The Local Paper. Northern Suburbs Edition. Wed., Apr. 16, 2025
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■ Nine candidates are contesting for the Federal seat of McEwen in the May 3 election.
Liberal Jason McClintick and Labor incumbent Rob Mitchell rteceived second last and last ballot paper positions respectively, when the draw were conducted on Friday afternoon (Apr. 11).
Ballot paper order for the seat of McEwen is:
ANTONIOU, Ali. Gerard Rennick People First FORREST, Tom. Legalise Cannabis Party VALENCIA, Julio G. Family First McRAE McLEOD, Marley. The Greens NICOLOSI, Chloe. Animal Justice Party JOHNSON, Jeremy. Pauline Hanson's One Nation McCLINTOCK, Jason. Liberal McGRATH, Erin. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation
MITCHELL, Rob. Australian Labor Party
The McEwen seat area has changed. It now covers Diamond Creek, Donnybrook, Doreen, Edenpark, Humevale, Hurstbridge, Mernda, Panton Hill, Plenty, Smiths Gully, St Andrews, Wattle Glen, Whittlesea, Yan Yean and Yarrambat.
NOD IN PARLIAMENT TO PRESTON’S WIN
■ Preston MLA Nathan Lambert has given a Parliamentary nod to Preston’s finals win in sub-district cricket.
“I would like to begin by congratulating Preston Cricket Club on their victory in the Victorian sub-district first XI final.
“I should acknowledge that Noble Park’s Sahan Perera had set an all-time record of over 1000 runs for a season, but as it happens he was dismissed for 13 on a tricky wicket, and Preston proceeded fairly comfortably to victory, with the winning runs coming off a cover drive from Swapnil Salvi.
“I have previously mentioned in this place the extraordinary contribution of Richard Norris to that club, who has been on their general committee now for 59 years, which is surely a record for contributing to any Victorian community organisation.
I know Richard thoroughly enjoyed the win, as did Lee Cooper and everyone else at the club,” Mr Lambert said.
Nillumbik looks to new budget
■ Nillumbik Council is preparing its budget for the 2025-26 financial year.’
Key capital expenditure projects include:
■ $1.93 million to fund Diamond Creek Men’s Shed (jointly funded by the Federal Government)
■ $1.8 million to fund Yarrambat Football Club change rooms (jointly funded by the Federal Government)
■ $2.79 million to continue work on the Kangaroo Ground landfill rehabilitation (a statutory requirement of the Environment Protection Authority – EPA)
Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said the draft Budget focuses on the core features and functions that matter most to residents “We’ve allocated $1.6 million to road and carpark works and a further $1.5 million to building renewal to ensure our vital infrastructure is maintained. Almost half the population of Nillumbik has a library membership, and 75 per cent of new mothers attend their maternal child health nurse at least once a year.”
● ● ● ● Rob Mitchell, McEwen MHR.
● ● Nathan Lambert, Preston MLA
FIX OUR WORST ROAD’
■ Banyule Council is seeking feedback on the designs to fix one of Melbourne’s worst roads.
“The Boulevard, located in Ivanhoe East and Eaglemont, is in very poor condition with cracks, potholes and loose surfaces that pose a risk to cars, bikes and pedestrians,” said a Banyule Council representative.
“We plan to resurface the road while preserving the rural character and strong connection to the Yarra Flats parklands.
“We’ve heard some locals are concerned that fixing the road will increase traffic, rat running, and changes to the road’s country feel. The proposed designs respond to these concerns with the following features:
■ A road closure for vehicles between Linn St and McCubbin St to discourage through traffic and rat running, while maintaining local access for walking and cycling
■ Traffic calming measures (speed humps, line markings etc) to ensure safe vehicle speeds
■ No plans for kerb and channel, additional lighting, or new footpaths to retaining the road’s informal, country-lane feel.
“We will continue working with the community to find a design solution that balances local views with our obligations under the Road Management Act
“The proposal is currently out for consultation, with planning, scheduling and cost estimates to follow based on community feedback. Ongoing updates will be provided via Shaping Banyule
“Encouraging safe walking and cycling is a key goal of the project, with potential links to the Main Yarra Trail and upgrades to nearby roads like Gruyere Crescent also being explored in the proposal,” the Banyule Council representative said.
Questions for Darebin Council
■ City of Darebin resident Nicole Brown had questions for Councillors at the latest municipal meeting:
■ “Can the feasibility study for Edwardes St Henty St, and Gilbert Rd be expedited, given ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety and heavy traffic in the area?
■ “Will the study aim to address resident concerns regarding the lack of safe pedestrian crossing options near Edwardes Lake and J.E. Moore Park, as well as traffic management updates - including the removal of the Henty St/Gilbert Rd roundabout, speed reductions, and/or the installation of speed bumps on Henty St?
■ “ould you clarify how proposed pedestrian safety measures, like walk crossings or traffic lights, might impact traffic flow, and what alternatives are being considered to balance pedestrian safety with traffic efficiency? Residents are particularly concerned that child and family safety is being compromised for the sake of maintaining driver convenience in an area with high pedestrian traffic.”
A Darebin Council officer replied that the ouncil will consider its draft capital works budget for 2025-26 in April. The community can make a submission during May.
“The type and location of road safety improvements is typically done through Council’s Your Street, Your Say program.
The Gilbert/Henty St roundabout has been identified for improvements.”
Local News CHARGES AFTER BUNDOORA SPREE
■ Banyule-Nillumbik Crime Investigation
Unit detectives have charged a man following a string of alleged offending, over the space of 45 minutes, in Bundoora on Thursday night (Apr. 10).
It is alleged that a black Mazda sedan was spotted on Grimshaw St, hitting curbs and gutters, driving over roundabouts, swerving and flashing high beams about 7.24pm.
Police allege that the same vehicle came to a stop near The Concord about 7.45pm.
The driver allegedly exited the vehicle and approached a group of males, assaulting one of them without provocation.
Investigators allege that the offender made demands for the victim’s car keys before assaulting the man a second time.
Another man came to the aid of the victim and the offender allegedly fled the scene towards Grimshaw St
The victim was not physically injured.
Police searched the area for the alleged offender, spotting a man fitting the description provided to them, near the intersection of Carolyn Crescent and Cameron Parade about 8pm.
Officers moved in and attempted to arrest the man, who allegedly refused to follow direction, resulting in police deploying OC spray.
The man allegedly kicked out at officers, before police managed to successfully arrest him.
Two officers sustained minor injuries.
A 29-year-old man of no fixed address was charged with assault, attempted robbery, theft, resist police and driving offences.
He was to face Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court last Friday morning (Apr. 11).
NFNL football scoreboard
■ Division 1 Seniors. North Heidelberg 13.9 (87) d Bundoora 11.8 (74). Montmorency 24.13 (157) d South Morang 16.11 (107). Banyule 13.15 (93) d Greennsborough 12.6 (78). Hurstbridge 14.16 (100) d Eltham 7.12 (54). Heidelberg 18.10 (118) d West Preston-Lakeside 8.10 (58).
■ Division 1 Reserves. North Heidelberg 14.18 (102) d Bundoora 8.7 (55). Eltham 14.9 (93) d Hurstbridge 10.6 (66). Banyule 11.14 (80) d Greensborough 6.4 (40). Montmorency 24.10 (154) d South Morang 8.7 (55). Heidelberg 17.16 (118) d West Preston-Lakeside 2.10 (22).
■ Division 1 Under 19.5. Eltham 18.17 -125 d North Heidelberg 4.6 (30). Banyule 24.7 (151) d Greensborough 4.3 (27). Heidelberg 13.7 (85) d Diamond Creek 3.9 (27). St Mary’s 8.13 (61) d Montmorency 5.8 (38).
■ Division 2 Seniors. Macleod 23.19 9157) d Thomastown 10.11 (71). St Mary’s 23.15 (153)
d Panton Hill 9.8 (62). Diamond Creek 19.16 (130) d Lower Plenty 3.6 (26). Whittlesea 17.9 (111 d Watsonia 12.12 (84). Northcote Park 15.14 (104) d Old Paradians 6.8 (44).
■ Division 2 Reserves. thomastowm 8.11 (59)
d Macleod 4.8 (32). St Mary’s 12.14 (86) d Panton Hill 3.12 (30). Diamond Creek 19.11 (125) d Lower Plenty 3.8 (26). Whittlesea 18.14 (122) d Watsonia 4.6 (30). Northcote Park 6.11 (47) d Old Paradians 6.7 (43).
■ Division 2 Under 19.5. Hurstbridge 17.11 (113) d Bundoora 9.4 (58). Whittlesea 10.13 (73) d Macleod 6.10 (46). South Moranmh 18.13 (121) d Lower Plenty 8.5 (53). Bye: Lauirmar.
■ Division 3 Seniors. Fitzroy Stars 16.16 (122) d Mernda 10.5 (65). Ivanhoe 18.13 (121) d Heidelberg West 10.4 (64). Old Eltham Collegians 18.10 (118) d Reservoir 12.10 (82). Kinglake 17.17 (119) d Lalor 5.2 (32). Laurimar 16.8 (104) d Epping 14.9 (93). Bye: Kilmore.
Fishing banned at Edwardes Lake
■ A Darebin Council officer spoke about Edwardes Lake, Reservoir, at the latest municipal meeting:
“ Council officers routinely patrol Edwardes Lake Park both inside and outside of business hours to ensure compliance with the Local Law and Domestic Animals Act 1994
“There are signs which prohibit fishing Edwardes Lake Park, but we know from feedback that the signage related to fishing and motorised vehicles is inadequate.
“Council is working on this.
“A small number of infringements have been issued in Edwardes Lake Park in the last 12 months.
“ Officers prefer to educate park visitors.
“Council is considering a draft Local Law to go out for public exhibition.
“If adopted, fishing will be explicitly prohibited and Council will have more tools to enforce the Local Laws.
“Council will support the new Local Law with a community education campaign.
Easter publishing
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● The next ssue of The Local Paper is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30. Deadline for advertising bookings and content is 4pm Thursday, April 24. There will be no digital issue on April 23.
Action on cats
■ City of Darebin resident Carmem LahiffJenkins asked at the latest municipal meeting: “Does council intend to ramp up actions against cat owners who do not control the wanderings of their pets?
“I have recently seen a letter drafted to local community in the Moonee Valley LGA regarding cats and the curfew, and cats who persistently annoy other homes.
“It was very persuasive, and I implore council to review it and this strategy and apply more rigorous safeguards for wildlife.”
Darebin has a night time cat curfew in place, which applies from 7pm – 7am, 7 days a week, year round.
● ● ● ● The Boulevard, East Ivanhoe
Federal Elections 2025
BALLOT PAPER ORDER IN VICTORIAN ELECTORATES
Aston
CICCHIELLO, Manny. Liberal
DOYLEMary. Australian Labor Party
MANNERS, Craig. Family First
WILLIAMS, Andrew. Independent
FAWCETT, David. Libertarian
GRONDMAN, Mark. Independent
STEEN Reuben. The Greens
De WACHT, John. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
DESVEAUX, Steve. Trumpet of Patriots
Bruce
COLECCHIA, Bianca. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
GARAD, Rhonda. The Greens
HILL, Julian. Australian Labor Party
SKROBO, Christine. Libertarian SAFI, Zahid. Liberal ANDERSON Samuel James. Trumpet of Patriots
LOUTH Andrew. Legalise Cannabis Party
BIRCHALL, Wendy. Family First Calwell
MOORE Carly. Independent
BENGTSSON, Maria. Family First
DEL ROSARIO-MAKRIDIS, Gianni. Legalise Cannabis Party
MOSLIH, Samim. Independent TOMA Luay. Pauline
Hanson's One Nation
YOUHANA, Joseph. Independent
GARCHA, Ravneet Kaur. The Greens
ISSA, Assaad. Trumpet of Patriots
ABDO, Basem. Australian Labor Party
PEACH, Morgan HAWLI, Bassima. Citizens Party
RAGUPATHY, Ravi. Independent
GHANI, Usman. Liberal Casey
COURTIS, Phillip. Trumpet of Patriots
LIVORI, Ambere. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
BOND, Chloe. Animal Justice Party
NEBAUER, Dan. Family First BLAIR, Merran. The Greens OAKLEY, Naomi. Australian Labor Party
FERRES MILES, Claire. Independent
VIOLI, Aaron. Liberal Chisholm
RANDALL, Tim. The Greens ONG, Gary. Family First LIVORI, Guy. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
ALLEN, Katie. Liberal McSHANE, Christine. Trumpet of Patriots
GARLAND, Carina. Australian DAVIES Kath. Independent Cooper
TURNER, William. Pauline
Hanson's One Nation KEARNEY, Ged. Australian
Labor Party
BURNETT, Tara. The Greens TODHUNTER, Stewart. Liberal
LARKIN Kath. Victorian Socialists
STOLZENBERG, Donna. Legalise Cannabis Party Deakin
GREGG, Matt. Australian Labor Party
SUKKAR, Michael. Liberal NESS, Jess. Independent
COOKE, Anne. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
GRIFFITH-JONES, Richard. Family First
MILLS, Amy. The Greens WILDE, Milton. Trumpet of Patriots
VANDERMEER, Will. Libertarian Dunkley
CONROY, Nathan. Liberal THURLEY, Robert. Independent
COTTOM, Simmone. Liberal KATSELIS, Matthew. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Holt
FOREMAN, Shane. Family First
TIWARI, Payal. The Greens HAMMOND, Trevor. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
AICKIN, Riley. Legalise Cannabis Party
FERNANDO, Cassandra. Australian Labor Party SAMUEL, Annette. Liberal Hotham
VAINORAS. Tony. Citizens Party
BARRY, Martin. The Greens FOGARTY, Stuart. Pauline Hanson's One Nation BROWNMark. Family First
O'NEIL Clare. Australian Labor Party
MATHARU, Harmick Singh. Liberal
Indi HAINES, Helen. Independent BRIDGES, Mitch. Australian Labor Party
TRENERY, James. Liberal THOMAS, Athol. Pauline Hanson's One Nation REGAN Alysia. The Greens QUILTY, Tim. Libertarian WHITE, Michael. Family First HOWMAN, Ben. Legalise Cannabis Party
McFARLANE, Mark. Independent Isaacs
DREYFUS, Mark. Australian Labor Party
KIRWAN, Matthew. The Greens
HARMSE, Audrey. Family First
OTTEY, Fiona. Liberal McMAHON, Geoff. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Jagajaga
MOHAMED, Abdi. Independent
RANCIE, Rae. Family First PARR, Chris. Liberal SANDFORD, Jy. The Greens KEARNEY, Chris. Independent
RALPH, Leslie. Pauline Hanson's One Nation THWAITES, Kate. Australian Labor Party Kooyong
PEPPARD, Richard. Libertarian
HAMER, Amelia. Liberal CARTER, Jackie. The Greens ● ● Continued Next Page
Federal Elections 2025
● ● From Previous Page
BRACHE, Camille. Pauline
Hanson's One Nation
VADER, David. Trumpet of Patriots
RYAN, Monique. Independent CROSBY, Clive. Australian Labor Party La Trobe
HARDIMAN, Gregory. Thomas. Trumpet of Patriots
SPRINGFIELD, Jeff. Australian Labor Party
MALHOTRA, Ron. Family First
WOOD, Jason. Liberal
LONGMUIR, Jamie. The Greens
PANETTA, Leo. Pauline Hanson's One Nation Lalor
PARRIS, Owen. The Greens RYAN, Joanne. Australian Labor Party
EMERSON, Matthew. Family First
OOSTHUIZEN, Jason. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
D'SILVA Mira. Liberal
MOINUDDIN, Aijaz. Independent
BARCATTA, Patrizia. Libertarian Macnamara
BURNS, Josh. Australian Labor Party
RUBIN, Sean. Pauline
Hanson's One Nation
SEMMENS, Sonya. The Greens SAULO, Benson. Liberal ABELMAN, Michael. Libertarian MYERS, JB. Independent Maribyrnong
WILLIAMS, James. The Greens BRISKEY. Jo. Australian La-
bor Party
BEDDOE, Tim. Liberal CASEY, Alannah. Pauline Hanson's One Nation McEwen
ANTONIOU, Ali. Gerard Rennick People First FORREST, Tom. Legalise Cannabis Party VALENCIA, Julio G. Family First McRAE McLEOD, Marley. The Greens NICOLOSI, Chloe. Animal Justice Party
JOHNSON, Jeremy. Pauline Hanson's One Nation McCLINTOCK, Jason. Liberal McGRATH, Erin. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation MITCHELL, Rob. Australian Labor Party Melbourne
CASEY, Melanie. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
WITTY, Sarah. Australian Labor Party
SMITH. Tim. Independent KOUTOUFIDES, Anthony. Independent BANDT, Adam. The Greens HUANG, Helen. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation HUNT, Steph. Liberal Menzies
PALIOURAS,Amanda. Trumpet of Patriots
PHEASANT, Bill. The Greens WOLAHAN, Keith. Liberal YEE, Stella. Independent UTOYO, Joshua. Libertarian SEELEY, Ann. Family First NG, Gabriel. Australian Labor EDWARDS-SCOTT, Jhett. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
Monash
ROBINSON, Kuljeet Kaur. Pauline Hanson's One Nation FLETCHER, Tully. Australian Labor Party BROADBENT, Russell. Independent
ALDRED, Mary. Liberal LEONARD, Deb. Independent DETHLEFS, Geoff. Family First
O'REILLY, David. Legalise Cannabis Party STEELE, Terence. The Greens WEHBE, Alex. Trumpet of Patriots Nicholls
TRAVERS, Kim. Australian Labor Party
BACHELOR, Paul Edward. Family First FLOYD, Glenn Francis. Trumpet of Patriots
TYRRELL, Aaron. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
BIRRELL, Sam. The Nationals
DAVY, Jeff. Citizens Party EADE, Shelby. The Greens Scullin
BUCCIANTI, Adriana. Trumpet of Patriots
BELL, Cassandra. Family First
HASSAN, Omar. Victorian Socialists
TSOUTSOULIS, Arthur. Pauline Hanson's One Nation SANGARYA, Loki. The Greens TAGGAR, Rohit. Liberal GILES, Andrew. Australian Labor Party van BREE, Ursula. Gerard Rennick People First Wills
BOLTON, Sue. Socialist Alliance
KHALIL, Peter. Australian Labor Party KIDNEY, Jeff. Liberal GLOVER, Margee. Legalise Cannabis Party MILLER, Owen. FUSION | Planet Rescue | Whistleblower Protection | Innovation RATNAM, Samantha. The Greens
VERSTEEGEN, Rachel. Libertarian STEVENS, Bruce. Pauline Hanson's One Nation
■ As at Monday (Apr. 14), TAB listed Labor at $1.26 to win the May 3 federal Election.
