The Local Paper. North-West Edition. Wed., Oct. 15, 2025
Local News
Officer charged
■ A senior constable from western region has been charged following an internal investigation.
The 33-year-old man has been charged with sexual assault.
The charges relate to an incident alleged to have taken place in 2024 while the member was off duty.
He will appear before a court at a later date.
Stunt backfires
■ A teenager is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences after taunting officers on a motorcycle in front of police in Craigieburn on Wednesday (Oct. 8).
Police were dealing with an unrelated matter in the car park of Craigieburn Police Station on Craigieburn Rd, when a black motorcycle approached about 3.10pm.
The male rider began to taunt officers and attempted to perform a mono before he stalled his motorbike and was unable to restart the ignition.
The man fled on foot as officers approached but was arrested nearby on Plumpton Ave.
The 17-year-old from the Hume area is expected to be charged on summons with several traffic offences including unlicensed riding and using an unregistered motorcycle.
His motorcycle was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $999.
Fire at Burnside
■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded at 11am on Thursday (Oct. 8) to an incident after callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire in Sullivan Terrace, Burnside
Crews arrived on scene within seven minutes to find a two-storey brick veneer structure fully alight on the top level and through the roof, so the response was escalated.
Crews working internally were withdrawn after an initial search and attack on the fire due to the threat of imminent collapse.
The incident was deemed under control at 11.44am.
Fire Investigators were attending the scene to determine the cause.
FRV crews were to remain on scene for some time to overhaul what was a significant house fire.
Broadie shooting
■ Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged a man following a shooting in Broadmeadows
Emergency services were called to Pascoe Vale Rd following reports a man had suffered a gunshot wound on Sunday 28 Sep tember about 3.45pm. A 22-year-old Meadow Heights man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where he remains in a stable condition.
A 26-year-old man was arrested at Coolaroo Railway Station by Protective Services Officers from Transit Safety Division
■ jsut prior to demolition, Maribyrnong Council celebrated the history of RecWest Footscray with community members, staff, and local clubs.
Deputy Mayor, Cr Bernadette Thomas, said the event was a great opportunity to connect with the community and hear their stories and memories of RecWest over the years.
“RecWest has been a core part of the community in West Footscray for more than 70 years and has had a real impact on so many individuals,” Cr Thomas said.
“We are excited to be developing a new facility that can provide a space for connection, support, and fitness for years to come.”
Once complete, the new RecWest stadium will feature an upgraded and larger health club, café, two indoor courts, community rooms, changing places facility, public toilets, and additional storage.
This major transformation is thanks to a joint investment of over $42 million from the Council and the State Government
The closing event featured activities for people of all ages, with opportunities to explore the building or take a final class with the YMCA
MP WELCOMES SCHOOL TO STATE PARLIAMENT FOND FAREWELL TO RECWEST FOOTSCRAY
■ Pascoe Vale MLA Anthony Cianflone has spopken about welcoming the students of Merri-bek Primary School to State Parliament.
“I was very pleased to have welcomed the Merribek Primary School community to Parliament to continue their advocacy efforts on their new concept master plan and priorities and to meet with the Deputy Premier and Minister for Education Ben Carroll, the Parliamentary Secretary for Education the member for Albert Park and members of the Northern Metropolitan Region Enver Erdogan and Sheena Watt in the [Legislative Council].
“Thanks to school leaders who attended and who did their school community very proud indeed in advocating for their priorities and future vision, including Maria Giordano, the principal; Sean Gander, school council president; Mark Evenhuis, building and grounds committee member; Joseph Hess , learning specialist; and Belinda Slomo, the business manager.”
Mr Cianflone also made mention that the 2025–26 State Budget also delivered $200,000 towards new lights for Brunswick City Soccer Club at Dunstan Reserve’s southern training pitches.
Right to work from home
● ● ● ●
Dylan Wight, Tarneit MLA
■ Tarneit MLA Dylan Wight has strongly supported reforms to allow people to work from home.
“The Allan Labor Government is committed to making work fairer and more flexible for every Victorian,” Mr Wight told State Parliament.
“Over the past decade Victoria’s economy has grown faster than any other state and is now 31 per cent larger than when Labor took government in 2014.
“Since June 2020 alone more than 113,000 new businesses have been created, an increase of 18 per cent – the largest growth of any state in the nation.
“The Allan Labor Government’s working from home consultation broke state records, with more than 18,400 Victorians already having had their say.
“Not everyone has the option of working from home, but everyone benefits from a stronger, more productive economy.
“Over 14,000 Tarneit families stand to benefit from this reform. They are the ones who live the stress of endless commutes and the constant balancing act between their jobs and their caring responsibilities.
“This policy will put their wellbeing first. Giving people the choice to work from home means more time with family, less time in traffic and greater flexibility to support our local schools, businesses and community life.
“We know that those flexible working arrangements are paramount to Victorian workers and to Victorian businesses, and we will support the continued right for people to work from home,” Mr Wight said.
Jake
0430
● ● Signing off at Recwest Footscray
● Anthony Cianflone MLA
Today’s Menu
Charcuterie Boards:
Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts
Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.
Teas and Coffees
Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea
BLAZE AT NIDDRIE
● ● ● ● Fire Rescue Victoria. File Image
■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded to an incident on Keilor Rd in Niddrie at 12.26pm Saturday (Oct. 11) following multiple calls to Triple Zero (000) reporting smoke issuing from a two-storey business.
Crews arrived on scene in five minutes and established firefighting lines protecting nearby structures.
Firefighters used heavy cutting equipment to gain access to the building.
Heavy smoke was exiting the workshop on arrival heading into the northerly and westerly directions.
A community warning was issued given heavy smoke in the area.
Multiple buildings were involved with a total size of 40m x 20m, with the fire contained to the rear of one building.
Two people were safely evacuated from the property.
The incident was deemed under control at 2.13pm.
Firefighters remained on scene to monitor and ensure hot spots are extinguished.
This incident has been deemed not suspicious.
Dangerous intersections
■ Melbourne MLA Ellen Sandell has called for urgent attention to dangerous intersection in Carlton.
“When will the Government finally fix the dangerous intersections up and down Rathdowne St which are endangering kids in my electorate – especially kids who go to Carlton Gardens Primary School?
“Ninety per cent of students at Carlton Gardens Primary School either walk, scoot or cycle to school every day, and this is fantastic.
“But every morning and afternoon, kids are put in harm’s way as they have to cross a range of very dangerous and busy intersections on their way to school.
“Currently, there are no good bike routes or pedestrian crossings along this route, and the school council is reporting multiple close calls between kids and cars every week, which is really, really frightening.
“It is a worry because it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or worse.
“Parents have put forward a proposal for several solutions to local and State Labor Governments, such as wombat scramble crossings, longer crossing times at intersections and better bike and pedestrian routes.
“Now parents and staff want to know when the state Labor Government will finally address their concerns,” Ms Sandell said.
Local News
Push for better transport
■ A major transport campaign spanning seven councils in Melbourne’s north is calling on residents and local businesses to speak up about the real impacts of inadequate and unreliable transport in their daily lives.
Launched on Tuesday (Oct. 7), the Connect Melbourne’s North campaign brings together the municipalities of Banyule, Darebin, Hume, Merri-bek, Mitchell, Nillumbik and Whittlesea
It is a push for urgently needed investment in public transport, connectivity and active transport networks across the fast-growing region.
Residents are being asked to visit a website and record their experiences, whether that’s waiting too long for buses, sitting in daily traffic jams or being cut off from work, education or medical appointments due to limited transport options.
From overloaded roads acrossthe region, to unsafe bike links and inadequate services in rural areas, and lack of connected services in our inner suburbs, each council has highlighted its local issues.
They share a common goal: better transport for everyone in Melbourne’s north.
Chair of the Northern Councils Alliance and Mayor of Merri-bek, Cr Helen Davidson, said community voices would help power the next stage of advocacy.
“Our region is one of the fastest growing in the country, yet our transport network hasn’t kept up,” Cr Davidson said.
“This campaign is about amplifying local voices and showing decision-makers that transport in Melbourne’s north can’t wait. We need more than words – we need commitment and investment.
“Whether you’re stuck in traffic every morning, or your child can’t get to TAFE, or your bus doesn’t turn up, your story matters. We’re asking you to share it.”
The campaign is advocating for improvements including:
■ an efficient, connected bus network that matches how people live and work
■ investment in rail projects like the Upfield Line extension and Wollert rail
■ safer walking and cycling paths linked across Council boundaries
■ east-west connectivity to improve access to jobs and services
■ better access to health infrastructure such as the Northern Hospital
■ investment in large road projects such as Hume Freeway extension and the OMR/E6 Residents, workers and business owners are encouraged to visit the campaign website and add their voice to the call for change. www.connectmelbournesnorth.com
‘Ghost buses’
■ Western Metropolitan MLC David Ettershank is quoted to say that ‘ghost buses’ are not there in reality but arec used on tracking apps.
“it sounds like something from a Harry Potterfilm,” said the Parliamentarian.
Survey respondents reported missing work, school and appointments because buses simpky failed to arrive.
The frequency of ‘ghost buses is said to “almost weekly”.
People can track a pizza but cannot count on the state’s bus tracking system, he said.
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
■ Detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad have charged a man and seized a sawn-off shotgun, an imitation handgun and drugs of dependence after a warrant was executed at a Truganina address on Monday (Oct. 6).
The 45-year-old Truganina man was charged with possess firearm contrary to Firearm Prohibition Order, prohibited person possess firearm, prohibited person possess imitation firearm, traffick drug of dependence and possess drug of dependence.
He appeared at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court late Monday.
A sawn-off 44 Ruger shotgun, an imitation handgun and what appears to be dried cannabis and methylamphetamine were seized from his address.
Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an anonymous report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
● ● Cr Helen Davidson
● ● Ellen Sandell MLA
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Ash on Wednesday Assault on batteries
■ Broadmeadows
MLA Kathleen Matthews-Ward has spoken in State Parliament about tghe circular economy.
“Embedded batteries are a growing problem contaminating landfill and causing fires,” Ms Matthews-Ward told the Legislative Assembly.
“They are found in everyday items like electric toothbrushes, toys, power tools and, sadly, vapes.
“A lot of people do not know which bins to put them in.
“It is actually illegal to put them in the normal landfill rubbish bin. They should be recycled.
“I was really proud to attend the launch of the new Ecocycle and Ecobatt batteryin-device shredding facility in Campbellfield along with Minister Dimopoulos.
“It was a proud moment to see this world-first technology right here in Broadmeadows – a milestone for Victoria, Australia and indeed the world, and proudly supported by a $2 million grant from the Labor State Government
“The machine breaks down the items, separates the batteries and recovers up to 95 per cent of valuable materials like lithium, cobalt and plastics, which can then be reused,” Ms Matthews-Ward said.
Long Shots
Wight has told the Legislative Assembly about progress at Warringa Park School.
“ Last week we finished upgrading classrooms at Warringa Park School , a specialist school in Hoppers Crossing
that supports students between the ages of five and 18.
“Since Labor was elected in 2014 we have provided funding for upgrades at every single one of the 82 specialist schools in Victoria
“That includes the fantastic Warringa Park School in Hoppers Crossing
“ Warringa Park provides a community committed to academic excellence and student wellbeing and a safe, flexible and stimulating learning environment.
“This school plays a pivotal role in the lives of families across Tarneit and the wider Wyndham community.
“In the 2022–23 state budget Warringa Park received more than $14 million to replace relocatable buildings with new permanent classroom facilities.
“In the Education State we believe every student deserves the best opportunity to thrive,” Mr Wight said.
EV solution
■ Merri-bek Council is loloking at solutions for electric vehicle owners who have no driveway.
Motorists can chargetheuir Electric Vehicle (EV) at home - even when it’s parked on the street.
A clever retractable boom runs a cable safely over the footpath to the EV, then folds away when not in use.
Merri-bek City Council in partnership with Vehicles Charging Solutions Australia is bringing affordable charging to Merri-bek
A trial is underway at the north-west municipality.
Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.
BRIMBANK
Incorporating the traditions of the Brimbank Messenger (Est. 1956). Brimbank comprises Albanvale, Albion, Ardeer, Brooklyn (part), Cairnlea, Calder Park, Deer Park, Delahey, Derrimut, Hillside (part), Kealba, Keilor (part), Keilor Downs, Keilor East (part), Keilor Lodge, Keilor North, Keilor Park, Kings Park, St Albans, Sunshine, Sunshine North, Sunshine West, Sydenham, Taylors Lakes and Tullamarine (part). Brimbank is home to more than 194,319 people, living in approximately 69,275 homes.
HOBSONS BAY
Hobsons Bay comprises Altona, Altona Meadows, Altona North, Brooklyn, Laverton, Newport, Seabrook, Seaholme, South Kingsville, Spotswood, Williamstown and Williamstown North. Hobsons Bay is home to more than 88,788 people, living in approximately 37,183 homes.
HUME
Incorporating the traditions of the Hume Observer (Est. 1956). Hume comprises Attwood, Broadmeadows, Bulla, Campbellfield, Clarkefield (part), Coolaroo, Craigieburn, Dallas, Diggers Rest (part), Fawkner (part), Gladstone Park, Greenvale, Jacana, Kalkallo, Keilor (part), Meadow Heights, Melbourne Airport, Mickleham, Oaklands Junction, Roxburgh Park, Somerton, Sunbury, Tullamarine (part), Westmeadows, Wildwood and Yuroke. Hume is home to more than 197,376 people, living in approximately 67,399 homes.
MARIBYRNONG
Maribyrnong comprises Braybrook, Footscray, Kingsville, Maidstone, Maribyrnong, Seddon, Tottenham, West Footscray and Yarraville. Maribyrnong is home to more than 82,288 people, living in approximately 35,757 homes.
MELTON
Melton comprises Aintree, Bonnie Brook, Brookfield, Burnside, Burnside Heights, Caroline Springs, Cobblebank, Deanside, Diggers Rest, Exford, Eynesbury, Fieldstone, Fraser Rise, Grangefields, Harkness, Hillside, Kurunjang, Melton, Melton South, Melton West, Mount Cottrell, Parwan, Plumpton, Ravenhall, Rockbank, Strathtulloh, Taylors Hill, Thornhill Park, Toolern Vale, Truganina, Weir Views. Melton is home to more than 193,1557 people, living in approximately 60,363 homes.
MERRI-BEK
Incorporating the traditions of the Brunswick Sentinel (Est. 1936) and Coburg Courier (Est,. 1932) Merri-bek comprises Brunswick, Brunswick East, Brunswick West, Coburg, Coburg North, Fawkner, Glenroy, Gowanbrae, Hadfield, Oak Park, Pascoe Vale, and Pascoe Vale South. Merri-bek is home to more than 184,707 people, living in approximately 70,709 homes.
MOONEE VALLEY
Incorporating the traditions of the Moonee Valley Gazette (Est. 1888) Moonee Valley comprises Aberfeldie, Airport West, Avondale Heights, Ascot Vale, Essendon, Essendon Fields, Essendon North, Essendon West, Flemington, Keilor East, Moonee Ponds, Niddrie, Strathmore, Strathmore Heights and Travancore. Moonee Valley is home to more than 129,739 people, living in approximately 48,000 homes.
MOORABOOL
Moorabool comprises Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Balliang, Balliang East, Barkstead, Blackwood, Bungaree, Clarendon, Dales Creek, Dunnstown, Elaine, Gordon, Greendale, Korweinguboora, Lal Lal, Mount Egerton, Myrniong, Wallace and Yendon.. Moorabool is home to more than 38,506 people, living in approximately 15,469 homes.
WYNDHAM
Incorporating the traditions of the Werribee Express (Est. 1896) Wyndham comprises Cocoroc, Eynesbury (part), Hoppers Crossing, Laverton (part), Laverton North, Little River (part), Mambourin, Mount Cottrell (part), Point Cook, Quandong, Tarneit, Truganina (part), Werribee, Werribee South, Williams Landing and Wyndham Vale. Wyndham is home to more than 309,125 people, living in approximately 100,366 homes.
Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre
Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment
Aaron Rourke, Film Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing
● ● Kathleen Matthews-Ward MLA
What’s On
Greeking out
■ Let’s talk about myths, baby. Greek myths, to be exact.
Welcome to Mythology 101 with Professor Ari, an engaging masterclass of all things ancient and Greek
First, please take note of the ground rules. Opinions are not welcome. This is a lecture, not a free-for-all.
GreekingOut, a one-woman show created and performed by Rebecca Perich, is a fun, fact-filled romp through the ancient world, complete with a PowerPoint presentation.
During our 60-minute journey through the ancient world, Professor Ari tells us, we will meet epic heroes, misbehaving gods, deadly beasts, and divine intervention. Take notes, there will be pop quizzes along the way.
Which god was the horniest? Zeus , of course, the bearer of a massive thunderbolt.
The angriest? Poseidon, the instigator of earthquakes.
How about Theseus and his mighty sword, the originator of the hero’s journey trope? Not according to Professor Ari. Instead, we are informed that Theseus was the Ted Bundy of Greek mythology.
Professor Ari tells the story of the Minotaur, a cautionary tale about a monster who feasts on human flesh and blood. Poseidon, the god of the seas, angry with King Minos for slighting him, punishes Minos by casting a spell on Queen Pasiphae so that she falls in love with a bull.
Nine months later, she gives birth to a creature, half-man, half-bull, the Minotaur, cursed to live in a labyrinth underground. Poor Pasiphae, because, of course, why not punish a woman for the crimes of a man?
Cleverly written, entertaining, and passionately delivered, Perich mines a rich treasure trove, bringing these ancient tales to life in this show.
Let’s hope there are more to come.
Review by Kathryn Keeble
Latest News Wildwood death
■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Wildwood on Thursday morning (Oct. 9).
It is understood a car and truck collided at the intersection of Wildwood Rd and Feehans Rd just after 6.30am.
The sole occupant died at the scene. The male driver of the truck was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives were to attend the scene, and the investigation remains ongoing.
Car fires link?
■ Detectives are investigating after five cars were set alight at three different scenes in Hampton Park and Noble Park on Thursday morning (Oct. 9).
Emergency services were first called to Nilufa Court in Hampton Park following reports two cars were on fire just after 3am.
A short time later another caller to Triple Zero (000) reported two cars were alight in Oaktree Drive in Hampton Park. The fire also spread to a nearby property.
A third call was received about 3.15am reporting a vehicle had been damaged by fire in Jessie St, Noble Park Greater Dandenong Crime Investigation
Unit detectives are attending each scene this morning and will investigate the circumstances surrounding the fires and whether the incidents are linked.
Anyone with information or anyone who witnessed the incidents are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Melbourne
LAUNCH OF BEAUTIFUL NOISE
■ A live phone call to the iconic American singer-songwriter Neil Diamond was a wonderful highlight of the launch of the musical A BeautifulNoiseat the Princess Theatre
A Beautiful Noise is the successful Broadway musical based on Diamond’s life which will open in Melbourne in August next year.
The musical has an interesting structure with scenes and songs from Diamond (then) back in his heyday juxtaposed with scenes involving Diamond (now) in therapy sessions.
Something of a coup was revealed at the launch when Will Swenson, who played the original Diamond (then) when the show opened on Broadway in 2022, came on stage and announced that he will reprise this role for the Melbourne season.
ABeautifulNoiseis a jukebox musical, where the majority of songs are well-known popular hits rather than original music composed for the show. Written by Anthony McCarten and devised with input from Diamond himself, the show features such fabulous songs as I’m A Believer,KentuckyWoman,SolitaryMan,Shilo, Sweet Caroline and Cracklin’ Rosie, all of which Diamond wrote and/or performed himself. The latter two were performed by Swenson at the launch to a thunderous reception by the invited guests.
A strong personal connection between Swenson and Diamond became apparent during the launch as Swenson spoke of how Diamond had mentored him in the role of Diamond (then). There was clearly a warm familiarity when the two spoke over the live phone connection.
Also in attendance at the launch was veteran Australian musical promoter and producer Paul Dainty and the Victorian State Minister for Creative Industries, Colin Brooks, both of whom spoke highly of the forthcoming production.
Neil Diamond is an enormously popular artist here in Australia, being the first one to sell a million concert tickets down under. It is wonderful to see how Melbourne audiences will at last see ABeautifulNoisein Australia’s musical theatre capital. Peter Murphy
Len joins Hall of Fame Len joins Hall of Fame
Latest News School affray
■ A teenager has been arrested by police following an affray outside a secondary school in Greenvale on Wedmnesday (Oct. 8) . The 16-year-old has been interviewed in relation to attempted armed robbery and affray.
And explore the fundamentals of fortune telling to uncover insights about yourself and your friends. Book an experience.
