The Local Paper. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., Aug. 20, 2025

PETITION ON YOUTH CRIME, KNIFE VIOLENCE

■ A petition to Parliament about youth crime and knife violence has been presented by Northern Victoria MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell.

“The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council increasing concerns of escalating youth crime and knife violence that is plaguing the Victorian community,” says the petition presented to the Legislative Council by Mrs Tyrrell.

“Two young lives have been lost in just over two months in the past year.

“These events highlight the urgent need for decisive action to address youth crime.

“Offences committed by 10 to 17 years olds are the highest recorded since 2009, having almost tripled since 2022 and with the biggest increase documented last year. “Repeat offenders are being often released within 24 hours, including after committing violent offences.

“While there may be underlying root issues that are driving criminal behaviour, our legal system is failing to deter young people from committing crime, and from re-offending. In this environment, Victorians are losing faith in the institution and do not feel safe in their own neighbour-hoods.

“Mandatory sentencing for violent offences and violent crimes must be introduced to address youth crime.

“Mandatory sentencing would occur when a crime involves causing physical injury, the use of weapons, threats of harm, gang-related violence, sexual offences, assault, robbery, and

Bail laws need to be reformed to be stricter and there should be no bail conditions set for repeat offenders of violent crimes while they await trial.

“The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to immediately address youth crime and restore community safety by introducing mandatory sentencing for violent crimes, reforming bail laws, increasing police presence in high risk areas, providing reports on knife-related injuries and providing additional support to programs for victims’ families,” said the petition tabled by Mrs Tyrrell.

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland has spoken in State Parliament about 12 “extraordinary young people” from across the electorate, each one a worthy recipient of the Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop Award.

“I want to give huge congratulations to Angus Rowe, Claire Hemming, Gabrielle Mosley, Hunter Frederick, Hunter Aubrey, Lincoln Terry, Oliver Healy, Riley McKenzie, Rose DeFazio, Roxanne Clark, Tom Harris and Zoe Holden.

“Nine of these incredible students, along with their families, are here at Parliament today for this special moment.

“This award is named after a true local hero, Sir Edward ‘Weary’ Dunlop, a man whose name and legacy mean so much to our community. It is an award I am proud to support every single year because it recognises students who live by the same values Weary showed through his life, even in the most difficult wartime circumstances: compassion, courage, humility, leadership, integrity, friendship and forgiveness.

“These young people have shown all of that and so much more, whether it is in overcoming illness or the heartbreak of losing a loved one, excelling in sports, stepping into leadership, achieving academically or simply being that reliable, loyal friend that everyone can lean on.

“Some have faced challenges that many adults would find overwhelming, yet they have met them with incredible resilience and determination,” Ms Cleeland said.

●

●

● ● Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MLC homicide.

The Local Paper

SALUTE TO RESEARCH PRINCIPAL

Local Briefs

Wesburn worry

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has asked when melissa Horne, the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, will ommit to funding to install electronic variable speed signs outside Wesburn Primary School as part of the safe system pedestrian infrastructure program.

“This has been a long journey for the school, who desperately want these signs,” Ms McLeish told Parliament last week.

“I have been calling for their instalment on the Warburton Highway outside their school since 2016. That need remains.

“The Warburton Highway is a busy road. Traffic flow in the area is very heavy. Fog regularly covers the road and obscures drivers’ vision.

“Electronic speed limit signs are a necessity in this location. Students, staff and parents have gone too long without this safety measure in place.

“Wesburn Primary School missed out on the $6.5 million pedestrian and safer schools regional fund in 2021.

“It is not fair that they should continue to miss out when the installation of these speed signs is so crucial to the safety of students and staff at the school,” Ms McLeish said.

Container scheme

■ Some 18,386,239 containers have been returned through the Container Deposit Scheme in Mitchell Shire

Since beginning in November 2023 to the end of 2024, people in Mitchell have been refunded $1,838,623.90 And up until June this year $25,592.10 has been donated to local community organisations.

It is not just cans or bottles, small cartons – like flavoured milk or juice boxes, with the 10c mark can also be deposited.

Blue Fit opens

■ BlueFit Swimming South Morang’s Grand Reopening Pool Party was held last Saturday (Aug. 16).

City of Whittlesea Mayor Cr Martin Taylor and Deputy Mayor Cr Daniela Zinni were on hand to cut the ribbon.

■ Vicki Ward, Eltham MLA, took time last Thursday (Aug. 14) to offer a Parliamentary salute to Research Primary School principal Fiona Vale.

“I want to thank the principals of the many small schools in the outer north-east who made the time to sit with the Deputy Premier and me for an important discussion about the unique joys, strengths and challenges of leading a small school community,” Ms Ward told the Legislative Assembly.

“This meeting was a valuable opportunity for principals to share their experiences directly with the Minister for Education, whose openness to listening and consideration of their concerns was greatly appreciated.

“I especially thank Research Primary School Principal Fiona Vale for her leadership, advocacy and generosity in hosting this meeting.

“These leaders carry immense responsibilities, often extending beyond the school gate into the broader community.

“Their voices are critical in shaping how we support small schools.

“I am grateful for their dedication to their staff, students and the broader community, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.,” Ms Ward said.

More Wollert buses needed, Labor MP tells

Labor Govt.

■ Thomastown MLA Bronwyn Halfpenny (Labor) has asked the State Government about bus services in Wollert.

“My question is to the Minister for Public and Active Transport [Gabrielle Williams], and my question is: when will residents see more-frequent bus services in Wollert?

“Many residents have spoken to me about the bus services and their concern that there is a lack of services and too few services on existing routes.

“This makes it difficult for students to get to the new schools that we have built and residents to get to all the new facilities in the area, as well as access and connection to the public transport corridors.

“I have been a strong advocate for these bus services, including new routes and more services on existing routes, on behalf of constituents, so it was good news to see in the budget of the Allan Labor Government just recently announced that there will be more bus services and bus routes,”

Ms Halfpenny said.

● ● Fiona

Vale, Research PS Principal

Farewell Phil

■ Eltham MLA Vicki Ward has extended best retirement wishes to St Francis Xavier Primary School in Montmorency and its principal Philip Cachia

“I thank, congratulate and farewell Phil on his retirement after an incredible 40 years of service to education,” Ms Ward told Parliam ent.

“Phil’s dedication to his students, staff and the wider school community has made a lasting legacy across a number of communities, including ours.

“His leadership, compassion and unwavering commitment to learning have helped so many children have a strong, supportive learning environment, including at SFX

“ I am glad to be able to reflect on his remarkable career and celebrate the contribution he has made – not just to his school, but to the broader educational landscape.

“Phil’s legacy is a testament to the value of investing in education and a reminder of our growth as a state that makes education a top priority.

“I thank Phil for his service and wish him all the best in his retirement,” Ms Ward said.

Seymour chats

■ Local residents gathered at Seymour’s Ken Hall Pavilion for the latest stop on the Mitchell Listening Tour.

“The evening was filled with meaningful conversations, valuable insights and a strong sense of community,” said a Mitchell Council representative.

“Guests had the opportunity to view the concept designs for the Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub, hear a short presentation on local services and upcoming projects, and speak directly with Councillors.

“Feedback plays a vital role in shaping the future of Seymour and the wider Shire

“Coffee with a Councillor sessions will be starting soon. These informal catch-ups will be held at various locations across the Shire, giving you the chance to enjoy a cuppa and a chat with your local Councillor.”

Rail improvements

■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage said:

“We know we have got fantastic improvements to the V/Line service in the north, with the Donnybrook and Wallan stations previously being upgraded.

“We have got lots of extra services and more VLocity trains, and we are going to have a new peak service, am and pm, for my community, which is great,” Ms Kathage told the Legislative Assembly.

“I know that we have co-funded a northern rail business case with the Federal Government for $7 million, so I ask the minister: what improvements are being looked at for rail in my community?”

The Local Paper

association with the Established September 14, 1969

Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.

ABOUT US

Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), Seymour Express (Est. 1872), Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995), Yarra Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995), Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995).

The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in local editions:

• Regional/’Dindi Local’ Edition: Murrindindi, Mansfield, Strathbogie, rural sections of Nillumbik and Whittlesea

• ‘Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express’ Edition: Yarra Ranges Shire

• Mitchell Shire Edition: Mitchell Shire

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Phone: 1800 231 311, 9489 2222, 9439 9927, 0450 399 932, 5797 2656.

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

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Ash on Wednesday

MP’s tribute to Don Lawson

■ Eildon Liberal MLA Cindy McLeish paid tribute last week in State Parliament to the life of Don Lawson.

“It is not hard to describe Don Lawson OAM, a man of many passions, unwavering stubbornness and love for a good fight or cause,” Ms McLeish said.

“He was frustrating, a borderline genius, a stirrer and a chronic phone caller.

“He was a cracker of a person, who had a remarkable ability to make lifelong, enduring friendships, which was demonstrated by the large number of people who attended his funeral in person and online in Yea.

“Orchestrated by Don, the service went as he had planned, and I am sure he was annoyed to have missed an event where he knew everybody and could have stirred each of them up.

“Don, grandson of former Premier Sir Harry Lawson, was a giant in the agricultural industry and an industry leader in cattle.

“As an early adopter of technology, he loved genetics and was a nationally renowned pioneer of performance recorded livestock breeding.

“His passion for agricultural education and support for young farmers saw him continually lobby universities to lift their game.

“He was a great Liberal who fought against the North–South Pipeline,” Ms McLeish said.

Passing away at age 85, The Weekly times noted that after school, Mr Lawson studied agricultural science at the University of Melbourne and later completed a six-

Long Shots

year Masters of Farm Management at New Zealand’s Lincoln University

“The course, which involved 48 weeks of practical work, sparked his “hobby horse” for agricultural education, which he said too many people see “as a cost not an investment,” The WeeklyTimessaid.

Beef Central noted: “Born in Melbourne in 1940, Donald Bruce Lawson grew up in a family connected to both city and country – his father, a gynaecologist, had farming roots in Tasmania , while his mother’s family farmed near St Arnaud.

“His grandfather was Sir Harry Lawson, Premier of Victoria from 1918 to 1924, and later a Federal Senator for Victoria from 1929 to 1935, and minister in the Lyons Government

“ Don attended Caulfield Grammar School and studied agricultural science at the University of Melbourne before completing a Masters in Farm Management at Lincoln University in New Zealand

“He was also a tremendous athlete. He was captain of athletics at Caulfield Grammar, and used to train for the mile at the famous Caulfield Racecourse with his good friend and then-future Olympian John Landy.

“In 1969, a year after buying a “rabbit infested farm” with his father at Yea he founded Ythanbrae Angus Stud , which grew to national prominence, with a reputation for producing well-balanced, moderate, functional cattle with strong carcase traits and high reliability for commercial producers.”

● ● The next print issue of The Local Paper is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 3. Deadline for advertising bookings and content is 4pm Thursday, Aug. 28. Phone: 1800 231 311.

The Local Paper

Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly.

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

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.

● Don Lawson.

Photo: Angus Australia

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment Aaron Rourke, Film Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

Statewide

BONSHAW Thefts of copper

■ Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives have released CCTV footage as they investigate two copper thefts from construction sites in Bonshaw

It is understood a male offender arrived at a housing development site on Cherry Flat Rd , with a box over his head, about 4.45am on Wednesday, August 13.

Police were told he used a saw and bolt cutters to force entry through the fencing.

The cardboard crusader was caught on camera stealing construction equipment, including electrical copper wiring worth around $40k.

He also stole a wheelbarrow before fleeing the scene.

Police have released CCTV footage of a man – and his box – and believe he may be able to assist with their enquiries.

He was wearing black pants, a black top and black gumboots.

Police were told another construction site was targeted further down the road overnight between midnight and 6am on August 13.

It is understood an offender forced entry, cut off the power and stole around $4000 of copper.

There was no CCTV footage from this site, but police didn’t need to think too much outside the box and believe the two incidents are linked.

DRUGS SEIZED AFTER NORTH-EAST INTERCEPT

■ Police have seized over 40kg of cocaine after a truck was intercepted just outside of Barnawartha on Wednesday (Aug. 13).

Officers from Wangaratta and Wodonga Highway Patrols pulled over the BDouble on the Hume Hwy about 3.45pm.

It is believed the truck was travelling between Sydney and Melbourne

The driver, a 40-year-old Windsor NSW man, was given a preliminary oral fluid test which returned a positive result.

A search of the truck was then conducted by highway patrol members, assisted by VIPER Taskforce members who were in the area at the time.

A number of packages believed to be cocaine were located secreted in the vehicle, as well as a small amount of methylamphetamine.

The man was interviewed by police and subsequently charged with trafficking a large commercial quantity of cocaine and possess methylamphetamine.

He appeared at Wodonga Magistrates’ Court and was remanded to appear again on November 20.

Inspector Tracy Johnston, Eastern Region, said: “Yesterday’s seizure is a great result, to both remove a driver putting other road users at risk and also seize a significant amount of drugs that could have caused immense harm in our community.

Statewide

MOE

Fatal collision

■ Police are investigating a fatal collision in Moe. It is understood a motorbike collided with a car on Lloyd St about 6pm on Wednesday (Aug. 13).

The male motorcyclist died at the scene. The female driver of the car stopped at the scene and was not injured.

Exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established and an investigation is ongoing.

TARNEIT

Man struck

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a collision which occurred in Tarneit on August 13.

Police have been told a man was struck by a vehicle near Leakes and Begonia Rds about 6.30pm.

He was airlifted to hospital with lifethreatening-injuries.

The alleged driver of the vehicle did not stop at the scene and was arrested at a property on St Nicholas Court a short time later. He was in police custody and was expected to be interviewed.

MELBOURNE

Visa breaches

■ A Sudan-born man was set to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Tuesday (Aug. 12),charged with allegedly failing to comply with his visa-mandated curfew conditions.

The Australian Federal Police charged the man, 38, after he was located in Melbourne.

It will be alleged the man breached one of the conditions of his Commonwealth visa by failing to maintain his electronic monitoring device on three occasions, between July 13 and August 11.

The AFP allege these offences took place while the man was on conditional bail.

He first appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court where he was remanded in custody to appear before the same court.

● Cocaine seized. File image.

● ● CCTV image of the ‘box bandit’.

Local News

Engraved pavers

■ At $50 each, engraved pavers are being sold at Fawcett Hall, near Alexandra, as Stage 4 – the final section of the all-abilities path. Once finished, the pathway will fully circle the hall, making it accessible for all visitors, for all events, for many years to come.

Healesville permit

■ Yarra Ranges Shire Councillors have unanimously passed a planning permit application for buildings and works to construct a two-storey dwelling at the rear of existing dwelling on land at 7 Ryrie St, Healesville, to construct a new carport for the existing dwelling, a two-lot subdivision and removal of vegetation. The proposed dwelling will have three-bedrooms with two carparking spaces to be provided.

Forest health down

■ There has been a trending slight decline in forest health condition across public and private land, Nillumbik Council has been told.

“Vegetation condition has improved in 45 per cent of the Council bushland reserves assessed and declined in 45 per cent,” said a Biodiversity Strategy repoprt by Kirsten Reedy , Co-Ordinator Environment and Sustainability

“Overall, 60 per cent of assessed reserves scored less than 50/100, with the highest vegetation condition score being 68/100.

“There has been an increase in the percentage of people acting to care for/protect Nillumbik’s natural environment (up from 74 per cent to 92 per cent).

“Forty-three biodiversity projects/programs are planned for Year 2. They comprise a mixture of 17 ongoing/BAU actions and 26 new initiatives that focus on leadership, partnerships, enhancing species and habitat, and mitigating threatening processes and impacts.”

Dumped rubbish

■ A report on dumped rubbish and amenity on arterial roads was due to be held this week by Mitchell Shire Council at the Monday night (Aug. 18) meeting due to be held as this edition of TheLocalPaperwent to press.

Also on the agenda was a planning permit application to use and develop land as a Place of Assembly, alteration of access to a Road Zone and removal of native vegetation at 1755 Seymour Tooborac Rd, Glenaroua

Trawool track listed

■ The Tunyak Moira tree and Gawarn Baring (the Trawool walking track, leading to a historic reservoir) have been included in the 2020-24 Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Recreational Values report, advises Rohan Aldous, Senior Communications and Engagement Officer at Goulburn Valley Water.

At Coldstream

■ CherryHill Orchards is opening the gate on a season of sharing all things local, from workshops to markets to day and night events.

“I’m thrilled to be launching our newest event, Bloom and Graze, right here at CherryHill Orchards,” said Mike Appleton, GM Customer Experience. The events take place on the first two weekends of September.

Water efficiency

■ As drier than usual conditions continue, more schools across Victoria are now actively monitoring and reducing their water use thanks to the Schools Water Efficiency Program Participating schools can track their water usage via data-loggers and online monitoring dashboards to detect leaks and promote water wise habits.

“Melbourne’s storages have dropped to 72.2 per cent, a 17 per cent decrease compared to the same time last year, so programs like SWEP are more critical than ever," said Yarra Valley Water’s General Manager Strategy and Community Tiffany White Some 400 schools have signed up to the program with Yarra Valley Water.

KOZMEVSKI FAILS IN RE-ELECTION ATTEMPT

■ City of Whittlesea voters participating in the Lalor Ward by-election have taken a turn to the political right, replacing long-time Labor identity Stevan Kozmevski with Liberalleaning Michael Labrador.

Mr Kozmevski served as a Whittlesea Councillor over two decades, and was a former Mayor.

The Lalor Ward by-election was called after irregularities were found in the election conducted last October. None of the irregularities were associated with Mr Kozmevski, officials said

Mr Kozmevski was in the headlines during the by-election, when he and three other nominees identified the same address - a Post Office box at Epping.

Political observers said the strategy was aimed at directing important preferences towards Mr Kozmevski.

Liberal MLC Evan Mulholland described the strategy as a “ dodgy dirty tricks campaign in a desperate attempt to hold the council seat”.

“I congratulate my friend Michael Labrador, he will be a great councillor for the good people of Lalor and I know he will fight for them,” Mr Mulholland said.

He said that the how-to-vote cards of the four Labor identities bore the the same postal address in their pamphlets’ authorisation details, the same postal address as Mr Kozmevski

“This was a clear and blatant attempt by Labor to stack the ballot with on-paper-only candidates and I am pleased that voters saw through it. Labor’s arrogance and contempt for voters needed to be called out.

“Every Labor councillor and MP – both state and federal – should know that they are on notice, and that Whittlesea voters have had enough of their neglect of our community,” Mr Mulholland said.

Cr Labrador was sworn in as a Councillor by City of Whittlesea Chief Executive Officer Craig Lloyd last Wednesday (Aug. 13).

Cr Labrador will be Councillor for Lalor Ward for the remainder of the current Council term.

This by-election followed a Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal decision in May that the result for the Lalor Ward in last year’s elections was void.

The Victorian Electoral Commission said that first preference votes, in ballot paper order, were:

■ NICHOLSON, Rex. 819. 7.52%

■ EDGE, Victoria. 460. 4.22%

■ LABRADOR, Michael. 1223. 11.23%

■ KRASSOS, Mary. 579. 5.31%

■ STOJCEVSKI, Belinda. 1343. 12.33%

■ SHARP , William. 545. 5.00%

■ HASSAN, Omar. 1686. 15.47%

■ UPRETY, Samu. 312. 2.86%

■ McNAUGHT, Ellen. 1305. 11.98%

■ MOHAMMED, Burhanuddin. 197. 1.81%

■ KOZMEVSKI, Stevan. 2426. 22.27%

After distribution of preferences, the situation was:

■ KOZMEVSKI, Stevan. 5183. 47.57%

■ LABRADOR, Michael. 5712. 52.43%

Other Lalor Ward by-election statistics:

■ Enrolment: 15340

■ Formal votes: 10895

■ Informal votes: 507 (4.45% of the total votes)

■ Voter turnout: 11402 (74.33% of the total enrolment)

Buxton birthday

■ Buxton Primary School will celebrate its 150-year anniversary will a celebration on Saturday, November 22.

Busy Bee at Hub

■ A Busy Bee will be held at Steels Creek Exchange

The Local Paper is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach The Local Paper or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at: www.presscouncil.org.au The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.

Special Price: $220 TOTAL for all remaining 2025 issues. Book your ad: 1800 231 311.

■ Indi MHR Helen Haines has been nominated to the Speaker’s Panel for this term of Federal Parliament “As an independent, it’s a real privilege to play a role in ensuring respectful debate and making sure all voices are heard,” Dr Haines said. “It’s a responsibility I take seriously, and it’s a chance to deepen my understanding of how Parliament works – and to help it work better ... the Speaker isn’t always the one in the chair during debates. That’s because there’s a Speaker’s Panel – a group of Members who support the Speaker, by helping to chair proceedings and maintain order .”

Stevan Kozmevski

Where

■

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Thursday, August 21

Local News

Cemetery

places

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■ 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.

■ The City of Whittlesea is inviting residents to express their interest in joining the Epping Cemetery Community Asset Committee

■

■

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Endeavour

Alexandra (BP). 10 Downey St.

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■ 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.

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

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

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■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main St.

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■

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

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

■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

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

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

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■ ■ ■ 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.