The Coalition has lengthened to win at $3.80. Any other part is $301. Type of governmemt: a Labor Minorty is $1.95, a Labor Majority is $2.60. A Coalition Minority will pay$5. The current odds for a Coalition Majority are $17.
The Coalition has odds of $1.22 for the seat of Flinders.
Helen Haines is at $1.14 to win Indi.
In Mitchell, Labor is $1.80, Liberal $1.90.
An auction for votes
● ● By Michelle Grattan of The Conversation
■ If anyone had any doubts before, Sunday’s Liberal and Labor launches highlighted that this election is an auction for votes, in particular those of the under 40s and people in the outer suburbs.
Amid the usual launch hoopla – the Liberals choosing western Sydney and Labor returning to Perth – both parties announced major fresh housing initiatives.
They were making a deep bow to what’s a central issue for younger Australians who still aspire to the so-called “Australian dream” but can’t see themselves affording it.
Significantly, Peter Dutton also produced a tax handout – a tax offset of up to $1,200 targeted to lower and middle income earners. This was despite his signalling earlier in the campaign he wouldn’t be able to afford to do so.
On tax, Anthony Albanese promised people would be able to claim a $1,000 automatic tax deduction for work expenses (at a cost of $2.4 billion over the forward estimates).
The Liberal campaign has been flagging. Labor has appeared headed for victory, at least in a comfortable minority.
The Liberals might say they’ve been working on the policies produced on Sunday for some time, but they do have a “break glass” feel about them, as the opposition seeks to reinvigorate its campaign.
The Liberals’ proposal for the interest on a mortgage to be tax deductible has strict limits. It only applies to first home buyers, to new homes and (for the house buyer) for five years, and provided the buyer remains living in the home.
There is a means test, and the interest deductibility only applies on the first $650,000 of the loan. This is why the plan is costed at a modest $1.25 billion over the forward estimates.
The plan will come under some tough criticism in the final three weeks of the campaign. Independent economist Saul Eslake said on Sunday the policy would put upward pressure on house prices.
J“We have 60 years of evidence going back to the Menzies government’s initial first home owners’ grant scheme that anything allowing people to spend more on housing than they otherwise would results in more expensive housing and a smaller proportion of the population owning it.”
Eslake argues that when this policy is combined with the Liberals’ policy to give people access to their superannuation for a deposit, “they make a candidate for the worst policy decision of the 21st century so far.”
In its new housing offer, Labor is promising to invest $10 billion for the construction of up to 100,000 new homes to be sold only to first home owners.
Also, the present scheme under which the government guarantees a 5% home deposit would have the means test removed (the Liberals would also tweak some detail of this measure).
Labor in its first term committed to spending $33 billion and set a target of 1.2 million new homes over five years. Progress to the target is off course. The latest initiatives could be seen by some voters as more of the same.
The Liberals hope the interest deductibility policy might be a show stopper. But there is a salutary lesson from the 2022 campaign. The Liberals also came out at that campaign launch with a big housing initiative – to allow people access to their super for the purchase of their first home. It wasn’t the “game changer” Scott Morrison labelled it. It was too late, for one thing. For another, policy auction or not, many voters make decisions on wider criteria, including what they think of the leaders and the context in which the contest is taking place.
Making your vote count
■ On election day you will receive two ballot papers: a green one for the House of Representatives, and a white one for the Senate.
House of Representatives
On the green ballot paper, you need to put a ‘1’ in the box beside the candidate who is your first choice, ‘2’ in the box beside your second choice and so on, until you have numbered every box. You must number every box for your vote to count.
Senate
On the white ballot paper you can choose to vote either above or below the line.
Either: Above the line
If you vote above the line, you must number at least 6 boxes from 1 to 6. Place a ‘1’ in the box for the party or group that is your first choice, a ‘2’ in the box for the party or group that is your second choice and so on until you number at least six boxes. You may continue to place numbers in as many boxes above the line as you like
Or: Below the line
If you vote below the line, you must number at least 12 boxes from 1 to 12. Place a ‘1’ in the box beside the candidate that is your first choice, a ‘2’ in the box beside your second choice and so on until you number at least 12 boxes. You may continue to place numbers in as many boxes below the line as you like.
Voting on Polling Day
■ Election day is Saturda, May 3. You can vote at any polling place in your state or territory on polling day. Polling places are usually located at local schools, churches and community halls, or public buildings.
Voting before Polling Day
■ Hundreds of early voting centres will be open progressively across the country from Tuesday April 22 and will run up to and including Friday May 2. Check the opening dates as not all early voting centres are open for the entire two-week early voting period. All early voting centres will be closed on Easter Monday, April 21, and ANZAC Day, Friday April 25.
● ● Information from the Australian Electoral Commission. Website: aec.gov.au
with the Established September 14, 1969
Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.
ABOUT US
Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), Northcote Budget (Est. 1888), Heidelberg City News (Est. 1897), Preston Post (Est. 1888), Whittlesea Post (Est. 1935), Diamond Valley News (Est. 1959), Diamond ValleyWhittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995).
The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and comprises local editions:
Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, John O’Keefe
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Ash on Wednesday
Ash on Wednesday Cost of living crisis
■ Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence says that the Allan Labor State Government has has allowed Victoria to spiral into a cost-ofliving crisis.
“There is a simple question that Victorians will be asking themselves now and in November 2026: am I any better off than I was back in November 2014 when this Labor Government came to power?
“The answer is a resounding no. We only have to look at the Premier’s spiralling decline in the polls, plummeting to the lowest ever in her time.
“On every metric Victorians are now worse off than they were when this tired Labor Government was elected back in 2014, a decade ago.
“Everything is harder under Labor. But you do not need to take my word for it –the facts speak for themselves.
“No matter how hard this Labor Government tries to spin the facts, the truth will always shine through.
“You do not have to look very far to see that Victorians are experiencing a cost-ofliving crisis, as they are right now.
“The Allan Labor Government’s midyear budget update, their midyear financial report, released just last month, confirmed that Victoria’s budget is spiralling further into crisis, with debt surging, interest repayments ballooning and reckless spending damaging the state, adding to inflation and adding to Victorians’ cost-of-living pressures.
“For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”
plete failure to manage Victoria’s finances, proving that more taxes, more borrowing and more waste do not help your economy.
“This Labor Government has only made it harder for Victorians, who are already struggling every day with cost-of-living pressure.
“Remarkably, the midyear budget update has shown that Labor has already blown through 66 per cent of its budgeted increase in net debt.
“If this trend continues, which it no doubt will, Victoria will record a blowout in net debt of over $4 billion this financial year.
“ However, we know this government has pulled a swifty and is making Victorians pay their land tax bill twice in one financial year – dodgy accounting.
“It is a desperate bid by this tired Labor Government to make their revenue stream look better than what it actually is.
“The Allan Labor Government has taken Victoria from being a financial powerhouse in Australia to a state in serious decline.
“But do not take my word, as I said, look at what the credit rating agencies have to say.
“In 2014 Victoria had a AAA credit rating, which was the legacy of many reforms implemented by the former Kennett Liberal Government.
“It was maintained by the Bracks and Brumby Governments , who knew what it meant to be fiscally responsible, but this Allan Labor Government decided to trash the legacy.”
Local News Laneway link
■ Darebin Council is seeking expressions of interest to activate spaces providing a safe route to school for students. The Council, in partnership with Reservoir Primary School, would like to engage an artist or artist collective/s to co-design and co-install a mural in collaboration with a select group of up to twenty Year 3-6 students. Te selected artist will be required to conduct a design ideation workshop with the students.
The Local Paper is bound by the Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach The Local Paper or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at: www.presscouncil.org.au The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.
BANYULE
Incorporating the traditions of the Heidelberg City News (Est. Mar. 26, 1897), Heidelberger (Est. Nov. 12, 1958) and Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873). The Heidelberger area comprises Bellfield, Darebin, Eaglemont, Heidelberg, Heidelberg Heights, Heidelberg West, Ivanhoe, Ivanhoe East, Macleod, Rosanna, Watsonia, Viewbank and Yallambie. Banyule is home to more than 121,865 people, living in approximately 50,223 homes.
NORTHERN
Incorporating the traditions of the Preston Post (Est. 1888) and the Reservoir Times (Est. 1955) Preston Post-Reservoir Times area comprises Keon Park, Kingsbury, Northland, Preston, Preston East, Preston West, Regent, Reservoir, Reservoir East, Reservoir West. The City of Darebin is home to more than 146,719 people, living in approximately 63,562 homes.
SOUTHERN
Incorporating the traditions of the Northcote Budget (Est. 1888) Northcote Budget area comprises Alphington, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Croxton, Dennis, Fairfield, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Merri, Northcote, Thornbury and Westgarth. The City of Darebin is home to more than 146,719 people, living in approximately 63,562 homes.
NILLUMBIK
Incorporating the traditions of the Heidelberg City News (Est. Mar. 26, 1897), Diamond Valley News (Est. 1959) Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873), and Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser The Diamond Valley News area comprises Briar Hill, Eltham, Greensborough, Lower Plenty, Montmorency and St Helena. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.
WHITTLESEA
Incorporating the traditions of the Whittlesea Post (Est. 1935), Whittlesea Chronicle, Whittlesea Advertiser, and Eltham & Whittlesea Shires Advertiser, Evelyn Observer (Est. Oct. 31, 1873). Whittlesea Post area comprises Bundoora, Epping, Epping North, Lalor, Mill Park, Thomastown, South Morang, Wollert. The City of Whittlesea is home to more than 197,491 people, living in approximately 71,014 homes.
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Celebrating 56 years in local media
● ● Bridget Vallence, Evelyn MLA
Authorised by N. Favager by Favager Authorised by N. Favager by Favager
F F F F or the T T or the T T rumpet of P of P Patriots atriots atriots atriots atriots , Gold Coast Gold , Gold Coast Gold
Observer Melbourne
Les Miserables arrives in Australia Les Miserables arrives in Australia
Meet The Candidates
Helen Huang for Melbourne Fusion Party
● ● ● ● Helen Huang
HELEN HUANG for HUANG for HELEN HUANG for HUANG for for Melbourne (F (F usion P ar ar ar ty) ty)
Helen is a proud Australian of Chinese heritage, a single mother, a writer, an architectural designer, a domestic builder and a dynamic business entrepreneur.
Helen has lived in Melbourne for 30 years and values our democracy. As your local representative, she prioritizes the needs of residents, businesses and workers.
Together we'll develop progressive
policies for our community. https://www.fusionparty.org.au/ helen_huang_melbourne https://helenhuanginde.com.au/ A New Melbourne (A national hub for innovation, industry & finance/ High-speed rail)
■ Foster innovation by reducing bureaucracy, investing in science and technology and creating a competitive industry.
■ Boost the economy by utilizing Australia’s seawater for renewable hydrogen energy.
■ Build a high-speed rail link between Melbourne and the airport Reducing Cost of Living
■ Controlling Inflation through housing reforms, energy bill relief, stopping supermarket gouging.
■ Boost Funding for Community & Public Housing programs to ensure affordable housing.
■ Promoting Universal Basic Income (UBI) to empower people have a balanced life.
■ More bulk-billing Medicare clinics & 7-11 clinics, also covering essential dental & mental health check-ups.
Build a Harmonious Society Build a Harmonious Society Build a Harmonious Society Build a Harmonious Society
■ Create an organization that protects whistleblowers.
■ Strengthen police departments at key locations for quick crime response.
■ Develop more green spaces to connect with nature and build community friendships.
Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular has arrived in Australia. There will be 15 performances in Melbourne. Details inside.
Melbourne Observer
Established 1969 EDITORIAL COMMENT
Elections
fought locally
Our community newspapers - under The Local Paper banner - cover 31 of the 38 Federal Election divisions in Victoria. Those divisions have 3.2 million electors.
In print and online, our local editions comprehensively reach young and old people throughout each electorate.
Our newspapers are committed to strong, public interest journalism without fear. We present a robust coverage of local news, and we are not frightened to share opinions.
The candidates for the May 3 Federal Elections have been declared, and in this issue we list the nominees for the House of Representatives and Senate, in ballot paper order.
A worrying trend is that many Party-aligned candidates stay silent, and leave the debates to the Albaneses and Duttons of this world.
Increasingly, there is the disturbing trend towards Presidential-style elections.
Elections are won and lost at the local level. Candidates ignore local readers at their peril.
Give that they may grow
Alongside the solemn religious observances of GoodFriday, Victorians come together this week to raise funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Our firends at The Herald & Weekly Times Ltd, publishers of the Herald Sun, throw their weight into co-ordinating the Appeal, which last year raised a record-breaking $23,368,724.
The annual telethon will be broadcast from the Docklands studios of Channel 7.
Groups from all over the State will come together with special events to raise funds for Victoria’s health showpiece.
Money will be collected with tin shakes, sausage sizzles, highway collections and public events.
Victorians can donate, using the Appeal website - www.GoodFriday Appeal.com.au - or by ringing the Appeal phoneroom on 1300 277 325.
Since 1931, over $468 million has been raised to deliver the best possible care to patients and their families at the ‘kids’ hospital’.
Under resourced, unprepared
Sir,
As an ordinary citizen with an interest in military history and current world affairs I feel compelled to submit the following.
I will leave specifics to better qualified Defence experts however I feel able to comment on some defence aspects that appear to be currently ignored.
The present state of Australia's Defence infrastructure is not dissimilar to the position that confronted the nation in the early 1940s.
Under resourced, unprepared, and relying on external nations for our Defence (Singapore Strategy).
The basic tenets of conflicts have not changed much over the centuries.
Megalomaniacs, religion, or the theft of land and resources. The latter especially applies when land is under utilised and under valued.
Food and food supply chains along with the water required are already critical in many parts of the world.
The north of Australia is under populated, lacking infrastructure and under utilised. Vision and leadership have been lacking for decades.
