The Local Paper. Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition. Wed., Sep. 6, 2023

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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

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Facelift for Maternal and Child Health Centre

■ The Maternal and Child Health Centre in Alexandra has undergone a complete renewal, bringing a new era of functionality and design to the facility.

Murrindindi Shire Council, in partnership with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, delivered the extensive refurbishment project.

The upgrades have transformed the facility into a modern, welcoming space that is equipped to accommodate essential maternal and child health services to local families.

The Centre has received a fresh coat of paint both inside and out, structural enhancements have been made to ensure the safety and stability of the building, new flooring has been installed, and upgraded cabinetry and storage solutions have been incorporated.

The Centre’s treatment room now boasts modern conveniences, including an auto tap and heat lamp.

The entry to the facility has also been renewed, offering a welcoming first impression for all visitors.

1817 SIGN ROADS PETITION

Local

Rebels defeated

■ In the Outer East Division 2 Grand Final at Yarra Glen on Saturday (Sep. 2), Powelltown 17.12 (114) d Alexandra 15.11 (101). However, the Under 14s won 50-26 against Seymour. The Under 12s also won their premiership flag. More details inside.

KLW bus stop

■ State Parliament has heard from Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish about a bus stop at Kinglake West.

“Year 9 student Maximilian contacted me to request a bus stop shelter with seating be built at the intersection of Whittlesea-Yea Rd and Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd in Kinglake West,” Ms McLeish said.

“There is no shelter at the bus stop or nearby where commuters, many of them students, can escape the weather while waiting for the bus.

“Building an undercover area with seating will improve safety for commuters while protecting them from the highly variable and at times exceptionally ordinary weather in the Kinglake Ranges, Ms McLeish said.

Eildon trees removal

■ Murrindindi Council will be cleaning up an area of woody weeds along the Goulburn Valley Hwy , around the lower Eildon Pondage

The works, starting in October, will be held in collaboration with Eildon Landcare Group

During this time, traffic management will be in place on the Goulburn Valley Hwy. Any delays will be kept to a minimum, but locals can expect a short delay of up to five minutes.

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish last week presented a petition to State Parliament with 1817 signatories complaining about the rapidly deteriorating condition of the highways between Yarra Glen and Mansfield.

“The Melba Highway, the Goulburn Valley Highway between Yea and Yarck , and the Maroondah Highway from Yarck to Mansfield have a significant number of potholes, crumbling shoulders, and broken bitumen, which is jeopardising driver’s safety,” said the petition.

“Drivers are forking out costs for blown tyres, busted rims, and wheel realignment after hitting potholes.

“The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly through the Minister for Roads and Roads Safety ensure extensive road works and resurfacing works are conducted as a matter of priority to repair the condition of the Melba Highway, Goulburn Valley Highway and Maroondah Highway to improve driver’s safety.

Ms McLeish also presented a further petition bearing 60 signatures:

“This petition of residents in Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Assembly the state of our roads in Victoria is shocking it is putting peoples lives at risk and causing damage to the vehicles of everyday battlers costing tyres and damage that they are unable to claim compensation from VicRoads

“The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Assembly call on the government to fix the roads and to enable all damages to vehicles and tyres to be claimable from VicRoads no matter how much it costs,” the second petition said.

Long delays on Melba Highway

● Melba Hwy traffic around Glenburn and Castella has been limited to one lane, because of sinkholes making one lane of the highway impossible to drive upon. Motorists have faced considerable delays.

● ● Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA

Photo: Michelle Lando/ Glenburn Community Group/ Facebook

● ● ● Alexandra Maternal and Child Health Centre. Photo: Contributed

The Local Paper

Nod to Gordon Chapman

■ Evelyn MLA

Bridget Vallence last week spoke in State Parliament, with a tribute to Yarra Ranges identity Gordon Chapman.

“I rise to celebrate and commemorate the life of Gordon Chapman AM, one of the Yarra Valley’s finest,” Mr Vallence told the Legislative Assembly.

“A successful cherry and berry farmer and a strong advocate for the horticulture industry, Gordon sadly passed away in June this year aged 91.

“Gordon was an innovator and a leader. He was instrumental in bringing the concept of U-pick to Australia after an agricultural tour to the United States of America back in the 1970s, and his farm on Parker Rd in Silvan became known as Chappies U-pick. “ Gordon was a deeply committed community volunteer as well.

“Gordon was devoted to Mont De Lancey historical homestead, on which he and I served together as board members.

“ Gordon also served as Chairman of Silvan fruit processors; was a founding member of the Wandin Silvan Field Days agricultural showcase more than 50 years ago; was a volunteer firefighter with the Silvan rural fire brigade, serving as captain from 1959 to 1971 and receiving an honorary life membership; and was a dedicated member of the Liberal Party for over 50 years.

“For his substantial contributions to our

Youth Fest time

■ Mitchell Youth Services are hosting a range of events this September, aimed at young people ages 12 - 24.

community, Gordon Chapman received the Order of Australia in 1993 as well as the Centenary Medal in 2001.

“ Gordon Chapman was an inspiration, a tower of strength and a friend and mentor to many, including me.

“My deepest condolences to his family, including children Mark, Stephen, Darren, Susan and their families and all who cherished him.

“Vale, Chappie Vale, Gordon Chapman.”

Ms Vallence also paid tribute to former president of Mount Evelyn RSL Roger Boness , who sadly passed away late June.

“ Roger Boness served our country with distinction in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968 attached to the 106th Field Battery 4th Field Regiment as a forward observer, spending most of those torrid years on patrol in the jungles, providing artillery support.

“Adjusting to life after Vietnam was difficult, but with wife Julie by his side Roger immersed himself in community life in Mount Evelyn , including playing for Mount Evelyn Football Club and becoming president of Mount Evelyn RSL in 2011, where he demonstrated his immense passion about the rights, benefits and welfare of local exservicepeople and their families, creating more ways for members to socialise and care for one another,” Ms Vallence told Parliament.

Youth Fest is a State Government initiative which involves celebrating young people with events across the state for the whole month.

Women’s Health

■ Mansfield Shire Council is promoting Women's Health Week 2023, a pivotal event dedicated to advancing women’s health and wellbeing across Australia.

Running from September 4, this week is a call-to-action for women, communities, and workplaces to actively participate in promoting health and preventive measures.

Recognised as one of Australia’s foremost events in the realm of public health, Jean Hailes Women’s Health Week is dedicated to the health of all women.

This year the theme is “grow your knowledge” to support women to make informed decisions about their health with information that is easy to understand.

Mansfield Shire Council, in collaboration with Mansfield Respond, Country Women’s Association, Women in North East Network and LouFit Personal Training, will kick off the week with an event.

Pods ready to go

■ The new Outdoor Fitness Project for Wandong and Heathcote Junction is complete.

The fitness pods provide an opportunity for everyone to embrace an active lifestyle and enjoy the great outdoors, said a Mitchell Shire Council representative.

Free workshops

■ Strathbogie Shire Council is hosting two free workshops to assist not-for-profit community groups in building their skills.

The Not-For-Profit Community Capacity Building Workshops will be held online or in person covering two topics.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks said the first workshop ‘will provide governance training for not-for-profit board or management committee members, upskilling new members and refreshing established members.

Event and booking details are as follows:

■ Good Governance for Not-For-Profits October 3, 3pm-6pm

■ Succession Planning for Not-For-Profits. November 15, 3pm-6pm.

Online or in-person at Strathbogie Shire Council, 109a Binney St, Euroa.

Detours in place

■ Motorists may need to take short detours when the City of Whittlesea starts roadworks in Doreen this week.

Cartoonist

Editor: Ash Long

Kemp, Art Rob Foenander, Music

Features Editor: Peter Mac

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

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

Logistics: Nicholas Caven, Tim Granvillani, Graeme Hawke, Erica Koldinsky

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

Whittlesea Council is carrying out works on McCrae Drive, between Hazel Glen Drive and Mondadale Drive, as part of its resurfacing program.

Weather permitting, the works are planned to continue through until Friday (Sep. 8). The works will be carried out at night to minimise disruption.

McCrae Drive will be closed to local traffic, however, residents immediately adjacent to the works will still have access to their property, albeit with some potential delays.

Detours will be in place in the immediate area and traffic controllers will be on-site facilitating traffic movements.

Any motorists wishing to travel to and from Bridge Inn Rd and Hazel Glen Drive are encouraged to use either Plenty Rd, Painted Hills Rd or Yan Yean Rd. Hazel Glen Drive will remain open during the works.

Work begins

■ Children at Diamond Hills Preschool , Greensborough, have been watching the arrival of diggers, concrete mixers and other heavy machinery as work starts on their new $3.69 million preschool building.

Skyline Rd lookout, Yarra Glen, 1968.

Photo: Fred Mitchell.

Local Photo Flashback

✔Mourners were due to assemble at Scots Presbyterian Church, Yea, yesterday (Tues.) afternoon, as this edition went to press, to celebrate the life of Valerie ‘Val’ Eva Borrie (nee Bird), who died aged 90 on Monday, August 28.. Formerly of YeaWhittlesea Rd, and more recently of Yea township and Rosebank Extended Care Centre, Val was known for her many community involvements. She was Yea’s early learning teacher for many years. Val was wife of Ian (dec.), Ian (dec). Mother to Alister and Kathryn, Mother-in law-to Ben, Nanna to Jozzie and Malana. Burial was to follow yesterday afternoon at the Yea Cemetery, arrangements being in the hands of William Matthews Funerals.

?Mitchell Shire Council is keen to capture insights and feedback as part of the Customer Experience Group Workshops to be held on from 10am-11.30am and 6pm-7.30pm on Thursday, September 28 at the John Taylor Room at Kilmore Customer and Library Service Centre, 12 Sydney Street, Kilmore. “We're eager to hear about your interactions with the Council. Your first-hand experiences will provide invaluable insights that can guide our future initiatives. What's working well and what can we do better?” said a Council representative. “This is a unique opportunity for you to directly influence the way Mitchell Shire Council interacts with its community. Your suggestions can help us create a more responsive, efficient and user-friendly experience for all residents.”

MLC Matt Bach stands down

■ North-East Metro Region MLC Dr Matthew Bach is quitting his Upper House seat in State Parliament, to take up a position as Assistant Principal at a school in England.

He was appointed to the Legislative Council in 2020. He had been, at various times, Shadow Minister for Education, Child Protection, Transport Infrastructure, Child Protection and Youth Justice, Youth Affairs, Attorney-General, Children and Students, Early Childhood, Higher Education, Training and Skills.

Dr Bach had been Shadow Cabinet Secretary, and Deputy Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Council.

On Thursday (Aug. 31), Dr Bach said: “ Late this afternoon, I notified Liberal Leader John Pesutto of my intention to resign from Parliament to accept a senior teaching position in the UK

“I have made this decision purely in the interests of my young family and to enable my wife Amy to also pursue career opportunities in the UK.

“It is my intention to serve in the Parliament until at least the end of the year. However, I will step down as Shadow Minister for Education and Child Protection, and as Deputy Leader of the Liberal Party in the Legislative Council.”

Brace for bushfires

■ The upcoming bushfire season in Australia may be bad, but future years pose a more significant threat, says a bushfire expert.

Professor Jason Sharples, an expert in bushfires dynamics, says while it’s always hard to predict exactly what will unfold in Australia, it’s unlikely to be a repeat of the 2019-20 Black Summer bushfires.

“El Niño conditions don’t necessarily mean we will have a worse bushfire season, though it does mean we’re more likely to have hotter temperatures, less rainfall, and dry conditions that can lead to destructive fires,” Prof. Sharples says.

“Instead of being hit hard this year, we may see the impacts of El Niño accumulate and combine with climate change in the next season and the ones following.”

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✖A survey by IBAC shows that 73 per cent of councillors and 68 per cent of MPs think corruption is a problem in Victoria, with 59 per cent of councillors and 61 per cent of MPs agreeing it is a problem among elected officials. Favouritism/nepotism, breaches of professional boundaries, misuse of resources, and collusion were identified as the most common risks facing MPs and councillors. Councillors appeared to be more aware of how to report corruption (88 per cent) compared to MPs (61 per cent). Councillors are more likely than other cohorts to have personally observed corrupt behaviour compared to MPs or local government employees. For example, 64 per cent have personally observed or suspected a breach of professional boundaries in the past year compared to 39 per cent of MPs, 46 per cent of public sector employees and 37 per cent of local government employees.

✔Quarry Hills Parkland, the largest parkland in the City of Whittlesea, and home to new community spaces such as the Granite Hills Major Community Park and an Aboriginal Gathering Place, is set to become an nspiring destination for the city following the endorsement of a long-term plan for the area.

PAIN RELIEF MAGIC FROM EUROPE

Back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain. Leg, knee, ankle and foot conditions. Shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand conditions Headaches including migraines. Cranial conditions including whiplash.

at Eltham park

■

The $915,000 project, funded through the State Government and Council, will also include a further two accessible toilets and four standard cubicle toilets.

Concept designs for the new toilets and change facility are now available to view and provide feedback at Participate Nillumbik until September 17.

Changing Places facilities are larger than

standard accessible toilets with extra features and more space to meet the needs of people with high support needs.

They include a height-adjustable, adult-sized change table, electronic hoists, accessible toilet and a shower.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Ben Ramcharan said Council was committed to ensuring places and spaces were accessible and inclusive for everyone.

Construction is anticipated to start later this year with completion in April.

Matthew Bach, North-East MLC

● ● Professor Jason Sharples

New toilets will be built in Alistair Knox Park in Eltham featuring the Shire’s first Changing Places accessible toilet and change room.

● Nillumbik Council is planning for new toilets at Alistair Knox Park.

● ● ● ● Val Borrie

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

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Local Sport Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens

■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Old Xaverians 13.14 (92) d Old Brighton 9.10 (64). Old Melburnians 14.12 (96) d Caulfield Grammarians 5.5 (35). Collegians 10.8 (68) d Old Scotch 7.9 (51). University Blues 15.10 (100) d University Blacks 12.8 (80). St Kevins 16.15 (108) d Old Haileybury 9.4 (58).

Premier Men’s Reserves. Old Xaverians

11.3 (69) d Old Brighton 7.7 (49). Old Melburnians 28.11 (179) d Caulfield Grammarians 3.2 (20). Collegians v Old Scotch. University Blues 12.11 (83) d University Blacks

9.5 (59). St Kevins 21.13 (139) d Old Haileybury 2.2 (14).

Premier B Men’s. Beaumaris 14.14 (98) d Old Trinity 8.6 (54). St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 12.10 (82) d Williamstown CYMS 9.9 (63). De La Salle 13.17 (95) d Fitzroy 7.4 (46). Old Geelong 18.17 (125) d AJAX 9.9 (63). St Bernards 27.20 (182) d Monash Blues

5.4 (34).

Premier B Men’s Reserves. Beaumaris 9.12 (66) d Old Trinity 7.13 (55). St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers 12.9 (81) d Williamstown CYMS 8.2 (38). Fitzroy 14.17 (101) d De La Salle 2.7 (19). Old Geelong 19.13 (127) d AJAX 8.7 (55). St Bernards 17.19 (121) d Monash Blues 3.5 (21).

Premier C Men’s. Old Carey 12.11 (83) d Marcellin OC 9.11 (65). Old Camberwell Grammarians 13.9 (87) d Parkdale Vultures 12.12 (84). Old Ivanhoe Grammarians 18.12 (120) d PEGS 10.12 (72). Hampton Rovers 17.8 (110) d Ormond 13.19 (97). Mazenod OC: Bye.

Premier C Men’s Reserves. Marcellin OC 10.14 (74) d Old Carey 8.7 (55). Old Camberwell Grammarians 9.11 (65) d Parkdale Vultures 5.19 (49). Old Ivanhoe Grammarians 12.10 (82) d PEGS 5.9 (39). Hampton Rovers 8.9 (57) d Ormond 8.8 (56).

Mazenod OC: Bye.

Division 1 Men’s. Semi-Final 2: Oakleigh

12.10 (82) d Glen Eira 6.10 (46). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. Prahran v UHSVU.

