The Local Paper. Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition. Wed., Sep. 20, 2023

■ Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives

appealing for public assistance after a war memorial was damaged in Seville.

is believed unknown offenders attended the memorial on Seville Rd, sometime between 4.30pm on Thursday (Sep. 14) and 10.30am on Friday (Sep. 15).

The memorial includes eight glass panels, about 3.5m in height, and it is believed offenders hit two of the panels with a damage estimate of $50,000.

Police are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with CCTV in the area and have released images of the damaged property.

The

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The Local Paper

WAR MEMORIAL VANDALISED

Local Briefs

Pyalong fatality

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash about five kilometres north of Pyalong on Saturday morning (Sep. 16).

Investigators believe a woman was driving along the Northern Highway when she veered from the road about 12.45am.

It appears the car left the road and travelled down an embankment and crashed into a tree. The woman died at the scene.

Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Eildon masterplan

■ Murrindindi Shire Council is developing an Eildon Pondage Precinct Masterplan

The Masterplan presents an opportunity to enhance this important area.

The Council would like to know how residents use the Pondage and their ideas on how the area can be improved. The Masterplan looks to identify key projects, which will help Council and other agencies prioritise and seek the funding required to deliver these projects.

Feedback closes on October 9.

Mayor Cr John Walsh said “Developing the Eildon Pondage Masterplan is an essential requirement to underpin our applications for funding. We already have some great ideas on how to improve the Pondage precinct that arose from the Eildon Community Plan

“Before locking it down, we want to ensure the Masterplan has considered everyone's ideas for making this place even more attractive and accessible. That's why we need your input on how you use the Pondage and any improvements you would like to see. Your feedback will help us shape the Masterplan and prioritise the projects which in turn will strengthen our case for grants," Cr Walsh said.

Flood evidence

■ Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Fiona Stevens, CEO Brett Luxford and Flood Recovery Manager Kellie Massouras provided evidence at the Inquiry into the 2022 Flood Event in Victoria at the public hearing last Thursday (Sep. 14).

They spoke to some of Mitchell Shire Council’s submission that highlighted 35 recommendations.

Mitchell Council's recommendations focussed on the importance of supporting community resilience, ensuring place-based response to events, and enabling better recovery support.

■ Yarra Ranges Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance after a war memorial was damaged in Seville.

It is believed unknown offenders attended the memorial on Seville Rd, sometime between 4.30pm on Thursday (Sep. 14) and 10.30am on Friday (Sep. 15).

The memorial includes eight glass panels, about 3.5m in height, and it is believed offenders hit two of the panels with a damage estimate of $50,000.

Police are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone with CCTV in the area and have released images of the damaged property.

■ Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or log onto www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

New exhibition at Lilydale

■ Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is opening its latest exhibition, Wonderscope by Yarra Valley based artist Clare James, which is on display in the Box Gallery until Sunday, December 10.

Wonderscope transforms the Museum’s gallery into a wonderland where audiences are invited to explore and marvel at the intricate structures and microscopic ecosystems of the natural world.

Clare James draws inspiration from the unique and breathtaking Yarra Ranges environment to create her interactive display which encourage us to expand the ways in which we see the world by illustrating the invisible.

James is an artist, gardener and educator who lives and works in the Yarra Valley. Her practice weaves together her deep appreciation and understanding of nature with magical realism to create immersive and inspiring artworks and experiences.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, encourages residents, particularly young families looking to occupy the school holidays, to visit the Museum and explore the exhibition. He said everyone will find something to enjoy in Wonderscope.

Yarra Ranges Regional Museum is at 3537 Castella St, Lilydale

Local Briefs

Youth Empowering

■ Murrindindi Shire Council announces a free Youth Empowerment Workshop in partnership with Yea Community House and Minus 18

The event is being held from 4.30pm-6pm on Friday, October 6.

The Youth Services team and Yea Community House are hosting the workshop for LGBTIQA+ folks and allies aged between 12 - 25 years.

There will be light refreshments and snacks provided on the day, as well as a small bus running from Alexandra

This workshop is an inclusive drug, alcohol, smoke and vape free space. Registrations are essential.

Reserve boost

■ New upgrades at Greenhill Reserve have provided the Wallan community a safer and smoother sports oval.

Ros Spence, Minister for Community Sport, last week joined Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Cr Fiona Stevens and local representatives to officially open the upgraded oval, backed by more than $106,000 from the State Government’s Country Football and Netball Program.

Greenhill Reserve is used by more than 700 participants from the Wallan Magpies Football Netball Club, the Wallan Kookaburras District Cricket Club, and Wallan Secondary College’s sporting programs.

The funding has enabled the reshaping of the main oval to remove low spots and installation of drainage in key sections of the sports fields to eliminate water ponding caused by heavy rainfall.

The resident clubs, Wallan Secondary College and the wider community will be able to access the two full-sized ovals year-round, now boasting a smoother and weatherproof surface.

Ms Spence acknowledged Mitchell Shire Council for its financial contribution of more than $150,000 and Cricket Victoria for its financial contribution of $20,000.

The Seville War Memorial was damaged. Photo: Victoria Police.

Photo: Victoria Police.

The Local Paper

Ash on Wednesday

‘31’ was Number One

■ Football identity Ron Barassi belonged to all Victoria.

Local Briefs

Newest citizens

■ Mitchell Shire mast week welcome 70 more residents who officially became Australian citizens.

ABOUT US

Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), Seymour Express (Est. 1872), Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995), Yarra Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995), Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995).

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

• Regional/’Dindi Local’ Edition: Murrindindi, Mansfield, Strathbogie, rural sections of Nillumbik and Whittlesea

• ‘Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express’ Edition: Yarra Ranges Shire

• Mitchell Shire Edition: Mitchell Shire

CONTACT

Phone: 5797 2656, 1800 231 311, 9489 2222, 9439 9927, 0450 399 932

Reg. Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 (same address for 29 years)

Mail: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095 Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au www.MelbourneObserver.com.au www.LocalMedia.com.au

E-Mail: Editor@LocalPaper.com.au Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au Editor@LocalMedia.com.au

He was born in Castlemaine On February 27 in 1936, and his junior footy career was with the Preston Scouts.

He would have been destined to play for Collingwood, but he was one of the first to use the father-son rule to go to his Dad’s side, Melbourne.

Ron Barassi Snr died in action at Tobruk when his son was aged just five.

Ronald Dale Barassi was involved with Carlton, North Melbourne and South Melbourne/Sydney.

His family home for many years was at Heathmont, and in latter years he lived with second wife Cherryl at St Kilda.

Alexandra identiy Peter Rice recalls:

“When Ron was coaching North Melbourne he used to come up to Alexandra quite regularly with Allen Aylett

“

Allen had a holiday home on Skyline Rd overlooking Lake Eildon. They quite often visited the Mt Pleasant Hotel for refreshments and a meal especially on a Sunday. I enjoyed their company along with publican John O’Brien who was a staunch North Melbourne supporter.”

Ron was always very good to Long Shots.. We travelled with him to Norfolk Island on a fun trip organised by pormoter Tony Healey.

“

Ron was always available for a yarn, about life, as well as footy. There was never a time limit. We saw each other often at media and footy

Long Shots

The ceremony saw individuals and families receive citizenship in a ceremony conducted by Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Fiona Stevens.

It was described by a Council representative as a genuinely heartwarming and proud day for all.

Mitchell Shire has this year seen 310 individuals become citizens over eight ceremonies.

Haines vote lost

■ Indi MHR Helen Haines has criticised the Labor Government and the Coalition Opposition , after the major parties voted down her amendments to the Government’s Housing Australia Future Fund Bill

The proposals were moved by Senator David Pocock in the Senate on Dr Haines’s behalf.

“The housing crisis is the biggest issue facing regional Australia yet it is a complete blind spot for this Government,” Dr Haines said.

Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

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

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

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

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

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

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

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

with Ash Long, Editor

Celebrating 54 years in local media

Winner, Best Local Reporting Award Victoria-wide Westpac Award

Direct: 0450 399 932 E: editor@LocalPaper.com.au Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au Personal: www.AshLong.com.au

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

events. We had a really long discussion about a loved one who was battling Chronic Fatigue , and the battles that she overcame. He said that he had immense admiration for such people, far more than the achievements of gifted sporting people. He loved mental toughness.

Ron had impeccable manners. Yet he could be a humourous man's man.

As well as being a top bloke, he was our version of a true sporting hero.

So long, Number 31. Number One in our books.

The family has accepted the invitation for a State Funeral, arrangements for which will be announced in due course.

The mourning family includes Cherryl, and children Sussan, Ron and Richard.

Local Photo Flashback

“Almost one in three Australians live outside the big cities, yet I constantly have to remind this Government about how the housing crisis is impacting people in regional, rural and remote communities.”

Yea Golf report

■ Yea Golf Club Wednesday Stableford attracted a field of 18 players which included four visitors from Broadford GC.

Mick Sheather (32) continued his great midweek form returning to the clubhouse with 38 points. The handicapper will be paying him a visit this week

Visitor Brian Inness (26) enjoyed his round to register 36 points to finish second Another visitor Norm Edge and Gary Pollard filled the minor placings with 34 and 33 points respectively

Trevor Connell was the sharpest shooter on the 11th just three metres from the pin

Rob Gill stayed in the limelight and collected the Club Award. The Ladies Foursomes Event was taken out by Margie Wright and Adrianne Anglin. Saturday is a Par Event for Ladies and Men ★

Saturdays Par Event at Yea Golf Club was played in excellent conditions with warm sunshine and blue skies a welcome change from recent weeks.

The Ladies event was taken out by Cindy Armstrong (39) with plus 2 from Di Elliot (30) and her new golf cart returning a creditable minus 3.

Martin Lowe (22) showed no signs of jet lag after his trip to the other side of the world, returning to the clubhouse with a brilliant score of plus 6

Michael Spagnolo (8) continued his return to form with plus 4. Michael Sheather (32) rounded out the place getters with another fine round of plus 1. The handicapper must be paying him a visit very soon.

Brian Priestly threaded the needle between the gum trees to take home NTP on the 14th hole and Jeff Aurisch will be packing the Club Award in his suitcase as heads overseas to visit family in Canada.

In the Final of the Club Knockout Greg Clements returned to form claiming the title from promising junior Tom White. Both deserve lots of credit winning four rounds to reach the final.

This week sees another busy calendar for members. Wednesday is a 2 Person Ambrose event. Draw for partners Men 9 for 9.30 hit off. Ladies 9.30 for 10am hit off.

On Thursday Yea GC host the DDGA Veterans. A field of around 50/60 are expected to play. Members are encouraged to join in.

- Alan Pell

Wide readership

● ● This edition covers Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie, Whittlesea (rural) and Yarra Ranges.

● ● Ron Barassi with Ash Long at a Channel 9 function.

✔Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish is calling for the State Government to invest in the redevelopment of Panton Hill Primary School’s asphalt court to create an undercover, multi-use outdoor court. The current asphalt court at the primary school is said to be outdated, undersized and the surface is cracked, becoming a safety hazard for students and teachers. “This is a big project for the school and one that is desperately needed for the 145 students. They need an outdoor covered area which is suitable not just for sport and recreation but also for assemblies and concerts. The redevelopment will provide space for the wider community to access this area, including the local junior and senior football clubs, cricket club and netball club, because there is nothing like this that exists within that community.”

New open space for Monty

■ Montmorency residents have a new open space to enjoy, thanks to a new pocket park on Were St at the Monty Village Eltham MLA Vicki Ward last week visited the latest pocket park to be delivered as part of the State Government’s $315 million Suburban Parks Program.

The pocket park includes a new plaza, performance area, landscaping, seating, and artwork as part of the latest green space in the activity centre – giving locals a space to see entertainment and socialise.

There are already 20 new pocket parks being enjoyed by Melburnians, with another six pocket parks already under construction.

Ms Ward said: “We’re supporting local councils to provide our communities with better open spaces – Were Street pocket park is a fantastic example of what can be achieved.”

Ingrid Stitt, Minister for Environment, said: “It is so important that we make sure Melburnians have access to as much green open space as possible – so that they have a chance to enjoy the great outdoors.”

The Suburban Parks Program is transforming 29 underutilised spaces into vibrant and green pocket parks across Melbourne, with up to $1.3 million in funding provided to local councils.

Dog Park for Lower Eltham

■ Nillumbik Council has a proposal for a new dog park at Eltham Lower Park

The Council is seeking feedback on preliminary designs for the dog park through Participate Nillumbik until Sunday, October.

The proposed designs would see the new dog park located on the open space previously leased to the Eastern Region Adult Riding Club and Eltham District Horse and Pony Club. The Council will support the clubs in relocating to a new site.

The dog park would include two separate areas for small/ quiet dogs and large/active breeds, both with natural play elements, shelters and seating, drinking stations and dog-safe fencing.

Mayor Cr Ben Ramcharan said that Nillumbik Council was keen to hear from the community about the proposal.

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✔Aboriginal and Maori artists Brian Stevens, Julie Tipene-O’Toole and Tiaki Mitchell feature in the latest exhibition at the Eltham Library Community Gallery. The exhibition, titled Talking and Listening to Country, is inspired by the cultural connections the artists have with their traditional land or country. “Their work is informed and influenced by the practice of talking and listening to country – a time to stop, sit and listen to what the land has to tell us. The knowledge and answers we seek are there, we just have to listen,” said a Nillumbik Council representative. Ms Tipene-O’Toole said her work pays tribute to her ancestral mountains and rivers and all the natural treasures that are sacred to her and her people. Her stories are presented in her prints and installations. Brian Stevens and Tiaki Mitchell present their stories through colourful paintings and hand woven wool rugs. Other work includes a ‘Welcome’ installation representing the artists’ expression of welcome to all who visit the gallery and a cosy ‘Sitting Place’ has been set up, inviting people to sit and enjoy everything in the exhibition. The exhibition runs until 1 October 2023 at Eltham Library Community Gallery, Panther Place, Eltham. Opening hours vary.

Zero emission buses

■ Residents of Seymour are the first in regional Victoria to benefit from their town having an entirely zero emission bus network.

Seymour is leading the way in transitioning the state’s entire bus fleet to zero emissions with all the buses servicing the town’s five bus routes now being electric.

Seymour Passenger Services rolled out its first zero emission bus in January and is one of six operators across Victoria taking part in the State Government’s $20 million Zero Emission Bus Trial, which will see 52 zero emission buses - 50 electric and two hydrogen - rolled out across Melbourne, Traralgon and Seymour.

Ben Carroll, Minister for Public Transport, said: “Seymour is leading the way in Victoria with cleaner and more sustainable transport options as we push towards achieving net zero emissions by 2045.”

“We’re investing in cleaner technologies, supporting local manufacturing and delivering a more modern, efficient and reliable bus network that gets passengers where they need to go.”

Jaclyn Symes, MLC for Northern Victoria, said: “This is a win for the local community as Seymour bus passengers become the first in the state to benefit from an entirely zero emissions bus fleet.”