Ashworth, Carole Berry, Jacob Bierman, Jade Clarke, Stuart Dimech, Luke Felix, Patrick Finn, Luke Grant, Travis Hanlon, Terrence Hartnett, Zoe Hore, Andrew William Hutchins, Damien Allan Ismail, Deniz Kelly, Hugo Kirkham, Jayden Love, Robert James Mcinnes, Ethan Mclean, Benjamin Micallef, James Francis Miller, Reece James Moore, Jamie Nayda, Dwayne Eric Osborne, Dean Mitchell Puppa-Elson, Georgia Ray, Bradley Scott Roewer, Jake Rusic, Benedict Alexander Setu, William Ernest Sheridan, Matthew Stewart, Toby Leigh Strnak, Ivan John Thomas, Sarah Josephine Titley, Eric John Wright, Hailey Yoannides, Elana Zerna, Michael John

Friday, August 22

This volunteer committee supports the management of Epping Cemetery and helps raise awareness of its heritage and role in the community.

The Council is seeking local residents with an interest in community history and a desire to contribute to civic life to apply.

Residents passionate about local history, the environment, or protecting the cemetery’s future are particularly encouraged to apply.

This includes historians, members of historical societies, and those with family interred at the site.

To be eligible, applicants must live in or own property within the City of Whittlesea, be 18 years or older, and be available to attend meetings and events.

Preference will be given to applicants not employed in the cemetery or funeral services sector.

Expressions of interest will close on August 22.

City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Martin Taylor , said: “Epping Cemetery holds deep meaning for many in our community — whether through family connections, historical interest or a love for the local environment.

“We’re inviting community members to help care for this space, honour its stories and play a part in planning for its future.”

Flood information

■ Melbourne Water is working to update flood information for all of Melbourne, including Nillumbik Shire Council

Flood models are used to:

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

■

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

■ ■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88

High St.

■ ■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

■

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

Crawford, Tessa Mauri, Alan Newton, Sean Jeffrey Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

■ ensure the community is aware of their flood risk and what to do in a flood event

■ update Municipal Flood Emergency Management Plans and Local Flood Guides

■ update planning scheme controls to ensure planning and building decisions take flood risk into consideration

■ inform long-term, sustainable, flood mitigation options.

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High 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 Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

■ 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.

■

■ 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.

Wednesday, August 20 Alee, Jacob Attard, Daniel Attard Barrett, Kenneth Alan Blay, Andrew Bowe, Michael Bradley, Mathew Anthony Breier, Jessica Bushby, Michael Creighton, Brenda Davidson, Ewan Emblin, Robert James Forte, Adam Geldart, Elizabeth Gilbert, John Adrian Hughes, Kevin William Joyce, David William Khan, Awais Ahmad Konyn, Danny John Leaumont, Gareth Lia, Lynda Linzer, Christopher Linzer, Stephen Locke, Aaron Macdougall, Max Nash, Callum Shah, Izaaz Iftiyak Sheahan, Thomas Snooks, Steuart Stillman, Aaron Strongman, Matthew Jon Trika, Jeffrie Wagenknecht, Kaylah-Jane Wincer, Jaia Chris

Melbourne Water is now inviting residents to share their recent experiences with flooding issues in their street or local neighbourhoods to help inform the data collection and identify key flooding hot spots.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said that the flood mapping will be beneficial for our community’s safety and future infrastructure planning.

“Collecting accurate and up-to-date flood mapping data is essential to keeping our community safe and informed. It helps us plan smarter, respond faster, and build greater resilience against future flood events,” Cr Dumaresq said.

By identifying flooding hot spots, this data will guide future investments and ensure that infrastructure is built to better withstand severe weather and protect homes, businesses and essential services.

Melbourne Water uses the best available data and tools to build their flood models –but the community’s local knowledge can help make them even better.

“The community’s real-world insights will help ensure the Melbourne Water’s flood models reflect what happens on the ground,” Cr Dumaresq said.

Feedback closes Sunday, August 24.

At Kinglake

■

■

■ ■ 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.

Wednesday, September 3 Abdo, Fouad Al Enazi, Saleh Aliu, Erjan Barron, Craig Bennett, Adrienne Brook, Denham Chalmers, Robyn Grant, Cameron Guilfoyle, Jacob Daniel Halprin, Rebekah Hanson, Shane Michael Heard, David Houli, Ali Jones, Jessica Murphy, Ben Patel, Dev Pereira, Felizberto Pilgrim, Mark Saunders, Scott Senova-Tapp, Copper Aydin Sheoran, Shamit Spizzo, Leon Warren, Kylie \Williams, Matthew

■ Kinglake Neighbourhood House has a busy August program including a Boat Licence course, Dry Felting Pictures workshop, Leadlighting (morning and evening options), Meditation and Sound Healing, Gluten-Free Muffins session, Clay Club, and Paint and Sip. The much-loved Facilitated Playgroups and held Mondays and Thursdays); PEEP is on Wednesdays.

Avenel safety

■ Northern Victoria MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has raised the issue of a safety audit with the view of lowering the speed limit on Queen St , Avenel.

She spoke in Parliament of meeting the Avenel Active rail and pedestrian safety working group to discuss their concerns with Queen St, Avenel. There concerns about vehicles travelling at 60-kmh through the township.

What’s On

Festival at Eildon

■ The Goulburn Fishing Festival is to be held at Eildon’s Lions Park next month. Steve Dimpoulos, Minister for Outdoor Recreation, said the ever-popular annual event was held on the first Saturday every September to mark the opening day of trout fishing season in Victoria’s rivers, creeks and streams such as the Goulburn River.

Running from 9am to 2pm on Saturday, September 6, the free Goulburn Fishing Festival is hosted by the Victorian Fisheries Authority and will include a range of family-friendly activities, free kids’ fishing clinics, cooking demonstrations, a casting competition and a nighttime fireworks display, all in the heart of the Eildon township.

The festival is based at the Eildon Pondage, which boasts shoreline access and is regularly stocked with brown and rainbow trout – many of which weigh several kilograms.

Free learn-to-fish clinics for kids will include expert guidance from Fishcare Victoria to teach youngsters casting, rigs, baits and what to do if they catch a fish.

Young people who participate in a clinic will also receive a free fishing rod to take home with a tackle box, and links to online instructional videos through the VFA’s Little Anglers Hub. Parents are encouraged to get in quickly and register.

Families can help expert staff from the nearby Snobs Creek Fish Hatchery stock trout into the pondage and there will be market stalls, face painting, educational activities, fly casting lessons and an aquaculture stall with free tastings of locally-grown trout.

The event will also see 1500 huge ‘stonker’ brown trout stocked into the Goulburn River below the pondage, providing great fishing at riverside reserves nearby that are easily accessible.

The Goulburn Fishing Festival will be held at Lions Park on Riverside Drive in Eildon and families are encouraged to keep fishing and exploring the local area before enjoying the fireworks display at 7pm.

“Trout season opening and these festivals are marked in the calendars of keen fishers each and every year and they play a big role in getting families exploring our great state and supporting local businesses along the way,” said Mr Dimopoulos

“We’d love to see a big crowd at Eildon for what promises to be a terrific day of fishing fun for the whole family.”

Jaclyn Symes, Northern Victoria MLC, said: “This festival is a fantastic celebration of everything we love about Eildon – great fishing, stunning scenery, and a welcoming community that knows how to put on a show.”

Victorian Fisheries Authority CEO Travis Dowling said: “Eildon itself is the gateway to Lake Eildon , renowned as one of Australia’s premier freshwater fishing destinations, as well as the Goulburn so it’s the perfect place to get into the spirit by wetting a line in the great outdoors.”

D’brook potholes

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has urged Melissa Horne, Minister for Roads and Road Safety, to immediately address the dangerous potholes at the eastern end of Donnybrook Rd near Merriang Rd

The Allan Labor Government announced that it is ‘wrapping up’ its road maintenance program, despite the fact that many major arterial roads in Victoria are still dangerously damaged and in desperate need of repair, Ms Lovell said.

Ms Lovell spoke in parliament last week to raise the concerns of a constituent who contacted her to complain about the awful state of the surface of Donnybrook Rd

Potholes are growing larger every day near the Merriang Rd intersection, temporary patches quickly disintegrate, and he has seen cars frequently cross to the other side of the road to avoid the massive holes in the road surface.

Ms Lovell slammed the State Labor Government for abandoning road repair, and called for immediate and comprehensive repairs to Donnybrook Rd “Dangerous potholes on Donnybrook Rd are damaging cars and could easily lead to collisions and injuries.”

“The Minister for Roads must order the urgent rehabilitation of the potholed road surface in the short term, and completely duplicate and renew the road pavement as soon as possible,” Ms Lovell told the Legislative Council.

More Seymour carriages needed

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has called on Gabrielle Williams, Minister for Public and Active Transport to put more carriages on Seymour line train services.

Ms Lovell spoke in Parliament last week to share the concerns of a constituent who travelled on the 4.36pm service to Seymour on a Sunday afternoon, when only two Sprinter carriages where running, leading to serious overcrowding.

Many commuters were trying to get home at the end of the weekend, and at least 20 people in each carriage had to stand or sit on the floor for an hour-and-a-half train journey into the country.

Ms Lovell has frequently advocated for increased train services on the SeymourShepparton line, and continues to demand that the Allan Labor Government stop ignoring regional Victorians

“It is simply unacceptable that while the Allan Labor Government spends tens of billions of dollars on metropolitan tunnels, it refuses to put extra carriages on regional train services,” Ms Lovell said.

“Commuters are outraged by the Labor government’s appalling neglect of Seymourline services, and the constant overcrowding. The Minister for Public Transport must immediately put more carriages on Seymour line trains, so that my constituents can travel safely and with dignity.”

Monty lights defective

■ Traffic lights at Montmorency need repair, Bulleen MLA Matthew Guy told Parliament last week.

“ I raise tonight a matter for the Minister for Roads and Road Safety, and while not a matter directly in my electorate, it certainly impacts my electorate.

“It is in relation to an intersection at the corner of Main Rd and Grand Boulevard in Montmorency

“I know this area well, having grown up very close to it. I have been contacted by a number of residents in my area and in Lower Plenty and \Montmorency who have advised me about the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Main Rd.

“While there was a car accident some months ago which took out a number of the traffic lights, they have not been replaced.

“They are very, very concerned about the safety of that intersection and what might

occur given that, as I understand it, the right turn lights have been taken out and not replaced to date.

“It is a basic and straightforward safety issue, and the lights should have been replaced if there has been a ve-

hicle accident.

“I understand it is no-one’s fault as such, but it does need to be repaired, and in terms of the safety of that intersection, it does need to be fixed.

“This is for the people in Montmorency and Lower Plenty who are putting up with quite a busy intersection. Main Rd and Grand Boulevard are quite busy.

“Main Road down through to Lower Plenty is very busy, coming from Eltham into the city.

“If you are not going through Fitzsimons Lane over through Templestowe, you are going straight over through Main Road and Lower Plenty, so it is quite a busy intersection. The local ambulance station is actually on the corner there at Apex Way, so it is right at the corner of the intersection as well. I seek for the Minister for Roads to intervene and to expedite the repair of this dangerous intersection as quickly as possible.”

Plans for R U OK? Day

■ Murrindindi Shire Council is inviting residents to join a series of free film events in September to mark R U OK? Day, encouraging people to check in, share stories and strengthen connections.

R U OK? Day is a national reminder to ask, “Are you OK?” and listen with care.

Murrindindi Council is hosting free film nights in Alexandra, Yea and Kinglake, featuring Australian films that celebrate resilience, connection and the spirit of rural life.

Each evening event includes a barbecue and the opportunity to connect over hot drinks and f conversation.

Runt, based on the Craig Silvey novel about a girl and her dog saving the family farm, will be screening at the Yea Shire Hall on Thursday September 11 with doors opening at 5pm for a 6pm start.

Runt will also have two screenings at the Alexandra Shire Hall, on Friday, September 12. Doors open at 1 pm for a 2 pm afternoon screening, and 5 pm for a barbecue and 6pm screening.

Community Wellbeing Portfolio Councillor Jodi Adams, said, “Spending time with friends, family and our wider community is vital for our mental health and wellbeing. We are fortunate to live in a place where people genuinely care for and support each other.”

Regional News

At Everton Drive

■ Whittlesea Council Chief Executive Officer Craig Lloyd told Councillors last month that lights at the Plenty Road-Everton Drive intersection ill provide safe and convenient access to the regional sports precinct.to open fully in the next couple of weeks.

“The streetlights have recently been turned on, improving visibility for drivers and pedestrians,” Mr Lloyd said.

“As soon as the permanent traffic lights are operational, which I believe we are waiting for Department of Transport to program, the intersections with Station Lane and Everton Drive will be opened.”

Mayor’s workload

■ City of Whittlesea Mayor Cr Martin Taylor has outlined his workload in the top municipal job, averaging 55-hour weeks:

“It reflects the commitment of the Mayoral Office to transparent and accountable governance, as well as ongoing engagement with Councillors, the community, Council officers, external agencies, and stakeholders.

■ 219 hours (average 55 hours per week) worked in the performance of Mayoral duties.

■ 517 emails received and responded to.

■ 9 CRMs lodged and recorded.

■ 10 CRMs investigated and closed.

■ 23 Council meetings, briefings, committee meetings and external stakeholder meetings.

■ 27 community engagement meetings attended.

■ 6 of the below Council endorsed committee meetings attended:

•Outer Melbourne Councils Committee.

•Northern Councils Alliance Committee.

•Yarra Plenty Regional Library Board

•Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee.

•City of Whittlesea Business Advisory Panel.

•Audit and Risk Committee

•CEO Employment Matters Advisory Committee

•Hearing of Submissions Committee

■ 152 telephone calls made and received.

■ 398.7 kms travelled in performance of Mayoral duties and events.

■ 29 events attended.

Climate action

■ Some 69 actions were taken by Nillumbik Council during 2024-25, including achieving a 100 per cent EV passenger fleet, climateresilience and sustainability community programs attended by over 650 residents, recycling education via 10,000 bin inspections, grant successes, and a new Edendale repair café, Councillors have been told.

“In terms of meeting Council’s target of net-zero emissions by 2030, our operations generated 5766 tonnes of CO2e in 2023-24,” said a report by Kirsten Reedy, Coordinator Environment and Sustainability.

Powerlines query

■ Yarra Ranges Council has received a public question time enquiry about powerliners.

“One of the key recommendations in the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission was to underground powerlines in high-risk areas,” said an anonymous enquirer.

“I am subsequently enquiring as to whether there are still plans to underground the powerlines in Warburton.

“Given Council's emphasis on luring tourists to Warburton, undergrounding would also aesthetically enhance the area, cleaning up what are currently obstructed views from almost every roadside vantage point.”

The Shire’s Director Built Environment and Infrastructure, Hjalmar Philipp, said: “Powerlines are the responsibility of Ausnet Services

“While significant work was undertaken by Ausnet in response to the Royal Commission recommendations, Council is not aware of any current plans by Ausnet to underground powerlines in Warburton

“Council have previously advocated to Ausnet about the importance of underground powerline for our many communities and were appropriate will continue to do so.”

● ● ● Matthew Guy, Bulleen MLA

● This edition covers Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie (part), Whittlesea (rural) and Yarra Ranges.

Local Business

MP meets workers

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland has told State Parliament of her meetings with local business representatives.

“Over the past few weeks I have listened to small businesses across the electorate, in Euroa, Kilmore, Benalla and Broadford,” Ms Cleeland told the Legislative Assembly.

“ I have spoken to builders, cafe owners, manufacturers, wineries and tradespeople, and they are telling me the same thing: that they want to grow and they want to hire and invest in their towns, but they are constantly held back by government.

“I was sent a message this morning by Tracie, a business owner in Heathcote, who said to ask businesses to share what their power bills are and what their state taxes are just to show the pressure they are under.

“Without our businesses, we do not have a local economy, because they give us jobs.

“They are dealing with endless fees, delays and hoops to jump through just to keep their doors open.

“The message is simple: get rid of red tape and do not add more.

“I recently visited Broadford paper mill, an iconic site that has been operating since the 1890s.

“It employs 37 people and remains the only manufacturer in Australia producing angle board for our fruit and vegie growers.

“They are now focusing on their investment in Queensland . Why? Because Queensland is doing what Victoria refuses to do: it is cutting red tape, it is lowering costs and it is welcoming business.

“The mill is facing thousands of dollars in land tax due to split titles, a six grand charge for a modern slavery certificate, monthly power bills jumping from $12,000 to $16,000 and layers upon layers of regulation from every tier of government.

“And meanwhile we are importing all white and copy paper from overseas – make it make sense – often from countries with absolutely no environmental standards.

“This is not environmentally friendly, and it is certainly not good economic policy.

“This is not paperwork, it is government constantly getting in the way of economic growth.

“If we want to protect jobs, we have to stop punishing the people who create them.

“Too often I hear from business owners when they are already at breaking point, forced to step away from their work to voice their frustration and desperation.

“But I want to meet with them early, and I want to ask them what we can do now on our side of the house to make better conditions in Victoria, because the Allan Labor Government certainly is not listening.

“That is what brought me to meet Simon Meyer of Mitre 10 Kilmore. Since taking over in 2018 Simon has doubled the size of the business and now employs 30 locals.

“They work with some of the biggest builders in the country.

“From the outside it looks like a hardware store, but behind the scenes they are bringing local employment and housing to our region.

“Another example is ATG group in Seymour, with modular classrooms. Some of them can be seen at Seymour College

“They are reducing construction times and improving outcomes.

“There are also hospitality leaders like Kim Short of Red Lion in Kilmore, Munari Wines in Heathcote, Kilmore Wellness Centre led by Travis Sullivan, and Suzanne and Jim Gall of Faithfulls Creek in Euroa

“I will continue to listen, because this is what our community needs and this is what it deserves: a government that listens and supports business growth in Victoria,” Ms Cleeland said.

Platypus planting

■ Edendale’s Youth Enviro group has been planting and weeding along the Diamond Creek to help protect platypus and other native animals.

Young people aged between 12 to 15 are always welcome, Tuesdays 4.30pm to 6.30pm at Edendale in Eltham.

Plan for parks

■ Yarra Ranges residents who use local parks are encouraged to comment on the Council’s Draft People and Dogs in Parks Plan, to help finalise the plan.

The draft plan has been created using feedback from park users.

■ There are unacceptable delays in approving farmers’ applications for drought support grants, says Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell.

“Farmers suffering from the devastating effects of the drought are eager to make use of the Farm Drought Support Grant program, and start work on projects to make their farms drought resilient into the future,” Ms Lovell said.

“But many cannot begin work on their projects yet, because they are still waiting for in-principle approval for their State Government grant applications and cannot proceed until approval is given.”

Ms Lovell told Parliament that she had been contacted by constituent who submitted an application for a drought support grant back in July, but almost a month later had still not received written in-principle approval for his project.

“Many farmers want to urgently upgrade onfarm water infrastructure such as tanks, pipes, troughs, and dams, in order to make the best use of the limited rain that has started falling and that may come in a spring break.

“Capturing and making efficient use of rainfall is time critical as winter draws to a close and spring arrives, but due to government incompetence farmers are stuck waiting for grant approvals,” Ms Lovell told the Legislative Council.

Top award to local brigades Delays in drought aid

■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence has praoised local Counbtry Fire Authority brigades presented with the Chief Officer’s Commendation, “a prestigious award given only on rare occasions in recognition of exceptional service”.

Brigades receiving this prestigious commendation include Coldstream, Lilydale, Montrose, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Seville, Chirnside Park, Silvan, Badger Creek, Bayswater, Belgrave, Belgrave Heights and South Boronia, Clematis, Emerald, Ferntree Gully, Healesville, Hillcrest, Hoddles Creek, Kallista-The Patch, KaloramaMount Dandenong, Macclesfield, Menzies Creek, Monbulk, Narre Warren East, Olinda, Rowville, Sassafras-Ferny Creek and Selby, The Basin, Upper Ferntree Gully, Upwey, Warburton, Warrandyte, Wesburn-Millgrove, Wonga Park, Yarra Junction and Yellingbo

Projects galore in Yan Yean

■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage has highlighted State Government projects in her electorate.

“I can say Yan Yean Rd upgrade project, Plenty Rd upgrade project, North East Link early works, North East Link, Bridge Inn Rd upgrade and Epping Rd upgrade,” Ms Kathage said.

“We have got the Mernda rail extension project, the kindergartens on school sites and the early learning childcare centres – there is a fantastic one at South Morang. I

“f I continued to list all of the projects, I would run out of time. But I do not want to do that, because I do want to point out just one little Russian doll, I think they are called: the school upgrade at Whittlesea Secondary College that we are delivering, with the new STEAM centre and trade centre for young students, like Chris the chippie from Whittlesea “Whittlesea Secondary College will have fantastic new facilities for young people to see and develop skills to work on projects that will require young people like Chris the chippie to work on those sites.

“So you see that it is a self-reinforcing and self-supporting policy that continues to strengthen that pipeline of not only projects but talent in Victoria,” Ms Kathage told the Legislative Assembly.

Regional Round-Up

Books competition

■ Young people across Mansfield Shire are invited to get creative by participating in Mansfield Library's Bookmark Competition

The growing participation in this year’s Bookmark competition has led Friends of Mansfield Library to contribute $1000 in book vouchers as prizes.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the competition has become a fantastic annual event, growing significantly since it began in 2022.