Division 1 Men’s Reserves. Semi-Final

2: Glen Eira 9.10 (64) d Kew 8.8 (56). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. UHS-VU d Oakleigh.

Division 2 Men’s. Semi-Final 2. Parkside 15.15 (105) d Brunswick 8.2 (50). Semi-Final 1. Old Yarra Cobras 7.9 (51) d South Melboure Districts 6.11 (47).

Division 2 Men’s Reserves. Semi-Final

2. Parkside 8.9 (57) d South Melbourne Districts 4.7 (31). Semi-Final 1. MHSOB 15.13 (103) d Brunswick 9.8 (62).

Division 3 Men’s. Semi-Final 2. Hawthorn 16.12 (108) d Elsternwick 13.13 (91). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. Canterbury v Wattle Park.

Division 3 Men’s Reserves. Semi-Final

Melbournewide

1. Elsternwick 12.10 (82) d Hawthorn 8.13 (61). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 2. Richmond Central v Wattle Park.

Division 4 Men’s. Semi-Final 2. North Brunswick 14.13 (97) d Box Hill North 8.7 (55). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. Albert Park v St John’s.

Division 4 Men’s Reserves. Semi-Final

1. Box Hill North 12.13 (85) d Albert Park 4.12 (36). Semi-Final 2. North Brunswick 9.15 (69) d St John’s 7.4 (46).

■ Eastern Football Netball League. Premier Seniors. Semi-Final 1. Rowville 13.7 (85) d Vermont 13.6 (84). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 2. Balwyn v Doncaster East.

Division 1 Seniors. Preliminary Final: Mitcham 10.4 (64) d Montrose 5.8 (38).

Division 2 Seniors. Sunday, September

3: Preliminary Final. Templestowe v Heathmont.

Division 3 Seniors. Grand Final. Donvale

16.8 (104) d Ferntree Gully 6.8 (44).

Division 4 Seniors. Sunday, September

3: Grand Final. Kilsyth v Surrey Park.

■ Essendon District Football League.

Division 1 Seniors. Semi-Final 2: Deer Park

17.12 (114) d West Coburg. Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. Rupertswood v Hillside.

Division 2 Seniors. Preliminary Final:

Sunbury Kangaroos 12.10 (82) d Taylors Lakes 10.17 (77).

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

17.14 (116) d Franmkston YCW 12.8 (79).

Sunday, September 3: Pines v Mt Eliza.

Division 1 Reserves. Red Hill 8.7 (55) d Mt Eliza 6.13 (49). Sunday, September 3: Langwarrin v Pines.

Division 1 Under 19. Mt Eliza 12.13 (85)

d Langwarrin 3.7 (25). Sunday, September 3: Red Hill v Dromana.

Division 2 Seniors. Preliminary Final.

Mornington 19.14 (128) d Devon Meadows

12.11 (83).

Division 2 Reserves. Preliminary Final. Edithvale-Aspendale 12.9 (81) d Somerville

8.11 (59).

Division 2 Under 19. Seaford 14.13 (97) d Edithvale-Aspendale 2.6 (18).

■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Qualifying Final. Bundoora

10.8 (68) d Montmorency 10.4 (64). Sunday, September 3: Elimination Final. North Heidelberg v Hurstbridge.

Division 1 Reserves. Qualifying Final. Montmorency 21.13 (139) d Banyule 6.5 (41).

Sunday, September 3: Elimination Final: North Heidelberg v Greensborough.

Division 1 Under 19.5. Qualifying Final. West Preston Lakeside 15.9 (99) d Heidelberg 7.13 (55). Sunday, September 3: Eltham v Banyule.

Division 2 Seniors. Semi-Final 2. Eltham

10.11 (71) d Diamond Creek 7.4 (46). Sun-

day, September 3: Semi-Final 1. St Mary’s v South Morang.

Division 2 Reserves. Semi-Final 2. Eltham 13.8 (86) d Diamond Creek 5.4 (34). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. Thomastown v St Mary’s.

Division 2 Under 19.5. Semi-Final 2. Diamond Creek 18.18 (126) d South Morang

7.4 (46). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final

1. St Mary’s v Laurimar.

Division 3 Seniors. Preliminary Final. Mernda 12.10 (82) d Old Eltham Collegians

6.10 (46).

Division 3 Reserves. Preliminary Final.

Old Eltham Collegians 7.14 (56) d Mernda 4.10 (34).

Division 3 Under 19.5. Preliminary Final. Thomastown 8.10 (58) d Mernda 7.10 (52).

■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Wandin 12.16 (88) d Woori Yallock 8.6 (54). Pakenham 14.13 (97) d Upwey-Tecoma 11.13 (79).

Premier Division Reserves. Narre Warren 11.10 (76) d Wandin 5.10 (40). Mt Evelyn

7.11 (53) d Pakenham 6.7 (43).

Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September

3: Emerald v Berwick Springs. Healesville v Seville.

Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 3: Berwick Springs v Seville. Officer v Emerald.

Division 2 Seniors. Powelltown 17.12 (114) d Alexandra 15.11 (101).

Division 2 Reserves. Warburton-Millgrove

7.16 (58) d Powelltown 1.9 (15).

Uncer 19 Boys. Upwey-Tecoma 7.9 (51) d Officer 7.5 (47).

■ Southern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Qualifying Final. Cranbourne Eagles 9.7 (61) d Dingley 9.5 (59).

Sunday, September 3: Elimination Final. Springvale Districts v Port Melbourne Colts.

Division 2 Seniors. Semi-Final 2. East Brighton 14.9 (93) d Doveton Doves 7.6 (48).

Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. Murrumbeena v Highett.

Division 3 Seniors. Sunday, September 3: Preliminary Final. Endeavour Hills v Ashwood.

Division 4 Seniors. Preliminary Final. Hampton 13.10 (88) d Moorabbin Kangaroos 10.8 (68).

■ Western Region Football League. Division 1 Seniors. Semi-Final 2. Werribee Districts 16.11 (107) d Point Cook 8.8 (56).

Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. Altona v Yarraville Seddon Eagles.

Division 2 Seniors. Preliminary Final. Altona 10.10 (70) d Newport 10.6 (66).

Division 3 Seniors. Semi-Final 2. Suns 15.8 (98) d Albanvale 9.13 (67). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. Sunshine Heights v West Footscray.

MOTORCYCLIST 132-KMH OVER LIMIT

■ Officers from Achilles Taskforce have impounded a motorcycle after it was detected travelling 132-km h over the speed limit in Hampton Park early Saturday morning (Sep. 2).

Police detected the 2015 KTM 1290 travelling at 232-kmh on a 100-kmh section of the South Gippsland Freeway just after midnight.

The motorcycle exited the freeway and was seen entering a service station on Northey Rd, Lynbrook.

Officers seized the opportunity to safely arrest the rider and took a 26-year-old Langwarrin man into custody.

He has been charged with engage in reckless conduct endangering life, engage in reckless conduct

endangering serious injury, drive at speed dangerous and other traffic offences.

The rider was bailed to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on February 7.

Officers seized the motorcycle and will retain it until the matter is decided by the courts.

Air Wing in car pursuit

■ Police Air Wing have assisted local police arresting a man after spotting a car allegedly travelling over 200-kmh on the Eastern Freeway.

Officers spotted the Cupra Leon sedan speeding on the Eastern Freeway, near Chandler Rd,

Kew about 1.30am. Air Wing tracked the vehicle through numerous suburbs before it pulled into a carwash on Nicholson St, Fitzroy.

Local officers were quickly on scene and arrested the driver.

A 27-year-old Fitzroy man was charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and drive at a speed dangerous.

He was bailed to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 17.

4 youths arrested

■ Four teenagers have been arrested following an attempted robbery in Mount Waverley.

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Indigo

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2-5-8-1

Lotto Numbers: 8-16-25-33-37-40

It’s the time when you would like to change a few things in your daily routine but to be on the safe side you might have to keep doing things the way you always do for a while yet.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 5-2-1-7

Lotto Numbers: 13-21-24-32-39-43

There could be more invitations around and many nights spent with friends could take a toll on your health. Some breakdown in communications could give problems to your financial matters.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5-6-2-6

Lotto Numbers: 2-10-28-30-34-37

Loved ones could feel neglected if you keep on working so hard that your time with them is limited. Delegation of some of your duties could give you time for things you really want to do.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 4-1-8-2

Lotto Numbers: 20-24-25-34-40-42

Your health should be much better and your energy levels high and there should not be any reason for you not getting everything done in record time. Luck with a surprising person soon.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 6-8-2-1

Lotto Numbers: 12-23-24-30-39-42

A progressive period in which you should get more work done than you have for a long time. Very well behaved person could suddenly surprise you with their attitude.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4-6-2-6

Lotto Numbers: 11-13-29-35-39-44

You could find yourself interested in someone special who has been around for some time. With your financial luck returning very soon you could be planning some travel.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Light Grey

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 8-3-7-3

Lotto Numbers: 7-14-23-27-34-37

There could be some obstacles on your way to success during this period but your determination should get you through. People could be looking to you for some leadership qualities.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Dark Green

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 5-7-4-1

Lotto Numbers: 12-29-31-34-38-40

Your personal relationships could be in need of improvement. Sometimes it’s wiser to give in instead of being pig-headed about trivial things. Try your luck with a Cancer person.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Royal Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 3-4-8-1

Lotto Numbers: 5-15-24-32-33-41

Your problems with your love life could be solved during this period and happy moments could prevail. Your wishes could have a better chance of coming true during this time than any other for a long time.

.CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Black

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 5-6-1-4

Lotto Numbers: 3-5-8-30-34-43

You could be making lots of new friends and taking on some interesting responsibilities that have not bee so obvious before. If planning a business partnership make sure all legal matters are ok.

Detectives from the Southern Metropolitan Region Crime Squad were on patrol when they spotted a black Ford sedan, with no registration plates, park outside a bottle shop on Andrew St about 9.20pm

Four people wearing balaclavas exited the car and ran inside the store.

It is alleged the offenders demanded alcohol from the salesperson before striking him in the face.

Multiple police units were quickly on scene and arrested the four teenagers. The victim sustained minor injuries.

Three youths have been held in custody to appear before a children’s court at a later date. One youth was bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Aqua

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2-6-7-6

Lotto Numbers: 12-17-24-25-40-44

You could help someone much more than you know at this point. Health matters should be attended to straight away before the problem gets too big to handle.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Pale Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7-5-1-5

Lotto Numbers: 3-17-22-32-37-45

Meeting up with people from a different type of life could give you a new interest in life. Your special talent could come in very handy in helping someone increase their lot in life.

POWELLTOWN TAKE THE FLAG

Scoreboard

NFNL Results

■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Qualifying Final. Bundoora 10.8 (68) d Montmorency 10.4 (64). Sunday, September 3: Elimination Final. North Heidelberg 17.15 (117) d Hurstbridge 8.12 (60).

Division 1 Reserves. Qualifying Final. Montmorency 21.13 (139) d Banyule 6.5 (41). Sunday, September 3: Elimination Final: North Heidelberg 9.9 (63) d Greensborough 4.8 (32)

Division 1 Under 19.5. Qualifying Final. West Preston Lakeside 15.9 (99) d Heidelberg 7.13 (55). Sunday, September 3: Eltham 12.12 (78) d Banyule 6.7 (43).

Division 2 Seniors. Semi-Final 2. Eltham 10.11 (71) d Diamond Creek 7.4 (46). Sun-day, September 3: Semi-Final 1. St Mary’s 18.12 (120) d South Morang 15.9 (99).

Division 2 Reserves. Semi-Final 2. Eltham 13.8 (86) d Diamond Creek 5.4 (34). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. Thomastown 12,.9 (81) d St Mary’s 7.7 (49).

Division 2 Under 19.5. Semi-Final 2. Diamond Creek 18.18 (126) d South Morang 7.4 (46). Sunday, September 3: Semi-Final 1. St Mary’s 12.8 (80) d Laurimar 9.5 (59).

Division 3 Seniors. Preliminary Final. Mernda 12.10 (82) d Old Eltham Collegians 6.10 (46).

Division 3 Reserves. Preliminary Final. Old Eltham Collegians 7.14 (56) d Mernda 4.10 (34).

Division 3 Under 19.5. Preliminary Final. Thomastown 8.10 (58) d Mernda 7.10 (52).

OE Results

■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Wandin 12.16 (88) d Woori Yallock 8.6 (54). Pakenham 14.13 (97) d UpweyTecoma 11.13 (79).

Premier Division Reserves. Narre Warren 11.10 (76) d Wandin 5.10 (40). Mt Evelyn 7.11 (53) d Pakenham 6.7 (43).

Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 3: Berwick Springs 19.11 (125) d Emerald 14.22 (106). Healesville 11.7 (73) d Seville 10.11 (71).

Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 3: Berwick Springs 7.8 (50) d Seville

7.2 (44). Officer 12.8 (80)d Emerald 9.6 (60).

Division 2 Seniors. Powelltown 17.12 (114) d Alexandra 15.11 (101).

Division 2 Reserves. WarburtonMillgrove 7.16 (58) d Powelltown 1.9 (15).

Uncer 19 Boys. Upwey-Tecoma 7.9 (51) d Officer 7.5 (47).

Country Leagues

■ Goulburn Valley Football League. Seniors. Echuca 13.17 (95) d Seymour 10.3 (63). Kyabram 14.15 (99) d Mansfield

12.11 (83). Euroa 14.13 (97) d Mooroopna 9.7 (61).

Reserves. Euroa 6.9 (45) d Echuca

5.14 (44). Shepparton United 17.12 (114)

d Mansfield 5.7 (37). Seymour 11.5 (71) d Kyabram 6.4 (40).

Under 18. Echuca 11.14 (80) d

Shepparton 8.8 (56). Shepparton Swans

10.8 (68) d Mansfield 6.7 (43). Kyabram

11.10 (76) d Mooroopna 10.6 (66).

■ Kyabram District Football League.

Seniors. Lancsater 11.10 (76) d Nagambie

7.8 (50). Shepparton East 11.17 (83) d

Murchison-Toolamba 11.7 (73).

Reserves. Lancaster 10.14 (74) d

Murchison-Toolamba 2.4 (16). Avenel 6.6 (42) d Shepparton East 6.5 (41).

Under 18. Violet Town 9.11 (65) d Nagambie 7.5 (47). Murchison-Toolamba

11.8 974) d Undera 10.6 (66).

■ The Outer East League 2023 Division 2 Grand Finals were played at Yarra Glen last Saturday with the Rebels represented by the Under 17 netball and senior football.

The facilities were in good condition and the spring sunshine appearing after morning fog. A large crowd of families, supporters, past players and sponsors got together to support the Rebels

The Seniors , facing the 2022 Premiers Powelltown who had the better of the three contests during the season leading two one, were refreshed after the week off but the Demons started well with a six goal to one first quarter.

The Rebels recovered from the slow start and kicked nine goals straight in the second quarter to three goals to hold a three-point lead at half time.

The third quarter was costly for the Rebels as they added one goal from seven scoring shots whilst the Demons kicked five goals from eight scoring shots to lead by almost three goals at the last break.

The Rebels closed to the gap to almost a goal but the Demons’ experience and height stood out as they defended grimly time and again, seven points the difference at the siren before they added a goal after the siren to take the win, Alexandra 15.11 (101) to Powelltown 17.12 (114).

Netball

Under 17 lost 11-17 to Warburton Millgrove.

Club Notes

Thursday’s Rebel Raffles, sponsored by Swenrick Constructions, Yarck Hotel, Reddrops Foodworks / Houseboat Sales Lake Eildon, Eildon Bakery / Yarck Meat and Produce, Alexandra Quality Meats / AFNC canteen, Yea Chinese Restaurant / Bailey Funerals, were won by Brayden Norris who found the joker and won $500, Caitlan Haggis, Steve Hedger, Natalie Gregg, James Kidd and Steve Hedger.

Wednesday, September 6: the Cool Heads Program will be on at the Club rooms, 6.30pm for 7pm start, everyone is welcome but you need to book a seat online, entry is free.

