The Local Paper. Peninsula-Frankston-Greater Dandenong-Casey-Cardinia Edition. Wed., Aug. 6, 2025

CASEY PUSH FOR SUBURBAN FOOTY

■ Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen and Deputy Mayor Cr Melinda Ambros have joined in a push for the AFL to seriously consider how it can bring footy back to the suburbs— particularly to the rapidly growing south eastern suburbs.

“It is hard for residents in Casey to see their heroes play, which I fear is fast becoming a thing of the past,” said Cr Koomen.

“I’m talking about the journey for a Casey resident to see their team play—because from some parts of our municipality, it can take up to two hours to get to the MCG

“That’s not just inconvenient—it’s a barrier to participation. We want our kids to grow up with access to elite sport in their own backyard.”

While the AFL has recently purchased Waverley Park and continues to push for a team in Tasmania, Cr Koomen says it’s time to look closer to home.

Cr Ambros echoes this sentiment “In order to grow the game, the AFL needs to grow with us. The South East growth corridor is one of the most passionate and fastest-growing parts of the country.”

$5M REDEVELOPMENT FOR KARINGAL VILLAGE

■ Nivad Property Group has commenced Stage 1 of a $5 million redevelopment of The Karingal Village shopping strip at 110 Ashleigh Avenue

The two-stage project will deliver a new precinct featuring fresh food, services, dining and entertainment – all centred around a revitalised communal mall and public space.

Frankston City Mayor Cr Kris Bolam said the Council’s proactive planning and investment attraction initiatives have helped position the city as a magnet for high-value investment.

“Council identified improvement opportunities for Karingal Village in our 2021 Local Shopping Strip Action Plan, but these plans from Nivad Property Group far exceed our expectations,” Cr Bolam said.

Stage one works include internal and external alterations to the Karingal Village shopping centre to create 12 new commercial spaces.

Stage two works will see the addition of new ground floor retail, undercover parking and a first-floor early learning centre built within the existing car park.

■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help identify the driver of a van involved in a collision in Noble Park North. Investigators have been told a woman was walking on Barkers Rd, when she was struck by the van while crossing Eagle Drive about 6.30am on Saturday, July 5.

The 76-year-old sustained serious upper body injuries.

The Noble Park North woman, who does not speak English, was able to indicate where she lives.

The driver of the van dropped her off outside her home before driving away.

The pair did not exchange details.

The woman was later assessed by paramedics and transported to hospital with serious injuries.

Investigators have released CCTV footage and an image of the van believed to be involved in the incident.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam or CCTV footage or anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crime stoppersvic.com.au

Local Football this Saturday

■ Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League. Division 1. Saturday, August 9. Edithvale Aspendale v Pines. Frankston YCW v Rosebud. Langwarrin v t Eliza.. Mornington v Red Hill. Sorrento v Dromana.

Division 2. Bonbeach v Karingal. Chelsea v Devon Meadows. Crib Point v Hastings. Pearcedale v Somerville,. Rye v Tyabb. Seaford v Frankston Bombers.

■ Outer East Football League. Premier Division. Healdesville v Olinda Ferny Creek. Mt Evelyn v Upwey Tecoma. Woori Yallock v Gembrook Cockatoo. Wandin v Officer. Emerald v Monbulk.

Division 1. Yarra Junction v Belgrave. Yea v Alexandra. Yarra glen v Powelltown. Pakenham v Warburton Millgrove. Seville: Bye.

● ● Police want to speak with the driver of this van

● ● ● ● Cr Melinda Ambros, Deputy Mayor ● ● ● ● Cr Kris Bolam, Frankston Mayor

FRANKSTON MAN CHARGED

■ Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged a second person following an incident where a man was shot in Hampton.

The 18-year-old from Frankston was arrested by Armed Crime and Fugitive Squad detectives at a property in Frankston on Monday, July 29.

He was subsequently charged with intentionally cause serious injury, conduct endangering life, contravene firearm prohibition order, possess ammunition, possess firearm, possess methylamphetamine and criminal damage by fire.

The man was remanded in custody and was due to appear before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

A firearm, ammunition and alleged drugs were also seized by police.

The charges follow an incident where emergency services were called to Prince St shortly before midnight on Wednesday, July 9, following reports a man had been shot.

Police will allege a 38-year-old Hampton man, and a 23-year-old Hampton woman approached a stationary vehicle before the man was shot in the upper body.

He was conveyed to hospital to be treated for serious injuries.

The woman was not physically injured during the incident.

Police believe the incident was targeted and parties involved were known to each other.

A 41-year-old Carrum Downs man was also charged by Armed Crime Squad detectives in relation to the incident.

He was charged with prohibited person in possession of firearm, contravene firearm prohibition order, possess firearm related items, traffick methylamphetamine and possess ammunition.

FOOD CHARITY DONATIONS

■ Sarah Bricknell is expressing wholehearted support for the re-opening of the community-based food charity Peninsula Donations.

“This humble little organisation has become a cornerstone of hope, compassion, and resilience for countless individuals and families in the vicinity of Langwarrin and surrounding areas,” Ms Bricknell said.

“This charity has not only provided nourishment in times of need but has also fostered a profound sense of unity, dignity, and mutual aid that sustains the very fabric of the community.

“I witnessed this firsthand when I went to donate some organic home grown produce and spoke with its founder Elly

“When I asked her what inspired her to start this food bank charity, she responded that ‘she knew what it was like to go without food and didn’t want anyone else to have that experience.

“At its core, a food charity is more than a source of sustenance—it is a sanctuary for those facing hardship, a beacon for those who might otherwise be overlooked, and a rallying point that brings together people from all walks of life.

“This local food charity, through its tireless efforts, has continually demonstrated how grassroots initiatives are uniquely positioned to identify and respond to the nuanced needs of an area.was like to go without food and didn’t want anyone else to have that experience.

“The re-opening of this communitybased food charity Peninsula Donations is not simply a return to “business as usual”— it is a lifeline desperately needed by many in the community. I remain confident that, with collective will and generosity, we can bring this food charity back to life and continue to serve as an example of what is possible when communities stand together.”

Applications re-open for grants

■ Applications for Cardinia Shire Council's Festival and Event Grants program have now reopened.

Following the initial grant application round held from April to May, the Council received 39 applications for various community events. This year, applications were evaluated based on the updated program guidelines, which aim to enhance the governance of grant spending.

The new assessment criteria included tiered funding categories, minimum matching contributions, and strengthened eligibility and assessment standards.

Funding was approved at the July meeting for 13 grant applications that met the minimum assessment requirements, totalling $61,838 for this application round.

The remaining applications were deemed ineligible due to incomplete submissions, insufficient financial evidence, and/or non-compliance with tier-specific thresholds.

The Council has now reopened the 2025-26 Festival and Events Grants as a rolling program to support continuous access to funding and improve responsiveness to community needs.

The Festival and Events Grant program will remain open on a rolling basis until June 30 next year, or until all funds are exhausted. A total of $193,162 in funding will be allocated.

New mural at Rosebud

■ A new mural, created by internationally renowned artist Adnate, depicts a beautiful banksia flower, has gone on display at Rosebud.

The Coastal Banksia, native to the Mornington Peninsula, symbolises resilience and the beauty of nature.

“This project came to life through collaboration between the Shire (Placemaking Grant), social enterprise Bayview Care, and the artist,” said a Mornington Peninsula Shire representative.

“Following the principles of the Public Art Policy, the process involved a dedicated public art assessment working group, which included the Reconciliation Officer and Inclusion Team to ensure the mural was culturally appropriate and meaningful to the local community.”

The Council says it has adopted the Public Art Policy with a clear and transparent framework for commissioning public art.

Theft of cables

■ Police from Glen Waverley have arrested a man who was caught removing copper cabling in Mulgrave on Friday morning (Aug. 1).

Officers were first called to the scene, on Springvale Rd, following reports of a suspicious vehicle about 3am.

Information had been provided to police that a man was in a cabling pit and appeared to be going back and forth from a vehicle.

When officers arrived, they found the pit had been covered over with gumtree branches and the man hiding inside.

They removed the man from the pit and discovered a grinder and multiple copper cables which had been cut.

A search of the vehicle uncovered a firearm and registration plates that did not match the vehicle.

The 34-year-old man from Cranbourne was arrested and will be interviewed in relation to the incident.

D’nong dilemma

■ "Dandenong Hospital could soon become one of Melbourne’s only major public hospitals unable to regularly care for sick or premature newborn babies under a controversial plan to redirect women with riskier pregnancies to other health services," reported Broede Carmody of The Sunday Age

Satisfaction score

■ Frankston Council received an overall customer satisfaction score of 7.0 out of 10 in an annual survey, said to be in line with other metropolitan councils and well above Frankston’s long-term average of 6.4 since 2012.

“In an era of low public confidence in all levels of government, and continued costof-living pressures, we are proud of our community’s ongoing satisfaction with Council’s leadership,” said Mayor Cr kris Bolam.

The survey also reaffirmed that safety, policing and crime prevention remain top community concerns. Specific issues raised included homelessness, alcohol and drug use, and city centre safety.

“We hear loud and clear how important safety is to our residents,” Cr Bolam said.

Drop Off Day

■ Greater Dandeenong Council's Reuse and Recycle Drop Off Day happens four times a year. The next is on 8am-1pm, Saturday, August 23, at Greaves Reserve, 20 Bennet St, Dandenong. Attendee postcodes will be confirmed upon entry.

The event gives an opportunity to get rid of any larger unwanted household goods suitable for donating or electronic and household goods suitable for recycling.

This service is in addition to the free 'atcall' annual hard waste collection.

Recycling event

■ Cardinia Shire residents have helped recycle nearly 12 tonnes at Council’s first Recycling Drive and Drop event.

■ A man has been arrested following a hitrun collision in Seaford early Thursday (July 31).

An off-duty police officer, cycling to work along Nepean Hwy, was located injured on the side of the road about 6am.

The 61-year-old man was taken to hospital with serious injuries where he remained.

It is believed he was struck by a white utility which did not stop to render assistance.

The ute was spotted parked at a service station on Nepean Hwy in Chelsea, by a fellow road-user who also reported the vehicle was being driven erratically about 8.35pm.

Officers followed the vehicle through Edithvale and Aspendale before it was intercepted in a service lane off Nepean Hwy in Mentone about 9.05pm.

The 42-year-old was arrested without incident.

The Seaford man, who was deemed not fit for interview, was expected to be interviewed on Friday (Aug. 1).

The vehicle was towed from the scene and was to be be forensically examined. Frankston Crime Investigation are investigating.

The collection included e-waste, polystyrene, soft plastics, textiles and cardboard.

Cardinia Shire Mayor, Cr Jack Kowarzik, praised the community’s enthusiastic participation.

“A massive thank you to everyone who attended this new event,” Cr Kowarizk said in a media statement.

POLICEMAN STRUCK

● ● Rosebud’s latest mural by Adnate shines bright at Bayview Care shopfront, 1095 Point Nepean Rd

● ● ● ● Cr Jack Kowarzik, Mayor

Statewide

GLENLEE

Crop house found

■ Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two men after allegedly locating a cannabis crop house in Glenlee Investigators executed a search warrant at a property on Woorak-Ni Ni-Lorquon Rd about 9.45am on Thursday (July 31).

Upon entry, officers allegedly located around 1300 cannabis plants.

Two men were also located inside the premises and were taken into custody.

A crime scene was put in place for the Botany Unit to attend and further examine the premises.

The 42-year-old and 54-year-old men from St Albans were charged with cultivation of a large commercial quantity of narcotic plant (cannabis) and theft.

They were to appear at the Ararat Magistrates’ Court

ECKLIN SOUTH

5 times over lmit

■ A driver has lost his licence after crashing his car whilst allegedly being five times over the alcohol limit in Ecklin South. Police responded to reports a car veered off Warrnambool-Cobden Rd, continued through mud and crashed into a tree about 10pm. The driver, a 22-year-old man, was not injured and allegedly attempted to hide from police when they arrived. He allegedly blew a positive breath test at the scene.

The Camperdown man was taken to a police station where he produced and evidentiary breath test reading of .28.

His licence was immediately suspended for 12 months, and he is expected to be charged on summons with driving offences.

COLERAINE

Death probed

■ Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Coleraine on Saturday morning (Aug. 2). Officers were called to a home in Pilleau St following reports a woman had been stabbed about 1.10am.

DETECTIVES CHARGE MAN AFTER COUNTRY SHOOTING

■ Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged a man following a shooting in St Arnaud on Mondasy, July 28.

Emergency services were called to a property on Kings Avenue about 7.20am, following reports of a dispute.

A 40-year-old St Arnaud man was conveyed to hospital with a non-life-threatening gunshot injury to his upper body.

A vehicle was intercepted by police at Lake Bolac and a 37-year-old man was arrested.

He was taken to hospital for treatment to injuries alleged to have been sustained during the dispute.

He has been charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, intentionally cause injury, common law assault, use firearm contrary to firearms prohibition order, theft of motor vehicle, drive whilst disqualified, dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and contravene a conduct condition of bail.

The St Arnaud man was remanded in custody to appear before Stawell Magistrates’ Court.

This is alleged to be a targeted incident, and the parties are known to each other.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

Statewide

Across Victoria

INDENTED HEAD Car leaves road

■ A man died following a crash at Indented Head on Wednesday afternoon (July 30).

Emergency services were called to reports a car left The Esplanade and crashed into a tree just before 1pm.

The male driver and sole occupant died at the scene. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV/dashcam footage or any information that could assist police is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au

DRYSDALE

70-kmh over limit

■ Officers from Bellarine were left shaking their heads after they picked up a motorist more than 70km/h over the limit in Drysdale on Sunday afternoon, July 27.

The driver was first spotted in the blue 2004 Nissan Skyline, travelling east along the Drysdale Bypass, about 2.30pm.

The vehicle, with no registration plates, was clocked travelling 158-kmh in an 80-kmh zone. Police intercepted the vehicle a short time later only to learn the motorist, who was headed home, had just purchased the car. The 38-year-old’s new pride and joy was impounded for 30 days.

The Bellarine man is expected to be charged on summons with driving at a speed dangerous along with other traffic related offences.

CRAIGIEBURN

ATM theft attempt

■ Hume Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following a burglary at a licensed premises in Craigieburn on July 13.

Investigators have been told three men attended a business on Grand Boulevard about 7.30am in a silver Toyota Hilux. The ATM was pulled outside and the third man joined the other two as the group attempted to lift the ATM into the Hilux

● ● Stawell Magistrates’ Court

The Local Paper

Ash on Wednesday 835 local drivers booked

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

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110,000

■ Victoria Police caught 835 drink and drug drivers in the Frankston area and along the Mornington Peninsula over the past year.

Preliminary data from the 2024-25 financial year reveals more than half of all drug drivers were repeat offenders.

One in five drink drivers had been previously caught over the blood alcohol concentration limit.

Some 471 drug drivers were detected, with Peninsula Link and the Mornington Peninsula Freeway hotspots for these offenders.

