The Local Paper. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., July 9, 2025
■ Mitchell Shire Council has voted unanimously to push the State Gopvernment for more drought support.
Councillors agreed to write a letter to the Agriculture Minister , Ros Spence, requesting that the drought support and eligibility for the $10,000 grants and fodder transport costs also be allowed in the Drought Funds Criteria and this be extended to the Mitchell Shire’s farmers operating in the Division of Nicholls who are suffering from the abnormal drought conditions.
The motion was moved by Cr Timothy Hanson and seconded by Cr Nathan Clark.
The State Government says that it is providing a further $75 million in vital drought support to farmers across the state. This new funding builds on the $69 million of existing support, bringing the total to $144 million to help farmers manage drought conditions.
Statewide, the package includes continuation of statewide technical decision-making, mental health support and administration for farm debt mediation until June 2026 ($5.9 million), along with paused indexation and reduced duties, fees and charges ($6.3 million) and the on-farm Kangaroo Control Rebate program.
In south west Victoria, which has been in drought fortwo years, targeted household relief payments ($2 million) and cashflow relief through Primary Producer Support Payments ($35.8 million) is being funded.
Paper
■ Strathbogie Shire’s Cr Laura Binks has spoken at Council about local observances of NAIDOC Week.
“July 6 to 13 is NAIDOC Week and marks a powerful milestone: 50 years of honouring and elevating Indigenous voices, culture, and resilience,” Cr binks told the latest meeting of Strathbogie Shire Council.
“The 2025 theme, ‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision & Legacy’, celebrates not only the achievements of the past but the bright future ahead, empowered by the strength of First Nations young leaders, the vision of Indigenous communities, and the legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander ancestors.
“Council have provided funding to Avenel Active to Celebrate NAIDOC Week with a free screening of two short films and Welcome to Country from Taungurung Elder Aunty Jo Honeysett.
“The event is happening on Friday July 18, at the Avenel Memorial Hall and I look forward to seeing my fellow Councillors and many community members at the event,” Cr Binks said.
Mayor Cr Claire Ewart-Kennedy said that National Reconciliation Week was an important moment for reflection, respect and unity. She had attended a community celebration at Shadforth Reserve, alongside Cr Laura Binks and CEO Rachelle Quattrocchi
Local families joined in a celebration of culture and connection, the Mayor said.
● Cr Laura Binks
● ● ● ● Cr Timothy Hanson
The Local Paper
$1.54 MIL. FOR KINGLAKE OVAL
Local News
This Saturday
■ Outer East. Premier Division. Saturday, July 12. Woori Yallock v Healesville. Monbulk v Upwey Tecoma. Mt Evelyn v Officer. Emerald v Wandin. Olinda Ferny Creek v Gembrook Cockatoo.
Division 1. Yarra Junction v Yarra Glen. Belgrave v Pakenham,. Alexandra v Powelltown. Warburton Millgrove v Seville. Yea: Bye.
Division 1 Under 18 Boys. Warburton Millgrove v Seville. Alexandra v Yarra Glen. Yea, Pakenham: Bye.
Women’s Division 1. Woori Yallock v Healesville. Belgrave v Pakenham. Olinda Ferny Creek v Mt Evelyn. Upweu Tecoma: Bye.
Women’s Division 2. Warburton Wesburn v Seville. Emerald v Wandin. Thornton Eildon v Yea. Officer: Bye.
■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1. Saturday, July 12. Heidelberg v South Morang.
Division 2. Northcote Park v Lower Plenty. Whittlesea v Macleod. Watsonia v Panton Hill. Old Paradians v Diamond Creek. Thomastown v St Mary’s. Division 3. Laurimary v Epping. Kilmore v Reservoir. Kinglake v Old Eltham Collegians. Ivanhoe v Mernda. Lalor v Heidelberg West. Fitzroy Stars: Bye.
■ Riddell District Football League. Seniors. Gisborne Giants v Lancefield. Riddell v Kyneton. Melton South v Macedon. Melton Centrals v Woodend Hesket. Wallan v Romsey. Diggers Rest: Bye.
4-bins underway
■ Cr Sue Carpenter has commented on Murrindindi Shire Council’s new four-bin colle3ction system.
"We’re introducing these changes because it’s time.
“Recycling is everyone’s responsibility, and this new system helps us reduce contamination, protect the environment, and make recycling more meaningful," Cr Carpenter said.
"We know it’s not always easy to change routines, especially when the changes feel imposed. That’s why we’re working hard to make information clear, accessible, and tailored to different needs."
● ● ● ● Pictured (from left): Justin Bumpstead (Treasurer Kinglake Junior Football Club), Laura Caine (Kinglake Football Netball Club), Livia Bonazzi (CEO, Murrindindi Shire Council), Ros Spence (Minister for Community Sport State Government), Cr Damien Gallagher (Mayor ,Murrindindi Shire Council), and Ken Aitken (Kinglake District Cricket Club).
■ The sum of $875,000 allocated by the State Government for the Kinglake Memorial Reserve Oval Upgrade, wasx announced during a Ministerial visit on Tuesday, July 1.
Ros Spence, Minister for Community Sport, visited the Reserve with Murrindindi Shire
Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher and fellow Councillors, Council staff and representatives from local sporting clubs to celebrate the announcement.
Total project value is $1.54 million, with significant funding contributed by Murrindindi Council, the Kinglake Football Netball Club, Kinglake Junior Football Club and Kinglake District Cricket Club
The upgrade will deliver a new playing surface with improved drainage, drought-tolerant turf, synthetic turf in high-traffic areas, an automated irrigation system, and a new synthetic cricket pitch, enhancing safety, playability and year-round use.
Ward Councillor for Kinglake, Cr Jodi Adams, said the project was a direct result of strong community advocacy and local collaboration.
“This upgrade has been a key priority for Kinglake and one I’ve been proud to advocate for alongside our sporting clubs,” Cr Adams said.
“This investment will make a real difference to sport and recreation in our community.”
Cr Gallagher acknowledged the competitive nature of the funding.
“This was the third time Council applied for this grant, which shows just how competitive these programs are. We’re thrilled that our persistence has paid off,” Cr Gallagher said.
“The result highlights what’s possible when Council and community work together with a shared vision and strong advocacy. We thank Minister Spence and the Victorian Government for backing our community.”
The project is one of 41 initiatives funded through the Regional Community Sports Infrastructure Fund, supporting participation, community connection and local jobs.
Kinglake Memorial Reserve features netball courts, a playground, sports oval, tennis courts and toilets. The park commemorates those who have served in the various conflicts.
Mt Evelyn feedback
■ Local people are encouraged to share their feedback about playspace upgrades in Mount Evelyn, with engagement on upgrades starting in July.
Yarra Ranges Council is seeking feedback about two playspace concept designs, which have been created using earlier com comments and ideas from community members. layspaces open for engagement include:
The Mount Evelyn Recreation Reserve playspace will be upgraded to include a large multi-level play unit, with play opportunities for younger children and teenagers.
■ An accessible carousel, trampoline, basket swing, junior and senior swings will give plenty of opportunities for kids to move, while working on coordination and balance.
■ An accessible footpath will be created through the space, connecting existing picnic settings and allowing easy access to the play equipment.
■ Nature play elements, such as logs, stumps and rocks have been included to complement the environment of the space. Kemp Reserve Playspace, Newton Ave, Mount Evelyn
The Kemp Reserve playspace will be upgraded to incorporate nature and terrainbased play, with logs, rocks and natural elements to encourage exploration and climbing.
The play space has a large basket swing, climbing carousel and a sky trail, giving young people spaces to climb, move and play.
Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly.
In association with the Established September 14, 1969
Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.
ABOUT US
Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), Seymour Express (Est. 1872), Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995), Yarra Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995), Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995).
The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in local editions:
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Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, John O’Keefe
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Ash on Wednesday
Donnybrook man charged
■ Three men have been arrested for their alleged roles in the importation of about 360kg of methamphetamine impregnated in mosaic tiles.
Two Sydney men, 39 and 56, were arrested on Thursday morning (July 3) at Holroyd and Liverpool.
They have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of border controlled drugs. The maximum penalty for this offence is life imprisonment. They were scheduled to appear at Parramatta Local Court last Friday (July 4).
A Melbourne man, 39, was charged with the same offence on May 12. He appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 14, and was formally refused bail. He will appear before the same court on October 29.
The AFP launched an investigation in Apri after the Australian Border Force intercepted an importation of mosaic tiles believed to have originated from the Middle East . About 360 boxes of tiles were found to be impregnated with methamphetamine.
Forensic testing established the consignment contained about 360kg of methamphetamine with an estimated street value of $333 million.
The AFP removed the tiles containing the illicit drugs and undertook a controlled delivery of the consignment to a storage facility in Chullora, a suburb in Sydney’s southwest, on April 15.
The consignment was collected by a man, 56, who allegedly used an alias to co-ordinate the delivery. A second man, 39, also allegedly assisted with planning to store
“For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”
the illicit drugs at the storage facility.
The AFP will allege the men were aware the consignment contained illicit drugs and were to be paid up to $50,000 for their activities.
The consignment was then transported to a storage facility in Clayton South , on April 22. Further inquiries led investigators to identify a Melbourne man, 39 as being the alleged intended recipient of the illicit drugs.
During a search warrant of the man’s Donnybrook home on Ma 12, investigators seized a number of electronic devices which allegedly linked the man to the drug importation plot.
The Donnybrook man was charged with:
■ One count of attempting to possess a commercial quantity of a unlawfully imported border controlled drug,
■ Fail to comply with requirement of 3LA order, and
■ Commit indictable offence while on bail.
AFP Acting Commander Peter Fogarty said the result demonstrated the commitment of the AFP to combat transnational organised crime and illicit drug trafficking.
“We regularly see elaborate or outsidethe-box attempts to import harmful illicit drugs into Australia, but the AFP and our partners are ready and waiting to stop organised crime syndicates in their tracks,” A/Commander Fogarty said.
"Methamphetamine causes immense harm to users and their families and make our communities less safe,” A/Commander Fogarty said.
Local Photo Flashback
The Local Paper
In association with the Established September 14, 1969 Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly.
Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.
MANSFIELD
Mansfield readership is in the township of Mansfield. The Mansfield Shire comprises Ancona, Barjarg, Barwite, Bonnie Doon, Boorolite, Bridge Creek, Delatite, Gaffneys Creek, Goughs Bay, Howes Creek, Howqua, Howqua Hills, Howqua Inlet, Jamieson, Kevington, Lake Eildon, Nillahcootie, Piries, Sawmill Settlement, Tolmie, Woodfield and Woods Point. Mansfield Shire is home to 10,546 people, living in approximately 6612 homes.
MITCHELL
Incorporating the traditions of the Seymour Express (Est. 1872) Mitchell Shire comprises Beveridge, Broadford, Kilmore, Puckapunyal, Seymour, Tallarook, Tooborac, Trawool, Wallan, Wandong and Heathcote Junction. Mitchell Shire is home to more than 49,216 people, living in approximately 16,321 homes.
MURRINDINDI
Incorporating the traditions of the Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995). Murrindindi comprises Acheron, Alexandra, Buxton, Cathkin, Castella, Caveat, Devils River, Dropmore, Eildon, Fawcett, Flowerdale, Ghin Ghin, Glenburn, Gobur, Granton, Highlands, Homewood, Kanumbra, Kerrisdale, Killingworth, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Koriella, Limestone, Maintongoon, Marysville, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Narbethong, Pheasant Creek, Rubicon, Strath Creek, Taggerty, Taylor Bay, Terip Terip, Thornton, Toolangi, Whanregarwen, Yarck, Yea. Murrindindi Shire is home to more than 14,478 people, living in approximately 6293 homes.
NILLUMBIK (RURAL)
Incorporating the traditions of the Diamond Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995) and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873) Nillumbik Shire (rural) comprises Arthurs Creek, Bend of Islands, Christmas Hills, Cottles Bridge, Diamond Creek, Doreen, Eltham, Eltham North, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Nutfield, Panton Hill, Plenty, Research, Smiths Gully, St Andrews, Strathewen, Warrandyte North, Watsons Creek. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.
STRATHBOGIE (PART)
Starthbogie readership area comprises Avenel, Euroa, Nagambie, Violet Town. Strathbogie Shire is home to more than 11,578 people, living in approximately 5768 homes.
WHITTLESEA (RURAL)
Incorporating the traditions of the Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995) Whittlesea Post (Est. 1924), and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873)
Whittlesea Post readership area comprises Arthurs Creek, Beveridge, Donnybrook, Doreen, Eden Park, Hazel Glen, Humevale, Kinglake West, Mernda, South Morang, Whittlesea, Wollert, Woodstock, Yan Yean. The City of Whittlesea is home to more than 197,491 people, living in approximately 71,014 homes.
YARRA RANGES
Incorporating the traditions of the Lilydale and Yarra valley Express (Est. June 30, 1886) Yarra Ranges readership area comprises Badger Creek, Chirnside Park, Chum Creek, Coldstream, Dixons Creek, Don Valley, East Warburton, Fernshaw, Gilderoy, Gladysdale, Gruyere, Healesville, Hoddles Creek, Launching Place, Lilydale, Millgrove, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Powelltown, Seville, Seville East, Steels Creek, Wandin East, Wandin North, Warburton, Wesburn, Wonga Park (part), Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Yellingbo and Yering. Yarra Ranges Shire is home to more than 158,831 people, living in approximately 58,509 homes.
Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre
Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment Aaron Rourke, Film Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing Matt
Cartoonist
Kemp, Art Rob
Music
● ● ● ● Acting Commander Peter Fogarty
Stabbing at Mickleham
■ Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two men following an alleged stabbing in Mickleham.
It is alleged that two men, who were armed with a knife and a golf club, arrived on Sepal Drive and parked next to a vehicle about 9.20pm on June 10.
A 50-year-old woman approached them, and they allegedly stole her mobile phone.
A 34-year-old man attempted to assist the woman before he was allegedly assaulted and stabbed by the offenders.
He was taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries and has since been released.
The two men fled the scene in a vehicle.
Detectives executed search warrants where two men were arrested and taken into custody.
A 29-year-old Mickleham man has been charged with armed robbery, intentionally cause injury, possess drug of dependence, theft of motor vehicle and various fraudulent ID charges.
He was remanded to appear to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on October 3.
A 35-year-old Mickleham man has been charged with armed robbery, unlawful assault, reckless conduct endangering serious injury and theft of motor vehicle.
He was bailed to appear to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on October 3.
COMEDY IN THE VINES
■ Comedy in the Vines festival is back, and it’s trading Victoria’s riverbanks for Yarra Valley’s rolling orchards.
Comedy in the Vines returns from Friday-Sundasy, October 24-26, with a new home in the Yarra Valley, setting up camp at CherryHill Orchards for a weekend of laughter, live music, and cellar door tastings.
Leading the charge is UK comedy sensation Michelle De Swarte, alongside Hot Dub Time Machine, bringing a huge Friday night orchard party to the Yarra Valley
They’re joined by a lineup including Tommy Little, Nazeem Hussain, Peter Helliar, Zoë Coombs Marr.
There will be an exclusive performance from UK comedy star, Michelle De Swarte
A former model turned razor-sharp comic, Michelle has earned international acclaim with her viral Live at the Apollo set, a soldout UK tour (culminating in two huge shows at London’s Hackney Empire.
International favourites joining the lineup include Ivan Aristeguieta, Abby Howells, Ray O’Leary, Takashi Wakasugi, Michelle De Swarte, Hot Dub Time Machine, Tommy Little and Judith Lucy.
Others in ther line-up include Reuben Kaye With Live Band, Nazeem Hussain, Sammy J, Anisa Nandaula, Merrick Watts, Peter Helliar, Takashi Wakasugi, Zoe Coombs Marr, Sam Taunton, Nath Valvo, Ray O'leary, Ivan Aristeguieta, Bronwyn Kuss and Emma Holland.
DRUG RAID AT WALLAN
■ Officers from the VIPER Taskforce have arrested four men as part of an ongoing investigation into drug trafficking.
The group were arrested after officers from VIPER, Public Order Response Team and the Clandestine Labs Squad executed six search warrants at locations in Tatura, Wallan, St Albans, Tullamarine, Keilor Downs and Strathmerton on Thursday (july 3).
During the search warrants, officers located and seized a number of items including:
■ over 2kg of methylamphetamine
■ approximately 4.5 litres of 1.4 butanediol
■ a quantity of amphetamine
■ approximately 800 litres of herbicide and number of other chemicals,
■ ammunition
■ approximately $2000 cash
■ a taser.
Investigators also seized a dismantled clandestine laboratory at the St Albans property.
A 46-year-old man from Keilor Downs was charged with traffick commercial quantity 1.4 butanediol.
He was bailed to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court today (July 9).
A 39-year-old Wallan man and a 55-year-old St Albans man were both released pending summons.
A 31-year-old St Albans man was arrested, before being released pending further enquiries.
The VIPER Taskforce is a tactical and investigative unit based within Crime Command focused on preventing, detecting, deterring, disrupting and dismantling the criminal activities of groups such as outlaw motorcycle gangs, organised crime networks and street gangs.
The taskforce, which commenced in July 2022, supports the work of specialist investigation units and regional police by providing further investigation tactics and enforcement actions.
VIPER is an acronym for visibility, intelligence, prevention, enforcement and reassurance.
Mansfield water cutback urged
■ Goulburn Valley Water is calling on the Mansfield community to save water as ongoing dry conditions and high-water use have reduced storage levels in recent months.
The town’s water storages, supplied from the Delatite River, are currently at 45 per cent, compared to 97 per cent at the same time last year.
Managing Director, Steve Capewell, said Mansfield’s storage levels are being monitored, following below-average rainfall in summer and autumn and increased water usage in the town.
“We are concerned that if the town keeps using water at this rate, our storages won’t be able to recover in time for summer when demand traditionally spikes,” Dr Capewell said.
“As such, we are asking residents, businesses and visitors across Mansfield to reduce their water use.”
Goulburn Valley Water is urging everyone to continue following the Permanent Water Saving Rules, which are designed to encourage efficient water use:
■ Sprinklers and watering systems can only be used between 6pm and 10am
■ Leak free hoses can be used at any time but they must be fitted with a trigger nozzle
■ Use a broom or a blower to clean hard surfaces like pathways, decks, concrete, or driveways
■ Vehicles can be cleaned any time using a bucket or leak free hose with a trigger nozzle
■ Fountains and water features must recirculate water.
People are also being encouraged to look for additional ways to reduce water use inside, as well as in gardens.
By making simple changes, such as taking shorter showers, only running dishwashers and washing machines with full loads, and using tap timers when watering gardens, customers can significantly lower their water use.
Residential demand accounts for most of the water use across the Goulburn Valley Water region, meaning household changes can have a big collective impact. Water demand this year in Mansfield is up approximately 33 per cfent.
■ Zoos Victoria’s Wildlife Detection Dog Squad is using their powerful noses to fight platypus. extinction.
The dogs powerful noses, are estimated to be 10,000 to 100,000 times more sensitive than a human.
This crew of five dogs and three humans based at Healesville Sanctuary have spent seasons surveying the Sanctuary’s creek systems to monitor Platypus populations while the elusive monotreme sleeps in burrows – and now they're levelling up.
The team is now hitting the water on paddle boards to search for Platypuses in hard-to-reach habitats.
