The Local :Paper. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., Oct. 22, 2025

Local Paper

$2.6 MILLION FOR CLOVERTON STUDY

■ Mitchell Shire Council has welcomed a $2.6 million investment from the Federal Government to help plan a new Cloverton regional city in Melbourne’s north.

The funding, delivered through the Urban Precincts and Partnerships Program, will support the PioneeringUrbanInnovation:Planning aNewCityinMelbourne’sNorth project – a regional partnership between Hume City Council, Mitchell and Whittlesea Councils, Stockland, and Wurundjeri (Registered Aboriginal Party).

“The project will explore the creation of a mixed-use activity centre on Cloverton Boulevard, unlocking new opportunities for housing, employment, and transport across Melbourne’s northern growth corridor,” said a Mitchell Council representative.

“It comes after the three councils co-signed a Regional Partnership Agreement in 2023 to formally commit to the collaborative planning and delivery of the proposed new city.”

The city will service a regional catchment of approximately 380,000 residents and support around 50,000 jobs once complete.

Cloverton will become the primary employment and service hub for the growing areas of Beveridge and Wallan

“The Council partnership was created to work together to ensure Cloverton will be effectively developed as a new city for the north of Melbourne.”

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said:

“By working together, our three councils, alongside Stockland and Wurundjeri, can make sure Cloverton develops as a well-connected, sustainable and liveable city,” he said.

“Mitchell Shire is proud to be a key partner in planning this new regional city. With Beveridge and Wallan set to experience significant growth, this project will be critical to ensuring our residents have access to jobs, services and community facilities close to home.

“The Federal Government’s support for this partnership helps us take a major step towards delivering a sustainable and connected future for Melbourne’s north.

“This is about planning smart, inclusive growth – not just for one municipality, but for an entire region.”

Hume City Mayor Cr Jarrod Bell said: “This groundbreaking announcement by the federal government validates what we’ve known for a long time – that what we’ve been doing is not working and we must take a different approach to planning regional precincts.

“We have been advocating for a mixed-use hub in this rapidly growing area of Hume, and it’s critical we have the support of all levels of government to ensure our residents have access to services no matter where they live.

“We’re proud to be working alongside key partners and our community to shape an investment-ready regional precinct that will drive employment, enhance transport connectivity, deliver diverse housing options, while celebrating local cultural and community life,” Cr Bell said.

KALKALLO BURGLARY: POLICE ASK FOR HELP

■ Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a burglary in Kalkallo

Investigators have been told an unknown man attended the Tungsten Drive residence just after 1.30pm on September 23.

The man rang the doorbell and checked underneath the door before walking away.

A short time later, an unknown man entered the backyard of the property before gaining entry to the house and stealing designer watches, sunglasses, a mobile phone and $1500 cash.

Investigators have released images and CCTV of a man who they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

He is perceived to be Caucasian in appearance, with a medium build, and in his 20s or 30s.

He was wearing sunglasses, a black Adidas hooded jumped, jeans, and white Nike Air Max shoes with pink detail.

Anyone who can identify the man or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

● ● ● ● Cr Jarrod Bell, Hume Mayor

The Local Paper

CONFIDENTIAL REPORT PUBLISHED

Local Briefs

Wallan man arrested

■ A man has been charged following a stabbing in Craigieburn on October 13.

Police were called to reports of a brawl between four men outside a shopping centre on Craigieburn Rd about 6.40pm. It is alleged one of the men produced a knife and stabbed two other men during the altercation.

A 26-year-old and 55-year-old were transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

A 28-year-old Wallan man was arrested at the scene.

He has been charged with intentionally cause injury, common assault, affray, possess controlled weapon, assault police, discharge missile and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

A second offender fled prior to police arrival.

It is believed the parties involved are known to each other.

The investigation is ongoing.

$4.4m Shire deficit

■ An underlying annual deficit of $4.489 million is currently expected by Murrin-dindi Shire Council for the 2025-26 financial year, according to documents to be tabled at the Council meeting on Wednesday (Oct. 22).

This revised budget figure compares to the expected $4.570 million annual deficit figure orginally announced by Council. There is an $80,000 difference between the two figures.

Council financial reporting expresses financial performance in a number of different ways.

The original surplus figure, prior to capital adjustments, was $1.085 million.

‘Statement B’ provides a Balance Sheet that compares assets and liabilities.

‘Statement C’ is a cash flow statement with inflows and outflows. The inflows include figures for cash flows from operating activities, cash flow from investing activities, and cash flows from financing activities.

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has publicly published a confidential report which lists assessments of tenderers for general maintenance contracts.

The report lists seven applicants who have sought to share in contracts totalling $3 million over five years.

The report, due to be presented by Cr Eric Lording at the Murrindindi Council meeting on Wednesday, October 22, suggests that the contracts be awarded to a panel consisting of extension, to the following suppliers:

■ Trevor Carns

■ Melbourne Master Painting & Maintenance Pty Ltd

■ The Trustee for the Venn Family T/As Venn Civil Pty Ltd

■ Kinglake Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd

■ Auzzie Engineering Pty Ltd

■ Farley Pools Pty Ltd

■ Gilligan Property Services Pty Ltd.

It is suggested that there be an initial term of three years, commencing on January 1, 2026, with an option for a two-year extension.

The report was included in a list of attachments to the Council meeting agenda, published at the Shire website late Friday (Oct. 17).

The Council report listed the hourly rates of 11 tenderers, in each year of the contract. Firstyear rates listed in the document were:

■ Trevor Carns, $60

■ Melbourne Master Painters Pty Ltd, $77

■ The Trustee for Venn Family T/A Venn Civil Pty Ltd, $100

■ Kinglake Plumbing & Drainage Pty Ltd, $105

■ Auzzie Engineering Pty Ltd, $70

■ Farley Pools Australia Pty Ltd, $85

■ Gilligan Property Services Pty Ltd, $115

■ Elsum Developments Pty Ltd, $65

■ Knot Only Carpentry Pty Ltd (Naylor), $110

■ Whitehorse Projects and Maintenance Squared PtyLtd, $100

■ West Pacific Group Pty Ltd, $110.

As well as general labour rates, the fees of each coimpany were published for welding and structural inspection rates, those rates for outside normal working hours, emergency call out fees, and margins on materials.

Evaluation scores for each tenderer were publicly published in the Council document.

An assessment of one firm was published with the comment: “Good communication and response time, quality of work is very good.”

“Over the past five years, Council has spent approximately $1.9m under the existing general maintenance panel contract. It is anticipated that Council will spend close to $3m over the next five years for general maintenance services with the additional services included in the contract,” the report said.

Kalimna query

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has questioned the under-use of Kalimna House at Healesville.

“The demand for social and community housing for low-income earners and those on pensions is very high, and the government is failing miserably in this area.

“Why then is the public housing facility Kalimna House in Healesville not being used to its full potential?

“Kalimna House at 5 Bradshaw Drive in Healesville can house up to 22 single adults. I understand that currently there is only one occupant.

“This leaves 21 vacant rooms, and it has been that way for over 12 months. With the public housing crisis in Victoria, locals are now wondering how so many purpose-built rooms for low-income earners can remain unoccupied for so long.

“More than two years ago I was advised that a redevelopment was being considered. However, in the meantime, this facility has been underutilised.

“We know the state is virtually broke, and this is an example of why,” Ms McLeish said.

Top appointment

■ Rebecca McKenzie is likely to be appointed to Murrindindi Shire Council’s independent advisor role for the CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee

Due to be discussed at the shire meeting tonight (Wed., Oct. 22) Ms McKenzie is recommended for her extensive human resource management experience.

● ● Cr Eric Lording

The Local Paper

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

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

ABOUT US

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

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

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Ash on Wednesday

Charges after Bundoora burglary

■ Detectives charged two people in relation to an alleged burglary in Bundoora on July 27. Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives, Mill Park Divisional Response Unit officers and Melbourne West uniform officers executed a search warrant at a property on Dandenong Rd in Caulfield North on October 10.

Police arrested two people and seized a number of items, including:

■ a Ford Mustang allegedly stolen from Fifer Rise in Bundoora on July 27

■ a Toyota Hilux allegedly stolen from Flinders Lane in Melbourne on August 19

■ a Harley Davidson motorcycle with allegedly cloned plates

■ a firearm allegedly stolen from a Richmond address

■ alleged traffickable quantities of methylamphetamine, cocaine and 1,4butanediol.

A 41-year-old man has since been charged with prohibited person possess firearm, prohibited person possessing a Cat A or Cat B firearm, traffick methylamphetamine, two counts of theft of motor vehicle and disqualified driving.

A 32-year-old woman has been charged with prohibited person possess firearm, prohibited person possessing a Cat A or Cat B firearm, traffick methylamphetamine and two counts theft of motor vehicle.

They were both bailed to appear at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on December 12.

Long Shots

Epping hit-run

■ Greensborough Highway Patrol officers are investigating a hit and run collision that left a 54-year-old motorcyclist with serious injuries in Epping on Tuesday (Oct. 14).

The rider was turning right from Edgars Rd onto Oherns Rd when the driver of a VW Golf or VW Polo overtook the rider about 10.15am.

The VW collided with the rider and the driver continued along Oherns Rd, failing to stop at the scene.

The rider, a Wollert man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries where he WAS in a stable condition.

Officers appeal to the driver of the VW to come forward.

Council view

■ Whittlesea Council says that it will be considering all elements of the Commission of Inquiry report in due course but will not be providing further comment.

“The City of Whittlesea welcomes any process that seeks to further strengthen good governance and support the safety and well-being of the Council and staff.”

It says it will continue to deliver the important services, programs and facilities its community needs, and will continue to represent the needs of the local community.

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

Cartoonist

SEYMOUR DISTRICT CRICKET: WEEK 2 SCORES

■ A-Grade. Pyalong A Grade 5/117 v Yea Tigers A Grade 2/138. At Pyalong Recreation Reserve.

Puckapunyal Senior Mixed A 8/84 v Alexandra A Grade 7/88. At Puckapunyal Cricket Ground.

Tallarook A Grade 3/163 v Seymour 9/61. At Tallarook Recreation Reserve / Tallarook Recreation Reserve

Bye: Avenel Senior Men A

■ B-Grade. Pyalong B Grade 4/101 v Yea Tigers B Grade 6/65. Pyalong Recreation Reserve

Puckapunyal Senior Mixed B 10/69 v Alexandra B Grade 2/122. Puckapunyal Cricket Ground

Tallarook B Grade 7/87 v Seymour Senior Mixed B 8/63. Tallarook Recreation Reserve

Bye: Avenel Senior Men B ★

Pyalong 5/117 v Yea Tigers 2/138 At Pyalong Recreation Reserve Yea Tigers A-Grade won the toss and elected to bat Yea Tigers A-Grade Batting

Thomas White

Zak Mills

Dylan Thompson

Austen Ross

James Simpson

Jake Fish

Cameron Armstrong

Will Dalton

James Lincvoln

Seth Perkins

Marc Steiner

Total ......................................... 2/138 (20 overs)

Bowling (O-M-R-W): Matthew Pratt 4-1-15-0, Steven Mitchell 4-1-15-1, Mitchell Wittig 4-031-0, Anthony Pratt 4-0-35-0, Alexander Ryan 2-0-20-0, James Wilkins 2-0-22-0. Pyalong A-Grade Batting

James Hadjiloukas, c James Simpson, b Will Dalton ............................................ 16

Dermott Clancy, c Austen Ross, b James Simpson ...................................... 4

Jamie Pryor, c Jake Fish, b Dylan Thompson .................................. 22

Daniel Sowden, c Thomas White, b Austen Ross ........................................... 16

Paul Dugard, C Austen Ross, b Thomas White ...................................... 29

Kane Webb, not out ...................................... 6

Matthew Pratt, not out .................................. 9

Alexander Ryan, did not bat

Steven Mitchell, did not bat

Mitchell Wittig, did not bat

Anthony Pratt, disd not bat

Extras: 7WD, 7NB, 1LB, 0B, 0P ..................... 15

Total ........................................ 5/117 (20 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 1-18 Dermott Clancy, 2-50 Jamie Pryor, 3-55 James Hadjiloukas, 4-93 Daniel Sowden, 5-104 Paul Dugard. ★

Puckapunyal 8/84 v Alexandra 7/88

At Puckapunyal Cricket Ground

Puckapunyal Senior Mixed A won the toss and elected to bowl.

Puckapunyal Mixed A - 1st Innings

William Ashton, c Madison Albers, b Danny Fountain ................................... 20

Scott Whitehead, c Danny Fountain, b Lachlan Deeble ....................................... 5

Matthew Wal, b Coiaran Founatain ............. 15

Vinu Hewage, lbw Danny Fountain .............. 3

Levi Ronalds, b Fill-in .................................. 7

Private player, lbw Danny Fountain ............. 2

Joshua Crane, not out ................................. 13

Fill-in, b Fill-in ............................................. 12

Justin Leary, not out ..................................... 4

Will Ellis, did not bat

Jordan Ferrier, did not bat

Extras: 7WD, 0NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P ..................... 7

Total ........................................... 7/88 (2o overs)

Fall of Wickets: 1-6 Scott Whitehead, 2-39 Matthew Wal, 3-42 Vinu Hewage, 40-51 William Ashton, 5-53 Player, 6-55 Levi Ronalds, 7-73 Player.

Bowling: Madison Albers 4-0-17-0, Lachlan Deeble 3-0-15-1, Ciaran Founatain 4-0-19-1, Fill-in 1-0-7-0, Danny Fountain 4-1-11-3, Fill-in 4-0-19-2. Alexandra A-Grade - 1st Innings

Nicholas Bennetts, c ?, b Justin Leray ........ 18

Charles Davies, c Levi Ronalds, b Justin Leary .......................................... 21

Ciaran Founatain, b Justin Leary ................ 5

JamesVoogt, c Joshua Crane, b Vinu Hewage .......................................... 2

Danny Fountain, st Fill-in, b Levi Ronalds ........................................... 9

Joel Baker, c William Ashton, b Levi Ronalds .......................................... 0

Thomas Loft, b William Ashton ................... 8

Lachlan Deeble, not out .............................. 6

Fill-in, b William Ashton ............................... 0 Fill-in, not out ............................................... 0

Madison Albers, did not bat Extras: 15WD, 0NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P ................... 15

Total ........................................... 8/84 (20 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 1-36 Charles Davies, 2-51 Ciaram Founatain, 3-53 Nicholas Bennetts, 4-59 James Voogt, 5-61 Joel Baker, 6-73 Danny Fountain, 784 Thomas Loft, 8-84 Player.

Bowling: Matthew Wal,, 3-0-11-0, Joshua Crane 2-0-20-0, Justin Leary 4-0-19-3, Vinu Heage 4-09-1, Jordan Ferrier 3-1-9-0, Levi Ronalds 3-111-2, William Ashton 1-0-5-2.

★

Tallarook 3/163 v Seymour 9/61

At Tallarook Recreation Reserve Tallarook A-Grade won the toss and elected to bat

Seymour A-Grade Batting

Joshua Rudge, lbw Lachlan Drummond ..... 4

Mitch Itter, run out Jason Brown ................ 58

Lachlan Watts, b Hugh Smith .................... 61

Leigh Irving, not out ................................... 25

Andrew Dundon, not out .............................. 3

Xavier Arandt, did not bat

Matthew Archibald, did not bat

Tarlkyn Dundon, did not bat

Samuel Manchester, did not bat

Hamish Melville, did not bat

Blake Munari-O’Dwyer, did not bat Extras: 11WD, 1NB, 0LB, 0B, 0P .................. 12

Total ....................................... 3/163 (20 overs)

Fall of Wickets: 1-12 Joshua Rudge, 2-132 Mitch Itter, 3-139 Lachlan Watts.

Bowling: Braidon Horkings 4-0-35-0, Brodey Pointon 4-0-24-0, Lachlan Drummond 4-1-14-1, Hugh Smith 4-0-32-1, Daniel Bergowicz 4-0-480.

Tallarook A-Grade Batting

Jason brown, c Andrew Dundon, b Blake Munari-O’Dwyer .......................... 0

Lachlan Drummond, c Lachlan Watts, b Blake Munari-O’Dwyer .......................... 9

Brett Gordon, blw Matthew Archibald ........ 2

Daniel Bergowicz, c: Joshua Rudge, b Blake Munari-O’Dwyer .......................... 0

Bradidon Horkings, b Matthew Archibald .. 16 Brodey Pointon, c Lachlan Watts, b Matthew Archibald ................................ 0

Luke Woolan, b Xavier Arandt ..................... 6

Hugh Smith, b Kalon Winnell ...................... 7 Doug France, b Samuel Manchester ............ 3 Kharl Sison, not out ...................................... 4 Benjamin MacPherson, not out ................... 0

Extras: 11WD, 1NB, 2LB, 0B, 0P .................. 14

Total ........................................... 9/61 (20 overs) Fall of Wickets: 1-1 Jason Brown, 2-15 Lechaln Drummond, 3-15 Daniel Bergowicz, 4-15 Brett Gordon, 5-16 Brodey Pointon, 6-40 Braidon Horkings, 7-43 Luke Woolan, 8-53 Hugh Smith, 9-61 Doug France.

Bowling: Blake Munari-O’Dwyer 4-0-18-3, Lachlan Watts 1-0-6-0, Matthew Archibald 3-013-3, Xavier Arandt 4-1-11-1, Samuel Manchester 3-0-6-1, Kalon Winnell 2-1-1-1, Tarkyn Dundon 2-1-2-0, Hamish Melville 1-0-2-0.

Inland rail works

■ Inland Rail works are being undertaken in Broadford, Tallarook and Wandong across key sites to provide sufficient clearance for double-stacked freight trains. There will be extended work hours and some temporary road closures across the sites during October and November.

Nominations open

■ Nominations are now open for the 2026 Mitchell Shire Australia Day Community Awards.

These awards provide an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the contributions made by members of our community. Anyone can nominate an individual or group they believe deserve recognition for their valuable selfless service to the local community.

Nominations close 9am, Friday, November 7.

Chopper chase through North

■ Operation Trinity units have arrested a man following an extended follow through the northern suburbs of Melbourne last Tuesday morning (Oct. 14).

The 2024 Toyota RAV4, which was stolen from Mernda Railway Station over the weekend, was spotted on Plenty Rd just after 11.30pm.

The Air Wing was called in to assist units on the ground as the vehicle travelled along the M80. It is believed the vehicle was traveling up to speeds of 140-kmh while on the freeway and at other times overtaking on the wrong side of the road.

The Toyota exited the freeway at Sydney Rd before travelling through several suburbs including Coburg, Brunswick, Moonee Ponds and Avondale Heights

After travelling on the Western Ring Road and into Glenroy and Brunswick police successfully deployed stop sticks in Walsh St, Coburg.

The RAV4 eventually came to a stop after crashing into a parked car nearby.

The driver and passenger ran from the scene with police close behind.

The 30-year-old driver, who had jumped several backyard fences to try and get away, was arrested by police in Hardwick St.

A search of the area failed to find the passenger.

The driver of no fixed address, who appeared substance affected, was taken to hospital for medical treatment.

He was under police guard and was to be interviewed in relation to the incident.

A search of the stolen vehicle uncovered multiple items of stolen property.

Seville school misses funding

■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence has described Seville Primary School as “fantastic”.

“Seville Primary School is a fantastic school in my local community, yet sadly in the Labor Government’s budget earlier this year Seville Primary School again missed out on vital funding needed to rebuild classrooms and facilities that are no longer fit for purpose,” Ms Vallence told Parliament.

“My question is to the Minister for Education on behalf of Seville Primary School students, families and teachers: when will you provide funding for major upgrades to rebuild classrooms and facilities at Seville Primary School?

“This would ensure modern and safe new classrooms; a new library, kitchen and canteen; and new toilets, which can double as a bushfire refuge in times of emergency.

“It would fix current issues, including leaking roofs, holes in the floors, asbestos and other things that will never be able to be fixed by patch jobs under the Department of Education’s unsatisfactory maintenance plan.

“I take the opportunity to congratulate Leigh Hallett as the new principal of Seville Primary School, and I will work with him, school council president Courtney O’Keefe and the entire Seville Primary School community,” Ms Vallence said.

BURNING FLAGS: IT’S CRIMINAL Local News

■ Northern Victoria MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has taken the first step in criminalising the desecration of both the Australian and Victorian flags.

Ms Tyrrell has moved in the Legislative Council that the Allan Labor Government enact legislation to criminalise the act.

Ms Tyrrell said that the Australian national flag and Victorian State Flag was the enduring symbol of the nation, representing Australian history, values and unity.

The motion comes after the burning of an Australian flag by pro-Palestine protesters at a rally in Melbourne in early August.

“Like many Victorians, I was disgusted by the scenes of the Australian flag being set alight and destroyed by so called ‘peaceful’ protesters,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“Such desecration of our flags symbolises an attack on our State and our Country and is not an acceptable act of protest.”

Ms Tyrrell referenced a recent poll commissioned by the Institute of Public Affairs that found 77 per cent of those polled believed that burning the Australian national flag should be against the law.

“There is too much divisiveness in our society; I believe our flags represent our unity as Victorians and Australians,” Ms Tyrrell said.

“The act of burning an Australian or Victorian flag should be a crime and I call on Premier Jacinta Allan to enact appropriate legislation to make it so.”

The motion was defeated.

Stations must be open: Lovell

● Opposition Leader Brad Battin visited Mernda station to find it shut

■ Wendy Lovell, Northern Victoria MLC,has slammed the State Government for “betraying” residents in the outer northern suburbs, after hearing from sources that Mernda and Epping police stations will soon be closed every weekend.

Ms Lovell told Parliament that she was informed that from November 2, Mernda and Epping police stations will only be open Monday-Friday 10am-6pm, and Whittlesea station will only be open two days a week.

Latest data shows that crime increased by 28.5 per cent in the City of Whittlesea last year.

“In the Whittlesea Police Service Area, which covers around 250,000 residents, three of the four police stations in the area will be closed every weeknight and weekend, leaving only one police station, Mill Park, open to serve the entire municipality on Saturdays, Sundays, and evenings,” Ms Lovell said.

“Victims of family violence often walk into a police station at night to seek refuge and report violent attacks in the home. But after Labor’s planned closures, only one of the four stations will be open at night to help.

“Mernda police station is relatively new, opening in 2017 at a cost of $15 million for a state-of-the-art facility with modern interview rooms and high-security features.

“It is supposed to be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but when Liberal leader Brad Battin tried to visit Mernda station, he discovered that it was closed in the middle of the day.

“The Labor Government boasted that Mernda station would be opened with 45 extra frontline police officers, but they are not boasting anymore.

“Mernda and Epping stations are operating at only around 50 per centof their staffing, and Mill Park is even worse off, with some insiders estimating that it operates at only 30-40 per centof its staffing.”

Ms Lovell said:“Crime is out of control in Victoria, but the Allan Labor Government has cut police funding and left over a thousand vacant positions unfilled.”

Fireys get political

■ Firefighters kicked off their political action targeting marginal seats with a visit to Eltham Fire Station this month.

Firefighters informed residents of cuts to the fire service, ageing trucks and moves to undermine public safety.

They said their campaign was first wave of this statewide action aimed at making local MPs accountable.

Partnership time

■ Goulburn Valley Water and Marysville Golf and Bowls Club are celebrating a 20year partnership that helped transform the club’s irrigation system, and ensured its long-term sustainability.

The club has grown from a modest ninehole golf course into a vibrant communityowned facility which now has 18 holes nestled in the scenic surrounds of the Steavenson River.

