The Local Paper. Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition. Wed., Apr. 30, 2025

UPGRADES AT 21 SITES ACROSS SHIRE

■ Yarra Ranges Council has successfully completed a landmark $6 million resilience project, upgrading 21 key community sites with solar panels, batteries, generator plug-in points, LED lighting, and HVAC systems.

With funding from the Federal Government’s Preparing Australian Communities grant, the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program , and the State Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund, this combined investment has strengthened emergency preparedness, reduced emissions, and lowered energy costs—delivering long-term benefits for communities across the Yarra Ranges.

Mayor, Cr Jim Child, described the project as a game-changer for community resilience, providing vital infrastructure to support residents during extreme weather events.

"We’ve seen first hand the impact of storms, bushfires, and power outages on our communities," Cr Child said.

"These upgrades mean local halls, sporting pavilions, and community centres can now act as emergency hubs—offering power, light, and a safe place to gather when it matters most."

Project highlights include Monbulk Microgrid and the Healesville Resilience Hub

Some 21 sites now have generator plug-in points, doubling the number of locations that can connect to backup power.

GOVT. RORTS IN YARRA VALLEY

■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence this month criticised the State Government, recalling scams and rorts of the COVID years.

“The principal reason that the Opposition will oppose the Government business program is because we had sought to go into consideration-in-detail on the Victorian Energy Efficiency Target Amendment (Energy Upgrades for the Future) Bill 2025,” Ms Vallence said.

“I note the energy efficiency target amendment bill seeks to do a number of things, one of which is extend the Victorian energy upgrades program.

“Some members may recall how shambolic the Victorian energy updates program became two years ago.

“In my electorate office I was receiving calls from dozens of businesses, particularly hospitality businesses, who had found fridges on their doorsteps.

“Fridge after fridge after fridge was being left on the doorstep of hospitality businesses from Lilydale through the Yarra Valley and indeed right across Victoria

“They were fridges that no-one needed or wanted or had asked for – as a result of this farcical program. Some of these Yarra Valley hospitality businesses had fridges left on their doorsteps when they were actually closed, when they were not even open for business.”

■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence has paid tribute to and congratulated “a fabulous member of the Probus Club of Lilydale”. Marion Mackie was appointed as a life member of Lilydale Probus: “an extremely well deserved honour for her”.

“Marion was the first woman president, in 2016–17, after Lilydale Probus became a combined club for men and women 10 years ago,” Ms Vallence said.

“Despite only officially being a member for 10 years, Marion really has been part of the Lilydale Probus club for 24 years.

“Since Doug joined, Marion has supported him in a variety of busy executive roles and has helped to attract new members, particularly women, doing an incredible amount of work to connect local people and engage them in a variety of activities.

“In 2010 Marion started Probus Pals, an important opportunity for women to socialise and support one another.

“She has written and co-ordinated the newsletter and always made everyone feel valued and welcome. Congratulations, Marion,” Ms Vallence said.

Yea Racing

patrons

supported our family friendly Picnic Racing Days and charity raffles this season. Our exciting 2025/2026 picnic Racing season will start on Caulfield Cup Day 2025

● ● Cr Jim Child, Yarra Ranges Mayor

● Bridget Vallence, Evelyn MLA

The Local Paper

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 30, 2025

NEW CEO AT MITCHELL SHIRE

Election Briefs

Liberal promise

■ The Liberals say they will deliver a Cost of Living Tax Offset to more than 64,710 local Indi taxpayers as part of their plan to get Australia back on track.

James Trenery, Liberal candidate for Indi , said 93 per cent of tax payers in Indi will be better off under this Liberal policy.

“The policy will see eligible Australians earning up to $144,000 receive up to $1200 in tax relief when they lodge their tax return for the upcoming financial year.

“This targeted Cost of Living Tax Offset would provide vital support for families while we address the underlying economic problems created by Labor , including weak growth and spiralling energy prices,” Mr Trenery said.

Labor’s pledge

■ A re-elected Labor Government will expand access to 5 per cent deposits to all first home buyers – helping Australians in McEwen buy their first home sooner, according to local MHR Rob Mitchell.

“Labor has already helped over 1200 people in McEwen buy their first home with lower deposits through our expanded Home Guarantee Scheme.

“We want more people to buy a home of their own sooner – with lower deposits.

“Labor will enable every Australian to buy their first home with a 5 per cent deposit. There will be higher property price thresholds and no caps on places or income, in a major expansion of the existing scheme.

“The Albanese Government will guarantee a portion of a first home buyer’s home loan, so they can buy a home with a 5 per cent deposit and not pay Lenders Mortgage Insurance.

“For the average first home buyer, this will cut the time to save for a deposit and save $23,000 on Lenders Mortgage Insurance. If re-elected, we will also build up to 100,000 homes for sale only to first home buyers, without competition from property investors, building on proven models like the one operating in South Australia,” he said.

■ Mitchell Shire Council has announced the appointment of Mary Agostino as its new Chief Executive Officer.

Ms Agostino has been serving as Interim CEO since December. A Council statement says that she brings a deep understanding of the organisation, the region and the aspirations of Mitchell’s growing and diverse community.

“Her appointment signals a fresh chapter for Council as it works to deliver on its long-term vision for sustainable growth, inclusive services and a stronger sense of community,” said a Council representative.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said Ms Agostino was selected for her strategic leadership, deep local knowledge, and commitment to collaboration.

“Mary has demonstrated unwavering commitment to Mitchell Shire and a genuine passion for public service," Cr Dougall said.

“She brings an enterprising mindset, a strong sense of purpose and the kind of inclusive leadership that will help us deliver real results for our community."

Ms Agostino said: “It’s a privilege to lead an organisation with such passionate and skilled people. I’m committed to ensuring our culture, systems and service delivery continue to evolve and meet the high expectations of our community."

Cr Dougall said the appointment comes at a pivotal time for Mitchell Shire, as Council develops its new Council Plan 2025–2029, which will be published later this year to set a clear and ambitious direction for the next four years.

Ms Agostino brings extensive experience in local government and has held senior executive roles at Mitchell Shire Council since 2017. She has worked at the Cities of Whittlesea, Wyndham and Merri-Bek, building expertise across both urban and regional communities.

Ms Agostino holds a postgraduate qualification in Business Leadership from RMIT University. She is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and an alumna of the Williamson Community Leadership Program through Leadership Victoria

Prior to her interim CEO appointment, she was Director of Advocacy and Communities and previously served as Acting CEO in 2019–2020.

“She has played a leading role in Council’s most significant advocacy efforts in recent years, driving successful campaigns that have secured critical funding for roads, public transport, early years infrastructure, and emergency recovery.”

Local Sport

This Saturday

■ Northern. Division 1. Round 4. Sat., May 3. South Morang v Heidelberg. Banyule v Bundoora. North Heidelberg v Montmorency. West Preston-Lakeside v Hurstbridge. Bye: Eltham, Greensborough.

■ Northern. Division 2. Round 4. Sat., May 3. Panton Hill v Northcote Park. St Mary’s v Whittlesea. Lower Plenbty v Thomastown. Watsonia v Diamond Creek. Old Paradians v Macleod.

■ Northern. Division 3. Round 4. Sat., May 3. Mernda v Ivanhoe. Old Eltham Collegians v Laurimar. Reservoir v Heidelberg West. Lalor v Epping. Kilmore v Kinglake. Fitzroy Stars: Bye.

■ Outer East. Premier Division. Round 4. Sat., May 3. Healesvillev Woori Yallock. Upwey Tecoma v Monbulk. Officer v Mount Evelyn. Wandin v Emerald. Gembrook Cockatoo v Olinda Ferny Creek.

■ Outer East. Division 1. Round 4. Sat., May 3. Warburton Millgrove v Yarra Glen. Powelltown v Alexandra. Pakenham v Belgrave. Yea: Bye.

■ Goulburn Valley. Round 5. Sat., May 3. Sheppartonv Echuca. Seymour v Shepparton United. Shepparton Swans v Rochester. Mooroopna v Euroa. Kyabram v Mansfield. Tatura v Benalla.

■ Riddell. Round 4. Sat., May 3. Gisboirne Giants v Woodend-Hesket. Diggers Rest v Melton Centrals. Kyneton v Riddell. Romsey v Macedon. Wallan v Lancefield. Melton South: Bye.

● ● ● ● New Mitchell Shire CEO Mary Agostino with Mayor Cr John Dougall

The

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

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Ash on Wednesday Show business at Seymour

■ Seymour Agricultural & Pastoral Society is one of 10 agricultural societies in Victoria to belong to the Central & Upper Goulburn Group which holds it Group Final for Competitions in April each year.

This year the Final event was held at Kyneton Show Grounds on Sunday March 30, having been held in Seymour for a number of years.

There are a number of Classes at the Seymour Show in Baking and Needlework and Craft in October each year that the winners have the opportunity for their items to go forward to the Group and possible State Level Competitions when they win their Class at the Seymour Show.

This year Seymour was well represented with entries from Helen Higgins, Heather Higgins, Daniel Friedrich, James Oakley, Pam Beerens, Jenny MacKintosh, Robyn Tooley, Hunter Friedrich, Jo Watson, Jimmy Furletti, Edith Paton, Robyn Day, Jack Sherwood and Rob Hayes.

James Oakley won with his Junior Carrot and Sultana Muffins and he will be required to bake another batch of muffins for the State Final in Bendigo during July to represent the Group.

Hunter Friedrich, with a win with his Junior Photography, will go to the Melbourne Royal in September to represent the Group.

Others who were successful in the State Competitions – Rob Hayes with second for his Fleece and Pam Beerens with second for her Knitting.

Long Shots

Success was also in the Groups own competitions – Jimmy Furletti with his hand Beading a First, Jenny MacKintosh with Crochet Toy a First and Jack Sherwood a Second with his Junior Decorated Teddy Bear Biscuit entry. This year for the first time, Seymour Show has put together a Special Early Edition of the Show Schedule that contains the Classes for the Needlework and Craft Section only.

This will enable exhibitors for these Classes extra time to get their Exhibits ready.

These Classes will go into the 2025 Seymour Show Schedule later in the year with all the other Sections as normally happens.

For a copy, , please contact the Secretary, Pam Beerens on –secretary@seymour agshow.org.au or call on 0422 058 213.

May

Deadline for advertising bookings and content is 4pm Thursday, May 8. There is a digital issue on May 7.

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.

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre

Julie Houghton, The Arts

Kevin Trask, Entertainment

Aaron Rourke, Film Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

Federal Elections 2025

BALLOT PAPER ORDER IN VICTORIAN ELECTORATES

Aston

CICCHIELLO, Manny. Liberal

DOYLEMary. Australian Labor Party

MANNERS, Craig. Family First

WILLIAMS, Andrew. Independent

FAWCETT, David. Libertarian

GRONDMAN, Mark. Independent

STEEN Reuben. The Greens De WACHT, John. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

DESVEAUX, Steve. Trumpet of Patriots Bruce

COLECCHIA, Bianca. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

GARAD, Rhonda. The Greens

HILL, Julian. Australian Labor Party

SKROBO, Christine. Libertarian SAFI, Zahid. Liberal ANDERSON Samuel James. Trumpet of Patriots

LOUTH Andrew. Legalise Cannabis Party

BIRCHALL, Wendy. Family First Calwell

MOORE Carly. Independent

BENGTSSON, Maria. Family First

DEL ROSARIO-MAKRIDIS, Gianni. Legalise Cannabis Party

MOSLIH, Samim. Independent

TOMA Luay. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

YOUHANA, Joseph. Independent

GARCHA, Ravneet Kaur. The Greens

ISSA, Assaad. Trumpet of Patriots

ABDO, Basem. Australian Labor Party

PEACH, Morgan

HAWLI, Bassima. Citizens Party

RAGUPATHY, Ravi. Independent

GHANI, Usman. Liberal Casey

COURTIS, Phillip. Trumpet of Patriots

LIVORI, Ambere. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

BOND, Chloe. Animal Justice Party

NEBAUER, Dan. Family First

BLAIR, Merran. The Greens

OAKLEY, Naomi. Australian Labor Party

FERRES MILES, Claire. Independent

VIOLI, Aaron. Liberal Chisholm

RANDALL, Tim. The Greens

ONG, Gary. Family First

LIVORI, Guy. Pauline

Hanson's One Nation

ALLEN, Katie. Liberal

McSHANE, Christine. Trumpet of Patriots

GARLAND, Carina. Austra-

lian DAVIES Kath. Independent Cooper

TURNER, William. Pauline

Hanson's One Nation

KEARNEY, Ged. Australian Labor Party

BURNETT, Tara. The Greens

TODHUNTER, Stewart. Liberal

LARKIN Kath. Victorian Socialists

STOLZENBERG, Donna. Legalise Cannabis Party

Deakin

GREGG, Matt. Australian Labor Party

SUKKAR, Michael. Liberal NESS, Jess. Independent

COOKE, Anne. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

GRIFFITH-JONES, Richard. Family First

MILLS, Amy. The Greens WILDE, Milton. Trumpet of Patriots

VANDERMEER, Will. Libertarian Dunkley

CONROY, Nathan. Liberal THURLEY, Robert. Independent

DAVIS, Jessica. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

NICHOLES, Peter. Family First

MABER, Matt. The Greens GATLEY, Andrew. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation

BELYEA, Jodie. Australian Labor Party

ABBOTT, Lisa. Legalise Cannabis Party Flinders

SMART, Jason. Trumpet of Patriots

SMITH. Ben. Independent McKENZIE, Zoe. Liberal BROWN Mike. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

TOSCANO, Joseph. Independent

RACE, Sarah. Australian Labor Party

FROGLEY, Adam . The Greens Fraser

RANCIE, Rob. Family First TRUONG, Huong. The Greens ROZARIO, George. Pauline Hanson's One Nation PATEL, Satish. Liberal DUFF, Jasmine. Victorian Socialists

MULINO, Daniel. Australian Labor Party Gellibrand

WATTS, Tim. Australian Labor Party

BENNETT, Stephen. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

REESON, Ben. Liberal KRISHNA PANDI, Ponraj. The Greens Goldstein

WILLIAMS, Vicki Jane. Trumpet of Patriots

GADANI, Nildhara. Australian Labor Party

SEGAL, David. Libertarian GALLI-McROSTIE, Alana. The Greens GARDINER, Leon. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

DANIEL, Zoe. Independent WILSON, Tim. Liberal Gorton

MENTA,Xavier. Legalise Cannabis Party

McCATHIE, Rob. Libertarian JORDAN-BAIRD, Alice. Ausralian Labor Party

ASHTON, Kathrine. Family First

FLETCHER, John. Liberal

REID, Alan. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

HUYNH, Thuc Bao. The Greens Hawke

MILUTINOVIC, Melanie. Family First STARBUCK, Devon. Legalise Cannabis Party NEWMAN, Sarah. The Greens

ADIN-JAMES, Fiona. Animal Justice Party

RAE, Sam. Australian Labor Party

COTTOM, Simmone. Liberal KATSELIS, Matthew. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Holt

FOREMAN, Shane. Family First TIWARI, Payal. The Greens HAMMOND, Trevor. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

AICKIN, Riley. Legalise Cannabis Party

FERNANDO, Cassandra. Australian Labor Party

SAMUEL, Annette. Liberal Hotham

VAINORAS. Tony. Citizens Party

BARRY, Martin. The Greens FOGARTY, Stuart. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

BROWN Mark. Family First

O'NEIL Clare. Australian Labor Party

MATHARU, Harmick Singh. Liberal Indi

HAINES, Helen. Independent BRIDGES, Mitch. Australian Labor Party

TRENERY, James. Liberal THOMAS, Athol. Pauline

Hanson's One Nation

REGAN Alysia. The Greens

QUILTY, Tim. Libertarian WHITE, Michael. Family First

HOWMAN, Ben. Legalise Cannabis Party

McFARLANE, Mark. Independent Isaacs

DREYFUS, Mark. Australian Labor Party

KIRWAN, Matthew. The Greens HARMSE, Audrey . Family First

OTTEY, Fiona. Liberal McMAHON, Geoff. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Jagajaga

MOHAMED, Abdi. Independent

RANCIE, Rae. Family First

PARR, Chris. Liberal SANDFORD, Jy. The Greens KEARNEY, Chris. Independent

RALPH, Leslie. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

THWAITES, Kate. Australian Labor Party Kooyong

PEPPARD, Richard. Libertarian

HAMER, Amelia. Liberal CARTER, Jackie. The Greens BRACHE, Camille. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

VADER, David. Trumpet of Patriots

RYAN, Monique. Independent CROSBY, Clive. Australian Labor Party La Trobe

HARDIMAN, Gregory. Thomas. Trumpet of Patriots

SPRINGFIELD, Jeff. Australian Labor Party

MALHOTRA, Ron. Family First WOOD, Jason. Liberal LONGMUIR, Jamie. The Greens PANETTA, Leo. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Lalor

PARRIS, Owen. The Greens

RYAN, Joanne. Australian Labor Party

EMERSON, Matthew. Family First

OOSTHUIZEN, Jason. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

D'SILVA Mira. Liberal MOINUDDIN, Aijaz. Independent

BARCATTA, Patrizia. Libertarian Macnamara

BURNS, Josh. Australian Labor Party

RUBIN, Sean. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

SEMMENS, Sonya. The Greens SAULO, Benson. Liberal ABELMAN, Michael. Libertarian MYERS, JB. Independent Maribyrnong WILLIAMS, James. The Greens BRISKEY. Jo. Australian Labor Party

BEDDOE, Tim. Liberal CASEY, Alannah. Pauline Hanson's One Nation McEwen

ANTONIOU, Ali. Gerard Rennick People First FORREST, Tom. Legalise Cannabis Party

VALENCIA, Julio G. Family First

McRAE McLEOD, Marley. The Greens NICOLOSI, Chloe. Animal Justice Party JOHNSON, Jeremy. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

McCLINTOCK, Jason. Liberal McGRATH, Erin. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation MITCHELL, Rob. Australian Labor Party Melbourne

CASEY, Melanie. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

WITTY, Sarah. Australian Labor Party SMITH. Tim. Independent KOUTOUFIDES, Anthony. Independent BANDT, Adam. The Greens HUANG, Helen. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation HUNT, Steph. Liberal Menzies

PALIOURAS,Amanda. Trumpet of Patriots

PHEASANT, Bill. The Greens WOLAHAN, Keith. Liberal YEE, Stella. Independent UTOYO,Joshua. Libertarian SEELEY, Ann. Family First NG, Gabriel. Australian Labor EDWARDS-SCOTT, Jhett. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Monash

ROBINSON, Kuljeet Kaur. Pauline Hanson's One Nation FLETCHER, Tully. Australian Labor Party

BROADBENT, Russell. Independent

ALDRED, Mary. Liberal LEONARD, Deb. Independent DETHLEFS, Geoff. Family First

O'REILLY, David. Legalise Cannabis Party STEELE, Terence. The Greens WEHBE, Alex. Trumpet of Patriots Nicholls

TRAVERS, Kim. Australian Labor Party

BACHELOR, Paul Edward. Family First FLOYD, Glenn Francis. Trumpet of Patriots

TYRRELL, Aaron. Pauline Hanson's One Nation BIRRELL, Sam. The Nationals DAVY, Jeff. Citizens Party EADE, Shelby. The Greens

Scullin

BUCCIANTI, Adriana. Trumpet of Patriots

BELL, Cassandra. Family First

HASSAN, Omar. Victorian Socialists

TSOUTSOULIS, Arthur. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

SANGARYA, Loki. The Greens TAGGAR, Rohit. Liberal GILES, Andrew. Australian Labor Party

van BREE, Ursula. Gerard Rennick People First Wills

BOLTON, Sue. Socialist Alliance

KHALIL, Peter. Australian Labor Party

KIDNEY, Jeff. Liberal GLOVER, Margee. Legalise Cannabis Party MILLER, Owen. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation RATNAM, Samantha. The Greens VERSTEEGEN, Rachel. Libertarian STEVENS, Bruce . Pauline Hanson's One Nation

SENATE: VICTORIAN CANDIDATES A. Liberal/The Nationals

1. PATERSON, James 2. HUME, Jane

3. HOPPITT, Kyle 4. ARNOLD, Glenn 5. MIRABELLA, Greg

6. KMETJ, Chrestyna B. Legalise Cannabis Party

1. PATTEN, Fiona 2. DAVY, Alice 3. EVANS, Shea C. Animal Justice Party

1. JEGES, Helen 2, McMILLAN, Benjamin D. IndigenousAboriginal Party of Australia

1. AUSTIN-ABDULLAH, Racquel

2. AL-SAIMARY, Laylah E.

Australia’s Voice

1. EL-MASRI, Mohamed 2. KAUR, Harsimran

3. ELACHKAR, Rasheed F.

FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation

1. CORDNER HUNT, Kammy

2. GNIESLAW, Simon Mark Simcha G.

1. VONGVIXAY, Keo

2. HERNAN, Taylor

H. Trumpet of Patriots

1. UNKLES, James William 2. JEAN, Ron

3. McKAY, Roger Ivan I. Australian Labor Party

1. CICCONE, Raffaele 2. WALSH, Jess

3.ANANDA-RAJAH, Michelle 4. PSAILA, Lynn 5. KELLEY, Stephenie

6. BAKER, David J. Family First

1. FINN, Bernie 2. FOREMAN, Jane K. Pauline Hanson's One Nation

1. PICKERING, Warren 2. BRADBURY, Christopher L. Australian Democrats

1. McKENZIE, Heath 2. NOBLE, Carly M. Victorian Socialists

1. VAN DEN LAMB, Jordan 2. PRICE, Steph N. Sustainable Australia PartyUniversal Basic Income

1. ACKERLY, Celeste 2. JESSUP, Bert O. Gerard Rennick People FirstHeart

1. NEIL, Chris 2. CLONARIDIS, Nick P. Libertarian

1. DITTLOFF, Jordan 2. FORD, Matthew 3. MATULEC, Stephen Q. The Greens 1. HODGINS-MAY, Steph 2. ARI, Navera 3. IAMPOLSKI, Rachel 4. SLATER, Maddie 5. HENDERSON, Brittney 6. YAWARI, Nasser R. Citizens Party

1. BARWICK, Robert 2. YOHANNA, Sleiman S. Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party

1. CONSTANTINOU, Ethan 2. VICKERS, Ken T.

1. SAINIRaj 2. ALLEKirti

3. KANAKAGIRI, Yashaswini Srinivas UG. Independent

1. CHEUNG, Heena Sinha 2. ABEYSINGHE, Susantha 3. LEWAND, Viesha 4. HARVEY, Lawrence

5. CORBETT, Cory 6. BLACK, K 7. VAN. David

8. RITTER, Nate

McLINDON RESPONDS

■ Aidan McLindon responded to his effective removal as Mayor and Councillor at the City of Whittlesea:

“Today was a dark day for democracy in Victorian Local Government

“I have been stood down for six months by the ‘Governor in Council’ (this is a largely unaccountable and disproportionately powerful ‘committee of four’ created under former Premier Dan Andrews which consists of the Governor of Victoria, the Premier of Victoria and two Cabinet Ministers) through the convenient ‘buffer’ of the recently appointed Local Government Minister, Nick Staikos

“My crime? My political views did not align with the powers that are currently in place.

