The Local Paper. Regional Edition. Wed., Dec. 10, 2025

‘INDEPENDENT’ SAYS YEA HOSPITAL

■ While Alexandra District Health and Eastern Health continue to map out their ‘voluntary amalgamation’, Yea and District Memorial Hospital has defiantly stated its independence.

“Yea and Distrct Memorial Hospital - Locally Managed, Locally Focused’ declared a message on social media late last week.

“YDMH is proudly locally managed, and our mission is to ensure our services directly meet the needs of the Murrindindi community.

“Our Focus: YDMH is not involved in the potential voluntary amalgamation between Alexandra District Health and Eastern Health,

and we continue to operate as a strong, standalone service driven by local needs.

“Working Together: Our core mission is to benefit the wider Murrindindi community through strong partnerships and collaboration.

“Network Strength: We remain a strong partner within the East Metro and Murrindindi Local Health Service Network and continue to leverage this collaboration to enhance our local services.

“We continue to put local service and local leadership first,” said the YDMH social media statement.

KIRK MERCURI IS ‘MR EVERYWHERE’

■ Kinglake’s Kirk Mercuri has been described in State Parliament as ‘Mr Everywhere’.

Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish last Wednesday (Dec. 3) praised the young man on his efforts.

“Kirk Mercuri is Mr Everywhere in Kinglake, and he is known by so many who see him around the traps on his daily bike ride, volunteering at the library or op shop, or helping at the football club or basketball court,” Ms McLeish said.

“That is why it was no surprise that Ellimatta in Kinglake was packed for his book launch.

“The crowd, with swollen hearts and tears welling, delighted in the launch of Kirk’s book, StepbyStep:LivingwithAutism

“Arriving in style and walking the red carpet, Kirk had a ball as he was greeted by family and friends, then interviewed by his editor the patient and talented Kinglake local Kath Stewart. I do not know how he did it, but he got Nathan Buckley to do the foreword of his book.”

The Local Paper MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

This is the final 2025 issue of The Local Paper. Our team now takes a summer break, re-opening the office on Tuesday, January 27. Our first 2026 issue is scheduled for Wednesday, February 4.

● ● ● ● Yea and District Memorial Hospital

The Local Paper

WASTE TO ENERGY AT LILYDALE

In the Shadows

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has a number of Shadow Ministeries in the Opposition team led by Jess Wilson:

■ Shadow Minister for Women

■ Shadow Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence

■ Shadow Minister for WorkSafe and TAC. Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence is:

■ Shadow Minister for Finance

■ Shadow Minister for Jobs and Skills Warrandyte MLA Nicole Werner is:

■ Shadow Minister for Home Ownership and Housing Affordability

■ Shadow Minister for Youth

■ Shadow Minister for Children

In the Upper House, Northern Metropolitan MLC Evan Mulholland is:

■ Shadow Minister for Transport Infrastructure

■ Shadow Minister for Multicultural and Multifaith Affairs

North-Eastern Metropolitan MLC Richard Welch is:

■ Shadow Minister for Industry

■ Shadow Minister for Manufacturing and Innovation

■ Shadow Minister for AI and the Digital Economy

Symes sacks 1000

■ Northern Victoria MLC Jaclyn Symes, in her role as State Treasurer, is to sack 332 executive and senior technical jobs out of the Victorian Public Service and 1000 jobs in total across the public sector, about half the number recommended by the state’s former top bureaucrat.

SDCA fixtures

■ Round 9. Saturday, December 13. AGrade: Yea Tigers A Grade v Pyalong A Grade. at Yea Recreation Reserve.

Alexandra A Grade v Puckapunyal Senior Mixed A, ast Leckie Park Seymour v Tallarook A Grade, at Chittick Park (East) / Chittick Park (East) Bye: Avenel Senior Men A B-Grade: Pyalong B Grade v Yea Tigers B Grade, Puckapunyal Senior Mixed B v Alexandra B Grade, Tallarook B Grade v Seymour Senior Mixed B. Bye: Avenel.

■ Lilydale’s new food waste to energy facility has received its first commercial food waste delivery, marking a major step toward a cleaner and more sustainable waste service for the region.

Developed by Yarra Valley Water, the stateof-the-art facility will transform food waste from local businesses into renewable electricity, helping to cut greenhouse gas emissions, divert waste from landfill and support Victoria’s circular economy.

Yarra Valley Water Managing Director Natalie Foeng said the first delivery was a proud milestone after years of planning and construction.

“This moment marks the beginning of operations at our Lilydale facility and an important step in creating clean, renewable electricity from food that would otherwise go to waste,” she said.

“This facility will generate more than a third of our renewable electricity needs at full capacity and provide a reliable waste solution for local businesses.”

Lilydale is the second and largest food waste to energy facility Yarra Valley Water has constructed and builds on the success of its first award-winning site in Wollert

Local food producers and distributors are delivering organic waste to the Lilydale site, where it is processed inside sealed tanks known as digesters. Bacteria naturally break down the waste to create biogas, which is used to generate renewable electricity.

Once fully operational, the facility will process approximately 55,000 tonnes of food waste each year and generate over 39,000 kilowatt hours of electricity per day. That is the equivalent of powering more than 2200 Victorian households.

Ms Foeng said this project is part of Yarra Valley Water’s broader commitment to sustainable action and keeping costs low for customers.

“As one of Melbourne’s major water utilities, we’re always looking for practical ways to operate efficiently and sustainably, while delivering value to our customers and communities,” she said.

“By reducing waste and generating renewable electricity, we’re taking action to meet our Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction targets and taking pressure off water bills.”

Yarra Valley Water is on target to report net zero Scope 1 and 2 emissions this financial year in line with the Victorian Government’s Statement of Obligations (Emission Reduction).

The Lilydale facility will gradually increase operations over the coming months as testing

● ● Natalie Foeng, Yarra Valley Water and commissioning continue, ensuring the right mix of food waste is used to optimise future electricity production.

The site is expected to start generating renewable electricity in early 2026 and reach full capacity over the following year.

Once fully operational it will:

■ Process 55,000 tonnes of food waste each year

■ Produce over 39,000 kWh of renewable electricity per day - the equivalent of powering 2,200 Victorian homes

■ Offset more than one-third of Yarra Valley Water’s electricity needs

■ Support Victoria’s circular economy and emissions reduction goals

The Lilydale facility can accept pre-approved commercial food waste including fats, oils and grease; fruits and vegetables; animal processing; packaged foods; and manufacturing, restaurant, catering, brewery and dairy wastes.

The facility won’t use a gasifier or incinerator to burn food waste.

Yarra Valley Water is one of Australia’s largest water utilities, with a service area covering 4000 square kilometres. Every day, more than two million people and over 62,000 businesses rely on its water and sewerage services.

Drier or wetter?

■

“Australia is likely to face a hotter-thannormal summer, with variable rainfall causing drier or wetter conditions across different parts of the continent according to the Bureau of Meteorology's long-range forecast,” said a statement from La Trobe University.

“With bushfires becoming more frequent, intense and unpredictable, major consequences exist for human health, the environment and economy.”

2255 sign petition

■ The petition against state planning reforms has now closed after the Mansfield Shire community came together to put pen to paper and help its Council amass 2255 signatures, surpassing the 2000 needed to trigger a debate in the Victorian Legislative Council

The last 600 signatures came in just four days after Mayor Cr Steve Rabie made a public request for one final push to protect the community’s voice in the face of proposed state planning reforms.

“We launched the petition in response to concerns that significant planning changes were being made without consultation with rural communities,” said a Mansfield Council representative.

“Reforms that threaten to strip councils of their ability to notify people about developments in their neighbourhood and to remove the community's right to voice objections to inappropriate developments.

The petition calls on the State Government to refer the new PlanningAmendment (BetterDecisionsMadeFaster)Bill2025to an inquiry.

“This would ensure that genuine consultation with rural councils and communities occurs before any changes to the planning system are passed.”

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the petition is a necessary step to protect the unique character of Mansfield Shire

“These reforms would silence rural voices and allow state-wide rules to override the local policies that protect our shire’s unique country character,” he said “The community response has been overwhelming, thank you so much to everybody who signed the petition and to all the local businesses who put copies in their storefronts.”

The Local Paper

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.

ABOUT US

Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), Seymour Express (Est. 1872), Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995), Yarra Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995), Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995).

The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in local editions:

• Regional/’Dindi Local’ Edition: Murrindindi, Mansfield, Strathbogie, rural sections of Nillumbik and Whittlesea

• ‘Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express’ Edition: Yarra Ranges Shire

• Mitchell Shire Edition: Mitchell Shire

CONTACT US

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

Reg. Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 (same address for 31 years)

Mail: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au

www.MelbourneObserver.com.au

www.LocalMedia.com.au

E-Mail: Editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Editor@LocalMedia.com.au

Matt

Bissett-Johnson, Cartoonist Peter Kemp, Art Rob Foenander, Music

Editor: Ash Long

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

on Wednesday Gallagher’s busy time

■ Newly re-elected Murrindindi Council

Mayor Cr Damian Gallagher has outlined some of the busy activities involved in the top civic role.

“I was fortunate to be invited to represent Council at the Eildon Boat Club for the ceremonial Commodore’s Breakfast,” Cr Gallagher told the latest Shire meeting.

“The event brought members together for a celebration of the transition to new Commodore, Rob Keogh.

“Rob and members spoke about the season ahead, but reflected reverently about the deep sense of loss on the sudden tragic passing of electrical professional, Brett Danieli

“The Club, and the local industry association is a deeply connected family whose sense of loss is genuine and profound. Council extends its deep sympathies to Shelley and family.

“I had the privilege of addressing the Redgate CWA Annual General Meeting and, after appreciatively recognising their year of community service, creativity, and passionate fundraising, I shared the story of Council’s plan for the coming four years, while fielding questions about matters of importance to local Country Women.

“The Flowerdale Community House Open Day was exceptionally well attended, and I offered Council’s acknowledgment to attendees of the amazing impact of the House on community wellbeing, and congratulations on the commitment of local volunteers to delivering a postal service for Flowerdale residents.

“That outcome is a classic example of Murrindindi ingenu-

ity and Flowerdale care.

“Many Murrindindi events in November attracted visitors and offered opportunities to local enthusiasts.