Marysville Triangle News

Death at Mill Park

■ Police are investigating a fatal single vehicle crash in Mill Park on Sunday, October 12. Emergency services were called to reports that a male was located deceased on Development Boulevard about 6.55pm. It is believed the man was riding an ebike when he collided with a pole. A crime scene was established and the investigation into the exact circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing.

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Price: $220 TOTAL for all remaining 2025 issues.

● ● Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell MLC

● ● Bridget Vallence MLA

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, October 22

Local News

Epping rollover

■

■

■

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel. 65 Grant St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Endeavour Alexandra (BP). 10 Downey St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Foodworks. 102 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

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■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock Hotel. 80 Grant St.

■

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

■

■

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

■

■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

■

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

■ ■ WATTLE GLEN. Peppers

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

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

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

■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress.

70 Jumping Creek Rd.

■

■

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

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

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

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

■

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

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

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

■

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

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

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

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

Anderson, Steven Braybrooke, Christine Gourlay, David Hunt, Cheyenne Kaur, Karamjit O'connor, Colleen Norma Singh, Angrej Singh, Satvir Tagiilima, Iosefa Tran, Kevin Boi Trott, Sherrie Turner, Lane

Monday, October 27

Baines, Dylan James Mocenigo, Adam Tassell, Travis

Tom, Ritto

Wednesday, October 29

Thursday, October 30

■ Moonee Valley Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested a man after he evaded police in an allegedly stolen car north of Melbourne on Tuesday morning (Oct. 14).

Police pulled up next to an allegedly stolen silver Toyota Prado, which was stationary on Waratah St in Ascot Vale about 10.20am.

The male driver of the Prado allegedly collided with the police van, before driving off at speed onto Mount Alexander Rd Air Wing spotted the Prado driving erratically, and with assistance from police units on the ground, followed it through Brunswick, Carlton and Heidelberg. The Prado allegedly collided with another car in Epping, near the intersection of Somerton Rd and Biodiversity Rd, then rolled several times.

■

■

■ ■ BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy.

■

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

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

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

■

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

■ ■ YARCK. Yarck Hotel. Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YEA. Amble Inn Cafe. 24 High St.

Mitchell Shire Edition

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

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Corner Store. 89 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Hotel. 100 High St.

■

■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main

St.

■

■

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

■

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

■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

■

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

■

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

■

■ ■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene

General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■ ■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

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

■ ■ KANGAROO GROUND. Kangaroo Ground General Store. 280 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

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

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

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

■

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

■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.

■

■

■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.

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

■

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

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

■

■

■

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

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

■

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

■

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

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

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

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

■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar.

15 Gorge Rd.

■

■

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

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

■

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

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

■ ■ THORNTON. 4 Ways Diner.

1369 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

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

■

■

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

■

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

■ ■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94 High St.

■

■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64 High St.

■

■ ■ ■ ■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

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

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

■

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

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

■

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

■ ■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88

High St.

■ ■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

■

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

Police swooped in and arrested the driver, a 27-year-old Heidelberg West man. He was taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries under police guard. He was to be interviewed by detectives. The Toyota Prado was allegedly stolen from Essendon Railway Station around 11.30am yesterday morning.

W’sea teen charge

■ A boy and a woman have been arrested following an affray outside a secondary school in Greenvale

The arrest follows an incident where a group of five people attended outside a school campus on Glencairn Drive about 3.10pm on Wednesday, October 8.

The group approached several students before a scuffle broke out. Two students sustained minor injuries not requiring treatment. The group then fled in a vehicle.

A16-year-old boy from the Hume area and a 22-year-old woman from Mickleham were arrested.

They were both released pending summons.

A 16-year-old was girl from the Whittlesea area was also interviewed on October 8 and released pending summons.

Temple refused

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Yea Newsagency. 74

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Take-Away. 68 High St.

Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition

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

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

■

■ ■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. BP. 66 Maroondah Hwy.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Newsagency. 41 Sydney St.

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

■

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

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

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

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

■ ■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.

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

■

■

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Coles Express. 123 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Grand Hotel. 270 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Healesville Newsagency. 195 Maroondah Hwy.

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

■

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

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

■ ■ LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St.

■

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

■

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

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

■ ■ SEVILLE. Wooworths Seville. 568 Warburton Hwy.

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

■

■ ■ ■ WARBURTON. Bakery. 3415 Warburton Hwy.

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

■ ■ ■ SEYMOUR. Royal Hotel. 26 Emily St.

■ SEYMOUR. Terminus Hotel. 26 Station St.

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

■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook General Store. 36 Main Rd.

■ ■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.

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

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

■

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

■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.

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

■ 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.

Billeci, Agostino Caminiti, Kathryn Chapman, Mitchell Peter Couldwell, Hayley Croskell, Robert Ian Dennison, Jayde Lee Doyle, Christopher Dryden, John Leigh Farage, Lyla Gibson, Brendan Green, Ethan Grembecki, Trevor Hancy, Paul Horvat, Igor Jensen-Solyom, Zaya Jordan, Blake Kavanagh, Daniel Keamy-Quirk, Caleb Keating, Jeremy Kumar, Aaditya Leeves, Joshua Loukas, Dimitrios Mauri, Alan Mazzarella, Con Mc Guire, Ranald Mcdonald, Toby James Mclaren, Shane Meers, Kylie Mercado, Richard Murray, Thomas Nally, Lachlan Ryan, Michael Ronald Singh, Prabjot Smith, Melissa Soegomo, Aditia Sutton, Brodee Taylor, Natasha Jane Thomas, Corey Thomas, Shannon Louise Wilson, Nicole Wright, Rebecca Friday, October 31 Bradshaw, Tracey Henderson, Kihrya Le Guier, Andrew Shah, Talhah Stewart, Toby Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, October 29 Ali, Faisal Allsopp, Mitchell Bishop, William David Canlas, Richard Petalino Forte, Adam Hamka, Zakaria Hargrave, Turi Tiaki Konyn, Danny John Le, Khang Nguyen Liu, Liu Macdougall, Max Maden, Alan Mclaughlin, Andrew Muhammad, Khan Muhammed, Fakiha Rizzo, Matthew Saunders, Scott Raymon Sutcliffe, Harrison Ward, Stephen Warren, Kylie

Walk to School

■ Mansfield Shire Council is distributing updated Walk to School Maps to children via their schools.

The colourful, easy-to-follow maps are part of the Active Footpaths initiative and highlight the safest and most accessible routes to school within the township.

■ There was loud public gallery applause when Whittlesea Councillors voted unanimously to refuse a planning permit for a Hindu temple at 330 Grants Rd, Woodstock. Councillors agreed that there were eight grounds on which the proposal was not consistent with the Whittlesea Planning Scheme,.

The refusal to grant a planning permit was partly based on a desire to protect agricultural land in the Green Wedge.

Business Connect

■ Nillumbik business owners are invited to a high-energy, free networking event this November: The Great Business Connect

This speed-networking style event is designed to help business owners meet the right people to grow and collaborate.

“Whether you’re after mentoring advice, technical support, marketing know-how, or new business partnerships, this event offers meaningful connections in a dynamic and supportive environment,” said a Nillumbik Council representative.

“When you register, we’ll match you with up to four other business owners based on the needs you share in your registration form. Each appointment will last 20 minutes, with support to help kick-start the conversation..

“The event will finish up with the opportunity to network organically with all attendees whilst enjoying a light lunch.”

Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said this new event will be a standout in the calendar for local entrepreneurs.

“The concept for the Great Business Connect is to create a really solid networking event, one that can provide real opportunities for local business owners to work together to grow.”

“I think it will be a brilliant way for our business community to come together,” Cr Dumaresq said.

The Great Business Connect will be held from 10am-1pm on Wednesday, November 12 at the Eltham Community and Reception Centre.

■

■ ■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Grand Hotel.

■

140 Yarra St.

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

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

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

Parents and carers are encouraged to check their child’s school bag this week, sit down together to review the best walking route and start building healthy, active habits as a part of their daily routine.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the initiative was a simple and effective way to support the health and wellbeing of local children.

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

Local Briefs

Risk of ‘1080’

■ Northern Victoria MLC Georgie Purcell has asked Environment Minister steve Dimopoulos: “For the first time in 14 years legislation was introduced to establish Victoria’s first major new national parks.

“These parks are home to over 380 rare and threatened plant and animal species, including the greater glider,” Ms Purcell said.

“However, the bill permits recreational deer hunting across most public land as well as some areas within the three new national parks.

“This raises immediate concerns about its impact on native wildlife and the preservation of these protected areas. In Victoria 1080 poison is routinely used to lethally control what our government would deem ‘problem species’, including our native dingoes.

“It is an indiscriminate poison with no known antidote and poses a severe risk to all wildlife, including non-target species.

“As these new national parks cover significant parts of my electorate of Northern Victoria, can the minister confirm whether 1080 poison will be used in them?” Ms Purcell asked.

Licences at age 17

■ A petition bearing 4168 signatures has been presented to the Legislative Council by Northern Victoria MLC Gaelle Broad.

“The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws to the attention of the Legislative Council that Victoria is the only state or territory in Australia that still requires probationary drivers licence holders to be aged 18 years or over,” the petition states.

“In Victoria, young people living in rural and regional areas with limited or no public transport are disadvantaged, and not everyone has a friend or family member to ferry them around.

“Reducing the minimum probationary driving age to 17 years in line with other states will remove barriers for young people and open doors for educational and employment opportunities.

“The petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council call on the Government to reduce the minimum probationary driving age to 17 years and provide incentives for learner drivers to do professional driver training, like those offered in New South Wales.”

Open meeting

■ Murrindindi Shire Council will hold an Open Community Meeting at Kinglake West Mechanics Institute at 5pm on Wednesday, October 29.

Patrol turns 75

■ “Mt Buller Ski Patrol, the longest running ski patrol in Australia, hit a major milestone this year, having been operating for 75 years,” said Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish.

“This is a community-based organisation with 33 volunteer patrollers. Patrol director Ed Mahon , who is an institution on the mountain, has been with the ski patrol for around 30 years and keeps things well under control.

“The ski patrol plays an important role to support skiers. They are out on the mountain every day of the season to make sure people are safe, and they are considered lifesavers of the snow as they rescue injured skiers and help find lost skiers.

“The addition of Chilli, an avalanche and therapy dog trainee, adds further scope to their capability,” Ms McLeish said.

Epping Rd upgrade

■ The Epping Rd Upgrade is closing in on the completion of major works with the early reopening of a key intersection and final asphalting underway.

Lyndarum Drive reopened at Epping Rd on Friday, October 10, after the completion of major works to deliver vital improvements.

The project team was able to optimise efficiencies and capitalise on favourable weather to finish the intersection ahead of schedule.

Now underway, final asphalting and linemarking will continue until December on Epping Rd and side roads between Craigieburn Road East and Memorial Avenue.

LARGE TRAFFIC VOLUMES

■ “It came as no surprise that the Greensborough Bypass and Diamond Creek Rd roundabout topped the most dangerous intersections in the RACV’s 2025 My Melbourne Road campaign,” Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has told Parliament.

“It takes a bit of navigation and you need your wits around you as you navigate this big and complex roundabout, which carries a large volume of traffic which will only grow on the completion of the North East Link,” Ms McLeish said.

“Up there too are three notorious intersections in the Whittlesea shire [sic] which need prompt attention.

“Whittlesea LGA is growing so quickly infrastructure cannot keep up.

“I urge the government to work with Nillumbik and Whittlesea shires to address these intersections.

“In Thomastown the Dalton Rd and Settlement Rd roundabout and the intersection of High St and Settlement Rd need attention.

“In Epping it is the High St and Rufus St roundabout. The government needs to give local roads greater attention, because at the moment these important intersections are being ignored,” Ms McLeish said.

Mitchell welcomes freight study Local roads need attention

■ Mitchell Shire Council has welcomed new funding allocated to review freight transport movements in Seymour.

Melissa Horne, Minister for Ports and Freight, announced a $45,000 State Government investment through the Flexible Local Transport Solutions Program to begin work on the Seymour Freight Network Study. Mitchell Shire Mayor John Dougall said freight is vitally important to regional economies, and Seymour plays a key role in Victoria’s transport network.

“This study will help us understand current and future freight movements and ensure our roads and infrastructure are ready to meet the needs of a growing population and economy.

“By investing now, we are future-proofing Seymour for generations to come,” he said.

Mitchell Council is also contributing $45,000.

Pool wanted at Mernda

■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage says the community has told her “loud and clear” that they want a pool in Mernda

“A recent survey that I ran for just a short time very quickly had 500 people responding that they want to see a pool built,” Ms Kathage said

“Council approved a pool in 2021. At the time they said: ‘We heard that residents want 50metre lap swimming, warm water exercise programs, water play and learn-to-swim areas in the proposed facility … We’re delighted to bring that vision to life in the future Mernda facility …’

“On the basis of that, this government has committed $30 million to the overall regional sports precinct.

“The Council has gotten the stadium underway, but an upcoming decision about making the pool a reality could put the pool at risk.

“I join with my constituents in making very clear to Council that the community still wants a pool. The community wants to see council getting behind them, confirming that the pool is going ahead and getting underway the detailed work to make it happen. This is a longstanding project of the City of Whittlesea that we are proud to support as the state government, and we are ready to see it getting underway in our community.”

Dishonest bills

■ The State Government has “dishonestly issued” more than $82 million in incorrect land tax bills, Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence has told Parliam ent.

“This tired and broke Allan Labor Government’s track record of tax grabs has hit a new low, because they have now admitted to incorrectly collecting land tax from hardworking Victorians that was not owed.

“Many residents in my electorate, indeed across Victoria, contacted me distressed and shocked about their land tax bills.

“1549 objections lodged by Victorians disputing their land tax assessments were upheld, representing $82.1 million in tax revenue incorrectly assessed last financial year.

“The government also admitted that a further 530 objections lodged in June 2024 were still not assessed some 15 months later – as of last month, September – which could result in millions more in land tax incorrectly billed, further impacting the government’s expected tax revenue.

“Labor’s financial incompetence and budget blowouts have led to skyrocketing debt, leading to $194 billion of debt.

“Wrongly charging land tax shows how desperate Labor have become, especially when Victorians are already the highest taxed in the country under this Labor Government

“Victorians are already at breaking point. Labor’s unfair and dishonest land tax grab has only caused more distress in a cost-ofliving crisis,” Ms Vallence said.

Traffic changes

■ Drivers are being asked to take care and allow extra time when travelling in and around Seymour, Whiteheads Creek and Tarcombe on Sunday (Oct. 26), with the Gravelista cycling event taking place in the area.

The event forms part of an international gravel cycling series and will attract riders from across Australia and overseas.

To ensure the safety of participants and road users, speed reductions and traffic management will be in place along several roads in Mitchell Shire throughout the day.

The following roads will be affected:

■ Kobyboyn Road, Seymour

■ Telegraph Road, Seymour

■ Wine Shanty Lane, Whiteheads Creek

■ Highlands Road, Whiteheads Creek

■ Hughes Creek Road, Whiteheads Creek

■ Gap Road, Tarcombe

■ Longwood-Ruffy Road, Tarcombe

There will be no road closures, however temporary traffic controls and signage will be in place along the route.

Drivers are asked to follow all directions from traffic controllers and exercise caution around cyclists.

Residents and visitors can expect minor delays and should plan their travel accordingly.

Road Plan updated

■ The City of Whittlesea has endorsed its updated Road Management Plan

The Plan provides a clear framework for how Council manages and maintains more than 1497 kilometres of Council roads. It also covers 2809 kilometres of pathways, 124 bridges and 2403 kilometres of kerb and channel.

The Plan sets the standards for road maintenance and outlines how Council responds to potholes, overgrown vegetation and dumped rubbish on roads, as well as cracked pavement, and other road and footpath faults. It details how often inspections are carried out and the response times for repairs on our roads.

A representative said that the City of Whittlesea Road Management Plan ensures that:

■ a safe and efficient network of municipal roads is provided

■ Council meets all statutory and regulatory requirements

■ road assets are managed to meet community needs and expectations

■ asset data is used to guide maintenance and long-term planning aligned with Whittlesea 2040: A Place For All and Council’s Asset Plan

■ maintenance, inspection and servicing levels are consistent and appropriate.

Mayor, Cr Martin Taylor, said: “Our road network is an important part of our community. The Road Management Plan helps us take care of our roads, paths, and related infrastructure in a clear and responsible way.”

● ● Cr John Dougall, Mitchell Shire Mayor

Local Briefs

Car recovered

■ Two men have been charged after a stolen vehicle was spotted allegedly speeding around Shepparton in the early hours on Friday morning (Oct. 17).

The stolen white Holden ute was seen driving on Wyndham St about 12.45am.

Officers attempted to intercept the vehicle before the driver allegedly turned off the Holden’s headlights and took off.

The Holden drove along the Goulburn Valley Hwy in Kialla West reaching alleged speeds of up to 160-kmh.

Police successfully deployed a tyre deflation device at the Hume Fwy on ramp at Broadford

Officers moved in and arrested the two alleged occupants of the car.

A 29-year-old Tullamarine man has been charged with reckless conduct endanger life, dangerous driving while pursued by police, theft of motor vehicle, possess methylamphetamine, possess cannabis, fail to stop vehicle on police direction, deal property suspected proceeds of crime, drive in a manner dangerous, unlicensed driving and use unregistered motor vehicle.

He was remanded to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court

A 24-year-old Sydenham man has been charged with possess methylamphetamine. He was bailed to appear at Seymour Magistrates’ Court on January 15.

The Holden was allegedly stolen from an Altona address.

Bail granted

■ An Iraq-born man has appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday(Oct. 16), charged with breaching his visa-mandated conditions.

“The Australian Federal Police charged the man, 36, after he was located in a town about 50km north of Melbourne,” said an AFP representative.

It will be alleged the man allegedly breached one of the conditions of his Commonwealth visa by failing to ensure his electronic monitoring device was in good working condition.

He was charged with two counts of failing to maintain an electronic monitoring device.

This offence carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment and/or a $99,000 fine.

He was granted bail to appear before Melbourne Magistrates Court on January 8.

Reserve progress

■ Harley Hammond Reserve in Broadford is taking shape as a new hub for community sport and recreation, with demolition of the old netball courts now well underway, a Mitchell Shire Council representative said.

“The works mark a major milestone in the Harley Hammond Reserve Netball Courts and Lighting Upgrade and Play Space Project, which will deliver two stateof-the-art netball courts with competitionlevel lighting.

“The upgrade will support Broadford’s growing netball community, including the Broadford Football Netball Club, Broadford Junior Football Netball Club, and Broadford Netball Club, providing safe, high-quality facilities for players of all ages and abilities.

“A new play space will also be constructed adjacent to the courts early next year, offering expanded recreational opportunities for local families.

“To ensure safety during construction, footpaths next to the courts on Powlett and Gavan Sts will be partially closed at points during the project, with detours in place for pedestrians.

“The $1.67 million project is funded through $967,250 from the Australian Government’s Play Our Way Program, with Mitchell Shire Council contributing $200,000.

“All works are expected to be completed by June 2026.”

Future for pools?

■ Strathbogie Shire Council is inviting comresidents to help shape the future of its four outdoor swimming pools in Euroa, Violet Town, Nagambie and Avenel

During the 2024-25 season, the pools welcomed 18,450 visitors. Mayor Cr Claire EwartKennedy said: “Our pools are valued social spaces where people connect, families spend quality time, and the community embraces active living.”

■ Murrindindi Shire Council’s Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi’s annual pay packet now appears to exceed $300,000, according to a document due to go before the municipal meeting on Wednesday night (Oct. 22).

The Council’s Annual Report lists the Shire’s top earner to receive between $300,000$309,000 - at least $5769 weekly.

According to listings in the ‘Key Management Remuneration’ section of the report, one other Council executive receives remuneration of between $280,000-$289,999; with anotherreceiving $220,000-$229,999. Yet another is listed as receiving $210,000-$219,999.

One senior staff member has an income band of $180,000-$189,999, with three others in the $170,000-$179,999 band.

The report lists the three top executives under Ms Bonazzi as:

■ Caroline Lintott, Director Assets and Environment

■ Andrew Paxton, Director Community and Development

■ Michael Chesworth, Director People and Corporate Performance.

There are a total of four key management personnel in the Annual Report.

Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher receives a base allowance of $89,323. Deputy Mayor Cr Anita Carr is paid $44,661. Other Councillors are each paid $28,110 annually for their part-time involvements.

Refusal recommended CEO pay over $300,000

■ An amendment to a planning permit for a property at 370 Minto Rd, Flowerdale, is due to be discussed at the Murrindindi Shire Council meeting tonight (Wed., Oct. 22).

A planning permit was issued on January 12 last year for the development of land for a dwelling. This application proposes to delete conditions on the permit.

“The application to amend the permit was referred externally to CFA,” says a report to Councillors.

“The CFA provided a Letter of Advice stating that the proposal does not impact the permit conditions relating to bushfire protection measures.

“This report recommends that a refusal to grant an amended planning permit be issued for the development of land for a dwelling at 370 Minto Road, Flowerdale for the removal of engineering conditions,” the report says.

MP speaks out on phones

■ Indi MHR Helen Haines has spoken out about how regional electorates know how critical reliable phone coverage is.

“In recent weeks, Australians have endured major outages, resulting in hundreds of triplezero calls failing, and tragically, at least three deaths have been linked to people unable to reach emergency services,” Dr Haines said.

“The Government has now introduced a bill to strengthen the triple-zero system.

“That’s a welcome move, but let’s be honest: it shouldn’t take tragedy to prompt these reforms and what is proposed won’t fix the broader issue.

“That’s why last week in Parliament I spoke about the need for additional measures, like disaster roaming, so that if one network fails, your phone automatically connects to another. It’s already standard practice in the US, Canada and Chile. It should be here, too,” Dr Haines said.

Radio ins, outs

Mernda follow-up

■ The City of Whittlesea has received complaints following community-led events at Mernda Recreation Reserve.

The Basant Kite Festival (Sept. 28) and Dussehra Mela (Oct. 4) were independently organised events and each received a community grant.

“Anyone who hosts an event in a public space in the City of Whittlesea must obtain an event permit which outlines conditions and responsibilities of the organiser,” said a City of Whittlesea representative.

“As part of event permit conditions, organisers must ensure no damage to the site and that all waste is removed.

“The Basant Kite Festival organisers breached this condition. Council promptly deployed clean-up crews to remove a large number of kites from the reserve, surrounding trees, and neighbouring properties.

“Clean-up efforts are ongoing to remove kites in difficult-to-access areas.

“The costs incurred in the clean-up will be recovered from the Basant Kite Festival organisers, in line with Council’s enforcement powers under the event permit.

“Following the Dussehra event on October 4, Council inspected the site and found it left in good condition, with no breach of event permit conditions.

“However, we are actively investigating a recent report of rubbish dumped into a nearby creek by individuals after the event.

“The City of Whittlesea takes all reports of littering and illegal dumping seriously and will take enforcement action, including issuing fines.

“While we support community activities in public spaces, organisers must take responsibility for public safety, maintaining cleanliness, and complying with event permit conditions as well as Council’s Local Law.

“Council will pursue enforcement action, including cost recovery, against any group or individual who tries to avoid their responsibilities.

“Organisers who breach event permit conditions may be denied future permits and community grants,” the City of Whittlesea representative said.

Trails, paths plan

■ Yarra Ranges Council has endorsed its 10-year Paths and Trails Plan, following engagement with the community earlier this year.

“The Paths and Trails Plan 2025-2035 maps out local shared trails and walking trails, clarifies levels of service for construction and maintenance standards, identifies action areas for the future, priorities projects for upgrades, new and improved crossings and addresses missing trail links,” a Council representative said.

