The Local Paper. Eastern Suburbs Edition. Wed., Sep. 17, 2025
Mon.-Fri. 9am-6pm,
10am-4pm, Sun. 10am - 4pm
■ Sonja Terpstra, North-Eastern Metropolitan MLC, spoke in State Pasrliament, last week about a new virtual clinic for women’s health.
Ms Terpstra sought an update on how Victorian women and girls are benefiting from the virtual women’s health clinic, particularly in regard to abortion care, advice and treatment.
“The Allan Labor Government virtual women’s health clinic is now open to all Victorian women and girls of any age, providing free, expert advice on a wide range of health needs, including endometriosis and pelvic pain, menstrual health, cervical screening, menopause care, breast health and sexual and reproductive health such as contraception and abortion.
“The clinic is led by specialist nurses and can be accessed via telehealth either online or by phone.
“This makes it easier for women across the state, particularly in rural and regional and remote communities, to receive timely care without the barrier of distance,” Ms Terpstra told the Legislative Council.
■ Monash Council is lighting up Eaton Mall with a series of artistic footpath projections by Oakleigh-based designer Elle Abdo Installed this month, the projections celebrate the area's rich cultural identity through public art.
Elle's designs prominently feature the olive leaf in rich Hellenic blue, a symbol deeply rooted in Greek mythology, culture and history.
“Traditionally associated with peace, wisdom and resilience, the olive leaf serves as a meaningful tribute to the Greek community's enduring influence in the area,” said a Council representative.
It's also an area close to Elle’s heart, with her business based in Eaton Mall
“I've watched Eaton Mall grow and transform over the years,” she says.
“I feel so proud to have made even a small contribution to the vibrancy and colour of the precinct.
“I can't wait to witness it all unfold with front row seats from my office balcony.”
Sonja Terpstra
Overgrown berries: road safety worry
■ Croydon MLA David Hodgett has asked Roads Minister Melissa Horne to ask the Department of Transport and Planning to urgently clear the overgrown blackberry bushes that are overhanging the footpath on the pedestrian refuge at the corner of Mount Dandenong Rd and Wicklow Avenue in Croydon
“This is not a new issue. My office wrote to VicRoads a couple of years ago requesting this area be cleaned up, and yet despite the passage of time and the growing concern from residents, the problem remains unresolved.
“This pedestrian refuge is heavily used, not only by general foot traffic but also by senior residents from the nearby retirement village on Wicklow Avenue
“These residents have expressed their concern about the overgrown blackberries, which pose a physical hazard.
“They are worried about being scratched or injured while simply trying to cross the road safely. Indeed, this is one of many areas around the electorate that is under the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Planning and VicRoads that is unkept or unmaintained.”
Vale Dr Thong Tel
■ Clarinda MLA Meng Heang Tak has paid tribute to the late Dr Thong Thel
“Dr Thong Thel dedicated more than three decades of service to communities across both Cambodia and Australia in the fields of education, language and cultural support,” Mr Tak said.
“Born in Cambodia, he arrived in Australia in 1975 on a Colombo Plan scholarship to pursue a masters degree in linguistics while his late wife Long Lay Thong and their young children remained in Cambodia
“The Khmer Rouge took over in the same year. In 1976 he undertook an interpreting and translating course, which marked the beginning of his longstanding commitment to supporting refugees and migrants in their settlement journeys in Australia.
“Later he shared his expertise by training future interpreters and translators at RMIT. His wife and children survived the killing fields and reunited with him in Australia in 1980.
“In 1992 Dr Thong Thel worked with United Nations Transitional Authority in Cambodia , where he led the school of Khmer language programs and culture and taught Khmer to 650 UN staff who were responsible for monitoring polling stations during Cambodia’s historic 1993 democratic elections.
“He was one of the founders and former president of the Cambodian Association of Victoria and a pioneer of many interfaith multicultural communities.
“He continued with roles as a UNESCO and UNICEF representative, overseeing educational policy and curriculum development, and completed a PhD. Vale, Dr Thong Thel.”
Ringwood families in danger Local News
■ Ringwood MLA Will Fowles has asked Housing Minister Harriet Shing about how many people in the Ringwood electorate in the past 12 months have had to be placed in hotels or motels because no other emergency accommodation was available in the area.
“Housing providers across the eastern suburbs report that hotels and motels are increasingly used as overflow due to a severe shortage of proper crisis beds,” Mr Fowles told State Parliament last week
“These placements are costly, lack the wraparound supports people in crisis need and often leave vulnerable families, including women and children, unsafe.
“Without adequate support, people living in unstable housing are caught in a dangerous, repetitive cycle of homelessness with little chance of escape.
“This stark reality shows we urgently need greater investment in crisis accommodation.
“In Ringwood and the surrounding areas homelessness services cannot continue relying on models but need secure and supported emergency housing,” Mr Fowles said.
‘Chicago’ plays at Koonung College
What studies?
■ Richard Welch, North-Eastern Metropolitan MLC, has asked what what environmental studies were conducted in consideration of deciding to rezone Box Hill Brickworks land for high-rise development.
“This land has been subject to many environmental reviews over the past 20 years,” Mr Welch told the Legislative Council last week
“It is in active remediation – it has had a clay cap applied to it and it is subject to a range of environmental protections.
“Only three years ago disturbance of the soil was considered too dangerous for even the Level Crossing Removal Project to use it as a staging area for the level crossing removal in Surrey Hills , so a local sportsground had to be occupied for three years as an alternative.
“On all the evidence in the public domain, it is too dangerous to dig,” Mr Welch said.
■ David Hodgett, Croydon MLA, will not seek re-election to State Parliament, reports the HeraldSun newspaper.
Journalist shannon Deery says that Mr Hodgett will not contest the next State Election which is due to be held in November 2026.
Also not seeking re-election is Michael O’Brien, who represents the Malvern seat.
45 YEARS AS NEWSMAN
IN MELBOURNE’S EAST
■ Box Hill MLA Paul Hamer has congratulated Koonung Secondary College on its production of Chicago.
“Congratulations to Koonung Secondary College on its successful production of the musical last month,” Mr Hamer told the Legislative Assembly last week
“I would like to praise the fabulous cast: Bethani Bingley, Alysha Clegg, Emily Nash, Charis Gibson, Victor Azubel, Gwen Mander, Zarah Buchanan, Sierra Clark, Sophie Newbury, Lilla Buchanan, Ruth Chen, Shion Chenhall, Stephanie Coleman, Bridget Dods, Millie Ferdowsian, Georgia Fleming, Gisele Freiha, Poppy FukushimaTaylor, Meika Guy, Nathan Hanslow, Wilson Li, Ashton Lonnen, Josie Mander, Quinn McNeil, Jack Moran, Tiffany Sync, Clio Vassiliades, Zach Watkins, Chloe Wightman and Milla Wightman.
“A performance such as this does not happen without many contributors who cannot be seen on stage.
“So a big shout-out to all the crew: Jennifer Molloy, Vernice Pang, Zune Pang, Olive Brodie, Hilary Dods, Xavier Cronin, Hana Drohan and Lucy Cooper on backstage; Jeremy Ball, Sienna Forrest, James Le, Simon Cronin and Josh Verco on sound; Micaela Poon, Michael Harding, Zoe Newbury, Sabrina Hutchinson and Noah Bentley-Mackinnon on lighting; Khushi Patel, Hime Delaney, Lachlan Cartledge, Alessio De Luise, Daniel Goulding, Sienna Pugliese, Moksha Iyer, Aaron Chee and Afra Eftekhar on front of house; and Jasmine Missen, Tehmi Harding, Alisa Watthanawiphak, Chloe Cooper, Megan Zerna, Elly Zachariou, Indiana Iannotti and Atrina Nia on hair and make-up.
“Finally, I would like to congratulate and thank the amazing band as well as all of the wonderful parents who assisted with all the costumes and construction,” Mr Hamer said. ●
In 1978, Ash Long was Editor of Bayswater News, as well as President of the Bayswater Chamber of Commerce of Industry.
Leader Newspapers promoted the 22year-old to become Manager of the Knox and Mountain District Free Press, where he led production of a record-size 76page edition.
He had stints as Manager of the KnoxSherbrooke News, as well as Acting Editor of group newspapers including Box Hill, Nunwading, Ringwood, Croydon, Lilydale, Waverley and Chadstone.
Some 45 years on, in 2024, Ash Long continues his lifetime of community service, as Publisher of The Local Paper group, which has localised newspapers across 40 local government areas covering all Melbourne suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.
He was involved with the Australian Suburban Newspapers’ Association, later becoming a National Judge.
In 1983, he branched out on his own, developing newspapers across Victoria.
In the intervening years, there have been successes (and a few stumbles!)
Ash Long as Editor of the Bayswater News in 1978. In 2002, Long reinvograted the Melbourne Observer newspaper. It continues today as a free section within all editions of The Local Paper. There have been other involvements with TV, radio and online projects. Decades on, Ash Long and his Local Paper team remain committed to providing the best possible service to readers and clients.
● ● Will Fowles, Ringwood MLA
Hamer MLA
● ● David Hodgett, Croydon MLA
MELBOURNE
38kg cocaine seized
■ Major Drug Squad investigators arrested three people fter seizing 38kg of cocaine worth $12.3 million and uncovering a clandestine drug laboratory as part of an alleged drug trafficking syndicate in Melbourne’s west and north-west.
Investigators allege the syndicate had been operating out of an address in Braybrook and an address in Fraser Rise, as well as using two vehicles to travel interstate.
Police intercepted one of the vehicles on the Hume Hwy near Euroa and the other at an address in Sunshine on Monday last week (Sep. 8).
A search of both vehicles was conducted, with police locating and seizing 32kg of cocaine, cash and numerous mobile phones.
Subsequent warrants were then executed the same day by Major Drug Squad investigators and the Clandestine Laboratory Squad at an address in Braybrook, as well as the following day on Tuesday at addresses in Fraser Rise, Sunshine and Cairnlea. The Royal Avenue address in Braybrook was found to house a sophisticated drug lab along with various chemicals, equipment and weapons.
Further drugs, including 6kg cocaine and 16kg methylamphetamine were seized from the addresses, as well as three handguns, two 3D printed firearms, ammunition and around $70,000 in cash.
It means police sized a total of 38kg of cocaine, which has an estimated potential street value of $12.3 million.
The 16kg methylamphetamine seized by police has an estimated potential street value of $9.6 million.
A 30-year-old Sunshine man was arrested and charged with trafficking large commercial quantities of cocaine and methylamphetamine and possessing equipment for manufacture.
A 31-year-old Cairnlea man and a 26-yearold Fraser Rise man were also arrested and charged with trafficking large commercial quantities of cocaine.
All three men have been remanded to appear at the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 30.
WOMAN HID METH, HEROIN IN UNDERWEAR
■ Public Order Response Team officers have charged a woman after she was allegedly caught hiding heroin and methamphetamine in her underwear.
Officers were patrolling in St Kilda when they noticed a black Holden Viva with a smashed window parked on St Kilda Rd about 7.30pm on September 7.
As police approached the Holden a man exited the passenger’s seat and attempted to leave the area.
Officers stopped the man and while they were searching him a woman got out of the drivers seat and allegedly attempted to hide a bag under the vehicle.
Police retrieved the bag which was found to contain large quantities of methamphetamine and heroin, an imitation firearm, a knife, prescription medication and various drug paraphernalia.
The man was released pending further enquiries while the woman was taken to St Kilda Police Station where a full search was conducted.
Officers located 12.4g of heroin and $300 in cash hidden in the woman’s underwear while two bags of methamphetamine were found in her bra.
In total police seized 51.6g of methamphetamine and 27.48g of heroin.
The 23-year-old Dandenong woman was subsequently
PRESTON
20 cars damaged
■ Preston police officers are investigating after 20 vehicles were damaged in Preston Officers were told an unknown man sprayed graffiti on 20 parked vehicles on Murray Rd and William St between 3.30pm and 4.30pm on September 4.
charged with trafficking and possessing heroin, methamphetamine and drug of dependence as well as possessing an imitation firearm, pos-
sessing a controlled weapon and dealing with proceeds of crime.
She has been bailed to face Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on January 23.
Statewide
It is understood the man used spray paint to write the word ‘dog’ on each vehicle.
Total value of the damage is estimated to be about $10,000.
Investigators have released CCTV and images of a man who may be able to assist with their enquiries.
The man is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, aged in his 20s, with a medium build and short, dark hair.
He was wearing a brown cap, and a blue, black and white tracksuit hoody.
LYSTERFIELD
Fatal collision
■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Lysterfield on Thursday night (Sep. 11).
Two vehicles collided head-on on Lysterfield Rd, north of Wellington Rd, about 11pm.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services to revive the female driver of one vehicle, she was declared deceased at the scene.
A male passenger from the second vehicle was airlifted to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The driver in the same vehicle sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
Exact circumstances surrounding the collision are being investigated.
MILDURA
Burglary charges
■ Mildura Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two men following a commercial burglary in Mildura on Sunday, September 7.
It is alleged the men gained entry to a business on Fifteenth Street
The Homes of Tomorrow Are Being Built Today: Wilson Heat Pumps Lead the Way
■ When Alex began building a new home in Hampton, in Melbourne’s south-eastern suburbs, the vision went far beyond floor plans and finishes. It was a commitment to the future.
Like many Australians, Alex had seen energy prices soar, and the conversation about moving away from gas grew louder.
Instead of waiting for change to be forced upon him, he decided to seize the opportunity to create a home that would be efficient, stylish, affordable to run, and environmentally responsible.
Designing for Tomorrow, Today
Working closely with the builder and installer to map out choices that would set his home up for decades to come, Alex took a future-focused approach.
From heat pump air conditioning to an AQUALUX Wilson Heat Pump Hot Water system, from battery storage to a home lift designed for accessibility, every detail was chosen with efficiency and longevity in mind.
A standout decision was hot water, not just for Alex, but more broadly, it’s one of the largest energy users in Australian homes, accounting for up to 30 per cent of household energy use.
CSIRO-supported modelling shows that upgrading thermal features, paired with electrifying hot water and cooking appliances, can slash energy bills by up to $2,200 a year.
For Alex, that made future-proofing feel like a win, not a cost burden.
“Rather than defaulting to traditional bulky systems, I chose an AQUALUX Domestic Hot Water Heat Pump from Wilson because its tank was stylish, designed and manufactured in Australia, and energy efficient compared to conventional technologies.”
Additionally, Alex said that he liked that Wilson systems use R-290. This low-global-warming-poten-
tial refrigerant reduces end-of-life environmental impacts, an increasingly important factor in national heat pump policy.
The Smarter Choice
In Melbourne, household energy choices could reduce bills by up to 82 per cent, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).
The analysis also highlights that thermally efficient homes in Melbourne consume only two-thirds of the energy of poorly performing homes, underscoring the long-term benefits of designing smarter, futureproof builds.
Trusted expertise was another key factor for Alex.
Ben, installer from NewGen Solar & Heat Pumps, says this choice is becoming the new norm.
“More households want to get off gas and reduce their energy bills, but they don’t want to compromise on
quality, reliability and performance, and you don't have to,” Ben said.
“Wilson Heat Pumps tick all the boxes, they’re engineered to Australian standards, built for local conditions, and backed by more than 95 years of experience in hot water manufacturing.”
Out With the Old, in With the New
For Alex, the decision was about more than bills. It was about building for the future.
“I wanted to create a home I can be proud of,” Alex explained.
“Knowing my choices are better for the environment, look great, and save money feels like a win-win.”
Mark Padwick, General Manager of Wilson Heat Pumps, said that future-proofing a home today extends beyond energy efficiency.
“Building a home today includes the ability to include adaptable spaces that can change with family
needs, design choices that enhance health and wellbeing, accessibility features and sustainable systems,” said Mark.
Together, these features create homes that are resilient, comfortable, and ready for decades of change.
To check out the Wilson Hot Water Heat Pump range, visit: https:// wilsonhotwater.com.au/wilson-heatpumps/
■ Croydon MLA David Hodgett says that many constituents are facing asignificant c hallenges when attempting to apply for the Government’s $100 power saving bonus.
“It is a good program, but there are significant barriers to accessing the $100 power saving bonus. My office has been contacted by numerous householders who, despite needing the support, are choosing not to apply primarily due to fears of being scammed or a lack of access to the necessary technology,” Mr Hodgett said.
“The rise in sophisticated scams targeting vulnerable individuals, particularly those who are not confident with digital platforms, has created a climate of fear and mistrust.
“We have all been taught to be cautious. If something seems too good to be true, like receiving $100 for free, it might be a scam. People are rightly wary of sharing personal information online, over the phone or even in person.
“Unfortunately, the current application process requires individuals to disclose sensitive details, including bank and pension information, often to strangers.
“This contradicts the very cyber safety principles we encourage. Even when support is available through neighbourhood houses or community volunteers, many elderly residents remain hesitant to hand over personal information.
“For some, the fear and stress of being scammed outweigh the benefit of applying.
“For many residents, the online application process is hard to navigate; especially the uploading of documents such as utility bills and pension cards is simply not feasible.