“Events like the Joyride MTB Rookie Cup that drove visitation to Eildon to experience the sensational down hill Mountain Bike course so expertly managed by the volunteers of the Murrindindi Cycle Club

“Locals and visitors were also treated to the traditional Alexandra Spring Fair on Derby Day , and the Alexandra and Yea Agricultural Shows which celebrated farming life and Murrindindian creativity and talent,” Cr Gallagher said.

Lloyd returns

■ It was deja vu for Whittlesea Council CEO Craig Lloyd when he returned for talks with his former employer, the Murrindindi Shire Council. Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damian Gallagher said: “Council’s CEO and I hosted Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Martin Taylor and CEO, Craig Lloyd, to compare our respective approaches to some gnarly challenges, and to cover some important discussions about collaboration to drive further knowledge sharing and even greater efficiency.

“Council wishes incoming Mayor, Cr. Cox a successful year, and recognises Cr. Taylor’s sizeable contribution in 2025, and thanks to Craig for his openness to collaboration.”

Mr Lloyd was formerly CEO of Murrindi Council, and recruited to Whittlesea in October 2020.

Local Photo Flashback

● ● This is the final 2025 issue of The Local Paper. Our office is now closed, which allows our team members to take a summer break, re-opening on Tuesday, January 27.

The Local Paper

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

Online weekly. Print copies fortnightly. Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.

MANSFIELD

Mansfield readership is in the township of Mansfield. The Mansfield Shire comprises Ancona, Barjarg, Barwite, Bonnie Doon, Boorolite, Bridge Creek, Delatite, Gaffneys Creek, Goughs Bay, Howes Creek, Howqua, Howqua Hills, Howqua Inlet, Jamieson, Kevington, Lake Eildon, Nillahcootie, Piries, Sawmill Settlement, Tolmie, Woodfield and Woods Point. Mansfield Shire is home to 10,546 people, living in approximately 6612 homes.

MITCHELL

Incorporating the traditions of the Seymour Express (Est. 1872) Mitchell Shire comprises Beveridge, Broadford, Kilmore, Puckapunyal, Seymour, Tallarook, Tooborac, Trawool, Wallan, Wandong and Heathcote Junction. Mitchell Shire is home to more than 49,216 people, living in approximately 16,321 homes.

MURRINDINDI

Incorporating the traditions of the Yea Advertiser (Est. 1995). Murrindindi comprises Acheron, Alexandra, Buxton, Cathkin, Castella, Caveat, Devils River, Dropmore, Eildon, Fawcett, Flowerdale, Ghin Ghin, Glenburn, Gobur, Granton, Highlands, Homewood, Kanumbra, Kerrisdale, Killingworth, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Koriella, Limestone, Maintongoon, Marysville, Molesworth, Murrindindi, Narbethong, Pheasant Creek, Rubicon, Strath Creek, Taggerty, Taylor Bay, Terip Terip, Thornton, Toolangi, Whanregarwen, Yarck, Yea. Murrindindi Shire is home to more than 14,478 people, living in approximately 6293 homes.

NILLUMBIK (RURAL)

Incorporating the traditions of the Diamond Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995) and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873)

Nillumbik Shire (rural) comprises Arthurs Creek, Bend of Islands, Christmas Hills, Cottles Bridge, Diamond Creek, Doreen, Eltham, Eltham North, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Nutfield, Panton Hill, Plenty, Research, Smiths Gully, St Andrews, Strathewen, Warrandyte North, Watsons Creek. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.

STRATHBOGIE (PART)

Starthbogie readership area comprises Avenel, Euroa, Nagambie, Violet Town. Strathbogie Shire is home to more than 11,578 people, living in approximately 5768 homes.

WHITTLESEA (RURAL)

Incorporating the traditions of the Whittlesea Advertiser (Est. 1995) Whittlesea Post (Est. 1924), and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873) Whittlesea Post readership area comprises Arthurs Creek, Beveridge, Donnybrook, Doreen, Eden Park, Hazel Glen, Humevale, Kinglake West, Mernda, South Morang, Whittlesea, Wollert, Woodstock, Yan Yean. The City of Whittlesea is home to more than 197,491 people, living in approximately 71,014 homes.

YARRA RANGES

Incorporating the traditions of the Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express (Est. June 30, 1886) Yarra Ranges readership area comprises Badger Creek, Chirnside Park, Chum Creek, Coldstream, Dixons Creek, Don Valley, East Warburton, Fernshaw, Gilderoy, Gladysdale, Gruyere, Healesville, Hoddles Creek, Launching Place, Lilydale, Millgrove, Mooroolbark, Mount Evelyn, Powelltown, Seville, Seville East, Steels Creek, Wandin East, Wandin North, Warburton, Wesburn, Wonga Park (part), Woori Yallock, Yarra Glen, Yarra Junction, Yellingbo and Yering. Yarra Ranges Shire is home to more than 158,831 people, living in approximately 58,509 homes.

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

Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing

Jilly joins the blue family Seymour Gift this weekend

● ● ● ● Jillian Hargreaves graduated from the Victoria Police Academy last Friday (Dec. 5), witnessed by family members and close friends.

Photo: Facebook

The Local Paper Phone 5797 2656

■ Seymour will host top-level athletics when the Seymour Club Gift returns to Kings Park on Saturday (Dec. 13).

Mitchell Shire Council is supporting the event and helping attract athletes and spectators from across Victoria

The program will feature a full Victorian Athletic League card, including the Men’s and Women’s Gifts, each offering $3000 in prize money.

A major highlight is the Caffeine Bistro 300m Masters, believed to be the richest Masters race in the world, with athletes aged 35 and over competing for a $3500 prize pool.

Racing will run from 11am to 6pm, with 13 events across the day and plenty of food and hospitality options available to suit every taste.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said the Seymour Club Gift was a welcome boost for local sport, local clubs and local businesses.

“Bringing the Seymour Gift back to Kings Park is a great win for Seymour and the Goulburn Region,” Cr Dougall said.

“We’re pleased to support an event that showcases local talent, puts Seymour on the map for visiting athletes and their families, and encourages people to spend time in our town before and after the racing.”

The event is being organised by the Seymour Running Club, which was formed in 2024 by local residents passionate about revitalising track athletics and putting the Seymour Club Gift on the athletics calendar.

Seymour Running Club President Blair Collins thanked Mitchell Shire Council for its support of the Seymour Gift.

“Mitchell Shire Council has been fantastic in supporting our Gift and helping us showcase Kings Park, our town, and the broader region,” Mr Collins said.

“The Gift attracts people from right across the state, boosting local accommodation and hospitality businesses while providing an incredible spectacle for our community.

“We’re delighted to be partnering with Mitchell Shire Council to continue growing the Seymour Gift, encouraging more people to be fit and active, and showcasing our beautiful region.”

● ● Cr John Dougall, Mitchell Mayor Vandalism upset

■ Yarra Ranges Council says that only three of the eight public toilet cubicles near the pedestrian crossing in Lilydale were available for use for people attending the Street Festival.

Extensive damage was aused by vandals which left five cubicles unusable, despite repairs costing $16,000 just weeks earlier.

Mayor Cr Richard Higgins said the vandalism was frustrating and costly.

“Unfortunately, criminal damage has been a frequent occurrence at these public toilets, from graffiti to damage to the cubicles. It’s incredibly disappointing that a few people choose to destroy essential community assets like these,” Cr Higgins said. Alternative toilets were available a short walk away at Melba Park

Court Lists

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Alexandra Newsagency. 82-84 Grant St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel.

65 Grant St.

■

■ ■ ■ ■ THORNTON. Thornton General Store. 1365 TaggertyThornton Rd.

■ ■ WATTLE GLEN. Peppers

■ WARRANDYTE. Warrandyte Newsagency/Post Office. 100 Melbourne Hill Rd.

■

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Endeavour Alexandra (BP). 10 Downey St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Foodworks. 102 Grant St.

■

Paddock General Store. 13 Kangaroo Ground-Wattle Glen Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Champions IGA Supermarket. 2/16 Church St.

■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress.

70 Jumping Creek Rd.

■

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

■

■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. El Azar Milk Bar. 13 Church St.

■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 29 Beech St.

■ ■ WOORI YALLOCK. Hillcrest Little Store. 1745 Warburton Hwy.

■ WOORI YALLOCK. Woori Yallock Newsagency. Shop 4,1585 Warburton Hwy.

Library is No. 1

■ A new report from Public Libraries Victoria has confirmed Yarra Plenty Regional Library has the most satisfied customers and is one of Victoria’s top-performing public library services.

The report compared 51 library services across 64 indicators. YPRL achieved Victoria’s highest customer satisfaction score in the state with 9.40 out of 10.

■

■

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock

Hotel. 80 Grant St.

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Simpson’s Fuel (Caltex). 25 Aitken St.

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

■ ■ BUXTON. Blue Igloo Roadhouse. 2200 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■ BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■ DIAMOND CREEK. Diamond Creek Newsagency. Shop 62a Main Rd, Diamond Creek Plaza.

■ ■ DOREEN. Doreen General Store. 920 Yan Yean Rd.

■

■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main St.

■

■ ELTHAM. Eltham Newsagency. 2/963 Main Rd.

■

■ EPPING. APCO Service Station. Cnr McDonalds Rd and High St.

■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea Bowls Club. 101 Church St.

■ ■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea Court House. 74 Church St.

■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea NewsXpress. 45 Church St.

■ ■ WOLLERT. Wollert General Store. 491 Epping Rd.

■ ■ YARCK. Buck’s Country Bakehouse. 6585 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YARCK. Giddy Goat Cafe. 6606 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YARCK. Yarck Hotel. Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YEA. Amble Inn Cafe. 24 High St.

■

■ YARRA GLEN. IGA Supermarket. 1/38 Bell St.

■ ■ YARRA GLEN. Yarra Glen Newsagency. 32 Bell St.

■ YARRA JUNCTION. Yarra Junction Newsagency. 2454 Warburton Hwy.

Mitchell

Shire Edition

■ BEVERIDGE. Beveridge Post Office. Lot 1 Old Hume Hwy.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Corner Store. 89 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Hotel. 100 High St.

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Country Club Hotel. 18 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Endeavour Petroleum (BP). 31 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94

High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

■

■

■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Flowerdale Community House. 36 Silver Creek Rd.

