The Local Paper. Peninsula-Frankston-Greater Dandenong-Casey-Cardinia Edition. Wed., Sep. 3, 2025

TODDLER INJURED AT CHELSEA HEIGHTS

■ Police are investigating a collision in Chelsea Heights on Monday night last week (Aug. 25) where a child sustained critical injuries.

It is understood a white van was travelling west on Thames Promenade, near the intersection of Mulkarra Drive , when it struck a toddler about 9.10pm.

The child was on a small balance bike using the pedestrian crossing, with a man who was walking.

An off-duty police officer stopped to assist the child, who was then worked on by emergency services at the scene.

The child was transported to hospital with serious injuries and remains in a critical condition.

The man who was walking across the road was not injured.

The male driver of the van stopped at the scene and was arrested.

The 29-year-old Clyde man was interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are working to establish the exact circumstances of the collision.

TEENS CHARGED AFTER HAMPTON PARK DAMAGE

■ Three teenagers have been arrested after they were caught damaging cars in Hampton Park.

Police were called to reports of teens smashing the front window of a business on Commerce Drive just after midnight on Tuesday (Aug. 26).

It is alleged they then damaged around 15 vehicles parked on the street.

No one was inside the business or any of the cars at the time.

Officers attended and arrested the trio at the scene.

The 14-year-old boy and two 13-year-old boys, all from the Dandenong area, were taken into custody where they were to be interviewed.

Early deadlines

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Adjusted production schedules for this issue of The Local Paper mean that football and racing pages could not be included. They will return soon.

South-East crime spree

■ Detectives from Moorabbin and Frankston Crime Investigation Units have charged a man following an alleged crime spree in the Southern and Eastern suburbs this month.

The spate of burglaries and thefts occurred between 3 and 23 August.

Alleged offences occurred in Dandenong South, Clayton, Cranbourne, Braeside, Somerville, Bentleigh, Noble Park, Moorabbin, Cheltenham, Sandringham, Narre Warren, Pakenham, Clyde, Sky Officer and Frankston.

With assistance from members from the Dog Squad, Air Wing and Southern Metro Region Crime Squad a 28-year-old Carrum Downs man was arrested in Frankston on Saturday, August 23.

He has subsequently been charged with 32 offences including but not limited to multiple burglaries, theft of motor vehicles, conduct endanger serious injury and drive dangerously whilst pursued by police.

He was remanded to face Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on August 27.

$74m Costco for Pakenham

■ Costco is about to open a $74 million warehouse and fuel station in Pakenham.

The corner site on Greenhills and Koo Wee Rup Rds is set to open in 2027.

The retail giant has a $118m Ardeer flagship and other suburban centres at Ringwood, Epping and Moorabbin Colliers Melbourne East national director Gordon Code was quoted to say that Costco’s decision to add Pakenham to its network was a clear sign of the retailer’s ambitious growth strategy.

“Costco is a destination retailer,” Mr Code said. “People drive for miles, and the moment they commit to a site the phone runs hot from businesses wanting to be beside them.

“Costco looked at multiple sites, but this one wins hands down, direct freeway access and even a natural gas connection, which is critical when you’re baking, roasting and preparing food at Costco’s scale.” Businesses are keen o position themselves shoulder-to-shoulder with Costco.

● ● Chelsea Heights. Google Maps.

● ● Dandenong Magistrates’ Court

Boollam Boollam opens at Pakenham

■ Boollam Boollam Child and Family Centre has officially opened, providing early years services and support to Cardinia Shire families.

The new Child and Family Centre located at Roderick Drive, Pakenham, was officially opened with a ceremony attended by Pakenham MLA Emma Vulin, Cardinia Shire Mayor Cr Jack Kowarzik, Crs Casey Thomsen and Collin Ross and representatives from Early Childhood Management Services.

The centre has been welcoming families through the door since the commencement of Term 2.

"We are thrilled to officially open Boollam Boollam Child and Family Centre, a brandnew integrated facility that fosters creativity, learning, and community for our families and children,” Cr Kowarzik said.

“The new space includes four kindergarten rooms offering up to 132 kindergarten places for 3 and 4-year-olds, and spaces for maternal and child health services and other services such as allied health.

“The program room can also be used for playgroups and other community programs when not in use by the kindergarten,” Cr Kowarzik said.

Heatherton’s score on board

■ Heatherton Football Netball Club has received a State Government budget commitment of up to $70,000 for an electronic scoreboard.

Clarinda MLA Meng Heang Tak has congratulated the Club on the commitment of up to $70,000 for an electronic scoreboard and new and upgraded match day facilities supporting players, volunteers and the wider community to enjoy local sport at its best.

“It is a fantastic result for the club and for our community. It was great to see players, supporters, sponsors and community leaders coming together at the club for the sportsman’s lunch.

“I understand that it was a fantastic celebration of the club and its contribution to the community. Doug Hawkins as guest speaker also was a highlight.

“Thank you once again to Warrick Earle and the club officialsfor the invitation and for having my team there on Saturday.

“Heatherton Football Netball Club is an amazing local sporting club, an inclusive and welcoming club that brings families together throughout the year.

“This is why I am extremely proud of this budget investment. There are wins everywhere in the budget, which has been very well received by residents, and that is because it is a budget and a government focused on what matters most for Victorians.

“Thank you once again to the Heatherton Football Netball Club and to all of our local clubs for the incredible impact they have in building our thriving and inclusive community in Clarinda and across the south-east,” Mr Tak said.

‘RECRUITED KIDS FOR CRIME’

■ Mornington Peninsula Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man following a string of car thefts and theft from motor vehicles, including offences where he allegedly recruited children to assist in carrying out crimes.

Detectives conducted extensive investigations into the series of incidents that occurred in the Mount Eliza, Mornington, Mount Martha, Bittern and Somers areas between August 814.

Officers attended a residence in Hastings where a 30-year-old man was arrested on Monday, August 18.

He has subsequently been charged with 29 offences;

■ Recruiting a child to engage in criminal activity x3

■ Supply drug of dependence to a child x3

■ Possess methylamphetamine

■ Burglary

■ Theft

■ Theft of motor vehicle x2

■ Theft from motor vehicle x4

■ Attempted theft from motor vehicle

■ Handle stolen goods x2

■ Deal property suspected proceeds of crime

■ Criminal damage

■ Commit indictable offence whilst on bail x6

■ Contravene a conduct condition of bail x2

■ Resist police officer

Vandalism on play equipment

■ Stickers have illegally been placed on play equipment in the City Of Frankston.

“Stickers were unlawfully placed on the new play equipment at Kareela Reserve,” a Council representative said.

“Since being made aware of the vandalism, Council removed the materials, repaired the playground, and formally advised the organisation responsible.

“Political messaging of this nature has no place in our parks, public spaces, and above all, our playspaces, where our children should be able to do just that – play.

“Frankston City Council strongly condemns the inappropriate and illegal placement of political and social propaganda on community facilities.

“We understand that events overseas can be deeply distressing and that people across our community feel pain and suffering on all sides, something I touched on

in a statement late last year. Council respects that this is a difficult time for many.

“However, public assets are not the place for political or ideological messaging of any kind, and Council will not allow our facilities to be used in this way.

“Unfortunately, this is part of a broader challenge Council faces with vandalism across the city – from damage to trees and landscaping, to graffiti on public toilets, to deliberate destruction of play equipment.

“This behaviour is not only illegal, but it costs our community dearly in time, resources, and money that could otherwise be invested in improving our city. Council will continue to take a strong stance against vandalism and criminal damage. Offenders face fines and other enforcement action under Council’s Community Local Law 2020, the Graffiti Prevention Act 2007, and other relevant legislation.”

Police probe D’nong stabbing

■ Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man in Dandenong on Tuesday morning (Aug. 19).

Emergency services were called to reports of a man found with stab wounds on Potter St about 4.50am.

Paramedics treated the 39-year-old man however he died at the scene.

It appears that the incident may have occurred at a nearby residence on Potter St, before the man fled the address on foot.

Exact circumstances surrounding the man’s death are yet to be established and the investigation remains ongoing.

Kids Club success

■ Kids Club Dandenong is a sustainability champion in the community. Their Kinder program is instilling a deep sense of environmental responsibility from an early age. Young eco-warriors are learning through action: recycling correctly, composting food scraps in the green bin, reusing materials for creative art and craft projects, collecting used batteries in a dedicated tub to keep harmful waste out of landfill, and encouraging students to walk to kinder.

For Muharram

■ Narre Warren North MLA Belinda Wilson has reported on attending the Taha Centre, the Abu Talib centre and the Rasul Akram Association for the special occasion of Muharram.

“Muharram is a significant month in the Islamic calendar,” Ms Wilson said. “For many in the Muslim community this month is marked differently depending on your tradition.

“For Shia Muslims, they remember the death of Imam Hussain , a story that has echoed down for centuries. Each mosque reflects the unity, the courage and the devotion of this month and Imam Hussain , whose sacrifice became a timeless symbol of resistance, truth and moral courage.

“I extend my heartfelt thanks to all the organisers and the community leaders for inviting me to be part of this really meaningful Muharram. It was such a memorable evening, and it was a real privilege to attend and be part of it,” Ms Wilson said.

Thanks Glenda

■ The service of Ms Glenda George from Living & Learning Pakenham. Living & Learning has been recognised in State Parliament by Pakenham MLA Emma Vulin.

The centre provides quality training, education and skill development, with a particular focus on disadvantaged and vulnerable people.

“The success of organisations like Living & Learning is driven by hardworking and dedicated people like Glenda, and our community is very grateful for her tireless work. Thank you, Glenda. I wish you a very happy and relaxing retirement,” Ms Vulin said.

$100,000 win

■ A Noble Park man was left feeling dizzy and experiencing heart palpitations after discovering he’d scored $100,000 in the Lucky Lotteries draw.

The City of Greater Dandenong resident held the first prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 11035, drawn Monday, August 18. He looks forward to a total prize of $100,000.

The winning man initially dodged multiple phone calls from lottery officials, confessing he was in sheer disbelief.

“I thought it was a joke at first,” he said. “I was having heart palpitations as I logged into my online account and checked my ticket. I couldn’t believe it.

“I woke up this morning, and I thought it might’ve all been a dream. I haven’t really processed the news yet. I think I’ll need some time to think of what I want to do,” he shared.

“There’s so many things the prize could help with.”

New draft laws

■ The City of Casey has prepared a new draft of its Community Local Law, shaped by the feedback of more than 1000 residents during an extensive community engagement program undertaken in April and May.

At the meeting on Tuesday August 19, Councillors unanimously endorsed the draft Casey Community Local Law 2025 for public exhibition, and the community is now invited to have their say before the final version is developed.

City of Casey Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen said a key focus of the review of the Local Law has been on genuine community consultation.

He has been remanded and will next face Frankston Magistrates’ Court on September 4.

● ● Frankston Magistrates’ Court

● ● Meng Heang Tak MLA

● ● ● ● Cr Kris Bolam, Frankston Mayor

The Local Paper

Wednesday Invitation to Mulgrave

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

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

• Casey-Cardinia Edition

• Frankston Edition

• Greater Dandenong Edition

• Mornington Peninsula Edition

• Southern Peninsula Edition

• Western Port Edition

CONTACT US

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

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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

■ Mulgrave MLA Eden Foster has asked State Minister for Danny Pearson, Minister for Economic Growth and Jobs, to visit the Mulgrave electorate

“The action I seek is that the minister joins me in Mulgrave to visit some of the incredible businesses that are contributing to the Victorian economy,” Ms Foster said.

“ Mulgrave is an absolute hub of economic activity. Be they small business or large corporations, Mulgrave is playing an important role in the Victorian economy.

“Our small businesses are the backbone of Mulgrave’s economy, and as part of my role I get the privilege of visiting so many.

“Within the electorate we have delicious Vietnamese iced coffee at Cafe Dai Gia in Springvale , delicious fish and chips with an incredible view at Waverley Park at the Stadium Fish and Chippery and Chilean food from La Bohemia Cafe in Noble Park, right next to my office. “There is no limit on the delicious food and drink being served by small businesses in Mulgrave

“Manufacturing continues to be an important part of the local economy in Mulgrave

“We are home to Australia Merch Co, who are manufacturing clothing which many may have in their closet without knowing it, including the merchandise used on Billie Eilish’s most recent tour.

“To my surprise, whilst reading the State Budget books, I also found out that the books themselves are manufactured at Valiant Doculink Press in

Long Shots

“I have also checked out Keg King , where they are producing high-quality home-brewing equipment, and enjoyed a cheeky trial, might I say, of how the equipment can be used.

“It is not just small business here in Mulgrave ; the electorate is also home to the Pfizer advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing hub, where millions are being invested into our future.

“From investment into superbugs and hard-to-fight infections, our medical manufacturing industry is alive and thriving.

“I am proud to be part of a government which understands and invests in jobs and manufacturing, and I hope to show the minister soon what Mulgrave has to offer,” Ms Foster said.

Asset Plan

■ Cardinia Shire Council is inviting the community to have its say on the draft 2025-2035 Asset Plan

The draft Plan outlines Council’s strategic approach to managing over $2.7 billion in infrastructure assets including:

■ 847km of sealed local roads

■ 822km of unsealed local and rural roads

■ More than 900km of footpath and shared use paths

■ Over 295 bridges

■ Over 300 community buildings including halls, libraries, child and family centres

■ Over 1000 km of stormwater pipes and 37,000 drainage pits

■ More than 130 playgrounds

■ More than 150 tennis and netball courts and over 40 sporting grounds

Local Photo Flashback

■ The TAC L2P Program has been giving young people across the Mornington Peninsula more than just a driver’s licence – it has been giving them freedom, confidence and opportunity.

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.

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.

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. WESTERN PORT

● ● Eden Foster, Mulgrave MLA

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre

Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment Aaron Rourke, Film Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

Statewide

CORRYONG

Rollover injury

■ A man was fortunate to escape death after losing control of the 4WD vehicle he was driving on the Benambra-Corryong Rd at Nariel , running off the road and rolling down an embankment.

A short time later, several local farmers arrived at the scene to find the man trapped in the overturned vehicle with its engine on fire and smoke billowing into the air.

Along with a passer-by, they dragged the driver and sole occupant out of the vehicle while a Nariel CFA member got a ‘slip-on’ unit from the fire station, just 800 metres from the crash site. However, it was necessary to fetch the brigade truck to fully extinguish the fire.

Emergency services attended the crash and the man was brought into Corryong where he was transported by helicopter to the Albury Hospital in a serious condition.

Corryong Courier

WARRNAMBOOL

Fire night at ‘Bool

■ A crowdof more than 600 people rugged up and headed to Flagstaff Hill to enjoy the annual ‘Fire Night’ festivities.

Despite the cool conditions, people of all ages were happy to wonder the grounds of the popular tourist attraction, toast marshmallows, enjoyed food from several vendors on-site and listen to music.

Hot chocolate from the tea rooms once again proved a crowd favourite, as did the rare firing of Flagstaff Hill’s swivel gun, ‘Thunderchild’.

Warrnambool Weekly

PORTLAND

$11,000 raised

■ A staggering $11,000 was raised for the Mending Minds charity by the the Royal Hotel Drag Show Extravaganza.

Stephen Chapman, Andrew Bryant and Brad Tozer took to the stage with a choreographed performance. Portland Observer

JOB CUTS COULD LEAVE FARMERS VULNERABLE

■ The Victorian Farmers Federation is concerned proposed staff reductions to key State Government departments could leave Victoria’s $20 billion dollar agriculture industry vulnerable to the risks posed by devastating pests and biosecurity threats.