“If you seek a rates freeze (cutting waste is financially responsible in a cost of living crisis) or call to protect our children from the ever increasing hyper-sexualised agenda that is now targeting under 5 year olds (a huge majority of parents agree – and yes we all love everyone, just please stop exploiting those who struggle with with their sexuality and use them to target all children in the process).

“As a father, I have very serious concerns about the impact this is having on all parents across our state and country.

“Enough is enough. It’s that simple. Yes, what is happening might just be ‘politics’, but it is also unjust, a violation of our human rights and a direct attack on our community and the state of Victorian democracy.

“This is extremely serious. 250,000 Victorians have been treated with contempt. I have been segregated, bullied and intimidated in the workplace for months yet these are the same accusations levelled at me in the public arena. So wrong.

“I received the highest primary vote in the city of all 57 candidates as a result of doorknocking 6000 homes and advocating seven key policies that I have continued to champion on behalf of the community since I was sworn in as Mayor.

“I implore those councillors in Whittlesea who have supported me throughout the last 5 months (up to and including yesterday) to be courageous and step forward.

“The toxic culture in the City of Whittlesea Council needs to be addressed immediately. This is a council that has seen a staff turnover of over 900+ in an organisation of 1300 over the past 3.5 years. This is a major red flag.

“I am now the fourth Mayor who has been pushed to the brink in the past 10 years. This takes into account four years where the council was in administration between June 19 2020 – November 19, 2024.

“During this time there were 48 “committees/organisations” created in the absence of locally elected representatives. I have simply asked for a list of those organisations and how much ratepayer money has been approved for these organisations over the past 4 years. Legitimate question. In fact, that is the role of a councillor – to ask where the money is going.

“I have done no wrong. I was shut down and am still yet to receive an answer after four weeks. Several of these organisations have now been exposed as Labor Party operatives with Labor Party members and council staff on the committees receiving ratepayers funds. The (potential) corruption is systemic and entrenched – well beyond the City of Whittlesea. Councillors from across the state have been calling me over the past 3 months. The problems are widespread,” McLindon said.

Local News

GOVT SUSPENDS MAYOR

■ Nick Staikos, Local Government Minister, released a statement, in which he confirmed that Whittlesea Mayor Cr Aiden McLindon had been suspended for six months:

“Following the receipt of a report by the Municipal Monitors appointed to Whittlesea City Council and other information provided, Cr Aidan McLindon has been suspended from his duties at Whittlesea City Council under section 229A (1) of the Local Government Act 2020,” Mr Staikos said.

“I am satisfied thisis necessary to protect the health and safety of the councillors and staff at Whittlesea City Council.

“This suspension will take effect from today Wednesday, April 16, 2025 for a period of six months.

“For the duration of a suspension, Cr McLindon ceases to be a councillor and must not perform any of the functions and duties or exercise the power of a councillor.

“This includes attending council meetings, delegated committees or attending council premises.

“Local councils play a vital role in communities across the state and Victorians rightly have high expectations of their councillors,” Mr Staikos said.

In a separate media statement, Mr Staikos announced a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea Council.

A media statement read: “The Allan Labor Government is taking action to give residents of Whittlesea City Council confidence in their local government – following serious issues of governance and health and safety concerns at

“Minister for Local Government Nick Staikos today announced a Commission of Inquiry into Whittlesea City Council.

“The inquiry will have broad-ranging powers to address potentially serious and systemic governance issues at the council.

“The independent inquiry will allow a detailed examination of matters affecting good governance at the council, and any legislative, regulatory or other reform needed to address the issues that have occurred at the council since the elections in October 2024.

“To inform his decision, the Minister considered:

■ Information from the government-appointed municipal monitors and council staff

■ The unanimous call from 10 councillors for an independent investigation

■ That councillors also called for the Mayor to resign from the Office of Mayor and agreed to a vote of no confidence in the mayor

■ The safety and wellbeing of Council staff and operations.

The inquiry start-date and commissioners to lead the inquiry will be announced in due course.

“Whittlesea City Council will continue to operate as usual while the Commission of Inquiry is underway.

“After receiving a letter co-signed by 10 councillors requesting urgent intervention, I have determined that a Commission of Inquiry is needed,” Mr Staikos said.

“The situation at the City of Whittlesea is unprecedented — including the unanimous noconfidence motion in the Mayor, and his subsequent ban from council premises for occupational health and safety reasons.

“We want Victorians to have confidence in their local councils. This Inquiry will help to identify any changes needed to ensure the council is operating as required and in the best interests of its local community,” Mr Staikos said.

Whittlesea Council said in a statement:

“The Minister has advised that ‘for the duration of a suspension, Councillor McLindon ceases to be a councillor and must not perform any of the functions and duties or exercise the power of a councillor. This includes attending council meetings, delegated committees or attending council premises.’

“Council welcomes any process that seeks to further strengthen good governance and support the safety and wellbeing of the Council and staff.

“As a result of this suspension the position of Mayor becomes vacant. During the period of suspension, the role of Ward Councillor for Kirrip will remain vacant and Mr McLindon will not receive any allowance.”

Woods Pt upgrade

■ Several roads in Woods Point will stand up better to flooding and erosion, after upgrade works finished this week.

Mansfield Council delivered a range of improvements to Hurley St, Ellery St and Butler St. All three roads have had their roadside drainage reshaped to ensure water flows as intended, as well as resurfacing works at intersections.

Hurley St received additional works including sealing and extensive new drainage with new stormwater pits, crossover pipes and culverts.

The roadside drains on Hurley St are also now benefitting from a new cutting-edge concrete matting system

● ● ● ● Aidan McLindon: suspended as Mayor and Councillor for six months

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, April 30

Reserve promise

■

■

■

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

■ ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel.

■

65 Grant St.

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

■ ■ WATTLE GLEN. Peppers

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

Bloomfield, Tyrone Thursday, May 1

■

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Endeavour

■

Alexandra (BP). 10 Downey St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Foodworks. 102 Grant St.

■

Paddock General Store. 13 Kangaroo Ground-Wattle Glen Rd.

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

■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress.

70 Jumping Creek Rd.

■

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock Hotel. 80 Grant St.

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

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

■

■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■

■ ■ BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy.

■

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

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

■

■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main St.

■

■

■ ■ ELTHAM. Eltham Newsagency. 2/963 Main Rd.

■

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

■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

■

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

■

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

■ ■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene

■

General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■ ■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

■ ■ HURSTBRIDGE. Hurstbridge Newsagency. 900 Main Hustbridge Rd.

■ ■ KANGAROO GROUND. Kangaroo Ground General Store.

280 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Foodworks. 12 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

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

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

■

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

■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.

■

■

■

■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.

■ ■ MERNDA. Mernda Villages Post Office. 50 Mernda Village Dr.

■

■ ■ ■ MOLESWORTH. Molesworth Store. 4353 Goulburn Valley Hwy.

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

■

■

■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Roadhouse. 264 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ PANTON HILL. Panton Hill General Store. 586 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.

■

■ PANTON HILL. Panton Hill Hotel. 633 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.

■

■ PHEASANT CREEK. Flying Tarts Cafe. 888 WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

■ ■ PHEASANT CREEK. Pheasant Creek Store. 884 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ RESEARCH. Research Post Office. 1546 Main Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ SMITHS GULLY. Smiths Gully General Store. 914 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.

■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar.

■ ■ ■

15 Gorge Rd.

■ ■ ST ANDREWS. St Andrews General Store. 10 Caledonia St.

■ ■ ST ANDREWS. St Andrews Hotel. 79 Burns St.

■

■ ■ ■ STRATH CREEK. Strath Creek Post Office. 8 Glover Rd.

■ ■ TAGGERTY. Taggerty General Store. 26 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

■ ■ THORNTON. 4 Ways Diner. 1369 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ THORNTON. Rubicon Hotel. 1362 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

■

■

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

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

■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea Bowls Club. 101 Church St.

■

■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea Court House. 74 Church St.

■ ■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea NewsXpress. 45 Church St.

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

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

■

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

■ ■ YARCK. Yarck Hotel. Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YEA. Amble Inn Cafe. 24 High St.

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

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

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

■

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

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

Mitchell Shire

Edition

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

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Corner Store. 89 High St.

■

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Hotel. 100 High St.

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Country Club Hotel. 18 High St.

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

■ ■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■

■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

■

■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64

High St.

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

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

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

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

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Provender Bakery. 56 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

High St.

■ ■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

■

Anderson, Steven Baines, Dylan James Baker, Kye Binks-Brown, Nick Joshua Bond, Jason Glyn Burkett, Jayden Carter, Janielle Maree Clancy, Anthony Crofts, Teakamarie Dacey, Lynne Marie Dowson, Hayley Garlick, Frances Gilbert, Aaron Goodwin, Justin Hermiz, Martin Basil Hogan, Cody James Jackson, Jye Allan Kelly, Heath Kirkham, Jayden Loder, Glenn Matthews, Valentina Mccabe, Daniel Mccabe, Mystina Meldrum, Christopher Mills, Luke Milner, Leigh Oosterlaak, Christopher Lee Oosterlaak, Skye Elizabeth O'toole, Nicholas Peacock, Adam Reading, Damien Rizzo, Nando Robinson, Jake Saunders, Chris Wayne Scarfo, Francesco Sciretta, Christopher Speechley, Stewart Francis Stewart, Toby Leigh Walker, Rory Jacqualene Walsh, Mathew Whalan, Jack Thomas Wright, Mark Trevor Yee Yap, Tiffany Friday, May 2

Alverez Gonzalez, Maria Ubaldina Clegg, Ricky

Marchant, Pamela Lynette

● ● ●

● Nick Ascenzo Reserve

■ The City of Whittlesea has welcomed a $4.5 million election commitment from the Albanese Labor Government to transform Nick Ascenzo Reserve in Thomastown into a vibrant, open recreation space.

The funding announcement was made by Andrew Giles, Scullin MHR. It “will significantly enhance access to green space and recreational opportunities for the Thomastown community and surrounding suburbs”, said a Council representative.

“This investment will help unlock the full potential of one of the area's most frequently visited reserves, creating a more accessible, inclusive and welcoming space for all.

“The upgrade will enhance the reserve’s character while also improving essential access features. These include improvements to the entrances, better parking facilities, a running loop, nature play, fitness stations and a multi-purpose court, so more residents can comfortably enjoy the space.

“The transformation of Nick Ascenzo Reserve will enable the park to become an exciting destination for families, young people and older residents alike.

“With this funding commitment, the site will be reimagined to better meet the needs of the growing community and provide more accessible and inclusive outdoor spaces.”

■

■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88

High St.

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

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Yea Newsagency. 74

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Take-Away. 68 High St.

Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition

■ ■ COLDSTREAM. Coldstream Post Office/Newsagency. The Lodge Shopping Centre. 670-672 Maroondah Hwy.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Newsagency. 41 Sydney St.

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

■

■

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

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

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

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

■

Villella, Anthony Warren, Stuart Maxwell Monday, May 5 Doyle, Jamie Mancino, Carl Mancino, Carmino

Wednesday, May 7 Ahmad, Bilal Carnes, Lewis

Cr Daniela Zinni said: "This is a huge win for Thomastown and the surrounding areas. Nick Ascenzo Reserv e is already a valued local space and this investment will help it reach its full potential for the benefit of the whole community.

“Council has been advocating for these upgrades to enhance access, function and connection. We thank the Federal Government for recognising the importance of this space and committing to its future."

Red bin lids out

■ Lids on rubbish bins will be changing from dark green to red across the City of Whittlesea

This will comply with the State Government’s new standard bin lid colours.

■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.

■

■

■ ■ CROYDON NORTH. Croydon North Newsagency. 5 Exeter Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. BP. 66 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Coles Express. 123 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Grand Hotel. 270 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Healesville Newsagency. 195 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Tobacco Station/Tatts. Shop 11, Healesville Walk.

■

■ ■ ■ LAUNCHING PLACE. Launching Place General Store. 2200 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ LAUNCHING PLACE. Home Hotel. 2170 Warburton Hwy.

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

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

■

■ SEYMOUR. Royal Hotel. 26 Emily St.

■ ■ SEYMOUR. Terminus Hotel. 26 Station St.

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

■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook General Store. 36 Main Rd.

■ ■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.

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

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

■

■

■ ■ LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St.

■

■ ■ ■ MILLGROVE. Licensed Grocery. 3043 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ MOUNT EVELYN. Mount Evelyn Newsagency. 1A Wray Cres.

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

■

■ ■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.

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

■

■

■ ■ ■ RINGWOOD. Burnt Bridge Newsagency. 434 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ SEVILLE. Wooworths Seville. 568 Warburton Hwy.

■

■ ■ ■ WANDIN. Wandin Newsagency. 18/2 Union Rd.

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

■

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

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

■

■

■ ■ WARBURTON. Bakery. 3415 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Grand Hotel.

140 Yarra St.

■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Quinton’s Supa IGA Supermarket. 1/402 Warrandyte Rd.

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

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

Diamantopoulos, Matthew Even Par Pty Ltd Green, Wade Janusauskus, Hayley Keamy-Quirk, Caleb Kerris, Paul Loughnan, Ryan Scott Marchesani, Anthony Mcavoy, Declan Muto, Alberto O'connell, Billy Ramaihi, Fadel Reiter, Karl Smith, Luke Cree Warraich Tradings Pty Ltd Wijayaratnam, Sancho Wilson, Robert Wilson, Robert Peter Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, April 30 Adams, Dean Stewart Atar, Kaylan Bano, Micaela Bishop, Corrie Blay, Andrew Blyss, Xander Bradley, Paul Gregory Callen, Peter Richard Dib, Andrew Dmytruk, Mykola Fairy, David Fidden, Jonathan Files, Billy Goschnick, Dean Gregory Hall, Ethan Hoysted, Kurt Robert Ischovits, Jake Kiryk, Dane Jesse Mccleery, Jye Mcleish, Daniel Nugent, Tristan Rippon, Geoffrey John Todero, Jason Van Winden, Christopher Vangeli, David Ian Xu, Lisha Xue, Jun Young, Christopher

“Coming into effect from May, this change will bring the City of Whittlesea into alignment with the standardised four bin lids across Victoria and helps everyone know that a red lid means it's the rubbish bin and the contents will go to landfill,” said a Council representative.

“This means less confusion and more chances to get the right thing in the right bin, whether you’re at home, visiting friends or away on holiday around the state.

“The new red lids will be progressively rolled out throughout May and June. Residents are asked to place their rubbish bins out as usual on their regular collection day and leave it on the kerb until 6pm.

“:Bin lids will be changed on residents’ regular bin collection day. Once lids have been changed over, residents no longer need to leave their rubbish bin out after it has been emptied.

“All old lids will be recycled into new lids, reducing waste going to landfill.”

City of Whittlesea Director Infrastructure and Environment Debbie Wood said: "Making sure our bin lids comply with the B four bin system is part of our commitment to improving the way we manage waste at the local level. This will help residents and visitors sort their rubbish into the right bin.”

Wide coverage

Your Senate vote is just as important as your representative vote. Use your senate vote to get more crossbenchers into the senate to hold the major parties to account. Vote 1 Fusion!

Authorised by K Hunt, McLeod Lane, Mansfield, Vic

Works required

■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence has called on the State Government again to allocate funding to upgrade dangerous and congested roads across her electorate, including the Hull and Mooroolbark Rds bottleneck, Warburton Hwy in Seville East, and Clegg Rd in Wandin

Ms Vallence called on ther Government to “get on” with the Maroondah Hwy at Killara Rd in Coldstream, for which the Government has had $20 million in Commonwealth funding for since 2019.

“Road safety is such a significant issue across my electorate, and we are seeking funding for these dangerous and congested roads,” Ms Vallence said.

Good sports

■ “Macey Norman, Penny Freeman and Sienna Hamilton from Healesville Primary School deserve a pat on the back for raising over $4000 between them in the school Colour Run fundraiser, part of an overall $16,000 to be put to two interactive play spaces and a resurface of the gymnasium hall,” Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish told Parliament.

“Congratulations to Archie Armstrong in the under-13s at the Yea Tigers Cricket Club, who scored 466 runs this season and has been invited to try out for the Victorian schoolboys under-12s cricket team.

“Well done to Zoe Alldrick from Yea Primary on taking home silver in backstroke at the regional swimming carnival, going on to swim at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre, and also to Tahj Parker f rom St Mary’s in Alexandra, who won the 50 metres in both breaststroke and butterfly at the regionals in Shepparton and is through to the state championships,” Ms McLeish said.

Yea link for 98-y-o

■ One of the Ivanhoe Grammar School boys who were evacuated to Yea during World War II has died at age 98.

Graham Hawke was Captain of School in 1944, a Yea Boarder, and a member of the First XVIII premiership team in 1944, which was a fond memory he told Principal Gerard Foley on a visit this month. Graham was a member of School staff from 1945 until 1950 and again in 1980 until 1982.

A Queensland resident for many years Graham made frequent trips to the School each year to join his friends at Buckley Boys luncheons, Captains Assemblies, Past Staff and School events and for any other reason he could find. His last visit was to the Captains Assembly and Lunch in 2024, in his 97th year.

A lifetime of loyalty to the School was acknowledged with Graham being made a Life Governor in 2023.

Event at Plenty

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish said she attended the Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria District 14 Rural Championships in Plenty

“I was impressed with the junior teams competing. Doreen CFA had 10 juniors tackling the pumps and hoses, competing in the 11 to 13 and 11 to 15 age groups.

“It was great to see former juniors, now 18 to 25, move into the role of junior leaders. Sue Mann, who was just a mum and is now an enthusiastic volunteer, said it has been great to see the growth in juniors through their participation. The young adults Victoria, Rebecca, Emily, Declan and Ryan have become independent and more confident and have increased self-esteem.

“I chatted to Amelia from the Hurstbridge Brigade and was impressed by her maturity and confidence as she talked about her time as a junior and participation now as a young adult,” Ms McLeish said.

Wine Weekend

■ The Murrindindi Winemakers Association Annual Wine Weekend will be held on Saturday-Sunday, May 3-4, from 11am-5pm. Participating Acheron wineries are Utter Wines, Catherdal Ranges Winery and Little Cathedral.

Funds boost for Murrindindi

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has welcomed $320,000 in funding from the State Government’s Forestry Transition Program enabling the municipality to work closely with local communities and businesses to progress key priorities identified through the Shaping Murrindindi’s Future Local Development Strategy and Context Analysis Report

The funding includes:

■ $200,000 to support the work of local Innovation Working Groups and further develop strategic actions across up to six innovation areas.

“While Council has been actively progressing four areas – farm forestry, renewable energy and the circular economy, health and aged care, and tourism – we remain open to developing new priorities based on community ideas and opportunities identified through the context analysis process,” said a Shire representative.

■ $120,000 to develop a shire-wide Health, Mental Health and Aged Care Workforce Strategy, to help close the gap in service delivery, attract and retain local services and health workers, and meet the growing needs of our dispersed and ageing population through collaborative models and shared services.

Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said the funding builds on the strong foundations already laid

Destroyed grave upset

■ Ian Borrie is upset about the condition of the Old Yea Cemetery grave of John and Elizabeth Hodson.

“We found to our dismay that the grave of John and Elizabeth Hodson is destroyed possibly due to age,” Mr Borrie said.

“Two years ago Ian had reported vandalism to the metal bars surrounding the grave to the Cemetery Trust (being Murrundindi Shire Council) to no avail,” said Nola Borrie.

“ At that stage the headstone had a lean backwards ... it is smashed from falling onto their son W.D. (Bill) Hodson's grave causing minor damage also to his memorial.

“Ian will be in contact with the appropriate person at the Shire as soon as possible to consider how to proceed to reinstate or renew the grave.

“As they were pioneers of the area we cannot let this damage remain.”

Wild dogs meeting

■ The State Government’s Vertebrate Species Management Program community meeting held in Yellingbo on April 9, left the Upper Yarra community with more questions than answers, according to Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish.

Ms McLeish attended the meeting with other concerned locals who feel that more needs to be done to combat the growing threat and number of wild dog attacks on livestock in the Upper Yarra.

“DEECA officers are working hard at ground level to respond to, monitor and record wild dog sightings and attacks. It is a hard job, and they don’t have enough resources,” Ms McLeish said.

“It seems the Allan Labor Government has put finding a solution to the growing issue in the too hard basket.”