Wildlife Detection Dog Officer Dr La Toya Jamieson said the paddle boards allow them access to trickier locations, which increases the valuable data they can provide to Platypus researchers.
Death at Watson St
■ Police are investigating after a pedestrian was struck by a truck in Wallan on friday evening (July 4). It is understood the truck collided with the pedestrian in the intersection of the Hume Fwy and Watson St about 7.50pm. The pedestrian died at the scene. The driver of the truck remained at the scene and was speaking with police. Police are working to establish the circumstances of the collision.
Local Paper is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach The Local Paper or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at: www.presscouncil.org.au The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.
your ad: 1800 231 311.
Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court
Court Lists
Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Thursday, July 10
Local News Summer Sounds
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■ ALEXANDRA. Alexandra Newsagency. 82-84 Grant St.
■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.
■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.
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■ KILMORE. Kemp’s Bakery. 65 Sydney St.
Adams, Jaidyn Baines, Dion Christopher Beecroft, Michael Berry, Jacob Bickham, Geoffrey Allen Bierman, Jade Binks-Brown, Jodie Board, Jeffery Bouwmeester, Matthew Caton, Janelle Louise Clarke, Stuart Crofts, Teakamarie Culton, Brett Malcolm Davies, Jackson Farage, Lyla Hanlon, Terrence Harris, Bradley Hogan, Cody James Illingworth, Frances Kandasamy, Kisokumar Kirby, Cameron Andrew Kirkham, Jayden Lesay, Nathan Jarrard Love, Robert James Mccabe-Jackson, Daniel Mcclure, Malcolm John Millin, Aaron Murphy, Ziek Newton, Sean Jeffrey Nicol, Shane Francis Rowbottom, Tahlia Russ, Codey Sciberras, Jack Sheridan, Matthew Short, Stephen Singh, Prabjot Smith, Matthew John Steers, Benjamin Stewart, Toby Leigh Titley, Eric John Wallace, Simon Wallace, Tyson Yoannides, Elana Zuzek, Anton James Friday, July 11
Jacobs, Ashley Moore, Joanne Solomon, Phillip Monday, July 14
Gionfriddo, Paul Tuesday, July 15
■ Nillumbik Council is seeking small bands of up to four members, duos and individual artists of all music genres and at all levels in their music career to apply to perform as part of Nillumbik Summer Sounds in February 2026.
Nillumbik Summer Sounds is a season of live music held every Friday in February at Edendale Community Environment Farm The program celebrates live music and the performing arts.
Summer Sounds are family-friendly, allweather outdoor events with a BYO picnic theme.
Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said that the 2026 Nillumbik Summer Sounds stands as the Shire’s flagship music and performing arts event, to raise the profile and support for the performing arts in Nillumbik
“Summer Sounds is about delivering high-quality, affordable events for our community while creating meaningful opportunities for local musicians to perform and be paid fairly,” Cr Dumaresq said.
Edendale Ward Councillor Kelly Joy said she welcomed the return of the highly popular Summer Sounds program to Eltham.
“It’s a celebration of creativity and connection, and we’re proud to see it grow as a key feature of Nillumbik’s cultural calendar,” Cr Joy said.
Summer Sounds has evolved from the Edendale Twilight Picnic Series which was delivered by Edendale for several years.
A live music component was introduced and funded by Nillumbik’s Arts and Cultural Development team as a collaborative event in 2022 and 2024. The first Nillumbik Summer Sounds happened in February 2025, where more than 1500 people enjoyed the four relaxed, family-friendly events. Expressions of Interest are open until July 31. It is free to apply. All applicants will be notified by the end of August.
Mernda underway
■ Construction is officially underway on the Mernda regional sports precinct’s indoor stadium and outdoor courts, in what promises to be a ‘game-changer’ for sport in the fast-growing northern suburbs.
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■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.
■ ■ MERNDA. Mernda Villages Post Office. 50 Mernda Village Dr.
■ ■ MOLESWORTH. Molesworth Store. 4353 Goulburn Valley Hwy.
■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Inn. 436 Maroondah Hwy.
■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Roadhouse. 264 Maroondah Hwy.
■ ■ PANTON HILL. Panton Hill General Store. 586 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.
■ KILMORE. United Service Station. 127-145 Powlett St.
■ SEYMOUR. IGA O’Keefe’s. 10/115 Anzac Ave.
■ SEYMOUR. Liberty Seymour. 37-39 Emily St.
■ ■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.
■ SEYMOUR. Seymour South Post and Lotto. 75 Anzac Ave.
■ SEYMOUR. Prince of Wales Hotel. 48 Emily St.
■ ■ SEYMOUR. Royal Hotel. 26 Emily St.
■ ■ SEYMOUR. Terminus Hotel. 26 Station St.
■ SEYMOUR. Top Shop. Cnr Anzac Ave and Delatite Rd.
■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook General Store. 36 Main Rd.
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■ ■ LAUNCHING PLACE. Launching Place General Store. 2200 Warburton Hwy.
■ ■ LAUNCHING PLACE. Home Hotel. 2170 Warburton Hwy.
■ ■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.
■ TRAWOOL. Trawool Estate/ Hotel. 8150 Goulburn Valley Hwy.
■ WALLAN. United Service Station. 11-14 High St.
Shah, Rahul Wattam, Sunta Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, July 9 Aliu, Erjan Atwell, Harry Babai, Vahid Balasubramanian, Sairam Barron, Aiden Barron, Craig Cardamone, Peter Cashmore, Christian Emblin, Robert James Fairy, David Hanson, Shane Michael Ischovits, Jake Rama Joyce, David William Konyn, Danny John Muston, Christopher Oktavianto, Revi Tira Phan, Thanh Tung Reid, Brody James Sanchez, Andre Saunders, Scott Raymomd Spizzo, Leon Strongman, Matthew Jon Wagenknecht, Kaylah-Jane Walker, Sonny Wheatcroft, Debra Leigh Young, Christopher Friday, July 11 Northcote, Corey
Drought cash
City of Whittlesea Councillor Blair Colwell and CEO Craig Lloyd joined with McEwen MHR Rob Mitchell to mark the milestone at the Plenty Rd site on Thursda, June 26. Whittlesea local and rising Melbourne Vixens star Tara Watson, junior netballers from the Northern Pride Netball Association and netball and basketball administrators were also in attendance.
The $42.14 million second stage of the regional sports precinct will deliver an indoor stadium housing multipurpose sports courts and outdoor netball courts with lighting.
It will feature a range of supporting infrastructure for players and staff such as changeroom facilities, reception, kiosk, outdoor pavilion, car park, footpaths and landscaping.
The second stage follows the completion of extensive groundworks to prepare the site, including rock removal, levelling, installation of retaining walls and creation of a wetland.
“The regional sports precinct will help to meet the rapidly rising demand for quality sporting facilities in the City of Whittlesea’s booming northern suburbs,” said a Council representative.
“Currently, many residents must travel considerable distances outside the municipality to play their chosen sports, which is a major barrier to participation.”
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■ ■ LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St.
■ WALLAN. Wallan News and Lotto. Shop 6, 55 High St.
■ ■ MOUNT EVELYN. Mount Evelyn Newsagency. 1A Wray Cres.
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■ ■ ■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.
■ WANDONG. Caltex Star Mart. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.
■ The Victorian Farmers Federation says additional $75m in State Government drought support funding is a step in the right direction as parts of the state continue to face record drought conditions.
Allanah Sharman, Netball Victoria Head of Government Relations , said: “Not everyone has someone who will take them to sport and spend hours and hours in the car commuting.
■ WANDONG. Dundee’s Fish and Cips. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.
■ ■ ■ WANDONG. IGA Supermarket. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.
■ WANDONG. Wandong Post News and Tatts. 3272 EppingKilmore Rd.
VFF President Brett Hosking said the continued support is sorely needed and testament to the sustained advocacy from VFF, farmers and the wider regional community.
“You can’t overstate how devastating this drought has been to our regional communities and the only certainty we know is the recovery will take years.”
“If people don’t have access to quality, compliant facilities close to home, they just don’t play. So having these facilities close to home ... this will set a benchmark for the north, that’s for sure.”
Basketball Victoria General Manager Government Strategy and Innovation Jake Keogh described the precinct as a “massive win” for the sport of basketball.
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■ ■ WARBURTON. Bakery. 3415 Warburton Hwy.
■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Grand Hotel.
140 Yarra St.
■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Quinton’s Supa IGA Supermarket. 1/402 Warrandyte Rd.
■ ■ WANDONG. Magpie and Stump Hotel. 3313 EppingKilmore Rd.
“Genuine support is what’s needed and this announcement is a step in the right direction,” Mr Hosking said.
A highlight of the support is $2m for the Country Women’s Association to roll out of food and grocery support of up to $1000 per household.
“People from all backgrounds of life are coming to Australia and playing the universal game, which is basketball,” he said.
“An issue we’re seeing across the state, and it’s creeping up to the north, is longer and longer waiting lists for kids playing the sport. If we don’t have these extra courts, people are going to miss out.”
Statewide
BRUNSWICK
Firearm incident
■ Police have arrested a man in possession of a loaded firearm at a licenced premises in Brunswick on Saturday (July 5).
Officers were proactively patrolling the venue on Moreland Rd when the man caught their attention about 2am.
While escorting the man for a search, it is alleged he dropped a loaded firearm on the floor.
Police arrested the man and during the search they allegedly located Methyl-amphetamine and a large amount of cash.
The 53-year-old Thomastown man has been charged with possession of an unregistered handgun, prohibited person possess a firearm, traffick and possession of Methylamphetamine, handling ammunition when unlicensed and dealing with proceeds of crime. He was to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
BELMONT
Customer injured
■ Police have arrested a driver after a collision in Belmont that has left a man with serious injuries.
It is believed a vehicle left High St , mounted the footpath and struck the front of a building just before midday.
The vehicle has impacted the window and doorway, entered the building and hit a man standing at the reception desk.
A 54-year-old Ocean Grove man was airlifted to hospital with serious injuries.
The driver of the vehicle, a 45-year-old Portarlington woman, returned a positive preliminary breath test.
She was taken to hospital as a precaution where she remained under police guard and is yet to be interviewed.
SHEPPARTON
Blitz on drivers
■ A driver on a mixture of methylamphetamine and cannabis and another double the blood alcohol limit were among those caught during a four-night police operation in Shepparton.
MAN ARRESTED AFTER GLENROY ARSON ATTACK
■ Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad have charged a man following an alleged arson attack in Glenroy.
The charges follow an incident where it will be alleged the man threw a flammable substance over a woman before igniting it at outside a property on View St about 6.40am Thursday (July 3).
A 35-year-old Glenroy woman was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries, where she remains in a critical but stable condition.
The parties are known to each other.
A 41-year-old Glenroy man was arrested at the scene.
He has since been charged with attempted murder and has been remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on November 7.
BALLARAT
2 charged
■ Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad charged two men as part of their investigation into a non-fatal shooting in Ballarat
Warrants were executed at two residential addresses in Winter Valley
A 30-year-old Winter Valley man was arrested by the Special Operations Group as he attempted to run from the address.
The duo were to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (July 3).
Statewide
Across Victoria
GRANGEFIELDS
Fatal collision
■ Police are investigating a fatal collision in Grangefields on Saturday night (July 5).
It is understood two motorcycles and two vehicles collided on the Western Freeway about 11.20pm. One of the riders died at the scene.
The other motorbike rider was transported to hospital with life-threatening-injuries.
The drivers of the vehicles stopped at the scene and were uninjured.
Police are working to establish the circumstances surrounding the collision.
Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives were deployed to the scene.
DAISY HILL
Police shooting
■ A man has died after being shot by police in Daisy Hill
Police were called to Menzies Drive following a report that a man discharged a firearm just before 3pm onThursday (July 3).
Officers attended and attempted to engage with the armed man before there was a siege for several hours.
Specialist units including Critical Incident Response Team, Special Operations Group, and Doq Squad attended to assist.
The man discharged shots towards police, who returned fire just before 10pm.
The man died at the scene. No one else was physically injured during the incident.
Homicide Squad detectives will now investigate the matter with oversight from Professional Standards Command, as is standard procedure for a fatal police shooting. The State Coroner also attended the scene.
CHURCHILL
Pub arson probe
■ Latrobe Crime Investigation Unit detectives have released CCTV footage as they continue to investigate an arson attack at a pub in Churchill two months ago. It is understood two offenders broke into the licensed premises.
Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.
Mt
Police Rounds
Buller:
80 cars turned away
■ Police are disappointed at the number of motorists arriving at alpine resorts unprepared, with more than 80 cars turned away each weekend from Mt Buller for failing to carry required snow chains at Alpine Resorts. With the snow season only three weeks old, police have made 50 rescues on Mt Hotham – mostly consisting of motorists who needed to be extracted to their cars due to rapidly changing weather conditions.
Despite clear laws, signage and repeated safety messages, police and Alpine resort management staff continue to intercept a large number of vehicles without snow chains – equipment that can be the difference between a safe trip and a serious crash.
As the snow season gains momentum and school holiday crowds head to the mountains, police are warning that too many drivers are ignoring safety advice –and putting themselves and others at serious risk.
Incidents on the slopes this year include:
■ On Saturday June 7, a probationary driver relying on GPS directions became stranded while attempting to travel from Gippsland to Sydney via the Dargo High Plains Road. Driving a 4WD with his girlfriend onboard, the man was unable to ascend the final climb near the Great Alpine Road due to fresh snow, icy conditions, and a lack of snow chains. Mt Hotham CFA were required to winch the vehicle to safety. The driver later told police he was unfamiliar with alpine driving conditions.
■ Emergency services responded to another incident on Mt Buffalo Road, where a vehicle carrying four people – two adults and two children – slid off the road and came to rest on a small embankment. Fortunately, no one was injured.
■ Police and SES crews from Bright and Falls Creek were deployed to a significant rescue operation on Blue Rag Range Track near Mt Hotham, where more than a dozen people became stranded as 50cm of snow fell in a short period. Thirteen people were rescued after their vehicles became stuck around 10.30pm.
■ On Tuesday June 10, police intercepted two young men who had driven a Mercedes sports car up to Mt Hotham in hazardous conditions. The vehicle, which could not be fitted with chains due to low-profile tyres and poor ground clearance, was also found to be unregistered. The driver was issued with a penalty notice.
Officers will maintain a strong presence throughout the school holidays, with proactive patrols and compliance checks being conducted by local police, Highway Patrol, alpine-trained members, Liquor Control Victoria and the Heavy Vehicle Unit Police have seen a significant rise in day trippers – people heading up the mountain for the day, with many failing to check the conditions and not carrying chains. Authorities are reminding all visitors that the same rules apply regardless of how long you plan to stay — if you are entering designated alpine resorts, legally required snow chains must be carried and fitted when directed.
Eastern Region Commander Karen Nyholm said: “Up to 80 vehicles are being turned back every weekend by resort management at Mt Buller which is concerning. It shows some travellers are still underestimating just how serious alpine conditions can be.
“These aren’t small mistakes – we’re seeing vehicles stuck, and people needing to be rescued, after being caught out in rapidly changing weather. In many cases, it comes down to a lack of preparation.
“Carrying snow chains isn’t optional – it’s a legal requirement at alpine resorts and for good reason. They can be the difference between reaching your destination safely or being involved in a serious accident.
“We want everyone heading to the snow to have a great time and come home safely. But that starts with being properly prepared and making sure your vehicle is ready for the conditions.
“As we move into the school holidays, we’re urging all travellers to take a few simple steps before setting off – pack your chains, check the weather, and ensure your vehicle is suitable for the conditions. It could save your life.”
“Alpine conditions can change fast – roads that look fine can become icy or dangerous without warning. If you’re not properly equipped, it can quickly turn into a serious situation for you and others.”
New mum MP speaks out
■ New mother, Warrandyte MLA Noicole Werner, has spoken out after a man was last week charged with 70 childcare offences.
“Like so many parents, I’ve held my baby that muich closer and tighter this week,” Ms Werner said.
“I haven’t had the words to art9iculate how much the news makes me sick to my core and overwhelms me with grief.
“My heart is broken for all the victims and families impacted. I have shed so many tears whilst poring over artcles, of horros that I simply cannot fathom as a parent.
“Our job as politicians is to liste, and to act. The Allan Labor Government has failed to do both.
“Right now, in Victoria, it harder to get a permit to serve beers than to be left alone with a child professionally.
“The system has failed us. The Government has failed us.. How can we live in a world where babies and toddlers were being sexually abused by a staff member of a childcare centre?
“The statistics are chilling. On average, there’s on report a day of sexual misconduct or sexual offences in Victorian childcare centres. My question is - who are the others? Are there more people like this out there? How long has the premier known about these systemic issues?” Ms Werner asked.
NDIS changes discussed
■ Indi MHR Helen Haines is calling on the Federal Government to pause NDIS pricing changes and undertake regional consultation, following a meeting with allied health providerslast week.
Dr Haines met last week with NDIS providers – including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians, speech pathologists and support coordinators – who expressed serious concerns about controversial changes to NDIS pricing, which came into effect on July 1.
The changes, which include a freeze or reduction in price caps and travel costs, could make it unviable for providers to continue delivering services in areas which Dr Haines says are already stretched.
"Multiple providers in Indi are concerned that recent pricing changes for travel will have a particular impact on regional and rural communities,” Dr Haines said.
Plan for Boundary Creek
■ Murrindindi Shire Council is working with specialist landscape architects Michael Smith and Associates to explore how the public open space at the east of Boundary Creek Boulevard could be transformed into a flood-resilient, community-friendly area.
Murrindindi Council is preparing a concept plan that will guide potential improvements to the site, which is located within a flood overlay.
“This means development options are limited, but the vision is to create a usable and inviting space that benefits local residents,” said a Council representative.
“This early-stage planning process will help determine what is possible and support future funding applications.
“Council is now seeking feedback from the community to shape the concept. The final draft Plan will reflect the community’s priorities and ideas gathered during the engagement period.”
Cheviot Ward Councillor and Sustainability and Assets Portfolio holder Cr Sue Carpenter, and the project team will hold sessions on:
Regional Round-Up
Wandong unveiling
■ The Wandong community came together to celebrate the launch of the TrainofLife public artwork, created by local artist Tai Snaith.
The event marked the culmination of the Wandong Public Art Project and was attended by community members, school representatives, Council staff, and some of Tai’s close friends and family.
Cr Timothy Hanson welcomed attendees and spoke about the importance of public art in reflecting local identity and history.
He was joined by Wandong Primary School student leaders Alyssa and Annabelle, who shared thoughtful reflections on their town’s flora and fauna, and how the sculpture beautifully ties these elements together.
They highlighted the special connection between the artwork and their school’s logo - a baby echidna, or puggle.
Artist Tai Snaith spoke about her creative process and the inspiration behind the work, drawing on Wandong’s railway heritage and the resilience of both echidnas and the local community following the Black Saturday fires.
She also gave a behind-the-scenes look at how the three distinct echidnas were crafted.
“Despite the weather, the event was warm and meaningful, with memorable interactions between the artist and local students,” said a Mitchell Council representative.
A short film and interview with Tai will be shared in the coming weeks, offering further insight into the story behind Train of Life.
Bridge update
■ Strathbogie Shire Council is moving forward with the next stage of works at Chinaman’s Bridge, following formal heritage approval for the demolition and restoration of the flood-damaged structure.
