The Local Paper. Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition. Wed., Oct. 29, 2025
■ Bluey is back at Healesville Sanctuary this weekend with a new live interactive experience in the bushland haven.
The favourite Heeler pups on stage daily from SaturdayTuesday (Nov. 1-4).
Daily shows will take place on the Koala Picnic Lawns at 10.30am, 11.15am, 12 Noon and 12.45pm.
Each show runs for 20 minutes and is free with Sanctuary entry.
The Sanctuary is also presenting its Spirits of the Sky daily presentation.
The dark World of Platypus is one of the attractions, and the wildlife hospital will be available where visitors can watch the skilled vets caring for injured animals.
Kids can take off their shoes and socks to dip their toes in the water of Coranderrk Creek that winds its way through the Sanctuary.
The Creek Play zones are fun for all ages and have names inspired by Wurundjeri seasons - it is currently Poorneet : Tadpole season (September to October).
● ● ● ● The favourite Heeler pups will be on stage at Healesville on stage for live Interactive Experiences daily from Saturday-Tuesday (Nov. 1-4).
‘AWARENESS DIVIDE’ CONCERNS MAYOR
56 PAGES
■ Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damian Gallagher said he is concerned about what he calls an “awareness divide” between Melbourne people and locals.
“At Benalla, for the Hume Local Government Network forum of 12 Councils from Mitchell and Murrindindi up to Wodonga and Towong, I reported upon our financial sustainability challenges and raised my concerns about a growing ‘awareness divide’ between Melbourne and rural communities.
“I heard similar stories from across the region along with a unified concern for the impacts of the Emergency Services Volunteer Levy on rural communities.
“I thanked Strathbogie Shire Mayor Claire Ewart-Kennedy, for her chairing of the forum this past year.
“That evening, I attended the Yea Saleyards complex to see the highly professional process of the yarding and weighing of cattle which progresses throughout the Thursday night that precedes a monthly store sale.
“In the face of some recent climatic challenges, the quality of local cattle at the market was top-shelf, supporting the claim of farmers and participating stock agents of Yea being the premier sale facility in Central Victoria.”
Cr Gallagher was also a guest on ABC Radio Melbourne, sharing “some of Council’s strategies for supporting the community with climate change mitigation and Council’s successful implementation of four kerbside bin collections”.
Last Weekend’s Cricket Scores
■ E-Grade. Round 3. Two days. Sats., Oct. 18-25. Yarra Glen 2XI 10/121 v St Andrews 6XI 3/360. Ainslie Park 4XI 9/145 v Vermont 3XI 5/146. Warrandyte 6XI 7/325 v Wonga Park 5XI 7/327. Montrose 5XI 10/249 v Mt Evelyn 4XI 6/438.. F-Grade. Wonga Park 6XI 10/113 v Mt Evelyn 5XI 10/216. South Croydon 4XI 10/170 v Boronia Hawks 4XI 8/280. Croydon North 3XI 10/224 v Warranwood 5XI 10/126. North Ringwood 5XI Forfeit v Lusatia Park 3XI. G-Grade. Templeton 4XI 10/135 v Seville Burras 3XI 7/207. Chirnside Park 5XI 10/222 v Montrose 6XI 9/131. Vermont 4XI 1/147 v Kilsyth 5XI 4/142. Wantirna South 4XI 10/90 v Bayswater Park 3XI 4/221. H-Grade. Round 4. One day. Sat., Oct. 25. Mooroolbark 6XI 8/139 v Heatherdale 5XI 10/137. Warranwood 6XI 10/174 v Wantirna 2XI 3/74, abandoned. Hoddles Creek 2XI v Norwood 6XI. Healesville 4XI 5/190 v St Andrews 7XI 2/61, abandoned. I-Grade. Ainslie Park 5XI 10/61 v Warranwood 7XI 3/77. Bayswater Park 4XI 2/ 207 v Croydon Ranges 6XI 6/173. Mt Evelyn 6XI 8/172 v Heathwood 4XI 8/256. Wonga Park 7XI 6/167 v Warrandyte 7XI 3/164. Ian Spencer Shield. Round 3. Two days. Sats., Oct. 18-25. St Andrews 2XI 6-d/130 v Chirnside Park 2XI 10/97 & 1/77. Vermont 2XI 6/361 v East Ringwood 3XI 3/244. Heathwood 2XI 10/164 v Heatherdale 2XI 10/128. Coldstream 1XI 6-d/152 v Wantirna South 2XI 10/82. Mooroolbark 2XI 9/248 v South Warrandyte 2XI 9/168 J-Grade. Round 4. One day. Sat., Oct. 25. Eastfield 3XI 10/107 v Templeton 5XI 8/159. Wantirna 3XI 10/93 v Wandin 3XI 4/321. St Andrews 8XI 8/142 v Powelltown 2XI 1/166. Yarra Junction 4XI 6/205 v Croydon North 4XI 6/197.
John Springett Shield. Round 3. Two days. Sats., Oct. 18-25. Healesville 2XI 10/ 254 v Eastfield 2XI 9/119. Lilydale 3XI 7/247 v Lusatia Park 2XI 10/246. Chirnside Park 3XI 9/156 v Croydon North 2XI 10/341. Yarra Junction 2XI 10/187C V Montrose 4XI 10/94 & 1/36 K-Grade. Round 4. One day. Sat., Oct. 25. Yarra Junction 5XI 7/143 V Chirnside Park 6XI 10/164. Warranwood 8XI 5/151 V South Warrandyte 4XI 4/156. Seville Burras 4XI: Bye. Heathwood 5XI 2/269 V Yarra Glen 3XI 10/113.
Lindsay Trollope Shield. Round 3. Two days. Sats., Oct. 18-25. Norwood 1XI 10/164 V North Ringwood 1XI 5/229. Ainslie Park 1XI 10/274 V Montrose 1XI 5/275. South Croydon 1XI 10/104 V St Andrews 1XI 9/234. Lilydale 1XI 4/138 V Croydon Ranges 1XI 10/134. Pat Meehan Shield. Kilsyth 2XI 10/138 V Wonga Park 2XI 7-d/141. Croydon Ranges 2XI 10/159 V Lilydale 2XI 5/160. Eastfield 1XI 10/79 V Templeton 2XI 3/135. Lusatia Park 1XI 6/212 V Warranwood 2XI Steve Pascoe Shield. Croydon North 1XI 8-d/356 V South Croydon 2XI 9/209. Warrandyte 2XI 10/107 & 6/145 V East Ringwood 2XI 7-d/235l. North Ringwood 2XI 2/138 V Norwood 2XI 10/132. Montrose 2XI 8/ 261 V Ainslie Park 2XI 8/260 ●
The Local Paper
MINISTERIAL PLEDGES NOT KEPT
Local Briefs
Quaint custom
■ Murrindindi Shire Councillors continued their tradition last week of starting off reports with local weather reports.
It is lovely to see the milder weather of spring, and I am enjoying spending some time in my garden,” said local government representative Cr Sue Carpenter.
Cr Paul Hildebrand: “Over the past few weeks, many farmers have begun making silage. While a few light rains have fallen this month—enough to settle the dust but not enough to prevent the hills from drying off - everyone remains hopeful that the forecast rainfall in the coming days will bring much-needed relief.”
Deputy Mayor Cr Anita Carr said” “What a lovely drop of rain we had to kick off the week—it’s freshened everything up beautifully. Hopefully the rainfall today and tonight has contributed some much-needed runoff to help with the dry conditions. With Lake Eildon sitting just above 55 per xcent, I’m really hoping the rest of spring brings with it open skies and steady showers to boost our water levels.”
Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said: “With the coming of warmer weather, there have been options aplenty for coming together and enjoying engaging events and the company of others.”
Aust. Day update
■ Strathbogie Shire Council is updating how it supports Australia Day events, following conversations with residents, event organisers, and First Nations representatives.
Councillors agreed last week to back community-led Australia Day events through existing grant programs.
Councillors may also attend events if invited and available — “a move designed to honour both those who celebrate the day and those who see it as a time for reflection,” said a Council representative.
Strathbogie Council Mayor Cr Claire Ewart-Kennedy saisd: “Australia Day means different things to different people.
“This decision shows our commitment to listening, learning, and acting in the best interests of people within our Shire.”
■ Ten months on, Transport and Planning
Minister Gabrielle Williams has still failed to fix local road maintenance matters promised by the start of the 2024 fire season.
A Ministerial promise was given on December 10 last year, in answer to a question in Parliament from Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish, that the Department of Transport and Planning would complete barrier works and centreline safety barrier maintenance across the state, prior to the 2024 fire season.
Over the 14 kilometre section of the Goulburn Valley Hwy between Yea and Yarck, an inspection showed there are 28 individual damaged sections of wire rope barriers.
“There obviously has been no repair work for well over 12 months,” said Neil Beer, Chair of Roadsafe Goulburn Valley, a voluntary organisation formed more than 30 years ago with the purpose of educating road safety in schools, service clubs. sporting clubs and through the media.
“How many times must rural politicians put forward in Parliament the dire dilapidation of country roads and their need for desperate repair?” Mr Beer asked.
He said that the Minister of Transport stated nearly 12 months ago that the matter would be attended to before Fire Season 2024?”
Vegetation at some of the sites inspected this week is nearly two metres in height.
“What do metropolitan and International tourists really think? It’s a disgrace. The GV Highway, Melba Highway and many other major roads are in complete and utter disrepair. Our tourist Industry is largely reliant on the safety and ease of transportation. How about the Trucking Industry?
“Speak to any transport operator and listen to their disgust,” Mr Beer said.
Mr Beer said that Victorian rural road deaths year-to-date show an increase of 20 per cent compared to last year.
“Are the statistics an indicator of poor road conditions ?” Mr Beer asked.
Local Briefs
Tooborac death
■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Tooborac.
It is understood a car crashed into a tree on the Northern Hwy just after 3.30pm on Monday, October 20.
The sole occupant of the car died at the scene. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.
Post extra hours
■ On a trial basis, the Australia Post service at the Flowerdale Community House will be open from 4pm-6pm Fridays. to assist residents to pick-up their mail.
Mernda million
■ A Mernda dad is celebrating an unexpected milestone as his $1 million win in the Weekday Windfall draw means he'll be able to wipe out his mortgage, years ahead of schedule.
He held the only Division One winning entry in last Wednesday’s draw (Oct. 22).
The winning man was on his way to work when he was stopped in his tracks to answer a life-enhancing phone call from lottery officials.
● ● Thisx edition covers Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie (part), Whittlesea (rural) and Yarra Ranges. Digital issues are published weekly, Feb.-Dec.
● ● ● ● Highway safety barriers in disrepair
● ● Overgrown vegetation is a hazard.
● ● Truck operators are disgusted.
● ● ● ● Gabrielle Williams, State Minister
The Local Paper
In association with the Established September 14, 1969
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), Seymour Express (Est. 1872), Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995), Yarra Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995), Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995).
The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in local editions:
• Regional/’Dindi Local’ Edition: Murrindindi, Mansfield, Strathbogie, rural sections of Nillumbik and Whittlesea
• ‘Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express’ Edition: Yarra Ranges Shire
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 Semmel
Logistics: Tyler Sandiford, Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky
Credit Manager: Michael Conway OAM, Fast Action Debt Recovery, 0402 142 866
Ash on Wednesday Buck stops with Bonazzi
■ No-one appears to be taking personal responsibility for a Murrindindi Shire bungle that saw confidential tender information published at the Council’s website.
The sensitive information stayed in the public domain over four days (FridayMonday, October 21720) until the breach was exposed by The LocalPaper.
The document listed assessments of tenderers for general maintenance contracts.
The report listecd seven applicants who sought to share in contracts totalling $3 million over five years.
The report, suggested that the contracts be awarded to a panel consisting of extension, to the following suppliers:
■ Trevor Carns
■ Melbourne Master Painting & Maintenance Pty Ltd
■ The Trustee for the Venn Family T/As Venn Civil Pty Ltd
■ Kinglake Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd
■ Auzzie Engineering Pty Ltd
■ Farley Pools Pty Ltd
■ Gilligan Property Services Pty Ltd.
The document named the unsuccessful tenderers. There were 13 tender submissions.
The Council removed the document from its website on Monday (Oct 20) after The Local Paper published its report.
The Council made an un attributed statement at its website, but the Council did not send the media release to TheLocalPaperas is general practice.
The statement was not attributed to Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi, Mayor Cr Damnien Gallagher, aby other Councillor, oir any other executive. The Council termed
its bungle as “inadvertent”.
“Murrindindi Shire Council is aware that a confidential report relating to a recent commercial tender process was inadvertently made publicly available on Council’s website over the weekend which detailed tender assessments and pricing information.
“The report was included in the agenda for the Council meeting scheduled for 22 October 22.
“The document was removed as soon as the error was identified.
“Council has notified all parties involved and is reviewing the circumstances that led to the publication to ensure appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent a recurrence.
“Council takes the handling of confidential information very seriously. While it is routine practice for Council to publish contract award details in the meeting minutes following a resolution at a Council meeting, the premature release of tender information was not in line with our governance protocols.
“We are confident the integrity of our tender procurement process was not affected as a result of the publication.
“As the information disclosed was commercial in nature and did not include personal data, this incident does not constitute a privacy breach,” the statement said.
One tenderer, who phoned The Local Paper office, said he was angry that tender information was published by the Council.
Ultimate responsibility for Shire documents is with $300,000-a-year CEO Livia Bonazzi.
Local Photo Flashback
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.
MANSFIELD
Mansfield readership is in the township of Mansfield. The Mansfield Shire comprises Ancona, Barjarg, Barwite, Bonnie Doon, Boorolite, Bridge Creek, Delatite, Gaffneys Creek, Goughs Bay, Howes Creek, Howqua, Howqua Hills, Howqua Inlet, Jamieson, Kevington, Lake Eildon, Nillahcootie, Piries, Sawmill Settlement, Tolmie, Woodfield and Woods Point. Mansfield Shire is home to 10,546 people, living in approximately 6612 homes.
MITCHELL
Incorporating the traditions of the Seymour Express (Est. 1872) Mitchell Shire comprises Beveridge, Broadford, Kilmore, Puckapunyal, Seymour, Tallarook, Tooborac, Trawool, Wallan, Wandong and Heathcote Junction. Mitchell Shire is home to more than 49,216 people, living in approximately 16,321 homes.
MURRINDINDI
Incorporating the traditions of the Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995). Murrindindi comprises Acheron, Alexandra, Buxton, Cathkin, Castella, Caveat, Devils River, Dropmore, Eildon, Fawcett, Flowerdale, Ghin Ghin, Glenburn, Gobur, Granton, Highlands, Homewood, Kanumbra, Kerrisdale, Killingworth, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Koriella, Limestone, Maintongoon, Marysville, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Narbethong, Pheasant Creek, Rubicon, Strath Creek, Taggerty, Taylor Bay, Terip Terip, Thornton, Toolangi, Whanregarwen, Yarck, Yea. Murrindindi Shire is home to more than 14,478 people, living in approximately 6293 homes.
NILLUMBIK (RURAL)
Incorporating the traditions of the Diamond Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995) and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873) Nillumbik Shire (rural) comprises Arthurs Creek, Bend of Islands, Christmas Hills, Cottles Bridge, Diamond Creek, Doreen, Eltham, Eltham North, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Nutfield, Panton Hill, Plenty, Research, Smiths Gully, St Andrews, Strathewen, Warrandyte North, Watsons Creek. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.
STRATHBOGIE (PART)
Starthbogie readership area comprises Avenel, Euroa, Nagambie, Violet Town. Strathbogie Shire is home to more than 11,578 people, living in approximately 5768 homes.
WHITTLESEA (RURAL)
Incorporating the traditions of the Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995) Whittlesea Post (Est. 1924), and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873) Whittlesea Post readership area comprises Arthurs Creek, Beveridge, Donnybrook, Doreen, Eden Park, Hazel Glen, Humevale, Kinglake West, Mernda, South Morang, Whittlesea, Wollert, Woodstock, Yan Yean. The City of Whittlesea is home to more than 197,491 people, living in approximately 71,014 homes.
YARRA RANGES
Incorporating the traditions of the Lilydale and Yarra valley Express (Est. June 30, 1886) Yarra Ranges readership area comprises Badger Creek, Chirnside Park, Chum Creek, Coldstream, Dixons Creek, Don Valley, East Warburton, Fernshaw, Gilderoy, Gladysdale, Gruyere, Healesville, Hoddles Creek, Launching Place, Lilydale, Millgrove, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Powelltown, Seville, Seville East, Steels Creek, Wandin East, Wandin North, Warburton, Wesburn, Wonga Park (part), Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Yellingbo and Yering. Yarra Ranges Shire is home to more than 158,831 people, living in approximately 58,509 homes.
Long Shots
Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment Aaron Rourke, Film Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing
Bissett-Johnson, Cartoonist
Kemp, Art Rob Foenander, Music
● ● State School and saleyards, Kilmore, circa 1930. Colourised.
CROP HOUSES BUSTED
■ A licensed electrician and two other men have been arrested as part of an investigation into cannabis crop houses across the Melbourne metropolitan area linked to a range of organised crime syndicates.
Warrants were executed at address in Hadfield, Airport West, Epping and Coburg by detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad and Intelligence and Covert Support Command on Thursday (Oct. 23).
Three men were arrested and subsequently interviewed by police.
A 59-year-old Hadfield man was charged with cultivate narcotic plant (commercial quantity), cultivate narcotic plant and traffick cannabis.
A 41-year-old Epping man has been charged with cultivate narcotic plant, traffick cannabis, possess cannabis, traffick methylamphetamine (commercial quantity), traffick ecstasy (large commercial quantity), possess ecstasy, possess a precursor chemical, possess material and equipment for trafficking in drugs of dependence, drive whilst suspended and knowingly deal with proceeds of crime.
The pair were remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
A 34-year-old Airport West man has been charged with traffick cannabis, possess cannabis, traffick cocaine, possess cocaine, deal with/possess proceeds of crime, possess prohibited weapon and fail to provide information and assistance under warrant.
He has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 1.
Police also seized a range of items from the addresses including drugs, prohibited weapons, cash, a pill press, chemicals and glassware.
Detectives will allege they assisted organised crime syndicates with the installation of electrical bypasses at properties to support the cultivation of cannabis.
Over the past year, investigators have located and dismantled 23 cannabis crop houses where an electrical bypass has been installed, linked to this investigation.
Police have also seized over one tonne of cannabis from those crop houses. The investigation remains ongoing.
Police are warning those who act as professional facilitators for organised crime syndicates – including tradespeople – that they face significant penalties if caught.
Those facilitators continue to be a focus for Victoria Police in relation to the cultivation and trafficking of illicit drugs.
Anyone with information on illicit drug activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au
Against racism
■ Whittlesea Council says that it is committed “to creating a fair, safe, inclusive and equitable city - one where everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, culture or faith, feels a strong sense of belonging”.
“Racism can take many forms - from verbal abuse and discrimination to subtle exclusion or unfair treatment.
“It occurs in workplaces, schools, public spaces, and everyday interactions, often targeting people because of their race, ethnicity, culture, language or religion,” the representative said.
Whittlesea Mayor Cr Martin Taylor said:
“Our diversity is at the heart of who we are in the City of Whittlesea. Our community is stronger because of our differences, and everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and supported, no matter their background.
Councillor’s cat out of the bag
Murrindindi Shire’s Cr Eric Lording appeared to be handling a large cat as he ‘remotely’ attended last Wednesday’s Council meeting by Zoom. Earlier in proceedings, Cr Lording removed his headphones and appeared to be having a conversation with a person off-camera, as Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher delivered his monthly report.
AUDITORS DELAY SIGNING COUNCIL ACCOUNTS
■ Annual report financial accounts could not be passed at last week’s Murrindindi Shire Council meeting because auditors had not ‘signed off’ the documents, Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi said.
Ms Bonazzi said that a vote by Councillors to pass the accounts would have to be deferred to a special meeting of Council due to be held at 3.30pm today (Wed., Oct. 29).
Ms Bonazzi stressed that there was nothing abnormal about the deferral, and all the Council accounts were in order.
“The final audit report from the Victorian Auditor General's Office was not provided in time for the inclusion of the Annual Report 2024-25in tonight’s meeting, therefore consideration and adoption of the AnnualReporthas been deferred to the special meeting already scheduled for Wednesday, October 20, at 3.30pm,” Ms Bonazzi told Councillors.
“I’d like to confirm that there are no known issues with our financial statements, and it is not unusual for VAGO to require additional time to sign off the audits of all 79 councils across Victoria.”
REPEAL TAX SAYS COUNCIL
■ Mitchell Shire is calling on Premier Jacinta Allan and the Labor State Government to repeal the Emergency Services and Volunteer Levy from all all farms, businesses, families, households, and properties.
Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said:
“This is a tax our community cannot afford. While we support our emergency services, the funding model must be fair.
“The current levy punishes the very people who are already struggling – particularly our farmers and rural families who are facing drought, inflation and increasing input costs.”
“Council should not be used as a tax collector for the State. We’re calling for this levy to be removed from households and farmers altogether.”
The move reinforces Council’s long-standing opposition to the levy, which is set to significantly increase costs for ratepayers.
● ● ● ● Livia Bonazzi, Murrindindi CEO
● ● Cr John Dougall, Mitchell Mayor
Court Lists
Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings
Wednesday, October 29
Local News Arrests at Epping
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■
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■ ALEXANDRA. Alexandra Newsagency. 82-84 Grant St.
■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.
■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.
■
■ KILMORE. Kemp’s Bakery. 65 Sydney St.
Billeci, Agostino Caminiti, Kathryn Chapman, Mitchell Peter Couldwell, Hayley Croskell, Robert Ian Dennison, Jayde Lee Doyle, Christopher Dryden, John Leigh Farage, Lyla Gibson, Brendan Green, Ethan Grembecki, Trevor Hancy, Paul Horvat, Igor Iocco, Oscar Jensen-Solyom, Zaya Jordan, Blake Kavanagh, Daniel Keamy-Quirk, Caleb Keating, Jeremy Kumar, Aaditya Leeves, Joshua Loukas, Dimitrios Mauri, Alan Mazzarella, Con Mc Guire, Ranald Mcdonald, Toby James Mclaren, Shane Meers, Kylie Mercado, Richard Murray, Thomas Nally, Lachlan Nesbitt, Anthony Peter Ryan, Michael R Singh, Prabjot Smith, Melissa Soegomo, Aditia Sutton, Brodee Taylor, Natasha Jane Thomas, Corey Thomas, Shannon Louise Wilson, Nicole Wood, Ryan Wright, Rebeccaonald
Friday, October 31
It is understood two groups were involved in a verbal altercation inside Luna Park before one group was removed by security about 4.30pm.
A second verbal altercation occurred between the two groups on Cavell St, where it is alleged one man struck two men with a machete about 6.35pm.
Two 18-year-old men from Lalor and Mickleham sustained minor cuts, and a 17year-old boy sustained a graze to the forearm after being assaulted.
The trio were treated by paramedics at the scene.
The group of offenders were allegedly involved in a minor collision while fleeing the scene in a vehicle.
Detectives executed a search warrant at a property on Lyndarum Drive, Epping and arrested two men.
A 21-year-old man was charged with affray and behave in offensive manner in public place.
A 19-year-old man has been charged with intentionally cause injury x 3, affray, assault with weapon x 3, use prohibited weapon, possess prohibited weapon, carry prohibited weapon, and behave in offensive manner in public place.
A second warrant was executed at a property on The Mears, Epping, where a 19-yearold man was arrested.
He was charged with affray and behave in offensive manner in public place.
All three men were to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court
Hospital works underway
■ Works are proceeding on the $813 million redevelopment of the Northern Hospital at Epping.
The stage one’s new Ambulatory Care Centre has hit structural completion, and work is progressing at pace on stage two.
■
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■ ■ ■ LAURIMAR. Laurimar Newsagency. 95 Hazel Glen Dr.
■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.
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■ ■ ■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.
■ ■ MERNDA. Mernda Villages Post Office. 50 Mernda Village Dr.
■
■ ■ ■ MOLESWORTH. Molesworth Store. 4353 Goulburn Valley Hwy.
