for the site sparked over 8000 community objections and it is notable that the Minster has only approved the rezoning and not the development plan.

“On the back of Australian Super’s recent announcement that they intend to sell the land, we believe it provides an opportunity for the new owner to reset the relationship with the community and offer genuine engagement on the site’s future,” Cr Saab said.

“While

has determined that this site will be used for housing, as things stand, we don’t know how many homes will be allowed on the site or how other important issues will be addressed.

“Any development of Kingswood should include much-needed open space, and infrastructure to meet the needs of this new and existing Dingley Village community, including a large proportion of social and affordable housing, and the protection of canopy trees and green space to address the heat island effect and lessen the impacts of the climate crisis.

“With the owner now required to prepare a development plan that outlines how these priorities will be met, we expect that the local community and Council will still have a strong role to play in shaping these important details.

“If development does go ahead, it must happen in a responsible, coordinated and balanced way.”

Kingston is taking a motion to the Municipal Association of Victoria State Council Meeting to be held in October.

The motion asks for the Minister to urgently review the Planning Guidelines for the Conversion of Golf Course Land to Other Purposes

● Collegians 19.16 (130) defeated St Kevin’s 6.9 (45) for the Victorian Amateur Football Association Premier Men’s Grand Final flag on Sunday at Elsternwick Park Oval 1. Other scores on Page 27.

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Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Cross (Est. 1871), Camberwell Free Press (Est.1927), Collingwood, Fitzroy and Carlton Courier (Est.1948), The Clarion (Est. 1980)

The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in local editions:

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Tunnel chapter closes

■ Tunnel Boring Machine Vida’s mission on the State Government’s West Gate Tunnel project is complete.

The major parts now return to its manufacturer in Germany, in another significant milestone for the project.

The 240-tonne main drive was loaded onto a truck for the 4.1kilometre super load journey from Whitehall St to Appleton Dock for the 45-minute drive, with the truck moving at speeds of between five and 40kmh.

TBM Vida broke through in February in Yarraville, completing a 2.8-kilometre journey from the west side of the Maribyrnong River under Yarraville to Williamstown Rd near the West Gate Freeway.

TBM Vida spent 11 months operating 24/7, excavating over 1,000,000 tonnes of rock and soil while installing more than 10,000 individual concrete segments.

Construction of the road deck of the twin tunnels is now over 90 per cent complete as crews continue the important work of fitting out the electrical, lighting and safety systems to prepare the tunnel for completion in 2025.

When complete, the West Gate Tunnel Project will transform travel in Melbourne’s west. It will deliver a vital alternative to the West Gate Bridge , providing a much needed second river crossing, and removing more than 9000 trucks from residential streets.

“Journeys will be safer and more reli-

Special Meeting

able with travel times between Melbourne’s west and the city slashed by up to 20 minutes,” said a Government representative.

“There will also be 14 kilometres of new and upgraded walking and cycling paths, and close to nine hectares of new parks and wetlands.”

The departure comes as the first parts of the TBMs that will dig the North East Link tunnels have completed their journey by sea to the Port of Melbourne and have been transported to their new home in Watsonia.

Long Shots

■ Glen Eira Council will hold Special Council Meeting at 7pm on Tuesday (Oct. 3). Business to be transacted is discussion on the Early Years Services Report (Confidential).

The Local Paper

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

BAYSIDE

Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Cross (Est. Feb. 27, 1871), Bayside Advertiser

Bayside comprises Beaumaris, Black Rock, Brighton, Brighton East, Cheltenham (part), Hampton, Hampton East, Highett (part) and Sandringham. Bayside is home to more than 105,580 people, living in approximately 41,091 homes.

BOROONDARA SOUTHERN SECTION

Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

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

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

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“For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

Jacinta Allan, Minister for Transport and Infrastructure, said: “This is another significant milestone for the West Gate Tunnel as we bid farewell to TBM Vida – the massive machine operated day and night to complete the tunnelling, and I want to thank all the crew’s working 24/ 7 to help deliver this important project.

“The West Gate Tunnel will transform travel in Melbourne’s west – providing an alternative to the West Gate Bridge, slashing travel times and taking thousands of trucks off local roads,” Ms Allan said.

$100k win

■ A South Yarra woman started the month of September with a spring in her step after scoring $100,000 in a Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw. She plans on using the lottery loot towards starting a business of her own.

Local Photo Flashback

Incorporating the traditions of the Boroondara Weekly, Progress News, Camberwell Free Press (Est. 1927) Boroondara southern area comprises the southern part of the municipality including Ashburton, Camberwell, Glen Iris (part), Hawthorn and Hawthorn East. Boroondara City is home to more than 176,632 people, living in approximately 69,419 homes.

GLEN EIRA

Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Cross (Est. Feb. 27, 1871), Glen Eira Standard, Carnegie Courier, Elsternwick Advertiser, Caulfield Advertiser Glen Eira comprises Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Carnegie, Caulfield, Caulfield East, Caulfield North, Caulfield South, Elsternwick, Gardenvale, Glen Huntly, McKinnon, Murrumbeena and Ormond, and parts of the suburbs of Brighton East and St Kilda East. Glen Eira is home to more than 155,123 people, living in approximately 59,815homes.

KINGSTON

Incorporating the traditions of the Kingston Standard, Moorabbin News, Moorabbin Standard, Chelsea Mordialloc Standard Kingston comprises Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Bonbeach, Braeside, Carrum, Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Cheltenham, Clarinda, Clayton South, Dingley Village, Edithvale, Heatherton, Highett, Mentone, Moorabbin, Moorabbin Airport, Mordialloc, Oakleigh South, Parkdale, Patterson Lakes and Waterways. Kingston is home to more than 167,228 people, living in approximately 67, 617 homes.

PORT PHILLIP

Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Cross (Est. Feb. 27, 1871), Emerald Hill Times, Sandridge Times, St Kilda Times Port Phillip comprises Albert Park, Balaclava, Elwood, Melbourne (part), Middle Park, Port Melbourne (part), Ripponlea, South Melbourne, Southbank (part), St Kilda, St Kilda East (part), St Kilda West and Windsor (part). Port Phillip is home to more than 100,863 people, living in approximately 57,867 homes.

STONNINGTON

Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Cross (Est. Feb. 27, 1871), Stonnington Weekly Stonnington comprises Armadale, Glen Iris, Kooyong, Malvern, Malvern East, Prahran, South Yarra, Toorak and Windsor. Stonnington is home to more than 114,340 people, living in approximately 54,181 homes.

YARRA

Incorporating the traditions of Collingwood Carlton Fitzroy Courier (Est. 1948), Richmond Times Yarra comprises Abbotsford, Burnley, Carlton North, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Cremorne, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Richmond. Yarra is home to more than 99,622 people, living in approximately 44,033homes.

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Photo Compiler: W.L. Murrell.

● ● Bob Phillips and Gary Mac

✔Moorooduc media man Bob Phillips was guest speaker at a sold-out Marquee Entertainment Luncheon Club held at South Melbourne. He was interview by Mornington radio man Gary Mac. Bob’s television career included producing the likes of ert Newton, Don Lane, Daryl Somers, Steve Vizard, Mike Walsh, and many more.

WWI medals found at St Kilda

■ Port Phillips Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for the public’s help to locate the owners of war medals found in St Kilda on Monday last week (Sep. 18).

An old cardboard box containing war medals was found near the St Kilda Marina about 9am and handed to Police

The two medals are the British and Victory medals awarded to a William Hutchinson, believed to be born in Ballarat in 1895 and left Australia for Cairo, Egypt in 1915.

Detectives have made enquiries with RSL, Border Force, the National Archives of Australia and established that Hutchinson’s next of kin was listed as his father, also William Hutchinson who resided in Coburg, Richmond, Burnley and South Melbourne.

They have not been able to locate William’s living next of kin.

Investigators have released images of the medal in the hope someone recognises them and can return them to their rightful owner.

Ride2Work Day

■ Boroondara Council will celebrate Ride2Work Day on Wednesday, October 18. The day aims to support and encourage people to get active and enjoy a healthier commute by cycling to their place of work.

Playground open

■ Stonnington Council is promoting that its Central Park playground fronting Kingston St is back in action, following a two month makeover that has seen quipment upgraded and surrounds revamped.

This marks the completion of the first stage of a two-stage Central Park playground blitz in which a new all abilities playground will be 100 metres south.

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Sex assault on Fitzroy St

Police are appealing for public as sistance to help locate Kathleen Wightman. The 34-year-old is wanted on warrant for failing to appear in court in relation to a burglary offence. Wightman is described as being approximately 160cm to 170cm tall, with a thin build, brown eyes, black hair with a dark complexion. She is known to frequent the Carlton, Fitzroy, Collingwood and Kew areas.

● ● Summer.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing teenager Summer. The 14-year-old was last seen on Chapel Street, Prahran on the evening of July 16. Police and family have concerns for her welfare due to her age, and the length of time she has been missing. Investigators have released an image of Summer in the hope that someone can provide information on her current whereabouts. Summer is described as being approximately 152cms tall, of slim build with dark brown coloured hair and grey-blue eyes. She was last seen wearing a black hooded jumper, brown pants and white shoes. Summer is believed to frequent the Chadstone, Cranbourne, Dandenong, Clyde North and Moe areas.

Stonnington Council says that in the past two financial years, it has reviewed 3097 planning applications with 98 per cent approved and only 65 or 2 per cent refused. Its comments come after the State Government indicated that it would change some planning permit processes because of hold-ups at local government level.

■ Bayside Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation

Unit Team detectives are investigating a sexual assault which occurred in St Kilda last month.

Investigators have been told a 25-year-old woman was working at a licensed premises in Fitzroy St on August 24.

The woman and offender were in the smoking area at the back of the premises about 9pm where the man began to make derogatory comments to woman before sexually assaulting her.

The victim left the outdoor area and as she returned to the main bar area the man followed her and continued to sexually assault her.

The offender is perceived to be Caucasian, about 170cm tall, aged in his mid 20s with a goatee beard and short mousey-brown hair. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a long-sleeved blue button-up shirt.

Suspicious cigs store fire

■ Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are investigating a suspicious fire at a tobacco retailing business in Oakleigh on Thursday morning (Sep. 21).

Emergency services were called to the property on Station St to reports a car had been driven into a store and set alight about 2am.

No one was present inside the business at the time of the fire, but the building was destroyed.

The fire has been deemed suspicious and an arson chemist is in attendance at the scene.

This is the second fire in this street this month, following a previous incident on Wednesday, September 6.

The investigation into the fire remains ongoing and at this time, police believe it is likely to be connected to a recent series of arson attacks.

Detectives from a range of Crime Command units including the Arson and Explosives Squad, Echo Taskforce and VIPER Taskforce are investigating the series which is believed to be linked to the illicit tobacco trade in Victoria.

Police are also working closely with a range of state and federal agencies including the ABF and AFP as part of this investigation in order to disrupt the syndicates involved and hold those responsible for this offending to account. Over

staff. Reassurance patrols in the areas around affected stores will be conducted.

Detective Acting Inspector Mark Kennedy, Arson and Explosives Squad, said: “Make no mistake – these criminal syndicates and their associated offending linked to illicit tobacco has the complete attention of police and we will do everything we can to bring this to an end and hold those responsible to account. We believe we know who the main players are in these syndicates and we are doing everything we can to target them.”

Cr Marcia Griffin

Dip Ed B Com. MBA (prelim) GAICD Stonnington Council North Ward South Yarra, Toorak, Kooyong 0429 239 413 mgriffin@ stonnington.vic.gov.au

● ● ● ● Police want to speak with this man.

● ● Police at the Oakleigh fire scene.

Photo: Herald Sun the past few weeks, Police have visited over 75 tobacco stores across Victoria in conjunction with the ABF to speak to store owners and

● ● Medals were found in St Kilda.