● ● Cr Ben Ramcharan, Nillumbik Shire Mayor

● ● ● ● Vicki Ward, Eltham MLA

● ● Brian Stevens' artwork, titled Orbs - messages in the sky, 2018, Acrylic paint on canvas.

● ● Cindy McLeish, Eildon

Manzoney leaves Magpies

■ The Montmorency Football Netball Club has announced that senior men’s coach Jonathan Manzoney will depart the club after one season in the role.

Manzoney was appointed as the Magpies’ senior men’s coach in October last year after spending three years at the club as an assistant coach to Garry Ramsay.

Prior to his arrival at Montmorency Park, he had a two-year stint at Hurstbridge as senior men’s coach and also spent some time at the Northern Knights in development coaching roles.

Montmorency finished in second position on the 2023 Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 ladder, their best finish after the home and away season since 2013, however were knocked out of the finals series in straght sets.

A club statement said: The Montmorency Football Netball Club have parted ways with Senior Coach Jono Manzoney after one year at the helm.

“The club enjoyed a successful season under his leadership, making the finals in both senior grades.

“Jono came to the club in 2019 as an assistant to Garry Ramsay and worked closely with Garry throughout his tenure. Jono was also involved in coaching in our junior girls program.

“He brought to the club a professional approach and displayed an extraordinary work-ethic in his efforts to succeed for the club. He has been a very popular person at both the junior & senior clubs.

“With another early exit from the senior NFNL finals series, the club has decided a change of approach is necessary.

“We are thankful for the positives Jono contributed to our club and we wish him well for the future.”

This Saturday

■ The details for this Saturday’s men’s football matches in the 2023 NFNL Finals Series.

This weekend’s action includes the NFNL Division 1 Grand Final.

Division 1

Seniors Grand Final: Heidelberg vs Bundoora. Saturday September 23, 2.30pm at Preston City Oval

Reserves Grand Final: Heidelberg vs Montmorency. Saturday September 23, 11.30am at Preston City Oval

Under 19.5’s Grand Final: Greensborough vs Eltham, Saturday September 23, 9am at Preston City Oval

Adults: $20. Concession: $12.50 (only aged pension, disability, carers and TPI cards accepted). Children Under 16: Free.

Entry to all Senior Final Venues are strictly EFTPOS only.

The NFNL Season Pass can be used once per day, granting entry to one finals venue each day of the 2023 NFNL Senior Finals Series.

No dogs (including dogs on a leash) or alcohol are permitted to be brought into any NFNL finals venue. It would be appreciated if all clubs would stress these points with both players and supporters and remind them that alcohol will be confiscated.

Polytechnic car park will be open for free parking from 8am and close at 6pm, all cars to out by this time, to avoid being locked in.

Entry to car park is off St Georges Road, and just a short walk to the ground.

Patrons are asked to be mindful of surrounding businesses and private properties when parking around Preston City Oval.

The NFNL will only permit Sportscast Australia to film Northern Football Netball League finals matches (seniors, reserves and under-19.5s).

The NFNL will place signage at all entrance points at each finals venue, advising all patrons that filming of finals matches will not be permitted. Any patrons caught filming during finals matches will be asked to stop filming or risk being ejected from the finals venue.

Local Sport Bulls blitz to reach Grand Final

■ Bundoora have made it back-to-back Melbourne Greyhounds Division 1 Grand Final appearances following an outstanding 87-point victory over North Heidelberg in Sunday’s preliminary final at Preston City Oval.

In a highly anticipated battle, it was the Bulls that came charging from the outset. They kept the Bulldogs goalless in the opening half while registering 13 unanswered majors in the same period.

A 10-goal second term and an 80-point half time lead crushed North Heidelberg’s premiership hopes, as Bundoora booked their spot in the decider with a 20.13 (133) to 6.10 (46) victory.

The 87-point result is the equal ninth largest margin ever recorded in a Division 1 final. It’s also the Bulls highest finals score since the 2016 elimination final and their biggest win in a final since the 2011 second semi-final.

It means the Bulls will now have another crack at facing Heidelberg in this year’s Grand Final, where a triumph would confirm their seventh premiership in the NFNL, and their sixth in the top flight.

Hamish Shepheard produced a dominant performance, with the ball constantly finding the hands of one the league’s premier ruck man. Coming up against an in-form Michael Florance, Shepheard had all the answers, winning clearances and giving his midfielders silver service all around the ground.

Jackson Bowne had the ball on a string all game for the Bulls, along with Luke Collins and Sam Lloyd, who once again led the team through their excellent ball use which opened up the ground for numerous scoring opportunities across the board.

Michael Ryan’s men had 10 individual goalkickers for their 20 majors, with tall trio Shaun McKernan, John Jorgensen and Peter McEvoy all producing multiple scoring chances as they finished with 11 goals between them.

Liam Hunt was a standout for the Bulldogs in midfield. While things weren’t going his side’s way, he constantly tried hard to spark momentum, meanwhile Joshua Hamilton stood tall with key interceptive possessions in a backline that was constantly under siege.

It didn’t take long for the scoreboard to start ticking after the opening siren, with Shaun McKernan using the ground gained from a free kick to register the first goal of the game just 30 seconds into the match.

John Jorgensen would start his goal-kicking campaign for the afternoon through a set shot that struck between the posts, while Peter McEvoy followed suit in similar fashion to extend the margin to 21 points.

Struggles from the Bulldogs were reflected in their lack of possessions and inability to keep the ball in their attacking half, but when opportu- nities did arise it would be their inaccuracy that cost them momentum.

The second term served as a display of attacking excellence from the Bulls. Jorgensen led the way, with his set shot accuracy on full show, as he finished the second term with three majors and the first half with four.

Jackson Bowne would slot through a major after showing flashes of what would become blistering performance, while McKernan re- turned to the scoring column after a goal of his own.

The Bulls had no trouble maintaining kicking passages up the ground, where they would then look to their wings to set up the leading forwards for chances at goal.

More majors kept on coming for the Bulls, but none more exciting than a thundering snap from 40-metres out by Luke Collins that stretched the lead to 40 points.

Daniel Younan, Kyle Green, and Hamish Shepheard would join in to take full advantage of the momentum by each scoring a goal. McEvoy’s second of the day topped one of the most blistering terms in finals history, as Bundoora led by 80 points at the main break. With the game sewn up, the Bulldogs would be the first to find the big sticks in the second half, as Cooper Bugeja and Majak Daw both struck true from set distance.

However, Michael Ryan’s side wasn’t done yet and it would show through their quick pas- sages of play down the middle of the ground, which quickly paid off through majors from McKernan, Younan and Jedd Longmire.

The Bulls reached a game high lead of 98 points midway through the final term, but North Heidelberg continued to play with pride, as Liam Nunan, Joshua Hamilton and Daw each kicked a major in the last quarter.

Lloyd’s second goal of the game ensured Bundoora won all four quarters again, signaling a massive 87-point victory.

- Miles Earl/NFNL

Creekers’ U19.5 flag

■ A four goal to nil second term helped Diamond Creek secure a brilliant NFNL Division 2 Under 19.5 Grand Final victory, defeating a resilient South Morang outfit by 20 points at Preston City Oval.

While it wasn’t as dominant as their second semi-final victory against the Lions two weeks earlier, the Creekers were able to withstand the challenges that came their way from their opposition in order to prevail 10.14 (74) to 7.12 (54), which is the club’s first under 19.5’s premiership since 2016.

For the Creekers, it was an all-around stellar performance by midfielder Ryan Sizeland. He produced multiple centre clearances and finished with two majors on his way to securing the best on ground medallion.

Fellow midfielder Jett McLaughlan was also a standout for the Creekers, showing great poise when required in the centre of the ground and up forward, while ruckman Riley Lewis worked tirelessly against multiple opponents and was always kept busy.

For the Lions, defenders Lucas Yacoub and Anthony Erotocritou were formidable in the air, either grabbing intercept marks or bringing the ball to ground to help their teammates rebound.

Adam De Propertis was also significant in the middle, winning multiple centre clearances for his side, with forward Max Hayes being the side’s only multiple goalkicker with two majors.

From the onset, possession was shared between the two teams with only one inside 50 registered in six minutes of play.

The play between the arcs soon ceased when Creekers forward Kade Garraway converted his set shot to register the first major of the Grand Final.

South Morang answered just minutes later, where Hayes capitalised from a turnover and kicked a brilliant snap to get his side on the board.

However, it was apparent as the quarter went on that the Creekers were starting to win the territory battle, and it soon paid off close to the first break as Ryan Sizeland took a strong contested mark and kicked truly from close range.

Sizeland would have an immediate impact from the start of the second quarter, winning the ball from the centre clearance and propelling it forward to find Miller Connell. Connell slotted the goal inside the opening 30 seconds of the term to see his side lead by 13 points.

Diamond Creek continued to lock the ball inside their forward 50 and were able to create many scoring opportunities as a result.

Connell would find more reward for his strong marking efforts inside the attacking half by hitting the scoreboard again. McLaughlan would then set up the final goal of the first half with a great pass to Kade Garraway, who dribbled the goal through from close range.

Keeping the Lions to just one behind for the term, Diamond Creek were full of confidence

as they led by 34 points at half time. South Morang rotated players in the ruck throughout the third term, but few could slow down the Creekers’ Riley Lewis, who was instrumental in pushing the ball forward for his side in the quarter.

The highlight of the term, and possibly the match, was McLaughlan’s second goal, where after swerving in and out of traffic, he snapped truly to put even more distance between his side and the Lions.

South Morang would attempt to mount another challenge at the Creekers, replying to McLaughlan’s major with back-to-back goals as they looked to chip away at Diamond Creek’s lead.

Things were starting to click for the minor premiers and after Jad Assaad and Daniel Lansfield scored the next two goals of the game, the margin was reduced to 16 points at three quarter time.

But from the first centre stoppage of the last quarter, it was evident that Diamond Creek was playing with increased urgency around the contest.

The Creekers kicked two straight majors to push their lead out to beyond four goals before South Morang’s Lucas Yacoub responded immediately with a great snap to keep the Lions in the contest.

But Diamond Creek rallied the troops as they slowed the pace of the game down, something they couldn’t do in the previous quarter.

It would be Sizeland who capped off his excellent performance with a great long-distance goal to put the game and the premiership out of reach for their opponents.

- Hamish Phillips/NFNL

● Bundoora 20.13 (133) d North Heidelberg 6.10 (46). Photo: NWM Studios.

● ● ● ● Diamond Creek 10.14 (74) d South Morang 7.12 (54) Photo: NWM Studios

Eltham saves best for last

■ Eltham’s senior men’s premiership drought came to an end in the NFNL Division 2 Grand Final after they claimed a strong 41-point victory over Diamond Creek in the 2023 decider.

The Panthers were goalless in the opening term but turned into a powerful outfit from quarter time onwards, kicking 12 goals to five in the final three terms of the match to prevail 12.13 (85) to 6.8 (44).

It’s their 15th NFNL senior men’s premiership but their first since 2002, and after falling short in their last two deciders (2018 & 2022) Eltham looked like a side determined to not be on the wrong end of a Grand Final result this time around.

It was the second term that broke the game open in the Panthers favour. Not only did they keep Diamond Creek scoreless, but they piled on five unanswered goals of their own to give themselves and advantage that would never headed by the minor premiers.

It was almost the parallel performance to their second quarter against the Creekers in the second semi-final, and as it proved to be, that effort garnered the same impact on the game as the same term did two weeks prior.

Reserves title for Panthers

■ Eltham’s dominance in the NFNL Division 2 reserves competition continued in this year’s Grand Final, defeating Thomastown by 77 points at Preston City Oval to claim their third premiership in the last four seasons.

The Panthers ended the first term with an 11-point deficit but were faultless in the following three quarters, going to triumph 18.11 (119) to 6.6 (42).

Luke Sirianni won the best on ground medallion for his dominant midfield display, which was capped off by two goals in a standout performance.

Both Liam Waldron and Matthew Byron could have shared this accolade, as the forward duo combined for nine majors to cause a potent threat to the Bears defensive unit.

Nathan Perrone, Lorne Waldron and Bradyn Taglieri all moved the ball well through the centre of the ground, whilst the Panthers looked to David Evans to lead their defence against plenty of early pressure.

NFNL

Power claims victory

■ Laurimar and Mernda played out one of the greatest grand finals in Heidelberg Golf Club Division 3 history at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, with the Power twice coming from 17-points down in the final term to snatch a sixpoint win.

Their first ever premiership in the NFNL, Laurimar fought their way back by kicking four majors in time on to finish 13.5 (83) to 11.11 (77) winners.

Joyous Power fans streamed onto the field to celebrate with their stars after the siren rang at the same time, almost every Demon player collapsed onto the ground after they had looked like winners for much of the second half.

“We all wanted it to be easier than two weeks ago in the second semi-final against Mernda,” Laurimar coach Jimmy Atkins said.

“We looked dead and buried, but the way the players fought their way back into it was absolutely brilliant.”

Instrumental in the comeback for the Power was captain Mitch Thompson. He exhibited a mixture of courage, footy smarts and endurance as he helped drag his team back from the brink.

Matthew Gersh was busy all day and booted two majors in the final term as the Power began to surge back into the game.

Joel Lawson looked dangerous at half forward and slotted two goals also, meanwhile Ethan Bateman was solid in defence and repelled numerous attacks, also spending a bit of time in the ruck later in the contest.

Jai Langford produced great pace as well as excellent game awareness. Late in the first term, he received a handball on the wing, and seeing space in front of him, he took multiple bounces, ran inside fifty and calmly slotted the goal.

He went for another run from the same spot late in the third quarter, and this time went for a pass from the fifty and found Kaiden Arthur, who kicked truly.

Arthur himself had an eventful afternoon. He took some hard hits in the course of play and had to be assisted from the ground midway through the third term. Although some suspected that his day was done, he reappeared some minutes later and finished with three goals.

Finishing with the best on ground medallion was Josh Leather, who was a valuable member for the Power throughout the afternoon and kicked a vital goal late in the game to level the scores. Noticing that opponent Billy Morrison was hampered, Leather grabbed the ball out of the ruck and snapped truly.

Mernda’s Morrison was close to the best-onground award himself, but hobbled over the boundary line at that point of the match and his day was done. He had given his team first use of the ball for most of the day.

The Demons also lost Michael Evans in the

third term, who had been giving his team plenty of drive in the midfield until his injury.

As was the case in the second semi-final, Laurimar’s other captain in Luke Wilson was followed by Joel Harris. This time, Wilson managed to break free later in the game and kick two goals, with his second putting the Power in front late in final quarter, which was their first lead since late in the second term.

At that stage, with Morrison already off the ground, it appeared that Laurimar would have the advantage at the next centre bounce with a six-point lead. But somehow, no ruck option appeared, and it was Thompson who went up against the much taller Lachlan Taylor.