A total of 83 drivers – or 18 per cent –tested positive to more than one illicit substance, with 359 –or 76% – testing positive for methylamphetamine.

Alarmingly, more than 60 per cent of those under the influence of methylamphetamine were repeat offenders.

Matt Bissett-Johnson,

Editor: Ash Long

Peter Kemp, Art Rob Foenander, Music

Features Editor: Peter Mac

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

Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Sherryn Danaher, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, Graeme McCoubrie, David McLean, Maggie Morrison, Peter Murphy, Lucy Nicolson, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel

Logistics: Tyler Sandiford, Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky

Credit Manager: Michael Conway OAM, Fast Action Debt Recovery, 0402 142 866

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

Long Shots

Of the 364 drink drivers detected, around 19 per cent had blood alcohol concentration levels more than three times the legal limit, while 5 per cent were more than four times over.

Among those caught by police were:

■ A 24-year-old male who allegedly killed a 69-year-old man who was walking in Hastings on May 12. The male was allegedly riding an e-bike while under the influence of drugs. He has been charged with a range of offences, including dangerous driving causing death and drug driving offences.

■ A 41-year-old man who allegedly blew more than eight-anda-half times the legal limit after crashing his Subaru Forrester into parked cars in

Frankston on February 1. After allegedly returning a reading of 0.430, he was charged with high range drink driving.

■ A 42-year-old woman who allegedly returned a positive breath test of 0.230 –more than four-anda-half times the legal limit – after a headon crash at Dromana on July 15. She was charged with exceeding the prescribed concentration of alcohol and received an immediate licence ban. Her driver’s licence was disqualified for 23 months at a subsequent court hearing.

Local police have continued their road safety blitzlast week, with scores of police units saturating the Peninsula Link on Thursday targeting impaired, unlicensed, suspended and disqualified drivers. In just four hours, the operation led to:

■ 352 breath tests conducted

■ Three drivers return positive readings for exceeding the blood alcohol concentration limit

■ 90 oral fluid tests

■ One driver returned positive detection to an illicit substance

■ Two Penalty Infringement notices issues unlicensed driving

■ Two suspended drivers detected

■ Four vehicles impounded

■ 5000 number plates scanned by ANPR devices

■ 15 heavy vehicles were fully inspected, with three load restraint breaches, including a truck carrying an unrestrained 20-tonne load. Three defect notices were also issued.

■ One arrest over alleged family violence order breaches. The man was released pending summons.

Local Photo Flashback

■ Several local agencies have collaborated to improve living conditions in Main St Mornington public housing. A working group was formed to address the health and wellbeing of tenants and issues relating to long-standing maintenance.

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.

The Local Paper

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.

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

Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

Cartoonist

Latest News

Local by-elections

■ The Victorian Electoral Commission says that results for the City of Darebin NorthWest Ward by-election and the City of Whittlesea Lalor Ward by0-election will be announced on Monday (August 11).

Missing woman

■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Warrnambool

The 71-year-old was last seen on Cyma St on Monday, July 28.

Police and family have concerns for Anna’s welfare due to a medical condition and her disappearance being out of character.

Anna is Caucasian, with a slim build and short, blonde/brown hair. She is known to frequent the Point Ritchie area.

An image of Anna has been released in the hope it will assist in locating her.

Anyone who sights Anna is urged to call Warrnambool Police Station on 5560 1333.

Fire at Fitzroy

■ Fire Rescue Victoria firefighters were called to an incident at 11.28pm on Tuesday (July 29) on Brunswick St, Fitzroy, after a caller to Triple Zero (000) reported a shop fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene within five minutes to find smoke and flames issuing from a double storey shop.

FRV crews located a fire on a mezzanine level of the building which housed a takeaway food business.

Firefighters were able to bring the fire under control and stop its spread to the remainder of the building.

The scene was deemed ‘Under Control’ at 12.27am.

A search of the premises confirmed no people were inside the building.

Cause of the fire is yet to be determined but will be investigated.

Game abandoned

■ The Essendon District Football League Division 2 Reserves match between Rupertswood and the Northern Saints was abandoned on Saturday (Aug. 2) at halftime after an incident involving players, spectators and officials.

STEM experience

■ Yarra Valley Water has launched a new work experience program seeking to address the under-representation of women in Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).

The STEM Work Experience Program offers students the chance to get first-hand experience of careers in the water industry by shadowing engineers, IT specialists, surveyors and other STEM professionals.

A successful pilot program in July saw seven Year 10 students from Mullauna College enjoy a week-long placement at Yarra Valley Water, participating in site visits and hands-on activities designed to showcase real-world STEM roles.

And the Gold Logie goes to ...

50 FINALISTS FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS

■ The Museum of Australian Photography has announced the selected finalists for the 2025 William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize

Judging panel Anne Zahalka, Shaune Lakin and Anouska Phizacklea (MAPh Director) considered over 750 entries, selecting 50 works to comprise the final field.

“Nominated works in the 20th Bowness Photography Prize offer a compelling view of what’s happening in contemporary photography in Australia, right now,” said a MAPh representative.

“These artists are exploring every dimension of how to make a photograph: you’ll find glass, metal, paper and screens among the surfaces and textures of these artworks, utilised to powerful effect across the shortlist.

This year the prize winnings have grown to a total of $70,000, an increase made possible due to a generous $1million gift from the Bowness Family Foundation

This gift establishes the prize as Australia’s richest award for photography and cements the importance of photographic practice into the future.

Winner of the prize will receive $50,000, and their work will be acquired into MAPh’s collection; the judges will also select two Honourable Mentions, who will each receive $2500.

The artist selected for the Wai Tang Commissioning Award will receive $10,000 and the opportunity to exhibit a body of work throughout next year’s Bowness Photography Prize season.

The Community Bank Pinewood People’s Choice winner will be awarded a $5000 cash prize: voting will commence from the exhibition’s opening night. Finalists are: Hoda Afshar, Riste Andrievski, Lilah Benetti, Jane E Brown, Jane Burton, Isabella Capezio, Dave Carswell, Zo? Croggon, Zo Damage, J Davies, Gerwyn Davies, Tamara Dean, Rianon Dillon, Ella Dreyfus, Stephen Dupont, Odette England, Guy Grabowsky, Yvette Hamilton, Siri Hayes, Anna Higgins, Naomi Hobson, Ingvar Kenne, Nur Aishah Abdullah Farid Kenton, Shea Kirk, Thomas Ling, Morganna Magee, Sean McKenzie, Gerrie Mifsud, Kent Morris, Phuong Nguyen Le, Kojiro Oishi, SEANOKKAI., Jill Orr, Sonia Payes, Stanislava Pinchuk, Izabela Pluta, Zorica Purlija, Eugenia Raskopoulos, Sarah Rhodes, Elvis Richardson, Jessica Schwientek, Dean Sewell, Ali Tahayori, Cyrus Tang, James Tylor, Justine Varga, Pete Volich, Kai Wasikowski, Wei Weng, Meng-Yu Yan.

Flinders Quartet

■ Music can be so powerful when it is shared, and that’s the idea behind Flinders Quartet’s latest concert entitled Musical Friends

The program explores how music can capture and describe human relationships through a series of personal and collaborative works.

Those works include musical creations by Mozart, Borodin, Natalie Nicolas and Melody Eotvos and Rishin Singh, pairing new contemporary works with traditional composers familiar to music lovers.

Flinders Quartet describes TheUnspokenEight, by Eotvos and Singh as musical letter writing, with one section being composed and then sent to the other composer to continue the ‘conversation’.

Natalie Nicolas’s work BytheTideofthe Moon, captures the shifting moods of the sea and the joy of swimming in the ocean.

The quartet will also perform Borodin’s StringQuartetno2inDMajor, which reflects his love for his wife and the first months of their marriage in Germany’s Heidelberg, and Mozart’sAdagioandFugue in C Minor, K.546, widely recognised as a brilliant piece of chamber music.

Chamber music lovers can enjoy the MusicalFriendsconcert on Thursday August 7 at St John’s Southgate at 1pm, Sunday August 10 at Montsalvat Barn Gallery in Eltham at 2.30 pm, and Primrose Potter Salon at Melbourne Recital Centre on Tuesday August 12 at 7pm.

For more information visit www.flindersquartet.com

Julie Houghton

Tax fraudsters hit

■ The Australian Taxation Office’s hunt for GST fraudsters continues as four more individuals have been sentenced following action of Operation Protego.

These recent sentencings reinforce the ATO’s commitment in investigating and holding all offenders to account.

ATO Deputy Commissioner and Serious Financial Crime Taskforce Chief John Ford said the ATO’s ability to detect and halt GST fraud is unwavering.

“Our fraud detection and prevention capabilities are advanced thanks to partnerships, technologies, and risk models all working together to stay ahead of fraudsters and criminals,” Mr Ford said.

Included in these sentencings are individuals who, at the time of offending, were current employees and contractors at the ATO. Once their involvement was identified, their employment ceased.

“We expect all staff to act with the highest levels of integrity and these individuals violated the trust placed in them by the community.

“The community rightly expects all ATO staff to act with the highest levels of integrity. Those who do not meet our values have no place at the ATO,” Mr Ford said.

● ● ● ●

From left: Wilma Smith, Elizabeth Sellars, Helen Ireland, Zoe Knighton

● ● ● ● Anna of Warrnambool

woman Anna.

● ● Actress Lynne McGranger won TV’s Gold Logie on Sunday night (Aug. 3).

● ● ‘Sisterhood Broken’

Numa and Karl

■ Sevenfold Theatre Company presents a new Australian play titled Numa and Karl: ExtraordinaryManThatHeWas by trans writer and performer Em Chandler, supported by Maribyrnong City Council as the 2025 Arts and Culture Supported Season recipient.

Inspired by the life and legacy of Karl Heinrich Ulrichs; a pioneering queer activist who, in 1867, became the first person in modern history to publicly speak out for the rights of homosexuals, Numa and Karl is being presented from August 27 (preview) to September 13 at the Bluestone Church Arts Space, Footscray

Long before Stonewall or Pride, Ulrichs laid the philosophical groundwork for queer liberation, and the production brings his legacy to life through fractured memory, fierce debate, and poetic resilience.

The opening night marks the bicentennial of Karl Heinrich Ulrichs's birth, with this new production bringing his story to life for a contemporary audience in an act of remembrance and resistance.

Directed by Alanah Guiry with dramaturgy by Noemie Huttner-Koros, this new work will conclude the opening night performance with a celebratory post-show gala event, including drinks and a special address by Em Chandler, honouring Ulrichs's legacy.

The cast of Numa and Karl includes Sarah Hartnell, Nicklas J. Carr, Conagh Punch, Emerson Hansford, Kyle Cuthbert, Tristan Sicari and Jessie Martin

Performance Details:

Season: August 27 August (Preview) August 28 - September 13

Venue: Bluestone Church Arts Space, 8A Hyde St., Footscray

Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/ numa-and-karl-extraordinary-man-thathe-wa

Cheryl Threadgold

Fuse Festival

■ The City of Darebin presents the Darebin Fuse Festival from August 31 - September 14. The Darebin Fuse Festival offers an opportunity to unite as a community and enjoy live music, cultural experiences, exhibitions, public art installations, workshops, kids' activities, theatre and more at various venues.

For full program details and venues, visit www.fusedarebin.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

MARY POPPINS JR

■ Emphatically presented by the Young Australian Broadway Chorus in the Cripps Centre, Caulfield Grammar School, MaryPoppins Jr was a theatrical highlight.

The company’s youth (18 and under) cohort have differing years of training and experience, yet the whole cast worked as one , particularly in the huge choral numbers like Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious

It was nothing short of enchanting to see the old theatrical custom of flying in changing scenery for this magical show, and what scenes they were – an almost Hogwartsian great financial wizard's hall, the Dickensian rooftop silhouettes in late sun colours and the park complete with the talking statue.

The balance of lights, sets, choreography and costumes were seamlessly complementary and balanced with the changing moods.

The chorus of over 70 were brilliantly re costumed (Jennifer Bismire, Lara White) in record time scene changes, and the choreography (Jacqui Green and Victoria Morris) was stylish but kept simple to allow for synchronicity considerate of the numbers, ages and skills

The 90-minute shortened MaryPoppinsversion (from book by Julian Fellowes) worked very successfully with all principal cast still having plenty of time to prove their talents (Mary – Alyssa Jandayan, Bert – Darcy Smith, Perry Moon and Neave McGeehan – Mr and Mrs Banks, Niah McAllan-D’Bras and Louis De Luca – Jane and Michael Banks )

Even with adult professionals, getting the sound mix correct can be uneven, but for this youth company, sound operator Marley Price deserves plenty of praise; speech and singing were always clear, even through Cockney accents and good arguments.

Well known title shows can bring extra fierce comparisons, but this show directed by Robert Coates with musical direction from Chelsea Plumley can hold its head very high in the knowledge that a standing ovation audience would agree with me.

The YABC is a division of Stage School Australia. This July season is now finished Review by Maggie Morrison

The Mikado

■ I was so excited and honoured to see the 90th anniversary Gilbert and Sullivan Society of Victoria’s matinee production of Mikado Patienceor 'Bunthorne'sBride'for GSOV was my first-ever stage show and first ever lead role as an 18-year-old in the 1981 centenary production at MLC

We are all most grateful and pleased that the tireless committee and skilled creative teams keep this wonderful company producing such a high calibre of show.

From the moment the overture began with such clarity and precision, I knew I was in for a marvellous musical treat.

The impeccable balance between the orchestra and voices was thrilling. I distinctly heard every lyric that was sung and every word that was spoken.

I had my three teen grandnieces attend that evening. It was their first ever opera and they were amazed, especially to hear the different timbres of voices from the accomplished soloists and the splendid harmonies of the ensemble pieces.

LittleListSongwas a laugh-out-loud, funny and clever number. The dialogue between Koko (John Parncutt) and Poo Bah (Peter Hanway) was exceptionally acted, and the harmonies between our three little maids were divine.

A special mention for Pitti-Sing (Katherine Stewart), what a lovely warm quality in her voice. Katisha held a magnificently proud figure, and the chemistry between Lynlee Williams and John Parncutt in ThereisBeautyin theBellowandtheBlastwas hilarious.

Yum Yum (Cindy Lui) and Nanki-Poo (Lachlan McIntyre) were exquisitely matched. They performed to a high standard throughout this marathon, three-hour effort.

The most impressive aria, particularly for me (being a Soprano and knowing firsthand how technically difficult it is) was The Sun WhoseRaysareallAblaze.

Thank you, GSOV, for keeping the culture of Bel Canto singing alive for all our young upand-coming singers. Additional regional performances: July 26

● ● Alyssa Jandayan and Darcy Smith in Queenscliff, August 2 in Stawell and August 9-10 in Cowes

Further details: gsov.org.au

Review by Lucy Nicolson

Snatchers

■ The Australian dark comedy feature film Snatchers, a debut comedy feature film from married duo Craig Alexander and Shelly Higgs, had its premiere in June in London at the largest independent film festival - Raindance Film Festival - with a nomination for Best Debut Feature.

