The Local Paper. Eastern Suburbs Edition. Wed., June 25, 2025

VALE JOHN HORACE MOTT

● ● John Mott has died at age 98.

■ Fourth generation newspaper identity John Mott has died at age 98.

Mr Mott was Publisher of the Leader Newspaper group until 1986. That company’s flagship masthead was the NorthcoteLeader, and eastern suburbs titles included the Doncaster-TemplestoweNews,BoxHillGazette, Nunawading Gazette, RingwoodCroydonMail,LilydaleExpress,KnoxNews, Free Press and WaverleyGazette.

Born in 1926, Mr Mott had lived in East Preston, was son of former City of Preston Mayor George Mott and Mona (nee Stewart). He had attended Northcote High School. He was married for 69 years to Margaret, who predecased him. He was father to Julie (and partner Julie), David (Sally) and Andrew (Elowyn).

A family tribute described him as a “man of integrity and action; skilled woodworker and singer ... a model figure in all our lives”.

The family said that Mr Mott was “kind, patient, wise, humble and generous - and a true gentleman to all”.

MOTORIST BLOWS .210

■ Nunawading Highway Patrol officers busted a man speeding and drink driving in a school zone at Mulgrave on Friday afternoon (june 20).

Officers intercepted a white van travelling on Police Rd between Springvale Rd and Dunoon St about 2.35pm.

The van had been clocked at 56-kmh in the active 40-kmh school zone, Police allege.

Things went from bad to worse when the driver returned a positive roadside alcohol test.

He subsequently returned an evidentiary breath test reading on .210, more than four times the legal alcohol limit.

The 49-year-old Springvale man told officers he had consumed 10 beers prior to getting behind the wheel.

His licence was immediately suspended.

The man’s vehicle was also impounded for 30 days and he will be summonsed to face court at a later date.

STUDENTS VISIT PARLIAMENT

■ Kew MLA Jess Wilson has mentioned local studentsd who visited State Parliament.

“This month it was an absolute pleasure to host students from primary and secondary schools in Kew in my school leaders forums, held right here in this chamber,” Ms Wilson said.

“I am so excited about the ideas and perspectives our young people will bring to this state in the future. I want to share with you some of the highlights.

“Gilbert from Balwyn High School highlighted the significant impact of the North East Link project on residents of North Balwyn and called for improved public engagement from project staff and noise curfews to help residents sleep at night.

“Samaira, also from Balwyn High, highlighted the chronic underfunding of Victorian public schools in comparison to other states in Australia.

“Several students, including Sam from Greythorn Primary, Jarvis from St Anne’s, Abigal from Camberwell Girls, Theo from Kew High and Grace from Ruyton raised the issue of youth mental health and the need to expand access to support services for young people.

“Others, including Kayla and Rose from Canterbury Girls’, Grace from Kew East Primary and Freddie from Sacred Heart, raised housing affordability and youth homelessness as key concerns of theirs.

“Arnold from Camberwell Grammar, Lucy from MLC, Zoe from Our Holy Redeemer, Max from Our Lady of Good Counsel, Emily from Sacred Heart, Miles from Trinity, Charlie from Camberwell Grammar, Stephanie from Fintona, Jacquie from Genazzano and Emily from Kew High all focused on public transport and road issues, highlighting the need for greater public transport infrastructure as well as improved road quality and lighting and the expansion of bike paths.”

TOILET PLAN UNDER REVIEW

■ Manningham Council is reviewing its Public Toilet Plan and feedback by Sunday (June 29).

“Toilets allow people to spend more time in public spaces to socialise, exercise, recreate, learn, support local businesses and to engage with their community,” said a Council representative.

“Equitable access is critical for the health, wellbeing and diversity of a community.”

Focus areas are:

■ opening up five existing toilets to provide new public toilet facilities

■ constructing new public toilet facilities in 11 locations

■ upgrading older style toilets to improve safety and be gender inclusive

■ conduct accessibility audits and upgrade access paths to public toilet facilities

■ provide Changing Places at major destinations around Manningham

■ provide public toilets along linear trails at regular intervals as site conditions permit

■ investigate a program of artworks on blank walls of toilet buildings to raise awareness of toilet facilities, improve perceptions of safety and activate public spaces.

TRIBUTES FOR RACE MATTHEWS

■ Premier Jacinta Allan has led Parliamentary tributes to the late Race Matthews.

Ms Allan moved “that this house expresses its sincere sorrow at the death of the Honourable Dr Race Mathews and places on record its acknowledgement of the valuable services rendered by him to the Parliament, the labour movement and the people of Victoria as member of the Legislative Assembly for the district of Oakleigh from 1979 to 1992, Minister for Community Services from 1987 to 1988, Minister for Police and Emergency Services from 1982 to 1987 and Minister for the Arts from 1982 to 1987”.

“Race Mathews believed in the power of government to make a difference, and he dedicated his life to proving that it could,” Ms Allan said.

“He served the Victorian community across all three levels of government – local, state and federal – and in every role he brought with him that deep belief in fairness, a sharp and searching mind and a steady, lifelong commitment to public service.

“Race Mathews grew up in Melbourne in a working-class family, part of a long line of dedicated Labor supporters.

“However, it was reading some left-wing books in the library of Melbourne Grammar School that sparked Race’s political calling, and the irony of course was not lost on Race

“In one of the country’s most elite educational institutions he found the radical ideas that would inspire his lifelong commitment to social justice.

“In 1956 he cemented that commitment by joining the great Australian Labor Party and jumping in with both feet as an organiser on a number of local, state and federal campaigns.”

“In 1963 he put his own hand up, getting himself elected as a local councillor for the people of Croydon

“Then between 1967 and 1972 Race had that great opportunity of serving as principal private secretary to Gough Whitlam, an honour he would later describe as one of the greatest privileges of his life.

“Following that watershed federal election of 1972 Race was elected as the federal member for Casey, one of just two Labor members in the history of the seat of Casey.

“Then in 1979 Race was elected to the Victorian Parliament and to this place as the member for Oakleigh.

“In this Parliament Race served for over a decade, holding senior portfolios in the ministries of police and emergency services, community services and the arts.

“As the member for Oakleigh Race would often freely hand out his card with his private home phone number on it to constituents.

“Locals would then of course call him directly, day or night, and he or perhaps his wife Iola would answer that phone at all hours, because to him that is what representation meant – not just holding the office but being available, being there for people, and we saw that as he served in that role of Minister for Community Services

“The real measure of Race Mathews’s legacy was found far from the headlines. He remained a deep thinker throughout his life. That same scholar who as a schoolboy poured over his ideas amongst the quiet shelves of the Melbourne Grammar library wrote books.

“He wrote policy. He remained a committed Fabian for more than 40 years and a fierce believer in the ideal that a more equal society was not just possible but absolutely necessary. Race Mathews was thoughtful and principled. He was deeply respected and widely admired across our great Australian Labor Party, and he also helped shape some of the most important reforms in this country’s social history,” Ms Allan said.

COUNCIL SHUTS SERVICE CENTRE

■ Whitehorse Council’s Forest Hill Customer Service Centre will be closing permanently from Friday (June 27).

“This is due to our lease expiring with the shopping centre. Our Nunawading and Box Hill service centres will remain open as per usual,” said a Council representative.

The Council hopes that residents might do business on the internet: “We’re making some improvements to our website so it’s faster and easier to find information about our services, facilities, and events.”

MP’s Myki riddle

■ Croydon MLA David Hodgett has asked about Myki tickets on public transport for students who turn 18 whilst completing school: “My question is for the Minister for Public and Active Transport, and it relates to the recently announced free public transport on a youth Myki card from January 1, 2026, for 18-year-olds as part of this year’s Victorian State Budget

“This announcement makes a point of saying that the Government supports the easing of cost-of-living pressures on families by offering free public transport for children under 18.

“However, there are many students who will be 18 at the commencement of the school year or be turning 18 throughout their final year of secondary education.

“Minister, will someone who is still a student and who is 18 or who turns 18 during their final year of school be able to continue to access free public transport on a youth Myk i, or will they be forced to pay while they are still at school?”

Nod to local Club

■ The Whitehorse United Soccer Club has received a mention in Parliament from Pauline Richards MLA: “I would like to thank the Whitehorse United football club for the work that they did, in particular Kim Marrone, to raise funds for Thursday Girls, a charity close to my heart, recognising my good friend Janine Callanan and the whole Sexton clan there.”

45 YEARS AS NEWSMAN

IN MELBOURNE’S EAST

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.

● Race Matthews

● ● Jess Wilson, Kew MLA

MELBOURNE

Clothing theft

■ Melbourne Divisional Response Unit detectives are investigating a theft where a man brandished a knife in a Melbourne shopping centre.

It is understood a male offender entered a sports shop inside a shopping centre on Lonsdale St about 1.20pm on February 19. He picked up various items of clothing and put them into an Aldi shopping bag he was carrying.

Police were told the man approached a staff member, then lifted his top and brandished a knife tucked in his pants.

The man left the store with the stolen items and there were no injuries.

Police have released CCTV footage and images of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

He is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, about 180cm tall, of solid build with tattoos on his left leg.

● Police want to speak with this man

VETERAN LENSMAN KILLED IN FOOTSCRAY STABBING

■ A man has died following an alleged assault in Footscray Police were called following reports of an assault at the intersection of Nicholson and Paisley Sts around 10am on Sunday, June 15.

The 62-year-old Footscray man was taken to hospital with critical injuries where he died this morning.

A 43-year-old man of no fixed place of address was arrested on the day of the assault.

At the time, he was charged by detectives from the Homicide Squad with intentionally cause serious injury.

He was remanded and was to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on October 20.

Investigators will consider alternate charges following the results of a postmortem.

The dead man was identified as Dominic O'Brien

O'Brien was a veteran photographer who worked for several news outlets, including TheAge.

He suffered critical injuries after an alleged encounter with the released immigration detainee in an outdoor shopping area.

O'Brien was rushed to hospital following the incident but died on Sunday. At the time, the man was charged with intentionally causing serious injury, but now investigators will decide whether to upgrade his charges.

Statewide

Across Victoria

CITY Retail theft

■ Police from Operation Stand have charged an alleged retail thief with more than 20 offences after a series of shop thefts across Melbourne’s CBD in the last six weeks.

The 38-year-old was arrested during a search warrant at a North Melbourne address on Friday (June 20).

Investigators, with assistance from the Melbourne Crime Reduction Team, also seized more than $8000 worth of allegedly stolen handbags and luxury perfumes.

It will be alleged the man committed a series of shop thefts between May and June this year and stole more than $30,000 worth of handbags, beauty products and luxury perfumes.

The North Melbourne man was on Friday charged with more than 20 offences including:

■ 17 counts of shop theft;

■ Possessing methylamphetamine;

■ Possessing cannabis;

■ Handling stolen goods; and

■ Fail to answer bail.

The man remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on June 24.

Operation Stand is a dedicated team of police who work with CBD and Yarra retailers to identify thieves who use aggression, intimidation, and violence towards retail staff.

Since launching almost a year ago the team has made more than 130 arrests and laid more than 1100 charges.

Acting Sergeant Roland Stagg, Operation Stand, said: “Retail theft is far from a victimless crime.

“We will continue to pursue serial thieves and hold them to account.”

CARRUM DOWNS

Up to 150-kmh

■ Operation Trinity officers are expected to charge a woman after allegedly driving at speeds of up to 150-kmh and failing to display p-plates, in Carrum Downs on Saturday morning (June 21). A silver Holden Commodore was spotted by Police.

● ● ● ● Dominic O’Brien

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.

ABOUT US

Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), the Box Hill Reporter (Est. 1888), Doncaster-Templestowe News (Est. 1962), Maroondah Mail (Est. 1922), Knox-Sherbrooke News (Est. 1967), Mountain District Free Press (Est. 1946). Waverley Gazette (Est. 1961) Progress News

The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in a local edition: • Local Paper - Eastern Suburbs Edition

Phone: 1800 231 311, 9489 2222, 9439 9927, 0450 399 932, 5797 2656. Reg. Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 (same address for 31 years)

Mail: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.LocalMedia.com.au

E-Mail: Editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Editor@LocalMedia.com.au

Matt

Bissett-Johnson, Cartoonist Peter Kemp, Art Rob Foenander, Music

Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, John O’Keefe

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

Logistics: Tyler Sandiford, Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky

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

Ash on Wednesday Nurse dies, waiting for ambo

■ The death of a Blackburn man was raised in State Parliament.

Opposition Leadet Brad Battin said: “Victorians are dying due to the Government’s failing health system.

“A Blackburn man called 000 twice as he lay bleeding, but it was nearly five hours before an ambulance turned up and paramedics found he had died.

“How is it that in suburban Melbourne a man who needed emergency treatment and care died because no ambulance was available?

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, who is also Minister for Ambulances, replied: “Of course my thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has lost his life, acknowledging that this is a very difficult time for them as well as for the paramedics who found this man at his home.

“As is appropriate, Ambulance Victoria are undertaking an investigation into this matter and it is being referred to the coroner.

“I will take the time to hear from the Coroner when it comes to ascertaining the cause of this man’s death.

“But I will say this, because the Leader of the Opposition has asked me about what we are doing in order to address ambulance response times in this state, and I want to make a couple of comments in relation to this.

“We have a plan that we are implementing, which is paying dividends, and I will tell you why.

“The recent report on Government services has indicated that, while we have more to do, the re-

sponse times here in Victoria remain better than in other comparable jurisdictions.

“We are also investing in our ambulance services and in many alternative care pathways, as people in this house know.

“As I have said, though – I have responded to the question – I will await the findings of the coroner before I provide any further commentary on this matter.”

Mr Battin: “Minister, the man that has died was a nurse.

“He had provided care to sick and vulnerable Victorians for his entire working life, yet when he was vulnerable the emergency health care he needed was not there because the system is broken.

“Minister, will you apologise to this man’s family for the failing of the health system at his time of need?”

Ms Thomas: “As I have already indicated, this matter is being investigated by Ambulance Victoria and will be referred to the coroner. At the beginning –Bridget Vallence: “Deputy Speaker, on a point of order on relevance, the minister is straying from the very, very narrow question: will she provide an apology to this man’s family?

The Deputy Speaker : “I do not uphold the point of order. The minister is being relevant to the question asked.

Msd Thomas: “Before I was interrupted I was about to go on to say that I commenced my response to the first question by expressing my condolences and sorrow for what has happened, something I have not yet heard from those on the other side.”

The Local Paper is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach The Local Paper or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at: www.presscouncil.org.au

The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.

The Local Paper

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.

Read

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

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment

Rourke, Film

Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

● ● Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister

Observer Melbourne

Michelle Allen and team of Muddy Creek Health Hub, Yea

I have been working as a massage therapist in Yea, at my home for the last 15 years.

I have supported people's relaxation, remedial or correctional and palliative care treatments for this community and it's been an honor.. I have always been fascinated by the body and finding ways of helping people in pain and learning to see if we can push past our symptoms to heal on a deep or lasting level. It's always been a dream of mine to be part of a health hub that includes different types of therapists and modalities coming together.