A Bradfield Scheme or something similar is urgently required. This is where the waters of northern coastal rivers are diverted inland for productive purposes.
Northern and Central Australia could become a food bowl for much of Asia and the world. The whole Australian concept of creating a few coastal mega cities with extraordinarily expensive infrastructure needs urgent review.
The lack of long term vision extends to many areas. We are now (decades late) only starting to progress the Inland Rail project, vital infrastructure. Congratulations to all those who have finally got it off the ground. However, 80 years on from the end of WW II, the lack of a standard gauge rail network is still a real impediment to the movement of heavy goods and equipment around much of the nation.
The same applies to the lack of sovereign marine transport, or the poor standard of some strategic roads across central Australia (Outback Way).
Australia requires leadership from both its politicians and bureaucracy especially in matters defence. The problems associated with procurement and capabilities have long been outlined by defence experts with limited results and much bureaucracy.
This nation has been extremely slow to react. The same applies to recognising the importance of food production, agricultural support and adequate supply chains to deliver produce to ports.
The biggest impediment to improving this current situation is expecting different or better outcomes and results when the same people and organisations are still in control. There needs to be a real
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.
overhaul of the bureaucracy that runs this country. This situation has evolved over many years and all sides of politics bear responsibility.
- Bill Chisholm, Tooborac
Not pliant to Council
Sir,
I note with great interest in The Local Paper, the one not pliant to Murrindindi Council – the article concerning Charles Exton’s six years of frustration with the Murrindindi Shire for a permit.
It’s no surprise to me, as a former councilor and political activist, I came to the conclusion, most councilors are more interested in what they perceive as status in the community, and the now payment to councilors.
Many people, well remember the TV series ‘Yes Minister’.
Many councilors reflect this show and Murrindindi councilors are no exception.
Councilors should question their officers closely on their recommendations.
Lazy councilors just follow the council officers’ recommendations, and don’t give time to analytical thought to the subject being proposed to the meeting.
Ray Donkin
2033 Maroondah Hwy Buxton
Death is guaranteed
Sir,
Easter, one cross - one love.
He carried his cross up to Calvary, embraced it. Already flogged by the Romans, he allowed himself to be nailed, hung on this cross. His loved ones fled, abandoned him in the hour of trial, the enemies mocked where he bleeding, suffering looked down on them and said "Father, forgive them!".
What is this, how is such sacrificial love possible? This Jesus, who became the world's most famous name, and whose birth marks the beginning of our calendar era and whose book, the Bible b ecame the most read. The answer can only be found in that very book, where it says "For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life". So it was love for each of us with the purpose of saving us to eternal life.
Death is 100 percent guaranteed for everyone, no one escapes. But, this Jesus who also died on the cross is said to have conquered death and rose from the dead on the third day. I think we need an explanation here, how is this possible? We find the answer in that Bible again. It says that "the wages of sin is death", and that Jesus as the Son of God lived a sinless life, and therefore death could not keep him.
Now we know that we ordinary people sin every day. We slander, lie, exploit, hate and treat each other unlovingly, etc.
The list is as endless as this Jesus' love for us when he takes on all our billions of sins on the cross, like a giant magnet. And before God the Father, he therefore says "Forgive them!", and what could God then do other than just forgive us when our sins have been removed on the cross. Through this forgiveness and freedom from sin, the way has suddenly been opened to eternal life, when death lost its right to keep us.
The greatest question and fear of every human heart, is it probably "death"? Should we just cease to exist as if we never existed, a dot that fades, vanish into nothingness? The one who defeated death responds in a sacrificial and love-filled "No, believe in Me and you will live", because as the Bible finally says: “Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ".
Love on the cross has spoken, can we ignore and rush on to the meaningless, emptiness of the grave and death, or do we choose to believe and rejoice in a wonderful eternal future with the prince of Life, Jesus Christ? - Peter Kujala. by mail
Games chiefs
■ Lewis Luxton, managing director of the Shell Co. of Australia, was appointed deputy chairman of the Olympic Games Organising Committee.
He was appointed after the committee last night expressed complete confidence in Mr. Kent Hughes as chairman.
Mr. Luxton is one of the two Australian members of the International Olympic Committee.
He was responsible for the appointment of Lt. Gen. W. Bridgeford as chief executive officer for the Games.
Blushes spared
■ Police Commissioner Porter has saved 120 policemen from blushing a deep scarlet.
For six months police living in Russell st. barracks have been undressing almost in public.
Blinds were taken from their .bedrooms to be repaired last October.
The police have complained that girls from nearby buildings have been watching them disrobe - and even using binoculars!
They pleaded to officials, but for months there was no result.
Two weeks ago newly elected Police Commissioner Porter inspected the rooms. Yesterday the blinds were being draped.
Train attack
■ Terrified 15-year-old schoolgirl clambered precariously along the out side of a speeding Lilydale-bound train yesterday to escape from a youth.
She fell into another compartment after clinging frantically to handrails as she inched her way along the narrow footboard of the swaying train for 25ft.
The girl stumbled from the train at Lilydale, and gasped out her story to the station-master.
She said she was on her way home, from Box Hill Technical School to Healesville in a "dogbox" compartment.
Other passengers got out at Mooroolbark, leaving her alone with a youth.
As the train began the four-mile downhill run to Lilydale the youth attempted to molest her, she said.
Terrified, she flung open the door, swung out on to the footboard, and slithered along for three compartment lengths before staggering in side to safety.
● ● The Argus. April 16, 1955
● ● Martin Cruz, Eric Williams, Penny Williams, Elias Eracleous
● Frank Lombardo, Phillip Barravecchio and the Bunnings Team.
● ● ● ● Deputy Grand Master Myles King thanked Western Suburbs volunteers.
● ● ● Matthew Henshall was a volunteer helping the Good Friday Appeal
● ● ● ● Rob Taylor, Steve Simpson, Steve Latimer and Marc Class
●
● Murray Luxford, Arthur Lynch, Bruce McCallum, John Crimmins
● ● Freemasons Grand Master Peter Henshall, ‘First Lady’ Sharon Henshall
● ● Greg White and Dan Sova
Bunnings Croydon
Bunnings Carrum Downs
Bunnings Port Melbourne
Bunnings Bendigo
Bunnings Mernda
Bunnings Coburg
●
Chrissie Bellbrae with her debut novel The Florentine Quilt.
■ Congratulations to Victorian writer Chrissie Bellbrae on releasing her debut novel The Florentine Quilt.
While working in education, Chrissie undertook a Fiona McIntosh Masterclass and completed her first manuscript. She says she hasn’t stopped writing since.
The novel is inspired by Chrissie's lifelong interest in art and fabric, stories her grandmother told her, and remarkable women who cross the sea to begin new lives.
Chrissie says she draws from her ancestry research to create characters “with more remarkable lives than my ancestors might have experienced”.
Her dual narratives depict women during times of social and emotional change, and aim to transport readers from past to present.
The Florentine Quilt tells of three women connected in time to a medieval quilt, and an ancient tale of forbidden love.
Each woman pays the price for love - and for her differences.
Is the missing scene from the Florentine quilt the key to unlocking more than one woman's forgotten story?
The Florentine Quilt can be purchased from amazon.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
Throuple the Musical
■ Following a sellout season at Grouse Melbourne in 2024, Bree Carroll, Ava Grayland and Kadee Axiak present Throuple the Musical until April 20 at The Grace Darling Hotel in the Band Room.
This jukebox parody follows Kadee and Bree as they decide to bring a third person into their relationship after a failed proposal. Enter Ava, who is eager to get away from her 'boring' husband and son.
The decision is said to instigate 'a musical descent into utter madness, through dysfunctional dinners, jealousies, jail-breaks and murder.'
Performance Details: Until April 20 at 8.45pm
Venue: The Grace Darling Hotel (Band Room), 114 Smith St, Collingwood
Duration: 45 minutes
Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au
(Suitable for audiences 15+)
Audience participation, mild language, strong sexual references, sudden loud noises, references to or simulation of violence.
SHADOW BOXING
■ Feet First Collective and Theatre Works present Shadow Boxing from May 14-24 at Theatre Works' Explosives Factory, St Kilda.
Written by James Gaddas, Shadow Boxing tells of Flynn - he's strong, he's a boxer, and ... gay. Having lived in the shadow of his father's failed boxing career, he's then cruelly outed.
Shadow Boxing is described as 'a challenging solo work exploring identity, through examining masculinity, violence, sexuality and vulnerability.
It follows Flynn's journey through the challenges he encounters, both inside and outside of the ring.
In a minimalistic boxing setting, performer Samuel Addison embodies five characters as Flynn shares his story.
Shadow Boxing dives deep into Flynn’s experience and the raw, gritty world of masculinity.
It challenges us to confront what drives men to violence and address their emotional turmoil.
With high male suicide rates and rising gender-based violence, it’s a catalyst for crucial conversations about identity, respect, and change.
Director Teresa Izzard said: “Shadow Boxing offers a potent experience, features a stunning performance and deals with confronting, timely subject matter.
“It challenges us to confront the roots of male violence and examine how we treat anyone who is different: is the only option to leave them all alone fighting for their lives?”
Performance Dates: Preview May 14, Season May 15-17, 20-24
■ Hosted by comedian Kru Harale, Comedy Roulette is a fun, mostly improvised piece showcasing seven comedians in one hour.
Each show plays host to a different line up though some artists may be invited back. This is a great way to see a variety of talent in one place.
The format as explained by Harale is for each comedian to perform some of their standup routine then spin an electronic wheel which has various topics they can then speak or tell jokes about, hopefully being funny.
If the topic really did not suit, some would spin again, however most used the topic given, coming up with some very funny stories or gags.
Each performer spun at least three times, sometimes calling on the audience for inspiration.
One topic on the wheel was audience choice; on this night the suggestion from the audience was 'your worst outfit' to which comedian Lizzy Hoo weaved a very funny visual of a terrible outfit from her past.
MC Harale had a warm friendly vibe, as did all of the comedians on this night.
For some of the artists this was a chance to promote their own show in the festival. I did wish the wheel was real, not computer generated as this may have allowed for the audience to get more involved by someone having a spin, as well as ensuring where it stopped was not pre-planned, though I think the topics were genuinely a surprise to each performer.
Hats off to all the comedians on this night. As well as Harale and Hoo there was Daniel Connell, He Huang, Nick Capper , Sumukhi Suresh, Jess Fuchs
All fresh faces, quick witted with something humorous to say.
Comedy Roulette is a definite late night winner in this festival, and with the line up changing each show it is one worth revisiting to see more unique storytelling or stand up routines.
Performance Season: Until April 18 at 10.20pm
Venue: Melbourne Town Hall Lunch Room
Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au
- Review by Elizabeth Semmel
The Jane Austen Experience
■ Now in its 32nd year, Theatre of the Winged Unicorn presents The Jane Austen Experience f rom May 2-18 at the historic Ceres Hall in the Barrabool Hills, just eight kilometres from Geelong
Devised and directed by Elaine Mitchell, The Jane Austen Experience will feature an ensemble of 10 actors who will perform a number of favourite scenes from some of Austen's novels: Emma, Pride and Prejudice, Sense and Sensibility, Mansfield Park and Persuasion.
Elaine Mitchell says the production will be beautifully costumed and presented in a classic setting.
“We pay tribute not only to Jane Austen's skill as an author but also to her observation and perception in identifying the basic and unchanging truths of human nature.
“Whatever she produced was the genuine home-made article and she herself wrote: ‘I must keep to my own style and go my own way!’
“She never sought fame, recognition or celebrity, but was content in her own creative space in the heart of home.”
Elaine points out that Austen's name did not appear on any of her books published till after her death at age 41 in 1817.
Performance season: May 2-18
Venue: The Ceres Hall, Barrabool Hills (just 8kms from Geelong)
Bookings: trybooking.com/CYJTN or email contact: unicornceres@gmail.com, mobile 0478 933 758.
- Cheryl Threadgold
● ● Amelia Halmarick (at left) (Siobhan), Christina Percival (Ensemble), Freddy Collyer (Christopher), Morgan Thomas-Connor (Ensemble) with Sam Wyles and Mandy Murray at rehearsals for the Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time.
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time from April 25 to May 10 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is adapted by Simon Stephens from the novel by Mark Haddon.
The story tells of Christopher Boone, an extremely clever and intelligent young man, whose mild autism sometimes makes it difficult for him to understand what is unfolding around him.
But when he finds his neighbour’s dog Wellington murdered in mysterious circumstances, Christopher turns detective. His investigation takes him on a very surprising and challenging journey.
Performance Season: April 25, 30, May 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 at 8p,m; April 26, 27, May 3, 4 at 2pm Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosalla Bookings: htc.org.au
- Cheryl Threadgold
Drone Art Show
■ DroneArt Show is is set to dazzle Melburnians for two nights only at 6pm on May 23-24 at Caulfield Racecourse
Gate 2, Station St, Caulfield East. Duration: 65 minutes. Tickets: Available at thedroneartshow.com/melbourne
Rosemary wins
■ The National Art School has announced Rosemary Lee as the winner of the 24th Dobell Drawing Prize, Australia’s leading prize for drawing, worth $30,000.
Selected from 56 nationwide finalists, and 965 entries, NAS alumna Rosemary Lee’s work will become part of the National Art School’s significant collection, built over the past 120 years.
Rosemary, in her winning work 24-1 (2024), observes tonal and compositional profundity in everyday life.
The judging panel comprised First Nations artist Vernon Ah Kee, Paula LatosValier, Trustee and Art Director of the Sir William Dobell Art Foundation, and Dr Yolunda Hickman, Head of Postgraduate Studies, National Art School.
Les Miserables
■ Cameron Mackintosh, in association with Nick Grace Managements and Live Nation Australia, have announce that final casting has been confirmed for the Australian leg of Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular.
Due to demand, extra performances were added at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne from May 14 for 15 performances.
The newly added and final performances in Melbourne will be at Rod Laver Arena on Saturday-Sunday, May 24-25.
Singer songwriter Shan Ako stars as Éponine in Australia . Sharing the role of Gavroche will be Christopher Joseph , Sebastian Sero, Orlando Steiner and William Steiner.
- Contributed
● ● ● ● Samuel Addison in Shadow Boxing.
Photo: James Dove
●
Julie Fryman in The Jane Austen Experience.
● ● ● ● Bree Carroll (left), Ava Grayland and Kadee Axiak in Throuple the Musical.
Photo: Aislinn Ryan
German Film Festival
■ Palace in collaboration with German Films will present the HSBC German Film Festival in Melbourne from April 30-May 28 at Palace Cinemas, Palace Nova and Luna Palace Cinemas.
The 2025 line-up features a selection of twenty films, including six films direct from the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale), compelling biopics and documentaries that delve into the lives of Germany’s most iconic artists, comedies and family films, plus Australian premiere screenings from a bold new generation of German filmmakers.
Long term collaborators German Films commented: “We are having another successful year for German cinema – you can see the strong presence of German films at the Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) with films like What Marielle Knows and Hysteria.
“A very special event will be the screening of the documentary Riefenstahl with director Andres Veiel in attendance. We wish all our Australian viewers a wonderful cinematic experience.”
Opening the festival is one of Germany’s biggest box office hits, the romantic comedy Long Story Short (Feste und Freunde – Ein Hoch auf uns!) featuring an all-star cast including Laura Tonke, Ronald Zehrfeld and Trystan Pütter.
A hilarious and poignant celebration of love and friendship, the film follows a group of friends through a series of special occasions.
From the 2025 Berlinale, where it gained much attention, is Mehmet Akif Büyükatalay’s provocative thriller Hysteria, the festival Centrepiece.
A piercing reflection on the power of images and the dynamics of perception, projection and social hysteria, the film features one of European cinema’s most exciting new stars Devrim Lingnau as an assistant director intern who is drawn into a dangerous game of secrets, lies and paranoia on a film set when a burned Quran is discovered.
Closing Night is the Berlinale hit Mother's Baby from Austrian director Johanna Moder. Marie Leuenberger delivers a standout performance alongside Hans Löw and Claes Bang in this chilling psychological thriller about a woman’s strange experience in a private fertility clinic.
German box office hit comedyTwo to One (Zwei zu eins) with an all-star cast, led by Academy Award nominee Sandra Hüller, is a festival Special Presentation.