“Last year, a whopping 240 entries were received from both individuals and local schools,” said Cr Rabie

“Libraries play an important role in the development of young people’s lives. This is a great opportunity for them to get creative, and for their artworks to be made available to the wider community.”

The Bookmark Competition is based on this year’s Book Week theme, ‘Book an adventure’ and will be displayed at the library from October to mid-November. Five prize winners will be selected across three age groups: ■ 4 – 8 years ■ 9 – 12 years ■ 13 – 17 years

Winning designs from each age group will be produced as bookmarks, which will be available free of charge from the library for the entire year.

First, second and third place winners will receive Ink Bookshop vouchers worth $100, $50 and $25 respectively. Participating schools will also each receive a $50 and $25 voucher.

The competition runs for two weeks, closing on Saturday September 7. Winners will be announced on the Mansfield Library Victoria Facebook page on Saturday, September 13.

Entry forms have been distributed to schools across Mansfield Shire and forms are available from Mansfield Library

Rock delays

■ Works are progressing on the Darraweit Rd upgrade in Wallan, with underground drainage now well underway along the section between Acacia Way and Roulston Way

The upgrade is part of the Federal Government’s $11 million commitment to road upgrades in the Macedon and Mitchell Shires, with $5.5 million allocated across the Darraweit Rd and Wellington St projects. Mitchell Shire Council has also committed $200,000 towards these upgrades.

The project will deliver underground drainage, kerbing and full reconstruction of the road pavement to improve safety and durability for road users.

Since construction began in April, drainage trench excavations have continued throughout the site.

However, crews have encountered rock beneath the surface, which has caused some delays to the initial schedule.

Despite this, works are continuing, and the project remains on track for completion in October, weather permitting.

Construction of a new retaining wall is scheduled to begin soon and will continue throughout August.

Park now open

■ The revamped Hill Top Splash Park and Playground in Doreen is now officially open.

The $2.6 million upgrade of the park, located in Landano Way, delivers a range of features for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy in peaceful surrounds.

The playground includes a large play unit with slides, climbing nets and trampoline for older children, and a dedicated area for younger children with a cubby, slide and rocker.

The park’s splash pad, which will be turned on later in the year, spans about 150 square metres and features jets, misters and water channels for interactive play.

Nature play is woven into the park’s design, with logs, boulders and winding paths for children to explore.

To make visits more comfortable and accessible, the park includes large picnic shelters, barbecues, an upgraded car park and new public toilets, including a Changing Places facility to support people with higher needs. The renewed portion of the park features accessible paths and surfaces to improve access for community members with mobility impairments. More than 700 submissions received during two phases of consultation.

● ● ● Lauren Kathage, Yan Yean MLA

● Wendy Lovell MLC

Bridget Vallence, Evelyn MLA

FREE WITH

Observer Melbourne

Melbournewide

Lego robbers

■ Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two men after Lego was stolen during an alleged armed robbery in Sunbury.

It is alleged that the men entered a toy store at a shopping centre on Evans St , armed with a weapon, about 4.30pm on Thursday, August 7.

They allegedly stole items, including Lego worth around $1000.

A female staff member confronted the offenders as they were about to leave the store, before one of them allegedly threatened her.

She was not physically injured and attempted to chase them on foot through the shopping centre and car park.

Police executed two search warrants at properties in Werribee. Two men were arrested and interviewed by detectives.

The 35-year-old Werribee man and the 34-year-old Werribee man were both charged with armed robbery, theft from shop, assault and bail offences.

They were both to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court

Illegal cigarettes

■ A search of a suspect commuter led to transit police uncovering more than 120,000 illegal cigarettes during a warrant at Upper Ferntree Gully.

Protective Services Officers were patrolling the Belgrave line as part of vehicle theft operation when they came across a commuter allegedly carrying an open can of alcohol and smelling of cannabis.

A search of the man located methyl-amphetamine, cannabis and more than $1770 cash.

The man was charged and bailed but police - from Transit East Local Area Command - didn’t stop there.

They obtained a search warrant and on Thursday attended the man’s Upper Ferntree Gully address.

Officers uncovered more than they bargained for, with more than a dozen boxes of illicit tobacco stored at the address.

Inside the boxes were more than 120,000 cigarettes.

Police also located a large knife, methylamphetamine, cannabis, and allegedly stolen alcohol.

The 44-year-old occupant was arrested and charged with possessing the proceeds of crime (illicit tobacco and alcohol), possessing methylamphetamine, possessing cannabis and possessing a prohibited weapon.

The charges were in addition to his train station arrest on August 7 where he was charged with possessing a traffickable quantity of methylamphetamine, possessing cannabis and possessing the proceeds of crime ($1771 cash).

The Upper Ferntree Gully man was bailed to appear before the Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on September 30.

Two women, aged 53 and 57, were also arrested at the address.

It is expected they will be charged on summons with a number of offences including possessing the proceeds of crime (illicit tobacco).

The investigation into the origin of the illegal cigarettes remains ongoing.

Fatal collision

■ Mildura Highway Patrol officers are investigating a fatal collision in Mildura on Thursday evening (Aug. 14).

Emergency services were called to reports pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle at the intersection of Fifteenth St and San Mateo Avenue about 7.50pm.

The pedestrian was treated by paramedics but died at the scene. The driver of the vehicle, a 75-year-old Mildura man, stopped at the scene and was taken to hospital .

COUNTERFEIT CASH SEIZED BY POLICE

Unattended candle

■ A woman’s remarkable escape from a terrifying house fire in Craigieburn is a stark reminder about the dangers of unattended candles and the need for working smoke alarms in homes.

The woman woke to her morning phone alarm shortly before 7am , only to discover her house was on fire and burning fiercely.

A housemate had left a candle burning in a back bedroom, causing the property to go up in flames.

The woman was able to safely evacuate the property.

Firefighters arrived at the scene at 7am, within three minutes, bringing the fire under control at 7.15am.

Nobody else was home at the time of the fire and fortunately no injuries were sustained in the blaze. However, the house was deemed uninhabitable, due to the heat, smoke and water damage.

Smoke alarms in the property were not working at the time of the incident – so had it not been for the phone alarm, the consequences could have been fatal.

FRV Incident Controller Commander Alex Faris said the woman was incredibly lucky to escape the incident unharmed.

“It takes just minutes for a fire to take hold, and the smell of smoke will not wake you up. If you’re going to burn a candle in a home, please ensure you have a working smoke alarm in every bedroom, living and hallway area to provide you with the early detection should a fire break out.”

■ Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad charged a man and seized four imitation firearms, knives, knuckle dusters, a sword, counterfeit money and various drugs following an investigation into drug and firearm trafficking.

Investigators located a 41-year-old Sydenham man in his vehicle in a Port Melbourne car park around 8.45am Thursday (Aug. 14).

A search of the vehicle located an imitation revolver, 10 rounds of .38 special cartridge ammunition, a pistol magazine, a butterfly knife and a flick knife as well as a small quantity of counterfeit money.

The 41-year-old man was arrested and a search warrant was subsequently executed at his residential address in Sydenham Investigators seized over 30 items, including two imitation pistols, an imitation assault rifle, assorted cartridge ammunition, knuckle dusters, a sword, varying quantities of what appear to MDMA, methylamphetamine, testosterone and other pharmaceuticals, as well as a small quantity of counterfeit money.

The 41-year-old Sydenham man was charged with a total of 13 offences including prohibited person possess imitation firearm, possess cartridge ammunition, possess prohibited weapon, possess drug of dependence and possess counterfeit money.

He was bailed by the court to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 29.

Detective Inspector Julie Macdonald, Illicit Firearms Squad, said:

“Replica or imitation firearms may sound like toys but they can cause undue stress to the community when used and possessing them is actually a very serious offence.

“They are of particular concern because they are often indistinguishable from the real thing, especially if used in a high-stress situation such as a burglary or robbery where a victim or witness believes they are real.

“They are prohibited weapons for a reason, and anyone found in their possession will have them seized and will be charged."

Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers

PRESTON MARKET SALE MONITORED

■ Darebin Council says that it is aware of Salta's sale of its 50 per cent share of Preston Market to its long-standing co-owner, Medich Corporation

Darebin Mayor Cr Kristine Olaris said:

"Darebin Council has consistently advocated with the community to highlight the importance of Preston Market

"Through the recently adopted Council Plan, we have committed to continue to proactively protect Preston Market’s social, cultural and historical value for generations to come, engaging with community and supporting the Preston Market traders.

"Council will seek to urgently meet with Medich Corporation , now the sole owner of Preston Market, ensuring we continue to have a positive relationship and enabling us to elevate the voice of our community.

"The Preston Market is often called the beating heart of our community and for good reason. We will always advocate for its protection,” Cr Olaris said.

Criminal damage

■ Rosebud Police officers have charged a woman after multiple cars were damaged in Rosebud last month.

It is alleged the woman left a licenced premises on Point Nepean Rd in Rosebud just aqfter 3am on July 25 before damaging panels on three separate vehicles.

The woman self-presented at a police station.

She has been charged with three counts of criminal damage and was bailed to Dromana Magistrates’ Court on September 4.

6 times over limit

●

● This car was impounded.

■ A man has lost his licence after allegedly returning a blood alcohol reading more than six times the legal limit in Beverford. Officers were called to reports of a Nissan Pulsar driving erratically on the Murray Valley Hwy about 8.50am Friday.

Police intercepted the vehicle and spoke to the driver, a 44-year-old Swan Hill man. He underwent a preliminary breath test, which returned a positive result.

After accompanying police to a local station, the driver undertook an evidentiary breath test where he returned an alleged reading of 0.318. He was issued an immediate 12 month driving ban and will be charged with exceeding the prescribed content of alcohol whilst driving.

His car was also impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1525.

$10m syndicate

■ Victoria Police has dismantled one of the largest organised retail theft syndicates seen in recent years, arresting 19 people allegedly responsible for amassing millions of dollars in stolen goods across metropolitan Melbourne. Main arrests include:

■ On July 2, detectives arrested a 43-yearold man with no fixed address. He is alleged to have stolen more than $88,000 of retail items. He was remanded to appear at Ringwood Magistrates’ Court on August 20.

■ On July 7, detectives arrested a 35-yearold man with no fixed address. He is alleged to have stolen more than $90,000 of retail items. He was remanded to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on August 18.

■ On July 17, detectives arrested a 24-yearold man with no fixed address on a bridging visa. He is alleged to have stolen more than $37,000 worth of retail items. He was remanded to appear at Dandenong Magistrates Court on August 20.

■ On July 30, detectives arrested a 26-yearold man with no fixed address, who is alleged to have stolen more than $95,000 of retail items. He was charged with 37 counts of theft and remanded to appear in Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on September 4.

■ On July 30, detectives arrested a 21-yearold man with no fixed address on a student visa. He is alleged to have stolen more than $109,000 of retail items. He was charged with 45 counts of theft and remanded to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on August 20.

Victoria Police

Your Stars

with Kerry Kulkens

Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s

Trusted Psychic Family

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 8, 2, 4, 16, 28, 33

Loved ones may be uncooperative or argumentative, requiring patience to maintain harmony and peace. For those who remain tolerant, there will be more reasons to celebrate than regret. Happy travels and opportunities to mingle with VIPs are indicated.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Lemon

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6, 9, 1, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 17, 23, 34, 44, 45

Carefully read the fine print on any essential documents. Confidence in your abilities will help you achieve your goals. Many will explore new adventures, which will bring excitement and potential rewards.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 1, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 34, 36, 22

Luck is improving, making this an excellent time to plan and try new ventures. If you require further clarity on long-term commitments, consult experts before proceeding.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 34, 41, 22

A busy period lies ahead—ensure others are pulling their weight. Celebrations of your success are on the horizon, and a surprise gift may bring you delight.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 6, 8, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 17, 23, 36, 42, 11

Financial gains and pleasant surprises are in store. Prepare for visitors and social activities, but avoid overindulgence to keep things enjoyable.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 34, 41, 22

Travel is likely to be enjoyable. Old problems may be resolved, and reconnecting with past contacts can be delightful.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 3, 5

Lotto Numbers: 3, 6, 23, 31, 22, 28

You’ll have the ability to influence others and achieve your goals. Real estate dealings could prove profitable, and you may uncover answers to longstanding mysteries.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 6, 9, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 27, 34, 41

Travel promises to be more engaging than usual, and good news is on the way. Happy surprises await, but be cautious about engaging in gossip.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 6, 8, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 23, 35, 41, 22

Your energy levels will help you tackle uncertainties. Longstanding issues may finally be resolved, and new ventures are set to succeed. Love relationships could heat up.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 27, 34, 38

A restless feeling may lead you to take risks in romantic pursuits. Money should come more efficiently, and career achievements may place you ahead of the competition.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5, 7, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 26, 34, 39

You may face challenges due to others’ problems and demands on your time. A recent setback could be a blessing in disguise, offering unexpected benefits.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 34, 45, 22

Travel expenses may rise as a busy period approaches. Expect more incredible popularity from those who can assist you with your ambitions. Loved ones may surprise you in delightful ways.

Kerry Kulkens™ Magic Shop 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave

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

Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and offerings.

Women fighting cancer

Sir,

Help change the future for women with gynaecological cancer

Every day in Australia , 19 women are diagnosed with gynaecological cancer and heartbreakingly, six will lose their lives.

For those living in regional and rural communities, the challenges are often even greater, with delays in diagnosis, limited access to specialists, and long travel distances adding significant strain to an already devastating experience.

At ANZGOG, we are committed to changing this future.

Our Survivors Teaching Students program is a deeply impactful initiative that brings the voices of women who have experienced gynaecological cancer directly into university classrooms.

These courageous volunteers share their personal stories with medical and nursing students to help shape a more compassionate, informed and responsive generation of healthcare professionals.

Since launching in Australia, our STS volunteers have reached more than 20,000 students.

Their stories help future clinicians better understand the signs and symptoms of these diseases, improve the likelihood of early diagnosis, and embed empathy and respect into the care of every woman affected.

We are now inviting more women to take part in this powerful program.

If you or someone you know has been affected with ovarian, uterine (endometrial), cervical, vulvar or vaginal cancer, your experience can help others.

No public speaking experience is needed — only a willingness to share your journey in a safe and supported environment.

To find out more and join this special and inspiring community, please visit anzgog.org.au/sts

Alison Evans Chief Executive Officer

Australia New Zealand Gynaecological Oncology Group

Age barrier in sport

Sir,

I am contacting you to raise awareness and exposure to the issues surrounding age within professional sport, and the struggle I came across trying to get heard, seen and given a chance.

I hope more people can talk about and discuss this issue.

I was born, raised and have lived in Brisbane all my life. I have always loved cricket and tennis from a young age.

From age 27 (so for the last 15 years) I have been trying my hardest to get someone to take me seriously regarding playing cricket at professional level. Since reaching my 40s I actually feel the best I've ever felt, fitness and health wise.

In 2008 I bowled to England and New Zealand cricket teams as a net bowler, and was told I had talent. I even went over to New

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.

Zealand in 2009 to continue chasing the dream, but nothing came of it.

I played for Sandgate Cricket Club for two years, hoping it could lead somewhere, but sadly it didn't.

I feel like every avenue and door I've tried to access has come to a dead end each time. Now I am 43 age is also a huge factor. There is such discrimination regarding age in all sports, not just cricket.

No one is willing to give a chance, we are living in a time where everyone is expecting to be accepted yet there's still such a discrimination regarding older players.

It's time for change. If someone has the stamina, ability, and fitness level to play at an accepted professional level?

They should be allowed a shot, to just get in front of the right person once, to show what they have to offer ... the problem is? Finding the right person.

I am wanting to raise awareness for others out there too who feel there is no point trying.

There should be more open mindness, everyone on an individual basis, on their own merit, regardless their age, or background. Rate them on talent alone. Doors need opening.

Emmanuel Etheridge By email

Storyat Montsalvat, now I am returns with the latest and the best of these past two decades of work; a Solo Exhibtion of Paintings and Drawings about the history of Melbourne

ReturningtotheRiver–remappingMelbourneis an exhibition opening Friday night August 29, 6pm-8pm. The exhibition runs August 29- September 28.

You may have seen me making art outdoors from Port Melbourne to the Yarra Ranges – anywhere along the Yarra River – in the last 20 years.

I have been drawn to the river in an effort to understand and trace the history of Melbourne and its surrounds.

I have spent nearly two decades researching, walking and drawing the river, the land, the city in an effort to gain a sense of its ancient history as it whispers.

Sometimes it feels like seeing through history as I look out on the land and put together the history of the place in my mind and on paper.

Trying to understand what the land looked like before colonisation, researching the geology, land use and stories.

I combine images from early maps, to contemporary buildings, river views and subdivisions.

I believe that the way we represent the land reflects our relationship to it.

I use everything from William Thomas’ 1830s map through to modern satellite imagery.

Traditional landscape art is about conveying a superficial visual record of a place, as a pretty picture for sale, it’s another way of commodifying the land.

I have spent years searching archives, researching and being by the river.

Incorporated into these artworks are everything from the stories of horrors in lunatic asylums and convents, to plans for roads and freeways constructed over sacred sites, buried in the works are records of massacres.

These stories are buried in our culture but are still present. All this is combined with the beautiful, powerful senses of place and the landscape itself.

This exhibition showcases the culmination of nearly 20 years work, to re-map the Yarra/Birrarung River and the history and environment of Melbourne

Artworks ranging from paintings to almost sculptural drawings incorporate multiple perspectives, capturing layers of history and conveying a powerful sense of place.

This is a new way to view Melbourne, a way to face our collective history, as well as challenge the conventions of traditional landscape art.

These artworks are informed by decades of research. Executed in ink, pencil, gouache, pastel, earth, oils and a range of other media, these artworks create evocative, eroded surfaces in the artist’s signature palette.

These multi-layered artworks reveal some of the darker stories that are embedded in the land; a metaphor for the hidden layers, the buried trauma.

Subway open

■ Members of No. 1 Rostrum Club, which is one of those clubs which teach people to speak In public, aren't a bit impressed by the announcement that there'll be a grand opening on August 31 of the Degraves st subway.

As a matter of fact, they can't see any reason why there should be any opening They point out that in the THEY'VE officially opened the subway half a dozen times!

Lick this

■ Tailwagger chief George Sutton appeared on UZ the other evening with another animal-lover, George Bills-Thompson, with whom he was associated on the air In the 30's.

Sutton is a dog fancier. Bills-Thompson must be a dog fanatic. He claims you should never allow a dog to lick a baby. Causes the dog's-coat to lose its lustre.

Wrong delivery

■ Driver of a laundry delivery van called thc other day on an Elwood doctor to deliver some articles. Doctor handed him a pacel which had been delivered in error on a previous trip. And i should think so, too, contained a butcher apron.

Polio fight

■ Nature did the best job of immunising children against polio, Sir Macfarlane Burnet told the Science Congress last night.

"We can only, adopt a vaccine against polio when we are assured that it is as effective as Nature's method and a lot safer."

Sir Macfarlane, who is director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, said 99% would unknowingly be immunised by their silent infection with the virus.

For a vaccine to be effective, it must protect that unfortunate fraction of less than 1% of children who, for. one reason or another, would otherwise suffer the paralytic disease.

Moomba fun

■ With 20,000 oversea visitors in Melbourne for the Olympic Games, THAT is the time to hold the Moomba Carnival next year, says MOOMBA FAN, of New st., Elsternwick He says: The festival would have bigger crowds, more fun. Our oversea visitors would be well entertained and go away with great impressions of Melbourne. And we wouldn't have to dress up tile city twice - for Moomba AND. the Games

Breaking Point

■ As part of its campaign to highlight the poor rundown state of the firefighting truck fleet in Victoria , the United Firefighters Union has commissioned Blue Tree Studios to make a series of short documentary films collectively titled BreakingPoint

The films are a powerful indictment of the lack of action in relation to an ageing fleet of trucks and pull no punches in detailing what the possible tragic consequences might be of fighting fires using outdated equipment.

Consisting of four short films, each running for around 13 minutes, BreakingPoint is shot in a vox pop style where the ‘public’ consists of firefighters themselves.

Interspersed with clips of fire trucks in action and in various states of disrepair, firefighters tell of mishaps and dangerous situations they have faced.

Such situations are due to faulty firefighting equipment on ageing unreliable fire trucks that are well past their use-by date.

Breaking Point uses real firefighters, rather than actors, to tell often harrowing stories of equipment failures and the potentially dangerous consequences of such failures for both the public and firefighters alike.

All of the firefighters used, drawn from across the state, appear relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera and genuinely concerned and fearful about their situation. This gives all four films a powerful sense of authenticity.

Working for Blue Tree Studios on BreakingPoint were Joseph Feil, who produced and directed, and Lewis Matthews, who filmed and edited. The two of them have created a professional and hard-hitting expose of the dreadful situation the fire truck fleet is in.

At present only available online via a website and YouTube, it is hoped that the four shorts can be made available to a wider audience through more mainstream media outlets. They are well-made and convey a powerful message that needs to be heard by all Victorians.

Venue: Available online and YouTube

Duration: Four films each running for 1214 minutes

For further information about the film: breakingpoint.com.au/Home#Episodes

Review by Peter Murphy

Destiny

■ Melbourne Theatre Company presents Destiny, the intimate family drama of allure and loyalty, until September 13 at Southbank Theatre, The Sumner.