VFF President Brett Hosking said the future of key roles involving biosecurity, emergency response, invasive-species management was under threat and the government must not shirk at its responsibility to protect the industry.

“Victorian agriculture is a world class, $20 billion dollar industry that indirectly employs more than 150,000 people. These proposed cuts have the potential to put all of that at risk if our biosecurity safety net is not maintained as it should be.

“Any reduction in staff and services would be a backward step for Victorian agriculture, particularly in areas safeguarding the sector against pests and diseases.”

“Now is a critical time, given we have increasing threats and risks. The government have been taking a risk-based approach to policy and regulations, but are heightening these risks by reducing staff and capacity,” Mr Hosking said. He said the flagged reduction in staff could leave the industry vulnerable should a large-scale biosecurity outbreak occur.

Statewide

Across Victoria

RINGWOOD NORTH House blaze

■ Fire Rescue Victoria responded at 6.24am on Sunday, August 24, to Park Hill Drive, Ringwood North, after multiple callers to Triple Zero (000) reported a house fire.

Firefighters arrived on scene within six minutes to find a single storey brick house fully involved in flames.

Wearing breathing apparatus, crews got to work quickly using multiple hose lines with an external attack due to the intensity of the fire.

The fire was declared under control at 7.04pm, 34 minutes after FRV arrived on scene. The fire was contained to the building of origin, however the house sustained significant damage in the fire.

Two occupants of the home had safely evacuated and were assessed on scene by Ambulance Victoria paramedics

Cause of the fire was yet to be determined but will be investigated by FRV State Fire Investigation Unit.

Firefighters remained on scene overnight overhauling the scene.

MORWELL

Valley pauses

■ Bringingt recognition to those who sacrificed it all, Morwell RSL hosted a ceremony for Vietnam Veterans Day on Monday, August 18.

Starting at 11.30am, people gathered to pay their respects.

“Australia’s involvement in the Vietnam War spanned from 1962 to 1973, approximately 61,000 Australian service personnel served during that period,” Morwell RSL President, Don Fuller said.

“We should, as we always say, let’s never forget the sacrifice that not only myself and other guys made putting that uniform on, but the sacrifice that those guys never came home to see their wives or their grandchildren or get married or see their mum and dad. We’ve got to remember.”

Within his speech, Mr Fuller recognised the soldiers who had fought, those who had fallen and others who are still alive.

Latrobe Valley Express

Brett Hosking, VFF President

Latest News Latest News

A Twist of Fate

■ Scary Goats Theatre presented their third season of A Twist of Fateat the Motley Bauhaus, showcasing four new 20-minute plays by different writers.

The brief was simple, each play had to contain a twist or unusual reveal. Even if you missed the first two seasons, the theme is immediately clear—think TwilightZone meets BlackMirror—with each play delivering intrigue, surprise, and captivating entertainment.

Curated and narrated by Scary Goats Theatre founding member Chloe Towan, the program explored psychological and moral themes of greed, a yearning to be noticed, ethical choices, and acceptance.

Her interludes between each work provided cohesion and set the tone with playfulness and wit, though at times stronger vocal projection would have added greater impact.

The evening opened with Bestow, written by Emily Morey and directed by Towan, featuring strong performances from Cassandra Hart, Henry Stephensen and Seon Williams.

Its intriguing premise and well-crafted twist delivered both surprise and a lingering sense of “what just happened?”

Towan’s MrMooreWantsLess, directed by Patrick Slee, followed—a compelling story of a cinema janitor (Richard Mealey), long ignored by those around him, whose hunger for recognition escalates to biblical proportions.

Mealey gave one of the night’s standout turns, layered and absorbing, while Williams impressed with her hilarious spy manoeuvres.

The third play, Mr Id, directed by Kate Weston, was lifted by Liliana Braumberger’s Jim Carrey-esque energy and commitment, another standout.

Her dynamic approach, full of bold physical choices, made the role vivid and memorable.

Finally, Possession, written by Stephenson, directed by Slee, performed by Weston and Corey M Glamuzina, delivered the most delicious twist of the night.

The breadth of talent—on stage, on the page, and behind the scenes—was outstanding.

Many artists took on multiple roles as writer, director, and actor, demonstrating versatility, collaboration, and keen artistic ability.

A Twist of Fate confirmed that Scary Goats Theatre is a company to watch.

Review by Beth Klein

Big Games

■ BigGamesNightOut– Australia’s largest free celebration of games culture – returns for another massive year at Fed Square on Thursday, October 9.

Backed by the State Government and presented by Melbourne International Games Week in partnership with Fed Square, Asia Pacific's largest digital games celebration, BigGamesNightOut’s 2025 program honours classic games while paving the way for the future.

The eye-catching centrepiece exhibit, Electric Arcadia – designed in collaboration with Melbourne’s Callum Preston and Louie Roots – will transform a corner of Fed Square into a week-long exploration of games nostalgia.

This tribute to the timeless Amusement Plaza will transport fans to the classic era of the 80s and 90s and highlight the enduring impact games culture has on our lives.

Next door at Koorie Heritage Trust , IndiginerdI presents a unique 80s-inspired Dungeons & Dragons adventure inside a StrangerThings-themed room that will also serve as an immersive photo opportunity for fans.

Contributed

4 CHARGED OVER BROWNLOW PROBE

■ Detectives from the Sporting Integrity Intelligence Unit charged four men as part of a protracted investigation into allegedly suspicious gambling detected on the 2021 and 2022 Brownlow Medal awards.

A 34-year-old Glenroy man has been charged with six offences in relation to wagering on the 2021 Brownlow Medal Award, including use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes – communicate information (x3) and undertaking a course of conduct to use corrupt conduct information for betting purposes (x3).

A 32-year-old Doreen man has been charged with 20 offences in relation to wagering on the 2021 and 2022 Brownlow Medal Awards, including undertaking a course of conduct to use corrupt conduct information for betting purposes (x18) and use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes – communicate information (x2)

A 31-year-old Hadfield man has been charged with 23 offences in relation to wagering on the 2021 Brownlow Medal Award, including undertaking a course of conduct to use corrupt conduct information for betting

purposes (x15) and undertaking a course of conduct to obtain financial advantage by deception (x8).

A 35-year-old Reservoir man has been charged with 53 offences in relation to wagering on the 2021 and 2022 Brownlow Medal Awards , including undertaking a course of conduct to use corrupt conduct information for betting purposes (x34), undertaking a course of conduct to obtain financial advantage by deception (x15), use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes – communicate information (x3) and use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes –encourage to bet (x1).

The four men have been summonsed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 11.

Search warrants were executed on a number of occasions in varying suburbs throughout the investigation.

The maximum penalties for these offences – cheating at gambling and obtain financial advantage by deception – is level 5 imprisonment (10 years).

Business Profile

Dave Palmer, Rural Tanks and Garden Beds

F F rom the Shed to the Soil: A rom the to the Soil: rom the Shed to the Soil: A rom the to the Soil: Message from Dave at from Message from Dave at from R R ural T ural T T anks and Garden anks and Garden Beds Beds

G'day folks,

Dave here from Rural Tanks and Garden Beds - where the corrugated curves of Aussie ingenuity meet the good old-fashioned joy of growing your own tomatoes. If you’ve ever wrestled with a wheelbarrow in gumboots or debated whether zucchinis are taking over your life, you’re in good company.

Now, I’ve been rolling galvanised iron since 1989 (back when mullets were cool the first time), and while water tanks are still our bread and butter, it’s the garden beds that have really taken root in recent years.

There’s something deeply satisfying about watching your backyard transform into a patch of productivity - whether it’s herbs for your roast lamb, peas that never make it inside because the kids eat them straight off the vine or a delicious strawberry –its fresh, its home grown and it’s so

Fact File

NAME: Rural Tanks and Garden Beds

ADDRESS: 5 Tebble St, Seymour

PHONE: 5799 0133

WEBSITE: www.ruraltanksandgarden beds.com.au

EMAIL: dave@ruraltanks.com

much more delicious than anything you buy from a store.

So here’s a little something to sweeten the soil: for a limited time, when you buy one of our .42m high galvanised iron garden beds, you’ll get the second one for half price. That’s right—double the dirt, half the hurt. Whether you’re starting small or going full veggie jungle, this is your chance to build a backyard that’s both beautiful and bountiful.

Our garden beds come in a range of shapes, sizes, and finishes, including Colorbond™ for those who like a splash of style with their spinach. And unlike those flimsy stick-on edges you see elsewhere, ours are rolled for safety and built to last. We even offer wicking beds with adjustable water levels—because plants deserve hydration options too.

So, if you’re ready to dig in, come have a yarn with us. We’re not just selling steel—we’re helping Aussies grow, thrive, and maybe even win the neighbourhood tomato contest.

Happy gardening!

- Dave Rural Tanks and Garden Beds www.ruraltanksandgardenbeds.com.au

Driver dies

■ A woman has died following a collision in Kulwin

Emergency services responded to reports of two vehicles colliding on the Mallee Hwy about 3.30pm on Monday, August 25.

The driver and sole occupant from one vehicle, a 63-year-old South Australian woman, was airlifted to hospital with lifethreatening-injuries where they sadly died.

The driver and passenger from the second vehicle were taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Investigators believe that other drivers were in the vicinity of the area at the time of the collision and request that those people to come forward to police.

Mildura Highway Patrol officers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.

Double fatality

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Toolern Vale on Sunday morning, August 24.

State Highway Patrol Solo Unit officers were conducting an unrelated intercept on Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd when they observed a Holden Cruise travelling at high speed.

The speeding vehicle continued along Diggers Rest-Coimadai Rd before it collided head-on with a second car travelling in the opposite direction about 9.50am.

The drivers of both vehicles died at the scene. A passenger of the Holden was transported to hospital with minor injuries.

Checks have revealed the Holden was stolen from Werribee South sometime after 4.30pm on Saturday, August 23.

Exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established and the investigation is ongoing.

Professional Standards Command were notified and will have oversight as is standard procedure.

Motorcycle crash

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a fatal motorcycle crash that occurred in Rushworth on Saturday, August 23.

Emergency services responded to reports a motorcycle had crashed into a tree near the intersection of Carag and RushworthGirgarre Rds about 3.40pm.

The rider died at the scene.

Patrolling police observed the motorcycle being ridden erratically on RushworthGigarre Rd about five minutes prior to the crash.

Officers attempted to intercept the rider, but they sped off and police did not pursue the motorcycle.

Exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be established and the investigation is ongoing.

Professional Standards Command have oversight of the investigation as is standard procedure with a fatal collision following recent police contact.

Carjacking bid

■ Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a carjacking in Norlane

It is understood a group of unknown offenders approached a silver Hyundai Elantra which was parked in Seagull Park about 10.15pm on Friday, August 22.

Police were told one of the offenders smashed the car window with a baseball bat, before the group dragged the male driver out of the vehicle and assaulted him. They stole the Hyundai and fled the scene. The 24-year-old Norlane man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Your Stars with Kerry

Kulkens

Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s

Trusted Psychic Family

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 8, 2, 4, 16, 28, 33

Loved ones may seem uncooperative or argumentative, requiring patience to maintain peace. This week offers more reasons to celebrate than regret for those who remain tolerant. Travel opportunities are favourable, and you may mingle with influential people.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Lemon

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6, 9, 1, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 17, 23, 34, 44, 45

Pay close attention to the fine print in essential documents. Confidence in your abilities will bring success. New adventures are likely to spark joy and lead to positive outcomes.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 1, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 34, 36, 22

Luck is turning in your favour, making this an excellent time to start new ventures. If you need more clarity about long-term commitments, consult a trusted advisor before proceeding.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 34, 41, 22

A busy week lies ahead, so ensure others are contributing equally. Success is on the horizon, and you may receive a delightful and unexpected gift.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6, 8, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 17, 23, 36, 42, 11

Financial gains and pleasant surprises are likely. Social gatherings may bring joy, but moderation is vital to avoiding overindulgence.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 34, 41, 22

Travel will be enjoyable and filled with entertaining moments. Lingering problems are set to be resolved, and reconnecting with past contacts could bring unexpected happiness.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 3, 5

Lotto Numbers: 3, 6, 23, 31, 22, 28

Your influence over others will help you achieve your goals. Travel is likely, and answers to longstanding questions may emerge. Real estate dealings could prove financially rewarding.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 6, 9, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 27, 34, 41

Travel may bring unique and engaging experiences. Good news and happy surprises are on the way. Avoid engaging in or spreading gossip.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 6, 8, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 23, 35, 41, 22

Your energy levels are high, enabling you to tackle uncertainties with confidence. Longstanding issues are likely to be resolved, and new ventures are set to succeed. Romantic relationships may intensify.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 27, 34, 38

Restlessness may tempt you to take risks in romantic pursuits. Financial opportunities will be easier to grasp, and career progress could place you ahead of competitors.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5, 7, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 26, 34, 39

Expect to handle challenges arising from others’ problems and demands. A recent setback may turn into a blessing disguise, bringing unexpected advantages.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 34, 45, 22

Travel expenses might increase as you enter a busy period. Your popularity among influential people is set to rise, potentially aiding your ambitions. Loved ones could surprise you in delightful ways.

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.

Sir,

The Labor Government’s touted productivity roundtable seemed like a stunt to create an impression that one of the critical challenges faced by Australia – our falling productivity – was in fact being addressed.

Benefit of the doubt Observer Mailbag

Many of us gave it the benefit of the doubt, because you have to discuss these issues, and having business leaders in a dialogue with our leaders.

It was good that Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien was there and able to intervene in a Jim Chalmers bout of selfcongratulations on the economy that bore little resemblance to reality.

But here is the problem –Labor under Albanese and Chalmers is fundamentally an anti-productivity government.

It is obsessed with wealth redistribution, crony capitalism and the welfare state.

It is dictated to by unions, and these dictations have found their way into legislation that makes us less competitive and less productive.

Energy policy was barely discussed at the roundtable, as though everyone accepts that the transition is going swimmingly, and that cheap and affordable power will just continue as we move from the 24/7 generation of coal and gas to the intermittent nature of renewables.

Anyone seriously looking at the grid and assessing the successes and failures of other nations in their energy transition would see the flaws in this.

This particular energy transition is one of the biggest economic gambles Australia has ever embarked on, and the probability and consequence of getting it wrong is too horrific to contemplate.

Government ministers seem to put the viability and competitiveness of business (particularly small business) last on their list of priorities when drafting legislation.

This is evident in the regrettable changes to the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and in the new industrial relations laws, which have hit small businesses hard with a mountain of regulation.

In addition, Labor is on a spending spree, with diminishing economic activity to pay back the debt in the future.

According to research published by the Centre for Independent Studies in July 2025, more than half of Australian voters rely on the government for their main income, through public-sector wages, welfare payments, or subsidies.

The Institute of Public Affairs found that between August 2022 and August 2024, 82.1 per cent of new persons employed were in the public sector.

It’s not to say that people who work in the public service (in many cases) don’t provide a valuable service, but an economy based on taxpayer-funded jobs is a house of cards.

Tax was discussed, but there seems to be little appetite for real reform – and efforts by the previous coalition government to address the productivity-killing phenomenon of bracket creep were reversed by Labor They have no plans that I

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. can see to reform tax in a meaningful way – just crazy grabs for money like the unrealised superannuation capital gain fiasco.

What does it all mean? Well, on this pathway we are in managed decline as a nation, and that means a decline in our living standards and opportunities for our next generations.

A bold government with vision and understanding of what drives the economy needs to come in and fix this trajectory, and Albanese and Chalmers’ incarnation of Labor is clearly, by its own rhetoric and actions, not that.

