The Local Paper. Peninsula-Frankston-Greater Dandenong-Casey-Cardinia Edition. Wed., July 23, 2025

SEAFORD ARREST OVER MACHETE ROBBERIES

■ Police have arrested a 19-year-old man following a series of armed robberies and burglaries across Melbourne

Detectives executed a search warrant at a Seaford address, where they made the arrest and seized a machete believed to have been used during this offending.

Police will allege the man carried out seven armed robberies, four attempted armed robberies, two aggravated burglaries, and two attempted aggravated burglaries at businesses across Werribee, Tarneit, Truganina, Laverton North, Williams Landing, Oakleigh South, Vermont, Narre Warren South, Bentleigh East, Berwick, Beaconsfield, Clyde North, Cranbourne, Nunawading and Mount Waverley. This offending occurred between 11.40pm on Monday, June 30, and 9.25pm on Wednesday, July 2.

He has been charged with 34 offences relating to 29 separate incidents, with some of the charges including seven counts of armed robbery, four counts of attempted armed robbery, two aggravated burglaries with an offensive weapon, two attempted aggravated burglari-

● Melbourne Magistrates’ Court

ies and eight thefts. He was remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court

Two other boys – a 15-year-old and 17-yearold from the Greater Dandenong area, were also arrested in relation to these incidents on July 4.

The 15-year-old was granted bail by a children’s court while the 17-year-old remains in custody.

RAID AT TOORADIN

Cannabis. File Photo.

■ Detectives arrested three people after a large cannabis crop house was located in Tooradin on Wednesday (July 16).

Police executed a search warrant at a rural property on Hardys Rd and seized more than 1200 cannabis plants.

The commercial quantity of the plants has an estimated potential street value of approximately $3.6 million.

It is alleged the property was illegally hooked up to the electricity supply in the street, which required specialist resources to isolate prior to police entering.

A 39-year-old St Albans man and a 43-yearold man of no fixed address allegedly attempted to flee the property on foot but were arrested with assistance of the local Drone Unit the Dog Squad

They were both charged with cultivate large commercial quantity of cannabis and remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 17.

A 48-year-old Doncaster man was arrested, interviewed and is expected to be charged on summons.

■ Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged a man following a number of threats made to an as yet unopened tobacco store in the Bass Coast area on behalf of an offshore syndicate leader.

A 52-year-old Tarneit man, initially believed to be aligned to one syndicate in the illicit tobacco dispute, has been allegedly extorting the owner of a not yet opened tobacco store on behalf of the leader of another syndicate.

Police will allege the man, who is the owner of a tobacco store located on the same road and believed to be paying the extortion fee to operate his own store, has visited the site on three separate occasions to make the threats.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred on Thursday, June 12, Monday, June 16, and Friday, July 1.

On each occasion, workers at the site were allegedly told if the store opens, it will be subject to arson and the owner will be shot.

On Saturday, July 5, the owner of the store received a call from an international WhatsApp number – previously used in a number of other extortions – allegedly making the same threats.

With the assistance of the VIPER Taskforce, three search warrants were executed on Tuesday, July 15, at a residential address in Tarneit and a tobacco store and residential premises in the Bass Coast area.

Approximately 6500 illicit e-cigarettes (vapes) with a street value of approximately $260,000, just under $15,000 AUD cash and approximately 255,331 illicit cigarettes with a tax excise avoidance of approximately $358,260 were seized.

The 52-year-old Tarneit man was charged with two counts of extortion with threats to destroy property, extortion with threats to inflict injury, knowingly deal with proceeds of crime, deal property suspected proceeds of crime, possess tobacco products reckless that it was imported with the intent to defraud the revenue and possess Schedule 4 poison (e-cigarettes/vapes).

He was bailed with strict conditions to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court yeterday (Tues., July 22).

RAMMING NEAR GOLF LINKS RD

● ● Victoria Police vehicle rammed. File Photo.

■ Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man after he allegedly rammed a police vehicle in Cranbourne.

Police spotted an orange Holden Commodore driving erratically near Golf Links Rd about 11.10am.

Officers attempted to intercept the car, which allegedly continued to do burnouts around a police vehicle.

The Holden then fled south on Narre Warren-Cranbourne Rd.

It was followed by police and located in a car park on Linsell Boulevard a short time later, where a police vehicle pulled in behind it.

The driver allegedly rammed the police car several times before driving away.

The Holden then crashed into two other parked vehicles as it fled.

Police located the vehicle on Monahans Rd in Cranbourne where the male driver was arrested.

Officers searched the vehicle, which was allegedly stolen from Dandenong Rd in Malvern East on July 7, and located stolen items, drugs and firearm ammunition.

The 21-year-old Cranbourne West man was interviewed by detectives and has been charged with:

■ aggravated reckless exposure of police officer to risk by driving

■ intentionally expose emergency worker to risk by driving

■ damage emergency services vehicle by reckless driving

■ drive whilst exceeding prescribed concentration of drugs

■ drive whilst disqualified

■ theft of motor vehicle

■ negligently deal with proceeds of crime

■ possess drug of dependence

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court last Wednesday (July 16).

APPEAL FOR INFORMATION

■ The Conservation Regulator is appealing to the public for information on the suspected poisoning of approximately 150 corellas at Springvale South Staff from Conservation Regulator, Agriculture Victoria and Zoos Victoria are working to assess, process, sample and test birds for potential causes of death.

The majority of the affected birds are little corellas as well as some long-billed corellas, crested pigeons and non-native pigeons.

Seven little corellas are in care at Healesville Sanctuary

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au. You can report anonymously.

If you find dead or sick birds, do not touch or move them. Instead, take photos, note the location, and report clusters of five or more dead or sick birds by calling the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action on 136 186.

Corellas are protected under the WildlifeAct1975, and there are significant penalties, including imprisonment, for unlawfully hunting, taking, or destroying protected wildlife.

The community is also being asked to avoid feeding wild birds. Feeding wild birds can promote the spread of disease.

Pakenham agent jailed

■ Pakenham livestock agent Nathan Gibbon has been jailed for six months after falsely claiming cattle were bred on Gippsland properties.

Mr Gibbon pleaded guilty in the County Court to two counts of obtaining financial advantage by deception and one count of handling stolen goods.

Mr Gibbon, 50, dishonestly obatined $209,955 by falsely representing to Australian Global Exports that 185 cattle were vendor bred on property belonging to either Aaron Thomas or Erin Horton.

“It was later revealed that the cattle were not from that farm and Mr Thomas did not sign a National Vendor Declaration,” the Herald Sun reported.

Mr Gibbon fraudulently gained a total of $24,750 by falsely represernting to Yarra Corporation that 25 cattle were vendor based at Mr Thomas’s Longwarry property.

Mr Gibbon, of Lardner, took advantage of selling substandard cattle at marked up prices into the lucrative Chinese market.

The Court was told that Mr Gibbon had feared that he was going to lose the business that he had built up over dcades. His second marroiage was imploding.

The six-month jail term imposed by Judge Lewis is to be followed by an 18-months community corrections order.

Aim for good governance

■ The City of Casey has endorsed its revised Good Governance Framework, reinforcing its commitment “to transparent decision-making and strong leadership”.

“As new Councillors, one of our key priorities has been ensuring good governance, transparency, and proper processes, especially after the well-known issues of the former Council," Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said.

Key updates to the Framework include:

■ Leadership and accountability

■ Increased transparency

■ Improved communications

■ Inclusion of Case Management operations

■ Enhanced community engagement

■ Legislative updates

■ Robust review practices

■ Staff commitment:

■ Modernised systems

The updated Framework integrates key themes from the 2024 community engagement initiative

Mayor’s Reading Challenge

■ Preschoolers and students from Prep to Grade 2 are invited to unleash their inner superheroes this August as the Mayor’s Reading Challenge returns to Frankston City Libraries.

The month-long program offers free activities, comic-themed events, and prizes for preschoolers who read 60 books and prep –grade two students who read 30 books or comics throughout August.

Frankston City Mayor Cr Kris Bolam, a preservice teacher with a speciality in History and Humanities, said the challenge aims to inspire a love for reading across all genres, from picture books to comic books, while fostering important literacy skills.

“We’re thrilled to bring the Mayor’s Reading Challenge back for another year, encouraging kids to share in the joy of reading and explore their imagination,” he said.

“As someone training in education, I know firsthand the importance of early literacy and how vital it is to make reading both fun and accessible. It is crucial that we capitalise on trends such as the popularity of superhero films in conjunction with literacy tools like comic books. Children generally excel in areas they are passionate about, so fusing superheroes and comic books together is a logical approach.”

Cran. carjacking

■ Casey Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a carjacking and assault in Cranbourne East Investigators have been told that a rideshare driver attended an address near O'Shea Rd and Soldiers Rd about 5.15pm.

During the ride, police will allege the man assaulted the 32-year-old driver, before stealing his white Toyota Camry and phone. Officers located the Toyota in the vicinity of Clyde Rd and Princes Hwy in Berwick about 10.30am on Tuesday morning, July 15.

It is understood the man attempted to flee from the vehicle and was arrested by police nearby.

The 30-year-old Cranbourne East man has since been charged with multiple charges including carjacking, intentionally cause injury and resist police.

He was remanded to appear before Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, July 16.

Drouin crash

■ Police are investigating after a serious crash in Drouin on Friday night (July 18).

Emergency services were called to reports a silver Holden Barina had rolled down an embankment on the Princes Fwy near Francis Avenue about 11.50pm.

The driver, and sole occupant, was trapped inside the vehicle which had caught fire.

Responding police along with a member of the public who had stopped to assist managed to pull the driver from the burning car.

A 48-year-old Warragul man was flown to hospital with serious injuries.

Exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined.

Witnesses have reported seeing the Holden driving alongside another vehicle in the Drouin CBD a short time before the crash.

Officers were appealing for the driver of the vehicle to come forward.

Peninsula funds

■ The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council’s Community Investment Funding program is now open for applications.

The CIF program supports local organisations by funding services, programs, events, and festivals that are inclusive, creative, and enhance community wellbeing and connection across the Peninsula.

Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said: “Our 202526 budget features close to $4.25 million in direct community grants to support the people, projects and ideas that make the Mornington Peninsula special.

“This significant community investment will drive local improvements, environmental projects, volunteer-led initiatives and cultural events.”

At Hampton Park

■ The City of Casey is continuing its push to make local sport more inclusive, partnering with Get Skilled Access to employ an Inclusion Coach to implement the Sport4All Program to help local sports clubs to be more inclusive for those in the community living with a disability.

Sport4All is a national initiative designed to make community sport more inclusive and accessible for people living with disabilities. Hampton Park Tennis Club is the first local sporting club to complete the Sport4All program.

● ● ● ● Cr Stefan Koomen, Casey Mayor

● ● ● ● Cr Kris Bolam, Frankston Mayor

● Nathan Gibbon. Photo: Herald Sun

Statewide

AVONDALE HEIGHTS

Thick black smoke

■ Fire Rescue Victoria crews responded to several calls of a house fire in Canning St, Avondale Heights, at 2.18pm Friday (July 18).

Crews arrived on scene within seven minutes to find smoke and flames issuing from a front bedroom of the single-storey brick veneer house.

FRV crews donned breathing apparatus and began an external and internal attack on the blaze.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire to one room and the roof space of the house.

One occupant who was home at the time of the fire was able to evacuate safely.

The patient was treated on scene by Ambulance Victoria for minor smoke inhalation.

The fire was deemed under control at 2.38pm, 13 minutes after FRV arrived on scene.

One room was severely damaged with heavy smoke logging throughout the remainder of the home.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined and will be investigated by FRV fire investigators.

WARRAK

Fatal collision

■ Emergency services responded to a fatal collision in Warrak on Friday evening (July 18). It is believed that a vehicle and a truck collided on Western Hwy just after 5pm.

The female driver of the car died at the scene. The male truck driver was being treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the collision.

The highway was closed in both directions between Beaufort and Ararat.

LAL LAL

Car into tree

■ Police are investigating a fatal crash in Lal Lal on Friday morning (July 18). It is understood a car crashed into a tree on Yendon-Lal Lal Rd about 10.30am. The male driver died at the scene.

CIGARETTES POSE DEADLY HOME FIRE THREAT

■ Victoria’s fire services are issuing a strong warning about the serious risks of smoking indoors, as it remains the leading cause of fatal house fires across the state.

Half of the 18 fatal fires in Victoria in 2024 were attributed to discarded cigarettes and smoking materials, such as lighters, matches, or open flames, while smokers remain over-represented in residential fire fatalities.

Smoking in bed is the leading cause of smoking-related fire deaths, as falling asleep with a lit cigarette in hand can easily set fire to soft materials such as bed linen.

In addition to the fire fatality figures, more than 10 per cent of residential structure fires that Fire Rescue Victoria responded to between May 2024 and March 2025 were caused by smoking materials.

In May this year FRV also responded to two significant house fires in Melbourne within days of each other caused by cigarettes.

On May 6, a brick unit in Moorabbin was destroyed by a fire originating from an incorrectly extinguished cigarette, with an elderly resident in a neighbouring property assisted to safety after their house was affected by smoke.

Just days later, another unattended cigarette was the cause of a significant fire in a Box Hill North weatherboard home.

Statewide

Across Victoria

ASCOT VALE

Illicit trafficking

■ A Melbourne man with alleged links to a Vietnamese illicit drug and tobacco trafficking syndicate has been charged for allegedly possessing illicit drugs and proceeds of crime.

The criminal syndicate is alleged to be responsible for the failed importation of 92kg of illicit drugs and more than 477,000 cigarettes into Australia in February.

The Ascot Vale man, 65, appeared before Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday (July 18) charged with:

■ One count of possession of a commercial quantity of a border controlled drug reasonably suspected of having been unlawfully imported; and

■ One count of dealing in property reasonably suspected to be proceeds of crime worth $100,000 or more.

If convicted, he faces maximum imprisonment of life for the drug charge, and 10 years for the proceeds of crime offence.

An Australian Federal Police investigation began after Australian Border Force officers in Sydney and Melbourne detected 92kg of illicit drugs and more than 477,000 cigarette sticks spread across four separate consignments in February.

The consignments, which originated in Vietnam, were labelled as containing clothing such as leggings, hats and socks, and concealed about 55kg of methamphetamine, 35kg of heroin and 2kg of MDMA.

ABF officers detected the first three consignments in Sydney and referred the matter to the AFP for investigation.

AFP enquiries revealed they had similar billing details, and were all redirected to a logistics facility in Bankstown, NSW, after arriving in Australia

On February 25, ABF officers in Melbourne examined a consignment with similar billing details, and found cigarettes, methamphetamine, and small amounts of MDMA and heroin.

Further enquiries into a phone number linked to the consignment allegedly revealed a Vietnamese drug trafficking organisation using multiple burner phones to evade law enforcement. Police allegedly then linked the man to a burner phone.

The Local Paper

Ash on Wednesday Help for Frankston business

Term 3 program

■ Young people aged 12 to 24 are invited to participate in Cardinia Shire Council's Term 3 Youth Program, which offers various activities to help young people develop friendships, skills, and confidence.

Incorporating the traditions of the Cranbourne Sun (Est. 1893), Frankston Post (Est. 1913), Dandenong Advertiser (Est. 1874), Peninsula Post (Est. 1913), Southern Peninsula Gazette (Est. 1953), Hastings Sun (Est. 1977)

The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and comprises local areas:

• Casey-Cardinia Edition

• Frankston Edition

• Greater Dandenong Edition

• Mornington Peninsula Edition

• Southern Peninsula Edition

• Western Port Edition

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Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, John O’Keefe

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■ Frankston City Council says that it is delivering new investment and longterm support for local business and industry as part of its $1.7 million Local Support Package.

“With more than 14,000 registered businesses now operating across Frankston City , including a record 639 new business registrations over the past 12 months, the city is fast emerging as a regional centre for innovation, entrepreneurship and hospitality,” said a Council representative.

“Initiatives targeted at supporting local businesses in this year’s Stronger Together Annual Budget range from uplifts in business grants and waived service charges to increased city centre parking.”

Cr Nathan Butler said Council's commitment to supporting business is evident in its strong track record.

"Since launching our economic development strategy and business grants program, we've helped attract major investments such as General Public, Hotel Lona and Moon Dog Brewery , and supported local businesses expand or relocate," Cr Butler said.

"We're creating a business landscape that invites new ideas, supports local entrepreneurship and rewards social value.”

Frankston City Council is recognised as a Small Business Friendly Council by the Victorian Small Business Commission and provides focused economic development through a range of targeted initiatives, partnerships and local incentives.

In total, the Coun-

Long Shots

cil invests approximately $2.8 million annually in economic development, through business attraction, place activation, advocacy, partnerships and grants.

“Key business and industry-related initiatives in the 2025-26 Local Support Package and Budget include:

■ Commercial rate increase limited to just 1.12 per cent - well below the 3 per cent State Government cap, and the lowest increase since 2022-23.

■ Three-year funding for both the Frankston Business Collective and Committee for Frankston and Mornington Peninsula to strengthen advocacy, support networking and build capacity across Frankston’s business community.

■ $300,000 in business grants, inclusive of an additional $30,000 to increase employment opportunities with small businesses.

■ Waived service charges including Public Notification Fees, Minor Event Fees and Kerbside Trading Fees.

■ Dedicated project manager to help deliver the $50 million Nepean Highway Boulevard redevelopment, aimed at revitalising Frankston's main spine and bringing business back to the precinct.

■ 70 new car parks at Frankston House , opening October, to attract more customers and workers into the city centre.

■ $10,000 in new funding for the Frankston Social Enterprise and Innovation Hub, supporting businesses to adopt social procurement practices.

"This budget recognises the diverse needs of our business community and ensures help is available.”

Local Photo Flashback

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.

CASEY-CARDINIA

Incorporating the traditions of the Cranbourne Sun (Est. 1893). The Casey-Cardinia Edition readership area comprises part of the City of Casey including Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne West, Devon Meadows, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Eumemmerring, Hallam, Hampton Park, Harkaway, Junction Village, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst (part), Pearcedale (part). The entire City of Casey is home to more than 340,419 people, living in approximately 102,790 homes. The Shire of Cardinia readership area includes Cardinia Shire includes the suburbs and localities of Beaconsfield (part), Beaconsfield Upper, Officer, Officer South, Pakenham, Pakenham South and Pakenham Upper. The entire Shire of Casey is home to more than 118,675 people, living in approximately 35,098 homes.

