● ● The Yea community was out in force for the ANZAC Day observance.
● The Yea Football Netball Club floral tribute is placed.
● ● ● ● The War Widows’ wreath is laid at the Cenotaph.
● ● Veterans assembled at The Semi-Circle, Yea.
● ● Emergency services crews, local children, join the veterans.
● ● ● ● Glenn Milliken recites The Ode
● ● Master of Ceremonies David Anderson, Elaine White reads the requiem ● ● Wreaths laid at the Yea Cenotaph.
Photos from Jeffrey Swain
Shows
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) Until May 10 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Shirley Sydenham. Bookings: wlt.org.au
■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Haunted (by Eric Chappell) Until May 10 at Lilydale Mechanics Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Nicholas Ryan. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com
■ The Basin Theatre Company: Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle (by Simon Stephens) Until May 4 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Michelle Swan. Tickets: thebasintheatre.
au
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (by Simon Stephens – from the novel by Mark Haddon) Until May 10 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Karen Wakeham. Bookings: htc.org.au
■ Malvern Theatre Company: A Happy and Holy Occasion (by John O’Donoghue) Until May 10 at Malvern Theatre, 29a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicholas Opolski. Bookings: malverntheatre.com.au
■ Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company: Come From Away (by Irene Sankolff and David Hein) May 2 – 25 at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub, Bairnsdale. Director: Peter Martignoles. Bookings: www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/leisure/whatson-and-buy-tickets
■ Eltham Little Theatre: Crossroads - A One Act Play Season. May 2 – 16 (Playwrights: Emma Wood, Paula Armstrong, John Jennings and Daniel Reitz) at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Directors: Susan Rundle, Paula Armstrong, Steve Saul and James Banger. Cabaret style. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org,au
■ Theatre of the Winged Unicorn: The Jane Austen Experience (devised and directed by Elaine Mitchell) May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7.30pm; May 4, 11, 18 at 2pm at the Ceres Temperance Hall, 40 McCann St., Ceres. Bookings: Trybooking.com/CYJIN Further details: theatreofthewingedunicorn.com.au
■ Wyndham Theatre Company: Drinking Habits (by Tom Smith) May 9 – 17 at Wyndham Theatre, Cnr. Duncans Rd. and Synott St., Werribee. Director: Cody Riker. Bookings: Trybooking
■ The Mount Players: The Girl on the Train (by Richard Wagstaff and Duncan Abel) May 9 – 25 at the Mountview Theatre, Smith St., Mt. Macedon. Director: Frank Harvey. Bookings: the mountplayers.com
■ Peridot Theatre Company: Proof (by David Auburn) May 16 – 25 at the Clayton Theatrette, Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Damian Jones. Bookings: peridot.com.au
■ MOARTZ Theatre: Stop.Rewind (by Melissa Bubnic) May 16 – 24 at Monash Hall, Reserve Street, Yallourn North. Director: Mike Pullar. Bookings: www.moartz.com
■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Nice Work if You Can Get It. May 16 – 31 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Mark Taylor; Musical Director: David Clausen-Wisken ; Choreographer: Susan Lewis; Ass’t. Choreographer: James Rooney. Bookings: cloc.org.au or phone1300 362 547.
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Children (by Lucy Kirkwood) May 22 – 31 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: babirra.org.auwww.kingstonarts.com.au
■ The 1812 Theatre: The Housekeeper (by James Prideaux) May 22 – June 14 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Keith Hutton. Bookings: 9758 3964 or 1812theatre.com.au
■ Brighton Theatre Company: One Act Play Season. May 31 – June 7 at the Brighton Town Hall. Further details: brightontheatre.com.au
■ The 1812 Theatre: The Thrill of Love (by Amanda Whittington) Until May 3 at The Bakery, The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au or 9758 3964 - Cheryl Threadgold
DRINKING HABITS
■ Wyndham Theatre Company presents the comedy Drinking Habits from May 8 - 17 at the Crossroads Hall, Werribee.
Written by Tom Smith and directed by Cody Riker, Drinking Habits tells of trouble forThe Sisters of Perpetual Sewing.
They are on the verge of being shut down by the Vatican for being ‘insignificant’, leaving the Sisters to turn to drastic means to survive.
Sister Augusta and Sister Philomena are forced to start making sly booze in order to keep their doors open, right under the long and severe nose of their Mother Superior.
When the local town starts being flooded with award winning wine, a couple of local reporters approach the convent to sniff out a source.