■

■ FLOWERDALE. Flowerdale Hotel. 3325 Whittlesea-Yea Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■

■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

■

■ ■ ■ HURSTBRIDGE. Hurstbridge Newsagency. 900 Main Hustbridge Rd.

■ ■ KANGAROO GROUND. Kangaroo Ground General Store.

280 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Foodworks. 12 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Kinglake Pub. 28 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. United Service Station. 2 Glenburn-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ LAURIMAR. Laurimar Newsagency. 95 Hazel Glen Dr.

■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.

■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks.

40A Darwin St.

■ ■ MERNDA. Mernda Villages Post Office. 50 Mernda Village Dr.

■

■ ■ ■ MOLESWORTH. Molesworth Store. 4353 Goulburn Valley Hwy.

■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Inn. 436 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■

■ ■ NARBETHONG. Black Spur Roadhouse. 264 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ PANTON HILL. Panton Hill General Store. 586 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.

■ ■ PANTON HILL. Panton Hill Hotel. 633 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.

■

■ PHEASANT CREEK. Flying Tarts Cafe. 888 WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

■ ■ PHEASANT CREEK. Pheasant Creek Store. 884 Whittlesea-Kinglake Rd.

■ ■ RESEARCH. Research Post Office. 1546 Main Rd.

■

■ SMITHS GULLY. Smiths Gully General Store. 914 Kangaroo Ground-St Andrews Rd.

■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar. 15 Gorge Rd.

■

■

■ ■ ST ANDREWS. St Andrews General Store. 10 Caledonia St.

■ ■ ST ANDREWS. St Andrews Hotel. 79 Burns St.

■ ■ STRATH CREEK. Strath Creek Post Office. 8 Glover Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ TAGGERTY. Taggerty General Store. 26 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

■ ■ THORNTON. 4 Ways Diner.

1369 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ THORNTON. Rubicon Hotel. 1362 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

New YPRL CEO, Nicole Rudden, said this excellent result reflects the high-quality library service YPRL provides across the council areas of Nillumbik, Banyule and Whittlesea

“This result hasn’t come out of nowhere. YPRL invests in contemporary collections and learning activities that support literacy and life skills highly valued by the community,” Ms Rudden said.

“Each year we welcome 1.4 million visitors, deliver tailored events attended by more than 143,000 people of all ages and we work hard to make sure every one of them has the best possible experience.

“We also have the highest number of active members in any Victorian public library. We are lucky to have a community that loves what we have to offer.”

“YPRL is a growing library service operating in one of the fastest growing parts of Melbourne. We will soon open new libraries in Rosanna, Donnybrook and West Heidelberg, bringing our outstanding library services to these communities,” she said.

YRPL’s Top 5 Victorian library rankings:

■ No. 1 Customer Satisfaction: 9.4 out of 10

■ No. 1 Collection Expenditure: $2.75 million

■ ■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64

■

■

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■

■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

■ BROADFORD. High Street Bakery. 67A High St.

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

■

■ ■ BROADFORD. Stuty’s Bakehouse. 91-93 High St.

■

■

■ ■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

■ ■ YEA. Provender Bakery. 56

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88

High St.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

■ ■ KILMORE. Kemp’s Bakery. 65 Sydney St.

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Thursday, December 11 Andersen, Andrew Baines, Dylan Barrett, Christopher Binks-Brown, Nick Boyd, Sarah Burns, Jemma Christou, Anthony Condello, Matthew Luigi Deeb, Ofi Duncan-Brundell, Jesikah Finn, Luke Finnigan, Irina Furneaux, David Garlick, Frances Gibson, Lex Green, Ethan Hall, Jake Douglas Hatfield, Chase Mark Hermiz, Martin Basil Hogan, Bernard Arthur Horvat, Igor Hughes, Kevin Humphries, Simon Ismail, Deniz Jackson, Jye Allan Jacobson, Mary Louise Kaminnyj, Joshua Liam Kormez, Ozgur Lucas, Charity Maidment, Stephen Maksymow, Jarrah Michael Mazzarella, Con Mclean, Luke Mocenigo, Adam Moss, Kylie Nally, Rebecca Paxinos, Ben Pemberton, Andrew John Philips, Desmond Alan Singh, Kuldeep Smith, Justin Taylor, Lucas Joel Trim, Brandon Trimmer, Taylor Tulikaki, Aisake Vaeila, Ralph Lafaele Ward, Rory Harrison Watson, Grant Wood, Alan Wood, Ryan Wright, Rebecca

■ No. 1 Active Members: 90,790

■ No. 1 Mobile Library Visits: 29,124

■ No. 1 Website Visits: 2,590,077

■ No. 2 Program Attendance: 143,617 participants

■ No. 2 Early Years Program Hours: 40 hours/week

■ No. 2 Early Years Participants: 2161 per week

At Ashley Park

■ The City of Whittlesea is inviting residents to have their say on plans to revitalise the Ashley Park Recreation Reserve in Doreen

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Newsagency. 74

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Take-Away. 68 High St.

Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition

■ ■ COLDSTREAM. Coldstream Post Office/Newsagency. The Lodge Shopping Centre. 670-672 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ CROYDON NORTH. Croydon North Newsagency. 5 Exeter Rd.

■

■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. BP. 66 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Coles Express. 123 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Grand Hotel. 270 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Healesville Newsagency. 195 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Tobacco Station/Tatts. Shop 11, Healesville Walk.

■ ■ LAUNCHING PLACE. Launching Place General Store. 2200 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ LAUNCHING PLACE. Home Hotel. 2170 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St.

■

■

■ ■ MILLGROVE. Licensed Grocery. 3043 Warburton Hwy.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Newsagency. 41 Sydney St.

■ ■ KILMORE. Red Lion Hotel. 29-31 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. Royal Oak Hotel. 29-31 Sydney St.

■ KILMORE. United Service Station. 127-145 Powlett St.

■ SEYMOUR. IGA O’Keefe’s. 10/115 Anzac Ave.

■ ■ ■ SEYMOUR. Liberty Seymour. 37-39 Emily St.

■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.

■ SEYMOUR. Seymour South Post and Lotto. 75 Anzac Ave.

■ SEYMOUR. Prince of Wales Hotel. 48 Emily St.

■ ■ SEYMOUR. Royal Hotel. 26 Emily St.

■ SEYMOUR. Terminus Hotel. 26 Station St.

■ SEYMOUR. Top Shop. Cnr Anzac Ave and Delatite Rd.

■ ■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook General Store. 36 Main Rd.

■ ■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.

■ TRAWOOL. Trawool Estate/ Hotel. 8150 Goulburn Valley Hwy.

■ WALLAN. United Service Station. 11-14 High St.

■ ■ WALLAN. Wallan News and Lotto. Shop 6, 55 High St.

■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.

Friday, December 12 Hutchins, Damien Allan Murray, Thomas Preusker, Colton

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, December 10 Ali, Faisal Bishop, William David Cockerell, Shannon Richard Dickinson, Raelene Doecke, Andrew Eden, Mark Fuller, Mitchell Hamilton Garg, Kanish Griffin, Ryan Hargrave, Turi Tiaki Lia, Lynda Liu, Liu Macdougall, Max Martin, Blake Mason, Mark Mckay, Jack Daniel Meyers, Natasha Maree Muhammad, Khan Murray, Gavin Stuart Naoum, Fadi Michel Nelson, Oscar Peters, Robert John Pilgram, Mark Schembri, Lachlan Schembri, Logan Sheahan, Thomas Singh, Dilpreet Stefanile, Anthony Sun, Qinwen Sutcliffe, Harrison Tuli, Moksh Ward, Stephen Warren, Kylie Young, Steven

The project is designed to help meet the community’s growing demand for quality, purpose-built sport and leisure facilities.

The proposed development includes:

■ construction of two competition-standard soccer pitches – one synthetic grass and one natural turf – with LED lighting

■ a multipurpose community sports pavilion to support a soccer club and provide resident groups with a convenient meeting space

■ a car park, public toilets, lighting and DisabilityDiscriminationAct-compliant pathways to ensure the facilities are accessible for people of all ages and abilities.

Residents are encouraged to share their feedback on the overall plan, as well as the features they would like to see in the reserve’s new playground, fitness area and sports court precinct.

Feedback can be provided in-person at two upcoming community consultation sessions, or by filling out a short survey at Ashley Park Recreation Reserve Revitalisation at the City of Whittlesea Engage site.

Consultation sessions will be held at Ashley Park Recreation Reserve, near Soapstone Walk path, on Saturday (Dec. 13) from 10.30am to 12 Noon.

“Responses received during the consultation period, which closes on Monday December 15, will help to inform the project’s final design,” said a Council representative./

The proposed redevelopment of Ashley Park Recreation Reserve is subject to future funding decisions.

■

■

■ ■ MOUNT EVELYN. Mount Evelyn Newsagency. 1A Wray Cres.

■ ■ RINGWOOD. Burnt Bridge Newsagency. 434 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ SEVILLE. Wooworths Seville. 568 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ WANDIN. Wandin Newsagency. 18/2 Union Rd.

■ ■ ■ ■ WARBURTON. Bakery. 3415 Warburton Hwy.

■ WANDONG. Caltex Star Mart. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. Dundee’s Fish and Cips. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. IGA Supermarket. 3272 Epping-Kilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. Wandong Post News and Tatts. 3272 EppingKilmore Rd.

Energy guidelines

■ Murrindindi Shire Council is inviting local peoplde to provide feedback on its draft Guidelines for Successful Renewable Energy, which are open for consultation until Sunday, February 8.

City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Lawrie Cox, said: “The Ashley Park Recreation Reserve revitalisation project represents a major investment by Council in the health and wellbeing of its residents.

“Projects like this demonstrate our commitment to providing our community with the facilities they need to enjoy sport and recreation at all levels.

■ ■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Grand Hotel.

■

■

140 Yarra St.

■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Quinton’s Supa IGA Supermarket. 1/402 Warrandyte Rd.

■ WANDONG. Kemp’s Wandong Bakery. 372 EppingKilmore Rd.

■ WANDONG. Magpie and Stump Hotel. 3313 EppingKilmore Rd.

The draft Guidelines have been developed in response to growing interest in large-scale renewable energy projects and transmission infrastructure in the Shire Early-stage proposals have already sparked concern around landscape protection, farming viability, tourism impacts, amenity, and environmental stewardship.