Directed by Natja Brunckhorst (who starred as Christiane F. in the iconic 1981 film of the same name), the film is based on incredible true events set in 1990 when a group of East Germans take advantage of the chaotic economic situation to pull off a highly entertaining heist of soon-to-be-worthless East German marks.
In co-operation with the Goethe-Institut Australia, the festival is thrilled to be welcoming Riefenstahl director Andres Veiel, who will be participating in a series of Q and A events.
For full details of the German Film Festival program with many more films of various genres to see during the Festival, visit germanfilmfestival.com.au/
German Film Festival Dates: April 30May 28. Venues: Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, The Astor Theatre, Pentridge Cinema, Palace Penny Lane Bookings and further information: germanfilmfestival.com.au/ - Cheryl Threadgold
Normie Rowe
■ Australian music icon Normie Rowe stars in Normie – The Story So Far, a live show capturing the highs, lows and unforgettable moments of a legendary career performing at Memo Hall, St Kilda; Frankston Arts Centre; and Bunjil Place, Narre Warren Memo Music Hall – St Kilda - Sunday May 25, 3pm. Frankston Arts Centre – Monday May 26, 2pm. Bunjil Place – Narre Warren - Tuesday May 27, 2pm
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
NICE WORK IF YOU CAN GET IT Confidential
■ CLOC Musical Theatre presents the razzledazzle musical comedy Nice Work If You Can Get It from May 16-31 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.
Set in the roaring 1920s, with toe-tapping tunes, romance and zany bootleggers, the timeless music of George and Ira Gershwin includes hits like Someone to Watch Over Me, Let's Call The Whole Thing Off and the title number, Nice Work If You Can Get It.
Nice Work If You Can Get It is directed by Mark Taylor, with musical direction by David Clausen-Wisken and choreography by Susan Lewis.
The story tells of Jimmy Winter (Will Hanley) a wealthy playboy with a weakness for gin and chorus girls, who meets Billie Bendix (Lauren Holcombe), a tough bootlegging dame with a heart of gold.
When their worlds collide, chaos, romance and hilarity ensue. Complete with mistaken identities, speakeasy secrets and plenty of tap-dancing.
Performance Season: May 16-31 (Matinees at 2pm on May, 18, 25 and 31)
Venue: The National Theatre, St Kilda Bookings: www.cloc.org.au or 1300 362 547 - Cheryl Threadgold
DM for Deception
■ Illusions, magic or sleight of hand, what’s it to be? That could sum up Tristan McLindon’s performance, but there is a lot more to it with DM for Deception as part of the MICF.
Anything with magic always captivates an audience and this performance was no exception.
At the outset,Tristian was quick to explain that the show was one of connection between him and the audience and that he will put it to the test.
As a marketing guru and with a focus on the effects of social media that is dominant and challenging for all of us all today, he quipped that he bought a new top coat on the way to the show.
An at random nominated cost from the audience proved to be the same as the tag hanging inside the coat.
How minds can think alike and interact was demonstrated with much humour while putting the various couples at ease.
In asking who had an i-phone, it was packaged in an envelope and with five other phones all packaged and numbered 1 to 6. A dice was rolled and each package was slowly destroyed. On the last roll of the dice the i-phone was revealed - untouched. To the relief of the patron and the audience.
A sequence of card trickery, were they illusory or sleight of hand - we all speculated. There was no doubt about the explosive pack of cards.
The use of a toy monkey revealed an element of intrigue, in that it held the flag of the chosen country of a random audience member.
Much more showed us how skillful Tristan McLindon can entertain, involving the audience effortlessly, yet testing their minds, leaving all contemplating on just how did that happen?
- Review by Graeme McCoubrie
Dr Strangelove
■ The National Theatre adaption of Stanley Kubrick’s Dr Strangelove for the stage is a curious undertaking.
Steve Coogan plays the roles made famous by Peter Sellers, adding to the repertoire the role of Major Kong but, in order to do this, there are theatrically contrived exits and entrances to allow him to appear in the same scene with his other selves.
This speaks to the challenge of moving from the genre of film to the reality of the stage.
What is also difficult to dispense with, having seen Kubrick’s film, are the original performances and characterisations which this filmed stage adaptation simply attempts to reproduce. The dialogue is terribly familiar and the clas-
sic lines such as, “You can’t fight here.This is the war room,” don’t come as a surprise. They are expected and this, somewhat, takes the sizzle out of the satire.
One might also add that the cold war culture has been surpassed by more recent global events that are worthy of the same biting satire if only someone could write something that would make sense of the absurdity of American politics.
Presumably, there will be the imposition of a tariff if this British production is seen in American cinemas.
Whilst this work is professionally staged, you have to wonder if watching the original film in all its black and what glory can actually be surpassed for its ingenious insight into a paranoia that overtook the world during the cold war.
The times have changed – the paranoia hasn’t.
The world is simply being blown up in a different way and General Ripper has been recast as a president.
In select Australian cinemas from April 24. Bookings and further information: sharmillfilms.com.au
- Review by David McLean
Train Cake
■ Plot by Heather Valentine and the support of Carl Whitside, Train Cake is set in the sexy world of the 1980's Australian Women's Weekly Children's Birthday Cake. How often has one wrestled with simple instructions of a children's birthday cake recipe only to end up with an embarrassing cake fail?
Opening night at the Meat Market Stables as part of the MICF was abuzz with eager wellwishers to see how Lucky played by Heather Valentine manages life from the day of her grandmother’s funeral.
On that day a package arrives with a jar labelled Steve, containing sourdough starter that her grandmother has bestowed to her, to care for.
And that is where the story really begins. Having retired from a career in baking and living peacefully to fulfill her obligation of caring, Steve is suddenly stolen by German babies in a swimming pool. Refusing to say where the jar is, Lucky then takes action to track Steve to an abandoned car park where she is confronted by a guard at a rocket ship and captured.
Escapes to face off with another enemy, a journalist with the Australian Woman’s Weekly who wants her to create a new version of the cookbook – bringing it up to date.
Steve is killed by the journalist, a battle ensues, Lucky makes up a train cake and yet there is still more drama.
Let’s say that there is a happy ending as Lucky finds another jar of sourdough starter.
In support of the various scenes of dialogue were well devised and complimentary projected graphics that added weight to the scenes of angst of Lucky. A difficult work to play keeping in sync with the projected graphics, all handled easily by Heather Valentine.
- Review by Graeme McCoubrie
■ The 2025 Melbourne International Comedy Festival is blessed with having a conjurer extraordinaire in Josh Staley, performing his one-man show at Brewmanity and Askal.
Josh’s showmanship, confidence and personable manner shines throughout his onehour performance.
He amazed with disappearing bottles, coins and cards sleight of hand, mind-reading and predictive tricks, including a pre-show post prediction on his Instagram.
Even when he explained how he did the tricks, he managed to flabbergast the audience by taking the trick to a new level of improbability.
Josh was particularly impressive with his rapport with the children in the audience. Audience participation is a big part of the show and Josh’s banter with everyone was superbly crafted. The audience felt included in each trick and the creative outcomes were astonishing.
The highlight of his show was the replication of the Harry Riser’s card trick. This absolutely blew our minds.
Instead of just doing trick after trick, Josh was able to create a clever cohesive story using each facet of his show, so that the finale linked many of the individual illusions together, leaving the audience spellbound and realising that we had witnessed a world-class artiste.
If you get a chance to see Josh Staley perform, you will not be disappointed.
Performance Details: April 17 - 20 at 7pm; Fri April 18.
Venue: Brewmanity, 50 Tope Street, South Melbourne Bookings: comedyfestival.com.au
- Review by Lyn Hurst
Stella Shortlist
■ For the first time in history, all writers on the 2025 Stella Prize shortlist are women of colour.
The six works chosen for the shortlist by the Stella judges are described as “conspicuous for their integrity, compassion and fearlessness”.
Miles Franklin winner Michelle de Kretser’s Theory and Practice, a meld of fiction and memory allowing for “formlessness and mess”, deliberates the joys and tragedies of existence.
Santilla Chingaipe’s Black Convicts traces the remarkable story of convicts of African descent on the First Fleet.
Chingaipe interrogates Australia’s dark past of absences, erasures, and our involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
Samah Sabawi’s Cactus Pear for My Beloved is a sweeping family saga covering 100 years of history.
From British-ruled Palestine to Redland Bay, Queensland, the work is powerful for its optimism while focusing an unwavering lens on the intergenerational impact of displacement and genocide.
In Jumaana Abdu’s debut novel, Translations, Aliya and her young daughter Sakina move to a small town in rural New South Wales.
Abdu probes the conflicts between faith and community, trauma and loneliness, and what it means to establish a new life as a migrant on stolen land.
Melanie Cheng’s The Burrow is a psychological study of a family suffering unmentionable grief.
Set during the COVID lockdown, the arrival of a pet rabbit forces the family to face long-held secrets.
Journalist Amy McQuire’s Black Witness offers a powerful critique of casual racism in Australian mainstream media.
Highlighting significant recent events, such as the Palm Island rebellion and the Bowraville killings, McQuire exposes the privilege of ‘White Witness’, exposing the unfairness and bias operating against First Nations people in contemporary media.
Each of the shortlisted writers takes home $4000 and the chance for the ultimate prize of $60,000 to be announced on May 23. stella.org.au - Kathryn Keeble
● ● Will Hanley and cast.
Photo: Ben Fon
Local Theatre Observations
VALE KERRY GREENWOOD Shows
■ The 1812 Theatre: The Thrill of Love (by Amanda Whittington) Until May 3 at The Bakery, The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au or 9758 3964
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) April 23 – May 10 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Shirley Sydenham. Bookings: wlt.org.au
■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Haunted (by Eric Chappell) April 24 – May 10 at the Lilydale Mechanics Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Nicholas Ryan. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com
■ LOTS Theatre (Legends of the Skies): WHY … April 24 at 7.30pm at the Moorabbin Air Museum. Why we respect, why we remember, why we work for peace. Yarns, quizzes, facts, music, table competitions. Family friendly. BYO drinks and nibbles. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CZFEL
■ The Basin Theatre Company: Heisenberg: The Uncertainty Principle (by Simon Stephens) April 24 – May 4 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Michelle Swan. Tickets: thebasintheatre. au
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (by Simon Stephens – from the novel by Mark Haddon) April 25 – May 10 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Karen Wakeham. Bookings: htc.org.au
■ Malvern Theatre Company: A Happy and Holy Occasion (by John O’Donoghue) April 26 – May 10 at Malvern Theatre, 29a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicholas Opolski. Bookings: malverntheatre.com.au
■ Bairnsdale Production Line Theatre Company: Come From Away (by Irene Sankolff and David Hein) May 2 – 25 at the Forge Theatre and Arts Hub, Bairnsdale. Director: Peter Martignoles. Bookings: www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/leisure/whatson-and-buy-tickets
■ Theatre of the Winged Unicorn: The Jane Austen Experience (devised and directed by Elaine Mitchell) May 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17 at 7.30pm; May 4, 11, 18 at 2pm at the Ceres Temperance Hall, 40 McCann St., Ceres. Bookings: Trybooking.com/CYJIN Further details: theatreofthewingedunicorn.com.au
■ Wyndham Theatre Company: Drinking Habits (by Tom Smith) May 9 – 17 at Wyndham Theatre, Cnr. Duncans Rd. and Synott St., Werribee. Director: Cody Riker. Bookings: Trybooking
■ The Mount Players: The Girl on the Train (by Richard Wagstaff and Duncan Abel) May 9 – 25 at the Mountview Theatre, Smith St., Mt. Macedon. Director: Frank Harvey. Bookings: the mountplayers.com
■ Wyndham Theatre Company: Drinking Habits (a comedy by Tom Smith) May 9, 10, 16, 17 at 8pm; May 10, 17 at 2pm at Crossroad Theatrec, Corner of Duncans Rd and Synnot St, Werribe. Director: Cody Riker. Bookings: Trybooking.
■ Peridot Theatre Company: Proof (by David Auburn) May 16 – 25 at the Clayton Theatrette, Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Damian Jones. Bookings: peridot.com.au
■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Nice Work if You Can Get It. May 16 – 31 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Mark Taylor; Musical Director: David Clausen-Wisken ; Choreographer: Susan Lewis; Ass’t. Choreographer: James Rooney. Bookings: cloc.org.au or phone1300 362 547.
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: The Children (by Lucy Kirkwood) May 22 – 31 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: www.kingstonarts.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
■ Sisters in Crime is mourning the death in Melbourne of Kerry Greenwood, founding member and beloved friend and author, at the age of 70.
Kerry died on March 26. Her funeral was held last week in Yarraville with a wake in nearby Seddon.
Her coffin was draped with native flowers and a Bulldogs scarf. Kerry was not a huge fan of football per se but loved the local western suburbs’ football team.
Kerry’s life partner, ‘registered wizard’ David Greagg, announced last week that he had kept Kerry’s death a secret, save for close friends and family.
“Kerry was an extremely private person and had no wish to share her pain with anyone. I told everyone after the wake that they could now post anything they liked, and they have done so,” he wrote on Kerry’s Facebook page.
“So I will stay silent no longer. Yes, she has gone. But she lives on in her books, and in our hearts,”
Hundreds and hundreds of tributes have poured in since then.
Sisters in Crime National Co-Convenor Carmel Shute said: "Kerry became a founding member of Sisters in Crime when we launched the organisation at the Melbourne Feminist Book Fortnight on September 22, 1991. She starred in a debate entitled Feminist Crime Fiction: Confronting the Hard-boiled Head On."
"At that point, there were hardly any Australian women crime writers and Kerry was a tow-
Auditions
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Rabbit Hole (by David Lindsay-Abaire) April 27 at 1pm, April 28 at 78pm at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: John Bishop. Open auditions – no need to book, just attend at audition time. Any queries, contact director John Bishop John Bishop at retbish68@gmail.com or 0490 434 135.
■ Leongatha Lyric Theatre: The Heartbreak Choir (by Aidan Fennessy) Information session: May 3 at 3pm at 13 Watson Rd., Leongatha. Auditions: May 10. Director: Bernadette Grainger. leongathalyric.com.au
■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Addams Family: A New Musical (by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice) May 3 at 10am and May 6 at 6.30pm at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Isabella Preston. Enquiries and audition bookings: addams.elt@gmail.com
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Broadway Bound (by Neil Simon) May 10 at 1pm and May 9 at 7pm at Unit 8 / 417-419 Warrigal Rd, Cheltenham. Director: Michelle Swann. Audition Enquiries: mordialloctheatre.com. au/auditions-broadway-bound/
■ The Mount Players: A Skull in Connemara (by Martin McDonagh) May 10 at 2pm and May 13 at 7pm at the Moluntview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon/. Director: Travis Handcock. Audition bookings: travis.handcock@gmail.com
■ Melbourne French Theatre: Il était un petit navire – (SOS) Save Our Savings (by Jean-Pierre Martinez) May 10 at 2.30pm, May 13 at 7pm at La Maison de Maitre, 203205 Canning Street, Carlton. Director: tba. Audition enquiries: productions@mftinc.org
■ Peridot Theatre: Frankenstein (by Nick Dear) May 18 at 10am, May 26 at 7pm at 39 Highland Avenue, Oakleigh East (corner Highland and Turnbull Avenues). Director: George Benca. Audition enquiries: georgebenca@gmail.com
■ Malvern Theatre Company: Perfect Wedding (by Robin Hawdon) May 18 and 19 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Pip Le Blond. Audition enquiries: pipleblond@gmail.com
■ Gem Players Community Theatre: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory: Information Evening: May 29 at 7pm; Auditions June 6 and 7 at the GEM, 19 Kilvington Dr., Emerald. Director: Annette O’Shea; Choreographer: Payge O’Shea; Musical Director: Margie Gemmell. Enquiries: gemcoplayers.org
● ● ● ● Kerry Greenwood and Sisters in Crime's Vice-President Lindy Cameron at the 2013 Davitt Awards.
ering figure in the women’s crime world because she already had three Phryne Fisher novels under her belt.
"Since then, her prodigious output has included over 60 novels plus plays and non-fiction works, including 23 Miss Fisher novels and seven in her delicious Corinna Chapman baker sleuth series. Much of this was accomplished whilst working as a legal aid barrister."