Technology is happening in our health care industry and with so many amazing minds and by still using old fashioned foundations there is some seriously successful solutions for people's pain and healthcare needs.

My clinic is lucky enough to have Rebecca Bullen join the team as a Remedial Therapist who brings the same values with a different touch to her care for clients.

I have also introduced a Telsa

Former which uses Functional Magnetic Stimulation machine that can change our body on a very deep physiological level.

It supports problems around inflammation, pain, muscular atrophy and injury, stimulates the lymphatic system and supports drainage.

Weight loss or cellulite reduction or body sculpting. Pelvic floor issues and incontinence problems have had huge success and erectile dysfunction also has some.

We have an awesome team to begin with of Rebecca Bullen, Nicole Schryver, Grace Hamilton and myself who look forward to being part of Yea and districts healthcare solutions.

My telephone number is 0419 625 536 if you would like to talk more or even come in and have a look around at our facilities. The clinic's number is 0417 658 366 or email us at info@muddycreekhealthhub. com.au

Our address is 7 The Semi Circle, Yea. The old medical Centre and the old dentist.

Survivors

Survivors

Local Business Profile

PAID ADVERTORIAL

● ● ● ● Michelle Allen, Nicole Schryver, Bek Bullen and Grace Hamilton

● ● Derryn Hinch and Ash Long wwere at the twicea-year Survivors Luncheon at the Emerald Hotel, South Melbourne, last Saturday. The group comprises TV, radio and media veterans. A photo souvenir page, by Gordon Bennett, is inside.

Your Stars

with Kerry Kulkens

Presented by Sarah

Kulkens, Australia’s

Trusted Psychic Family

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6

Lotto Numbers: 2, 15, 26, 39, 34, 40

Unexpected changes may surprise you, but most will improve your earning potential. Be cautious with communication—misunderstandings could be costly if you rely on them entirely.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 4

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 26, 34, 33, 1

Your energy levels are improving, but some plans may be delayed. A busy social schedule could leave you feeling drained if you don't rest.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 26, 37, 8, 9

Others' opinions may overwhelm you. Avoid unnecessary hassles by focusing on your goals and blocking out distractions.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1, 2, 1, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 35, 40, 33

Intriguing developments may leave you needing clarification. To avoid complications, trust reliable people and avoid careless friends.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 2

Lotto Numbers: 2, 12, 26, 35, 40, 22

This is an excellent time for introspection. Make independent decisions and expect positive changes from those who want the best for you.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 5, 2, 1, 3

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 26, 34, 22, 10

Romance flourishes, and someone close may take an interest in your career. Be mindful of how you present yourself and think before you speak.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 5, 3, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 2, 15, 5, 12, 21, 22

You may recover something long thought lost. Adaptability will be essential as surprises unfold. A June-born individual could bring you luck.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1, 6, 9, 8

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 39, 5, 44

Trust your instincts this week, as they may guide you to success. To avoid setbacks, ensure all travel plans are organised and transparent.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 8, 7

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 26, 34, 40, 45

Avoid entanglements with those who may demand more than you're willing to give. Solutions to long-standing issues may present themselves.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Dark Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5, 9, 6, 1

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 5, 44, 3

If you're well-prepared, this is a favourable time for financial speculation. However, domestic issues may require compromise to resolve lingering tensions.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 1, 5

Lotto Numbers: 8, 15, 29, 37, 40, 11

Career and financial prospects are strong, but you must act quickly to seize opportunities. Use your charm to resolve family matters peacefully.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 5, 9, 6, 1

Lotto Numbers: 5, 18, 24, 40, 26, 33

Your social life is thriving, and your presence is in demand. New challenges at work could highlight your ability to learn and adapt.

Kerry Kulkens™ Magic Shop

1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave

Visit us online at: www.kerrykulkens.com.au

Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and offerings.

ALARM OVER CUTBACKS

Sir,

This is my letter to the Health Minister (copied to the Premier) – and the Health Minister’s response regarding the future of children’s services at Maroondah Hospital.

Critically – the future of Breast and Endocrine, Orthopaedics, Urology is still in doubt.

To The Health Minister Dear Minister Thomas,

I am alarmed and, honestly, sickened to my core.

I have grave misgivings now about the administration of Maroondah Hospital while frankly I dfo not know who is responsible for the decision to close the Hospital to children.

As I understand it, staff at Maroondah Hospital have been advised pasediatric services at Maroondah Hosdpital will cease, and all children will be transferred for emergency treatment to Box Hill Hospital commencing November 2025.

Equally alarmingly, in terms of my broader community, and the flow-on impact of reduced regional services will be permanently removed at Healesville and Yarra Ranges hospitals.

I cannot stand by while medical services for women and children are gutted. We should, we must, be providing greater services and access for women and children, not less.

I seek an assurance these draconian decisions will be immediately overturned. They are decisions that are manifestly against the public and patients’ interests and represent a grave mistake and savage breach of trust in the administration of this vital hoispital and its relationship with our local community, our children and women, frankly, everyone.

Ms Thomas’s letter

Dear Mr McGowan,

Thank you for your letter of June 11, 2025, regarding the provision of paediatric and surgical services at Eastern Health.

Eastern Health’s Maroondah Hospital is one of the busiest hospitals in the eastern suburbs, and providing locally accessible paediatric services to that community is essential.

Accordingly, I have made it very clear that I do not support the proposed changes to paediatric service delivery at Maroondah Hospital

My department has instructed Eastern Health to withdraw change impact statements related to proposed changes to paediatric and surgical services at Maroondah Hospital.

The Victorian Budget 202526 also includes an extra $11.1 billion for health. This year alone, the Victorian Government is providing over $31 billion to the health system. This includes a record $9.3 billion boost for our hospitals to keep delivering the worldclass care Victorians rely on.

I trust this information has been of assistance.

Nick McGowan,, MP Ringwood

Red Shield

Sir,

I am constantly amazed by the ability of Australians to come together when it matters most.

Observer Mailbag

Short letters (no more than 200 words) on local subjects are invited from readers. Email to: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au

Letters must be short and may be edited. All letters to be considered for publication must have a name, street address and phone number so their authenticity can be checked. An email address is not sufficient.

We have seen it countless times in our history as a nation, during times of national crisis, natural disaster, financial unrest and so much more. Aussies know how to come together and help out a mate.

As The Salvation Army, we have also seen this time and time again. We have been helping people doing it tough for over 145 years in Australia, through times of extreme hardship, and the common thread during all those times has been the ability for people to help each other out when they are struggling.

Indeed, we have seen it once again through our Red Shield Appeal this year. While there is still a long way to go, we have been blown away by the generosity of Australians to our Appeal so far.

It is through Aussies digging deep and giving what they can that allows the Salvos to help one person every 17 seconds in Australia

Editor, to all your readers who have supported the Red Shield Appeal , on behalf of The Salvation Army and all those we support every day, we want to offer an enormous thank you.

We know times are tough for so many right now, which makes the generosity we have seen so much more powerful. We can’t do our work without your support, so again, thank you.

But it’s not over yet. The Salvation Army are still calling on Aussies to dig deep for our Red Shield Appeal, which aims to raise $38 million by June 30. These funds will ensure we can continue to support those in our community

doing it tough into the future.

You can be the hope people desperately need right now. We trust that Aussies will once again be generous to the Red Shield Appeal this month, and this isn’t a blind trust. It is founded on the fact that we have seen it many times before, and we believe we will see it again.

So once more, to all those who have supported the Red Shield Appeal so far, and to all those who will, we say thank you.

To make a tax-deductible donation to The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Appeal, please visit salvationarmy. org.au or call 13 SALVOS. You can also donate at any Salvos Store.

Colonel Rodney Walters The Salvation Army

Private health

Sir, Specialist fees are a concern, but they are not the main reason for out-of-pocket costs being barriers to private healthcare.

The real issue lies in the design of private health insurance, which typically come with exclusions and restrictions.

Many policies do not cover common procedures or only offer partial coverage, leading to high out-of-pocket costs.

While the number of people insured for hospital treatment has grown from 11.2 million in December 2019 to 12.5 million in March 2025, the number of people on exclusionary hospital policies has grown from 6.6 million to 8.6 million in the

The percentage of hospital policies with exclusions by insurers has grown from 57.7 per cent in December 2019 to 67.6 per cent in March 2025.

High and growing insurance membership does not translate into high private hospital use due to inadequate coverage. The complexity and lack of transparency in insurance policies discourage patients from using private care.

To increase private hospital use and ease pressure on the public system, insurance products must be reformed to be more comprehensive, transparent and user-friendly.

Private hospital admissions have increased 3 per cent over the last year (from 4.9 million to over 5.1 million), yet private hospitals face an existential crisis. Why? Clearly, it has little to do with volumes but payments.

As recently recorded by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, in the last quarter to March alone the payment ratio to private hospitals from insurers plummeted from 83 per cent to just 80.7 per cent. That’s virtually 20 per cdent of the premiums mums and dads pay for health insurance being siphoned into insurance company coffers.

Federal Health Minister Mark Butler publicly put the health insurance industry on notice to increase payments to private hospitals or he would regulate them to do so. That deadline has lapsed and nothing has changed.

Brett Heffernan Chief Executive Officer Australian Private Hospitals Association

Tatts winners

■ Maybe it's Chloe, I dunno. But that Y. & J.'s would be the luckiest corner in town. Manager Alan Ryan has taken out thousands in Tatt's, including first prize. In each ot the last five consultations he's won a fiver. The staff have taken out hundreds. And now Sol Goodman, who's been selling papers on the corner for years, has got the luck bug. Ten days ago he struck £ 1,000. Yesterday he got another £350.

Games played

■ Bridge rd. estate agent currently advertises in his window two 10-room double storey places in Caulfield as "suitable for Olympic Gaines accommodation."

Footy cheer

■ Tip at Daylesford they're still celebrating - the local football team's win last Saturday. Beat North Ballarat by 63 points. Extraordinary that they're still celebrating - after a week? Well, not really. Hadn't had a win since August. August, that is, 1953.

Hotel prison

■ W.J. Davis writes from one of our top hotels-on its note paper - and apparently he won't be staying there long .

“Until I reached Melbourne - and I have travelled the world-I had never been in a cell. This cell is my hotel room where I can drown myself in water, Scotch, beer, or any thing else. I can entertain a friend, or friends, male or female.

“Everything is driven from the open. atmosphere of a hotel public lounge to the CELLS.

“Your legislators have the sheer audacity to say the liquor laws of the rest of the world are wrong. '

“People of Victoria! Don't be a lot of sheep! I, like many more, am travelling on to freedom.

“We're getting used to people telling us what's wrong with us, Mr. Davies. The people will have their say in the summer re ferendum.

Cash in a call

■ Next time you see an accident, a fire, or any kind of news it could mean money to you.

Dial FY0211 and ask for the reporters' room.

That's all there is to it.

Your camera, too, could mean another cheque.

■ Congratulations to MelbourneObserver reviewer Maggie Morrison for being recognised in the 2025 King's Birthday Honours Awards list with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 'for services to the performing arts through theatre’.

Maggie has been involved in teaching and drama for more than four decades, including teaching drama at Mentone Girls’ Secondary College in the 1980s.

During this time, Maggie organised a travelling theatre for her drama students, with an old milk cart, entertaining primary schools.

More than 15 years ago when researching the history of her home after retirement, Maggie discovered that a former owner was Mordialloc's 1958 Mayor, Gertrude McKenzie, who operated her own flying school and owned eight planes.

Maggie decided to write a play about Gertrude, and co-founded the theatre company Legends of the Skies (LOTS)

The play was a success and, 15 years later, LOTS Theatre continues to present annual shows at the Moorabbin Air Museum, paying tribute to Australian aviation figures, with Maggie as artistic director.

Bravo Maggie Morrison OAM. Hope you enjoy every moment of this special time.

Cheryl Threadgold

Songs for A New World

■ Soundworks Productions presents Songs for a New World from August 5-10 at Chapel off Chapel, Prahran.

With music and lyrics by Jason Robert Brown, the show is directed by Lauren McKenna, musical direction by Benjamin Samuel, and Benjamin Curé is the choreographer.

Soundworks Productions have elevated a piece already written for four voices, to a rich tapestry of 14 performers singing the music theatre tracks originally written for four. The show will also feature a live band on stage (led by Conductor Mark Bradley). The return season of Songs For A New World is described as “an electrifying journey of hope, love, loss, and the transformative power of choices”.

Performance Season: August 5 - 10 Tues – Thurs 7pm, Fri and Sat 7:30pm, Sat and Sun 2pm Preview Tuesday August 5 7pm

Bookings: Online via www.anewworld. com.au (this event has assigned seating)

Venue: Chapel off Chapel (The Chapel), 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran

Duration: 2 hours including a 20-minute interval

Age Suitability: 15+ Warnings: Haze, smoke effects, strobe lighting, loud noises, adult themes.

Cheryl Threadgold

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Vale Christine Burrows

■ The passing of Christine (Andrew) Burrows on May 19 is a sad loss for her husband, Melbourne theatre director Alan Burrows, their family, and Melbourne's theatre community.

Using her stage name of Christine Andrew, Christine started her amateur theatrical career in music theatre at the Williamstown Light Opera Company in 1972, where she played in Kismet,CalamityJane,HalfaSixpence,Bye ByeBirdieand SweetCharity

Moving to CLOC in 1974, she starred in Can Can,AnnieGetYourGun,Gypsyand Howto SucceedinBusiness...and was awarded Best Female Lead by The Music Theatre Guild of Victoria as Mame in CLOC Musical Theatre’s production of Mamein 1990.

Prior to this, she performed with Festival Theatre Company in SeeSaw and Little Me, winning the Best Actress in a Musical award twice in the Free Entertainment in the Parks Awards

Other notable leads in musicals with other companies include Cabaret, You’re a Good Man,CharlieBrown,CalamityJane,Bunchof Ratbagsand WestSideStory

In the 1980s, Christine was at the height of her theatrical career. She performed professionally for Melbourne Music Theatre three times; the highlight being playing the role of Aldonza in ManofLaManchaopposite Norman Yemm

Other roles were in PiratesofPenzanceand HMSPinafore; the latter she performed twice, the second outing being presented on the PollyWoodside Christine sang professionally for a dance band at the Moorabbin Town Hall, worked in three theatre restaurants - Stage Door, Shani’s and Nero’s Fiddle - and secured an ongoing small part in the television series Prisonerfor three years.

She appeared in Neighbours, several television commercials, and numerous shopping centre pantomimes.

Since that time, she continued to perform in musicals including 42Street,SweetCharity,TheRink,ALittleNightMusic,Nunsense, HelloDolly,Something’sAfoot,FiddlerOnThe Roof, Nuncrackers, The Mystery of Edwin Drood, High Society and the delightful one women musical MovingOn, written by Cen Fox

A change of career in the early 1990s, saw Christine gain a Licentiate in Teaching Special Speech and Drama from Trinity College London, and she began teaching in private schools. This concentration on text led her down the path of performing in straight plays.