Taylor sent the ball forward to his team’s advantage and Zach Racovolis found William Crouch who marked at close range. Crouch slotted his second goal of the match to tie the scores again.

In the last minute of the game, Jacson Cecil had a set shot from a gettable distance, with any score giving Laurimar the lead. After taking his full 30-second allocation, his shot went through the big sticks, with the siren sounding just moments later to confirm Laurimar’s place in Division 2 in 2024.

The fans of the Demons would be sorely disappointed after looking like winners for large portions of the game, but coach Robert Fletcher helped put things in perspective after the game.

“We’re proud of your effort for the whole season”, he told his players after the game and added that he hoped to be up in Division 2 playing Laurimar very soon.

The Power flew out of the blocks and began the game well with two early goals as a result of a great work-rate and high pressure.

A nice finish from Lachlan Taylor at the eightminute mark seemed to settle the Mernda players and they were able to go to the quarter time break in touch with their opponents, chasing an 11-point deficit.

Bryce Kimuliatis kicked two majors in the second term and his goal on the half time siren gave his team the lead. It was a kick that originally appeared to be a challenging one, but a 50-metre penalty took him to the line.

Mernda’s defence was in the firing line all afternoon but held up well. Led by Dayne Kellett, Jesse Guelfo and Shannon Bennett, they constantly repelled Laurimar attacking moves, and none of the Power talls were able to boot multiple goals as a result.

Daniel Smith is usually a goal-kicker for the Demons but got plenty of it as a high half forward, taking many marks as a linkman between defence and attack. Kai Turner was outstanding with his intercept marking while Riley Edwards played in the midfield and up forward and finished off his work with three goals.

Three of those five majors came from Finnbar Maley. He finished with six goals for the afternoon, a career-high, and was a scintillating presence inside forward 50. His high-flying traits and forward craft always kept the usually resolute Creekers defence on their toes, and he would go on to win a deserving best on ground medallion.

Challenging him for that title was Tom Goodwin who was an exceptional force in the ruck and often gave his midfielders first-use in stoppages. While Diamond Creek switched between Nicholas Barro and Jai Norman in the role, Goodwin did a lot of the rucking himself, with his consistent second efforts and hard tackling having a major influence on the contest.

Declan Ayres, Joshua Merkel and Jackson Weatherald all had positive contributions in the defensive half while the work rate of Jesse Donaldson and Daniel Horsfield were rewarded with appearances in their side’s best.

Ewan MacPherson was arguably the best player on the ground at quarter time. Returning from VFL duties at Footscray, he was energetic in midfield, and was able to kick a brilliant opening goal of the match.

Teammate Nathan Searl was Diamond Creek’s most consistent performer for the afternoon, with his run and dash off half back always a highlight, while Mitch Tobin had positive moments in what was his first appearance at Preston City Oval since his 2019 premiership win with West Preston-Lakeside.

An almost perfect day weather wise greeted the two sides, however the first quarter was anything but, with 1.7 kicked between both teams in the term.

It was a heavily contested quarter, and while they had the wind to their advantage throughout the term, the Creekers could only manage one goal for their efforts, thanks to MacPherson.

Eltham would pounce on their opportunity with the wind in quarter two, kicking five straight majors.

Maley’s impressive marking ability was on show in the term and could’ve had more than three majors to the half had it not been for inaccuracy.

Darcy Vallance produced one of the goals of the game with his brilliant running goal from 45metres out, capping off a dominant term for Tim Bongetti’s side.

After a scoreless quarter, Diamond Creek were desperate to use the wind to their advantage and get back into the game.

But Maley would kick the first goal of the second half to really put the scoreboard pressure on the Creekers. They would end up winning the term two goals to one but trailing by 23 points at three quarter time and going against the breeze in the final stanza, the minor premiers would need a miracle to finish the match as premiers.

It didn’t come, as after a slow start to the final quarter, Eltham slotted three consecutive goals to seal the premiership triumph. Maley would find goals five and six throughout the term while Jesse Donaldson produced the highlight of the match, winning the ball back for his side before kicking a wonder goal with the outside of the boot from right on the boundary line.

Consolation goals from Diamond Creek didn’t ruin the mood of the Panthers who finished with six majors for the term and claim a deserving premiership.

Thomastown looked at their best when the ball was in the hands of Todd Hughes, who kicked four of his teams six goals for the afternoon, which included an inspiring opener.

Leading outside the 50-metre arc, Hughes anticipated the ball spilling out the back of the contest and composedly ran into the empty space where he sailed home the goal.

Liam Waldron answered back with a setshot from 40 metres, but it was the Bears who looked the better side initially.

With the wind at their backs, Salvatore Mammone and Todd Hughes capitalised to make it a three-goal term, delighting the large contingent of Thomastown fans on the hill as their team entered the first break with an 11-point advantage.

However, now armed with the wind, the Panthers would reclaim control in the second term.

As their stars such as Benjamin Smith began to find their form, the Eltham attack began to ask continual questions of the Thomastown defence.

Matthew Byron’s work rate up forward caused headaches while teammate Bradyn Taglieri piled on the misery, with the Panthers producing a four goal to one quarter. After trailing by nine points at the main break, Thomastown knew they would need a big term with the favourable wind advantage.

Todd Hughes would again be the man the Bears relied on in front of goals, with his third and fourth major coming in the term, but it was Eltham who continued with their ascendency.

Luke Sirriani, Matthew Byron and Liam Waldron hit the scoreboard again, whilst Jye Lorey converted his first goal of the afternoon with a nice finish.

Shannon Ball looked dangerous at times for the Bears when he was thrown into the centre of the ground, but the Panthers’ strong stamina in the warm conditions helped them control the clearance battle.

Leading by 21 points heading into the penultimate quarter, Eltham would never look back.

Just like they did in 12 months ago in the 2022 decider, the unrelenting Panthers outfit would pile on nine goals in the final term.

By now a large Eltham contingent had formed behind the goals and were treated to spectacular finishes.

Capping off a sensational performance, Benjamin Smith shrugged off a tackle to kick one of the best goals of the afternoon, a fitting highlight for another dominant season from the Panthers.

- Tim MacDougall/NFNL

● ● ● ● Eltham 12.13 (85) d Diamond Creek 6.8 (44).

Photo: NWM Studios.

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Preliminary Final. St Kevins 12.16 (88) d University Blues 6.7 (43).

Premier Men’s Reserves. Preliminary Final. Old Scotch 10.10 (70) d St Kevins 6.13 (49).

Premier B Men’s. Preliminary Final. Fitzroy 17.8 (110) d Beaumaris 12.17 (89).

Premier B men’s Reserves. Preliminary Final. Old Trinity 14.7 (91) d Fitzroy 9.9 (63).

Premier C Men’s. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. Old Camberwell Grammarians v Parkside Vultures.

Premier C Men’s Resrves. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. Mazenod OC v Marcellin OC.

Division 1 Men’s. Grand Final. Glen Eira 15.13 (103) d Oakleigh 6.13 (49).

Division 1 Men’s Reserves. Grand Final. Kew 13.12 (90) d Glen Eira 8.7 (55).

Division 2 Men’s. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Parkside v old Yarra Cobras.

Division 2 Men’s Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Parkside v South Melbourne Districts.

Division 3 Men’s. Grand Final. Elsternwick 21.19 (145) d Hawthorn 12.6 (78).

Division 3 Men’s Reserves. Grand Final. Elsternwick 12.7 (79) d Richmond Central 11.9 (75).

Division 4 Men’s. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. North Brunswick v Albert Park.

Sports People

Division 4 Men’s Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. North Brunswick v Box Hill North.

■ Eastern Football Netball League. Premier Division Seniors. Grand Final. Rowville 9.12 (66) d Vermont 8.8 (56).

■ Essendon District Football League. Premier Division Seniors. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. Pascoe Vale v Strathmore.

Division 1. Grand Final. Deer Park 21.14 (140) d West Coburg 6.8 (44).

■ Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League. Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Dromana v Frankston YCW.

Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Red Hill v Langwarrin.

Division 1 Under 19. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Mt Eliza v Langwarrin.

■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. Bundoora v North Heidelberg.

Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. Montmorenncy v North Heidelberg.

Division 1 Under 19.5. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. West Preston Lakeside v Eltham.

Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final. Eltham 12.13 (85) d Diamond Creek 6.8 (44).

Division 2 Reserves. Grand Final. Eltham 18.11 (119) d Thomastown 6.6 (42).

Division 2 Under 19.5. Grand Final. Diamond Creek 10.14 (74) d South Morang 7.12 (54).

■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Preliminary Final. Wandin 23.21 (159) d Woori Yallock 9.12 (66).

Premier Division Reserves. Preliminary Final. Upwey-Tecoma 8.8 (56) d Wandin 4.9 (33).

Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Berwick Springs v Emerald.

Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Officer v Emerald.

■ Southern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Preliminary Final. Cheltenham 14.11 (95) d Port Melbourne Colts 5.13 (43).

Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final. East Brighton 13.14 (92) d Murrumbeena 8.7 (53).

Division 3 Seniors. Grand Final. Endeavour Hills 13.16 (94) d Frankston Dolphins 11.11 (77).

Division 4 Seniors. Grand Final. South Mornington 15.9 (99) d Hampton 12.7 (79).

■ Western Regional Football League. Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Werribee Districts v Point Cook.

Division 3 Seniors. Grand Final. Suns 14.11 (95) d Albanvale 14.9 (93).

SKILTON: LEGEND IN HALL OF FAME

■ After his beloved Sydney Swans ended their season this month, pioneering Australian Rules footballer Robert John ‘Bob’ Skilton is being celebrated by the nation’s most prestigious sporting club.

Skilton is among a select group to win three Brownlow Medals, Australian Rules Football’s highest individual accolade, and is being honoured as the 47th Legend in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Skilton said he is extremely proud and humbled to be elevated to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, given the outstanding quality of recipients who have been bestowed with the honour.

“To be looked upon, or to even just to be considered as a part of such an incredible group of people, I’m just so proud,” he said.

“I remember when I was first inducted, I couldn’t believe the people I was mixing with. These were people that I had looked up to and to be considered as one of them was, and is, just so special.”

The champion footballer was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as an Athlete Member in 1985 in recognition of his highly valued and distinguished contribution to the sport of Australian Rules Football.

He represented South Melbourne in 237 games during a career spanning from 1956 to 1971, kicking 412 goals while playing as a rover, and later coaching the club and Melbourne.

Nicknamed ‘The Chimp’, Skilton commanded respect across the VFL and captained South Melbourne from 1961 to 1971, being the champion player on nine occasions.

He also represented Victoria with distinction in national carnivals and was named as the rover for both the AFL and South Melbourne Teams of the Century.

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens

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TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

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An agitated period for most, you may avoid trouble by talking things over with partners before heading into ventures on your own or making decisions that involve others, a luckier time ahead.

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resenting South Melbourne . A highly skilled rover who excelled from the midfield through to the forward line, Skilton was an exemplary kicker with superb evasive skills, which made him a favourite of fans.

The diminutive Skilton , who stood 171cm, was highly courageous despite his stature and earned significant respect for his attack on the ball.

His excellence and sportsmanship is highlighted by the Brownlow Medals he claimed in 1959, 1963 and 1968 as the VFL competition’s best-and-fairest player.

Skilton , who grew up in Port Melbourne, is among a select group of players to win the Brownlow Medal three times and rates among the best footballers to play the game.

Holiday plans could be altered or deferred; check all arrangements thoroughly. In a romantic period, however, someone may be trying to gain your favours, which could put you in a very embarrassing situation.

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The annual Elevation of Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members to Legend status is the most celebrated sporting honour that can be bestowed on an Australian. Legend status provides the chance to honour Members who have distinguished themselves at the highest level and become a part of Australia’s rich sporting folklore.

Skilton joins the likes of Sir Donald Bradman, Dawn Fraser, Cathy Freeman, Rod Lave, Ian Thorpe, Shane Warne, John Eales and Wally Lewis as a Legend of Australian Sport.

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend and Chair, John Bertrand, said it was the perfect time to confirm that Skilton would become the newest Legend in the prestigious organisation.

“Bob Skilton had the rare distinction of being a player beloved by the supporters of South Melbourne while also being respected across the competition for his brilliance as a footballer, but

also for his courage and fairness and commitment to the game,” Bertrand said.

“To win three Brownlow Medals over a period of a decade speaks to a footballer who was able to sustain his excellence and consistency while overcoming the challenges that elite athletes confront in their careers.

“Skilton is the true definition of a Legend. He was an inspiration when playing and continued to inspire others to strive to get the best out of themselves.

“He emphasises everything that is good about sport in this nation and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is delighted to announce his Elevation to Legend status.”

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members must be retired for 15 years before being considered for Elevation to Legend status.

‘Bob’ Skilton earned widespread respect across the VFL for his talent, leadership and sportsmanship during a stellar career rep-

He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and feels incredibly proud to be Elevated to Legend status, with the admiration he holds for his peers.

“I’ve always been in awe of the absolute skill level of the other Hall of Fame athletes. The ability of some of those guys is incredible,” he said.

What Skilton has treasured the most during his time in football and as an Athlete Member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame for four decades is the quality of the people he has met.

“You’ve only got to spend a short time with any professional athlete to realise how dedicated they are in everything they do. You must have the absolute desire to succeed,” he said.

“And training? You’re not going to succeed if you don’t train or if you don’t have a good work ethic.

“In a sense you have to be a little bit selfish. You have to be prepared to sacrifice time and social events. But you also have to know when not to be selfish, which is fundamental in a team environment.”

For many, there could be quite a financial windfall. However, friction in your love life could explode. The wise among you will not neglect loved ones. Past contacts could be interesting.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Black

Lucky Day: Thursday

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There should be many opportunities for singles to develop their romantic interests. Friends may disapprove of your choices; however, if you know what you want, go for it.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Grey

Lucky Day: Wednesday

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Your hunches are more reliable. The financial picture looks brighter, don’t be too keen to entertain strangers. If you tell secrets, they could rebound. Someone could repay a past favour.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1-4-6-9

Lotto Numbers: 6-20-22-33-36-40

You may find out who your friends are during this period. Don’t start any new ventures unless you check out all the information. Don’t carry any dead weight around. Insist others meet their obligations.

● ● ● ● Bob Silkton has entered the Sport Australia Hall of Fame

Alexandra’s first-ever football match History

■ Alexandra’s first official match is recorded as being at Mr Barnewall’s property, Upper Thornton, on Saturday, September 20, 1884.

The local press report, authored by ‘Onlooker’, was published on Friday, September 26, 1884:

“The long looked for match, Alexandra v. Darlingford did not come off on Saturday last, although a scratch Alexandra team journeyed to Mr Bnarnewall's , at Upper Thornton, to play.

“My reasons for saying that it was a scratch team are, that not until the players had reached the ground could a team be selected, several who had promised to play leaving the captain in the lurch at the last moment.

“Upon mustering the men only eleven could be found, including Asling who was picked up on the road, after having walked 12 miles, and young Hubbard, who is certainly too small io play in a match.