In March, Ms McLeish raised the matter in Parliament, requesting a face-to-face community meeting be held to give Upper Yarra residents a chance to voice their concerns and to be part of finding a management solution.

The State Government failed to advertise the wider Yellingbo community of the meeting, leaving many locals in the lurch, Ms McLeish said.

“I was notified about the meeting a week out and spread word as best I could. The Upper Yarra always seem to be forgotten by the Labor Government. They deserve better.”

Agriculture Victoria is seeking community input towards the Vertebrate Species Management Program’s dingo management plan between July 1 to June 30, 2026.

Resilient roads

■ The Caravan Industry Association of Australia has welcomed the announcement by the Coalition to invest $1 billion into the revitalised Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program and has called on the Albanese Government to match the commitment.

“This significant commitment recognises the critical importance of well-maintained regional infrastructure—not only for the safety and resilience of local communities, but also for the continued strength of Australia’s domestic tourism and manufacturing sectors,” said an Association representative.

“As an industry deeply dependent on our regional road network, the caravan and camping sector relies on safe, accessible, and wellmaintained roads to support over one million registered recreational vehicles, 16 million annual trips, and a thriving regional visitor economy worth $11 billion to the economy.

“With targeted investment in both road upgrades and community infrastructure, this commitment will help address longstanding decline in local road conditions, improve certainty for regional travel dispersal, and create meaningful opportunities for regional towns that host caravan parks and tourism operators.

■ An elected Dutton Coalition Government will provide $6.3 million to restore historic Kirwans Bridge, reopen it to traffic, andpreserve it.\

Senator Bridget McKenzie and Nicholls

MHR Sam Birrell said: "The community, Strathbogie Shire Council and the many people who love Kirwans Bridge have been fighting for years torestore it, the Nationals will make sure it happens if we form government.

“Kirwans Bridge has been in decline for decades and it was further damaged during the October 2022 flood, but it is tooprecious to lose, this funding will ensure it remains open and is safe for the next 50 plus years.”

The restoration project will maintain the existing single lane bridge by undertaking a full renovation including replacing thetimber decking with a concrete deck slab. Kirwans Bridge is important to the community for access and emergencies, but also for tourism.

Senator McKenzie said Labor had an opportunity to fund the restoration through the Growing Regions program, but it didn’t getpast the first expression of interest stage.

Kirwans Bridge received nothing,”Senator McKenzie said. $6.3m for

“This announcement is a welcome step toward enhancing the infrastructure backbone that underpins not only local connectivity, but the national story of exploration, mobility, and regional renewal. We look forward to working with government at all levels to ensure the caravan industry continues to support regional jobs, grow domestic tourism, and contribute to a stronger Australia.”

hArt25 applications

■ Mitchell Shire Council is inviting artists to take part in its fourth Community Visual Arts Exhibition.

Since 2022, hArt has grown significantly, with more than 200 artworks displayed in hArt 24 hArt 25 highlights artists connected to Mitchell Shire, with three prizes for adults, including the First Nations Artist Prize to honour First Nations creators. Mitchell Shire Council encourages all First Nations artist including Taungurung and Wurundjeri Woiwurrung peoples to join The nnual artist-in-residence program will also return, helping local students create a collaborative artwork.

Cr Damian Gallagher, Mayor

● Destroyed grave at Old Yea Cemetery.

(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)

24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK

(Scrap bin available)

Council Rounds

Parking query

■ Mooroolbark resident Sharyn Manning had two questions about parking for Yarra Ranges Council at this month’s meeting:

■ In 2024, 268 people had multiple infringements within a 4 week timeframe. How many of these were rescinded?

■ In 2024 revenue from car parking infringements was approximately $501,000. What was the cost of implementing the system including wages, training, equipment, vehicles, mail and any other direct or indirect cost including any bonus or incentive scheme?

The Council’s Acting Director Communities, Jane Sinnamon, replied: “In relation to your first question, I can confirm that in the timeframe referred, there were 73 appeals for multiple parking infringements received by Council with 40 being withdrawn.

“In relation to your second question, unfortunately, a detailed financial analysis that accurately answers your question isn’t possible within the available timeframe for public questions of Council. We will however provide a written respond within five business days and are happy to have this question publicly answered at the next Council meeting if it is your preference.”

Key priorities

■ Mitchell Shire last week heard about the key priorities that Council is setting in its advocacy program.

Economic

■ Hilldene Employment Precinct

■ Puckapunyal Combined Arms Heritage Learning Centre

■ Schools in Kilmore, Beveridge, Wallan

■ Developer Contributions Reform Health and Wellbeing

■ Locally Based Allied Health and Wellbeing Services

■ Hospital for Northern Growth Corridor

■ Family Violence Services and Programs

■ Mental Health Services and Programs Developing Infrastructure

■ Greenhill Recreation Precinct

■ Community and Sporting Infrastructure

■ Kilmore Bypass

■ Beveridge Train Station

■ Rail upgrades

Speed problems

■ An anonymous questioner asked for answers about Alsops Rd, Launching Place, at this month’s Yarra Ranges Council metting.

“There appears to be only one speed limit sign—why is signage so limited in a residential area? Also, trucks, cars, and motorcycles frequently use the road as a cut-through, often speeding and creating safety issues. What is the council doing to address the volume and speed of traffic through this residential street?”

The Council’s Acting Director Built Environment and Infrastructure, Kim O’Connor, said: “Alsops Road is classified as a Rural Sealed Collector, connecting Healesville–Koo Wee Rup Road and the Warburton Highway

“The road spans approximately 2.8 kilometres, and carries a posted speed limit of 60-kmh. The Traffic and Transport Team has conducted traffic volume and speed counts in 2018 (near property no. 17) and most recently in 2024 (near property no. 59).

“Both sets of data have shown consistent vehicle volumes, with the 2024 count recording an average of 761 vehicles per day, which is within the acceptable tolerance for this classification of road.

“The daily peak hour volume was found to be within acceptable limits and consistent with similar roads within the municipality.

“Speed data from the recent count indicates that a number of vehicles are travelling above the posted 60-kmh limit, suggesting a potential speeding concern. Our records indicate that speed limit signage is installed at both ends of Alsops Road, along with a repeater sign positioned midway.

“However, the sign at the Warburton Highway end has been removed. Council will arrange for this signage to be reinstated.

“Council Officers will also notify Victoria Police of the speeding concerns to support targeted enforcement in the area.”

Exton produces evidence

Mr Exton said that amongst the planning permit requirements insisted upon by Murrindindi Shire Council where tht he comply with:

■ Murrindindi Planning Scheme,

■ Infrastructure Design Manual,

■ Arbocultural Impact Assessment, conducted by Treespace Solutions,

■ A report by Bill Richdale on offsets,

■ A tree removal ecology report,

■ A land management report,

■ A load capability assessment for onsite wastewater management

■ Paul Williams, B.App.Sc., consultants in earth sciences,

■ Catchment and Land protection certificate (Section 90),

■ Council Arborist Report.

Back in 2020, the planning permit for 45 Carey Rd insisted that Mr Exton submit amended plan of subdvision “to the satisfaction of the responsible authority”.

Murrindindi Council required a payment from Mr Exton equal to 2 per cent of the site value of all land in the subdivision for “Public Open Space”.

The Council required that Mr Exton build Carey Rd pavement to a minimum of 250mm depth.

‘I can confirm that no irregularities were identified’ - Livia Bonazzi, Shire CEO

Mr Exton says that ended up selling the development in April 2022 to Peter Wilson of Yea Land Developments and Yea Land Holdings.

He said finance was arranged through Jason Hopp, and Santani Finance bought blocks 5-6.

Murrindindi Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi told last week’s Council meeting: “At the March Council meeting, Mr Garry Angus and Mr Charles Exton raised concerns during the public forum regarding the Carey Rd development in Killingworth and made reference to perceived delays and possible irregularities in Council’s planning process relating to this development.

“While no evidence was provided, officers undertook a review of the development’s timeline and approval processes. I can confirm that no irregularities were identified. The planning permit was issued well within the required statutory period, taking 35 days once the applicant submitted all necessary information.

“This is consistent with Council’s strong record of timely planning permit processing and decision-making,” Ms Bonazzi said.

Support for waste changes Shire wants ‘Changemakers’

■ Cr Sue Carpenter says that Murrindindi Council is encouraged by strong community for proposed new four-bin kerbside waste collection service due to start on June 30.

“The updated Kerbside Waste and Recycling Service has been shaped by local voices, guided by our environmental responsibilities, and tailored to meet the unique needs of Murrindindi Shire,” Cr Carpenter said.

“All in all, I feel we have landed on a good solution with the new kerbside collection service that balances community priorities, environmental responsibilities, and fairness.”

Cr Carpenter said: “Following initial consultation in late 2022, we ran a more detailed engagement process between April and June last year.

“Residents participated via surveys and popup sessions across the Shire

“The message was clear: our community supports waste diversion, fairness in service access, and keeping costs manageable, especially for those already doing the right thing,” Cr Carpenter said.

■ A special meeting of Murrindindi Council will be held at 5pm today (Wed., Apr. 30) to consider the draft budget for 2025-26.

Local Government

Cleaning contract

■ Mitchell Shire Council last week considered a contract for cleaning services.

A recommendation was put to Councillors that Council that a contract be awarded to Bluesky Services (VIC) Pty Ltd trading as Bluesky Services Group for a three-year agreement with a contract sum of $2,357,422.73 (inclusive of GST), subject to annual CPI adjustment; plus reactive maintenance based on a schedule of rates.

Speed humps ask

■ A petition has been lodged with Whittlesea Council by 57 resident requesting that the municipality take immediate action concerning the installation of speed humps in Mabel St, Doreen, due to concern of resident safety.

Water cart purchase

■ Mansfield Council has agreed this month, on the motions of Crs Mandy Treasure and Tim Berenyi to award the tender for the supply and delivery of one new 6 x 4 water truck to Allquip Water Trucks for the sum of $338,742.00 (excluding GST, registration, compulsory third-party insurance, and stamp duty).

Planning change

■ Yarra Ranges Council is inviing residents to express their interest in being part of its Community Changemakers Program for 2025.

This free community leadership program equips participants with the knowledge, skills, confidence, and connections necessary to drive positive change within their communities into the future, said a Shire representative.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, said that the program, now in its third year, has helped launch many projects and initiatives around the Yarra Ranges that have greatly benefited the local community.

“We’ve had previous graduates of the program go on to lead a range of community projects, like community gardens, mentoring young people in radio programming,” Cr Child said.

■ A planning zone amendment is to be sent by Whittlesea Council to the State Planning Minister relating o the rezoning of land at 307 Bridge Inn Rd and 390 Masons Rd, Mernda, to allow for residential development.

“The rezoning will apply to 21 hectares of land across two parcels to deliver 180-200 dwellings on one parcel and a retirement village and aged care facility on the other.

“The rezoning will also facilitate that transfer of 35 hectares of land to Council ownership for incorporation into the Quarry Hills Parkland,” said a report to Councillors.

“An amendment to the Whittlesea Planning Scheme (Amendment C251wsea) is required to allow for the proposed use and development.”

Dairy accommodation

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has received a planning permit application that seeks to renovate a derelict dairy at Flowerdale to create short term accommodation, with a capacity of six people.

The proposal for 3078 BroadfordFlowerdale Rd wants to target asn audience of families, couples, singles with interest in fishing, bushwalking, cycling, farm experiences.

Features include views, access to creek, a base to explore surrounding area, interaction with farm animals.

Yea subdivision

■ A subdivision planning application has been lodged with Murrindindi Shire Council to develop land at 6 Meara St, Yea.

The property owners are seeking to subdivide into two lots, one facing The Parade, and the other lot facing Meara St.

The lot facing Meara St has an existing building on it., which is being renovated. It would require a driveway to be constructed.

The lot facing The Parade has a concrete driveway and gate opening.

$146m surplus

■ Whittlesea Council is planning to have a $146 million surplus in its $493 million budget for the 2025-26 financial year, according to documents lodged at the April 15 metting.

There will be a “underlying deficit” of $14.3 million, the documents indicate.

“Whilst the operating surplus may appear large, it is calculated to comply with the requirements of Australian Accounting Standards and importantly does not equate to excess cash available for Council to spend. This is due to the fact that Council's surplus is largely made up of either non-cash items such as asset contributions from developers or cash items that are restricted by legislation in how they can be used by Council in the future.”

Vale Gerard Kennedy, Australian TV legend

Meet The Candidates

Meet Erin McGrath: Your Fierce Fusion Candidate for McEwen

Erin McGrath

I am Erin McGrath, here to be your voice in the McEwen electorate!

I’m not just running a campaign; I’m igniting a movement.

Our community deserves bold, passionate representation.

I will ensure your ideas and voices are amplified across Australia!

I stand firmly on three critical pillars: affordable housing, accessible healthcare, and sustainable economic growth.

Every person in McEwen deserves a safe place to call home, quality healthcare that doesn’t come with a price tag, and a support system where the cost of living doesn’t require you to sell your kidney to pay your bills.

If it matters to you, it matters to me—it’s that simple!

We must fix the NDIS and remove the red tape so people get the support they truly need without jumping through ridiculous hoops.

We need a fierce advocate in government who will champion our community's concerns and fight for change.

Together, we can break down barriers and ensure every voice is heard. Join me on this quest for justice and representation. Let’s make McEwen a force to be reckoned with!

Vote for Erin McGrath—Your unstoppable candidate for change!

Authorised by K Hunt, Fusion, 254 McLeod Lane, Mansfield

ALLAN CONDEMNS ANZAC PROTEST

■ Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan strongly condemned the disruption of last Friday’s ANZAC Dawn Service.

“A neo-Nazi disrupting this day is appalling - it has no place here,” Ms Allan said.

“ANZAC Day honours the values our ANZACs lived and died for: courage, loyalty, mateship, and sacrifice. Those who booed in the dark showed they have none of these qualities.

“To pierce the sombre silence of the Dawn Service is more than disrespect - it dishonours all who have served, fought and fallen.

“And to boo the Aboriginal servicemen and women who served our nation shows ignorance, hatred, and a complete lack of respect - for them, and for everything ANZAC Day stands for.

“Today and every day, we honour every Australian who has served the nation we are so lucky to call our home,” Ms Allan said.

Meet The Candidates

Helen Huang for Melbourne Fusion Party

● ● Helen Huang

HELEN HUANG for HELEN HUANG for HELEN HUANG for HELEN HUANG for Melbourne (F (F usion P usion P usion P usion P ar ar ty) ty)

Helen is a proud Australian of Chinese heritage, a single mother, a writer, an architectural designer, a domestic builder and a dynamic business entrepreneur. Helen has lived in Melbourne for 30 years and values our democracy. As your local representative, she prioritizes the needs of residents, businesses and workers.

Together we'll develop progressive

policies for our community. https://www.fusionparty.org.au/ helen_huang_melbourne https://helenhuanginde.com.au/

A New Melbourne (A national hub for innovation, industry & finance/ High-speed rail)

■ Foster innovation by reducing bureaucracy, investing in science and technology and creating a competitive industry.

■ Boost the economy by utilizing Australia’s seawater for renewable hydrogen energy.

■ Build a high-speed rail link between Melbourne and the airport Reducing Cost of Living Reducing Cost Living Reducing Cost of Living Reducing Cost Living

■ Controlling Inflation through housing reforms, energy bill relief, stopping supermarket gouging.

■ Boost Funding for Community & Public Housing programs to ensure affordable housing.

■ Promoting Universal Basic Income (UBI) to empower people have a balanced life.

■ More bulk-billing Medicare clinics & 7-11 clinics, also covering essential dental & mental health check-ups.

Build a Harmonious Society a Society Build a Harmonious Society a Society

■ Create an organization that protects whistleblowers.

■ Strengthen police departments at key locations for quick crime response.

■ Develop more green spaces to connect with nature and build community friendships.

Editor, Ash Long, Melbourne.

●

● ● ● Actor Gerard Kennedy, best known for has Division 4 role, has died at age 93. He was pictured in 2020 with his with his daughter, granddaughter, and great granddaughter. Photo courtesy of Chrisanya Ashcroft, Gerard's daughter

ADVERTORIAL

● ● Jacinta Allan, Premier

Your Stars with

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 4, 2, 5, 3

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 23, 36, 35, 9

A restless period is ahead, and things may not move as quickly as you’d like. Though offers are coming, progress is slow for now. In your career, you'll likely impress the right people.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 3, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 26, 34, 45, 8

Taking a calculated risk could lead to surprising success. A gamble might pay off, but be sure to know who your true friends are before taking their advice.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 2

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 25, 40, 33

New projects and opportunities are opening up. There will be surprises in both domestic and career environments. However, a close relative or associate may block some of your progress.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 26, 34, 8, 5

A busy period with plenty of travel related to business responsibilities. Opportunities to improve your financial situation will arise, though success will depend on your personal efforts.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 6, 2, 3, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 34, 43, 2

Make sure others are on the same wavelength before committing to partnerships, whether in love or finance. Singles may meet someone special during this period.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Fawn

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 6, 9

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 35, 45

A financial boost is indicated, making this a good time to ask for favours or even a raise. Avoid unnecessary spending on household items. This is also an excellent time to show off your leadership skills and impress the right people.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 4, 2, 3, 6

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 34, 40

Your career and social life should blend well, and new acquaintances could be highly supportive. However, be careful not to spend money you don’t have—focus on paying off old debts first.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Hot Pink

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 35, 36, 33

Changing your approach will yield positive results. An unexpected trip may be necessary during this period, and old friends could provide the support and advice you need.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 1, 9, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 24, 45, 40, 33

Gaining favour with superiors will be easier if you stick to your plans. A friend’s request could put you in a winning position, both personally and professionally.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1, 8, 4, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 45, 40, 22, 21

Increased communication with distant contacts may result in a change of address. Many Capricorns could return to school or acquire new skills, expanding their future opportunities.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 4, 2, 1, 2

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 35, 8, 40

Caution is needed in financial dealings. The smart move is to pay off outstanding debts before committing to new agreements. Avoid confiding in people you don’t know well.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7, 5, 1, 4

Lotto Numbers: 7, 15, 28, 40, 11, 1

Avoid provoking trouble and focus on staying calm. Your hidden talents could shine, and many people may begin to appreciate you both professionally and socially.

‘Loose with the truth’

Sir,

The Liberal candidate for Indi (James Trenery) continues to fail to be loose with the truth and light on detail (Local Paper Regional Edition, Apr. 16).

Mr Trenery said no mobile phone towers have been funded in Indi in the last term of parliament, then walked that statement back to one.

In fact, since the last election, Indi has received Commonwealth funding for four new mobile towers and five Indi received funding for three towers in Indi under Round 2 of the Regional Connectivity Program in October 2022. Those towers are online at Boho South ($675,000), Tarrawingee ($519,000) and Goorambat ($232,000).

Then, on December 11, 2023 Indi received $967,000 for a new macro mobile site at Kennedys Point (Bonnie Doon) under Round 3 of the Regional Connectivity Program. Indi also received $2.36 million for Fibre to the Premises NBN in Harrietville

Since my election, I have worked with local communities, telcos and councils through the Indi Telecommunications Advisory Group. Working together Indi has been the most successful electorate in Victoria for funding under the Federal Government’s Mobile Black Spot Funding. Community leadership and collaboration gets results and shows why being Independent works for Indi.

- Helen Haines MP, 117 Murphy St, Wangaratta

So close to the city

Sir,

Growing up on the Mornington Peninsula on Bunurong Country, I became fascinated by the birds and wildlife that I would find in the bush, wetlands and along the coast.

Sadly, over time, I’ve seen many of those species dwindle as their habitat is cleared and degraded.

But just offshore in Western Port lies French Island, a remarkable sanctuary for wildlife that remains fox-free.

Whenever I visit French Island, it’s like stepping into the past. It’s a living ark of species that were once present or common on the Peninsula when I was growing up.

With fewer threats than the mainland, habitat on the island is healthy and diverse.

The island is today recognised as a vital safe haven for wildlife – which is one of the reasons we are working with landholders there to protect and care for habitat, as you can read in our latest Conservation Bulletin.

French Island may be a window into the past, but it also provides hope for the future. There are many more places around Victoria where habitat needs to be protected and threats need to be managed –and we need your support to do so.

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.

This is even more important as the climate changes and extreme weather events like fire become more frequent and intense, as we have seen over the past summer in western Victoria

By doing so, we can create a future where nature and people thrive together.

- Dr Doug Robinson, Chief Conservation Scientist, Trust for Nature

Women’s safety

Sir,

National resources from Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety reveal what’s working — and what still needs to change

It’s a confronting question: Why invest in programs for men who use violence?

According to Australia’s National Research Organisation for Women’s Safety, these interventions aren’t just important — they’re essential to breaking the cycle of violence.

When delivered well, interventions that work with men who use domestic, family and sexual violence can enhance safety and support women and children to live free from violence.

To strengthen the national response, ANROWS has released a suite of evidence-informed resources that bring to

gether the latest research, practice insights and evaluation.

These include:

■ A national Evidence Brief synthesising Australian and international research on Men’s Behaviour Change Programs;

■ A new Quality Practice Expectations framework to support the delivery of high-quality, accountable programs, informed by new research insights from the Northern Territory.

■ A summary of the latest evaluation of Men’s Behaviour Change Programs

Together, these resources provide a roadmap for what works — and how to deliver programs that prioritise safety while supporting meaningful change.

“The idea of supporting men who use violence can be confronting within a sector that is already facing unmet demand for support from victim/survivors,” said Dr Tessa BoydCaine, CEO of ANROWS.

“But if we’re serious about ending domestic, family and sexual violence, we must address the behaviour of those who cause harm, holding men who use violence accountable while supporting them to change.”

Informed by a range of research and practice insights from the Northern Territory, the Quality Practice Expectations provide a consistent standard for service delivery, with women’s and children’s safety at the centre.