“Many do not own scanners or their own computers or smartphones. I urge the Minister to invest in targeted support for our ageing population, particularly in digital literacy and secure, accessible application pathways,” Mr Hodgett said.
MALVERN
Station closed
■ Malvern MLA Michael O’Brien says many local residents are experiencing horrific crimes in their homes while the Malvern Police Station is shut 16 hours a day.
“Residents of Myamyn St live directly opposite the police station but have experienced serious crime, including just last week,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The message from my community is clear: Premier, you shut our police station 16 hours a day while crime continues 24/7. It is time to reopen Malvern Police Station.”
ESSENDON
Vale Chris Gibbs
■ Essendon MLA Danny Pearson has paid a Parliamentary tribute to Chris Gibbs.
“Chris Gibbs was a Moonee Ponds local for nearly 40 years. He passed away recently following a short but aggressive illness, and he leaves behind a profound void in the lives of all who knew him,” Mr Pearson said
“He was a proud and loving husband to Lynn, who is in the gallery today; brother to Michael, father to Claire, Dominic and Alex; and grandfather to Elkie and Andy
“He was a man of warmth, good humour and kindness, whose presence enriched the lives of all who knew him.
“Professionally, Chris dedicated his career to mental health, holding significant leadership positions within the Victorian mental health sector, including at the Royal Melbourne Hospital as head of North Western Mental Health and as a founding CEO of the Mental Health Professionals’ Network
“His career path reflected the strong set of values that Chris lived by personally: that people deserve a chance, support when they needed it and to be treated fairly and with respect.
“To those who knew him, Chris was remarkable in his capacity to make people feel seen, understood and valued.
“His extensive and close friendships were a testament to this, and he could always be depended upon, whether it was with a listening ear or a great song recommendation. Often the latter was non-negotiable.
“To his family he will always be remembered as an extraordinary dad, partner and grandparent who they felt so lucky to have had and will be so deeply missed. Vale, Chris Gibbs.”
More homes near rail stations
■ The State Government is opening doors for Victorian homebuyers near railway stations and tram corridors.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny last week visited Kew today to release draft maps showing proposed heights and boundaries for 25 of 50 new Train and Tram Zone Activity Centres
The Governemnt says that the plans will help deliver more than 300,000 additional homes close to jobs, services and transport by 2051.
The first 25 train and tram zones will deliver more homes in some of Melbourne’s most connected suburbs:
■ Seven are connected to the new Metro Tunnel and will enjoy more services on new trains: Carnegie, Hughesdale, Murrumbeena, Oakleigh, Middle Footscray, West Footscray, and Tottenham stations
■ Three are along the Belgrave/Lilydale Line and benefit from five-minute peak services between Ringwood and the city: Hawthorn, Glenferrie and Auburn stations
■ Four are on the Sandringham Line where eight trains per hour run during peak times: North Brighton, Middle Brighton, Hampton and Sandringham stations
■ Five are on Glen Waverley Line where up to nine trains run per hour during peak times: Tooronga, Darling, East Malvern, Holmesglen and Gardiner-Glen Iris.
■ Brunswick and Coburg – also serviced by the 19 tram – will benefit from an increase in off-peak services along the Upfield train line from next year.
■ Heidelberg station on the Hurstbridge Line benefits from increased peak and off-peak services following the line’s duplication
■ The centres at High St, Thornbury and on St Georges Rd are supported by more than 3000 weekly services on tram routes 11 and 86
■ Kew Junction is supported by more than 2800 weekly services on tram routes 109 and 48.
“These are draft maps. They will now be subject to detailed community consultation, which will inform the final heights and catchment boundaries for new planning controls,” the reprersentative said
“A similar consultation process occurred for the first ten pilot Activity Centres, and the Government made clear changes as a direct result of this community consultation.
“The final controls for the 25 train and tram zones will set clear expectations for councils, communities and industry on where new homes can go – cutting out delays, uncertainty and red tape and getting homes off the ground.
“In the immediate ‘core’ adjacent to the train stations and tram corridors, the plans clearly allow for more homes in taller apartment buildings. The proposed locations and heights of these sites are clearly mapped out.
“Some cores have heights of six storeys in the proposed maps, while others have up to 16 storeys. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Every community is different.
“Eligible buildings across the core will be ‘deemed to comply’ with planning rules and be exempt from VCAT review.
“Applications in the core that exceed the specified height of the site are not eligible for this fast-tracked pathway and must go through a regular planning process.
“In the walkable catchments that surround the core, the plans propose gentler height limits and more low-rise apartments and townhouses.
“Inner catchments, representing up to a five-minute walk from the station, propose limits of four storeys – or six storeys on larger blocks of more than 1000 square metres.
“Outer catchments, representing up to a ten-minute walk from the station, propose limits of three storeys – or four storeys on larger blocks of more than 1000 square metres.
“In simple terms, these controls mean that in the future, a homebuilder will be supported by the system to build up to that height – if they wanted to. It doesn’t mean every house will be built to this height; it is a maximum limit.
“In these catchment areas, the rights of residents to know, have their say and appeal will not change as a result of this program. Heritage and landscape overlays will stay in place.
“The draft maps follow strong community interest in the first consultation round. Nearly 2,000 people attended in-person or online sessions, and more than 3,000 submissions were received.
“This second and more detailed consultation will run across September and October, inviting feedback on the draft maps including heights, setbacks and boundaries.
“By 2051, train and tram zones will help de-
liver more than 300,000 new homes – with consultation for all 50 new centres expected to be completed by early next year.
Ms Allan said: “We’re making this city fairer for workers and families. Too many people are locked out of suburbs where they want to live – and I’m on their side.
“The same old blockers will be out in force lying about what these plans mean. Our train and tram zones are sensible and gentle and they’re all about keeping Melbourne affordable for the next generation.”
“Only Labor is opening doors for young families to live near the things they need and the people they love.”
Ms Kilkenny said: “We’ve listened to the community through the first round of consultation, and we’ll continue to do so. We’re prepared to make changes that reflect the feedback we get. That’s exactly what we did with the first ten pilot activity centres.
“While we’re opening doors, the Liberals are locking them. They oppose more homes near transport, jobs and services.”
In Parliamernt
BULLEEN
Law and order
■ Matthew Guy, Bulleen MLA, says that he has been inundated by residents in Manningham who are deeply concerned with issues around law and order.
“In 2018 the Liberals warned that if you weaken the criminal justice system, you will embolden the criminal element in our society. And over the last week or so, we have seen violent instances and particularly potential home invasions – videos – in Doncaster, Hughesdale, Box Hill, Viewbank and North Balwyn,” Mr Guy said.
“There were two boys murdered some days ago coming home from basketball –more knife crime in this state.
“ The Premier could not even find it in herself to comment on this issue. She could comment on neo-Nazis coming to her own press conference for the sake of politics but could not come out to explain how knife crime has got so bad in our state under her Government that two boys find themselves murdered by this kind of crime that is occurring in our state today.
“We have long said that if you weaken the criminal justice system, you will embolden people who will act in these ways.
“The coalition always stands by those who abide by the law first. The coalition has always said that the criminal justice system should be there to protect those who abide by the law, not those who make excuses for people who break it. And that is the difference between Liberal and Labor in the state of Victoria,” Mr Guy said.
SYDENHAM
Family violence
■ Natalie Hutchins, Sydenham MLA, has told Pasrliament about 100 people from her community coming together at Watergardens Shopping Centre for the second annual Walk With Us event, an event around preventing family violence.
“A sea of orange hats and T-shirts, symbolising solidarity with victims, made their way along the beautiful Taylors Creek, sending a clear message that family violence and violence against women has no place in our community,” Ms Hutchins told the Legislative Assembly.
Build in your own backyard
■ The State Government says that it is opening doors for young families who want to get into a home of their own, by making it easier for property owners to subdivide and build a second house in a typical suburban backyard.
Premier Jacinta Allan, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny and Housing Minister Harriet Shing announced the next step in Victoria’s move to become the townhouse capital: 10-day subdivisions to boost the supply of homes fit for young families.
New streamlined planning rules will come into effect in October to fast-track approvals for people who want to build a second home on their block, or subdivide their block and sell off the land – reducing wait times for the process from more than 60 days to just 10 business days.
The fast-tracked VicSmart process will apply to Victorians who want to build a second home, replace an existing house with two new ones, or subdivide their block and sell part of it.
“On average, it will save applicants more than $2400 in fees, cut around two months in time – and dial down the stress and uncertainty property owners face when they undertake a process like this on their own,” said a Government representative.
“Key criteria must be met to achieve the fast approval. Proposals will still need to meet siting, privacy and design standards. Important protections – like heritage and environmental overlays – also still apply, so new homes fit well into existing neighbourhoods.
“Victorians will be able to access this new pathway to build a second home or subdivide their block from mid-October.”
Premier Jacinta Allan previously said at the Melbourne Press Club: “I can’t think of too many losers when it comes to townhouses and I believe the community is ready to see more of them.
“Everyone has evolved on this. But the planning rules haven’t. It’s still too hard in this state to subdivide your property and build a townhouse.”
The Government representative said: “With this change, Victoria’s old planning rules catch up with the views of reasonable Victorians. We’ll have a system that says yes in my backyard – literally.
“It will add to housing supply, it will make subdividing easier, faster and cheaper, and it will help drive a homebuilding boom in the suburbs in a way that’s sensitive to every street.
“It’s another way the Government is streamlining Victoria’s planning system to boost housing supply and build more homes where people want to live – in the suburbs close to transport, schools, services, jobs and family.
“It builds on the Labor Government’s reform to allow small second homes – like granny flats – to be built without a planning permit.
“Since it was introduced in December 2023, more than 500 small second homes have been approved, unlocking more than $140 million in investment.”
Ms Allan said: “I want to get millennials into homes – and so many people in their 30s are looking at new townhouses and homes on subdivided blocks that have a couple of bedrooms and space for the kids to run around. It works for them.”
“Every time a new home is approved faster, a door opens for young people to live where they want – near the things they need and the people they love.”
● ● ● ● Sonya Kilkenny, State Minister
Jacinta Allan, Premier
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Ash on Wednesday Invitation to Glen Waverley
■ Glen Waverley MLA John Mullahy has asked Suburban Rail Loop Minister Harriet Shing to join jim in meeting with the traders of the Kingsway precinct, to discuss the impacts of the Suburban Rail Loop East works and the support available throughout this period.
“I want to acknowledge the many businesses that continue to serve our community with resilience during these works,” Mr Mullahy said.
“ Craig Lane has been a driving force in Glen Waverley’s dining scene, establishing venues such as the Steak Ministry, Paradise Road and the Elephant Corridor, each adding to the vibrancy of Kingsway
“His newest venture, Gambino, created with Garen Maskal and Aret Arzadian, has quickly become a standout rooftop destination, pairing refined dining with sweeping views across Melbourne
“Garen, along with cousins Aret and Sasoon Arzadian, are behind the muchloved Black Toro
“Its bold flavours and modern take on Latin -inspired cuisine have made it both a local favourite and a drawcard well beyond Glen Waverley, reflecting the entrepreneurial migrant spirit that has shaped Kingsway
“We also have Mitchell Zadow and the team at Sharrock Pitman Legal, who for many years have provided trusted legal services to both residents and small businesses.
“Their reputation was recently recognised when Mitchell was named Law Firm Leader 2025 by AustralasianLawyer.
Long Shots
“Kingsway is equally renowned for its outstanding Chinese restaurants, grocery stores and in recent years bubble tea shops.
“From established institutions to hidden gems in side streets, they are at the heart of what makes Glen Waverley a diverse and celebrated food destination.
“I want to make a special mention of Lisa and Tony at the House of Delight , whose warmth and hospitality have made their restaurant a much-loved gathering place in our community.
“Meanwhile, SRL works are progressing rapidly. Crews are relocating underground services beneath Railway Parade North, Coleman Parade, Myrtle Street and Montclair Avenue to prepare for twin tunnels and a new underground station.
“This station will sit in the heart of the business district, providing turn-up-andgo services for over 7000 passengers a day and linking to Monash University in 3½ minutes.
“It will be a catalyst for new homes, double local jobs by 2050 and create 8000 direct jobs during construction.
“I acknowledge that these works are disruptive. The project teams are working to maintain access to homes and businesses, manage traffic, reduce noise and dust and keep car parks open where possible.
“Importantly, the Suburban Rail Loop Authority has established a dedicated business support team to promote local traders, run events, provide marketing assistance,” Mr Mullahy said.
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In association with the Established September 14, 1969 Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly.
Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.
BOROONDARA NORTHERN SECTION
Incorporating the traditions of the Boroondara Weekly, Progress News, Camberwell Free Press (Est. 26, 1927) Boroondara (North) comprises Ashburton, Balwyn, Balwyn North, Burwood, Canterbury, Deepdene, Greythorn, Kew, Kew East, Mont Albert and Surrey Hills. Boroondara is home to more than 167,231 people, living in approximately 69,420 homes.
KNOX
Incorporating the traditions of the Knox-Sherbooke News (Est. April 19, 1967), Mountain District Free Press (Est. Aug. 9, 1946), Ferntree Gully News (Est. 26, 1923) and Ferntree Gully Times (Est. Jun. 8, 1889). Knox comprises Bayswater, Boronia, Ferntree Gully, Lysterfield, Knoxfield, Rowville, Scoresby, The Basin, Upper Ferntree Gully, Wantirna, and Wantirna South. Knox is home to more than 154,110 people, living in approximately 59,086 homes.
MANNINGHAM
Incorporating the traditions of East Yarra News (Est. May 9, 1962) and Doncaster-Templestowe News. Manningham comprises Bulleen, Doncaster, Doncaster East, Donvale, Nunawading (part), Park Orchards (part), Ringwood North (part), Templestowe, Templestowe Lower, Warrandyte, Warrandyte South and Wonga Park (part). Manningham is home to more than 122,900 people, living in approximately 45,500 homes.
MAROONDAH
Incorporating the traditions of the Ringwood and Croydon Mail (Est. Jan. 9, 1924), Croydon City News (Est. 1983), Ringwood City News (Est. Jul. 6, 1984). Maroondah comprises Bayswater North, Croydon, Croydon Hills, Croydon North, Croydon South, Heathmont, Kilsyth (part), Kilsyth South, Park Orchards (part), Ringwood, Ringwood East, Ringwood North (part), Vermont (part), Warranwood and Wonga Park (part). Maroondah is home to more than 117,498 people, living in approximately 54,921 homes.
MONASH
Incorporating the traditions of the Waverley Gazette (Est. Feb. 8, 1961), Oakleigh Times (Est. Jun. 8, 1889). Monash comprises Ashwood, Clayton, Glen Waverley, Hughesdale, Huntingdale, Mount Waverley, Mulgrave, Notting Hill, Oakleigh, Oakleigh East, and Wheelers Hill. Parts of Chadstone, Burwood and Oakleigh South are also included in Monash. Monash is home to more than 202,847 people, living in approximately 70,600 homes.
WHITEHORSE
Incorporating the traditions of Box Hill Reporter (Est. Jun. 26, 1889).
Whitehorse comprises Balwyn North (part), Blackburn, Blackburn North, Blackburn South, Box Hill, Box Hill North, Box Hill South, Burwood (part), Burwood East, Forest Hill, Mitcham, Mont Albert (part), Mont Albert North, Nunawading (part), Surrey Hills (part), Vermont (part) and Vermont South. Whitehorse is home to more than 176,196 people, living in approximately 65,881 homes.
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Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre
Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment
Rourke, Film
Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing
● ● ● John Mullahy MLA
Latest News
Const. charged
■ A senior constable from a specialist department has been charged following an internal investigation.
The man has been charged with two counts of sexual assault, course of conduct sexual assault, sexual activity in the presence of a child under 16 and common law assault.
It is alleged the incident occurred between June 2023 and November 2024 while the officer was off-duty.
The 34-year-old has been charged on summons and is expected to appear before a magistrates’ court at a later date.
Skateboard crash
■ Prahran Highway Patrol officers are appealing for witnesses to come forward after a skateboarder was seriously injured in St Kilda West on Wednesday (Sep. 10).
Investigators have been told a man was riding an electrically-powered skateboard on Pier Rd
It is believed that the rider, who was not wearing a helmet, lost control and crashed about 8.45am.
The man was taken to hospital with lifethreatening injuries.
Exact circumstances surrounding the matter are yet to be determined.
Investigators are keen to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the crash, especially those with CCTV or dashcam footage.
Driving blind
■ A driver has been arrested after allegedly fleeing from police for more than 8km with his bonnet uplifted and blocking his windscreen in Melbourne’s south early on Wednesday morning (Sep. 10).
Cranbourne uniform members were on patrol when they came across a vehicle with a badly damaged front-end driving through Cranbourne West about 12.20am.
They did a U-turn to try and intercept the driver, who refused to pull over.
The police Air Wing began tracking the vehicle from overhead, guiding members on the ground to the vehicle’s whereabouts.