Reviews have hailed the film as “unashamedly Aussie ”, “entertaining” and “darkly comic”, with the film set for an Australian premiere this Spring.

The film follows a pair of lifelong friends and hospital orderlies trying to make a quick buck in the organ-selling trade. They’re thrown a curveball when a corpse wakes up on the operating table, with comedic chaos the result.

“It was a great experience to premiere at a film festival that champions bold, unapologetic storytelling - as this is exactly the spirit in which Snatcherswas made.

“Audiences responded to the humour, the social commentary and the theatricality of the storytelling,” said Shelly Higgs, Producer.

Starring Craig Alexander, Justin Hosking and Hannah McKenzie, Snatchers is a dark comedy film with a deeper message, intertwining irreverence, humour, and vibrant characters “to deliver a thrilling experience with a distinct social conscience”.

At its core, the film confronts the issue of exploitation, shedding light on the harsh reality of a late-stage capitalist society where the working class bears the brunt of inequality, whilst examining the inherently toxic structures that perpetuate the class divide.

“It’s been a long journey and a lot of blind faith to get through to this point when pretty much everything says it’s not going to happen,” said Craig Alexander, writer, director, producer and editor.

“You really just have to see it through and hope for the best - this is a validation of that journey."

The film has been shot with a 90 per cent Canberra crew and filmed entirely in the capital city, delivering (ironically) a wickedly entertaining tale of greed, deception and the raw unpredictability of humans.

Snatchers is described as "a rollercoaster ride filled with unexpected twists, dark humour and a chilling game of survival."

Produced by Canberra-based production company The Horse, Snatcherswas made on a small budget but said to pack a big comedy punch.

Music is composed by Jay Cameron ScreenInc has recently been appointed as distributor and will release the film in Australia this coming Spring.

Duration: 82 minutes

Cheryl Threadgold

We Will Rock You

■ PLOS Musical Productions celebrated three decades of performing at Frankston Arts Centre with the musical We Will Rock You until August 2 at Frankston Arts Centre

Directed by Paul Watson with musical direction by Nathan Firmin and choreography by Venessa Paech, We Will Rock You featured Queen's greatest hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody,AnotherOneBitestheDust,IWant toBreakFree,CrazyLittleThingCalledLove, SomebodyLove and UnderPressure.

■ Scary Goats Theatre presents ATwistof Fatefrom August 21-23 at The Motley Bauhaus, Carlton.

Inspired by TheTwilightZoneand Black Mirror, each season of ATwistofFatecontains four short plays about the unusual and otherworldly, each with their own devastating twist.

Described as “A little unnerving, a little thought-provoking and just a little bit campy, you’ll never know what to expect in A Twist of Fate.'”

After two sold out seasons earlier this year, A Twist of Fate is back this August for its creepiest and twistiest season yet.

Season 3 features plays penned by local writers Corey M. Glamuzina, Emily Morey, Henry Stephensen and Chloe Towan and performed by an ensemble of actors including Richard Mealey, Liliana Braumberger, Cassandra Hart, Frances Lee, Corey M. Glamuzina, Henry Stephensen and Kate Weston, under the direction of Patrick Slee, Kate Weston and Chloe Towan

This season tackles themes including religion, war, overpopulation and elder abuse.

Scary Goats Theatre is run by Chloe Towan (writer/producer/actor) who writes and directs a play each Twist of Fate Season, as well as hosts the show. Chloe has a fascination with the supernatural and also works as a ghost tour guide in her spare time.

Venue: The Motley Bauhaus, 118 Elgin St, Carlton

Dates: August 21-23 at 7pm

Duration: 120 minutes with 10-minute intermission

Tickets: $35 full, $28 Concession

Bookings: www.eventfinda.com.au/2025/atwist-of-fate2/melbourne/carlton

Cheryl Threadgold

With One Voice

■ Community choirs across the country are opening their doors for Try a Choir Week from August 18-22. An open invitation is extended for people of all backgrounds and abilities to experience the power of song and connection.

Run by With One Voice, one of Australia's largest community choir networks, the initiative will see 25 choirs in nearly every state and territory welcome newcomers to join a rehearsal, free of charge.

All are welcome - seasoned singers or those who have never sung in a group before. There will be no auditions and no pressure, just the joy of singing together in community.

Creativity Australia's With One Voice choirs are aiming to end loneliness through inclusion, belonging and joy. Try a Choir Week offers a chance to meet new people, lift spirits and discover what makes community singing so special.

In a 2024 survey, 97 per cent of choir members reported feeling better after choir.

To find a With One Voice choir, visit: withonevoice.org.au/choirs

Registrations are encouraged but not necessary - just attend and join the fun.

Cheryl Threadgold

The 39 Steps

■ Alfred Hitchcock’s classic spy thriller meets Monty Python madness in the Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy smash The39Steps, arriving at the Comedy Theatre this September.

Four actors, 130 characters and 100 minutes of non-stop hilarity. This reimagined international hit stars Lisa McCune, Ian Stenlake and The Umbilical Brothers (David Collins and Shane Dundas).

● ● Chloe Towan in A Twist of Fate.

Photo: 3 Fates Media

● ● Sarah Hartnell (Karl) in Numa and Karl. Photo: Steven Mitchell Wright

Local Theatre Observations

CAST ANNOUNCED Shows

■ 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

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Marian, or the True Tale of Robin Hood (Adam Szymkowicz) August 21 – 30 at the Strathmore Community Hall, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Brian Edmond. Bookings: stagtheatre.org

■ 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

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Broadway Bound (by Neil Simon) September 4 – 13 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Michelle Swann) Bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Other Desert Cities (Jon Robin Baitz) September 5 – 20 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Gaetano Santo. Bookings: email boxoffice@htc. org.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Addams Family, a new musical (Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice). September 5 – 20 at Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Isabella Preston. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Heartbreak Choir (Aidan Fennessey) September 5 – 20 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Director: Sue Rawkins. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au

■ Theatre of the Damned: La Cage Aux Follies September 12-20 at the Belmont Performing Arts Centre. Director: Elise Dahl; Musical Director: Nathan Firmin; Choreographer: Venessa Paech. Bookings: theatreofthedamnedgeelong.com

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Cosi (by Louis Nowra) September 11 – 20 at the Bradshaw St. Community Hall, Bradshaw St., West Essendon. Director: Rosalin Shafik-Eid. Bookings: 04064 48368 or trybooking

■ Burwood University Student Theatre Company: Pride and Prejudice (Jane Austen) September 11 – 13 at the Clayton Community Theatre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Ares Stevenson. Bookings: TBC.

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) September 11 – 17 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Katie-Jane Amery. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com

■ Frankston Theatre Group: Emma (by Jane Austen, adapted by Michael Bloom) September 25 – October 5 at Frankston High School Performing Arts Theatre, 97 Foot Street, Frankston. Director: Candice Mitrousis. Bookings: frankstontheatregroup. com.au

■ Clovelly Fox’s artistic director Tyran Parke has announced the cast and creative team members behind its forthcoming production of Ordinary Days, performing at fortyfivedownstairs from August 2-31.

Described as a "beautifully intimate chamber musical by acclaimed writer Adam Gwon”, OrdinaryDaystraces the intersecting lives of four New Yorkers as they search for meaning, connection, and beauty in the everyday.

Director Tyran Parke has brought together a team featuring some of the country’s most celebrated theatrical talents.

“At Clovelly Fox , we’re reimagining what independent musical theatre can be - by bringing together some of the most exceptional artists working in Australia and internationally.

“Taking centre stage in this new production are four of Australia's most accomplished musical theatre talents: Bobby Fox (Jersey Boys,GuysandDolls) as Jason, Sarah Morrison (MissSaigon,MammaMia) as Claire, Melanie Bird (SisterAct,NexttoNormal) as Deb, and 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; Melanie Bird brings remarkable depth and versatility to Deb, and Joel Granger - well, his portrayal of Warren in our original OrdinaryDayseight years ago left such an impression I honestly couldn’t imagine anyone else in the role.”

Performance Details: August 2-31

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

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

Cheryl Threadgold

Glass Menagerie

■ In a tale of two halves, Running with Scissors Theatre and Victory People Productions put on a production of uneven quality of Tennessee Williams’s TheGlassMenagerieat the The Stables in North Melbourne’s Meat Market.

The play started with one of the characters, Tom Wingfield, setting the scene as he reminisced about living with his mother Amanda and elder sister Laura in a cramped St Louis, Missouri, apartment in the Great Depression.

Various scenes of family life then unfolded, revealing the challenges the three family members faced living in such desperate and uncertain times.

Written as a one-act play with seven scenes, The Glass Menagerie is described as a memory play and has strong autobiographical elements (with Tom being a thinly-veiled Tennessee).

This production divided the play into two parts with an intermission. While not uncommon, this way of delivering the play broke the story’s momentum. In addition, Williams’s writing could be flowery at times as well as preachy with regards to Tom’s (that is, his) situation.

The play’s four characters were played by Oliver Gorringe (Tom), Linda Cookson (Amanda), Caitlin Mccallig (Laura) and Columbus Lane (Tom and Laura’s old high school friend Jim O’Connor). All did a fine job of establishing their characters in the first half of the production. However, performances were more melodramatic and less convincing in the second half.

Splitting the one-act play into two acts was a choice of the directors Nicholas Reynolds and Nadia Sirninger-Rankin. They did a wonderful job of creating a languid sultry atmosphere in the first half using a measured leisurely tempo of story-telling. However, post-intermission this same tempo seemed ill-suited to the heated passions and raised stakes of the second half action which, subsequently, was laboured.

Something of a mixed bag then, this production of an American theatre classic.

A first half that was engaging followed by a second half that was somewhat stilted, strained and overwrought.

Venue: Meat Market Stables, 2 Wreckyn St, North Melbourne Review by Peter Murphy

Blood Wedding

■ In an ambitious but overreaching and ultimately disappointing production, Theatre Works, Tashmadada and JMC Performance Ensemble presented Blood Wedding, the grand Spanish tragedy by Frederico Garcia Lorca.

The play revolves around a proposed wedding. The bride-to-be is betrothed to a young man but is in love with another man, Felix

Unfortunately, Felix and the bridegroom come from two families engaged in a blood feud and the ensuing conflict between these three characters leads to a tragic outcome.

An adaptation, the script was an edited version of an English translation that was itself an edited version of the original script in Spanish

This meant the loss of several characters from the original play. It also meant that some elements of the plot were left out and the intense poetic nature of Lorca’s text was lost in translation.

The seven actors in the ensemble were Connor Raselli (playing the father), Dion Zapantis (Leonardo Felix), Jonathan Pindiura (Groom/Son), Mia Cannolo (Leonardo’s wife), Mohamed Al Ziady (Weaver), Tess Lynch Steele (Mother) and Teresa Giansiracusa (Bride).

Their performances were very uneven. Too often dialogue could not be understood because voices were too soft or poorly projected. Histrionics trumped passion.

The cast performed with conviction but several characters and the relationships between them were not portrayed convincingly.

Part of the problem here was Deborah Leiser-Moore’s direction, as it too suffered from an uneven patchy quality.

Her direction was strong visually, with some wonderful tableaux and movement pieces complemented by atmospheric music.

Still, her actors’ performances left much to be desired and, consequently, the story rarely felt true nor the tragedy believable.

This was a shame because, when done well, Blood Wedding can be magnificent theatre. However this production, for all its youthful energy and vigour, did not fully get to grips with the style of acting necessary for the play to be fully brought to life.

Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland Street, St Kilda Review by Peter Murphy

Butterfly Club

■ In a surprise announcement, the wonderfully atmospheric The Butterfly Club in Melbourne's CBD has advised the sad news of its closure.

According to its website, The Butterfly Club hosts 1200 performances of 200 productions every year, many of them new works.

The intimate venue is particularly popular for performances during the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and the Midsumma Festival.

First opening in South Melbourne in 1999, The Butterfly Club relocated to its current site in Carson Place in Melbourne's CBD in 2013. Cheryl Threadgold

Stolen Painting

●

Alex Lutz

■ In the early 21st century, a painting by early 20th century artist Egon Schiele was discovered in the house of a young suburban chemical worker by a modern art specialist. The painting had disappeared when it was looted by the Nazis in the Second World War.

TheStolenPaintingis based on this true story when auctioneer Andre Masson (Alex Lutz) receives a letter saying that an Egon Schiele painting has been discovered in the home of a young nightshift factory worked.

Initially sceptical and sure it must be a fake, Masson and his intern Aurore (Louise Chevillote) make the journey to investigate and find that this is the missing painting and worth huge amounts of money.

The factory worker, Martin, (Arcadi Radeff) takes care of his mother and when they took possession of the house and all its contents, the painting was on the wall.

What happens from then on is quite a journey, as the personalities involved gradually reveal themselves. Masson is egotistical, immaculately dressed and displays appalling chauvinist behaviour to his underling Aurore, who is also something of a piece of work.

Aurore covers her own insecurities and background with a tissue of lies, leaving the audience sympathetic to her but unsure of where lies end and truth begins.

There are twists and turns in the bidding war for the painting, and one of the integral characters who keeps things on the straight and narrow is Masson’s ex-wife, colleague and close friend, Bertina (Lea Drucker).

There is a clash of cultures and worlds with the high art specialists and factory worker Martin, who is content with his life as a night shift factory worker and his two close mates with whom he plays cards and hangs out.

He is a caring son to his mother, and one of the really likable characters in the film. It’s Martin who believes that money does not bring happiness, but putting things to rights and knowing what is important in your life brings contentment.

Gradually, Masson, Aurore and Bertina also reveal their softer sides, leading to a much happier conclusion that we might have expected at the beginning of the film.

TheStolenPainting is a slow burn, but persevere and you will walk out feeling satisfied and content.

Julie Houghton

Auditions

■ 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

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Jeeves and Wooster in ‘Perfect Nonsense’ (The Goodale Brothers and PG Wodehouse) August 17 at 11am and August 18 at 7.30pm at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Keith Hutton. Audition bookings: 0430 032 332 or e-mail: keithhutton55@gmail.com

■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Good Life (by Jeremy Sams based on the 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

■ Essendon Theatre Company: Significant Other (by Joshua Harmon) August 20 at 7pm; August 23 at 10am at Bradshaw St. Community Hall, 9 Bradshaw St., Essendon. Director: George Benca. Audition bookings: georgebenca@gmail.com and 0419591517

■ The Basin Theatre Group: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (by C S Lewis, adapted by Glyn Robbins) August 20 at 7pm, August 23 at 10am at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Jason Triggs. Audition enquiries: 0497 159 474 or email jason.triggs.m@gmail.com Please book auditions through trybooking by visiting trybooking.com/CZWWP Cheryl Threadgold

● ● Bobbie Fox (Jason) in Ordinary Days.