“Following extensive advocacy and close collaboration with Heritage Victoria, Council received formal approval for the demolition and restoration works at Chinaman’s Bridge in February 2025,” a Strathbogie Council representative said.
“This approval recognises both the significant safety risks the bridge presents and the need to preserve and honour its heritage value.
“In June 2025, Council appointed a specialist Heritage Consultant and Structural Engineer to guide the technical planning and ensure full compliance with heritage conditions.
“The next stage involves developing detailed demolition staging plans and supporting documentation, including technical studies, site surveys and environmental assessments. These documents will be submitted to Heritage Victoria for review and endorsement over the coming months.
“Once the necessary approvals are in place, demolition works are expected to start in early 2026 and be finished by midyear. A full project timeline will be shared once it’s been finalised with our consultants.”
Strathbogie Mayor Cr Claire EwartKennedy acknowledged the significance of the project and the careful balance between heritage protection and community safety.
“While the decision to remove the bridge was not taken lightly, this project ensures that its heritage value is preserved through interpretation and conservation efforts,” Cr Ewart-Kennedy said.
“Council remains committed to delivering the best outcome for our community and will continue to advocate for the balance of funds needed to complete the demolition.”
The works include the full removal of the bridge, the clean-up of surrounding infrastructure, and rehabilitation of the riverbank. There will also be a strong focus on honouring the bridge’s history, with archival photography and a heritage interpretation plan developed as part of the project.
Plan approved
■ Murrindindi Shire Council has approved the Road Management Plan 2025-2029, following its presentation at the June 18 meeting.
The Plan is the result of an extensive engagement process with the community, including Council’s Road Advisory Group and broader public consultation.
● Nicole Werner, Warrandyte MLA
Helen Haines MHR
Local Politics
Cemetery fees up
■ The shock announcement of a fourth price rise in a year for burial costs at Remembrance Parks Central Victoria cemeteries - including Dopnnybrook - raises further doubts about the trust’s leadership and ability to govern, says Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell
“A massive hike in the price of a standard lawn grave will mean grieving families face potential cost increases of over $1,600 dollars – up to 86 per cent more – to bury a loved one in newly developed areas at RPCV cemeteries in central and northern Victoria, including sites in Greater Bendigo, Greater Shepparton and Donnybrook,” Ms Lovell said.
“In 2024, RPCV raised fees by the statutory CPI increase on July 1. The cemetery trust then made the controversial move to further increase prices by an average 14 per cent in December 2024 after a price and product review, followed by a third increase on July 1, 2025, in accordance with the CPI.
“A day later, on July 2, 2025, RPCV announced a fourth price increase in the form of a new and much more expensive fee structure for graves in newly developed sections of their cemeteries that open after July 2025 – with new sections already under development at Eaglehawk and Pine Lodge
“Standard lawn graves in all newly opened sections will now cost $3600, which is $1665 more than a standard lawn grave currently costs at the trust’s White Hills and Kialla West cemeteries – an 86 per cent increase.
“A standard lawn grave at Axedale will increase by $1180, or 48.8 per cent. At the remaining locations, including Bendigo, Eaglehawk, Kangaroo Flat, Pine Lodge and Donnybrook, the standard lawn grave will increase by $730 or 25.4 per cent.
“Funeral directors, and family members caring for ageing parents, are now deeply concerned that as existing sections of the cemeteries quickly fill up, the current fee structure for those plots will soon no longer be available.
“amilies seeking a resting place for their loved ones will then be forced to pay the new and much more expensive fees that will apply to all new sections that open at cemeteries after July 2025.
“These massive fee increases follow a series of operational, financial, and governance scandals at RPCV, and raise further doubts about the financial and managerial competence of the current board and chair.
“The RPCV trust failed to table its 202223 and 2023-24 annual reports until March 2025, and did not hold the required annual general meetings during that time, meaning the board avoided public scrutiny and accountability at the very time that its cemeteries were involved in a series of operational scandals.
“In 2022 RPCV attempted to implement an exorbitant increase in the cost of burials, which was squashed after significant community backlash.
“In 2023 came the adornment scandal when cherished family mementos were removed from graves without permission.
“Then 2024 started with two controversial incidents in which graves were recklessly disturbed by maintenance crews, and ended in December with a dramatic increase in the cost of a plot and burial.
“Now RPCV has begun the 2025-26 financial year with yet another massive hike in prices, by dressing up the existing standard lawn grave in a newly opened section as if it were a new and better memorial product.”
Ms Lovell said: “Massively increasing the fees for standard lawn graves at RPCV cemeteries shows that the trust’s board and chair are completely out of touch, and don’t understand the financial pressure that families are under during a cost of living crisis.
“The current chair has overseen a series of operational, financial, and governance scandals during her tenure, but has avoided scrutiny by failing to table annual reports or hold annual general meetings.”
“The Allan Labor Government reappointed the chair just in time to announce a massive increase in fees, demonstrating Labor’s obsession with taking money from the pockets of Victorian families to cover over its own financial incompetence.
“Labor can’t manage money, can’t manage cemeteries, and Victorians are paying the price,” Ms Lovell said.
NATIONAL PARK RULED OUT Environment
■ The State Government has ruled out legislating the proposed Great Forest National Park
The Great Forest National Park was proposed to cover from Kinglake to Lake Eildon, and Healesville to Mt Baw Baw. The Victorian National Parks Association said Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos used his address to the Electrical Trades Union delegates conference to publicly rule out the park, blindsiding conservationists, scientists, and Yarra Ranges locals who have spent more than a decade campaigning for it.
“The backflip has drawn fierce criticism from environmental groups, who say the decision overrides public consultation, ignores expert advice, and caves in to narrow vested interests.,” said a representative for the Victorian National Parks Association
“The Minister’s remarks pre-empt two major government-commissioned reports: a 2023 ecological assessment that found the Central Highlands forest worthy of national park protection.”
Meanwhile, Jeff Bourman, Eastern Victoria MLC, praised the State Government for backing hunters and regions: “In a major win for hunters, jobs and community wellbeing, Victoria’s Minister for Environment and Outdoor Recreation has announced that seasonal deer hunting will be permitted in the Snowy River and Errinundra National Parks.”
500 firefighter jobs open Wilderness Society hits out
■ Applications are now open for seasonal firefighter roles across Victoria
Forest Fire Management Victoria is employing 500 seasonal firefighters prior to the summer bushfire season
FFMVic Chief Fire Officer, Chris Hardman, said seasonal firefighters boost Victoria’s firefighting capacity in the lead-up to summer and during the peak fire season.
“New recruits will train and work alongside our permanent firefighting staff, responding to bushfires rapidly to keep communities safe this summer,” Mr Hardman said
“They will be part of a team of close to 1800 frontline personnel and 1200 accredited incident management staff this bushfire season.”?
Last year Forest Fire Management Victoria firefighters responded to more than 1265 bushfires across the state, and delivered priority planned burns which will help reduce the impact of bushfires this summer.
“Emergency response deployments can occur anywhere across the state, providing opportunities to travel and work in different locations,” Mr Hardman said.
Port Phillip Region Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Tamara Beckett, said seasonal firefighter roles provide rewarding career opportunities for those with a passion for the outdoors, learning new skills and making a difference.
Council Rounds
Drainage works
■ Construction is progressing on the Darraweit Rd upgrade in Wallan, with drainage works now underway and preparations beginning for the construction of a new retaining wall.
The $2.7 million project is delivering a significant upgrade to the section of Darraweit Rd between Acacia Way and Roulston Way.
Works include underground drainage, kerbing and reconstruction of the road pavement to improve safety and durability for local residents, businesses and visitors.
The upgrade is part of the Federal Government’s $11 million commitment to the Macedon and Mitchell Shire Roads project
A combined $5.5 million is being provided for the Darraweit Rd and Wellington St upgrades, with Mitchell Shire Council contributing an additional $200,000. Works began in April and are expected to be completed by October, weather permitting.
Drainage works will continue throughout July. Construction of the retaining wall will also commence this month.
NAIDOC Week
■ Mansfield Council is collaborating with the Gadhaba Local Aboriginal Network and Community Bank Mansfield and District to present a week of free community events and workshops until Saturday (July 12), with a strong focus on youth, in line with this year’s theme.
Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council was proud to support the celebrations.
■ The Wilderness Society has described the State Government’s national park decision as afilure to to implement the state's largest environment protection policy in the state's history.
“The Minister’s comments were made out of sync with government and public consultation processes, and snub science, sidestep transparency, and are inconsistent with the government’s own commitments to forest protection,” said a Society representative.
Jo Hopkins, Victorian Campaigns Manager at the Wilderness Society, said :“The time is now for Victoria’s spectacular tall forests to have permanent protections that prevent their destruction.
“They are the most carbondense forests in the world. Permanently protecting them is vital for meaningful climate action.” She said the Environment Minister incapable of delivering the government's promises.
“NAIDOC Week is an opportunity to come together and celebrate part of our community’s heritage,” he said.
“Thank you to everyone who partnered with us to put together this great week of events. I encourage community members to get involved in some of the activities on offer,” said Cr Rabie
Tarcombe bridge
■ Works to reconstruct the Hughes Creek Road Bridge in Tarcombe are now complete, with the new structure open to traffic.
Delivered as part of Mitchell Council’s 2024-25 Capital Works Program, the $429,000 project involved the full replacement of the ageing bridge approximately 7km from the Highlands Rd intersection.
“The reconstruction was necessary to ensure the ongoing safety and serviceability of the route, which is used regularly by local residents, emergency services and agricultural operators,” said a Council representative.
“The new bridge removes the previous load limit, improving access for heavy vehicles, including farm machinery, and providing a safer and more durable crossing over Hughes Creek
“During the works, a temporary bridge was installed to maintain access for passenger and emergency vehicles, with a detour in place for larger vehicles via Highlands Rd and the Hume Fwy.”
Changeover delay
■ Nillumbik Shire people who currently access the Home Care Packages or ShortTerm Restorative Care programs will continue to receive services under these programs until they move to the Support at Home program, which will start on November 1.
“The Federal Government’s Aged Care Act 2024 and Support at Home program implementation has been delayed from July 1 to November 1,” said a Nillumbik Council representative.
“The delay is intended to give aged care providers more time to prepare for the significant changes the new Act will bring.
“The new Act is intended to give older people more choice and control, provide stronger protections, and streamline access to aged care services.
“The hope is that this deferral will allow more time for participants to better understand the new Support at Home program.
“Council receives funding through the Federal Government to deliver Commonwealth Home Support Program services for Social Support Group and Community Transport,” said the Nillumbik Shire representative.
● Chris Hardman
● ● Steve Dimopoulos, Minister
Observer Melbourne
■ Dolly Parton fans will delight in the forthcoming musical comedy HereYouComeAgain, which plays at the Comedy Theatre Melbourne from July 12-20 and October 23-November 2.
Set to a soundtrack of Dolly Parton’s most iconic songs, the musical comedy has been approved and produced by arrangement with Dolly herself.
Following sold-out seasons across the US and UK, the show will arrive in Melbourne as part of an Australian tour, starring co-creator Tricia Paoluccio as Dolly , alongside Australia’s own Dash Kruck (Little Shop of Horrors, JesusChristSuperstar) and a stellar all-Australian ensemble and live band.
Songs include Jolene,9to5,IslandsintheStream,IWillAlways LoveYou,HereYouComeAgain, and many more.
The musical tells the story of a diehard fan whose fantasy version of international icon Dolly Parton helps him navigate life's toughest challenges.
With her wit, humour, and charm, Dolly teaches him invaluable lessons about life, love, and how to pull yourself up by your bootstraps - whether or not those bootstraps have rhinestones.
Created by two-time Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and songwriter Bruce Vilanch, in collaboration with Gabriel Barre
PAID ADVERTORIAL
Here You Come Again Here You Come Again
Local Business Profile
Michelle Allen and team of Muddy Creek Health Hub, Yea
Michelle Allen, Nicole Schryver, Bek Bullen and Grace Hamilton
I have been working as a massage therapist in Yea, at my home for the last 15 years.
I have supported people's relaxation, remedial or correctional and palliative care treatments for this community and it's been an honor.. I have always been fascinated by the body and finding ways of helping people in pain and learning to see if we can push past our symptoms to heal on a deep or lasting level. It's always been a dream of mine to be part of a health hub that includes different types of therapists and modalities coming together.
Technology is happening in our health care industry and with so many amazing minds and by still using old fashioned foundations there is some seriously successful solutions for people's pain and healthcare needs.
My clinic is lucky enough to have Rebecca Bullen join the team as a Remedial Therapist who brings the same values with a different touch to her care for clients.
I have also introduced a Telsa
Former which uses Functional Magnetic Stimulation machine that can change our body on a very deep physiological level.
It supports problems around inflammation, pain, muscular atrophy and injury, stimulates the lymphatic system and supports drainage.
Weight loss or cellulite reduction or body sculpting. Pelvic floor issues and incontinence problems have had huge success and erectile dysfunction also has some.
We have an awesome team to begin with of Rebecca Bullen, Nicole Schryver, Grace Hamilton and myself who look forward to being part of Yea and districts healthcare solutions.
My telephone number is 0419 625 536 if you would like to talk more or even come in and have a look around at our facilities. The clinic's number is 0417 658 366 or email us at info@muddycreekhealthhub. com.au
Our address is 7 The Semi Circle, Yea. The old medical Centre and the old dentist.
(Director) and Tricia Paoluccio (Dolly), the show is now adapted for the Australian stage by Fiona Harris and Mike McLeish, joined by Andrew Worboys as Musical Director.
UK adaptation penned by acclaimed British playwright Jonathan Harvey ( Gimme, Gimme, Gimme, Coronation Street).
Performance Season: July 1220 and October 23-November 2.
Venue: Comedy Theatre, Exhibition St., Melbourne
Bookings: premier.ticketek. com.au/
Running Time: 2 hrs. 20 mins. with interval.
★
Dolly Parton (born January 19, 1946) is an American singer, songwriter, musician, actress, and philanthropist, known primarily as a country musician.
After achieving success as a songwriter for others, Parton's debut album, Hello, I'm Dolly, was released in 1967, commencing a career spanning 60 years and 49 studio albums. Her forty-ninth solo studio album, Rockstar(2023), became her highest-charting Billboard200album, peaking at number three.
● ● ● ●
Pictured: The UK cast in Here You Come Again
Cheryl Threadgold
Your Stars
with Kerry Kulkens
Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s
Trusted Psychic Family
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
Lucky Colour: Peach
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 2
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 28, 33
Push forward with your career ambitions as success is within reach. Opportunities you once missed may reappear. Be prepared for unexpected changes that could alter your current lifestyle.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 9, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 16, 29, 30, 33
Career advancements and material gains are likely. Romantic encounters may bring the unusual or exotic into your life. This is the perfect time to pursue your desires.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Saturday
Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 9, 6
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 45, 40, 33
Deepening relationships may lead to more intense connections. Be cautious about the company you keep, as your fate rests in the choices you make.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 16, 26, 30, 33
Solutions to longstanding problems are within reach, and you may find new opportunities to enhance your finances. In relationships, you’ll feel more in control and assertive.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 16, 23, 30, 33
Financial ease is on the horizon, and you may have more options than usual to fulfil your goals. Obstacles in your path are likely to be resolved.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 9, 8
Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 26, 29, 30, 8
Family gatherings will bring joy and pleasant surprises. Financial struggles begin to ease, creating opportunities for growth and an active love life.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Dark Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 9, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 5, 9, 16, 33
Your career luck is turning, and something you thought unattainable may now be within reach. Past relationships may resurface unexpectedly, giving you reasons to celebrate.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Fawn
Lucky Day: Sunday
Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 5, 4
Lotto Numbers: 1, 45, 40, 22, 26, 30
Travel might not be ideal right now, and insisting on your way in romantic matters may lead to complications. Use your charm to overcome challenges.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Saturday
Racing Numbers: 1, 2, 3, 2
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 16, 29, 2, 5
Unexpected opposition in your love life may catch you off guard, but your charm can resolve most issues. Financial benefits could come through someone else's efforts.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 16, 29, 30, 36
You may find yourself at the centre of romantic attention, with intriguing propositions coming your way. Your magnetism will be a driving force this week.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Lilac
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 3, 6, 2, 5
Lotto Numbers: 3, 12, 26, 5, 40, 8
Future plans may hinge on distant events. Mixing business and pleasure could yield lucky outcomes. A money-making opportunity may present itself—seize it.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 39, 5, 11
Travel is on the cards, bringing happiness and new connections that enhance your luck. This is a time of renewal and revitalised energy.
Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and offerings.
ORDINARY DAYS
■ Following the award-winning presentation of Elegies: ASongCyclein 2024, Clovelly Fox returns to Fortyfive downstairs this August to present Oridnary Says, a humorous and inspiring musical written by highly celebrated composer and lyricist Adam Gwon OrdibnaryDaysis a charming and moving musical about making simple connections in a chaotic city.
Written by one of musical theatre’s exciting new composers, it tells the story of four young people whose lives intersect in unexpected ways as they search for success, happiness, love and taxis.
Shared through a vibrant and memorable score, their experiences ring startlingly true to life. OridnaryDays is an original musical for anyone who's ever struggled to appreciate the simple things in a complex place.
With equal doses of humour and poignancy, it celebrates how millions of individual stories combine in unexpected ways.
Green Room Award winning director Tyran Parke (who first brought Oridnary Days to life at Chapel Off Chapel in 2017), is eagerly looking forward to the directorial opportunity of a fresh take on this contemporary musical and promises heart, humour, and a beautifully intimate theatrical experience.
Tyran remarked: “As a rule, I’m not one to revisit past productions—But for the past eight years, OrinaryDayshas quietly haunted me.
“It’s a show of such hope, humanity, and aching beauty that it never truly left my creative consciousness.
“So, when the timing aligned and the opportunity arose to bring it to life again, I didn’t hesitate.
“I’m thrilled to return to this remarkable piece, with fresh eyes and a full heart, ready to rediscover the extraordinary in the everyday.
“It feels like, now more than ever, the world is crying out for hope—for softness, for inspiration, and for something that gently reminds us of our shared humanity.
“Ordinary Days does exactly that. It celebrates the small, beautiful details of everyday life and the quiet, profound ways in which our lives intersect.
“In a time that often feels fractured and uncertain, this show offers a kind of balm: a reason to pause, to reflect, and to reconnect—with each other and with ourselves.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled to return to this piece at this moment and with my longtime collaborator Vicky Jacobs as musical director.
“Following its acclaimed, award-winning debut with Elegies: A Song Cycle at 45 Downstairs in 2024, Clovelly Fox - one of Melbourne's most exciting new theatre companies—returns to the intimate venue with this highly anticipated new production of OrdinaryDays with its luminous score and stories that resonate long after the final note.
This is a show for anyone who's ever felt lost—and found something unexpected along the way.
Clovelly Fox is sure to bring its signature warmth and emotional clarity to this celebrated work.
Performance dates: Wednesday August 20 (preview) to Sunday August 31 (no performance Tue. August 16).
■ BacharachandBeyondhas Jack Howard and The Ambassadors of Love for an unforgettable evening of timeless classics like Say A Little Prayerand TheLookofLove, plus hits from legends like Jimmy Webb, Sergio Mendes and Elvis
Featuring the incredible Michael sisters, Heather and Marj, on lead vocals, flute, and violin, alongside Jack on vocals and trumpet.