The Quality Practice Expectations are informed by new research. An evaluation of two men’s behaviour programs delivered by CatholicCare NT and Tangentyere Council, offers lessons for national systems. The programs work directly with men who use violence, while also supporting their partners and families. The evaluation highlighted key elements such as strong follow-up if men disengage, prioritising partner safety, collaboration with other services, and the importance of Aboriginal-led delivery. It also identified ongoing challenges — including limited referral pathways, a lack of post-program support, under-resourced responses for children, and short-term funding constraints.

Key findings include:

■ Most men who use violence never access a program.

■ Long-term support is needed for lasting change.

■ Tailored approaches work better than one-size-fits-all.

■ Co-ordination with other services improves outcomes.

■ Enhanced safety for women and children can be achieved, even if little or no behavioural change occurs.

“These programs show what’s possible and why stronger systems are essential,” said Dr Boyd-Caine.

With the right knowledge, frameworks and investment, Australia can shift from crisis response to long-term prevention — holding perpetrators accountable while supporting real change.

- Greg Townley, by email

100% for Carlton

■ Thirteen-year-old Carl Foley, captain of the Under 14 football team at St Patrick's school, Mentone, has one ambition -- to play with Carlton

In 1949 he was the Blues' mascot in the grand final against Essendon. They lost, but this did not discourage Carl. He's determined to play with them when he is I8.

He says Carlton are a "cert for the premiership this year." heir recent defeat by Hawthorn? "Bad luck.

"We have had a bad run for the last few .years, but with our new players we can't miss out," he said.

Carl's football idols are Doug Guy, Ken Hands, and "Chocker" Howell.

£268 per acre

■ Mr. Max Peart, of Bairnsdale, paid £268 per acre for 14 acres of rich river flat and hill land at Picnic Point, near Bairnsdale.

Bad, mad to fight

■ LONDON - Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden said today: "Any group of men would have to be not only "bad, but mad to unleash a war," in a manifesto launching his Conservative Party's campaign for the general election of May 26.

For Diggers

■ East Melbourne's crippled and aged war veterans will get their tram shelter.

The old Diggers are members of the Totally and Permanently Disabled Soldiers' Association , which.has club rooms in Clarendon st

On Thursday,The Argus drew attention to the need for a shelter to protect the old soldiers.

Mr. R. J. H. Risson, Tramways Board chairman, said last night the shelter was on order, and would be erected as soon as possible, It would be built at the corner of Clarendon st. and Wellington pde., back from the footpath on railway land.

Junior police

■ Twenty-six proud youths will "fall in" at the St. Kilda rd. police depot on Monday morning for the first parade of the newly formed Junior Police Corps. The youths, aged between 16 and 18, have been hand picked.

The Whip

Inside Information from State and Federal Parliaments

Albanese favourite

■ Pundits are predicting that Anthony Albanese will be returned as Prime Minister in the Federal Election this Saturday (May 3), perhaps with an increased majority.

Analyst Michelle Grattan of The Conversation said: “This election has been lacklustre, without the touch of excitement of some past campaigns. Through the decades, campaigning has changed dramatically, adopting new techniques and technologies.”

Professor of history at the Australian National University, Frank Bongiorno, said debates between the leaders "have become something that I think a lot of people shun”.

Of the record amount of pre-polling, he said: “It probably makes leaving the release of policy – and perhaps even costings as well – to the last minute a riskier venture, because if you do have goodies on offer, they’re going to miss anyone who has already voted.”

Allan’s COVID bug

■ Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan is being plagued with news from the past, especially relating to the state’s COVID lockdowns.

It has been revealed that one COVID lockdown was decided upon by State Cabinet for political, not health, reasons.

Ms Allan has also been plagued with the news of an Ambulane Victoria funeral that broke all the lockdown rules.

Ms Allan is the sole remaining Labor Minister from the Cabinet of that era.

Labor on offensive

■ As Australia heads towards Saturday’s election, Labor has gone on the offensive against the Coalition in key marginal seats after gaining a boost in published opinion polls.

Nine Newspapers report thatGovernment MPs are warning that their core support remains at risk from a backlash over the cost of living.

“Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has stepped up his visits to seats once seen as leaning to the Liberals, highlighting a shift in the campaign as Labor insiders express growing confidence in holding power at the election on May 3,” said The Age.

“The Coalition is fighting back in Labor’s heartland in the hope suburban voters will punish Albanese over rising prices and help the Liberals win seats such as McEwen in northern Melbourne.”

McEwen is held by Rob Mitchell for the ALP. A redistribution of the seat has made the election result far from certain, according to poll watchers.

ILLEGAL FISHERMEN FORFEIT $285,OOO BOAT

■ Two men who fished illegally including falsifying commercial catch records over 10 months have been convicted.

They were handed 300-hour corrections orders and forfeited their $285,000 boat, while a company associated with the pair has been convicted and fined more than $80,000.

The brothers in their 50s, from Williamstown and Portland, and the company were sentenced in the Geelong Magistrates’ Court after pleading guilty to dealing with fish taken in contravention of the Fisheries Act and breaches of fisheries licence conditions.

An investigation led by the Victorian Fisheries Authority found between June 2020 and April 2021 the men falsified catch and effort records, left rock lobster pots set during the closed season and used 135 more pots than allowed under a rock lobster and giant crab fishery licence, among other offences.

One of the men was also convicted of interfering with another commercial fishing operator’s equipment and taking their catch.

In sentencing the men, Magistrate Franz Holzer ordered the forfeiture of the 18-metre vessel ‘Amayos’, 263 rock lobster pots, floats and ropes and handed each of the men a conviction, a $6000 fine and a 300-hour community corrections order. The company that employed the men was also convicted and fined $82,500.

VFA Director of Enforcement and Education Ian Parks said the case represented some of the most significant offending ever detected in Victoria and the estimated proceeds from the illegal sale of fish totalled more than $370,000.

“This is one of the largest and most complex investigations the VFA has undertaken and it uncovered and put a stop to behaviour that risked the sustainability of our rock lobster and giant crab fisheries,” Mr Parks said.

“Officers assessed catch and effort data, analysed vessel monitoring systems, undertook surveillance of the operators back at port and travelled hundreds of kilometres to the continental shelf west of King Island to retrieve the pots that were later forfeited.

“Due to how these fisheries are managed the falsification of records can have a significant impact on their sustainability. Once the underreporting was detected it led to a 28 per cent reduction in the total allowed commercial catch in the giant crab fishery.

“Victoria has world-class fisheries and we will continue to focus on serious fisheries crime to ensure that remains the case for future generations.

“The men and company also face potential confiscation proceedings in the County Court where pecuniary penalty orders may be made for the proceeds of fish unlawfully taken.”

Magistrate Holzer said it was a “very, very serious example of this kind of offending” involving “considerable concealment”, while handing down total penalties, costs and compensation orders close to $650,000.

AGGRAVATED

HOME INVASIONS

■ Detectives from the Financial Crime Squad have charged four men as part of an investigation into an aggravated home invasion in Altona Meadows.

Police will allege that four men attended a Victoria St address around 8.30pm on Monday, January 20 in a stolen vehicle, forcing entry into the property before threatening the occupants.

A man living at the address was assaulted and conveyed to hospital to be treated for nonlife threatening injuries.

A second man fled and was subsequently contacted by the offenders, who allegedly made demands for money or threatened to shoot him. Police became aware of a second incident in Shepparton earlier that same day.

Vic. Fisheries Authority takes brothers to Court

Critical injury

■ Melbourne Highway Patrol officers are investigating after a car struck a pedestrian in Fitzroy lastWednesday afternoon (Apr. 23).

It is understood the male pedestrian was struck by a white Ford Transit on Victoria Pde between Napier St and George St about 3.25pm.

The pedestrian, a 21-year-old man, was taken to hospital with critical life-threatening injuries.

The male driver and sole occupant of the Ford stopped at the scene and rendered assistance.

$1m meth seized

■ Police have dismantled an alleged drug trafficking syndicate operating out of Mildura, seizing more than $1 million worth of methylamphetamine.

Four people were arrested, including a patched member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, following a series of coordinated warrants in Mildura.

Police intercepted a vehicle in Red Cliffs shortly before 12 Noon on Tuesday (Apr. 22).

A subsequent search of the vehicle uncovered approximately two kilograms of methylamphetamine valued around $1 million - a large commercial quantity.

The driver, a 27-year-old Wyndham Vale man was arrested in Red Cliffs, and was charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine. He was to appear at Mildura Magistrates’ Court.

A 35-year-old Mildura man, who is a patched member of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang, was arrested and charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of methylamphetamine.

A 37-year-old Mildura woman was charged with trafficking methylamphetamine and was bailed to appear at Mildura Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Apr. 28)

A 38-year-old Mildura woman was released pending further enquiries.

Local Business Profile

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

I have supported people's relaxation, remedial or correctional and palliative care treatments for this community and it's been an honor..

I have always been fascinated by the body and finding ways of helping people in pain and learning to see if we can push past our symptoms to heal on a deep or lasting level.

It's always been a dream of mine to be part of a health hub that includes different types of therapists and modalities coming together.

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

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

I have also introduced a Telsa

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

It supports problems around inflammation, pain, muscular atrophy and injury, stimulates the lymphatic system and supports drainage. Weight loss or cellulite reduction or body sculpting. Pelvic floor issues and incontinence problems have had huge success and erectile dysfunction also has some.

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

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

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

● ● Rock lobster.

Photos: Vic. Fisheries Authority

● ● Anthony Albanese

Michelle Allen and team of Muddy Creek Health Hub, Yea

PAID ADVERTORIAL

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

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Casey Filips, Virtuoso

■ Virtuoso stars Casey Filips as the pompous and pretentious British actor, Tobias FinleyFraser, in this solo comedy master class of a show.

Co-opted as casting directors, the audience reserves its collective judgement on auditionee number 86, Finley-Fraser.

A classically-trained actor and veteran, Finley-Fraser reveals, of 300 similar cattle call auditions.

Like the legendary Alexander Dane from the iconic Galaxy Quest, Finley-Fraser is a graduate of RADA and the National Theatre.

How Revolting! Sorry To Offend

■ “You have been watching Milo Edwards,” reads the headline of a card listing a glossary of British terms and references, laying on the seat of each audience member.

Claiming that the show was the most ‘British’ show that he has ever written, it provided an insight into the many eccentricities and foibles of British life.

A far cry from his last Festival offering of ‘Sentimental’, a somewhat dark reflective work on the death of his parents.

And British it was, as he was quick to tell us his accent mistakes him for a posh person, even though his family roots are from County Essex, the home of UK’s bogans, and as a 30-something male confessing to having dated posh girls, and not just one. And of course there were the days he went to Cambridge for his very posh education.

So setting the tone of his background, Edwards then hit the British Class system, with some very schmick one liners interspersed with raw unforgiving facts.

●

●

●

● Nathan Hugh Robért in Tiny King.

■ Nathan Hugh Robért returned to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival with a reworked version of Tiny King, directed by Taylor Griffiths at the Motley Bauhaus in Carlton.

Is it a play, stand-up, or a self-deprecating monologue with a dash of audience participation?

Honestly, it’s none of the above—and hard to define. What it is, though, is deeply personal. Robért lays himself bare—especially when it comes to being short, sexy/not sexy, exposing his vulnerability and flaws with disarming honesty.

And it takes deadpan to the next level— Robért never even cracks a smile. It was intriguing that, not once but twice, audience members felt compelled to apologise for laughing … at a comedy show!

The striking thing about Tiny King lies in the intense awkwardness of it all. The uneasy dread of lurking audience participation at any moment, paired with Robért’s sense of despair, creates a kind of shared social anxiety.

His feigned frustration that the audience is laughing in all the wrong places—ironically, very funny—only heightens the tension. We feel as though we’re letting him down, rather than he’s failing us. Is that genius?

The narrative conceit—Robért as a dethroned monarch who lost his kingdom’s gold in a bad investment—doesn’t entirely land. Most of us already feel like royalty in our own little domains, and the metaphor doesn’t add much. The more relatable thread is simply the need to make a living—and if creating the best comedy show of all time is your ambition, are you setting yourself up for failure?

Tiny King is absurd, deeply awkward, and strangely captivating. While his spontaneous, witty and slightly defensive ad-lib responses bring levity, a little more content and an upbeat ending could propel this into the next realm.

- Review by Beth

Klein

Songwriters Night

■ As part of the Nillumbik Festival of Stories, the inaugural Nillumbik Songwriters Night will take place on Friday, May 2 at Allwood House Gardens to celebrate the wealth of songwriting talent in the community.

The free event will be hosted by 88.6 Plenty Valley FM in conjunction with Allwood Neighbourhood House, and will showcase the works of up and coming songwriters who have a connection to Nillumbik

Performers will be given 15 minutes each to perform their original songs.

The Songwriters Night will start at 6pm and conclude at 9pm.

Allwood House Gardens are at 901 Main Rd, Hurstbridge

Further information about the event can be found at: allwoodhouse.org.au

- Richard Stal

Finley-Fraser has kept up his skill level with numerous short courses in prolonged singing Level 5, dramatic pausing Level 6, and pregnant pausing Level 7, all of which he demonstrates.

Finley-Fraser presents the audience with signed headshots that increase in size until he reveals a giant poster as a backdrop.

Next, he presents his reviews, such as fivestar Uber Eats, and a community Neighbourhood Watch, watch and act public notice.

Absurdities abound in this crazy show, where the audience participates in making the improv elements work so well.

Two willing participants join Finley-Fraser onstage and are put through increasingly bizarre paces.

Finley-Fraser deadpans through a spectacularly ridiculous Attenborough-esque skit as a horny manatee with audience member Kevin, enacting his manatee love interest.

Calls from his agent interrupt at awkward moments.

Another audience member is handed the phone as Finley-Fraser sprints to deliver an Uber Eats order.

The ante is upped as the situations get more and more outlandish.

In a finale featuring some optimistic forwardprojecting, Finley-Fraser attends the Academy Awards night and follows with his own fragrance, Desperation.

There is nothing desperate about this comedian, though. Casey Filips is desperately good.

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

One For The Record Books

■ A fascination with the Guinness Book of World Records exposed Julian O’Shea to many of the world's quirky and weirdest world records.

And so he questioned the provenance of these records. Will they ever be broken and what do you do to become a record breaker?

His desideratum to break a world record all started as a child, and indeed over the years he has travelled the world as well as Australia in his many attempts to create his own world records, just so he could brag to all as well indulging in self-satisfaction.

He shared a powerpoint presentation with a part he called the Guinness Book of questionable records, one in the 1950s, “Most Murders in a Day” and a later record in the 1980s, of that of an Australian Prime Minister scoffing a beer in 12.1 seconds.

Records that surely have been, or should have been, challenged since and are of course nowhere as good as his personal collection of World Records.

Just two of the many that he racked-up for recognition, “Travelling for 46 hours over the One Day” (clue is the Date Line) and “Skateboarding in snow conditions above 5000 feet”.

With his love of trams and trains - he cited the record held in Melbourne of having the most southerly tram line in the world, and Melbourne still waiting for a train line to an airport after 50 years, both very creditable records that he included in his own AI Volume of Guinness Book of World Records

O’Shea demonstrated his ability to recall obscure facts, and present them in a credible and fervent performance.

While it may be his style, he did rush many

● Casey Filips lines where the pace could have been more relaxed, giving rise to a clearer understanding of his many punchlines.

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

The Abduction of the Seraglio

■ The Lyster Opera Company will continue a regional tour of its production of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's Die Entführung Aus Dem Serail, The Abduction of the Seraglio, with two performances at the Irene Mitchell Studio in South Yarra at 2pm on May 3 and 4, and at the Moe Town Hall on May 11.

Rachel Buckley, pictured here as Madame Carandini, describes the production as 'charming ... with glorious costumes and talented young singers.'

Lyster Opera derives its name from William Saurin Lyster (1828-1880), an Irish-born entrepreneur who made it his mission to provide opera to the growing population of Australia. Today the Melbourne suburb of Lysterfield is named in his honour.

Performance Details: May 3 and May 4 at 2pm at the Irene Mitchell Studio, South Yarra. May 11 at 2pm at the Moe Town Hall.

Bookings: lysteropera.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

He ventured into politics, Thatcher and Churchill, the Falklands War and the 1948 Palestine partition. The Royal family which he admired, did not escape his quick wit and ability to open the door to their frailties.

Closer to home, he targeted technology, podcasts, social media and family group chats while giving us an insight into his 90+ up and at them grandmother, who amongst her many attributes, excelled at carpet bowls.

A well-researched piece of theatre with unrelenting comedy, satire and delivery at a rapid pace. Posh or no Posh, Milo Edwards was very classy.

- Review by Graeme

McCoubrie

Dalin Oliver, 90-Day Comedian

■ Dalin Oliver is a South African comedian, making his debut performance at the MICF.

He has performed his show in 18 cities and in seven countries including Australia, Netherlands, England, France, Spain and Germany.

Dalin has boundless energy and enthusiasm for the diversity of his native South Africa

He enthuses about his native city of Cape Town and has close ties to his family, especially his mother, Linda

Pointing out that his first name is an anagram of his mother’s. His show is a conversation with the audience who are included in every story.

Dalin delights over the differences in other countries in comparison to his native land. These include Australia’s Ute to a Bakkie and our barbecue to a braai.

Melbourne’s love of Australian Rules football is a complete mystery to Dalin. And he is amazed at the safety of walking the streets here.

His stories are interesting and as a previous Maths and Science teacher, he is happy for the audience to learn a lot about him, his life, things he likes and hates.

Dalin is open, honest and a refreshing performer. He is willing to laugh at himself and quick to improvise with the audience. He creates a relaxed atmosphere for all to enjoy.

His show 90 Day Comedian has won accolades at Festivals in the World Fringe Network, Best Weekly Comedy Show Award at Fringe World in Perth and others.

Dalin Oliver performed at the Askal, Exhibition St, Melbourne.

- Review by Lyn Hurst

Flashes

■ Tanya French has been appointed to a newly created role of Business Editor for the Herald Sun, and News Corp Australia's other capital city and regional mastheads.

■ The Australian has announced that Steve Jackson will rejoin the newsroom as a Media Writer for the Media Diary column on May 12, following a stint at the Daily Mail Australia.

■ Veteran journalist and broadcaster Richard Zachariah has passed away at age 80.

On

Chutzpah

■ Chutzpah is an exhibition at the Jewish Museum of Australia, 26 Alma Rd, St Kilda, opening on May 1.

Chutzpah brings together 10 artists from around the world who use a range of art forms to explore the complexity of what it means to be Jewish today.

The JMA will transform into a vibrant showcase of over 20 loaned and newly commissioned artworks spanning painting, sculpture, video and installation, inviting audiences to explore how identity, culture and place intersect in profound and diverse ways.

It features works by Ori Gersht, Jordy Kerwick, Joel Mesler, Navot Miller, Inbal Nissim, Hedy Ritterman, Elinor Sahm, Nina Sanadze, Stephania Windholz Leigh and Allison Zuckerman. It is curated by Alana Kushnir.

Arts Extra

Fragments of Light – Jesse Dayan

Fragments of Light presents a series of paintings is rooted in the everyday life of Melbourne, capturing intimate tableaux that reflect the changing seasons, nostalgia, and the connections between people and place.

Influenced by the loose, expressive studies of Edward Hooper and Edouard Manet, as well as the urban scenes of Edwin Hawthorne and the distilled compositions of Felix Vallotton, Jesse Dayan’s paintings offer a contemporary take on Modernist details.

Exhibition closes May 3. ★ Lipwurrungra – Les Huddleston

From the shimmering waters of the Roper River the Barramundi’s life unfolds – a dance of revival and resilience, moving with the tides of nature and tradition.

This powerful life cycle is at the heart of Lipwurrungra , showcasing Les Huddleston’s life and work.

This is a tribute to the landscapes, the wonders of nature and traditional stories of Arnhem Land, NT.

Through vibrant paintings, traditional wood carvings and didgeridoos, this exhibition connects ancient knowledge and practices with contemporary creativity and expression. Each work explores themes of sustainability, culture, and the deep and constant connection between people and Country. Exhibition opens April 30 and closes June 14.

Town Hall Gallery 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn - Peter Kemp

At Heide

Blak In-Justice: Incarceration and Resilience calls attention to the pressing issue of incarceration in Australia.

Curated by Kent Morris, Barkindji artist, curator and Creative Director of The Torch, the ground breaking exhibition has been developed in partnership with Heide Museum of Modern Art.

It presents works by leading First Nation artists including Vernon Ah Kee, Gordon Bennett, Destiny Deacon, Julie Dowling, Jimmy Pike and Judy Watson that address the overrepresentation of Indigenous Australians in the criminal legal system and the crisis of deaths in custody.

Their powerful responses are shown alongside the remarkable creative achievements of former and current prison inmates, many of whom have connected with their culture and Country through The Torch program.

Exhibition closes July 29.

Heide Museum of Modern Art Templestowe Rd, Bulleen - Peter Kemp

People Pars

■ Georgia Frances King has commenced as Managing Editor of Domain, overseeing Domain Magazine in The Saturday Age and AFR

■ Sophie Howe has started as a Senior Editor for Harper's Bazaar Australia

Hysteria: draw your own conclusions

■ The thought-provoking political thriller Hysteria is the centrepiece movie for the German Film Festival, presented by Palace Cinemas in Melbourne from May 2-21.

Written and directed by Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay, Hysteria takes moviegoers on an unnerving journey of psychological twists and turns.

Set in modern-day Germany, a film company replicates the historical burning of a home where members of a Turkish family died after an arson attack by Germans.

The crew includes protagonist Elif (Devrim Lingnau), a young, diligent intern working as second assistant.

Filmmaker Yigit (Serkan Kaya) has invited migrants from a Refugee Centre to be extrasSaid (Mehdi Meskar), Majid (Nazmi Kirik) and Mustafa (Aziz Çapkurt) - and to clear the debris. All goes well until a burnt copy of the Quran is discovered on the charred set.