Whether you're a coffee enthusiast or a curious beginner, our hands-on experiences will guide you through the journey of this ancient brewing art.
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● Judy Rothacker congratulated Melbourne Observer columnist Len Baker as he was inducted into the Victorian Harness Racing Hall of Fame.
Observer Health
In The Pink
50,000
screened
■ Since launching its Children’s Vision Screening Program in 2018, more than 50,000 children across Australia, and more recently New Zealand, have received free vision screenings through the the Lions Eye Health Program
Skin cancer crisis
■ Australia has the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, with two in three people diagnosed with skin cancer by the age of 70. However, a new detection method pioneered by the University of South Australia , using artificial intelligence, will hopfully reverse this trend.
New regulations
■ The State Government has announced reforms to make food safety regulations simpler, more consistent and easier for businesses. As part of these reforms, a new independent regulator, Safe Food Victoria, will be established, bringing together several existing regulators.
Feel yourself
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2025
PODIATRY WEEK ACROSS VICTORIA
■ Podiatry Week is an annual campaign that raises awareness of ankle and foot health and the essential role podiatrists play in healthcare.
From a child’s very first steps, podiatrists play a crucial role in ensuring kids walk, run, and grow with confidence.
As you move through life chasing sporting goals, staying active for better health, or recovering from injury, podiatrists help keep you moving pain-free.
When life brings new challenges, from managing diabetes to staying mobile in later years, podiatrists are here to support every next step, big or small.
It's not just lower limb, ankle and foot problems. It’s about movement, independence, and quality of life at every age and stage.
Whether it’s a child finding their stride, an athlete hitting their stride, or an older adult maintaining their stride, podiatrists are there for every step of the journey.
■ Breast Cancer Network Australia has launched a new awareness campaign, Know Yourself. Feel Yourself, urging women to give their breasts the same attention they give their faces in the mirror. The Pulse $2.2m penalty
You will find podiatrists across all areas of the health sector – from private practice, community health services, hospitals, rural and remote outreach clinics, to rehabilitation centres, residential aged care, across the disability sector and working in people’s homes.
Australian Podiatry Association
Podiatry Week
Support at Home is coming: What it means for your feet and your freedom from Podiatry Bunch.
What began in 2016 as a small Eltham mobile podiatry service is now a team of almost 30 podiatrists and admin staff.
You will see Podiatry Bunch cars across Melbourne with a mission: exceptional care delivered at home. From November 1, Support at Home rolls out, replacing home care packages for those needing aged care help at home. The good news is allied health stays
Fact File
Practice name: Practice name: Podiatry Bunch
Address: Address: 2/ 734 Main Road, Eltham, VIC 3095
stays free, so you can keep moving without footing the bill.
Budgets may be tighter, and some independence-supporting items such as medical-grade footwear or pressure-relief products may require a co-contribution.
“Our goal is to protect mobility and dignity,” says Team Lead Meiru Karanbir.
“Keeping allied health free is a win, but we do not want people to miss out on the items that keep them safe at home.”
Behind the scenes, Podiatry Bunch is meeting with home care providers and engaging with the Independent Health and Aged Care Pricing Authority to keep podiatry affordable and not left behind.
With fewer podiatrists registering year on year, we are concerned for in-home podiatry as some clinics shift to in-clinic services only.
Unsure how the changes affect you? Talk to your provider or Podiatry Bunch for friendly advice and next steps.
■ NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commissioner Louise Glanville has welcomed the Federal Court’s judgement and $2.2 million penalty imposed against Aurora Community Care Pty Ltd in relation to the tragic death of Ankur Gupta. It is the highest civil penalty imposed on an NDIS provider to date.
Mr Gupta, an NDIS participant with an intellectual disability, was killed after being struck by a car on a motorway near his Supported Independent Living home.
Feeling blue?
■ People in Australia living with heart disease, including a history of heart attack, are being encouraged to recognise the ‘cardiac blues’ and seek help early for improved health outcomes.
With more than four million people in Australia living with a cardiac condition and on average one person every nine minutes hospitalised due to a heart attack every day1, the Heart Foundation is highlighting the intersect between mental health and heart health.
No. 1 Destination
■ Australia has been ranked as the most desirable wellness tourism destination in the Global Wellness Institute 2025 Wellness Survey.
Yea Podiatry Clinic: Supporting Every Step in the Local Community
● ● Regular podiatry client Michael Kirby with Erin Papadopoulos Podiatry Week 2025 runs from Monday October 13 to Sunday October 19, with the national theme “From first steps to next steps”.
Australians are being encouraged to think again about podiatry — not just in terms of foot, ankle, and lower
Name: Name: Name: Name: Yea Podiatry Clinic Address: The Grace Bennetts Centre, 20 Miller Street, Yea, 3717 Phone: Phone: Phone: Phone: 03 5736 0471
limb care, but as a profession that supports movement, independence, and quality of life at every age and stage.
Yea Podiatry Clinic, established in 2010, is proud to support the local community by providing quality podiatry care close to home.
The clinic is led by Erin Papadopoulos, owner and principal podiatrist, alongside experienced local podiatrist Ashleigh Peers.
“At Yea Podiatry Clinic we see an array of patients with varying needs, from sports people wanting to get back on the track, tradies looking for comfortable footwear solutions, elderly people needing foot care support, to parents wanting to check their child’s foot development,” Erin said.
“We love the diversity of clients we see and the ability to make a real impact in their lives by supporting their most important asset – their feet.”
Podiatry Week is the perfect reminder that podiatrists are highly trained health professionals who help prevent, manage and treat lower limb issues that affect mobility, comfort, and long-term health.
● ● Australian Podiatry Association
Your Stars
with Kerry Kulkens
Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s
Trusted Psychic Family
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 36, 30, 33
You may feel overly emotional, making it difficult to make rational decisions. Postpone major issues for now, and avoid making promises you may struggle to keep.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3, 2, 6, 5
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 25, 45, 40, 9
An opportunity you missed in the past may return, giving you a chance to succeed. Improvements in your love life are likely, and someone special may surprise you.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 9, 22, 1
Encouraging news in your career could boost your morale. Be mindful of overindulgence—it could affect your health. Watch for someone who may become a significant presence in your life.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Fawn
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 36, 39, 5
This could be one of your happiest weeks of the year. Your sparkling personality will attract people to you, and unexpected luck may come in surprising ways.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 30, 33
You may receive unexpected help from someone in a high position. During this period, a long-held wish could come true, bringing joy and fulfilment.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 25, 40, 44
Increased responsibilities may require you to postpone romantic plans. However, your patience will pay off, and you’ll be rewarded.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 1, 5
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 25, 28, 7
There are better times to engage in group activities. Wait for renewed energy and interest before starting something new. Improvements in health and well-being are likely.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Peach
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 9, 5
Lotto Numbers: 5, 6, 12, 23, 36, 39
Positive developments with trusted friends will brighten your week. You may assist someone out of a tricky situation. Unexpected business success could also lead to increased income.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 36, 30, 45
Taking a break may be just what you need. Overworking yourself could lead to fatigue. This is an emotional period, so avoid snap judgments.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Pink
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 20, 30, 11, 15
It’s time to let go of outdated ideas and start afresh. Before signing essential documents, ensure you understand the details and seek professional advice.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Purple
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6, 2, 3, 1
Lotto Numbers: 6, 12, 23, 30, 22, 29
If someone has disappointed you, exercise caution to avoid a repeat. Be open to kindness from others, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed—it’s often a wise choice.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 36, 30, 44
If you’re feeling unwell, seek treatment to prevent further complications. Sometimes, rest is as rejuvenating as a holiday. Financial improvements are on the horizon.
Trouble at City Hall
Sir,
Just when you thought it couldn’t get any worse at Whittlesea City Council, it has, and the ratepayers are getting slugged again.
Nick Staikos, the Minister for Local Government, has now received his report on investigations of Council
He is due to table it at State Parliament on the next Sitting between October 14-16.
Hopefully the report will be published in full shortly after that to discover what has really been going on at City Hall, if the consultants are worth their salt and tghe estuimated $2,000,000 fees, that residents of Whittlesea will be paying for.
Time will tell.
At the same time a special meeting has been called at Council without any published name or agenda just three days ahead of Cr Aidan McLindon’s return from Government issued suspension.
Rumours are circulating that this meeting is to do with the current CEO Craig Lloyd’s performance review as his contract is up for renewal.
In the past six months very little has appeared to take place in Council other than the maximum legal rate rise cap of 3 per cent being charged.
One has to question whether our local Councillors are actually ‘representing’ us or are they just running around posting pictures of themselves on social media like big kids?
We elect them to lead the city and make decisions. This does not yet appear to be happening.
Also at the same time Cr Aidan McLindon has challenged his suspension in the Supreme Court as he was suspended from his Councillor and Mayoral duties without any published evidence.
This case is being heard in April next year. It will be interesting to see how the Supreme Court case unfolds as there is yet to be any evidence to suggest that Cr McLindon was justifiably stood down. No trouble at City Hall ? I don’t think so.
Ross Lee Resident and Ratepayer Rothacker Rise, Doreen
Managing bushfire risk
Sir, Bushfires are a natural part of the Victorian landscape, but with the right planning and action, we can reduce their impact on communities, the environment and critical infrastructure.
Right across the state, Forest Fire Management Victoria crews are working hard to reduce the risk and impact of bushfires through a combination of planned burning, nonburn bushfire risk management and strategic preparation.
Leaves, small branches, long grass and undergrowth can fuel bushfires making them faster, more intense and harder to control. Bushfire risk management helps reduce this danger by removing excess vegetation (or fuel), protecting communities, the environment and critical infrastructure.
Less fuel means it’s harder
‘The seasonal bushfire outlook for spring asks Victorians to prepare for an increased risk, particularly in the state’s west, but also the southern coast and areas around Melbourne’
Observer
Mailbag
Short letters (no more than 200 words) on local subjects are invited from readers. Email to: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au
Letters must be short and may be edited. All letters to be considered for publication must have a name, street address and phone number so their authenticity can be checked. An email address is not sufficient.
for a fire to start and spread, and easier for our crews to contain. That’s why last season we delivered bushfire risk management works across more than 109,000 hectares of public land.
The seasonal bushfire outlook for spring asks Victorians to prepare for an increased risk, particularly in the state’s west, but also the southern coast and areas around Melbourne
With low rainfall over the past 18 months, the outlook shows areas at increased risk stretching from the South Australian border across to Bendigo , the Otways, Melbourne including the Dandenongs and Yarra Valley and parts of south Gippsland
As soon as favourable weather and forest conditions arrive, we’ll make sure all available resources are delivering planned burning and non-burn bushfire risk management works.
Our bushfire risk management program is underpinned by a significant body of scientific evidence, built over more than 35 years.
We acknowledge bushfire science is continually evolving, and we continue to invest
in research and the best available science to inform our bushfire risk management program.
We use science and modelling tools to choose the right time and approach for delivery of our bushfire risk management program in each location or landscape, combined with our understanding of the ecological needs of our forests and the plants and animals that depend on them
Planned burning plays a key role in our work in reducing bushfire risk.
It involves the careful use of low-intensity fire to reduce dry vegetation like leaves and small branches that build up over time and make forests more flammable.
Our crews look for opportunities to carry out planned burning throughout the year, and with drier conditions in parts of the state, we’ve already been able to deliver planned burns over winter, including at Anglesea Heath in the Great Otway National Park, Boggy Creek Nature Conservation Reserve, Gellibrand Bushland Reserve, Wilson Promontory and at Mountain Creek Education Area in Shelley
In areas where planned burning isn’t suitable, such as near homes, on steep slopes or close to roads and towns, FFMVic uses non-burn bushfire management techniques.
These include mowing and slashing long grass, mulching dense vegetation, targeted spraying of invasive weeds and maintaining public road networks in forests and reserves.
Each method plays a vital role in reducing fuel loads and improving access for emergency services.
Over the coming weeks, you can expect to see our crews and contractors ramping up the mowing and slashing program.
The timing of these works is important; if grass is slashed too early, before it has cured, it will only encourage regrowth.
Our top priority is to protect life, property and the environment from the risk of bushfires.
While Victoria will always have bushfires, we want you to know that when fires happen, we are ready to respond.
We have more than 1800 personnel on the frontline, including firefighters, fire lookout observers and fire support officers; firefighting equipment, including more than 500 ultralight tankers and close to 100 heavy tankers, and more than 50 aircraft contracted for the season ahead.
But being prepared for the bushfire season is a shared responsibility.
While FFMVic crews are working hard on public land, all Victorians are encouraged to start cleaning up around their properties to help reduce bushfire risk in their own communities.
And to keep up to date on planned burns near you, sign up to receive notifications at Planned Burns Victoria or download the VicEmergency app.
Chris Hardman, Chief Fire Officer, Forest Fire Management Victoria
Rising Fast
By TOM MOON, Argus Racing Editor
"He will run, and whatever beats him will win,' trainer Fred Hoysted told me last night. Rumor had Rising Fast almost scratched from the Caulfield Cup yesterday. Every street' corner tipster "knew" that R.F. was amiss.
"He struck himself working at Mentone yesterday morning," they said. Hoysted said last night he could not explain how the rumor started. ,
"He is jumping out of his skin and fit to run the race of his life," Hoysted said.
Shocking pink
■ Health Department has produced a little brochure for Health Week which opened yesterday.
lt's pretty stark - tells you all the not-sonice things about unclean food with illustrations.
Brochure is a pink color. My fashion conscious friends tell me it's a particular shade of pink. Called "Shocking."
Smile means Yes
■ Everyone in Britain today is convinced that Princess Margaret WILL marry GroupCaptain Peter Townsend
As he left Clarence House last night-after seeing Princess Margaret - Townsend could not hide from the crowds of photographers and reporters the obvious air of a lover whose quest has been successful. He admitted, when pressed, that he was "happy" and "excited."
"You don't know what a state I am in," he said.
Had he been turned down by the Princess such admissions would be, to say the least, most ungallant.
It is significant that the Royal Family knew full well what interpretation would be placed on his visit to Clarence House before allowlng it. '
'When?'
Now that In London conjecture has hardened into the certainty that the love affair will have a happy ending, speculation has moved a step forward.
When will it be announced officially? What problems must be sorted out, and how?
It is believed that a statement has already been preparèd and agreed upon, but it is most unlikely to be announced until after (1) the Queen comes back to London from Scotland on Monday, and (2) the Prime Minister, Sir Anthony Eden , comes back from the country, probably on Tuesday. It is more likely that a statement would be held over until Tuesday week when Parliament re-assembles.
Cosi Fan Tutte
■ Melbourne Opera presents Mozart's comedy Cosi Fan Tutte, in a new production by Suzanne Chaundy from October 30November 9 at the Athenaeum Theatre 2, Collins St, Melbourne
Featuring some of Mozart's most beautiful ensembles and arias, Cosi Fan Tutte is an enjoyable comedy in which two men test their girlfriends' fidelity and infidelity.
The Melbourne Opera Chamber Orchestra and Chorus will be conducted by Raymond M. Lawrence
Performance Season: Oct. 30, Nov. 5 at 7.30pm; Nov. 8 at 1pm; Nov. 9 at 2pm
■ Liz Skitch becomes a latter-day Pam Ayres in her Fringe Festival routine, DowntheBack oftheCouch
The poems that form the core of her performance have a comic quality in their depiction of the mundane in life with associated imagery that is amusing.
But Skitch takes things a little further with emotional reflections on cancer and death giving an arc to the performance that takes in love, marriage, children, domesticity and the hereafter.
Her stagecraft is also disarming. Skitch has no trouble adopting a new persona for a poem, the exuberance of her performance extending to inviting audience members on stage or providing them with the tools to generate atmosphere.
Mine was a device to create the sound of a thunderstorm. Stepping in and out of character is Skitch’s talent where the nonsense of the moment when organising trinkets for the audience gives way to the sentimentality or pathos within the written word.
Maude Davey’s direction may have assisted here but Skitch is completely at ease given her comedic background. The poetry has given her a new means of expression which she has taken to heartily.
Performed as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
Review by David McLean
The Ship
■ Loosely based on a novella by Stefan Zweig, TheShiprelates the story of a reclusive passenger haunted by memories of the past.
Under the direction of Fini Liu, the tale is related in a manner that combines theatrical forms and languages.
An Ariel like narrator sets the scene with a folded paper boat and a bowl of water. What unfolds as the action takes over is a chess competition on board with that passenger, who wants to remain anonymous, outsmarting a champion player.
But we discover the man’s past as we transcend time discovering he has been persecuted by an autocratic regime. His only consolation was a book on chess that gave his life form, logic and structure. The ingenuity of this work lies in how deftly the audience is moved between time and location with a simple alteration of a set and through the physicality of performance.
The whipping of a shirt on the floor is manifest in the responses of the passenger lying prone on the bed.
There is no disconnection between the two. And the multilingual nature of the work is aided by projected translations on cloth hanging from the ceiling.
We see a projection at the end of the play of the very bowl in which the paper boat is cast adrift in real time.
We never discover how that passenger escaped incarceration, which is the one weak link in the narrative, but what is realised is the psychological trauma inflicted on one over time where a tune or an action by another, however well meaning, can be misinterpreted and trigger memories experienced in the past.
This is inventive theatre with a cast working collaboratively to convey a universal message about vulnerability and the human reality of trauma.
Review by David McLean
● ● ● ● The Melbourne Observer is inside The Local Paper, available in all suburbs of Melbourne.
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
TITUS ANDRONICUS
■ Th’Unguarded Duncan and Theatre Works invite audiences to the Australian premiere season of Titus Andronicus being presented from November 13-22 at Theatre Works, St Kilda
Described as 'a surreal telling of Shakespeare’s most violent play', this season features international artist and Prague Shakespeare Company Associate Director Josh Morrison in the titular role.
Titus Andronicus is the tale of Titus; a Roman General who has just returned from war, victorious against the Goths. With their Queen, Tamora, and her sons in tow as prisoners, he publicly executes her eldest child as retribution for the death of his own sons.
Tamora, now filled with a bloody rage after the pleas for the life of her son fell on deaf ears, embarks on an obliterating journey of revenge that will leave few untouched.
This season by Th’Unguarded Duncan of Shakespeare’s rarely seen work will marry martial arts, ensemble movement pieces, and original music to bring the electric and dangerous world of the play alive.
“In 2019 and 2022 we worked with the Prague Shakespeare Company on a production of King Lear,” explains co-Director Claire Nicholls
“The production employed quite a physical and ensemble-based style of working that used movement to tell certain elements of the story, and we’re really keen to further develop that way of tackling Shakespeare
“Our staging of Titus Andronicusfeatures several ensemble movement pieces at key moments to tell this tale, so while all of Shakespeare’s incredible characterisation and poetry is still very much in the foreground, it’s a physical exploration of his work that people may not have experienced before.”
“This is not a naturalistic production,” adds co-Director Kevin Hopkins
With a 13-strong ensemble of local and international actors, the show features an original score by Max Hopkins and is supported by Theatre Works as part of the With Theatre Works 2025 programming.
Performance Season: Nov. 13 - 22 Tues.Sat. at 7.30pm Preview: Thursday November 13. Opening Night: Friday, November 14.
Warnings: Mature themes, stylised depictions of violence and sexual assault, themes of racial discrimination, smoke/haze
Accessibility: Theatre Works is a wheelchair accessible venue. A full access guide will be available closer to the date www.theatreworks.org.au
Cheryl Threadgold
The Worm
■ Online dating can often be a nightmare and just how nightmarish yet funny it can be was the focus of The Worm which played at the Motley Bauhaus as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
A single woman tells us of her experiences dating online and looking for a mate, soul or otherwise. Stage left a giant animatronic worm silently watches on.
Created and performed by Taylah Whelan and described as semi-autobiographical, the script is snappy, replete with in-jokes for the hipster crowd as well as intellectual and pop cultural references.
Amusing at times, the jokes did not always hit their mark, sometimes because they were simply not funny, sometimes because her delivery was a tad off.
Not surprising in some respects, as the demands made on Whelan as a performer were challenging. Sometimes she played herself, sometimes she played the people who she was dating, sometimes she stepped away from the action altogether to comment on it.
The constant switching between these roles certainly kept the audience on its toes as well as the actress herself. And while always engaging with an easy charm about her, Whelan did occasionally drop the ball when a characterisation slipped into cliche or a scene
●
Photo: Steven Mitchell Wright wasn’t established well or quickly enough.
Some of these shortcomings might have been picked up and addressed by the director Caitlin Soennichsen. However, it can be tricky for a director when working with someone who created the very material that they are performing.