Written by and starring award-winning South African-born actor and playwright Kirsty Marillier and directed by Zindzi Okenyo (Is God Is), Destiny is set against the canvas of world-changing events.

It serves as a potent reminder that the past is always with us.

Set in South Africa in January 1976, Della is 24 and doing her best to stay under the radar - working at the general store, keeping her younger brother Rocky out of trouble, and her dad off the booze.

But when her old flame Ezra arrives with a head full of revolution - and Rocky starts getting ideas - Della's world will be upended by forces that will echo around the globe.

As student uprisings surge and the shadow of apartheid deepens, family ties are tested, old wounds resurface and a generation stands on the edge of change.

Buoyed by the spirit of social revolution that came to a head in the 1970s, this world premiere captures the era’s music, fashion and sense of freedom in a fierce, funny, and unforgettable tale.

Performance Season: August 18 - September 13

Performance Times: Visit mtc.com.au/ plays-and-tickets/whats-on/season-2025/ destiny/

Venue: Southbank Theatre, The Sumner, 140 Southbank Blvd.

Tickets: From $72.

Bookings: mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/ whats-on/season-2025/destiny/ Cheryl Threadgold

Songs For A New World

● ● ●

● The full cast of Songs for a New World (not in order): Isabella Gangi, Kelse Halge, Anna Francesca Armenia, Ken Paolo Gilua, Ethan Cooper, Dan Ham, Ben Goldsbrough, Maddi Xuereb, Alessandra Merlo, Benoit Vari, Campbell Bonello, Mollie Williams, Tayla Muir, Teo Vergara, and Zac Parkes.

■ The production was damn good, but the uninitiated would have trouble identifying names of soloists or duet performers as no cast names were listed against the song titles.

Given that it is a nonstop song performance there is no spoken dialogue. In fact at times, visually, dance takes over – so should it not have been termed Songs and Dance for the NewWorld?

How dare I say all that, so let us concentrate on the recent performance by Soundworks Productions at Chapel Off Chapel

Written by 25 year old Jason Robert Brown, an American Musical Theatre composer in 1995, SongsforaNewWorld follows the journey of people on a Spanish sailing ship in 1497, heading for a new land full of hope, praying and singing “carry us onto the new world” in the opening number The New World. From there the musical quickly progressed through other periods of time such as the Revolutionary War of 1775, before moving into contemporary settings.

An open stage with a back row rostrum draped with symbolic sail cloths and with a small mobile platform giving great scope for Director Lauren McKinnon in giving us the diverse genre of some 18 musically distinctive and dramatically effective songs.

Vocally there was a story behind every song and while being shared giving difficulty in highlighting particular cast – as all 15 were of high calibre, living every moment of their renditions with dynamism and high momentum.

Notable were performances by Dan Ham, Kelsey Halge, Benoit Vari and Tayla Lauren Muir all bonding on the same level as the other 11 singers and dancers.

Renowned choreographer Benjamin Cure with his highly creative and bold dance movement interpretations blended well with the theme of the individual songs.

Maintaining the cast with an evenness of rapid movement, all without flaw was exhilarating to watch. A standout and most expressive dancer was Ethan Cooper

Musical Director Mark Bradley with his on stage band provided the musical backing at the right level, not overshadowing the cast, particularly with their solos or duets.

Photo: Matthew Chen as the three stages of spiritual life according to the Orthodox Christian tradition- purification, illumination and deification - were expressed through music.

At times the music soared with passion while, in contrast, it then mellowed, becoming contemplative, meditative almost. Throughout it all there were delightful notes hinting of traditional music.

The second piece of the evening was the TchaikovskyViolinConcertowith the solo violinist Simone Lamsma

The concerto is technically challenging for the violinist but Lamsma took it in her stride. She showed wonderful skill and technique on the more demanding passages while never sacrificing emotion and expressiveness.

After a short interval the evening concluded with the Brahmssymphony. From the Romantic era of classical music, the symphony moved from a warm pastoral feel to one of pensiveness and contemplation before ending on an uplifting and joyful finale.

The three different works covered a range of mood and feeling which was handled with great aplomb by the orchestra and soloist under the guidance of guest South Korean conductor Shiyeon Sung.

Sung showed why she is a successful conductor of international renown with her confident and assured performance.

In its 2025 program, then, the MSO continues to go from strength to strength.

Performed at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

Review by Peter Murphy

● ● ● ●

and

■ Frederick Knott’s Dial M for

.

is an unusual choice of a play to revive given its 1952 origin as a radio play and subsequent film.

Tony Wendice (Tyrie Aspinall) plots to kill his wife, Margot (Bridget Bourke), given her past relationship with the crime writer, Max Halliday (Leon Walshe).

Wendice persuades Captain Lesgate (Joshua Bruce) to strangle Margot but is himself despatched though Margot is framed for his demise.

The subsequent investigation by Inspector Hubbard (also played by Joshua Bruce) established her innocence because of an errant latch key.

Knott’s play is an old fashioned pot-boiler. The exposition of the scheme and some of the discourse comes across as a little dated today.

Walshe ultimately manages to inject an enthusiasm in his character when trying to promote his life-saving scheme.

Bruce is suitably relaxed in both his roles. The audience manages to accommodate the murderer and inspector as different entities but it is an inconvenient leap.

Bourke covers the range from masking her past relationship to being unfairly framed.

Aspinall’s delivery is not as comfortable as it might be, the mannered nature of an Englishman not yet second nature.

The open set (Jodi Hope) is suitable but for the need to secure the door frame more firmly. Most unusual and anachronistic is the director’s choice (Dean Drieberg) of upgrading the phone over the course of the play from a dial to a touch and, finally, mobile device that is a conceit gone wrong.

The ‘Dial M’ of the title might be a giveaway here and, whatever message he hoped to impart, is lost in the incongruity of the change.

Foremost in the production is the internecine plot rather than any other social message. Wendice outlines his plan, Halliday’s solution is the plan again and Hubbard exposes the plan. Everything else is artifice.

Presented at Theatre Works

Review by

David McLean

Crisis Actor

■ In CrisisActor, audiences do more than just watch – they use their phones to help shape the outcome of a dark and playful performance that blends silliness with solemnity.

Premiering at Arts House in partnership with Now or Never, CrisisActoris part surrealist comedy, part live-action video game and will be presented from August 27-31 at Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall.

Set inside the speculative CrisisHaus, a hyper-mediated reality TV studio on the brink of collapse, two actors compete for the audience’s empathy. Using motion-capture technology, their performances unfold simultaneously in-person and as live 3D avatars.

McCoubrie

I said at the beginning, “The production was damn good” and while there is a lot more that could be said, it befits us all to catch a future production of SongsForANewWorld Review by Graeme

MSO Concert

■ In a wonderful evening of classical music, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra delighted with three works, one contemporary and two from the 19th century.

The works were: the premiere of The Ascent, a Klearhos Murphy composition; Tchaikovsky’sViolinConcerto; and Brahm’s SecondSymphony. The orchestra’s Cyber Young Composer in Residence, Greek-Australian Murphy’s short piece TheAscentconsisted of three parts.

TheViolinConcertoinDmajor,Op.35, the only violin concerto written by Tchaikovsky, also consisted of three movements. SymphonyNo.2inDmajor,Op.73by Brahms followed the basic structure of a classical symphony and consisted of four movements. TheAscentwas a short but impressive piece

In a novel take on second-screen theatre, the audience remains on their phones throughout the experience, engaging with a mobile website in real-time.

Through live chat, prompts and voting, they actively influence the direction of the show. There are two possible endings, but there is only one winner.

'Crisis actor' is a loaded term. Once used for actors playing victims in emergency simulations, it has since been co-opted by conspiracy theorists to deny real-world tragedies.

In this speculative performance, the term morphs into a lens to examine how suffering is performed, mediated and commodified in the attention economy.

Produced by Performing Lines, this concept was the creative spark for writer-director Vidya Rajan, digital artist Sam Mcgilp and dramaturg Andrew Sutherland, who ask: In a world where attention is currency, what kind of pain gets rewarded?

“Crisis Actor is like playing a video game with real people. It draws from reality shows and live gaming formats, but bends them into something darker and more surreal,” says Rajan. Blending theatre, motion-capture and game design, Crisis Actor is a sharp satire on simulation culture and the gamification of our attention and empathy. This is a world where catastrophe is content, memory is a competition, suffering is a vibe and resilience is celebrity

Performance Season: August 27 – 31 7.30pm Wed – Fri 1pm and 7.30pm Sat 5pm Sun

Venue: Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry St., North Melbourne

Duration: 60-75 minutes, no interval

Tickets: $40/$25/$15

Bookings: arrtshouse.com.au 9322 3720

Leon Walshe

Bridget Bourke in Dial M for Murder

Photo: Dave McCarthy

Murder

● Playwright Kirsty Marillier (Della) and Barry Conrad (Ezra) in Destiny. Photo: Jo Duck

Julie David Holy Family School, Mt Waverley

Fact File

NAME: Holy Family School, Mount Waverley

ADDRESS: 250 Stephensons Rd, Mount Waverley, Vic 3149

PHONE: 9807 3300

WEBSITE: wwww.hfmw.catholic. edu.au

EMAIL: principal@hfmw.catholic. edu.au

them to help develop positive attitudes to faith, life and learning.

Our community fosters a nurturing and inclusive environment where everyone is valued, respected and supported.

This is evident when you walk into our incredible foyer, with images of student leaders and student projects which are all on display to be admired.

Through our shared foundation of mutual respect, trust and acceptance, we work together to build strong, meaningful relationships that promote a deep sense of belonging.

There is also a real ‘energy for learning’ at Holy Family, not only with the students but the staff.

Our staff have made positive changes to pedagogy and curriculum in the last 18 months.

Our staff are eager to learn and this filters through to the students who are engaged, insightful and incredible leaders.

We look forward to meeting your family soon.

Tess Dwyer, St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School, Healesville

● ● Tess Dwyer

As Principal of St. Brigid’s School in Healesville, I feel incredibly blessed to lead a community where faith, learning, and relationships are at the

Meet The Principals Great

Schools across Victoria

Fact File

NAME: St Brigid’s Catholic Primary School

ADDRESS: 1 High St, Healesville, Vic 3777

PHONE: 5962 4200

WEBSITE: www.sbhealesville. catholic.edu.au

EMAIL: principal@sbhealesville. catholic.edu.au

heart of everything we do.

With over 20 years as a Catholic educator—and as a mother of four— I know firsthand that it truly takes a village to raise a child.

That belief shapes everything we do at St. Brigid’s. I’m passionate about building strong, respectful partnerships between families and staff, because when we work together, our children thrive.

Our vision is to be a Christ-centred community where every child feels safe, valued, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Alongside our dedicated staff, I’m committed to nurturing the whole child—academically, socially, and spiritually.

We learn from the past, challenge the present, and create the future, always with families at the heart of our journey.

St. Brigid’s is more than a school— it’s a place where children are known, supported, and celebrated.

I warmly invite you to visit and experience the joy of learning and growing in a community that truly cares.

Natalie Kenny, St Dominic’s Primary School, Camberwell East

As a Catholic educator of over 30 years and parent of two, I deeply value the importance of selecting the right primary school for your child and family.

Fact File

NAME: St Dominic’s Primary School

ADDRESS: 145 Highfield Rd, Camberwell, Vic 3124

PHONE: 9836 8300

WEBSITE: WEBSITE: www.sdcamberwell east.catholic.edu.au

EMAIL: principal@sdcamberwell east.catholic.edu.au

Enrolling your child is a significant family decision, so it is important that you visit prospective schools and encounter their learning culture and community, and ask key questions to support your decision.

Our St Dominic’s school community is welcoming, dynamic, inclusive and highly-engaged and our children are at the heart of all we do.

Wellbeing is foundational to successful learning and our students are happy, confident, and well-supported to build meaningful connections and achieve positive learning outcomes. This is at the core of our work.

Our Dominican Charism is based on the foundations of Prayer, Learning, Service and Community; this is real, lived and celebrated each day at St Dominic’s.

We provide diverse and engaging learning programs, excellent contemporary learning spaces, we value and engage student voice, target learning support and we are proud of our caring and professional staff.

I warmly invite you and your family to “Discover the St Dom’s Difference” where we are so much more than a school!

Holy Family School in Mount Waverley recognises the development of the whole child and works with each of

● ● ● Julie David

Our Lady of Sion College Box Hill

As Principal of Our Lady of Sion College, it is a real privilege to walk alongside our students in some of the most formative years of their lives. Our supportive and inclusive community works to ensure that students are named and known and we aim to create diverse opportunities to help students feel a strong sense of belonging, which in turn will motivate them to take on challenges in their learning.

We enjoy wonderful facilities and resources that our students value, and as an all-girls’ school, we foster an environment where students can fully focus on their academic and personal growth.

We find that our students are confident in exploring their interests and developing a passion for learning and with the full attention and support of dedicated teachers, they are provided with opportunities to reach their potential.

Our goal is to inspire a love for

Fact File

NAME: Our Lady of Sion College

ADDRESS: 1065 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill, Vic 3128

PHONE: 9890 9097

EMAIL: ISztalSusman@sion. catholic.edu.au

learning, encourage curiosity and critical thinking, and help students strive for personal excellence. We also nurture a strong sense of compassion and justice, and the belief that they can make a positive impact in the world.

Sion is a wonderful place where people can be themselves and can build a great future.

Ashanti Capitani, Year 7

I’m grateful to have found such a supportive and friendly community.

Amani Ilango, Year 7

You feel ready to learn, grow and be innovative.

Olivia Wall, Year 7

Angela Ferro Corpus Christi Primary School

Angela Ferro, in her second year of principalship of Corpus Christi School, has been actively leading the school community in writing a new chapter in the school’s ongoing story as they celebrate 70 years of service to the Glenroy community.

Angela has spent her life serving Catholic Education, valuing strong relationships and appreciating that life is full of many adventures and challenges and that these are best

Nick Scully, Kolbe Catholic College, Greenvale & Mickelham

As Principal of Kolbe Catholic College, I am privileged to lead a vibrant and growing Catholic learning community.

Over recent years, our college has

Fact File

NAME: Corpus Christi Primary School

ADDRESS: 13/21 Widford Rd, Glenroy, Vic 3046

PHONE: 9306 3062

EMAIL: principal@ccglenroy, catholic.edu.au

approached with a positive attitude, a willingness to pivot and adjust to make the most of any situation, and at all times keeping faith in God’s plan.

With growing enrolments, exciting developments in Learning and Teaching and a thriving community, Corpus Christi is fast becoming the school of first choice for local residents.

Students are fortunate to engage in exciting learning experiences across all curriculum areas with a focus on Literacy and Numeracy skills as well as dedicated specialist classes including Visual Arts, Physical Education, Languages Other Than English (LOTE) and Library.

At Corpus Christi, the first priority is to ensure a safe, caring, and inclusive environment where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to thrive academically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally. Together with the dedicated staff, Angela is committed to upholding high standards of excellence while fostering a culture of mutual respect and service.

Angela and the staff of Corpus Christi warmly invite you to visit the school to get a first hand look at a little school with a great big heart.

Fact File

NAME: Kolbe Catholic College

ADDRESS: Lysterfiled Drive, Greenvale, Vic 3059 and The Woods Blv & Alexo Road, Mickleham VIC 3064

PHONE: 8339 3060

EMAIL: rherrara@kolbecc. catholic,edu.au

flourished - welcoming more families, expanding programs, and strengthening our reputation for academic excellence, faith development and genuine care for every student.

Next year will be a milestone in our journey, with the opening of our second campus for Year 7 students.

Purpose-built for learning and connection, this new space will give our newest secondary students the very best start to their secondary years.

At the heart of our growth is the Melbourne Archdiocese Catholic Schools’ Vision for Instruction and Vision for Engagement - two powerful frameworks that shape how we teach, how our students learn and how we build meaningful relationships in our community.

These visions ensure that every lesson is purposeful, every student is supported, and every opportunity is embraced.

It is a joy to work alongside dedicated staff, supportive families and young people who bring energy, curiosity and hope to our college each day.

Together, we are building a place where every student can thrive - now and into the future.

Steve Evans, Holy Trinity Primary School, Wantirna South

Welcome to Holy Trinity Primary School, Wantirna South, a vibrant, faith-filled community where every child is known, valued, and supported. As Principal, I am proud to lead a

Fact File

NAME: Holy Trinity Primary School ADDRESS: 10 Riddell Rd, Wantirna South, Vic 3152

PHONE: 9801 8296

EMAIL: principal@htws. catholic.edu.au

school that has been a vital part of the local community since 1985. Holy Trinity, part of the Parish of St Jude’s, Scoresby, offers inclusive, high-quality education grounded in Catholic values.

We are a welcoming and diverse community where every student is nurtured to reach their full potential.

At Holy Trinity, learning is at the heart of all we do. Our collaborative and innovative approach empowers students and staff to grow together.

Our passionate teachers go beyond delivering the curriculum, they make learning engaging, joyful, and meaningful.

Success is seen not only in academic results, but in the confidence, curiosity, and connection we see in our students each day.

We are committed to educating the whole child. Our TORCH values; Tolerance, Optimism, Respect, Confidence, and Honesty; support academic, emotional, social, and spiritual development, guiding students to become compassionate, resilient individuals.

With over 20 years in Catholic education, I deeply value the partnership between school, family, and parish. I warmly invite you to visit and experience the Holy Trinity community for yourself.

● ● ● ● Nick Scully

● ● Steve Evans

● ● Angela Ferro

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ The 1812 Theatre: Home, I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) Until August 30 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Witches (based on the book by Roald Dahl. Adapted by David Wood) Until August 23 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Leah Osburn. Bookings: beaumaristheatre. com.au

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Fallen Angels (Noel Coward) Until August 30 at Brighton Theatre. Director: Joe Dias. Bookings: brightontheatre.com.au

■ The Mount Players: A Skull in Connemara (by Martin McDonagh) Until August 31 at the Mountview Theatre, Murphy St., Macedon. Director: Travis Handcock. Bookings: 0419 329 052

■ Peridot Theatre: Frankenstein (by Nick Dear) Until August 24 at the Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: George Benca. Bookings: \tickets@peridot.com.au

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood (Adam Szymkowicz) August 21 – 30 at the Strathmore Community Hall, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Brian Edmond. Bookings: stagtheatre.org

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Grey Nomad (written and directed by Dan Lee)

August 22 – September 6 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ Malvern Theatre: The Humans (by Stephen Karam) August 22 – September 6 at 29a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicky Neville-Jones. Bookings: malverntheatre company.com.au

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Hollow Crown (by John Barton) September 3 – 20 at 3-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: wlt.org.au/booktickets

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Broadway Bound (by Neil Simon) September 4 – 13 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Michelle Swann) Bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Other Desert Cities (Jon Robin Baitz) September 5 – 20 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Gaetano Santo. Bookings: email boxoffice@htc.org.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Addams Family, a new musical (Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice). September 5 – 20 at Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Isabella Preston. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Heartbreak Choir (Aidan Fennessey) September 5 – 20 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Sue Rawkins. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au

■ Theatre of the Damned: La Cage Aux Follies September 12 – 20 at the Belmont Performing Arts Centre. Director: Elise Dahl; Musical Director: Nathan Firmin; Choreographer: Venessa Paech. Bookings: theatreofthedamnedgeelong.com

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Cosi (by Louis Nowra) September 11 – 20 at the Bradshaw St. Community Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director: Rosalin Shafik-Eid. Bookings: 04064 48368 or trybooking

■ Burwood University Student Theatre Company: Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) September 11 – 13 at the Clayton Community Theatre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Ares Stevenson. Bookings: TBC.

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) September 11 – 17 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Katie-Jane Amery. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com

■ NOVA Music Theatre: Chess, September 12 – 21 at The Round. Nunawading. Bookings: novamusictheatre.com.au

■ Frankston Theatre Group: Emma (by Jane Austen, adapted by Michael Bloom) September 25 – October 5 at Frankston High School Performing Arts Theatre, 97 Foot Street, Frankston. Director: Candice Mitrousis. Bookings: frankstontheatregroup. com.au

■ The Basin Theatre Group: Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Sarah Ruhl) October 2 – 12 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: John Putman. Bookings: 0494 065 006.

■ The 1812 Theatre: Speaking in Tongues (by Andrew Bovell) October 2 – 25 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Dexter Bourke. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

Entertainment

STATE SCHOOLS SPECTACULAR

■ Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the VictorianStateSchoolsSpectacular returns in 2025 for two shows on Saturday September 13 at 1pm and 6.30pm at the John Cain Arena. Since the inaugural VSSS in 1995, Victorian students have had the opportunity to take part in the Spectacular where it has seen talent such as Vanessa Amorosi, Opera Australia soprano Nicole Car, TinaTurnertheMusical lead Ruva Ngwenya , The Voice winner Harrison Craig and award-winning music theatre star Max McKenna as all having been a part of the VSSSduring their school years.

In 2025, 2500 Victorian students from 200 government schools have begun a seven-month creative journey, which will culminate in the state’s budding creative talent taking to the stage as circus artists, musicians, singers and dancers as well as further students taking on important behind-the-scenes roles in stage management, audio, lighting, vision, costumes, and production.

This year’s show - On Air – is taking flight and soaring high, reaching new stratospheric heights of performance.