“The proposal to add two new soccer pitches will give more people, particularly women and girls, the opportunity to play the sport they love.

“I encourage people to have their say on the concept plan, either online or at one of our in-person consultation sessions, to help shape this important project.”

YARRA RANGES MAYOR’S TRIBUTE TO RAY YATES

Ashleigh at Yarck Pub

● ● Vocalist-guitarist Ashleigh Sumpter is due to perform at the Yarck Christmas Party scheduled to be held at the Yarck Hotel, 6607 Maroondah Hwy, on Friday (Dec. 12).

S. Morang Carols

this Friday

■ The City of Whittlesea Carols By Candlelight free event will be held on the Civic Terrace lawns outside the South Morang Municipal Offices, Ferres Blvd, from 6pm-9pm.

Santa Claus intends to make a visit on the night.

for members

■ The Albert Edward Masonic Lodge at Alexandra last month presented a 70-year

jewel Richard Will-

McKernan and a 60-

to Stuart Ferguson

■ The life of Ray Yates was saluted by Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Richard Higgins at the latest Council meeting.

“I would like to take a moment to pay respect to Monbulk community member and former-Councillor and Mayor, Ray Yates,” Cr Higgins said.

“Many of you will know that Ray gave almost 40 years of his life to the Monbulk Primary School – after working as a teacher for 10 years, Ray took the head role as Principal for 28 years.

“It’s fair to say that multiple generations came through the school, with some of Ray’s students later bringing their own children to the school.

“He also taught in Montrose and was a beloved member of the community there.

“But Ray was incredibly civicminded. He was a Shire Councillor for 21 years and served as the Mayor of the Shire of Lillydale

“He was a Justice of the Peace, a Director and Company Secretary for his local community bank; a foundation member of the Monbulk and District Community Working Group, he also served as Secretary and Treasurer for Sylvan Glades residential accommodation and as a long-standing Trustee of the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Trust.

“He was closely associated with the Monbulk RSL, was a president of the Rotary Club and a Life Member of Japara Community House

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of our community, and reading through Ray’s lifetime of service is genuinely humbling.

“He cared about his community and put that care into action, and countless people in the wider community will have benefitted from his work, whether they know it or not.

“Ray was recognised for some of this work: in 1994, he received the highest honour possible from the

Murrindindi Council offices shut

■ Staff at Murrindindi Shire offices and resource recover centres downed tools for the rest of the day at 11am last Tuesday (Dec. 2)to gather together for their end of year celebration.

Strathbogie Leon gets the nod

■ Leon Sargeant has won the vote to be as an independent community representative on the Strathbogie Coiuncil Audit and Risk Committee for a three-year term commencing December 2 this year and ending on December 1, 2028.

●

● Ray Yates Shire of Lillydale, the Honorary Freeman award.

“In 2007, we awarded him as the Citizen of the Year. He’s been the recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow Award from Rotary , he’s received the Centenary Medal and a National Service Medal and was the first ever recipient of the Community Recognition Award from his local community bank.

“But awards like these really only scratch the surface of the kudos and recognition someone like Ray deserved. We are richer for having known him, and the community is lesser for having lost him.

“I hope that all of us can think of Ray when we serve our community and use his lifetime of service as a reminder that there are always more ways to lend a hand, to help your fellow community members, or to make a difference in this brilliant part of the world. Rest in peace, Ray.”

Christmas cards joy

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland reached out to the local schools across her electorate and asked students to help design her Christmas card.

“With more entries every year, this year was no exception; over 160 entries,” Ms Cleeland said.

Winners were:

■ Nyal , 12 , Euroa Primary school

■ Lucy, 9, Puckapunyal Primary School

■ Nikita, 8, Puckapunyal Primary School

■ Oliver, 7, Seymour College

■ Anna , 8, St Patrick’s PS , Kilmore

■ Hazel, 6, St John’s Euroa

■ Blaze, 11, Seymour College

■ Lewis , 12, St Joseph’s Nagambie

■ Zara, 12, Girgarre Primary School

■ Eisle , 10 , Australian Christian College , Benalla

■ Ella , 11, Tallarook Primary School

■ Scarlett, 8, Holy Rosary School Heathcote

■ Lucy , 8, Tallarook Primary school

■ Huda, 8, St Joseph’s , Nagambie

■ Noah, 8. St Mary’s College , Seymour

■ Ashna, 10, Euroa Primary school

■ Esmae, 10, Nagambie Primary School.

“The creativity grows each year, as does the challenge of picking the winners. A huge thank you to all the students who entered and their school for ensuring the entries made it safely to my office,” Ms Cleeland said.

What Local People Are Doing

Lilydale

Margaret joins Trust

■ Margaret Birtley has been appointed as a Trustee of the Yarra Ranges Regional Museum Trust. The motion was carried unanimously by Yarra Ranges Councillors.

■ A meeting of Yarra Ranges Shire was due to be helcd at the Lilydale chambers last night (Tues., Dec,. 9) as this issue of TheLocalPaperwent to press.

Diamond Ck

Dozen talk to Nillumbik

■ Twelve people addressed Nillumbik Council’s Planning and Consultation Committee about the Diamond Creek

BMX Jumps and Recreation Park

. They were:

■ Jacinda Brown ■ Jason Morrison

■ Dale Welch

■ Lee O’Mahoney

■ Matthew Atwell

■ Steve Frost

Rebecca Bosch

■ Jim Connor ■ Don Vincent – President, on behalf of Friends of Nillumbik

■ Marcus Bosch

■ Christopher Collins (virtually)

■ Catherine Crotty (virtually)

Councillors voted to authorise officers to finalise the concept plan.

■ Outgoing Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Martin Taylor, had some statistics when he presented his final meeting the chair.

“During the last seven months I have:

■ worked 1988 hours (average of 71 hours per week).

■ 3017 emails.

■ 147 customer requests lodged and recorded.

■ 49 customer requests investigated and closed.

■ attended 217 meetings.

■ made 1197 phone calls.

■ travelled 1274 kms.

■ attended 2012 community events.

“Social media currently has 110,000 to 130,000 views in relation to the activities I do,”m

Cr Taylor said.

Cr Taylor acknowledged Cr Lawrie Cox and Cr Blair Colwell on election to Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

■ The first-ever first-ever Christmas Tractor Run was scheduled for last Saturday, (Dec. 6).

From 9 m, road-registered tractors decorated in Christmas lights were to travel from Fawcett Hall to the Perry’s residence (approx. 6.5 km from the hall just before the Hwy-10 Spring Creek Rd ), before looping back for a free community supper at the Hall from 9.30 pm, to be met by other tractors at farm gates.

Stuart Dale and Neil Moehr at Alexandra

Tractors parked at Fawcett Hall. Photo: Supplied

●

● Annabelle Cleeland MLA in State Parliament

Local Briefs

Art Exhibition

■ The City of Whittlesea’s annual Art Exhibition is back.

“Whether you’re an experienced artist, just starting out, or creating art simply for fun, this is your chance to showcase your work and connect with the community,” said a Council representative.

Selected artworks will be showcased at the Plenty Ranges Art and Convention Centre, 35 Ferres Blvd, South Morang, from Saturday, May 2 to Wednesday, May 27.

Disability question

■ Many state schools in the Yan Yean electorate have an impressive reputation when it comes to ensuring that children with disability get the best education, local MLOA Lauren Kathage told Parliament last week.

“More than that, I believe that all students benefit when there are kids with disabilities included at school.

“I ask the minister: are we disaggregating NAPLAN results so that we can carefully track and encourage progress for students with disability in state schools?”

L2P program

■ Mansfield Shire Council is celebrating 15 years of the Transport Accident Commission L2P Program, a community initiative that helps young learner drivers gain the skills and confidence they need to become safe, responsible road users.

Since its launch, the program has supported 114 local learners to achieve their probationary licence.

“To mark the milestone, there will be a 15th anniversary celebration to recognise the achievements of the learners who have passed through the program and the volunteers and partners who have supported it since its inception,” said a Council representative.

The celebration also acts as an unveiling for Mansfield Shire’s new L2P vehicle.

Bright Christmas

■ Mansfield Shire’s alpine approaches are set to be brightened for Christmas thanks to a festive community project.

The Men’s Shed produced three large signs which were then painted by students from Mansfield Primary School, Mansfield Rudolf Steiner School and MASS

The colourful signs will be visible on Mansfield-Whitfield Rd, the Midland Hwy and the Maroondah Hwy throughout December and will wish everyone, residents and guests, a merry Christmas over the festive period.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie says that he is pleased to see the community come together and create something that will bring festive spirit to the alpine approaches and hopefully put a smile on the faces of both residents and visitors through the Christmas period.

“My thanks to the Men’s Shed volunteers for their craftsmanship and to the students for their creativity and enthusiasm,” he said.

“This project is a great example of our community working together. The Men’s Shed and local students have created something special that will bring joy to one of Mansfield Shire’s most treasured and beloved assets, the alpine approaches, this Christmas.”

‘Future-proofing’

■ Murrindindi Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi spoke at the latest Council meeting about ‘future-proofing’ the municipality.

“We’re making good progress on the Innovation Working Groups, supported by successful grants:

■ A draft plan on reimagining Health and Care service delivery for Murrindindi Shire will be out for consultation soon.

■ The Farm Forestry group is working on developing a centre for excellence and a sustainable model for small-lot farm forests.

“The other streams of Tourism, Advanced Manufacturing, and Agriculture/ Aquaculture/Horticulture - are awaiting funding decisions. Planning is advanced.

“These initiatives are about futureproofing our economy, creating jobs, and building resilience in a changing climate.”

Ms Bonazzi’s monthly report also spoke about new planning laws that will “will allow larger, denser developments with less community input”.

‘Release Wollert rail study’

■ Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams should immediately release the Wollert Rail Feasibility Study, says Northern Victoria MLC Wendy Lovell.

The City of Whittlesea’s Integrated Transport Plan 2024-2034 seeks to have the Mernda rail line extended from Lalor to Wollert by 2030, as Council expects the local population to almost triple, with the number of people in Epping North and Wollert going from 35,000 in 2019, to 95,000 by 2041.