Sam Birrell MHR for Nicholls

NDIS reform

Sir,

While Minister Butler’s announcement to establish a dedicated focus on children with mild to moderate developmental delay or autism is welcome, there is a critical area of urgent reform in the NDIS that remains overlooked.

The Summer Foundation remains concerned for the very people the NDIS was designed to support who are still stuck in group homes and have not been able to benefit from the transformational intent of the Scheme.

There are more than 43,500 people with high support needs currently supported by the NDIS . The cost of supporting this group is more than $15 billion a year.

The cost of Supported In-

dependent Living, a key support for this cohort, has surged by 28 per cent over five years.

Despite the investment, people with disability with high support needs continue to face limited choice and poor outcomes from their housing and living supports.

They are often relegated to group homes where incidents of abuse and neglect are frequent, despite warnings and recommendations for action from the Disability Royal Commission.

The Government needs to urgently back a greater variety of housing and living supports for this group of people, including drop-in and on-call supports, and more individualised approaches such as host and homeshare arrangements.

The NDIS was built to support people with significant and permanent disability to live with dignity and independence.

Without urgent reform to how we deliver support to people with high support needs, we are failing the very people the scheme was created for.

Jessica Walker Summer Foundation

Speak Up

Sir, Australia must be diligent and committed to strengthening productivity and food security if it is to underwrite the needs of a population projected to reach 45 million within two decades.

The question is whether the Economic Reform Roundtable will meaningfully address that challenge, or become yet another politically motivated talkfest.

In a nation defined by droughts and flooding rains, a coherent national water policy must sit at the heart of long-term planning.

Yet, the Albanese Government’s vision remains tethered to the existing Murray–Darling Basin Plan, a framework that is, at its core, an environmental policy. It is not a plan for national resilience, food security, food afford-ability, or regional productivity.

The current investment thesis is fundamentally upside down. Billions of taxpayer dollars are being spent to buy back productive water licenses, displacing food production and increasing reliance on imported foods. This directly conflicts with the government’s stated ambitions: to reduce national debt, advance net zero goals, lower the cost of living, and grow regional economies.

At the pinnacle of the Roundtable’s agenda, and the wider agriculture policy agenda, should be water.

Current water policy is crucifying productivity in our nation’s food bowl, placing Australia at serious social risk when the next drought arrives. Without urgent reform, the outcome will be inflated food prices, lost regional jobs, and reduced national resilience.

Water policy and management have never been at a lower point in Australia. That must change if this country is serious about prosperity, productivity, and food security for future generations.

David Narrandera,Farley NSW

70 Years Ago

Mud patch

■ Melbourne Cricket Ground will again be a mud parch for today's Melbourne-Collingwood semi-final. Heavy rain last night ruined hopes that it would be in good condition.

And more showers are forecast for today. This will give groundsmen little chance to get the ground in good condition.

Work on the arena yesterday cleared off most of the surplus water. Curator Bill Vanthoff was hoping for a fine night.

Aircraft security

■ SecurY guards were posted to guard all aircraft at Essendon yesterday as precautions were doubled against possible attempts at sabotage.

This followed weekend threats to damage aircraft and TheArgusrevelation that a reporter and photographer were still able, on Thursday, to wan der among planes and hangars, where they could have planted bombs without challenge.

Mr. Townley, Civil Aviation Minister, said both heis department and airlines were anxious to avoid magnifying Sunday's incident when oil-soaked cotton waste was found in a motor exhaust.

One theory . is that a mechanic, accidentally left the rag there.

£91,000 willed

■ Charitable institutions in Victoria and Scotland will receive £91,000 under the terms of the will of the late Mr. "Jimmy" Richardson, mill ionaire hotel owner, who died in 1951.

Of the total £42,000 goes to Victorian chari'ties. The biggest Individual gift. £i4,000, will go to the Church of Scotland social services in Scotland.

The biggest Victorian gift, £3,000, will , go to- the Lord Mayor's Metropolitan Hospitals and Charities Fund.

Mr. Richardson, who died age 87, was a bachelor. He arrived in Australia at the age of 21 with only £20 in his pocket. -

The legacies have been allocated by the Equity Trustees Executors and Agency Co. Ltd., as trustee of the will.

New record

■ Mr. Menzies, Prime Minister, will establish another record this afternoon, when he opens Canterbury Bowling Club greens - for the 26th successive season. Mr. Menzies is expected to try his skill at bowls before leaving for the (more exciting) football match at Melbourne Cricket Ground.

● The Argus. September 3, 1955.

Fringe Festival

■ Standing room only in the iconic ETU Ballroom at the Trades Hall, Lygon St, for the 2025 VIP launch of the Melbourne Fringe Festival , starting September 30 and running to October 19.

As Victoria’s longest running multi-arts festival it has been no mean feat for 43 years and this year it has more than 500 exciting boundary pushing arts events.

To do this it will flood Melbourne in all sorts of places, in theatres, laneways, beaches, car parks with thousands of artists turning the city into a stage.

CEO Simon Abraham said: “The Festival is where anyone can share their art, from first time makers to some of Australia’s most celebrated artists, together with those of international status.”

Supported by speakers from key sponsors State Government and Melbourne City Council who further outlined the diversity of the inclusive program, un-curated that will embrace First Nations artists, d/Deaf and Disabled creatives, queer storytellers, emerging youth perspectives and international risk takers.

A new play JKS:AComedyby comedian Tom Ballard, a musical by Sammy J and Vidya Makan, Fiasco: A Burke and Wills Musical.

There are so many highlights, but watch for Williamstown Beach at sunset, that will be the stage for The Break by Zoe Bastin Dance or the Northcote car park in the glow of headlights for circus outfit Oozing Future’s StrangeChaos

Then there is A.J. Lamarque’s SeaJourney,ABeginner'sGuidetoGayCruising

An everyday occurrence, supermarket workers dealing with angry customers, a musical comedy CheckedOutby Josh Connell and Steph Lee being performed in the Solidarity Hall, Trades Hall.

Apology to the rest of the 500+ events that I am unable to expand on. However to the general public and even those for the first time - dare to miss anything, watch out for the full 2025 program. melbournefringe.com.au

Graeme McCoubrie

The Blok

■ First Nations theatre company, A Daylight Connection, delivers a new work, The Blok!presented by Darebin Arts Speakeasy and Deadly Fringe from October 8-18 in the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre

Directed by Kamarra Bell-Wykes, the play centres on a character called The Master, an auteur whose exponential success and dizzying sense of self-importance comes crashing into a severe case of writer’s block.

Played by Carly Sheppard, the character lampoons the idea of the genius artist, and pokes fun at the arts industry, while also speaking to the very real struggles of artists trying to make meaningful work in an increasingly impossible climate.

When The Master realises their god-like creative power has run dry, they're visited by a divine Creator figure, played by Alexis West - a Blak woman.

The show's take on The Creator riffs the Judeo-Christian understanding of God and cracks this open into something much more multiple, pantheistic, and spiritual. This is a polyphonic vision of God as a Blak Woman, written by a team of Blak women.

While The Blok will keep that same humour ADC are known for, Sheppard and Bell-Wykes are challenging themselves to strip back their traditionally heavy production values to create a more minimalist experience, which highlights the evolution of the company.

It’s a very meta view on questions they care about as much as they find them ridiculous, making great fodder for exploration and satire.

Pushing the form and embedded into ADC’s work is the experience of live music, with a score created by small sound (Andrew James – Quandamooka), a multi-instrumentalist, sound designer and composer.

Performance Dates: October 8 – 18. Wed. – Fri .7.30pm | Sa.t 2pm, 7:30pm

Venue: Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St, Northcote

Tickets: https://arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/ Programs-and-opportunities/Programs/

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

Star role for Georgina

■ Rising star of stage and screen Georgina Hopson (Titanique,PhantomoftheOpera) will lead the cast of Anastasiawhich will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne in December, before touring to Perth and Sydney in 2026.

“I can’t quite believe that I am going to be playing Anya in Anastasia - I have loved this story and this character since I was a kid,” said Georgina Hopson.

“I used to dress up as her and sing Journey to the Past on the trampoline. I wish I could tell my younger self that this was happening, I think she would have passed out with excitement - which is honestly how I still feel about it.”

Inspired by the mysterious tale of Grand Duchess Anastasia Romanov’s rumoured escape in the dawning days of the Russian Revolution, and the 20th Century Fox animated fairytale of the same name, Anastasiahas been brought to life on the stage by the Tony Awardwinning creative team of Terrence McNally, Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.

Anastasiais said to be a musical for all ages, transporting audiences from the twilight years of the Imperial rule to the euphoria and exuberance of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman named Anya sets out to discover the mystery of her past.

Pursued by an army officer determined to silence her, she enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.

Directed by Tony Award winning director Darko Tresnjak, Anastasia premiered on Broadway in March 2017. It received a Tony Award nomination for Best Costume Design in a Musical and won more than 15 major international awards including Best Musical awards in Germany , the Netherlands and Spain.

Further casting details will be announced in the coming months.

Produced by John Frost for Crossroads Live and Opera Australia in special collaboration with Stage Entertainment Productions, Tom Kirdahy, Hunter Arnold and Dan Hinde

For more information visit anastasiathemusical.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Job at Red Stitch

■ Red Stitch Actors’ Theatre presents the Australian premiere of Job, a gripping psychological thriller direct from its critically acclaimed Broadway season.

Written by rising American playwright Max Wolf Friedlich, Jobopens on Wednesday September 17 for a month-long run.

The play centres on Jane, who, after being put on leave due to a viral workplace incident, is desperate to return to her Big Tech job.

However, her therapist, Loyd , holds the power to approve her return and starts to question whether the job is causing more harm than good.

As the power dynamic between patient and practitioner shifts, Jobbecomes a battle of wits and wills.

The production will be directed by one of Australia’s most celebrated stage and screen directors, Nadia Tass (Malcolm,TheBigSteal, Disgraced–MTC;UncleVanya,TheFlick–RedStitch).

Jobmakes its Australian debut at Red Stitch, featuring Green Room Award winner and ensemble member Jessica Clarke ( The Removalists- MTC, Iphigenia in Splott- Red Stitch), alongside 2025 TV WeekSilver Logie nominee and AACTA Award winner Darren Gilshenan (ColinFromAccounts,Stateless,The Moodys).

Playwright Max Wolf Friedlich is a Manhattan-born writer who received his first public acclaim in 2012 at just 17, when he became the youngest playwright produced at the New York International Fringe Festival. Beyond theatre, he has worked as a ghostwriter for high-profile celebrity social media accounts and helped craft the digital personality of LilMiquela, the CGI influencer named one of Time’s 25 Most Influential People on the Internet in 2018.

Jobis described as 'a provocative and riveting two-hander that examines what it means to be a citizen of the internet, and the obligation individuals have to help those who need

stars in

.

James Terry it most. Tickets are on sale now at redstitch.net

Performance Season: Previews September 13-16. Season September 17 - October 12. Tues., Wed. and Sun., 6.30pm Thurs.-Sat., 7.30pm Matinee - Sat. October 4, 2pm Q&A Post Show Thurs Sep 25, 7.30pm Venue: Red Stitch Actors' Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St, East St Kilda.

Cheryl Threadgold

Ray Chen violinist

■ Violinist and online personality Ray Chen redefines what it means to be a classical musician, with his viral reels and YouTube videos captivating millions of people around the world. His content highlights music’s ability to inspire joy, connection and healing in humans and animals.

Joined by Julio Elizalde on piano, the virtuosic violinist will perform a recital at Arts Centre Melbourne’s Hamer Hall on September 8. Tickets are selling fast via artscentremelbourne.com.au

Ray’s new Australian tour follows a huge 2024, with the release of his album Player1 and the growth of Tonic, the artist’s independent startup that is building a global community via a free platform for musicians and learners to practice their craft together.

Born in Taiwan and raised in Brisbane, Ray Chen has performed with the foremost orchestras and concert halls around the world, as well as at major media events such as France’s Bastille Day (live to 800,000 people), the Nobel Prize Concert in Stockholm (telecast across Europe), and the BBC Proms

His profile has grown to see him feature in the Forbes list of 30 most influential Asians under 30, secure a multi-year partnership with Giorgio Armani, appear in major streaming series MozartintheJungleand in Voguemagazine. Ray is also a music consultant for Riot Games , the leading esports company best known for LeagueofLegends

Produced in partnership with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Ray’s album Player1reveals the links between classical music and gaming.

Australian audiences will see Ray perform pieces by Ludwig van Beethoven, Camille Saint-Saens, Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Bazzini, Antoni Dvorak and Chick Corea www.artscentremelbourne.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

● ● Melbourne Shakespeare Company returns to fortyfivedownstairs with a reimagining of Othello from September 11 - 28.

Photo: Nick Robertson

■ Directed by Tanya Gerstle, this production aims to 'strip Shakespeare’s tragedy back to its brutal emotional core.' A fiveactor ensemble explores themes of jealousy, betrayal and the consequences of post traumatic stress. The men are battle-scarred and broken. The women are collateral damage.

In a 90-minute, no-interval performance, audiences will be drawn into a physically charged world where unspoken fears and suppressed desires erupt into devastating action.

“With Pulse, what is not said and what is implied by the text becomes fertile ground for physical exploration - that ‘hidden story’ is manifested through action. I want to experience what drives a character through their physicality,” says Director Tanya Gerstle

Leading the cast is Christopher Kirby (The Matrix Reloaded, Star Wars) as Othello, alongside Dushan Philips (CountingandCracking,TheNewsreader) as Iago Tanya Schneider (TheWhale,ThereIsNo AntimemeticsDivision) as Desdemona, Lucy Ansell (ForceofNature:TheDry2,Utopia) as Emilia/Bianca and Matthew Furlani (Credentials,TheIliad) completes the ensemble as Cassio and Lodovico.

Love shatters. Power corrodes. No villain rises alone.

Season Dates: September 11 - 28

Performance Times: 7.30pm (TuesdaySaturday), 5pm (Sunday)

Duration: 90 minutes, no interval. Preview: Thursday September 11, 7.30pm. Opening Night: Friday, September 12, 7.30pm

Venue: fortyfive downstairs, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Bookings: melbourneshakespeare.com Cheryl Threadgold

MPAC recipients

■ Monash University Performing Arts Centres (MPAC) has announced the recipients of its Progress Links Commissions

MPAC has provided two successful applicants with $5000 plus a 5 to 10-day residency in 2025-26 in one of its venue spaces to develop a ‘proof of concept’ proposal for further commissioning and development within the MPAC program to create and present new works.

The Progress Links Commission is driven by the conviction that creativity is a force that animates and inspires everyone – artists and scientists alike.

This year MPAC received a high number of quality applicants and looked at bringing artists together with Monash researchers in fields that help respond to the world around us.

One of the recipients is Emele Ugavule, a Tokelauan, Uvean, and Fijian storyteller, working as a performer, writer, director, producer and educator.

Emele will be developing DrauniUtoHotel, a new experimental one-women cabaret piece which explores the intersecting realities of Indigenous temporal sovereignty, memory erasure, and environmental destruction through the lived experience of Kali, a laundry attendant working in a luxury resort built on her grandfather’s land.

The other project recipient is Lyall Brooks, an award-winning theatre maker, teaching artist, and founding Artistic Director of Lab Kelpie, an independent theatre company dedicated to new Australian writing. Lyall will develop SELF/LESS, which asks ethical questions about the future of reproductive technology, identity and emotional responsibility.