Residents provided feedback on the draft document between late-June and early-August, with ideas and comments incorporated into the plan. Councillors voted to endorse the plan at their meeting on Tuesday last week (Oct. 14).

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, said the plan would give Council a roadmap for managing its extensive network of paths and trails.

“There are hundreds of kilometres of paths and trails through the Yarra Ranges – connecting people with businesses, open space, playspaces and the wider community,” he said.

“This plan gives us a roadmap on how we’re going to manage and, crucially, improve that network, to connect existing trails for the benefit of locals and visitors alike.

“We’re grateful for the considered feedback we received from the community on the draft. As a result, we’ve incorporated a number of road crossings into our future plans, along with better trail alignments.

“Community feedback is crucial for plans such as these, and we’re confident that the actions in this plan will create a better, more connected Yarra Ranges when the projects are completed in 2035.”

“Council will seek grant opportunities and investigate funding through its annual budget, as the plan is currently unfunded. The actions in the plan are estimated to cost $55 million over 10 years.”

At Badger Creek

■ Badger Creek Hall will hold its Community Garage Sale fropm 9am-1pm on Saturday, November 15.

There will be trestle tables inside the Hall, and items on sale from car boots in the car park.

● ● Helen Haines MHR

● ● Livia Bonazzi, Chief Executive

● Aerial image of the Minto Rd land

FREE WITH

PHONE

Observer Melbourne

Latest News

Hutchins to retire

■ Sydenham MLA and Treaty Minister

Natalie Hutchins will retire from politics next year. She will remain in State Cabinet until December 22, when her portfolios will be distributed to other ministers.

3 men charged

■ Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have charged three men as part of their investigation after a man self-presented to an Epping hospital with a gunshot wound.

Police have been told a 37-year-old man arrived about 12.30am on Monday, October 13, with a non-life-threatening gunshot wound to his upper body.

Circumstances surrounding how the man obtained his injuries remain unclear.

With assistance from the Illicit Firearms Squad, a search warrant was executed at a residential address in Pascoe Vale later that day.

A 3D printed handgun, a machete, a conducted electricity device (Taser) and what appear to ketamine, cannabis and methylamphetamine were seized from the address.

A 31-year-old Pascoe Vale man was charged with prohibited person possess firearm, traffick/possess drug of dependence (methylamphetamine, ketamine and cannabis), two counts of possess prohibited weapon (machete and conducted electricity device), knowingly deal with proceeds of crime and fail to comply with direction.

He was remanded to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on October 29.

With the assistance of the Special Operations Group, a search warrant was executed at a residential address in Lalor around 10am on Thursday morning (Oct. 16)).

Two 3D printed handguns, one with a silencer, ammunition and what appear to be methylamphetamine and GHB were seized from the address.

Two men from Lalor – a 40-year-old and an 18-year-old – were both taken into custody.

The 40-year-old was charged with possess drug of dependence (methylamphetamine).

The 18-year-old was charged with two counts of prohibited person possess firearm, prohibited person possess silencer and two counts of possess drug of dependence (methylamphetamine and GHB).

The duo was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on December 4. Police believe the incident was targeted.

Raid at Burwood

■ Box Hill Police seized over $40,000 worth of illegal vapes and nicotine pouches in Burwood early on Wednesday morning (Oct. 15).

Officers on patrol spotted a black Mercedes wagon driving erratically near the intersection of Station St and Burwood Rd about 4am.

Checks on the vehicle revealed the Mercedes had a suspended registration. Police pulled over the vehicle and discovered the driver’s licence was disqualified.

The driver allegedly admitted to having a small amount of marijuana on him, which gave police the power to search the Mercedes under the Drugs, Poisons and ControlledSubstancesAct

Officers seized a large quantity of illegal vapes and nicotine pouches with an estimated street value of over $40,000.

A 24-year-old Carnegie man is expected to be charged on summons.

The Mercedes was impounded at a cost of $966.50.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

Trevor, 87, still fits his silks

● ● Former Caulfield Cup winning jockey Trevor Dyer, 87, might have said goodbye to his days on the track but he still fits his silks and stays active and competitive in retirement at Bolton Clarke Casey Grange. Trevor says he could never do anything lightly, from his successful construction career to riding winners on the track, then ballroom dancing and lawn bowls. As the youngest of 12 growing up in rural Victoria, he says he knew he was “a little bit competitive and determined” from the moment he decided to start riding.

CITYWAKES, CITYSLEEPS

● ● TarraWarra Museum of Art

■ TarraWarra Museum of Art has announced the major group exhibition TheCityWakes, theCitySleeps, curated by Dr Victoria Lynn and James Lynch

This exhibition draws from the TarraWarra Museum of Art Collection to present a selection of rarely seen artwork treasures, exploring how artists across different eras have captured the architecture and social dynamics of city life.

The exhibition opens with a major work by Peta Clancy (Yorta Yorta) titled birrarungba brungergalk, which depicts the local Birrarung through a First Nations lens.

Originally commissioned by the Museum for The Soils Project in 2023, this work explores the confluence where Brungergalk (Watts River) meets the Birrarung (Yarra River) near Healesville on Wurundjeri Country.

Australian artists working between 1950 and the 2000s have captured the evolution of modernisation of life.

Featuring over 40 artworks by more than 25 of Australia’s most influential artists, the exhibition represents a visual capsule of how cities have been regarded through the eyes of artists.

This curated journey through the TarraWarra Museum of Art's rarely displayed artworks from the collection reveals how artists have always been urban anthropologists, dissecting the architecture of aspirations and the social choreography that transforms buildings into communities.

The exhibition is divided into eight key ‘scenes’.

Latest News

Visa breaches

■ A Somali -born man appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (Oct. 15) charged with allegedly failing to comply with his visa-mandated curfew conditions. The man was charged with five counts of failing to comply with visa reporting conditions.

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Local News Analysis

Report critical of McLindon, Lloyd and Crs

■ As Cr Aidan McLindon returns to Whittlesea Council this week after a six-month suspension, Local Government Minister Nick Staikos has appointed Steven Kingshott as Municipal Monitor until December next year.

Findings critical of Cr McLindon, Whittlesea CEO Craig Lloyd, and Councillors, were handed down in a Commission of Inquiry report by Prue Digby and Jim Gifford, who recommended a range of reforms to improve governance.

““The events at Whittlesea City Council are serious and culminated in a unanimous vote of no confidence in the Mayor by Whittlesea’s 10 other councillors,” Mr Staikos said.

“It is clear that a municipal monitor is needed to assist the council’s administration.”

“I expect the City of Whittlesea will use this opportunity to rectify the issues raised in the report – to reset and build a good governance framework that better serves ratepayers.”

The Commission’s found that there were several factors that resulted in the Councillors and the CEO taking action against Mr McLindon

“While the Commission has serious concerns about the conduct of Mr McLindon when he was Mayor, there were also shortcomings in the performances of the Councillors, the CEO and Administration, and the Deputy Mayor that contributed to the problems at the Whittlesea City Council.

“Many of the Councillors elected in November 2024 were new and relatively inexperienced.

“While the Induction Program provided for them was extensive, they would have benefited from more time discussing the qualities and attributes they wanted to see in a first term Mayor as well as spending more time on developing effective working relationships.

“The Councillors were divided along political lines when voting for the Mayor and many did not exercise due diligence before deciding to support Mr McLindon as Mayor.

“The Commission recognises that the Deputy Mayor was thrown into a difficult situation with limited experience and support and that she endeavoured to do her best for the Council and community.

“However, when issues arose in respect of Mr McLindon's conduct, more should have been done by Councillors to try and resolve those issues internally and to hold Mr McLindon to account for his

returning to the City of Whittlesea from suspension and will require assistance.

behaviour. This could have included organising appropriate external supports for the CEO and Mr McLindon to assist them in managing their relationship.

“While such efforts may have eventually proven ineffective, they should have been attempted before matters were escalated to external agencies.

“Overall, the Commission found that the Councillors have sought to act responsibly since the election of Mr McLindon as Mayor.

“Circumstances where the Councillors appear to have fallen short appear to be attributable to inexperience, a lack of support and limitations of the legislative framework.

“The Commission recognises that the Councillors will face challenges upon Mr McLindon’s return

“The CEO was proactive in taking measures and actions to ensure that the organisation was responding appropriately to health and safety issues. In attempting to shield the organisation from the impacts of Mr McLindon's behaviour, the CEO may have left himself vulnerable to impacts on his own health and wellbeing.

“The Commission found that Mr McLindon failed in several essential respects to perform the role of a Mayor consistently with the Local Government Act 2020 or in a way that would support the needs of the Council or the community.

“As Mayor, Mr McLindon was required to lead the decision making processes of the Council, including chairing Council meetings.

“He did not perform this role particularly effectively. He did not commit the time and effort needed. He also failed to represent the Council to the community and left Council without an effective voice.

“Mr McLindon’s public utterances, particularly those made during the Werribee by-election, concentrated almost exclusively on his own policies and interests at the expense of the interests and priorities of the Council

“In the role of Mayor, Mr McLindon was required to promote good conduct by the Councillors.

“In fact, he personally demonstrated extremely poor conduct. Many of the comments on social media by Mr McLindon show, at the very least, a disregard for how they affect other people, especially members of the LGBTQIA+ and First Peoples communities.

“This includes requiring that Mr McLindon undertake further training, and that a Municipal Monitor be appointed to provide support to the CEO, the Councillors and Mr McLindon to develop effective working relationships, and to assist Mr McLindon in avoiding any behaviours that may create risks to health and safety.

“The Commission has made a range of recommendations on policy and legislative reforms that may assist in avoiding or minimising situations, such as arose at the Whittlesea City Council, in the future.

“This includes legislative amendments to provide Councillors with more time to consider and elect a candidate for the role of Mayor, and a review of the legislation prescribing the term for Mayors.

“It also includes guidance and amendments to improve training around the role of a Mayor, and provisions in the legislation allowing a Council to remove a Mayor in certain situations.

“The Commission has recommended that the Councillor Conduct Framework be reformed to make it easier for difficulties, like the ones that arose at Whittlesea City Council, to be resolved more effectively in the future.

“The Commission has recommended the establishment of an independent Local Government Integrity Commission, as a single investigatory and disciplinary body to handle all complaints relating to councillor conduct.

“The Commission did not hear any evidence which suggested that the Council is unable to deliver good governance, and it is not of the view that the Council should be dismissed.

“The relationship between the CEO and Mr McLindon broke down very early after the election, and has been a factor in the events that have subsequently unfolded.

“The Commission found that this was mainly due to Mr McLindon either misunderstanding or refusing to perform the role of a Mayor and, at times, role of a Councillor, in accordance with the requirements of the Victorian Local Government system.

“We found that, initially, the CEO’s response to Mr McLindon’s poor performance of his roles as Councillor and Mayor was professional, upholding the demarcation of their roles.

“However, we also found that the CEO was very quick to escalate what he considered were breaches of the LocalGovernmentAct2020 or Model Councillor Code of Conduct to integrity agencies rather than try to resolve them internally and this may have exacerbated rather than calmed internal tensions.

“The relationship between the CEO and Mr McLindon was beset by tension, conflict and a lack of mutual trust from the outset which impacted the health and wellbeing of both parties.

?”They both may have benefited from the engagement of an independent mediator or support person to address their emerging relationship breakdown.

“The Commission is conscious of the difficulties that are likely to arise in the relationship between the CEO and Mr McLindon when Mr McLindon returns from suspension and that this will require particular attention.

“In making unsubstantiated and sometimes bizarre accusations against the Council, the Council Administration and the Victorian Government, Mr McLindon generated misinformation and brought the Council into disrepute.

“Overall Mr McLindon demonstrated a disregard for how his actions reflected on the Council and how they affected other Councillors, Council staff and the community.

“The decision to suspend Mr McLindon from office is expressly excluded from the Commission's Terms of Reference, along with the recommendation made by the Minister in support of that decision.

“The Commission also notes that these decisions are currently being considered by the Supreme Court and is conscious of the need to avoid prejudicing that proceeding.”

★ The Commission delievered a number of recommendations:

“The Commission holds concerns about Mr McLindon’s conduct. It therefore considered whether there are any matters, not considered as part of the original decision to suspend Mr McLindon, which would provide a sufficient basis to recommend that he be suspended for a further period under s 229A of the LocalGovernmentAct2020

“On the evidence provided to this Inquiry, the Commission is not satisfied that this threshold has been met.

“As things stand, an Internal Arbitration considering whether Mr McLindon breached the Model CouncillorCodeofConductwill resume when Mr McLindon returns to office.

“The Local Government Inspectorate has also received a number of complaints which are awaiting investigation. It is recommended that these processes are followed through to their conclusions as quickly as possible.

“The Commission has made recommendations to deal with difficulties that are likely to arise when Mr McLindon returns from suspension in October 2025.

“The Commission has made its recommendations in the hope that situations such as this can be avoided at Whittlesea and other Councils in future.

“Local Government is an important part of the democratic system in Victoria

“In order for it to function effectively, Mayors and Councillors should perform their roles in the manner required under the Local GovernmentAct2020and in accordance with the Model Councillor CodeofConduct

“Councillors, who are often new to the role, need effective training and guidance.

“When problems arise, Councils should attempt to resolve them internally to the extent reasonably possible.

“For those matters requiring external resolution, there needs to be a centralised integrity agency that is properly resourced and can deal with matters consistently and expeditiously.

“Residents and ratepayers deserve a well functioning local government system, with representatives who are well placed to understand and meet their community's needs and who act with integrity,” the Commission Report said.

No malice: McLindon

■ Cr McLindon responded: “I look forward to working productively with the CEO and my councillor colleagues.

“To the dedicated and hardworking council staff, keep up the great work - you are the unsung heroes that keep it all together, especially when times get tough.

“I hold no malice toward my detractors and I am ready to hop back in the saddle to help fix Victoria from my neck of the woods.

“Politics is a competition of ideas and I have a few more to put on the table yet,” he said.

● ● ● ● Cr Aidan McLindon:

Craig Lloyd, City of Whittlesea

Your Stars

with Kerry Kulkens

Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s

Trusted Psychic Family

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3, 2, 6, 5

Lotto Numbers: 3, 12, 26, 24, 40, 44

Someone you haven’t seen in a long time could re-enter your life. Miscommunications are possible, so ensure your messages are clear and confirm all reservations.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 23, 36, 39, 8

You might need professional advice regarding issues affecting your loved ones. It’s time to address concerns that have bothered you and clear the air with someone close.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 25, 40, 5, 44

This is a favourable time for financial dealings, with improvements in other aspects of your life also indicated. A busy social schedule will bring plenty of enjoyment, but remember to prioritise rest.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 2

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 5, 19, 7, 22

Improved health may provide opportunities to boost your income or pursue a better-paying job. Someone might take a personal interest in you, sparking intriguing possibilities.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 24, 40, 11

You may not feel sociable despite hints from others. However, your mood will improve later, allowing you to enjoy yourself. A person born in June could bring good fortune.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 36, 34, 40

Career prospects are looking up, with opportunities to meet new people through work. Ensure you’re getting enough rest and maintaining your health. Improvements in your love life are also on the horizon.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 26, 36, 30, 22

Expressing your true feelings to loved ones will help avoid relationship problems. Be mindful of your health, particularly your diet and alcohol consumption.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 25, 40, 6, 20

Singles may meet someone special, while couples could experience deeper connections. Career and business matters show improvement, making this a productive period.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 9, 8

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 26, 36, 37, 44

Listen to sound advice during this time. People in influential positions may come to your aid. If starting a new business or career, ensure all agreements are in writing.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 15, 26, 34, 44

Relocation plans may be on the horizon, and you could soon be searching for a new home. Handle financial matters with care and consider all options for long-term benefits.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 24, 40, 22

Something you thought was resolved could resurface. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—others are willing and happy to assist you.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 9, 3

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 26, 36, 30, 11

During this period, people are likely to agree with your ideas, but tact and diplomacy remain your best assets. A project started some time ago should soon yield profits.

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KERRY KULKENS MAGIC SHOP

1693 BURWOOD HWY BELGRAVE

PH

Sir,

I refer to the article reporting on a temple application at Woodstock and the misleading reporting in that article (LocalPaper,Northern SuburbsEditionand Regional Edition,Oct. 15).

I head the group of 400 Objectors all of whom are residents in the Woodstock Eden Park area.

The article is inaccurate and misleading as follows:

The temple wants to have 20 patrons over five sessions daily which equates to over 100 people per day, plus staff plus their vehicles.

The special Days include a five day Diwali Festival which will be 30 people per session over multiple sessions again amounting to over 100 per day.

The application is by the owner of the land not Shiv Shakti who currently do not own the land.

Their intention is, if the permit is approved, to have a venue that will house up to 10,000 people plus 4000 cars.

There has been no regard for the people, wildlife or livestock in the area let alone the Traffic congestion this would cause in a fire prone area.

This application is written in a way to gloss over the planners into thinking it's a modest application when in fact it is a lot more than modest and in a Green Wedge Zone

I think your reporter should have done their due diligence more thoroughly as this article is misleading the community as to what is actually happening at this site.

I have attached documentation of our Campaign and what we have uncovered during the last five months.

Kerry Stewart Whittlesea Green Wedge Protection Group

● ● Editor replies: Nothing is happening at the site. Whittlesea Council last week voted to refuse the application. As Ms Stewart well knows, our article quoted the Whittlesea Council report supplied to Councillors. Just because Ms Stewart and her friends objected to the Hindu temple, does not give them the right to be professionally insulting and suggest that a reporter was misleading. Ms Stewart would be smart to look up the definition of ‘ad hominem’.

Not the Kingswood

Sir,

The Kingswood Golf Course Park, Dingley Village, has been hijacked by Labor and is set for destruction.

I’m going blue holding my breath, constantly thinking a decision by [Planning Minister] Sonya Kilkenny is near.

In an insane and dubious move, Melbourne Water approved the developer’s drainage plans.

That is not over yet, as I am going to apply pressure. When we saw their ‘engineer’ he looked at a map of Kingswood and said “Is this the right map?”

Is he distracted by the developer’s consultants in suits?

Observer Mailbag

Shortletters(nomore than200words)onlocal subjectsareinvitedfrom readers.

Emailto: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au

Letters must be short and may be edited. All letters to be considered for publication must have a name, street address and phone number so their authenticity can be checked. An email address is not sufficient.

If they dig the retarding dam deeper, driving the piles in will destroy houses in Higgins Close and the dam will still fill and flood.

Shortly after Save Kingswood made our visit, we received an email not to bother Melbourne Water again - they had approved the developer’s outrageous drainage plans.

Also a Satterley development south of Perth has such poor drinking water pressure it takes 40 minutes to fill a bath (as broadcast on ACA). Will Dingley Village be the same?

Will all of Dingley Village either be refused insurance, or such a high premium, most cannot afford it?

I almost pray for rain each night as a good downpour is needed to show I am right.

The Government set up the Golf Course Redevelopment Advisory Committee and when 100 resolutions were made (most of the reasonable), they seized on just one - that the site could be built on.

Of the 99 other generally good resolutions, they ignored them all, especially the one that said the council should be the decision maker. That makes a mockery of the expensive committee.

Never forget, if not for Labor, we would not be in fear of 941 (or 800+) units and all the devastation that bringsghetto, massive traffic and not a single service - no new doctors or any highly needed services, especially a High School. Kevin Poulter President Save Kingswood Group Incorporated

Finding North

Sir,

We write to your readers to ask them to make a stronger connection between themselves and people facing mental health issues.

The not-for-profit Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia says it is deeply alarming that there are now 460,000 people who have no access to much needed community support for their mental health conditions.

The numbers, sadly, are continuing to grow.

Our latest campaign highlights the neglect of people in your area who have a mental health issue is on a very significant scale.

Put simply, thousands and thousands of Australians with mental health issues are ending up in hospitals and emergency departments because they believe it is their only option.

People with a severe mental illness die 23 years earlier than the general population. Obviously, this is shameful.

We are calling on all governments to start taking meaningful action to help people with severe mental illness.

We are also calling on your readers to be aware that we have a powerful not-for-profit initiative that they can be part of. The initiative is called Finding North

This project connects people with mental health issues with others in similar situations and it is an ideal place to go to if you need support.

To get more information, go to www.findingnorth.org.au

Tony Stevenson, National CEO, Mental Illness Fellowship of Australia

Salvos alert

Sir,

Summer is almost upon us. Across the country, we are beginning to notice the temperature getting warmer, the days getting longer and even the Christmas decorations starting to be put up at the shops.

However, summer also brings a higher risk to our weather season in Australia, with the summer season responsible for some of the most damaging natural disasters that we see throughout the year, like extreme heat waves, bushfires, floods, cyclones, drought and more.

The Salvation Army wants to remind Aussies to not be alarmed, but to be prepared of the potential risks that this season can bring.

A few simple, practical steps can get you, your family and your home ready for whatever this season will throw at you.

This could be preparing a ‘go bag’ with key personal documents, or having cash and three days of supplies spare in case a disaster affects ATM/EFTPOS machines - applying these tips will leave you in good stead as we enter this higher risk season.

Bindy Lupis Salvation Army Emergency Services

All chipped in

■ It ain't such a bad world after all. Aged pensioner took his1922 jalopy into a car auction place during the week and asked them to sell it. He was pretty sad about it. "Had it for 30 years," he said. "Can't afford the regisration and insurance now." They said they'd put lt under the hammer yesterday and told him to come bock next week. He doesn't know yet, but when he does he'll get £30 odd AND the car. Dealers heard the story and chipped in all round.

Murder hunt

■ Security police are being brought into the hunt for the murderer of Mervyn Trimble, who was stabbed by two Italians in Canning st., Carlton, two weeks ago.

Security police are making available to homicide detectives files they have on migrants living in Victoria who could possibly have been associated with the crime.

Senior - detective Jack O'Connor, one of Victoria's foremost authorities on migrants' habits, has been in consultation with homicide detectives for most of the week about the crime.

Investigations are being continued around migrant quarters of inner suburbs, but they have also been extended to country areas thickly populated by Italians Detectives are hindered by the fact that the murder was apparently without motive. They would like to hear from anyone who knows an Italian who left his normal haunts about the time of the killing.

Election ready

■ Everybody is getting ready for a December election, although the actual date has yet to be decided.

General opinion is that by Monday Prime Minister Menzies and his Ministers will select December 10 - anniversary of the defeat of the Chifley Government in the 1949 election.

Government members expect Mr. Menzies to tell them of the Government's decision at a special Party meeting at ll a.m. on Tuesday.

Commonwealth authorities yesterday hurriedly completed plans for the December election for both Houses.

Mr. Menzies told the N.S.W. Liberal Party convention yesterday that the Liberal Party - both Federal and State - was in better shape to face an election than the Labor Party.

Here Monday Mr. Menzies will fly to Melbourne on Monday to discuss election campaign preparations with members of the Liberal Country Party executive.

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22,

Bush Telegraph Oysters trial

■ Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Outdoor Recreation, last weekcelebrated the results from the first three years of the trial in the Gippsland Lakes to determine how well Sydney Rock Oysters grow in the system.

The trial has been assessing the viability, growth rates, eating quality and food safety of Sydney Rock Oysters, which are native to Gippsland, at four sites around Flannagans and Rigbys Islands , west of Lakes Entrance Oysters produced in the Gippsland Lakes trial so far are growing at similar rates to established oyster farms in the estuaries of southern New South Wales at Merimbula and Pambula.

Death at Bendigo

■ Emergency services responded to a fatal collision in Bendigo on friday morning (Oct. 10).

A truck collided with a pedestrian on High St just after 8.30am.

A passerby commenced CPR, but the 15year-old Bendigo boy died at the scene.