The talented lineup also includes John Berto (guitar/vocals), Amy Valent Curlis (percussion), Greg Murray (drums) and Rob Walker (bass).
the performance is at 7.30pm on Saturday, August, 16 at Glen Eira Town Hall — Auditorium
Tickets $25, per person. Bookings required.
Sound Gallery
■ Monash University Performing Arts Centres continues its 2025 Sundays in the Sound Gallery series, showcasing exceptional artists in the intimate and superb David Li Sound Gallery.
In July and August, audiences are invited to immerse themselves in premiere performances by award-winning artists, with concepts from experimental music and science to acoustic and electroacoustic visceral experience.
Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt: Dark Oceanography –July 27
Dark Oceanography integrates climate science with experimental music, modelling generative oceanic systems in spatial audio and percussion.
In this new work by Kate Milligan, Louise Devenish, and Aaron Wyatt , live performances of three percussionists converge with the 63-channel Meyer Constellation in the David Li Sound Gallery, creating a dynamic spatial instrument that sonifies the future impact of global warming in the ocean.
The intimate David Li Sound Gallery will present this work in the round, with performers moving around the space, and the audience, providing a truly immersive audio experience.
Music has an important role to play in climate crisis discourse, offering a sonic pathway to bridge the gap between data, understanding, reflection, and action.
Collaboratively developed by a team of artistic and scientific researchers, this piece is part of the Sonic Vocabularies: Climate Weather and Music project.
Led by The Sound Collectors Lab in partnership with ARC Centre of Excellence for the Weather of the 21st Cen-
tury, the development of this work has been supported by Monash University Performing Arts Centres.
Louise Devenish is a percussionist whose creative practice blends performance, artistic research and collaboration with composers, visual artists, designers and improvisors. Louise has performed internationally in festivals across Australia, Asia and Europe.
Kate Milligan is a composer from WA, currently based in the UK. Her performance-installation Visions/Vestigeswon "Work of the Year - Chamber Music" at the 2024 Australian Art Music Awards
Aaron Wyatt is a Perthborn violinist, conductor, composer, programmer, and academic who spent many years as a regular with the West Australian Symphony Orchestra before moving to Melbourne to take up an assistant lecturer position at Monash
Annie Hsieh: Swell –August 17
Written in close collaboration with Australian violist Phoebe Green, Swell is the premiere work for solo viola d’amore and live electronics, expanding the ideas of reverberation both as a phenomenon and a metaphor.
Part scripted, part improvised, the performers will move around the David Li Sound Gallery to enhance the audience experience of these planes of sound.
Reverberation helps us sense and understand the space around us, shaping how we interact with our environment.
Through carefully crafted movements of sound behaviours, Swell is a musical essay on how memories are revisited upon each recall to conjure a surge of emotions that are internalised, learned, and embodied to help shape our unique sense of self.
Annie Hsieh is a Taiwanese Australian composer working in acoustic and electroacoustic mediums. Her work focuses on creating visceral physical experiences and articulates sonic expressions in terms of spatial gestures and relational sociality.
Annie is the 2023 recipient of The David Li Sound Gallery Commission from MPAC
Her music has been presented internationally at prestigious events such as the Beijing Modern Music Festival, Metropolis New Music Festival, OzAsia Festival, WasteLAnd Music Series (LA), National Gallery of Victoria’s Melbourne Now exhibition, and the Sydney and Melbourne Symphony Orchestras, among many others.
Phoebe Green is a Melbourne -based violinist, active in her artistic practice as a performer, improvisor, researcher, curator, and advocate. She has commissioned numerous works for viola and other instruments from composers including David Chisholm, Helen Gifford, Wally Gunn, Michael Kieran Harvey, Lisa Illean, Alistair Noble and James Rushford Monash University Performing Arts Centres is the public performing arts and cultural arm of Monash University. MPAC venues are vital to the cultural life of the University, and act as a window to Melbourne's south east community.
Casual bandit
■ Melbourne’s most- casual bandit last night stole £29 at gun-point from a Hartwell grocery shop.
The masked bandit was so cool in the four minutes he spent in the grocery that until the last minute manager Mr. Chas. Williams thought he was a practical joker.
As he left the shop in Toorak rd., the bandit told Mr. Williams he would "plug him" if he moved out the door , within five minutes.
Mr. Williams said last night: "When I realised he was. fair dinkum I decided to stay, in the shop and ring the police.”
"We were closing up about 5.30 p.m. when he came in with a blue scarf tied around his face and his hat over his eyes.
“He had a sawn-off pea rifle resting on his left arm and his finger on the trigger.
"He said: 'Give us the dough.'
"I thought he was just having a joke and threw him a bit of silver.
"He appeared more serious and said: 'Where are the notes?'
"I then got about £29 in notes and cheques and handed it to him and he made me put it in a calico bag."
Shops would close
■ Half the food shops in the inner metropolitan area would have to be pulled down if new amendments to the Health Act were enforced. Mr. E. J. Alford, Health Inspectors' Association secretary said yesterday.
In the new outer suburbs as much work would be entailed. But Health inspectors were so overworked now they could not hope to cover their territories in a year, let alone the three times a year required by law.
Mr. Alford blamed the Health Commission for the shortage of inspectors.
“The Commission advises municipal councils how many inspectors should be em ployed," he said.
"And it has the power to force councils to act on its advice."
Mr. Alford said that most municipalities had one inspector to more than 30,000 people, compared with one to 10,000 in Britain.
Doyle re-interred
■ The remains of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of' Sherlock Holmes, and of his second wife. Lady Jean Elizabeth Conan Doyle, were re-lnterred today under an English oak tree in a corner of Minstead Churchyard, in the New Forest, Hampshire They had been exhumed from their former grave at Crowborough, Sussex. The two new oak coffins containing the original lead coffns were brought from London.
● The Argus. July 9, 1955
The Mikado
■ The Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria presents TheMikadofrom July 1720 at the Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton
With music by Sir Arthur Sullivan and the libretto by W. S. Gilbert, TheMikadois a comic opera, featuring entertaining songs such as I'veGotaLittleList,AWand'ring MinstrelI,ThreeLittleMaidsFromSchool Are We, The Flowers That Bloom in the Springand more.
The story tells of Nanki-Poo in love withYum-Yum but she’s betrothed to KoKo, the new Lord High Executioner.
When the Mikado (or emperor) orders a beheading, Nanki-Poo and Ko-Ko try to come to an arrangement that doesn’t involve anyone losing their head.
However, the arrival in town of the spurned Katisha turns everything topsyturvy. With melodious mischief and preposterous plots, the tangled web unravels; will the punishment fit the crime?
Gilbert’s imagined Japan is said to have been enriched by a London exhibition featuring a Japanese village inhabited by 100 citizens and the European obsession with everything Japanese following its re-opening to the world.
The distracting beauty of his Japanese setting allowed Gilbert to get away with poking fun at the staid social norms, absurd etiquette, and weighty bureaucracy of a colonising Victorian England
Performance Season: July 17, 18, 19 at 7.30pm ; July 19, 20 at 2pm.
Additional regional performances: July 26 in Queenscliff, August 2 in Stawell and August 9-10 in Cowes.
Cheryl Threadgold
MSO Mornings
■ In one of its regular Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Mornings concerts, classical music lovers were treated to two works by the composers Maurice Ravel and Modest Mussorgsky both of which had rousing passages to stir the emotions.
The first short piece was Alborada del gracioso by Ravel; it is the fourth of five movements that make up his Miroirspiano suite written in 1905.
After a brief interlude came the main piece of the morning, Mussorgsky’sPictures atanExhibition. Written in 1897 as a piano suite of ten movements, Ravel arranged it for orchestra in 1922.
So, common to both pieces was how works written originally for piano had been subsequently arranged for orchestra.
Ravel orchestrated the Alborada movement himself for use in a ballet. Apart from a bombastic finale, when the depth and breadth of sound afforded by an orchestra came into its own, it felt better suited to piano.
However, this certainly wasn’t the case with Picturesas each of the ten movements were well-suited to the grandeur and majesty made possible by an orchestra. And majestic the MSO certainly was in its performance of Pictures. Each of the ten movements were played with style and power.
The strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion all took centre stage at some point during one or more of the ten movements, highlighting the depth of talent each orchestral section has.
Pulling it all together Chief Conductor Jaime Martin was in fine form, especially with the Mussorgsky piece. His somewhat flamboyant style meshed well with the passion and fiery sentiment of the Russian composer.
A personal anecdote shared during the interlude, of when he first heard Picturesas a small boy, was an endearing touch.
MSOMornings is something of an institution in Melbourne and this particular morning was a fine example of why that is the case and how blessed the city is to have the MSO
Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne mso.com.au
Review by Peter Murphy
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
ORDINARY DAYS Confidential
■ Following the award-winning presentation of Elegies:ASongCyclein2024, Clovelly Fox returns to Fortyfivedownstairs from August 2031 to present the musical OrdinaryDays, written by celebrated composer and lyricist Adam Gwon.
OrdinaryDays is described as 'a charming and moving musical about making simple connections in a chaotic city, and tells the story of four young people whose lives intersect in unexpected ways as they search for success, happiness, love and taxis.'
An original musical, OrdinaryDays is said to be for anyone who's ever struggled to appreciate the simple things in a complex place.
With equal doses of humour and poignancy, it celebrates how millions of individual stories combine in unexpected ways.
2025 Green Room Award winning director Tyran Parke (who first brought OrdinaryDays to life at Chapel Off Chapel in 2017), is eagerly looking forward to the directorial opportunity of a fresh take on this contemporary musical and promises heart, humour, and a beautifully intimate theatrical experience.
Tyran explains: “As a rule, I’m not one to revisit past productions - but for the past eight years, OrdinaryDayshas quietly haunted me.
“It’s a show of such hope, humanity, and aching beauty that it never truly left my creative consciousness.
“So, when the timing aligned and the opportunity arose to bring it to life again, I didn’t hesitate.
“I’m thrilled to return to this remarkable piece, with fresh eyes and a full heart, ready to rediscover the extraordinary in the everyday.”
Tyran is also thrilled to again be working with his long-time collaborator Vicky Jacobs as musical director.
Described as 'one of Melbourne's most exciting new theatre companies', Clovelly Fox returns to the Fortyfivedownstairs intimate venue with this highly anticipated new production of OrdinaryDays
The cast will be announced in the coming weeks.
Performance Season: August 20 (Preview) to August 31 (no performance on August 26)
■ An event, celebrating the 200th Anniversary of Organ Music in Australia, having its beginning with Australia’s very first pipe organ public performance at St David’s Church Hobart on May 15, 1825.
The organ, ordered from London in 1824, and shipped to Tasmania at great expense was the very beginning, where today there is said to be more than 2000 pipe organs installed and in use around Australia
. Where could one celebrate such a milestone? It would have to be on the largest and most expensive musical instrument in the southern hemisphere, the Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ
An acoustic organ containing 9592 pipes,
● Tyran Parke, director drums and bells and spans three levels of the Melbourne Town Hall. Unveiled in 1929 and refurbished in 2001, highly sophisticated and computer-controlled, capable of producing sounds from a delicate whistle to deafening thunder.
Internationally acclaimed organ virtuoso Thomas Heywood has enjoyed a life-long love affair with the Melbourne Town Hall Grand Organ, having first played on it as a 16-year-old.
The Celebratory Concert to a packed Melbourne Town Hall and presented by the City of Melbourne, certainly supported all the accolades that Thomas Heywood has been given worldwide.
His very intimate and extensive knowledge of the world’s greatest composers and organists over the centuries, added much to the presentation of his wide ranging program.
He is a prolific transcriber of centuries old works, one in particular that of Frederic Chopin (1810-1849),1842 composition of Polonaise inAflatmajor
He described Chopin as a dreadful organist, unlike his many contemporaries at the time. We were privileged to have Thomas play a composition by Theodore Salome (1834-1896), his SonataNo1inC minorforGrandOrgan, a composition that has not been played for some 100 years.
A full program that made use of the 4 keyboards, Choir, Great, Swell and Solo and added to that the pedals giving us many works from Strauss, Brahms, Bizet and Tchaikovsky
As an encore, the OverturetoWilliamTell by Gioachino Rossini, bringing back memories of the introduction to the Lone Ranger serial matinee screenings.
A complete performance to celebrate 200 years of Organ Music in Australia.
Review by Graeme McCoubrie
Premier’s Awards
■ Haileybury students continue to earn high recognition and praise at the Premier’s VCE Awards.
The 2024 Premier’s VCE Awards have seen 16 Haileybury students recognised for achieving excellence in a range of subjects – from English and Australian History to Legal Studies, Sociology, Chinese and VCE VET Hospitality.
Haileybury’s cipients are:
■ Joshua Ong for Top All-Round VCE High Achiever
■ Darius Song for English
■ Caleb Nah for English
■ Siyuan Chen for Chinese Second Language Advanced
■ Jing Ru Zhang for English
■ Aarial Wrigley for English
■ Charli Cowan for English
■ Jacqueline Soon-Legaspi for English
■ Lucinda Poole for Australian History
■ Nina Cummins for Australian History
■ Ayva Herman for Hospitality (VCE VET)
■ Chloe Fan for Chinese Second Language
■ Ishika Bhadauria for Legal Studies
■ Kiara Rampal for Sociology
■ Darshanna Umakhanthan for Sociology
■ Yicong Liu for Chinese First Language. Sarah Marinos
● ● Curtains ensemble.
■ The Diamond Valley Singers present an eight-performance season of Curtains-‘The MusicalComedyWhodunit’from July 11 - 19 at Warrandyte High School. Set in the bright and optimistic world of 1959 Boston , where the premiere of new musical RobbinHood ' takes a dramatic turn.
The show’s diva, Jessica Cranshaw , collapses and is rushed to the hospital, only for the cast to learn she’s been poisoned.
Enter Homicide Lieutenant Frank Cioffi, who suspects one of the company members is the culprit. To solve the mystery, Cioffi holds everyone in the theatre and blends his detective skills with a keen appreciation for the theatrical chaos unfolding around him.
As tensions rise, the show must go on with revised numbers and an unexpected romance. Cioffi's sleuthing reveals shocking secrets and a lot of laughs while the cast scrambles to find a new finale.
With danger lurking behind the curtain, can Cioffi unmask the killer, save the next intended victim, and ensure the show’s survival?
Curtainsis described as 'a hilarious, highstakes musical mystery that keeps you guessing till the final bow.
Director Tam Smith says: “Curtains is a laugh a minute from beginning to end. This is a show not to be missed. A great play on words and music from the Cabaret and Chicagowriters.”
‘Acting locally and thinking globally’ Diamond Valley Singers will donate proceeds from the performances to International Needs Australia and Open House in Macleod.
Performance Details: July 11, 12 , 16, 18 and 19 at 8:00pm; July 12, 13, 19 at 2pm. Special Prize July 12 8pm performance for the 'Best Dressed in a 1950s Style/Theme' Venue: Warrandyte High School Theatre, Alexander Road,Warrandyte. Bookings: Trybooking. www.dvsingers.org
Lang Lang
■ The centre piece of Lang Lang’s MSO recital was Robert Schumann’s Kreisleriana, which is a deeply expressive, multidimensional work that lives at the intersection of music, literature, and psychology.
The emotional volatility of the piece speaks to the duality not just within the work but within Schumann himself.
There is impulsiveness and introspection that Lang Lang brought to the fore capturing the essence of the Romantic imagination attributable not just to the era but Schumann’s own troubled imagination. Lang Lang captured the ambiguous tonal changes and textures within the piece with virtuosic aplomb.
Opening with Faure's Pavane, the concert began on a more traditional note with the work’s lyrical elegance resonating from the first note. Lang Lang’s touch is impeccable.
The second half of the evening was a tribute to Chopin. The 12 Mazurkas were playful and engaging based on the rhythms and attributes of traditional Polish folk tunes. The counterpoint between the left and right hand - the rhythm and the melody - a delight.
The same appeal to nationalism was in Chopin’s Polonaise which concluded the evening. The wide leaps and octave passages were effortless.
Lang Lang captured the heroic drama of the work imbued as it is with Polish culture, but requiring a mastery of technical skill to be expressed effectively. mso.com.au
Review by David McLean
Shows
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Rabbit Hole (by David Lindsay-Abaire) Until July 12 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: John Bishop. Bookings: wlt.org.au/book-tickets
■ MLOC Productions: The Pirate Queen (Boublil and Schönberg) Until July 19 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director: Chris Ryan; Musical Director: Matthew Pines.
■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: The Diary of Anne Frank (by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett) Until July 19 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Kellie Tweeddale. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Love, Love, Love (by Mike Bartlett) Until July 19 (2pm matinees on weekends) at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: George Werther. Bookings: htc.org.au
■ Off the Leash Theatre: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) July 17 – 20 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, 1 Civic Place, Warragul. Director: Amy Moss. Bookings: offtheleashtheatre.com.au
■ Theatrical: Legally Blonde July 12-27 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Aimee F orrest; Musical Director: Kent Ross; Choreographer: Maggie Lynch, Bookings: booktickets.com.au
■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Zombie Prom - The Atomic Edition. July 11 – 20 at Fab Nobs Theatre, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Maeghan McKenzie; Choreographer: Dean Robinson; Musical Director: Sally McKenzie. fabnobstheatre.com.au
■ CPP Community Theatre: Seussical Jr. July 11, 12, 15, 17, 18 at 7.30pm; July 12,19 2pm; July 13 5pm at Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Albert Ave., Boronia (park at Rangeview Rd. end). Director/ Musical Director: Helen Taylor; Associate Director: Fiona Rosel. Bookings: cppcommunitytheatre.com.au/
■ Darebin Arts Speakeasy: Garçon with Wani Toaishara, July 16 – 20 at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St, Northcote.Bookings: arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/ Programs-and-opportunities/Programs/ Speakeasy-presentations/garcon-by-wanitoaishara
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Lord Savile’s Crime (by Constance Cox) July 24
– August 2 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Bookings: mordialloctheatre. com.au
■ Encore Theatre: Agatha Crispie (by Cenarth Fox) July 18 – 27 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: David Dodd. Bookings: Trybooking.
■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV): The Mikado July 17 – 20 at The Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton. Queenscliff Town Hall, July 26, Stawell Town Hall, August 2; Berninneit Theatre at Cowes, August 9. Bookings: gsov.org.au
■ PLOS Musical Productions: We Will Rock You. July 25 – August 2 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director: Paul Watson. Bookings: plos.asn.au or 9784 1060.
■ The Basin Theatre Company: Educating Rita (by Willy Russell) August 7 – 17 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Sharon Maine. Bookings: thebasintheatre.au
■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. August 1 – 10 at Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Pde., Altona. Director: Stuart Dodge; Musical Director: Ang Cuy; Choreographer: Gabriele Pagano. Bookings: wmtc.org.au
■ The 1812 Theatre: Home, I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) August 7 – 30 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au
■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Witches (based on the book by Roald Dahl. Adapted by David Wood) August 8 – 23 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Leah Osburn. Bookings: beaumaris theatre.com.au
■ Brighton Theatre Company: Fallen Angels (Noel Coward) August 15 – 30 at Brighton Theatre. Director: Joe Dias. Bookings: brightontheatre.com.au
■ The Mount Players: A Skull in Connemara (by Martin McDonagh) August 15 – 31 at the Mountview Theatre, Murphy St., Macedon. Director: Travis Handcock. Bookings: 0419 329 052
■ Peridot Theatre: Frankenstein (by Nick Dear) August 15 – 24 at the Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: George Benca. Bookings: tickets@peridot.com.au
Seussical Jr
■ CPP Community Theatre presents Seussical Jr from July 11-19 at Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Boronia.