Thursday, September 7, the Club rooms will be open from 6.30pm for the Collingwood versus Melbourne AFL Final, free entry, bar is open and everyone is welcome.

Patrons Day is at the Club rooms on Sunday, September 10.

Senior Presentation is at Marysville Peppers on Saturday, October 7. The junior Presentation function is on Sunday, October 8, at the Club rooms.

American football comes to the Alexandra Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve on Saturday, October 14, times and further information to be announced.

★

Sunday

Last Sunday the Goulburn Murray Junior League Grand Finals in three grades of netball and two grades of football were played at Kings Park in Seymour, hosted by Seymour.

There was also a round robin competition for the Under 10 football teams.

Alexandra was represented by teams in two of the netball finals and in both of the football finals. A large, enthusiastic and colorful crowd of supporters were in attendance to support the Rebels and well done to our teams.

The trip to Seymour was highlighted with a number of locations having streamers, balloons and signs of encouragement.

Under 12s Football

Alexandra 8.7 (55)

defeated Broadford 4.3 (27)

Under 14s Football

Alexandra 8.2 (50)

defeated Seymour 3.8 (26)

Under 11s Netball

Alexandra Black 11 defeated by St Marys 15

Under 13s Netball

Alexandra Black 33 defeated by Seymour 34

Under 15s Netball

Broadford 25 defeated by Yea 30

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

A very big thank you to all of our coaches

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2023 Free in

The Local Paper

and support staff, our players and families, supporters and sponsors for their efforts in what has been a fantastic year of junior sport and participation.

The Alexandra Football Netball Club Junior Presentation function will be on Sunday, October 8, at the Club rooms.

If you would like to sponsor any trophies and medallions for the junior teams, please contact Ray Steyger on 5772 2627, thank you.

- Ray Steyger

OE DIV. 2 SCOREBOARD

SENIORS

POWELLTOWN ......... 6.2, 9.5, 14.8, 17.2 (114)

ALEXANDRA .......... 1.2, 10.2, 11.8, 15.11 (101)

Best. Powelltown: Michael Fowkes, Russell Cowan, Christopher Moreland, Brock Castreem, Dylan Sverns, Ben Wratten. RESERVES WARB.-MILL. ... 1.2, 3.7, 4.11, 7.18 7.16 (58)

POWELLTOWN .............. 0.3, 0.4, 1.7, 1.9 (15)

Best. Warburton-Millgrove. Aaron Pye, Tyler Best, Aaron Maguire, Jackson Blake, Matthew Sidari, Marcel Kocher. Powelltown: Jason Walker, Tyson Walker, Lindon Walker, Liam Hunt, Matthew Pote, Steven Sanders.

Country Leagues

■ Riddell District Football League. Seniors. Semi-Final 2: Diggers Rest 17.9 (111) d Wallan 16.8 (104). Semi-Final 1: WoodendHesket 9.9 (63) d Romsey 8.12 (66).

Reserves. Semi-Final 2: Wallan 6.8 (44) d Diggers Rest 6.3 (39). Semi-Final 1: Woodend-Hekset 10.8 (68) d Romsey 7.4 (46).

Under 19.5. Semi-Final 2: Macedon 10.10 (70) d Gisborne Giants 7.6 (48). SemiFinal 1: Wallan 8.5 (53) d Romsey 5.4 (34).

NFNL Netball

■ Section 1. Grand Final. North Heidelberg 1 64 d North Heidelberg 2 40.

Section 2. Grand Final. Bundoora 2 31 d Hurstbridge 1 22.

Section 3. Grand Fibal. Hume 1 23 d Greensborough 1 21.

Section 4. Grand Final. Heat 3 31 d Greensborough 2 27.

Section 5. Grand Final. Heat 5 24 d Fitzroy Stars 1 20.

Section 6. Grand Final. Diamond Creek 2 29 d Kilmore 2 19.

OE Netball

■ Division 2 A-Grade. Grand Final. Warburton-Millgrove 54 d Yarra Glen 37.

Division 2 B-Grade. Grand Final. Broadford 48 d Warburton-Millgrove 39.

Division 2 C-Grade. Grand Final. Yarra Glen 27 d Warburton-Millgrove 24.

Division 2 D-Grade. Grand Final. Warburton-Millgrove 26 d Powelltown 19.

Division 1 A-Grade. ROC 64 d Belgrave 27. Seville 51 d Emerald 47.

Division 1 B-Grade. Belgrave 53 d Emerald 43. Seville 45 d ROC 42.

Division 1 C-Grade. Seville 37 d ROC 29. Emerald 48 d Belgrave 27.

Division 1 D-Grade. Belgrave 23 d Berwick Springs 20. Seville 22 d ROC 21.

Premier Division A-Grade. Beaconsfield 42 d Olinda-Ferny Creek 41. Wandin 57 d Mt Evelyn 48.

McKernan magic assists the Bulls

■ Twelve months on from their last Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 Qualifying Final meeting, Bundoora again found a way to claim victory, this time by four points in a brilliant match with Montmorency at Preston City Oval.

The Magpies trailed by 17 points at half time before almost snatching the win from the Bulls with just moments remaining.

However, Shaun McKernan’s three-goal final term haul was too strong to overcome for the opposition defence, as his Bulls triumphed 10.8 (68) to 10.4 (64) to book a second consecutive second semi-final date with Heidelberg.

McKernan finished with five majors for the match in what was a scintillating display up forward. His presence inside 50 along with Peter McEvoy, who kicked three of his own, was the difference in Bundoora securing their fifth straight victory. With that dynamic duo controlling things up forward, Sam Lloyd was important further up the ground, winning multiple clearances to set up some of those majors, while Jake Hobbs was an integral part of the victory also.

For the Magpies, Marcus Lentini had a field day racking up touches and was a hard body around contests, whilst Liam Wale-Buxton played outstanding in the ruck whilst too being an option for his teammates down the line when needed.

Patrick Fitzgerald kept Montmorency in the hunt with three goals to bring his season tally to 75.

But the reality of the result is that the Magpies have now lost seven of their last eight games against Bundoora and will need to win three consecutive finals if they are to claim this year’s premiership.

The opening term began with the Bulls all over the football, starting with Jake Hobbs, who first drew a high free kick and then a 50-metre penalty to kick the first goal of the match four minutes in.

Whilst Bundoora had the momentum, they were unfortunate to score more than their eventual 1.3.

This allowed the Magpies to swoop back into the contest, first through Sleep’s flying kick through the big sticks from the goal square, and then through Fitzgerald, who’s first major of the game gave Montmorency the lead.

Bundoora coach Michael Ryan praised his men for their efforts in the opening term despite being three points down at quarter time and highlighted their pressure inside 50 as the key behind their ability to keep up with the Magpies.

With the start of the second term, the Bulls were able to regain the lead just two minutes in through Daniel Younan, who snapped truly from close to the boundary.

Younan’s goal was just the start of the Bulls’ attack towards goal, with McKernan and McEvoy finding the big sticks to pile the scoreboard pressure on Montmorency.

Fitzgerald kicked his second goal of the match after a nice, contested mark in an attempt to steady the Magpies’ composure and get back in the contest.

But Montmorency were always under pressure from the Bulls, with uncharacteristic fumbles and errors saw them struggle to maintain possession.

McKernan and McEvoy again kicked majors to bring it out 23 points before Fitzgerald’s third major made it a 17-point contest by half time.

As they looked to turn the momentum around, the Magpies came out hard at the start of the third term and seemed as though they returned to the confident side that had been illustrated throughout the season, kicking the first two majors of the quarter to get right back in the game.

Those majors from Stefan Uzelac and Liam WaleBuxton made it a six-point margin, with the Magpies going six of six with their scoring shots at that point in the game.

McEvoy’s third goal of the game 10 minutes into the quarter settled things for the Bundoora but it was clear that the Bulls were now the side feeling the heat from their opposition.

Their defence did stand tall and ensured their lead was never lost throughout the quarter, but as Lentini kicked a pivotal goal after the three-quarter time siren, Montmorency looked destined to retake the advantage, facing just a three-point deficit at the final change.

Magpies coach Jonathan Manzoney was satisfied with the comeback his side provided in the third term but challenged them to keep their run going in the final quarter, making a particular point to attack the first five minutes of the term hard.

And five minutes into the quarter would be when the Magpies made their move, with Lentini winning a free kick and converting truly to give Montmorency their first lead since the second term.

But McKernan then took over. He was marking everything inside 50 and kicked two goals within a minute to swing the momentum back to the Bulls favour.

Ben Paterson responded for Montmorency with a nice finish approaching time on, but McKernan could not be stopped, marking and goaling a minute later to almost put the game to bed.

When all looked lost for the Magpies a major from Liam McMahon at the 26th minute of the term suddenly made it a four-point margin.

With moments remaining, the Montmorency did all they could to pinch the lead again and managed one more shot on goal which went out of the bounds. But Bundoora forced stoppages and gained the territory they needed to run down the clock and seal a famous four-point win.

- Matt Haug/NFNL

Netball

NFNL Netball

■ A recap of the 2023 section 1-4 winter netball grand finals, which were held at La Trobe Sports Stadium on Friday night.

Section 1: North Heidelberg 1 (64)

defeated North Heidelberg 2 (40)

By Casey McGuire

North Heidelberg 1 ended their undefeated season with a Section 1 premiership following a dominant 24 goal win over North Heidelberg 2. It was another monster score for the Bulldogs first’s side, giving away very few turnovers while being able to capitalise off their own. It was the third quarter that really blew the margin out of the water, with North Heidelberg 1 taking it 21-8. Tara Watson was absolutely phenomenal in her 45 minutes on court with her ability to run through the line of the ball being a true highlight which helped her take out best on court honours. She completely shut down her wing attack on every move and left a true impression on everyone on and off the court. North Heidelberg 1 just about won every position they had out on court with each of their players getting the upper hand on their opponent, while the combination of Lilli Florance (21 goals) and Brooke Dadds (16) was the clear winner for North Heidelberg 2 with that combination performing the best for their side.

Section 2 – Hurstbridge 1 (22)

defeated by Bundoora 2 (31)

By Josh Ward

Bundoora 2 secured the Section 2 premiership in terrific style, upsetting Hurstbridge 1 by nine goals. The Bulls were the side that settled into the game quicker and looked to create a big margin before the Bridges got themselves back into the contest to trail by four at the first break. The minor premiers in Hurstbridge looked in control throughout the second term and despite some initial resistance from the Bulls defensively, they were able to produce a nine-goal quarter to lead by two at half time. The Bridges again started strong in the third, but this time Bundoora’s defensive traits were showcased more prominently, and their efforts were soon rewarded with an impressive quarter that saw them lead by two goals at three quarter time. The Bulls then held the game in their hands in the final term, scoring eight of the first nine goals of the quarter to break the Grand Final open and prevail in brilliant fashion. After entering the game in the second term, Bundoora centre Bronte Green provided a spark in the middle of the court, with her stellar performance being rewarded with the best on court medal.

Section 3: Greensborough 1 (21)

defeated by Hume 1 (23)

By Casey McGuire

A physical contest in the Section 3 Grand Final was proven to be one for the ages as Hume 1 came out victorious with a twogoal win over Greensborough 1. It was goal for goal in the second term, highlighting how neither side were willing to give an inch throughout the contest. Chloe Meulenmeesters was named best on court with her performance at goal keeper; her elevation was impeccable on the rebounds and she used her quick footwork to get around the Greensborough shooters, grab- bing multiple deflections and intercepts as a result. After being down by three at half time, Greensborough came back for vengeance to lead by one at the last break. The Boro defenders were impressive in grabbing their own rebounds, while some slick transitions across the court putting Kelsey Makar in the perfect position convert scoring opportunities, going on to shoot seven of her 13 goals for the match in that quarter alone. Hume responded quickly thanks to the likes of Alysha Shephard (12) and Dakota Lister who well and truly rose to the occasion, and helped Hume claim the premiership.

Section 4 – Greensborough 2 (27)

defeated by Heat 3 (31)

By Josh Ward

A great contest in the Section 4 decider resulted in Heat 3 securing a four-goal tri- umph over Greensborough 2. Heat was able to get off to a lightning quick start, scoring eight of the first nine goals inside the opening six minutes of the match to assume control by quarter time. Their good form continued into the early stages of the second term, but this time it couldn’t be sustained as the Boro slowly won the ball back and converted more chances on goal. Heat still had a comfortable advantage at half time but again, Greensborough continued to chip into the margin in the third quarter. The pressure from both teams rose substantially and while it was a five-goal difference at the final break, all was set up to be a thrilling last term. The Boro’s strong start to the fourth saw them cut the margin to as little as three goals late in the match, but Heat’s brilliant opening term proved to be enough to see them maintain Greensborough’s surge and finish as victors. Isabella Prout was a dominant force all night at wing attack, supplying strong feeds to Rupinder Kaur, Laura Murfett and Karrie Browning. Prout would finish with the best on court medallion.

Local Sport Burra confirms Finals place

■ St Mary’s produced a spirited showing in the NFNL Division 2 first semi-final, responding from their heavy defeat last week to prevail by 21 points over South Morang at Epping Recreation Reserve.

The 18.12 (120) to 15.9 (99) result is the Burra’s first ever finals win in the Division 2 competition, but it certainly didn’t come easy, with the Lions mounting multiple challenges throughout the match.

With in-form South Morang ruck Nathan Stefanile out of action, he would prove to be a massive void in the Lions side, as they had no answers for Huon MacGibbon who put in a dominant display.

Having the biggest say in the outcome, he’d play a vital role in ensuring his side would run out victors. Regularly giving his side first use out of the middle, the Burra midfield group would be on top for most of the contest, and while Lions coach Gary Hall rotated players in the hope of nullifying their impact, St Mary’s always found a way through.

Impressing alongside MacGibbon was Tane Cotter, who was utilised in the middle to help generate scores out of the centre throughout the day, while also notching up three majors of his own to round out what was another excellent performance. Rory Hanlon too had a lot of the football and had his usual impact around stoppages.

Jeremiah Antypas returned to the side and finished the day with four majors, causing plenty of headaches for the Lions’ back-six, while down back Joseph Maggio was brilliant and played arguably his best game of the season, starring with his intercept work and run and carry off half back.

Although South Morang’s fairytale season comes to an end, it certainly wasn’t down to a lack of effort, particularly from Joshua D’Intinosante who was the standout for his side in the loss.

The livewire forward finished the game with seven goals. Having been quiet in the opening half, he’d come into the game massively in the second half, while also being rotated into the middle at times.

Tye Hall, Deacon Kalpakis and Kobe Davies also put in solid showings in the side’s effort.

Down by 32 points in the opening stages of the third term, the margin ultimately proved too much of a mountain to climb and despite multiple rallying efforts throughout the day, the Lions were always back at square one.

The Burra got off to hot start with a four to one goal opening term. Antypas, Cotter and Nicholas Dean booted the opening three goals of the game and early signs suggested it would be the Burra’s day.

But they would face some resistance in the second term with the Lions booting the final three goals of the quarter to give themselves a sniff.

Having been awarded a free kick in the pocket with his side trailing by 19 points, D’Intinosante got himself off the mark with a clever snap, it’d prove a momentum turner as his side got to within a point by half time.

But it was momentum that could not be carried into the third term, conceding the first five goals of the third quarter headlined by Antypas, who slotted through three majors, extending the lead past 30 points.

The Lions kept within touching distance by booting the final two goals of the term to be within four majors at three-quarter-time.

Down by 20 points approaching the midway point of the last quarter, the Burra looked poised to run home comfortable winners. Though there’d be another twist in the tale, with the Lions mounting one final challenge.

Three consecutive goals courtesy of D’Intinosante, Tye Hall and Ben Muscat brought the contest back within two points, though it would be the closest South Morang got to gaining the lead.

Five majors were kicked in the final 10 minutes of the match, three of them coming from St Mary’s, with two of those thanks to Zane Costello which proved to be enough to see his side through to the preliminary final.

- Giacomo Bruno/NFNL

Yea Golf Club results

■ Wednesday saw $300 raised for a club donation to the anti-cancer foundation. Five teams of three plus one team of four played Ambrose on the day.