Construction of the rail line extension has been constantly delayed due to Labor’s failure to first complete the rail feasibility study, Ms Lovell said

The Government’s 2017 Victorian Infrastructure Plan committed to commencing within five years, and is now three years overdue.

The Federal Government has recently updated the project webpage for the Wollert Rail Feasibility Study, stating that the study is expected to be complete in late 2025.

“But it is now December and it can’t get any later in 2025 – the Government must now release the study or come clean about why they have missed another deadline,” Ms Lovell said.

A Wollert resident recently contacted Ms Lovell to express his ongoing frustration with the Labor Government for its lack of progress on this vital infrastructure project.

He spends an hour and a half each way in his car getting to and from work.

Organics rate is 30%

■ Murrindindi Shire Council is seeking a 70 per cent diversion rate in the Food Organics and Garden Organics collection arrangements, Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi told the latest meeting of Councillors.

“Residents have embraced the new kerbside bin system, leading to real improvements in sorting and recycling,” Ms Bonazzi said.

“Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) must go in the green-lidded bin; it is not allowed to be placed in the general rubbish or other bins.

“FOGO material is processed into compost by Repurpose It in Epping

“Early data shows FOGO diversion at 30 per cent; we are aiming for 70% over the next months.

“With the move to the new kerbside collection service, there have been several incidents of missed bins.”

Risk for Hurstbridge tree

■ A number of trees in Hurstbridge were identified as requiring ‘intervention’, a Nillumbik Council representative said late last week.

“Arborists managed to save four of these trees but one needed to be removed as it was impacted by fungus and at high risk of splitting.

“The tree was beyond repair and to ensure public safety, arborists determined it needed to be removed.

“We understand it can be disappointing to see ageing trees removed from the landscape and always explore tree health management options before deciding to remove any tree.”

The Council issued a statement in which it expressed its general thoughts towards tree management.

“Council is committed to protecting the health and resilience of trees across our urban areas and focuses on early intervention for unhealthy trees. We work to retain trees wherever possible.

“However, our priority of saving trees needs to be balanced with public safety considerations,” the Council statement said.

Art exhibition

■ The Birds of a Feather exhibition at Nagambie brings together three acclaimed artists whose work reflects their ongoing relationship with this evocative creature.

“Martin King approaches the bird from an ornithological and naturalist perspective. His practice, grounded in close observation, highlights the fragility of birds and their interactions within human-altered environments,” says an exhibition organiser.

“Mitchell McAuley explores the connection between birds and the built environment. Through architectural sculptural forms, he considers how structures created for human society become shared habitats for nature.

“Mike Nicholls uses the bird as an emblem of spirit, vulnerability, and the natural world. His work reflects on themes of war, peace, the environment, and human resilience.”

Together, these artists reveal the bird as muse, each offering a distinct interpretation that showcases how a single subject can inspire deeply individual creative expression.

“Artbox is an important cultural initiative for Strathbogie Shire, bringing highquality art into accessible public spaces. Exhibitions like Birds of a Feather enrich our community, celebrate creativity, and highlight the natural beauty that defines our region. I encourage residents and visitors alike to experience this exhibition,” said Mayor Cr Scott Jeffery.

Until December 28. At Artbox, High St, Nagambie (median strip near the water tower). Viewing: 24/7 through gallery glass windows.

‘Please defer’

■ Murrindindi Council has asked that the proposed Alexandra District Health-Eastern Health voluntary merger be deferred.

“Council has made a formal Submission to the ADH Board Chair, requesting to defer any amalgamation decision until the Murrindindi Health and Aged Care Workforce Strategy Network Plan is completed and all options are fully assessed,” said Shire CEO livia Bonazzi.

“ This work is funded by the State Government as part of the Forestry Transition program that supports the creation of future jobs.

“The Strategy is championed by the Murrindindi Health Network and is being developed collaboratively with local health, aged care and disability service partners.

“It sets out four alternative models for network integration, each with distinct governance, workforce, and investment frameworks.

“These alternatives may address the same challenges as amalgamation (workforce shortages, service fragmentation, access disparities, and financial sustainability) without risking loss of local autonomy or representation.

“Several initiatives (workforce housing, digital platforms, student placements) could be implemented immediately under a partnership model.

“Council continues to advocate for meaningful engagement, transparency, and locally tailored solutions.

“Council’s community survey on the proposed amalgamation has already received over 230 responses, a reflection of the high engagement and strong community interest in this important issue.

“We will share the results with both Eastern Health and ADH and we will also publish them for the broader community in the spirit of transparency,” Ms Bonazzi said.

School visits

■ Murrindindi Shire Mayor Cr Damian Gallagher said that he shared a few hours with Yea Primary School and Sacred Heart Primary School students to talk Civics and Citizenship.

“Alongside Crs Carpenter and Hildebrand, the students elected a Councillor group, who efficiently appointed a Mayor and Deputy Mayor.

“Led by the Mayor, the Councillor group then appointed a Chief Executive Officer who onboarded three talented executives.

“The fresh new Councillors worked through some of the big issues with the guidance of their young executive teams. As a group, we discussed the meaning of leadership, and the opportunity that all young people have to act with integrity.”

● Wendy Lovell MLC

● ● Livia Bonazzi, Murrindindi Shire CEO

COUNCIL TO PAY $650,000 FOR PAINTING

Senior Cricket

A-Grade

Puckapunyal Senior Mixed A v Seymour. Abandoned. At Puckapunyal Cricket Ground

Pyalong A Grade v Alexandra A Grade. Abandoned. At Pyalong Recreation Reserve

Yea Tigers A Grade v Avenel Senior Men

A. At Yea Recreation Reserve

Bye: Tallarook Hotel A Grade

B-Grade

Seymour Senior Mixed B v Puckapunyal Senior Mixed B. At Chittick Park (East)

Alexandra B Grade v Pyalong B Grade. Abandoned. At Leckie Park

Avenel Senior Men B 4/104 v Yea Tigers B Grade 8/65. Abandoned. At Avenel Recreation Reserve

Bye: Tallarook B Grade

Junior Cricket

Under 13

Pucka U13

Mixed v Seymour U13 Mixed Seymour U13. At Puckapunyal Cricket Ground - Oval #1

Pyalong U13 v Tallarook U13. At Pyalong Recreation Reserve

Alexandra U13 Mixed 2/89 v Yea Tigers U13 Mixed 9/88. At Alexandra Showgrounds and Recreation Reserve

Weekend Bowls

Division 3

Euroa 82, 16 d East Shepparton 62, 2. Mooroopna Golf 97, 16 d Shepparton Golf 55, 2. Rusghworth 64, 2 d by Shepparton Park 84, 16. Alexandra v Eildon, unplayed. Yea 85, 14 d Seymour 82, 4. Division 5

Vuiolet Town 65, 14 d Seymour VRI 57, 2. Murchison 94, 16 d Seymour 31, 0. Bye: Colbinabboin. Euroa 64, 12 d Alexandra 58, 4. Rushworth 52, 2 d by Shepparton Park 60, 14. Tatura Hill Top 39, 0 d by Nagambie 68, 10.

■ Murrindindi Shire Council will pay up to $650,000 for painting services over the next five years after a decision by Councillors.

A Panel Contract for Painting Maintenance Services for Infrastructure Assets has been agreed upon for an initial term of three years, commencing this month, with an option for a two-year extension, to the following suppliers:

■ Argyle Maintenance Services Pty Ltd

■ Blended Services Group Pty Ltd )

■ Higgins Coatings Pty Ltd

■ Melbourne Master Painters Pty Ltd

■ I Paint Melbourne Pty Ltd

$1m for Kinglake Reserve works

■ Victorian Sports Group Pty Ltd has been awarded a Murrindindi Shire Council contract value d at $968,050.50 for the Kinglake Memorial Reserve oval reconstruction.

The scope of the contract is to reconstruct the oval which will include:

■ Removal and replacement of the existing grass and surface.

■ Installation of drainage.

■ Installation of turf.

■ New irrigation system.

■ Replacement of oval fence and the construction of of a spoon drain.

■ Installation of a new synthetic cricket pitch.

“Reconstruction works will provide a highquality, all-weather sporting surface that supports increased community use, meets relevant sporting standards, and reduces maintenance requirements,” said a report to Councillors.

This project is jointly funded by Council and the State Government with a contribution from the user groups of the Kinglake Memorial Reserve . T

A public tender was recently conducted for the works which closed on October 14. Eleven submissions were received at the close of tender.

Webinar on frogs

■ Cr Sue Carpenter has told Murrindindi Shire Council that she had the opportunitty to attend a webinar about frogs, which was held in Kinglake and Yea.

“A presenter from the Australian Museum informed us of the importance of frogs in our environment and how to identify local species,” Cr Carpenter said.

“I encourage anyone interested in our environment to load the FrogID app from the Australian Museum onto their phone to both aid in identifying frogs and report the species in your area to the Museum for their ongoing research.”

Spot spraying

■ Spot spraying of Chilean Needle Grass has commenced on some selected roadsides and reserves, Cr Sue Carpenter has told Murrindindi Shire Council.

“Officers have been targeting CNG Nassella neesiana a Weed of National Significance for many years on some roadsides and reserves between the Molesworth to Homewood area,” Cr Carpenter said.

“CNG has a detrimental effect on agriculture, particularly stock, causing the formation of ulcers and in the case of sheep ruining fleeces. It outcompetes native vegetation in grassland areas.

“Council officers have been speaking to landholders along roadsides where CNG will be targeted.

“It should be noted that this will be spot sprayed on our road reserve, rather than boom sprayed, to accurately control where the spray is applied and ensure there is no overspray onto adjoining farmland.

“An avenue of Ginko trees have been planted on the Goulburn Valley Highway entrance to Yea on the Seymour side. Ginko’s have a spectacular foliage especially in autumn and are a very longlived tree.

“They will provide a lovely entrance to the

township of Yea for many generations of residents and travellers along the highway.

At Darlingford

■ Murrindindi Deputy Mayor Cr Anita Carr says that she was honoured to be invited to speak at the Darlingford Upper Goulburn Nursing Home Remembrance day service, where residents, families, and staff gathered.

“It was a privilege to share a few words, lay a wreath, and listen as resident Alex read a heartfelt poem,” Cr Carr said.

“The event was beautifully organised by Jeanne, Karen, and the dedicated staff, and it was moving to see everyone wearing their hand-knitted poppies with pride.”