● ● ● ● Georgina Hopson

Anastasia

Photo:

Cheryl Threadgold

Local Theatre Observations

DESTINY BY MTC Shows

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

■ Malvern Theatre: The Humans (by Stephen Karam) Until September 6 at 29a Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Nicky NevilleJones. 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

■ Phoenix Theatre Company: Heathers. September 5 – 13 at the Doncaster Playhouse, Doncaster. Bookings: phoenix@ phoenixtheatrecompany.org

■ 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

■ NOVA Music Theatre: Chess, September 12 – 21 at The Round. Nunawading. Bookings: novamusictheatre.com.au

■ 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

■ The Basin Theatre Group: Dead Man’s Cell Phone (Sarah Ruhl) October 2 – 12 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: John Putman. Bookings: 0494 065 006.

■ The 1812 Theatre: Speaking in Tongues (by Andrew Bovell) October 2 – 25 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Dexter Bourke. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Juliet October 10 – 25 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Karl McNamara; Musical Director: Dan Heskett; Choreographer: Felicity Bender. Bookings: cloc.org.au

■ Babirra Music Theatre: Grease October 10 – 18 at The Round, Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Bookings: theround.com.au/ whats-on/grease-babirra

■ Encore Theatre: The Revlon Girl (by Anthony Docking) October 10 – 19 at the Clayton Community Centre, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: David Krause. Bookings: encoretheatre.com.au

■ Ballarat National Theatre: God of Carnage (by Yasmina Reza) October 16 – 19 at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, 117-119 Sturt St., Ballarat Central. Director: Ruby Abbott. Bookings: bnt.org.au

■ Warragul Theatre Company: The Game’s Afoot (by Ken Ludwig) October 16 – 19 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, 1 Civic Place, Warragul. Director: Justin Stephens. Bookings: Coming soon Cheryl Threadgold

■ The challenge for Kirsty Marillier in setting her play Destiny in 1976 apartheid South Africa is to say something new.

The linear progression of the work has Della Math (Kirsty Marillier) caring for her widowed father Cliff (Patrick Willams) and immature brother Rocky (Gaz Dutlow)

The return of her high school boyfriend, Ezra Jones (Barry Conrad) complicates matters domestically but hints at political upheaval beyond the home.

The dramatic conflict seems to be unevenly divided between these two realms without truly consolidating or examining just how divisive and insidious the apartheid regime actually was.

The arrival, late in the play of the policeman (John Sherman) is the clichéd menace we expect and the appearance of Mrs Jones (Clare Chihambakwe) brings further recriminations.

The cast are committed and their characters sustained. Director Zindzi Okenyo has managed to keep the pace moving in the one hour and fifty minute running time.

The set (Sophie Woodward) is impressive, a household interior and general store on two distinct levels. But there is little sense of the regime's oppression which not even Cliff’s position in a company house really explains.

As a product of the MTC’s new work department, incorporating structural innovation or developing the dramatic tension of a central issue might have helped.

The master South African playwright Athol Fugard portrayed the human cost of the regime in Statementsand, more recently, Trevor Noah’s memoir, BornaCrime, highlighted the systemic absurdity of the era and its aftermath.

These are the touchstones against which Marillier’s work will be compared. There are stories about the South African diaspora that are waiting to be explored which would take the conversation in a completely new direction and look at the ongoing repercussions of that time.

This play is more retrospective in nature with a naturalistic setting and a panoply of themes still to be explored.

Melbourne Theatre Company Until September 13

Sumner Theatre Southbank Review by David McLean

Not Without Right

digging husband – when, to his chagrin, his Muse materialises and demands he share with the audience the ‘true’ story of his life.

“Why?” Will grumpily demands.

“Because they’re going to say they’re not yours,” she responds. “The only way to prove you write the plays is to reveal what it cost you to create them, and where the secrets of your life lie hidden in the scripts.”

What follows is a battle between author and inspiration as to what really did happen.

Will is performed by Los Angeles based, Will and Company Artistic Director, noted Shakespeare professor and director, Colin Cox, whilst the Muse is performed by Mexico City born actress Alessandra Mañón

Created by the multi-award winning, [NAACP, GLAAD, Los Angeles Weekly, Ovation], nationally recognised (performances in all 50 states), Los Angeles-based, theatre ensemble Will and Company, NotWithoutRight opened in June as part of the Hollywood Fringe

Following its successful run in Los Angeles, it transferred to the Avignon Off Festival, and subsequently to the Edinburgh Fringe Dates: September 30 – October 18 (Tuesday-Saturday)

Times: 9.15pm (60 minutes)

Venue: Bard’s Apothecary, 7/24 Crossley St, Melbourne

Tickets: Full-price $27, oncession price $14 Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au or call 9660 9666.

Cheryl Threadgold

JKS: A Comedy?

■ Will and Company brings its hit production of NotWithoutRight:Shakespeare’sSecrets to the Melbourne Fringe from September 30October 18 at Bard's Apothecary, Melbourne. Shakespeare works in his attic, amending his will – to protect his daughter from her gold●

More Shows

■ Moonlite Theatre: Rope (by Patrick Hamilton) October 17 – 25 at Holy Trinity Anglican Church Hall, 19 Gisborne Rd., Baccus Marsh. Director: Shannon Nicholson. Bookings: trybooking.com/ DBPIV

■ PEP Productions: Love, Loss and What I Wore (by Nora Ephron and Delia Ephron, based on the book by Illene Beckerman) October 24 – November 1 at The Doncaster Playhouse, 679 Doncaster Rd., Doncaster. Director: Jennifer Pacey. Trybooking.

Auditions

■ The Farndale Avenue Housing Estate Townswomen’s Guild’s Dramatic Society’s Production of A Christmas Carol: A Comedy’ (by David McGillivray and Walter Zerlin) September 1, 2 from 7.30-9.30pm at The Shed, 4/159 Overport Rd., Frankston South. Director: Rob Lister. Audition bookings: robertlister087@gmail.com.

■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Tin Woman (by Sean Grennan) October 5 and October 6 at 7.30pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Brett Turner-Valenta. Audition enquiries: bturnsta63@gmail.com

■ The 1812 Theatre: Clue on Stage (adapted from the Paramount Pictures film by Jonathan Lynn and the board game from Hasbro, Inc.) October 26 at 7pm, October 27 at 6.30pm at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Amy Calvert. Audition bookings: outlook.office.com/book/ AuditionBookings@theatreperson.com Cheryl Threadgold

■ Australian comedian Tom Bollard's new show JKS: A Comedy? will be presented as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 1-12 at the Trades Hall, ETU Ballroom.

A line-up of comedians are hanging out backstage - it’s all fun and games - until they hear the news that a comedy legend has died.

Depending on who you ask, he either leaves behind a lifetime of laughter, or a legacy of bigotry and pain. Or maybe both. Or neither. The comics get stuck in: was this guy actually funny, or just embarrassing? Should he be praised or cancelled? Is being “funny” all that matters, anyway? What’s even the point of telling jokes?

How much harm (or good) can they ever do? How dark and fucked up can you go? Who can say what – and who decides?

Written by award-winning Tom Ballard (Deadloch,Tonightly,Fisk,SeriousDanger) and directed by Ben Russell (Thank God You’reHere,TheGrub,AuntyDonna'sBigOl' HouseOfFun), JKS:AComedy(?)is the premiere of a show described as 'naughty, thoughtful and a hilarious new work for Melbourne Fringe.'

Performance Season: October 1 - 12

Times: 8pm (Sun. 7pm, Oct 11 3.15pm and 8pm). Venue: Trades Hall, ETU Ballroom

Ticket price: Preview $35, Early bird $32, Fri., Sat. $42/$40, Wed., Thu., Sun. $38/$36 Tickets: melbournefringe.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Smallzy to leave

■ JocksJournalreports: “After 13 years broadcasting one of Australia’s most well-known national radio programs, NOVA announcer Kent ‘Smallzy’ Small has announced his departure. Smallzy confirmed he will leave his national program Smallzy’sSurgeryafter 23 years with the network.”

James Morrison

■ What’s the best way to celebrate the 100th birthday of a brass band?

The answer is by staging a spectacular concert that includes one of the world’s best jazz trumpeters as the featured guest artist, legendary trumpeter James Morrison, who will join Advent Brass for their centenary concert on September 14.

But James isn’t the only celebrity on stage for this concert – Advent Brass have their own home-grown celebrity performer in pianist Romney King, who celebrates his 100th birthday this year, making history with this concert by becoming the oldest person to ever perform live on the Hamer Hall stage.

Creating music for nearly nine decades, he has inspired many younger generations of musicians with his remarkable knowledge, war-time service as a signalman, and lifelong commitment to community music.

While Romney has been the concert pianist for Advent Brass for more than 80 years, the concert also covers the other end of the age spectrum, with the youngest performer being just nine years of age.

Advent Brass also includes Advent Youth Brass, keeping the tradition of brass music going strong in the 21st century.

As well as James Morrison and the bands, the concert also features vocalists Helena McKee, Walter Saluni and Tim Jaques bringing old favourites like Singin’intheRain,I Got Rhythm and All You Need Is Love to entertain the audience.

Advent Brass is a dab hand at raising money for charities with their concerts, and the beneficiary from this concert will be humanitarian organisation Adventist Development and Relief Agency.

It’s all happening on Sunday September 14 at 5pm in Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne . Tickets are available from www.adventbrass.org

Julie Houghton

Theatre of Music

■ After years of sold-out shows in Brisbane, TheatreofMagicis coming to Melbourne

From September 6, Theatre of Magic opens a new theatre inside the Victoria Hotel on Little Collins St.

Described as 'An unforgettable night of world-class magic and five-star hospitality awaits — right in the heart of the CBD.'

Opening Night: Saturday September 6 Venue: Victoria Hotel, Little Collins St, Melbourne CBD Tickets: theatreofmagic.com.au TICKETS

Cheryl Threadgold

Fine Food event

■ The founders of a micro dairy that calls Fitzroy home are headed to Sydney next month to take part in the country's biggest food event - Fine Food Australia

Saint David's micro dairy is located in the heart of inner city Fitzroy, the inspiration of a fourth generation dairy farmer who wanted to bring the dairy back into the daily lives of inner city locals.

Loved by locals for their conversation as much as their cafe, the Saint David's Dairy team will now take their artisanal products to the other side of the country, to introduce the nation's leaders in foodservice to a different way of doing dairy.

The dairy's focus on quality is matched by their commitment to social responsibility and giving back to their local community, with weekly milk drops and dairy donations to local charities and those in need.

This micro dairy will soon showcase its local offering to some of the nation's biggest names in foodservice and hospitality?

Jane Stabler

●

● The Melbourne Observer section appears weekly, February-December, inside all editions of The Local Paper, which cover all Melbourne suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula and selected Victorian country areas.

● Gaz Dutlow and Kirsty Marillier in Destiny. Photo: Pia Johnson

In Memory of

CATO THE WISE Maxwell Newton

★This year’s Melbourne International Film Festival award winner is A Poet , directed by Simón Mesa Soto.

★The Advent Brass: 100 Year Celebration Charity Concert will be held at Hamer Hall at 5pm on Sunday, September 14.

★Nicholas Folland’s Day Before Tomorrow exhibition will be staged at Tolarno Galleries from September 6-October 2.

★The Whitlams join the MSO at Hamer Hall for three performances (Sep. 5-6), their first collaboration since 2017.

★ Highlights of this year’s Melbourne Fringe Festival (September 30– October 19) includes new musicals by Sammy J and Hamilton’s Vidya Makan, a new play by Tom Ballard, works activating unusual places across the city, and bold musical works from overseas. The Festival bursts with 500+ events taking over theatres, laneways, living rooms, beaches and car parks.

★A moving documentary, Time is Not a Line , will have its premiere, as part of the Ballarat International Foto Biennale, on Sunday (Aug. 31), offering an intimate portrait of renowned Australian artist Dr Stephen Hennessy.

★Foodbank Yarraville warehouse last weekend held Victoria’s biggest-ever Food Drive.

★MAPh is presenting Deborah Paauwe’s The Wayward Girls as the Wai Tang Commissioning Award exhibition alongside this year’s Bowness Photography Prize

★TarraWarra Museum of Art has unveiled the major solo exhibition Breathing Helps by acclaimed Australian artist Rose Nolan. The exhibition is the first time Nolan’s large-scale, sculptural forms have been shown together, highlighting the recurring spatial and performative threads in Nolan’s practice. Presented until November 9, the exhibition showcases these significant works alongside a new series of performances by Australian artist Shelley Lasica

★Opening night of Asamina Theatre Company's Son of Byblos - A Play by James Elazzi - will be at 7.30pm, Thursday, September 4, at Meat Market Stables , 2 Wreckyn St, North Melbourne.

★ ABC journlaist Michael Brissenden is coming to Melbourne and holding an event at Wheelers Hill Library on Thursday, September 11 to promote his latest crime book, DUST

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment

★The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra, one of China’s premier traditional orchestras, will make its long-awaited Australian debut at 7.30pm on Monday, September 22, featuring over 70 musicians, at the Melbourne Recital Centre

★State Library Victoria librarian, Sarah Matthews , discovered that her great-great aunt, Florence Lord (Florrie) , was a trailblazing female publican in the early 1900s. The SLV tells more in Finding Florrie as part of National Family History Month.

★A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical will make its Australian premiere exclusively in Melbourne in August 2026 at The Princess Theatre.

★This monthmarks 30 years since the Jewish Museum of Australia opened it doors at 26 Alma Rd, St Kilda. For nearly two decades, it had been centred at Melbourne Hebrew Congregation, with exhibits held there and in spaces around Melbourne

★The Big Christmas Spectacular will be staged at the Princess Theatre from SaturdayMonday December 6-8.

★Pantera Press this week re leased a new crime novel, The Washup by Nicole Crowe

★Community radio station 3RRR’s annual fundraising drive is in full flight. Dave Hughes, Dave O’Neil, Kate Langbroek, Ross Stevenson, John Safran and the Coodabeen Champions cut their teeth at the station.

★The 39 Steps, an Olivier and Tony Award-winning comedy, starring Lisa McCune, Ian Stenlake and The Umbilical Brother s ( David Collins and Shane Dundas), will play Melbourne’s Comedy Theatre from September 10.

★ Gourmet Traveller has crowned Victorian eatery, Maison Bâtard, as winners for the Annual Restaurant Awards , scooping the prestigious Best New Restaurant accolade.

★School of Rock , a musical from Andrew Lloyd Webber, will be staged at The National Theatre, St Kilda, from November 1-9.

★The Clocktower Centre is calling for local performers and community arts organisations to apply for a residency program.

★Legends In Concert will be at the Palms At Crown from January 8. Josh Smith will play Michael Bublé, Karen Hester is Dolly Parton, Trisha McCluney appears as Cher, and Bill Cherry appears as Elvis Presley.

Cluedo

■ Cluedo, the murder mystery board game, is stepping off the board and onto the stage for a season to be pre- sented at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre in February.

“Continuing our tradition of presenting some of the world’s favourite mysteries on stage including Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None and The Mousetrap, I’m delighted to present the Australian premiere of Cluedo,” said Producer John Frost

“We know audiences love a murder mystery and with Cluedobeing one of the world’s best-selling board games with over 150 million games sold in over 40 countries, I know that Australia will delight in seeing the mystery played out live on stage,” he said.

Based on the fan-favourite 1985 Paramount Pictures movie Clueand inspired by the classic Hasbro board game that is the fifth highest selling board game of all time, Cluedois said to be the ultimate whodunnit,

The fast-paced farcical comedy- thriller Cluedo, also known as Clue in the US, has played on stage in the US and the UK to great success and sell out shows.

