The Local Paper. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., Mar. 12, 2025

$858,484 PAY-OUT TO DO NOTHING

■ Mitchell Shire Councillors have voted to cancel the contract for restoration of Seymour’s Old Goulburn River Bridge

In a confidential meeting of Council on Monday, February 17, Councillors considered multiple options and determined the project was not in the best interests of the community, the significant cost of the project could not be justified and would not support the long-term financial sustainability of the Council

As part of the 2024-25 Capital Works Program, Council allocated $5.4 million over two years towards the restoration project. In September 2024, Council awarded a contract for $4.5 million for these restoration works.

“Including the cost of works completed to date, the settlement of the contract reached today will cost $858,484.97. Council believes this cost provides a better outcome for the community compared to proceeding with full restoration.,” said a Council representative.

Mitchell Shire Mayor, Cr John Dougall, said it was difficult to justify a significant borrowing for this project.

“This decision represents Council’s intent to best align our investments, especially those for which we borrow, to areas of highest community need,” he said.

“Addressing concerns raised by residents and the community is a crucial aspect of Local Government’s role. We understand that this decision may be disappointing to some, but after careful consideration, Council believes it is the right step to ensure the responsible management of our resources.

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“Councillors could not confidently see how this investment would contribute to broader tourism outcomes that benefit the community, and despite advocacy efforts across all levels of government, Council would have needed to fund the project independently.

“Our goal remains to deliver projects that create the greatest positive impact for our community, and we are committed to investing in infrastructure and services that improve the lives of our residents.

“At the same time, we are dedicated to ensuring fiscal responsibility, making sure that

Mitchell Council will now evaluate the next steps for managing the bridge, including future options and requirements under the Heritage Act 2017

“The community will be kept informed as further decisions are made.,” a Council representative said.

ESSENTIAL TREE REMOVAL WORKS

■ Strathbogie Shire Council is updating the community on the tree removal works currently underway in Euroa as part of essential preparations for upcoming infrastructure upgrades as part of Inland Rail.

“Over the coming week, 11 trees along Birkett and Brock Streets will be removed to facilitate the detour route ahead of the Anderson Street bridge closure later this year.

“Eleven trees requiring removal, other trees will be subject to further arborist assessments and supervision during construction.

“Council acknowledges the value of all trees and is working closely with arborists to minimise impacts.

“Tree removal is only occurring where necessary to allow for road widening, drainage improvements, service relocations, and new street lighting—ensuring the detour meets safety and traffic requirements.

“We understand that tree removal may be a concern for residents, and we appreciate the community’s patience as we work alongside Inland Rail to minimise disruptions.

“Traffic management will be in place, and affected residents have been directly notified,” the Strathbogie Council representative said.

● ● Old Goulburn River Bridge, Seymour. Photo: Google Maps. every decision we make aligns with the longterm well-being and sustainability of our community.”

The Local Paper

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12,

FLOOD INQUIRY RESPONSE FALLS SHORT

Wild dog attacks

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has secured a face-to-face community meeting between Upper Yarra landowners and residents and Agriculture Victoria to tackle the ongoing issue of wild dog attacks.

This comes after Ms McLeish called on the Minister in Parliament to ensure the Upper Yarra be included in The Vertebrate Species Management Program within DEECA, which is already scheduled to occur in Hume and Gippsland regions.

Ms McLeish said: “I’m glad landowners and locals in the Upper Yarra will now have the opportunity to voice their concerns faceto-face and to help plot out a course of action to prevent future attacks on their livestock.”

Those living in the Upper Yarra will have the opportunity in April to meet with DECCA representatives in Yellingbo to manage and discuss the growing threat of wild dog attacks in the area.

The Minister responded to Ms McLeish’s request: “The date for this workshop is being finalised, however, it will take place in early April and include a range of land management agencies that have responsibilities for the management of dingoes.

“The date for the community-based workshop in Yellingbo will be communicated to community through a range of local engagement mechanisms.”

FOGO milestone

■ The first truckloads of Food and Garden Organics from Mitchell Shire bins have arrived at Repurpose It where it will be turned into valuable compost.

“This marks a significant step in our journey towards sustainability,” said a Mitchell Shire representative.

“A huge thank you to our community for embracing the FOGO program and playing your part in reducing waste and creating a greener future.

“Your cooperation is turning food and garden waste into valuable compost—making a difference, one bin at a time.”

■ Murrindindi Shire Council says that some of the State Government response to the 2022 Floods Inquiry falls short of what is needed.

“Murrindindi Shire Council acknowledges the release of the Victorian Government’s response to the Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2022 flood event and welcomes the recognition of key issues affecting flood-impacted communities,” said a written statement from the Council.

“The Government’s response highlights the need for stronger co-ordination between state and local government in emergency response and recovery and commits to reviewing floodplain management strategies, planning controls, and emergency warning systems.

“Council welcomes the support for improved flood mapping, clear and updated planning controls in high-risk areas, and the recognition of local knowledge in emergency response efforts.

“However, while some recommendations align with Council’s advocacy, others fall short of delivering the certainty and funding needed for long-term resilience - both physical and emotional.

“There is no clear commitment to changes in Lake Eildon’s flood management, despite its impact on downstream communities, and no guaranteed investment in strengthening critical local infrastructure such as roads, culverts, bridges and levees.

“Without a commitment to long-term resilience, damaged assets will remain vulnerable to future flood events, increasing risks to communities and compounding recovery challenges.

“Additionally, the failure to support a resilient homes program for flood-affected residents is a missed opportunity to assist those most at risk.

“While Council welcomes the focus on improving flood preparedness and response, we will continue to push for firm commitments on flood mitigation, infrastructure resilience, and long-term disaster recovery funding to ensure regional communities like Murrindindi are not left behind,” the Council said.

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Timid reply

Murrindindi Council’s reply to the State Government over the 2022 Flood Inquiry is timid, almost apologetic. Ratepayers deserve more strident advocacy from its Shire executives, unafraid to rock the boat.

SDCA Cricket

■ A-Grade. Round 17. Saturday, March 8. Tallarook A Grade 0/80 v Puckapunyal Senior Mixed 10/79. At Tallarook Recreation Reserve

Seymour A Grade 10/138 v Yea Tigers A Grade 7/141. At Chittick Park (East)

Alexandra A Grade 9/156 v

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:

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

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

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on Wednesday

New flood markers

■ Murrindindi Shire Council and its Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee welcome Transport Victoria’s installation of ‘Road Subject to Flooding’ signs and ‘Depth of Water’ markers on the Goulburn Valley Highway near Cathkin

This is an area that floods at least two to three times a year.

This follows longstanding advocacy by local agencies to improve road safety in flood-prone areas.

“While a simple addition, these markers provide critical real-time information, helping drivers and emergency service agencies assess floodwater depths in this 100-kmh zone to make safer decisions,” said a Shire representative.

“In the past, some motorists have underestimated the depth of floodwater in this area, leading to stranded vehicles and emergency rescues.

“These new markers aim to prevent such incidents and reduce the risk to volunteer responders.

“ Transport Victoria has installed flood markers between Ridds Rd and the eastern entrance to Molesworth, Council urges all motorists to follow road safety advice and never drive through floodwaters.

Murrindindi

Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher commented: “This is a great outcome for our community and a testament to the dedication of our emergency management teams.

“These markers will help prevent accidents, protect our vol-

Long Shots

unteer responders, and, most importantly, save lives.

“ Council is pleased that its advocacy on behalf of the community was supported by the Roads and Road Safety Minister

“I want to thank everyone involved for their persistence and commitment to making our roads safer.”

SES Unit Controller, Peter Weeks. said: “The Goulburn Valley Highway is often subject to flooding between Cathkin and Home Creek by the Home Creek breaking its banks, following heavy rain and storm events.

“Over the years, Alexandra SES has performed numerous rescues on this section of the highway, due to road users entering floodwater unaware of the depth and becoming stranded.” Road users are reminded to never drive, ride or walk through flood water. ●

Local Photo Flashback

The Local Paper

Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly.

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

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

MANSFIELD

Mansfield readership is in the township of Mansfield. The Mansfield Shire comprises Ancona, Barjarg, Barwite, Bonnie Doon, Boorolite, Bridge Creek, Delatite, Gaffneys Creek, Goughs Bay, Howes Creek, Howqua, Howqua Hills, Howqua Inlet, Jamieson, Kevington, Lake Eildon, Nillahcootie, Piries, Sawmill Settlement, Tolmie, Woodfield and Woods Point. Mansfield Shire is home to 10,546 people, living in approximately 6612 homes.

MITCHELL

Incorporating the traditions of the Seymour Express (Est. 1872) Mitchell Shire comprises Beveridge, Broadford, Kilmore, Puckapunyal, Seymour, Tallarook, Tooborac, Trawool, Wallan, Wandong and Heathcote Junction. Mitchell Shire is home to more than 49,216 people, living in approximately 16,321 homes.

MURRINDINDI

Incorporating the traditions of the Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995). Murrindindi comprises Acheron, Alexandra, Buxton, Cathkin, Castella, Caveat, Devils River, Dropmore, Eildon, Fawcett, Flowerdale, Ghin Ghin, Glenburn, Gobur, Granton, Highlands, Homewood, Kanumbra, Kerrisdale, Killingworth, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Koriella, Limestone, Maintongoon, Marysville, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Narbethong, Pheasant Creek, Rubicon, Strath Creek, Taggerty, Taylor Bay, Terip Terip, Thornton, Toolangi, Whanregarwen, Yarck, Yea. Murrindindi Shire is home to more than 14,478 people, living in approximately 6293 homes.

NILLUMBIK (RURAL)

Incorporating the traditions of the Diamond Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995) and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873)

Nillumbik Shire (rural) comprises Arthurs Creek, Bend of Islands, Christmas Hills, Cottles Bridge, Diamond Creek, Doreen, Eltham, Eltham North, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Nutfield, Panton Hill, Plenty, Research, Smiths Gully, St Andrews, Strathewen, Warrandyte North, Watsons Creek. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.

STRATHBOGIE (PART)

Starthbogie readership area comprises Avenel, Euroa, Nagambie, Violet Town. Strathbogie Shire is home to more than 11,578 people, living in approximately 5768 homes.

WHITTLESEA (RURAL)

Incorporating the traditions of the Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995) Whittlesea Post (Est. 1924), and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873)

Whittlesea Post readership area comprises Arthurs Creek, Beveridge, Donnybrook, Doreen, Eden Park, Hazel Glen, Humevale, Kinglake West, Mernda, South Morang, Whittlesea, Wollert, Woodstock, Yan Yean. The City of Whittlesea is home to more than 197,491 people, living in approximately 71,014 homes.

YARRA RANGES

Incorporating the traditions of the Lilydale and Yarra valley Express (Est. June 30, 1886)

Yarra Ranges readership area comprises Badger Creek, Chirnside Park, Chum Creek, Coldstream, Dixons Creek, Don Valley, East Warburton, Fernshaw, Gilderoy, Gladysdale, Gruyere, Healesville, Hoddles Creek, Launching Place, Lilydale, Millgrove, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Powelltown, Seville, Seville East, Steels Creek, Wandin East, Wandin North, Warburton, Wesburn, Wonga Park (part), Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Yellingbo and Yering. Yarra Ranges Shire is home to more than 158,831 people, living in approximately 58,509 homes.

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment Aaron Rourke, Film

Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

Rebels prepare for 2025

■ With just under five weeks until the start of the senior season, preparations are well underway, and there’s plenty happening around the club.

The Senior footballers attended a football camp on Friday-Sunday February 21-23, which was run by our seniors coach Nick Wall and Matt Dundas

A huge thank you to everyone who contributed to making the camp such a success, the players gained a lot from the experience, and it was a great way to set a positive tone for the season ahead.

Sunday February 23 was the Junior Football Season launch, which was also the final day of camp for our senior players who ran drills for the U9, 10, 12, 14 and 16 footballers. It was great to see so many juniors in attendance and all players benefited from the session.

Thursday February 27 the club hosted Greg Heinrich from Inspire Netball Group who is working with the club as part of the Evolve Program which included all our netballers, parents, volunteers and interested members.

The session started with fun games on the netball court and then moved into the clubrooms where group discussions took place about the three C’s, Culture, Community & Competitive.

I’m sure all those in attendance took a great deal away from the night and watch this space for more information on what is to come for our netball group.

The Ladies Committee held their AGM and are currently seeking a Canteen Manager for our Sunday home games, this could be a shared role so if anyone is interested in this position, please contact Kath Hedger on 0438 520 382.

The Senior League’s competition starts on April 5 with Alexandra having the bye. The club will be fielding Seniors, Reserves and Under 18 Football as well A, B, C, D Grade and Under 17 Netball. The junior fixture is yet to be released by the league, but we are anticipating this to come out shortly.

Junior Football Training will commence on Tuesdays and Thursdays for U14 and U16 on from Tuesday March 11 - 4.30pm to 6.00pm. U12, U9 and U10s will start on Friday March 14.

Junior Netball training dates are being confirmed with coaches and will be posted to our socials so keep an eye out.

The club is also seeking an Auskick Coordinator for the 2025 program. Please help spread the word within your networks so we can continue offering this valuable program at our club. Anyone interested in the position please contact Luke Heard, 0418376176.

The Senior Footballers have two upcoming practice matches with the first one scheduled for Saturday March 15 at home against Bonnie Doon, and the second match on Saturday March 29 at home against Hawthorn Amateurs Memberships and Sponsorships are available, and anyone looking to purchase a membership ticket or sponsor the club please contact us at our new email address alexandrafnc@ outereastfn.com.au

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Michelle Jack

● ● Greg Heinrich and AFNC Netball Evolve Group

● ● Wayne Miller, Danie Kriss, Kylie Cairns and Jake Steyger with the new TV.

● ● ● ●

Junior Season Launch

Yea Golf season opens

■ This year Yea Golf Club went above and beyond to start festivities.

First, a pre opening dinner was attended by ladies, not necessarily all players, but in some shape or form all involved in the club.

One of our sponsors, the Royal Mail Hotel, hosted the somewhat jovial crowd.

The group was trategically placed around the corner, out of sight. The night was really enjoyable, food, refreshments and most of all the cameradarie, something greatly appreciated amongst the Yea Golf members and partners. Never a dull moment.

A little presentation was held to top the night. Back in our midst was past member and club champion Adrianne Anglin. Adrianne has moved onto another chapter to her life and we wish her the very best for the future.

So, in appreciation for all the things she had contributed to the club during her time with us, we presented a small token of wine and, of course chocolates. Thank you Adrianne and enjoy.

Sadly it was time to end the night, before the official get together, striking the first ball for the season.

This year the Club was privileged to have a long standing member, and a many time club champion, Laraine Callander, to strike the first ball, and that she did, without a care in the world. A fine hit it was. The season was officially opened!

Teams were chosen and it was off for a nine hole Ambrose. I, for one, was very pleased it did not go to far into the day, as the temperature was rising.

Once again lots of laughs as those new or those out of practice tried theirluck hitting that little round ball.

Fun over, it was into the Club House to partake ,as usual, the cooks at Yea surpassed themselves with the abundant supply of food glorious food. There are some really awesome cooks.

The day’s winners, none other than our past

champ Adrianne and her lucky sidekick Vicky Butler took the honours. Margie Wright and her partner Tina runners-up. Ten teams participated. One major highlight was an amazing Birdie on the 11th accomplished by, one of our new comers, Jenny Bennett

Then, the presentations of the Gobblers, Birdies and the eclectic scores for the past year. This year it was a wee bit of a scoop for member Sharon Grogan, taking the honours of Birdies and both the Scratch and Handicap Eclectic.

Gobblers belonged to Cindy Armstrong Prizes, we were once again spoilt by the donations of our Life Member Miranda Gill.

★

Yea Golf Booming

While the ladies had their season opening on Wednesday, 17 men in nine teams of two played an Irish Stableford round.

Stableford points are recorded with the best score of two on the first nine added to both scores on the back nine. Winners with 60 points were Brendan Chenhall (16) and Russell Wealands (24). Runners-Up were Allan Coates (9) and Chris Keogh (33) with 58 points. Third were Peter Johnston (16) and Brian Simmons (11) with 55 points. Allan Coates was NTP on the 2nd and the Club Award went to Rob O’Halloran/Brian Priestley with 52. Individual winner was Allan Coates with 40 from Brendan Chenhall 39.

Saturday saw the mens/mixed opening of the season with an Ambrose event which attracted 43 players. Conditions were good and we can thank ourselves fortunate to have water to irrigate our course. Best nett score went to a 4 Person Ambrose team of W.Rowe, G.Antrobus, K.Coghlan and M. Bett with 58.5.

Winners of the 3 Person Ambrose were Tony and Nicola Rule with John Phillips having a nett 59.33 on CB from second Chris and Taris Dunne and Luke Barclay. Third were Alan and Zach Pell and Robert Herbert with 60.17 nett. NTP on the 11th was Josh Cunningham

● ● ● ● Laraine Callander’s opening shot.

● ● Miranda Gill, Sheron Grogan.

● ● Sharon Grogan, Jan Wealands

● ● Tony & Nicola Rule, John Phillips

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, March 12

Local Briefs Wollert fatality

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel. 65 Grant St.

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

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■ 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.

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

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

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■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

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■ ■ 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.

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■ ■ 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.

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

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

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

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■ ■ 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.

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■ ■ BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy.

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

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

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

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■ ■ ■ ■ 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.

■ Greensborough Highway Patrol are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal motorcycle crash in Wollert on Thursday morning (Mar. 6).

It is understood a male motorcyclist left the roadway and crashed into a barrier on Epping Rd about 3am.

The rider sustained life-threatening injuries and later died in hospital.

Factory fire

■ Fire Rescue Victoria crews responded to a factory fire in Aylward Avenue at Thomastown at 1.47pm Wednesday (mar. 5) after multiple calls to Triple Zero (000).

Firefighters arrived on scene within three minutes to find smoke issuing from the factory and workers evacuating. The response was escalated.

FRV crews donned breathing apparatus and began searching for the seat of the fire.

There was a fire in a conveyor machine deep inside the factory, with crews working to isolate the machine and extinguish the fire.

All workers evacuated safely and were assessed by Ambulance Victoria.

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■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main

St.

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

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

■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

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

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

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■ ■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene

General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■ ■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

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

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

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

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

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

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

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

■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.

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■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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■ 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.

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

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

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■ ■ 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.

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

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

■ ■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94 High St.

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■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64 High St.

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■ ■ ■ ■ 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.

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

Ahmad, Bilal Borg, Joseph Burkett, Jayden Dunmore, Emma Even Par Pty Ltd Finn, Luke Anthony Fitzgerald Nesbitt, Tianna Storm Hagoss, Solomon Hanley, Christopher Hore, Andrew William Mcbean, Paul Mccabe, Mystina Mueller, Kelly Newell, Patrick James Oyeniyi, Mufan Ayinde Penigilly, Vaughn William Pereira, Luke Rickard, Katelyn Rudd, Neale Douglas Sheh Shuhaimi, Sheikh Anmar Strongman, Annalise Teuma, Dean Turnbull, Michael Ustuner, Abdulkerim Vella, Patrick Walker, David Edward Warraich Tradings Pty Ltd Young, Michael

Thursday, March 13

The fire was deemed under control by 2.26pm.

The factory was heavily smoke logged and FRV began ventilation.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and will be investigated by FRV fire investigators.

Firefighters remained on scene for some time, to ensure the fire was fully extinguished.

It’s a boy for MP

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■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

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■ ■ ■ 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.

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

■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage has given birth to a boy, Raf. She joins four other MPs who have delivered babies during their current term of office: Annabelle Cleeland (Euroa), Jess Wilson (Kew), Nicole Werner (Wsrrandyte) and Martha Haylett (Ripon).

Plan for animals

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■ ■ 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.

■ 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. BP. 66 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Coles Express. 123 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Grand Hotel. 270 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Healesville Newsagency. 195 Maroondah Hwy.

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

■

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

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

■ ■ 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.

Anderson, Steven Bell, James Bettridge, Anthony Binks-Brown, Nick Joshua Binks-Brown, William Brooks, Duane Anthony Burkett, Jayden Burridge, Jacob Burton, Patricia Chancellor, Daniel Chick, Erin Collard, Travis Cooke, Danielle Dedini, Michael Peter Dennison, Jayde Lee Ekberg, Jesse Goodwin, Alexandra Gurd, Jay Halse, Bradley Illingworth, Frances Joyce, Jason Kelly, Heath Kosterman, Sean Liang, Mingwei Lippert, Chantelle Madderson, Hollie Matsoukas, Elleni Mccabe, Daniel Mcclure, Malcolm John Mcgahey, Joanne Murphy, Ziek Norton, Jacob Oliver, James Orchard, Tristan O'toole, Nicholas Perosevic, Brian Phillips, Craig Anthony Phillips, Trevor Quattrocchi, Crystal Ray, Bradley Scott Rossignoli, Paul John Salmon, Madison Scicluna, Brandon Smith, Brandon Tarrant-Willis, Mary Elizabeth Taylor, Natasha Jane Thomas, Shannon Louise Tom, Ritto Toth, Jade Wilson, Caleb Wilson, Rebecca Crisfield Winnell, Quinton Zerna, Michael

Wednesday, March 19 Wimalarathnage, Malkanthi Kumarasinghe

Collection of Colour

■ Strathbogie Shire Council announcse the upcoming Artbox exhibition, ‘A Collection of Colour’,featuring the vibrant works of local artist Helen Brook. The exhibition will run until March 31, at Binney St , Euroa.

■ Nillumbik Council is currently renewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan, which will guide how it supports and manages domestic animal services in the Shire over the next four years.

Last year more than 700 residents shared their thoughts on cats and dogs in the Shire The data captured during this consultation has helped shape the draft Domestic Animal Management Plan 2025–2029, which is now open for review and community feedback.

Some of the topics covered in the Plan include:

■ desexing and microchipping,

■ effective control of dogs in public areas, dog on and off-leash areas,

■ nuisance dogs and cats,

■ barking dogs,

■ cat confinement, and

■ the collection and disposal of animal excrement.

Mayor Cr John Dumaresq thanked community members for helping to shape the draft plan.

“Your feedback has been invaluable in informing this plan,” Cr Dumaresq said.

“Now we want to know, have we captured what matters most to you? We invite all community members to review the draft and let us know what you think .”

Two pop-up information sessions are to be held:

■ Eltham North Dog Park – Wednesday, March 12, 4.30pm-5.30pm

■ Diamond Creek Playspace - Diamond Creek Trail - Saturday, March 22, 11am-1pm

Mitch at Festival

■ The City of Whittlesea Community Festival is set to be packed with music and fun activities n Sunday (Mar. 16). It’s free.

■

■

■ ■ ■ 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.

Helen Brook, a multifaceted artist, is renowned for her dynamic use of colour across various mediums, including printmaking, painting, felting, and knitting. Her work is deeply inspired by the natural beauty she encounters in her surroundings and travels.

Headlining the stage is Australian world music star, Mitch Tambo. He has topped charts worldwide, and his version of You're the Voice just hit over one million streams. The Festival is to be held on the Council grounds at South Morang.

Also performing is Squid Nebula, a band led by Noongar musician Bumpy

Closing Down Sale

collection

Store will be trading only until mid-April

De Bretts Antique Market, located at 646 Mount Alexander Road in Moonee Ponds, is sadly closing after 50 years of trading.

As the last antique shop of its kind North of the Yarra River, its closure marks the end of an era for collectors, traders, and vintage enthusiasts.

The old barn is holding a major clearance sale with a vast collection of antiques, vintage clothing, chinaware, artworks, napery, crystal, bric-a-brac, Meccano sets with accessories and more!

This includes approximately 200 lighting fittings hanging from the rafters, all available with substantial discounts, all offers considered.

The store will be trading until mid April 2025. Interested buyers are encouraged to visit soon to take advantage of this unique opportunity.

We sincerely thank you for your loyalty and support. To all our past and present customers, we deeply appreciate you as we mournfully come to a close.

See you all soon at De Bretts (the old barn)!

De Bretts Antique Market Major Clearance.

Local Briefs

Sen. Const. charged

■ A senior constable from Eastern Region has been charged following an internal investigation.

The 34-year-old woman has been charged with one count of shop steal.

The charge relates to an alleged theft from a Chirnside Park supermarket while off-duty on July 18 last year.

She will appear before a Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

Yarra Junction man blows .130

■ It was busy for Police on Friday night (Mar. 7), operating a random breath testing site in East Doncaster.

Officers first waved in two men in separate vehicles at the site on Reynolds Rd about 6.30pm.

The men each undertook a preliminary breath test, before both undertaking evidentiary breath tests.

The first man, a 28-year-old from the Yarra Junction area, returned an alleged reading of .130.

The second man, a 28-year-old from Mount Evelyn, returned an alleged reading of .184.

Both men had their licences immediately suspended and both cars were impounded for 30 days at a cost of $983

A short time later, officers waved in a 31year-old woman for testing.

She undertook a preliminary breath test, before undertaking an evidentiary breath test and returning an alleged reading of .122.

The Donvale woman’s car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $983, and her licence was immediately suspended.

The trio are expected to be charged on summons with traffic related offences.

Underlying deficit of $5.5 million

■ Murrindindi Council’s underlying deficit for the 2024-25 financial year is expected to be $5.5 million.