SeussicalJris described as 'a fantastical musical adventure that brings the beloved stories of Dr Seuss to life in a vibrant, fast-paced show perfect for the whole family.'
Horton the Elephant discovers a tiny world on a speck of dust and goes on a journey to protect it - no matter what.
Along the way, audiences will meet colorful characters like the Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, Mayzie La Bird and the Whos of Whoville, all wrapped up in a story about friendship, bravery, and the power of believing in yourself.
SeussicalJrcontains catchy songs and playful rhymes, with the heartwarming message that 'a person's a person, no matter how small.'
Performance Dates: July 11, 12, 15, 17, 18 at 7.30pm; July 12, 19 at 2pm and July 13 at 5pm Tickets: $36 adult and concession/$26 child (6 and under)
Venue: Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Albert Avenue, Boronia, (park at Rangeview Road end)
■ In a delightful entertaining flight of the imagination, Theatre Works and Inotrope Productions' show AllIsGood…InTheGlowOf Moonlightprovided a moving evening of song, laughter and tears and a window into what life as an artist must have been like in Stalin’s Russia
In a depiction of the afterlife suggestive of a small bohemian cafe or someone’s lounge room, the dead Jewish author Isaac Babel, a victim of Stalin’s purges, spars with one of his fictional characters, the gangster king of Odessa, Benya Krik. Fact and fiction blur as the two tell stories and sing songs about life in Odessa before and during Stalin’s reign.
Created by Isaac Babel, Simon Starr, Brian Lipson and Joseph Sherman, AllIsGood…was a well constructed play which successfully blended live music and song with the spoken word.
The narrative was easy to follow even though there was plenty of switching around between acting, singing and musical interludes.
All Is Good … was primarily a two-hander with Simon Starr (actor/musician) playing Krik and Joseph Sherman (actor/singer) playing Babel; in a smaller role was Shane Grant who, as well as designing the lighting, was a master of ceremonies for the evening.
Starr and Sherman were a delight to watch; they had a lovely chemistry between them and their palpable enjoyment in playing their roles was infectious. Both had great singing voices while Starr’s musical talent shone when play-
More Shows
■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Grey Nomad (written and directed by Dan Lee) August 22 – September 6 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Bookings: Trybooking.
■ Malvern Theatre: The Humans (by Stephen Karam) August 22 – September 6 at 29a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicky Neville-Jones. Bookings: malverntheatre company.com.au
Auditions
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. July 27 at 10.30am and July 28 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Audition bookings: timascott56@ gmail.com
■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Good Life (by Jeremy Sams based on TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey) August 17 and August 18 at 7.00pm at the Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Joanne Gabriel. Audition Enquiries: Jo Gabriel at pukfam@bigpond.net.au
ing a variety of instruments.
While production credits had no listing for a director, David Pledger was listed as dramaturg. He clearly did a great job of developing and shaping the script and in all likelihood would have been giving notes to the performers throughout rehearsals.
A rich evening’s entertainment then, All Is Good…InTheGlowOfMoonlight gave the audience laughs and songs to sing along to as well as providing poignant moments and insights into life under Stalin Presented at the Explosives Factory, Theatre Works. theatreworks.org.au
Review by Peter Murphy
First Trimester
■ Melbourne Fringe is calling for potential sperm donors to sign up to participate in a unique performance at this year’s Fringe Festival in FirstTrimesterby UK-based performer and Netflix creator Krishna Istha, which will be presented from October 16-18 at Arts House, North Melbourne
Having searched London, Dublin, Copenhagen and Auckland as part of a worldwide quest for the ‘perfect’ sperm donor for Krishna and partner Logan (neither of whom produce sperm), First Trimester tours to Melbourne this October, with the call now open for potential sperm donors to sign-up to participate in the event.
During the performance, participants join a public conversation with Istha, who will answer questions that range from funny to serious – from matter of fact to philosophical – to discover the qualities that make them a perfect match.
Interviews last 10-minutes live on stage. The aim is to conduct as many interviews as possible, to learn more about the kind of person that has the potential to be a sperm donor, and to continue Istha’s search to make the ultimate connection.
FirstTrimesteris also an artistic and social experiment. Through the project, Istha, who is trans, aims to create a dialogue around trans reproductive healthcare in a creative way.
FirstTrimesterultimately explores human connection, and the challenges of fertility and parenthood.
“FirstTrimesteris a celebration of the many ways families are created today,” says Melbourne Fringe Creative Director Simon Abrahams. “It uses candid conversation and humour to think about people who cannot conceive naturally but would make incredible parents.”
Krishna Istha is a London -based performance artist, screenwriter, comedian and theatre maker.
Applications to sign-up to be interviewed as a potential sperm donor for FirstTrimester are now open, and the Festival wants to hear from the LGBTQIA+ communities and their allies, people who have donated sperm previously, and anyone curious to consider the process.
Participants can sign up now by visiting melbournefringe.com.au/krishna-istha-first-trimester/
Performance Season: October 16 - 18 (including an eight-hour durational performance on October 18 when audience members can come and go at any time).
Venue: Arts House, North Melbourne Further enquiries/bookings: melbournefringe. com.au/krishna-istha-first-trimester/
■ The Basin Theatre Company: Heatstroke (by Eric Chappell) August 17 at 7pm; August 18 at 7pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Pip Le Blond. Audition enquiries: 0400 350 792 pipleblond@hotmail.com Cheryl Threadgold ● ● Krishna Istha and partner Logan.
Fundraiser
● Daniel Brace, St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church Director of Music
■ As any country readers will be well aware, Victoria is in the grip of a drought, with all the effects that has on regional communities.
Some musical city dwellers have decided to help where they can, with a special fundraising concert for the community around Nhill, happening on Sunday July 20 at 3pm in Burnley’s St Bartholomew’s Anglican Church. The idea came from St Bart’s chorister Jillian Smith, who also sings with the wellknown Tudor Choristers
Jillian took the idea to St Bart’s director of music and organist, Daniel Brace, and started asking if some of their musical friends could give their time and talent for a fundraising concert to help country residents around Nhill in the Wimmera region.
The performers include violinist Philip Carrington, promising Year 12 classical guitarist Samuel Lee, soprano Jillian Smith and the vocal group the Westgarth Ensemble, whose members are all opera graduates of the Victorian College of the Arts, and organist Daniel Brace performing a work by Buxtehude
It’s a terrific line up and audiences will have the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to drought relief in country Victoria.
No bookings are required, so just turn up to St Bartholomew’s at 300 Burnley St, Burnley, at 3 pm on Sunday July 20. Entry is a donation of $30, a small ticket price for such a fine concert.
Julie Houghton
Bella Italia
■ Ella’s Music Club presents ParisNocturne at Royal Brighton Yacht Club at 8.30pm on Saturday, July 26.
The performance includes some old standards and some more modern performed by Angela Librandi joined by the Roberto Severini Swing Quintet
Both have Italian heritage and a long history in the Melbourne music industry. Enjoy songs such as Volare,Caruso,Tintarelladi lunazand Vivoperlei.
Tickets: $55 Reserved Seating at tables Ellasmusicclub.com
Affordable Art Fair
■ Affordable Art Fair returns to Melbourne, with its largest celebration of art to date over four days from August 28-31
Up to 70 Australian and international galleries will participate in the fifth annual Melbourne Fair with thousands of original works for sale from $100 to $10,000 under the dome of the Royal Exhibition Building
The 2025 Melbourne Fair will welcome new artists and galleries, herald the return of fan favourites, showcase the next generation of emerging talent, feature interactive exhibitions and live painting experiences, and introduce a new Children’s Art Studio
Melbourne Fair Director Georgia Heustis estimates that 18,000 visitors will browse and buy pieces from some of Australia’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, as well as emerging artists and iconic galleries and studios.
New to the Melbourne Fair this year are the celebrated Brunswick Street Gallery in Fitzroy, representing emerging and established artists in partnership with leading Indigenous art centres; the iconic Ken Duncan Photography on NSW’s Central Coast
Evie Patton (left) and Aria Barnett
●
CATO THE WISE
Maxwell Newton
★The Festival of Games is tak-ing place at the newly opened Games Discovery Centre in Altona North . The series of programs and events is for people of all ages to connect and have fun playing video games and board games. The festival runs throughout the winter school holidays, with some programs requiring bookings ahead of time. hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/ FestivalOfGames
★Migration to New Worlds is an online database presented by the State Library of Victoria. It presents an insight into the personal stories and experiences of migrants in the 19th and 20th centuries.
★Mr Squiggle and Friends: The Creative World of Norman Hetherington opened last Friday (July 4) at the National Museum of Australia in Canberra.
★Bell Shakespeare is taking its critically acclaimed production of Romeo & Juliet on national tour to 26 venues. Newcomers Madeline Li and Ryan Hodson will star as the starcrossed lovers.
★A third show has been announced for Piano Man: Celebrating the Music of Billy Joel at Hamer Hall. Phil Burton, Alinta Chidzey, Jess Hitchcock and Josh Piterman will perform at 7.30pm on Froday November 14, plus 1pm and 7.30pm on Saturday, November 15.
★Collingwood Hall of Famer Thorold Merrett and former aviation engineer John Lamont are having their life stories celebrated as part of the Share program at Bolton Clarke Templestowe Manor. The presentation is part of the Bolton Clarke Research Institute’s researchbased storytelling program that allows residents and students to reminisce together to tell their story.
★Dreams of Taboo is actress Lynette Curran’s personal memoir look ing at a survivor’s struggle with certain areas in life that are not so easy for an abuse victim.
★NAIDOC Week (July 6-13) is a time to learn about and celebrate the continued history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. This year’s theme -‘The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy’honours the achievements of the past and the empowerment of young leaders.
★3MBS, Melbourne’s fine music radio station, last week celebrated its 50th anniversary.
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment Broker
★Some 40 musiciand singers perform ABBA’s greatest hits in a new concert event, Fernando. Southern Cross Symphony announces the new concert-format production celebrating the music of ABBA with orchestral arrangements, band and vocals.
★The Armenian Film Festival Australia announces its ninth edition, marking a milestone with the introduction of its inaugural awards program. The festival returns to Melbourne this August, opening with Monsieur Aznavour, an epic portrait of the legendary French-Armenian singer.
★A new season of the children’s classic, The 3 Little Pigs , is back to the stage this July school holidays, playing for a limited season at the National Theatre, Melbourne. This musical springs from the minds celebrated British writers Stiles and Drewe, who are the Olivier Award winning minds behind the hit musical, Mary Poppins.
★Raiders of the Lost Art is a new exhibition featuring works by artists with lived experience of mental health challenges. The exhibition highlights the role of art in therapy, celebrating creativity as a means of expression, resilience, and recovery. It is at Schoolhouse Studios in Coburg
★A new Australian initiative to accelerate research into rare Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes is now open and recruiting participants. The Australian Marrow Failure Biobank at Monash University, supported by Maddie Riewoldt’s Vision, is a dedicated disease-specific collection housed within Biobanking Victoria – one of Australia’s leading and internationally recognised biobanking facilities.
★Kevin Sheedy's Bomber Jacket is the name of a new book of sports stories by journalist Glen Humphries. This book is packed with tales of betting scandals, Ned Kelly movies, an elephant on Grand Final day.
★The six writers shortlisted for the 2025 Miles Franklin Literary Award are Chinese Postman by Brian Castro; Theory & Practice by Michelle de Kretser ; Dirt Poor Islanders by Winnie Dunn ; Compassion by Julie Janson; Ghost Cities by Siang Lu; and Highway 13 by Fiona McFarlane
★Omega Ensemble’s Elevator Music features one of the leading proponents of the clarinet, Michael Collins in his first Australian appearance in six years. Elevator Music arrives at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Saturday August 16, 7pm.
The Lark
■ Australian star of stage and screen, Noni Hazlehurst, returns to Arts Centre Melbourne for the world premiere of The Lark from September 3-20 at the Fairfax Studio
Described as 'a powerful, moving meditation on life, death and change', TheLarkis written specially for Noni Hazlehurst by internationally recognised Australian playwright Daniel Keene, and directed by awardwinning Matt Scholten
TheLarkis set in Melbourne. Rose Grey, played by Hazlehurst, faces her final goodbye to The Lark – a small inner city pub slated for demolition. At 75 years of age, this building has been her entire life.
She’s lived there since birth and takes over from her father after his retirement.
Her memories, both bitter and sweet, bind her to The Lark more strongly than she realises.
As memories overwhelm her, Rose must break free from the past before it claims her forever.
“The opportunity to work with Daniel and Matt creating Mother was a rare privilege and a joy. To have the chance to collaborate again on TheLarkis a miracle. No actor could ask for more,” said Noni Hazlehurst. Noni Hazlehurst is a celebrated film, theatre and television actor.
She has graced our screens, stages and airwaves for 50 years. Widely known and acclaimed for her lead roles in APlacetoCallHome,Nancy Wake and The Shiralee, other television credits include ABC’s The Letdown and Redfern Now along with feature films JuneAgain,Ladies inBlack,Candy,LittleFish,Monkey Grip,Truthand TheMule.
Hazlehurst's extensive body of work has earned her numerous accolades including multiple Australian Film Institute and Critics Circle Awards, and two Logie Awards for Best Supporting Actress. In 2016, she was inducted into the Logie Hall of Fame
As well as acting she has been much in demand as a presenter, including 10 years writing and presenting for BetterHomesandGardens, hosting SBS series EveryFamilyHas aSecret, and her time as PlaySchool presenter for 24 years.
“It has been a joy to write TheLark for such a skilled and generous actor as Noni Hazlehurst.
“Setting the play in the heart of Melbourne, our hometown, has enriched the writing and will empower Noni’s performance. The play is both a celebration of and an elegy for a very particular place in our shared cultural landscape,” said Daniel Keene Performance Season: September 3-20
Venue: Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne Bookings: artscentremelbourne. com.au
Cheryl Threadgold
■ (M). 129 minutes. Now available on DVD.
Though not on the same level as his best work, Hirokazu Koreeda’s 2022 drama makes for solid viewing, and will be enjoyed by viewers who have little interest in the avalanche of empty blockbuster movies that are seemingly thrown at them every week.
Acclaimed actor Song Kang-ho (who won Best Actor at Cannes for his performance here) plays Ha Sang-hyeon, who owns a modest laundry shop, and appears to have a shady past involving local criminals.
Ha volunteers at the local church, but it is soon clear that his intentions aren’t entirely transparent.
Working with former foster care employee Dong-soo (Gang Dongwon), the two steal newborn babies that are dropped off at what the church call a ’baby box’ (where young mothers, who feel they cannot look after the child, can hand them over anonymously, so the baby can be placed into state care), and will then sell them on the adoption market.
Complications arise when one young mother, Moon So-young ( Lee Ji-eun , best known as a hugely successful K-Pop artist, under her stage moniker, IU ), comes back to collect her baby, and inadvertently exposes Ha and Dong-soo’s operation.
Wanting to see that her baby is sold to the best possible candidates, and demanding a percentage of the sale, Moon becomes part of the group, and a road trip begins, to see who those perfect parents will be.
Unbeknownst to them, two detectives, Soo-jin (the wonderful Bae Doo-na ) and Lee ( Lee Jooyoung) are on their trail, partly due to the murder of a gangster, but as the case continues, Soo-jin sees that everything is not black-andwhite.
Like his previous efforts (NobodyKnows;StillWalking;Like Father,LikeSon;Shoplifters, to name some), Kore-eda uses his characters, rather than a traditional story, to form the foundation and structure of his films, meticulously building on them to create many, deceptively small moments of human emotion and interaction, whether it be drama, comedy or tragedy.
This approach allows Koreeda’s films to be filled with genuine humanity, to see these creations, warts and all, as real people.
His work with actors is exemplary. Song (MemoriesOfMurder, TheHost,SecretSunshine,EmergencyDeclaration) is typically outstanding, but everyone, including Gang (ThePriests,Kundo:Age OfTheRampant,TheSecretReunion, 1987: When The Day Comes), Ji-eun (Persona, Hotel Del Luna TV series), Doo-na (Linda Linda Linda, Air Doll, A GirlAtMyDoor,Tunnel) and Lee ( Baseball Girl, Maggie) are all superb.
Only an investigative subplot involving the murder feels conventional, and its inherited contrivances somewhat undermines the convincingly natural atmosphere the director masterfully creates.
Brokeris measured, intelligent and absorbing viewing, made by a film-maker who cares deeply about the subject matter he
chooses, ensuring the viewer cares about what happens within the world Kore-eda so beautifully presents.
RATING - ***½
Climax
■ (R). 95 minutes. Now available on DVD.
For those who are unaware of Gaspar Noe’s previous work as a film-maker, then they should approach Climaxwith caution.
Those who are will be in for one hell of a ride, a sensory assault made with Noe’s usual mix of technical brilliance and thematic nastiness, and one which will leave most audiences completely exhausted.
A group of 20 dancers, rehearsing at a closed-down boarding school located next to an unknown forest, begin a journey into darkness when they discover that the sangria they are drinking has been laced with LSD.
Everyone reacts differently, but as their inner desires start to surface, it seems as if not everybody will survive this growingly aggressive experience. Noe invests a number of cultural, social, and gender-based themes in his uninhibited characters, and like Irreversible, I StandAlone, and EnterTheVoid, totally immerses us in the unsettling world he has created. Visually astounding (an early one-take dance sequence is truly jaw-dropping), with a pounding 90’s EDM score to match, this is inventive, confronting cinema at its best, for those who can take it.
RATING - ****½
Annihilation
■ (MA). 115 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix.
This intelligent, extremely wellcrafted effort from Oscar nominated writer/director Alex Garland (CivilWar,Warfare) is absolutely mesmerising, one that has deservedly built up a devoted cult following.
After what looks like a meteorite crashes into a lighthouse on the US coast, an otherworldly phenomenon starts to overtake the area, and it is beginning to increase in size, meaning it will eventually threaten populated areas and major cities.
A team of five (which includes Natalie Portman and Jennifer Jennifer Jason Leigh ) are sent in to investigate what strange occurrences are taking place within its colourful, translucent walls. Garland builds his story slowly, gradually revealing what the team are up against, and it makes for hypnotic, fascinating viewing. Performances are terrific, and the look and sound of the film is first-rate.
Aaron Rourke
In Memory of
● ● Noni Hazlehurst stars in The Lark
Photo: Nicholas Wilson
● ● Aaron Rourke
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Across Across
1. Pony competition
6. Meddler
11. Large NZ city
15. Drinking glasses
20. Moose
21. Drizzles
22. Married title
23. Nudism
24. Armed conflict within nation (5,3)
25. Family favouritism
27. Segregated
28. Roman robe
29. Hungry
31. Slightly open
32. Skin eruptions
36. Staining
37. Room
38. Painter of The Queen's latest portrait, Rolf ...
41. Length unit
44. Hair dye
45. Touchy
48. Metal extraction plant
49. Cupboard
52. Banked (on)
56. Gets
57. Form of prayer
58. Futile
61. More affluent
62. Bring honour to
63. Gladden, ... up
64. Japan's capital
65. Shillyshallies
66. Greed
67. Withdraws from position (5,4)
71. Fertile desert spot
73. TV personality, ... McGuire
75. Aid financially
80. Pistols
82. Intervening time
83. Jog
85. Definitions
86. Old Spanish money unit
88. Split in church
90. Slays (5,3)
91. Biting insects
93. Wise biblical king
94. Tossing
95. Fragile & airy
96. Suit-makers
97. Jot
99. Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane ...