■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Inn. 436 Maroondah Hwy.
■
■ ■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Roadhouse. 264 Maroondah Hwy.
■ ■ PANTON HILL. Panton Hill General Store. 586 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.
■ ■ WANDONG. Magpie and Stump Hotel. 3313 EppingKilmore Rd.
Bradshaw, Tracey Henderson, Kihrya Kirkham, Jayden Le Guier, Andrew Shah, Talhah Stewart, Toby Thursday, November 6 Agnesi, Antonio Ahmad, Muhammad Nursalam Baker, Kye Barnett, Philip Barrett, Christopher Bloomfield, Tyrone Bruton, Mark Buka, William Corrone, Christine Diamantopoulos, Matthew Dinkha, Zac Downing, Nathan Ene, Chantelle Faley, James Victor Glavocih, Steven Griffiths, Adam Hermiz, Martin Basil Hynes, Joshua Illingworth, Frances Jackson, Jye Allan Johnson, David Brian Jones, Ronald Lapworth, Brock Peter Love, Robert James Matthews, Valentina Mcclaren, Darby Meldrum, Christopher Micevski, Peter Newell, Madeline Sarah Oliver, Zackary Oosterlaak, Christopher Lee Oosterlaak, Skye Elizabeth O'reilly, Dylan Paxinos, Ben Phillips, Craig Reynolds, David Saunders, Chris Stocks, William Frederick Swanwick, Belinda Thiwat, Thong Thomas, Garth Turner, Matthew John Vaeila, Ralph Lafaele Washington, Rachel ebb, Melissa Jane Yokhanna, Ninos \Young, Michael
Melissa Horne, Minister for Health Infrastructure, announced that John Holland has been appointed as Managing Contractor of the second stage of the project, delivering a new emergency department and inpatient unit tower on Cooper St. On track for completion in mid-2026, the new Ambulatory Care Centre’s external façade is being installed while internal fit out works progress.
This will provide a dedicated space for outpatient and ambulatory services, clinical care and hospital administration with a ground link to the existing facility.
The expanded emergency department will feature a dedicated paediatric zone, a specialised mental health and alcohol and other drugs hub, an emergency observation unit, extra inpatient beds and more car parks.
The design of the new building will draw inspiration from local basalt geology, waterways and landscapes, using warm grey, ochre and green tones to connect the facilities with the surrounding precinct.
Pet ownership
■ Nillumbik Shire Council has signed-off on the Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025–2029.
The DomesticAnimalsAct1994requires Councils to develop a Domestic Animal Management Plan and renew it every four years,” said a Council representative.
“Nillumbik’s latest plan outlines the strategic direction for domestic animal management and was shaped by community feedback.
“It focuses on key priorities like animal welfare, keeping the community safe and protecting the local environment.
“Council recognises the important role pets play in people’s lives and is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership while ensuring public spaces remain safe and enjoyable for everyone.”
Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said the plan was shaped by community feedback. “There was also strong support for more education programs, eco-friendly initiatives, and stronger enforcement to help everyone enjoy shared spaces responsibly,” he said. “This new plan shows our commitment to promoting the welfare of pets while ensuring the safety of community and the protection of our environment from disturbances caused by dogs and cats.”
SEYMOUR DISTRICT CRICKET: WEEK 3 SCORES
■ A-Grade. One Day. Alexandra A Grade 0/23
v Tallarook A Grade 4/194, abandoned. At Leckie Park
Yea Tigers A Grade 6/205 v Puckapunyal Senior Mixed A 5/99. At Yea Recreation Reserve
Avenel Senior Men A 10/68 v Pyalong A Grade 1/72. At Avenel Recreation Reserve
Bye: Seymour
■ B-Grade. Tallarook B Grade 2/40 v Alexandra B Grade 8/38. At Tallarook Recreation Reserve
Puckapunyal Senior Mixed B 1/45 v Yea Tigers B Grade 7/41. At Puckapunyal Cricket Ground
Pyalong B Grade 4/229 v Avenel Senior Men B 8/53. At Pyalong Recreation Reserve
Bye: Seymour Senior Mixed B ★
Alexandra A-Grade v Tallasrook A-Grade At Leckie Park
Toss: Tallarook A-Grade won the toss and elected to bat Tallarook A-Grade - Batting
Joshua Rudge
Mitch Itter
Lachlan Watts
Leigh Irving Hamish Melville
Kalon Winnell
Xavier Arandt
Matthew Archibald
Blake Munari-O’Dwyer
Samuel Manchester
Fill-In
Total ....................................... 4/194 (38.3 overs)
Bowling (O-M-R-W): Justin Leary 5-0-15-0, Jordan Ferrier 8-0-42-2, Private player 3-0-10-0, Levi Ronalds 2-0-28-0, William Ashton 5-0-251, Vinu Hewage 5-0-30-0, Fill-in 6-1-31-0, Matthew Wal 5-1-11-1.
Alexandra A-Grade - Batting
Scott Whitehead, not out .............................. 7 Fill-in, not out .............................................. 11
William Ashton, did not bat
Vinu Hewage, did not bat
Matthew Wal, did not bat
Levi Ronalds, did not bat Private player, did not bat
Justin Leary, did not bat
Jordan Leary, did not bat
Harrison Christie, did not bat Fill-in, did not bat
Total ......................................... 6/205 (45 overs)
Bowling: Ciaran Founatain 9-2-26-2, Madison Albers 4-0-19-0, James Voogt 7-1-44-12, Lachlan Deeble 2-0-9-0, Pieter Murtagh 7-1-27-0, Thomas Loft 8-0-40-0, Nicholas Bennetts 8-0-32-2. Puckapunyal Senior Mixed A - Batting
Nicholas Bennetts, b Cameron Armstrong .. 4
Charles Davies, lbw Cameron Armstrong .. 22
Ciaran Founatain, b Will Dalton .................. 12
Joel Baker, lbw Will Dalton ........................... 6
Thomas Loft, lbw Zak Mills .......................... 4
Cody Deegan, not out ................................. 10
Lachlan Deeble, not out ............................. 12
Madison Albers
James Voogt
Pieter Murtagh
Lachlan Kirk
Extras (23WD, 5NB, 1LB, 0B, 0P)
Total ........................................... 5/99 (40 overs)
Bowling: Jake Christie 4-1-9-0, Dylan Thomp-
son 3-0-15-0, Andrew Butterworth 8-2-25-0, Cameron Armstrong 8-3-12-2, Austen Ross 50-7-0, Will Dalton 4-1-7-2, Thomas White 3-0-40, Zak Mills 4-1-6-1, Fill-in 1-0-13-0. ★
Avenel Senior Men A v Pyalong A-Gerade At Avenel Recreation Reserve
Toss: Avenel Senior Men A-Gade won the toss and elected to bat Avenel Senior Men A - Batting
Warren Dowley, c Matthew Wilkins, b Stevem Mitchell ..................................... 0
Hudsonlack, b Steven Mitchell ..................... 0
Travis Stefanos, b Anthony Pratt ............... 15
Thomas Byers, Jamie Pryor, b Steven Mitchell ...................................... 0
Fill-in, run out Joseph Ryan ......................... 4
Gus Leunig, c Dermott Clancy, b Matthew Pratt ......................................... 3
Jamison Black, b Steven Mitchell ................ 1
Harrison Wall, c Dermott Clancy, b Steven Mitchell ...................................... 0
Tallarook U13 v Pyalong U13. At Tallarook Recreation Reserve
Seymour U13 3/144 v Pucka U13 Mixed 8/ 41. At Chittick Park (East) Yea Tigers U13 Mixed v Alexandra U13 Mixed. At Yea Recreation Reserve
Weekend Bowls
Division 3
Euroa 104, 18 d Sheppaton Golf 44,0. Alexandra 75, 7 drew with East Shepparton 75, 11. Rushworth 91, 14 d Eildon 72, 4. Mooroopna 54, 6 defeated Shepparton Park 81, 18.
Division 4
Tal;lygaroopna 55, 1 defeated by Tatura Hill 94, 17. Yea 73, 2 defeated by Dookie 78, 16. East Shepparton 74, 4 defeated by Seymour 83, 14. Shepparton Park 111, 18 d Merrigum 43, 0.
Division 5
Seymour VRI 43, 0 d by Colbinabbin 74, 16. Alexandra 55, 12 d Seymour 50, 4. Bye: Shepparton Park. Murchison 59, 3 d by Tatura Hill 64, 13. Rushworth 57, 3 d by Nagambie 59, 13. Violet Town 58, 3 d by Euroa 68, 13.
At Alex. Golf Club
■ Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said: “One of my great honours was presiding over the AGM of the Murrindindi Historical Vehicle Registry.
“There was a literal full house at the Alexandra Golf Club – unheard of for an AGM – to support the election of new president, Phil Challen, and to recognise the indelible legacy left by the retiring Rod Handscombe, who, with the support of Marg Handscombe has led the club with distinction,” Cr Gallagher said.
Locals feature in ABC episode about Black Saturday fires
■ A number of the region’s identities have appeared in ABC-TV’s I WasActuallyThereprogram, giving first-person accounts of their experiences in the 2009 Black Saturday fires.
The first episode of Series 2 can be seen on the ABC’s Iview platform. Amonst those featured were:
■ Glen Fiske, captain of Marysville Country Fire Authority,
■ Karen Barrow, Kinglake CFA volunteer firefighter,
■ Jason Lynn, and Juliet Moore, Kinglake residents,
■ Sharon Donovan, Marysville B&B operator,
■ isabella Laudisio, Kinglake restaurateur,
■ Cameron Caine, policeman, and
■ David Key, police helicopter rescue.
In the chair
● ● Myles King with Robert Pitchford
■ Robert Pitchford was installed as Worshipful Master of Alexandra’s Albert Edward Lodge by Freemasons Victoria Deputy Grand Master Myles King 9accompanied by wife Isabella ) , supported by the 2025 Grand Ceremonial Team.
Mr Pitchford succeeds Piers Jackson in the role. Mr Pitchford had served in role of Senior Warden for the past 12 months, alongside Andrew White as Junior Warden.
Footy swap
■ Kinglake footballer Damian Pywell (also known as ‘Eggy’) has transferred to the Yea Football Netball Club for the 2026 season.
The livewire forward can work through the middle of the ground, said a Tigers representative.
“Averaging 40+ goals a season in recent years, we can’t wait to see Eggy slot a few miraculous goals in
the bar pocket to excite the crowd at the Rec next winter. We look forward to seeing Damian and his partner Olivia.”
On Show
■ The Whittlesea Show will be held this Saturday-Sunday (Nov. 1 and 2). Gate tickets are $28 for adults, $8 for children 4-14, and $70 for family (two adults, three kids). Online prepaid tickets are cheaper.
President Jayson Munro leads an ethusiastic team of volunteers including superintendents: Mark Dickens, Animal Nursery; Deb Cull
What Local People Are Doing Alexandra
Time capsules
■ A number of time capsules, laid in a Rotary Club of Alexandra promotion a quarter-of-a-cenyury ago, are still be claimed.
A list published earlier this month listed:
■ Redgate CWA
■ Alexandra Swimming Club
■ Alexandra Hospital
■ Alexandra Senior Citizens
■ Kate Hill (DavidHill)
■ Roz Carstein
■ Sue Carstein
■ Descendants of Carol and Gary Pollard
■ Amos Family - David Jodie Courtney and Damon
■ Corey and Craig Schultz
■ From Shelley Dent to Tara Kate Rebecca Katie Karen Travis man Courtney Chelsea Ray Nan and everyone
■ Nicholas Harris
■ Christopher Harris
■ Michelle O’Brien Micheal Hewest
- grandchildren of Lesley and Lorraine O’Brien
■ Joanne Amos From T&K Finlayson
■ Alyce, Caitlyn, Madison and Sarah Debono, Lynda, Steven, Gary and Robert - Dacre
■ Staci, Jack and Tom Carpenter
■ Lynette Allen
■ Sawyer Family Jarrod, Stephanie,Maree, Rick, Sawyers from Ivanhoe
■ Brendan, Andrew, Kate, Laura and Callum Hogan
■ Trisha and Danny Maxwell for Stephen and Rachel Maxwell
■ from Wendy and Bob Dare to Jill and Ian Haig
■ From Doris Wilmot to Mary Ramassen From Sharon Cox to Cheryl Pratt
■ From Rhys Jones to Murray Jones and Bronwyn Jones.
Kinglake
Used to fog
■ Kinglake driver Cooper Murray was used to the fog when he competed at Bathurst earlier this month.
Visibility for drivers was very much like that of a Kinglake winter (or summer!, with drivers exceeding 200kmh as they negotiated the track for the motor classic.
Murray was leading the Great Race with five laps remaining when an optimistic dive from James Golding at Griffins Bend sent the Erebus entry into a half-spin.
While Murray was able to keep his car off the wall, Matt Payne, David Reynolds and Golding all snuck through.
Yea
Open Gardens
■ Three country and two town gardens will be featured in the Yea and District Open Gardens to be held from 10am-5pm on Saturday-Sunday, November 8-9.
Town garden admission is $5; country gardens are $8. Weekend passes are $30. Yea Garden Club will hold a plant sale, and Yea and District Memorial Hosdpital will conduct an open garden (gold coin entry).
The event is run by the Rotary Club of Yea whose executive officers and directors include: President, Darryl King; President-Elect, Ann Drysdale ; Treasurer, Gary Fitzgerald ; Secretary, Glenda Woods; Community Service, Samuel Wright; Club Service, Glenn Milliken; International Service, Jill Heath; Rotary Foundation, Penny Paxman ; and New Generations, Lily Cox
Strathbogie
Cyber security
■ Strathbogie Shire Council is coordinating Cybersecurity for Seniors workshops on today (Wed., Oct. 29) in Euroa and Nagambie
Yea
108th Show
■ Preparations are underway for the 108th Yea Show to be held on Saturday, November 22.
The Yea AP&H Association website says that highlights will include:
DeLuca, art; Ross Draper, cattle; Ian Morris, commercial beef herd; Michelle Paxton, craft, cookery and horticulture; Ian Cochaud, education; Stefania Collins, farm and garden; Celina Mott, food expo; Wally Mott, fun and games; Caroline McDonald, fun dog show; Dale Murphy, heritage; Leanne Stone, hobby livestock; Lyn Lee, horses; Vicki Johnson, photography; Robert Draper, pioneer; Tony Milton, poultry; Adele Heaney, sheep; and Tom Lee, woodchop.
Office bearers include Celina Mott, Vice-President; Erica Hawke, Immediate Past President; Walter Mott, Secretary; Sarah Foggie, treasurer; Wendy Lee, Jess McDonald, Treasurer’s Assistants.
Animal Nursery Assistants are Emma howe, Indi Hyde, Courtney Duhig, Mikayla Boxhall, Chelsea Mowlam, Christian Abela, Lorelai Hazelden, Grace Abela, Jorja Mowlam, Bree Pace, Tayla pulford, Julie Hazelden, Hudson Nauta and Finley Naula.
Arena commentators are Brian Brennan and Robert Berthun. Arena co-rdinators are Robert Draper and Ross Draper. Ross McGrice is Attractions Manager, assisted by Rhiannon Gilmore. Broadcast Co-Ordinator is Garry Ewart. Other officials include John Osky, Catering Superintendent. Grounds Manager is Glen Lawler with assistants John Hunter, Howard Rose, John Greer, John Towt, Peter Towt and Laurie Bridgeman. President Liaison Officer is Judy Clements.
work, Woodwork, Photography.
■ Yea Spin and Yarn Group - Demonstrations and Display
■ Sheep Dog Trials: Naomi White The website lists Yea AP&H
officials as: President, Matthew Noonan; Senior Vice-President, Max Martin ; Junior Vice-President, Michael Alexandrou; Treasurer, Gary Fitzgerald; Secretary; Kimm Noonan; Committee: Duncan Newcomen, Peter Tull, Greg Garlick, Elaine White, Emily Noonan, Jan O'Neill, Dianne Fletcher, Chelsea Helder, Carol Ross, Rodney Ridd, Marlene Mason, Kerry Tull, Helen Hildebrand, Jacqui Burgess, Claire Noonan, Viv Cavanagh and Declan Baker.
■ Amongst the Whittlesea Agricultural Society volunteers due to assist this weekend are:
■ Cattle Stewards: Marie Portz, Daryl Johnson, Edward Troutbeck, James Elder, Aaron Brennan, Barry Johnson, John McPhee, Brian Alford, Michelle Love,, Amanda Glasser and Claire Verplak.
■ Commercial cattle stewards: Andrew Cocking, Doris Cocking, Geoff Richard, Keith Johnson, Bryce Jurgens, Alex Skelton.
■ Central and Upper Goulburn Group delegates: Jacob Hince, Judy Munro.
■ Education assistants: Shelley Wheller, Chris Jobbins, Adrian Jobbins, Laura Rambaldi, Susan Barnett.
■ Farm and garden stewards: Melanie Chincarini, Harrison Collins, Laura Murphy, Sandi Swan, Leslie Borg.
■ Heritage assistants: Stuart Crane, James Crane, Brian Murphy, Gary Gay, Graeme Simmons, Kelvin Gaskell, Blake Gaskell, Peter Gruenberg, Grant Munro, Steve Middlebrook, Kerry Swanm, Tim Blake, Colin Jarvis, Simon Jacobs, Nat Jacobs, Brian Salter, Richard Ewe, Robert Davidson, Keith Hardidge.
● ● Kinglake resident Jason Lynn in I Was Actually There.
Eildon Primary School students of 2000
Local Briefs
Violence up 14.3%
■ Murrindindi Shire Council and the Rotary Club of Alexandra are inviing locals, visitors and businesses to join the Walk for Respect at 11am on Friday, November 28..
The event calls on everyone to take a stand together against domestic and family violence.
There were 208 family violence incidents reported in Murrindindi Shire in the year ended March 30.
This was a 14.3 per cent increase from the previous year.
“These reports underscore the urgent need for greater awareness and collective action,” said a Council representative.
“The Walk for Respect is an opportunity to come together, speak up and demonstrate our shared commitment to ending violence against women and children.”
The event will begin with a presentation from Vincent Care, exploring the gendered nature of family violence and the important role we all play in prevention.
Vincent Care’s Hume Community Hub, led by Marie Murfet, has supported victim survivors across the Shire for the past seven years.
Marie will be joined by Alison Maclean, founder of 3whitehorses and an expert in family violence systems, who is supporting the Vincent Care team as they expand their work in the region.
Following the talk, participants will take a 1.5 km walk along the UT Creek Path , before gathering at Rotary Park for a community barbecue, light refreshments and stalls from local support services.
Attendees are encouraged to wear purple, a colour symbolising respect, and to bring friends, family and even their dogs (on leash).
Local community groups and businesses are also invited to participate by hosting a stall or sharing resources that promote respect and equality.
Contact Rotary Club of Alexandra’s Ian Smith, on 0419 581 617, for stallholder enquiries.
Local talent
■ The 2025 Mansfield Youth Art Exhibition has concluded its month-long run, with seven young local artists, aged 14 to 20, displaying a range of art mediums.
Held at the Mansfield Information Centre Gallery, the exhibition launched with an opening event attended by around 40 guests.
Attendees enjoyed a relaxed afternoon tea, great art and live acoustic music by local performer Alana Beattie, setting the tone for a month-long celebration of youth creativity.
The Amplify Artist Award was awarded to Abigail Wettenhall for her impressive multi-medium display featuring pencil work, pyrography, charcoal drawings and sculpture. Abigail received a Made in Mansfield gift voucher for her achievement.
Lighting the way
■ Mitchell Shire Council is taking another step towards a more financially efficient and environmentally sustainable future, with a project underway to replace more than 400 mercury vapour street lights with modern LED technology across the municipality.
Power outage
■ Broadford Living and Learning Centre wasclosed on Thursday(Oct, 23) and Sunday (Oct,. 26) due to planned AusNet power outages in the area.
Standpipes at Spurr Rd, Clonbinane, and Cunninghams Rd, Tyaak were unavailable on Thursday (Oct. 23) and Sunday (Oct. 26) between 8am and 5pm.
Fully booked
■ Murrindindi Shire Council is this month celebrating seniors gatherings to promote active ageing, social connection, and community participation, said Cr Jodi Adams.
“All local events hosted by Council for the Seniors Festival are fully booked—a testament to their popularity and impact. Venues include:
■ Molesworth Hotel
■ Rubicon Hotel
■ Strath Creek General Store
■ Buxton Hotel
Uni hub opens at Epping
■ Tertiary students in Melbourne’s outer north have greater access to learning closer to home with the official opening of the Northern Study Hub in Epping
This initiative is led by La Trobe University, in collaboration with a range of community partners and support from the Federal Government.
Located within the Melbourne Polytechnic Library, the Epping site joins Broadmeadows under the Northern Study Hub umbrella, which was Victoria’s first hub launched in August. La Trobe Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the Hub reflected the University’s mission to expand access to higher education and strengthen local partnerships.
“To meet the tertiary education needs of Melbourne’s rapidly expanding northern suburbs, La Trobe is committed to working with community partners, like Melbourne Polytechnic, to enable young people to participate, grow and succeed in higher education,” Professor Farrell said.
The Northern Study Hub is situated in one of the nation’s fastest-growing regions, with Melbourne’s outer north projected to accommodate an additional 102,000 homes or about 318,000 people by 2060.
There is a goal of doubling higher education participation and attainment by 2050, as outlined in the Universities Accord
‘Police kept in the dark’
■ The State Government has been forced to backflip and reinstate funding for ground maintenance at police stations across Victoria Victorian stations were notified of maintenance contracts ending, leading to grounds becoming quickly overgrown.
Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish said locals are proud of their police service and would rather see cops on the beat than doing their own gardening.
“Everyone deserves a tidy workplace, particularly our police who put their lives on the line to keep community safe.”
“The Premier claims she backs the police, but the truth is she cut $50 million from the police budget, closed stations, and has 2000 job vacancies.”
Police were told lawn mowing, pruning, weeding, carpet cleaning, window cleaning wouldn not happen. Lightbulbs would only be replaced if more than half of the lights didn’t work.
Benetas buys into Wollert
■ The sale of the aged care site at Keyton’s Sherwin Rise retirement village will see Benetas offer access to residential aged care services, once the project is complete.
“I am extremely pleased to have agreed the sale with Benetas and to be able to welcome one of the most successful and renowned providers of residential aged care services in the sector to Sherwin Rise,” Keyton CEO, Nathan Cockerill said.
“A Benetas residential aged care service will fill a much-needed gap by providing a continuum of care to both Sherwin Rise residents and the wider Wollert seniors community.\
“Benetas has been providing aged care services in Victoria for 75 years. With Keyton’s 30 years in retirement living we have over a century of combined experience providing communities and care for seniors,” he said.
Benetas CEO Sandra Hills said: “Benetas is looking forward to working in partnership with the Keyton team to deliver an experience for residents that will support older members of the community to age in place.
“We are looking forward to supporting the community by building and operating a care home that will address the growing local demand for quality aged care services in the community,” Ms Hills said. Benetas is a leading not-for-profit provider of residential aged care.
Local Briefs
Key projects
■ Mansfield Council’s Annual Report lists key projects for the 2024-25 year:
■ Installing and commissioning the Mansfield weather station
■ Mansfield Heritage Museum’s foyer and administration area internal fit-out
■ Completion and opening of the Goughs Bay Boat Sport and Recreation Club redevelopment
■ Highton Lane widening and reconstruction
■ Completion of new footpaths and shared paths along the Mansfield-Whitfield Rd, Kidston Pde, Piries-Goughs Bay Rd (stage 1) and renewal of the Rail Trail
■ Creek crossing upgrades on Chapel Hill Rd at Lanky Creek
■ Sealing of James St in Bonnie Doon, sections of Rifle Butts Rd and resealing 858m of sealed roads
■ Resheeting of 35.6km of unsealed gravel roads across the shire.
■ Road and drainage improvements in Woods Point
■ Rowe St drainage upgrades
■ Construction of disability parking spaces
Murrindindi Cup
■ A Murrindindi Cup devent will be held at thde Murrindindi-Woodbourne Community Hub from 5pm this Saturday (Nov. 1).