“Later, I joined the Eildon RSL at the cenotaph for the 11am service, expertly hosted by Mark Howard, whose words captured the spirit of the day.

“I must give a shoutout to the two young community members who treated us to an amazing performance of the LastPoston the bugle, followed by the New Zealand and Australian National Anthems sung with pride and passion.

“The rain kindly held off until the service concluded, after which attendees gathered at the RSL rooms or morning tea and conversation. Lest we forget.”

Shire advocates

■ Murrindindi Shires advocacy for community interests continued throughout the last month as Council heard and conveyed community concerns on the proposed Rubicon Solar Farm Project, which yielded Council’s establishment of draft guidelines, to provide certainty to residents and proponents alike on what types of projects and engagement would be met with Council support,” said Mayor Cr Damian Gallagher.

“It was my honour this month to be asked to officially open the Gould Courtyard at Kellock Lodge, Alexandra. The sensory garden project was led by Jan Fallon and the Friends of Kellock Lodge,” Cr Gallagher said.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2025

In The Pink New men’s guide

■ A new guide designed for men looking to develop sustainable, tangible habits that will help them maintain good mental health all-year round, and not just when conversations around the topic are at a peak.

Almost half of Australian men will experience anxiety or depression in their lifetime, yet less than one-in-five will seek help from a mental health professional.

Experts at Someone.health are launching the MentalMaintenanceManual:APracticalGuidetoMen’sMentalHealth-a free, easy-to-use guide giving men the tools needed to build on recent high-profile conversations surrounding mental health and reminding them that good mental health comes down to consistent actions and healthy habits.

Alcohol, drugs

■ Mental Health Minister Ingrid Stitt has officially launched the VictorianAlcoholand OtherDrugsStrategy2025-2035– a key deliverable as part of the $95 million Statewide Action Plan

It is built on evidence, sector insights and the lived experience of Victorians, and outlines how the system will address new and emerging patterns of alcohol and other drug harms use, as well as tackle stigma and improve the general health, mental health, and wellbeing of vulnerable Victorians

It will see the trialing of naloxone dispensing machines so this safe medication can be more easily accessed at any time of day.

In the News

DEMENTIA AND THE FESTIVE SEASON

■ The festive season can be a particularly overwhelming time for people with dementia and their carers – especially where family events are involved.

Bolton Clarke Senior Research Fellow Claudia Meyer says preparing yourself and your family can help make celebrations more enjoyable for everyone.

“It’s normal for carers to feel overwhelmed trying to maintain festive traditions and to become hesitant in engaging in celebrations, for fear that others may react negatively,” Ms Meyer says.

“Preparing the person, family and friends and setting firm boundaries and expectations can help create a more positive experience.”

Tips for carers include:

■ Consider celebrating over lunch or brunch, rather than an evening meal.

■ Do not do everything yourself. Either arrange to celebrate at a different house or ask guests to bring a plate of food.

■ Set aside ‘letting go’ time and acknowledge your grief, it’s natural and normal.

■ Talk about dementia. Sometimes people can be reluctant to mention the changes because they don’t know how to raise the subject and/ or they don’t want to upset you. It is important that people understand your role, your life and what is happening to the person living with dementia.

The Pulse Palliative care

■ Palliative Care Australia has welcomed new linked data released from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, providing a national picture of older people’s access to specialist palliative care.

The AIHW data, based on 132,000 people aged 65 and over who had predictable deaths (from illness) in 2021-22, indicates older people are typically first receiving specialist palliative care just 12 days before they die.

PCA CEO Camilla Rowland said the findings reveal complex patterns across aged care, hospital and community settings, but a clear story about timing.

Paying more

■ A new Australian Medical Association report reveals Australians are paying more for private health insurance while getting less value in return.

The AMA’s latest PrivateHealthInsuranceReportCardshows a sector in urgent need of reform, with consumers abandoning gold-tier policies and questioning the value of other policies, all while insurers experience huge profits.

In light of this latest report, AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen has renewed calls for an independent Private Health System Authority to drive sector reform.

“Australia’s health system is valued for its mix of public and private healthcare, but both parts of the system are under increasing pressure,” Dr McMullen said.

Hope Kids OT named State Finalist in Best of Business Awards: Melbourne’s East to National Recognition - Story of Growth, Care and Impact

Hope Kids OT has been named Victorian State Finalist at the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards

Hope Kids OT has been recognised as a Victorian State Finalist in two prestigious categories of the 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards: ■ Championing Health and ■ Outstanding Growth.

The Telstra Best of Business Awards celebrate exceptional small and medium-sized enterprises that are driving innovation, creating impact and setting new benchmarks in their industries.

The program is recognised as one of Australia’s most prestigious platforms celebrating excellence, innovation and leadership in small business.

Being recognised in two categories places Hope Kids OT among Victoria’s leading purpose-driven businesses making a difference in health and community wellbeing.

The Championing Health category celebrates organisations improving the quality of life for Australians through better health outcomes, while Outstanding Growth honours businesses that have achieved exceptional and sustainable expansion.

Since its founding in 2020, Hope Kids OT has supported thousands of families across Melbourne’s eastern suburbs.

The clinic has expanded into a

Extraordinary Year

This year has been extraordinary as Hope Kids OT was named:

■ Winner – 2025 Australian Women’s Small Business Champion Awards (Professional Medical Services)

■ State Finalist – 2025 Telstra Best of Business Awards (Championing Health & Outstanding Growth)

■ Finalist – 2025 Melbourne Young Entrepreneur Awards (Health & Medicine)

■ Finalist – 2025 Women Changing the World Awards (Migrant Leadership, Australia & the Pacific)

■ Top 40 Honouree – 2025 Australia Business Elite Awards

■ Finalist – 2025 Melbourne Business Network Awards 2025 (Innovation, Entrepreneur, Female Entrepreneur, Optimism & Wellbeing)

multi-site organisation with purposebuilt paediatric therapy clinics, an oncampus partnership at Kingswood College, and growing communitybased and home visit services.

Renowned for its innovation and holistic care, Hope Kids OT continues to lead the way in early intervention and paediatric occupational therapy. Its programs focus on helping children build confidence, independence

and participation in everyday activities including play, learning, and social and emotional wellbeing.

“To be recognised across both Championing Health and Outstanding Growth is a reflection of our purpose and our people,” said May Lee, Founder and Director of Hope Kids OT.

“This recognition belongs to our incredible team and to the families who trust us. We are committed to con

Fact File

NAME: Hope Kids OT

FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR: May Lee

WEB: www.hopekidsot.com.au

EMAIL: info@hopekidsot.com.au

tinuing to innovate, improve our customer experience, invest in professional development for our clinicians and create services that meet the evolving needs of children, families and communities.”

The Telstra Best of Business Awards attracted more than 22,000 entries nationwide across a range of industries, with an independent expert panel assessing entrants on criteria such as innovation, leadership, community impact, customer experience and long-term sustainability.

Hope Kids OT’s selection as a Victorian State Finalist acknowledges the clinic’s leadership in redefining paediatric healthcare through innovation, inclusion and collaboration.

The team’s work continues to set a benchmark for quality care and community impact in allied health.

For Hope Kids OT, this milestone marks both celebration and commitment - a drive to keep raising the standard of paediatric healthcare and to continue shaping a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.

● ● Claudia Meyer, Bolton Clarke

● ● May Lee, Founder

EILDON Forest restored

■ The final stage of works are underway to harvest the remaining pine plantation at Delatite Arm Reserve and replace them with native trees.

Originally planted in the 1950s to reduce erosion along the lake, the pine plantations have been progressively harvested and replaced with native vegetation since 2001.

Next phase of works will complete the harvesting and restore the remaining area to native forest, supporting the restoration of native wildlife habitat and improving water quality.

Harvesting of 463 hectares will start in 2026 and be completed in 2029, with reduced operations during winter and peak holiday periods.

The Delatite Arm Reserve Reforestation Project builds on earlier works, with over 1,50 hectares of forest already restored since 2001.

Harvested pine will be transported offsite for commercial use.

Works are being managed by the Department of Environment, Energy and Climate Change Action in consultation with Traditional Owners, the Taungurung Land and Waters Council

Delatite Arm Reserve is popular for camping, water sports, fishing, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, mountain biking, and bushwalking. Thousands of people visit the reserve during long weekends and peak holiday periods.

The project will be delivered by DEECA forest contractors.

HORSHAM JUNCTION

New roundabout

■ A new roundabout is being provided at Horsham to improve traffic flow.

The Western Hwy and Henty Hwy intersection is a key access point to Horsham’s CBD, serving as a critical junction for local industries, freight and nearby residential precincts.

Golf Course Rd and Plumpton Rd service an industrial zone and are used heavily by freight.

As well as the construction of a new roundabout, there will be a shared path to provide safe crossing opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists.

A new dedicated slip lane for southbound traffic on the Western Hwy will also be installed, as well as public lighting at the intersection.

The works, which are scheduled to take up to 12 months to complete, will “futureproof” the intersection of Henty Hwy, Western Hwy, Golf Course Rd and Plumpton Rd, said a State Government representative.

PARLIAMENT

Shaun calls time

■ Shaun Leane, Legislative Council President and North-Eastern Metropolitan MLC, has advised Premier Jacinta Allan that he will not be seeking re-election in 2026.

“It is difficult to imagine anyone with a more Labor story than Shaun: the son of a bricklayer and a nurse, who went on to become an electrician,” Ms Allan said.

“He was working as an apprentice when his employer went into liquidation, and his pay and entitlements disappeared.

“That lesson of insecurity stayed with him, drawing him to the union movement – and eventually, Parliament, to fight for working people.

“Shaun has always cared deeply about fairness and looking out for others.

“Elected nearly 20 years ago, Shaun has held several portfolios including Minister for Veterans, Minister for Commonwealth Games Legacy, Minister for Local Government and Minister for Suburban Development.

“He has sat on more than a dozen committees and has twice stepped up to serve as President of the Legislative Council

“It’s a position he has also used to help others. There’s no better proof of this than during the height of the pandemic, when he drove a partnership with the Salvation Army and other charities and used the Parliament kitchens to prepare more than a million meals to Victorians in need.