In 2013, Kerry became the inaugural winner of Sisters in Crime’s Lifetime Achievement Award and remains the one accorded such an honour. She also won the Ned Kelly Award for Crime Writing, Lifetime Contribution in 2003. Kerry was awarded an OAM in 2020.
Carmel Shute explained that Kerry gained even more fans – and fans from all over the world – when Every Cloud Productions produced three series of Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries during 2012-2015 and then, in 2020, a movie, Miss Fisher and the Crypt of Tears, all starring Essie Davis.
"Sisters in Crime booked out a 98-seat theatre at Yarraville’s Sun Theatre for a special screening of the film. The event sold out and no wonder. Fans came from far and wide – from Adelaide to Portland and South Carolina in the USA
“Many ‘frocked up for Phryne’, appearing in wonderful twenties outfits. We were joined by several members of the Adventuresses’ Club of the Americas, the fan organisation that runs the Miss Fisher Conventions."
- Cheryl Threadgold and Julie Houghton
Roses to Poison
■ Melbourne French Theatre presents a rehearsed and costumed reading of From Roses to Poison/Après les Roses, le Poison, from April 30 to May 3 at La Maison de Maitre Building, 203-205 Canning St, Carlton
Written by Marijke Eysbertse-van Schaik, directed by Donald McManus and produced by Michael (Michel) Bula, the story tells of the French Emperor Napoleon I having been defeated at the battle of Waterloo in 1815 and his exile to St Helena - an island in the south of the Atlantic Ocean.
William Balcombe, Superintendent of the East India Company of the island, agrees to the Emperor's request for a temporary stay at his home, The Briars.
Elder daughter Jane soon starts giving Napoleon English lessons. After initial misgivings, her uninhibited younger sister, Betsy, falls for the charms of the suave imperial visitor and his French entourage.
Everything takes a turn for the worse with the arrival on St Helena of Sir Hudson Lowe, the New Governor.
The Emperor receives orders to depart immediately for Longwood , where he is to be guarded around the clock by 3000 British soldiers.
There, the suspicious deaths, escape plans and dangerous liaisons remain shrouded in mystery to this day.
Audiences will relive the last period of Napoleon's life in exile on St Helena and the fascinating Australian link where the Balcombes established the Briars in Mt Martha.
Presented in French with English surtitles.
Performance Season: April 30 - May 3
Venue: La Maison de Maitre Building, 203205 Canning St, Carlton (Cnr Neill St) Bookings: melbournefrenchtheatre.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold
King of Kings
● ● Uma Thurman
■
King of Kings is an intriguing new take on the 2000-year-old story of Jesus Christ, from birth to death to resurrection.
And it’s written by….Charles Dickens Yes, THAT Charles Dickens who wrote A Christmas Carol, David Copperfield, Oliver Twist and many other novels that have stood the test of time.
King of Kings is based on Charles Dickens’ version of the story of Christ that he wrote for his own family, and the film stars Dickens as the narrator and his young son Walter living the story as Dickens tells it.
Young Walter is obsessed with the story of King Arthur and his Knights of the Round Table, so his father Charles decides to tell him the much older and bigger story of a greater king, Jesus of Nazareth
So we see Walter as an active participant witnessing historical events, along with his faithful cat companion, Willa.
The film is completely animated, with many world-famous actors voicing the characters. Kenneth Branagh voices Charles Dickens , with Oscar Isaac as Jesus, Uma Thurman as Charles’s wise wife Catherine, Mark Hamil as the evil Herod, Pierce Brosnan as Pontius Pilate, Ben Kingsley as high priest Caiaphas, and young actor Roman Griffin Davis as Walter.
The film is obviously aimed at the family market in the Easter school holidays, and has a lot of charm, especially when dealing with the Dickens family.
The story does become overtly religious as it progresses, but it’s an innovative take on an old story, with moments of contemporary humour that certainly work.
Very young children may find it too scary, but the over sevens and their parents should enjoy it as long as they realize this is a Christian film, not a secular one, but it is entertaining and the voice work is superb.
- Julie Houghton
Gallipoli Soup
■ Gallipoli Soup by Tim Knight, published by New Holland Publishers, has a new take on the famous li campaign of World War I
This 592-page paperback offers a fresh perspective on one of history’s most pivotal conflicts, telling the story through the eyes of several participants from all sides of the war: Australians, Turks, English, and Germans
The diverse cast includes infantry privates, army and navy officers, a press correspondent, an ambassador, a politician, and even a spy.
Gallipoli Soup is history written to read like a novel, offering readers an immersive, humanised experience of the horrors of battle while also delving into the complex reasons behind the campaign’s initiation and the way it unfolded through to the final evacuation.
The book also includes five full-page maps to help readers understand the geography of the Gallipoli Peninsula.
Tim Knight is an engineer with a personal connection to the conflict - his wife’s grandfather fought for Turkey, and his great-grandfather served in the Australian Imperial
CATO THE WISE
Maxwell Newton
★Producer John Frost an nounced the first three cast members for the 40th Anniversary Australian tour of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Cats, playing at Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne from December. Todd McKenney will play the dual roles of Bustopher Jones and Gus the Theatre Cat. Mark Vincent will be Old Deuteronomy, the wise and beloved patriarch of the Jellicle tribe. Leigh Archer will play the kind, motherly character Jennyanydots.
★ Lady Gaga has announced the Australian leg of ‘ The Mayhem Ball’ tour, which is coming to Marvel Stadium on Friday December 5.
★Artworks from a journey through Iceland by established Melbourne artist Sarah Faulkner, 65, and her 25-year-old artist son Jordan O’Connor, will be exhibited at Four Eight Four Gallery, Station St, North Carlton, from May 22-31.
★One of Melbourne's live music venues, The Night Cat, is calling on the community to help safeguard its future. The Fitzroy venue has launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise over $60,000 for essential upgrades
★The Country Fire Authority celebrated its 80th anniversary this month.
★The Jewish Museum of Australia is holding a Silent Auction Fundraiser offering the sale of donated photographs by Mark Raphael Baker.
★The cast of Annie at the Princess Theatre from July 10 will include including Anthony Warlow, Debora Krizak Mackenzie Dunn, Keanu Gonzalez, Amanda Lea LaVergne and Greg Page as President Franklin D. Roosevelt
★Charles Sturt University has launched a new Melbourne Campus in Chinatown
★RACV Inverloch Resort has opened the exhibition Narelle Autio: Selected Watercolours, on display until June 8.
★Melbourne Design Week returns from May 15-25 offering a vital platform for creatives to showcase boundary-pushing work.
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
★Classic, Lido and Cameo Cinemas are celebrating the centenary of the birth of maverick American director Robert Altman with an 18-film retrospective of his work, running from May to September
★According to the second edition of eBay’s State of Collectables 2025 Report, the total value of Australians’ collectables has soared to an estimated $16.8 billion: more than two and a half times the value of the National Gallery of Australia’s collection.
★Screen Producers Austra lia have announced the business category finalists for the 23rd Annual Awards. Media Super Production Business of the Year: BBC Studios Productions Australia, Curio Pictures, Easy Tiger Productions, Jungle Entertainment, Lingo Pictures, Ludo Productions, Matchbox Pictures, Northern Pictures.
★Breakthrough Business of the Year: Inclusively Made, Kindling Pictures, Orange Entertainment Co.
★Screen Business Export Award: High Country - Curio Pictures, Good Cop/Bad CopJungle Entertainment, Bluey - Ludo Productions, House of GodsMatchbox Pictures.
★Services and Facilities Business of the Year: All Her Fault - BCD Media & Entertainment, How To Make Gravy - TAG.
★SKIP Foundation Founder Kim Jackson’s passion for supporting young women from regional areas to pursue a career in STEM led her to establish a Scholarship in her own name. The scholarship amount has been increased to $25,000 annually for existing and future scholars.
★Sarah McLeod has been announced as Chair of Australian Women in Music
★A Minecraft Movie broke box office records for the best opening weekend for any video game movie - taking in over $301 million for its global opening weekend. Filmed in New Zealand, the movie is set to inspire over $50 million in in-bound tourism to the country
★The Fred Hollows Foundation has launched The Fred and Humanity Awards
Here If You Need
■ Mick Neven presents his 12th solo show Here If You Need as part of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival until April 20 at 8pm at The Charles Dickens Tavern, 290 Collins St, Melbourne.
Last year Mick's daughter turned 16 and introduced him to her first boyfriend. What a fun time for any Dad. Also last year … once again in Australia, two women a week were murdered by men, mostly current and former ‘romantic’ partners.
There’s nothing funny about gendered violence, so how can anyone write a stand up comedy show about it?
Mick says: “Sometimes there’s comedy in the things that make us angry. If two people a week were being killed by sharks, we’d have a National Shark Emergency Action Plan within two months. Two women a week get killed by men, that’s business as usual.”
Mick Neven likes to tackle tough topics in his solo shows. Some of his previous solo shows have been about Dementia, The War On Drugs, Bullying, Climate Change and more. None of those topics are objectively funny, but Mick aims to craft his show with punch, humour and a heart.
Now Mick is the father of a 16year-old girl who plays footy, he has to navigate things like online pornography, plastic surgery and botox, the gender pay gap and how to spot potential grubs on the apps. All of these things add up, and when the twist comes in the show…well there’s nothing funny about that. It’s an awkward moment…and deliberately so.
Mick is a former journalist who saw the first work in progress on the Sunshine Coast called it “an electric response to some of the most taboo issues of today”. After a performance at Fringe World Perth, a woman in the audience gave Mick a hug to say thank you. So Mick knows there’s definitely something in there that works.
Mick Neven has been performing stand-up comedy for 21 years and comedy has taken him all over the world.
He's gigged all over the UK and Asia, toured Canada, performed in New York and been on three tours for Forces Entertainment, performing for Aussie troops serving overseas.
Where: The Charles Dickens Tavern, 290 CollinsSt, Melbourne
When: 8pm Monday to Saturday, 7pm Sunday…every night until April 20
Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead continue their winning ways, once again combining sci-fi and drama (on a micro budget) to intriguing effect.
Moorhead and Benson star (as they did in The Endless) as John and Levi, both tenants in a low-rent, run-down apartment building in LA.
John has been living there for 10 years, while Levi has just moved in upstairs, and the pair seem to hit it off immediately.
While helping Levi move in, John notices weird mathematical equations written on the frame around the closet door, but when a heavy quartz ashtray starts to levitate and throw particular patterns of light against the walls, John and Levi believe the apartment holds far bigger secrets.
As the two start to document and research what is going on, the possibilities of what may be causing this event spirals in every direction, and will not only affect their opinions and feelings for each other, but of reality itself.
Benson and Moorhead (who along with directing and starring, also write, produce, and edit) have been building a superior body of work since they appeared on the scene in 2012 with their no budget wonder, Resolution, following that up with Spring (2014), The Endless (2017) and Synchronic (2019), and the pair have superbly connected most of these within the one universe. With Something In The Dirt, the talented film-makers very cleverly use a sci-fi framework to explore the current epidemic of conspiracy theories and misinformation, and how easily people can fall down the rabbit hole, and in some ways is reminiscent of David Robert Mitchell’s unfairly dismissed (but very David Lynch inspired) surreal 2018 thriller Under The Silver Lake. Benson and Moorhead, like in The Endless, offer solid performances, making their characters’ journey feel convincing, and deliver the humorous elements with conviction. The effects are well-executed and perfectly timed. Something In The Dirt will definitely frustrate some viewers, as it remains low-key and deliberately paced, relying on cerebral verbal exchanges rather than big, fx-laden set-pieces.
If you enjoy this, I highly recommend searching out Moorhead and Benson’s earlier efforts. Like Project Wolf Hunting (also available on DVD), this is another cult winner from Umbrella Entertainment.
RATING - ****
The Sisters Brothers
■ (MA). 122 minutes. Now available on DVD.
Renowned French film-maker Jacques Audiard (A Prophet, Rust And Bone, and most recently, the Oscar winning Emilie Perez) made his english language debut with The Sisters Brothers , a smart deconstruction of the traditional western, which sees its title characters in an increasingly unique light.
Using the Gold Rush as its backdrop, we are introduced to bounty hunter brothers Eli (John C. Reilly) and Charlie (Joaquin Phoenix) , whose ruthless reputation precedes them, as they carry out their tasks with no questions asked.
Their powerful boss, known as The Commodore (a barely glimpsed Rutger Hauer), enlists the duo to hunt down Kemit Warm (Riz Ahmed), who has apparently stolen from him, but will not go into specifics.
Also on the case is Morris (Jake Gyllenhaal), who is already closely watching Warm, but circumstances change when all three pursuers find out what Warm has in his possession, leading to numerous unforeseen complications.
Based on the 2011 novel by Patrick deWitt, co-writer/director Audiard lovingly plays with the western’s form, stripping the genre of its mythology and carved-instone righteousness, while instilling the material with striking humanity and heart (its finale is particularly moving).
Performances are outstanding, with Reilly and Phoenix sharing wonderful chemistry together, while Ahmed gets one of his best roles to date.
Beautifully crafted, The Sisters Brothers is a film to seek out and savour, providing strong entertainment for adult audiences.
RATING - **** - Aaron Rourke
In Memory of
Aaron Rourke
● ● ● ●
Mick Neven
■ Trisha Noble was a beautiful Australian singer and actress. Trisha worked overseas with great success.
We originally knew her as the teenage singing sensation Patsy Ann Noble on the television series Bandstand.
In later years she changed her name to Trisha Noble.
Patricia ‘Trisha’ Ann Ruth Noble was born in Marrickville, NSW, in 1944 and her parents were showbusiness legends in Australia during the 1930s and 1940s.
Her father ‘Buster’ Noble was a comedian and singer and her mother Helen de Paul was a popular performer on the Tivoli circuit.
Buster and Helen toured in Tivoli shows such as Stars And Garters, Atomic Blondes, Sit Back And Laugh and Let's Make It A Party
Helen worked as a choreographer and dance teacher.
In 1950 the theatrical couple had another daughter, Amanda.
Patricia began performing at the age of six and sang in radio shows and stage productions. She became a qualified ballet teacher in her teenage years.
Patricia was spotted singing on a Sydney television show and signed as a regular performer on Brian Henderson's Bandstand where she sang under the name of Patsy Ann Noble
In 1961 she had her biggest selling single when she released Good Looking Boy which
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM
was written by Johnny Devlin. The song reached No 10 on the hit parade in Melbourne and Patsy won a TV Week Logie award for Best Female Singer.
When she moved to England to further her career in 1962 Patsy worked in stage shows and television.
She was cast as a guest singer in the musical film Live It Up and shared the bill with the American rock and roll singer Gene Vincent.
Patsy was signed to a recording contract with Columbia Records. She appeared in shows with the big stars such as Liberace, Frankie Howerd, The Beatles, Cliff Richard, Tommy Cooper and recorded a duet with Benny Hill
In 1967 Patsy married her first husband Alan
Sharpe. She changed her stage name to Trisha Noble and moved to the US in 1972 to star in a Las Vegas show at The Sands Hotel but after the six-month engagement decided to give singing away and concentrate on acting.
Trisha Noble guest-starred in many of the popular television series such as Columbo, The Love Boat, Baretta, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, McMillan And Wife, The Rockford Files and Fantasy Island
In 1976 she married for a second time and
WIDE RANGE OF CERAMICS AT GEELONG GALLERY Whatever Happened To ... Trisha Noble
The Beth Brown and Tom Bruce AM Gift comprises a wide range of ceramics that highlight the history, breadth, and expansive possibilities of modern and contemporary studio pottery.
Thoughtfully and skilfully acquired by Beth and Tom over many decades, the gift comprises over 140 works by 20 Australian and international potters and ceramic artists.
The collection includes works by many Australia’s most important practitioners including Stephen Benwell, Gwyn Hanssen Pigott, Davod Ray, Hiroe Swen and Prue Venables.
Exhibition closes Saturday November 30.
Geelong Gallery
Little Malop St, Geelong
Abbotsford
Platform:
An exhibition showcasing Platform - a First Nations-led creative development program for multi-generational choreographers and contemporary dance artists.
The creative process was documented by Jody Haines through photography and interviews, representing the artists’ reflections and creative evolution.
The resulting visual documentary is an insight into the journey o these choreographers and dancers.
Exhibition opens Thursday May 8 and closes Sunday May 18 from 9am – 9pm.