“Forecast revenue for the year has risen by $12.29 million, whilst forecast expenditure has increased by $10 million. The increases in revenue are driven by increases in operating grants of $8.7 million, primarily related to flood recovery and $2.7 million in capital grants, including the first instalment of $1.2 million for the Eildon Key Worker Housing Project and $696,000 for the Roads to Recovery program,” said a report to Councillors.

“Additionally, user fees and charges have increased by $430,000 for the Yea Saleyards and $137,000 for Recycling and Waste Management

“There is a forecast increase in expenditure of $9.3 million for materials and services, partially offsetting the grant funding, $8.2 million of which is related to funded flood recovery and repair works.

“Overall, with these adjustments the operating surplus is expected to increase from $2.9 million to $5.2 million, while the underlying result, which removes capital grants from the calculation, remains relatively unchanged, with an underlying deficit of $5.5 million.

“The Cash statement shows a forecast net decline in cash held of $3.6 million, primarily due to the deferring of borrowing to the next financial year.

“It is also noted that the revised budget figure for total unallocated cash in December was reduced rom $10.4 million to $5 million.

“Again, this reduction primarily results from the deferral of $3 million in interestbearing loans and borrowings, as well as the establishment of a new reserve for Council’s commitment to the Elidon Key Worker Housing Project.

“A further report on funding for the Eildon Key Worker Housing Project will be provided to Council in March 2025,” the report noted.

■ The Allan Labor Government is gutting frontline fisheries compliance, dramatically weakening enforcement efforts, and leaving recreational fishers, boaters, and marine environments at risk, says Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish.

“The current 73 Fisheries Officer positions across the state are being slashed by a staggering 50 per cent, to only 36 Fisheries Engagement Officer roles, primarily focused on community engagement,” Ms McLeish said.

“In total, 35 people will lose their jobs during this cost-of-living crisis, bringing staffing from 192 to 157.

“Fisheries officers are already carrying a vacancy rate close to 30 per cent across the state and under the restructure some of these vacancies won’t be filled.

Ms McLeish said: “Fisheries officer positions have been decimated across the state and will be felt locally.

“There are just over 50 fisheries officers in Victoria now; 20 years ago, there were 72.”

“This is yet another move by a cash-strapped Labor Government that has doubled the metropolitan-based public service in its 10 years in power.

“Now, when it’s time to tighten the belt, they cut frontline positions in rural areas. This fol-

■ James Trenery, Liberal Candidate for Indi, said that the past three years of bad decisions and wrong priorities by the Albanese Labor Government highlights a need for change.

“In the past three years, the price of everything has gone up, our roads have crumbled to bits, and our health services have been neglected,” Mr Trenery said.

“High mortgages and rents are hurting local families – under Labor, we’ve seen 12 interest rate rises, meaning families with a typical mortgage have paid up to $50,000 extra on their mortgages, money they’ll never get back.

“Inflation has rocketed up and the Government has not got it under control. Food, electricity, gas, insurance, healthcare - everything is more expensive.”

Mr Trenery said the only

Owners can request special projects Time for change: Lib. Fisheries gutted: McLeish

lows a reduction in Parks Victoria staff by the same Minister just months ago.”

“It comes as no surprise that this reduction has been poorly received by the recreational angling community.”

Ms McLeish highlighted that native fisheries research positions have been severely impacted.

“The Arthur Rylah Institute has not been spared, with crucial native fish research projects being discarded.

“We know that majority of recreational anglers comply with regulations which is largely due to the presence of officers who enforce and educate.

“With this change, job focus will shift to education and engagement and move away from enforcement,” Ms McLeish said.

way to ‘get Australia back on track’ is to vote Liberal locally.

“The Liberals have a 12priority plan to get Australia back on track. The only way we can deliver on this plan is to get a Dutton Liberal Government elected – that means voting Liberal at a local level, here in Indi

“As I’m speaking to people all across the North East, I’m hearing that people want change locally, too.

“The Member for Indi, Helen Haines, for three years has had no policy to get the cost of living under control.

“She has not delivered on issues that are important to us – in the past three years, Helen Haines has not got funding for local health services, like a new hospital on a new site in Albury Wodonga, nothing for Mansfield Hospital or Alpine Health.”

Alexandra man dies: Police probe

■ Homicide Squad detectives have released CCTV and appealing for information to establish the circumstances which led to the death of a man in Dandenong

The 52-year-old Alexandra man had been staying at a motel in Dandenong with his partner, a 50-year-old woman from Mordialloc

In the first clip, he can be seen leaving the motel at 6.57pm on Thursday, February 27 to go for a walk – which was usual for him –returning around 7.43pm.

He walked with a noticeable limp and suffered from leg cramping, and often went for walks to alleviate the pain.

At around 2.03am on Friday, February 28, he left the motel for another walk, but did not return.

The man was found by a passerby on Fifth Avenue around 6.55am.

He was conveyed to hospital to be treated for his injuries where he later died on Saturday, March 1.

His partner reported him missing upon realising he had not returned.

Investigators have established that he died as a result of head injuries, but at this stage, have been unable to ascertain how he sustained those injuries.

Police have obtained CCTV which depicts the vast majority of the man’s walk, and he is last captured on CCTV at 2.11am alive and well.

At this stage, detectives have not located CCTV which captures the man’s final movements and the circumstances which led to his death.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who was in the area at the time and saw anything, or who might have CCTV, ringcam or dashcam footage and is yet to speak to police.

There were also a number of passersby captured on CCTV around the 2am mark and who may have walked past the man – they are particularly keen for those witnesses to come forward.

Anyone who witnessed anything, has CCTV, dashcam footage or any other information that could assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Detective Inspector Rob Nazaretian, Homicide Squad, said: “At this point in time investigators have been unable to definitively establish the circumstances which led to this man’s death not discounting the possibility of a physical assault or some other cause.”

“If you were one of those people in the area at the time or you have CCTV or dashcam footage which has not already been provided to police, please, we encourage you to come forward now.”

Eildon proposal

■

‘Baanh ba Djila’ is the name proposed for the Eildon Splash Park.

■ A policy that allows residents to make special contributions for localised projects has been open for community consultation and will now go to Mansfield Council at its meeting on Tuesday (March 18).

The policy, which was open for consultation during February, provides a framework within which property owners can request that Council considers a special project that would benefit them.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said that the policy had been reviewed to make sure there was a clear process for coming to Council to initiate a project.

“This is a positive move toward Council being able to provide services or infrastructure in consultation with community.

“We listen and we act,” said Cr Rabie

“This policy means we can take a request from a resident who has the support of their neighbours and consider putting it up for a future project,” said Cr Rabie.

“If someone wants something done on their street and their neighbours agree with them, the special rates and charges policy means we can fairly raise the funds for a project that benefits those people.”

“The Eildon Reserves r edevelopment project represents a significant capital investment by Council and the State Government to enhance community infrastructure, encourage increased visitation and extend the duration of stays in Eildon,” said a report to Murrindindi Councillors at their latest meeting.

The existing reserve name ‘Walter Moore Reserve’ will be retained. Following the public consultation period, five submissions were received.

“There was minimal objection, with one objection appearing to misunderstand the intent, believing the reserve itself was being renamed rather than the Splash Park as a feature,” said the offi9cer’s report.

Scheduled Meeting of Council - 9 - 26 February 2025

On the moption of Crs Sue Carpenter and Sandice McAulay, Councillors agreed to acknowledge the five submissions received, endorse the feature naming proposal of ‘Baanh ba Djila’ for the Splash Park located within Walter Moore Reserve in Eildon, in recognition of the Taungurung language and cultural heritage.

● ● Cr Steve Rabie, Mansfield Mayor

● Cindy McLeish, Eildon MLA

● ● James Trenery

✔Free tickets are being grabbed quickly for the Seymour River and Ranges Music Festival to be held 2pm-10pm this Saturday (Mar. 15) at Kings Park. Acts include Carter and Carter, Kingswood and the Black Sorrows.

✖

Murrindindi Council is aware of a SMS Phishing scam targeting Murrindindi Shire residents. The message states that their rates are now overdue and demands payment through a link. Council will never send a SMS message demanding payment.

Murrindindi Shire says thanks

Local News

Police Station not fit for purpose

■ The State Government needs to commit to funding a new police station in Whittlesea township in the 2025-26 State Budget, says Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell.

This comes after police representatives admitted that the existing station is not fit for purpose, Ms Lovell said.

Ms Lovell attended a neighbourhood crime forum for the Whittlesea Police Service Area, where concerned residents spoke of the fear that exists around the community due to rising levels of violent crime.

The latest Crime Statistics Agency data show that crime is up by 28 per cent in the Whittlesea municipality.

Victoria Police representatives at the forum said that one of the major obstacles to more effectively tackling crime was resource constraints, and admitted that Whittlesea Police Station in particular was not fit for purpose and urgently needed to be replaced.

■ Indi MHR Helen Haines has presented a package of measures focused on improving regional healthcare and workforce supply with the launch of her Health Policy. Dr Haines said her plan aimed to improve capital investment in rural hospitals, training of healthcare workers, and support for students as part of a suite of policy measures for regional health.

●

●

●

● Peter Sharman, Council’s Emergency Management and Business Continuity Coordinator and Anna Paix, Community Planning Officer

■ Murrindindi Shire Council has extended its thanks to all who attended the Molesworth and District Community Planning Project event on Fridaym February 28.

Held at the Molesworth Hall, the event was a great success, with turnout exceeding expectations as residents came together to share ideas and discuss ways to strengthen their community.

The evening provided a valuable opportunity for residents to have their say on what would make their township a better place to live, work and visit.

Over a meal, attendees connected with their neighbours and contributed to a shared vision for the future of the Molesworth area.

Participants heard from several speakers about community resilience and the impact of community-led initiatives in addressing local challenges.

They then worked in groups to discuss key issues and voted on priority actions that best reflect the needs and aspirations of their community.

Some of the key topics voted on include:

■ environmental works in the Reserve, including increased water levels, wetland development and walking tracks

■ signage for public spaces and historical sites

■ public toilets for travellers and users of the rail trail or recreation reserve

■ development of community events in Molesworth, such as an annual fair, sporting events, film screenings and the re-establishment of the Easter Bazaar

These sessions were initiated by the community following the October 2022 floods, which had a significant impact on the region. Council will continue working with residents to support planning for the future of the Molesworth and district area in line with local priorities.

Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor, Cr Damien Gallagher, highlighted the significance of the event, stating: “It was heartening to see so many people come together, united by their passion for the community.

“The conversations were thoughtful, insightful and, most importantly, led by the people who live and work here. We’re eager to see these ideas take shape and to continue working alongside the community to bring them to life.

“We look forward to hosting more community planning sessions and encourage residents stay engaged and watch for upcoming opportunities to get involved.”

Murrindindi Shire Council received financial support for this event from the Commonwealth and Victorian Governments under the jointly funded Commonwealth-State Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements

Between 2001 and 2021 the population of Whittlesea local government area more than doubled. The City of Whittlesea expects the Northern Ward of the municipality, which includes the Whittlesea township, to see the greatest amount of growth in future and this will require improved and expanded policing services in the area.

“The Whittlesea police station building is rickety, full of asbestos and lacks disabled access,” Ms Lovell said.

“Six years ago minor renovations that added some security features and replaced old doors were done, but that is not good enough.”

“The Allan Labor Government is not taking crime seriously and it’s Victorians who are suffering.

“The Police Minister must ensure that a new police station in Whittlesea is funded in the upcoming budget so that the hardworking local officers have the resources they need to do the job they were trained for,” Ms Lovell said.

‘Attack on

free speech’

■ Northern Victoria MLC Rikkie-Lee Tyrrell has spoken against the Allan Labor Government’s proposed Justice Legislation Amendment (Anti-Vilification and Social Cohesion) Bill, calling it “a grave threat to the fundamental right of free speech.”

In her contribution during debate of the controversial new laws, Mrs Tyrrell said the Bill in its current form posed a fundamental threat to the democratic principles held by all Victorians

“The provisions in this Bill are far too broad and too subjective to achieve the intended protections without significant risks,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

“We risk creating an environment in which open debate and critical discussion on sensitive issues are stifled.”

Mrs Tyrrell said in a democracy, the right to express differing opinions should not only be protected but encouraged.

“People who express their deeply held opinions could find themselves falsely accused of vilification, not for any malice, but simply for speaking their truth,” Mrs Tyrrell said.

Nominations open

■ Murrindindi Council is inviting nominations for the 2025 Murrindindi Shire Community Awards, celebrating the exceptional contributions of local volunteers who go above and beyond for their communities.

Residents are encouraged to nominate local individuals or community groups for one of the four Award categories:

■ Volunteer of the Year (aged 26 - 64 years)

■ Senior Volunteer of the Year (aged 65 years or older)

■ Young Volunteer of the Year (aged 1225 years)

■ Community Group (or Community Initiative) of the Year.

Price: $230 TOTAL for all remaining 2025 issues.

your ad: 1800 231 311. The Local Paper is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach The Local Paper or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at: www.presscouncil.org.au The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.

● ● Wendy Lovell MLC

● ● Rikkie Lee Tyrrell MLC

Local Briefs

Join a Committee

■ Nillumbik has a range of advisory committees that provide a mechanism for consultation with the community and key stakeholders.

Advisory Committees provide advice to the Council but don’t make formal decisions.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said committee members provide invaluable information that helps enable Council to respond appropriately to community needs.

“If you are interested in taking an active role in communicating the views of your community to Council I encourage you to apply and I look forward to seeing all that you achieve,” Cr Dumaresq said.

Over the coming weeks Nillumbik Council is seeking Expressions of Interest for the following committees:

■ Inclusion and Access Advisory Committee

■ Positive Ageing Advisory Committee

■ Recreation Trails Advisory Committee

The Advisory Committee EOI's close on Monday, April 7.

Where are reports?

■ Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell has demanded that the Health Minister, MaryAnne Thomas, immediately table in parliament the 2022-23 and 2023-24 annual reports for Remembrance Parks Central Victoria RPCV confirmed to media outlets that they had already completed the reports and submitted them to the Department of Health. Under the Financial Management Act 1994, when reports are submitted the Act requires the responsible Minister to “cause the report of operations and financial statements to be laid before each House of the Parliament as soon as practicable after they are received”.

“However, the Minister has still not yet tabled the reports in Parliament despite several sitting weeks this year, raising the question of whether the Minister held the reports back from the public to hide the full extent of the problems at RPCV until after the chairperson was reappointed,” Ms Lovell said.

Ms Lovell called for the Minister to provide a full explanation as to why the Minister has reappointed the chairperson under whose watch the trust has failed to meet legislated reporting timelines for the past two consecutive years: “RPCV is unable to meet their statutory obligation to hold an annual general meeting until the Minister has tabled the reports.”

Powers diminshed

■ The State Government has released widespread planning reforms with a new plan that diminishes the planning powers of local governments and make it harder for councils to work toward the vision of communities, says Mansfield Council.

“Communities lose their voice in decisions about how their community is shaped when powers are taken away from local governments,” said Cr Rabie

“Our community have told us very clearly, over many years, that we need steady, strategic progress to accommodate for housing needs while being sure to not ruin the beauty and amenity of our shire.

“Basically, we need to manage planning carefully to make sure we can provide the required housing supply while not destroying the Shire

“Council is disappointed that the State Government’s blanket rules take away our power to shape the community the way we know the community needs it to be. Only local government can get close to understanding its community’s unique needs.

“We have to protect what is great about our Shire. That’s why we’ve been so strong on protecting the alpine approaches and spending a great deal of time and resources on strategic planning.

“We’re already work closely with the state government to make sure we meet the needs of our growing population.

“This is why it’s disappointing to see our ability to control how we plan for those needs reduced, sacrificed as part of a state-wide concern that doesn’t fit our local issues here,” Cr Rabie said.

50 years service with SES

● ● ● ● VICSES Alexandra Unit Controller Peter Weeks (pictured left) and VICSES Footscray Unit volunteer Denis Brain (at right) have both been with VICSES throughout the organisation's entire 50-year existence, and were joined by 18month VICSES Footscray Unit volunteer Amy Bracks (centre) at the official launch of VICSES' 50th anniversary celebrations.

■ The Victoria State Emergency Service (VICSES) has recognised the efforts of thousands of dedicated volunteers and members, as it celebrates 50 years of service to the state.

Some 16 current volunteers have served their communities throughout the entire 50 years.

VICSES has built a legacy of dedication, providing critical emergency assistance to thousands of Victorians each year.

The Civil Defence Organisation which formed in 1950 evolved into VICSES on March 5, 1975 and remains as it is known today, playing a lead and critical role in managing floods, storms and rescues, as well as supporting other emergency services.

Over the past five decades, VICSES volunteers have stood on the frontline of Victoria’s most challenging emergencies and severe weather events, including:

■ major flooding in 2010-11 and 2022,

■ severe storms in 2021,

■ the 1983 Ash Wednesday fires,

■ the devastating 2009 Black Saturday fires,

■ the 2019-20 Victorian Black Summer Bushfires,

■ the 2021 Victorian Earthquake and so much more.

The unwavering commitment of so many of VICSES volunteers has saved lives and safeguarded communities across Victoria.

VICSES is built on the dedication of its volunteers, such as Peter Weeks, who joined the Civil Defence Organisation in 1971.

Inspired by his father and his passion for radio communications, Peter now serves as the Unit Controller at the VICSES Alexandra Unit.

Peter has been involved in critical response efforts, including the 2009 bushfires, high profile search and rescue operations, and assisting people stranded in the Goulburn River during major riverine flooding events.

Similarly, Denis Brain, who joined in 1971 following the tragic collapse of the West Gate Bridge.

Denis has dedicated decades of service to the VICSES Footscray Unit and under his leadership, the unit has supported the local community through severe events, including a major storm in 2000, where they responded to 350 requests for assistance in just two days.

VICSES volunteers are the backbone of the organisation, serving communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, and with 154 units across the state, VICSES operates with more than 5000 volunteers.

In the past year alone, VICSES volunteers responded to over 40,000 requests for assistance, demonstrating its crucial role in Victoria’s emergency response network.

As VICSES celebrates this milestone, the organisation remains committed to protecting and serving the people of Victoria, ensuring communities remain safe in times of crisis for generations to come.

Overall, volunteer numbers are slightly up in each of the past two years however many units are currently actively recruiting.

For those interested in joining VICSES or learning more about becoming a volunteer, visit ses.vic.gov.au/join-us Vivki Ward, Minister for Emergency Services, said: “VICSES volunteers are the back-

bone of communities — giving up their time to help in times of disaster without a second thought.”

“On behalf of all Victorians I sincerely thank the generations of VICSES volunteers for their dedication - as well as the families and workplaces who support volunteers in their role.”

VICSES Interim CEO, Kate White said:

“From floods to storms, road crash rescues to building community resilience, education and better public safety outcomes, our volunteers have been unwavering in their commitment to protecting Victorian lives.

“As we celebrate our proud history, we also look to the future – in which together we continue to grow, adapt, and serve with the same passion that has defined VICSES for half a century.

“Thank you to all of our incredible volunteers and staff who have been part of this 50year journey."

Peter Weeks, VICSES Alexandra Unit Controller, said: “This is a big year for VICSES as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Whilst much has changed since 1975, our core values remain the same – to provide emergency assistance to Victorian communities 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

“I’m so proud to be a VICSES volunteer, from the get-go.”

- Contributed

Listening Tour

■ Mitchell Shire Council is hitting the road with a Listening Tour, giving the community the opportunity to ask questions, raise concerns, and connect with their new Councillors and officers.

“From roads and waste to planning and growth, Council knows these issues are important to the community, and this tour is about hearing from residents firsthand while also providing clear and accurate information on Council services and projects,” a Mitchell Shire representative said.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said the Listening Tour was a chance for people to engage directly with their representatives and have meaningful conversations about local priorities.

“We know roads, waste, and planning are key concerns, and we want to hear directly from our community about their experiences,” Cr Dougall said.

“These sessions aren’t just about listening – they’re also about helping residents get the answers they need.

“Whether it’s understanding local road maintenance, changes to waste services, or how we’re planning for growth, our team will be there to answer questions and share information.

“To make these sessions as accessible as possible, Council is holding one session in each Ward, ensuring residents across the Shire have access to these important conversations, starting with:

■ Wednesday March 12, 5pm-7pm, Greater Beveridge Community Centre

■ Thursday March 27 , 5pm-7pm, Kilmore Customer and Library Service Centre

Regional Round-Up

Disability Plan

■ Yarra Ranges Council has endorsed the Draft Disability Action Plan 2025 – 2029 for the second phase of community consultation.

The proposed Plan outlines Council’s approach to meeting legislative requirements, ensuring Council works towards a common vision, advancing disability inclusion across all aspects of Council.

The community is now invited to share its thoughts on the Draft Disability Action Plan over the coming four weeks. This second phase of engagement with the community, will run over four weeks and will conclude on April 6.

There are three ways to get involved:

■ Leave us a comment via the website. ■ Chat. The Council will be promoting this project and having conversations with communities via a community engagement roadshow.

■ Additionally, the Council will engage with stakeholders and the Disability Advisory Committee and promote the opportunity through e-newsletters, radio, social media, and in-person interviews upon request.

Conversations can occur at

■ Sunday, March 1`6. 9am-3pm. Mooroolbark.

■ Saturday, March 29. 2pm-8pm. Kallista Centenary Celebrations

■ Saturday, March 30. 9am-2pm. Cire Community Market, Chirnside Park

■ Sunday, April 6. 11am – 2pm. Healesville Homegrown Food Fair

Firm on next tax

■ The Fire Services Property Amendment Bill was read at Parliament last week and is set to have widespread implications for Mansfield Shire residents, according to the local Council.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Council had taken a firm position against the Emergency Services Volunteer Fund, which would be introduced as part of the Bill

“We do not agree with the proposed tax, which would see a massive increase in household costs to our community,” said Cr Rabie

“It is our job to strongly advocate for our community and this one will hit hard.

“It’s unfair to everyone in the state – to all the people who will have the cost of food production passed down via their grocery bills. But it’s most unfair to the communities in regional rural areas,” said Cr Rabie.

“This Council has made every effort to reduce the financial burden being asked of households in our community.

“Mansfield Shire had one of the second lowest rate rises across Victoria, with an average 1.75 per cent rate rise over the past four years.

“We carefully consider every rate rise, we don’t just apply the maximum set by the state, even though that doesn’t even match CPI increases.

“ While the cost of doing business for local government is increasing, we have actively reduced our costs in every way we can to reduce costs for ratepayers.

“Council has brought services in-house to reduce the cost of consultants and contractors completing work that our team can be upskilled to do.

“We’re revising our Special Rates and Charges to make it fair for residents who want to contribute to special infrastructure projects to meet their localised needs.

“The decisions we have made operationally and at Council are always done with a view to making sure our community members get the best bang for their buck.

“But now, we’re going to have to be the ones to ask our community members to fork out to pay a tax we don’t agree with. It’s going to be on the rates notice.

“We don’t think it’s a fair tax and we are firm against our community members having to pay it. We don’t think it’s fair that we’re the ones being asked to put it on the rates notice – we should not be the tax collector for the state government,” said Cr Rabie.

“We unanimously voted against this tax at Council and we are not alone. Many rural councils are speaking up against this. This Council has unanimously said – we are taking this opportunity to advocate for our community members and asking the state to review the tax and to review how it asks local government to participate in its collection.”

as ‘Remember When’ co-hosts.

TURNBULL vs TRUMP

■ Former Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull doubled down in his fight against US President Donald Trump in media appearance on Monday night (Mar. 10).

Turnbull said Australia shouldn’t “suck up” to bullies and he accused political leaders of “gaslighting”.

Turnbull warned the situation regarding US tariffs “has changed,” and that he was pessimistic of a positive outcome.

“Well, I do not believe that you should give in to bullies, right?’’ he said.

“Trump wants people to suck up to him, and to be sycophantic. And I have dealt with Trump in the past. I mean, you know, the fact is - I stood up to Trump, and got him to do things he didn’t want to do, because I wasn’t being bullied by him.

“Most of the people, pretty much all of the people I’ve seen, interna-

tional leaders, that have sucked up to Trump and been sycophants, have been run over.

“I mean, the reality is - if you suck up to bullies, whether it is global affairs, or in the playground, you just get more bullying.

“And unfortunately, you know, we are now seeing somebody that is utterly unconstrained. And if the advice is to go and suck up to him, well, where does that get you?

“I mean, are we just going to become just a conga line of sycophants creeping through the White House, paying homage to this guy and telling him he’s a genius?

“It’s ludicrous. I mean, the leaders of other countries, particularly friendly countries, are among the few people that can speak truth to Trump because he can’t sack them.

Mr Turnbull said the situation was unprecedented.

● 3AW is promoting Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren

Other People’s Gossip

Auto $99 penalty

■ The Victorian Electoral Commission is urging Victorians not to ignore a request for an explanation as to why they appear not to have voted in the last local council elections in October last year.

The VEC has issued close to 530,000 ‘Apparent failure to vote notices’ and recipients must respond by the 28-day deadline with a detailed explanation.

The notice is an opportunity to avoid a fine if non-voters provide a detailed response with supporting documentation. The VEC is required to automatically fine non-respondents or those who do not provide a valid reason for failing to vote. The penalty is $99.