It must be said though that, to her credit, Soennichsen kept the show moving at a fast pace which befitted the nature of the script. In addition, working with the animatronic worm must have presented its own challenges.
Admirable for its focus on the female experience of online dating then, as well as for its adventurous use of the bizarre prop the show is titled after, The Worm was an intriguing if slight, underdeveloped show.
Review by Peter Murphy
The Wedding
■ After sell-out shows earlier this year at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Andy Balloch’s hilarious one-man show The Weddinghad a short season at Trades Hall as part of the Fringe Festival.
As guests at a wedding reception for the gay couple Tony and David, the audience are entertained by the master of ceremonies as well as several of the bride and groom’s friends and family. All’s well that ends well. Sort of.
Written and performed by Andy Balloch, the script is a masterclass in comic writing.
Unified by a couple of running jokes throughout the evening, the script has a myriad of characters typically in attendance at such events, all of whom are beautifully sketched with economic precision.
However, make no mistake, the demands a script like this places on the performer are challenging indeed; in lesser hands it could be shambolic.
Balloch though, performing the central role of the master of ceremonies, but also the sundry other personae dramatis, rose to the occasion.
With wonderful timing, the essence of great comedy, he brought each character to life, warts and all.
In addition, the icing on the cake here is his obvious pleasure at bringing these characters to life, a pleasure which was highly infectious.
Credit for a show like this lies not with only the script and performer though, as wonderful both were.
In this case Justin Porter, the director, ably assisted no doubt with outside eye roles credited to Anna Piper-Scott and Florian Wild, did a fantastic job of realising the script and showcasing Balloch’s fantastic comedic acting skills.
The show was tight, using a range of simple yet effective props, such as a pair of glasses, a clipboard or a jacket, to add to Balloch’s vocal work and mannerisms in portraying the potpourri of characters.
An extremely polished professional evening’s entertainment then, TheWedding was a fitting showcase for the many talents of the gifted Mr Balloch Review by Peter Murphy
Theatre Etiquette
■ A quietness descends as the lights fade. The audience settles in anticipation of what’s to come. There is the ubiquitous ‘welcome to country’ along with a reminder to turn off one’s mobile phone.
But many people still observe this overture as something to be ignored, something that doesn’t apply to them, as something that’s an imposition on their individual right to expression. I despair.
It seems an ironic conundrum to me. Theatre is a forum for social connection where we collaborate as a community to listen to ideas, admire spectacles and witness artists plying their trade.
As one, the audience almost breathe with unity to the heightened passion, the comic absurdity, the artfulness of a soliloquy well expressed.
You can feel the electricity. Great performances have the capacity of bringing us together as one.
Performers strive to achieve that sense of holding the audience in the palm of their hands and shaping a collective response. It’s a form of social media where everyone feels and responds with unanimity.
But now, within the digital age, we have social media of another kind which demands we respond, not collectively, but individually to the feeds that come through randomly interrupting that collective consciousness.
The member of the audience I sat next to the other night texted on her phone during the performance. She had it on silent. The screen was darkened. But it was still on. This is disturbing behaviour.
Some seem to think they cannot afford to be out of touch for an instant lest some feed comes through that is vital to their existence.
More often than not, those feeds are trite. If something is pending that takes precedence which requires one to be on the phone, then you shouldn’t be attending the theatre.
Feeling the need to text fails to recognise that there is a more immediate form of communication taking place around you.
The buzz should be in the house amongst those attending and not something electronically generated by the technology in your pocket.
Curiously, digital media is not necessarily social media. It is misnamed. There are times when it is completely anti-social. We have one of the greatest forms of social media when an audience comes together.
We help build and shape a collective understanding through performances given by artists plying their trade, through authors sharing their writing and actors imparting their interpretation of those words.
Would it be too much to take seriously the appeal of theatres to turn off your phone and be a genuine part of the real society that surrounds you rather than paying obeisance to the contrived society one finds on a digital platform?
That digital upload you think takes precedence will still be there tomorrow, and the day after, and the day after that.
That moment in the theatre may well be unrepeatable and exceptional because of a convergence of forces – the audience, the artists, the playwright. Let’s get our priorities right, folks.
David McLean
At Cherry Hill
■ This November, blossoms will turn into cherries as the cherry picking season starts at Cherry Hill Orchards
The gates will open on the two Yarra Valley orchards for the public to pick their own cherries fresh from the tree.
Visitors are encouraged to make a day of it with family and friends and are encouraged to enjoy the beautiful grounds of Cherry Hill with a picnic or treats from the on-site café. The farmgate store serves up delicious cherry ice cream, beverages, and lots of cherry goodies.
Cherry Hill grow over 40 varieties of premium sweet cherries, which can be purchased from Cherry Hill’s two Yarra Valley farmgate stores throughout the season and also in fresh fruit grocery stores..
Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the event includes all-you-can-eat cherries while picking, access to picnic areas, cherry ice cream, refreshing drinks, and a farmgate shop filled with cherry treats and local produce, providing an authentic tree-to-plate experience. Tickets are now available for the 2025-26 season. For more information visit cherryhillorchards.com.au
● ● ● Claire Nicholls in Titus Andronicus
Local Theatre
■ The 1812 Theatre: Speaking in Tongues (by Andrew Bovell) Until October 25 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Dexter Bourke. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.
au
Entertainment
New stage for the West Shows
■ CLOC Musical Theatre: &Juliet. Until October 25 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Karl McNamara; Musical Director: Dan Heskett; Choreographer: Felicity Bender. Bookings: cloc.org.au
■ Babirra Music Theatre: Grease. Until October 18 at The Round, Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Bookings: theround.com.au/ whats-on/grease-babirra
■ Altona City Theatre: Urinetown Until October 18 at Altona Theatre, Civic Pde., Altona; Director: Dean Mitchelmore; Musical Director: Oscar Wilson; Choreographer: Chloe Carroll. Bookings: altonacitytheatre. com.au
■ Encore Theatre: The Revlon Girl (by Anthony Docking) Until October 19 at the Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: David Krause. Bookings: encoretheatre.com.au
■ Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage (by Yasmina Reza) October 16 – 19 at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117-119 Sturt St., Ballarat Central. Director: Ruby Abbott. Bookings: bnt.org.au
■ Warragul Theatre Company: The Game’s Afoot (by Ken Ludwig) October 16 – 19 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, 1 Civic Place, Warragul. Director: Justin Stephens. Bookings: Coming soon.
■ CPP Community Theatre: Urinetown October 17 – 24 at the Rowville Performing Arts Centre, Humphreys Way, Rowville. Director: Mitchell E Roberts; Vocal Musical Director: Brodie Sainsbury-King; Orchestral Musical Director: Scott Huddleston; Choreographer: Molly Daley. Bookings: Trybooking.
■ Moonlite Theatre: Rope (by Patrick Hamilton) October 17 – 25 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19 Gisborne Rd., Baccus Marsh. Director: Shannon Nicholson. Bookings: trybooking.com/ DBPIV
■ Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Co.: The Heartbreak Choir (by Aidan Fennessy) October 17 – 26 at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hunb, 80 McKean St., Bairnsdale. Director: Susan Gibson. Bookings: eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/leisure/whats-onand-buy-tickets
■ Cathouse Players: Love Letters (by A.R. Gurney) October 18-26 at the Kyneton Masonic Centre, 7 Yaldwyn Street West, Kyneton. Director: Bette Sartore. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/DFLOD or 0494 166 257.
■ Torquay Theatre Troupe Inc: Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (by Christopher Durang) October 23 – November 1 at Shoestring Playhouse @ The MAC, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay; Director: Zina Carman. Bookings: Trybookng.com.au
■ PEP Productions: Love, Loss and What I Wore (by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Illene Beckerman) October 24 – November 1 at The Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Jennifer Pacey. Trybooking.
■ LOTS Theatre (Legends of the Skies): Charles Kingsford Smith – The Man, the Myth, the Mystery, Smithy a musical flight through history. November 6 – 8 at 7.30pm, Nov 8 and 9 at 2pm at the Moorabbin Air Museum. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. All tickets $25, family of four $90. Bookings: .trybooking.com/DFEAG
■ Malvern Theatre Company: Perfect Wedding (by Robin Hawdon) October 24 – November 8 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: 300 131 552, or online via our website: malverntheatre.com.au/book-tickets
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense’ (by The Goodale Brothers and PG Wodehouse) November 5 – 22 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Keith Hutton. Bookings: wlt.org.au
■ Beaumaris Theatre: Blackaddder II
(Based on the original BBC Television Series created by Richard Curtis, Rowan Atkinson, Ben Elton and John Lloyd and adapted for the stage by Dan Bellis and Harrison Ewart-Dart) November 7 – 22 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Directors: Dan Bellis and Harrison Ewart-Dart. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au Cheryl Threadgold
■ Footscray Community Arts announces Lango, a new, architecturally designed outdoor performance space opening in November.
The venue, designed by MGS Architects with landscaping by Simone Bliss Landscape Architects, will be a community-led space for live music, community events, creatively ambitious performances, markets, and cultural ceremonies.
This design announcement showcases the thoughtfully integrated artwork by Indigenous artist Moorina Bonini and reflects extensive consultation with Footscray Community Arts Indigenous Advisory Group, ensuring that cultural perspectives and connection to Country have been embedded throughout the space.
In Woi-Wurrung, Lango means “on the edge”—a powerful reference to both the space’s location on the banks of the Maribyrnong River in Footscray, and to the spirit of innovation that defines Melbourne’s western suburbs.
The word ‘ Lango ’ has been gifted by Wurundjeri Elder and Footscray Community Arts’ Indigenous Advisory Group member, Aunty Annette Xiberras.
Originally from a diary of language words preserved by to Aunty Annette’s grandmother, its use reflects an ongoing commitment to language preservation and cultural revital-isation - something Footscray Community Arts is honoured to be part of.
Realised through an $8.7m State Government investment, the precinct is a significant infrastructure upgrade for the west, where the population is expected to grow by 60 per cent by 2041. This landmark investment highlights the vibrant culture that has been growing with the support of Footscray Community Arts.
Julia White, Chair of the centre says: “Last year, we celebrated the 50-year anniversary of Footscray Community Arts. This represents an immense contribution to the arts in Victoria, and to our community.
“This year, we’re proud to continue this contribution with a revitalised outdoor performance space —ensuring we remain the home of live music, storytelling, and cultural practice in the west for the next 50 years.”
To mark the opening of Lango, Footscray Community Arts is throwing two free music events for the community, with the first to be held in January 2026.
The new stage features three overlapping shells, whose sculptural form is cloaked in patterns by First Nations artist, Moorina Bonini, that draw from South Eastern Kulin Nations mark-making representing ancestors watching over performers.
This connection mirrors historical practices, where ceremonies were once held under the stars, aligning with the locality of Place.
Daniel Santageli, CEO Artistic Director says, "The Lango Stage is a powerful expression of
Auditions
■ Think First Theatre Company: A Christmas Presence (a fun musical play by Elizabeth Semmel about the story of Christmas for children and families) to be performed at the Mills St. Theatre, Cheltenham. Director: Elizabeth Semmel. Actors must be 16+. For audition bookings/info: Elizabeth 0410 665252 or Ann 0409 532 166.
■ Eltham Little Theatre: Bondi Legal (by Tony Laumberg) October 19, 20 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre,1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Susan Rundle. Audition bookings: Trybooking.
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Great Divide (by David Williamson) October 19 at 2pm; October 20 at 7.30pm at Unit 8, 417419 Warrigal Rd, Cheltenham. Director: Damian Jones. Audition bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au/auditions-thegreat-divide/
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Browning Version/South Downs (by Terrence Rattigan/David Hare) October 19, 20 at 7pm at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Audition bookings: orbbaf@ozemail.com.au
■ The 1812 Theatre: Clue on Stage (adapted from the Paramount Pictures film by Jonathan Lynn and the board game from Hasbro, Inc.) October 26 at 7pm, October 27 at 6.30pm at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Audition bookings: outlook.office.com/book/ AuditionBookings@theatreperson.com Cheryl Threadgold
our commitment to a First Nations-first approach, guided by the leadership of Footscray Community Arts’ longstanding Indigenous Advisory Group throughout the design process.
“We’re proud to be embedding cultural knowledge and connection to Country into the heart of this space—most notably through commissioned artworks by artist Moorina Bonini and by re-indigenising the landscape with SBLA’s designs.”
Cheryl Threadgold
Familiar Touch
■ Familiar Touch presents a memorable screen experience. Photography by Gabe C. Elder under the direction of writer/producer Sarah Friedland creates a superb visual language, whether studying Ruth’s facial expression or movement and the faces of others.
Equally important is the wonderful performance from Kathleen Chalfant as intelligent, mature-aged Ruth, the film’s protagonist who transitions from her home to start a new life in assisted living.
All appears normal at Ruth’s home as she chooses an outfit then carefully prepares two sandwiches for lunch. We learn that preparing food is important to Ruth, a retired chef.
Her son Steve (H. Jon Benjamin) arrives and we sense all is not so normal. Ruth says: “I've packed a bag”, and gazes at her plants before they drive to an assisted living facility.
She meets her friendly personal carer Vanessa (Carolyn Michelle Smith) and we realise that Ruth has a deteriorating memory condition. This will be her new home.
From another perspective, it has been hard for Steve, too and we see him and Ruth’s granddaughter packing up Ruth’s home and he enjoys reflecting on his mother’s precious recipe books.
The photography and acting merge so well that Ruth’s story can often be told in silence. One example is when through her window, Ruth views a man outside freely soaking up the sun. Her facial expression captures internalised emotion as she realises her institutionalised situation. No dialogue is necessary.
As well as sadness, there are funny moments, including when Ruth insists on making ‘brainfood’ for fellow residents, and enjoys a good rapport with staff.
But there are also times of conflict with others and within herself. Andy McQueen (Brian) presents an enjoyable performance as the facility’s doctor.
The pace of the film is slow at times, allowing the viewer to absorb and become immersed in Ruth’s new life as her memory capacity slows down.
This is a human story expressed beautifully through highly skilled artistry.
Opening October 23 at various cinemas including Nova and Lido.
Duration: 90 minutes.
Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Dylan Smith in Red. (See report, at right)
Death at Booromba
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● Alison Booth ■ Authors tend to fall into one of two categories – fiction or non-fiction.
But Alison Booth defies that categorisation as she is an award-winning academic at Australian National University and a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences in Australia
Yet when she is not lecturing or writing academic papers, she pens cracking stories with an historical basis, and her latest novel is DeathatBooroomba. It is 1915 and Jack O‘Rourke is about to leave for the First World War. Shortly before embarkation, he rescues a man from drowning in Sydney Harbour, pastoralist Samuel Lomond from Eden on the NSW south coast.
Fast forward to Jack’s return to Australia in 1919 as a traumatised ex-solider, when he is surprised to hear that Lomond has been murdered and Jack has inherited Lomond’s property called Booroomba
But this gift is not without its complications, including a neighbour coveting water rights, a struggling newspaper proprietor, and a vengeful labourer.
Then there is a secret affair and two Russian emigres, who lead Jack to a decadesold conspiracy and the truth of what happened to Lomond. Death at Booromba delves into what is happening in in a small town hiding big secrets and explores the destructive aftermath of war on those who served on the front line.
Alison Booth’s new novel is a definite page-turner and is published by Ventura Press. Find it online or at a favourite bookstore.
Julie Houghton
Red
■ Award winning Director Iain Sinclair brings John Logan's Tony Award winning play Redto Melbourne from November 20 at fortyfivedownstairs, Melbourne.
Directed by Iain Sinclair, starring Dylan Smith (HouseofDragon,LordoftheRings: The Rings of Power) and emerging actor Jordan Briggs (16th Street Actors Studio Grad), this intense drama by one of Hollywood's biggest screenwriters will play a strictly limited season.
Under the watchful gaze of his young assistant Ken, and the threatening presence of a new generation of artists, Mark Rothko takes on his greatest challenge yet: to create a definitive work for an extraordinary setting.
Produced by Little Life Productions and Company16, Red is a drama that exposes the fiery collision of art and ambition as two actors face off in a gripping theatrical showdown.
“Having been moved to tears by Rothko personally, I am thrilled to the challenge of playing such a brilliant artist, and the chance to be directed by Iain Sinclair was unpassable,” says actor Dylan Smith
Tickets: Start at $35 plus booking fee. Available now. fortyfivedownstairs.com/ Cheryl Threadgold
Observer weekly
● ● The Melbourne Observer is published
● Lango Stage
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 15,
Bush Telegraph Oysters trial
■ Steve Dimopoulos, Minister for Outdoor Recreation, last weekcelebrated the results from the first three years of the trial in the Gippsland Lakes to determine how well Sydney Rock Oysters grow in the system.
The trial has been assessing the viability, growth rates, eating quality and food safety of Sydney Rock Oysters, which are native to Gippsland, at four sites around Flannagans and Rigbys Islands , west of Lakes Entrance Oysters produced in the Gippsland Lakes trial so far are growing at similar rates to established oyster farms in the estuaries of southern New South Wales at Merimbula and Pambula
Death at Bendigo
■ Emergency services responded to a fatal collision in Bendigo on friday morning (Oct. 10).
A truck collided with a pedestrian on High St just after 8.30am.
A passerby commenced CPR, but the 15year-old Bendigo boy died at the scene.
The truck driver was not injured and was assisting police.
Exact circumstances of the collision are being determined with investigations ongoing at the scene.
Evoke returns
■ EvokeAG 2026 , an internationally renowned agriculture and innovation event, is coming back to Melbourne
Ros Spence, Minister for Agriculture, joined industry leaders at the launch to recognise AgriFutures Australia’s event that will be held across multiple days in February.
Over two days, the event – hosted in Victoria for the first time since 2020 – will welcome more than 2000 delegates from around 20 countries, and more than 50 startups, to discuss the latest innovations in agriculture sector.
Rochford fatality
■ Police will prepare a report for the coroner following a fatal crash in Rochford on October 5.
Emergency services were called to reports of a car on its roof on Government Rd about 8.30am.
The driver and only occupant of the car, a 22-year-old man from Woodend, was taken to hospital with life threatening injuries. He later died.
Investigation into the crash is ongoing.
Works at Kyneton
■ There is improved accessibility for passengers on the Bendigo Line, with a new ramp built at the entrance to Kyneton Railway Station
The new switchback ramp will deliver better passing space for passengers and make it easier for passengers using mobility aids to access the station.
New lights have been installed to improve visibility at night when accessing the ramp and for passengers entering the station, while the bus shelter has been relocated to allow for the new ramp and a widened footpath.
Doctors move
■ More doctors are on their way to rural and regional Victoria. The State Government says that it has a program that’s helping health services recruit and retain the doctors they need most.
Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health, announced that the Connecting the Docs program will grow to include up to 10 additional public health services across Victoria – backed by a $680,000 investment over the next two years.
■ As spring blossoms across Victoria , the Whittlesea Show returns this year on November 1 and 2, bringing with it the heart and soul of rural life blended with entertainment for all ages.
Held at the Whittlesea Showgrounds, this iconic annual event is a celebration of agriculture, community and fun.
Over two days, the Showgrounds are packed with much to see and do.
Visitors can enjoy classic agricultural competitions and displays, from cattle and sheep judging to horse riding events and dog trials.
For green thumbs and home bakers, cooking, craft, produce and floral displays offer a colourful insight into local passions and skills.
Vibrant local talent fills the stages across the grounds with an endless variety of entertainment.
Demonstrations, workshops, rides, a free circus, woodchop, a beer garden and much more round out the weekend of festivities.
Whittlesea Agricultural Society President, Jayson Munro, says “The Whittlesea Show, year after year, is a true testament to the volunteers who work to pull it together for both the Whittlesea and wider communities.
“Every year we try to sustain our traditional and ever popular pavilions and events, while bringing a mix of new and fresh experiences.
“Our volunteers create a wonderful weekend that highlights the Whittlesea and surrounding communities to both those who live here and those who visit for the Show
“We hope everyone will come along and enjoy the weekend”.
With something for every age and interest, the Whittlesea Show is more than an agricultural fair – it’s a celebration of resilience, connection and tradition.
Mark your calendars, gather your family and friends and join us in celebrating what makes country Victoria truly special.
Whether you’re a local or a first-time visitor, the 2025 is not to be missed.
Georgia Gardiner
Whiparound Landcare grants
■ The sum of $3.6 million in grants will support 509 Landcare and environmental volunteer groups across Victoria, helping fund on-ground works, community education and engagement activities, group development, and small grants supporting administrative functions, including insurance, incorporation and operational costs.
“Landcare grants deliver lasting benefits to the environment, the funding will help Landcare groups restore and protect vital habitats and waterways, and grow strong, connected communities that will continue to care for the land for generations to come,” a Governemnt recipient said.