FRANKSTON

Incorporating the traditions of the Frankston Post (Est. 1913). Frankston comprises Carrum Downs, Frankston, Frankston North, Frankston South, Langwarrin, Langwarrin South, Sandhurst, Seaford and Skye. Frankston is home to more than 134,143 people, living in approximately 56,935 homes.

GREATER DANDENONG

Incorporating the traditions of the Dandenong Advertiser (Est. 1874). Greater Dandenong comprises Bangholme, Dandenong, Dandenong North, Dandenong South, Keysborough, Noble Park, Noble Park North, Springvale and Springvale South plus parts of Lyndhurst. Greater Dandenong is home to more than 152,050 people, living in approximately 54,694 homes.

PENINSULA

MORNINGTON

PENINSULA

Incorporating the traditions of the Peninsula Post (Est. 1913). Mornington Peninsula comprises Moorooduc, Mornington, Mount Eliza and Mount Martha. Mornington Peninsula Shire is home to more than 154,999 people, living in approximately 89,155 homes.

SOUTHERN PENINSULA

Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Peninsula Gazette (Est. 1953). Southern Peninsula comprises Blairgowrie, Boneo, Cape Schanck, Capel Sound, Dromana, Fingal, McCrae, Portsea, Rosebud, Rye, Safety Beach, Sorrento, St Andrews Beach and Tootgarook.

WESTERN PORT

Incorporating the traditions of the Hastings Sun (Est. 1977)

Western Port comprises Balnarring, Balnarring Beach, Bittern, Crib Point, Dromana, Flinders, Hastings, HMAS Cerberus, Main Ridge, Merricks, Merricks Beach, Merricks North, Point Leo, Portsea, Red Hill, Red Hill South, Shoreham, Somers, Somerville and Tyabb.

● ● Cr Nathan Butler

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts

Trask, Entertainment

Rourke, Film

Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

Cartoonist

Kinglake’s fight for a railway line

■ Whilst nearby lines opened in succession, Kinglake was unable to obtain the railway link to Melbourne that it so wanted.

Victorian Railways Commissioners opened lines to Yea (November 16, 1883), Yarra Glen (May 15, 1888) and Whittlesea (1889).

Kinglake’s only link was through its Timber Tramway that had a link to a siding at the Whittlesea Railway Station.

Kinglake locals held out hope that the Hurst’s Bridge line that opened on June 25, 1912 (renamed as Hurstbridge on December 9 of the same year) might be extended to the top of the mountain.

The Evelyn Observer newspaper reported on October 19, 1883, that a deputation representing Alphington, Heidelberg, Greensborough, Eltham, Nillumbik, Diamond Creek, Kangaroo Ground, Caledonia and Kinglake, met with the Commissioner of Railways.

The depuattion comprise Messrs. P. W. Smith, John Donldson, Crisp, Jos. Blond, Studley, Scotland, Iredale, Flintoff, Wingrove, Wippell, Peers, N. Ellis, Cumming, John Bell, Robert Smith, and Staff accompanied by Dr. Dobson and Mr. Balfour, M.LC.'s, and Mr. Harper, M.L.A. , introduced by Mr. E. H. Cameron

“The deputation, who took it for granted that the extension of the rail way from Alphington to Heidelberg was a certainty, asked that a survey be made from Heidelberg to pass midway between Greensborough and Eltham, thence up the valley of the Diamond Creek,” reported the Evelyn Observer, then headquartered at Kangaroo Ground.

“The population on this route, within a radius of five miles was given at 3500. The mining portion at 270, and the amount of gold obtained during the quarter ended 30th September last, was 1095 ozs., value, £4880.

“There were four crushing machines and a couple more likely shortly to be erected.

“It was also pointed out that within the same radius there were 40,000 acres of alienated land, a great deal of which was purchased at prices from £1 to £5 some 35 or 40 years ago, and all small holdings, hence the larger population, who were occupied principally on the land producing a large quantity of fruit and cereals

“It was contended that the valley of the Diamond was famous for the quantity and quality of the fruit grown. It was also mentioned that the timber forest could be reached

at a nearer distance to Melbourne than by any other route.

“Railway accommodatioin was strongly urged on the ground that although the localities to be served are only fron 15 to 30 miles from the Metropolis the transit of produce to market costs as much as it does from the agricultural districtsof Boort, Charlton, or Dimboola, with their hundreds of miles from Melbourne

“The deputation, to show their moderation, would be satisfied with a small instalment to begin with and only asked a survey to the Upper Diamond, a distance of 12 miles from Heidelberg, thus bringing a railway within four miles of Kangaroo Ground, five of Panton Hill, eight of Queenstown, and four or five of Arthur's Creek

“The deputation is more likely to succeed in their request on account of their moderation.

“Another feature of this deputation was that each did not deem it necessary to have his say, but was satisfied with the way the introducer put their claim, and so ably supported by Messrs. Dobson, Balfour, and Harper

“Mr. Wingrove, who spoke, a few words, incidentally mentioned that care should be taken in entering Heidelberg to keep in view the supplying of districts to the north-east,

“Mr. Gillies, in reply quite agreed that care should be taken that the railway to Heidelberg should not terminate at the place in a cul de sac, and was so impressed with a good case having been made out, that be promised to have a flying survey made, for which he was thanked, and the

deputation retired well satisfied with the reception they received,” reported the Observer.

The same newspaper, in 1885, reported on the efforts to have a railway to Yarra Flats (Yarra Glen), noting that a road proposed by Eltham Shire Council on land belonging to Kinglake pioneers Staff and Thomson would bring Kinglake within nine milles of the proposed Yarra Flats railway station.

The July 6, 1888 Observer noted that 50-60 people, representing the area between Heidelberg and Muddy Creek, met at the Grand Hotel, Spring St, Melbourne, to discuss the discussion about the HeidelbergKinglake railway soon to be held with the Victorian Premier. Mr Beale represented Queenstown (St Andrews) and Mr McAleese was the spokesman for Kinglake.

Mr Beale said that the route the line would go could honestly be termed a valley or orchards, each orchard varying in extent from one to 10 acres.

“The district was known to be a particularly healthy one, and the impressive knolls, admirably adapted for villa residences, would be eagerly sought after if the desired boon was obtained,” Mr Beale said.

“There was a gold industry too. A good deal of prospecting had been done in times gone by, and even at the present time men were engaged in it.”

“Payable gold had been obtained in several claims down to water level, and he was of opinion it only required capital to find that they were payable below that level.

“As far as Kinglake was concerned, he had been living there many years and simply through perseverance had made living, and was now realising £500 a year, while he knew others who had taken up selections and had commenced with £500, £1000, and even £2000, had, after spending their all, gone back to Melbourne.

“This was not owing to the land being poor, but owing to it costing from £20 to £30 an acre to clear,” said the newspaper.

“If a railway was constructed the timber could be sent to Melbourne, and then, instead of ruination, it would pay them to clear.

“The mountain, too, was particularly adapted for growing fine vegetables, and would supply the market at that time of the year when vegetables were scarce.

“The people residing on the other side of the watershed of the Divide looked to and depended on this line.

“Now they had to turn their backs to Melbourne for a long distance if they desired to reach that place by rail.

“There was a large number of stock bred and reared there which would be sent by railway. Stock and produce were ever increasing in the district and would increase tenfold if the railway was opened,” the Observer reported.

Mr McAleese, of Muddy Creek, spoke strongly in favour of this line; it would make a difference of between 50 and 60 miles to them.

“A large number of splitters were engaged in the paling industry, who would be gainerrs if this line was

opened, as also would cattle breeders, who would then truck their cattle to market.

“Under existing circumstances they preferred to drive them to Melbourne, as it was the cheapest. “Mr Gillies, in reply to the deputation, said he did not think it was the intention of anyone that the line would stop at Heidelberg, certainly it was not his.

“He knew from personal visits to the district that the several gentlemen who had spoken had in no way exaggerated their remarks, and he would be glad to do all all he could to have the survey made. (Cheers),” noted the Observer.

In 1889, a meeting of the Railway League at Queenstown was reported in the local press.

“A meeting, consisting of a number of local residents and gentlemen from Melbourne, was held at the Hall, Queenstown, on Friday evening last, regarding the proposed Heidelberg to Kinglake railway.

“Mr J. L. Beale, President of the Elthnm Shire Council, and President of the local Railway League, occupied the chair.

“The Chairman, after stating he had received an apology from Mr. Cameron, who was unable to attend, said one of the chief reasons for calling the meeting arose through the desire of a number of gentlemen residing in Melbourne, but who hold land at Kinglake, to have their names onrolled as members of the league.

“Several letters were read, the most important of which perhaps was one from Mr. McAleese , of the Muddy Creek side beyond Kinglake

● ● ● ● The freight service to Whittlesea was closed in the mid 1950s and the passenger service remained until the line beyond Thomastown was closed on November 28, 1959.

● ● Whittlesea Railway Station: earliest days. Photo: John Young Collection,

● ● ● ● Work on the Hurstbridge reailway line, early

“The people in that district were in favour of the Kinglake route, and if it could be obtained they would render all available assistance,” the Evelyn Observer reported.

In 1889, Mr J.L. Beale, writing from ‘Longwood’, Kinglake, to John Herbert, of the Arthur’s Creek League, asked for the districts to work together.

“The understanding was that the different leagues should all pull together, in seeking to get a line of railway consttucted from Heidelberg, Eltham, and Diamond township up the valley of the Diamond and Arthur's Creeks to Kinglake

Now, sir, I hope you will see that both Arthur's Creek and Queenstown have done their duty in showing Mr. Field (surveyor) all they were capable of doing for the benefit of all parties right through to Kinglake, thereby pulling together most assuredly.”

Meetings, on a seemingly monthly basis, were called, with a June 1889 gathering assembled at Panton Hill, with another soon after at Kangaroo Ground, then a further meeting at Queenstown.

“Mr. David Smith pointed out that about eight years ago a railway meeting was held in Queenstown,” reported the Evelyn Observer

“Mr. Cameron was present and he then said that a line should be brought to Queenstown

“He (Mr. Smith) was at a loss to understand why the Arthur's Creek folk were clamouring for a line on their side when they must know that the route to Kinglake via Queenstown was more practicable.

“There must be some influence at work to have even a flying survey up Arthur's Creek Queenstown thoroughly deserved to have a line.

“In America the railways were made to induce people to settle. In some parts the lines were constructed with but a very scanty population,” the Evelyn Observer noted.

In June 1889, the press commentary recorded: “ Mr. Beale was of opinion that united and determined notion should he taken at once. The matter swas of such iniportance to the district that a deputation should interview the Minister of Railways at the earliest possible date.

“Mr Verso said that Queenstown had a prior right for railway accommodation to Arthur's Creek. The Whittlesea line was distant only three and a half miles, and it was absurd for the Arthur' Creek people to agitate for a line to be constructed almost parallel with it.

“It was advisable to work amicably with the Arthur's Creek League, but at the same time it was necessary to let every one see that the Queenstown League was earnest in the matter.

“He (Mr. Verso) would like to see an intermediate line constructed.

“He would do all in his power to have such a line carried out. They must not fail to agitate. They must insist upon the line going to Kinglake “If they didn't get their wishes complied with now they would have to wait years before such an opportunity as the present would again present itself.”

Everyone wanted a railway line. A Kangaroo Ground meeting spoke of a line to Christmas Hills.

One year later, in July 1890, the Observer detailed that “a largely attended meeting, at which Eltham, Greensborough, Diamond Creek, Queenstown, Arthur's Creek, Kinglake, and Panton Hill were represented, was held in the Nillumbik Mechanics' Institute on Saturday afternoon last.

Two months later, there was talk of a ‘tramway’ from Yarra Glen to Kinglake: “line of railway or so called tramway, commencing at Yarra Glen railway station, and going north by way of Steel's Creek and Dixon's Creek to a point on the north side of the Great Dividing Range (Mr. R. Castella's selection), opposite to the Yea River gap, from which point it is considered probable the east and west line would be taken from Kinglake to the foot of Mount St. Leonard, about four miles eachway.

“In the near future the line would no doubt be extended in a northerly direction towards Yea or Alexandra,” said the Observer.

In 1891 representatives of the Greensborough,.Eltham, Diamond Creek, Queenstown, Arthur's Creek, and Christmas Hills Railway Leagues attended at the Parliament House, Melbourne, for the purpose of giving evidence before the Railway Standing Committee in support of the extension of the Heidelberg railway line.

Politician, Mr E. Cameron, pointed out that at the present time there were four coaches running daily to the district, two to Diamond Creek , and two to Kangaroo Ground ; this he contended was more than had been. running on any other simlilar route int the colony where a line had. been constructed.

Mr. Cameron further alluded to the good quality of the land at Kinglake, there was no better of its class in the colony.

If the line was constructed it would be a favourable route for tourists.

By November 1893, there was a report noting the passage of legislation through State Parliament, seeing funds from Government matched by local landowners.

“Our railway, notwithstatnding its detractors and the often-repeated prognostications on that it is a thing of the very distant future, bids fair to be soon an establislhed fact,” the Evelyn Observer commented.

“The matter has been before the Parliament this week, and from Wednesday's Argus we learn that the previous evening in the Legislative Assembly, Mr. Richardson moved tihe second reading of the Heidelberg and Eltham Railway Construction Act 1893 Amendment Bill

“The object of this bill was to repeal a provision for a £5,000 guarantee, and in lieu to accept from the promoters of the line materials of equial value.

“The bill was read a second time

and committed. On clause 8, "Board to obtain material from land-owners free of charge," Mr . T. Turner asked how the contributions were to be allotted among the land-owners.

Sir Bryan O'Loghlen exptlained that the land-owners had all agreed amongst themselves an this matter.

The clause was agreed to, and the bill was passed through its remainig stages.

By February 1894, the Observer reported that the the Premier and the Minister of Railways had taken a tour thirough the district, and they had expressed both surprise aind pleasure at the improvement being made on these blocks particularly between Kangaroo Ground and Panton Hill, and acknowledged that the industry shown on these ranges could not be supassed in the colony.”

It was four years later, in September 1898, that the Observer reported: “A large and enthusiastio meeting of the residents of Kinglake and Flowerdale districts was held at Kinglake on Saturday last, 27th ult., to discuss the question of railway communica tion with the above districts. J. L. Beale, Esq., J.P., presided.

“The matter was fully discussed and the necessity of a railway was patent to every one present, the roads during the winter being simply impassable.

“Resolutions were put to the meeting and carried unanimously, to the following effect:

“Railway conmmunication is an absolute necessity; that the residents form a railway league and appoint a committee to collect statistics, data, information as to practicable route, &c., and place these matters before another meeting of the residents as soon as possible.

“A thoroughly representative committee was appointed, and the meeting terminated with a hearty vote of thanks to the chairman aid acting secretary (James J. Traill).”

In January 1900, the Observer reported: “A largely attended and representative public meeting was held at the Upper Diamond Creek Hall on Thursday night, 28th ult., to consider the advisability of taking and arranging such steps as would be most likely to secure the extension of the Heidelberg railway line to Hurst's Bridge

“Councillor John Herbert (President of the Eltham Shire) occupied the chair, and in opening the meeting remarked that probably all present were as well aware as he was of the object of their presence there that

to interview the Hon. the Premier at an early date.

The August 2 Observer said: “There was only a fair muster at the meeting of the Railway League in the Mechanics' Institute on Saturday afternoon, 20th ult., this being no doubt due to the inclement weather. Cr. A. Beale was in the chair, and business of an important nature was discussed and "passed."

“In order to get the largest number of the residents as possible conversant with the aims of the League, it was decided to hold the next meet. ing in the Kinglake West Public Hall on Saturday evening, 27th ult., at 7.30 p.m, sharp.

“A large deputation of settlers in the Kinglake district, accompanied by Mr. Cameron (Minister of Public Works) and Mr. Hunt, M.LA., interviewed the Premier last Tuesday and asked for railway communication.

evening; it was to try and formulate such steps as would expedite the construction of a railway line from Heidelberg to Hurst's Bridge

For some years there was little further mention of hopes for a railway line to Kinglake.

In 1906, the Debating Club at Kinglake had a fixture where the question was “Is the present time opportune for advancing the claims of Kinglake for a railway?”

Mr J. Kerr’s side gained the judge’s verdict by three points.

Mr Alex Campbell’s address was published in full in the local paper.

By May 1907, the subject was alive again, thanks to the continuing discussion at the Debating Club.

“On Saturday afternoon last, in the local Mechanics' Institute, a representative meeting of district land holders was held to discuss the best means of securing railway extension to Kinglake

“This question has been under notice for a considerable time, but it is thought expedient to enter into arrangements in a businesalike manner.

“After Mr. Bouchier, the President of the Debating Club, had explained why the meeting had been convened, Cr. A. Beale was elected Chairman and Mr. Wm. McAuliffe Hon. Secretary.

“The following resolution, moved by Mr. Bouchier and seconded by Mr. J. Beale, was carried unanimously :-" That a District League be formed to bring under the notice of the Government the urgent claims of Kinglake for railway connection."

It was further moved by Mr. Bouchier, seconded by Mr. P. Lynch, "That a Committee of nine be formed to gather statistics for future use."

The following gentlemen were elected on the above Committee: East end, Messrs. Jas. Kerr, sen ., H. Thomson, and Jas. Lawrey; central, Cr. A. Beale, Messrs. J. J. Traill, and Chas. Exton; west end, Messrs. Chas. Rawsthorne, A. Campbell, and L. Denereas. The offer of Mr. Phil. Tuckett to act as town representative was gratefully accepted.

A further meeting is to be called shortly to consider Committee's report.”

