The Local Paper. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., Apr. 29, 2026

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

MINISTER OPENS SEYMOUR HUB

■ State Minister Natalie Suleyman visited Seymour to officially open Victoria’s newest Thrive Hub employment service.

Thrive Hubs are community-based, peoplecentred services that provide personal support to people who need help finding a job or starting training. The Hubs are run by the Brotherhood of St Laurence Services include personalised coaching, jobreadiness workshops, interview preparation and pre-employment accredited training.

“By collaborating with local employers and training providers, the Hubs also help each person to build their own pathway into training and employment and connect with real job opportunities,” said a Government rep.

“We're providing more opportunities for Victorians to enter the workforce - because we know secure, meaningful employment supports local families, and local economies,” Ms Suleyman said.

“These programs are the gateway to more local jobs.”

“What makes our Thrive Hubs unique is that they’re tailored to the specific needs of the communities they serve and focus on meaningful employment for the individual,” said Travis McLeodm, Brotherhood of St Laurence Executive Director.

“Collaboration is integral. We work with industry experts, training providers and people with lived experience to create employment and education pathways that are effective and sustainable. This powers connected communities."

WHITTLESEA CITY CEO RESIGNS

■ Craig Lloyd, Chief Executive Officer of the City of Whittlesea, is leaving the $500,000-a-year position in late May ahead of some pre-arranged leave.

Mr Lloyd, who has been Whittlesea CEO since October 2020, has accepted the CEO position at Joondalup City in Western Australia.

The Joondalup job has an advertised ‘reward package’ ranging from $288,727 to $439,682 per annum, set under Western Australia legislation.

Controversy

Whittlesea Council says it will advise arrangements for an Acting CEO shortly.

Mr Lloyd has been at Whittlesea Council during a controversy-filled tenure of 4½years.

The departure follows a tumultuous period, including a Commission of Inquiry and the appointment of a municipal monitor in late 2025.

Part of Mr Lloyd’s term included a period where there were no elected Councillors, and the Council was headed by a team of three administrators.

Inquiry

The period included:

■ An election voided due to fraud and ballot interference by members of the public

■ A Mayor banned from council offices, hit with a no-confidence vote and suspended by the Minister - now in the Supreme Court.

■ A full State Government Commission

of Inquiry

■ Findings of “serious and systemic governance failures”.

Critical

The Commission was critical of Mr Lloyd as well as others.

“It found the CEO was quick to escalate conflicts rather than resolve them, potentially making tensions worse,” said Council Watch Victoria Inc.

In addition to Mr Lloyd, the past decade has seen a revolving door of CEOs at Whittlesea including David Turnbull (forced to leave after 21 years), Michael Wootten (briefly, in 2016), Simon Overland (2019) whose contract was terminated, Kevin Spiller (2019-20), and Joe Carbone (Acting CEO in 2020).

Spin

Cr Lareie Cox, Mayor, issued a statement that was full of praise for Mr Lloyd.

“Since joining the City of Whittlesea in 2020, Craig has provided strong and considered leadership through many challenges and changes, including a period of Administration, the COVID-19 pandemic and the return of an elected Council.

“He has driven important organisational reforms that have strengthened the Council’s delivery of infrastructure, enhanced financial management, elevated customer service standards, deepened community engagement and advanced the use of technology,” Cr Cox said in a written statement.

Oak St repairs

■ Works to repair the Oak St bridge over Whiteheads Creek in Seymour will soon move into stage two, following the completion of initial bridge barrier repair works.

The project is being delivered as part of a two-stage program after structural damage was identified during routine inspections.

Construction is anticipated to start in coming weeks.

This stage will focus on structural rehabilitation of the bridge deck, as well as resurfacing with new asphalt to reinstate the bridge’s functionality, reopen the bridge to two-way traffic and improve its long-term durability.

These works will require a full closure of the Oak St bridge.

During the project:

■ The Oak St bridge will be temporarily closed to all vehicles and pedestrians, including local traffic

■ Oak St will also be temporarily closed between the Wimble St roundabout and the Tarcombe Rd/High St railway level crossing, but will be accessible to local traffic

■ The Oak St and Mentor St intersection will be temporarily closed, but will be accessible to local traffic

■ The Oak St and Abdallah Rd intersection will be temporarily closed to all traffic

■ Drivers are asked to allow extra travel time and follow the directions of traffic controllers and signage

■ Signed detours for heavy and high clearance vehicles will be in place via Wimble St, Delatite R\d, Tarcombe Rd and High St

Tree trimming

■ Strathbogie Shire Council intends to carry out tree trimming around electric lines in the townships of Avenel and Euroa.

The works schedule, weather pending, is expected to be completed by May 25.

Vegetation works

■ Strathbogie Shire will be doing general tree works in Euroa and Violet Town this week.

This will include tree removals in: Atkins St, Brock St, Butter Factory Lane and Sevens Ave, Euroa and Baird St, Lily St and Tulip St, Violet Town . These trees are being removed for safety reasons, according to a Shire representative.

Saturday open day

■ Free kindergarten is now available for three- and four-year-old children across Mitchell Shire

In line with the Best Start Best Life reform, three-year-old children now have access to 15 hours of play-based kindergarten each week, and four-yearold children have access to a 20-hour Pre Prep program.

“These programs build confidence, independence and provide opportunities for lifelong learning in preparation for school,” said a Shire representative.

Families are being encouraged to enrol now, with round 1 offers made in June.

Mitchell’s kindergarten open day is on Saturday (May 2), giving families the chance to tour centres, meet educators and learn more about the programs on offer.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said kindergarten played a key role in helping children build confidence early.

“Kindergarten is where children start to find their confidence – learning how to be part of a group, follow routines and build friendships,” Cr Dougall said.

Kindergarten starts sooner than many families think – and those early years play a vital role in shaping how children learn, connect and grow.

Mitchell Shire Council’s sessional kindergarten programs offer a structured, play-based learning environment delivered by bachelor-qualified Early Childhood Teachers and experienced educators, with a strong focus on child development and school readiness.

● ● ● ● Natalie Suleyman

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

Local Briefs

Lording heart scare

■ Murrindindi’s Cr Eric Lording underwent emergency open heart surgery on Friday (Apr. 25).

On Sunday (Apr. 27), Cr Lording said: “I have had the operation and they say I am Rex.

“Recovering well, but open heart surgery recovery if darn painful. I will leave hospital on Friday but need six weeks of recovery.

“But at least I am still around. They say these silent ones are real killers,” Cr Lording said.

Earlier, Cr Lording said: “I want to get across to people that they need to be sensitive to things happening in their chest as I had only the smallest amount of pain once in the middle of the night, no crushing pain on the chest or down the arms or in the chin, and that was with me having what they call the widow maker. I nearly didn't even go to the doctor as I thought I was wasting people's time, but I finished up with one of the most deadly situations without having a clue that something is wrong.

Newsagency closure: effect on Chronicle?

■ The permanent closure of Yea News-agency from this coming weekend may have severe consequences for TheYeaChronicle newspaper.

According to the Victorian Country Press Association website, TheYeaChroniclecirculation has hit a rock bottom level of just 300 copies. It is now one of the smallest circulation such publications in the state.

This figure compares to 524 copies in 2017, and 850 copies in 2015. Under the proprietorship of the Long family in the 1980s and early 1990s, the weekly print run was up to 10,000, with editions for Kinglake, Whittlesea, Yarra Glen and Mill Park.

Under the Longs, separate editions were also published for Nagambie, Seymour, Broadford and Kilmore, with the pre-press for all issues produced from Yea.

Under Tom Dignam’s ownership until 1984, TheYeaChronicle,as a four-page broadsheet, had a print run of 1100 copies.

A significant portion of the YeaChronicle’s current 300 circulation has been delivered through the Yea News-agency.

Chronicle readership also took another knock over the past month with negative public response to the Chronicle’sprice rise to $2.50 per copy for issues as little as 16 pages.

The YeaChroniclehas been highly reliant on revenue from State Government advertising, with fewer local businesses supporting it.

INQUIRY HEARS FROM LOCALS ABOUT EFFECTS OF SUMMER FIRES

attended the Parliamentay Inquiry at Alexandra on Friday.

Murrindindi Shire suffered half the devastation, but sent 8% of recovery cash

■ Murrindindi Shire community mmebers appeared before the Parliamentary Inquiry into Bushfires, at Alexandra last Friday (Apr. 24).

Murrindindi Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi said:

‘Neighbouring councils, emergency responders and volunteers spoke with one, united voice.

“Different people shared different experiences, from the terrifying hours before and during the fires, through the response, and into the long weeks of recovery, but the message was clear and consistent.

■ The impacts were catastrophic and uneven.

■ Communities stepped up immediately to support one another.

■ Emergency responders and volunteers showed extraordinary courage, often with stretched resources.

■ Recovery takes years, not months, and systems must reflect that reality.

“Above all, there was strong alignment: equal treatment does not deliver equal outcomes when impacts are fundamentally unequal.

“Murrindindi Shire experienced just under half the destruction from the Summar fires in the State. Yet Council only received 8 per cent of the announced funding for local government to date.

“None of the mental health funding for fire impacted areas landed in our area. Many of our farmers are deemed ineligible for financial support despite their clear losses.

“I am incredibly proud of how our region told its story: honestly, constructively and with a shared commitment to learning and improvement.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed their experience, to our volunteers and emergency services, to neighbouring councils who stood together, and to the Committee Chair and Members for listening carefully to regional voices.

“Our hope is simple: that the lessons of these fires lead to lasting, meaningful change for communities like ours,” Ms Bonazzi said.

● ● ● ● Inquiry Chairman Ryan Batchelor. Photos: Parliament of Victoria.

■ The woman at the centre of the Yea, Alexandra, Mansfield and Seymour hospitals merger possibility, has relinquished her job as State Health Minister.

Mary-Anne Thomas stood down from the role, to be succeeded by Eastern Victorian MLC Harriet Shing.

Ex-Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas says she will not nominate again for State Parliament.

“I have advised the Premier that it is my intention to step down from my ministerial responsibilities and that I will not contest the seat of Macedon at the forthcoming 2026 State Election,” Ms Thomas said.

“Representing the people of Macedon and serving as Cabinet minister in the Andrews and Allan Labor Governments has been an incredible privilege.

“When Dan Andrews asked me to take on the health portfolio our health system was experiencing unprecedented challenges as a result of the COVID pandem i c “I knew it would be hard. What I didn’t fully appreciate was how incredibly rewarding it would be.

“Every visit to a health service con-

HEALTH MINISTER PULLS THE PLUG

Longy’s Lampoons

Multi-tasking Minister

Longy’s Lampoons

●

● ● Eltham MLA Vicki Ward now oversees four Victorian Government ministries.

■ Vicki Ward, Eltham MLA, now has four State ministeries: Emergency Services, Natural Disaster Recovery, Creative Industries and Equality.

Premier Jacinta Allan announced the appointments, as part of the lead-up to the State Elections in November.

The Premier also named Thomastown MLA Bronwyn Halfpenny to become Parliamentary Secretary for the State Electricity Commission

firms that our healthcare workers, with their unparalleled skill, commitment and compassion are the beating heart of our world class system. It has been a privilege to work with you.”

Ms Thomas said:

“My electorate of Macedon is made up of small towns and tight-knit communities who are passionate aboutsport, a great education and good secure jobs for their kids, as well as protecting the unique features of our reregion.

“As local member, our-government has delivered multimillion dollar redevelopments of each of our secondary schools, two brand new primary schools, and countless upgrades to schools right across the region.

“The Macedon Ranges Regional Sports Precinct is the largest infrastructure project ever delivered in the Macedon Ranges and was made possible by State and Federal Labor Governments,” Ms Thomas said.

Harriet Shing has taken over as Health Minister. Ms Shing is MLC for Eastern Victoria.

Ms Shing has been an MP since 2014.

Locally

Max, 15, killed

■ Max Foster, 15, died in a collision involving a motorbike and two cars on the corner of Plenty Rd and Findon Rd in South Morang , about 5.30pm on Wednesday (Apr. 22).

The rider of the e-bike, a 17-yearold, was taken to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Home invasion

■ Mill Park Divisional Response Unit officers charged four teenagers following an aggravated home invasion in East Ivanhoe on Thursday (Apr. 23).

Preston MLA Nathan Lambert becomes Parliamentary Secretary for for Children and for Climate Action. Northcote MLA Kat Theohanous has been promoted as Parliamentary Secretary for Women's Health, and for Renters.

Northern Metropolitan Region MLA Sheena Watt will be Parliamentary Secretary for Public and Active Transport, and for Community Sport.

Doreen record rate

■ Snap Fitness, one of Australia's leading national gym operators, has leased 840 square metres of space in a newly approved development in Doreen CBRE's Sandro Peluso and Kai Wang negotiated the deal under an initial 10-year lease term, with the rental equating to $460 per sqm, a record rate for fitness facilities in the region. Located at 31A Yellow Brick Rd, the property forms part of a mixed-use development to be built within the Doreen Business Precinct, a designated Neighbourhood Activity Centre. The tenancy was secured within two weeks of launching the campaign, following a highly competitive Expressions of Interest process.

Awards changes

■ The Mitchell Shire Australia Day Community Awards Terms of Reference have been amended which includes changes to some of the award categories and criteria.

Wallan office matter

■ Mitchell Shire Council went into confidential mode at its April 20 meeting to discuss proposed lease arrangements for an office at 61 High St Wallan Councillors were told that the discussion would include private commercial information, by a business, commercial or financial undertaking that relates to trade secrets.

It is alleged four teenage boys, one armed with a machete attempted to force access to a residence on Longstaff St about 5am.

The group were allegedly confronted by a resident, who was successful in stopping them from entering the property, fleeing the area.

CEO’s new job decided in March

■ City of Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd's appointment as Chief Executive Officer of a Western Australian Council was decided at the Joondalup meeting on Tuesday, March 24.

A subsequent special meeting of the City of Joondalup Counci l was held on Monday last week (April 13) to vote 9-1 to approve the finalised terms and conditions of a five-year contract.

Mr Lloyd is to be paid $430,000 per annum as his 'Total Reward Package' in his new job. The Joondalup Council was prepared to pay as high as $439,682 per year.

Mr Lloyd is believed to have been paid $500,000$509,999 at Whittlesea in the previous financial year.

Whittlesea Council has budgeted to pay $483,000 for its CEO in the 2026-27 financial year, according to budget papers presented at the April 21 Council meeting.

Mr Lloyd is due to start his Western Australian job on Monday, May 25.

The job was first advertised in June last year.

The estimated resident population for the City of Joondalup local government area as of June 30, 2025, is 176,595.

The City of Whittlesea population at the same date was 259,759.

The City of Joondalup adopted its 2025-26 Budget with a 3.95 per cent rate increase, aiming to address a roughly $20 million operational shortfall while maintaining services.

The budget includes $54.51 mil-

Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

Columnists: Len Baker, Rod Basto, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask

Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Sherryn Danaher, Linda Hartley, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Graeme McCoubrie, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Peter Murphy, Lucy Nicolson, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel Logistics: Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky, Tyler Sandiford

lion in capital expenditure, with a net operating deficit of $12.85 million and a $3.8 million transfer from reserves.

Total operating expenditure in Joondalup this financial year is $198.9 million.

Whittlesea's total operating budget for 2025-26 is approximately $347 million.

According to Whittlesea Council:

"Mr Lloyd will be finishing with the City of Whittlesea in late May ahead of some pre-arranged leave.

“ Mr Lloyd announced his departure as Whittlesea CEO in a statement on Wednesday, April 15.“Earlier this year, Whittlesea Council had an unscheduled 40-minute meeting on Tuesday, February 24, to discuss a further five-year contract with Mr Lloyd . It is understood that Whittlesea Councillors voted to offer Mr Lloyd a further five-year contract until 2031.

Sources close to Whittlesea Council say that most Councillors were taken by surprise by Mr Lloyd's departure announcement.

Acting

CEO

■ Whittlesea Council unanimously resolved to appoint Debbie Wood as Acting Chief Executive Officer, effective May 21, following Mr Lloyd’s departure on May 20.

Ms Wood joined the executive team in 2020 and currently serves as Director of Infrastructure and Environment

Rod Basto, Horse Racing

Celebrating 57 years in local media

● ● Debbie Wood to be Acting CEO

Pedestrian dies

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a pedestrian was fatally struck by a car in Alexandra on Tuesday afternoon (Apr. 28).

Emergency services were called to reports of the collision at the intersection of Downey and Grant Sts just before 12.30pm.

The pedestrian, a 65-year-old Alexandra woman, was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

The driver, a 77-year-old Alexandra man, was not injured.

He was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

Theree is an investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the collision.

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, April 29 Butler, Reuben Dean, Dekoda Carole Degenkamp, Andrew Gerard Denahy, Jeremy Manning, Scott Adrian Moroney, Mark Edward Parsad, Ram Sagula, Luke Schwartzkopff, Nevada Phoenix Simic, Drazan Singh, Yadbeer Szabozivolic, Dyllan Alexander Thursday, April 30

Akram, Saher Benmasaud, Nathan Cleveland, Mitchell Connell, Danny Crosher, Julie Doyle, Christopher Dryden, Roger Leonard Haggar, Linda Fay Hammond, Anthony James Harmer, Brantley Hazelden, Dianne Veronica Lashford, Trevor Mason, Melissa Mcdonald, Toby James Mcnab-Simkin, Cailean William Millman, Adam Robert Monaghan, Zak William Newton, Sean Jeffrey Oliver, Zachary Pettie, Kevin Rivers, Cassie Sanderson, Matthew Short, Jordan David Tennant, Steven Trego, Derek Weir, Marcus Whibley, Tony Wood, Ryan Friday, May 1 Godfrey, Mathew Goodwin, Andrew Mills, Luke Muller, Grace Murphy, Ziek Patrick Pearse, Chantelle Saunders, Chris Wayne Monday, May 4 Janusauskus, Hayley Maidment, Stephen Tuesday, May 5 Nai, Jardine Wednesday, May 6 Smith, Luke Cree Warraich Tradings Pty Ltd

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, April 29

Blyss, Xander Bradley, Paul Burke, Beau Steven Crumpen-Dolheguy, Seth Decourcey, Ryan Daniel Dizdarevic, Senad Green, Kale Hall, Ethan Harrison, Wade Higgs, Alexander Jones, Jessica Barbara Knight, Rhys Jackson Koludrovic, Antony Lewis, Jack Lucas, David Martin, Blake Pugh-Mundy, Sarina-Lee Rippon, Geoffrey John Saunders, Scott Raymomd Savage, Tait Sharpe, Rhys Short, Stephen Tossoun, Amy Warren, Kylie

Aurora South plan

■ Whittlesea Council last week started consideration of amended plans for the Aurora South precinct, near Epping.

“The proposed Precinct Plan provides a framework to guide the future use and development of the Aurora South Town Centre,” Councillors were tokd.

“It identifies a mix of retail, mixed use, commercial, community, medium density and high-density residential land including opportunities for affordable housing.

“It includes a pedestrianised main street that would link the future train station within the proposed Epping-Wollert public transport corridor to Edgars Rd

“The main street would be sleeved by mixed use development, including a town square and small supermarket with apartments located above.

“In the surrounding area the plan proposes a mix of medium and high-density residential uses and commercial uses,” the report said.

Public Toilet policy

■ The City of Whittlesea Public Toilet Plan lokks to provide “guiding principles, prioritisation, and selection criteria for public toilet provision across the municipality”.

“Following feedback from stakeholder and community engagement, the Draft Public Toilet Plan has been updated to provide guidance on including informative and inclusive signage around sharps disposal bins with the aim of reducing stigma associated with their use.

“Consideration of culturally appropriate toilet options will also continue to be explored and further advice will be sought from key internal and external stakeholders in relation to providing appropriate options for our community going forward,” said a report to last week’s Council meeting (Apr. 21).

More Police pledge

■ The reopening of Mernda and Epping police stations and delivering more police for City of Whittlesea is part of a promise being offered by Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell.

“Community safety will be restored to the City of Whittlesea with 3000 additional Victoria Police officers to be recruited under a Jess Wilson Liberal Government,” Ms Lovell said.

“Under Labor, cops are down, but crime is up. Under Labor, our population is growing but our police force is shrinking.

“Police rosters have more than 1500 vacancies, over 40 police stations are closing or operate on reduced hours – including in the City of Whittlesea

“But criminal offending has surged to an all-time high and almost half of all crimes remain unsolved.

“As part of the Liberal’s Safer Communities Plan, a future Wilson led Government will:

■ Reopen the more than 40 police stations closed or operating on reduced hours under Labor, including Mernda and Epping stations

■ Recruit 3000 additional Victoria Police officers.

“Half of the 3,000 recruits will be made up of experienced police officers from the United Kingdom, Ireland and New Zealand, replicating a successful scheme in Western Australia , with relocation allowances of $5000 per successful applicant, backed by a recruitment campaign.

“Dedicated recruitment teams will be established to fast-track applicant checks and multiple squads to be run simultaneously.”

Shadow Minister for Police and Corrections, Brad Battin, said: “Under Labor, our population is growing but our police force is shrinking – resulting in record high crime levels.

“This significant boost in police numbers will provide Victoria Police with the resources they need to crack down on offending and restore community safety across our state.”

Ms Lovell said: “More police will mean Mernda and Epping stations will be open 24/7, and local residents can be confident that the police will be available when you need them, and safe refuge can be found at the local station.”

“Only the Liberals have a comprehensive plan to end Labor’s crime crisis and keep Victorians safe.”

Council Rounds

Pool heating motion

■ Nillumbik Council has accepted the tender by Entire Services and Maintenance for the sum of $350,160 plus $35,016 for contingency for the Diamond Creek Outdoor Pool Heating Plant Upgrade, due to be completed by October 16.

RSL at Doreen

■ The Doreen RSL is seeking exclusive use of the Brookwood Community Centre, excluding the café, under a peppercorn rent arrangement.

Last week’s Whittlesea Council meeting was told that the primary function of the facility would be a bar and lounge-style venue for members, supported by ancillary spaces for meetings, administration, and veteran support services.

“The proposal also includes significant internal reconfiguration and upgrades, along with activation of the rear outdoor area,” said a report to Councillors.

The considered a proposal initiated by the Doreen RSL to establish a permanent base at the Council-owned Brookwood Community Centre on Hazel Glen Drive, Doreen, for which a $1.6 million federal funding commitment was made.

The organisation currently holds social nights at Laurimar Recreation Reserve under arrangements with resident sporting clubs and now seeks to transition from a casual hire model to a dedicated, permanent premises with expanded operating hours.

Wilhelmina Falls Rd

■ Murrindindi Council says the Wilhelmina Falls Road Upgrade and Seal has been awarded.

“Works are currently on hold pending finalisation of the Cultural Heritage Management Plan. Subject to weather conditions, some works will commence in May or June,” Councillors were told.

ANZAC memories

■ Cr Steve Rabie, Mansfield Mayor, spoke of the honour he had on ANZAC Day last Saturday (Apr. 25): “It [was] an honour to lay a wreath at the ANZAC Day dawn service at the Mansfield Memorial Gates.

“My time in service is something I’m proud of, and like many in our community, I hold deep respect for those who served and those who never came home so that we can continue to live in a free and democratic country,” Cr Rabie said.

Shire makes grants

■ Strathbogie Council has paid a $550 grant to Avenel Memorial Hall for a Small Halls Concert project.

“The event provides access to renowned artists for rural Victoria, and provides an opportunity to showecase and promote Avenel as a visitor destination,” said a report to Councillors.

A $5000 grant was made for the Bushfire Relief concert Committee under the auspice of the Longwood Community Centre.

The concert, featuring Tomes and I, raised money for the local community following the Longwood Berrys Lane bushfire.

$216,139 extra

■ An unexpected additional amount of $216,139 had to be added to the Snobs Creek Rd repair project undertaken by Murrindindi Shire Council.

The extra amount was not quantified until works commenced on site.

A major landslip occurred on Snobs Creek Road, Eildon as a result of the October 2022 flood event which partially closed the road.

The works were to be funded under Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements with an approved certified estimate.

The contract was awarded to TDM Earthworks Pty Ltd for $494,363.72 (ex. GST)

Inquiry visits Alex.

■ The Parliamentary Committee inquiring into the summer fires visited Alexandra last Friday (Apr. 24). The Inquiry is chaired by Ryan Batchelor MLC

The public hearing started at the Shire Hall at 9 am and an ‘open mic’ session was scheduled from 12:30 pm. Local CFAs, councils, health services and community organisations were invited.