● ● Kathleen Wightman

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Yalinguth Live

■ After winning the ‘Best Words and Ideas’ Award in last year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival, Yalinguth is back with a whole new experience, to be presented on Saturday, October 21 from 7.30pm-9.30pm at Birrarung Marr.

This event launches the Yalinguth app’s second location, the Birrarung/Yarra River, inviting everyone to walk through time through stories, soundscapes, music and projections.

Hear, see and feel what life and country was like along the Birrarung before the tall ships arrived. Wurundjeri Elders will take the audience on a journey through their world since this significant event, and share stories of their strength, resilience, knowledge and continual connection to country and culture.

After meeting at Fed Square, the audience will be led by Jason Tamiru down the steps and along to Birrarung Marr. Both live and via the app/loudspeaker guests will hear stories and songs from Elders. At the end of the tour the audience will return to Fed Square for a special performance by DRMNGNOW/Neil Morris to celebrate the launch of Birrarung Yalinguth experience.

About the Yalinguth app: The Yalinguth app is an immersive audio app connecting Melbourne audiences to the important Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history of places.

In the Woi Wurrung language Yalinguth means ‘yesterday’ and echoes the sentiments of many Elders that “we need to go back, before we can go forwards." T

he first location in the app was Ngár-go/ Fitzroy, and this event marks the launch of the second location along the Birrarung/ Yarra River (from Enterprise Park/Queens Bridge to the MCG). Download the app, arrive early and take a wander with Yalinguth before the event begins.

This event is supported by the City of Melbourne, Fed Square, and Deadly Fringe.

Performance Details: Saturday, October 21 from 7.30pm - 9.30pm

Venue: Birrarung Marr (meet at the Koorie Heritage Trust Entrance, Fed Square)

Bookings: https://melbournefringe.com. au/event/yalinguth-live-by-the-birrarung/ Yalinguth can be downloaded and experienced 24/7 via the Apple App Store or Google Play www.yalinguth.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Constellations

■ Artefact Theatre Company presents Constellations by Nick Payne from October 414 as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival at fortyfivedownstairs , Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Constellations is a love story set in the multiverse. The two protagonists, Roland and Marianne, relive the most important moments of their relationship, but some pathways may lead to an end that is set in stone ...

Directed by Matthew Cox, the show stars Mark Yeates as Roland and Bridie Pamment as Marianne.

Performance Details: October 4 - 14 at 7.30pm Mon -Sat., Sun 6pm (Previews: Oct 4, 5)

Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

On New partnership

■ Arts Centre Melbourne and the University of Melbourne have announced a new partnership set to foster cultural development within the Melbourne Arts Precinct.

THE WEDDING

■ Cracked Actors Theatre presents The Wedding, A Fool's Company production all the way from New Zealand, for the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 18-22 at Powerhouse on the Lake, Albert Park.

The Wedding is billed as “A glorious evening of comedic gothic horror. Combining elements of physical theatre and clowning, the show explores marriage, sexuality, and puritanism.”

The script tells of a frightened young man, coerced by his overbearing mother to marry his distant cousin, the daughter of the wealthiest man in town.

The subsequent events felicitously depict the rampant greed, suspicion, duplicitousness, and outrageous dissembling individuals exhibit at times when they should be on their best behaviour!

CAT Artistic Director, Matthew Richard Walsh says: “This show is such a credit to producer Charlie Underhill, and everyone involved, we are so proud that Cracked Actors can facilitate the first of what will undoubtedly be many trips across the ditch for A Fool’s Company.”

Content Warning: This play contains nudity, adult concepts, coarse language, simulated violence, strobe light effects and passive audience interaction..

Venue: Cracked Actors Theatre (CAT), Power House on the Lake, Level 1, 34 Lakeside Drive, Albert Park

Performance Season: October 18 - 20 at 7.30pm; Oct 21, 22 - 2:30pm Matinees

Tickets: $28 Full, $25 Concession, $24/tix Group of 4 +. $23 First Nation

Bookings: Book online at https:// melbournefringe.com.au/event/the-wedding/ or call 9660 9666. Door sales available.

Duration: 75mins plus Interval. Disabled access is not available for this venue at present.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Bright Exhibition

■ Footscray Community Arts presents Bright - an art exhibition that aims to ignite the senses, invites audiences to touch, explore and connect from October 10-December 12.

The exhibition’s radical curatorial process brings together five installations without a defined beginning or end, each beckoning the artlover to interact with the work and contribute their own meaning.

Aligning with Spring, Bright encourages renewal through sensory, playful and performative experience.

Bright is an outcome of Footscray Community Arts Artlife Studio Residency Program for emerging and established artists with disability.

Bright supports Artlife Studio artist and curator, Pamela Debrincat to have a major outcome in line with her artistic goal – to curate art exhibitions which are accessible and make people feel more connected.

Portable Quiet Room, by Prue Stevenson, offers a space to process the high sensory aspects of the exhibition. It invites touch and has a softness which evokes safety, warmth and quiet.

Exhibition Dates: October 10 - December 12, Tues - Fri.: 9.30am – 5.00pm, Sat, Sun: 10:00am - 4.00pm

Launch Event: Sat October 21 from 2-4pm

Location: Roslyn Smorgon Gallery, Footscray Community Arts 45 Moreland Street, Footscray

Further information: www.footscrayarts.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Flake at Red Stitch

■ Red Stitch Actors Theatre presents Flake from October 18-November 5 (Previews October 11 - 17) at Rear 2 Chapel St , St Kilda East

Flake is a new Australian play developed and produced as part of Red Stitch Theatre’s INK writer’s program, written by Dan Lee, cocreated by Chi Nguyen, and directed by the theatre’s own Artistic Director, Ella Caldwell.

Featuring award-winning Robert Menzies and Joe Petruzzi, alongside Phoebe Phuoc Nguyen in her Red Stitch debut, the play is set in the vibrant nightlife of Hanoi, when a latenight motorcycle ride leads to an encounter in a cluttered kitchen where no-one quite belongs.

Duyen is a young woman reluctantly returning to her roots. Murph is coming to see his old mate, Bob, whose shady past is slowly catching up with him. The three of them have all been running – from commitment, from responsibility, and from home.

But late one evening, in a tiny kitchen in Hanoi, each of them realise a night on the tiles is not what it used to be.

Meanwhile, the ancient city of Hanoi howls and crashes around outside, through the walls of the tiny basement kitchen.

People say that time goes by; time says that people go by.

Arts Centre Melbourne Chief Executive Officer Karen Quinlan said: "This partnership builds on a longstanding relationship between the two organisations, driven by a shared commitment to education, connection, artistic innovation and collaboration.

"I look forward to seeing a wide-reaching impact on training and learning, First Nations knowledge, programming and research."

University of Melbourne Deputy ViceChancellor Global Culture and Engagement, Professor Michael Wesley, said: "We’re proud to partner with our colleagues at Arts Centre Melbourne to deliver new projects that will enhance the cultural life of our city.

"By strengthening this relationship, we not only broaden prospects for our students and researchers but also reinforce the University of Melbourne’s standing as a global hub for arts, culture, and Indigenous knowledge."

The five priorities underpinning the partnership are Precinct and Place, Training and Learning, Indigenous Knowledges, Research, and Programming and Venues.

These priorities will be realised through the development of new collaborative projects, enriched learning experiences for students and platforms for cultural collaboration and interdisciplinary research.

This partnership extends existing collaborations between the two organisations, which have provided opportunities for University of Melbourne students from the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation to work on projects with significant holdings from Arts Centre Melbourne’s Australian Performing Arts Collection, such as the Akira Isogawa costumes acquired from the Sydney Dance Company wardrobe.

Formalising this agreement will also enhance career pathways for University of Melbourne students from the Victorian College of the Arts and Melbourne Conservatorium of Music, providing them with professional development opportunities, hands-on industry experience and unrivalled access to Arts Centre Melbourne’s state-ofthe-art performance facilities.

This announcement comes at a pivotal moment for both organisations, as they reaffirm their commitment to integrating Indigenous Knowledges into research, engagement and teaching practices and seek to create a culturally safe space for First Nations people and artists in the Precinct.

The work is underpinned by the University of Melbourne’s recently launched Indigenous Strategy, 'Murmuk Djerring' and complemented by Arts Centre Melbourne’s appointment of Troy Walsh as Executive Director of First Nations, Equity, and Inclusion.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Spunk Daddy

Bookings: www.artefacttheatre.com/constellations - Cheryl

Drawing on her lived experience of isolation within the mainstream contemporary arts industry, Pamela prioritises sensory exploration in her curatorial work to facilitate greater connection between audience and artist.

Threadgold

Legends of the Skies

■ LOTS Theatre Inc. presents Legends of the Skies Series 11, from October 2-29 in The Casey Hangar Theatre, Moorabbin Air Museum, Moorabbin Airport.

Enjoy theatrical presentations of stories related to Australia's wonderful aviation history, under the artistic direction of Maggie Morrison.

Performance Details: October 26, 27, 28 at 7.30pm; 2.00pm matinees on October 28, 29

Venue: the Casey Hangar, Moorabbin Air Museum, 12 First St., Moorabbin Airport Cabaret style. BYO refreshments.

Tickets: $20 per person www.trybooking.com/CLECY

- Cheryl Threadgold

Providing a flowing, silky textural welcome to the exhibition is artist Darren Aquilina’s work, which explores emotion through colour and invites the public to touch it as they walk through it.

Megan Hunter’s work is a large inflatable hammerhead that requests a search for hidden creatures within her artwork.

Emily Floyd’s sculpture sits in conversation with Megan’s work, drawing the audience's attention to the waterways we depend on and the beings that live there.

This work encourages a sense of consciousness of what is around us, even if we cannot always see it.

Where science meets art, Thomas Miller’s Reflection Portal offers the opportunity to see ourselves through new and different perspectives as we journey through the expanded line drawing, which merges different patterns of reflecting light.

Performance Season: October 18 - November 5 (Previews October 11 - 17)

Tickets: Oct 11 - 17 $28. Oct 18 - Nov 5 $20$69

Venue: Red Stitch Actors Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St., St Kilda East Bookings: www.redstitch.net

- Cheryl Threadgold

Aza stories of grief

■ In this debut Fringe show, acclaimed poets Charaf Tartoussi, Farah Beaini, Thabani Tshuma and Parminder Kaur merge spoken word, theatre and mourning ritual to explore grief from the migrant perspective.

Supported by musical composition from ABC Classic FM’s Meena Shamaly, the show dives into their respective retellings, reimaginings and reclamations of grieving a family member from a homeland elsewhere.

Aza: stories of grief in the diaspora. Show details. Dates: October 18-22. Times: 6pm, 5pm (50 minutes). Venue: Festival Hub: Trades Hall – Old Council Chambers. Tickets: Full $23 Concession: $18. - Di Rolle

■ Darby James presents his musical comedy cabaret Spunk Daddy, telling of the process of sperm donation, from October 16-22 at The Butterfly Club. This will be a full production, following a development reading earlier this year.

Performance Dates: October 16-22 at 8.30pm

Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne. Bookings: https:// www.eventbrite.com.au/e/spunk-daddy-tickets-668635706397

- Cheryl Threadgold

New agreement

■ At the Royal Academy of Music in London, High Commissioner to the UK, Stephen Smith announced a new international agreement between Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the Royal Academy of Music. The agreement heralds extraordinary international opportunities for Australian and British musicians studying at the MSO Academy and the Royal Academy, two esteemed institutions that are working to further strengthen cross-cultural exchange between Australia and the UK

● ● Georgie Llewellyn, Emily Hurley, Melissa Cameron, Aaron Richardson and Kyle Shields in The Wedding.