$5000 grants
■ After Porepunkah shooting incidents, small businesses in Alpine Shire across the hospitality, tourism, retail and events sectors, are eligible for $5000 grants following revenue loss during this period.
Uncle appointed
■ For the first time, the Birrarung Council will be led by a Victorian Traditional Owner, with Uncle Andrew Gardiner appointed chair.
The Birrarung Council advocates for the protection of the Birrarung (Yarra River) and provides advice on the implementation of Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (the Yarra Strategic Plan).
● ● Whittlesea Show: Saturday-Sunday, November 1-2
What’s On What’s What’s
Kaiela Arts launches
■ Kaiela Arts, an Aboriginal art centre located in Shepparton, is proud to announce the launch of Kaiela Arts Editions, with a landmark collaboration between internationally acclaimed artist Maree Clarke (Mutti Mutti, Yorta Yorta, Boonwurrung, Wamba Wamba) and Melbournebased studio Spacecraft. The works will be unveiled in November at two special events at Kaiela Arts, Shepparton and Spacecraft, Melbourne
Emirates training
■ Emirates has opened a new world-class facility in Dubai, to provide a luxurious training experience to almost 25,000 cabin crew, focused on the art of hospitality excellence. The $US8 million learning zone and progra features a sprawling restaurant and lounge for up to 170 guests, elegant and tech-enabled classrooms.
QUEST BAIRNSDALE OPENS
■ Quest Bairnsdale has officially opened its doors. The Bairnsdale area is experiencing extraordinary growth and Quest’s new $40 million property will bring 60 premium serviced apartments to the region.
Located at 11 Dalmahoy St, Bairnsdale, the multi-storey development features:
■ 30 Studio Apartments (including two accessible)
■ 24 One-Bedroom Apartments (including two accessible)
■ Six Two-Bedroom Apartments
Designed for both business and leisure travellers, each apartment includes a fully equipped kitchen, smart TV, ergonomic workspace and spacious bathrooms.
Guests will also enjoy a gymnasium, conference room, business lounge, swimming pool, barbecue terrace, guest laundry and secure parking.
The project has been delivered in partnership with Dahlsens and BFN Developments (with BFN serving as builder) and Fenton Design Group as architects.
David Mansfield, The Ascott Limited Australasia Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to confirm the opening of Quest Bairnsdale, marking another key milestone in Quest Apartment Hotels’ ongoing growth.
“The Gippsland region is experiencing remarkable development and progress and Quest is proud to support that demand with exceptional hospitality experiences.
“This development reflects Quest’s long-term commitment to investing in communities across Australia and ensuring travellers have access to the same level of quality and consistency they would expect in any capital city.
“Quest Bairnsdale will set a new standard for comfort and convenience in the region. We are excited about the opportunities it brings for our guests and the local community.”
Michael Canny, Franchisee of Quest Bairnsdale, said: “We’re proud to be opening Quest Bairnsdale and look forward to welcoming guests from across Australia and be-
● ● Quest Bairnsdale yond. Our team lives locally, and we’re excited to showcase the best of East Gippsland hospitality.
“The region has so much to offer - from the Mitchell River and Gippsland Lakes to incredible food, wine and cultural experiences. Quest Bairnsdale gives travellers a high-quality accommodation option right in the centre of it all.
“This development is also an investment in the community. We’re employing local staff, supporting local suppliers, and helping ensure Bairnsdale is well positioned to meet the rising demand for business and leisure travel.”
The property’s convenient location provides easy access to Bairnsdale Regional Health Service (2.7km), St Mary’s Catholic Church (1km), and the Mitchell River Walk, as well as key transport links including Bairnsdale Airport (7km).
Quest Bairnsdale is part of Quest Apartment Hotels’ ongoing expansion across Australia, New Zealand and Fiji , and continues Quest’s 36-year track record of delivering premium serviced apartments tailored to the needs of corporate and leisure travellers.
Vue de Mar in Hobart
■ Vue de Mar, an exclusive collection of four architectdesigned coastal residences at 3 Jenkins Street, Taroona , created for discerning downsizers who want to rightsize - trading high-maintenance family homes for refined, lowstress living without sacrificing space, comfort or style.
Need for insurance
■ Getting sick or injured overseas can run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Medical cover is a major reason why some people take out travel insurance, and it could offer some peace of mind if the unexpected occurs. Your plans can change, your flights can be cancelled, so having cancellation cover could help you recoup some of the lost costs or cover alternative accommodation if your trip goes awry.
Wander through many beautiful gardens across the rolling hills of Baw Baw Shire. Gardivalia Festival of Gardens" will open on Saturday and Sunday, October 25 and 26.
From Warragul, Drouin and Darnum across to Trafalgar. At Willow Grove and Hill End up to Piedmont and Icy Creek. Neerim, Jindivick and Nilma North.
Many gardens to enjoy, blooming backyards, hidden green gems and floral masterpieces waiting to be explored throughout Gippsland.
Prices range from free to $10 per adult, cash required for most gardens.
Visit www.gardivalia.com.au. Email info@gardivalia.com.au or contact Maree on 0403 449 179 for more detail.
CATO THE WISE
Maxwell Newton
★Northvale Netball Club , based in Wheelers Hill, is to celebrate its 50th anniversary. A Reunion Luncheon is being held on Sunday, November 9, at Sandown Park Hotel. This event will bring together past and present players, families, and supporters to honour Northvale’s legacy - as the longest-standing netball club currently competing at Waverley Netball Centre
★ Walk for Prems - The Mighty Trek Challengetakes place in the Melbourne CBD on Sunday, October 26, and in Melbourne's North-East on Friday, October 31.
★ The University of Melbourne’s Buxton Contemporary has announced Hany Armanious: Stone Soup, a major solo exhibition presented in partnership with the Henry Moore Institute, United Kingdom. Opening November 21 and running until April 11, the exhibition will showcase more than 80 works, including a significant new commission.
★Warrnambool Art Gallery presents The Regional, a landmark exhibition celebrating the depth and diversity of regional Australian artists. Opening November 15, The Regional, curated by Aaron Bradbrook and Micky Schubert , brings together five solo exhibitions by leading artists born or based in regional Australia working across visual and performance arts, sound and design: Atlanta Eke, Gus Franklin, Paul McCann, Bronwyn Razem and Peter Tyndall
★Another of Observer cartoon ist Matt Bissett-Johnsons’ pieces has been featured on Talking Pictures, on the Insiders program on ABC-TV.
★A fourth and final show has been announced for The Music of Joe Hisaishi at 1pm on Saturday, November 8 at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne. Presented by Art of the Score, it will be conducted by Nicholas Buc , with Aura Go
★The Victorian State Remembrance Day Service will be held from 10.30am11.30am on Tuesday, November 11, at the Second World War Memorial Forecourt of the Shrine of Remembrance
★Port Fairy Folk Festival has announce the 10outstanding young artists selected for its 2026 Future Folk Young Musician Development Program: Bonnie Jackson, Grace Watt, Harriet Wraith, Isla Dixon, Jasmin Adria, Lucy Joy, Maeve Grieve, Mathilde Anne, Rupert Bullard, and the Sam Curtis Collective
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
FAIRYTALES RUINED Entertainment
★Sullivan+Strumpf presents Volle Au Fond, a new exhibition by celebrated Melbourne artist Yvette Coppersmith. A witty and poetic reimagining of the myth of Circe, the legendary sorceress from Homer’s Odyssey , Coppersmith's latest body brings together painting, film, tapestry and adornment to conjure a mythic Aiaia – not in the Aegean , but along the distinctly local shoreline of Melbourne’s Sandringham Beach
★The Australian Society of Ophthalmologists is calling on the government to urgently address the widening gap in eye health, as new figures reveal First Nations people are still three times more likely to experience vision impairment and six times more likely to suffer moderate vision loss than other Australians
★New analysis from Homelessness Australia has revealed increases in the leading causes of homelessness in Victoria, where 14,520 clients sought help in June. This is almost double the amount of any other state.
★An exhibition Walk in Her Shoes opened in Casey last with a community forum including Housing Minister Harriet Shing and Opposition Leader Brad Battin. It comes as new data released by Council to Homeless Persons howed the Victorian Government spends less than $400 per person in the population annually on social housing and homelessness support, even as the state's housing emergency continues to worsen.
★The Other Side of Me, from Gary Lang NT Dance Company and produced by BlakDance, is at Arts Centre Melbourne from October 15-19.
★Dying: A Memoir Opening Night is on Thursday, October 30, at the Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne.
★Leading sports retailer Rebel has raised $15,130 for Score for Support at Knox - that will help aid Lifeline provide essential around-the-clock crisis support that vulnerable Australians rely on. In attendance were sporting superstars Andrew Gaze and Libby Birch, as well as Knox Raiders juniors
★ ABC Victorian Country Hour, ABC Gippsland, the Warragul and Drouin Gazette, the Warrnambool Standard and The Weekly Times will vie for the prestigious Media Outlet of the Year title at this year’s Rural Press Club of Victoria Regional Journalism and Photography Awards on Friday, October 31.
■ “Ready to ruin fairytales forever” was the stark warning that we were given when invited to witness Brothers Bare as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival at Theatre Works Explosive Factory
Forget any connection to the fairy tales of old, ones that you would share with your children with bedtime reading, this play is strictly for adults.
At times we wondered where the tales had gone as they are dissected in many ways over three separate vignettes.
While directed by Jessica Fallico who also wrote BrothersBarewith associate Iley Jones, they freely explore ideology, gender, body image, addiction and abuse all through the foggy lens of fairytales.
A cast of four play different roles in each of the three vignettes, demonstrating their adeptness to embrace the diverseness of each character, all with some distorted relevance to a fairy tale.
The opening tale with White Rabbit (from Alice in Wonderland) played by Charlie Veitch teasing with the dejected Bride played by Grace Gemmell , raised tensions with their heightened character portrayals.
Charlie Veitch playing a frightening Troll together with fellow Troll, Dion Zapantis, was rigorously choreographed and with extreme lighting was quite unsettling, yet appealing and entertaining.
A very physical and electrifying encounter between Grace Gemmell as the girl and Dion Zapantis as Jacob was exhausting to behold particularly with her violation.
A really good link between and during the vignettes was Elisheva Biernoff-Giles as the Conscious giving further insight into the writer’s quote of the “slippery slope of moral ambiguity, safety and madness”.
You could say that BrothersBare is not for the faint-hearted, but is well-crafted and presented.
Review by Graeme McCoubrie
Mrs Warren’s Profession
■ Generational change and class structure intertwine in MrsWarren’s Profession, a sharp societal critique of the limited options available to late-Victorian working-class women.
Real-life mother and daughter duo, Imelda Staunton and Bessie Carter, portray Mrs. Kitty Warren and her daughter Vivie in George Bernard Shaw’s classic 1893 melodrama directed by Dominic Cooke.
Banned briefly by the chief censor, the Lord Chamberlain, at the time, its frank discussion of sex work shocked audiences.
Vivie embodies the emerging New Woman ideal—an educated, feminist, career-driven woman who has not only graduated from Cambridge University but has also earned a third in the Mathematical Tripos.
On a rare trip to England, Kitty visits her daughter.
“My mother has rather a trick of taking me by surprise … to see how I behave myself when she’s away,” Vivie states.
Kitty decides to reveal everything to her daughter, who is shocked to learn how her mother makes her money.
Despite excellent performances, the male characters come across as stock players: the lecherous, dastardly capitalist Sir George Crofts (Robert Glenister), the gormless, bumbling reverend (Kevin Doyle),
and the feckless son (Reuben Joseph). It is the women who blaze. Staunton and Carter shine in the third act, where Shaw develops the mother-daughter relationship through a nuanced debate, unprecedented for the time.
Chloe Lamford’s set opens with an English country garden overflowing with flowers, which contrasts superbly with the dour, unadorned office set in the final act.
A silent chorus of women in Victorian bloomers and camisoles appears at scene breaks, symbolising sex workers and reminding the audience that Kitty’s new fortune is based on their exploitation.
Running for nearly two hours, the drama keeps the audience engaged, largely thanks to excellent performances by both Staunton and Carter.
Opens in Palace Cinemas, October 25. palacecinemas.com.au
Review by Kathryn Keeble
AYO in 2026
■ The Australian Youth Orchestra invites audiences across the country to experience a season of exhilarating music-making, boundary-pushing repertoire, and a renewed commitment to accessibility.
From Adelaide to Darwin, Sydney to Perth, AYO’s concerts will feature world-class soloists and international conductors, thrilling premieres, and unforgettable performances that celebrate both the greats of classical music and the voices shaping its future.
In a landmark move to make orchestral music more inclusive, AYO will offer at least 40 per cent of tickets to every concert free of charge, ensuring that cost is no barrier to experiencing the transformative power of live music.
More than 500 of Australia’s finest young musicians will perform in 14 concerts across seven venues and 7 cities and towns nationwide.
The season includes two world premieres and showcases the work of seven contemporary Australian composers, alongside masterpieces by Beethoven, Stravinsky, Ravel, Tchaikovsky, Bartók, Shostakovich and more.
“An AYO concert is the perfect introduction to classical music and our commitment to free or affordable tickets for all, means that there really is something for everyone,” said AYO CEO Kimbali Harding
“We are passionate about democratising music for audiences.
“At AYO concerts, classical music afficionados sit shoulder to shoulder with those discovering live orchestral performance for the first time.
“From the classroom to the best concert houses, we want everyone to have access to soul-nourishing music. In 2026, at least 40 per cent of tickets to each of our concerts will be free of charge.”
“This is to ensure that young people and economically disadvantaged members of our community can attend.
“We delight in welcoming new audiences of any age and will continue to seek out and support first-time concertgoers.”
AYO also supports its young musicians with generous financial assistance, removing financial and geographic barriers to participation.
“When applying to AYO, the only criterion is talent. In this way, we are able to bring together the most talented young people in the country to make the most exquisite music with internationally renowned conductors and soloists.”
You Are Here
■ The City of Melbourne present its latest exhibition at City Gallery, You Are Here: Melbourne Memory-scapes, a compelling exploration of place, memory and belonging, curated by Angela Bailey
Drawn from the City of Melbourne’s treasure-trove of historical artefacts, You Are Here features a remarkable collection of black and white aerial photographs of Melbourne and its surrounds.
Captured in the 1960s by aerial survey companies such as Adastra Airways – a flying school turned rural passenger service formed in the 1930s – the aerial photographs were originally used for mapping and surveying Melbourne
Now forming a part of the City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection, the rarely seen aerial photographs invite viewers to locate themselves – emotionally, physically and imaginatively –within the shifting landscapes of the city.
The large-scale photographs will be on display alongside a newly commissioned text work by Wergaia/Wemba Wemba poet Susie Anderson, offering a lyrical counterpoint to the photographs’ rigid grids, evoking memory traces, cultural connection and lived experience that defy cartographic boundaries.
Anchoring the exhibition is an important painting by Wathaurung Elder Marlene Gilson titled Land Lost, Land Stolen, Treaty
The work depicts ancestral creators Bunjil (eagle) and Waa (crow) watching over Naarm, as the traditional owners bear witness to Batman’s flawed effort at treaty-making.
Gilson’s painting is an historical foil to the 1960s black and white aerial photographs of Melbourne and surrounds that are at the core of this exhibition.
Connective works by Joan Ross, Louise Forthun, and miniature sculptures by André Bonnice and Anna Jankovic form a unison in the exhibition, all drawn from the City of Melbourne Art and Heritage Collection , provoking memory and placement in a city that has formed, grown, been rebuilt and expanded over generations.
Together, these works unravel the layered histories of Melbourne – First Peoples’ sovereignty and survival, waves of migration, queer gathering places, public protests, and personal cartographies woven into the city’s streets. Angela Bailey, curator, photographer and creative producer, draws on her deep interest in interpreting diverse histories and cultures through visual storytelling.
When curating You Are Here, Angela challenged the fixity of maps, instead inviting the viewer to experience the connection between landscape and memory.
“While mapping technologies fix boundaries and create ordered space, it is our memories— personal and collective—that give these places meaning. This exhibition invites viewers to bring their own memory-scapes to the work,” said Angela Contributed
In Memory of
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment
Instruction and work.txt
■ If the thought of experimental theatre has you breaking out in a sweat and lunging for your oodie and the TV remote, you need to see a Subject Object production.
This UK-based collective, led by Creative Director Nathan Ellis, has brought two distinctive works — Instructionand work.txt— to the , and they are fabulous.
Although this is their first visit to Australia, Subject Object has already toured to 11 countries and performed in nine languages.
It’s easy to see why they’ve earned such a following: both shows are clever, playful and immersive, exploring human nature and our relationship with technology while satisfying our desire for collective experiences. I left a fully-fledged Subject Object devotee.
Both productions lean heavily on technology — much as we all do in daily life — and share the same basic props and equipment, though each uses them in strikingly different ways.
Instruction
Performed by a different actor each night, instruction is an unapologetic showcase for acting skills. The performer receives the script and stage directions for the very first time, interpreting them in real time as a story unfolds about an audition for a film.
Part comedy, part unsettling social experiment, with a hint of Black Mirror, it is by turns funny, strange and deeply revealing.
The “Actor” reads from a teleprompter, also projected overhead for the audience, or takes hidden directions via headphones. What results is a fascinating study in nuance and variation, with a twist you won’t see coming.
On the night I attended, John Marc Desengano delivered a charming and committed performance, never once breaking character. Christie Whelan-Browne and Tom Ballard are also billed for future performances. To say more would spoil the surprises, but suffice to say the show lays bare both the pressures and the vulnerabilities of an actor’s life. work.txt
Even more mind-bending is work.txt, where audience participation takes on an entirely new meaning: the show is performed not by actors, but by the audience themselves — every single one of them.
As someone who usually shies away from such participation, I was astonished at how much I enjoyed it.
Ellis’s script somehow manages to move seamlessly from the absurd to the profound. At one point, the entire audience is belting out Celine Dion’s Titanicanthem — an unforgettable, communal moment.
Earlier, everyone is called on stage to choose and place a block of wood wherever they like, a simple action with strangely powerful resonance.
The piece explores the grind of modern work, the pull of social media, and the fragility of mental health. Its closing sequence is relentless, overwhelming, and yet exhilarating — leaving you drained but elated by the experience. If I were giving stars, it would be a definite five. Review by Beth Klein
No Season
■ Experimental work is, by its very nature, risky. Sometimes things work, sometimes they don’t, sometimes the experiment can be a mix of both success and failure.
A new piece exploring gender and transitioning, NoSeasons by Oliver Ayres, falls in the last camp as moments of beautiful stillness contrast with frustrating moments of obscure imagery.
Upon entering the theatre, audience members select one of three different headphones, depending on whether you are a parent or equivalent, or you currently are not parenting but may be someday, or whether you are not and never will be.
In an otherwise bare stage, centre stage is a shallow pool full of water. A performer enters.
Created by Ayres himself, the work consists of three different elements. First there is the recording heard through the headphones. This differs depending on one's individual circumstance via-a-vis parenting.
The second element is the performance of Ayres himself done with no voice or text but simply movement through the space and pool.
The third is a series of projected images, mostly abstract in nature.
As the sole live performer who is transgender themself, Ayres is very graceful, focussed and disciplined in his performance.
The stillness he achieves is reminiscent of the Japanese Noh and Butoh performance styles. This creates a space for meditation and contemplation for the audience with regards to themes raised by the three elements.
No credit is given as regards to direction or use of an outside eye to help shape the show. Likewise the voices heard through the headphones are not credited, although they appear to be interviews and reflections from Ayres themself and various family members.
A welcome if challenging piece of performance art then, No Seasons at its best engenders feelings of warmth and connection in relation to the experiences of transgender people and their families.
However it can, at times, seem ponderous and obscure and too deeply personal to connect with.
Venue: Meat Market Stables, 2 Wreckyn St, North Melbourne
■ A premiere performance as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival at Theatre Works Explosive Factory ChiponHerShoulderis a play for anyone ready for laughs and emotional bonding.
Written and directed by Jen McAuliffe who commenced writing while working in theatre in New York Under the mentorship of Steve Leff she developed the play, cleverly for just a one-woman performer.
While exploring the messiness of life, grief, late night cravings and the coping ways people use to get by, Kate played by Vanessa Buckley is no ordinary Aussie nurse living in New York City and working double shifts.
Writer McAuliffe quoted: “I wanted to make something funny and truthful and a little bit cathartic”, the release of pent-up emotions through drama. Kate’s cravings are satisfied with her dependence on salty snacks, be it Ruffles or Pringles.