Many thanks to the members who supplied a wonderful lunch after the golf. Winners with 73 off the stick nett 60½ were Phil and Cindy Armstrong with Alan Pell.

In second was the team of Anthony Coleman, Di Elliott and Di Holdsworth with 72 off the stick nett 61 5/6.

Third were Gary Pollard, Graeme Bryant, Penny Brittain and Vicki Clements with 77 off the stick nett 63¾. Alan and Phil had NTPs on the 2nd and 18th.

Play After Cooring

After the greens were coored Thursday there was still plenty of sand still on them for Saturday.

Greens aside, parking was at-a premium in the car park on Saturday at Yea Golf Club.

The warmer sunny weather attracted good fields in both the Mens and Ladies Stableford

events.

Margie Wright (26) was the standout in the Ladies event with 36 points a clear winner from Sharon Grogan (30) on 32 points and Vicki Clements (27) with 29 points. There was no winner of NTP on the 2nd hole.

Eleven Ladies played in the event continuing the strong support of Ladies Golf on Saturdays.

The Mens field had 16 members and visitors contest their Stableford event. Kevin Coghlan (22) continued his recent run of good form posting an excellent 38 points.

Greg Clements (16) and Tony Rule (20) both finished with 34 points but Greg collected the Runner Up prize on countback. Michael Spagnolo was the sharp shooter on the 2nd hole collecting the NTP.

Stephen Rumney recently returned from travels abroad picked up the Club Award.

To round out a great day for the Ladies acting Captain Karen Sangster was the lucky $100 winner in Chooklotto.

- Alan Pell

● ● St Mary’s 18.12 (120) d South Morang 15.9 (99). Photo: NWM Studios.

● ● ● ● Phil Armstrong, Cindy Armstrong and Alan Pell at Yea Golf Club.

Bulldogs end Bridges run

A relentless North Heidelberg outfit put Hurstbridge to the sword in their Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 elimination final, winning by 57 points at Preston City Oval.

The Bulldogs looked to be in control for the entire afternoon, with their five unanswered goals in the second term proving to be the catalyst in the 17.15 (117) to 8.12 (60) triumph.

Their first finals victory since the 2019 Qualifying Final, North Heidelberg now set up a scintillating first semi-final clash with Montmorency next week, meanwhile the Bridges’ first ever finals contest in the top flight ended what has still been one of the best campaigns in the club’s history.

The powerful duo of Liam Hunt and Jesse Tardio proved to be too strong to handle for the young Hurstbridge midfielders, with the pair leading the way in every stoppage and even up delivering up forward when necessary, as they combined for three goals.

Meanwhile both Jhye Baddeley-Kelly and Majak Daw returned to the Bulldogs lineup and were almost impossible to stop inside 50, kicking four majors apiece.

Michael Florance and Joshua Hamilton were also other notable contributors for Jason Heatley’s men.

Panthers book Grand Final spot

■ Eltham have made their second consecutive NFNL Division 2 grand final after producing a resounding 25-point victory over Diamond Creek in the second semi-final at Epping Recreation Reserve.

It was a triumphant day for the Panthers, who delivered Andrew Tranquilli’s men their first loss since Round 5 and became the first team to score 10-goals against the Creekers this season.

Eltham had two bursts throughout the game that proved to be the difference in the match, first kicking six straight goals between the end of the first and the start of the second quarter before producing four unanswered majors in the last term to finish 10.11 (71) to 7.4 (46) victors.

Jason McCormick led the charge with five goals, including three in the final term to ensure victory for his team. His presence inside 50 was electric, ending the day with nine scoring shots.

Finnbar Maley also continued his stellar form, kicking two majors and forming a damaging ruck partnership alongside Thomas Goodwin.

The clearance work of Tarwan Rennie and Jacob Booth sparked passages of dominance for the Creekers, but the composed Eltham defensive line of Harvey Furlong, Declan Ayres and Lane Sinclair helped keep Diamond Creek goalless for two quarters.

NFNL

Just one win away

■ Mernda won its way into their first Grand Final since 2012 after downing Old Eltham Collegians by 36 points in the NFNL Division 3 preliminary final at the Whittlesea Showgrounds.

The Demons led virtually all day in the 12.10 (82) to 6.10 (46) result and they have earned another shot at Laurimar in next week’s Grand Final.

“Assistant coach Jarrod King was tremendous in helping us prepare for finals,” Mernda coach Robert Fletcher said.

“His experience as a multiple premiership player in higher divisions has been invaluable and we now have the opportunity to get the ultimate reward.”

Fletcher took great satisfaction from the work of his defence, led by Jesse Guelfo, Dayne Kellett and Riley Vincent, in restricting the Turtles to six goals.

Demon fans were sweating on the fitness of Kai Turner, but he recovered well enough to perform well across half back.

Mernda also batted deeper in the midfield on the day, with Joel Harris and Michael Evans getting plenty of it, Evans also drifted forward to boot two majors.

Zachary Racovolis was also a strong contributor, while Matthew Golledge ran hard to create an option when his team needed him to do so.

William Crouch was the most dangerous forward on the field, kicking a goal in each of the last three quarters after narrowly missing a long bomb in the first.

Lachlan Taylor was impressive at half forward, he had sticky fingers in taking several difficult contested grabs and also defended well when behind.

Billy Morrison had a good duel with Matthew Quinton. Morrison wasn’t totally dominating the ruck duels, but did well around the ground, kicking a goal and taking a specky in the third term.

The game followed a similar pattern to both matches that took place the previous weekend in which the winning side was in control for most of the contest, but left the door slightly ajar at the last change.

Old Eltham Collegians were a little slow out of the blocks and the Demons had 2.1 on the board to zero at one stage of the match. However, the Turtles controlled the latter part of the first term, albeit only scoring a single goal through Paul Vidinopoulos.

The Turtles briefly hit the front early in the second quarter when Matthew Williamson goaled from close range. It was to be his only

goal for the game, although he had some chances to add to his tally at times. Daniel Smith was busy for Mernda in the second term and marked on the boundary at fifty and despite it appearing to be a low percentage shot, he went back and sent it straight over the goal umpire’s hat. The goal regained the lead for the Demons, and they were never to be headed thereafter.

Goals to Crouch and Jayden Bell gave Mernda a handy 17-point break at the main interval. Both teams had their troubles early, Old Eltham Collegians were regularly in a good spot to hit loose targets in the forward half, but their field kicking skills were poor.

The Demons were getting their hands on the ball around half forward a lot, but often bombed it in without looking for better options.

The best move for the Turtles was when Jayden Kearney went from defence to be a crumbing forward at the feet of Williamson. Kearney kicked one of his two goals courtesy of a free and a fifty early in the third term to reduce the deficit to 11-points.

Mernda eventually levelled up the quarter to two goals apiece and increased their half time lead ever so slightly to 18 points at the final change.

As the game was within grasp for Old Eltham Collegians, coach Matt Sleeman urged his players not to panic, wait for options and man up quickly to stop the opposition chipping the ball around so as to chew up the clock.

Snapping goals from Demons duo Christian Evans and Billy Morrison blew the lead out to 29 points early in the last term and the game always looked safe from that juncture onwards.

“We got a little closer than this time last year, I’m proud of the group,” Matt Sleeman said.

“Eden Simpson and Daniel Cartisano have led the way with their preparation and deserve special praise.”

Simpson was the best in the midfield for the Turtles with help from Cartisano and Jeremy Murphy. Cartisano had to recover from multiple hamstring injuries this season and forced his way back into the senior side in Round 14.

Liam Rushton-McCoach was able to use his long-kicking skills to advantage at times and was a solid contributor in a defence that was under siege at certain stages of the match. Tom Cleary also assisted in driving the ball out of defence.

While Old Eltham Collegians fans will rue back-to-back preliminary final losses, the win for the Demons is reward for a great season, with still more to come.

- Doug Long/NFNL

Mitchell Hymus and Will Cookson were standouts for Hurstbridge, but their side found it difficult to get any consistency going throughout the match.

Cooper Barbera and Bailey Jordan looked to be the Bridges’ most lively forwards when the game was still in the balance, while Harry O’Brien, Mitchell Moschetti and Jake Wild battled hard all afternoon.

Joel Cordwell’s side had a promising start to the match, keeping the ball inside their attacking half for the opening five minutes of the game, but could only muster two behinds.

North Heidelberg then started to settle into the match and made their scores count, with both Baddeley-Kelly and Daw finding goals within a minute of each other to give their side the lead.

Bailey Jordan then responded with a nice goal before the Bulldogs again produced back-to-back majors, again courtesy of the same pair.

This time, Hurstbridge’s response was immediate with Barbera getting reward for effort with a major, before his side threatened to reduce the deficit for the rest of the quarter but could only score two more behinds to trail by 10 points at the main break.

The Bridges had a slight wind advantage in the opening term and despite playing against it in the second, they had looked competitive enough to keep up with North Heidelberg in the following quarter.

But that possibility was nothing more than a dream for Hurstbridge 30 seconds into the term, when Jesse Tardio received a handball from Liam Nunan and nailed a running shot on goal from just inside 50.

Hurstbridge looked desperate to keep up with the Bulldogs throughout the remainder of the term and had done well to limit their opponents to a 24-point lead approaching time on.

But Jason Heatley’s side went to another level in the final eight minutes of the quarter, kicking three further goals to make it five consecutive majors and lead by 45 points at the main break.

The Bridges’ task of pegging back the margin was going according to plan to start the second half, with Jordan and Joel Naylor finding the goals to make it a 33-point margin 12 minutes into the third.

But North Heidelberg again reminded their opponents of who was in control, with two goals in three minutes getting the margin back out to 46 points.

Mitchell Hymus then produced an impressive long-range bomb, but it was cancelled out by Zane Anderson who converted his set shot on the three-quarter time siren to put the Bulldogs one foot into the semi-final.

Hurstbridge managed to convert three constellation goals in the last term, but it was again overshadowed by another five-goal quarter from North Heidelberg, who finished 57-point victors and will be full of confidence heading into their first semi-final next week. - NFNL

Tackling pressure and big hits were the tale of the first term, and it took 14-minutes before Jacob Booth delivered the game with its first major.

Another goal moments later from Robby Noble alluded to another unstoppable Creekers performance, but Eltham determinedly fought their way back.

Tim Bongetti’s physicality and Jason McCormick’s flair created headaches for the usually resolute Diamond Creek defence.

Their two goals locked the game at 15points apiece at the quarter-time break.

With the match appearing to be a gruelling arm wrestle between two evenly matched opponents, Bongetti inspired his men to play their most scintillating quarter of football this year.

Their ferocious tackling gamestyle placed mental and physical pressure on Diamond Creek, forcing them to make uncharacteristic errors that have rarely been sighted this season.

McCormick goaled within the opening minute and Finnbar Maley soon followed suit with his own two majors. In identical fashion, he twice took contested marks between lunging Diamond Creek defenders.

The relentless attacking onslaught produced 10-scoring shots for the Panthers, whilst keeping the Creekers scoreless.

However, as Eltham’s dominance only translated to four goals, the door was left ajar for a comeback, despite a 30-point margin at half time.

Andrew Tranquilli’s men sensed this and appeared to be a new team throughout the third quarter.

Jacob Booth ignited this belief for the minor premiers, with his momentum changing snap proving to be a pivotal moment in the game.

Tyler Barnes was one of those who had an extra spring in his step. He managed to convert a shot from outside 50, despite falling short from a similar range in the first term.

Ryan Pingree then delivered the same result from an equally difficult opportunity, and moments later Daniel Jarvis reduced the margin back to just one kick within 11minutes of the term.

The Creekers threatened to regain the lead, but as Eltham weathered the storm, the Panthers clung on to a solitary one-point lead at the final interval.

With a grand final spot up for grabs, the opening minutes prompted caution from both teams and the game begged for a player to stand up. Jason McCormick did just that.

Three clutch goals, including a frenetic snap and a composed set shot were apart of his fourth quarter arsenal.

The 19-year old’s effort inspired Eltham to outwork a tiring Diamond Creek outfit, again taking control of the clearances which had shifted all match.

Jubilant scenes ensued when James Minahan goaled in time-on, quashing any conversation of a late comeback.

The Panthers are now just a win away from their first senior men’s premiership since 2002, and will need to beat either South Morang, St Mary’s or Diamond Creek in two-weeks’ time to gain promotion to Division 1.

- Tim MacDougall/NFNL

● ● North Heidelberg 17.15 (117) d Hurstbridge 8.12 (60).

Photo: NWM Studios.

Forever Wave

■ Estrella Suerte Productions present The Forever Wave radio play at the Melbourne Fringe Festival as a digital/accessible production from October 3-22

Inspired by Dylan Thomas’s iconic Under Milk Wood, The Forever Wave is set in a drowned San Francisco, circa 2070.

The survivors of this speculative, waterlogged world occupy the iconic hilltops of San Francisco, California - now become individual islands, jutting up from a climatechange induced tide that rolled in one day and never rolled out.

Combining geography, climate science, San Francisco Bay Area history, and an array of almost 70 voices - survivors and dead alike - The Forever Wave is a comprehensive exploration of a what-if future that seems ever more likely every year we fail to address the impacts of climate change and economic inequality.

What communities will emerge when our systems have collapsed entirely and “normal” is a historical relic? What can the hilltop-dwellers of the future teach us about ourselves in the now? And what are the things we can start building in order to avoid their fate?

The Forever Wave was written, directed, produced, and performed entirely remotely in direct response to the public health challenges of COVID-19

After an extended local run of Bay Area community radio stations from March-August 2023, this work was also presented as a part of International Dylan Thomas Day, paying homage to the 70th anniversary of the date that Under Milk Wood was first read onstage in 1953.

Most recently it also toured the 2023 Philadelphia (Digital) Fringe Festival. This is its Australian debut.

Brought to auditory life by a multicultural, multigenerational, and multilingual cast of 12 representing the diversity of the Bay Area in terms of culture, ethnicity, gender, and sexual expression, The Forever Wave is a study in resilience, resourcefulness, and communitybuilding.

"If you survive the apocalypse,” one narrator asks, “Don’t you get to help build what comes after it?"

Dates: October 3-22

Times: Duration 95 minutes, On Demand.

Venue: Online, Digital Fringe

Tickets: $8-$15 ($10 = standard full price)

Accessibility Notice: Blind or Low Vision Rating: Fully Accessible. Deaf or Hard of Hearing Rating: Partially Accessible. Wheelchair accessible. Computer/mobile device and internet required for accessing the digital audio performance (closed captioned, in English).

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au or call 9660 9666; https://melbournefringe.com.au/ event/the-forever-wave/

- Cheryl Threadgold

Tina in Melbourne

■ Previews of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical will be held at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne, from September 24 next year.

Tickets will go on sale from September 28 this year.

Since its premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney, Tina has captured the hearts of audiences with its powerful storytelling, incredible performances, and iconic music.

The show Features 23 hit songs including Simply The Best, What’s Love Got To Do With It, Nutbush City Limits and Proud Mary. The musical has received 37 prestigious award nominations including Best Musical (Tony Awards) and Best New Musical (Olivier Awards).

Promoter Paul Dainty said, “I first heard about the possibility of a stage musical portraying Tina’s life eight years ago and I immediately reached out to Tali Pelman at Stage Entertainment.

“At that point there was no script and no book however I was hooked on the idea of it. We have been on that journey ever since, and here we are today announcing the Australian tour.” Mr Dainty said. After leaving Sydney, the show is also touring Perth, Adelaid and Brisbane.

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

BEAUTY QUEEN

■ Emily Carr presents Beauty Queen as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 4 -15 at the Trades Hall Archive Room, Carlton.

Beauty Queen follows the story of Narcissus, a pageant queen in love with her own reflection and vying for the crown of Miss World Australia.

This one-woman show unpacks the curse of Narcissus from Greek mythology with a darkly comedic twist.

It explores society’s obsession with beauty and challenges the widely accepted notion that modesty is a virtue while vanity is inherently negative.

Featuring sinister judges, overzealous contestants and a delightfully unhinged protagonist, Beauty Queen is a provocative revenge thriller that blurs the fine line between self-love and narcissism.