Cause of death

■ For years, actor Gene Hackman’s doting wife Betsy Arakawa would do whatever she could to help keep him healthy, whether it meant wearing a mask everywhere she went or encouraging him to stay fit by riding his bike or doing yoga on Zoom

In late February, the couple was found dead in their New Mexico home, a heartrending end to the life they shared. Arakawa, 65, died of hantavirus and days later, Hackman, 95, died of heart disease, the New Mexico medical investigator’s office revealed.

Authorities, working to lay out a timeline of what happened, said Hackman had Alzheimer’s disease and may have not realised he was alone in the days before he died. - CNN

SXSW Festival

■ Some of Hollywood's biggest names are flocking to Texas to attend the star-studded 2025 South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival.

From Blake Lively to Nicole Kidman, celebrities are having a blast attending the premieres of their latest films or listening in on A-lister-run panel discussions.

- Nine.com.au

Goodman hurt

■ John Goodman has suffered a hip injury whilst filming a new Tom Cruise movie at Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire

The 72-year-old actor reportedly slipped whilst blocking a scene on the set of the untitled film directed by Alejandro González Iñárritu.

Production was halted for two days following the incident, with Goodman receiving immediate medical attention. - GBN

Meghan torn apart

■ Meghan Markle has released a new statement regarding her Netflix series after Thomas Markle tore the cooking program apart.

Thomas Markle criticised Meghan following the release of her Netflix cooking show, branding his daughter "inauthentic" and accusing her of using "pre-planned" facial expressions during the series.

- GBN

Celine Dion threat

■ Celine Dion issued a warning against 'fake tracks' after her return to music was threatened by a series of false recordings.

The singer, who was diagnosed with the incurable stiff-person syndrome in December 2022, made her comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics after fearing she would never perform again.

Sharing an update to Instagram, her team released a stern statement and made fans aware of the release of 'unauthorised AI-generated' songs.

- Daily Mail

LAURA SPURWAY SINGS ON AT 3AW Observer National

■ Radio station 3AW has announced renowned journalist Laura Spurway will join the its Football team as the station’s first dedicated AFLW reporter.

3AW is the first radio station to appoint a dedicated AFLW reporter, with the historic move reflecting the popularity of the women’s code and the station’s intent to help grow the sport.

Spurway will cover all elements of women’s football, including all state leagues, and her work will feature across Nine Radio’s websites, social media channels, and as part of the network’s news service. She will also work across the station’s AFL coverage.

Laura Spurway said: “It’s an absolute dream come true to join the 3AW Football team. This radio station is the heartbeat of Melbourne and their exceptional coverage extends way beyond that. I can’t wait to join the ranks of some of the most respected voices in the field for a huge 2025 and beyond.”

Stephen Beers, 3AW’s Station Manager, said: “We are delighted to have Laura join the team at 3AW Football in 2025. Laura brings a wealth of experience and is a great addition as we invest in AFLW right across the station to build on the best in AFL coverage.”

In a broadcasting career spanning almost two decades that has taken over across the world including as a writer/producer for CNN in Hong Kong and a placement at German radio giant Deutsche Welle, Spurway’s most recent role was as Sport Reporter for Seven News Melbourne

Beginning her career as a producer for Sydney breakfast radio on 2UE, she has previously held roles as a producer/journalist for ABC NewsRadio, a Today Show producer, 9News Melbourne journalist, and Chief of Staff for The Project.

- Greg Newman, Jocks Journal

20 years together

■ This year marks the 20-year anniversary of the partnership of Australian gallerists Ursula Sullivan and Joanna Strumpf, co-founders and co-directors of Sullivan+Strumpf

Over the past two decades at the forefront of forefront of Australian contemporary art, the duo has helped foster and grow the careers of some of the most significant contemporary artists in Australia, Southeast Asia and beyond.

Today they represent more than 40 artists and artist estates and manage and present a dynamic program comprising approximately 30 in-house exhibitions each year across their Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore spaces, presentations at many of the world’s leading art fairs, innovative international appearances, and business, industry and public events.

As part of their celebrations, their 2025 program is packed with gems acknowledging both their beginnings, and the bright future ahead.

On now and coming soon:

■ Solo exhibitions from Gregory Hodge, Sydney Ball, Kirsten Coelho

■ Group exhibition, In My Prime

■ Art Basel Hong Kong

Peak at Superstar

■ Melbourne media crews are being invited to next week have a first look at the Olivier Award-winning reimagined production of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s celebrated musical Jesus Christ Superstar at the Princess Theatre.

Leading the cast are international recording

artist Michael Paynter as Jesus, musical theatre sensation Javon King as Judas and powerhouse soul and blues vocalist Mahalia Barnes as Mary, with internationally acclaimed comedian, singer and writer Reuben Kaye as Herod and veteran Australian performer Peter Murphy as Pilate

Jesus Christ Superstar is set against the backdrop of an extraordinary series of events during the final weeks in the life of Jesus Christ, as seen through the eyes of Judas. Reflecting the rock roots that defined a generation, the legendary score includes I Don’t Know How to Love Him, Gethsemane and Superstar.

Vanda & Young compeition

■ International artists from the US, UK and Australia have claimed top honours with Aussie writers and producers behind the global collaborations.

Mopre than 3500 were entries received from 52 countries, and over $2M raised for Noro Music Therapy since 2009

Shannon Busch aka WILSN (AU) wins first prize with Give You Love, performed by Jessica Mauboy (AU) and Jason Derulo (US).

Second prize goes to Louis Schoorl (AU and UK) for his work on 12 Minute Walk, performed by Bow Anderson (UK).

Cam Nacson (AU) takes out third prize with Forever Thing.

Charley (AU) receives the AMPAL Unpublished Australasian Songwriter Award for Timebomb, a collaboration with Swedish songwriters and producers.

Emma Hughes (UK) takes out the American Songwriter Spotlight Award for Without You

Outer ring push

■ Federal MPs and candidates are being called on to back a fairer funding approach for public pools and libraries across Melbourne's outer suburbs.

Melbourne's outer ring — which includes both growth areas and semi-regional zones — is battling a chronic shortage of pools and libraries.

Over recent years, ad-hoc funding arrangements from the Federal and Victorian governments for these multi-million-dollar community infrastructure projects has often forced local councils to scramble for funding alone.

VERITAS VERITAS

Victoria’s most feared and admired columnist ... first with the latest

Victoria’s most feared and admired columnist ... first with the latest

Yes, Your Majesty

■ Nice to see that Camberwell girl Kylie Minogue made it onto King Charles’s top music entertainers list with The Loco-motion.

But let’s not forget that Little Eva first had the hit back in 1962, 63 years ago.

Sam Pang Tonight

■ Good on Network 10 for having a go with a new tonight show, featuring Sam Pang, at 8.40pm next Monday (Mar. 17).

But is Sam, seen on The Front Bar on the Seven Network, suffering from over-exposure before he even starts.

All in the family?

■ David Koch is probably getting more airtime now as the ‘Economic Director’ of Compare the Market ads, than when he was cocompere of the Sunrise program on the Seven Network.

Another Koch is also prominent. Ainsley Koch is a journalist for Seven News. Kochie’s daughters names are Brianna, Georgina and Samantha.

According to Wikipedia, “David James Koch was born in Adelaide, South Australia to a Jewish family.”

Didn’t take long

■ The world of showbiz is unrelenting and unforgiving. The late Philip Brady’s photos have already been replaced on 3AW Remember When’s social media with pics of the new co-host Andrew McLaren.

The Greater 3UZ

■ Radio station 3UZ (now RSN) celebrated its 100th anniversary over the past week, and a reunion of on-air personalities occurred.

Some familiar faces included John Vertigan Snr, Patti Newton, Shawn Cosgrove and Peter Byrne.

Vale Tony Healey

■ Tony Healey was a Melbourne TV pioneer with appearances on the early ATV-0 shows like Update and Kommotion.

A get-together was being organised of his Gold Coast friends at the Go-Set Club which he assisted in forming.

A private Melbourne function is being held at a South Melbourne hotel tomorrow (Thu.).

H&A plays away

■ The nightly Home and Away (Seven Network) has taken the script line away from Summer Bay this week, and the popular characters of Ziggy and Dean making a comeback in Tropical North Queensland.

Triple M footy

■ Triple M has unveiled its commentary lineup for the 2025 AFL season. The lineup features James Brayshaw, Kate McCarthy, Brian Taylor, Dale ‘Daisy’ Thomas, Jason Dunstall, Erin Phillips, Mark Ricciuto, Mark ‘Howie’ Howard, Leigh Montagna, Isaac Smith, Steve ‘Stevie J’ Johnson, Abbey Holmes, Jude Bolton, Nathan Brown, Sarah Hosking, Shaun Burgoyne, Ruby Schleicher, Damien Barrett, Jay Clark, Bernie Vince, Xavier Ellis, Andrew Embley and more.

Craig Everywhere

■ Eddie McGuire once had the nickname of ‘Eddie Everywhere’. His son, Xander, is quickly repeating the legend in his role as footy reporter at Seven News. Not far behind is SEN boss Craig Hutchison, seen in Sevene footy TV show promotions on Monday nignt.

● ● Laura Spurway

The Whip

Inside Information from State and Federal Parliaments

Under challenge?

■ The Herald Sun has upped its campaign against the Allan Labor Government with State Political Editor Shannon Deery taking the lead in a thrust that speculates that Premier Jacinta Allan may face a challenge prior to next year’s State Election.

‘Ghost’ shifts

■ Victorian Liberals are punting that a thrust against the State Government, claiming that the Metro Tunnel has a ‘ghost shifts’ scandal, will gain traction.

“MC Labour - a major labour hire firm in Victoria’s construction sector - operated a near-monopoly on staffing the Metro Tunnel site,” said a media release put out by Opposition Leader Brad Battin and Evan Mulholland.

There are allegations that CFMEU delegates and sub-contractors working on the site invoiced for shifts that were never worked.

“It is possible this scandal could be referred to the police,” the Liberal pair said.

“This Labor Government has been a complicit by-stander in mass fraud on the taxpayer funded metro tunnel site,” said Mr Mulholland.

"The Big Build is the Big Rort because Labor can't manage money, can't manage major projects and seem unable to prevent the mass rorting of Victorian taxpayers' money.”

Mr Battin said: “Premier Jacinta Allan must be clear on whether she intends to remove MC Labour from the Metro Tunnel site as her predecessor claimed he would.”

Federal election

■ Perhaps even Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is not entirely sure when he will call the Federal Election.

With Easter, ANZAC Day and school holidays, the poll is now likely to be held in May.

Deadline for Govt

■ The Victorian Upper House last week required the Allan Labor Government to table within three weeks:

■ briefings and documents presented to or relied upon by the Minister for Planning in the gazettal of the Victoria Planning Provisions amendments VC257 and VC274;

■ the impact assessments on transport infrastructure, community infrastructure and drainage for the 10 pilot activity centres;

■ the 2019 ministerial advisory committee’s planning mechanisms for social and affordable housing report;

■ the 2021 Ten-Year Strategy for Social and Affordable Housing;

■ the 2020 ministerial advisory committee infrastructure contributions report;

■ the agendas, including attachments, and minutes of all meetings of the infrastructure contributions working group; and

■ the activity centres standing advisory committee referral letters.

Lib stands dwon

■ Luan Walker is stepping down as the Liberal Party’s candidate for Fraser “due to an issue with my Vietnamese ancestry”.

“I was adopted as a child in Vietnam by generous Australian aid workers, who later registered me for Australian citizenship, and raised me in Australia,” Mr Walker said in a statement.

RENTING TO BE FAIRER ACROSS STATE

■ The State Government’s strong new rental protection laws have passed the Victorian Parliament – making renting fairer and building on the more than 130 reforms introduced since 2021.

The Consumer and Planning Legislation Amendment (Housing Statement Reform) Bill 2024 delivers reforms to increase renter protections and cements Victoria as the best state in the nation for renters rights, said a Government representative.

“This includes stopping all types of rental bidding to ensure renters are getting a fair price and changing the notice period from 60 to 90 days – giving renters more time when they receive a notice of rental increase or notice to vacate.

“The new laws also ban no fault evictions so that Victorian renters can’t be kicked out of their home for no reason.

“Applying for a property will also be easier for both renters and real estate agents with a new standard application form for renters.

“Real estate agents will need to ensure they protect the information renters provide in their applications, adhering to privacy requirements around the use, disclosure and collection of information.

“It will now also be an offence for renters to be charged fees by rent tech platforms when making a rental application or for paying their rent.

“Real estate agents, property managers, owners corporations managers and conveyancers will also be required to be registered and undertake ongoing professional development to maintain their registration.

“Penalties for real estate agents and sellers who break the law will be increased to a maximum of $47,422.

“These fines will apply to offences such as underquoting – advertising a price below the auction reserve or asking price – and making false and misleading representations during the property sale process.

“Additional reforms in the Bill will make annual smoke alarm safety checks mandatory for all rental properties and will give the Director of Consumer Affairs and VCAT additional powers when considering rent increase reviews.

“It will also be mandatory for properties to meet minimum standards when they are advertised for rent – not just when the tenant picks up the keys.

“The new laws will come into effect in November with additional reforms announced last October to be introduced in a Bill later this year. Nick Staikos, Minister for Consumer Affairs, said: “Victoria has the strongest rental protections in the country and this builds on our significant work to make renting fairer across the state.”

“We’re banning fees for rental applications or payments, lengthening the notice period for rental increases and notices to vacate, and banning all types of rental bidding – because it’s only fair that renters are treated with respect.”

Outstanding rates

■ Monash Council is owed $6.5 million in council rates and charges, including waste service fees as at end of January. This is up $200,000 compared to same time latst year.

A sum of $635,000 is from the 2024-25 financial year.

The Council confirmed that $3.7 million is overdue for two or more years.

“Council can consider legal action on unpaid rates, and this includes property sales, but this is not something we would consider unless under extraordinary circumstances,” a Monash Council representative said.

5 stars for Valley

■ Moonee Valley Council has achieved a fivestar rating for ‘Australian excellence’ in sustainability for the Djerring Flemington Hub.

Make Good Happen

■ Port Phillip Mayor Cr Louise Crawford has been selected as one of 10 spokespeople for the Municipal Association of Victoria’s federal election campaign, ‘Make Good Happen’. She proudly represented the City of Port Phillip at the campaign launch on February 20.

Lib withdraws

■ Liberal candidate for Scullin, Joel Drysdale, has had to withdraw:

“I’m deeply disappointed to let you know that I have decided to withdraw as the Liberal Party’s candidate for Scullin,” he said last week.

“My mother is a French citizen, so last year I applied to renounce any claims to French citizenship in the usual way.

“The French Embassy advises that they have no record of my citizenship, and therefore have no grounds to process my application for renunciation of citizenship.

“Despite this advice from the Embassy, I understand that I may still be entitled to French citizenship – therefore, for the avoidance of doubt, I have chosen to not nominate as a candidate for Scullin

“I express thanks to my family, friends and the local Party members and volunteers in Scullin who supported my campaign, and wish the Liberal Party well in the upcoming Federal election, which we are working hard to win so we can get Australia back on track.

“I will be continuing to campaign in Scullin, and look forward to assisting the new candidate when they are selected,” Mr Drysdale said.

Emergency: City

■ Brimbank Council says that it is working on our new Climate Emergency Strategy

“We’ll be asking you to tell us what you understand about climate change, what concerns you most about its impact on the environment and what actions you want Council to take,” the City said in a note to its residents.

“In Brimbank, we know that our community is committed to taking action to look after the environment and already feel the effects of heat waves. Climate action is about halting climate change through reducing our use of fossil fuels and greenhouse gases and transitioning to renewable energy. “

● ● Nick Staikos

Melbourne Observer

Established 1969

EDITORIAL COMMENT

Australia put on hold

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese had been widely tipped to make a visit to Government House last Sunday or Monday (Mar. 9-10) to request that the Governor-General be asked to call a Federal Election.

Sportsbet is currently offering to pay $1.50 for a Coalition victory, $2.62 for a Labor win, and $81 for another other result.

The Albanese Federal Government seems to be so much on the nose that a $3 pay-out is offered for a Coalition minority results, $2.88 for a Coalition majority, $2.88 for a Labor minority, and $9 for a Labor majority.

Will there be a hung Parliament?

According to the bookies, it is a $1.40 payout for ‘Yes’, and a $2.50 dividend for ‘No’.

If the bookmakers’ market is correct, the PM is simply delaying the inevitable.

Pundits say that Mr Albanese decided not to declare an April 12 election date, because of ex-Cyclone Alfred.

Factors such as school holidays and Easter now make it more likely that the poll will be held in May. Will it make any difference to the result?

There is much to be said for a system with a fixed date for the election. It works in Victoria where the poll is automatically scheduled for the last Saturday in November, every four years.

Americans are well into the habit of having their elections on the first Tuesday of November in every fourth year.

Whilst Mr Albanese holds off on calling an election, Australia is put on hold.

Some business does come to a standstill. Election date speculation often leads to a suspension of business confidence, until as certain result is known.

Donald Trump’s re-election as President in the United States, and other international election results, show that there is a worldwide swing to the political ‘right’.

Will that trend extend to Australia, and a mandate given to Peter Dutton and his Coalition team?

In Victoria, it is 18 months away from the next scheduled poll. Things are currently not looking good for Labor Premier Jacinta Allan.

‘Blind Freddie’ could tell Ms Allan that law and order is the major issue that she must address.

Black market cigs on sale

Sir,

The flourishing illegal tobacco trade that’s costing lives, and the government billions in revenue, while enriching criminals, shows that it’s time for the Federal Government to establish a monopoly over the sale of tobacco.

By establishing a government monopoly on tobacco sales through government-controlled outlets, and making sales through tobacconists and other retailers illegal, it makes it far more difficult for organised crime to reach its market.

Black market tobacco is being openly sold around Australia right now.putting millions into the hands of violent criminals while undercutting price controls that reduce smoking rates.

It’s time for the government to take the next step toward the end game for the world’s most dangerous drug by putting its sale in the hands of an independent statutory body tasked with buying it, selling it, closing all other outlets, and policing control.

This would raise large sums of money that could be used for health promotion, and for controlling illegal tobacco through a well-funded enforcement agency.

The sale of tobacco has degenerated into an open-slather free market controlled by criminals.

They’re marketing tobacco through an expanding array of tobacconists in suburban streets throughout Australia

While it’s illegal there’s no effective enforcement at the retail end, though customs do their best to intercept bulk shipments of illegal tobacco.

This model helps put an end to that by controlling the supply of tobacco to the public and thereby drastically reducing the outlets available to criminals to sell illegal tobacco.

But it also provides the necessary funding to crack down on the illegal sale of this most dangerous of drugs.

In many ways it’s similar to the Nordic model of alcohol sales, where alcohol is only available through government monopolies which have reduced alcohol consumption and harm.

This iss a personal view, rather than official Legalise Cannabis Party policy.

- Mark Schneider, by email

Feedback on MSO

Sir,

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra is currently developing our first Disability Inclusion Action Plan with the assistance of access consultant, Morwenna Collett

The actions in this DIAP will help provide accessibility for everyone in our community, including people with disability, people who are Deaf, neurodivergent, or living with long-term health conditions or chronic illness.

With 18 per cent of Victori-

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.

ans living with a disability, it’s important for the future of the MSO that we can understand the barriers for those who want to enjoy our performances.

This survey seeks feedback on current accessible performances and concerts, events, services and learning activities offered at the MSO, and seeks ideas for new offerings we could provide in the future.

We welcome input from everyone, including people with and without disability, artists and musicians, audience members and anyone in our community with thoughts and feedback.

All answers are anonymous and we encourage you to be honest with your responses.

If you would prefer to complete this survey in another format (including Word document) or you would prefer to provide feedback via phone or in writing, please contact our consultant Morwenna Collett on morwennacollett@ gmail.com.

The survey should take 1015 minutes to complete, and will be open until 5pm, Sunday March 16.

We appreciate your feedback.

- Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, by email

is launching a new online reporting platform making it easier than ever for Victorians to share crime information online.

With a new report coming in every five minutes, Crime Stoppers has an essential role in managing vital crime information from the Victorian community.

Accessible through crimestoppersvic.com.au, the new platform simplifies the reporting process with important technological advancements, enabling the community to share information anytime, anywhere.

People want to share information to keep the community safe and this new platform helps them do just that.

The public are sharing more video footage than ever, from home security systems, smart phones and dashcams.

We can now process this content faster, providing investigators with greater and more timely insights from the public.

Video footage is often critical in an investigation, with footage supplied to Crime Stoppers by the public assisting with investigations ranging from high-risk road use to homicide.

Video footage can help to place individuals in locations where a crime has occurred and assist police to identify perpetrators.

A key feature of the new platform is a focus on the reporting of elder abuse, one of the fastest growing forms of family violence, offering a straightforward way to raise concerns about harm to vulnerable members of the community.

Our new reporting application makes it easier than ever for people to provide information about a wide range of crimes.

Whether it’s a photo, a video, or information, we encourage Victorians to share what they know.

The option to remain anonymous gives confidence to anyone wanting to report to Crime Stoppers

The new reporting application was developed with funding of over $380,000 from the Victorian Government.

Continued investment into crime prevention and reporting is critical, and we thank the Victorian Government for their support to build this new platform.

The Minister for Police, Community Safety and Victims Anthony Carbines highlights the value of this initiative:

“The faster information can be shared the faster Victoria Police can take crooks off the streets – that’s why we’re making it more accessible for people to help with investigations in a fast and secure way.”

“With more than 120,000 reports received by Crime Stoppers in the last year, we thank each and every person who is helping to keep our community safe.”

- Stella Smith, Chief Executive Crime Stoppers

Victoria by email

1955

Margaret at show

■ Princess Margaret wenf to the theatre lastnight with wealthy, young Londoner Billy Wallace. : As she sat quietly in the stalls with Wallace, a personal friend for many years, the world was discussing prospects of her marrying Group Captain Peter Townsend. And in Brussels last night Townsend continued his policy of talking to the Press, but saying nothing that would commit him.

Jungle training

■ Australia’s 2nd Battalion, reportedly bound for Malaya in October, will begin jungle warfare training in Queensland on Monday. Army authorities expect the whole battalion will be trained, company by company, by the end of August.

Language

■ This language business. Met a fellow yesterday - a Canadian who was born in Scotland - who speaks five languages perfectly. English, Italian, Spanish, German , and French. Man by the name of James Duncan, world chief of H. V. McKay Massey Harris, who has just hit town.

Mr. Duncan told me he learned French because he lived in France. He learned Italian and German because he does business in Italy and Germany. He learned Spanish because his wife is Spanish . He learned English because . . . Good heavens! I forgot to ask him why he learned English.

Beetle’s fate

■ State Cabinet will have the final decision onthe Fawkner-Somerton railway. Railways Commissioners recently decided to end the service because it was losing money.

Mr. Coleman, Transport Minister, will examine recommendations from Mr. T. S. Lingford, co-ordinator of Transport, and report to Cabinet.

Mr. Lingford told à protest meeting of 200 Campbellfield residents on Thursday that he would ask the Government to retain the service.

Trish Vandervolk, St Thomas The Apostle Primary School, Greensborough

At St. Thomas the Apostle School, Greensborough North, we are committed to fostering a love of learning, nurturing spiritual growth, and prioritising student well-being.

As a welcoming and vibrant community, we provide a supportive environment for students from Prep to Year 6, ensuring each child is encouraged to flourish.

Under the leadership of our principal, Trish Vandekolk, we continue to strengthen our commitment to excellence in education.

With a passion for collaboration and inclusivity, Trish fosters a school

Fact File

NAME: St Thomas The Apostle Primary School

ADDRESS: 251 Diamond Creek Rd, Greensborough North, 3088

PHONE: 9434 4565

WEBSITE: www.stgreensboroughnth. catholic.edu.au

EMAIL: principal@ stgreensboroughnth. catholic.edu.au

culture where every student is supported, challenged, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Grounded in a strong faith-based tradition, we embrace evidence-informed teaching practices that enable each child to develop a deep sense of the world around them.

Our dedicated educators create engaging and enriching experiences that build a rich vocabulary, foster curiosity, and ignite students’ passions.

With exceptional facilities—including a Bush School, Vegetable Garden, Science Block, Food Technology Building, Basketball Stadium, and Athletics Track—students benefit from hands-on learning experiences that encourage exploration and discovery.

Our small class sizes ensure every child is known, valued, and supported in a nurturing environment.

Join us at St. Thomas the Apostle School, where learning is an adventure, curiosity is celebrated, and every child is inspired to thrive.

● ● ● ● Trish Vandevolk

■ Melbourne author Joseph Connellan's novel Jimmy's Run has been adapted into a radio play of the same name and brought to life by actors from the Complete Works Theatre Company.

The radio play is now available on all podcasting apps by searching ‘Jimmy’s Run’. Jimmy's Run tells of the trials and tribulations of Sonya Bird, a city lawyer, and her journey into Australian bush politics.

Sonya arrives into the world of country politics, country business, country football, and long straight roads, to oversee an inquiry into Local Government corruption.

As is often the case, everything is not as it seemed.This world has many traps for uninitiated city visitors, particularly those seeking to bring order like Sonya Bird.