Organisers promise live hobby horse racing, ‘Fashions on the Deck/Lawn’, hoprs d’oeuvres, raffles and prizes. Cost is $25 per adult, children under 12 free. The bar will be open from 5pm; there is no bring-yourown alcohol.
Men’s Shed funds
■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has congratulated Whittlesea Men’s Shed for winning $37,000 in State Government grant funding to upgrade their facilities.
“Whittlesea Men’s Shed performs a vital service to the community by giving men a place where they can connect with each other, share a yarn, learn new skills, swap ideas and build useful things together,” Ms Lovell said
Ms Lovell spoke in Parliament to fully support the Whittlesea Men’s Shed application for grant funding that will enable them to extend their shed to accommodate a larger machine workshop, and continue their work.
Whittlesea Men’s Shed is one of 31 men’s sheds that will receive a grant through the 2025-26 Men’s Shed Funding Program to help them to upgrade or build new facilities and purchase equipment.
“Whittlesea Men’s Shed is an important community organisation doing terrific work to reduce social isolation and bring men together to support each other,” Ms Lovell said.
“I congratulate them on their successful grant application, and I look forward to seeing their expanded facility and a growing number of participants getting involved at the shed.”
8 new Aussies
■ Murrindindi Shire Council celebrated eight new Australian citizens last week at an official Citizenship Ceremony held at the Alexandra Council Chamber.
Desmond, Sherma, Marc, Francesco, David, Alexey, Florine and Gerard have pledged their loyalty to Australia, its people, and its democratic beliefs, and to uphold and obey the laws of Australia and respect the rights and liberties of its people.
The ceremony was conducted by Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, with Deputy Mayor Cr Anita Carr and Council CEO Livia Bonazzi assisting in the proceedings.
Also in attendance were distinguished guests including Peter Rice from UGFM, local volunteer and educator Veronica Hendrickson, and John Allcock, President of Rotary Club of Alexandra.
Volunteer drivers
■ Nuillumbik Council is looking for local residents to join the Community Volunteer Driver program, helping older members of the community get where they need to go; whether it’s the shops, social activities or medical appointments. The Council is particularly keen to welcome new volunteers from Warrandyte, Wattle Glen, Hurstbridge, Panton Hill, and St Andrews
Sandra Hill, Benetas CEO
● Professor Theo Farrell
● ● Cindy McLeish MLA at Yarra Glen Police Station
Places To Go
What’s On What’s What’s
WOMBATS WADDLE TO DENTIST Hidden
gems
■ If you have ever dreamed of a European holiday without the long queues or crowded hot spots, now is the time to explore the hidden gems of the Balkans and Adriatic coast.
These lesser-visited countries offer relaxed travel, warm hospitality, and authentic cultural encounters — but the secret is getting out fast.
Travel with Me , a Western Australian agency specialising in solo-friendly small-group journeys, invites you to experience the Hidden Balkans: Culture, Cuisine and Coastline (April 30– May 17).
This 18-day adventure takes just 18 guests through Serbia, North Macedonia, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia, with local dining, cooking classes, wine tasting and private lake cruising.
Discover more at travelwithme.com.au or call (08) 9581 5944 to secure a place on these exclusive small-group journeys.
■ Wombats Gem and Milo are receiving top notch dental care at Healesville Sanctuary with a specialist brought in to ensure their toothy pegs are healthy.
The short and stout marsupials have teeth that continue to grow for the entirety of their life, that’s why they munch on coarse native grasses to grind down their chompers.
Healesville Sanctuary Keeper Mia Hammond said we provide diverse types of fibrous food for the wombats to wear their teeth down.
“We also do dental check-ups to ensure everything is on track. Milo and Gem were amazing patients and it all started with their training to voluntarily enter a crate, so they could calmly see the dentist at our wildlife hospital,” Ms Hammond said.
“We are really happy with the amount we are checking Gem’s teeth because she has a history of a bit of overgrowth, and Milo is looking really good too.”
The entire dental procedure was broadcast on a screen allowing the veterinary team and visitors to see each tooth in real-time.
Wombat teeth look different to human teeth. The brown stuff on the surface of their teeth is called secondary dentine, and that's what wombats use to grind food into small pieces.
“If you saw that on human teeth you would be a little worried, but it is completely normal for wombats.”
After the procedure under general anaesthetic, keepers and vets made sure they were drinking and eating well. Gem and Milo made a full recovery.
The dental check-ups were made possible thanks to expertise and support of Equine Veterinary Dental Surgeon Dr Paul Owens
As their name suggests, Common Wombats are commonly found across Australia from the tip of Queensland to Victoria, and throughout South Australia and Tasmania. Cars and road trauma pose a threat to these animals in the wild.
Skincare
■ The State Government is supporting an Australian luxury skincare brand working to in-house 100 per cent of its manufacturing by the end of the year, after relocating to Kyneton Rartionale, a Victorianowned skincare product manufacturer, invested $7.8 million to relocate its headquarters from Melbourne to Kyneton in 2022.
The move to to the Macedon Ranges highlights extensive economic and investment opportunities in regional Victoria.
Sweet!
■ Jiashi has become China's largest plum producer.The county boasts 38,000 hectares of plum orchards with an expected output of 410,000 metric tons this year, and attracted 25 enterprises to produce 22 types of plumbased products, including juice, dried fruit, wine, and jam. he plums are rich in anthocyanins and vitamins, which provide antioxidant and digestive benefits.
Milo The Wombat at Healesville.
Places To Go Oyster tasting experience
■ Luxury small-ship operator Unforgettable Croatia has launched a new private island oyster tasting experience as part of its calls to Ston.
The excursion, which is included at no additional cost on itineraries operating between Dubrovnik and Split, transports guests via small boat from the medieval town of Ston to a small, private island - Banja Island - to hear from experts about the growing and harvesting process.
A fresh oyster and mussel tasting experience is offered, paired with locally produced wine from the region.
The island is located in the bay of Mali Ston on the Pelješac peninsula, where a specific species of European flat oyster flourishes in the unique mix of freshwater and seawater.
Uninsured risk
■ A new survey has revealed that one in seven Australian travellers (14 per cent) went on their most recent overseas trip without any travel insurance coverage – a trend particularly pronounced among younger travellers, with 23 per cent of under-30s going uninsured.
The survey of 1001 travellers, conducted by Quantum Market Research on behalf of the Insurance Council of Australia and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's Smartraveller, found that two thirds (65 per cent) of those who travelled without insurance gave it some thought before deciding to go without.
Earthquake safety
■ With Australia experiencing on average 100 earthquakes above magnitude 3.0 every year, Geoscience Australia is encouraging people to practice earthquake safety. Research after the 2021 magnitude 5.9 Woods Point earthquake howed only 3 per centof people followed safety advice.
● ● Oysters on Banja Island
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2025
In The Pink Out of pocket
■ The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists has issued a statement calling for stronger government oversight of private health insurers after the Ombudsman’s latest report revealed a spike in consumer complaints and emerging ‘phoenixing’ behaviour.
The ASO says patients are being left confused and out of pocket as insurers dodge accountability, and they’re renewing calls for an independent Private Health Commission
Hearing voices
■ A study of the way people process inner and outer speech is the first tangible evidence of a key theory about schizophrenia’s drivers.
A new study led by psychologists from UNSW Sydney has provided the strongest evidence yet that auditory verbal hallucinations – or hearing voices – in schizophrenia may stem from a disruption in the brain’s ability to recognise its own inner voice.
Endometriosis toll
■ The proportion of women presenting to Australian general practice with endometriosis almost doubled between 20112021, according to a new study by Monash University’s SPHERE Centre of Research Excellence . The research analysed deidentified electronic medical data from almost 20,000 women.
TOWERING FIGURE IN GENERAL PRACTICE
■ he general practice profession is in mourning following the passing of Emeritus Professor John Murtagh.
He passed away peacefully at the Alfred Hospital in Melbourne, surrounded by members of his loving family. He was 89.
Royal Australian College of GPs President Dr Michael Wright described Professor Murtagh as a towering figure in general practice and medical education.
“For generations of GPs, including mine, Professor Murtagh was the most famous GP we knew,” he said.
“His seminal textbook, JohnMurtagh’sGeneralPractice, first published in 1994 and now in its ninth edition, was our guide during medical school and into our general practice training.’
“Professor Murtagh’s ability to explain both complex concepts and practical procedures in an approachable and engaging way made his work essential reading for any future GPs.
“Professor Murtagh leaves a lasting legacy of transforming general practice and family medicine in Australia, and across the world.
“In 2007, he was awarded Life Fellowship of the RACGP , and, in the same year, he was awarded Life Fellowship of the World Organization of Family Doctors, in recognition of his contributions to global family medicine.”
The Pulse Emergency care
■ When every minute counts, getting the right care fast can make all the difference. During Virtual Care Awareness Week, Ambulance Victoria highlighted how services like the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department are transforming emergency care - connecting Victorians to expert help from home while freeing up paramedics for critical cases.
Since its launch, Ambulance Victoria has referred more than 85,000 patients to the VVED for appropriate virtual care, and more than 680,000 patients have benefited overall from the online service.
Opioid treatment
■ People on long-term opioid treatment can be reassured that stopping these medicines is not likely to increase their risk of suicide or fatal overdose, thanks to a major new study from the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre at UNSW Sydney The Australian -first research, based on data from 3.57 million people prescribed opioids, found no evidence of an association between opioid discontinuation and death from suicide or overdose.
Migraine CEO
■ Migraine Australia has announced the appointment of Chloe Cifelli as Chair and Amy Jones as Deputy Chair; two experienced executives set to lead the organisation through a new era of growth.
Seniors News Melbourne
Ancient Wisdom
Super changes
■ “Retirees commend the Government for taking on board the key criticisms of taxing unrealised gains and lack of indexation of the $3 million threshold on the proposed Division 296 legislation,” said Wayne Strandquist, Chief Advocate for the Australian Independent Retirees
“Australian Independent Retirees objected to the calculation of earnings based on unrealised capital gains, that is, the yearon-year difference in capital value of a fund member’s total superannuation balance.
“We will now see earnings that are calculated on actual earnings received such as interest, dividends, actual net realised capital gains, investment distributions, and dividend franking credits,” Mr Strandquist said.
Women’s savings
■ A new Monash University study found that women were at higher risk of exhausting their retirement savings than men when relying on the traditional 60/40 investment mix of equities and bonds for a comfortable lifestyle.
The report, titled TheFutureofthe60/40 Allocation:ModellingthePerformanceof the60/40PortfolioinRetirement, used computer simulations to examine retirement outcomes in Australia and the United States
The study tested how well the classic 60/ 40 strategy, which allocates 60 per cent of savings to equities for growth and 40 per cent to bonds for stability, could support retirees over a 25-year period, either at a comfortable lifestyle of $53,289 a year or a modest lifestyle of $34,522 a year for single retirees, as defined by standard benchmarks in Australia
The research was led by experts from the Monash Centre for Financial Studies at Monash Business School in collaboration with the US-based CFA Institute.
The researchers found that women, who typically retire with lower superannuation balances in Australia and lower Social Security benefits in the United States, faced greater financial strain under the traditional 60/40 investment approach.
Aged screening
■ Due to the high prevalence of malnutrition in aged care, Dietitians Australia is pushing for malnutrition screening to become a mandatory component of the residential care admissions process.
These tools are used to identify residents who are at risk of malnutrition without the need for diagnostic tests and interventions.
Top destinations
■ Australia’s top 10 retirement destinations have been announced by Toby Ellis, Managing Director, Citro:
■ Orange, NSW : median dwelling price
$665K; median weekly rent $560
■ Rosebud, Victoria: median dwelling price
$769K; median weekly rent $589
■ Wagga Wagga, NSW : median dwelling price $573K; median weekly rent $525
■ Mandurah, WA: median dwelling price
$711K; median weekly rent $617
■ Ballina, NSW: median dwelling price $1M; median weekly rent $805
■ Greenwith, SA: median dwelling price
$845K; median weekly rent $616
■ Wellard, WA: median dwelling price
$706K; median weekly rent $662
■ Golden Beach, QLD: median dwelling price $1M; median weekly rent $723
■ Launceston, Tasmania: median dwelling price $534K; median weekly rent $500
■ Paynesville, Victoria: median dwelling price $540K; median weekly rent $499.
“Australians over 40 are asking smart questions about where they’ll spend the next chapter of their lives,” Mr Ellis said.
New rules for Aged Care decision making
■ A new legislated supported decision-making approach will commence on November 1 under the new AgedCareAct
It will create significant responsibilities for those providing care, as well as for families and others who support older people.
“The new regime is about rebalancing the power dynamics in aged care and putting the wishes of older people front and centre,” said Older Persons Advocacy Network CEO, Craig Gear
“It reinforces that older people have the right to make their own decisions, with appropriate support if they need it.
“For registered supporters, the new regime also introduces clear responsibilities and consequences, ensuring that the autonomy and voice of the older person is respected in all decisions about their care and life.”
To help prepare for these changes, OPAN has launched new supported decision-making resources for both older people and aged care providers.
The supported decision-making toolkit helps older people, their families and supporters understand what supported decision-making is, why it matters, and how to use it in everyday life.
It includes practical tips, easy-to-understand information, and real-life examples to help people stay in control of decisions about their care, services and daily life.
For aged care providers, OPAN has developed a new supported decision-making eLearning module, offering practical guidance on how to put supported decision-making into practice in line with their obligations under the new AgedCareAct
Mr Gear said supported decision-making is a cornerstone of a rights-based aged care system - one that recognises older people as the decision-makers in their own lives.
“Supported decision-making means having the support you need to make and communicate your own decisions, rather than having decisions made for you,” Mr Gear said.
“The new Aged Care Act reinforces that right. It ensures older people remain at the centre of their care, supported by those they trust - whether that’s a family member, friend, advocate or provider.
“These new resources give older people practical tools to exercise that right and help providers understand how to embed supported decision-making in everyday practice.”
The resources were developed by subject matter experts in collaboration with older people, advocates and aged care providers, to ensure they reflect real-world experiences and practical application.
Together, they form part of OPAN’s commitment to building a more inclusive, rightsbased aged care system.
The supported decision-making toolkit and eLearning module for providers are freely available at opan.org.au
Alarming figures
■ Influenza deaths in the first seven months of this year have surpassed the same period in the most recent severe flu year of 2019, according to new data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics Australian College of Nursing Chief Nursing Officer, Frances Rice, said these alarming figures are further evidence that Australia needs more nurse-led programs and clinics to reverse Australia’s declining vaccination rates.
Provisional mortality statistics reveal that 753 influenza deaths were recorded between January and July 2025 – the worst period since the same time in 2019.
● ● Craig Gear, CEO, OPAN
■ Catholic Health Australia has welcomed the opportunity to appear before Senators at the Aged Care Services Inquiry, noting that the Inquiry’s main goal to have more home care packages released by the Government has been achieved.
The bipartisan decision to release home care packages sooner was a great outcome of this Inquiry, said Alex Lynch - Director of Aged and Community Care
The Inquiry noted CHA’s advocacy on the critical issue of insufficient support for care management within the new Aged Care framework.
The decision to reduce care management increases the risks of unplanned hospitalisations and earlier than necessary entry into residential aged care.
“Catholic providers continue to advocate for care management to be restored to meet the goal of supporting people to age in their own homes,” said Mr Lynch.
End-of-Life path
■ Palliative Care Australia has welcomed the Federal Government’s new End-of-Life Pathway under the new Support at Home aged care program, starting November 1.
PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said the $25,000 allocation for home based aged care is a vital step forward that could transform end of life care for thousands of Australians each year.
homemaker ▲ Melbourne
Home Sweet Home
Local colours
■ Step inside an Australian home in 2025 and you will notice the difference immediately: softer light, warmer colours, textures you want to touch.
Cool greys and stark whites are continuing to give way to clay, sand, and olive tones, while glossy finishes are being replaced with matte and natural surfaces with beautiful patina.
Flooring and window treatments are setting the mood - turning everyday rooms into places that feel calm, personal, and enduring.
“Because we’re working with so many different communities, we see first-hand how people adapt trends to suit their location and style of home,” says Georgina Redenbach, Interior Designer and founder of Olive and Pear Designs, in partnership with Andersens
“In warmer climates, pale hybrids and sheer curtains are popular for maximising light and airflow, while in cooler regions we’re seeing heritage-inspired parquetry and layered window treatments making a confident return. It’s a national story, but told in very local ways.”
Heat pumps on
■ Government forecasts suggest that by 2036, heat pumps could provide up to 40 per cent of Australia’s domestic hot water.
This shift is being supported by the Federal Government’s Heat Pump Roadmap and strengthened Minimum Energy Performance Standards, both designed to accelerate the move toward energy efficiency and decarbonisation.
Nylex new range
■ Aussie brand, Nylex, has launched a new watering accessories range designed to elevate the look of outdoor spaces while offering easy and efficient water usage.
With an understanding of current home and landscaping trends, the collection has been created for the style conscious homeowner, transforming necessary watering equipment into a feature they’d want to show.
Architecturally-inspired, the new Nylex range consists of watering essentials including hoses, hose reels and hose carts.
Stylish features such as a sophisticated monochromatic palette with contrasting textures and bold streamlined forms, are a significant move away from the bright colours traditionally seen in garden watering accessories.
Market shifts
■ Suburbs such as Chelsea in Melbourne are attracting a mix of first and second home buyers, as well as investors, says Propertybuyer CEO and Founder Rich Harvey.
Australia’s property market is shifting rapidly with several suburbs poised to tip over the million-dollar median mark, according to new research and analysis from Propertybuyer and Hotspotting
The top 10 list features nine house suburbs and one unit suburb, with three in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland, as well as one in South Australia
It was becoming increasingly difficult to identify emerging $1 million hotspots because of rapid price growth, Mr Harvey said.
“It’s getting harder to pick suburbs because some accelerate over the finish line so much faster now. Frankston, for example, jumped a hundred grand in three months,” he said.
The Top 10 Million Dollar Suburbs report includes locations where affordability, infrastructure, and buyer demand are converging to drive growth. “We try to pick areas where we believe there’s a groundswell of factors pushing it forward.”
PREPARING FOR SEVERE STORMS
■ With storms costing Victorians millions of dollars in damage annually and accounting for 80 per cent of all Victoria State Emergency Service callouts, RACV is encouraging Victorians to take proactive steps to protect their homes and vehicles from severe weather.
According to Victoria State Emergency Service, more than 12,000 storm-related requests for assistance were made in the past year, costing Victorians an estimated $28 million.
The Insurance Council of Australia also reported 27,000 insurance claims during the extreme 2024 Valentine’s Day storm.
RACV General Manager Insurance and Roadside, Bill Bloodworth, said many of these issues can be prevented with simple preparation.
“Storms are one of the most common causes of damage to homes in Victoria. We know that issues like roof leaks, blocked gutters and unsecured outdoor items often lead to costly repairs that could have been avoided,” Mr Bloodworth said.
“Now is a great time for Victorians to carry out a home and garden check-up and make sure their property is storm-ready.”
RACV’s tips for preparing your home and vehicle:
■ Clear gutters and downpipes to reduce the risk of water damage.
■ Secure or store outdoor items such as furniture, umbrellas, and trampolines.
■ Park vehicles undercover where possible to protect against hail and falling branches.
■ Trim overhanging branches near your home and powerlines.
■ Inspect your roof for cracked or missing tiles. During a storm, RACV recommends:
■ Stay indoors and away from windows.
■ Avoid driving unless essential.
■ Never touch fallen powerlines or enter floodwaters.
■ Prepare a battery-powered radio or phone for emergency updates.
“If your home or vehicle is damaged, contact RACV Insurance as soon as it is safe. Document damage with photos and keep receipts for any urgent repairs,” Mr Bloodworth said.
“By taking action now, households can reduce the likelihood of serious storm damage and stay safer when severe weather does hit.”
Home values hit
■ A new joint report from property data firm PropTrack and the Climate Council has found climate pollution is driving worsening floods that are today hitting the value of Australians’ greatest financial asset: their home.
The report analysed more than two decades of property data and found homes in flood zones are collectively worth about $42.2 billion less due to the risk of floods.
Homeowners are effectively paying a ‘disaster penalty’ of about $75,000 for a typical three-bed, two-bath house.
As climate-driven floods become more frequent and severe, more properties could face steeper penalties.
Households in Queensland and New South Wales are the hardest hit, followed by Victoria
Overall rising property prices are masking the fact that flood-prone properties start from a lower value and experience slower growth.
Climate Councillor and economist Nicki Hutley said: “Our homes are our most prized assets but we’re increasingly being dealt a losing hand when it comes to worsening climate risks. This study finds of more than two million flood-prone homes, at least 70 per cent are valued lower today due to flood risk.”
Home Runs Code reform
■ The Housing Industry Association says that it welcomes commitments made by Commonwealth and State and Territory Building Minsters in providing decisive action to pause non-essential building code changes, said HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin.
“These commitments act on one of the key outcomes from the recent Treasurer’s Economic Reform Roundtable and will provide industry with greater stability and certainty to support the delivery of more homes faster.”
The heat is on
■ Early weather modelling from the Bureau of Meteorology confirms fears – a hotter-than-normal summer is ahead, and it's coming for energy bills.
BOM's first long-range summer prediction is expecting chances of extreme heat until January 2026 for most of the country.
Find a tradie
■ “The availability of skilled tradespeople has worsened across Australia as home building pipelines expand again,” stated HIA Senior Economist, Tom Devitt.
“A number of states were already seeing improving home building activity on the back of population growth, tight labour markets, recovering household incomes and relatively more affordable land.”
● Bill Bloodworth at RACV
Passing Notes
$96,000 raised
■ Students from OneSchool Global campuses across Australia have proven themselves to be Heart Heroes, jumping rope for hundreds of hours to raise almost $96,000 for life-saving heart research.
Jump Rope for Heart is an initiative that takes place throughout the school year, with schools running 5-8 week programs to raise donations for the Heart Foundation, while also encouraging kids to get active and move their bodies.
University study
■ A new Edith Cowan University study has found community service organisations are under-prepared, but eager to act, on the social impacts of climate change.
In response to the research a new toolkit and workshops have been developed, providing free tools and resources for community service organisations to infuse climate justice and disaster resilience into their operations, policies, programs and practices.
Little Angler kits
■ Grade 5 students across Victoria will have the chance to become hooked on fishing, thanks to free Little Angler Kits.
The 82,500 kits will be distributed across nearly 1900 schools in time for the 2026 September school holidays.
Education Matters
EX-TEACHERS KEEP KIDS INVOLVED
■ Former primary school teachers Sarah and Manny Kechayas are taking their classroom creation, PevanandSarah, on the road.
“Beloved by early primary and preschool students, the duo will bring their iconic tiger, Pevan, and his energetic sidekick Sarah to Ringwood on Wednesday, November 12, at Karralyka Centre,” said their publicist.
“The 50-minute live show blends music, laughter and learning in an interactive, action-packed performance that’s as entertaining as it is educational.”
The shows and songs are designed to support educators by combining curriculumaligned literacy and numeracy concepts with social-emotional skills like teamwork, confidence and resilience.
Their live performances give children a chance to sing, dance and connect in ways that help build joy around learning – while giving teachers and families a much-needed boost.
When: Wednesday, November 12 – 10.30am and 12.30pm Where: Karralyka Centre, 22A Mines Road, Ringwood East Tickets: https://www.karralyka.com.au/Theatre/Touring-and-Community/Pevan-Sarahin-Concert
Tess Dwyer, St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, Healesville Tess Dwyer, St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, Healesville
Discover St Brigid’s – A Discover –Place to Grow in Wisdom Place Grow in and Love and and Love and Nestled in the heart of Healesville, St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School offers a vibrant, faith-filled learning environment where every child is known, valued, and supported. With a proud history dating back to 1901, our school blends tradition with innovation, providing a rich curriculum that nurtures academic excellence, creativity, and wellbeing.
Our Christ-centred community embraces students from all backgrounds, fostering spiritual growth through daily prayer, liturgies, and Gospel-inspired service.