The film Clueis regarded as a cult classic and featured a stellar cast including Tim Curry, Lesley Ann War- ren, Christophe Lloyd and Madeleine Kahn

Audiences will join the suspicious and slightly eccentric dinner guests Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet, Professor Plum, Mrs Peacock, Mr Green and Mrs White as they arrive at Boddy Manor for a night they’ll never forget. Was it Mrs Peacock in the study with the knife? Or was it Colonel Mustard in the library with the wrench? One thing’s certain, everyone has something to hide.

Melbourne Season: February, 2026 Venue: Comedy Theatre Tickets on sale now: cluedoplay.com.au Cheryl Threadgold

Machine Stops

■ Adapting novels for the stage can be tricky to pull off, as what works on the page does not always translate well onto the stage.

In a Theatre Works premiere production of The Machine Stops, an adaptation of an E.M.Forster novella, there were successes and shortcomings that demonstrate how tricky it can be.

In a dystopian future, all of humanity lives underground with people reliant on The Machine, a technology that keeps the human race alive but people isolated from each other.

In a radical and disruptive move, a mother and son decide to connect in person.

When they do we learn that the son has found a way to the surface. His revelations shake the very foundations of their world and their relationship.

TheMachineStops was adapted and written by Briony Dunn. The writing is sparse, particularly early on where sound and movement are the main elements used in the story-telling. Then rich emotive language takes centre stage as the characters of the mother and son are developed.

Mary Helen Sassman played the mother and Patrick Livesey her son. Both gave strong disciplined performances. Sassman in particular did a wonderful job of conveying the pain and angst of the mother's stifled existence, with her performance reminiscent of Japanese Butoh theatre.

Enormous credit must be given to the production crew and Dunn (who directed as well as wrote the play) as they created a chilling stylistic representation of a nightmarish underworld. Through a combination of soundscape, lighting and set design the bleak alienation of life underground was vividly realised. However, despite this fantastic work, and that of the two performers, the main theme of the play felt tired. There is no shortage these days of stories about the dystopian future awaiting humankind. Unfortunately, TheMachineStops did not add to this growing genre other than presenting the main narrative as theatre, albeit it magnificent theatre.

Review by Peter Murphy

Fight Or Flight

■ (MA). 102 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas September 4.

The John Wick imitations continue with FightOrFlight, which, while not the worst of these knockoffs, never truly breaks free like it should, resulting in a modest entertaining, if somewhat forgettable, film.

Josh Hartnett stars as Lucas Reyes , a disgraced ex-agent turned mercenary who is brought back into action when a former colleague begs him to get on a plane, which a highly valuable asset has boarded.

Guaranteed to have his stained record cleared and his agent status re-instated, Lucas agrees, but the mission soon becomes more than he signed on for when he realises that the aircraft is filled with other bounty hunters, all wanting the massive reward that is on the asset’s head.

With a premise reminiscent of BulletTrain, this promises to be a more stripped down, over-the-top action/comedy than the bloated disappointment starring Brad Pitt, but director James Madigan and writers Brooks McLaren and D.J. Cotrona don’t seem able to take the material to hilariously violent extremes (like say, Crank 2), so the film always feels like it is in second gear.

One thinks what Ronny Yu or Paul Verhoeven could have done with this set-up.

Hartnett, who seems to be having some kind of resurgence at the moment, is having fun, and while the action scenes never dazzle or excite, does offer a level of mild amusement.

Fight Or Flight is a direct-toDVD title that has managed to land a cinema release, and should entertain audiences when they get the chance to watch it at home.

RATING - ***

Hpney Don’t

■ (MA). 89 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

After the abysmal Drive-Away Dolls, Ethan Coen follows up his directorial solo debut with Honey Don’t!, and while still a deeply flawed film, is a more focused, and more importantly, fun viewing experience.

Set in Bakersfield, California, the story centres on gay private detective Honey O’Donahue (Margaret Qualley), who ends up following a case after a potential client dies in a supposed car accident.

The death is quickly connected to a mysterious church, run by the charismatic Reverend Drew Devlin (Chris Evans) , who seems to be involved in other, more criminal activities, than just spreading the word of the Lord

During her investigations, Honey is attracted to disgruntled officer MG (Aubrey Plaza), while deflecting the advances of detective Metakawitch (Charlie Day), who is also on the case.

Like Drive-AwayDolls, there is a messiness in the writing (by Coen and his wife Tricia Cooke), which again dips into crudeness, but overall the dialogue is better, less juvenile, and its in-your-face same sex/feminist viewpoint more onpoint.

Coen’s direction is more stylish this time, and handles his gallery of oddball characters with added care.

Qualley (TheSubstance,Sanctuary), the sole bright spot of Drive-AwayDolls, is again excellent here, while there is good support from Plaza, Evans and Gabby Beans (as Honey’s assistant). Even the normally grating Day delivers an entertaining turn.

Technically, the film is also better than its predecessor.

HoneyDon’t!is way below most of the work by Coen when he teamed with brother Joel (NoCountry For Old Men, Miller’s Crossing, Raising Arizona, to name a few), but is thankfully a nice surprise after the misfire that was Drive-Away Dolls, making for a breezily amusing 90 minutes.

RATING : ***

Jaws - 50th Anniversary

■ (M). 124 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

Bruce is back! Steven Spielberg’s classic 1975 blockbuster has returned to the big screen to celebrate its 50th anniversary.

The simple story of an island community being terrorised by a massive great white shark during peak summer season, traumatised millions of movie goers (me included) from going near the ocean.

But for those who have never seen this memorable horror/ thriller in the cinema, please race out and do so during this special limited release.

Great casting, brilliant direction, clever writing and first class production values all combined to create one of the most influential films of all time.

RATING - ***** Aaron Rourke

● Aaron Rourke

■ Alan Young was born in England in 1919. The family moved to Scotland, where he developed a broad Scottish accent, before they finally settled in Canada when he was six years old.

He started in radio in Canada at the age of 13 and by 17 Alan was in Hollywood where he was billed as the “al-American boy.”

Alan worked hard to disguise his strong Scottish accent. In 1944 his radio program The AlanYoungRadioShowwas broadcast nationally on the NBC network.

His first major film break came in 1946 when Alan starred opposite Jeanne Crain in Margie This led to films such as Mr Belvedere Goes toCollege, with Clifton Webb and AaronSlick from Punkin’ Crick co-starring with Dinah Shore

I enjoyed his performance in TheTimeMachine opposite Australian actor Rod Taylor where Alan finally made use of his Scottish accent. He told me his friendship with Rod Taylor has continued over the years.

The Time Machine, based on the novel by H. G. Wells was made in 1959 and has become a classic over the years.

Alan dated Marilyn Monroe when she was known as Norma Jean Baker.

They met on a Christmas parade float and Alan took her out several times.

In later years this beautiful blonde came running up to him on a film set and said “Oh

Alan, how are you?” and quickly left.

One of the crew said “How long have you known Marilyn Monroe ?” Alan answered

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Alan Young

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

“About three minutes.” He simply did not recognise her. In 1961 he was cast as Wilbur Post in the very successful situation comedy series Mr Ed which ran for five years.

This was the series in which the horse, “Mr Ed”, would talk to only to the architect Wilbur Post. He said it was a very happy cast on Mr Ed and he remained friends with his co-star Connie Hines.

Sadly Larry Keating, who played the next door neighbour, passed away during the series and he was replaced by Leon Ames

The voice of “Mr Ed” was supplied by the famous Hollywood western film star Allan ‘Rocky’ Lane Mr Ed pops up on cable television these

Alan dated Marilyn Monroe when she was known as Norma Jean Baker. They met on a Christmas parade float and Alan took her out several times.

days and it is still a very popular series. Alan provided the voice for Scrooge Mc Duck in DuckTales and also provided voices in the cartoon series of The Smurfs.

During the 1970’s Alan worked for the Christian Science Church in the broadcasting area.

He returned to acting and has appeared in television series such as ERand Sabrina,the TeenageWitch

He had a small role as a shopkeeper in the 2002 film re- make of TheTimeMachine. Sadly Alan Young passed away in 2016 at the age of 96.

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

‘PLURAL SELVES’ AT TOWN HALL GALLERY

Plural Selves – David Rosetzky

Experience the work of Melbourne-based contemporary artist David Rosetzky in this major retrospective exhibition.

Known for his exploration of the plural self and the diversity of human identity, Rosetzky’s works investigate how individuals perceive themselves in relation to others, often through intimate, collaborative portraits of LGBTQIA+ and marginal identities.

This exhibition features some of Rosetzky’s most iconic works alongside a newly commissioned series that directly engages with the LGBTQIA+ community of Boroondara.

Through video installation and photography, Rosetzky creates a compelling dialogue between different generations and experiences, staging personal narratives that consider the evolution of gender identity, and community overtime.

Season closes November 1.

Town Hall Gallery

360 Burwood Hwy, Hawthorn

Kingston

The Long Journey HomeMarie Clarke

Located outside the Kingston Arts Centre in Moorabbin, this series of illuminated lightboxes transforms the streetscape into a vibrant, around the-clock exhibition space.

“LongJourneyHomeis part pf my ongoing series of work, which reminds us that these lands and waterways if Naarm have always been cared fir by Aboriginal people,” says Marie Clarke.

“My canoe represents our journey across the waterways and our engagement.

“Part of this journey has included the making of a canoe and the sharing f this knowledge with my family.

“In 2023, my great-nephew Mitch Malonney , husband Nicolas Howington and myself , spent long hours collecting the tall river reeds located in the swamps of Kororoit Creek Road in Melbourne’s inner west.

“Mitch and Nicolas cut and gathered over 1999 feathery topped reeds, bundling them together, ready for canoe-making.

“Once made, the canoe was left to dry-out for 11 months. In the meantime, Mitch built a clay fire-pit into the end of the canoe – traditionally used for warmth and cooking.

“These practices, although lo-

The Arts

cated in the present and drawing on contemporary methods of making, are steeped in traditional knowledges handed down through generations.

“With the canoe I am creating a new visual narrative. Everything I I do, I want the younger generations to learn from.

“The river-reed canoe is based on traditional Tasmanian river reed canoes which also embody my Ancestors connections to northwest Tasmania – trawoolway Country.

“The location for the photo shoot is on my traditional Country, Boon Wurrung Country which stretches along the coastline of greater Naarm (so-called Melbourne today).

“These photographs are a statement of our ongoing presence as Aboriginal people in southeast Australia of my family and extended community’s Ancestral connections to Country, of our continuing knowledge if the land and waterways which we have cared for and lived for millennia.

“This history in the making, guided by Aboriginal people for future generations to come.”

Exhibition closes October 15. Kingston Arts Outdoor Lightbox Gallery Nepean Hwy, Moorabbin

Mallee Suite – David Beaumont.

For more than two years, Queenscliff based artist David Beaumont focused on painting the Mallee

region of northwest Victoria . The culmination of this exploration is the Mallee Suite, large scale abstract oil paintings and vibrant sculptures that have successfully captured the iconic open spaces and big skies of the vibrant idiosyncratic corner of the world.

Exhibition closes October 25.

Horsham Regional Art Gallery

80Wilson St, Horsham

Geelong

Treasures from the Collection

This exhibition includes some of the nationally significant works that distinguish the Geelong Gallery Collection. The Gallery’s holdings re[resent the works of Australia’s most important and critically acclaimed artistsespecially those who transformed the way we see and understand Australian landscapes, our sense of place and connection to Country.

Views of Geelong and beyond represents major acquisitions, images recording Geelong’s history and development since Europeans settlement, and artists’ fascination with the natural beauty of the region, as well as landscapes further afield.

Exhibition closes Sunday, November 9.

Geelong Gallery

Little Malop St, Geelong - Peter Kemp

Musica Viva

■ Musica Viva Australia's 2026 season features seven national tours, six premieres and 49 concerts across six states and territories

The program includes international artists like the Doric String Quartet and Paul Lewis alongside Australian performers such as Lloyd Van't Hoff and Genevieve Lacey

The season opens with A Winter'sJourney, featuring British tenor Allan Clayton performing Schubert's Winterreise with animated artworks by Fred Williams

It eatures several premieres including new works by Australian composer Melody Eötvös and British composer Charlotte Bray Contributed

Background on ‘The Boss’

■ Rumour is getting louder that Bruce Springsteen is on his way to Oz in 2026. Here are a few pearls to drop into a conversation when 'The Boss' is mentioned. Of humble beginnings his first guitar was rented by his Mum. His first band, at sweet 16, was a garage rock group called 'The Castiles'. His awards as of right now include sales of 150 million albums, 20 Grammy awards, and accolades like this: “Springsteen is like Chuck Berry, early Bob Dylan, and Marlon Brando with every gesture, every syllable adds something to his ultimate goal. He bears his soul through his music.”

Crime scene

■ The Hollywood home of singer Lionel Ritchie became a crime scene on August 22 when a suspected burglar was aprehended around midnight. Ritchie was at home and called local police when security alarms detected movement in the gardens of his palatial home. A man is under investigation.

News on Nick Cave

■ Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds will visit Melbourne this coming January. The national tour is themed WildGod. Rumours continue to swirl about Harry Style's Australian tour sometime 2026, theb buzz gained momentum with news he is about to release a new album.

Birthday girl Barbara

■ How could you ever forget actress Barbara Eden who starred in IDream ofJeannie? Well, Barbara recently turned 94 and still looking glamorous and fit. Apart from IDreamofJeannie', Barbara has 25 films to her credit, 19 TV movies and five or more liveTV appearances. Many Happy Returns, Barbara

Britney behaving badly?

■ Britney Spears has her fans in a tizz after posting a pic of herself in the buff apart from wearing a pair of ankle high black boots, and a red rose covering her butt. Instagram registered 200,000 likes within 14 hours of post appearing. Fans are divided whether Britney is yelling out for help, or does she just love the attention. Only Britney knows. - John

● ● Alan Young

with Peter Kemp

O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Bruce Springsteen

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 6

Across Across Down Down Observer

204. Implement 205. Haggard

207. Drizzles

208. Musical, Porgy & ...

210. Cuban currency

212. Sink in middle

213. Following 214. Clothing 215. Tennis great, ... Borg 217. Ermine

220. Eternal City

222. Singer, ... Horne

224. Italian money unit

225. Blunders 226. Glum

229. Canadian gold rush region

231. Lifeless (hair) 233. Rescue

235. Jazz style, bossa ... 236. Toadstools

237. China's ... Zedong

239. Bark

241. ... mortis

243. Boxing dais

245. White ant 247. Wordless acts

248. Actors Gibson or Brooks

249. Underneath 251. Of birth

253. Murder (2,2)

255. Cash advances

256. Pulverises (fruit)

257. Ravine

258. Old photo shade

260. Scour

262. Haemorrhaged

264. Brazil's ... Paulo

265. Surrenders

266. Metal mixture

268. Howls shrilly

270. Egret

272. US shares index, ... Jones

273. Unwanted plants

274. Verdant

276. Chairs

278. Inflexible

280. Playwright, ... Simon

281. Macho

282. Small change

283. Delivery vehicle

286. 135 down opera house, La ...