The truck driver was not injured and was assisting police.

Exact circumstances of the collision are being determined with investigations ongoing at the scene.

Evoke returns

■ EvokeAG 2026 , an internationally renowned agriculture and innovation event, is coming back to Melbourne

Ros Spence, Minister for Agriculture, joined industry leaders at the launch to recognise AgriFutures Australia’s event that will be held across multiple days in February.

Over two days, the event – hosted in Victoria for the first time since 2020 – will welcome more than 2000 delegates from around 20 countries, and more than 50 startups, to discuss the latest innovations in agriculture sector.

Rochford fatality

■ Police will prepare a report for the coroner following a fatal crash in Rochford on October 5.

Emergency services were called to reports of a car on its roof on Government Rd about 8.30am.

The driver and only occupant of the car, a 22-year-old man from Woodend, was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. He later died.

Investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Works at Kyneton

■ There is improved accessibility for passengers on the Bendigo Line, with a new ramp built at the entrance to Kyneton Railway Station

The new switchback ramp will deliver better passing space for passengers and make it easier for passengers using mobility aids to access the station.

New lights have been installed to improve visibility at night when accessing the ramp and for passengers entering the station, while the bus shelter has been relocated to allow for the new ramp and a widened footpath.

Doctors move

■ More doctors are on their way to rural and regional Victoria. The State Government says that it has a program that’s helping health services recruit and retain the doctors they need most.

Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health, announced that the Connecting the Docs program will grow to include up to 10 additional public health services across Victoria – backed by a $680,000 investment over the next two years.

■ As spring blossoms across Victoria , the Whittlesea Show returns this year on November 1 and 2, bringing with it the heart and soul of rural life blended with entertainment for all ages.

Held at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, this iconic annual event is a celebration of agriculture, community and fun.

Over two days, the Showgrounds are packed with much to see and do.

Visitors can enjoy classic agricultural competitions and displays, from cattle and sheep judging to horse riding events and dog trials.

For green thumbs and home bakers, cooking, craft, produce and floral displays offer a colourful insight into local passions and skills.

Vibrant local talent fills the stages across the grounds with an endless variety of entertainment.

Demonstrations, workshops, rides, a free circus, woodchop, a beer garden and much more round out the weekend of festivities.

Whittlesea Agricultural Society President, Jayson Munro, says “The Whittlesea Show, year after year, is a true testament to the volunteers who work to pull it together for both the Whittlesea and wider communities.

“Every year we try to sustain our traditional and ever popular pavilions and events, while bringing a mix of new and fresh experiences.

“Our volunteers create a wonderful weekend that highlights the Whittlesea and surrounding communities to both those who live here and those who visit for the Show

“We hope everyone will come along and enjoy the weekend”.

With something for every age and interest, the Whittlesea Show is more than an agricultural fair – it’s a celebration of resilience, connection and tradition.

Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends and join us in celebrating what makes country Victoria truly special.

Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, the 2025 is not to be missed.

Georgia Gardiner

Whiparound Landcare grants

■ The sum of $3.6 million in grants will support 509 Landcare and environmental volunteer groups across Victoria, helping fund on-ground works, community education and engagement activities, group development, and small grants supporting administrative functions, including insurance, incorporation and operational costs.

“Landcare grants deliver lasting benefits to the environment, the funding will help Landcare groups restore and protect vital habitats and waterways, and grow strong, connected communities that will continue to care for the land for generations to come,” a Governemnt recipient said.

$5000 grants

■ After Porepunkah shooting incidents, small businesses in Alpine Shire across the hospitality, tourism, retail and events sectors, are eligible for $5000 grants following revenue loss during this period.

Uncle appointed

■ For the first time, the Birrarung Council will be led by a Victorian Traditional Owner, with Uncle Andrew Gardiner appointed chair.

The Birrarung Council advocates for the protection of the Birrarung (Yarra River) and provides advice on the implementation of Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (the Yarra Strategic Plan).

● Whittlesea Show: Saturday-Sunday, November 1-2

What’s On What’s What’s

Kaiela Arts launches

■ Kaiela Arts, an Aboriginal art centre located in Shepparton, is proud to announce the launch of Kaiela Arts Editions, with a landmark collaboration between internationally acclaimed artist Maree Clarke (Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Boonwurrung, Wamba Wamba) and Melbournebased studio Spacecraft. The works will be unveiled in November at two special events at Kaiela Arts, Shepparton and Spacecraft, Melbourne

Emirates training

■ Emirates has opened a new world-class facility in Dubai, to provide a luxurious training experience to almost 25,000 cabin crew, focused on the art of hospitality excellence. The $US8 million learning zone and progra features a sprawling restaurant and lounge for up to 170 guests, elegant and tech-enabled classrooms.

QUEST BAIRNSDALE OPENS

■ Quest Bairnsdale has officially opened its doors. The Bairnsdale area is experiencing extraordinary growth and Quest’s new $40 million property will bring 60 premium serviced apartments to the region.

Located at 11 Dalmahoy St, Bairnsdale, the multi-storey development features:

■ 30 Studio Apartments (including two accessible)

■ 24 One-Bedroom Apartments (including two accessible)

■ Six Two-Bedroom Apartments

Designed for both business and leisure travellers, each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, smart TV, ergonomic workspace and spacious bathrooms.

Guests will also enjoy a gymnasium, conference room, business lounge, swimming pool, barbecue terrace, guest laundry and secure parking.

The project has been delivered in partnership with Dahlsens and BFN Developments (with BFN serving as builder) and Fenton Design Group as architects.

David Mansfield, The Ascott Limited Australasia Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to confirm the opening of Quest Bairnsdale, marking another key milestone in Quest Apartment Hotels’ ongoing growth.

“The Gippsland region is experiencing remarkable development and progress and Quest is proud to support that demand with exceptional hospitality experiences.

“This development reflects Quest’s long-term commitment to investing in communities across Australia and ensuring travellers have access to the same level of quality and consistency they would expect in any capital city.

“Quest Bairnsdale will set a new standard for comfort and convenience in the region. We are excited about the opportunities it brings for our guests and the local community.”

Michael Canny, Franchisee of Quest Bairnsdale, said: “We’re proud to be opening Quest Bairnsdale and look forward to welcoming guests from across Australia and be-

● ● Quest Bairnsdale yond. Our team lives locally, and we’re excited to showcase the best of East Gippsland hospitality.

“The region has so much to offer - from the Mitchell River and Gippsland Lakes to incredible food, wine and cultural experiences. Quest Bairnsdale gives travellers a high-quality accommodation option right in the centre of it all.

“This development is also an investment in the community. We’re employing local staff, supporting local suppliers, and helping ensure Bairnsdale is well positioned to meet the rising demand for business and leisure travel.”

The property’s convenient location provides easy access to Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (2.7km), St Mary’s Catholic Church (1km), and the Mitchell River Walk, as well as key transport links including Bairnsdale Airport (7km).

Quest Bairnsdale is part of Quest Apartment Hotels’ ongoing expansion across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji , and continues Quest’s 36-year track record of delivering premium serviced apartments tailored to the needs of corporate and leisure travellers.

Vue de Mar in Hobart

■ Vue de Mar, an exclusive collection of four architectdesigned coastal residences at 3 Jenkins Street, Taroona , created for discerning downsizers who want to rightsize - trading high-maintenance family homes for refined, lowstress living without sacrificing space, comfort or style.

Need for insurance

■ Getting sick or injured overseas can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Medical cover is a major reason why some people take out travel insurance, and it could offer some peace of mind if the unexpected occurs. Your plans can change, your flights can be cancelled, so having cancellation cover could help you recoup some of the lost costs or cover alternative accommodation if your trip goes awry.

Wander through many beautiful gardens across the rolling hills of Baw Baw Shire. Gardivalia Festival of Gardens" will open on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26.

From Warragul, Drouin and Darnum across to Trafalgar. At Willow Grove and Hill End up to Piedmont and Icy Creek. Neerim, Jindivick and Nilma North.

Many gardens to enjoy, blooming backyards, hidden green gems and floral masterpieces waiting to be explored throughout Gippsland.

Prices range from free to $10 per adult, cash required for most gardens.

Visit www.gardivalia.com.au. Email info@gardivalia.com.au or contact Maree on 0403 449 179 for more detail.

Malthouse 2026

■ Vivia Hickman, Malthouse’s Executive Producer, says that hope was a guiding force in choosing productions to showcase for 2026.

An eclectic mix of old and new, including dance, drama, and comedy, is on offer.

Here are just some of the highlights.

The season kicks off with BlackLight, starring real-life actor sisters Rachael and Lisa Maza.

Written and directed by Jada Alberts, BLACK LIGHT underscores the power of family and Country, and features an all First Nations cast.

Directed by Jessica Arthur, Game. Set. Match, written by and starring Megan Wilding, is a revenge romantic comedy about tennis, “with a little bit of blood and strawberries” thrown in.

Bloomshedwill present Jane Austen’s 1813 classic, PrideandPrejudice, in a bold reinterpretation.

Class, money, the property market, and the pursuit of love in the 21st century are lampooned in this “searing satire on polite society.”

Paul Capsis and Adam Noviello star in HouseofRot: GreyGardens, about Big and Little Edie Bouvier, the eccentric cousins of Jackie Kennedy

Created by director Dino Dimitriadis and musical director Victoria Falconer, this new cabaret will feature a dazzling mix of classic, contemporary, and new music.

Stephanie Lake Company presents Vista, a dance in two halves that encourages the audience to question reality.

Kat Stewart debuts on the Malthouse stage in BreakofDay, a new Australian work by Steve Rodgers about the Australian dream and its meaning for a single mother and her daughter.

Written by and starring Michelle Lim Davidson, Koreaboo aims to “bridge distance, time, language, and culture’ in her heartfelt debut play about an adoptee tracing her birth mother.

The season concludes with Artistic Director Dean Bryant’s reimagined production of AllAboutEve, starring the incomparable Christie Whelan Browne in both roles - aging star Margo and the ingénue Eve Kathryn Keeble

Sarahtonin

■ Fresh from a successful season at the Perth Fringe Festival earlier this year, Sarah Bower’s one-woman cabaret show Sarahtoninwas a joyous celebration of the small things in life.

The show was simplicity itself as Bowers, accompanied by John Packer on acoustic guitar, sang a variety of songs and shared personal stories about love, life and various incidents that felt like they gave her a good solid burst of serotonin, the so-called “feel good” chemical of the human body.

Put together by Bowers herself, the show included classic tunes from Broadway musicals such as ICouldHaveDancedAllNight, Oh, What a Beautiful Mornin’ and My FavouriteThings, many of which she riffed off with humorous improvised asides. Interlaced with the songs were personal stories which, in some way shape or form, sparked joy for her.

Drawn mostly from a friendship diary she has kept for a decade, an impressive and telling feat in itself, these ranged from brief close encounters on airplanes to more long term relationships with friends and family. Bowers was a vivacious performer, the very personification of serotonin itself in the effect she had on her audience.

With a broad smile and cheeky grin, she had a winning way about her, a fine voice and a ready wit when it came to interacting with her audience.

She was ably supported by Packer on guitar whose quiet knowing presence acted as something of a grounding counter balance to Bowers flighty energy.

No person was credited with direction of the show but this wasn’t a problem given its simple nature and the confidence and assuredness of the two performers.

Sarahtoninthen was a show that was hard not to walk away from with a big grin plastered on your face.

It was as clear a statement as can be of the welcome arrival of Sarah Bowers on the Melbourne independent musical theatre scene.

Presented at the Motley Spielhaus, Melbourne.

Review by Peter Murphy

Talkischeap,gossipispriceless

THE LUCKY COUNTRY

■ Musicals, as you’d expect, are all about the music — and in that regard, TheLuckyCountry delivers in spades.

It’s filled with memorable melodies, a deft balance of heart and humour, strong storytelling, emotional depth, and marvellous voices.

Billed as a story about what it means to be Australian, TheLuckyCountryexplores familiar themes of belonging, identity and marginalisation.

We’ve seen these ideas before, yet there’s something refreshingly different here — a blend of wit, warmth and quirky originality that sets this production apart.

The animated background projections (Justin Harrison) transform the stage into a living, cinematic landscape, adding depth and atmosphere to each scene.

Presented by MTC and running at The Lawler, Southbank Theatre , as part of the Fringe Festival, TheLuckyCountry was created by composer and lyricist Vidya Makan and directed by Sonya Suares

A strong ensemble, including Makan herself, performs a series of musical vignettes — each a blended snapshot exploring different moments, characters and perspectives on what it feels to be Australian Humour has a strong presence throughout, with standout moments including a hilarious footy number (Jeffrey Liu and Karlis Zaid); I CouldKillYa, where a devilishly vivacious Miss Australia (Phoenix Jackson Mendoza) gleefully warns of Australia’s many deadly creatures; a Chinese-Australian restaurateur dreaming of a nude life in Byron Bay (Liu); and an IndianAustralian actor (Makan) playing a stereotypical ‘Indian’ role in a Hugh Jackman movie.

Makan is a master storyteller, and director Suares draws the best from her talented cast.

Emily Collett’s sunburnt-country costumes and Amy Zhang’s uncluttered choreography ground the production beautifully.

The five-piece band, and Billy McPherson’s Yidaki (a traditional didgeridoo), bring richness and vitality to the score — most powerfully in the spiritually charged finale featuring Naarah and Garret Lyon.

With echoes of Australia’s musical legends (yes, even Kylie), TheLuckyCountryis fresh, funny and full of heart — a clever and compassionate take on who we are, and a show that deserves to be seen.

Review by Beth Klein

Grease

■ The iconic musical Grease first opened on Broadway in 1972. Since then, I have seen many versions, professional and amateur, including the Melbourne premiere also staged in 1972.

Babirra Music Theatre’s production of Greasepresented at The Round in Nuna-wading was a first-class, all-round standout interpretation.

The exuberant opening set the show’s tone, featuring musical director Vicki Quinn’s fabulous band and the dynamic all-singing, alldancing triple-threat ensemble.

Steph Clare-Cover’s superb choreography was a star feature throughout the show, elevating the dance moves for this musical to another level.

Vibrant, visually effective, and executed in well-rehearsed precision by the energetic cast.

Under Mark Cluning’s direction, the show zapped along at a fine pace, well-staged with impressively slick scene changes.

The clear articulation of lyrics and dialogue by all cast members emphasised the storytelling and was greatly appreciated by

● ● ● ●

Karlis Zaid, Jeffrey Liu, Vidya Makan and Phoenix Jackson Mendoza in The Lucky Country Photo: Jodie Hutchinson audience members. Emilie Toby’s delightful portrayal of protagonist Sandy was enhanced by her beautiful singing voice. Sandy’s transformation near the end of the show was tasteful and stylish.

Angus Bogotto was terrific as Danny, juggling his loyalty to the T-Birds with tender moments with Sandy, including some lovely vocals.

Talented performers portraying the T-Birds and Pink Ladies were Dean Di Cristo (Kenickie), Liam Rosewarne (Doody), Ryan Etlis (Roger), Benjamin Lee (Sonny), Hayley Wootten (Frenchy), Taylah Trew (Marty) and Sienna Gerin (Jan). Ninna Aguirre commanded the stage as Rizzo.

Ellen Lane made Miss Lynch's role her own, and personable Julian Campobasso was Vince Fontaine. Sean Malcolm entertained as lovable nerd Eugene , while Madison Kalmar sparkled as Patty Simcox Cameo roles were enjoyed from spirited Madeleine Magetti (Cha Cha), Anthony Gerace (Teen Angel), Danté Hanning (Johnny Casino) and Anna Bearsley (Radio Voice). Harrison Walsh impressed in the ensemble.

Topped off with Jason Bovaird’s lighting, Jake Sipcic’s sound design, costumes by Claire Blowers, Richard Perdriau’s set design, and again, the excellent ensemble, Babirra Music Theatre’s Grease was a fantastic, joyful production.

Hearty congratulations to all. Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Chimp

■ There is a certain simian similitude to Conor Lynch’s contribution to the Fringe Festival.

Given there is no dialogue, Lynch, in the appropriately titled production Chimp, must convey the desires of his alter ego in mime from captivity to an almost civilised entity.

While the anthropological mimicry may not be sufficient to distinguish a capuchin monkey from a bonobo it is sufficient to draw the audience in and make them part of his show.

Indeed, audience participation is integral to the show’s success. This is both entertaining and dangerous. Lynch builds the rapport with the crowd from the outset.

He even managed to confiscate a beeping watch from an audience member on the night I attended while behind the bars of a simulated cage. The danger here lies in not knowing how the audience will respond, there being ample room for improvisation in this regard. This also means that the performance will be different each night.

Lynch wins over the throng making use of earrings, glasses and the reactions of those attending. He has them join in a chorus of chest beating and primitive cries by the end of the night. This is after he has wined and dined a member of the audience having taken on the trappings of coat and tie to become civilised as the performance unfolds. There is a primordial beat and tempting banana, however, that draws him back to primate reality.

Lynch’s show is an opportunity, perhaps, to allow us to let go of our inhibitions and timidness crossing that nexus between spectator and participant. It might even be a way of suggesting that we are closer to our primitive roots than we thought. But most of all, it is entertaining fun.

Review by David McLean

Sisters In Crime

■ Australian women crime writers continue in the tradition of using police procedurals for writing crime novels, but are adding new elements – women detectives, deadly smalltown secrets, and different takes on violence against women.

A stolen baby, a stolen corpse, and a missing woman are at the centre of the novels by Vikki Petraitis, Sarah Bailey and Rachel Givney – and the authors will reveal all to Philomena Horsley at the October 24 event.

In The Stolen, the new thriller featuring Detective Antigone Pollard from Vikki Petraitis , the bestselling author of The Unbelieved, a distraught mother calls the station to report her baby missing. Antigone and Wozza, her trained police dog, begin a race against time to find the baby and the person who brazenly took him.

Once again, Antigone faces the questions: who’s protecting the women? And what happens when we don’t believe them?

Vikki Petraitis has 18 true crime books under her belt and is a podcaster with more than eight million listeners at the latest count. The Unbelieved won the Davitt (Readers’ Choice Award) in 2024.

In BodyofLies, Sarah Bailey’s DS Gemma Woodstock returns to Smithson, her hometown, where she has solved numerous mysteries in the past.

This time, it’s the biggest challenge of her policing career. A car crash victim clings to life and is rushed to hospital, but can’t be saved.

Hours later, her corpse is stolen from the morgue. No one knows who the dead woman was or why her body was taken.

As Gemma seeks to discover her identity, she uncovers devastating secrets about the people she thought she knew best. The closer Gemma gets to the truth, the more danger she is in.

Sarah Bailey has written three other books in the Gemma Woodstock series with her debut novel, TheDarkLake, winning both the 2018 Davitt Award for Best Crime Debut and the 2018 Ned Kelly Award for Best First Crime.

Her standalone novel The Housemate was published in 2021. She is also managing director at an advertising agency.

In Rachel Givney’s debut crime novel, Don’tSayHisName, Detective Stayer takes a job in the idyllic beach town of Thoorgala, hoping for a chance to reconnect with his sister, Ruby

As local women are found murdered on the sand dunes, marked with a peculiar symbol, townspeople begin blaming Tall Harry, a shadowy urban legend, as the culprit.

And when Ruby also goes missing, Stayer finds himself reluctantly teaming up with Sister Catherine Kelley, a nun steeped in the town’s folklore, to help solve the crime.

As the investigation intensifies, Stayer must confront the dark side of picturesque Thoorgala before this folkloric figure exacts any more of his promised revenge Rachel Givney is an internationally bestselling author and filmmaker. She has worked on many of Australia’s critically acclaimed shows, including Offspring, McLeod’sDaughters,AllSaints,TheWarriors, and many more.

Host Philomena Horsley is a long-time member of Sisters in Crime, a Davitt Awards Judge, and a Scarlet Stiletto trophy winner. She is also a medical anthropologist with expertise in autopsies, death and dying; family and domestic violence; and women’s health.

A short Annual General Meeting will follow the event.

$10 – $62 Entry and dinner combined charge: $60 non-members; $55 conc; $52 Sisters in Crime ans Writers Victoria members; $50 under 19 Please book by 12 noon, Thursday, October 23.

Tickets not sold prior to the event will be available at the door for $62/$57/$55/$52 entry and dinner combined charge: $60 nonmembers $55 concession $52 Sisters in Crime and Writers Victoria members $50 under 19

Event Date: Friday, October 24 at 8pm

Venue: The Rising Sun Hotel, cnr Raglan Street and Eastern Road, South Melbourne, 9696 2411

Bookings: eventbrite.com.au/e/on-thebeat-tickets-1728471337299?aff=oddtdtcreato

Shakin' at the High School Hop with the Grease ensemble.

Photo: Gavin D Andrew

Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts

Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.

Teas and Coffees

Don’t

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

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

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

■ CPP Community Theatre: Urinetown Until October 24 at the Rowville Performing Arts Centre, Humphreys Way, Rowville. Director: Mitchell E Roberts; Vocal Musical Director: Brodie Sainsbury-King; Orchestral Musical Director: Scott Huddleston; Choreographer: Molly Daley. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ Moonlite Theatre: Rope (by Patrick Hamilton) Until October 25 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19 Gisborne Rd., Baccus Marsh. Director: Shannon Nicholson. Bookings: trybooking.com/

DBPIV

■ Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company: The Heartbreak Choir (by Aidan Fennessy) Until October 26 at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hunb, 80 McKean St., Bairnsdale. Director: Susan Gibson. Bookings: eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/leisure/ whats-on-and-buy-tickets

■ Cathouse Players: Love Letters (by A.R. Gurney) Until October 26 at the Kyneton Masonic Centre, 7 Yaldwyn Street West, Kyneton. Director: Bette Sartore. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/DFLOD or 0494 166 257. Torquay Theatre Troupe Inc: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (by Christopher Durang) October 23 – November 1 at Shoestring Playhouse @ The MAC, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay; Director: Zina Carman. Bookings: Trybookng.com.au

■ PEP Productions: Love, Loss and What I Wore (by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Illene Beckerman) October 24 – November 1 at The Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Jennifer Pacey. Trybooking.

■ LOTS Theatre (Legends of the Skies): Charles Kingsford Smith – The Man, the Myth, the Mystery, Smithy a musical flight through history. November 6 – 8 at 7.30pm, Nov 8 and 9 at 2pm at the Moorabbin Air Museum. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. All tickets $25, family of four $90. Bookings: .trybooking.com/DFEAG

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Perfect Wedding (by Robin Hawdon) October 24 – November 8 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: 300 131 552, or online via our website: malverntheatre.com.au/book-tickets

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense’ (by The Goodale Brothers and PG Wodehouse) November 5 – 22 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Keith Hutton. Bookings: wlt.org.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Blackaddder II

(Based on the original BBC Television Series created by Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson, Ben Elton and John Lloyd and adapted for the stage by Dan Bellis and Harrison Ewart-Dart) November 7 – 22 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Directors: Dan Bellis and Harrison Ewart-Dart. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Cruel Intentions November 7 – 22 at Altona City Theatre, 115 Civic Pde., Altona. Director: Stuart Dodge; Musical Director: Jem Sherwill; Choreographer: Gabriele Pagano. Bookings: wmtc.org.au

■ The Good Life (by Jeremy Sams) November 7 – 22 at Brighton Theatre, Carpenter St., Brighton. Director: Joanne Gabriel. Bookings: brightontheatrecompany.com.au Powderkeg Players: November (by David Mamet) November 7 – 22 at St Albans Senior Citizens Centre, Cnr William and Alfrieda Sts., St Albans. Director: Lee Cook. Bookings: 0407 802 165.