CATO THE WISE

Maxwell Newton

★The Ballarat International Foto Biennale has announced a blend of curated exhibitions, citywide pop-ups, workshops, talks, and more - all under the festival’s central theme, Lifeforce , from August 23 to October 19.

★Niusia is a play written by Beth Paterson, directed by Kat Yates, to be performed at Clocktower, Moonee Ponds, at 7.30pm on Saturday, October 4 and 2pm on Sunday, October 5. Beth as she sets out to understand her grandmother’s complex legacy, learns to laugh at the unlaughable and wades through the complexity of trauma-laden memories.

★Victoria Chorale presents Missa Criolla: A Folk Mass based on the rhythms and traditions of hispanic America by Ariel Ramirez - at 5pm on Saturday, August 23 at Collins St Baptist Church, Melbourne.

★Brunswick teenager India has been named a 2025 Redkite Dare to Dream Scholarship finalist. Diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia, Indy spent over two years in treatment. Now a bright and determined teenager, Indy dreams of becoming a pediatric psychologist to provide young patients with the safe space she wished she’d had. Indy will use her Dare to Dream Scholarship to help purchase a laptop and tutoring support as she works toward achieving her ATAR and university goal.

★ ★ ★ ★ The 14th World Chambers Congress will be held in Melbourne from September 2-4. Melbourne will host up to 2000 chamber executives, business leaders, government representatives and industry experts from more than 100 countries at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.

★Melbourne Symphony Orchestra will present the music of Billy Joel in Piano Man this November. From Just the Way You Are to New York State of Mind, hear new orchestral arrangements of favourite Billy Joel songs. The show stars Phil Burton, Alinta Chidzey, Jess Hitchcock and Josh Piterman, and conductor Leonard Weiss

★ Ed Sheeran returns to Melbourne in 2026 with his all-new Loop Tour, hitting Marvel Stadium for two shows: February 26 and February 27.

★Graham 'Buzz' Bidstrup has released his Australian pub rock memoir, No Secrets.

★Free fishing forums are to be held at Frankston, Casterton, Warrnambool, Mount Beauty, Nathalia, Mildura, Bendigo, Preston, Loch Sport and Marlo

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment

★

Tolarno Galleries presents Glass in Twelve Parts by Liam Fleming until August 30.

★The National Library of Australia, Canberra, looks back on 1975 and reflects on what it was like to live in the seventies. Jaws and The Rocky Horror Picture Show filled cinemas and Picnic at Hanging Rock and Sunday Too Far Away proved that Australians wanted to see their own stories on the big screen. Australia’s favourite television show Countdown provided a soundtrack for suburban life with glam rockers Skyhooks and the pop of Swedish Eurovision champions ABBA.

★The 2025 Indian Film Festival of Melbourne has launches its full program, unveiling over 75 films in 31 languages, with the vast majority screening for the first time to Australian audiences. This is the largest celebration of Indian cinema held outside India and will bring a bold and diverse selection of stories to screens across Melbourne and regional Victoria from August 14-24.

★Dr Shellie Morris, Kate Miller-Heidke and Missy Higgins have been named as finalists in the Australian Women in Music Awards.

★The career-changing Vanda & Young Global Songwriting Competition is back for 2025. There is $80,000 in cash prizes including $50,000 for first place plus 10 $1000 prizes for emerging songwriters

★The Aquatics and Recreation Industry Conference for 2025, run by Life Saving Victoria, will run from September 17-19 at Hyatt Place, Essendon Fields

★Hijinx Hotel opened at QV last Friday (Aug. 1) and invites guests to “play, not stay” as they swipe their key to a series of immersive game rooms cleverly disguised as hotel rooms.

★An exhibition from award-winning Melbourne-based photographer Aldona Kmiec has opened at RACV Inverloch Resort, on display to the public until November 29.

★The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues is back from October 30-November 3 with a list of high calibre artists. In a fourday program taking place across 11 local venues, headline acts include vocalist Emma Pask, First Nations saxophonist Marlene Cummins, Black Jesus Experience, Nicki Parrott Trio and Jeff Lang. International guests include saxophonist Alexander ‘the Hurricane’ Beets , violinist Luca Ciarla, and guitarist Tom Ollendorff.

Forgotten Songbook

● ● Jonathan Guthrie-Jones and Karla Hillam in The Forgotten Songbook.

Photo: Kristopher Wardhana

■ A wonderful new Australian musical, TheForgottenSongbook has been born at Chapel off Chapel, delighting packed houses during its too-short three-night premiere season.

Presented by McBurney and Hurley , this show is a sensational musical feast of varying genres and great lyrics, entwined with fascinating storytelling and director/choreographer Mikey Halcrow’s snappy dance moves.

Jazz musician/writer/composer Emerson Hurley, 23, has rescued the works of Broadway Golden Age composer Wilbur Weissman from obscurity, and with passion and mega talent, in collaboration with writer/producer Dylan McBurney, has crafted the material into a new musicalTheForgottenSongbook.

The theatre comes alive with Hurley’s first notes on the piano and then pow! performer Jonathan Guthrie-Jones hits the first song with gusto and straight into a marvellous vaudeville song and dance routine with co-star Karla Hillam

It’s entertainment for the audience with a capital ‘E’ as GuthrieJones and Hillam showcase their triple-threat versatility and sparkling personalities, presenting the various styles from ballad to honky-tonk to jazz and varying moods of the narrative in masterly style.

Throughout the show, composer Emerson Hurley enthrals with his awesome toe-tapping musical accompaniment. An impressive achievement for a young composer.

The show zaps along at a great pace until ‘the breaking-up scene’ near the end, which could be worth reviewing for the future regarding maintaining momentum.

Congratulations to Emerson Hurley, Dylan McBurney, Mikey Halcrow, Jonathan Guthrie-Jones, Karla Hillam and all involved with this terrific new musical.

When TheForgottenSongbookreturns to a Melbourne theatre in the near future - and hopefully it will - I strongly recommend that you don’t miss it.

A memorable theatre experience.

Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Latest ratings

■ The latest Melbourne radio ratings survey showed Gold 104.3 FM take the crown for largest audience from 3AW after decades.

Monday-Sunday, 5.30am-Midnight, by people aged 10+, the results were:Gold 104.3, 12.1 per cent share.; 3AW, 11.9; Smooth 91.5, 9.7; Nova 100, 8.7; 101.9 FOX FM, 8.3; 105.1 Triple M, 7.7; ABC Melbourne, 5.9; Kiis 101.1 FM, 5.5; SEN, 4.2; 3JJJ, 2.9; 3RN, 2.1; ABC Classic, 2.0; Magic 1278, 1.9; ABC Newsradio, 1.8; 3MP , 1.0.

Shimmer

■ Jon Stevens has released a single, Shimmer, offering a taste of his signature vocal strength with a fresh sonic energy that marks an exciting next chapter for his distinguished music career.

The Surfer

■ (MA). 101 minutes. Now available on Stan.

Nicolas Cage, after churning out dozens of forgettable-to-bad movies over the last decade or so, is starting to make some interesting choices again as an actor.

From Mandy to Longlegs to Dream Scenario, Cage has once more begun to show what a genuinely great actor he can be, and although his latest release doesn’t quite hit the bullseye, the Oscar winning star delivers another excellent performance.

Cage plays the title character, an office worker who, after a number of decades in the US, returns to Lunar Bay, his home town located on the coast of Western Australia

We first see the surfer arrive at the Lunar Bay beach with his teenage son (Finn Little), wanting to reconnect, but also to give the youngster the good news he is going to buy the house he lived in as a child.

The two are confronted by a group of young men known as the Bay Boys, who tell them that only locals can surf there.

The father is humiliated, and causes his son to return home embarrassed.

The surfer, while waiting on his offer for the house to be accepted, stays at the beach car park to observe the intimidating group, which is lead by local entrepreneur Scally (a surprisingly effective from the late Julian McMahon), who rules his minions like a cult leader.

The more he tries to defeat all the obstacles that surround him, the more the surfer’s mindset starts to fall apart, to the point where we wonder if what is happening is real or not.

Thomas Martin’s script sets up a number of interesting ideas, such as one’s sense of self and identity, debilitating attempts to deal with failure and trauma, an inability to deal with outsiders, and toxic masculinity.

Unfortunately, none of these themes are properly developed, so as the story goes on, a shallow nature begins to take over.

Lorcan Finnigan employs a 70’s Drive-In style aesthetic to try and present a life (and mind) slowly disintegrating before our eyes, but while creating an immersive atmosphere, never really gets under the surfer’s skin.

This mutes the material’s potential power, and to get truly lost in the character’s fractured mind.

Also not helping matters is a running time which is at least 15 minutes too long.

Cage dominates throughout, convincingly mixing his known craziness with something much more grounded, making for a memorable, engaging performance.

Reminiscent of WakeInFright (1971), TheLongWeekend(1978) and even Jacob’s Ladder (1990), The Surfer has its moments, but doesn’t fully focus on its multiple themes, resulting in a film that is both frustrating and mesmerising.

RATING - ***

Sinners

■ (MA). 137 minutes. Now available on selected digital platforms. Ryan Coogler, who impressed with his low budget 2013 debut feature, FruitvaleStation, before confidently crafting the quality box-

office hits Creed(2015) and Black Panther (2018), now dives into horror with Sinners, and by blending a number of different genres, themes and styles, delivers big, if at times convoluted, entertainment.

The story centres on twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan), WWI veterans who have made a name for themselves, along with a load of money, working for Al Capone in Chicago

Returning to their home ground in the Mississippi Delta, the duo use their wealth to purchase a rundown sawmill and hopefully turn it into a successful juke joint. With help from their cousin Sammie (Miles Caton) , and the hiring of an eclectic, enigmatic staff (which includes Delroy Lindo, Wunmi Mosaku and Omar Benson Miller ), the group’s plans look promising.

But just when business looks like taking off, they will be visited by an intimidating company who turn out to be more than they appear, and once this happens, things turn decidedly bloody.

Horror fans wanting nothing more than frequent carnage and bloodletting will be disappointed, as writer/director Coogler takes his time setting up his large gallery of characters and the locale where everything is set, threading a suffocating, oppressive racism that blanketed America in the 30s through the material, and the vampire elements are effectively used as a metaphor.

Coogler however never forgets to show the passion he has for the genre, and he is definitely influenced by films such as FromDusk TillDawn(1996) and AngelHeart (1987), while its relevant commentary is reminiscent of Spike Lee’s terrific BlacKKKlansman(2018).

That love flows through to its superb production, namely the music by Ludwig Goransson (Oppenheimer, Tenet), cinematography by Autumn Durald Arkapaw and production design by Hannah Beachler (DarkWaters, Moonlight). Jordan commands the screen in his dual roles, but everyone is convincing.

The music at times feels like a major part of the story, and helps create an immersive atmosphere (just like the incredibly moody Angel Heart did), seeping into everything the viewer is experiencing.

Sinnersmay prove too much for some, but others will embrace Coogler’s full-blown passion for both the story being told and the genre chosen to present it.

RATING - ****

Aaron Rourke

In Memory of

Aaron Rourke

■ Mike McColl Jones was born in East Melbourne in 1937. He went to Xavier College and was a strong supporter of his school football team, the old Xaverians - the ‘Old Xavs’. It was at Xavier that Mike became friends with Philip Brady, Mike Walsh and Jim Murphy.

Mike was a witty person and always had a desire to write comedy. When he started at GTV-9 as a comedy writer his mentor was Freddie Parsons who had written comedy material for Roy Rene ‘Mo’, George Wallace, Dick Bentley and Buster Fiddess.

Mike was special guest on the ThisIsYour Lifeepisode for Freddie Parsons in later years. Initially Mike wrote for Graham Kennedy’s InMelbourneTonight,Graham and Mike measured their successw by the number of complaints received at the television station switchboard.

Their association spanned a period of almost 20 years. As Graham’s personal writer, Mike was responsible for helping Graham ‘send up’ the live commercials on The GrahamKennedyShow. Products like Alka Seltzer, Hoover, Cedel, Pal dog food and ‘Pussy’. “Pussy in a can! What will they think of next?”

He also wrote for don Lane on his recordbreaking decade long DonLaneShow.

Mike also did many dozens of ‘specials’ for the Nine Network, including 23 Logies and a Royal Command performance from the Sydney Opera House ... all hosted by Bert Newton.

He wrote for Steve Vizard for TonightLive, Stuart Wagstaff, Joan Rivers for several years,

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Mike McColl Jones

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

David Strassman, Frankie J. Holden, Paul Martell, Brian Doyle, Bob Monkhouse,, Malcolm Fraser and John Howard 9the ex-PM,, not the actor).

Mike became friends with many of the overseas guests he met here, and enjoyed their hospitality overseas, especially Richard Deacon, Rock Hudson and Joan Rivers.

Joan Rivers once gave a joke Mike wrote for her to her friend Nancy Reagan,. She gave it to her husband, the then President of the United States, and he performed it at a press conference.

Mike McColl Jones ran his own company, The Joke factory, and provided comedy material for many famous people.

He has spoken at funerals over the years and he sometimes did his fanous ‘Letter from

Mike published a number of books. He and wife Valerie had two children, Tim and Catherine, and five grand children, Charlotte, Max, Nicholas, Lucy and Elizabeth. Mike was heard regularly on the 3AW RememberWhenprogram with Philip Brady and Simon Owens.

His favourite meal was lamb cutlets, mashed potatoes and peas, and he loved soft licorice. He was a columnist with the Melbourne Observer and The Local Paper - his topical ‘Top Five’ column was always very funny.

Mike McColl Jones was the author of several books which included And Now Here’s. My FunnyFriendsand GrahamKennedy’sTreasures:FriendsRememberTheKing. in 2017, Mike McColl Jones was presented with hisd Order of Australia Medal at Government House, and his friend Philip Brady was there to support him. The OAM was in recognition of his service to the performing arts as a comedy writer for television.

Sadly, Mike McColl Jones OAM passed away on March 11, 2024, at the age of 86. He is missed by his family, friends and fans.

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

HEALING GARDEN AT HAWTHORN ARTS CENTRE

Healing Garden – Hiromi Tango

Experience transformative power of art and community.

Artist Hiromi Tango is renowned for exploring the connection between art and wellbeing.

Participate in this community artwork by crafting your own pace. Use upcycled textiles and materials to add your own nature-inspired blooms to the evolving, immersive garden installation at Hawthorn Arts Centre. Healing Garden invites you to slow down, nurture creativity, share stories and generally contribute to a living artwork that reflects the collective spirit and environmental consciousness.

Visit the installation and discover arts power to heal and connect.

Free, all materials provided. This activity is suitable for all ages.

This event is part of f our Art+ program.

The program offers a mix of events and activities that invite you to experience the gallery in new and creative ways, including artist talks, film screenings, workshops and live music surrounded by art.

Find out what’s coming up on Experience art with a twist at the Hawthorn Arts Centre web page.

Town Hall Gallery

360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn

Lumina

Lumina – Izabella Pluta

Lumina explores the intersection of photography with concepts of time, memory, notions of impermanence and questions of place.