The 27-year-old driver pulled over and ran from the car near McCormacks Rd in Carrum Downs
In his haste, the fleeing man rolled his ankle and police were easily able to catch up with him. He was provided with medical treatment and taken into custody.
Police charged the Carrum Downs man with fail to stop at police direction, unlicensed driving, drive unregistered motor vehicle, resist arrest, possess meth, GHB and cannabis and commit indictable offence while on bail.
Suspicious fire
■ More than 30 Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters responded to a house fire in West Heidelberg
The fire was reported at 4.36am and crews arrived at the Southern Rd scene within six minutes.
Upon arrival, crews found a 15-metre by 15-metre brick home fully alight, with the fire having entered the roof space of the premise.
Firefighters immediately escalated the response, sending additional appliances and crews – including aerial appliances.
Wearing breathing apparatus, crews attacked the fire.
At 5.03am the roof of the property collapsed. All firefighting operations were conducted externally to ensure the safety of responding crews.
Firefighters brought the incident under control at 5.09am. No people were located at the scene. The fire has been deemed suspicious and will be investigated.
MAJOR ARREST OVER ILLEGAL TOBACCO
■ The alleged ringleader of a criminal syndicate accused of supplying Melbourne with more than seven tonnes of illicit tobacco has been charged following a major joint law enforcement operation.
● Police arrested a man at North coburg on Thursday (Sep. 11). November, 2024, based on intelligence from the ABF-led Illicit Tobacco Taskforce about a suspected criminal syndicate smuggling significant amounts of illicit tobacco into Australia
The North Coburg man, 49, is accused of masterminding the importation of largescale quantities of illicit tobacco into Victoria , dodging an estimated $36.3 million in Commonwealth excise taxes.
A second man, 29, accused of conspiracy to import tobacco, has also been charged.
The Victorian Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, comprising members of the AFP, Victoria Police and Aus tralian Border Force , launched an investigation in
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The tobacco was shipped to Victoria via air and sea cargo from multiple countries, concealed inside consignments of kitchen items and clothing.
It is alleged the North Coburg man facilitated the importation of more than seven tonnes of looseleaf tobacco, about five million cigarettes and more than 5000 vapes throughout a 10-month period to avoid millions in Commonwealth taxes.
He allegedly used connections and criminal associates
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in the freight and logistics industry to import and distribute the tobacco to a number of warehouses and 20 tobacco shops under his control.
JOCTF members arrested the man at a North Coburg property on Tuesday morning (Sep. 9). They also arrested a Meadow Heights man, 29, who was allegedly responsible for the movement of the tobacco across the state/country.
JOCTF members also executed a series of search warrants on Tuesday at commercial and residential properties across Melbourne, including at Campbellfield, Coburg North, Meadow Heights, Mickleham, Gladstone Park and Craigieburn , seizing equipment and other items.
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Latest
News Officers charged
■ Detectives from Homicide Squad have charged two police officers with negligent manslaughter following the death of a man in Hoppers Crossing last year.
The two police officers – a 29-year-old male constable and 45-year-old male sergeant, both from North West Metro Region – have been suspended from Victoria Police since July last year.
Both officers have been bailed and were to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 12.
The charges relate to the death of a 35year-old Hoppers Crossing man, who was arrested at the corner of Heaths and Tarneit Rds, Hoppers Crossing , on July 15, 2024, and subsequently died in hospital eight days later on July 23.
Deputy Commissioner Wendy Steendam, Public Safety and Security, said: “Since the incident occurred last year, it has been subject to investigation by the Homicide Squad with oversight from Professional Standards Command
“I understand the news today will be concerning and difficult for many in the community, however I want to reassure them that Victoria Police does not shy away from taking action to uphold community trust and confidence in our organisation.
“The overwhelming majority of our police do the right thing day in and day out and provide exemplary service to the community.
“I is vital that where incidents such as this occur, they are investigated thoroughly regardless of a police officer's rank, position or tenure,” Deputy Commissioner Steednam said.
Mongols arrests
■ Victoria Police have arrested nine people and laid 42 charges as part of a national day of action targeting Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs, including the Mongols.
In Victoria, the Taskforce Morpheus day of action – which ran on Wednesday (Sep. 10) – focussed on swooping on OMCG members, including the Mongols, and their associates for Firearm Prohibition Order searches and other offences including affray and drugs.
Detectives from Echo Taskforce, VIPER Taskforce and Hawk Taskforce, as well as police from the regions including Caulfield Divisional Response Unit and Dandenong Family Violence Investigation Unit teamed up to conduct 20 FPO searches in multiple suburbs.
Suburbs included Parkdale, Mentone, Narre Warren, St Kilda, Hallam, Hoppers Crossing, Docklands, Diggers Rest, South Kingsville, Clyde North, Point Cook, South Morang, Craigieburn, Smythes Creek, Tatura and Shepparton
Four new FPO’s were also served on OMCG members.
Six of the arrests resulted in charges for an affray linked to an assault in a correctional facility in Lara on December 7 last year.
The other arrests related to various criminal offending. It included a 34-year-old Cranbourne West man who was arrested for possessing 100g methylamphetamine.
He has since been charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence and was remanded to face the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
And explore the fundamentals of fortune telling to uncover insights about yourself and your friends. Book an experience. fortyyears coffee.com Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a curious beginner, our hands-on experiences will guide you through the journey of this ancient brewing art.
More than 1400 in cash was also seized by police during the arrest.
Another arrest included a 26-year-old Diggers Rest man for possessing prescription medications without a prescription.
Across the country, police arrested 41 people in total, resulting in 120 charges.
Police also conducted 43 FPO compliance checks, 21 search warrants, seizing two replica firearms, an amount of ammunition, more than 100kg of methamphetamine.
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Your Stars
with Kerry Kulkens
Presented by Sarah
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Australia’s
Trusted Psychic Family
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 1, 7, 8, 4
Lotto Numbers: 13, 21, 45, 11, 10, 33
Avoid gossiping or repeating unverified information, as it could harm your reputation. Show appreciation to your loved ones to strengthen your relationships. Financial matters are set to stabilise, bringing balance to your week.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 1, 7, 8, 4
Lotto Numbers: 10, 1, 19, 15, 40, 22
A mystery admirer may take a keen interest in your activities. Many will be offered a chance to join financial ventures, while romantic propositions could excite your week.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: Fawn
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 5, 7
Lotto Numbers: 45, 6, 21, 5, 17, 11
Avoid lending money or possessions during this period, as misunderstandings could arise. Plan your social engagements carefully to avoid double-booking yourself.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 3, 5, 8, 7
Lotto Numbers: 12, 15, 19, 24, 28, 20
Tensions may arise, but you can avoid conflicts by discussing matters with your partner before making unilateral decisions. Luckier times are ahead if you remain patient and focused.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Lilac
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4, 8, 6, 1
Lotto Numbers: 13, 16, 25, 24, 32, 34
Let your imagination inspire rather than mislead you. Singles will find their charm irresistible to others—this is a great time to pursue romantic interests confidently.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 2, 5, 6, 8
Lotto Numbers: 12, 5, 17, 45, 32, 36
Though impatience may tempt you, careful planning will lead to success. Surprises are likely, and someone from your past might unexpectedly re-enter your life.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 4
Lotto Numbers: 13, 16, 24, 29, 35, 38
Diplomacy and understanding are essential in domestic relationships to maintain harmony. For many, career opportunities could open doors to the chance of a lifetime.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Lemon
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 5, 8, 4, 6
Lotto Numbers: 13, 16, 24, 29, 35, 33
Progress is on the horizon, and romance looks promising, though your partner may struggle with your mood swings. Balance your views with compromise for a harmonious week.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Yellow
Lucky Day: Sunday
Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 3, 4
Lotto Numbers: 13, 16, 14, 21, 25, 22
Domestic tensions may stem from overburdening others. Allow life to unfold naturally for a more relaxed and productive week.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Brown
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 3, 5
Lotto Numbers: 13, 16, 34, 33, 22, 7
Avoid extremes, as pushing too hard may lead to resistance. Take time to assess your commitments—some relationships may not be as balanced as you thought.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Grey
Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 3, 5, 6, 1
Lotto Numbers: 13, 15, 18, 24, 26, 5
Unexpected changes may disrupt your routine, but these could lead to profitable opportunities. Career advancements are likely for the ambitious.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: Dark Blue
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 5, 3, 6, 1
Lotto Numbers: 13, 16, 18, 25, 24, 42
Help is coming for those who deserve it, and favourable opportunities will come knocking. Be decisive and open to the support of those who can help you achieve your goals.
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TURKISH DELIGHTS What’s On
● ● Melih Karaduman presents ‘Forty Years Coffee’, created from a passion for sharing the rich heritage of Turkish coffee.
■ Melih’s Karaduman’s mission is to bring people together through the timeless tradition of Turkish coffee making, offering an authentic cultural experience that is both enlightening and enjoyable.
He believes in the power of Turkish coffee to connect people, spark conversations, and build a sense of community.
Melih is dedicated to providing an unforgettable journey that celebrates the art and history of Turkish coffee.
The experience is designed to immerse patrons in the rich cultural heritage and timeless traditions of Turkish coffee.
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a curious beginner, the hands-on experiences will guide you through the fascinating journey of this ancient brewing art.
Begin with a comprehensive introduction to the history and cultural significance of Turkish coffee. Discover how this timeless tradition has played a central role in Turkish social life and continues to connect people today.
Watch as The Forty Years expert brews authentic Turkish coffee using traditional methods passed down through generations.
You will observe each step closely, from selecting the perfect coffee beans to creating the signature foam, with practical tips to help you brew Turkish coffee at home.
Enjoy a tasting session where you will savour the rich, aromatic flavours of freshly brewed Turkish coffee. As you sip, learn more about the role of coffee in Turkish culture, making your experience even more enriching.
After tasting, you’ll close your cup and let the grounds settle.
70 Years Ago
Hundreds queued
■ Hundreds of faithful Collingwood and Melbourne football fans huddled outside the gates of the Melbourne Cricket-ground overnight.
Most crouched round blazing fires, rugged up against biting wind and showers. Others sat out the vigil in cars.
Calendar
The Forty Years expert will then introduce you to the basics of coffee fortune telling, a captivating practice where you’ll learn how to interpret the symbols and patterns left in your coffee grounds.
Experience the magic of Turkish coffee with The Forty Years – available for individuals, couples, and groups across Melbourne and Victoria
Join one of the public workshops or arrange a private session for birthdays, hens’ nights, team bonding, or special celebrations.
Each experience includes a live demonstration of traditional Turkish coffee brewing, cultural storytelling, tastings, and a light-hearted introduction to fortune telling.
To explore upcoming sessions, simply use the datespecific buttons on the website page.
For customised events at a preferred location, feel free to contact The Forty Years directly.
In Turkish culture, fortune telling is not taken too seriously, but it is a beloved pastime that adds an element of fun and mystery to the coffeedrinking experience.
Fortune telling with Turkish coffee, known as 'fal,' is a cherished tradition in Turkey.
After drinking the coffee, the cup is inverted onto the saucer, allowing the grounds to settle and form patterns.
These patterns are then interpreted to predict the future and offer insights into the drinker's life.
■ Tueday, September 16. 1pm. Diamond Valley Library. SOLD OUT. See the website for the latest available dates: fortyyearscoffee.com ● ● Forty Years Coffee https://www.fortyyearscoffee.com/ Facebook - Instagram -
Common symbols include hearts (love), birds (news), and snakes (warnings).
This practice is not only a fun activity but also a way to connect with friends and family, sharing hopes and concerns in a relaxed setting.
The art of coffee fortune telling has been passed down through generations, with each family having its own unique interpretations of the symbols.
The process begins with the preparation of the coffee, which is brewed using a special pot called a cezve.
Once the coffee is consumed, the cup is swirled to ensure the grounds cover the inside, then flipped onto the saucer.
After the cup has cooled, the fortune teller examines the patterns left by the grounds, interpreting their meanings based on traditional symbolism.
Become part of the Turkish coffee-loving community.
The first fans dribbled in at 1 p.m. yesterday. At 7.30 the rush began. The women brought blankets and food. The men supplied the beer.
Most of the fires werebüilt from timber being used to erect the new M.C.G. stand.
The young men an d women sat round their fires, singing and talking about the big match. The older women barbecued the steaks, chops, and eggs.
Experienced grand final "fanatics" were snug under tarpaulins or in sleeping bags.
Collingwood supporters heavily outnumbered Melbourne fans. Ninety thousand fans, maximum capacity,are expected to pack the M.C.G. for the Melbourne-Collingwood grand final. It is one of the most open battles for years.
Both teams are 100% fit, weather should be good, and a near perfect ground is predicted. Gates will open not later than 10.30 a.m., and admission prices are 4/ for adults and 1/3 for children.
Seconds' grand final between Footscray and Richmond will start at noon, and the main match at 2.30 p.m.
What goes on
■ Newsvendor at ot the corner of Flinders and Elizabeth must've taken a Dale Carnegie course or something. He was wearing a Collingwood guernsey. And Melbourne socks.
Lost men ate goat
■ A pet goat - now dead- saved the lives of two starving brothers lost in wild country near Wood's Point this week. Max, 20, and Walter May, 18, of Gaffney's Creek, lost themselves last Tuesday during their first day's work as temporary Forestry Commission officers, and were not seen again until they staggered to safety early today. They had been assigned to blaze a fire-precautionary trail between Knockwood and Cornhill . Their pet goat "Billy," like Mary's lamb, followed them wherever they went. Finally, after two days without, food, hungry, ex hausted, and desperate, they realised they had no alternative but to kill him.
● ● The Argus. Sept. 17, 1955.
Fringe Festival
■ The Melbourne Fringe Festival runs from September 30 to October 19, bringing 500 events over more than 130 venues, and turning the city itself into a stage.
Fed Square, Elizabeth Street, Queen Victoria Market, and more will be transformed into free, interactive, and immersive artworks that invite the public to play, move, and connect at this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival.
The city’s laneways, parks, gardens and iconic buildings like Trades Hall and Meat Market will be presenting works as part of the experience.
The centrepiece to the Festival is Power Move, which places a kinetic dance floor at Fed Square, challenging the city to dance hard enough to power the event off-grid. PowerMovefeatures a rotating daily program of DJs, dance and participatory events and opens with eight-hours of Non-StopGo-Go dancing on Tuesday September 30.
Also at Fed Square, Unwoman(the protest) is a durational performance confessional by Melbourne feminist theatre company TheRabble, celebrating the multitude of experiences around birth, fertility, and pregnancy. Everyday citizens will take the stage in civic space at Fed Square’s The Edge on Sunday October 5 to share their testimonies and personal stories.
At Arts Centre Melbourne’s forecourt, the participatory installation Voicesinvites audiences to control a 50-voice philharmonic choir triggering light and movement and creating a collaborative, ever-changing soundscape.
KummargiiYulendjBarringGadhaba/ ProjectionsofaCurrentFutureis a cycling and walking tour across the city, narrated by Boon Wurrung Senior Elder and Professor N’arwee’t Dr Carolyn Briggs , reawakening hidden waterways and ancestral memory beneath Melbourne’s streets, with projections on buildings created by Amina Briggs.
Lygon Street’s iconic Trades Hall is the Melbourne Fringe Festival Hub , hosting over 110 shows across pop-up theatres, meeting rooms, cupboards and carparks.
Joshua Ladgrove: Guest Host on The DenisWalterShowwill present a late-night comedy variety spectacular; TheSubplot:A hyperfixationontheTitan submersible, a deep-dive into obsession; How to Art, a clown-fruit mash-up about creativity, survival, and gallery chaos, and Murderinthe Graveyard:AMurderVillageImprovised Whodunnit, a ghostly, audience-driven Halloween mystery. Punters can also linger at late-night Club Fringe.
Queen Victoria Market bursts to life with the Fringe Flavours Night Market, a popup stage for circus, cabaret, comedy, and music, and in North Melbourne , the historic Meat Market is transformed into a multi-space performance hub with a leafy courtyard bar, performance hall, and black box theatre. The program includes Decadence:10YearsofYummy, a highoctane cabaret celebrating a decade of circus, drag, and burlesque; Birds, a darkly comic beach apocalypse; The Village Square, a musical storytelling experience weaving fables of love, loss, and mischief; and CabaretTimeMachine, where audience suggestions send performers spinning through history in a rollicking improvised cabaret.
Other works across the city include Canada’sSpeedDatingwith Cacti by Mammalian Diving Reflex at the Royal Botanic Gardens, a playful exploration of consciousness across people, plants, and time, and Runway in the Rainforest at Sea Life Melbourne Aquarium, where fashion designer Aron Katona and fellow artists present designs inspired by tropical wonders.
Melbourne Fringe Creative Director and CEO Simon Abrahams says: “Melbourne Fringe Festival is the city’s creative playground, where artists are free to experiment, take risks, and make work that could only happen here in Melbourne. This year, we’re excited not only to be the home for Melbourne’s independent artists, but also to welcome renowned international artists who are bringing bold, immersive, and thought-provoking experiences to the streets, squares, and venues of our city.” Melbourne Fringe Festival: September 30-October 19. melbournefringe.com.au Cheryl Threadgold
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
COMMON KNOWLEDGE
■ Comedian, television host and film star Rosie O'Donnell will make her Australian debut with her new, critically acclaimed show CommonKnowledge.