She then performed in leading roles in plays with Mordialloc, Brighton, Malvern, Williamstown, Eltham, Heidelberg, Peridot, Encore, Eltham, Mitcham, Stonnington and Lilydale Theatre Companies, winning many in-house awards.

One of Christine's last plays was SixDance LessonsinSixWeeks, which she performed at Williamstown, Peridot and finally Lilydale Theatre Companies. In 2017, she won the Lyrebird award for Best Actress in a Comedy.

All in all, Christine performed in more than 80 productions in addition to her professional work, while still managing to bring up two sons, continue with her teaching career and manage a household. A remarkable achievement. Deepest sympathy to Alan and family, and Christine's many friends.

Vale Christine. Cheryl Threadgold (with thanks to Alan Burrows)

A Reflection In Time

■ On a cold winter’s night the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra warmed hearts and cheered spirits with its A Reflection In Time concert celebrating three passionate and dramatic compositions from the mid-twentieth century. Consisting of orchestral works by composers from three different countries, the first half of the program saw performances of Samuel Barber’s AdagioforStrings(1936) and Erich Korngold’s ViolinConcerto(1945). The second half of the evening was taken up entirely by Dmitri Shostakovich’s SymphonyNo.5(1937).

The MSO’s Principal Conductor Benjamin Northey was in fine form on the night as he led the orchestra with great aplomb in successfully meeting the contrasting demands of

●

● ● ● Christine (Andrew) Burrows each work. From the mournful pathos of Barber’s adagio to the strident bombastic energy of Shostakovich’s symphony, the orchestra rose to the challenges each work presented by responding with flair and skill to Northey’s expressive and inspiring conducting.

For Korngold’s concerto he and the orchestra were joined by a shining light of Australian classical music in the form of Australian violinist Christian Li.

Born in Melbourne, Li’s prodigious talentat the age of 13 he became the youngest artist ever signed by the prestigious Decca Classics label - was there for all to see.

Aged just 17, his maturity and virtuosity playing the violin was quite staggering. Of the three movements that made up the concerto the final one, allegro assai vivace, showcased his tremendous musical skills.

The MSO goes from strength to strength in its offerings to the Melbourne classical music loving audience, both in the range of the works it presents and in the quality of its performances. It is a jewel in the crown of Melbourne culture, one we can all celebrate and enjoy.

Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. mso.com.au

Review by Peter Murphy

Rumbleskin

■ Dirty Pennies Theatre Project presents Rumbleskinby Ames May Nunn from July 1727 at fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

A trucker picks up a pregnant teen on a long stretch of nowhere. A young rodeo rider stumbles into a mysterious ranch. A fugitive comes to a cursed town in search of safety.

An affliction known as the Rumbleskin is stretching itself across the country, and if one thing is clear, it’s that nothing is as it seems. No one knows how it began, but everyone has a story about it.

Rumbleskin is described as 'a new queer folk tale exploring transformation in a strange and dangerous land.'

July 17-27

fortyfivedownstairs (45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne)

Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/ rumbleskin/ Cheryl Threadgold

Afterimage

■ Tolarno Galleries present Afterimage, an extraordinary exhibition of 55 paintings by Tim Maguire.

Afterimage features an array of small paintings, each meticulously arranged to create a vibrant cosmos of colour and creativity, inviting viewers to explore the interconnectedness of individual works.

The exhibition is said to be a bold move by Maguire, who is renowned for super-sized floral imagery often pulled from art history.

New, chromatically charged works exploit the visual phenomenon of an afterimage and will linger in the visitor’s eye – and mind – long after they have viewed the show.

A Streetcar Named Desire

■ Winner of the 1947 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Tennessee Williams’s AStreetcar NamedDesireis an American classic.

In director Benedict Andrews’s production filmed for National Theatre Live, the updated setting is no longer post-World War II New Orleans but the present day.

Fading southern belle, Blanche DuBois, visits her sister Stella in the French Quarter

From the moment Blanche arrives in the ironically-named Elysian Fields, the play presents the struggle between Blanche’s delusions of grandeur and Stella’s ex-Army husband Stanley’s unadulterated, raw power.

Blanche engages in a fruitless struggle for her sister’s affections with the broodingly menacing Stanley, weaving fairytales of her circumstances.

Ben Foster’s unforgiving, hulking, alpha male Stanley suspects his sister-in-law of cheating when she reveals a lost inheritance, the family home claimed by creditors.

Confrontation is inevitable when Stanley overhears Blanche describe him as an “ape”.

Blanche’s fragile world begins to crumble in the clash between illusion and reality.

With nowhere to go and all her bridges burned, Blanche descends into madness.

Vanessa Kirby is torn as the pregnant Stella, whose first loyalty is to Stanley, but who ends up a reluctant referee mediating between her husband and sister as they fight it out.

Foster’s Stanley simmers with resentment, violence always just under the surface.

But it is the excellent Gillian Anderson who steals the show as the disintegrating Blanche, clinging to her fancies and chimeras.

That said, the current update contains strange and disturbing elements.

The explosive domestic violence is hard to watch, particularly its acceptance by Stella and their friends.

That Blanche is the only one to comment on Stanley’s violence seems to place it in its original 1940s setting.

In the present, Stanley’s violent outbursts terrorise the action.

Now showing in select Australian cinemas.

Review by Kathryn Keeble

Love, Love, Love

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents Love,Love,Loveby Mike Bartlett from July 4 - 19 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna

Directed by George Werther, Love,Love, Love is described as having 'a galloping satirical wit that pulls you along, happy and appalled, through the decades.'

The story tells of Sandra and Kenneth, born into the optimistic “baby-boomer” generation and ready to “change the world”.

We follow their lives from the heady 60s into the challenging 90s, with their adolescent children seeking new directions.

We then meet them in the new millennium, as they and their now adult children have very different needs and conflicting world views.

The baby-boomers discover life is not a bed of roses.

Performance Season: July 4 - 19. Evenings at 8pm: July 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 19; Weekend Matinees at 2pm: July 5, 6, 12, 13

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna.

Bookings: htc.org.au

Cheryl Threadgold

●

● Maggie Morrison OAM Photo: Malcolm Threadgold

●

● Alessandra Merlo in Songs for a New World. Photo: Matthew Chen

● ● Genya Mik (left) and Julia Hearn rehearse Love, Love, Love. Photo: David Belton.

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) Until June 28 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 – 186 Yarra St, Warrandyte. Director: James Banger. Bookings: warrandytearts.org.au

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) Until June 28 at the Bradshaw Street Community Theatre, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director: Angelo Snell. Bookings: 0406448368 or Trybooking

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Macbeth (by William Shakespeare) Until July 5 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: David McLean. Bookings: 1300 131 552.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Rabbit Hole (by David Lindsay-Abaire) June 25 – July 12 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: John Bishop. Bookings: wlt.org.au/booktickets

■ Wangaratta Players: Rumours (by Neil Simon) June 27 – July 6 at Stage Door Theatre, 4D Evans St., Wangaratta. Director: Steve Thornycroft and Leanne Kelly. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ The Basin Theatre: The Quest to Save Dinosaur Island (written and directed by Jason Triggs) June 28 – 29 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Bookings: 0494 065 006

■ MLOC Productions: The Pirate Queen (Boublil and Schönberg) July 1 – 19 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director: Chris Ryan; Musical Director: Matthew Pines.

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: The Diary of Anne Frank (by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett) July 3 – 19 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Kellie Tweeddale. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Love, Love, Love (by Mike Bartlett) July 4 – 19 (2pm matinees on weekends) at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: George Werther. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Off the Leash Theatre: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) July 17 – 20 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, 1 Civic Place, Warragul. Director: Amy Moss. Bookings: offtheleashtheatre.com.au

■ Theatrical: Legally Blonde July 12-27 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Aimee F orrest; Musical Director: Kent Ross Choreographer: Maggie Lynch, Bookings: booktickets.com.au

■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Zombie Prom - The Atomic Edition. July 11 – 20 at Fab Nobs Theatre, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Maeghan McKenzie; Choreographer: Dean Robinson; Musical Director: Sally McKenzie. fabnobstheatre.com.au

■ CPP Community Theatre: Seussical Jr. July 11, 12, 15, 17, 18 at 7.30pm; July 12,19 2pm; July 13 5pm at Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Albert Ave., Boronia (park at Rangeview Rd. end). Director/ Musical Director: Helen Taylor; Associate Director: Fiona Rosel. Bookings: cppcommunitytheatre.com.au/

■ Darebin Arts Speakeasy: Garçon with Wani Toaishara, July 16 – 20 at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St, Northcote. Bookings: arts.darebin. vic.gov.au/Programs-and-opportunities/ Programs/Speakeasy-presentations/garconby-wani-toaishara

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Lord Savile’s Crime (by Constance Cox) July 24

– August 2 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.

au

■ Encore Theatre: Agatha Crispie (by Cenarth Fox) July 18 – 27 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: David Dodd. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV): The Mikado July 17 – 20 at The Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton. Bookings: gsov.org.au

■ PLOS Musical Productions: We Will Rock You. July 25 – August 2 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director: Paul Watson. Bookings: plos.asn.au or 9784 1060.

Cheryl Threadgold

COMEDY REPUBLIC

■ Comedy Republic, the independent comedy venue at 231 Bourke St, Melbourne, that launched during the 2020 lockdowns, celebrates its fifth birthday this July.

To mark the milestone, a one-night-only birthday gala will be presented at The Capitol Theatre on July 3, featuring Wil Anderson, Celia Pacquola, Rhys Nicholson, Tom Ballard, Geraldine Hickey and more.

After opening in 2020 with just 25 guests allowed through the doors, the Comedy Republic has grown into one of Australia's leading comedy stages, hosting more than 42,000 audience members annually, building a loyal fanbase and championing local talent yearround.

Co-founded by comedians Kyran Nicholson, Rhys Nicholson and Alex Dyson, the Comedy Republic is a genuine survival story from the heart of Melbourne’s arts scene.

“I know it’s tradition to say nice things when it’s someone’s birthday, but even if Comedy Republic wasn't turning five, I would say that quite simply, it is the best,” says Celia Pacquola Comedian, Host of Thank God You’re Here

“It has the wonderful feel of a venue run by comedy kids for comedy kids but everyone is an adult because it’s also a licensed bar. Ideal. Happy Birthday, please never ever ever ever close,”

Opening during one of Victoria's lockdown periods, the whole dream could have been dead before it began.

But after much persistence, a supportive Melbourne City Council and a city desperate for some laughs, five years on, Comedy Republic has grown exponentially.

The venue’s YouTube channel accumulated over 600,000 views and achieved subscriber growth exceeding 3000 per cent within the past six months alone, reflecting the global appetite for Melbourne-based comedy content.

Australian comedy legend and Gruen host Wil Anderson said of the venue: "I have done 29 years of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, but my favourite of them all was the most recent that I performed at Comedy Republic

“The entire venue is purpose built to enhance people’s experience of the night. It is a room purpose built for comedy because it was purpose built by people who love comedy and you can feel it in the walls.

“In some ways it surprises me we are only celebrating five years of Comedy Republic, as it feels an established and vital part of both the Melbourne comedy scene but the arts scene in general.

“The most exciting thing of all is that I know we are only in the opening chapter of this story, the real success of Comedy Republic will be seen in the future in the work of all the artists they have given the space to be their authentic and wonderful comedy selves and take the risks that are necessary for artists to evolve.

“Bravo to five years, and I can’t wait to see what is next and hope to play whatever part that they need me for“.

Second Chance

Integral to Comedy Republic's success story is Replay Festival, held each July, which al●

Auditions

■ Western Arts Theatre: The Drowsy Chaperone. June 26, 28 at the Essendon Baptist Church, 134 Buckley St, Essendon. Booking: trybooking.com/events/landing/ 1412759..

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Hollow Crown (by John Barton) June 29 at 1.00pm and June 30 at 7.30pm at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Peter Newling. Audition bookings: www.wlt.org.au/book-tickets

■ Encore Theatre: The Revlon Girl (by Anthony Docking) June 29 at 2.00pm, July 1 at 7.30pm at Fleigner Hall, 31 Highland Ave, Oakleigh East. Director: David Krause. Audition bookings: encoretheatre.com.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. July 27 at 10.30am and July 28 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Audition bookings: timascott56@ gmail.com

■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Good Life (by Jeremy Sams based on TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey) August 17 and August 18 at 7.00pm at the Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Joanne Gabriel. Audition Enquiries: Jo Gabriel at pukfam@bigpond.net.au

Cheryl Threadgold

lows audiences to experience top-rated festival performances again or even dabble for the first time.

The festival plays an ever increasing role in supporting the local arts community, creating opportunities for local comedy talent in an otherwise quiet season.

Last year, the festival generated over $100,000 in revenue for the comedians and their teams, and this year aims to make an even greater impact with its expansion into a second venue, with more shows.

Birthday Gala Performance: July 3 at The Capitol Theatre, 113 Swanston St, Melbourne. Tickets on sale now at: comedyrepublic.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Thrones Parody

■ Thrones!TheMusicalParody, which played at the Alex Theatre in St Kilda, was something of a hit-and-miss affair in its attempts to make fun of the hit HBO TV series Game of Thrones(GoT), with moments of genuine hilarity offset by jokes that simply were not funny.

The setting for the parody is cleverly done. A group of die-hard GoT fans try to cheer up the sister of one of their number who has recently been divorced.

They do this as they gather to watch the series finale but discover that the divorcee has never seen the show so they bring her up-tospeed by reenacting highlights from all eight seasons.

Written by the US comedy ensemble Baby Wants Candy, the script was easy enough to follow. The three elements - musical numbers, support for the divorcee and GoT scene reenactments - were never confused. However, the writing/composing in all three was very uneven in quality.

Sometimes this uneven quality didn’t matter as energetic bravado performances saved the day. Some such highlights were Conor Putland’s portrayal of Jon Snow with a hilarious ridiculously thick northern English accent, the wonderful re-creation of a dragon using nothing but an umbrella and cloth and a great hip hop number depicting the red wedding.

Nevertheless, such highlights were too few in number, with musical numbers marred when they were screamed rather than sung while dramatic scenes failed to move due to poor acting.

The creative team of director David Venn, assistant director and choreographer James Elmer and musical director Glen Barnett all have moments to be proud of when the show worked and the broad bawdy humour and singing paid off.

Still, the show felt under rehearsed/underwritten and suffered greatly for it.

Thrones! was a mixed bag then. Enjoyable perhaps for die-hard fans of GoT, a general more discerning audience might not have been so forgiving of the show’s numerous shortcomings.

For further information about the event: https://thrones.com.au/ Review by Peter Murphy

Barbara Hannay

■ Finding happiness after grief is something everyone hopes to experience.

That’s the theme of popular rural fiction author Barbara Hannay in her latest novel, SecondChanceFamily. Callie is a young widow with three children and still grieving the loss of her beloved partner when she receives an unusual offer.

She finds she has inherited one half of Hawkridge, a beautiful property in Far North Queensland’s Misty Mountains area, and is puzzled about why she has been the beneficiary.