Auditions

■ Babirra Music Theatre: 42nd Street, October 23 – November 2. Dance and Movement Audition (by invitation only) November 6, 8-11pm. Call Backs, November 9, all at Highfield Road Uniting Church, 72 Highfield Rd., Canterbury., Call Backs. Director: Alan Burrows. Audition pack: babirra.org.au/class/42ndstreet-auditions/ Audition bookings: trybooking.com/events/ landing/1480858 Cheryl Threadgold

Entertainment

HAUNTING OF SPOOK MANSION

■ Producer/writer Michael Ward has announced the cast for the premiere season of TheHauntingofSpookMansion(byGhosts), to be presented at Chapel off Chapel from November 12-23.

Writer/director/actor Peter Houghton is Adrian Chambers, Emily Taheny (core cast member of Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell) is Beth Jackson and Ben Russell (international renowned comedian) is Flugel

Directed by Russell Fletcher, the story tells of paranormal investigator Adrian Chambers' career being all but over and his bank balance running on empty.

But a chance meeting with a mysterious stranger presents him with an offer too lucrative to pass up: $500,000 to spend a night in a haunted house.

To a sneering sceptic like Chambers , it should be money for jam. But what happens when someone who has spent half a lifetime disproving the existence of the supernatural ... comes face-to-face with the ghosts of his past?

Ward says: “As a kid I devoured horror comics, ghost stories and horror films. My comedy taste, meanwhile, has always been influenced by the silliness of ZAZ (Jim Abrahams and the Zucker brothers), the guys who made films such as FlyingHigh and TopSecret. Horror and comedy have a lot in common, so it felt only natural to bring them together on stage.

"As a horror and comedy fan, I’d love to see more shows like Spook. While stand-up comedy and musicals are ubiquitous, original comedy plays - especially genre-based seem quite rare. Australian horror is booming at the cinema – why not in the theatre as well?”

Dates: November 12 – 23; Preview Nov 12, Opening Nov 13

Times: Wed.-Sat. 7.30pm, Sun. 6.30pm

Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran

Bookings: chapeloffchapel.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

More Auditions

■ Think First Theatre Company: A Christmas Presence (a fun musical play by Elizabeth Semmel about the story of Christmas for children and families) to be performed at the Mills St. Theatre, Cheltenham. Director: Elizabeth Semmel. Actors must be 16+. For audition bookings/info: Elizabeth 0410 665252 or Ann 0409 532 166.

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Bondi Legal, October 19, 20 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Susan Rundle. Audition bookings: Trybooking.

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Great Divide (by David Williamson) October 19 at 2pm; October 20 at 7.30pm at Unit 8, 417419 Warrigal Rd, Cheltenham. Director: Damian Jones. Audition bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au/auditions-thegreat-divide/

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Browning Version/South Downs (by Terrence Rattigan/David Hare) October 19, 20 at 7pm at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Audition bookings: orbbaf@ozemail.com.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: Clue on Stage (adapted from the Paramount Pictures film by Jonathan Lynn and the board game from Hasbro, Inc.) October 26 at 7pm, October 27 at 6.30pm at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Audition bookings: outlook.office.com/book/ AuditionBookings@theatreperson.com

Cheryl Threadgold

Journeys

■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Chorus celebrated its 60th anniversary in a splendid concert honouring Tomas Luis de Victoria (1548-1611), a great Spanish composer, in the Iwaki Auditorium Conductor, Warren Trevelyan-Jones skilfully led the singers in MissaproVictoria, (Victoria), Versaestinluctum, (Joe Twist), O quam gloriosum (Victoria) and To the FieldofStars(Gabriel Jackson) MissaproVictoria demonstrated glorious harmony. A monastic quality persisted, the first movement ending jubilantly with ‘gloria de patris amen’. Each part took its turn - a vivid conversation between male and female parts, gorgeous voices swelling and hushing melodiously.

Joe Twist’s short composition, Versaest inluctum(Myharpisturnedtogrieving), was discordant and moody, the lament written in 2011 as a tribute to Victoria’s death. The unaccompanied motet, taking its text from Job was intensely moving.

OquamgloriosumbyVictoriawas triumphant, the first line of the Latin translation reading: ‘Oh how glorious is the kingdom in which all the saints rejoice with Christ!’ Jackson’s extraordinary TotheFieldof the Stars was commissioned and performed by the MSO in 2011 to honour the 400th anniversary of Victoria’s death.

It was inspired by the Camino de Santiago, or WayofStJames. Nearly 40 minutes of singing by the MSO choir included superb solos by Michele de Courcy and Natasha Lambie and narration by tenor, James Dipnall.

Ariel Volovelsky on cello, John Arcaro and Robert Cossom on percussion and Timothy Mallis on chamber organ provided wonderful accompaniment.

Bells led the singers joyfully while the cello was a melancholy contrast. The seven movements in Latin and English included a prayer for travelling and words from John Adams (American President, 1735-1826) Walt Whitman and Emily Dickinson, amongst others.

Gabriel Jackson said that though his composition illustrates the pilgrimage to Santiago, the journey was more about ‘the physical, emotional and psychological struggle’ to reach one’s goals.

For this reviewer, the concert provided a truly rewarding journey.

Review by Juliet Charles

Cricket The Musical

■ CricketTheMusicalwill play The Showroom at Arts Centre Melbourne on December 27 and 28.

Singer-songwriter and satirist Denis Carnahan is making a triumphant return to the stage this summer with his hilarious oneman cult hit musical comedy.

CricketTheMusicalwill follow the English Cricket Team’s tour of Australia

“The 2025-26 cricket season is destined to be filled with controversy and pantomime, from the World Test Championship to the West Indies series, followed by the always hilarious touring English cricketers. They’re still smarting from the Farce of the Wandering Bairstow, and sure to bring the slapstick of Bazball,” said Carnahan

For almost two decades, Carnahan has been producing songs and parodies about the many colourful characters and controversies Australian sport produces.

Dead on Target

■ Being a journalist leads you up all sorts of highways and byways, and most journalists have a pretty wide knowledge of what’s happening on their patch.

Former Australian journalist Stephen Johnson has taken the knowledge from his decades of journalism in Australia and New Zealand and poured it into his latest crime thriller, DeadonTarget

The novel is the third in his Spotlight series, which follows the adventures of journalist Kim Prescott and the Melbourne SpotlightTV crew as they confront yet another series of crimes.

An arson attack with a chilling message and a vicious assault in Apollo Bay resurrects a past series of crimes named the Tugga’s Mob saga back into the news. Someone new is out for revenge, but who it is becomes a baffling mystery.

The one original survivor of the crime saga has fled to England, leaving the Melbourne Spotlight crew and Kim to head to Britain to try to establish what is going on, but there is a killer in waiting.

Stephen says his lead character Kim is an amalgam of all the gutsy female journalists he has worked with over the years, from his early days with the Geelong Advertiser through the ABC Melbourne newsroom and then to commercial television in Australia and New Zealand, where he is now resident.

This journalist turned crime author writes a cracking yarn, so be prepared for a gripping page turner when you start to read DeadonTarget It’s available from ANZ Booksellers of direct from publisher – www.clandestine press.net

Julie Houghton

Flesh Mirror

■ In a wonderful example of abled and disabled artists and performers creating and performing together, Arts House and Melbourne Fringe presented the premiere of Weave Movement Theatre’s latest production FleshMirror.

Multi-disciplinary in nature, six performers were in a large space dominated by a projection screen. Also in the space were several mobile video cameras which captured the performers live. Video recordings were also played, conversations and competitions were held, monologues were delivered, dances were performed.

In development since 2022, FleshMirror was a multi-dimensional text involving dance, sound and movement, the spoken word, live camera action, pre-recorded short films and soundscapes. A veritable melange of how humans communicate and interact with each other, this could have been shambolic. Instead though, a visceral sense of what it is to be disabled was conveyed, with themes of identity and transformation explored through personal stories.

Credited as performers were Janice Florence, Anthony Riddell, David Baker, Emma Norton, Trevor Dunn and Sonia Marcon . All of them performed in a bold and admirable style. In an entertaining and, at times, challenging evening, highlights were an “I can scream better than you” competition involving all six performers and the hauntingly beautiful “bird song” dance performed by Florence and Dunn (who we see happily sharing a house in Preston in a short video clip).

The creative team behind Flesh Mirror was Creative Producer Anna Nalpantidis, Choreographer and Lead Artist Rebecca Jensen , Sound Artist Marco Cher, Filmmaker Zoe Scoglio and Production and Technical Manager Shiv Geaney. This fabulous five created a dynamic work full of humour and pathos. While not always successful, as at times the spoken word was hard to understand or obvious attempts at humour fell flat or the narrative thread was confusing, nevertheless the overall impact of the show was powerful and made a moving “here we are, take us as we are” statement. Venue: Arts House, 521 Queensberry St, North Melbourne Review by Peter Murphy

● ● ● ● The cast of The Haunting of Spook Mansion: Peter Houghton, Emily Taheny and Ben Russell

● ● Stephen Johnson

CATO THE WISE

★The Les Twentyman Foun dation received $4600 to support young people in their education journey, thanks to local legends joining the gym at Windy Hill Fitness Centre and BayFit Leisure Centre

★Southern Peninsula Rescue Squad Victoria has been recognised for 58 years of dedicated service and was awarded a commendation by the Australian National Search and Rescue Council.

★Thousands dressed in purple last Sunday (Oct. 19) to take part in thde Put Your Foot Down event to help make strides against pancreatic cancer.

★Sullivan+Strumpf is presenting a major new exhibition from celebrated Sydney artist Michael Lindeman, opening at their Melbourne gallery on Thursday, October 30.

★The Jewish Museum of Aus tralia: Gandel Centre of Judaica and the ArtEvent Committee unveiled the ArtEvent 2025 Online Catalogue, feature an exceptional collection of Australian and international contemporary artworks from some of today's most celebrated artists.

★The National (the St Kilda based theatre) has appointed Rod Gilbert as the new Chief Executive Officer.

★A media call for The Talented Mr. Ripley is being held at the Playhouse, Arts Centre Melbourne, on Thursday, October 30. Featured will be Will McDonald, Roman Delo, Claude Scott-Mitchell and Faisal Hamza

★The parliamentary inquiry into the recruitment methods and impacts of cults and organised fringe groups continues its public hearings this week.

★Heide Museum of Modern Art has unveiled a major exhibition by celebrated Australian artist Nell, taking over the iconic Heide Modern building, until March 1. Titled Face Everything, the site-responsive exhibition sees Nell transform the former home into a vibrant, layered environment populated with more than 85 works from across her 30 year career, including over 50 new works.

★The Australian String Quartet has announced its 2026 national tours and festivals. Its flagship bespoke festival, the Dunkeld Festival of Music

★Trust for Nature (VIC) and Bush Heritage Australia are holding their annual Celebrating Women in Conservation Breakfast in March 2026.

★Dr Bronte Adams is new Press Council Chair.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment

★At State Library Victoria, a team of digital experts embarked on an ambitious technological journey to transform Ned Kelly's iconic armour into an award-winning digital experience, Mouthful of Dust. It is a behind-the-scenes look at the process of creating these incredibly detailed 3D models

★The Midsumma Festival 2026 program launch is being held at The Edge, FedSquare , from 6.30pm-9pm on Monday, November 24.

★History Month continues with Week 4 of events presented by the Royal Historical Society of Victoria.

★Ella's Music Club is presenting To Be Loved, a dedication to Adele , at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club on Saturday, November 1. it features vocalist Tika (Martika Cetinich) , Martika Cetinich - vocals, Phil Close - keyboards, Stephanie Greenwood - vocals, Jessica McPherson Riley - vocals, Josh Harris Greven - Bass, and Jamie Goff - Drums.

★Westfield 2025 Local Heroes grant recipients are Nessryn Tabiaat, St John Ambulance Program (Westfield Airport West); Daniel Mar, 3rd Doncaster East Scout Group (Westfield Doncaster); Sally Beard, Backpacks 4 Vic Kids (Westfield Fountain Gate); Janice McGowan, Christ Church Community Meals Program (Westfield Geelong); Ray Siegersma, Rotary Club of Boronia – Youth Skill Shed (Westfield Knox); Sarah Brewer, Love in Action (Westfield Plenty Valley); Yvonne Hong, Pets of the Homeless (Westfield Southland).

★National Museum Australia says that ot has been made aware that LED tea lights provided as part of the free drop-in Lanternmaking activity at the Illuminating Egypt Festival and Lanternmaking School Holiday Workshops in April last year, may have been subject to a product safety recall relating to child safety.

Rebecca Fortuna is winner of the 2026 Travel Gang Educator Scholarship. Rebecca is the owner and director of Red Theatricals in Templestowe and Bulleen. Rebecca will undertake the trip of a lifetime, valued at $14,000. She will be part of a 19-day tour to the USA in January, with the 2026 Aussie All-Stars who will represent Australia at the international Junior Theatre Festiva l in Atlanta

What Lies Beneath

■ Sarah Miller’s WhatLiesBeneath, uses the myth of Demeter and Persephone as the centrepiece of her production.

What is difficult to establish is just how integral that myth is or the message Miller wishes to convey.

In the myth, Persephone (Daphne Gerolymou-Papadopoulos) is abducted by Hades, the God of the Underworld, leaving Demeter (Rosa Voto) bereft.

Between them, they are responsible for the seasons and, thus, we get fertility, life and death intermingled.

Without that understanding, it might be challenging for audiences to appreciate Miller’s intent.

There is representative movement to suggest the harvest, perhaps, but this abuts commentary that is more contemporary.

Hekate (Clare Larman) is also present onstage. Classically, she represents magic, witchcraft and is the goddess of entrances protecting homes.

How the movement, commentary, and intermingling of these characters coalesces remains open to interpretation for there doesn’t appear to be a clear narrative arc.

The myth itself has Persephone spending time in the underworld causing Demeter to lament and neglect her duties.

This brings autumn and winter. Zeus commands Demeter’s daughter must return lest the world suffer but Persephone had already eaten a pomegranate which ties her to the underworld.

She can only return intermittently. The joy of her return brings spring and summer but we know winter will return. There is work yet to be done in this production so even the uninitiated can appreciate the myth and its contemporary relevance.

Presented at Theatre Works Explosives Factory for the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Review by David McLean

Cellophane Silks

■ Australian artist Ivan Durrant is at Glen Eira City Council Gallery until Sunday, November 9, with the energy of crowds, colour and the history of Caulfield Racecourse.

Ivan Durrant’s celebrated photorealist paintings from the mid1970s, and his fascination with colour and light are explored in the series of dynamic out-of-focus horse racing and jockey paintings from 2012 to 2016. Rare works from private collections that have never been shown in public before are featured in the exhibition.

Jewish Film Festival

■ The Jewish International Film Festival runs for six weeks until November 26, presenting 50 new films, documentaries, shorts and a television series.

The festival brings together the best Jewish -themed stories from around the world, spanning history and contemporary life, the personal and the political, the intimate and the epic.

Fresh from its Cannes premiere comes Eleanor the Great, Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut. Starring June Squibb (Nebraska,Thelma) as a brassy 94-year-old reinventing herself in New York, Eleanor’s storytelling leads her into a Holocaust survivors’ support group - the film both poignant and hilarious. www.jiff.com.au

Caught Stealing

■ (MA). 107 minutes. Available to rent or buy on selected digital platforms.

Following the artificial, hollow and unsatisfying The Whale (which received wild praise and an Oscar for Brendan Fraser), director Darren Aronofsky (Pi,Requiem For A Dream, Mother!) makes a huge return to form with Caught Stealing, which while openly embracing its influences, also makes sure it has a beating heart all its own.

Set in 1998, Austin Butler stars as Hank, a once-promising baseball player who works at a New York bar, and loves to consume the stock, much to the concern of his maybe girlfriend Yvonne (Zoe Kravitz), who wants their relationship to be something more serious.

When Hank’s punk neighbour Russ (Matt Smith) suddenly has to leave town, forcing him to take care of his cat, Bud, it will unknowingly lead him into a criminal world which will turn his world upside down.

Advertised as yet another Tarantino/Ritchie clone, Caught Stealing is so much more than that, with Charlie Huston’s screenplay (based on his novel) anchored by flesh-and-blood characters, who are genuinely bewildered and terrified by the brutal world they’ve been dragged into.

Aronofsky brings tremendous energy to the material (and pairs once more with cinematographer Matthew Libatique, to stunning effect), concentrating on the human factor first, ensuring plot turns have maximum impact.

Writer and director also allow the audience to encounter the escalating situation at the same time Hank does, keeping us on our toes, while the lack of high-tech prevents everyone from being ahead of what is going on.

The increasingly threatening journey is certainly inspired by Martin Scorsese’s brilliant After Hours(1985), and Aronofsky isn’t afraid to show his love for that film, but never at the expense of the story he is telling.

On top of that, he is obviously enjoying being back on the chaotic streets of New York, which was the setting for his incredible, 1998 debut feature, Pi Butler is outstanding as Hank, bringing a real humanity to a flawed individual, while Kravitz exudes a kindness and patience with Yvonne

The whole cast bring their best to the large gallery of eccentric, and/or intimidating characters.

While there is that particular

blend of humour and violence that many modern crime films have in the wake of Tarantino , Caught Stealing is more interested in the people that populate this criminal milieu, and with a strong script as its foundation, allows an absolute in-form director and cast to deliver first-rate entertainment.

RATING - ****

Eddington

■ (MA). 149 minutes. Available to rent or buy on selected digital platforms.

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

All of his previous films (Hereditary,Midsommar,BeauIsAfraid) are technically impressive efforts, with some potentially interesting themes and effective moments. Each one however fail due to fatal self-indulgence, a strange propensity of telegraphing their outcomes very early on (despite Hereditary having one genuinely shocking surprise), and especially with his first two films, a very obvious influence by the 1973 folk horror classic, TheWickerMan

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

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

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

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

This will either fascinate or frustrate people, but I found it to be the best possible approach.

Performances are strong across the board, and as usual, it is beautifully crafted.

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

Despite these flaws, Eddington is a film worth watching.

RATING - **** Aaron Rourke

Maxwell Newton

In Memory of

● ● ● ● Darren Aronofsky

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

In The Pink

50,000 screened

■ Since launching its Children’s Vision Screening Program in 2018, more than 50,000 children across Australia, and more recently New Zealand, have received free vision screenings through the the Lions Eye Health Program

Skin cancer crisis

■ Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three people diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. However, a new detection method pioneered by the University of South Australia , using artificial intelligence, will hopfully reverse this trend.

New regulations

■ The State Government has announced reforms to make food safety regulations simpler, more consistent and easier for businesses. As part of these reforms, a new independent regulator, Safe Food Victoria, will be established, bringing together several existing regulators.

Feel yourself

PODIATRY WEEK ACROSS VICTORIA

■ Podiatry Week is an annual campaign that raises awareness of ankle and foot health and the essential role podiatrists play in healthcare.

From a child’s very first steps, podiatrists play a crucial role in ensuring kids walk, run, and grow with confidence.

As you move through life chasing sporting goals, staying active for better health, or recovering from injury, podiatrists help keep you moving pain-free.

When life brings new challenges, from managing diabetes to staying mobile in later years, podiatrists are here to support every next step, big or small.

It's not just lower limb, ankle and foot problems. It’s about movement, independence, and quality of life at every age and stage.

Whether it’s a child finding their stride, an athlete hitting their stride, or an older adult maintaining their stride, podiatrists are there for every step of the journey.

■ Breast Cancer Network Australia has launched a new awareness campaign, Know Yourself. Feel Yourself, urging women to give their breasts the same attention they give their faces in the mirror. The Pulse $2.2m penalty

You will find podiatrists across all areas of the health sector – from private practice, community health services, hospitals, rural and remote outreach clinics, to rehabilitation centres, residential aged care, across the disability sector and working in people’s homes.

Australian Podiatry Association

Podiatry Week

Support at Home is coming: What it means for your feet and your freedom from Podiatry Bunch.

What began in 2016 as a small Eltham mobile podiatry service is now a team of almost 30 podiatrists and admin staff.

You will see Podiatry Bunch cars across Melbourne with a mission: exceptional care delivered at home. From November 1, Support at Home rolls out, replacing home care packages for those needing aged care help at home. The good news is allied health stays

Fact File

Practice name: Practice name: Practice name: Practice name: Podiatry Bunch

Address: Address: 2/ 734 Main Road, Eltham, VIC 3095

Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone: 1300 490 933

Website: Website: Website: Website: www.podiatrybunch.com.au

Email address: Email Email address: Email admin@podiatrybunch.com

stays free, so you can keep moving without footing the bill.

Budgets may be tighter, and some independence-supporting items such as medical-grade footwear or pressure-relief products may require a co-contribution.

“Our goal is to protect mobility and dignity,” says Team Lead Meiru Karanbir.

“Keeping allied health free is a win, but we do not want people to miss out on the items that keep them safe at home.”

Behind the scenes, Podiatry Bunch is meeting with home care providers and engaging with the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority to keep podiatry affordable and not left behind.

With fewer podiatrists registering year on year, we are concerned for in-home podiatry as some clinics shift to in-clinic services only.

Unsure how the changes affect you? Talk to your provider or Podiatry Bunch for friendly advice and next steps.

■ NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville has welcomed the Federal Court’s judgement and $2.2 million penalty imposed against Aurora Community Care Pty Ltd in relation to the tragic death of Ankur Gupta. It is the highest civil penalty imposed on an NDIS provider to date.

Mr Gupta, an NDIS participant with an intellectual disability, was killed after being struck by a car on a motorway near his Supported Independent Living home.

Feeling blue?

■ People in Australia living with heart disease, including a history of heart attack, are being encouraged to recognise the ‘cardiac blues’ and seek help early for improved health outcomes.

With more than four million people in Australia living with a cardiac condition and on average one person every nine minutes hospitalised due to a heart attack every day1, the Heart Foundation is highlighting the intersect between mental health and heart health.

No. 1 Destination

■ Australia has been ranked as the most desirable wellness tourism destination in the Global Wellness Institute 2025 Wellness Survey.

Yea Podiatry Clinic: Supporting Every Step in the Local Community

● ● ● ● Regular podiatry client Michael Kirby with Erin Papadopoulos Podiatry Week 2025 runs from Monday October 13 to Sunday October 19, with the national theme “From first steps to next steps”.

Australians are being encouraged to think again about podiatry — not just in terms of foot, ankle, and lower

Fact File

Name: Name: Name: Name: Yea Podiatry Clinic Address: Address: The Grace Bennetts Centre, 20 Miller Street, Yea, 3717 Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone: 03 5736 0471

Website: Website: https:// yeapodiatryclinic.com.au

Email: Email: yeapodiatryclinic@gmail.com

limb care, but as a profession that supports movement, independence, and quality of life at every age and stage.

Yea Podiatry Clinic, established in 2010, is proud to support the local community by providing quality podiatry care close to home.

The clinic is led by Erin Papadopoulos, owner and principal podiatrist, alongside experienced local podiatrist Ashleigh Peers.

“At Yea Podiatry Clinic we see an array of patients with varying needs, from sports people wanting to get back on the track, tradies looking for comfortable footwear solutions, elderly people needing foot care support, to parents wanting to check their child’s foot development,” Erin said.

“We love the diversity of clients we see and the ability to make a real impact in their lives by supporting their most important asset – their feet.”

Podiatry Week is the perfect reminder that podiatrists are highly trained health professionals who help prevent, manage and treat lower limb issues that affect mobility, comfort, and long-term health.

● ● Australian Podiatry Association

■ If you had asked me, “Where do you think Victor Mature‘s family came from?” - I would have said, “He always looked a bit Greek to me.”