To create her installation over the course of a year and aligned with each change of season, Pluta worked in situ within Heide Modern exposing lengths of silver gelatin photograph paper to the changing natural light.

Laid out across the terrazzo floor the artist used the modernist building as a type of camera and an unwitting collaborator, registering subtle shifts of shadows and streams of light as they passed through the glass walls and windows .

Other similarly unconventional approaches to recording and spatial intervention unfold throughout the former home, engaging the senses and drawing our eye to things often

unseen

Pluta presents these experiments alongside photographs and a video of her childhood house in Warsaw, Poland ,theinteriorofwhichwas

The Arts

gutted and stripped back by its current owner, with tree stumps marking the places where conifer trees once flourished.

These images forensically map ou this personally significant place that still hold the patina of her family’s presence.

In direct contrast to the to the fixity associated with thee photographic image as a record of a moment in time.

Pluta’s fieldwork methodology reveals a dynamic sense of continuous unfolding and entropy, articulating a fluid mode of moving through and being in the world.

Exhibition closes October 5.

Heide Maeum of Modern Art 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen

At MUMA

The House of Irremediable Objects - Nusra Latif Qureshi

Your correspondent has the pleasure of attending the opening of the above exhibition on Saturday July 26.

The exhibition was opened by Maud Page , Director, Art Gallery New South Wales.

After the introduction speeches the audience than viewed the exhibition.

It is the first major solo exhibition in Melbourne to survey the 30 year career of Nusra Latif Qureshi. Known for her exquisite painted works extending South Asian painting traditions into contemporary contexts, this exhibition locates these

works alongside larger installations and a new commission drawing on objects from Monash University’s Special Collections.

Through Qureshi’s use of layered references, vivid colour and recurring poetic motifs, this significant new exhibition traces threads of history, migration and the politics if representation, reflecting on power, memory and desire.

Exhibition closes September 20.

MUMA

Building , Caulfield Campus Princes Hwy, Caulfield

Morwell

Equilibrium

Works from the Latrobe Regional Gallery Collection.

Equilibriumshowcase aquatically themed works from the LRG Collection ranging from traditional depictions of oceans and waterways to allegorical explorations of identity.

The exhibition draws from a previously unexhibited work from the Collection, Marion Borget’s monumental TheVoidEquilibrium

Overlaying ripple-like patterns t evoke submission into one state from another, the work alludes to the fluid nature of human consciousness and the desire to maintain balance between opposing forces.

Exhibition closes October 19.

★

Into the Deep – Bridet Hillebrand

Latrobe Regional Gallery 3.

LRG present a major new solo exhibition by Victorian artist Bridget Hillebrand, inspired by the coastal waters of Southern Victoria. Into the Deep is a new large-scale installation informed by Hillebrand’s ongoing concern for ecological shifts occurring beneath the ocean’s surface. In an age of hyper-visibility, the deep ocean s resistant to our ways of seeing with more than 80 per cent of our oceans yet to be mapped, explored or even seen by humans.

Into the Deep invites viewers to wade into an intimate meditation on the transience and fragility of our deepest waters, accompanied by a soundscape evoking the depths of the underwater realm.

Dr Bridget Hillebrand is an interdisciplinary artist based in Melbourne whose practice intertwines ar, science and environmental consciousness. This spectacular immersive installation is not to be missed. Exhibition closes September 28. Latrobe Regional Gallery, 138 Commercial Rd, Morwell.

Soapie star separates

■ Holly Valance, the former Melbourne teen actress, originally made her mark in Neighbours. She then progressed as a pop vocalist releasing Kiss,Kiss Holly went to America and appeared in cameo parts in US soapies. She married property tycoon Nick Candy; the power couple split last month after 13 years. Show business is in Holly's family tree as her step-father is Aussie rocker Ross Wilson, and her step-sister Olivia is a TV actress and model.

Beyonce left hanging

■ The Houston Stadium was jam packed to hear Beyonce who made a dramatic entrance suspended high above the concert stage. Beyonce, wearing a safety harness, sat atop a red convertible. All of a sudden there was a snap and one of the wires left the convertible, with Beyonce on board, lurching to the left. Scary incident as Beyonce and roadies quickly fixed the malfunction. Concert re-started, everyone breathed a sigh of relief .

Jaws back in business

■ Joey Chesnut, aka ' Jaws ', has returned as a contender for the crown at Nathan's Hot Dog Eating Competition held on Cooney Island, NYC. 'Jaws' had a spat with competition organisations and failed to compete last year. Now , the differences have been resolved and 'Jaws' is keen to eat his way to yet another sash. He has won 16 titles at Cooney Island to date plus 55 world records to his credit for competitive eating. How gross.

■ This coming October, Melbourne is in for a feast of Jazz at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Six more headline shows have just been added. Details and tickets: www.melbournejazz.com

Culture exchange

● ● Mike McColl Jones

with Peter Kemp

Heaven’ comedy spot. Mike put a smile on the faces of the mourners at the funerals of Graham Kennedy, Don Lane and Tommy Hanlon Jnr.

● Holly Valance

Across Observer

1. Crocodile relative

6. French woman's title

11. Appraised

15. Truce (5-4)

20. Verbal

21. Small insect

22. Turban-wearing Indian

23. George Cross island

25. Agile

26. Act as go-between

27. Ellipses

29. Swiss cheese

32. IX

34. Pronto (1,1,1,1)

36. Re-stage (2-5)

39. Incidental comment

41. Jeans material

43. Category (of art)

46. Played (with)

48. Gaggle birds

49. Matthew, ..., Luke & John

51. Temperate

52. Abhorrence

55. Tibetan priest

56. Acorn bearers

59. From Emerald Isle

61. Pine fruit

62. Golfer, ... Norman

63. Start

64. Peculiarity

67. Red Planet alien

68. On edge (5,2)

70. Aggravate

71. Replenishes (4,2)

72. Urges into motion

73. Spanish pre-Euro currency unit

74. Grassed sections

75. Defunct

77. Municipal boss

78. Composer, Andrew Lloyd ...

79. Situated inside

82. Devouring

86. Caught in the act

87. Annual period

89. Social exclusion

92. Requests, ... for

94. Stop briefly

96. Surface layer

98. Off-limits (2-2)

100. Flow-rate recorder

101. Dawdles

103. Not one

105. Caster

106. Manipulative person

108. Female horse

111. Splendour

112. Employs to excess

114. Amazement

116. Difficult

119. Muslim chieftain

120. Practise boxing

121. Fitness centre

123. Lamenting cry

124. Australian gem

125. Able to be located

126. Generous

127. Epic journey

130. Harbour work boat

131. Especially tag

135. Biting flies

138. Child's jumping pole, ... stick

139. Increase

141. Presumes (the worst)

144. Haul

146. Mature

147. Bangkok native

148. Compete

149. Bulldoze

150. Sales agent

151. Sicilian volcano

152. Pen cartridge

153. Mirth

155. Tenant's payment

157. Prophecy

158. Forbidden activity (2-2)

160. Overly fat

161. Squeeze

162. Crooner, ... Fisher

163. Rim

165. Plucked string sound

166. Hatchet

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Across Down Down

167. Baronet's title

168. Family, ... & blood

169. Rugged peak 171. Altercation (3-2)

172. US symbol

175. Spotted pattern, ... dots

176. Trim, ... & terrific

179. Discovered 180. Flip (coin)

182. International trade fair

184. More submissive 185. Front of ship

186. Smash into 188. Belgrade native 189. Drinking-house

190. Charity gifts

191. Definite article

193. Cold & damp (of cellar)

194. Affirmatives

196. Abominable snowman

197. In addition

198. Stoneworker

200. TV popularity figures

205. Director, ... Howard

207. Aids

210. Or else

211. Respond too strongly

212. Feudal peasant

213. Sob

214. Moral crime

216. Formerly Persia 218. Ice hockey disc

219. Monster

220. Secret hopes

224. Hired killer

227. Rugs

229. Famed lioness

230. Bamboo rod

231. Nodules

232. One time only

233. Pant

235. Remove (brooch)

237. Entertainer, ... Coward

239. Old Testament son of Isaac

241. Raw vegetable dish

244. Garden shack

246. Stress

249. Raced

252. Spain's capital

254. Make certain

256. Lame walker's aid

258. Warder

259. Striped cat

260. Mosquito-borne disease

263. Of the eyes

264. Routine

265. Wrinkle

267. Wench's bonnet

270. Phantoms

271. Strain

272. Anti-slide

273. Accurate

274. Part of play

277. Skip

279. Red-rind cheese

281. Beauty parlour

284. Sea phase, low ...

286. Salt Lake City state

288. Exploited

292. Infiltrating spy

294. Blister-like pouch

295. Magic sticks

298. Slight mistake

300. Dodge

301. Illness, scarlet ...

303. Fuss, song & ...

306. Dish, ... thermidor

308. Wood-shaping tool

309. Banded gemstone

311. Renounced

314. Restraining cord

315. Away from coast

316. Offend

317. Civilian garb

318. Oil cartel

319. Mountain nest

320. Sports day

321. Essential

322. Library patron

323. Steel-belted tyre

324. Metal wind instrument

1. Very eager

2. Overtime reimbursement, time in ...

3. Matches

4. Laid slates

5. Horse colour

6. Provided with personnel

7. Strange

8. Egg white

9. Come out

10. Arrival

11. Plush fabric

12. Farm vehicle

13. Composition

14. Fuel oil

15. Meat cutlet

16. Conscious (of fact)

17. Alleviates

18. Early Peruvian

19. Prepare (newspaper)

24. Dry

28. Stare lustfully

30. Lion's call

31. Tibetan oxen

33. Least busy

35. Wise sayings

37. Fluorescent lamp gas

38. Gateau

40. Cardinal's title, His ...

42. Teenage heart-throbs

44. ... de corps

45. Restricted portion

47. At an advantage (3-2)

48. Wild animal reserve (4,4)

49. Small fish

50. Barge

53. Moderates

54. Catches fire

57. Pieced together

58. Wisps

60. Yells

63. Perform surgery

65. Highly priced

66. Any moment now

68. Ku Klux ...

69. Onto

76. Foolishly

79. Vex

80. Giver

81. Exudes

83. Love (French)

84. Unrevealed

85. Silence

88. Classifying

90. Pulls along on rope

91. Misfortunes

93. Unknown place

95. Shady trees

97. Incorrect

99. Aperture

100. Breakfast or dinner

102. Utilise

104. Artist's naked models

107. Sounded out letters of 109. White wine, ... Riesling 110. Among 111. Career golfers 113. Involve deeply 115. Not bound by oath 117. Grim fate

118. Wig material

121. Recover from (3,4)

122. Street assailants

127. Of past times 128. Pine (for) 129. Rankling

132. Emotional ties

133. Represented in court, ... for 134. Scoundrel 135. Chivalry 136. Airmail letters

137. Degree of incline

138. Ceremonial display

140. Swimming ballgame (5,4)

141. Medieval social system

142. Primitive art forms 143. Groups' proxies

145. US President, ... Bush (6,1)

151. Chose 154. Fencing swords

156. SE English county 159. Belonging to us 164. Oxlike antelope 169. Pickled bud

170. Up in the air 173. Has ambitions 174. Beirut is there 177. Saudi natives

178. Transports

181. Complying with 183. Pale colours

187. Passenger jet

192. Becoming more exciting (7,2)

195. Brighten up 199. Collects

201. Actor, ... Baldwin 202. Lowdown

203. Brace (oneself)

204. Abdominal area

206. Non-rural

207. Water, ... ale (4'1)

208. Little devils

209. Outlaw priest, Friar ... 213. Tiny songbird

215. Movie hero, ... Jones 217. Brief sleeps

221. Strong winds

222. Not ever 223. Buy quickly, ... up 224. ... spumante

225. Unintoxicated

226. Flower smell

228. Plain

234. Rebelliously

236. Mimic

238. Lyrical poem

240. Cigarette residue 242. Geronimo's people

243. Surrounded by 245. Tropical shrub

247. Relic

248. Run playfully 250. Due 251. In attendance

253. Open valley 255. Naming word 257. Fellow 258. Irish dances

261. Leguminous plant

262. Flattened, ... out (pastry) 265. Great Train robber, ... Biggs 266. Bowsers, petrol ... 268. Grass leaf

269. Monastery

275. Italian farewell

276. Media bulletin

278. Eire, Republic of ...

280. Reduced dangerous tension in 282. Experts

283. Peace prize city

285. Respectfully, on bended ...

287. Foggier

289. Yacht's mooring cushion

290. Roots

291. Weirder

292. Cerebral

293. Entangle

296. Book of maps

297. Crisis

299. Shillings & ...

302. Russian river

304. Fasten (to)

305. Press into pleats

306. Skinny

307. Power group

308. Nautical greeting 310. Christmas

312. Cleveland is there 313. Large hawk

By Rob Foenander

Storytellers

■ Melbourne singer-songwriter Suzannah Espie brings an unforgettable afternoon of music and storytelling to the popular Casey Radio Storytellerssessions.

Known for her captivating stage presence and heartfelt lyrics, Suzannah will weave a spellbinding performance that delves into the depths of her music catalogue including folk, blues, and Americana Sunday (Aug. 10), 2pm-4pm. Tickets at Trybooking.com

Dusty, Wendy

■ Aussie music icon Wendy Stapleton will once again bring to life the music and story of the late Dusty Springfield

The show, starring Stapleton as Dusty and featuring musical theatre talents, guides you through Springfield's hit songs from the 60s to the 90s.

This original production has captivated audiences in Australia, New Zealand, and the UK, says her media release.

Memo Music Hall, St Kilda. Saturday, November 22. Tickets at trybooking.com

- Rob Foenander

‘Eclecticity’

■ High profile businessman, musician and venue owner Albare Dadon launched his new album with great pride at his iconic venue Bird’s Basement Eclecticityis a riddle set to music, a collection of compositions that unfold like coded messages, waiting to be deciphered. Two ensembles bring this vision to life— The Jazz Alchemists, with the searing brass of Mat Jodrell and Phil Noy , and The Harmonix Experience, where Jake Mason’s Hammond and Paul Williamson’s tenor sax evoke something timeless and elusive

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

National Institute of Circus Arts

■ The National Institute of Circus Arts is embarking on the new intake of students for 2026.

With the Bachelor degree firmly nested with NICA’s new educational partner – the Australian College of the Arts (Collarts) – the Certificate IV program has gone through an exciting overhaul and now features three new study streams: Specialty Artist, Circus Coach, and Show Technical Support – the first of its kind for Australia

At the core of all NICA programs is the creation of circus artists, however, there is an imperative to create additional pathways for students.

The new streams are built to service gaps within the circus industry, which suffered a mass-exit of creative professionals from the performing arts industry during 2020-2021.

It was identified that a new course structure was required to reskill the next generation of circus arts workers to meet growing industry demand.

The Coaching stream is designed to strengthen youth circus at the grassroots while providing students with dual job prospects upon graduation.