The local strongman, Jimmy O'Brien, is a wirily old campaigner who is not ready to toss it all in for a city woman.

Into this mix appears Justin Murphy, global governance policy expert, and Wills Reach, refugee, forced to return to the land of his origin and colourful extended family. That family includes one Jimmy O'Brien

"Every town has or should have a Jimmy O'Brien," says author and producer Joseph Connellan

The radio play podcast is performed by Andrew Blackman, Annabelle Tudor, Karlis Zaid and Jackson McGovern under the direction of Andrew Blackman from Complete Works Theatre Company. Sound recording and editing is by David Ross.

“Radio plays were part of my growing up in the bush,” says Joseph. 'Blue Hills’ was on the radio every lunchtime. I wanted to capture that rich experience in telling this story, which is loved by so many.”

The radio play Jimmy's Run is available from favourite podcast apps for updates including Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Podcast Index, Podcast Addict or Podchaser. The book Jimmy's Run is available from Amazon.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Ella’s Music Club

■ Presented by Ella’s Music Club, Liza and All That Jazz will perform at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club at 8.30pm on Saturday, March 29. 8:30 pm

Far from being a wallflower; Aurora MacKrill is a dynamic performer with boundless energy.

Now residing in Queensland , she was born in Melbourne and has been captivating audiences since day one.

With over 20 years of experience, she has performed across Australia and California Despite her petite stature, she commands the stage, delivering a vibrant and spirited rendition of Liza Minnelli's 1972 TV concert, "Liza with a 'Z'".

Each performance is unique, shaped by the audience's energy. Aurora occasionally pushes the boundaries, but always with impeccable taste.

Aurora Mackrill & The Craig Schneider Trio

Date: Saturday, March 29

Time: Showtime 8.30pm.-10.30pm ( Doors 8pm)

Tickets: $50 reserved seating at tables.

Bookings: Ellasmusic.com

Venue: Royal Brighton Yacht Club,253 Esplanade, Brighton.

THE ROBOT DOG

■ Directed by Amy Sole, The Robot Dog on the surface is an engaging, sweet comedy.

Set in Australia in the future world of 2042, the gentle nature of the comedy belies its coverage of multilayered social commentary.

Following the death of her mother, Janelle (Kristie Nguy), a woman of Cantonese heritage, together with her First Nations partner Harry (Ari Maza Long), returns home.

Grief coupled with all the memories home conjures up throws Janelle and Harry into a reckoning on their places in the world.

The future is automation, and AI is inescapable and omnipresent.

Janelle and Harry are subjected to daily full body scans that highlight internal bodily functions in gleeful detail by the all-pervasive AI house app, Hus

In addition, the sinister Hus, an app that seems to be the property of Services Australia where the future of mutual obligation is assured, lists Janelle’s unsuccessful job-seeking and suggests “job acquisition enhancements” ad nauseum.

Innovations such as language apps that plug directly into your body mean a loss of real connection to family and culture.

More like 2001’s HAL than Siri

The house comes with a robot therapy dog that appears to be undergoing an existential crisis.

“I won’t let you down,” Robot Dog tells Janelle before pushing back on Hus’s instructions that “the greater good is served by taxpayers” and that Janelle needs to get over their grief and get a job.

Co-created by Hong Kong -born multidisciplinary artist Roshelle Yee Pui Fong and Luritja writer and technologist Matthew Ngamurarri Heffernan, The Robot Dog combines humour with sharp observations of what the future might look like and what we might lose.

Nguy and Long excel at bringing warmth and pathos as well as comic timing to this little gem of a play, presented by the Melbourne Theatre Company.

Performance Details: Until March 21

Venue: Southbank Theatre, The Lawler.

Bookings: mtc.com.au/plays-and-tickets/ whats-on/season-2025/the-robot-dog/ - Kathryn Keeble

Mahler - MSO

■ Under the baton of conductor,, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra gives presence not just to the orchestration of Mahler’s Symphony No 2 (Resurrection) but realises the profound emotional and philosophical journey of this grand composition.

The intense struggle between life and death comes to the fore in the first movement where the thunderous tremolo of the strings portends doom only to be relieved by the lyricism of the strings.

The orchestra captures a sense of nostalgia for lost innocence in the second movement with its more gentle orchestration contrasting with the first movement’s tension.

The third movement is a scherzo insinuating restlessness with the fourth movement, entitled Primal Light, suggesting a philosophical turning point.

The mezzo-soprano, Catriona Morison , captures the moment perfectly, her voice almost ethereal at first. The final movement alludes to apocalyptic chaos and the triumph of redemption.

Mahler uses voices here as well with the MSO chorus, under the direction of Warren Trevelyan-Jones, entering pianissimo evoking the notion of a building revelation. This is confirmed by the soprano voice, Eleanor Lyons, whose clarity suggests transcendence.

This is an epic work. Mahler augmented the orchestration with offstage brass insinuating another world just out of reach. He doubled instrumentation and supplemented the percussion for dramatic effect.

Whilst the work’s ostensibly called ‘Resurrection’ it is perhaps more philosophical looking at notions of transcendence and the ethereal. The subject matter is life after death but one created in the here and now through music.

Presented at Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall.

- Review by David McLean

A Couple Decides What To Have For Dinner

■ Writer/Producer/Director James Hazelden presents A Couple Decides What to Have for Dinner at The Butterfly Club, Melbourne from March 24 -30 as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

James says he had to clear the script with his spouse before he showed anyone else. “I knew that when my wife came along she would immediately recognise the exact conversations we have had before.

"And other people have told me the same thing," says James. In fact, the moment anyone just hears the title of the show, they immediately understand the universal themes of the play and start telling me their own horror stories of trying to make those small, daily decisions together while in a relationship.”

A married couple sits on a couch and tries to decide what to have for dinner. "For 50 ridiculous, stupid, hilarious minutes. Which is shorter than in real life, but that’s all the time we have.''

The show is said to be "a perfect date for new couples, old couples and smug groups of single people”.

From the makers of Mystery Radio Theatre, starring Amanda Buckley and Chris Saxton.RShow Details: A Couple Decides What To Have For Dinner.

Performance Dates: March 24 - 30 at 8.30pm. Cost: $31-$39

Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne

Tickets and details: thebutterflyclub.com/ show/a-couple-decides-what-to-have-for-dinner - Cheryl Threadgold

by

Anisa’s comedy special invites audiences to explore the complex world of being a Black girl in Australia

With a sharp wit and relatable anecdotes, Anisa reflects on her journey from Uganda to Rockhampton, where she anticipated a multicultural paradise but instead found cows and cultural confusion.

From an awkward friendship with classmate Rachel, to meeting her boyfriend for the first time, to her relationship with her mother and how that has shaped life in their new country, Anisa shares her journey with sharp wit.

You Can’t Say That shares anecdotes about cultural misunderstandings, bathroom mishaps, and the struggle for acceptance, with Anisa highlighting the awkwardness of connecting in a new environment.

You Can’t Say That examines her views on masculinity whilst also candidly addressing mental health and sharing her experiences as an "awkward Black girl" and the societal pressures that come with it.

You Can’t Say That aims to resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of place and offers a refreshing perspective on the complexities of life, love, and belonging.

Performance Details: March 27 - April 20

Venue: Victoria Hotel, 215 Little Collins St, Melbourne.

Bookings: livenation.com.au/show/ 1556664/anisa-nandaula-you-can-t-say-that/ melbourne/2025-03-27

- Cheryl Threadgold

This Is Your Fault

■ Andy Drewitt, artist and Walkley Awardwinning journalist and photographer will present This Is Your Fault in March and April at No Vacancy Gallery

The exhibition explores themes of toxic masculinity, gender equality and male mental health. Drewitt who grew up in a church, found healing through the process of creating the works.

“I was born into a Melbourne cult that was led by men who preached a doctrine of perfectionism and enforced it with oppression, control, bullying and fear.

“Self-expression was stifled, like in any system that is power-based. Be it patriarchal hierarchy, a toxic workplace, or fundamental religion.”

The work presents stereotypical whams and blams replaced with words including depression, narcissism and insecurity. Topics the artist knows much about.

Drewitt describes toxic masculinity as a pattern of thinking that adheres to rigid gender stereotypes, something that was instilled in him during his time in the Church.

A primary belief of the institution was that men should suppress emotions that are considered to be feminine in nature, such as vulnerability, grief, anxiety, disappointment and fear. urt himself than admit he was struggling.

This Is Your Fault shows at

● ● Kristie Nguy and Ari Maza Long in MTC'S The Robot Dog. Photo: Tiffany Garvie

● Anisa Nandaula ■ This coming comedy festival season Anisa Nandaula will make her Australian Tour debut with You Can’t Say That, performing at the Victoria Hotel from March 27 - April 20, presented

Live Nation and Jubilee Street Management.

● ● ● ● Joseph Connellan, author of Jimmy's Run.

● ● Amanda Buckley and Chris Saxton

Local Theatre Observations

SISTERS IN CRIME Shows

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria: Fledermaus! April 12 at Moe Plaza. Director: Robert Ray; Musical Director: Geoffrey Urquhart. Bookings: gsov.org.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: Spider’s Web (by Agatha Christie) Until March 14 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: John Mills. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Holmes and Watson (by Jeffrey Hatcher) February 27 – March 8 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Mordialloc. Director: Amy Calvert. Bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au

Beaumaris Theatre: Ladies in Black (Book by Carolyn Burns Music and Lyrics by Tim Finn Based on the novel ‘The Women in Black’ by Madeline St John) Until March 22 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt. Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au

■ CentreStage: Come from Away. Until March 22 at The Playhouse, Geelong Performing Arts Centre, 50 Malop St., Geelong. Bookings: centrestage.org.au/event

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group: Sex Please, We’re Sixty (by Michael Parker and Susan Parker) Until March 22 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Luisa Romeo. Bookings: stagtheatre.org

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Love, Love, Love (by Mike Bartlett) March 20 – 29 at the Bradshaw Street Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director: Casey Bohan. Bookings: 0406448368 or trybooking.

■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Come From Away. March 21 – April 5 at Fab Nobs Theatre, Factory 33, 1-45 Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Sarah Tierney; Musical Director: Sally McKenzie; Ass’t. Director/Choreographer: Aimee John; Ass’t. Director/Ass’t. Choreographer: Amy Miles. Bookings: fabnobstheatre.com.au

■ NOVA Music Theatre: The Music Man. March 21 – 30 at The Round, 379 Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Bookings: theround.com.au/whats-on/novathemusicman

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Glimpses (a collection of monologues and short oneact plays) March 26 – 28 at the Brighton Town Hall, Wilson St., Brighton. Director: Alison Knight. Bookings: www.brightontheatre. com.au

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: When the Wind Blows (by Raymond Briggs) March 28- April 12 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: David Tynan. Bookings: trybooking.com/ cyjqt

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

■ F.A.M.DA.: Noises Off! (by Michael Frayn) April 4 – 13 at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre. Director: Peter McAlpine. Bookings: famda.org.au

■ CPP Community Theatre: Macbeth (by William Shakespeare) April 4 – 12 at Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Albert Avenue, Boronia. (park at Rangeview Rd. end). Director: Kathryn White. Bookings: cppcommunitytheatre.com.au/

■ Upstage Theatre Company: Into the Woods, April 4–13 at the Tony Schemack Centre for Performing Arts, Beaconhills College, Berwick Campus. Directgor: Scott J Hili; Choreographer: Sarah Cullen; Musical Director: Tim Bland. Bookings: upstagetheatre company.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) March 12 at 7pm, March 15 at 1pm at Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180-186 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: James Banger. Audition enquiries: james.banger@ outlook.com - Cheryl Threadgold

■ Sisters in Crime present Lifting the petticoats: the underbelly of Regency England on Friday April 4.

Dinner is at 6.30 pm, show at 8:00 pm at the Rising Sun Hotel, 2 Raglan Street, South Melbourne

Regency England wasn’t 'all balls, bodices, and beaux for those in high society.' Markets and gentlemen’s clubs hid secrets, scandals, spies, escaped convicts, ruthless bounty hunters, and murders most foul, as revealed in two new books by Kelly Gardiner and Sharmini Kumar (Miss Caroline Bingley, Private Investigator) and Alison Goodman (The Ladies Road Guide to Utter Ruin).

The panel will tell all to fellow author, A M Stuart.

Event Date: April 4

Venue: Rising Sun Hotel, 2 Raglan Street, South Melbourne.

More information: sistersincrime.org.au/ event/lifting-the-petticoats-the-underbelly-of-regency-england/

Bookings: eventbrite.com.au/e/lifting-the-petticoats-the-underbelly-of-regency-england-tickets-1256230522309?aff=oddtdtcreator

- Cheryl Threadgold

Wage Against The Machine

■ Award-winning comedian and storyteller Matt Harvey presents Wage Against the Machine on April 11 at Chapel off Chapel in The Loft at 7.30pm. Matt reckons that everyone (possibly everyone) has had a job at least once that they have hated.

A boss they thought they were smarter than (probably were) or just wished daily they could take a sickie and not turn up (reckon that’s happened multiple times).

Matt Harvey not only relates but has stories to tell aplenty; from sex shops to robodebt to roller coasters and more.

Fresh from a sell-out season in Edinburgh and Melbourne Fringe Festival 2024, Matt Harvey will bring his show Wage Against the Machine to Melbourne International Comedy Festival this April.

This is a feisty exploration of one man’s journey, tacking issues like poverty-level jobs, class struggles, and corporate versus human rights.

A darkly comic and pertinent comment on the day-to-day struggles of the working class, it’s a fast-paced hour of stand-up and storytelling, set in the surprisingly angry world of customer service.

Matt Harvey (The Shovel, The Shot) shares tales from jobs he no longer needs to worry about being fired from. Wage Against the Machine weaves a tapestry of comedic anecdotes that resonate with anyone who's ever clocked in at a less-than-perfect job.

Matt Harvey invites audiences to punch your timecard and join him for Wage Against the Machine ; where the daily grind is minimum wage, maximum grief ... and the customer is always wrong.

Dates: April 11 at 7.30pm Venue: Chapel Off Chapel, The Loft, Prahran.

Tickets: Full Price: $25.00, Concession: $20.00, Group (4+): $17.00

Bookings: www.comedyfestival.com.au/ browse-shows/wage-against-the-machine/ - Cheryl Threadgold

How To Flirt: The Ted XXX Talk

■ Daisy Doris May brings Steve Porters - How to Flirt: The Ted XXX Talk to the Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 27 - April 6 at the Melbourne Town Hall - Lunch Room. Bringing his TEDx-style fresh take on modern dating to Australia after sell-out shows at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, London’s Soho Theatre, and supporting Hannah Gadsby at the London Palladium, Steve Porters is the creation of Daisy Doris May (they/she) actor (Sex Education, The Last Kingdom, Downton Ab-

bey), drag king (Winner of Man Up 2022 –Europe’s biggest drag king competition), and voice over artist.

Daisy says: “Beneath the cloud of Lynx Africa, Steve is someone who’s willing to learn from his mistakes with an open heart.

“This is a show about consent, cancel culture and giving space for mistakes. Steve is the perfect vessel for these discussions, and I can’t wait for my first visit to Australia as Steve.”

In this one-man character comedy show, Steve humorously unpacks the art of seduction while grappling with vulnerability, missteps, and the importance of consent.

What starts as a parody of a TED Talk evolves into a deeper exploration of how we connect with others, showcasing the power of being open and learning from mistakes.

Equal parts cringeworthy and captivating, this show delivers laughs while sparking genuine reflection on modern dating.

Dates: March 27, 28, 29, April 1 - 5 at 9pm; March 30, April 6 at 8pm

Where: Melbourne Town Hall - Lunch Room, 100 Swanston St, Melbourne

Prices: $25 - $35

Tickets: comedyfestival.com.au/browseshows/steve-porters/

Content Information: Suitable for audiences 15+, Strong sexual references, Audience participation, Occasional coarse language - Cheryl Threadgold

Dalin Oliver:

90-Day Comedian

■ South African comedian, Dalin Oliver, makes his Melbourne International Comedy Festival debut at Askal with his multi-award winning one man show, 90 Day Comedian from April 11-20 at Askal at 167 Exhibition St, Melbourne.

It’s a coming-of-age story for Dalin, drawing on his experiences of performing the show in seven countries and 18 cities – including Australia, Ireland , the Netherlands, England, France, Spain and Germany – over the past year.

A former high school teacher, Oliver offers a fresh perspective on life.

He explores themes of identity and cultural politics, offering a heartfelt and humorous reflection on what it means to be South African in a world that is often unfamiliar with his homeland's rich diversity and history.

Oliver's comedic talents have earned him prestigious accolades, including a Fringe World Best Weekly Comedy Show Award (Perth, Australia, 2024) and a Bronze Standard Bank Ovation Award (National Arts Festival, Makhanda, South Africa, 2024).

Performance Details: April 11 - 20

Venue: Askal at 167 Exhibition St, Melbourne Bookings and Times of Shows: comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/90-daycomedian/ - Cheryl Threadgold

■ What do you do with teenagers who have too much time on their

Community theatre group Diamond Valley Singers has an answer – you put them in a youth production and get them on stage or behind the scenes.

The latest DVS Youth production is the musical All Shook Up , set over a 24-hour period, during the summer of 1955.

Somewhere in the Midwest in the 1950s, Chad, a hip-swivelling, guitar-playing roustabout is being released from jail – cue the song Jailhouse Rock

The warden doesn't appreciate a guy like Chad “ridin' into town, playin' his music and excitin' the locals”.

So into a square little town rides a guitarplaying young man who changes everything and everyone he meets.

Featuring classic hits such as ‘Don’t Be Cruel’, ‘Hound Dog’ and many others, All Shook Up is sure to appeal to the inner Elvis Presley in all of us.

Director Scott Patton sounds as keen on the show as his young cast.

“I am excited to be directing All Shook Up DVS. I have previously performed in Broadway productions with DVS and have now come full circle. I am really honoured to be moving into a creative role with this wonderful company.”

As is its tradition, Diamond Valley Singers will donate the proceeds for the show to charity - in this instance the beneficiaries of the youthful cast’s efforts will be International Needs Australia and Open House in Macleod

Help the eight-season show be a huge hit by buying a ticket to performances that run at Warrandyte High School Theatre, Alexander Rd, Warrandyte, between March 23 and 29. Tickets are available through trybooking.com and for more information visit www.dvsingers.org

- Julie Houghton

More Auditions

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Love, Love, Love (by Mike Bartlett) March 16, 18 at 7pm at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: George Werther. Audition enquiries: werther110@gmail.com; Phone: 0402 222 090

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: The Diary of Anne Frank, March 23 at 12.003pm, March 24 at 7.30pm at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, 39 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Kellie Tweeddale. Enquiries: k.tweeddale@yahoo.com

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) April 1, 3 at 7pm, April 5 at 10.30am at the Bradshaw Street Community Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon (Off Buckley St.). Director: Angelo Snell. Audition enquiries and bookings: angelo.s23@live.com or phone 0458 502 232.

■ The 1812 Theatre Ltd: Home, I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) April 6 at 6pm, April 7 at 7.30pm at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calbert. Audition enquiries: aj267@outlook.com or phone 0432 804 803

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Humansm (by Stephen Karam) April 13, 14 at 7pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicky Neville-Jones. Audition enquiries: gemcoplayers.org

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

● ● ● ● Sharmini Kumar

Chad is played by Seth Fiteni. Natalie is played by Rhiannon Turner. Photo: Louise Archer

hands?

★Jurassic Unearthed Live opens at Caulfield Racecouse on the March 28-29 weekend.

★Children’s author Dianne Wolfer is presents a new work inspired by the iconic Australian poem, The Man from Snowy River by Banjo Paterson. In this poetic response, Wolfer tells the story from the perspective of Colt, a spirited horse navigating the rugged beauty of the Snowy Mountains

★The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has announced the recipients of a scholarship program designed to enhance aviation safety in Australia. The four recipients of the scholarships, each valued at up to $5000 are Adela Benhammouche, Nicholas Johnson, Hugh McBain and Daniel Barresi.

★Indigenous Business Australia has announced winners of its Indigenous Creators Pitch : Crystal Love ( Libby Collins and Genevieve Grieves); Hunting Tidda Style ( Kate ten Buuren, Kimberley Benjamin and Jodie Bell); and Abolished (Daniel King and Jen Mellander).

★The Australian International Documentary Conference announced winners: Left Write Hook (Best Feature Documentary); Tough Not Toxic (Best Documentary/Factual Single); Stuff The British Stoler (Best Documentary/Factual Series); Mwahika Kai (Best Short-Form Documentary); This Is Not A Game (Best Audio Documentary); Las Awichas (Best Inetractive Immersive Documentary);

★A new contemporary staging of Henry 5 will be Arts Centre Melbourne from May 11-25. At the heart of the production is the diverse young cast, with several actors making their mainstage theatre debut including JK Kazzi in the titular role, Jack Halabi (Dauphin), Alex Kirwan (Westmoreland) and Harrison Mills (Michael Williams). They are joined onstage by Odile le Clézio (Alice), Ava Madon (Katherine), Ella Prince (Exeter), Mararo Wangai (Montjoy), Jo Turner (King of France), Rishab Kern (Grey / English Soldier) and Ziggy Resnick (Grey / English Soldier).

★The Hit Network’s Carrie & Tommy have announced The Roast of Carrie Bickmore , in partnership with the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. This Follows the success of The Roast of Tommy Little last year - earning an ACRA nomination.

★ABC Head of Communications Nick Leys leaves after a decade. He will work in the office of Lord Mayor Nick Reece

★The Classic 100 in Concert will be on June 20-21 at the Hamer Hall.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Cicero

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment

★ Patti Newton, Shawn Cosgrove and John Vertiagn featured in news clips for the 100th anniversary of radio station 3UZ (now RSN).

★Craig Hutchison, SEN radio boss, is likely to also become head of the RSN radio network. SEN are negotiating to run the station on behalf of its racing industry owners.

★The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra supported Australian designer Steven Kahlil’s Grand Showcase runway at the Melbourne Fashion Festival with a live orchestral performance last Friday (Mar. 7).

★Comedian Marty Fields is guest speaker next week at the Marquee Luncheon Club event at South Melbourne, convened by Jeff Joseph.

★Footy Classified has returned with an expanded lineup and increased coverage across the AFL season. The show will feature Sam McClure, Matthew Lloyd, Jimmy Bartel and Damian Barrett on Mondays, and Eddie McGuire, James Hird and Tom Morris on Tuesdays.

★3AW has appointed Laura Spurway as its first AFLW Reporter. She has previously worked as a Segment Producer for the Today show, Journalist for 9News Melbourne, and Chief of Staff / Producer for The Project

★Sam Pang Tonight will be filmed just hours before it goes to air on Monday nights

★Tickets to ore than 650 Melbourne International Comedy Festival shows are on sale now.

★The Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) will exhibit never-before-seen vintage prints by students and teachers from the Prahran College of Advanced Education in The basement: photography from Prahran College (1968–1981).

★Chris Vedelago has started as a Senior Reporter for The Age covering legal affairs, justice policy, crime, police, corruption, and governance. He has been with the publication for more than 18 years.

Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular

■ Extra performances have been added in Australia for Les Miserables The Arena Spectaculat - The World Tour as it arrives at Rod Laver Arena from May 14.

New performances have been scehduled on Saturday May 24 and Sunday May 25.

The London production of Les Miserables has entered its incredible 40th record-breaking year, still playing to sell out audiences.

Cameron Mackintosh has put together the most spectacular Arena production of a musical ever staged which has played to rave reviews and sold-out Arenas in the UK and major European citie.

It is in Australia for five weeks only. The World Tour then heads to Japan, Taiwan, China, and several other Asian countries before it returns to Europe . It is planned to extend across America and Canada

The show has a new design, specifically created for these venues, from the world class team of Matt Kinley, Paule Constable, Warren Letton and Finn Ross with sound by Mick Potter, featuring an international cast and orchestra of over 65 including many famous Les Mis stars, as well as several brilliant new ones.

The cast includes Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly sharing the role of Jean Valjean, and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden sharing the role of Javert, alongside Matt Lucas as Thénardier, Marina Prior as Madame Thénardier, Rachelle Ann Go as Fantine, Jac Yarrow as Marius, Beatrice Penny-Touré as Cosette, James D. Gish as Enjolras and Earl Carpenter as the Bishop of Digne. Casting for the role of Eponine will be announced soon.

The company is completed by Jonathon Bentley, Rebecca Bolton, Olivia Brereton, Amelia Broadway, Michael Burgen, Mary-Jean Caldwell, Beth Curnock, Shaun Dalton, Jade Davies, Jonathan David Dudley, Harry Dunnett, Louis Emmanuel, Charlie Geoghegan, Harry Grant Smith, Connor Jones, Daniel Koek, Caleb Lagayan, Abel Law, Adam Robert Lewis, Georgie Lovatt, Andrew Maxwell, Jill Nalder, Zabrina Norry, Lisa Peace, Ciaran Rodger, Jo Stephenson, Geddy Stringer, Helen Walsh and Owain Williams.