100. Concludes
104. Of kidneys
105. Taco sauce
106. Sing monotonously
107. Revolved
111. Deserve
113. Fah, soh, ...
114. Inflatable vest, ... west
115. Serving platters
117. Irrational fear
118. Kitchen strainer
121. Saturate (with colour)
122. The Hunchback Of ... Dame
125. Harpoon hunter
126. Formerly Persia
127. Garden of Creation
129. In place, in ...
131. Actress, ... Thompson
132. Stellar
135. Kuwaiti ruler
136. Eternal
139. Siamese
140. Up-to-date
144. Physicist, ... Newton
145. Excel
146. Castle water barriers
147. Elaborately
148. Cattle-farmers
149. Mad (dog)
150. Tied (shoes)
152. Surprise victory
154. Labelled
157. Chinese gooseberry, ... fruit
158. Of the side
162. Grieg opera, Peer ...
163. SOS
166. Wig material
167. Speaks
169. Kind
171. Door frame post 172. Resistant to disease
173. Start (of ailment)
175. Primp
176. Encouraged
179. Tutsi country
180. Ranted
182. Hawaiian garland
183. Belonging to us
184. Spindly
186. Took in (child)
189. Last Greek letter
190. Wallabies or Springboks sport
191. Synagogue scholar
192. Stimulating
196. Disable
197. Canadian province, ... Scotia
198. Kenya's capital
199. Exhilarating
201. Caught
202. Ridicule
203. Departing
204. Fibre-spinning rods
205. Writer, ... Hemingway
208. Journalist's credit (2-4)
210. Cheap ship fare
211. Fertiliser ingredient
212. Redder
213. Bobs head
215. Firebugs
219. Signalling flame
221. Cruel men
223. Searches out scandal
227. From Brussels
228. Mummifies (corpse)
230. Judge's hammer
231. Democratic Republic of Congo
232. Threatened
233. Slip by 234. Gist
238. Tennis ace, ... Edberg
239. Indianapolis state
240. Splatter
243. Arrival
246. Annulled
247. Dressy
250. Woodwind instruments
251. Fools
253. Paltry
256. Helicopter's landing place
257. More hefty
258. Grills
262. Labyrinth
263. Reverie
266. Honey liquor
268. Peacemaker
269. Central Asian republic
270. Lovely women
271. Miniature toy, ... car
272. Banned pesticide (1,1,1)
273. Downy duck
274. Naval exercises
275. Makes stable
276. Perceived wrongly
277. Aerobics outfits
278. Abbreviates
Down Down
1. Doomed person
2. Legends
3. Equine
4. Cosy home
5. Nearly 7. A few
8. Persecutes
9. Checkers game
10. Thread
11. Henry VIII's ... Boleyn
12. Second-hand vehicles (4,4)
13. Smart aleck (4-3)
14. Friendly
15. Tests
16. Former Soviet region (1,1,1,1)
17. Lightweight timber
18. Go in
19. Mixer drinks
24. Appeared
26. Trading centre
30. Last-minute
33. Pungent cleaning fluid
34. Small hill
35. Sniffed
38. Cross-breeds
39. Made contact with
40. Takes no notice of
42. Canadian lake
43. Bringing up
46. Stud (with jewels)
47. Conformed, ... the line
49. Hurricane
50. Follows orders
51. Europe/Asia
53. Regards highly
54. Riled
55. Aussie sheep herders
59. Very demanding
60. Settle overseas
67. Bewildered
68. Moved on hands & knees
69. Of earthquakes
70. Run (event)
72. Aplomb
74. Travelling worker
76. Gusty
77. Leave impression
78. Smooth over (4,3)
79. Gushed
81. Brash newcomers
84. Egg dish
87. Dried with cloth
89. Moon shape
91. Grinding (teeth)
92. British royal court, ... Palace (2,5'1)
98. Worldwide
101. Group value system
102. Shade of brown
103. Sends via Internet
108. Alleged assassin, Lee Harvey ...
109. Stop! (nautical)
110. Odds or ...
112. Emerging again from sleep
116. Protective shielding (6,5)
119. Act of dunking
120. Say
123. Canoe with attached float
124. Set out differently
128. Enthusiastically
130. From Tel Aviv
132. Allow inside
133. Banjo sound
134. Gangway
137. Cleopatra's land
138. Famous Swiss mountain
141. Main artery
142. Flowed away
143. Yesterday, ..., tomorrow
151. Cling (to)
153. Early fetus
155. Directed
156. Surly person
159. Hoping (to)
160. Vitality
161. Irritating
164. 365-day periods
165. Cosmetics boss, Elizabeth ...
168. Legendary Atlantic continent
170. Money
173. Car distance clock
174. Mideast waterway (4,5)
177. Raincoat fabric
178. Gradually diminished
181. Devotees
185. Thrilling
186. Loss of memory
187. Beginnings
188. Trampled
193. Obscure
194. Sports injury remedy (3,4)
195. Hot springs
200. Venetian boats
201. Conceive of
206. Havens
207. Increases threefold
208. Sun-tanned
209. Most inquisitive
211. Coup organiser
214. Cigarette users
216. Affair of the heart
217. Giving green light to 218. Huge
220. Blacksmith's block
222. German wine, ... Riesling
224. Most avid
225. US cotton state
226. Giant Himalayan peak
229. Criticise harshly
232. Lion's neck hair
235. Poorer quality
236. Wear down
237. Soft goat wool
241. Fence planks
242. Authorise
244. Bridge over gorge
245. Louder
248. Trophies
249. Those ones
251. Weaponry
252. Bogs
253. Office circulars
254. Grand Slam winner, ... Agassi
255. Writer, ... Dahl
259. Happen
260. Prized fur
261. Genders
262. Method
264. Sudden attack
265. Son of Adam & Eve
267. Sprint
By Rob Foenander
Lonnie tells all
■ AlmostAStaris the first of four books to be released from Aussie rock n roll pioneer Lonnie Lee.
His media release advises this book one of his heartfelt memoir/inspiring autobiography, dives into his early roots and challenging upbringing, and his journey into singing, exciting introduction into Rock'n'Roll and his first singing jobs, to when his career suddenly died and he had to return to the family sheep property near Walgett. More info at: https://www.starlite records.com.au/
Shake, rattle, roll
■ Following sell-out performances across Australia and by overwhelming demand, Shake Rattle n Roll is back at the Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, on Saturday, September 13.
A dazzling fully choreographed 50’s/60’s rock ‘n’ roll spectacular is on offer. showcasing 12 electric singers and sizzling champion Latin Ballroom dancers. Tickets at trybooking.com
New for Gene
■ UnderneathMySettingSunis the new single release for Australian music legend and radio host Gene Bradley Fisk
Now in the twilight of his career, Gene’s music continues to shine brightly, offering solace and inspiration to all who listen.
The new single is not just a song, it's a heartfelt expression of a man's pursuit of peace, says his media release.
- Rob Foenander
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Scandinavian Film Festival
■ Melbourne’s Scandinavian Film Festival saw the gripping psychological drama SecondVictimshave its Australian premiere.
Set in a Danish hospital which is understaffed and where employees are overworked, an experienced neurologist has her confidence shaken when a simple mistake turns a routine case into a tragedy.
The screenplay was written by Zinnini Elkington and feels authentic in its depiction of an underresourced hospital.
The characters are all welldrawn and the narrative plays out in a dynamic fashion, with vigorous bouts of dramatic action interspersed with quieter reflective moments.
The film does have a strange final scene which feels slightly outof-place and forced given all that’s gone before, especially in terms of the central character’s storyline.
Otherwise the writing is excellent.
In bringing the screenplay to life there were several splendid performances from the cast.
In particular, Özlem Saglanmak (who plays the neurologist Alex) and Trine Dyrholm (the grieving mother Camilla) give gut-wrenching portrayals of women shaken and shattered by the tragic events that unfold.
Their pain is palpable and one can’t help but sympathise with their plight.
Such compelling performances are, in part, due to great direction. Here Elkington directs as well as having written the screenplay. She does so in an assured man-
Crossword Solution No 1
Observations
ner, getting great work from all her actors.
In addition, working with cinematographer Mia Mai Dings Graabek, the film is shot in a cinema verite style; you feel as though you’re in a real hospital watching things happening to real patients in real time.
It’s a great stylistic choice for the subject matter of the film.
The title of the film comes from a phrase used in healthcare to describe professionals who experience distress and trauma due to medical mistakes that have tragic consequences.
In doing a brilliant job of capturing and portraying the lives of such professionals, SecondVictims tells their story, an important story that needs to be heard and heeded.
■ Cold Chisel’s The Big Five-0 Live on CD, DVD and Vinyl will be released on Friday, August 8 through Universal Music Australia. The DVD of this myer Music Bowl concert in 2024 is a unique and special release. The concert film of TheBigFive-0Livewas produced by Beyond Productions and Cold Chisel in association with the Seven Network
■ Marty Rhone has had an amazing career as a singer-songwriter, actor, manager and I am sure Marty is well remembered by our readers.
Karel Lawrence van Rhoon was born in Soerabaja, East Java, Dutch East Indies (later named, Surabaya Indonesia) in 1948.
His mother was a singer and actress and his father was a pianist.
The couple married and returned to Indonesia before coming back to Australia in 1950 where they had another two children.
Karel was taught piano by his father but preferred to be a singer. In his teenage years the family had settled in Sydney and Karel sang on several television shows before forming his own band.
During 1966 he was signed to Spin Records and started working professionally as Marty Rhone.
His early songs included NatureBoy,IWant YouBackAgain,GreenMansions and She’s ComingHome
In 1966 Marty Rhone and The Soul Agents supported The Rolling Stones on their Australian tour.
They also performed on the P.J. Proby Show at the Sydney Stadium with Wayne Fontana, Eden Kane and The Bee Gees
In 1970 Marty was conscripted for National Service and during his service was a member of the the Royal Military College Band, Duntroon
In 1972 Marty was cast in the original Australian stage production of Godspell
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Whatever Happened To ... Marty Rhone
By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM
He was a guest star in television shows such as Number 96 and TheClassof 75.
Marty signed with M7 Records and went to number one on the singles chart with Denim and Lace. This was followed with another hit song AMeanPairofJeans
At the height of his success in 1976 Marty married Rosa Merola and they have two sons, Luke and Mathew.
In 1978 Marty went to London and starred opposite Yul Brynner and Virginia McKenna in the West End production of TheKingandI Apart for his show business career Marty has been involved in many boxing event promotions.
I saw Marty several years ago in the Australian production of The King and I where he
played ‘The Kralahome’ opposite Lisa McCune and Lou Diamond Phillips. Marty released a new song titled Graceland On The Line to mark the 40 years since the passing of Elvis Presley.
He completed filming the new feature film TheCometKidsand was to start work on The Nullaborin 2018.
Marty was been a guest star in television shows such as The Doctor Blake Mysteries and Wentworth. He returned from the US where he has recorded a new album of country songs.
After 60 years in the business
Kevin
Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM
That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.
www.innerfm.org.au
JANINE DURSTON’S PRIDE AS LOCAL ARTIST
After a trip to Germany last yar, Janine wanted to capture the bountiful flowers.
Life and greenery that was so different to her home in Australia
This collection is a joyful journey which asks the viewer to pause and appreciate nature from the expansive views of Heligoland to the tiniest plant growing between the cobblestones.
Janine Durston is a local artist and illustrator for the City of Greater Dandenong
She takes great pride in her role as a local artist and the opportunity to share her work with the community and throughout Victoria
Her works inspired by natural found objects, details found in nature and what nature discards. Her work, her vision is to spark curiosity in other for nature’s beauty and intricacies.
Exhibition closes July 27.
★ Toxic – Adelaide Worcester is a compelling new solo exhibition that uses sculpture and wall-based works to lay bare the often-overlooked realities if workplace bullying and toxic professional environments.
Through bold visual storytelling and a dose of dark humour, the exhibition explores how toxic environments are formed, experienced, and sustained.
At the heart of the show is a series of smack-scale sculptures made from found objects such as kitchen tools and office supplies, creating scenes that are both intimate and unsettling. These vignettes feature miniature figures caught in moments of silent aggression, unchecked power dynamics, and emotional strain.
The use of familiar domestic and workplace materials reinforce the way these experiences bleed into everyday life.
Exhibition closes July 27. Montsalvat 7 Hillcrest Ave, Eltham
At NGV
Westwood/ Kawakubo world premiere exhibition celebrates the ground-breaking designs of two icons of the fashion world.
Opening December 7, the NGV’s world premiere summer blockbuster exhibition pairs two global icons –and – iconoclasts – of the fashion world for the first time.
British designer Vivienne
The Arts
Westwood (1941 – 2022) and Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo (b 1962) of Comme des Garçons
Born a year apart in different countries and cultural contexts, each brought a rule-breaking radicalism to fashion design that subverted the status quo.
Today, their critically acclaimed collections are celebrated globally for questioning conventions of taste., gender and beauty as well as challenging the very form and function of clothing.
Through a showstopping display of more than 140 innovative and ground-breaking designs, Westwood/Kawakubo explores the convergences and divergences between these two self- taught rebels of the fashion world.
The exhibition brings together important loans from international museums and private collections –including New York’s Metropolitan Museum, The Victoria and Albert Museum, Palais Galliera and the Vivienne Westwood Archive – alongside 100+ outstanding works from the NGV Collection.
The exhibition features more than 80 works that recently entered the NGV Collection, including nearly 40 outstanding work recently gifted to the NGV by Comme des Garçons especially for this exhibition.
Exhibition highlights include Westwood’s iconic punk ensembles from the late 1970s. popularised by London bands such as The Sex Pistols and, a romantic McAndreas tartan gown from Westwood’s Angloma
niacollection (autumn-winter 199394. famously worn by Kate Moss on the runway, and the original version of the corseted wedding dress first shown in the Wake Ep, Cave Girl Autumn-winter 2007-98 collection and later woen by Sarah Jessica Parker in Sex and the City The Movie.
National Gallery of Victoria 180 St Kilda Rd, Milbourne - Peter Kemp
Eric Bogle at The National
■ Eric Bogle will perform, at the National Theatre, Melbourne, on Monday, November 3.
Bogle is best known for his now iconic song The Band Played WaltzingMatilda His songs have been recorded by Joan Baez, Mary Black, Donovan, Slim Dusty, John Williamson, Billy Bragg, The Pogues and The Furies
With 14 albums to his credit, appearances at every major Folk and Country Music Festival in Australia and overseas and a touring schedule that has included eight tours of North America, 10 times around Europe and multiple Australian shows, Eric Bogle has decided that it is time to take it easy.
Now, after decades on the road, Eric is singing the songs of a lifetime.
Real Bowie explored
■ Karlis Zaid last week presentecd premiere of his show LovingTheAlien exploring the music and life of David Bowie Karlis took to the stage with Aurora Kurth in this rock'n'roll show presented at Arts Centre Melbourne in the new venue The Showroom. Karlis and Aurora thundered through faithful recreations of era-defining bangers as they peer behind the many masks and characters of The Man Who Fell To Earth, to find the real Bowie
Musical direction and pianoforté was provided by Andrew Patterson with rock guitar wizardry by Aaron Syrjanen (MoulinRouge,Hairspray,Sister Act, Kate Ceberano band).
Jaws celebrates 50 years
■ Fifty years ago, 27-year-old Steven Spielberg was given the task of directing his greatest challenge, Jaws, the film that scared the living hell out of audiences worldwide. Teenagers loved it and it became the 14th highest grossing film in history, three sequels followed .
Promoter goes belly-up
■ The company behind the Esoteric Festival has entered voluntary liquidation owing suppliers and 8000 ticket holders a gross total of $2.8 million. Esoteric was a annual drawcard held at Donald and drew crowds from Bendigo and Melbourne. Over and out.
Delta’s impromptu concert
■ With little or no advance publicity our own Delta Goodrem fronted up to entertain train commuters to a piano concert at a London Underground station. Delta played selections from her latest release. Soon afterwards Delta jetted off to Malta to wed fiancé, guitarist Mike Copley whom she had been dating for two years.
Tourist trap
■ Chances are next time you visit Shepperton you will be welcomed by a mega-sized green pear. The big pear has been proposed to lure tourists to the fruit growing region and will compete against the Big Banana, and the other ‘Biggies' around Australia
Splish splash bash
■ It could only happen in the USA where a wedding ceremony could go from a joyous, traditional event to an unexpected occasion. Rachel and Tristan, both in their early thirties, had gone through their marital vows, and out came Slip and Slide express slides and down went the newly hitched couple complete in their best wedding outfits. They changed from dripping wet to casual gear, and danced the night away. Talking of weddings, Amazon gazillionaire Jeff Bezos stumped up $15.5 million to marry his second wife, and then off on a honeymoon to Venetian Island of San Giorgio
● ● Marty Rhone
Marty shows no signs of slowing down -and a good thing too.
Trask
with Peter Kemp
- John O’Keefe
With John O’Keefe
Today’s Menu
Charcuterie Boards:
Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts
Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.
Teas and Coffees
Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea
WEEKEND’S LOCAL FOOTBALL FINAL SCORES
Amateurs
■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Collegians 9.7 (61) d Old Scotch 7.7 (49). University Blues 14.15 (99) d De La Salle 7.3 (45). St Kevin’s 13.7 (85) d old Brighton 8.10 (58). Old Xaverians 20.17 (137) d St Bernard’s 8.8 (56). University Blacks v Old Haileybury.
Premier Men’s Reserves. Ols Scotch 10.10 (70) d Collegians 5.3 (33). De La Salle 8.6 (54) d University Blues 7.9 (51). St kevin’s 17.16 (118) d Old Brighton 5.4 (34). Old Xaverians 11.20 (86) d St Bernard’s 7.10 (52). University Blacks v Old Haileybury. Premier B Men’s. Caulfield Grammarians 9.11 (65) d Old Geelong 7.13 (55). Old Ivanhoe 15.7 (97) d Old Melburnians 13.6 (84). Old Trinity 20.15 (135) d Hampton Rovers 7.8 (50). Williamstown CYMS 16.13 (109) d Fitzroy 7.10 (52). Old Camberwell 11.12 (78) d Old Carey 11.8 974).
Premier B Men’s Reserves. Old Geelong 13.28 9106) d Caulfield Grammarians 2.2 (14). Old Ivanhoe 10.12 (72) d Old Melburnians 4.13 (37). Old Trinity 28.27 (195) d Hampton Rovers 2.1 (13). Fitzroy 7.9 (51) d Williamstown CYMS 5.10 (40). Old Caery 10.4 (64) d Old Camberwell 9.7 (61).
Premier C Men’s. PEGS 15.12 (102) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 3.9 (27). St Bedes/ Mentone 13.11 (89) d Prahran 2.11 (23). AJAX 11.15 (81) d Mazenod 6.6 (42). Marcellin 15.12 (102) d Parkside 9.1 (55). Beaumaris 7.22 (64) d Parkside Vultures 4.6 (30).