The burning of the Quran disrupts dynamics between crew and extras, triggering an explosion of varying perspectives - a racist attack against Islam - burning the sacred text is liberating – or, it was accidental.

Producer Lilith (Nicolette Krebitz) asks Elif to defuse the situation by looking after the refugee extras and the film cassettes.

Here, the psychological torment begins for Elif. Lost keys, a stranger has her address and keys, the cassettes disappear, and her computer spy-cam detects a night intruder.

Director Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay effectively uses ominous-toned music, shadows and dark figures to heighten tension. Lingnau’s (Elif) minimal facial expression, whether happy or terrified, enhances the dramatic effect.

Adding another tier to the suspicion of the missing items and who reported the burnt Quran, is flirtation between Elif and refugee Said and suggested affair between Lilith and refugee Mustafa.

The film is said to navigate the tension of art, faith and cultural differences which it does, but some matters remain unresolved.

Artistically, the photography is splendid, as is the naturalistic acting. Narrative-wise, I recommend you see Hysteria to draw your own conclusion.

Visit www.palacecinemas.com for screening times..

Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Josephine

Wants To Dance

■ ‘Josephine Wants to Dance’ and now so do I. I was extremely fortunate to attend the Monkey Baa Theatre Company's amazing musical production Josephine Wants To Dance, based on the popular Australian picture book by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley at the perfectly suited intimate setting of the Alexander Theatre Monash University.

This uplifting, funny and engaging show delighted the audience of children, parents and grandparents alike. I attended with a mum, child and grandma, who were most enthralled for an entire 50 minutes.

It was heartwarming to hear children giggling at the appropriate jokes and gasping in awe at the jaw-dropping, vibrant costumes.

I was incredibly impressed with the versatility of the performers who switched from one character to the next, changing their elaborate costumes, accents and various dance styles to depict their roles.

The actors also managed to fit changing sets in between the many costume changes!

The colorful and functional set design lent itself to speedy and efficient changes, complimented by subtle lighting.

I admired the suitably child-friendly, catchy musical numbers that introduced various genres of song and dance to their young audience, and I applaud the sound design and sound operator for the marvelous balance of voice and accompaniment.

A lovely feature of this production is a lesson to be learned - that everyone can have the opportunity to shine if they choose to and work towards their goals.

This production is a charming way to intro-

duce the world of song and dance to the young and I am sure many children left the theatre with the desire to take ballet lessons.

This high-quality Australian production will be touring regional Victorian centres until May 3 and nationally until September.

More information and tickets are available on their website: monkeybaa.com.au

- Review by Lucy Nicolson

Submissions open for Bowness Prize

■ Submissions are now open for the 20th anniversary of the Bowness Photography Prize.

There have been major uplifts to the prize, making it secure for future generations, and which see it becoming the richest cash prize for photography in the country.

A substantial philanthropic gift from the Bowness Family Foundation has enabled these developments.

Theree will be a richer prize offering, with $50,000 for the winner and $2500 cash prizes for two Honourable Mentions. The fund also enables loan fees for all shortlisted artists.

In 2006 a gift from the Bowness family established the William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize: a landmark art prize that was the first of its kind in Australia championing photography as an artform.

The gift to the Museum of Australian Photography Foundation (then Monash Gallery of Art Foundation) set up and secured a $10,000 annual prize, open to all Australian artists working with photography. The prize increased over time to $30,000 per annum.

In the 20 years since its establishment more than 12,000 artists Australia-wide have been inspired to submit entries into the prize.

Over 1000 artists’ works have been displayed at the annual exhibition of finalists, with 20 of these acquired by MAPh for its permanent collection.

A total of $507,000 in prize money has been awarded to the annual winning artists, recognising excellence and innovation, and supporting their ongoing practice.

Having witnessed its far-reaching impact over two decades, MAPh, the MAPh Foundation and the Bowness family recognise the impact a prize can have on artists and their practice.

Past prize winners have included local and internationally renowned artists such as Hoda Afshar, Pat Brassington, Amos Gebhardt, Petrina Hicks, Christian Thompson and Anne Zahalka.

A new $1million philanthropic gift from the Bowness Family Foundation will reinforce the prominence of the prize and cement the importance of photography into the future by supporting a number of new initiatives.

Submissions close Friday, June 13. - Contributed

An Age To Remember

■ Sporting a fabulous velvet jumpsuit under bold, bright lights, performer and writer Abbey Hampton certainly makes her show, ‘An Age to Remember’, an incredibly fun, reflective and energetic night to remember for audiences.

Laced with songs, personal stories and crowd interactive games, ‘An Age To Remember’ is Hampton's way of reflecting on all the advice she was given when entering her 20s.

Hampton is relatable and in touch with the collective concerns of millions of millennial age Australians, yet also reflective and reminiscent on the unique mistakes or regrets she herself carried through the decade.

Aided with comedically statistical PowerPoint graphs about the prefrontal cortex, dissections of her decade old Facebook posts, and Venn diagrams concerning the ‘tricycle’ of advice for your twenties, Hampton orchestrates a colourful, fast paced, and nostalgic show that makes her feel like the wise older sister you never had.

Notably, Hampton explores an emotional depth that most comedians stray away from.

Her transparency and honesty about body image and the western attitude towards female bodies was both refreshing and grounding, as she reminded audiences that we cannot waste away our lives being worried about how our looks or appearances are perceived.

Overall, ‘An Age To Remember’ is unique and truly one of a kind. Hampton is a diamond in the rough and, if you’re looking for a comedian who is witty, relatable, and can write an excellent musical score, hers is certainly a name to look out for.

- Review by Matilda Caughey

En Pointe

■ The Australian Ballet School presents En Pointe, as part of Morning Melodies on Tuesday, May 13 at 11 am and 1.30pm at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne.

Featuring talented full time senior and preprofessional students of The Australian Ballet School, the mixed program of works will celebrate the art of ballet from uplifting contemporary to the beautifully traditional.

Choreographers of the works presented in En Pointe include Lucas Jervies, Marius Petipa, Melanie Moravski Dechnicz, Kevin Jackson and Prue Lang

This year celebrates 40 years of Morning Melodies . For further details, visit artscentremelbourne.com.au/festival-andseries/morning-melodies/2025-program

Performance date: Tuesday, May 13 at 11am and 1pm

Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre, Melbourne

Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Yirramboi

■ Yirramboi's 2025 Festival is being presented from May 1-11 at various Melbourne CBD venues.

The Festival is set to close with Barring Yanabul (‘We all walk the path’) and The Uncle Archie Roach Block Party, transforming the heart of Melbourne with live music, DJs, voguing, performance art and installation - breaking away from colonial spaces and returning stories to Country that have held them for over 80,000 years.

“We are incredibly excited to bring Barring Yanabul and The Uncle Archie Roach block party to life again as the official closing party of Yirramboi 2025," says J-Maine Beezley, Co-Lead, Yirrmaboi.

The Uncle Archie Roach Block Party will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 1pm to 3am

The full program of Yirramboi Futures, past events, dates, times and venues can be sourced on yirramboi.com.au

"This activation is more than just an artistic showcase; it is a powerful expression of evolutionary First Nations creativity,” said says J-Maine Beezley.

Cheryl Threadgold

● ● ● ● Devrim Lingnau (Elif) in Hysteria.

Shows

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) Until May 10 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Shirley Sydenham. Bookings: wlt.org.au

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Haunted (by Eric Chappell) Until May 10 at Lilydale Mechanics Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Nicholas Ryan. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com

■ The Basin Theatre Company: Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle (by Simon Stephens) Until May 4 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Michelle Swan. Tickets: thebasintheatre.

au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (by Simon Stephens – from the novel by Mark Haddon) Until May 10 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Karen Wakeham. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Malvern Theatre Company: A Happy and Holy Occasion (by John O’Donoghue) Until May 10 at Malvern Theatre, 29a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicholas Opolski. Bookings: malverntheatre.com.au

■ Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company: Come From Away (by Irene Sankolff and David Hein) May 2 – 25 at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub, Bairnsdale. Director: Peter Martignoles. Bookings: www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/leisure/whatson-and-buy-tickets

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Crossroads - A One Act Play Season. May 2 – 16 (Playwrights: Emma Wood, Paula Armstrong, John Jennings and Daniel Reitz) at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Directors: Susan Rundle, Paula Armstrong, Steve Saul and James Banger. Cabaret style. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org,au

■ Theatre of the Winged Unicorn: The Jane Austen Experience (devised and directed by Elaine Mitchell) May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7.30pm; May 4, 11, 18 at 2pm at the Ceres Temperance Hall, 40 McCann St., Ceres. Bookings: Trybooking.com/CYJIN Further details: theatreofthewingedunicorn.com.au

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: Drinking Habits (by Tom Smith) May 9 – 17 at Wyndham Theatre, Cnr. Duncans Rd. and Synott St., Werribee. Director: Cody Riker. Bookings: Trybooking

■ The Mount Players: The Girl on the Train (by Richard Wagstaff and Duncan Abel) May 9 – 25 at the Mountview Theatre, Smith St., Mt. Macedon. Director: Frank Harvey. Bookings: the mountplayers.com

■ Peridot Theatre Company: Proof (by David Auburn) May 16 – 25 at the Clayton Theatrette, Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Damian Jones. Bookings: peridot.com.au

■ MOARTZ Theatre: Stop.Rewind (by Melissa Bubnic) May 16 – 24 at Monash Hall, Reserve Street, Yallourn North. Director: Mike Pullar. Bookings: www.moartz.com

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Nice Work if You Can Get It. May 16 – 31 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Mark Taylor; Musical Director: David Clausen-Wisken ; Choreographer: Susan Lewis; Ass’t. Choreographer: James Rooney. Bookings: cloc.org.au or phone1300 362 547.

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Children (by Lucy Kirkwood) May 22 – 31 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: babirra.org.auwww.kingstonarts.com.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Housekeeper (by James Prideaux) May 22 – June 14 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Keith Hutton. Bookings: 9758 3964 or 1812theatre.com.au

■ Brighton Theatre Company: One Act Play Season. May 31 – June 7 at the Brighton Town Hall. Further details: brightontheatre.com.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Thrill of Love (by Amanda Whittington) Until May 3 at The Bakery, The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au or 9758 3964 - Cheryl Threadgold

DRINKING HABITS

■ Wyndham Theatre Company presents the comedy Drinking Habits from May 8 - 17 at the Crossroads Hall, Werribee.

Written by Tom Smith and directed by Cody Riker, Drinking Habits tells of trouble forThe Sisters of Perpetual Sewing.

They are on the verge of being shut down by the Vatican for being ‘insignificant’, leaving the Sisters to turn to drastic means to survive.

Sister Augusta and Sister Philomena are forced to start making sly booze in order to keep their doors open, right under the long and severe nose of their Mother Superior.

When the local town starts being flooded with award winning wine, a couple of local reporters approach the convent to sniff out a source.

Dressed undercover as Sisters, Fathers and Cardinals , (sometimes all at the same time) these two discover a heartwarming surprise at the end of the scandal.

Performance Details: May 8, 9, 16, 17 at 8pm; May 9, 17 at 2pm

Venue: Crossroads Hall, attached to Crossroads Church, Cnr Duncans Rd and Synnot St., Werribee. Bookings: trybooking.com/CYMOY

Tickets: $25 adults, $22 concession

Suitable for children aged 12 and over. Mild adult theme

- Cheryl Threadgold

Legends of the Skies

■ The cast and crew of Legends of the Skies theatre (LOTS) are touring to Ballarat to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the 1934

MacRobertson Trophy Air Race. The two performances are on Saturday, May 17 at 7pm and Sunday, May 18 at 2pm at the BAFA Hut 48'Mess Hall Theatrette', Airport Rd, Mitchell Park, Ballarat.

Under the artistic direction of Maggie Morrison, audiences will enjoy re-enacted stories, songs, facts and headlines, and enjoy the excitement of reliving the race that put Melbourne on the global map in 1934.

Performance Season: May 17 at 7pm, May 18 at 2pm

Venue: BAFA Hut 48 - 'Mess Hall Theatrette', Airport Road, Mitchell Park, Ballarat. Pricing: $25 pp or $90 for a family of 4 Bookings essential on Trybooking https:// www.trybooking.com/CZFGB - Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ Leongatha Lyric Theatre: The Heartbreak Choir (by Aidan Fennessy) Information session: May 3 at 3pm at 13 Watson Rd., Leongatha. Auditions: May 10. Director: Bernadette Grainger. leongathalyric.com.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Addams Family: A New Musical (by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice) May 3 at 10am and May 6 at 6.30pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Isabella Preston. Enquiries and audition bookings: addams.elt@gmail.com

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Broadway Bound (by Neil Simon) May 10 at 1pm and May 9 at 7pm at Unit 8 / 417-419 Warrigal Rd, Cheltenham. Director: Michelle Swann. Audition Enquiries: mordialloctheatre.com.au/auditions-broadway-bound/

■ The Mount Players: A Skull in Connemara (by Martin McDonagh) May 10 at 2pm and May 13 at 7pm at the Moluntview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon/. Director: Travis Handcock. Audition bookings: travis.handcock@gmail.com

■ Melbourne French Theatre: Il était un petit navire – (SOS) Save Our Savings (by JeanPierre Martinez) May 10 at 2.30pm, May 13 at 7pm at La Maison de Maitre, 203-205 Canning Street, Carlton. Director: tba. Audition enquiries: productions@mftinc.org

■ Peridot Theatre: Frankenstein (by Nick Dear) May 18 at 10am, May 26 at 7pm at 39 Highland Avenue, Oakleigh East (corner Highland and Turnbull Avenues). Director: George Benca. Audition enquiries: georgebenca@ gmail.com

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Perfect Wedding (by Robin Hawdon) May 18 and 19 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Pip Le Blond. Audition enquiries: pipleblond@gmail.com

■ Gem Players Community Theatre: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Information Evening: May 29 at 7pm; Auditions June 6 and 7 at the GEM,19 Kilvington Dr., Emerald. Director: Annette O’Shea; Choreographer: Payge O’Shea; Musical Director: Margie Gemmell\. Enquiries: gemcoplayers.org - Cheryl Threadgold

● ● Muriel Cooper

■ The golden voice of Muriel Cooper brought so much inspiration and comfort to a generation of radio listeners in her two decades on 3AW and ABC Melbourne

But Muriel’s post-radio career has been equally fascinating. Today she is a popular novelist and is a clinical psychologist.

Combining those two skills has led to her latest book, a guide to self help with a very Australian title - Up Shit Creek in a Barbed Wire Canoe and How to Cope with It.

Muriel herself has always had a robust sense of humour and she explains that if laughter is the best medicine, you can combine it with some common-sense mental health advice, and that’s the basis of her new book

Having studied behavioural science and becoming a psychologist, Muriel now practises on the Mornington Peninsula - when she isn’t writing crime novels.

She also has a helpful website, The Talking Room, where she gives serious advice.

Fellow author Liz Hicklin , says that Muriel’s new book is an extremely serious book masquerading as a funny one. It explains why swearing can be good for you and how to cope when the inevitable hits the fan.

When you are up that famous creek in a barbed wire canoe, you aren’t looking for long, wordy books that eat up your precious brain space.

You need something to the point and preferably funny. Muriel manages to do this in roughly a hundred pages packed with humour and practical advice.

Muriel's book is due out on May 1 and is published by norstriliapress.com

- Julie Houghton

1984

■ Shake & Stir Theatre Co announces the cast for its 2025 national tour of 1984, George Orwell’s chilling dystopian masterpiece, from July 1-6 at the Comedy Theatre.

The cast features a line-up of celebrated Australian performers, including Michael Whalley (Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as Winston Smith, Chloe Bayliss (Doctor Doctor) as Julia, and returning to the role of O'Brien is David Whitney (The Wharf Revue, My Fair Lady), sharing the role with Tony Cogin (Frankenstein).

Rounding off the cast is Steven Rooke (Fourteen, Animal Farm) and Abhilash Kaimal (Nautilus). Their performances will bring to life the harrowing world of Oceania, where surveillance is omnipresent, truth is rewritten, and resistance is perilous.

Adapted by Shake & Stir’s Co-Artistic Directors Nelle Lee and Nick Skubij, and directed by Michael Futcher, this production remains faithful to Orwell’s original narrative while delivering a gripping, high-impact theatrical experience.

The award-winning creative team includes Josh McIntosh (Designer), Jason Glenwright (Lighting Designer), Guy Webster (Sound Designer), and Craig Wilkinson (Video Designer).

● ● Paige Louise (front left), Ben Cazaly, Bethany Griffiths; Cody Riker (seated left) Fiona Scarlett; Back row from left: Katrina Gauci, Adam Pomeroy, Lisa Whitney, Vicki Russell, Juliana Smith, Gilbert Gauci and Sam Victoria rehearse Drinking Habits. Photo: Michelle Murphy

● ● Cheryllyn de Vries (left) and Kerry Hollier wait impatiently for pilots Ray Parer and Godfrey Hemsworth to arrive in Ballarat in the 1934 MacRobertson Trophy Air Race. The pilots had hit difficulties and arrived almost four months late.

CATO THE WISE

★The 2025 Australian Commercial Radio Awards (ACRAs) will not be held this year.

★A full day of free wellness events is being organised on May, 17 as part of Frankston’s South Side Festival. This is being organised by local business, Strong Pilates. The Block's Foreman Dan and Dani Reilly are the studio owners and will be running pilates sessions, recovery sessions including a cold plunge challenge, nutrition and chiropractic advice, plus hydration, snacks and coffee.

★The Rapid Relief Team was up from sunrise to serve up 1200 meals in support of the annual Good Friday Appeal to raise funds for the Royal Children's Hospital. RRT is the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church

★The Playground Project isan immersive exploration of creativity, play, and social interaction in an urban landscape. The in-depth exhibition looks back on the rich ideas surrounding playground design from the 1950s to the 1980s. The Project is at Incinerator Gallery , 180 Holmes Rd, Aberfeldie,from Saturday, June 28Sunday, October 12.

★Dance for Seniors is being held on selected Tuesday mornings frrom 9.30am at Clocktower, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds.

★The Marvel Studios' Infinity Saga Concert Experience will explore earliest days of Iron Man, Captain America and Thor – each accompanied by their own unforgettable heroic music. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra concerts will take place at 7.30pm on each of Thursday-Friday, Saturday, October 16-17-18 at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.

★ The 2025 Melbourne Memory Walk and Jog will be held on Sunday, May 18, at Princes Park, Carlton North.

★The Victorian Music Development Office held the inaugural Music Data and Insights Summit at Collingwood Yards on Monday and Tuesday this week (Apr. 28-29).

★Victorian, Peter Josip, took out the 2025 RAW Comedy title at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

★Opera star Nicole Car is returning to Melbourne for a rare hometown performance with husband Ètienne Dupuis in the Verdi Gala concerts at Hamer Hall tonight (Apr. 30) and May 3.

★Happy-Go-Wrong is described as “a visceral solo physical theatre odyssey”, from June 26-29 at fortyfivedownstairs

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment Drop

★Melbourne food journalist Bob Hart has died, aged 81. He had prodced a daily column for the Herald Sun, and had appeared with Peter 'Grubby' Stubbs on 3AW.

★Chris Franklin and Warwick Capper are starring in a new Australian film, Yesterday’s Hero, to be released mid-year.

★Develop is an exhibition of photomedia graduates at the Museum of Australian Photography, Wheelers Hill, from May 7-June 16.

★The Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s homegrown virtuosos will present the Baroque Unleashed concert series from June 26-29 at Melbourne Recital Centre.

★The VR theatre production, The Door in Question, is returning to Melbourne on May 68 as part of independent music and arts festival Sleepless. The event begins in a disused shopping centre, and leads participants to multiple sites across Footscray, “giving audiences an interactive, groundbreaking psychological experience of psychosis through cross reality (XR) technologies”.

★Beyond Blue’s reimagined digital platform, beyondblue. org.au, has attracted global recognition at the Webby Awards

★The Winter Blues Festival is preparing for its 25th edition in 2025, with dates confirmed for July 24-27 at Echuca-Moama.

★Sarah Barnbrook has been honoured with two international awards at the Women Changing the World Global Awards Volunteer of the Year and a special recognition for Youth Impact.

★Confined 16 is a powerful ex hibition presented by The Torch featuring 400 artworks by 400 First Nations artists, from Friday, May 23 to Sunday, June 22 at Glen Eira City Council Gallery - 420 Glen Eira Rd, Caulfield.

★Here You Come Again , a show that features Dolly Parton hits, will be staged at the Comedy Theatre from July 12.

★ Circus Nexus Access Workshops will be held at the Clocktower, 750 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, on Wednesday, July 16, and Wednesday, September 24.

★The Australian Welsh Male Choir are Singing Shanties at the Mission to Seafarers between 7pm-9pm on Wednesday, May 14.

★Lyster Opera will be perform ing Mozart's The Abduction from the Seraglio at the Irene Mitchell Studio, St Martin's Theatre, South Yarra on May 34.

The Yellow Line

■ Essence Theatre Productions presents The Yellow Line for five performances from May 29 to June 1 at The Bowery Theatre, St Albans.

The Yellow Line, making its premiere, is a new work inspired by true events at Port Phillip Prison. The prison is set to close in 2025 amid major prison reforms.

A Pasifika guard is tasked with teaching haka to inmates, uncovering deep truths about identity, justice, and redemption. But can culture and connection break the cycle of incarceration?

Featuring a cast of nine, the production is a collaborative journey between Essence Theatre and Nga Matai Purua (nmp.org.au), a performing arts group based in Wyndham.

Their head tutor, Berne-lee Edwards (Nana), and Alaine Beek (Essence Productions) wrote this play in 2024, thanks to support from The Malcolm Robertson Foundation.