288. Uncovered (facts) (3,2)

290. Elevators

291. Police klaxon

292. Also known as (1,1,1)

294. Skip

296. Run off to marry

298. Half

299. Queens' seats

Meal, bangers & ... 104. Quantity of paper 106. Streamlined 108. Plain-spoken

Minerals

Attracted

Earthquake measure, ... scale

Dressed

Fully satisfies 117. Active European volcano 118. Persona ... grata 119. Eiffel Tower city

120. Heavily scented

121. Restorative medicine

123. Move unsteadily

125. The masses, ... polloi 126. Eskimo coat

127. Flagpoles 128. Jacob's Old Testament twin 130. Racing driver, ... Mansell 132. Verification 134. Marshy 135. Drains (udder)

137. Shout

139. Apple drink

141. Me, ... truly 143. Wigwam 144. Money factories 145. Floor dance 147. Patch up

Recorded

Trace

153. Cracks (of lip)

154. Israel's ... Meir

155. Tablets

157. Soon

159. Mention, ... to 161. Damascus is there

162. Aviator, ... Johnson

163. Dads

164. Card game

166. Fuse (of bones)

168. Challenger

170. ... Francisco

171. It is (poetic) ('3)

172. Peaceful resort

173. ... Lang Syne

174. Form (conclusion)

176. Valley

178. Giant

180. Golfing body (1,1,1)

182. Asked (question)

183. Healthy 185. Radial or cross-ply

187. Utter (cry)

189. Tibetan priests

191. African language group

192. Super athlete, ... Lewis

193. Army eatery

195. Naval exercises

197. Couple

199. Filled pastries

201. Gullible

202. Greek philosopher

203Killerwhale

301. Bops

302. Potato

303. Brown pigment

304. Principle

306. Phoned

308. Jug 309. Styles

310. Stairs, apples & ...

311. Hurl

313. ... & lows

315. Shrieked

318. Rent out again 319. Slum area

320. Nail

323. Judges 325. Nasty

326. Sections

327. The Constant Gardener's ... Fiennes

328. Longbow timber

330. Skating stadium

332. Hitler's Third ... 333. Golfing stroke

334. CDs, compact ... 335. Beliefs

336. Thus far, as ...

338. Neatly

339. Yasser Arafat's group (1,1,1)

340. Salesmen

342. Double agent

343. Sit idly 344. Windies batsman, ... Richards

346. Prima donna

348. Writer, ... Hemingway

350. Itemises

352. Carnival car

353. Seed

355. Fashionable, ... mode (1,2)

356. Movie examiner

359. Religious sister

360. Scene of event

361. Clever

362. Irish paramilitary force (1,1,1)

363. Thai food ingredient, ... grass

364. Composer's work

365. Bombardments

368. Dishes

369. Viola flower

371. Solid

373. Tenancy agreements

374. Snagged

376. First 379. Collar folds

381. Prayer ending

382. Rugby player

383. Ocean phase (3,4)

385. Balderdash

386. Garden water feature

387. Twice

388. Master of Ceremonies

389. Reckoned

390. Stylish

391. Louts

392. Ordered about

393Scraped(riverbottom)

1. Continuing 2. Sad play

3. Flavour enhancer (1,1,1)

4. On top of 5. Cut (lawn)

6. Debauched

7. Bonier

8. NCO rank, ... corporal

9. Engrave

10. Caviar base

11. Sofa footstool

12. Bosom

13. Gently touch

14. Cricketer, ... Gilchrist

15. Fuel oil

16. Property 17. Little bit

18. Engage

19. Dryly humorous

20. Rude driver (4,3)

21. Encumbered (with)

28. Considered

30. Yemen port

31. Males

33. Nuzzles

35. Betting organiser

36. Doled (out)

37. Namely (2,3)

40. Extinguish

41. Dirty looks

42. Mel Gibson movie, Mad ...

43. Footy Show personality, ... Newman

45. Employ (4,2)

47. Positive electrode

49. Mankind

50. Scorch

52. Tells good story

54. Fishing bait

55. Sighed sleepily

58. Pressed fabric folds

59. Windmill arms

60. Appalling

61. Chatter

62. Mixed (with poison)

64. 12 months

67. Irritating complainers

68. Chanted

70. Strong winds

72. Testosterone & oestrogen

73. Melted (of rock)

75. Contemplated

76. England's Isle of ...

78. Closes securely

81. Withholds vote

83. Tubs

84. Trims

85. Feebly sentimental

86. Vertical

88. Pilfer

90. Lecherous gaze

92. Greek & German currency unit

93. Hymn, Ave ...

94. Car hoists

95. Beauty parlour 97. Excited (3,2) 99. Baseballer, Babe ... 100. AD, ... Domini 102. Unclear 103. Fogs 105. Frenzied

107. SeaChange actress, ... Armstrong 110. Jumbo 111. Teething sticks 112. Contact 114. Number 116. Scurry

119. Book leaves 120. Mediterranean republic isle 122. Lebanese wood 124. 24 in a day 126. Opium source

127. Cares for 129. Fertiliser compound 131. Social outcast

133. Becomes tattered 134. Light rays

135. Northern Italian city 136. End 138. Jerk

140. Refurbish

142. Abandon 143. Siamese 144. Scooter 145. Bacon edge 146. Trudge

148. Hunger 150. Evil spirit

152. Monarch

154. Relinquished (4,2)

155. Election

156. Varieties 158. Longest river 160. Proportional, pro ... 163. Bygone 164. Strain (muscle) 165. "No" vote

167. Office casual

169. Lantern

171. Burrows

172. Integrity

173. Spray can

175. Inscribed 177. Romantic US falls

179. Kenya's capital 181. Sneeze noise (1-6) 182. Prepares (the way) 183. Irrigate 184. Stick-on symbol

186. Resin glue

188. Coronet

190. Burns surface of 191. ... & brace

192. Humbly, ... in hand

193. Mr & ... 194. Wise men 196. Drunkard

198. Apply friction to 200. Transgression

206. Steak cuts (1-5)

209. Tart

211. Actor, ... Sharif

213. Type of orange 214. Yield, ... in 216. Prompts (memory) 218. Similar 219. Roman garments 221. Writer, ... Blyton

223. Singer, ... King Cole

224. Auction items

225. Jostles

227. Yeses

228. NRL legend, Laurie ...

230. Nick

232. Door handle

234. Cupid

235. Weather feature, El ... 236. Dossiers

237. Cantaloupe

238. Friend in war

240. Pontiffs

242. Less frequent

244. Cover with gold

246. Address to royalty (2'2)

247. Caked with soil

248. Stubborn animals

250. Cunning tricks

252. Graphic

254. Inert gas

256. Removes skin from 257. Music guru, ... A Baker

259. Quickly

261. False 263. Lived

265. Dollars & ...

266. Ram zodiac sign

267. Piously

269. Musty

271. Timbuktu's river

273. Thin biscuit

274. Injures with horns

275. Announces (5,3)

277. Deadly sin 279. Three Musketeers author 281. Excavated

282. Cat-like mammal

284. Bullets

285. Pen-points

287. Greenfly

289. Squeeze between fingers

290. Mooed

291. Facets

292. Lethargy

293. Actor, ... Russell

295. Trial

297. Famous Swiss mountain

300. Send (payment) 301. Sudden bumps

302. Ooze

305. Chirp

307. Feels about 309. Clemency 310. Mucus

312. Sharp-tasting

314. Happy face 316. Eject lava 317. ... & crafts

318. Speaks gratingly

319. January birthstone

321. Dry 322. Blades

324. Spurn

326. Ski trail

327. Lives without comforts, ... it

329. Banish

331. Ku Klux ...

335. Submitted (application)

337. Islamic governors

340. Of kidneys

341. Treats royally, ... & dines

343. Dallied

344. Holding dear

345. Blood-sucking creature

347. Dried coconut kernels

349. Small chunk

350. Folk heroes

351. Dubious

352. Male duck

353. Zigzag-edge scissors, ... shears

354. Listen attentively (3,4)

357. Dirtied

358. Wrinkle

360. Floral arrangement urn

361. Fellows

366. ..., steady, go 367. Assault weapon, battering ...

368. Swimming places

370. Truck's unladen weight

372. Snow-covered peaks

374. Vagrant

375. South African conflict, ... War

377. Belonging to it

378. Jar top

380. Chinese ... sauce

382. Centre

383. Liquid crystal display (1,1,1)

384. Teeny-weeny

By Rob Foenander

Night with Tina

■ Expect glitz, glamour and electric energy, says the media release.

ANightWithTinais a drag cabaret full of fun, action-packed and a loving celebration of R&B, rock and pop icon Tina Turner. Fabio Cattafi takes the lead role and performs to Tina’s greatest hits including ProudMary,PrivateDancerand Nutbush CityLimitsbacked with six dancers.. Memo Music Hall. Sept 5. Tickets at www.memomusichall.com.au

Lisa’s release

■ Aussie singer songwriter Lisa Crouch has released her new single.

Titled I Love You More, the song talks about every couple’s way of signing off from a phone call.

Some are cute, others are not, says Lisa

My wife always says "I love you" and I say "I love you more" and then she says "no you don't".

“Well, I've written a song about it, so I must be right,” she adds.

Deep Dark Blude

■ Philip Island troubadour Mark Howard is launching his second full length studio album DeepDarkBlue

It’s atmospheric and raw, where the instrumentation moves like currents in the dark and the storytelling surfaces like forgotten relics.

“Plus, I’m more excited than a lawn mower on the first week of spring to have it out there in the world,” Mark says.

The official launch will be September 6 at the Archies Creek Hotel. - Rob Foenander

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

CELEBRATING 120 YEARS OF MSO

■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s Season 2026 will celebrate 120 years of music-making with a bold new look and a program shaped by 'powerful emotion, musical innovation, and exceptional artistry.'

Spanning centuries and genres, the season features timeless masterworks alongside groundbreaking new compositions, showcasing celebrated Australian and international artists— including three making their Australian debut and 12 appearing with the MSO for the first time.

In a year rich with musical discovery, the MSO pays tribute to Australian artistry, highlighting First Nations voices, emerging talent, the musicians of the Orchestra and MSO Chorus, and new Concertmaster Natalie Chee

The season features 29 new MSO commissions including 26 world premieres, with works by leading composers and fresh voices alike.

Highlights include four new works by First Nations artists, NAIDOC Week celebrations and two world premieres by awardwinning Melbourne composer and MSO Composer in Residence for 2026, Joe Chindamo

“I am thrilled to be performing in Melbourne with our wonderful orchestra and our recently appointed Concertmaster Natalie Chee ,” says Chief Conductor Jaime Martín.

“Our distinguished international guests include French pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet, Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel, UK

Crossword Solution No 6

cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, American pianist Kirill Gerstein, soprano Danielle de Niese and Spanish violinist María Dueñas.”

In its 120th year, the MSO reinforces its commitment to sharing orchestral music with more people, with additional no-to lowcost concerts that embed the MSO within a range of communities across the state, including the world premiere of Joe Chindamo’s Flute Concerto at the Broadmeadows Town Hall.

mCEO and Director of Programming Richard Wigley said a combination of hyper-local programming initiatives will allow the MSO to connect with new audiences from the heart of Melbourne’s CBD to suburban and regional communities.

Melbourne’s popular Sidney Myer Free Concerts will return in February – for the first time since 2013, the MSO will present four free concerts at the Bowl across

SWAT RAG CREWED D HEM EPEE MANGE WAFT INCAS MONA WEA O OVALS PUREE MINUTE SELES NERO B RELATE MASKS JUGGLERS DEATH D GRAS MUTTS MARES MASH REAM SLEEK BLUNT ORES LURED RICHTER CLAD SATES ETNA NON PARIS MUSKY E TONIC LURCH HOI E PARKA MASTS ESAU NIGEL PROOF N S BOGGY MILKS H CRY CIDER YOURS S TEPEE MINTS RAP HEAL TAPED TRACK CHAPS GOLDA PILLS ANON REFER SYRIA AMY PAPAS PONTOON KNIT RIVAL SAN TIS HAVEN AULD DRAW GLEN TITAN PGA U POSED WELL D TYRE EMIT LAMAS T N BANTU CARL MESS OPS PAIR PIES I NAIVE PLATO ORCA TOOL GAUNT RAINS E BESS PESO SAG NEXT GARB BJORN H

L STOAT ROME LENA Y LIRA BOOBS O SAD YUKON LANK SAVE NOVA FUNGI MAO YAP RIGOR RING TERMITE MIMES MEL BELOW NATAL DOIN LOANS PULPS GULLY SEPIA SCRUB BLED SAO CEDES ALLOY D YELPS HERON DOW M WEEDS GREEN R E SEATS RIGID NEIL MANLY COINS E

VAN SCALA DUGUP L LIFTS SIREN AKA OMIT ELOPE SEMI THRONES JIVES SPUD UMBER ETHIC

one week in a festival-style model.

The MSO will expand upon February’s week of Free Concerts with more ‘binge-listening’ opportunities throughout the year, with multi-day orchestral festivals and new immersive venue takeovers providing a fresh variety of different ways to experience the MSO Melbourne Town Hall, home to the largest romantic organ in the southern hemisphere, hosts the GrandOrganFestivalwith organist Joseph Nolan for three concerts.

Building on the success of 2024’s Beethoven Festival, Jaime Martin’s Season 2026 concludes with a Brahms Festival in November, six concerts across two weeks dedicated to this composer.

The SpringGala:Brahms’GermanRequiemconcludes the festival with Welsh bass-baritone Sir Bryn Terfel opening the concert with a selection of spiritual works, then joined by the MSO Chorus for Brahms’ transcendent Ein Deutsches Requiem, one of the most moving tributes to grief and remembrance. Brahms enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to experience returning conductor Tianyi Lu leading the MSO with MSO Yo. Artist in Association Christian Li performing Brahms’ Violin Concerto alongside performances of Tchaikovsky’sSwanLakeSuite and Elfrida Andrée’s rarely heard AndanteQuasiRecitativo

Chief Conductor Jaime Martín makes his Melbourne Recital Centre debut. The Gala Series – the centrepiece of the MSO’s yearly program, will be helmed by Jaime

Martín.

In 2026, the MSO continues to celebrate extraordinary women in music, including the Australian premiere of Melbourne composer Melody Eötvös TheDecidingMachine, honouring women’s suffrage and Ada Lovelace’s pioneering computer work in a special International Women’s Day program.

The MSO also continues its deep commitment to nurturing the next generation of musical talent through a diverse suite of programs for emerging artists, composers, conductors, and instrumentalists, to help build a sustainable future for orchestral music and shape the musical voice of our state.

Some 29 new works will be unveiled, commissioned by the MSO across the 2026 Season, and MSO’s foray into film music includes the return of Metropolis Festival, Art of the Score and a series of cinematic blockbusters performed live to screen.

Reflecting on the scale and ambition of the 2026 program, Richard Wigley said: “Chief Conductor and Artistic Advisor Jaime Martí n and our Programming team have created a wonderful blend of concerts that appeal to all tastes and expectations. We’re excited to share the 2026 Season and look forward to welcoming you for another unforgettable year.”

Individual concert tickets will be available from 10am Thursday October 30. For further information visit mso.com.au

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● ● MSO Chief Conductor Jaime Martin Photo: Samantha Meuleman

Today’s Menu

Charcuterie Boards:

Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts

Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.

Teas and Coffees

Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea

Where

■

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

■ BALNARRING. Ritchies IGA. Russell St.

■

■

■ BAXTER. Ampol. 1 BaxterTooradin Rd.

■ BAXTER. Liberty Service Station.

161 Moorooduc Hwy.

■ BAXTER. Licensed Post Office.

72 Baxter-Tooradin Rd.

■

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

■ BEACONSFIELD. Fast Fuel. 114

Old Princes Hwy.

■ BEACONSFIELD. Tattslotto. 55

Old Princes Hwy.

■ BERWICK. Newsagency. 29 High St,

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

■

■ BITTERN. IGA. 2428-2436 Frankston Rd.

■ BLAIRGOWRIE. Cafe. 2837

Point Nepean Rd.