“This did not dishearten "our boys." for sooner than disappointment they decided to make up the fifteen from outsiders.

“But, oh what a change came o'er the scene when the Alexandra captain had a look round, and heard it whispered that a " big licking" was in store for the Alexandrians.

“Nothing daunted, an inspection was made of the ground, which was very rough, but the best to be procured for the occasion.

“Before proceeding to business the Alexandra captain enquired of the Darlingford (or rather Jamieson) captain for a list of his team, and received an answer that he would furnish same at 3 o'clock, as only three or four of his men were present.

“This did not suit our players, and somethmng more explicit was required before that hour arrived, I mean, that our secretary not having been furnished with the names that were to represent Darlingford (or as their captain innocently designated them a scratch Darlingford fifteen), another question was asked, if there were any "foreigners" ( Jamieson men) in the team?

“This was met with an ejaculation that the "best Jamieson men" were going to play

“This took the members of the Alexandra team by surprise, and was objected to by Fox, on behalf of his team, and very wisely too, for it was per fectly well understood long before the match came off that our men would not play any but Darlingford men; anyhow preparations for the match were pushed on, during which Kelly tried hard to show that it was Fox's fault that no match could be arranged.

“Fox and his team were willing to play a scratch match, but not a representative one seeing that he was four men short, and that the odds were greatly against him, the opposing team being a conglomeration of Eildon, Thornton, Darlingford, Enoch's Point, Gaffncey's Creek and Jamieson

“This Kelly objected to, and after being told by Fox that he would call a meeting of the team, and see what could be done, “Kelly informed him that he would wait till three, that being the hour of appointment.

“Here the Alexandra team adjourned to the house where it was proposed, seconded, and carried that a representative match should not be played, only two hands being held up in favor of playing-Wright and

and Lawrence. The members then stripped, and went back to the paddock and indulged in nearly an hour's play; I forgot to say that it was raining steadily from the time of our arrival up to the time when the supposed match (only in the ideas of the Darlingford scratch 15), commenced.

“Twenty minutes past three ariived; when could he seen the Alexandrians taking shelter under a tree from the rain, with their captain waiting for the list of the Darlingford men.

“Upon the same being ianded to Fox the names were read out, but his men had already decided not to play, and again informed Kelly of the fact.

“Fox here left the ground. After some time had been lost Ke lly asked the Alexandra men to play them.

“To make matters short they did not want to have anything.todo with him, but it was out of sheer consideration of Mr. Harnewell's kindness in providing such an excellent spread, clearing the ground, etc., that our club played.

“This the members of our team wish me most particularly to make known so that no misunderstanding may arise.

“The members of the Alexandra team look upon the affair as a very mean action on the part of Kelly, and I fully concur in their unaninmous opinion, for a greater swindle could not have been connived, when it is understood that Kelly was perfectly aware that our club would not play other than a Darlingford team, inasmuch its our secretary wrote to Kelly informing him that our club was but a junior.

“Furthermore, a special message was forwarded him for the names of his players.

“This, for some reason best known to himself, he withheld.

“Had such a list of players been sent as was handed to Fox on Saturday last, our team would have certainly preferred staying at home, they having no particular desire (just yet) to play the best part or portion of any recognised established football club, such as Kelly choose to pick to form his scratch fifteen.

“If tile team he brought together on Saturday was a scratch Darlingford one, wliat must "the fifteen” be like?

by Mr. T. Knowles to Fox, from which the men would be selected, at the same time expressing himself to the effect that no Jamieson men were to be picked : Kelly, Hughes, Barnewall, Tossol, Coller (2), Waterson (3), McClure, Garrett, Nichol (2), Knowles, Hard, Fry, Adam, and Garthwaite

“It is pretty well known by this time that Fox did not take part in the match, and very wise of him, after his team decided not to.

“Now to give a siort suimuary of the game as played.

“The following is the Alexandra team that stripped to play:- Wilson, Wright, Long, Harker, Watt, O'Connor, Hall, Hubbard , and Asling

“These nine players faced the big 15 of the combined including Kelly (Enoch's Point), Gnmmow, Peterson , and Ware (Jamieson), Hard (Gaffney’s Creek), and several other first class players.

“Wilson captained "our boys," and added three more to the field viz.- G. Robinson, of Thornton, who intended to play with Kelly; W. Dobson ( Acheron ), and A. Hardy (Alexandra), Empey, Fox, and O’Coughlan would not play.

“This weakened the tea m considerably, but at half-timte Empey was persuaded to play.

“It will thus be seen that Alexandra played three imen short the first half, and two the second half of the game.

“The play now commenced. Wilson possessed the lucky coin, and elected to kick towards the river.

“Read Murphy noted as central umpire, and was very fair indeed.

“Owing to the narrowness of the ground thie ball was frequently kicked out.

“Of the play, very little can be said, with the exception of the admirable way in which the Alexandra team defended their citadel.

“The efforts on two or three occasions put forth to score were soro strongly thwarted, the sphere being speedily down again, the result being- Combined, 2 goals, 12 behinds; Alexandra, 3 behinds.

“Fivweor six free kicks were given against the combined for infringement of rules, and had on objection been raised when Gummow kicked the first goal it would not have been allowued, I'm sure, for

included a notice: “The secretary of the Alexandra football club, informs us that it is the intention of the Jamieson club to send a challenge for a friendly game of football, and to make a good appearance it is necessary to have plenty of practice.

“We have the making of a first class team in our midst; and all that would like to take part are requested to attend practice on Saturday afternoon, at rear of Police camp, or send names to secretary, Mr Fox, "Standard" office.”

One week later (June 15), this item appeared in print: “The secretary of the Alexandra Football Club yesterday received a letter from Mr Richards, secretary of the Jamieson Club , asking to mieet them in a friendly contest.

“It is now six or sevenI weeks since the club was formed, when there ws every means of putting a good 20 in the, field. but only3 or 4 have put in attendance at practice since, and unless the members can find time for practice it is useless trying to muster a team.

he rtan nearly 12 yards before ho kicked. A challenge has been sent for a return match.”

★

There had been earlier instances of some football in the district.

Football was one of the gamesalong with “two and threes” and swinging - at “that part of Spring Creek near the new Mechanics Institute” in November 1882.

The Standard of April 6, 1883, noted moves to form a football club at Alexandra:

“By reference to our advertising columns it will be seen that a meeting is called for Friday evening, 13th inst., for the purpose of forming a football club in this town.

“Other football clubs, both in the metropolis and the country. are now on the move, and Alexandra should not be backward considering the number of smart young men that we have in our midst.

“It is requested that all admirers of the game will attend the meeting.”

A reminder appeared in the April 13, 1883 issue:

“To-night at 8 o'clock, a mecting will be held at Edwards' hotel for the purpose of forming a football club. The meeting is open to all, and a good attendane is requested, so that an early start may be made in this lively pastime.”

A report of the meeting was published on April 20: “On Saturday evening last a meeting was held at Edwards' Miner's Exchange Hotel, 'for the purpose of forming a football club.

“There was a moderate attendance, and 17 names were receivyed as members. The subscription was fixed at 2s. 6d.

“Mr. T. A. Fox was appointed secretary and treasurer, and was instructed to purchase a ball, which has beenreceived, and already put to a good test.

“It is intended to select a flat portion of the reserve at the rear of the police camp, where it is proposed to fix four uprights as goal posts.

“Messrs. Elley and Fox were appointed to. canvass for imembers, after which another meeting will be called for tile purpose of selecting acaptain, etc.

“The meeting closed with a vote of thanks. to the chairman, Mr. Brierly.”

On June 8, 1883, The Standard

“At any rate the secretary will do all in his plower to bring them together and if a hearty response is given, we are quite surr the prowess of our young men will not be disgraced in the football field, for, with a few weeks good practice we are confident a first-claes team could be got toigether.

“The Jamieson Club are only able to muster 15 men, and wish to play a like number from this town.”

The 1883 match was never played. The October 5 edition of the local newspaper carried this report:

“The following report has been furnished us by the secretary of the above club, Mr. T. A. Fox, and although plenty of practice has been indulged in, no matches were played, but judging from the synopsis given below, much may be expected from the club next year :

"Gentlemen,—in submitting the following, I have to report very slow progress since forming the club (11th April last), but towards the close of the season a lively interest sprang up among the young men of the town, and a goodly number turned out for practice.

“Those attending most regularly, being C. Wilson, O. Coghlan, E. Lipscombe, W. O'Connor, W. Empey , and W. Hubbard , all of whom now show every sign of being first class players next season.

“A challenge was received from the Jamieson Club, to play a friendly game at Darlingford (15 aside), but I found it impossible to get that number together, and answered to that effect. I am proud to say that what few members have attended practice, that they are quite capable of taking part in any team that might be selected for a match next season, should they take up the game with the same spirit, and with the help of our townsmen in establish ing a halfholiday every week, I am sure the efforts of the club will be crowned with success.

“The number of members joined during the season was twenty-two, including honorary members, and a few youths who were privileged to play on payment of a small fee. The expenditure of the club amounted to £2 1s. 10d., and the receipts to £2 11s.; thus leaving a credit balance of 9s. 2d. On commencing the season, little or nothing was known of the laws of the game, but what coaching was done by the secretary, was received with every attention.”

● ● The first advertisement seeking the formation of a football club in Alexandra was published on April 6, 1883 in the Alexandra and Yea Standard, Gobur, Thornton and Acheron Express newspaper.

A A A A ttempts to form club in 1883 ttempts to form club in 1883 ttempts to form club in 1883 ttempts to form club in 1883 ttempts to form club in 1883

A Dodgeball Named Desire

■ Bloomshed presents A Dodgeball Named Desire from October 18 - 29 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Bloomshed is said to go up against an elite VFL team in an all-out Battle Royale, as Titans of the Court compete for the heart of ageing southern belle, Tennessee Williams.

In this brave new world, those who win will inherit the earth, and those who lose are lost for good.

A Dodgeball Named Desire springboards off Tennessee Williams's ouvre to create something completely new, refreshed and 21st century.

A response to the moth eaten art of the 20th century, 'Dodgeball' questions the conventions, traditions, and future of capital T theatre.

Since its inception in 2014, Bloomshed has created 12 new and adapted works, presenting at Darebin Arts Speakeasy, Common Rooms, Melbourne Fringe, Theatre Works, Blue Room Theatre, Old 505, Platform Arts, The Butterfly Club, The Wedge, and La Mama Theatre.

Bloomshed examines major political issues that attend our era: climate change, class inequality, and corporate greed.

They are continually in a dialogue about new ways to reach their audience and empower communities to enact positive change.

A Dodgeball Named Desire by Bloomshed at Melbourne Fringe

fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne

October 18-29

$25 - $35

https://melbournefringe.com.au

Known show warnings: Coarse Language, smoke and haze effects, strobe lighting, loud noises and flying dodgeballs.

- Cheryl Threadgold

NYE Aussie Pops

■ Marina Prior, Michael Cormick and Jemma Rix are joining the much-loved The New Year's Eve (& The Night Before) Gala Concerts on December 30-31.

The Aussie Pops Orchestra spectacular gala event, now in its 40th year at Hamer Hall, is packed with orchestral classics, traditional anthems, Broadway hits, all performed by a glittering line up of star performers.

Led by John Foreman, the Australian Pops Orchestra will again ignite the stage in a display of musicianship, celebration and laughter alongside the Dana Jolly Dancers fabulous choreography and supported by Douglas Heywood and the Camberwell Chorale.

“The Aussie Pops New Year's Eve Gala has become a Melbourne tradition. It's the perfect balance of down-to-earth and classy: you've got the relaxed New Year's atmosphere - everyone's excited and in good spirits - in beautiful Hamer Hall, with the fabulous voices of Marina Prior, Michael Cormick and Jemma Rix singing songs you know and love, all backed by a magnificent symphony orchestra, dancers and a choir and you've got a show that's uplifting, fun, and will send you into 2024 in a wonderful frame of mind,” said John Foreman.

This year's concerts will pack in more music and laughter than ever and include three performances - The Night Before on Saturday December 30 at 8pm, New Year’s Eve matinee on Sunday December 31 at 2pm and New Year's Eve on Sunday December 31 at 8pm.

Audience members attending the New Year’s Eve performance can also purchase an add-on ticket for a special fireworks balcony party after the show with drinks, nibblies and one of the best views of Melbourne's fireworks.

Over 40 years, the Aussie Pops Orchestra has presented world’s favourite singers including Luciano Pavarotti, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Peter Allen, Andrea Bocelli, Dame Joan Sutherland, Sir Cliff Richard, Ray Charles and more.

Arts Centre, Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Tickets from $99.

SPUNK DADDY

■ Darby James presents Spunk Daddy from October 16 -22 at The Butterfly Club, a development reading of his musical comedy cabaret about the process of sperm donation.

As he embarks on a journey of genetic questionnaires and medical screening, Darby ponders the sticky questions about why we procreate and bring children into a chaotic world that could go up in flames at any second.

Who might these children become? Evil geniuses? Cellist rugby ninjas? Karens and Darrens? And while Darby isn’t ready to be a parent himself, he considers a future version of himself that might want to begin a nuclear family.

Spunk Daddy was developed in collaboration with Antipodes Theatre Company, Australia (Brandon Pape, Artistic Director).

Spunk Daddy exposes the strange world of sperm donation in a fast-paced comedy with alloriginal music.

Darby James will test his decision to become a donor after clicking a Facebook advert in the final lockdown of 2021.

Performance Dates: October 16-22 at 8.30p,

Duration: 55 minutes

Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne.

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ spunk-daddy-tickets-668635706397

- Cheryl Threadgold

Chess

splendid interpretation of the comedy-drama Cosi until September 23 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna.

Australian playwright Louis Nowra's semiautobiographical play has been staged many times since its Sydney premiere in 1992.

Director Bruce Akers and his team now present a fresh, pacey interpretation, injecting a new life energy into the classic play.

Set in a Melbourne psychiatric institution in 1971, Cosi tells of new university graduate Lewis directing the Mozart opera Cosi Fan Tutte, to be staged in a burnt-out theatre with the patients as cast members.

Thanks to terrific performances from the talented cast assembled by Akers, and his realistic, burnt set co-designed with Owen Evans, this show instantly envelops the audience into the engaging narrative, sharing an emotional roller coaster as Lewis coaches his endearing but challenging, cast members.

The cast portraying psychiatric patients and staff includes: Timothy Camilleri (theatre-loving Roy), Sam Howard as pyromaniac Doug, Greg Cormack (introverted Henry), Morgan Thomas-Connor (flirtatious but lovable Cherry), richly-voiced Carl Michelangeli (pianist Zac), Angelique Malcolm (obsessive Ruth), Aimée Sanderson (cool, drug recovery patient Julie) and Sharon Casey (social worker Justine).