Tony Award winner and international recording artist Alfie Boe became an overnight star after playing Jean Valjean in the 25th Anniversary Concert of Les Mis at the O2 in London in 2010, which established his reputation as one of Britain’s best leading men. He also had huge success in London and on Broadway, which has made him synonymous with the role, as well as leading The All-Star Concert production at the Gielgud and Sondheim theatres.

Rod Laver Arena. May 14-25. - Contributed

Mother

■ (M). 127 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix.

Not to be confused with Bong Joon-ho’s outstanding 2009 drama, this dark look at a destructive mother-son relationship is also firstrate viewing, even if its unflinching approach may turn off some audiences.

Masami Nagasawa stars as Akiko, a single mother who floats through life, sponging off the goodwill of others, in particular her parents and younger sister.

Aikiko’s young son Shuhei (played at this age by Sho Gunji, then later in the film as a teen by Daiken Okudaira) stays by her side, despite the growing fact that his mother shows disinterest, even disdain, for his wellbeing.

After her family refuses to help any more, Akiko meets wild club host Ryo (Sadao Abe), who seems as irresponsible as she is, and the two begin a tumultuous relationship.

Following two confrontations, one of which is Akiko telling Ryo she is pregnant, the story takes a number of messy, disturbing turns.

As this disquieting drama plays out (built upon a true-life incident which occurred in 2014), I couldn’t help but think of Hirokazu Koreeda’s 2004 masterpiece, Nobody Knows, except in this case, the parent is still present in the child’s life.

Akiko infects Shuhei’s mind so completely, that he sees himself both disconnected from everyone around him, while feeling there is an overwhelming bond with his mother that cannot be broken.

Nagasawa (Our Little Sister, I Am A Hero, Before We Vanish, Masquerade Hotel), one of Japan’s best actors, is extraordinary as Akiko, delivering a searing performance that avoids cliche or character simplification.

Abe (Dreams For Sale, The Apology King, Birds Without Names), another acclaimed performer, also offers a terrific turn as the unreliable Ryo, Kaho (Bindly In Love, My Friend A, A Beloved Wife) is reliably strong as a kindly social worker, while Gunji and Okudaira are perfectly cast as the young and teen Shuhei respectively.

Co-writer/director Tatsushi Omori (The Ravine Of Goodbye, Seto & Utsumi, the two Tada’s DoIt-All House movies) refuses to bring any kind of sentimentality to the material, not wanting to soften the edges of this doomed tale, and as such has created a film that will be hard to shake for many viewers.

RATING - ****

Gretel and Hansel

■ (M). 87 minutes. Now available on DVD.

Relying on a heavy sense of mood and atmosphere rather than cheap shocks or gore, this understated, beautifully crafted feature proves to be an intriguing variation on the classic Grimm fairy tale.

Gretel (Sophia Lillis, from both It movies) this time around is a teen who experiences dreamlike premonitions, who along with her much younger brother Hansel (Samuel Leakey) , are kicked out of their meagre home by their mentally unstable mother, who cannot afford to keep them anymore.

Wandering the woods, the two initially come across a kindhearted woodsman ( Charles Babalola), who offers them brief shelter, but later on during their travelings encounter the much more enigmatic Holda (a wonderful Alice Krige), whose residence appears humble outside, but is impossibly spacious inside.

Holda serves up a non-stop buffet of elaborate, mouth-watering food to her guests, but Gretel begins to wonder how their host can continually produce such bountiful feasts every day. She will soon find out.

Screenwriter Rob Hayes plays around with the famous story in a fairly clever manner, but it is director Osgood Perkins (February, I Am The Pretty Thing That Lives In The House, Longlegs, The Monkey), aided by a superb technical crew, expertly transports us to another time and place, and creates something that is truly gorgeous to look at.

Though Krige steals the film, Lillis is good as the level-headed Gretel, even if her American accent grates against the decidedly European setting and British cast.

Apart from a rather unnecessary voiceover narration, Gretel & Hansel is a low-key gem that is worth seeking out. I just wish that such a visually stunning film was also available on blu-ray.

RATING - ***½ - Aaron Rourke

Marc Cicero

Rourke

by

Local people in the picture

● ● ● ● Anthony McCarthy

● ● Jan Joyce

● ● Bob Lawrance

● ● Elsie Murphy

● ● ● Glen Jones ● Jean Scott

● David Aldous

● Jan Beer

Brendan Sier ●

Joan Byrne

● Bob Lockhart

Helen Godfrey

Photos

Ash Long

■ One of my favourite radio shows was Laugh Till You Cry with Harry Dearth, George Foster and Keith ‘Grandpa’ Smith

I had followed the career of Keith Smith over the years and I was thrilled to do a radio interview with him in 1993.

Edward Keith Smith was born in Darebin Rd, Northcote, in 1917. He was taken out of school at the age of 13 because his parents could not afford the fees.

He worked at a variety of jobs before selling his comedy sketches to radio stations and appearing in radio plays for the ABC

He lived in Beavers Rd, Northcote, until the war began. Keith served in New Guinea and the Solomon Islands during World War II

He performed in a ‘concert party’ with Michael Pate

After the war he moved to Sydney and became a success actor and writer.

He joined Bob Dyer working on the radio show Can You Take It and Keith devised publicity stunts.

Keith came up with the stunt where Bob offered a contestant £50 to wear a nursemaid's outfit while he pushed a pram up Pitt St, Sydney containing a small man dressed as a baby.

The stunt took place the following day and thousands of people turned up blocking off the street to traffic.

Bob Dyer was charged two pounds for causing a public nuisance but the publicity was in-

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Keith Smith

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

valuable. Keith told me the whole thing was set up and the ‘contestant’ was actually his local mechanic.

In the early 1950s Keith had two radio shows on air: ABC Radio's 15-minute A Word From Children and the Macquarie Network's halfhour program The Pied Piper , which was recorded in front of a live studio audience.

At the same time Keith was working with Jack Davey at 2GB on The Club Show and The Dulux Show

In 1956 he began writing comedy with George Foster and Alexander McDonald for the new radio series Laugh Till You Cry

The show starred George Foster, Keith Smith and Harry Dearth with regulars such as Ross

● ● ● ● Keith Smith

Higgins, Nola Lester, Margaret Day and Rita Pauncefort. It was recorded at the 2UW auditorium in George St, Sydney, and was broadcast nationally throughout Australia for four years.

Keith played ‘Grandpa’ and I thought the comedy writing was brilliant.

Harry Dearth later had success as a television producer but died in 1964 at the age of 56.

In 1966 Keith began compering the television series The Pied Piper which was based on his earlier radio show.

He interviewed thousands of children for the program and the series ran for five years.

Keith and George Foster wrote a television series titled Mrs Finnegan which starred Reg Gorman but it only ran for one season.

George Foster who had previously starred in Bonnington's Bunkhouse Show on radio died of pneumonia in the 1970s.

In 1987 the video tapes of The Pied Piper Show were wiped for re-use by the television station and that historical footage was lost forever.

Luckily Keith told me he had one episode in his possession. In 1991 he published his memoir The Palace of Signs in which Keith recalled his memories of working as a young sign- writer during the depression.

Keith was a successful author and published more than 30 books on various topics such as children and the supernatural.

In his later years Keith Smith became a recluse following the death of his wife and he died in 2011 at the age of 93.

A man of many talents.

Kevin Trask Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

MUMA UNVEILS ‘THE BIRDS’ AT CAULFIELD

The Birds MUMA is unveilling the eighth Ian Potter Sculpture Court Commission

– The Birds

Created by artists Ben Berean, Callum Morton and Linda Tegg –working collaborative as Monash Arts Projects (MAP) – this temporary installation takes inspiration from the humble bird bath to encourage the return of birds to the urban campus.

Comprising six stone boulders set up with cameras and a livestream, The Birds is grounded in research on biodiversity and explores how public art could enhance relationships with other species and of the natural environment.

Exhibition closes in September. MUMA

Building F, Caulfield Campus Princes Hwy, Caulfield Dandenong

Confluence –The Dreaming Project

This multi-artform installation explores global shared experiences through the lens of Australia’s First Nations perspectives, highlighting themes of identity, heritage, and unity.

Inspired by the Dandenong Creek’s cultural and natural significance to the Bunutang, Wurundjeri, and local communities, the creek symbolises the blending of cultures and stories.

With water as a metaphor for life and transformation, the exhibition honours the creek’s role as a lifeline and cultural touchstone, fostering reflection on our shared human spirit..

Exhibition closes Friday May 30.

The Walker Street Gallery Cnr Walker St and Robinson St. Dandenong

At Bender

Ordered Chaos – Jo Ryan

The artwork is created of a weird psychologist and surreal imagery, depicting hidden moments n a familiar world.

The familiarity of suburbia is something that Ryan placates through her choice of imagery.

The absence of life in mush of the artwork evokes vast emptiness and creates a window into a familiar dystopian world.

The Arts

Ryan has constructed a mise en scene, that gives the iconography a new and secondary life outside the suburban banality.

Ryan uses design techniques to blur the boundaries of urban art, fine art, and design.

Her techniques emphasis this interest in the urban, through her choice of imagery.

Dystopian landscapes re-envisioned with passion transforming the ugly and banal.

Exhibition opens April 18 and closes May 4. Blender Studios

400 Spencer St, West Melbourne

Bendigo

In Her Own Image – Frida Kahlo presents an intimate view of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

This exclusive exhibition features Kahlo’s personal belongings, clothing, makeup, accessories., and medical items, on loan from the Museo Frida Kahlo in Mexico for the first time in Australia.

Sealed in a bathroom for 50 years after Kahlo’s death, her cherished family home, La Casa Azul, this precious collection’s rediscovery sheds new light on Kahlo’s carefully crafted appearance.

Frida Kahlo: In her Own Image illuminates the resonant dialogues be-

tween Kahlo’s clothing and styling, her performance in photography, and her drawing and painting, including her iconic self-portraits. Exhibition opens March 15 and closes July 13.

Bendigo Art Gallery 42 View St, Bendigo - Peter Kemp

Kitty Calvert

■ The darker edges of art and culture collide in a new exhibition from Kitty Calvert (artists Phill Calvert and Julia Brampton) and photo maker and visual artist, Robert Earp.

Obscratorium presents a dark tableau of sculpture and photographic narratives with a nod to sideshow, horror and vintage.

Kitty Calvert’s intricate assemblages in the Obscratorium have been crafted from forgotten relics to evoke stories of lost and haunting beauty.

Earp’s atmospheric photography captures these sculptures of vintage detritus and subverts the traditional ‘still life’.

Presented in antique frames the exhibition presents references to a bygone era while giving found objects a life beyond the bin.

The artistic team will create an installation with more in common with the Luna Park Ghost Train than your usual art gallery.

A QR code will be supplied to exhibition attendees to find treasure within the art prompting answers to questions.

This contemporary art experience will be presented in an experiential gallery accommodating a small number of viewers at a time with a clear entry and exit point.

A special cocktail will be created for the opening night with exhibition installations featuring unusual props leaning towards the genre of horror.

Opening night guests will enjoy the full sensory experience tapping into sight, sound, touch, taste and smell that will bring the modernday Renaissance-style still-life artworks to life. The exhibition opens today (Mar. 12) at Gasworks Art Park.

Nic, Keith house robbed

■ Breaking and entering is as rampant in LA as in Melbourne. Recent location in LA was the unoccupied home owned by Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. After breaking down the front door ,thieves left in a hurry without stealing any booty. Break and enter is driving local LA Police radio rental with some home owners unwittingly making it publicly known they are away on film shoots.

Shane buys Dederang pub

■ Funnyman Shane Jacobson has touched his kick, and along with fellow investors to buy the iconic Dederang Hotel, located at the foothills to the Victorian snowfields. Shane will no doubt be on alert to fix any faulty dunnies that may occur at the 'Ranga' as the locals call their one and only drinking hole.

Uber ad pinged

■ During the just finished Australian Open, the Uber TV commercial featuring Andy Murray was on saturation air play. You remember Andy being chased by gangster types trying to kidnap Murray. It was a frighteningly expensive commercial and I found it a bore and so did other viewers who complained to the TV Police. Words like ' commercial teaches kids it is OK to kidnap people', or, how about 'celebrity harassment promoted as entertainment', and on rolled the complaints. The TV Police finally met to discuss and gave Uber a slap on the wrist - too little, too late. Sharpen up your decision making.

Hope springs eternal

■ Despite statements saying 'Neighbours' is finished, there is a still a following of fans who are hopeful a signed petition can save the day for the 40-year-old soapie.. Already 10,000 supreme optimists have signed.

Tatum, Mac are best mates

■ Tatum O'Neal and former tennis hot head John McEnroe exchanged marraige vows in 1986 and divorced 1994 after three kids and many very public differences. Fast forward to today and tempers between the two are pretty civil. They plan to catch-up in June at the wedding of their son Kevin where a proud Mum will make a speech. John promises to be on best behaviour and certainly not going to scream out 'you cannot be serious' when speakers front the mic.

Justin turns 31

■ You know you're getting old when you hear Justin Bieber has turned 31. - John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban. Photo: MORA Everett.

BUANGOR

Fatal collision

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Buangor on Saturday afternoon (Mar. 8).

It is understood two vehicles collided on the Western Hwy about 5.10pm.

The driver of the first vehicle died at the scene.

The driver of the second vehicle was extracted and airlifted to hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined.

The highway was closed in both directions.

BUFFALO RIVER

Crashed into river

■ Police are investigating after a person was located deceased in an overturned car in Buffalo River on Saturday morning (Mar. 8).

The car was spotted by a passerby in waters off Buffalo River Rd about 9am.

Search and Rescue Squad officers were deployed to the scene to conduct a search of the vehicle.

One person was located deceased inside the vehicle.

Exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined.

BASS COAST

Rescued woman charged

■ Wonthaggi police have a charged woman with a number of offences after she was rescued while fishing in Foster in the early hours of Monday, March 3.

It is believed the woman drove to Foster Beach and got into trouble while fishing for garfish at Foster Beach sometime overnight.

Officers have been told the woman, who was wearing waders, was approximately 200 metres from shore when she sunk in the mud as the tide rose.

The woman, who was unable to move in the mud, was yelling for help for over an hour before she was luckily spotted by two passersby who had arrived at the beach to gaze at the stars.

One of the passersby, a male from New South Wales, bravely entered the water and pulled the woman to shore.

Emergency services attended and assessed the woman, who was cold but otherwise uninjured.

Upon police arrival, officers noticed her vehicle was not registered.

Police will allege the vehicle also had a stolen licence plate on the front, and a cancelled licence plate belong to another vehicle on the rear.

Officers arrested the woman, who has since been charged with handle stolen goods (x3), unlicenced driving, theft (x 2), possess identification documents, use unregistered motor vehicle, and use vehicle with incorrect registration plate (x 2).

The 48-year-old woman of no fixed address was bailed to appear before Korumburra Magistrates’ Court on August 28. Her vehicle was also impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1275.

GREATER BENDIGO

4 teens arrested

■ Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives arrested four teenagers following an alleged serious assault on a security guard at a Bendigo shopping centre.

It is alleged a group of youths approached a security guard at the centre on Mitchell St on Monday (Mar. 3) about 4pm.

He was allegedly punched, kicked and dragged to the ground before members of the public intervened and were also assaulted in the process.

A 20-year-old Melton South man received non-life-threatening injuries and has since been released from hospital.

Police arrested three girls and a boy.

Three Bendigo girls aged, 14, 15, and 17 have been interviewed by police and released pending further enquiries.

$1.2 MILLION WORTH OF DRUGS SEIZED

■ Police have dismantled an alleged drug trafficking network following an investigation into the importation and distribution of a commercial quantity of ketamine in Victoria’s southwest.

Detectives from Warrnambool Crime Investigation Unit, with support from Icarus Taskforce, commenced an investigation earlier this year after Australia Border Force detected approximately six kilograms of illicit drugs, with an estimated street value of $1.2 million.

Their inquiries led investigators to three men, who police will allege were responsible for importing a commercial quantity of ketamine.

A 44-year-old Glenormiston South man was arrested on Wednesday (Mar. 5) at a delivery centre in Terang Police allege he was attempting to collect three kilograms of ketamine when he was taken into custody.

This arrest set off a series of co-ordinated police actions across the region. Later that day, detectives executed a search warrant at a Glenormiston South property, where they arrested a 35-yearold man. I nvestigators allege both men were involved in the importation of ketamine, and they have been charged with importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, a Commonwealth offence carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

On Thursday (Mar. 6), officers executed a search warrant at a property in Eliminyt, where a 22-year-old man was arrested following a search of his property. He was also charged with importing a commercial quantity of a bordercontrolled drug, as well as failing to comply with a court order. He also faces a maximum penalty of life imprisonment.

Also arrested was a 55year-old man after police executed a search warrant at his property in Kirkstall. Police located and seized approximately 120 grams of methylamphetamine. He was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of a drug of dependence, an offence that carries a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

The three men facing Commonwealth charges appeared at Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court. The Kirkstall man also appeared at Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (Mar. 6). All four men were remanded and will reappear at Warrnambool Magistrates Court on July 4.

Icarus Taskforce is dedicated to targeting and disrupting the importation and distribution of illicit drugs via the domestic mail system.

Detective Inspector David Reither – Investigation & Response Manager | Western Region Division 2, said: “This was a well-organised alleged trafficking operation designed to bring large amounts of

Statewide

ketamine into Victoria and distribute it across the region. Our investigation has effectively shut down a key part of that supply chain.

“These arrests should serve as a warning—if you attempt to import or traffic illicit drugs, you will face serious consequences, including the possibility of life in prison.

“Victoria Police is committed to identify and dismantle these networks, stopping drugs before they reach our communities.

Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Schubert, Icarus Taskforce, said: “Through large-scale drug seizures – like the one highlighted today – we prevent the profits from these drugs being invested back into the criminal activities of those involved.

“Importing these types of insidious drugs on an industrial scale ruins lives, while destroying communities and families. Every single deal has the potential to cause death or serious harm, not to mention the devastating impacts on families affected by illicit drug use and the significant healthcare system costs.

“We are simply not prepared to allow this to happen and will continue to target those criminals who promote their misery through the illicit drug market,” Detective Senior Sergeant Jason Schubert said.

Across Victoria

COBRAM

Tobacco raid

■ Police from the VIPER Taskforce have arrested a man and seized illicit tobacco and cash as part of an investigation into the sale of illicit tobacco in regional Victoria

A warrant was executed at an address on High St, Cobram at 1.35pm on Wednesday (Mar. 5)

More than 27,000 illicit cigarette sticks, approximately 7kg of illicit loose leaf tobacco, 646 e-cigarettes and approximately $10,000 cash were seized from the premises.

A 29-year-old Cobram man working in the store at the time was arrested and charged with tobacco related offences including:

■ Possess or convey tobacco products (knowing) with the intent to defraud the revenue (Customs Act 1901);

■ Possess or convey tobacco products (Reckless) with the intent to defraud the revenue (Customs Act 1901);

■ Deal property believing it to be proceeds of crime (Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995); and

■ Supplying Vaping Goods (Therapeutic Goods Act 1989).

■ Commit an offence at the direction of criminal organisation.

He was bailed to appear at Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on June 30.

Police will allege that the store is connected to an organised crime syndicate involved in the sale of illicit tobacco.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information on illicit tobacco activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Detective Inspector Craig Darlow, VIPER Taskforce, said: “These organised crime syndicates survive through recruiting people at all levels to carry out their offending – this includes people staffing stores involved in the illicit tobacco trade.

“VIPER will continue to focus on these groups and ensure anyone involved at any level is held to account for their criminality.

“I’d like to remind people again that when they walk into these stores and buy products, they are also putting money directly into the hands of criminals who then use it to fund serious and violent offending.”

QUEENSCLIFF

WILLOW GROVE Pulled from water

■ Police will prepare a report for the Coroner following the death of a man in Willow Grove on Sunday afternoon (Mar. 9).

A man was found unresponsive in Blue Rock Lake near Old Tanjil Rd about 1.30pm.

Passersby performed CPR but sadly the man died at the scene.

Exact circumstances surrounding the death are yet to be determined but the matter is not believed to be suspicious.

BOX HILL Emma is missing

■ Police are appealing for public assistance as they continue to search for missing girl Emma.

The 15-year-old was last seen leaving Box Hill Hospital on Arnold St just before 6am on Tuesday (Mar. 4).

Police and family have concerns for her welfare due to her age and a medical condition. It is believed Emma may have travelled to Melbourne’s CBD.

Emma is Caucasian, of medium build with blue eyes and light brown hair. She was last seen wearing white pyjamas with pink and orange runners.

Stolen items found

■ An alleged serial thief was arrested and had a carful of stolen property seized after being caught up with by Water Police in Queenscliff.

The Water Police Squad – which has a new permanent base at Queenscliff – was called to reports of a man behaving suspiciously near the Pilot’s Station foreshore about 9am on Monday, February 3.

Shortly after officers located 45-year-old man inside a vehicle which was parked a short distance away in Weeroona Pde carpark.

A search of his car located a quantity of methylamphetamine and drug paraphernalia, as well as a large amount of allegedly stolen property including:

■ A bronze grave plaque which was allegedly stolen from the Point Lonsdale Cemetery in late 2024;

■ More than 50 four-litre tins of commercial grade ‘Moro’ branded olive oil;

■ More than 50 supermarket meat trays valued at more than $800;

■ More than 50 jars of honey;

■ A power drill;

■ An axe;

■ More than 30 pairs of socks and two pairs of boots with tags attached;

■ Implements including gloves, a torch, hammer, pliers, sidecutters and tape;

■ Copper wire and pipes;

■ Perfume and deodorant; and

■ Fishing equipment including sabiki rigs, hooks, sinkers and rod bells which was allegedly stolen from a Wallington service station on January 1.

The Taylors Hill man was charged with 10 offences including theft, possessing a drug of dependence (methylamphetamine), obtain property the proceeds of crime and possessing house breaking implements or going equipped to steal.

● ● ● Australian Border Force

Statewide

■ Rosebud Police have charged a man after a pedestrian was allegedly hit by a car in Dromana on Sunday night (Mar. 9).

It is alleged that a woman and her dog were struck by a white 4WD when they were crossing Pier St about 9.30pm.

Investigators allege that the woman ended up on the bonnet of the 4WD before the vehicle increased speed, causing her to fall to the road.

The 4WD allegedly failed to stop at the scene.

The pedestrian, a 48-year-old Craigieburn woman, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

The dog escaped injury.

A 36-year-old Dromana man handed himself into a police station on Monday (Mar. 10).

He was arrested, interviewed and charged with reckless conduct endangering life, drive manner dangerous causing serious injury, careless driving, failure to render assistance to a seriously injured person, failure to render assistance to an injured person after an accident and fail to exchange details after an accident where a person was injured.

The man was bailed to appear before the Frankston Magistrates Court on April 15.

SLITHERY ARREST AT STRATHMORE

■ Police were left a little constricted when they found a python during an arrest in Strathmore.

It is alleged a woman attended a property on Milton Court in Heidelberg Heights on February 23 where she allegedly damaged property.

A 34-year-old Essendon woman was located and arrested by Transit Police at Strathmore Railway Station about 9.20pm on Wednesday (Mar. 5).

During the arrest, the woman claimed she had a snake down her pants.

Officers searched the woman and located a small python.

Her slithery co-offender was safely put into a box and collected by DECA

The woman was charged with criminal damage and trespass.

She was bailed to appear at Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court on April 29.

Statewide

Across Victoria

SPRINGVALE

Under control

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded at 6.36pm Monday (Mar. 10) to multiple calls for a single storey brick veneer home engulfed by fire with explosions heard at Whitworth Avenue, Springvale. FRV crews arrived on scene at 6.43pm and began an external attack on the fire at the rear of the property which had also spread into a garage.

The fire was declared under control at 7pm with the fire damaging the rear of the single storey home with the 5m x 5m garage destroyed.

Firefighters were able extinguish the fire which had spread into an adjoining double storey home.

Ambulance Victoria treated two residents suffering burns and another for smoke inhalation.

Cause is under investigation by FRV investigators.

Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria attended in support of FRV operations.

ST KILDA

New Pier attracts

■ The State Government’s $53 million redevelopment of St Kilda Pier has proven to be a smash hit with locals and tourists since it opened and.

Works on the Hampton Pier set to kick off soon.

Since the St Kilda Pier redevelopment opened in December there have been more than 350,000 visits,

Ports and piers contribute more than $900 million a year to local economies through tourism, marine activities and critical industries such as fishing – supporting local jobs and families.

Contractors have been appointed to get works underway later this year on Hampton Pier. Works are expected to be completed later this year.

A woman told Police that she had a snake.

● ● Frankston Magistrates’ Court

Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts

Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.