The Show Technical Support stream supports graduates seeking employable skills both on and off stage.

The Specialty stream honours the born performers who want to go all-in, particularly those who are aiming to upskill and audition for the Bachelor’s Degree.

In 2023, the Australian Govern-

Crossword Solution No 8B

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

ment department, Jobs and Skills Australia , in partnership with Victoria University, provided employment projections for artists and entertainers of 6.5 per cent growth to 2028 expanding to13.2 per cent growth by 2033.

The report identifies the necessity of increasing the profile of performing arts in society and have maintained the need for VET accredited circus training.

The report also recognises the important role of the Victorian education and training system in supporting creative artists to develop their craft and contribute to the vibrant performance industry.

Simona Jobbagy, NICA’s CEO, is a firm believer in the need to prepare well for your future.

“Many of our students choose NICA because they’re not looking for short-term success— they’re aiming for lasting careers in the circus arts.

“They want to build strong, high-quality performance skills and enter the industry with the confidence to thrive long term.

“Achieving that level of preparation requires time, dedication, and support. In today’s everchanging job market, formal training also plays a crucial role in opening pathways to other career opportunities.”

National auditions for the Bachelor and Certificate IV programs will take place in Melbourne on the following dates: September 22-23 and 24-25. Apply at nica.com.au/ed Cheryl Threadgold

● National Institute of Circus Arts

Local Railway History with Lance Adams Forgotten stations of the local line

■ When the Tallarook-Yea line opened in 1883 the intermediate locations were 5 mile gatehouse, Trawool , 9 mile gate house, Kerrisdale and Homewood

Later, after the opening of the line an additional station, Wrights Siding (later renamed Granite) was added to service a granite quarry (supplying granite stone to the monumental trade).

This location was about 3 km on the down side of Trawool

Over its existence, Granite had two separate stations.

The first one situated on the Up side of the line on the Up end of Falls Creek (recently renamed Trawool Creek) and a later replacement station which was situated on the down side of the line, at the down end of the Falls Creek bridge.

Both platform structures were of wooden construction and just what date the replacement station was brought into use I don't know.

At right is an early photo from circa 1920 of a Tallarook-Yea hauled by a DD class loco on a mixed train standing at the second Granite platform.

This station ceased to exist from the 1950s.

This location situated right at the bottom of the steepest pull on the line (the Granite bank) was spoken about often, by 1950's local enginemen as being a particularly difficult, slippery climb when coming from a standing start on a frosty morning.

This station had long been removed when I came on to the line firing in the 1960s.

Not much remains at this location now, although an earthen mound of dirt, exists on the Up side of the former line near Trawool Creek

This had nothing to do with the Granite station site, and its origins are unknown to me at present.

Another station that did not survive the 87 years on the Mansfield extension was Balham

This location just past the Tunnel was originally a construction siding for the line when it was being built in the late 1880s/early 1890s.

A large homestead in the area was Balham which utilised this siding almost exclusively.

In the early 1890s, the Balham Homestead made application to the Railways Department for the spartan amenities at this location to be upgraded to a full station.

The railway department stated that if the station was to be upgraded, the ‘Balha’" homestead would have to bear the expense and not the railway department.

A stand off took place and the siding and site were consequently removed.

When I first came on the line some 70 years after Balham was removed, the previous layout and wooden platform face were clearly visible.

This area was severely ravaged in the bushfires of January1969, and precious little now remains. A walk around the area today would still turn up some archaeological gems.

- Lance Adams

● ● DD541 at Granite

● ● ● ● Trawool Station, circa 1910

Hong Kong champion set for Everest

■ Ka Ying Rising, a winner at all his 10 starts, will be a short prIced favourite in the rich Everest coming up on October in Sydney

Prepared by Australia’s own great trainer, David Hayes is confident that he can beat the likes of anything they can bring up against him.

Ka Ying Rising had his last run back in April, when he made it 12 consecutive wins, producing a devastating run in the Group One Chairman’s Sprint at Sha Tin in Hong Kong

He is the world’s top-ranked sprinter for the $20 million Everest.

Hayes feels Ka Ying Rising is the best racing and can’t wait to bring him to Australia

He feels that he is comparable to our great sprinter, Black Caviar, who put together 25 in a row in Australia , prepared by top trainer

Peter Moody

He feels that Ka Ying Rising has displayed similar traits to Black Caviar, and another great Australian, Winx, in his racing action.

Hayes can’t wait to show off his champion come October.

Closest to him in the Everest market are two good young sprinters in both from Sydney, Private Harry and Briasa

Reading down the page in the big one, Jimmysstar stands out especially after his brilliant win in the All Aged Stakes at Randwick back on April 19.

He’s prepared by young top Victorian trainer, Ciaron Maher.

Jimmysstar beat a classy field in the All Aged Stakes and will be right in this.

The Sydney sprinter, Briasa, is smart. Prepared by the Hawkes team and will be right in this, although as mentioned the favourite is a champion.

The Hawkes have a high opinion of him, he is by the former star sprinter, Smart Missile

Another that is good is the colt by Harry Angel named Private Harry, who has strung together five wins from fivestarts, and the Nathan Doyle camp are having a ball.

An interesting runner is the crack English galloper, Lazzat, a four year- old who has won $4 million in stakemoney.

His winning record stands at eight wins from 11 tries.

Then we have the top filly Autumn Glow with Chris Waller, who has put together four wins from as many starts.

Coming up four on August 1, she could be hard to beat here.

Sunshine in Paris is another that fires pretty well, having competed against the best, for the Archibald stable in Queensland

She was a brilliant winner of the Doomben 10,000 back on May 17, beating Rothfire and Payline

Another that is going to be right in the firing line is the Victorian, War Machine, with the local team of the Hayes brothers. War Machine is firing really well.

With wins at his last three starts, he won the Stradbroke Handicap at its last start.

Another top-notcher resuming after injury, Giga Kick could be in the firing line as he is in the top shelf as proven in winning the Everest.

Then there is another good one in Beadman, in the care of Peter Snowden, who goes on all cylinders and is all class.

He won the Ken Russell Event on the Gold Coast back on May 10 in great fashion and is also top class.

Ted Ryan

Spring Carnival

■ Victoria’s richest and most prestigious races, the Caulfield Cup over 2400 metres, will be run on Saturday, October 18, the Cox Plate on Sat-

urday October 25 over 2040 metres, and then on Tuesday November 4 the Melbourne Cup will be run over 3200 metres.

Caulfield will retain a Group One meeting on Saturday November 15, headlined by the C.F. Orr Stakes over 1400 metres.

This will conclude 12 consecutive weekends of Group One racing commencing with the Memsie Stakes over 1400 metres on Saturday September August 30.

As previously announced, Caulfield Cup Day will feature the relocated Group One Thousand Guineas over 1600 metres, while Caulfield on Saturday September 20, welcomes back the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes over 1400 metres as a second feature Group one fixture.

The Ladbrokes Moe Cup meeting has been moved from a Friday afternoon in mid-October to Sunday November 16 , to assist the Club in achieving better on-course outcomes.

Observer Racing Observer Racing

Summer events

■ The Sportsbet Pakenham meeting moves one week earlier to Saturday December 13.

This reduces the gap between the two Southside Slot Series - The Meteorite over 1200 metres and the Supernova over 1400 metres - to three weeks and allows the Club to better engage a pre-Christmas crowd.

The Caulfield Heath Magic Millions Race Day moves back one week to Saturday December 20 where it will remain four weeks prior to the Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday which is scheduled on the later date of January 17.

The MRC’s Boxing Day meeting will be held at Sportsbet Sandown on Friday December 26, with the Caulfield course undergoing its annual renovation through December and January.

The public holiday meeting was held on the Caulfield Heath track in 2024.

RV has endorsed a request from the VRC to shift its traditional New Year’s Day meeting at Flemington to New Year’s Eve, when a twilight meeting feature - the Bagot Handicap and Kensington Stakes over 1400 metres.

Flemington joins Echuca and the Woodford Cup meeting at Warrnambool on Wednesday December 31 this year.

Mornington will headline racing on Thursday January 1.

Ted Ryan

Jimmysstar. Racing Photos.

● ● Sunshine in Paris. Racing Photos.

OLIVIA, 21, SNARES FIRST WINNER

■ Marvellous Maryborough commenced the week on Monday July 28 and what a day it was for an elated 21 year old local reinswoman Olivia Jardine who at drive number nine, snared her first winner aboard Wedderburn trainer Nick Youngson’s 7Y0 Bacardi LindyClaudys Queen mare Champagnes raced by wife Debbie in the Aldebaran Park Concession Drivers Pace over 2190 metres.

No doubt at some stage the corks will be popping and the balloons flying to celebrate the victory.

Champagnes who had showed a return to form at her previous start when finishing second at Stawell a week earlier, was given a sweet trip from gate four trailing the pacemaker speedy mare Jessicas Story which flew the gate from gate six.

Angling away from the markers approaching the final bend, Champagnes when a gap opened up raced to the front on turning after Beautiful Sunrise starting inside the second line which had raced exposed took over running into the home turn to record a runaway 7.1 metre victory at odds of $45.60 parimutual and $45.60 fixed in advance of Beautiful Sunrise who was courageous in defeat, with La Volonte (one/one from the extreme draw) third 3.5 metres away, The mile rate 2-03.2.

Olivia has always been interested in horses growing up in the equestrian field before taking an interest in the harness scene and at one stage assisted as a swabbing steward at some provincial tracks.

Even though her parents have no interest in the sport (I’m sure they have now), her grandfather Ed Jardine had a smart horse by the name of Rathscar (by Floodlight) in the halcyon days of the sport which won numerous races.

Judging by her exhibition, more winners will come Olivia’s way.

■ Horsham’s Aaron Dunn part-owner/trainer/ driver of Father Patrick-Aldebaran Merry gelding Artigas was successful in the Join Your Local Carisbrook Lions Club 3Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres.

First up for almost 12 months, Artigas despite racing uncovered from gate five outside Aldebaran Axl (gate six) which had flown away, raced clear on the home turn to record an easy 14.8 metre margin in a mile rate of 2-00.6, accounting for Itgetsbetter (gate two) which trailed the front runner, with Aldebaran Axl holding third 7.6 metres back.

Just how good is the Charlton Training Centre going at present, providing a double during the afternoon with both Michael Gadsden and Tori Hutchins victorious.

Michael Gadsden’s 6Y0 Lincoln Royal-Irish Calaby gelding Hungry Hogarth (Luke Dunne*) taking the AB Paint Pace over 2190 metres and Tori Hutchins’ 5Y0 Jilliby Kung Fu-Inasafeplace mare Jilliby Tidalwave the 1690 metre Redpath Battery and Tyre Service Mares Pace Final. Hungry Hogarth starting inside the second line settled three back in the moving line before going forward to join the leader My Darling Dancer (gate five) at the bell and dashing away on turning to prevail by 7.6 metres in a 2-01 mile rate from Presidentialchange (gate six) off a three wide trail last lap on the back of Iamawingate (one/ two from the extreme draw) ahead of him which held third 5.5 metres back.

Jilliby Tidalwave (Jordy Leedham) led throughout from gate two, greeting the judge by 3.8 metres from We Favour Rosie which raced exposed from outside the front line battling on strongly. Gerrale (three pegs from a solo second line draw) used the sprint lane for third a half neck back. The mile rate 1-57.

■ Luke and Tori notched up their first Metropolitan winner All Da Rage at Melton the previous Saturday.

■ Toolern Vale father and daughter John and Ewa Justice landed the Benstud Standardbreds Pace over 1690 metres with 6Y0 Stunin Cullen-Littlemishollywood mare Strapping Red in a 1-56.3 mile rate.

Enjoying the run of the race one/one from gate two on the second line as polemarker Petreos led, Strapping Red was switched to the sprint lane on turning and ran home best to defeat Ruff Nut (six back from gate four second line) which raced very wide in the last lap by 1.8 metres. Eastbro Kozzy (gate four) after racing outside the leader from the bell was third 3.5 metres back.

Maiden Pace

■ The regular Shepparton meeting was on Tuesday and local trainer Steven Duffy combined with James Herbertson to snare the 1690

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

metre J & A Mazzetti Painting Maiden Pace with 4Y0 Vincent-One Night mare All Ittook. Settling mid-field from gate two on the second line, All Ittook settled four back in the moving line as well supported polemarker Betathanaboughtone led.

Set alight three wide in the last lap, Allittook sustained a long run to gain the day by a head over a death-seating Postit Lafite and Hezaflashone (inside the second line) along the sprint lane off the back of the leader. The mile rate 1-56.5.

■ The Neatline Homes Pace over 1690 metres went the way of Mangalore breeder, part-owner and trainer Colin Duncan’s Always B MikiDearest filly Tivoli in a 1-56.3 mile rate.

Driven by Chris Alford who usually drives the Duncan horses, Tivoli settled four back in the moving line in a strung out field with Uncle Trev leading from gate two. Gaining a three wide trail forward in the last lap on the back of Owen The Saints (one/two from gate three) who came out ahead of her, Tivoli was able to momentarily drop into the one/one approaching the home turn before easing three wide on straightening and running home best to prevail by 4.6 metres from Owen The Saints, with Loyola Spiaggia (gate five – one/one until the bell when shuffled back) running on late for third 5.2 metres back.

■ Marong duo Terry and Jacinta-Allan Gange have 8Y0 Modern Art-Caro Ella gelding Mister Jimaringle racing at his peak, bringing up two wins in succession by taking the 1690 metre Hygain Pace in a slick 1-54.5.

With ‘Herbie’ in the sulky, Mister Jimaringle was trapped wide from outside the front line before going forward to sit outside the pacemaker High Flux (gate three) which had taken over from Tupelo Rose (gate four). Easing to allow Line Dance (gate two second line) which went forward three wide to park in the open at the bell.

Mister Jimaringle obtained some respite before again easing three wide on the final bend to run on stylishly and greet the judge by a neck from Keayang Omar (gate two – one three) out wide.

Hoorah Philtra bottled up four pegs from inside the second line sprouted wings when clear halfway up the running for third 3 metres away.

■ The Wednesday Wager SHRC Facebook Page Pace saw local father and daughter Wayne and Tasmyn Potter victorious with Always B Miki-Donaricca 4Y0 gelding Day Two.

Given an easy time three pegs from gate four, Day Two made full use of the sprint lane and hard driven flashed home on turning to score by a nose from Spirit Of Sahara (gate two – three back in the moving line – three wide last lap) returning a 1-56.6 mile rate. Sunset Stride which led from the pole just failed to see the trip out and was third 1.5 metres back.

Midweek memo

■ Bendigo raced Wednesday with a small seven race card and Daylesford pair Mick Barby (trainer) and wife Anne-Maree Conroy (driver) provided a tough winner when 4Y0 A Rocknroll Dance-Peaceful Dreams gelding Where Is Woody scored in the 2150 metre Stonemans Village IGA & Liquor Strathdale Pace. Coming off an eye catching fourth at Kilmore two weeks back behind Tupelo Beach, Where Is Woody began on terms from gate three, but couldn’t clear polemarker and noted leader Karuma Kev resulting in him racing exposed for the entire journey. Travelling strongly in the last lap, Where Is

Woody began on terms from gate three, but couldn’t clear polemarker and noted leader Karuma Kev resulting in him racing exposed for the entire journey.