Like all good family tales, there is more to the situation than meets the eye, which Callie gradually discovers as she gets to know Ben Galbraith, a Scotsman who is her co-inheritor. Ben assisted Hawkridge’s owner in the final years of his life. And the twist here is that the property can’t be sold for 12 months, so Callie and Ben must learn to manage this tricky co-owner situation.

Hannay has lived in the area she was writing about, and has fond memories of it so decided to set her story there.

As two of Callie’s three children are teenage twin girls. Hannay drew on her own life to get some insights from her own two teenage identical twin granddaughters, who were very excited about being the inspiration for their grandmother’s fictional characters.

Hannay always writes a good yarn with questions that make the reader think, and SecondChanceFamilyis no exception. It is published by Penguin Random House and available online and in bookstores now.

- Julie Houghton

Macbeth

■ Malvern Theatre Company presents William Shakespeare's Macbethuntil July 5 at 29 Burke Road, Malvern East

Directed by David McLean, Macbeth is described as “Shakespeare's most thrilling story, of unchecked ambition, witches and ghosts, castles and swordfights ... a harrowing exploration of crime and guilt, power and corruption”.

“Stars, hide your fires. Let not light see my black and deep desires”. A valiant and trusted soldier, Macbeth, is propelled down a dark and treacherous path when an encounter with supernatural beings brings to the surface secret dreams of power.

Spurred on by his ruthless wife, he embarks on a terrifying quest to seize the Scottish crown. But once seized, it must be kept. Macbeth’s determination leads him into a nightmare world of murder and madness, taking the country to the very brink of catastrophe.

Malvern Theatre Company’s president Andrew Ferguson says: “This production of Macbeth will excite all lovers of this classic play.”

Performance Season: Until July 5. Venue: Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East

Bookings: malverntheatre.com.au or 1300 131 552

Cheryl Threadgold

Co-founders of the Comedy Republic: Rhys Nicholson, Alex Dyson and Kyran Nicholson.

● ● Joshua Bruce (Macbeth) and Hannah Holmes (Lady Macbeth) in Macbeth. Photo: Andrew Ferguson

CATO THE WISE

Maxwell Newton

★A conversation with three global leaders in sport, sports technology and the business of sport will take place at Beyond the Game: Innovation and Tech in Sport at The Edge - Fed Square at 5pm for 5.30pm on Monday, July 14. Panellists are Joe Costanzo, Laura Kane and Todd Deacon. Moderator is John Wylie

★The State Government has appointed Tim Wiebusch as Victoria’s Emergency Management Commissioner

★Panorama House in Middle Park has taken out the award for Residential Decoration.

★Tabcorp Holdings Limited has been penalised $4,003,270 for sending more than 5700 marketing messages to customers of its VIP program that broke Australia’s spam laws.

★Annie is opening at the Princess Theatre on July 8.

★Carrie Bickmore and Tommy Little (Hit Network) have raised $1.1M for brain cancer research, with involvement in a marathon run in South Africa.

★Cabaret De Paris has aded a third show to its season at The Palms at Crown on Saturday-Sunday, July 5-6. The show stars Rhonda Burchmore.

★Waltzing the Wilarra will be performed at the Clocktower, 750 Mt Alexander Road, Moonee Ponds, at 7.30pm on Sunday, July 20. It is is an Australian musical play written and composed by David Milroy, set in a mixed-race dance club in postWorld War II Perth

★A would-be Bendigo councillor, Mary Ann Martinek, facing a charge of breaching an intervention order, has been slapped with 20 more charges relating to allegedly moving her neighbour’s rubbish bins, reports the Herald Sun.

★Authors Madeleine Cleary and Anne Freeman will present a literary event that talks about sex work, feminism, crime, and agency. Free, but bookings are essential. Readings Hawthorn 6pm-7.30pm on August 14.

★ Yarra Valley Water has been named as the highest ranked water corporation in the Financial Times Asia-Pacific Climate Leaders 2025 list.

★Revo Fitness has unveiled its $1.6 million full-scale upgrade of its Cranbourne club.

★Brimbank Council has welcomed the induction of First Nations leader Uncle Shane Charles into the Victorian Aboriginal Honour Roll.

★The Seeing Eye Dog show case will be held at 17 Barrett St, Kensington from 10.30am1.30pm on July 28.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment Green Room

★Rosie Walton celebrated 30 years in radio on Triple M Melbourne, with a special celebration in last Friday's Mick In The Morning program with Roo, Titus and Rosie.

★ A book, The Last Man Standing, is being released next month by Barry Michael, published by New Holland. it is described as a powerful and personal memoir from one of Australia’s most legendary boxing champions. It is said to be “an honest, behindthe-scenes look at the gritty realities of professional boxing where big money, big egos, and big careers are on the line”.

★Harry Coulsons Blue Dogs are set to play the Edinburgh Castle Brunswick on Thursday (June 26) with the tunes to kick off at 8pm. The music is best catagorised as ‘Pub Jazz’ and ‘Bush Blues.

★Sydney Hotshots – billed as Australia’s Ultimate Ladies Night Out Show is playing the Yorkshire Stingo Hotel on Friday, July 4.

★Book Week 2025 is fast ap proaching (Aug. 16-23), and many parents are eagerly searching for the perfect costume to dress up their children as their favourite book characters. Last year, local schools such as Box Hill High School and Templestowe Heights Primary School made significant efforts during Book Week to raise funds for a literacy charity, providing books to disadvantaged children.

★Entertainer, singer, and mental health advocate Rob Mills has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Australian Children's Music Foundation

★Vinnies last week held the 15th annual CEO Sleepout at South Melbourne Market

★ Mason Dervish from TransPlumb Events in East Melbourne, has been named as winner of a $3000 Rheem Apprentice Plumber Grant.

★Kids Helpline says there is evidence that Australian children and young people are increasingly facing mental health challenges, with the rate of mental health and emotional wellbeing concerns rising from 31 per cent In 2014 to 41 per cent in 2024 for children aged 5 to 14.

★William J. Byrne has written his debut novel, The Warrumbar, a fictional story influenced by his family's struggles and resilience.

★Reuben Kaye’s queer in spired spectacle Opera Up Late is making its Melbourne debut for one night only on Sunday November 2 at the Regent.

Samaná Sunrise

■ Two couples, Ale (Luisa Mayol) and Santi (Luis Tosar), and Natalia (Bárbara Santa-Cruz) and Mario (Luis Zahera), all best friends, take a trip to the Caribbean to celebrate their anniversaries.

Fired up with the romantic location and numerous cocktails, Ale confesses that 20 years ago, on the night when they all first met, she manipulated the initial couplings.

Ale stage-managed a car breakdown to thwart Mario and flirt with Santi, who seemed interested in Natalia.

Thinking that all will accept her confession after 20 years as a joke, Ale is surprised at her friends’ angry reaction.

Too many drinks and an accidental stumble into a palm tree result in a blow to her head that initiates the first twist in the story.

Ale wakes up with a vicious hangover, convinced that she is married to her best friend’s long-term husband, utterly baffled as to why her husband claims to be Natalia’s partner and Mario is pretending to be hers.

This is the setup for SamanáSunrise, a fun and bright comedy directed by Rafa Cortés, based on the 2007 play Cancúnby Jordi Galcerán.

Like a character in a Carry On movie, enter Charles Dance playing a fellow holidaymaker who also happens to be a psychiatrist.

His advice is to play along until Ale comes to her senses.

Relationships are tested as the two couples navigate the alternate reality.

Set in the tropical paradise of the Dominican Republic , jokes come thick and fast as the friends try to accommodate Ale’s newfound revelation.

Combining screwball slapstick physical comedy, reflective moments, and some surprising twists, the excellent ensemble cast seamlessly blends comedy with finely tuned drama.

Now showing at select Australian cinemas.

Review by Kathryn Keeble

Survivors

Luncheon

■ In attendance at last Saturday’s Survivors twice-yearly luncheon were Mandy Aitchison, John Allan, Carole Ann Aylett, Chris Bahen, Len Baker, Gordon Bennett, Mike Brady, Grant Brown, John Browne, Jeff and Ian Campbell, Paul Cashmere, Sally Cockburn, Shawn Cosgrove, Rob Curtain, Ric Ditchburn and Suzanne, Bill Duff, Judy Green, Barbara Harper, Ron Hawkswell, Derryn Hinch, John Humphrey, Mark Irvine, Larry James, Gwen Johnston, Jeff Jospeh, Sandy Kaye, Nathan Koch, Jack Levi, Keith Livingston, Ash Long, Keith Livingston, David Mann, Angela McGowan, Bruce and Noala McKay, Tony McManus, Gary McQuade, Barbara Mead, Ian Neil, Gary Newton, Paul Nicholson, Denis O'Kane, Tim O’Kane, Andrew Pante, Alan Pearsall, Beverley Pinder, Dean Reynolds, Bronwyn Robimnson, Chris Ryan, Mark Simmons, Brian Smith, Pete Smith, Sue Stark, Ian Stewart, Andre Switzer, Kevin Trask, John Vertigan (Snr), Jon Vertigan (Jnr), Heidi Victoria, Craig Willis and Gavin Wood

Apologies included those from Dee Dee Dunleavy, Denis Walter, Mike Larkan, Muriel Cooper. Rod Hardy, Pat Panetta, Paul Walsh, Ryle Moldrich, Julie Houghton, Peter Gomm, Mike Menner, Di Rolle, Liz Sullivan, Annette Allison, Mal Walden, Carryl Browne, Tony Tardio, Paul Konik, Ted Ryan, Nathan Koch, John Michael Howson, Graeme Turpie, Lee and Jan Simon, Peter Van and Craig Huggins.

■ (R). 95 minutes. Now available on Blu-Ray and DVD.

Balancing a slow-burn intensity with moments of ferocious violence, the new film from writer/director Jeremy Saulnier (BlueRuin, HoldTheDark,RebelRidge) supplies the kind of edge-of-your-seat thrills that is missing from so many American thrillers made today.

Like Blue Ruin, things begin quietly. A punk rock band called the Ain’t Rights, made up of singer Tiger (Callum Turner) , bassist Pat (Anton Yelchin, who was tragically killed in June of this year), guitarist Sam (Alia Shawkat), and drummer Reece (Joe Cole), have just completed a 90 mile road trip to a gig that has fallen through.

The guy who organised the show offers them an alternative job; to perform at an Oregon roadhouse where his cousin works at.

Seeing that they have no other option, as the gig will cover their travel expenses, the group agree. Just one warning - the place is run and frequented by skinheads.

Once the band arrives at the roadhouse, they are greeted by the manager, Gabe (Macon Blair) , whose attitude is blunt and tothe-point.

After their set is over, the group return to the green room, but are shocked at what they see before them.

Now witnesses to a crime, all four, plus fellow rocker Amber (Imogen Poots), are locked up in this small space by Gabe , who nervously waits for his right-wing fundamentalist leader Darcy (Patrick Stewart) to arrive on the scene.

Once everyone realises that things aren’t going to end well, the decision is made to take on these ruthless skinheads head-on.

Saulnier, an obvious fan of the genre films that littered the cinematic landscape during the 1970s and especially the 80s, cleverly takes an existing template and puts his own distinctive stamp on it.

The comparisons are easy to make. Evil Deadwith skinheads. Assault On Precinct 13 with skinheads. As a genre entry, Green Roomis first-rate. Instead of bombarding the audience from the opening frame, Saulnier slowly draws us towards the dreaded moment of impact, making sure the audience’s nerves have been worked on sufficiently, before letting loose with a perfectly timed series of vicious set-pieces.

Even when the film becomes graphically violent, this talented film-maker doesn’t merely rely on the grue to achieve shock value, he thankfully continues to sustain the unsettling edge developed earlier in proceedings.

Though not as psychologically complex as his brilliant BlueRuin, Saulnier still examines his characters and the world they inhabit.

The green room the band find themselves trapped in becomes quite symbolic, exposing what kind of people we are, what we’re capable of, and finding meaning in why we do the things we do.

It’s a fascinating combination of visceral and cerebral that makes for heady, memorable viewing.

Another major plus is that the villains are never presented as unstoppable monsters, rather they are intimidating human beings that share a frightening viewpoint.

This, along with its measured, subdued finale, will disappoint

those viewers who crave for Michael Bay-style pyrotechnics. Performances are strong, with Stewart thoroughly enjoying his nasty role. There is also another reliably good turn from Imogen Poots (Centurion,28WeeksLater). Technical credits are excellent, from Sean Porter’s stylish cinematography to Julia Bloch’s perfect editing, and special mention must also go to Ryan Warren Smith’s seedy production design and Brooke and Will Blair’s authentic-sounding punk score. It is great to see one of many films reference iconic director John Carpenter. On top of the close-quarters premise itself (Precinct13, as mentioned), there are two specific homages to TheThingthat fans will definitely appreciate. GreenRoommay prove too intense for some, but for those who want to be reminded of what it was like to be gripped by genuine suspense and fear, then this is the must-see movie for you.

RATING - ****½.

Hell or High Water

■ (M). 102 minutes. Now available on Blu-ray and DVD.

A lean, elegiac mix of classic western morals and post-GFC tragedy, this incredibly smart, boldly committed drama proved to be one of the most refreshingly individualistic films to come out of Hollywood in many a moon. The story follows brothers Toby (Chris Pine) and Tanner (Ben Foster), the former a law-abiding citizen who is getting over a bitter divorce, while the latter is a wildly unpredictable ex-con who has arrived back at the family farm after the death of their terminally ill mother. The two have taken on the deceased matriarch’s crushing debt, with a foreboding deadline that will soon see the bank take control of their property. What the bank doesn’t realise is that Toby and Tanner are the elusive criminals who are currently robbing their branches in the local areas, using that stolen money to stop the ruthless financial institution from ruining their family heritage. Hot on their heels are Texas rangers Marcus Hamilton (Jeff Bridges) and his native American partner Alberto Parker (Gil Birmingham) , who are dealing with their own interpretation of partnership and law enforcement. This is a film that does not have a single wasted moment. Every second of this mood-drenched tale is devoted to character and locale, building a world that may appear to reside in the 21st century, but is filled with the kind of history and authoritarian scorn of a time long since gone. British director David Mackenzie (Young Adam / Perfect Sense), in the same way Ted Kotcheff did with Wake In Fright, brings an ingenious, outsider’s point-of-view to a story that is unique to its setting, capturing the specific environment with a flavour that is both rugged and fragile. This would fit in nicely with classic parables helmed by veterans such as Anthony Mann, Robert Aldrich and Walter Hill. When you add a trenchant script by Taylor Sheridan (Sicario,Yellowstone), and heartfelt performances across the board (Bridges gives yet another Oscar worthy turn), HellOrHighWater is a movie to treasure.