So ChiponHerShoulderhas her chasing her dream with the audience being swept along with her as she has dating failures, auditioning letdowns, loneliness and much more.
Her sexual fantasies and life encounters are woven throughout the play and comfort comes with indulging a range of chips carefully placed or hidden throughout the stage, that she even shared with throwing packets to the audience.
Suddenly opening a first aid box to reveal an open packet of chips clearly indicates her dependence upon – one salty snack at a time.
Vanessa Buckley was engaging at all times with a blend of humour and anxiety as were taken on a journey of survival, well crafted.
A life fulfilled. That is the question? Review by Graeme McCoubrie
Steve
■ (MA). 92 minutes. Now available on Netflix.
Director Tim Mielants and star Cillian Murphy, who collaborated so well on Small Things Like These, reteam for Steve, a highly energised drama that mainly rides on a wave of emotion, hitting viewers square between the eyes.
Set in the mid 90s, the story focuses on Steve (Cillian Murphy), the driving force, as well as one of a dedicated group of teachers who work at Stanton Wood, a boarding school for very troubled young men.
The other staff members include Amanda (Tracey Ullman) and Shola (Little Simz), along with visiting psychologist Jenny (Emily Watson).
The problematic students include Shy (Jay Lycurgo), Jamie (Luke Ayres) and Riley (Joshua Parker)
We see a particularly chaotic day at the school, as Steve, dealing with daily fights and verbal confrontations with the boys, also has to manage a documentary crew on site, wanting to film the work required to try and keep these social outcasts on track, a politician who is stopping by for a surface level photo opportunity, and the board who own the building and the trust fund which keeps the school open.
As each crisis escalates, it starts to take a toll on Steve’s mental state.
Mielants wants to brutalise the viewer from the early going, showing what constant pressure and stress these goodhearted people are under.
Underpaid, overworked, and dealing with non-stop abuse, it’s no wonder these teachers burn out so completely.
Unfortunately, the script by Max Porter, adapted from his own novel, which actually focused on student Shy, never fleshes out many of the characters enough, necessary for us to get under the skin of both teacher and student.
This is not helped by some over-the-top, Michael Bay style cinematography (other, more positive stylistic choices reminded me of Kevin Reynolds’ underrated 1997 drama, 187) which disconnects us from the personal heartbreak.
The cast are committed, but it is Murphy who truly creates a
genuinely dramatic core that the rest of the cast can bounce off.
Steve does work as an intensely visceral experience, an approach which may leave some viewers exhausted and beaten.
But it is a pity the film-makers don’t deliver the material’s pain in a more measured way, building the people on each side of the desk in a three-dimensional manner that completely draws us in. RATING - ***½
Beast of War
■ (MA). 87 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.
Australian director Kiah RoacheTurner, who for the past decade has crafted a stream of potentially cool, but subpar genre films such as the Wyrmwood films, Nekrotronic and Sting, returns again with Beast Of War, and although it doesn’t reach the heights it could have, does prove to be his best film to date.
Beginning as a WWII tale, we are introduced to the standard group of army recruits, going through their paces before being placed on a carrier, which is then attacked by Japanese aircraft.
The ship sinks, but a small band of survivors manage to get on a torn away piece of ship metal, including Leo (Mark Coles Smith), Will (Joel Nankervis), Des (Sam Delich) and Teddy (Lee Tiger Halley)
Surrounded by fog, the battered group are worried about being spotted by rescuers, but that soon pales into comparison when they are suddenly under siege by a giant great white shark.
Though you never are convinced the action is taking place on the open ocean (even with the fog machines), Roache-Turner is stylish enough to allow us to accept it, and the mainly practical effects are a definite positive.
Smith (MysteryRoad:Origins TV series, We Bury The Dead) gives a solid lead performance, and is ably supported by the rest of the small cast.
Beast Of War is mild fun, and while no classic (it is nowhere near as good as the other 2025 Aussie shark movie, DangerousAnimals), is more entertaining than expected.
RATING - ***
Aaron Rourke
● ● John Marc Desengano in Instruction. Photo: Liv Morison
● Steve (Cillian Murphy) endures a tough day at school in the intense drama, Steve.
■ I think the first film that I saw starring Susan Hayward must have been WithaSongin
MyHeart when she played the role of American singer Jane Froman
I thought she was absolutely marvellous as I watched her on the silver screen from my seat in the front stalls of the Grand Picture Theatre in Coburg.
Susan Hayward always played a tough “no nonsense” lady – you never really wanted to get on the wrong side of her.
Edythe Marrenner was born in 1917 in Brooklyn, New York. When Edythe grew into a beautiful teenager she began working as a model in New York before going to Hollywood to try her luck in the films.
Apparently, she was given the stage name of Susan Hayward because it sounded a bit like Rita Hayworth who was already a big star at that time in 1937.
Susan auditioned for the role of Scarlett O’Hara in GoneWithTheWindwithout success.
She began playing bit parts and gradually the roles got bigger until eventually she was playing opposite some of Hollywood’s leading men.
During her career she starred in three films with John Wayne and two with Gregory Peck
Susan received four Academy Award nominations in the early 1950s before winning the Best Actress Oscar for her outstanding performance as the murderess Barbara Graham in I WanttoLive
We heard her sing onscreen for the first time in I’llCryTomorrow.
During an interview with Peter Breck, from the television series TheBigValley, he told me that when he played a small role in the film I WanttoLivehe thought Susan was the kindest, caring and most giving actress he had ever worked with.
In 1967 Susan Hayward replaced Judy Garland in the film, TheValleyoftheDolls- it was to be Susan’s last feature film.
Susan Hayward had married Jess Barker in 1944 and had twin sons. They divorced in 1954 and three years later she married Eaton
Chalkley in 1964. They were both baptised into the Catholic Church. Susan was grief stricken when Eaton passed away suddenly in 1966.
In the early 1970’s she was diagnosed with brain cancer.
Susan Hayward put up a long and brave fight but died in 1975. Susan Hayward, with her flaming red hair and fiery temper gave us some great moments on the screen. I remain a big fan of her work.
Kevin can be heard on 3AW
Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon
and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.
www.innerfm.org.au
GEELONG GALLERY SHOWS ARCHIBALD FINALISTS
Archibald Prize
The annual Archibald Prize is eagerly anticipated by artists and audiences alike.
Judged by the trustees of the Art Gallery of NSW, the prize is awarded to the best portrait painting.
Since 1921, it has highlighted figures from all walks of life, from famous faces to local heroes, reflecting back to us the stories of our times.
This touring exhibition is an opportunity to see the finalists in the Archibald Prize.
Exhibition closes Sunday November 9. Geelong Art Gallery 55 Little Malop St, Geelong
Artspace at Realm
Peak Plastique and Blue Realm
Peak Plastique, an immersive video and sound installation, examines our complex relationships with plastics and the friction between hopes for sustainability and the tough realities of our plastic-filled world. .
Drawing on decades of work both in Australia and internationally, pianist Erik Griseold, violinist Anna McMichael, percussionist Vanessa Tomlinson and video artist Nick Roux have joined forces to create this mesmerising new work.
★ Blue Realm by Carolyn Cardinet on Realm Artwall
is a series of sculptural works crafted entirely from found blue hay baling twine.
The works are not only sculptural explorations but ecological meditations-monuments to what remains, that is discarded and what might be saved and renewed.
The event will also launch displays of sculptures and objects created by Precious Plastics Monash and Croydon Hills Primary School.
Installation closes November 16. Artspace at Realm
Strange Things will showcase new works from Eugenie Kawabata’s collection –Botanica Exotica: Takayna. Inspired by the Takayna and the joy of discovery, StrangeThings explores an celebrates te quiet, often
The Arts
\overlooked dialogues within the natural world - amplifying the subtle and the hidden through material expression.
The forms draw inspiration from the protists, fungi, lichen, mosses and plant life that inhabit this region, presenting themselves as entities that not embody this ancient Gondwana rainforest.
Exhibition closes November 2.
★
Gallery Applications now open
Looking to be part of the St Heliers Street Gallery exhibition program?
Applications are now open for this fantastic opportunity, suitable for artists of all stages, from early career to established, to exhibit your work at Australia’s largest and cultural precinct.
Apply by Sunday October 29. Abbotsford Convent 1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford
Opera
Australia
The Barber of Seville Beyond haircuts and beard trims, this canny barber is the city’s matchmaking maestro. Almaviva is wealthy, stealthy and head over heels. Ro Rosita is witty, pretty and just as smitten. She’s also inconveniently betrothed. They need a plan. Time to call Figaro! Figaro! Figaro! Enter the friendly neighbourhood barber with wits and tricks as sharp
as his razors. He sets to work to unite the young lovers in an evening of disguises and duplicity.
Venue: Regent Theatre 191 Collins Dt. Melbourne Season: October 31 – November 5. At 7.30pm
Flashes
★The National Theatre is suggesting that donations can be made for building upkeeps, on AusArts Giving Day on Thursday, October 23.
★Heide Museum of Modern Art has announced Song of the Earth, a major exhibition of works by John Nixon (1949–2020), one of Australia’s most influential and experimental abstract artists. On view from November 26 to March 9.
★Jon Stevens is back with Shimmer, his first solo album in seven years. This is an 11track collection. He will play Margaret Court Arena on February 14.
★Landmark by Lexus is a newly imagined pavilion at the Flemington Racecourse that embodies Synthesis, around the Melbourne Cup Carnival.
★Tickets for both the Carols by Candlelight main event on Christmas Eve and the rehearsal night on December 23 are available at www.carolsby candlelight.com.au
★The La Mama 2026 Season Launch will take place at 6.30pm on Monday, October 26, at La Mama HQ, 205 Faraday St, Carlton
★Kitty Flanagan is bringing her new stand-up show Glad Game to the Regent Theatre from April 2-19.
★Producer and writer Michael Ward has announced the cast members for The Haunting of Spook Mansion at Chapel off Chapel this November. Peter Houghton (writer, director, actor) Adrian Chambers, Emily Taheny (core cast member of Shaun Micallef’s Mad As Hell) is Beth Jackson and Ben Russell is Flugel
Double Donald
■ The US Treasury has released a first draft of a new one-dollar coin with Donald J.Trump on both sides of coin. One side is his facial portrait and reverse side features Trump in his 'fight, fight, fight' pose. The coin proposed to be in circulation 2026.
Money for jam
■ The BIG Strawberry tourist attraction in the Goulburn Valley has been immortalised on a newly minted one-dollar coin - the coin is legal tender - so buy some strawbs, make some jam and get a free one-dollar commemorative coin
Sex, drugs, rock n roll
■ The Swinging 60s introduced almost everything - new ideas, youthful rebellion and experimentation with new fashions, new music and new attitudes towards authorities. Even Barbie got a new wardrobe. The 60s is captured in a special display at the Old Treasury Building, opening October 20. Be there, or be square.
Vale David Galbally
■ David Galbally QC, Channel 7 commentator passed away suddenly, aged 74. In addition to his legal knowledge, David was a lifelong supporter and power broker of Collingwood Football Club.
Reminder of life lost
■ A concerned resident in Moreland has erected an unusual monument to a 40-year-old man who was victim of a hit-run when knocked off his bike and died. The monument is an old bike spray painted white, now gathering floral tributes.
- Peter Kemp
with Peter Kemp
● ● ● ● Donald J. Trump
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Lovatts Crossword No 32
Across Across Down Down Observer
2. Supervisory (position)
7. Pays brief visit (5,2)
11. Rule
17. Yacht pole
18. Untruth
19. Spanish cheer
20. Ellipse
21. Hangover symptom
22. Decreased
23. Woeful
26. Unfilled space
28. Citizen soldiers
29. Adolescent
31. Existence
34. World computer link
36. Archfiend
39. Female equines
41. Roused
43. Suspension of workers (3-3)
46. Morocco's capital
47. Writer, Emily ...
49. Frolicked
51. Pharaohs' tombs
52. Repaints (car)
53. Short-sighted
54. Lieu
55. Flip in air
56. Ill-treatment
61. Featured musicians
64. Nautical speed unit
65. Fellows
66. Extending
67. ... or nay
69. Possessor
71. US coins
74. Not apparent
76. Penny-pincher
78. Elderly horse
79. Phlegm condition
81. Anti-terrorist squad (1,1,1)
83. Wigwam
84. Aunt's husband
86. Scented purple flower
89. Desert illusions
90. Humility
93. Roll (dice)
94. Sailor's yes (3,3)
97. Made (wage)
100. From India or China
101. Saviour
103. Subway
106. Long letter
108. Short-circuited
109. Mistake (4-2)
110. Untied
111. Islamic governors
112. Renowned
113. Power group
115. Salon worker (4,7)
118. Minor roads (4,7)
121. Be without
124. Early harps
128. Hickory tree nut
129. Aimed
130. Cosmos scientists
134. Brings up (child)
135. Excessively fat
136. Overshadow
137. Fragrance
138. Existing
139. Abandon
140. Alluring
143. Natural disaster, ... wave
144. Vote in
147. Film
150. Extinct bird
151. White flower (7,4)
155. Not justified
157. Chime
158. Smell
159. Concur
162. Snapshots
164. Harrowing trial
167. Doctor
168. Rid of lice
169. Comfy seat (4,5)
172. Journalists' credits (2-5)
173. Polite
174. Unassuming
177. Deprive of food
180. Islands
181. Flight from reality
183. Reconstructed
184. Notorious gangster (2,6)
186. Potato variety
187. In vain, to no ...
188. Fulfilled (demand)
191. Actress, ... Diaz
195. See next page (1,1,1)
197. Megastars
198. Earphones
200. Idiocy
202. Middle-distance runner
203. Weeding implement
205. Protrudes (6,3)
206. ... de Cologne
208. Pleasant
209. Fireproof material
212. Funeral guests
215. US Mormon state
217. Feeble
220. Capital of Iowa, Des ...
222. Hiding game
224. Close watch (5,3)
226. Fries lightly
228. Wife, the ...
229. Bake (meat)
230. Crazier
232. Check
235. La Scala city
236. Dallas is there
238. Well-meaning person (2-6)
241. Spot
242. Admonish
243. Gain through will
244. Singer, ... Horne
246. Require
252. Mental stress
253. Renounce throne
254. Eyelid swelling
255. Focal point
256. Rug
257. East European
258. Opposition
259. Shipping route (3,4)
260. School project
1. Right on target (4-2)
2. Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4)
3. Ark builder
4. Moves (towards)
5. Recognise
6. Peru beasts
7. Battery segment
8. Grass
9. Weary sound
10. Xmas
11. Responds
12. Contraptions
13. Crocodile relatives
14. Taverns
15. Small lump
16. Wine jug
24. Trophies
25. Addressed crowd
26. Shaking motion
27. Listing articles
28. Actors Gibson or Brooks
30. Lamb's mother
32. Lack of aptitude
33. Instructors
35. Lament
37. Defence force
38. Beastliest
39. Raider
40. Glimpse
42. Map guide
44. Chooses
45. Thrifty
47. Long-snouted monkey
48. Ice-free Norwegian port
50. Rounded roof
53. Ponder
57. Freedom from guilt
58. Bare
59. Rocket ship crew
60. Talks keenly
62. Mountaineer's tool (3,3)
63. Oppress
65. Judi Dench stars in ... Henderson
Presents
68. Aviator, ... Johnson
70. Vigilantly
72. Admission
73. Old photo colour
74. Open sore
75. Dessert, ... caramel
77. Kenya & Tanzania region (4,6)
80. Letter jumbles
82. Italian city
85. Come together
87. Daunted
88. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex
91. Biblical garden
92. Auction
95. Containing nothing
96. Upwardly mobile young people
98. Ripped apart, torn ...
99. Naked models
102. Group loyalty (6,2,5)
104. Nimble-fingered
105. Helps
107. Piercingly
113. Flowered
114. Requested from menu
116. US cotton state
117. Betrayal crime
119. Cavalryman
120. Codswallop
122. Accomplish
123. US motorbike stuntman, Evel ...
125. Extract (metal)
126. In the Arctic Circle
127. Specifically (2,3)
128. Sacred song
130. Astern
131. Weight unit
132. Record label (1,1,1)
133. Droop
141. Pseudonyms
142. US Rhode Island resort
145. Lengthy (4-6)
146. Droll plays
148. Totally preoccupies
149. Unable to read and write
152. Behaved
153. Louts
154. Finish
155. Great Bear constellation, ... Major
156. Jockey
160. Congers or morays
161. Native American tribespeople
163. Stitched garment edges
165. Cain & ...
166. Vending machine
167. Hitler book, ... Kampf
170. Vile act
171. Largest Turkish city
175. Leaves out
176. Praise highly
178. Panic
179. Current (permit)
182. Prison occupant
185. Progressed (4,2)
188. Names used wrongly
189. Most easily offended
190. Cigar dust
192. Almond biscuit
193. Most corroded
194. Flightless bird
195. Trite remark
196. Band
199. Induces
201. Made amends
204. Rowing aids
207. In present condition (2,2)
210. Companies
211. Samples (wine)
213. Coral bank
214. Safari
216. Large yacht
217. Scavenge
218. Tardiest
219. Your school, ... mater
221. Slip up
223. German or Greek
225. Eastern veils
227. In the past, long ...
228. Russian space station
231. Putrefy
233. Four score
234. Toughen (steel)
235. Liqueur, crème de ...
237. Afternoon nap
239. Most senior
240. Enfold
245. Urges on, ... up
247. Junior Scouts
248. Epic tale
249. Notion
250. Highest point
251. Windmill arm
No regrets
■ The Edith Piaf story and her songs will resonate around the Memo Music Hall on Sunday, November 9.
Nikki Nouveau will present the intriguing life and times of the legendary Parisian artist.
Delivered in French and English, this spellbinding and romantic show features classic numbers Padam,LaVieEnRose, NonJeNeRegretteRienalong with other timeless pieces.
Tickets at trybooking.com
Rick is back
■ Internationally acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter Rick Price will present his Tambourine Mountain album 30th anniversary tour show at Birds Basement on October 18, amongst a host of other shows around the country.
Rick says this isn’t just a tour - it’s a tribute to the past and a love letter to the future. Tickets at Birds Basement
I Ain’t Perfect
■ Melbourne musician, DJ and podcaster, Wayde Richardson, has released his new single.
The song IAintPerfectis a commentary of realising that perfection is a myth, but it’s our flaws that make us beautiful and interesting, he adds.
- Rob Foenander
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Hemlines at Explosives Factory
■ Hemlines is three women Elenor, Flossy, Doris living a life of eternity in their sewing room, only seeing the outside world through the eye of a needle.
This production by Moon Bureau has a lot - painted faces, Irish jigs, songs, fabric and storytelling.
Amelia Gilday has directed a unique contribution to the Melbourne Fringe Festival.
The cast, also the creators of Hemlines, are talented actors bringing to us a story of the women behind the outfits of famous people in history marked out on ‘the scroll’ every outfit they ever made.
These three are together forever creating tension in the group with their different personalities, not all privy to the whys of what they do.
Flossy, the newest of the three was a mistake (the only one made by Elenor ), who learns how she came to be in a job she finds tedious.
The three performers have a good rapport on stage. They are comfortable with each other, well rehearsed, easy to watch. The energy each brings however is different.
Flossy (Lana Filies) is young, naïve, childlike. Elenor (Alicia Badger) proud, serious, her work is her life, every stitch meaningful, does not have time for games or ‘goofing off’ as Flossy does.
Doris (Madison Chippendale) is more sophisticated, laid back, equivalent to an older sister. All three are distinct with an equal place in the story.
Crossword Solution No 32
The songs are catchy, used to enhance the story. Alicia Badger is the most talented singer of the group though all three sing in the show.
There are some misses, yet some nice harmonies. What they lack in singing they make up with their Irish dancing.
Hemlinesbrings humour, warm characters and thought-provoking notions in a neat fifty minutes of theatre.
Presented at Theatre WorksExplosives Factory.
Review by Elizabeth Semmel
Briefs
■ The Finale of German-Australian Opera Grant will be held on Saturday, November 15, at 2 pm, at The Edge, Federation Square, Melbourne
■ News Director Gail Watson has departed the 3AW Melbourne talkback station after almost 17 years.
■ Ashley Naylor hits the road for a extensive national tour with The Church. He will play the Odeon in Melbourne on November 19.
■ Victoria's Pride includes the Regional Activation Program , which supports arts, events, and cultural projects run by community groups, artists, and organisations to enhance the lives of LGBTQIA+ individuals in regional areas. The fifth season will start soon.
■ Eric Bibb has announced a new album, in January, and an Australia tour eith his band from AprilMay 2026.
■ KEILOR. Keilor Post Office/Newsagency. 100 Old Calder Hwy.