Abbotsford Convent Gallery
1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford
Collingwood
Moon Accordion – Martin George
“These paintings remind me of emblems. Each distinct but similar dream-like place where there are leaves, coat hangers, birds, fish, instruments, moons, rowboats, rocks and more.
“My idea began through drawing, and when I draw the same shape enough it starts to take its own character, it becomes animated, I’m compelled to make a painting when a drawing has surprised me – and it feels right to turn into a painting.
“I spend a lot of time wiping paint off the canvas with water, just as
had her son Patrick. She starred opposite Don Knotts and Tim Conway in the comedy film Private Detectives
In 1981 Trisha played one of the lead characters in the television series Strike Force and co-starred with Robert Stack
She returned to Australia in 1983 when Buster became ill and was able to be with her father up to his passing in 1990.
Tricia married her third husband Peter Field but the marriage ended in divorce.
Tricia resumed her career and was cast in the film Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge Of The Sith which was filmed in Sydney
Her stage musicals have included Shout, Dr Zhivago and Pippin
Her mother Helen de Paul (who choreographed the Happy Little Vegemite TV commercials) passed away in 2007.
Sadly, Trisha Noble passed away in 2021 at the age of 76. Trisha was one of our great Australian performers and we should all be proud of her achievements during an outstanding career. Trisha was quoted as saying , “I was raised by a show business family as an all-round performer, not just a pop singer,”
I met and interviewed Trisha Noble several times – she was a lovely lady.
can be heard on 3AW - The Time
The Arts
much time as putting paint on. Ian trying to simplify almost chisel out the image I’m working on.
“With each painting there’s moments of chance that you could never plan. That’s the inventive part and why I love doing it.
“I think my favourite artists I could describe them as inventors, they introduce you to their world, to something that is personal and totally their own.”
Exhibition closes May 3.
Nicholas Thompson Gallery 135 Langridge St, Collingwood
Bendigo
In Her Own Image – Frida Kahlo presents an intimate view of one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.
This exclusive exhibition features Kahlo’s personal belongings, clothing, make-up accessories and medical items, on loan from the Museo Freda Kahlo Mexico for the first time in Australia.
Sealed in a bathroom for over 50 years after Kahlo’s death, her cherished family home, La Casa Azul, this precious collection’s rediscovery sheds new light on Kahlo’s carefully crafted appearance.
In her vibrant clothing, dramatic use of make-up and adornment, and richly decorated medical prostheses, Kahlo constructed a captivating pub-
lic image which addressed geopolitical issues of her time, cultural and social identity, and her own body.
Following childhood polio and a near fatal accident, at the age of 18, Kahlo’s disabilities were fundamental to her self-fashioning in life on the canvas.
The exhibition also examines Kahlo’s ascent to become one of the most heavily mythologised and revered cult figures of our time, and her profound legacy in art and society.
Exhibition closes July 13.
Bendigo Art Gallery
42 View St, Bendigo - Peter Kemp
Jackson
Aces at Palms
■ Jackson Aces is the master in the art of magic and illusion and this year for the first time will perform in Melbourne at The Palms at Crown on Saturday, July 26.
Jackson Aces shows are guaranteed to intrigue, inform, surprise and astound audiences with his mix of dark arts, illusion and cheeky humour.
The most sceptical of guests have been enthralled by this master of magic…
With a father (Pat Jarvis) who represented NSW and Australia in Rugby League, one would expect Jackson Aces to pursue a life of sport, but destiny had a different path in store for him.
At the age of twelve, Jackson found his calling when his mother bought him a magic deck of cards for his birthday.
Having spent countless hours as a child playing cards with his mother by her hospital bedside, Jackson had always found comfort in the feel, sound and scent of a deck of cards.
Jackson spent his teenage years relentlessly practising, perfecting his art, sometimes for more than 10 hours a day. Before graduating high school Jackson had mastered techniques in card magic that few magicians anywhere in the world could perform, as well as a new art form called Cardistry (Card Artistry).
Veiled message from actor
■ It can only be described as a veiled message that appeared on social media. The short message was lodged by' Home Alone' star Macaulay Culkin, who addressed his vent to producers of videos starring young stars. Message ended with cautionary wish 'Take it easy on the kiddos'.
Funny, generous and kind
■ Wife Nancy described her husband of 45 years, Johnny Tillotsen, as funny, generous and kind. Johnny was a big billing artist on the country and western scene of the 60s with 'Poetry in Motion' which peaked at No 2 in the Billboard Hot 100 in 1960. He achieved numerous Grammy nominations. Johnny died at 86 years.
Calling Simpsons fans
■ Bart, Millhouse, Liza and the whole gang of the Simpsons animated series will be dancing in the streets now that Fox has confirmed Simpsons has been extended for a further four seasons. The Simpsons is already the longest-running animated series, produced by 20th Television Animation, part of Walt Disney Studios.
Word on the Street
■ Fans of Bruce Springsteen will be over the moon at the news 'The Boss' could release up to seven new albums of previously unpublished music in the immediate six months.
Justin, fashion designer
■ Rumours in fashion circles are that Justin
with Peter Kemp
● ● Trisha Noble
Kevin
Tunnel - Remember When - Sundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM. That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon. www.innerfm.org.au
● ● Macaulay Culkin
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Across Observer
1. Blizzard
Lovatts Crossword No 18
Across Down Down
168. Guitar sound
6. Wattle tree
11. Villain
15. Dried grass piles
20. Exclamation of pain
21. Genuine thing, the real ...
22. Numerous
23. Underground molten rock
25. Relaxation art (1'2,3)
26. Coral organisms
27. Dinners or lunches
29. Venice canal boat
32. Singer, ... Diamond
34. Famous British school
36. Type of spanner
39. Condemns to hell
41. Harnessed (oxen)
43. Rubs with emery
46. ... of Troy
48. Beneath
49. Dad
51. Hooter
52. Co-venture
55. Coarse file
56. Acorn bearers
59. Kills
61. Sit for portrait
62. Once again
63. Screw
64. Ripens
67. Halfway through pregnancy
68. Fortified wine
70. Culmination
71. Actress, ... Loren
72. Nag
73. Naked
74. Renovate (ship)
75. Rose-shaped award
77. Stop! (nautical)
78. Survives
79. Style
82. Mob
86. Jelly/sponge dessert
87. Eye lustfully
89. Belief in the supernatural
92. Pond plant
94. Capture
96. News
98. Floating log platform
100. Live coal
101. Computer input
103. Princess Royal
105. Resided
106. Press
108. Burn
111. Commoner
112. Very lazy (4,4)
114. Amaze
116. Spy, ... Hari
119. Bullets
120. German WWII fascist
121. Anticipated touchdown (1,1,1)
123. Freezes, ... over
124. As far as (2,2)
125. Omits (6,3)
126. New York borough
127. Blackberry shrub
130. The masses, ... polloi
131. Dawn to dusk
135. Alternate, every ...
138. Calf-length skirt
139. US astronaut, ... Shepard
141. Acute remorse
144. Unchanged, the ...
146. Cheerio!
147. Unfasten
148. Male swan
149. Young sheep
150. Uncle Sam (1,1,1)
151. Type of saxophone
152. Print with raised design
153. Taj Mahal city
155. Closing
157. Part of eye
158. Method
160. Braid
161. More ancient
162. Up to the time of
163. Overly cute
165. Less frequent
166. Snake, ... constrictor
169. Servant 171. Accessory 172. Female title
175. In vain, to no ... 176. Light sleeps 179. Arid US state 180. Schoolgirl
182. Prison
184. Opens door to (4,2) 185. Balmy
186. Crooner, ... King Cole 188. Quiet 189. Pod vegetable 190. Dull 191. Snow-runner 193. Betting chances 194. Jogs
196. Match before final 197. Unreliable
198. Revolving tray, lazy ... 200. Modesty
205. AFL great, ... Barassi
207. Angrily
210. Impetuous
211. Concealing
212. Stupefy
213. Trading centre
214. Banned pesticide (1,1,1)
216. Irish sweater style
218. Actual 219. Ellipse
220. Repaints (vehicle)
224. Moodier
227. Depend
229. Space flight organisation
230. Tethers
231. Latin American dance
232. Nipple
233. Aware of 235. Prophetic signs
237. Go up
239. Printing error
241. Type of orange
244. Child's toy (2-2)
246. Pet's neck band (3,6)
249. Please reply (1,1,1,1)
252. Stingier
254. Former English cricket captain, ... Hussain
256. Outrageous
258. Arrange
259. Fuss, song & ...
260. Introducing in stages, ... in
263. Rest on knees
264. Outcome
265. Rot (of leather)
267. Paltry
270. Niece & ...
271. Avoided
272. Entertainer
273. Additional items
274. Welsh vegetables
277. Witnessed
279. Carpenter's spike
281. More rational
284. Hurry
286. Sum owed
288. Absorbed
292. Whisky ingredient
294. Kiss & cuddle
295. Fire remains
298. Smallest
300. Nominated
301. Mention, ... to 303. Monastery superior
306. Decorative shrub pot
308. Encounter
309. Concludes
311. Pink-eyed rabbits
314. Last Greek letter
315. Ketchup, ... sauce
316. Powerful
317. Fruit mash
318. After that
319. Deserve
320. Mafia, ... Nostra
321. Treats with drugs
322. Rewrite on keyboard
323. Unhappier
324. Muscle toning therapists
1. Cosy
2. Furnace
3. Polynesian island group
4. Heart or lung
5. Complain
6. Movement
7. Blackboard marker
8. Drumming insects
9. Amongst
10. Fuel energy rating
11. Go around
12. Playful water mammal
13. Propel
14. Christian festival
15. Sacred song
16. Long (for)
17. Try out (food)
18. Cudgel
19. Obscene material
24. Charity offerings
28. Youths
30. Milky gem
31. June 6, 1944 (1-3)
33. Eagle nests
35. Equal (2,1,3)
37. Raven
38. Deer
40. Yelling
42. Geological division
44. Positive electrodes
45. Least moist
47. Fencing blades
48. Great disturbance
49. Prepared mentally, ... up
50. Sports ground buildings
53. Wed again
54. Impedes
57. Rescued by plane
58. Examines closely
60. Brighter
63. Temper fit
65. Hatchets
66. Settee
68. Cry weakly
69. Corrode
76. Outstanding
79. Fellows
80. Not anybody (2-3)
81. Lodge firmly
83. Boundary
84. Media tycoon, press ...
85. Pixie
88. Disadvantage
90. Team
91. Tiny amount
93. Skin irritation
95. Paradise garden
97. Flourish of trumpets
99. Friends star, Jennifer ...
100. Periods
102. Degrade
104. Kinder
107. From Italy's capital
109. Rectify
110. Arabian prince
111. Ode
113. Glancing
115. Summer footwear
117. Cousin's mother
118. Nuclear explosive, ... bomb
121. Morally sound
122. Friendly
127. Chest
128. Gave weapons to
129. Childbirth contractions (6,5)
132. In unison (3,8)
133. Relative by marriage (2-3)
134. Call up (feelings)
135. Vigilant
136. Magician's cry (3,6)
137. Idealists
138. Rissoles
140. Of course
141. Document summaries
143. Tent cover 145. Corrected (text)
151. Former IOC president, Juan .. Samaranch
154. Wanders
156. Fragrance
159. Reproductive cells
164. Sixth sense (1,1,1)
169. Imitative performer
170. Wood surface design
173. Hoped (to)
174. Versus 177. South American mountains
178. Effeminate
181. Facility
183. Commissioned soldier
187. Random
192. Hopping marsupials
195. Office workers
199. Usefulness
201. Chooses
202. Weather feature, El ...
203. Milan opera house, La ...
204. Bright signal light
206. Seductress, ... fatale
207. Map
208. Nimble
209. Executive jet
213. Car race city, Le ...
215. Small plums
217. Advertising sign
221. Jetties
222. Incidental comment
223. Complacent
224. Soccer net
225. Policy reversal (1-4)
226. Courtyard
228. Ambassadors' residences
234. Loud-hailer
236. Hypodermic syringes
238. Charged particle
240. Enquire intrusively
242. Showy flowers
243. Poetic name for Ireland, ... Isle
245. Apple groves
247. Parentless kids
248. Boost
250. Blood feud
251. Mesh
253. Rodents
255. Copied
257. Former Italian money unit
258. Fix
261. Respiratory ailment
262. Shoe lining
265. Rounded stone
266. Brainwaves
268. Put up with
269. The Queen's third son
275. Sitcom, My Name Is ...
276. Ruler, Genghis ...
278. Tidal river mouth
280. Carbonated
282. Opposed to
283. Resound
285. Throat-clearing noise
287. Wobble
289. Wage
290. Polluted
291. Assumes (attitude)
292. Guru
293. Ready, willing & ...
296. Impassive person
297. Upright
299. Make reparation
302. Wooden barrier
304. Farm sheds
305. Overly fat
306. Prudish
307. Elderly
308. Rugs
310. Luncheon meat
312. Bobs head
142. Blameless
313. Timber cutters
167. Rowing aid
By Rob Foenander
Mamma Mia
■ The iconic songs of Abba will be brought to life in the upcoming Windmill Theatre production of Mamma Mia Bunjil Place Theatre, Narre Warren ,will play host to the popular show that’s been seen and loved by more than 60 million people around the world.
June 7-21. More info at www.windmill theatre.com.au
The Whitlams
■ Aussie super group The Whitlams will join forces with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on September 6 at Hamer Hall. Classic compositions including ‘No Aphrodisiac’ and ‘Blow Up the Pokies’ will be joined by highlights of The Whitlams' 2020s resurgence with a song from each of the two recent albums, ‘Sancho’ (2022) and the Americana influenced ‘Kookaburra’ (2024), says their media release.
Tickets at the Arts Centre
Easy Rider Blues
■ A celebration of Melbourne roots music will hit the Memo Music Hall stage on June 8. Australia’s roots music king Andy Baylor hosts a show featuring his Cajun Combo plus guests. On offer is an easy ride through the various styles of music that Andy has championed over the last 40 or so years that has helped make Melbourne the “Roots Music Capital of the World”.
Tickets at the Memo. - Rob Foenander
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
‘End Game’ at MC Showroom
■ Katie Reddin-Clancy (UK) presents her new theatre show End Game until April 20 in the MC Showroom.
Presenting the big questions most of us are afraid to answer End Game is part The Secret, part Warrior of Light, part Eat, Pray, Love, exploring one woman’s journey at Earth School as she searches for her Soul's purpose.
Darkly comedic, there are sliding door moments wrapped around a character-driven dramedy with original storytelling and bold cabaret moments.
Directed by Abigail Graham (The Globe, The Lyric, The Bush), End Game tells the story of Joanie, an eccentric cabaret performer, who finds herself in The Afterlife, guided by her spirit guide Pam through a soul review.
As she reflects on her life, she confronts the lessons of Earth School - only to discover it's not all about her.
The story delves into the profound realisation that life is about the impact we have on others.
For Joanie, that means her impact on Eva. But who’s Eva? This is a solo show about spiritual awakening, purpose and love. But audience beware - you might just be about to have your mind opened.
Award-winning Katie ReddinClancy is based in Brighton (UK) and is a multi-disciplinary artist who is particularly interested in work that awakens, inspires and brings joy
Crossword Solution No 18
Katie Reddin-Clancy.
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
NAZI F C O ETA A M S ICES UPTO I E S LEAVESOUT MANHATTAN N N O BRAMBLE I R R K HOI D N O E DAYTIME O R A OTHER MIDI ALAN ANGST L N V SAME B BYE OPEN
through storytelling from the female, outsiders’ perspective.
Written, performed and produced by Katie, this is a show for anyone who has asked “what am I doing here?” and understood that The Universe we exist in is so much bigger than our brains can compute.
End Game is for those interested in exploring what happens in The Spirit World, The GreatAwakening and parallel worlds.
Rating: M15+ (Warning: Includes Suicide, alcohol, drugs, swearing.)
Duration: 60 mins. - Cheryl Threadgold
Flashes
■ Charles Powell has started as Supervising Producer (Digital Video / Social) for SBS News. He joins after nine years at Nine ■ Peter Bodkin has been promoted to Senior News Director at the Australian Associated Press ■ Australian Book Review has named Georgina Arnott as its new Editor and CEO. She succeeds Peter Rose, who is stepping down after 24 years in the role. - TelumAustralia
Where to pick up your free copy of The Local Paper
Court Lists
Local Briefs
■ ALPHINGTON. OTR. 785
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Heidelberg Rd.
