The Local Paper. Regional Edition. Wed., Mar. 20, 2024

Praise for Tayla

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeisb has praised Flowerdale’s Tayla Street in State Parliament.

“Flowerdale’s Tayla Street is an impressive young woman with a string of victories in her chosen sport, flat track racing. On her motorbike Tayla has won three Australian pro open women’s titles, five consecutive Victorian women’s state titles, a South Australian title and numerous top 10 final posi-

450 and

open. Some of her victories have been

Tayla

so she has the difficult

sponsorship to allow her to

but is always open to opportunities, and I hope everybody listens to her,” Ms McLeish said.

n Murrindindi Shire Council Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi has confirmed that the State Government is providing $500,000 for flood clean-up works across the municipality.

“We were notified that Council has been allocated $500,000 under the Council Flood Support Fund, to undertake clean-up activities following the January 2024 floods,” Ms Bonazzi told the latest meeting of Councillors.

“We thank the State Government for this much needed funding, which will go some way to cover the important work repair assets that are not eligible for funding under the National Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

“The start of 2024 has been very difficult for many members of the Murrindindi community due to extreme weather, with record-breaking rainfalls experienced in the first nine days of the year and a 1-in 200-year flood event on January 8-9.

“We then saw widespread storm damage from 1 February 13 with prolonged power outages, mainly due to trees falling on powerlines.

“Phone and internet connections were also interrupted, due to the short battery life for NBN and mobile phone towers.

“Murrindindi residents were kept informed thanks to regular updates by UGFM radio, and Council made available our libraries to community members to charge their devices, and use the free wifi to access support services and connect with loved ones.

“Council staff, , other emergency respondents and volunteers have been on the front line to support communities through these difficult circumstances, and as we enter the recovery phase, and I extend my deep appreciation to them for their efforts,” Ms Bonazzi said.

a Councillor

■ Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher is encouraging local residents to consider becoming a Councillor at the elections in October.

“I’d encourage everyone with a strategic mind, a collegiate approach, a passion for sound governance, and a desire to represent our community as a custodian of public local assets, to give some consideration to representation.

“It is vitally important that the Councillor role and the responsibilities are understood: For those with a connection to our community, and the capacity to contribute, I commend the experience to you.”

The Shire elections are due to be held on Saturday, October 26. The caretaker period prior to the election starts on Tuesday, September 24.

● ● ● ● ‘Community Keys’.

Photo: Cindy McLeish/Facebook

✔

The ‘Community Keys’ project has been recognised in State Parliament. Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish said: “Beth Williams of Yarra Glen is just one of those people who gets an idea and does not let it go. Her project Community Keys is a winner. With a small grant from the Council, Beth is establishing pianos in public places across the Yarra Ranges, with a piano outside the Memo in Healesville being the first. Beth, a classically trained opera singer, along with her husband Simon Walkenhorst, a classically trained pianist and Hargreaves Hill beer brewer, wowed the crowd with their singing and playing. Joining the entertainment were Vasudha Harte, Nicole Broughton and her partner Anthony. Vasudha is one of the many people who can play the piano but does not have one to play. Problem solved –duck into Healesville and tickle the ivories. For children walking past, seeing that piano might spark an interest and encourage them to have a go. Pianos are being progressively rolled out in Yarra Glen, Lilydale, Mooroolbark, Belgrave and Monbulk.”

● ● Cr Damien Gallagher, Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor ?Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher declared several matters relating to conflict of interest at the latest Council meeting. The Draft Minutes indicate: “Cr Gallagher declared an interest with the Agenda Item 4.3 Grants and Sponsorships – Quarterly Allocations, Part 1a Alexandra Pro Rodeo, has he is a Director of Alexandra Events Corporation Limited. He stated “I am not conflicted as that matter relates simply to noting a decision made under delegation by council officers”. Cr Gallager declared a material conflict of interest with the Agenda Item 4.3 Grants and Sponsorships – Quarterly Allocations, Part 4e, Alexandra Football Netball Club – Anzac Spirit and Community Celebration, as he is a member of Alexandra RSL, and a Patron member of Alexandra Football Netball Club.

?

Murrindindi Shire Chief Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi told the latest Council meeting: “We continue our advocacy for extra government funding, and changes to disaster recovery funding

enable us to build back infrastructure to a better or more resilient standard. Several assets we had just finished rebuilding after the 2022 floods were lost again in the recent flood event as we are only funded to build back exactly what we lost.”

McLeish pressures Premier

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish (Lib.) applied pressure to State Premier Jacinta Allan (ALP) in State Parliament this month about vacant properties during the current housing crisis.

Ms McLeish: “My question is for the Premier. Many public housing properties, like 2 Pockett Road, Healesville, have remained empty for over 12 months. Why has the Labor Government left so many properties like this one unoccupied in the middle of a public housing shortage?”

Ms Allan:”I thank the member for Eildon for her question. She refers to one particular property – I think she said it was in Healesville – and if the member can provide the exact address, I can refer that to the Minister for Housing to be able to follow up. Because I do note that whether it is through our Big Housing Build – that record investment, significant investment, in building more homes – or the ongoing work that we know we need to do in terms of the maintenance and upkeep of our public housing properties, we know that we have to continue to put our shoulder to the wheel and build more homes, particularly for those Victorians who rely on the government as the housing provider to provide them with the dignity of a roof over their head.

“And I do note that we have made record and significant funding in this area, and that is a contrast to a previous time when a previous government in every single budget – 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014 – cut funding to the housing portfolio. That is not the way that you keep up with your maintenance. That is not the way that you get more homes built.

“We have taken a very different approach, and that is, whether it is the $5.3 billion investment in the Big Housing Build – and I draw to the house’s attention that in just the last few weeks alone we have seen announcements for more housing for people with mental health and complex needs in the Pakenham, Drouin and Mooroopna areas.”

Ms McLeish: “On a point of order, Speaker, on relevance, this related to public housing properties which are empty.”

The Speaker: “The Premier was being relevant to the question in relation to public housing.”

Ms Allan: “We have also made an announcement in St Kilda for a particular project that is focusing on supporting people who are homeless to be able to get into new homes. There are a range of other projects almost too numerous to mention, because when you have the $5.3 billion in the Big Housing Build, the additional $1 billion through the Regional Housing Fund and the $150 million for the regional worker fund, these are the sorts of sustained investments that result in you being able to build more homes – particularly, as I said, for people who rely on the government to do that work.”

Ms McLeish: “How many public housing properties have been sitting empty for over 12 months during the housing crisis? And to make it easy, I am after a number.”

Ms Allan: “To make it easy for the former deputy leader of the opposition, I will refer that to the Minister for Housing to provide further detail. But also to make it easy for the former deputy leader of the Liberal opposition, I will also point out to the former eputy leader of the Liberal opposition that when you oppose housing projects, like the leader has done in his own electorate, like the blocker from Brighton has done in his part of the world, you do not get any homes built for more Victorians.”

RANGES WHITTLESEA AND MITCHELL

In April 1984, Ash Long purchased the Yea newspaper business from Tom Dignam. Exactly 40 years on, throughout 2024, Ash Long continues his lifetime of community service as Publisher of The Local Paper.

Times change. For some in the 1980s, the definition of ‘local’ was being between the two bridges in the Yea township. The local government mergers of the 1990s saw the new Murrindindi Shire widen the scope to take in parts of the Alexandra, Broadford, Eltham, Whittlesea and Yea municipalities.

The reconstruction and recovery from the 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ fires again broadened the meaning of ‘local’.

By the 1990s, Ash Long could see that the concept of a paid-circulation local newspaper was already outdated.

In the early 2000s, The Local Paper and its progenitors were already developing an online presence, as well as growing the free printed editions.

Tom Dignam

● ● Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA

OUR TEAM

Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, 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: Peter Dodd, Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky

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

Murnong name at Donnybrook

■ The ‘Myrnong’ name will be used at Donnybrook, City of Whittlesea Administrator Lydia Wilson has announced. A facility that will deliver essential community services to Donnybrook residents will be known as the Murnong Community Centre when it opens in the coming years.

Geographic Names Victoria has formally approved and registered the name ‘Murnong Community Centre’ for the future centre at 183 Olivine Boulevard, Donnybrook.

Murnong means ‘yam daisy’ in the Woi Wurrung language of the Wurundjeri people. The roots of murnong plants were an important traditional food source for many Aboriginal people.

The name ‘Murnong Community Centre’ was the most popular choice among respondents during the City of Whittlesea’s initial community engagement period in 2022.

A subsequent community engagement process in 2023 confirmed the name’s popularity, with the majority of respondents expressing their support.

Council’s Naming Advisory Committee considered all submissions before lodging the name ‘Murnong Community Centre’ with Geographic Names Victoria for approval.

The Murnong Community Centre, to be located in the Olivine Estate, will help meet the growing demand for three- and four-year-old kinder-

garten services in the area, with the inclusion of a kindergarten facility.

The Murnong Kindergarten will be integrated with the Kindergarten on School Site located next door and provide a total of 99 kindergarten spaces across three rooms.

Also offered out of the Murnong Community Centre will be maternal and child health services, a large community hall and kitchen, two meeting rooms for hire and a public community lounge with a minibranch library.

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the future community centre would be of great benefit to residents living in Donnybrook.

“The Murnong Community Centre will be a vital addition to the Donnybrook community, providing residents with access to the services they need close to home,” she said.

“That we can build this facility while honouring the rich customs of the Traditional Owners of this land through the naming process is particularly gratifying.”

Whittlesea Council expects construction of the centre to start in April, with the facility to open in 2025.

Council’s multimillion-dollar contribution to the project is complemented by State Government’s Building Blocks Program, $2 million from its Growing Suburbs Fund, $709,500 from its Living Libraries Infrastructure Program and $180,000 from its Changing Places Program

Local Photo Flashback

Author talk

■ From Seeds to Leaves author Doug Stewart will visit Seymour Customer and Library Service Centre from 10am-11am on Saturday, March 23.

Mr Stewart will pomote the power of seeds to transform the earth, or in planting Australian native trees and shrubs.

Attendees can learn about how to extract, store, and germinate seeds and use smoke to germinate seeds that are normally difficult to grow.

M’field flood study

■ Mansfield Shire Council is undertaking the Mansfield Flood Study, which will identify the town’s flood risk and which areas will be affected under a variety of rainfall scenarios.

Residents are invited to participate by attending a community engagement session to actively contribute to Council’s flood intelligence, which will become crucial for informing hydraulic modelling.

The study is being conducted in collaboration with the Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, SES and CFA, who will also be present at the sessions to listen to community feedback.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie strongly encouraged residents to participate.

“For residents, business owners and anyone else that might be affected by flooding in Mansfield, your participation will inform how our community prepares for flood,” said Cr Rabie

“We’ll be asking residents for their local knowledge so we can confirm our modelling of flood affected areas, as well as their input into potential flood mitigation options and warning systems.

“No one knows our local area the way our community does. Help make sure we work together to get it right.”

Two community workshops will be held at the Mansfield Municipal Office at 33 Highett St, Mansfield, on April 8 at 2pm3.30pm, and 4.30pm-6pm.

Aboriginal name

■ Quarry Hills Parkland , the largest regional park in the City of Whittlesea, is set to get a new name.

‘Bunjil nganga Parkland’, meaning ‘eagle view’, is the new name proposed for the iconic parkland following an Aboriginal Cultural Values Study

“The City of Whittlesea worked in partnership with Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to develop a Future Directions Plan for the planned 1100 hectare parkland,” said a Council representative.

“This work included a Cultural Values Study which identified ‘Bunjil nganga Parkland’ as the preferred name.

“Quarry Hills Parkland will also be home to the soon-to-be-built Aboriginal Gathering Place, a space within the heart of the parkland that will provide a culturally safe and inclusive space for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to come together to feel socially and culturally connected.

“The gathering place will also support educational services to the wider community to foster reconciliation and community healing.”

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the new name for the parkland would help visitors better understand the cultural significance and history of the area.

"As we embark on the next chapter for our much-loved Quarry Hills Parkland, the proposed name 'Bunjil nganga Parkland' reflects a profound connection to the Woiwurrung custodians and their rich cultural heritage.

“This change is not just about renaming, it's a meaningful step towards fostering understanding and appreciation,” Ms Wilson said.

The City of Whittlesea community is invited to provide feedback on the proposed name ‘Bunjil nganga Parkland'.

Submissions close on March 25, a Whittlesea City representative said.

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre

Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment

Aaron Rourke, Film

Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

Local Briefs

Barriers for women

■ Murrindindi Shire Council is inviting residents to provide feedback on a draft policy that is set to address known barriers experienced by women and girls in accessing community sport.

The Council’s draft Fair Access in Sport Policy is a positive action towards achieving gender equity in the access and use of community sports facilities.

“It aims to ensure gender equity is considered and prioritised in all current and future planning, policy, service delivery, and practice related to community sport and recreation,” said a Council representative.

“By July 1, 2024, all Victorian councils are required to have gender equitable access and have policies in place, to be considered eligible to receive infrastructure funding, as set out in the State Government’s Fair Access Policy Roadmap

“To inform the development of the draft policy, Council sought feedback from the community late last year on what makes it difficult or challenging to get involved in local sport.

“We did this through an online survey and in person conversations. We heard that transport, scheduling, facility design and cost are among the main barriers that women face.

“We’re now seeking feedback on the draft policy and the supporting Action Plan, which outline a range of initiatives related to local sporting infrastructure, club development and support, and community participation and education. We want to know if we’ve got it right, and if we’re focusing on the right areas.”

Feedback must be received by April 5. Council’s Community Wellbeing and Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Sandice McAulay said “I’m pleased to celebrate International Women’s Day with the release of the draft Fair Access in Sport Policy

“The theme of this year’s IWD is all about providing women with equal opportunities to earn, learn and lead.

“Based on what we are hearing from our communities, there are still significant challenges and barriers when it comes to participating in local community sport and recreation.

“While our policy won’t solve these issues immediately, it will support Council to make progress towards achieving a more equal playing field for women and girls in our Shire.

“We encourage everyone in our community to have their say on this important policy to ensure our mothers, sisters and daughters have fair access to sports,” Cr McAulay said.

Harmony Week

■ A Harmony Week Garden Party will be held from 4.30pm-6.30pm on Thursday, March 21 at the Kilmore Community Centre.

Mitchell Shire Council says guests are invited to bring food that represents their culture. There will be additional cultural foods available to purchase until sold out, along with some entertainment to celebrate the day.

40 new homes?

■ Nine applications for funding to deliver key worker housing in Mansfield Shire have been submitted to Regional Development Victoria. These projects, if successful, will create more than 400 new housing options.

A large portion of the applications were the outcome of a workshop Mansfield Shire Council held with property developers to specifically address the key worker housing shortage in the region. The workshop, which took place in December last year, considered the issues of housing for key workers as the Shire grows.

The population of Mansfield Shire is expected to increase its population by 50 percent over the next 20 years, from 10,540 to 16,144 people. To keep up with demand, 115 dwellings per year would need to be built, instead of the current 94 dwellings per year.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said that the nine applications submitted offered promise for the future of housing and liveability in Mansfield Shire.

‘Be safe around crossings’

■ Murrindindi Shire Council is urging drivers to travel safely during school drop-off and pick-up times and to be mindful of children and school crossing supervisors.

The Council’s school-crossing supervisors are responsible for helping children cross the road safely.

Motorists must adhere to the 40-kmh school zone speed limits around schools from 8am to 9.30am and from 2.30pm - 4pm on weekdays.

“There are growing concerns and lived examples that drivers are becoming distracted with mobile phone devices or children in the car, speeding, and not driving to the conditions,” said a Council representative.

“This is posing a significant risk to the safety of our community.’

The Council says that it has prepared a draft Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan, which will soon be available for community feedback.

“The Plan outlines a range of measures and projects to support road safety across the Shire including around schools.”

The Council’s Community Wellbeing and Economic Development Portfolio Councillor Sandice McAulay said: “I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of Brian Beach, a school crossing supervisor who tragically lost his life

on February 3, while on duty at his school crossing in Wodonga. His death is the first on a supervised crossing since 1974.

“Safety around schools, school-crossing zones and bus stops is of the utmost importance.

“Drivers must respect the 40-kmh speed limits and make sure they give the car in front of them enough space.

“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. So please, plan ahead to ensure you have enough time to get where you are going, be patient, follow reduced speed limits, and be alert. Drive so you and others survive,” Cr McAulay said.

Sign launch at L’wood East

■ Longwood East is preserving its history thanks to Strathbogie Shire Council grant funding.

The project has been a central focus for the Longwood East Landcare group which culminated in the erection and unveiling of a permanent public history board and brochure.

Strathbogie Shire Council Administrator Peter Stephenson said the project brought community members together through two workshops to reconnect with the history of the area.

“The workshops were funded through Council and provided a platform for providing community input on the history of Longwood East,” he said.

“The history board is the culmination of two years of work to document and celebrate the history of the old town of Longwood – now known as Longwood East.”

Car, ute tax makes no sense: MHR

■ Nicholls MHR Sam Birrell says that the Federal Government’s family car and ute tax makes no sense. He says that Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Chris Bowen, is struggling to explain it.

Mr Birrell asked the Minister in Federal Parliament about the limitations of the LDV electric ute which has a maximum range of 300 kilometres, but fully loaded up, travels just 150 kilometres.

“Minister Bowen responded by quoting an out-of-date article to trumpet that the electric LDV ET60 ute was cheaper than its diesel twin but only in New Zealand which has vehicle efficiency standards,” Mr Birrell said.

“Importantly, Mr Bowen confirmed that internal combustion utes are more expensive, but what he failed to say was that New Zealand scrapped its unfair ‘ute tax’ in December 2023,” Mr Birrell said.

“NZ Transport Minister Simeon Brown dumped the Clean Car scheme saying that it “...provided subsidies for people purchasing electric vehicles while taxing hardworking farmers and tradies who have little choice about the type of vehicle they need for work, is inequitable and fiscally irresponsible.”

Council Briefs

Detox Your Home

■ Yarra Ranges residents will again have the opportunity to clean out unwanted household chemicals from their sheds, cupboards and kitchen sinks by safely disposing of them at the upcoming Detox Your Home event in Lilydale.

Taking place on Saturday, April 6, residents are required to register to drop off their chemicals at the Yarra Ranges Council Depot, located at 103-105 Nelson Rd, Lilydale

Running for more than 27 years, Sustainability Victoria’s Detox Your Home events are a free and convenient service for residents to safely dispose of unwanted household chemicals.

Common products such as weedkiller, pesticides, cleaning chemicals, cosmetics, and cooking oil are all materials harmful to the environment and should not be placed in kerbside bins or poured down sinks.

Each Detox Your Home event collects around four tonnes of hazardous chemicals, keeping them out of landfill and waterways and making homes safer.

Common chemicals collected at Detox Your Home events include:

■ Fuels and flammable liquids – turpentine, methylated spirits, petrol, kerosene, diesel, paint thinners

■ Garden – herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers, pool chemicals, poisons

■ Household – cleaners, bleach, ammonia, oven cleaner, solvents, cooking oil, cosmetics, fire extinguishers

■ Car – wax, transmission fluid, body filler, brake fluid.

Detox Your Home events are staffed by expert chemists who identify and sort the chemicals for safe transport back to a licenced facility in Melbourne where they are processed for reuse or safe disposal.

Chemicals collected are processed and recovered or recycled wherever possible.

With community safety in mind, Detox Your Home events are now drive-through and contactless, supported by a COVIDSafe plan. Registrations are essential.