■ KEILOR. Keilor Village Convenience Store. 686 Old Calder Hwy.
■ KENSINGTON. Coles Express. 291-301 Smithfield Rd.
■ KENSINGTON. Foodworks. 484 Macaulay Rd.
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■
■
■ ALTONA NORTH. 7-Eleven. Cnr
Koroit Creek Rd and Millers Rd.
■
■ ASCOT VALE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Maribyrnong Rd and Epsom Rd.
■ ■ ASCOT VALE. Ascot Vale Lotteries and Cards. 187 Union Rd.
■ ■ ASCOT VALE. IGA Express. 124
Maribyrnong Rd.
■
■ KENSINGTON. Local Folk Coffee Shop. Cnr Epsom Rd and Bayswater Rd.
■
■ KINGSVILLE. BP Service Station. 88-94 Williamstown Rd.
■ MAIDSTONE. The Palms. Cnr Rosamond Rd and Ballarat Rd.
■
■
■ BROADMEADOWS. City of Hume Offices. Cnr Tanderum Way and Pascoe Vale Rd.
■
■ BRUNSWICK. 7-Eleven. Cnr Sydney Rd and Park St.
■ MARIBYRNONG. 7-Eleven. 32 Raleigh Rd.
■ MARIBYRNONG. United Service Station. 31 Raleigh Rd.
■ MOONEE PONDS. Moonee Ponds Newsagency. 45 Puckle St
■
■
■ ■ BRUNSWICK. Brunswick Club.
■
203 Sydney Rd.
■
■
■
■ BRUNSWICK. Tatts. 396 Sydney Rd.
■ ■ BRUNSWICK. Continental Grocers Supermarket. 482 Sydney Rd.
■
■
■ ■ BRUNSWICK. Gervasi Foodworks. 870-872 Sydney Rd.
■ ■ BRUNSWICK. Tatts/Newsagency/ Post Office. 650 Sydney Rd.
■ ■ BULLA. BP. 82-84 Bulla Rd.
■ ■ CAMPBELLFIELD. Caltex. 18021808 Hume Hwy.
■ ■ COBURG. Caltex. 265-267 Sydney Rd.
■ ■ COBURG. Coburg Hub Lotto,. 8/
430 Sydney Rd.
■
■ ■ ■ CRAIGIEBURN. 7-Eleven. Cnr Craigieburn Rd and Dorchester St.
■
■
■ ■ CRAIGIEBURN. Caltex. Craigieburn Plaza Shopping Centre. Craigieburn Rd.
■
■ ■ ■ CRAIGIEBURN. Coles Express. Craigieburn Plaza Shopping Centre. Craigieburn Rd.
■ ■ CRAIGIEBURN. Direct Chemist/ Lotto. Craigieburn Plaza Shopping Centre. Craigieburn Rd.
■
■ DEER PARK. BP . Cnr Robinsons Rd and Ballarat Rd.
■ ■ DEER PARK. Deer Park Club.
780 Ballarat Rd.
■ MORELAND. Tatts/News. 877 Sydney Rd.
■ NEWPORT. 7-Eleven. 438 Melbourne Rd.
■ NEWPORT. Friendly Grocer. 3/4 Hall St.
■ NEWPORT. Newport N ewsagency. 6 Hall St.
■ NIDDRIE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Keilor Rd and Hoffmans Rd
■ NIDDRIE. Caltex. Cnr Keilor dRd and Deakin St.
■ NIDDRIE. The Lott. 358 Keilor Rd.
■ ■ NORTH CARLTON. North Carlton Newsagency. 711 Nicholson St.
■
■ ■ NORTH SUNSHINE. BP. `139 McIntyre Rd.
■
■ NORTH SUNSHINE. Newsagency/ Tatts/Post Office. 69 McIntyre Rd
■
■ NORTH SUNSHINE. United Service Station. 45 McIntyre Rd.
■
■ NORTH WILLIAMSTOWN. 7Eleven. Cnr Koroit Creek Rd and Champion Rd.
■ OAK PARK. Oak Park Cellars, 95 Snell Gr.
■ OAK PARK. Oak Park Newsagency/ Lotto. 120 Snell Gr.
■ PASCOE VALE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Stewart St and Pascoe Vale Rd.
■ PASCOE VALE. Pascoe Vale Central Tatts. 76 Cumberland Rd.
Wednesday, October 15 Austin, Jacinta Janelle Balaouras, Thomas Brown, Lauren Cardamone, Arcangelo Fifita, Vincent Fox, Thomas Gosling, Lachlan Hamment, Jack Lindsay Hasdell, Felix Hayes, Kristian Heap, Cameron Allan Hill, Andrew Kaxos, Steve Kyriacou, Chris Laktso, Tanzin Massey, Kane Natsis, Michael Omerovic, Stephanie Orlando, Christopher Tony Plant, Bradley Quinn, Cory Scarmozzino, Damien Scott, Shaun Geoffery Siau, Chia Taufa, Lipina Thomas, Nicollette Jessica Vukotic, Nadja Ware, Sean Zulfiqar, Asim
Papas, Arthur Patullock, Rachel Pethybridge, Clayton Petkovic, Frank Pettigrew, Jackson Pitsivoris, John Poparsouski, Vlado Prasad, Jason Riad, Maha Roberts, Brittany Rossi, Sebastian Roy-Chowdhury, Natasha Saini, Sumit Salocchi, Paul Savvas, Tasso Sedawie, Robert Semaan, Charbel Sheers, Alexandra Singh, Ravinder Pal Smith, Jordan Smithers, Rachael Sneddon, Brett Sokolowski, Nathan Spottiswood, Jye Stewart, Rebecca Stewart, Robert Stoev, Stefan Stratton, Luke Taya Eltigani, Ramah Timmins, Corey To, Annie Tona, Paul Trachevski, Robert Jim Trafford, Kevin Tsangaris, Panayiota Tsantefskis, Paul Ulutui, Laki Vahedi, Mohammad Wallace, Tyrone Wepukhulu, Reuben White, Toby Williams, Colin Williams, Dion Winch, Liam Yu, Sisi Werribee Magistrates’ Court Criminal Court Listings Wednesday, October 15 Awok, Akier Caine, Diesil Crichton, Joseph Duang, Duang Forster, Christopher Mark Jardine, Erica Kanagaligam, Suraj Peddi, Thirupathi Singh, Sukhjit Toffolon, Silvio Vienna, Cody
■ Westgate Divisional Response Unit officers have charged two men after shots were allegedly fired into the bedroom of a home in Werribee
A silver sedan arrived outside a property on Powlett St about 9.10pm on Friday, September 5.
It is alleged three male occupants got out of the vehicle and fired multiple shots into the front window of the house before fleeing the scene.
Six occupants were inside the property at the time of the incident and were not physically injured.
Following extensive enquiries, police executed a search warrant at a property in Wyndham Vale on Friday, September 26.
A 19-year-old Wyndham Vale man was arrested and has since been charged with conduct endangering life, discharge firearm into residential premises, prohibited person possess firearm and discharge firearm in public place.
He was remanded to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 5.
A 21-year-old Wyndham Vale man was arrested and has been charged with conduct endangering life and discharge firearm into residential premises.
He was remanded to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 6.
Police believe one male remains outstanding at this stage and investigations are ongoing.
Aberfeldie fire
■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded at 3.09am Tuesday (Oct. 7) to an incident on Vida St at Aberfeldie after a caller to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire.
Firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes to find a two-storey weatherboard house, 15m x 30m, fully involved with fire.
The response was escalated to a third alarm with approximately 60 firefighters, including two aerial appliances.
The house had significant structural collapse and FRV’s focus was to protect neighbouring houses.
One neighbouring house sustained significant damage, however, firefighters contained the spread of fire quickly, limiting damage.
■
■
■ ■ DEER PARK. Deer Park Hotel.
760 Ballarat Rd.
■ ■ DEER PARK. United Service Station. Near Cnr 810 Ballarat Rd and Station Rd.
■
■ ■ ■ DERRIMUT. United Service Station. Cnr Robinsons Rd and 2 Foley Rd.
■
■ PASCOE VALE. Pascoe Vale RSL. Cnr Cumberland Rd and O’Hea St.
■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. 7-Eleven. 477 Bell St.
■
■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. BP. Cnr Bell St and Ross St.
■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Caltex. Cnr Bell St and Cumberland Rd,
■
■
■ EAST BRUNSWICK. Coles Express. Cnr 54 Holmes St and Donald St.
■ ■ EAST COBURG. 7-Eleven. Cnr Bell St and Elizabeth St.
■ ■ ■ ■ ESSENDON. 7-Eleven. Cnr 1 Napier St and Mt Alexander Rd.
■ ■ ESSENDON. 7-Eleven. Cnr Mt Alexander Rd and Buckley St.
■ ■ ESSENDON. Coles Express. 783795 Mt Alexander Rd.
■ ■ ESSENDON. Essendon Roundabout Newsagency. 85 Fletcher St.
■
■ FAWKNER. Fawkner Newsagency. 54 Bonwick St.
■ ■ FAWKNER. Moomba Park Newsagency. 89 Anderson Rd.
■ ■ ■ ■ FITZROY. United Service Station. Cnr Nicholson St and St Georges Rd.
■ ■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Coles Express. Cnr Bell St and Sussex St.
■ ■ PASCOE VALE SOUTH. Pascoe Vale South Post Office/NewsXPress. 372-380 Bell St.
■ PRINCES HILL. North Carlton Convienece Store. 577 Lygon St.
■ ROXBURGH PARK. 7-Eleven. Cnr Bridgewater Rd and James Miram Dr.
■
■ ■ ROXBURGH PARK. Foodworks. Cnr Donald Cameron Dr and Roxburgh Park Dr.
■
■ ROXBURGH PARK. United Service Station. 124-130 Somerton Rd.
■ SOMERTON. Caltex. Cnr Somerton Rd and Hume Hwy.
■
■ SPOTSWOOD. Coles Express. Cnr The Avenue and Williamstown Rd.
■ ■ STRATHMORE. Strathmore Cellars. 305 Napier St.
■
■
■ ■ FITZROY. Metro Service Station. Cnr Nicholson St and Alexandra Pde.
■ ■ FLEMINGTON. Foodwoorks. 306 Racecourse Rd.
■ ■ FOOTSCRAY. Footscray Newsagency. Cnr Droop St and Nicholson St.
■
■ GLADSTONE PARK. Coles Express. 175-193 Mickleham Rd.
■ ■ GLADSTONE PARK. Coles Exp[ress. 210-212 Mickleham Rd.
■ ■ GLENBERVIE. Milk Bar. Cnr Glass St and Npaier St.
■ STRATHMORE. Strathmore Post/ News. 311 Napier St.
■ STRATHMORE. Strathmore Village Milk Bar. 287 Napier St.
■ STRATHMORE. Woodfield Cellars. 9 Woodland St.
■
■ ■ SUNBURY. Sunbury Newsagency. 14 Brook St.
■ SUNSHINE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Ballarat Rd and Hampshire Rd.
■ TULLAMARINE. 7-Eleven. 182 Melrose Drive.
■ TULLAMARINE. 7-Eleven. Cnr
Expand bus route please
■ Community groups have called for the addition of a Sunday service to the 506 bus which runs from Moonee Ponds to Westgarth via brunswick.
The 7 Day 506 Bus Campaign found that it was the busiest six-day route that lacked a Sunday service.
On Saturdays, it records 36 boardings per bus operating ghour leading to the petuition also requesting a Saturday evening service.
According to a report in Australasian Bus & Coach magazine, the State Government has been told that Melbourne’s inner northern suburbs needed real alternativestocardrivingto cut emissions.
A further house sustained superficial damage only and the occupants will be able to return to it.
The incident was deemed ‘Under Control’ at 4.49am.
Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police were on the scene.
The cause will be investigated. FRV were to be on scene for most of the morning making the scene safe.
Cyclist killed
■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal collision in Attwood last Tuesday evening (Oct. 7).
A car and bicycle collided at the corner of Mickleham Rd and Bateman St shortly before 7pm.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the male cyclist died at the scene.
The driver of the car stopped at the scene and was transported to hospital for observation. A 55-year-old Greenvale man was charged with dangerous driving causing death. He appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Saturday (Oct. 11).
St Albans fire
■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded to a Triple Zero (000) call at 4.01pm Tuesday (Oct. 7) for a house fire in Walmer Avenue, St Albans, for a single storey brick weatherboard home measuring approximately 15m x 15m.
■
■
■
■
■ GLENROY. Caltex. Cnr Pascoe
Vale Rd and Finchley St.
■ ■ GLENROY. Coles Express. Cnr Pascoe Vale Rd and 213 Glenroy Rd.
■ WILLIAMSTOWN. Metro Fuel. Cnr Williamstown Rd and Lyons St.
Dr Andrea Bunting, sustainable energy engineer and secretary of Climate Action Merribek, buses were the only eastwest public transport in the area. It is vital that they are seven days a week to connect people and ;places Popular destinations on the route include Moonee Ponds Junction, Brunswick Libraryt, Sydney Rd shops, Lygon St shops, Puckle St shops, Westgarth cinemas, FOMO coinemas, Penny Lane cinemas and the Brunswick Baths.
“The 506 bus once operated on Sundays, but this service was removed in the 1970s or 1980s,” the magazine stated.
FRV crews arrived on scene in seven minutes and escalated the response as the fire had fully engulfed the house and was threatening to spread to a neighbouring property.
Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and entered the structure with hose lines to attack the blaze and conduct a primary search for any occupants in the dwelling. At 4.41pm the fire was deemed under control.
■
■
■ ■ GREENVALE. Caltex. Cnr
Mickleham Rd and Greenvale Dr
■ ■ KEALBA. Caltex. Cnr Sunshine
■
■
Ave and Main Road East.
■ ■ KEALBA. Coles Express. 100 Sunshine Ave.
■ WILLIAMSTOWN. The Lott. 35 Ferguson St.
■ YARRAVILLE. 7-Eleven. Cnr
Williamstown Rd and Somerville Rd.
■ ■ YARRAVILLE. The Lott. Cnr
Williamstown Rd and Somerville Rd.
Thursday, October 16 Ahmad, Mougehed Aiello, Nakkita Akkari, Linda Akoldit, Akol Albert, Muner Arceri, Joe Arrowsmith, Corey Arru, Jackson Arslanov, Senur Assad, Jean Pierre Assetta, Dylan John Atkinson, Dylan Baines, Joan Bajramovski, Petrit Balachandran, Mathuran Bandali, Narjes Bassett, Russell Geoffrey Baykara, Ishak Beasey, Warren William Biasibetti, Monique Binder, Christopher Boyce, Jason Broderick, Harley Cadby, Steven Calgaret, Cecilia Cleary, Dylan Mark Clements, Hayden Corrone, Pasquale Curzi, Amy Djordjevic, Alexander Dole, Darren Dorr, Barry Doyle, Sash Ellis, Laaen Ennis, Scott Eshlan, Mohammed Ali Federico-Willis, Monique Fishlock, Clarence Brian Gagula, Sairam Reddy Georgiou, Ekaterini Ghasemipoor, Soheil Giacominato, Anthony Gourgouletis, Billy Gueli, Claudia Haidar, Arthur Hainsworth, Adam Hamouda, Daniel Haratsis, Ilias Hart, Christian Hatzihalkias, Arthur Hawkins, Shayden Hayes, Nioka Hodder, Ashleigh Homaei-Bagha, Hooman Hughes, Rayne Islam, Muhammad Jankov, Thora Jennings, Mark Joseph, Daniel Kearney, Conor King, Jackson Robert Klaromenos, Michael Kondratowicz, Mark Krishna, Kunnai Laan Woods, Corey Lawry, Lisa Ann Lowman, Darren Lynch, Cooper Macdonald, Tamekah Machado, Hugo Mallouk, Rabih Manduca, Rayne Marangos, Paraskevas Michailidis, George Miller, Ashley Mizzi, Mario Mokbel, Antonius Moore, Megan Morningstar, Stephanie Morton, Damien Ross Muscat, Lee Mynott, Joshua Shane Naggs, Aaron Nakdali, Mohammed Neghabi, Banafsheh Newbould, Matthew Newham, Kacey Lee Newman, Dylan
“With Sunday trading legalised in the 1990s, more homes being built and rising local traffic congestion, it is more important than ever that good public transport alternatives like more frequent seven day buses exist,” Dr Bunting said
A secondary search confirmed no occupants inside the house.
No injuries were reported. The fire has been deemed suspicious.
Victoria Police will investigate. Police and Ambulance Victoria attended in support.
WEEKEND’S LOCAL CRICKET FINAL SCORES
■ Men’s Premier Firsts. Round 2. Sats., Oct. 11 and 18. Dandenong 1st XI 6/256 vSt Kilda 1st XI. Ringwood 1st XI 1/20 v Prahran 1st XI 10/262. Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 2/393 v Melbourne University 1st XI. Richmond 1st XI v Northcote 1st XI 7/315. Carlton 1st XI 4-d/348 v Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 1/24. Geelong 1st XI 3/137 v Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 10/146. Melbourne 1st XI 5-d/483. Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 1/31. Footscray 1st XI 8/320 v Frankston Peninsula 1st XI. Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI v Essendon 1st XI 8/355. Seconds. St Kilda 2nd XI 7/365 v Dandenong 2nd XI. Prahran 2nd XI 1/65 v Ringwood 2nd XI 10/213. Melbourne University 2nd XI v Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 9/ 268. Northcote 2nd XI 5/89 v Richmond 2nd XI 10/140. Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI 10/284 v Carlton 2nd XI 1/104. Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 8/409 v Geelong 2nd XI. Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 10/77 v Melbourne 2nd XI 10/179. Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 0/11 v Footscray 2nd XI 10/324. Essendon 2nd XI 0/ 16 v Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 10/286. Thirds. Dandenong 3rd XI 4/288 v St Kilda 3rd XI. Ringwood 3rd XI 1/42 v Prahran 3rd XI 6-d/329. Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 10/ 224 v Melbourne University 3rd XI 0/13. Richmond 3rd XI 10/177 v Northcote 3rd XI 0/19. Carlton 3rd XI v Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 8/ 204. Geelong 3rd XI 5/325 v Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI. Melbourne 3rd XI v Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 8/306. Footscray 3rd XI 9/ 281 v Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI. Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI v Essendon 3rd XI 8/265. Fourths. St Kilda 4th XI 7/255 v Dandenong 4th XI. Prahran 4th XI 4/69 v Ringwood 4th XI 10/207. Melbourne University 4th XI 10/223 v Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 4/14. Northcote 4th XI 10/153 v Richmond 4th XI 2/23. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 0/0 v Carlton 4th XI 10/231. Camberwell Magpies 4th XI v Geelong 4th XI 9/269. Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI v Melbourne 4th XI 9/301. Frankston Peninsula 4th XI v Footscray 4th XI 10/245. Essendon 4th XI v Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 10/371.
Sub-District
■ East-West 1st XI. Round 1. One Day. Balwyn 1st XI 8/290 v Noble Park 1st XI 10/ 166. Donvale 1st XI 8/157 v Taylors Lakes 1st XI 3/163. Endeavour Hills 1st XI 8/202 v Altona 1st XI 4/231. Mt Waverley 1st XI 2/161 v Box Hill 1st XI 10/157. Hoppers Crossing 1st XI 5/ 185 v Yarraville 1st XI 10/182. Spotswood 1st XI 6/199 v Croydon 1st XI 9/198. Werribee 1st XI 10/140 v Melton 1st XI 7/142. Williamstown 1st XI 9/137 v Bayswater 1st XI 0/140. East-West 2nd XI. Noble Park 2nd XI 10/ 151 v Balwyn 2nd XI 2/153. Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 8/166 v Donvale 2nd XI 8/162. Altona 2nd XI 7/165 v Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 10/164. Box Hill 2nd XI 4/180 v Mt Waverley 2nd XI 8/179. Croydon 2nd XI 2/183 v Spotswood 2nd XI 9/ 182. Melton 2nd XI 10/119 v Werribee 2nd XI 7/123. Bayswater 2nd XI 2/252 v Williamstown 2nd XI 6/249. Sunday, September 12: Yarraville 2nd XI v Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI. North-South 1st XI. Coburg 1st XI 10/ 117 v Preston 1st XI 7/268. Kew 1st XI 4/184 v Moorabbin 1st XI 9/183. Plenty Valley 1st XI 10/270 v Ivanhoe 1st XI 5/274. St Bernard's OC 1st XI 4/209 v Caulfield 1st XI 9/206. Brighton 1st XI 3/216 v Strathmore 1st XI 4/ 215. Elsternwick 1st XI 9/259 v Malvern 1st XI 9/265. Oakleigh 1st XI 6/220 v Port Melbourne 1st XI 10/155. Ormond 1st XI 4/ 184 v Brunswick 1st XI 9/180.