■ ■ ALPHINGTON. Foodstore. 52
Wingrove St.
■ ■ ALPHINGTON. Milk Bar. 50 Wingrove St.
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■ ■ MONTMORENCY. Australia Post/ Newsagency. 41-43 Were St.
■ ■ MONTMORENCY. Ampol. 180 Sherbourne Rd.
■ ■ NORTH FITZROY. Terminus Hotel. 492 Queens Pde.
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■ BANYULE. Post Office. 55 Greville Rd
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■ BRIAR HILL. Briar Hill Post Office/Newsagency. Shop 1/111 Mountain View Rd.
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■ ■ ■ BUNDOORA. BP Service Station. 1050 Plenty Rd.
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■ BUNDOORA. Bundoora Newsagency. Unit 3, 39 Plenty Rd.
■ ■ ■ CLIFTON HILL. Clifton Hill Lotto.
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306 Queens Pde.
■ ■ CLIFTON HILL. Clifton Hill Newsagency. 316 Queens Pde.
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■ ■ NORTHCOTE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Victoria Rd and Separation St.
■ ■ NORTHCOTE. Red Door Corner Store. 70 Mitchell St.
■ ■ NORTHCOTE. Sessions. Cnr Mitchell St and Victoria Rd.
■ ■ PRESTON. United Service Station. Cnr Chifley Dr. and Bell St.
■ ■ PRESTON: Town Hall Lotto. 403 High St.
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■ ■ REGENT WEST. Post Office and Tatts. 136 Regent St.
■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Milk Bar. Cnr Banksia St and Oriel Rd.
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■ ■ WEST HEIDELBERG. Tatts. The Mall. Cnr Bell St and Oriel Rd.
■ ■ WEST PRESTON. IGA Xpress Supermarket. 392-298 Gilbert Rd.
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■ WEST PRESTON. Liberty Service Station. Cnr Gilbert Rd and Union St.
■ ■ WEST PRESTON. Thornbury Cellars. 141 Miller St.
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■ WEST RESERVOIR. 7-Eleven. Cnr Gilbert Rd and Henty St.
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■ ■ ■ WESTGARTH. Lotto/SubNewsagency. 107 High St.
Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Local Paper shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person or body due to information provided. The information is provided on the basis that persons accessing it undertake responsibility for assessing the relevance and accuracy of its content. No inference of a party’s guilt, innocence or liability should be made by publication of their name as a defendant. Court schedules may be changed at any time for any reason, including withdrawal of the action by the Plaintiff/Applicant. E&OE.
Scott, Caitlan Singh, Jobanpreet Stubbs, Lindan Sorell Tafea, Liaifamamotu Taylor, David John Temple, Jerelyn Julliana Thirlway, Angela Thomas, Adam Vivian Traynor, Traynor Ulutui, Lucky Raymond Ulutui, Moana Vine, Sharn Vo, Tuyen Thi Wellington, Shannon Tari Whelan, Tegan Willis, Rhys Zachary Winch, Taylor Ann Zeini, Jacob Robert
Award nominees
■ The 34 finalists for the 2025 Inclusive Volunteering Awards have been named:
■ Australia Chin Community (Eastern Melbourne) Inc.
■ Baptcare
■ Benwerren
■ Caladenia Dementia Care
■ Carenet
■ Communities Council On Ethnic Issues (Eastern Region)
■ Community First Responders Foundation Ltd
■ Croydon Hills Community Care (Maroondah Winter Shelter)
■ EACH
■ Feed One Feed All
■ Ferntree Gully Tennis Club
■ Interchange Outer East
■ Knitted Knockers Australia
■ Living and Learning at Ajani Inc
■ Manningham Australian Chinese MutualAid Association
■ Manningham Walking Group For Carers
■ Manningham Whitehorse L2P program
■ Maroondah Volleyball
■ Melbourne All-Abilities Lions Club
■ Melbourne East Disability Advocacy
■ MiCare Ltd
■ Mitcham Charity Knitters
■ Mooroolbark community Garden
■ Mountain District Radio Inc 3MDR
■ MVC Boxing
■ Neuma Church
■ Ringwood Church of Christ
■ Temple Society AustraliaChampion Community Hub
■ The Boroondara Family Network
■ Underneath My Umbrella
■ Women Support Incorporated
■ Women's Federation for World Peace Australia
Epping collision
■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Epping on Friday afternoon (Apr. 11).
Emergency services were called to reports a car had collided with a parked truck on Jersey Drive about 2.05pm.
A male passenger of the car died at the scene. The driver, a 41-year-old Wallan man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
The truck driver was uninjured.
Exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.
Carjacking, crash
■ Police have arrested a man following a series of incidents in St Kilda and South Morang ton Friday morning (Apr. 11).
It is believed the man threatened the driver of a silver Mitsubishi ASX with a bottle, before stealing his car at the intersection of St Kilda Rd and Charles St, St Kilda about 3.15am. The driver of the Mitsubishi was not injured.
The stolen Mitsubishi collided with a black Toyota Hilux and a Grey Ford Ranger at the intersection of Plenty Rd and The Lakes Boulevard, South Morang just after 5.30am.
The driver and sole occupant of the Toyota was taken to hospital with minor injuries.
The driver and sole occupant of the Ford was not injured.
The Mitsubishi’s occupant fled the scene on foot.
A passerby stopped to assist when the alleged offender returned and stole the passerby’s white Volkswagen Golf.
The stolen Volkswagen crashed into a pole at the intersection of McKimmies and Plenty Rd, Bundoora a short time later.
A 31-year-old Mitcham man was arrested nearby attempting to flee the area on a tram.
He was taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.
He was expected to be interviewed by police.
Business support
■ Thomastown MLA Bronwyn Halpenny spoke in Parliament about State Government support for local businesses.
“My question is to the Minister for Industry and Advanced Manufacturing [Colin Brooks]
“I have been approached by local business Deep Hole Drilling Specialists, who previously received support from the State Government to install a biochar production system that uses a pyrolytic heat process.
“The company produces the biochar from non-chemical-treated pine crates sourced through the circular economy.
“Clean heat from this process is, in turn, used in the company’s preheated ovens for the deep drilling process, thus reducing the reliance on gas.
“The company is now looking for opportunities to sell the biochar. Biochar can be used in agricultural applications but also as an industrial agent for improving chemical properties of materials including concrete, asphalt, industrial ink, paints and resins.
“Minister, what is the government doing to support business in my electorate to locate markets and educate industry about the benefits of such products and processes?” Ms Halfpenny asked.
Spring St visit
■ Eltham MLA Vicki Ward recognised a visit to State Parliament by local women:
“It was a wonderful opportunity to meet with a range of first responders, including Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters and members of the SES, CFA, Ambulance Victoria and Victoria Police
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■ ■ ■ MILL PARK. 7-Eleven. Cnr Childs
Rd and Morang Dr.
■ ■ MILL PARK. Mill Park Newsagency. 4 The Stables Shopping Centre.
■ ■ ■ ■ WESTGARTH. Milk Bar. Cnr Westgarth St and South Cres.
■ ■ WOLLERT. Ampol. 250 Epping Rd.
■ ■ WOLLERT. General Store and Take Away. 491 Epping Rd.
Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, November 20 Adut, Maluk Ahsan, Ammar Akbarr, Akbarr Al Ghazawi, Mohamad Bakir Andrew, Jake Asu, George Atkinson, Mark Wayne Azzopardi, Daniel Christopher Bakalov, George Banyule City Council Bartleson, Aaron Batdorf, Jackson Bragiannis, Christos Bramich, Danielle Broderick, Harley Craig Bromley, Jace Thomas Bryant, Karen Cakici, Tahair Camerino, Jason Cameron, Danny Capodicasa, Marco Casey, Peter Chrisanthopoulos, Michael Considine, Gavin Ashley Dalton, Lee Davis, Michael Deliyannis, Paras Dobbin, Tiffany Domazet, Dragutin Dragan Edwards, Jaidon El Markaz, Naeir El-Bayeh, Tarik Elroumayhi, Hussein Fagan, Alisha Jayne Finn, James Gauci, John Gerbing, Ashleigh Gledhill, Tee Jay Gunstone, Rowan Hall, Sophie Alexandra Hallett, Shae Hancock, Jake Haralampidis, Dimitros Harrell, Jayden Morris Hassan, Mahmoud Heeman, Kelvin Hoskins, Liam Hubbert, Rani Hume, Michael Hunter, Simon Nicholas Huxley, Stephen Jack, Leigh Jobson, Bianca Johnson, Henry Judd, Craig Leslie Keranakis, Petros Khan, Mohammad Kim, Aries Krestevski, Jasmine Larbey, Ryland Lawson, Bonnie Jane Lawson, Jake Lundberg, Jason Luttrell, Kahli Lyons, Charlie Manetas, Thanos Mangar, Deng Daniel Mann, Melissa Mayor, Aciek Binjamin Mc Nally, Shane Mcdonald, Jack Mcmahon, Jacquelyn Leigh Middlebrook, Benjamin Mitchell, Kylie Montero, Crystal Moosighidan, Saeed Moran, D'arcy Michael Moshoudis, Ethyn Moslimani, Karim Nabelski, Django Richard Natsis, Michael Ndirangu, Judith Nedanoski, Nikolce Ning, David Oksuz, Gokay Patterson, Ryan Pesic, Vasil Proctor, Taj Radojcic, Julie Rosemary Rakei, Tynayer Rashid, Umayr Rizkalla, Issam Elias Ross, Catherine Salce, Eustachio N Saliu, Esat
■ Yarra Ranges Council TAC L2P Program
■ Yarra Valley ECOSS
“I would particularly like to thank Mel and Lacey from the Nillumbik SES for joining me in Parliament,” Ms Ward said.
The event will be held at 8.30am on Knox Community Arts Centre, Bayswater, on Tuesday, April 29.
● ● The next ssue of The Local Paper is scheduled for Wednesday, April 30. Deadline for advertising bookings and content is 4pm Thursday, April 24. There will be no digital issue on April 23.
Today’s Menu
Charcuterie Boards:
Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts
Plus A Variety of Weekly Specials
Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.
Teas and Coffees
Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea
SHEPPARTON REMEMBERS NIC DEWAR
■ The regular Tuesday Shepparton meeting was held on April 8, a night that honored young Riverina reinsman Nic Dewar who was tragically killed in a road accident returning from a Shepparton meeting in February 2018.
The race being the 1690 metre Nic Dewar Memorial Pace with the winner being 6Y0 Sunshine Beach-Illawong Fabulous gelding Ohhemmjay Cresco trained by Gary Pekin at Girgarre East and driven by 20 year old Riverina based Harrison Ross.
Beginning fast to lead from gate two in the race restricted to concessional reinspersons, Ohhemmjay Cresco was rated a treat to score by an easy 7.6 metre margin in advance of Icanmotor (three pegs – one/one home turn –three wide in straight) and Favouritehighlight from a mile back who was 7.2 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.5. Another heat was held at his home town Young last Friday.
■ Bunbartha’s Newberry family John, Maree and Matt landed the Wednesday Wager SHRC Facebook Pace over 1690 metres with Alta Bayamo, a 4Y0 Alta Christiano-Shez Madam Jasper gelding bred by John and Maree.
Trained and driven by John, Alta Bayamo starting from the extreme draw settled near last as Rolling Remona (gate four) led. Going forward three wide solo in the last lap, Alta Bayamo dashed away on turning to register an impressive five metre margin in 1-57.8 over polemarker Our Mystery Bet (four pegs) which was extricated very wide on the final bend. Crazy On The Beach (gate three second line) ran home late for third a head away.
■ On a night where locals figured prominently, Kialla’s David Moran went from hero to villain so far as punters were concerned after snaring a stable double – 7Y0 Kiwi bred Muscle HillUnyielding Spirit gelding Tedesco ($2.70 fav) taking the Welcome Hygain To SHRC Trotters Handicap over 2190 metres and The Storm Inside-Shes Magnetic gelding Magnetic Storm ($34) the 1690 metre Helma Gash Neatline Homes 3Y0 Maiden Pace.
Tedesco starting from 10 metres stepped cleanly and after finding his rhythm, was off and running to go forward and take the lead away from polemarker Midnight Avenger turning off the back straight on the first occasion.
Never headed from there on, Tedesco was untroubled to greet the judge by 6.1 metres in a mile rate of 1-57.8 from Aristotle (20m – one/ three – three wide to race exposed at the bell).
Nine year old mare Starlight Red (death seat – one/one from barrier four at start 180 was third) 2.9 metres back. The mile rate 2-04.3.
On a great night for the Goulburn Valley other winners were Day Two (Wayne Potter and Mel Thackeray) and Hody Moke (Bec Bartley).
Len’s Comment
■ What has gone wrong with Sky Channel’s harness coverage ? Apart from the regular shafting of races to Sky 2 which is monotonous, it is rare should there be a photo finish for the result to be shown, plus on occasions a race is cut off after the winner crosses the wire not showing the run on.
Is it any wonder that turnover is down as punters are sick and tired of these happenings week in – week out.
At Bendigo
■ The strength of the trotters was shown at Wednesday’s Bendigo meeting with half the ten race card dedicated to them.
The Manburley Farm Trot over 1650 metres was taken out by 3Y0 Tennotrump-Amaori Spur gelding Ezra Kai trained by much travelled Amanda Greive presently based at Russell Jack’s Lemnos property.
Driven by Jordan Leedham, Ezra Kai (gate five) showed exceptional speed to cross polemarker JessicasStory running into the first turn and rated well, defied all challengers to greet the judge 4.8 metres in advance of Boutika (gate three second line) which ran on late. Jessicas Story used the sprint lane off the back of the leader for third a half neck away. The mile rate 1-58.8.
■ The 1650 metre Gold Central Victoria Trot saw Marong duo Terry and Jacinta-Allan Gange
Harness Racing
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
successful once again with 7Y0 ChangeoverJomeka gelding Bullapark Beno in a 1-57.2 mile rate.
With leading reinsman James Herbertson aboard, Bullapark Beno (gate two) settled one/ one but a long way off the running leader Baarlinee (gate three) which went forward for Jack Laugher.
Easing three wide prior to the final bend, Bullapark Beno finished full of running to register a 2.6 metre margin ahead of Countess Chiron and Dossier who both ran on late from mid-field in the running line with 4.5 metres separating the placegetters.
■ The Aldebaran Park Trot over 2150 metres went the way of ’on fire’ Kialla owner/trainer/ driver Eddie Tappe’s 7Y0 Majestic Son-Aldebaran Poppy mare Abbie.
In a best ever performance, Abbie starting from inside the second line possied five back along the markers as Magic Law (gate five) was crossed by the in-form red-hot favourite Lizzies Son (gate four).
Extricating three wide racing for the bell to race exposed for the last lap, Abbie to the dismay of punters raced straight past Lizzies Son in the back straight opening up a big gap on her rivals.
Looking all over a winner on turning, Abbie held on to prevail by a neck from Magic Law who was inconvenienced momentarily by the weakening Lizzies Son. Kalarney Prince (four pegs) was third 4.3 metres back. The mile rate 2-02.2.
■ The Apco Service Stations Strathdale & Kangaroo Flat 2Y0 Trot over 1650 metres was a triumph for Mucklford’s Angove family who snared the trifecta when Brad landed the quinella with Northern Truscott and Truscotts Elegance and Dad Chris preparing the third placegetter African Gala. Northern Truscott a home bred filly by Sundons Courage from Yankee Truscott driven by Brad possied four back along the markers from inside the second line with Truscotts Elegance (Jordan Leedham) (gate six – one/ two) as Argyle Muse (Jason Ainsworth) led from the pole, while African Gala (Jack Laugher) settled three pegs from gate two.
The race was to change complexion approaching the home turn when Argyle Muse galloped causing a number of the babies to go off stride.
This allowed Northern Truscott to gain an inside passage and stride clear with Truscotts Elegance giving chase, however the post came up too quickly. African Gala was third, the margins being 3.8 by 23.3 metres in a respectable rate of 2-02.3.
■ Haddon part-owner/trainer Damien Burns landed the 1650 metre Great Ocean Road Real Estate 2Y0 Pace with Warrawee Needy-Princess Dilinger colt Maxo Mighty making it two from two race appearances.