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

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

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

■

■ CHELSEA. Longbeach Hotel. 380 Nepean Hwy.

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

■ ■ CRANBOURNE. Newsagency. 105 High St.

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

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

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

■ DANDENONG. Dande Lotto. 308 Thomas St.

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

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

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

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

■ DROMANA. Newsagency. 177 Point Nepean Rd.

■ EDITHVALE. Foodworks. 130/131 Station St.

■

■ FLINDERS. General Store. 48 Cook St.

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

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

■ FRANKSTON. Beach Street Newsagency. 237 Beach St.

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

■

■ FRANKSTON. Frankston RSL. 183 Cranbourne Rd.

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

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

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

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

■ FRANKSTON SOUTH. Licensed Post Office. 58 Yuille St

■

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

■ HALLAM. Hallam Square News.

42 Spring Square.

■

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

■ HALLAM. United Petroleum. Cnr

Belgrave-Hallam Rd and Princes Hwy.

■ 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.

■ 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, September 3

Local Briefs

Injured

man

■ 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.

Arunakirinathan, Sanjeevan Ashley, Zachary Awa, Poulios Azizullah, Jalili Beasley, Reid Bidbid, Dixon Burgoyne, Thomas Cengic, Angus Chiotelis, Emmanuel Chiotelis, Emmanuel Choul, Joshua Nyang Collins, Joel Colquhuon, Kevin Do, David Fa'oliu, Jordan Ferguson-Dolan, Nathan Folau, Lonely Gates, Brandon Wayne Gilliland, Shannon Harland, Adam Christopher Heera, Jatinder Henderson, Isiah Hunter, Zane Ide, Brodie Christopher Jennings, Anthony James Kennedy, Benjamin Kilmartin, David Koonwhye, Julian Kwajakwan, Kur Labrooy, Stacher Jane Lakshman, Sumit Lokeron, Marfin Lynch, Matthew Mabuor, Akol Deng Marshall, David John Milton-Smith, Travis Mitchell, Lynch Mose, Jacob Munidasa, Kathryn Nikiza, Issa Page, Nicole Paulston, Brendan Pham, Cuong Philip, Sarah Piscitelli, Alexander Qadeer, Hamza Rasouli, Aboul Rech, Dwayne Richardson, Mark Anthony Roca, Nonoy Rochecouste, Catarina Romage, Joel Royus, Mohammad Rua, Kwest Sandford, Phillip Shaya, Fadi Sila, Fauina Singh, Baghel Singh, Gurdhian Snape, Christopher Somasunderam, Thileeban Strajner, Peter Strojek, Michael Tannahill, Haydon Noel Thomason, William Tuite, Corrina Valenta, Renato Virtananen, William Whickham, Benjamin White, Martin William Wilson, Shane Woods, Lillian Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, September 3 Acuity Financial Soultions Pty Ltd Arvanitis, Katerina Barry, Wayne Brianton, Felix Bristow, James Campbell, Christine Ellen Cann Constructions Pty Ltd Cardenas, Carl Carlon, Donna Maree Chaklasiya, Nikunjkumar Ciurlino, Michelle Cook, Michael Diamante, Laini Nicole Dinger, Matthew Du Bont, Liam Hayden Ellenberg, Yona Evans, Craig Fata, Laisene Gelman, Raisa Giovanni Cherubin, Nereo Glazier, Kerry Goldsmith, Robert Goyal, Deepak Goyal, Neetu Hagopian, John Hamilton, Tamara Lee Hine, Derrick Leonard Iliopoulos, Ilios Ivanova, Elena King, Jacqueline Olive King, Matthew Talbot Kl Imports Pty Ltd

Kotsabouikis, Bill Lai, It King Lang,Yannai

Lawson-Pepper, Rowan Steven Ling, Yun Love, Jye Alan Martin, Anne Molina, Carlos Moore, Joanne Nixon, Jesse O'donnell, Wayne O'hanlon, Timothy Ord, Jacinta Paul, William Platinum Construction (Vic) Pty Ltd Porter, Aimee Raptis, Sotirios Ridout-Dehar, Sage Rogers, David Michael Rose, Judith Sylvia Rose, Norman Roth, Tammy Sas Build Pty Ltd Singh, Ramandeep Smith, Jai Snow, Yasemin Song, Qian Stoter, Nathan Stott, Cindy Talwar, Kapil Taylor, Brendon Tevelson, Anna Tevelson, Stanislav Thai Yim Thomson, John Tretinik, Peter Twigg, Mark Upp Operations Pty Ltd Variety Vendors Vrettos, Evagelia Lily Vrettos, Evangelos Vynokur, Andrew Williams, Kazimiesz Czeslaw Willoughby, Caitlyn Wynne, Shane Yao, Ting Ye, Huan Young, Tenzin Zhang, Faqiang Dromana Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Thursday, September 4 Avjc Pty Ltd Baker, Kelly Bennett, Tod Bicsak, Bridget Board, Jacqueline Bradshaw, Ian Callaghan, Harrison Michael Chalmers, Spencer Ronald Cheesman, Antony Chehade, Lavinia Cleaver, Tauree Cooper, Tim Corr, Michael Cowling, Steven Currie, Russell De Los Rios, Katherine De Munk-Bastow, Scout Shain De Sena, Cecilia Dennis, Russell John Di Gregorio, Paul Dietz, Jesse Michael Dipaolo, Marco Dowie, Nadine Edwards, Joanne Lee Fenton, Jayde Fletcher, Reece Gwynne, Jesse-Lee Heron, John Hill, Brendan Hinton, Travis Hughson, Bradley Johnson, Shane Koufos, Evangelos Lee, Cameron Douglas Lee, Sereniti Leonard, Aidan Peter Mallon, Aaron Marchetto, Evandro Martin, Wayne Mason, Matthew Steven Mccubbin, Adrian Meek, Alison Middlemiss, Johann Louise Mihalitsis, Chris Mott, Aaron Muller, Lachlan Nacamuli, Chantel Heidi Nicolades, Irini Normand, Tracy O'hehir, Troy John Owen, Brian Owen, Wade Pelizzari, Fabio Pollock, Christy Louise Ross, Shannon Stage Right Events Pty Ltd Stork, Tracey Tait, Bradley Wells, Glenda Wood, Graham Woolfe, Andrew Wright, Dean

■ Frankston Crime Investigation Unit detectives are appealing for information after a man was found with serious injuries in Frankston on Monday night last week (Aug. 25).

Emergency services were called to reports of a man in his 40s with head injuries on Cecil St, near Victoria Pde, about 7.10pm.

He was taken to hospital and remains in a critical condition.

Police are working to establish the circumstances of the incident and where it occurred.

Detectives do not believe the man was struck by a vehicle.

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

Pool season soon

■ Cardinia Shire's outdoor pools will reopen on Monday, December 1. Cardinia Council has updated the outdoor pool schedule to align with these warmer months.

“By reopening the outdoor pools in sync with the expected increase in temperatures, we hope to provide our community with more opportunities to enjoy relaxing and swimming outdoors,” a Cardinia Council representative said.

“To take advantage of the warmer weather starting later, and extending to March, the outdoor pools at Garfield, Koo Wee Rup, and Pakenham will reopen on Monday, December1, and will close on Tuesday, March 31.

“The wading pool at the Emerald Lake Park Precinct will also reopen on Monday, December 1, and will close on Sunday, March 15.

“This season, the pools will open when the temperature reaches 25 degrees, as forecast by the Bureau of Meteorology at 4pm the day prior.

“Residents can check the opening status of their local pool by visiting the Cardinia Leisure website or the Cardinia Outdoor Pools Facebook page from 4pm the day before their planned visit.”

$5000 penalty

■ A Somerville based company has received a $5140 fine after deciding to dump waste in a Tyabb drain instead of waiting for the local resource recovery centre to open.

Mornington Peninsula Shire last year received a report about a timber waste product dumped in an open drain on Denham Road, Tyabb

After investigating, Council’s Litter Prevention Officers confirmed the source was from the Somerville-based company.

Despite being just minutes away from the Tyabb Resource Recovery Centre, the representative of the company told officers they dumped the waste because the facility was closed at the time.

The representative also tried to justify the decision by claiming the material was a “natural product.”

The company was summoned to appear at the Dromana Magistrates’ Court in May on two charges under the Environmental ProtectionAct2017– for unlawfully depositing waste and failing to comply with a waste abatement notice.

The Magistrate found the company guilty without conviction, issuing an aggregate fine of $5,000 and ordering $140.40 in costs.

Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor C r Anthony Marsh said: “Each year, the Shire spends approximately $600,000 removing dumped waste – ratepayer money that could have been spent on community infrastructure or other worthy initiatives.

“Choosing the correct waste disposal method not only avoids fines but helps protect our environment and public spaces.”

Creek project

■ Community consultation is now open for Melbourne Water’s Reimagining Eumemmerring Creek Project

As part of project, approximately two kilometres of an underground piped and concreted section of Eumemmerring Creek — located between Doveton Avenue and Lace Street — will be transformed into a natural, open waterway, said a City of Casey representative.

SATURDAY’S LOCAL FOOTBALL FINAL SCORES Local

Amateurs

■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Old Brighton 154.13 (97) d University Blues 8.7 (55). Collegians 20.13 (133) d De La Salle 11.7 (73). St

Bernard’s 16.13 (108) d St Kevin’s 10.154 (74). Old Scotch 210.23 (73) d Old Haileybury 4.12 (36). Old Xaverians 19.10 (124) d University Blacks 8.9 (56).

Premier Men’s Reserves. University Blues 9.14 (68) d Old Brighton 4.9 (33). De La Sale 8.8 (56) d Collegians 7.4 (46). St Kevin’s 17.3 (75) d St Bernard’s 10.7 (67). Old Scotch 11.13 (79) d Old Haileybury 7.4 (46). Old Xaverians 23.19 (257) d University Blacks 2.0 (12).

Premier B Men’s. Fitzroy 11.11 (77) d Old Melburnians 4.9 933). Williamstown CYMNS 14.11 (95) d Old Camberwell 6.11 (47). Old Ivanhoe 7.17 (59) df Hamptopn Rovers 8.8 (54). Old Carery 14.11 (95) d Old Geelong 11.6 (72). Caulfield Grammarians 10.16 (76) d Old Trinity 8.12 (60).

Premier B Men’s Reserves. Fitzroy v Old Melburnians. OId Camberwell 4.3 (27) d Williamstown CYMS 1.8 (14). Old Ivanhoe 17.14 (116) d Hampton Rovers 3.2 (20). Old Geelong 14.17 (101) d Old Carey 6.9 945). Caulfield Grammarians 13.8 (86) d Old Trinity 5.7 (37).

Premier C Men’s. Marcellin 14.15 (99) d Prahran 8.10 (58). PEGS 11.12 (78) d AJAX

Latest News

2 arrests

■ Police have took two people into custody as part of their investigation into the fatal shooting of two police officers and serious injury to a third during the execution of a search warrant in Porepunkah Fugitive Squad detectives, along with Special Operations Group members, attended a Porepunkah address about 8.40pm Thursday (Aug. 28).

A 42-year-old woman and 15-year-old boy were safely arrested at the address and taken into custody.

The Porepunkah pair were interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

The arrests formed part of the ongoing investigation into the deaths of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De Waart, who were killed in the line of duty.

Pascoe Vale hit-run

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a multi-vehicle hitrun collision in Pascoe Vale.

Emergency services were called to reports of three cars colliding at the intersection of Gaffney and Lendells streets about 7.15pm on Thursday (Aug. 28).

It is believed a Ford Falcon was travelling at a fast rate of speed along Gaffney St when it collided with a BMW 320Ci and Toyota Corolla

The driver of the BMW , a 66-year-old Pascoe Vale woman, was transported to hospital with life-threatening injuries where she remains in a critical condition. The driver of the Toyota was not injured.

The driver and passenger of the Ford Falcon fled the scene and investigators are urging them to come forward.

5 times over limit

■ Somerville Highway Patrol officers have caught a drink driver following a collision in Hastings Officers were called to the corner of Victoria St and Spring St to reports of an Audi Q5 colliding with a parked truck about 8:15pm.

The driver of the Audi , a 46-year-old woman, underwent a preliminary breath test which returned a positive result. She subsequently underwent an evidentiary breath test where she returned an alleged reading of 0.263.

She was issued an immediate driving ban and has been charged on summons with exceeding the prescribed content of alcohol whilst driving and careless driving. Her car was impounded at a cost of $1304.75.

6.9 (45). Parkside 14.16 (100) d Mazenod 7.9 %1) Beaumaris 8.21 (69) d Glen Eira 5.8 (38). St Bedes/Mentone 18.17 (125) d Parkside 11.15 (71). Premier C Men’s Reserves. Marcellin v Prahran. AJAX 20.13 (133) d PEGS 1.2 (8). Pakdale Vultures 124 d MaZenod 3.5 -23). Beaumaris 25.16 (172) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 2.1 (13). St Bedes/Mentone 26.14 (170) d Parkside 6.3 (39)

Division 1 Men’s. Ormond 13.16 (94) d Old Peninsula 11.11 (77). Kew 11.9 975) d Oakleigh 4.12 (36).

Division 1 Men’s Reserves. Oakleigh 7.8 950) d Kew 7.6 (48). Ormond 5.5 (35) d Old Peninsula 3.12 (30).

Division 2 Men’s. South Melbourne 8.9 (57) d West Brunswick 8.6 (54) Sunday, August 31: Old Yarra Cobras v St Mary’s Salesian.

Division 2 Men’s Reserves. West Brunswick 6.12 (48) d South Melbourn e 2.3 (15). Sunday, August 31: MHSOB v St Mary’s Salesian

Division 3 Men’s. Sunday, August 31: North Brunswick v Richmond Central. Power Houser v Wattle Park.

Division 3 Men’s Reserves. La Trobe University 95 (59) d Albert Park 1.5 (11). Sunday, August 31: Power House v Richmond Central.

Eastern

■ Eastern Football League. Premier Division 1 Seniors. Balwyn 9.5 (59) d East Ringwood 6.12 (48). Sunday, August 31: Rowville v South Croydon.

Division 1Seniors. Park Orchards 15.11 (101) d South Belgrave 8.8 (56). Sunday, August 31: Beaconsfield v North Ringwood. Division 2 Seniors. Templestowe 8.11 (59) d Surrey Park 8.8 (56). Sunday, August 31: Wantirna South v Mulgrave.

Division 3 Seniors. Scoresby 17.5 (107) d Knox 11.2 (68).

Division 4 Seniors. Sunday, August 31: Whitehorse Pioneers v Warrandyte.

Essendon

■ Premier Division. Strathmore 18.8 (116) d Aberfeldie 9.7 (61). Deer Park v Airport West.

Division 1. Oak Park 13.13 (91) d Hillside 6.13 (49). Sunday, August 31: West Coburg v Craigieburn.

Division 2. Sunday, August 31: Glenroy v Rupertswood. Westmeadows v Keilor Park.

Mornington

■ Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Frankston YCW 13.18 (96) d Edithvale Aspendale 8.9 (57). Sunday, August 31: Langwarrin v Mt Eliza.

Division 1 Reserves. Rosebud 7.7 (49) d Frankston YCW 6.6 (42). Sunday, August 31: Edithvale Aspendale v Red Hill.

Division 1 Under 19. Edithvale Aspendale 7.5 (47) d Langwarrin 6.5 (41). Sunday, Augu8st 31: Mt Eliza v Frankston YCW.

Division 2 Seniors. Frankston YCW 13.9 (87) d Devon Meadows 11.10 (76). Sunday, August 31: Pearcedale v Somerville

Division 2 Reserves. Somerville 12.12 (84) d Frankston Bombers 12.8 (80). Pearcedale v Seaford.