After its debut in Dublin and direct from the Edinburgh Fringe, the one-woman show will play in Hamer Hall on Sunday October 19 at 2pm.
This show marks the first time Rosie has ever performed in Australia as she reflects on her life in the present, including her longing to visit and perform in Australia, why she moved to Ireland from the USA, and how that shift has shaped her future.
Audiences can expect a night of laughter and reflection from a truly unique voice sharing her opinions on subjects that matter most – here and now.
“I am thrilled that I am finally making the trip to Australia which I have always only dreamed about,” says Rosie
Common Knowledge showcases Rosie O'Donnell’s signature blend of 'heart, humour and honesty', as she promises Australian fans 'an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, surprises, and thought-provoking moments.'
The 11-time Emmy and Tony Award winner will explore everything from pop culture to politics with her trademark spontaneity and sharp observational style and deliver the raw humour that has made her a true icon.
Performance Date: Sunday October 19 at 2pm
Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne
Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au
Cheryl Threadgold
Other Desert Cities
■ In 2011, American playwright Jon Robin Baitz wrote OtherDesertCitiesaround the lives of an affluent Republican family in Palm Springs, California, during the Presidency of Republican Geoge W Bush, in 2003.
It is Christmas Eve and the Wyeths - Lyman and Polly - are committed Republicans and have invited their son and daughter to their Palm Springs home for Christmas
Both siblings are living their own lives away from the parents; son Trip, a Hollywood reality show producer, and daughter Brooke, a writer who has bought with her a manuscript, her second novel, that threatens to expose family secrets and damage the reputation of the family name and the parents' standingwithin the community and in particular as Republicans.
While the play revolves around Brooke (Jen Bush) and her plans to publish the novel, it is the domineering, sharp-tongued former screenwriter mother Polly (Lindy Yeates) that sets the tone for keeping the manuscript under wraps, while father Lyman (Phil Lambert) once a movie matinee star and now an Ambassador, weighs in considering the consequences of the release of the manuscript.
Giving some relief to the built up tension throughout the dialogue is Polly’s sister Silda (Paula McDonald), a reformed alcoholic, although sneaking a whisky and a smoke has her reasons for publishing the manuscript bringing to the fore a long held family secret.
Level headed son Trip (Liam Gillespie) was strong when telling his sister how selfish and self-centred she is, that most of the so-called events in her manuscript are based on her memory when she was 10 years old.
Heidelberg Theatre Company has an extraordinary wide stage and Director/Set designer Gaetano Santo made full use of its width and depth while providing for a very large functional living room with a distant moun-
● Rosie O’Donnell. Photo: Kip Carroll tain range backdrop, at times we needed to turn our heads from side to side as if at a tennis match, to follow some of the dialogue.
There were instances where the actors needed to be closer when having robust discussions, rather than metres apart.
Given those comments though, it flowed well to an unexpected ending.
Performance Season: Until September 20 Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna.
Bookings: htc.org.au
Review by Graeme McCoubrie
Sincere Apologies
■ Alternative Facts brings their quietly subversive participatory performance Sincere Apologies to the 2025 Melbourne Fringe, from October 8-19 at Trades Hall, The Square
Created by award-winning artists Dan Koop, Jamie Lewis and David Williams, SincereApologiesis a show about how we say 'sorry'.
Part theatrical ritual, part social experiment, SincereApologies explores what it means to apologise in a world full of broken systems, failed relationships, and bureaucratic disclaimers.
The work is participatory, gentle, nurturing, community-building and non-judgmental.
Nothing is ever compulsory. With gentle instructions and a surprising sense of camaraderie, audiences slowly help construct the performance – reading aloud, reflecting silently or simply witnessing.
“The show will make you think but it will always, always look after you,” says co-creator David Williams
“It’s a show where everyone will be involved, just a little bit. There are surprises. You will definitely laugh at times. You might occasionally cry a little. We’re in this together.”
Alternative Facts creates theatre works of social relevance, aesthetic rigour and emotional impact –theatre designed to change the world, one person at a time.
Under the leadership of theatre maker David Williams and producer Suzie Franke, Alternative Facts works explore contemporary social life in all its complexity, messiness, beauty, and strangeness.
Venue: Trades Hall – The Square
Dates: October 8 -19
Times: Wed.-Sat., 6pm and 7.30pm;Sun. 5pm and 6.30pm
■ Theatre Works and Wild Boar Theatre’s premiere season of Are You There? was a beautiful piece of masterful storytelling, a timely dark comedy that gave a bittersweet insight into life in an aged care home.
The home in question was the fictional Autumn Dale Village. There we met three women - Colleen, Pia and Lauren - on an eventful Friday. Pia was the receptionist desperately trying to rein in the chaos, Colleen was a lively active resident while Lauren , also a resident, suffered from dementia and was off in her own world.
The world of the home was captured realistically by Irene Korsten’s script. In terms of structure, language and characterisation her writing was superb. The script never felt forced or artificial and, perhaps most importantly, never judgemental of the lives of these three women. The worker, the able resident and the not-so-able resident each had their stories told and brought to life.
Bringing them to life were three marvellous actresses, Jane Clifton (who played Colleen), Melanie Madrigali (Pia) and Rosemary Johns (Lauren). There was a great dynamic between the three of them and all performed with verve and a quiet confidence. In particular, Johns gave a sympathetic and dignified performance. Limited to saying only the words of the play’s title, her work using movement, gesture and expression was both touching and disturbing.
Performances of such tremendous quality require a great director which Rachel Baring clearly is. She allowed the actresses and script to shine and, consequently, the show was always engaging. Baring astutely varied the pace of the show, with quiet delicate moments of fragility contrasting with the hustle and bustle of life inside Autumn Dale.
AreYouThere?was a magnificent production which captured both the comedy and the tragedy of what it is to live in an aged care home. It is theatre of the highest quality and deserves a life beyond this all-too-brief season.
Venue: Explosives Factory, Rear Laneway 67 Inkerman St, St Kilda Review by
●
Liam Gillespie (Trip) and Jen Bush (Brooke) in Other Desert Cities
Photo: David Belton
Peter Murphy
● ● ● ● Jane Clifton, Rosemary Johns and Melanie Madrigali in Are You There?
Photo: Hannah Jennings.
Local Theatre Observations
Shows
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Hollow Crown (by John Barton) Until September 20 at 3-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: wlt.org.au/booktickets
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Other Desert Cities (Jon Robin Baitz) Until September 20 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Gaetano Santo. Bookings: email boxoffice@ htc.org.au
■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Addams Family, a new musical (Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice). Until September 20 at Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Isabella Preston. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org.au
■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Heartbreak Choir (Aidan Fennessey) Until September 20 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Sue Rawkins. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au
■ Theatre of the Damned: La Cage Aux Follies. Until September 20 at the Belmont Performing Arts Centre. Director: Elise Dahl; Musical Director: Nathan Firmin; Choreographer: Venessa Paech. Bookings: theatreofthedamnedgeelong.com
■ Essendon Theatre Company: Cosi (by Louis Nowra) Until September 20 at the Bradshaw St. Community Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director: Rosalin Shafik-Eid. Bookings: 04064 48368 or trybooking
■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) Until September 27 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Katie-Jane Amery. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com
■ NOVA Music Theatre: Chess, September Until September 21 at The Round. Nunawading. Bookings: novamusictheatre. com.au
■ Track Youth Theatre: Midsummer Magic (by Ed Bailey) September 19 – 20 at the Clayton Theatre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Sophie Jevons. Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/1442403
■ Frankston Theatre Group: Emma (by Jane Austen, adapted by Michael Bloom) September 25 – October 5 at Frankston High School Performing Arts Theatre, 97 Foot Street, Frankston. Director: Candice Mitrousis. Bookings: frankstontheatregroup. com.au
■ The Basin Theatre Group: Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Sarah Ruhl) October 2 – 12 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: John Putman. Bookings: 0494 065 006.
■ The 1812 Theatre: Speaking in Tongues (by Andrew Bovell) October 2 – 25 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Dexter Bourke. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au
■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Juliet October 10-25 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Karl McNamara; Musical Director: Dan Heskett; Choreographer: Felicity Bender. Bookings: cloc.org.au
■ Babirra Music Theatre: Grease October 10-18 at The Round, Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Bookings: theround.com.au/ whats-on/grease-babirra
■ Encore Theatre: The Revlon Girl (by Anthony Docking) October 10 – 19 at the Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: David Krause. Bookings: encoretheatre.com.au
■ Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage (by Yasmina Reza) October 16 – 19 at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117-119 Sturt St., Ballarat Central. Director: Ruby Abbott. Bookings: bnt.org.au
■ Warragul Theatre Company: The Game’s Afoot (by Ken Ludwig) October 16 – 19 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, 1 Civic Place, Warragul. Director: Justin Stephens. Bookings: Coming soon.
■ CPP Community Theatre: Urinetown October 17 – 24 at the Rowville Performing Arts Centre, Humphreys Way, Rowville. Director: Mitchell E Roberts; Vocal Musical Director: Brodie Sainsbury-King; Orchestral Musical Director: Scott Huddleston; Choreographer: Molly Daley. Bookings: Trybooking.
■ Moonlite Theatre: Rope (by Patrick Hamilton) October 17 – 25 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19 Gisborne Rd., Baccus Marsh. Director: Shannon Nicholson. Bookings: trybooking.com/ DBPIV
■ PEP Productions: Love, Loss and What I Wore (by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Illene Beckerman) October 24 – November 1 at The Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Jennifer Pacey. Trybooking. Cheryl Threadgold
Entertainment
THE MUTINEERS
■ Monash Uni Student Theatre (MUST MSA) presents TheMutineers, written by emerging playwright Tavisshi Dhawan in The MUST Space at Monash University Clayton from September 18-27.
Co-directed by Tiara Pires and Tavisshi Dhawan, TheMutineers is set in the 1990s at the prestigious Bellview Academy. We follow the journey of two scholarship students as they navigate their shift from humble beginnings into ‘Hellview’s’ complex social environment.
Beneath the school’s polished veneer is a clandestine group of students who meet in secret to speak their truths and form unshakeable connections.
The Mutineersis described as a tale about love, friendship and queer identity in the face of adversity, and the challenges that come with change.
Performance Details: September 18 - 20 at 7.30pm, September 23 - 26 at 7.30pm and September 27 at 5.30pm
Venue: The MUST Space: Grnd Flr, West, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Monash University Clayton (See pin on Google and Apple maps)
Duration: 2 hours 10 mins, incl. interval
Post Show Q and A: September 25; Masked Performance (Audience and Crew) September 23
■ The next Sisters in Crime event is Friday, (Sept. 19) at 8pm at the Rising Sun Hotel, South Melbourne. Dinner is from 6.30pm.
Titled Death Pacificly: Fiji - the tropical scene of crime, a panel discussion will take place regarding Fiji seen not just as with coconut palms, coral reefs, shimmering blue seas and magnificent singing - it is fast becoming the tropical scene of crime.
In conversation with host Leslie FalkinerRose, see what lurks beneath the surface of this Pacific idyll with authors Nilma Rao, Ali Lowe and B.M. Allsopp.
Date: Friday, September 19 at 8pm (Panel) Doors open 6.30pm. Dinner available.
Venue: The Rising Sun Hotel, 2 Raglan St., South Melbourne.
■ After three years 'off the boards', focusing on his work as a Marriage Celebrant, Jai Cameron is debuting his first-ever cabaret show in the Melbourne Fringe Festival titled TillDeath(OrCourt)DoUsPartfrom October 1 - 5 at 7pm (Sundays at 6pm) at the Bluestone Church Arts Space, Footscray Jai describes his show as 'Disney meets
Auditions
■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Tin Woman (by Sean Grennan) October 5 and October 6 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Brett Turner-Valenta. Audition enquiries: bturnsta63@gmail.com
■ The 1812 Theatre: Clue on Stage (adapted from the Paramount Pictures film by Jonathan Lynn and the board game from Hasbro, Inc.) October 26 at 7pm, October 27 at 6.30pm at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Audition bookings: outlook.office.com/book/ AuditionBookings@theatreperson.com Cheryl Threadgold
Carmina Burana
Jane Magao
■ Readers with good memories may recall a wonderful advertisement for coffee that features a stirring choral call to arms in the cause of buying the right brand of coffee.
That music was the earworm OFortuna, from Carl Orff’s marvellous work for big choral forces, CarminaBurana
It’s a work with so much passion and power, and has often been used in films.
MAFSin this genre-blending show about love, delusion and digital-age heartbreak.'
Keith Maiden, 'a wedding celebrant, professional heart-holder and part-time delusional romantic' is finally getting married himself after two decades of officiating at other people's happily-ever-afters. Keith is marrying an Egyptian prince he met online - who may or may not be real, or alive.
What begins as a joyful celebration of queer love, quickly unravels into a painfully honest deep dive into modern commitment, scammers, rom-com delusions and the true cost of believing in 'forever'.
Featured are songs like Love Boat, White Wedding, Love is in the Air, I Touch Myself, ChapelofLove,MakeYouFeelMyLove,True Colours and RememberMe
Jai Cameron is a qualified Civil Celebrant who has officiated over 30 weddings across Victoria since 2019.
Jai trained at the Victorian College of the Arts Music Theatre Studio (2017) under Trent Baker, David Butler and Phoebe Panaretos, and holds a Graduate Certificate in Business (Arts Management) from Deakin University.
Dates: October 1-5 at 7pm (Sun. 6pm)
Venue: Bluestone Church Arts Space - 8A Hyde St, Footscray VIC 3011
Cost: $22-25
Duration 55 minutes (no interval)
Tickets: melbournefringe.com.au
Rated: MA15+ (Mature Audiences) Cheryl Threadgold
CarminaBuranais being performed live by Melbourne Bach Choir on Friday September 19 at 8pm in the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall at Melbourne Recital Centre.
While the text of Carmina Burana sprang from a mediaeval manuscript found in a Bavarian monastery, it deals with very secular themes of life, fate, dancing, drinking, gambling and love making, making it a very worldly piece indeed.
As well as the choral forces of the Melbourne Bach Choir and the Australian Children’s Choir, it features soloists soprano Jane Magao, baritone Christopher Hillier and tenor Robert Macfarlane – all names well known to Melbourne opera lovers.
The forces will be conducted by MBS conductor Rick Prakhoff, and accompanied by pianists Elyane Laussade and Kathryn Pisani, with percussion.
It promises to be a night where the music lifts off the roof.
Tickets are available from melbournerecital.com.au
Julie Houghton
Troy
■ It must say something about our culture that we can keep reviving millennia-old stories and present them in a new light.
Tom Wright’s Troy, directed by Ian Michael, reimagines Homer’s epic Iliad Troy opens with a column of sand pouring onto Dann Barber’s brilliant amphitheatre as if slowly reclaiming this ancient monument.
Elizabeth Blackmore’s rebellious teen Cassandra incites the god Apollo’s (Danny Ball) fury and is cursed.
A gift of prophecy wasted; her words twist with every warning she gives.
Among the soon-to-be ruins of an ancient civilisation, we meet Queen Hecuba (Paula Arundell), Queen Clytemnestra (Geraldine Hakewill), King Agamemnon (Mark Leonard Winter), their daughter Iphigenia (Ciline Ajobong), the hero Achilles (also Danny Ball ), and his lover Patroclus (Lyndon Watts)
Wright frequently pulls us out of the moment, reflecting on the story in the present. The lone symbol of protest against war, teen rebel Cassandra, vents her frustration at her helplessness to the audience.
Archaeologist podcasters in this millennium sit in ancient sands and muse about the past.
The infamous Trojan Horse, fantastically reimagined as a giant, ominous black balloon, dominates the stage.
The invasion of Troy is imminent. Spectacular, frightening air blasts, sirens, guns, and helicopter sounds evoke the chaos as the bodies pile up.
In place of the chorus, a singer (Lyndon Watts) performs melancholic laments.
The cast works hard to bring all elements together and mostly succeeds.
Wright’s reinterpretation of Iphigenia as a fanatic sacrificing herself out of free will is a misstep.
It excuses Agamemnon’s calculated decision to surrender his daughter in pursuit of calm seas.
This shift weakens Clytemnestra’s notorious fury, and although the narrative ends up in the same place, her motive becomes unclear. That said, this ambitious mythic work glimmers.
Until September 25 at the Malthouse Theatre
Bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au
Review by Kathryn Keeble
● ● ● ● Wynter Dallas, Sophie Foster, Lachlan Robertson, Sam Pringle, Bridget Hyde, Lucas Lines, Jada-Li Crossey, Marcus Ledger, Dominic Hartano, Vedant Pithia rehearse The Mutineers
Photo: Lisa Baker.
● ● Jai Cameron in Til Death (or Court) Do Us Part
Photo: Jeremy Guzman
● ● Cheryl and Malcolm Threadgold were pictured by Mark Gambin oat the opening night of the Lark
In Memory of
CATO THE WISE Maxwell Newton
★ The opening night of Rebecca, with Nikki Shiels and Pamela Rabe, will take place at the Southbank Theatre on Saturday, October 4.