The show will explore the element that unifies all of us, and indeed, life on the planet –AIR - every breath, every breeze, every sigh. Following the metaphor of air, through music, dance and performance, the show investigates concepts of facing one’s fears, breathing in one’s self-belief, through to the stories heard on the wind in a children’s lullaby.

The show will begin with a grand celebration of the air with leading Victorian Aerialists literally dancing in the air suspended high above the stage of John Cain Arena

It will continue through welcoming back the First Nations Ensemble with their new work Cicadas, led by Na Djinang Circus

The award winning Pese Mai vocalists will also be welcomed back, with songs performed in multiple First Nations languages.

Carefully curated through suggestions from the students, there will be over 42 musical items in this year’s show, featuring music from Sheppard, Max Richter, Queen, Gotye, Ibrahim Maalouf, Sergio Medes, Karl Jenkins, Gloria Estefan, Top-loader, Connor Price and Six60 amongst many others. The orchestra will also be playing specially commissioned original music by Kai Chen Lim

The 2500 students are made up of Principal Vocalists, Principal Dancers, Backing Vocalists, Victorian State Schools Choir, a 75-piece orchestra, 1200 mass dance students and 1100 in the mass choir.

Participating primary and secondary school students work with industry professionals across several disciplines as part of the preparation and performance of the Spectacular, providing a unique training opportunity for

More Shows

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Juliet October 10 – 25 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Karl McNamara; Musical Director: Dan Heskett; Choreographer: Felicity Bender. Bookings: cloc.org.au

■ Babirra Music Theatre: Grease October 10 – 18 at The Round, Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Bookings: theround.com.au/ whats-on/grease-babirra

■ Encore Theatre: The Revlon Girl (by Anthony Docking) October 10 – 19 at the Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: David Krause. Bookings: encoretheatre.com.au

Auditions

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Significant Other (by Joshua Harmon) August 20 at 7pm; August 23 at 10am at Bradshaw St. Community Hall, 9 Bradshaw St., Essendon. Director: George Benca. Audition bookings: georgebenca@gmail.com and 0419591517

■ The Basin Theatre Group: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (by C S Lewis, adapted by Glyn Robbins) August 20 at 7pm, August 23 at 10am at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Jason Triggs. Audition enquiries: 0497 159 474 or email jason.triggs.m@gmail.com

Please book auditions through trybooking by visiting trybooking.com/CZWWP

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Tin Woman (by Sean Grennan) October 5 and October 6 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Brett Turner-Valenta. Audition enquiries: bturnsta63@gmail.com Cheryl Threadgold

● ● Zoe Brown, Ruby Edwards, Charlee Lattenstein, Alex Rossi, Alexia Moxon, Mackenzie Hawkins, James Nimaya, Tanisha Oetomo and Amelia Apotolopoulos in the Victorian State Schools Spectacular. Photo: Image Play.

students onstage as well as backstage in areas like stage management, audio, lighting and video.

Presented by the Department of Education, students in the VSSS train and perform under the guidance of industry professionals who make up the Creative Team including Creative Director Neill Gladwin, Musical Director Chong Lim, Dance Director Yvette Lee, Creative Producer Simon K Patterson, Costume Designer Isaac Lummis, and award-winning Lighting Designer Paul Jackson

Creative Director Neill Gladwin says: “This year our student cast gave us song themes of flying, floating and soaring; music that was truly on air. From these ideas the 2025 Spectacular was born - transcending the terrestrial and embracing the stratosphere."

Performance Details: Saturday, September 13 at 1pm and 6.30pm

Venue: John Cain Arena

Tickets: Adults $40, Concession $30, Junior (U15) $20 (A $6.90 service fee per transaction applies on all purchases)

Bookings: ticketek.com.au/spectacular

Show Duration: 2 hrs. 45 mins. (Including interval)

Cheryl Threadgold

Troy

■ Rehearsals are underway for Malthouse’s Troy, the epic new production written by Tom Wright and directed by Ian Michael being presented from September 4-25 at Malthouse's Merlyn Theatre.

This bold retelling of the ancient Greek myth features an ensemble of Australian stage talent, each taking on iconic roles from the Trojan legend. The cast includes Ciline Ajobong, Paula Arundell, Danny Ball, Elizabeth Blackmore, Geraldine Hakewill, Lyndon Watts and Mark Leonard Winter.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled with the extraordinary cast we’ve brought together at Melbourne’s Malthouse. Each performer is fearless, incredibly skilled, and fully committed to this demanding work”, said Director Ian Michael. “From our very first day of rehearsals, the energy has been electric. I feel privileged to collaborate with such exceptional artists to bring another of Tom’s adaptations to life. Troy is raw, dynamic, and deeply human.”

Michael, currently Resident Director at Sydney Theatre Company, has garnered widespread acclaim for his productions of Picnicat HangingRock(2025), Stolen(2024) and Constellations(2023), as well as his work alongside Kip Williams on STC’s groundbreaking cinetheatre productions.

Troy is brought to life by a visionary creative team, with set and costumes by Dann Barber, lighting by Paul Jackson, original composition by Rosalind Hall, and sound design by Marco Cher.

Troy revisits the Trojan War with visceral physicality, poetic force, and contemporary urgency. The production will plunge audiences into a world where gods and mortals collide, battles are fought on mythic and emotional frontlines, and violence reverberates across generations.

Performance Season: September 4 - 25 Times: Previews: 7.30pm, September 4; 7.30pm, September 5; 7.30pm, September 6; 6.30pm, September 8; In Season: 6.30pm, Monday; 7.30pm, Tuesday-Saturday; 2.00pm, Saturday. Time to Talk: 7.30pm. Tuesday September 16.

Venue: Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse, 113 Sturt St., Southbank Bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au Cheryl Threadgold

Life of Chuck

● ● Annalise Basso and Tim Hiddleston in The Life of Chuck ■ Before seeing TheLifeofChuck, it helps to know that the film is in three acts, and travels back through time. Each act focuses on a different cast, with the character of Chuck (played as an adult by Tom Hiddleston) being the common link.

The story is by famed horror novelist Stephen King, and the first third of the film is profoundly disturbing with acts of natural disaster happening that could indicate the end of the world.

Suddenly the only light comes from the moon and stars and weird lit billboards of Chuck and the message ‘ thanks for everything’.

Eventually we find that Chuck is a man who is dying, and then we start to travel back through his life to the tragic events but also the joys in his life, especially when he discovers as a child that he can dance.

Dancing for joy is a central theme, as in the second act, on seeing a solo drummer busking, Chuck breaks out into a spectacular dance routine, and is soon joined by passer by Janice (Annalise Basso) and their extended dance routine to a sudden crowd is one of the most joyful and stunning features of the film.

As a younger man and boy in Acts Two and One, Chuck is played by Jacob Tremblay, Benjamin Pajak and Cody Flanagan, all effective performances.

As teacher Marty Anderson in Act One, Chiwetel Ejiofor gives a finely nuanced performance as a man who realises this could be the end of the world, along with Karen Gillam as his ex-wife, but still a friend, and a nurse who is dealing with tragedy as people end their lives in fear.

We meet Chuck as a young boy who is orphaned but lovingly brought up by his grandparents Sarah (Mia Sara) and Albie Krantz (a difficult to recognise Mark Hamill of StarWarsfame), and there are scary family secrets from which they try to protect Chuck

Life of Chuck is a puzzling film initially, and while the scenario may sound depressing, it has a lot of joy and positivity, and is a celebration of life and what’s important in life. It’s worth seeing and should provide some great discussions over a post-film drink.

Julie Houghton

MSO launch

■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Season 2026 celebrates 120 years of musicmaking with a new look and a program shaped by emotion, innovation and artistry.

The season will be showcasing celebrated Australian and international artists—including three making their Australian debut and 12 appearing with the MSO for the first time.

There is a new Concertmaster Natalie Chee , and two premieres by award-winning Melbourne composer and MSO Composer in Residence for 2026 Joe Chindamo.

“Our distinguished international guests include French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, UK cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, American pianist Kirill Gerstein, soprano Danielle de Niese and Spanish violinist María Dueñas ," says Chief Conductor Jaime Martín

Singaporean conductor Kahchun Wong leads MahlerandTchaikovsky, featuring Sergei Nakariakov’s flugelhorn rendition of VariationsonaRococoTheme, Mahler’s First Symphony Titan, and a premiere by Cybec Young Composer in Residence Andrew Aronowicz Americans, conductor Jonathan Heyward and saxophonist Steven Banks, also debut with Hope and Bravery: Shostakovich and Tomasi, pairing Shostakovich’s Seventh Symphony with Tomasi’sSaxophoneConcerto; while cellist Zlatomir Fung makes his Australian debut during the Year of the Horse at MSO’s iconic Chinese New Year concert.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment

Trophy Boys

■ The return season of Emmanuelle Mattana’s TrophyBoysis not just a testament to its theatrical durability but to the importance of the insights and messaging. The work is superbly crafted, luring audiences in with a seemingly comic send up schoolboy culture.

Owen (Myfanwy Hocking), David (Leigh Lule), Scott (Gaby Seow) and Jared (Fran Sweeney Nash) are preparing for a debate against their sister school on the topic of feminism. The audience laughs at girls dressed as boys mimicking, and with some accuracy one might say, the physical and verbal attitudes of adolescent males.

At the same time, as they prepare for the debate, the conventional arguments about feminism and patriarchy are teased out.

Only when there is an accusation of inappropriate conduct do we see a change in the audience’s demeanour. We are less comfortable but, in some ways, reassured by the explanations offered.

The comic relief returns. Then we are confronted by the accusation of rape and the dramatic intensity reaches its height. The boys, having previously turned on each other trying to find a scapegoat, now collaborate to shield their guilt, their complacency, their conduct and complicity. Their response highlights the enduring influence of a patriarchy that is socially ingrained and resistant to change. Mattana enables us to see why that is so.

The energy and intensity of the cast speak to a group that work and interact well. The stage is simple, the plain desks and chairs a common sight in any classroom. Marni Mount’s direction has the cast using the levels the furniture can provide well aware of the performance being in the round. Mount has also brought to the fore the dramatic arc pivoting from comedy to drama accentuating the message.

This is a play that should be performed continually not simply because it is good theatre but because it just may help build an awareness that will enable change.

Performance Season: Until August 24

Venue: Fairfax Theatre, Arts Centre Melbourne

Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au

★Glen Eira Artists Society’s 2025 Member’s Exhibition will be held until Sunday (Aug. 24) at the Glen Eira City Council Gallery

★The free William Angliss Institute Discovery Day will be held from 4pm Thursday, October 2 at 550 La Trobe St, Melbourne. Explore courses in foods, tourism, hospitality, and events. Tour the campus, meet industry experts and students, attend info sessions.

★The Birrarung Riverfest is back this school holidays (Sept. 6-28), with more than 60 community events across 23 days, stretching along the entire Yarra, Birrarung

★The City of Melbourne’s new est major festival, Now or Never, returns from August 21-31 for its third year, with a program exploring art, ideas, sound and technology. The city will become a canvas for boundary-pushing artists, changemakers and innovators.

Entertaining Mr Coppin

●

Theatre

Heritage Australia

President Simon Piening (left), moderator Fiona Gruber and author Simon Plant celebrate the launch of Entertaining Mr Coppin: An Antipodean Showman in Civil War America

Photo: Malcolm Threadgold

■ The Show Room at Arts Centre Melbourne was packed to capacity for the launch of Simon Plant's exciting new book EntertainingMrCoppin:An AntipodeanShowmaninCivilWar America, commissioned and published by Theatre Heritage Australia.

Actor, digger, entrepreneur, innovator, influencer, traveller, speculator and politician George Coppin (1819-1906) also undertook an extraordinary journey to America in 1864-65, which until now has been lost to history.

In EntertainingMrCoppin:AnAntipodean Showman in Civil War America, Simon Plant has researched and reconstructed the arduous twoyear tour the enterprising actor manager undertook with English tragedians Charles and Ellen Kean

At the launch, after a welcome from Theatre Heritage Australia President Dr Simon Piening, writer/ broadcaster Fiona Gruber conversed with Simon Plant onstage about his writing and research process for the book.

Suddenly the interview was interrupted by the arrival of one of Coppin's favourite characters, costumed high spirited 19th century 'busybody' Paul Pry, who divulged stories about his good friend George Coppin

Eddington

■ (MA). 149 minutes. Opens in cinemas August 21.

To say Ari Aster is a frustrating film-maker is an understatement.

All of his previous films (Hereditary,Midsommar,BeauIsAfraid) are technically impressive efforts, with some potentially interesting themes and effective moments.

Each one however fails due to fatal self-indulgence, a strange propensity of telegraphing their outcomes very early on (despite Hereditaryhaving one genuinely shocking surprise), and especially with his first two films, a very obvious influence by the 1973 folk horror classic, The Wicker Man

Which brings me to Aster’s latest, which despite some of the same flaws which undermine his other films, surprisingly emerges as his best film to date.

Set in 2020, Joaquin Phoenix stars as Joe Cross , sheriff of the small New Mexico town of Eddington, and his increasingly antagonistic relationship with mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), who are on either side of the pandemic debate, which is just taking hold of the country.

some of the same, silly pitfalls.

The movie opens with 17 children suddenly leaving their homes at 2.17am, running off into the night never to be seen again. A month later, police are still baffled, while devastated parents and many townsfolk blame school teacher Justine Gandy (Julia Garner) , whose sole class is the one affected.

Gandy, and angry parent Archer (Josh Brolin) will try and figure out what happened.

The first half works best, as Cregger keeps that sense of the unknown and its effect on people palpable, seen from various viewpoints and threaded with a successful thread of humour.

Once the reveal happens, however, that is where, for me, the problems arise, as Cregger’s slow burn, repetitive view of events makes the source of the disappearances blatantly obvious, making law enforcement and certain parents look stupid.

It does all lead to a hilariously over-the-top finale. Garner is excellent if somewhat underused, while Brolin and others in the cast are all very good.

Review by David McLean

★Earlybird tickets are now avail able for High Score , Australia’s premier game audio conference, to be held October 45.

★Community choirs will open their doors for Try a Choir Week (August 18-22) inviting people of all ages and backgrounds to discover the joy, connection and mental wellbeing benefits of singing together.

★The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne had its Opening Night last Thursday (Aug. 14) at hoyts Docklands.

★The Australian Ballet unveils Prism, a bold new triple bill bringing together three choreographers for one night of ballet. This kaleidoscopic program premieres at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre from September 25 to October 4.

★The Shanghai Symphony Orchestra returns to Melbourne in March in a collaboration of East and West traditions.

In the blink of an eye and a change of top hat, the more seriously grounded and business-like George Coppin himself appeared, obviously delighted to be joining in the launch celebrations and congratulating Simon Plant in fun style on the book - 'my' book, no, 'your' book! Hats off to director Babs McMillan and actor Michael Treloar (Paul Pry/ George Coppin) for creating the entertaining and informative performance segment, and to producer Matthew Peckham.

Hearty congratulations to Simon Plant, and to editor Elisabeth Kumm, assistant editor Judy Leech and Simon Piening (design/page layout) for a splendid 323-page publication.

EntertainingMrCoppin:AnAntipodean Showman in Civil War Americais available for $50 incl. postage within Australia from theatreheritage.org.au/buy-coppinbook

Cheryl Threadgold

Skyhooks Show

■ Legendary Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie will celebrate the 50th anniversary of EgoisNotADirty Word by playing the album in fullplus more with his acclaimed band Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie’s Skyhooks Show.

Venues in October include Yarraville, Castlemaine, Archies Creek a nd Healesville

As Cross’s behaviour becomes more irrational, along with other townsfolk expressing outrage over multiple issues, things will soon explode in bloody fashion.

There have been a number of films dealing one way or another with the COVID era and what it did to us (Together, with James McAvoy, is a good example), and Aster thankfully doesn’t try to explain it away, instead pushing several topics to get very personalised responses from each and every one of us.

This will either fascinate or frustrate people, but I found it to be the best possible approach. Performances are strong across the board, and as usual, it is beautifully crafted.

What hurts the film’s overall impact is Aster’s typically indulgent overlength, and telegraphing how everything will play out in its opening minutes (one could describe it as his own variation on TheParallaxView).

Despite these flaws, Eddington is a film worth seeking out.

RATING - ****

Weapons

■ (MA). 128 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.

After the maddeningly uneven Barbarian, writer/director Zach Cregger returns with Weapons, a more ambitious film that, while an improvement, does suffer from

Weapons is very entertaining (please go in knowing as little as possible), but some stumbles stop it from being truly great.

RATING - ***½

The Life of Chuck

■ (M). 111 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.

Probably one of the most mismanaged movie releases in recent memory, this extraordinarily engaging and emotionally satisfying film might possibly even surpass director Mike Flanagan’s exceptional sequel to TheShining,DoctorSleep. Based on a short story by Stephen King , the story is presented in reverse order (imagine an upbeat, positive version of Gaspar Noe’s Irreversible), as we see the life of Chuck Krantz (played as an adult by Tom Hiddleston ) shown at different times in his life, and the effect he has on others, as well as how his own life plays out.

Like the other films I’ve reviewed this week, the less you know going in the better, but what could have been a treacly, overly sentimental misfire, is instead a wonderful viewing experience. Try and catch it before it disappears.

RATING - ****½ Aaron Rourke

● ● Gaby Seow (top left), Fran Sweeney Nash, Myfanwy Hocking (lower left) and Leigh Lule in Trophy Boys

Photo by Ben Andrews.

● ● ● ● Aaron Rourke

Today’s Menu

Charcuterie Boards:

Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts

Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.

Teas and Coffees

Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea

■ Johnny Young is a survivor in show business and is continually working on new projects. He is a genuinely nice man with a great sense of humour.

He considers himself to be lucky to have been at the right place at the right time and having the material ready at the right time.

I personally think that his great talent has also had to do with his success.

Johnny Benjamin de Jong was born in the Netherlands in 1947. The family migrated to Australia in the early 1950s and settled in perth. His mother took him along to radio shows where Johnny would sing.

When he was 18 he got his first television job as host of the teenage club17on TVW-7 in perth.

He signed with Clarion Records and eventually had his first hit song StepBackin 1966.

Johnny was working with his own band they were known as Johnny Young and Kompany.

When I an Turpie resigned as host of The GoShowat ATV-0, Johnny Young took over the role.

Johnny had a series of hit songs during the 1960s wgich included Cara-Lyn,HeighHo,No Other Love, Let It Be Me, Unconscientious Objectorand AllMyLoving.r

Johnny has written many number one hit songs in his career - TheStar,TheRealThing, TheGirlThatILove,IThankYou(for Lionel Rose) and StepBack.

In 1970 Johnny and Kevin Lewis from Festival Records formed a company Lewis-Young and began producing television shows. They made several pop music shows be-

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Johnny Young

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

fore launching YoungTalentTimein 1971. The format waas a children’s variety show and talent quest.

The performers on YoungTalentTimesuch as Debra Byrne, Jamie Redfern, Tina Arena and Dannii Minoqgue went on being very successful artists in later years. Bruce Mansfield was a regular on the series.

Young Talent Time ran for 17 years and johnny would close each show singing AllMy Lovingwith the children.

In 1979 Johnny launched the very successful Johnny Young Talent School.

Johnny Young has worked at various radio stations and worked at 6IX in perth presenting their breakfast show.

In 2010 Johnny Young received the Aria Hall of Fame Award and was inducted by Tina

Arena. in 2014, I attended a concert which starred Johnny, Colleen Hewett and Normie. the show was produced by Dennis Smith and was a sell-out at The Palms on Crown. Johnny sang his popular hits and came onstage driving a boroowed mobility scotter and crashing into the band - it was hilarious. it was also great to see Ross D. Wyllie back on stage in the cobncert singing Here Comes The Star to a standing ovation.

Johnny has been married four times.

with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

ARTBANK: A DEPARTMENT THAT MAKES MONEY

Entering the gallery one passes many racks holding the works of art.

The idea is that of the Artbank like a regular bank the artworks are leased out by various organisations, such as overseas embassies, private homes, business offices, real estate agencies, organisations to name but just a few.

This apparently is one government department that makes money.

Nor is Artbank a public art institution. To be acquired by Artbank, works have to be excellent, and also robust to travel into non-museum conditions in homes and offices in Australia and abroad.

They have to be of a scale that makes frequent transport possible, and to be works that people will want to live with for a prolonged period rather than just visit for an hour or two.

As part of the Australian public service, Artbank has for decades enjoyed bipartisan political support and operates within the public financial and accountability framework.

Artbank’s objective too support contemporary Australian artists and to make their work available to the broader public has stood the test of time/ The model has proven successful both culturally and financially.

The most important outcome of the leasing program is the sharing of this proudly Australian collection in offices and homes across Australia. Through the highly significant partnership with the Australian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Artbank plays a part in Australia’s diplomatic missions all over the world.

Your correspondent was invited to Artbank Thursday August 7. An amazing visit.

Artbank is part of the Australian Government Office for the Arts in the Department of Infrastructure, Transport. Regional Development. Communications, Sport and the Arts. For 45 years Artbank has played a vital role in supporting Australia’s contemporary art section.

Artbank by Appointment at 1800 251 651.

Artbank

18/24 Down St, Collingwood

St Heliers

The Arts

with Peter Kemp

So much can happen and not happen in a week.