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Directed by Shaun Kingma, Chess is set during the height of the Cold War, when two of the world's greatest chess players are about to battle for the World Championship.

They both unwittingly find themselves pawns of their own governments' political manipulations, as well as being caught up in an epic love triangle.

Melbourne musical theatre performer Rosa McCarty will be revisiting one of her favourite shows and roles as Florence Vassy.

Originally from Adelaide, Rosa has built up a prolific list of music theatre credits since moving to Melbourne in 2008.

Rosa says the lure of Chess is to portray a strong, intelligent, and powerful female lead, the diversity of music styles and epic score, and the opportunity to work once again with Shaun Kingma and his creative team to bring their artistic and creative vision to life.

By day, Dr McCarty's life could not be more different, as she works as a university academic in biomedical science.

Performance Details: October 6 - 21

Venue: National Theatre, St Kilda

Bookings and further information: www.cloc.org.au or call 1300 362 547.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents a

Rhys Carter is well-cast as tolerant, eventempered protagonist Lewis, and Emma Warner Collins (Lewis’s girlfriend Lucy) and Daniel Trenkovski (arrogant director Nick) are both great in their roles, urging discussion about the social and political context of the Vietnam War and challenging Lewis’s loyalty.

Michael Rowe’s lighting design enhances visuals, as do the era-authentic costumes designed by Wendy Drowley, Catherine Christensen and Morgan Thomas-Connor.

Using splendid delivery, timing and pauses, this show’s interpretation brings Nowra’s dialogue alive in parts of the script that may have previously gone unnoticed.

It is not surprising to see this show playing to full houses. Congratulations to all.

Performance Details: Until September 23

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna

Bookings: www.htc.org.au

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Dreams of Taboo

■ Actress Lynette Curran is publishing her first book, Dreams Of Taboo.

It is a look at a survivor’s struggle with certain areas in life that are not so easy for an abuse victim.

“It is a look at a person’s career in a very competitive job and spiritual growth. This is a troubling subject treated with sensitivity along with down-to-earth humour along the way,” said a representative of the publisher.

Lynette Curran is a professional female Australian actor who has worked in stage, television, and film since her teenage years.

■ Charge along to Chapel off Chapel this month and laugh out loud at the chicanery of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum produced by Watch This , Australia’s first Sondheim repertory company.

Watch This has drawn together an excellent cast of experienced musical theatre talent including mother and daughter performers Judith Roberts and Charmaine Gorman.

Every comedic tool spills onto the stage with precision and impeccable timing. You’ll be engaged in farcical twists and turns, identity changes and over-exaggerated characters with modern day nuance in Sondheim’s Platus-inspired classic story.

Rome’s streets and Seven Hills are alive with slaves, eunuchs and potions.

An all female-identifying cast play both male and female characters. They uncover and toy with gender archetypes subtly laying bare misogynistic, out-dated humour through gentle gestures, winks and brilliant choreography

Not a word of the original script is changed. This speaks of not only Mel Hillman’s superbly skilful direction, but Sondheim’s libretto which has enabled this exploration.

The energy and ever-present stage appearance of Pseudolus, the opportunistic, freedom-seeking slave (Charmaine Gorman) drove the plot.

Hero (Milo Hartill) as the lovestruck youth, alongside Philia (Mel O’Brien), the lascivious, dim, virgin courtesan, delighted with their over-the-top portrayals.

Kristie Nguy gave a magnificently choreographed multi-roled performance as the entire ensemble and courtesans. The juxtaposition of the physically slightest built cast member playing the much-heralded army captain Miles Glorius (Luisa Scrofani) succeeded with ludicrous wit and overblown gestures evoking the soldier’s strength.

Witness set designer, Sarah Tulloch, working her magic including clever set substitutes for courtesans.Tap along to countless, familiar Sondheim songs brought to this production through the enchantment of the onstage live band.

Dates: Until September 24

Tickets: $50-60

Venue: Chapel off Chapel. 12 Little chapel St Prahran

Duration: 2hour 20 min (including 20 min intermission)

Bookings: https:// chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/a-funny-thinghappened-on-the-way-to-the-forum/ - Review by Sherryn Danaher

Bach Piano 2

■ Five major pieces from J.S. Bach are presented by Judith Lambden, in a latest collection of Bach piano works: The French Overture, Overture in F major, Capriccio, Aria Variata and Fantasia and Fugue in A minor.

The French Overture with its lengthy opening movement, using dotted and pointed rhythms, is majestic and impressive. A faster contrapuntal section is included, and then several charming and elegant French dances. The work ends with ‘Echo’,” a brilliant piece with forte and piano contrasts.

● ● Darby James in Spunk Daddy.

● ● Rosa McCarty (Florence) in Chess.

Photo: Ben Fon ■ CLOC Musical Theatre presents Chess from October 6-21 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.

● ● Charmaine Gorman (Pseudolus), Kristie Nguy (Ensemble /Courtesans) and Milo Hartill (Hero) in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Photo: Jodie Hutchinson

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TRAIL MIX Shows

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

■ 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

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

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Spring Awakening November 10 – 25 at Centenary Theatre, 71 Railway Place, Williamstown. Bookings: www.wmtc.org.au Brighton Theatre Company: Here I Belong (Matt Harley) November 10 – 25 at Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Carpenter St., Brighton. Director: Barbara Crawford. Bookings: www.brightontheatre.com.au

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

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

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

- Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

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

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

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

- Cheryl Threadgold

Jett Bond

■ Comedian, actor, writer and director Jett Bond is back with a new show at Bard’s Apothecary, 7/24 Crossley St , Melbourne as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

‘O Brother! Tales from an Only Child’ is an absurdist jaunt through Jett Bond’s childhood. Using sketch, character, props and farce, Jett explores all aspects of the ‘only child’ experience.

Performance Dates: October 3-15 at 6:45pm (55 min). Venue: Bard’s Apothecary, 7/24 Crossley St, Melbourne. Full: $25 / Conc: $19 / Group 6+: $14 / Blak Tix: $17

To book tickets visit melbournefringe. com.au/event/o-brother-tales-from-an-onlychild or call 9660 9666

■ Sam Pringle’s Trail Mix is an interesting exercise in the exploration of characters one might meet in a psychiatric ward.

Rhea (Lisa Baker) has been admitted after a suicide attempt. Her 21 st birthday is only days away. Her fellow inmates are the bi-polar Max (Marissa Chen), schizophrenic Kesi (Max Pickering), Niamh (Wynter Dallas) whose memory is faulty and Tommy (Kieran Lewis) who has problems with aggression.

Whilst each actor grapples with the elements of his or her character’s mental illness, the lack of a definite story arc means we are not sure who should be central to give the play a core which the audience can follow.

The nursing staff – Taylor (Aqsa Malik) and Charlie (Luca Edwards) - help the doctor, Kath (Esmé Stripp) run the ward but they are more moderate participants, their roles being more benign.

If we could see some form of progression in a central character, a stronger message about the relative merits of psychiatric treatment could be generated. As it was, the action became slightly repetitive.

Co-directors Sam Pringle and Lucas Rindt had the action taking place in the round which added to the intimacy but the cast needed to project their voices more especially in the subdued moments.

This is a lost art where hitting the consonants whilst speaking quietly helps the voice to carry.

This is an original play and such efforts need to be encouraged; the context of a university theatre being the perfect opportunity to test one's skills and participate even though the acting standards can vary.

The dark humour did come through and the cast generally captures the frustration of their characters’ relative conditions.

The effort and enthusiasm warrants encouragement mixed with, what is hopefully, valid criticism that provides helpful direction.

Performance Season: Until September 23 (Tues-Fri at 7.30pm; Sat 6.00pm)

Duration: 75 Minutes

Venue: The MUST Space, Grnd Flr West, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Monash University, Clayton Bookings : msa.monash.edu/MUST

- Review by David McLean

Leave To Enter

■ Comedian/storyteller Nick Robertson's new show is titled Leave To Enter and is being presented as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 4 - 8 at Festival Hub, Trades Hall, Carlton.

Leave To Enter blends stand-up and long form storytelling in a show that details the time Nick (the most Scottish looking person) was deported from Scotland.

Weaving together stories of poor parental advice, a run in with Scottish federal police and an obsession with Candy Crush

"It's been really cathartic telling the story," says Nick. "My chest feels lighter but it makes me realise just how silly the whole ordeal was. It's as heavy as it is ridiculous - a real rollercoaster of a story."

Leave To Enter sees Robertson's full return to the spotlight. After taking an eight year hiatus from the stage to work behind the scenes in the comedy industry, being a core team member of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and at venues at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, he's ready to return to the Festival stage.

Performance Details: October 4 - 8 WedSat at 6pm, Sunday at 5pm

Venue: Festival Hub, Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton

Tickets: From $20 available on Melbourne Fringe website

- Cheryl Threadgold

Mutton Is The New Lamb

September 23 at 7pm (arrive 30 minutes early)

The Dress

Julie goes through her photo archive and wardrobe, sings, and chats with people she met and never did - Macbeth’s witches, her younger self, teachers, colleagues, movie stars, heroines, cowboys, fairies, friends and bullies - to wonder why we have gender, trans, football, religion, discrimination and the sausage sizzle.

Or is Julie just annoyed that not enough people have read her PhD dissertation and so has tried to summarise it as standup sociology to make it more approachable?

Bookings: https://thebutterflyclub.com/show/ mutton-is-the-new-lamb-a-trans-de-mythology - Cheryl Threadgold

For Love Nor Money

■ Victoria Theatre Company and the Melbourne Fringe Festival present For Love Nor Money from October 11-22 at the Fringe Hub Meeting Room, 54 Victoria St, Carlton.

Written by Angus Cameron and directed by Justin Nott, For Love Nor Money tells of emerging artists Liam and Mel seducing political adviser Ryan one night in Melbourne, and the course of their lives change forever. Is it love or just part of the plan?

Described as a 'Bitingly dark satire which rips open the millennial experience to see how far we will go to succeed when the world is collapsing around us,' the play pits three ambitious millennials against one another in a race for success. As the title suggests, what drives their ambitions is suspiciously unclear.

Performance Details: October 11 - 22 at 8.45pm (7.45pm on Sundays)

Venue: Fringe Hub - Meeting Room, 54 Victoria St., Carlton

Duration: 55 minutes

Tickets: $35 Full/Concession $30

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au or 9660 9666

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ In an era where the only time most women would have clothes made specially for them would be a big occasion like a wedding, it’s interesting to jump back to a time when having a seamstress to make clothes was part of a well-heeled Australian woman’s life. That’s the world where the fascinating play The Dress is set. It’s late 19th century Victoria, and widow Hannah Green has been wearing only widow blacks for years and her seamster, Bertin is desperately trying to get her to attend a grand masquerade ball, wearing a superb gown he plans to design for her.

While Hannah takes a lot of persuading to lose her widow’s blacks, for Bertin, convincing her to wear his dazzling new creation is a matter of survival for him, to keep bread on the table.

During the course of the play, these two unlikely allies face challenges with both discovering realities of the worlds they live in.

Staged by Essence Productions in the magnificent surroundings of the Werribee Mansion Entrance Hall, this is a play that will invite the audience in to the intimacy of the daily life and relationship between Hannah, portrayed by the play’s author, Alaine Beek, and Bertin, played by Scott Jackson, with musical interludes from cellist Patrick Schnur.

Having seen Essence Production’s previous play, What Was That?, which roamed all over Werribee Mansion, there is something very special about seeing a historically accurate story played out in a real Victorian mansion.

The Dress is a seated performance and is wheelchair friendly, as it is staged in the one ground floor location.

Audiences will enjoy the rich characters in this engaging story – and the costuming is stunning.

Performances of The Dress at Werribee Mansion are Thursday September 21 to Sunday, October 1. To book, visit https:// www.essencetheatre.productions/the-dressbooking-page

- Julie Houghton

Janelle Low

■ MAPh exhibits Janelle Low, Wai Tang Commissioning Award recipient for 2023.

The Wai Tang Commissioning Award was introduced in 2021 whereby one shortlisted artist from the Bowness Photography Prize is commissioned to exhibit at MAPh to coincide with the Bowness Photography Prize exhibition, with one work entering MAPh’s significant collection of Australian photographs in honour of Wai Tang.

Janelle Low was selected from the shortlisted artists from 2022 Bowness Photography Prize to be awarded the $10,000 commission.

Exhibition dates: September 21 – November 12.

Exhibition opening event: 6.30pm-8.30pm, Thursday, September 28.

- Contibuted

● Kieran Lewis and Luca Edwards (Tommy and Charlie)

Photo: Courtney Vanderleest.

● ● ● ● Matthew Connell in For Love Nor Money.

● ● Scott Jackson

ANNIE PLAYS PRISCILLA

■ David Venn Enterprises presents Elvis: A Musical Revolution from October 6 at The Athenaeum Theatre, Collins St, Melbourne.

Portraying Priscilla Presley, Elvis's wife, is Adelaide-born Annie Chiswell

Annie has been dancing since the age of three, before training at the Mighty Good Talent School in Adelaide, then moving on to professional studies at university.

While growing up, Annie always had a passion for the creative arts and says she was forever forcing her siblings into co-creating plays, or teaching friends dance routines to perform at lunchtime.

She began to think seriously about becoming a professional entertainer after Year 12, and applied to train at the Adelaide College of the Arts, where she completed an Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts (Acting) in 2014.

Annie then moved to Melbourne to attend APO Arts Academy, graduating with a Diploma of Music Theatre under a scholarship program in 2016.

Since graduating, Annie has appeared in many professional shows, with her first role being in the Ensemble of Mamma Mia! which toured nationally (2017-2018), then Bring It

On: The Musical, Shrek, The Wedding Singer, and Friends! The Musical Parody, and a film.

She is also studying Secondary Teaching whilst performing. “I've always loved education,” says Annie “And I'm finally finding the time to study it alongside my creative passions.”

Annie finds it hard to pin down one thing that attracted her to the role of Priscilla. “It's funny that over the years there have been so many documentaries, films and shows about Elvis, but Priscilla still remains a mystery to many.

“In our musical we meet Priscilla at the beginning of the second act. She comes into Elvis’s life during his time serving in the army at Germany and goes on to marry him and have their daughter, Lisa-Marie.

“What’s interesting about our show is that the format lies in episodic moments of Elvis’s life, where we are constantly thrust forwards and backwards in time.

“Given the nature of this, we see a glimpse into the private life of Elvis and Priscilla and the challenges they faced as one of the first heavily publicised relationships. It’s also a joy to step into the shoes of a real person who is still alive today.”

Annie has always wanted to be in a brand-new development of a show, which is what she is doing now. “So that's a huge bucket list moment ticked off for me.”

Having achieved success in musical theatre in a short time, Annie was asked what advice she would give up and coming performers:

“Stay true to who you know your-

Retribution

■ (M). 91 minutes. Opens in cinemas September 21. Even by the recent standards of the largely stock-standard action/thrillers he’s been churning out, Liam Neeson’s latest heroic outing is particularly poor, with probably only the atrocious Blacklight being even worse.

self to be. There is only one of you at the end of the day. And never stop learning; work hard, train hard, and be a sponge to everyone you meet along the way.”