Local News $140,000 for youth wellbeing

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has secured $140,000 in VicHealth funding to deliver a new youth-focused creative arts and active recreation program across the Shire

The two-year program will work alongside young people and local organisations to codesign activities that encourage creativity, physical activity and social connection, while making greater use of local community spaces and facilities bringing them to life for longer.

Cr Sue Carpenter, Council’s Portfolio Councillor for Sustainable Population Growth and Land Use Planning, said supporting young people to feel connected to their local area was essential to building strong communities.

“When young people feel connected to their community and have opportunities to take part in local activities, it helps create places where people want to live, stay and belong,”

Cr Carpenter said. “This funding allows us to strengthen local partnerships and create more opportunities for young people to connect, participate and thrive”.

The funding will support the establishment of a new Community Development and Partnerships role, enhancing Council’s capacity to build local partnerships, support community organisations and deliver inclusive, sustainable programs.

Re-subdivision at Limestone

■ A planning permit is being sought for the re-subdivision of land from three lots into two lots at 340 Langs Road, Limestone.

The land is located in the Murrindindi Shire and is governed by the Murrindindi Planning Scheme.

The land is located approximately 360 metres south of the intersection of Langs Rd and Limestone Rd

The grazing land has an area of approximately 12.49 hectares and is quadrilateral in shape and also has frontage to Langs Rd along the western boundary and the unmade government road along the eastern boundary.

The second parcel of land is irregular in shape and intersects Langs Rd at its north eastern corner and has the unmade government road running along its western boundary.

It contains an existing dwelling, domestic and farm outbuildings, several dams and a number of paddocks.

More free firewood available

■ Murrindindi Council is continuing its free firewood program for households affected by the Januarybushfires, with further collections becoming available on a staged basis for eligible Murrindindi property owners and renters.

Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said the program was designed to support recovery while safely managing access to firewood supplies.

“We know many households lost their firewood stores during the January bushfires, and this program is about helping people rebuild while also cleaning up fire-affected areas.”

Bookings for free firewood will be available from two locations: Terip Terip and Koriella.

Collection sessions operate in hourly time slots, with a maximum of five vehicles per site per hour to ensure safety and orderly access.

Collection dates and times are:

■ Thursday April 30 and Friday May 1 from 9am to 5pm

■ Saturday May 2 in hourly slots from 9am to 2pm

■ Sunday May 3 in hourly slots from 10\am to 1pm

■ Thursday May 7 and Friday May 8 from 9am to 5pm

■ Saturday May 9 in hourly slots from 9am to 2pm

■ Sunday May 10 in hourly slots from 10am to 1pm Bookings are mandatory.

Local Briefs

Fuel price pressure

■ Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve rabie says that many people are concerned about rising fuel prices, particularly with global uncertainty around supply routes like the Strait of Hormuz

“We know rising fuel costs are hitting households and businesses hard, on top of broader cost-of-living pressures,” Cr Rabie said.

“If you are doing it tough, please reach out. Council offers hardship support for rates and access to financial counselling services.

“That’s what effective local government is about, delivering the basics but also supporting people when they need it,” he said.

Plan to waive fees

■ A proposal to waive certain fees in bushfire recovery areas was put before last week’s Strathbogie Council meeting.

A recommendation was to waive 50 percent of planning application fees, wastewater fees and building permit fee categories as outlined for fire affected residents on their fire affected properties until June 30, 2028

Councillors were asked to consider waiving the requirement for a Land Capability Assessment for fireaffected residents rebuilding on the same site, except where the proposal is identified as high risk through a standardised risk assessment process aligned with Risk Management Guidelines

Bonnie Doon sale

■ Mansfield Council is commencing the process to dispose of the Shire-owned reserve at Homepoint Drive, Bonnie Doon, including obtaining an independent market valuation, commencing community engagement, and approaching adjoining landowners to assess interest in purchasing the land.

Castella contract

■ Murrindindi Council hopes to advertise in May for tenders for the Castella Road Upgrade and Seal Expenditure of $70,000 is expected in this financial year, with a further $700,000 in the 2026-27 financial year.

Reviva Shops open

■ Mitchell Council’s Reviva Reuse shops are now open at Seymour and Wallan Resource Recovery Centres.

Residents are invited to donate pre-loved items and prevent them from going to landfill. Good quality, clean and sellable items are welcome to be donated or shop to discover a treasure.

The shops are open Thursday to Sunday, from 10am to 4pm.

Upgrade complete

■ Works to upgrade the playground at M. O’Sullivan Reserve in Seymour are now complete.

Located between Webb Avenue and Delma Crescent, the upgraded playground replaces the previous equipment with a new layout designed to better connect with surrounding footpaths and improve accessibility.

Features include:

■ New central play structure with slides and climbing elements

■ Swings for a range of ages

■ Natural play features including rocks and logs

■ Improved layout closer to existing footpaths

$5000 proposed

■ A $5000 sum has been proposed for the Goughs Bay Progress Association by Mansfield Council

The fires have had a significant impact on the Goughs Bay Boat Club and subsequently the community hub.

The community is hoping to run a fundraising event. They want to bring at least 200 people together. A local farmer has offered the use of their property to run a day event with music, food, activities for kids.

Last week’s Council meeting also discussed a $2500 grant for Rotary and the FF to combine for a screening of the Just a Farmer movie at MAC, and $1200 for the North East Triathlon Club.

● ● Cr Sue Carpenter

● ● An aerial view of the land at Limestone.

ANZAC Day in Yea

● ● ● ● Piper Michelle Mussett

● ● Flight Lieutenant Daniel Corbett, Royal New Zealand Air Force

● Indi MHR Dr Helen Haines with Dr Jennifer Keast

● ● Jeff Swain recites the Ode.

PHOTOS: GLENDA WOODS, ROTARY CLUB OF YEA (PER JEFFREY SWAIN)

Council Rounds

Audit Committee OK

■ Murrindindi Council has adopted a revised Audit and Risk Committee Charter. Councillors voted last week to extend all current independent committee member appointment terms to end in the month of September to align with the new annual cycle of the Committee Chair specifically extend:

■ Steve Schink’s term has been extended from June 30, 2028, to September 30, 2028

■ Craig Nisbet’s term has been extended from June 28, 2026, to September 30, 2026

■ Alan Studley’s term has been extended from July 24, 2027, to September 30, 2027.

Policy presented

■ Mitchell Shire Council last week examined the Lease and Licence Policy and the Community and Sports Facilities Subsidies Policy.

The Council has an existing ‘ Community Facilities Fees and Charges Policy’ that was adopted in 2015. This policy was due for revision in 2019.

A detailed piece of work was undertaken in 2020 to review the policy. A policy was drafted in early 2021 but was not finalised due to changing priorities related to the COVID pandemic.

Rates up 2.65%

■ Mansfield Council will increase annual rates by 2.65 per cent, Mayor Cr Steve Rabie announced last week.

“Despite inflation sitting at an elevated rate of 3.8 per cent, we’ve kept the proposed rates increase to 2.65 per cent, below the State cap of 2.75 per cent,” Cr Rabie told last Tuesday’s meeting (Apr. 21).

“That doesn’t happen by accident. It comes from careful decision-making and a clear focus on living and spending within our means, always looking to deliver the best bang for the community’s buck.

“We received 45 community submissions for the budget and a number of those ideas are reflected in this draft. I encourage you to take a look when it’s released and have your say. We’ll consider all feedback carefully before the final budget is brought to Council in June.”

Moves at Strathbogie

■ There were 37 planning applications received, and 27 applications decided during the period January 1 to March 31 this year, Strathbogie Council’s Manager Planning and Investment told last week’s meeting of Councillors.

Questions meeting

■ The next Community Questions and Hearings Meeting for Mitchell Shire Council is due to be livestreamed at 7pm on Monday, May 4.

By-election in May

■ Nominations to become a candidate in the Thomastown Ward by-election in the City of Whittlesea have now closed.

Nominees must be are an Australian citizen, aged 18 and over, on the electoral roll, completed the mandatory Local Government candidate training and looking for an opportunity to contribute to the future direction and development of the community.

A by-election will be held in May following the resignation of Nic Brooks as the Thomastown Ward Councillor in January this year. The by-election will be run and managed by the Victorian Electoral Commission and will take place via postal voting.

Bourchiers Rd job

■ Cr Kim Cope and Cr John Dumaresq successfully moved that Nillumbik Shire Council accept the tender submitted by the preferred tenderer MJ Construction Group for the sum of $309,529 plus $46,429.35 for contingency (inclusive of GST) and enter into the contract for the Bourchiers Road Special Charge Scheme Construction is due to conclude on August 28. Any variations that exceed the agreed approved budget will require a further Council resolution.

The Tender Evaluation Report remain confidential on the grounds specified in the of the LocalGovernmentAct.

Local News

Native species thriving

■ Threatened native species have been documented using artificial tree hollows installed throughout the region, as part of aYarra Ranges Council project to improve habitat after the 2021 storms.

Following the catastrophic storm that hit the region in mid-2021, where more than 20,000 trees were lost across the Yarra Ranges, Council began a project to install tree hollows in heavily-impacted reserves.

In 2024, the project expanded to target threatened species throughout the municipality, many of whom rely on tree hollows for habitat.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said that a season-long monitoring program recorded many different species using the new hollows.

“Our staff have identified more than a dozen different species using these hollows as habitat, including owlet-nightjars, and the nationally-endangered greater glider,” Cr Higgins said. “After the 2021 storms, environmental groups were rightly concerned about the future of several species locally that use tree hollows. Large hollows suitable for some animals can take more than 100 years to occur naturally, so losing a very large amount of trees suddenly put them at significant risk.”

Extra Eildon homes in May

■ Housing works AT Twenty First Street, Eildon are underway with remaining installations due to be completed in May.

Onsite works commenced in January. Installation of three houses on site was completed in February.

“All works are anticipated to be completed by June,” last week’s meeting of Murrindindi Shire Council was tolf.

Civil works commenced this moth.

“Housing works for Scope B (10 Eighth St, Eildon) have commenced with the planning permit approved and architectural and civil designs currently underway.

“This project has been rescheduled for completion in the 2026-27 financial year,” said a report presented by Cr Paul Hildebrand.

As of March 31, most projects are on track for delivery, with some projects subject to active monitoring due to procurement timing, external approvals and continuing post-bushfire impacts.

Talk about Ranges roads

■ Yarra Ranges Council is running another series of drop-in sessions for residents to chat to staff and talk all things roads.

The Yarra Ranges that Council manages is one of the largest in the state, with more than 1700 kilometres of local roads, including 694 kilometres of unsealed roads.

Arterial roads, such as highways, are managed by the Department of Transport and Planning via VicRoads. Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Richard Higgins, said the sessions are an opportunity for residents to drop in with any question, big or small, about roads.

“We know that road management can be complex – who manages what roads? How does Council prioritise repairs? How are unsealed roads managed? Even lodging a request to report an issue can be difficult if you’re not sure where to start,” Cr Higgins said.

Sessions will be held at:

■ Healesville Community Link on Wednesday, April 29.

■ The Yarraburn Centre in Yarra Junction on Thursday, May 7.

■ Sherbrooke Family and Children’s Centre in Upwey on Wednesday, May 20, and

■ Lilydale Civic Centre on Wednesday, May 27

The sessions run from 5.30pm – 7pm and residents can drop-in anytime. Registrations are encouraged, to help with catering, but not essential.

Football Fixtures

Goulburn Valley

■ Round 5. Saturday, May 2. Shepparton United v Mansfield. Seymourv Tatura. Benalla v Shepparton Swans. Rochester v Shepparton. Kyabram Seniors v Euroa. Mooroopna v Echuca.

Kyabram District

■ Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Tallygaroopna v Avenel. Lancaster v Longwood. Violet Town v Merrigum. Rushworth v Shepparton East. Stanhope v Girgarre. Murchison-Toolamba v Undera. Bye: Nagambie.

Northern

■ Division 1. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. West Preston Lakeside v Montmorency. Bundoora v Eltham. Heidelberg v Greensborough. Hurstbridge v Banyule. Diamond Creek v North Heidelberg.

■ Division 2. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Whittlesea v Fitzroy Stars. South Morang v Northcote Park. Panton Hill v Old Paradians. Lower Plenty v St Mary's. Macleod v Thomastown.

■ Division 3. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Heidelberg West v Epping. Kilmore v Ivanhoe. Old Eltham Collegians v Laurimar. Watsonia v Mernda. Kinglake v Reservoir. Bye: Lalo.

Outer East

■ Premier Division. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Gembrook Cockatoo v Upwey Tecoma. Healesville v Woori Yalloc. Olinda Ferny Creek v Mt Evelyn. Wandin v Warburton Millgrove. Monbulk v Officer.

■ Division 1. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Yarra Glen v Powelltown. Yarra Junction v Alexandra. Yea v Pakenham. Belgrave v Seville. Bye: Emerald.

Ovens & King

■ Round 6. Saturday, May 2. Milawa v Bonnie Doon. Moyhu v Bright. Goorambat v King Valley . North Wangaratta v Greta. Tarrawingee v Whorouly. Bye: Benalla All Blacks.

Riddell District

■ Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Romsey v Woodend-Hesket. Gisborne Giants v Melton Centrals. Diggers Rest v Macedon. Riddell Seniors v Lancefield. Kyneton v Wallan. Bye: Melton South

Local Briefs

Take care with fire

■ Mansfield Mayor cr Steve Rabie has urged local residents to take care with burnoffs.

“After a difficult bushfire season, the Fire Danger Period ended on Tuesday April 7. Restrictions have eased, and you’ll start to see smoke in the air again as people begin burn-offs,” Cr Rabie said.

“If you plan on burning off, please do it responsibly. Register with the CFA, follow safety requirements, keep an eye on conditions and make sure your burn is fully extinguished.”

Playground petition

■ Whittlesea Council last week received a 12-signature petition about an All-Abilities Playground at Nick Ascenzo Reserve, Thomastown.

The electronic petition requested that Council:

■ Investigate how an all-abilities playground could be developed at the Nick Ascenzo Reserve, Thomastown

■ Consider how the development of such infrastructure could commence through funding as part of the 2026-27 budget.

$11.6m in projects

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has an additional $11,663,993 in flood recovery projects have approved and that are currently underway, last week’s meeting was told.

“The majority of these flood recovery works are expected to be scheduled for the 2026-27 financial year, rather than being added to this year’s program. This scheduling will be finalised once contracts are awarded and delivery timelines confirmed,” a report said.

Threatened species documented

Cr Richard Higgins, Mayor

● ● Cr Paul Hildebrand

1986-2026: THE

● ● Lesley and John Monteath

● ● Peter Beales, Norm Bendt, Gary Fitzgerald.

● ● Claire and John Sinclair.

● ● ● ● Partners Night. Country Club Hotel. 1993.

● ● John Bett and David Anderson

● ● Yea Rotarian John McCormack tells a story.

● Neil Beer, Graeme Broadbent, Bernie Quinlan.

ALEXANDRA TAMES YEA ON ANZAC DAY

Juniors

■ The Alexandra junior netballers and footballers enjoyed another busy weekend of competition, with strong performances across both codes. NETBALL

The 11 & Under, 13 & Under and 15 & Under netball grades all played at home, with Alexandra’s 11 & Under Red, 13 & Under Black and 15 & Under Red teams taking on St Mary's

The 11 & Under Black side faced Nagambie , while the 15 & Under Black team came up against Yea Tigers Alexandra’s 13 & Under Red team had the bye. With a mixture of results across the day, all teams represented the club proudly, showing great teamwork, determination, and sportsmanship.

The closest contests came in the 15 & Under grades, where both Alexandra teams fought hard to record excellent victories.

Award Winners

11 & Under Red: Isabelle Wings, Eva Nardella Marcom

11 & Under Black: Zarac Crouch, Alisha Abdullah

13 & Under Black: Tess Welsh, Hailey Coghill

15 & Under Red: Chloe Woehl, Koa Parker

15 & Under Black: Tehya Vine, Ivy Miljkovic, Bella Twitchett FOOTBALL

Alexandra’s Under 9, Under 10 and Under 12 football teams all enjoyed the bye this week.

The Under 14 Rebels travelled to Euroa to face the Tatura and returned home with an impressive 62-13 victory.

After a strong team performance, the award winners were:

Reddrops Foodworks Award: Will Simpson

Essence Coffee Lounge Award: Mitch Kidd

Kazza’s Diner Award: Beau Nash Coaches Award: Javi Miljkovic

The Under 16 Rebels faced a tough challenge at home against the Shepparton Swans . The visitors proved too strong on the day, defeatin g Alexandra 177-13 Despite the result, several Rebels continued to battle hard throughout the contest.

Award Winners

Reddrops Foodworks Award: Billy Baker

Sponsor Award: Harrison Christie

Kazza’s Diner Award: Fletcher Van Lierop

Gilligan Plumbing Award: Mav Burchall Coaches Award: Lucas Crane

■ Under brilliant autumn skies on ANZAC Day , the Alexandra Football Netball Club hosted a significant day of football, netball and remembrance as they faced Yea in the annual Hedger Ivey Cup

A strong crowd lined the ground, creating a great atmosphere for the occasion. Yea’s netball sides proved too consistent across all grades, securing three wins to take out the 2026 Hedger Ivey Cup

Alexandra’s footballers responded with impressive performances, with both the senior and reserves sides recording wins in front of their home supporters.

The day was further elevated by the presence of Tim English and James O'Donnell from the Western Bulldogs , who spent time meeting supporters, signing autographs and joining the post-match presentations.

The pair also contributed an exclusive Western Bulldogs experience for auction, including inner sanctum access and a signed guernsey, with proceeds to be split between the Alexandra and Yea CFA brigades.

Distinguished guests added further significance to the occasion, with Cindy McLeish delivering a post-match address that reflected on her personal connection to ANZAC Day, as well as her ties to the Hedger Ivey family, before presenting the cup. The presentation was widely regarded as a special moment within the day’s proceedings.

Alexandra Football Netball Club President Kylie Cairns said the day highlighted both the competitiveness of the competition and the strength of the local community.

“It was a really solid day across the club,” Ms Cairns said. “ Yea were strong in the netball, but I was pleased with how our football sides performed, particularly in the seniors and reserves.”

Ms Cairns also acknowledged the support shown by those in attendance and the broader purpose of the day.

“The crowd was fantastic, and there was a genuine respect for what the day represents.”

As part of the day’s proceedings, the club also made a $5\000 donation to the Alexandra RSL , raised through contributions across the event. Ms Cairns said it was important the club played its part in supporting the local RSL

“It’s something we’re proud to be able to contribute to as a club, particularly on a day like this,” she said.

Following the matches, a packed clubroom fell silent as Major Sarah Mooney and Colonel Marek Janiszewski addressed attendees, sharing reflections on their service representing Australia

Ms Cairns said the address was a defining moment of the day. “Hearing from Major Mooney and Colonel Janiszewski really grounded the day. It was a reminder of what ANZAC Day represents beyond the sport.”

She also acknowledged the personal significance of the moment. “To hear my sister speak about her experience was something I’m very proud of. The respect shown in the room said a lot about our community.”

The ANZAC Day round once again reinforced the Alexandra Football Netball Club’s role as a central part of the community, bringing people together through sport and shared respect.

★

REBELS TAME TIGERS

The Alexandra Rebels produced a dominant ANZAC Day display at Rebel Park, with both the Seniors and Reserves recording emphatic victories over Yea in front of a huge crowd.

The neighbouring clubs were playing for the prestigious Hedger/Ivey Cup, adding extra significance to an already eagerly anticipated clash.

RESERVES

Despite making seven changes from the side that won convincingly the previous week, the Rebels showed no drop in intensity, pressure or teamwork, storming to an 81-point win.

Their fierce attack on the ball, relentless tackling and polished four-quarter performance proved too much for the Tigers , with Alexandra producing winners across every line.

Justin Coventry starred with a best-onground display, booting five goals and causing constant headaches for the Yea defence.

Cooper Phillips was outstanding on the wing, pushing hard into attack to finish with two goals, while Scott Heveren again led the backline superbly with his trademark dash and drive.

Heveren was well supported by Rob Andrews and Toby Ward , with the Rebels’ defence restricting Yea to just one goal for the match.

Youngsters Casey Collett, Josh Crane and Will Clarke continued their strong development, while Luke James, Connor Heaslip and Kappa combined brilliantly through the middle to give Alexandra first use of the football.

Coach Steven Steiner’s experience at full forward was evident throughout, and with several key players still to return, competition for spots is intensifying.

Final Score: Alexandra 13.15 (93) defeated Yea 1.6 (12) Awards:

Shannon Group – Justin Coventry

Future Fit Finance – Cooper Phillips

Ruoak Hotel Award – Scott Heveren

Buxton Hotel Award – Josh Crane

SENIORS

In a game remarkably similar to the previous week’s clash with Emerald, the contest began at a frantic pace.

Yea came out firing with five first-quarter goals to Alexandra’s three, but the Rebels responded strongly in the second term. A five-goal quarter to Yea’s two saw Alexandra edge to a five-point lead at the main break.

Ted Watkins was instrumental in keeping the Rebels in the contest during the first half, kicking four goals, while young Rebel Riley Frankcombe provided a highlight with a brilliant running goal from 50 metres after dashing down the wing.

Most expected the game to go right down to the wire after such an even opening half. Instead, Alexandra produced another stunning second-half demolition.

For the second week in succession, the Rebels exploded after halftime, piling on 16 goals, 6 behinds to Yea’s 1 goal, 2 behinds in a breathtaking display of champagne football to run away 99-point winners.

One of the day’s biggest moments came when teammates swarmed Bradley Johnson after he kicked his first senior goal for the Rebels.

Kellan Percy was a rock in defence, while Watkins finished with six goals in a commanding forward performance.

Bart Wallace and Thomas Wynne were outstanding in defence, Mitch Parker and Riley Frankcombe controlled the midfield, while Josh Edwards and Sam Critchley also made strong contributions.

Final Score: Alexandra 29.9 (183) defeated Yea 8.6 (54)

After two outstanding performances at Rebel Park, both Alexandra sides will look to stay grounded as they travel to face Yarra Junction Football Netball Club this week.

Netball Results

A Grade – Yea 54 defeated Alex 50 – Incentive Award: Amy Jamieson, Corner Hotel Award: Jorja Gesler

B Grade – Yea 48 defeated Alex 35 – Incentive Award: Stef Jager, Corner Hotel Award: Cassie Kidd

C Grade – Yea 48 defeated Alex 22 – Incentive Award: Zoe Mullins, Corner Hotel Award: Phoebe Kidd.

Michelle Jack

● Robert Andrews (Alex. Reserves)

● ● Alexandra RSL members at the ANZAC Day observance.

● ● Brad Johnson (Alex. Seniors).

● ● Brandon Kapakoulakis (Alex. Reserves). Photos: Michelle Jack

● ● Kel Percy (Alex. Seniors).

57 years. Since 1969.

Police Rounds

Erratic driving

■ Police have arrested three people following erratic driving and a truck fire in Melbourne’s east, an extended follow through multiple suburbs and a quick dip at St Kilda Beach

Officers saw a stolen truck and a blue Holden Commodore driving erratically in Heathmont just after 2am on Saturday, April 18.

Both vehicles sped off before Air Wing located them on the Eastlink, near the Burwood Hwy exit in Rowville

It is understood the male driver got out of the truck, set it on fire, then got into the blue Commodore Police units on the ground and Air Wing overhead followed the car down to Dandenong , through Narre Warren , back to Springvale then towards Port Phillip Bay

The Commodore headed to Port Melbourne, before turning back towards St Kilda and losing control on Beach Rd near Dow St.

A male and female occupant got out of the car and attempted to flee on foot but were both arrested nearby.

The man was bitten by a dog during the arrest and was taken to hospital under police guard.

The male driver of the Commodore managed to keep going a short distance, before getting out and running onto the beach.

Critical Incident Response Team officers and the Dog Squad located the man, waist deep in the water. He was arrested at the scene.

The trio were to be interviewed by detectives.

Violet Town crash

■ Benalla Highway Patrol officers are investigating a fatal collision in Violet Town on Friday afternoon (Apr. 17).

Emergency services were called to the Hume Fwy near Harrys Creek Rd following report a B-double truck was involved in a collision just before 1.30pm.

It is believed the truck collided with a road workers truck and then veered across the median strip where it clipped a car, before it rolled and caught fire.

The driver of the B-double truck died at the scene.