A Week Does Not Exist by visual artist Jarah Storey brings together a drawing project from 2021 with recent paintings.

The drawing project involved small, daily drawings for a month. A sort of metronome. Storey has been long been interested in art projects as time pieces.

Storey’s recent paintings are meditations on a month. Being at odds with time, they keep attending, and layers keep accumulating until forms find a direction.

Exhibition closes September 7. Abbotsford Convent 1 St. Heliers St, Abbotsford

Entries open

Call for Entries for the 30th Annual Mayoral Art Exhibition

The 30th Annual Mayoral Art Exhibition raises funds in support of the Bone Marrow Donor Institute and is supported by Maroondah City Council and Community Bank Ringwood East and Croydon

The theme for 2025 is Time.

The Maroondah Council encourages young artists to respond to past, present and future and the passage of time

The Council celebrates the contribution that founding partner Bone Marrow Donor Institute and thousands of exhibiting artists have made over three decades in advancing medical research.

The vital collective contribution to

cancer patients through this work is also, ultimately time.

Artworks of all mediums are eligible to enter, including photography, sculpture, drawing, painting, printmaking and ceramics. Artists of all ages are encouraging to enter. Go to google for Mayoral Art Exhibition application form.

By mail: P.O. Box 379 Mooroolbark 3138 or by email: asom1834@ bigpond.net.au

Please include Mayoral Art Exhibition Application in the subject line. Bank details for payment of entry fees will be supplied upon receipt. Applications close 5pm, Sunday August 31.

The exhibition will run from September 22 to November 8 at Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery.

All eligible artworks will be exhibited and a number of works will be selected for Mayoral and Community Bank Ringwood East and Croydon acquisitions.

Announcement of both acquisitions ill be made at the exhibition launch on Thursday October 2.

Maroondah Gallery

32 Greenwood Ave, Ringwood - Peter Kemp

Bluey Live at Werribee

■ A new Bluey Live Interactive Experience is at Werribee Open Range Zoo

Catch your favourite Heeler pup live on stage daily until August 31, and be ready to play more of favourite Bluey games in this fun show.

Showtimes: Daily at 10.00am, 10.45am, 11.30am, 12.15pm

Duration: 20 minutes of nonstop fun

Location: African Kia at Werribee Open Range Zoo

Bluey Interactive Live Experience is included in a General Admission ticket to Werribee Open Range Zoo

Snoop Dogg at G. Final

■ Snoop Dogg has confirmed that he is the headline pre-match entertainment act for this year’s AFL Grand Final.

No entry to A-lister

■ Jennifer Lopez visited Istanbul for a one-night stand. Jenny had a small amount of me-time, and decided to visit the local Chanel store. At the main entrance Jenny was barred , 'No Entry' said the store official: 'store is pack to capacity'. Jenny smiled politely, walked off and paid a welcome visit to a rival fashion emporium.

Incentives for a date

■ On a recentTV chat show Pamela Anderson told the story how Sylvester Stallone offered to buy her a Porsche plus a Conda in exchange for being Stallone's No 1 gal- no mention of length of contract. Pamela, aged 58, claims it was a fair dinkum request but Sly, although soon to turn 80, denies it. In reality Pamela is dating Liam Neeson, who you may well see filming his next action movie in Australia

Legal eagles in every corner

■ The much-hyped cinema production The Deb was completed last quarter 2024 and apart from one Festival screening is still in the starting stalls, in fact currently in court because Aussie actress/producer, Rebel Wilson has placed an injunction on any further exposure until a claim of bad behaviour (by lead actress) on set is resolved. The law suit effects 300 film folk who worked on the production. Great bucks for the legal profession and a possible disaster for the film investors.

Some mothers do have them

■ Michael Crawford is a man of many talents; as a comic performer on TV, opera singer and would you believe a mentor to Olympic Gold Medalists - UK skating team Torvill & Dean. He taught the Gold Medalists how to act over the period 1981-84 .

Your island in the sun

■ If you have a spare $4 million to pay for a weekend getaway (2.49 acres) then look no further than Thorne Island, three miles off the coast of West Wales. Originally built in 1852 to defend any invasion by Napoleon, Thorne Island was constructed to house 100 soldiers, and over the decades has been a hotel, then privately owned, now up for grabs to someone who wants solitude in renovated luxury including five bedrooms, covered rooftop bar, helipad, not forgetting flushing toilets. Four million will get you the keys to the fortress's front gates.

● ● Kevin Trask and Johnny Young There is no stopping Johnny Young. Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm

- John O’Keefe OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Jennifer Lopez

Melbourne

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au

Elias in Melb.

■ Guitar maestro Elias Bartholomeo will bring his finger-style playing brilliance to the Memo Music Hall on Wednesday, November 12.

he says that in recent times he has been named the Best Guitarist residing in Australia with his playing being described as “Walking a tightrope between many genres all at once” with a fearless and energetic approach to his live performances. Tickets at trybooking.com

Art Show

■ The 20th Noble Park Community Centre Art Show is just a few months away. To be held at the Noble Park Community Centre , Memorial Drive, it will run over three days.

The ree exhibition from Friday - Sunday, October 17-19 will see some of the best artwork the local community has to offer, says their media release.

More information is available from events@nobleparkcc.org.au or npccart show.org. Entries are open and will close 1pm on October 6.

Rob Foenander

Meg’s new album

■ Monash University Performing Arts Centres 2025 artist-in-residence Meg Washington will premiere her new albumGem on October 10.

Meg will present an electrifying and soulful live concert for one-night-only with her full band, along with Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music, and supported by two student winners of Monash’s 2025 Songwriting Prize

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Live music featured at FUSE Festival

■ The City of Darebin and Darebin FUSE Festival presents a lineup of First Nations-led events at this year’s FUSE Festival

The program aims to amplify and celebrate the voices, stories and artistry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives through live music, cultural celebrations, exhibitions, hands-on workshops, film screenings, and immersive art experiences with free and ticketed events from August 31-September 14.

The FUSE Deadly Darebin Program includes:

■ Bunjil & Paliyang, September 13 – 21

A powerful reimagining of a traditional Kulin Nation Songline story, Bunjil & Paliyang blends ancient knowledge with orchestral music and dance to mark the beginning of bat season.

Acclaimed artist and Didjeridoo player Amos Roach and violist William Vyvyan Murray lead an ensemble of musicians and dancers to bring to life the Creation story of Bunjil the Eagle, Paliyang the Bat, Koonawarra the Black Swan and Kururok the Brolga.

Teena Moffat and Brent Watkins’ choreography will create an immersive performance interweaving Roach and Murray’s original composition, traditional Songlines, and powerful dance from the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe, inviting audiences to fly with them through the skies, waters and dreams of Country.

■ Tarutharu, the Kaurna Skink, September 5 – 7

A 27-metre luminous puppet,

Crossword Solution No 20

Tarutharu, the Kaurna Skink, is a collaborative artwork, representing the Kaurna Peoples, and the creation of Elizabeth Close (Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara ) and Jack Buckskin (Kaurna and Nurungga), developed with Darebin-based puppet company A Blanck Canvas.

Jack worked closely with elders to translate the story of the skink, which had been passed down from generations.

This was in fact the first time the Kaurna people’s story of the skink had been interpreted and shared with the public.

Close created the art piece that the skink is wrapped in; the design, in her own words, “is a reflection of the connection to Country that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have. Relationships with Country are complex dualities that are reflected in nature itself.”

■ En Masse, September 4 - 10

A life-sized projection installation featuring the award-winning Rawcus Ensemble, En Masse was made in collaboration with First Nations Gamilaroi Yinarr choreographer Amelia J O'Leary and videographer Michael Carmody, En Masse explores the tension between being an individual and being part of a group. Supported by the FUSE Fund

O’Leary’s dance practice is about human and spiritual experiencing.

Through complexity and adversity, they find ways to tell coded and poetically rich stories.

Her dances are personal and

personified from her multidisciplinary skills in theatre, film and sound design

■ FUSE Festival @ Northcote Town Hall, Installation Opening Party September 5, Northcote Town Hall

A special opening night for the community, beginning with a Welcome to Country and followed by roving performances by celebrated local drag icons Cerulean and Stone Motherless Cold Cerulean and Stone Motherless Cold are both members of The Motherless Collective (MoCo), a First Nations Drag collective based in Melbourne

■ FUSE Films – First Nations Film Evening, September, Thornbury Picture House

FUSE Films will run as part of the FUSE Festival at Thornbury Picture House and will offer free films for the community.

Amongst these are WINHANGANHA by award-winning artist Jazz Money; Lady Lash, a documentary that tells the story of Aboriginal-Greek Hip Hop Jazz MC Crystal Clyne , AKA Lady Lash, who returns to her ancestral lands for women’s business; and a collection of short works by Isaac Winzer.

■ WINHANGANHA (Wiradjuri language: Remember, know, think), is a lyrical journey of archival footage and sound, poetry and original composition. It is an examination of how archives and the legacies of collection affect First Nations people and wider Australia, told through the lens of acclaimed Wiradjuri multi-disci-

plinary artist, Jazz Money. Isaac Winzer, a Ngarabal and Wirrayaraay filmmaker, will present several short works and will take part in a panel discussion with singer-songwriter and Ngiyampaa man, Pirritu , facilitated by artist, documentary maker and screenwriter Rochelle (Rocky) Humphrey ■ Ganbu Gulin: wudhanu yuwanguth - August 31 at, Darebin Arts Centre

“From Many to the Next” is this year’s Ganbu Gulin theme. Held at Darebin Arts Centre and the Ray Bramham Gardens on Sunday August 31, this year’s Ganbu Gulin program was developed by Curator in Residence Ethan Savage (Northern Kaantju, Girramay and Badu), and Cultural and Curatorial Advisor Stacie Piper (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum-Wurrung). Melbourne-based indie rock band Doe Eyes draws inspiration from the raw energy of 1970s rock, infused with a modern twist. Fronted by the duo of singer and lead guitarist Jordan Clay and Indigenous vocalist Izzy Skye, Doe Eyes is redefining the boundaries of retro rock.

Ganbu Gulin is co-presented in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Darebin FUSE Festival. August 31 - September 14 Various locations around Darebin arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/Whats-on/ Festivals/Fuse Cheryl Threadgold

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)

24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK

(Scrap bin available)

WEEKEND’S LOCAL FOOTBALL FINAL SCORES

Amateurs

■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Old Scotch 12.15 (87) d St Bernard’s 9.11 (65). Old Xaverians 9.10 (64) d Collegians 9.8 (62). Old Brighton 16.12 (108) d De La Salle 6.6 (42). St Kevin’s .15 (81) d Old Haileybury 7.9 (51). University Blues 12.11 (83) d University Blacks 8.6 (54).

Premier Men’s Reserves. St Bernard’s 12.13 (85) d Old Scotch 10.8 (68). Old Xaverians 22.21 (153) d Collegians 3.5 (23). Old Brighton 10.11 (71) d De La Salle 4.6 (30). St Kevin’s 18.15 (123) d Old Haileybury 2.5 (17). University Blues 13.8 (86) d University Blacks 4.6 (30).

Premier B Men’s. Old Camberwell 12.8 (80) d Caulfield Grammarians 6.10 (46). Old Geelong 13.13 (91) d Old Ivanhoe 13.6 (84). Old Trinity 17.10 (1212) d Fitzroy 7.8 (50). Old Carey 11.12 (78) d Williamstown CYMS 11.9 (75). Old Melburnians 16.10 (106) d Hampton Rovers 13.8 (86).

Premier B Men’s Reserves. Caulfield Grammarians 9.8 (62) d Old Camberwell 5.9 (39). Old Ivanhoe 10.9 (69) d Old Geelong 4.7 (31). Old Trinity 6.9 945) d Fitzroy 3.10 (28). Old Carey 14.15 (99) d Williamstown CYMS 6.6 (42). Old Melburbnians 13.10 (88) d Hampton Rovers 5.6 (36).

Premier C Men’s. Beaumaris 20.11 (131) d PEGS 4.5 (29). Parkside 8.13 (61) d Mazenod 7.13 (55). Parkdale Vultures 12.11 (83) d AJAX 7.8 (50). Marcellin 12.12 (84) d St Bedes/Mentone 5.9 (39). Glen Eira/OId McKinnon 16.11 (107) d Prahran 11.8 (74). Premier C Men’s Reserves. Beaumaris 27.19 (181) d PEGS 0.2 (2). Mazenod 11.11 (77) d Parkside 2.12 (24). Parkdale Vultures 11.7 (73) d AJAX 7.2 (44). St Bedes/Mentone 19.6 (120) d Marcellin 1.3 (9). Prahran 10.12 (72) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 9.6 (60).

Division 1 Men’s. Ormond 12.11 (83) d Kew 12.7 (79). UHS-VU 15.15 (105) d Therry Penola 1.5 (11). Oakleigh 17.10 (112) d Old Peninsula 10.7 (67). Monash Blues 16.15 (111) d Elsternwick 7.11 (53). Preston Bullants 13.17 (95) d Brunswick 6.11 (47).

Division 1 Men’s Reserves. Ormond 10.12 (72) d Kew 9.6 (60). UHS-VU 11.9 (75) d Therry Pernola 4.5 (29). Oakleigh 14.9 (93) d Old Peninsula 3.4 (22). Monash Blues 14.18 (100) d Elsternwick 6.12 (48). Brunswick 10.10 (70) d Preston Bullants 5.10 (40).

Division 2 Men’s. Old Yarra Cobras 25,.16 (166) d Hawthorn 2.6 (18). St Mary’s Salesian 18.11 (119) d Aquinas 7.6 (48). South Melbourne 12.17 (89) d Canterbury 10,.7 (67). MHSOB 14.13 (97) d St John’s 5.10 (40). West Brunswick 13.9 (87) d Whitefriars 13.7 (85).

Division 2 Men’s Reserves. Old Yarra Cobras 12.19 (91) d Hawthorn 5.6 (36). St Mary’s Salesian 11.18 (84) d Aquinas 3.8 (26). South Melbourne 19.13 (127) d Canterbury 4.3 (27). MHSOB 24.16 (160) d St John’sd 7.4 (46). West Brunswick 13.15 (93) d Whitefriars 2.7 (19).

Division 3 Men’s. Wattle Park 10.9 (69) d North Brunswick 9.5 (59). Swinburne University 14.9 (93) d Chadstone 8.6 (54). Richmond Central 13.10 (88) d Albert Park 8.8 (56). Power House 59.30 (384) d Eley Park 0.0 (0). Box Hill North 9.13 (67) d La Trobe university 7.12 (54).

Division 3 Men’s Reserves. North Brunswick 7.20 (62) d Wattle Park 5.6 (36). Swinburne University 18.20 (128) d Chadstone 4.1 (25). Richmond Central 21.6 (132) d Albert Park 21.8 (14). Power House 26.19 (175) d Eley Park 2.0 (12). La Trobe University 214.22 (106) d Box Hill North 2.7 (19).

Eastern

■ Eastern Football League. Premier Division Seniors. East Ringwood 10.11 (71) d Balwyn 8.10 (58). Blackburn 12.11 (83) d Berwick 12.6 (78). Rowville 10.11 (71) d Mitcham 10.10 (70). Vermont 9.12 (66) d South Croydon 9.4 (58). Noble Park 9.10 (64) d Doncaster Easdt 9.5 (59). Division 1 Seniors. South Belgrave

18.10 (118) d Montrose 18.7 (115). Mooroolbark 10,.7 (67) d Boronia 9.10 (64). North Ringwood 8.12 (60) d Bayswater 5.4 (34). Park Orchards 11.11 (77) d Beaconsfield 9,.5 (59). Norwood: Bye. Division 2 Seniors. Wantirna South 22.15 (1247) d Croydon 5.6 (36). Heathmont 9.9 (63) d Waverley Blues 6.8 (44). Ringwood 10.9 969) d Lilydale 6.7 (43). Templestowe 12.12 (84) d Mulgrave 9.11 (65). East Burwood 11.10 (76) drew with Surrey Park 10.16 (76). Division 3 Seniors. Scoresby v Knox. The Basin v Upper Ferntree Gully.

Division 4 Seniors. Kilsyth 8.13 (61) d Bulleen Templestowe 8.4 (52). Warrandyte 15.12 (102) d Croydon North MLOC 10.7 (67). Whitehrose Pioneers 12.19 (91) d Forest Hill 3.5 (23). Chirnside Park: Bye.

Essendon

■ Premier Division. Aberfeldie 17.10 (112) d DeerPark 12.7 (79). Greenvale 10.14 (194) d East Keilor 7.4 (46). Keilor 1813 (121) d Maribyrnong Park 9.9 (63). Airport West 17.12 (114) d Pascoe Vale 11.15 981). Essendon Doutta Stars 8.13 (61) drew with Strathmore 8.13 (61).

Division 1. Craigieburn 12.16 (88) d Avondale Heights 7.11 (53). Oak Park 14.10 (94) d Moonee Valley 9.5 (59). St Albans 11.9 975) d Roxburgh Park 9.18 (72). Hillside 15.15 (105) d Taylors Lakes 6.5 (41). West Coburg 18.10 (118) d Tullamarine 8.8 (56).

Division 2. Coburg Districts 21.12 (138) d East Sunbury 10.6 (66). Rupertswood 12.l6 (78) d Glenroy 7.14 (56). Hadfield 12.10 (82) d Westmeadows 12.6 (78). Burnside Heights 11.13 (79) d Northern Saints 11.12 (78). Keilor Park 9.13 (67) d Sunbury Kangaroos 8.10 (58).

Mornington

■ Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Rosebud 13.13 (91) d Dromana 13.4 (82). Edithvale Asopendale 13.15 (93) d Sorrento 11.6 (72). Mt Eliza 12.8 (80) d Frankston YCW 10.8 (68). Mornington 10.6 (66) d Pines 9.11 (65). Langwarrin 11.7 (73) d Red Hill 5.10 (40).

Division 1 Reserves. Rosebud 17.16 9118) d Dromana 1.2 (8). Edithvale Asopendale 17.9 (111) d Sorrento 3.5 (23). Mt Eliza 11.4 (70) d Frankston YCW 2.6 (18). Pines 9.7 (61) d Mornington 9.6 (60). Red Hill 12.7 (79) d Langwarrin 4.9 (33).

Division 1 Under 19. Rosebud 8.10 (58) d Dromana 4.7 (31). Edithvale Asopendale 15.13 (103) d Sorrento 4.4 (28). Mt Eliza 8.12 (60) d Frankston YCW 5.7 937). Mornington 16.8 (104) d Pines 2.2 (14). Langwarrin 7.9 (51) d Red Hill 1.2 (8).

Division 2 Seniors. Seaford 0.10 970) d Bonbeach 9.13 (67). Chelsea 7.12 (54) d Crib Point 6.14 (50). Rye 9.10 (64) d Karingal 6.7 (43). Devon Meadows 12.12 (84) d Pearcedale 11.7 (73). Somnerville 8.13 (61) d Frnkston Bombers 3.13 (31).Tyabb 16.12 (108) d Hastings 14.18 (102). Division 2 Reserves. Seaford 11.10 976) d Bonbeach 5.3 (33). Crib Point 7.15 957) d Chelsea 5.12 (42). Rye 24.13 (157) d Karingal 0.0 (0). Pearcedale 17.16 (118) d Devon Meadows 7.2 (44). Frankston Bombers 10,4 (64) d Somerville 5.5 (35). Tyabb v Hastings. Division 2 Under 19. Bonbeach 7.6 (48) d Seaford 2.6 (18). Crib Point 13.9 (87) d Chelsea/Edithvale 4.2 (26). Pearcadle 13.13 (91) d Devon Meadows 3.3 (21). Frankston Bombers 217.15 (117) d Somerville 1.0 (6). Mornington-Tyabb Yabbies v Langqwarrin Blues

Northern

■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Banyule 11.14 (80) d South morang 8.11 (59). Hurstbridge 11.17 (83) d Montmorency 11.10 (76). Greensborough 12.15 (87) d West Preston Lakeside 5.7 (37). North Heidelberg 14.8 (92) d Eltham 5.7 (37). Heidelberg 16.6 (102) d Bundoora 6.9 (45). Division 1 Reserves. South Morang 0.5 (65) d Banyule 8.12 (60). Montmorency 15.12 (102) d Hurstbridge 10.12 (72). West Preston Lakeside 11.13 (79) d Greensborough 2.1 (13).

Eltham 13.6 (84) d North Heidelberg 7.8 (48). Heidelberg 25.20 (170) d Bundoora 0.2 (2).

Division 1 Under 19.5. Eltham 8.12 (60) d Montmorency 4.5 (29). Heidelberg 8,.12 (60) d Banyule 6.5 (41). Hurstbridge 12.10 (82) d Greensborough 3.5 (23). Diamond Creek 9.16 (70) d St Mary’s 9.7 (61).

Division 2 Seniors. St Mary’s 9.12 (66) d Old Paradians 6.12 (48). Whittlesea 14.12 (96) d Northcote Park 7.9 (51). Macleod 20.18 (138) d Watsonia 6.6 (42). Diamond Creek 16.20 (116) d Thomastown 9.2 (56). Lower Plenty 217.13 (115) d Panton Hill 8.12 (60).