Photo: Mataara Stokes

Shows

■ MLOC Productions: A Chorus Line: Teen Edition, October 5 - 15 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. www.mloc.org.au

■ Geelong Lyric Theatre Society: Jersey Boys October 6 – 14 at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre. www.glts.asn.au/

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Chess the Musical, October 6 – 21 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Booking: cloc.org.au or 1300 362 547

■ Encore Theatre: Cul-De-Sac (by John Cariani) October 6 – 4 at the Clayton Community Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Helen Ellis. All tickets $28. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CKRJH

■ CPP Community Theatre: Oliver! October 6 – 14 at the Mahon Theatre, Aquinas College, 46 Great Ryrie St., Ringwood. Bookings: https://bit.ly/3pTjn40 Enquiries: tickets@cppcommunitytheatre.com.au

■ AVID Theatre and Ardour Theatre: Hamlet (by William Shakespeare) October 20 – November 4 at Mycelium Studios, Factory 1/10,12 Moreland Rd., Brunswick East. Director: Michael Fenemore. Bookings: https:/ /www.trybooking.com/events/landing/ 1081851

■ NOVA Music Theatre: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, October 20 – 29 at The Round Theatre, Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Bookings: www.novamusic theatre.com.au

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Spring Awakening November 10 – 25 at Centenary Theatre, 71 Railway Place, Williamstown. Bookings: www.wmtc.org.au

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Here I Belong (Matt Harley) November 10 – 25 at Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Carpenter St., Brighton. Director: Barbara Crawford. Bookings: www.brightontheatre.com.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: 70th Anniversary Christmas Panto-Revue (Script and Original Lyrics by Cheryl Threadgold) November 10 – 25 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt; Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. www.beaumaristheatre. com.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Ladies in Black, the Musical (Music and lyrics by Tim Finn, Book by Carolyn Burns)November 17 – December 2 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turner Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ OSMaD: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film) December 7 – 16 at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, 1 Morrison St., Hawthorn. Director: Joel Batalha; Co-Musical Directors: David Barrell and Ned Dixon; Choreographer: Caitlin Lamont. www.osmad.com.au

■ HTC Youth Theatre: Grimmish December 8 – 16 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 turner Ave., Rosanna. Bookings: htc.org.au or 9457 4117.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Rumours (by Neil Simon) October 1 and October 2 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Eve., Rosanna. Director: Gayle Poor. Audition enquiries: gaylepoor@hotmail.com

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Photograph 51 (by Anna Ziegler) October 29 at 12.00pm, October 30 at 7.00pm at Williamstown Little theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Natasha Boyd. Audition Enquiries: Natasha Boyd - tashmark@yourmail.net.au or 0413188513

■ The Last Quiz Show on Earth (by Alison Carr) November 23 at 7.30pm, November 25 at 2.30pm at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute Hall, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Bob Bramble. Enquiries: 0439 311428 or bobbramble2013@gmail.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

LOVE LUST LOST

■ Innovative, expansive and immersive – the bold ambitions of Love Lust Lost are acutely felt when signing a waiver before entering the historical Austral theatre in Johnson St, Collingwood.

The space with its impressive 1900 sqm footprint containing 43 spaces feels ominous but provides an exciting start to the adventures that await on the E.V. Nautilus.

Worth noting, following the show’s run, the Austral, which opened in 1922 as a theatre, cinema and later roller skate rink, will sadly be demolished for redevelopment.

Nevertheless, anticipation builds in the foyer before the audience is shuffled into an anteroom for a decompressive debrief.

Once released into the “labyrinthine subterranean adventure” the choice of direction and paths is a little bamboozling.

Creator, Creative Director and Co-Writer Kirsten Siddle and Co-Writer Helen Cassidy, were inspired on the nautical theme by a mix of The Little Mermaid by Hans Christian Anderson and Jules Verne’s Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea. The result is dark and tantalising - mostly.

Love Lust Lost was certainly a unique experience but without a map (or app) it felt more like an aimless chase to find some action.

Even when lured by a performer there was no guarantee that you would get anything other than some crazed whisperings – and there were plenty of them.

There was song (some lovely vocals from Chloe Towan and Meg Hickey), strip, some fish antics (unseen) and acrobatics (unseen) which culminated in an energetic and theatrical finale ensemble piece (thankfully seen and enjoyed).

Eight performers and quirky characters performed throughout the space for approximately 90 minutes but without clear guidance on what was happening and where (which may have been the point) some performance elements (most in my case) were frustratingly missed.

Impressive as the staging was, unfortunately “lost” was the title word that most resonated in this curious, ambitious, edgy circus of random acts ‘thirty feet below sea level’.

Performance Season: Until October 29

Venue: The Austral Theatre, 202 Johnston St., Collingwood Bookings: www.lovelustlost.com

- Review by Beth Klein

Ohio

■ Ohio, performed at the MC Showroom in Prahran, was an earnest and well-intentioned but poorly executed didactic piece of theatre that needed improving in many areas for it to be of interest.

Set in a futuristic USA run by a fascist government, an all-woman punk theatre group disrupts a Broadway show.

Consequently, its six members are arrested, interrogated and sent to a prison camp where, as a cruel punishment, they are made to perform ad nauseum the very show that they had disrupted.

No one could doubt the ambitious scope of the play nor its topicality. However, it felt like the playwright Monica Byrne had over-reached herself here.

The play had a complicated structure, with multiple scene changes switching the action between numerous environments. Such a structure, if not realized well, can confuse and confound an audience. In addition, the dialogue was often stilted with forced and artificial rhythms.

With regards to the cast – El Kiley, Felise Lyon, Olivia Fynmore-Green, Rosa AblettJohnstone, Lucy May Knight and Olivia Durst – all six were energetic and clearly committed to the script and what it was trying to say.

Still, performances were uneven and suffered from a lack of strong direction and the need for a more fully developed script.

Broken River

characterisation led to a lack of drive/momentum in the storytelling. It would have been a complicated play to realise and bring to life, even for an experienced director, so in hindsight not a great choice for a debut.

So, a disappointing night at the MC Showroom where, overall, a combination of factors led to a production with too much telling of, rather than showing, a powerful narrative.

- Review by Peter Murphy

Spring Awakening

■ A demanding work tackled head on by Sevenfold Theatre Company at the Blue Stone Church Arts Space, Footscray as part of their 2023 season.

Demanding as the author, Frank Wedekind wrote it in German in 1891, calling it then Fruhlings Erwachen, translated to the title A Children's Tragedy, containing controversial and confronting subject matter.

The story of Spring Awakening is over a century old, but is based on the same tensions that still exist in our inability to be honest with the young about the pleasures and responsibilities associated with their sexualities.

A lot can be said, but we are to focus on the outcome of Sevenfold’s spirited production on their opening night.

Set in a provincial German town dominated by repressive Lutheranism, the performance story revolves around adolescents dealing with sexual desire, homosexuality, rape, depression, abortions and suicide.

A simple stage of a raised platform in the shape of a cross, carpeted allowing for placing very scant items, such as a chair, a small table or a box, that represented various locations inside and outside.

The opening scene was poignant in that seven actors spread across the set, each standing in front of a tall dressing mirror as they complete dressing in 1890s fashion over their underwear, while reflecting on their bodies and obviously giving deep thought to how they appear particularly to others.

It was a good basis of how they were concerned given the strong Lutheran Church doctrine, restraining them from individual choices.

Given the number of cast who were all generally even in their individual performances, Jackson Cross as Melchior and Joanna Halliday as Moritz played strong pivotal roles with much dialogue well delivered in the unfolding of their awareness of how restrictive their desires have been.

Emma Snow as Wenda does well facing off against her staunch Lutheran mother, while Samantha Bradley as Rector was a dark figure often a link to many scenes while hovering in the background.

Fifteen cameo roles were played effectively by the remaining six cast and full credit also goes to the eleven crew and Director, Zachary Dixon.

There was no individual or small group curtain call which the cast sorely deserved.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

■ Families and their varying levels of dysfunction make for gripping theatre, and Cosmic Players Theatre Company is drawing on that idea for its Fringe Festival premiere of playwright Darren Brealey’s play Broken River.

Broken River follows the story of the Morris household after a parent dies. Tempers flare, love is on trial, and nothing can quell the years of underlying sibling rivalry. Broken River tells a story where the love of family was never ceded, yet ego rises to take power.

Although Virginia is suffering from cancer and dementia, she clings to her sense of humour, her memories, and her way of life. She’s not giving up. She's a mother, a woman, and when she must be manipulative, calls upon her two boys, Chad and Michael, enforcing demands and obligations through guilt and fear.

Virginia is a matriarch, survivor of a harsh life, having fought her way through tough times for herself and her boys. She dreamed of a life with a wealthy man to take care of her every whim and care, but reality dealt a cold harsh blow.

Her two boys must be able to work together to sort out their mother's Final Will and Testament. Virginia’s daughter-in-law, Tracey had grand illusions of becoming a famous reality television star.

Instead, she married Chad. What will extinguish the aggravating underflow of smouldering years of unspoken hatred between the three of them? What can tear down the walls and break through? In Darren Brealey’s latest play, love itself is on trial.

Directed by Elizabeth Way, the play stars Lily Johnson as Tracey, Joel King-Mayne as Michael, James William as Chad and Linda Cookson as matriarch Virginia.

The stage is set for a fascinating and dramatic night at the theatre.

Broken River premieres in the 2023 Melbourne Fringe Festival at Gasworks Arts Park, Albert Park , opening at 7.30pm on Monday, October 16. Book your tickets at melbournefringe.com.au/event/broken-river

- Julie Houghton

Rent

■ LPD Productions has declared there is “no day like today” as it announced the multiTony Award winning rock musical by Jonathan Larson, Rent, will embark on a national tour in 2024.

Step into the vibrant streets of New York City's East Village, where dreams are born, friendships are tested, and the power of love prevails against all odds.

Featuring the iconic songs Seasons of Love, Take Me or Leave Me and La Vie Bohème, this phenomenon is a celebration of life, love, and the human spirit.

Venue: State Theatre, Arts Centre

Melbourne Season: February 17 - March 7

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● ● Private advertisers can sell their unwanted goods with a free listing in The Local Paper/Melbourne Observer. Complete the form in this issue, or lodge your free ad at: AdvertiseFree.com.au

For the director, Emily Farrell, Ohio was her directorial debut and her lack of experience in this role showed.

Moments where script, direction and acting came together to serve the narrative were few and far between.

Instead, more commonly, missed connections between actors or poorly developed

● ● The Melbourne Observer is a free section included in all editions of The Local Paper, distributed across all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and peri-urban areas. Published online weekly February- December, and printed fortnightly.

Performance Times: Tues.-Thurs. 7pm, Fri.-Sat. 7.30pm, Sat. 2pm, Sun. 1pm and 6pm (2pm on February 18), Wed. 2pm ( March 6 only)

Prices: From $59.90 (Transaction fees apply)

Bri Emrich in Love Lust Lost.

Photo: Jeff Busby

● ● Lily Johnson as Tracey

TOOLS FOR AFTER EXHIBITION

■ The Anthropocene describes the current geological age in the Earth’s history, where human activity has had a significant impact.

Think global warming, industrialisation, and environmental damage, and you comprehend the scale of the challenges facing us.

As Tools for After exhibition curator Maurizio Corrado put it, we live in a world of “constant exceptional reality” where once unimaginable events such as those produced by climate change happen daily.

In the Festival of Italian Creativity, over 100 scientists, artists, filmmakers, actors, writers, architects, designers, engineers, and students come together to propose sustainable solutions.

Fitzroy Town Hall is host to an amazing array of products and concepts aimed at solving the problems we face, both now and in the future.

One remarkable idea is designer Luca Alessandrini’s spider silk violin, made from a composite material of spider silk and resin.

Another is Francesca Nori’s incredible, leather-like material made from pineapple skin.

Mauricio Cardenas Laverde’s dry joint bamboo construction system aims to reduce waste and save energy and freshwater supplies consumed by building construction worldwide.

Another fantastic innovation is the composite material the Sovrappensiero Design Studio created from chestnut, walnut, almond, pistachio and peanut shells.