Emily Carr is an actor, writer and MC based in Melbourne. Her artistic mission is to create thought-provoking theatre that delves into a critical examination of western culture, employing a unique blend of dark satire and comedy.

Performance Details: October 4-15 at 8.30pm (Wed.-Sat.) and 7.30pm (Sun.)

Venue: Festival Hub, Trades Hall - Archive Room, Carlton.

Tickets: Full $27.50, Conc. $24.50

Bookings: 9660 9666 or melbournefringe. com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Malthouse season

■ Due to strong demand for tickets, the forthcoming season of Malthouse Theatre's new large-scale immersive theatre work Hour of the Wolf has been extended, even before opening on October 19 and will now run to December 3..

Created by Matthew Lutton and Keziah Warner, written by Keziah Warner, and directed by Matthew Lutton, Hour of the Wolf invites audiences to Hope Hill, a fictional town that can be freely explored on the longest night of the year.

The immersive theatre experience will include over a dozen fully realised locations in the town and a cast of 11 actors.

This style of immersive production allows audiences to walk through the production while the actors perform around them.

The actors do not directly interact with audience members, and at the end of each scene audiences can choose which actors to follow.

Malthouse Theatre will elevate the immersive theatre genre further in Hour of the Wolf by realising additional immersive elements, including personalised, location-based sound design and interactive puzzle-solving to unlock deeper layers of story.

Hour of the Wolf audiences will encounter three interweaving stories that unravel a town’s folk legend about a mysterious wolf that visits once a year.

Audiences can choose which of the 11 characters to follow, pick left or right at the end of every scene, and trace the night from different points of view.

Attendees will be provided with headsets to guide them through the performance as they walk freely, finding places to sit or stand and watch the actors.

The cast includes Lucy Ansell, Jack Green, Natasha Herbert, Kevin Hofbauer, Keegan Joyce, Brooke Lee, Emily Milledge, Christina O’Neill, Eva Rees, Karl Richmond, and Katherine Tonkin, and set design by Anna Cordingley and costume design by Zoe Rouse

Performance Season: October 19 - December 3

Venue: Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse Theatre.

Bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

What’s On Normie Rowe

■ Normie Rowe presents Morning Melodies at Hamer Hall on Monday, September 18 at 11am and 1.30pm.

Australia’s most successful pop idol during the explosion of pop music and fashion in the mid-60s, Normie produced a string of hits that are an important contribution to the soundtrack of the Baby Boomer generation including Que Sera Sera, Shakin’ All Over, It Ain’t Necessarily So, It’s Not Easy and Ooh La La.

At the peak of his popularity, Normie was called up for army service. Following this, he turned his hand to acting with a long run in Sons and Daughters.

At the same time, he was studying acting and honing his vocal skills which led to his critically acclaimed role as Jean Valjean in Les Misérables

Performance Details: Monday, September 18 at 11am and 1.30pm

Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne.

Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Divine Miss Bette

■ Frankston Arts Centre, Tenacious C and Neil Gooding Productions present Catherine Alcorn as The Divine Miss Bette on Friday, October 6 from 7.30pm-9.30pm at Frankston Arts Centre.

● ● Emily Carr in Beauty Queen. Centre Orchestra under internationally acclaimed musician, composer, bandleader and trumpeter, Wynton Marsalis at Hamer Hall.

As a staunch advocate of American culture, he has composed over 600 original songs, 11 ballets, four symphonies, eight suites, two chamber pieces and much more, while producing and performing countless new collaborative compositions.

Such is Wynton’s All Rise, Symphony No 1, a monumental work first performed with the Tulsa Symphony Orchestra as part of the centennial anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre back in June 1921.

A Symphony structured in the form of a 12 bar blues, separated into three sections of four movements.

Each movement expressed different moments in the progression of life’s experiences, from joy with birth and self-discovery.

Sombre and poignant through pain and mistakes, with the final four movements a celebration of all things good in life.

Bringing such work to life brought many elements together.The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under principal conductor Benjamin Northey, The Consort of Melbourne Chamber Singers under artistic direction of Steven Hodgson and the one hundred strong MSO Chorus provided the voice of the Orchestra’s choral repertoire under Warren Trevelyan-Jones

The 12 individual works ranged from every imaginable spectrum one would expect from such a combination, brass ensembles to solo, syncopated and wild strumming of strings, exuberant and expressive percussion and a battery of drumming, at times backed by chanting and choral work.

Jazz soloist Michelle Nicole impressed together with Consort of Melbourne soloists Timothy Reynolds, Tenor and Jerry Kozlowski, Bass.

With some 180 performers on stage, what was missing throughout was having the individual and small ensembles stand at the end of their piece to be acknowledged by the audience.

Sitting in the stalls we did not see Wynton Marsalis and his Musicians until the standing ovation curtain call. A memorable night.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Salesman opens

■ Opening night at Death of a Salesman is set down for tomorrow (Thu., Sep. 6) at Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne.

Anthony LaPaglia will take on the role of Willy Loman, marking his mainstage debut in his home country. The Melbourne season is seven weeks.

In this music and comedy event, Catherine Alcorn channels the legendary Bette Miller, backed by a four-piece live band and two backing dancers.

Trained by Steve Ostrow, the man who discovered Midler, Alcorn will belt out the diva's early classics including Friends, In the Mood, Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, Do You Wanna Dance?, The Rose and more.

Performance Details: Friday, October 6, 7.30-9.30 pm

Venue: Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston

Bookings: artscentre.frankston.vic. gov.au/

- Cheryl Threadgold

Eisteddfod by the Bay

■ The City of Kingston Aria from Grand Opera was a sparkling gala night event to close the 68th Eisteddfod by the Bay (formerly Mordialloc Eisteddfod), presented at the Kingston Arts Centre.

Selecting a winner from the incredibly talented performers must have been challenging for Adjudicator Carrie Barr, but first prize with $1000 prize money went to Melbourne baritone Nicholas Sheppard for his performance of 'Hai gia vinta la causa!' from the Mozart opera The Marriage of Figaro.

Nicholas also won the Kath Eason Senior Vocal Perpetual Award to encourage the most promising singer. Baritone Christopher-Jack Andrew was placed second, and mezzo-soprano Chloe James won third prize.

Convened by Jill Page, with piano accompaniment by Sue Goessling, the annual event once again showcased the wonderful musicality of young adult performers, including their skilled presentation of the arias in languages other than English.

City of Kingston Mayor, Cr Hadi Saab, presented awards to the prizewinners, and congratulated all participants.

■ As part of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra recent MSO.Live concert series was their collaboration with The Jazz at Lincoln

Alison Whyte takes on the role of Linda Loman, portraying the complex and devoted wife of the failing salesman. Steve Bastoni embodies the character of Charley.

Also in attendance were Past Mayors Lesley McGurgan and Cr Steve Staikos who thanked the organisers and volunteer helpers, acknowledging the importance of their dedicated work to present events such as this. Eisteddfod by the Bay is a not-for-profit organisation.

- Cheryl Threadgold

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Shows

■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Urinetown, Until September 9 at the Doncaster Playhouse. www.phoenixtheatrecompany.org

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Third Act (by Emma Wood) Until September 9 at 29a Burke Rd., East Malvern. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: 1300 131 552 or www.malverntheatre.com.au/book-tickets

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Little Miss Sunshine (by James Lapine and William Finn) Until September 16 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director and Musical Director: Harrison Ewart-Dart; Choreographer: Leah Osburn. Booking: Trybooking or 9583 6896.

■ Gemco Players: Stepping Out (Richard Harris) September 8 – 23 at The Gem Community Arts Centre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Director; Annette O’Shea. Choreographer: Jasmine O’Shea. www.gemcoplayers. org.

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Cosi (Louis Nowra) September 8 – 23 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna. Director: Bruce Akers. Bookings: 9457 4117 or boxoffice@htc.org. au

■ Geelong Lyric Theatre Society: Jersey Boys October 6 – 14 at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre.

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Chess the Musical, October 6 – 21 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Bookings: 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

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

■ 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-Music Directors: David Barrell and Ned Dixon; Choreographer: Caitlin Lamont. www.osmad. com.au

Auditions

■ Leongatha Lyric Theatre: Falsettos, September 9 11.00am-2.00pm, September 10 Callbacks from 11.00am. Director: Joel Stevenson; Musical Director: Carmel Slater; Choreographer: Bron Croatto. Audition enquiries and bookings: Kasey at lyrictheatrenews@gmail.com

■ 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

Trioli departs

■ Broadcaster Virginia Trioli has told her ABC Radio Melbourne Mornings audience that she will be leaving the show in two weeks to take up a new role hosting a prime-time ABC arts program on television in 2024. She has been a prominent voice for the ABC’s local radio audiences in Melbourne since 2019.

“After many years of daily broadcasting, and almost two decades of rising for the toughest alarms the ABC has to offer, life circumstances require me to work and live differently now,” said Trioli who was anchor at ABC News Breakfast for 11 years.

PIRATES OF PENZANCE

As The River Rises

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria staged the comic opera The Pirates of Penzance at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University.

The audience first meets Ruth (Brigid deNeefe), the swaggering Pirate King (Ian Woolford) and the pirates.

Frederic (Patrick Hill), at sea for all of his 21 years and knowing no other women, doubts Ruth’s claim that she is womanly perfection. His doubts are confirmed when he encounters the youthful daughters of Major-General Stanley, and falls instantly in love with the youngest, Mabel.

With impressive pace, the story unfolds as Ruth, in love with Frederic, schemes shamelessly; a posse of terrified policemen blunder blindly after the pirates.

The Sergeant sings, ‘they come in force with stealthy stride; our obvious course is how to hide’.The pirates, themselves orphans, feel morally bound to spare other orphans from their murderous designs. Naturally all potential victims claim orphan status.

After Frederic’s many tribulations - including a leap year birthday, which will potentially quadruple his indenture with the pirates - he is finally united with Mabel. Her sisters marry the pirates – who, revealed to be Peers of the Realm – are deemed eligible partners.

Minimalist sets worked well and the costumes were fabulous. As Mabel, Amelia Le Plastrier was excellent; occasionally her volume dropped a little. Sisters Edith (Nora Waller), Kate (Roselyn Kho) and Rebekah Bennetts (Isobel) all did beautifully.

The ensemble singing was invariably terrific. Hail Poetry was gorgeous and the Stanley daughters’ songs with Mabel, including Dry the Glist’ning Tear were charming. The maidenly twittering and giggling was delightful.

Owen Davies was a fine Stanley and The Sergeant (Colin Marshall) looked marvellous, his voice admirably sonorous.

Stay Fred’ric Stay with Mabel and Frederic was beautifully poignant and the pirates’ boisterous With cat-like tread was great. Perhaps even more vigorous foot stamping?

When you had left our pirate fold with Ruth, Frederic and the Pirate King displayed perfect timing, humour and characterisation. Their clear diction was an example for all.

Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable, engaging production.

Further performances: Wonthaggi Theatre Group ‘The Shed’, Wonthaggi on September 9 and 10.

- Review by Juliet Charles Divas

■ In Divas, Bernadette Robinson gives a powerhouse performance as 10 famous women singers: Kate Bush, Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter, Edith Piaf, Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Barbara Streisand, Maria Callas, Amy Winehouse, and Judy Garland.

With nothing but her voice, Robinson channels the essence of the singers to a spine-chill-

ing effect. At one point in this remarkable cabaret, Robinson, embodying the great French chanteuse Edith Piaf, tells her audience, "A song is a story.”

Robinson weaves a story for each singer through monologues using their own words, giving glimpses into each woman’s life.

A glorious rendition of “Non, je ne regrette rien” follows, enrapturing her audience.

As Shirley Bassey, Robinson thumps out a fabulous “Diamonds are Forever” before revealing details of Bassey’s young daughter’s tragic death.

Robinson’s rendition of Bassey’s ‘This is My Life’ is all the more moving knowing Bassey’s history.

Robinson is at her most commanding belting out the songs of divas with an equally powerful range, such as Bassey and Streisand.

Less successful is the inclusion of Karen Carpenter. Not because Robinson is unable to pull Carpenter off.

It may be that Carpenter is less of a diva.

Robinson’s Maria Callas, by contrast, is a tour de force, replete with tragedy and drama.

Robinson is accompanied by a terrific band with musical director Mark Jones on piano and keyboards, Jonathan Skovron on guitar and bass, and Bryn Bowen on drums.

“Music,” Robinson, as Barbra Streisand, says, “is a time stamp.”

For the audience, Robinson transports us.

As a testament to her talent, the show finishes with a well-deserved standing ovation.

Until September 10 Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne artscentremelbourne.com.au

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

■ Fiona McArthur is a perfect example of an author who combines reality and imagination.

With a lifetime of experience as a midwife in country areas, her novels combine real-life medical situations, with a fascinating story and a touch of romance along the way.

Her latest novel, As The River Rises, introduces us to Dr Hannah Rogan, a GP from outback Queensland, who is in hiding from an emotionally abusive ex-boyfriend.

Visiting her friend Gracie in Featherwood gives her the idea of moving there to open a medical practice for the town.

It is the fresh start that Hannah needs. The town has rebuilt after devastating fires and its growing population is desperate for her calm presence and expertise.

Throw in a mysterious closed community upriver and characters with troubled pasts they prefer to keep hidden and you have all the elements of a great story that will unfold.

Then the rain starts, and doesn’t stop. The creeks fill, the river bursts and soon the residents risk losing everything they’ve rebuilt.

As the floodwaters rise, so do emotions and everyone must pull together to save lives and salvage whatever they can.

McArthur says she took her inspiration from the huge impact that Australian floods have had on the nation.

“I’d like this book to allow those unaffected to have a chance to understand the bravery of ordinary people and the heartbreak and hope, such an event brings.

“For those affected, I wanted to give acknowledgement of the impact on their lives and how much we admire their hard-won resilience.

“The reader gets to see through the eyes of the characters and hopefully, smell the mud and see the devastation first hand,” McArthur explains.

As The River Rises is a novel full of suspense, love and redemption, and of finding your own way when you feel surrounded by life – a feeling with which most readers will identify.

It is published by Penguin Random House and available at bookstores or online.

Julie Houghton

Neil steps down

■ Melbourne 3AW radio veteran Neil Mitchell, will step down from his weekday morning program after 34 years.

Mitchell announced last Froday (Sep. 1) that he will officially depart the show in December.

Tom Elliott is favourite to take over the morning host role. There is speculation that Jacqui Felstead (current fill-in on the afternoon shift) will take over the Drive program from mid-January.

Meanwhile at ABC Radio Melbourne, Raf Epstein has been named as successor to Virginia Trioli for the morning program. He starts on Monday, September 18. Ali Moore temporarily takes on the Drive shift.

Epstein has been conducting the Drive program since 2012.

● ● ● ● Ruth (Brigid DeNeefe) with Frederic (Patrick Hill) and the Pirates in Pirates of Penzance. Photo: Andrew McGrail

● ● ● ● Bernadette Robinson in Divas.

● ● ● ● ● Fiona McArthur

‘CHECK PLEASE’ RELEASED

Biosphere

■ Melbourne-based Alan Chang has unveilled his new album, Check Please.

The multi-faceted jazz pianist and singer-songwriter says he is on a journey of finding his own voice

Pioneering a blend of groovy melodies, skillful instrumentals, and evocative vocals, Chang has released his highly anticipated album.

It comprises 10 e crafted tracks, this album weaves a tapestry of endearing sounds that traverse themes of love and life, while conjuring a sense of nostalgia and tranquility, he says.

Check Please is available now to stream and download worldwide.

“It took me a long time to find a sound that speaks to as many of my influences and strengths,” says Chang

“I finally started writing for my voice while blending my years of foundation in jazz piano and my love for songs.”

He consistently displays his ability to be multifaceted in this album.

There are notable collaborations from artists like bassist Pino Palladino (The Who, John Mayer, Blake Mills), David Koz, and Inara George, as well as Russell Elevado (D'Angelo, Common, The Roots) who mixed half the album.