Travelling strongly in the last lap, Where Is Woody after eye balling the leader drew clear in the straight to record a 5.3 metre margin over Karuma Kev which held second 4.5 metres in advance of Bettorsweetvictory (three pegs from gate two). The mile rate 2-00.9.

■ Twelve-year-old Union Guy-Makandilyn gelding Salsboy showed that there is still life in the old boy when victorious in the Simonds Homes Bendigo Pace over 2150 metres. Raced and trained by Leichardt’s Greg Hutton, Salsboy driven by Ryan Sanderson was restrained from gate five to settle mid-field with rank outsider Taste It (gate three leading out before surrendering to stablemate Shezabluechip (gate two) outside him.

Going forward in the last lap to join the pacemaker, the pair went head and head into the final bend, with Salsboy proving too strong over the concluding stages scoring by 3.3 metres. Clem McArdle (one/one from the extreme draw) was shuffled back a spot prior to the home turn when Salsboy went around him and after easing wide on straightening ran home into third a half head away. The mile rate 2-00.2. It was Salsboy’s 11th success in 103 outings.

■ Shelbourne owner/trainer Michelle Eastman landed the Gold Central Victoria Trotters Mobile with Zesta La Go Go a 8Y0 gelded son of Majestic Son and outstanding juvenile Zesta. Driven by Taylor Youle, Zesta La Go Go (gate six) was allowed to balance in the early stages settling four back in the moving line as 12Y0 Tension Seeker led from the pole.

Creeping forward three wide in the final lap, Zesta La Go Go trotted to perfection and was untroubled to defeat Little Tedey which ran home from near last on turning with a wet sail. Solo second liner Whats The Tea (ran home off a three wide trail last lap) from the rear for third. The margins 3.2 by 2.2 metres in a mile rate of 2-03.9.

■ Staunch Cohuna harness fanatics Bruce and Denise Morrison’s home bred American Ideal-Special Needs colt Island Yankee making his second race appearance was successful in the 1650 metre Alabar Bloodstock 2Y0 Maiden Pace returning a slick 1-57.2. mile rate. Coming off a second at to Shepparton on July 15 behind Delightful Miki, Island Yankee trained at Lemnos by Russell Jack and driven by son Nathan enjoyed a cosy passage from the pole on the back of the pacemaker Amada Villma (gate four) on debut and after using the sprint lane ran home nicely to register a 3 metre margin from first starter Amada Villma which ran extremely well. Solo second liner Tryx Vixen (three pegs) held that spot 1.4 metres away.

Thursday pay day

■ Kilmore raced on Thursday with a compact seven event card taking place although the treatment they got from Sky Channel was deplorable with four races shafted to Sky 2.

Champion Bolinda reinsman Chris Alford took the honors with a driving double during the evening, saluting aboard Illawong Phoenix in the Picklebet Same Race Multi Pace over 1690 metres and and Amarty in the 2180 metre Momentum Gaming Maiden Trotters Mobile. Six year old Heston Blue ChipIllawong Philomena mare Illawong Phoenix trained at Ingliston by Luke Tabone settled three back in the moving line from gate five as Alcatraz Girl (gate four) took up her usual spot at the head of affairs.

Going forward racing to the bell to park outside the leader for the final circuit, Illawong Phoenix after getting the better of the leader in the straight, scored by 5.4 metres in advance of Rolling Remona along the sprint lane from three pegs. Kidwithagrin (gate six) ran home late from a long way back for third 3.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.2.

Three year old Amarty, a gelded son of Up And Quick from Mia Mosca trained by wife Alison led throughout from gate two, blitzing his rivals to register a huge 16.7 metres ahead of solo second liner Aldebaran Sariah (four pegs- three wide home turn) and Lady Of Tiavon from the tail after a bad beginning from gate five. The mile rate 2-09.

■ Bolinda trainer Paul Males was in the winners stall after 9Y0 Majestic Son- Charlotte Galleon mare Royal Charlotte at odds of $71.00 parimutual and $53.80 on the tote registered her 15th success in 149 outings (22 placings) by taking the Coulter Legal Trotters Mobile

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Bendigo, ThursdayBallarat, Friday – Mildura/Melton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Cranbourne, Monday –Charlton, Tuesday – Shepparton.

over 2180 metres. Driven by local Josh Duggan, Royal Charlotte (gate three) was given the run of the race following Sovereign Tiger (gate five) which had anticipated the start to a nicety. Using the sprint lane, Royal Charlotte was too slick at the finish for Sovereign Tiger greeting the judge by 5.6 metres in a mile rate of 2-02.8. The Sky Is The Limit (gate four) used the sprint lane for third 2.3 metres back after following the pair. The trifecta paying $2707.40 with the quinella $317.50 much to the delight of stable followers.

■ Tooleen trainer/driver Alby Ashwood led throughout from gate six aboard 5Y0 Sunshine Beach-Bylonga Art mare Ellava Pacer in the 2180 metre Tellurian Wines Pace. Rated to perfection, Ellava Pacer scored by 2.9 metres from Blue Ocean (gate five) which trailed returning a mile rate of 2-02.1. Old timer Lotakevi (one/one from gate three) who loves Kilmore was third 8.9 metres back.

■ Lemnos trainer Russell Jack combined with son Nathan back from a lengthy stint on the sidelines to capture the 1690 metre Jet Roofing 2Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile with a lovely Classic Connection-One Star Lib filly by the name of Afternoon Breeze on debut.

Showing perfect manners and a beautiful stride, Afternoon Breeze (gate five) led all of the way to greet the judge by 17.2 metres in a 2-03.8 rate, accounting for What A Serve (gate two) which trailed and Cooper Kai (three pegs) who was 4.2 metres away third.

Len Baker

Latest News

More funds for LGBTIQA+

■ The Satte Government is supporting Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ community by backing events and festivals that celebrate their achievements, culture and ongoing fight for equality.

Vicki Ward, Minister for Equality. opened applications for the 2025-26 Pride Events and Festivals Fund, a grant program that helps community groups and organisations deliver events that showcase LGBTIQA+ pride and visibility.

Event organisers are invited to apply to share in a grant pool of $400,000 – with $10,000 available for smaller events and $25,000 available for larger festivals.

Since its launch in 2018, the Pride Events and Festivals Fund has supported around 240 events across Victoria.

Last year’s recipients, Your Community Health in partnership with Transgender Victoria and VACCHO, hosted Blak and Bowled, an open day event featuring gender-diverse First Nations performers and artists, which doubled as an opportunity for health services to share their culturally safe gender-affirming care pathways.

Transgender Victoria hosted the Trans Book Festival at the Victorian Pride Centre – showcasing diverse trans narratives and spotlighting more than 30 authors to almost 200 attendees.

Other previous recipients include Clunes Neighbourhood House – delivering an LGBTIQA+ Ageing Expo in Hepburn and Melba Support Services which created inclusive friend-dating events for LGBTIQA+ people living with disability in the Yarra Ranges.

“The fund is part of the Satte Government’s landmark Pride in our future: Victoria’s LGBTIQA+ strategy 2022–2032 – a 10-year plan to create a more equal, safe and inclusive Victoria,” said a Government representative.

Your Stars with Kerry

Kulkens

Presented by Sarah

Kulkens, Australia’s

Trusted Psychic Family

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 1, 2, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 12, 21, 24, 29, 41, 43

Avoid rushing into situations where the outcome is uncertain. Refrain from lending or borrowing, and focus only on essential expenses. For those eligible, this could be an excellent period for romance.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 1, 7

Lotto Numbers: 4, 5, 17, 29, 26, 41

Catch up on tasks that have piled up. Be ready for an opportunity that may improve your career or financial situation.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2, 1, 6, 1

Lotto Numbers: 2, 16, 17, 31, 42, 43

This period favours personal and romantic relationships. Any carefully planned ventures started now are likely to succeed, and someone from your past may reappear.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1, 2, 1, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 18, 28, 25, 43

Opportunities for financial gain are around, but you must act quickly. Surprises from someone close could add intrigue. A little stranger might enter your life.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 3, 1, 3, 1

Lotto Numbers: 3, 13, 14, 19, 21, 39

People around you may be unpredictable, so avoid relying on others for plans. Complicated situations from the past could now be resolved in your favour.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Purple

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 6, 1, 2, 8

Lotto Numbers: 6, 10, 28, 29, 33, 42

This is not the time to ask for favours. Conflicts with authority may arise, so tread carefully. On the bright side, social and romantic affairs should bring joy; some may meet someone fulfilling their dreams.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 2, 6

Lotto Numbers: 15, 26, 28, 39, 30, 45

Self-reliance is key, as others may lack clarity. Take your time with tasks requiring attention to detail. This is a favourable time to request favours from superiors.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Grey

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 9, 1, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 9, 12, 17, 27, 42, 44

You’ll likely persuade others to adopt your point of view, and past efforts could yield gains. Career advancements and unexpected romantic proposals are possible.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 1, 7, 1, 1

Lotto Numbers: 1, 7, 10, 11, 25, 43

Support for your ideas and efforts is likely. Problems will clear up more quickly than expected, leading to better-than-anticipated outcomes.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Black

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 1, 6, 1, 8

Lotto Numbers: 16, 18, 19, 22, 35, 42

Trust your instincts—hunches may prove accurate. A promising opportunity could arise. Attention to the domestic scene will maintain stability, and a younger family member might need guidance.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 2

Lotto Numbers: 4, 6, 22, 37, 33, 41

Avoid overpromising or getting involved in conflicts. Financial prospects look good, and new income opportunities may present themselves.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 7, 1, 9, 2

Lotto Numbers: 7, 19, 26, 24, 32, 45

Good news and celebrations are on the horizon, but be cautious with your budget. Seek support from those in a position to help—you may be pleasantly surprised by the response.

Kerry Kulkens™ Magic Shop 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave

Visit us online at: www.kerrykulkens.com.au

Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and offerings.

Tax reform needed now

Sir, As Independent MP for Wentworth, Allegra Spender convened her tax roundtable in Canberra, the St Vincent de Paul Society submitted our proposal to the Treasurer’s upcoming Economic Reform Roundtable on August 19-21.

“We all agree that Australia needs urgent tax reform, so sooner or later we must reckon with the practical implications: inevitably tax reform will mean winners and losers,” Ms Spender said in a statement.

In the Society's submission to Treasury, we outline four budget-neutral options, modelled by the ANU’s Centre for Social Policy Research, designed to lift more struggling Australians above the poverty line.

Not only that, but the ANU study reveals how changing tax concessions on the wealthiest superannuation accounts could fund a fairer safety net while boosting the superannuation of around 90 per cent of Australians

Our proposals show millions of potential winners, while asking only the wealthiest households to receive a little less in tax breaks or welfare payments.

The Society also strongly opposes any broadening or increasing of the GST , as this would only widen the growing gap between Australia’s richest and poorest households. That’s not the Australia we aspire to.

Every day across Australia, the Society is seeing more people seeking our help – not just those on welfare, but middle-income families and working Australians, many for the first time. The system is broken and must be fixed, urgently.

We believe our ANU study, AFairerTaxandWelfareSystem 2025, demonstrates that it is economically feasible to lift more Australian families out of poverty while improving outcomes for lower- and middle-income households.

We invite you to read more about the report at vinnies.org.au and urge you to contact your local MP or Senator to demand a fairer tax and welfare system for Australia

Mark Gaetani, National President, St Vincent de Paul Society National Council of Australia

Faceless funerals

Sir,

A growing number of seniors in Victoria are being drawn in by cheap online funeral prices, unaware of the hidden reality behind these services.

What appears to be an affordable, professional option is often little more than a faceless operation - one that contracts out every part of the process without disclosing who is actually caring for your loved one.

Most people would be shocked to learn that there is no licensing requirement to operate as a funeral director in our state.

This means that anyone can launch a funeral business— often with nothing more than a slick website and a mobile phone—and begin arranging

Observer Mailbag

Short letters (no more than 200 words) on local subjects are invited from readers. Email to: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au

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

funerals without any qualifications, facilities, or staff of their own.

These budget providers typically have no mortuary, no chapel, and no vehicles. Instead, they rely entirely on third parties for the collection, care, transport, and cremation.

Families are left in the dark: they don’t know who is handling their loved one, where they’ve been taken, or whether they’re receiving respectful and lawful treatment.

For many seniors—who have lived through decades of tradition and trust in funeral care—this is a deeply unsettling shift.

There is no office to visit, no service location to see, and often no transparency at all. In some cases, the only physical contact is when ashes are returned by courier.

This is not how we should be treating the deceased — or the living.

In a profession grounded in trust and dignity, it is simply not acceptable for unqualified operators to outsource an entire funeral and pass it off as their own.

This lack of regulation opens the door to poor standards, confusion, and unnecessary distress for grieving families.

Before locking in a funeral provider, consumers—especially seniors planning ahead—should ask three critical questions:

■ Where are you located?

■ Where will my loved one be taken?

■ Do you contract any part of your service out?

If a business cannot answer

these clearly, it’s a red flag.

The Victorian Government must act. We need a licensing system that ensures qualified operators, proper infrastructure, and full transparency. Seniors deserve to know exactly who they are entrusting with their final arrangements—and families deserve peace of mind when it matters most.

Sir,

Michael Cox Haig St,

Southbank

Water policy

As we transition to the new era of water policy and management, there are unintended consequences that need to be acknowledged and addressed.

One of these involves intervalley trades, where environmental water holders and speculators are able to use management tools for financial benefit, at the expense of food and fibre producers.

Over the past 20 years, production of food has taken a very sad last place in the development of water policy and that is now being reflected with increased prices at the local supermarket.

Recently, a random ballot saw 100,000 megalitres of water shifted from the Goulburn to the Lower Murray valley. For many, this may seem inconsequential.

However, in reality it raises the issue of environmental water holders effectively choking the inter-valley trades, as they have so much water at their disposal. It also poses an interesting question: If an environmental water holder purchases water to benefit the environment in a particular valley, why should it be allowed to move it to another valley?

Additionally, should government authorities like the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder be allowed to take up 20 per cent of trading space, to the detriment of food producers?

If we continue to ignore the imbalances that threaten the livelihoods of those who grow our food, the price we pay will continue to escalate.

John Lolicato Wakool, NSW

United ride

Sir,

Harley-Davidson, in partnership with The Salvation Army , is calling on all riders from every corner of Australia and New Zealand for the inaugural ‘ United We Ride’, a powerful event uniting motorcycle communities.

Rolling out simultaneously across both countries on September 6, this trans-tasman event isn’t just about hitting the open road; it’s a rally for real change.