Valley Trail cash

■ Yarra Ranges Council has won the approval of $4.9million in funding for the next stage of the Yarra Valley Trail.

The Federal Government’s Priority Community Infrastructure Program last month signed a funding agreement to provide Stage 2A of the trail – connecting Yarra Glen to Tarrawarra via the historic railway reserve.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov, said the project was crucial in the Council’s goal of developing a comprehensive network of trails across the Yarra Valley and beyond, weaving through some of Australia’s premier wineries and cultural hotspots.

“When the Yarra Valley Trail is fully complete, community members will be able to hop on their bike in Lilydale, make their way to Yarra Glen and Healesville on the Yarra Valley Trail before heading to the Upper Yarra and connecting up to the Warburton Trail,” she said.

“Down the track, this will also connect to the Warburton Mountain Bike Destination, giving locals and visitors the opportunity to spend days exploring the region, the trails and local businesses.

“This work will complement the considerable volunteer efforts of the Yarra Valley Railway, in restoring heritage rail services between Healesville and Yarra Glen

“This work has been a heartening display of community spirit, passion and volunteerism, and we’re proud to work with YVR to make this trail a reality alongside their work.”

A dedicated trail node will be established at Yarra Glen Railway Station as part of current works to connect Yering to Yarra Glen along the trail.

Cr Todorov said the project was an example of an integrated tourism product, giving trail users multiple options to see the region.

“Visitors will have the unique opportunity to see the region on foot or bicycle, hopping on a heritage train journey on the way to take a break and see the railway restoration project firsthand,” Cr Todorov said.

● ● Cr Sandice McAulay

● ● ● ● The new sign lists the Old Longwood history.

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Diana Trask: Memories Are Made Of This

A great CD by one of Australia’s popular singers

$20 including postage

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

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

1. Memories Are Made of This

2. Unforgettable

3. Alley Cat

4. Que Sera Sera

5. Heather on the Hill

6. Half as Much

7. All or Nothing at All

8. Auf Wiedershen

9. Green Eyes

10. Blues in the Night

11. Hello Young Lovers

12. To the Ends of the Earth

13. Days of Wine and Roses

14. Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

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Local Briefs

Euroa fatality

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a woman following a fatal crash in Euroa on March 1.

It is alleged a white Ford Econovan was travelling on Forlonge Memorial Rd when it crashed into a tree about 5pm.

The passenger, a 21-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The driver, a 21-year-old woman, has been charged with dangerous driving causing death.

She was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 6.

Yea Wetlands open

■ Murrindindi Shire Council partially reopened Yea Wetlands, prior to the Labor Day Long Weekend..

“Some areas will remain closed as we continue to repair the damage caused by the January 2024 floods,” said a Council representative.

“For your safety, please do not enter the areas that are closed.”

Pet rego renewals

■ It’s the time of the year for pet registration renewals in Mansfield Shire with payment due by April 10. Renewal notices will be sent out soon and residents who currently have dogs or cats registered with Mansfield Council should receive their 2024-25 notices.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie strongly encouraged pet owners to get their registrations up to date.

“Council does its very best to have good animal management practices for the Shire However, the resources we have available to manage animals is dependent on the number of cats and dogs that are registered in our system,” said Cr Rabie

“All cats and dogs should be registered, including farm working dogs. Not only is it a legal requirement, but it also means we are able to reunite you with your lost pet if it should escape or become lost.

“We’ve also made it as easy as possible to register your animal. Forms are available in person at Council’s offices or on Council’s website”. said Cr Rabie Mansfield Council officers will call people directly this year to follow up on overdue registrations. Discounts are available for desexed animals, dogs that have undergone obedience training with an approved organisation, animals over 10 years of age and working stock dogs, as well as dogs registered with approved associations, such as Dogs Victoria and hounds registered with the Game Management Authority

All dogs and cats over three months of age must be registered with Mansfielkd Council. This is a requirement under the Domestic Animals Act and owners can be fined $385 if not paid by the due date.

Pet owners who have dogs and cats being registered for the first time must arrange for their pets to be microchipped. This statewide regulation also applies to previously registered dogs and cats that move into Mansfield Shire from another municipality.t Council on 5775 8555.

Victoria Rd works

■ Stage two reconstruction works of Victoria Rd, Yering are set to get underway this month.

With traffic volumes along Victoria Rd significantly increasing over the years, combined with increased rainfall, parts of the road pavement had begun to deteriorate, said a Yarra Ranges Shire representative.

This road reconstruction will ultimately see the road pavement rehabilitated and strengthened between Coldstream West Rd to the driveway of property no. 193 along Victoria Rd, Yering

Ryrie Ward Councillor, Fiona McAllister, said that having Victoria Rd reconstructed was an important step in improving the safety of motorists in the area.

“Victoria Road is a main thoroughfare for locals and visitors, particularly those heading to and from Lilydale , so it’s been due for rehabilitation works for some time,” Cr McAllister said.

‘Pork barrelling’ needs to stop

■ Indi MHR Helen Haines hosted a forum as part of a campaign to End Pork Barrelling.

“Pork barrelling is the practice used by major political parties to direct taxpayer money to projects in marginal electorates to win votes, without regard to evidence of the project’s merit,” said a representative for Dr Haines.

More than 120 people gathered at The Cube in person, and more than 150 participated in the forum online.

Integrity experts including The Ethics Centre Executive Director Dr Simon Longstaff, Centre for Public Integrity Director Geoffrey Watson SC and Centre for Public Integrity Executive Director Dr Catherine Williams were invited by Dr Haines to present at the event.

“I’m so energised that the community joined with me and these respected leaders to back this campaign to end pork barrelling and to learn about the practical steps we can take to improve the integrity of grants administration,” Dr Haines said.

“The campaign for a federal integrity commission was driven by people in Indi. Working with the community, I developed integrity principles which provided a framework for my Australian Federal Integrity Commission Bill. The community got behind it, endorsed it and called for it to be debated in parliament.”

W’sea watch on enviro. laws

■ The City of Whittlesea and the Environmental Protection Authority will be conducting joint site inspections during March, in an effort to ensure builders are meeting their responsibilities under environmental protection laws.

The joint inspections will assess building sites to ensure compliance with the Environmental Protection Act and the City of Whittlesea’s Building Site Code of Practice, with officers focusing on areas such as waste management, wastewater, noise, vibration and vehicles tracking mud and gravel from site, as well as compliance with Council’s Local Laws.

City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd said the collaborative operation reflects a shared commitment to responsible building practices.

Deadline passes for GRT Chair

■ Goulburn Region Tourism has been calling on passionate people who have an interest or involvement in the tourism industry to join its board.

Expressions of interests for its inaugural board chair and members of the organisation were being sought.

Goulburn Region Tourism Inc. is the new Visitor Economy Partnership representing the visitor economy of Greater Shepparton City, Mitchell Shire and Strathbogie Shire Councils that will be launching its operation in mid-year.

The chair role is a remunerated position for an initial two-year term. The chair will lead the board in establishing the organisation and providing strategic direction to support and cultivate the visitor economy in the Goulburn region. Applications for chair closed at 11am on Tuesday, March 12.

Mitchell Shire Council Mayor Cr Louise Bannister said: “Goulburn Region Tourism is a significant step for our region’s tourism sector to have equitable access to regional support and we are pleased to see this partnership progressing. We are excited to work with industry, community, partner Councils and State Government to progress this partnership.”

Local Sport

Rebels pre-season

■ Alexandra Football Netball Club will field football and netball teams on Saturdays in Division 1 of the Outer East Football Netball League in 2024.

The League has restructured and now has two Divisions, Premier and Division 1. The Club fields football and netball teams on Sundays in the Seymour District Junior League, affiliated with AFL Goulburn Murray.

On Friday, March 22, the Club is hosting the Alexandra Cricket Club Presentations.

On Saturday, March 23, the Club is hosting Kinglake for football practice matches at Rebel Park, times to be confirmed. Free entry with canteen and bar facilities available.

On Sunday, March 24, the Club is hosting Croydon for junior football practice matches in all grades, times to be confirmed. Free entry with canteen facilities available.

Football coaches have been appointed for the upcoming Saturday and Sunday season:: Seniors – Nick Wal, Reserves – Max Church, Under 16 – Michael Gibson and Ben Stewart, Under 14 – Rebecca Clark, Under 12 – Ben Broadway , Under 9 and 10 – Hayden Lamaro.

Football pre-season training continues as per the following, and everyone is welcome:

■ Senior football at 6pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays;

■ Under 14 and Under 16 football at 4.30pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays;

■ Under 9 / 10 and Under 12 football at 4.30 pm on Fridays;

Netball coaches have been appointed for the upcoming Saturday and Sunday season:

A-Grade – TBA, B and C-Grades – Lucy Wallis, Under 17 – Ellie Hedger, Under 15 –Kelly Golland and Natalie Stewart, Under 13

– Kate Mullins and Phoebe Parker, Under 11 – Gabbi Coy and Fiona Stephens

Netball pre-season training continues, and everyone is welcome:

■ Under 11s – Wednesdays at 4.30pm;

■ Under 13s – Thursdays, 4.45pm – 6pm;

■ Under 15s – Tuesdays, 4.45pm – 6pm;

■ Senior netball at 6.00 pm on Thursdays;

Fixtures for our Saturday competition have been released and Division 1 will commence on Saturday, April 13 with Alexandra hosting Yea at Rebel Park Round 2 on April 20 with Alexandra travelling to Warburton.

Fixtures for our Sunday junior competition have been released and they start on Sunday, April 14 with Alexandra hosting Broadford ; Round 2 on April 21 with Alexandra travelling to Yea

- Ray Steyger

SDCA scoreboard

■ A-Grade. Grand Final. Eastern Hill A Grade 8/107 v Tallarook A Grade 4/108.

TBC

■ B-Grade. Grand Final. Puckapunyal B Grade 1/81 v Yea Tigers B Grade 10/80.

Yea Golf Club

■ On Wednesday (Mar. 13) there was 15 men playing stableford with four sticks each. Martin Lowe chose to putt with a 4 iron and sank a 6 metre putt on the 1st for a birdie. Best score and winner with 35 points was Cub President Gary Pollard. Runner-up was Allan Coates with 34 from third Neil Peterson with 33. Russell Haack was NTP on the 11th and Stephen Rumney won the Club Award.

On Thursday Yea GC hosted the Dalhousie Vets with a 4BBB event attracting 54 players. Yea received excellent comments about the course and the wonderful meal provided by the Ladies. Winners of the day were Rod Campbell/Rob McDonald of Broadford with 42 points. The next Vets game is at Marysville on Tuesday March 26 with a 9am for 9.30am shotgun start.

Saturday (Mar. 16) saw 26 players compete in a two person ambrose to help raise funds for the Anti Cancer Society. Winners were Alan Pell (14) and visitor Steve Deller (16) with 69 off the stick nett 61.5. RunnersUp were Russ Haack (13) and Rob Gill (36) with 76 gross nett 63.75. Third were Rick Wills (8) and Greg Clements (17) with 70 gross nett 64.75. - Alan Pell

●

● ● ● ● City of Whittlesea CEO and part-time country music entertainer Craig Lloyd

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Alexandra Newsagency. 82-84 Grant St.

ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel.

65 Grant St.

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Endeavour Alexandra (BP). 10 Downey St.

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Foodworks. 102 Grant St.

■

ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock Hotel. 80 Grant St.

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Simpson’s Fuel (Caltex). 25 Aitken St.

■

ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

■ ■ BUXTON. Blue Igloo Roadhouse. 2200 Maroondah Hwy.

■

BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

■

BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy. ■

DIAMOND CREEK. Diamond Creek Newsagency. Shop 62a Main Rd, Diamond Creek Plaza.

■ ■ DOREEN. Doreen General Store. 920 Yan Yean Rd.

■

■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main St.

■

ELTHAM. Eltham Newsagency. 2/963 Main Rd.

EPPING. APCO Service Station. Cnr McDonalds Rd and High St.

■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

■ FLOWERDALE. Flowerdale Community House. 36 Silver Creek Rd.

■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Flowerdale Hotel. 3325 Whittlesea-Yea Rd.

■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■ ■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

HURSTBRIDGE. Hurstbridge Newsagency. 900 Main Hustbridge Rd.

■ KANGAROO GROUND. Kangaroo Ground General Store. 280 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

KINGLAKE. Foodworks. 12 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Kinglake Pub. 28 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

KINGLAKE. United Service Station. 2 Glenburn-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ LAURIMAR. Laurimar Newsagency. 95 Hazel Glen Dr.

■

MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St. ■

MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St. ■ ■ MERNDA. Mernda Villages Post Office. 50 Mernda Village Dr.

■

MOLESWORTH. Molesworth Store. 4353 Goulburn Valley Hwy.

■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Inn. 436 Maroondah Hwy. ■

NARBETHONG. Black Spur Roadhouse. 264 Maroondah Hwy.

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■

■

■ ■ THORNTON. Thornton General Store. 1365 TaggertyThornton Rd.

■

■ WATTLE GLEN. Peppers Paddock General Store. 13 Kangaroo Ground-Wattle Glen Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Champions IGA Supermarket. 2/16 Church St.

■ ■ WHITTLESEA. El Azar Milk Bar. 13 Church St.

■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 29 Beech St.

■ WARRANDYTE. Warrandyte Newsagency/Post Office. 100 Melbourne Hill Rd.

■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

■

■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress. 70 Jumping Creek Rd.

■ WOORI YALLOCK. Hillcrest Little Store. 1745 Warburton Hwy.

■ WOORI YALLOCK. Woori Yallock Newsagency. Shop 4,1585 Warburton Hwy.

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court

Criminal Case Listings

Friday, March 15

Ferrie, Candice

Hemming, Christopher Osborne, Dean Mitchell

Smith, Brandon

Smith, Cadel

Smith, Ian Robert

Smith, Kadel

Wiggett, Mark

Tuesday, March 19

Kneebone, Hayden

Wednesday, March 20

Local News

City sells land

■ Whittlesea City Council has given notice hat it proposes to sell part of reserve land land at Pullyblank Parade, Bundoora.

The reserve is 3006 square metres in area Council CEO Craig Lloyd says the intention is to sell part of the reserve to the owner 23 Pullyblank Parade, Bundoora, “allowing the developer to correct a small encroachment on Council’s reserve.

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Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

THORNTON. Rubicon Hotel.

1362 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

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■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea

Bowls Club. 101 Church St.

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■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea Court House. 74 Church St.

■

■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea NewsXpress. 45 Church St.

■ ■ WOLLERT. Wollert General Store. 491 Epping Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ ■ YARCK. Buck’s Country Bakehouse. 6585 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YARCK. Giddy Goat Cafe. 6606 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YARCK. Yarck Hotel. Maroondah Hwy.

■

■ ■ ■ ■ YEA. Amble Inn Cafe. 24 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Country Club Hotel. 18

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Endeavour Petroleum (BP). 31 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94 High St.

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ ■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

■

■ YARRA GLEN. IGA Supermarket. 1/38 Bell St.

■ YARRA GLEN. Yarra Glen Newsagency. 32 Bell St.

■ YARRA JUNCTION. Yarra Junction Newsagency. 2454 Warburton Hwy.

Mitchell

Shire Edition

■ BEVERIDGE. Beveridge Post Office. Lot 1 Old Hume Hwy.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Corner Store. 89 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Hotel. 100 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

■

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

■ BROADFORD. High Street Bakery. 67A High St.

■

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Stuty’s Bakehouse. 91-93 High St.

Winnell, Quinton

Monday, March 25

Osborne, Dean Mitchell

Tuesday, March 26

Browne, Christopher Commsol Pty Ltd

Creeley, David

Davenport, Jordan Bradley

Debar, Paul

Duffy, Sean

Fleming, Kristine

G N M Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd

Galea, Christopher Green, Jacqueline

Huebner, Mark Cameron

Judd, Glenda

Lovell, Trevor Robert Mclaren, Shane

Mcleod-Leaford, Brooke Robbins, Luke Robert Rose, Jade Scott, Dylan Seddon, Chelsea Shipley, Chloe Trajkovski, Borce

Walden, Guy

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court

Criminal Case Listings

Thursday, March 21

The developer’s land at 23 Pullyblank Parade and Council’s reserve at 41W Pullyblank Parade are parcels that are derived from a Roads Corporation reserve that was sold for development with a requirement to subdivide and transfer a portion of the site to Council.

“Given the circumstances and the relatively small nature of the encroachment, Council has considered that the community engagement process is an ‘inform only’ process and any enquiries can be directed to George Vassiliadis on 92172170 or George.Vassiliadis@whittlesea.vic.gov.au,” Mr Lloyd said.

$16m capital works

■ Nillumbik Council has endorsed the release of its draft Budget 2024-25 for community consultation.

Residents can view the document and provide feedback via Participate Nillumbik. Feedback closes at 5pm on Thursday, March 28.

The Budget sets the rates and charges for the next financial year and outlines spending including major capital works projects.

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21

Station St.

■ ■ YEA. Provender Bakery. 56

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

High St.

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Newsagency. 74

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Take-Away. 68 High St.

Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

■

■ ■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. Kemp’s Bakery. 65 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Newsagency. 41 Sydney St.

■ ■ KILMORE. Red Lion Hotel. 29-31 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. Royal Oak Hotel. 29-31 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. United Service Station. 127-145 Powlett St.

■ SEYMOUR. IGA O’Keefe’s. 10/115 Anzac Ave.

■

■ SEYMOUR. Liberty Seymour. 37-39 Emily St.

■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.

■ SEYMOUR. Seymour South Post and Lotto. 75 Anzac Ave.

■

■ SEYMOUR. Prince of Wales Hotel. 48 Emily St.

■

■ SEYMOUR. Royal Hotel. 26 Emily St.

■ SEYMOUR. Terminus Hotel. 26 Station St.

■ SEYMOUR. Top Shop. Cnr Anzac Ave and Delatite Rd.

■

■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook General Store. 36 Main Rd.

■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.

■ TRAWOOL. Trawool Estate/ Hotel. 8150 Goulburn Valley Hwy.

■ WALLAN. United Service Station. 11-14 High St.

■

■ ■ WALLAN. Wallan News and Lotto. Shop 6, 55 High St.

■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.

■ WANDONG. Caltex Star Mart. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. Dundee’s Fish and Cips. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. IGA Supermarket. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. Wandong Post News and Tatts. 3272 EppingKilmore Rd.

■ ■ WANDONG. Kemp’s Wandong Bakery. 372 EppingKilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. Magpie and Stump Hotel. 3313 EppingKilmore Rd.

Fallon, Daniel Shaun Hamstead, Blake

Witnish, Jamie

Young, Steven

Wednesday, March 27

Barrett, Kenneth Alan

Bishop, Corrie John Bishop, Simon Glen Blay, Andrew Board, Alex Leonard

Brkljacic, Bradley Cameron, Liam Cunningham, Stephen Dryden, Roger Faldon, Oliver Gage, Zoe Emma Gove, James Thomas Hanson, Shane Michael Harrison, Jackson Hodge, Hayden Jenkins, Christopher King, Bradford Paul Koala Cherries Pty Ltd Martin, Trent Newton, Taylah Ockwell, Steven Mark Paulicki, Timoth Peters, Zoe Brooke Pye, Scott Anthony Riley, Joanne Saunders, Declan Gerald Schierholter, Peter Syed, Kaleemullah Syme, Angus Ian Van Trojen, Ashley

Wednesday, April 3

Atakul, Atakan Biddiscombe, Michael Cauchi, Ryan Clay, Kieran Collings, Jak

Douglas-Rhoderick, Arabel Marie Gunes, Hasan Haines, Aaron Frederick Hore, Stewart Matthew Mantesso, Blair Phung, Peter Purcell, Matthew Rober Shaw, James Henry Shelley, Scott Dudley Smeaton, Zak Smith, Vikky Katy

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Ben Ramcharan said the Council was committed to maintaining and improving core services for residents and ratepayers.