The first half of the album was also produced by Ryan Lerman (Scary Pockets, Lizzy McAlpine), while the second half of the album was produced by Chang and Adam Greenholtz.

“Besides the lyrical inspiration, Check Please is reminiscent of 2000s pop music and has a calming and

friendly jazzy feel,” says a media release. “The lighthearted piano motifs, the walking pace of the drums, and the layered vocals in choruses all contribute to making this album a personal listening experience, transporting listeners into Chang’s mind.

“The album's lead single, Love As A Weapon, delves into the complexities of partnerships and friendships, inspired by Chang's personal journey of transitioning from a 19-year collaboration with Michael Bublé.

“The track's poignant lyrics are complemented by a distinctly jazzy and pop-infused composition, evoking a sense of reflection and vibrancy.

“Aperitif, the eighth track on this album, is a beautiful and short groove to continue this dynamic record.

“This instrumental track is a breath of fresh air as it showcases mesmerizing piano melodies and simple drums to make the listener feel at home.

“Let’s Not Come Down, the third track on the album, encapsulates the multi-faceted talent that shapes Check Please.

“The vocal collaboration with Inara George and blissful production creates a song of anticipation, inspiring a heartwarming atmosphere that conveys a hug.

“The jazzy piano riffs and the harmonies of their voices together help create a message of enlightenment and peacefulness.

“Strong lyrics help tell a story of not wanting to come down from a sentimental feeling.

“Check Please is full of irresistible and graceful tracks, leaving listeners wanting to hear more.

“Alan Chang's musical voyage has

taken him through notable accolades, including features in acclaimed platforms such as Earmilk, Wonderland, Cleveland.com, and CelebMix

“His musical odyssey traces back to his early years when he began playing piano at the age of six, later evolving into a jazz aficionado.

“Influenced by luminaries such as jazz pianist Erroll Garner, rock trio Ben Folds Five, and indie songwriter Elliott Smith, Chang's journey led him to delve into jazz studies at the University of Southern California

“His artistic evolution culminated in a remarkable tenure as the musical director and pianist for Michael Bublé, during which he co-wrote hits like Home and Haven't Met You Yet.

“With a reputation for crafting meaningful narratives through his music, Check Please is a testament to his prowess as a storyteller, enveloping listeners in a world of enthralling melodies and relatable tales,” according to the media release.

“Check Please represents a bold departure from Chang's previous endeavours, a fusion of his jazz foundation and his innate love for soulful melodies.

“With the album's release, Chang's vision comes to life, inviting listeners on an immersive journey that blends jazz sensibilities with pop allure.

“The album is available to stream on all major platforms, allowing audiences worldwide to embrace its dazzling melodies and resonant narratives.

“Chang's debut solo album, Check Please , solidifies his position as an emerging force in jazz-infused pop,” the media release states.

■ (M). 106 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas September 7. Amiable, well-acted comedy/drama that proves to be very entertaining, with two central performances that are completely engaging. After a catastrophic (but unexplained) event, which has seemingly wiped out the entire human population, two men, who are protected within an experimental dome, are the only survivors. Billy (Mark Duplass, who also co-wrote and co-produced) is prone to hysterics, while Ray (Sterling K. Brown), is a biologist who is far more grounded, and is the one who constructed the dome and set up the life-sustaining devices inside. The two bicker, debate and joke around, in ways that help pass the time, in attempts to stop them from going stir crazy. When something happens which threatens Ray and Billy’s existence, it sets off a bizarre series of events that will change their outlook on humanity, and each other, forever. Co-writer/ director Mel Eslyn, making her directorial debut, raises themes and issues in lightly comedic fashion, wanting gentle contemplation rather than heavy-handed didacticism. Though a little overlong, Biosphere is a film worth seeking out.

RATING

Godless

■ The Eastfield Exorcism (MA). 91 minutes. Opens in selected national locations September 7. Stylishly made, and offering up themes that are intriguing, this Aussie hybrid of horror and drama is partially successful, but is undermined by standard horror tropes, hurting what is generally a more emotionally involving genre effort. Set in the rural Victorian town of Eastfield, circa 1994, the story centres on Lara and Ron Levonde (Georgia Eyers and Dan Ewing), a young, married couple who are dealing with a tragic incident that occurred in Lara’s past, one which left her baby dead. Traumatised by what what happened, Lara has understandably had difficulty overcoming the tragedy, and has been seeing psychiatrist Marisa Walsh (Eliza Matengu). Unhappy with his wife relying on pills, the devoutly religious Ron convinces Lara to rely on his church congregation, led by Barbara (Rosie Traynor), who introduces the pair to unsanctioned exorcist Daniel James King (Tim Pocock), whose methods are both brutal and unethical. Based on true events, Godless entwines its possession premise with looks at religious ignorance and misunderstanding of mental illness. Director

Nick Kozakis raises Lara’s trauma quite well, helped by a natural, likeable performance from Eyers ,

but also presents Ron as a basically good person who has been brainwashed by a group who place blind, all-consuming faith above logic, science and fact. Kozakis however undercuts the dramatic approach by employing some really predictable and cliched jump scares and soundtrack jolts, bringing the film into the routine. Another fault is the casting of John Wood as Detective Chambers. Known to viewers from the long-running series Blue Heelers , his appearance as another country copper elicits smiles, which is completely jarring in a film that is trying to create a tense, grim atmosphere. Reminiscent in ways to The Corruption Of Divine Providence, The Exorcism Of Emily Rose and The Last Exorcism, Godless : The Eastfield Exorcism is effective viewing, but could have easily been something much more satisfying and memorable.

RATING - ***

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

■ Mutant Mayhem (PG). 99 minutes. Opens in cinemas September Those comic book turtles are back yet again, in a nicely animated reboot that is more entertaining than expected, but is more of an immediate sugar rush than something that will be remembered in the long term. The story remains familiar; a lab-created ooze leaks into a New York sewer, affecting four baby turtles and an adult rat. The rat, eventually named Splinter (voiced by action icon Jackie Chan), raises the four turtles, protecting them from the outside human world, and teaching them martial arts techniques. Now in their teenage years, the turtles, Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), Leonardo (Nicolas Cantu), Donatello (Micah Abbey) and Raphael (Brady Noon) , are more curious about what lies beyond their underground existence, and take unsanctioned detours when sent to acquire essentials. During one of these outings, they meet high school journalist April (Ayo Edebiri), but also cross paths with a fellow animal mutant group, lead by Superfly (Ice Cube), who who wants to inflict vengeance on the human race. The turtles team up with April to try and stop them. Though the script details the title characters’ origin story once more, character development is kept to a minimum, but despite falls into juvenile humour, the overall execution is generally good-natured. The voice cast deliver energetic performances, and fans should be pleased with what the film-makers have delivered.

RATING - ***

● ● Alan Chang has released his new album, Check Please

■ I remember asking Frankie Laine in a radio interview, who was his favourite singer and without hesitation he said, “Nat King Cole”.

Nat was not only the favourite singer of many people but he was also highly regarded in the music industry - what a voice.

Nathaniel Adams Coles was born in Montgomery, Alabama, on St Patrick's Day in 1919. His father was a Baptist minister. Nat had three brothers and a half sister.

I did have the pleasure of meeting and interviewing his brother Freddy in 2000.

He was taught to play the organ as a child and by the age of 12 was taking piano lessons.

He began playing professionally in his teenage years and adopted the stage name of Nat King Cole - it was said to have come from the nursery rhyme Old King Cole.

Nat went to Los Angeles and formed the very successful Nat King Cole Trio with guitarist Oscar Moore and bass player Wesley Prince

In 1937 he married Nadine Robinson who was a dancer. In 1943, Nat had his first hit song for Capitol Records, Straighten Up and Fly Right.

Many hit songs followed and it is said that the revenue from his hit songs helped to finance the construction of the circular Capitol Records building near Hollywood and Vine in LA

In 1948 he divorced Nadine and married Maria Ellington . His hit songs such as The Christmas Song, Nature Boy, Mona Lisa and

Whatever Happened To ... Nat King Cole

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Unforgettable made him one of the highest selling recording artists in the US and throughout the world.

In 1955 Nat King Cole made his first trip to Australia for a national tour which was a tremendous success.

Rowan and Martin, who were later to become famous in the television series Laugh In, were the support act for his show.

Lee Gordon had booked Nat for the tour and brought him back again the following year.

Alan Heffernan, who was Lee Gordon's accountant, told me that during the tour there was a mix up with flight arrangements.

Nat and Maria had no sleeping berth and Alan was in a panic. As the weary Nat stepped off the

● ● ● Nat King Cole plane he put his arm around Alan's shoulder and said, “Alan, I know it would have been set up, but sometimes these things go wrong. Don't worry about it.”

This was typical of Nat's nature and everyand everybody loved him. His hit songs included Get Your Kicks On Route 66, Sweet Lorraine, For Sentimental Reasons, Too Young, Answer Me, Walkin' My Baby Back Home, When I

Maria Stuarda

■ Melbourne Opera presents Donizetti’s dramatic and tragic masterpiece Maria Stuarda on September 9-13-15-17 at the Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne.

Acclaimed Melbourne soprano

Helena Dix returns from an internationally broadcasted performance in the title role of Norma at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, to make her debut as Maria Stuarda for Melbourne Opera.

Donizetti’s sumptuous Italian opera marks the company’s first production since their internationally acclaimed Ring Cycle Cultural Festival earlier this year.

Long regarded as one of the most demanding bel canto roles, Maria Stuarda traces the downfall of Mary Stuart at the hands of Elizabeth I.

Suzanne Chaundy directs this revival of the second opera in her inspired portrayal of Donizetti’s Tudor Trilogy, based on the lives of the three queens in England’s Tudor dynasty. The trilogy is widely considered to be some of the Italian composer’s best works, both musically and dramatically.

“Both Queens were ambitious and single minded. One Queen committed an act of regicide and the other died a martyr. This outcome could easily be attributed to either Queen should fate have ruled differently. I am loving the opportunity to return to this wonderful opera which is a showcase for what bel canto opera does best - beautiful and dynamic music requiring virtuosic vocal and performance skills,” says Suzanne.

Helena Dix previously performed the most demanding role in the trilogy to great acclaim when she took on Elizabeth I in Melbourne Opera’s Roberto Devereaux (2017).

She went on to cover the same role at New York’s Metropolitan Opera, considered by many to be the world’s greatest opera house.

Athenaeum Theatre , 188 Collins Street, Melbourne. Tickets available via Ticketmaster.

Cytheria – Virginia Cuppaidge

Nicholas Thompson Gallery exhibits Virginia Cuppaidge of Sydney Contemporary. Carriage Works.

The exhibition includes early and recent work by the artist, including a major work Cynthia (2977/38) recently restored by the Grimwade Centre at the University of Melbourne

Virginia Cuppaidge will discus her life and career with Una Rey, Editor of Artlink magazine from 2pm-3pm on Sunday, September 10 at the Nicholas Thompson Gallery booth (HO4) Exhibition opens September 7 and closes September 10.

Nicholas Thompson Gallery

155 Langridge St, Collingwood

Heartlands

Heartlands – Linda Gibbs

Linda Gibbs returns this Spring to Gippsland Art Gallery with her latest exhibition, Heartlands.

Twice winner of the John Leslie Art Prize for ‘Best Gippsland Work’ Gibbs is an artist who paints with he eyes of a realist and the soul of a poet.

Her atmospheric paintings capture the spiritual essence of the places she depicts, and blur the lines between what we observe, what we imagine, and what er remember.

Heartlands is no exception. An exhibition of paintings gathered from the last decade, the works seek connections with places that are familiar, but which we cannot physically travel to.

The works depict actual landscapes, usually in around South Gippsland –especially Wilsons Promontory and Gibbs’s home at Fish Creek.

Exhibition closes November 29.

Gippsland Art gallery

Wellington Centre Port of Sale

70 Foster St, Sale

Society

Contemporary Art Society of Victoria Annual Exhibition 2023.

Celebrating 85 years of the society 1838-2023. View a wide range of contemporary artworks by members of the society.

Paintings, prints, Sculpture, mixed media, unframed works-on-paper.

Artworks fresh from the artists’ studios.

The Arts

Fall In Love, Ramblin' Rose

and Those Lazy, Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

In 1956 he began his television series, The Nat King Cole Show, on NBC and was the first Afro American to host his own variety program. Nat suffered from racism for most of his life and was attacked by a group of thugs whilst singing onstage in his home state of Alabama His film roles included The Blue Gardenia, St Louis Blues and Cat Ballou, where he performed the title song with Stubby Kaye.

After years of heavy smoking Nat King Cole died in 1965 of lung cancer. At the time of his death he was estranged from Maria and left behind five children from his two marriages. His daughter Natalie has become a famous singer and in 1990 recorded the duet Unforgettable singing to a recording of her father's voice.

An official United States postage stamp featuring Nat King Cole was issued in 1994.

The life of Nat King Cole would make a great film - he was one of the great singers of the Twentieth Century

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AW -

The Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Philip Brady and Simon Owens. And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au

RESTORED ‘CYNTHIA’ WORK AT COLLINGWOOD

OK. With John O’Keefe

‘Over and Out’ for Mark

Exhibition opens Sunday September 10. 3pm– 6pm and closes September 24.

Gallery 314 314 Church St, Richmond.

Fuse

Fuse @ Large shines the light on Darebin

What makes Rizza? Fuse is committed to showcasing all the talent, creativity, and art the at the community of Darebin has to offer.

Part of the Spring 2023 program is Fuse@lage, an open access, multi-arts program where any artist, maker and creator can host an event under the umbrella that is Fuse, so long as it is happening in Darebin during the festival.

This Spring, Darebin locals and creatives alike will bear witness to performances never experienced before.

From art exhibitions to audio-visual installations, festivalgoers will be spoilt for choice.

The Rizza Mural launch celebrates the five new murals that have been installed through Reservoir. The murals explore Reservoir’s diverse and multicultural community. Its natural landscapes, flora and fauna, what makes Reservoir so “uniquely Rizza” .September 8 – Cnr Cheddar Rd and Broadway.

- Peter Kemp

■ With all the comings and goings at the ABC one could be excused for missing news that Mark Humphries, and his band of two fellow satirical entertainers have left the ABC. The threesome usually appeared with topical skits on current affairs. No indication of their next stop.

Vizard book launch

■ 'The Love Contract' is title of a new rom com book by Stephanie Vizard, eldest daughter of Steve Vizard. The book has already been selected as winner of local Banjo prize. The book is now available at all good book shops - $22.99.

Elton hospitalised

■ Elton John, 76, suffered a nasty fall while holidaying at his villa in Monaco . He was rushed to hospital, stayed overnight and released the following day. “All is fine,” said his doctor who advised EJ to take it easy.

Todd serves up an ace

■ A rumour gaining momentum in the Nine camp is that tennis czar Todd Woodbridge is to be new presenter of 'Tipping Point, Australia'. We understand pilot programs have already been produced in a London studio involving ex-pat contestants - resident in London - competing for cash prizes. The UK series will be screened in Australia, most properly in the important rating time zone of 5pm leading up to the 6pm News. Good luck, Todd, you are a multi-talented performer.

US love for memorabilia

■ JFK was a tragic fan when it came to baseball. He loved the game and attended the ball park whenever he could. He signed a baseball used in a major league game that sold for $166,818 . The new owner proposes to showcase his prime possession in his Man Cave.

with Peter Kemp

- John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Mark Humphries

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

VANESSA WINS TOP JOB AT QANTAS

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

QANTAS new direction

■ The QANTAS Group announced its succession plan that will see current CFO Vanessa Hudson replace Alan Joyce as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director following the 2023 Annual General meeting in November.

Joining QANTAS in 1994, she has held a variety of senior commercial, customer and finance roles across the Group, in Australia and overseas, including Executive Manager of Sales and Distribution, Senior Vice President for QANTAS across the Americas and New Zealand, Executive Manager of Commercial Planning and Executive Manager for Product and Service.

In these various roles her responsibilities ranged from sales channels, revenue management and network planning, to transformation in catering, airports and network.