★The irish Film Festival will have an opening night in Melbourne on October 23 at The Kino, with season extending until October 26
★Cluedo cast members, start ing at the Comedy Theatre in February, will include Genevieve Lemon, Craig McLachlan and Grant Piro.
★Clint Stanaway will depart Channel 9 at the end of this year to focus on radio full-time at NOVA 100 with Jase Hawkins and Lauren Phillips.
★ The Australian, New Zealand and Asian Creative Arts Therapies Association welcomes the Duckett Review’s recognition of art therapy as an evidence-based therapeutic support that can significantly benefit National Disability Insurance Scheme participants.
★Lachlan Murdoch has won control of the News-Fox empire after settling a dispute about the Murdoch Family Trust with his siblings.
★Zoos Victoria is asking for ‘citizen scientists’ for help to track Endangered Bogong Moths as they migrate across the nation to the alpine regions this Spring.
★Rob Thomas is set to return to Australian stages with The All Night Days Tour. Shannen James will join him for the soldout Melbourne shows at The Forum on October 29-31.
★Chelsea Skatepark will host Kingston’s ultimate skate and scooter showdown - Skate of Mind - this Sunday (Sep. 21).
★Cancer Council Victoria is calling on women to rally their girlfriends, sisters, mums, and mates from september to November for Girls’ Night In, and help fund research and support for women’s cancers.
★Elmo’s Circus Dream is off to Westfield Fountain Gate from September 19 – October 12.
★Jetts Fitness Victoria clubs and leaders have achieved major success at The Gathering, Jetts annual awards night, bringing home two prestigious national awards. Victoria national winners were Angelique Woods, Cranbourne West and Templestowe
★TAC is paying barbers to fit seat belts to their chairs and lecture male drivers on wearing car seat belts.
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment
★Australia's first and only Sondheim repertory company Watch This will present new work Colour & Light: The Art of Stephen Sondheim at Theatre Works, opening on Friday (Sep. 19).
★ Melbourne is to host Australia’s largest gastroenterology conference. The Gastroenterology Society of Australia and the World Gastroenterology Organisation and the have partnered to deliver the largest gastroenterology and hepatology conference in Australia.It will take place from September 19-22 at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
★Murrindindi Film Society will this Friday (Sep. 19) close its season with the 2002 American romantic drama The Shipping News. Doors at the yea Butter Factory open at 6.45pm with the screening to begin at 7pm. Prospective members and first time guests will be admitted free of charge.
★With 70 events across week, Melbourne International Games Week includes plenty of surprises for gamers at every level plus all the industry must-haves and international guests.
★The Australian Communica tions and Media Authority has found Triple M licensees in breach of decency rules due to comments broadcast on the Marty Sheargold Show about women’s sport. The stations contravened the Commercial Radio Code of Practice by allowing derogatory language and sexist themes to be broadcast on the program.
★Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings Disney’s beloved animated classic Beauty and the Beast to life in a spectacular live to film concert experience on Friday-Saturday, April 1011 next year, at Hamer Hall.
★ Bluey’s Big Play The Stage Show will start in Melbourne on December 30 before moving onto other capital cities.
★The second annual Melbourne Pinball Expo is returning on November 7–9 at the Matthew Flinders Hotel, Chadstone
★Some 33 finalists from around Australia have been selected for the 2025 Live Well, Die Well Art Prize, a Palliative Care Australia initiative.
★Cardinia Cultural Centre presents Eighty Years of Earth, Clay & Fire, celebrating the legacy of Robert Gordon Pottery, one of Australia’s most iconic ceramic and family-run businesses. The Pottery has shaped the ceramics landscape for three generations.
New artwork at Sunshine
■ Brimbank Council has unveiled plans for a significant new public artwork at the H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens in Sunshine, to be created by the acclaimed contemporary art collective, Monash Art Projects
Titled TheBirds(Sunshine), the project will see the installation of six sculptural birdbaths created from honed granite, bluestone and bronze.
Drawing inspiration from the industrial heritage of the Sunshine Harvester Works and the surrounding basalt plains, the sculptures will provide a functional and artistic habitat for local birdlife, while offering the community new ways to engage with the H.V. McKay Memorial Gardens’ unique natural and cultural history.
Monash Art Projects is a collaborative studio recognised for innovative, research-driven approaches to public art that bring together architecture, ecology, sculpture, and storytelling.
Collaborating on the development of this work are prominent artists Callum Morton (MAP Director), Jen Berean (MAP Associate Director) and Linda Tegg
The sculptural forms in TheBirds (Sunshine) are adapted from the Sunshine Harvester Company’s original parts catalogue, reassembled as modernist compositions reminiscent of Cubist collages. The work offers a poetic response to the machine age, reimagining industrial forms as vessels for care, regeneration, and connection with nature.
The new public artwork is scheduled for installation in mid-2026 and is supported through Brimbank Council’s Public Art Program
Brimbank Mayor, Cr Thuy Dang, said: “Council is pleased to be adding to the public art in Brimbank with a meaningful sculptural piece named The Birds that will be installed in Sunshine next year for everyone to enjoy.
“The Birds will connect deeply with the legacy of H.V. McKay and the site’s industrial past while looking forward - creating something that is both reflective and functional for our community and its environment.
“Public art brings people together, sparks conversation, and helps us see the world differently - and in Brimbank, we are proud to support work that strengthens our community in such powerful and lasting ways,” said Cr Dang.
The Birds (Sunshine) extends Monash Art Projects recent project TheBirds(MUMA), commissioned by Monash University Museum of Art (2024–2025), which featured carved boulders shaped to collect water for birds on campus.
That work explored Victoria’s geological diversity while foregrounding the needs of non-human species in urban design.
The Sunshine project will build on these learnings with new research into local avian life and site-responsive design.
■ Callum Morton is one of Australia’s most respected contemporary artists. Known for large-scale public sculptures and interventions, his work bridges architecture and narrative. His artworks are held in major collections including the National Gallery of Victoria, MONA and the MCA
■ Linda Tegg is an artist whose immersive installations explore multispecies relationships and ecological restoration. She represented Australia at the 2018 Venice Architecture Biennale.
■ Jen Berean is a designer and artist working across disciplines to examine systems, urban life, and material histories. Her collaborative work often explores spatial practice and environmental care.
The
Conjuring
- Last Rites
■ (MA). 135 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.
Touted as (supposedly) the last in the core franchise, this latest entry throws plenty of familiar elements into the mix, but strangely forgets to bring the actual horror, instead concentrating too much on soapy family drama and obvious spin-off set-ups.
Beginning in 1964, we see a young Lorraine and Ed Warren (played here by Madison Lawlor and Orion Smith) in the infancy of their careers as paranormal investigators.
The case involves a haunted mirror, and its power sends a heavily pregnant Lorraine into early labour, and the evil presence almost takes the baby’s life.
We then cut to 1986, where Lorraine and Ed (now played by regulars Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson) have taken a back seat to the spirit world, due to Ed’s heart condition, and the pair concentrating on their now-grown daughter Judy (Mia Tomlinson), who, surprise, surprise, has the same gift as her mother.
Judy is seeing the good-hearted Tony (Ben Hardy), who is nervous about meeting her famous parents, especially Ed, who is yet to be convinced he may be the person for his beloved child.
His concerns increase when Tony asks Judy to marry him. While this is happening, the Smurl family are dealing with a terrifying haunting that suddenly affects their household, starting when the parents buy a present for one of their daughters who has just had her confirmation.
That present: the mirror the Warrens encountered decades before.
Though initially hesitant, the Warrens eventually take on the case, mainly because Judy inadvertently becomes involved, and this will see the whole family (along with Tony) teaming up to defeat the dangerous demon.
TheConjuring:LastRitesbasically repeats the second film, but fails to introduce its afflicted family in a way that allows the audience to engage in their plight.
All we get are moments that are tired and highly predictable. Most of the time is spent on the impending marriage of Judy and Tony
This would be fine if the drama and terror were better balanced, but the writing is just not good enough to warrant so much attention on the pair, not helped by the fact that it is so apparent that the producers want the young, soonto-be betrothed, couple to carry on the franchise in MCU fashion.
The Exorcist (and the original Conjuring) was much better at examining its human characters before hitting us with the horror; here it feels more like template filler.
Those turning up for plenty of scares will need to wait for around 80 minutes, but even then they are few and far between, and fans will see them coming a mile away.
Along with TheConjuring2and The Exorcist, other films that come to mind during this overlong film are Poltergeist2,Constantine and TheOmen Michael Chaves , who helmed the hokey, forgettable Part 3, as well as the equally second-rate The Curse Of The Weeping
Woman (2019) and The Nun 2 (2023), again relies on tiresome tropes and cliches to elicit frights, and while generally slick (apart from the CGI blood and ghosts), presents the story in that now overly-used jittery cam method. What keeps one remotely interested in the film is the main cast.
Farmiga and Wilson again offer solid performances, and still manage to give their characters some kind of foundation even as the scripts get flimsier and flimsier.
Tomlinson and Hardy are likeable, but their characters feel more like spin-off tools rather than actual people.
No one else really gets a chance to make an impression. Less a horror film and more a variation on FatherOfTheBridewith a ghost story attached, The Conjuring: Last Rites is slightly better than its predecessor, but remains a huge disappointment.
As it all comes to an end (?), we are already picturing the next instalment, The Conjuring : The NextGeneration.
RATING - **
Companion
■ (MA). 97 minutes. Now available on Blu-ray and DVD.
Exploring the dangers of everevolving technology, Companionis a nice surprise, providing a smart sense of humour and good performances.
Sophie Thatcher plays Iris, an old-fashioned young woman who is devoted to her boyfriend Josh (Jack Quaid) , who seems to appreciate her commitment to their relationship.
Driving to a remote, luxury house for a relaxing getaway with friends, the two enjoy their surroundings, but things turn sour after a sudden, unexpected confrontation.
The less viewers know going in, the better. Even if you know what the main twist is, it shouldn’t dampen the film’s entertainment value.
Debutant writer/director Drew Hancock establishes his premise well enough to build on, and by using comedy more than horror, does tap into a mindset that is increasing in uncomfortable fashion, in regards to how men view women, with an ingrained sense of control and entitlement that has lead to worrying levels of misogyny.
Thatcher is excellent, while Quaid does well with his role. One could see Companionas the genre alternative to Barbie RATING - **** Aaron Rourke
● ● Aaron Rourke
■ Arlene Dahl was born in Minneapolis in 1925 and broke into films after Warner Brothers studio boss Jack Warner saw her onstage in a Broadway show.
Arlene made her screen debut in Lifewith Father. Her beauty and flaming red hair made her a favourite of filmgoers in the 1940s and 1950s.
1953 was a very busy year for Arlene , she made five films, was writing a beauty column and designing lingerie.
She co-starred with Red Skelton in two films and thought he was a funny and marvellous person, despite his practical jokes such as throwing a “stink bomb” into her dressing room.
Robert Taylor was the most handsome and thoughtful man Arlene worked with in her career.
When filming Ambush with Robert Taylor in 1949 she confided in him, that when she was a teenager, she had written to him at MGM and received a signed photo. Arlene was not sure if it actually was Robert who had signed it.
The following day two dozen roses and a package arrived at her dressing room. Inside was a personally signed photo of Robert Taylor in a sterling silver frame and a present of a small carved ivory Buddha statue.
The attached note read “Greta Garbo gave this statue to me when we were filming Camille for good luck and I’m giving it to you for the same reason, love Robert.”
Arlene was married six times and her husbands included Lex Barker and Fernando Lamas.
Over the years she was very successful in the lingerie and cosmetic business.
Arlene wrote many books and an astrology column.
Arlene would have preferred to be known as a Broadway performer rather than a film star.
We heard her beautiful singing voice on screen when she sang ILoveYouSoMuch in the 1950 MGM musical ThreeLittleWords
During her career Arlene toured in many stage musicals such as TheKingandI, Applauseand ALittleNightMusic
She guest starred in many of the popular American television series and played an ongoing role in the soap opera AllMyChildren
Sadly, Arlene Dahl passed away in 2021 at the age of 96.
SYMBOLS AT SULLIVAN AND STRUMPF
Symbols – Ry David Bradley Sullivan & Strumpf is presenting a solo exhibition of new paintings from London/Paris-based Melbourne artist Ry David Bradley, on now at their Melbourne gallery.
A continuation of his latest body of works, first presented at Carl Kostyal, London, earlier this year, as a prelude to his major Lyn House museum exhibition Epoch – now until May 2026; Symbolsmarks a significant turning point in Bradley’s artistic trajectory, in which he calls for pause and reflection: on how we engage with the digital, and what it means to exist within a hyper-digital movement.
Ry David Bradley’s practice is driven by a longstanding investigation into what painting can mean in the 21st century.
One of a handful pf international artists immersed in the digital revolution, for 20 years he has worked at the intersection of digital and traditional methods.
Advancing provocations around the nature of image-making by combining pixels with oil paint and the gestural marks of the artist’s hand; constructing of image- constructing works that deliberately blur and destabilise the boundaries between the two, these hybrids, in history and speculation refuse to collapse into one another , existing instead in a space of productive tension.
Born in Melbourne in 1979, Ry David Bradley lives and works in London, Paris and Melbourne
He holds a Master of Fine Art from the Victorian College of the Arts,, University of Melbourne, and has exhibited extensively in galleries and museums in Australia and internationally, including art fairs in New York, London, Milan, Los Angeles, Berlin and Paris
His work is represented in major public and private collections including the National Gallery of Victoria, the Herning Museum of Contemporary Art, and the Lyon House museum.
Exhibition closes September.
MAPh
The Wayward Girls –
Deborah Paauwe
Deborah Paauwe’s latest series
The Wayward Girls delicately explores the intricate interplay between childhood , adolescence and adulthood.
The artist created these images as the recipient of the Wai Tang
The Arts
with Peter Kemp
Commissioning Award, and one work from the series will be acquired into MAPh collection.
Paauwe’s work is characterised by an evocative use of textiles and fabric, which serve as both medium and metaphor, weaving narratives that resonate with subtle complexity an profound sensitivity.
In her compositions, muted colours and pastel tones create a dreamlike ambience, inviting viewers into a world where the boundaries of age and identity are both distinct and blurred.
Exhibition closes November 9.
MAPh
860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill
Now open
Gallery Applications now open.
Looking to be a part of the 2026 St Heliers Gallery exhibition program?
Applications are now open for this fantastic opportunity, suitable for artists of all stages.
From early career to established, exhibit your work at Australia’s largest arts and cultural precinct.
Immerse yourself in the creative community at Abbotsford Convent and share your work with a diverse and growing audience.
Proposals are welcomed for solo or group exhibitions for visual and audio -visual arts, sound , design, multi and new media, craft, live ar, and performance. Apply by Sunday October 19.
Collingwood
Disco Inferno- – Karla Marchesi
Combing centuries-old vanitas traditions and the aesthetics of Baroque art with the glitz of 1970s disco, DiscoInfernoexplores fleeting pleasures in a hypermediated, economically anxious age.
Borrowing its title from The Trammps 1976 hit, the exhibition presents botanical arrangements poised in delicate tension, between surface and substance, desire and decay, delight and disillusionment.
Berlin based Karla Marchesi has Bachelor of Fine Art (2004) and Honours in fine Art (2007) degrees from the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University , where she received the University Medal for academic excellence and the Honours Thesis Prose.
Marchesi received the Philip Bacon Galleries Prize for Excellence in Drawing in 2003, enabling her to study for a semester at the Pennsylvania academy of Fine Arts USA.
Exhibition closes September 27.
Nicholas Thompson Gallery
155 Langridge St. Collingwood
Peter Kemp
Musica Viva
■ Musica Viva Australia's 2026 season features seven national tours, six premieres and 49 concerts across six states and territories
The program includes international artists like the Doric String Quartet and Paul Lewis alongside Australian performers such as Lloyd Van't Hoff and Genevieve Lacey
The season opens with A Winter'sJourney, featuring British tenor Allan Clayton performing Schubert's Winterreise with animated artworks by Fred Williams
It eatures several premieres including new works by Australian composer Melody Eötvös and British composer Charlotte Bray Contributed
Divorce after Kiss Cam
■ Kristin Cabot was the HR senior executive who attended a Coldplay concert in America where she hooked up with the CEO of same company where she worked. As a couple their affection was played out on 'Kiss Cam' during the concert. Within hours the video was flashed across the news services around the world. Whoops, the couple were married to other people. Kristen and the CEO both resigned. Latest news is that Kristin has filed for divorce from hefr current husband. Next could be a soapie of whole shebang.
Acting is all in the family
■ The McConaughey family are famous for their involvement in films and the creative arts. Matthew McConaughey, his Mum, his wife all have many credits to their names, and now Matthew's 17-year-old son Levi has made his debut in a film produced by Jaime Lee Curtis, called TheLast Bus. The film was screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and is slated to appear shortly through screening services. Levi is a good-looking teen with a friendly attitude and destined for more roles.