RATING - ****½ Aaron Rouke

In Memory of

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Across Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 16

Across Down Down

1. Promotion & advertising

6. Job path

11. Double bike

15. Messenger

20. Jump

21. Laughing scavenger

22. Labyrinth

23. Resumé, curriculum ...

25. Victory cup

26. Of sound mind, compos ...

27. Holy city

29. Letter

32. Forbidden activity (2-2)

34. Neither ... nor that

36. Careworn

39. Pre-Soviet emperors

41. Talks wildly

43. Roof overhangs

46. Lessens

48. More recent

49. Lion's neck hair

51. Stack

52. School principals

55. Love excessively, ... on

56. Louts

59. Awkward

61. Deities

62. Body fluid lump

63. Baby night bird

64. Anger, raise someone's ...

67. Favours

68. Shaggier

70. US coin

71. Odour

72. Perfume sampler

73. Lithe

74. Enthused

75. Red blood cell deficiency

77. Letter cross-stroke

78. Desires

79. Unmask

82. Lettuce side dishes

86. Widen (pupils)

87. Famous volcano

89. Illegal passengers

92. Former

94. African antelope

96. SE Arabian sultanate

98. Sets (table)

100. Smells strongly

101. Slightly open

103. 60s pop dance (2-2)

105. Become more active (3,2)

106. Symbolic picture

108. Brass instrument

111. Wordless play

112. White ants

114. Cannier

116. Citrus peel

119. German Mrs

120. Walkway

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

123. Was in debt to

124. Shrill bark

125. Name one by one

126. Vortex

127. Chair wheels

130. Came first

131. Wasted time

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

138. Spoils

139. ... out a living

141. Countries' pennants

144. Economise, scrimp & ...

146. And so on

147. Infantryman, ... soldier

148. Crazy

149. Bread bun

150. Exercise club

151. Retained

152. Swallow up

153. The B of NB

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

157. Numerals system

158. Enclosure

160. Futuristic fiction (3-2)

161. Unsuitable

162. Ultra-virile

163. Which

165. Building block

166. Jug rim

167. ... Baba & The 40 Thieves

168. Mexican dip

169. Dispatch by post 171. Suspect's defence

172. Naval rank, chief ... officer

175. Rare pleasure

176. ... & hearty

179. Dried grape

180. Asian sauce bean

182. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco

184. Magazine subscriber 185. Cramped (space)

186. Perish 188. Sir ... Coward

189. Chest bone

190. Ancestry diagram, family ... 191. Wheel-shaft projection 193. On cloud ... 194. Swaggering walk

196. Fashion guru, Christian ... 197. Christmas carol, ... In A Manger 198. CDs, compact ...

200. Declare approval of 205. Olympic Games body (1,1,1)

207. King's title, Your ...

210. Resettlement

211. Bludgeoned

212. Pull heavily

213. Indian garment 214. Slimy substance

216. Red-rind cheese

218. Steer

219. Tibetan oxen

220. Employees

224. USA (5,3)

227. Snout

229. Abominable snowman

230. Antlered beast

231. Mutilates

232. Isolated

233. Towards interior of

235. Plentiful

237. Require

239. Wood-trimming tool

241. Of warships

244. Relaxation routine

246. Waffles

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

252. Press down (4,2)

254. Toppled (over)

256. Group of six

258. Stuns

259. Sea rhythms

260. Foot arches

263. Queen's dog

264. Jogger

265. Ludicrous failure

267. Flowing away

270. Marmalade fruit

271. Spins

272. Mental stress

273. Leakage

274. Map book

277. Small car

279. Ready money

281. Circular

284. Ayes & ...

286. Security lapse

288. Rev counters

292. Measure of distance

294. Composer's work

295. Islands

298. Illumination

300. Orchestra section

301. Hymn, Ave ...

303. Hoisted (flag) (3,2)

306. Idolise

308. Engage (gears)

309. Lazily

311. Thug

314. Spanish friend

315. Salt, ... chloride

316. Conforming, ... the line

317. Without company

318. Filled pastries

319. Unruly children

320. Bug

321. Preaches

322. Phases

323. Electronic payment for goods

324. Tearing into strips

1. Cripple

2. Salesmen

3. Singer, ... Presley

4. Bury

5. Scottish valley

6. Short sleep

7. Kitchen garment

8. Uncovered

9. Corresponded in sound

10. Swiss lake

11. Most submissive

12. Convent

13. Utters

14. Pulped

15. Confines, ... in

16. Frill

17. Public profile

18. Festival

19. Street

24. Tennis ace, ... Lendl

28. Cries like crow

30. Ayatollah's land

31. Pace

33. Makes speech

35. Pressure line on map

37. Enlarge

38. Widespread

40. Wonkiest

42. Prickle

44. Single-celled organism

45. Respect

47. Donkeys

48. Proximity

49. Tiny fish

50. NSW industrial city

53. Tarmac surface

54. Bliss

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

58. Immersed

60. Into that place

63. Aperture

65. Regrettably

66. Eyelid inflammation

68. Group of cattle

69. Writer, ... Blyton

76. Stretchy tape

79. Smash into

80. Snake poison

81. Royal racecourse

83. Up & about

84. Grant

85. Watch covertly

88. Compass point

90. ... & ahs

91. Current units

93. Study of zodiac

95. Moist

97. Become beached, run ...

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

100. Sudden attack

102. Denim trousers

104. Yields, ... in

107. Prison rooms

109. Raise (livestock)

110. Region

111. Mongrel dog

113. Originate

115. Female calves

117. Tinted

118. Mirth

121. Journalists

122. Admitted guilt (5,2)

127. Undemanding (job)

128. Disjoin

129. Refits

132. Magician's chant

133. Bloodsucker

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

135. Makes acquaintance of 136. Torvill or Dean (3-6)

137. Able

138. Organised for action

140. Communal bedroom 141. Burned unsteadily

142. Disbelievers

143. Portable weapons (5,4)

145. Closing tactics

151. Food-preparing room

154. Chilly

156. Remains

159. Also known as (1,1,1) 164. Afflict

169. Pancake topping, ... syrup

170. Aggravated

173. Lobe ornament

174. Cigar leaves

177. Ram star sign

178. Abrasive paper

181. Actor, Laurence ... 183. Substitute (5-2)

187. Listing down

192. Music colleges

195. Raise standard of 199. Treated badly (3-4)

201. Police informer

202. Debauched party

203. Delete

204. Milk coffee style, ... latte

206. Hi!

207. Intended

208. Model, ... Macpherson

209. Serving platter

213. Wiry-haired dog, ... terrier

215. Rich

217. Earth's satellite

221. Browned off (3,2)

222. Grind down

223. Polluted air

224. Expends, ... up

225. Terminate

226. Execute (law)

228. Entertainingly

234. Enlivening (7,2)

236. Mooches

238. Dine

240. Spot

242. Fan

243. Scotsman's pouch

245. Work clothes

247. Stupid

248. Concentrated scent

250. Autocue

251. Mounts

253. Actor, Robert De ...

255. Pigmented eye membrane

257. Great ages

258. Eagerly expectant

261. Higher in rank

262. Banishes

265. Girl

266. Actor, Will ...

268. Brazilian dance, ... nova

269. Affable

275. Filled tortilla

276. In present state (2,2)

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

280. Side of sofa

282. Oh dear!

283. Starkers

285. Slight

287. Caresses with lips

289. Nuclear devices (1-5)

290. Distress signal

291. African disease fly

292. Small insects

293. Unknown author

296. Baby wrap

297. Long films

299. Phantom

302. Beatles drummer

304. Love

305. Plumbing trap pipe (1-4)

306. Heat up

307. Crowd sound

308. Sponges

310. Root vegetables

312. Cab

313. Phoned

By Rob Foenander

Sun Rise

■ Australian theatre sensation Zoy Frangos delivers a musical tribute to Elvis on Monday, July 14, at Hamer Hall. With Sun Rise, not only will he revisit the King’s great work but also pay homage to Sun Records and the pioneering African American artists who helped shape the revolutionary sound of rock 'n' roll, says his media release.

Morning light

■ Melbourne alt-rock band Fire Roots have released their debut EP Morning Light, blending punk energy with heartfelt melodies. Formed in 2021, the five-piece features members from Venezuela, Chile and Tasmania, adding rich cultural layers to their powerful sound.

Known for their dynamic live shows, Fire Roots delivers raw and passionate tracks. It is out now on all major streaming platforms. Follow them on IG and FB as @firerootsmusic

Home

■ Sage Marie is an up-and-coming indie pop folk artist making waves in the music scene with her captivating sound and heartfelt lyrics.

By producing her own music, Sage has unlocked numerous opportunities, including performing at Federation Square and a recent feature on local television.

The second track on her latest EP-History, is titled Home.

It’s a soulful, grounding song that celebrates acceptance, resilience, and the strength to move forward from the traumas of the past, she says.

- Rob Foenander

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

New chapter for local libraries

■ The State Government is supporting lifelong learning across the state with Victorian libraries to share in more than $4 million for upgrades to community facilities as part of the 2024-25 Living Libraries Infrastructure Program

Nick Staikos, Minister for Local Government, visited Croydon Library to announce funding for the delivery of new or upgraded library infrastructure projects at 19 libraries across the state.

Croydon Library will receive $1 million towards a new build of a landmark facility that will include a black box theatre, multipurpose rooms and a community services co-working space.

Other projects to receive funding include:

■ major upgrades of libraries at Dandenong, Gisborne, Bulleen, Bayswater, Corryong and Thomastown

■ upgrades to community facilities in libraries in Bendigo, Morwell and Watsonia

■ outreach lockers and library kiosks in Ballarat and Birregurra

■ technology upgrades at Wodonga and Wellington libraries

■ improvements to libraries in Ararat, Mornington Peninsula and Nagambie to improve functionality and service delivery

■ modifications to support afterhours access at Horsham and West Wimmera libraries at their Goroke, Harrow, Kaniva and Edenhope branches.

The Living Libraries Infrastructure Program provides financial support for library facilities across Victoria by providing free access

Crossword Solution No 16

to information and technology, and creating spaces that foster community engagement.

The State Government has invested more than $53.3 million over the last ten years into 158 library infrastructure projects, supporting libraries in metropolitan, regional and rural Victoria, and

The next funding round will open later this year.

“This funding ensures that libraries will continue to play an important role in fostering lifelong learning, facilitating access to information and providing a safe and supportive community space for local people,” Mr Staikos said.

“We know that libraries are the heart of the communities they serve which is why we’re pleased to support these nineteen community spaces to build lasting change.”

Sonja Terpstra, North-eastern Metropolitan Region MLC, said: “Croydon Library offers a safe and inclusive space for everyone in our community and this landmark facility will provide a fantastic new space for lifelong learning and community engagement.”

E CASTERS A N S N WON F S L O DAWDLED U E E BSIDE MARS EKED FLAGS B E E SAVE F ETC FOOT MAD ROLL GYM R KEPT H ENGULF E F BENE USSR I N

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

■ The Victorian Pill Testing Service will open by August and be located at 95 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy – close to one of Melbourne’s

■ Angela Lansbury was an amazing lady. In 2016, I watched the Broadway Tony Awards on television and Angela strode onstage at the age of 90 during the ceremony with James Earl Jones on her arm and did a wonderful presentation.

Several years ago I was in awe of her as I sat in a Melbourne press conference and asked questions about her career.

I was about two metres from Angela and it was an honour to be in her presence.

I treasure the memory of seeing her onstage at The Comedy Theatre in DrivingMissDaisy.

Angela was a wealthy woman, sheid not act for the money, she did it because acting is what she loved doing.

Angela Brigid Lansbury was born in London in 1925.

She was the eldest of three children and her parents were the actress Moyna MacGill and politician Edgar Lansbury.

Her father died when Angela was nine and during the war years her mother moved the family to the US where Angela studied acting in New York

In 1944 Angela was cast in the film Gaslight and signed to a seven year contract with the MGM studios

She was nominated for an Academy Award as Best Supporting Actress for her role in Gaslight and her next film was National Velvet where she starred opposite Mickey Rooney and Elizabeth Taylor.

Some of her notable films included ThePictureofDorianGrey(another Academy Award nomination), TheCourtJester,TheLongHot

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Angela Lansbury

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Summer, The Manchurian Candidate and BedknobsandBroomsticks.

I asked her about making BlueHawaiiwith Elvis Presley and Angela told me that Elvis spent the whole time on the set between takes practising Karate and breaking bricks with his hands.

Angela played ‘Jessica Fletcher’in the very successful television series MurderSheWrote for 12 years.

She did not want to record the title song BeautyandtheBeastfor the Disney animated film but was talked into it.

Angela did it in one take and that is the version that won the Academy Award for Best Song in 1992 - I will never forget her performing it on the Academy Awards telecast.

Angela Lansbury has been married twice and had two children.

She was a second cousin to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull

Her first trip to Australia was in 1959 when she played ‘Pearl’ in the film version of SummeroftheSeventeenthDoll

Angela won four Tony Awards on Broadway where she starred in plays and musicals. Her greatest role was in the original production of Jerry Herman’s musical Mame. Angela never won an Oscar or a Primetime Emmy despite being nominated 18 times combined but in 2013 she was presented with an honorary Oscar.

In 2014 Angela was promoted to Dame Commander ofthe Order of the British Empire for services to drama and to charitable work and philanthropy.

She later said: "It is a very proud day for me to be recognised by the country of my birth and to meet the Queen under these circumstances is a rare and lovely occasion."

Weren’t we lucky to have had Angela Lansbury performing in a play in Melbourne? I could tell you the story about Philip Brady’s backstage visit and the mix up with Angela’s handbag, but we don’t have enough room.

I think there should be a book written about the famous stars who have performed at The ComedyTheatre in Melbourne and Angela Lansbury would be at the top of the list.

Angela La nsbury passed away at the age of 96 in 2022.

Kevin Trask

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

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au

LEGACY OF MAX MELDRUM AT TOWN HALL GALLERY

Australian Tonalism

Discover the artistic legacy of Max Meldrum (1876-1855) in this exhibition showcasing the lifelong dedication of John and Peter Perry to collecting works by this pioneering Australian artist and his influential school.

Meldrum, a key figure in 20th Century Australian art, revolutionised the painting scene between the two World Wars , creating a distinctive style that has left a lasting impact on the nation’s artistic landscape.

Also on display are fascinating studio artifacts, including plaster casts, palettes and photographs, offering a deeper insight into the artists creative process.

Exhibition closes July 26.

★

Impressions of Place – Melbourne and Victorian Artists Inc. is a community exhibition showcasing the creative talents of Boroondara based members of Melbourne and Victorian Artists Inc., an artist run association committed to supporting both emerging and practising artists from diverse backgrounds.

From intricate textile portraits of familiar faces to abstract paintings capturing fleeting moments of light, the artists’ practices span across a wide range of mediums including found object sculpture, photography and traditional oil painting.

Exhibition closes July 26.

Town Hall Gallery

360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn

80th birthday

■ Now celebrating its 80th birthday. The Ferntree Gully Arts Society began in 1944 through the vision of local potter Alan Lowe and his wife Peg

The Lowes were passionate supporters of the arts, as well as visual art, appreciated acting, music and dance.

As many performances took place in the city, a long way from the Dandenongs foothills, the Lowes hosted parties and concerts for cityubased performers.