Specialist programs in STEM, Bush School, Visual and Performing Arts, Italian, and Physical Education empower students to explore their passions and develop lifelong skills. With small class sizes, dedicated staff, and a strong focus on literacy and numeracy, we tailor learning to meet each child’s needs.
Our wellbeing and leadership programs ensure students feel safe, con-
Fact File
NAME: St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School
ADDRESS: 1 High St, Healesville, Vic 3777
PHONE: 5962 4200
WEBSITE: www.sbhealesville. catholic.edu.au
EMAIL: enrolments@sbhealesville. catholic.edu.au
fident, and ready to thrive. Families are warmly invited to join our inclusive community, where partnerships between home and school are central to student success. School tours and enrolment interviews are available year-round. Come and experience the St Brigid’s difference—where learning is joyful, relationships are strong, and every child is inspired to shape tomorrow. Contact us today: 1 High Street, Healesville (03) 5962 4200 https://sbhealesville.catholic.edu.au/ enrolments@sbhealesville.catholic.edu.au
Thinking Caps Reading
fun
■ An independent little Victorian business has launched a project that is the first of its kind in Australia – free, fun reading material for the 44 per cent of people living with low literacy.
Easy English is a format developed by Australian speech pathologist Cathy Basterfield. Through simple, everyday words and clear illustrations, it makes texts that almost anyone can read, with an average reading level less than grade two.
Access Easy English is releasing a new easy-to-read resource every week, focussing on things people with low literacy tell us they want to read.
Sport, recipes, celebrities, what’s on and things to do – so far they have covered the AFL Grand Final, Taylor Swift’s new album, an easy summer recipe, and a look at Halloween
Uni’s UK courses
■ Charles Darwin University has applications open for degree courses designed for young professionals in the UK. Designed specifically for UK-based professionals who want to advance their careers, Charles Darwin University Australia’s approach sets it apart from traditional UK universities, offering students the ability to start anytime, study online at their own pace, while balancing work, family, and personal commitments. UK residents can now apply for a MBA
● ● Pevan and Sarah
Jason McBean, Laurimar Primary School
At Laurimar Primary School we are passionate about creating a learning environment where every child thrives. As Principal, I’m proud to lead a team of exceptional, highly trained educators who bring expertise, innovation and heart to every classroom. Our commitment to excellence begins with strong foundations. We have invested in highly researched and evidence-based programs that give
Fact File
NAME: Laurimar Primary School
ADDRESS: 1 Armidale Rd, Doreen, Vic 3754
PHONE: 9717 7100
EMAIL: laurimar.ps@ education.vic.edu.au
every child the best opportunity to develop essential skills for success.
The school's approach to guiding our students is anchored in positivity and purpose.
Underpinned by our school values and the School Wide Positive Behaviour Support (SWPBS) framework, we recognise and celebrate effort, kindness and achievement. This is fundamental in developing confident, caring and responsible young people who contribute positively to their community.
Endless opportunities are provided through our specialist programs in STEM, Physical Education, The Arts, Chinese and Social & Emotional Learning. Where students are encouraged to explore their talents outside of the regular classroom.
We proudly acknowledge and celebrate the culture of our First Nations People, embedding respect and understanding in our daily practice.
Laurimar Primary School is a vibrant community where excellence, opportunity and belonging come together. I invite you to visit and experience what makes our school truly special.
Warm
Jason
regards,
McBean Principal
Julie Di Noto, St Bernard’s Primary School, Coburg East
Fact File
NAME: Sr Bernard’s Primary School
ADDRESS: 36 Patterson St, Coburg East, Vic 3058
PHONE: 9384 8500
EMAIL: jdinoto@stbernardscoburg. catholic.edu.au
As I walk through the school I feel so much warmth and welcome. As a Catholic school guided by Gospel values, faith, compassion and service is evident. There is a deep sense of respect and responsibility of staff and students to nurture and support all.
Student safety and wellbeing is a priority for me. It is clear that children are known, cared for and inspired to grow as learners.
St Bernard’s - ‘where you are known,’ offers a personalised approach, ensuring each student reaches their full potential.
At the heart of my educational philosophy is the belief that parents are the first educators of their children and that schools walk alongside families as true partners, working together in trust and collaboration. Sharing stories, hopes and dreams for our school is something that I value.
We offer a dynamic curriculum with specialist subjects including The Arts, Italian, Digital Technologies, Physical Education and Music. Learning experiences, aligned with evidence based data driven practices are implemented to foster deep learning and growth.
Come and see why St Bernard’s is a wonderful learning community.
Angela Romano, Marian College, Sunshine West
At Marian College Sunshine West, we specialised in girls’ education. We believe that learning and development should occur within a framework that values inclusiveness, justice, love, and forgiveness.
We recognise, value, and encourage the diversity of many cultures and religions within the College, reflecting the wider community and fostering a broader understanding of the world.
2024 marks a new era for the college, with the arrival of Angela Romano as Principal.
Angela brings a deep passion for education and extensive experience
Fact File
NAME: Marian College
ADDRESS: 196 Glengala Rd, Sunshine West, Vic 3020
PHONE: 9363 1711
WEBSITE: www.mariansw.vic.edu.au
EMAIL: cnicholl@mariansw. vic.edu.au
in educational leadership.
Angela is known for her innovative approach to curriculum development and an unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment.
Angela brings a fresh perspective and a future-focused vision to Marian College.
This new leadership will drive progress, embrace technological advancements, and cultivate a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that Marian College remains at the forefront of educational excellence and prepares its students for a rapidly evolving world.
Under Angela’s exceptional leadership, Marian has enjoyed a transformative year, with the expansion of our vertical curriculum, enhanced pathways for our senior students, revitalised STEAM offerings and various capital works underway at the College.
Serving as a strong female role model, Angela inspires students to pursue leadership roles and break gender stereotypes.
We would love to host you for one of our tours or open days, please visit our website for more information.
Angie Mastoras, St Roch’s Parish Primary School, Glen Iris
NAME: St Roch’s Parish Primary School
ADDRESS: Glenvale Road, Glen Iris 3146
PHONE: 9885 7704
EMAIL: office@srgleniris.catholic. edu.au
www www www www www .srgleniris.catholic.edu.au
Angie Mastoras - Principal Angie - Principal At St Roch’s Catholic Primary School, every child is known, valued and supported to reach their full potential.
As both an educator and a parent the principal, Angie Mastoras leads the school with warmth and purpose, drawing on over 40 years in education and a Master’s Degree majoring in Student Wellbeing. Her deep passion lies in ensuring each student experiences growth academically, socially and emotionally.
Under her leadership, St Roch’s continues to build a nurturing and faith filled learning environment where strong academic foundations sit alongside rich opportunities in the arts, sport and community engagement.
The focus is always on the individual, helping every child feel confident, connected and inspired to learn each day. With a strong sense of community and a commitment to faith and excellence, St Roch’s Catholic Primary School is a place where curiosity is encouraged, learning is celebrated and every student can truly shine.
● Jason McBean
My name is Julie Di Noto and I feel extremely blessed to be serving St Bernard’s community as the new Principal.
● ● Julie Di Noto
● ● ● ● Angela Romano
Bush Telegraph Trust in red meat
■ Meat & Livestock Australia has released the findings of its 2025 Community Sentiment Research, revealing a significant uplift in public trust and a notable increase in consumers claiming to eat more red meat. Conducted annually since 2010 by strategic consultancy firm Pollinate on behalf of MLA, the research measures and tracks consumer sentiment in the community towards the Australian red meat industry. For the first time since tracking began, more Australians are claiming to be increasing their red meat intake than reducing it.
Rising demand
■ University of Adelaide researchers are assessing opportunities for Australia’s live export industry to respond to Indonesia’s plan to substantially increase its dairy cattle imports, under the Indonesian Government’s $45 billion Free Nutritious Meal Program
Snapper boom
■ Snapper season is underway and recreational anglers can expect another solid spring in Port Phillip and Western Port, according to modelling undertaken by fisheries scientists.
Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said modelling predicted last year’s snapper boom would continue to pay dividends through the rest of spring and into summer.
■ Smart agricultural systems, precision irrigation and optimised plant breeding are being developed at a new $27 million La Trobe University research centre.
The facility aims to make protected cropping across Australia’s food and medicinal industries more competitive, sustainable and adaptive to market needs and environmental challenges.
Protected cropping is the production of crops under shelter to provide optimum growing conditions and protection from pests, diseases and adverse weather.
La Trobe University’s Australian Research Council Industrial Transformation Research Hub for Protected Cropping was officially launched by Senator for Victoria, Lisa Darmanin, on Thursday (Oct. 23).
The PC Hub is a $27 million investment by La Trobe University, research and industry partners, including a $5 million ARC grant.
Led by La Trobe’s Institute for Sustainable Agriculture and Food, the PC Hub is a fiveyear partnership between three research providers, six industry partners and the Australian Government Vice-Chancellor Professor Theo Farrell said the PC Hub reflected the University’s core mission to conduct cutting-edge research that tackles real-world challenges.
Whiparound Volatile
markets
■ Australian livestock producers have been facing an unprecedented period of market volatility over recent years, with swings in cattle and sheep prices reaching record extremes, Rabobank says in new research.
In the past five years, the report says, both cattle and sheep prices have reached repeated record highs – each exceeding previous peaks by around 20 per cent – only to then fall to the lowest levels seen in the past decade. Prices have been on another upward trend since 2023.
AgriFutures CEO
■ Brianna Casey has been appointed by the Board of AgriFutures Australia as its new Managing Director, succeeding John Harvey who has led the organisation for the past 10 years.
“An experienced CEO with over two decades of leadership in food security, social and agricultural policy and advocacy, Ms Casey brings a unique combination of strategic vision, stakeholder engagement and deep understanding of the agricultural value chain, from farm gate to corporate and research partnerships and government policy,” said an Agrifutures representative. “She has an outstanding track record of brokering partnerships that deliver benefits for all stakeholders.”
Cathy McGowan, Chair of AgriFutures, said she brings the strategic vision, energy, optimism and operational excellence required to write the next exciting chapter of AgriFutures’ history.
FREE WITH
Observer Melbourne
Latest News
Drive-by shootings
■ Armed Crime Squad detectives charged three men following two drive-by shootings in Caulfield North and Glenroy.
It alleged shots were fired from a vehicle at a property on Ward St in Glenroy about 10.30pm on Sunday, October 19.
A drive-by shooting also allegedly occurred at a property on Rosemont Avenue in Caulfield North about 3.50am on Monday, October 20.
No one was injured during both incidents, and it is alleged the shootings are linked.
Two 22-year-old men from Doncaster and Coburg have both been charged with two counts of reckless conduct endanger life and two counts of discharge firearm into premises.
A 21-year-old Brunswick West man has been charged with one count of reckless conduct endanger life and firearm offences. They were remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
Home invasion
■ Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested three people following a home invasion which occurred on October 16.
Investigators have been told two men attended a property on Frances Crescent in Ballarat East about 9.20 pm and was let in by one of the residents.
It is alleged the two then assaulted another resident, a 39-year-old man, pointed a firearm at him and then stole his car keys, wallet and phone.
The victim was left with facial injuries and lost a tooth due to the assault.
The duo then left the premises and stole the victim’s silver Holden Calais
The Holden was found parked outside a premises Rodier S, Ballarat East, about 11.25am on October 18 with a woman inside.
The 28-year-old from Spotswood was arrested and the car searched.
It is alleged officers located a stolen and loaded .22 rifle, a machete and stolen number plates.
While the car was being searched a 52year-old man from Ballarat East approached police and was subsequently arrested in relation to the home invasion.
A 34-year-old man of no fixed address exited the Rodier St premises and was promptly arrested in relation to the car and firearm.
The 34-year-old and 28-year-old have been charged with prohibited person possess firearm, possess ammunition, possess prohibited weapon, theft of motor car and handle stolen goods.
The pair were remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court with the woman appearing on October 22 and the man appearing on October 23.
The 52-year-old was charged with home invasion with firearm, armed robbery, make threats to kill, theft of motor vehicle and theft.
He faced Ballarat Magistrates’ Court and was bailed to reappear on January 6.
Pier re-opens
■ Station Pier has reopened to the public for the first time since 2020 following the completion of maintenance activities.
The maintenance program will ensure the continued operation of the shipping and cruise ship facility for years to come.
To allow for the ongoing maintenance, Station Pier will remain open to the public on weekends during daylight hours, while works continue at other times to keep the pier functioning for the cruise industry.
Local community, tourists and recreational fishers will be able to take a walk or cast a line off the pier on Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays throughout summer.
300 million views for Princess Penny 300 million views for Princess Penny
● ● Brighton-bred ‘Princess Penny’ is an internet sensation.
■ Move over Hollywood’s A-listers - Brightonbred’s new star ‘Princess Penny’ is stealing the spotlight.
She has four legs, flawless fur, and a fan base that stretches across the globe.
Princess Penny, the golden show Cocker Spaniel, has redefined what it means to live the influencer dream.
She has more than 300 million views across her social platforms and fans include Nat Geo, Ariana Grande, Disney and even The Kardashians
Princess Penny is now inspiring a new generation of Insta-famous pets as part of Wahl’s Next Pet Model movement celebrating Australia’s most photogenic dogs.
With global recognition, brand collaborations, and millions of adoring fans, Princess Penny isn’t just a dogfluencer - she’s a phenomenon. A true embodiment of “work hard,
nap harder”, she proves that confidence, kindness, and a little bit of glitter go a long way.
Publicist Marlene Richardson says that Princess Penny’s day starts at 7am as she rishes and shines, in pink silk, of course.
A quick stretch, a wag of approval, and it’s time for her at-home morning grooming session.
Her teeth are brushed, her golden coat is perfectly blow-dried, and those signature silky ears get their daily shine.
No diva can start her day without her caffeine fix - or in Penny’s case, her Puppuccino. Served in her favourite pink cup, this frothy delight fuels her for a full day of photo shoots, collaborations, and fan interactions.
Penny takes her business seriously. She never misses an opportunity to pose for the perfect candid moment.
Latest News
Morwell stabbing
■ Police have charged a man following a serious stabbing in Morwell. It is alleged a man was stabbed inside a property on McMillan St about 10.30pm on Wednesday (Oct. 22).
The 31-year-old Morwell man was airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.
A 27-year-old Morwell man was arrested at the scene and taken into custody to be interviewed.
The man was charged with:
■ intentionally cause serious injury
■ intentionally cause injury
■ recklessly cause serious injury
■ recklessly cause injury
■ assault with a weapon
■ unlawful assault
■ commit indictable offence whilst on bail
He appeared before the La Trobe Valley Magistrates’ Court where he was remanded in custody.
The parties were believed to be known to each other.
Penguins return
■ Families and visitors will enjoy a free and up-close experience with Melbourne’s iconic little penguins from the new purpose-built viewing platform on St Kilda Pier. Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Environment, last week opened bookings for the free Penguin Viewing Experience on St Kilda Pier which will be open for visitors from today (Wed., Oct. 29).
The experience will be run by Phillip Island Nature Parks and with its decades of penguin conservation efforts, they will be able to guide and educate visitors about the penguin colony while ensuring the penguin’s wellbeing.
The experience will feature a 150-metre elevated platform with accessible entry, seating and prime views over the penguin colony.
Volunteer group Earthcare St Kilda, which has helped keep the colony safe for more than 30 years, will continue to play a role in the penguin experience by helping look after the health and wellbeing of the penguins.
The experience will be free, but online bookings will be essential to avoid missing out during busy seasons like spring and summer.
The St Kilda Pier upgrade was delivered thanks to a $53 million investment from the State Government, which includes a curved walkway, tiered seating, additional toilets, and community space near the St Kilda Pier Kiosk. Book tickets to see the St Kilda penguins at penguins.org.au
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Your Stars
with Kerry Kulkens
Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s
Trusted Psychic Family
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 3
Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 23, 24, 35, 41
Health should be good, but upheavals around you could still affect your mood. While these situations may not involve you personally, their impact is noticeable. Travel is indicated, and romance may add excitement to your week.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 3
Lotto Numbers: 1, 6, 8, 23, 35, 22
You’re making positive strides towards improving your financial picture. A passionate and romantic period is on the horizon, and a missed career opportunity could make a welcome return.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: Silver
Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 6, 3, 4, 6
Lotto Numbers: 3, 5, 45, 13, 39, 40
This period is busy yet romantic. Family matters might cause minor stress, and a contact from your past may annoy you. Old friends may reconnect, bringing nostalgic moments. Health is set to improve.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 7, 3, 1, 5
Lotto Numbers: 6, 12, 24, 34, 45, 11
Those in positions of authority or responsibility may need to assert themselves to maintain control. Avoid listening to or spreading gossip, as this could lead to misunderstandings.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9, 7, 6, 4
Lotto Numbers: 9, 4, 5, 45, 33, 21
A friend you helped in the past could surprise you with a reward. Career opportunities abound, and you may discover hidden talents. Someone important may show interest in your ideas.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Lilac
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6, 7, 3, 4
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 24, 34, 41, 11
Avoid sharing too much with others, but stay observant of what’s happening around you. Luck is on your side, and past events will heavily influence your upcoming decisions.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 5, 4
Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 34, 42, 33
This is an excellent time for financial and romantic success. A new romance could bring thrilling experiences, while your career may see an unexpected and cheerful boost.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Violet
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 2, 4, 3, 7
Lotto Numbers: 2, 4, 12, 23, 31, 22
Partners might disagree with your perspective, and you must consider others’ plans. Avoid taking sides to steer clear of conflicts.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 3, 4
Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 23, 34, 45
Fortunate trends surround your romantic and social life. For those seeking love, the stars are aligned in your favour. Financial matters could turn out better than expected.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8, 4, 5, 6
Lotto Numbers: 1, 13, 24, 34, 42, 22
You’ll find greater satisfaction in your relationships. After a slower period, many will feel inclined to overspend, so exercise caution. You’ll soon feel on top of the world.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 6, 2
Lotto Numbers: 1, 3, 12, 24, 34, 45
Be cautious with money and focus on essential expenses. Your confidence and energy increase, but avoid being too blunt in expressing opinions, as it may alienate others.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: Silver
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 3, 4
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 23, 34, 41, 11
Home improvements and quality time with close friends make this a lively period. Many will start a new and much happier chapter in their lives.
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Sir,
Where
I'm working on the 70th Anniversary Oakleigh High School Reunion set for 22 March 22, 2026.
The school operated from 1955 to 1992, and was closed by the Kennett Government. We had a big reunion in 2016 at the Notting Hill Hotel attended by about 500 former students and staff.
The venue for 2026 is the Matthew Flinders Hotel in Chadstone.
Oakleigh High School operated from 1955 at Highland Avenue, Oakleigh, until it was closed in 1992.
All that remains of the structure is the Ferdinand Fliegner Hall; the hall was the second last building to be constructed on the site in 1968.
2026 is the 70th anniversary of the opening of the school and to celebrate the milestone a reunion of former students and staff is planned.
Where are the Oakleigh High School community today?
Some 2000 are on a Facebook group, remembering the ’good old times’ but many are spread over the length and breadth of Australia and overseas.
About 500 attended the 2016 reunion. Promotion within our known groups is progressing well; 97 registrations already. A communication network is evolving.
But we need help to find those not on FB.
These are the links for people to find out about and register for the reunion.
https://ohs-reunion2026.kit.com
https://arelmedi projects.net
I hope we can count on your support to find as many former Oakleigh High students and staff as possible.
Roger Joseph Co-Ordinator, OHS Reunion 2026 PO Box 78 Lindisfarne, TAS 7015 0419 558 421
The future for water
Sir,
National Water Week is the ideal time to start a broad discussion on the future water and food security needs of Australia. To this point, governments do not appear to have grasped the connection between the two, and as a result our future is heading towards an increasing reliance on imported foods, and paying more for food at the supermarket.
This year’s Water Week theme is ‘Bring Water Into Focus’.
This focus should be on redefining the appropriate balance to ensure sufficient water is being made available to grow the fresh, clean food that past generations have enjoyed.
At present, food production is threatened by government policies based on poor modelling and prioritising unrealistic end-of-system flow targets.
As a result, our current water management prioritises high levels of water storage, which is exacerbating flood risk, and unnatural flows down iconic rivers like the
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.
Murray are damaging riverbanks and, to the increasing concern of scientists, providing ideal breeding conditions for European carp, which, likewise, are damaging rivers and tributaries. In reality, we are hurting the very environment that governments claim they are trying to protect.
As such, we need a national discussion. Do we need more storage to ensure future food security and environmental needs are met?
If so, are governments strong enough to overcome the inevitable opposition from environmental lobby groups who, to this point, have held sway over commonsense water management?
Do we want our farmers to grow clean, green and affordable fresh food, or do we want an increased reliance on inferior imported food?
Are we prepared to continue allowing governments to ignore the flood risk and environmental damage from current policies, or do we want a more sensible balance that is driven by science and the national interest, not politicians whose priority is winning environmental city votes?
Shelley Scoullar Albury, NSW
It's not 'we will remember them when it's convenient', which is the plan by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese
An independent statutory agency has accused the Albanese Government of abolishing the rights of Australian Defence Force personnel and veterans when seeking to review our nation's highest awards for bravery.
The Defence Honours and Awards Appeals Tribunal has made a formal submission to a Senate inquiry regarding the government's plans to limit the time period for reviewing acts of gallantry.
The Tribunal's submission also highlighted that it would've been impossible for the Victoria Cross to be posthumously awarded to war heroes like Ordinary Seaman Teddy Sheean and Private Richard Norden under the new approach of the Albanese Government.
Under the changes rammed through the House of Representatives without proper consultation with ex-service organisations, all Labor Party MPs voted to introduce a 20-year time limit on reviewable actions.
In effect, it would mean the actions of Australian Defence Force personnel from World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War and any other conflict outside the 20-year timeframe could not be considered for review.
In its submission, the independent Tribunal strongly disagreed with Labor's approach and said: "In the view of the Tribunal, the Bill in its present form would work to the very significant disadvantage of ADF members and veterans, their families and other supporters by abolishing existing rights of independent merits review in the Tribunal and would thereby detract from the integrity of the defence honours and awards system."
Our national heroes deserve recognition regardless of the timing of their actions.
The Coalition will continue to campaign against this illconceived Bill because we don't believe our solemn commitment of 'we will remember them' should have a use-by date of 20 years imposed by an out-of-touch Prime Minister.
Darren Chester Shadow Minister for Veterans' Affairs, MHR for Gippsland
Fire ready
Sir,
Bushfires are a natural part of the Victorian landscape, but with the right planning and action, we can reduce their impact on communities, the environment and critical infrastructure.
FFMVic crews are working hard to reduce the risk and impact of bushfires through a combination of planned burning, non-burn bushfire risk management and strategic preparation.
Brave girl, Margaret
From DOUGLAS BRASS LONDON, Friday: While arguments rage over her, and all Britain allies itself with the "Dos" or "Don'ts," Princess Margaret keeps her head high as she goes through public engagements.
Her face shows inner strain, her movement and conversation are mechanical.
But whether calling on the Archbishop of Canterbury or entering the Royal Opera House, she is maintaining a brave demeanor under pressure that would have broken an ordinary girl.
Margaret is keeping iron discipline that makes the whole nation admire her more than ever.
The "Daily Mirror" today devotes two whole pages to its assault on "The Times," I whose editor. Sir William Haley, it describes as having donned the black cap and passed a savage sentence.
"Who appointed Haley keeper of the nation's conscience?" it shouts.
"Who gave the divine right of kings to his depressing newspaper?"
"They are trying to deny Princess Margaret the rights of civil law. which allow her to marry Townsend
"They are trying to impose upon her. an outdated code of living.
"Do they forget that the Prime Minister himself, the man who chooses bishops, is. like Peter Townsend, the innocent party of a divorce?
"This is certainly not the official voice of the people."
FOOTNOTE: For 2 hours last night Princess Margaret listened to the story of a girl who wanted to marry a man of whom her family dis approved - Smetana's opera, "The Bartered Bride," at Covent Garden
Exodus from Canberra
Lest We Forget
Sir,
We will remember them. Four simple words. But four incredibly powerful words in the Ode of Remembrance
While FFMVic crews are working hard on public land, all Victorians are encouraged to start cleaning up around their properties to help reduce bushfire risk in their own communities.