Designer Francesca Parotti teamed up with her students at the University of Florence to create the Touch Glove.

This futuristic tool enables astronauts to regain tactile sensation when wearing a spacesuit.

Corrado believes that the “most important, essential and necessary” tool we have is our imagination.

“Only our ability to imagine another world can help us to live better in this world – the only one we have, at least so far,” he says.

There is no shortage of imagination judging by the incredible and innovative ideas on display.

Running until October 10

Fitzroy Town Hall

Further information: www.tools forafter.info/

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

Smart Fone Flick Fest

■ The Gala Finals of the 9th annual international Smart Fone Flick Fest take place in Sydney on the weekend of November 18-19, with the best of the world’s ‘hand-made’ films to be screened live.

Then, on Friday November 24, the festival arrives in Melbourne for a co-screening with another of the

of the world's largest smartphone

film festivals - MINA

This takes place at ACMI in Federation Square and will feature some of our festival’s best local Melbourne films along with a selection of international favourites.

Among Melbourne finalists is Ronald James Baculo of Caroline Springs with his film The Art of Living (with a Mechanical Keyboard)

It is a short film about finding passion for life through discovering the wonderful hobby of mechanical keyboards.

This is one of the festival's ‘Luma Touch Finished on Mobile’ award finalists

Australia’s unique contribution to the world of filmmaking is an international success story with this year’s 9th edition attracting 458 entries, including 28 feature films.

It’s an almost 50 per cent jump in entries from 2022 and reflects the rise and rise of this exciting, super-accessible genre both here and overseas.

This year’s entries came from 60 countries including Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Senegal, Uganda, China, Venezuela, right across Europe, America, New Zealand and - as always - a slew from Australia.

This year’s finalists are competing for over $50,000 in prizes across multiple categories.

It all happens at Actors Centre Australia in Leichhardt. Saturday November 18 are the major SF3 Gala Finals at 6.30pm, preceded by the glittering red-carpet event with drinks, photo wall and foyer activations from 5pm.

Sunday November 19 features the SF3 Kids Finals at 11am then a filmmaking masterclass at 2pm, culminating with the SF3 Mini and Feature Film Screenings at 4pm including a Q&A Panel Discussion.

Tickets are on sale to all live events now at www.sf3.com.au

Some 18 Gala Finalists – 12 of them Australian - have been selected to compete for the top awards.

There are films from Scotland, the UK, South Africa, the USA, Ghana, regional NSW, Queensland and all corners of Sydney

The films cover every genre including a beautiful dance piece from Scotland, a documentary about one man's mental health struggles from Ghana, a kooky little comedy horror from the US, a beautiful reflective piece which showcases neuro-diverse, disabled and First Nations actors from regional NSW, a horror pic from two young First Nations filmmakers (12 and 14 years), a Queer love story, a 60s spy spoof starring Sydney drag queens (The Spy Who Dragged Me by Barry Backhouse)and everything in between… and beyond.

SF3 2023 also includes a very special film called 'Bevan' by filmmaker, Bevan Garozzo. Bevan is a Western Sydney-based filmmaker living with

Down Syndrome. There are 30 SF3 Kids Finalists this year, telling the full gamut of stories from the youngest filmmaker – just 7 years old - all the way through to ‘seasoned’ 16 year olds.

SF3 Kids is a perennial favourite with schools and this year, received 41 entries from Hills Drama School alone.

There were also 20 entries from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, and from young filmmakers across regional and metropolitan Australia, from Queensland to the Adelaide Hills.

The SF3 Mini Finals will showcase 16 ‘mini’ films: the shortest film being just 1 minute long about how to procrastinate when writing a last minute essay; the longest featuring three-minute horrors and comedies.

This year’s SF3 Feature Film screening is of US film, Paralysis , which has been taking the world by storm.

Paralysis is an indie horror which really packs a punch and showcases the true beauty and strength of smartphone filmmaking.

SF3 2023 also features a foyer activation throughout the weekend.

The festival is working with its legion of sponsors - the best in innovative and smartphone filmmaking right now - to showcase the latest gadgets, tech and apps.

Attendees will be able to get hands on with the latest accessories and apps and try them out for free with discount codes available for purchase.

Misalligned - by Sally-Ann Dunn Arlo and the Sea – by Damian Overton. Rental Love – by Kieron Beilby. The Thing We All Share – by Michèle Jedlicka

This year SF3 Online runs from November 18 to December 3 with additional screenings including the full 10 Best Feature Film finalists and a special Highly-Commended screening of some incredible films that couldn’t fit into the live event.

And, on Friday November 24, the festival arrives in Melbourne for a co-screening with another of the world's largest smartphone film festivals - MINA

This takes place at ACMI in Federation Square and will feature some of our festival’s best local Melbourne films along with a selection of international favourites.

Co-founder of major sponsor Luma Touch, Terri Morgan , said storytelling is at the heart of filmmaking: “It motivates us, it inspires us, it drives us forward. Stories are what make us uniquely human; they bring us together across boundaries, and from across the globe.

“SF3 is one of those rare gems with a vision that so closely aligns with ours - an international film festival open to filmmakers of all ages and from every corner of the world that provides a platform for aspiring filmmakers to bring their stories to life for the world to see.”

El Conde

■ (The Count) (MA). 111 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix.

Chilean director Pablo Larrain (Tony Manero, No, The Club, Ema), after stumbling with the disappointingly hollow Spencer, is back in top form with his latest offering, which takes an infamous dictator and satirises his behaviour and horrific legacy by employing an age-old monster formula.

The dictator in question is Augusto Pinochet (Jaime Vadell), who ruled Chile from 1973 to 1990. But, according to this story, Pinochet is a vampire, and has actually been around for a couple of centuries, first seen during the years preceding the French Revolution.

Enjoying a taste for blood and violence, Pinochet has a severe hatred for democratic freedom, and as the decades go on, he tries to ensure this type of thinking is crushed wherever he decides to reside.

When the chance to rule comes along in Chile circa 1973, Pinochet seizes the opportunity with a coup d’etat, leading to the people suffering cruel human rights abuses for almost two decades.

Faking his death, Pinochet now lives in isolation with his wife Dona Lucia (Gloria Munchmeyer) and longtime loyal assistant Fyodor (Alfredo Castro)

Not wanting to live on, Pinochet has stopped feeding on the innocent, but when a series of brutal murders occur in Santiago , his grown children suddenly arrive on the scene, wondering if their father is the culprit.

Also turning up is Carmen (Paula Luchsinger), there to confirm the family assets, but has actually been sent by the church to stop the bloodthirsty monster.

The combination of horror and history is outstanding, using the vampiric element as a perfect metaphor for institutional corruption, and an insatiable thirst for money and power, no matter if it sucks the life and freedom of an entire people.

Pinochet also represents the continual problem of dictatorships, which never seem to disappear, and while there are certain institutions (financial, political and religious) and persons who put profit and control above all else, they sadly never will.

Pablo Larrain also infuses the story with a deliciously dark sense of humour, but it never undermines the grim and, at times, gruesome, nature of the material (one exhilarating sequence late in the film is a magnificent blend of Carl Theodor Dreyer’s The Passion Of Joan Of Arc and Richard Donner’s Superman: The Movie).

Performances are excellent

(Castro is a particular standout), and technically the film is brilliant, with extraordinary black-and-white cinematography (by Edward Lachman, who also lensed I’m Not There, Carol and Dark Waters), wonderful production design, clever special effects, and first-rate editing (by Sofia Subercaseaux).

This is also the first film to be shot on the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF Monochrome camera.

The film-maker examines and subverts historical material like he did with the impressive Jackie (2016), where Natalie Portman played Jacqueline Kennedy (but without the fantastical element).

El Conde would make a great double bill with Larrain’s marvellous 2010 drama, Post Mortem , which looked in chilling fashion (via a mortician) at the last days of Pinochet’s predecessor, Salvador Allende.

Larrain is one of the most fascinating film-makers working today, and continues to impress with El Conde , a movie filled with style, passion and purpose, and will definitely be one of the best films of the year.

RATING - ****½

IU Concert

■ The Golden Hour (G). 171 minutes. Limited screenings on September 28 and 30.

K-Pop superstar IU (real name is Lee Ji-Eun) celebrates her 15th anniversary as an artist (she debuted in 2008) with this epic concert movie, which is being released in cinemas right around the world.

Featuring all her greatest hits, IU always puts on an incredible show, with a dazzling stage presentation to go along with her exceptional vocal talent.

Lee has also turned to acting over the years, with acclaimed performances in the TV show Hotel Del Luna (2019), and films Persona (2019) (which is on Netflix ) and Hirokazu Kore-eda’s well-reviewed Broker (2022) (available on AppleTV and Prime Video).

Please check local cinema guides for session times.

- Aaron Rourke

● ● Aaron Roruke

■ I think my first memory of hearing a Fats Domino song was Ain't That A Shame back in 1956.

I loved the deep resonance of his voice and the strong beat behind the song.

Rock and Roll was new to us pimply faced teenagers and we couldn't get enough of the American rock songs which became part of the soundtrack of our lives.

Antoine Dominique ‘Fats’ Domino Jnr was born in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1928.

Antoine studied piano at the age of nine. He left school to work in a factory so that he could play piano in the bars at night.

Antoine mastered the Boogie Woogie techniques and the classic Rhythm and Blues piano style.

In 1938 he married his childhood sweetheart, Rosemary. He became a father and almost lost his hand in a factory accident.

Antoine was given the nick-name of ‘Fats’ and it stuck. He joined trumpeter Dave Bartholomew's band.

Dave recognised the special talent of Fats and arranged a contract for him with Imperial Records

In 1949 Fats Domino had his first million selling hit song The Fat Man and Dave became his manager.

Dave Bartholomew and Fats Domino cowrote many of the hit songs which included, Ain't That a Shame, I'm In Love Again, Blue-

Whatever Happened To ... Fats Domino

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Fats Domino with Melbourne Observer reader Vince Spiteri berry Hill, I'm Walkin', Blue Monday, I'm Walkin' To New Orleans and The Big Beat

He appeared in two films Shake Rattle And Rock and The Girl Can't Help It

In 1963 Fats left Imperial Records and recorded with several other record labels.

In 1975 Fats Domino performed one show at Festival Hall in Melbourne as part of a national tour. He was accompanied by his 10-piece band. The show ran for about two hours.

Fats brought a lot of expensive jewellery with him and it had to be guarded - his star shaped watch alone had 352 diamonds on it. The tour also included New Zealand

My friend Vince Spiteri is a huge fan of Fats Domino and has visited his home in New Or-

●

leans several times. I thank Vince for sharing his great photo with us.

Domino was awarded the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1987. In 1998, President Clinton awarded him the National Medal of Arts.

When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005 Fats and his family were rescued from their home by boat, but they lost many possessions in the storm.

In 2007 Fats Domino returned to the stage at the New Orleans Venue Tipitina's to sing 11 songs in thirty minutes. It was a sold out house of 500 enthusiastic fans.

As Fats was leaving the stage the compere suggested How About Blue Monday? and Fats

returned for an encore. He made one more stage appearance in 2009 to raise funds to help victims of Hurricane Katrina

His wife Rosemary died in 2008. It was a good marriage and they had a family of eight children. Fats Domino died at his home in 2017 from natural causes. He was a very shy person and stopped touring in his later years. Fats Domino was one of the pioneers of Rock and Roll music and influenced many famous artists.

- 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 - Sun., 12 Noon.

NEW EXUBERANCE AT BENALLA ART GALLERY

New Exuberance

A contemporary Australian textile design is a major touring exhibition project reflecting on current directions in textile practice through art, design and fashion.

Curated by Meryl Ryan in consultation with the Jam Factory team, the exhibition presents the work of more than 30 diverse multi-disciplinary creatives and includes 10 commissioned furniture pieces produced by designers associated with the Jam Factory.