“I’m very excited to be putting this budget out for consultation. It’s responsible, balancing the needs of our community and our green wedge with the challenges of a low rate base and reduced external grant funding,” Cr Ramcharan said.

The Council plans a rate increase of 2.75 per cen.

There is a proposed 6.81 per cent increase to the domestic waste service charge.

“This increase is largely driven by the ongoing cost of rehabilitating the former Kangaroo Ground landfill site, a statutory requirement of the Environment Protection Authority,” a Council representative said.

Cr Ramcharan said the budget would fund a number of major initiatives and a $16.07 million capital works program.

“There is significant funding for the youth hub, which is a really key project of this Council, as well as the Municipal Planning Strategy, Neighbourhood Character Strategy and Housing Strategy planning scheme amendments, which will help protect what we love about where we live while also planning for future growth,” Cr Ramcharan said.

“There’s funding towards environmental volunteering, which I’m very passionate about, supporting people to volunteer in our precious green wedge.

“And, of course, funding for the ongoing implementation of our Climate Action Plan, including the Nillumbik Environment Climate Action Hub at Edendale.”

He said that highlights of the proposed $16.07 million capital works program include:

■ $4.9 million to renew and upgrade roads and carparks, drainage and public buildings.

■ $345,000 to renew and upgrade public open spaces and playgrounds.

■ $647,000 to complete major capital works projects including the upgrade to Ryans Reserve and the new Changing Places public toilet facility in Alistair Knox Park

“The capital works program builds on projects already underway or about to start including the new Diamond Hills Preschool, the upgrade to the Diamond Valley Library outdoor space, and a new roof for two Diamond Creek netball courts.”

VALE MIKE McCOLL JONES, JIM SHERLOCK

The Melbourne Observer team has lost two of its most popular members - comedy writer Mike McColl Jones and film man Jim Sherlock. In this issue we paid tribute to each man. Turn inside.©

Melbournewide

HOPPERS CROSSING

Double the limit

■ A 31-year-old man was caught driving more than double the speed limit in Hoppers Crossing.

Werribee Police were on patrol when they observed a Harley Davidson motorbike allegedly doing 143-kmh in a 60-kmh zone along Princes Highway between Sneydes and Derrimut Rds about 12.40am on Sunday (Mar. 17).

The rider is expected to be charged on summons with a number of driving offences including driver manner dangerous and exceed speed limit.

His vehicle was also impounded for a period of 30 days, at a cost of $1006.10.

FOOTSCRAY

Tinkah, 13, missing

■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing girl Tinkah.

The 13-year-old was last seen leaving her Footscray home about 4.45pm on Friday (Mar. 15).

Police and family have concerns for her welfare due to her age and medical conditions.

Tinkah is described as being approximately 157cm tall, with a slim build, brown hair and green eyes.

Police believe she may be travelling to the Wallan area.

She was last seen wearing a black long sleeve top, blue jeans, and black and white Converse shoes.

Anyone who sights Tinkah is urged to contact Footscray Police Station on 8398 9800.

ALTONA NORTH Plaques stolen

■ Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after heartless thieves stole memorial plaques in Altona North sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday, March 12-13.

Investigators have been told 80 memorial plaques were stolen from the Altona Memorial Park on Doherty’s Rd.

The bronze plaques were erected in memory of children by their families in the ‘Garden of Little Angels’.

Police are investigating the incidents and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Detectives warned scrap metal dealers to be wary of thieves attempting to sell the plaques and report any suspicious activity to police.

GREENVALE Footage wanted

■ Homicide Squad detectives are urging anyone with dashcam footage from the Greenvale area to come forward following the fatal shooting of a man in the suburb on Tuesday morning (Mar. 12).

A 64-year-old Greenvale man was leaving his Buchanan Place property just after 4.30am when he was fatally shot in the upper body.

A family member located him outside the address shortly after the incident, however he passed away at the scene.

No one else was physically injured during the incident.

The investigation into the incident, which is believed to have been targeted, remains ongoing.

Detectives are still to determine how many offenders were involved in the incident or how they left the area.

A significant CCTV canvass of the area has already been conducted and police are in the process of reviewing that footage in the hope it will provide further avenues of enquiry.

Investigators are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was travelling through Greenvale or Gladstone Park, particularly in the vicinity of Mickleham Rd, between 2am and 6am on Tuesday, March 12.

Detectives are hoping footage will provide further information on any vehicles that were in the area in the lead up to and shortly after the shooting.

DRUGS TRAFFICKED ACROSS MELBOURNE: MAN CHARGED

■ A man has been charged with drug trafficking, and three others arrested, following an investigation into the alleged distribution of illicit substances across Melbourne.

An investigation was established in October to investigate the alleged supply of methylamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, GHB and cannabis across Melbourne’s north and south-east.

Following extensive enquiries, the Prahran Divisional Response Unit – with assistance from the St Kilda Frontline Tasking Unit, the Prahran Family Violence Investigation Unit, and the Stonnington, Port Phillip and Wangaratta Crime Investigation Units – executed four simultaneous search warrants at homes in Balwyn North, Carlton and Windsor, as well as two storage units in Wangaratta , from about 8.30am Thursday (Mar. 14).

During the searches, Police allegedly uncovered more than two litres of 1,4-Butanediol, as well as quantities of methylamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine and ecstasy, a cannabis plant, prescription medication and a white powder that will undergo further analysis.

Officers also seized electronic devices and more than $12,000 in cash.

Four people were arrested across the several locations.

■ A 35-year-old man was arrested at a home on Drummond St, Carlton North He was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of 1,4-Butanediol, trafficking methylamphetamine, MDMA and ketamine, as well as possessing ecstasy, prescription medication and proceeds of crime. He was remanded in custody to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

■ A 67-year-old man was arrested at a home on Minerva Avenue, Balwyn North. He was charged with possessing methylamphetamine and placed on a diversion.

■ A 68-year-old man was also arrested at the Balwyn North property. He was charged with cultivate and possess cannabis. Hewillbeinterviewedlater.

HORSHAM

Clothing seized

■ Horsham Police have arrested two people after designer clothes and drugs were located during a vehicle intercept in Horsham on Thursday (Mar. 14).

It is alleged officers initially observed the white Ford Ranger driving erratically on Stawell Rd about 4.15am.

After intercepting the Ford, officers soon realised the occupants were wanted for questioning about a series of burglaries that had occurred in the Arthur’s Seat and Rye areas.

Officers searched the vehicle and allegedly located designer clothes from Rebecca Vallance which are estimated to be valued around $60,000.

It is alleged the clothes were stolen during a burglary on High St in Armadale on March 10.

Officers also located and seized a quantity of 1-4 butanol and methylamphetamine.

A 29-year-old Frankston man has been charged with burglary, theft and possess drug of dependence offences.

A 35-year-old Frankston woman has been charged with possess drug of dependence, handling stolen goods and driving offences.

The pair have been bailed and charged to attend the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on July 15.

Statewide Observer

■ A 39-year-old man was arrested at a unit on High St, Windsor, and released pending further enquiries.

■ A man and woman will be spoken to by police at a later date about alleged drug possession.

POINT COOK

Arson bust

■ Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged a second man following an arson attack at a tobacco store in Point Cook in January.

With assistance from the Special Operations Group and the Fugitive Squad, a 34-yearold Broadmeadows man was arrested in Broadmeadows

He was subsequently interviewed by police and has since been charged with arson, theft of motor vehicle, intentionally cause injury and associated assault offences.

The man was remanded overnight to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court .

Police were to allege the man was utilising multiple mobile phones, sim cards and vehicles to avoid detection.

The assault charges relate to a separate investigation by Merri-bek Crime Investigation Unit into an assault which occurred on February 21.

The victim sustained severe facial injuries, a broken tibia and further injuries to the face from being bitten.

A 26-year-old Campbellfield man was charged with criminal damage by fire, theft of motor vehicle, possess

drugs of dependence (cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB), possess ammunition without a licence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

He was remanded to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on April 4.

The charges follow an incident on Friday, January 19, where emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a tobacconist on Murnong St shortly before 6am.

A stolen Ford hatchback bearing false plates was used during the offence and later recovered by police.

Nobody was physically injured during the incident, but the business sustained minor damage.

The investigation remains ongoing.

CLIFTON HILL

Blew .172

■ Police have intercepted a woman for allegedly blowing more than three times over the legal limit in Clifton Hill on Friday (Mar. 15).

The 24-year-old driver from Tyabb entered a roadside testing station at about 12.40am.

The P-plater underwent an evidentiary breath test, returning a result of 0.172. A P-plater driver should be zero.

Her licence was immediately suspended for 12 months and is expected to be charged on summons.

Her vehicle was also impounded for 30 days at the cost of $913.70.

KIALLA EAST Gruesome discovery

■ Emergency services have responded to a fatal crash in Kialla East.

It is believed a car was travelling along Armstrong Rd when it left the road and struck a tree.

The male driver, who was the sole occupant, was located deceased in the vehicle by a passing motorist about 6.25am Saturday (Mar. 16).

Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and prepare a report for the coroner.

NHILL

Clocked at 240kmh

■ A probationary licence holder has had his car impounded, after allegedly driving at speed in Gerang Gerung and Nhill last Wednesday (Mar. 13).

Horsham Highway Patrol officers attempted to intercept a VW Golf Hatch on the Western Highway, Gerang Gerung before it evaded police around 8.40pm.

Officers detected the Golf being driven at an alleged speed of 240-kmh in a 100-kmh zone.

Just over half an hour later, Nhill police officers intercepted the same car on the Western Highway in Nhill.

The driver of the Golf and sole occupant, a 23-year-old Hughesdale man, is expected to be charged on summons with two counts of speeding, fail to stop on police direction, drive at speed dangerous, reckless conduct endanger life and drive in breach of licence conditions.

The Golf was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1675.

TRUGANINA Man charged

■ A man has been charged following a fatal collision in Truganina on Thursday morning (Mar. 14).

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives will allege a silver Holden SUV collided with a blue Holden CRV on Hopkins Rd about 12.50am.

The driver of the CRV , a 45-year-old Melton man, was taken to hospital with lifethreatening-injuries, where he later died.

The driver of the Holden SUV was arrested a short time later after allegedly fleeing the scene on foot.

A 23-year-old Hillside man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, fail to render assistance and fail to stop at the scene of a collision.

He has been remanded overnight and was due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar. 15).

-

Victoria Police

Melbourne

● ● ● ● Cocaine and methylamphetamine were part of the haul. File photo.

Melbournewide

MANNINGHAM

More car sharing

■ More people are seeking the alternative transport option of car sharing, says Manningham Council.

Following a successful 18-month trial in Doncaster Hill and Tullamore Estate, Manningham Council and GoGet agreed to extend their carsharing trial to July 2025.

“Carsharing offers individuals the opportunity to access vehicles on demand for short periods of time – with fuel, insurance, registration and maintenance all covered,” said a Manningham Council representative.

Manningham Mayor Cr Carli Lange said she is pleased to see residents benefiting from using car share, while also contributing to improved community outcomes.

DAREBIN

Hard waste trial

■ Darebin Council is moving to a new hard waste contract.

The Council has decided to trial a booked hard waste collection service with the following features:

■ One free booked collection of two cubic metres of waste per calendar year.

■ Bookings made online or by phone.

■ Extra collections can be arranged for community members experiencing hardship.

■ Option for residents to pay for extra, unlimited collections of up to two cubic metres of hard waste.

MAIBYRNONG

Getting active

■ The Get Active Expo is back for its 11th year, showcasing a four-week program aimed at promoting health and fitness while bringing the community together.

This year, the event boasts its most extensive line-up yet, featuring a range of ‘come and try’ sessions led by local sports clubs, studios, and exercise classes for all ages and fitness levels.

The four-week long expo runs to Sunday, April 14, and includes a range of sport, wellbeing opportunities, and fitness sessions from Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, to yoga and gymnastics, to team sports such as football, baseball or soccer.

There are activities offered for everyone to enjoy including infants (0-2), toddlers (25), children (5-12), teens (12-17), adults (18+), and older adults (55+), along with women only programs, and All Abilities programs designed for people with disability and health conditions.

KNOX

$300 for volunteers

■ Those passionate about the future of the Knox community are invited to lodge expressions of interest for appointment to a andomly selected community panel of approximately 45 people.

The panel will work collaboratively with Council to develop draft recommendations for the next Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan

To be selected, people need to be able to attend all four-panel sessions:

■ Wednesday, May 1, 6pm to 8.30pm

■ Saturday,May 4, 11 am to 3pm

■ Saturday, May 18, 11 am to 3pm

The fourth session will be held in early 2025 with the new Councillors, date to be confirmed.

Panel members will receive a total of $300 in Coles vouchers for participating.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

New defib locations

■ Mornington Peninsula Shire has installed new defibrillator units at four public locations. Three sit outsidethe Council’s three main office buildings in Hastings, Mornington and Rosebud

The fourth location has been placed in Shoreham and can be found at the corner of Lexington Ave and Viewbank St. This 24/7 accessible unit was funded through the Flexi Grants program, following advocacy from the Shoreham Community Association.

STATE GOVERNOR VISITS FLOOD RECOVERY AREAS

Across Victoria

WARRNAMBOOL $100,000 donation

■ The Gillin Boys Foundation has donated another $100,000 to the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

The presentation – the second $100,000 to be donated in the past 12 months – was made during the ‘Green Night’ at the Simpson Speedway.

The volunteer-based organisation (now in its fourth year) has been working extremely hard to bring awareness of muscular dystrophy to the forefront in the local community and beyond, as well as raising much needed funds towards research, clinical trials, and treatments for muscular dystrophy.

This most recent donation brings the total raised, since 2016, to close to $500,000.

- Warrnambool Weekly

BAIRNSDALE Calf sales history

■ Standing feed but dry conditions for the previous six weeks met the buyers at the annual Mountain Calf Sales, where hundreds of people converged for the flurry of activity that is five sales over two days.

The history and stories to do with the people, the cattle and the sales over the years is varied and fortunately a lot of it is detailed in the book Selling the Mountain Calves, A personal history of the East Gippsland Calf Sales, by Ian Balmer, who joined A. McLean and Co in 1939, and retired in 1976.

■ Margaret Gardner, State Governor of Victoria, and Rick Bugent, mergency Management Commissioner, visited flood receovery areas in Murrindindi, Mitchell and Campaspe last Wednesday (Mar. 13).

At Murrindindi, they met with Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Carpenter, Cr Sandice McAulay, Cr John Walsh, Cr Eric Lording , CEO Livia Bonazzi and key staff, as well as Peter Weeks, representing the local State Emergency Service.

Peter Weeks shed light on the recent flood events that have severely impacted the region.

Mr Weeks highlighted the critical issues faced, such as the lack of early warnings for the community, partly due to insufficient river and rain gauge installations.

The unpredictable nature of severe weather events, exacerbated by the changing climate, makes it increasingly difficult to prepare and respond effectively, the Governor was told.

Councillors and senior officers took this opportunity to outline the direct impacts these disasters have had on our community.

They advocated for improvements in disaster response and recovery processes, including the need for further financial support for businesses and residents affected by natural disasters and the necessity for more resilient infrastructure.

Under the disaster recovery arrangements, the funding allows the rebuilding of assets such as roads, culverts, bridges etc, to previous standards without enhancements.

This practice sets us up for repeated failures in the face of future disasters, and we continue to advocate for a change to the rules, a Council representative said.

There was a tour of the Yea Riverside Caravan Park and the property of a local resident,

Statewide Observer

● ● Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Louise Bannister, State Governor Prof. Margaret Gardner. They visited the Recovery Hub, Kings Park, Vietnam Veterans’ Commemorative Walk and the Seymour SES Unit. The visit provided an opportunity for residents, businesses, clubs, organisations, volunteers, Community Recovery Committee members, support agencies and Council to talk about the ongoing challenges following the October 2022 floods and the subsequent storms and floods of 2023-24.

both of which have suffered extensive inundation in the recent flood events.

Yea Riverside Caravan Park endured two devastating floods in 15 months, and is still in recovery mode but has managed to remain open.

Also discussed was the absence of flood mitigation in the operating rules for Lake Eildon, the potential of frequent floods under the proposed Murray Darling Basin Plan, frequent power and telecommunications outages, the lack of backup generators, and the dependency of the state

emergency app on connectivity, which can be a major hindrance during disasters.

Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said, “I extend Council’s thanks to those generous community members who invited our distinguished guests into their homes and businesses and for describing their very personal circumstances.

“I thank Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Gardner and Commissioner Rick Nugent for visiting our Shire and hearing those key concerns impacting our communities”.

According to Mr Balmer, the first special calf sale was held at Benambra in 1946 by A. McLean and Co, “when the complete yarding comprised weaner calves, and later on, Omeo, Ensay Gelantipy Buchan and Bairnsdale followed suit”.

- Bairnsdale Advertiser

WARRACKNABEAL

Trying for 17th time

■ Yarriambiack Mayor Kylie Zanker says she will stand again at the October local elections - but she has not yet decided if she will take a tilt at a sixth year in the top job.

Cr Zanker has been a councillor for the Warracknabeal ward since 2008 and confirmed to the Herald she will put herself up for re-election this year.

She said up until now she had told only close family and friends of her decision to nominate for a 17th consecutive year.

Cr Zanker was Mayor in 2011 and 2012, and has been mayor for the past three terms, but would not yet commit to a fourth, if reelected. "I will decide closer to the time," she said.

- Warracknabeal Herald

PHILLIP ISLAND

Batteries in bag

■ Phillip Island will soon have seven community batteries installed, after successfully gaining funding in the first round of the State Government's Neighbourhood Batteries Program.

Four batteries will be installed in Cowes, with one each in Rhyll, Ventnor and Wimbledon Heights. An additional pole top battery will be installed in Smiths Beach

The Cowes battery sites are Berninneit, YMCA, the Koala Conservation Centre and the Senior Citizen Club.

- Phillip Island Advertiser

WANGARATTA

Planning on track

■ Online donations of about $25,000, and up to $10,000 more in pledges, are assisting the new Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues board with the initial planning stage of this year's festival.

Board member Sarah Thompson, who is overseeing philanthropic gifts and grants, said 49 donors had offered financial support for the event in the four weeks since the new board was elected at the festival's annual general meeting. "Our goal with the online gift strategy was around $40,000 to $50,000, so to have this a month in, we are tracking extremely well," Ms Thompson said.

- Wangaratta Chronicle

Melbourne

● ● At Murrindindi (from left): Pictured (from left): Rick Nugent (Emergency Management Commissioner), Livia Bonazzi (Murrindindi Shire Council CEO, Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Carpenter, Professor Margaret Gardner (Governor of Victoria), Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, Cr Eric Lording, Cr Sandice McAulay, Peter Weeks (SES) and Cr John Walsh.

People

Farewell to Mike McColl Jones

■ The world awakens a far less funny place this morning, although, in fairness, we’ve still got his memorial service to go.

Mike McColl Jones, Australia’s most admired, enduring and prodigious writer of comedy for live variety television has died after a short battle with illness; or as Mike would have described it, a long battle with dubious canteen food and cantankerous television management.

He would have been 104 this August if he’d lived another 17 years.