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Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Across Observer Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 16 AcrossDownDown

1. Promotion & advertising

6. Job path

11. Double bike

15. Messenger

20. Jump

21. Laughing scavenger

22. Labyrinth

23. Resumé, curriculum ...

25. Victory cup

26. Of sound mind, compos ...

27. Holy city

29. Letter

32. Forbidden activity (2-2)

34. Neither ... nor that

36. Careworn

39. Pre-Soviet emperors

41. Talks wildly

43. Roof overhangs

46. Lessens

48. More recent

49. Lion's neck hair

51. Stack

52. School principals

55. Love excessively, ... on

56. Louts

59. Awkward

61. Deities

62. Body fluid lump

63. Baby night bird

64. Anger, raise someone's ...

67. Favours

68. Shaggier

70. US coin

71. Odour

72. Perfume sampler

73. Lithe

74. Enthused

75. Red blood cell deficiency

77. Letter cross-stroke

78. Desires

79. Unmask

82. Lettuce side dishes

86. Widen (pupils)

87. Famous volcano

89. Illegal passengers

92. Former

94. African antelope

96. SE Arabian sultanate

98. Sets (table)

100. Smells strongly

101. Slightly open

103. 60s pop dance (2-2)

105. Become more active (3,2)

106. Symbolic picture

108. Brass instrument

111. Wordless play

112. White ants

114. Cannier

116. Citrus peel

119. German Mrs

120. Walkway

121. Non-com (1,1,1)

123. Was in debt to

124. Shrill bark

125. Name one by one

126. Vortex

127. Chair wheels

130. Came first

131. Wasted time

135. Record's secondary track (1-4)

138. Spoils

139. ... out a living

141. Countries' pennants

144. Economise, scrimp & ...

146. And so on

147. Infantryman, ... soldier

148. Crazy

149. Bread bun

150. Exercise club

151. Retained

152. Swallow up

153. The B of NB

155. Soviet Union (1,1,1,1)

157. Numerals system

158. Enclosure

160. Futuristic fiction (3-2)

161. Unsuitable

162. Ultra-virile

163. Which

165. Building block

166. Jug rim

167. ... Baba & The 40 Thieves

168. Mexican dip

169. Dispatch by post 171. Suspect's defence

172. Naval rank, chief ... officer

175. Rare pleasure

176. ... & hearty

179. Dried grape

180. Asian sauce bean 182. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco

184. Magazine subscriber

185. Cramped (space)

186. Perish 188. Sir ... Coward

189. Chest bone

190. Ancestry diagram, family ... 191. Wheel-shaft projection 193. On cloud ... 194. Swaggering walk

196. Fashion guru, Christian ... 197. Christmas carol, ... In A Manger

198. CDs, compact ...

200. Declare approval of

205. Olympic Games body (1,1,1)

207. King's title, Your ...

210. Resettlement

211. Bludgeoned

212. Pull heavily

213. Indian garment 214. Slimy substance

216. Red-rind cheese

218. Steer

219. Tibetan oxen

220. Employees

224. USA (5,3)

227. Snout

229. Abominable snowman

230. Antlered beast

231. Mutilates

232. Isolated

233. Towards interior of

235. Plentiful

237. Require

239. Wood-trimming tool

241. Of warships

244. Relaxation routine

246. Waffles

249. Child's guessing game (1,3)

252. Press down (4,2)

254. Toppled (over)

256. Group of six

258. Stuns

259. Sea rhythms

260. Foot arches

263. Queen's dog

264. Jogger

265. Ludicrous failure

267. Flowing away

270. Marmalade fruit

271. Spins

272. Mental stress

273. Leakage

274. Map book

277. Small car

279. Ready money

281. Circular

284. Ayes & ...

286. Security lapse

288. Rev counters

292. Measure of distance

294. Composer's work

295. Islands

298. Illumination

300. Orchestra section

301. Hymn, Ave ...

303. Hoisted (flag) (3,2)

306. Idolise

308. Engage (gears)

309. Lazily

311. Thug

314. Spanish friend

315. Salt, ... chloride

316. Conforming, ... the line

317. Without company

318. Filled pastries

319. Unruly children

320. Bug

321. Preaches

322. Phases

323. Electronic payment for goods

324. Tearing into strips

1. Cripple

2. Salesmen

3. Singer, ... Presley

4. Bury

5. Scottish valley

6. Short sleep

7. Kitchen garment

8. Uncovered

9. Corresponded in sound

10. Swiss lake

11. Most submissive

12. Convent

13. Utters

14. Pulped

15. Confines, ... in

16. Frill

17. Public profile

18. Festival

19. Street

24. Tennis ace, ... Lendl

28. Cries like crow

30. Ayatollah's land

31. Pace

33. Makes speech

35. Pressure line on map

37. Enlarge

38. Widespread

40. Wonkiest

42. Prickle

44. Single-celled organism

45. Respect

47. Donkeys

48. Proximity

49. Tiny fish

50. NSW industrial city

53. Tarmac surface

54. Bliss

57. New Zealand Rugby Union team (3,6)

58. Immersed

60. Into that place

63. Aperture

65. Regrettably

66. Eyelid inflammation

68. Group of cattle

69. Writer, ... Blyton

76. Stretchy tape

79. Smash into

80. Snake poison

81. Royal racecourse

83. Up & about

84. Grant

85. Watch covertly

88. Compass point

90. ... & ahs

91. Current units

93. Study of zodiac

95. Moist

97. Become beached, run ...

99. Music style, rock ... (3,4)

100. Sudden attack

102. Denim trousers

104. Yields, ... in

107. Prison rooms

109. Raise (livestock)

110. Region

111. Mongrel dog

113. Originate

115. Female calves

117. Tinted

118. Mirth

121. Journalists

122. Admitted guilt (5,2)

127. Undemanding (job)

128. Disjoin

129. Refits

132. Magician's chant

133. Bloodsucker

134. Military overthrow, coup ... (1'4)

135. Makes acquaintance of

136. Torvill or Dean (3-6)

137. Able

138. Organised for action

140. Communal bedroom

141Burnedunsteadily

142. Disbelievers

143. Portable weapons (5,4)

145. Closing tactics

151. Food-preparing room

154. Chilly

156. Remains

159. Also known as (1,1,1) 164. Afflict

169. Pancake topping, ... syrup

170. Aggravated

173. Lobe ornament

174. Cigar leaves

177. Ram star sign

178. Abrasive paper

181. Actor, Laurence ... 183. Substitute (5-2)

187. Listing down

192. Music colleges

195. Raise standard of 199. Treated badly (3-4)

201. Police informer

202. Debauched party

203. Delete

204. Milk coffee style, ... latte

206. Hi!

207. Intended

208. Model, ... Macpherson

209. Serving platter

213. Wiry-haired dog, ... terrier

215. Rich

217. Earth's satellite

221. Browned off (3,2)

222. Grind down

223. Polluted air

224. Expends, ... up

225. Terminate

226. Execute (law)

228. Entertainingly

234. Enlivening (7,2)

236. Mooches

238. Dine

240. Spot

242. Fan

243. Scotsman's pouch

245. Work clothes

247. Stupid

248. Concentrated scent

250. Autocue

251. Mounts

253. Actor, Robert De ...

255. Pigmented eye membrane

257. Great ages

258. Eagerly expectant

261. Higher in rank

262. Banishes

265. Girl

266. Actor, Will ...

268. Brazilian dance, ... nova

269. Affable

275. Filled tortilla

276. In present state (2,2)

278. Singer, ... Cole (3,4)

280. Side of sofa

282. Oh dear!

283. Starkers

285. Slight

287. Caresses with lips

289. Nuclear devices (1-5)

290. Distress signal

291. African disease fly

292. Small insects

293. Unknown author

296. Baby wrap

297. Long films

299. Phantom

302. Beatles drummer

304. Love

305. Plumbing trap pipe (1-4)

306. Heat up

307. Crowd sound

308. Sponges

310. Root vegetables

312. Cab

313. Phoned

By Rob Foenander

100 years

■ Celebrate 100 years of the residentsowned Noble Park Public Hall from April 2-6. The official ceremony includes singing from One Voice Choir, a Ukrainian community choir and the cutting of a birthday cake. A history story board display is open Wednesday April 2-Saturday April 5m 10am-4pm and Sunday, April 6,10am-12pm for visitors and residents to view. Also, the Dawn Lois Dancing School is staging a reunion to coincide with the centenary celebration on Saturday April 5 from 10.30am at Paddy O’Donohue Centre, Buckley St.

On their way

■ US country stars Redferrin and Oliver Anthony Music are both heading our way for their headline Australian tours. Redferrin will play the Corner Hotel on March 13 with his Jack Daniels brand of country music and a sharp sonic bite as part of his East Coast list of gigs. Oliver Anthony will hit the Northcote Theatre on Sunday (Mar. 16) Tickets at Frontier Touring

Beach 162

■ The popular Frankston café, restaurant and Garden Bar Beach 162, continues its long tradition of supporting local musicians performing every week. A host of bands and different acts bring a great party atmosphere to the outdoor stage where the dance floor is buzzing. New owners Balwinder Singh and Jasjit Kaur say they’re keeping the successful format that’s seen the venue become a Frankston favourite.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Laughter is the best medicine

Crossword Solution No 16

■ Clown Doctors are celebrating a major milestone – helping deliver over onemillion smiles to sick children, their families and hospital staff, as Smile Month fundraising kicks off again this year.

Clown Rounds bring laughter and joy to children in 21 hospitals and two hospices across Australia.

The Clown Doctors is The Humour Foundation’s flagship national program and every year, they make over 230,000 visits using play, humour and distraction to improve the hospital experience for young patients.

All donations made during Smile Month in March will be matched by the CommBank Staff Foundation up to a total of $100,000. Donations can be made online or inbranch, with fundraising events taking place at local branches across the country and culminating on Smile Day, Friday March 28.

Beyond the smiles, research shows that medical clowning not only lifts spirits but also has measurable health benefits.

Their work in burn clinics has been linked to faster healing times, helping more children recover within the critical 17-day window to reduce scarring and the need for skin grafts, scar management or reconstructive surgery.

The Clown Doctors program helps reduce the reliance on anaesthetics in some clinical spaces in up to 50 per cent of cases, reducing hospital costs and easing pressure on medical staff.

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● ● Sunanda Sachatrakul (Dr Bing Bong) with Phoebe Mason (Dr Okay Dokey)

Victoria Pictorial

Fairfield Historic Photo Collection

● ● Fairfield Bowling Club opening, 1914.

● ● Fairfield Park State School. 1916.

● ● ● ● Fairfield Park railway station. 1890-1910.

● ● ● ● Railway Place, Fairfield. 1910-30.

● ● Fairfield Infectious Diseases Hospital

● ● ● ● Yarra Bend Asylum. 1934

● ● ● ● St Paul’s Angican Church, Fairfield. 1900-1920.

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Amateurs

■ Premier Firsts. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. St Kilda 1st XI 7/138 v Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 10/134. Carlton 1st XI 5/230 v Richmond 1st XI 10/226. Ringwood 1st XI 10/277 v Melbourne 1st XI 10/194. Dandenong 1st XI 6/251 v Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 10/250.

■ Premier Seconds. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 10/ 139 & 10/107 v Carlton 2nd XI 10/175 & 1/ 74. St Kilda 2nd XI 10/134 v Northcote 2nd XI 9/135. Melbourne University 2nd XI 2/273 v Prahran 2nd XI 10/271. Ringwood 2nd XI 10/ 153 v Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 5/156.

■ Premier Thirds. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Prahran 3rd XI 8-d/513 v Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 10/298. Melbourne 3rd XI 10/386 v Carlton 3rd XI 10/328. Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 10/73 v Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 10/132 & 3/92. Melbourne University 3rd XI 10/224 & 1/107 v St Kilda 3rd XI 10/89 & 8-d/240.

■ Premier Fourths. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Melbourne University 4th XI 4/279 v St Kilda 4th XI 8-d/277. Richmond 4th XI 10/291 v Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 10/164. Prahran 4th XI 10/151 v Camberwell Magpies 4th XI 10/125. Melbourne 4th XI 10/202 v Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI 9-d/297.

Sub-District

■ North-East First XI. One Day. Donvale 1st XI 10/81 v Strathmore 1st XI 5/256. Croydon 1st XI 9/163 v Noble Park 1st XI 3/ 166. Endeavour Hills 1st XI 10/132 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/126. St Bernard's OC 1st XI 4/229 v Ivanhoe 1st XI 7/227. Kew 1st XI 9/ 164 v Preston 1st XI 6/165/. Plenty Valley 1st XI 3/64 v Coburg 1st XI 10/63. Brunswick 1st XI 2/76 v Box Hill 1st XI 10/74. Balwyn 1st XI 10/125 v Bayswater 1st XI 10/126.

■ North-East Second XI. One Day. Strathmore 2nd XI 5/213 v Donvale 2nd XI 10/ 181. Noble Park 2nd XI 9/159 v Croydon 2nd XI 10/155. Mt Waverley 2nd XI 2/105 v Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 10/103. Ivanhoe 2nd XI 5/253 v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/100. Preston 2nd XI 4/176 v Kew 2nd XI 6/177. Coburg 2nd XI 6/196 v Plenty Valley 2nd XI 8/ 192. Box Hill 2nd XI 10/149 v Brunswick 2nd XI 3/152. Bayswater 2nd XI 5/131 v Balwyn 2nd XI 10/130.

■ North-West Third XI Division 1. One Day. St Bernard's OC 3rd XI 5/225 v Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 8/223. Brunswick 3rd XI 3/ 128 v Kew 3rd XI 10/127. Preston 3rd XI 8/ 172 v Werribee 3rd XI 10/135. Plenty Valley 3rd XI 6/192 v Melton 3rd XI 6/190.

■ North-West Third XI Division 2. One Day. Taylors Lakes 3rd XI 10/137 v Ivanhoe 3rd XI 10/91. Spotswood 3rd XI 10/91 v Altona 3rd XI 1/97. Williamstown 3rd XI 9/181 v Yarraville 3rd XI 1/183. Coburg 3rd XI 10/178 v Strathmore 3rd XI 7/180.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 1. One Day. Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 5/224 v St Bernard's OC 4th XI 4/222. Melton 4th XI 10/ 96 v Plenty Valley 4th XI 10/131. Werribee 4th XI 10/102 v Preston 4th XI 10/101. Kew 4th XI 10/81 v Brunswick 4th XI 9/187.

■ North-West Fourth XI Division 2. One Day. Ivanhoe 4th XI 8/121 v Taylors Lakes 4th XI 10/114. Altona 4th XI 2/148 v Spotswood 4th XI 10/90. Yarraville 4th XI 5/203 v Williamstown 4th XI 6/201. Strathmore 4th XI 10/145 v Coburg 4th XI 7/148.

■ South-East Third XI Division 1. One Day. Caulfield 3rd XI 10/161 v Balwyn 3rd XI 10/81. Brighton 3rd XI 10/183 v Croydon 3rd XI 4/184. Bayswater 3rd XI 10/151 v Malvern 3rd XI 5/152. Mt Waverley 3rd XI 10/148 v Oakleigh 3rd XI 5/152.

■ South-East Third XI Division 2. One Day. Donvale 3rd XI 9/124 v Elsternwick 3rd XI 10/256. Port Melbourne 3rd XI 10/127v Endeavour Hills 3rd XI 9/219. Noble Park 3rd XI 6/186 v Moorabbin 3rd XI 9/166. Ormond 3rd XI 7/242 v Box Hill 3rd XI 9/239.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 1. One Day. Balwyn 4th XI 7/143 v Caulfield 4th XI 9/ 193. Croydon 4th XI 4/185 v Brighton 4th XI

4/187. Malvern 4th XI 10/115 v Bayswater 4th XI 6/117. Oakleigh 4th XI 9/181 v Mt Waverley 4th XI 6/184.

■ South-East Fourth XI Division 2. One Day. Elsternwick 4th XI 10/152 v Donvale 4th XI 10/70. Endeavour Hills 4th XI 4/222 v Port Melbourne 4th XI 7/221. Moorabbin 4th XI 10/ 184 v Noble Park 4th XI 8/188. Box Hill 4th XI 8/140 (40) v Ormond 4th XI 5/214.

■ South-West First XI. One Day. Melton 1st XI 2/80 v Taylors Lakes 1st XI 10/78. Yarraville 1st XI 5/200 v Caulfield 1st XI 7/ 198. Moorabbin 1st XI 8/170 v Port Melbourne 1st XI 5/171. Ormond 1st XI 8/161 v Oakleigh 1st XI 10/150. Altona 1st XI 4/133 v Spotswood 1st XI 10/129. Elsternwick 1st XI 7/255 v Malvern 1st XI 10/194. Hoppers Crossing 1st XI 4/156 v Williamstown 1st XI 7/155. Werribee 1st XI 6/161 v Brighton 1st XI 9/158.

■ South-West Second XI. One Day. Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 10/169 v Melton 2nd XI 10/136. Caulfield 2nd XI 1/136 v Yarraville 2nd XI 10/135. Port Melbourne 2nd XI 2/135 v Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/134. Oakleigh 2nd XI 5/ 184 v Ormond 2nd XI 8/182. Spotswood 2nd XI 6/177 v Altona 2nd XI 6/176. Malvern 2nd XI 10/138 v Elsternwick 2nd XI 7/205. Williamstown 2nd XI 9/214 v Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI 8/237. Brighton 2nd XI 9/223 v Werribee 2nd XI 8/224.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Riverside 1st XI 10/91 & 6-d/167 v Bundoora 1st XI 10/167 & 2/55. Rosanna 1st XI 10/190 v North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI 10/168.

■ Money Shield. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Rosebank 1st XI 8/188 v Bundoora Park 1st XI 8/187. Eltham 1st XI 4/133 v Plenty 1st XI 10/131.

■ Mash Shield. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Rivergum 1st XI 1/154 v Hurstbridge 1st XI 10/153. Laurimar 1st XI 10/115 v Mernda 1st XI 10/180.

■ B-Grade. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 89. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 10/167 v Heidelberg 2nd XI 10/161. Rosanna 2nd XI 10/ 94 v Riverside 2nd XI 6/96.

■ C-Grade. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 89. Rivergum 2nd XI 10/133 v Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI 10/257. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 7/292 v Bundoora United 2nd XI 10/59.

■ D-Grade. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 89. Bundoora 2nd XI 4-d/168 v North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI 10/166. Hurstbridge 2nd XI 10/154 v South Morang 2nd XI 9/163

■ E-Grade. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 89. Lower Plenty 3rd XI 7/263 v Thomastown 2nd XI 10/156. Banyule 3rd XI 9/177 v Panton Hill 2nd XI 10/175.

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Mont Albert 1st XI 1/90 v Edinburgh 1st XI 10/88. North Balwyn Bulls 1st XI 7/307 v Old Carey 1st XI 10/220.

■ Wright Shield. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Heathmont 1st XI 10/230 v East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 8/311. Richmond City 1st XI 10/104 v Deepdene Bears 1st XI 10/132 & 2/ 80

■ A Turf. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Surrey Hills 1st XI 7/366 v Ashwood 1st XI 10/ 223. Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 10/174 v Burwood 1st XI 10/109 & 8/100.

■ B Turf. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 1st XI 4/ 181 v Heathmont 2nd XI 10/177. Richmond Union 1st XI 10/207 v North Balwyn Bulls 2nd XI 10/164.

■ C Turf. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Bulleen 2nd XI 10/96 v Mulgrave 2nd XI 10/ 64. East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 2/133 v La Trobe University 1st XI 10/132.

■ D Turf. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Edinburgh 2nd XI 5/110 v Old Carey 3rd XI 10/ 108. Richmond City 2nd XI 3/350 v Ashwood 2nd XI 10/253.

■ E Turf. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Balwyn Saints & Blasters Senior Men 2nd XI 10/153 v Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 6/155.

Mont Albert 3rd XI 7/271 v Edinburgh 3rd XI 10/172.

■ Jim MacGibbon Shield. Two Day, Sat.Sun., Mar. 8-9. Trinity Willison CC 1st XI 3/ 182 v Clifton Hill 1st XI 10/179. Burwood Unt. Canterbury Senior Men 1st XI 2/122 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 10/120.

■ Kevin Burt Shield. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Toorak-Prahran 1st XI 10/114 v Mount Waverley Catholics 1st XI 10/140. West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 6/168 v Trinity Willison CC 2nd XI 10/167.

■ John Menzies and Keith Mackay Shield. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. North Alphington 7/218 v Trinity Willison CC 3rd XI 10/135. Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/137 v Toorak-Prahran 2nd XI 7/138.

■ A Synthetic. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Mulgrave 3rd XI 5/165 v Burwood 3rd XI 10/163. Mount Waverley Uniting 1st XI 10/ 258 v West Ivanhoe United 2nd XI 0/66.

■ B Synthetic. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. Glen Waverley 3rd XI 3/103 v Mazenod OCCC 3rd XI 10/101. St. Pauls Oakleigh Districts 2nd XI 9/245 v Edinburgh 4th XI 10/105

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Mar. 1 and Sat. Mar. 8. Baden Powell 1sts 10/ 181 v Pines 1sts 10/126. Red Hill 1sts 10/ 251 v Dromana 1sts 10/228, Old Peninsula 1st XI 10/183. Langwarrin 1sts 10/298. Sorrento 1sts 5-d/170 & 7/100 v Heatherhill 1sts 10/58 & 10/207

■ Peninsula Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Mar. 1 and Sat. Mar. 8. Mt Eliza Senior Men 1st X1 10/173 v Seaford 1sts 10/93 & 6/77. Rosebud Senior Men 1sts 10/188 v Somerville Senior Men 1sts 10/145. Moorooduc 1sts 10/ 108 v Long Island 1sts 10/107. Mornington 1sts 6/272 v Seaford Tigers 1sts 10/199.

■ District Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Mar. 1 and Sat. Mar. 8. Carrum Downs 1sts 4/146 v Flinders 1sts 10/144. Balnarring 1sts 10/ 243 v Boneo 1sts 10/220. Baxter 1sts 10/ 266 v Crib Point 1sts 6/272. Main Ridge 1sts 9/325 v Carrum 1sts 5/324.

■ Sub-District Firsts. Two-Day. Sat. Mar. 1 and Sat. Mar. 8. Frankston YCW 1sts 6/230 v Delacombe Park 1sts 7/227. Skye 1sts 10/119 v Mt Martha 1sts 7/120. Rye 1sts 10/169 v Tootgarook 1sts 10/165. Tyabb 1sts 10/175 v Ballam Park 1sts 10/142.

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Keon Park CC 1st XI 7/128 v Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI 10/124. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 2/194 v Donath CC 1st XI 10/192.

■ Jack Quick Shield. Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 8/162 v Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 10/161. Cameron CC 1st XI 10/211 v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 6/215.

■ Jack Kelly Shield. Northern Socials CC 1st XI 4/144 v Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 10/ 142. West Preston CC 1st XI 8/231 v Keon Park CC 2nd XI 10/230.

■ B-Grade.Preston YCW District CC 1st XI 10/111 & 2/33 v Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 10/ 23 & 10/120. Victorian Nepalese CA CC 7/ 163 v Strathewen Cougars CC 2nd XI 10/110

■ C-Grade. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 3rd XI 10/236 v Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI 10/82. Fairfield CC 2nd XI 9/247 v West Preston CC 3rd XI 8/119.

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Two Day, Sat.Sun., Mar. 8-9. Croydon Ranges 1XI 10/247 v Lilydale 1XI 9/228. North Ringwood 1XI 10/ 211 v Norwood 1XI 9/215

■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Two Day, Sat.-Sun., Mar. 8-9. St Andrews 1XI 8/245 v Wonga Park 1XI 10/172. East Ringwood 1XI 10/44 v Warranwood 1XI 10/103 & 4/170

■ Stuart Newey Plate. Two Day, Sat.Sun., Mar. 8-9. Warrandyte 1st XI 10/78 v South Warrandyte 1XI 10/170. Seville Burras 1XI 8/206 v Mt Evelyn 1XI 7/311.

Your Stars with Kerry

Kulkens

by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 2.15.26.39.34.40. Prepare for a significant period of transformation and vital decision-making. The winds of change are blowing, and it is essential to take a proactive approach. Financial matters are at the forefront of this shift, and it is imperative to ensure that all agreements and transactions are recorded in writing. This will help to avoid any potential misunderstandings or disputes.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.4. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.33.1. The seeker may find themselves swept off their feet by a captivating new love interest, bringing with it a renewed sense of joy and fulfilment. Those who are already in committed relationships will experience an even deeper bond and greater contentment with their partner. The opportunity to explore uncharted territories and discover new and exciting destinations may present itself while rekindling connections with intriguing figures from the past will add a sense of intrigue and excitement to life.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.37.8.9.