Dressed undercover as Sisters, Fathers and Cardinals, (sometimes all at the same time) these two discover a heartwarming surprise at the end of the scandal.
Performance Details: May 8, 9, 16, 17 at 8pm; May 9, 17 at 2pm
Venue: Crossroads Hall, attached to Crossroads Church, Cnr Duncans Rd and Synnot St., Werribee. Bookings: trybooking.com/CYMOY
Tickets: $25 adults, $22 concession
Suitable for children aged 12 and over. Mild adult theme
- Cheryl Threadgold
Legends of the Skies
■ The cast and crew of Legends of the Skies theatre (LOTS) are touring to Ballarat to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the 1934
MacRobertson Trophy Air Race. The two performances are on Saturday, May 17 at 7pm and Sunday, May 18 at 2pm at the BAFA Hut 48'Mess Hall Theatrette', Airport Rd, Mitchell Park, Ballarat.
Under the artistic direction of Maggie Morrison, audiences will enjoy re-enacted stories, songs, facts and headlines, and enjoy the excitement of reliving the race that put Melbourne on the global map in 1934.
Performance Season: May 17 at 7pm, May 18 at 2pm
Venue: BAFA Hut 48 - 'Mess Hall Theatrette', Airport Road, Mitchell Park, Ballarat. Pricing: $25 pp or $90 for a family of 4 Bookings essential on Trybooking https:// www.trybooking.com/CZFGB - Cheryl Threadgold
Auditions
■ Leongatha Lyric Theatre: The Heartbreak Choir (by Aidan Fennessy) Information session: May 3 at 3pm at 13 Watson Rd., Leongatha. Auditions: May 10. Director: Bernadette Grainger. leongathalyric.com.au
■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Addams Family: A New Musical (by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice) May 3 at 10am and May 6 at 6.30pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Isabella Preston. Enquiries and audition bookings: addams.elt@gmail.com
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Broadway Bound (by Neil Simon) May 10 at 1pm and May 9 at 7pm at Unit 8 / 417-419 Warrigal Rd, Cheltenham. Director: Michelle Swann. Audition Enquiries: mordialloctheatre.com.au/auditions-broadway-bound/
■ The Mount Players: A Skull in Connemara (by Martin McDonagh) May 10 at 2pm and May 13 at 7pm at the Moluntview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon/. Director: Travis Handcock. Audition bookings: travis.handcock@gmail.com
■ Melbourne French Theatre: Il était un petit navire – (SOS) Save Our Savings (by JeanPierre Martinez) May 10 at 2.30pm, May 13 at 7pm at La Maison de Maitre, 203-205 Canning Street, Carlton. Director: tba. Audition enquiries: productions@mftinc.org
■ Peridot Theatre: Frankenstein (by Nick Dear) May 18 at 10am, May 26 at 7pm at 39 Highland Avenue, Oakleigh East (corner Highland and Turnbull Avenues). Director: George Benca. Audition enquiries: georgebenca@ gmail.com
■ Malvern Theatre Company: Perfect Wedding (by Robin Hawdon) May 18 and 19 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Pip Le Blond. Audition enquiries: pipleblond@gmail.com
■ Gem Players Community Theatre: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Information Evening: May 29 at 7pm; Auditions June 6 and 7 at the GEM,19 Kilvington Dr., Emerald. Director: Annette O’Shea; Choreographer: Payge O’Shea; Musical Director: Margie Gemmell\. Enquiries: gemcoplayers.org - Cheryl Threadgold
●
Muriel Cooper
■ The golden voice of Muriel Cooper brought so much inspiration and comfort to a generation of radio listeners in her two decades on 3AW and ABC Melbourne
But Muriel’s post-radio career has been equally fascinating. Today she is a popular novelist and is a clinical psychologist.
Combining those two skills has led to her latest book, a guide to self help with a very Australian title - Up Shit Creek in a Barbed Wire Canoe and How to Cope with It.
Muriel herself has always had a robust sense of humour and she explains that if laughter is the best medicine, you can combine it with some common-sense mental health advice, and that’s the basis of her new book
Having studied behavioural science and becoming a psychologist, Muriel now practises on the Mornington Peninsula - when she isn’t writing crime novels.
She also has a helpful website, The Talking Room, where she gives serious advice.
Fellow author Liz Hicklin , says that Muriel’s new book is an extremely serious book masquerading as a funny one.
It explains why swearing can be good for you and how to cope when the inevitable hits the fan.