The driver of the second truck was transported to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.

Four occupants inside the car were all taken to hospital for observation.

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

Sexual assault

■ Melbourne Sexual Offences and Child Abuse Investigation Team detectives are seeking to identify a man who is believed to have witnessed an alleged sexual assault of a woman in Melbourne East on New Year’s Day.

Investigators believe the male witness assisted the victim after she fell to the floor at Billboard Saturdays nightclub on Russell St on January 1.

Detectives arrested a 22-year-old man at Sydney International Airport on January 4 in relation to the alleged sexual assaults at the nightclub and in nearby Corrs Lane

The French national was extradited to Melbourne the following the night and charged with two counts of rape, two counts of sexual assault, recklessly cause injury, common assault and two counts of unlicenced driving. He was remanded to next appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 22.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

Come Fly With Me

●

■ The Australian Welsh Male Choir, based in Frankston, are well travelled!

They have sung many times in London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall , in concert halls, parish halls, cathedrals and churches throughout the UK .

They have sung in China, Hong, Kong and Taiwan . in June they are flying off again, to the Royal Albert Hall, Wales and, a new destination, France

Choir President Ian Mackie says “We are living in difficult and uncertain times but the choir are determined to make it.

“During their last tour, to Outback Australia by bus, they were challenged by Covid, creating a huge logistical problem. Along with many of the group their bus driver caught COVID and had to return to Melbourne

“A new driver was flown out to Alice Springs and the choir continued on its way. Not one performance was missed.”

Ian Mackie is confident. He says “We managed the COVID drama by pulling together, by helping each other. For this tour there are issues of uncertain travel routes and a change in passport regulations, but we will make it.

“Besides we have just got to get to there. Brian, our replacement bus driver on the outback tour, enjoyed the choir so much he joined us and is coming to Royal Albert Hall.”

The Choir is giving a performance in June they have called ComeFlywithMe Set on the ‘Flight Deck’ at Moorabbin Airport , with views of the runway, it’s the perfect setting to wish the choir Bon Voyage.

Tickets are $65 per head and include a three-course dinner and an inspiring musical send off. Available via https:// trybooking.com/DLDQO. Enquires to Ian Mackie on 0400 665 299

MAN, 72, CHARGED WITH 2012 MURDER

■ Detectives from the Missing Persons Squad have charged a man with murder as part of their investigation into the 2012 suspicious disappearance of Brendan Breen

A 72-year-old Colac man was arrested at his home address.

He was interviewed by investigators and has since been charged with one count of murder.

The man was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court Breen, 55, was last seen in Melbourne on April 12, 2012. He was reported missing on May 9 by his former spouse, who became concerned when he cancelled dinner with her last minute via text message and then stopped answering her phone calls.

Despite a number of enquiries over the next few years, Brendan could not be located. In October 2018, Brendan failed to appear at his daughter’s funeral and his family believed this to be out of character as the pair were close.

Crime Watch

Arson at venues

■ Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad are appealing for public assistance following a series of suspicious fires at hospitality venues across metropolitan Melbourne.

Police are investigating any potential links between the incidents and what the potential motivation might be.

The arsons are being investigated by Victoria Police regional and specialist units including the Arson and Explosives Squad as the state’s specialist fire investigators.

The incidents include:

■ An attempted arson at a licensed premises on Londsdale St around 5.45am on Tuesday, April 14.

■ A fire at a licensed premises on York St in South Melbourne around 3am on Wednesday, April 15. Detectives from Stonnington CIU arrested a 25-year-old Coburg man in relation this incident. He was to be interviewed by police.

■ A fire at licensed premises on Commercial Rd in South Yarra around 4.20am on Thursday, April 16.

■ An attempted arson at a licensed premises on Cecil St in South Melbourne around 4.20am on Thursday, April 16.

■ A drive-by shooting at a licensed premises on Lonsdale St about 4.10am on Friday, April 17. A shot was fired from a dark-coloured vehicle towards the premises. Nobody was physically injured during the incident.

■ An arson at licensed premises on Southbank Boulevard around 4.20am on Friday, April 17. Two boys, aged 16 and 17, were later arrested by the Critical Incident Response Team in Balwyn around 5am. They were being interviewed by investigators from Melbourne CIU.

Detectives are urging anyone with any information on who is responsible, the motivation behind the attacks or those carrying out the arsons to come forward and speak to police.

Police are also urging anyone out in the Melbourne CBD and surrounding inner suburbs, including the Chapel St precinct in Stonnington and Port Phillip local government areas, to remain alert, and to call Triple-0 immediately if they see anything suspicious.

Detective Inspector Chris Murray, Arson and Explosives Squad, said: “We have issued repeated warnings about the dangers of fire and the potential for those lighting them to suffer life changing or fatal injuries.

“Despite that, we have seen arsonists die or suffer serious and life changing injuries as a consequence of being paid very little money compared to the value of a life.

“Fire is incredibly unpredictable –those who are responsible are risking their lives, the lives of an innocent community around them as well as people’s livelihoods. It is unacceptable.

“Please – if you’re out in metropolitan Melbourne and particularly entertainment precincts this weekend – call triple zero if you see anything suspicious. That could be a car that’s driving too slowly, people behaving oddly or something that just doesn’t look right.

“I would implore anyone who knows anything about these incidents to visit us and tell us what you know before we visit them. It can be done anonymously if you wish via Crime Stoppers.”

Australian Welsh Maie Choir

● ● Suellen Cusack and Nathan Lay have recorded You’ll Never Walk Alone. Julie Houghton has all the details, turn inside.

What’s On What’s On

The Effect

■ Intriguing, thought provoking, intense - are some words to describe my thoughts after seeing Key Conspirators’ production of The Effect

The opening was stirring with mirrored flooring giving the illusion of space, with a stark white light transforming the theatre into a hospital setting allowing the audience to be within the four walls from the beginning.

Well done to lighting designer Tom Vulcan and director Alonso Pineda for creating a unique, functional, interesting multi-level set.

The Effect, written by Lucy Prebble has metaphorical levels as well. Its main theme is about the effect of drugs altering mood, mind, behaviour.

Questioning whether the drug itself or the belief one is taking a drug can make significant changes, the ethics or responsibilities of those in the trial or those conducting it.

The play questions the experts who administer the trial and their biases towards those they know are on the placebo versus the drug, this along with romance, rebellion, betrayal means there is a lot in a ninety minute piece, I think too much.

Whilst the acting was good, with an obvious rapport amongst the cast, it was difficult at times to hear the quickly spoken dialogue, particularly that delivered by Damon Baudin ( Tristan).

He was at times difficult to understand, yet his transformations and connections to the other actors made him the better of the four performers.

For an interesting look into the possible effects of a drug in trial, with a lot of ‘poetic licence’ The Effect has its merits, most notably for the use of staging.

Performed at Theatre Works

Review

by Elizabeth Semmel

Weight Off My Chest

■ Celebrating her 20th year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Geraldine Hickey is a familiar face, and judging by the packed house at the Comedy Theatre , a very popular one.

She marks the milestone with a neat piece of crowd work before the show properly begins, spotting an audience member who had seen her two decades ago and effortlessly mining the moment for laughs.

Hickey is a consummate performer. Her stand-up style is relaxed, confident and entirely unforced.

The only hint of nerves - a habitual face rub or a quick run of the hand through her trademark hair - reads less as a crack in the facade and more as part of the rhythm.

Her 2026 show, A Weight Off My Chest, centres on her decision to undergo a full breast removal.

Hickey approaches the subject with candour, rattling off the supposed “uses” of breasts and quickly discounting those that don’t apply (breast-feeding firmly among them).

What follows is a stream of sharply observed, often hilarious material about life with a large chest: the sweat, the logistical nightmare of clothing, the small fortune spent on bespoke bras, and the sheer physical burden of it all.

The infamous “pencil test” earns one of the biggest laughs of the night - no explanation required for those in the know, and easily Googled for the uninitiated.

The emotional core of the show lands in a strikingly funny visual. Hickey describes watching those iconic slow-motion images of men running shirtless into the surf and realising she wanted that same carefree, unencumbered feeling. Reimagined with her former physique, the image becomes both absurd and unexpectedly poignant, neatly capturing the motivation behind her decision.

Hickey keeps things varied and dips into stories about her wife, Cath , offers an insightful and appreciative discourse on abortion, and shares a thoughtful, articulate perspective on pronouns—supportive, but she doesn’t want to play.

A Weight Off My Chest is a warm, engaging and consistently funny hour from a performer who knows exactly what she’s doing—and makes it look effortless.

Review by Beth Klein

MAPS BY JUSTIN O’SHEA

■ Arriving at the cosy, intimate Studio Two performance venue at The Crowne Plaza , I wasn’t expecting to find cartographic comedy to be so entertaining. Surprisingly, it lived up to its reputation as being the “funniest map-showed theme at the festival”.

Who knew that a witty, knowledgeable, quirky digital content creator could be so hilariously comical using relevant, engaging and astonishing factual material?

This family-friendly performance kept audience members of all ages laughing out loud for a full 90 minutes.

Even celebrity ABC weatherman, Nate Byrne , was found chuckling uproariously in the back row. It was extraordinarily refreshing to sit through a whole comedy show without hearing a single instance of profanity.

Julian O’Shea is a well-known, delightfully geeky and enormously popular creator with a wide-reaching presence on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram

He showed us that factual information can be so much more ridiculous and absurdly humorous than fiction.

A highlight for me was his recounting of the numerous reports of trucks becoming decapitated daily, going under Melbourne’s Montague St Bridge and the road trip around Australia to visit all the tourist BIG things (the BIG Koala , the Big Banana, etc.).

There were some very clever moments of audience participation that never fail to amuse, and if Julian O’ Shea had been my Geography teacher in school, it would definitely have been my favourite subject and I would have challenged Nate for his gig at the ABC.

Julian’s delivery is fast and snappy, his memory astounding, his comic timing excellent and his demeanour charmingly modest.

His passion for his subject is obvious and possibly borders on obsession. I would normally suggest purchasing tickets before the end of the season, but unfortunately, it is already sold out.

I will be looking out for Julian's next stint on the comedy circuit; hopefully, I won’t have to wait too long.

Review by Lucy Nicolson

Don’t Ask, Don’t Telfast

■ Justin Porter greets the audience for his first solo Melbourne International Comedy Festival show, Don’t Ask, Don’t Telfast, wearing a fabulous, sparkling, gold muumuu.

When the muumuu is discarded at the start of the show, Porter reveals equally fab, psychedelic PJs to present a self-referential, autobiographical show that swings through Porter’s childhood memories.

Porter reminisces about coveted childhood toys from Ninja Turtles to an incredible cash register complete with a credit card slider, built by Porter’s engineer father.

Porter could then play at being ground staff for his own airline, booking passengers.

Born in Texas to a military family with both of Porter’s parents serving, the family moved around a lot.

Like an awkward family photo, Porter offers a vivid picture of life for an American kid in the 90s.

Porter’s story takes a dark turn as he recounts his parents’ divorce and his mother’s turn to religion.

Mining one’s own life for laughs is a great comedy strategy.

Porter , in particular, has a rich trove of wild, growing-up experiences to draw from. Combining stand-up with an emotionally charged, wistful, and occasionally heartwrenchingly sad narrative engages the audience if there are jokey payoffs.

Unfortunately, some anecdotes never fully developed a satisfying punchline.

The set felt a little undercooked, made worse by Porter occasionally losing his thread and needing prompts from his producer.

The patchy delivery made it feel more like a work in progress than a polished set.

That said, Porter is charming, eminently likeable, and effervescent in his delivery, and there are some clever laughs when the jokes land.

ReviewbyKathrynKeeble

The Cherry Orchard

■ The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov was performed by Frankston Theatre Group at the Performing Arts Theatre, Frankston High School.

The ambitious play was directed by Tim Gilmour with Ruth Gilmour as Assistant Director and Production Manager.

Originally written in 1903, the script has been updated and adapted for modern audiences.

The play introduces us to the frivolous Lubov (Sharmini Kumar) , an aristocratic land-owner who returns from Paris , to find that her estate needs to be sold to pay off the family debts.

She is incapable of making decisions and is plagued by the love of her old home, her beloved cherry orchard and by the death of her young son on the estate.

The estate is finally purchased by the wealthy Lopakhin (Robinson Flynn) , who is the son of a former serf worker.

The family depart leaving behind the aged and forgotten manservant, Fiers (Tibor Deheny), as we hear the sound of the orchard being chopped down.

Her brother, Gaev, was played with experienced aplomb by Rob Lister . The eternal student, Trofimov , played by Dean Mitrousis showed strong stage presence and delivery of idealistic beliefs, in sharp contrast to the life views of Lopakhin , with a stand out performance by Robinson Flynn

The large ensemble consisted of Charli Sampson (Anya), Holly Blake (Varya), Fraser Baxter (Pischik), Harrison Auld (Yasha), Candice Mitrousis (Charlotta), Alyssia Innocent (Dunyasha) and Eoin Hogan (Epikhodov)

The talented Eoin also created and performed original music for the production.

The adrenalin of opening night saw the actors perhaps trying too hard at times, with unclear dialogue and constant walking around the space which became quite distracting.

The simple set design by Neil Barnett and Dean Mitrousis allowed for seamless stage movement and scene changes.

A highlight was the scenic projection designed by Dean Mitrousis and lighting design by Emma Caitlin Brown Costuming by Alison Fletcher was creative and suited each character.

Review by Lyn Hurst

Birds

■ Two women lounge in deck chairs, staring out to sea. This is Birds, presented as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival at The Beckett Theatre, Malthouse.

Shayna (Alex Hines) , a wealthy fivetime divorcée, and Beverley (Sarah Stafford) , a suburban mother of twelve boys, bond over cocktails and cigarettes, as if Kath Day-Knight had met Prue or Trude and become firm friends.

Shayna , resplendent in a Camilla caftan, recounts the story of her family.

All were wiped out in an unfortunate blimp accident. “Aviation and antiques do not mix.”

Beverley , a former “three-time Ms Jacaranda winner”, is equally resplendent in a knockoff Camilla caftan, “handmade by a child in China ”.

With enormous camp wigs and lots of bling, Shayna and Beverley chat and gossip their way through the approaching climate apocalypse.

Downing margaritas, they listen to the radio and speculate about the secret sound on the SmyleandSmacki-Oshow and the “multi-sensory labyrinth” that is Holey Moley putt-putt golf.

As the effects of climate change become more obvious, the sea is drying up, and birds are falling from the sky, the women slip into bikinis, reapply sunscreen, and watch houses crumble and fall into the sea on distant headlands. The narrative grows increasingly surreal as it unfolds.

They debate whether Beverley’s fouryear-old son is waving or drowning far beyond the shark net.

At regular intervals, the women reapply sunscreen and work on their tans.

Gloriously horrific, the grotesquery continues as Birds moves into the postapocalyptic realm of comic horror.

Witty, bold, with great physical comedy as well as punchlines, Stafford and Hines deliver comedy gold in this nihilistic nightmare.

Review by Kathryn Keeble

Fondue Chalet

■ Last winter, Fondue Chalet became one of Melbourne’s most talked-about winter experiences. It’s back!

Returning from May 14, Fondue Chalet will once again transform Federation Square into a French Alpine village, complete with 18 private wooden chalets imported from France, crackling fire pits, fairy lights, mulled wine, and more than two tonnes of imported French cheese.

Guests will be able to choose between two Alpine cheese rituals: Savoyarde Fondue or Mountain Raclette

Johnny in Top 5

■ More than a decade after being named amongst the best pizza makers in the world, Melbourne chef Johnny Di Francesco o f 400 Gradi has reclaimed his title as one the best in the world, ranking in the top five globally. Competing at the 2026 edition of the Campionato Mondiale della Pizza (World Pizza Championship) in Parma, Italy, Johnny returned to the most prestigious pizza making competition in the world after years of focusing on building his Gradi Group pizza and Italian food business in Melbourne

Disunited States

■ When it comes to farce, it would be difficult to rival current events where the United States are concerned but Richard Mealey has taken on that daunting task in his contribution to this year’s Comedy Festival. Titled Disunited States, we are privy to a range of stereotypical characters that expose the fraught underbelly of a fractured society. The teacher handing out guns to his class, the one hundred year old café worker not able to retire until his medical debt has been paid, the vague flowerpower poet – all and each are hilariously comical but for the fact that they alert us to some very real problems in American society. If you didn’t laugh, you’d cry.

Mealey and his director, Barney Pollock , have crafted an entertaining show. Uncle Sam on stilts with eagle’s claws is a powerful introductory image but, for all the limits of the Motley Bauhaus stage, they have utilised a projector screen to comic effect and worked the audience involving them wherever possible – though I would say giving them toy guns that actually fired projectiles has the potential to disrupt one’s timing. Mealey , however, took this in his stride.

The incorporation of Australian references is biting as we see the best and worst of Australia in comparison to the US. Mealey plays and sustains all the characters well and it is often in the latent message that we find pause to reflect. As for current events, perhaps a performance at the White House might help America put things in perspective. You never know, Mealey could be the inaugural act in the new ballroom or perform at the Trump Kennedy Center, the latter having an open calendar. Reviewed by David McLean

● ● Julian O’Shea

ARIES (March 21 – April 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1-2-4-9

Lotto Numbers: 2-13-14-21-30-42

Something you have been hoping for could surface about now. Luck should play a strong role in career matters, and progress can come about without much effort. Social opportunities increase, and you may find yourself mixing with a new and interesting crowd.

TAURUS (April 21 – May 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1-2-3-4

Lotto Numbers: 5-9-15-41-43-44

Recognition may come in unexpected ways, and many Taureans will head in different directions. Opportunities to elevate socially are indicated. Decisions made during this period could have a significant impact on your future.

GEMINI (May 21 – June 21)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2-5-7-9

Lotto Numbers: 3-6-18-22-25-38

A restless trend prevails. Avoid upsetting those around you in pursuit of personal freedom. Travel or dealings with people from distant places are likely. Keep communication clear and balanced for the best results.

CANCER (June 22 – July 22)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 2-3-6-7

Lotto Numbers: 10-24-26-35-37-40

Take care in financial matters and ensure your affairs are in order. Attend to bills, insurance and important paperwork. Health and mood should improve, particularly if you prioritise rest and self-care.

LEO (July 23 – August 22)

Lucky Colour: Purple

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2-3-4-6

Lotto Numbers: 2-12-24-28-35-39

Avoid risks that could place you in physical danger. Think carefully before committing to anything uncertain. Take life at a steadier pace and allow yourself adequate rest. Romance may blossom, and many could attract the right partner during this period.

VIRGO (August 23 – September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1-2-3-7

Lotto Numbers: 5-17-21-28-32-45

Seek expert advice where needed. A restless feeling may prompt major changes. Work situations improve, and finances become easier to manage. Ensure loved ones receive your time and attention.

LIBRA (September 24 – October 23)

Lucky Colour: Burgundy

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1-2-3-9

Lotto Numbers: 13-17-23-28-32-44

Spend only on necessities and remain within budget. Rushing could lead to accidents, so slow down and act carefully. Romance may be intense but fleeting. Allow emotions to settle before making commitments.

SCORPIO (October 24 – November 22)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2-4-7-8

Lotto Numbers: 1-3-15-16-24-30

You should feel on top of things and capable of achieving a great deal. Do not hesitate to confide in loved ones. Honest communication brings practical advice and emotional support.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 – December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1-5-7-9

Lotto Numbers: 12-23-26-30-34-41

Good financial opportunities are present, and some may enjoy a stroke of luck. Release grudges and move forward with optimism. The future promises enjoyment and renewed enthusiasm.

CAPRICORN (December 21 – January 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1-2-4-8

Lotto Numbers: 5-7-19-23-29-34

Financial prospects and earning power improve. Do not overlook opportunities close at hand while chasing the unknown. Success may come through the impression you create on influential people.

AQUARIUS (January 20 – February 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2-3-4-7

Lotto Numbers: 1-12-15-29-34-40

Personal popularity increases, and finances appear brighter. An issue from a past relationship could resurface. Tact and diplomacy will bring the best possible outcome.

PISCES (February 20 – March 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1-3-7-10

Lotto Numbers: 1-15-23-28-32-40

Support from influential people is likely, making this a good time to ask for favours. A pressing problem finds resolution. Be flexible with travel plans, as some adjustments may be necessary. Love relationships are favoured.

MARATHON HAMLET AT HERITAGE SITES

■ Marathon Hamlet will take over Pentridge Prison , the Old Magistrates’ Court and Como House on Sunday (May 3) in a One-Day Endurance Event - a citywide, single-day performance across three National Trust heritage sites.

Hamlet (Bridget Sweeney) runs between each venue, and by the final act, she's completed a marathon.

Presented by Artistic Allsort, Marathon Hamlet places the physical demands of a marathon alongside the emotional and intellectual labour of performing Shakespeare

As the kilometres accumulate, so does Hamlet’s psychological descent; into doubt, paranoia and moral collapse.

Fatigue is not concealed; it is built into the structure of the work.

By placing this performance across Melbourne’s heritage sites, the production situates that endurance within spaces already marked by history, confinement and power.

The day begins with a substantial running leg, as Hamlet makes their way along the Merri Creek Trail toward Pentridge Prison Act I and II are staged inside H Division at Pentridge Prison

A key soliloquy launches the next running leg along Melbourne’s Yarra Trail toward the Old Magistrates’ Court, where Act III and the first half of Act IV unfold.

A final soliloquy carries the story to Como House , where Act IV concludes and Act V completes the tragedy.

Audience members make their own way between venues and can choose how they participate - attending a single location or following the fullday experience. No running required. Only Hamlet runs. The supporting cast travels by minibus.

“The question is not ‘to be or not to be,’” says creator and performer Bridget Sweeney

“It is: can it be done? By the final act, the audience isn’t just watching the story ... they’re invested in whether it reaches the end.”

Presented live, with a day-long livestream offering digital access,

Marathon Hamlet activates Melbourne’s heritage architecture and running trails in a bold reimagining of classical theatre. Performance Date: Sunday, May 3. Times: 1pm Pentridge Prison, Acts l and ll; 5pm Old Magistrate's Court, Act lll; 7pm Como House, Act lV and V.

Duration: 55 minutes, no interval per venue.

Tickets: Threevenue ticket, General Admission: $100; One-venue ticket, General Admission: $40.

Bookings: nationaltrust.org.au/ event/marathonhamlet-presentedby-artistic-allsort/ Cheryl Threadgold

Late, Late At Night

■ Melbournebased playwright Kieran Carroll advises that after four years and hundreds of kilometres travelled across Victoria, NSW and Queensland , his show Late, Late at Night (The Rick Springfield Story) starring Jackson Carroll from Sydney (no relation) is reaching an end.

Jackson i s retiring from the show to return to concentrating on his own original material.

There's one final date on Sunday May 31 at 2pm at the Cardinia Cul -

two hours plus solo show about a Grammy Award winner who married in Mordialloc. Performance

Date: Sunday, May 31 at 2pm-4.30pm Venue: Cardinia Cultural Centre, Pakenham

Tickets: $25/$30

Bookings: cardinia cultural centre.com.au/ shows/late-late-atnight-the-rickspringfield-story/ Cheryl Threadgold

Great Mass

tural Centre in Pakenham

Late, Late at Night is directed by Robert Johnson and features over 20 Springfield songs from Zoot to the present day, including many of Springfield's 17 Top 40 American hits in the 1980s.

The work traces Springfield's Australian and British childhood, his early music days in Australia , his rollercoaster ride in 1970s America and the huge pop and acting successes of the 1980s.

This is followed by his fall from public view, his mental health demise and finally, the resurrection of Rick Springfield as an artist in the 21st century.

Kieran hopes Jackson has a big round of applause at the Cardinia Cultural Centre as a grand send-off for all his work on this

■ Victoria Chorale presents the Great Mass in C Minor by audience-favourite Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart at 5pm on Saturday, May 16, at St Paul’s Cathedral , corner Flinders and Swanston Sts, Melbourne Described as ‘Great’ because of its sheer size, the Mass represents Mozart at his most daring and innovative and is a significant departure from his earlier church music. He composed the C Minor Mass to be a work of breathtaking scope featuring many virtuoso operatic arias for soprano and mezzo soprano and majestic choruses with division of the choir into two separate four-part choirs.

Conducted by Musical Director, Mario Dobernig, Victoria Chorale will be joined by the Art of Sound Orchestra and soloists, Molly Ryan , Soprano, SallyAnne Russell , Mezzo Soprano, Jiacheng Ding, Tenor and Michael Lampard, Baritone.