Mike McColl Jones began writing comedy for Graham Kennedy’s In Melbourne Tonight in the early 1960’s and for the next 40 years worked continuously at the epicentre of the Australian entertainment industry through the golden age of television, writing for landmark live variety shows which shaped Australian popular culture, including In Melbourne Tonight, The Don Lane Show, The Graham Kennedy Show, Tonight With Bert Newton, The Bert Newton Show, Tonight Live With Steve Vizard – and countless live special event broadcasts including twenty five Logies and two Royal Command Performances for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles and Princess Di.

Over five four decades Mike wrote jokes and nurtured the performances of generations of television hosts including Don Lane, Tommy Hanlon Jnr, Jimmy Hannan, Bobby Limb, Mike Preston, Steve Vizard, Peter Couchman, Noel Ferrier, Frank Thring, Pete Smith, Philip Brady, Toni Lamond, Ernie Sigley, Daryl Somers, Denise Drysdale, Larry Emdur, Richard Stubbs, Ugly Dave Grey, Stuart Wagstaff, Frankie J Holden, Buster Fiddess, Joff Ellen, Tim Evans, Mary Hardy, Kevin Sanders and scores of others.

But of all the stars for whom Mike wrote, the relationship he most treasured was his extraordinary partnership with the undisputed kings of Australian television, Graham Kennedy and Bert Newton

Said Bert of Mike, “When it came to writing one liners and personality material, Mike was simply without peer.”

★

Mike McColl Jones was born on August 12,1937, in Kew, a leafy eastern suburb of Melbourne f rom which he would never move. His family were well respected dentists, and although Mike never for a moment considered following in their footsteps, he always had excellent teeth.

Mike attended Xavier College in

Mike McColl Jones

Michael Anthony McColl Jones

Writer

August 12, 1937March 11, 2024

Age 86

Kew, a school famous for providing “a rough and ready education” for Australia’s greatest fictional dignitary, Sir Les Patterson KBE, as well as educating many of the great names of the Australian entertainment industry, including Mike Walsh, Peter Landy, Jim Murphy, Michael ‘Countdown’ Shrimpton and Mike’s contemporary and lifelong friend and colleague, Philip Brady

After Xavier, Mike found employment as a trainee salesman in the menswear department of the Myer Emporium, where several politicians, scions of industry and caterers who were later to become the target of his acerbic humour, wished he had remained.

Television transformed Australia in 1956. As a young viewer Mike was instantly captivated, particularly by the live chaos of GTV9’s new hit tonight show, In Melbourne Tonight, hosted by a brilliant young star only three years older than Mike, Graham Kennedy.

Each night Mike sat spellbound in front of his parent’s television set, studying the rhythm and cadence of Kennedy’s uncanny comedic delivery.

And then Mike did something unusual and extraordinary; he carefully carefully crafted and hand wrote a dozen or so topical jokes he imagined might work for Graham.

In early 1962 Mike got his big break when his great school mate Philip Brady, now successfully working as a fledgling studio announcer and presenter at the GTV9 studios in Bendigo St, Richmond, showed a couple of pages of Mike’s handwritten gags to the producers of IMT.

Before long Mike was selling the odd joke as a freelancer to In Melbourne Tonight for three guineas for each joke performed.

In August 1963, 25-year-old Mike was summoned to the studios of GTV -9 to meet the Station Manager, Colin Bednall.

Bednall asked the nervous, gawky McColl Jones whether he was responsible for the handwritten gags Graham had been so successfully performing.

Mike replied Yes. Bednall immediately offered Mike full time employment to write topical material for Graham, shook his hand, handed Mike a typewriter and ordered him straight down to the IMT production offices to get start typing gags for that night’s show.

So began Mike’s long professional career as a writer of comedy.

★

In the 1960s, if you wanted to learn about comedy and live television, there was no better place than Studio 9, GTV-9, in Bendigo St Richmond, the home of IMT

Television was the dazzling new medium just finding its feet and everyone involved, from set designers to cameramen, came from somewhere else, mainly newspapers or radio, and was generous in sharing their newfound knowledge with a talented young beginner.

● ● ● ● Mike McColl Jones with Daryl Somers

● ● ● ● Bert Newton with Mike McColl Jones

● ● ● ● TV legend Don Lane with Mike McColl Jones

● ● ● ● Mike McColl Jones with Graham Kennedy

● ● ● ● By Steve Vizard Close friend and colleague of Mike McColl Jones

Many of the on- air talent, such as Rosie Sturgess, Toni Lamond and Joff Ellen , had been major stars of vaudeville and brought with them years of experience in writing and performing comedy material.

Greatest of all was Mike’s mentor Freddie Parsons, a generation older, who had written for Australia’s most brilliant pre-War comedian, Roy Rene, during the golden era of Tivoli and live vaudeville, and then in the post war years created for Mo Australia’s most popular comedy radio show, McCackie Mansions

And then there was Graham Kennedy himself, a burgeoning master of comedic timing and deliveryinnovation.

All of them took young Mike under their wings and offered him a daily impromptu masterclass in variety live entertainment.

Over the next seven years Mike honed his craft and wrotewriting thousands of gags and pieces for Graham and the IMT team, five days a week, until IMT ended in December 1969.

Following IMT, Mike wrote for The Graham Kennedy Show, and from 1975, for nine years Mike continued as head writer on what would become most awarded light entertainment show in Australian television history, The Don Lane Show

In later years Mike wrote for dozens more variety shows, including The Peter Couchman Show and for over a thousand episodes of Tonight Live with Steve Vizard.

Writing material for the top rating tonight and variety shows of the day, Mike was constantly rubbing shoulders with and writing material for the world’s greatest stars: Mohammed

Ali, Sammy Davis Jnr, Robin Williams, Billy Joel, Billy Crystal, Debbie Reynolds, Noel Coward, Demis Roussos, Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Jackie Collins, Tony Curtis, Clint Eastwood, Kirk Douglas, Louis Armstrong, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and on and on.

Mike recalled how the great guest visiting stars celebrities would all sign the dressing room wall when they visited the studios of GTV-9.

And how one Summer holiday management decided to spruce up the dressing rooms, and he returned from holidays to find all the prized star autographs painted over.

★

To look at Mike McColl Jones there was little almost no visible indication he was in any way funny, putting aside his table manners.

Tall, dark, handsome, athletically built and always urbanely dressed, Mike was notoriously shy, softly spoken, almost gentle, and shunned the limelight, unless it was a cocktail.

He preferred instead to stay in the background and observe.

Indeed it was his ability to quietly look and listen, really listen, which was at the heart of his perennial success.

Unlike many comedy writers who are frustrated performers, Mike was always content to unobtrusively stay in the background and study the foibles of all, from postmen to Prime Ministers, and of the many stars he wrote for, knowing them so intimately he could write for each of them in their own distinctive voice.

His other great gift ability as a comedy writer was to view the world in jarringly unexpected ways.

Freddie Parsons remarked that only Mike’s mind could have created gags like ‘Thirty thousand troops arrived in New York today to entertain Bob Hope’ or ‘ The Leaning

George Bernard Shaw famously observed “If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh …”

Mike McColl Jones fervently believed that the role of good comedy was to ridicule and challenge the status quo, power, and sacred cows.

Good comedy he was convinced should not only create laughter, but mayhem, controversy, even chaos.

The role of comedy he believed was always to ridicule and challenge power, sacred cows and the status quo.

Said Graham Kennedy, Mike’s great talent was to ‘say publicly what the viewer thought but would never dare put into words’.

Mike’s expertise at writing insightful provocative material and coupled with Graham’s persona as enfant terrible was at the heart of their enduring partnership which created spawned some many of television’s most controversial moments and found Graham ‘apologising almost nightly, to caterers, airline magnates, politicians, car parking attendants, used car dealers and press barons’.

Mike loved the serendipity of live television; anything could happen. Live television, he said, was the pulse of a network, the pulse of a nation.

Despite the best planning in the world, on live television anything, everything could go wrong, the management could not never interfere, and both the studio audience and television audiences around the nation might at any moment be instantlyinstantaneously bound to-

Live television was Mike’s lifelong drug of addiction. And gin.

★

Mike McColl Jones was a quiet powerhouse. Each day he threw himself afresh into the relentless daily ritual of live variety television.

The shows for which he wrote were mainly broadcast at night, every night, yet each morning Mike religiously appeared at the studios at 9am, fresh and readyraring to go after a gruelling 1am finish the night before, to to begin again scouring the daily newspapers in search of a headline, a news story, a tidbit of gossip from which he could quickly fashion his today’s topical one line gags, topicals as they were known.

The next few hours alone in his office only a few rooms away from the stars for whom he wrote, Mike hunched over his typewriter knocking out three pages of closely typed topicals.

Later that afternoon he would present his material to Graham or Don or Bert or Daryl or Steve, whomever, and together they’d select the couple of dozen jokes to be used in that night’s opening monlogue or desk bits.

Later thatnight, now only a few minutes before showtime away, Mike headed to the star’s dressing room and together they’d make ‘the walk’.

For over 3000 episodes with Graham Kennedy, 900 episodes with Don Lane, 1200 episodes with Steve and thousands with numerous others, Mike ‘walked the walk’, escorting his star from dressing room to studio,

television to colour, and a million other events that changed our lives , and for all of them Mike was there and wrote daily gags about them all.

For nearly five four decades he chronicled in humour the affairs of our nation.

And for four decades the nation laughed.

From Camera 3, Mike was there as Graham Kennedy’s failed guide dog Rover relieved itself for interminable minutes on live television during an Uncle Bens dogfood commercial; and when Graham utterered his infamous crow call, Farrrrrk, which saw him banned from television; and when Graham attacked the Minister for for Media Senator Doug Maclelland; and when Don Lane threw a glass of water over his guest James Randi, the psychic exposer, and stormed off his own set; and when Bert Newton dressed as Demis Roussos confronted by the real Demis Roussos; and when Sammy Davis Jnr drove into the 9 studios direct from his live concert, and performed sang and danced and laughed on live television with Don and Bert for another hour; and the night Rex Mossop and Julian Clary nearly came to blows; and when dozens of politicians and powerbrokers were maligned, called to account or made to look foolishbrought down to earth.

★

Working for so many decades with so many of the greats of the Australian Tivoli and vaudeville circuits who had migrated to radio and then to television in the early1950s, Mike was a treasure trove of forgotten trivia.

Mike could tell you of Roy Rene’s pre-show superstitions and ritualshow Mo would smoke a cigarette, down a glass of sherry and lightly powder Fast Teeth on his dental plate to hold it in place.

running over last minute changes, discussing guests, the audience, pumping them up.

Backstage, just behind the host set as the floor manager counted down the live broadcast and the studio band played the opening theme music and the studio audience erupted in applause, Mike would pat his star on the back, whisper “Chookas” and usher them into the spotlight to deliver the words he had so carefully crafted.

For the next hour of the live broadcast, Mike positioned himself next to Camera 3, only a couple of metres directly in front of the host set, intently watching the entire show unfold, close up and personal, alert to any opportunities for fresh humour, for new chaos.

For nearly five four decades, standing next to camera Camera 3, Mike watched many of Australia’s greatest live television entertainers perform thousands of hours of iconic television, rarely missing a show, never missing the opportunity for another gag.

From Camera 3, Mike watched his gags performed for the first and only time, as they recorded the assassination of JFK, the a moon landing, Nixon and Watergate, Royal tours and Presidential visits, a change in currency from sterling to decimal, a succession of Australian of Prime Ministers from Robert Menzies to John Howard, the disappearance of one, the arrival of The Beatles, the Fall of the Berlin Wall, Cyclone Tracy, Azaria Chamberlain, a dozen Olympics, wars and invasions, and the evolution of technology from fixed phones to fax machines to mobile phones, from black and white

Mike could tell you how Graham Kennedy was discovered by Norm Spencer at Channel 9’s first Telethon for the Red Cross on April 1, 1957.

And how before every show Graham was so nervous he smoked like a chimney and nearly threw up.

Or how Don Lane was so superstitious that he would only wear blue boxer shorts underwear for a performance.

Or how Dave Allen believed the correct temperature to optimise an audience’s laughter was 65 degrees Farenheit.

Once in a blue moon Mike agreed to write material for an overseas stars.

On one occasion, Joan Rivers once asked Mike for some jokes about her age.

At the time Halley’s Comet was about to make an one of its infrequent appearances and Mike sent Joan a gag “ I’m so old I’ve seen Halley’s Comet come around three times!”

Mike was surprised the next day when he turned on the his television news to see then President Ronald Reagan at a Washington press conference telling repeating his Halley’s Comet gag.

Turns out that the night before, Joan Rivers had been having dinner in Washington with her good friend, Nancy Reagan, wife of President Reagan , who immediately went home and passed it the gag onto her husband.

Mike was proud too that a gag he wrote for Bert Newton to open one Logies, ‘Welcome to the Logies, affectionately known by some of us here as Star Wars’ was used a couple weeks later by Bob Hope to open the Academy Awards

● ● Continued next page

Tower of Pisa was straightened today … unfortunately Italy is now on a tilt.’

● ● ● ● ● Mike McColl Jones, as photographed by Ash Long in 1985. gether by joined in that joyful rapturous, transformational magic of shared chaos and unexpected laughter.

Mike was often asked by visiting stars whether he would consider working overseas, but. Mike always replied that things were fine just as they were.

The truth was Mike had everything he needed in Australia. He had two loves, his television and his family.

Over the five decades, away from the bright lights, Mike married his great love Val and together, Val holding the fort, and they raised two children, Tim and Catherine, who they delighted in watching grow up, marry and raise families of their own.

Why would Mike leave Kew, the place of his birth, of his education, home to his beautiful family, his children, his memories, his life?

No, things were fine just as they were.

★

Mike was at heart a villager. He loved the certainty and familiarity of belonging to a small community.

He loved the morning rituals and tiny patterns by which daily life is measured.

He loved the same journey to work, along the same tram lines, seeing the same faces, and regularly catching up for lunch at the same old taverns with the same old showbiz journeymen, from the Merkin Club which met at Jim Smythe’s Toorak Hotel to the Kamikaze Club to the Philip Brady luncheon club at Pat Reardons Rising Sun Hotel.

In later years Mike loved nothing better than to share with his same old friends a fulsome meal and a gin, or more accurately a fulsome gin and a meal.

He could invariably be located holding court at his favourite corner table in the Sports Lounge of his favourite pub, the Harp of Erin in Kew, at which he would simultaneously devour a large veal parmigiana, scribble topicals in a small spiral notebook, read three newspapers, discuss current trends in TVprogramming, curse the nags or cheer his beloved Hawthorn Footy Club on one of the many sports screens, and endlessly recount humorous tales of the adventures of his lifelong friend Philip Brady.

Any man who happily resides his entire life, from birth to death, within the same couple of suburban blocks is at heart a villager.

And this was the contradiction of Mike. He rubbed shoulders with the biggest stars in the world, but wanted nothing more than to spend time with family and friends.

His daily fodder was the news events of the world, but he preferred the gossip of locals.

He made millions of people laugh each night, but himself laughed loudest in the company of two or three. He perpetually sought to engender chaos, but spent a life chasing small town order, everything in its place.

Or perhaps there was no contradiction. Perhaps Mike was simply driven by a simple desire to unite people, find common order, even if only for a few hours, through that most binding and basic of human instincts, laughter; to nightly transform the nation into a village.

In 2017 Mike was an awarded an OBE for his services to television, writing in particular, which he observed at the time was right up there with winning the Friday night meat tray at The Harp ★

Mike McColl Jones was a gentle, imaginative man who deeply valued the art and traditions of creativity and had an abiding gratitude to the generations of performers and storytell-

But more than his encyclopeadic knowledge of entertainment minutae, Mike was a direct, vital, unbroken, creative link to the age of vaudeville and the Tivoli greats who had tutored him in his early years, through the glorious era of radio, through the golden age of television when television was the only game in town and half the nation watched last night’s shows, through cable television and the dawn of the new millennium, to the age of streaming and digital media.

Mike saw it all, and though the technological means of delivery might have seismically shifted before his eyes, Mike still believed the fundamentals of entertainment and laughter were unfailing and timeless, funny is funny, and of the unchanging generative power of performance to bind a nation.

Graham Kennedy put it succinctly: “Mike wrote thousands and thousands of lines which made millions of Australians laugh out loud in their own living rooms.’”

It is a rare thing to make nothing more than to make an audience laugh, particularly in the solitude of their own living room, and but Mike McColl Jones succeeded for 40 years, and in so doing so not only gifted our nation a laugh track, but for those compelling years created a unique personal daily chroniclecharted of the daily ebbs and flows and absurdities of our nation’s unfolding storyjourney.

Mike McColl Jones had a unique way of signing off and even in this he will be greatly missed.

Next week's POWERBALL results: 3, 7, 23, 9, 12, 27. P/Ball: 12

● Steve Vizard is a Professor at Monash University, a former Gold Logie winning Tonight Show host and a longtime colleague of Mike McColl Jones

● ● Mike McColl Jones at Channel 9. Photo: News Corp.

● Mike McColl Jones at Channel 9.

Vale James Sherlock, 1955-2024

■ Much loved Melbourne Observer columnist Jim Sherlock died on March 6, just five days short of his 69th birthday, following a period of illness.

Jim’s columns were a favourite of Observer readers for close to 20 years. He was also a favourite contributor of radio station 3AW.

Greg Lynch of The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers penned this tribute:

James Sherlock - Scottish born Film Historian, Critic, Presenter, Writer, Publicist, Public Speaker, Consultant, Film Restorer, Radio and Television personality has sadly passed away on Wednesday March 6.

Due to unique circumstances following his arrival in Australia from Scotland, and kept a secret for nearly four decades, James as a little boy lived and survived unnoticed in the darkness of Melbourne's Regent and Plaza Theatres for most of 1964 to 1971, venturing out only to scrounge for food, using change he had found in the theatre concession bar.

This will be the subject of a forthcoming book.

James was a cinema industry veteran of over five decades, beginning as a spool boy at The Plaza Cinema in Chelsea under the guidance of veteran exhibitor Roy Farmer, he went on to such duties as Spool Boy, Lolly Boy, Usher, Assistant Projectionist, later becoming a junior publicist in 1972.

Thus began an extensive career working for Village and Hoyts alongside many legendary filmmakers and performers on some of the most memorable motion pictures ever made; Films such as Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, The Godfather, The Godfather: Part II to name a few.

In the early 1970s James first appeared on television, and so began a life-long association on camera with many renowned daytime and evening national television programs.

Radio would become his most important contribution, an involvement that would stretch over three decades in Victoria and nationally.

In addition, James has also written extensively on film and criticism in Australia and around the world.

In April of 1980 James became a part of the burgeoning motion picture home video duplication and distribution industry, beginning at Australia's first major duplication facility at AAV Australia in South Melbourne, before moving on to head the duplication facility and distribution at Videoscope Australia, during which he wrote for their monthly magazine Videoscope, then progressed to manager and form Virgin Vision in Australia for Richard Branson, followed by a major role as video buyer for Virgin retail in Australia

His life and career came full circle when he was asked to co-ordinate the re-opening, of Melbourne’s magnificent Regent Theatre as a cinema, after nearly 30 years of closure, and a multi-million dollar restoration.

For the first time since 1969 the giant screen of the mighty Regent would once again light up with the presentation of the newly restored 70mm version of the classic ‘My Fair Lady’ starring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn, and James was the host.