When you are up that famous creek in a barbed wire canoe, you aren’t looking for long, wordy books that eat up your precious brain space.
You need something to the point and preferably funny. Muriel manages to do this in roughly a hundred pages packed with humour and practical advice.
Muriel's book is due out on May 1 and is published by norstriliapress.com
- Julie Houghton
1984
■ Shake & Stir Theatre Co announces the cast for its 2025 national tour of 1984, George Orwell’s chilling dystopian masterpiece, from July 1-6 at the Comedy Theatre.
The cast features a line-up of celebrated Australian performers, including Michael Whalley (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Winston Smith, Chloe Bayliss (Doctor Doctor) as Julia, and returning to the role of O'Brien is David Whitney (The Wharf Revue, My Fair Lady), sharing the role with Tony Cogin (Frankenstein).
Rounding off the cast is Steven Rooke (Fourteen, Animal Farm) and Abhilash Kaimal (Nautilus). Their performances will bring to life the harrowing world of Oceania, where surveillance is omnipresent, truth is rewritten, and resistance is perilous.
Adapted by Shake & Stir’s Co-Artistic Directors Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij, and directed by Michael Futcher, this production remains faithful to Orwell’s original narrative while delivering a gripping, high-impact theatrical experience.
The award-winning creative team includes Josh McIntosh (Designer), Jason Glenwright (Lighting Designer), Guy Webster (Sound Designer), and Craig Wilkinson (Video Designer).
● ● Paige Louise (front left), Ben Cazaly, Bethany Griffiths; Cody Riker (seated left) Fiona Scarlett; Back row from left: Katrina Gauci, Adam Pomeroy, Lisa Whitney, Vicki Russell, Juliana Smith, Gilbert Gauci and Sam Victoria rehearse Drinking Habits. Photo: Michelle Murphy
Cheryllyn de Vries (left) and Kerry Hollier wait impatiently for pilots Ray Parer and Godfrey Hemsworth to arrive in Ballarat in the 1934 MacRobertson Trophy Air Race. The pilots had hit difficulties and arrived almost four months late.
Local People
Yea Golf Club
■ The Davis/Wills and Christie/Callander Trophies were played for on Saturday with 36 golfers enjoying cooler conditions and a dampened course after some steady rain the night before.
In the men’s competition, the best score was achieved by Gareth Antrobus and JP Mullaly with 51 points but as JP is a visitor the Trophy went to Rick Wills/Tony Rule with 48 points.
Third were Chris Keogh and Russ Wealands with 45 points. Tony Rule was NTP on the 18th and the lucky Club Award $10 went to Rob Gill/Sam Wright. Many thanks to Elders for the trophy vouchers.
In the ladies competition Cindy Armstrong, Judi Newman were the winners with 43 points. Second were Nicola Rule/ Christine Simmons with 41 from third Loraine Callander/Lorraine Christie with 38. Many thanks also to Yea Garden Centre for the vouchers with the trophy.
Wednesday saw 19 men in 7 teams of three play Multiplier Stableford. The teams three stableford scores are multiplied each hole to give a team score. An interesting game were everyone wants to not let the team down by not scoring on a hole.
Winners with 134 points were Phil Armstrong (19), Brian Priestley (26) and John Renehan (50). Runners Up were Bob Glenister (10), Neil Peterson (14) and Greg Millard (13) with 115 from third Glen Walsh (33), John Phillips (17) and Steve Rumney (24) on 112. Phil Armstrong was NTP on the 18th and Mick Sheather/Anthony La Grutta/ Rob Gill won the Club Award. Individual Winner was Brian Priestley with 38 points from second Phil Armstrong on 36. Ladies on Wednesday played for the Monthly Medal which saw Judi Newman (36) win on CB from Di Holdsworth (29) both with nett 73. Third on nett 74 was Jan Wealands also on CB from Sharon Grogan (24).
■ Yea defeated Alexandra GC at Eildon on Sunday 5-0 to earn a spot in next week’s pennant final at Woodend GC. Winners for Yea were Tony Rule 1 Up, John Phillips 3/2, Brendan Chenhall 1 Up, Tom White 1 Up and Rick. Wills 2/1. The final will be against Marysville GC starting 8.30am this coming Sunday (May 4). - Alan Pell
Letters
RSL says thanks
Sir,
The 'Luck of the Irish' was with us for ANZAC Day 2025 in Yea. A light drizzle during our preparation stopped just in time and we were fortunate to have a period of perfect weather for the Commemoration.