The July 19 Evelyn Observer reported that a public meeting is to be held in the local Mechanics' Institute on Saturday afternoon next,. 20th, at 2 p.m., under the auspices of the Kinglake Railway League, to receive the statistics recently collected by the Committee and also to make arrangements for forming deputation

“Mr. Cameron stated that the district was a tableland on the Dividing Range, running from Kilmore to apposite Healesville, a distance of 40 miles. It was grand country, there was no better land in Victoria for growing potatoes. Vegetables and fruit were also grown in abundance.

“'The settlers were an industrious people, but they required the means of getting their products to market.

“Mr Hunt said. that he had spent a good deal of money many years ago in mining in the locality, and still believed in its aurifer resources.

“Mr. Beale, a settler of 30 years, described its timber resources as enormous. They had to slave to clear their lands from the timber, which was now destroyed, but would be a valuable asset if there was a railway.

“Clearing at present cost £12 per acre. If the timber could be made available by means of a railway, the cost.would be reduced to about half. There was also about 20,000 acres of Crown lands, equal in quality to what had been alienated.

“Dr. Mclnerney, who stated that he had owned land in the district for the last 30 years, and that there was a tree at his front door over 50 feet in circumference, descanted on the fertility and scenic reauty of the locality.

“Mr. Bent said he would think the matter over, and let Mr. Cameron know in a week or two whether he would send the proposal on to the Railways Standing Committee for consideration or not.

“He would also make inquirles about the Crown lands. It was, without doubt, a good part of the country, but the land would have to be leaded, The newspaper’s Panton Hill correspondent observed: “Now that Kinglake people are agitating for a railway, the people of the Diamond Creek valley should press for the construction of the Elthamn-Hurst's Bridge extension, which might eventually be carried on to Kinglake. Of the three routes suggested by the Kinglake deputation to the Premier, the Hurst's Bridge extension would provide a natural outlet for the producers of Kinglake, who, though only 35 miles from Melbourne, are .practically hundreds of miles distant.

In February 1908, the Evelyn Observer recorded: “no answer has been received re the Premier's decision. It is to be hoped that the longexpected answer will soon arrive.

Tommy Bent was Victorian Premier only until January 1909. He died on September 17, 1909, partly as the result of the strain of facing a Royal Commission to investigate allegations of corruption and irregularity in government land purchases. - Ash Long

● ● ● ● Steam engine at Hurstbridge. 1912. Photo: Nillumbik Historical Society

Comedy Pageant

■ Comedy Pageant, a one-night-only comedy spectacular, will be presented at the Brunswick Ballroom on Thursday, July 31.

Comedians won't just tell jokes, they will compete, strut and sparkle their way through beauty pageant-inspired games to decide who will be crowned the 2025 MidWinter Grand Supreme Comedy Queen

The iconic Brunswick Ballroom will transform into a diamond encrusted battleground, packed with comedian contestants, celebrity judges and all the glitz and drama of a reality TV final.

Competing in the inaugural Midwinter Comedy Pageant are Bron Lewis seen on Thank God You’re Here, Have You Been PayingAttention?bonkers comedy duo Hot Department fresh from sell-out shows at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and Edinburgh Fringe.

Also appearing are viral comedy superstar and stand-up sell-out Nick White and character chameleon and Triple R Breakfastershost Nat Harris

This absurd joyride is the brainchild of stand-up comedian Hunter Smith (The Project) who will bring his fast-talking, whip-smart style to the stage as host of the debut showdown.

Add to this the celebrity guest judges and theatrical stylings of co-producer and director Gabrielle Reiher (Ghosted-Chapel Off Chapel). More celebrity judges and comedians to be advised.

Performance Date: Thursday, July 31

Venue: Brunswick Ballroom, Melbourne Bookings: moshtix.com.au/v2/event/thecomedy-pageant/182345

Cheryl Threadgold

Dial M for Murder

■ Smoke and Mirror Productions present Frederick Nott's Dial M for Murder from August 7-16 at Theatre Works, St Kilda

Directed by Dean Drieberg, this production has been five years in the making - a victim of the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, but now with the support of Theatre Works, Dial M For Murder is described as 'an electric addition' to the hugely popular “thriller theatre” currently adorning our stages.

First performed over 70 years ago, DialM ForMurdertakes us into the world of Tony Wendice. After discovering his wife’s infidelity, he sets in motion a plan to kill her and walk away with her millions. A murder he believes to be a perfect one.

After all, who would suspect her own loving husband of being the perpetrator? However, when he dials the Mayfair exchange to set his plan in motion, the right number leads to the wrong answer ...

“The initial conception for this show was born out of a collective love of Hitchcock and a desire to find a way to make his work relevant to a modern audience”, explains Smoke and Mirrors Productions Creative Director Josh Sanders

“Our director, Dean Drieberg, has come up with an incredibly clever and creative way to achieve this, and enhance the production for current day theatregoers.

“Although the script and timeline of the narrative remain unchanged, as the play progresses through its three acts the era in which it is set advances from the 1950s to modern day.

“This choice was made to highlight the (unfortunately) timeless nature of the themes explored in the play and will be realised by our talented set and costume designer, Jodi Hope.”

With a contemporary noir influence and inspired by Hitchcock’s iconic soundtracks, the production will feature an 80s synthesized score by sound designer Katie Harrigan.

A story set entirely within one apartment, this latest incarnation of DialMForMurder also toys with the convention of the murder mystery genre - offering audiences a new perspective on the story.

Performance Season: August 7-16. Tues. – Sat. 7.30pm, Sat. 2pm (August 9 only)

Opening Night: Aug. 8

Tickets: $48 Full, $38 Concession, $28 Preview, $25 Mob Tix (+bf)

Bookings: theatreworks.org.au/2025/dialm-for-murder

Enquiries: 9534 3388

Venue: Theatre Works - 14 Acland Street, St Kilda Cheryl Threadgold

Chunky Move’s Phantasm

■ Australian contemporary dance company

Chunky Move premieres Phantasm, the haunting new contemporary dance work from Australian choreographer Melanie Lane, from August 8-16 at Chunky Move Studios, 111 Sturt St, Southbank

Developed as part of Lane's 2023-2024 Chunky Move Choreographer-in-Residence tenure, Phantasmdraws from stories of feminine spirits and fictions to conjure a liminal space of ghosts, jinns and heroines emerging from the underworld.

Performed by four dancers (Nikki Tarling, Rachel Coulson, Ashley McClellan and Georgia Rudd ), bodies shift between seen and unseen worlds, channeling a transformative dance language where the spiritual and the corporeal entwine.

On developing the work over a two year period, Lane said: “Being able to explore this work with time, space and resources at Chunky has been an incredibly rare and invaluable experience.

It has given my practice the space to deepen and to dream into new territories of performance making with my collaborators.

“To work on ambitious ideas and follow them through in real terms is a gift for an independent artist.”

Phantasm continues Chunky Move’s commitment to bold new contemporary performance, offering audiences 'a haunting, embodied experience where the spirit world is not only imagined, but deeply felt’.

Performance Season: August 8-16

Venue: Chunky Move Studios, 111 Sturt St., Southbank

Bookings: eventbrite.com.au/e/phantasmby-melanie-lane-tickets-1416085422619

Cheryl Threadgold

Annie

■ Annie has arrived at the Princess Theatre Still going strong since its world premiere in August 1976 in Connecticut

Based on the popular Harold Gray’s comic strip Little Orphan Annie and Thomas Meehan’s book, it gave rise to the musical with music by Charles Strouse and lyrics by Martin Charnin, and has played worldwide since its premiere.

A well-travelled story, Annie being left by her parents at the NYC Municipal Orphanage, under the care of Miss Hannigan in oppressive conditions, is bundled out of the orphanage by the laundry man and while on the streets of Manhattan saves a mutt she calls Sandy from the dog catchers.

However, soon Annie is returned to the orphanage by a policeman but fate takes a turn for the better as billionaire Oliver Warbucks' private secretary arrives to invite an orphan to Christmas at Warbuck’s mansion.

The staging is superb, with a stellar cast, many with dual roles including being understudies, and on show is a wealth of young talent.

Particularly with the orphan girls who all worked with great enthusiasm, whether vocal or dance to meticulous choreography.

A key role of Oliver (Daddy) Warbucks, played by legendary Anthony Warlow making this role his own now for over two decades, certainly did not disappoint.

Everything Miss Hannigan, played by Debora Krizak , did was engaging and meritorious. Newcomer to musical theatre, (former Yellow Wiggle) Greg Price played President Franklin D. Roosevelt with great conviction and presence, while Amanda Lea Lavergne playing Grace Farrell, Warbucks' private secretary, with kindness very skillfully nurtured Annie as to being part of the Warbuck “family”.

While giving full credit to the very talented ensemble, mention should be made of Mackenzie Dunn as Lily and Keanu Gonzalez as Rooster, claiming to be Annie’s parents, who were well in character throughout their diverse performances.

Lastly, the role of Annie played by Isabella Hayden on opening night showed her skill and adaptability in the various situations that she faced, while in the wings for other performances of Annie, await Lilleth McIntosh and Dakota Chanel

A lively, heartwarming and all-the-family production, not to be missed while it is in Melbourne Venue: Princess Theatre, 163 Spring St. Bookings: Ticketek Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Echo

■ In a short season at Merlyn Theatre, Malthouse, Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour’s latest play, Echo: Every Cold-HeartedOxygen, challenged expectations of what theatre is.

Over seven nights, a new actor each night performed an unrehearsed, unseen script based on Nassim’s experiences in Iran which led him to flee into exile in Berlin

Each actor had to follow the script as it was fed to them and also interact with the playwright himself via a video feed from Berlin. All done in real time in front of a live audience.

Thematically, the play was wide-ranging and explored such things as the notion of home, being in exile and the nature of reality.

It was almost too ambitious in its scope, as touching on so many profound ideas meant that the exploration of any one of them barely scratched the surface.

Also, the writing was uneven stylistically with passages of moving poetic language contrasting with tiresome cliched expressions.

Ben Lawson performed on the night attended. A challenging situation for any actor, Ben was at his best when relaxed and ad libbing. However, often he read rather than performed the text with his delivery consequently seeming wooden.

Omar Elerian directed the play. He did a great job of balancing the video feed, projected onto a screen, with the stage performance and interactions between the two.

Some of the technical effects enabling actor and playwright to interact were amazing, but they tended to detract from the overall narrative.

If the intent was to distance the audience from being too emotionally involved in the story, a la Brechtian alienation, then it succeeded. However, this also confused because, at other times, the narrative was, by its very nature, emotionally driven given Nassim’s (and Iran’s) turbulent, often distressing story.

Not a complete success then due to these tensions pulling in opposite directions. Nevertheless, Echo is to be applauded as a bold and ambitious piece of theatre.

Review by Peter Murphy

● ● ●

● Christina

and Carissa Lee in What's

James Reiser ■ Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre will present the premiere of What'sYoursfrom July 26August 24 at Red Stitch Actors' Theatre, St Kilda East.

A new work by Australian playwright Keziah Warner, What’sYoursis directed by Isabella Vadiveloo (WolfPlay) and marks the second play in the theatre’s 2025 season developed through its INK new writing program.

Written specifically for ensemble member and Helpmann Award-winner Christina O’Neill (HouroftheWolf,Bloom,MyBrilliantCareer,CalamityJane), What'sYours captures the fallout from a single, impossibly complicated question.

Jo and Simon were in love for eight years before breaking up. Simon later falls for Jo’s best friend, Lia. Ten years, a broken friendship, and several failed IVF attempts later, Simon and Lia ask happily child-free Jo to donate her eggs.

What follows is a sharply observed portrait of fractured friendship, complicated love, and what we owe each other.

With warmth and wit, What'sYoursoffers a fresh perspective on the growing childfreeby-choice movement, while celebrating the enduring power of women’s friendship and lives lived on their own terms.

The play features Red Stitch ensemble members Christina O’Neill and Kevin Hofbauer (TheFlick,WolfPlay), joined by Noongar actor Carissa Lee (Inside OutYirramboi Festival; PlanetLulin- ABC).

The creative team includes set and costume design by Bianca Pardo, lighting by Rachel Lee, and sound design by Ethan Hunter and Grace Ferguson

What'sYoursruns from July 26-August 24 at Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre, Chapel St, St Kilda East. Tickets are on sale now at redstitch.net

Cheryl Threadgold

Ordinary Days

■ Clovelly Fox’s artistic director Tyran Parke has announced the cast members and creative team behind its production of Ordinary Days, performing at fortyfivedownstairs from August 20-31.

An intimate chamber musical by writer Adam Gwon, OrdinaryDaystraces the intersecting lives of four New Yorkers as they search for meaning, connection, and beauty in the everyday.

Taking centre stage in this new production are four of Australia’s most accomplished musical theatre talents:

• Bobby Fox (JerseyBoys,GuysandDolls) as Jason

• Sarah Morrison (MissSaigon,Mamma Mia!) as Claire

• Melanie Bird (SisterAct,NexttoNormal) as Deb

• Joel Granger (The Book of Mormon, Hairspray) as Warren

“I’m so excited that the success of Clovelly Fox has drawn together artists I’ve admired for decades. I was one of thousands who delighted in Bobby Fox’s breakout performance as Frankie Valli in JerseyBoys

“Sarah Morrison returns from a glittering West End career, to take on the demanding role of Claire.”

Performance dates: Wednesday August 20 to Sunday August 31 (no performance Tue 26 August).

Venue: fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs.com.au. 9662 9966

Tickets: $69 ($49 conc.). Website: clovellyfox.com

Michael Wilkie

● ● Chunky Move presents Phantasm

O’Neill, Kevin Hofbauer

Yours. Photo:

● ● ● ● Ben Lawson in Echo: Every Cold-Hearted Oxygen. Photo: Eugene Hyland

Shows

■ Theatrical: Legally Blonde Until July 27 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Aimee F orrest; Musical Director: Kent Ross; Choreographer: Maggie Lynch, Bookings: booktickets.com.au

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Lord Savile’s Crime (by Constance Cox) July 24

– August 2 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au

■ Encore Theatre: Agatha Crispie (by Cenarth Fox) Until July 27 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: David Dodd. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV): The Mikado. Queenscliff Town Hall, July 26, Stawell Town Hall, August 2; Berninneit Theatre at Cowes, August 9. Bookings: gsov.org.au

■ PLOS Musical Productions: We Will Rock You. July 25 – August 2 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director: Paul Watson. Bookings: plos.asn.au or 9784 1060.

■ The Basin Theatre Company: Educating Rita (by Willy Russell) August 7 – 17 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Sharon Maine. Bookings: thebasintheatre.au

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr. August 1 – 10 at Altona Theatre, 115 Civic Pde., Altona. Director: Stuart Dodge; Musical Director: Ang Cuy; Choreographer: Gabriele Pagano. Bookings: wmtc.org.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: Home, I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) August 7 – 30 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: The Witches (based on the book by Roald Dahl. Adapted by David Wood) August 8 – 23 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Leah Osburn. Bookings: beaumaristheatre. com.au

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Fallen Angels (Noel Coward) August 15-30 at Brighton Theatre. Director: Joe Dias. Bookings: brightontheatre.com.au

■ The Mount Players: A Skull in Connemara (by Martin McDonagh) August 15 – 31 at the Mountview Theatre, Murphy St., Macedon. Director: Travis Handcock. Bookings: 0419 329 052

■ Peridot Theatre: Frankenstein (by Nick Dear) August 15 – 24 at the Clayton Community Centre Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: George Benca. Bookings: tickets@peridot.com.au

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Grey Nomad (written and directed by Dan Lee) August 22 – September 6 at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Bookings: Trybooking.

■ Malvern Theatre: The Humans (by Stephen Karam) August 22 – September 6 at 29a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicky Neville-Jones. Bookings: malverntheatre company.com.au

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Hollow Crown (by John Barton) September 3 – 20 at 3-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: wlt.org.au/booktickets

Auditions

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. July 27 at 10.30am and July 28 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Audition bookings: timascott56@ gmail.com

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Blackadder II on August 10, 11 and 12 from 7pm to 10pm at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Enquiries and further information: beaumaristheatre.com.au/auditions

■ The Basin Theatre Group: Heatstroke (by Eric Chappell) August 17, 18 at 7pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Pip Le Blond. Audition bookings: 0400 350 792 or email pipleblond@ hotmail.com

■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Good Life (by Jeremy Sams based on TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey) August 17 and August 18 at 7.00pm at the Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Joanne Gabriel. Audition Enquiries: Jo Gabriel at pukfam@bigpond.net.au Cheryl Threadgold

THE ORCHARD

■ Cult theatre collective Pony Cam brings a cutting edge adaptation of the Anton Chekhov classic The Orchard to the Beckett Theatre, Malthouse from August 5-16.

Following their acclaimed original works BurnoutParadise (Rising) and GrandTheft Theatre (Melbourne Fringe Festival), Pony Cam co-creators and performers Claire Bird, Ava Campbell, William Strom, Dominic Weintraub and Hugo Williams have this year set their dramaturgical sights on the Russian master’s timeless tale of social change, loss, and the clash between old and new.

Malthouse Executive Producer and CEO Vivia Hickman said: “Pony Cam is hot property in theatre right now, for good reason. They have an almost uncanny ability to tackle the important issues in our zeitgeist with equal parts sincerity and whimsy.

“We are delighted to have the company back in the building, this time as part of our 2025 season, and can’t wait to see what poignant splendor they transpose into the world of Russia’s most famed playwright.”

This playful, postmodern interpretation of Chekhov’s final masterpiece will see the theatremakers take on remnants of a redundant cherry orchard, a crumbling climate and a failing economy.

Pony Cam Collective shared: “We can’t wait to invite audiences into The Orchard. While we will be visiting a distant estate in Russia, our Orchard will be much closer to home. One that is torn between doomed inheritances and impossible expectations. There will be real indecision, real failure, real gambling, cheap champagne, and a dangerous proposition.”

Performance Season: August 5-16

Venue: The Beckett Theatre, Malthouse, Southbank.

Further details and bookings: malthousetheatre.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Breaking The Castle

■ Peter Cook’s one man show, Breakingthe Castle, is a tribute to surviving addiction.

Based on Cook’s own struggles with alcohol and drugs, the theatrical creativity employed in both the writing and performing of the piece enables the audience to appreciate the nature of addiction and its causes.