Chris Hardman
Chief Fire Officer, Forest Fire Management
Victoria
■ Thc 21st Federal Parliament ended today at 10 a.m.
Members immediately left for their electorates to begin organising their campaigns for the election on December 10.
Mr. Menzies is expected to deliver his policy speech in Melbourne on November 15.
The Labor Caucus will meet on November 9, to frame its policy to be deliv- ered by Dr. Evatt
Coo-ee to Marie
■ Trek Musicals present ACoo-eetoMarie for five performances, all at 2pm, on November 8 at the Warrandyte Mechanics' Hall , November 9 at the Eltham Montmorency Uniting Church, November 15 at Living Faith, Greensborough, November 22 at the Diamond Creek Uniting Church and November 23 at the Ormond Uniting Church.
Written and directed by Darren Rosenfeld and Michael Try, with musical direction by Graham Ford, ACoo-eetoMariepays tribute to Marie Narelle, Australia's Queen of Irish song, and tells how a girl from the bush would rise to become a local and international singing icon of the early 20th century.
The show features memorable songs, traditional Irish music, 'endearing' characters and humour.
For more than 70 years, Ron Pidcock's 'second career' has been his involvement with theatre, encompassing different genres, from radio plays and dramatic stage plays, to rock opera, ballet, musicals, opera and more than 70 Gilbert and Sullivan productions, performing in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom
In ACoo-eetoMarieRon plays Charley Blarney. Having played many characters including Irish, Ron says he has never played a leprechaun.
Bookings: Trybooking
Cheryl Threadgold
Comics Lounge
■ The Comics Lounge is offering audiences free shows on the dates below.
Melbourne Comedy Festival favourites are back in town and samples of Comedy Festival shows from this year and last year can be enjoyed from October 29 - 31 and November 1, 5, 6 at The Comics Lounge, 26 Errol St\, North Melbourne
Doors open at 6.30pm for those wanting to buy dinner/snacks. Show starts at 8pm and runs for at least 2 hours.
Dates: October 28, 30, 31, November 1, 5, 6 at 6.30pm for dinner (if wished) and free show starts at 8pm.
Venue: The Comics Lounge, 26 Errol St., North Melbourne
Admission: Free (normally $35)
Bookings: email laughs@thecomics lounge.com.au with name, number of tickets and preferred show. A confirmation email will be sent.
Cheryl Threadgold
Midwife Molly
■ 3AW personality Tony Moclair invited listeners to ring in with stories of unusual places where they gave birth. Within minutes a listener related how she gave birth to her son in the Guard House at Channel 9, Richmond. One of the first on the scene was Molly Meldrum who bolted over from the Channel 9 Studio and played his part in a successful birth. Good one Molly, even if it was a couple of decades ago.
John O’Keefe
Painted Diary
■ The State Library of Victoria presents Monograph, ashort-format documentary series, Bundit reflects on memories of his late mother and grandmother, and on family life growing up in Thailand – core memories that inform his painting practice today.
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
$100,000 FELLOWSHIP
■ The Betty Amsden Foundation has announced composer and researcher Dr Ciaran Frame as the inaugural recipient of the $100,000 Betty Amsden Fellowship – the largest of its kind backing innovation in arts business and operations.
Founded on the vision of the late Betty Amsden AO, the biennial Fellowship supports bold, game-changing ideas in performing arts management, with a focus on leadership, innovation and long-term sector sustainability.
Blending technical expertise with deep sector insight, Frame will use the Fellowship to explore how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be ethically and practically applied to strengthen the operational systems that underpin a thriving creative sector.
“The arts can’t afford to be left behind in the AI revolution. This Fellowship is about providing fundraisers, marketers and producers with the tools and skills to make AI work for them,” said Frame
Frame will investigate how AI can ease pressure on an overstretched workforce by streamlining grant writing, personalising donor outreach, improving ticketing access and enhancing data-driven marketing.
These innovations will help arts organisations simplify audience engagement and boost operational efficiency.
Betty Amsden Foundation Chair Frankie Airey said the Fellowship comes at a pivotal moment for the creative industries.
“The sector is naturally concerned about ethics, intellectual property and job security. Ciaran’s Fellowship offers a chance to explore how emerging technologies can build capacity and improve efficiency without compromising the vital role of arts workers,” said Airey
Over 18 months, the Fellowship will support a tailored mix of study, cultural exchange and applied learning, which may include:
■ Study at MIT (USA) on the technical and ethical dimensions of AI
■ An international residency focused on cultural and societal impacts
■ Secondments in Victorian arts organisations to co-design and test applications
Through the Fellowship, Frame aims to:
■ Advocate for smarter, more ethical AI adoption across the creative industries
■ Identify gaps in digital capability among arts organisations
■ Co-create free, open-access tools and resources
■ Deliver practical training to empower arts workers at all levels
While AI’s creative potential often takes the spotlight, Frame will turn his attention to practical, sector-specific solutions, particularly the back-end systems and operational functions that support an efficient and sustainable arts sector.
Betty Amsden was a tireless advocate for courage and innovation in the arts. This Fellowship continues her legacy by investing in future-focused leadership and empowering arts professionals to shape meaningful change from within.
For more information, visit bettyamsden foundation.org.au
Cheryl Threadgold
Big Pants
■ A two-time RAW comedy finalist (Vic 2024, ACT 2023), Chelsea Heaney blends funny situational comedy with an endearing charm in BigPants. A musical theatre tragic, she tells of the time she landed her dream part, as Rizzo in an amateur production of Grease, only for it to be cancelled due to COVID
After suffering through COVID lockdowns, well, one short lockdown as Heaney spent COVID in Canberra, and a relationship breakdown, or maybe a situationship breakdown, Heaney needed a break.
She booked a recovery holiday, a Contiki holiday for 18- to 39-year-olds in Vietnam.
Have you ever been caught in a sticky situation?
A literally sticky “sweat lasagne” of clothes you’ve been wearing for days on end?
This is what happened to Heaney as she recounts a sad, but relatable, and hilarious tale of lost luggage.
Ever spent so much time in one jumpsuit that it started to accumulate layers of perspiration, marking the passing of time like rings
● ● ● ● Composer and researcher Dr Ciaran Frame, inaugural recipient of the $100,000 Betty Amsden Fellowship.
on a tree, she asks. A side trip to a tropical island involved a boat ride with unexpected consequences for participants.
After recreating the vomiting scene from TriangleofSadness, Heaney finds herself stuck in an episode of Survivor.
That is, if the survivalists ever skinny-dip in a sea sparkling with bioluminescent plankton.
Heaney belts out a medley of showstoppers from Cabaret,Dreamgirls,LesMis,Cats,West Side Story, and Hairspray, complete with reimagined lyrics, proving she is a triple threat.
Fierce and funny, despite the embarrassingly uncomfortable situations she finds herself in, Heaney’s charm lies in her ability to keep the audience laughing along with her.
Review by Kathryn Keeble
Masterpeice
■ Something of a hybrid show that used clowning and mime performance styles, Masterpiecehad the intriguing tagline “No words. One task. Two clowns”.
However the intrigue, sadly, was all too short-lived.
Two art installers appear on stage dressed in black and wearing professional-looking white gloves.
They are in an art gallery and carry with them a large wrapped rectangular package. They proceed to unwrap the package revealing a canvas which they then hang.
Ingenious in its simplicity, Masterpiecewas written and created by Will Bartolo and Rae Colquhoun-Fairweather.
The two characters they played were contrasting archetypes, Bartolo being the serious responsible adult and Colquhoun-Fairweather the playful childlike figure.
Once the scene was set a number of sight gags and slapstick routines ensued. Regrettably most were predictable and cliched with the only activity involving a sense of surprise or risk being the involvement of audience members.
Bartolo and Colquhoun-Fairweather themselves played the installers, with musical accompaniment reminiscent of a silent movie score ably provided by Gabbi Bolt. Clowning and mime demand a lot of performers, especially with regards to physicality and timing. Too often though both performers’ timing was off or their physicality lacked skilfulness and, consequently, the humour fell flat or felt forced.
Interestingly no-one was credited as a director or outside eye. This explains many of the problems Masterpiece had. Someone working with Bartolo and ColquhounFairweather could have helped edit scenes that went on too long or added some pizzaz to physical routines. A critical eye giving such feedback was sorely needed to help give the show a tighter shape.
Disappointing overall then, Masterpiececan be applauded for the risks it took and what it sought to achieve while simultaneously acknowledging that it over-reached itself in too many ways too often.
Venue: Meat Market - The Stables 1, 36-54
Courtney St, North Melbourne Review by Peter Murphy
Fringe Festival
■ Sammy J was announced as the 2025 Melbourne Fringe Festival Living Legend at a glittering closing night awards ceremony to end Melbourne’s largest celebration of independent arts.
Performance companies including The Rabble, Re:Group, Polyglot Theatre and Oozing Future led a list of 36 awards celebrating the bold, brave and brilliant artists of Melbourne Fringe.
Best in Category Awards
■ Best Cabaret - Too Much, Created and Performed Lilikoi Kaos
■ Best Circus - Strange Chaos, Created by Oozing Future
■ Best Comedy – Birds, Created and Performed by Sarah Stafford and Alex Hines
■ Best Dance and Physical Theatre – Sissy, Performed by Max Burgess
■ Best Experimental - Unwoman (the protest), Devised by The Rabble
■ Best Kids – Whirlwind, Created by Polyglot Theatre
■ Best Music - Lung Swara, Artists Aviva Endean, Matthias Schack-Arnott and Cahwati Sugiarto
■ Best Theatre - Auto-Tune, Presented by re:group performance collective
■ Best Visual Arts and Film - Club Rewind, Presented by Club Rewind
■ Best Words and Ideas - Lindsay Green's Escalator Podcast Reunion, Performed by Lindsey Green Touring Awards
■ Edinburgh Touring Award supported by Summerhall - Man Sings The Same Song Over And Over Again For An Hour, Performed by Conk
■ New Zealand Touring Award supported by New Zealand Fringe – Member, Presented by Fairly Lucid Productions
■ QLD Touring Award supported by Brisbane Comedy Festival – Birds, Created and Performed by Sarah Stafford and Alex Hines
Artist Development Awards
■ Artform Shaker Award supported by Theatre Network Australia - Wasteworlds: Nonstop Runway Show, Created by Fast Fashun in Collaboration with Snuff Puppets
■ Best Emerging Indigenous Artist supported by the Wilin Centre for Indigenous Arts & Cultural Development (VCA and MCM) - Poems of a Transsexual Nature, Written and Performed by Cynda Beare & Gabrielle Fallen
■ Best Emerging Producer supported by Milke - Claudia Harris
■ Change Maker Award supported by Theatre Network Australia - Is Anyone Even Watching?, Written and Performed by Olivia Muscat
■ Comedy New Work Award supported by Melbourne International Comedy Festival - curlycourtney@bigpond.com, Created and Performed by Courtney Smith
■ Emerging Company Incubator Award supported by Monash’s Faculty of Arts - The Break, Presented by Zoë Bastin Dance
■ Geelong Creative Development Award supported by Geelong Arts Centre – Member, Presented by Fairly Lucid Productions Headroom Award supported by RisingAuto-Tune, Presented by re:group performance collective
■ New Writing Award supported by Melbourne Theatre Company - A Guide to Being Immortal, Written by Shane Woon
■ Outstanding Newcomer supported by Auspicious Arts Projects - Is Anyone Even Watching?, Written and Performed by, Olivia Muscat
■ Outstanding Production Design by Deakin University - The Quieter You Become, Created and Performed by Tilman Robinson
■ Showcase Ready Award supported by Victorian Association Performing Arts CentreRefined by Katy Warner, Presented by Lab Kelpie
Special Awards
■ Access and Inclusion Award - No Seasons, Created By Oliver Ayres
■ Best Work by an Emerging Artist - Tomas C,.lifford Got Stood Up, Written and Performed by Tomas Clifford
■ Crowd Pleaser Award - I Promise This Isn’t About You (Even If It Feels Like It Is), Written by Sarah Matthews
■ Director's Choice - Reaquiem for a Cuddle, Created by Harrison Ritchie-Jones
■ Sound and Technical Excellence Award supported by Front of House Productions –Creature, Created and Performed by Katrina Rank
■ Spirit of the Fringe - Man Sings The Same Song Over And Over Again For An Hour, Performed by Conk
■ Venue of the Year - Grouse Melbourne
● ● Ron Pidcock
Local Theatre Observations
Shows
■ Torquay Theatre Troupe Inc: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (by Christopher Durang) Until November 1 at Shoestring Playhouse @ The MAC, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay; Director: Zina Carman. Bookings: Trybookng.com.au
■ PEP Productions: Love, Loss and What I Wore (by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Illene Beckerman) Until November 1 at The Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Jennifer Pacey. Trybooking.
■ LOTS Theatre (Legends of the Skies): Charles Kingsford Smith – The Man, the Myth, the Mystery, Smithy a musical flight through history. November 6 – 8 at 7.30pm, Nov 8 and 9 at 2pm at the Moorabbin Air Museum. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. All tickets $25, family of four $90. Bookings: trybooking.com/DFEAG
■ Malvern Theatre Company: Perfect Wedding (by Robin Hawdon) Until November 8 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: 1300 131 552, or online: malverntheatre.com.au/ book-tickets
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense’ (by The Goodale Brothers and PG Wodehouse) November 5 – 22 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Keith Hutton. Bookings: wlt.org.au
■ Beaumaris Theatre: Blackaddder II (Based on the original BBC Television Series created by Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson, Ben Elton and John Lloyd and adapted for the stage by Dan Bellis and Harrison Ewart-Dart) November 7 – 22 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Directors: Dan Bellis and Harrison Ewart-Dart. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au
■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Cruel Intentions November 7 – 22 at Altona City Theatre, 115 Civic Pde., Altona. Director: Stuart Dodge; Musical Director: Jem Sherwill; Choreographer: Gabriele Pagano. Bookings: wmtc.org.au
■ The Good Life (by Jeremy Sams) November 7 – 22 at Brighton Theatre, Carpenter St., Brighton. Director: Joanne Gabriel. Bookings: brightontheatrecompany.com.au
■ Powderkeg Players: November (by David Mamet) November 7 – 22 at St Albans Senior Citizens Centre, Cnr William and Alfrieda Sts., St Albans. Director: Lee Cook. Bookings: 0407802165.
■ Peridot Theatre Company: Talking Heads (by Alan Bennett) November 13 – 23 at the South Oakleigh Bowling Club, 1216 North Rd., Oakleigh South. Directors: Bob Bramble, Steven McPhail, and Eleni Rogers. 1 Playwright, 3 Monologues, 3 Actors, 3 Directors. Bookings: peridot.com.au
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Birthday Candles (by Noah Haidle) November 1322 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale. Director: Helen Ellis. Bookings: mordialloc theatre.com.au/ or 9556 4440.
■ The 1812 Theatre: Rhinestone Rex and Miss Monica, November 13 – December 6 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Chris and Libby Procter. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au 9758 3964.
■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): The Beauty Queen of Leenane (by Martin McDonagh) November 13 – 22 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Matthew Freeman. Bookings: stagtheatre.org
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee November 14 – 29 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Bookings: htc.org.au
■ Frankston Theatre Group: The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate’s Townswomen’s Guild Dramatic Society’s Production of ‘A Christmas Carol: A Comedy (by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin) November 14 – 30 at the Mt Eliza Community Hall, 90 –100 Canadian Bay Rd., Mt Eliza. Director: Robert Lister. Bookings: trybooking.com/ events/landing/1374274
■ Synchronicity Performing Arts: A Sherlock Carol – Premiere Production (by Mark Shanahan) November 20 – 29 at The Engine Room, View St., Bendigo. Bookings: synchronicity.org.au
■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Sister Amnesia’s Country Western Nunsense Jamboree (book, lyrics and music by Dan Goggin) November 20 – December 6 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Alan Burrows. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com Cheryl Threadgold
Entertainment
SPERM DONORS WANTED
■ Tilde, the trans-led international film festival celebrates turning 11 with this year's festival of trans-authored cinema being presented from October 31-November 2
This year's theme 'Bites Back' centres trans and gender-expansive authored filmmaking— amplifying voices that confront, resist, and reimagine the narratives imposed on us.
In a time of heightened visibility and backlash, Bites Back is a celebration of creative defiance, self-determination, and the power of storytelling to challenge dominant norms and reclaim space on their own terms.
Filmmaker Lilly Wachowski will be the Festival’s Aunty (Patron).
As a writer, director, mentor, and Executive Director, Lilly is spearheading a wave of transauthored storytelling.
She has reshaped pop culture through films that reflect trans experiences and use worldbuilding to spark public dialogue.
With a connection to Australia through The Matrix,Tildeis thrilled to honour her and celebrate her lasting impact on film, culture, and the broader community.
The festival will host six sessions across three days to celebrate the work of established and emerging trans and gender diverse (TGD) artists.
Tildeis proud to highlight the community that has emerged for audiences and TGD artists alike.
Opening night will feature a collaboration with Sapphic Flicks at Footscray Community Arts Centre. From conversation to connection, Tildeinvites artists, filmmakers, creatives, and First Nations voices of Tildeto be the conversation. To take space from within.
Saturday will feature the second edition of OurFuture. Featuring trans-authored shorts from close to home and across the ditch. The 2025 selection continues to expand trans narratives.
Young filmmakers will take their audience on journeys through the stories they want to tell, with no prescriptions and no ticked boxes.
The visionary cohort includes the world premiere of LinusTolliday'sJourney'sEnd, a new short by Luka Gracie, Mish Keating and more.
On Saturday evening Gay24 Film Club and Tildewill present the Australian debut of Antonio D'Agostino's 1980 trans softcore triumph Eva-Man:TheLoveMachine.
A journey of the perils of technology as they fight off a gang of spiteful heterosexual gangsters to live to love another day. Co-starring Eva Robbins and Ajita Wilson
Finally, Sunday's closing night will change location in collaboration with Snuff Puppets and Tilde will take over the Footscray Drill Hall.
The intention is to create their very own cinema hideaway. The session will feature a screening of We Are Pat by filmmaker Ro Haber, which revisits the ’90s film It’s Pat through a 2025 lens — exploring trans visibility and Haber’s own conflicted memories of the controversial SNLcharacter.
Festival Dates: October 31 - November 2
For the full program, visit www.tilde melbourne.com/program/ Cheryl Threadgold
Macbeth
■ BK Opera presents Giuseppe Verdi's Macbethat the Kensington Town Hall on November 21, 23 and 25.
Auditions
■ Think First Theatre Company: A Christmas Presence (a fun musical play by Elizabeth Semmel about the story of Christmas for children and families) to be performed at the Mills St. Theatre, Cheltenham. Director: Elizabeth Semmel. Actors must be 16+. For audition bookings/info: Elizabeth 0410 665252 or Ann 0409 532 166.
■ The Mount Players: The Cemetery Club (by Ivan Menchall) November 8 (9am12nn), November 12 7pm-9.30pm at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Mt Macedon. Director: George Benca. Audition bookings: themountplayers.com or 0419 329052.
■ Peridot Theatre Company: A Night on the Tiles (by Suzanne Hoswley) November 24 and 26 at 7pm at Fleigner Hall, Cnr Highland and Turnbull Avenues, Oakleigh East. Director: Samsara Dunstan. Audition bookings/enquiries; samsaradunston@ gmail.com, or 0412 415 159. Cheryl Threadgold
Described as 'a psychological horror experience that puts the audience within arm's reach of ambition, madness and murder,' the production will transform the Kensington Town Hall into a decomposing dinner party - 'decadent, deranged and deeply unsettling.'
Directed by Kate Millett and conducted by Leonard Weiss, the cast includes Henry Shaw (Macbeth), Livia Brash (Lady Macbeth), Daniel Szesiong Todd (Macduff) and Nicholas Beecher (Banquo).
Event Details: November 21, 22, 23
Venue: Kensington Town Hall
Tickets: Available on Humanitix
Cheryl Threadgold
Trial By Jury
■ I was both excited and privileged to attend the opening night of GSOV’s 90th Anniversary Celebration and special TrialbyJurypresentation at the Athenaeum Theatre.
My professional operatic journey began with GSOV in 1981 as a young teenager, just 18 years old, starring as Patience, stepping onto the musical theatre stage for the very first time.
This scenario was typical for so many young, classically trained singers. GSOV cared for and nurtured so many singers early in their careers, desperate to sing exceptional music and learn the art of stagecraft. A heartfelt thank you for staying true to this mission.
I was also surprised and delighted to recognise many stalwart members of the company treading the boards that night, who did so with me in 1981.
It was especially lovely to hear natural, unenhanced voices accompanied by a wellbalanced orchestra masterfully conducted by Timothy John Wilson
It was so refreshing to hear such lovely voices of various ranges and timbres that never sang “louder than lovely” from both soloists and chorus.
A special mention must go to John Parncutt and Andrew McGrail as they gave a marathon effort, barely leaving the stage, portraying Gilbert and Sullivan so marvellously.
Of particular interest to me was the story of the company’s history in Victoria and the entertaining and comical way the vignettes joined so many memorable songs together.
Congratulations to director Diana Burleigh for devising such a special theatrical event. The absolute standout performance for me was a brilliant rendition of 'John Wellington Wells' from The Sorcerer, sung with obvious years of experience by GSOV stalwart Owen Davies.
The colourful and beautifully designed costumes, especially the millinery, were visually enchanting and the women took particular care with their hair.
I do feel the amazing and powerful ensemble numbers stole the show on this particular night.
I look forward to their 2026 season.
gsov.org.au
Review by Lucy Nicolson
Little Anastasia
■ Producers of the hit Broadway musical Anastasia have revealed the talented young Melbourne performers who will be sharing the role o f Little Anastasia in the highly anticipated musical opening in December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre.
All from Melbourne and all 10 years old, the local performers who scored the coveted role amongst hundreds of auditionees are Bibiana Brudan, Eleanor Flynn, Alyssa Fooks and Lillian Kinter. Previously announced principal cast members are Georgina Hopson as Anya, Robert Tripolino as con artist Dmitry, Joshua Robson in the role of antagonist Gleb, Rodney Dobson as Vlad , the much-loved Rhonda Burchmore as Countess Lily and Nancye Hayes as Dowager Empress
Barber of Seville
●
● Sam Dundas
■ The aria LargoAlFactotum(think Figaro FigaroFigaro!) is one of the best known in opera and has been used to grace advertisements and cartoons over the years.
It’s one of those tunes you might not know the name of, but you certainly recognise it.
LargoAlFactotum, meaning make way for the factotum, or jack of all trades, was penned by Rossini for his still-popular opera TheBarberofSeville
It’s a classic comic opera plot, of love, intrigue and silliness, all complemented by the most beautiful music that has audiences humming as they leave the theatre.
Two hundred years on from its heyday,, TheBarber, as it is popularly known, is still a must-see opera that hasn’t dated and fallen by the wayside, as happened with so many of its contemporaries.
Given that it is still such a fun show with clever and catchy music, it’s mind-blowing that Rossini wrote it in just 13 days.
In the middle of rehearsals, baritone Samuel Dundas, who plays the title character Figaro, the barber of Seville, says getting his head around the fact that it only took 13 days is a humbling experience.
“It certainly took me a lot longer than 13 days to learn!” quipped Samuel. Opera Australia is currently staging The BarberofSevilleat the Regent Theatre for a short season, but unlike most opera seasons, that alternate different operas so you don’t wear out the singers’ voices by having them perform acoustically every night, Opera Australia has taken the unusual step of double casting the opera, with the alternate Figaro being Simon Meadows.
Both casts are full of fine Australian operatic talent, and you can enjoy Rossini’s The BarberofSevilleat theRegent Theatre on October 31, and November 1, 3, 4 and 5. Book tickets at opera.org.au or by calling 9685 3700.
Julie Houghton
The Dress
■ Essence Theatre Productions present The Dressfrom November 2-7 at the Bluestone Church Arts Space, Footscray Set in I899, The Dress is a two-hander featuring the characters of Mrs Hannah Bryden, a widow who enjoys nothing save for the occasional company of her dressmaker, the flamboyant Mr Bertin.