Some of the greats of cinema that James worked directly with included: Geraldine Chaplin, pro-

ducer Robert Evans, Oscar winning director William Friedkin, Sherry Lansing, director Blake Edwards, Jack Nicholson, Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas, Janet Leigh, Charlton Heston, Rod Steiger, Donald Sutherland, Warren Beatty, Roman Polanski, Billy Wilder, Diane Keaton, Christopher Lee, Gregory Peck, Jack Lemmon, Eva Marie Saint, Bette Davis, Richard Attenborough, Eli Wallach, Clint Eastwood and the late comic great Don Rickle s. More recently Keir Dullea of Space Odyssey fame.

Since the very beginning James was always a strong advocate of film preservation and restoration, working closely with many around the globe in the protection of Australian and world motion picture heritage.

James was also very proud to have been inducted into 'The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers' he felt it was recognition for his lifelong dedication and contribution to the motion picture industry, a privilege at the time which only became eligible after a minimum of a quarter-of-a-century or more of dedicated service.

He co-ordinated and presented to audiences through his association with George Florence and the Astor Theatre St Kilda, such restored classics as Sergio Leone’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West, Get Carter, Point Blank, Ben-Hur, Gone With The Wind, Doctor Zhivago and Ryan’s Daughter, My Fair Lady, the Cinerama classics It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and 2001: A Space Odyssey, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo and Rear Window and Breakfast at Tiffany’s are just a few.

Evelyn Keyes Australian visit to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Gone With The Wind in 2004 was a highlight for James as he was employed as a consultant to handled the publicity for The Regent Theatre, and her personal meet and greet appearance at the Astor theatre. Evelyn Keyes was an American film actress who was best known for her role as Suellen O’Hara in the classic David O. Selznick masterpiece.

James Sherlock co-ordinated the visit to Australia of William Friedkin, the director of the horror classic The Exorcist and Academy Award winning director of 'The French Connection,' during which James presented for the first time ever the original and complete version of his classic 1977 thriller 'Sorcerer,' and to this day the only time it has ever been presented on Australian cinema screens as originally intended.

During his visit James presented William Friedkin with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to cinema from 'The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers'.

Of all the many motion pictures that James has worked on, and the screen legends he has worked with over his extraordinary 50+ year career, what did it all mean to James?

He passionately said: “It is bringing to the attention of new generations the importance of film and the extraordinary contribution and influence of filmmakers and all they have to offer, to keep the art of cinema history alive.”

Throughout his career, James travelled extensively to Hollywood and locations around the world. There is no doubt that he was a creative industry genius, and I for one am going to miss him, said Lynch.

● ● Promoting ‘My Fair Lady’ at the Regent Theatre

● ● Jim Sherlock at the Regent Theatre

● ● ● ● Jim Sherlock: a lifetime of promoting film.

Pauline Barker, Greensborough College

Leading this active, skilled and caring community of staff and students at Greensborough College is a huge privilege.

Our goal is to build a community of caring, thoughtful, creative, curious and resilient young people who strive for excellence in all aspects of their learning and daily life.

We are an innovative school where students are happy, confident, take responsibility for their learning and move into further education or employment.

Meet The Principals

Natalie Shanahan, Banyule Primary School

Fact File

NAME: Greensborough College

L L LOCA OCA OCA OCATION: TION: Nell St, Greensborough

PHONE: 9433 2666

WEBSITE: www.greensc.vic.edu.au

EMAIL: greensborough.sc@ education.vic.gov.au

Our programs offer stimulating blends of academic, cultural and sporting activities.

We encourage all students to be involved in extracurricular activities such as sporting teams, clubs, school productions, music and camps.

We believe that promoting positive and respectful relationships in our community is the foundation for effective and productive outcomes for all.

At Greensborough College we have high expectations of everyone to be outstanding representatives of our College, to be demonstrating our values of Courage, Aspiration, Respect and Equality (CARE).

At Greensborough College we CARE about the life outcomes for all students.

Greensborough College is nestled in a quiet and leafy pocket and boasts state-of-the-art learning spaces and sporting facilities.

I invite you to our EXPLORE evening on April 16 from 5.30pm and look forward to meeting and working with you.

Angela Lacey, St Martin of Tours Primary School

St Martin’s School is fortunate to have highly committed staff members, supportive parents, a welcoming community and friendly students who are interested in learning.

Every effort is made to live our school motto of embracing life’s challenges in all aspects of learning.

St Martin’s is a place where Gospel values are modelled. Respect for each individual is shown and expected.

Opportunities for Social Justice are fostered. There is a spirit of joyful learning and genuine friendship amongst all members of our school community.

Our students are foremost in all of

The best thing about being the principal of Banyule Primary School is the people.

Every day I am privileged to work with our beautiful students, dedicated staff and supportive parents.

As a values driven community, we pride ourselves on supporting children to be the best they can be.

Our motto is ‘Happy Kids Learn’, and our caring team place a great emphasis on student wellbeing, fostering an environment where all children can feel happy and safe in order to thrive.

Our school values set the tone for our school community (Respect, Responsibility, Care and Compassion and Doing Your Best) and our learner values support children to understand the characteristics of a great learner (Effort Generator, Mistake Maker, Curious Creature and Feedback Seeker).

We recognise the importance of developing strong partnerships between home and school.

We encourage parents to share in their child’s educational journey by becoming active members in our community.

I am really looking forward to the next phase of our school’s history. We are nearing the end of a major rebuilding project which will provide us with incredible learning spaces and grounds.

Finally aligning our facilities with our outstanding student achievement results and our amazing people.

Fact File

NAME: St Martin of Tours Primary School

L L L L LOCA OCA OCA OCA OCATION: TION: TION: TION: TION: 2-12 Silk St, Rosanna PHONE: 8458 7500

WEBSITE: www.smrosanna.catholic. edu.au

EMAIL: principal@smrosanna, catholic.edu.au

our learning and activities. Our teaching and learning is based on contemporary learning styles, skills and resources.

Teachers strive to ensure the curriculum is child-centered and meets the needs of all students by delivering a rich, differentiated curriculum. Learning styles and interests are considered when planning lessons and purchasing resources.

Curriculum planning is referenced to current government documents including Indigenous Perspectives and Sustainability.

At St. Martin’s we are fortunate to have qualified specialist teachers for LOTE (Italian), Performing Arts, Physical Education, STEM and Visual Arts. Thanks to parent fundraising and government grants both internal and external spaces are continually maintained to ensure St Martin’s School is welcoming, engaging, serviceable and safe.

Come and meet our new Principal, Angela Lacey, for a tour and to discuss enrolment. St Martin’s School is a wonderful learning environment!

Fact File

NAME: Natalie Shanahan

L L LOCA OCA OCA OCA OCATION: TION: TION: TION: TION: Banyule Primary School

PHONE: 50 Banyule Rd, Rosanna, Vic 3084

WEBSITE: www.banyuleps. vic.edu.au

EMAIL: natalie.shanahan@ education.vic.gov.au

Boost

●

● ● Angela Lacey

● ● ● ● Natalie Shanahan

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ Essendon Theatre Company: A Tomb with a View (by Norman Robbins) Until March 23 at 9 Bradshaw St. (enter from Buckley St.), Essendon. Bookings: 0406448368 or Trybooking.com.au

■ CentreStage: The Music Man (by Merdith Willson) Until March 23 at The Playhouse, 81 Ryrie St., Geelong. Bookings: geelongartscentre.org.au

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: Sylvia (by A. R. Gurney) Until March 23 at Shoestring Playhouse @ The MAC, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay. Director: Paul Friend. Bookings: Trybooking.com.au

■ SLAMS MTC: Zombie Prom, Until March 23 at the Knox Community Arts Centre, Cnr Mountain Hwy and Scoresby Rd., Bayswater. Co-Directors: Sarah Rietmeyer and Freya McPherson; Music Director: Tim Bland; Choreographer: Jessica Mathewes. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1158100 0412 605 182

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Fire Raisers (by Max Frisch, translated by Alistair Beaton) April 4 – 27 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Bookings: www.1812theatre. com.au

■ Tribe Youth Theatre: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (adapted by Simon Stephens) April 4 – 14 at Bendigo Theatre Cmpany Arts Shed, 15-17 Allingham St., Golden Square. Director: Kerry Turpie. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/COHEX

■ CPP Community Theatre: Little Women (by Louisa May Alcott, adapted by AnneMarie Casey) April 5 – 13 at the Performing Arts Centre, Boronia K-12 College, Albert Ave., Boronia (Park at Rangeview Rd. end). Director: Jenn Walter. Bookings: https:// cppcommunitytheatre.com.au/

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Last Quiz Night on Earth (by Alison Carr) April 5 – 20 at Warrandyte Mechanics Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Bob Bramble. Bookings: https:// www.trybooking.com/CKUCN

■ Burwood Student Theatre Company: Femme Fatale (by Liv Carlisle) April 6 – 7 at Doncaster Secondary College, 123 Church Rd., Doncaster. Director: Liv Carlisle. Bookings: burwoodstudenttheatrecompany@ gmail.com

■ Gemco Players: Millie’s War, April 8 – 28 at The Gem Theatre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Bookings and further details: www.gemcoplayers.org

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Memory of Water (by Shelagh Stevenson) April 17 – May 4 at 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Brett Turner. Bookings: wlt.org.au

■ The Basin Theatre Company: Berlin (by Joanna Murray-Smith) April 18 – 28 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Sharon Maine. Bookings: https:// authebasin.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ sales Phone: 1300 784 668

■ LOTS Theatre (Legends of the Skies): Wednesday, April 24 at 7.30pm in the Casey Hangar of the Moorabbin Air Museum. Why … why we respect, why we remember, why we work for peace. Facts, quizzes, visuals, sing-a-longs, table competitions. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. Tables of Eight. BYO supper. $20 per person. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CPOTR.

Auditions

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Into the Woods Jr. March 20 at the Eltham Little Theatre Rehearsal Room, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Audition bookings: Trybooking

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Lovesong (by Abi Morgan) March 17, 20 at 7pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: George Werther. Audition bookings: werthe110@gmail.com or call 0402 222 090.

■ Malvern Theatre Company (a joint production with Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company ): Little Women – the Musical (Book by Alan Knee, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, Music by Jason Howland) May 5 at 7pm, May 6, 7 at 7.30pm, Callbacks May 12 at 7pm, at Malvern Theatre 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Alan Burrows. Full details can be found on the VDL website: https://vdl.org.au/auditions

Entertainment

WITHOUT QUESTION

■ Congratulations to Bayside author Evelyn Cronk who launched her debut novel Without Question before an appreciative audience at the West Brighton Club

Prior to authoring a novel, Evelyn enjoyed a productive career in the Australian film industry as a film editor, post-production supervisor, and manager of a specialist post-production house.

The book came about when, as part of a team, Evelyn r ead and discussed many scripts submitted for consideration.

One day Evelyn proffered a story synopsis, thinking her script supervisor might like to transform her outline into a film script.

The supervisor and producers loved the story and encouraged Evelyn to develop the narrative as a novel. A publishing house also enjoyed the story and Without Question, with its striking orange and black cover, is now available for global readership.

Set in the 1980s, Evelyn's fascinating tale has themes of missing persons, espionage, national security, terrorism and family secrets, which remain relevant today.

The novel has already enjoyed early success, climbing to top of the board at a local bookshop.

Without Question is available on Amazon Kindle, Apple Books and in various bookstores.

For further details visit www.without questionbook.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

WIT’s 10 years

■ With pressure upon community theatre to offer diverse and all-inclusive theatre, Wit Incorporated has been doing just that now for the past 10 years particularly in the west of Melbourne.

So there needed to be a celebration, and what better way to showcase their talent by staging a one night Cabaret with a little fundraising, all at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray.

For the past decade Wit has presented storytelling, working with hundreds of artists, providing local discounted kids drama classes, managing festivals and workshopping with writers and artists.

So, with the Space set with many decorated tables, food and wine available, a programme of music, dance, physicality, comedy was put together under the direction of Artistic Director, Lansy Feng.

Linking the many and diverse items was the talented Bradley Storer, complete with white face as the Host, who also saw the audience through many raffle draws throughout the night.

The intro sketch had Madeline Magee Carr and Lansy Feng portray a range of characters in quick time with lightning change of an item of costume and headgear.

Transgender Eva Rees delivered some comedy, before Contortionist Kelsea Blackburn showed how supple her body was. Very impressive sequences of flexibility and agility that only could be achieved by someone who is doublejointed.

Anthony and Sara Pontonzo gave us a duet before Drag Artist Caito bared all discreetly to some gasps within the audience. Under the guidance of Reis Low, the audience rose and followed her musically with a range of vigorous arm, head, body and leg movement all before earning a rest before another raffle draw.

Krystal and Claire combined for their own display of acrobatic movement well-choreographed, Isabella Wang performed a musical rendition of her own composition while Lansy and Emma Drysdale joined for the last song before the audience were invited to stay on for more chats, drinks and dance.

Past and present participants of Wit, together with other local followers, would have enjoyed the Cabaret celebrating a milestone of theatrical achievement in the west. witinc.com.au

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Pass the Parcel

■ Pass the Parcel, the first collaboration between Meg Taranto and Elliot Wood, is set to be presented at Tasma Terrace as part of the

Melbourne International Comedy Festi-

from March 27 to April 7.

Audience members are invited to play together, as much as they are comfortable to do so, while Meg and Elliot clownishly facilitate a party world around them.

This is Taranto and Wood’s first collaboration together as a duo, after working together on last year’s Melbourne University Law Revue Both share a love of rambunctious comedy and play that cares about the world it is responding to.

If children’s games model the world as we want it to be experienced, then Pass the Parcel frequents as one of the most controversial. Does everyone get a prize? How much hope is appropriate? Life can be disappointing ... but does a party game have to be?

The show is an investigation of fun, power, the fun of power and the power of fun.

Performance Dates: March 27-April 7 at 9.30pm

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes, no interval

Venue: Tasma Terrace – 5 Parliament Place, Melbourne..

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ pass-the-parcel-tickets-773489196007

- Cheryl Threadgold

Trish Carr

■ The annual Lyrebird Awards event became extra special for Trish Carr when she was surprised with the news of being inducted into the Lyrebird Hall of Fame by her peers.

Trish has contributed to community theatre for over 30 years with many companies, including involvement with properties, set design, costumes, direction, production coordination, stage management and performance, and has participated as Lyrebirds Awards judge for over 18 years for all theatre genres.

In the professional theatre sector, Trish worked as head costumier on My Fair Lady at the Comedy Theatre, a designer for the Australian Fibre Show at Parliament House Canberra, and was commissioned to create a 1956 Olympic costume replica for the National Sport Museum. She was also involved in the State School Spectacular for four years as Assistant Costume Coordinator and workroom supervisor.

In the past, Trish has received 15 Lyrebird Award Nominations and received 13 Lyrebird Awards, including Best Actress, Best Support Actress, Best Director, Best Costumes and Best Set Design.

Trish's splendid all-round contribution to theatre over the years makes her induction into the Lyrebird Hall of Fame most well-deserving.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and after seeing the new British film Wicked Little Letters, that’s easy to believe.

Based on a true story, the film follows a strange case of a stream of letters with foul language and sexual innuendo that seems to be targeting a quiet English spinster who lives at home with her parents following the First World War.

The race is on to discover who could possibly be sending these ribald letters to Edith Swan (Olivia Colman).

The prime suspect is her younger Irish neighbour, Rose (Jessie Buckley) who is well known for her foul mouth and love of a rollicking life with few refinements and a refusal to behave as a prim young English women.

Initially, Edith befriends young woman, wanting to teach her how to improve herself and follow Edith’s buttoned-up ways. But once the two women fall out, the ‘wicked little letters’ start appearing in Edith’s mail.

Completing Edith’s dull and repressed existence are her nasty bully of a father (Timothy Spall) and her dominated mother, played by Gemma Jones.

Two fairly useless policemen, Chief Constable Spedding (Paul Chahidi) and wet behind the ears Constable Papperwick (Hugh Skinner) specialise in female belittlement and are determined to lock out from the investigation their sole female constable Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan)

This makes Gladys’ eventual victory in solving the case and vindicating Rose all the sweeter to watch. Helping Gladys unravel the crime are a few street smart village women, including Dame Eileen Atkins as Mabel.

It takes the viewer a little while to enter into the spirit of the absurd humour and bizarre characters of the little English village, but it’s done so well that the journey to unravelling the truth is hilarious and fascinating.

There are excellent performances from all these fine British actors, which is what makes the film succeed. And in these dark times, being transported to another time and a strange story to bewitch us is no bad thing.

And the fact that it actually happened in a court case in Littlehampton that resulted in four trials in 1923, does add a piquant touch to this black comedy.

Wicked Little Letters opens in cinemas on March 21.

- Julie Houghton

More Auditions

■ The Basin Theatre Company: God of Carnage (by Yasmine Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton) March 19, 20 and 24 at 7.00pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Julie Cunningham. Audition enquiries: juliehowdramatic@ gmail.com 0400 150 583.

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: After Dinner (by Andrew Bovell) May 1, 7.00-9.00pm; May 4 2.00-4.00pm at Crossroads Theatre, Cnr Duncan’s Rd and Synnot St., Werribee. Director: Fiona Scarlett. Audition deadline: April 22. A two-minute monologue selected by the auditionee is to be prepared and presented. For further details of characters and audition requirements, visit www.wyndham theatrecompany.org.au/ Please submit expressions of interest by emailing info@wyndhamtheatrecompany. org.au, or fill in the contact form on the website, specifying preferred date and character.

■ Malvern Theatre Company: True Minds (Joanna Murray-Smith) April 7 at 6pm, April 8 at 7pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Dexter Bourke. Audition enquiries: dexterb7251@gmail.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

● ● Evelyn Cronk with her debut novel Without Question. Photo: Carol West

● Timothy Spall, Olivia Coleman, Gemma Jones

● Trish Carr

LA MAMA CLOSES FOR 2025

■ La Mama Artistic Director Caitlin Dullard and the La Mama Committee of Management has advised that La Mama Theatre will temporarily cease public performance throughout 2025 to completely review its operations.

Last December, La Mama learned of an unsuccessful application for Creative Australia organisational funding for 2025-2028, and were also unsuccessful with this application in 2020.

Through the Federal Government's RISE funding, significant pandemic support from Creative Victoria, Job Keeper and generous private donations, La Mama was able to continue delivering on their core mission: 'to facilitate fearlessly independent theatre making.'

However, without Creative Australia’s organisational funding for 2025-2028, a current way of operating for La Mama Theatre is not viable.

“The La Mama model supports artists to create and present work, offering artists venue, ticketing, front of house, marketing and technical support, together with a modest production budget and 80 per cent of box office takings. La Mama takes 20 per cent, making a small contribution to operations,” a statement said.

“Not securing four-year funding from Creative Australia was first met with disappointment, but La Mama Theatre is now choosing to grasp this moment as an opportunity to implement sustainable and necessary organisational change, and are 'hopeful, inspired and excited for our future.'

“Throughout 2025, while not presenting work as usual, La Mama will be opening up both venues - La Mama Theatre and La Mama Courthousefor a series of artist residencies.

“Whilst concerned about the impact of this decision on the sector, La Mama is confident that this temporary pause will yield stronger outcomes for all.

“La Mama has a funded, dynamic program of events scheduled for the rest of 2024 and is committed to returning with clarity, energy and a whole lot of transformative theatre in 2026.

“And in 2025 La Mama will be supporting numerous artists undertaking research and development of new work, while at the same time undertaking its own crucial period of research and development.