With so many events taking place, the Society needed a central venue to support and showcase creatives , and so The Hut was born.

The first exhibition which was held in 1944 in the Shire Hall, was to raise funds for the local Red Cross and fighting men.

The Hut had its humble beginnings as an army camo from Bacchus

The Arts

Marsh in 1947, the Society had decided to purchase modestly sized hut (60 by 18 feet) for the sum of £130.

To relocate the hut to its present site at Underwood Rd, took several days, and extra £18, and had to be transported in two parts.

Members of the Society all worked tirelessly in fitting and furnishing the building for use as a gallery and events space. This was all done voluntarily with a few extra helpers and generous donors.

The Hut was the original home of The Latimer Players, who became The Hut Repertory Players.

The Hut Players relocated to Lysterfield and now in Rose St, Upper Ferntree Gully, where they are still performing as the 1812 Theatre where they have named their main theatre after the Lowe family.

As film gradually superseded the popularity of theatre, the Ferntree Gully Film Society was created in 1956.

Like The Hut Players, this group was originally based at The Hut. In recent ears, the Film Society had to relocate to Europa Cinemas as The Hut was too small avenue for screening 35mm films.

Even so, the Film Society is still part of the Ferntree Gully Arts Society to this day.

Over time, the Society, with the support of the Knox City Council and others, has continued to extend and improve The Hut so it can continue to be a venue for creatives.

The gallery now has two exhibition spaces, complete with a profes-

sional lighting ad hanging system, ensuring the high quality delivery of exhibitions. There is also a studio and sculpture garden, which are available for the use of members and non-members.

The Hut Gallery

Ferntree Gully Arts Society

157 Underwood Rd.

Ferntree Gully

What next?

■ The Art Gallery of Ballarat advises that it is now closed for interior upgrades, and the re-opening is early 2026. The art gallery asks ‘What should we display next season?’

Phone 5320 5858

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St, North Ballarat.

In July

July Exhibition:

This is an open exhibition, open to anyone to enter.

Prints may be linocuts, etchings, drypoint, monoprints, silk screen etc. Drawings in pencils, charcoal, Ink, pen, pastel etc

Free entry, all welcome. www.thehutgallery.com.au info@thehutgallery.com.au

The Ferntree Gully Arts Society 157 Underwood Rd. Ferntree Gully

- Peter Kemp

Dino Fest at Wantirna South

■ Dino Fest, an interactive event for children aged nine and younger, will be held on June 2829 and July 5-20 at Nortons Park on Nortons Lane, Wantirna South.

The event includes a 45minute Dinosaur Encounter with walking dinosuars, a kids’ Dino Dig, arts and crafts, a ‘feel a fossil’ activity,a nd an exhibition of real dinosaur bones.

Promoters say there will be a Dino Trail with 30+ dinosaurs, including a life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex.

Cost: Adult $28, Child $26, Under 2 Years free. www.dinofest.com

■ Celebrity actress Liz Hurley celebrated her 60th birthday by releasing a most tasteful image of herself sitting starkers in a grassy field. Liz is currently in a relationship with Billy Ray Cyrus

Long way to the top

■ The results are finalised and the Whittlesea Bakery is this year's winner of the Best Sausage Roll in Australia. Do you want tomato sauce with your snag roll?

Potty prnaks

■ Two burglars have been found guilty of stealing a solid gold toilet seat once on display at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. Toilet was fully functional when pinched in 2019 but stripped of gold when discovered. Prior to theft the gold toilet was valued at $UK 4.75m. The thieves were each sentenced to four years behind bars.

Leave it to Beaver

■ You must remember the sitcom Leave it to Beaver'. Well, the original cast from the 50s got together for a two-day reunion in California early June. Jerry Mathers, the original Beaver, is now 77 and the sitcom is still streaming in the US.

To the High Court

■ Australia's most decorated soldier Ben Roberts-Smith has filed an appeal to the High Court to clear his name.

John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Angela Lansbury

Birthday girl in birthday suit

with Peter Kemp

With John O’Keefe

● ● Liz Hurley

The

● ● ● ● Pete Smith and Jane Holmes

● ● Angela McGowan and Andrew Pante

● ● ● ● Brenda Mead and Gordon Bennett

● ● Beverley Pinder and Judy Green

Photos: Gordon Bennett

● ● Larry James and John Allan

● Denis O’Kane, Master of Ceremonies

● ● ● Jeff Joseph and Bill Duff

● ● Ash Long and Heidi Victoria

● ● ● ● Gavin Wood

SMART YOUNGSTERS LINE UP FOR GOLDEN ROSE

■ Some smart youngsters could be facing up in the running of the Golden Rose come September 27 at Rosehill over 1400 metres.

In opening markets bookies have the Hawkes trained Nepotism up as favourite.

Until April he had won two races in good style in Sydney

He is by the young sire, Brutal, who showed plenty on the track when he went around.

A most interesting possible entrant could be Beadman, named after the great jockey of recent years.

Darren Beadman took all before him and was one of the most polished riders that rode many of the main race winners including Melbourne Cups

The colt is by the great sire Snitzel, and in winning the Ken Russell Memorial on the Gold Coast it was a win you couldn’t have faulted.

Unfortunately, Snitzel passed away recently.

Beadman bolted in and is in the care of leading Sydney trainer Peter Snowden, winning by seven lengths. He is smart.

Next, we have the well-bred youngster in Wodeton, prepared by another leading trainer in Chris Waller.

He is by the imported sire, Wootton Bassett, out of Fiera Vista.

He is smarton his day, and was a reasonable fourth in the same race as Beadman, but would have to improve.

Tenyris, the galloper prepared by the Freedman team here in Victoria, won well back March when he won the Todman Stakes after an unlucky run in the Blue Diamond at Caulfield.

He is smart on his day and could go close if they decide to have a crack at the big-bickies here.

Another Victorian that fires up well is Vin Rock, an impressive winner of the Inglis Sires at Randwick going back to April 5.

With Mark Zahra steering the ship for the Freedman camp, hewas most impressive in winning the big event and looked classy.

The stable and punters are all in agreement he has got ability, and should go well here if they run him.

Next, we have the Golden Slipper winner, Marhoona, who won the big one in good style back in March, but things have gone a bit quiet.

She is by a leading sire and trained by Michael Freedman in Sydney, and is smart.

A very nice type is Rivellino, by leading young sire, Too Darn Hot, who made it two from two, the colt winning well at both runs.

He is in the smart stable of Kris Lees, one of the best in the business, and the colt should be hard to beat.

Then there is the smart colt, Devil Night, in the strong Hawkes camp, who won the Blue Diamond Stakes in great fashion back on February 22.

The Hawkes camp is confident every time he steps out, so he could be hard to toss here.

Then we move on to State Visit, prepared by one of the best in the business, Victorian trainer Ciaron Maher.

Back on April 19 at Randwick he struck trouble, finishing an unlucky fourth behind the favourite here, in Nepotism

Could be hard to beat.

Last, but not least, the good type Tempted, prepared by James Cummings who won the Percy Sykes stakes back on April 19 at Randwick in good fashion.

Ted Ryan

Another blue blood

■

sire, Written Tycoon. He will join the Stallion Roster for the 2025 Breeding Season.

A natural talent with blistering speed and genuine toughness.

First Settler stamped himself as one of the exciting sprinters of his generation across his two-and three-year-old campaigns.

Unbeaten as a juvenile, he scored dominant back-to-back 1000 metre victories in the two-year-old Handicap at Caulfield, and the Russell Dawson 2YO Plate at Flemington

Trained by Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior , he returned at three to claim a thrilling win in the Group 2 Danehill Stakes storming home from last to first to win in a dazzling finish.

Co-trainer Michael Kent Junior praised First Settler as “a very good straight horse, a good masculine sprinting colt”, noting his affinity with the Flemington Straight, where he recorded two wins and a second from his three

starts. First Settler boast a pedigree rich in Group 1 performers by our own champion sire in Written Tycoon, whose 76 individual stakes winners onthe Honour Roll,includes two Golden Slipper winners in Capitalist and Lady of Camelot, Blue Diamond victor, Written By, and a further 14 Group One winners.

He was the first sire since Redoute’s Choice and Danehill in the last 25 years to sire two colts to win the two richest Group One twoyear-old features in Australia, and is the only current active sire to do so.

First Settler is out of Graciousness(Street Cry), a talented mare who of Australia’s won over a mile and descends from one of Australia’s families, as a daughter of the Blue Hen Lady Capel (Last Tycoon).

She was the dam of Group One Chipping Norton Stakes winner and proven sire, Casino Prince.

She also produced Chateau Cheval(High Chaparral), a three-time winner and dam of Best Bordeaux, a dual Group -winning 2yo, who now stands at Coolmore Stud. Graciousness has already produced stakeswinning filly, Vienna Princess (Snitzel) winner of the listed Twilight Glow Stakes and the $1 million Silver Eagle

The son of Written Tycoon is an imposing individual.

He was a standout at the 2023 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sales, where he sold for $750,000 to Yulong and Mick Price.

Yulong’s Chief Operating Officer, Sam Fairgray, echoed those sentiments stating: “First Settler was a big, strong, forward colt with a great temperament from day one”. He is by a champion sire, out of a fast Street Cry Mare, and from a family full of Group One Performers.

On the track, he had blistering speed and toughness, and he’s exactly the type of athletic precocious horse that breeders love. Ted Ryan

● James Cummings. Racing Photos.

The Yulong Stud is over the moon announcing the arrival of impeccably bred stallion, First Settler, the Group 2-winning son of champion

Victoria Pictorial

Historic Photo Collection

● ● The Weir, Lower Side, Yarrawonga. 1950

● ● St Andrew’s Kirk, Ballarat

● Entrance to ‘The Chalet’, Warburton. 1940.

● ● The main road, Olinda. 1945.

● ● View at Mt Dandenong, 1925.

● ● The Great Ocean Road, Wye River

● Near ‘Elephant Rock’, Flinders. 1921.

● Steam Tram. Back Beach, Sorrento. 1914.

Where to pick up your free copy of The Local Paper

■ ■ ASHBURTON. Ashburton Newsagency. 168 High St.

■

■ BALWYN. Balwyn Newsagency. 413 Whitehorse Rd.

■

■ BALWYN. Coles Express. 449 Whitehorse Rd (Cnr Imaroo St).

■

■ BALWYN. United Petroleum. 99 Balwyn Rd.

■

■ BAYSWATER. 7-Eleven. Cnr Scoresby Rd and High St.

■

■

■ ■ BAYSWATER. Cellarbrations. 717 Mountain Hwy.

■

■ ■ ■ BAYSWATER. Coles Express. 768 Mountain Hwy.

■

■ ■ ■ BORONIA. Metro Boronia Cinemas. Dorset Square.

■

■ ■ ■ BORONIA. Tatts/Cignall. Shop 5, 123 Boronia Rd.

■

■

■ ■ BOX HILL. 7-Eleven. Cnr Elgar Rd and Whitehorse Rd.

■ ■ HOLMESGLEN. The Lott/Holmesglen Newsagency. 637 Warrigal Rd.

■ ■ HUNTINGDALE. Huntingdale Newsagency. 290 Huntingdale Rd.

■ ■ KEW. Cotham Road Newsagency. 97 Cotham Rd.

■

■ KEW. Kew Newsagency. 175 High St.

■

Court Lists

Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case listings

Local Briefs

Delay bins call

■

■

■ KEW EAST. Kew East Supermarket. 653 High St (near Westbrook St).

■ ■ MITCHAM. Mitcham Newsagency. 503 Whitehorse Rd.

■ ■ MITCHAM. United Petroleum. Cnr Whitehorse Rd and Alexander St.

■

■ MONT ALBERT. 42 Hamilton St.

■

■ ■ ■ MONT ALBERT. Post Office. 1a Hamilton St.

■

■

■

■ MOUNT WAVERLEY. Newsagency. 63 Blackburn Rd.

■

■

■ ■ BLACKBURN. BP. Cnr Whitehorse Rd and Goodwin St

■ ■ MOUNBT WAVERLEY. NexsXpress. 71 Hamilton Place.

■

■

■ ■ BLACKBURN. Tatts/Newsagency. 116 South Pde.

■

■ ■ ■ BLACKBURN SOUTH. 7-Eleven. Cnr Canterbury Rd and Middleborough Rd.

■

■ MOUNT WAVERLEY. Tally Ho Cellars. 65 Blackburn Rd.

■ ■ MOUNTAIN GATE. 7-Eleven. 844 Burwood Hwy.

■

■

■

■

■

■ ■ BLACKBURN SOUTH. Duncan’s Licensed Grocers. Blackburn Rd.

■

■ MOUNTAIN GATE. Mountain Gate Newsagency and Lotto. Shop 3, 1880 Burwood Hwy.

■

■

■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Box Hill Licensed Grocery. Middleborough Rd.

■

■

■ ■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Hyper Star Convenience Store. 941 Station St.

■

■

■

■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Kerrimuir Post Office. 527 Middleborough Rd.

■

■

■

■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. Milk Bar/ Newsagency. 515 Middleborough Rd.

■

■

■ ■ ■ BOX HILL NORTH. United Petroleum. 604 Elgar Rd.

■

■

■

■ BOX HILL SOUTH. Box Hill South Newsagency. 870 Canterbury Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ BOX HILL SOUTH. BP. Cnr Canterbury Rd and Station St.

■

■ ■ ■ BRANDON PARK. 7-Eleven. 602-606 Ferntree Gully Rd.

■

■

■ ■ BULLEEN. Duncan’s Bulleen Cellars. 190 Bulleen Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ BULLEEN. Thompsons Road News and Lotto. 123a Thompsons Rd.

■

■

■ ■ BURWOOD. Burwood Authorised Newsagency. 1394 Toorak Rd

■

■ ■ ■ CANTERBURY. Buckley’s Licensed Supermarket. 92 Maling Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ CANTERBURY. Canterbury Newsagency/Tatts/Post Office. 104 Maling Rd.

■

■

■ ■ CANTERBURY. Coles Express. Cnr 260 Canterbury Rd and Redvers St.

■

■ CLAYTON. Clayton Newsagency.

345 Clayton Rd.

■ ■ CROYDON. Coles Express. 168172 Mt Dandenong Rd.

■ ■ CROYDON. Croydon Lotto. 118 Main St.

■ ■ CROYDON. Milk Bar. Cnr Old Lilydale Rd and Everard Rd.

■ ■ CROYDON. Newsagency. 166 Main St.

■ ■ CROYDON SOUTH. Eastfield Milk Bar. 11 The Mall. Eastfield Rd

■ ■ CROYDON SOUTH. Eastfield Newsagency. 7 The Mall. Eastfield Rd

■ ■ CROYDON SOUTH. IGA Supermarket. 13 The Mall. Eastfield Rd.

■ ■ DONCASTER. Budget-Rite Licensed Supermarket. Cnr High St and Village Ave.

■

■ DONCASTER. Coles Express. 551-557 Doncaster Rd.

■

■ EAST BURWOOD. BP. Cnr Burwood Hwy and Blackburn Rd

■ ■ EAST DONCASTER. BP Service Station. 880-882 Doncaster Rd.