- Cheryl Threadgold

She Kills Monsters

■ MUST (Monash University student Theatre) presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen from October 5 - 14 at The MUST Space , Ground Floor West, Campus Centre, Monash University.

Agnes never really understood her nerdy younger sister. A year after Tilly passes away, Agnes finds her 'D&D' notebook and is catapulted into an action-packed role-playing adventure in the imaginary world of her sister's refuge.

Battling demonic cheerleaders and terrifying shapeshifting blobs, Agnes comes to realise how Tilly saw herself, her sexuality, and the world around her.

Directed by Gemma Livingstone, Assistant Director Emma Batty

Performance Season: October 514

Sensory friendly performance: Wed October 11

Post show Q and A: Tues October 10

Location: The MUST Space, Grnd Flr West, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Monash University, Clayton Bookings: melbournefringe. com.au and msa.monash.edu/MUST

- Cheryl Threadgold

Leroy returns to Geelong

■ Australian Commercial Radio Award winning Leroy Brown returns to the Geelong airwaves with The Leroy Brown Breakfast Show, from this wwek.

Seven years after leaving K-Rock breakfast, the separation from the people and the community of Geelong and the Surf Coast became too great, said Greg Newman of Jocks Journal.

Neeson stars as Matt Turner , an investment banker based in Berlin who has placed work above family, and as such the family home is a tense and fractured place. Matt’s wife, Heather (Embeth Davidtz), and their two teenage children, Zach (Jack Champion) and Emily (Lilly Aspell), are understandably distanced and frustrated with him, leading to continual arguments and confrontations. Matt is currently trying to calm nervous investors, under instructions from his boss (Matthew Modine). One morning, where Matt has agreed to take the kids to school, he is contacted during the drive by a mystery caller, via a phone that has been placed in the car. The caller informs Matt that there is a bomb in the car (triggered when he sat in the driver’s seat), and it will be detonated if Matt tries to escape, inform the police, or disobey the orders given to him. Matt is then forced to carry out these orders, with his two kids still in tow, while the police, who are on the increasingly desperate father’s trail, think Matt is the culprit of these sudden, bizarre incidents. As this terrifying situation is playing out, Matt tries to figure out who the mystery caller is. Retribution is badly written from the get go, which is quite amazing given that it is a remake of a pretty entertaining Spanish movie, Dani de la Torre’s 2015 thriller El Desconocido, so the foundation is already there to create a suspenseful, efficient viewing experience. What’s even stranger, is that this is the third remake of that film, after Germany’s Don’t. Get. Out! in 2018, and South Korea’s Hard Hit in 2021. With all the fears of what could happen in Hollywood, which has caused strikes by both actors and writers, if someone told me the screenplay for this was completed by A.I., I would believe it. What is so disappointing, is that this is director Nimrod Antal’s first film in six years. The very talented filmmaker made the excellent Control in 2003 and The Whiskey Bandit in 2017. In-between, he made a solid US debut with the 2007 horror/thriller Vacancy, before disappearing into the Hollywood woodwork with the forgettable Armoured (2009) and the below average Predators (2010). Knowing what Antal is capable of, it is incredible just how substandard his work is here, showing no interest, conviction or passion in the material, and it even lacks his distinctive style and flair. Neeson is professional but nothing more, while

everyone else are basically cardboard cut-outs moving from one location to another. The impact of the earlier versions is gone too as the villain’s identity has been changed, but even with this change, it is painfully obvious who it is. Retribution is third-tier direct-to-DVD fodder at best, so missing this on the big screen will be no loss. Though I haven’t seen the German version, I do recommend tracking down the Spanish original (***½), while the South Korean remake (***) is also quite entertaining.

RATING - *

Bring Me Home

■ (MA) (2019). 108 minutes. Available now on Blu-ray and DVD. Managing to be both a bruising drama and a tense thriller, Bring Me Home is an impressive effort, even more so considering this was the writer/director’s feature film debut (he has yet to craft a second). Lee Young-ae (who hadn’t been seen on the big screen since 2005) stars as Jung-yeon, who, along with her husband Myeong-guk (Park Hae-joon), have been searching for their young son Yoon-su, who was snatched while at a playground six years before. Jung-yeon works long hours as a nurse while her husband travels far and wide handing out flyers and following up potential tips, to no avail. When Jungyeon receives credible information that Yoon-su may have been seen at a coastal fishing village, she makes the long journey there, but is met with resistance by the people residing at the specific locale, which include high-ranking police officer Hong (Yoo Jae-myung), and the distraught mother soon starts suspecting that these strangers are hiding something. Debutant director Kim Seung-woo carefully lays the groundwork, developing both Jungyeon’s journey and the environment she encounters in confident, measured fashion, and is startlingly adept at knowing when to deliver a jarring body blow. The subject his screenplay tackles is certainly relevant, but never feels exploitative, and only during the finale do conventional elements creep in. The cast is superb, with Lee (Joint Security Area, Sympathy For Lady Vengeance) and Yoo (The Beast, Moonlit Winter) particular standouts. Some viewers may find aspects of the material distressing, but Bring Me Home never becomes overtly graphic, wanting instead to concentrate on the characters’ psychological state of mind, leading a fine film to a moving, emotionally satisfying ending.

RATING - ****

- Aaron Rourke

● ● ● ● Annie Chiswell (Priscilla) in Elvis: A Musical Revolution.

● ● ● ● The Melbourne Observer is a free section inside all editions of The Local Paper across all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and periurban areas.

■ If I asked a young person today, "Have you ever heard of Maggie Fitzgibbon?" - I would probably get a blank stare.

Maggie found fame on London's West End and in radio, film and television, but has probably not received the recognition she deserved in her own country.

Maggie, her mother Minnie and her brother Smacka’ Fitzgibbon were a family of very successful entertainers.

Minnie Mitchell had been a vaudeville performer before marrying Frank Fitzgibbon in 1927.

The family home was in Aspendale, Margaret was born in 1928 and her brother Graham (Smacka) in 1930.

Margaret was educated at St Brigid's Primary School in Mordialloc and Kilbreda College in Mentone.

At the age of 17 she took singing lessons and in 1946 landed a role in a Tivoli show, Laffiesta.

Margaret sang opera and popular songs in shows as well as playing the ‘Principal Boy’ in pantomimes.

She was encouraged to continue in theatre by the late Kenn Brodziak. In the early 1950s Margaret moved to Sydney to sing in the nightclubs, at this stage she was now known as Maggie.

Maggie worked in radio on The Club Show with Jack Davey on 2GB. In 1952 Mr Harald Bowden of J.C. Williamson's offered her the

Whatever Happened To ... Maggie Fitzgibbon

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

role of Bianca in Kiss Me Kate playing opposite Hayes Gordon and Evie Hayes.

. When the season finished Maggie went to London to try her luck. She got the role of ‘The Principal Boy’ in the pantomime Aladdin and worked in the UK for 30 years.

Maggie appeared onstage with the comedy team of Flanagan and Allen and starred in musical comedies such as Lady At The Wheel, Rose Marie, Kookaburra, Do-Re-Mi (with Max Bygraves) and The Boys From Syracuse. Maggie returned to Australia in 1963 to star in Noel Coward's production of Sail Away.

Over the years she has made many cast recording albums which have included The Sound Of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, Gigi and How

To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

In 1976 Maggie returned to London to star in Side By Side By Sondheim

She had her own television series, Maggie's Place. Maggie appeared as a guest star on popular comedy shows such as The Benny Hill Show and Morecambe and Wise

She also played dramatic guest roles in English television shows. Maggie returned to Australia in the 1970s to perform at her brother's restaurant Smacka's Place, in North Melbourne.

Sadly ‘Smacka’ passed away in 1979. His four children have carried on the family tradition.

Nichaud is a fine jazz singer and Mark is a renowned pianist. (I have had the pleasure of working with Mark in several shows.)

Andrew and Dominic formed the group BABBA and perform Abba tribute shows.

Maggie was awarded the OAM in 2002 for her work with homeless people.

Maggie Fitzgibbon retired to a farm in North Eastern Victoria and passed away in 2020 at the age of 91.

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

‘INTO’ EXHIBITION AT BENALLA ART GALLERY

Into – Taro Liyama

Through family friendly activities embedded within the exhibition, Into encourages young audiences to deeply engage with the environmental concepts explored both in material and theme.

Intodelves further into the artist’s interest into the intimate connection between humans and the natural world particularly in this area.

Exhibition closes November 12.

Benalla Art Gallery

Botanical Gardens

Bridge St, Benalla

Emotion Harvest

Emotion Harvest – Sam Leach

Sam Leach’s work is informed by the canon of art history, science, and philosophy, often referencing Dutch paintings of the 17th century as well as elements of formalist paintings from the 1960s and 70s.

His focus on the intersections between science and nature, combining the poles of metaphorical and the empirical, the analogous and the objective in an ongoing investigation of the relationship between humans, machines and animals.

For the past five years Leach has incorporated machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) into his practice, fusing the tropes and gestures of painting with the mechanics and gaze of the future.

In his latest body, Emotion Harvest, he brings together a collection of paintings and interactive works, in an exploration of AI and emotions.

Exhibition closes October 21.

Sullivan + Strumpf

107/109 Rupert St, Collingwood

Collingwood Studios

Collingwood Yards Studios welcomes New Studio Artist Cohort and inaugural West Space Studio artist.

Established in 2020, the Collingwood Yards studio program provides mi-career and established artists and small organisations with heavily subsided studio space in the heart of Collingwood.

Following conversation with the

The Arts

Melbourne, Brisbane, Pert, Sydney, and internationally New York, Los Angeles, Germany, Greece, Belgium, France and New Zealand .

A monograph of the artist was published in 2008. Lee’s work is in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library of France, Mimo Museum, Brussels and Artbank.

Exhibition closes September 30.

Nicholas Thompson Gallery

155 Langridge St, Collingwood - Peter Kemp

Yuldea at Arts Centre

existing school cohort, this iteration of the program strives to develop a close-knit studio community and deepen relationships between artists and onsite presenting organisations.

To this end, the incoming studio cohort is made up of what Collingwood Yards is calling ‘primary producers’ - artists who will use the space to make their work rather than for administration - and existing studio artists, rehoused into new studios.

These artists will be in residence for up to three years.

About Collingwood Yards

Over the last four years the organisation has taken ownership of the former Collingwood TAFE and invested more than $15m from philanthropy, government and commercials partners into its redevelopment.

There is a crisis of affordable space in Australia and in Melbourne in particular.

Most, if not all, of the nor-for-profit tenants supported at Collingwood Yards have come under threat of having to relocate, to pay unaffordable rent of close if they are unable to secure an affordable base for their operations.

Collingwood Yards Studios Perry St, Collingwood.

Rhys Lee

■ Bangarra Dance Theatre announces the premiere of Frances Rings’s latest work, Yuldea, in her inaugural season as Artistic Director.

The production premiered at the Sydney Opera House before touring across Australia.

The Arts Centre Melbourne performances will be September 28-October 7.

Costumes are from multiaward-winning Jennifer Irwin and lighting by Karen Norris, Yuldea features original music composed by David Page Music Fellow, Leon Rodgers

A new creative collaboration, will feature songs from multiaward-winning duo Electric Fields.

Rings’ work is a deeply personal ceremonial affirmation of history and heritage, inspired by her family’s connection to the area.

Yuldea explores the abrupt moment that traditional life collided with the industrial ambition of a growing nation in South Australia’s Yuldea (Ooldea)

“The story of Yuldea asks us to look beyond the narrative of our Nations modernisation to reconcile a fraught history, and to affirm a future that no longer hides behind its truths but grows because of them”.

Arts Centre Melbourne. September 28 to October 7.

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo. October 13-14.

- Contibuted

Radio legend turns 80

■ Doug Aiton was a king of drive-time radio in Melbourne for a decade in the late 1980 to late 1990s. He had a string of memorable interviews including Sophia Loren, Barry Humphties, Jimmy Stewart and Michael Parkinson.

Doug has just celebrated his 80th birthday. Doug started as a print reporter, working in both Melbourne and London, returning to Melbourne he became an on-air favourite on 3AW, then to ABC Radio, more recently to a weekly show on community radio, The Pulse, Geelong.

Doug, wife Judy, plus two dogs live on The Bellarine. Happy Birthday, Doug.

Tracy Grimshaw to return

■ Earlier this year Tracy Grimshaw decided to retire from hosting A Current Affair on Nine . The truth is that her 'retirement ' is more of a short break as Tracy is earmarked to host two new shows on Nine to debut next year. We will keep you posted.

Enterprising idea

■ A creative group from the burbs of Melbourne has developed a new reality tv show due to debut on 7 Mate on October 3.

Called 'Adventure; Gold Diggers' the series demonstrates the do's and don'ts of searching for hidden treasures that lie below the surface. Well worth watching.

Costner split end-game

■ Kevin Cosner's ex-wife, Christine, has found a rental home following therecent break-up. The new address features six bedrooms, pool house, one acre, ocean frontage for Mum and three kids. Weekly rental is a mere $40,000 per week. We forgot to mention the antique interior decor.

Tom Jones started it all

■ Throwing items at folk performing on stage started with fans flinging panties at Tom Jones.

Throwing items has accelerated to objects like cell phones and all sorts of personal items hurled at Harry Styles, and others. The Jonas Brothers start their latest world tour requesting fans stop throwing missiles. Violators will be prosecuted.

● ● ● ● Maggie Fitzgibbon

Photo courtesy: Joy Cowen nee Solomon of Mendolssohn Studios

with Peter Kemp

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● Doug Aiton

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

WEHO’s BEST KEPT SECRET

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

Chaplin’s rehearsal studio

■ V Wine Room is a wine bar that first opened its doors in February 2013 and it immediately became a loved, neighbourhood bar, and a sanctuary within the heart of West Hollywood. Great atmosphere. Great wine list. Great service. Love the history of the place.

It was Charlie Chaplin's former rehearsal studio. An expansive wine list and snacks in a serene setting with bottles also available for purchase.

Located just around the corner from the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, at 903 Westbourne Dr, West Hollywood.

Americans living alone

■ In 1960, just 13 per cent of American households had a single occupant. But that figure has risen steadily, and today it is approaching 30 per cent.

For households headed by someone 50 or older, that figure is 36%. Nearly 26 million Americans, 50 or older, now live alone, up from 15 million in 2000.

Older people have always been more likely than others to live by themselves, and now that age group baby boomers and Gen Xers makes up a bigger share of the population than at any time in the nation’s history.

Streaming big business

■ Spotify is generating less than USD $5 million per day from advertising.

You Tube is generating $84 million per day. Meta is generating $346 million a day.

Question: How can Spotify do better at closing the ginormous commercial gulf between its business and Big Tech in terms of generated ad money?