Tickets at: trybooking.com/ DJDIF David Bunn

● ● The Argus. Apr. 28,

Boom buying

■ Boom buying has forced prices of industrial shares on the Stock Exchange to record levels on four successive days this week.

Last night the market closed strong and buoyant after lively trading. Some stocks made leaps of up to 5/6. Rises outnumbered falls by nearly three to one on a total turnover of 116,399 industrial shares.

Penny price rise

■ Another petrol price rise of 1d. is likely to be granted when State Prices Ministers meet in Brisbane on June 8. They will then approve a new petrol price-fixing formula, the introduction of which was deferred last month.

£5 a match

■ League footballers will receive £5 a match as from today, following an amendment of the Coulter law agreed to by the Victorian Football League last night.

This increase will cost each League club an extra £360 a season.

When higher payments to emergency players and listed players are added the. total increased cost each season will be about £530 for each club. Emergencies will receive £2/10/, players on club lists, £1/10/ a week, and players under suspension £1/10/ a week; payments to injured players, which formerly were not to exceed £3 a week, plus loss of wages and less insurance, have been increased, at the discretion of clubs, to an amount not exceeding £5 a week.

Price control

■ Washington, Friday. President Truman yesterday made an urgent appeal to Congress to help the nation "hold the line" against inflation and the increasing cost of living.

The President was appealing for more taxation, price controls, wage pegging, and controls over raw materials and credit.

The Presidential message asked Congress to alter and extend the Defence Production Act two years beyond its expiration date on June 30 of this year. The President warned the nation that it was essential to "hold the line" in the cost of living battle. April 28, 1951

● Bridget Sweeney (Hamlet) in Marathon Hamlet. Photo: Sare Clarke

● Jackson Carroll stars in Late, Late at Night (The Rick Springfield Story)

Places To Go

Travel Briefs

Autumnal visits

■ A new study by The Meat & Wine Co has ranked the top wine regions across Victoria for autumnal travel, scored on weather, Decanter award performance, tour availability, and proximity to Melbourne

Key insights include:

■ Yarra Valle y is crowned Victoria's best wine region for an autumn getaway, and ranks sixth nationally

■ Rutherglen and Mornington Peninsula secure second and third place in the state rankings. Rutherglen also features in the national top 10, ranked 9th across all Australian wine regions.

Street party

■ Wollombi is holding a ‘Street Party’ on May 2-3 to celebrate heritage, new businesses, and streetscape completion.

The party marks 175 years of the Wollombi General Store. New operators are The Artisans Collective, SIP Wollombi Villag e and Bee Mindful within the Grays Inn building.

■ Australians are more optimistic about travelling since the fuel crisis began in early March but they are still more hesitant to hit the road, a new survey by Reflections Holidays, the largest holiday park group in New South Wales, shows.

As Australians look to take a short break, a survey of 5000 travellers by Reflections Holidays on April 17 found:

■ Travel sentiment has improved by 4.2 per cent but remains negative overall compared to before the fuel crisis

■ Bookings have stabilised and holiday cancellations have reduced, although the small percentage of cancellations are strongly linked to fuel concerns

■ Fuel price and availability is still influencing 85-90 per cent of respondents’ travel plans.

Reflections Holiday CEO Nick Baker said that it was encouraging to see that those surveyed were feeling more optimistic about travelling as bowser prices dropped in recent weeks.

Byron Bay.

School of the Air

■ The Alice Springs School of the Air Visitor Centre this year celebrates 30 years of sharing one of Australia’s most unique and inspiring education stories with the world.

The Visitor Centre was officially opened 30 years ago to showcase the remarkable way education was delivered to children living in some of the most remote areas of Outback Australia

Through radio broadcasts, the Alice Springs School of the Air connected students separated by vast distances, transforming isolation into opportunity and redefining how education could be delivered.

Since its opening, the Visitor Centre has become a place where visitors can experience this extraordinary story firsthand.

Through engaging displays and personalised tours, guests gain insight into the innovation, resilience, and dedication that has shaped the Alice Springs School of the Air and continues to support remote education today.

Places To Go

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

Bush Telegraph

Harcourt hearing

■ Registrations are still open for an open mic session to be held at Harcourt as part of the inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria. People should register online to speak directly to members of the Legislative Council Environment and Planning Committee on Thursday (Apr. 30) from 2.45pm to 3.45pm.

Shortage of funds

■ “Longwood farmers are sounding the alarm over what they say is a "shortage of funds" stalling the restoration of 880 kilometres of containment lines following the state's devastating bushfires in January,” reports Stock & Land.

Potholes black hole

■ The Victorian Farmers Federation says the State Government’s announcement of $1.04 billion for road repairs and resurfacing fails to deliver the level of investment required to fix the Victoria’s deteriorating road network.

VFF Acting President Peter Star said while any funding boost is welcome, the package largely reflects rising costs and does little to address the growing backlog of ro ad maintenance across regional Victoria. This funding is only just keeping pace with inflation, meaning it represents a continuation of inadequate investment rather than a meaningful shift.”

BREEDING SEASON: FERAL DEERS TRACKED

■ With Australia’s feral deer population now in breeding season, innovative approaches to better understand their movements across landscapes and manage their spread are rolling out on the ground and on our screens.

The Centre for Invasive Species Solutions is using GPS technology to track finescale feral deer movement patterns, habitat use and home range behaviour within a population centre.

CISS Lead Researcher for Feral Animal Projects, Darren Marshall, says, “This is an exciting project for CISS as it transfers our acknowledged expertise in GPS collaring for feral pigs to deer for the first time.

“We’ll be collaborating with New South Wales Local Land Services in the Port Macquarie region to better understand Rusa deer movements in that peri-urban environment.”

“The project builds on Rusa deer management undertaken in the region over many years. But what makes it special – and an Australian first – is a higher incidence of GPS datapoints from each animal. The collars will transmit nearly 300 datapoints each day to reveal new insights into individual deer behaviour and provide rich data for our movement analysis work with the New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.”

Whiparound

Stay up to date

■ Rural Generalist doctors warn falling vaccination rates and growing hesitancy are putting communities at risk, as Australia marks World Immunisation Week (until April 30). The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine is using World Immunisation Week to urge all Australians to stay up to date with their vaccinations and protect their communities.

Species recovery

■ A species once declared extinct on mainland Australia is taking its most significant step toward recovery yet.

The Odonata Foundation, backed by Amazon's Right Now Climate Fund, has commenced the largest-ever translocation of the endangered Eastern Barred Bandicoot. This is an Australian-first conservation milestone, and the most scientifically advanced effort of its kind in the species' history.

Warrior Woman

■ Australian women’s charity, The Warrior Woman Foundation, has now expanded their flagship Young Warrior Woman Program nationally to reach vulnerable young women across the country: 41 per cent of rural women report lacking equal opportunities for career advancement.

●

● Darren Marshall

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 29, 2026

CFA vehicle ‘joke’

■ The State Government announced a "$100 million" commitment to replace ageing CFA tankers and pumpers.

“This is a joke. This funding spread over 10 years doesn’t come anywhere near what is required to adequately replace the CFA’s ageing fleet,” said Danny O’Brien, Leader of The Nationals and Shadow Minister for Emergency Services.

"There are at least 630 old single cab tankers in the fleet, and more than 10 per cent of tankers are more than 30 years old – this funding will not even begin to modernise the fleet.

“It’s also a fraction of the $3 billion extra the government is collecting from Victorians in emergency services tax. Where is the rest of the money going?”

New tankers cost $465,000 and pumpers

$1 million, meaning the extra funding will only allow the CFA to replace about 21 tankers and five pumpers each year.

Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria estimates the CFA needs to replace 100 appliances each year at a cost of $60 million just to stop the age of the fleet going backwards.

Smoke in the air

■ Smoke will continue in the air ilocally n coming weeks due to a mix of planned burns, private burns under CFA’s permit system, agricultural burns and smoke from wood heaters. Weather patterns may cause smoke to linger over parts of the state overnight and through to early morning.

MORE CONCERN OVER CLIMATE

■ Bushfires and heatwaves have driven increased concern about climate change in western Victoria, new polling has revealed.

Farmers for Climate Action has released the research, commissioned by the Renew Australia for All campaign, as it seeks to make sure the voices of regional Australia are heard.

The polling of 202 Western Victorian residents was part of a broader poll of 1965 residents across key renewable energy zones, with the polling completed on March 20.

The research firm, 89 Degrees East, is a member of the Research Society of Australia

Warracknabeal wheat, barley and lentil farmer Phil Koschitzke said he was unsurprised local concern about climate change had increased.

“I’ve been farming here for 30 years and I’ve had 28 years of below average rainfall. If this is a result of something we’re doing, then we’re in deep trouble,” Mr Koschitzke said.

“Country people are fundamentally good people and they want to help out.

“We’re making a mess of this and our kids are going to have to deal with it. Renewables can be the next step forward. Maybe not the final answer, but the next step.

“I’m not pro-renewable energy, but I’m antistuffing the world up.”

FCA CEO Verity Morgan-Schmidt said:

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"Fifty-two per cent of Western Victoria residents blame energy company profiteering as the key reason for high energy bills. Others named global energy price spikes and coal power station breakdowns; just 12 per cent thought clean energy was responsible.”

Second largest year

■ An inaugural report from Australia's most comprehensive and detailed fire mapping database has found 2025 to be the second largest fire year in the past decade, driven by severe weather and storm-related ignitions.

The North Australia and Rangelands Fire Information service, based out of Charles Darwin University recently released its first – and from now annual – Fire Year SummaryReportfor2025, detailing fire activity across Australia

Information hidden

■ The Allan State Government deliberately kept hidden bushfire risk management reports, leaving regional communities to face Victoria’s fire seasons without knowing the real risk around them, says Melina Bath, Eastern Victoria MLC. The reports spell out localised bushfire risk and fuel hazard levels,” Ms Bath claimed.

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Places To Go

Places To Go

What if the point was never the visitors?

■ Most destination marketing starts with a question: how do we attract more visitors?

Visit Wollombi started with a different one: how do we protect what makes this place worth visiting in the first place?

The answer has produced something rarely seen in regional tourism: a content strategy built entirely around the people who live there - not the things tourists can do.

Wollombi is a historic village at the centre of an isolated valley of 1000 permanent residents across 170,000 acres, established in 1830 at the foot of the Great North Road - a convict-built route that once connected Sydney to the Hunter Valley

It sits completely encircled by national parks and state forest, in a valley that has one of the highest flood variabilities in the world.

For most of the 20th century, the world largely moved on without it. And that, it turns out, was the making of it.

The isolation that might have diminished Wollombi instead preserved it - the sandstone churches, the convict walls, the village layout, and most importantly, the quality of human life within it.

The floods that periodically cut the valley off from the outside world don\t divide the community. They define it.

When roads go under water, the CEO and the farm-hand are in the same boat - sometimes literally.

It is this unselfconscious social leveling - the absence of the usual rural escape and ‘country estate’ hierarchy - that forms the quiet heart of what Visit Wollombi is trying to communicate.

Visit Wollombi's content approach, developed over the last six months across its Instagram presence and short-film series, deliberately inverts the conventions of regional tourism marketing.

Rather than listing attractions, it tells origin stories. Locals - artists, naturalists, historians, long-timers, blow-ins who never

left - speak directly to camera about why they are here. Their stories are not testimonials. They are invitations of a very specific kind, extended to a very specific audience.

A second series layers archival audio from mid-20th century recordings - voices that described Wollombi as forgotten, remote, or as insignificant - over contemporary drone footage of the unchanged valleys.

The effect is striking: the very neglect of those voices documented becomes evidence of an extraordinary, accidental preservation.

The implicit message is not "come and visit." It is "come and understand why we live here." The distinction matters enormously.

Wollombi has three cafes, one tavern, and a number of galleries and artisan stores. It does not have a full events calendar, a packed itinerary, or ambitions to become the next weekend tour destina-

tion. With the greater Sydney and Newcastle populations - over 5 million people - within a 90-minute drive, it needs only 100,000 aligned visitors a year to sustain its small visitor economy.

That number is achievable without mass marketing. But only if the right people are found.

And the right people, by Visit Wollombi's definition, are those drawn to the arts, to nature, to genuine community, and to history - not as packaged experiences, but as the living texture of a place.

"If you want a full agenda with lots to do, there are wonderful places built for that," the organisation notes. "Wollombi is not one of them. We are unapologetic about that."

Visit Wollombi is not positioning itself as an industry disruptor. But its approach represents something the regional tourism sector rarely produces: a small community using honest storytelling to protect its own way of life.

Two Friends, Two Pianos

● ● Pianists Jayson Gillham and Iyad Sughayer present Keys to Life - Two Friends - Two Pianos .

Photo: Bruce Marshall

■ Australian-British pianist Jayson Gillham returns to Australian stages, welcoming his close friend and fellow pianist Iyad Sughayer for his Australian recital debut.

Keys to Life – Two Friends, Two Pianos brings two world-class pianists to four Australian cities during July in a national recital tour to lift spirits and remind us of our shared humanity.

The Melbourne performance will be on Sunday, July 19 at 5pm at the Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre.

Gillham is self-presenting this tour independently, continuing his commitment to artistic integrity and bringing world-class music directly to Australian audiences.

Sughayer is a Palestinian-Jordanian pianist based in the UK whose playing has captivated audiences across Europe , the Middle East, Colombia and North America.

Recognised as Classic FM's 2022 Rising Star, a YCAT Artist and BIS recording artist, the Keys to Life Australian tour marks a significant milestone in his fast-rising international career.

The program features a colourful and vibrant selection of works by Mozart, Debussy, Ravel, Khachaturian, Arensky and Chabrier, alongside the premiere of a new commission by PalestinianLebanese composer Houtaf Khoury.

It is brought to life as a musical conversation built on deep listening, trust and the sheer pleasure of two friends playing together.

Jayson Gillham has been looking forward to this tour for a long time. "Iyad and I share a vision of what music can do, not just as a performance, but as an act of connection. To bring him to Australian audiences for the first time, in a program this rich and this alive, feels like exactly the kind of thing I want to be doing. I can't wait to experience it together with everyone.”

Iyad Sughayer has always wanted to bring his music to Australia. "To make my debut here alongside Jayson, with a program that means so much to both of us, is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life. This music speaks to something we all share and I hope audiences feel that from the first note.”

Melbourne performance: Sunday July 19 at 5pm Venue: Elisabeth Murdoch Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre.

Bookings: melbournerecital.com.au Ben Starick with Cheryl Threadgold

Biennial curator

■ TarraWarra Museum of Art has announced the appointment of Dr Mikala Tai as Curator of the next TarraWarra Biennial 2027, the 10th edition of the Museum’s landmark contemporary art exhibition program, opening July 31, 2027, and running until November 14, 2027.

“Tai’s appointment brings to the Biennial a practice shaped by sustained engagement with Australian and Asian contemporary art and a curatorial intelligence attuned to questions of cultural identity, place and shared futures,” said a TarraWarra representative.

“Tai has been a defining presence in the Australian contemporary art sector for nearly two decades,” the representative said.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR DON BRIDGES

■ The MEAA Equity Foundation has announced Australian actor Don Bridges as the recipient of its 2026 Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of his extraordinary career and deep commitment to the performing arts community.

Don has built an extensive body of work across television, film, and theatre in Australia and the United Kingdom over almost six decades.

His career includes more than 130 film and television credits, hundreds of short film performances, and more than 25 productions with the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Don’s screen credits include Judy and Punch, Romper Stomper, Evil Angels, Malcolm, Gettin’ Square, The Hard Word, The Oyster Farmer, Charlotte’s Web and the recent US production, Mr Irrelevant

His television work spans generations of Australian storytelling, with roles in The Twelve,Nautilus,TheClearing,JackIrish, Miss Fisher’s Murder Mysteries, Blue Heelers,Neighbours,SomethingintheAir and Upper Middle Bogan, among many others.

MEAA Equity Federal President Asabi Goodman said the award recognised both Don’s remarkable body of work and his advocacy for the profession.

“Choosing a recipient for this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award was no easy task,” Asabi said.

“Ultimately, we chose someone who not only has an impressive resume and longevity in the industry, but who also exemplifies what it means to be an Equity member — someone who has acted as an advocate for the community, supporting the ideas of collective bargaining that help strengthen our industry.”

In addition to his acting career, Don is an accomplished musician, director, voice artist and acting teacher, and has mentored countless performers throughout his career.

He continues to give back to the industry as Vice-President of the Victorian Actors Benevolent Trust, supporting members of the arts community in times of need.

Don said he was thrilled by the honour.:

“I have always just tried to do the best work I can, and to always be there for younger performers, offering guidance and advice when needed,” he said.

Don will receive his award at a ceremony on Monday, June 15, at the Sydney Theatre Company

Michael Wilkie with Cheryl Threadgold

Slop

■ Following the international success of their acclaimed duet Slip, Rebecca Jensen and Aviva Endean continue their collaborative exploration with Slop, a visceral sequel that plunges into a submerged, murky world of sound and movement, premiering at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre from May 13-23.

If Slip was about falling out of sync with reality, Slop is said to revel in the overspill.

Part of Darebin Arts Speakeasy, Slop explores a world saturated by digital excess, consumption, and environmental precarity, conjuring an unstable, gurgling terrain of bodies and sound.

A digesting of our present moment and a confrontation with the invisible systems that ensnare us, the work asks the questions: Who do we trust? How do we make sense of non-sense?

Conceived in 2024 before Slop became the word of the year, the work considers the cultural atmosphere of “AI slop”, acknowledging the recent flood of confusing signals that shape contemporary perception. Within this messy, boggy terrain, the artists explore entanglement, attention, deep listening, and deep watching.

This new performance work draws audiences into a nexus where bodies and sonic textures entangle, creating a dynamic environment that is both unsettling and curiously moving - finding meaning in senselessness and beauty in what could be perceived as disgusting or stupid.

Jensen and Endean have developed a reputation for bold interdisciplinary work that pushes the boundaries between performance, music and live art.

On stage, tactile materials such as mud and water generate unpredictable environments for sound and movement. As the performance unfolds, these materials are manipulated live, transforming foley techniques into an immersive, evolving composition.

Rebecca Jensen is a dancer, choreographer, and teacher born in Aotearoa and based in Melbourne . Her work ranges in scale and medium, including performance for theatres, galleries, and unconventional spaces, alongside participatory projects, community events, and films.

Aviva Endean is a clarinettist, composer, and performance-maker dedicated to connecting people with each other and their environment through attentive listening. Her creative practice opens up possibilities for collaborations, transcending the traditional in favour of a dynamic artistry which embraces the unfamiliar.

Event Dates: May 13-23

Venue: Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St, Northcote Bookings: arts.darebin.vic.gov.au Cheryl Threadgold

■ Opera Australia presents a new staging of Verdi’s most famous opera, La Traviata, which will have its Melbourne premiere at the Regent Theatre on May 8 in a season running until May 19.

The production, directed by Sarah Giles , brings Violetta’s inner world to the fore in a staging that delves into the heartache behind the glamour.

Melbourne born soprano Stacey Alleaume and Italian Maria Laura Iacobellis offer distinctive interpretations of Violetta , while rising star Filipe Manu makes his role debut as Alfredo

Under conductor Giampaolo Bisanti Orchestra Victoria, the Opera Australia Chorus and cast will draw audiences into Verdi’s masterpiece.

Performance Season: May 8-19

Venue: Regent Theatre, Melbourne Tickets: from $79

Bookings: opera.org.au/productions/ la-traviata-melbourne/

Cheryl Threadgold

Casey Filips

■ Casey Filips is a character, in fact, many characters, who love a character especially those who are sitting in his audience.

He ferrets them out, feeds off their flaws which he forges into his comedic framework. Result: a unique and a brilliant platform from which to launch a truly great night of spontaneous, hysterical entertainment.

He starts with a jaded security guy employing his duties while reading from a clipboard list of attendees. He calls names at random then questions, searches and asks for ID.

Many of us don’t cut the mustard. He wields his power at his discretion by either sending us out the door or backstage, until he decides we can return.

His sleek looking but bumbling secret agent character’s CCTV camera aid never seems to help him find an intended victim. His clumsy lack of control in pistol-shooting resulted in multiple audience ‘deaths’.

To keep us on the edge of our seats, his sound guy character appears aiming his stand microphone over the heads of the audience scanning for sources of new ‘meat‘ to progress the comic momentum.

His stand-out character is a lisping St Peter of the Pearly Gates who used material from audience members who, by now, were familiar to us all. Peter decides whether we go to Heaven or Hell.

One brilliant moment came when he took the opportunity to advise one participant who appeared to want to steal the limelight when interviewed by the sound guy.

St Peter suggested that his behaviour on earth steered him towards Hell. His turnabout made wonderful use of material from his audience.

Casey is tall, good-looking and uses engaging facial expressions and clever adaptive style to deliver his characters. There’s potential for a tweaked sequel show with fresh characters.

Venue:

● ● Don Bridges

Melbourne Trade Hall, Music Room. Review by Sherryn Danaher

● ● ● ●

Stacey Alleaume as Violetta in La Traviata. Photo: Eugene Hyland

● ● Slop: Image by Nano Banana Pro in collaboration with Rebecca Jensen. Photo: Sarah Walker.

Observations

Suellen Cusack

■ Any parent of an autistic child is keen to do whatever they can to help their own and other children with the condition.

To highlight Autism Awareness Week earlier this month, Singer Suellen Cusack decided to use her beautiful vocals to produce a special recording of the beautiful song from the musical Carousel, You’ll Never Walk Alone

And to add even more vocal beauty, Suellen called on a good mate, Opera Australia baritone Nathan Lay , to join her in the recording.

Suellen is a committed advocate for autism awareness, using her voice to connect, uplift and create understanding of the condition.

“This project means a great deal to me, as it’s a way of letting people know they’re seen, valued and never alone,” Suellen explains.

The project is close to Suellen’s heart, as her son Gabriel is autistic and currently non-verbal.

Suellen says that Gabriel has reshaped her understanding of courage, conviction and unconditional love.

As an ambassador for Autism Queensland, Suellen says she has seen the resilience, emotional depth, of neurodiverse families, and the hope that carries them forward.

Suellen has had two ARIA number one classical crossover albums and is committed to combining musical excellence with genuine purpose.

Victorian singer Nathan Lay has delighted many audiences around the state and is also a proud father of young children.

Suellen says that their recording of You’ll Never Walk Alone is a reminder that empathy, visibility and connection can begin with a single song.

You’ll Never Walk Alone is available now on Spotify

Julie Houghton

American Pie

■ Don McLean will appear in Melbourne on Wednesday, October 21, with his American Pie 55th Anniversary show.

Break-Up Variety Hour

■ The Breakup Variety Hour was brought to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival by New York based entertainer Ariana and the Rose who starred in her one-woman show in the Solidarity Hall at the Melbourne Trades Hall.

Ariana takes us on an odyssey through the muddied waters of relationship breakups as she directs us down the pathway of the six stages of breakup. She commences each stage by introducing a correlated song which she has written.

The first and rawest stage of Awe and Shock is accompanied by I’m Fine. The song’s fiery lyrics indicate that she is clearly finding it tortuous to deal with the shock of early days of breakup. She emotes perceptible pain.

In an effort to move on, we hear of the foibles of her experiences with dating apps in the second, teary stage poignantly conveyed alongside her song Rain. The journey continues as we are steered from heart-break to self-love and on to empowerment.

Ariana’s performance is a mix of popmusic, stand-up style comedy and cabaret. She proclaims that her song-writing for The Breakup is cathartic.

Her easy style engages the audience with her fervent, story-telling drawn from lived personal experience along with recollections of heartbreak anecdotes of friends.

This is an interactive performance during which she calls for volunteers to share their stories, but was unfortunately let-down on the night by a small house.

Ariana’s voice is strong with an excellent vocal range. Her depth of theatre experience and stage confidence is demonstrated through racy, seductive dance moves bringing an energetic, bubbly performance: a pleasure to watch. Presented at the Trades Hall, Solidarity Hall , cnr Lygon and Victoria Sts, Carlton Review by Sherryn Danaher

Reg Livermore’s Ned Kelly

■ Following a successful two-performance run in March in Ballarat of Reg Livermore's Ned Kelly: The Musical, Victorian Opera is delighted to announce a Melbourne season of this acclaimed new production from July 24-25 at the Union Theatre, University of Melbourne

The production is directed by Victorian Opera’s Artistic Director Stuart Maunder ( Follies, The Pirates of Penzance, La Rondine), with Simon Holt ( Cats, Sweeney Todd, Sunset Boulevard) returning to conduct. Holt also contributed additional music and created new orchestrations for this revised version of the score.