This year they have received support to produce the play through Wyndham City Council and The Scanlon Foundation.

Performance Details: May 29, 30, 31 at 7pm-8.45pm; May 30 at 12.30pm-2.15pm; June 1 at 2pm3.45pm Venue: The Bowery Theatre, 33 Princess St., St Albans Bookings:creativebrimbank.com.au/ the-yellow-line - Cheryl Threadgold

Sleep At The G

■ Melbourne City Mission presents Sleep at the ‘G on Thursday, May 15 at the MCG, Melbourne. Gates open at 5pm.

Every year, Victorians unite in support of the thousands of young people who are without a safe place to call home. Many are couch surfing, sleeping in cars, or staying in crowded and unsafe housing.

This year the night will be hosted by Briohny Dawson, with activities held over a two-hour period for one big sleepover. Fun activities include mini golf, a Leggo building station and photo booth. Music includes DJ Shimmy Barnes, Tanya George –Melbourne based vocal looper, Phil and Robbo (Phil Ceberano and Russell 'Robbo' Robertson), Not My Circus, Ganga Giri and Happy Melon

Two AUSLAN signers will also be on hand to ensure everyone gets the most out of the experience.

A highlight of the night will be the fireside chats with SATG Lived Experience participants sharing their compelling stories. Sleepers will receive a hot breakfast in the morning before going off to share their stories of the night.

MCM is a leading community support organisation that for over 165 years has been delivering programs and fundraising to create inclusive, fair and just communities across Victoria. The organisation provides a broad range of support in: Homelessness, Early Years, Disability, Early Childhood Intervention Services, Education, Palliative Care and Mental Health service areas. Sleep at the G is one of the organisation’s major fundraising initiatives.

Date: Thursday, May 15 Entry from 5pm. Venue: MCG Melbourne Cost for this Fundraiser: $75 adults, $25 15-17 years. Includes entry, activities, entertainment, refreshments, prizes and more. sleepattheg.com.au/the-event

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ (MA). 95 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.

After delivering a number of highly uneven films that blended horror and comedy (Happy Death Day 1 and 2, Freaky) to an outright misfire (We Have A Ghost), director Christopher Landon returns with Drop, and by jettisoning the hit-and-miss humour (thanks to different writers) that largely sank his previous efforts, manages to deliver a much more satisfying, if still ultimately flawed, viewing experience.

Meghann Fahy (The White Lotus, Your Monster) plays Violet, a survivor of domestic abuse who, years after the relationship ended violently, feels confident enough to enter the dating scene again.

The person Violet decides to take a chance on is Henry (Brandon Sklenar), who she has been texting with for a while.

Having organised a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant, Henry messages Violet telling her he will be arriving a little late, and that is when she begins receiving a growingly unsettling series of texts from a stranger who claims they are nearby, demanding certain tasks must be carried out.

This continues to escalate, and will put both Violet and her son in danger.

What is refreshing about Drop is its efficiency, something lacking in modern horror/thrillers (Abigail being a perfect example).

Landon and his writers keep the story to its essentials, which is also a good thing as suspension of disbelief is required.

Another nice surprise is the casting. Fahy makes for a likeable heroine, allowing us to care what happens to her character as the mayhem increases.

Technically, this is a slick production. Only during its final act does the film stumble, trying to throw too much at the audience, jarring with the nicely paced suspense that has come before.

Drop is a lot of fun, and should give audiences a good time at the movies.

RATING - ***½

Sinners

■ (MA). 137 minutes. Now showing in cinemas, including IMAX.

Ryan Coogler, who impressed with his low budget 2013 debut feature, Fruitvale Station, before confidently crafting the quality box-office hits Creed (2015) and Black Panther (2018), now dives into horror with Sinners, and by blending a number of different genres, themes and styles, delivers big, if at times convoluted, entertainment.

The story centres on twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), WWI veterans who have made a name for themselves, along with a load of money, working for Al Capone in Chicago.

Returning to their home ground in the Mississippi Delta, the duo use their wealth to purchase a rundown sawmill and hopefully turn it into a successful juke joint.

With help from their cousin

Sammie (Miles Caton), and the hiring of an eclectic, enigmatic staff (which includes Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku and Omar Benson Miller), the group’s plans look promising.

But just when business looks like taking off, they will be visited by an intimidating company who turn out to be more than they appear, and once this happens, things turn decidedly bloody.

Horror fans wanting nothing more than frequent carnage and bloodletting will be disappointed, as writer/director Coogler takes his time setting up his large gallery of characters and the locale where everything is set, threading a suffocating, oppressive racism that blanketed America in the 30s through the material, and the vampire elements are effectively used as a metaphor.

Coogler however never forgets to show the passion he has for the genre, and he is definitely influenced by films such as From Dusk Till Dawn (1996) and Angel Heart (1987), while its relevant commentary is reminiscent of Spike Lee’s terrific BlacKKKlansman (2018). That love flows through to its superb production, namely the music by Ludwig Goransson (Oppenheimer, Tenet), cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw and production design by Hannah Beachler (Dark Waters, Moonlight).

Jordan commands the screen in his dual roles, but everyone is convincing.

The music at times feels like a major part of the story, and helps create an immersive atmosphere (just like the incredibly moody Angel Heart did), seeping into everything the audience is experiencing.

Sinners may prove too much for some, but others will embrace Coogler’s full-blown passion for both the story being told and the genre chosen to present it.

However you may react to it, Sinners needs to be seen on the big screen.

(A big thank you to Sarah and Klaus).

RATING - **** Aaron Rourke

Maxwell Newton

In Memory of

● ● Aaron Rourke

■ It is 80 years since the passing of the first Australian operatic soprano to achieve international success.

Dame Nellie Melba should not be forgotten as she was a wonderful performer and ambassador for our country.

Helen ‘Nellie’ Porter Mitchell was born in Richmond in 1861 to David and Isabella Mitchell

She received her first singing lessons from Madame Christian in Melbourne

Following the death of her mother in 1880, Helen moved to Queensland with her father where she met and married Charles Armstrong She gave birth to their son George in 1883.

The marriage was not a success and Helen returned to Melbourne to pursue her singing career.

She made her professional debut in a Liedertafel Concert at the Melbourne Town Hall in 1884.

When her father was appointed to a Government post in London, Helen and her son George accompanied him.

After further studies, she made her European debut playing Gilda in Rigoletto at the Théâtre Royal de la Monnaie in Brussels

Helen took the stage name of Melba as a tribute to her home town of Melbourne

Melba was now moving in very high social circles performing for the crowned heads of Europe and her fame was spreading throughout

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

the world. By 1889 Melba was starring in London at The Royal Opera House and had established herself as the leading lyric soprano at Covent Garden

She also performed at the Metropolitan Opera in New York. Her divorce to Charles Armstrong was finalised in 1900.

In 1902 Madame Melba (as she was known at that stage) made a triumphant return to Australia and sang in concerts in Sydney and Melbourne

She returned for more concerts in 1909 and 1911 and worked for the war effort during World War One

Melba bought a property at Coldstream and built Coombe Cottage on the land.

She was created a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in March 1918.

In 1924, at the age of 63, Dame Nellie Melba began a series of ‘Farewell Tours’ throughout Australia

The expression "more farewells than Dame Nellie Melba" came for these tours. Her final performance was a charity concert in London in 1930.

MOTHER AND SON EXHIBIT AT BURRINJA GALLERY Whatever Happened To Dame Nellie Melba

gurrak-al Marramk-U/ Body of the Mountain Walking across Corhanwarrabul (Dandenong Ranges) group of artists shared place-responsive practices and considered what it means to listen to Country through diverse perspectives.

Curated by Gretel Taylor with Gulan Pzer and Wurundjeri Traditional Custodian Mandy Nicholson, the artists responded through performative and visual mediums, evoking close-range encounters from walking in the forest, whist reflecting upon global contexts from the viewpoint of the mountain.

Exhibition opens May 24 and closes July 13.

★

Outside of Mer –Leticia Hodson and Wade Keghley.

This compelling exhibition by mother and son, Leticia Hodson and Wade Keighley, captures a crucial moment in their relationship - where a parent steps back, allowing their child’s unique artistic voice to shine.

Wade (31), born with Down syndrome, creates the instinct and expression, contrasting with Leticia’s narrative portraiture, which documents his creative journey.

Exhibition closes Sunday May 11. Burrinja Gallery

361 Glenfern Rd, Upwey

At St Kilda

After History – Bernard Sachs.

Bernard Sachs (1964 – 2022) was a Melbourne artist and academic whose expansive practice encompassed drawing, collage, painting, photography, performance and sculpture.

Sachs, whose German father migrated to South Australia after World War II was deeply informed by European art, culture, and philosophy, weaving it with autobiography to produce a singular oeuvre, which interrogated history to understand its role in shaping the present.

Bernard Sachs After History focuses on works drawn from the late artist’s studio.

Rather than a traditional retrospective, the exhibition the exhibition seeks to highlight Sachs’s unique process returning to and reworking existing works, sometimes over a period of years.

The Arts

In addition, a parallel display of works by artists whom educated and mentored will acknowledge his formative influence on several generations of Melbourne visual artists.

Exhibition closes May 18. Linden New Art 26 Ackland St, St Kilda

Incinerator Gallery

Mother’s Little Helpers –Karla Dickens

This exhibition, presented across three billboards located at Incinerator Gallery, reflects a growing rebellion over the silence and inaction of our country’s powerbrokers and general populace towards climate change.

Through these photographs, Lismore -based Wiradjuri artist Karla Dickens highlights a rebellion often dismissed as inconvenient and calls for protest only taking place through conventional means.

Karla has been involved in green politics – she started with Greenpeace 39 years ago – and sees climate discourse stuck in endless repetition.

For her, the focus must now shift to hearing Country – taking time to listen to the land itself and build a deeper understanding of Country.

As part of the Kandos School of Cultural Adaptation project, Karla

collaborated with Bruce Pascoe and Brendan Blacklock, alongside children form Bingara Central School.

Exhibition closes June 8.

Incinerator Gallery

180 Holmes St, Moonee Ponds

Glen Eira

From Inspiration to Creation –Glen Eira Cheltenham Art Group

The Group’s annual exhibition presents recent artworks by its child and adult members, along with ceramics by guest artists from the Moorleigh Ceramic Co-op.

Showcasing bith contemporary and traditional styles, the artists all share a common feeling, the motivation to create.

Exhibition closes May 18.

★

Tyranny of Distance –Metric Kaminski

In this work, Meyrick Kaminski explores he complicated relationship between media, memory and objects, Kaminski’s work begins with memory of a sense of place – and examines them with the help of the video camera.

Exhibition closes May 18.

Glen Eira Gallery

Cnr Glen Eira and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield

- Peter Kemp

Relaxed

Performances

■ Melbourne Symphony Orchestra brings Relaxed Performances to the main stage

A Reflection in Time will be staged on Friday, June 13, featuring Christian Li

The performance will be conducted by Benjamin Northey.

Other shows in the series include:

■ Classic Kids: Wizardry School (Saturday, May 10)

■ Classic Kids: Eliza’s Orchestral Adventures (Saturday, September 13)

■ Classic Kids: A Symphonic Christmas (Saturday, December 13)

- Contributed

Shortly afterwards Melba returned to Australia and died in St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney in February 1931 from septicemia.

Her friends said that whilst lying on her deathbed she sang Ave Maria before the great voice was finally silenced.

Her body was taken by train from Sydney to Melbourne and when the train stopped at stations along the way, locals silently filed past her coffin to pay their respects.

Dame Nellie Melba was given a State Funeral and thousands lined the streets for the procession from Melbourne to Lilydale Cemetery

My friend, the late Russell Johnson, from The Athenaeum Theatre in Lilydale was a huge fan and collector of Dame Nellie's memorabilia.

Russell left his wonderful collection to The Lilydale Museum in Castella Street, Lilydale. Russell is buried close to Dame Nellie's grave. I have visited her grave and the headstone bears the words of her character, Mimi from La bohème - "Addio, senza rancor" (Farewell, without bitterness).

I am sure that the primitive sound recordings of Dame Nellie Melba that exist today cannot do justice to the magnificent voice of our first legendary diva.

Bon Jovi in restaurant row

■ In February Jon Bon Jovi and his wife wished to spread goodwill by establishing a small chain of restaurants called 'Soul Kitchen' located in and around New Jersey with the object of feeding the homeless. The local Mayor saw red, claiming restaurants brought undesirables to the area and wants the chain closed. The Mayor is unrepentant and the matter is a hot topic of conversation amongst lawmakers in New Jersey. Jon Bon Jovi is a savvy investor worth an estimated $410 million and in this case was prepared to put back into helping the community and I hope the matter can be resolved sensibly, to everyone's satisfaction.

What would Ringo say?

■ Zak Starkey, son of Ringo Starr (by his first marriage to Maureen), has been shafted as permanent drummer of The Who. Zak got the bullet for 'over drumming' and band members complained.

Aged 59, Zak is considered one of the best rock drummers still touring, and will now devote his talents as featured drummer with an up-and-coming rock group.

Little Drummer Boy

■ Callum Ivazes is just 19 months old, yet he is already America's youngest child prodigy. He plays the drums, just like his Dad who happens to be a professional musician. Callum has already chalked up more than 100 million views on social media and is king of the sandpit at kinder. He started drumming aged 14 months and has picked up his Dad's drumming basic beat and mannerisms, prompting his Mum's comment: “he's so cool”.

Dolly Parton’s third part

■ There's no rest for the talented. Dolly Parton has just released her third book in a trilogy ' Star of the Show'. The superstar, now 79 years of age recounts her time on stage from 1977 onwards. It's a ripping read complete with 350 full colour photos.

Polar extremes, it might work

■ It's early in the planning stage but 80's heartthrob Christopher Atkins ('Blue Lagoon') and Ten gossip presenter Craig Bennett are planning a sit com with the duo undertaking crazy escapades all over Australia. Chrisopher is currently in Bali and I'm told could soon be packing his bags to source locations in the world of Oz

This and That

■ Oz rocker and music entrepreneur Col Joye celebrated his 89th birthday ... NetworkTen has renewed the contract on ' Tonight Show with Sam Pang' for a further eight episodes once the initial agreement comes to an end ... 'Colin from Accounts' has received a renewal for further three series ... Remember Chris Lilley (ABC, Summer Heights High) ? He's on the comeback trail with new comedy skits ... Last time Johnny Depp acted in a Hollywood film was 2018, now he is about to return acting in 'Day Drinker' to be filmed in Depp's newly adopted country of Mexico Channel Seven has confirmed they will be broadcasting Commonwealth Games in 2026, and also 2030.

Kevin Trask

with Peter Kemp

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Observer Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 7

Across Across Down Down

1. Portion

5. Appliance, ... cleaner

8. Gluttony

11. Coloured-tile design

14. Nit-picker

18. On the sick list

19. The U of IOU

20. Zigzag pattern

23. Chef's garment

24. Scandalous

27. Entice

28. Beeped (horn)

29. Debates

31. Fuzzy leather

32. Crush (fly)

34. Roof edges

36. Fantasise

37. Not even once

38. Toddlers

39. More unfriendly

41. Ardent

44. Certainly

47. Dance

49. Equally balanced

50. Gazed fixedly

52. Bill

54. Recess

56. Restaurant list

58. Throw out of house

60. Most awful

62. Young dogs

64. Rain heavily

66. Egyptian snakes

67. Avoided

70. Measuring rod

71. In control, at the ...

72. Singing voices

73. Finished

74. Cupid's shaft

75. Climbing vegetable

77. Armoured vehicle

79. Dominate (market)

83. Pummelled

85. Unusually

87. Exhaust (supply)

89. Wandering

91. Gratifying

94. Stressed

97. Declare

98. Scenes

99. Questionable

100. Court fine

103. Column

105. Custodian

107. General pardon

110. Pork cut, ... ribs

111. Relaxes

114. Renovate (ship)

116. Frosty

118. Exclusive

120. Expressing contempt

122. Hue

124. Screen collie

126. Vibrated noisily

129. Divides

132. Castle entrance

136. Borders

139. Falsify

140. Quantity of paper

142. Fracas

145. Edit (text)

146. Splendid sight

148. Halt

150. Chopped down

152. Outlook

154. Remain

156. Ticket remnant 157. Become septic

159. Hand-make (jumper)

161. Eiffel Tower city

164. Surplus 167. Essential 169. Slightest 171. Canoodle

173. Happen

174. Periodic

177. Socially excluded 180. Anglican parish priest 183. In an unspecified way

187. Leaps over 190. Pencil rubber

192. Constant

194. Book publicity hype196. Ever 197. Of the sun

198. Musical pace

200. Peace offering, ... branch 201. Male sibling

203. Root vegetable 205. Sport, Rugby ... 207. Willingly 209. Drain

211. Improper

213. Undergarment

215. Powered bike

217. Ambience

220. Portable light

222. Lockjaw

224. Nobleman

227. Recognition

228. Welcoming

232. Kitchen flooring

234. Circuit-breaker

237. Leather strap

239. Golf club

240. Goodbye

241. Warm & cosy

242. Port style

244. Considering 245. Small religious group

247. Booming

250. Stimulates

251. Adversary

252. Type of bee

253. Depart

255. Packing boxes

257. Shattered

260. Skin eruptions

264. Comfort

266. Affixed with spikes

267. Judas' payment, ... pieces of silver

270. Astonish

273. Principles

274. Jetty

275. Craze

277. Not drunk

279. Treadle

281. Seethe

283. In force (of license)

285. Ledger entry

286. Annul

287. Dreary

290. Dries up

291. Follow

292. Salad dressing

293. Mongrel

294. Pose for artist

295. Loathes

296. Paper hanky

297. Sloop or ketch

298. Ice-cream dessert

299. Topic

1. Covering for feet

2. Pained expression

3. Orient

4. Duration of presidency

5. Long narrow prospect

6. Greatest

7. Glove

8. Cheer

9. Ghostly

10. Charismatic

11. Assaulted & robbed

12. Tranquil

13. Bring about

14. Price of passage

15. Aromatic herb

16. Advocate

17. Walrus teeth

21. Body's building blocks

22. Phantom Of The ...

25. Engine booster

26. Befuddle

28. Gently

30. Calming drug

33. Language

35. Compete

38. Toughen (steel)

40. Moral

42. Utter (cry)

43. Location

45. Tidings

46. Wheat tips

48. Guacamole ingredient

49. Furthest limits

51. Dashes

53. Mulish

55. Well-behaved child, little ...

57. Unmoved

59. Relinquish (land)

61. Ready for business

62. Pluto or Earth

63. Suggestion

65. Planned movement

66. * symbol

68. Hard Italian cheese

69. Dentist's tools

76. Likely

78. Much ... About Nothing

80. Fleur-de-lis

81. Jittery

82. Dog, cocker ...

84. Water tank

85. Matures

86. Dozes

88. Wicked

90. Approachable

92. Meeting schedule

93. Diaper

95. Rock or jazz

96. Scope

101. Rainbow shapes

102. Determined individual 103. District

104. Zone

106. Acting sovereign

108. North American deer

109. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex

110. Sluggish

112. TV studio filming area

113. Feminine pronoun

115. Excursion

117. Secretes

119. Pine or palm

121. Notion

123. Unnerve

124. Beach rescuer

125. Caustic

127. Docile

128. High hits

130. The same

131. Cheek whiskers

133. Wonderment

134. Nags

135. Grass colour

137. Deadly poison 138. Fury

141. Keenly perceptive 143. Raise (children) 144. Belonging to whom?

147. Hopeless wish, ... in the sky

149. Mountains

151. Labours

153. Is able to 155. Lovable

157. Room base

158. Bladder

160. Decorate with pictures

162. Tiny particle

163. Creep (towards)

165. Beast of burden

166. Here ..., gone tomorrow 168. French brandy

170. Additionally 172. Loose hood

175. Hanker after 176. Hatchets

178. Slothful

179. Dodge

181. Plant seed

182. Written material 184. Elect 185. Deciduous tree

186. Woodwind instrument 188. Second-hand 189. Suit-maker 191. Regal 193. Speaking to crowd 195. Fixed procedure 196. Ward off 199. Copious 202. Legacy 204. Traitor

206. Female relative 208. Hunger

209. Wound mark

210. Bombard

212. Residences 213. Beat up 214. Current units 215. Interim 216. Camera stand 218. Arm joints 219. Each person 221. Sped on foot 223. Flightless bird 225. Bore diameter 226. On fire

229. Lungs & liver 230. Plagiarised 231. Home (duties) 233. Single thing 235. Acidic

236. Civilian wartime prisoner 238. Honey drink

243. Heavenly spirits 245. Half

246. Blister-like pouch

248. Gambling chances 249. Extinct bird

254. Inaccurate

255. Free from blame

256. Allow in 258. Enigma

259. Serious-minded 261. State further 262. Undulating 263. Four-door car

265. Straddling

268. Pester

269. Minimise

271. Hosiery garment

272. Improvement (in economy) 274. Beg

276. Skilled

278. Fundamental

280. Die down

282. Flour cereal

283. Promises 284. Schoolboys

288. Geological eras

289. Handle

By Rob Foenander

Little Did I Know

■ Singer songwriter Brooke Miller has dropped her first single ahead of an EP due out in June. Little Did I Know is a heartfelt ballad about reminiscence, longing and regret, says Brooke, who is also planning a live show to support her EP release.

Storytellers

■ Damon Smith will be the guest artist at the next Casey Radio Story Tellers afternoon concert.

The award winning Damon will play in trio mode for this show with bass and drums alongside him at the piano.

Cranbourne Bowling Club at 2pm on Sunday, May 25. Tickets at Trybooking.com

Farewell Russell

■ Aussie music legend Russell Morris is embarking on a Farewell Tour and he's doing it in spectacular style, according to his media release.