An estimated 300 community members and visitors participated in commemorating the 110th year since the Gallipoli landings.
On behalf of the Yea-Kinglake RSL SubBranch, I would like to acknowledge and thank the Yea Rotarians for their hosting and ongoing support, without which we would struggle to commemorate our ANZACS in this way.
This year, I particularly wish to name and thank some of the quiet, behind the scenes supporters for their contributions over the years.
Thank you to Kevin Hughes and Adam for providing the sound system, to the Yea Football Netball Club which provides the wreath tables and chairs; to Phil Slattery for providing his military vehicles; to Murrindindi Shire staff: Kate, Andrew Paxton, Judi Elkington and Donna Slevin for legals and public safety; and to Kevin Harris and Joanna Gilbie who never fail each year to clean the Cenotaph and present the lawns and garden in immaculate condition. Thank you so much.
Across the Yea-Kinglake district, community support for the Dawn Services at Glenburn and Kinglake, the Flowerdale, Strath Creek and Yea Commemorations and the individual School Commemorations are proof that our ANZACs are not forgotten. Lest We Forget.
Jeffrey Swain Secretary Yea-Kinglake RSL
Rebels: enthusiasm from the first whistle
■ On Saturday (Apr. 26). Rebel Park hosted the first game of the season, with all five netball grades and three football teams taking on the Pakenham Lions in a big day of action.
Under 17 Netballers kicked off the netball, with a couple of fill-ins helping to make up the numbers. The girls were eager to get started and showed great enthusiasm from the first whistle.
Pakenham came out firing and brought their A-game, proving to be a strong and well-drilled outfit. Despite the scoreboard, our girls never dropped their heads and battled right to the final whistle.
Full credit to the seven players on court and to Coach Sarah for guiding the team with great spirit. There’s no doubt we’ve got some future A-Grade stars in the making.
Under 17’s – Alexandra 10 Def by Pakenham 53 – Koala Cherries Award – Asher Kaiser, and AFNC Club Voucher – Chelsea Webb.
The D and C Grade teams come up against very well drilled Pakenham teams but to both teams credit they continued to play hard until the final whistle and there was certainly some positives to take away from the games to work on for next week.
D Grade – Alexandra 9 def by Pakenham 50 – Alexandra Hotel Award – Himali Collins , AFNC Club Voucher – Katelyn Prendeville, Corner Hotel Award – Asher Kaiser
C Grade – Alexandra 34 def by Pakenham 60 – Simpson Fuel Card – Lauren Benson , Alexandra Hotel – Ava Krijt , Corner Hotel Award – Caeley Palmer
B Grade – Alexandra 16 def by Pakenham 75 – Incentive Award – Maddy Northmore , Alexandra Hotel – Sarah Mooney, Corner Hotel Award – Jayde Cairns.
Before the commencement of the A Grade game due to timing issues the two A Grade teams and supporters lined up on the netball court where Major Sarah Mooney delivered The Ode and a minute’s silence to remember the fallen.
★
Under 18’s went into the game with a couple of changes from the Seville match and were keen for their second match of the season. The boys fought hard and should be very proud of their efforts but Pakenham proved too strong.
The team has a great vibe around them and the club is extremely proud of these young men.
Under 18’s – Alexandra 0.0 (0) defeated by Pakenham 25.20 (170) – Awards – Bowens –Josh Crane, Shepparton Volkswagon – Thomas Kendall – AFNC Club Voucher – George Sotiropoulos, Coaches Award – Max Young
★
The Reserves side saw several changes from the previous week, with the inclusions of Brandon Kapakoulakis, Conor Heaslip, Scott Hill, Jake Keath and Jake Steyger among others.
The Rebels got off to a solid start, with Kapa slotting the first goal of the game. They stayed in touch early, trailing by just two goals at quarter time.
Pakenham stepped up in the second quarter, kicking four goals to Alexandra’s one, stretching their lead to 32 points by halftime.
The third term saw an improved effort from the Rebels, but in the final quarter, Pakenham pulled away to secure a comfortable 59-point win.
Reserve Awards – NP on the Run – Brandon Kapakoulakis , Future Fit Finance – Brodie Humphries , AFNC Club Voucher – Daniel Roper, Simpson Fuel Card – Michael Coombs ★
Prior to the start of the Seniors match both the clubs united with local RSL members to line up either side of the ANZAC logo which had been painted on the ground for the ANZAC commemoration.