Maintaining a positive and practical mindset is crucial to steer clear of depression. Consider accepting invitations to social events and be open to meeting new people. You never know, someone you encounter during this period may inspire a significant change in your perspective and bring good fortune your way.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.2.1.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.35.40.33. As you navigate through life, be prepared to face obstacles in the form of personal relationships or increased demands on your time. However, amidst these challenges, you may find yourself strongly drawn to someone new in your life. Keep an open mind and heart as you embrace the possibilities that the future may hold.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.2. Lotto Numbers: 2.12.26.35.40.22. As you go about your day, it's essential to maintain a cheerful and positive demeanour. Your energy and attitude can be contagious, influencing those around you in a positive way. If you've been contemplating starting a new business or project, now is an excellent time to take the first steps. You may find that your family members are more agreeable and easier to communicate with than usual. Embrace these positive changes and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Apricot Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5.2.1.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.22.10. This is not a time to stir up any issues in your love life. However, in other areas, the potential for success is immense, and you possess the sound judgment needed to channel that success in your favour.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.3.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 2.15.5.12.21.22. In your love life, it is important to think carefully before acting to avoid potential breakups. It is also advisable to avoid arguments with loved ones, and instead have a heartto-heart conversation to find a solution to any family problems.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.6.9.8. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.39.5.44. Taking a moment to consider your actions before acting impulsively can help you avoid unnecessary friction with your loved ones and partners. Incorporating physical exercise into your routine can provide numerous benefits for your overall health and well-being. Additionally, be on the lookout for a potential financial windfall that could come unexpectedly your way. Stay alert and be prepared to capitalize on any opportunities that may arise.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Lilac Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5.6.8.7. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.40.45. You may experience significant shifts in your romantic life or career, such as a job change or management transition. It is important to stay calm and composed, as losing your temper could result in negative consequences. Remember to approach any challenges with a level head and a positive attitude.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Dark Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.1. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.5.44.3. Embrace the challenge of taking the lead in your endeavours and enjoy the rewards of being ahead of the pack. Revel in the newfound freedom that comes with being in control of your life. Immerse yourself in social activities and savour the pleasure of making new connections with intriguing individuals. The possibilities for enriching your life are endless when you have the courage to venture forward.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8.9.1.5. Lotto Numbers: 8.15.29.37.40.11. It's important to reach out and connect with old friends. You might be losing touch with someone you thought was too far away. It's not advisable to risk your money on unknown things. Fortunately, better luck is on its way, and many aspects of your life should start to fall into place.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.9.6.1. Lotto Numbers: 5.18.24.40.26.33. As you move forward, it is an opportune time to reevaluate your future plans and refresh your perspective. The upcoming period promises to bring joyous social events and exciting news that will arrive by mail. So, get ready to embrace the positive changes that are coming your way!

Presented

(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)

24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK

(Scrap bin available)

COOLMORE CLASSIC THIS SATURDAY

■ Thefillies and mares will clash over 1500 metres at Rosehill.

Before nominations, some punters took interest in the smart filly. Lady Shanendoah, who in great fashion won the TAB Light Fingers at Randwick on February 15.

She did it again, winning the Surround Stakes after a battle with Lady of Camelot.

Prepared by leading Sydney traine Chris Waller, she scooted right away from them in the Light Fingers over 1200 metres and the journey won’t worry here.

She has won five of her eight starts, with a second and a third.

In the Light Fingers, she won in great fashion, and is the one to beat.

On the second line is anther good filly in Autumn Glow, another of the Waller team, who is undefeated in her three starts.

An easy winner of the Caufield Guineas when racing, she will be right in this.

Lady of Camelot is racing well and hard to beat here.

You have thetop mare Amelia’s Jewel, who could beat anyone on her day.

Then we have Aeliana, who finished second to Autumn Glow in the Thousand Guineas, being by Castelvecchio, a placegetter in the Cox Plate.

The Bjorn Baker trained StefiMagnetica, a former international, won the Stradbroke Handicap in good fashion, and fires up well.

He is by the top sire, All Too Hard, who was with the Hawke’s team.

Another that fires up well is Joliestar, in the Expressway Stakes, she finished a good third behind Magic Time and Iowna Merc over 1200 metres.

The four-year-old mare is by Zoustar.

An impressive winner last start was Magic Time, who won the Stakes in good fashion.

Prepared by Graeme Begg, she is by one of his best going around at present.

She has won seven out of 17, with four placings.

The next we will have a look at is Alsephina, at her fourth in the Empire Rose at Flemington at the Melbourne Cup Carnival last year.

The six-year-old mare, was right in it all the way in a good field of mares.

She is in the care of the Williams team from Karnup in Western Australia, and has won 10 of 18 starts all in good fashion.

She finished fourth behind some good mares, including Atishu, Amelia’s Jewel another great mare, and a former Western Australian, Socks Nation.

She will be right in this as she gives her all when she goes around.

Another classy mare, Makarena, with the Hawkes team in Sydney , goes well, and finished a good fourth in the Golden Eagle at Rosehill back in November.

A four-year-old mare by Snitzel , she is a good money spinner for the Hawkes team. It’s tough one to win, but she will have a crack.

Then we have the smart Roumbini, prepared by Mick Price and Mick Ken Junior in Victoria, won the Magic Millions three-year-old event in good style.

Ted Ryan

She could be right in this.

A New Zealander who may take some catching is Orchestral, a four-year-old, who has accumulated $2.5 million in earnings and is smart. She is well bred being by the Cox Plate winner,

Savabeel. Another who is good on her day is Another Prophet, prepared by leading young trainer, Ciaron Maher.

She had a crack at them in the Desirable Stakes at Flemington back on February 15, but missed the place, and was a bit unlucky.

Prior to that run she won well two starts back winning the Group One Fillies event in good company. She is a top-notcher on her day, don’t leave her out.

It’s a tough race with Lady Shanendoah, Autumn Glow, Joliestar, Magic Time, and Another Prophet, the best chances.

Racing’s Golf Day

■ I am looking forward to the big Golf Day come March 17 for the Victorian Jockeys Trust and the Woodlands Golf Club.

This will be the 9th Annual Epsom Golf Day at the beautiful Woodlands Golf Club on Bridge St, Mordialloc. This is an event that has attracted all and sundry including most of our top jockeys who participate for some great prizes.

Before the hit off at 12 Noon, host Sam Doran will get the day off, with plenty of action.

He will compere proceedings

I will have the pleasure of interviewing two special guests,

Two guests who will go back on the good old days of their lives connected with the area and the famous old track and their lives.

With the golf there are some great prizes to be won, which include $10,000 for a Hole in One.

On top of this a beautiful Mazda car to the value of $35,000 can be won for a hole in one as well.

A special thanks to all our returning teams and welcome to all new teams and supporters. All funds received at the event will support the National Jockeys Trust and the Woodlands Trust.

- Ted Ryan

● ● Amelia’s Jewel. Racing Photos.

HENDERSON ALL SMILES AT SHEPP.

■ The regular Tuesday night Shepparton fixture was held on March 4 and Sutton Grange owner/breeder/trainer Clive Henderson was all smiles after 5Y0 Sportswriter-Dance Of Fire gelding Edward Grange chalked up his eighth success in 44 outings by effortlessly winning the 2190 metres Pacing For Pink Day May 4th Pace.

With James Herbertson aboard, Edwarde Grange exploded away from gate five to lead easily with no challengers forthcoming, coasted to a 7.6 metre margin in advance of Strong Response along the sprint lane from three pegs returning a mile rate of 1-56.6.

Mongiana after being restrained from outside the front line was third 1.3 metres back after racing three wide solo from mid-field at the bell. Clive’s wife Rachel was cheering from over the fence, but never had a moments worry.

■ Heathcote owner/trainer Terry French combined with future son-in-law Alex (Alby) Ashwood to record an impressive victory in the Hunter Rural Pace over 2190 metres with 8Y0 Art Major-Rose Of Hollywood gelding Lorimermajor and in doing so, probably produced a best ever performance to win.

Settling a long way back in the field from gate three on the second line as Denzil Debro led from gate five, Lorimer Major gained a lovely trail home three wide on the back of Mynameisruby (gate three) ahead of him in the last lap before letting rip four wide to loom large outside the leader Sir Sonny Maguire (gate two second line) which had crossed the pacemaker.

Finishing full of running, Lorimermajor scored by 1.3 metres from Sir Sonny Maguire who’s effort was strong. Iamawingate (gate four) after going forward to occupy the spot outside the leader then one/one), ran his usual honest race for third 9.8 metres away. The mile rate 159.3.

■ Mitchellstown trainer/driver Kylie Sugars was successful with handy Vincent-Night Vision gelding Momentum Shift in the Saddleworld Shepparton Pace over 1690 metres.

Bred and raced by Frank Jessup who has been in the business for a long time, Momentum Shift led out from gate two, before allowing Shazza Love after a fast beginning from the extreme draw to take over prior to the bell.

Enjoying the run of the race, Momentum Shift made full use of the sprint lane to greet the judge 1.4 metres ahead of polemarker Kalkadoon Dreaming (three pegs) which also used the sprint lane late. Skyfall Dreaming (gate two on the second line) after going forward to race exposed for the final circuit was third 2.7 metres away. The mile rate 1-55.9.

■ Myrniong breeder/owner/trainer Jess Tubbs snared the Central Tyre Service Maiden Pace over 1690 metres with 3Y0 Always B Miki-All Promises gelding Final Promise in a 2-01.1 rate. Driven by husband Greg who does plenty of work with the team, Final Promise (gate six) raced exposed outside the pole marker Wheres Lexi proving too strong by 4.9 metres at the finish for Wheres Lexi, with Hello Darlin (three pegs from a solo second line draw) easing wide on turning for third 3.7 metres back.

Double Day

■ Double day Tuesday saw Terang race during the afternoon and Bendigo at night.

At Terang, five year old Danny BoucheaTrotn On The Casba gelding Mitchell Wrap brought up two wins in succession when an easy victor of the Terang Co-Op IGA Trotters Handicap over 2180 metres.

Trained at Ross Creek by Jennifer Douglas and driven once again by Jordan Leedham, Michell Wrap stepped cleanly from a 20 metre backmark as polemarker Boutika led. After both Old Villa Boy (10m) and Mystery Fred (10m) galloped, Mitchell Wrap settled four back along the markers looking the winner a long way out. Going forward in the last lap to join Boutika on the final bend under a grip, Mitchell Wrap strode clear to record an effortless victory 17.6 metres clear of Boutica, with Mystery Fred making up many yards for third 11.6 metres away after Icicle (three pegs) had third spot all tied up but for galloping approaching the final bend. The mile rate 2-03.7.

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

■ Heywood trainer Bec East has a good record when attending Terang meetings and 5Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-In Her Memory gelding Hez All Rock snared the 1680 metre Sungold Milk Pace with Jackie Barker in the sulky.

Settling four pegs from gate four with polemarker The Sportz Star leading before surrendering to Keayang Taco (gate five). Gaining a beaut ride home in the last lap on the back of Bolramski which came out from three pegs ahead of him, Hez All Rock took time to wind up when extricated three and four wide on turning and finished best to bouse Bolramski in the last bound by a head.

Keayang Taco held third 2.8 metres away. The mile rate 1-57.8. It was Hez All Rock’s 10th victory in 62 outings which include 14 placings.

■ Mount Gambier owner/trainer Malcolm Whitehead who has a great record on Western District tracks combined with Hamilton’s Rod Barker to land the AJ & M Automotive Centre Pace over 1680 metres aboard 6Y0 Hes Watching-All The Money gelding Martin Magic.

Safely retaining the inside running from the pole, Martin Magic the winner of 11 from 90 going into the race defied all challengers to greet the judge 2.9 metres in advance of Line Up Jacquie (five pegs from outside the front line –outside winner last lap), with Shady Dancer (six pegs one/one last lap from gate five third 1.1 metres away. The mile rate 2-01.

■ It would be very rare for Ecklin South cotrainers Marg and Paddy Lee not to win a race at Hamilton and Love You-A Jewel In The Crown filly Jilliby Dreamlover spaced her rivals in a mile rate of 2-03.4 in the 2180 metre Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres.

Driven by Jason Lee, Jilliby Dreamlover led throughout from the pole, running out a gigantic 54.1 metre margin over Aldebaran Buddy which trailed) before galloping on turning. First starter Ridethelightning 44.8 metres away third from the tail after a bad beginning.

Unfortunately the race had no title which was most disappointing considering there would have been plenty of names such as local towns etc available for consideration.

■ What a money machine Melbourne owner Kevin Clark’s 8Y0 Mach Three-Kateeshar gelding Shaq has been, winning his 22nd race (52 placings) at start 191 at Bendigo. Driven by Liam Older for Charlton’s John Tormey, Shaq landed the Dennis Engelbo Racing – Swedish Media Partner Pace over 1650 metres.

Shaq (barrier three on the second line was off and running from mid-field to race exposed at the bell as Regal Rock (gate five) had crossed Cobalt Blues (gate four).

Surging clear in the last lap, Shaq held a margin to the wire, accounting for Jilliby Typhoon (one/three – three wide to breeze on the final bend). Vincent Grange (gate five on the second line – three wide last lap) was third. The margins 1.2 by 10.3 metres in a mile rate of 155.2.

■ Local Junortoun trainer Garry Graham’s 4Y0 Vincent-Whata Impact mare Heavens Gift was an impressive victor of the 2150 metre Get Real Support Teal Mares Pace.

Raced by the Graham family Garry, Melva and Kirsten, Heavens Gift bred by Garry & Melva starting from gate four on the second line ended up near last as polemarker Lollipop led before being crossed by Taste It (gate five) with

Lollipop retaking the lead shortly after with Bettorsweetvictory going forward from mid-field to join her. In an action packed event, Diamond Mac commenced a three wide forward move from the rear hitting the back straight on the final occasion being trailed by both That Majalook and Heavens Gift.

With horses spread all across the track on turning, Heavens Gift after angling four wide, swamped her rivals halfway up the running to record a runaway 10.9 metre margin over Little Blabbermouth (one/two) and Diamond Mac which battled on bravely for third a neck away. The mile rate 1-57.8.

■ Kilmore’s Corey Bell was successful with heavily supported 5Y0 Art Major-Jets Girl gelding Major Bert ($14-$6) in the Yorkshire Park Standardbreds Pace over 2150 metres.

Given every chance by 20 year old George Chamouras, Major Bert enjoyed a cosy one/one trip from gate three as Nomorelying led from gate four with Madam Reactor (gate five) in the open.

When Owen The Saints made a dynamic three wide move from last racing for the bell, Michael Bellman seized the opportunity to shift down the back of the leader with Madam Reactor again leaving Major Bert one/one but not for long as Alby Ashwood rushed Lochiel Lad from the rear to race exposed for the last lap.

This opened up the field with Major Bert held up as Owen The Saints gave ground losing his spot. Easing wide in the straight, Major Bert gave chase to the leader with Cee Oh Dee (gate two) also giving chase from mid-field.

Finishing hard out wide, Major Bert held too many guns for Cee Oh Dee to just last by a half head returning a mile rate of 1-58.3. Lochiel Lad was strong at the finish to hold third a neck away in a thrilling finish.

■ Locksley part-owner/trainer John Nissen’s high class 4Y0 Love You-Im Lady Angus gelding Locksley Cavalier first up since last November was tough in winning The Edge Equine Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres.

Driven by part-owner Bec Bartley, Locksley Cavalier (gate four) raced uncovered outside the good front runner My High Peak (gate two) before racing clear on turning to reach the wire 3.2 metres in advance of Mac Flick (one/one) and My High Peak who was 12.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.6.

■ The very large syndicate headed by Clare Payne who race 4Y0 Lucky Chucky-Calder Sun mare Promise Dream would have been jumping for joy when she charged home to land the Sandhurst Stockfeeds Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres.

Trained and driven by Romsey’s Chris Svanosio, Promise Dream was left exposed from gate four in the early stages before being shuffled back to be one out/two back racing for the bell as both Ox Knox (gate six) and the favourite Frosty Girl (gate seven) went forward from the rear with Frosty Girl joining Dreams Of Love (gate five) which had led from gate five.

Trailing Watch And Act home three wide from the rear in the last lap, Promise Dream after angling four wide in the straight swamped her rivals to record a most impressive half neck margin over Frosty Girl and Dreams Of Love which held third 1.4 metres back. The mile rate 2-02.4.

At Ballarat

■ It was Ballarat on Thursday and George Chamouras continued on from the night before with another winner – 8Y0 Peak-Drop Us A Line mare Baarlinee for Stawell’s Jason Ainsworth in the VHRC / Aldebaran Park Concession Drivers Pace over 2200 metres.

Despite racing parked outside Love Who (gate 3), George never panicked and Baarlinee (gate six) was much too strong for her rivals, scoring by 11.9 metres from Love Who and Allwhatfunjingles (three pegs from gate two on the second line who was a head away third. The mile rate 2-01.7.

■ Five year old A Rocknroll Dance-The Waratah gelding Neatntidy landed the VHRC / Benstud Pace over 2200 metres returning a mile rate of 1-56.9.

Trained at Horsham by Aaron Dunn and

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Tuesday – Shepparton, Wednesday –Maryborough/Bendigo, Thursday – Ballarat, Friday – Mildura/Melton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Charlton (Cup)/Cranbourne.

driven by ex-Tasmanian Ryan Backhouse who has done remarkably well since joining the stable, Neatntide was best to begin from gate three before relenting the the pressure of Mattie Craven and Bolramski (gate four) in the back straight on the first occasion.

Enjoying a sweet trip, Neatntide was extricated four wide in the straight on turning to gain a 4.2 metre victory over Remi Lou (gate seven) which flashed home from mid-field, with Bolramski a neck away third after not seeing out the trip. The mile rate 1-56.9.

Glorious run

■ Friday was Apco Geelong Pacing Cup night and it was a semi local victory to the $40,000 (Group 3) feature over 2570 metres when 6Y0 Rocknroll Heaven-Timeless Perfection mare Rakero Rebel greeted the judge as two of the part-owners were former Geelong President Neil Allen and wife Pat along with Myrniong trainer Jess Tubbs and mother Kate, Barry Fullwood and Gary and Rohan Jarvis.

Given a glorious passage one/one from gate five as the two favourites Keayang Tokyo (gate one and two time cup winner Mach Dan (gate two) dualled as the gate pulled away with Keayang Tokyo winning out, Rakero Rebel travelled beautifully and when driver Greg Sugars eased her three wide on the final bend, she showed her sprinting prowess to prevail by a half neck over a game Mach Dan which did all of the work. Tango Tara came from the tail out wide for third 2.5 metres back.

In quarters of 30.4, 29, 26.9 and 27.9 after a lead time of 72.6 seconds, Rakero Rebel returned a mile rate of 1-56.9, two seconds outside Act Now’s race record of 1-54.9 set in 2022. - Len Baker

Latest News

Town Hall Station concourse on show

■ As the city-shaping Metro Tunnel powers towards opening this year, the State Government has revealed the concourse of the new Town Hall Station that sits directly underneath Melbourne’s City Square

The 18-metre-wide concourse will be an extension of the square above and used as a public gathering space in the heart of the city, with new shops and cafes.

The concourse’s signature feature is eight soaring concrete and steel columns branching out overhead to support the station roof, which has been installed below the heart of the CBD

The two-tiered space will be free for the public to access without touching on, and people will be able to enter through the main station entrance at the northern end of City Square via five sets of escalators.

Despite the challenging logistics of building a railway station 40 metres below the centre of the city, work is said to be progressing well on the station with crews continuing to fit out the concourse and platforms.

“Rather than opening a massive hole over an entire Swanston St t block – which would have brought this busy part of the city to a standstill – Town Hall Station has been built using deep shafts at either side of the site,” said a Government representative.

Incorporating the ‘Melbourne

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2025 GREEN ROOM AWARD NOMINATIONS

■ The nominations for the 42nd Annual Green Room Awards were announced last Wednesday (Feb. 26).

The most nominated productions this year includeGroundhiog Day (11 nominations), Candide (9 nominations), 37 (8 nominations), My Brilliant Career (8 nominations) and Counting & Cracking (7 nominations).

Anton Berezin, President of the Green Room Awards Association, said: "During 2024, our vibrant industry delivered a remarkable breadth and depth of theatrical experiences to Victorian audiences.

“Over 380 shows were considered by the Green Room Awards panelists in arriving at this year’s nominees.

“We look forward to coming together to honour and acknowledge the invaluable contribution of the artists who enrich our lives and communities through their creativity, hard-work and determination.”

CABARET OUTSTANDINGDIRECTION

Stephen Nicolazzo for Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Sharnema Nougar for Boklesque presented by Lauren Bok as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Declan Fay for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Jonathan Homsey (Choreography) for Bombshell presented by Josh Sanders as part of Midsumma Festival

OUTSTANDING ORIGINALSONGS

Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias for Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe

Imogen Whittaker for The Last Word presented by Imogen Whittaker and The Butterfly Club

Geraldine Quinn for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Reuben Kaye and Shanon D Whitelock for Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Rachel Tunaley for Motion Sickness presented by Rachel Tunaley and The Butterfly Club as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

OUTSTANDINGWRITING

Reuben Kaye for Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Natalie Gamsu and Ash Flanders for Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Geraldine Quinn for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias for Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe

OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION DESIGN

Joe Noonan (Production Design) for Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Finucane & Smith with the support of Melbourne Fringe (Space/Staging Design); Liam Maitland Way and Finucane & Smith (Lighting Design); David Anderson, Wear Isaac, Keon Couture, Catherine D'Lish, Imogen Kelly and Glennys Briggs’ Cloak from Yorta Yorta Country (Costume Design); Wear Isaac for Glory Box and Adrienne Chisholm for Burlesque Hour (Drapes Design) for Finucane & Smith's Global Smash Club as part of Melbourne Fringe. Josh Sanders for Bombshell presented by Josh Sanders as part of Midsumma Festival

Bec Matthews (Sound Design), Romanie Harper (Designer), Monique Aucher (Lighting Design), Chris Bennett (Video), Nathan Burmeister, Jo Foley, Jodi Hope, Zoë Rouse (Costume construction) for Fuck Christmas presented by Malthouse Theatre Fat Fruit (Sarah Ward & Bec Matthews) and Susie Dee

Bethany J Fellows (Visual Design), Spencer Herd (Lighting Design), Rachel Lewindon (Sound) for SUGAR presented by Bullet Heart

Club for Melbourne Fringe

Alex Saad (Lighting Design), Tamara Keane (Costume Design), Gabe Freeman (Costume Design – mascot), Kitiya Palaskas (Set Design), Julia Green (Makeup Design) for Outgrown presented by Em Rusciano OUTSTANDINGENSEMBLE

Fuck Christmas (The Company) presented by Malthouse Theatre and Fat Fruit (Sarah Ward & Bec Matthews) and Susie Dee

Gabi Barton, John Marc Desengano, Joh Fairley, Jess Love, Wai-zea Man, Bec Matthews, Seth Sladen, Sarah Ward, Nicci Wilks, Dale Woodbridge-brown, Milo Hartill (standby)

Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe

Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias

Finucane & Smith's Global Smash Club (The Company) as part of Melbourne Fringe Moira Finucane, Maude Davey, Yumi Umiumare, Mama Alto, Imogen Kelly, Zitao Deng, Xiao Xiao, Isabel Finucane, Piera Dennerstein plus guests Iva Rosebud, Glennys

Briggs, Ian Muir

The Von Donk Family Old-Timey Vaudeville Revue presented by Andrew McClelland and Louisa Fitzhardinge and the Butterfly Club as part of the Melbourne International Comedy

Festival. Louisa Fitzhardinge and Andrew McClelland

Mel & Sam – The Platonic Human Centipede presented by Mel & Sam as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Mel O’Brien and Samantha Andrew OUTSTANDINGMUSICALDIRECTION

Natalie Gamsu and Mark Jones for Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Geraldine Quinn with Mark Jones, Sonja Horbelt, Ash Smith and Steven J. Hearne for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Shanon D Whitelock for Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

John Thorn for Love Can Be Easy presented by John Thorn as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Daniel Tobias for Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Otto & Astrid – The Stages Tour presented by Clare Bartholomew and Daniel Tobias as part of Melbourne Fringe

FORM 7 Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498

(Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 1 on Title Plan TP112609T contained in Certificate of Title Volume 09656 Folio 652, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920068J depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of TR LA Spina Super Fund Pty Ltd (ACN 629 971 740) (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 9 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

Bombshell presented by Josh Sanders as part of Midsumma Festival

The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Apocalipstik presented by Liz Smith, Katie Rowe, Tom Downey as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival OUTSTANDINGARTISTE

Geraldine Quinn for The Passion of Saint Nicholas presented by Geraldine Quinn as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Reuben Kaye for Apocalipstik as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Josh Sanders for Bombshell presented by Josh Sanders as part of Midsumma Festival

Natalie Gamsu for Shrapnel presented by Kadimah Yiddish Theatre

Tomáš Kantor for SUGAR presented by Bullet Heart Club part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

OUTSTANDINGCONTRIBUTION TO CABARET

To be announced at the Ceremony ★ CONTEMPORARYAND EXPERIMENTAL PERFORMANCE OUTSTANDINGWORK

Continued Next Page

FORM 7 Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN

of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision PS328749K contained in Certificate of Title Volume 10207 Folio 952, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920062W depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Phillip Raymond Pollock and Victoria Louise Pollock (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by

The Substation and Club Greg International

The Splendid Anomaly presented by Arts House

Desastres presented by Now or Never Body of Knowledge presented by Melbourne Fringe in association with Creative Brimbank OUTSTANDINGPERFORMER

Marcus Ian McKenzie for The Crying Room: Exhumed

Ahrmanya Price for The Splendid Anomaly

Dr Melinda Smith for Conduit Bodies OUTSTANDINGENSEMBLE

The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by The Substation and Club Greg International Body of Knowledge presented by Melbourne Fringe

In Place presented by Na Djinang Circus with Circa Cairns as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival Edging presented by Arts House OUTSTANDINGSOUND WORK

The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by The Substation and Club Greg International Desastres presented by Now or Never Electric Cathedral presented by The Consort of Melbourne as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Headwater presented by Musica Viva Australia in association with Abbotsford Convent as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Rorqual presented by Rubiks Collective OUTSTANDING DESIGN

Marcus Ian McKenzie, Romanie Harper, Richard Vabre, Anna Nalpantidis, Derrick Duan

FORM 7

and Maria Moles for The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by The Substation and Club