Russell will take to the stage around the country with a line-up of Australia’s finest musicians, featuring lush strings and a smokin’ hot band.

Reports have it he’s already having to add additional shows to the schedule due to an overwhelming response from his loyal fans.

- Rob Foenander

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Blak Holes at Paw Paw Jump

■ The performance space at the Paw Paw Jump in Russell St was the atmospheric venue for comedians Dane Simpson and Isaac Compton to present their show Blak Holes in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

From the moment these seasoned performers appeared and started sharing their amusing tales, the room filled with laughter.

Their professionalism and energy in achieving this was awesome, and a good example for upand-coming young comedians.

Both performers – Dane from Wagga Wagga and Isaac from Dubbo - are great storytellers.

Jovial Dane Simpson’s laugh is infectious, - particularly when sharing the hilarious story of bringing his father to for the first time for Network Ten’s The Amazing Race Celebrity Edition.

His dad’s first experience in a coffee shop was particularly funny, as were stories of their travelling in Business Class on the plane to India.

Isaac Compton is also a splendid musician and songwriter and audiences know him through his strong social media presence and win on Channel 9’s The Summit in 2023 when he trekked to The Summit.

These two performers are mighty proud of their First Nation heritage and their 50-minute show doesn’t hold back from any issues they would like to share, including

Crossword Solution No 7

Isaac’s disdain for Pauline Hanson and even Raygun’s perceived ownership of the kangaroo.

I felt great admiration for Dane and Isaac’s showmanship, and thoroughly enjoyed their show.

As a criticism, I don’t believe such skilled, clever performers need to waste time using the ‘F’ word so regularly.

In lovely end-of-show goodwill, Dane and Isaac walked through the audience, stood at the door and shook patrons' hands as we left. And everyone was smiling.

Thank you, Dane and Isaac – so glad you brought your show to Naarm.

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold Who’s

Talking?

■ It is in the final scenario of Bron Lewis’s comic set, Who’s Talking, that we see the real comic potential of her subject matter about her time as a teacher.

She recounts a confrontation with a student that could well escalate.

This is fertile ground for addressing the polite conventions and social mores associated with schooling that are inadequate when it comes to dealing with hormonal and angry adolescents. Appropriateness clashes with reality and comedy is the only solution.

As a teacher I know these situations intimately; not being able to say what you want to say, dealing with awkward questions in a sex education class without adequate training.

Teachers are the stalwarts facing hurdles that are often insurmountable. You really need a good sense of humour.

For all that, Lewis’s set begins with her time raising her three children which enables her to identify with her audience.

There are attempts to draw a parallel between the two worlds of schooling and parenting with her comments on parenting apps allowing some connection but the two fields don’t always sit well together.

There is so much more that could be gleaned from the querulous, quarrelling quagmire that is education.

I’d be adding comments about administrations but perhaps I’m projecting my own experience into this review a little too much.

Lewis handles her shtick well and she riffs without losing the thread of her thinking.

I’m sure she’ll make a good prefect candidate in the future though her choice of language may be a bad influence on some of the other children.

Being awarded colours for drama speaks to her time on the stage but, as her English teacher, I’d like to see her pay more attention to her grammar.

- Review by David

Trivia Fundraiser

■ The Victorian Actors’ Benevolent Trust will bring together some of Australia’s biggest stars for its first ever Very Appealing Showbiz Trivia Fundraiser and invites the public to join in the fun and test their trivia knowledge whilst helping to raise funds to provide vital financial relief to artists, creatives and crew members in need across theatre, film and television.

Some of the confirmed celebrities attending the event include: Kate Atkinson, Michala Banas, Will Conyers, Lucinda Cowden, Marty Fields, Stephen Hall, Frank Holden, David Hobson, Ben Jackson, Rob Mills, Julia Morris, Charlotte Nicdao, Densie Scott, Kat Stewart, Gary Sweet, Toby Truslove , Georgie Tunny , SallyAnne Upton, Steve Vizard and John Wood.

Very Appealing Showbiz Trivia Fundraiser

NEP Studios, 75 Coventry St, Southbank (formerly the Channel 7 studios) 7-11pm, Saturday, May, 24

Tickets: $60 per head: Includes light supper. BYO - Michael Wilkie

N ASTONISH MATA A AMMO NAZI F C O ETA A M S ICES UPTO I E S LEAVESOUT MANHATTAN N N O BRAMBLE I R R K HOI D N O E DAYTIME O R A OTHER MIDI ALAN ANGST

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

McLean

Today’s Menu

Charcuterie Boards:

Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts

Plus A Variety of Weekly Specials

Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.

Teas and Coffees

Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea

Local Sport Amateurs

WEEKEND’S LOCAL FOOTBALL FINAL SCORES

■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Collegians 13.11 (89) d Old Scotch 7.9 (51). University Blacks 9.8 (62) d University Blues 3.9 (27). Old Brighton 14.17 (101) d St Bernard’s 7.5 (47). Old Xaverians 11.16 (82) d Old Haileybury 11.9 (75). St Kevin’s 18.11 (119) d De La Salle 7.3 (45).

Premier Men’s Reserves. Old Scotch 19.7 (121) d Collegians 4.4 (28). University Blues 13.10 (88) d University Blacks 10.2 (62). Old Brighton 11.10 (76) d St Bernard’s 120.4 (64). St Kevin’s 16.16 (112) d De La Salle 6.4 (40). Old Xaverians 26.15 (171) d Old Heileybury 5.1 (31).

Premier B Men’s. Williamstown CYMS 11.9 (75) d Fitzroy 7.13 (55). Old Carey 13.19 (97) d Old Camberwell 11.7 (73). Old Ivanhoe 14.12 (96) d Old Melbourne 14.9 (93). Old Trinity 14.11 (95) d Hampton Rovers 10.3 (63). Old Geelong 14.10 (94). d Caulfield Grammar-ians 10.9 (69).

Premier B Men’s Reserves. Fiotzroy 6.12 (48) d Williamstown CYMS 6.8 (44). Old Camberwell 7.5 (47) d Old Carey 5.12 (42). Old Trinity 9.12 (66) d Hampton Rovers 8.7 (55). Old Ivanhoe 17.20 (122) d Old Melbourne 3.4 (22). Old Geelong 12.9 981) d Caulfield Grammarians 12.6 (78).

Premier C Men’s. Parkside 12.5 (77) d Marcellin 10.7 (67). AJAX 16.19 (115) d Prahran 4.6 (30). PEGS 6.12 (48) d Mazenod 4.6 (30). St Bedes/Mentone 21.15 (114) d Glen Eira/McKinnon 7.14 (56). Parkdale Vultures 21.10 (136) d Beaumaris 11.7 (73).

Premier C Men’s Reserves. AJAX 15.11 (101) d Prahran 1.9 (15). Parkdale Vultures 13.12 (90) d Beaumaris 5.8 (38). Marcellin 7.12 (54) d Parkside 7.11 (53). PEGS 5.20 (50) d Mazenod 5.4 (34). St Bedes/Mentone 15.9 (109) d Glen Eira/McKinnon 3.2 (20).

Division 1 Men’s. Ormond 14.8 (92) d UHS-VU 11.12 (78). Therry Penola 9.8 (62) d Monash Blues 9.7 (61). Preston Bullants 19.11 (125) d Elsternwick 9.3 (57). Kew 11.11 (77) d Oakleigh 5.8 (38). Old Peninsula 16.15 (111) d Brunswick 11.3 (69).

Division 1 Men’s Reserves. UHS-VU 10.11 (71) d Ormond 9.12 (66). Monash Blues 25.13 (163) d Therry Penola 3.3 (21). Preston Bullants 20.15 (135) d Elsternwick 3.10 (28). Oakleigh v Kew. Old Peninsula 6.13 (49) d Brunswick 7.5 (47).

Division 2 Men’s. Whitefriars 13.17 (95) d Canterbury 13.12 (90). MHSOB 14.9 993) d West Brunswick 12.9 (81). St Mar’s Salesianm 11.11 (77) d South Melbourne 8.5 (53). St John’s 22.16 (148) d Aquinas 12.14

Local Paper SPORTS EXTRA

Vale Greg Sugars

■ The Victorian and Australian Harness Racing community were shocked with the sad news that champion reinsman Greg Sugars has passed away suddenly in NSW on Saturday (Apr. 26).

The 40-year-old with over 4000 winners including dual trotting Inter Dominions had taken a team of horses to compete at Menangle on Saturday and had died in his sleep during the early hours.

An all-round champion bloke who was so amiable and approachable with anybody, had so much to look forward to in the years ahead working in partnership with wife Jess (Tubbs) with the pair establishing Lara Jay Farm, Myrniong, where they had a big team of horses in work.

Aged 40, Greg had grown up in Adelaide around his late iconic grandfather Len and parents Ross and Kerry along with younger sister Kylie now based in the Goulburn Valley, before moving to Victoria several years ago.

Greg will be missed by all involved in harness racing and condolences, thoughts and wishes are extended to his family. - Len Baker

(86). Old Yarra Cobras 21.11 (137) d Hawthorn 13.7 (85).

Division 2 Men’s Reserves. Whitefriars 13.10 (88) d Canterbury 10.7 (67). West Brunswick 18.13 (121) d MHSOPB 9.9 (63). South Melbourne v St Mary’s Salesian. Aquinas 9.15 (69) d St John’s 9.11 (65). Old Yarra Cobras 15.15 (105) d Hawthorn 11.8 (74). Division 3 Men’s. Power House 30.18 (198) d Chadstone 7.6 (48). Richmond Central 15.12 (102) d La Trobe Uni 4.4 (28). Swinbunre University 22.17 (149) d Eley Park 6.7 (43). North Brunswick 7.14 (56) d Box Hill North 8.7 (55). Wattle Park 7.18 (60) d Albert Paqrk 8.10 (58).

Division 3 Men’s Reserves. Power House 36.27 (243) d Chadstone 0.1 (1). Richmond Central 15.16 (106) d La Trobe University 3.5 (23). Swinburne University 20.19 (139) d Eley Park 5.6 (36). North Brunswick 17.17 (119) d Box Hill North 5.3 (33). Albert Park 7.12 (54) d Wattle Park 7.11 (53).

Eastern

■ Premier Division Seniors. Blackburn 12.10o (82) d South Croydonm 9.10 (64). East Ringwood 10.10 (70) d Mitcham 10.4 (64). Vermont 13.11 (89) d Doncaster East 10.14 (74). Rowville 10.14 (74) d Balwyn 6.8 (44). Noble Park 12.7 (79) d Berwick 9.11 (65).

Division 1 Seniors. South Belgrave 14.11 (95) d Beaconsfield 11.7 (73). Park Orchards 17.19 (121) d Bayswater 6.9 (45). Boronia 17.10 (112) d Montrose 6.8 (44). North Ringwood 21.27 (153) d Norwood 8.8 (56). Mooroolbark: Bye.

Mornington

n Division 1. Mt Eliza 12.8 (80) d Mornington 9.9 (63). Edithvale-Aspendale 8.11 (59) d Red Hill 6.7 (45). Rosebud 11.14 (80) d Dromana 9.13 (67). Langwarrin 13.14 (92) d Sorrento 6.4 (40). Pines 10.12 (72) d Frankston YCW 10.8 (68).

n Division 1. Decon Meadows 11.17 (83) d Tyabb 7.4 (46). Seaford 8.11 (59) d Chelsea 7.13 (55). Crib Point 15.6 (96) d Rye 10.12 (72). Bonbeach 24.11 (155) d Karingal 6.4 (40). Pearcedale 11.10 (76) d Somerville 10.14 (74).

Northern

■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Eltham 13.11 (89) d Greensborough 9.8 (62). Heidelberg 23.13 (151) d Banyule 4.7 (31). Greensborough 14.9 (93) d South Morang 7.13 (55). West Preston Lakeside 13.9 (87) d Bundoora 10.8 (68). Montmorency 124.10 (94) d Eltham 8.16 (64). Hurstbridge 13.14 (92) drew with North Heidelberg 14.8 (92).

Division 1 Reserves. Greensborough 11.12 (78) d Eltham 10.8 (68). Heidelberg 16.6 (102) d Banyule 6.10 (46). South Morang 8.11 (59) d Greensborough 6.10 (46). West Preston Lakeside 25.10 (160) d Bundoora 3.0 (18). Eltham 13.5 (83) d Montmorency 11.7 (73). North Heidelberg 13.17 (95) d Hurstbridge 11.13 (79).

Division 1 Under 19.5. Eltham 24.20 (164) d Greensborough 4.6 (30). Banyule 8.5 (53) d Heidelberg 4.8 (32). Eltham 13.15 (93) d Montmorency 5.3 (33). St Mary’s 18.8 (116) d Greensborough 11.4 (70). Diamond Creek 10.15 (75) d North Heidelberg 3.5 (23).

Division 2 Seniors. Northcote Park 8.11 (59) d Thomastown 5.9 (39). Whittlesea 12.11 (83) d Lower plenty 6.13 (49). Panton Hill 10.8 (68) d Watsonia 6.6 (42). Macleod 12.16 (88) d St Mary’s 7.11 (53). Diamond Creek 16.19 (115) d Old Paradians 1.3 (9).

Division 2 Reserves. Northcote Park 6.7 (43) d Thomastown 5.11 (41). Whittlesea 18.14 (122) d Lower Plenty 4.6 (32). Watsonia 10.18 978) d Panton Hill 6.8 (38). Macleod 12.12 (84) d St Mary’s 12.8 (80). Diamond Creek 18.18 (126) d Old Paradians 4.3 (27).

Division 2 Under 19.5. Whittlesea

11.20 (86) d Lower Plenty 3.5 (23). Hurstbridge 11.9 (75) d Macleod 5.14 (44).

South Morang 11.12 (78) d Laurimar 10.12 (72). Bundoora: Bye.

Division 3 Seniors. Fitzroy Stars 22.23 (155) d Old Eltham Collegians 3.6 (24).

Kinglake 13.10 (88) d Epping 11.4 (70). Reservoir 21.16 (142) d Lalor 6.5 (41). Laurimar 17.9 (111) d Mernda 7.8 (50). Kilmore 11.11 (77) d Heidelberg West 7.15 (57).

Division 3 Reserves. Fitzroy Stars 16.7 (103) d Old Eltham Collegians 10.7 (67).

Kinglake 1`3.6 (84) d Epping 8.7 (55). Reservoir 15.7 (97) d Lalor 9.7 (61). Laurimar 13.14 (92) d Mernda 3.11 (29). Kilmore 15.12 (102) d Heidelberg West 7.7 (49).

Division 3 Under 19.5. Heidelberg 6.7 (43) d Mernda 5.9 (39). Banyule 11.11 (77) d Old paradians 8.5 (53). Kilmore 213.9 (147) d Eltham 3.10 (28). Watsonia 13.12 (90) d Panton Hill 6.10 (46).

Outer East

■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Olinda ferny Creek 6.8 (44) d Upwey Tecoma 5.7 (37). Healesville 12.5 (87) d Mt Evelyn 5.11 (41). Woori Yallock 18.12 (120) d Offiocer 7.8 (50). Emerald 10.10 (70) d Gembrook Cockatoo 10.8 (68). Wandin 23.9 (147) d Monbulk 6.7 (43). Premier Division Reserves. Upwey Tecoma 11.8 (74) d Olinda Ferny Creek 6.5 (41). Emerald 8.9 (57) d Gembrook Cockatoo 8.3 (51). Monbulk 8.9 (57) d Wandin 1.8 (14). Mt Evelyn 20.14 (134) d Healesville 2.8 (20). Officer 17.5 (107) d Woori Yallock 6.7 (43).

Division 1 Seniors. Seville 7.17 (69) d Belgrave 7.10 (52). Yarra Glen 8.12 (60) d Yea 5.,12 (42). Pakenham 14.7 (91) d Alexandra 6.11 (47). Warburton Millgrove 36.309 (246) d Yarra Junction 1.2 (8).

Powelltown: Bye.

Division 1 Reserves. Seville 10.6 (66) d belgrave 4.7 (31). Yea 7.21 (63) d Yarra Glen 3.6 (24). Pakenham 14.8 (92) d Alexandra 5.3 (33). Warburton Millgrove 18.10 (118) d Yarra Junction 2.2 (14). Bye; Powelltown.

Premier Division Under 18 Boys. Upwey Tecoma 9.14 (68) d Olinda Ferny Creek 6.9 (45). Wandin 18.8 (116) d monbulk 3.5 (23). Mt Evelyn 14.11 (95) d Healesville 3.3 (21). Officer 14.22 (106) d Woori Yallock 1.4 (10). Bye: Gembrook Cockatoo. Division 1 Under 18 Boys. Yarra Glenm 9.12 (66) d Yea 1.2 (8). Pakenham 25.20 (170) d Alexandra 0.0 (0). Seville 12.27 (99) d Warburton Millgrove 0.3 (33). Women’s Division 1. Belgrave 4.4 (28) d Woori Yallock 2.5 (17). Upwey Tecoma 3.8 (26) d Olinda Tecoma 1.3 (9). Mt Evelyn 16.12 (108) d Healesville 0.2 (2). Pakenham: Bye. Women’s Division 2. Yea 3.13 (31) d Officer 1.3 (9).Warburton Wesburn 12.6 (78) d Wandin 3.4 (22). Emerald 4.12 (36) d Seville 0.2 (2). Thornton Eildon: Bye.

Southern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Dingley 13.9 (87) d Springvale Districtys 10.12 (72). Cheltenham 17.8 (110 d Bentleigh 10.9 (69). St Paul’s McKinnon 14.11 (95) d Murrumbeena 6.9 (45). Narre Warren 17.13 (115) d Port Melbourne Colts 12.14 (86). East Brighton 14.6 (90) d Cranbourne Eagles 5.12 (42). Division 2 Seniors. Keysborough 5.10 (40) d Caulfield Bears 3.8 (26). Chelsea Heights 8.14 (62) d Frankston Dolphins 8,.10 (58). Highett 10.21 (81) d hampton Park 9.10 (64). Doveton Doves 9.6 (60) d Mordialloc 6.14 (50). East Malvern 6.8 (44) d Endeavour Hills 4.8 (32).

Division 3 Seniors. South Mornington 6.10 (58) d Ashwood 7.13 (55). Hampton 13.12 (90) d Heatherton 4.10 (34). Berwick Springs 16.129 (115) d Lyndhurst 10.3 (63). St Kilda City 18.18 (126) d Black Rock 7.6 (48). Carrum Patterson Lakes 10.10 (70) d Skye 8.13 (61).

Division 4 Seniors. Clayton 8.10 (58) d Narre South Sainys 6.5 (41). Dandenong West 15.16 (106) d South Yarra 8.5 (53). Hallam 24.6 (150) d Doveton Eagles 3.4 (22). Lyndale 21.13 (139) d Moorabbin Eagles 13.6 (84).

Western

■ Division 1. Seniors. Werribee Districts 13.10 (88) d Hoppers Crossing 10.9 (69). Altona 9.8 (62) d Spotswood 9.7 (61). Point Cook 11.19 (85) d Point Cook 7.7 (49). Albion 12.11 (83) d Newport 7.9 (51). Yarraville Seddon Eagles 19.14 (128) d Sunshine 7.5 (47). Caroline Springs 13.15 (93) d Parkside 6.8 (42).

■ Division 2. Seniors. North Footscray 18.12 (120) d West Footscray 12.4 -76). Albanvale 10.15 (74) d Braybrook 7.1 (53). Laverton Magpies 23.12 (150) d Tarneit 6.8 (44). Wyndhamvale 19.15 (129) d Sunshine Heightys 8.6 (54). Suns 21.8 (134) d Western Rams 10.8 (68).

Goulburn Valley

■ Seniors. Shepparton Swans 16.11 (107) d Tatura 5.5 (35). Seymour 16.11 (107) d Euroa 8.11 (59). Kyabram 29.9 (193) d Shepparton 11.11 (77). Rochester 20.14 (134) d Mansfield 6.12 (48). Echuca 17.12 (114) d Benalla 9.5 (59). Shepparton 11.11 (77) d Mooroopna 5.8 (38). ■ Reserves. Shepparton Swans 9.8 (62) d Tatura 2.1 (13). Seymour 14.14 (98) d Euroa 0. (5). Kyabram 18.13 (121) d Shepparton United 3.3 (21). Mansfield 6.20 (56) d Rochester 4.4 (28). Echuca 19.13 (127) d Benalla 1.1 (7). Shepparton 14.20 (104) d Mooroopna 1.4 (10). ■ Under 19. Shepparton Swans 7.9 %1) d Tatura 4.5 (29). Euroa 11.9 (75) d Euroa 2.7 (19). Shepparton United 8.9 -57) drew with Kyabram 8.9 (57). Mansfield 12.8 (80) d Rochester 5.3 (33). Echuca 14.12 (96) d Benalla 3.3 (21).Shepparton 20.9 (129) d Mooroopna 2.8 (20).

Kyabram District

■ Seniors. Nagambie 10.9 (69) d Rushworth 7.16 (58). Longwood 13.7 (85) d Undera 10./ 10 (70). Violet Town 19.18 (132) d Tallygaroopna 7.6 (48). Murchison-Toolamba 10.8 (68) d Shepparton East 6.6 (42). Stanhope 15.6 (96) d Merrigum 7.6 (48). Lancaster 20.28 (148) d Girgarre 8.7 (55). Bye: Avenel. ■ Reserves. Nagambie 16.7 (103) d Rushworth 6.7 (43). Longwood 4.15 (39) d Undera 6.1 (37). Tallygaroopna 30.12 (192) d Violet Town 1.2 (8). Murchison-Toolamaba 15.21 (111) d Shepparton East 3.1 (19). Stanhope 25.13 (163) d Merrigum 2.3 (15). Lancaster 10.4 (64) d Girgarre 5.3 (33). Bye; Avenel.