We thank the local RSL for their continued support of the club and assistance in acknowledging the importance of ANZAC Day to all.
Our Senior side made just two changes this week, with Will Goyder and Luke Spence coming in for Steve Steiner and Luke Wal.
Pakenham came out strong in the first quarter, taking an early lead with 4 goals 3 points to the Rebels’ 2 points.
The second quarter saw a much-improved effort from the Rebels, who kicked 3 goals 3 points to Pakenham’s 1 goal 1 point, narrowing
the margin to just 11 points at halftime.
Despite having five scoring shots in the third quarter to Pakenham’s seven, inaccurate kicking hurt the Rebels, allowing Pakenham to stretch their lead to 33 points heading into the final term.
The last quarter was more competitive, but Pakenham proved too strong on the day, running out 44-point winners.
Final Score: Alexandra 6.11 (47) defeated by Pakenham 14.8 (92).
Senior Awards – Kervale Incentive – Riley Frankcombe, O’Briens Real Estate – Harry Prendergast, Simpson Fuel Card – Mitch Parker and Buxton Hotel Award – Kellan Percy.
We’re incredibly grateful to all our supporters and members — the crowd was one of the biggest we’ve seen at home in some time, creating a fantastic atmosphere around the club.
Our major raffle on the day was the Big Wheelbarrow, packed with a variety of great items. The draw took place in the clubrooms after the match, and congratulations to our lucky winners — Ben Jack and Riley Frankcombe
We look forward to our upcoming matches this weekend with our Senior teams travelling to Powelltown for five games of netball and two games of football as our Under 18’s have the bye.
★
Juniors – Sunday
Our Juniors began their season campaign on Sunday, with three games of netball and our Under 9, 10, 12 and 14 football teams all taking on the Seymour Lions at home.
Meanwhile, our Under 16 footballers hit the road to Euroa to face Shepparton United.
It was fantastic to see so many new players and families around the club, and even better to see the excitement and smiles on the kids’ faces as they stepped onto the court and field for their first games of the season.
A big congratulations to our Under 11 and Under 13 netballers on their Round 1 wins. A huge thank you and well done to all our players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters for helping make it such a positive and enjoyable start to the year.
Let’s keep the momentum going. Awards for the day…
Under 9’s – Noah Dyson, Patrick Gilligan, Corbyn Hayes-Moynihan and Jude Nardella--
Morcom
Under 10’s – Nate Broadway, Kaiydn King, Logan Heard and Benji Cavill
Under 12 – AFNC Canteen Voucher –Kayden Andrews, Reddrops Foodworks – Lucas Creed, Alex Bakery & Cafe – Hudson Brooks, Coaches Award – Ben Strochnetter.
Under 14 – AFNC Canteen Voucher – Mia Heard, Reddrops Foodworks – Mav Burchall, Coaches Award – Eli Van Lierop
Under 16 – AFNC Canteen Voucher – Toby Lucas, Reddrops Foodworks – Ryder Brady, Alex Bakery and Cafe – Fletcher Van Lierop, Coaches Award – Connor Keampkes
Under 11 Dev Netball – Alex Bakery & Cafe – Izabella Kroepsch, AFNC Canteen Award –Tilly Blakeney , Alex Sportspower Award –Reegan Martin
Under 11 Netball – AFNC Canteen Voucher – Kaliya Stewart, Alex Bakery & Cafe – Annie Barker, Alex Sportspower Award – Delilah Van Lierop.
Under 13 Red Netball – AFNC Canteen Voucher – Bella Lamaro, Alex Bakery and Cafe Award – Charli Stephens, Alex Sportspower Award – Mia Bruce
Under 15 Red Netball – AFNC Canteen Voucher – Leah Cole , Alex Bakery and Cafe Award – Cassie Kidd, Alex Sportspower Award – Megan Kendall.
We’re still on the lookout for volunteers to help run the canteen during our Sunday home games.
Please remember, the canteen can’t operate without the support of our amazing families and community. Even a small contribution of your time makes a big difference.
If you’re able to lend a hand, we’d love to have you involved — every little bit helps.
We would like to acknowledge our weekly sponsors and thank them for their continued support of both our junior and senior teams.
Our Juniors on the Sunday we see our 9’s, 10’s, 12’s and 16’s travelling to Wandong to take on the Warriors, the Under 14’s take on Broadford at home.
Our Netball teams Alex Black will play Alex Red on the Friday night along with our Under 11 Development teams who will once again play an intra club match.