“If interested to support La Mama's future philanthropically, contact Caitlin on caitlin@lamama.com.au or 9347 6948. Tax deductible donations can be made online at any time. lamama.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

The 39 Steps

■ The creative team behind this Hearth production of The 39 Steps needs an award for the almost seamless co-ordination of the required sound effects and lighting cues on a very inventive set where the simple rolling on and off of props and boxes creates a multitude of scenarios and situations. (Eloise Kent, Niklas Pajanti, Justin Gardam, Genevieve Davidson Emma Parfitt)

There is also a sense of comic genius that comes through in the reenacting of John Buchan’s novel adapted by Patrick Barlow. Sorab Kaikobad plays Richard Hannay, wrongly accused of murder, who travels across the United Kingdom discovering love, treachery, betrayal and a spy ring.

Jackson McGovern, Yvette Turner and Charlie Cousins play everyone else in the story – some 150 characters if the program blurb is correct. The physical storytelling has characters running on the roof of a train and scaling a precipice. There are comic routines that are priceless; the exchange of hats between McGovern and Turner being a case in point where characters and accents are instantly changed.

The challenge for director Charlie Cousins has been to balance the farce and the storyline. There are times when the former dominates the latter where overindulgence in the nonsense and routines might be considered superfluous.

At the same time, Barlow is providing a parody of the murder mystery genre – there are references to classic films of that era, allowing for both buffoonery and subtlety in the use of farcical forms and simultaneously sending it all up. It can be overwhelming.

There is a lesson in theatre to be had when watching this production and I will never look at the original novel in the same way ever again.

The vaudeville stage of the opening is a thing of the past as is an act like Mr Memory. He would be superseded by AI.

Such social and technological changes make the dated nature of Buchan’s work ripe for parody. What endures is the agelessness of theatre.

Presented at Chapel off Chapel

- Review by David McLean

Beast In The Room

■ Beast in the Room, an exploration of loss through the lens of a mother-son relationship will be performed from March 20 - 28 at Theatre Works, St Kilda. This new work juxtaposes the absurd and surreal with the lived experience, and aims to challenge perceptions and provoke introspection as it navigates the intricate nuances of grief and resilience.

International theatremaker April Albert and her 16 year old son Jule weave together a tale of building worlds and utopias amongst the dystopic. How are we marked and transformed by loss? Where do we find hope and healing for the next generation?

Reflecting on the inspiration behind Beast in the Room, April Albert says: “It was very important for me to go through the artistic process of making a show with Jule, who is not a performer and has no intention of working in theatre. As the mother of a son, I wanted him to experience the artistic process and understand the lived experience of loss for women. He experienced loss as well. If trauma can be inherited from one generation to the next, then so can love and emotional intelligence. It is an honour that we have been on this journey together.”

Performance Details: March 20-28 at 7.30pm. Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda. Bookings: theatreworks.org.au

Miller’s Girl

■ (MA). 93 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

Irritatingly obvious, this cut-rate Loilta wannabe unfortunately becomes tedious all-too-quickly, despite the earnest efforts of its main actors.

Set in ’nowhere’ Tennessee, we are introduced to school student Cairo Sweet (Jenna Ortega), who in desperately over-the-top narration, explains her rich and lonely background, and the boredom of living in a small town.

Along with friend Winnie (Gideon Adlon), they attend the creative writing class of Jonathan Miller (Martin Freeman), a failed author who fell into teaching.

An attraction develops between Miller and Cairo, but as the teacherstudent line begins to blur, events happen that will turn Miller’s life upside down.

Debutant writer/director Jade Halley Bartlett wants to provoke and confront, but overstates everything while mostly relying on cliche, so nothing feels challenging or convincing.

David Mamet/David Williamson-esque, it would have been fascinating to see what someone like Jennifer Kent would have done with the material.

RATING - **

Damsel

■ (M). 107 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix.

Imagine if the 1981 movie Dragonslayer was seen from the perspective of one of the maiden sacrifices, and you’ll know what to expect from Damsel, a mildly entertaining adventure that never truly soars, and suffers from a bland lead actor and predictable plot turns.

Millie Bobby Brown (of Stranger Things fame) stars as Elodie, a feisty young woman who lives in a time long ago, where knights dot the landscape and dragons do exist.

Living amongst a people who are poor, Elodie’s father, Lord Bayford (Ray Winstone), receives a sudden offer from a highly prosperous kingdom, where his daughter will be married off to Prince Henry (Nick Robinson), and in return will be paid piles of gold.

The family, which also includes younger sister Floria (Brooke Carter) and stepmother Lady Bayford (Angela Bassett), travel to the kingdom, and are wowed by its riches, and welcomed by Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright).

Elodie and Henry hit it off, and the wedding is a grand affair, but following a rather ominous mountain ceremony, she will be required to go into survival mode, as the resourceful bride must face a terrify-

ing creature. The script by Dan Mazeau (Fast X, Wrath Of The Titans) is functional rather than imaginative (the opening line is awkwardly self-aware and clunky), but is raised well-enough by director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (Intacto, 28 Weeks Later) , who breathes some life into the familiar material, and with the help of a strong technical crew, makes sure the film looks good.

Brown comes across as a lesser Natalie Portman, while Bassett is somewhat underused.

Wright’s casting seems to be a knowing, flipside wink to her 1987 breakout film, The Princess Bride While not breaking much in the way of new ground, Damsel is fun viewing.

RATING - ***

Anatomy Of A Fall

■ (MA). 151 minutes. Available to rent or buy on selected digital platforms.

Winner for Best Original Screenplay at this year’s Oscars, this compelling and absorbing drama from director Justine Triet is totally deserving of all the praise heaped upon it.

The story centres on successful author Sandra (Sandra Huller, who also stars in the Oscar winning film, The Zone Of Interest), who is put on trial after the death of her husband Samuel (Samuel Theis).

As media and public speculation threatens to distort what the truth actually is, her fate will largely rely on the testimony of her young son Daniel (Milo Machado Graner).

Triet , who also co-wrote the script, is in career best form, while the entire cast deliver exceptional performances.

There is also brilliant use of the camera, which at a number of key moments, will start as measured and static, as if neutral to the drama, then will suddenly, and cleverly, move in the way of a news media camera or a blogger mobile phone, turning and twisting what we are witnessing into the particular narrative these outlets or online people want. Truly one of the year’s best films.

RATING - ****½

● ● Charlie Cousins and Sorab Kaikobad in The 39 Steps.

Photo: Cameron Grant

● Aaron Rourke

■ Johnny Ladd is fondly remembered for his work in Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight on Channel Nine

The studios at Bendigo Street, Richmond were demolished, but the memories linger on.

Johnny Ladd was born in England in 1924 at Shardlow, Derbyshire.

Johnny became fascinated with theatre when he was taken to pantomimes and shows when he was just a youngster.

He began his stage career in his teenage years. Johnny served in the R.A.F. at the age of 16 during the Second World War and finished up in Canada

He entertained the troops and worked with Frank Thornton who later starred in the English television series Are You Being Served?

After the war was over Johnny returned to the stage. He toured with many famous people including Dick Emery and Tony Hancock.

Johnny told me during a radio interview in 2002 that he once shared an upstairs flat with Tony Hancock and they only had one key.

If Johnny was arriving home late he had a secret whistle to wake Tony up. Tony would open the window and throw the key down to Johnny in the street so that he could get in.

Johnny landed a job at the famous Windmill Theatre in 1948. He then began working as an ice skater in pantomimes and playing ‘the Dame’.

In 1956 he was cast in the hit musical Grab

Magazine Magazine

Whatever Happened To ... Johnny Ladd

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Me A Gondola , at the Lyric Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, playing opposite Denis Quilley

When the play toured the UK Johnny stayed with the show and eventually finished up in Australia

He decided to settle here and worked in pantomimes with the Tivoli Circuit

In 1958 he got into television in a Gaslight Music Hall series and then The Bobby Limb Show

He did a television series for ABC television titled Take Three with Shiela Bradley and Bill French and was also comedy producer for The Ted Hamilton Show

Johnny had gathered a lot of great comedy

material and when he joined In Melbourne Tonight he was able to utilise his collection of sketches and pass on his years of experience to cast members.

Johnny was working with Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton, Philip Brady, Patti Newton, Joff Allen, Buster Fiddess, Frank Rich, Peter Smith and many others during those wonderful years of variety television.

Over the years most of the comedy for Graham was written by Fred Parsons and later Mike McColl Jones.

Johnny appeared in more than 3000 comedy sketches and was with Graham's shows for 11 years. He rated Graham and Bert as the two best people he had ever worked with in show business.

Joe Latona, the renowned choreographer, was Johnny's business partner and they produced shows at Nero's Fiddle Restaurant in Nunawading for 10 years.

Johnny was associate producer on The Paul Hogan Show for seven years.

In 1970 Johnny appeared in the musical version of When We Are Married.

In 1998 he was flown to London to be a guest on This Is Your Life to surprise his old friend Frank Thornton.

He also did some acting in featured television roles in Number 96 and The Link Men Johnny's health deteriorated in later years and he had heart surgery in 2001.

Sadly Johnny Ladd passed away in 2004 at the age of 80. A month after his passing a tribute concert was held at The Princess Theatre to pay tribute to this great character and entertainer.

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Philip Brady and Simon Owens. And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

FIRST NATIONS MURAL UNVEILED AT OAKLEIGH

Launch time

■ Meir is launching a new range, collaborating with interior designer and television personality Darren Palmer.

The launch night at Toffee Studios in South Melbourne promises to be an affair filled with fun, glamour, interactive entertainment, nibbles, cocktails and more.

To the ABC

■ Abbir Dib has started as the Video and Social Lead at the ABC in Melbourne.

She is responsible for social media videos on entertainment and arts.

Abbir was most recently a Journalist / Social Media Producer for The Age, and prior to that, an Associate Producer for 9 News

Treasures

■ A stunning and poignant exhibition of Ukrainian art and craft opens in Melbourne this month showing thousands of years of the culture and traditions of the warravaged nation.

The exhibition, titled Treasures, includes paintings, ceramics, sculpture, embroidery, woodwork and decorated eggs.

Highlights among the pieces on show are the yellow, green and brown Kosiv ceramics, which come from the Carpathian mountains and have UNESCO heritage status.

There are also Pysanky decorated Easter eggs on which are motifs with beeswax and natural dye. There are also examples of the fascinating Bandura 60-string musical instruments.

The museum is behind the St Peter and St Paul Catholic Cathedral. The exhibition runs until March 20025.

Free Entry every Sunday from 10am – 1pm.

Ukrainian Treasures go on Show in Melbourne

St Peter’s and Paul’s Cathedral rear 35 Canning St.

North Melbourne - Peter Kemp

Monash Arts and Cultural Development

A First Nations mural, an exhibition of complex paintings and absurd animations, and a stellar lineup for the free music event Live at Warrawee are all the highlights across the arts at Monash this month.

Visitors to the Oakleigh Activity Centre will notice an eye-catching new feature on the external façade at Atkinson St car park.

The City of Monash unveiled a new work of public art by Gunditjnara Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba artist, Tom Day, aimed at celebrating First Nations culture and fostering a sense of community.

Titled Nanyubak, a Yorta Yorta word meaning ‘to dream the future’, the mural depicts the lines of connection that bind people to the land and to each other.

Bunjil the Eagle and Waa the Crow feature prominently, while the teal thread of the local Scotchmans Creek runs throughout.

Gum leaves feature in the work, welcoming people to the land of the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri Wot Wurrung People

Cup of Shepp

A Cup of Shepp and GV Art Contest

The five winning township artworks can now be found as a ceramic travel cups and mugs available at Greater Shepparton Visitors’ Centre

■ Shepparton winner – Kat Parker

■ Mooroopna winner – Anni Jane Linklater

■ Tatura winner – Karren Pollard

■ Dookie winner – Stephanie Taylor

■ Murchison winner – Katelyn Trevaskis

■ People’s Choice winner – Monica Burney – Overlooking the Lake.

An impression of the Shepparton Lake as mixed media, created with pressed dried leaves and flora, tree bark and water colour paint. Photo 2024 Environmental Futures

This season of Photo 2024 brings together celebrated artists Edward Burtynsky, Janet Laurence, Sonia

The Arts

with Peter Kemp

Payes, Lingan K , and Corber Musjandi with immersive, thoughtprovoking exhibitions that exploits the theme of environmental futures.

★ A Constant state of Transformation.

| Venue: Arts@Collins, Level 2, 417 Collins St. Melbourne.

Photographic artists: Michael Najjar, Xiao Hui Wang and Leela Schauble exhibit compelling projects that explore evolving technologies and the effects of climate change including new bodies of work for a constant state of transformation.

Both exhibitions close May 26. Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) 869 Ferntree Gully Rd.

Wheelers Hill

Grants open

■ Arts and Cultural Grants now open. The 2024 Maroondah Arts and Cultural Grants are now open. Not for Profit, incorporated groups a nd aspiring artists are eligible to apply for up to $5000 for arts or cultural projects. Projects can be in any form and must benefit the Maroondah community. Grant applications close Sunday April 14, midnight.

Maroondah Gallery

32 Greenwood Ave, Ringwood. Phone 9298 4565

- Peter Kemp

OK. With John O’Keefe

No fee for Coodabeens

■ Fellow scribe Jon Anderson reminded me the iconic Coodabeens sang at two, not one, AFL Grand Finals, as I previously reported. Coodabeens did the gigs free, gratis, as at the time, the AFL was broke. How times have changed as today talent fees start at six figures.

Kanye’s legal dust-up

■ Lawyers are due to be briefed in the case of estate of songwriter Donna Summer versus Kanye West. Singer Kanye West is accused of misappropriation of a song. West went ahead and recorded the song 'Don't Die' on his new album. It looks likely to be real battle with big money involved.

Chocolate Starfish on tour

■ I'm fascinated by rock groups who call their band by the weirdest of names. I'm sure there's a creative reason why Chocolate Starfish chose its name. Anyway, the name has been successful for 30 years. Commencing June, they will rock around major provincial cities ending in Warrnambool in October, tickets and gig details on Chocolatestarfish.com.au

Ita finishes at ABC

■ After a period as Chair of the ABC, Ita Buttrose has said 'No, thanks' to a four-hour farewell cocktail bash. Ita walks off into the sunset, May 6.

Leave it to Bieber

■ Alaia Baldwin Anonow got herself involved with a bar attendant in Club Elan, Georgia. Following a scuffle, Alaia - sister of Hailey Bieber - was charged with simple assault and battery casing her to be removed from the club.

By the way, family member Justin Bieber was immortalised in a lifesize wax model now on display at Madam Tussaud's, Hollywood. The big occasion was Justin's 30 th birthday, go visit him dressed in the same pink outfit he wore in the Peaches music video.

- John O’Keefe

● ● Johnny Ladd

● ● The Coodabeens

Across

Crossword No 16

Across Down Down

1.

6.

11.

15. Messenger

20. Jump

21. Laughing scavenger

22. Labyrinth

23. Resumé, curriculum ...

25. Victory cup

26. Of sound mind, compos ...

27. Holy city

29. Letter

32. Forbidden activity (2-2)

34. Neither ... nor that

36. Careworn

39. Pre-Soviet emperors

41.

46.

51.

52.

55.

59.

61.

62.

63.

64.

67.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

77.

78.

87.

92.

96.

98.

105.

106.

108. Brass instrument

111. Wordless play

112. White ants

114. Cannier

116. Citrus peel

119. German Mrs

120. Walkway

121. Non-com (1,1,1)

123. Was in debt to

124. Shrill bark

125. Name one by one

126. Vortex

127. Chair wheels

130. Came first

131. Wasted time

135. Record's secondary track (1-4)

138. Spoils

139. ... out a living

141. Countries' pennants

144. Economise, scrimp & ...

146. And so on

147. Infantryman, ... soldier

148. Crazy

149. Bread bun

150. Exercise club

151. Retained

152. Swallow up

153. The B of NB

155. Soviet Union (1,1,1,1)

157. Numerals system

158. Enclosure

160. Futuristic fiction (3-2)

161. Unsuitable

162. Ultra-virile

165. Building block

166.

167.

168. Mexican dip

169. Dispatch by post

171. Suspect's defence

172. Naval rank, chief ... officer

175. Rare pleasure

176. ... & hearty

179. Dried grape

180. Asian sauce bean

182. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco

184. Magazine subscriber

185. Cramped (space)

186. Perish

188. Sir ... Coward

189. Chest bone

190. Ancestry diagram, family ...

191. Wheel-shaft projection

193. On cloud ...

194. Swaggering walk

196. Fashion guru, Christian ...

197. Christmas carol, ... In A Manger

198. CDs, compact ...

200. Declare approval of

205. Olympic Games body (1,1,1)

207. King's title, Your ...

210. Resettlement

211. Bludgeoned

212. Pull heavily

213. Indian garment

214. Slimy substance

216. Red-rind cheese

218. Steer

219. Tibetan oxen

220. Employees

224. USA (5,3)

227. Snout

229. Abominable snowman

230. Antlered beast

231. Mutilates

232. Isolated

233. Towards interior of

235. Plentiful

237. Require

239. Wood-trimming tool

241. Of warships

244. Relaxation routine

246. Waffles

249. Child's guessing game (1,3)

252. Press down (4,2)

254. Toppled (over)

256. Group of six

258. Stuns

259. Sea rhythms

260. Foot arches

263. Queen's dog

264. Jogger

265. Ludicrous failure

267. Flowing away

270. Marmalade fruit

271. Spins

272. Mental stress

273. Leakage

274. Map book

277. Small car

279. Ready money

281. Circular

284. Ayes & ...

286. Security lapse

288. Rev counters

292. Measure of distance

294. Composer's work

295. Islands

298. Illumination

300. Orchestra section

301. Hymn, Ave ...

303. Hoisted (flag) (3,2)

306. Idolise

308. Engage (gears)

309. Lazily

311. Thug

314. Spanish friend

315. Salt, ... chloride

316. Conforming, ... the line

317. Without company

318. Filled pastries

319.