Deftly threaded through the work are indications of the factors in the character’s life that contributed to the subsequent behaviour. But it is also Cook’s ability to bring all the characters he encounters on his journey to life that is remarkable.

It is an exhibition of dramatic craft where a gesture or change of voice enables him to become another player from a fellow addict to a counsellor.

The set, lighting and sound design are no less material. The synchronicity of the sound (Kimmo Vennonen) and light (Ben Hughes) helps generate the separation between moments in time with the character, David, travelling between his youth and the present.

Raymond Milner’s sparse set has the flexibility to provide performance opportunities, the opening almost being like a stage on a stage.

Bringing all this together is Bridget Boyle’s direction enabling the pace and intensity to be sustained.

The pace is relentless and the physical demands on Cook are enormous. He sustains the action throughout. The honesty of the work can also be confronting.

There are details about drugs and sex that might be considered taboo, but they are handled in such an honest way that the substance of the work is revealing and enlightening. There is also sufficient humour to provide a form of release in both the script and the acting that prevent the subject matter becoming maudlin or depressing.

Cook owes his sobriety to the generosity of those who paid for his rehabilitation. He has paid them back in kind with a work that is both theatrically creative and an insight that will help others struggling with addiction.

Presented at Theatre Works

Review by David McLean

industry servicing a fledgling Melbourne and beyond.

Back in 1925 and founded as Davies Co-op, Bradmill grew to become recognized as a most important textile producer, expanding into spinning, weaving, becoming a national leader in cotton milling and industrial innovation.

Supplying to major brands worldwide and employing thousands it started to cease operations early in 2000.

Now some 20 years later, its legacy has been captured on film by Outrun Creative, directed by Robert Geary, titled Stories of Bradmill and premiered at the Sun Theatre, Yarraville Historian Olympia Koziaris interviewed over 70 former employees in her collection of stories that are the backbone of the film.

In about 1959, a new mill was built on a large greenfield site in Yarraville, where they had access to one million gallons of water a day for the Dye Plant, and with the latest highly specialised machinery they became the world leader, producing some 36 million square metres of cotton denim a year satisfying a thirsty world market.

To do this, Vic Muscat, former Spinning Department Manager, said that the multicultural mix in the local community was of great influence in Bradmill being able to reach high production levels.

New overseas machinery arrived in 1989 that enabled further expansion of Bradmill products. Former Managing Director, Rob Dickson emphasised that the workforce at Bradmill was a large cohesive family, supporting generations within the community.

“Put people first, and we will succeed”, said Bob Green, former Operations Manager.

However as captured in the film, early in 2000 ageing machinery required updating, overseas markets were providing cheaper products and with working conditions changing, Bradmill could no longer sustain viable production.

The site finally closed in 2006, abandoned and falling into ruin; its future is now changing with its acquisition by Frasers Property Australia, reimagining the site as Bradmill Yarraville - a major mixed-use community featuring residential, retail, commercial, and green spaces.

StoriesofBradmillis a “heartfelt tribute to the workers and community that shaped one of Australia’s most iconic denim factories.”

Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Aust. Orchestra

Weston

■ The Australasian Orchestra prides itself on presenting a program that combines well known popular orchestral works with new Australian works, to encourage own fine local composers.

Coming up on Sunday (July 27) is their latest concert which features Rossini’s popular William Tell Overture, Brahms’ SymphonyNo1, the lilting Concertino for flute and orchestra by Cecile Chaminade and a new work called FG(Fog)by Australian composer Misha Machlak

One of the interesting things about this concert is that both composer Machlak and flute soloist in the Chaminade are both players in the orchestra – violinist Machlak and flautist Sophie Weston, proving that this orchestra boasts some exceptional talent. Machlak’s day job is as a meteorologist, and Fg(Fog) is a musical rendering of the fog spreading overnight in the hills of Gippsland, dissipating as the sun rises over the valleys. Machlak took inspiration from a satellite photo over Victoria that was taken shortly after sunrise.

Weston is also a composer, and she is especially interested in the meditative nature of the flute. She has composed sound designs for several boutique theatrical shows and is also an experienced chamber music player and performs regularly with the ensemble Fanciful Flutes as well as the Australasian Orchestra

The concert will be conducted by Australasian Orchestra artistic director Robert Dora with MC Julie Houghton, and is happening on Sunday July 27 at 2pm in the James Tatoulis Auditorium at MLC, 207 Barkers Rd, Kew . Book tickets at trybooking.com/DANIJ

Skye Cyrus

Richard Clapton

■ Richard Clapton is performingTheBest Years of Our Lives show at 7.30pm on Friday, August 1 at The Palms At Crown, Southbak.

He is celebrating 50+ years on stage, and performing a songbook featured in the soundtrack to almost three generations of Australians, including TrustSomebody,I AmanIsland,GirlsontheAvenue,Goodbye Tiger,CapricornDancer,DownintheLucky Country,DeepWater,HighSociety,Blue BayBlues, and GloryRoadandAngelou

Richard Clapton, as one of Australia’s foremost singer/songwriters, paved the way for subsequent generations of songwriters to write about the experience of being Australian

He grew up in Sydney in the 1960s before hopping a plane for London, and then later to Germany, where he wrote a first album, PrussianBlue(1973) which was one of the first major Australian ‘singer-songwriter’ albums.

One of the most popular songs from Prussian Blue was I Wanna Be a Survivor. His songs are still omnipresent on the radio to this day; his records charting the political landscape of the nation and the turbulent lives of two generations.

He has released over 20 albums which have cumulatively sold over one million copies. He is the only rock artist to have received an Australia Council arts grant which enabled him to travel around the world writing new songs based on his experiences. Bookings: Ticketmaster.com.au Di Rolle

and

was once a mix of

● ● ● ● Dominic Weintraub and Claire Bird in The Orchard

Sophie

● ● ● ● ● Lucile and Graeme McCoubrie attended the premiere screening of Stories of Bradmill

CATO THE WISE

Maxwell Newton

★The Royal Melbourne Philharmonic will feature the Final of the 2025 RMP Aria Competition and a performance of Dan Forrest’s Requiem for the Living at 7pm on Saturday, August 16 at The Edge, Federation Square

★Entertaining Mr Coppin:

An Antipodean Showman in Civil War America, a new book by Simon Plant, reconstructs the remarkable two-year tour undertaken by this enterprising actor-manager, alongside famed English tragedians Charles and Ellen Kean, and will be launched next month at the Arts Centre Melbourne

★Sullivan+Strumpf is presenting a new exhibition by Perth-based artist Joanna Lamb, Looked Over, Overlooked , opening at their Collingwood gallery on Thursday July 31 and open until Saturday August 30.

★A fourth and final show has just been announced for An Evening on Broadway with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra on Friday afternoon, September 26 (public holiday). There will be hits from Les Misérables, The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story, Evita, Cats and more. Led by conductor Jessica Gethin, the MSO is joined by musical theatre stars, Josh Piterman and Amy Manford , both acclaimed for their roles in The Phantom of the Opera in the West End

★The Grounded Festival at the Dookie Quarry is back, and will be held on Saturday, November 29.

★RocKwiz Live! returns to the atres across the country with a new show. Julia Zemiro, Brian Nankervis, Dugald and the legendary RocKwiz OrKestra will supply the secret sauce for an uproarious night of entertainment. Victorian venues include Frankston, Geelong, Ballarat, Narre Warren, Bendigo and The Gardens in Melbourne.

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment

★Arts Centre Melbourne has announced that three leading Melbourne female philanthropists

– Susan Yates, Virginia Boon and Krystyna Campbell-Pretty have provided donations of approximately $1 million each, committing to bringing the wonders of performing arts history back into the spotlight. The donations have been given to the construction of the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts opening at the end of this year, and to secure major acquisitions for the Australian Performing Arts Collection

★Ballet’s iconic story, The Nutcracker, arrives at the Princess Theatre this December.

★The Port Fairy Folk Festival is back for its 49th year in 2026 with first line-up announcements including Akervinda, Blair Dunlop, Beoga, Elephant Sessions, Emma Donovan, Felicity Urquhart and Josh Cunningham, Grainne Hunt, Iron and Wine, Mary Coughlam, Mia Kelly, Nico Paulo, Northern Resonance, Pierece Brothers, Steve Poltz, Svavar Knutur, The Swell Season and Windborne

★Melbourne Symphony Or chestra has announced a second ‘ MSO in your Neighbourhood’ Mornington concert at 4.30pm on Thursday, September 11 at Peninsula Community Theatre.

★Experience the power of community singing – for free – during Try a Choir Week. From August 18-22, With One Voice choirs around the country are welcoming new faces.

★Alexis Fishman will present What I've Learnt and the Songs that Taught Me at 8.30pm on Saturday, August 9, at the Royal Brighton Yacht Club.

★The Australian Pops Or chestra is to hold its New Year’s Eve Gala Concerts on December 30-31.

Letters to the Editor Memories of Max

Sir, Re memories of Maxwell Newton (MelbourneObserver,June 11). I worked for Max in the latter part of his time at the SundayObserver in Richmond. i was employed as an assistant paymistress, progressing to his personal assistant. I cannot remember the exact date but probably late 60s/earl;y 70s. Times were tough towards the end but what a life and what a story. This man was one in a million. A book should be written about him (the good and the bad).

As an employee he treated me well and I still believe in just one of his replies to my question: “I do not ask my employees to like me. I pay them to do a job. Nothing more and nothing less, and that’s that.”

I felt you may like the knowldege that here still someone out there that was a part of the Maxwell Newton story. Joy Kondarios, Langwarrin

Waterloo

■ In an all-too-brief evening’s stimulating entertainment, Bron Batten performed her one-woman show Waterlooat Theatre Works.

It was a sharply observed piece, full of self-deprecating wit and flashes of insight into the sometimes bizarre phenomenon known as romantic love.

First written and performed in 2019, the show took the audience through an affair Bron started in Paris with someone whose lifestyle and values were almost diametrically opposite to hers. Sparks, of course, were bound to fly. But what of love?

Created by Batten, the play was a winning blend of storytelling involving several different methods.

These consisted of a standard monologue broken up by the viewing of scenes from a short film and bouts of audience participation in various games.

In other hands this could have been a confusing disaster but all credit to Batten who deftly managed these different approaches and the transitions between them.

In part this was no doubt due to her warm-hearted and charming performance, a performance which took the audience along with her on her wild ride.

She easily switched from sympathetically portraying her tormented self in the relationship to sarcastically commenting on it.

A cheeky glint in her eyes, indicating fun and games were not far away, contrasted with her moments of stillness, moments which allowed home truths about sex, love and relationships in the twenty-first century to sink in.

Gary Abrahams was credited with outside eye direction - an essential consideration, given a show of this nature, Abrahams’s input was critical to it being so accessible and wellreceived by the audience despite its somewhat anarchic style.

In the end, this anarchic style, coupled with Batten’s generous performance, gave the audience a strong tangible sense of the topsyturvy experience she had gone through in her strange opposites attract affair. And we were all the better for it.

Review by Peter Murphy

After 33 years

■ Trailblazing Melbourne femme rock band Girl Monstar has announced its return, with original members and new music

Their first new track in 33 years, BlueCatsWithGreenEyes, is out now.

Radio waves

■ Craig Hutchison’s Sports Entertainment Group has bought the Victorian racing industry-owned station for $3.25 million.

SEN’s new sister station is the 100year-old RSN (formerly 3UZ).

Mr Hutchison started proceedings by sacking of high-profile RSN radio hosts Daniel Harford and Michael Felgate

Mic hael is the husband of 3AW drive presenter Jacqui Felgate. Hutchison appeared on Felgate’s Racing Pulse show where he revealed his plans for the racing station.

Harford finishes his nine-year stint on the breakfast show on August 29.

Fireball with Kane Cornes and David King will be heard on SEN and RSN on Mondays and Fridays, and SENBreakfastwith Garry Lyon and Tim Watson will be on both stations from Tuesdays to Thursdays. Gareth Hall returns with his daily SEN show GiddyUpto be heard on RSN airwaves at the earlier time of 8am.

Smurfs

■ (PG). 92 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.

The much beloved Smurfs , who have been around since 1958, return in a new offering, and while still aimed mainly at young audiences, this latest reboot attempts to instil some energy and humour which will entertain adults who are along for the ride.

The story begins, of course, in Smurf Land, where we are introduced to a number of characters, including Papa Smurf (voiced by John Goodman ), Smurfette (Rihanna) and a new inhabitant called No Name (James Corden).

No Name is having a crisis, as he hasn’t found his ‘thing’ to give him his individual name.

Papa tells No Name that sometimes it takes someone to find their gift.

Going into the woods to contemplate his plight, No Name is suddenly and mysteriously possessed with magical powers, but when he uses these powers to open a portal, it attracts the attention of Razemel (JP Karliak), brother of long-time Smurf villain Gargamel (also voiced by Karliak).

Using various means available to them, Smurfette and No Name are able to secure the help of Papa’s brother Ken (Nick Offerman) and other colourful characters.

Being from one of the creators of TheLegoMovies,Smurfs noticeably tries to create the same kind of fast pace and irreverent humour, and if you liked the aforementioned films, then there is a good chance you will take to this.

You can see this approach from the start, when there is a big musical number where the film-makers want the song to be as catchy as Everything Is Awesome.

For me, the energy and rapid fire comedy does wear thin after a while, giving the feeling that there isn’t quite enough to sustain a feature film.

At least there is an awareness of this factor, with the movie running 90 minutes, but it could have been easily trimmed a little more.

The voice cast is strong ( Goodman and Offerman are stand outs), and there is a nice voice cameo later in the story.

Smurfs is certainly better than expected, but despite legitimate attempts to entertain people young and old, it is still something

for the young folk, who should find the whole thing smurftastic.

RATING - ***

Drop

■ (MA). 95 minutes. Now available on Blu-ray, DVD and 4K.

After delivering a number of highly uneven films that blended horror and comedy (HappyDeath Day 1 and 2, Freaky) to an outright misfire (We Have A Ghost), director Christopher Landon returns with Drop, and by jettisoning the hit-and-miss humour (thanks to different writers) that largely sank his previous efforts, manages to deliver a much more satisfying, if still ultimately flawed, viewing experience.

Meghann Fahy (TheWhiteLotus,YourMonster) plays Violet, a survivor of domestic abuse who, years after the relationship ended violently, feels confident enough to enter the dating scene again.

The person Violet decides to take a chance on is Henry (Brandon Sklenar), who she has been texting with for a while.

Having organised a romantic dinner at a nice restaurant, Henry messages Violet telling her he will be arriving a little late, and that is when she begins receiving a growingly unsettling series of texts from a stranger who claims they are nearby, demanding certain tasks must be carried out.

This continues to escalate, and will put both Violet and her son in danger. What is refreshing about Drop is its efficiency, something lacking in modern horror/thrillers ( Abigail being a perfect recent example).

Landon and his writers keep the story to its essentials, which is also a good thing as suspension of disbelief is required.

Another nice surprise is the casting. Fahy makes for a likeable heroine, allowing us to care what happens to her character as the mayhem increases.

Sklenar also offers a pleasing screen presence. Technically, this is a slick production.

Only during its final act does the film stumble, trying to throw too much at the audience, jarring with the nicely paced suspense that has come before.

Drop is a lot of fun, and should give people a good night’s viewing at home.