North-South 2nd XI. Moorabbin 2nd XI 10/127 v Kew 2nd XI 3/130. Ivanhoe 2nd XI 5/ 149 v Plenty Valley 2nd XI 10/148. Caulfield 2nd XI 8/209 v St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/71. Strathmore 2nd XI v Brighton 2nd XI, cancelled Malvern 2nd XI 10/128 v Elsternwick 2nd XI 4/ 131. Port Melbourne 2nd XI 10/111 v Oakleigh 2nd XI 2/112. Sunday, October 12: Brunswick 2nd XI v Preston 2nd XI. North-West 3rd XI. Division 1. Melton 3rd XI 5/219 v Brunswick 3rd XI 8/222. Preston 3rd XI 8/186 v Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 10/ 148. Taylors Lakes 3rd XI 9/157 v St Bernard's
OC 3rd XI 10/123. Sunday, October 12: Werribee 3rd XI v Plenty Valley 3rd XI.
North-West 3rd XI. Division 2. Altona 3rd XI v Strathmore 3rd XI, cancelled. Kew 3rd XI 5/288 v Coburg 3rd XI 10/168. Spotswood 3rd XI 2/135 v Williamstown 3rd XI 7/134. Yarraville 3rd XI v Ivanhoe 3rd XI. North-West 4th XI. Division 1. Brunswick 4th XI 2/249 v Melton 4th XI 8/ 247. Plenty Valley 4th XI 9/259 v Werribee 4th XI 6/202. Sunday, October 12: Hoppers Crossing 4th XI v Preston 4th XI. St Bernard's OC 4th XI v Taylors Lakes 4th XI.
North-West 4th XI. Division 2. Strathmore 4th XI 4/282 v Altona 4th XI 10/ 143. Coburg 4th XI 6/177 v Kew 4th XI 2/ 229. Williamstown 4th XI 9/190 v Spotswood 4th XI 10/173. Ivanhoe 4th XI 2/68 v Yarraville 4th XI 10/65.
South-East 3rd XI. Division 1. Malvern 4th XI 8/171 Caulfield 4th XI 10/160. Croydon 4th XI 8/172 vOakleigh 4th XI 8/205. Sunday, October 12: Elsternwick 4th XI v Balwyn 4th XI. Bayswater 4th XI v Mt Waverley 4th XI.
South-East 3rd XI. Division 2. Brighton 4th XI 4/309 v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/217. Moorabbin 4th XI 7/197 v Noble Park 4th XI.
Donvale 4th XI 5/160 v Ormond 4th XI 10/ 158. Sunday, October 12: Box Hill 4th XI v Port Melbourne 4th XI.
South-East 4th XI. Division 1. Malvern 4th XI 8/171 v Caulfield 4th XI 10/160. Croydon 4th XI 8/172 v Oakleigh 4th XI 8/205. Sunday, October 12: Elsternwick 4th XI v Balwyn 4th XI. Bayswater 4th XI v Mt Waverley 4th XI
South-East 4th XI. Division 2. Brighton 4th XI 4/309 v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/217. Moorabbin 4th XI 7/197 v Noble Park 4th XI. Donvale 4th XI 5/160 v Ormond 4th XI 10/ 158. Sunday, October 12: Box Hill 4th XI v Port Melbourne 4th XI.
Diamond Valley
■ Barclay Shield. Round 2. Two Days. Sats., Oct. 111 and 18. North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI v Macleod 1st XI 8/276. Diamond Creek 1st XI v Riverside 1st XI 6/296. Epping 1st XI v Rosanna 1st XI 10/257. Bundoora 1st XI 9/ 260 v Bundoora United 1st XI. Rosebank 1st XI v Heidelberg 1st XI 9/206.
Money Shield. Banyule 1st XI 0/10 v Mernda 1st XI 10/186. Eltham 1st XI 8/251 v Bundoora Park 1st XI. Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI 10/215 v Lalor Stars 1st XI 3/51. Lower Plenty 1st XI 10/268 v Plenty 1st XI 0/5 (Montmorency 1st XI 10/169 v Greensborough 1st XI 0/1.
Mash Shield. Dennis 1st XI v Keon Park CC 1st XI 10/261. Laurimar 1st XI 10/121 v Lower Eltham 1st XI 2/33. South Morang 1st XI 3/102 v Mill Park 1st XI 10/176. Panton Hill 1st XI 10/157 v Thomastown United 1st XI 2/69. Rivergum 1st XI 7/346 v Thomastown 1st XI. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 10/140 v Hurstbridge 1st XI 4/167.
B-Grade. Plenty 2nd XI v Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI. Heidelberg 2nd XI v North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI. Mernda 2nd XI v Montmorency 2nd XI. Riverside 2nd XI v Banyule 2nd XI. Rosanna 2nd XI v Diamond Creek 2nd XI.
C-Grade. Bundoora United 2nd XI 8/292 v South Morang 2nd XI. Greensborough 2nd XI 2/31 v Lower Plenty 2nd XI 4-d/300. Macleod 2nd XI 6/47 v Rivergum 2nd XI 10/308. Riverside 3rd XI 7/274 v Bundoora 2nd XI. Lalor Stars 2nd XI v Eltham 2nd XI 6/382
D-Grade. Hurstbridge 2nd XI 9-d/296 v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI 3/83. Mill Park 2nd XI 10/169 v Montmorency 3rd XI 3/ 85. Lower Plenty 3rd XI v Laurimar 2nd XI 9/ 278. Bundoora Park 2nd XI 8/263 v Rosebank 2nd XI. Diamond Creek 3rd XI 10/116 & 2/5 v Panton Hill 2nd XI 7-d/151. Keon Park CC 2nd XI 0/8 v North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI 10/ 282.
E-Grade. Banyule 3rd XI 8/292 v Greensborough 3rd XI. Mernda 3rd XI 0/10 v Riverside 4th XI 10/193. Lower Eltham 2nd XI v South Morang 3rd XI 8/364. Thomastown 2nd XI 6/389 v Dennis 2nd XI. Bye; Thomastown United 2nd XI
Eastern
■ Dunstan Shield. Round 1. One-Day. Edinburgh 1st XI v Glen Iris 1st XI. East Doncaster 1st XI 4/195 v North Balwyn 1st XI 10/192. Bulleen 1st XI 10/129 v Old Carey 1st XI 7/133. East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 10/180 v Mont Albert 1st XI 6/240. Wright Shield. Deepdene Bears 1st XI 7/ 210 v Canterbury 1st XI 10/137. Ashburton Willows 1st XI 10/117 v Surrey Hills 1st XI 5/ 118. Mulgrave 1st XI 8/168 v Richmond City 1st XI 10/166. Heathmont 1st XI 5/182 v Marcellin OC 1st XI 9/178.
A Turf. Old Carey 2nd XI 10/138 v Balwyn Saints 1st XI 7/240. Ashwood 1st XI 10/117 v Mazenod OC 1st XI 10/165. Mont Albert 2nd XI 8/140 v Boronia 1st XI 9/150. Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI 8/217 v Burwood 1st XI 6/ 216.
B Turf. Canterbury 2nd XI 9/193 v Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 0/194. Richmond Union 1st XI 9/ 132 v Heathmont 2nd XI 10/89. North Balwyn 2nd XI 3/197 v East Doncaster 2nd XI 6/196. St. Kevins Old Boys 1st XI 6/201 v Bulleen 2nd XI 10/127.
C Turf. La Trobe University 1st XI 8/226 v East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 10/118. Boronia 2nd XI 7/175 v Mulgrave 2nd XI 8/182. Burwood 2nd XI 6/207 v Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 10/77. Glen Iris 2nd XI 10/154 v Edinburgh 2nd XI 10/248.
D Turf. Surrey Hills 2nd XI 5/165 v Ashburton Willows 2nd XI 4/166. Richmond City 2nd XI 7/160 v Mont Albert 3rd XI 3/207. Mazenod OC 2nd XI 10/90 v Ashwood 2nd XI 3/182. Marcellin OC 2nd XI v Old Carey 3rd XI, cancelled.
E Turf. Heathmont 3rd XI 2/145 v La Trobe University 2nd XI 10/143. Balwyn Saints 2nd XI 6/148 v Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 10/154. Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI 10/86 v Marcellin OC 3rd XI 3/255. East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 7/205 v Edinburgh 3rd XI 4/208.
F Turf. St. Kevins Old Boys 2nd XI 2/103 v East Malvern Tooronga 4th XI 5/102. Bulleen 3rd XI 2/339 v Surrey Hills 4th XI 9/103. Richmond City 3rd XI 1/105 v Hawthorn Boroondara 4th XI. Sunday, October 12: Mont Albert 4th XI v Heathmont 4th XI. Bye: East Doncaster 3rd XI
MacGibbon Shield. Glen Waverley 1st XI 6/200 v West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 10/197. Holy Trinity 1st XI 10/162 v Trinity Willison 1st XI 10/127. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 1st XI 9d/302 v STC South Camberwell 1st XI 5/308. Clifton Hill 1st XI 4/256 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 9/255.
Burt Shield. North Alphington 1st XI 10/ 315 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/134. Trinity Willison 2nd XI 10/210 v Holy Trinity 2nd XI 10/209. St. Paul's Oakleigh District 1st XI 6d/183 v Clifton Hill 2nd XI 10/26 & 10/149. Toorak Prahran 1st XI 10/304 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 2nd XI 10/194.
Morn. Peninsula
■ Provincial Firsts. Round 2. One Day. Langwarrin 1sts 10/158 v Mornington 1sts 5/ 163. Baden Powell 1sts 8/247 v Dromana 1sts 10/206. Heatherhill 1sts 8/159 v Red Hill 1sts 6/161. Pines 1sts 5/156 v Sorrento 1sts 8/ 155. Peninsula Firsts. Long Island 1stsvb 6/ 202 v Balnarring 1sts 5/206. Mt Eliza 1sts 10/132 v Somerville 1sts 3/189. Rosebud 1sts 3/133 v Seaford CC 1sts 7/131. Old Peninsula 1sts 3/142 v Moorooduc 1sts 9/140
District Firsts. Carrum Downs 1sts 4/178 v Rye 1sts 9/177. Main Ridge 1sts 9/157 v Crib Point 1sts 6/160. Carrum CC 1sts 6/217 v Flinders 1sts 10/202. Seaford Tigers 1sts 7/ 219 v Boneo 1sts 10/162
Sub-District Firsts. Skye 1sts 10/181 v Tyabb 1sts 6/210. Ballam Park 1sts 10/141 v Baxter 1sts 8/190. Mt Martha 1sts 4/233 v Pearcedale 1sts 10/77. Bye: Delacombe Park 1sts, Frankston YCW 1st, Tootgarook 1sts.
North Metro
■ Jika Shield. Round 2. One Day. Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 9/174 v Donath CC 1st XI 7/ 160. Olympic Colts CC 1st XI 5/158 v Preston
Baseballers CC 1st XI 10/154. Northern Socials CC 1st XI 10/158 v Camrea Stingrays CC 1st XI 10/178
Jack Quick Shield. Cameron CC 1st XI 6/ 221 v West Preston CC 1st XI 9/157. Strathewen Cougars CC 1stXI 3/185 v Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 8/182. Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI 6/178 v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI 7/180. Jack Kelly Shield. Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 6/229 v Fairfield CC 1st XI 7/233. Preston YCW District 1st XI 8/149 v Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 5/145. West Preston CC 2nd XI 10/149 v Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI 9/90. B-Grade. Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI 1/82 v Northern Socials CC 2s XI 10/80. Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 9/214 v Wollert Rhinos CC 1st XI 7/ 256. Fairfield CC 2nd XI 9/166 v West Preston CC 3rd XI 10/164. C-Grade. Royal Park Reds 4th XI v Olympic Colts CC 2nd XI, Forfeit. Camrea Stingrays CC 2nd XI v Fiji Victorian CC 4th XI, Forfeit. Preston Baseballers CC 3rd XI 8/130 v Bellfield Bulls CC 4th XI 9/257. Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI v Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI, Forfeit.
Ringwood District
■ A-Grade. Round 2. One Day. Wonga Park 4XI 6/255 v Powelltown 1XI 5/286. South Croydon 3XI 3/160 v Mooroolbark 3XI 8/157. St Andrews 4XI 6/164 v Norwood 4XI 7/170. Wantirna South 3XI 9/92 v Heatherdale 3XI 4/95. B-Grade. Templeton 3XI 3/110 v Heathwood 3XI 7/106. Warrandyte 4XI 3/139 v South Warrandyte 3XI 10/127. Mooroolbark 4XI 10/ 121 v Mt Evelyn 3XI 3/123. Coldstream 2XI 5/ 168 v Kilsyth 4XI 3/169. Bill Wilkins Cup. Kilsyth 1XI 4/221 v Wonga Park 1XI 5/219. Vermont 1XI 5/198 v East Ringwood 1XI 4/201. Mt Evelyn 1XI 10/ 144 v Heatherdale 1XI 2/244. Bayswater Park 1XI 4/103 v Wantirna South 1XI 10/100. Mooroolbark 1XI 3/187 v Warranwood 1XI 7/185. C-Grade. North Ringwood 4XI 10/134 v East Ringwood 4XI 10/115. Croydon Ranges 4XI 6/156 v St Andrews 5XI 9/152. Chirnside Park 4XI 6/137 v Warrandyte 5XI 10/133. Healesville 3XI 10/103 v Wantirna 1XI 0/104. D-Grade. Mooroolbark 5XI 8/163 v Warranwood 4XI 6/178. Lilydale 4XI 10/89 v Wandin 2XI 2/91. Norwood 5XI 10/78 v Heatherdale 4XI 2/83. Yarra Junction 3XI 2/ 194 v Croydon Ranges 5XI 5/187. David Beatty Shield. Yarra Glen 1XI 5/ 195 v Bayswater Park 2XI 8/191. Norwood 3XI 9/179 v Mt Evelyn 2XI 7/197. Wandin 1XI 5/250 v Montrose 3XI 6/249. Seville Burras 2XI 2/161 v North Ringwood 3XI 6/160. Don Smith Shield. Kilsyth 3XI 10/168 v Warrandyte 3XI 5/172. Ainslie Park 3XI 8/229 v St Andrews 3XI 9/178. Hoddles Creek 1XI 1/ 100 v Croydon Ranges 3XI 10/99. Warranwood 3XI 3/93 v Wonga Park 3XI 10/88.
South East
■ A. Longmuir Shield. Round 1. One Day. East Sandringham 1 10/199 v Washington Park 1 4/201. Bentleigh Uniting 1 5/165 v Bentleigh ANA 1 10/161. Kingston Heath 1 5/176 v Brighton Union 1 7/178. Le Page Park 1 10/ 75 v West Bentleigh 1 10/191.
■ B. Woolnough Shield. Mackie 1 6/256 v Hampton Central 1 8/139. Cheltenham Park 1 9/224 v Omega 1 10/126. Carnegie South 1 9/198 v CHAG 1 8/198. Cluden 1 8/224 v Elwood 1 5/225.
■ C. Quiney Shield. Omega 2 3/148 v Bentleigh Uniting 2 10/147. Washington Park 2 10/100 v East Sandringham 2 10/181. CUCC Kings 3 10/194 v Le Page Park 2 10/173. Hampton United 1 0/76 v Highett West 1 10/73.
Western
■ A-Grade. Round 2. One Day. AA Tarneit 1st XI v Williams Landing SC 1st XI. Manor Lakes 2nd XI v Altona Sports 1st XI. Truganina Strikers CC Yellow 1st XI v West Point Titans 2nd XI.
■ B-Grade. Wyndham Vale 3rd XI 8/212 vVic Bangladeshi SC 2nd XI 10/156. Point Cook 5th XI 5/199 v Western Lions Gryphons 1st XI 6/169. Altona Sports 2nd XI 10/138 v Edgar Cricket Club 1st XI 9/231. Point Cook Centrals 3rd XI 4/188 v Glen Orden Thunder 6th XI 7/ 192.
Back on winners’ list at Horsham
■ Racing at Horsham in the Wimmera commenced the week on Monday October 6 and what a day it was for Woorinen (Swan Hill) part-owner/trainer/driver David Wills who returned to the winners list after a long time off the scene when 8Y0 SomebeachsomewhereLombo Sleek Streak gelding Santa Casa Beach snared the 1700 Oringi Protection Wear Pace at Horsham on Monday October 6. First up since December 2021 after breaking a pedal bone and being sidelined for a considerable time, Santa Casa Beach formerly trained by Russell Jack for Swan Hill owner/ breeders Todd and Wendy Rivett was driven by Western District freelance Lochie Cook and speared away from gate five to lead.
■ Travelling kindly throughout, Santa Casa Beach a winner of ten races with 6 placings from 32 outings (his last being at Melton on June 19th, 2021) led on turning but looked beaten when polemarker Hes All Torque used the sprint last to take a slender lead as the post approached, with the favourite Mattie Craven’s Mildura Cup victor Young Bluey (four pegs – three pegs at bell) after being restrained from outside the front line when first up since June as Ultimate Vinnie (three pegs from a solo second line draw) came away from the inside at the bell to race exposed for the final circuit.
■ Coming again under hard driving in the straight when angled off the back of Hes All Torque, Santa Casa Beach gained the lead in the shadows of the post to prevail by a half head from Young Bluey which sprouted wings when clear over the final stages, with Hes All Torque a half head away third in a thrilling finish.
The mile rate 1-56. – quarter 27.8 in what was a tremendous feat by the 64 year old Mallee trainer.
■ David Wills was a newcomer to the sport when he joined the Yarra Valley stable of magnificent conditioner Trevor Spry (Kings Mead, Roman Chapel and Apollo Shining to name just a few) and was successful aboard Paradeon, Marcelino (his best -10 wins) Sea Charm and Astute Paul after shifting to the Swan Hill district where he purchased a fruit block and was very much involved in local footy.
His lifetime ambition has been to win a metropolitan race at harness headquarters Melton and maybe Santa Casa Beach will be the horse to do it.
■ Dunnstown based David Murphy and son Brent combined to land the Hyland Harness Colours Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres with Pleasant Surprise, a filly by Art Major from Beach Kat when making her second appearance at the races.
Settling three pegs from the pole as Billysophia (gate four) led, Pleasant Surprise was shuffled back through the field in the last lap when Misseedie (gate three) ahead of her gave ground rapidly allowing those up front to kick clear approaching the final bend.
Using inside runs, Pleasant Surprise made ground under full steam to run into second place before easing to the outside on straightening and drawing clear to score by a huge 21.4 metres from Happy Escape (gate six) which spent most of the race exposed, with Billy Sophia holding third a head back. The mile rate 2-03.2.
■ Horsham trainer Rod Carberry scored a first up victory in the Flyveils By Design Maiden Pace over 1700 metres for two and three year olds with what looks to be a promising proposition in 2Y0 Poster Boy-Bou Chard filly Kaiko Jett.
Bred and raced by Birchip’s Connelly family. Driven by Mick Bellman,Kaiko Jett led throughout from gate two, recording a most impressive 5.6 metre margin in advance of Trip To Paris (gate three) which trailed, with Mount Gambier visitor Dark And Handsome (gate four) third 8.8 metres away third after following the pair. The mile rate 1-57.6.
■ Michael Bellman was to make it a double after 3Y0 Tactical Landing-Sundons Pride 3Y0 gelding Mecarno raced by Ararat owners the Hull’s who are staunch stable supporters blitzed his rivals in the 2200 metre Virbac Equimax Elevation Trotters Handicap returning a 2-04.1 mile rate.
Stepping swiftly from 10 metres when first up since August to settle one/one with polemarker Ataboy Charlie leading, Bellman wasted no time in sending Mecarno forward to effortlessly cross the leader and once there, coasted for the rest of the journey to easily account for Ataboy Charlie by 12.2 metres.
Maximex (10m) one/one through the middle stages and three wide last lap was a neck away third. Bellman made it three for the day after
Harness Racing
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
local trainer Aaron Dunn’s 3Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Tina Calls gelding Pick Up Elvis brought up seven wins in succession by taking the Mustad Australia Vicbred Voucher Pace over 2200 metres.
Sprinting like a gazelle from four back in the running line from gate two on the second line in the final circuit to join the leader Foxy Two Gloves (gate three) with Eastbro Chrissie (gate six) outside the leader running into the home turn, Bellman waited until entering the straight to ask for a final finishing effort and Pick Up Elvis responded beautifully to record a 3.4 metre margin over the leader, with The Sportz Star 3 metres away third after always being handy from gate four. The mile rate 158.1. Pick Up Elvis was the last horse bred by Aaron’s late father Barry.