1. Cripple

2. Salesmen

3. Singer, ... Presley

4. Bury

5. Scottish valley

6. Short sleep

7. Kitchen garment

8. Uncovered

9. Corresponded in sound

10. Swiss lake

11. Most submissive

12. Convent

13. Utters

14. Pulped

15. Confines, ... in

16. Frill

17. Public profile

18. Festival

19. Street

24. Tennis ace, ... Lendl

28. Cries like crow

30. Ayatollah's land

31. Pace

33. Makes speech

35. Pressure line on map

37. Enlarge

38. Widespread

40. Wonkiest

42. Prickle

44. Single-celled organism

45. Respect

47. Donkeys

48. Proximity

49. Tiny fish

50. NSW industrial city

53. Tarmac surface

54. Bliss

57. New Zealand Rugby Union team (3,6)

58. Immersed

60. Into that place

63. Aperture

65. Regrettably

66. Eyelid inflammation

68. Group of cattle

69. Writer, ... Blyton

76. Stretchy tape

79. Smash into

80. Snake poison

81. Royal racecourse

83. Up & about

84. Grant

85. Watch covertly

88. Compass point

90. ... & ahs

91. Current units

93. Study of zodiac

95. Moist

97. Become beached, run ...

99. Music style, rock ... (3,4)

100. Sudden attack

102. Denim trousers

104. Yields, ... in

107. Prison rooms

109. Raise (livestock)

110. Region

111. Mongrel dog

113. Originate

115. Female calves

117. Tinted

118. Mirth

121. Journalists

122. Admitted guilt (5,2)

127. Undemanding (job)

128. Disjoin

129. Refits

132. Magician's chant

133. Bloodsucker

134. Military overthrow, coup ... (1'4)

135. Makes acquaintance of

136. Torvill or Dean (3-6)

137. Able

138. Organised for action

140. Communal bedroom

141. Burned unsteadily

142. Disbelievers

143. Portable weapons (5,4)

145. Closing tactics

151. Food-preparing room

154. Chilly

156. Remains

159. Also known as (1,1,1)

164. Afflict

169. Pancake topping, ... syrup

170. Aggravated

173. Lobe ornament

174. Cigar leaves

177. Ram star sign

178. Abrasive paper

181. Actor, Laurence ...

183. Substitute (5-2)

187. Listing down

192. Music colleges

195. Raise standard of

199. Treated badly (3-4)

201. Police informer

202. Debauched party

203. Delete

204. Milk coffee style, ... latte

206. Hi!

207. Intended

208. Model, ... Macpherson

209. Serving platter

213. Wiry-haired dog, ... terrier

215. Rich

217. Earth's satellite

221. Browned off (3,2)

222. Grind down

223. Polluted air

224. Expends, ... up

225. Terminate

226. Execute (law)

228. Entertainingly

234. Enlivening (7,2)

236. Mooches

238. Dine

240. Spot

242. Fan

243. Scotsman's pouch

245. Work clothes

247. Stupid

248. Concentrated scent

250. Autocue

251. Mounts

253. Actor, Robert De ...

255. Pigmented eye membrane

257. Great ages

258. Eagerly expectant

261. Higher in rank

262. Banishes

265. Girl

266. Actor, Will ...

268. Brazilian dance, ... nova

269. Affable

275. Filled tortilla

276. In present state (2,2)

278. Singer, ... Cole (3,4)

280. Side of sofa

282. Oh dear!

283. Starkers

285. Slight

287. Caresses with lips

289. Nuclear devices (1-5)

290. Distress signal

291. African disease fly

292. Small insects

293. Unknown author

296. Baby wrap

297. Long films

299. Phantom

302. Beatles drummer

304. Love

305. Plumbing trap pipe (1-4)

306. Heat up

307. Crowd sound

308. Sponges

310. Root vegetables

312. Cab

313. Phoned

● ● ● ● Hurstbridge. From Thorn’s Hill. Circa 1914.

●

● Old inn, Hurstbridge. 1979.

● ● The Bridge, Hurstbridge.

● Hurst’s Bridge

Meet The Principal

Sherrin Strathairn

Bundoora Primary School

Are you searching for a visionary school who can transform your child’s educational journey?

Look no further! We are thrilled to introduce you to Bundoora Primary School.

The School Principal, Ms Sherrin Strathairn, brings a passion for fostering academic excellence to the school, whilst fostering a sense of belonging to create a supportive community that encourages our students to reach their full potential.

At Bundoora Primary School we work to meet all students at their point of need. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment where students thrive.

Our staff prioritise communication and collaboration, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Our school has embraced the ‘Science of Reading’ Pedagogy, significantly enhancing student engagement and achievement. This approach helps all students to achieve their best and caters for neurodiverse learning.

Bundoora Primary’s school commitment to our students is evident through the many additional opportunities afforded to our children, ranging from our specialist classes: STEM, ICT, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and PE; to additional opportunities such as rock band, choir, art club, and student leadership.

Our unique Social Enterprise program allows students to work together to build empathy, understanding, and

a social conscience through fundraising for student-selected charities.

Additional extra-curricular activities offered after school include soccer, basketball, street dance, robotics, drama, music lessons and chess lessons.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of our vibrant educational community.

Call or email today to book a tour on 9467 2601 or bundoora.ps@ education.vic.gov.au .

Fact File

NAME: Sherrin Strathairn

SCHOOL NAME: Bundoora Primary School

PHONE: 9467 2601

WEBSITE: www.bundoroaps.vic.edu.au

EMAIL: Sherrin.strathairn@ education.vic.gov.au

Victorian Rural News

‘Buy a Bunnings sausage. Help the Good Friday Appeal.’

150 Freemasons volunteer to support Royal Children’s Hospital

You can help the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal in a practical way by buying a Bunnings Sausage in the late afternoon/early evening on Thursday, March 21, at 26 Bunnings outlets across Victoria. Bunnings are donating the sausages and bread, more than 150 volunteers from Freemasons Victoria will donate their time. Every dollar goes to the Appeal.

Late afternoon. early evening.

Thurs., March 21

At these 26 Bunnings outlets

•Altona

•Bairnsdale

•Ballarat

•Broadmeadows

•Carrum Downs

•Chadstone

•Chirnside Park

•Coburg

•Collingwood

•Delacombe

•Fairfield

•Keysborough

•Mernda

•Mill Park

•Moorabbin

•Norlane

•Pakenham

•Port Melbourne

•Preston

•Ringwood

•Shepparton

•Sunshine

•Taylors Lakes

•Warrnambool

•Waurn Ponds

•Yarrawonga

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Premier

■ Men’s Premier Firsts. Finals, Round 3 (Preliminary Final). Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Carlton

1st XI 5/314 v Prahran 1st XI. Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 7/304 v Ringwood 1st XI.

Seconds. Grand Final. Richmond 2nd XI 10/77 v Northcote 2nd XI 10/111 & 1/16.

Thirds. Grand Final. Prahran 3rd XI 10/ 171 v St Kilda 3rd XI 2/60.

Fourths. Grand Final. St Kilda 4th XI 6/ 281 v Prahran 4th XI.

Sub-District

■ North West First XI. Finals, Round 2. Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Spotswood 1st XI 8/362 v St Bernard's OC 1st XI. Kew 1st XI 10/197 v Altona 1st XI 1/16.

■ North West Second XI. Werribee 2nd XI 10/204 v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 0/4. St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/129 v Brunswick 2nd XI 0/19.

■ North West Third XI. Division 1. Werribee 3rd XI 1/28 v Brunswick 3rd XI 10/ 130.

■ North West Third XI. Division 2. Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 10/128 v Williamstown 3rd XI 10/76 & 1/1.

■ North West Fourth XI. Division 1. Brunswick 4th XI 3/54 v Werribee 4th XI 10/ 142.

■ North West Fourth XI. Division 2. Taylors Lakes 4th XI 10/189 v Hoppers Crossing 4th XI.

■ South East First XI. Noble Park 1st XI 7/107 v Brighton 1st XI 10/81. Ormond 1st XI 3/66 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/114.

■ South East Second XI. Balwyn 2nd XI v Elsternwick 2nd XI 4/206. Caulfield 2nd XI 9/ 271 v Ormond 2nd XI.

■ South East Third XI. Division 1. Oakleigh 3rd XI 4/230 v Caulfield 3rd XI.

■ South East Third XI. Division 2. Malvern 3rd XI 10/189 v Ormond 3rd XI 2/12.

■ South East Fourth XI. Division 1. Mt Waverley 4th XI 7/235 v Oakleigh 4th XI.

■ South East Fourth XI. Division 2. Elsternwick 4th XI 8/241 v Malvern 4th XI.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Grand Final, Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Heidelberg 1st XI 8/201 v Macleod 1st XI.

■ Money Shield. Plenty 1st XI 10/143 v Bundoora United 1st XI 0/1.

■ Mash Shield. Lower Plenty 1st XI 0/40 v Hurstbridge 1st XI 10/190.

■ B-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 9/206 v Epping 2nd XI.

■ C-Grade. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 0/6 v Plenty 2nd XI 10/252.

■ D-Grade. Bundoora Park 2nd XI 3/44 v Greensborough 2nd XI.

■ E-Grade. Lower Plenty 3rd XI 10/173 v Hurstbridge 2nd XI 2/51.

■ F1-Grade. Heidelberg 3rd XI 10/133 v Banyule 4th XI 0/0.

■ F2-Grade. Macleod 3rd XI 9/191 v South Morang 3rd XI

■ F3-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 4th XI 0/7 Bundoora Park 3rd XI 10/128.

■ G1-Grade. One-Day. Lower Eltham 3rd XI 2/106 v Laurimar 5th XI 10/104.

■ G2-Grade. Thomastown 3rd XI 7/139 v Mill Park 4th XI 7/143.

■ G3-Grade. Heidelberg 4th XI 4/153 v Bundoora United 4th XI 9/155.

Eastern

■ Alfred T. Dunstan Shield. Grand Final, Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Mont Albert 1st XI 0/3 v North Balwyn Bulls 1st XI 10/165.

■ Ken Wright Shield. East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 10/148 v Edinburgh 1st XI 1/ 11.

■ A Turf. Richmond City 1st XI 1/36 v Boronia Hawks 1st XI 10/124.

■ B Turf. Deepdene Bears 2nd XI v Ashwood 1st XI 10/174.

■ C Turf. Bulleen 2nd XI 10/177 v Glen Iris 2nd XI.

■ D Turf. Old Carey 3rd XI 10/193 v Mulgrave 2nd XI.

■ E Turf. East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 10/ 147 v Edinburgh 3rd XI.

■ F Turf. Heathmont 4th XI v St Kevins Old Boys 2nd XI 8/257.

■ Jim MacGibbon Shield. Trinity Willison CC 1st XI 0/3 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 10/ 169.

■ Kevin Burt Shield. Trinity Willison CC 2nd XI 0/1 v STC South Camberwell 1st XI 10/292.

■ John Menzies and John Mackay Shield. Trinity Willison CC 3rd XI v Burwood Uniting Canterbury CC 2nd XI 4/283.

■ A Synthetic. Glen Waverley 3rd XI 4/22 v Monash 2nd XI 10/88.

■ B Synthetic. West Ivanhoe United 2nd XI v Burwood Uniting Canterbury CC 3rd XI 6/299.

■ John McCarthy Shield. Deepdene Uniting 2nd XI 2/127 v Eagles Cricket Club 1stXI 9/125.

■ LOC2. Bill Laws Shield. One Day. Manningham 1st XI 5/218 v Eagles Cricket Club 2ndXI 10/136.

■ LOC3. Reg Lamborn Shield. St Stephens Greythorn 1st XI LOC 8/164 v Balwyn Saints 3rd XI 4/165.

■ LOC4. Barrie Tobias Shield. Salesian 1st XI 8/165 v St Andrews Gardiner 1st XI 10/ 136.

■ LOC5. Tom Minahan Shield. Ashwood 3rd XI 4/203 v Toorak-Prahran 4th XI 8/143.

■ LOC6. Michael Bingley Shield. Salvation Army Waverley 2/178 v St Andrews Gardiner 2nd XI 10/177.

■ LOC7. Eugene Fitzwilliam Shield. Manningham 4th XI 5/163 v East Doncaster 5th XI 6/160.

■ LOC8. Keith W. Carr Shield. Knox Churches LOC8 9/183 v Glen Waverley CC 7th XI - Sunday 10/42.

■ LOC9. David McIntyre Shield. Richmond City 4th XI 9/175 v Burnley CYMS 3rd XI 10/ 184.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Semi-Finals. Two Days. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Pines 1sts 9-d/313 v Sorrento 1sts 0/0. Langwarrin 1sts v Red Hill 1sts 10/146.

■ Peninsula Firsts. Mt Eliza 1sts 7/250 v Somerville 1sts. Rosebud 1sts 10/140 v Dromana 1sts 1/62.

■ District Firsts. Seaford 1sts 10/216 v Carrum 1sts 0/8. Carrum Downs 1sts 8/239 v Crib Point 1sts.

■ Sub-District Firsts. Mt Martha 1sts 9/ 240 v Skye 1sts. Boneo 1sts 10/184 v Tyabb 1sts 0/27.

■ Provincial Seconds. Old Peninsula 2nds v Pines 2nds. Baden Powell 2nds v Sorrento 2nds 9/247.

■ Peninsula Seconds. Baxter 2nds 10/201

v Mt Eliza 2nds 0/3. Somerville 2nds v Mornington 2nds 10/148.

■ District Seconds. Carrum Downs 2nds v Delacombe Park 2nds 10/237. Main Ridge 2nds 1/20 v Crib Point 2nds 10/153.

■ Sub-District Seconds. Tyabb 2nds 2/48

v Frankston YCW 2nds 10/103. Ballam Park 2nds 0/12 v Mt Martha 2nds 10/132.

■ A1-Grade. French Island 1sts v Langwarrin 3rds 5/337. Baden Powell 3rds v Old Peninsula 3rds 7/239.

■ A2-Grade. Mornington 3rds v Red Hill 3rds 8/183. Tyabb 4ths 9/136 v Baden Powell 4ths.

■ A3-Grade. Balnarring 3rds v Mt Eliza 3rds 7/238. Pines 3rds 9/232 v Langwarrin 4ths.

■ A4-Grade. Sorrento 3rds v Tyabb 5ths Forfeit. Boneo 3rds 1/25 v Frankston YCW 3rds 10/99.

■ B1-Grade. Carrum Downs 5ths 10/203 v Somerville 4ths 1/25. Baden Powell 5ths 7/ 250 v Long Island 5ths.

■ B2-Grade. Skye 4ths v Red Hill 4ths. Balnarring 4th XI v Boneo 4ths

■ C1-Grade. Seaford 3rds 2/130 v Mt Eliza 5ths 10/129. Langwarrin Senior Men 6th XI 8/ 217 v Pearcedale 3rds 7/239.

■ C2-Grade. Crib Point 4ths v Tyabb 7th XI. Mt Eliza 6ths 1/132 v Mt Martha 5ths 10/ 130.

■ C3-Grade. Mt Martha 6ths 3/138 v Flinders 3rds 10/134. Main Ridge 3rds v Sorrento 5ths.

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Preliminary Final. Two Days. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Rivergum CC 1st XI 1/1 v Camrea CC 1st XI 10/183.

■ Jack Quick Shield. Dennis CC 1st XI 1/ 26 v Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 10/155.

■ Jack Kelly Shield. Rivergum CC 2nd XI 9/ 253 v Northern Socials CC 1st XI.

■ B-Grade. Grand Final. Day 1. Keon Park CC 2nd XI 9/313 v Balmoral Redbacks CC 1st XI.

■ C-Grade. Royal Park Reds CC 1st XI 9-d/ 144 v Holy Trinity CC 3rd XI 0/2.

■ D-Grade. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 3rd

XI 10/113 v Dennis CC 3rd XI 1/25.

■ Robert Young DODC. Bellfield CC OD 10/ 167 v Olympic Colts CC OD 4/168.

■ Casey Radcliffe DODC. Ivanhoe Mavericks CC OD 10/130 v Keon Park CC OD 6/ 131.

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Grand Final, Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Lilydale 1st XI v North Ringwood 1st XI 5/238.

■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Mooroolbark 1st XI Men's 10/96 v Croydon Ranges CC 1st XI 4/35.

■ Stuart Newey Plate. Warranwood 1XI 2/ 146 v Mt Evelyn 1st XI 9/52.

■ Pat Meehan Shield. East Ringwood 2XI 2/36 v Healesville 1st XI 10/154.

■ Ian Spencer Shield. Templeton 2nd XI 7/ 158 v Montrose 3rd XI.

■ David Beatty Shield. North Ringwood 3rd

XI 10/142 v East Ringwood 3XI 1/28.

■ Don Smith Shield. Ainslie Park 3rd XI 10/ 239 v Yarra Glen Senior Men 1st XI.

■ John Springett Shield. Wandin CC 2nd

XI v Healesville 2nd XI 9/284.

■ A-Grade. Grand Final. One Day. Seville Burras 3XI 8/175 v Chirnside Park 3rd XI 10/ 75.

■ B-Grade. Templeton 3rd XI 10/121 v Wonga Park CC 4th XI 5/109.

■ C-Grade. Coldstream 2ndXI 7/176 v Kilsyth 4th XI 7/158.

■ D-Grade. Warranwood 4XI 9/162 v St Andrews 5th XI 6/175.

■ E-Grade. Ainslie Park 4th XI 5/162 v Wantirna 1st XI 10/145.

■ F-Grade. Kilsyth 5th XI 8/159 v St Andrews 6th XI 9/160.

South East

■ Longmuir Shield. Grand Final, Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Bentleigh ANA 1 v Le Page Park 1 6/228.

■ Woolnough Shield. Washington Park 1 1/ 22 v West Bentleigh 1 10/215.

■ Quiney Shield. Omega 2 8/268 v Carnegie South 1.

■ Pullen Shield. CUCC Kings 1 v East Sandringham 2 9/212.

■ E-Grade. Highett West 1 0/38 v Melbourne Districts United 1 10/119.

■ F-Grade. Washington Park 3 7/168 v Elwood 3 6/170.

■ G-Grade. Southside East Caulfield 1 9/212 v East Bentleigh Central 2 7/211.

■ H-Grade. Hampton United 3 2/174 v East Oakleigh 1 7/172.

■ I-Grade. East Sandringham 5 3/173 v Elwood 4 9/158.

■ J-Grade. Brighton Union 3 10/78 v Cheltenham Park 4 4/228.

■ K-Grade. Melbourne Hellenic 1 2/190 v Hampton United 4 7/189.

■ L-Grade. West Bentleigh 4 10/133 v East Oakleigh 2 9/134.

■ M-Grade. Dingley 2 10/62 v Cheltenham Park 5 10/110.

Stars with Kerry Kulkens

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 4,5,6,7

Lotto Numbers: 1,4,12,23,34,41,

It is generally not advisable to mix business with pleasure. Regarding your assets, being cautious and keeping your friends at a distance is best. Seeking expert advice can help handle any issues that arise professionally and efficiently. Trusting the professionals to do their job can offer peace of mind and protect your assets.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 4,23,31,23,34,49,

The universe is working in your favour, and you can expect abundant, favourable opportunities to come your way. Your friendships during this period will be significant, and you may develop strong bonds with those around you. Your compassionate nature and willingness to assist others will be highly valued and appreciated.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6,7,8,9

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,45,5

This is a time of financial success and prosperity, but it's essential to carefully examine all the details before signing any agreements or contracts. It's also wise to discuss any significant moves or plans with other parties impacted by your decisions to ensure everyone is on the same page. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your success continues and that you avoid any unnecessary complications or misunderstandings.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,5,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,45,5, This time frame doesn't necessarily have to be ridden with misfortune. However, verifying everything you hear or are told by seeing it with your own eyes is advisable. Positively, you should encounter fewer financial challenges during this period.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 6,7,8,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,41,11,

The upcoming period promises to be bustling with many invitations and friendly contacts. For those who trust their intuition, it may lead to fortunate outcomes, especially for those who take calculated risks. However, it is essential to tread carefully with colleagues at work, as disagreements may arise if tact and diplomacy are not exercised.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,5,23,36,41,22,

This is a reminder to take a moment and focus on tasks that have been waiting for your attention. It is essential to keep your priorities in order and avoid potential mistakes by clarifying instructions. Additionally, be on the lookout for new career opportunities that may arise.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,41,22,

As the stars align, now is an opportune moment to tackle those lingering tasks that have been put on the back burner. However, it is essential to maintain the status quo within the household and refrain from making any sudden changes that could cause disruption. The whims of fate may bring unexpected surprises, but for most, they will have a fortunate outcome. In fact, this may even signal a time of relocation, as new and exciting opportunities arise in faraway places.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,4.