Division 2 Reserves. St Mary’s 11.12 (78) d Old Paradians 7.6 (48). Whittlesea 1010 (70) d Northcote park 7.4 (46). Panton Hill 9.10 (64) d Lower Plenty 8.15 (63). Macelod 11.12 (78) d Watsonia 2.12 (24). Diamond Creek 15.7 (97) d Thomastown 3.5 (23).

Division 2 Under 19.5. Laurimar 4.9 (33) drew with Whittlesea 4.9 (33). Mernda 9.14 (68) d Lower Plenty 10.5 (65). South Morang 8.14 (122) d Macleod 11.7 (73). North Heidelberg 21.17 (143) d Heidelberg 4.5 (29).

Division 3 Seniors. Laurimar 15.12 (102) d Ivanhoe 5.13 (43). Sunday, August 17: Kinglake v kilmore.

Division 3 Reserves. Ivanhoe 6.7 (43) d Kilmore 5.7 (37). Sunday, August 17: Fitzsroy Stars v Mernda.

Division 3 Under 19.5. Bundoora 7.7 (49) d Eltham 5,12 (42). Sunday, August 17: Watsonia v Panton Hill.

Outer East

■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Upwey Tecoma 11.8 (74) d Emerald 10.10 (70). Monbulk 5.10 (40) d Mt Evelyn 5.7 (37). Officer 9.8 (62) d Healeswville 8.8 (56). Wandin 14.8 (92) d Gembrook Cockatoo 11.14 (80). Woori Yallock 11.12 (78) d Olinda Ferny Creek 11.11 (77).

Premier Division Reserves. Upwey Tecoma 13.15 (93) d Emerald 2.4 (16). Mt Evelyn 10.8 (68) d Monbulk 5.4 (34). Officer 23.16 (154) d Healesville 1.2 (8). Wandin 7.7 (49) d Gembrook Cockatoo 5.5 (35). Woori Yallock 8.10 (58) d Olinda Ferny Creek 8.7 (55).

Division 1 Seniors. Warburton Millgrove 20.17 (137) d Yarra Glen 4.2 (26). Powelltown 18.13 (121) d Yea 16.14 (110). Seville 10.13 (73) d Pakenham 7.9 (51). Belgrave 20.9 (129) d Alexandra 11.10 (76). Yarra Junction: Bye.

Division 1 Reserves. Warburton Millgrove 29.13 (187) d Yarra Glen 0.0 (0). Yea 19.8 (122) d Powelltown 6.6 (42). Pakenham 8.5 (53) d Seville 7.4 (46). Alexandra 10.12 (72) d Belgrave 4.5 (29). Yarra Junction: Bye. Premier Division Under 18 Boys. Mt Evelyn 19.15 (129) d Monbulk 2.5 (7). Officer 7.6 (48) d Healesville 3.8 (26). Wandin 9.8 (62) d Gembrook Cockatoo 4.3 (27). Olinda Ferny Creek 16.16 (112) d Woori Yallock 5.1 (31). Upwey Tecoma: Bye. Division 1 Under 18 Boys. Warburton Millgrove 6.10 (46) drew with Yarra Glen 6.10 (46). Seville d Yea, by forfeit. Pakenham 31.15 (201) d Alexandra 2.4 (16).

Women’s Division 1. Preliminary Final: Upwey Tecoma 3.7 (25) d Healesville 3.3 (21).

Women’s Division 2. Preliminary Final: Emerald 3.3 (21) d Wandin 2.4 (16).

Southern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Dingley 20.11 (131) d Cranbourne Eagles 4.6 (30). Cheltenham 17.14 (116) d Murrumbeena 7.9 (51). East Brighton 17.19 (121) d Port Melbourne Colts 8.3 (51). Springvale Districts 14.9 (93) d Bentleigh 9.8 (62). St Paul’s McKinnon 17.11 (113) d Narre Warren 7.6 (48).

Division 2 Seniors. East Malvern 7.21 (63) d Doveton Doves 4.7 (31). Caulfield Bears 15.7 (97) d Frankston Dolphins 11.12 (78). Highett 8.12 (60) d Chelsea Heights 8.9 (57). Hampton Park 12.13 (85) d Keysborough 7.12 (54). Mordialloc 26.15 (171) d Endeavour Hills 7.3 (45).

Division 3 Seniors. Carrum Patterson Lakes 4.21 (45) d Berwick 5.3 (33). Skye

14.11 (95) d Heatherton 8.7 (55). Hampton 19.15 (129) d South Mornington 9.11 (65). St Kilda City 10.18 978) d Lyndhurst 10.8 (68). Black Rock 9.15 (69) d Ashwood 10.8 (68).

Division 4 Seniors. Dandenong west 17.21 (123) d Lyndale 8.7 (55). Hallam 20.20 (140) d Moorabbin Kangaroos 6.4 (40). Clayton 13.15 (93) d Narre South Saints 4.6 (30). South Yarra 20.13 (133) d Doveton Eagles 6.6 (42).

Western

■ Division 1 Seniors. Parkside 8.13 (61) d Spotswood 7.9 (51). Newport 8.18 (66) d Altona 8.9 (57). Point Cook 8.10 (58) d Albion 5.7 (37). Caroline Springs 26.13 (169) d Point Cook Centrals 3.6 (24). Yarraville Seddon Eagles 13.10 (88) d Hoppers Crossing 8.14 (62). Werribee Districts 25.16 (166) d Sunshine 3.8 (26).

Division 2 Seniors. North Footscray 14.17 (101) d Sunshine Heights 7.10 (52). Wyndhamvale 17.20 (122) d Albanvale 1.3 (9). Laverton Magpies 17.13 (115) d Western Rams 12.9 (81). West Footscray 16.12 (108) d Tarneit 5.3 (33). Braybrook 13.17 (95) d Suns 8.17 (67).

Goulburn Valley

■ Seniors. Shepparton United 13.13 (91) d Mooroopna 8.7 (55). Mansfield 13.4 (832) d Shepparton 9.13 (67). Rochester 13.7 (85) d Benalla 9.8 962). Shepparton Swans 10.8 (68) d Euroa 811 (59). Seymour 22.19 (151) d Tatura 6.2 (38). Kyabram 13.14 (92) d Echuca 8.11 (59). Reserves. Shepparton United 16.12 (108) d Mooroopna 2.6 (18). Shepparton 6.7 (43) d Mansfield 2.3 (15). Rochester 10.17 (77) d Benalla 1.2 (8). Shepparton Swans 25.10 (160) d Euroa 0.2 (2). Seymour 18.12 (120) d Tatura 2.2 (14). Kyabram 8.11 (59) d Echuca 6.6 (42).

Under 18. Kyabram 7,.10 (52) d Echuca 6.3 (39). Mooroopna 7.11 (53) d Shepparton United 5.6 (36). Shepparton 12.17 (89) d Mansfield 11.7 (73). Rochester 8.6 (54) d Benalla 7.7 (49). Euroa 7.18 (60) d Shepparton Swans 6.2 (38). Tatura 10.5 (65) d Seymour 3.8 (26).

Kyabram

District

■ Seniors. Lancaster 22.15 (147) d Stanhope 1.21 (7). Shepparton East 28.20 (188) d Merrigum 21.0 (6). Murchison Toolamba 26.21 (177) d Violet Town 2.5 (17). Longwood 18.19 (127) d Tallygaroopna 5.7 (37). Rushworth 26.10 (166) d Undera 5.5 (35). Nagambie 12.15 (87) d Avenel 9.7 (61). Girgarre: Bye Reserves. Lancaster 10.8 (68) d Stanhope 8.6 (54). Shepparton East 20.11 (131) d Merrigum 9.2 (56). Murchison Toolamba 100 d Violet Town 0, forfeit. Tallygaroopna 10.12 (72) d Longwood 5.5 (35). Rushworth 7.13 (55) d Undera 1.5 (11). Avenel 11.10 976) d Nagambie 5.4 (34). Girgarre: Bye. Under 18. Shepprton East 16.22 (118) d Lancaster 2.7 (19). Tigers 12.11 (83) d Undera 6.3 (39). Tallygaroopna 26.24 (180) d Longwood 1.1 (7). Murchison Toolamba 26,.14 (170) d Violet Town 1.2 (8). Bye: Girgarre, Nagambie.

Riddell District

■ Seniors. Macedon 16.11 (107) d Melton Centrals 4.14 (38). Romsey 13.4 (82) d Woodend Hesket 10.8 (68). Wallan 22.16 (148) d Gisborne Giants 10.14 (74). Melton South 11.9 (75) d Kyneton 6.15 (51). Lancefield 11.5 (71) d Diggers Rest 9.14 (68). Reserves. Macedon 26.13 (169) d Melton centrals 0.1 (1). Romsey 11.9 975) d Woodend Hesket 1.1 (7). Wallan 15.12 (102) d Gisborne Giants 2.6 (18). Melton south 6.5 (41) d Kyneton 4.8 (32). Diggers Rest 5.4 (34) d Lancefield 5.3 (33). Under 19.5. Romsey 5.11 (41) d Woodend Hesket 4.4 (28). Gisborne Giants 16.7 (103) d Wallan 2.6 (18). Kyneton 8.7 (55) d Melton South 5.7 (37). Diggers Rest 9.14 (68) d Lancefield 8.2 (50). Bye: Macedon, Riddell.

CAR REG. No.

Australia's most underrated sprinter?

■ In most other years, the winner of autumn's Black Caviar Lightning would be a major source of attention at the important prespring trials that were conducted at the Caulfield Heath track.

But, in keeping with her undeserved modest profile, the neatly built Skybird unobtrusively ambled around like any other horse with trainer Mitch Freedman before and after taking part in the opening 800-metre heat.

It was much the same in the trial itself. Jockey John Allen dropped her back to second last and then allowed her to work home out wide for a subdued midfield placing.

Seemingly, nothing has changed then with this low-key Ballarat-based flyer.

In the days after her Lightning victory at Flemington in February, the usual invitations to compete at Royal Ascot and other international destinations weren't forthcoming, nor since has there been a hint of interest from slot-holders for the $20 million The Everest in October.

That's a little strange considering the Black Caviar Lightning is one of the world's morerenowned sprints and indeed the race finished equal 16th at the end of 2024 for the highest-rated Group 1s to be run throughout the world.

Past five winners of the Black Caviar Lightning:

■ 2025 - Skybird. Ended the season rated the equal ninth-best sprinter in the land;

■ 2024 - Imperatriz. Went on to be sold as a broodmare for a record $6.6 million;

■ 2023 - Coolangatta. Sold as a broodmare for a figure around $5m;

■ 2022 - Home Affairs. Served 203 mares on a $110,000 fee in his opening season; and

■ 2021 - Nature Strip. That year's leading sprinter in the world with a 124 rating.

Yet, it's as if Skybird's last-to-first win of six months ago was a mere aberration. A fluke, maybe.

Fortunately for Skybird's connections, opinions, ratings and trends can flip quickly. For Skybird, it might just take her 57 seconds or so to manage a major transformation when she appears first-up in the September 6 G1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at The Valley Freedman is not overly bothered that little fuss is made about the mare he purchased as a yearling for $110,000.

"No one seems to really care too much about her," he shrugged after her trial. "But we just hope she can do it on race day again and that will do the talking."

Freedman said the enforced break after the Lightning - when she hurt a pectoral musclemeant she has returned a little more furnished and with a good, solid base of work behind her that will give her the chance to take that leap into the elite.

"She still is a horse that is maturing," Freedman said as he looked her over. "She is very lightly raced and, in my opinion, she is still growing a bit.

"We're happy with the development she has made as far as physically and muscling up, so hopefully we can see it on race day."

He said his focus is fixed on her first-up run in the Moir and he is taking the attitude that her spring path will become clearer after the first big sprinting test of this preparation.

Freedman was pleased with her effort, patiently awaiting the day next month when Skybird gets the chance to produce that jawdropping sprint.

Ted Ryan

"She just sat back off the speed and joined in and her last 100 (metres), I was really happy with that," he said of her trial. "It was exactly what we needed for where we are in the prep so it will have us in good stead going forward towards the Moir first-up.

"The team have done a really good job with her as it's taken a lot of work to get that muscle right, but I think we've got it in good shape at the moment and the way she stretched out today would suggest she's feeling pretty good."

A spring of riches could await if Skybird recaptures her Lightning form.

"We can only hope and dream," Freedman said of what could lie ahead.

"Undoubtedly, she is one of the more exciting sprinters in the country. There's a handful of them ready to step up to the plate and hopefully she's one of them."

Andrew Eddy, racing.com

Partnership split

■ Cranbourne-based trainers Lloyd Kennewell and Lucy Yeomans have dissolved their training partnership.

Kennewell confirmed the news via a joint

saying both he and Yeomans, who began as a partnership in mid2023 after she had resigned from the Ciaron Maher stable, want to take their own paths in the industry.

"I'm writing to let you know that after twoand-a-half successful seasons together, Lucy Yeomans and I have made the decision to dissolve our training partnership," Kennewell wrote.

"This was not a decision we took lightly, but we both feel the time is right to pursue our own individual paths in the racing industry.

"Since forming our partnership, we've enjoyed some fantastic results, Stakes winners across Australia and victories in at least three states each season.

"Our most recent 2024-25 season was particularly rewarding, with a promising young team delivering a 21 per cent winners strikerate and 48 per cent placings.

"I'm proud to have played a part in giving her ( Yeomans) a new perspective on the industry as a fully fledged trainer - a role she was more than deserving of and we wish Lucy every success for the future.

"Moving forward, my stable operation will now return to operating under my sole name.

"It's business as usual and I look forward to continuing to train your horses with the same dedication and commitment to get the best results possible."

Andrew Eddy, racing.com

● ● ● ● Skybird winning the Black Caviar Lightning. Racing Photos.

statement from the stable,

FANCIED WINNERS AT KILMORE

■ Kilmore’s 10-race program attracted a lot of attention last Thursday (August 14) with well fancied runners winning most races.

Darraweit trainer/driver Lisa Miles provided 5Y0 Father Patrick-Happy Maori gelding Macho Maori to land the 2180 metre Jet Roofing Trotters Mobile when first up since October last year.

Starting inside the second line, Macho Maori was quickly away from the markers to settle one/one as the speedy Fling It Rainbow took up his usual role at the head of affairs from gate four with Jungle Spider (gate three) caught in the open.

The race was full of action as Whats The Tea outside the front line was restrained to near last before moving forward three wide racing for the bell to join the leader with a circuit to travel shuffling Macho Maori back a spot.

Easing three wide in the last lap to go forward, Macho Maori wasn’t rushed to gradually make ground on the leaders and when asked to produce in the straight, put the leaders away to score nicely by 2.1 from Whats The Tea returning a 2-05.9 mile rate.

Fling It Rainbow held third 9.1 metres back.Raced by Fred Crews and family with Fred the breeder, Macho Maori has greeted the judge on six occasions from 67 outings which include 11 placings.

■ Sutton Grange trainer Ross Graham is a regular at most Kilmore meetings and Used To Me-Sonoko 5Y0 mare Dossier raced by twin brother Leigh, scored in the VHRC / Renown Silverware Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres.

Given a glorious passage from gate two trailing the poleline pacemaker Picket Wire by James Herbertson which was kept honest by Link In Bio (gate five) which had gone forward from three back in the moving line midrace to join her with the pair going head and head to the home turn, Dossier made full use of the sprint lane to prevail by 9.1 metres from a game Link In Bio who was relentless, with Picket Wire a head away third. The rate 2-02.6. Dossier is a half sister to Son Of Sonoko (Sundon) a winner of almost $300,000 in stakes and still racing.

■ Champion Bolinda reinsman Chris Alford combined with Derrinal trainer Glenn Bull to snare the VHRC / Black Horse Naturals Pace over 1690 metres with 5Y0 Gotta Go CullectDestiny Choice mare Fake Collection. Going forward from gate six to cross the leader Atomic Glory (gate five), Fake Collection although tackled from all directions on turning fought on doggedly to account for Dot Ball (gate two second line one/two) by 1.6 metres with Atomic Glory a half neck back third. The mile rate 1-59.3.

■ The VHRC / Del Re National Foods Trotters Final was the feature of the night and a triumph for 76 year old Balliang/Bacchus Marsh owner/trainer/driver Robert Young after 6Y0 Danny Bouchea-Kilmainham gelding Scar was successful in a mile rate of 2-03.1. Going forward from outside the front line after being trapped wide, Scar settled outside polemarker Kalarney Prince which gave the front running away to the favourite Keayang Brandy starting inside the second line for Girgarre trainer/driver Lisa Pitt which went forward with a rush three wide from five back in the moving line to cross and lead at the bell.

Still travelling kindly on the final bend, Scar gave it all on straightening to gain the day by a half head from Keayang Brandy, with Old Dominion (gate two second line – three wide from the tail continuing a long run for third 4.6 metres back.

■ Lisa Pitt was to make amends for Keayang Brandy’s narrow defeat by winning the VHRC / GBL Properties 4Y0 & Older Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres with Jilliby Topgun, a 5Y0 What The Hill-Midnightatpinevale gelding raced, trained and driven by her. Settling three pegs from gate four, Keayang Topgun was put back a spot when Kyvalley Mariache after galloping at the start was sent forward by Chris Alford with a brilliant turn of speed to cross the polemarker and leader Aldebaran Sariah at the bell. Chasing determinedly as the home turn came into view, Jilliby Topgun finished at a great rate along the sprint lane to blouse the front runner Military Merit (one/three from the extreme draw which joined Kyvalley Mariache and head her on the final bend. The Knockout (gate six) after enjoying a cosy trip one/ one was third 2.4 metres away after angling wide in the straight. The mile rate 2-05.2.

■ Mitchellstown trainer/driver Kylie Sugars led throughout aboard 4Y0 Somebeach-somewhere-Major Missile mare Majors Creek in the

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

1690 metre VHRC / Benstud Standardbreds Pace, greeting the judge six metres in advance of a death-seating Altius from outside the front line who’s effort was outstanding. Bronski Royal (gate two – outside the leader – one/one last lap) was third 4.4 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.4.

■ Kialla trainer Mitchell Frost combined with Jordan Leedham aboard the heavily backed Always B Miki-Magic Moment Lombo gelding Magic Miki on debut in the Thank You Maxine Brain 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1690 metres. Raced by Hobart based Juanita McKenzie. Leading out from gate two, Jordy was content to allow Colorado Girl (gate four with Chris Alford in the sulky to cross him shortly after the start to receive the run of the race.

Using the sprint lane, Magic Miki put the race beyond doubt in a couple of strides to score most impressively by 4.4 metres from Colorado Girl which had no answer. Polemarker Julz Marie (three pegs) on debut was third 1.7 metres back after also using the sprint lane. The mile rate 2-00.1.

■ Leading trainer Emma Stewart combined with Hamilton’s Jackie Barker to land the VHRC / Woodlands Stud Pace over 1690 metres with Always B Miki-Magic Moment Lombo –filly Ill Be Gone.

Starting from the extreme draw, the filly went forward three wide from one/one in the last lap to register a 1.6 metre margin in a mile rate of 1-55.8 over Ideal Moth (gate seven) which led at the bell after being one/one. Day Two (gate six – four pegs) was third 9.9 metres back.

■ The VHRC / Mazzetti Painting 2Y0 Pace saw Allan McDonough victorious aboard his Stay Hungry-Ellenkate colt Affamato returning a mile rate of 1-58.9.

Leading out from gate two, Affamato was eased to allow Go Easy On Me (gate seven) to cross at the bell. Using the sprint lane Affamoto ran home best to record a half neck margin over Go Easy On Me and Razor Horizon (gate four – one/one – three wide home turn) who was a neck away third.

■ Racing concluded with the VHRC / Australian Pacing Gold Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres taken out by Kilmore local Billy Milner’s part-owned and trained Armbro Variable-Motu Paulina 5Y0 mare The Night Queen giving James Herbertson his second winner for the night.

Trailing the poleline leader Brigitte Royale from outside the front line with The Vicars Girl (gate five) in the open, The Night Queen was inconvenienced in the last lap after The Vicars Girl had crossed the weakening leader with Tiney outside her issuing a challenge. Eventually exiting a tight pocket to give chase prior to the final bend, The Night Queen finished full of running to score easily by 1.6 metres from The Vicars Girl, with Tiney third 1.5 metres back. The mile rate 2-06.4.

Friday at Geelong

■ At Geelong on Friday, smart 3Y0 Captain Crunch-Arts Treasure filly Golden Shooz returned to the winners list when taking the 1609 metre Hoyts Food Pace.

Trained at Myrniong by Jess Tubbs, Golden Shooz led all of the way from gate two, accounting for Our Rocker from three pegs after starting from inside the second line. Rank outsider Steel Ruler was third a neck back after trailing the winner from the pole. The mile rate 1-56.8.

■ Kuranjang co-trainers Maree and John Caldow landed the Evolution Lodge Trotters Mobile again over 1609 metres which seems to

be the norm with most Geelong meetings of late with very honest 5Y0 What The Hill-Cloud Chaser mare The Sky Is The Limit.

Raced by Maree, son Matthew and daughter Lauren, The Sky Is The Limit driven by John enjoyed a perfect passage from inside the second line following the poleline leader Amartey which had to work hard from the outset to retain the inside running.

Using the sprint lane, The Sky’s The Limit dashed to the front halfway up the running to register a 4.4 metre margin from a wall of runners with Iron Women (gate two second line) off a three wide trail from mid-field second and Majestic Tooth (gate three second line) promoted to third after trailing the runner up home and making the final bend very wide.