At Shepparton
■ The usual Shepparton fixture was Tuesday’s fixture and two first start fillies My Ideal Dream and Captain Molly provided the quinella in the Woodlands Stud 2Y0 Maiden Pace over 1690 metres. My Ideal Dream (American Ideal-My Double Dream) trained at Girgarre by Lisa Pitt with husband Mark in the sulky enjoyed a sweet passage from gate four trailing the leader Where It All Bean (gate six) while Captain Molly (Art Major-Morton Plains) settled one/one from gate two for the Murchison North team of Shane (trainer) and Ryan (driver) Sanderson.
When the leader shifted ground running into the final bend, My Ideal Dream dashed to the front, careering away to prevail by 11.4 metres over Captain Molly (three wide home turn), with Riverina visitor Ideal Lilly also using inside runs from three pegs third a head away. The mile rate 1-54.6.
■ Monegeetta’s David Miles trained and reined 3Y0 Soho Tribeca-Flying Indi Air gelding Indi Party Mood to success in the 2190 metre Hygain Pace but not before some anxious moments.
Beginning smoothly from gate two only to go offstride soon after, Indi Party Mood regained his gait rather quickly and proceeded to lead virtually throughout to just last by a head from Riverina hope Krissy (gate five) along the sprint lane which led out before taking a trail on the winner. Im All Business (gate three) after racing roughly at the start settling one/one was third 3.2 metres back in a mile rate of 1-58.7. Home bred by David’s late father Marty, mother Lauren and long time friend Bob Sherren, Indi Party Mood in now raced by Laurel and Bob in partnership.
■ Balliang trainer Tyrone Abela has an impeccable record with his trotters and SkyvalleyPeggyhall filly Shes Sky High raced by the family’s Evolution Lodge Pty Ltd brought up two successive victories by taking the Munro & Associates Conveyancing Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.
Driven by Chris Alford, Shes Sky High began fast from gate five to head off Kylie Sugars’Bumper Service (gate two) and was untroubled to score by 2.2 metres from Matty Gath’s Hold That Magic (one/three) from inside the second line after a rough beginning which flashed home. Bumper Service held third 6.9 metres away. The mile rate 2-04.5.
Evening program
■ The regular Wednesday night meeting was held at Bendigo with an even program with the highlight of the night being the victory of 6Y0 Danny Bouchea-Windsor Block mare
Poppy Popstar winning the Happy 80th Birthday Peter Svanosio Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres with son Chris doing the driving. Partowned and trained by Tarah McNamara at Junortoun, Poppy Popstar who has shown rapid improvement in recent outings was restrained from gate six at the start to settle near last as Billy Zippin (gate two) led for Matthew Gath.
Going forward three wide racing for the bell to join the pacemaker for the last lap, Poppy Popstar took a slender lead on the final bend and defied all challengers in the straight to register a tough 1.9 metre margin over Frankythefrenchman (gate four – one/three –four wide home turn), with Off Your Faceski (gate two second line - one/one – outside leader – one/one at bell third a head back) The mile rate 2-01.9.
■ Mount Wallace part-owner/trainer/driver Kyle Marshall brought uip two wins in succession with 3Y0 American Ideal-My Double Dream colt Fire Marshall in the Nutrien AG Solutions Bendigo Pace over 2190 metres.
Taken back from outside the front line as the start was effected with Goodtime Captain (gate five) fast away to lead, Foire Marshall was sent forward three wide mid-race to park in the open and dictate the terms to suit.
Striding clear on the home turn, Fire Marshall kept on giving in the straight to register a tough half head victory over Zenario from the extreme draw off a three wide trail last lap returning a mile rate of 1-58.7. Goodtime Captain held third 2.8 metres away.
■ Charlton trainer John Tormey’s highly promising Skyvalley-Sullanders Pride 3Y0 gelding Karbine in the care of daughter Ellen at Junortoun was victorious in the 1650 metre Bendigo Locksmiths Trotters Mobile.
Restrained from outside the front row by Jack Laugher who has the key to his racing patten, Karbine despite being four wide on the final bend came with one electrifying burst of speed on turning to nab a very game Floating Mountain three wide throughout by 1.3 metres returning a mile rate of two minutes even. Kyvalley Jagger (one/two from inside the second line – three wide trail last lap) was third 2.1 metres away.
Exciting meeting
■ A exciting meeting of harness racing was held at Kilmore on Thursday October 9 with eight terrific races. Unfortunately for the club two races were shafted to Sky-2 irritating viewers.
Glen Park (Ballarat) trainer Connor Ronan and reinsman son Ronan took the honors for the night after 5Y0 CaptaintreacherousGolden Flyin gelding Admiralofthefleet scored in the 1690 metre Momentum Gaming Pace and 4Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Helens In Paradise mare Good Heavens the Picklebet Vicbred Voucher $y0 & Older Maiden Pace.
■ Admiralofthefleet after settling five back in the moving line from gate four on the second line was sent forward three wide solo in the last lap, sustaining the effort to record a 2.6 metre margin over Major Holiday which followed the winner all of the way from gate five on the second line. Glenline (gate three second line) ran on late from the tail for third 2.2 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.2.
■ Good Heavens starting from gate four on debut showed plenty of speed to lead out before electing to take a trail on the well supported Heavens Love Story (gate three) to enjoy a lovely trail.
Using the sprint lane, Good Heavens drew clear to score by 3.7 metres. Rocknlena (gate two second line) battled on gamely for third 2.5 metres away after racing exposed. The mile rate 2-00.2.
■ Charlton trainer Tori Hutchins combined with fellow Charltonian Luke Dunne to land the 2180 metre Arcadia Group Pace with Lester, a 7Y0 Hes Watching-Desiring Bella gelding formally with Lindsay Rogers in Snake Valley (Ballarat).
Beginning fast from gate four to cross the leader Muriel (gate three) which had crossed polemarker Atomic Glory, Lester coasted all of the way to register an easy 7.2 metre victory over Muriel returning a mile rate of 2-00.1. Joeys Hangover after settling at the tail of the field from the extreme draw trailed Lilnova (one/ one) forward to race exposed prior to the bell when third 4 metres away.
■ Ballan based mother and daughter Dianne Giles and Lelani Justice snared the Standardbreds For Breast Cancer Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres with ex-Kiwi 6Y0 Imperial CountPrincess Janie gelding Noble Count, leading
throughout from the pole. Rated to perfection, Noble Count kept on giving to just last by a nose from Bullapark Beno (gate four –one/one – three wide home turn). Everybodylovesme after trailing the winner from gate two used the sprint lane to no avail for third 3.5 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.3.
■ The O’Briens Electrical Pace over 1690 metres saw Bannockburn trainer Geoff Webster successful with the Mount Gambier owned 3Y0 Captain Crunch-Digital Art gelding Major Crunch in a 1-57 mile rate.
Driven by James Herbertson, Major Crunch began very fast from gate six to lead and with the result never in doubt, scored easily by 5.9 metres in advance of local Highview Hammer (gate two) which trailed for Corey Bell, Flying Sparks (one/two from gate five) was third 8.2 metres back.
■ The Coulter Legal 2Y0 Pace over 2180 metres was a ripper with Captaintreacherous-Elita filly Pre Eminant ultra impressive for owner/ breeder Angelica Attard. Having her first outing for the Emma Stewart camp, Pre Eminant (gare six) driven by Ryan Sanderson raced outside the favourite River Storm (gate three) for the entire trip applying pressure all of the way as the pair cleared right away from the rest of the field.
Gaining the upper hand on turning, Pre Eminant raced clear to record a 10.6 metre margin over River Storm, with Secret Service Agent after being restrained to the rear from outside the front line running on late for third 5.9 metres back. The mile rate 1-57.9.
■ Wallan owner/breeders Noel and Ruth Shinn were in the winners stall when Downbytheseaside-Alina 4Y0 gelding Anakin landed the 1690 metre MC Labour Pace. With James Herbertson in the sulky, Anakin began fast from gate two but couldn’t muster speed to hold out quick beginner Asmileandawinx (gate five) before crossing her shortly after.
When the favourite Ollies The Boss starting solo on the second line came with a rush off a three wide trail racing for the bell to obtain the lead, he immediately became the one to beat, however with Anakin easing outside him on turning, the pair had a battle with Anakin proving too strong at the finish, registering a head margin, with Asmileandawinx holding third 3.5 metres back. The mile rate 156.1.
■ Kilmore trainer Billy Milner used the services of Bendigo reinsman Jack Laugher to snare the C&M Build Group Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres with much travelled 6Y0 Angus Hall-Spirit Of Smooth gelding Xiaobo in a 2-04.4 mile rate.
Settling four pegs from a solo second line draw as speedy mare Christmas Babe as usual led from gate four.
Angling away from the inside racing for the bell, Xiaobo moved on terms with the leader for the final circuit before striding clear on turning to gain the day by 5.4 metres (his first since November 2023), defeating The Vicars Girl (gate two – five pegs – one/one at the bell). Christmas Babe held third 4.1 metres away. Len Baker
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ALUMINIUM PUNT 4 metre, with all required safety equipment with relocatable folding seats plus 77.5hp Mercury outboard motor. GC. $1600. Seymour. 0410 032 064. NN-QQ
BATHROOM TILES. To cover 270sq m. EC. $60. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950. HH-LL
BED. 3-seater and two seater. Red, vinyl. Dark wood trims. VGC. $300. Cranbourne, 0401 898 413. HH-LL
BED HEAD. Wooden. And base. With slats. As new. $80. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC
BED. Electric. King Size. High low. Head comes up to sitting position. Legs raise, bed tilts. 12 months old. No longer needed. Top quality mattress. EC. $3500. Yea. 0409 944 982. LL-OO
BIKE. Lady’s. Purple. Make: Huffey Friction. Complete with helmet and pump and basket. VGC. $120. Pakenham. 5940 5018. LL-OO
BOAT. Savage 12’. 15HP Johnson OB. Trailer. All Safety EQ. Bow canopy. Storm cover. VGC. $1800. Alexandra. 0419 329 264. Z-CC
BOOKS. Large variety. Various authors. $2, or 3 for $5. Heathmont. 0423 720 137. HH-LL
BOOKS. Collection of Mary Grant vintage books. Mostly VGC with dust jack- ets. Offers welcome. Research. 9437 1253. JJ-NN
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BOOSTER SEAT. Mothers hoice. Convertible. 6 months to 8 years. VGC. $40. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. HH-LL
BRICKS. 500. Clean, as new $400. 100 face bricks, $120. New. Bittern. 0419 582 437. PP-TT
BRICKLAYERS TUBE & CLIP SCAFFOLDING TUBES clips swivels joiners putlog clips base plates sole boards Oregon planks. Genuine offers only enquires welcome GC. $6000. Crib Point. 0419 935 807 PP-TT
CARAVAN. Millard Grand Champion 17 FT Air/ con 3 way fridge microwave gas cook top double bed plus two smaller singles full annex with floor van cover Pop Top 1170 kg registered many extras. GC. $12,750. Flowerdale. 0411 577 050 PP-TT
CARAVAN. Jayco. 2004. Freedom. Single beds, RC/ AC, new tyres, unused porta-potti, m’wave, 3-way fridge, gas & elec. cooktop + grill, 240/12 volt TV and aerial. Reg till Jan 2026. Everything in working order. 1150 kg. Tows great. VGC. $12,500 ONO. Hastings. 0409 645 059. HH-LL
CHAIR. Pink, small, white spots. Suit girl . VGC. $15. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, after 5pm best. HH-LL
COUNTRY MUSIC. 33rpm. Slim Dustry, Reg Lindsay, Hank Snow, glen Campbell, Sons of the Pioneers, Tex morton, Buddy Willkiams, Hank Williams, Hawking Bros., The Overlanders, The Folk Singer. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL
CRICKET MEMORABILIA. 19 books. Bradman Calendar 1908-2001. Plus ‘Argus’ Magazines 1950, 1951 x 2. GC. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. PP-TT
DISHWASHER. Norj. 13.7 litres per wash. Large. 2’ wide, 2.9high. Not connected. New. Bought for $720. Sell $360. Alexandra. 0409 470 107. NN-QQ
ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR. ‘Pride Go Mobility Chair’. Hardly used. EC. $1400. Viewbank. John, 0418 583 120. LL-OO
HEDGE TRIMMER. Honda. HHH25D. 4 stroke. With hour meter fitted. VGC. Bought in Feb. 2022. Has done 20.8 hours. $650 ONO. Pearcedale. 0418 457 588. Z-CC
LAND. Expansive acreage ideal for farming or livestock. Secure paddocks, peaceful setting, close to amenities. Option to lease land only or house and land together. Suitable for genuine agricultural use. GC. $420/month for the land only. Land and house, $1000/month. Balnarring Beach. 0434189 449 PP-TT
LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $25. Ashburton. 9885 2203. Z-CC
LAWN MOWER. Ozito. Corded. With catcher. lightweight. Paid $149 at Bunnings. Sell $60. Mt Martha 5973 4163.
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LINE TRIMMER. Electric. 500 watts. 290mm cut. Little used. GC. Purchase to collect. $10. Doreen. 9717 3465 HH-LL
MATT BLATT egg chair on steel base. $130. Malvern East. 0419 685 666 PP-TT
RECORDS. 33rpm. Casslical singers. OPaul Robeson, Mobncrieff, Kiri Te Kanwa, Peter awson, Pavarotti, Secombe, Caruso, Peerse, lawrence, Hammond, Bronhill, Sutherland. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL
RECORD PLAYER. Radiogram, $25. VGC. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL
RIDE-ON Deutscher 280 Honda 390 motor run fine seal on shaft leaks, heaps of parts including new seat, new cutting plate body part dismantled, everything is there. GC. $500 or offer. yarck. 0414 718 812. NN-QQ
MOTOR HOME.. With two solar panels for lights and air con. Double bed, gas cooker. Holden Rodeo 1998 rego till Feb. 24, 2026. Tour atlas inc. new battery and x bars. History of work completed. 1LB- 2CN. VGC. $19,000 ONO. Alexandra. 0409 470 107. LL-OO
PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q
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PICTURE FRAMES. 40 large to small. Various styles. VGC. All only $70. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q
PRESSURE WASHER. Karcher. Good working order. little used, complete with operating instructions. Purchaser to collect. GC. $55. Doreen. 9717 3485. HH-LL
ROLLER DOOR Electric motor. 4 Doors brand. Near new Model 4DR1 v4 with remotes. Still has new stickers on it. EC. $100. Whittlesea. 0419 002 507.LL-OO
NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS
Application reference number: P25/1382
Applicant name:
METROPOL PLANNING SOLUTIONS
The Land affected by this application is located at: 14 Roscius Place SORRENTO LOT 918 PS 412993 VOL 12595 FOL 741
The application is for a permit to: VARIATION TO A RESTRICTION ON TITLE (LOT 918 PS412993E) BEING COVENANT V599586G 21/08/1998 BY DELETING POINT (a) OF THIS COVENANT WHICH READS,
• he will construct erect place or cause to be constructed erected built or placed on the said lot hereby sold any fences (to be constructed of brush or post and wire only), walls, dwelling, outhouses or garages without obtaining the prior consent of Prudential Projects Pty Ltd to same which consent shall not be unreasonably written,
FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED
52.02 VARY A RESTRICTION
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Entertainment Extra
Die Die Die Old People Die
■ The Puppet Rats troupe combine puppetry and technology in their performance of Die!Die!Die!OldPeople Die
Whilst there is a simplicity about puppets that can be charming and naïve, there needs to be a professional efficiency when it comes to digital integration.
Audiences can suspend belief knowing the puppeteer generates the action.
Unfortunately, when a no signal sign appears on the screen during the transition from one camera to another, the illusion is lost.
Bringing in a technician to operate the board would help in this regard.
The story line would also benefit from development. Ostensibly, an aging couple and an old friend are at the end of their lives.
This premise needs to be fleshed out more.
One sequence included a running dog. We saw how the puppeteers were able to generate a sense of movement passing items by the puppet while it went through the throes of running.
The scenario, however, had little to do with the overall theme and seemed to be there to extend the running time.
The thread of the show is also more situational than something that follows a narrative arc.
The elderly couple, Norman and Violet, fart and cough, drink tea and have sex.
How this is created can be amusing. They have a friend, Arthur, but we never see any back story as to why they are connected.
Overall, there is work to be done to get this show to the next level.
Review by David McLean
Other Gods
■ Simon Farley’s play, Other Gods, presents us with a parallel world that reflects contemporary society.
Tom , a celibate priest ( Sorab Kaikobad), falls for the independent Marina (Emily Kruse)
He is chastised by the church matron, Vinka (Milijana Cancar), whose
Packaged liquor licence application I/ We Teifal Pty Ltd t/as Decanters by the Bay applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 4th October 2025 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at/to 53-55 Nott Street Port Melbourne Victoria 3207.
Any person may object to the grant of this application on the grounds that:
• it would detract from, or be detrimental to, the amenity of the area in which the premises are situated, and/or
• it would be conducive to or encourage the misuse or abuse of alcohol. An objection must state the reasons for the objection. All objections are treated as public documents. Objections must be made in writing to: Liquor Control Victoria PO Box 1019 Richmond VIC 3121
Objections must be made no later than 30 days after the date of this notice
opinion reflects that of a somewhat backward community. Tom’s close friend, Ant (Asher Griffith-Jones) is gay and there is an interloper from another community, Fidan (Esther B Ebony) who is accused of witchcraft.
But for the fact that Tom’s church believes in 10 gods and the witchcraft seems effective, this could be today’s world where attitudes and opinions are distorted, practiced, misinterpreted, contradict and compete.
The cleverness of the work lies in keeping all the threads running simultaneously but we are left wondering if there is a central focus.
It might be feminism, the hypocrisy of religion, individual dilemmas or even outdated practices.
This question remains unresolved. Kaikobad grapples well with the conflicting pressures his character faces.
He is pulled between all the above mentioned forces. There is humour in Cancar’s dowager and spiritedness in Kruse’s portrayal.
Farley uses his characters to question and debate the relative merits of those given to service whose allegiances are divided by practical and natural realities.
The amicable outcome of the play makes this work, technically, a comedy.
We have a slice of life revealing a Chekovian pathos. There is potential, perhaps, for a more dramatic tragedy to show a harsher reality given the consequences of celibacy and ignorance within institutions and society as a whole.
The work was tight and effective (director Kirby Lunn) and the script allowed for real character portrayals.
After this airing at the Fringe, it will be interesting to see how the play develops.
Presented at the Motley Bauhaus. Review by David McLean
Big Pants
■ A two-time RAW comedy finalist (Vic. 2024, ACT 2023), Chelsea Heaney blends funny situational comedy with an endearing charm in BigPants
A musical theatre tragic, she tells of the time she landed her dream part, as Rizzo in an amateur production of Grease, only for it to be cancelled due to COVID
After suffering through COVID lockdowns, well, one short lockdown as Heaney spent COVID in Canberra, and a relationship breakdown, or maybe a situationship breakdown, Heaney needed a break.
She booked a recovery holiday, a Contiki holiday for 18- to 39-year-olds in Vietnam.
Have you ever been caught in a sticky situation?
A literally sticky “sweat lasagne” of clothes you’ve been wearing for days on end?
This is what happened to Heaney as she recounts a sad, but relatable, and hilarious tale of lost luggage. Ever spent so much time in one jumpsuit that it started to accumulate layers of perspiration, marking the passing of time like rings on a tree, she asks.
A side trip to a tropical island involved a boat ride with unexpected consequences for participants.
After recreating the vomiting scene from Triangle of Sadness, Heaney finds herself stuck in an episode of Survivor
That is, if the survivalists ever skinny-dip in a sea sparkling with bioluminescent plankton.
Heaney belts out a medley of showstoppers from Cabaret, Dreamgirls,LesMis,Cats,WestSide Story, and Hairspray, complete with reimagined lyrics, proving she is a triple threat.
Fierce and funny, despite the embarrassingly uncomfortable situations she finds herself in, Heaney’s charm lies in her ability to keep the audience laughing along with her.
Review by Kathryn
Keeble
Anastasia
■ The Anastasiaensemble cast members, opening in December at Melbourne’s Regent Theatre, include Sophia Bae, Elliot Baker, Billy Bourchier, Nicholas Cunningham, Davis Giotopoulos Moore, Todd Goddard, Stephanie Kurlow, Keian Langdon, Bella Minniti, Nathan Stafford, Alexis Van Maanen, Annie Wilson, Deone Zanotto, and Andrea Zappacosta with the Swings team featuring Manon Gunderson-Briggs, Iosefa Laga'aia, Nathan Pinnell and Emma Russell Jessica Bendall
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