Kate and daughter
■ There's no stopping UK model Kate Moss, now 51. Her latest gig is hosting a six-part podcast about her friend David Bowie for replay on BBC Radio 6, tracing Bowie from 1970-75 including previously unheard-of tracks. Kate's daughter, Lisa, now 23, is also into modelling, appearing in a launch video for the latest Barbie Doll - an educational doll for girls suffering from diabetes. The link is Lisa has Diabetes 1.
On the beers?
■ No secret that Travis Kelce is soon to wed Taylor Swift. Travis is a shrewd investor and along with his brother Jason owns the controlling interest in a light beer brewery called Garage Beer. Consumption of light beer is on the rise in America . One reliable financial institution has valued Garage Beer being worth $200 million. The big question is whether Garage Beer will be the official brand at the wedding of the year
Attracting toursist
Abbotsford Convent Gallery
1 St Heliers S, Abbotsford
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Observer
Lovatts Crossword No 11
Across Across Down Down
1. More droopy
6. Dig
11. Legendary gold city (2,6)
15. Having a poor ear for pitch (4-4)
20. Relations
21. Undue speed
22. Pen name, ... de plume
23. Gleefully chuckles
24. Tent supports (3,5)
25. Jesus' home town
27. Singing with trills
28. Prima donna
29. Writer, ... Thomas
31. The O of PTO
32. A wolf in ... clothing (5'1)
36. ANC hero, Nelson ...
37. Within house
38. Lovely
41. Dutch centre of govt, The ...
44. Fishing-line fibre
45. Sample
48. Way of life
49. Very busy
52. Goose & ...
56. Out-of-vogue star (3-4)
57. Small stone
58. Most uptight
61. Arduous experience
62. Foretold
63. West African nation, Sierra ...
64. Warms
65. Fools
66. Cleaver
67. Without artifice
71. Toadstools
73. Silly
75. Catastrophes
80. Ignore
82. Ice-cream desserts
83. Globes
85. Acting as go-between
86. Treat cruelly (3-3)
88. African disease fly
90. Nourishing drinks (3,5)
91. Bible song
93. Current flow rating
94. Interjectors
95. Ski headwear accessory
96. Military flying facility (3,4)
97. No part
99. Burial vault
100. Removed from power
104. Hoist (flag)
105. Cat cry
106. Of sheep
107. Leaseholders
111. Slightly wet
113. Crab's pinch
114. Have
115. Wrath
117. Pitch tent
118. Should, ... to
121. Tribal post, ... pole
122. Moved slowly
125. Field
126. Jump high
127. The ... of Capri
129. Assistant
131. Opposed to
132. Releases grip (4,2)
135. Among
136. Emerald Isle
139. Hordes
140. Scolded
144. Eagle's nest
145. Chick's call
146. Aimed
147. Disengage (train carriages)
148. Splendid (mansion)
149. Public square
150. Lacking originality
152. Customary
154. Baton races
157. Flying saucers (1,1,2)
158. Blabs
162. Matching outfit
163. Meagre
166. Flag down (cab)
167. Speech defect
169. Butterfly catchers
171. Biblical you
172. US moon rocket
173. Composer, Andrew ... Webber
175. Cloth fold
176. Chock
179. Culminate in (4,2)
180. Wash lightly
182. Recline, ... down
183. Repetitive strain injury (1,1,1)
184. Grind (meat)
186. Powder, ... of Paris
189. Thread
190. Peace pact
191. Sense receptor
192. Said
196. Tenant's payment
197. Bellow
198. Vermouth cocktail
199. Remnants
201. Playing for time
202. Harvesters
203. Roof overhangs
204. Last Russian tsar
205. Entangle
208. To the rear
210. Bridge designer
211. Sector
212. Outdoors (4-3)
213. Sinks in middle
215. Unfavoured horses
219. Lead-in
221. Sunday joint
223. Not perfumed
227. Juvenile
228. Ambassador's office
230. Move with effort
231. Cut wildly
232. Pillages
233. Mutilate
234. Admire
238. Delighted
239. First
240. Meal
243. Approval
246. Loosen
247. Dough ingredient
250. Corn husks
251. Out of style
253. Laughing scavengers
256. Frequent visitor
257. Female betrothed
258. Cease
262. Spy, ... Hari
263. Steak cut (1-4)
266. Ark builder
268. WA wine-growing region, ... River
269. Business income
270. Artist's medium (3,5)
271. Sewer coverings
272. Born as
273. Man-made fabric
274. Raises (the ante)
275. Climbs down
276. London/Edinburgh express, Flying ...
277. Lacy robe
278. Roomy
1. Confronts
2. Holed atmosphere layer
3. Erect (3,2)
4. ... out a living
5. Coming up (of sun)
7. Red pepper spice
8. Brutal
9. Michael Flatley's Lord of ... (3,5)
10. Simple
11. Famous volcano
12. Inclinations
13. Continually (2,3,2)
14. Phenomenal
15. Turrets
16. Actor, ... Sharif
17. Fire fragment
18. Remove from home
19. Misty
24. Pastime
26. Multitude
30. Lounges about
33. Barn dance
34. Distinguished
35. Actor, Sam ...
38. Ringing (of bell)
39. Nudged
40. Drama venue
42. Afresh
43. Unties
46. Junkies
47. Compared to
49. Cooperative
50. Top of head
51. List down
53. Non-believer in God
54. Roman moon goddess
55. Staff schedules
59. Proximity
60. Able to be rubbed out
67. Uncared-for 68. Traffic jam (5-2)
69. Undoes (envelope)
70. Sly suggestion
72. Opening
74. Telling
76. Debatable
77. Energies
78. Copy
79. Siblings
81. Until now
84. Mattress frame
87. Paint thinners
89. Called
91. Autocue
92. Insane lady
98. Fireplace shelf
101. TV host, ... Dingo
102. Egg shapes
103. Give work to 108. Stoat
109. Colloquial language
110. Inspire
112. Inventiveness
116. Feared Mongolian ruler (7,4)
119. Inattentive
120. Grotesquely
123. Small coffee cup
124. Welcoming
128. Clinging gastropods
130. Hero-worship
132. Feebler
133. Fish commercially
134. Survive (3,2)
137. Turn out
138. Disgust
141. Granny Smith fruit
142. Cogwheel set
143. Personal memoirs
151. On dry land
153. Lucky charm
155. Dismiss (from college)
156. Map book
159. Desire for food
160. Tethered (4,2)
161. Pleads
164. Swiftly
165. Fluid unit
168. Laziness
170. Glimmers
173. Unused portion
174. Public referee
177. Filth
178. Coming into view
181. Water (pasture)
185. River flows
186. Allspice
187. Orange/pink shade
188. Libya's capital
193. Afternoon break
194. Vote back into office (2-5)
195. Wanted
200. Uniformity
201. Divide
206. Not either
207. Car horns
208. Takes into custody
209. Type of spanner
211. Appoints
214. Sultan's wife
216. Sissy
217. Austere
218. Disappoints
220. Hobo
222. Conscious (of fact)
224. Held tenderly
225. Subtleties of meaning
226. Infinite
229. Famous US university
232. Army dining room
235. And so forth (2,6)
236. Greek philosopher
237. Coffee drug
241. Legal trade ban
242. Lawsuits
244. Surgical blade
245. Kissing & cuddling
248. Eases off
249. Which
251. Repressed, ... up
252. Postage stickers
253. Hot & damp
254. Gains
255. Proverb
259. Moral principle
260. Eskimo hut
261. Cricket matches
262. Fix
264. Roughage
265. Midday
267. Padlock clasp
By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au
Pop Choir
■ Melbourne’s Pop Choir will release their new single StrongerThanBlood with the aim to create awareness for Parkinson’s disease.
Funds raised will support Shake It Up Australia Foundation.
Hundreds of Pop Choir members will perform the single along with other popular songs in a free concert on the Main Stage of Federation Square in Melbourne on Friday September 19 from 7pm to 8pm.
Donations to www.popchoir.com.au/ shakeitupfoundation
Simeon’s night
■ Melbourne artist Simeon Boyadjiev along with the Solid Snakes band will bring to life the classic songs of David Bowie, Toto, Yes and a host of other legendary groups and music royalty.
Plus expect a few original tunes also.
The Parish Hall in Northcote will play host to the evening on Friday, October 24, commencing 8pm.
Tickets $40 and BYO.
Suzi is back
■ The country rocker from Switzerland, Suzi Croner, returns to Melbourne and will rock the Grand on Princes Mulgrave on Saturday, October 25.
Local band No Limit will also feature on the night for what’s become an annual must go-to event.
A buffet dinner and drinks are included for $85 per ticket.
More info: Bertie 0414 979 483 or Frank 0414 979 401. Rob Foenander
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
OAM presented to Maggie Morrison
Crossword Solution No 11
■ Melbourne Observerreviewer Maggie Morrison was joined by family at Government house, Melbourne, to proudly receive her Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) from the Governor of Victoria, Margaret Gardner.
Maggie's citation for her Award reads: 'For services to the performing arts through theatre'. Maggie has shared her love of drama with students for over 50 years in schools in Kew, Caulfield, Mentone, Warragul and RMIT, Bundoora, and initiated the innovative travelling theatre project at Mentone Girls' Secondary College in the 1980s.
Since 2013, Maggie has been the dedicated Artistic Director of the theatre company she co-founded - Legends of the Skies (LOTS) Theatre Inc. - co-writing and directing annual aviation history productions at the Moorabbin Air Museum.
Maggie has been an honorary theatre reviewer for the Melbourne Observersince 2014. Congratulations, Maggie Cheryl Threadgold
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
● Maggie Morrison OAM (second from left) with children Chloe (left), Lachlan and Tallulah at Government House, Melbourne.
● ● ● Maggie Morrison OAM with State Governor Margaret Gardner.
CAR REG. No.
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Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court Criminal Court Listings Wednesday, September 17 Abdo, Khalil Abdulla, Jarrade Allawi, Jason Anagnostou, Anthea Angelovski, Sashe Antonacci, Marco Atkinson, Nola Atkinson, Zola Awad, Siobhan Baltoski, Pande Banti, Taxiarchoula Brackley, Martin Lee Briffa, Renee Brown, Lauren Burns, Pearl Chaabani, Ali Chapman, Dean Warren Chetcuti, Joseph Chiarenza, Daniel Chiminello, Corey Cravaritis, Victoria Daw, Arop Dhaouadhi, Ezeddine Dockery, Thomas Docking, Sarah Dole, Darren Donley, Sam Doumtsis, Anthony El Kerdi, Saad Ellis, Ricky Emsovska, Biljana Ewart, Troy Falcoa, Carlos Faulkner, James Fiorenza, Adam Fiorenza, Adam Garth, Ariel Georgopoulos, Steven Halliwell, Damien Patrick Hameidan, Kassim Harrison, Patricia Harrison, Tyisha Chyanne Harrod, Benjamin Paul Hart, Amanda Hart, Christian Hassan, Abdirahman Hayes, Nioka Heron, John Michael Ivano, Elie Jackamarra, Rachel Jankevicius, John Kadissi, Mansour Keen-Scott, Siobhan Khatib, Mohammad Khodr, Abdalhadi Kirn, Ivana Lando, Fabio Latina, Robert Lovett, Junee Dorothy Lovett, Richard John Lowman, Darren Keith Macdonald, Tamekah Masonwells, Malarni Mcdonald, Phillip Graham Mcevoy, Daniel Mckay, Jeremy Ben Mckenzie, Ryan Patrick Mcross, Adrian Troy Menhinnitt, Jade Marie Miller, Ashley Mohamed, Salim Mokbel, Antonius Monaghan, Shaun Mullett, Tony Rohan Murray, Michael Terrance Myhill, Otis Nguyen, Kevin Oksuz, Gokay Ott, Litisha Pacovska, Stefan Papaconstantidou, Solon Papas, Andrew Pappas, Cherie Parella, Kuladeep Pavez, Racquel Alexandra Phillips, Scott Piper, Reannan Piuila, Vaissaga Poparsouski, Vlado Qudrati, Reza Quinn, Justin Rajapaksha, Aruna Reardon, Melissa Ann Reid, Benjamin Robinson, Mark Romanos, Terry Saini, Sumit Sakr, Jihad Sarmastebli, Daniyal Scanu, Steven Schintler, Benjamin Sibly, Ella Skinner, Alexander Gregory Stefanovska, Victoria Taheri, Naser Tairi, Ysen Thomas, Tanisha Todorovski, Tony Tohow, Mustafa Tounopoulos, Nick Varelas, Christina Velluto, Anthony Wade, Matthew Warr, Brock Weller, Jodie \Wells, James Vincent Williams, Conan Williamson, Mitchell Yilmaz, Dennis Younger, Brent Youssef, Amelia Yu, Shuai Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court Criminal Court Listings Wednesday, September 17 Adamson, Aaron Robert Ahmed, Abdikadir Ali Khan, Khaled Ali, Ayman Allouche, Mahmmoud Altanhan, Seval Ameer, Imran Anaz, Esref Aydinyer, Mesut Bahouche, Rayanne
Barakat, Ahmed Barreiro, Amanda Beaton, Martin Bertucci, Anthony Blackstock, Catherine Borg, Rachel Bowen, Matthew Stephen Brody, Justin John Bugarin, Jomas Calder, Jacob Cardamone, Frank Chai, Yong Liang Compagnino, Giuseppe Cookson, James Cooper, Betty Coops, Sarah Coskun, Fuat Crow, Aliyah Dance, Trevor Dannaoui, Danielle Degruchy, Justin John Demarco, Simon Di Palma, Wilelmo Dowe, Jack Drakes, Tyler Dreamy Pet Pty Ltd Duff, Danielle Durmush, Selcuck El Abed, Mohamed Emsovska, Biljana Erol, Can Fitzgerald, Mitchell Gaite, Sarah Virginia Gardenview Homes Pty Ltd Gargis Homes Pty Ltd Garret, Adam Gatt, Ebony Goldsmith, Danny Hale, Jordan Hammoud, Mohamad Mounzer Hanna, Yousif Hassan, Hussein Hassan, Muhammet Ibrahim Henare, Hayli Hill Garner, Dani Nicole Homsi, Fadi Howett, Heather Hubczak, Chloe Hunter, Shanteall Huynh, Thi Cung Ilgin, Omzel Iluffi, Christopher Intraland Pty Ltd Johnston-Bailey, Lachlan Jye Kanapathy, Muralidharan Karim, Karim Keating, David Joseph Keenan, Carolyn Kerslake, Brodie Kha Corporation Pty Ltd Khan, Awais Ahmad Khan, Khaled Ali Knight, Jayden Loder, Glenn Matthew Magendans, Haylee Manoharan, Nivethanan Marsh, Perry Marshall, Michelle Matteo, Daniela \Mcgregor, Hamish Memili, Abdullah Mielke, Julie Mifsud, Troy Mikha, Mukhlis Milestone Services Pty Ltd Millar, Dennis John Mohammad, Mahmood Sheikh Montera Real Estate Moore, Callum Mp Building & Construction Pty Ltd Noble, Louisa On The Spot Bin Hire And Demolition Pty Otr 401 Pty Ltd Ozannan, Matthew Ozyurek, Erdem Paine, Jessica Pavani, Teresa Pearn, Makayla Pitovao, Jonas Popic, Ivica Precise Projects Pty Ltd Pug, Fadil Pulitano, Marc R & A Michael Investments Pty Ltd
Ranoldo, Salvatore Renshaw Properties Pty Ltd Ryan, Anthony Sahin, Altin Saleh, Fahed Segreto, Michael Shamoon, William Shareef, Nadeem Sharma, Puneet Slayo, Michael Smith, Andrew Starcevic, Julia Stoev, Stefan Sutton, Beau Taha, Hazem Talarico, Jesse Taleb, Akrama Tassone, Simon Paul Taulapapa Talosaga, Kristylitia Tii, Vili Tok, Ayda Tough, Aaron Tounipolis, Anthony Tricarico, John Tserentzoulias, Matthew United 24 Pty Ltd Unver, Tuba Nur Valladares, Aaron Vb Homes Pty Ltd Walsh, Simeon David Warren, Raymond Welch, Sarah Willets, Shania William, Allen Noel Williams, Dhakota Wilson, Daryl Desmond Withers, Erin Shannon Wright, Andrew Zakariya, Evan Zalega, Jan Zaragu, Walter
Local Briefs Upwey Market
■ Monbulk MLA Daniela De Martino says there is a vibrant community spirit that continues to thrive across the hills and foothills of the Dandenong Ranges
“I had the pleasure of setting up a stall at the Upwey Community Market, which is a really fantastic showcase of local creativity, great produce and connection,” Ms De Martino told Parliament.
“It was wonderful to see so many families and stallholders and volunteers come together and celebrate the sunshine, enjoy it all, soak it all up and have a fabulous day out.
“We had so many great conversations with people there. It was wonderful to be out and about, and I will be at many, many more markets to come over the rest of the year,” Ms de Martino said.