Textile design is a vibrant boundary-blurring creative field. By its very nature, it cross-pollinates.

Moving through disciplines - graphics, furniture and product design, fashion and the visual arts – it manifests as surface patterning, material experimentation and transfiguration, storytelling and conceptual ideas.

Exhibition opens September 29 and closes December 3.

Benalla Art Gallery

Botanical Gardens

Bridge St, Benalla

At Swan Hill

Conflated

When we inhale and exhale, our bodies transform through the process of inflation and deflation. Drawing on the inflatable form as both material and metaphor, Conflated brings desperate artists together to explore bodies, environments, and cultures through contemporary art. Here, the cycle if breathing serves as a framework through which a wide array of experiences, behaviours and expressions are examined.

The artists featured in Conflated investigate the possibilities of the inflatable through participatory works that entice audiences into finding new forms of COVID-safe imagery, audio that draws parallels between ASMR breath and the ecological destruction of glaciers melting, and video of convulsing bodies that morph with inflatable objects. Across all works, the idea of inflation and deflation is a provocation, offering new possibilities in and for our world.

Exhibition opens October 1 and closes December 3.

Swan Hill Regional Gallery

Horseshoe Bend, Swan Hill

The Arts

ideas surrounding ecological systems, ancient knowledge, celestial blueprints and tidal movements across the land, sea and sky known as Australasia , part of the wider AsiaPacific and the ‘Great Ocean’.

Together the artists direct us towards where the sea meets the sun; and dare us to imagine a future deeply respectful of varied perspectives derived from the many custodians of the planet.

Exhibition closes Friday, November 3. Walker Street Gallery of Arts Centre Walker and Robinson Sts, Dandenong - Peter Kemp

Bell Shakespeare

Linden New Art

Design Fringe returns with bold designs for the future.

For the third year Melbourne Fringe and Linden New Art present Design Fringe with its bold curatorial theme Speculation: Eight Billion Little Utopias which invites Australian designers to reimagine our societies, communities, politics and allows ideas to be catalysts for conversations through alternative visions of design practice.

Work will be speculative in its fullest interpretation through materials, methodologies, approaches and an understanding of what constitutes design and how it can be a source of vision.

Speculation makes space for a new approach to design, one where imagination and provocation become of central concern, not to solve problems or make products, but to start conversations and prompt us to think about imaginary futures.

Exhibition closes November 26. Linden New Art

Gestures

■ Bell Shakespeare has announced its 2024 Season. For the first time in over a decade, the company presents a new production of King Lear, staging the epic work in an intimate setting as Australian audiences won’t have seen the play before.

A Midsummer Night’s Dream will tour to over 23 venues throughout the country that it didn’t reach in 2021 after disruptions due to COVID lockdowns and border closures.

Rounding out the Season, Artistic Director Peter Evans explores Shakespeare’s depictions of violence with In A Nutshell: The Poetry of Violence.

Peter Evans said: “Welcome to Season 2024, where we relish Shakespeare’s highest achievements in the ridiculous and the sublime: A Midsummer Night’s Dream and King Lear. A Midsummer Night’s Dream is very special to me, and whether you are revisiting an old friend in this play or are brand new to Shakespeare, it is a play to treasure.

“Meanwhile, in King Lear, the complexities and nuances of the play create an astonishing portrait of a family and a country torn apart, and I’m thrilled to collaborate with Robert Menzies, one of our finest classical actors for four decades.”

The Last Farewell

■ Roger Whittaker was born in Kenya and returned to Britain to enrol in Biology Engineering and became a Bachelor of Science. His love of music and singing sentimental songs earned him a permanent spot in hit charts worldwide, particularly Australia. In 1975 'The Last Farewell' sold 11 million copies. He died in France, aged 87.

Gang gets together

■ The entire on-camera crew from 1990's TVsoapie Beverly Hills 90210 got together for a Q & A in Florida much to the squeals of the ageing audience. Shannen Doherty reduced many of the fans to tears as she told her story about her on/off battle with breast cancer, and marriage bust-ups.

Big deal in Deni

■ It may not have the same charisma as performing at the AFL Grand Final but here is the official, confirmed notice that Tim Freedman, backed by the Black Stump Band, will be the featured entertainment at the wildly successful Deni Ute Muster, Deniliquin, on Saturday (September 29). A election of the Whitlam’s songs sure to be on the playlist.

How much can you ‘bear’?

■ September 12 was a day Mother Bear and her cub will never forget. They were strolling down a street in Alaska, they spotted a Krispy Kreme delivery van with the back door wide open.so, they walked right into the van and helped themselves to dozens of doughnuts, pastries by the score until they were sprung, and then continued on their way.

with Peter Kemp

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● ●

● ● Roger Whittaker

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

VALE ‘MR FOOTBALL’: RON BARASSI

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

State Funeral offered

■ Ron Barassi, AFL great, has died at aged 87. Oe of the sport’s most loved and influential figures passed away peacefully and surrounded by loving family.

Barassi was a giant of the football world, as a player, coach and media personality. He was made a member of the Order of Australia in 1978, became a life member of the AFL in 1979 and was the first player to be inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996 as a legend.

Barassi played more than 200 games and won six premierships with Melbourne, and then won four premierships as a coach, two with Carlton and two with North Melbourne. He shares that record of 10 premiership involvements with Norm Smith, another Melbourne great.

He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, Ron Barassi Snr, and play at Melbourne, where he pioneered the position of ruck rover. After winning the grand final six times with Melbourne, Barassi made the move to Carlton playing just 50 games as captain and coach, before making coaching his sole focus.

Ron’s name and his legacy will be remembered as long as footy is played. May he rest in peace.

Barassi’s death comes after his two most beloved teams, Melbourne and Carlton, faced off against each other in a final for the first time this year in more than two decades.

When Ron was approached by the directors of North Melbourne Football Club to sign on as coach in 1973, Ron signed his commitment on the back of a napkin in the coffee shop at Alan Johnson’s Old Melbourne Hotel in Flemington Road.

Ron went on to coach the team, success came two years later with two premierships in 1975 and again in 1977.

In later years, Ron Barrassi embarked on his bucket list tour of the United States. In West Hollywood at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, I interviewed him and he was presented the Key to the City and awarded a special proclamation from the City of West Hollywood.

Ron and PR guru Tony Healey with Aussie firector Rod Hardy drove up to Carmel, south of San Francisco and met the mayor, actor Clint Eastwood. The tour wound up in New York City on Broadway.

Good news for ozone

■ Earth’s ozone layer is expected to return to 1980 levels in the next few decades, according to a United Nations report released yesterday.

The once-every-four-years assessment confirms the collaborative efforts of one of the world’s most successful treaties, the Montreal Protocol of 1987, which saw 198 countries agree to ban the use of ozone-depleting substances.

In the 1980s, scientists discovered diminishing levels of UV-blocking ozone in the stratosphere, particularly in the Earth’s polar regions.

Researchers noted chlorofluorocarbons used widely in fire suppression, refrigerators, and aerosol sprays broke down into ozone-depleting bromine and chlorine in the stratosphere, contributing to a decline in the ozone layer.

Concerns over the damage a thinner ozone layer would have on Earth’s ecosystems led to the rapid adoption of bans on ozone-depleting substances. The report claimed average global ozone levels will reach pre-1980 levels in 2040, while the Antarctic region will do so by 2066.

No autographs

■ Twitter CEO Elon Musk told paparazzi that he will “never again” sign autographs as he warned that the risk that someone will try to assassinate him is actually “quite significant.” “I want to be clear, I’m not doing any more signings ever again,” Musk said as he was surrounded by security guards

Princeton’s extra classes

■ If any of us have kids or grandkids looking at colleges, we need to have them consider Princeton. It now offers classes such as “Black + Queer in Leather: Black Leather/BDSM Material Culture,” “FAT: The F-Word and the Public Body” and “Anthropology of Religion: Fetishism and Decolonization.” Are you wondering what the hell BDSM is? Well, it is “sexual activity involving such practices as the use of physical restraints, the granting and relinquishing of control and the infliction of pain,” according to Webster.

Out and About

Pets: better than humans

■ Many pet owners know that our connections with animals can be on an emotional par with those we share with other humans and scientific research backs this up. The key ingredients of human attachment are experiencing the other person as a dependable source of comfort, seeking them out when distressed, feeling enjoyment in their presence and missing them when apart. Researchers have identified these as features of our relationships with pets too. But there are complexities. Some groups of people are more likely to develop intimate bonds with their pets. This includes isolated older people, people who have lost trust in humans, and people who rely on assistance animals.

Harry, Megan challenged

■ Megyn Kelly panned the new Netflix special featuring Prince Harry and Meghan Markle as an “uninspiring, interminable waste of time” and said that the British royal who wed the American actress needs “a real psychotherapist” and “not a whiny, woke annoying wife.” “Those are three hours I’ll never get back,” Kelly said during a broadcast of her SiriusXM podcast ‘The Megyn Kelly Show’ Kelly described the Netflix documentary ‘Harry & Meghan’ as a “farce,” saying that it’s not a “tell-all” but rather a “tell-whatyou-think-makes-you-look-good.” “What a boring, uninspiring, interminable waste of time,” Kelly said. “Believe it or not this couple is still complaining” despite having “two beautiful, perfectly healthy children ... and nearly $200 million in the bank thanks to their insatiable desire to ‘finally tell their story,’” Kelly added. The Sussexes, who quit as working royals in the UK and relocated to the United States, were reportedly paid $100 million as part a deal with Netflix that includes collaboration on additional content projects. Kelly blasted the couple for insisting on privacy while at the same time granting interviews to Oprah Winfrey, hosting a podcast on Spotify, writing a memoir, and granting access to Netflix

Christians minority

Night Owl

■ Highly intelligent people are often portrayed as night owls. The dedicated novelist writing all night until daybreak, for example.

While prior studies actually support this notion, finding that night owls typically display more robust verbal intelligence, new research from the University of Ottawa suggests otherwise.

“Once you account for key factors including bedtime and age, we found the opposite to be true, that morning types tend to have superior verbal ability,” says Stuart Fogel, Director of the University of Ottawa Sleep Research Laboratory, in a university release.

“This outcome was surprising to us and signals this is much more complicated that anyone thought before.”

American stealth bomber

■ The US Air Force debuted America’s first new nuclear stealth bomber in more than 30 years. The aircraft, known as the B-21 Raider, is part of the Pentagon’s efforts to modernize all three pillars of its nuclear triad, consisting of nuclear missile submarines, land-based nuclear missiles, and nuclear-capable aircraft.

The B-21 Raider is expected to make its first flight in 2023 and succeeds the B-2 Spirit, first presented in 1988.

The public reveal comes days after the Department of Defense released its annual report on China, saying it poses the most consequential challenge to America’s national security.

China has more than 400 operational nuclear warheads and is on track to have 1500 nuclear weapons by 2035

●

■ Fewer than half the people in England and Wales consider themselves Christian, according to the most recent census it’s the first time a minority of the population has followed the country’s official religion. Britain has become less religious less white in the decade since the last census, figures from the 2021 census by the Office for National Statistics revealed. Some 46.2% of the population of England and Wales described themselves as Christian on the day of the 2021 census, down from 59.3% a decade earlier. The Muslim population grew from 4.9% to 6.5% of the total, while 1.7% identified as Hindu, up from 1.5%. More than 1 in 3 people 37% said they had no religion, up from 25% in 2011. The other parts of the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland, report their census results separately. Secularism campaigners said the shift should trigger a rethink of the way religion is entrenched in British society. The UK has state-funded Church of England schools, Anglican bishops sit in Parliament’s upper chamber, and the monarch is “defender of the faith” and supreme governor of the church.