The legend himself, Reg Livermore (Wicked, My Fair Lady, The Producers), stars in a cameo role as Mr Tarleton, the Bank Manager.

Ned Kelly’s name is etched into Australian folklore. The infamous bushranger, his gang, and the iconic suit of armour continue to spark national debate: was he a champion of the underdog or a coldblooded criminal?

Performance Details: July 24 - 25

Venue: Union Theatre, University of Melbourne, Carlton.

Bookings: victorianopera.com.au/production/reg-livermores-ned-kelly-the-musical-melbourne/

Cheryl Threadgold

More Shows

■ Melton Performing Arts: Terry Pratchett’s Guards! Guards! (Adapted by Stephen Briggs) May 28 – 30 at the Melton Community Hall. Director: Josh Tooth. info@meltonpa.org.au

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group: Kimberly Akimbo (by David Lindsay Abaire) May 28 – June 6 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Drew Mason. Bookings: stagtheatre@ outlook.com or 0419505231

■ Babirra Music Theatre: 42nd Street, May 29 – June 6 at The Round, 397 Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Director: Alan Burrows; Musical Director: Marty Macaulay; Choreographer: Sue Lewis. Bookings: babirra.org.au

■ Hills Act Theatre Company: Away (by Michael Gow) May 30 at 7.30pm and May 31 at 2pm at The Memo, 2/38 Symons St Healesville. Bookings: Culture tracks.info. Bookings: 1300 368 333.

Auditions

■ Nova Music Theatre: Hello Dolly! April 29 and 30 at Boronia K-12 College. Dance call May 3. Prepare two contrasting songs. trybooking.com/DKZWD novamusictheatre.com.au/HelloDolly

■ Malvern Theatre Company: When the Rain Stops Falling. May 3, 4 at 7.30pm at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Road, Malvern East. Director: Peter Newling. Audition enquiries: peter. newling@gmail.com.

■ Melbourne French Theatre: Il était un petit navir (SOS), Save Our Savings (by Jean-Pierre Martinez) May 9 at 2pm, May 12 at 7pm at La Maison de Maître building, 203-205 Canning Street, Carlton. 7 actors required - 4 male/3 female. Director: Paul Wanis, Produced by Michel Bula. Fluent French-speaking actors only. melbournefrenchtheatre.org.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Shows

■ The 1812 Theatre: Summer of the Aliens (by Louis Nowra) Until May 2 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Liam Mitchinson. Bookings: 1812theatre.com. au or 9758 3964.

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Two Brothers (by Hannie Rayson) Until May 2 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Ben Crowley. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongarts centre.org.au

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Visit (by Friedrich Dürrenmatt) Until May 2 at 29a Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Bookings: malverntheatre.com.au

■ Encore Theatre Company: Gaslight (Written by Patrick Hamilton). Until May 3 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Kym Davies. Bookings: encoretheatre.com.au

Dinkum

■ Two brothers, Lachlan and Jaxon Fairbairn, played to the packed ACMI’s Swinburne Studio as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival . A show of improvised comedy sketches under the title of Fair Dinkum. And that it was as they travelled through a mix of scenarios, often stuffing up with their dry humour.

To bring the scenarios to life, two screens, one either side of the stage, gave us vision as to where the sketch was being played out. Other than that only two chairs, occasionally used while their sixes and sevens banter continued unabated.

Starting with small talk by engaging with a very responsive audience before a first up sketch with a drunken pilot in the plane’s cockpit endeavoring to help land.

Moving on to an English Football Scout trying to poach a Russian Footballer to move to England , with some very comical lines with the language barrier and much confusion with payment, was it to be in rubles or dollars?

What followed was more improvised comedy with an astronaut in NASA’s office, then it was all hands to the Furness in the medieval blacksmith’s shop.

At the end of each sketch and to applause they went off stage momentarily, for composure and minimal costume change.

A very jocular sketch with a stand-in doctor trying to give a report of a serious diagnosis to a hapless patient drew many laughs even when the brothers lost their train of thought.

More confusion when at airport security, with a bag search and inane explanations when items taken from the traveler’s case where challenged.

Finishing with a lively scene at the principal’s office where 8-year-old Jeremy was brought in to explain his drawings, not only of a scribbled self-portrait but a sheet with “Everyone here will die”.

Plenty of incongruous moments, breaking character to laugh at their own jokes and you could say senseless banter made this Fair Dinkum entertainment.

Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Winter Blues Festival

■ The Winter Blues Festival will return to Echuca–Moama in 2026, bringing four huge days of blues and roots to the banks of the Murray River.

Latest artists confirmed are (in alphabetical order): Amin and Lachlan Duo, Anna Scionti, Bek Jensen, Brett Wood, Charlie Bedford, Corey Legge and The Legacy, Greg Nunan and The General Jacksons, Jeff Lang and Dom Turner, Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine, LilG, Michael Vdelli and the Art of Dysfunction, Nick Charles, Pete Campbell and The Lazy Dog, Phil Coyne and The Wayward Aces, Phil Para, Rory Phillips, Salt and Steel, The McNaMarr Project, White Lightning, Yarn and The Boogieman.

The Festival will be held from July 2326. A launch show and fundraiser will be at the Brunswick Ballroom on May 15.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Lovesong (by Abi Morgan) Until May 9 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Vicki Smith. Bookings: wlt.org.au/book-tickets

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: the Female of the Specials (by Joanna Murray-Smith) Until May 9 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Fiona M. Carter. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Girl on the Train (Based on the bestselling novel by Paula Hawkins and DreamWorks film. Adapted by Rachel Wagstaff and Duncan Abel) Until May 9 at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Co. Ltd: &Juliet May 1 – 17 at The Forge Theatre, 80 McKean Street, Bairnsdale. Director: Casey Davidge and Shawna Bartlet. Bookings: eastgippsland.vic. gov.au/leisure/whats-on-and-buy-tickets

■ Eltham Little Theatre: A Tomb with a View (by Norman Robbins) May 1 – 16 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Karim Shaker. Bookings: elthamlittle theatre.org.au/

■ FAMDA Inc.: No Exit (by Jean-Paul Sartre) April 29 – May 3 at Foster War Memorial Performing Arts Centre, Foster. Directors: Emma McKay and Pixie Jon. Bookings: trybooking.com/DJHBM

■ The Mount Players: Mr Bailey’s Minders (by Debra Oswald) May 8 – 24 at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Sonja Prater. Bookings: themountplayers.com

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Company – A Musical Comedy (Stephen Sondheim) May 8 – 23 at Altona City Theatre, 115 Civic Pde., Altona. Bookings: wmtc.org.au

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, May 15-30 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Shaun Kingma, Musical Director: David Clausen-W isken, Choreographer Melanie Ott. Bookings: cloc.org,au

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Other Place (by Sharr White) May 7 –16 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Barry O’Neill. Bookings: mordialloctheatre. com.au

■ Essendon Community Theatre: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (by John Heimbuch and Jon Ferguson) May 21 –30 at the Bradshaw St. Theatre, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Directors: Claire Benne & Nathalie Fo. Bookings: essendontheatrecompany.com.au

■ BottledSnail Productions: Witness for the Prosecution (by Agatha Christie) May 21 – May 30 at the Old Magistrates' Court, Old Melbourne Gaol, 377 Russell St., Melbourne. Director: Nicky NevilleJones. Bookings: tba.

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Ladykillers (by Graham Linehan) May 21 – June 13 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ Peridot Theatre: The Cottage (by Sandy Rustin) May 22 – 31 at the Clayton Community Theatre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Steve Saul. Bookings: peridot.com.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Two Ladies (Nancy Harris) May 22 – June 6 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Adam Rafferty. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au Cheryl Threadgold

●

Reg

Livermore's Ned Kelly: the Musical . Phto: Jeff Busby Fair

Company, musical comedy, at Altona

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim's Company - A Musical Comedy, from May 8-[23 at Altona Theatre

Co-directed by Rachel Rai and Tyson Legg, with musical direction by Ian Nisbet a nd choreography by Joel Anderson , Company - A Musical Comedy is a winner of six Tony Awards, including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Lyrics and Best Book.

The show's story tells of confirmed bachelor Robert contemplating his unmarried state on the night of his 35th birthday.

Over the course of a series of dinners, drinks, and even a wedding, his friends, "those good and crazy people, [his] married friends", explain the pros and cons of taking on a spouse.

The habitually single Robert is forced to question his adamant retention of bachelorhood during a hilarious array of interactions.

Performance Details: May 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23 at 7.30pm; May 10, 17 at 2pm

Venue: Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Parade, Altona.

Bookings: wmtc.org.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Tilde

■ Trans-led international film festival Tilde celebrates turning 12.

This year’s theme is Young Blood, because "our blood carries our stories”.

The festival will host eight sessions across six days to celebrate the work of established and emerging trans and gender diverse (TGD) artists.

For a second year, Tilde honours filmmaker Lilly Wachowski , who is the Festival’s Aunty (Patron).

As a writer, director, mentor, and Executive Director, Lilly is spearheading a powerful wave of transauthored storytelling.

More than an icon, she has reshaped pop culture through films that reflect trans experiences and use world-building to spark public dialogue.

Continuing the collaborative tradition, opening night will feature a partnership with Sapphic Flicks at Footscray Community Arts Centre.

A critical conversation between Sistergirls, Brotherboys, trans and gender expansive First Nations creatives in response to Notes on Vanishing by Lily Alexandre . A night for trans truth telling, led by the First Storytellers.

Saturday May 2 will feature the third edition of Our Future, in partnership with Fed Square. Featuring trans-authored shorts from close to home and across the ditch.

The 2026 edition continues to spotlight visionary gender-diverse filmmakers from across the country. Featuring award-winning shorts and world premieres, these are the voices shaping the future of cinema.

On Sunday May 3, join the Melbourne Queer Birders Collective for the world premiere of Canadian filmmaker May Matchim’s documentary Understanding Myself as an Amphibian

Celebrate how transness connects with Country, queer spaces, and the joy of nature, featuring giant squids, lesbian albatrosses, and green frogs. Then head to Eclipse Cinema for the film and two shorts on Whenua: Herekore ( Hariata Wilson’s poetry) and Foreign Bodies (animation by UK director Lysander Wong ). Director May Matchim will be in attendance.

A new partnership will be celebrated with iconic queer space Pony Club Gym - to watch the

coming-of-age hit, She’s the He. This Sunday, also enjoy DJs and a pre-feature short: the premiere of local filmmaker Josie Buden’s Under the Clocks

For weekend two, Gay24, Buff and Tilde take over the Coburg drive in.

Following hot on the heels of last year's sold-out trans softcore Tilde session, Gay24 Film Club teams up with the Brunswick Underground Film Festival for a selection of new voices from the international trans underground; presented on the big screen at the Coburg Drive-In Cinema

Following a string of sold-out international screenings, the M. Sisters' debut feature Divine Hammer makes its Australian premiere.

Preceding Divine Hammer will be the local premiere of Aubrey Winslow's short Guttercat, in which a punk sapphic couple attempt to wipe away their drug debt in Adelaide's seedy southern suburbs.

Finally, Saturday’s closing event is an Alice Maio Mackay Movie Marathon. From DIY punk horror to dreamy, hypnotic trans fairytales, Alice Maio Mackay is a fearless filmmaker taking on the world.

Making her first feature at 16, she’s since collaborated with trans icons like Louise Weard (Castration Movie), Vera Drew (The People’s Joker), and Jane Schoenbrun ( I Saw the TV Glow). This is the firstever retrospective of Alice’s work.

For the full program visit: tildemelbourne.com

Tickets: $10-15

Cheryl Threadgold

Ting Lim: Are You Pho Real?

■ Ting Lim - Are You Pho Real?Melbourne Comedy Festival, delivers a tight, detailed, engaging, amusement ride through the lens of cultural differences.

Exploration of belonging and inclusion through family, relationships and food to a full house, with her every step.

Free association of past traumatic events brought into the light through the perspective of humour, Pho's Real story, the difficulties of Asian acceptance and multiculturalism in Singapore and Australia. Australia ironically revealed as a place easier for her self acceptance.

Stand-up honed over time often through tryout venues where comedians gather and share ‘bits’ of new material. Then ‘bits’ together become a larger piece. Pho Real was well honed.

Ting’s stand-up style is engaged and relaxed. Some interaction with

audience, but sensitive to individuals’ limits. Despite the density of the script there was no sense of panic or urgency, just an easy presence and relatedness leaving the audience relaxed and engaged.

With that safety the audience was consistently responsive in the front but the back missed out a bit.

Staging was a comedy Black Box setup with microphone and low table for water, no dress ups, props or characters.

Words, phrases and situational set-ups and pay-off were structured well to great audience response throughout the set. Not just one-liners, narrative insight through comedic contrast revealed stereotyping inside and outside Asian culture.

Comedy is culturally so important. Seeing it in person you experience what a one way broadcast cannot achieve, that performance is affected and shaped by dialogue between audience and performer through mutual presence.

As an audience you are part of what comedy achieves, a bridging of cultural differences whatever they are, that we all feel, but often don’t know how to articulate, the recognition, comedic relief. I recommend seeing performances of Pho Real.

Presented at the Melbourne Town Hall

Review by Sebastian Gunner

At Tolarno

■ In partnership with BukuLarrngay Mulka Centre, Tolarno Galleries presents Guwarguwarmirri – Colours of the Rainbow, a new exhibition by artist s Guruwuy Murrinyina and Djurrayun Murrinyina.

Guruwuy (born 1975) and Djurrayun (born 1974) are sisters, and this is the first time they are showing work together in Melbourne .

Guruwuy and Djurrayun’s mother was Malaluba Gumana (1952–2020), a highly accomplished artist celebrated for the delicacy of her hand and deft colour-mixing skill with earth pigments.

Guruwuy had been assisting her mother in her paintings of Galpu clan imagery up until her mother’s sudden death in early 2020. In grief for her mother and observing spiritual protocols, Guruwuy did not paint again for over two years.

Tolarno Galleries is at Level 5, 104 Exhibition St, Melbourne. Opening hours are Tuesday –Friday 10am – 5pm, and Saturday 1pm – 4pm. Contributed

Rourke’s Reviews

Exit 8

■ (M). 95 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

Films based on video games usually don’t turn out well, but this moody, well crafted and acted thriller takes a potentially one-note, high concept premise and turns it into something far more interesting.

Kazunari Ninomiya (from the hugely popular J-Pop group Arashi) plays ‘The Lost Man’, an intermittently employed office worker who is having a bad day on the train.

After a surprising, confrontational phone call with his girlfriend ( Nana Komatsu ) while making his way through the station, the man slowly realises he is walking in a loop, seemingly moving around empty corridors to the same starting point.

Coming across a handful of people, the man must decipher his sterile environment to escape. Early on, you wonder how co-writer/director Genki Kawamura is going to expand on this initial set-up, which relies on its main character going round and round the same setting, discovering clues which will assist the man in fully understanding the world around him, and the decisions made to shape his life.

As the concept plays out, Kawamura effectively threads a human factor into it, especially when others in the loop begin to interact with the man.

Ninomiya ( Letters From Iwo Jima, the Gantz movies) is excellent, and the supporting players are well cast.

Technically the film is impressive. Exit 8 does require patience, but the rewards are worth it.

RATING - ****

Undertone

■ (M). 94 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

This quite brilliant horror/ drama is a compelling examination of falling into a frail mental frame of mind, and how easily one can be consumed and engulfed in a particular ‘state’.

Nina Kiri is terrific as Evy, who has moved back home to look after her dying mother ( Michele Duquet).

Evy makes a living as a podcaster, debunking ghost stories and other supernatural events, and is working from home while she cares for her mother.

Her colleague Justin (Adam DiMarco) , who we only hear over the phone, has come across an intriguing case, dealing with 10 audio files of a husband recording his wife sleeping at night.

With each file, the content seems to unsettle Evy in various ways, especially when she is told some surprising personal news.

For me, Undertone looks at the looming shadow of motherhood, whether it be pre or post, and how women see themselves if they don’t feel immediately euphoric about having a child, or how they’re perceived about the way they have raised their child.

Men’s reactions are also important, presented as disconnected voices but still remaining dominant.

Writer/director Ian Tuason,

making an impressive directorial debut, looks at all aspects, including familial, societal and religious, and creates a growingly tense, overpowering atmosphere.

The use of sound, and the move from one sonic world to another (mentally brittle to reality), is superb, with Tuason beautifully mixing that sound with the house being largely consumed by darkness.

Certain soundscapes reminded me of Maurice Pialat’s incredible The Mouth Agape (1974).

Some have compared this to Paranormal Activity, but this is so much more intelligent and involving than that superficial mega-hit. RATING - ****½

Lee Cronin’s

The Mummy

■ (MA). 134 minutes. Now showing in cinemas. Not to be confused with the blockbuster franchise starring Brendan Fraser , or the attempted franchise starter featuring Tom Cruise , this latest iteration of the classic Universal monster refreshingly tries to take a different approach, but then botches that new take by heavily borrowing from other, famous, better horror movies, cancelling out its good intentions.

The story centres on the Cannon family, journalist husband Charlie (Jack Reynor), doctor wife Larissa (Laia Costa), young son Sebastian (Dean Allen Williams) and daughter Katie (Emily Mitchell) , currently living in Cairo due to Charlie’s TV job. One day, Katie is abducted, disappearing without a trace.

Eight years later, the family are now back at their New Mexico home when they get the news that Katie has been found alive.

Once back home, the family can see that Katie has clearly been traumatised, physically and mentally, from her ordeal, but they will soon discover that she has been possessed by a ferocious entity, one who wants to destroy everything and everyone around it.

Writer/director Lee Cronin, who achieved success with his previous two films, The Hole In The Ground (2019) and Evil Dead Rise (2023), never fully finds his footing here, lurching from family drama to graphic horror in a haphazard manner, unable to elaborate on some interesting ideas raised.

Instead, he needlessly protracts family antics and police procedurals, leading to an excruciatingly overlong running time.

The family’s reaction to Katie’s behaviour and body horror is also ridiculous and illogical.

Unconvincing performances don’t help. Cronin copies The Exorcist and even his own Evil Dead film, making this version of The Mummy a huge missed opportunity.

RATING - **

●

● ● The cast of Company - A Musical Comedy

Photo: David Cui (Valorem Media)

● ● Aaron Rourke

■ Hugh Stuckey began in radio during 1942 when he was still a schoolboy. He took part in radio sketches in a show titled Kiddies Corner on 3DB which went to air on a Saturday afternoon after the football.

The compere was John Ewart, and Edwin Duff was the resident singer.

Hugh began writing comedy sketches for the 3DB Cricket Show and many readers would remember Rickety Kate , the mascot that lit up every time a wicket fell. These experiences led to a career in writing comedy for the great Australian radio performers Jack Davey, Willie Fennell and George Wallace Snr.

When television began, Hugh Stuckey worked at Channel 9 as a comedy writer for Graham Kennedy’s In Melbourne Tonight. By the 1960’s Hugh was working on the Delo and Daly Show which won the Logie for the Best National Variety Show in 1963.

The American team of Jonathan Daly and Ken Delo collaborated with Hugh on writing the comedy and he appeared in many of the sketches.

He went to America and worked as a television contributor for The Dick Van Dyke Show, The Andy Griffith Show, Laugh In, Bewitched, The Flying Nun, I Dream of Jeannie and The Lucy Show

Hugh became a very good friend of Don Knotts , who played Barney Fife in The Andy Griffith Show

In England, Hugh was hired by the BBC and wrote for TheTwoRonnies,DaveAllen

Whatever Happened to ... Hugh Stuckey

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

At Large, The Dick Emery Show and several television series starring comedian Frankie Howerd.

Hugh has worked as a script editor and story editor for numerous successful Australian drama series including A Country Practice, Blue Heelers, Neighbours, Home & Away and The Restless Years.

In recent years Hugh taught screen-writing at RMIT, TAFE and CAE . He was also an Honorary Life Member of the Australian Writers Guild.

In 1968 Hugh began writing for the Tony Hancock in Australia television show but Hancock took his life after only three episodes had been recorded. Sadly, Hugh Stuckey passed away in 2018 at the age of 89.

STREET ART AT POP-UP BENALLA GALLERY

Theatre Extra

Riddle of Washpool Gully

■ Puppetry is a sacred practice. There is a stillness and focus required through objects that carry the soul of the performance and are the living focus. This production of The Riddle of Washpool Gully fulfils its sacred duty.

This is a story about a boy and mother whose work takes them to a mine that she must approve.

Isolated, the son finds a friend, a spirit, a giant macropod. About loneliness and connection, resolution coming in the form of the boy's connection to his own neglected imagination, building to a crisis which transforms their relationship.

The writing creates a modern mythology with a solid structure to deliver a clear plotline through to positive fulfilment. Build and release of tension is conducive to full audience focus.

This theatrical milieu requires stage hand, Bunraku puppeteer and animator, actor and storyteller. A strong ensemble, the performers let the archetypes carry the story, staying out of the way with nuanced work and unwavering focus.

There was no ambiguity about where your focus should be. To shift an audience focus from puppets to performance to narrative exposition requires an unambiguous investment of the soul of the performer moment to moment. The theatrical intention moved from puppet to character performance to spoken word seamlessly.

The production design was clever and elegant. Sliding set elements which began in a diamond shape slid left and right on the stage illustrating journey and location. Lighting Design was matched to the moment without distraction the same way that good music is inseparable from a film.

This season has come and gone too quickly for Melbourne audiences, but this is a company that specialises in touring. I recommend subscribing to their mailing list if you have children or are interested in multi-format performance.

Presented by Dead Puppet Society at Gasworks Arts Park Review by Sebastian Gunner

Welcome to Hell

■ Hell on earth could well be a corporate training session where recruits are ‘onboarded’ – an odious word if ever there was one – but, for Andy Balloch, it represents an opportunity to chastise and satirise and, for that matter – demonise everything that’s problematic in society. His Welcome to Hell contribution to the Melbourne Comedy Festival has him inducting his audience into the protocols of selling hell to the rest of the world. He does this in his highly camp but energetic manner where impromptu asides seem like just another part of the routine. Satan’s employee of the month is Ramone who is charged with integrating the new recruits which just so happen to be the audience. Our free lanyards identify us as such as do our cries of ‘bit by bit’ which we are encouraged to contribute when called upon. This devilish detail should not be overlooked as we are all potentially capable of a little evil. We believe re-runs are better than the original. We lose ourselves in social media. According to Ramone , these are all devilish inventions designed to make the world far worse than it is already. The accompanying slide show presentation is a cruel reminder of just how reductive the corporate world is but Balloch uses it to good effect to maintain a structural continuity. Who would have thought that hell was such an organised place?

The energy and intensity of the presentation compels it along with Balloch’s ineffable logic highlighting just how effective hell has been in getting its product out there. Our politicians, our institutions and even the everyday person in the street all succumb to close inspection. It seems that hell is actually winning and, given the state of the world today, who can deny Ramone’s success. Review by David McLean

Pop-Up Benalla Art Gallery HA HA – Street Art Bushranger

Street Art Bushranger presents a bold and timely exploration of Australian popular culture through the works of renowned street artist HA HA . Drawing on imagery from mass media and every day local noise of contemporary life. The exhibition examines the modern obsessions that define the 21st century – reality television, celebrity, support, crime, wealth, and the Exhibition closes April 26. Pursuit of instant notoriety.

Benalla Art Gallery

75 Bridge St East, Benalla

Buxton Contemporay

Goes No Further than Language.

This exhibition brings together restaged historical works new research and archival material to Australia for the first time, alongside new artist commissioned by Melbourne -based artist Darcey Beta Arnold.

At the onset of the 1820s, a wave of intellectual wakening introduced artists across China to new ideas and ways of thinking. During this period, artists responded to the prevailing themes and visual styles of the time, while simultaneously questioning the nature of art. This complex process of concurrence eventually in a decisive turn toward contemporary art practice.

The exhibition brings together the entire body of work by Beijing-based collective New Measurement Group (1989-95), who promised systems of rules, measurement and analyses, while seeking to remove any discernible trace of the individual self and subjectivity. It also features works by Shanghai -based conceptual artist Qien Weikang (active 1990-95) whose practice combined careful calculation with elements of chance, such as gravity and time.