RATING

In Memory of

● ● ● Aaron Rourke

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

AcrossAcrossDownDown

1. Overbalancing

6. Flusters

11. Genetic inheritance

15. Lunar ray

20. Company head (1,1,1)

21. Sloped backwards

22. Vat

23. Relays (6,2)

24. Stipulations

25. Maturity

27. Having no pips

28. Half

29. Quay

31. Hunter's quarry

32. Laud

36. Humiliating remark (3-4)

37. Chilled cuppa (4,3)

38. Honey drink

41. Defensive castle ditches

44. Scientist, ... Newton

45. Latin American dance

48. Rugby handling error (5-2)

49. Royal offspring

52. Trick into crime

56. Competition

57. Fall

58. Adopt (policy)

61. Pranks

62. Greek shipping magnate

63. Kinder

64. Spotted pattern, ... dots

65. Sorcerers

66. Passage (of goods)

67. Brazilian music style (5,4)

71. Undeveloped insect

73. Uncensored (movie)

75. Gladdened

80. Large rodents

82. Rome or Naples native

83. Nosegay

85. Authenticity

86. Comedy team, Monty ...

88. Puzzle

90. Peter Pan writer (1,1,6)

91. Honoured with party

93. Kidnappers' demands

94. Pledges

95. Draw attention away

96. Terrorist's captive

97. Leave room

99. Tiny amount

100. Arms cache

104. Actress, Vivien ...

105. Mutilates

106. Wine, ... Riesling

107. Surgical insert

111. Singer, ... Minogue

113. Glacial period, ... Age

114. Yes in French

115. Frightening

117. Tennis star, Andre ...

118. Revolving tray, lazy ...

121. Peace prize

122. Visual perception

125. Bred

126. Fabled whale, ... Dick

127. Liquefy

129. Wine barrels

131. Exclude

132. Verb modifier

135. As far as (2,2)

136. Ripped apart, torn ...

139. Boulder

140. Speared

144. Magician's ... Pocus

145. Rest on knees

146. Ultra manly

147. Hard copy (5-3)

148. Contagious outbreak

149. Crisscross weave

150. Diaper

152. Chat-show hostess, ... Winfrey

154. Speaker

157. Mongolian desert

158. Announce (4,3)

162. Eye membrane

163. Legless grub

166. Timber fastener

167. Twig shelter

169. Immediately following 171. Oriental continent

172. Violet/blue

173. Male deer

175. Bumpkins

176. Skid Row drink

179. Lusaka is there

180. Cutting beam

182. Relaxation art, t'ai ...

183. Adult education group (1,1,1)

184. Portion

186. Doctor's ... manner

189. Ganges country

190. Last Greek letter

191. Milan opera house, La ...

192. Swirling

196. Stagger

197. Hitler follower

198. Casablanca is there

199. Popular hymn (3,5)

201. Boatman

202. Seepage

203. Harsh-tasting

204. Pre-dinner sherry

205. Touched with lips

208. Defeated

210. Unaffected

211. Sheet of glass

212. Go back in (2-5)

213. Consequently

215. Vending machine

219. Dame Nellie ...

221. Belittle

223. Criminal fire-starters

227. Pastry snacks, Cornish ...

228. Harms

230. Two times

231. Cardiac organ

232. Indian leader, ... Gandhi

233. Lady's title

234. Redesign (hair)

238. Manoeuvring space

239. Enchant

240. Most timid

243. By mouth

246. Raises (5,2)

247. Requirements

250. Mountainous

251. Ancient

253. Length measures

256. Day-to-day

257. Granted

258. Merriest

262. Single sound system

263. Drive off

266. Dowdy

268. Slandered

269. Sleeker

270. Slender toughness

271. Long race

272. Gist (of story)

273. Argentina's Buenos ...

274. Beatles, The ... Four

275. Summer frock

276. Bemuse

277. Accented

278. Curly-tailed marine creature (3,5)

1. Extra serving (3-2)

2. Noodle food

3. Welsh vegetables

4. Non-coms (1,1,2)

5. Swiss city

7. Cockerel

8. Mythical horned horse

9. Junior Girl Guides

10. Waist ribbon

11. German Mr

12. Imposing buildings

13. Factor

14. Lethargy

15. Artefacts gallery

16. Comply with

17. Gentle prod

18. Expel

19. Skinflint

24. Time signals

26. Luncheon meat

30. Davy Crockett's fort

33. Collided with (3,4)

34. Cuts into

35. Passion

38. Louder

39. Absurd pretence

40. Condense

42. Burden of responsibility

43. Cylindrical

46. Social chaos

47. Concoct

49. Punishment

50. Become liable for

51. Sure

53. Sea god

54. Souvenir

55. Spectre

59. Mollifies

60. Ill-matched

67. German alpine state

68. Broken-limb supports

69. Et cetera (3,2,2)

70. Insensitively

72. Minor planets

74. Modernising (software)

76. Easy seat

77. Joins forces (5,2)

78. Buddhist heaven

79. Lowest (voice)

81. Last Supper guests

84. Briniest

87. Upstage

89. Nudist

91. Turns into alcohol

92. Break (partnership)

98. Portugal's capital

101. Inflexible

102. Eventuate

103. Hands on hips

108. Flowering shrub, crape ...

109. Commit to memory

110. Sister's daughter

112. Childbirth contractions (6,5)

116. Marzipan (6,5)

119. Most important

120. Adding up (to)

123. Hebrew

124. Vietnam's ... City (2,3,4)

128. Toils

130. Singer or dancer

132. Let in

133. Outspoken

134. SE France river

137. Extremely

138. US naval port, San ...

141. Star, ... Centauri

142. Cymbals sound

143. Failed to (4'1)

151. Golfer, ... Palmer

153. Astonished

155. Cowgirl, ... Oakley

156. Fuses (of bones)

159. Somalia's neighbour

160. Receipt

161. Not moved (by argument)

164. Crippled

165. Pungent bulb

168. Intensify (of war)

170. December conifer (4,4)

173. Ceylon (3,5)

174. Letter recipient

177. Fellow players

178. Bridging

181. Vigorous exercise classes

185. Career barriers, glass ...

186. Blitz

187. Makes gloomy

188. Tilt

193. Expressionless

194. Sloping typeface

195. Slums

200. Gains entry to 201. Dirtily

206. Prisoners

207. Fabric retailers

208. More cocky

209. Stiffly

211. Financed in advance

214. Ground oats

216. Massive

217. Illegal hunter

218. Britain's 1066 invaders

220. Non-clergy

222. In vain, to no ...

224. Giving green light to 225. Unsuitably

226. Abnormal tissue growths

229. Bargain sell-off

232. Man

235. Heavenly

236. Bell-shaped flower

237. Government supporter

241. Rugby fending move (4-3)

242. Slipped by

244. Greed

245. Boarders

248. Second book in Bible

249. Air pollution

251. Betting chances

252. Stage-plays

253. Childhood swelling disease

254. Hawk's claw

255. Famous Swiss mountain

259. Flooded (of decks)

260. Anaesthetic

261. 1000 kg unit

262. The M of YMCA (3'1)

264. Canadian lake

265. Female sheep

267. Baseballer, ... Ruth

By Rob Foenander

Destroy fear

■ Melbourne outfit Destroy Fear’s debut album, The Mountain Before Us All, is a bold and emotive entry into Australia’s metalcore legacy. Drawing on influences like Parkway Drive and Northlane, it showcases punishing riffs with soaring melodies and raw emotional depth. Exploring themes of struggle and resilience, this powerful release cements Destroy Fear as a rising force in modern melodic metal, says their media release.

Dusty

■ Mel Audrey will bring to life the incredible journey of the legendary singer Dusty Springfield. Enjoy a night of unforgettable music and captivating storytelling as Mel takes you on a voyage through Dusty's triumphs and tribulations, both on and off the stage. From her humble beginnings to international stardom, witness the rise of a music icon and share the highs and lows of Dusty Springfield's extraordinary life. Saturday, July 26 and Saturday, August 30, 7pm-8pm. More info 0408 313 180. info@speakeasytheatre.com.au

Hazel and Thief

■ Singer-songwriter Hazel and The Thief’s new single MakingThisLandMyGold is out. The track is a captivating fusion of soul and country that captures Hazel’s heartfelt connection to the Australian landscape and her passion for music and travel. Hazel saysb that the central songline, "Making This Land My Gold," eloquently describes how the profound calmness and beauty of the natural environment bring immeasurable richness to her life.

Rob Foenander

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

HERE YOU COME AGAIN

■ Nerdy, diehard Dolly Partontragic Kevin (Dash Kruck) is in the middle of an existential crisis. Back at home with his parents during the COVID lockdown, “waking up to fresh toast and passive aggression” in his childhood attic bedroom.

Paul Wills’s fabulous set full of abandoned childhood toys and the usual discarded household junk competes with Dolly memorabilia, skilfully fusing childhood nostalgia with bitter regret as Kevin buries his sorrows under his superhero doona cover.

In between slugging red wine and downing Valium, Kevin ponders, "What would Dolly do?"

Enter Dolly Parton (Tricia Paoluccio) as Kevin’s muchneeded glamorous fairy godmother strutting the stage in sequins, sky-high heels, and hair.

Dolly delivers a feel-good message with some down-home truths: “Stop looking in mirrors and start looking out of windows.”

Co-written by Bruce Vilanch, Gabriel Barre, and Paoluccio, and directed by Gabriel Barre , the Australian production, adapted by Fiona McHarris and Mike McLeish, is peppered with plenty of Aussie references, no matter how unlikely, even rissoles and lamingtons get a mention.

Paoluccio glistens both literally and metaphorically, embodying Dolly to perfection both physically and vocally, managing to bring the real Dolly’s relaxed, always optimistic persona to life onstage.

Kruck breathes life into hapless Kevin, the audience rooting for

Crossword Solution No 4

him from the start when his obnoxious boyfriend, Jeremy , dumps him via text message.

A live onstage band provides the music with musicians doubling as actors and dancers.

Packed with Dolly hits, 9 to 5, Jolene, I Will Always Love You, IslandsintheStream, and more, HereYouComeAgain is upbeat, fun, and full of sparkle.

Venue: Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

Return Melbourne Season: October 23 - November 2

Bookings: Ticketek

Review by Kathryn Keeble

I Love Your Faces

■ PJ Lane, son of TV legend don Lane, is bringing his show to Palms At Crown in November. The shows will be on November 13 (Don Lane's birthday) and November 14. Tickets go on sale this week.

Di Rolle

Leo Sayer

■ Leo Sayer still feels like dancing. The '70s/'80s British international chart-topper and now proud Australian citizen has added eight more shows to his first Australian tour in six years. His first Melbourne show (Aug. 30) is sold out. A second show, also at Palms At Crown has been scehduled for Friday, September 19.

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● ● ● Tricia Paoluccio (Dolly Parton) in Here You Come Again

Photo: Cameron Grant

■ I never saw ‘Mo’ live onstage but I loved his radio shows. As a child I listened to McCackie Mansionswhich featured Mo and a whole host of great characters - which included Horrible Herbie, Spencer the Garbageman and Lasho

This was another world to me - great comedy writing performed by a wonderful cast of talented Australians

Roy Rene Mo was one of the most popular Australian comedians of the 20th Century.

Harry van der Sluys was born in Adelaide in 1891, he was the fourth born of seven children. Although his family were Jewish, young Harry went to a Catholic school.

At the age of 10 he won a singing competition at the Adelaide Market and this led to a role in the pantomime Sinbad The Sailor at The Theatre Royal.

In 1905 the family moved to Melbourne and Harry trained as a professional jockey. But the theatre beckoned and in 1908 he was singing in vaudeville shows at the Gaiety Theatre, in those days he was known as ‘Roy Boy’.

Two years later he was using the name of Roy Rene Mo and appearing onstage in comedy sketches throughout Australia

Whilst he was touring for Sir Benjamin Fuller in New Zealand he developed the black and white makeup which became his trademark.

In 1916 he teamed with Nat Phillips and they became the comedy duo of Stiffy and Mo. They played shows in Sydney and Melbourne where they broke box office records.

In 1917 Mo married Dorothy Davis who was an actress but the marriage was to end in di-

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Roy Rene ‘Mo’

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

vorce 12 years later. Stiffy and Mo finally broke up in 1928 and the following year Mo married Sadie Gale with both Christian and Jewish services.

Sadly Stiffy died of a heart attack at the age of 49 in 1932.

Mo had been appearing on the Tivoli circuit and was known as the ‘ King of the Tiv’ but The Great Depression saw a decline in live theatre attendances and Mo went on a tour of the Hoyts Suburban Picture Theatres with Sadie

In 1934 he made his one and only film Strike

MeLucky which was directed by Ken G Hall

The film has been panned by some critics but I have seen it several times and I really enjoy watching Mo at work. I think it is a national treasure.

Throughout the war years Mo was again playing to packed houses on the Tivoli circuit but his contract was terminated in 1945.

My friend, the late Ian Travis, recalled Mo presenting a show at the Collingwood Town Hall. His family were given free tickets because they loaned Mo young Ian's bed to be used in one of the stage sketches.

Mo began in radio in 1946 after joining the Colgate Palmolive Unit and appeared in a program titled CallingTheStars

The following year a new radio show McCackieMansionswas launched and it was to run for three years.

Mo played the lead and the theme was his frustration with family, friends and neighbours.

The cast included Hal Lashwood, Harry Griffiths, Jack Burgess, Harry Avondale and Rita Pauncefort. It was full of ‘catch phrases’ and eccentric characters. The program had the biggest listening audience of any Australian radio show at that time.

Mo appeared in several other popular radio shows in the early 1950s and visiting stars such as Dame Sybil Thorndike and Jack Benny described him as ‘comic genius’.

Roy Rene died of heart disease at his home in Sydney in 1954 and was survived by his wife, son and daughter. He is buried in the Jewish section of Rookwood Cemetery in NSW.

The Mo Awards for stage performers are named after him and in Adelaide they erected a statue in his honour.

In 1973 Freddie Parsons wrote a wonderful book titled A Man Called Mo and in the foreword Graham Kennedy described seeing Mo onstage in 1949 at the old Kings Theatre in Melbourne - Graham said it was the funniest night he had ever spent in the theatre. What a compliment.

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Simon Owens and Andrew McLaren. And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

LARGE IMMERSIVE PAINTINGS AT ABBOTSFORD

Rambles – Mary Tonkin

An exhibition of large immersive paintings and the pencil drawings that underpin them.

Made in the bush over long periods, they capture responses to changing light, seasons, viewpoints and seasons.

★ Simultaneously Particular and Vague

Cloud May Studio’s first solo exhibition showcase the unique intersection of traditional weaving and contemporary sculpture.

This body of work showcases cloth forms , meticulously crafted from unique natural fibres and unexpected found materials.

Suspended by metal and timber scaffolding, the pieces delve into the fundamental grid, covering its potential as both a structural foundation and a source of artistic discovery. Creating from a meditative, experimental and fluid origin, Cloud May look for ways to push conventional approaches to weaving .With a keen focus on surface building, light play and scale, Cloud May’s pieces create a hum of inter-connectivity and suspension of time that encourages a closer look.

Exhibition closes August 10.

★

A Week Does Not Exist

So much can happen, and not happen, in a week.

A Week Coes Not Exist by visual

artist Jarrah Storey brings together a drawing project from 2021 with recent paintings.

The drawing project involved small, daily drawings for a month. A sort of metronome, Storey has been interested in art objects as time pieces.

Storey’s recent paintings are meditations on a month. Being at odds with time. They keep attending, and the layers keep accumulating until forms find resolution.

Exhibition closes September 7.

Abbotsford Convent Gallery

1 St Heliers St, Abbotsford

Protests

Future Foundations as Protest, presented by Troppo Print Studio, celebrates the past, present and future of political posters and printmaking.

Harnessing the tools of graphic art design and photography, combined with the intense colours of screenprinting inks, the exhibition

The Arts

lights the vital role the poster has played as a vehicle for peaceful protest.

Exhibition opens July 28 and closes September 21.

★ Psychology of Sound – Ourania (Rani) Amvraxis presents immersive, thought provoking and playful works that manifest sound and light into three dimensional form and bodily encounters .

Her works embed photography, video, light, sculpture, sound, kinetics and performance into large-scale installation

Exhibition closes Friday September 5.

★ An Alternative Prehistory (Reality Optional) – Matt Bisset-Johnson presents a selection of acrylic paintings alongside a series of short, animated films.

The exhibition creates an alternative history, or false palaeontology and a sensory experience with an undercurrent of satire and an alternative reality.

Exhibition closes Friday September 6. Arts In Maroondah

Bunjil Place

Lost

This winter, immerse yourself on the magic of Lost – a breathtaking, larger-than-life art installation that transforms nature to an unforgettable experience

Created by internationally acclaimed Australian artist Amanda Parser, Lostbrings endangered botanical species from around the globe to stunning life through covering, illuminated sculptures of flowers and foliage. These glowing giants, delicately coloured and artfully lit, invite you to wander among them like Alice in her own Wonderland July 27.

Bunjil Place Gallery 2 Patrick North East Drive Narre Warren - Peter Kemp

High Voltage

■ Guitarists across Murrindindi are invited to take part and join with internationally acclaimed artist and musician, Joseph O’Farrell (JOF) as part ofHigh Voltage.

There will be free workshops and an event called HighVoltage that will happen on Sunday, September 7, at the Yea Shire Hall.

All can sign up to be part of this event. All skill levels and ages can participate and it’s free.

“I’m so excited to bring this work to the Shire after returning from the UK HighVoltage is all about the universal joy of music and participation. There’s no audition, just sign up and you’re in.

“HighVoltage is going to be a really fun performance event for the Shire, bringing together a whole heap of great community groups to rock out in Yea.”

Participants will be sent a song book with the tabs and playing instructions after registration.

There will be multiple workshop opportunities in Yea, Alexandra and Kinglake and it’s encouraged to attend as many workshops as you can to get the most out of the creative process.

All the details are on the registration form which is available via the Yea Arts Inc website. www.yeaartsinc.org/high-voltage

Yea Arts Inc President Allan Thatcher says: “Yea Arts is really excited to bring to life this intergenerational event giving everyone who can hold a guitar in the Murrindindi Shire a chance to be involved with so many others. It’s going to be a blast.”

HighVoltage project is led by Yea Arts Inc

No stopping Sir

Paul

■ At age 84 Paul McCarthy shows no sign of winding down. He has just announced plans for concerts in a further 18 cities extending from California to Chicago. All to occur September to November this year.

Partyy house for sale

■ The Party House with sweeping views of Los Angeles is renowned for many reasons. Six-bedroom house is circular in design and popular with big noters who hire it out on short term rentals to host extravagant parties. Owner Justin Bieber is asking nearly $10 million if you would like to buy the one-time jewel in his property portfolio.

Generous offer

■ Whatever you think of wild man, veteran rocker Ozzy Osborne his army of devoted fans were responsible for raising A$ 267 million to see the live farewell performance of Ozzy Cure Parkinsons, and two USA based children's charities, were recipients of healthy cheques.

Mushrooms on menu

■ Rumour is that local actress Mandy McElhinney will play convicted mushroom murderer Erin Patterson in the Netflix production of the saga over infamous Beef Wellington . Mandy is maybe remembered as Rhonda in the popular AAMI TV commercials of several years back.

Wimbledon souvenirs

■ It was a surprise occasion immediately after Jannik Sinner won the Gentlemans Singes crown when he presented young Royals, George, 11, and sister Charlotte, 10, with signed tennis balls . Although third offspring, Louis 7, was not present he still received a similar gift. Nice gesture.