Every rider registered through unitedwerideanz. com will help raise critical funds for The Salvation Army’s work with families, crisis response, and financial hardship.

Those who raise the most will be in with a chance of winning a prize pack that includes a Harley-Davidson X350 motorbike.

Alex Adams, by email

Secret radar

■ A top secret £1 million radar station will guard Sydney against surprise raids by supersonic jet planes by the end of this year.

Melbourne may get a similar station later, but there has been no official decision yet.

Mr. Townley, Air Minister, tonight announced this latest air defence move, which will provide Sydney with radar equipment "equal to anything of its kind anywhere in the world today."

Mr. Townley said details of the site and the equipment could not be revealed but it was expected that the equipment would operate effectively against the latest types of jet aircraft flying at supersonic speeds, and at heights of more than 50,000 feet.

He said the equipment, which was built in America, would be manned by R.A A.P. men including ' specialists at present receiving special training in America. It should be operating before the end of the year.

Rail fares up

■ Suburban and country rail passenger fares and freights seem certain to rise steeply from October 1.

This price jump was foreshadowed yesterday in a "bombshell" statement by Mr. Whately, State Minister for Development, Decentralisation and Forests.

Mr. Whately "lifted the lid" on former topsecret State Cabinet discussions by declaring to the Kyneton Chamber of Commerce yesterday that substantial passenger fare increases were the means by which the State Government would overcome the £3,800,000 rail deficit.

Mr. Whately said: "It's the city person who will be hit to leg. We will do it quickly, hoping to be in power for three years, and hoping that by that time the people will be used to it." *

"The people will tear us to bits when we start to raise suburban fares or even country fares - but you can't have your loaf and eat it, too. You can't lose £3 million a year, because if you do, you create far greater problems for everybody."

Trainers all-clear

■ League club trainers will be allowed to carry messages on to the field during a match - after today.

A league meeting last night made this new rule which will operate from today week. Fitzroy and Richmond clubs voted against the move. The rule provides that the trainer to act as messenger will wear a special white armband. Most' delegates admitted last night that messages have been sent to players for years, even though it has not been legal.

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.

■ 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.

Court Lists

Dandenong Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

Wednesday, August 6

Adams, Benjamin Adrak, Amir Ahmadi, Ewaz

Local Briefs

Drugs, gun seized

■

■ HALLAM. Shell Coles Express.

208-210 Princes Hwy.

■ HALLAM. United Petroleum. Cnr

Belgrave-Hallam Rd and Princes Hwy.

■ 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

■

■ ■ 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.

■ 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.

Amarsinghe, Padmini Aramia, Daniel John Arici, Serafettin Asani, Lirim Ashe, Darren Aulakh, Arminder Singh Avram, Marina Beasley, Reid Bedford, Peter Charles Bell, Chantal Nicole Blasi, Robert Bolai, John Boothey, Brianna Broadbent, Mark Broadbent, Roger Mark Brown, Jack Peter Browning, Mitchell Bugelaar, Bradley Cairns, Melissa Anne Chandler, Kyle Chandler, Winston Chew, Kai Meng Cintolo, Luke Coady, Jacquelin Cruickshank, Stacey Cupsa, Monica Desouza, Shaquille Dhanoya, Mandeep Dharmakeerthi, Dasun Ditchfield, Tyler Jordan Dunne, Max Faatele, Fay Sieni Falzon, Daniel Farmer, Sage Fisher, Sammy Fitzgerald, Benjamin Flentjar, Marshall Folau, Lonely Fracassi, John Ghanizada, Sahil Seconder Giannakis, Bill Gleeson, Ryan Gunaratne, Ratiyalage Hablas, Ibrahim Hardman, Simone Lee Hardy, Dion Harlen, Luke Harmer, Christopher Robert Harper, Matthew Stewart Harrison, Grant Hasler, Daniel Philip Hellyer, Isaac Hewapinkolage, Yasith Hewitt, Corey Hinchcliffe, Clinton Michael Housaini, Sayed Jackson, Dylan James, Aaron Kalenga, Cecile Nsenga Kerbage, Rayan Kerrigan, Trent Khoder, Bassem Knaap, Nathan Knott, Brodie Korres, Dimitrios Koskinas, Billy Kuras, Andrzej Lace, Thalia Leek, Mal Levinzon, Naum Mackay, Kristy Macleod, Scott Madadi, Mohammad Maimur, Matthew Manthapuram, Venumadhav Martin, Kim Louise Maxwell-Sykes, Tamara Meddings, Joshua Melda, Denham Mihidukulasooriya, Sumith Mills, Haidyn Mobalegh, Tayeba Momia, Emil Moran, Cassidy Muon, Guanar Naidu, Shamit Naprelac, Alvin Paul Nocera, Laticia O'donahue, Kirsty O'shea, Nicholas Kevin Parkin, Adam David Payne, Blake Penigilly, Vaughn William Perera, Sean Peters, Morgan Pham, Phillip Phillips, Anthony Pickard, Aaron Shae Pierce, Teaghan Patricia Price, Joshua Purton, Cindy Qadeer, Hamza Reeves, Kim Louise Ribic, Blazenka Robb, Bailey

Contents of Court Lists are intended for information purposes only. The lists are extracted from Court Lists, as supplied to the public, by the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria, often one week prior to publication date; for current Court lists, please contact the Court. Further details of cases are available at www.magistratescourt.vic.gov.au The Local Paper shall in no event accept any liability for loss or damage suffered by any person.

Rochecouste, Catarina Rodgers, Gary Rojc, Bobby Rosse, Marie M Rushby, Charlee Brooke Saunders, Joshua Segond, Anthony Shafaie, Ali Reza Shahrestan, Qumars Islamdost Shortis, Andrew Stewart Sialai, Jerome Singh, Guriqbal Singh, Jagtar Singh, Jason Singh, Sandeep Smith, Kerry Norman Soe, Pie Soy, Nousoben Sozmen, Nehir Sullivan, Nathan John Sulovic, Rasim Syed Muhammas Shah, Samira Tafiti, Stuart Taylor, Ryan Tilyard, James Tran, Thi Cam Trevor, Paul Gregory Tsonis, Erin Vivanti, Veronica Wells, Ashley Whickham, Benjamin Williams, Michael Woodleigh, Joshua Yawnou, George Yeomans, Francis Zeynali, Vasam Dromana Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Thursday, August 7 Adams, Jason Aleksovski, Mariana Allen, Melinda Atkin, Neil Phillip Ben-Avi, Sara Bernhardt, David Bicsak, Bridget Caddy, Jordan Cleaver, Tauree Cohen, Joel Cole, Elaina Cole, Julian Peter Cooper, Tim Culwick, Jay Anthony Currie, Russell De Sena, Cecilia Decelis, Simon Farag, Brandon Fletcher, Michael Gaffney, Tia Hinton, Travis Jackson, Ashley Jones, Marlene Una Jones, Ronald Joseph Joseph, Matthew Kanellos, Victoria Koufos, Evangelos Krongold, Galit Layton, Amy Lee, Cameron Douglas Lee, Stuart Luttgens, Kayla Jayne Marchetto, Evandro Matthey, Brian Mckinnon, Kacey Jaqueline Mead, Bryce Roger Meek, Alison Milicevic, Dobrica Nankivell, Benjamin O'sullivan, Trent Owen, Brian Pelizzari, Fabio Rakete, Shane Rath, Daniel Ross, Shannon Saunders, Damon Bruce Singh, Sharanbir Smith, Jesse Stevens, Tyler Tagliabue, Timothy Tait, Bradley Tre Week, Iesha Vincent, Claire Vitaljic, Simon John Wilcox, Timothy Williams, Daniel Willson, Christopher Willson, Erin Woolfe, Andrew

■ Two people have been charged with trafficking methylamphetamine and 1,4 butanediol in Melbourne’s south-east. Officers from the Springvale Divisional Response Unit executed a search warrant at a home on Mossman Drive, Cranbourne East, just before 7am on Monday, July 28.

During a search of the property, investigators discovered approximately 140gm of methylamphetamine with an estimated potential street value of approximately $20,000.

Trafficking a commercial quantity of drugs carries a maximum prison term of 25 years. Police also seized a quantity of GHB, as well as an imitation AK47 and $12,000 in cash.

A 39-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman – both from Cranbourne East – were arrested at the home.

They were charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine, trafficking 1,4-butanediol, and possessing proceeds of crime.

The man was also charged with prohibited person possess imitation firearm. Both were remanded and appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court, where they were further remanded to reappear in the same court.

Springvale Divisional Response Unit Detective Acting Senior Sergeant Ashley Penry said: “Drug activity results in a plethora of additional crimes being committed in our community that affects so many more than just those in the drug trade.

“Getting caught trafficking drugs is no joke; you could spend up to 25 years behind bars if found guilty.

“Replica firearms may sound like toys but possessing them is also a very serious offence.

“They are often indistinguishable from the real thing, especially if used in a highstress situation such a burglary or robbery, where a victim or witness believes they are real.

“By removing dangerous drugs and weapons from the street, we are making it safer for everyone.”

Erratic driving

■ Police have charged a man after a car allegedly rammed a police vehicle in Langwarrin.

Officers first spotted the grey Ford Focus allegedly driving at high speed on the Monash Fwy in Glen Iris about 12.50am on Monday, July 28.

Highway Patrol officers activated their light and sirens, however the vehicle evaded officers, taking off at a fast rate of speed.

The allegedly stolen vehicle was later spotted on Heath Mews in Langwarrin about 2.45am.

While attempting to intercept the vehicle, a police car was allegedly rammed by the Ford which took off once again.

The vehicle continued along North Rd and stop sticks were successfully deployed at the intersection with Warrandyte Rd.

The vehicle then lost control and crashed into a barrier near the intersection with McClelland Drive.

The driver allegedly fled on foot but was tracked by the Dog Squad into thick scrub nearby and arrested.

The 24-year-old Langwarrin man was charged with theft of motor vehicle, failure to stop on police direction, driving whilst disqualified, failing to have proper control of a motor vehicle, deal property being proceeds of crime, possess controlled weapon and possess drug of dependence.

He was remanded to appear before Frankston Magistrates’ Court

The vehicle is alleged to have been stolen from a property on Campbell St in Frankston on July 26.

Restoring dunes

■ Ninety Grade 6 students from Rosebud Primary School have been helping to save a local beach.

Armed with gloves, garden trowels and a serious love for the outdoors, the students spent a day planting 1500 indigenous seedlings into the dunes along the Rosebud foreshore.

The event was described as a hands-on environmental action; part of a wider project focused on protecting the fragile coastline. The students rotated through learning stations, getting a close-up look at how dunes work, and why native plants matter.

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FREE non-commercial classified advertising is available for individual readers, selling iitems. Your ad can be up to 40 words. This service is available at the sole discretion of the Editor. Ads will appear for up to 4 weeks. Free ads are not available to businesses or organisations. Deadline: 4pm Fridays prior to Print Edition. You can lodge your Free Ad by:

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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

BASKETS. Two,

GC. $30. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q

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

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

hours. $650 ONO. Pearcedale. 0418 457 588. Z-CC

covering all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and selected Victorian country areas. Your free ad will appear in up to 4 issues. There are no charges, no commissions. T&Cs apply. Lodge your ad at: www.AdvertiseFree.com.au

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

The Local Paper Email: editor@LocalPaper. com.au Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, 3095

BOOKING AND COPY DEADLINE: 5pm Fridays, prior to Wednesday issue. CLASSIFIED ADS Classified ads are available each week in The Local Paper, which is published on Wednesdays, February-December (with the exception of Easter Wednesday). All Classified Ads appear in the print and online editions. It is important to check your advertisement is correct on the first day it appears. While every care is taken to ensure your advertisement is correct, errors can occur. If this happens to your ad please contact us the first day your advertisement appears and we will be happy to correct it as soon as we can.

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 negotiable. West Preston. 0416 576 660. R-U

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

MOBILITY SCOOTER.

Pre-owned. Sill under warranty with new batteries. Features headlights and tail lights, swivel seat, rear shopping bag, includes key and charger. max user 136kg, 35km range per cahrge. Free delivery. VGC. $1295. Moorabbin. 0401 980 969. R-U

WHEELCHAIR. Manual. Evoke 2 Aspire

new,

and

473 565.N-Q

RIDE-ON Deutscher 280 Honda motor, runs fine, seal on shaft leaks, heaps of parts including new seat, new cutting plate, body part dismantled, everything is there. GC. $800. Yarck. 0414 718 812. R-U

PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q

PICTURE FRAMES. 40 large to small. Various styles. VGC. All only $70. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q

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

SHEEP. 60 mixed breed ewes, been running with rams, have ear tags. Friendly, great lawnmowers, saves mowing the paddocks and helps reduce fire risk. Can deliver. GC. $130. Deanside. 0426 397 741N-Q

WOOD FIRE STOVE HEATER. Ozpig Traveller. Used twice. Comes with grill and hot plate, lifting handle, carry bag. heaps ofready cut fire lighters. Heavy duty grate and 45 quart camp oven. VGC. $3000. Montmorency. 0483 881 609. R-U

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

TABLE. Large solid timber, dining room table, 2100mm x 1000mm. Plus six chairs. GC. $30. Yea. 0419 109 887. N-Q

TABLE. Round. Polished timber. 100cm diameter. Seats 4. VGC. $90. Mill Park. 9436 8935. N-Q

focal length. 28x-233x magnification. Equatoirial mount. As new. $60 ONO. Cheltenham. 0438 533 123.F-M

TRAIN BOOKS. Wide variety of books and pamphlets to all types of trains. All prices negotiable. Research. 9437 1253. N-Q

TYRE CHANGERS. Manual. Little used, complete with instructions, purchaser to collect. GC. $90. Doreen. 9717 3465 N-Q

WALKERS. Two. One new, hardly used, $120. Second one: GC but some small marks. $80. Seymour. 0419 881 573. R-U PRAM. Old, child’s col- lectable. GC. $60. Wandong. 041`8 399 261. R-U

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

WHEELCHAIR. Electric. Pride Go. Mobility chair. Only moths old. Paid $3700. Will sell $1800 ONO. Like brand new. Rosanna. 0418 583 120. R-U

Incorporating the ‘Melbourne Trader’ and

WHEELCHAIR. Electric. Hubang HBLD2-B. Light- weight, easy to manoeu- ver, strong battery life. Per- fect for everyday use. Sellng due

450mm.

never been used as too small for subject. Foldable

extremely light for easy transport. Well made, Top of the range. EC. $600. Diamond Creek. 0401

NOTICES

GOD’S CHURCH invites faithful followwees of Christ to attend the New Testament local Passover night service. Alfredton, Ballarat. To secure your seat, 0419 327 366. N-P

WINDOW. Aluminium. 1600mm x 1600mm with windout window. GC. Free. Murrindindi. 0418 564 174. R-U

WOOD

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

HEDGE TRIMMER. Honda. HHH25D. 4 stroke. With hour meter fitted. VGC. Bought in Feb. 2022. Has done 20.8

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

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