■ Under 18. Nagambie 22.13 (145) d Tigers 1.3 (9). Undera 19.15 (129) d Longwood 2.6 (18). Tallygaroopnma 28.18 (186) d Violet Town 28.18 (188) d Violet Town 2.2 (14). Murchison-Toolamba 13.14 (92) d Shepparton East 1.6 (12). Lancaster d Girgarre, forfeit.

Riddell District

■ Seniors. Kyneton 13.23 (101) d Lancaster 5.5 (35). Macedon 8.14 (62) drew with Diggers Rest 9.8 (62). Wallan 13.7 (85) d Romsey 8.8 (56). Melton South 22.11 (143) d Gisborne Giants 9.5 (59). Riddell 14.18 (100) d Melton Centrals 6.6 (42).

■ Reserves. Diggers Rest 10.6 (66) d Macedon 4.10 (34). Kyneton 10.13 (73) d Lancefield 6.11 (47). Wallan 6.9 945) d Romsey 3.3 (21). Melton South 9.7 (61) d Gisborne giants 2.9 (21). Riddell 13.10 (88) d Melton Centrals 4.2 (26). Bye: WoodendHesket.

Sport STRONG CONTESTS IN DOOMBEN RACES

■ Queensland racing will swing into action with the Doomben 10,000 to be run over1200 metres.

Then it is the Doomben Cup which will be run over 2000 metres with hopefully a top-class field of stayers.

In early betting bookies have the Chris Waller trained Buckaroo in as the early favourite before acceptances for the Cup. He failed to fire in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes back on Sydney Cup Day finishing seventh behind the champion mare, Via Sistina, who won in easy fashion.

The mare beat home Dubai Honour and Tom Kitten.

However, the distance here will suit Buckaroo having won over this trip and running a good second to Duke of Sessa in the Caulfield Cup over 2400 metres in the last year. He will be right in this.

Another who will be right in this is the top Queenslander, Antino, prepared by their leading trainer, Tony Gollan.

Without doubt it is one of the best going around as he proved in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield last year.

Later in December they took him to Hong Kong to have a crack at the big Group One race there.

Unfortunately, he failed to fire in a hot field, back in 11th spot.

Prior to that he ran a big race finishing second in the VRC Champions Mile behind the weight for age star, Mr Brightside, with another top notcher, Fan Girl, in third spot.

However, they can all put in a bad one, and his last two have been under par.

It appears that he has lost zip at the start and is failing to settle in his races.

He will be right in this especially on his own turf, if he can get his act together.

On the next line is another exciting type in Fawkner Park, prepared by the Queenslander trainer, Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald at Warwick Farm.

Two starts back he rana cracker finishing a good third behind the champion mare, Via Sistina, in the Group One, over 2000 metres in Sydney on March 22. He could be right in this as he has plenty oftalent.

Another that has been disappointing is the former New Zealander, Kovalica, now with Chris Waller, who keeps trying but all to no avail.

Then there is the good mare, Pride of Jenni, who on her day can beat most of the top class as proven in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Sydney.

At one stage connections felt that she had enough and retired her, only to race her again, but in the Australian Cup at Flemington she failed to fire after leading them up and finished ninth, back on March 25.

Now seven, she could be feeling the pinch as you don’t see many mares racing after turning seven.

Another smart type is the Gai WaterhouseAndrew Bott trained, six year-old stallion, Royal Patronage, who won the Canterbury Stakes in fine style over 1300 metres on March 8. The stallion got home from Here to Shock and Magic Time and is smart. Will be right in this.

Ted Ryan

He

He has been matching it with the very best and racing very well.

The international, Klondike, now with top Sydney trainer John O’Shea, who was a Group One winner at York, in England, failed to fire in the All Aged Stakes and finished well back.

He appears to be better than that and it would pay to give him another chance.

Down to the Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald trained Irish bred horse, My Oberon, but he failed to fire in the All Aged Stakes and finished near the tail.

One at odds that could go very well here is the Doncaster Handicap Prelude runner-up, New Endeavour back on April 1 at Rosehill It could surprise at big odds.

‘Jimmy is a star’

■ It didn’t take leading trainer Ciaron Maher long to get his next star into his highly successful stables.

Only recently he retired his champion sprinting mare, Bella Nipotina, who went out with a bank winning the coveted Everest Classic in Sydney, among her many other triumphs. Now it certainly looks like he has a readymade replacement in Jimmysstar, who looks like taking over the reins.

He made the other top sprinters looked second-rate in winning the All Aged Stakes at Randwick.

In the run he was a fair way back, but flashed home to win in great fashion.

With the All Aged added to his score, he is the only horse to win two Group One races this season.

Maher was over the moon with the run who just flew home to get the chocolates, and now it’s on with any budding participants.

Despite his big win you could still procure some good odds even after his big win in the AllAged Stakes.

After the race the bookies had him varying between 15/1 and 20/1.

Ciaron was also quick to congratulate promising young rider Victorian Ethan Brown on his ride.

He feels he is up with the best riding in Australia at the moment.

- Ted Ryan

● ● ● ● Antino. Racing Photos.

Jimmysstar. Racing Photos.

Another smart type is the good galloper, Lindermann, who has been mixing it with the best.

ran a great fourth to the champion mare, Via Sistina, Dubai Honour and Tom Kitten

NIGHTS AT MILDURA AND SHEPP.

■ The week kicked off with a double night meeting on Tuesday April 22 with both Mildura and the regular Shepparton fixture taking place. What a night it was for local Birdwoodton trainer Naomi Kerr at Mildura winning the first three races on the seven event card including the $7,000 Robinvale Pacing Cup over 1790 metres with 5Y0 Hes Watching-Just Look At Me gelding Eye See Philtra.

Settling three back along the markers from inside the second line as the favourite Dallas Miki led from gate four with Ros Rolf in the sulky.

Eye See Philtra with Western District reinsman Lochie Cook was able to extricate in the back straight on the final occasion to make the final bend three wide and finish best to gain the day by 3.6 metres in a mile rate of 1-58.2 from Letsgo Big Girl (gate three second line) off a three wide trail. Dallas Miki held third 1.6 metres away.

■ Lochie had earlier landed the 1790 metre Park Douglas Printing Pace Final with 8Y0 Shadow Bay-Autographed mare Mariahs Shadow returning a mile rate of 2-00.4.

Following through from gate three on the second line, Mariahs Shadow settled one/one after Brent Murphy drove Love To Deal (gate four) forward to lead.

Set alight three wide racing for the bell, Mariahs Shadow applied plenty of pressure to the pacemaker before striding clear on turning to score by 3.5 metres from Cavalry from near last after starting from the extreme draw. Partyatthebeach (outside the front line) angled to be one/one after easing from the breeze at the bell to finish third 7.1 metres back.

■ Six year old Modern Art-Thegingerbreadgirl gelding Modern Ginger was able to cross Quartside (gate three - Connor Clarke) the 2190 metre McDonalds Irymple and Mildura Pace shortly after the start in the opening race of the program and once there was never headed, greeting the judge 8.4 metres in advance of I Bet You (one/two from gate two second line) three wide last lap, with polemarker Keayang Moroccan (three pegs) third 3.5 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.7.

■ What a remarkable job thirteen year old Dawn Ofa New Day-Celestial Gift gelding Celestial Daybreak has been for South Australian breeder/ owners Steven and Michael Byrne, winning his 60th race in 444 outings (104 placings) when successful in the Mildura Lawn Bowls Carnival April 28 to May 4th Pace over 1790 metres. Trained at Charlton by Tori Hutchins and driven by partner Luke Dunne, Celestial Daybreak had little difficulty in leading on a tight reign and given every chance, kicked clear on turning to record a 2-01.3 mile rate over Ronzel Micky (one/two from outside the front line) which ran on late. Mustang Daisy after trailing the winner from gate two was third 2.4 metres back.

■ The feature at Shepparton was the 2190 metre Hygain Pace which saw three year old Vincent-Telern Pepper gelding Telern Lofty victorious for Monegeetta trainer/driver David Miles. Bred by the late Terry Wait from Lancefield who’s life evolved around ‘The Trots’ until his sudden departure over 12 months back, Telern Lofty – ‘Lofty’ being Terry’s nickname, raced by his close friends Tony Eley, John Suffern, Jim Grant and Bob Adamson along with Terry’s estate, began brilliantly to lead and rated to perfection by David, defied all challengers, scoring by 5.2 metres in a mile rate of 2-02.2 over Owen The Saints (one/two - starting solo on the second line – three wide last lap ) and Royle Blood from the tail after being restrained from outside the front line who was a head back after following Royle Blood home finishing a head away.

■ Six year old Racing Hill-Hannas Delight gelding Big Sledge Hammer raced and trained by Mount Duneed’s Ricky DeBono, was successful in the 1690 metre Pacing For Pink Sunday May 4th Pace.

Driven by Allan McDonough, Big Sledge Hammer led out from gate four before being restrained to allow Lochiel Lad (gate six) to cross. After a cosy trip, Big Sledge Hammer used the sprint lane to gain the decision by 2.9 metres from Arnies Army from the extreme draw which went forward to race outside the

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

leader. Lochiel Lad held third 3.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-56.6.

■ Former Riverina trainer David Harris now based at Avenel landed the Welcome J and A Mazzetti Painting New SHRC Sponsor Pace over 1690 metres with Direct Command, a 6Y0 gelded son of Hes Watching and Swift Belle.

Driven by Ellen Tormey, Direct Command began fast from gate four to lead throughout, accounting for Jacksboy (one/one) and Chogi (one/one). The margins 4.4 by 1.6 metres in a mile rate of 1-56.2.

■ Kialla based Rebecca Bartley trained and reined 4Y0 Alta Christiano-Shake It Up Baby gelding Rowdy Christian to capture the Neatline Homes 4Y0 & Older Pace over 1690 metres.

Given an easy time one/one from gate three, Rowdy Christian after easing three wide on the final bend ran home best to prevail by 3.3 metres in advance of a death-seating Cee Cee Lou who would have given David Harris a double. Our Princess Di (three pegs from outside the front line) was third 1.2 metres back. The mile rate 158.5.

Double header

■ Another double header on Wednesday with Charlton in the afternoon and Bendigo at night. Charlton was a super day for Ballan based mother and daughter Dianne Giles and Leilani Justice who added another stable double to their CV with both Chinski and Best Back Bruce successful.

Most reliable Kiwi bred 8Y0 Peak-Barsukova gelding Chinski returned to the winners list after taking the 1609 metre Charlton Welcomes Djaara People Trotters Mobile.

Beginning brilliantly from gate four, Chinski had no trouble leading and after being driven a treat, ran out an easy 5.7 metre victor, his 16th in 159 outings (42 placings), accounting for Love Who (gate five) which trailed by 5.7 metres, with Dona Amalia (one/three from outside the front line) third 1.9 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.2.

■ Nine year old Lis Mara-Tactical Dream Maker gelding Best Back Bruce a winner at Ballarat six days earlier repeated the dose in the Lalgambuk (Mt Franklin) Pace over 2100 metres.

Enjoying a sweet one/one passage from gate five as polemarker Wichita Dance led, Best Back Bruce after easing three wide prior to the home turn took a slender lead on turning to score by 1.2 metres in a rate of 1-59.1 from Im Stuck Man starting inside the second line which was badly held up on the back of the weakening leader before gaining a late split.

Presidental Change (gate three) ran on late after following the winner throughout for third 4.9 metres away.

■ Charlton’s Sebastian Steenhuis has found Charlton to be a happy hunting ground since shifting there, bringing up two wins in a row with 4Y0 Roll With Joe-Rinjani mare Lombok in the Ngarri (My Egbert) Mares Pace over 1609 metres which had been a winner at Kilmore on April 10.

Driven by Luke Dunne, Lombrok after leading most of the way from gate five ran out an easy 6.1 metre margin from both Tap To Pay (gate three) which led out before taking a trail and using the sprint lane to no avail and Sassyola

who after starting outside the front line and racing uncovered battled on well to dead-heat for second. The mile rate a slick 1-55.6.

■ Ross Creek’s Jennifer Douglas combined with Kerryn Manning to snare the 2100 metre Aunty Fay Carter Pace with 5Y0 Sweet LouGlenferrie Alexis gelding Muselet.

Driven by Kerryn Manning, Muselet starting solo on the second line, Muselet was quickly away from inside the second line to settle two back in the moving lane as Heston Cash (gate six) went forward to cross Reeko Reactor (gate three).

Easing three wide on the final bend, Muselet was too strong over the concluding stages for Heston Cash and Reeko Reactor which used the sprint lane for third. The margins 2.6 by 6.3 metres in a mile rate of 2-01.6.

■ It was Bendigo Trotters Cup night, a $20,000 (Listed Classic) event over 2650 metres which went the way of Cardigan trainer Emma Stewart’s in-form 7Y0 Kiwi import Harold Smith, a gelded son of Andover Hall and Miss Lovalot driven by Mark Pitt.

Stepping safely from 20 metres, Harold Smith a winner of the Geelong Trotters Cup two starts back before again winning at Melton possied one/one on the back of Im Bobby (20 metres) momentarily as runners sorted themselves out after both Black And Gold (front) and Sundons Courage (10 metres) went to the inside with the leader Wish Upona Dream (barrier three) handing over to Im Bobby.

When Black And Gold came away from the inside to give Harold Smith cover mid-race, Harold Smith was sent forward with a rush racing for the bell to join the leader and appeared to be travelling easily except for racing roughly for a stride or two prior.

With the two front runners drawing away approaching the home turn, Harold Smith raced clear shortly after to greet the judge 8 metres in advance of the 30 metre backmarker Parisian Artiste which ran on solidly from last. Brandlo Prince (barrier four one/two after a bad beginning) and three wide last lap ran a great race for third albeit 9.9 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.

■ The Nutrien AG Solutions Trotters Mobile saw 7Y0 Love You-Sundons Pride mare Tictok on her best behavior to brilliantly score in 159.1.

Trained at Longlea by Paul Morrissey and driven by Michael Bellman, Tictok did everything right from the extreme draw settling five back in the moving line as hot favourite Locksley Lover (gate five) was gifted the lead by Greg Sugars aboard McGee (gate three).

Going forward three wide in the last lap with an electrifying burst of speed to lead prior to the home turn, Tictok bounded away to record probably her best performance in defeating McGee along the sprint lane by 8.9 metres, with Watch And Act (one/two from gate three on the second line) third a half neck away. It was Tictok’s 12th success in 50 outings.

■ Kialla’s Bec Bartley was again a winner when lightly raced 6Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Sunshine Annie mare Betsy Anne scored in the Bendigo Locksmiths Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1650 metres.

Taken back from outside the front line as Nedza Thriller led from gate two, Betsy Anne making her 6th race appearance trailed Milly Meter (gate four) which had been trapped wide from the outset which was eased taking her back through the field to settle five back in the running line.

Again moving three wide to follow Muscle Memory at the bell, Betsy Anne had no luck whatsoever as Ragna Thor (one/one) from gate two on the second line came out to follow Muscle Memory which claimed the leader only to gallop shortly after allowing Ragna Thor to sweep bye.

Despite the tough passage, Betsy Anne was relentless and ran on best in a fine performance to register a 14.8 metre victory from Lillys Tiger who was shuffled back when the leader rapidly gave ground before running home strongly when clear. Ragna Thor was third 4.2 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.6.

Locals honoured

■ Kilmore trots were last Thursday April 24 - a

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Monday – Terang, Tuesday – Shepparton, Wednesday – Bendigo, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Mildura/Geelong, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Shepparton/Cranbourne.

night that remembered past local participants on the club’s annual honoUr night with seven races programmed.

■ Racing commenced with the Ken ‘Snowy’ Chapman Pace over 1690 metres taken out by the Ian Caruana (Bullengarook) raced and trained 6Y0 Somebeachsomewhere-Amarillen gelding Ima Terminator.

Driven by John Caldow, Ima Terminator settled three back in the moving line from gate two with Major Manbar (Lian Older) a winner of sixteen races spearing across the field from outside the front line to lead.

Going forward three wide racing for the bell to race parked for the final circuit, Ima Terminator showed plenty of heart to record a most impressive 1.1 metre margin over ex-Kiwi gelding Perun first up in Oz since December which flashed home from near last after starting from the extreme draw. Major Manbar held third 1.9 metres back. The rate a slick 1-54.6.

■ The Bob Cain Memorial 4Y0 AND Older Maiden Pace over 1690 metres saw former Kilmore trainer Paul Weidenbach now based at Wahring in the Goulburn Valley victorious with 4Y0 Betting Line-Our Apachee Miss gelding Dashing Cowboy in a 1-58.6 rate.

Driven by Murchison South’s Abby Sanderson, Dashing Cowboy enjoyed a sweet passage from gate four following Peppercorn Barry (gate two) which led, with David Miles sending Rollwithharty (gate two second line) forward from midfield in the running line to race outside the leader at the bell.

Using the sprint lane, Dashing Cowboy raced clear over the concluding stages to score by 5.1 metres from Peppercorn Friday, with Rollwitharty holding down third 1.4 metres back.

■ The Leli AND Mary Mifsud Memorial Pace over 1690 metres was a most popular victory for 5Y0 Flight Path-Makeitworthitjo mare Blackmirra giving Gippsland a winner. Partowned and trained by Geoff Clout from Tyabb, Black Mirra (gate three) was given every opportunity by Greg Sugars trailing the pacemaker Cheys Angel which flew way from gate five. Angling off her back on turning, Blackmirra in a ding-dong duel all the way up the running received the judges nod by a nose in a tricky finish. Lady In Line starting outside the front line was third 12.4 metres away after going forward to race outside the leader. The mile rate 156.2.

At Melton

■ At Melton on Friday, Maryborough breeder/ owner Len and Irene Parker’s most special broodmare Flying Moth provided her third individual winner when Rock N Roll Heaven filly Quatro Moth on debut scored in the Benstud Standardbreds 2Y0 Maiden Pace over 1720 metres.

Trained at Cardigan by Emma Stewart and driven by Mark Pitt, Quatro Moth led throughout from the pole to easily account for Eyeneedthat (gate two) which trailed by 3.3 metres returning a mile rate of 1-55.7.

Dusty Philtra (gate three) after following the pair was third 6.3 metres away. A 10 race winner herself, Flying Moth (Art Major-Moody Moth by Classic Garry) has also produced Meteor Moth (American Ideal), Ideal Moth (American Ideal) and has a filly foal on the ground by Captain Treacherous.

- Len Baker

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ANGEL STATUE with adjustable wings. Approx. one metre tall. Solid moulde, EC. $475. Broadford. Owen, 0434 037 941. N-Q

BASSINET. Chrome frame and high chair. VGC. $25 for both. Thomastown. 0428 833 398. N-Q

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

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

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

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

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

CAMPER TRAILER. Used once. Slide out kiychen plus extras. VGC. $4300. Dromana. 5981 4517. N-Q

FREE PHOTO ADS AdvertiseFree.com.au

CLARE Circulation Stimulator. VGC. 150 ONO. Frankston. 9789 9634. N-Q

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $40. Ashburton. 9885 2203. R-U

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

PRIVATE SELLERS can have a free 40-word ‘For Sale’ ad - plus a single colour photo - in The Local Paper Classifieds to sell their items. Your free ad will appear in all editions of The Local Paper, covering all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and selected Victorian country areas. Your free ad will appear in up to 4 issues. There are no charges, no commissions. T&Cs apply. Lodge your ad at: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

OLD STAMPS, tools, tobacco bins, Telephone, pocket knifes, cigarette lighters, LP records, first covers and more. Australia decimal and pre-decimal bank notes. Used. Prices negot. Thomastown. 0425 733 890.

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

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

PORTABLE SAUNA. Top condition. $150. Alphington. 0401 226 114. F-M

PRAM. Old, child’s collectable. GC. $60. Wandong. 041`8 399 261. R-U

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

SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $20. Also frame for manual sharpening, GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203.F-M

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

HOME-MADE Greeting cards. Colourful and variety and quantities. Top prices paid. Get well, thank you, plain. Genuine request. Victoria wide. Ararat. 0458 339 871. R-U

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

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

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

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

TELESCOPE. 76/700EG. Premium. 76 mirror diameter. 700mm focal length. 28x-233x magnification. Equatoirial mount. As new. $60 ONO. Cheltenham. 0438 533 123.F-M

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

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

WALKERS. Two. One new, hardly used, $120. Second one: GC but some small marks. $80. Seymour. 0419 881 573. R-U

WELLNESS Circulation Stimulator. $20 or offer. VGC. Frankston. 9789 9634.F-M

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

WHEELCHAIR. Electric. Hubang HBLD2-B. Light- weight, easy to manoeu- ver, strong battery life. Per- fect for everyday use. Sellng due to owner pass- ing away. GC. $1000. Thomastown. 0421 819 286.F-M

WHEELCHAIR. Manual. Evoke 2 Aspire 450mm. new, never been used as too small for subject. Foldable and extremely light for easy transport. Well made, Top of the range. EC. $600. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q

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

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

PUBLIC NOTICES

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

ANY or all amounts of used stamps to assist needy charities and world missions. Aust. and overseas used stamps. Keen collec- tor. Genuine. Top prices paid. Victoria wide. Ararat. 0458 339 871.R-U

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.

Royal Horticultural Society Victoria. Saturday, June 14. 9.30am. Deakin University, Burwood. Rusden Theatre. Free parking and entry to large plant and allied goods market. Inspiring speakers: James Wall, Heidi Martin, Vasili Kanidiadis, $25, All welcome. plantzia@bigpond.com N-Q

and Wednesday, and Thurs. afternoon. Hourly rate as per market, nego- tiable. Yea. 0438 652 784.N-Q GARDENER’S

ANZ BANK Money Boxes. GC. Negotiable. Mill Park. 9436

CHAINS Bible College Australia; In depth Bible study and online Biblical studies. 0447 515 450 N-Q