Premier C Men’s Reserves. PEGS 8.9 957) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 1.5 (11). St Bedes/Mentone 7.10 (52) d Prahran 6.10 (46). AJAX 16.14 (110) d Mazenod 5.5 (35). Marcellin 9.5 (59) d Parkside 6.9 945). Beaumaris 11.9 975) d Parkdale 8.2 (50).
Division 1 Men’s. UHS-VU 10.17 (77) d Brunswick 6.6 (42). Ormond 11.11 (77) d Old Peninsula 10.13 (73). Kew 18.13 (121) d Oakleigh 10.6 (66). Therry Penola 9.13 (67) d Monash Blues 7.9 (51). Preston Bullants 10.12 (72) d Elsternwick 8.12 (60).
Division 1 Men’s Reserves. Brunswick 12.10 (82) d UHS-VU 7.4 (46). Old Peninsula 7.8 (50) d Omond 3.11 (29). Kew 16.15 (111) d Oakleigh 6.8 (44). Monash Blues 15.17 (107) d Therry Penola7.8 (50). Preston Bullants 13.3 (81) d Elsternwick 11.14 (80).
Division 2 Men’s. West brunswick 13.11 (89) d MHSOB 7.10 (52). St Mary’s Salesian 15.12 (102) d South Melbourne 9.8 (62). Canterbury 19.25 (139) d Hawthorn 8.15 (63). Old Yarra Cobras 21.11 (137) d Whitefriars 7.8 (50). St John’s 13.18 (94) d Aquinas 8.9 (57).
Division 2 Men’s Reserves. West Brunswick 9.14 (68) d MHSOB 4.7 (31). St Mary’s Salesian 7.11 (53) d South Melbourne 7.7 (49). Canterbury 10.17 (77) d Hawtbhorn 7.13 (55). Old Yarra Cobras 12.21 (93) d Whitefriars 6.4 (40). Aquinas 11.16 (82) d St John’s 5.3 (33).
Division 3 Men’s. Power House 16.15 (111) d Box Hill North 3.4 (22). La Trobe University 15.23 (113) d Eley Park 6.6 (42). Albert Park 19.17 (131) d Swinburne University 7.8 (50). North Brunswick 25.18 9168) d Chadstone 5.6 (36). Wattle Park 10.12 (72) d Richmond Central 8.7 (55).
Division 3 Men’s Reserves. Power House 9.12 (66) d Box Hill North 5.6 (36). La Trobe University 28.18 (186) d Eley Park 1.4 (10). Swinburne University v Albert Park. North Brunswick 25.23 (173) d Chadstone 3.2 (20). Richmond Central 14.17 (101) d Wattle Park 4.6 (30).
Eastern
■ Eastern Football League. Premier Division Seniors. Blackburn 17.11 (113) d South Croydon 8.5 (53). Doncaster East 11.14 (80) d Vermont 8.8 (56). East Ringwood 15.14 (104) d mitcham 8.2 (50). Noble Park 26.6 (102) d Berwick 9.3 (57). Balwyn 12.5 (77) d Rowville 10.7 (67). Division 1 Seniors. Montrose 22.12 (144) d Boronia 16.11 (107). North Ringtwood 16.13 (109) d Norwood 7.14 (56). Park Orchards
12.17 (89) d Bayswate5r 9.10 (64). South Berlgrave 9.14 (68) d Beaconsfield 6.7 (43). Mooroolbark: Bye. Division 2 Seniors. Surrey Park 11.9 (75) d Croydon 9.13 (67). Mulgrave 18.9 (1170 d East Burwood 15.7 (97). Heathmont 11.12 (78) d Ringwood 9.7 (61). Waverley Blues 12.11 (83) d Lilydale 9.9 (63). Templestowe 13.11 (89) d Wantirna South 6.11 (47). Division 3 Seniors. Fairpark 14.13 (97) d Silvan 6.8 (44). Scoresby 13.12 (90) d Knox 7.8 (50). Oakleigh District 27.21 (183) d Coldstream 10.6 (66). The Basin 6.8 (44) d Upper Ferntree Gully 5.10 (40). Ferntree Gully 11.7 973) d Donvale 9.12 (66). Division 4 Seniors. Whitehorse Pioneers 18.9 (117) d Bulleen Templkestowe 10.5 (65). Warrandyte 7.14 (56) d Chirnside Park 7.9 (51). Croydon North MLOC 14.16 (100) d Forest Hill 4.9 933). Kilsyth: Bye.
Essendon
■ Premier Division. Aberfeldie 14.16 (100) d Airport West 14.7 (91). Essendon Doutta Stars 27.13 (175) d East keilor 3.6 (24). Deer Park 14.11 (95) d Maribyrnong Park 12.11 (83). Greenvale 8.7 (55) d Pascoe Vale 6.11 (47). Keilor 13.11 (89) d Strathmore 9.6 (60). Division 1. Craigieburn 13.9 (87) d Moonee Valley 6.5 (41). Avondale Heights 14.9 993) d Taylors Lakes 14.8 (92). Oak Park 12.12 (84) d Tullamarine 8.8 956). West Coburg 13.14 (92) d Roxburgh Park 9.8 (62). Hillside 17.13 (115) d St Albans 8.10 (58). Division 2. Westmeaqdows 14.11 (95) d Coburg Districts 9.212 (66). Sunbury Kangaroos d East Sunbury, cancelled. Glenroy 15.19 9109) d Burnside Heights 7.8 950). Northern Sa9ints 16.7 9103) d Hadfield 14.8 (92). Keilor Park 16.10 (106) d Rupertswood 5.11 (41).
Mornington
■ Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Dromana 14.7 (91) d Frankston YCW 9.11 (65). Edithvale-Aspendale 15.9 (99) d Red Hill 9.8 (62). Pines 8.13 (61) d Langwarrin 8.10 (58). Rosebud 17.13 (115) d Mornington 5.6 (36). Sorrento 9.11 (65) d Mt Eliza 9.10 (64). Division 2 Seniors. Bonbeach 14.19 (103) d Rye 11.8 (74). Pearcedale 14.10 (94) d Chelsea 12.9 (81). Crib Point 14.10 (94) d Seaford 10.11 (71). Devon Meadows 28.11 (179) d Karingal 6.0 (36). Somerville 25.26 (176) d Hastings 9.5 (59). Frankston Bombers d Tyabb.
Division 1 Reserves. Dromana v Franikston YCW. Edithvale Aspendale 13.2 (80) d Red Hill 10.6 (66). Pines 8.7 (55) d Langwarrin 4.11 (35). Rosebud 13.11 (89) d Mornington 4.6 (30). Mt Eliza 8.13 (61) d Sorrento 2.9 (21).
Division 2 Reserves. Rye 6.10 (46) d Bonbeach 5.3 (33). Cheslea v Pearcedale. Seaford 4.11 (35) d Crib Point 4.6 (30). Devon Meadows 18.18 (126) d Karingal 4.0 924). Somerville 15.9 (99) d Hastings 1.5 (11). Frankston Bombers v Tyabb.
Division 1 Under 19. Dromana v Frankston YCW. Edithvale Aspendale 15.11 (101) d Red Hill 5.6 (36). Langwarrin 15.17 (107) d Pines 3.2 (20). Mornington 16.14 (110) d Rosebud 2.4 (16). Mt Eliza 18.18 (126) d Sorrento 1.8 (14).
Division 2 Under 19. Bonbeach 7.11 (53) d Rye 7.3 (45). Pearcedaler 7.14 (56) d Chelsea/Edithvale 3.6 (24). Seaford 9.11 (65) d Crib Point 9.1 (55). Somerville 14.19 (103) d Langwarrin 2.0 (12). Mornnington Tyabb Yabbies v Frankston Bombers. Devon Meadows: Bye.
Northern
■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. North Heidelberg 10.10 (70) d Hurstbridge 10.9 (69). Eltham 15.12 (102) d montmorency 13.11 (89). Heidelberg 15.14 (104) d Banyule 8.12 (60). West Preston Lakeside 10.10 (70) d Bundoora 9.3 (57). Grensborough 10.8 (68) d South Morang 9.8 (62).
Division 1 Reserves. North Heidelberg 13.9 (87) d Hurstbridge 12.6 (78). Eltham 15.10 (100) d Montmorency 4.15 (39).
Heidelberg 16.8 (104) d Banyule 5.4 (34). West Preston Lakeside 7.12 (54) d Bundoora 5.5 (35). Greensborough 11.14 (80) d South Morang 10.7 (67).
Division 1 Under 19.5. St Mary’s 14.8 (92) d Greensborough 5.9 (39). Eltham 15.13 (103) d Montmorency 8.7 (55). Heidelberg 8.11 (59) d Banyule 4.8 (32). Diamond Creek 8.10 (58) d Hurstrbidge 7.5 (47).
Division 2 Seniors. Panton Hill 12.13 (85) d Thomastown 9.9 (63). Macleod 10.15 (75) d Old Paradians 2.9 (21). Diamond Creek 13.15 (93) d Watsonia 2.3 (15). Whittlesea 28.12 (180) d Lower Plenty 10.15 (75). Northcote Park 11.6 (72) d St Mary’s 8.14 (62).
Division 2 Reserves. Thomastown 8.18 (66) d Panton Hill 4.9 (33). St Mary’s 12.17 (89) d Northcote Park 7.7 (49). Diamond Creek 8.12 (60) d Watsonia 2.2 (14). Macleod 19.13 (127) d Old Paradians 3.7 (25). Whittlesea 18.15 (123) d Lower Plenty 5.7 (37).
Division 2 Under 19.5. Mernda 8.3 (51) d Heidelberg 5.4 (34). North Heidelberg 13.13 (91) d Macelod 10.6 (66). Laurimar 11.8 (74) d South Morang 8.4 (52). Whittlesea 14.21 (105) d Lower Plenty 3.8 (26).
Division 3 Seniors. Old Eltham Collegians 14.4 (88) d Heidelberg West 10.16 (76). Fitzroy Stars 11.10 (76) d Laurimar 10.8 (68). Kilmore 12.12 (84) d Lalor 5.6 (36). Ivanhoe 16.11 (107) d Kinglake 12.11 (83). Epping 12.7 (79) d Mernda 9.13 (67).
Division 3 Reserves. Old Eltham Collegians 11.18 984) d Heidelberg West 7.7 (49). Fitzroy Stars 8.13 (61) d Laurimar 7.6 (48). Kilmore 19.25 (139) d Lalor 0.2 (2). Ivanhoe 25.l15 (165) d Kinglake 2.0 (12). Mernda 12.13 (85) d Epping 1.6 (12).
Division 3 Under 19.5. Kilmore 14.19 (103) d Bundoora 4.7 (31). Eltham 10.8 (68) d Watsonia 8.14 (62). Paneon Hill 17.8 (110) d Banyule 12.10 (82). Old Paradians: Bye.
Outer East
■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Olinda Ferny Creek 23.13 (151) d Upwey Tecoma 9.8 (62). Gembrook Cockatoo 10.11 (71) d Emerald 9.9 (63). Monbulk 12.10 (82) d Wandin 9.12 (66). Mt Evelyn 9.11 (65) d Healesville 5.5 (35). Officer 15.9 (99) d Woori Yallock 11.14 (80).
Premier Division Reserves. Upwey tecoma 15.16 (106) d Olinda Ferny Creek 21.6 (12). Emerald 9.7 (61) d Gembrook Cockatoo 8.4 (52). Wandin 12.8 (80) d Monbulk 4.6 (30). Mt Evelyn 16.17 (113) d Healesville 1.3 (9). Officer 16.16 (112) d Woori Yallock 1.5 (11).
Division 1 Seniors. Seville 18.11 (119) d Belgrave 11.12 (78). Yarra Glen 14.10 (94) drew with Yea 14.10 (94). Pakenham 10.5 (65) d Alexandra 7.7 (49). Warburton Millgrove 22.10 (142) d Yarra Junction 5.4 (34). Powelltown: Bye.
Division 1 Reserves. Seville 14.4 (88) d Belgrave 4.8 (32). Yea 10.13 (73) d Yarra Glen 4.2 (26). Pakenham 10.6 (66) d Alexandra 5.7 (37). Warburton Millgrove 26.9 (165) d Yarra Junction 2.2 (14). Powelltown: Bye.
Premier Division Under 18 Boys. Olinda Ferny Creek 6.10 (46) d Upwey Tecoma 3.6 (24). Wandin 11.13 (79) d Monbulk 8.8 (56). Mt Evelyn 7.5 (47) d Healesville 3.5 (23). Officer 14.21 (105) d Woori Yallock 0.2 (2). Gembrook Cockatoo: Bye. Division 1 Under 18 Boys. Yea 8.13 (61) d Yarra Glen 2.6 (18). Pakenham 23.17 (155) d Alexandra 0.1 (1). Seville 24.16 (160) d Warburton Millgrove 2.1 (134).
Women’s Division 1. Pakenham 5.13 (43) d Woori Yallock 0.0 (0). Mt Evelyn 9.15 (69) d Healesville 0.1 (1). Upwey Tecoma 9.11 (65) d Olinda Ferny Creek 2.0 (12). Belgrave: Bye.
Women’s Division 2. Wandin 17.10 (121) d Seville 0.0 (0). Yea 3.12 (30) d Officer 3.1 (19). Emerald 5.7 (37) d Thornton Eildon 3.6 (24).
Southern
■ Division 1 Seniors. Dingley 16.8 (104)
d Cheltenham 13.10 (88). Bentleigh 14.10 (94) d Murrumbeena 10.12 (72). Narre Warren 10.16 (76) d East Brighton 7.9 (51). Port Melbourne Colts 11.13 (79) d Springvale Districts 10.9 (69). St Paul’s McKinnon 10.7 (67) d Cranbourne Eagles 7.12 (54).
Division 2 Seniors. Doveton Doves 9.9 (63) d Frankston Dolphins 5.14 (44). Hampton Park 14.21 (105) d Endeavour Hills 7.8 (50). Highett 13.7 (85) d East Malvern 5.8 (38). Chelsea Heights 12.17 (89) d Keysborough 10.3 (63). Mordialloc 16.5 (101) d Caulfield Bears 11.4 (70).
Division 3 Seniors. Carrum Patterson Lakes 9.7 (61) d Lyndhusrt 7.7 (49). South Mornington 10.12 (72) d Heatherton 4.12 (36). St Kilda City 14.23 (107) d Berwick Springs 4.7 (31). Hampton 13.11 (89) d Ashwood 9.9 (63). Black Rock 20.9 (129) d Skye 8.8 (56).
Division 4 Seniors. Hallam 16.15 (111) d Clayton 5.8 (38). Moorabbin Kangaroos 12.9 (81) d Dandenong West 10.5 (65). Lyndale 24.15 (159) d South Yarra 9.10 (64). Narre South Saints 22.25 (157) d Doveton Eagles 4.3 (27).
Western
■ Division 1 Seniors. Yarraville Seddon Eagles 17.16 (118) d Albion 3.4 (22). Caroline Springs 10.5 (65) d Altona 5.9 (39). Parkside 10.13 (73) d Point Cook 7.9 951). Newport 11.3 (69) d Hoppers Crossing 7.21 (63). Werribee Districts 10.14 (74) d Spotswood 8.13 (61). Point Cook d Sunshine 5.11 (41).
■ Division 2 Seniors. Wydnhamvale 19.10 -124) d Laverton Magpies 4.4 (28). Suns 10.12 (72) d Albanvale 4.7 (31). West Footsdcray 11.9 (75) d Sunshine Heights 10.10 (70). North Footscray 27.18 (180) d Western Rams 8.10 (58). Braybrook 28.27 (195) d Tarneit 4.11 (35).
Goulburn Valley
■ Seniors. Rochestert 12.18 (80) d Mooroopna 6.3 (39). Shepparton 17.11 (113) d Benalla 3.11 (29). Echuca 17.6 (108) d Euroa 9.10 (64). Mansfield 24.19 (163) d Tatura 4.3 (27).
■ Reserves. Rochester 15.10 (100) d Mooroopna 2.2 (14). Shepparton 25.20 (170) d Benalla 0.1 (1). Echuca 17.14 (116) d Euroa 7.4 (46). Mansfield 9.9 (63) d Tatura 3.3 (21).
■ Under 18. Rochester 8.10 (58) d Mooroopna 5.3 (33). Shepparton 12.18 (90) d Benalla 1.1 (7). Echuca 15.11 (101) d Euroa 2.1 (13). Mansfield 12.7 (79) d Tatura 6.2 (38).
Kyabram District
■ Seniors. Murchison-Toolamba 31.19 (205) d Merrigum 0.2 (2). Shepparton East 13.9 (87) d Avenel 6.10 (46). Girgarre 8.11 (59) d Undera 8.6 (54).
■ Reserves. Rushworth 19.11 (125) d Violet Town 3.5 (23). Avenel 5.9 939) d Sheppartomn East 4.7 (31). Girgarre 26.13 (169) d Undera 1.1 (77). Lancaster 12.5 (77) d Tallygaroopna 4.4 (28).
■ Under 18. Tigers 10.18 (78) d Violet Town 9.6 (60). Murchison Toolamba 10.10 (70) d Shepparton East 8.7 (55). Tallygaroopna 13.10 (88) d Lancaster 6.8 (44). Girgarre, Longwood: Bye.
Riddell District
■ Seniors. Kyneton 7.12 (54) d Woodend hesket 7.3 (45). Romsey 21.10 (136) d Gisborne Giants 12.14 (86). Riddell 18.9 91170 d Macedon 5.4 (34). Diggers Rest 11.13 (79) d Melton South 7.7 (49). Melton Centrals 17.l8 (110) d Lancefield 13.8 (86).
■ Reserves. Kyneton 16.15 (111) d Woodend Hesket 2.4 (16). Romsey 9.10 (64) d Gisborne Giants 1.3 (9). Riddell 12.5 (77) d Macedon 3.4 (22). Diggers Rest 6.9 (45) d Melton South 4.1 (25). Lancefield 8.6 (54) d Melton Centrals 6.2 (38).
■ Under 19.5. Kyneton 17.20 (122) d Woodend Hesket 2.0 (12). Romsey 4.15 939) d Gisborne Giants 2.8 (20). Riddell 7.9 (51) d Macedon 6.8 (42). Melton South 4.11 (35) d Diggers Rest 4.8 (32). Lancefield, Wallan: Bye.
FIELD SHAPES WELL FOR TURNBULL STAKES
■ The Turnbull Stakes to be held at Flemington on October 4 over 2000 metres.
Glancing at a possible field to go around on the day is shaping up well, prior to nominations.
Prior to the first noms, bookies have the champion mare, Via Sistina, at the top of the opening market in front of the top Queenslander, Antino
Running through the field early, the top two have outstanding form especially Via Sistina, a winner of the classic Cox Plate under the master trainer, Chris Waller. She is outstanding as proven especially in last year’s Cox Plate victory.
Her win in the Queen Elizabeth in Sydney was outstanding back on April 12, it was a big run.
Another class galloper in Antino is the top Queenslander, who has taken all before him. He is prepared by leading Queensland trainer Tony Gollan, one of the best in the business. His record speaks for itself with his outstanding record and in first-class events.
He has won his last two starts, then was too good for them in the Hollindale Stakes on the following start.
He had 14 of his 27 starts at that stage.
The top filly, Treasure the Moment, has set the tracks on fire with her ability,after putting five winning runs into top company at her first five starts.
Prepared by leading Victorian trainer, Matt Laurie, she is by Alabama Express from Draconic Express, and is all class.