Restrained from outside the front line, Maxo Mighty once balanced was sent forward to join the leader Double Needs (gate four) with the pair racing together until the home turn when Maxo Mighty strode clear to score by five metres over Captain Crunch colt Caties Son (one/one) from gate three which ran home nicely on debut for Wayne Potter. Double Needs held third 24.8 metres back in a slick 1-56 mile rate.
10 races at K’more
■ Kilmore conducted a huge 10 race program of entertaining racing on Thursday April 10 with four winners from the outlying area.
Monegeetta trainer/driver David Miles was victorious with 5Y0 Downbytheseaside-Soho New York gelding Rockaway Beach in the 1690 metre TAB Pace, leading throughout from gate two, accounting for Lenard Ess from outside the front line which was eased to near last before racing wide in the last lap to go down by 1.4 metres. Inside Leg (gate five) shifted from midfield in the running line to the sprint lane in the straight for third a half neck away in a blanket finish for the minor placing. The mile rate 155.2.
■ Riddell co-trainers Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar’s lovely 3Y0 Skyvalley-Sosoclassy colt Sky Spirit (gate two) led all of the way in the Broadstead Kilmore Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres.
Driven by Chris, Sky Spirit was given an easy time before kicking clear on turning to greet the judge by 10.7 metres untouched from No Money No Honey which had vacated a one/two passage to race outside the winner at the bell. Kimberleys Tree (gate four) was a game third 10.1 metres back for Nick Beale after racing uncovered. The mile rate 2-02.8.
■ Kilmore’s Corey Bell combined with George Chamouras to capture the MC Security Concession Drivers Pace over 2180 metres with 7Y0 Northern Terror-Sunday Rose gelding Northern Terror returning a 2-03 mile rate.
Trailing the well fancied poleline leader Rocket Me from inside the second line, Northern Terror made full use of the sprint lane to record an easy 8.7 metre margin from Feel The Buzz starting outside the front line which angled to three pegs before also using the sprint lane. Rocket Me weakened to be third 1.9 metres back.
■ Darraweit trainer Lisa Miles was successful with promising 4Y0 Aldebaran Eagle-Sashas Dream 4Y0 mare Winnies Dream in the 1690 metre Buds & Branches Florist Trotters Mobile.
Driven by James Herbertson, Winnies Dream a winner of three from eleven going into the race was first up since December and after beginning fast from gate two, led throughout to register a metre victory over polemarker Constant (four pegs) which ran home strongly along the sprint lane. Sovereign Tiger came from the tail on turning for third 3.1 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.4.
■ Dunnstown’s David Murphy stunned punters when 4Y0 Always B Miki-Young Jane mare Janiebquick was victorious in the 1690 metre Momentum Gaming Pace paying odds of $51. Settling four back along the markers from gate three on the second line as polemarker Another Puddin led, Janiebquick was able to come away from the inside in the last lap to be three back in the moving line with horses all around her.
Angling to the sprint lane on turning, Janiebquick certainly was at the finish, rushing home to gain the day by a half head from Reign Em In (one/three – three wide trail last lap) and a death-seating Best Back Bruce who was 2.4 metres away third. The mile rate 1-56.7.
■ The Carlton & United Breweries Pace over 1690 metres gave part-owner Mark Delre of the Famiglia Racing Syndicate along with Ian Caruana and Vince Dicocco a great birthday present when 3Y0 Bling It On-Zindal gelding Mighty Bling scored in a mile rate of 1-55.7.
Trained at Toolern Vale by Vince, Mighty Bling with Jack Laugher aboard possied three back in the moving line from gate two as polemarker Segui Le Stella led.
Taken four wide in the last lap, Mighty Bling finished his race off well to blouse the pacemaker which had kicked away in the straight looking the winner before being nabbed by both Mighty Bling and Im All Business down the outside fence off a four wide trail last lap. The margins a head by a half head in a thrilling finish.
■ Nobody loves their harness racing more than South Oakleigh trainer Alan Ratnasingham who was successful with honest 8Y0 Heston Blue Chip-Illawong Princess mare Illawong Phoenix in the Jet Roofing Pace over 2180 metres. With Bendigo’s Ellen Tormey in the sulky,
Illawong Phoenix flew away from gate four to lead and rated to perfection, defied all challengers to record a 2.4 metre margin (her 11th in 159 outings) from Kimchi (gate three second line) from five back in the running line. Marako Shark (four back from gate two second line) was third a nose away. The mile rate 2-00.6.
■ Charlton based trainer Zac Steenhuis combined with James Herbertson to land the 1690 metre C&M Build Group 4Y0 and Older Maiden Pace with 4Y0 Roll With Joe-Rinjani mare Lombok returning a 1-57.3 mile rate. Raced by a large syndicate, Lombok making her seventh appearance at the races did it tough, but did it well after racing exposed from gate five to blouse the leader Peppercorn Barry by 1.4 metres, with Howsweetthesound 1.8 metres back third after trailing the front runner from gate three.
■ Ardmona duo Donna Castles (trainer) and Doc Wilson (driver) were successful with 4Y0 Always B Miki-Somesorta Philtra mare Sneaky Philtra in the 1690 metre O’Brien Electrical 4Y0 and Older Maiden Pace.
Given a sweet passage from gate two trailing polemarker Keeping It Simple, Sneaky Philtra eased off the leaders back in the home straight and ran on best to just get there by a head from Rollwithharty (four pegs – one/two home turn from gate two on the second line) which flashed late to just fail in a 1-58.9 mile rate. Keeping It Simple held third 4 metres back.
Melton memo
■ At Melton on Friday 5Y0 A Rocknroll DanceSlangevar mare First Dance was impressive in taking the 1720 metre Betavet Pace. Trained by Jess Tubbs at Myrniong and driven by James Herbertson, First Dance (gate five) wasn’t pushed as the start was effected with rank outsider Our Cheeky Devil momentarily leading from the pole before handing over to Give Dave A Wave (gate four) and First Dance going forward three wide to park in the open.
Racing for the bell Greg Sugars set Hes From Heaven alight from the rear to race exposed giving First Dance one/one cover for the final circuit. With Tango Tara commencing a forward move three wide in the back straight on the final occasion First Dance became pocketed before angling three wide to follow Tango Tara into the straight as Hes From Heaven started to struggle.
Dashing clear halfway up the running Tango Tara looked set for victory until First Dance peeled of his back to blouse him and record a 2.7 metre victory in a mile rate of 1-53.2.
Our Cheeky Devil used the sprint lane for third 6.9 metres back. The winner is raced by a big syndicate headed by Shannon Nixon which includes Jess Tubbs and Father Brian Glasheen.
- Len Baker
3-year-old dies
■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Ocean Grove. Emergency services were called to reports a car had lost control and collided with a child on the footpath at Presidents Avenue about 4.50pm on Friday. The three-year-old child died at the scene. The driver, a 71-year-old Ocean Grove woman, was arrested at the scene.
Sport
VOBIS SILVER NOMINATIONS CLOSING SOON
■ VOBIS Silver is the first step in the VOBIS program offering more than $13 million in bonuses each season. Nominations to VOBIS Silver for 2023 yearlings close on Friday, May 30.
VOBIS Silver is the gateway to even greater riches, with horses nominated to VOBIS Silver eligible to upgrade, with a grand total of $21 million on offer to horses upgraded to the VOBIS Gold program, and $30 million (including vouchers) up for grabs for horses eligible to be upgraded to VOBIS Platinum.
The benefits of the three tiers of the VOBIS program were in evidence during a thrilling renewal of the Victorian Owners and Breeders Raceday, which saw the connections of McGaw turn a cheque for $14,000 into a $571,000 payday.
The VOBIS Silver bonuses, which can be won by the horse’s nominator, owner, trainer and jockey, are offered across all two-year-old and three-year-old races, as well as all maidens run over 2000m and further, at every TAB meeting conducted in Victoria Nominate in one of two ways:
■ Online via myhorseracing (Racing Australia); or
■ By completing the VOBIS Silver nomination form and emailing it to vobis@racingvictoria.net.au
Eligibility for the VOBIS Silver program is based on one of the following criteria:
■ Victorian Sired (Category A), priced at $660 (inc. GST): When a yearling is sired by a stallion which stood in Victoria during the 2022 breeding season.
■ Victorian Breedback (Category B), priced at $1320 (inc. GST):. When a yearling is not eligible for Victorian Sired (A) and its dam was served the following season by a Stallion who stood in Victoria
■ Victorian Breeder (Category C), priced at $1980 (inc. GST): When a yearling is not eligible for Category A or B but is at least 50 per cent owned by a Victorian-based breeder(s) at the time of the foal’s birth. In addition, the foal and dam must each have resided in Victoria for at least six continuous months after the foal was born in 2023, until the time of nominations closing.
- Racing Victoria
Weight scale move
■ Racing Victoria in conjunction with the Melbourne Racing Club and Victoria Racing Club has announced key changes to the weight scale for the 2025 Caulfield Cup (2400m) and Melbourne Cup (3200m) following an extensive review of the conditions of the two iconic handicap races.
September’s release of handicaps will see the minimum allotted weight for both Group 1 races increase from 50kg to 51kg while the minimum topweight will be raised from 58kg to 59kg. RV will also reinstate a minimum topweight of 57kg at final acceptance time for both events, with weights raised equally for all horses in the final field if the topweight is below the minimum. A minimum topweight at acceptance time was last in place for the Cups in 2016.
The adjustments aim to provide both races with the best chance of attracting the highest quality field of horses and jockeys and ensure owners and trainers have a broad cross section of jockeys to choose from.
The review was announced following the 2024 editions in response to feedback about the spread of weights among acceptors, the challenge for riders to make weights, and the difficulties for connections to engage their preferred jockey.
As part of new industry Racing Forums, extensive consultation ensued with all industry stakeholder groups including the Australian Trainers Association, Thoroughbred Racehorse Owners Association and Victorian Jockeys Association, as well as host clubs MRC and VRC.
In 2024, Kalapour topped the final Caulfield Cup field with 55kg, while Vauban’s 55.5kg made the Irish -trained entrant the highest weighted horse in the Melbourne Cup field.
The Caulfield Cup saw just five starters weighted at 54kg or above, while the Melbourne Cup had only four horses start with 54kg or more – the least amount in the last five editions.
As a result, it required jockeys to ride at lower weights with four Caulfield Cup runners on the 50kg minimum and eight in the Melbourne Cup, a record number for both races since the minimum weight for horses aged four and upwards was set at 50kg in 2007.
“
RV Chief Handicapper, David Hegan, said,
RV, the host Clubs and key stakeholder groups have all reached agreement on a revamped weight scale for the Cups. We believe the changes are in the best interests of these iconic races and more broadly Victorian racing.
“The revamped weight scale aims to ensure that the strongest possible field of competitors are present for two of the country’s most important races, while reducing the physical demands on jockeys so that they can perform at their best.
“These changes also mean that owners and trainers will have greater scope to select the rider of their choice in the Cups. Importantly, opportunities will remain for lightweight riders to showcase their talents on the big stage.”
VJA Chief Executive, Matt Hyland, said, “The VJA welcomes these changes to the weight scale which will allow all our members an equal
opportunity to ride in the Cups. We’re pleased that our feedback has been taken on board and that we’ve been able to work together to reach an agreement that will see increased opportunities for jockeys and greater choices for connections to book their preferred rider.”
ATA Chief Executive, Stephen Bell, said,
“The Caulfield and Melbourne Cups are critically important to Victorian racing and these changes should see both races given the chance to attract their best possible field.
“We want to see the strongest lineup of horses and riders present and the revamped weight scale encourages this through a greater spread of weights among those competing in the Cups This will deliver better opportunities for our trainers to select their preferred jockey in two of our biggest events.”
- Racing Victoria
Cup tickets on sale
■ Get excited for another incredible instalment of the Melbourne Cup Carnival in 2025.
Attendees can enjoy free entry to see live music performances, fresh new Fashions on the Field, casual seating, premium dining and hospitality plus Melbourne’s famous retail food and beverage scene.
Whether you choose to attend with a Flemington Pass (General Admission) ticket, a Reserved Table on the Front Lawn or one of the Dining packages, there is an option for everybody and ready to book now.
It’s time to explore, get your tickets and save the date to the 2025 Melbourne Cup Carnival. - Victorian Racing Club
● ● VJA Chief Executive, Matt Hyland. Photo VJA.
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FREE non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:
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BED. Single. Electric folable with massage and remote control. Adjustable back, legs and height. New Aspire mattress. German motor. EC. $500. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q
BASSINET. Chrome frame and high chair. VGC. $25 for both. Thomastown. 0428 833 398. N-Q
PRIVATE SELLERS can have a free 40-word ‘For Sale’ ad - plus a single colour photo - in The Local Paper Classifieds to sell their items. Your free ad will appear in all editions of The Local Paper, covering all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and selected Victorian country areas. Your free ad will appear in up to 4 issues. There are no charges, no commissions. T&Cs apply. Lodge your ad at: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au SAWS. 5 vintage saws
COLLECTORS Melway Nos 9, 20, 33. Wax matches (234) in book, 17 loose. VFL Records, finals, mainly Richmond. Small and large. Phone cards. Vatious prices. Box Hill South., 9890 7904.N-Q
FORD AUII Fairport V8 Sedan. Original.Runs well. No rust. Good tyres, new screen, bring your mechanic or RACV test, RWC. Reg 7/27. 2AN3XE. VCG. $8000. Seymour. 0419 881 573. N-Q
GARDEN ROCKS. Small and medium. All sizes. All free. Also 12 blue stone pitches. All free. Bulleen. 9850 5128. N-Q
PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q
TABLE. Large solid timber, dining room table, 2100mm x 1000mm. Plus six chairs. GC. $30. Yea. 0419 109 887. N-Q
OLD STAMPS, tools, tobacco bins, Telephone, pocket knifes, cigarette lighters, LP records, first covers and more. Australia decimal and pre-decimal bank notes. Used. Prices negot. Thomastown. 0425 733 890. F-M
PICTURE FRAMES. 40 large to small. Various styles. VGC. All only $70. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q
PORTABLE SAUNA. Top condition. $150. Alphington. 0401 226 114. F-M
SHEEP. 60 mixed breed ewes, been running with rams, have ear tags. Friendly, great lawnmowers, saves mowing the paddocks and helps reduce fire risk. Can deliver. GC. $130. Deanside. 0426 397 741N-Q
TYRE CHANGERS. Manual. Little used, complete with instructions, purchaser to collect. GC. $90. Doreen. 9717 3465 N-Q
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due to owner pass- ing away. GC. $1000. Thomastown. 0421 819 286.F-M
WHEELCHAIR. Manual. Evoke 2 Aspire 450mm. new, never been used as too small for subject. Foldable and extremely light for easy transport. Well made, Top of the range. EC. $600. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q
PUBLIC NOTICES
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University, Burwood. Rusden Theatre. Free parking and entry to large plant and allied goods market. Inspiring speakers: James Wall, Heidi Martin, Vasili Kanidiadis, $25, All welcome. plantzia@bigpond.com N-Q
CHAINS Bible College Australia; In depth Bible study and online Biblical studies. 0447 515 450 N-Q
GOD’S CHURCH invites faithful
Christ
attend the New Testament local Passover night service. Alfredton, Ballarat. To secure your seat, 0419 327 366. N-P
ANGEL STATUE with adjustable wings. Approx. one metre tall. Solid
Classifieds 9489 2222
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Home Contents Sale
Vintage Furniture, Rugs, Bikes, Garden Pots, Piano, Lamps and more. Call to inspect.
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PUBLIC NOTICES
SECURT PTY LTD (ABN: 70 615 508 113) Trading as PROFORCE MONITORING of 99 Hope Street, Brunswick VIC 3056 has made application to the Licensing & egulation Division for a Private Security Business Registration to provide the services of security advisers and security equipment installers. Any person wishing to object to the granting of the registration has 14 days from the date of this advertisement to lodge an objection in writing to Licensing & Regulation Division, GPO Box 2807, Melbourne VIC 3001.
We, ROYAL STATION TOBACCONIST PTY LTD applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 3rd April 2025 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at 588A Station Street, Box Hill VIC 3128. The purpose of this application is to allow the sale of packaged liquor (alcohol for consumption off the premises).
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.