● ● Roy Rene Mo

● ● Sir Paul McCartney

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PHOTO ADS

CARAVAN. E20½ ft reegal 2009 Aussie Tourer Caravan. Full ensuite with separate shower, queen bed and AC/heater, TV, stereo, gas cooktop, microwave, comes with cover and large outdoor mat. EC. $32,000. Taggerty. 0438 782 112. R-U

ANTIQUE DRSSING TABLE. 3 mirrors, size: wdith 1.23m, depth 55cm, height 1.82m. Delivery arranged. VGC. $250. Coburg. 0428 130 049. Z-CC

BAR STOOLS. x2. $2 0 each. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC

BED. Single. Electric folable with massage and remote control. Adjustable back, legs and height. New Aspire mattress. German motor. EC. $500. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q

BED HEAD. Wooden. And base. With slats. As new. $80. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC

BIKE. Ladies. Make: Friction Huffey. Purple. Plus helmet, basket and pump. VGC. $110. Pakenham. 5940 5018. R-U

BIRD CAGE. Green. 52cm square. as new. $40. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC

BOAT. Savage 12’. 15HP Johnson OB. Trailer. All Safety EQ. Bow canopy. Storm cover. VGC. $1800. Alexandra. 0419 329 264. Z-CC

BOAT. Aluminium. 3.8 motor. Evenrude motor. 6HP . Free winch and trailer and accessories. GC. $1000. Wandong. 0418 399 261. R-U

BRICKS. 100 clean, red. Plus halves. $50. Keon Park. 9469 4558.N-Q

BUILDER’S Electrical Pole, steel box and timber pole. GC. Free. Murrindindi. 0418 564 174. R-U

CAMPER TRAILER. Tru Blu heavy duty all terrain 12V accessory outlet plus slide out kitchen and extras. VGC. $4300. Frakston. 9789 9634. Z-CC

CANE BASKETS. Two, Large. GC. $30. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q

CANE CHAIRS. Two, Cush- ions. $50. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q

CARAVAN. 21’6” 2014 Crusader. Reg till Feb. 2026. Full ensuite, separate shower/toilet, queen bed, a/c heater, TV radio, Gas/Elec. cooktop, micro washing machine, solar panel, large fridge, freezer, new tyres and batteries. many extras. EC. $40,000 ONO. Mount Eliza. 0429 877 964. Z-CC

CIRCULATION STIMULATOR. Clare. VGC. $20. Frankston. 9789 9634 Z-CC

COLLECTORS Melway Nos 9, 20, 33. Wax matches (234) in book, 17 loose. VFL Records, finals, mainly Richmond. Small and large. Phone cards. Vatious prices. Box Hill South., 9890 7904.N-Q

CRIME FICTION BOOKS. Various authors. Harlen Coben, James Patterson plus others. GC. $2, or 3 for $5. Mill Park. 052 665 276. H-O

DOG KENNEL. Plastic. Grey colour. Very clean. never used as kennel. GC. $10. Purchaser to collect. Doreen. 9717 3465. N-Q

EDISON STANDARD PHONOGRAM Serial Nuimber 638427. October 1905 with five Edison goldmoulded records complete with reproducing trumpet model C. Rare antqiue, working well. VGC. $1850. Glen Iris. 0407 276 973. Z-CC

ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set A-Z. GC. $50. Frankston. 9789 9634. Z-CC

FOLDING BIKE. Suit adult. Everything works. Gears. GC. $120. Seymour. 0419 881 573. R-U

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. Approx. 200mm-150mm for landscaping. Approx. 260. Free. Nunawading, 0407 696 343. N-Q

GARDEN ROCKS. Small and medium. All sizes. All free. Also 12 blue stone pitches. All free. Bulleen. 9850 5128. N-Q

HORSE RUG. Tartan. Never used. VGC. $65. Macleod. 9459 6714. R-U

INVERTER-GENERATOR. 2200-watt. 91 octane 4-stroke petrol motor, single phase, 240 volts, 50 hertz output, little used. GC. $95. Doreen. 9717 3465. R-U

JAYCO 2004 Freedom Caravan, single beds, RC/ AC, new tyres, unused porta potti, m’wave, 3 way bridge, gas & elec. cooktop and grill, 240/12 volt TV. Aerial. Reg till Jan. 26. Everything in working order. 1150kg. Tows great. VGTC. Hastings. 0409 645 059. Z-CC

LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $30. Ashburton. 9885 2203. Z-CC

MAGAZINES. Collectors. New Idea, Woman’s Day, Stellar, Body and Soul, House magazine and many others. GC. Price nego- tiable. West Preston. 0416 576 660. R-U

PLUMBING

PRESSURE WASHER. Karcher. Good working order. little used. Complete with operating instructions. Purchaser to collect. GC. $55. Doreen. 9717 3465 Z-CC

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P25/0803

Applicant name: NEPEAN PLANNING CONSULTANTS

PUBLIC NOTICES

Divorce Notice

I, Chunbin Wang, filed for divorce from Xiaomin Hu on 12 March 2025.

Hearing details: File No.: BRC3073/2025

Filed at: Brisbane

Presiding Officer: Deputy Registrar Moore

Hearing Type: No Attendance (In Absence)

Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2025

Time: 8:30 AM

If Ms. Hu sees this notice, please contact my lawyer Sylvia (LMP Immigration)

Email: sh@lmpi.com.au

Phone: +61 02 9086 9186

PUBLIC NOTICES

Packaged Liquor Licence Application

We YUYAN PTY LTD applied to Liquor Control Victoria on 24th June 2025 for the grant of a packaged liquor licence at Fortune Asian Supermarket, Shop W041, Northland Shopping Centre, 2 - 50 Murray Road, Preston, VIC 3072.

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.

MAGAZINES. Purnells History of WWII, Australian Geographic, Choice, Burke’s Backyard, Organic Gardener, Gardening Australia, Vegi Patch and some odd ones. GC. 50c each. Reservoir. 0421 131 681. Z-CC HEDGE TRIMMER. Honda. HHH25D. 4 stroke. With hour meter fitted. VGC. Bought in Feb. 2022. Has done 20.8 hours. $650 ONO. Pearcedale. 0418 457 588. Z-CC

The Land affected by this application is located at: 1 MARVIN AVENUE RYE Lot 32 on Plan of Subdivision 030579 VOL 10852 FOL 565

The application is for a permit to: VARY RESTRICTIVE COVENANT CREATED IN TRANSFER NO. A208723 AFFECTING CERTIFICATE OF TITLE VOLUME 10852 FOLIO 565 BY VARYING THE RESTRICTION WORDING FROM: “ANY BUILDING WHICH SHALL NOT BE SET BACK AT LEAST FORTY FEET FROM THE STREET ALIGNMENT OF SUCH LAND” TO: “ANY BUILDING WHICH SHALL NOT BE SET BACK AT LEAST 7.5 METRES FROM THE FRONT TITLE BOUNDARY”

PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSE

A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme: MATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED

Clause 52.02 (Easements, Restrictions and Reserves) Under section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988, to vary a restriction.

The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 9 JULY 2025

How can I find out more?

You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.

Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current

SAWS. 5 vintage saws for woodwork. FC. $15. Also frame for manual sharpening, GC. $8. Ashburton. 9885 2203.Z-CC

WOOD HEATER. Cast iron. GC. $500. Seymour. 0422 204 977. Z-CC

WORKSHOP MANUALS. Holden VR Commodore. Vol 8, 4 and 5,. $220. Kangaroo Groundf. 9712 0337. Z-CC

REAR SPOILER for VE Holden Commodore Sedan. EC. Best Offer. Mornington. 5975 3609. Z-CC

WHEELS IN VICTORIA Rare 528 page volume, registered 1518 by Harold H. Paynting. History of Wheelecd Transport 1824 to 1984, mint condition in hard cover sleeve. EC. $400. Glen Iris. 0407 276 973. Z-CC

FITTINGS. 1 box PVC 100m Sew/SW, Elbows 45°. As new. $35. Z-CC

COMMUNITY GROUPS can advertise their upcoming events in The Local Paper, without advertising charges. Go to the What’s On - Free Ad Form section at the www.Local Paper.com.au website WHAT’S ON

PROPOSAL TO INSTALL A NEW 4G/5G MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT KEW

1. Amplitel (part of the Telstra Group) is proposing to install a new telecommunications facility at 125 Studley Park Road, Kew VIC 3101 which is on a triangular parcel of land bound by Nolan Avenue, Walmer Street and Studley Park Road.

2. triangular headframe attached to the top of the monopole, one new equipment shelter

a new driveway crossover and site access track.

3. Amplitel intend to lodge an application for Planning Permit with City of Boroondara following this pre-lodgement consultation with the community. Please direct comments to Planning Consultant on behalf of Amplitel & Service Stream - Level 11, 2 Wentworth Street, Parramatta NSW 2150 by 5pm Friday 15th of August 2025.

For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3101037

TELSTRA LIMITED ACN 086 174 781

AMPLITEL PTY LTD ACN 648 133 073

SERVICESTREAM LIMITED ABN 46 072 369 870

FREE ADS ARE NOT ACCEPTED BY PHONE Free ‘For Sale’ and ‘What’s On ads are available in The Local Paper to private parties and community organisations. There are no charges, no fees and no commissions. All Free Ads are published at the entire discretion of the Editor. Free Ads: www.advertisefree.com.au

JACKIE BARKER TAKES THE HONOURS

■ Western District racing commenced the week at Hamilton on Monday July 14 when a neat seven event card was held.

Hamilton reinswoman Jackie Barker took the driving honors providing a double during the afternoon.

Jackie was successful aboard grandfather Jim’s 6Y0 Skyvalley-Backina Lifetime gelding Aldebaran Anton in the VHRC / TK Landscaping Trotters Handicap over 2160 metres and local trainer David Lewis’ 6Y0 Sunshine Beach-La Joconde gelding Ranger Rick in the 2160 metre VHRC / Matthews Petroleum Pace.

Aldebaran Anton led out from barrier two, before handing over to Daisy Bouchea (10m) who then elected to take a trail on semistablemate Night Whisperer (10m) at the bell putting him in an awkward spot three pegs. Angling away from the inside in the back straight on the final occasion, Aldebaran Anton three wide on the final bend finished full of running to gain the day by 1.4 metres over Night Whisperer, with Mattyo a tough third a head away after racing exposed from ten metres. The mile rate 2-05.5.

Most consistent family owned Ranger Rick began fast to lead from gate three before handing over to Eastbro Kozzy (gate five) turning into the back straight on the first occasion before allowing All Blazing Guns (gate two second line) who left the one/one to sprint sharply and assume control.

Angling into the one/one on the final bend, Ranger Rick scored by a half neck from The Sportz Star (one/one from gate three on the second line), with polemarker Goodtime Libby (four pegs) third 3.8 metres back third. The mile rate 1-57.3.

■ Terang duo (reinsman) Glen Craven and (trainer) Matty Horsnell combined with Mount Gambier owned 4Y0 Rock N Roll World-Room

With A View entire Rockabilly Ringo in 1660 metre VHRC / Alexandra House Sports Club Pace.

Trapped wide from outside the front line, Rockabilly Ringo continued to go forward and take over from Keayang Galliano (gate four) at the bell which had crossed polemarker Wow You Can Dance shortly after the start.

Giving plenty in the straight, Rockabilly Ringo outgunned a death-seating We Favour Rosie (gate six) to prevail by a half neck in a mile rate of 1-54.8, with Keayang Galliano a half neck back third in a thrilling finish.

■ Scotts Creek part-owner/trainer/driver Anthony O’Connor (60), snared the 2160 metre VHRC / Benstud Standardbreds Maiden Trotters Mobile with Southwind Frank-Rum Junction filly Shonee in a 2-02.5 mile rate.

Enjoying a cosy trip one/one from gate four most of the way, Shonee when eased three wide in the last lap sprinted brilliantly to lead on turning and register a huge 35.1 metre victory over Happy Escape along the sprint lane from three pegs after starting outside the front line.

Trottenem Magic after racing exposed from a solo second line draw was third 5.2 metres away. It was Shonee’s 8th race appearance.

■ Much travelled former finnish trainer Antti Ruokonen now based in Ecklin South at the Lee property, landed the VHRC / Hamilton Laundry and Dry Cleaners Pace over 2160 metres with 3Y0 A Rock N Roll Dance-Jilliby Ellie gelding Jilliby Amigo.

In a terrific race where Jilliby’s were everwhere, Jilliby Amigo driven by Lochie Cook settled on the back of the poleline leader Jilliby Moon from inside the second line enjoying a cosy trip as many of his rivals made runs out wide in the final circuit including Jilliby Tomcat which had gone forward from well back at the bell to join his stablemate. Coming away from the markers on turning, Jilliby Amigo angled around Jilliby Moon and after switching back to the inside finished fast to gain the day by 1.1 metres over Jilliby Tomcat in 1-59.9 which fought on tenaciously. Zanda Man (gate three) flew home after being inconvenienced on the home turn for third a nose away in a tremendous finish.

7 at Shepparton

■ The regular Shepparton fixture was Tuesday consisting of only seven races. Bolinda trainer Kari Males employed the services of Ewa Justice to guide Always B Miki-Bellas Delight filly Delightful Miki to an all of the way victory in the Munro and Associates Conveyancing Maiden Pace over 1690 metres.

Following a ‘back me next time” third on debut at Kilmore on July 3, Delightful Miki bred and raced by Rob Auber, family and friends was rated to perfection from the pole,

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

accounting for first starter Island Yankee for the Morrison’s (three wide to shadow the winner from inside the second line. All Ittook (gate two) was third after following the leader. The mile rate 1-56.5.

■ Eight year old Auckland Reactor-Yokas gelding High Flux which raced so well earlier in the season returned to the winners list in the 1690 metre Neatline Homes Pace. Driven by Abbey Turnbull for Mooroopna based Simon Turnbull, High Flux (gate four) went forward three wide from mid-field in the last lap on the back of King Saint (gate two ahead of him) to score by 2.5 metres in a mile rate of 1-55.2. Soho Playgirl after leading from the pole battled away under pressure for third a head away.

■ It was great to see popular Myola trainer Graham McDermott back in the winners circle following a serious health issue when 4Y0 Majestic Son-Waikare Patricia mare Waikare Adrienna greeted the judge in the Saddleworld Shepparton Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres following two placings from as many starts giving Abbey Turnbull a double.

Trapped uncovered from gate two as Taken By Wine led from gate three, Waikare Adrienne pressed forward to assume control before controlling the tempo and winning easily by 15.6 metres from Voldagha (one/one from gate two second line), with Taken By Wine again in the money when finishing third 1.2 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.8.

■ It was also welcome back to the winners list for Euroa’s David Jack when 2Y0 Ultimate Sniper-Valor Kiss colt Usyk upstaged his older rivals in the Good-Fellows Pace over 2190 metres.

In what was a good performance, Usyk second up since March and starting inside the second line possied mid-field in the moving line before going forward to race outside the Narrandera leader Mister Boombastik (gate four) approaching the bell.

Left in the open for the final circuit, Usyk showed tremendous fight on turning to were down the pacemaker and score by a half neck in a rate of 1-59.2. Tobys Shout which trailed the leader from gate two used the sprint lane for third a head away.

At Bendigo

■ At Bendigo on Wednesday Wallan’s Shinn family Noel, Ruth and Chris provided an impressive winner in home bred Always B MikiMachli gelding Kutani to take the 2150 metre The Douglas Deck 3Y0 Maiden Pace.

Making his sixth race appearance, Kutani trained by Ruth and driven by Chris, Kutani trapped wide from outside the front line went forward to park outside the heavily supported pacemaker The Postmaster (gate two) before outstaying his rivals to register a 1.7 metre margin over Whenimready (gate three) which followed him throughout.

Just Like Nugget (one/three from gate four) was third a half head away off a three wide trail last lap on the back of the well backed first starter Kualight which broke under pressure when challenging out wide in the straight. The mile rate 2-01.4.

■ Bolinda’s Kari Males was successful with 5Y0 Majestic Son-Karaka Tooth mare Majestic Tooth in the Haras Des Trotterus Trotters Mobile over 1650 metres in a 1-58.8 mile rate. Bred and raced by long time NSW client Graham Bullock, Majestic Tooth driven by Kerryn Manning settled three pegs from gate four as I Am Harro went forward from gate six to take over.

Coming away from the markers in the last lap as the runs started coming from back in the field, Majestic Tooth a five race winner was strong going to the wire even though the margin was a nose in advance of Aldebaran Susanne (gate three second line which had galloped in the score up). Aristotle (one/three) showed a glimpse of a form return when third a half neck away in a thrilling finish.

■ First starter Aldebaran Jazmine, a filly by Muscle Hill from Endsino trained at Bolinda by Brent Lilley for Duncan McPherson’s Aldebaran Lodge Pty Ltd, was victorious in the Bendigo Ski Boat Centre 2Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres.

Driven by the stable’s Tristan Larsen, Aldebaran Jazmine settled three pegs from gate two as another first starter Im Havintotrot led from gate four for John Yeomans and Anthony Butt.

Easing away from the markers at the bell, Aldebaran Jazmine driven confidently did best in a punishing finish to outgun Im Havintotrot by a neck, with Glorified (also first up) third off a one/one trip last lap from the extreme draw third 5.1 metres back. The mile rate 207.6.

■ Father Patrick-Glenferrie Dash colt Fritsch kicked a goal for Long Forest trainer Andy Gath and connections when greeting the judge in the 2150 metre Nutrien AG Solutions Trotters Mobile.

Driven by Jordan Leedham, Fritsch (gate three) was left momentarily in the open outside Tiara Gail which kicked up inside him before being allowed to cross.

Allowed to bowl, Fritsch defied all challengers to just last by a neck from Kyvalley Jagger which trailed from gate five. Maori Tattoo one/ two from gate four was third 5.3 metres back. The mile rate 2-03.3.

■ Local Marong duo Terry and Jacinta -Allan Gange landed the Revolve Print Pace over 1650 metres with in-form 8Y0 Modern Art-Caro Ella gelding Mister Jimaringle. Enjoying a lovely passage one/one for Ryan Sanderson as Hez Harrywho (gate two) led with Cee Cee Lou (gate four) trapped exposed.

When Cee Cee Lou got the better of the leader running into the final bend, Mister Jimaringle gave chase and ran on best to prevail by a half head only from a game Cee Cee Lou returning a 1-54.8 mile rate. Katunga Express (one/two from gate two on the second line after extricating wide on the final bend was third 1.4 metres away.

Cosy trip

■ At Kilmore’s Thursday fixture – the highlight was a driving double to Bendigo’s Ellen Tormey who was successful aboard father John’s 11Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Full Pleasure gelding Letsrockletsroll in the 1690 metre Broadstead Kilmore Pace and Strathfieldsaye trainer Julie Douglas’ 3Y0 Poster BoyTeamenup gelding Big Red Saint in the 2180 metre Coulter Legal Pace.

Letsrockletsroll who last greeted the judge at Melton in January last year, flew away from gate five to lead throughout and after being rated a treat, scored by 3.8 metres in a rate of 1-54.7 from Helluva (three pegs from inside the second line and Pas Guarantee (four pegs from outside the front line) who was a head away third.

Three year old Poster Boy-Teamenup gelding Big Rig Saint coming off a third at Melton last week enjoyed a cosy trip three pegs from gate two on the second line and ran on best to prevail by a neck from Vincent Grange (gate three) who made several moves ending up one/one before angling three wide on the home turn and dashing clear only to be grabbed on the wire.