‘Crime crisis’
■ Rowville MLA Kim Wells says there is a “crime crisis’ in the region.
“When will the Minister and the State Labor Government fix the current crime crisis, particularly the brazen youth crime spree exploding right across our televisions and smartphones each day, leaving many of my Rowville electorate constituents living in fear and believing that they will become the next victims?” Mr Wells asked.
“Local residents are contacting my office on a daily basis to express their deep concerns about living in fear of the current spate of terrifying crimes, which are occurring daily across Melbourne suburbs, including machete attacks, violent home invasions and carjacking.
“One recent constituent advised me that they and their partner had been forced to move home to a more secure, gated community in the Rowville electorate since crime had become out of control so badly where they had previously lived that they no longer felt safe and feared becoming the next victims of the crime crisis,” Mr Wells said.
Family Fun Day
■ Monash Council is organising a Family Fun Day from 210am-3pm on Sunday, October 19, at Batesford Reserve, Chadstone It is a free ticketed event.
There will be workshops, experiences, live entertainment, rides, kids’ activities, food trucks and roving performers.
■ Big Ted and wildly popular Monash Children's Hospital Teddy Bear Hospital
■ Meet the animals with Wildlife Wrangers Chalk Art Workshop and play
■ Waverley Woodworkers and Creative Sparx
■ Inflatable Slide, Chairoplane, Mini Golf and Jenga
■ New giant LED screen showcasing ABC Kids short movies
■ Community Stage featuring live performances
■ Roving stilt walkers, bubble show and circus.
■ Food Stalls
■ Community and Council stalls including 'try before you register' activities with local sporting clubs
Kilsyth $10m boost
■ The sum of $10.5 million has been invested by the State Government to deliver major upgrades for the Pinks Reserve at Kilsyth Sports Centre, according to NorthEastern Metropolitan MLC Sonja Tepstra.
“I was really pleased to attend the opening of the new and upgraded centre with my colleague the fantastic member for Monbulk, Daniela De Martino,” Ms terpstra told State Parliament.
“These facilities host over 10,000 participants a year – that is thousands of kids forming friendships and exercising as well as thousands of parents sharing courtside chips, amongst other things.
“The upgrades include a new court, change room facilities and more.
“The court will mean byes can be eliminated, and it also enables the wheelchair league at the facility to expand.
“It is a fantastic thing. I hope everyone in the local community enjoys this really important upgraded facility, whether they are playing, coaching or cheering from the sidelines.”
● ● ● ● Print copies of The Local Paper are available fortnightly.
Digital copies are published weekly.
Today’s Menu
Charcuterie Boards:
Plus A Variety of Weekly Specials
Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.
Teas and Coffees
Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea We strive for
SATURDAY’S LOCAL FOOTBALL SIREN SCORES
Amateurs
■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Finals Round 1. Old Scotch 12.10 (82) d St Kevin’s 8.11 (59). Old Brighton 13.15 (93) d Old Xaverians 9.6 (60).
Premier Men’s Reserves. Finals Round 1. Old Xaverians 14.11 (95) d St Kevin’s 9.5 (59). Old Brighton 14.6 (90) d University Blues 9.11 (65).
Premier B Men’s. Preliminary Final. Caulfield Grammarians 19.7 (121) d Old Ivanhoe 9.8 (62).
Premier B Men’s Reserves. Preliminary Final. Fitzroy 11.12 (78) d old ivanhoe 4.5 (29).
Premier C Men’s. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Parkdale Vultures v AJAX.
Premier C Men’s Reserves. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Beaumaris v St Bedes/Mentone.
Division 1 Men’s. Sunday, September 14. Grand Final. Ormond v Old Peninsula. Division 1 Men’s Reserves. Sunday,
Showbiz Extra
The 39 Steps
■ The timing is immaculate, the immersion immediate and the story almost immaterial which all speaks to the physically chaotic fun of Patrick Barlow’s adaption of John Buchan’s The39Steps Richard Hannnay (Ian Stenlake) must foil a spy ring. Lisa McCune plays the femme fatale, the dour Scotsman’s wife and Pamela, the love interest that Hannay meets along the way, and the Umbilical Brothers (David Collins, Shane Dundas), completely in their element, play every other role.
Damien Ryan’s direction teases and toys with all the conventions of sound and lighting (Matthew Marshall, Brady Watkins) and revels in the anarchic fun that is both an acknowledgement of dramatic propriety and a breaking of those strictures.
The lighting and sound go wrong all at the right time. This takes skill to achieve the comic effect.
James Brown’s set with its use of back projection plays into those same conventions. The tonal simplicity of the palette, and flats being both flown and slid across the stage allows for space to be curtained and contained. The simplicity of it all is where the dramatic creativity lies.
And the cast revel in the opportunity provided by the play’s playfulness. Collins and Dundas are masters of physical theatre.
They seem to be able to switch roles effortlessly, instantly and convincingly. The exchange of hats is a tour de force of timing and coordination.
McCune and Stenlake know precisely how far they can take the melodrama, the comedy and how best to milk the routine. They seem to be completely comfortable with their accents and within the skin of the characters they inhabit.
Barlow’s adaption is really an acknowledgement of theatrical form and it licences actors to work the stage as well as styles of theatre.
It is also a coordination of all those theatrical elements which equally impact on the outcome. Sound, lighting, set and cast must all work in tandem. Nothing is static. And all this enlivens the audience.
Performance Season: Until October 4
Venue: Comedy Theatre, Melbourne
Bookings: Ticketek
Review by David McLean
September 14. Grand Final. Oakleigh v Ormond.
Division 2 Men’s. Sunday, September 14. Grand Final. Old Yarra Cobras v St Mary’s salesian.
Division 2 Men’s Reserves. Sunday, September 14. Grand Final. West Brunswick v St Mary’s Salesian.
Division 3 Men’s. Sunday, September 14. Grand Final. Power House v North Brunswick. Division 3 Men’s Reserves. Sunday, September 14. Grand Final. Power house v Richmond Central.
Eastern
■ Eastern Football League. Premier Division Seniors. Preliminary Final. Blackburn 18.5 (113) d Rowville 8.15 (63).
Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 14. Grand Final. Park Orchards v South Belgrave.
Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final. Wantirna South 14.12 (96) d Templestowe 14.11 (95).
Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final.Scoresby 9.16 (70) d Donvale 10.8 (68).
Division 4 Seniors. Grand Final. Whitehorse Pioneers 9.11 (65) d Chirnside Park 8.9 (57).
Essendon
■ Premier Division. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Keilor v Airport West. Division 1. Grand Final. Hillside 9.12 (66) d Oak Park 5.14 (44).
Division 2. Grand Final. R upertswood 8.13 (61) d Westmeadows 8.10 (58).
Mornington
■ Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Frankston YCW v Mt Eliza.
Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Rosebud v Frankston YCW.
Division 1 Under 19. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Editbvale Aspendale v Langwarrin.
Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final. Devon Meadows 10.6 (66) d Frankston Bombers 8.13 (61).
Division 2 Reserves. Grand Final. Frankston Bombers 9.6 (60) d Somerville 8.9 (57).
Division 2 Under 19. Grand Final. Seaford 5.7 (37) d Frankston Bombers 4.7 (31).
Northern
■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Greensborough v Hurstbridge.
Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Eltham v West Preston Lakeside.
Division 1 Under 19.5. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Eltham v Diamond Creek.
Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final. Diamond Creek 20.21 (141) d Macleod 5.4 (34).
Division 2 Reserves. Grand Final. Whittlesea 9.8 (62) d Diamond Creek 7.8 (50).
Division 2 Under 19.5. North Heidelberg 16.9 (105) d Whittlesea 8.6 (54).
Outer East
■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Olinda Ferny Creek v Woori Yallock. Premier Division Reserves. Sunday, September 14. Preliminary Final. Upwey Tecoma v Officer.
Division 1 Seniors. Grand Final. Warburton Millgrove 6.16 (52) d Seville 6.12 (48).
Division 1 Reserves. Grand Final. Alexandra 9.6 (60) d Seville 7.8 (50).
Southern
■ Division 1 Seniors. Preliminary Final. Cheltenham 7.10 (58) d St Paul’s McKinnon 4.6 (30).
Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final. Hampton Park 16.13 (109) d Chelsea Heights 8.8 (56).
Division 3 Seniors. Sunday, September 14. Grand Final. St kilda City v Hampton. Division 4 Seniors. Saturday, September 6. Grand Final. Hallam 11.6 (72) d Dandenong West 8.9 (57).
Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final. Wyndhamvale 13.2 (80) d North Footscray 6.9 (45).
Goulburn Valley
■ Seniors. Sunday, September 14. Finals Round 3. Rochester v Mansfield. Reserves. Sunday, September 14. Finals Round 3. Mansfield v Seymour. Under 18. Sunday, September 14. Finals Round 3. Mooroopna v Echuca.
Kyabram District
■ Seniors. Grand Final. Murchison Toolamba 13.9 987) d Lancaster 12.13 (85). Reserves. Grand Final. Stanhope 7.8 (50) d Murchison Toolamba 6.9 (45).
Under 18. Grand Final. Tallygaroopna 12.8 (80) d Nagambie 9.3 (57)
Reserves. Finals Roun d 4. Wallan 5.6 (36) d Romsey 3.2 (20).
Under 19.5. Finals Round 4. Macedon 6.6 (42) d Kyneton 5.7 (37).
Police Beat Stolen from cars
■ Police are investigating after multiple vehicles were broken into in Melbourne’s CBD.
Officers have been told an unknown man and woman attended a residential carpark on Russell St between 4:45am and 5:15am on Tuesday, September 9.
It is understood the pair broke the windows of 11 vehicles before stealing a number of personal items from each, totalling $16,290.
Investigators believe the pair also stole a bank card from one of the vehicles, before using the card to purchase $107 worth of items from retail outlets.
Investigators have released images of a man and woman who they believe can assist with their enquiries.
The man is perceived to be of Caucasian appearance and is of slim build, between 25-35 years-old and is approximately 170180cm tall.
He was seen wearing a white puffer jacket, a black Tommy Hilfiger long sleeve shirt, black Tommy Hilfiger pants and white and red Nike shoes.
The woman is perceived to be of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appearance and is of solid build, between 25-35 yearsold and is approximately 160-175cm tall.
She was seen wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and white and black Nike shoes.
Anyone with information or footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Latest News Keilor impound
■ Brimbank Highway Patrol officers have detected an alleged speeding at Keilor Downs
Police detected a Porsche Cayman travelling at 143-kmh in a 80-kmh section of Sunshine Avenue about 2.50pm on Saturday (Sep. 13).
They attempted to intercept the car but the driver refused to stop.
The car was followed to a local address and police spoke to the driver, a 40-year-old man from Keilor Downs
He underwent a preliminary breath test and accompanied police to a local station where he returned an alleged reading of 0.148.
He was issued an immediate driving ban and will be charged on summons with exceeding the prescribed content of alcohol whilst driving, exceed speed limit, speed dangerous and fail to stop on police direction.
His car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $999.52.
Man charged
■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a fatal collision in Lysterfield
Emergency services responded to reports of a Toyota Hilux utility and a Hyundai i30 colliding head-on on Lysterfield Rd about 11pm on Thursday (Sep. 11).
CPR was performed but the driver of the Hyundai, a 26-year-old Croydon woman, died at the scene.
A 47-year-old Ferntree Gully male passenger from the Hilux was airlifted to hospital with serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
The 22-year-old driver of the Hilux sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital under police guard.
The Malvern man has since been charged with dangerous driving causing death.
He was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 16.
Drugs discovered
■ Detectives from Northwest Metro Crime Squad have seized a significant amount of illicit firearms as part of an investigation. Investigators intercepted and arrested a man on Bayview Terrace around 7.30am Friday (Sep 12).
A subsequent search of his vehicle uncovered a loaded handgun and silencer and quantities of what is alleged to be methylamphetamine and GHB.
A warrant was executed at a property on Union Rd in Ascot Vale where a further 10 firearms, quantities of ammunition, a machete, sword, items used in the manufacture of firearms including a 3D printer were seized.
A secondary warrant was executed at a property on Narvik Avenue in St Leonards where items such as firearms parts and a quantity of fireworks was also seized.
The 49-year-old Ascot Vale man has been charged with offences including: possession of a trafficable quantity of firearms, prohibited person possess a firearm x11. manufacturing a general category handgun without licence, possess Firearm Part - Manufacture Category E Handgun, ossess Firearm Part - Manufacture General Category Handgun, possession of a loaded firearm in a public place. possession of cartridge ammunition without licence, and ssess methyl-amphetamine and 1-4 Butanediol.
● ● ● ● Lisa McCune and Ian Stenlake
Photo: Cameron Grant
SHREWD OPERATOR OPENS PROCEEDINGS
■ Popular Maryborough commenced the week on Monday September 8 and shrewd operator - Horsham’s Aaron Dunn opened the program with A Rocknroll Dance-Miss Potential gelding Maxi Can Dance taking the Vital Signs 3Y0 Pace over 1690 metres.
A winner at Charlton back in March, Maxi Can Dance heavily supported to run at $2.60 settled three back in the moving line from a solo second line draw as The Blazin Boots led from gate four.
Going forward three wide in the last lap, Maxy Can Dance had lots of spring in his step to assume control prior to the home turn and in a punishing finish, gained the day by a half head only over Delightful Miki (gate six) three wide last lap from the rear, with Keayang Seaside going forward from outside the front line to face the breeze at the bell third after dropping off and coming again in the straight a head back third in a thrilling finish. The mile rate 1-56.5.
■ Kurunjang co-trainers Maree and John Caldow scored a most impressive victory with recent stable addition Rocky Valley in the Aldebaran Park Remembering Les Chapman Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres. A 4Y0 gelded son of Skyvalley and Mystical Rainbow raced by Ian Caruana who previously trained the horse, Rocky Valley was restrained to the rear from outside the front line with I Am Wilma (gate two) leading for Riddell co-trainers Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar with Chris in the sulky. Despite being right off the track on the home turn, Rocky Valley a winner of five from 34 going into the race motored home at 100 miles an hour to record a runaway 4 metre margin in advance of Everybodylovesne which used the sprint lane after trailing the pacemaker who held third 1.3 metre away. The mile rate 1-58.5.
■ The stable was to bring up a double when cleverly named Betting Line-Lauper mare Our True Colours landed the 2190 metre Benstud Standardbreds Pace in a 2-00.4 mile rate.
Fast away from gate two, Our True Colours led out before being eased to take a trail on the well supported Feelingoodfreddie (gate four second line) after a gap appeared at the start when Miss Piggy Wiggy galloped in the score up leaving a gap which allowed Feelingoodfreddie and Neil McCallum to charge forward to assume control.
Held up on turning after an easy time, Our True Colours made full use of the sprint lane to prevail by a half neck from Metro Memory (four pegs) from inside the second line, with Kalkadoon Dreaming (one/one from gate three – three wide home turn) third 2.9 metres back, Raced by the Caldow stable and other stable clients, Our True Colours recorded her tenth success in 86 outings which includes 24 placings.
■ Kialla trainer/driver Stephen Boyington’s American Ideal-Katie Grangewood filly Julz Marie after two encouraging placings was victorious in the 1690 metre Redpath Tyre & Battery Service 3Y0 Maiden Pace.
Spearing away from gate six to lead, Julz Marie showed no sign of stopping to greet the judge by an easy 9.1 metres in 1-58.3 from Sonora Sunset (gate three) which trailed. Orsino Belle (gate six – one/two – three pegs) was third along the sprint lane a half head away.
■ Pearcedale trainer Hughie Cathels, a veterinary surgeon by trade snared the 2190 metre Bartletts Manufacturing Vicbred Voucher 2Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile with what appears to be a lovely gelding by What The Hill from Naughty Iii by the name of Notanotha Naughty. Bred and raced by Hugh and wife Lorraine, Notanotha Naughty backed in from a morning line of $4.00 to start at $1.55 on the fixed odds led throughout from gate two after trotting beautifully for reinsman Jason Lee, coasting to the wire 23.3 metres clear of poleliner African Gala which trailed.
Nostra Nipotina (four pegs) was third a neck back after using the sprint line, but was relegated to fourth after galloping on the wire promoting Argyle Muse (three pegs from gate four) into third. The mile rate 2-03.1.
■ The Vale Les Chapman Forever In Trotting Trotters Handicap was the day’s feature honoring the late Secretary/Manager, going the way of squaregaiting lover (Kewell) owner/ trainer Daryl Prosser’s 5Y0 What The HillGraciella Pinevale gelding Ataboy Charlie who’s only success in 29 outings had been at Ballarat in March last year.
Driven by Michael Bellman Ataboy Charlie began safely from barrier three to cross polemarker Montana Muscle shortly after the start and was rated to perfection, defying all challengers to record a 11.5 metre margin over Montana Muscle and a death-seating Alde-
Harness Racing
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
baran Anton (20m) who was a head away third. The mile rate 2-05.7.