Greg International

Ahmarnya Price, Susie Dee, Kelly Ryall, Rhian Hinkley and Richard Vabre for The Splendid Anomaly presented by Arts House

Justin Talplacido Shoulder, Matthew Stegh, Anthony Aitch, Fausto Brusamolino and Corin Ileto for ANITO presented by Arts House and RISING

Samara Hersch, Belle Santos, Fred Rodrigues and Jen Hector for Body of Knowledge presented by Melbourne Fringe in association with Creative Brimbank

Marco Fusinato for Desastres presented by Now or Never

OUTSTANDINGTECHNICAL

ACHIEVEMENT

The team of The Crying Room: Exhumed presented by The Substation and Club Greg In

The team of Desastres presented by Now or Never

The team of Conduit Bodies presented by Arts House and Melbourne Fringe in association with Arts Centre Melbourne – Alter State

The team of Transmission presented by The Substation and Melbourne Fringe

The team of Soft Centre: Supermodel Late Night presented by Now or Never OUTSTANDINGWORK BY OR FOR YOUNGAUDIENCES

The World is Lava presented by ArtPlay and House of Muchness

Body of Knowledge presented by Melbourne Fringe in association with Creative Brimbank

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986

Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471 081) (Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 7 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 385, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920067L depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Mohamed Mahmoud Khairy Morsi Mosa (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

DANCE OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE

Cuddle (Harrison Ritchie-Jones), presented by Arts House

One Single Action (Lucy Guerin), presented by RISING

Arkadia (Melanie Lane), presented by The Substation and RISING

Pieces: Swallow (Joel Bray), presented by Lucy Guerin Inc. and UMAC

Safehold (Sandra Parker), presented by Dancehouse

Hold me closer Tony Danza (The Farm), presented by MPAC

OUTSTANDINGCHOREOGRAPHY

One Single Action (Lucy Guerin), presented by RISING

Superposition (Gabriel Sinclair and Jazmyn Carter), presented by Dancehouse Temple of Desire (Govind Pillai/ Karma Dance), presented by Melbourne Fringe Fertile Ground (Ashleigh Musk and Michael Smith), presented by Dancehouse

Safehold (Sandra Parker), presented by Dancehouse

OUTSTANDING DESIGN - SOUND

Reuben Lewis for Animalising presented by ImPermanence Productions

Chris Clark for Arkadia presented by The Substation and RISING

Anna Whitaker for Fertile Ground, presented by Dancehouse

Robert Downie for Pictures & Ghosts, presented by Dancehouse

Andrew Wilson for Four Sites: Muddy, presented by Sage Arts, Abbotsford Convent and Melbourne Fringe

FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986

Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471 081) (Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 6 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 384, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920066N depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Qi Wang and Zhengmin Li (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

OUTSTANDING DESIGN - LIGHT

Damien Cooper for Momenta, by Sydney Dance Company and Arts Centre Melbourne

Rachel Lee for Pieces, presented by Lucy Guerin Inc. and UMAC

Paul Lim for One Single Action, presented by RISING

OUTSTANDING DESIGN - VISUAL

Chunky Move with Honey Long and Prue Stent (Set) of You, Beauty, presented by Chunky Move and RISING

Eugyeene Teh (Set & Costume) for Arkadia, presented by The Substation and RISING

Jenni Large (Visual Design) for Wet Hard Long, presented by Dancehouse

Katy Moir (Visual Design) for Gurr Era Op, presented by Arts House

OUTSTANDINGPERFORMER(S) (TWOAWARDS)

Christopher Gurusamy for Ananda: Dance of Joy, presented by Dancehouse

Trevor Dunn for The Solos, presented by Weave Movement Theatre and Dancehouse

Bec Jensen for Four Sites: Muddy, presented by Sage Arts, Abbotsford Convent and Melbourne FringeBenedicte Bemet for Oscar, presented by Australia Ballet

Ako Kondo for Oscar, presented by Australia Ballet

Samuel Harnett-Welk for Arkadia, presented by The Substation and RISING

Georgia Rudd for Arkadia, presented by The Substation and RISING

Arabella Frahn-Starkie for Pictures & Ghosts, presented by Dancehouse

Jordan Charles Herbert for Vanguard presented by Boss Dance Co.

Ashtyn Gloury for Vanguard presented by Boss Dance Co.

Tra Mi Dinh for Pieces: Seven Dances for Two People presented by Lucy Guerin Inc. and UMACAgus Riyanto for Animalising, presented by ImPermanence Productions BREAKINGGROUNDAWARD

Harrison Ritchie-Jones for 2024 body of work Weave Movement Theatre for The Solos

Alisdair Macindoe for the concept execution of Plagiary, presented by Arts Centre Melbourne OUTSTANDINGCREATION

Cuddle (Harrison Ritchie-Jones), presented by Arts House

Four Sites (Jo Lloyd), presented by Sage Arts, Abbotsford Convent and Melbourne Fringe Pictures & Ghosts (Arabella Frahn-Starkie), presented by Dancehouse

Safehold (Sandra Parker), presented by Dancehouse

Fertile Ground (Ashleigh Musk and Michael Smith), presented by Dancehouse ★

INDEPENDENTTHEATRE OUTSTANDINGENSEMBLE

Hamlet, presented by Melbourne Shakespeare Company. Jacob Collins-Levy, Simon Maiden, Peter Houghton, Natasha Herbert, Christopher Stollery, Orion CareyClarke, Darcy Kent, Laurence Boxhall, Ben Walter, Aisha Aidara, Gispa Walstab, Dulcie Smart, Gareth Reeves, Darren Gilshenan, Terry Yeboah, and Emmanuel Mattana

Interior, presented by Rawcus with presenting venue The Substation. lem Baade, Swann Biguet, Michael Buxton, Rachel Edward, Nilgun Guven, Jorlene Lim, Joshua Lynzaat, Paul Matley, Mike McEvoy, Isha Menon, Ryan New, Heath O'Loughlin, Kerryn Poke, and Louise Riisik

Spring Has Sprung: The Beautiful Show, presented by Pummel Squad Pummel Squad (Cooper Donald McDonald, Harry McGee and Ludomyr Kemp-Mykyta)

The Inheritance, presented by fortyfivedownstairs Iopu Auva'a, Rupert Bevan, Juan Gomez, Tomáš Kantor, Javon King, Joss McClelland, Dion Mills, Jillian Murray, Hunter Perske, Charles Purcell, Karl Richmond, Christian Taylor, and Alex Thew

We're Banking On It! presented by MUST in association with Bloomshed, with fortyfivedownstairsKieran O'Baoill, Ava Toon, John Burgess, Eloise Vernon, Thu Pham, Sophie Foster, Cal Darvall, Luca Edwards,Tiara Pires and Simmar Chawla

OUTSTANDINGPERFORMER (Two Awards)

Nicci Wilks for Bad Boy, presented by Dee, Cornelius and Wilks with fortyfivedownstairs and Melbourne Fringe, as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Felix Nobis for Beowulf: Reforged presented as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Continued Next Page

Entertainment

From Previous Page

Brigid Gallacher for Milk and Blood, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Charles Purcell for Milk and Blood, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Noni Hazlehurst for Mother, presented by Hey Dowling and Arts Centre Melbourne

Molly Holohan for Recollection, presented by potkettleblack productions

Hayley Edwards for Shitbag, via Tiny Table Reads as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Charles Purcell for The Inheritance, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Belinda Anderson-Hunt for The Sun and The Hermit, presented by Belinda AndersonHunt as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Lana Schwarcz for The Terminator, presented by Lana Schwarcz with La Mama as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN

Jenny Hector for Bad Boy, presented by Dee, Cornelius and Wilks with fortyfivedownstairs and Melbourne Fringe, as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Richard Vabre for Milked, presented by The Ninth Floor

Meg Wilson for The Exact Dimensions of Hell, presented by Mackey, Darling & CollaboratorsSpencer Herd for the last train to madeline, presented by Fever103 Theatre

Shane Grant for The Swallows, presented by La Mama Theatre, in association with Kath Papas Productions and Sandra Fiona Long OUTSTANDINGWRITING

Liv Satchell for Ballkids (or, scenes from a friendship), presented by VIMH with La Mama Theatre as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Benjamin Nichol for Milk and Blood, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Alex Hines for Putting On A Show, presented by Sons of Stratford as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Hayley Edwards for Shitbag, via Tiny Table Reads as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Pummel Squad (Cooper Donald McDonald and Harry McGee) for Twenty Million Thousand Leagues Under The Sea by Pummel Squad, presented as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION

Katrina Cornwell for Interior, presented by Rawcus with presenting venue The Substation Cassandra Fumi for Rhinoceros, presented by Spinning Plates Co with fortyfivedownstairs Pummel Squad (Cooper Donald McDonald, Harry McGee and Ludomyr Kemp-Mykyta) for Spring Has Sprung: The Beautiful Show, presented by Pummel Squad

Kitan Petkovski for The Inheritance, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Nadja Kostich for The Word, presented by St Martins

OUTSTANDINGSOUND DESIGN

Georgie Wolfe for Beowulf: Reforged presented as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

Con Coutis and Justin Gardam for CON 2077, presented by Bright Side Presents with Malthouse Theatre as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Jack Burmeister for The Roof is Caving In, presented by Frenzy Theatre Co with La Mama Theatre

The Swallows, presented by La Mama Theatre, in association with Kath Papas Productions and Sandra Fiona Long

Yanto Shortis for Twenty Million Thousand Leagues Under The Sea by Pummel Squad, presented as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival

OUTSTANDING PRODUCTION DESIGN (Two Awards)

Tom Halls of TumYumSim (Technical / Digital Design) for A Suffocating Choking Feeling, presented by TomYumSim (Simone French & Tom Halls) with La Mama Theatre

Nathan Burmeister (Set and Costume Design) for Interior, presented by Rawcus with presenting venue The Substation

Alex Hines, Alex Orlando-Smith and Riley McCullagh (Set & Costume Design) for Putting On A Show, presented by Sons of Stratford as part of Melbourne International Comedy Festival

Erin Adams (Scent) for Recollection, presented by potkettleblack productions

Eloise Kent (Set) for Recollection, presented by potkettleblack productions

Jacob Battista (Set) & Dann Barber (Set & Costume) for Rhinoceros, presented by Spinning Plates Co with fortyfivedownstairs

Savanna Wegman (Set) for the last train to

madeline, presented by Fever103 Theatre

Joanne Mott (Set) for The Swallows, presented by La Mama Theatre, in association with Kath Papas Productions and Sandra Fiona Long Pummel Squad (Cooper Donald McDonald and Harry McGee) (AV / Production Design) for Twenty Million Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, presented by Pummel Squad

Nathan Burmeister (Set & Costume) for We're Banking On It! presented by MUST in association with Bloomshed, with fortyfivedownstairs OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Ballkids (or, scenes from a friendship), presented by VIMH with La Mama Theatre as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival Interior, presented by Rawcus with presenting venue The Substation Spring Has Sprung: The Beautiful Show, presented by Pummel Squad

The Inheritance, presented by fortyfivedownstairs

Twenty Million Thousand Leagues Under The Sea, presented by Pummel Squad as part of Melbourne Fringe Festival ★

Music Theatre – Independent/Fringe OUTSTANDINGARTIST – LEADING ROLE

Jude Pearl for Share House – The Musical presented by Arts Centre Melbourne presents Nadine Garner for Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions

Stephanie Astrid John for Twelfth Night - A Musical presented by Melbourne Shakespeare Company

Maxwell Simon for Twelfth Night - A Musi-

cal presented by Melbourne Shakespeare Company

Lansy Feng for Hidden Tunes presented by Small Ripples Theatre OUTSTANDINGARTISTSUPPORTING ROLE

Anthony Craig for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions

Kerrie Anne Greenland for Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions

Madeleine Featherby for Castro’s Children presented by Music Theatre Melbourne

Melanie Bird for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions

Jennifer Vuletic for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE OR FEATURED ENSEMBLE

Emma Clair Waxman, Olivia Charalambous, and Stephanie Astrid John for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions

The Company for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company

The Company for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions

The Company for Twelfth Night - A Musical presented by Melbourne Shakespeare Company

OUTSTANDINGNEWAUSTRALIAN MUSIC THEATRE WRITING

Samuel Kristy (Music) for Quasimodo The Musical (In Concert) presented by Broadwest Productions in association with The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra

Jude Pearl, Desiree Munro, Brendan Tsui for Share House - The Musical presented by Arts

16 Land Acquisition and Compensation Act

Notice of Acquisition Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498

(Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision LP126750S contained in Certificate of Title Volume 10115 Folio 577, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920061Y depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Michael Leigh Lambe and Emma Kate Lambe (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

Centre Melbourne presents Bec Price (Vocal Arrangements) for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company

Simon Stone (Score), Peter Fitzpatrick (Book & Lyrics) for Castro’s Children presented by Music Theatre Melbourne OUTSTANDINGDESIGN

Jason Bovaird (Lighting) for Son Called Moon presented by Mammoth Records NSG

Britni Leslie (Costume) for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions Damien Jones (Set) for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions

Jason Bovaird (Lighting) for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions

Rachel Porter (Production Design) for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company

OUTSTANDINGCHOREOGRAPHY

Shannon Rogers for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre CompanyLouise Panagiotidis for The Three Little Pigs presented by Andrew Gyopar (AG Theatre)

Freya List for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions OUTSTANDING DIRECTION – MUSIC

Simon Stone for Castro’s Children presented by Music Theatre Melbourne

Vicky Jacobs for Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions

Daniele Buatti for Lucky Stiff presented by Bold Offer Productions & Be You Productions for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Continued Next Page

of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 2 on Plan of Subdivision LP207991T contained in Certificate of Title Volume 09784 Folio 604, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920060B depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Beverley Lorraine Holinger (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 11 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

From Previous Page

Brendan Tsui for Share House - The Musical presented by Arts Centre Melbourne presents

Dave Barclay & Ned Dixon for Ruthless! The Musical presented by Stagebugs Productions

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION – STAGE

Miranda Middleton with Ashley Taylor Tickell for The Grinning Man presented by Salty Theatre and Vass Productions

Bec Price for Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company

Tyran Parke for Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions

OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Elegies: A Song Cycle presented by Clovelly Fox Productions

Share House - The Musical presented by Arts Centre Melbourne presents Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence presented by Crash Theatre Company ★

Music Theatre – Commercial/Funded OUTSTANDINGARTIST –LEADING ROLE

Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty Kala Gare for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Elise McCann for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Ruva Ngwenya for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty

FORM 7

Andy Karl for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

OUTSTANDINGARTISTSUPPORTING ROLE

Peter Rowsthorn for CHICAGO presented by Crossroads Live

Raj Labade for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Genevieve Lemon for Sister Act presented by Crossroads Live

Blake Bowden for The Rocky Horror Show presented by Crossroads Live

Robert Grubb for Sunset Boulevard presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment OUTSTANDINGENSEMBLE/FEATURED ENSEMBLE

The Company for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

The Company for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

The Company for CHICAGO presented by Crossroads Live

The Company for Carousel – A Concert presented by Enda Markey

OUTSTANDINGNEWAUSTRALIAN MUSIC THEATRE WRITING

To be announced at the Ceremony OUTSTANDING DESIGN (Two Awards)

Marg Horwell (Set) for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Rob Howell (Set & Costume) for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment &

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986

Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471 081) (Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 5 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 383, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920065Q depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Kelvin Stewart Drummond and Claire Robina Drummond (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 13 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council. For

Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Hugh Vanstone (Visual-Lighting) for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Paul Kieve (Visual-Illusions) for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

David Greaseley (Sound) for Sunset Boulevard presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment

Tom Brickhill (Sound) for CAROUSEL - A Concert presented by Enda Markey

Campbell Young and Associates (WHAM: Wigs, Hair & Make-Up) for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Campbell Young and Associates - Harold Mertens & Wouter Somers (WHAM: Wigs, Hair & Make-Up) for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty OUTSTANDINGCHOREOGRAPHY

Matt West for Beauty and The Beast presented by Disney Australia

Amy Campbell for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Lizzi Gee for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Cameron Mitchell for MENOPAUSE - THE MUSICAL presented by Sam Klingner, SK Entertainment

FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986

Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471 081) (Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 1 on Plan of Subdivision 149469D contained in Certificate of Title Volume 09611 Folio 720, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920059K depicted below. Interests acquired: that of Jiancai Hao (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 17 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council. For

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION – MUSIC

Paul Christ and Kristen Blodgette for Sunset Boulevard presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment

Victoria Falconer for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Nigel Ubrihien for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Christina Polimos for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty

Guy Simpson for CAROUSEL - A Concert presented by Enda Markey

OUTSTANDING DIRECTION – STAGE

Anne-Louise Sarks for My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Matthew Warchus for Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

Phyllida Lloyd for TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty

Paul Warwick Griffin for Sunset Boulevard presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment

Cameron Mitchell for MENOPAUSE - THE MUSICAL presented by Sam Klingner, SK Entertainment

OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Groundhog Day presented by GWB Entertainment & Whistle Pig in association with Marriner Group, TEG and GFOUR Productions

TINA - The Tina Turner Musical presented by TEG/Dainty

My Brilliant Career presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

CHICAGO presented by Crossroads Live ★

OPERA

OUTSTANDINGPERFORMANCE INA LEAD ROLE (Two Awards)

Diego Torre for Tosca presented by Opera Australia

Christopher Hillier for Rothschild’s Violin presented by iOpera

Michael Honeyman for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne

Lyndon Watts for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Desiree Frahn for Eucalyptus presented by Victorian Opera and Opera Australia

Karah Son for Tosca presented by Opera Australia

Elena Xanthoudakis for Lucia di Lammermoor presented by Melbourne Opera

Kiandra Howarth for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera

Katherine Allen for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

OUTSTANDINGPERFORMANCE INA SUPPORTING ROLE (Two Awards)

Chloe Taylor for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne

Juel Riggal for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne

Alex Lewis for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Doug Kelly for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera

Nina Korb for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera

Eddie Muliaumaseali’I for Lucia di Lammermoor presented by Melbourne Opera OUTSTANDINGDESIGN

Gabriel Bethune (Lighting) and Max Bowyer (Set) for Don Giovanni presented by BK Opera

Peter Amesbury (Lighting) for Lucia di Lammermoor presented by Melbourne Opera

Jacob Battista and Sophie Woodward (Set) for La Boheme presented by Melbourne Opera

Dann Barber (Set and Costumes) Matt Scoot (Lighting) for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Jacob Battista (Set) and Amelia LeverDavidson (Lighting) for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne OUTSTANDINGDIRECTION

Gary Abrahams for La Boheme presented by Melbourne Opera

Dean Bryant (Direction) for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Stuart Maunder for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera Freya List (Choreography) for Candide presented by Victorian Opera

Katy Maudlin for The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne OUTSTANDINGMUSICALACHIEVEMENT

Orchestra Victoria, Ben Northey (Cond.) for Candide presented by Victorian Opera Continued Next Page

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Orchestra Victoria, Tobias Ringborg (Cond.) for La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera Programming for Rothschild’s Violin presented by iOpera

Ensemble for Candide presented by Victorian Opera Ensemble for Eucalyptus presented by Victorian Opera/Opera Australia

OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Candide presented by Victorian Opera La Rondine presented by Victorian Opera

The Children’s Bach presented by Lyric Opera of Melbourne

★

THEATRE COMPANIES

OUTSTANDINGNEWAUSTRALIAN WRITING:

S. Shakthidharan (writer) with Eamon Flack (associate writer) for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji CoProduction for Rising Festival

Nathan Maynard for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Suzie Miller for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Maxine Beneba Clarke for The Hate Race presented by Malthouse Theatre

Merlynn Tong for Golden Blood. Melbourne Theatre Company presents a Griffin Theatre Company Production

OUTSTANDING ENSEMBLE:

37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji Co-Production for Rising Festival

English presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Emu in the Sun as part of Blak in the Room presented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company

The Hate Race presented by Malthouse Theatre

Community News

Unlocking legacy of Vietnam War

■ Ffity years after its conclusion, the State Government says that it continues to recognise and honour the enduring legacy, courage and resilience of Vietnamese refugee communities and veterans who served in the Vietnam War.

Multicultural Affairs Minister Ingrid Stitt and Veterans Minister Natalie Suleyman attended a commemorative event on Sunday (Mar. 2) at the National Vietnam Veterans Museum to mark the anniversary.

The Australian Vietnamese Women’s Association, in partnership with the National Vietnam Veterans Museum, held the commemorative event with $29,900 in funding support from the Government through the Regional Multicultural Festival and Events fund.

“The Vietnam War shaped the lives of many Victorians – both those who served and the Vietnamese families who sought refuge here,” a Government representative said.

“Victoria’s Vietnamese community makes countless ongoing contributions to the rich social, economic and cultural fabric of the state, which is a testament to their strength and resilience.

“Six decades after Australia became involved in the Vietnam War, Victorians also pay respect to the 60,000 Australians who served for more than a decade including 3000 who were wounded and 521 who lost their lives.

“The Government has invested $6.67 million to build Australia’s first ever Vietnamese cultural centre and museum in Sunshine – set to provide Vietnamese Victorians with a place to celebrate their heritage and preserve stories of migration and refugee settlement.

It will form the sixth cultural museum in the Multicultural Museums Victoria Network, alongside the Hellenic Museum, Museum of Chinese Australian History, Jewish Museum, Islamic Museum and Museo Italiano

OUTSTANDINGCOMPOSITION & SOUND DESIGN

Dan West for The Hate Race presented by Malthouse Theatre

James Henry for Body of Work (37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre and Blak in the Room presented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company)

Paul Charlier for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Marco Cher-Gibard for Homo Pentecostus presented by Joel Bray Dance and Malthouse Theatre

Stefan Gregory for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji CoProduction for Rising Festival

OUTSTANDING LIGHTING DESIGN

BROCKMAN for Overflow presented by Arts Centre Melbourne, Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Midsumma Festival

Ben Hughes for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Alexander Berlage for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Amelia Lever-Davidson for Your Name Means Dream presented by Red Stitch Actors Theatre

Katie Sfetkidis for Body of Work

(Homo Pentecostus presented by Joel Bray Dance and Malthouse Theatre and Blak in the Roompresented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company

OUTSTANDING SET+

COSTUME DESIGN

Zoe Rouse for The Hate Race presented by

FORM 7

Malthouse Theatre

David Fleischer for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Dale Ferguson for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji CoProduction for Rising Festival

Sophie Woodward for Topdog/Underdog presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Dann Barber for Emu in the Sun as part of Blak in the Room presented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company

OUTSTANDINGDIRECTION

Dino Dimitriadis for Overflow presented by Arts Centre Melbourne, Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Midsumma Festival

Isaac Drandic (Director & Co-Choreographer) & Waaneega Blanco (Co-Choreographer) for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Priscilla Jackson for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Eamon Flack (director) & S. Shakthidharan (associate director) for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji CoProduction for Rising Festival

Kat Henry for Your Name Means Dream presented by Red Stitch Actors Theatre OUTSTANDINGPERFORMANC (Two Awards)

Heather Mitchell for RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

Nadie Kammallaweera for Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

Compulsory Acquisition of Interest in Land

The Manningham City Council (ABN 61 498 471

(Council) of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 4 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 382, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920064S depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Henning Horn Enterprises Pty Ltd (registered proprietor) and all other interests.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.

Kurinji Co-Production for Rising Festival

Ras-Samuel for Topdog/Underdog presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Lucy Ansell for Your Name Means Dream presented by Red Stitch Actors Theatre

Melodie Reynolds for Gunawarra Re-Creation part of Blak in the Room presented by Ilbijerri Theatre Company & Melbourne Theatre Company

Syd Brisbane for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Tibian Wyles for 37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

Janet Anderson for Overflow presented by Arts Centre Melbourne, Darlinghurst Theatre Company and Midsumma Festival

Oli Pizzen Stratford for Cost of Living presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

Rachel Edmonds for Cost of Living presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

OUTSTANDINGPRODUCTION

Counting and Cracking presented by University of Melbourne Arts and Culture | A Belvoir St Theatre and Kurinji Co-Production for Rising Festival

37 presented by Melbourne Theatre Company and Queensland Theatre

The Hate Race presented by Malthouse Theatre

English presented by Melbourne Theatre Company

RBG: Of Many, One presented by Sydney Theatre Company

OUTSTANDINGCREATIVE

COLLABORATION (SpecialAward)

To be announced at the Ceremony

FORM 7

Regulation 16

Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 Notice of Acquisition

of

of 699 Doncaster Road, Doncaster, Victoria 3108 declares that by this notice it acquires the following interest in the land described as Lot 3 on Plan of Subdivision LP085143 contained in Certificate of Title Volume 08801 Folio 381, being that part of the land shown as Road R-1 on the proposed Plan of Subdivision PS920063U depicted below.

Interests acquired: that of Honglan Hou and Campbell Ross Thompson (registered proprietor) and all other interests. The acquisition is made pursuant to section 112(1) of the Local Government Act 2020 for the purpose of the Jumping Creek Road Project (Stage 2).

A notice of intention to acquire the interest in the land was served on 4 December 2024.

Published with the authority of the Council.