But when massive advances in the fashion industry jeopardise Bertin’s livelihood, he hatches a plan to save both of them from obscurity.
Hannah must launch herself once more as one of Melbourne’s leading socialites at an upcoming masquerade ball in the most jaw-dropping fashion statement Bertin has ever created. Two unlikely allies race to regain their spark of life.
This charming two-hander will be performed by Alaine Beek as Hannah and Scott Jackson as Mr Bertin
. Performance Details: November 2-7. \Venue: Bluestone Church Arts Space, 8A Hyde St, Footscray. Suitable 11+ years. Bookings: Trybooking
Sperm Donors Wanted! directed by Logan Rea.
Alaine Beek (Hannah) and Scott Jackson (Mr Bertin) in The Dress
CATO THE WISE
Maxwell Newton
★The Australian cast has been revealed for the premiere of Cluedo, on Australian stages from January. Octavia Barron Martin is the Cook, Rachael Beck is Mrs White, Laurence Boxhall is Mr Green , Lib Campbell is Yvette, Olivia Deeble is Miss Scarlet, David James is Professor Plum, Nat Jobe is Bobby, Genevieve Lemon is Mrs Peacock, Joshua Monaghan is Mr Boddy, Rhys Muldoon is Colonel Mustard, and Grant Piro is Wadsworth.
★There will be a media call tomorrow (Thu.) at the Playhouse for The Talented Mr Ripley. Available for interview will be Will McDonald, Roman Delo, Claude Scott-Mitchell and Faisal Hamza
★Victorian nominees for the Australian of the Year Awards are: Carrie Bickmore, Hugh van Cuylenburg, Professor Arnold Dix and Leila Sweeney-McDougall . Senior Award nominees are Thi Be Ha, Uncle Leonard Clarke, Jane Edmanson and Bryan Lipmann. Young Australian nominees are Tim Harte, Dr Shannon KilmartinLynch, Abraham Kuol and Lucy Skelton. Local Hero nominees are Fiona Glumac and Anna Glumac, Carly McKinnis and Tammie Meehan, Susan Moore and Linda Widdup.
★The Victorian Music Development Office says Sarah Hamilton will oach six music professionals in the art of putting together a great pitch.
★Cornish group, Fisherman’s Friends , is heading to Brunswick Ballroom (Jan. 8) Costa Hall at Geelong (Jan. 9), the Palais at St Kilda (Jan. 10), and Frankston Arts Centre (Jan. 11) as part of their first Australian tour.
★The Rural Press Club of Victoria is holding its Rural and Regional Journalism and Photography Awards night on Friday (Oct. 31) at Warragul.
★CHiQ has announced its strategic partnership with the North Melbourne Football Club flor AFLW.
★King of the Court returns to Melbourne for a big 3v3 streetball event, taking over RMIT’s A’Beckett Urban Square on November 8- 9
★Tickets are on sale for The Great Christmas Singalong starring Silvie Paladino, being staged aT 2pm and7pm on Saturday, December 20, at the Melbourne Recital Centre
★The 2nd annual Melbourne Pinball Expo is returning to Chadstone on November 7–9, at the Matthew Flinders Hotel.
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment
★Bundanon Artists in Residence from Victoria for 2026 are: Aditya Ryan Bhat and Wendy Tian Hui Lin, Alexandra Kolac, Alice Robinson, APHIDS: Sammaneh Pourshafighi, Amrita Hepi, Nisha Madden, Dani Reynolds, Lara Thoms, Julia Croft, Marcus Mckenzie, Emmaline Zanelli, Lauren Stephens, Mish Grigor; Azza Zein, Bridget Hillebrand, Bryan Andy, Carolyn Menzies, Ella Dunn, Hamish Upton, Jeanine Leane, Loxy & Romaeo, Laila Costa, Lizzy Sampson, Louisa Lim, Martin Hansen; Meta Cohen, Alyson Campbell, Coady Green, Jessica Aszodi, Patrick Burns, Evan Bryson, Alexandra Amerides, Billie Tumarkin; Holub, Angie Goto, Riona Tindal; Peter Spring, Pia Johnson; Queer PowerPoint: Xanthe Dobbie, Harriet Gillies, Thom Smyth; Rachel Lewindon; Rebekah Stuart and Matty Vehl; and Rowan McNaught
★MINA 2025, the world’s longest-running smartphone film festival, opened last Friday (Oct. 25) at ACMI, Federation Square
★Larissa Anderson is founder of TTYP – The True You Project. First event is on Friday, November 21 at the Leveson Hotel, North Melboure. Other panel members are Sarah Davies, Sarah Hayden and Sarah Maree Cameron. tocket prices for the 11am-1.30pm event are $139.
★The story of a native butterfly’s journey out of near extinction is being highlighted at an art display at The Substation in Newport. Through Hobsons Bay Libraries’ primary school Art Club, an array of student artwork is being exhibited to tell the story of the Altona skipper butterfly.
★In Melbourne, Caretaker’s Cottage has been ranked No.19 of The Best Bar in Australasia
★ Hoodoo Gurus will join forces with Melbourne Symphony Orchestra for a one-nightonly summer concert at 8pm on Thursday, January 29 at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl
★A new coffee table book, The Western District: A Journey Through South-West Victoria, follows various used and disused railway lines, stopping at places like Beeac, Bessiebelle, Digby, Camperdown, Casterton, Koroit, Merino, Terang and just about everywhere else in between.
★AC/DC will play at the MCG on November 12 and 16.
Dvorak cycle
■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra and Chief Conductor Jaime Martín present the next chapter in their acclaimed Dvorák cycle with the release of Dvorák:Symphonies Nos.2and8— the Orchestra’s fourth album in partnership with LSO Live
This follows the 2024 release of SymphoniesNos.5and6, critically praised for Martín’s fresh and insightful approach to Dvorák’s often-overlooked symphonic works.
The musical exploration of Czech composer Antonín Dvorák’s many works has been an ongoing passion of Martín’s since he took the helm of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra in 2022.
The MSO’s Dvorák cycle will be the first by any Australian orchestra, honouring the rich musical traditions and nationalism embodied by the Czech composer’s music.
“The music of Antonín Dvorák has been close to my heart since I first heard my father’s LP of the New World Symphony when I was 10 years old,” says Martín
“Undertaking a Dvorák recording project with the world-class musicians of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra has been my great honour and I’m thrilled that we are now releasing the second in this wonderful series of classics.”
This cycle also pays tribute to the MSO’s hometown of Melbourne, Australia with the artwork featuring picturesque landmarks from across the state of Victoria. This release shows the beloved Melbourne skyline bathed in a pink sunrise.
Prime TV Victoria breach
■ The Australian Communications and Media Authority has found Prime Television (Victoria) Pty Limited breached election advertising blackout rules during the May Federal Election campaign.
Under blackout rules, broadcasters cannot air election ads on TV or radio during election blackout periods, which run from the end of the Wednesday before the relevant polling day until the close of the poll on polling day.
An ACMA investigation found that the licensee, Prime Television Victoria, aired 23 election advertisements on the Racing.com free-to-air TV channel on Thursday May 1 ahead of the Saturday May 3 election.
ACMA member Carolyn Lidgerwood said all broadcasters needed to have processes in place to ensure compliance with election advertising blackout rules.
“These rules are licence conditions applying to commercial television broadcasting licensees under the BroadcastingServicesAct
“They have been in place for many years. We expect that broadcasters should understand their statutory obligations and be focussed on compliance,” Ms Lidgerwood said.
Content on Racing.com is produced and broadcast by Racing Victoria under a broadcast partnership with the licensee.
The licensee submitted that under its broadcasting partnership arrangement it had a reasonable expectation that Racing Victoria would ensure all content broadcast would comply with the BroadcastingServicesAct1992.
However, the ACMA does not consider that licensees can contract out their obligations to ensure compliance with broadcasting legislation and codes.
Following this incident the licensee has reviewed its procedures to ensure that a similar situation will not occur again.
A House of Dynamite
■ This impressively mounted thriller is a wonderful return to film (and form) for director Kathryn Bigelow, whose last film, the disappointing Detroit, was way back in 2017.
The premise is chilling; a missile of unknown origin is fired towards the United States, and each department who are required to deal with such a situation, has about 20 minutes to try and find out who initiated the possibly deliberate attack, but more importantly, stop it from hitting its intended target, Chicago.
Broken up into three sections, we are introduced to a large gallery of characters, all of whom have to keep a cool head to prevent nuclear devastation on home soil.
From locations such as Washington and Alaska , various people include Captain Olivia Walker (Rebecca Ferguson), Major Daniel Gonzalez (Anthony Ramos), Secretary Of Defence Reid Baker (Jared Harris), SCPO William Davis (Malachi Beasley), General Anthony Brady (Tracy Letts), and the President of the United States (Idris Elba).
The screenplay by Noah Oppenheim (who penned the fascinating Jackie in 2016), takes a risk by moving the drama back to near the beginning of the action each time, so viewers can not only see the processes from different viewpoints, but also see how the horror and stress affects each person.
Some may find this narrative choice irritating (I did find the first wind back somewhat confusing), but for me it helped maintain a human factor which increases the film’s overall impact.
Performances are strong across the board, which also includes Greta Lee (who is currently costarring in Tron: Ares) and Australian Jason Clarke (who appeared in Bigelow’s brilliant 2012 drama, ZeroDarkThirty).
Technically the film is incredibly well made, and is edited to perfection.
Bigelow (Near Dark, Strange Days, The Hurt Locker), one of my favourite film-makers, is at the top of her game here, in complete control of the material, and makes sure every drop of tension is squeezed from sadly topical subject matter.
I hope we don’t have to wait nearly 10 years for Bigelow’s next film.
AHouseOfDynamiteis a modern companion piece to classic films such as Dr Strangelove (1964), Fail Safe (1964), Threads (1984) and TheDayAfter (1983), and for those who were lucky enough to see this on the big screen during its very limited cinema release (myself included), it was genuinely gripping viewing.
Now available on the streaming format, this comes highly recommended.
RATING - ****½
Kiss of the Spider Woman
■ (MA). 128 minutes. Opens in cinemas October 30. Though there is some admittedly fine technical skill on display,
this latest adaptation of Manuel Puig’s 1976 book, which was most famously made as an Oscar winning film in 1985 (with William Hurt and Raul Julia), cannot overcome its theatrical origins (this is taken from the Broadway musical, which premiered in 1993), muting its dramatic impact and political overtones.
Set in Argentina in 1983, during a brutal dictatorship, the story again centres on two cellmates, Valentin (Diego Luna) and Luis Molina (Tonatiuh), and Luis’s attempt to befriend his fellow prisoner, by describing his favourite musical, taking Valentin away from real-life horrors and into a brightly coloured world of music and love. In this fantasy world, we are introduced to Ingrid Luna (Jennifer Lopez).
As the two men become closer, the authorities’ torture becomes more and more invasive. Luna and Tonatiuh do their best, but the film immerses itself too much into the musical elements, making the real life scenes feel stagey and unconvincing (I have a feeling this would have all work better on the stage).
While not a disaster, this particular iteration just doesn’t really work as a film.
RATING - **½
Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc
■ (MA). 100 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.
The successful anime series (based on the popular manga) makes the move to the big screen, and is very successful in transforming its energy and visuals for a cinema audience.
Fans will know what to expect, and should be very satisfied with what director Tatsuya Yoshihara and his team have crafted, delivering a fast-paced, beautifully animated mix of action, gore, humour and drama.
For those unfamiliar with the series, they will be lost, and will need to watch the anime series first.
RATING - ****
Aaron Rourke
In Memory of
● ● Aaron Rourke
■ My first memory of the Australian comedian Syd Heylen was on the television variety show Sunnyside Up which was compered by Bill Collins on Channel Seven in the early 1960s.
Syd was part of a comedy team which included Maurie Fields, Val Jellay, Honest John Gilbert and Syd Hollister.
Syd Heylen was brilliant comedian, portraying the Australian larrikin.
When I first saw him, I had no idea of his background or where he was going in the future.
Harold Charles Sydney ‘Syd’ Heylen was born in Renmark South Australia in 1922. He was the only son of a carpenter and joined the army when he was 16.
Somehow, he was nicknamed ‘Seyler’. Syd served with the 39th Infantry at the Kokoda Track.
He later joined the entertainment troupe and was a real character.
The late Michael Pate recalled in his book AnEntertainingWarthat Syd worked with artists such as Jim Davidson, Joe Latona, John McCallum and Ralph Peterson.
Apparently, Syd “borrowed” a truck during a Western Australian Army tour to visit his girlfriend but forgot that the truck was attached to a large generator and he finished up in a ditch.
After the war Syd became a professional comedian and worked in shows such as Jack andtheBeanstalk, ThanksfortheMemoryand StarryNights where he was billed as ‘Seyler Heylen’.
Syd worked at the famous Galleon Coffee
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Whatever Happened To ... Syd Heylen
By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM
Lounge in St Kilda for several years. He was a regular cast member for 10 years on the television series SunnysideUpwhich was produced at the Fitzroy tele-theatre and he was known as ‘Sydney from Sydney’.
Syd was married twice and had two children with his second wife Patti Brittain
Both children now work in the entertainment industry and Syd Jnr is a very popular comedian.
Syd Heylen worked as a comedian at The Britannia Hotel on the corner of Lonsdale St and Swanston St for many years.
He became an actor and had guest roles in shows such as Homicide,MatlockPoliceand A TownLikeAlice He did small roles in films such as Summer oftheSeventeenthDoll,Caddie,GingerMeggs
and MadMax2 Syd was in the ill-fated television series Arcadia but this led to his being cast as Vernon ‘Cookie’ Locke in ACountry Practice
He was with series from 1982 till 1992 and gained international recognition for his work as a character actor.
Syd and Patti retired to the Gold Coast after ACountryPracticefinished production.
Syd Heylen died of complications following a stroke in 1996 at the age of 74.
He was named the Australian Variety Club's first national living treasure in 1994.
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
UNCERTAIN ENDINGS AT WEST MELBOURNE
Uncertain Endings
Presented by Dark Horse Experiment.
Designers often begin with clear intentions, creating, duplicating and finally selling familiar products in neat sets on well-ordered racks.
Yet this apparently Udy end point. The point of-sale, des not necessarily capture the complex and messy way textiles move through the world.
As the fashion industry struggles to maintain an old order amid devolving global system, how can we find new and alternative methods for navigating these spaces, designing outcomes within this uncertainty?
Uncertain Endings explores a shift in focus from producing tidy products, to designing processes for shaping disorder, where the final design ay only emerge through the doing. Exhibition closed on October 25. Blender Studio 400 Spencer St, West Melbourne
Up Upwey way
Revisions
Made by the Waripiri of Central Australia and Patrick Waterhouse(UK)
This is the Australian premiere of Revisions. It is major new exhibition presenting a landmark collaboration between Waripiri artists of Central Australia and internationally acclaimed London based photographer Patrick Waterhouse
Over a period of 10 years, groups of Waripiri artists in Yuenduma and Nyirrpi, north-west of Alice Springs collaborated with Patrick Waterhouse to revise a collection of photographs. maps, flags, comic illustrations and other archival material.
The body of work emerging from this collection questions and amends the assumptions inscribed throughout the old documents.
It adds information missing grom the historical record, and gives voice to the stories of the original custodians of the land, passed down from generation to generation Exhibition opens October 25, and closes March 1, 2026
★ Also Showing Small Works from Warlu At Burrinja Lyre Galley
Alongside Revisions, this exhibition showcases artworks by Waripiri artists who are internationally recognised for their use of traditional iconography ansd an unrestricted, revolving colour palette.
The Arts
Warlukurlangu Artists was incorporated in Yuendumu, 300 kilometres north-east of Alice Springs, as a direct result of the birth of the modern Aboriginal desert art movement at Papurnya.
The maintenance of culture was the driving motivation for the elders, most of them were also leaders of the men’s and women’s ceremonies.
Artworks by Warlukurlangu Artists are internationally recognised for th use of traditional iconography and unrestricted colour palette. Artists have developed their own particular styles which are constantly evolving.
Exhibition closes Sunday November 30.
Burrinja Gallery
351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey
Therapeutic
Artists Anonymous – Michael Lindeman
Building on his long-running tongue-in-cheek exploration of the contemporary art world, Artists Anonymous appears as both an exhibition and group therapy: a multi—element installation that remains part of the gallery as a therapeutic space.
Guided by Irwin D.Yalom’s theories of transformation and echoing Nicolas Bo Boumiaud’s Rational Aesthetics, the artist employs finger painting on mirror.
Sculpture, and performance to construct a subversive world-self, reliable, absurd and darkly funny.
Exhibition opens October 30 and closes November 22. Sullivan+Strumpf 107-109 Rupert St. Collingwood Peter Kemp
Joyce memoir
■ Hardie Grant Books has announced the acquisition of former QANTAS CEO Alan Joyce’s tell all memoir.
One of Australia’s most experienced and polarising corporate leaders will take readers inside the wild ride that was QANTAS during the 15 years he was at the helm.
Alan Joyce announced his retirement in 2023 and stepped down early in September 2023.
In Joyce’s own words: “I’m looking forward to setting the record straight – the book will be a forthright and honest account of my time as CEO of Australia’s national flagship. Nothing will be off limits.”
From humble beginnings in Dublin, Ireland, the son of a factory worker and a cleaner, Joyce was the first of his extended family to pursue higher education.
His analytical mind led him into aviation — first with Aer Lingus, then Ansett Australia
Joyce became the founding chief executive of QANTAS’s lowcost arm Jetstar in 2003 and, five years later, CEO of QANTAS Airways itself.
When he took over in 2008, the global financial crisis was hammering airlines worldwide. Over the next 15 years, Joyce became one of Australia’s most high-profile and polarising business leaders.
He guided QANTAS through multiple crises — from soaring fuel costs, the QF32 engine failure and near loss of an A380 to the grounding of its entire fleet in 2011 during a fierce standoff with unions.
The decision was unprecedented and deeply controversial, yet it ultimately forced a resolution that allowed the restructure of the airline.
Critics called it reckless brinkmanship; supporters hailed it as the bold act that saved QANTAS from collapse.
Accident prone?
■ Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin has the rumour mill in another spin about his weekend crash into a tree so as to avoid having a head-on crash with a garbage collection truck. Not long ago Baldwin was involved in a long running investigation about the fatal on-set death of a cinemaphotographer. Social media is in a spin with claims the trash collection truck does not even work on the nominated day of the accident. Worst of all, Baldwin was said to be driving his wife's car.
Daniel’s head above water
■ Australian pop star Sia is supposedly making it bigtime overseas. The lifestyle suggests she led an expensive existence with her husband, Daniel, in tow. Fifteen months after their wedding it's all over, so the private jet travel, lavish meals and entertaining and paid staff are over and out. Estranged Daniel has filed documents requesting a monthly spousal support of $A385,591 until he can get his finances in order.
All about Bruce
■ Australian audiences are in for a treat with the first ever cinema release about the early days of Bruce Springsteen. Titled Springsteen; DelivermefromNowheremade its debut at the London Film Festival, and Bruce, aged 78 strode down the red carpet. Film was due for Australian release on October 23.
Two pals chatting
■ In a magnificently shot, black and white short film two acting icons in Robert De Niro and Al Pacino , are seen talking about inner warmth subtly promoting the Monders brand of puffer jackets and keeping warm in winter. Short film is about friendship, love and warmth. Catch it if you can online, it is a creative masterpiece.
Popularity polling
■ Talent Quest is a local company who monitor popularity of personalities on Australian TV. Results of latest poll are:
- Robert Irwin
● ● Syd Heylen
with Peter Kemp
With John O’Keefe
● Alec Baldwin
Today’s Menu
Charcuterie Boards:
Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts
Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.