Polemarker Shotinthedark behind leaderthree pegs was third 5.7 metres back. It was also a training double to John Tormey following the victory of 8Y0 SomebeachsomewhereMy Tupelo Honey gelding Tupelo Beach in the JC Windows Pace over 2180 metres.

Driven by Dunnstown’s Brent Murphy, Tupelo Beach who’s latest success had been at Shepparton in May 2024, enjoyed a cosy trip three pegs from gate four on the second line as polemarker Chasing The Wind led. Angling three wide on turning, Tupelo Beach had the last shot at the leaders after Shaq which trailed the pacemaker eased away from the markers on turning to race clear but was nabbed on the wire by a head in the last stride giving John the quinella. Chasing The Wind held third 5.5 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.9.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Bendigo, Thursday –Ballarat, Friday – Mildura/Melton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Cranbourne, Monday –Maryborough, Tuesday – Shepparton.

■ It was a local victory to the 2180 metre Picklebet Pace with the Corey Bell trained and driven 6Y0 Mr Feelgood-Spirit Of Fun gelding Sea Hawke successful. Raced by Corey, partner Allanah Logie and Allanah’s mother Gaye, Sea Hawke received a sweet passage three pegs from the pole and after a slight check approaching the final bend, regained his composure to produce a nice turn of speed out wide and score a runaway 4.1 metre victory from Archaa (gate two second line – one/three to race uncovered in the last lap).

Well supported ex-Riverina mare Camnat (gate four second line – three wide from near last to join the leader Rolling Remona (gate three) racing for the bell and taking over before the final bend held down third a half head away. The mile rate 2-01.3. Hopefully the victory gave Allanah a kick along as she is recovering from a nasty track accident and will take many months to recover.

■ The Jet Roofing Trotters Mobile saw Romsey trainer Chris Svanosio presently competing in the Q’land Inter Dominion Series combine with staff member Taylor Yule to capture the race with Aldebaran Eagle-Im Princess Sophie 4Y0 mare Keayang Brandy.

Going forward from gate three on the second line to race outside the pacemaker Silver Spoon (gate two second line) after Brown Eyed Kate (gate seven) and Midnite Muscle (gate six) had turns of leading, Keayang Brandy was too tough at the business end, greeting the judge by 4.9 metres from Kyvalley Jetstream which was slowly away from the extreme draw before running home late. Silver Spoon was third 4.1 metres back. The mile rate 2-05.1.

■ Ballan trainer Dianne Giles and reinswoman daughter Leilani Justice snared the Momentum Gaming Pace over 1690 metres with honest 5Y0 Devilish Smile-Atom Bomb Bell entire Freak Out returning a 2-00.4 mile rate. Settling three back in the moving line from gate three as Alex Hurley’s Spun Silver led from gate two, Freak Out after going forward three wide in the last lap was just a little too strong on the wire to gain the day by 1.5 metres. Very Tempting (gate five) after racing uncovered held on for third 6.5 metres back.

■ The $9000 VSTA Trotters Cup Final over 2150 metres went the way of Daylesford trainer Anne-Maree Conroy’s 7Y0 Majestic Son-Lady MacKendon gelding Mielicki who has most likely enjoyed one of his best seasons. Driven as usual by brother Glenn, Mielicki stepped swiftly from barrier four to lead before handing over to heat winner Watch And Act (10m) on the first turn to receive the run of the race.

With many runs coming in the last lap, Mielicki looked flat approaching the final bend losing ground, but rallied shortly after to run on best and defeat the 30m backmarker Johns Boy (three wide to join the leader mid-race) by a nose in a tricky finish.

Polemarker Buslin Brody (three pegs) flashed home along the sprint lane for third a head away and probably would have won in another stride. The sensationally backed stablemate of the winner Constant (barrier two) $8-50 to run at $3.60 had no luck from three back in the moving line to finish fourth 4.6 metres back in a mile rate of 2-05.4.

■ Mildura HRC President Allan (Pud) McDonald shares in the ownership of 6Y0 Bling It On-Angel In Flight gelding Bizzness Class who was victorious in the 2180 O’Brien Electrical Pace

Trained at the Charlton Training Centre by Michael Gadsden and driven by Luke Dunne (also there), Bizzness Class (gate two) second up since April was given the run of the race trailing Wattlebank Arnie (gate three) before using the sprint lane to register a 2.8 metre margin over Ferrigno (one/two – four wide home turn), with Wattlebank Arnie third 1.4 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.

METROPOLITAN ATTRACTS THE CREAM

■ The Metropolitan, to be run in the spring, is sure to attract a good field as usual over 2400 metres.

It has always been a good guide as a lead in to the Caulfield Cup to be run in October over the same distance of 2400 metres.

Neds the Bookmakers have labelled the smart Alacance as the favourite to win the coveted event.

Alacance is by the Irish sire, Mastercraftsman, a five year old mare, who is racing well for the powerul stable.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have won four out of her nine races with four seconds, so she is spot on.

She was most impressive in winning the Manion at Rosehill over 2400 metres in March. She is the one to beat here.

On the second line is the former top English horse, Vauban, now with Gai Waterhouse and AndrianBott.

He had started favourite after big wraps from England, in two Melbourne Cups, but failed to fire both times.

If they can get him anywhere near his best form, he would be hard to beat here.

The AJC Australian Derby winner, Aeliana, comes right into this after a big win beating Firm Agreement and Shanwah over 2400 metres.

Prepared by top trainer Chris Waller he has been right on the ball and they could be looking down the track at the major races in Melbourne.

Next in the opening market is Arapaho, prepared by another leading Sydney trainer in Bjorn Baker.

Arapaho by the Irish entire, Lope De Vega, won the Sydney Cup well, beating Waltham and River of Stars, and Bjorn is confident he can go on from there.

Prior to that run he ran an unlucky fourth behind Dubai Honour over 2400 metres.

He could be a Caulfield Cup horse as the distance would suit.

One that failed to fire in that Flemington race over 2400 metres, but has talent, is Duke of Sessa.

He failed to get going in the Sydney Cup , but has form, and could fire here.

Another that has talent is a Queenslander trained by the Archibalds, and is smart, winning back on June 15 at Eagle Farm in good style.

Can put in here as tops on its day.

Next, we have the Chris Waller trained River of Stars, who ran a good fourth in the Sydney Cup back on April 12 over 3200 metres.

River of Stars is by Sea the Stars and is bred to stay. Now a six-year-old mare, and can improve here.

Then we have Sir Drelius , who won over 2000 mtres at Doomben back on May 17.

Trained by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, he has a bit of form about him, but I feel the others may be too good.

He did win over 2000 metres at Doomben on May 17, so you really can’t dismiss him, especially the stable.

An interesting runner if he goes around is the winner of the New Zealand Derby in Willydoit, who won in good fashion and could get the chocolates here.

We will next have a look at the good mare Zardozi, and it’s worth doing so.

Ted Ryan

He went around in the Sydney Cup for trainer James Cummings, but failed to do any good. She finished well back in 12th spot of the 20 runners. But she is class and could be right in this.

TBA Learning

■ Thoroughbred Breeders announce that they are releasing two new modules on TBA Learning , the Australian Thoroughbred Industry’s home for online lea5ning education.

TBA Learning is free to access for both industry and non-industry participants at www.TBA learning.com

The website features four features comprised of 24 modules that encompass Foundation Knowledge Horse Handling, Horse Health and Biosecurity.

TBA Learning helps farms onboard new staff and supports continuing education for employees seeking to expand their knowledge. It is also popular with people outside of the Industry who want to learn and or improve their horse expertise and horse handling skills. Each learning module features an Industry expert who presents their viewpoint on the

learning topic. The experts are respected by their peersand have vast and practical, onthe-jobknowledge.

“TBA Learning has been very well received by the Industry and we credit that to the calibre of Industry experts who have volunteered their time and expertise to help build a more knowledge workforce”, said Madison Tims, Education and Project Manager for TBA

“New people are enrolling TBA Learning modules every week, and we are seeing participants return to the platform to continue their education.

“Many farms are using TBA Learning as part of their onboarding process for new employees and for continuing education for existing employees.

The development of the modules are funded by the AgriFutures Australia Thoroughbred Horses Program which invests to improve the sustainability productivity, and competitiveness of the Australian Thoroughbred Industry

The program was established in 2017 and is supported by a statutory levy on mare and stallion owners.

The levy is set at a rate of $10/mare covered per season paid by the Broodmare owner.

AgriFutures Australia also receives matched funding from the Australian Government, calculated under the PrimaryIndustriesResearch andDevelopmentAct.

Off-track selection

■ Four-time Olympian, and three-time Olympic champion, and three-time Olympic medallist, Shane Rose, lent his expertise for a special learning module targeting people interested in either owning or, who, an Off the Track Thoroughbred.

In this module, Shane gives insight into selecting a horse using key indicators including the horse’s temperament, the individual horse’s experience, the prospective owner’s level of experience, and the prospective owner’s equestrian goals.

Ted Ryan

Zadozi. Racing Photos.

Your Stars

with Kerry Kulkens

Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s

Trusted Psychic Family

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9, 6, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 9, 15, 26, 35, 36, 30

You may receive surprising news from afar, affecting your close relationships. When seeking support, start with the most obvious people—they’ll likely be the most understanding.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 5, 9

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 9, 7, 11

Increased focus on health and fitness will add more activity to your life in the coming months. Expect luck in games of chance and a delightful surprise from your loved ones.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 4, 9, 6, 7

Lotto Numbers: 4, 15, 29, 37, 9, 22

This is a busy period for career matters, and decisions about someone in your life may need attention. However, there’s room for fun, making it an exciting time overall.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 5

Lotto Numbers: 2, 15, 26, 9, 33, 34

Your career is set to improve, with positive changes likely on the horizon. While relationships may feel stagnant, better times are on their way.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 6, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 35, 40, 5

A hectic social schedule could leave you longing for rest. Domestic tensions may arise if someone feels neglected. Strive for balance to manage these challenges effectively.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 36, 39, 8

Restarting stalled projects may feel disheartening, but persistence will pay off. Leave financial decisions to the experts and watch your diet to maintain good health.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 25, 26, 33, 36

You should begin reaping the rewards of your hard work, but only effort will yield results. New ideas could revitalise your relationships during this period.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 9, 3, 2

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 36, 34, 45

Resist the urge to be overly aggressive. Focus on your goals and avoid unnecessary risks. Your social life may be active, but it could impact your rest.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 32, 23, 36, 38

This marks the beginning of an exciting time for relationships. Be mindful of those close to you, as your availability is vital to them. New business connections are likely to succeed.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 9, 22, 4

Travel plans should proceed smoothly and bring enjoyment. Relationships will deepen, offering more understanding and support.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 26, 34, 40, 45

Yearning for solitude might cause tension with loved ones, so communicate your plans. A budding idea could lead to success if appropriately nurtured.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 2, 1, 3, 2

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 5, 44, 41

Avoid overpromising during this period and stick to a strict budget. Exciting career developments could be on the horizon.

BUNNINGS SCAM FAILS Court Roundsman

■ Karly Gibbs visited Bunnings Thomastown emptyhanded , went to Aisle 56, picked up a Hoover pet spot cleaner, and then tried to obtain a $399 refund, presenting an old receipt.

When challenged by staff, Ms Gibbs immediately left the store, Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court was told.

Pleading guilty, Ms Gibbs made full admissions, and wrote a letter of apology.

Her life had been of hardship and tragedy, recently suffering the miscarriage of twins, and losing everything in a fire at her rented house.

Her mother had died at age 5, she was on a community corrections order, was a user of methylamphetamine, and had no income or any benefit. Her partner, on Centrelink, supports her.

She was convicted and fined $150.

Mum blew

0.110

■ Doreen mum Amy Cowell, 37, blew .110 and tested positive for drug use when she crashed her teenage kids’ unregistered dirt bike on her Bridge Inn Rd property, Heidelberg Court was told.

Ms Cowell, an event horse trainer, suffered lacerations to her left forearm, and ongoing damage to her neck in the crash with the boundary line fence.

Ms Cowell had admitted also to using cannabis prior to the accident which hospitalised her for 10 days.

She suffered concussion, short-term emory loss, and is unlikely to be able to return to her work.

All licences have been cancelled for 17 months, and she was placed on a good behaviour bond, with conviction.

Man crying after fight

■ Lipina Taufa was crying after “an argument with the missus”, crashing his 2024 Haval vehicle into a Vicroads sign at Lee Cres and Gleeson Dr, Bundoora, just 100 metres from home, Heidelberg Court was told.

He said he panicked, and did not report the accident to Police. There were witnesses who did.

Pleading guilty, he was seeking a job as a Tongan interpreter, but a conviction might be an obstacle to that. He was placed on a three-month good behaviour bond.

Afternoon of drinking

■ AVIS administration manager Marilu Coetzee did not want to drive to her parents’ Doreen home after an afternoon’s drinking of beer, but her mother insisted, Heidelberg Court was told.

Her father had fallen, and her mother needed Marilu’s help.

Ms Coetzee’s grey Mitsubishi wagon had an accident with an oncoming silver Kia, as she attempted a turn at the Yan Yean Rd-Cookes Rds corner. Police said she blew 0.13.

●

● Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court

Ms Coetzee earned about $2200 per fortnight after tax.

She was fined $800, plus $144 costs, with all licences cancelled for 26 months.

The Magistrate said if faced with a similar transport problem, people always had the option of ordering a taxi.

Wrong place, wrong time

■ Jackson Robert Northrop was caught with drug paraphernalia on a table at his mate’s place in Hailes St, Greensborough, when Police called by to exercise a warrant.

Mr Northrop was found with a glass pipe. and .7gm of methylamphetamine.

He pleaded guilty: “he was in the wrong place at the wrong time,” said his lawyer.

“It doesn’t excuse his behaviour,” replied the Heidelberg Court Magistrate.

Mr Northrop, a disability pension receipient, was convicted and fined $100.

Bad night for sparky

■ Second-year apprentice electrician Lachlan Cowan shared an afternoon of employer-paid Christmas drinks with other employee peers ... and then the night went horribly wrong.

Mr Cowan, 20, went to his grandparents’ home, and his steady girlfriend told him that he had too much to drink.

He chose to take a bike ride to Eltham Railway Station, but decided it would be easier to catch a bus home. The driver asked Protective Services Officer to remove Cowan and bike from the bus.

He was verbally aggressive with the PSOs, attempting to knock the hat off one of them. He was taken home in the back of a divisional van, but not before being sprayed with capsicum spray.

Mr Cowan’s lawyer said the young amn was horrified when he watched the incidents back on CCTV.

He immediately wrote letters of apology to the officers. The Magistrate described the correspondence as eloquent and elegant.

The Magistrate said that he thought the era had long passed with alcohol served by employers at Christmas parties, because people got into trouble.

Heidelberg Court was told that Mr Cowan often worked 60-hour weeks for Switch Electrical, and until recently also held down a part-time job at McDonalds Greensborough.

He had been a CFA volun-

teer at Eltham and Flowerdale.

The Magistrate said it was likely that Mr Cowan had a good future ahead of him.

Even though his conduct was “abominable”, he looked likely to become a valued member of the community.

He was placed on a good behaviour bond for six months.

Stole sunglasses

■ Fawkner man Adam Melinger pleaded guilty to theft, after taking a pair of $264Aviator sunglasses from a Northland store.

Mr Melinger told Heidelberg Court he was “being stupid” in the company of two friends.

On another charge, he pled guilty to failing to answering bail, saying that he was confused about the dates, and self-reported next day to Fawkner Police Station.

The 20-year-old works as a baggage handler at the airport. He was placed on a 12month bond without conviction.

Court has no discretion

■ Local air conditioning maintenance franchisee Darren Fox was hopeful that he might escape a licence suspension, but was advised by Heidelberg Court that such discretion had been removed for drivers caught 25-kmh or more above the speed limit.

The Court was told that Mr Fox’s white Mitsubishi Triton was clocked at 67-kmh in a 40kmh zone near Ivanhoe Grammar School’s Bridge Inn Rd campus at Doreen.

“I just lost my train of thought,” Mr Fox explained to intercepting Police.

He had been given a $548 infringement notice and three-month licence suspension.

Mr Fox, 61, said he drove up to 35,000-km per year, and had a decent drivng record.

He outlined his community service work with Diamond Valley Rotary, the Diamond Valley Foodbank, and the RSL.

As well as the three-month licence suspension, he was fined $200 with conviction.

Fined $100

■ Teacher’s assistant Stella Glykokalamos was fined $100 after pleading guilty to making a left-hand turn from the right-hand lane of St George’s Rd in Preston.

Mystery death

■ Homicide détectives are investigating the death of a 34-year-old married woman found dead in a car near Mildura yesterday.

The woman's husband, 38, said she had died in the back of their small car while they were travelling from Broken Hill to Melbourne. He reported the death when he arrived at Irymple, five miles south of Mildura, yesterday morning. '_

A man found ill near the car when it pulled up at Irymple was taken to Mildura Hospital and has been placed tinder police guard. Police have not released thé name of the dead woman.

Grave riddle

■ Police refused last night to say why the body of a 66-year-old woman was exhumed from a grave in the Melbourne General Cemetery yesterday.

The reasons for opening the grave have become one of the closest police secrrts in years.

Detectives said Mr. Burke, City Coroner, had given instructions that no statement was to be made. But they expect developments in the case within a few weeks.

The body exhumed was that of Mrs., Helena Wilson, of Rhubank st., Balwyn, who died on May 1 this year,

The exhumation, made by two grave diggers under direction of detectives, was completed by 10 a.m. yesterday, and the remains taken to the City Morgue

The body was returned to the cemetery for reburial by 1 p.m.

Parts of the, body were removed for examination at the City Morgue, but detectives refused last night to disclose the result.

Mrs. Wilson had been married before, and was buried in the grave of her first husband, Mr. Harold Perrin, who died aged 60. in 1949.

Mrs. Wilson, who, had an adult family, lived in an attractive white villa in one of' Balwyn's most select streets.

Acquaintances of Mrs. Wilson said yesterday that she was a quiet, well-educated woman, who lived very simply. She was held in very high esteem in the neighborhood, and was known for her kindness towards children and animals.