But after doing some research on this famous Hollywood actor of the 1940s and 1950s I have discovered his father was Italian and his mother’s family originally came from Switzerland.

Victor Mature certainly was a very handsome man and starred in some major Hollywood films during his career as an actor.

Victor John Mature was born in Kentucky in 1913. In his adult years he managed a restaurant before moving to California where he joined a Community Theatre Group.

Victor was spotted by a talent agent and in 1940 was cast as a caveman in his first film, OneMillionB.C

He was signed by 20th Century Fox and cast in films such as NoNoNanette,MyGalSal,I WakeUpScreaming and SevenDaysLeave

He had already been twice married before joining the U.S. Coast Guard in 1944.

After the war Victor was honorably discharged and resumed his acting career. His first post-war film was probably one of his best when he played ‘Doc Holliday’ in MyDarling Clementine, playing opposite Henry Fonda

In 1949 he made a screen classic for Paramount Studios when he starred as Samson in Samson&Delilah

Hedy Lamarr played the temptress Delilah and George Sanders was the nasty Saran of Gaza

I remember seeing that film at the old

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Victor Mature

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Progress Picture Theatre in Reynard St, West Coburg in the early 50s.

When Victor Mature pushed down those pillars and destroyed the temple to completely wipe out those pagan Philistines - we all sat there in stunned silence.

In 1952 he starred opposite Esther Williams in Million DollarMermaid and according to Esther’s autobiography they were more than good friends during the shooting of the film.

Victor was cast as the Greek slave Demetrius in The Robe, which was the first cinemascope film, playing opposite Richard Burton and Jean Simmons. He was so popular in The Robe that 20th Century Fox quickly cast him in the sequel DemetriusandtheGladiators

His other film credits includeTheEgyptian,

ChiefCrazyHorseand ViolentSaturday. I have read reviews by critics who were not complimentary about Victor’s acting abilities, but I thought he was pretty good.

Apparently he did not take himself seriously and parodied his screen image in later films such as After the Fox and Won Ton Ton the DogWhoSavedHollywood

In 1974 he married his fifth wife, Loretta G. Sebena and the union lasted for the rest of his life.

His last on screen appearance in 1984 was in a TV remake of SamsonandDelilah

In his later years he ran a successful television retail shop in Hollywood.

Kevin can be heard on

The Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew

And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

FREE TOURS ON OPEN STUDIOS WEEKEND

Open Studios Weekend 2025 takes free, self-guided tour through the studies, workshops, galleries and gardens of an array of artists and makers hailing from across the southeast region.

This an unique opportunity to witness live demonstrations, actively engage in artistic endeavours, enrich your personal collection with one of a kind and environmentally conscious locally crafted artworks, or even enrol in creative workshops that ignite your4 imagination.

Featuring:

■ Berwick Artists Society(BAS) –Chapel, Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road. Berwick

■ Berwick District Woodworkers Club – Old Cheese Factory, 34 Homestead Road, Berwick

■ Garage 35 Art Studio – 35 F Buckley Street Noble Park

■ Emerging Art Creative Hub – 59 Web Street,. Narre Warren

■ South Eastern Contemporary Art Network (SECAN) – Gate , Akoonah Park, Cardinia Street, Berwick

■ Red Fox Pottery Studio – 73 Intrepid Street, Berwick

■ Hampton Park Uniting Church Art Group – 1 Coral Drive Hampton Park

■ Rudy Azzola Studio – 35 Turner Street, Berwick

■ Criss Chaney Studio – 23 Caserta Drive, Berwick.

■ Heather Wilson Ceramics – 210 Belgrave-Hallam road, Narre Warren

■ Janet Matthews Studio – 6 Tom Gearon Court, Narre Wearren North. When: Satur day October 25 and Sunday October 26.

At MUMA

Awakening Histories

Is s the final exhibition in MUMA’S 50th anniversary program, opened on Saturday October 11 with artist talks, a performance, a Welcome to Country and opening remarks from the Indonesian Ambassador to Australia, Dr Siswo Pramono.

Explore the deep connections between First Nations Peoples across the north of this continent, now known as Australia , and the Makassan seafarers of Soth Sulaesi, Indonesia.

Awaking Histories presents ocean-centred storytelling through the work of 27 artists and collectives.

The exhibition offers a powerful counter-narratives to Eurocentric histories of discovery imposed over Indigenous sovereignty.

AwakeningHistoriesis now showing at MUMA until December 6 and

The Arts

touring to PICA February 6 – March 29, 2026.

Advisory: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that the exhibition contains images. Voices and names of deceased persons.

MUMA Building F, Caulfield Campus Princes Hwy, Caulfield

200 works

■ The 30th Annual Mayoral Art Exhibition Time is now open with 200 works on display.

Exhibiting artists have responded to the past, present, future and the passage of time through diverse mediums including painting, drawing, printmaking, sculpture, collage

This annual event raises funds fr the Bone Marrow Donor Institute and is supported by the Maroondah City Council and the Community Bank Ringwood East and Croydon. Exhibition closes Sunday November 8.

Maroondah Federation Estate Gallery 32 Greenwood Ave, Ringwood

Your DNA

DNA Creative Arts Collective

The World Around Us is a beautiful, varied and complex, just like us. As individuals, we come together in shared moments of creative learning, yet each of us experiences the natural world with our own unique and curios perspective.

What we see, hear, feel, smell, taste, think and experience shapes the way we create and how we create it.

TheWorldAroundUs owes us to explore our external world as it affects our internal self/.

The way we view the natural world, interact with and capture it helps to tell our separate stories.

As artists wit disability we create in our own way. We view the world in our own way. Our uniqueness is hat makes our artwork so much more intriguing

Your DNA Creative Arts brings together young adults with disability and provides a space for them to explore their authentic ad artistic selves.

New techniques are taught but each participant brings their own interpretation of it and how it all comes together.

We encourage each participant to express themselves in their own way while always striving toward professional creative practice.

Exhibition closes Saturday November 15.

Wyreena Community Arts Centre 13 – 23 Hull Rd, Croydon - Peter Kemp

MSO

■ One of New Zealand’s leading vocal ensembles, the Signature Choir will join the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, led by conductor Carlo Antonioli, at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Saturday, January 31, for an uplifting and joyful musical celebration of Pacific language and culture.

The Signature Choir unites more than 90 voices rich with harmonies and powerful storytelling, performing gospel, classical, modern and traditional Pasifika music in a sound that is fresh, moving, and unmistakably Pacific

At the heart of their journey is Mana Moana — a world-first Pacific, choral and orchestral production that explores the ocean as a symbol of connection, heritage and strength.

Since its 2022 debut with the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Mana Moana has sold out arenas, earned standing ovations, and become a powerful celebration of unity and cultural pride.

“Mana Moana showcases the richness of Pasifika music,” says Fepulea‘i Helen Tupai

■ Legal eagles representing nice guy Roger Federer have gone to war with 26-year-old Brooklyn Beckham. It all started when both parties launched consumer goods using the word CLOUD in their branding. Roger had invested $50 million in a footwear company manufacturing trendy trainers, Brooklyn started a hot sauce company, also using CLOUD Another picnic day for legal eagles to sort out. Brooklyn Beckham is still estranged from his family and with an investment from his mega millionaire father-in-law has funded launch of Beck's Buns , a hamburger franchise.

First award in 10 years

■ ■ Australian Grammy Award winning virtuoso Tommy Emmanuel is about to release LivingintheLight, his first solo for a decade. Livingin theLight combines the best of acoustic pop, jazz, classical and roots. Sounds good, is great.

Hollywood gossip

■ Looking good for filming of Oceans14to start production second half of 2026 starring the old gang of Julia Roberts. George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon and Dave Cheadle. Another certainty is Jeremy Clarkson due to start a series of outback adventures visiting large farm holdings in Australia

New menu at Aussie Open

■ Yet another fast-food franchise will make its debut with a pop-up shop at the Australian Tennis Open. The Shake Shop started as a Hot Dog Cart in 2001 in NYC, expanding to 500 outlets internationally - America, Europe, Asia and very soon, Australia. Signature meal is their Shake Burger consisting of an Angus beef patty, melted cheese, tomato, lettuce and special Shake sauce all on a toasted potato bun. What, no beetroot?

Bellarine Blues Festival

■ April 2026 is the month chosen for the 100 Acres

● ● Victor Mature

Victor Mature died of leukemia in 1999, at his Rancho Santa Fe, California home, at the age of 86. He is buried in the family plot at St Michael's Cemetery in his hometown of Louisville, Kentucky.

Kevin Trask

3AW -

McLaren.

● ● ● ● Roger Federer

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Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Across Observer Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 19

1. Able to be modified

6. Run away (4,3)

10. Crumpling

16. Drunkard

17. Canary Islands port, ... Palmas

19. Endure

20. Sheep fibre

21. Brass instrument

22. Snatched

23. Wallop

26. Church senior

28. Alliance

30. Smiles

31. Recite

33. Composer, Sir Edward ...

35. Serviceable

37. Wild grass

38. Fork point

39. Espionage agents

41. Mountain call

43. Supplement, ... out

44. Fragrant flower

45. Scornfully disobey

46. Corrosive substance, ... soda

48. Aquatic mammals

50. Contributes

51. Devout

52. Small fenced-in area

53. Sore secretion

55. Ice-cream server

57. Respectful

60. Ethnic bigots

62. Young man

64. Fire-fighting fixtures

67. Mass

68. Damages (bodywork)

69. Public pool

71. Achiever

72. Endorse (motion)

74. Camouflage colour

75. Italian farewell

77. Naked rider, ... Godiva

79. Bravery badges

82. A single entity

83. Peruses

85. Betray, ... on

87. OK (informal)

89. Tennis barrier

90. Ashen

91. Epsom annual horse race

92. Actor, ... Gibson

94. German Mrs

96. Distort

98. The N of NB

99. Synagogue scholar

100. Send back

102. Sort (through)

104. Cut (timber)

106. Gets

107. Tout

109. Cargo

111. Be unfaithful to (3-4)

112. Nothing

113. Milkshake ingredient

114. Ship's spine

116. Fraud

118. Frog relatives

119. ... of Carpentaria

121. Incursion

123. Woodwind instrument

125. Fibbed

127. Can metal

128. Excursion

130. Sunbeams

132. Truck compartment

134. Palm cereal

136. Tanzania's ... es Salaam

137. Squalid

139. Large racing yacht

140. Tennis ace, ... Nastase

141. Fishing-line fibre

143. Convict's ball & ...

AcrossDownDown

145. Mortuary table

147. Lawyer's charge

148. Wound with dagger

149. Ready for picking

150. Pledge

152. Put strain on

154. Writer, ... Blyton

156. Basketball shot, ... dunk

158. Flavouring herb

159. Oxlike antelopes

161. Acorn bearer

163. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex

165. Spicy lentil dish

167. Hunger pain

169. Restate

171. Fabric join

173. Cropping up

175. Silver bars

177. Pet's parasites

179. Ills

181. Nipples

182. Lion's neck hair

183. Honey wine

185. Positive replies

187. Dismiss

189. ... & downs

190. Kitchen flooring

191. Female opera singer

192. Cloth remnant

194. Security lapses

196. Non-clergy

197. Antarctic inlet, ... Sea

198. Judo level

199. Beijing's former name

202. Deplete

204. Cycled

205. Fast planes

206. Counterfeited

208. Auction

210. Knight's mount

212. Filled pastries

213. Sports team

214. Infant babble (4,4)

216. Happily ... after

217. Contactable (2,4)

219. Realms

221. Devonshire tea cake

223. Red-rind cheese

225. Perform

226. All-in fight

227. Open tart

230. Long films

232. Snowfields elevator (3,4)

235. Shopping precincts

236. Mother

238. Smash into

240. Anaesthetic gas

242. Exclusive group

243. Dispatches

244. Town plan

245. Physician

246. Attacked (3,2)

247. City, ... Angeles

248. Nursemaid

249. Ring-throwing game

251. Hallucinogenic drug (1,1,1)

253. Electricity power source

255. Greener

256. Revise (text)

258. Cash disc

259. Cases

260. Belonging to us

261. Beer

262. Divorce order (6,4)

263. Gizmos

264. Armless (dress)

1. Marriage cheat

2. Vibrates

3. Pixie

4. Very eager

5. Radiant

6. Destines to grim fate

7. At summit of

8. Smoke vent

9. Tale

11. False pretences

12. Push for

13. Unrefined

14. Partook of liquor

15. Aphrodite & Athena

16. Moved to & fro

18. Regrettably

24. Clue

25. Low platform

27. Swollen heads, big ...

29. Yes vote

30. Tile mortar

31. Potatoes

32. Even so

34. Stretch

36. Alias (1,1,1)

38. Cheap booze

39. Indian gowns

40. Drink delicately

42. Windies batsman, Clive ...

45. Pasture

46. Desert plants

47. Kill selectively

49. ... & Gomorrah

51. Dried plum

52. Jerks

54. Voyage

56. Primp & ...

58. Peeper

59. Black wood

60. All set

61. Neck warmer

63. Date of offensive (1-3)

65. Cosmetics boss, Elizabeth ...

66. Israeli city, ... Aviv

68. Sheikhdom, Abu ...

70. Dedicatory verses

72. Cloyingly sweet

73. Duress

74. Roadway edgings

76. Rowing aids

78. Jabbers

80. Vaporised

81. Removes whiskers

83. Resist openly

84. Half

86. Fox brush

88. High temperature

91. Actor/singer, Sammy ... (5,2)

92. Fade (away)

93. Touch with tongue

95. Flying saucers (1,1,2)

97. World Wide Web (1,1,1)

99. Cheese skin

100. Entertainer, ... Harris

101. Layers

103. Mexican food shell

105. Carol, The First ...

107. Common seasoning

108. Afternoon meal

110. Gentle strokes

113. Humdrum

115. Lawful

117. Groaning

118. Close-fitting

119. Cunning

120. Polishes (car)

122. Tibet's ... Lama

124. Pyramids country

126. Blowpipe missiles

129. Commercials

130. British flying force (1,1,1)

131. Produce

133. Overalls, ... & brace

135. Bullfight cry

137. Big cricket hit

138. Unique model (3-3)

142. Persona ... grata

144. African anteater

146. Inclination

148. Clever

149. Betrothal token, engagement ..

151. Scrutinising (accounts)

153. Every day

155. Sketched

157. So!

158. Provides with personnel

159. Squall

160. Obtain (support) (4,2)

162. Bend to pray

164. Mekong valley nation

166. Holidays owed, time in ...

167. Coal mines

168. In attendance (2,4)

170. Abated

172. Breakfast or dinner

174. Enervates

175. Forbids

176. One, numero ...

178. Browns (meat) quickly

180. Disfigure

182. Feel the loss of 184. Michaelmas ...

186. Skim on ice

188. Environmental treaty, ... Protocol

190. Plenty

191. Challenged

193. Midges

195. Filter

197. Cotton spool

198. Avoid

200. Age

201. Candied

203. Requires 205. Abandon (lover)

206. Financial penalties

207. Shady tree

209. Flee to wed 211. Duck's mate

212. Agreement

213. Window ledges

214. Confused

215. Fuses (of bones)

218. Coffee lounge

219. Surfer, ... Slater

220. Sailors

222. Troop formations

224. Flour factory

226. Yacht's principal canvas

228. Antiquated

229. Crooner, ... King Cole

231. Hardens

233. Leo animal

234. 'Tis (2'1)

235. Death in Venice author, Thomas

236. China's ... Zedong

237. Pacify

239. Portable

241. Horse-riding show

243. NE US state

244. Corpse repository

248. Fixes with hammer

250. Ayatollah's land

252. Former Italian currency

253. Castle ditch

254. Model, ... Macpherson

257. Used spade

By Rob Foenander

Relax with Max

■ The 10-piece Melbourne outfit Relax with Max was formed in 1984 by band leader Max Vella. It will perform at the Memo St Kilda on Friday, December 19. The group presents a unique blend of funk, soul and afro-beat, along with elements of R&B and gospel. Tickets at Trybooking.com

Summer of Love

■ Margaret Court Arena will rock on February 14. Aussie music royalty Jon Stevens from Noiseworks and Inxs along with Wolfmother, Screaming Jets and Large Mirage will be the headline acts performing. They’ll also be taking the show around the country as part of the Summer of Love rockfest.

Outback legends

■ Country music’s legendary artists will be celebrated when the Outlaw Legends take the stage at the Brunswick Ballroom on November 16.

Well known Aussie performer Shane Nicholson brings together a stellar line up of musicians and singers as they pay tribute to Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Jessi Colter, Emmylou Harris and Kris Kristofferson. Tickets at Moshtix.com.au Rob Foenander

to NZ

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

BIG MASSIVE STAR REVIEWED

■ Times are tough in the Middle Ages in France , especially so it seems for two female executioners trying to make ends meet in the riotous comedy ABigMassive Star, which played at The Improv Conspiracy as part of the Fringe Festival.

The two executioners mentioned are having something of a midlife crisis as their chosen career fails to deliver, both in terms of job satisfaction and the remuneration they receive. Much mayhem ensues as they grapple with their existential angst.

Written by Bronte Locke, the script was chock full of absurdist humour and clever quips, with the milieu reminiscent of Monty PythonandtheHolyGrail

Replete with snappy one-liners it could easily be seen as simply an extended comedy sketch.

Wisely, though, the script created two worlds, one of the executioners going about their business and a second one where they take a step back and reflect on that business.

While there are no profundities or epiphanies here - it is a comedy show after all - it does break up the almost stream-of-consciousness delivery of jokes which, otherwise, might exhaust or overwhelm an audience.

And how wonderfully delivered those jokes were by the two performers Bronte Locke and Malaynee Hayden

With a great rapport and synergy between them they were a joy to watch.

Talented performers, they switched effortlessly from a clown-

Crossword Solution No 19

-like physicality to deadpan delivery. Likewise, they artfully navigated the different energies and sensibilities when inhabiting the two different worlds of the show.

They were skilfully aided in their endeavours by the experienced award-winning comedy director, Maggie Looke

She kept the show moving at a fast pace as the script called for. She also brought out the best in Locke and Hayden whose timing was impeccable.

In shaping both show and performances Looke’s contribution to the success of the evening was immeasurable.

A marvellous night’s comedy then which, fingers-crossed, will have a life beyond this festival.

Review by Peter Murphy

Big Red Bash

■ After a one-year hiatus, the Birdsville Big Red Bash is set to return to the Simpson Desert across July 7-9 next year, while the Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash prepares for another record year across August 20-22 with both blockbuster Outback music events announcing stacked lineups for 2026.

The 2026 festival line-ups are a roll call of Australian music royalty with Missy Higgins (Big Red Bash only), The Teskey Brothers, Hoodoo Gurus (Big Red Bash only), Jon Stevens (Mundi Mundi Bash only), John Butler (Mundi Mundi Bash only), The Living End (Big Red Bash only), Birds of Tokyo (Big Red Bash only), Jessica

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U ONE READS S RAT YEAH NET H GREY DERBY MEL FRAU SKEW NOTA A R RABBI REMIT SIFT

Mauboy and other legendary acts set to hit two of the most extraordinary stages on earth.

Birdsville Big Red Bash: Missy Higgins, Hoodoo Gurus, The Teskey Brothers, The Living End, Birds of Tokyo, Jessica Mauboy, Shannon Noll, Kate Ceberano, The Whitlams, Tim Finn, Troy CassarDaley, Chocolate Starfish, Ross Wilson, Furnace and the Fundamentals, ‘50 Years of Fleetwood Mac’, Shane Howard, Wes Carr, Jem Cassar-Daley, Tom Busby and Gypsy Lee

2026 will see Gypsy Lee join her mother and Bash regular Kate Ceberano for the first time in Birdsville, while Jem CassarDaley will also join her father Troy at the event for another familial moment on the edge of the Simpson Desert.

Broken Hill Mundi Mundi Bash: The Teskey Brothers, Jon Stevens, John Butler, Boy & Bear, Baby Animals, Jessica Mauboy, The Whitlams, Leo Sayer, Tim Finn, Richard Clapton, Troy CassarDaley, Chocolate Starfish, Furnace and the Fundamentals, Wendy Matthews, The Radiators, Shane Howard, Fanny Lumsden, ‘50 Years of Fleetwood Mac’, Hot Potato Band, Tom Busby and Wes Carr.

Greg Donovan, Bash event founder/owner and Managing Director of the Outback Music Festival Group which stages both events says 2026 marks a joyful return to form.

“We’re stoked to be bringing back the full Birdsville Big Red Bash after taking a breather this year.

“Our team are recharged and ready to give festival-goers an unforgettable outback adventure.”

For Donovan, the Bash festivals are about more than musicthey’re about moments.

“Watching families dance in the shadow of the 40-metre-high Big Red sand dune as the sun sets behind it, or seeing thousands on the Mundi Mundi Plains under that endless sky with the Barrier Ranges behind them is pure magic.”

Missy Higgins is looking forward to headlining the Big Red Bash’s return, and said, “My band and I absolutely love playing in the desert for The Big Red Bash. Surrounded by giant sand dunes and people having travelled miles in their dusty caravans to get there… it’s so unique and so Australian. There is an incredible line-up set for 2026 and we’re all thrilled to be invited back to play again.”

Meanwhile, The Teskey Brothers are eager to make their Bash debut, with Josh Teskey saying, “We’ve heard a lot about these desert shows from our friends and we can’t wait to get out there in the red dust and see what it’s all about. Very excited for these shows.”

The 2026 edition of the Big Red Bash will also mark the return of crowd favourites Hoodoo Gurus, with frontman Dave Faulkner declaring,“We’re psyched to be making a return visit to The Big Red Bash next year. Our first-and only-time there in 2023 was one of the most memorable gigs of our lives.”

WEEKEND’S LOCAL CRICKET FINAL SCORES

Premier

■ Men’s Premier Firsts. Round 2. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 11 and 18. Dandenong 1st XI 10/285 v St Kilda 1st XI 4/287. Ringwood 1st XI 2/264 v Prahran 1st XI 10/262. Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 2-d/395 v Melbourne University 1st XI 10/149. Richmond 1st XI 10/ 254 v Northcote 1st XI 7-d/315. Carlton 1st XI 4-d/348 v Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 10/190 & 1/63. Geelong 1st XI 6-d/218 v Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 10/146 & 6/189. Melbourne 1st XI 5-d/483 v Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 10/ 321. Footscray 1st XI 8-d/320 v Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 8/321. Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 10/293 v Essendon 1st XI 8-d/355. Seconds. St Kilda 2nd XI 7-d/365 v Dandenong 2nd XI 6/264. Prahran 2nd XI 4/ 306 v Ringwood 2nd XI 10/213. Melbourne University 2nd XI 10/220 v South Melbourne 2nd XI 10/286. Northcote 2nd XI 10/203 & 1/ 40 v Richmond 2nd XI 10/140 & 10/100. Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 10/284 v Carlton 2nd XI 10/306. Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 8d/409 v Geelong 2nd XI 6/303. Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 10/77 & 9-d/278 v Melbourne 2nd XI 10/179 & 2/109. Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 4/163 v Footscray 2nd XI 10/324. Essendon 2nd XI 6/292 v Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 10/286.

Thirds. Dandenong 3rd XI 5-d/320 v St Kilda 3rd XI 8/276. Ringwood 3rd XI 8/335 v Prahran 3rd XI 6-d/329. Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 10/224 v Melbourne University 3rd XI 3-d/279. Richmond 3rd XI 10/177 & 0/2 v Northcote 3rd XI 10/195. Carlton 3rd XI 5/216 v Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 10/214. Geelong 3rd XI 5-d/ 325 v Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 10/153. Melbourne 3rd XI 4/315 v Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 10/314. Footscray 3rd XI 9-d/307 v Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 8/312. Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 8/214 v Essendon 3rd XI 8-d/ 265.