Racing against the older horses will make it tough, but she is good.
Buckaroo is a talented performer, placed in the Caulfield Cup, but caught out wide in the Melbourne Cup.
He’s got talent, but finished back in 10th spot in the Hollindale on the Gold Coast on May. However, he’s is in a top stable.
Next, we will have a look at is the Hawkes Team trained CeoWulf: he has talent, but has been racing against the best, and finding it hard to crack it.
He is still capable of running a place.
Then there is the former Sydney Cup winner, Eliyass, who has been battling to hit form after racing against the best.
She was found wanting when ninth in the Doomben Cup. Would have to find something here.
A top galloper on his day is the former New Zealander, Kovalica, now prepared by leading Sydney trainer Chris Waller.
A winner of a couple of classics, he lost a bit of form, but was a strong winner last start at Eagle Farm on June 14, winning the last on Stradbroke Day. He will fire up here I feel.
Then we have the good Sydney galloper, Lindermann, although finishing well back in the Doomben Cup, is better than that. He has raced good races among the best.
One of the best racing in Australia is Mr Brightside, a winner of several million in stakemoney, and is always hard to beat.
The are sure to have him switched on if he goes around in this.
With the Turnbull quite a while off we will follow up the chances better a little later.
Revamped schedule
■ Racing Victoria has released the 2025-2026 race dates which feature a number of changes
Ted Ryan
with up to three tracks out for extended periods after their Spring features owing to major works.
The Valley will close for redevelopment following an historic Ladbrokes Cox Plate meet-
ing on Saturday October 25 this year.
Bendigo and Benalla are earmarked for track upgrades, subject to final approvals, following their Cup meetings.
The planned infrastructure works require 32 meetings to be reallocated as part of arevamped schedule, with half of those moved from the Valley, nine from Benalla, and seven from Bendigo
Four tracks have been chosen to host meetings on behalf of the Moonee Valley Racing Club – Cranbourne, Sportsbet Pakenham, Ladbrokes Geelong, andCaulfield- whilst a range of venues will share the Bendigo and Benalla transfers.
Outside of the infrastructure-related changes, other notable strategic moves next season include a switch of Flemington’s traditional New Year’s Day meeting to a twilight meeting on New Years Eve, along with new dates for the Sportsbet Pakenham Cup and
Latrobes Moe Cup Meetings. The release also served as confirmation that Caulield will retain its Group I meeting on Saturday, Novemeber 15.
The Sportsbet C.F.O Stakes over 1400 metres will relocate from February to headline a revamped racing program.
A total of 530 race meetings have been programmed across the 2025-26 season to best match the active horse population and to support improved horse population and to support impoved field sizes which influence returns through wagering.
The announcement of the 2025-26 race dates comes after extensive consultation through the Industrys’s Racing Forums, which includes representatives from country racing Melbourne Racing Club, Moonee Valley Racing Club, Victoria Racing Club, Thoroughbred Racing Owners Club , the Australian Trainers Assocation, Victoria Jockeys Association, Thoroughbreds Breeders and South Side Racing RV will accounce the 2025-2026 prizemoney schedule following the finalisation of the annual planning and planning procress. It is anticipated that this anticipated that this announcement will be no later than July 25.
Ted Ryan
● ● Another Wil. Racing Photos.
●
(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)
24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK
(Scrap bin available)
LED FOR MOST OF THE JOURNEY
■ Shepparton’s regular Tuesday fixture opened the week’s racing with a nine event card and local duo Lisa and Mark Pitt bookended the program with handy 6Y0 Art Major-Miranda Maguire gelding Sir Sonny Maguire taking the 1690 metre Munro and Associates Conveyancing Pace and Ride HighGleniss Mama filly Ride The Highs the Echuca Race Next Tuesday 2Y0 Pace over the same trip, both driven by Mark.
Sir Sonny Maguire (gate five) led for the majority of the journey after crossing polemarker Alcatraz Girl to easily account for McWizard (inside the second line) along the sprint lane from three pegs, with Cee Cee Lou (one four) from the extreme draw running on late out wide for third. The margins 2.8 by 1.4 metres in a mile rate of 1-56.4.
Ride The Highs was trapped three wide from gate five before pressing on to cross Postit Lafite (gate two) which had crosse polemaker Caties Son which had tried valiantly to lead, but received too much pressure ending up three pegs.
Travelling kindly all of the way, Ride The Highs scored by 14.1 metres over Caties Son along the sprint lane and Mister Seaside one/ one from outside the front line which had moved three wide on the final bend to finish 1.7 metres away third. The mile rate 1-56.3.
■ Sutton Grange trainer Ross Graham also landed a double after 7Y0 Tell All-Poets Glory gelding Whats The Tea greeted the judge in the Wednesday Wager Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres and 5Y0 Used To Me-Pink Or Purple gelding At The Distance the Pacing Stockfeeds and Livestock New Sponsor SHRC Trotters Mobile over the same distance.
Whats The Tea driven by James Herbertson starting inside the second line was quickly away from the markers to possie one out – three back before going forward three wide solo in the last lap.
Sustaining a long run, Whats The Tea did best to prevail by 11.6 metres from his stablemate Against The Bridle which led from outside the front line. Im In Style (one/two from gate six) was third 2.3 metres back. The rate 2-01.1.
At The Distance (Chris Alford) driven by Chris Alford led from gate six before surrendering to stablemate Ox Knox receiving a sweet passage. When Ox Knox raced roughly and galloped approaching the home turn, At The Distance immediately eased outside him and going better raced clear in the straight to defeat Ox Knox which again galloped halfway up the running by 11.6 metres with Abbie (three pegs) 2.1 metres back. Ross’ partner Emily Holmes races both winners.
■ Derrinal trainer/driver Glenn Bull is consistently in the winners circle and on this occasion it was 7Y0 Sunshine Beach-Dilinger Girl gelding Animado who scored in the 2190 metre Cottrells Electrical Pace.
Chasing from the extreme draw to settle three pegs as Illustrious led from gate three, Animado came away from the inside to be one/ one in the last lap before easing wide on turning and race away to register a 3.2 metre margin in advance of Direct Command (gate two second line – three wide at bell from near last).
Kalkadoon Dreaming after racing exposed from gate five battled on gamely for third 2.3 metres away. The mile rate 1-59.7.
■ Mitchellstown trainer/driver Kylie Sugars has her team going great guns at present and 3Y0 Majestic Son-Sunday Service gelding Bumper Service was victorious in the 2190 metre Abby & Abbey SHRC Facebook Maiden Trotters Mobile.
Enjoying a cosy trip from gate two trailing Taken By Wine (gate seven) which showed blistering speed) before handing over to Voldagh (gate three) which shied away from the inside at the bell to race uncovered for the rest of the trip allowing Taken By Wine to again assume control, Bumper Service was angled into the one/one on the home turn and ran home nicely out wide to gain the day by a head from polemarker Jilliby Topgun along the sprint lane from three pegs which sprouted wings. Taken By Wine held third 4.7 metres back. The mile rate 2-04.5.
At Bendigo
■ Bendigo raced on Wednesday with a nine event fixture and veteran Great Western trainer Peter Manning and daughter reinswoman Kerryn both Victorian Hall Of Fame inductees landed a double with a pair of three year olds - Sweet Lou-Torque Of Life gelding Torque Power taking the Impact AFasteners and Construction Supplies Pace
Harness Racing
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
over 1650 metres an Changeover-MHAI Uptown Girl gelding Snickers Express the Haras Des Trotteurs Mobile over 2150 metres.
Torque Power (gate four) was trapped wide as those underneath kicked up before going forward to race outside the poleline pacemaker Karuma Kev with Villarock in the open before taking cover shortly after when Indi Party Mood (gate five) went forward before easing to the one/one as Wicked Mitzi (gate three second line) set off three wide in a race of various changes.
It was then Carramar Olan (gate six) commencing a forward move from the tail giving Indi Party Mood one/one cover momentarily before again moving three wide as Serene Rock went forward in the three wide lane being followed by Torque Power which joined the leader on the final bend.
Racing to the front on turning, Torque Power defied a late challenge from Serene Rock to score by 1.5 metres returning a mile rate of 154.4. Wicked Mitzi held third a head away in a thrilling finish.
■ Snickers Express after going forward at the start from gate five was able to cross the leader poleline leader Waikare Adrianna shortly after and was never headed, accounting for Karbine (three pegs from gate two second line) which rushed home after being extricated approaching the final bend, with Waikare Adrianna third after making use of the sprint lane. The mile rate 2-02.8. Prior to the all clear, Karbine was relegated to third after galloping over the concluding stages.
■ Torrumbarry based Faye McEwan’s very honest 7Y0 Skyvalley-Misty Elle gelding Watch And Act notched up his 14th success in 115 outings (29 placings) by greeting the judge in the 2150 metre VSTA Trotters Cup (1st Heat). Driven by Ellen Tormey, Watch And Act (10 metres) settled three back in the moving line as Apex (barrier two) led being eye balled by the favourite Constant (barrier four) outside him.
Easing three wide in the last lap, Watch And Act sprinted brilliantly to take a slender lead on the home turn and score by 4.3 metres in a rate of 2-04.9 from Constant who wouldn’t give in. Buslin Brody (barrier three – one/one –three wide home turn) was third 1.7 metres away.
■ Ellen Tormey combined with Charlton based father John aboard Bacardi Lindy-Always Treasure mare Dona Amalia to snare the 2150 metre Bendigo Locksmiths Trotters Mobile.
Slow to begin from gate six to settle at the rear as speedy beginner Jessicas Story led from gate four, Dona Amalia had moved to be one/ two racing for the bell and when eased three wide in the last lap finished her race off well to register a 1.5 margin over Just Abit Rusty which had shown a lightning burst of speed from the rear in the back straight on the first occasion after commencing from the extreme draw to take over. Montana Chevelle (gate five) after racing exposed battled on gamely for third 4.8 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.7.
■ Moyreisk trainer Barry Ainsworth was respon sible for a great training feat after 8Y0 Andover Hall-Glenferrie Sunbird gelding Ikara first up since March 2021 landed the 2150 metre Aldebaran Park Trotters Mobile.
Driven by son Ashley for mother Katrina, Ikara began safely from the pole but couldn’t muster resulting in him being shuffled from three pegs on settling to the tail of the field mid-race as Azalia May (gate six) had crossed Midnite Muscle (gate four) with The Vicars Girl crossing her from outside the front line shortly after.
Going forward three wide hitting the back straight on the final occasion, Ikara quickly made ground to lead in the last lap and defy all challengers to greet the judge by 5.7 metres from Azalia May and Midnite Muscle (9.6 metres away) in a mile rate of 2-03.
9 events
■ It was Kilmore trots on Thursday with a nine event even program which brought up some rough results while the local area was on fire with four winners including a double for Romsey’s Chris Svanosio and stable foreman Ross Payne after both The Italian Dream and Promise Dream scored in their respective races.
Three year old Quaker Jet-Alegria Queen filly The Italian Dream was successful in the O’Brien Electrical Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres and four year old Lucky ChuckyCalder Son mare Promise Dream the Broadsread Kilmore Trotters Mobile over the same trip.
The Italian Dream (gate five) ran home solidly from three back in the moving line to register an 11.8 metre margin over Gianvito (one/ one from the extreme draw) before switching to the sprint lane, with the pacemaker Jetaway Saint (gate two) third a half head away. The mile rate 2-05.4.
Promise Dream after racing parked from gate six showed plenty of courage on turning to prevail by a half neck from Carla Pixie (gate four) which led before trailing Kyvalley Anthony (gate five) and using the sprint lane.
Coconut Mickey (gate two) also used the sprint lane from three pegs for third 3.8 metres back.
The quinella paying $557.90 and the trifecta a massive $10,506.60. The mile rate 2-04.7.
■ Kilmore’s Corey Bell snared the 1690 metre Styles Construction Pace with Sea Hawke in a rate of 1-59.5. Driven by Jordan Leedham, Sea Hawke despite racing uncovered from outside the front line was too strong for the pacemaker Star Ruler (gate two), scoring by a half head only, with Sweet Emmylou (gate five) a stablemate of the winner third 3.2 metres back after trailing the leader. It was Sea Hawke’s first success since a Burnie (Tasmania) victory way back in March 2023.
■ In what’s been a sad week for Monegeetta’s David Miles and family, Ultimate MacheteSavior Clare filly Evil Eye led throughout from gate five to land the 2180 metre Jet Roofing Mares Pace.
Allowed to bowl along, Evileye had too much in reserve for Bet ShezA Lady which trailed, with Clives Girl (one/one) third from gate three 29.5 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.2. (See below)
■ Racing commenced with the Coulter Legal Pace over 2180 metres taken out by Heathcote trainer Terry French’s 10Y0 Well Said-Without Guile gelding Joeys Hangover at odds of $79.50 when making his 230th race appearance. Driven by son-in-law Alby Ashwood, Joeys Hangover (27 wins – 49 placings) after a cosy four peg passage from the extreme draw ran home late along the sprint lane to gain the day by a half head over Miki Mark which followed the winner before easing wide on turning. Bettorsweetvictory came from the tail for third 3.2 metres away in a mile rate of 2-01.3. The quinella paying $557.90 and the trifecta a massive $10,506.60.
■ Former Kilmore trainer Wayne Potter now based at the Kialla Training Centre brought off a decent plunge when first starter Atomic Black backed in from around $8 in the morning line to run a hot $1.90 favourite before winning the JC Windows 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1690 metres.
With daughter Tasmyn in the sulky, Atomic Black although racing in the open from gate two was too tough at the finish, greeting the judge by 10.7 metres in advance of Yesnoletsgo which rushed home from a mile back after starting from gate six. Delightful Miki on debut from gate three for Kari Males and Ewa Justice came from the tail for third 1.4 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.6.
Vale Marty Miles
■ A large gathering of family, friends, and locals attended a Memorial Service at the Romsey Recreational Reserve last Friday July 4 for well known and respected former Monegeetta owner/trainer Marty Miles (77) who passed away on Sunday June 29 following a long illness.
Marty married to Laurel and father of David, Carmel and Leigh with both David and Leigh heavily involved in the industry.
Marty was an institution in the Macedon Ranges, Monegeetta, Romsey and Bolinda areas who would go out of his way to assist anyone who needed a helping hand.
Marty and Laurel had taken David all around Victoria when he commenced as a junior reinsman and although very tiring at times, never shirked the issue which saw David develop into one of the most prominent trainer/ drivers today.
I am sure that the majority of the Macedon Ranges community who knew Marty would have given the family their condolences.
Inter Dominion
■ What was once the Premium harness event held in Australia and New Zealand – the Inter Dominion commenced at Brisbane’s Albion Park last Saturday featuring three heats for pacers and two for trotters over a two week period. The huge drawcard being Queensland’s and possibly the world’s best pacer Leap To Fame going for two Inters straight.
Victoria could play a big hand in the racing with Better Eclipse and Rakero Rebel (Jess Tubbs), Tango Tara and Catch A Wave (Andy Gath) competing in the first Pacers Heat and Aldebaran Acrux (Chris Svanosio) and Parisian Artiste (Alby Ashwood/Tayla French) contesting the first Trotters Heat, while Harry Stamper (Joe Pace) and Arcee Phoenix (Chris Svanosio) will do battle in the second Trotters Heat.
This was the story briefly – Pacers Heat One 2138 metres
Local trainer Shannon Price’s 5Y0 Captaintreacherous-Musical Delight gelding Sure Thing Captain (three wide from gate four) was able to cross Rakero Rebel (gate two) to lead and wasn’t headed, accounting for Victorian pair Catch A Wave (three wide trail from well back in the last lap after starting from gate four on the second line). Rakero Rebel was third and stablemate Better Eclipse fourth from three pegs. The mile rate 1-54.3.
Heat tw: Cobbity (NSW) trainer Luke McCarthy’s very good 5Y0 Art Major-Cino Amigos entire Don Hugo after going forward from gate three on the second line into a one/ one spot as local Aroda (gate four) led was far superior for his rivals, defeating Captains Knock which raced exposed from outside the front line. Agoda held third and Cya Art fourth. The mile rate 1-52.4.
Heat Three: Champion 6Y0 Bettors DelightLettucereason entire Leap To Fame had nothing more than a “stroll in the park” to cruise to victory in the quickest heat (1-52.1). Quickly away from inside the second line, Grant Dixon sent the series favourite forward to assume control putting the race beyond doubt, before coasting to a 9.2 metre margin in advance of Kiwi Pinseeker which had found the lead from gate three, with NSW hope Petes Said So (leader from gate two) before handing over to Pinseeker and ending up three pegs third.
Max Delight was fourth.
The Trotters Heat one – 2138 metres.
A rough result saw Queenslander 8Y0 Skyvalley-Golden Wahine mare Golden Sunset, a former Victorian successful for trainer Shawn Grimsay. Easing away from inside the second line as the start was effected, Golden Sunset went forward to race outside the leader Hammer Son (gate four) which was eased to allow her to stride clear and rated well by Nathan Dawson, defied all challengers to prevail by a head from Gus (extreme draw - three wide last lap from the rear). Victorian Parisian Artiste (one four from gate six – wide last lap) was third and
was fourth. Hot favourite
To A
(gate three after causing a false start galloped wildly shortly after the start in the second attempt taking no part. The mile rate 1-56.3.
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BED. Single. Electric folable with massage and remote control. Adjustable back, legs and height. New Aspire mattress. German motor. EC. $500. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q
BED HEAD. Wooden. And base. With slats. As new. $80. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC
BIKE. Ladies. Make: Friction Huffey. Purple. Plus helmet, basket and pump. VGC. $110. Pakenham. 5940 5018. R-U
reegal 2009 Aussie Tourer Caravan. Full ensuite with separate shower, queen bed and AC/heater, TV, stereo, gas cooktop, microwave, comes with cover and large outdoor mat. EC. $32,000. Taggerty. 0438 782 112. R-U
CARAVAN. 21’6” 2014 Crusader. Reg till Feb. 2026. Full ensuite, separate shower/toilet, queen bed, a/c heater, TV radio, Gas/Elec. cooktop, micro washing machine, solar panel, large fridge, freezer, new tyres and batteries. many extras. EC. $40,000 ONO. Mount Eliza. 0429 877 964. Z-CC
COLLECTORS Melway Nos 9, 20, 33. Wax matches (234) in book, 17 loose. VFL Records, finals, mainly Richmond. Small and large. Phone cards. Vatious prices. Box Hill South., 9890 7904.N-Q
CRIME FICTION BOOKS. Various authors. Harlen Coben, James Patterson plus others. GC. $2, or 3 for $5. Mill Park. 052 665 276. H-O
DOG KENNEL. Plastic. Grey colour. Very clean. never used as kennel. GC. $10. Purchaser to collect. Doreen. 9717 3465. N-Q
EDISON STANDARD PHONOGRAM Serial Nuimber 638427. October 1905 with five Edison goldmoulded records complete with reproducing trumpet model C. Rare antqiue, working well. VGC. $1850. Glen Iris. 0407 276 973. Z-CC
ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set A-Z. GC. $50. Frankston. 9789 9634. Z-CC
FORD AUII Fairport V8 Sedan. Original.Runs well. No rust. Good tyres, new screen, bring your mechanic or RACV test, RWC. Reg 7/27. 2AN3XE. VCG. $8000. Seymour. 0419 881 573. N-Q
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LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $30. Ashburton. 9885 2203. Z-CC
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