Teas and Coffees
Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Lovatts Crossword No 2
Across Across Down Down Observer
1. Full of vitality
6. Took a break
11. Soothes (fears)
15. Protecting
20. Red-rind cheese
21. Actor, Ryan ... (1'4)
22. Solemn promise
23. Solid ground, ... firma
25. Anglican church caretaker
26. Ethics
27. Public persona
29. Mania
32. Hind section
34. Ruler, Genghis ...
36. Innocently
39. Colorado ski resort
41. Alexandria is there
43. Titled ladies
46. Lessened
48. Hair dye
49. Madam (2'2)
51. Hideous monster
52. Replanting with trees
55. Long story
56. Arrests
59. Beginning
61. Moderate, ... down
62. Ancient musical instrument
63. Skirmish
64. Sadder (state)
67. Women's court sport
68. Legitimately
70. Japanese hostess
71. Obtained (funds)
72. Womb
73. Academy Awards
74. News stories
75. Encloses
77. Proclamation
78. Comes in
79. Behaviour
82. Simpler
86. Jewish language
87. Biblical son of Isaac
89. Minor planets
92. Gambling chances
94. Acute anxiety
96. In a frenzied state
98. European defence pact
100. Caravan itinerant
101. At a distance
103. Requirement
105. Gallows rope
106. Oil producers' cartel
108. Contest of honour
111. Nursery rhyme, Three Blind ...
112. Utterly exhausted (4,4)
114. Discouraged
116. Domestic helper
119. Actress, ... Thompson
120. Ukraine capital
121. Belonging to that
123. Writer, ... Blyton
124. Restore to health
125. Spectators
126. Senior citizen
127. Gentlest
130. Typist's complaint (1,1,1)
131. Hollering
135. Scrapes (knee)
138. Dad
139. Metal pen-points
141. Premonitions
144. Coal mine waste
146. Food enhancer (1,1,1)
147. Excessively formal
148. Sense of self
149. Established (foundations)
150. Golfing body (1,1,1)
151. Devil's abode
152. Improvised (4,2)
153. October stone
155. Feed (fire)
157. More orderly
158. Twig shelter
160. Atlantic or Indian
161. Huffs
162. Throw up
163. Reside
165. Even further delayed
166. Famous record label (1,1,1)
167. Argentina's ... Peron
168. Yellowish-brown pigment
169. Rush off 171. Nimble
172. Donor
175. Tribal emblem
176. Religious statue 179. Squirm in pain
180. Crowd brawl
182. Wine, ... spumante
184. West Indian music
185. Pop group, Bee ... 186. Kangaroo pouch
188. Germination pod 189. Gearwheel tooth
190. Sixty minutes
191. Crack army force (1,1,1)
193. US space organisation 194. Deal with 196. Cereal bowl
197. Trimmed of fat
198. Aroma
200. More scrumptious
205. Wrath
207. City roads
210. Gorged oneself
211. Last day of April
212. Amongst 213. Leading 214. Household fuel 216. Spoken exam
218. Hordes
219. Was obliged to pay
220. In so far (as)
224. Political stirrer
227. Adversaries
229. Optic organs
230. Valley
231. Happen
232. Mad Roman emperor
233. Data
235. Remove (tape) from VCR
237. You
239. Cheeky smile
241. Skewered meat
244. Great Bear constellation, ... Major
246. Scenery
249. Leer
252. Straight (route)
254. Charted
256. Scattered
258. Of long duration (3-3)
259. Cavalry spear
260. Vigilantly
263. Short period
264. Synagogue scholars
265. Make untidy (4,2)
267. Huts
270. Administer
271. Slid
272. Win
273. Nuclear agreement (4,3)
274. Small herring
277. Liberated
279. Graven image
281. Distributed (cards)
284. Sinks in middle
286. Ark builder
288. Luxuries
292. Power group
294. In present condition (2,2)
295. Fork spike
298. The Suez ...
300. English tennis champ, Fred ...
301. Gaze
303. Boats' spines
306. Thickly
308. Test run
309. Blemish
311. Chunkier (stew)
314. Disorder, cerebral ...
315. Screen legend, Marilyn ...
316. Finance in advance
317. Honourably
318. Fond of, ... on
319. Nazi government, The Third ...
320. Nothing
321. Peevishness
322. Alcove
323. Moved furtively
324. Bed cover
1. Do breaststroke
2. Lamented
3. Garden entrances
4. Brief
5. 12-months
6. Despoil
7. Nailfile (board)
8. Fasten (bolt)
9. Legendary kingdom, El ...
10. Take up again
11. Nearly
12. Robbery
13. Egg centres
14. Dress ribbons
15. Beef-cut for stock
16. Senseless
17. Disregard alarm clock (3,2)
18. Tick over 19. Elapse (2,2)
24. Glimpse
28. Work team
30. Irish sweater style
31. Identify
33. Weirder
35. Maxims
37. Windmill arm
38. Part of ear
40. Bridge-player's bid (2,6)
42. Spurs
44. Polar
45. University compositions
47. Concur
48. Risked
49. Mortuaries
50. Helping
53. Yacht's mooring cushions
54. Treated badly (3-4)
57. Seabird with large wingspan
58. Fluctuates
60. Cotton tops (1-6)
63. Detective story
65. Porridge flakes
66. Proportional, pro ...
68. Decoy
69. Scottish lake
76. Plane terminal
79. Silent
80. Bare
81. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2)
83. Brisbane suburb & racecourse
84. Internal
85. Decompose
88. First animals in dictionary
90. Shade of colour
91. Frosted (biscuits)
93. Tottering
95. Drawing pin
97. Incessantly (2,3,2)
99. Word formed from initials
100. Pleased
102. Dummy pass
104. Waned
107. Danger
109. Author, ... Bronte
110. Bullets
111. Non-glossy
113. Powerful light (3,4)
115. Elevate in rank
117. Spicy lentil dish
118. Futile (attempt)
121. Tel Aviv native
122. Side benefit (4-3)
127. Revolving tray, lazy ...
128. Froths
129. Greatest
132. House seller (6,5)
133. Dormant
134. Rainwater channel
135. Least rough
136. Lack of awareness
137. Most swift
138. Blazed trail
140. Deliverance
141. Vehicle distance gauges
142. Capture spirit of
143. British military academy
145. Collects
151. Sack material
154. Spanish friend
156. Addicts
159. Conger or moray
164. Bustle
169. Battle
170. Large pitchers
173. Prickling
174. Baby birds of prey
177. Desist
178. Approaches
181. Foolish
183. Melting
187. Firebugs
192. Firmly securing
195. Standard 199. Inventor
201. Weaponry
202. Carry-on (2-2)
203. All set
204. Charmer, ... fatale
206. Say
207. Employees
208. Deciduous trees
209. London underground
213. Bump into 215. Prosecutor
217. Appearance
221. Take a nap
222. America, ... Sam
223. Chile's tip, Cape ... 224. Singer's solo
225. Narrow bay
226. Quarrel
228. Swedish tennis ace (5,4)
234. Views
236. Bike rider
238. Radio hobbyist
240. Charged particle
242. UK country
243. Speak to
245. Abating
247. Changed suitably
248. Spirit medium
250. Mouth cosmetic
251. Commercials
253. Chore
255. Discontinued
257. Refuses to (3,1)
258. Your school, ... mater
261. Consumable
262. Mood
265. Intimidate
266. Damascus is there
268. Uplift
269. Vendor
275. Peel (apple)
276. Snakes
278. Make bigger
280. Climb down
282. Compass point
283. Exist
285. Carbonated drink
287. ... & nail
289. Euphoric drugs
290. Topped with breadcrumbs, au ...
291. Sprites
292. Called (of donkey)
293. Part of shoe
296. Ward off
297. Stockings fibre
299. Not anybody (2-3)
302. Stun
304. Lodge deeply
305. Store for future use (3,2)
306. Fall
307. Subsequent
308. Anti-flood embankment
310. Door handle
312. ... of Capri
313. Peruse
By Rob Foenander
Dave’s Award
■ Guitars for Vets founder Dave Cox has received the Victorian Seniors Award for his work in the veteran community.
Since 2017 Dave has worked tirelessly with the G4V project which is now a national program.
Along the way they have provided 650 guitars to countless veterans whose testimonials say they’ve found that the introduction of music into their lives has greatly improved their mental health and outlook to life.
Choir Boys baclk
■ Eighties hard rock and pub band, the Choir Boys, are back.
Part concert, part storytelling, Choirboys celebrates Australian rock n roll in its heyday.
Expect classic stories you were never meant to hear, wild nights, backstage madness, and the kind of insanity only a rock band could survive, as they recall it says their media release.
It’s all happening at the Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, Sunday, May 31. Tickets at trybooking.com
Ron sings Cat
■ Ron Vincent will bring to life the songs of Cat Stevens with a number of performances scheduled around the state.
The Peninsula Theatre Mornington will play host to the internationally acclaimed artist on Sunday, November 16, commencing 3pm.
Tickets at trybooking.com - Rob Foenander
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Melb. Theatre Company’s 2026 launch
■ Melbourne Theatre Company’s Season 2026 aims to please audiences with a mix of favourites, new works, and some bound-to-be blockbusters.
The following are just a taste of what’s on offer.
Back by popular demand is the acclaimed, award-winning musical adaptation of Miles Franklin’s My BrilliantCareer, with the irrepressible Kala Gare as Sybylla Melvyn. Dennis McIntosh’s West Gate premieres with Steve Bastoni, Daniela Farinacci , and Lachy Hulme in a drama about the collapse of the iconic Melbourne bridge and its devastating effects.
Alison Whyte stars in Tennessee Williams’s classic American masterpiece, TheGlassMenagerie
The West End hit show, Retrogade, features newcomer
Donné Ngabo as a young Sidney Poitier arriving in Hollywood at a time when McCarthyism, racial tension, and the civil rights movement collide.
Jean Tong’s DoNotPassGofeatures Belinda McClory in a sharp satire about system breakdown and coworkers negotiating the generation gap and identity politics.
Marieke Hardy showcases her award-winning acerbic wit in LosingFace, a “perimenopausal Weekend at Bernie’s,” that peels back the façade of the beauty and wellness industries, guaranteeing laughs along the way.
Anne-Louise Sarks directs a new adaptation of Uncle Vanya by Joanna Murray-Smith, featuring Daniel Henshall in the iconic role of Vanya
Crossword Solution No 2
The Jungle and the Sea, winner of the 2024 Victorian Premier’s Literary Award for Drama, narrates a family’s incredible journey through Sri Lanka’s decades-long civil war.
Eliza, by Tom Holloway, tells the story of the birth of the AI chatbot. Starring Dan Spielman and Manali Datar, this new play challenges the real cost of this invention.
Before I Forget, by writer-director Kamarra Bell-Wykes, is a play about forgiveness and the unwavering love of family.
A heartfelt, coming-of-age, rom-com, A Room with a View, starring Nathalie Morris, caps off the year with what is sure to be a banger.
Kathryn Keeble
Eva Cassidy
■ A tribute to Eva Cassidy will be at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club on Saturday, November 8 Powerhouse vocalist Nardia Brancatisano brings together the soul-stirring music of two of her greatest inspirations, Etta James and Eva Cassidy, in a captivating tribute that celebrates their timeless artistry.
From the raw, fiery blues of Etta James to the delicate, ethereal storytelling of Eva Cassidy, Nardia seamlessly weaves between these two legendary voices, embodying their spirit with her own signature style. There will be renditions of classics such as AtLast,I'dRather GoBlind,WadeintheWater, and FieldsofGold.
PENSIONER L A I SOFTEST R O D L RSI O L Y I YELLING U O U SKINS PAPA NIBS OMENS S N U SLAG P MSG PRIM EGO LAID PGA T HELL A MADEDO N E OPAL FUEL
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
● Alison Whyte in The Glass Menagerie.
(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)
24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK
(Scrap bin available)
SATURDAY’S LOCAL CRICKET FINAL SCORES
■ Men’s Premier Firsts. Round 3. Two Day. Sats., Oct. 25 and Nov. 1. Carlton 1st XI 5/ 179 v St Kilda 1st XI. Camberwell Magpies
1st XI v Richmond 1st XI 10/240. Northcote 1st XI 1/29 v Ringwood 1st XI 10/203. Dandenong 1st XI 1/74 v Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 10/197. Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 10/306 v Melbourne 1st XI 2/40. Prahran 1st XI v Geelong 1st XI 9/327. Melbourne University 1st XI 7/246 v Footscray 1st XI. Essendon 1st XI 2/12 v Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 10/ 264. Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 0/12 v Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 10/242. Seconds. St Kilda 2nd XIc 10/286 v Carlton 2nd XI. Richmond 2nd XI 10/277 v Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 0/1. Ringwood 2nd XI 1/6 v Northcote 2nd XI 10/243. Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 5/54 v Dandenong 2nd XI 10/255. Melbourne 2nd XI 0/12 v Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 10/326. Geelong 2nd XI 4/255 v Prahran 2nd XI. Footscray 2nd XI 7/264 v Melbourne University 2nd XI. Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 10/420 v Essendon 2nd XI. Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI v Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 5/270. Thirds. Carlton 3rd XI v St Kilda 3rd XI 10/ 217. Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 2/5 v Richmond 3rd XI 10/309. Northcote 3rd XI v Ringwood 3rd XI 8/298. Dandenong 3rd XI 4d/397 v Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 0/22. Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 4/234 v Melbourne 3rd XI. Prahran 3rd XI v Geelong 3rd XI 8/271. Melbourne University 3rd XI 10/124 v Footscray 3rd XI 5/42. Essendon 3rd XIv v Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 3/183. Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 10/234 v Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 1/1 Fourths. St Kilda 4th XI 2/149 v Carlton 4th XI 10/148. Richmond 4th XI v Camberwell Magpies 4th XI. Ringwood 4th XI 10/180 v Northcote 4th XI 2/58. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 10/238 v Dandenong 4th XI. Melbourne 4th XI 7/336 v Casey South Melbourne 4th XI. Geelong 4th XI 10/66 v Prahran 4th XI 9-d/ 153. Footscray 4th XI 8/158 v Melbourne University 4th XI. Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 1/73 v Essendon 4th XI 10/122. Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI v Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI 6/180.
Sub-District
■ East-West 1st XI. Round 2. Two days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. Box Hill 1st XI 10/136 & 6/171 v Balwyn 1st XI 8-d/155. Croydon 1st XI 10/200c v Bayswater 1st XI 9/204. Donvale 1st XI 10/190 v Endeavour Hills 1st XI 9/264. Noble Park 1st XI 4/360 v Williamstown 1st XI 10/86 & 5/19. Altona 1st XI 4/155 v Werribee 1st XI 10/153. Hoppers Crossing 1st XI 10/ 258 v Spotswood 1st XI 10/279. Melton 1st XI 10/155 v Taylors Lakes 1st XI 10/144. Yarraville 1st XI 9/244 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/90. East-West 2nd XI. Balwyn 2nd XI 9/506 v Box Hill 2nd XI 10/169. Bayswater 2nd XI 10/235 v Croydon 2nd XI 6/384. Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 10/140 v Donvale 2nd XI 10/305. Williamstown 2nd XI 9/316 v Noble Park 2nd XI 10/264. Werribee 2nd XI 7/239 v Altona 2nd XI 10/178. Spotswood 2nd XI 8/306 v Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 10/151. Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 10/206 v Melton 2nd XI 10/142. Mt Waverley 2nd XI 9/265 v Yarraville 2nd XI 10/ 108 & 7/93.
North-South 1st XI. Brunswick 1st XI 3/ 255 v Strathmore 1st XI 9/253. Ivanhoe 1st XI 10/62 & 9/169 v Caulfield 1st XI 9/260. Kew 1st XI 10/171 v Coburg 1st XI 9/263. Plenty Valley 1st XI 10/158 v Elsternwick 1st XI 10/ 185. Preston 1st XI 8/320 v St Bernard's OC 1st XI 6/219, abandoned. Malvern 1st XI 10/ 284 v Brighton 1st XI 10/159. Moorabbin 1st XI 10/171 v Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/132 & 1/47. Ormond 1st XI 10/113 & 10/59 v Oakleigh 1st XI 10/182.
North-South 2nd XI. Caulfield 2nd XI 10/ 241 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI 10/151. Elsternwick 2nd XI 8-d/226 v Plenty Valley 2nd XI 10/82 & 6/ 123. St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/118 v Preston 2nd XI 7/150. Brighton 2nd XI 10/182 v Malvern 2nd XI 10/126. Port Melbourne 2nd XI 8/355 v Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/69 & 3/139. Oakleigh 2nd XI 10/272 v Ormond 2nd XI 10/203. Sundays: Strathmore 2nd XI v Brunswick 2nd XI 8/369. Coburg 2nd XI v Kew 2nd XI 8/247.
North-West 3rd XI. Division 1. Brunswick 3rd XI 10/143 v Preston 3rd XI 6/ 395. Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 10/199 v Plenty Valley 3rd XI 10/258. St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 10/322 v Werribee 3rd XI 10/152. Taylors Lakes 3rd XI 10/254 v Melton 3rd XI 9/177.
North-West 3rd XI. Division 2. Coburg 3rd XI 7-d/239 v Williamstown 3rd XI 10/133 & 1/51. Ivanhoe 3rd XI 10/146 v Altona 3rd XI 10/134. Strathmore 3rd XI 6/302 v Spotswood 3rd XI 7/161. Yarraville 3rd XI 10/77 & 10/ 107 v Kew 3rd XI 5-d/269.
North-West 4th XI. Division 1. Preston 4th XI 10/155 v Brunswick 4th XI 7/203. Plenty Valley 4th XI 10/125 v Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 7/212. Werribee 4th XI v St Bernard's OC 4th XI 6/297. Melton 4th XI 10/186 v Taylors Lakes 4th XI 8/144, abandoned.
North-West 4th XI. Division 2. Williamstown 4th XI 10/181 v Coburg 4th XI 8/344. Altona 4th XI 8/264 v Ivanhoe 4th XI 10/117. Spotswood 4th XI 10/186 v Strathmore 4th XI 6/188. Kew 4th XI 10/241 & 2/25 v Yarraville 4th XI 10/69.
South-East 3rd XI. Division 1. Croydon 3rd XI 10/81 & 8/184 v Mt Waverley 3rd XI 10/186. Malvern 3rd XI 10/144 & 10/80 v Elsternwick 3rd XI 3-d/216 & 0/10. Oakleigh 3rd XI 10/213 v Caulfield 3rd XI 5/220. Sunday: Bayswater 3rd XI 1/9 v Balwyn 3rd XI 10/ 202.
South-East 3rd XI. Division 2. Box Hill 3rd XI 10/123 & 10/140 v Donvale 3rd XI 10/ 163 & 5/104. Brighton 3rd XI 10/251 v Noble Park 3rd XI 9/175. Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 10/ 155 & 6/59 v Port Melbourne 3rd XI 10/126. Moorabbin 3rd XI 10/175 & 6/115 v Ormond 3rd XI 10/172.
South-East 4th XI. Division 1. Mt Waverley 4th XI 8/241 v Croydon 4th XI 10/ 134. Caulfield 4th XI 10/110 & 3/47 v Oakleigh 4th XI 10/82. Balwyn 4th XI 2-d/212 v Bayswater 4th XI 10/146 & 8/23. Sunday: Elsternwick 4th XI 4/151 v Malvern 4th XI 9-d/ 72.
South-East 4th XI. Division 2. Noble Park 4th XI 10/180 v Brighton 4th XI 10/212. Port Melbourne 4th XI 10/149 v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/126 & 10/99. Ormond 4th XI 10/ 230 v Moorabbin 4th XI 8/223. Sunday: Donvale 4th XI 10/133 v Box Hill 4th XI 9/ 172.
Diamond Valley
■ Barclay Shield. Round 3. Two Days Sat.Sun., Oct. 25-26. Bundoora United 1st XI v Epping 1st XI 9/178. Heidelberg 1st XI 8/201 v North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI. Macleod 1st XI 7/174 v Rosebank 1st XI. Riverside 1st XI v Bundoora 1st XI 5/181. Rosanna 1st XI 7/228 v Diamond Creek 1st XI.
Money Shield. Plenty 1st XI 9/133 vResearch Eltham Collegians 1st XI. Greensborough 1st XI v Lower Plenty 1st XI 8/ 123. Mernda 1st XI 2/185 v Montmorency 1st XI. Bundoora Park 1st XI 6/126 v Banyule 1st XI. Lalor Stars 1st XI 3/123 v Eltham 1st XI. Mash Shield. Hurstbridge 1st XI 4/149 v Panton Hill 1st XI. Mill Park 1st XI 10/68 v Rivergum 1st XI 4/106. Lower Eltham 1st XI v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 9/222. Thomastown 1st XI 7/177 v Dennis 1st XI. Thomastown United 1st XI v Laurimar 1st XI 10/139. Keon Park CC 1st XI 10/117 v South Morang 1st XI 1/10.
B-Grade. Banyule 2nd XI v Mernda 2nd XI. Diamond Creek 2nd XI v Riverside 2nd XI, abandoned. Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI v Rosanna 2nd XI. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI v Plenty 2nd XI. Montmorency 2nd XI v Heidelberg 2nd XI, abandoned.
C-Grade. Bundoora 2nd XI 9/197 v Macleod 2nd XI 10/83. Eltham 2nd XI 1/128 v Riverside 3rd XI 10/123. South Morang 2nd XI 6/227 v Lalor Stars 2nd XI 3/112. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 7/141 v Bundoora United 2nd XI 8/142. Rivergum 2nd XI 5/164 v Greensborough 2nd XI 6/166.
D-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI 0/60 v Bundoora Park 2nd XI 10/186, abandoned. Laurimar 2nd XI 5/215 v Diamond Creek 3rd XI 0/22, abandoned. Keon Park CC 2nd XI 7/216 v Montmorency 3rd XI, abandoned.
Panton Hill 2nd XI 2/65 v Hurstbridge 2nd XI 10/163, abandoned. Rosebank 2nd XI 0/19 v Mill Park 2nd XI 10/80, abandoned. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 9/182 v Lower Plenty 3rd XI 5/181
E-Grade. South Morang 3rd XI 5/56 v Mernda 3rd XI 10/145, abandoned. Greensborough 3rd XI 3/160 v Thomastown United 2nd XI 8/159. Riverside 4th XI 8/157 v Banyule 3rd XI 1/22, abandoned. Dennis 2nd XI 10/93 v Lower Eltham 2nd XI 1/94. Thomastown 2nd XI: Bye.
Eastern
■ Dunstan Shield. Round 2. Two days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. Mont Albert 1st XI 5/ 182 v Edinburgh 1st XI 10/181. Old Carey 1st XI 6/189 v Glen Iris 1st XI 7/319. North Balwyn 1st XI 8/343 v East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 10/202. Bulleen 1st XI 10/162 v East Doncaster 1st XI 9-d/236 Wright Shield. Canterbury 1st XI 10/148 v Heathmont 1st XI 10/284. Surrey Hills 1st XI 7/312 v Marcellin OC 1st XI 10/228. Richmond City 1st XI 8/248 v Deepdene Bears 1st XI 10/204. Ashburton Willows 1st XI 10/207 v Mulgrave 1st XI 10/254.
A Turf. Boronia 1st XI 10/162 v Ashwood 1st XI 4/164. Burwood 1st XI 10/294 v Balwyn Saints 1st XI 10/267 & 2/68. Mazenod OC 1st XI 4/275 v Old Carey 2nd XI 10/271. Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 10/278 v Mont Albert 2nd XI 10/94 & 4/152.
B Turf. Richmond Union 1st XI 8/379 v Canterbury 2nd XI 10/130. Heathmont 2nd XI 5/337 v Bulleen 2nd XI 7-d/336. East Doncaster 2nd XI 6/313 v St. Kevins Old Boys 1st XI 10/283. Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 6/280 v North Balwyn 2nd XI 10/174.
C Turf. Edinburgh 2nd XI 5-d/200 v Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 10/157. Glen Iris 2nd XI 10/371 v La Trobe University 1st XI 10/114 & 5/214. East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 10/ 140 v Boronia 2nd XI 7/141. Mulgrave 2nd XI 7-d/158 v Burwood 2nd XI 10/135 & 3/98.
D Turf. Ashwood 2nd XI 9/328 v Richmond City 2nd XI 9/253. Old Carey 3rd XI 10/206 v Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 7/210. Marcellin OC 2nd XI 9-d/226 v Mazenod OC 2nd XI 9/156. Sunday: Mont Albert 3rd XI 0/15 v Surrey Hills 2nd XI 10/226.
E Turf. La Trobe University 2nd XI 10/79 v Surrey Hills 3rd XI 8/171. Balwyn Saints 2nd XI 10/109 & 10/169 v Richmond Union 2nd XI 8-d/229. Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 10/154 & 8/124 v Edinburgh 3rd XI 5-d/235. Heathmont 3rd XI 1-d/233 v Marcellin OC 3rd XI 9/109 & 6/116. East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 10/169 v Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 8/171.
F Turf. Ropund 3. One Day. East Doncaster 3rd XI 4/147 v East Malvern Tooronga 4th XI 8/ 146. St. Kevins Old Boys 2nd XI 6/70 v Heathmont 4th XI 5/238, abandoned. Surrey Hills 4th XI 9/149 v Mont Albert 4th XI 2/150. Richmond City 3rd XI 6/131 v Bulleen 3rd XI 4/133.
MacGibbon Shield. Round 2. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 18-25. West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 10/142 v Trinity Willison 1st XI 9-d/413. Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 7/250 v Holy Trinity 1st XI 10/242. Glen Waverley 1st XI 10/90 & 10/194 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 1st XI 10/ 77 & 6/175. STC South Camberwell 1st XI 10/ 100 & 10/77 v Clifton Hill 1st XI 5-d/257. Burt Shield. Clifton Hill 2nd XI 10/116 & 1/37 v Toorak Prahran 1st XI 10/246. Trinity Willison 2nd XI 10/236 v St. Paul's Oakleigh District 1st XI 5/240. Holy Trinity 2nd XI 3/ 189 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/188. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 2nd XI 8-d/172 v North Alphington 1st XI 10/158.
Morn. Peninsula
■ Provincial Firsts. Round 3. Two days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. Red Hill 1sts 6/176 v Mornington 1sts 10/123. Dromana 1sts 10/ 244 v Pines 1sts 10/272. Sorrento 1sts 10/ 269 v Langwarrin 1sts 7/271. Heatherhill 1sts 10/151 v Baden Powell 1sts 8/275. Peninsula Firsts. Seaford CC 1sts 9/180 v Balnarring 1sts 10/234. Somerville 1sts 9/ 43 & 6/90 v Old Peninsula 1sts 7/272.
Moorooduc 1sts 10/98 & 10/44 v Long Island 1sts 8-d/175. Rosebud 1sts 8-d/122 v Mt Eliza 1sts 10/82 & 7/88. District Firsts. Flinders 1sts 10/121 & 4/ 96 v Rye 1sts 9-d/145. Crib Point 1sts 7/154 v Seaford Tigers 1sts 10/150. Boneo 1sts 10/ 137 v Carrum Downs 1sts 8/138. Carrum CC 1sts 7/190 v Main Ridge 1sts 10/189. Roy Dore Reserve / East Oval Sub-District Firsts. Tyabb 1sts 6/164 v Delacombe Park 1sts 10/162. Frankston YCW 1st 10/175 v Baxter 1sts 1/40. Ballam Park 1sts 10/197 v Mt Martha 1sts 4/47. Pearcedale 1sts 10/119 & 10/151 v Tootgarook 1sts 9-d/ 263 & 0/13. Bye: Skye 1sts
North Metro
■ Jika Shield. Round 3. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 18-25. Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 4/204 v Camrea Stingrays CC 1st XI 9/198. Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 6/186 v Donath CC 1st XI 10/ 184. Northern Socials CC 1st XI 10/61 & 9/ 135 v Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 4-d/219. Jack Quick Shield. Cameron CC 1st XI 7/ 119 v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 9/320, abandoned. Strathewen Cougars CC 1stXI 9-d/264 v West Preston CC 1st XI 9/166. Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 10/200 v Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 10/207.
Jack Kelly Shield. Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 8/195 v Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI 6/ 198. Preston YCW District 1st XI 9/180 v Fairfield CC 1st XI 10/69 & 7/55. West Preston CC 2nd XI 4/137 v Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 10/ 207, abandoned.