Federal returns down

■ The monthly federal deficit was a record-setting $249 billion in August, $57 billion wider than the same month last year, as Republican control of the House puts the government’s finances back in the political spotlight. The federal government spent $501 billion last month, a $28 billion increase to a record high, while tax revenue dropped by $29 billion compared with last August, with the government collecting $252 billion. Adjusting for calendar differences in last year’s tax receipts, government tax revenue dropped $13 billion compared with last August. The deficit narrowed sharply last fiscal year, which ended July 31, as broad fiscal support during the COVID-19 pandemic ended. At the same time, rapid economic growth also helped power record-level tax revenues, contributing to the smaller deficit.

● The Directors of North Melbourne: Alan Johnson, Albert Mantello, Allen Aylett with coach Ron Barassi.

● ● 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.

Crossword No 28

1. gy,,

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

By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au

Taste of Tamworth

■ The popular Taste Of Tamworth concert returns for 2023 at 2pm on Saturday, November 18. Golden Guitar winners Carter and Carter along with Travis Sinclair and special guest Brett Wood will entertain the crowd at the Kinglake Pub . Info and tickets at www.foggymountain.com.au

James at Memo

■ This spring James Blundell goes live, intimate and unplugged with the Aussie Legends Hemp Lost Highway Tour, headlining his own shows and appearing at Music Festivals around the country. James says: “I will be premiering a selection of the songs from my new album, and I am really excited to be sharing them but I will also be playing a very healthy dose of all the fan favourites from across my song book. Can’t wait to do it.” Memo Music Hall on Monday, November 6. Tickets at https:// events.humanitix.com/james-blundell-losthighway-tour/tickets

Winten’s debut

■ Melbourne singer-songwriter Winten has released her debut album.

Titled Waving To My Girl, the track collection features folk ballads and evocative rock songs.

When not on stage, Winten is a skilled photographer and filmmaker and has been credited with the ability to capture the essence of a moment and a gift for framing compelling stories.

- Rob Foenander

BIRDS OF TOKYO AT HAMER HALL

■ Birdsongs, a concert collaboration between the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and the rock group Birds of Tokyo, had a successful opening night performance at Hamer Hall which had the crowd baying for more.

Much to its credit, the MSO has been expanding its horizons by doing collaborations such as these for quite some time and, under the expert hand of Nicholas Buc (conductor and arranger), has done a wonderful job teaming up this time with Birds of Tokyo.

The band are considered Australia’s most successful contemporary rock band, renowned for their soaring ballads and rock anthems, and the reasons for their success and popularity were evident from the very start of the performance.

Predictably, the evening consisted of a mix of some new material interspersed with old crowd favourites from an impressive back catalogue of albums and hits; these included classic anthems such as Plans, Good Lord and Lanterns.

One odd exception to this was the inclusion in the program of a cover of Hurt, originally a Nine Inch Nails song, which was famously covered in a beautiful heartrending version by Johnny Cash

The band front man, Ian Kenny, described their performance of the song as the cover of a cover but I felt it was a misplaced addition to the program and didn’t do justice to

Crossword Solution No 28

the song. One other small difficulty, certainly in the first half of the show, was the lack of a balance between the orchestra and the band’s bass and lead guitars, the latter often hard to hear once the full orchestra was playing.

However, these are minor criticisms as, overall, the band and orchestra complemented each other beautifully with wonderful arrangements of the band’s songs adding an extra dimension to their power.

It was indeed a wonderful night of music which, by the end, saw the band and orchestra receive rapturous applause from an audience up on its feet and clamouring for more.

- Review by Peter

Murphy

Jewish Film Festival

■ From tales of profound journeys, captivating real-life mysteries to the unsung champions of yesteryears, the Jewish International Film Festival ( Oct. 23- Dec. 6) graces Australian screens once again, presenting a curated collection of Jewish cinema's most enchanting and illuminating tales from across the world.

Featuring 55 Australian premiere films from 19 countries, the Festival will deliver a vast program; presenting 30 feature films, 20 documentaries, two series, and six short films alongside a suite of live events

to audiences in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane, Canberra, Hobart and Gold Coast

"In a world where stories are our bridge to understanding, this year's JIFF is a testament to the timeless resilience and adaptability of the Jewish spirit," said Jewish International Film Festival Artistic Director, Eddie Tamir.

"As we celebrate a remarkable line-up of films, from the deepest roots of Yiddish culture to Australian stories and tales that push boundaries, we're honoured to curate this immersive journey, offering both a reflection on the past and a beacon for the future in the 2023 edition of JIFF."

Opening Night

Launching JIFF 2023 is the Australian Premiere of Matchmaking, Israel's biggest blockbuster of 2023 . Journey with Moti Bernstein, an Ashkenazi ideal, who defies tradition for Nechama, a Mizrahi beauty.

Directed by the mastermind behind Magic Men, this romantic comedy, brimming with heart and humour, won the Audience Award at the Miami Jewish Film Festival. Tickets include falafel, drinks, and live tunes, ensuring a night of cultural celebration.

Australian Stories

JIFF 2023 invites audiences to plunge deep into the heart of Australian stories, rich in history and emotion. Revenge: Our Dad the Nazi Killer thrusts us into the post-

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson with Matt Bissett-Johnson

WWII era, where three brothers uncover their father’s suspected revenge spree against Nazis. A tale that unwinds through Melbourne’s streets and buried wartime secrets.

The closing night film for JIFF is The Jewish Nazi which follows the astounding journey of Alex Kurzem, who, following the brutal massacre of his Belarusian family, was forcibly made "Hitler's youngest soldier" by a Latvian Nazi battalion.

The film shadows Alex’s migration to Sydney , his life shadowed by secrets, until a DNA revelation that becomes a testament to the complexity of human identity.

In the visually evocative I'll Be Frank, a young Jewish Australian named Aaron reconnects with his German roots. Animated fragments of his grandfather's memories guide him through Nazi Germany, leading to a profound reckoning with the traumas woven into his family's tapestry.

Weaving stories of resilience, identity, and humanity's multi-faceted nature, the feature films in this year’s line-up provide a rich tapestry of narratives to explore. In this year's line-up, based-ontrue-story feature films capture riveting tales from the past. Stella. A Life. offers a deep dive into the tumultuous and controversial life of Stella Goldschlag.

Classic Cinemas: October 23–November 29. Lido Cinemas: October 24– November 28.

Mike McColl Jones

■ Melbourne Racing is thrilled with the nominations received for the Neds Caulfield Guineas to be run at Caulfield on October 14..

A great race looms with 127 three-year-olds, nominated for the $3 million event.

Each of the top contenders has resumed in good style for their classic season with the game of one-man upmanship, set to continue right up until the start of the Caulfield Cup Carnival.

Group One winner, King Colorado, is the clear top seed, among the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace 11 Caulfield Guineas entries.

Veight came right into calculations with a stunning victory in the McNeil Stakes at Caulfield for leading trainers, Tony and Calvin Mc Evoy

The flying colt, Steparty, made it four on end, for trainer Paul Preusker, winning the McKenzie Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 9, and looks the one to beat, even this far from home.

The equal favourite early is the top Sydney colt, Militarize, who finished well in the Run to The Rose, over 1200 metres in Sydney.

Encap with Sydney trainer Gary Portelli is keen on his entry Encap, who won her maiden event in style, the Group 3 Ming Dynasty over 1400 metres.

The Blue Diamond Stakes winner, Little Brose, remains in contention, with both he and Scheelite’s performances in the McNeil, suggesting the 1600 metres trip will prove ideal.

THREE-YEAR-OLDS CONTEST CAULFIELD GUINEAS Ted Ryan

You can’t leave the good sprinter Esipona out, she has hit some form at her last couple of starts.

Cast you mind back as a youngster she blitzed them up the straight at Flemington. One that didn’t fire for the Waller Camp at Randwick was Olentia. She failed to run after being just off the pace, to finish back in eighth spot. She is much better than that.

The talented New Zealander now with Chris Waller, Kovalica, wasn’t uited by the distance of the race at Rosehill back on September 9. He is better suited from around 2000 metres on, as proven by his win in the Queensland Derby. This could be a shade short here. It is a tough race.

Good Fri. Appeal

Leading Sydney trainer James Cummings, for the Godolphin team, shooting for a hat-trick of Caulfield Guineas victories, has nominated stakes winner, Cylinder, Amur and Tom Kitten.

Meanwhile, 103 declarations were also taken for the $5 million Caulfield Cup on October 21.

Five internationals remain a chance to grace our shores, led by Japanese galloper, BreakUp , trained by Tatsuya Yoshioka and Simon and Ed Crisford’s West Wind Blows, Aidan’ O’Brien’s Greenland and the Joseph O’Brien pair, Okita Soushi and Valiant King, round out the overseas contingent.

Epsom Handicap

■ After recent racing at Randwick, we have a new favourite for the classic Epsom Handicap to be run next Saturday.

The James Cummings trained four-year-old, Pericles, heads the list after a narrow, but strong win in the Tramway Stakes at Randwick back on September 2.

The highly rated galloper, by Street Boss, has plenty of fight in him, and should be hard to beat here.

Another who is racing well at the moment and will be suited by the trip here is the Chris Waller trained, mare, Princess Grace, an American import.

Although seven years old, she knows how to put in, with a win, two good seconds a fourth in her last four outings.

She ran a great fourth behind the top horse at the moment, in Mr Brightside, and the consistent Alligator Blood.

The former Queenslander, Fan Girl, now with Chris Waller, doesn’t know how to run a bad race, at her last outing, she was way out of her ground in the 7 Stakes, rattling home to run a

good third behind Think It Over and Zaaki. She will give this a shake if she is up there with them at the turn. Next is the Kerry Parker trained Hope In Your Heart, who won the Guy Walter Stakes back in February in good style, and is a

winner of nearly $1.7 million in stakemoney. Another with plenty of ability is another of the Chris Waller team, Osipenko, who ran a good third behind Mr Brightside in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington. A four-year old by Pierro, he always puts in.

Golden Mile is another getting back some form after some bad luck runs.

He won the coveted Theo Marks Stakes in good fashion after a handful of unlucky runs, he has plenty of ability, and that is for sure.

Another with a ton of ability is the former New Zealander, Kovalica, now with Chris Waller, a recent winner of the Queensland Derby and has been backed for this year’s Caulfield Cup.

He is a horse that needs longer than 1600 metres, so that is where you have to check him out, but he is good.

■ The Victoria Racing Club is pleased to announce their Flemington neighbours, the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal, as the community partner for Kennedy Oaks Day, on the third day of their Melbourne Cup Carnival. Flemington Racecourse will go all purple,the colour of the Good Friday Appeal logo,and coincidentally the VRC. It’s all happening on Kennedy Oaks Day on Thursday November 9, as the organisations unite to raise awareness for the much-loved Good Friday Appeal.

Racing participants on Kennedy Oaks Day will form a reverse guard of honour in the mounting yard from the Good Friday Appeal community, in what will be a heart-warming moment on the day, for the arrival of special guests. Racegoers will be encouraged to elevate their racewear with a touch of purple, and take the opportunity to donate to the appeal making Kennedy Oaks Day, a great Thursday for the Good Friday Appeal.

Jockeys on the day will wear purple breeches,which will be auctioned off following the raceday, with the net proceeds to be donated to the appeal.

● Princess Grace. Racing Photos.

COUNTRY CUPS SEASON STARTS AT M’BOROUGH

■ Victoria’s Country Cups season commenced at Maryborough on Sunday September 17 when Maryborough staged their season features – the $30,000 Community Bank Maryborough Gold Cup over 2690 metres supplemented by the $25,000 Total Cool Maryborough Trotters Cup over 2690 metres, both races taken out by short priced favourites.

■ Fresh from victory in the $150,000 (Group 1) Len Smith Mile at Menangle two weeks earlier, 5Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Long Live Lana stallion Rock N Roll Doo trained and driven by Burrumbeet’s Michael Stanley coasted to victory.