Echuca fixture
■ Echuca at Frank Ryan Raceway was Tuesday’s fixture and Merrigum owner/trainer/ driver Neil Caldwell well known throughout the district was successful with lightly raced 7Y0 Skyvalley-Amaori Spur mare Madge Egan in the Echuca Steel Sheds Trotters Mobile over 1755 metres.
Going forward three wide from gate four to cross Maudarchy (gate three) shortly after the start, Madge Egan was given an easy time at the head of affairs and judging on her previous start fourth at Maryborough on August 25 when trapped wide for a long way, relished the front running role, scoring by 1.9 metres in a mile rate of 2-04.2 from Billy Zippin (gate five) which worked forward to race outside her. Starlight Red (gate four second line) one/one midrace after also going forward through the middle stages to race exposed before taking a trail on Billy Zippin was third 1.2 metres back.
■ Sebastian owner/trainer Clem Stanaway combined with Ryan Sanderson to land the 1755 metre Caledonian Hotel Social Club Pace with Allthewaytoroyalty in a mile rate of 2-02.6. Working hard to lead from gate three with polemarker Go George Go kicking up inside him, Allthewaytoroyalty eventually crossed turning into the back straight on the first occasion before being pressured by Reinder (gate four) out wide at the bell which was able to take over.
Given a slight breacher for the last lap, Allthewaytoroyalty dashed through along the sprint lane halfway up the running to gain the day by a half neck from Very Tempting out wide off a three wide trail mid-field, with rank outsider Pee Bees Delight (six pegs from gate four on the second line out wide third a head away.
■ Deep Lead part-owner/trainer Marnie Bibby has been having a great run of late and 6Y0 Four Starzzz Shark-Longtan Bliss mare Starzinhereyes brought up two wins in succession and nine overall at start 57 when taking the 2160 metre Moama Bowling Club Pace. Given a beaut trip from the pole by Luke Dunne leading prior to following Karuma Kev (gate four) which had been wide from the outset before racing clear with a lap and a half to travel, Starzinhereyes had plenty of room to extricate approaching the final bend and that she did, running home best to blouse the front runner by 2.1 metres in a rate of 1-58.6. McWizard (three pegs from inside the second line used the sprint lane for third 6 metres back.
9 at Bendigo
■ The regular Wednesday Bendigo meeting consisted of nine races and one winner worthy of a mention was Darraweit-Bolinda partowner/trainer Alexandra Hurley’s Alta Christiano-Tourbillon Dargent 4Y0 gelding Altius in the Poster Boy @ Llowalong Farms Pace over 2150 metres. Given every possible chance by Tristan Larsen one/one from gate five as the well supported Princess Arna led from gate two, Altius raced by a large syndicate of eight was eased three wide into the final bend after following Emjay Jazz outside the pacemaker throughout which had taken a narrow margin on turning, joining her on straightening and proving too strong in a punishing finish by a head, with Huxam Chubb (three pegs) third 2 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.4 (last half 58.7 – quarter 29.8).
It was Altius’ third success in 11 outings. There had been drama before the race as the horse got down in the float during the last part of the journey – fortunately no damage was done.
■ Ali despite suffering effects of a very heavy virus, would have been on a total high after grey 6Y0 half sister Spun Silver (Follow The Stars) led throughout from the pole in the Ray Beckley Memorial Pace over 1609 metres at Geelong on Friday much to the delight of Ali, sister Fran and other stable clients.
Driven by Tristan Larsen, Spun Silver was rated to perfection over the sprint trip, kicking clear on turning to defeat Freak Out which trailed by 10.9 metres easily.
Caledonian Terra (three pegs from inside the second line) was third 3.1 metres back. In quarters of 28.6, 30.4, 29.6 and 29.5 Spun Sister returned a mile rate of 1-58. It was Spun Sister’s 5th victory in 56 outings.
■ Twenty-five-year-old Bannockburn based Tom Rundle was a winner when A Rocknroll Dance-Glenferrie Diva filly Harmony Halo scored in the 1650 metre Bendigo Locksmiths Vicbred Voucher 2Y0 Maiden Pace when making her race debut.
Starting from two on the second line, Harmony Halo driven by Chris Alford settled at the tail of the field as Pakikau led from gate four.
Going forward three wide with a double trail in the last lap, Harmony Halo made the final bend six wide before rushing home stylishly to record a 2.5 metre margin in advance of another first starter Luna Rossa (gate threeone/one) from the Geoff Webster stable giving Bannockburn the quinella. Frosty Drop (gate five) was third 1.9 metres back. The winner returning a 1-57.1 mile rate.
■ Little known Wahring trainer Courtney Harris combined with nomadic former Sebastian reinsman Leigh Sutton to land the 2150 metre Bendigo Ski Boat Centre 4Y0 and Older Maiden Pace with well supported VincentPembrook Caesar 5Y0 mare Cozmo. Raced by Daniel Jack.
Cozmo backed and beaten on debut at Bendigo on August 22 after striking trouble was able to make amends by producing a strong staying performance.
Settling one/two from gate five after being trapped wide early, Cosmo was set alight in the last lap to join the front runner Betathanaboughtone on the home turn which had flown away from gate six for James Herbertson and raced clear in the straight to greet the judge by a huge 16.5 metres over Betathaboughtone in a 1-57 mile rate. Jindalea Jack (one/three from outside the front line –three wide last lap) was third 7.1 metres away.
■ Bolinda trainer Brent Lilley joined forces with Anthony Butt to capture the Always Ready @ Haras Des Trotteurs Trotters Discretionary Handicap over the long 2650 metre course with 6Y0 Creatine-Mangonique gelding Meadow Valley Star. In what was the ‘drive of the night’.
Meadow Valley Star stepped cleanly from 20 metres as stablemate Maestro led from barrier two before surrendering to another stablemate Kyvalley Pierro (10m).
Going forward with a rush to assume control within a lap, Meadow Valley Star kept bowling along with Kyvalley Pierro easing off his back to challenge on turning, however under strong driving Meadow Vally Star held him at bay to register a 3.4 metre victory from polemarker Romantic Nina (four pegs) which flashed home late to blouse Kyvalley Pierro by a neck for second. The mile rate 2-02.9.
Keen racing
■ A small six race card was held at Kilmore on Thursday September 11 with keen racing the order of the night.
Bolinda trainer Brent Lilley was victorious with 3Y0 Aldebaran Eagle-Say Your Pres filly Myheartbeatstrue in the Tellurian Wines Trotters Final over 2180 metres.
Driven by Chris Alford, Myheartsbeatstrue after going forward from outside the front line was able to cross the leader Emmwallen (gate five without spending too much petrol) leaving the favourite Freight Shaker exposed in the open from gate four.
Travelling comfortably, Myheartsbeattrue kicked clear on the final bend to just last by a head over Freight Shaker which didn’t shirk the issue. Floating Mountain (three pegs from the pole) held third spot 1.1 metres back after using the sprint lane. The mile rate 2-01.7.
■ Ross Creek trainer Stephen Clarke and reinswoman daughter Reagan deserve plenty of accolades for keeping 7Y0 Sportswriter-Mon
Soie mare Written In Silk going after a strenuous campaign to register her 14th success at start 104 by taking the 2180 metre Momentum Gaming Pace.
Beginning fast from gate six, Written In Silk was unable to cross speedy beginner Regal Rock (gate five) which was gifted the front running role by stablemate Treacheroustimes (gate four) leaving her uncovered until the bell when Bronski Royal (gate three second line) went forward from four back in the moving line to join the leader.
Commencing a three wide forward move in the last lap, Written In Silk raced to the front on turning to prevail by 3.1 metres in a mile rate of 1-59.9 over Our Bella Lucia (gate two second line - one/two) which angled into the clear on the home turn to give chase. Regal Rock held third 3.2 metres back.
■ Bunbartha’s Newberry family John, Maree and Matt landed the Picklebet Pace over 1690 metres with 4Y0 Alta Christiano-Shez Madam Jasper gelding Alta Bayamo and in doing so, brought up three wins in succession.
Trained and driven by John, Alta Bayambo led throughout from gate three and never looked like being beaten, accounting for Alphijet (one/three from inside the second line) which flashed home late from a mile back on turning, with Marlo Mareau (gate six – one/ two) third. The margins 4.2 by 1.2 metres in a 1-56.2 mile rate.
■ Echuca trainer Dallas McIntyre combined with James Herbertson to snare the Jet Roofing Maiden Pace over 2180 metres with 3Y0 Poster Boy-Kikfenora filly Poster Perfect on debut.
Lobbing one/one from gate four with Miss Joplin leading from gate two, Poster Perfect moved three wide around Always On The Go in the open on the final bend and ran home nicely to greet the judge 3.3 metres in advance of Colorado Girl from the rear after starting from the extreme draw. Gallico (gate threeone/two – three wide last lap) was third 5 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.
■ Popular Ballan (Bunding) trainer Philip Chircop brought up two wins in succession this time in with cleverly named 4Y0 SportswriterBe Not Afraid mare Fearless Writer in the 1690 metre MC Labour Pace.
Bred and raced by Father Brian Glasheen –the ‘Pacing Priest’, Fearless Writer gave ‘Herbie’ a double after going forward from outside the front line to join the leader On The Hunt (gate three) and had little trouble crossing her at the bell.
Even though Ollies The Boss (one/one from the extreme draw) moved up to challenge on the home turn, Fearless Writer refused to give in, scoring by a half neck in 1-56.1. Momentum Shift (gate two – behind leader - three pegs last lap) was third 4.3 metres back.
Len Baker
Sports Extra
Skate Park
■ A $300,000 grant has been approved to support the development of a new 800square metre beginner-to-intermediate level skate park at the Olivine Recreation Reserve in Donnybrook – the only skate facility of its kind within the City of Whittlesea. Delivered by Mirvac in partnership with City of Whittlesea, and designed by Baseplate, this project is a major boost for the area’s young population. With construction on track for completion by October and the park opening anticipated late 2025, the skate park will provide a much-needed outlet for teenagers and young people in a region currently underserved.
Classifieds 9489 2222
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BATHROOM TILES. To cover 270sq m. EC. $60. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950. HH-LL
BED. 3-seater and two seater. Red, vinyl. Dark wood trims. VGC. $300. Cranbourne, 0401 898 413. HH-LL
BED HEAD. Wooden. And base. With slats. As new. $80. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC
BED. Electric. King Size. High low. Head comes up to sitting position. Legs raise, bed tilts. 12 months old. No longer needed. Top quality mattress. EC. $3500. Yea. 0409 944 982. LL-OO
BIKE. Lady’s. Purple. Make: Huffey Friction. Complete with helmet and pump and basket. VGC. $120. Pakenham. 5940 5018. LL-OO
CARAVAN. 21’6” 2014 Crusader. Reg till Feb. 2026. Full ensuite, separate shower/toilet, queen bed, a/c heater, TV radio, Gas/Elec. cooktop, micro washing machine, solar panel, large fridge, freezer, new tyres and batteries. many extras. EC. $40,000 ONO. Mount Eliza. 0429 877 964. Z-CC
CARAVAN. 2021. 16ft. Aspire caravan. As new. Air cond. heating, full annexe, double bed, shower toilet, solar panel, TV, tare 1275 kg. Easy ti tow. Light weight EC. $42,000 neg. Whittlesea. 0438 434 413. HH-LL
CARAVAN. Jayco. 2004. Freedom. Single beds, RC/ AC, new tyres, unused porta-potti, m’wave, 3-way fridge, gas & elec. cooktop + grill, 240/12 volt TV and aerial. Reg till Jan 2026. Everything in working order. 1150 kg. Tows great. VGC. $12,500 ONO. Hastings. 0409 645 059. HH-LL
CHAIR. Pink, small, white spots. Suit girl . VGC. $15. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, after 5pm best. HH-LL
COUNTRY MUSIC. 33rpm. Slim Dustry, Reg Lindsay, Hank Snow, glen Campbell, Sons of the Pioneers, Tex morton, Buddy Willkiams, Hank Williams, Hawking Bros., The Overlanders, The Folk Singer. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL
DINING SETTING. Midcentury teak. Extension table and 8 chairs. newly upholstered about 6 years ago. EC. Some minoir surface wear. Very heavy table. 6ft, extends to 9ft 4in. VGC. $2100. Donvale. 0410 031 094. JJ-NN
DISHWASHER.
New.
used. Bought for $720. Will sell $360. Grey. Never installed. EC. Alexandra. 0409 470 107.
Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and selected Victorian country areas. Your free ad will appear in up to 4 issues. There are no charges, no commissions. T&Cs apply. Lodge your ad at: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au
ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR. ‘Pride Go Mobility Chair’. Hardly used. EC. $1400. Viewbank. John, 0418 583 120. LL-OO
HEDGE TRIMMER. Honda. HHH25D. 4 stroke. With hour meter fitted. VGC. Bought in Feb. 2022. Has done 20.8 hours. $650 ONO. Pearcedale. 0418 457 588. Z-CC
JAYCO 2004 Freedom Caravan, single beds, RC/ AC, new tyres, unused porta potti, m’wave, 3 way bridge, gas & elec. cooktop and grill, 240/12 volt TV. Aerial. Reg till Jan. 26. Everything in working order. 1150kg. Tows great. VGTC. Hastings. 0409 645 059. Z-CC
LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $25. Ashburton. 9885 2203. Z-CC
LAWN MOWER. Ozito. Corded. With catcher. lightweight. Paid $149 at Bunnings. Sell $60. Mt Martha 5973 4163. JJ-NN
LINE TRIMMER. Electric. 500 watts. 290mm cut. Little used. GC. Purchase to collect. $10. Doreen. 9717 3465 HH-LL
MOTOR HOME.. With two solar panels for lights and air con. Double bed, gas cooker. Holden Rodeo 1998 rego till Feb. 24, 2026. Tour atlas inc. new battery and x bars. History of work completed. 1LB- 2CN. VGC. $19,000 ONO. Alexandra. 0409 470 107. LL-OO
PRESSURE WASHER. Karcher. Good working order. little used, complete with operating instructions. Purchaser to collect. GC. $55. Doreen. 9717 3485. HH-LL
RECORDS. 33rpm. Casslical singers. OPaul Robeson, Mobncrieff, Kiri Te Kanwa, Peter awson, Pavarotti, Secombe, Caruso, Peerse, lawrence, Hammond, Bronhill, Sutherland. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL
RECORD PLAYER. Radiogram, $25. VGC. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL
REFERENCE
Commodore 1978. 42cm x 29cm. $85. Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO
ROLLER DOOR Electric motor. 4 Doors brand. Near new Model 4DR1 v4 with remotes. Still has new stickers on it. EC. $100. Whittlesea. 0419 002 507. LL-OO
SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $12. Also frame for manual sharpening, GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203. HH-LL
SCOOTER. Pegasus. Pro. 4 years old. Done 30km only. Like new. $4000 ONO. Melton. 0488 007 395. HH-LL
WANTED. Independent Support Provider for NDIS participant in Acheron, near Alexandra. Participant is 20yo male - living independently - loves outdoors,, nushwalks, fishing. Suit experienced male SP , contractor, registered, NDIS screening, refrences. Flexible hours. Immediate start. 0412 224 464. HH-LL
ANZ Bank Money Boxes. GC. Price negotiable. Will alsoswap. Mill Park. 9436 8935.
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Dave Palmer, Rural Tanks and Garden Beds
G'day folks,
Dave here from Rural Tanks and Garden Beds - where the corrugated curves of Aussie ingenuity meet the good old-fashioned joy of growing your own tomatoes. If you’ve ever wrestled with a wheelbarrow in gumboots or debated whether zucchinis are taking over your life, you’re in good company.
Now, I’ve been rolling galvanised iron since 1989 (back when mullets were cool the first time), and while water tanks are still our bread and butter, it’s the garden beds that have really taken root in recent years. There’s something deeply satisfying about watching your backyard transform into a patch of productivity - whether it’s herbs for your roast lamb, peas that never make it inside because the kids eat them straight off the vine or a delicious strawberry –its fresh, its home grown and it’s so
Fact File
NAME: Rural Tanks and Garden Beds
ADDRESS: 5 Tebble St, Seymour
PHONE: 5799 0133
WEBSITE: www.ruraltanksandgarden beds.com.au
EMAIL: dave@ruraltanks.com
much more delicious than anything you buy from a store.
So here’s a little something to sweeten the soil: for a limited time, when you buy one of our .42m high galvanised iron garden beds, you’ll get the second one for half price. That’s right—double the dirt, half the hurt. Whether you’re starting small or going full veggie jungle, this is your chance to build a backyard that’s both beautiful and bountiful.
Our garden beds come in a range of shapes, sizes, and finishes, including Colorbond™ for those who like a splash of style with their spinach. And unlike those flimsy stick-on edges you see elsewhere, ours are rolled for safety and built to last. We even offer wicking beds with adjustable water levels—because plants deserve hydration options too.
So, if you’re ready to dig in, come have a yarn with us. We’re not just selling steel—we’re helping Aussies grow, thrive, and maybe even win the neighbourhood tomato contest.
Happy gardening! - Dave Rural Tanks and Garden Beds www.ruraltanksandgardenbeds.com.au
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