Division 2 Under 19. Frankston Bombers 12.5 (77) d Seaford 5.5 (35). Sunday, August 31: Pearcedale v Crib Point.

Northern

■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Greensborough 18.11 (119) d Banyule 9.6 (60). Sunday, August 31: Montmorency v Hurstbridge.

Division 1 Reserves. Eltham 8.4 (52) d West Preston Lakeside 6.7 (43). Sunday, August 31: Greensborough v South Morang.

Division 1 Under 19.5. Eltham 11.9 (75) d Diamond Creek 5.2 (32). Sunday, August 31: Banyule v St Mary’s.

Division 2 Seniors. Diamond Creek 11.18 (84) d Macleod 7.6 (48). Sunday, August 31:

Whittlesea v St Mary’s.

Division 2 Reserves. Diamond Creek 6.10 (46) d Whittlesea 4.7 (31). Sunday, August 31: Macleod v Thomastown.

Division 2 Under 19.5. Whittlesea 11.4 (70) d South Morang 8.4 (52). Sunday; August 31: North Heidelberg v Laurimar.

Division 3 Seniors. Fitzroy Stars 17.15 (117) d Ivanhoe 6.5 (41).

Division 3 Reserves. Fitzroy Stars 7.18 (120) d Ivanhoe 5.4 (34).

Division 3 Under 19.5. Bundoora 7.9 951) d Eltham 5.5 (35).

Outer East

■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Olinda Ferny Creek 14.7 (91) d Woori Yallock 12.15 (87). Sunday, August 31: Monbulk v Healesville.

Premier Division Reserves. Mt Evelyn 7.10 (52) d Officer 6.5 (41). Sunday, August 31: Wandin v Monbulk.

Division 1 Seniors. Sweville 19.12 (1260 d Warburton Millgrove 9.8 (62). Sunday, August 31: Pakenham v Alexandra.

Division 1 Reserves. Alexandra 10.13 (73) d Pakenham 6.7 (43). Sunday, August 31: Seville v Warburton Millgrove.

Premier Division Under 18 Boys.Officer 5.9 939) d Wandin 4.4 (28). Sunday, August 31: Healesville v Olinda Ferny Creek.

Division 1 Under 18 Boys. Pakenham 11.16 (82) d Seville 4.4 (28). Sunday, August 31: Warburton Millgrove v Yarra Glen.

Southern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Cheltenham 9.8 (62) d Sy Paul’s McKinnon 5.8 (38). Sunday, August 31: Springvale Districts v Bentleigh. Division 2 Seniors. Hampton Park 11.13 (79) d Highett 8.7 (55). Sunday, August 31: Chelsea Heights v Mordialloc.

Division 3 Seniors. St Kilda City 13.14 (92) d Carrum Patterson Lakes 6.7 (43). Sunday, Augsut 31: Berwick Springs v Hampton. Division 4 Seniors. Dandenong West 10.9 (69) d Lyndale 7.4 (46).

Western

■ Division 1 Seniors. Caroline Springs 16.12 (108) d Yarraville Seddon Eagles 10.14 (74). Sunday, August 31: Hoppers Crossing v Spotswood.

Division 2 Seniors. North Footscray 5.5 (35) d Wyndhamvale 3.14 (32). Sunday, August 31: West Footscray v Suns.

Goulburn Valley

■ Seniors. Echuca 14.17 (1010 d Shepparton Swans 13.5 (83). Kyabram 3.2 (20) d Rochester 1.0 (6). Sunday, August 31: Mansfield v Shepparton. Reserves: Seymour 6.7 (43) d Echuca 4.8 (32). Mansfield 43 d Shepparton 6.5 (41). Sunday, August 31: Kyabram v Shepparton Swans.

Under 18s. Ecjhuca 12.14 (86) d Rchester 3.3 (21). Shepparton 10.11 (71) d Kyabram 67. Sunday, August 31: Mooroopna v Mansfield.

Kyabram District

■ Seniors. Murchison Toolamba 8.11 (59) d Lancaster 8.8 (56). Sunday, August 31: Rushworth v Nagambie. Reserves. Murchison Toolamba 8.16 (64) d Lancaster 4.4 (28). Sunday, August 31: Avenel v Stanhope.

Under 18. Nagambie 11.5 (71) d Murchison Toolamba 8.5 (53). Sunday, August 31: Tallygaroopna v Shepparton East.

Riddell District

■ Seniors. Riddell 10.13 (73) d Macedon. Sunday, August 31: Diggers Rest v Kyneton. Reserves. Wallan 7.3 (45) d Romsey 6.7 (43). Sunday, August 31: Diggers Rest v Riddell.

Under 19.5. Macedon 6.8 (44) d Gisborne Giants 5.6 (36). Sunday, August 31: Romsey v Kyneton.

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

Sulky Snippets

■ Charlton commenced the week on Monday August 25 and New Gisborne trainer/ driver Darren Pace was in the winners stall following the victory of 3Y0 Volstead-Sassy Pinevale gelding Sam Nien in the McPhersons Printing Group Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.

Given a sweet passage from gate six trailing the leader Apex which flew away from outside the front line, Sam Nien was eased away from the markers prior to the home turn to follow Ijustcalledtosay (gate four second line) which had gone forward midrace to park outside Apex.

Getting clear in plenty of time on turning, Sam Nien raced away to record a 2.2 metre margin over Keayang Tweetybird (five back in the running line from the extreme draw – five wide on the final bend), with Ijustcalledtosay battling on gamely for third 8.7 metres away third. The mile rate 200.2.

■ Rockbank owner/trainer Albert Cefai’s 9Y0 Fling It-Rainbow Reflection gelding Fling It Rainbow at start number 183 notched up his 17th success by taking the 1690 metre Maryborough Veterinary Practice Trotters Mobile in a mile rate of 2-01.5. Driven by regular reinsman Michael Bellman, Fling It Rainbow starting solo on the second line settled three back in the moving line as Louieville Lass led from gate four.

Going forward three wide in the last lap, Fling It Rainbow outstayed his rivals to greet the judge 2.9 metres in advance of Touchango (gate five - four wide last lap from the rear). Louieville Lass held third 2.2 metres back.

■ Local area (Bowenvale) part-owner/ trainer Gerard Jamieson combined with Ballarat based Ryan Duffy to lead throughout aboard 5Y0 Lincoln Royal-Jilliby Nippa gelding Sir Nippa in the 1690 metre Benstud Standardbreds Pace.

Running along at his leisure from gate four, Sir Nippa couldn’t be caught, scoring untouched by 5 metres from Fair Chance (one/four) from a long way back in a 1-56.9 mile rate. Fake Collection (gate six – three pegs was third 5.4 metres away.

■ Navarre part-owner/trainer Toby Ainsworth landed the Aldebaran Park Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres with7Y0 Great Success-Whata Tussle mare Beautiful Sunrise. Driven by Ada Massa, Beautiful Sunrise from the pole settled four back along the markers as Mattyo (gate three) began very fast to lead.

Easing away from the markers in the last lap to be three wide with a trail on the back of Its Diamond Creek (gate six – three pegs – three wide home turn) as Mattyo galloped under pressure, Beautiful Sunrise dashed clear but was nabbed on the wire by Beautiful Sunrise, with Boutika (gate three –one/three after being checked slightly approaching the home turn) third 13.5 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.3.

■ Ace reinsman James Herbertson had a field day with four winners, they being Champagnes (Nick Youngson) the Peter Egan Bi-Rite Trotters Mobile, Redbank Molly (Shaun & Jason McNaulty) the 2190 metre AB Paint Pace, Send In Elvis (Ashleigh Herbertson) the 1690 metre Waste Recyclers Of Victoria Pace and Icanmotor (Adam Stephens) the 2190 metre Redpath Tyre & Battery Pace. Len Baker

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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

BARBECUE. Weber. With instruction book. Hardly used. New: $369. Sell $1009. Mt Martha 5973 4163. JJ-NN

BATHROOM TILES. To cover 270sq m. EC. $60. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950. HH-LL

BED. 3-seater and two seater. Red, vinyl. Dark wood trims. VGC. $300. Cranbourne, 0401 898 413. HH-LL

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

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

BOOKS. Large variety. Various authors. $2, or 3 for $5. Heathmont. 0423 720 137. HH-LL

BOOKS. Collection of Mary Grant vintage books. Mostly VGC with dust jackets. Offers welcome. Research. 9437 1253. JJ-NN

BOOSTER SEAT. Mothers hoice. Convertible. 6 months to 8 years. VGC. $40. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. HH-LL

BRICKS. 100+. Clean, red. Plus halves. $50. Keon Park. 9469 4558. HH-LL

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

CARAVAN. 2021. 16ft. Aspire caravan. As new. Air cond. heating, full annexe, double bed, shower toilet, solar panel, TV, tare 1275 kg. Easy ti tow. Light weight EC. $42,000 neg. Whittlesea. 0438 434 413. HH-LL

CARAVAN. Jayco. 2004. Freedom. Single beds, RC/ AC, new tyres, unused porta-potti, m’wave, 3-way fridge, gas & elec. cooktop + grill, 240/12 volt TV and aerial. Reg till Jan 2026. Everything in working order. 1150 kg. Tows great. VGC. $12,500 ONO. Hastings. 0409 645 059. HH-LL

CHAIR. Pink, small, white spots. Suit girl . VGC. $15. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, after 5pm best. HH-LL

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

CLARE Wellness Circulation Stimulator. Instruction Manual included. VGC. $150. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

COUNTRY MUSIC. 33rpm. Slim Dustry, Reg Lindsay, Hank Snow, glen Campbell, Sons of the Pioneers, Tex morton, Buddy Willkiams, Hank Williams, Hawking Bros., The Overlanders, The Folk Singer. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL

DINING SETTING. Midcentury teak. Extension table and 8 chairs. newly upholstered about 6 years ago. EC. Some minoir surface wear. Very heavy table. 6ft, extends to 9ft 4in. VGC. $2100. Donvale. 0410 031 094. JJ-NN

ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set A-Z. GC. $60 ONO. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

FISHER PAYKEL Fridge

Freezer. 8 months old. New. Cost $870, sell $400. Keysborough. Joe, 0402 385 692.HH-LL

FOOTWEAR. Navy woven leather. Diana ferrari. Sandal size 9, worn once. EC. $50. Ferntree Gully. 9758 3950.HH-LL

GARDEN HOSE. 30 metres long. Heavy duty. Good quality, bought at Bunnings. $30. Mt Martha 5973 4163. JJ-NN

GUITAR. Lindsay. Valued at $1000. Can’t play it. Dandebnong North. 9794 6996. HH-LL

GUITAR AMP. 2’ wide. 2½’ high. Lots of dials. GC. $00. Seymour. 0422 204 977. HH-LL

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

HEATER. Wood. With flue. Warmbrite. GC. $500. Seymour. 0422 204 977. HH-LL

HEDGE TRIMMER.

Honda. HHH25D. 4 stroke. With hour meter fitted. VGC. Bought in Feb. 2022. Has done 20.8 hours. $650 ONO. Pearcedale. 0418 457 588. Z-CC

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

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

LAWN MOWER. Ozito. Corded. With catcher. lightweight. Paid $149 at Bunnings. Sell $60. Mt Martha 5973 4163. JJ-NN

LINE TRIMMER. Electric. 500 watts. 290mm cut. Little used. GC. Purchase to collect. $10. Doreen. 9717 3465 HH-LL

LOUNGE SUITE. 3 piece. Luxury, light cream leather. Moran pillow type. EC, not used. $4000 (cost $6000). Strathmore. 0419 384 496. JJ-NN

PICTURE FRAMES. 40 large to small. Various styles. VGC. All only $70. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q

COPIER. $100. Dandebnong North,. 9794 6996. HH-LL

PLUMBING FITTINGS. New. Box, 100m, sew/SW E/Boxes. Box: 100mm, 500mm, elbows, as new. New. $35. yea. 5750 2615. HH-LL

PRESSURE WASHER. Karcher. Good working order. little used, complete with operating instructions. Purchaser to collect. GC. $55. Doreen. 9717 3485. HH-LL

and

HH-LL

RXJ-289. GC. $2000. Box Hill North. 0449 836 907. HH-LL

8935.HH-LL

RECORDS. 33rpm. Casslical singers. OPaul Robeson, Mobncrieff, Kiri Te Kanwa, Peter awson, Pavarotti, Secombe, Caruso, Peerse, lawrence, Hammond, Bronhill, Sutherland. GC. Various prices. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. HH-LL

RECORD PLAYER. Radiogram, $25. VGC. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

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

SCOOTER. Pegasus. Pro. 4 years old. Done 30km only. Like new. $4000 ONO. Melton. 0488 007 395. HH-LL

SEWING MACHINE. Singer. Wrought iron. With marble top. Suit garden setting. Black, needs painting,. VGC, $25. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, after 5pm best. HH-LL

STAMP PACKS. New, unopened, from 1970s, 80s. Approx. 200, sell for face value. New. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

STATUES. Two garden vintage statues. 1: Greek lady, 66cm. 2: Bashful child, 59cm. 1 x buddha, 43cm, also baby deer snd four plaques. one tortoise, various designs. 10 peices. VGC. $300 ONO. Bittern. 0459 558 055. JJ-NN

PRAM. Old, child’s collectable. GC. $60. Wandong. 041`8 399 261. R-U

STROLLER. City aselkect by Baby Jogger. VGC. $60. Whittlesea. 0494 30 264. HH-LL

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

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

NOTICE is hereby given that the partnership formerly subsisting between Yihua Zhang and Yiran Su, carrying on business under the name of Y SU & Y ZHANG at Unit 5, 560 Boronia Road, Wantirna VIC 3152, was dissolved as of 10 July 2025.

Bank Money Boxes. GC. Price negotiable. Will

Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

WANTED. Independent Support Provider for NDIS participant in Acheron, near Alexandra. Participant is 20yo male - living independently - loves outdoors,, nushwalks, fishing. Suit experienced male SP , contractor, registered, NDIS screening, refrences. Flexible hours. Immediate start. 0412 224 464. HH-LL

ANZ

alsoswap.

TOYOTA COROLLA. Manual. Roacdworthy condition. VG motor, gear box. Dark blue.

WHEELBARROW. $75. Mill Park. 9436 8935. HH-LL

TWO-PERSON SAW. $90. Mill Park. 9436

HEATER. Dimplex. Electric. Portable 7 vane. $90. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

PHOTO

TRANIST WHEELCHAIR with seatbelt, footrest

armrests. Lightweight. Cost $279, sell $70. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264.

Advertisers get SEVEN regions for the price of one in The Local Paper.

■ Mornington Peninsula. Moorooduc, Mornington, Mount Eliza, Mount Martha

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solutions for you.

The Local Paper’s Melbourne Press Network publishes localised editions for 40 local government areas including:

■ North. Banyule, Darebin, Nillumbik (urban), Whittlesea (urban).

■ South. Bayside, Boroondara (south), Glen Eira, Kingston, Melbourne, Port Phillip, Stonnington, Yarra.

■ East. Boroondara (north), KnoxSherbrooke, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash, Whitehorse.

■ West. Brimbank, Hobsons Bay, Hume, Maribyrnong, Melton, Merri-bek, Moonee Valley, Moorabool, Wyndham.

■ South-East. Cardinia, Casey, Frankston, Greater Dandenong, Mornington Peninsula (inc. Southern Peninsula and Western Port).

■ Regional. Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie, Whittlesea (rural), Yarra Ranges.

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