Lochinvar Son (gate five) one/two – three wide at the bell to join the leader for the last lap was a terrific third 4.8 metres away but galloped approaching the post and was relegated to fifth. The mile rate 1-59.7.

■ The 2100 metre Haras Des Trotteurs Trotters Mobile saw Mitchell Park (Ballarat) trainer Kelvin Barker’s 6Y0 gelding Mercenary register his first success since winning at Globe Derby Park Adelaide in October last year.

Starting solo on the second line, Mercenary possied beautifully one/one for Jackie Barker as roughie Illawong Stardust led from gate four.

Easing three wide in the last lap, Mercenary showing a brilliant turn of speed raced to the front on the final bend to register an easy 2 metre margin from Ser Patrick (gate six) which followed the winner throughout. Polemarker Royal Charlotte a winner of 15 races was third from three pegs 8.8 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.8.

■ South Ecklin trainer Mattie Craven combined with Hannah Lewis aboard 3Y0 Art

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Bendigo, Thursday –Ballarat, Friday – Mildura/Melton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Cranbourne, Monday –Maryborough, Tuesday – Shepparton.

Major-Miss Galvinator filly Harbour Springs to snare the 2100 metre Corio Pizza Maiden Pace.

Beginning best to lead from gate three, Harbour Springs at start number nine was always in control and scored by 1.4 metres from Im The Wild One (gate four) which was unsuccessful in challenging the winner for the front running as the start was effected before easing to her back and using the sprint lane to no avail.

Riddellmethis after galloping in the score up from outside the front line moved from the tail to settle three back in the moving lane and five wide on the home turn for third 2.8 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.9.

Power blackout

■ Apologies for missing the early part of the week as I had a massive power blackout which wiped everything off the computer. Len Baker

News Extra

Amazon at Casey

■ Casey Council is celebrating the creation of 500 new local jobs with the opening of Amazon’s newest fulfilment centre in Cranbourne West.

Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen, Deputy Mayor Cr Melinda Ambros, Cr Carolyn Eaves, Cr Gary Rowe, Cr Scott Dowling and Cr Shane Taylor attended the official opening, alongside Danny Pearson, Minister for Finance and Economic Growth and Jobs, and Pauline Richards, Cranbourne MLA, on Friday (Aug. 15) to welcome the significant boost to local employment opportunities.

Cr Koomen emphasised that the impact of these new jobs goes beyond economic growth.

“More than 65 per cent of our residents travel to work by car. Every minute that they save on their journey to-and-from work, means more time spent with those they love or doing activities that bring joy to their everyday lives,” said Cr Koomen.

Cr Koomen also highlighted the broader significance of Amazon’s investment.

“Amazon’s $200 million investment in Casey is a powerful endorsement of our strategic advantages and further strengthens our reputation as a premier destination for investment and innovation.”

“Casey is a great place for global businesses to grow, thanks to our convenient location, fast-growing community and business-friendly Council.” Cr Koomen said.

Amazon Australia Country Manager, Janet Menzies said: “Melbourne was the home to our first Australian fulfilment centre in 2017, and we are thrilled to continue investing in Victoria opening our new purpose-built site in Cranbourne West.

“We’re proud to be creating hundreds of high-quality local job opportunities, offering on-the-job training and exciting career opportunities, in a safe and positive environment.”

With Casey’s population projected to exceed 500,000 by 2041, the city is fast becoming a hub for future-focused industries such as logistics, advanced manufacturing, technology, and professional services.

“Plus, our city offers an affordable alternative to industrial land in neighbouring areas like Dandenong. There’s never been a better time to invest in Casey,” Cr Koomen said.

Casey Council said that it looks forward to a strong and ongoing partnership with Amazon and the broader community as we continue building a vibrant, prosperous future for all.

Jane aims for East

■ The Family First Party has announce the endorsement of Jane Foreman as a candidate for the Legislative Council in Victoria for next year’s state election.

She is likely to staqnd for the Eastern or North-Eastern Metropolitan Prtovince.

Described as “a devoted champion of family, faith, freedom, and life”, Jane is said to brin a wealth of leadership experience to her candidacy.

She has previously served as a local government councillor in her home state of Western Australia and currently serves as the chair of Family First’s Victorian executive committee.

“She’s been an effective grassroots organiser for Family First in several by-elections and at the recent Federal election where she mobilised around 1000 volunteers,” said a Party statement.

“Jane’s personal story deeply informs her political convictions. A mother of three adopted children, she knows first-hand the challenges facing families under bureaucratic overreach, soaring energy costs, and the erosion of parental rights in education,” said a Party staement.

Ms Foreman said: “I am not embarrassed to stand up for your family, no matter what the elites say ... together we can put Victorian families first.

“Sadly both Labor and Liberal are hostile to mainstream families’ concerns about girls and women’s rights and both support energy policies which are driving up the cost of living for Victorian families.

“Victorian families need Family First in the Upper House to fight for them and keep the major parties honest.”

Ms Foreman recently called out the Allan Labor Government’s “draconian VicGrid Stage 2 laws” that threaten farmers’ property rights and penalise them with $12,000 fines.

She has also pledged to fight for law and order in the wake of Victoria’s crime epidemic.

Family First National Director Lyle Shelton said: "We are delighted to endorse Jane Foreman as a Victorian Upper House candidate. Jane embodies our core mission of standing up for strong families, faith, and freedom. Her leadership, conviction, and community roots make her the ideal candidate to carry our vision forward."

Mr Shelton said more candidates would be announced closer to the election.

Local Politics

Rail extension?

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has demanded transparency from the Minister for Transport Infrastructure [Gabrielee Williams] on what, if any, funding the State Government has provided for planning work to extend the Upfield and Craigieburn Metro lines to Wallan, and to confirm whether or not that planning work has begun.

“Emails recently released through a Freedom of Information request, show that Secretary for the Department of Transport and Planning, Paul Younis, had prepared and submitted a report called the North West Strategic Assessment in June last year,” a representative for Ms Lovell said.

“Mr Younis said that the report’s key finding was that “due to significant population growth in the north and west of Melbourne … there is an urgent need to begin detailed development of rail capacity boosting projects in the north and west.”

“Boosting rail capacity for residents in Donnybrook, Beveridge and Wallan requires that the Upfield and Craigieburn lines join, and be extended and electrified all the way to Wallan, to allow Metro train services to run through the northern growth suburbs with increased capacity and greater frequency.

“In February this year, the Commonwealth committed $7m “towards planning for Melbourne Northern Suburbs rail upgrades.”

“Victoria will need to contribute its share of the funding and carry out the planning work, but the Allan Labor Government is not showing any urgency to do its part.”

Ms Lovell spoke in parliament last week on behalf of her constituents in the rapidly expanding northern growth suburbs who she says suffer every day from traffic congestion and totally inadequate public transport, and demanded clarity from the State Labor Government on the funding and timeline for northern suburbs rail upgrades.

“Over the last decade, the State Labor Government has approved the development of tens of thousands of homes in northern growth suburbs, but has completely failed to make the necessary investment in public transport infrastructure for residents living in those areas,” Ms Lovell said.

“My constituents in Yan Yean district cannot wait for another decade while Labor drags its feet over urgent upgrades.

“The Minister must confirm what, if any, funding the state government has provided for the planning work to extend and electrify rail services through to Wallan , and confirm whether that planning work has actually started,” Ms Lovell said.

Two genders: MP

■ “I believe that there are two genders, male and female, and any curriculum being delivered in Victorian schools that contradicts this fact, such as the Respectful Relationships program, is completely unacceptable,” Northern Victoria MLC RikkieLee Tyrrell said.

“I am not alone in sharing this view of course, with every one of my constituents who has spoken to me on this issue, and dare I say the majority of Victorians think the same,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

“Respect should be shown by everyone to everyone, regardless of gender, race, social status or sexual orientation.

“But there is no place in our schools for children as young as five being taught that their body parts may not match their gender.

“Curriculum that could lead educators to persuade a child that they were born in the wrong body could cause irreversible harm and is abhorrent.

“School is not the appropriate place for such conversations but should be introduced to children by their parents in the privacy of their own home, if they wish to do so.

“Premier Jacinta Allan’s unwarranted attack on TheAustraliannewspaper during a media conference shows that she is completely tone deaf to the beliefs of the majority of Victorians on this issue.

“To indoctrinate gender fluidity and nonbinary ideology onto our children is both irresponsible and wrong,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

Grants for local groups

■ Some 18 volunteer community organisations in the Indi federal electorate will receive $57,925 in grant funding, says Helen Haines MHR.

Successful local organisations included:

■ Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges, $4000

■ Mansfield Junior Netball Club Inc, $2000

■ Yea Bowls Club, $2000.

Dr Haines personally phoned each organisation to share the good news. The successful applicants were recommended to the Federal Government for funding after being assessed by a panel of local community leaders.

“Throughout the year, I regularly visit community organisations, and almost always their existence is possible because of one common factor: volunteers,” Dr Haines said.

She said that grants ranging from $1000 to $5000 will enable community groups to support their volunteers by funding the purchase of equipment, covering fuel and transport costs, or providing access to training.

A broad range of projects will be funded, benefiting groups across Indi

“Running the club canteen, maintaining the facilities, and managing the books — these are all key to keeping our community organisations alive, and almost always it’s a volunteer doing the work,” Dr Haines said.

More than $300,000 in volunteer grant funding has been delievred to the Indi electorate during Dr Haines’s terms.

Changing Places at Eltham

● Nillumbik Councillors Kim Cope, Kate McKay, Naomi Joiner and Mayor Cr John Dumaresq with Disability Minister Lizzie Blandthorn, Eltham MLA Vicki Ward and Araluen artists.

■ Nillumbik’s first Changing Places facility has been officially opened, after a visit from Disability Minister Lizzie Blandthorn and Eltham MLA Vicki Ward

Located in Alistair Knox Park in Eltham , near the Eltham Library and local cafés, the Changing Places facility provides essential amenities for people with high support needs and their carers.

Larger than standard accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities include a height-adjustable, adult-sized change table; an electronic hoist, and an accessible shower and toilet.

The old, inaccessible toilet block at the park was demolished, with four standard cubicle toilets and two accessible toilets built in its place.

The Changing Places facility features artwork by artists Matt Ling and David Hooke (MEGGS), in collaboration with artists from disability service Araluen

Awards held at Nillumbik

■ The 2025 Nillumbik Community Awards were held late last week at Eltham Community and Reception Centre

This year’s winners are:

■ Volunteer Award – David Kerrigan. A volunteer historian and archivist at Allwood Neighbourhood House, David works to preserve the stories of Hurstbridge. In 2024, he wrote and directed The Bridge, a community play bringing local history to life through an impressive cast and crew, delighting audiences across the region.

■ Community Group Award – Nillumbik State Emergency Service (SES). Recognised for their commitment to keeping our community safe and supported in times of crisis.

■ Young Citizen Award – Aashini Rastogi. A shining example of youth leadership and community engagement, Aashini’s contribution is inspiring positive change for young people in Nillumbik.

■

Wide readership

●

● This edition covers Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie (part), Whittlesea (rural) and Yarra Ranges.

Recycled water

■ Yarra Valley Water is set to begin a major project that will provide recycled water to more than 5000 homes and businesses in parts of Lilydale and Chirnside Park

The Brushy Creek Recycled Water Project will provide a sustainable and reliable water supply, treating wastewater so it can be safely reused for non-drinking water purposes like flushing toilets, washing clothes and watering gardens.

The project includes construction of:

■ A 3.7 kilometre recycled water pipeline from the Brushy Creek Recycled Water Treatment Plant in Chirnside Park to Plantes Hill Reservoir in Mooroolbark

■ A 2.1 megalitre recycled water tank at Yarra Valley Water’s Plantes Hill site.

■ Two above-ground pressure-reducing stations on Fletcher Rd and at Brushy Creek Recycled Water Treatment Plant.

Yarra Valley Water General Manager Asset Services Bridie Fennessy said the project will create significant water savings.

“Recycled water is an important part of creating sustainable communities,” she said.

“By using recycled water for flushing toilets, washing clothes, watering gardens and cleaning cars, customers can save the amount of drinking water a household uses by up to 25 per cent.

“A major project like this help us get the most out of every drop and ensures we can continue delivering a reliable water supply as our population grows.”

The pipeline will be built using a combination of open trench and ‘trenchless’ methods. Trenchless installation involves drilling or boring underground to minimise disturbance to the trees and vegetation above.

Project Manager Ken Singh said during the projects there would be some changes to traffic conditions.

“We’ll work to minimise disruptions where possible, and will make safety a priority at every stage of the project.”

Construction on the pipeline and the tanks will be undertaken concurrently, with the project expected to take approximately two years to complete.

Lithgow St works

■ Works will soon begin on a new roundabout and raised pedestrian crossing in Beveridge aimed at improving traffic flow, pedestrian safety and overall road conditions in one of the area’s busiest precincts.

The project will be delivered in three stages and will affect Lithgow St and Patterson Rd near the Mandalay Early Learning Centre and Greater Beveridge Community Centre

Stage 1: Construction of an interim roundabout with traffic islands at the intersection of Lithgow St and Patterson Rd. This will help improve traffic flow and reduce safety risks at the intersection.

Stage 2: Lithgow St, between Patterson Rd and the Mandalay Circuit roundabout, will be reduced to one lane in each direction, with additional parallel parking installed on-street. The reduction to one lane is aimed at reducing speeding, which has been a persistent issue in the area.

■ ■ ■ Contribution to Reconciliation – Yarrambat Junior Football Club.

■ Contribution to Arts and Culture – Pam Hayes

■

Contribution to Diversity – Allwood Neighbourhood House

Contribution to Environment and Sustainability – Jayne Clarke

Stage 3: A new raised pedestrian priority crossing will be constructed next to the Greater Beveridge Community Centre (near Mantel Green ), providing safer access for pedestrians, particularly families and children accessing the Centre

Erosion efforts

■ Yarra Ranges Council is inviting community feedback on proposed updates to the Erosion Management Overlay mapping in the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme. The consultation period will run from August 21 to October 3, and residents impacted by the proposed changes will receive a letter with further details about how to make a submission.

This consultation phase, called ‘exhibition’ is one of several steps in the amendment process, which also includes consideration of submissions by an independent Planning Panel (if required), and final approval by the Minister for Planning

Once the amendment is approved and gazetted by the Minister, the new provisions will come into effect in the Planning Scheme

Affected residents will be notified when this happens.

Amendments can be a lengthy process, taking a year or more.

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

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

BATHROOM TILES. To cover 270sq m. EC. $60. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950. HH-LL

BED. 3-seater and two seater. Red, vinyl. Dark wood trims. VGC. $300. Cranbourne, 0401 898 413. HH-LL

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

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

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

BOOKS. Large variety. Various authors. $2, or 3 for $5. Heathmont. 0423 720 137. HH-LL

BOOSTER SEAT. Mothers hoice. Convertible. 6 months to 8 years. VGC. $40. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. HH-LL

BRICKS. 100+. Clean, red. Plus halves. $50. Keon Park. 9469 4558. HH-LL

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

CARAVAN. 21’6” 2014 Crusader. Reg till Feb. 2026. Full ensuite, separate shower/toilet, queen bed, a/c heater, TV radio, Gas/Elec. cooktop, micro washing machine, solar panel, large fridge, freezer, new tyres and batteries. many extras. EC. $40,000 ONO. Mount Eliza. 0429 877 964. Z-CC

CARAVAN. 2021. 16ft. Aspire caravan. As new. Air cond. heating, full annexe, double bed, shower toilet, solar panel, TV, tare 1275 kg. Easy ti tow. Light weight EC. $42,000 neg. Whittlesea. 0438 434 413. HH-LL

CARAVAN. Jayco. 2004. Freedom. Single beds, RC/ AC, new tyres, unused porta-potti, m’wave, 3-way fridge, gas & elec. cooktop + grill, 240/12 volt TV and aerial. Reg till Jan 2026. Everything in working order. 1150 kg. Tows great. VGC. $12,500 ONO. Hastings. 0409 645 059. HH-LL

CHAIR. Pink, small, white spots. Suit girl . VGC. $15. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, after 5pm best. HH-LL

CIRCULATION STIMU-

LATOR. Clare. VGC. $20. Frankston. 9789 9634 Z-CC

CLARE Wellness Circulation Stimulator. Instruction Manual included. VGC. $150. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

COUNTRY MUSIC. 33rpm. Slim Dustry, Reg Lindsay, Hank Snow, glen Campbell, Sons of the Pioneers, Tex morton, Buddy Willkiams, Hank Williams, Hawking Bros., The Overlanders, The Folk Singer. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL

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

ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set A-Z. GC. $60 ONO. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

FISHER PAYKEL Fridge Freezer. 8 months old. New. Cost $870, sell $400. Keysborough. Joe, 0402 385 692. HH-LL

FOOTWEAR. Navy woven leather. Diana ferrari. Sandal size 9, worn once. EC. $50. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950. HH-LL

GUITAR. Lindsay. Valued at $1000. Can’t play it. Dandebnong North. 9794 6996. HH-LL

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

Dimplex. Electric. Portable 7 vane. $90. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

HEATER. Wood. With flue. Warmbrite. GC. $500. Seymour. 0422 204 977. HH-LL

HEDGE TRIMMER.

Honda. HHH25D. 4 stroke. With hour meter fitted. VGC. Bought in Feb. 2022. Has done 20.8 hours. $650 ONO. Pearcedale. 0418 457 588. Z-CC

JAYCO 2004 Freedom Caravan, single beds, RC/ AC, new tyres, unused porta potti, m’wave, 3 way bridge, gas & elec. cooktop and grill, 240/12 volt TV. Aerial. Reg till Jan. 26. Everything in working order. 1150kg. Tows great. VGTC. Hastings. 0409 645 059. Z-CC

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

LINE TRIMMER. Electric. 500 watts. 290mm cut. Little used. GC. Purchase to collect. $10. Doreen. 9717 3465 HH-LL

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

PICTURE FRAMES. 40 large to small. Various styles. VGC. All only $70. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q

COPIER. $100. Dandebnong North,. 9794 6996. HH-LL

PLUMBING FITTINGS. New. Box, 100m, sew/SW E/Boxes. Box: 100mm, 500mm, elbows, as new. New. $35. yea. 5750 2615. HH-LL

PRESSURE WASHER. Karcher. Good working order. little used, complete with operating instructions. Purchaser to collect. GC. $55. Doreen. 9717 3485. HH-LL

HH-LL

PRAM. Old, child’s collectable. GC. $60. Wandong. 041`8 399 261. R-U

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

RECORDS. 33rpm. Casslical singers. OPaul Robeson, Mobncrieff, Kiri Te Kanwa, Peter awson, Pavarotti, Secombe, Caruso, Peerse, lawrence, Hammond, Bronhill, Sutherland. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL

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

RECORD PLAYER. Radiogram, $25. VGC. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $15. Also frame for manual sharpening, GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203. HH-LL

SCOOTER. Pegasus. Pro. 4 years old. Done 30km only. Like new. $4000 ONO. Melton. 0488 007 395. HH-LL

SEWING MACHINE. Singer. Wrought iron. With marble top. Suit garden setting. Black, needs painting,. VGC, $25. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, after 5pm best. HH-LL

STAMP PACKS. New, unopened, from 1970s, 80s. Approx. 200, sell for face value. New. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

by

8935.HH-LL

$75. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

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

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

NOTICE is hereby given that the partnership formerly subsisting between Yihua Zhang and Yiran Su, carrying on business under the name of Y SU & Y ZHANG at Unit 5, 560 Boronia Road, Wantirna VIC 3152, was dissolved as of 10 July 2025.

ANZ Bank Money Boxes. GC. Price negotiable. Will alsoswap. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

30

HH-LL

WANTED. Independent Support Provider for NDIS participant in Acheron, near Alexandra. Participant is 20yo male - living independently - loves outdoors,, nushwalks, fishing. Suit experienced male SP , contractor, registered, NDIS screening, refrences. Flexible hours. Immediate start. 0412 224 464. HH-LL

TOYOTA COROLLA. Manual. Roacdworthy condition. VG motor, gear box. Dark blue. RXJ-289. GC. $2000. Box Hill North. 0449 836 907. HH-LL

WHEELBARROW.

TWO-PERSON SAW. $90. Mill Park. 9436

HEATER.

PHOTO

TRANIST WHEELCHAIR with seatbelt, footrest and armrests. Lightweight. Cost $279, sell $70. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264.

STROLLER. City aselkect

Baby Jogger. VGC. $60. Whittlesea. 0494

264.

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I, Yulong Chen, applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 27 July 2025 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at [2/188 Whitehorse Rd, Balwyn VIC 3103].

Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that: it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated, and/or it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol.

An objection must state the reasons for the objection. All objections are treated as public documents.

Objections must be made in writing to: Liquor Control Victoria PO Box 1019 Richmond VIC 3121

I/We YYDS MART PTY LTD applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 5 May 2025 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at/ to 81–89 BOUVERIE ST, CARLTON. Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that: • it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated, and/or • it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol. An objection must state the reasons for the objection. All objections are treated as public documents. Objections must be made in writing to: Liquor Control Victoria PO Box 1019 Richmond VIC 3121 Objections must be made no later than 30 days after the date of this notice.