Answer: More ad products for the music industry. This month, Spotify officially launched a big one. Spotify has just launched ‘Showcase’, a new paid-for promo tool that lets artists and their teams highlight new and catalog releases in-app on the platform’s Mobile Home page.

Mobile Home, according to Spotify, “is the most visited place on Spotify and billions of streams originate from it every day”.

Spotify previewed the new feature at its Stream On event last month, and officially started rolling it out. The platform claims that “on average, people who see a showcase are six times more likely to stream the promoted release”.

Godfather ring unveiled

■ Acclaimed jewellery designer Erin Flynn has unveiled her latest creation, a stunning and unique piece commemorating the 50th anniversary of the epic film ‘The Godfather’.

The new piece, appropriately titled ‘The Godfather Ring’, is a tribute to the iconic film that has captivated audiences for half a century.

The Godfather Ring is a one-of-a-kind piece that captures the essence of the film with a bold vision and intricate details.

Crafted from solid sterling silver, the ring features a central black onyx stone to symbolize the importance of family.

The onyx is surrounded by cascading layers with additional references to the themes of the film.

It is a true work of art that pays homage to the classic movie and its legendary characters.

It’s strictly business but also personal.

Consistent with Erin Flynn’s approach to fine jewelry, it can be personalised and engraved. www.ErinFlynnJewelry.com

Gavin’s holiday offer

■ 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

Out

and About No road rage

■ A report issued in July by the gun-control group Everytown for Gun Safety analysed FBI crime data in 271 American cities, large and small, from 2020 and found that guns stolen from vehicles have become the nation’s largest source of stolen firearms with an estimated 40,000 guns stolen from cars in those cities alone.

Bottled water tops list

■ Nearly three in four Americans (72 per cent) said they prefer bottled water, while 28 per cent said they prefer tap. Some 70 per cent ofUS adults cited taste as a major factor when choosing a bottled water brand, followed by price (61 per cent), convenience (49 per cent) and source (38 per cent). Out of 26 bottled water brands, Fiji Water earned the highest net favourability rating (57) among adults, besting second-place Aquafina by 13 percentage points.

Foods Americans hat

■ Chances are there’s at least one food everyone tries to avoid on the dinner plate, at restaurants, or during family gatherings.

But which foods do we collectively loathe at higher rates than others?

From pungent seafood to tangy pickled bites, there’s a spectrum of foods that spark passionate debates among our taste buds, and some are more polarising than others.

Let’s take a look. After researching some of the most divisive foods, we created a list of the top contenders and then commissioned a survey conducted online by The Harris Poll. Within the survey, more than 2000 Americans were asked which of those foods they hated. The most hated, anchovies and least hated, mayonnaise.

“While the list of divisive foods is long, let’s focus on the top three hated foods, anchovies, black licorice, and oysters and what makes each seemingly controversial for American palates.

“Anchovies possess a briny, fishy flavor profile, oysters give off a super slimy mouthfeel, and licorice shocks the tongue with an unmissable anise and fennel flavor.

“On top of that, they all present chewy textures that can prove challenging for certain people.

“The complex interplay of these unique flavors and textures is likely why they’re at the top of the list, and it’s also the reason we’re not seeing foods like white bread show up.”

Lego Braille Version

■ Lego has released Braille versions of its famous toy bricks, marking the first time the product has been released to the general public.

Boozy drinks pop up

■ As companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola expand into fastgrowing alcoholic-beverage categories, new, boozy drinks are popping up under household-favorite brands such as Mountain Dew, SunnyD, Simply Orange juice and Eggo. Regulators, consumer groups and public-health experts say these crossover products have the potential to create consumer confusion and result in a parent’s inadvertently buying and serving alcohol to underage children.

Salaries drop

■ After years of salary increases, many companies are paying new recruits less than they did just months ago as the job market cools and businesses become more cautious in their hiring. Some of the steepest drops have been in technology, transportation and other sectors that experienced frenzied hiring sprees in 2021 and early 2022.

● ● ● ● ODD SPOT: Just one new-car model sells for less than $20,000, down from a dozen five years ago and the average used car lists for about $27,000. Higher interest rates only make buyers’ situations more difficult. The average rate is 9.5 per cent for a new-car loan, according to Cox Automotive, and above 13.7 per cent for a used-car loan.

The Braille bricks are designed so that anyone who is curious about Braille “can have fun getting to know the braille system at home with their family members in a playful, inclusive way," Lego said in a news release.

The braille bricks are aimed at kids ages ix and older, regardless of if they're blind, partially-sighted or sighted, Lego said.

The company said that up until now, Lego Braille Bricks have only been distributed free of charge to organisations specialising in the education of children with vision impairment.

“We were thrilled by the reception that Lego Braille Bricks received in educational settings," said Rasmus Ligustrum, Lego group lead designer on Lego Braille Bricks, in the release.

"We’ve been inundated with thousands of requests to make them more widely available, so we just knew we had to make it happen," he added.

If you're wondering if the bricks will work with your other Legos, don't worry. The bricks are fully compatible with other sets. The brick's studs correspond to the numbers and letters in the Braille system, with the printed version of the symbol or letter shown beneath the studs, the news release said.

Two baseplates to build your Legos on are also included in the set, which comes in a package detailed with braille embossing.

● ● ● ● Pictured at V Wine Room celebrating the AFL Grand Final back in Melbourne, CEO of Countdown Motion Pictures Gavin Wood with Ramada Managing Director Alan Johnson.

6.

Across

Across Down Down

149. Gallows rope

150. Group of eight

152. Hang loosely

154. Flog

157. Fluid unit

158. Minutest

162. Iran's neighbour

163. Exhausts supply of (4,2)

166. Porridge cereal

167. Pour with rain

169. Slow down!

171. Car pioneer, Karl ...

172. Tobacco user

173. Leers

175. Lever (off)

176. Single

179. Swiss banking centre

180. Come to rest (3,2)

182. Liqueur, ... Maria

183. Towards stern

184. Blackboard stand

186. Negative

189. Harness-racing horse

190. Return (of symptoms)

191. Epic movie-maker, Cecil B De ...

192. Big Apple city (3,4)

196. 60s pop dance (2-2)

197. Dad

198. Heedful

199. Spend extravagantly

201. Not fit for consumption

202. Gloomier

203. Performing

204. Car-top luggage frame (4,4)

205. Worked hard

208. Guidance

210. Up to this time

211. Aquatic bird 212. Pragmatism

213. Vein of ore

215. Vending machine

219. Nimble

221. Small & efficient

223. Striped brown gem (5'1,3)

227. Biology or physics

228. Mummifies (corpse)

230. Donations

231. Scorch

232. Charts (course) (4,3)

233. Villain 234. Arrogant newcomer

238. Power outlet

239. Knit with hooked needle

240. Scratch

243. Eagle nests

246. Ancestry

247. Lease again

250. Naming words

251. Greek philosopher

253. Muddles (up)

256. Frequent visitor

257. Mischievous

258. Character

262. Manufacture

263. Florida's Key ...

266. Is in debt to

268. Citrus fruit

269. Surgical removal

270. Not enclosed (of land)

271. Ruling (monarch)

272. Decimal unit

273. Opinion surveys

274. Corroded, ... away at 275. Slyer 276. Supervised 277. Perseveres 278. Least

1. Manages

2. Annoyed

3. Abstains from food

4. Salt Lake City state

5. Absconded (3,3)

7. Severely simple 8. Seedy

133. Inaccuracy

134. Songs for one

137. Actress, ... Sarandon

138. Scoundrel

141. Heredity units

142. Cosy corners

143. Clean with broom

151. Household jobs

153. Riddle

155. Hot & moist

156. Lower leg joint

159. Revealed (knowledge)

160. Foolishness

161. Inducting, ... in

164. Too soon

165. Open wound

168. Alienate

170. Unfashionable

173. Reverse

174. Giving university talk

177. Soundly constructed (4-5)

178. Worsened (of crisis)

181. Leaves uncared-for

185. Permitting

186. Liked

187. Retailers

188. Football umpire

193. Sun or rain

194. Acorn bearer (3,4)

195. Sing-along entertainment

200. Prayer beads

201. Official emblems

206. ... & lemons

207. Wear best clothes (5,2)

208. Human rights group, ... International

209. Modesty

211. Large pedal

214. Moral

216. Dip in liquid

217. Capers

218. Numerals

220. Conclude

222. Toadstools

224. Great joy

225. Questionable

226. Junior

229. Fully satisfy

232. Liquefy

235. Actress, ... Cruz

236. Straighter

237. Reaction

241. Changing booth

242. Picasso & Monet

244. Library patrons

245. Belongings, personal ...

248. More meagre

249. You

251. Walk with heavy steps

252. Turns away

253. Imitate

254. Father Christmas

255. Praise highly

259. Divine messenger

260. Combine

261. Roman VIII

262. Small tick

264. Unknown writer

265. Swallow noisily

267. Appear

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au

Craig’s new single

■ Following the success of Craig Lloyd's duet with Merelyn Carter (Carter and Carter) - 'Little Country Store' - which reached number one on the Australian Top 40 Country Songs chart and was added to Apple’s Aussie Country and ABC's Grass Roots Playlists, Craig’s new single release titled ‘I Call Australia Home’ – is the story of his life and was written with Carter and Carter.

Living in country Victoria, a world away from the hustle-bustle of London from where he migrated, he fell in love with winding dirt roads, alpine mountains and the uninterrupted views of the night sky.

It didn’t take too long for Craig to call Australia home, says his media release.

Ultimate Tour

■ Eighties rockers Pseudo Echo are touring the country, performing a hit-filled two hour set including Funky Town, Listening, A Beat For You, Don’t Go, Living In A Dream and Love An Adventure.

Also, for the first time since the eighties, the band will be performing feature tracks from the controversial, yet much loved stadium rock ‘Race’ album.

Melbourne fans can catch the group on Friday, September 22, at The Story House, Geelong Arts Centre, and Saturday, September 23, at Frankston Arts Centre.

- Rob Foenander

Lisa Gorman, Mirka Mora premiere

■ Australian art and fashion history are celebrated in Warrnambool Art Gallery’s premiere of contemporary design exhibition Lisa Gorman + Mirka Mora : To breathe with the rhythm of the heart which will be on display from November 18 to March 17.

Curated by Warrnambool Art Gallery Director Aaron Bradbrook, and supported by the Victorian Government’s Regional Events Fund, the exhibition aligns the work of Warrnambool-born designer and visual artist Lisa Gorman and iconic Australian painter Mirka Mora - two pioneering and groundbreaking artists whose practices traverse generations and art form.

Lisa Gorman is known to many for her vibrant and collaborative designs for one of Australia’s most recognisable fashion labels Gorman which she founded in 1999 and remained as creative director before departing the business in 2021.

For this exclusive exhibition, Lisa Gorman draws from her love of colour and experience with textiles, specifically the process of weaving, to create a series of exquisite and illuminating acrylic sculptures, immersing visitors in a neon colour bomb of bouncing light and playful shapes.

Meeting Mirka Mora in 2016 for a Gorman collaboration, Lisa said: “The thing that struck me about Mirka Mora was how much her work resembled herself,

visually and spiritually. I felt that Mirka existed in this realm of all these mystical and wonderous beings and otherworldly scenes of nature that she was creating on canvas. She definitely lived in a magical dimension.”

French-born Australian artist Mirka Mora (1928-2018) was a beloved inspiration in the Australian art and culinary scene after arriving in the country in 1951.

In 2016, Mirka alongside Lisa Gorman launched their collaboration for the Gorman label, adorning fashion and art lovers in Mirka’s extraordinary artwork and Lisa’s deeply creative style and fashion form.

This highly collectable and sought after collaboration formed an ongoing friendship between the two artists and this exhibition celebrates the artists shared love of colour, illusion, other worldliness, and experimental modes of production, while highlighting the pivotal role fashion and textiles played in their daily lives.

Aaron Bradbrook, Director of Warrnambool Art Gallery and curator for this exhibition said this contemporary display of two of the most influential creative minds in this country is a celebration of Victorian art and design.

“The all-encompassing exhibition will take fashion and art lovers on a journey through collaborative practice, inspiration and mood covering the last 60 years.”

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● ● Lisa Gorman

■ With under two months to go until the running of the Melbourne Cup the VRC are thrilled with the 132 nominations for this year’s race.

A total of 312 local and 15 internationals have been entered for the 163rd running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

At the same time last year, there were 97 contenders still in the running for the Cup, which included 10 internationals.

Hall of Fame trainer and VRC Ambassador, Gai Waterhouse, celebrates a decade since her historic win in the 2013 Melbourne Cup with her great galloper, the ill-fated Fiorente

Gai, with her training partner Adran Bott, have nominated nine contenders highlighted by the top galloper, Goldman.

Goldman secured a spot in the Cup by winning the listed Roy Higgins Race over 2600 metres, and Group One Australian Derby winner, Major Beel.

Fellow Flemington based trainers, Melbourne Cup winners Chris Waller and Danny O’ Brien, feature among the nominations.

Highlights for Chris Waller include the Penfolds Victoria Derby winner, Manzoice, and Queensland Derby winner Kovalica

VRC THRILLED WITH CUP NOMINATIONS Ted Ryan

Reigning Cup-winning trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have nominated 17 horses, including last year’s Cup winner, Gold Trip, who will rise in weight for this year’s classic.

First up at Moonee Valley, Gold Trip ran a good fourth in conditions that didn’t suit finishing fourth in the Bendigo Bank Race over 2040, after drawing out wide.

They also have nominated last year’s third placegetter, High Emocean.

Nominations from international connections are of strong quality with horses from Japan , Ireland, and England to travel to Flemington on the big day.

Top English trainer, William Haggis, has nominated Desert Hero, bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II, and owned by their Majesties, King Charles and Queen Camilla, Queen Elizabeth II, previously had a Melbourne Cup runner in 1997 with Arabian Story, who ran sixth in the big event.

On the 30th Anniversary of the Irish raider Vintage Crop’s history making Melbourne Cup win, his trainer, the great Irishman, Dermot Weld , has nominated Harbour Wind, who recently won the listed Vinnie Rose, Stakes, named after the three-time Melbourne Cup runner, Vinnie Rose, also trained by Weld.

Leading Irish trainer, Willie Mullins, will have a two-pronged attack for this year’s Cup with long range race favourite, Vauban , and Ebor Handicap winner, Absurde, among the entries.

Absurde is guaranteed a run in this year’s Cup thanks to his win in the Ebor Handicap, which offered a golden ticket into the Cup for the first time this year.

Daughter of 2013 Melbourne Cup winner, Fiorente, Lunar Flare is the other horse guaranteed a spot in the race that stops a nation.

That was after her win in the listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes over 2800 metres for trainer Graeme Begg.

Underwood Stakes

■ Another feature of the spring carnival at Caulfield is the Underwood Stakes, over 1800 metres with early mentions on who could have a crack at the coveted event.