B-Grade. Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 10/180 v West Preston CC 3rd XI 9/131. Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 7/192 v Northern Socials CC 2s XI 10/191. Fairfield CC 2nd XI v Wollert Rhinos CC 1st XI 7/402
C-Grade. Royal Park Reds 4th XI 10/146 v Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI 10/171. Camrea Stingrays CC 2nd XI 8/318 v Bellfield Bulls CC 4th XI 10/160. Preston Baseballers CC 3rd XI 7-d/226 v Fiji Victorian CC 4th XI 10/62 & 8/ 100. Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI 8/168 v Olympic Colts CC 2nd XI Forfeit 2/25. DODC. Round 2. Kinglake CC OD v Cameron CC OD, abandoned. Donath CC OD 3/90 v Preston YCW District OD 8/163. Bye: Camrea Stingrays CC OD
Ringwood District
■ A-Grade. Round 3. Two Days. Satzs., Oct. 18-25. Heatherdale 3XI 4-d/162 v St Andrews 4XI 10/147. Norwood 4XI 9-d/103 v Wantirna South 3XI 10/70. Mooroolbark 3XI 4-d/221 v Wonga Park 4XI 10/175. Powelltown 1XI 4/ 126 v South Croydon 3XI 9/105. B-Grade. Kilsyth 4XI 10/180 & 2/62. v Mooroolbark 4XI 6-d/380. Mt Evelyn 3XI 10/ 250 v Coldstream 2XI 10/102 & 7/70. South Warrandyte 3XI 8/73 v Templeton 3XI 3/245. Heathwood 3XI 10/146 v Warrandyte 4XI 10/ 191. Bill Wilkins Cup. Round 3. Wantirna South 1XI 10/232 v Mt Evelyn 1XI 10/298. Warranwood 1XI 10/111 v Bayswater Park 1XI 8/117. Wonga Park 1XI 8/192 v Mooroolbark 1XI 3/193. East Ringwood 1XI 4/222 v Kilsyth 1XI 9/217. Heatherdale 1XI 10/117 v Vermont 1XI 7/118.
C-Grade. Wantirna 1XI 7/243 v Chirnside Park 4XI 10/239. Warrandyte 5XI 1-d/169 v Healesville 3XI 10/118. St Andrews 5XI 9/305 v North Ringwood 4XI 10/165. East Ringwood 4XI 10/175 v Croydon Ranges 4XI 6/364.
South-East
■ Longmuir Shield. One Day. East Sandringham 1 10/150 v West Bentleigh 1 9/ 182. Washington Park 1 10/105 v Bentleigh Uniting 1 7/173. Kingston Heath 1 10/80 v Bentleigh ANA 1 5/290. Brighton Union 1 9/ 192 v Le Page Park 1 7/198.
Western
■ A-Grade. Round 3. two Days. Sats., Oct. 18-25. Altona Sports 1st XI 10/223 v Truganina Strikers CC Yellow 1st XI 7-d/310. Manor Lakes 2nd XI 9-d/308 v AA Tarneit 1st XI 10/129 & 8/ 173. Williams Landing SC 1st XI 10/221 v West Point Titans 2nd XI 9/251.
LIGHTNING FAST TRACK AT TERANG
■ A massive 10-race program of great racing was held on a lightning fast track at Terang on Monday October 20 with mixed results throughout the evening.
Great Western’s Michelle Wight was successful with 5Y0 A Rocknroll Dance-Parfait Bromac mare Nosweetsforyou in the 2180 metre Matthews Petroleum Pace Final.
Taken back to the rear from inside the second line as Watch It Happens led from gate two, Nosweetsforyou was sent forward three wide once the speed slackened to park outside the pacemaker before crossing to the front racing for the bell.
Kicking clear approaching the home turn, Nosweetsforyou recorded a strong nine metre margin in advance of Double The Hunter (gate five – one/one) to be outside the winner or the last lap, with A Rocknroll Jet (gate six –one/two) running on late for third a half head away. The mile rate 2-00.2.
■ Local reinsman Mattie Craven was responsible for a driving victory aboard the Shannon Edwards Hamilton part-owned and trained first starter Colossal Hope in the Maddens Lawyers Maiden Pace over 2180 metres and a training success with Roadmaster in the fast class feature the Warrnambool Seaside Harness Racing Club Pace over 1680 metres.
■ Colossal Hope, a 4Y0 gelded son of Cullens Hope and Sayaka bred by Shannon was ultra impressive in his victory after racing uncovered from gate five outside the raging hot favourite Jilliby Kymy Lou (gate two).
Holding a margin on turning, Jilliby Kymy Lou was grabbed in the last stride by Colossal Hope showing a great desire to win by a neck returning a mile rate of 2-00.7.
Talkbabytalk (gate four - one/one) was third 7.3 metres away. Roadmaster driven by Mattie’s partner Amy Day was caught in the breeze from gate four when polemarker Telemachus began best to lead.
Applying pressure to assume control at the bell, Roadmaster defied all challengers to score by 4.3 metres from Odin (three pegs from gate three) after gaining a split in the straight, with Young Bluey and Mattie Craven which was restrained to the rear from outside the front line moving one/one on the back of solo second liner Beyond Delight at the bell and three wide on the final bend third a half head away. The mile rate 1-55.
■ Matty Horsnell provided 3Y0 Jilliby Kung Fu-Jilliby Tamaka gelding Shifu raced by the local Lenehan family to land the Miss Kit Beauty Therapy & Make Up Academy Pace. Driven by Glen Craven, Shifu went forward from outside the front line to race exposed outside We Favour Rosie (gate four) before easing to be one/one at the bell. Angling three wide in the straight to follow Eastbro Kozzy (gate two) which had moved three wide in the last lap from three back, Shifu sprinted swiftly to blouse a game Eastbro Kozzy by a head, with Grinning Beach Boy (gate five – outside the leader – one/one –one/two) third 2.1 metres back. The mile rate 2-00.3.
■ Skibo part-owner/trainer Rory Coverdale snared an exciting 1680 metre Raffertys Tavern Pace with Gunforhire, a 4Y0 gelded son of Betting Line and Left For Dead. Leading out from gate three, Gunforhire relinquished the lead to Wild Bull (gate four) when Glen Craven showed he was desperate to lead giving Gunforhire a cosy trip. With five horses spread across the track halfway up the running, it was anyone’s race until Gunforhire using the spirint lane dashed to the wire in the shadows of the post to record a head margin over Luva Scrap (gate five – three wide – one/one) which became pocketed as Eastbro Chrissy moved three wide from the rear in the last lap to put him in a tight pocket. Wild Bull held third a nose away a half head clear of Ranger Rick which had gone forward three wide mid-race to join Wild Bull. The rate 1-55.4.
Night feature
■ Two meeting were held on Tuesday night –Mildura taking the night’s feature the $12,500 Lister Family Mildura 3Y0 Guineas over 2190 metres, while at Shepparton the highlight was the Lindsay Park Racing Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.
It was a great card at Mildura with the Guineas a thrilling race taken out by Kooreh (St Arnaud) brothers Shaun and Jason McNaulty’s Sportswriter-Kayteeoh Denario gelding Zenario who was brilliant in winning. Making his ninth race appearance (3 wins), Zenario driven by Charlton based Luke Dunne
Harness Racing
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
settled four back in the running line after easing away from an inside second line draw with Williams first up for Alby Ashwood and Jack Laugher burning across from gate five to cross Adelaide hope Harlem Town (gate three) leaving Ruff Nut (gate three second line) in the breeze being trailed by Mister Boombastic (gate four) and the hot favourite Miki B a Kiwi second up in Oz after winning at Shepparton a week earlier.
Miki B was first to make a move in the back straight on the final occasion going forward three wide, with Zenario immediately latching to his back.
Despite receiving a check on the final bend and galloping for a few strides losing momentum, Zenario regaining his composure set sail after the three leaders Williams, Ruff Nut and Miki Be who was struggling to get on terms with the other two on the home turn and Zenario chasing but giving away a tidy start.
Charging home well into the straight, Zenario finished fast to prevail by 1.2 metres in a performance that had to be seen to be believed, defeating a game Ruff Nut, with Miki B a half head away third. The mile rate 1-57.5 (last half 58.4 – quarter 29.2).
■ The Swan Hill Cup October 31st Pace over 1790 metres saw Aaron Dunn’s much improved Shadow Play-Visual Image 7Y0 gelding Maxy Wants To Play victorious in a 1-57.3 mile rate. Driven by the stable’s Ryan Backhouse who is no stranger to success at Mildura, Maxy Wants To Play came out quickly from gate five to cross local hope Cemetery Bay (gate four) and allowed to bowl at his leisure, couldn’t be caught, reaching the judge by a big 10 metre margin clear of Cemetery Bay and roughie My Ultimate Billy (gate 3) who was a head away third after following the pair.
■ It was race caller Luke Humphreys the voice of Mildura’s last night of calling as he is shifting to South Korea to be that country’s English speaking caller commencing next month and the aptly named Luke Humphreys Good Luck In Korea Pace over 2190 metres saw 9Y0 Caribbean Blaster- Imfullofuel gelding Flame Blaster for Red Cliffs part-owner/trainer Robert Nolan successful giving Luke Dunne another winner on the program.
Trapped in the open from gate five outside leader Rimu Valley (gate six) before gaining a trail when Im Stuck Man (one/one) vacated the one/one spot to race uncovered mid-race, Flame Buster finished best out wide to gain the day by 3.2 metres in 2-01 mile rate from Im Alright Jack (one/two mid-race from the tail), with Ultimate Rocker (gate four – behind the leader) after leading out and handing up third a metre back. The mile rate 2-01.
■ It would be remiss of me not to mention the True Mildura Style Pace, a ‘Lukeism’ that he came up with a number of seasons back, taken out by $$22.90 outsider Watchtheclock for Broken Hill trainer Anthony Schrembi driven by Adelaide’s Michael Smith.
Settling mid-field from gate three on the second line after Cruz With Rome (inside second line) had gone forward after being extricated away from the markers as the favourite Hungry Hogarth (gate three) had gone to sit outside the leader Shes Poppy (gate four) before taking over shortly after.
Despite the tough run, Watchtheclock was too tough at the business end, scoring by 7.1 metres over Cheers Poverty (gate five – three pegs) which had followed the leader and was now three pegs before running home late. Hungry Hogarth was third a head away. The mile rate 2-01.
■ At Shepparton, 4Y0 Aldebaran Eagle-Im Princess Sophie mare Keayang Brandy
brought up three wins in succession when taking the Lindsay Park Racing Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.
Trained by Lisa Pitt at Girgarre and driven by husband Mark, Keayang Brandy after starting his career with the Terang Lee stable had a number of changes before joining the Pitt’s and hasn’t looked back.
Starting from the extreme draw, Keayang Brandy in a fast run race set by Sonnyboy and gradually crept forward to take over mid-race before blitzing his rivals to record a untouched 12 metre margin over Manda Kyvalley which battled on gamely after racing exposed, with Settle The Bill 12.4 metres away third.
■ Nine-year-old Mach Three-Western Spirit gelding Valiente at start number 141 recorded his 17th success (30 placings) when an easy winner of the 2190 metre Hygain Sales & Export Team Pace.
Trained by Ben Pell at Leichardt and driven by Tasmyn Potter, Valiente (gate two second line) settled three back in the moving lane as Junee visitor Unchainmyart led from gate three for Bruce Harpley.
Going forward three wide in the last lap, Valiente was much too strong for his rivals, accounting for Our Cheeky Devil which trailed the leader from the pole easing wide on turning by 3 metres in a 1-58.1 mile rate. Chirripo (gate two) was third 2.8 metres back after trailing the winner home.
At Bendigo
■ Bendigo raced on Wednesday and there is no horse racing better at present than Charlton trainer Leon Fanning’s 5Y0 Always B Miki-Hanover Chance gelding Fair Chance who brought up three wins in succession by taking the Great Ocean Road Real Estate Vicbred Voucher Mares Pace over 1650 metres in a slick mile rate of 1-55.6.
Raced by Leon in partnership with breeder/ partner Andrea O’Gorman, Fair Chance driven as usual by a very much in-form Luke Dunne followed through beautifully from gate two on the second line to possie three back as polemarker Princess Arna led before relenting to the pressure of Mussel Shoals and Doc Wilson (gate five).
Angling three wide in the last lap Fair Chance joined the leaders on the final bend and did best to record her 7th victory in 48 outings, defeating Princess Arna along the sprint lane by 1.4 metres, with Lilstrepo (gate three) a half neck away third after racing exposed and taking a slender lead on the final bend.
■ Pompapiel part-owner/trainer John Davidson’s 6Y0 Used To Me-Estee Poppy gelding Frankythefrenchman was finally rewarded for some great runs of late when successful in the $6,000 Haras Des Trotteurs Trot Final over 2150 metres.
Driven by Chris Alford who had been handling him of late, Frankythefrenchman was trapped three wide from gate six before going forward to park outside the leader and heat winner Inspire (gate four), receiving cover when Macho Maori (outside the front line) moved to race in the open.
Easing three wide running into the home turn, Frankthefrenchman ran home best to prevail by 3.9 metres from The Night Queen (gate five) off the back of the pacemaker, with Jessicas Story coming from near last at the bell for third a half head away. The mile rate 208.2.
■ Marong co-owner/trainers Terry and Jacinta Allan-Gange landed the Dual Code Halloween Meeting 28th October Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres with ultra-consistent 7Y0 Changeover-Jomeka gelding Bullapark Beno. With James Herbertson driving, Bullapark Beno close up in recent runs settled one/one from gate six before being shuffled back a spot after Tough Mate starting from the extreme draw was off and running to join the poleline leader Apex.
Gaining a three wide trail forward on the back of old timer Dels Destiny (gate two - one/ one) which raced clear on the home turn, Bullapark Beno chased strongly to score by 2.7 metres from Dels Destiny which fought back gamely. Mielicki (gate five) a stablemate of Dels Destiny after being pushed back from three pegs at one stage made many yards on turning for third albeit 19.9 metres back. The mile rate 2-03.5.
8-race card
■ It was Kilmore trots on Thursday with a good eight race card taking place, punters
looked to be behind the eight ball following the first two races which were rough results, however things improved as the night progressed.
■ Popular Darraweit/Bolinda part-owner/ trainer Alex Hurley snared the opening race the Coulter Legal Pace over 1690 metres with 4Y0 Alta Christiano-Tourbillon Dargent gelding Altius much to the delight of the large syndicate who race him.
Driven by neighbour Tristan Larsen, Altius was driven with aggression from the pole, but couldn’t hold out 12Y0 gelding Iamawingate (gate four) which began with great speed and enjoyed a beaut trail on his back.
Using the sprint lane, Altius ran home along the sprint lane to just get there by a a nose over a death-seating Caruso Star (one/two last lap) returning a slick mile rate of 1-55.6, The well supported Maxbeca (one/three from the extreme draw – three wide at the bell) dropped into the one/one for a short breather in the last lap before easing three wide on turning to finish third 4.8 metres away.
■ Ali could easily have brought up a double when stablemate Spun Silver (extreme draw) finished third in the 1690 metre Picklebet “Get Your Pickle On” Pace taken out by local trainer Tom Parnell’s 4Y0 Always B Miki-Dolly Jasper gelding Miki Mark who’s latest and only victory had been at the same track in October 2024.
Driven by Rita Burnett, Miki Mark settled four back in the moving line as polemarker Atomic Glory led before handing over to Self Exclusion (gate six) which had been trapped wide.
Going forward three wide in the last lap and five wide on straightening, Miki Mark charged home down the outside fence to prevail by 1.3 metres in a rate of 1-58.4 from Atomic Glory along the sprint lane, with Spun Silver driven brilliantly saving every inch of ground from well back along the inside in the last lap using the sprint lane for third 2.4 metres back.
■ New Gisborne part-owner/trainer/driver Darren Pace led throughout aboard Kiwi bred American Ideal-Rakarata filly Rakarompa from gate four in the 1690 metre Styles Construction Pace to register a nice victory. Never looking in any danger, Rakarompa coasted to the wire 14.2 metres in advance of a death-seating Bella Louise from outside the front line, with Wallan hope Anakin (four pegs from inside the second line runni9ng on late for third 1.7 metres back. The rate 1-57.4.
■ The 2189 metre Broadstead Kilmore Trotters Mobile saw Rockbank owner/trainer Freddy Spiteri land a spectacular plunge when 7Y0 Love You-I Am Majestic gelding Te Amo backed from around $13 in the morning quote to run favourite at $3.30.
Driven by Bendigo’s Jack Laugher, Te Amo first up since May began fast from outside the front line to lead all of the way, accounting for Kyvalley Mariachi (gate 6) which galloped away before going forward at the bell to drop to the back of the winner for the last lap. The Italian Dream (one/one from inside the second line) was third 1.7 metres back. The mile rate 2-05.
■ The C&M Build Group Concession Drivers Pace over 1690 metres went the way of Derrinal (Heathcote) trainer Glenn Bull’s 7Y0 Sunshine Beach-Dilinger Girl gelding Animado in a mile rate of 1-57.3. Driven by Huntly’s Lauren White, Animado was taken back to the rear from outside the front line as local hope Highview Hammer led from gate four with Nick Beale in the sulky. Giving the leaders a tidy start in the last lap, Animado gradually made ground in the last lap and despite making the final bend five wide, sprouted wings to record a runaway 1.5 metre victory over Highview Hammer which had no answer to his finishing burst. Len Baker
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FREE PHOTO ADS
BRICKS. 500. Clean, as new $400. 100 face bricks, $120. New. Bittern. 0419 582 437. PP-TT
BRICKLAYERS TUBE & CLIP SCAFFOLDING TUBES clips swivels joiners putlog clips base plates sole boards Oregon planks. Genuine offers only enquires welcome GC. $6000. Crib Point. 0419 935 807 PP-TT
ALUMINIUM PUNT 4 metre, with all required safety equipment with relocatable folding seats plus 77.5hp Mercury outboard motor. GC. $1600. Seymour. 0410 032 064. NN-QQ
BARBIE Dolls and barbie Dresses. GC. 10 for $250. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, 4pm-10pm. RR-VV
BATHROOM TILES. To cover 270sq m. EC. $60. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950. HH-LL
BBQ. Gas. 5-Burner. Wheels. New ignition assembly. Full gas bottle. EC. $100. Pascoe Vale. 04129 138 356. RR-VV
BBQ. Red Centre. 45cm round. Large cast iron plate trivet for boiling. Also hose and wind shield. New, still in box. $45. Bittern. 0459 558 055 RR-VV
BED. 3-seater and two seater. Red, vinyl. Dark wood trims. VGC. $300. Cranbourne, 0401 898 413. HH-LL
BED. Electric. King Size. High low. Head comes up to sitting position. Legs raise, bed tilts. 12 months old. No longer needed. Top quality mattress. EC. $3500. Yea. 0409 944 982. LL-OO
BIKE. Lady’s. Purple. Make: Huffey Friction. Complete with helmet and pump and basket. VGC. $120. Pakenham. 5940 5018. LL-OO
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BOOSTER SEAT. Mothers hoice. Convertible. 6 months to 8 years. VGC. $40. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. HH-LL
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ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR. ‘Pride Go Mobility Chair’. Hardly used. EC. $1400. Viewbank. John, 0418 583 120. LL-OO
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COUNTRY MUSIC. 33rpm. Slim Dustry, Reg Lindsay, Hank Snow, glen Campbell, Sons of the Pioneers, Tex morton, Buddy Willkiams, Hank Williams, Hawking Bros., The Overlanders, The Folk Singer. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL
CRICKET MEMORABILIA. 19 books. Bradman Calendar 1908-2001. Plus ‘Argus’ Magazines 1950, 1951 x 2. GC. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. PP-TT
DISHWASHER. Norj. 13.7 litres per wash. Large. 2’ wide, 2.9high. Not connected. New. Bought for $720. Sell $360. Alexandra. 0409 470 107.
FOOTBALL CAPS. Footscray. New. Pick up Glenroy or ost extra cost. $15 each. Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO
GRIDDLE. Cast iron. 33cm x 21cm. Very clean. As new. Pascoe Vale. 04129 138 356. RR-VV
LAND. Expansive acreage ideal for farming or livestock. Secure paddocks, peaceful setting, close to amenities. Option to lease land only or house and land together. Suitable for genuine agricultural use. GC. $420/month for the land only. Land and house, $1000/month. Balnarring Beach. 0434189 449 PP-TT
LAWN MOWER. Ozito. Corded. With catcher. lightweight. Paid $149 at Bunnings. Sell $60. Mt Martha 5973 4163. JJ-NN
MATT BLATT egg chair on steel base. $130. Malvern East. 0419 685 666 PP-TT
MOTOR HOME.. With two solar panels for lights and air con. Double bed, gas cooker. Holden Rodeo 1998 rego till Feb. 24, 2026. Tour atlas inc. new battery and x bars. History of work completed. 1LB- 2CN. VGC. $19,000 ONO. Alexandra. 0409 470 107. LL-OO
PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q
PIANOLA ROLLS. Around 50 rolls in all. Many older tunes. GC. $75. Malvern East. 0419 685 666. LL-OO
PHANTOM COMIC Collection. 1360. Continuous, No 692-1976. Also No 552 and 548. Replicas: 20 of between Nos 16-34. Doubles: 38. Phantom’s World, 8x. Sell full collection only. Best reasonable offer. Ferntree Gully. 9758 8990. RR-VV
PRESSURE WASHER. Karcher. Good working order. little used, complete with operating instructions. Purchaser to collect. GC. $55. Doreen. 9717 3485. HH-LL
RIDE-ON Deutscher 280 Honda 390 motor run fine seal on shaft leaks, heaps of parts including new seat, new cutting plate body part dismantled, everything is there. GC. $500 or offer. yarck. 0414 718 812. NN-QQ
ROLLER DOOR Electric motor. 4 Doors brand. Near new Model 4DR1 v4 with remotes. Still has new stickers on it. EC. $100. Whittlesea. 0419 002 507.LL-OO
Key & Charger. Too Many Features to List. Under Warranty, Can Deliver Free if Required. VGC. $1800. Moorabbin. 0401 980 969. PP-TT
NAILING GUNS. 3. Paslode Dramefr. hirtachi 50mm. Plus Fixing Gun. Compressor and hoses, other fittings with app of nails. $200 or reasonable offer. Ferntree Gully. 9758 5990. RR-VV
WHEELBARROW. $75. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL
GARAGE SALE
GARAGE SALE. Sat.Sun., Nov. 8-9. 8am-4pm. 1 Mulqueeny Lane, Yea. Tools, furniture, old stumps, bikes, camping equip. Antiques, bric-a-brac and more.RR-SS
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
RING PULLS off all aluminium cans and any quan- tity to assist towards people who need prosthetics and wheel chairs and walking frames. Genuine collector. Victoria wide. Ararat. 0458 339 871.
WANTED. Independent Support Provider for NDIS participant in Acheron, near Alexandra. Participant is 20yo male - living independently - loves outdoors,, nushwalks, fishing. Suit experienced male SP , contractor, registered, NDIS screening, refrences. Flexible hours. Immediate start. 0412 224 464. HH-LL
ON
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NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS
Application reference number: P25/1269
Applicant name: BOUTIQUE HOMES
The Land affected by this application is located at:
5 SWINTON COURT BAXTER LOT 82 LP 99634 VOL 9008 FOL 103 The application is for a permit to: VARY RESTRICTIVE COVENANT H034705 DATED 13/04/1978 AFFECTING CERTIFICATE OF TITLE VOLUME 09008 FOLIO 103 BY ADDING THE WORDS “EXCEPT FOR LOT 82 ON PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 099634” AFTER THE WORDS “BRICK VENEER”
A PERMIT IS REQUIRED UNDER THE FOLLOWING CLAUSE OF THE PLANNING SCHEME:
STATUES. Two garden vintage statues. 1: Greek lady, 66cm. 2: Bashful child, 59cm. 1 x buddha, 43cm, also baby deer snd four plaques. one tortoise, various designs. 10 peices. VGC. $300 ONO. Bittern. 0459 558 055. JJ-NN
TWO-PERSON SAW. $90. Mill Park. 9436 8935.HH-LL
MATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED
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