Exhibition opens May 1 and closes October 2. Buxton Contemporary University of Melbourne

Cnr Southbank & Dodds Sts, Southbank.

Sale

After Glow

Featuring Christopher Langton’s After Glow series, which reimagines th flower form as vivid, magnified,, almost monstrous entitles – balancing playfulness and beauty with an uncanny sci0fi sense of adaptation in the face of an unknown future alongside selected works from the Gippsland Art Gallery Collection: Shaping ideas brings together artists who reveal how thinking unfolds through the act of making.

Across abstraction, printmaking, sculpture, and installation, the exhibition examines how concepts take material form – through geometry, rhythm, repetition, and the interplay of control and chance. Some artists work through systems and precision, others through intuition, improvisation.

Exhibition closes May.

Gippsland Art Gallery

70 Foster St, Sale

Opera

■ Opera Australi a is about to celebrate the company’s 70th Anniversary Gala. Some highlights from the program.

■ Where it all began: Opera Australia was born from Mozart – four opera performed by amateurs.

The Don Giovanni and The Marriage of Figaro finales are the fruit of a dram that started everything.

■ La Stupenda’s centenary. In the year Australia celebrates what would have been Joan Sutherland’s 199th birthday, the Lucia Lammermoor returns to the stage, the opera that made her La Stupenda and one of the most beloved voices in opera history.

Venue: Regent Theatre Collins Street Melbourne. Date: Sunday, May 17. Peter Kemp

The Torch

■ The Torch presents Confined 17, the 17th annual exhibition showcasing the work of 424 First Peoples artists with lived experience of incarceration in Victoria

In response to strong audience demand the exhibition, which will be on display at Glen Eira City Council Gallery from Friday (May 1) to Sunday, June 14, has been extended by two weeks this year.

Featuring 497 artworks, Confined 17 offers a compelling exhibition spanning painting, weaving, ceramics and carved emu eggs, alongside unexpected works including a large handmade woollen rug, woven eel traps and a sculpture made from kangaroo bones. Together, these works explore themes of kinship, healing, cultural identity and personal journeys, reflecting the strength, resilience and creativity of artists connected to The Torch’s Indigenous Arts in Prisons and Community program The 2026 exhibition also marks 10 years since the introduction of the Aboriginal Arts Policy in Victoria, which enables First Peoples in prison to earn an income from artwork sales. The policy took more than 40 years of First Peoples advocacy to achieve. Prue Bassett

Kevin can be heard on 3AW - The Time Tunnel - Remember When - Sundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12

With Peter Kemp The Arts

Pink Jackets

■ Melbourne rock n roll legends Stan Azzopardi and Andrew King will present a night of party favourites at the Epicurex Mulgrave on Friday, June 19, commencing 7pm. The Pink Jackets duo, who were part of the iconic Premiers R & R band, are sure to get the toes tapping and the audience dancing their socks off to those fabulous 50s and 60s tunes plus more. Tickets are $39 including buffet dinner. 0449 999 982.

Panda Song

■ I Love Watching Pandas is a new song release written by Malcolm McDonough, a Melbourne-based lyricist and grandfather who identified a gap — a children's song that simply didn't exist — and filled it. The song is performed by New York children's music duo Paper Bagg Band. It's a bouncy, joyful singalong about the gloriously clumsy, playful nature of giant pandas — climbing, falling, rolling, tumbling. It's written for young children but guaranteed to lodge itself in grown-up heads too. More info: paperbaggband.bandcamp.com

Royce Twins

■ We Will Be The Rain is the new single from Melbourne twin brothers Gabriel and Michael Saalfield. Their media says the track is told through the eyes of a soldier on the front line, blending the raw emotion of military life with a hauntingly beautiful promise of spiritual reunion. It’s an authentic look at the "written fate" of those who serve. The twins trade glossy production for the grit and honesty that country music audiences demand. More info https:// theroycetwins.com.au/

Mahler and Tchaikovsky, it’s complicated

■ Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme, op. 33 was created for cello and orchestra, but modified by Wilhelm Fitzenhagen , for whom it was written, in 1876.

This Fitzenhagen Version, transcribed for flugelhorn by Mikhail Nakariakov for his son, Sergei Nakariakov , the soloist, opened the concert at Hamer Hall . Complicated!

Despite the ‘interventions’, Tchaikovsky’s realisation is substantial. He was inspired by Mozart , who he revered as an ideal representative of 18th century romanticism.

The Variations enchant, with the flugelhorn solo enhanced by accompanying woodwinds and strings.

The tone changes from sweet to urgent – I heard ‘buzzing bees’ – before returning to melancholia.

The first and second Variations repeat the ‘ Mozart ’ theme, moving to a waltz in the third Variation and changing from melodic to jaunty until the soulful Variation six. The final Variation seven vigorously brought the composition to a dramatic finish.

The 18-minute Variations was a joy and Sergei Nakariakov’s performance outstanding. Gustav Mahler’s Symphony No. 1 in D Major was described by him as ‘the outcry of a deeply wounded heart, preceded by the death march’. ‘ Certainly, the four movements are enormously varied

and represent ‘landmarks in the Symphony’s hero’.

The first movement was to be ‘slow, like nature’ and this was delightfully so.

Strings, violas, violins, a hunting horn, cuckoos –evoked a bucolic atmosphere.

The second movement must be ‘forceful’ - exuberance becoming funereal, symbolising an ominous warning.

The third movement, ‘solemn and measured’ becomes darker, featuring the double bass and concluding with the triumph of cymbals and drums.

The last movement ‘stormily’ ranged from lyrical to dramatic.

Gradually all instruments enter; there’s a delightful trio of violins.

Boisterousness gives way to serenity as instruments withdraw – then the pace alternates between frantic, gentle, ominous, lyrical and optimistic –before a marvellously passionate conclusion represents the final outburst of despair from the hero. Glorious!

The wonderful Melbourne Symphony Orchestra played flawlessly throughout the concert, soloists and ensemble superbly and enthusiastically conducted by Kahchun Wong Review by Juliet Charles

A Twist of Fate

■ Scary Goats Theatre is bringing A Twist of Fate, their Twilight Zone-inspired anthol-

ogy series, back again for 2026, wth performances from May 79 in Season Four at The Motley Bauhaus

The show features four new horror-comedy short twisted plays, each telling a different dark and twisted tale.

A Twist of Fate contains four short plays about the unusual and otherworldly, each with their own twist.

The four new plays are penned by local writers Jess Budin, Willem Whitfield, Samina Ellen and Chloe Towan and will be performed by an ensemble of actors including Jess Budin, Liliana Braumberger, Corey M. Glamuzina, Tayla Harry, Richard Mealey,

This season is described as promising to be 'the bloodiest and most unsettling yet, with the four very unique plays each taking very different directions to explore themes such as climate change, colonialism and the nature of mortality.'

Performance Details: May 79

Venue: The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St., Carlton. Bookings: eventfinda.com.au/ 2026/a-twist-of-fate-season-4/ melbourne/carlton Cheryl Threadgold

Hayley Michaels, Max NunesCesar, Zac Rose and Kate Weston , under the direction of Patrick Slee, Kate Weston and Chloe Towan

● ● Chloe Towan in A Twist of Fate. Photo: 3 Fates Media.

Yea Golf

■ Saturday saw the 4BBB Championships contested at Yea in ideal conditions with 30 players.

The Ladies Championship is named for Laraine Callandar/Lorraine Christie, two former Champions of the club.

Winners of the day with an outstanding 49 points were Di Elliott (29) and Vicki Clements (23). Second were last year’s winners Cindy Armstrong (29) and Judi Newman (38) with 46 points. Judi had the best individual score with 40 points from Di with 39. It was fabulous to have Laraine Callander present the winners with their trophies.

In the Mens Section, named after Rick Wills and Ross Davis , Paul Heyen(23) and Jim Redmond (23) combined for 47 points to win the Championship. This was Jim’s first board event win.

In second with 43 points were Alan (13) and Zach Pell (11). Alan won the NTP on the 18th and Paul won the individual stableford with 39 on CB from Alan.

Wednesday saw the men play a three person multiplied stableford event. Unfortunately for each team if one of the players had a pick-up then the team score for that hole was zero.

Winners of the 15 men who played were Kevin Coghlan (21), Mick Sheather (24) and Martin Lowe (15) with 128 points. Second were Phil Armstrong (19), Greg Clements (17) and Rob O’Halloran (21) with 117.

Greg was the best individual with 39 points from Martin on 38. Clint Rose was NTP on the 18th and Bob Glenister, Brian Priestley and Clint Rose took out the Club Award.

AFL

Round 8

Thursday, April 30

■ Collingwood vs. Hawthorn (MCG) (N)

Friday, May 1

■ Western Bulldogs vs. Fremantle (MRVL) (N)

■ Adelaide Crows vs. Port Adelaide (AO) (N)

Saturday, May 2

■ Essendon vs. Brisbane Lions (MRVL)

■ West Coast Eagles vs. Richmond (OS) (T)

■ Geelong Cats vs. North Melbourne (GMHBA) (T)

■ Carlton vs. St Kilda (MRVL) (N)

Sunday, May 3

■ Sydney Swans vs. Melbourne (SCG)

Latest News

RSL vandalism

■ Two women have been charged by police after officers caught the pair defacing the Heidelberg RSL on ANZAC Day morning (Apr. 25).

The pair have both been charged with criminal damage, mark graffiti on property without consent and possess graffiti implement to mark graffiti.

Heidelberg Police members were on patrol when they spotted the duo allegedly spray painting a wall of the venue about 1.45am.

As soon as the women spotted police they ran from the scene in opposite directions.

The divisional van members, a constable and senior constable, split up and took off after the pair.

After a short foot chase the two women, aged 22 and 20-years-old, were arrested.

They have been bailed to appear before Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on May 19.

Police are also investigating two other incidents where venues were vandalised sometime overnight. They include:

■ Damage to Reservoir RSL where offenders have graffitied and defaced the walls of the venue.

An incident at the RSL in Fawkner in Lorne St where graffiti was sprayed on the venue.

Scores from Saturday’s matches Scoreboard

Amateurs

■ Premier. Round 2. Saturday, April 25. Old Brighton 17.10 (112) d St Kevin's 13.10 (88). St Bernard’s 9.11 (65) d Old Scotch 99 (63). University Vlues 11.u8 (74) d University Blacks 6.11 (47). Old Trinity 13.13 (91) d Old Xaverians 8.7 (55). Caulfield Grammarians 9.15 (69).

■ Premier Men’s Reserves. University Blacks 7.8 (50) d University Blues 7.2 (44). Old Brighton 7.10 (52) d St Kevin’s 6.6 (42). St Bernard’s v Old Scotch. Old Xaverians 20.6 (126) d Old Trinity 4.6 (30). Caulfield Grammarians 15.11 (101) d Old Haileybury 5.4 (34).

■ Premier B Men’s. De La Salle 16.12 (108) d Old Camberwell 7.8 (50). Collegians 16.10 (106) d Williamstown CYMS 8.11 (59). Beaumaris 16.16 (112) d Old Geelong 9.9 (63). Old Melburnians 13.10 (88) d Old Ivanhoe 9.10 (64). Old Carey 18.21 (129) d AJAX 11.11 (77).

■ Premier B Men’s Reserves. Old Carey 12.4 (76) d AJAX 5.10 (40). De La Salle 17.13 (115) d old Camberwell 2.10 (22). Collegians 14.19 (103) d Willimastown CYMS 4.3 (27). Old Geelong 10.10 (70) d beaumaris 5.8 (38). Old Melburnians 13.9 (87) d Old Ivanhoe 5.4 (34).

■ Premier C Men’s. Mazenod 16.15 (111) d Old Peninsula 11.10 (76). Fitzroy 12.8 (80) d Parkside Vultures 6.8 (44). Marcellin 15.12 (102) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 11.7 (73). St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 7.19 (61) d PEGS 6.8 (44). Hampton Rovers 22.14 (146) d Ormond 14.7 (91).

■ Premier C Men’s Reserves. Mazenod 16.17 (113) d Old Peninsula 4.3 (27). Fitzroy 18.13 (121) d Parkdale Vultures 3.3 (21). Hampton Rovers 10.9 (69) d Ormond 6.4 (40). Marcellin 7.9 (51) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 3.5 (23). St Bedes/Mentone Tigers 10.9 (69) d PEGS 4.7 (31).

■ Division 1 Seniors. St Mary’s 15.9 (99) d UHS-VU 10.7 (67). Prahran 12.7 (79) d Kew 7.9 951). Parkside 25.17 (167) d Old Yarra Cobras 4.7 (31). Brunswick 34 d Monash Blues 15, abandoned. Preston Bullants 15.10 (100) d Oakleigh 11.12 (78).

■ Division 1 Reserves. St Mary’s 13.13 (91) d UHS-VU 4.8 (32). Kew 13.4 (82) d Prahran 10.10 (70). Parkside 18.16 (124) d Old Yarra Cobras 3.1 (19). Monash Blues 14.16 (100) d Brunswick 3.5 (23). Preston Bullants 6.4 (40) d Oakleigh 3.17 (35).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Power house 18.16 (1240 d Aquinas 9.6 (60). Elsternwick 23.7 (145) d Therry Penola 10.5 (65). Canterbury 16.18 (114) d North Brunswick 9.14 (68). West Brunswick 7.15 957) d South Melbourne 7.12 (54). Whitefriars 12.16 (88) d MHSOB 8.11 (59).

22.15 (146) d Norwood 8.6 (54). Boronia 13.10 (88) d Mooroolbark 7.13 (55). North Ringwood 23.11 (149) d Bayswater 5.5 (35).

Park Orchards 18.14 (122) d Montrose 13.11 (89).

■ Division 1 Reserves. North Ringwood 11.17 (83) d Bayswater 5.6 (36). Boronia 18.19 (127) d Mooroolbark 3.0 (18). Park Orchards 10.13 (73) d Montrose 7.7 (49). Mitcham 12.13 (85) d Norwood 2.8 (20). Wantirna South 6.9 (45) d Beaconsfield 3.9 (27).

■ Division 1 Under 19.5. Montrose 9.13 (67) d Boronia 8.3 (51). Mitcham 8.15 (63) d Norwood 6.4 (40). North Ringwood 16.24 (120) d Bayswater/Heathmont 0.1 (1). Wantirna South 5.10 (40) d Beaconsfield 4.12 (36).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Ringwood 11.3 (69) d Heathmont 7.9 (51). Croydon 6.16 (52) d East Burwood 6.10 (46). Waverley Blues 11.12 (78) d Lilydale 11.8 (74). Mulgrave 19.15 (129) d Scoresby 8.9 (57). Templestowe 11.12 (78) d Surrey Park 10.11 (71).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Croydon 12.9 (81) d East Burwood 8.10 (58). Waverley Blues 9.9 (63) de Lilydale 6.2 (38). Ringwood 13.12 (90) d Heathmont 4.8 (32). Mulgrave 11.12 (78) d Scoresby 4.3 (27). Surrey Park 16.9 015) d Templestowe 3.5 (23).

■ Division 2 Under 19.5. Croydon 13.9 (87) d East Burwood 5.11 (41). Mulgrave 10.16 (76) d Scoresby 5.5 (35). Surrey Park 14.4 (88) d Templestowe 8.6 (54). Waverley Blues 14.27 (111) d Lilydale 0.7 (7). Bye: Ringwood.

■ Division 3 Seniors. Donvale 39.14 (248) d Whitehorse Pioneers 8.11 (59). Coldstream 14.8 (92) d Oakleigh District 10.9 969). The Basin 21.11 (137) d Ferntree Gully 4.5 (29). Upper Ferntree Gully 16.13 (109) d Silvan 10.9 (69). Bye: Knox.

■ Division 3 Reserves. Donvale 15.11 (101) d Whitehorse Pioneers 1.5 (11). Coldstream 25.16 (166) d Oakleigh District 2.1 (13). The Basin 9.12 (66) d Ferntree Gully 4.4 (28). Upper Ferntree Gully 14.12 (96) d Silkvan 6.6 (42). Bye: Knox.

■ Division 3 Under 19.5. Whitehorse Pioneers 10.16 (76) d Donvale 9.5 (59). Rowville v Upper Ferntree Gully. Knox 18.9 (117) d The Basin 3.3 (21).

■ Division 4 Seniors. Chirnside Park 14.14 (98) d Bulleen Templestowe 11.14 (80). Warrandyte 33.22 (220) d Forest Hill 4.4 (28). Kilsyth 32.21 (213) d Nunawading 6.11 (47). Fairpark 30.20 (200) d Croydon North MLOC 4.14 (38). Bye: Doncaster.

■ Division 4 Reserves. Kilsyth 15.14 (104) d Berwick Nunawading 0.1 (1). Chirnside Park 7.6 (49) d Bulleen Templestowe 4.5 (29). Warrandyte 16.21 (117) d Surrey Park Zebras 3.0 (18). Fairpark 10.10 (70) d Croydon North MLOC 4.13 (37).

■ Gold Coast Suns vs. GWS Giants (PFS) (N) Siren

■ Division 2 Reserves. Power House 14.19 (103) d Aquinas 1.6 (12). Therry Penola 7.5 (47) d Elsternwick 4.12 (36). Canterbury 17.15 (117) d North Brunswick 7.4 (46). West Brunswick 15.20 (110) d South Melbourne 3.3 (21). MHSOB 8.14 (62) d Whitefriars 7.4 (46).

■ Division 3 Seniors. Wattle Park 13.16 (214) d Albert Park 1.4 (10). Richmond Centrals 15.10 (100) d Hawthorn 8.;11 (59). La Trobe University: Bye.

■ Division 3 Reserves. Wattle Park 19.27 (141) d Albert Park 1.4 (10). Richmond Central 12.7 979) d Hawthorn 5.9 (39).

Eastern

■ Premier Division Seniors. Round 3. Balwyn 13.6 (84) d Berwick 7.16 (58). Doncaster East 21.10 (136) d South Belgrave 12.11 (83). East Ringwood 20.12 (132) d Noble Park 8.8 (56). Rowville 20.15 (135) d Vermont 11.9 975). Blackburn 17.6 (108) d South Croydon 13.8 (86).

■ Premier Division Reserves. Balwyn 10.19 (79) d Berwick 9.4 (58). South Belgrave 12.8 (80) d Doncaster East 7.6 (48). East Ringwood 9.10 (64) d Noble Park 4.6 (30). Rowville 7.12 (54) d Vermont 4.6 (30). Blackburn 12.18 (88) d South Croydon 4.10 934).

■ Premier Division Under 19.5. Balwyn 10.4 (64) d Berwick 8.13 (61). South Belgrave 15.19 (109) d Doncaster East 2.0 (12). Noble Park 11.12 (78) drew with East Ringwood 12.6 (78). Rowville 12.9 (81) d vermont 2.11 (23). Blackburn 19.11 (125) d South Croydon 3.8 (26).

■ Division 1 Seniors. Wantirna South 13.14 (92) d Beaconsfield 10.4 (64). Mitcham

Northern Saints 12.6 (78).Glenroy 17.15 (117) d Westmeadows 10.6 (66).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Westmeadows 12.10 982) d Glenroy 6.10 (46).

16.12

Mornington

■ Division 1 Seniors . Devon Meadows 11.14 (80) d Edithvale-Aspendale 9.10 (64). Langwarrin 20.18 (138) d Sorrento 7.10 (52). Mt Eliza 16.17 (113) d Mornington 9.11 (65). Frankston YCw 15.9 (99) d Pines 9.6 (60). Sunday, April 26: Dromana v Rosebud.

■ Division 1 Reserves . EdithvaleAspendale 20.10 (130) d Devon Meadows 1.1 (7). Mt Eliza 13.13 (91) d Mornington 7.10 (52). Frankston YCW 12.10 (82) d Pines 7.4 (46). Langwarrin v Sorrento. Sunday, April 26: Dromana v Rosebud.

■ Division 1 Under 19 . Edithvale-Aspendale 19.17 (131) d Devon Meadows 4.2 (26). Mornington v Mt Eliza. Frankston YCW 21.16 (142) d Pines 4.3 (27). Langwarrin 25.12 (162) d Sorrento 1.1 (7). Sunday, April 26: Dromana v Rosebud.

■ Division 2 Seniors . Somerville 12.27 (99) d Bonbeach 10.8 (68). Frankston Bombers 15.14 (104) d Hastings 9.3 (57). Karingal 13.12 (90) d Tyabb 7.9 (51). Rye 8.20 (68) d Pearcedale 6.16 (52). Red Hill 13.11 (89) d Crib Point 10.13 (73). Chelsea 14.16 (100) d Seaford 11.10 (76).

■ Division 2 Reserves . Somerville 21.15 (141) d Bonbeach 2.2 (14). Karingal 13.8 (86) d Tyabb 4.9 (33). Red Hill 10.16 (76) d Crib Point 6.4 (40). Seaford 13.7 (85) d Chelsea 4.4 (28). Frankston Bombers 14.11 (95) d Hastings 1.1 (7). Rye 6.7 (43) d Pearcedale 6.5 (41).

■ Division 2 Under 19 . Somerville 9.14 (68) d Bonbeach 6.10 (46). Frankston Bombers 17.16 (118) d Karingal 1.2 (8). Seaford 14.7 (91) d Chelsea 7.6 (48). Rye 9.11 (65) d Pearcedale 8.7 (55). Red Hill 11.8 (74) d Crib Point 5.10 (40). Bye: Hastings, Tyabb. ■ Thirds . Crib Point 7.10 (52) d Rosebud 2.8 (20). Edithvale-Aspendale 12.14 (86) d Devon Meadows 2.5 (17). Pines 6.8 (44) d Frankston YCW 4.3 (27). Somerville 9.7 (61) d Langwarrin 3.3 (21). Mornington 10.19 (79) d Pearcedale 1.10 (16).

Northern

■ Division 4 Under 19.5. Berwick White 12.5 (77) d Kilsyth 1.4 (10). Warrandyte 18.19 (127) d Montrose 1.6 (12). Bulleen Temoplestowe 23.26 (164) d Chirnside Park 0.0 (0). Croydon North MLOC 10.8 (68) d Fairpark 8.15 (63).

Essendon

■ Premier Division Seniors. Aberfeldie 25.12 (162) d Airport West 14.6 (90). Greenvale 12.11 (83) d Hillside 7.11 (53). Keilor 17.12 (114) d Pascoe Vale 12.15 (87). Strathmore 23.14 (152) d Deer Park 12.9 (81). Maribyrnong Park 20.5 (125) d Essendon Doutta Stars 14.13 (97).

■ Premier Division Reserves. Hillside 14.4 (88) d Greenvale 6.9 (45). Keilor 11.8 (74) d Pascoe Vale 7.6 (48). Essendon Doutta stars 7.7 (49) d Maribyrnong Park 7.6 (48). Strathmore 41.13 (259) d Deer Park 1.0 (6). Aberfeldie 17.8 (110) d Airport west 4.1 (25).

■ Division 1 Seniors. Craigieburn 14.16 (100) d Moonee Valley 10.6 (66). Avondale Heights 14.19 (103) d St Albans 13.14 (92). Tullamarine 12.8 (80) d Oak Park 6.10 (46). Taylors Lakes 24.13 (157) d East Keilor 9.5 (57). West Coburg 15.13 (103) d Rupertswood 10.7 (67).

■ Division 1 Reserves. West Coburg 19.18 (132) d Rupertswood 3.4 (22). Oak Park 10.5 (65) d Tullamarine 9.7 (61). Moonee Valley 12.14 (86) d Craigieburn 6.1 (37). Taylors Lakes 16.9 (105) d East Keilor 4.3 (27). Avondale Heights 15.8 (98) d St Albans 5.3 (33).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Roxburgh Park 14.14 (98) d Hadfield 12.9 (81). Coburg Districts 22.10 (142) d Burnside Heights 13.11 (89). East Sunbury 17.14 (116) d Sunbury Kangaroos 12.13 (85). Keilor Park 14.10 (94) d

■ Division 1 Seniors. Heidelberg 16.22 (118) d Banyule 9.8 (62). Eltham 13.14 992) d Montmorency 10.11 (71). North Heidelberg 15.10 (100) d West Preston Lakeisde 7.13 (55). Hurstbirdge 11.8 (74) d Greensborough 8.8 (56). Diamond Creek 5.4 (34) d Bundoora 4.6 (30).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Heidelberg 8.14 (62) d Banyule 5.7 (37). Montmorency 19,4 (118) d Eltham 11.6 (72). North Heidelberg 16.15 (111) d West Preston Lakeside 4.8 (32). Greensbroough 14.8 (92) d Hurstbridge 12.7 (79). Diamond Creek 13.11 (89) d Bundoora 3.1 (19).