In recent markets there hasn’t been a great change, but a few who could go around have put in some good runs lately.

The early market has the Freedman trained Without A Fight, as the popular pick after procuring him after a poor run in the Melbourne Cup from international interests.

Since arriving the seven-year-old by Teofilo,

won in good style taking out the Lord Mayor’s Cup over 1800 metres a Group 3 event, over 1800 metres, at Eagle Farm.

He then followed that good win in the Sky Racing Q22 over 2200 metres once again at Eagle Farm.

On that run he was made an early favourite for the Caulfield Cup.

He is also nominated for the Cox Plate to be run at Moonee Valley on October 28.

The consistent Alligator Blood, another top performer, just missed the place in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield back on September 2, behind Mr Brightside, and will be in there punching, if he goes around here.

The early favourite for the Caulfield Cup, Soulcombe, won the Heatherlie Handicap at Caulfield in good style over 1700 metres, and was backed into second favourtism.

Prepared by Chris Waller, Soulcombe showed that he has the ability to match it with the best.

Mr Brightside is one of the best going around having won his two, after a break, and is a winner of two Doncasters.

At Moonee Valley, the former top New Zealander, Globe, who had put together four wins before a spell, was found to have suffered a Cardiac Arrhyhmia, and was pulled out of the race in the latter stages by his rider, Jamie Kah. She said that she felt him go wrong nearing the 600 metres, and that was the end of the penny section.

One of the big runs of the day at Moonee Valley on September 10, was that of Melbourne Cup winner, Gold Trip, who drew two from the outside in the seventh race at the Valley , the Bendigo Bank event.

With only a short run to the turn out of the straight, his rider, Mark Zahara, eased him right back to second last, and allowed him to relax.

He got going at about 600 metres from home, and flashed home for a good fourth behind Young Werther.

● ● David Eustace and Ciaron Maher. Racing Photos.

on Derby Day. Outside of Flemington, the Group One Caulfield Cup over 2400 metres and the Group One Cox Plate at the Valley, offer exemption.

Further opportunities for horses and connections to receive ballot exemption at Flemington, include the Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings over 2500 metres on Turnbull Stakes day, and the Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500 Metres),

WARRAGUL DOUBLES FOR SUGARS, CALDOW

■ The week commenced in Gippsland on Monday September 9 when Warragul held a small but neat seven event card highlighted by driving doubles to Greg Sugars and John Caldow.

Maree and John Caldow enjoyed a profitable afternoon after taking the Alby & Nellie Quinlan Memorial Pace over 2210 metres with Our Miki Diva and the 2210 metre Ken Huntly Memorial 2023 Trotters Handicap with former NSW 5Y0 Majestic Son-Frozen Funds entire Daimyo.

Four year old Always B Miki-Divine Diva mare Our Miki Diva raced by Bendigo’s Dennis and Brenda Bice led throughout from gate two, accounting for Oceanique along the sprint lane from three pegs in a rate of 2-00.8. Polemarker Atego Shades after trailing the winner was third 3 metres away.

■ Daimyo whose most recent success had been at Menangle in April began fast from barrier five to trail polemarker The Girls Gotflair who usually pings away and received the run of the race.

Angling away from the markers in the back straight on the final occasion Daimyo put the race away in a couple of strides to greet the judge 10.4 metres in advance of The Girls Gotflair, with Our Safari Sun (10m – three pegs) third a half head away. The mile rate 2-04.9.

■ Greg Sugars snared the opening race – the Downtowner 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1790 metres aboard the Craig & Toby Jamieson (Cranbourne) trained Shoobees Spirit, a colt by Shoobees Place and Bettors Package.

Restrained from gate six tp settle three back in the moving line as Emjay Star led from gate four, Shoobees Spirit went forward on the back of Glemelly Beach at the bell to move outside the leader, before taking a trail on Otis Rising which had gone forward from the rear to race exposed for the final circuit.

Easing three wide on the home turn, Shoobees Spirit finished best on turning to record a half neck victory over Ynobe Dakota along the sprint lane after trailing the weakening leader, with Otis Rising third 3.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.

■ It was the Tubbs/Sugars combination landing the 2210 metre Sale Farm & Equine Pace when Art Major-Siliqua filly Aureus bred and raced by Highfield Farms Pty Ltd saluted.

Leading out from the pole, Sugars elected to hand over the front running to Hes Olly when pressured with two laps to travel. Given a beaut trip thereafter, Aureus used the sprint lane to blouse Hes Olly by a half head on the wire, with Star Hunter third 1.3 metres away after racing uncovered for the last half of the race. The mile rate 1-57.7.

Motored to the wire

■ Shepparton was Tuesday’s venue when another 10 race program was held.

Arcadia trainer John McLean remembered for his deeds with outstanding entire Riverlea Jack during the eighties was victorious with a first starter by the name of Alive And Free, a Lazarus-Dancing With Daisy gelding raced and bred by Lauriston Bloodstock Pty Ltd in the Jims Diggers 2Y0 Maiden Pace over 1690 metres.

Driven by Leigh Sutton, Alive And Free (gate six) possied three back in the moving line as Scoop Linden (gate two) led before being crossed by Just Jaydo (gate four) at the bell. Despite making the final bend five wide, Alive And Free motored to the wire at 100 miles an hour to gain the day by a half neck from Just Daydo, with Scoop Linden (one/one at bell) third a half head away. The mile rate 1-59.3.

■ Doreen owner/breeders John and Christine Yeomans were winners on the night when American Ideal-Foxy Roxy Rita colt American Werewolf scored in the 2190 metre Neatline Homes Pace.

Trained by John assisted by stable manager Shane Gallagher, American Werewolf driven by Victoria’s leading reinsman James Herbertson possied three pegs after starting inside the second line trailing Orions Wildside (gate two) which had crossed polemarker Barny Bill.

Extricated to make the home turn three wide, American Werewolf ran home best to register a 1.5 metre margin in a rate of 1-59.9 over Barny Bill along the sprint lane, with Orions Wildside 2.3 metres away third.

■ ‘Herbie’ was to make it a double after polemarker Be A Good Scout trained at Echuca

Harness Racing

Romsey trainer/driver Chris Svanosio was successful with handy 4Y0 SomebeachsomewhereLucky Ha Ha mare Lollipop in the Georgina & Co Pace over 1690 metres much to the delight of harness racing addict VHRC President Emmy Mazzetti who bred and races her.

Enjoying a cosy one/one passage from gate three after local hope Got The Odds (Ben Yole and Taylor Youl) sped across from gate five to lead leaving the favourite Pete Mitchell (gate four) in the open.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

len-baker@ bigpond.com

by Susan Hunter led throughout in the JDC Contractors Pace over 1690 metres to defeat Gauci from inside the second line which trailed and Roll With Ron (gate five) who raced exposed from the bell. The margins 2.1 by 1.9 metres in a mile rate of 1-57.8.

■ Avenel trainer/driver Juanita Breen snared the Cottrells Electrical Pace over 2190 metres with Royal Starzzz, a 5Y0 daughter of Four Starzzz Shark and Sayalittleprayer, also leading all of the way from gate four to account for Harrywho (gate three) along the sprint lane from four pegs by 2.1 metres, with Rimu Valley (gate two) third 1.5 metre back after trailing the winner. The mile rate 1-59.1.

■ Local Bunbartha trainer/driver John Newberry’s Mr Feelgood-Chain Of Gold 6Y0 mare Amber Alert led for most of the 1690 metre journey of the Central Tyre Service Pace to register a fighting neck margin over a death-seating Our Tempo in a rate of 2-01.2. Roam after using the sprint lane from three pegs was third 2.9 metres away.

Ballarat blowout

■ Ballarat’s Wednesday’s fixture saw a couple of blow out results with Beautybouchea ($61.00) and Baarlinee ($17.00) saluting.

Four year old mare Beautybouchea, a daughter of Danny Bouchea and Yankee Surprise partowned and trained by Carla Innes-Goodrich at Junortoun landed the Ferndale Foods Australia Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres.

Driven by Alex Ashwood, Beautybouchea second up since April settled four pegs from gate three on the second line and after angling to be one/one on the final bend, ran home best to prevail by a neck from polemarker Orphan Andy which trailed the leader and third placegetter Tara Tuff (gate two) who was a neck back. The mile rate 2-04.7.

■ Baarlinee a 6Y0 Peak-Drop Us Aline mare trained in partnership by Barry and Ashley Ainsworth at Moyreisk snared the Hydrautech Ballarat Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres in a rate of 2-02.8.

Driven by Ash, Baarlinee spent most of the race three pegs from the pole and after extricating to be one/one on the home turn and three wide on straightening, finished best to score by a head from Mielicki which gained inside runs from six pegs to get close. Fredrhys (five pegs –one/one at bell) was third 1.1 metres back.

■ Six year old Peak-Yankee Poem gelding My High Peak (naughty on some occasions) returned to the winners stall after taking the 2200 metre www.ballarattrottingclub.co.au Trotters Mobile.

Trained at Moonlight by Joanne Franklin, My High Peak driven by Michael Bellman travelled beautifully three back in the moving line after starting outside the front line and after going forward three wide solo in the last lap, cruised up to the leaders Reigning Lillies and Rioterra. Taking over halfway up the running, My High Peak on his best behavior held a margin of seven metres to the judge when accounting for Itsallandover which followed the winner throughout. Rioterra held third 4.8 metres back. The mile rate 2-03.5.

One on one

■ At Thursday’s Kilmore night meeting,

Angling three wide on the final bend, Lollipop ran home best to prevail by 4.5 metres from La Toison Dor (three pegs) which angled away from the inside on turning, with Got The Goods holding down third a neck back in a local district trifecta. The mile rate 1-58.5.

■ Bolinda trainer Kari Males combined with Kate Gath to land the $20,000 Love You @ Haras Des Trotteurs Vicbred Super Series 3Y0 Silver Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres with Majestic Son-Karaka Tooth filly Majestic Tooth in a 2-02 mile rate.

After trailing the leader Kyvalley Amanda (gate three) from the pole, Majestic Tooth used the sprint lane to record a 1.9 metre victory over a death-seating Shaq The Anvil, with Kyvalley Amanda third 5.6 metres back.

■ The $20,000 Love You @ Haras Des Trotteurs Bronze Trot going to the Riddell Creek partnership of Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar’s Muscle Hill-Nitengale Stride filly Satin Stride. With Chris in the sulky, Satin Stride led all of the way from gate three to account for At The Distance (three pegs) by an easy 13.5 metre margin. Nuclear Attitude (one/one) was third a head away. The mile rate 2-02.1.

■ The $20,000 Bold Eagle @ Haras Trotteurs Vicbred 2Y0 Trot saw Volstead-Tricia Powell filly Nordic Reign led throughout from the pole for Bunbartha father and son John (trainer) & Matt Newberry.

Rated a treat by Matt, Nordic Reign greeted the judge 1.8 metres clear of Centurian Dream along the sprint lane after trailing from gate two, with Manda Kyvalley third a half head back after racing exposed from gate six. The mile rate 2-03.8.

■ The Timoko @ Haras 4Y0 $20,000 Bronze Silver taken out by Mitchell Park (Ballarat) trainer Kelvin Barker’s Majestic Son-Imitating gelding Mercenary (Mark Pitt) who was tough after racing exposed from the extreme draw to outstay his rivals in defeating the leader Hold That Gold (gate six) by 2.3 metres in a mile rate of 2-00.4. Polemarker Itzfergietime (three pegs) was third 1.9 metres back.

- Len Baker

■ Wednesday – Yarra Valley/Swan Hill, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Hamilton/ Shepparton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday –Ouyen, Monday – Charlton, Tuesday –Bendigo.

Briefly

■ Two meetings Friday – Mildura and Bendigo and at Mildura Kiwi bred John McLean (the horse), a 7Y0 Sportswriter-Affairs Are Bettor gelding was impressive in taking the MHRC Supports Standardbred Rehoming Pace over 2190 metres.

Trained by Julie Douglas at Strathfieldsaye and driven by Michelle Phillips, John McLean was driven hard from gate four to cross roughie Sinister (gate two) and was never headed, reaching the wire 4.5 metres in advance of Wiltshire Boulevard (three pegs) and Sinister who was third 2.9 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.4.

■ On a day of multiple victories, Michelle Phillips was to drove four : Martha Lavinia for Allan (Pud) McDonald, Beta Than Love (Julie Douglas), In The Paper (Julie Douglas) the other three, while Adelaide’s Wayne Hill kept up his great Mildura record by driving three (Our Art Work), Lochinvar Ruler (Aaron Coad) and Bodyline (Kate Attard). In the training ranks Julie Douglas (three), Kate Attard two (Apache Wind and Bodyline) and Kialla’s Conor Crook two (Lip Reader and Heavensway).

■ At Bendigo, Bannockburn trainer Geoff Webster and stable reinsman Connor Clarke snared a double following the victories of Million Dollar Cam-Endeared filly Elusive in the Art Major Vicbred Super Series over 2180 metres and Major Major ($51.00) in the 4Y0 entires and geldings Ride High Super Series. Elusive led throughout from gate three to defeat Luvaresch which trailed and Vague Beauty from mid-field in 1-59.3. The margins a nose by 2 metres, while Major Major (gate two) used the sprint lane from three pegs to score a 2.8 metre margin over the leader Pas Guarantee in 1-55.3 with Jet Rock third 4.1 metres away after easing off the back of the leader on turning.

Melbournewide Bad day at Black Rock

■ Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested and charged two teenagers following a robbery in Black Rock.

A 16-year-old boy from Elwood has been charged with attempted robbery, affray, assault related offences, theft and commit indicatable offence whilst on bail.

A 15-year-old boy from Mentone has been charged with affray and assault.

The charges follow an incident in the vicinity of Bluff and Balcombe Rds, where a 15year-old boy was approached by three teens, on Friday (Sep. 15) about 7.30pm.

The trio allegedly made demands for the boy’s shoes and challenged him to a fight before the victim resisted.

The Black Rock boy was then assaulted and allegedly hit to the face.

He was able to run from the scene for help and reported the incident to police.

As part of their enquiry’s detectives attended the scene Friday evening and located two of the three offenders nearby.

The Elwood boy has been remanded in custody to appear before a children’s court at a

later date. The Mentone boy has been bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

The investigation remains ongoing in relation to the third teen involved.

P-plate over limit

■ A probationary licence holder has been caught more than four times over the limit in Hastings on Saturday morning (Sep. 16).

The Hastings van was on patrol when they notice an illegally parked car on High St about 3.50am.

Officers checked the vehicle and found a woman slumped across the front passenger seat and asleep.

The 39-year-old woman, who had been driving the vehicle, was taken back to a local police station where she returned an evidentiary breath test result of 0.18.

The Crib Point woman was served with an immediate suspension of her licence and had her car impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1170.

It is expected the woman will be summonsed in relation to drink driving.

with Len Baker

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