Where to pick up your free copy of The Local Paper

■ BALNARRING. Balnarring Village Newspower. Shop 2, 3000 FrankstonFlinders Rd.

■ BALNARRING. Ritchies IGA. Russell St.

■ BAXTER. Ampol. 1 BaxterTooradin Rd.

■

■ BAXTER. Liberty Service Station. 161 Moorooduc Hwy.

■ BAXTER. Licensed Post Office.

72 Baxter-Tooradin Rd.

■ BAXTER. Newsagency & Lotto. Shopp 6/96 Baxter-Tooradin Rd.

■ ■ BEACONSFIELD. Fast Fuel. 114

Old Princes Hwy.

■ BEACONSFIELD. Tattslotto. 55

Old Princes Hwy.

■ BERWICK. Newsagency. 29 High St,

■ BERWICK. Parkhill Plaza News and Lotto. Shop 13, 215-225 Pakhill Drive.

■ BITTERN. IGA. 2428-2436 Frankston Rd.

■

■ BLAIRGOWRIE. Cafe. 2837 Point Nepean Rd.

■ BLAIRGOWRIE. United Service Station. 2867 Point Nepean Rd.

■

■ CAPEL SOUND. The Lott. 1643 Point Nepean Rd.

■ CARRUM DOWNS. 7-Eleven. Frankston-Dandenong Rd (Cnr 10 Amayla Cres)

■ CHELSEA. Longbeach Hotel. 380 Nepean Hwy.

■

■ CHELSEA. Woolworths Ampol. 469-472 Nepean Hwy.

■ CRANBOURNE. Newsagency. 105 High St.

■ ■ CRANBOURNE. Woolworths Caltex. Cnr South Gippsland Hwy and Thompsons Rd.

■ CRANBOURNE NORTH. 7Eleven. 945 South Gippsland Hwy.

■ CRIB POINT. Cellars and Newsagency. 182 Stony Point Rd.

■ DANDENONG. Dande Lotto. 308 Thomas St.

■ DANDENONG NORTH. 7-Elevem. 1464 Heatherton Rd.

■ ■ DANDENONG NORTH. Lotto and News. 56 Menzies Ave.

■ DANDENONG SOUTH. United Petroleum. 315 South Gippsland Hwy.

■ DROMANA. 7-Eleven. 335 Point Nepean Rd.

■ ■ DROMANA. Newsagency. 177 Point Nepean Rd.

■ EDITHVALE. Foodworks. 130/131 Station St.

■ ■ FLINDERS. General Store. 48 Cook St.

■ FLINDERS. Hotel. Cnr FrankstonFlinders Rd and Cook St.

■ ■ ■ FRANKSTON. Bayside News and Tatts. 194/28 Beach St.

■ FRANKSTON. Beach Street Newsagency. 237 Beach St.

■ ■ FRANKSTON. Coles Express. 227 Frankston-Flinders Rd and Robinsons Rd.

■

■ FRANKSTON. Frankston RSL. 183 Cranbourne Rd.

■ FRANKSTON. The National Golf Club - Long Island. 165/235 Frankston-Dandenong Rd.

■ FRANKSTON. Ritchies IGA. Cnr Hastings Rd and Golf Link Rd.

■ ■ FRANKSTON NORTH. IGA Express. 54-56 Mahogany Ave.

■ FRANKSTON SOUTH. Foot St Supermarket and Wine Cellars. 45 Foot St.

■ FRANKSTON SOUTH. Licensed Post Office. 58 Yuille St

■ HALLAM. 7-Eleven. 38-40 Hallam South Rd.,

■ HALLAM. Hallam Square News.

42 Spring Square.

■

■ HALLAM. Shell Coles Express. 208-210 Princes Hwy.

■ HALLAM. United Petroleum. Cnr

Belgrave-Hallam Rd and Princes Hwy.

■ LYNBROOK. 7-Eleven. 760 South

Gippsland Hwy.

■ LYNBROOK. BP. 7181 South Gippsland Hwy.

■

■ LYNBROOK. Coles Express. 850 South Gippsland Hwy.

■ McCRAE. Coles. McCrae Plaza. Cnr Nepean Hwy and Lonsdale St.

■ McCRAE. The Lott. 739 Point Nepean Rd.

■

■ MENTONE. Coles Express. Cnr Nepean Hwy and Warrigal Rd.

■ MERRICKS. Merricks General Wine Store. 3460 Frankston-Flinders Rd.

■ ■ MORDIALLOC. Woolworths. 600 Main St.

■ MORNINGTON. 7-Eleven. 893 Nepean Hwy.

■ MORNINGTON. Ampol Woolworths. 223 Main St.

■

■ ■ MORNINGTON. Coles Express. 1010 Nepean Hwy.

■ MORNINGTON. Grand Hotel. 124 Main St.

■ MORNINGTON. Newspower. 241 Main St.

■ ■ MORNINGTON EAST. Benton Square News and Tatts. 210 Dunns Rd

■ MOUNT ELIZA. Newsagency. Shop 7/85 Mount Eliza Way.

■ MOUNT MARTHA. Beachbox Fish and Chips. 5 Lochiel Ave.

■ MOUNT MARTHA. Dava Hotel. 614 Esplanade.

■ MOUNT MARTHA. Newsagency. 2 Lochiel Ave.

■

■ MOUNT MARTHA. Ritchies Supermarket, 8-16 Lochiel Ave.

■ MULGRAVE. BP Truckstop. Cnr Springvale and Wellington Rds.

■ NARRE WARREN. Newsagency. 34 Webb St.

■

■

■ NARRE WARREN. Ritchies IGA. Shop 4, 14 Webb St.

■ NOBLE PARK. Lucky Star Lotto & Newws. 1268 Heatherton Rd.

■ NOBLE PARK. Newsagency. 22 Douglas St.

■

■ OFFICER. 7-Eleven. Cnr Besper Dr and Princes Hwy.

■ OFFICER. Australia Post. 4 Cardinia Rd.

■

■ OFFICER EAST. 7-Eleven. 496 Princes Hwy.

■ PAKENHAM. Australia Post. 117 Main St.

■ PAKENHAM. Newsagency. 99 Main St.

■

■ ■ PORTSEA. Portsea Hotel. 3746 Point Nepean Rd.

■ RED HILL. Red Hill General Store.

83 Arthurs Seat Rd.

■ RED HILL. United Service Station.

87 Arthurs Seat Rd.

■ ■ RED HILL SOUTH. Cellar and Pantry. 141 Shoreham Rd.

■ ROSEBUD. Newsagency. 1083 Point Nepean Rd.

■

■ ROSEBUD. The Lott Shop. Shop K002,. Rosebud Plaza, Cnr McCombe St and Point Nepean Rd.

■ RYE. Newsagency. 2369-2371 Point Nepean Rd.

■ RYE. RSL. 5/11 Neilson St.

Court Lists

Dandenong Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, July 23

Local Briefs

Boat ramp views

■

■ HASTINGS. 7-Eleven. 1835

Frankston-Flinders Rd.

■ HASTINGS. Coles Express. Cnr

Frankston-Flinders Rd (152 High St)

■ HASTINGS. Lucky Lotto and News. Shop 2/9 Queen St

■ HASTINGS. Post Shop. 68 High St.

■

■ HASTINGS. Ritchies. Cnr Salmon St & High St.

■ HASTINGS. United. 1996

Frankston-Flinders Rd (Cnr Hodgins Rd)

■ HASTINGS. Westernport Hotel. Cnr Salmon St & High St.

■ KARINGAL. 7-Eleven. 330

Frankston-Cranbourne Rd.

■ KARINGAL. Coles Karingal. Cnr

Karingal Dr and Ashleigh Ave.

■ ■ KEYSBOROUGH. 7-Eleven. 309

Cheltenham Rd (Cnr Kingsclere Rd)

■ KEYSBOROUGH. Ampol. 248

Cheltenham Rd.

■

■ ■ LANGWARRIN. Ampol

Langwarrin. McClelland Dr & Skye Rd

■ LANGWARRIN. Lotto. 230

Frankston Rd.

■

■ LANGWARRIN SOUTH. General Store. Shop 1/143 Warrandyte Rd

■

■

■ RYE. Supermarket. 4 Hygeia St.

■ RYE. Whitecliffs General Store. 2507 Point Nepean Rd.

■ SAFETY BEACH. Provincia Food Store. 3/154 Marine Drive.

■ SEAFORD. BP. 298 FrankstonDandenong Rd.

■ SEAFORD. Ampol. 467 FrankstonDandenong Rd.

■

■ ■ SEAFORD. Newsagency. 124 Nepean Hwy.

■ SEAFORD. Riviera Hotel. 30 Nepean Hwy.

■ SEAFORD. United Service Station. 267 Seaford Rd.

■ SEAFORD. Woolworths. Cnr Seaford Rd and Nepean Hwy.

■ SHOREHAM. Licensed Post Office. 87 Byrnes Rd.

■ SOMERVILLE. Coles Express. 1045 Frankston-Flinders Rd.

■

■ SOMERVILLE. Newsagency. 27 Eramosa Rd East.

■ SOMERVILLE. United. 1025 Frankston-Flinders Rd.

■ SORRENTO. News & Books. 66 Ocean Beach Rd.

■ SORRENTO. Stringers Store. 2-8 Ocean Beach Rd.

■ SPRINGVALE. Continental Mart. 219 Springvale Rd.

■

■ SPRINGVALE. Newsagency. 32 Springvale Rd.

■

■ SPRINGVALE SOUTH. 7-Eleven. 581 Springvale Rd.

■ SPRINGVALE SOUTH. Ampol.

747 Springvale Rd.

■ SPRINGVALE SOUTH. BP. 540

Sp[ringvale Rd.

■ TOOTGAROOK. Coles Express. 1825 Point Nepean Rd.

■ ■ TYABB. Flatties Fish and Chips. 1541 Frankston-Flinders Rd.

■

■ ■ TYABB. United. 1491 FrankstonFlinders Rd.

Abdelmalak, Mekhaiel Accary, Joseph Aga, Ahmad Akokonei, Allan Alhaj, Ahmed Aller-Wilson, Ethan Amir, Yusuf Aratangi, Eric Junior Arathoon, Andrew William Aronis, Paul Ball, Ralphe Bellingham-Sullivan, Brett Michael Bertucci, Anthony Biak Lian, Paul Blainey, Cody Boyd, Tim Allan Bridges, Shanan Matthew Brown, Christopher Campbell, David Cerveira, Beau Chand, Sushil Chapman, Jacinta Chen, Jidong Choul, David Clough, Peter Collins, Ashlee Cutts, James Dar, Ho Rai Darge, Yusuf Davis, Angel Demeter, Isaballa Dines, Warren Peter Elhage, Njoud Fatai, Siale Flores, Patricio Freeman, Braidyn Gault, Matthew Ghanizada, Sahil Seconder Giarang, Mayol Glossop, Benjamin Peter Gretelianos, Daniel Gueco, Chad Rainier Hagenhofer, Frank Andrew Hall, Hunter Hall, Matthew Hall, Stephen Todd Hayes, Corey Hellings, Jaycob Henry, Betty Bandawa Hill, Cooper Hoareau, Jamie Hughes, Craig Hussin, Hamid James, Blair Jonees, Baylie Kamenica, Imer Kim, Kuong King, Brenton Kolta, Andrew Lay, Kian Le, Duy Le, Tristan Lelliot, Robert Livingstone, Darren Lopez, Stephen Lukudu, Lilly Lydall-Blue, Kenneth Mcgrath, Joshua Phillip Mcguinness, Oska Mckinley, Darren Mclean, Emily Mean, Ronson Meehan, Thomas Melville, Raelene Milton Smith, Travis Morrison, Jayden Mun, Awuol Nasheet, Maseeh Nguyen, Dung Nitin, Nitin Okot, Liza Orchard, Leah Penwarden, Bronya Piper, Reece Prema, Ranjith Primon, Ishtiak Ahmed Reilly, Alicia Reno, Jade Annemarie Rosse, Marie M Sagadevan, Sirananthan Scoble, Peter Sezdirmezoglu, Timothy Shaw, Rodney Mark Sich, Michael Simpson, Roy Singh, Dashmesh Smith, Jack Southorn, Jai Stangerlin, Daniel Sullivan, Brett Taylor, Jacinta Anne Taylor, Shane Phillip Teiona, Roinata Thickens, Travis Toon, Patrick Tri, Kien Tuifelasai, Taylor Ailotu

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.magistrates court.vic.gov.au The Local Paper shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person.

Wallace, Leigh Waterstone, Basienne Wazin, Alan Chacha Wazin, Alan Jayden Webb, Talon Wylie, Jason Yap, Keng Horng Yeong, Irwin Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, July 23 Abdallah, Abdallah Akot, Kyat Allous, Phillip Armstrong, Louis Bourtzis, Nathan Bukowski, Lauren Cheeseman, Shane Cruse, Bradley Anthony Datt, Alan Dimitriu, Anastasios Diseris, Ross Eames, Harvey El-Chakik, Ihsan Fennessy, Crista Lee Flynn, Brian Fu, Rong Feng Gec, Safet Goodwin, Katie-Rose Daria Harrington, Neville Isles, Jacqueline Kalogerinis, Robert George Katonin, Peter Krinelos, Nick Leigh-Jones, John Ma, Jinghong Marsh, Cleo Mcghie, Daniel Muhummad, Muhummad Nilo, Chloe Nyawal, Wicthiel Ostrom, Chris Penani, Titi Perry, Anthony Pritchard, Glen Rickard, George Ryan, Andrew John Sahin, Mert Shahzad, Wasim Shaw, Andrew Shprung, Daniel Singh, Gurpreet Singh, Maninder Singh, Rajinder Snow, Yasemin Stougianidis, Bill Taylor, Jacinta Thasnapanth, Arna Tsan, Ziu Tucker, Marcus Wicthiel, Nyawal Woodcock, Timothy Zaprudsky, Lev Dromana Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Thursday, July 24 Bramich, John Burns, Tyrone Butler, Ben Coates, Brendon Cowling, Steven Cunningham, John Di Gregorio, Paul Djokic, Ashleigh Earle, Luke Getet, Netsanet Desta Johnson, Baeleigh Garrick Langenhoff, Brittany Lee, Warren Mehmet, Michael Munro, Amanda Pillar, Darren Punchihewa, Anuk Banula Stewart, David Tootell, Lincoln

■ Hastings boat ramp has become the second busiest in Victoria, but the current car park has limited capacity and congestion issues.

To address this, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council is working on a new concept design for the car park.

“We’re aiming to improve safety, traffic flow, parking and access for boat ramp users and the wider community,” said a Council representative.

The new proposed design includes changes to parking layouts, while retaining vegetation, green space, and connections to the Western Port Bay Trail.

“If you’re a local resident, boat ramp user, Pelican Park Recreation Centre user or casual visitor, we’d love to get your feedback

A surevey is being conducted at the Shire’s ‘Shape Out Future’ webpage. it is open until August 6.

Mayor, Cr Anthony Marsh, said: “As the second busiest boat ramp in the state, addressing the current access and congestion issues is of utmost importance. I encourage all users of the car park to provide your feedback to help us deliver the best outcome for the whole community."

Cr Michael Stephens, Warringine Ward, said: “This is an important and busy asset for our local community and the many visitors the Hastings boat ramp attracts. The more feedback we receive, the better placed we’ll be to make a an informed decision.”

Better Hills roads

■ Works are now underway on Cardinia Shire Council’s final Sealing the Hills catchments in Upper Beaconsfield and Emerald.

Sealing works are now underway on the Stoney Creek and Old Gembrook catchments, which include Burton Rd, Morris Rd, and Young St in Beaconsfield Upper and Durban Rd, Old Gembrook Rd and Sherriff Rd in Emerald

The works will include:

■ pavement construction

■ kerb and channel construction

■ drainage improvement works

■ vehicle and pedestrian crossing upgrades

■ nature strip improvements

■ signage

■ line-marking

Cardinia Shire Council Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik is pleased to see sealing works start on these local roads, “We understand how important these sealing works are to the development of the existing townships in the Hills and improving community safety and access to community facilities and amenities.”

Construction is expected to be completed on the Stoney Creek catchment by October, and works are expected to be completed on the Old Gembrook catchment by the end of November, conditions permitting.

Wastewater plan

■ Cardinia Shire Council is developing a new Onsite Wastewater Management Plan

The Plan helps to protect health and environment by ensuring onsite wastewater management systems, including septic tanks, are correctly installed, managed and maintained.

“To enhance the approach to wastewater management, Council is seeking community feedback to understand residents' experiences and priorities regarding wastewater management,” said a Shire representative.

The Onsite Wastewater Management Plan, previously known as the Domestic Wastewater Management Plan, outlines how Council manages risks associated with wastewater from homes not connected to a municipal sewer system and:

■ Assesses the risks to human health and the environment posed by onsite wastewater systems. This includes the risk to groundwater and surface water from existing and future systems, and the risk of existing systems that are, or could be discharging beyond the property boundaries

■ Identifies actions and timeframes to improve the management of these systems and minimise the risks.

Manages non-compliance and what their enforcement approach is.?

■ Wastewater includes greywater from baths, showers, sinks and kitchens, and blackwater from toilets.

● ● ● ● Carter’s Arms Hotel. Near Separation St corner. Circa 1910.

● ● Northcote football team. Circa 1940-41.

● ● ● ● The Savings Bank, Northcote. 1900-1930.

● High St, Northcote

● ● Northcote State School

● ● High Street, Northcote.

● Entrance to Northcote, from Clifton Hill

★ Kitchens and Bathrooms

Carpentry eckings and Pergolas 30 Years Experience Servicing South East Melbourne & Mornington Peninsula Phone Mark 0409 080 234 website: uniquecarpentry.com.au

■ North. Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik (urban), Whittlesea (urban).

■ South. Bayside, Boroondara (south), Glen Eira, Kingston, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra.

■ East. Boroondara (north), KnoxSherbrooke, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse.

■ West. Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley, Moorabool, Wyndham.

■ South-East. Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula (inc. Southern Peninsula and Western Port).

■ Regional. Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie, Whittlesea (rural), Yarra Ranges.

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