■

■ EAST DONCASTER. Caltex. 987 Doncaster Rd.

■

■ EAST DONCASTER. Dunburn Deli/Milk Bar. 262 Blackburn Rd.

■

■ EAST DONCASTER. Jackson Court News and Lotto. 74 Jackson Ct.

■

■ EAST OAKLEIGH. East Oakleigh Newsagency. 190 Huntingdale Rd.

■

■ FERNTREE GULLY. 7-Eleven. Cnr Station St and Burwood Hwy.

■ ■ FERNTREE GULLY. Ferntree Gully Newsagency. 69 Station St.

■ ■ FERNTREE GULLY. Ferntree Gully Supermarket. 9-13 Alpine St.

■

■ DONVALE. 7-Eleven. 95 Mitcham Rd.

■ ■ DONVALE. Lucky Corner (Fish and Chips). Cnr Springvale Rd and Doncaster Rd.

■

■ GLEN WAVERLEY. BP. Cnr Blackburn Rd and Highbury Rd.

■ ■ GLEN WAVERLEY. Coles Express. Cnr Springvale Rd and Ferntree Gully Rd (north-west corner)

■ ■ GLEN WAVERLEY. Glen Waverley Newsagency/The Loott. 4/39 Kingsway

■ ■ HEATHMONT. Heathmont News/ Tatts. 150 Canterbury Rd.

■ ■ HEATHMONT. IGA Supermarket. 116-120 Canterbury Rd.

■ ■ HEATHMONT. Sunrise Convenience Store. 30 Canterbury Rd.

■

■

■ ■ MULGRAVE. BP. Cnr 682-688 Wellington Rd and Springvale Rd.

■ ■ MURRUMBEENA. Murrumbeena Newsagency. 456 Nerrim Rd.

■

■ NORTH BALWYN. Bellevue Milk Bar. 113 Bulleen Rd - Service Road.

■

■ NORTH BALWYN. The Lott/ Newsagency. 77 Doncaster Rd.

■

■

■

■

■ NORTH BLACKBURN. 7-Eleven. Cnr Springfield Rd and Williams Rd.

■

■ NORTH BLACKBURN. Coles Express. Cnr Springfield Rd and Middleborough Rd.

■ ■ NORTH MITCHAM. BP. Mitcham Rd (near cnr Andover Ave)

■

■ NORTH MITCHAM. Licensed Post Office. 228 Mitcham Rd.

■

■

■ ■

■ NORTH MITCHAM. United Petroleum. 208 Mitcham Rd.

■

■

■ ■ NUNAWADING. Mountain View Newsagency. 293 Springfield Rd.

■ ■ OAKLEIGH. The Lott. 28 Atherton Rd.

■ ■ OAKLEIGH. Oakleigh Central Lotto. 48 Portman St.

■ ■ OAKLEIGH EAST. BP. 229 Ferntree Gully Rd (Cnr Stephensons Rd)

■

■

■ ■ RINGWOOD. 7-Eleven. Cnr Loughnans Rd and Warrandyte Rd.

■ ■ RINGWOOD. BP. Cnr Carcoola Rd/ Old Lilydale Rd and Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ RINGWOOD. Coles Express. Cnr Oban Rd and Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ RINGWOOD. Loughnans Rd Milk Bar. 83 Loughnans Rd.

■ ■ RINGWOOD NORTH. 7-Eleven. Cnr Warrandyte Rd and Oban Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ RINGWOOD NORTH. North Ringwood Newsagency. 182 Warrandyte Rd.

■ ■ ROWVILLE. Caltex. 940 Stud Rd.

■ ■ ROWVILLE. Stud Park Lotto. K03 Stud rd and Fulham Rd

■ ■ SCORESBY. Coles Express. Cnr Stud Rd and Ferntree Guilly Rd.

■

■

■ ■ SURREY HILLS. Post Office. 100 Union Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ SYNDAL. Syndal Newsagency. Cnr Blackburn Rd and Matthew St.

■ ■ TEMPLESTOWE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Anderson St and Wood St.

■ ■ TEMPLESTOWE. Macedon Square Newsagency. 25 Macedon Rd.

■ ■ TEMPLESTOWE. Templestowe Newsagncy. 122 James St.

■

■ ■ ■ TUNSTALL SQUARE. Caltex. Cnr Tunstall Square and Doncaster Rd.

Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Abdi, Nasteho Abdol, Abdi Albert, Domenica Allan, Michael Amini Arabi, Elizabeth Anderson, Kale Keith Arab, Khaled Arico, Sebastian Aslam, Zulqarnain Atkinson, Izaia Aulakh, Gurbinder Awalom, Russom Ayoub, Tony Babashahi, Rahim Barca, Colene Fay Barca, Michael Barnard, Aaron Bashtannyk, Natalie Belhaj, Monhammed Betts, Kelly Bochrinis, Nicholas Bogeski, Victor Boone, Rodney Bresciano, Robert Brett, Brandon Bristow, Zachary Brooks, Stephen Broughton, Janine Brown, Ashleigh Calder, Margaret Care, Nicholas Lee Carrington, James Daniel Caselli, Cage Tyler Charles-Roberts, Opal Chen, Yuzhen Coe, Sharonna Colene Cooke, Daniel Davis, Mitchell Edwards-Lovett, Nekeisha Ellis, Gary John Fakalata, Michael Faulkner, Rodney Fitzgerald, Kylie Gant, Breanna Gates, Kyle Gervasi, Salvo Giourtis, Costa Glasby, Bradley John Gledhill, Tee Jay Glodea, Cristina Goodwin, Justin Graham, Matthew Scott Hanna, Yousif Harris, Dean Harrison, Amy Hart, Lealie Hayes, Kristian Heard, Grace Higgins, Beau Shane Holland, Rosina Ismail, Ali Jenkins, Frederick Jennion, Craig Andrew Jreige, Tony Kakoliris, Vasili Kargar, Iman Katrib, Adam Kelland, Raquel Lira Kenny-Jones, Panet James Kenter, Linda Kirk, Chris Stephen Kuhnke, Matthew Lafaele, Jaracz Lawrence, Nigel Levingston, Rhodian Martin, Merle Denise Maver, Glen Andrew Mazniovski, Tony Mcdonald, Sebastian

Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Local Paper shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt, innocence or liability should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.

Mclennan, Brock Mcnally, Samantha Mohamed, Asad Murchie, Lachlan Murphy, Leanne Musyoka, Michael Nejad, Khosrow Kaveh Nowar, Maryam O'donnell, Julian Gerard Osmanoski, Adnan Pangallo, Jacinta Parente, Lydia-Paige Pawluk, Larissa Lee Pearson, Wil Perry, Ashlee Marie Pickerd, Peter Pitman, Jemma Pretty, Shayne Allan Ransom, Travis Ransom, Travis Redokbl Pty Ltd Reilly, Ashlee Russell, Tayla Sabotic, Craig Schembri, Raymond Shanahan, Daniel Sharko, Kayla Joy Shin, Seon Hae Slater, Robert Montgomery Sotiropoulos, Tahlia Spencer, Stacey Jayne Stevens-Brincat, Angie Stretton, Pierce Sudan, Madhu Sutton, Joshua Michael Talevski, Danny Tasiyan, Paul Taylor, Darcy Taylor, Dean Timos, Chantelle Tounopoulos, Nick Tran, Cuong Tucker, Lina Tzelepis, Theofanis Vassilopoulos, Despina Wallace, Jack Willis, Teniesha Louise Wise, Braden Wissell, Elizabeth Yehia, Mohammed Yokhanna, Salim Werribee Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case listings Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Bennett, Brittony Brown, Tyson Cay, Va V Parnis, Daniel Patamisi, Bruno Payne, Linda Rakic, George

■ Monash Council has joined 31 Victorian councils in requesting a delay in the rollout of new glass bins for every household.

Monash Mayor Cr Paul Klisaris said the success of the State Government’s Container Deposit Scheme demonstrates a potentially more effective alternative.

“The Container Deposit Scheme has changed the game for aluminium, glass and plastic container recycling - diverting close to 120 million glass containers into recycling in 2023-24,” Cr Klisaris said.

“Introducing a separate glass-bin in Monash is anticipated to cost approximately $4.7m, with ongoing operational costs of $2m a year.

“Victorians have embraced the Container Deposit Scheme and we’re asking the government to reflect on the success of their own initiative and work with councils on practical waste and recycling solutions that do not add additional costs to our community.

“Our community expects us to deliver waste options that make sense and are economical, rather than introducing new programs that replicate existing ones.

“We are asking the Victorian Government to ■ expand their Container Deposit Scheme to accept wine and spirits bottles ■ review the success of their own program against the findings from councils where glass-only bins have been introduced ■ delay the timeframe for councils to introduce a glass-only bin.

“We are calling on the Victorian Government to pause, listen and reflect on the success and future possibilities of their own Container Deposit Scheme”, Cr Klisaris said.

Awards at Knox

■ Knox Council has celebrated the annual Sport and Leisure Awards, recognising the outstanding contribution and service of Knox sport and leisure club volunteers and programs.

Winners were awarded across six categories, including Club of the Year, Best ClubInitiated Program, Club Person of the Year (Adult), Club Person of the Year (Junior), Women in Sport Leadership and Years of Service. Club of the Year: Knox Obedience Dog Club.

Best Club-Initiated Program: Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club.

Club Person of the Year – Adult. Kristi Disney from Templeton Cricket Club.

Club Person of the Year – Junior (six-way tie)

Olivia Morphett – Golden Cobra Martial Arts

Giuseppe Strati – Templeton Cricket Club

Kingston Johnson – Knox City Football Club (trophy accepted by his grandfather)

Lachlan Munro – Wantirna South Junior Football Club

Matilda Mitchell – Fairpark Netball Club

Tate Sadler – Knox Baseball Club

Women in Sport Leadership

Dale Nitz from Golden Golden Cobra Martial Arts and Kyllie Moore from Ferntree Gully Tennis Club were recognised for their inclusive practices and leadership for women in sports and leisure.

Years of Service Recipients

Felice Lomuto - Knox United Soccer Club – 20 Years

■

■

■ ■ TUNSTALL SQUARE. Tunstall Square Bottle Mart. 17 Tunstall Square.

■

■ TUNSTALL SQUARE. Tunstall Square Newsagency. 4 Tunstall Square.

■ ■ VERMONT SOUTH. Coles Express. 602-604 Burwood Hwy.

■

■

■ ■ WANTIRNA. IGA Supermarket. Wantirna Mall.

Crime Statistics analysis

■ Victoria Plolice said: “here were 627,268 criminal offences recorded in Victoria in the twelve months to end of March 2025 – an increase of 91,692 offences or 17.1 per cent.

“When population growth is considered, the crime rate rose by 15.2 per cent from the previous twelve months (8,838.7 offences per 100,000 people).

Liz Hope - Ferntree Gully Tennis Club –20 Years

Andrea Le Marquand - Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club – 20 Years

Simon West - Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club – 20 Years

Jan Grice - Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club - 20 Years

■

■

■ ■ ■ WANTIRNA. Tatts/Manfre’s Hairdressing. Wantirna Mall.

■ ■ WANTIRNA. Wantirna Newsagency. Wantirna Mall.

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Cellarbrations. 4/249 Stud Rd.

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Coles Express. 435 Stud Rd (cnr High St Rd)

■ ■ ■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Foodmax. 1/ 249 Stud Rd.

■

“The impact caused by the first tranche of changes to bail laws is not evident in this reporting period, given these only came into effect on March 28.

“For a third consecutive quarter, Victoria Police recorded the most arrests since electronic records began in 1993, and most likely, in Victoria Police’s 172-year history.

“Police arrested 25,917 people a combined 75,968 times – the equivalent of 208 arrests per day. Overall arrests have increased by 23 per cent over the last decade (61,989 in 12 months to March 2016).

Ellen Johnson - Boronia Hawks Football & Netball Club – 30 YearsJulian MardaleRowville Eagles Football Club - 30 Years

David Murrihy - Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club - 30 Years

Val Richardson - Ferntree Gully Tennis Club - 30 Years

Peter Gross - Rowville Eagles Football Club - 40 Years

Rick Turcinovic - The Basin Cricket Club - 40 Years

■

■

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Studfield IGA. 191-195 Stud Rd.

■ ■ WANTIRNA SOUTH. Studfield Newsagency. 1/223 Stud Rd.

■ ■ WATTLE PARK. Wattle Park Licensed Post Office. 190 Elgar Rd

■ ■ WHEELERS HILL. Wheelers Hill Hotel. Cnr Ferntree Guilly Rd and Jells Rd.

“The five fastest growing crimes are mostly property crimes, which is traditionally the case in difficult economic times. In order, these crimes are:

“Theft from motor vehicle (82,414 offences, +23,259 or 39.3%) remains the most common and fastest growing crime. This increase is being heavily driven by the theft of number plates (30,299, +10,042 or 49.6%). Police regularly run community safety days where we help fit anti-theft screws, while they can be purchased from hardware stores, automotive parts stores and petrol stations for just a few dollars.”

Ann Bailey - Ferntree Gully Tennis Club - 40 Years

David Rice - Knox Baseball Club - 40 Years

Mick Kimmitt - Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club - 50 Years

Kay Kimmitt - Boronia Hawks Football Netball Club - 50 Years

Classifieds 9489 2222

Classified Information

DISPLAY CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Paid display advertising is available for $20 per column centimetre. Sample prices: Full-Page Ad (37cm h x 8 cols w), $5920. Half-Page Ad (18cm h x 8 cols w), $2880. Quarter-Page Ad (18cm h x 4 cols w), $1440. All ads are pre-paid at time of booking. Pre-pay by Card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Pre-pay by EFT to 033091 260131 (Local Media Pty Ltd, Westpac, Eltham).

LINE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Paid line advertising is available for $20 for first 20 words, then $1 per word thereafter. All ads are prepaid at time of booking. Pre-pay by Card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Pre-pay by EFT to 033091 260131 (Local Media Pty Ltd, Westpac, Eltham).

STATEWIDE, MELBOURNEWIDE

Classified Ads are read across Victoria, included in all online (digital) editions of The Local Paper and Melbourne Observer. Fresh online editions are published weekly on Wednesdays, February-December (with exception of Easter Wednesday). You can have Digital Editions emailed free to you - register at www.FreePaper.com.au Print editions are published fortnightly on Wednesdays, February-December.

ONLINE EDITION DATES - 2025

Go directly to www.LocalPaper.com.au or www.MelbourneObserver.com.au to read digital editions (exact replicas of print editions), free. Online edition dates in 2025 are: Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19, Feb. 26, Mar. 5, Mar. 12, Mar. 19, Mar. 26, Apr. 2, Apr. 9, Apr. 16, Apr. 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, Jun. 4, Jun. 11, Jun. 28, Jun. 25, Jul. 2, Jul. 9, Jul. 16, Jul. 23, Jul., 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 13, Aug. 10, Aug. 27, Sep. 3, Sep. 10, Sep. 17, Sep. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10. Lodge ads by 4pm Friday prior to publication.