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,45,22, It may not be as thrilling or eventful as you might hope during this time. However, it presents an opportunity to assess and manage your finances effectively. It's possible that an unforeseen occurrence might cause significant disruption, but if you remain open-minded and adaptable, you can navigate it with ease.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 1,4,5,2

Lotto Numbers: 1,13,23,32,5,8,

To maintain a harmonious environment, it's imperative to put in the effort to keep the peace at home. It's essential to prioritise your health and well-being by committing to a fitness program that works for you. You never know who might show up unexpectedly, so be prepared for a pleasant surprise from someone in your past.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1,4,2,3,

Lotto Numbers: 1,12,23,34,41,22, With careful planning and a thoughtful approach, any investment has the potential to be profitable. You may be engrossed in exciting travel and outdoor activities, leaving little room for anything else. Additionally, watch for good news from a partner or loved one.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,5,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,41,22,

To avoid any potential legal trouble, spending only on essential items and not taking any unnecessary risks with authorities is advisable. Your romantic relationships appear to be shrouded in mystery, but your irresistible sex appeal may attract a lot of attention and interest from others.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 1,4,2,3

Lotto Numbers: 1,13,23,34,41,11,

During this period, you can expect to enjoy engaging in social activities and reconnecting with friends and family. It's an opportune time to complete any unfinished tasks or projects that have been hanging over your head. However, it's best not to anticipate any significant financial changes during this period. Instead, focus on enjoying the present moment and making the most out of your social opportunities.

GOLDEN SLIPPER TO GLITTER

■ The Chris Waller colt, Switzerland, shot into favortism for the Golden Slipper with a big win in the Todman Stakes at Randwick.

With James McDonald in the saddle the son of Snitzel made short work of the opposition.

Switzerland beat the likes of Straight Charge, Bodyguard and Espionage.

Star colt Storm Boy , who recently made it four on end in the Skyline Stake, was the dominant horse in the upcoming Golden Slipper to be run this Saturday Rosehill, prior till then.

Storm Boy, prepared by leading Sydney trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, showed his class leading all the way to win by a length and half.

Some good judges said the draw could be the big worry, although winning form is good form.

He evidently was sold for many millions to the Coolmore Stud with a contract for more from his stake-earnings on top of that when he finishes racing.

Another promising youngster, Espionage from the Waterhouse-Bott team, was most impressive in winning the Silver Slipper in good fashion, but missed a place behind Switzerland in the Todman.

The colt proved he had the goods winning for his sire, Zoustar , but could he beat his stablemate Storm Boy?

Yet again, can the runner-up in the Silver Slipper run well for the top couple, Gai and Andrew

Another of the Waterhouse-Bott team is smart. Lady of Camelot was unlucky in the Blue Diamond, just nutted by another good filly in Hayasugi, who has won three of her five starts.

Prepared by Clinton Mc Donald, she will now have a crack here in the Golden Slipper.

Another of the big from team is the Waterhouse-Bott camp prepared Fuly Litt, who impressed in winning at Randwick back on February 10.

Chris Waller came to the fore winning with his nice Sniitzel colt, Switzerland, to make it two from two, when he won over 1100 metres at Randwick back on February 17, beating two good horses in Shangrilla Express and Extreme Diva.

Leading Sydney trainer Michael Freedman looks like he has produced a good one in Manaal, who won the Sweet Embrace Stakes beating Fly Fly and Extreme Diva

Prost, another of the Waterhouse-Bott team, put in a good run when second to the early favourite for the Slipper, in Strong Boy.

One that was a bit stiff not to get a run in the Blue Diamond, Bodyguard, who sustained an injury and was a late scratching, failed to fire in the Todman.

Prepared by the Snowden team he had won his previous two starts he looked the goods, could he atone here.

The good filly with the Hayes team, Bold Bastille , won in style, after being found to be injured at her previous start in the early part of the lead-up races to the Blue Diamond

The favourite in the Blue Diamond, Coleman, found the big field in the Diamond a bit hard to cope with and failed to produce his best.

The big field here won’t help either if he goes around.

Ted Ryan

headlines and elicited plenty of rumours about their plans.

“Top racing man, Vin Cox, has only been in the top job around about three months and has heard a thousand rumours, and not one of them true”.

Victoria’s biggest breeder presents Victoria’s biggest yearling draught at the Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne; Jessica Owers caught up with both Cox and Sam Fairgray

Yulong Racing has been the biggest player over recent times when it comes to buying broodmares, so it was interesting to hear Cox talk of plans to disperse up to 100 mares at the sales in the coming months.

This week’s news has been dominated by the Boards of Racing NSW and Racing Victoria.

First to NSW, where Dr Saranne Cooke, has been chosen as the first woman to Chair Racing

in NSW. However, the fact that former Racing Minister, Kevin Greene, is back on the Board was met with the concern of Thoroughbred Breeders NSW

Is the civil war over in Victorian Racing after stakeholders rejected a move to unseat five Board members?

It doesn’t look likely with focus now turning to the future of the Racing Executive led by CEO, Andrew Jones.

Here’s a b interesting feature on the evolution of thoroughbred nutrition over the years.

The great Bart Cummings knew nutrition was a critical part of successfully training racehorses and, a bit like ‘no foot, no horse’, without good and effective feed, his equine stars would not have enjoyed the success that he did.

Life hasn’t been easy for Lunar Fox, made famous after winning the Australian Guineas in 2021, at big odds,

However, a Victorian farmer, has made it comfortable for the galloper, giving the Stallion a home on his wheat and sheep Farm in the Wimmera.

Last, but not least, whilst on the country scene, it iks the end of an era with news that you can’t have a bet on the famous Stawell Gift, behind banned from this year.

It prevents betting on races at Stawell concerning runners being under 19 years of age.

Retiring type

■ Champion sire, Exceed and Excel, on the eve of his 20th Anniversary at stud, has been retired from stud duties with great appreciation and admiration from his retirement on the Darley Stallion’s roster.

Exceed and Excel retired from racing as the winner of seven races from 11 starts, six at Group Level, including elite-level victories in the Group One Newmarket Handicap, and the Group One Level Dubai Racing Club Cup, and the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

● ● Gai Waterhouse.Racing Photos.

● ● ● ● Aerial view of Melbourne Orphange, Brighton. Circa 1920s

●

● ● ● Bryant and May picnic at Brighton Swimming Pool. 1937.

●

● ● ● Hotel, Brighton Beach

● ● ● ● Brighton Beach. 1880s.

● ● Brighton Baths. 1940s.

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AIR CONDITIONER. Twin model 35-litre tanks. Model XC 235. Power 2.5 HP. 20 metres blue hose. VGC. $150. Wollert. 0412 851 954. H-K

BARBECUE. Gas. Five burner. New ignition assembly. Wheels. Very clean gas tank, full. VGC. $150. Pascoe Vale. 0419 188 356.F-I

BEER BREWING KIT. Includes two hydrometers, air lock brewing containers, 1 x 25-litre, 1 x 10-litre sping loaded bottle capper. GC. $20. Hastings. 0466 252 967.F-I

BICYCLE. 7-speed fuldup bike. Used twice. Includes helmet, master lock and light. New. $100. Ferntree Gully,. 0433 887 719.F-I

BIKE STAND. olds a stationery bike while you pedal. GC. Paid $180, sell $30. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. F-I

BLINDS. Clarke’s. Suitable for 4 bedroom house, 1 kitchen, 238cm x 120cm down. Dining 2 x 177cm x 125cm. Deck 180cm x 210cm, `100cm c 10cm down. Lounge 230cm x 177cm.

Bedroom 1 x 2 60x 180 x 90 @ x 180 bedroom 2+3 175 x 120cm down. Office/bedroom 4 175cm x 120cm. All as new. Charcoal and beige colour. EC. $950 total. Officer. 0407 339 696. H-K

BOOKS, Storey Treehouse. 13 to 143. Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Immaculate condition. $25. Brighton. 0402 027 621. H-K

BUNNINGS Complete Guide To Gardening. New. $10. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356.F-I

CARAVAN TOWING HITCH. 3.0 ton. Ease lift, elite. GC. $200. Hastings. 0466 252 967.F-I

CARAVAN. 2011 Jayco Eagle Outback. Inner spring mattresses, bike rack, roof rack, non-smokers, stove unused, good clean condition. $20,000, price is firm. View in Bayswater. Phone Dean, 0407 350 560.F-I

ENCYCLOPEDIA. World Book. Plus Year Books 80/ 81. Science Books 82/83 and World Book Dictionary A-K/L-Z. $90 or offer. GC. $90. Frankston. 9789 9634.F-I

FRIDGE. LC 400-lt. Bot freezer, stainless finish. HT 1730, Wide 700, deep 660. 6 years old. As new. $300. Hastings. 0466 252 967.F-I

GENERATOR. Petrol. 4stroke. 1000 watts. Ideal for camping. Lights fridge. Small power tools. Little use. VGC, as new. $250. Launching Place. 5967 4412.F-I

LOUNGE. Leather. White, 2-seater.

MOBILITY SCOOTER. Front basket. Rear larger sealed bag. Two large new batteries. VGC. $2000. Reservoir. 9460 1501. F-I

MOBILITY WHEELCHAIR. Ridge. Purchased 2023. Model Ul8-W12. Metallic red. Trim two-tone grey. As new. $2100. Bellfield. 9499 5896. H-K

PARK BENCH. Wrought Iron Ends. Needs Wooden Slats. Handyman’s delight to put together. Needs a little TLC, paint. GC. $40. Surrey Hills. 9808 9176, after 5pm is good time. F-I

REGISTRATION PLATES. Personalised. MISUBI. B/W. Slimline. VGC. $1500 or offer. Frankston. 9789 9634. F-I

TELEVISION. Panasonic. 32 inch. GC. $30. Mount Martha. 5973 4163. H-K

RIDE-ON Easy Lift for easy cleaning and maintenance of your ride-on lawn mower. Folds flat for easy storage. Like new. $250. Yarck. 0414 718 812.H-K

ROOF TILES. Dark brown. Terra cotta. 150. GC. Free. Launching Place. 5967 4412.F-I

STAGS ELKS FERNS. Loads of so many plants, indoor, outdoor. Ideal presents, rubber, bird of paradise. Hydrangeas, lillies, Bromelids, beautiful colours, ground covers. Why pay retail? Special Canna lillies, red from $15. New. Noble Park. 0407 325 030.F-I

SPORTLINER VAN. With annex, microwave, double bed, sink, hot water, gas, hot plates, TV aerial, kitchen stuff, bedding. Seats 3. Electric brakes very tight, 690,000-km. Easy to tow. Year 209. GC. $13,000. Rosebud. 5986 6352.F-I

TOYS, books, records, DVDs, plants, clothese (emn’s, women’s, mainly 10-16). Plastic plates, knives, forks, dog bowls, jackets, toilet training, bird seed. GC and EC. From $2. Noble Park. 0407 325 030.F-I

VHS TAPES. 4-hour running time. New. Never used. $4 each. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356.F-I

VIBRATION TRAINER. Wellness. Clare. Circulation Stimulator. VGC. $200. Frankston. 9789 9634.F-I

WANTED TO BUY

AWA RADIOLA portable transistor model released around 1960-1961. Brown colour preferred. Round dial, plastic white. Average to good working working condition. Will pay $200+. Beaumaris. 9589 1457.F-I

PIANO ACCORDION. Wanted. Small Size 24 or 32, Bass red colour preferred. GC. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. H-K

PAUL

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Anna

Public Notice of

State,

the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of all associated Copyright Protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis, commonly known as The Commonwealth of Australia, Public Record Number RPP44 63900 05100 30953 88600, Proclamation Date 1 March 2024; severing Usufruct Subjugation ties with the Australia Corporation in its entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected Financial Instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Anna Maria Salerni© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin; Glossa.

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Carmina Patricia Trani©, of Pascoe Vale South, Victoria State, is not a voluntarily transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of all associated Copyright Protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis, commonly known as The Commonwealth of Australia, Public Record Number RPP44 63900 05100 30953 87603, Proclamation Date 29th February 2024; severing Usufruct Subjugation ties with the Australia Corporation in its entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected Financial Instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Carmina Patricia Trani© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin; Glossa.

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Meet The Principals

Gerard Foley, Ivanhoe Grammar School

As a passionate educator, Gerard believes every student can become the best version of themselves, and it is the role of schools to support them.

Gerard is committed to the philosophy of developing young people who have moral, performance and civic character; young people who go out into the world with open minds and a sense of belonging, which compels them to contribute meaningfully to their local and global communities.

Global citizenship is a critical component of an effective education; for students to develop a broad understanding and appreciation of the world they live in and shape.

As Principal of Ivanhoe Grammar School, Gerard has overseen significant innovative learning programs and capital works projects including:

■ a hybrid secondary school-university experience for Year 9 students at the Ivanhoe Grammar School University Campus

■ a multi-levelled state-of-the-art Senior Years Centre at Ivanhoe Campus

Fact File

NAME: Ivanhoe Grammar School

L L LOCA OCA OCA OCA OCATIONS: TIONS: TIONS: TIONS: TIONS: Ivanhoe Campus | Plenty Campus | University Campus

PHONE: 9490 1877

WEBSITE: ivanhoe.com.au

EMAIL: info@ivanhoe.com.au

catering for the unique needs of Years 10 to 12 students

■ Ivanhoe Edge – a holistic co-curricular enrichment program for students passionate

■ sport providing strength and conditioning, tailored development and goal setting, one-to-one and small group training

■ Ivanhoe Swim and Ivanhoe Dance – learn to swim/dance programs available to the general public

■ Global Education Program – a ground-breaking program setting a new benchmark for incorporating global citizenship education into the school curriculum

■ Character Education – Ivanhoe Grammar School becoming one of the first schools in Australia to be formerly accredited as a ‘School of Character’ by the international organisation Character.org

Gerard has overseen two five-year Strategic Plans at Ivanhoe and he is committed to Ivanhoe continuing to offer a breadth of learning opportunities, which has been the hallmark of an Ivanhoe Grammar School education for over 100 years.

Jason McBean, Laurimar Primary School

● ● Jason McBean

Meet Jason McBean, the innovative Principal of Laurimar Primary School, where your child's educational journey begins with excitement and promise. We invite you to explore the myriad of opportunities awaiting your child during your visit at LPS.

Discover our robust Literacy and Numeracy programs, diverse extracurricular activities, and innovative programs in Prep that sets a strong foundational base for all learning.

Timothy Nemcomb, Marymede Catholic College

Jolie and Furmaan from Marymede Catholic College’s &-12 Campus in Doreen, sat down with their Principal Mr Timothy Newcomb, for this Meet the Principal Q&A:

F F F F F: :: : What inspired you to become a Principal?

T T T: :: : : I know how impactful education is, and so by being a Principal, I’ve got the opportunity to help lot of people to learn, to grow and to be the very best people they can be.

F F F F F: :: : : When you were a kid, did you want to be a Principal when you grew up?

T T T: :: : Well, besides wanting to play football for Essendon or cricket for Australia – I actually wanted to work in medical research, but then I really felt that I had a calling to work in education, where I could make a difference for young people.

J: J: J: What inspires you to continue being a Principal?

Fact File

NAME: Laurimar Primary School

L L L L LOCA OCA OCA

OCATION: TION: TION: 1 Armidale Rd, Doreen

PHONE: 9717 7100

WEBSITE: https://www.laurimarps. vic.edu.au/

EMAIL: laurimar.ps@ education.vic.gov.au

As a larger school, we offer unparalleled opportunities including our year-round InterSchool sports program, specialized subjects such as our vibrant Arts Program and Chinese language curriculum as well the Energy Breakthrough program for our senior students. These opportunities are all designed to extend your child’s learning experiences.

At Laurimar, we pride ourselves on fostering a vibrant and inclusive culture through strong partnerships with the local community. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to holistic education.

We prioritize not only academic success but also the overall development of every child, focusing on how they learn and grow as individuals.

As the demand for enrolment continues to rise, Laurimar Primary School stands as a beacon of educational excellence.

Experience firsthand what makes us unique by visiting our school. Together, let's embark on a journey of learning and discovery, where every child's potential is celebrated and nurtured at Laurimar Primary School.

Fact File

NAME: Marymede Catholic College

L L LOCA OCA OCA OCATION: TION: TION: 60 Willi amsons Rd, South Morang PHONE: 9407 9000

WEBSITE: marymede.vic.edu.au

EMAIL: reception@ marymede.vic.edu.au

T T: :: : : I love seeing students grow and learn new things – and if they have difficulties, I enjoy working with our amazing staff, who help students find ways to be their best version of themselves and discover their own unique pathways.

J: J: J: What do you enjoy most about your job?

T T: :: : Our students! Witnessing their achievements and the pride they take in their success is the most rewarding aspect of my role.

Brian Hanley, St Monica’s College, Epping

St Monica’s College, Epping is a coeducational Catholic College that was established in 1964 and is based on two campuses in Epping.

The College offers a modern curriculum with a wide choice of subjects. Our cocurricular activities are highly regarded with many options in sport, arts and STEM.

We welcome a diverse cohort of students with the assurance that we will ensure that each and every one has the best opportunity to be their best.

At our College, no student is left behind.

Our principal, Mr Brian Hanley OAM, commenced as principal in 1991.

He has overseen the ongoing development of the College infrastructure as well as ensuring our curriculum meets the challenge to give our students the education they need to

Fact File

NAME: St Monica’s College, Epping

L L LOCA OCA OCA

OCATION: TION: TION: 16 Davisson St, Epping

PHONE: 9409 8800

WEBSITE: stmornics-epping.com

EMAIL: admin@ stmonicas-epping.com take them forward in life.

“I am committed to ensuring that we provide the best education we can to the youth of the northern suburbs of Melbourne, supported by the best staff and state-of-the-art facilities.

“At St Monica’s College every student matters and we leave no student behind,” Mr Hanley said.

Brian was awarded an Order of Australia Medal for his services to secondary education in 2021.

● ● Gerard Foley

● ● ● ● Timothy Newcomb speaks with Jolie and Furmaan

● ● Brian Hanley OAM

YEA, 24 Yea Springs Drive

Premium New Build

For Sale

$800,000 - $860,000

Nutrien Harcourts Yea in pleased to present 24 Yea Springs Drive, Yea, a 2023 new build with no expense spared on upgrades and features.

The North facing home is located in the quiet Yea Springs Estate, situated on 880m2 of land which adjoins a rural farming property offering a great outlook and the occasional friendly cow.

Presenting a great opportunity to own a new home without the hassle of building and includes a full 7 year builders warranty.

The home offers a King master suit with full ensuite & WIR, 3 Queen bedrooms with built in robes and fans, a central bathroom with separate toilet, full laundry and an abundance of storage space.

The large entrance hallway flows through to a formal living room and open plan kitchen, living and dining room.

The well appointed kitchen features 900mm Westinghouse cooktop/oven, Bosch water efficient dishwasher, double sink, stone bench tops, closing draws and a full walk in pantry. The home has been finished with 2.7m ceilings, full insulation, block out blinds, solar hot water with electric back up, large double gates for rear access and a double garage with extended dual cross over.

Contact Kye Rishworth on 0407 041 395 for further details and inspection times

YEA, 439 Ti Tree Creek Road

"Escape to Country Paradise"

Key Features

- 3 bedroom & 2 bathroom Australian Modern Homestead Style house

- 12m x 4m Saltwater pool with solar heating

- 75 acres split into 11 paddocks

- Self contained tiny home

- 3.6 KW Solar system

- 6 Bay machinery shed

- 3 bay barn with mezzanine

- 6 bay shed with concrete floor

- Large dog run

- Large chicken coup

- Active bore connected to 27,000L tank and paddock troughs

- 2 dams

- 91,000L fresh water tank storage powered by solar set up currently available.

Approx Year Built 2003

Kerryn Rishworth 04 1234 6169

kerryn.r@nh.com.au