■ Division 1 Under 19.5. Eltham 16.9 (105) d Montmorency 8.5 (53). St Mary’s 10.16 (76) d Diamond Creek 8.11 (59). Hurstbridge 11.14 (80) d Greensborough 8.11 (59). Heidelberg 18.15 (123) d Banyule 2.6 (18). Bye: North Heidelberg.

■ Division 2 Seniors. Fitzroy Stars 14.16 (100) d Thomastown 13.6 (84). Northcote Park 11.12 (78) d Macleod 9.9 (63). Whittlesea 15.11 (101) d Old Paradians 5.13 (43). St Mary’s 19.11 (125) d Panton Hill 8.8 (56). South Morang 14.14 (98) d Lower Plenty 13.18 (96).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Thomastown 9.8 (62) d Fitzroy Stars 8.9 (57). Macleod17.13 (115) d Northcote Park 8.6 (54). Whittlesea 13.11 (89) d Old Paradians 7.11 (53). St Mary’s 12.10 (82) d Panton Hill 3.10 (28). South Morang 13.10 (88) d Lower Plenty 11.7 (73).

■ Division 2 Under 19.5. South Morang 17.18 (120) d Old Paradians 4.2 (26). Laurimar 16.23 (119) d Macleod 1.5 (11). Whittlesea 16.19 (115) d Bundoora 6.9 (45).

■ Division 3 Seniors. Watsonia 13.12 (90) d Epping 7.10 (52). Heidelberg West 8.12 (60) d Kilmore 7.11 (53). Laurimar 29.15 (189) d Kinglake 4.7 (31). Old Eltham Collegians 12.22 (94) d Lalor 6.8 (44). Ivanhoe 23.16 (154) d Reservoir 6.8 (44). Mernda; Bye.

■ Division 3 Reserves. Watsonia 12.7 (79)

Coburg Districts

(108) d Burnside Heights 6.4 (40). Sunbury Kangaroos 17.11 (113) d East Sunbury 10.8 (68). Northern Saints 16.12 (108) d Keilor Park 5.5 (35). Roxburgh Park 11.12 (78) d Hadfield 9.14 (68).

Footy results from across Victoria

d Epping 7.10 (52). Heidelberg West 9.5 (59) d Kilmore 8.5 (53). Laurimar 30.21 (201) d Kinglake 0.6 (6). Lalor 12.10 (82). Old Eltham Collegians 12.6 (78) d Lalor 12.10 (82). Ivanhoe 22.11 (143) d Reservoir 1.9 (15). Bye: Mernda.

■ Division 3 Under 19.5. Lower Plenty 14.12 (96) d Eltham 10.5 (65). Watsonia 18.11 (119) d Epping 8.9 (57). Heidelberg 20.14 (134) d Kinglake 0.2 (2). Panton Hill; Bye.

Outer East

■ Premier Division Seniors. Wandin 12.9 (81) d Officer 9.9 (63). Woori Yallock 15.9 (99) d Monbulk 4.8 (32). Mt Evelyn 20.13 (133) d Gembrook Cockatoo 5.6 (36). Healesville 16.20 (116) d Warburton Millgrove 11.6 (72). Olinda Ferny Creek 12.10 (82) d Upwey Tecoma 9.11 (65).

■ Premier Division Reserves. Mt Evelyn 17.15 (117) d Gembrook Cockatoo 1.4 (10). Healesville 11.12 (78) d Warburton-Millgrove 7.6 (48). Upwey-Tecoma 11.7 (73) d Olinda Ferny Creek 5.5 (35). Officer 8.16 (64). Wandin 4.3 (27). Woori Yallock 11.9 (75) drew with Monbulk 12.3 (75).

■ Division 1 Seniors. Alexandra 24.9 9153) d Yea 8.6 (54). Seville 35.18 (228) d Yarra Junction 0.3 (3). Emerald 17.9 (111) d Belgrave 11.10 (76). Pakenham 9.15 (69) d Yarra Glen 4.6 (30). Bye: Powelltown.

■ Division 2 Reserves. Alexandra 13.15 993) d Yea 1.6 (12). Seville 19.18 (132) d Yarra Junction 2.4 (16). Emerald 9.10 (64) d Belgrave 4.6 (30). Pakenham 24.20 (164) d Yarra Glen 1.1 (7). Bye: Powelltown.

■ Under 18 Boys. Mt Evelyn 15.15 (105) d Gembrook Cockatoo 1.4 (10). Healesville 22.10 (142) d Warburton Millgrove 1.1 (7). Officer 13.7 (85) d Wandin 4.6 (30). Upwey Tecoma 9.12 (66) d Olinda Ferny Creek 9.6 (60). Monbulk 15.19 (109) d Alexandra 0.4 (4). Seville 9.5 (59) d Woori Yallock 3.11 (29). Pakenham 15.13 (103) d Yarra Glen 4.2 (26).

■ Division 1 Senior Women’s. Mt Evelyn 17.23 (125) d Pakenham 2.1 (13). Olinda Ferny Creek 6.4 (40) d Upwey-Tecoma 5.6 (36). Warburton-Wesburn 6.5 (41) d Healesville 2.7 (31). Belgrave: Belgrave.

■ Division 2 Senior Women’s. Emerald 11.21 (87) d Gembrook Cockatoo 1.1 (7). Seville 8.10 (58) d Woori Yallock 1.2 (8). Wandin 5.7 (37) d Officer 1.7 (13). Yea 19.15 (129) d Thornton Eildon 19.15 (128).

Southern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Cheltenham 22.15 (147) d Bentleigh 11.14 (80). Dingley 7.15 957) d Narre Warren 5.16 (46). Hampton Park 18.18 (126) d Port Melbourne 13.12 (90). Springvale 14.10 (94) d Cranbourne Eagles 14.8 (92). Murrumbeena 11.12 (78) drew with St Paul’s McKinnon 11.12 (78).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Bentleigh 18.18 (125) d Cheltenham 4.4 (28). Narre Warren 13.14 (92) d Dingley 0.3 (3). Hampton Park 13.9 (87) d Port Melbourne Colts 9,.6 (60). Springvale Districts 11.3 (69) d Cranbourne Eagles 3.3 (21). Murrumbeena 19.22 (136) d St Paul’s McKinnon 2.4 (16).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Mordialloc 5.9 (39) d Chelsea Heights 5.4 (34). Caulfield Bears 17.11 (113) d Keysborough 17.9 (111). Frankston Dolphins 20.22 (142) d East Brighton 5.10 (04). East Malvern 16.20 (116) d Doveton Doves 4.5 (29). Highett 11.14 (80) d Hampton 7.7 (49).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Mordialloc 12.5 (77) d Chelsea heights 2.2 (14). Caulfield Bearts 13.7 (85) d Keysborough 2.2 (14). Frankston Dolphins 13.15 (93) d East Brighton 4.8 (32). East Malvern 11.12 (78) d Doveton Doves 3.6 (24). Highett 17.16 (118) d Hampton 0.3 (3).

■ Division 3 Seniors. Skye 12.11 (83) d Carrum Patterson Lakes 7.15 (57). Heatherton 19.11 (125) d Black Rock 14.8 (92). St Kilda City 14.15 (99) d Berwick Springs 12.14 (86). Endeavour Hills 22.19 (151) d hallam 4.6 (30). Lyndhurst 14.15 (99) d South Mornington 10.8 (68).

■ Division 3 Reserves. Skye 17.7 (109) d Carrum Patterson Lakes 5.8 (38). Black Rock 9.15 (69) d Heatherton 5.7 937). Berwick Springs 9.11 (65) d St kilda city 5.4 (34). Endeavour Hills 14.7 (91) d Hallam 6.6 (42). South Mornington 13.4 (82) d Lyndhurst 8.6 (54).

■ Division 4 Seniors. Dandenong West 18.11 (119) d Ashwood 6.4 (40). Narre Warren Saints 6.13 (49) d Clayton 4.13 (37). Lyndale 19.13 (127) d Moorabbin Kangaroos 10.8 (68). St John’s 17.19 (121) d

Doveton Eagles 9.6 (60).

■ Division 4 Reserves. Ashwood 9.7 (61) d Dandenong West 8.7 (55). Clayton 14.13 (97) d Narre South Saints 5.8 (38). Lyndale 33.12 (210) d Moorabbin Kangaroos 2.4 (16). St John’s OC 11.12 (78) d Doveton Eagles 5.1 (31).

■ Open Grade. Endeavour Hills 6.6 (42) d Pakenham 5.10 (40). Mordialloc 8.9 (57) d South Yarra 2.3 (15). Skye 8,.10 (58) d Murrumbenna 2.6 (18). Black Rock 5.5 (35) d Springvale Districts 3.6 (24). Bye: Lyndhurst.

■ Under 19. Division 2. Highett 11.13 (79) d Carrum Patterson Lakes 3.2 (20). Lyndhurst v Cranbourne. Narre Warren 2 14.14 (98) d Ashwood 1.9 (15). Frankston Dolphins 17.11 (113) d South Mornington 4.4 (28). Endeavour Hills 8.10 (58) d Keysborough 4.8 (32).

Western

■ Division 1 Seniors. Caroline Springs 15.9 999) d Yarraville Seddon Eagles 7.12 (54). Parkside 20.12 (132) d Newport 6.7 Z(43).

Werribee Districts 14.11 (95) d Hoppers Crossing 8.6 (54). Point Cook 16.8 (104) d Point Cook Centrals 5.8 (38). Albion 16.10 (106) d Sunshine 13.6 (84). Spotswood 16.15 (111) d Altona 6.13 (49).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Werribee Districts 26.19 (175) d Hoppers Crossing 1.3 (9). Sunshine 10.7 (67) d Albion 5.7 (37). Caroline Springs 8.10 (58) d Yarraville Seddon Eagles 8.3 (51). Spotswood 14.4 (88) d Altona 9.9 (63). Parkside 14.11 (95) d Newport 7.6 (48). Point Cook 11.15 (81) d Point Cook Centrals 5.4 (34).

■ Division 1 Under 18. Point Cook 10.8 968) d Sunshine 5.6 (36). Spotswood 16.21 (117) d Altona 4.1 (25). Werribee Districts 17.11 (113) d Hoppers Crossing 5.4 (34). Sunday, April 26: Newport v Yarraville Seddon Eagles.

■ Division 2 Seniors. North Footscray 13.14 (92) d West Footscray 8.6 (54). Albanvale 26.8 (184) d Western Rams 6.10 946). Braybrook 17.19 (121) d Suns 9.11 (65). Laverton Magpies 12.8 (80) d Tarneit 11.8 (74).Wyndhamvale 15.15 9105) d Sunshine Heights 12.6 (78).

■ Division 2 Reserves. North Footscray 9.10 (64) d West Footscray 3.3 (21). Albanvale 23.12 (150) d Western Rams 5.5 (35). Suns 23.21 (159) d Braybrook 4.5 (29). Laverton Magpies 5.11 (41) d Tarneit 5.5 (35). Wyndhamvale 22.11 (143) d Sunshine Heights 0.0 (0).

■ Division 2 Under 18. Caroline Springs 22.11 (143) d Wyndhamvale 1.5 (11). Spotswood 25.16 (166) d Sunshine 2.2 (14). Werribee Districts 28.30 (198) d Hoppers Crossing 2.1 (13). Tarneit 9.13 (67) d Newport 4.6 (30). Point Cook Centrals 12.11 (83) d Point Cook 9.8 (62). Albion: Bye.

■ Thirds. Caroline Springs 10.9 (69) d Manor Lakes 4.8 (32). Glen Orden 19.17 (131) d North Sunshine 5.1 (31). Sunshine 9.4 (58) d Werribee Centrals 7.7 (49). Spotswood 10.8 (68) d Truganina 6.2 (38). North Footscray 4.8 (32) d West Footscray 4.5 (290. Wyndhamvale 19.15 (129) d Point Cook 1.2 (8).

Goulburn Valley

■ Seniors. Seymour 21.9 (135)d Euroa 12.14 (86). Shepparton 20.13 (133) d Shepparton Swans 6.11 (47). Rochester 19.14 (122) d Tatura 3.5 (25). Benalla 9.10 (64) d Mansfield 6.12 (48). Echuca 12.11 (83) d Kyabram 11.8 (74). Mooroopna 10.5 (65) d Shepparton United 8.10 (58).

■ Reserves. Seymour 17.14 9116) d Euroa 1.3 (9). Shepparton 16.16 (112) d Shepparton Swans 2.0 (12). Rochester 11.20 (86) d tatura 4.4 (28). Mansfield 10.14 (74) d Benalla 3.14 (32). Echuca 10.7 (67) d Kyabram 6.3 (39). Shepparton United 16.7 (103) d Mooroopna 4.4 (28).

■ Under 18. Seymour 11.2 (68) d Euroa 3.7 (25). Shepparton 25.15 (165) d Shepparton Swans 3.1 919). Tatura 15.14 (104) d Rochester 2.4 (16). Benalla 10.9 (69) d Mansfield 8.l9 (57). Echuca 10.12 (72) d Kyabram 5.5 (35). Shepparton United 16.5 (101) d Mooroopna 9.9 (63).

Ovens & King

■ Seniors. Whorouly 16.19 (115) d Bonnie Doon 9.5 (59).

■ Reserves. Whorouly 14.6 (90) d Bonnie Doon 8.7 (55).

Riddell District

■ Seniors. Macedon 18.8 (116) d Riddell 12.12 (84). Woodend-Hesket 21.11 (137)

d Gisborne Giants 17.11 (113). Wallan 20.17 9137) d Melton South 10.10 (70). Kyneton 19.20 (134) d Lancefield 6.7 (43). Bye: Diggers Rest, Melton Centrals, Romsey.

■ Reserves. Macedon 22.8 (140) d Riddell 0.4 (4). Gisborne Giants 10.11 (71) d Woodend-Hasket 8.5 (53). Wallan 7.17 (59) d Melton South 4.5 (290. Kyneton 7.8 (50) d Lancefield 7.3 (45). Bye: Diggers Rest, Melton Centrals, Romsey.

■ Under 19.5. Macedon 9.13 (67) d Riddell 2.9 (21). Wallanc 11.13 (79) d Melton South 4.7 (31). Gisborne Giants 11.8 (74) d Woodend-Hesket 6.8 (44). Kyneton 19.13 (127) d Lancefield 1.1 (7). Bye: Melton Centrals, Romsey.

Bendigo

■ Seniors. South Bendigo 14.8 (92) d Eaglehawk 10.15 (75).

■ Reserves. South Bendigo 11.12 (78) d Eaglehawk 5.4 (34).

■ Under 18. South Bendigo 19.17 131) d Eaglehawk 2.0 (12).

Ballarat

■ Seniors. Darley 25.9 (159) d Bacchus Marsh 9.3 (57). Ballarat 15.11 (101) d Lake Wemndouree 5.14 (44). Melton 19.11 (125) d Sunbury 6.6 (42). Sebastopol 25,14 (164) d Redan 9.6 (60). Sunday, April 26: North Ballarat v East Point.

■ Reserves. Bacchus Marsh 8.11 (59) d Darley 6.5 (41). Ballarat 16.14 (110) d Lake Wendouree 5.3 (33). Sunbury 8.8 (56) d Melton 6.2 (38). Sebastopol 14.10 (94) d Redan 3.4 (22). Sunday, April 26: North Ballarat v East Point.

■ Under 18. Sunbury 25.18 (168) d Melton 6.5 (41). Redan 15,.6 (96) d Sebastopol 8.6 (54). Darley 8.6 (54) d Bacchus Marsh 7.8 (50). Ballarat 14.16 (100) d Lake Wendouree 2.1 (13). Sunday, April 26: North Ballarat v East Point.

Geelong & District

■ Seniors. Anakie 16.15 (111) d GW Giants 6.20 (56). North Geelong 15.10 (100) d East Geelong 11.11 (77). Bannockburn 12.18 (90) d Inverleigh 12.8 (80). Belmont Lions 18.20 (128) d Thomson 3.9 (27). Werribee Centrals 11.18 (84) d Bell Post Hill 7.10 (52). Winchelsea 17.20 (122 d Corio 8.2 (50).

■ Reserves. East Geelong 6.12 (48) d North Geelong 1.4 (10). Bannockburn 10.8 (68) d Inverleigh 6.5 (41). Anakie 12.9 (81) d GW Giants 2.8 (20). Blemont Lions 25.10 (160) d Thomson 3.5 (23). Bell Post Hill 9.11 (65) d Werribee Centrals 6.10 (46). Winchelsea 14.12 (101) d Corio 3.5 (23).

Latest News

Assault on tram

■ Police have arrested a man following an alleged assault on a tram in Melbourne on Saturday evening.

Transit Safety Division officers have been told a man approached another man and woman on a Route 72 tram near the intersection of St Kilda Rd and Coventry St about 6.50pm.

It is alleged the offender was behaving erratically before producing a small steak knife.

The man and woman attempted to calm the man down but he produced a hammer and hit the victims a number of times.

They managed to hold him down until police arrived and took a 37-year-old man from St Kilda into custody.

He was police with their enquires.

A 48-year-old man and a 43-year-old woman, both from Doreen , suffered minor injuries and were taken to hospital for observations.

Ravenhall fatality

■ A man has died following a collision in Ravenhall on Saturday morning.

Investigators have been told four men were riding motorcycles outbound along the Western Fwy.

It’s believed a car veered across the freeway lanes just after Christies Rd before stopping on the freeway.

Two of the motorcycle riders collided with the car.

Amateurs

■ Premier. Round 3. Saturday, May 2. Old Scotch v Old Xaverians. Caulfield Grammarians v University Blues. Old Haileybury v Old Brighton. St Kevin's v St Bernard's. University Blacks v Old Trinity.

■ Premier B Men’s. Round 3. Saturday, May 2. Collegians v Beaumaris. Old Ivanhoe v Old Camberwell. Old Melburnians v AJAX. Old Carey v De La Salle. Old Geelong v Williamstown CYMS.

■ Premier C Men’s. Round 3. Saturday, May 2. Hampton Rovers v Fitzroy. Glen Eira / Old McKinnon v Ormond. Mazenod OC v PEGS. Parkdale Vultures v Old Peninsula. St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers v Marcellin.

■ Division 1. Round 3. Saturday, May 2. Parkside v Kew. Oakleigh v Old Yarra Cobras. Prahran v Monash Blues. Preston Bullants v UHS-VU. Brunswick v St Mary's Salesian.

■ Division 3. Round 3. Saturday, May 2. North Brunswick v South Melbourne. Elsternwick v Canterbury. MHSOB v Aquinas. West Brunswick v Whitefriars. Power House v Therry Penola.

Eastern

■ Premier Division. Seniors. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Balwyn v Vermont. South Croydon v Berwick. East Ringwood Men v Blackburn. Doncaster East v Noble Park.

■ Division 1. Seniors. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Bayswater v Mooroolbark. Beaconsfield v Park Orchards. Mitcham v North Ringwood. Norwood v Boronia. Wantirna South v Montrose.

■ Division 2. Seniors. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Croydon v Templestowe. East Burwood v Lilydale. Heathmont v Scoresby. Surrey Park v Ringwood. Waverley Blues v Mulgrave./ ■ Division 3. Seniors. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Upper Ferntree Gully v Coldstream. Ferntree Gully v Knox. The Basin v Oakleigh District. Donvale v Silvan. Bye: Whitehorse Pioneers.

■ Division 4. Seniors. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Fairpark v Bulleen Templestowe. Kilsyth v Forest Hill. Chirnside Park v Nunawading. Doncaster v Warrandyte. Bye: Croydon North MLOC.

Essendon

■ Premier Division. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, May 2. Greenvale v Strathmore. Airport West v Hillside. Deer Park v Maribyrnong Park. Essendon Doutta Stars v Keilor. Pascoe Vale v Aberfeldie.

■ Division 1. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, May 2. Avondale Heights v Rupertswood. Taylors Lakes v St Albans. Moonee Valley v East Keilor. West Coburg v Tullamarine. Oak Park v Craigieburn.

■ Division 2. Seniors. Round 2. Saturday, May 2. Northern Saints v Coburg Districts. Sunbury Kangaroos v Keilor Park. East Sunbury v Burnside Heights. Hadfield v Glenroy. Westmeadows v Roxburgh Park.

Southern

■ Division 1. Seniors. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Hampton Park v Dingley. Cranbourne Eagles v Narre Warre. Port Melbourne Colts v Springvale Districts. Bentleigh v Murrumbeena.

■ Division 2. Seniors. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. East Malvern v Caulfield Bears. Frankston Dolphins v Keysborough. Hampton v East Brighton. Doveton Doves v Mordiallo. Chelsea Heights v Highett.

■ Division 3. Seniors. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. South Mornington v St Kilda City. Berwick Springs v Hallam. Carrum Patterson Lakes v Endeavour Hills. Black Rock v Skye. Lyndhurst v Heatherton.

Western

■ Division 1. Seniors. Round 4. Saturday, May 2. Altona v Caroline Springs. Albion v Point Cook Centrals. Newport v Hoppers Crossing. Werribee Districts v Point Cook. Sunshine v

v Spotswood.

Parkside. Yarraville Seddon Eagles

HIGH FLYING HORSES AND RIDERS

■ When you were younger, did you ever rush home after school to watch your favourite television show?

In the 1960s and ‘70s, horse lovers were drawn to National Velvet Velvet Brown , played by child actor Lori Martin , saves the life of a horse she eventually gets to own and names him Blaze King

Having already discovered King is an excellent jumper, Velvet dreams of one day winning the biggest steeplechase in England.

The opening credits featured scenes from the world-famous Grand National Steeplechase at Aintree , with horses leaping majestically over giant hedges.

The television series was preceded by the wonderful 1944 movie starring Elizabeth Taylor and Mickey Rooney , based on the 1935 novel of the same name, written by Enid Bagnold

Following the 1970 jumps racing season, Australia’s champion steeplechaser Crisp travelled to England to take on the world’s best.

He soon became known as the Black Kangaroo , winning many races on his way to competing in the 1973 Grand National. Burdened with a massive weight of 12 stone (76.20 kilograms) which he had to carry over approximately 7220 metres and 30 jumps of various heights and configurations along the way, Crisp set up an almighty lead only to be run down in the shadows of the post by Red Rum with 23 pounds (10.43 kilograms) less on his back.

The pair started equal favourites and produced one of the most memorable finishes in the history of the race.

How unlucky was Crisp to bump into a horse who would go on to become a legend?

In the following four years, Red Rum won the National twice more and finished second on two occasions.

Warrnambool is home to Australia’s most important racing carnival featuring jumps racing and it will be held over three consecutive days next week.

Commencing on Tuesday (May 5) the program includes the Brierly Chase run over 3450 metres, which is the final leadup event to the Grand Annual Steeplechase.

Wednesday (May 6) features the Galleywood Hurdle , as well as the Wangoom Handicap for the sprinters on the flat.

Thursday (May 7) is the big day, highlighted by the Grand Annual Steeplechase run over 5500 metres and Warrnambool Cup at 2350 metres for the stayers on the flat.

Horses and riders negotiate 33 obstacles in the Grand Annual.

This is more than any other steeplechase in the world.

Possible starters in the Brierly , first run in 1902 and/or Grand Annual, first run in 1872, include the following horses:

Duke Of Bedford

In 2025, Duke Of Bedford became the first horse since Gold Medals in 2018, to take the Brierly-Grand Annual double in the same year. This year, he will be looking to emulate Al Garhood, who was the last horse to win the Brierly (2008-09) and

Rod Basto

Grand Annual (2010-11) back-to-back. Duke Of Bedford was spelled after the Annual and has only raced on the flat since his return to racing in February. He will obviously be asked to carry more weight this year, but that shouldn’t stop him.

Instigator

Placed in the past two instalments of the Brierly and runner-up to Duke Of Bedford in the Grand Annual last year. Now a 12year-old, but he doesn’t seem to know it, winning a steeplechase at Terang over 3200 metres last start.

Count Zero

Was a narrow winner of the Grand Annual in 2024 at cricket-score odds. May pay to forget last year when he returned for another crack at the Annual and was the last horse across the line.

Surprised with a steeplechase win at Warrnambool a little over a month ago. That return to form over the big fences puts him back in the picture.