Starting from gate three on the second line, Rock N Roll Doo settled four back in the moving line as Curley James exploded away from gate four to cross Narutac Prince (gate two) which was first to the pegs.

Once the speed settled, Rock N Roll Doo was sent forward three wide to cruise effortlessly past the pacemaker in the straight on the first occasion to lead for the final two laps of the journey.

This left outsider Sew What in the open being trailed by the Kiwi Kango first up in Oz from gate two on the second line with Blitzern (one/ two), Narutac Prince three pegs and Ideal Escape four pegs being followed by Triple Eight buried five back. The well supported mare Treachery from the extreme draw settled at the tail.

With no moves coming until the approach to the home turn when Kango was eased three wide and Treachery going five wide, Stanley was still sitting quiet on the favourite before the horse was given a little more rein on straightening to move away with Curly James easing away from his back to issue a challenge.

Looking an upset chance, Curly James came quickly, however Rock N Roll Doo without being revved recorded an easy 1.3 metre margin virtually untouched over Curly James, with Narutac Prince using the sprint lane for third 7.5 metres away 2.5 metres ahead of Treachery who’s run was full of merit.

Raced by Brendan James’ BFJ Bloodstock Trust, Rock N Roll Doo in quarters of 30.3, 30, 27.4 and 27.3 after a lead time of 80.5 seconds returned a mile rate of 1-57.

■ Five year old Angus Hall-One Over Kenny gelding One Over All bred and raced by Lex Willams and the estate of his late wife Heather, plus Mark Goodhew, overcame a 30 metre backmark to win the Trotters Cup in a breeze.

Trained at Myrniong by the Tubbs/Sugars team with Greg driving, One Over All began safely as the tapes released to possie four back in the moving line as Victree Hill (Glen Craven) resuming from a Brisbane campaign during the winter crossed Blue Coman (barrier two) from barrier four.

Going forward three wide approaching the bell, One Over All showed a brilliant turn of speed to cross and lead for the final circuit before careering away in the straight to score by nine metres from Victree Hill which battled on gamely. Blue Coman was third 3.6 metres back a neck in advance of The Penny Drops who showed that a win is not far off.

With brilliant quarters of 30.9, 29.6, 28.7 and 28.7 after a lead time of 86.6 seconds, One Over All returned a mile rate of 2-00.1.

Stable double

■ Cobram on the Murray was Monday’s meeting sponsored by the Victorian Harness Racing Club and Avenel’s David Aiken took the honours with a stable double and a quinella – 6Y0 TrixtonCold Sister gelding Twixten in the VHRC/Aldebaran Park Benefiting Our Members Trotters Mobile over 2170 metres and LennythesharkSeaside Beauty colt Son Of A Shark in the VHRC/CGi 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1690 metres, both driven by Chris Alford who partnered duel Inter Dominion winner Lennytheshark to victory in Perth and Menangle.

■ Twixten (gate three) followed stablemate Pesco Pollo (gate five) one/one before trailing him three wide in the last lap, proving too strong at the finish to score by three metres in a mile rate of 2-01.7, while Son Of A Shark led throughout to defeat a death-seating Barney Bill by 3.7 metres, with Orions Wildside third 2.3 metres back after trailing the winner.

Harness Racing

■ Youthful concessional reinsman Sean O’Sullivan landed the 1720 metre Big Screen Company Pace aboard the Danny and Anna Mullen owned 6Y0 Terror To Love-Blackjacky gelding Hittheroadjack.

Spending most of the race three pegs from inside the second line as Duffy Hollow (gate five) had crossed polemarker Malibu Jack, Hittheroadjack trained by Danny in Melton was extricated to make the home turn three wide and ran on strongly to gain the day by 1.7 metres in 1-55.4 over Malibu Jack along the sprint lane. Rosarito Miss after racing in the open from the bell was game in running third a head away.

Swan Hill heats

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Monday – Charlton, Tuesday – Bendigo, Wednesday – Geelong, Thursday –Shepparton/Melton, Friday – Horsham/ Kilmore (Cup), Saturday – Mildura, Sunday – Cranbourne.

len-baker@ bigpond.com

■ Barham trainer Ruth Arthur snared the VHRC/ Benstud Pace over 2170 metres with handy 4Y0 Shadow Play-Miss Potential gelding Maxy Wants To Play who has done well since joining her stable.

Raced by Ruth in partnership by Jeff Cakebread, Maxi Wants To Play driven by James Herbertson was given an easy time at the head of affairs from gate two, accounting for Merolomagic (one/one) and Paddy Mach which raced exposed at the bell from the tail. The margins 1.4 by 3.1 metres in a mile rate of 2-00.5.

■ Border hopper Captain Braveheart, a 5Y0 gelded son of Captaintreacherous and Scottish Glamour and 15 race start winner from 78 outings prior to the race was a tough winner of the 2170 metre VHRC/Heywoods Shepparton Motor Panels Pace.

With Charlton’s Abby Sanderson in the sulky for Henty trainer James McPherson, Captain Braveheart was exactly that after racing exposed for the trip greeting the judge by a metre after outstaylng the hot favourite Barnaby which led. Captains Queen (four pegs) was third a neck away. The mile rate 1-56.7.

4.8m margin

■ At a massive ten race card at Melton on Tuesday, Balliang trainer/driver Jason Hackett was victorious with Always B Miki-Anna Finn filly Alanna Miki, taking the Download The TAB App 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 2240 metres. Settling four back then three back along the markers from inside the second line as Diamondsnblue led from gate three, Alanna Miki after coming away from the inside to be momentarily one/one in the last lap angled three wide on the final bend and ran home best to register a 4.8 metre margin over Bulletproof Kid (three wide last lap from midfield), with John Vincent third after racing exposed for the last lap third 4 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.5.

■ Swan Hill owners Leonie and Paul Carr would have been elated when their home bred lightly raced 9Y0 Major In Art-Lukes Little Lady gelding Elysian Palace at start number 9 greeted the judge in the Mimosa Homes Maiden Pace over 1720 metres.

Trained by Leigh Graham in Junortoun, Elysian Palace driven by Jack Laugher led out from the pole before being crossed by Havachat (gate five) to receive the run of the race.

Using the sprint lane, Elysian Palace ran home nicely to prevail by 1.8 metres over a death-seating Ohhemmjay Cresco, with Havachat holding down third 1.4 metres away. The mile rate 159.1.

■ The Terang (Ecklyn South) mother/son combination of Marg and Jason Lee landed the Garrards 3Y0 Trotters Mobile over 2240 metres with Kiwi bred Imperial Count-Anns Monarch gelding Imperial Monarch.

Driven a heady race by Jason, Imperial Monarch led throughout from gate three.

After putting the foot to the floor making his rivals chase approaching the home turn, Imperial Monarch held an unassailable margin on turning to run out a 4.9 metre victor over the hot favourite Virgina Clowers (five pegs – one/one last lap, with Northold (three pegs) which came off the inside in the last lap third 18.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-01.

■ A great meeting was held at Swan Hill on Wednesday featuring the first round heats of the time honoured Northern Region Championship over 2240 metres giving Strathfieldsaye trainer Julie Douglas both winners.

■ Heat one sponsored by Soho Laniki @ Soho Standardbreds saw Julie land the quinella with Rimu Valley, a 4Y0 gelding by Hes Watching from Rata Valley defeating Roll With Ron in a mile rate of 2-00.8.

Driven by Jack Laugher, Rimu Valley led from gate two before surrendering to stablemate Roll With Ron (gate five) with Alex Ashwood in the sulky.

A change was to occur racing for the bell when Leigh Sutton sent Sinister forward with a rush to assume control shuffling the Douglas pair back a spot.

With the field opening up in the final circuit enabling Rimu Valley to come away from the markers to join the leader on the home turn and dash clear shortly after, Rimu Valley greeted the judge 2.6 metres in advance of Roll With Ron which followed him home, with Storm Stride flashing late from the rear for third 9 metres away.

■ Heat two sponsored by Lennytheshark @ Tourello went the way of LennythesharkLorimerjane gelding Heathbern Bruce with Jack Laugher again in the cart.

Leading out from the pole, Heathbern Bruce was to hand over the front running to In The Paper (gate five – Alex Ashwood) in a repeat of the previous heat.

Angling outside the pacemaker on the home turn, Heathbern Bruce was too tough over the concluding stages to defeat Neds Beach (three pegs) which got clear in plenty of time by 5.2 metres, with Eyecon coming from a ‘mile back’ to nose In The Paper out of third. The mile rate 1-57.5.

■ Junortoun’s Chelsea Wills and husband Laurie were winners on the night after first starter Shark Slayer, a 8Y0 gelded son of Four Starzzz Shark and Red Impala saluted the judge in the 1750 metre Ride High @ Alabar Vicbred Platinum Maiden Pace.

Settling mid field from the extreme draw, Shark Slayer followed Bilum ahead of him home in the three wide line to nab her on the wire returning a mile rate of 1-59.5. Cherokee Jac (three wide to outside the leader Eyeknowtheface) battled on gamely for third. The margins being a nose by 5.5 metres.

■ Echuca trainer Peter Linberg’s home bred Down Under Muscles-Reba Supreme 7Y0 gelding Star Down Under is good when he’s on song and chalked up his 9th victory at start number 60 when successful in the Sundons Courage @ Truscott Lodge Trotters Handicap over 2240 metres.

With regular reinsman James Herbertson in the sulky, Star Down Under stepped cleanly from 20 metres to possie six back along the mars in a strung out field after polemarker Itsallandover led before going off stride shortly after allowing One Muscle Hill (barrier three) to assume control.

Moving to be one/one at the bell, Star Down Under after easing three wide on the home turn kicked clear on turning, but only just lasted by a half head from Rockford Peach which trailed the winner home from three pegs. Sosomaori which raced exposed from the bell was third 4.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-02.9.

■ The 2240 metre Creatine @ Nevele R Stud Pace saw Echuca’s Ros Rolfe victorious with 6Y0 Artiscape-Our Poppi Girl gelding Our Art

Work score in a rate of 2-02. With Ararat’s Mick Bellman driving, Our Art Work went forward from outside the front line to momentarily race exposed outside Desmond (gate five) before taking over.

Given an easy time, Our Art Work defied all challengers to record a half neck margin over Thelongroadnowhere off a three wide trail from the rear last lap, with Boak third 1.9 metres away third after leading up the three wide train in the final circuit.

Pressure applied

■ Yarra Valley also raced on Wednesday with a neat seven event card and Romsey trainer/ driver Chris Svanosio’s 6Y0 Angus Hall-Shes

An Image gelding Builder Bob returned to the winners list by taking the Sharon Haag Memorial Trotters Handicap over 2150 metres. Starting outside the front line (barrier three), Builder Bob after applying pressure to the polemarker Itz Trixton Time crossed and after an easy time, defied all challengers to record a 4.9 metre margin over Itz Trixton Time. Kyvalley Picasso (10m) was third 2.2 metres back after racing exposed for the final circuit. The mlie rate 2-03.7.

■ Dunnstown trainer David Murphy’s home bred 4Y0 mare Arklow raced by the Murphy family landed the Blonde and Com Pace over 2150 metres returning a mile rate of 2-01.5. Driven by son Declan, Arklow sped across the face of the field from outside the front line to lead before being eased to allow The Falcon Prince (gate two) trailing to move around her and take over. Using the sprint lane, Arklow bloused the leader by 3.3 metres, with Friends 1.9 metres back in third place after following the pair.

■ Cranbourne trainer Kyle Marshall’s Kiwi bred 5Y0 Lincoln Royal-Hawthorne gelding Wharewhiti chalked up his second victory in Oz when successful in the 2150 metre Eastern Generator Hire Pace.

Using the services of champion reinsman Chris Alford, Wharewhiti (gate three) went forward to cross Benjimmagee inside him and lead before handing over to a death-seating See Me No More at the bell.