Out and About

100th great-grandchild

■ Peggy Koller was an only child and always wanted a big family. At age 99, she got to hold her 100th great-grandchild. Peggy Koller, 99, of Blue Bell, Pennsylvania, got to hold the baby, who's not only special because he's number 100, but because his name is special, too. Koller William Balster.

"First thing out of the hospital, we went to Grandmom's, introduced her to Koller. She was absolutely ecstatic," the baby's mother, Chrissy Balster, said.

"I've always loved the name Cole. And Chrissy one day was like, 'What about Koller?'" the baby's father, Patrick Balster, said.

"We thought about it. Then we went Koller William, which William Koller was Chrissy's grandfather's name."

Musk energy warning

■ Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk cautioned that the global economy places itself at risk by pursuing a rushed transition to renewable power.

Energy prices in many developed countries particularly nations in western Europe heavily dependent upon renewable sources have soared following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, with natural gas prices in Germany and France soaring to an order of magnitude higher than usual levels.

During an energy conference in Norway, Musk remarked that “some additional exploration” of oil and gas resources “is warranted at this time.”

“Realistically I think we need to use oil and gas in the short term, because otherwise civilization will crumble,” Musk told reporters.

“One of the biggest challenges the world has ever faced is the transition to sustainable energy and to a sustainable economy. That will take some decades to complete.”

Many developed countries are indeed shifting their energy portfolios toward renewables and away from conventional sources.

As a result, Norwegian production of oil, natural gas, and other fossil fuels reached a peak in 2004 and has steadily declined since, according to data from the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate

More broadly, the European Union of which Norway is not a member aims to be “a climate-neutral society” by 2050 in accordance with the European Green Deal and the Paris Agreement.

Meanwhile, Switzerland and Germany are among several countries progressively shuttering nuclear power plants in reaction to the 2011 meltdown in Fukushima, Japan.

Germany which imported 55 per cent of its gas from Russia before the war will likely proceed with the scheduled closure of its three remaining nuclear facilities before the end of the year

The new CEO of QANTAS spent her time in Los Angeles as Senior Vice President for QANTAS for the Americas, and Vanessa engaged with many expat Australians. We knew she was destined for greater heights. Gavin

Cannabis is damading

■ Taking cannabis regularly in your mid-20s can cause permanent damage to the brain and its legalization in some states has wrongly suggested to many that it is safe, the head of the National Institute on Drug Abuse recently said. Dr Nora Volkow, who has led the agency for almost two decades, warned that cannabis use among young adults was a “concern” and called for more “urgent” research into the “potential health risks” for the age group. Her agency, which is part of the National Institutes of Health revealed that a record number of 19 to 30-yearolds were using cannabis in 2023, with one in 10 admitting to using it every day. Around 30 per cent used the drug at least once a month, with four-in-10 having used the drug at least once last year. Numerous studies have warned that regularly using cannabis can harm brain development which continues into the mid20s and that repeated users are more likely to struggle socially and face career and relationship problems. It is now only fully illegal in many states Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina and Wyoming to name just a few with 19 approving it for recreational use and nearly every state already giving it the green light for medicinal use typically to treat chronic pain. Experts warn that legalizing the drug has led to it gaining acceptance in recent years, leading more people to try it. Stress from the COVID-19 pandemic has also driven up the number of people using it.

Crooked judges

■ Two former Pennsylvania judges who sent children to forprofit jails in exchange for $2.8M in kickbacks have been ordered to pay $206M in damages to hundreds of victims. Observers say the scheme, known as the kids-for-cash scandal, is considered one of the worst judicial scandals in US history. A US district judge awarded the damages to about 300 people who filed a 2009 civil lawsuit against former judges Mark Ciavarella and Michael Conahan. The pair shut down a county-run juvenile center and sent children as young as eight years old to two forprofit jails from 2003-08. Many of the children were first-time offenders for minor infractions, including petty theft, jaywalking, and skipping school. About 4000 juvenile convictions were thrown out after the scheme was uncovered. Ciavarella, 72, has been serving a 28-year prison sentence, while Conahan, 70, was released to home confinement in 2020 after serving 11 years of his 17-year sentence.

Peggy revealed she applied to be a nun in high school. "I actually applied when I was a junior in high school, but [William] talked me out of it," Peggy said. They got married and welcomed 11 children. Then came 56 grandchildren. "I wanted to have a big family. I think it's difficult being an only child. It's lonely," Peggy said. The family has gone on to include lawyers, educators, real estate developers, and one of Peggy's sons even took over the family business, the wellknown Koller Funeral Home in Philadelphia. "I always hoped for a doctor but never got one," Peggy said with a laugh.

Chrissy Balster and her cousin Colleen were due just one day apart, so it came down to the wire as to which baby would become lucky number 100. We now know Baby Koller has that special honour, but both babies are healthy and happy.

Patrick and Chrissy think they know a few of the secrets behind Peggy's longevity and strength. "She does work out twice a day, which is insane," Patrick said. "I think faith is the other one, I'd say. Faith and family. That's what's been keeping her going," Chrissy said.

Just a small walk

■ Walking after a meal, conventional wisdom says, helps clear your mind and aids in digestion.

Scientists have also found that going for a 15-minute walk after a meal can reduce blood sugar levels, which can help ward off complications such as Type 2 diabetes.

But, as it turns out, even just a few minutes of walking can activate these benefits. In a meta-analysis, recently published in the journal Sports Medicine, researchers looked at the results of seven studies that compared the effects of sitting versus standing or walking on measures of heart health, including insulin and blood sugar levels.

They found that light walking after a meal, in increments of as little as two to five minutes, had a significant impact in moderating blood sugar levels.

Baby incentive

■ Russia reinstated its Mother Heroine award, which includes an incentive of one million rubles, this week to encourage families to have more children.

Women eligible to receive the distinction must have 10 or more children with an “appropriate level of care for health, education, physical, spiritual and moral development,” according to a statement from the Russian Government translated by CNBC

The one-million-ruble incentive, amounting to roughly $16,600, is 150 per cent of the nation’s average annual salary.

The Mother Heroine award was initially established in 1944 under Joseph Stalin and discontinued after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. The Russian Federation created a similar award, the Order of Parental Glory, in 2008.

Ramada holiday deal

■ 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

● ● The new CEO of Qantas Vanessa Hudson with Managing Director Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, Alan Johnson.

Lovatts Crossword No 21

Across Across Down Down

168. Seance board

169. Climate feature, El ...

171. Argentina's Buenos ...

172. Struck with leg joint

175. Relationship (3-2)

176. Wading bird

179. Carrot colour

180. Middling (2-2)

182. ... spumante

184. Coaches (team)

185. Bright (future)

186. Unhappy

188. Unfluctuating

189. Earthenware cup

190. Owl call

191. Yuck!

193. Cover with gold

194. Bind with string

196. Cold meats & cheeses shop

197. Cash advance

198. Fully satisfies

200. On end

205. Named before marriage

207. Damsels 210. Mouth organ 211. Femur

212. Actress, ... Thompson

213. Anti-attacker spray

214. Gambling city, ... Vegas 216. Street

218. Fabled whale, ... Dick 219. Breakfast or dinner 220. Insignificant people

224. Excessive self-love 227. Rock band, Manfred ... 229. Hand (out) 230. Give off

Money resources

Dork

Slog 235. Extremely

Ruminate 239. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco 241. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2) 244. Lads

Size

Infant's carriage

Birthplace of St Francis

Canada's capital

Hillocks

Baby's skin problem, ... rash

Shopping binge

Spoof

Formed a crowd

Russian newspaper

Exhausting supply of (5,2)

Deliberately sink

Greek fable teller

1. Prudish

2. Had to repay

3. Reception host

4. Acute anxiety

5. Manage, make ... meet

6. Young hen

7. Vegetable, spring ...

8. Moscow citadel

9. Sample (3,3)

10. Hollywood legend, Marilyn ...

11. Attracts

12. NC US state

13. Tiny insects

14. Readily

15. Dollar division

16. Silly

17. Macaroni or spaghetti

18. European currency unit

19. Ones & ... 24. The A of AD 28. In proportion, pro ... 30. Saudi native

31. June 6, 1944 (1-3)

33. First batsman 35. More orderly 37. Misfortunes 38. Kind 40. Sending via Internet 42. Take on

142. Space traveller

143. Bulb flowers

145. Study of past events

151. Apt

154. Tugs sharply

156. Corrosive fluids

159. Boxer, Muhammad ...

164. French yes

169. Suckle

170. Snooped

173. Token (fee) 174. Baby eagles 177. Pop song's flip (1-4) 178. Mixer drinks 181. Former (3-4) 183. Defrosting

Great foe

Alternator

Writers

Is plentiful

Unfeeling

Impact sound

Climb

Sydney surf beach

Bell 207. Florida resort

Condemn to hell

Pen tips

... & papa

Greed

Up hill & down ... 221. Premonitions 222. News stories 223. Polluted air

224. Jacob's Old Testament twin 225. Start (of illness) 226. Scent 228. Romanticise 234. Flattery 236. Summary

238. The States (1,1,1)

240. Jet-bubble bath

242. Joined 243. Cheap-rate time (3-4)

245. Antagonist 247. Parachute delivery 248. Playful marine mammal

250. Remove (limb)

251. Prepared mentally, ... up 253. Speaks

255. Trade

257. Banknote bundles

258. Ship's bottom

261. Naturist

262. Rhyme, Wee ... Winkie

265. Mutter

266. Fissure

268. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2)

269. Charge with offence

275. Irish Republic

276. Single egg cell

278. Sniffed

Captures (criminal)

288. Rousing (speech)

292. Mongrel

294. Writer, ... Blyton

295. Uncensored 298. Milk coffee style 300. Knight's charger 301. Tapering fruit 303. Noblemen 306. Priest's lectures

308. Barrier across stream 309. Head cook 311. More briny 314. Recycle 315. Hammered (in) 316. Perspiration-soaked

317. Spanish friend

280. Brothers' sons

282. Repose

283. Longest river

285. Pimples

287. Holy people

289. Stage whispers

290. Mariner

291. Black Sea port

292. Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4)

293. Pull heavily

296. Standards

297. Illegal moneylending

299. Garbage

302. Performer

304. From India or China

305. Composer, Andrew ... Webber

306. As a gamble, on ...

307. Nevada quickie divorce city

308. Weave (one's way)

310. Shun food

312. Towards centre of 313. Wet weather

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au

Normie and Mike

■ Much loved Aussie music favourites Normie Rowe and Mike Brady will perform together on October 7 at the Dandenong Club

Get ready for a wild ride of music, memories and pure entertainment with these legends says their media release.

Tickets at the Club.

Sunbury legends

■ Three of the legendary acts who performed at the 1972 Sunbury Pop Festival will take the stage at Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, on Sunday November 12.

Rockers Madder Lake, Spectrum and guitar guru Phil Manning will relive the nostalgia and great music that still remains today. They were part of the so called golden era of Australian music.

Tickets at the Memo.

Busy Livin’

■ Aussie country music singer-songwriter Darren Gillis has released his new single. Busy Livin’ is a track he wrote last year after a mini tour with his sister Nicole Bylund.

“We stopped and played in caravan parks and clubs from the far north of WA downwards. Busy Livin’ is what we called ourselves on the tour,” Darren says.

- Rob Foenander

PASSING OF TV-RADIO MAN DES FORD

n Melbourne TV-radio man Des Ford has died at age 83 on the Gold Coast.

Des had worked at stations including 3AW and 5DN Adelaide, where he conducted the breakfast program.

In retirement years, Des filled senior roles including Production Manager and Presentaer at Golden Days Radio.

For a number of years around 2011, he was also a presenter at Cairns FM, in Tropical North Queensland.

He was a much respected and popular member of the Survivors showbiz veterans group in Melbourne.

At GTV-9, he filled technical roles, including Studio Manager for Jack Little's World Championship Wrestling

He used to laugh that because studio time was so tight they often had to record the interviews with the winning wrestlers before the bouts were held.

Melbourne Observer Editor Ash Long said that Des Ford sent a happy Facebook message at 9.30am on August 25. By lunchtime that day, he had passed.

Wife Annie says that Des's mindset remained sharp. His passing was comfortable, and he was at peace about where he was headed.

Melbourne’s media fraternity joins with Annie and Des’s sons in mourning his passing.

Crossword Solution No 21

A M S N C TWIN HYENA S ODDS SEAL URBAN OVER NINE S P MINE ELITISTS O SATIRISE OATH L

TACO GLEN N M I GYM N N T RAID EWES I O T TAILENDER ECOSYSTEM S R S

KRISHNA I N D I IOC M L E O EARBASH

H T E NAKED PELE CRAG GNASH B L E

MUCH G ALA UFOS VIA LEAR STY R FLAY E HITLER T N STYE NAYS A T ACACIA E

RAYS I R HIGHS ADHOC TUDOR C C THOR

L T GROOM A EON IRA I OUIJA T U

NINO E W AIRES KNEED TIEIN N D IBIS

U ORANGE N E SOSO ASTI N A TRAINS O

ROSY T SAD EVEN MUG HOOT UGH B GILD

S E L TRUSS DELI LOAN SATES R D A

ENDWAYS C C B T NEE W C B N MAIDENS

U H C HARMONICA THIGHBONE I A I

EMMA MACE I N M LAS N I U ROAD MOBY

Photo finish

n Ballarat International Foto Biennale will explore AI and the future of photography in a series of conversations, presentations and classes at The Real Thing Forum on Saturday-Sunday, October 7-8, at the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

Entries for the AI Prize are open now, offering a $2000 prize to the overall winner and $1000 to the People’s Choice award.

Finalists will be selected by an international judging panel which includes AI artist Boris Eldagson, Artlink magazine’s Megan Rainey and Ballarat International Foto Biennale CEO Vanessa Gerrans

The jury shortlist of AI images will be exhibited during the Ballarat International Foto Biennale from September 22 to October 22, and visitors are invited to cast their vote for the People’s Choice award.

Prize winners will be announced ar 2pm on Sunday, October 8.

Exhibition venue: BAaD Gallery and Events, 737 Sturt St, Ballarat.

Exhibition dates: September22–October 22, 10am–5pm. - Contributed

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● ● Des Ford. Photo by Ash Long.

■ The Melbourne Racing Club is thrilled with the nominations for the Blue Diamond to be run at Caulfield on February 24.

The race over 1200 metres has attracted a great number of entries from the top stables throughout Australia.

The Club has said it has attracted 1473 entries, with the largest stables in Australia leading the charge.

Leading Sydney trainers, Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, show the way with 110 entries, the sole triple-figure entry.

Leading Victorian trainers, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace, have 96 noms.

Next on the list is the Hayes brothers, Ben, W.D., and Will, representing Lindsay Park Racing, with 91.

Top Queensland trainer Annabel Neasham has nominated 87.

Among the entries is a half-sister to last year’s Blue Diamond Stakes winner, Little Brose, a filly by Russian Revolution, also trained by the Hayes team.

The star sires for this season’s crop include I Am Invincible, who shows the way with 85 of his progeny.

Written Tycoon has a top of 76 entered, while the outstanding sire, Snitzel, has 66, with the next best represented, Zoustar, with 61.

NATIONWIDE INTERST IN THE BLUE DUAMOND Ted Ryan

Then we have Capitalist on 46, Exceed and Excel 45, and Blue Point 41, also proving popular.

The nervous wait for many studmasters’ is almost over, as the progeny of 27 individual first season sires are nominated for the $2 million industry shaper.

Blue Point will likely head the champion first season sires markets, with his tally of promising juveniles nominated, followed by fellow Darley Stallion, Too Darn Hot on 37, Pierata on 34, and Exceedance 31.

The Everest winner Yes Yes Yes has 27 nominations.

Blue Blood babies are sure to attract early interest, including a full brother to Written By, called Royal Insignia, with Graeme Begg, who took Written By, to a Blue Diamond win.

Winx’s half-sister to Pride of Dubai, called Taleitaki, who is with Michael Freedman, will attract plenty of interest.

A youngster by the name of Crime of Passion, in the care of Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior, should attract plenty of attention.