Stern Idol

Great chaser at his best. Beat a small, but talented field in a Terang steeplechase over 3850 metres recently. Did fail to finish when an odds-on favourite in the Annual back in 2023, so connections may target the Brierly over the Annual. Hopefully he’ll line up, as he would be a drawcard on Day One.

Leaderboard

Started favourite in the Brierly last year when he appeared to be travelling well before falling. Bounced back to win our Grand National Steeplechase at Ballarat over 4500 metres later in the jumps racing season. Must be considered despite getting on in years and two uninspiring recent runs at Warrnambool and Terang Noonday Gun

Impressed when working his way up from hurdles to the big fences and stringing the wins together last year. So much so that he was sent out an odds-on favourite in the Grand National at Ballarat and was fighting out the finish with Leaderboard when he fell at the last jump.

At just his second run back from a spell, he was a close third to Instigator at Terang, so should benefit from the run combined with a drop in weight.

Horses To Follow

■ Bella Verona

■ Smarticon

■ The Volta

■ Arlington Row

Racing Calendar

■ Wednesday, April 29: Caulfield Heath

■ Thursday, April 30: Ballarat

■ Friday, May 1: Geelong, Pakenham

■ Saturday, May 2: Bendigo, Donald

■ Sunday, May 3: Sale, Wangaratta

■ Monday, May 4: Kilmore

■ Tuesday, May 5: Warrnambool

■ Wednesday, May 6: Warrnambool

■ Thursday, May 7: Warrnambool

● ● Duke of Bedford. Racing Photos.

5 RACES FOR TROTTERS AT M’BOROUGH

■ Maryborough commenced the week on Monday April 20 with a nine card card which included five races for the trotters one of which being the AB Paint Graduation Series 3Y0 Trotters Mobile over 1970 metres taken out by Father Patrick-Mizurri filly Zoolu trained at Ararat by D’Arne Bellman who’s last winner as a trainer was Driven by Kerryn Manning, Zoolu led throughout from the pole to register a easy 7.3 metres margin over Leo Galleon which went forward to race outside her from outside the front line.

Timmy Whiz (gate three – one four) used the sprint lane for third a nose away. The mile rate 2-02.1. D’Arne (the mother of Michael) was in the top echelon of female drivers and trainers a number of seasons back winning several feature races before enduring health issues.

■ Trafalgar trainer Glen Hunter loves the trotters and landed the Aldebaran Park Kindergarten Series 2Y0 Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres with Zippin Past, a daughter of Pastor Stephen and Zippin Around raced by a group of Gippsland harness enthusiasts headed by David Scott. With Nathan Jack in the sulky, Zippin Past (gate three) led for the majority of the trip to greet the judge unextended 8.7 metres in advance of Elegant Spirit (gate four – three pegs) and first starter My Lady Mac (gate five – four pegs) who was 2 metres back third. The mile rate 2-02.3.

■ Terang (Ecklin South) trainer/driver Amy Day also led throughout aboard Pastor Stephen-Princess Mila filly Adelaide Red in the Redpath Tyre and Battery Service Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres. First up since December, Adelaide Red travelled kindly throughout from gate two, running out a 3.9 metre victor over a deathseating Noble Count (gate five) which raced outside her returning a 2-01.7 mile rate. Honest polemarker Dels Destiny after following the winner was third 1.9 metres back.

■ The biggest winner during the afternoon was 4Y0 Poster Boy-Celebrindal gelding Posterman in the 2190 metre Join Your Local Carisbrook Lions Club 4Y0 & Over Maiden Pace.

Making his race debut, Posterman trained at Charlton by Michael Gadsden and driven by Connor Clarke was eased at the star from gate six to settle five back in the running line as Seaside Lady led from gate three.

Still a long way off the leaders prior to the final bend, Posterman very wide on the home turn finished with a wet sail to record a runaway 2.8 metre margin over Five Cent (outside the front line – four wide – outside the leader last lap) who was so courageous. Rock Poster (five pegs – from gate four second line) was third 1.1 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.1 with the trifecta paying a massive $5971-80.

■ Local residents Tim and Helen Mortlock, plus Peter Fitzpatrick were winners 2190 metre Peter Egan Bi-Rite Electrical Mares Pace.

Trained by Tim and driven by Trent Fiscalini, Outback Queenie was sent forward from outside the front line to race outside the leader Wheres Wood Wood, outstaying her rivals to record a strong performance, winning by 3 metres from Wheres Wood Wood and Hurricane Hooley (extreme draw – one/three – five wide home turn) who was 1.6 metres away third in a mile rate of 1-59.

Shepparton

■ Shepparton raced on Tuesday and what a ‘Hellovanight’ it was for much travelled Kialla trainer Paul Tonkin who brought up a double with 5Y0 BetterthancheddarGlamazon gelding Hellovatime taking the 2190 metre Book Now Pacing For Pink High Tea Pace and 5Y0 Sportswriter-Longtan Bliss gelding Hellovastory the Willowood Farm Maiden Pace over the same trip, both horses driven by Bendigo based Ellen Tormey.

Hellofatime was taken back to the rear of the field from outside the front line as the heavily supported Narrandera visitor Draxton (gate four) led for Blake Jones before allowing Pearl Of Philtra (gate three) to cross.

Going forward three wide in the final circuit, Hellovatime swept to front on the home turn to win by 5.6 metres in a two minute even mile rate over Floppa (one/

one from gate two), with polemarker Im Big Business (three pegs) following her through for third 5.1 metres back. Hellovastory (one/one from gate four) enjoyed a cosy trip after another Narrandera hope Stay Alpha led from gate five with Alcatraz Girl (gate three) in the open.

Finishing best when asked for an effort, Hellovastory had a neck to spare on the wire from a game Alcatraz Miss who almost stole the race, with Where It Began (gate two) after trailing the pacemaker gaining inside runs for third 1.1 metres away. The mile rate 2-01.8.

■ Mundoona trainer/driver Jeremy Quinlan rarely misses a Shepparton fixture with 9Y0 Shadow Play-Riverside Oakes gelding Our Cheeky Devil who chalked up his 17th success in 193 outings by winning the Wager Wednesday SHRC Facebook Pace over 1690 metres.

Restrained from gate four to be three markers after noted front runner Hes Harrywho led, before choking down allowing Longtan Viper in the breeze to stride clear approaching the home turn.

Coming away from the inside on turning, Our Cheeky Devil after gaining a split switched to the sprint lane, scoring by a nose in a thrilling four way drive to the wire defeating Imon (gate six - one/two) and polemarker Eliza Jane which trailed the leader shifting out in the straight who was a head away third and Longtan Viper a head back in fourth place. The mile rate 156.5.

■ Long time Moama owner/trainer Mal Whiteford was victorious with 6Y0 Genuwine-Mands Girl mare Mands Pearl in the 1690 metre J and A Mazzetti Painting Pace, leading throughout from gate two to account for Dot Ball (solo second line –three pegs) by 6.1 metres after using the sprint lane. The Accidental One (outside front line) was eased to the rear before making a three wide move mid-race to race exposed for the final circuit, finishing a half neck away third. The mile rate 2-00.4.

■ Kyabram’s Brent Thomson raced, trained and reined 4Y0 Slyvalley-Little Miss Chlo mare Little Miss Valley to success at start twelve in the Goodfellows Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.

After being allowed to balance up from gate two as polemarker Taken By Wine led before surrendering to Sebs Girl (gate three) who then gave the front running away to Little Miss Valley, Little Miss Valley coasted to the wire 22.5 metres clear of Mi Bow from the rear after starting outside the front line which ran home well in a 2-06.8 mile rate. The Red Avenger (gate four) held on gamely for third 8.9 metres away after racing exposed throughout.

Bendigo

■ It was Bendigo on Wednesday featuring a seven race card and Shelbourne trainer Kate Hargreaves was victorious with 4Y0 Lather Up-Sheshell Rock mare Savon De Roche in the 2150 Alabar Bloodstock Pace over 2150 metres.

Driven by Toolern Vale based Ewa Justice, Savon De Roche (gate four) was trapped exposed after Sir Sonny Maguire led out from the pole before being crossed by Caties Son which showed great acceleration from gate five to race clear running into the first turn.

Despite the tough passage, Savon De Roche put pay to the leader in the last lap to record a strong 4.6 metre victory over

Lorimer Major (one/one from gate two), with Flojos Best (one/three from gate three second line) third 6.5 metres back after easing three wide prior to the home turn. The mile rate 1-58.

■ Eva was to bring up a double after guidng father John’s trained 4Y0 Love YouOur Sunny Rose gelding Muskee to capture the Simonds Homes Bendigo Vicbred Voucher Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres.

Raced by long time stable client Graeme Riley, Muskeee settled three back in the moving line as Faithful led from gate four. Going forward racing for the bell to join the leader, Muskee travelled kindly in the last lap, striding clear halfway up the running to defeat Watch And Act (gate two) which had enjoyed a cosy trip on the back of Faithful by 7.4 metres returning a 1-58.4 mile rate. Faithful held third a half head back.

■ Girgaree East part-owner/trainer Ken Covington’s honest 9Y0 mare Montana Muscle recorded her 9th success in 102 outings by taking the 1650 metre Huntly Lifestyle Estate By Lincoln Place Mares Trotters Mobile.

Driven by neighbour Mark Pitt, Montana Mustle (one/one – one/two from gate five) as Christmas Babe led out from gate four as usual was joined by Poppy Popstar in the back straight on the final occasion, with Montana Mustle (three wide home turn) running home best to gain the day by 1.6 metres from Poppy Popstar, with Louieville Lass (gate two second line – one three at bell) running on late for third 5,5 metres away. The mile rate 1-59.5.

■ Merrigum owner/trainer/driver Neil Caldwell too all the spoils in the Stonemans Village IGA and Liquor Strathdale Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres when 5Y0 Im Stately-Canadian Eyes entire Saint Eyes scored at odds of $41.00 putting an end to most punters hopes of winning the quaddie. Enjoying a sweet passage three pegs from the pole, Saint Eyes was extricated three wide on the final bend and finished his race off well to record a three metre margin over the heavily supported favourite Waikare Adrienna (gate four – one/one – outside leader Alabama May (gate two) at the bell which held third 1.9 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.7.

■ In a night where the trotters provided most of the action, Pipers Creek (Kyneton) trainer Tony Xiriha’s ever green 11Y0 Red Samurai-Spinster Clare gelding Bustlin Brody chalked up his 16th victory in 137 outings when successful in the Revolve Print Mobile over 2150 metres.

With regular reinsman and neighbour Joe Attard in the sulky, Bustlin Brody charged out of the gate to cross the most consistent Allwatfunjingles (gate two) on the first turn and ran his rivals ragged to greet the judge by 6.5 metres in a 2-01.6 mile rate from Fremarks Peggy (solo second line) from last, with Allwatfunjingles third a half head away.

Ballarat

■ Ballarat raced on Thursday with an eight event card and John Tormney’s handy 5Y0 Sweet Lou-Manellira gelding Katunga Express based at his Bendigo stable brought up victory number seven from 43 outings when victorious in the 1710 metre Eureka Concrete Pace. Driven by Abby Turnbull, Katunga Express (gate two second line) finished his race of stylishly from mid-field in the moving line to record a 16.7 metre margin in advance of Hurrikane Dusty which trailed the leader and third placegetter Caledonian Ranger who was 1.6 metres back. Stablemate Karbine a promising 4Y0 SlyvalleySullanders Pride gelding snared the Golf House Hotel Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres.

Driven by Jack Laugher, Karbine (gate six) settled seven back along the markers in a strung out field a long way off the leader Kyvalley Anthony (gate four) which had applied plenty of pressure to the leader Noble Count (gate two) before crossing. Making ground to be one/four mid-race and three wide racing for the bell to join Kyvalley Anthony in the last lap, Karbine was too strong over the concluding stages to register a 3.5 metre margin ahead of Romantic Nina (one/five from outside the front line) which trailed the winner home prior to the home turn. Noble Count held

This Week

■ Wednesday – Bendigo, Thursday –Ballarat, Friday – Mildura/Melton, Saturday – Melton (Melton Plate), Sunday – Shepparton, Tuesday – Shepparton/ Terang.

third five metres away after the early burn. The mile rate 1-59.8.

■ Eighteen-year-old Riley Pace is driving in great style at present and landed the National Tiles Concession Drivers Pace over 2200 metres aboard Parwan trainer Jodi Quinlan’s 7Y0 Betting Line-Decorated Lady mare Lady In Line ironically bred by Ballarat TC CEO Paul Rowse and family.

Quickly away from an inside second line draw to settle three back in the running line as Caledonian Terra led from gate five, Lady In Line after switching to the markers in the last lap made ground swiftly approaching the final bend and gained a split on turning between Caledonian Terra and Gozo Major (gate two) which followed the leader before moving outside him on the home turn, Sprinting sharply in the straight, Lady In Line gained the day by 3.2 metres over Media Mogul (one/four from outside the front line) finished hard in-between runners in the straight for second, with Gozo Major third 4.1 metres back. The mile rate 1-57.8.

■ Terang’s Mattie Craven trained and reined Tall Dark Stranger-Ririhanna colt Snack Lover to lead throughout from gate five in the 2200 metre Trevor Petrie’s Real Estate Maiden Pace.

Always travelling sweetly, Snack Over after being joined by Whenimready (one/one from the extreme draw – outside winner from the bell) gave plenty in the straight to record a 2.7 metre margin in a 1-59.3 mile rate. Polemarker Sorrydreamaway after trailing Snack Over held third 1.1 metres back.

■ Ex-Queenslander Luke Sutherland (35) now with Aaron Dunn’s Horsham stable led throughout aboard Aaron’s bred and raced and trained Sweet Lou-Shadow Scooter colt Scooter Lou in the X-Golf Ballarat Concession Drivers Pace over 1710 metres. Always in control, Scooter Lou scored by 3.4 metres in a 1-58 mile rate from a solo second liner death-seating Breathe Easy which raced exposed, with Shazza Love (one/one – three wide home turn) third 1.7 metres away.

Melton

■ Melton raced on Friday and it’s been a long time between drinks (last victory November 11, 2024) for former South Australian Betting Line-Machabella 4Y0 gelding Lambro Mach who returned to the winners list in the 1720 metre Prydes Easifeed Pace. Raced by a large syndicate consisting of Ralph and Jean Woods, form guru Darren Carroll, Rob and Marg Molloy, Leon and Caroline Cameron, Darrell Ham, Peter Hurley, Joan Molyneux, Sue and Chris Gibbs, Lambro Racing (John Dunne and John Lugg), Barry and Joy Miles, Georgina Woods and Tom Batchelor, Lambro Mach trained at Long Forest by Andy and Kate Gath was driven hard by Kate from the pole as the start was effected to retain the front running which he did.

Although the pressure had been in the early stages in a first quarter of 28.4 after a lead time of 6.9 seconds, Lambro Mach raced clear on turning to record a strong 7.7 metre margin over Gun Fire (three pegs from inside second line) which used the sprint lane, with the roughie Percession (gate two trailing the winner) third 2.4 metres away third. In a final half of 56.9quarter 27.9, Lambro Mach returned an excellent mile rate of 1-53.8.

Len Baker

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BOOKS. 10. Peter Fitzsimons. Hard cover. All different titles. VGC. $100. Brookfield. 0415 562 593.Q-W

CARAVAN. Royal Flair Poptop. Double bed,c addon annexe, gas cooking grill. Three-way fridge. Micro TV video. Innerspring mattress. Handles well. Compact. New awning. Reg 2027: PO3930. 15 ft long. VGC. $9500. Euroa. 0455 267 422.Q-W

CHEVROLET. 1991. Camaro RS Coupe. White in colour. Auto. 5-litre V8. Low miles. Targo top. EC. Club rego: H6193. $32,000. Viewbank. 0407 403 507.Q-W

ALL CAR advertisers must supply registration or Vehicle Identification Numbers. By law, we are unable to publish listings without those details. FOR SALE

COAT. Women’s. Gold velour. Size 18. GC. $80. Greensborough. 0433 366 628. Q-W

COAT. Women’s. Navy blue, double breasted, wool blend. Size 16-18. FC. $70. Greensborough. 0433 366 628. Q-W

DINGHY. Walker Bay. Ideal for a tender from a larger boat. Can take a 3HP motor. FC. Comes without oars or row locks. $300 or best offer. Sorrento. 0418 311 195. O-S

DINING CHAIRS. Parker. 6. Solid vintage frames, FC. Upholstery could use a clean or recover but structurally sound. Great project for restoration or retro dining setup. Selling as set of six. Pickup required. Message if interested. $1000. Greensborough. 0433 366 628.Q-W

DVDs. 350+. Some new. Hot Rod Street Classic, Motor Bike Shows. 1956 up to 2020 movies. Cars, war, romance, Aussie crime, Western, Nature. Box sets. VHS. Planet of the Apes. More. Also Cassettes, Music. VGC. $150 or best offer. Healesville. 5962 6219.Q-W

DOLL MAKING PARAPHERNALIA. Lots of wigs,

1881.H-K

ELECTRIC MIXMASTER. Pasta making machine including big bowls for mixing flkour. $20. Electric fan for summer, portable, large, $20. Terra cotta cooking pot with lid. Ladies shoes, new, never been worn. Medium heels, size 38, In box. Black. $140. Exhaust fan. For ceiling mounting,c electric, Austral brand. $25. East Bentleigh. 9503 8686. Q-W

FIREPLACE GUARD. Black, metal. 800mm wide, with 2 folding side panels at 300mm. GC. $30. Greensborough. 0433 366 628.Q-W

HORSE FLOAT. 2001 Kara Kar. Rego until may 28, 2026. Side window vent, day yard included. Reliablem roadworthy. Fantastic condition. $15,000. Richmond. 0434 974 072.F-I

9459 6714. O-S

KITCHEN CHAIRS. Nameo. 4. 1950s/60s. Chrome and mustard colour, vinyl. GC. $250. Glenroy. 9306 7628. I-L

LOUNGE SUITE. 3-piece top quality luxury leather. Light cream Moran pillow type. Unused Lounge. $1800. Armchairs, $990 each. 2 throws and 2 pillows included. Essendon area. 0419 384 496. Q-W

MOBILITY SCOOTER.

Pathrider 140 XL. Has lights, rear vision mirror, shopping basket on the front, shopping bag on the back. Complete with charger, sturdy scooter. VGC. $2100. Tootgarook/ Rye. 0415 801 782 K-N

MOBILITY SCOOTER. Freedom Odyssey Plus, as new, 2 batteries, fully charged. Manual with instructions and invoice. Not needed anymore. Can inspect anytime. EC. $1800. Heidelberg. 0429 054 065.H-K

PLANTS. Indoor Outdoor Ground Covers. Stags, Bird of Paradise, Succulents, Ferns, Hydrangeas, more. Come and see. Very cheap. VGC. Noble Park. 0407 325 030.I-L

PLUMBING DOWNPIPE. Colourbond Steel. 100x50mm. Four lengths at 1.8 metres. Yea. 0418 109 887. O-S

REGISTRATION

PLATES. Personalised. ‘MISUBI’. Slimline. B&W. VGC. $550. Frankston. 9789 9634. O-S

ROOM HEATER. Dimplex. Electric Portable. 7 vane. VGC. $60. Frankston. 9789 9634 O-S

Electric Free Standing Stove with CookTop and Oven. Near new. Ideal for holiday

STUDY OFFICE CHAIR. Pink, white spots. Smallisdh. $12. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110. O-S

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VICTORIAN rocking horse, carved from wood and original. GC. $2000. Broadmeadows, Dallas. 0480 273 335I-L

Olympic Games. Melbourne, 1956. Sydney, 2000. Manchester, opening and closing. GC. $10 each.

5 vintage saws for

FC. $12. Also frame for manual sharpening. GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203.H-K

2203.H-K

VARIOUS ITEMS. New shoes, size 38 women, colour: black. Swede top, medium size, heels. $200. Sunbeam Mixmaster, electric, pasta maker, including mixing bowls, large, $200. Fruit plate, new, in box, $10. 8-people rectangular table cover, $15. Superior elec. fan, portable, 3-speed, new cond., $15. East Bentleigh. 9503 8686. O-S

VINTAGE Mechanical Car and Trucks Jacks. 250 in total. Price negotiable. Williamstown. 0400 825 550.H-K

O-S

WASHING MACHINE. Haier. 6kg. VGC. $80. Thomastown. 0431 367 868.I-L

WELLNESS STIMULATOR. Clare. Instruction Manual included. VGC. $100. Frankston. 9789 9634 O-S

WETSUIT. Men’s. Wavelength. PFP Type 3. Suitable for waterskiing. Intended body mass 60kg. and cover, manufactured 2001. Catalogue No 3025, batch 0639. Rarely used, EC. $50. Greensborough. 0433 366 628.Q-W

WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER. VGC. $60. Thomastown. 0431 367 868.I-L

WORLD BOOK ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete Set. $50. Frankston. 9789 9634 O-S

WROUGHT IRON Sewing Machine Marble Top. Suit Garden. VGC. $25. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110. O-S

B-CURE LASER. Portable therapeutic device, either new or used in good working order. Price negotiable. Ashburton. 9885 2203.OS

WANTED for reale or wrecking. Richard, 0419 566 009.Q-W

shoes, hand made clothes. UFOs, etc. New cond. $250. Whittlesea. 716

LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coberlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Plae blue with thin white stripes. Never used. $25. Ashburton. 9885

SAWS.

woodwork.

WALL TILES. Johnson White bathroom 150 x 150mm. Approx 128 tiles. $60. Soal holder $10. Johnson wall tiles, 198mm x 198mm. Approx 60 tiles, $40. Yea. 0418 109 887.

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TRUCKS

Notice of Praecipe

Phone: 9489 2222 or 1800 231

FOR SALE

GRAVESITE PRIVATE SALE

Cheltenham Memorial Park Cemetery. Rare opportunity.

Located Coastal Rise N.130. 3 Burials plus Cremations. Idyllic position beside flowering Gums and Bench Seat.

Inspection will impress. 0417 55 6755

WHAT’S ON

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CLAIM: SOLE FIDUCIARY/DIRECTOR/EXECUTOR TRUSTEE FOR THEIR ESTATES

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Classifieds 9489 2222 LocalPaper. com.au

For the record Marta Popa© nee Servanis, on Victoria, is permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. I am not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and the paramount security interest holder of all estates, property, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. My lawful Conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 38541 62601 on Proclamation Date10th September 2025, respectively. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Marta Popa© nee Servanis in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon my estate, property, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

PROPOSAL TO EXTEND THE OPERATION OF AN EXISTING TEMPORARY MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT CROYDON

1. Telstra is proposing to extend the operation of an existing temporary mobile phone base station on Devon Street Car Park at 4-16 Devon Street, Croydon VIC 3136 until December 2027, in order to compensate for the delayed construction of the planning approved Croydon South East site with Telstra facilities. (RFNSA 3136031)

2. The temporary facility comprises (3) three existing panel antennas (<2.8m in length) attached to a 10.3m high support structure with (2) two outdoor cabinet units at the base of the structure, along with other ancillary equipment.

3. In accordance with Section 8 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal, which is exempt from planning approval under the Telecommunications (Lowimpact Facilities) Determination 2018.

4. Please direct comments to Planning Consultant on behalf of Telstra at planning.vic@servicestream.com.au, 0477 962 725 or by post to: Service Stream (Wireless) - Level 11, 2 Wentworth Street, Parramatta, NSW 2150 by 5pm Wednesday 6th May 2026.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3136030

Service Stream Ltd A.B.N. 46 072 369

9489 2222 Melbourne Classifieds

For the record Andreas Mardes(c) and Paulina Winnifred Mardes(c) in care of Wonga Park, Victoria State are permanently domiciled on the Land and Soil of Terra Australis. We are not voluntary transactors in commerce and we are the paramount security interest holders of all estates, properties, assets and collateral, both registered and unregistered, and all associated copyright protected trade names. Our lawful conveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia was recorded with Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 28511 90600 and RPP44 63900 05100 28511 91607 respectively on Proclamation Date 16th March 2026. All usufruct subjugation ties have been severed with the occupying corporate government of Australia. The corporate Australian kakistocracy and it’s affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist misaddressing Andreas Mardes(c) and Paulina Winnifred Mardes(c) in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA and to cease and desist infringing upon our estates, properties, assets, collateral and copyright protected trade names.

edition:

•Lady Bay Resort: Traf News

•GSOV: The Probian

•Holgate Brewhouse: New Woodend Star

•Lady Bay Resort: The Probian

•Michael O’Connor: Village Bell