With plenty of room to come away from the inside on turning, Wharewhiti ran home best to prevail by 1.6 metres over the pacemaker returning a mile rate of 1-59.1. Benjimagee held third albeit 24.9 metres away.

■ The Rockbank training combination of Blake & Ted Caruana provided 6Y0 mare Sweet Annie May, a daughter of Sweet Lou and Sancerre to land the Yarra Glen Bakehouse Pace over 1650 metres.

Driven by Blake’s partner Celeste Towers, Sweet Annie May after settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second row was set alight three wide racing for the bell to park outside the leader The Egg Counter in the final circuit before effortlessly to the front prior to the home turn.

Kept going in the straight Sweet Annie May scored by 8 metres from Illawong Phoenix (three wide last lap from three back) to join the winner on the home turn, with Caledonian Terra (one/ one) third 4.7 metres back. The mile rate 157.1.

- Len Baker

with Len Baker

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

The Local Paper The Local Paper

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Part-Time. Work From Home.

Recent media industry developments have led to a wide scope of opportunities across Victoria for our local newspapers. To meet this growth

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This position involves working from your own home, contacting business people by telephone during business hours, and arranging their advertising requirements. Our Local Media Research Department supplies you with a fresh listing of qualified ‘warm’ sales prospects to contact. You are paid fortnightly by generous commission.

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You are a professional Sales Person - who loves talking with business people, and winning the sale. You enjoy working ethically with strong established media products, backed by a substantial online presence. You have experience in sales, preferably in media, and also with practised abilities in TeleSales.

About Us

Local Media Pty Ltd has a 54-year heritage. Our Melbourne Observer masthead was first published in 1969. The Observer has a strong readership segment in the 40+ demographic. It is a section included in each of our Local Paper mastheads.

Our Local Paper titles are well established, and they cover 40 local government areas with localised editions. The Local Paper enjoys positive recognition, and many great success stories. It all ads up to results, happy customers and healthy earnings.

The Local Paper

We want you to research our company - and tell us what you’ve discovered and why you would like to work with us. Please email your proposal to the Publisher, Mr Ash Long, at editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Enjoy independence by working from your own home office.

Earn well by organising advertising requirements of business people.

This position can fit well with your other pursuits such as looking after young/school-age children, and/or other part-time employment.

Wholesome family newspapers, printed fortnightly, with a top distribution network across Victoria. Also published online at www.LocalPaper.com.au

Part of the Local Media group, publishers of the Melbourne Observer (established 1969) and The Local Paper.

Written applications only to editor@LocalPaper.com.au No phone calls please.

Local Media Pty Ltd, publishers of The Local Paper, Melbourne Observer and other publications offers equal opportunity in all positions. All positions commence on a contract basis - successful applicants require their own ABN. This position requires you to have your own home office with phone and internet connectivity. Local Media Pty Ltd pays performance-based commission packages on a fortnightly basis.

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Sunday, September 24. Grand Final. Collegians v St Kevins.

Premier Men’s Reserves. Sunday, September 24. Grand Final. Old Xaverians v Old Scotch.

Premier B Men’s. Grand Final. St Bernards 15.13 (103) d Fitzroy 10.12 (72).

Premier B Men’s Reserves. Grand Final. St Bernards 18.14 (122) d Old Trinity 5.5 (35).

Premier C Men’s. Grand Final. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians 14.20 (104) d Old Camberwell Grammarians 9.8 (62).

Premier C Men’s Reserves. Grand Fi-

Melbournewide

nal. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians 4.11 (35) d Mazenod OC 2.6 (18).

■ Essendon District Football League. Premier Division. Grand Final. Keilor 20.7 (127) d Strathmore 11.9 (75).

■ Northern District Football League. Division 1 Seniors. Grand Final. Heidelberg 15.7 (93) d Bundoora 11.8 (74).

Division 1 Reserves. Grand Final. Heidelberg 13.16 (94) d Montmorency 6.8 (44).

Division 1Under 19.5. Grand Final. Greensborough 1 16.12 (108) d Eltham 6.8 (44).

■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Grand Final. Wandin 21.15 (141) d Narre

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens

Warren 11.12 (78).

Premier Division Reserves. Grand Final. Narre Warren 7.7 (49) d Upwey-Tecoma

4.11 (45).

■ Southern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Grand Final. Cheltenham

7.17 (59 d Cranbourne Eagles 8.8 (56).

■ Goulburn Valley Football League. Seniors. Sunday, September 24. Grand Final. Echuca v Kyabram.

Reserves. Sunday, September 24. Grand Final. Seymour v Shepparton United. Under 18. Sunday, september 24. Grand Final. Echuca v Shepparton Swans.

MAN STABBED AT WYNDHAM VALE

■ Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a fatal stabbing in Wyndham Vale on Friday (Sep. 22).

It is understood two groups of people were involved in a physical altercation on Butler Grove around 9.45pm.

An 21-year-old Wyndham Vale man died at the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be determined and an investigation remains ongoing.

Blitz on speeders

■ Almost one in four drivers intercepted by police during a two-day traffic blitz were caught speeding.

The operation – targeting speeding and distracted drivers in Melbourne’s north – saw police intercept around 200 vehicles from Northcote to Warrandyte.

Almost 50 of those intercepted were found to be speeding. Three drivers were caught more than 30kmh over the limit.

Highway Patrol and general duties police breath tested almost every driver pulled over in a bid to curb the road toll ahead of the long weekend.

It resulted in six drivers losing their licence due to alcohol or drugs.

Intelligence shows serious injury collisions in the Darebin PSA have increased by 18.4 per cent in the last year, with a large proportion attributed to speed and distraction.

Police on motorbikes patrolled high traffic thoroughfares including Bell and High Sts with distracted drivers in sight.

They found 34 drivers on their mobile phones.

During highly visible patrols police observed a 52-year-old man attempt to drive through a level crossing while the warning lights were flashing.

He was issued with a $962 infringement notice and lost four demerit points for failing to stop at a level crossing.

Officers also honed in on major arterial roads including the Metropolitan Ring Road, Hume Freeway and Greensborough Highway.

Plenty, Diamond Creek and St Georges Rds were also a focus –with more than 26,000 vehicles scanned using Automatic Numberplate Recognition Technology throughout the two days.

Operation Broom ran in the northern suburbs between September 20-21.

The community can expect to see extra police on the roads in coming weeks with further road safety operations planned.

Greensborough Highway Patrol Sergeant John Henderson said: “There is never a reason to speed and rushing to get to your destination is never worth risking a life.

“We all know the difference wiping off even a few kilometres can make.

“With school holidays in full swing and a long weekend nearing, I’m urging drivers to reassess their mobile phone use.

“The last thing you want to do is to cause a life-altering collision because of a text message.”

Fatal crash in the West

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Wyndham Vale.

Investigators have been told a motorcyclist came off his bike on Pascolo Way about 2.25pm on September 23.The solo rider died at the scene.

The circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established and the investigation is ongoing.

Police probe shooting

■ Detectives from the Gang Crime Squad are investigating the circumstances surrounding a nonfatal shooting in Truganina.

Emergency services were called to an address on Orlando Drive about 3.40pm on Thursday (Sep. 21) following reports a teenager had been injured.

The 18-year-old male had been shot in the upper body and was conveyed to hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

No one else was home at the time of the incident.

Exact circumstances surrounding the shooting are still to be deter-

mined, however police believe the incident was targeted.

At this time no one has been arrested, however investigators believe at least two males were involved and left the scene on foot following the incident.

Investigators are asking anyone who lives in the area or was driving through to please contact police if they have any CCTV or dash cam footage.

Driver blows 0.20

■ An unlicensed driver has been caught more than four times over the limit in Chirnside Park.

A breath testing site was set up on Edward Rd, Chirnside Park on Thursday and tested a number of drivers.

Around 2.25pm a 27-year-old man from Croydon underwent a breath test and provided an alleged reading of 0.200.

Allegedly, the man had his wife and two young children in the car as passengers. The man had his vehicle impounded at a cost of $1017.

He is expected to be summonsed in relation to drink driving.

Dirt bike incident

■ Police from Westgate Highway Patrol arrested three teens and seized a number of dirt bikes following a dangerous riding incident in Truganina two months ago.

Following an extensive investigation and public appeal last month, officers executed five search warrants at addresses in Hoppers Crossing, Tarneit and Williamstown on Tuesday (Sep. 19).

Three boys, all aged 15, were arrested and subsequently charged with a range of traffic offences including:

■ Reckless conduct endangering serious injury

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.36.30.33.

It could be a little too emotional time to make decisions rationally just now. Leave all your problems until later. Also, do not promise things that you could find hard to do.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 3.2.6.5.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.45.40.9.

A missed opportunity that has bothered you in the past should return, and you could make a great success of it this time. Love life improvement is also evident, and someone special should surprise you.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 4.5.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.9.22.1.

The good news concerning career matters should give you a boost but keep an eye out for too much indulgence could be bad for your waistline. Someone special could enter your life.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Fawn

■ Drive manner dangerous

■ Careless driving

■ Unlicenced driving

■ Unregistered motor vehicle

■ Improper use of a motor vehicle

■ Use a vehicle not safe / roadworthy

■ Disobey red traffic lights

The trio were bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

Investigators also seized three dirt bikes and will apply for forfeiture at court.

The arrests follow an incident on Sayers Rd in Truganina on July 29 where about 15 people allegedly rode dangerously in front of a police vehicle.

At the time, Police arrested one individual and during the arrest, the group of riders allegedly came back and circled police, riding on the wrong side of the road, while spraying dirt and rocks on both officers and the police vehicle.

Two dirt bikes were impounded on the day.

Police will continue to investigate the incident with further arrests in sight.

Westgate Police Division Inspector Jennifer Horgan said: “Westgate Highway Patrol is relentless in tracking down those who think they can endanger our roads and get away with it.

“I’m urging parents to have a conversation with their children around the safe use of bikes as riding them on our streets and through parks illegally is not OK.

“You might think it’s harmless fun but one day it could end in tragedy.”

$800,000 in scams

■ Port Phillip Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man after allegedly stealing more than $800,000 from victims via online scams across Victoria.

It is alleged the victims visited fake websites purporting to be legitimate financial institutions offering investment opportunities between June and September 2022.

Detectives executed a warrant at a home on Arlington St, Portarlington in relation to the investigation.

A 63-year-old man was arrested and charged with five counts of obtaining property by deception and five counts of property suspected of being proceeds of crime.

The Portarlington man was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on Sept. 25.

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.36.39.5.

This could be one of the happiest times of the whole year. Your personality should be sparkling, and people are looking for your company—some unexpected luck in surprising ways.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.30.33.

There should be more cooperation from above; people in high places could help you unexpectedly. One of your long-time wishes could come true during this period.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.25.40.44.

There could be more to do and more responsibility for you to handle during this period, and many of your romantic ideas could have to be postponed, but you will be compensated later on.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.1.5.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.25.28.7.

Not a reasonable period to get involved in group activities. Wait for more energy and interest in something new. Improvements in health and welfare should be imminent.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.9.5.

Lotto Numbers: 5.6.12.23.36.39.

Some happier affairs with your trusted friends and you could help someone out of a tricky situation. Business success could come as a big surprise with increased income.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.36.30.45.

Getting away from it all could be a good idea for you now. Too much work will get you ahead but also make you tired. An emotional period in which you could make errors of judgement.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.20.30.11.15.

The time has come to get rid of some old things and ideas and start fresh. If you must do some signing of papers, make sure you know what you are doing and get expert advice.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Purple

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 6.2.3.1.

Lotto Numbers: 6.12.23.30.22.29.

If you have had bad experiences with someone, it could be that you will again, so do not trust them. People could be friendly if you let them, and asking for help is wise sometimes.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.36.30.44.

If you feel at all under the weather, make sure you get treatment before things get worse. Rest is as good as a holiday sometimes. Financial matters should improve soon.