Fourths. St Kilda 4th XI 8-d/304 & 3/64 v Dandenong 4th XI 10/175. Prahran 4th XI 10/ 201 v Ringwood 4th XI 10/207 & 4/107. Melbourne University 4th XI 10/223 v Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 10/38 & 10/117. Northcote 4th XI 10/153 v Richmond 4th XI 8/ 344. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 10/140 v Carlton 4th XI 10/231 & 1/71. Camberwell Magpies 4th XI 10/186 v Geelong 4th XI 9-d/ 269. Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI 10/146 & 1/103 v Melbourne 4th XI 9-d/301. Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 10/169 v Footscray 4th XI 10/245. Essendon 4th XI 8/316 v Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 10/371.

Sub-District

■ East-West 1st XI. Round 2. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. Box Hill 1st XI 10/136 v Balwyn 1st XI 8/155. Croydon 1st XI 10/200 v Bayswater 1st XI 1/20. Donvale 1st XI v Endeavour Hills 1st XI 9/264. Noble Park 1st XI 4/360 v Williamstown 1st XI. Altona 1st XI 2/ 44 v Werribee 1st XI 10/153. Hoppers Crossing 1st XI v Spotswood 1st XI 10/279. Melton 1st XI 10/155 v Taylors Lakes 1st XI 0/31. Yarraville 1st XI 9/244 v Mt Waverley 1st XI. East-West 2nd XI. Balwyn 2nd XI 9/506 v Box Hill 2nd XI. Bayswater 2nd XI v Croydon 2nd XI 6/384. Endeavour Hills 2nd XI v Donvale 2nd XI 10/305. Williamstown 2nd XI 9/316 v Noble Park 2nd XI. Werribee 2nd XI 7/239 v Altona 2nd XI. Spotswood 2nd XI 8/306 v Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI. Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 10/ 206 v Melton 2nd XI 1/39. Mt Waverley 2nd XI 9/265 v Yarraville 2nd XI North-South 1st XI. Brunswick 1st XI v Strathmore 1st XI 9/253. Ivanhoe 1st XI v Caulfield 1st XI 9/260. Kew 1st XI v Coburg 1st XI 9/263. Plenty Valley 1st XI 3/80 v Elsternwick 1st XI 10/185. Preston 1st XI 8/ 320 v St Bernard's OC 1st XI. Malvern 1st XI 10/284 v Brighton 1st XI. Moorabbin 1st XI 5/ 48 v Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/132. Ormond 1st XI 10/113 v Oakleigh 1st XI 4/119. North-South 2nd XI. Caulfield 2nd XI 10/ 241 v Ivanhoe 2nd XI. Elsternwick 2nd XI 6/86 v Plenty Valley 2nd XI 10/82. St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/118 v Preston 2nd XI 4/67. Brighton 2nd XI 10/182 v Malvern 2nd XI 2/30. Port Melbourne 2nd XI 8/355 v Moorabbin 2nd XI.

Oakleigh 2nd XI 10/272 v Ormond 2nd XI 0/ 28. Sunday, October 19: Strathmore 2nd XI v Brunswick 2nd XI. Coburg 2nd XI v Kew 2nd XI.

North-West 3rd XI. Division 1. Brunswick 3rd XI v Preston 3rd XI. Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 0/5 v Plenty Valley 3rd XI 10/258. St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 10/322 v Werribee 3rd XI. Taylors Lakes 3rd XI 10/254 v Melton 3rd XI 2/ 25.

North-West 3rd XI. Division 2. Coburg 3rd XI 1/63 v Williamstown 3rd XI 10/133. Ivanhoe 3rd XI 10/146 v Altona 3rd XI 0/38. Strathmore 3rd XI 6/302 v Spotswood 3rd XI. Yarraville 3rd XI 10/77 v Kew 3rd XI 2/172. North-West 4th XI. Division 1. Preston 4th XI 10/155 v Brunswick 4th XI 1/10. Plenty Valley 4th XI 10/125 v Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 2/71. Werribee 4th XI v St Bernard's OC 4th XI 6/297. Melton 4th XI 10/186 v Taylors Lakes 4th XI 2/22.

North-West 4th XI. Division 2. Williamstown 4th XI v Coburg 4th XI 8/344. Altona 4th XI 8/264 v Ivanhoe 4th XI. Spotswood 4th XI 10/186 v Strathmore 4th XI 2/20. Kew 4th XI 10/241 v Yarraville 4th XI.

South-East 3rd XI. Division 1. Croydon 3rd XI 10/81 v Mt Waverley 3rd XI 7/156. Malvern 3rd XI 10/144 v Elsternwick 3rd XI 0/ 44. Oakleigh 3rd XI 10/216 v Caulfield 3rd XI. Sunday, October 19: Bayswater 3rd XI v Balwyn 3rd XI.

South-East 3rd XI. Division 2. Box Hill 3rd XI 10/123 v Donvale 3rd XI 10/163. Brighton 3rd XI 8/244 v Noble Park 3rd XI. Endeavour Hills 3rd XI v Port Melbourne 3rd XI. Moorabbin 3rd XI v Ormond 3rd XI 4/89

South-East 4th XI. Division 1. Mt Waverley 4th XI 8/241 v Croydon 4th XI. Caulfield 4th XI 10/110 v Oakleigh 4th XI 3/ 30. Balwyn 4th XI 2/212 v Bayswater 4th XI 10/146. Sunday, October 19: Elsternwick 4th XI v Malvern 4th XI. South-East 4th XI. Division 2. Noble Park 4th XI 3/17 v Brighton 4th XI 10/212. Port Melbourne 4th XI 3/118 v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/126. Ormond 4th XI v Moorabbin 4th XI 8/223. Sunday, October 19: Donvale 4th XI v Box Hill 4th XI.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Round 2. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 10/243 v Macleod 1st XI 8/276. Diamond Creek 1st XI 10/124 v Riverside 1st XI 6/296. Epping 1st XI 10/54 & 8/111 v Rosanna 1st XI 10/257. Bundoora 1st XI 9/260 v Bundoora United 1st XI 10/164. Rosebank 1st XI 10/ 163 v Heidelberg 1st XI 9/206. Money Shield. Banyule 1st XI 3-d/188v Mernda 1st XI 10/186. Eltham 1st XI 8/251 v Bundoora Park 1st XI 10/138. Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 10/215 v Lalor Stars 1st XI 10/132. Lower Plenty 1st XI 10/268 v Plenty 1st XI 10/149. Montmorency 1st XI 10/169 v Greensborough 1st XI 5/171. Mash Shield. Dennis 1st XI 8/206 v Keon Park CC 1st XI 10/261. Laurimar 1st XI 10/ 121 v Lower Eltham 1st XI 8/128. South Morang 1st XI 7/189 v Mill Park 1st XI 10/ 176. Panton Hill 1st XI 10/157 v Thomastown United 1st XI 10/154. Rivergum 1st XI 7/346 v Thomastown 1st XI 10/100. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 10/140 & 9-d/129 v Hurstbridge 1st XI 8-d/240 & 1/34

B-Grade. Plenty 2nd XI v Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI. Heidelberg 2nd XI v North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI. Mernda 2nd XI v Montmorency 2nd XI

C-Grade. Bundoora United 2nd XI 8/292 v South Morang 2nd XI 10/122 & 10/142. Greensborough 2nd XI 10/124 v Lower Plenty 2nd XI 4-d/300. Macleod 2nd XI 10/73 & 9/ 135 v Rivergum 2nd XI 10/308. Riverside 3rd XI 7/274 v Bundoora 2nd XI 10/273. Lalor Stars 2nd XI 6/375 v Eltham 2nd XI 6/382

D-Grade. Hurstbridge 2nd XI 9-d/296 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 10/144 & 10/ 73. Mill Park 2nd XI 10/169 v Montmorency 3rd XI 10/202. Lower Plenty 3rd XI 8/205 v Laurimar 2nd XI 9/278. Bundoora Park 2nd XI 8/263 v Rosebank 2nd XI 10/191. Diamond Creek 3rd XI 10/116 & 10/109. Panton Hill

2nd XI 7-d/151 & 3/75. Keon Park CC 2nd XI 9/68 v North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI 10/282. E-Grade. Banyule 3rd XI 8/292 v Greensborough 3rd XI 10/226. Mernda 3rd XI 4/195 v Riverside 4th XI 10/193. Lower Eltham 2nd XI 10/234 v South Morang 3rd XI 8/364. Thomastown 2nd XI 6/389 v Dennis 2nd XI 9/ 348. Thomastown United 2nd XI: Bye, Forfeit.

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. Round 2. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. Mont Albert 1st XI 2/ 44 v Edinburgh 1st XI 10/181. Old Carey 1st XI v Glen Iris 1st XI 7/319. North Balwyn 1st XI 8/343 v East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI. Bulleen 1st XI 0/0 v East Doncaster 1st XI 9-d/ 236.

Wright Shield. Canterbury 1st XI 0/8 v Heathmont 1st XI 10/284. Surrey Hills 1st XI 7/312 v Marcellin OC 1st XI. Richmond City 1st XI 8/248 v Deepdene Bears 1st XI. Ashburton Willows 1st XI v Mulgrave 1st XI 10/ 254

A Turf. Boronia 1st XI 10/162 v Ashwood 1st XI 0/25. Burwood 1st XI 2/72 v Balwyn Saints 1st XI 10/267. Mazenod OC 1st XI 2/26 v Old Carey 2nd XI 10/271. Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 10/278 v Mont Albert 2nd XI.

B Turf. Richmond Union 1st XI 8/379 v Canterbury 2nd XI. Heathmont 2nd XI 0/4 v Bulleen 2nd XI 7-d/336. East Doncaster 2nd XI 6/313 v St. Kevins Old Boys 1st XI. Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 6/280 v North Balwyn 2nd XI

C Turf. Edinburgh 2nd XI 1/40 v Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 10/157. Glen Iris 2nd XI 10/371 v La Trobe University 1st XI 3/30. East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 10/140 v Boronia 2nd XI 0/1. Mulgrave 2nd XI 2/66 v Burwood 2nd XI 10/135

D Turf. Ashwood 2nd XI 9/328 v Richmond City 2nd XI. Old Carey 3rd XI 10/206 v Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 1/6. Marcellin OC 2nd XI 9-d/226 v Mazenod OC 2nd XI 0/2. Sunday, October 19: Mont Albert 3rd XI v Surrey Hills 2nd XI

E Turf. La Trobe University 2nd XI 10/79 v Surrey Hills 3rd XI 3/39. Balwyn Saints 2nd XI 10/109 v Richmond Union 2nd XI 2/112. Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 10/154 v Edinburgh 3rd XI 2/97. Heathmont 3rd XI 0/111 v Marcellin OC 3rd XI 9/109. East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 10/169 v Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 0/28.

F Turf. Surrey Hills 4th XI 5/154 v East Doncaster 3rd XI 9/155. St. Kevins Old Boys 2nd XI 9/194 v Hawthorn Boroondara 4th XI 8/ 193. Richmond City 3rd XI 0/109 v Heathmont 4th XI 10/108. Bulleen 3rd XI 3/295 v Mont Albert 4th XI 10/100. Bye: East Malvern Tooronga 4th XI

MacGibbon Shield. West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 1/0 v Trinity Willison 1st XI 9-d/413. Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 7/250 v Holy Trinity 1st XI. Glen Waverley 1st XI 10/90 & 2/48 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 1st XI 10/77. STC South Camberwell 1st XI 10/100 v Clifton Hill 1st XI 2/113

Burt Shield. Clifton Hill 2nd XI v Toorak Prahran 1st XI 10/246. Trinity Willison 2nd XI 10/236 v St. Paul's Oakleigh District 1st XI 0/ 2. Holy Trinity 2nd XI 0/58 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/188. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 2nd XI 2/67 v North Alphington 1st XI 10/158.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Round 3. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. Red Hill 1sts 1/77 v Mornington 1sts 10/123. Dromana 1sts 0/11 v Pines 1sts 10/272. Sorrento 1sts 10/269 v Langwarrin 1sts 0/1. Heatherhill 1sts v Baden Powell 1sts 8/275

Peninsula Firsts. Seaford CC 1sts 1/4 v Balnarring 1sts 10/234. Somerville 1sts v Old Peninsula 1sts 7/272. Moorooduc 1sts 10/98 v Long Island 1sts 4/110. Rosebud 1sts 2/57 v Mt Eliza 1sts 10/82

District Firsts. Flinders 1sts 10/121 v Rye 1sts 3/48. Crib Point 1sts 2/44 v Seaford Tigers 1sts 10/150. Boneo 1sts 10/137 v Carrum Downs 1sts 3/50. Carrum CC 1sts 0/0 v Main Ridge 1sts 10/189

Sub-District Firsts. Tyabb 1sts 2/46 v Delacombe Park 1sts 10/162. Frankston YCW 1st 10/175 v Baxter 1sts 1/40. Ballam Park 1sts 10/197 v Mt Martha 1sts 4/47. Pearcedale 1sts 10/119 v Tootgarook 1sts 3/140. Bye: Skye 1sts

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Round 3. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI v Camrea Stingrays CC 1st XI 9/198. Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 0/43 v Donath CC 1st XI 10/ 184. Northern Socials CC 1st XI 10/61 v Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 2/154. Jack Quick Shield. Cameron CC 1st XI v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 9/320. Strathewen Cougars CC 1stXI 9-d/264 v West Preston CC 1st XI 1/4. Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 2/40 v Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 10/207. Jack Kelly Shield. Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 8/195 v Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI. Preston YCW District 1st XI 9-d/180 v Fairfield CC 1st XI 4/34. West Preston CC 2nd XI 1/4 v Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 10/207

B-Grade. Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 10/180 v West Preston CC 3rd XI 6/65. Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 4/135 v Northern Socials CC 2s X 10/191. Fairfield CC 2nd XI v Wollert Rhinos CC 1st XI 7/402. C-Grade. Royal Park Reds 4th XI v Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI. Camrea Stingrays CC 2nd XI 0/105 v Bellfield Bulls CC 4th XI 10/ 160. Preston Baseballers CC 3rd XI v Fiji Victorian CC 4th XI 10/62. Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI 8/168 v Olympic Colts CC 2nd XI, Forfeit

Ringwood District

■ A-Grade. Round 3. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. Heatherdale 3XI 4/162 v St Andrews 4XI 7/96. Norwood 4XI 9/103 v Wantirna South 3XI 7/64. Mooroolbark 3XI 3/ 155 v Wonga Park 4XI 5/92. Powelltown 1XI 4/126 v South Croydon 3XI 9/105. B-Grade. Kilsyth 4XI 10/180 v Mooroolbark 4XI 2/166. Mt Evelyn 3XI 8/229 v Coldstream 2XI 8/94. South Warrandyte 3XI 8/73 v Templeton 3XI 3/252. Heathwood 3XI 6/115 v Warrandyte 4XI 5/113

Bill Wilkins Cup. Wantirna South 1XI v Mt Evelyn 1XI 10/298. Warranwood 1XI 10/111 v Bayswater Park 1XI 3/35. Wonga Park 1XI 8/ 192 v Mooroolbark 1XI. East Ringwood 1XI v Kilsyth 1XI 9/217. Heatherdale 1XI 10/117 v Vermont 1XI 3/51

C-Grade. Wantirna 1XI 2/131 v Chirnside Park 4XI 4/117. Warrandyte 5XI v Healesville 3XI. St Andrews 5XI 3/129 v North Ringwood 4XI 4/122. East Ringwood 4XI v Croydon Ranges 4XI.

D-Grade. Croydon Ranges 5XI 5/175 v Norwood 5XI 3/185. Heatherdale 4XI 9/99 v Yarra Junction 3XI 5/138. Wandin 2XI 7/136 v Mooroolbark 5XI 3/108. Warranwood 4XI 2/ 164 v Lilydale 4XI 3/96

David Beatty Shield. North Ringwood 3X v Wandin 1XI. Montrose 3XI 7/146 v Seville Burras 2XI 10/90. Mt Evelyn 2XI 10/290 v Yarra Glen 1XI. Bayswater Park 2XI v Norwood 3X 9/294

Don Smith Shield. Wonga Park 3XI v Hoddles Creek 1XI 8-d/355. Croydon Ranges 3XI v Warranwood 3XI 7/351. St Andrews 3X v Kilsyth 3XI 10/282. Warrandyte 3XI 6/366 v Ainslie Park 3XI.

South-East

■ Longmuir Shield. Bentleigh ANA 1 10/ 101 v Brighton Union 1 5/231. Bentleigh Uniting 1 10/121 v Kingston Heath 1 5/125. West Bentleigh 1 7/225 v Washington Park 1 10/ 169. Le Page Park 1 1/54 v East Sandringham 1 10/52.

Western

■ A-Grade. Round 3. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 18 and 25. Altona Sports 1st XI 0/32 v Truganina Strikers CC Yellow 1st XI 7-d/310. Manor Lakes 2nd XI 9-d/308 v AA Tarneit 1st XI 1/79. Williams Landing SC 1st XI v West Point Titans 2nd XI 9/251

■ B-Grade. Western Lions Gryphons 1st XI 10/299 v Altona Sports 2nd XI 0/7. Point Cook 5th XI Forfeit v Point Cook Centrals 3rd XI. Glen Orden Thunder 6th XI 10/146 v Wyndham Vale 3rd XI 5/46. Edgar Cricket Club 1st XI v Vic Bangladeshi SC 2nd XI 10/204.

MARVELLOUS MARYBOROUGH ON MONDAY Harness Racing

■ Marvellous Maryborough was the Monday venue to commence the week and it was a day of doubles with Toolern Vale’s John Justice and daughter Ewa, plus Horsham’s Aaron Dunn taking the honours.

The Justice double came about courtesy of Timoko-Our Sunny Rose gelding Timmy Whiz in the Aldebaran Park 2Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres and seasoned 9Y0 Angus Hall-Jauriol gelding Hatchback in the 2190 metre AB Paint Trotters Handicap, both horses raced in partnership by long time stable client Graeme Riley and John’s partner Kasa Sas.

■ Timmy Whiz (gate two) enjoyed a beaut trip trailing the poleline leader Nostra Nipotina before angling to the outside on the final bend to score by 2.4 metres in a mile rate of 2-02.4 over Nostra Nipotina and Minnie Mia which trailed the pair from outside the front line finishing 9.1 metres away.

■ Hatchback, a winner of 13 with 39 placings from 122 outings, stepped cleanly from 20 metres, but settled a long way off the leader Rastamon (barrier five) which after beginning safely by slowly had been sent forward by Tina Ridis to cross the leader Mielicki (barrier two) as both I Dream Of Millie and Romantic Nina rushed forward to issue an unsuccessful challenge with I Dream Of Millie eventually taking over racing for the bell.

With all the changes taking place, Hatchback had moved to be one/one for the final circuit following Watch An Act forward which sprinted hard to assume control along the back straight and despite a charge chasing, couldn’t be caught reaching the wire by an easy 12.1 metres from Watch And Act. Mielicki after coming away from the markers was third 7.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-01.8.

■ Aaron Dunn’s more than handy 4Y0 Fear The Dragon-Azzgoopdazz geldiong Komodo also returned to the winners list for the first time in fourteen months when successful in the 1690 metre Benstud Standardbreds Pace. Settling four pegs from inside the second line in a fast run affair, Komodo made full use of the sprint lane to gain the day by 1.2 metres from the well supported Steel The Moment (gate five one/one) and polemarker Major Bert (three pegs – along the sprint lane) for third a nose away in a blanket finish with five horses spread across the track. The mile rate 1-55.4.

Stablemate One Golden Deal (American Ideal-One Golden Day) at start number five ran home nicely out wide from mid-field in the running line from gate two to record a metre margin in 1-56.6 over Jilliby Kymy Lou (gate two second line) which crossed to lead in the last lap, with Black Opal Jack (one/five from the extreme draw) an eye catching third 2.5 metres back.

■ Hamilton’s Chris Walsh has a habit of winning races on long shots and repeated the dose when his 8Y0 Art Major-Sneak Up gelding Wow You Can Dance ($26.00) snared the Vital Signs Pace over 2190 metres.

Raced, trained and driven by Chris who helps out at the Barker stables, Wow You Can Dance led throughout from the pole to defy all rivals, accounting for Jilliby Tomcat (gate three second line) which raced wide, by a head in 157.5. Local hope Ryta (one/one from gate four) was third for Tony Berg and James Herbertson 2.7 metres back.

■ Passionate Doreen owner/breeders John and Christine Yeomans were winners when Art Major-Im Havinaball colt Im Havintotrot first up since August landed the 2190 metre McPhersons Printing Group 2Y0 Trotters Handicap.

Trained and driven by Romsey’s Chris Svanosio who loves the squaregaiters, Im Havintotrot (barrier three) was allowed to find his rhythm before going forward to cross the pacemaker Argyle Muse (10m) at the bell and score from Northern Truscott (10m - three pegs) by 2.5 metres, with Mevia (10m one/one - three wide last lap third 6.4 metres away. The mile rate 2-04.5.

John was looking as if he had just finished a couple of rounds of boxing sporting two black eyes and a large gash on his forehead, the legacy of a tractor accident a couple of days earlier.

Shepparton meet.

■ At Shepparton’s regular Tuesday fixture, all accolades were with rising ninety one year old Lockington part-owner/trainer Ted Jepson and partners including wife Fay when very honest Soho Tribeca-Meghan Suits Her filly Soho Playgirl saluted the judge in the 1690 Pacing Stockfeeds Pace.

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

Bred locally by Dean and Blanch Poole, Soho Playgirl driven by regular reinswoman Laura Wilson was trapped exposed from gate two as polemarker and favourite Ollies Medal retained the front running.

Racing a little erratic, Ollies Medal hung out before going off stride approaching the bell allowing Soho Playgirl to stride clear. Bowling along at her leisure from there on, Soho Playgirl kicked clear on turning to score comfortably by 4.8 metres from Go Easy On Me which followed her home using the sprint lane to no avail, with Eagle Major (one/one from gate three) third 2.9 metres away third. It was Soho Playgirl’s 5th success in 37 outings which include 10 placings, The mile rate 1-58.1. Ted doesn’t keep in the best of health these days and Soho Playgirl is a real tonic for him.

■ Well bred Poster Boy-Melita Bromac colt The Postmaster was a big winner for Girgarre duo Lisa and Mark Pitt in the Abbey & Abby SHRC Facebook 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1690 metres, Driven by Mark, The Postmaster led throughout from gate four to deliver an easy victory from Wicked Wizard (gate six) which battled on gamely after racing uncovered by 16.8 metres in a 1-54.2 mile rate. Aussie Jay Mac (gate three second line) was third after a break mid-race from five pegs 16.8 metres back.

■ Tooleen trainer/driver Alby Ashwood produced a smart ex-Kiwi 3Y0 gelding by the name of Miki B first up in OZ to snare the 2190 metre Crowbars Demolition Pace in a 1-58 mile rate.

Slotting in nicely one/one from inside the second line after a slow beginning as Norms Lady (gate two) crossed polemarker Edwarde Grange leaving Herakles (gate five) in the open.

Easing three wide approaching the final bend, Miki B raced by a large syndicate of well known faces in harness racing cleared away on turning to register a 4.8 metre margin over Norms Lady and Herakis which held third 3.5 metres away.

9 at Bendigo

■ Bendigo raced as usual on Wednesday with an interesting nine event card.

Goornong trainer/driver Nigel Milne’s 6Y0 Angus Hall-Amelia Darling gelding Inspire who was placed in the black book following his last start fifth at the same track a week earlier, was victorious in the 2150 metre Pastor Stephen @ Llowalong Farms Trotters Mobile (2nd heat). Coming out quickly from gate four, Inspire was able to drop down to the back of polemarker Billy Zippin which led, however Billy went off stride shortly after enabling Inspire to dash through inside him to lead.