“Shaun has made a real impact in the Parliament – and in the communities he represents. Shaun will continue to serve as the Member for North-Eastern Metropolitan and President of the Legislative Council until the next election,” Ms Allan said.

Life members honoured at volunteers cocktail party

■ Bayside U3A's 2025 end-of-year annual cocktail party for volunteers was presented at the Hampton Bowling Club and also attended by Bayside City Council's new Mayor, Cr Debbie Taylor-Haynes, and politicians Tim Wilson and James Newbury

This annual event gives an opportunity for Bayside U3A to thank volunteer tutors, office administrative staff and committee members for their varied contributions to the organisation throughout the year.

For the first time since the organisation was established in 2012, the Bayside U3A Committee of Management introduced various awards to acknowledge the dedicated work of nominated volunteers in various fields, or an innovative specific project or program.

Announced by Vice-President Joe Arnephy, the awards concluded with the induction of 10 inaugural Life Members of Bayside U3ATony Aplin, Sandra Groves, Judy Sinclair, David Hone, Christine Logan, Cheryl Threadgold, Ann Swiers, Barrie Sheppard, Helene Redding, and (President) Sue Steele. The University of the Third Age (U3A) movement started in France in the 1980s and has since become a global network.

With 1700 members in 2025 and operating as an all-volunteer organisation, Bayside U3A offers a broad program of fun and informative classes/activities for people over 50 who are retired or semi-retired. baysideu3a.org.au/

STEEL JAWED TRAP INJURES W’BOOL KOALA

■ The Conservation Regulator is seeking information from the public about the use of an illegal steel jawed trap that injured a koala in Warrnambool

The koala was caught in the trap and found in a tree by a member of the public who called a local wildlife shelter.

The koala was rescued by a representative of the shelter and the Country Fire Authority

The koala received treatment and was released following veterinary assessments.

A Conservation Regulator representative said: “This koala has had a lucky escape

DERRIMUT Monoxide leak

■ Fire Recue Victoria responded to a carbon monoxide leak at a pork processing plant in Derrimut on Monday afternoon, December 1.

Firefighters arrived at the Benn Court scene to find 60 people had evacuated from the factory, with multiple people suffering the effects of carbon monoxide exposure. FRV crews assisted by applying oxygen therapy to the patients until Ambulance Victoria arrived on scene.

Firefighters donned breathing apparatus and entered the factory with gas detectors to take readings and assess the situation.

It was found that the carbon monoxide readings inside the building were still dangerously high.

Crews ventilated the building until the carbon dioxide in the atmosphere dropped to safe levels.

The leak was found to have come from some meat preservation machinery. The incident was declared under control at 01.41pm, 49 minutes after FRV arrived on scene. WorkSafe were notified of the incident.

MELBOURNE

Ahead of schedule

■ Works at Art Centre Melbourne’s famed State Theatre are six months ahead of schedule, making it the first completed milestone as part of the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation Project

The enue, now known as the Ian Potter State Theatre, will reopen in October 2026, welcoming presenters and performers back to the iconic stage.

“The State Theatre stage is one of the largest in the world, bigger than four tennis courts, and it is the home ground of resident companies, the Australian Ballet and Opera Australia,” said a Government representative.

MELBOURNE

‘Birdy’ soars

■ A 45-year career came to a close when Stephen ‘Birdy’ Bird put on his uniform to complete his last shift with Ambulance Victoria.

Across Victoria Across

Victoria

Stephen started his paramedicine career in 1982, when he joined the Horsham Ambulance Service after years working as a nurse.

After working in the Grampians region for three years, he made the move to Melbourne to progress his career and “never looked back”.

“Over the decades, Stephen has played a key role in AV’s response to some of the state’s most significant incidents, including the tragic events in Queen St and Hoddle St in 1987, the Russell St bombing, and the Mercy Hospital shooting,” said an Ambulance Victoria representative.

In 1988, Stephen was among the first paramedics to join the organisation’s Communications Centre in Doncaster

“It’s amazing to look at where Triage Services is now - employing over 300 practitioners and taking on a large portion of the service’s workload,” Stephen said.

thanks to the actions of a member of the public calling a wildlife rescuer, followed up by the work of volunteers.

Without that action this koala would likely have died a painful death.

Thosde whohave information about this incident or any other wildlife cruelty, are asked to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”

“If you see wildlife that is injured or needing care, please don’t touch it or take it home. Get help from a trained rescuer with the Help for Injured Wildlife Tool,” said a representative.

Serrated steel-jawed leghold traps cannot be used to trap any animal and the sale of them is illegal.

Use of all animal traps is regulated under the PreventionofCrueltytoAnimalsAct 1986 biosecurity/pest-animals/ trapping-pest-animals/ leghold-traps

Stephen also worked at Qantas for nearly 20 years in roles such as cabin service manager, which saw him apply his paramedicine knowledge to patients in the air, while also learning management skills transferable to AV

After a remarkable career defined by dedication, professionalism, and care, Stephen is hanging up his boots and headed for a well-earned retirement.

STATEWIDE

Film project

■ A new film project, Final Fight for the Bight:Legacy, has releases a spec trailer narrated by acclaimed Australian actor and surfer Simon Baker, shining a global spotlight on the Nullarbor and Great Australian Bight and calling for UNESCO World Heritage protection.

The trailer marks the public relaunch of a major campaign led by Surfers for Climate and the Great Australian Bight Alliance to secure permanent protection for one of Earth’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems, building on decades of community resistance.

The film follows Simon Baker and a diverse cast of surfers, scientists, artists.

PHOTO: VISIT VICTORIA

● ● Bayside U3A inaugural Life Members. Tony Aplin (left), Sandra Groves, Judy Sinclair, David Hone, Christine Logan, Cheryl Threadgold, Ann Swiers, Barrie Sheppard, Helene Redding and Sue Steele. Photo: Evelyn Cronk

Statewide

Fatal house fire

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal house fire in Ocean Grove

Emergency services were called to a property on The Aveune about 12.30am Thursday (Dec. 4).

A female resident had managed to exit the property but a male resident was trapped inside.

Fire crews located and removed the man but he could not be revived.

Exact cause of the fire had not been determined and the investigation remains ongoing.

SOMERVILLE

Moped mayhem

■ A man has been arrested after crashing an alleged stolen moped in Somerville on Sunday, November 30.

The nightshift crew from Somerville Highway Patrol spotted a moped carrying a pillion passenger, driving south on Hartnett Drive, about 4.10am.

Police attempted to intercept the moped before it allegedly pulled away from police, ran a red light at the intersection of Klauer St and crashed.

It is alleged the rider picked the bike up off the road and attempted to drive west on Klauer St, before mounting the kerb and crashing into a wire boundary fence.

The pillion passenger, who was left behind, was arrested by police.

A fleet-footed officer caught up to the rider and arrested them as they were allegedly attempting to get back on the moped.

The rider, a 45-year-old Seaford man, was charged with theft of motor vehicle, careless driving, fail to stop on police direction, disobey a traffic control signal and other traffic offences.

He was bailed to appear at Frankston Magistrates’ Court on January 9.

Their passenger, a 48-year-old Carrum Downs man, will be summonsed to appear at a magistrates’ court at a later date for not wearing a helmet.

In the News

ATTEMPTED CARJACKING, ASSAULT IN THE NORTH

■ Merri-Bek Crime investigation Unit detectives are appealing for public assistance following an attempted carjacking in Coburg on Monday afternoon (Dec. 1).

Officers have been told that an unknown male was located by the male victim inside a grey Hyundai at a residential address on May St about 12.20pm.

The victim’s daughter heard the commotion and came to assist when a stolen silver Lexus registration ‘SAMWAN’ pulled up and another man and woman exited the vehicle.

The male offender assaulted the male victim causing him to fall backwards onto the ground.

All three offenders fled the scene in the Lexus before also driving over the victim’s foot.

They were last seen heading east towards Gaffney St

A 60-year-old Coburg man was taken to hospital with a serious foot injury.

Two men and a woman they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

The male is perceived to be middle eastern in appearance, about 180 cms tall, aged between 35-40 and unshaven.

He was wearing a black hat, dark sunglasses, black ‘nina Pasadena’ brand hoodie, blue work pants with prominent reflective strips and brown work boots.

The second male is perceived to be aboriginal in ap-

Statewide

pearance, about 175 cms tall, aged between 35-40 and unshaven.

He was wearing a black hat with white motif, brown ACDC t-shirt, dark coloured pants and dark shoes

The woman is perceived to be aboriginal in appearance, about 155 cms tall, aged between 35-40 and wearing a black beanie, white T shirt, and dark maroon hoodie.

Technology One helps Councils

Across Victoria

Boy charged

■ Banyule-Nillumbik Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a 17-year-old boy after it is alleged a machete was produced and two cars were stolen during an aggravated burglary in Viewbank

Officers responded within minutes to reports of two males entering a Royston St home through a back door about 6.40am on Monday, December 1.

It is alleged one of the males produced a machete before the pair stole and took off in two vehicles.

Two elderly residents home at the time were not physically injured.

Police caught sight of the two cars, a blue Kia Sorrento and an orange Hyundai, driving in convoy a short distance away.

Both vehicles were spotted travelling through Rosanna

Officers located the Hyundai allegedly dumped on Martin’s Lane in Viewbank

The Kia was then sighted allegedly driving at speed through Lower Plenty

Police successfully deployed a tyre deflation device on the Kia on Rosehill Rd in Lower Plenty before the vehicle allegedly kept driving on damaged wheels.

A pursuit was called and the Sorrento was followed along Lower Plenty Rd.

The Sorrento allegedly collided with a civilian vehicle near the corner of Lower Plenty Rd and Graham Rd.

The driver of the civilian vehicle was taken to hospital with a minor injury.

Police moved in and swiftly arrested a boy alleged to be the sole occupant of the Kia. Officers seized a machete from the Kia

A 17-year-old boy from the Banyule area was charged with home invasion, theft of a motor vehicle, possess prohibited weapon and other driving offences.

He was remanded to appear before a children’s court.

Detectives are working to identify the second alleged offender.

The collision is being investigated by detectives with oversight from Professional Standards Command, as per standard practice when there is a collision in the presence of police.

Technology One helps Councils pay less for new technology, while paying less for its outadted, inadequate mishmash

Images of devastated property are becoming an increasing feature of news outlets in communities across the country.