Alizee’s first foal, a filly by I Am Invincible called Visual, with the Godolphin group, and Anamoe’s little sister, the Blue Point bred, called Blue Willow, will come under scrutiny.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have nominated both the full sister to the champion sprinter, Sunlight.

Also, the first foal from the mare herself, a colt by Justify, named, Dawn Service, is beautifully named.

The Blue Diamond Series kicks off next year on Friday January 26, with two heats of the Previews over 1000 metres, a Group Three for fillies, and listed event for the colts and geldings.

They’ll step out then in the Blue Diamond Preludes over 1100 metres on Saturday February 10 (Group 2 fillies, Group 3 colts and geld-

Makybe Diva magic

■ As usual the time honored Makybe Diva Stakes named after the Triple Melbourne Cup winner, will attract the cream of middle- distance horses when they race for the title at Flemington on September 16.

Prior to nominations Neds Booking Corporate, has the top galloper, Mr Brightside on top, from Alligator Blood and Fan Girl.

Mr Brightside looks like he has carried on his good work from his previous outings with a resounding win first up, winning the Peter Lawrence Stakes, a Group Two event.

His class showed with the win over Pinstriped and Aegon over 1400 metres in good style, ridden by his usual rider, Craig Williams A winner of two Doncasters in Sydney, he is all class.

On the second line is that grand horse, Alligator Blood, who doesn’t know how to run a bad race, so you have to forgive his run in this year’s Doncaster won by Mr Brightside.

He appeared from the start he wasn’t himself, and eventually eased down to finish well back.

He was drawn out in Barrier 12 in the big field, and had trouble getting a run throughout the race. orget he went around after all he is a winner of $6½ million in stake earnings.

He will be right there in the Makybe Diva, if he goes around.

One that is flying since she joined the Chris Waller team in Sydney, is the former Queensland mare, Fan Girl.

Although drawn out a little bit wide in the Winx Stakes at Randwick, she flashed home to beat the promising Princess Grace, an American import another with Chris Waller.

Zaaki getting to the end of his star-studded career put in a good run to finish third.

His trainer, top Queensland mentor Annabel Neasham, has said a couple of times that he is not far away from having his last run, this could be it.

The great Western mare, Amelia’s Jewel, could go around here, as the distance will help, although her run in the $ 4 million Tabtouch Quokka at Ascot, back on April 15 had to be seen to be believed.

In a field of 14 runners, she drew the outside of the field from a short run to the first turn and dropped out to last, nearing the turn she made her run from last around the lot of them and flashed home to run a sensational second to top sprinter, Overpass

Now four, but three years-old at the time, she had up to that stage had eight runs for seven wins and a second, yet to miss a place.

If she has any luck. she has got to be a chance now a four-year old and much stronger.

- Ted Ryan

● ● Mick Price. Racing Photos.

● Ciaorn Maher, jockey John Allen and David Eustace. Racing Photos.

ings) before meeting in the Group One Blue Diamond Stakes over 1200 metres on Saturday February 24.

First acceptances costing $350, will close at 12 Noon, on Tuesday November 14 this year.

PLAINS IN HEAVEN MOTORS TO THE WIRE

■ The week commenced at picturesque Yarra Valley on Monday August 28 with eight races on the program and by far the most impressive winner on the day was four year old Rock N Roll Heaven-Illawong Bella entire Plains In Heaven for owner Terry Cahill and Smythes Creek trainer Nathan Cahir in the 2150 metre Yarra Glen Bakehouse Pace.

Driven by James Herbertson, Plains In Heaven settled three back along the markers from inside the second line as In The Paper led from gate three.

Angling away from the pegs in the last lap, Plains In Heaven was checked by a weakening Nai Harn Bay which had raced exposed resulting in him being taken back through the field.

Eventually gaining clear air, Plains In Heaven (five and six wide on the final bend) motored to the wire to record a runaway 3.6 metre margin over the pacemaker, with Deuce Coupe (one/ one – three wide last lap to be outside the leader on the home turn) third a head away. The mile rate 1-59.6.

■ Trafalgar owner/trainer Chris Hunter loves the squairgaiters and combined with son Glenn to land the Hi-Style Building Group Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres with 4Y0 Majestic SonLazy Sunday gelding Sundays Shadow.

Taken back to the rear from outside the front line with Sorella (gate two) leading easily, Sundays Shadow (four wide home turn) produced a whirlwind finish out wide on the track to prevail by 1.3 metres from Sellune along the sprint lane after trailing the leader which held down third 2.5 metres back. The mile rate a pedestrian 208.6.

■ Bolinda trainer Bent Lilley snared the quinella with Maestro and Kyvalley Heist in the Yarra Valley Party Hire Trotters Handicap over 2150 metres with Maestro a 5Y0 gelded son of Love You and La Tonneralla the victor.

With Chris Alford in the sulky, Maestro after a fast from 10 metres tackled Kyvalley Heist (barrier five) to assume control shortly after the start. Rated to perfection with no challengers, Maestro just lasted to hold off Kyvalley Heist (Tristan Larsen) by a half neck on the wire without being pushed out recording a mile rate of 203.9. Acool Investment was third 9.4 metres away after following the pair.

■ Harston breeder/part-owner/trainer/driver

Dennis Paton’s Majestic Son-Sheza Comment gelding Lizzies Son put up a big performance to take the Hargreaves Hill 3Y0 Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres.

Starting solo on the second line, Lizzies Son spent most of the race at the rear of the field with Arzali leading from gate three and Spirited Lass moving to race exposed.

Moving to be one/two for the final circuit, Lizzies Son angling four wide approaching the final bend ran on strongly to score by 2.8 metres from Kyvalley Anthony three pegs home turn before switching to the sprint lane, with Nuclear Attitude (one/one – three wide home turn) to lead on straightening third a half neck back. The mile rate 2-04.5.

‘No race’ declared

■ Heats of the rich Vicbred Super Series for Two Year Old Colts & Geldings and Fillies over 2180 metres were held during a 10 event program (which became nine) at Kilmore last Tuesday, with the leading stable of Emma Stewart and Clayton Tonkin dominating as expected with 13 runners finishing the night with four winners two quinella’s and a trifecta.

Unfortunately the second heat for fillies was declared a no race following a fall and will be added to another meeting during the week.

■ It was the Stewart camp to take the 1St heat for C & G with Always B Miki- Gotta Go Dali Queen colt Kingman.

Driven by Kerryn Manning, Kingman starting from the extreme draw settled four back in the moving line as Chart Topper (gate three) led for Nathan Jack. Going forward once the pace settled, Kingman was off and running to effortlessly assume control with stablemate War Dan Buddy also going forward racing for the bell to park outside him.

■ The stable snared the quinella in the second heat when impeccably bred Somebeachsomewhere-Nike Franco colt Bay

Harness Racing

■ At Maryborough, Longlea trainer Glenn Sharp who specialisers in the squaregaiters snared the quinella in the Haras Des Trotteurs Mobile over 2190 metres after ten year old Tennotrump-Delta Spark mare Mystic Chip at start 214 defeated stablemate Bellmac Bambi in a mile rate of 2-03.4.

Driven by regular reinswoman Monique Burnett, Mystic Chip (gate two) was given a cosy passage trailing the leader Vincent Kai after coming out on terms with him and taking a trail, while Bellmac Bambi (gate four) driven by Monique’s husband Josh Duggan slotted in nicely one/one.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

len-baker@ bigpond.com

Of Biscay (James Herbertson) greeted the judge. Settling one/one from gate two on the second line, Herbertson set off racing for the bell to lead for the final circuit, registering a 1.9 metre margin over Some American (gate five) which handed over at the bell, Miki To Success (one/ one – three wide home turn) was third 2.3 metres back giving the camp the trifecta. The mile rate 1-58.6.

■ Unbackable Captaintreacherous-The Baggy Green colt Stormryder an unbackable $1-05 favourite was never out of second gear in the third heat with Mark Pitt in the sulky, leading throughout from gate two in accounting for a death-seating Sergeant Lou by 11.2 metres which was game in defeat, with polemarker Cocosdream third a head away after trailing the winner. The mile rate 1-58.4.

■ The first of the fillies heats went the way of Elusive, a daughter of Million Dollar Cam and Endeared for Bannockburn trainer Geoff Webster with Connor Clarke in the sulky returning a mile rate of 1-58.5, leading all of the way from gate four to register a half neck margin over Alwaysbminnie (gate three) which used the sprint lane after trailing. Renewal after racing exposed from gate five was third 7.4 metres back.

■ Heat three saw the Stewart team successful with first starter Vague Beauty (Mark Pitt), a daughter of Art Major and Beauty Secret. Slowly out from the pole, Vague Beauty quickly gained momentum going forward to take the lead away from Paradigm (gate three) before handing up to stablemate Eureka Jo which came away from four pegs from gate two on the second line to take over.

Angling away from the back of the leader on the home turn, Vague Beauty was too strong at the business end of proceedings, greeting the judge 1.6 metres in advance of Eureka Jo giving the stable another quinella. Paradigm held third 9.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.5.

■ Honest 6Y0 Mach Three-Kaleeshar gelding Shaq which doesn’t win out of turn did so in the Happy Birthday Chris Snell Vicbred Pace for Charlton trainer John Torney and well known owner/breeder Kevin Clark with Bendigo reinsman Jack Laugher in the sulky.

Going forward from gate four to lead, Shaq rated well defied all challengers after kicking clear on turning to score by 8.2 metres from ‘iron’ mare Madame Annie which trailed in a rate of 159.9. Betternbetter (one/one – three wide last lap) was third 8.3 metres away. Shaq is actually in the care of Ellen Tormey at Junortoun.

■ Shelbourne trainer Kate Hargreaves combined with Cranbourne based former Kiwi reinswoman Sophie Jeffries to capture the 1690 metre Jet Roofing Pace with 6Y0 Art Major-Eye Contact mare Eyecon.

Having start number 36 (4 wins), Eyecon was trapped wide from gate five, but pushed forward to take over from Crafty Old Fox (gate four) and allowed to bowl at her leisure, gave her rivals something to chase, scoring by 2.3 metres from Cresco Threepeat (gate two) which raced exposed and Miss Hermes (one/two) from the extreme draw who was 2.3 metres away third. The mile rate 1-58.6.

Double day

■ Two meetings Wednesday with Maryborough in the afternoon and Ballarat at night.

With a slick tempo being set as Vincent Kai was kept honest by rank outsider Aldebaran Yeurial, Mystic Chip was held up momentarily in the final circuit when Aldebaran Maverick (Scott Torney) sprinted swiftly from mid-field to dash away with a commanding lead appearing to have the race in his keeping only to go off stride on the home turn.

Extricated into the clear as this was going on, both Bellmac Bambi and Mystic Chip raced clear on turning with Mystic Chip doing best to prevail by 11.4 metres. Rioterra (four pegs) used the sprint lane for third 8.2 metres away.

With stake earnings exceeding $239,000, it was Mystic Chip’s nineteenth success much to the delight of Glenn and wife Christine who race her.

■ Ardmona trainer/driver Donna Castles landed the Dancinginthedark M USA-Aldebaran Park Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres with honest 6Y0 Crazed-Meredith Castle mare Berriesandcherries who registered her 8th victory in 58 outings.

In a best ever performance, Berriesand-cherries (gate four) after going forward three wide solo from mid-field in the last lap outstayed her rivals to greet the judge 3.8 metres clear of Sosomaori from the tail returning a mile rate of 1-58.6. Imperial Whiz (one/two) was third 2.3 metres away.

■ Super Sires Racing over 2200 metres continued at Ballarat with five heats for Three Year Old Colts & Geldings and four for Fillies. Smart New Zealander The Real Sherlock (Sherlock in his home country) having his first outing in Oz attracting most attention during the night.

Trained in partnership by Mark and Nathan Purdon, The Real Sherlock, a Vincent-After Party gelding driven by Greg Sugars was ultra impressive when successful in heat three. Settling near last from the extreme draw, Sugars wasted no time in sending him forward three wide to park outside polemarker Our Vincent Can Gogh which had led easily.

Not perturbed at any stage, The Real Sherlock raced by Jean Feiss when asked for an effort on straightening responded beautifully and raced clear to score by 3.3 metres virtually untouched from the leader, with Cool Night (three pegs) running home late for third 3.6 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.4.

■ Locally trained colt Petracca (Captain Treacherous-Lovelist) led throughout from gate three in the fourth heat.

Trained by Emma Stewart for AD Investments Pty Ltd headed by Danny Zavitsanos, Petracca led throughout from gate three to account for a game Little Louie (gate five) which after being trapped wide went forward to race exposed going down by 23.2 metres in a mile rate of 1-57.1. Viking (one/two) was third a head away.

■ Other winners were :Rosanna Rebel (Terry Howard Cranbourne & Michael Bellman), Perfect Class (Emma Stewart & Kerryn Manning), Dangerous (Shane & Ryan Sanderson Charlton), Soho Seraphine (Michael Stanley Burrumbeet), Sweet Bella (Emma Stewart & Mark Pitt), Little Miss Lily (Patrick Ryan Arcadia & Damien Wilson) and Sahara Breeze (Gary & Deb Quinlan Drouin & Chris Alford).

Both sexes in heats

■ Sires stakes racing for four year olds continued at Shepparton on Thursday with three 2190 metre heats for both sexes taking place.

■ The winners being : Amore Vita (Emma Stewart & Chris Alford), Soho Historia and Major Grace (Emma Stewart and Mark Pitt), Solesseo Matuca (Andy Gath and Jordan

■ Wednesday – Hamilton/Echuca, Thursday – Bendigo, Friday – Mildura/Melton, Saturday – Melton, Sinday – Maryborough (Cup), Monday – Cobram, Tuesday – Melton.

Comment

■ The major betting agency in Australia (especially in Victoria) the TAB, are treating their clients with contempt following the production of the all new form guides available over the web and in agencies previously shown have been dumped with a new format featuring limited stewards comments which are irrelevant to punters.

Also the biggest blunder by far is that in a handicap race – no handicap’s are listed with the guide showing all horses off the front line which is totally unacceptable to those having a wager.

Although only a minor issue in some respect, this will create BIG ramifications. Imagine if you were looking at the field and saw a smart runner listed off the front line, had a wager on it and tuned into the race only to discover that it was off a 20 or 30 metre backmark. Lift your game Tabcorp.

Leetham), Eyethink & Hot Deal (Aaron Dunn –Horsham).

■ Bonny mare Amore Vita (Art MajorCastellina after being restrained from outside the front line in heat one to mid-field as stablemate Petillante led from the pole was send forward in the last lap with quality telling as she raced away to win by 6.9 metres from Petillante in a slick 1-52.3. Just Hope after trailing the pacemaker was third 4.3 metres back.

■ Courage Under Fire-Soho Tokyo mare Soho Historia scored in heat two for South Australia connections, leading throughout from gate five to defeat Dannemora along the sprint lane after trailing, with a death-seating Talk Time third giving the stable the trifecta, The margins 1.4 by 10.8 metres in 1-56.6.

■ Major Grace (Art Major-Zariya) after going forward from outside the front line led for most of the trip to account for Soho Rhapsody which led out from gate four by 1.1 metres in heat three, with Blood Moon (one/one at bell) third 4 metres back. The mile rate 1-56.7.

■ Recent stable addition Solesseo Matuca a gelded son of A Rocknroll Dance and Princess Dilinger was another to lead most of the way from gate three in the first heat for the boys, greeting the judge by 2.3 metres in advance of Rubins Flight (one/one) and Rocknroll Walla (gate five) which flew away to lead before handing over and finishing 1.2 metres back. The mile rate.

■ Horsham’s Aaron Dunn enjoyed a great night with smart Sunshine Beach-Sassy Rose gelding Eyethink successful in heat two defeating Interest Free along the sprint lane which trailed by 1.9 metres, with Roarforroscoe a game third after racing uncovered 7.3 metres back.

The rate 1-55.3, while American IdealHotazgabby gelding Hot Deal (gate three) crossed Pas Guarantee which flew away from gate four shortly after the start to lead for most of the trip and win by 1.7 metres from Khafaji which faced the breeze in 2-01.6. Pas Guarantee was a half head away third.

- Len Baker

with Len Baker

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