Always travelling kindly, Inspire defied all challengers to prevail by 1.6 metres from Robert John (inside the second line – one/one) which dropped down to the sprint lane on turning. Frankythefrenchman (gate six – four back in the moving line – three wide last lap –one/one momentarily on the final bend – three wide home straight) was third 1.4 metres back. The mile rate 2-02.8.

■ Byrneside trainer/driver Damian Wilson landed the Sheahan Plumbing Pace over 1650 metres with Byrneside Boom, a 4Y0 gelded son of Sportswriter and Kateeshar and in doing so, registered his 7th success in 49 outings.

Starting from gate five, Wilson drove aggressively going forward from mid-field to park outside the pacemaker Outa The Blue (gate three). applying plenty of pressure to the leader prior to the home turn, Byrneside Boom was very strong at the finish to outstay Outa

The Blue (gate three). applying plenty of pressure to the leader prior to the home turn, Byrneside Boom was very strong at the finish to outstay Outa The Blue by a neck in a 1-54.4 mile rate with polemarker Shaq using the sprint lane off the back of the leader third a neck away.

■ Myrniong trainer Craig Demmler combined with leading reinsman James Hrbertson to take the 1650 metre Sandhurst Stockfeeds 2Y0 Maiden Pace with Bettors Delight-Christanna gelding Rocknroll Wish in a slick mile rate of 155.5.

Enjoying the run of the race from gate two following the heavily backed first starter Scooter Lou (gate four) from the Aaron Dunn stable, Rocknroll Wish finished best along the sprint lane to score by a neck over Scooter Lou. The Final Dance (gate five) battled on gamely for third 7.6 metres back after racing uncovered.

■ The Gold Central Victoria Concessional Drivers Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres went the way of Pipers Creek trainer Tony Xiriha’s 10Y0 Red Samurai-Spinster Clare gelding Buslin Brodie who chalked up his 13th victory in 114 race appearances.

Driven by Riley Pace, Buslin Brodie began beautifully from gate four to settle one/one as polemarker Aldebaran Marcus led for Reagan Clarke.

Going forward three wide heading into the back straight on the final occasion Buslin Brodie went off stride appearing to lose all chance allowing Aldebaran Marcus to race away looking the winner.

Regaining his composure, Buslin Brodie was again sent forward to make the final bend three wide with The Dark Thunder (gate six) making ground from well back giving chase. Finishing best, Buslin Brodie gained the day by 3.1 metres in an astonishing victory over The Dark Thunder and Aldebaran Marcus who wilted as the post came up 1.9 metres back third. The mile rate 2-00.2.

Good class trot

■ Ballarat raced on Thursday with the opening event being a good class trot – the Lake Eyewear Ballarat Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres and it was Lemnos father and son Russell and Nathan Jack victorious with smart 3Y0 Tennotrump-Amaori Spur gelding Ezra Kai who greeted the judge.

Starting from gate two on the second line as polemarker No Telling Heather led with the well supported Aldebaran Abel going forward from outside the front line to take over after the favourite Artigas (gate five) galloped when about to stride clear entering the straight on the first occasion which allowed Ezra Kai (gate two second line) to settle perfectly one/one.

Giving chase three wide on the final bend, Ezra Kai finished hard to record a 6.3 metre margin over Aldebaran Abel who had his chance. The Sky Is The Limit (one/three from gate three second line) ran on late for third 4.7 metres back. The mile rate 1-58. It was Ezra Kai’s 4th success in 20 outings which include 8 placings.

■ Ninety-one-year-old Hamilton mentor Jim Barker provided 6Y0 Bettors Delight-Ele M Aye gelding Doctor Go Joh to l;and the 1710 metre Ant’s Landscaping Pace in a mile rate of 1-57.4.

Driven by grand daughter Jackie, Doctor Go Joh starting from the extreme draw settled at the tail of the field as Pickle It (gate four) led.

Going forward three wide with a double trail in the last lap, Doctor Go Joh raced to the front on turning to defeat Glenline (gate four second line) which ran home with a wet sail from a long way back by a head, with Breathe Easy (four pegs from inside the second line) third 3.3 metres away.

■ Ever reliable 9Y0 The Pres-Galleons Conspiracy mare Christmas Babe trained by jim O’Sullivan at Heathcote and driven by son Sean chalked up her 15th victory at start 161 for stakes in excess of $107,000 when leading throughout in the 1710 metre Nuflow Ballarat Trotters Mobile.

With Sean sitting quiet and nursing her, Christmas Babe had 2.3 metres to spare on the wire from Louieville Lass (three pegs from inside the second line) returning a mile rate of 2-02.

Old timer Tension Seeker after trailing the winner from the pole was third 1.1 metres back after being held up to the wire. The easing favourite Off Your Faceski galloped wildly in the score up from the extreme draw before having the audacity to join the leaders three wide approaching the home turn.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Bendigo, Thursday –Kilmore, Friday – Melton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Maryborough (all trotting day), Monday – Ararat, Tuesday – Bendigo.

dOUBLE DAY

■ Two meetings Friday – Swan Hill in the afternoon and Geelong at night.

At Swan Hill, local Woorinen part-owner/ breeder/trainer Joe Costa opened proceedings when 3Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Serene Change gelding Serene Rock defeated his older rivals in the 1750 metre Pooles Accountants Swan Hill Pace.

Driven by Ross Creek’s Connor Clarke, Serene Rock starting solo on the second line settled three back in the moving line as Alta Bayamo (gate four) flew away to lead for John Newberry.

Going forward three wide uncovered in the last lap, Serene Rock gave plenty as the post came into view on straightening to gain the day by a half head from Our Cheeky Devil (four pegs from gate six – five wide home turn), with Starvin Marvin (gate two) using the sprint lane off the back of the leader third 1.1 metres back in a thrilling finish. The mile rate a slick 1-55.8.

■ Quaddie punters were scratching their heads in disbelief after $71.00 chance Thomas Heights greeted the judge in the first leg, the Kvintet Avenger @ Truscott Lodge Pace over 1759 metres returning a mile rate of 1-54.3.

Trained at Cardross by Frank Mercieca and driven by South Australian Corey Johnson, Thomas Heights second up since last April settled one/one from gate two on the second line as polemarker Ozzie Corka led before surrendering to heavily backed stablemate Mack Pack (gate four. Rushing forward three wide in the last lap to sweep to the front on turning, Thomas Heights held on to score by a neck from the fast finishing Tasmanian visitor Le Betty (one/two from gate five). The Steel Dragon (three pegs from inside the second line) after easing away from the inside on turning was third 7.4 metres back.

■ At Geelong, Meredith part-owner/trainer Carson Miller combined with Jordan Leedham aboard 5Y0 Warrawee Needy-Le Saint gelding Test Of Fire to snare the 1609 metre Prestige Modular Building Pace.

Flying away from gate five to lead running into the first turn, Test Of Fire was rated a treat kicking well clear on the final bend to defeat Blackindeed (gate two) which trailed and Lambro Mac three wide last lap from the extreme draw after making the home turn very wide. The margins 8 by 1.2 metres in a mile rate of 1-55.1.

The team made it a double after in-form

7Y0 Pet Rock-Kittykat Katie mare Pet Kitty (gate four) landed the 1609 metre Congratulations John Caldow Pace in identical fashion, accounting for Emily Vincent (gate five) which raced outside her from the bell by 4.5 metres. Polemarker Telemachus was third 2.1 metres away. The mile rate 1-54.2. Len Baker

Latest News

Fatal crash at Carlisle River

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash which occurred in Carlisle River on Saturday afternoon (Oct. 18).

Emergency services were called to a motorcycle crash on Cricket Pitch Road about 1pm.

Crews treated a female rider at the scene but she could not be saved.

At this stage investigators believe the rider lost control and the motorcycle was the only vehicle involved in the crash.

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ALUMINIUM PUNT 4 metre, with all required safety equipment with relocatable folding seats plus 77.5hp Mercury outboard motor. GC. $1600. Seymour. 0410 032 064. NN-QQ

ANTIQUE DRSSING TABLE. 3 mirrors, size: wdith 1.23m, depth 55cm, height 1.82m. Delivery arranged. VGC. $250. Coburg. 0428 130 049. Z-CC

BARBECUE. Weber. With instruction book. Hardly used. New: $369. Sell $1009. Mt Martha 5973 4163. JJ-NN

BATHROOM TILES. To cover 270sq m. EC. $60. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950. HH-LL

BED. 3-seater and two seater. Red, vinyl. Dark wood trims. VGC. $300. Cranbourne, 0401 898 413. HH-LL

BED HEAD. Wooden. And base. With slats. As new. $80. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC

BED. Electric. King Size. High low. Head comes up to sitting position. Legs raise, bed tilts. 12 months old. No longer needed. Top quality mattress. EC. $3500. Yea. 0409 944 982. LL-OO

BIKE. Lady’s. Purple. Make: Huffey Friction. Complete with helmet and pump and basket. VGC. $120. Pakenham. 5940 5018. LL-OO

BIRD CAGE. Green. 52cm square. as new. $40. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC

BOAT. Savage 12’. 15HP Johnson OB. Trailer. All Safety EQ. Bow canopy. Storm cover. VGC. $1800. Alexandra. 0419 329 264. Z-CC

BOOKS. Large variety. Various authors. $2, or 3 for $5. Heathmont. 0423 720 137. HH-LL

BOOKS. Collection of Mary Grant vintage books. Mostly VGC with dust jack- ets. Offers welcome. Research. 9437 1253. JJ-NN

BOOSTER SEAT. Mothers hoice. Convertible. 6 months to 8 years. VGC. $40. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. HH-LL

BRICKS. 500. Clean, as new $400. 100 face bricks, $120. New. Bittern. 0419 582 437. PP-TT

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CARAVAN. Millard Grand Champion 17 FT Air/ con 3 way fridge microwave gas cook top double bed plus two smaller singles full annex with floor van cover Pop Top 1170 kg registered many extras. GC. $12,750. Flowerdale. 0411 577 050 PP-TT

CARAVAN. Jayco. 2004. Freedom. Single beds, RC/ AC, new tyres, unused porta-potti, m’wave, 3-way fridge, gas & elec. cooktop + grill, 240/12 volt TV and aerial. Reg till Jan 2026. Everything in working order. 1150 kg. Tows great. VGC. $12,500 ONO. Hastings. 0409 645 059. HH-LL

CHAIR. Pink, small, white spots. Suit girl . VGC. $15. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, after 5pm best. HH-LL

CHEST FREEZER. Haier. Three months old. $150. Reservoir. 0491 083 248. NN-QQ

CHILD’S Old Style TwoSeater School Desk. Steel frame, hardwood seat and desktop GC. $40. Yea. 0409 109 887. NN-QQ

CIRCULATION STIMULATOR. Clare. VGC. $20. Frankston. 9789 9634 Z-CC

CLARE Wellness Circulation Stimulator. Instruction Manual included. VGC. $150. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

CLOTH FOOTBALL MASCOT. Footscray Bulldogs. 39cm tall. VGC. $65. Pick-up: Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO

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ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set A-Z. GC. $60 ONO. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

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FOOTBALL CAPS. Footscray. New. Pick up Glenroy or ost extra cost. $15 each. Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO

FOOTWEAR. Navy woven leather. Diana ferrari. Sandal size 9, worn once. EC. $50. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950.HH-LL

GARDEN HOSE. 30 metres long. Heavy duty. Good quality, bought at Bunnings. $30. Mt Martha 5973 4163. JJ-NN

GOLF CLUBS. Gents (13), Ladies (13).. And 200+ balls. GC. $400. Doncaster. 0409 414 417. NN-QQ

GUITAR. Lindsay. Valued at $1000. Can’t play it. Dandebnong North. 9794 6996. HH-LL

GUITAR AMP. 2’ wide. 2½’ high. Lots of dials. GC. $00. Seymour. 0422 204 977.HH-LL

HEATER. Dimplex. Electric. Portable 7 vane. $90. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

HEATER. Wood. With flue. Warmbrite. GC. $500. Seymour. 0422 204 977. HH-LL

HEDGE TRIMMER. Honda. HHH25D. 4 stroke. With hour meter fitted. VGC. Bought in Feb. 2022. Has done 20.8 hours. $650 ONO. Pearcedale. 0418 457 588. Z-CC

LAND. Expansive acreage ideal for farming or livestock. Secure paddocks, peaceful setting, close to amenities. Option to lease land only or house and land together. Suitable for genuine agricultural use. GC. $420/month for the land only. Land and house, $1000/month. Balnarring Beach. 0434189 449 PP-TT

LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $25. Ashburton. 9885 2203. Z-CC

LAWN MOWER. Ozito. Corded. With catcher. lightweight. Paid $149 at Bunnings. Sell $60. Mt Martha 5973 4163. JJ-NN

LINE TRIMMER. Electric. 500 watts. 290mm cut. Little used. GC. Purchase to collect. $10. Doreen. 9717 3465 HH-LL

MATT BLATT egg chair on steel base. $130. Malvern East. 0419 685 666 PP-TT

RECORDS. 33rpm. Casslical singers. OPaul Robeson, Mobncrieff, Kiri Te Kanwa, Peter awson, Pavarotti, Secombe, Caruso, Peerse, lawrence, Hammond, Bronhill, Sutherland. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL

RECORD PLAYER. Radiogram, $25. VGC. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

REFERENCE BOOK. Holden Commodore 1978. 42cm x 29cm. $85. Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO

RIDE-ON Deutscher 280 Honda 390 motor run fine seal on shaft leaks, heaps of parts including new seat, new cutting plate body part dismantled, everything is there. GC. $500 or offer. yarck. 0414 718 812. NN-QQ

MOTOR HOME.. With two solar panels for lights and air con. Double bed, gas cooker. Holden Rodeo 1998 rego till Feb. 24, 2026. Tour atlas inc. new battery and x bars. History of work completed. 1LB- 2CN. VGC. $19,000 ONO. Alexandra. 0409 470 107. LL-OO

8935.HH-LL

HH-LL

WORKSHOP MANUALS. Holden VR Commodore. Vol 8, 4 and 5,.

lodge your free For Sale ad:

ROLLER DOOR Electric motor. 4 Doors brand. Near new Model 4DR1 v4 with remotes. Still has new stickers on it. EC. $100. Whittlesea. 0419 002 507.LL-OO

ROTARY CLOTHES LINE. Mk 2. Cost, $349. Sell $140. Doncaster. 0409 414 417. NN-QQ

SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $12. Also frame for manual sharpening, GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203. HH-LL

PIANOLA ROLLS. Around 50 rolls in all. Many older tunes. GC. $75. Malvern East. 0419 685 666. LL-OO

PICTURE FRAMES. 40 large to small. Various styles. VGC. All only $70. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q

PHOTO COPIER. $100. Dandebnong North,. 9794 6996. HH-LL

PLUMBING FITTINGS. New. Box, 100m, sew/SW E/Boxes. Box: 100mm, 500mm, elbows, as new. New. $35. yea. 5750 2615. HH-LL

PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q PRAM. Old, child’s col- lectable. GC. $60. Wandong. 041`8 399 261.

PRESSURE WASHER. Karcher. Good working order. little used, complete with operating instructions. Purchaser to collect. GC. $55. Doreen. 9717 3485. HH-LL

SCOOTER. Pegasus. Pro. 4 years old. Done 30km only. Like new. $4000 ONO. Melton. 0488 007 395. HH-LL

SEWING MACHINE. Singer. Wrought iron. With marble top. Suit garden setting. Black, needs painting,. VGC, $25. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, after 5pm best. HH-LL

STAMP PACKS. New, unopened, from 1970s, 80s. Approx. 200, sell for face value. New. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

STATUES. Two garden vintage statues. 1: Greek lady, 66cm. 2: Bashful child, 59cm. 1 x buddha, 43cm, also baby deer snd four plaques. one tortoise, various designs. 10 peices. VGC. $300 ONO. Bittern. 0459 558 055. JJ-NN

TRANIST WHEELCHAIR with seatbelt, footrest and armrests. Lightweight. Cost $279, sell $70. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264.HH-LL STROLLER. City aselkect by Baby Jogger. VGC. $60. Whittlesea. 0494 30 264. HH-LL

Bank Money Boxes. GC. Price negotiable. Will alsoswap. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

PULLS off all aluminium cans and any quan- tity to assist towards people who need prosthetics and wheel chairs and walking frames. Genuine collector. Victoria wide. Ararat. 0458 339 871.

WANTED. Independent Support Provider for NDIS participant in Acheron, near Alexandra. Participant is 20yo male - living independently - loves outdoors,, nushwalks, fishing. Suit experienced male SP , contractor, registered, NDIS screening, refrences. Flexible hours. Immediate start. 0412 224 464. HH-LL

ANZ

TOYOTA COROLLA. Manual. Roacdworthy condition. VG motor, gear box. Dark blue. RXJ-289. GC. $2000. Box Hill North. 0449 836 907. HH-LL

WOOD HEATER. Cast iron. GC. $500. Seymour. 0422 204 977. Z-CC

$220. Kangaroo Groundf. 9712 0337. Z-CC

WHEELBARROW. $75. Mill Park. 9436 8935.

TWO-PERSON SAW. $90. Mill Park. 9436

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P25/1382

Applicant name:

METROPOL PLANNING SOLUTIONS

The Land affected by this application is located at: 14 Roscius Place SORRENTO LOT 918 PS 412993 VOL 12595 FOL 741

The application is for a permit to:

VARIATION TO A RESTRICTION ON TITLE (LOT 918 PS412993E) BEING COVENANT V599586G 21/08/1998 BY DELETING POINT (a) OF THIS COVENANT WHICH READS,

• he will construct erect place or cause to be constructed erected built or placed on the said lot hereby sold any fences (to be constructed of brush or post and wire only), walls, dwelling, outhouses or garages without obtaining the prior consent of Prudential Projects Pty Ltd to same which consent shall not be unreasonably written, MATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED

52.02 VARY A RESTRICTION

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 3 NOVEMBER 2025

How can I find out more?You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

PUBLIC NOTICES

Packaged liquor licence application

I/We YYDS MART PTY LTD applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 5 May 2025 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at/ to 81–89 BOUVERIE ST, CARLTON.

Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that:

• it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated, and/or

• it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol.

An objection must state the reasons for the objection. All objections are treated as public documents.

Objections must be made in writing to: Liquor Control Victoria PO Box 1019 Richmond VIC 3121

Objections must be made no later than 30 days after the date of this notice.

The Local Paper Classifieds: Lodge your For Sale ad: www. AdvertiseFree. com.au

News Extra

All washed up

■ Police have arrested a man and a woman after a stolen vehicle was tracked to a Werribee car wash late Thursday night (Oct. 16).

Officers on patrol first caught sight of a stolen silver Ford Territory driving on Kororoit Creek Rd in Williamstown about 11.35pm.

The Ford was spotted driving over the speed limit in the vicinity of the Princes Hwy in Werribee before pulling into a carwash on Hooker Rd

A man and a woman allegedly fled from the vehicle before the Ford took off from the scene.

Officers swiftly moved in and arrested the pair.

A 26-year-old Wyndham Vale woman was interviewed on scene and is expected to be charged via summons.

A 38-year-old man remains in custody and will be interviewed by investigators.

The Ford remained outstanding and was stolen from a Greenvale address.

Woman arrested

■ Detectives have arrested a woman after a man was found with life-threatening injuries in Reservoir on Thursday night (Oct. 16).

Emergency services responded to reports of a man found with injuries consistent with a stab wound in the vicinity of Reservoir Railway Station about 8.45pm.

The man was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries.

Detectives arrested a woman at a Heidelberg Heights property earlier this morning. She was to be interviewed by investigators.

It is alleged this was a targeted incident and the people involved are known to each other.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Extra Monitor

■ The State Government has announced the name of the second Municipal Monitor to be appointed to the City of Kingston.

John Watson will join John Tanner in working with the municpality through until December 31, said a Governemnt representative.

Packaged liquor licence application I/ We Teifal Pty Ltd t/as Decanters by the Bay applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 4th October 2025 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at/to 53-55 Nott Street Port Melbourne Victoria 3207.

Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that:

• it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated, and/or

• it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol.

An objection must state the reasons for the objection. All objections are treated as public documents. Objections must be made in writing to: Liquor Control Victoria PO Box 1019 Richmond VIC 3121

Objections must be made no later than 30 days after the date of this notice

Female charged

■ Geelong Crime Investigation Unit

detectives have charged a woman after an allegedly stolen vehicle was tracked from South Melbourne to a Norlane car park where a man attempted to carjack four vehicles on Friday afternoon (Oct. 17).

Officers were conducting patrols for a suspicious loiter when they observed an allegedly stolen grey Haval on Dorcas and Moray Sts in South Melbourne about 1.15pm.

Upon sighting police, it is alleged the duo drove off and officers began tracking the vehicle along the Princes Fwy towards Norlane

It is alleged the vehicle drove into a hardware store carpark on the Princes Hwy, before it nearly collided with a woman getting a pram out of her car.

The man got out of the stolen Haval and allegedly attempted to carjack four separate vehicles.

No one was physically injured.

Police were quickly on scene and took the man into custody about 2.45pm.

The woman was chased by police into the hardware store where she was arrested shortly after.

The 30-year-old Abbotsford man was taken to hospital under police guard where he remains.

The 25-year-old Abbotsford woman was interviewed by police and charged with theft of motor vehicle and possess a drug of dependence.

She was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on November 18.

It is alleged the Haval was stolen from the Port Melbourne area on October 6.

Over 150-kmh

■ A 19-year-old probationary driver has been caught driving at an alleged speed of 156km-hr on the Monash Freeway in Wheelers Hill on Saturtday morning (Oct. 18).

Nunawading Highway Patrol officers responded to reports of a fast-moving Ford Falcon overtaking traffic outbound on the Monash about 1.30am.

Officers intercepted the Ford after it reached alleged speeds of up to 156kmh.

The Berwick driver, a P-plater for less than a year, is expected to be

charged on summons for driving offences.

His licence was suspended on the spot and the Ford was impounded for 30 days at cost of $1046.80.

Triple the limit

■ A 32-year-old driver has lost her licence and had her Nissan impounded in Mulgrave late Friday night (Oct. 17).

Nunawading Highway Patrol responded to reports of a white Nissan Patrol driving erratically on the Monash Freeway about 11.30pm. Officers pulled over the Nissan and the driver allegedly claimed to have consumed three glasses of wine.

The driver then produced an alleged evidentiary breath test reading of 0.160, more than three times the legal limit.

The reading amounted to an immediate loss of licence for 12 months and the Nissan will be impounded for 30 days at cost of $1150.

The 32-year-old Lynbrook woman will be charged on summons for drink driving.

30 firefighters

■ Some 30 Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters responded to a house fire in Glen Waverley in the early hours of Saturday (oct. 18).

Callers to Triple Zero (000) reported the fire at 4.54am and crews arrived at the Lincoln Avenue scene within six minutes.

Upon arrival, crews found a single storey weatherboard house was fully involved in fire.

Firefighters worked together to knock down the fire and prevent it from spreading. Crews brought the fire under control at 5.35am.

Nobody was home at the time of the incident. The fire was deemed suspicious.

A council building surveyor was to attend the property to assess the damage to the house.

Craigieburn blaze

■ FRV responded to calls for a house fire in Stockton St, Craigieburn, at 4.56pm Saturday (Oct. 17). rews found the single storey 18m by 20m brick veneer home was fully engulfed in fire.

PUBLIC NOTICES