PRINT EDITION DATES - 2025

‘Hard copies’ available free through a network of outlets across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and selected country areas. Print edition dates in 2025 are: Feb. 5, Feb. 19, Mar. 5, Mar. 19, Apr. 2, Apr. 16, Apr. 30, May 14, May 28, Jun. 11, Jun. 25, Jul. 9, Jul. 23, Aug. 6, Aug. 20, Sep. 3, Sep. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15, Oct. 29, Nov. 12, Nov. 26, Dec. 10. Lodge your ads by 4pm Friday prior to publication.

PRINT EDITION AREAS

Eastern Suburbs Edition. Boroondara (north), Knox-Sherbrooke, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse. Lilydale and Yarra Valley Edition. Healesville, Lilydale, Mount Evelyn, Warburton. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Avenel, Beveridge, Broadford, Euroa, Kilmore, Nagambie, Seymour, Wallan, Wandong-Heathcote Junction. North-West Edition. Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley. Moorabool, Wyndham Northern Suburbs Edition. Banyule, Darebin (north - Preston-Reservoir), Darebin (southNorthcote, Thornbury), Nillumbik (urban), Whittlesea (urban). Regional Edition. Mansfield, Murrindindi (Alexandra, Kinglake, Yea), Nilllumbik (rural), Whittlesea (rural). Southern Cross Weekly Edition. Bayside, Boroondara (south), Glen Eira, Kingston, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra. South-East. Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula.

FREE CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING

Free non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:

• WEB: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

• EMAIL: editor@LocalPaper.com.au

• POST: Mail the form (available in this newspaper) to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095. Free Ads will not be accepted by phone.

SOME ADVERTISING RULES

• All car advertisers must supply registration or Vehicle Identification Numbers. By law, we are unable to publish listings without those details.

• Any person or business advertising to sell or give away a dog, cat, puppy or kitten in Victoria must be enrolled on the Pet Exchange Register to obtain a source number, and must include this source number along with each animal's microchip number in all advertisements.

• Advertisers should be honest in their dealings. Claims should be true, accurate and based on reasonable grounds.

FREE non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:

• WEB: www.Advertise Free.com.au

• EMAIL: editor@Local Paper.com.au

• POST: Mail the form (available in this newspaper) to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095. Free Ads will not be accepted by phone.

ANTIQUE DRSSING TABLE. 3 mirrors, size: wdith 1.23m, depth 55cm, height 1.82m. Delivery arranged. VGC. $250. Coburg. 0428 130 049. Z-CC

BAR STOOLS. x2. $2 0 each. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC

BED. Single. Electric folable with massage and remote control. Adjustable back, legs and height. New Aspire mattress. German motor. EC. $500. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q

BED HEAD. Wooden. And base. With slats. As new. $80. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC

BIKE. Ladies. Make: Friction Huffey. Purple. Plus helmet, basket and pump. VGC. $110. Pakenham. 5940 5018. R-U

BIRD CAGE. Green. 52cm square. as new. $40. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC

BOAT. Savage 12’. 15HP Johnson OB. Trailer. All Safety EQ. Bow canopy. Storm cover. VGC. $1800. Alexandra. 0419 329 264. Z-CC

BOAT. Aluminium. 3.8 motor. Evenrude motor. 6HP . Free winch and trailer and accessories. GC. $1000. Wandong. 0418 399 261. R-U

BRICKS. 100 clean, red. Plus halves. $50. Keon Park. 9469 4558.N-Q

BUILDER’S Electrical Pole, steel box and timber pole. GC. Free. Murrindindi. 0418 564 174. R-U

CAMPER TRAILER. Tru Blu heavy duty all terrain 12V accessory outlet plus slide out kitchen and extras. VGC. $4300. Frakston. 9789 9634. Z-CC

9469 4558. N-Q

CARAVAN. E20½ ft reegal 2009 Aussie Tourer Caravan. Full ensuite with separate shower, queen bed and AC/heater, TV, stereo, gas cooktop, microwave, comes with cover and large outdoor mat. EC. $32,000. Taggerty. 0438 782 112. R-U

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

CIRCULATION STIMULATOR. Clare. VGC. $20. Frankston. 9789 9634 Z-CC

COLLECTORS Melway Nos 9, 20, 33. Wax matches (234) in book, 17 loose. VFL Records, finals, mainly Richmond. Small and large. Phone cards. Vatious prices. Box Hill South., 9890 7904.N-Q

CRIME FICTION BOOKS. Various authors. Harlen Coben, James Patterson plus others. GC. $2, or 3 for $5. Mill Park. 052 665 276. H-O

DOG KENNEL. Plastic. Grey colour. Very clean. never used as kennel. GC. $10. Purchaser to collect. Doreen. 9717 3465. N-Q

EDISON STANDARD PHONOGRAM Serial Nuimber 638427. October 1905 with five Edison goldmoulded records complete with reproducing trumpet model C. Rare antqiue, working well. VGC. $1850. Glen Iris. 0407 276 973. Z-CC

ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set A-Z. GC. $50. Frankston. 9789 9634. Z-CC

FOLDING BIKE. Suit adult. Everything works. Gears. GC. $120. Seymour. 0419 881 573. R-U

FORD AUII Fairport V8 Sedan. Original.Runs well. No rust. Good tyres, new screen, bring your mechanic or RACV test, RWC. Reg 7/27. 2AN3XE. VCG. $8000. Seymour. 0419 881 573. N-Q

hours. $650 ONO. Pearcedale. 0418 457 588. Z-CC

covering all suburbs of 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

GARDEN ROCKS. Approx. 200mm-150mm for landscaping. Approx. 260. Free. Nunawading, 0407 696 343. N-Q

GARDEN ROCKS. Small and medium. All sizes. All free. Also 12 blue stone pitches. All free. Bulleen. 9850 5128. N-Q

HORSE RUG. Tartan. Never used. VGC. $65. Macleod. 9459 6714. R-U

INVERTER-GENERATOR. 2200-watt. 91 octane 4-stroke petrol motor, single phase, 240 volts, 50 hertz output, little used. GC. $95. Doreen. 9717 3465. R-U

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

The Local Paper Email: editor@LocalPaper. com.au Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, 3095

BOOKING AND COPY DEADLINE: 5pm Fridays, prior to Wednesday issue. CLASSIFIED ADS Classified ads are available each week in The Local Paper, which is published on Wednesdays, February-December (with the exception of Easter Wednesday). All Classified Ads appear in the print and online editions. It is important to check your advertisement is correct on the first day it appears. While every care is taken to ensure your advertisement is correct, errors can occur. If this happens to your ad please contact us the first day your advertisement appears and we will be happy to correct it as soon as we can.

LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $30. Ashburton. 9885 2203. Z-CC

MAGAZINES. Collectors. New Idea, Woman’s Day, Stellar, Body and Soul, House magazine and many others. GC. Price negotiable. West Preston. 0416 576 660. R-U

MAGAZINES. Purnells History of WWII, Australian Geographic, Choice, Burke’s Backyard, Organic Gardener, Gardening Australia, Vegi Patch and some odd ones. GC. 50c each. Reservoir. 0421 131 681. Z-CC

MOBILITY SCOOTER.

Pre-owned. Sill under warranty with new batteries. Features headlights and tail lights, swivel seat, rear shopping bag, includes key and charger. max user 136kg, 35km range per cahrge. Free delivery. VGC. $1295. Moorabbin. 0401 980 969. R-U

WHEELCHAIR. Manual.

2 Aspire

and

473 565.N-Q

RIDE-ON Deutscher 280 Honda motor, runs fine, seal on shaft leaks, heaps of parts including new seat, new cutting plate, body part dismantled, everything is there. GC. $800. Yarck. 0414 718 812. R-U

PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q

PICTURE FRAMES. 40 large to small. Various styles. VGC. All only $70. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q

PLUMBING FITTINGS. 1 box PVC 100m Sew/SW, Elbows 45°. As new. $35. Z-CC

SHEEP. 60 mixed breed ewes, been running with rams, have ear tags. Friendly, great lawnmowers, saves mowing the paddocks and helps reduce fire risk. Can deliver. GC. $130. Deanside. 0426 397 741N-Q

FIRE STOVE HEATER. Ozpig Traveller. Used twice. Comes with grill and hot plate, lifting handle, carry bag. heaps ofready cut fire lighters. Heavy duty grate and 45 quart camp oven. VGC. $3000. Montmorency. 0483 881 609. R-U

HEATER. Cast iron. GC. $500. Seymour. 0422 204 977. Z-CC

TABLE. Large solid timber, dining room table, 2100mm x 1000mm. Plus six chairs. GC. $30. Yea. 0419 109 887. N-Q

TABLE. Round. Polished timber. 100cm diameter. Seats 4. VGC. $90. Mill Park. 9436 8935. N-Q

focal length. 28x-233x magnification. Equatoirial mount. As new. $60 ONO. Cheltenham. 0438 533 123.F-M

TRAIN BOOKS. Wide variety of books and pamphlets to all types of trains. All prices negotiable. Research. 9437 1253. N-Q

TYRE CHANGERS. Manual. Little used, complete with instructions, purchaser to collect. GC. $90. Doreen. 9717 3465 N-Q

WALKERS. Two. One new, hardly used, $120. Second one: GC but some small marks. $80. Seymour. 0419 881 573. R-U PRAM. Old, child’s col- lectable. GC. $60. Wandong. 041`8 399 261. R-U

PRESSURE WASHER. Karcher. Good working order. little used. Complete with operating instructions. Purchaser to collect. GC. $55. Doreen. 9717 3465 Z-CC

WHEELCHAIR. Electric. Pride Go. Mobility chair. Only moths old. Paid $3700. Will sell $1800 ONO. Like brand new. Rosanna. 0418 583 120. R-U

WHEELCHAIR. Electric. Hubang HBLD2-B. Light- weight, easy to manoeu- ver, strong battery life. Per- fect for everyday use. Sellng due

Evoke

450mm. new, never been used as too small for subject. Foldable

extremely light for easy transport. Well made, Top of the range. EC. $600. Diamond Creek. 0401

NOTICES

GOD’S CHURCH invites faithful followwees of Christ to attend the New Testament local Passover night service. Alfredton, Ballarat. To secure your seat, 0419 327 366. N-P

WINDOW. Aluminium. 1600mm x 1600mm with windout window. GC. Free. Murrindindi. 0418 564 174. R-U

WOOD

WORKSHOP MANUALS. Holden VR Commodore. Vol 8, 4 and 5,. $220. Kangaroo Groundf. 9712 0337. Z-CC

REAR SPOILER for VE Holden Commodore Sedan. EC. Best Offer. Mornington. 5975 3609. Z-CC

HEDGE TRIMMER. Honda. HHH25D. 4 stroke. With hour meter fitted. VGC. Bought in Feb. 2022. Has done 20.8

WHEELS IN VICTORIA Rare 528 page volume, registered 1518 by Harold H. Paynting. History of Wheelecd Transport 1824 to 1984, mint condition in hard cover sleeve. EC. $400. Glen Iris. 0407 276 973. Z-CC

Classifieds

REQUEST FOR COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE

Relates to a Hit run collision on the Melba Hwy, Glenburn, about 9.40 am on June 10, 2025.

An unknown white van, similar to a 4.5T delivery van has collided with snow group tour bus.

The van was travelling toward Yarra Glen and failed to stop after the collision. Minor injuries were received to a number of passengers in the minibus.

Any information to Leading Senior Constable MCCORMICK at the Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol, 6-10 Albert Hill Road Lilydale 3140 Ph: 9739 2402

Notice is hereby given that South Pacific St Kilda Pty Ltd has applied to lease, pursuant to Section 134 of the Land Act 1958, for a term of up to 41 years, Crown allotment 102C, Parish of Melbourne North at St Kilda, as a site for i) Health and Fitness Centre incorporating heated sea baths, swimming pool, saunas, steam baths, gymnasiums, health and beauty therapy centre, sports medicine centre, multi-purpose activity rooms which includes the sale and disposal of liquor for consumption in that area; recreational and entertainment uses and drinking and/or eating areas (including liquor), restaurants, cafés and take-away food facilities, entertainment; tourist, beach and health related retailing; and administrative and maintenance facilities and other special events and related activities; and, ii) Any other use or development permitted under Consent Notice (Amendment L18), Specified Area No 1 incorporated into the St Kilda Planning Scheme as amended from time to time.

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P25/0803

Applicant name:

NEPEAN PLANNING CONSULTANTS

The Land affected by this application is located at: 1 MARVIN AVENUE RYE

Lot 32 on Plan of Subdivision 030579 VOL 10852 FOL 565

The application is for a permit to: VARY RESTRICTIVE COVENANT CREATED IN TRANSFER NO. A208723 AFFECTING CERTIFICATE OF TITLE VOLUME 10852 FOLIO 565 BY VARYING THE RESTRICTION WORDING FROM: “ANY BUILDING WHICH SHALL NOT BE SET BACK AT LEAST FORTY FEET FROM THE STREET ALIGNMENT OF SUCH LAND” TO: “ANY BUILDING WHICH SHALL NOT BE SET BACK AT LEAST 7.5 METRES FROM THE FRONT TITLE BOUNDARY”

A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme:

PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSE

Clause 52.02 (Easements, Restrictions and Reserves)

MATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED

Under section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988, to vary a restriction.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 9 JULY 2025

How can I find out more?

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

ROOFTOP MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 503 ORRONG ROAD, ARMADALE VIC 3143 RFNSA Site No: 3143022

1. Waveconn is proposing to install a new rooftop telecommunications facility at 503 Orrong Road, Armadale. The new facility will be utilised by TPG/Vodafone, Optus and Telstra and will replace an existing base station at 291-295 Dandenong Road, Prahran.

2. In summary, this new rooftop facility will consist of:

➢ New panel antennas for TPG/Vodafone, Optus and Telstra (21 antennas in total, each less than 2.8m in length)

➢ Four equipment cabinets

➢ Shrouding of the facility on all four sides

➢ Ancillary works and equipment necessary for the installation, operation and maintenance of the facility

3. In accordance with Section 6 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.

4. Please direct comments to Mark Baade (Planning Consultant), SAQ Consulting on mark@saqconsulting.com.au, 0417 088 000 or P O Box 50 CLAYFIELD QLD 4011 by Friday 11th July 2025.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3143022

LOST - Stolen from MCC Bowls Club, Hawthorn. White 2-door manual Honda Prelude. Much loved vehicle. ENI318. Reward when found. 9191 0099. Z

Business Guide

It Pays To Advertise Your Business

Melbourne Press

government areas including:

■ North. Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik (urban), Whittlesea (urban).

■ South. Bayside, Boroondara (south), Glen Eira, Kingston, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra.

■ East. Boroondara (north), KnoxSherbrooke, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse.

■ West. Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley, Moorabool, Wyndham.

■ South-East. Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula (inc. Southern Peninsula and Western Port).

■ Regional. Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie, Whittlesea (rural), Yarra Ranges.

(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)

24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK

(Scrap bin available)