Uprooted trees on buildings, carparks with rows of battered vehicles, smashed windows, flooded local shops and homes – even loss of life is increasingly common.

Last month, it was NSW and southern Queensland battered by severe hail and thunderstorms through northern parts of Melbourne and what was described as the most significant storm event on record in Port Pirie in South Australia.

In Sydney and the Central Coast, the hottest October on record was punctuated by sudden and recordbreaking wind, rain and hail.

All over Australia, what were once one in 50-year weather events – or even the type of event usually associated with in the tropic – have become more and more frequent.

Fortunately, technology has progressed as climate uncertainty has increased.

It is now possible, for example, to have such a detailed and granular view of all the assets and infrastructure in a community that the individual trees at highest risk of falling can be identified in minutes after a storm warning.

And, furthermore, to get individual messages to the residents most likely to be affected.

of software

their operations is growing more and more, and delivering less and less of the services residents have a right to now expect.

Some, however, are showing there is a path through.

Central Coast Council in NSW recently partnered with Australian tech giant TechnologyOne to completely replace business systems it had relied on for more than 20 years.

The new systems will not only deliver huge internal operational savings – automating processes that today take hours of council staff time – it will support the citizen focused services that communities increasingly will not be able to do without.

But the icing on the cake is that the Council will pay less for the technology than it is presently paying for its outdated and inadequate mishmash of overseas software products.

Not just save a small amount – it believes it will save $2.4 million of precious ratepayers’ money.

The combination of Technology One’s unique pricing model, which does not charge separately for implementation – the heart of the tech wreck horror stories councils so desperately need to avoid – and the reality that system modernisation can save money from day one, is changing the game for councils considering digital transformation. And not a moment too soon for residents.

OCEAN GROVE

Christmas 2025

Carols In The Park this Saturday

■ Host Lucy Durack and an array of local and national talentwill be at the Carols In The Park to be held from 4pm8pm this Saturday (Dec. 13) at Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve , Higgins Rd, Bentleigh. Enjoy an evening of entertainment, sing-a-longs and festivities at Glen Eira City Council’s Carols in the Park

There will be performaces by:

■ Colin Lane

■ Shauntai

■ The Australian Girls Choir

■ The Grinch

■ Glen Eira Brass Band

Children can enjoy Christmas crafts, face painting and maybe even a special visit from Santa

This free annual event is packed with holiday fun for the whole family.

Enjoy cheerful Christmas tunes from a fantastic lineup of local and muchloved performers, while the kids get creative with Christmas crafts, have their faces painted, and maybe even spot a special visitor in a red suit — Santa himself!

The event is filled with roving entertainment and plenty of fun for kids of all ages. Grab a bite from the delicious food trucks or bring your own picnic and soak up a magical night of music, laughter and holiday cheer.

● Carols In The Park will be held from 4pm-8pm this Saturday (Dec. 13) at Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, Higgins Rd, Bentleigh

Bring-your-own picnic or enjoy a bite to eat from the array of food trucks on offer. the evebnt is recommended for all ages. There is free entry, and bookings not required.

The event will be held within Bentleigh Hodgson Reserve, seating is not provided.

Glen Eira Council strongly recommends guests bring their own picnic blankets to sit on as the ground may be wet.

Featured Venues

Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park

Christmas Day Buffet Lunch

Bring the family and indulge in a delicious Christmas Day buffet at the Pullman & Mercure Melbourne Albert Park this holiday season.

This festive feast has something for everyone, with an impressive spread featuring freshly shucked oysters, Tasmanian smoked salmon, traditional honey-glazed ham, slow-roasted lamb and tender marinated turkey breast.

With such an abundant selection, even the fussiest diners will find a favourite.

Save room for dessert, because the festive sweets table is a showstopper.

From classic Christmas pudding, a velvety Eggnog Crème Brûlée, to a whimsical Snowflake Pavlova Trio, it's a delightful way to end your meal on a high note.

Set in the hotel's elegant ballroom overlooking the picturesque Albert Park, the experience offers a relaxed yet refined setting for your Christmas celebration.

And with St Kilda Beach just moments away, a breezy post-lunch stroll is the perfect way to round out the afternoon.

Convenient on-site parking and a nearby tram stop make getting to and from the hotel effortless, so you can simply arrive, unwind, and enjoy a truly memorable Christmas Day.

Observer Melbourne

Latest News

Songwriter wins

■ The 2025 National Songwriting Competition winners have been announced by the Australian Children's Music Foundation.

The APRA AMCOS Young Songwriter of the Year was warded to 14-year-old Giann Zammataro from Toowoomba, Queensland

The Alan Kendall Award (Most Creative Song) was on by 17-year-old Evelyn Murugasu from Melbourne.

The Primary School Winner was Upper Lansdowne Public School in regional/rural New South Wales.

The High School Winner is Nhulunbuy High School in East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, receiving the highly valued APRA AMCOS SongMakers program.

Ardeer seizure

■ A man has been charged after weapons were seized in Ardeer on Tuesday night (dec. 2).

Officers responded to reports of three males spotted allegedly in possession of a machete and a baseball bat knocking on the door of a Chesley St property about 5pm.

The three men were allegedly seen a short time later travelling nearby in a green Holden sedan.

Police pulled over the Holden and it is alleged the vehicles occupants matched the description of the trio spotted earlier. The three males were arrested without incident. Officers searched the vehicle and seized a firearm, baseball bat and machete. All three men are from Truganina

A 19-year-old man was charged with possess general category handgun, possess cartridge ammunition, possess prohibited weapon, possess controlled weapon and carry dangerous article.

He was bailed to appear before the Sunshine Magistrates’ Court on March 3.

Two 18-year-old men were also interviewed in relation to the incident and were released pending further enquires.

Cars deception

■ Detectives from the Financial Crime Squad have charged a man as part of an investigation into alleged deceptions involving high-end cars totalling almost $1.1M.

Investigators will allege a 48-year-old Essendon man fraudulently purchased eight high end cars from online car resale websites between November 2023 and October 2025. The vehicles include a Lamborghini, Audi, Porsche, Range Rover, Mini Cooper, Bentley and two BMWs, worth a total of $1,091,000.

Three search warrants were executed at residential addresses in Essendon and Niddrie, as well as a business premises on Mount Alexander Rd in Essendon.

A 48-year-old Essendon man was charged with nine counts of obtain property by deception and possess drug of dependence (cocaine).

He was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Phones, laptops, desktop computers, number plates and paperwork linked to the alleged offending were seized from the addresses.

Six of the eight vehicles have been recovered and returned to the victims thus far. The investigation remains ongoing.

Drink driver

■ Altona police officers impounded the vehicle of an allegedly speeding drink driver in Altona Meadows. The Mazda was clocked allegedly travelling at around 140-kmh n the Princes Fwy near Brooklyn. Police attempted to intercept the vehicle however it allegedly failed to stop and continued driving at excessive speed. The driver underwent an evidentiary breath test which returned an alleged reading of 0.127.

PIRATES CAST NAMED IT IS A GLORIOUS THING

■ The cast for PiratesofPenzance, playing January 31-February 6 at the Palais Theatre, St Kilda, has been named:

Pirate King: Ben Mingay

Ruth: Antoinette Halloran

Frederic: Nicholas Jones

Mabel: Nina Korbe

Major General Stanley: Richard Piper

Sergeant of Police: Christopher Hillier

Samuel: Douglas Kelly

Edith: Rachael Joyce

Kate: Alessia Pintabona

Isabel: Syrah Torii

The ensemble comprises: Megan Baker, Lachlan Bartlett, Alastair Cooper-Golec, Eamon Dooley, Shakira Dugan, Declan Farr, Genevieve Gray, Georgie Grech, Hanlon Innocent, Chloe James, Luke London, Bailey Montgomerie, Joshua Morton-Galea, Sidra Nissen, Kiran Rajasingam, Rebecca Rashleigh, Henry Shaw, Nicholas Sheppard, Darcy Wain.

The creative team includes:

Conductor: James Pratt

Director: Stuart Maunder

Choreographer and Assistant Director: Elizabeth Hill-Cooper

Set Designer: Richard Roberts

Costume Designer: Roger Kirk

Lighting Designer Trudy Dalgleish

Gilbert and Sulivan’s operetta has long remained a crowd favourite with classics including I am the Very Model of a Modern Major General,PoorWanderingOne and I am the PirateKing

Ben Mingay and Antoinette Halloran lead the high-seas hijinks as the Pirate King and the long-suffering Ruth , following their acclaimed performances in Victorian Opera’s SweeneyTodd:TheDemonBarberofFleet Street

They’re joined by a stellar local cast, including theatre veteran Richard Piper as the Major General, rising stars Nicholas Jones and Nina Korbe as Frederic and Mabel, and Christopher Hillier as the Sergeant of Police

The cast is rounded out by a talented ensemble of emerging artists and features several Victorian Opera scholarship recipients.

Merry Christmas

■ This is the final 2025 issue of the Melbourne Observer and The Local Paper. Our team now takes its annual summer break, with our office re-opening on Tuesday, January 27. First issue for 2026 is Wednesday, February 4. We take this opportunity to thank our readers and advertisers for their support, and we extend hearty Christmas greetings. - Editor

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Obs and Revs

Observations and Revelations

Love Actually

■ Love Actually in Concert returns to Melbourne this Christmas. The beloved festive rom-com will be playing on the big screen while a full orchestra performs Craig Armstrong’s unforgettable score live. With its star-studded cast, including Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Keira Knightley, Liam Neeson, Colin Firth and Bill Nighy—the film’s is intertwined with stories of love and Christmas magic.

The event takes place at Melbourne Town Hall with the Australian Stage Orchestra at 3.30pm on Sunday, Deecmber 21, and 2pm on Monday, December 22.

Meeting of Fools

■ AMeetingofFoolsis a surreal Christmas movie with Jack Woodford as Christmas Guy, a grumpy TV-addicted, loner, whose small world is turned upside down when he leaves his house for the first time and his feelings about Christmas and friendship are changed forever.

AMeetingofFoolsis the first Christmas movie to be released into the public domain immediately upon release. It is free to view.

Watch the full movie: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=OnQsplKiLXo

Lachy in lead role

■ A Christmas Carol is playing at the Coimedy Theatre until December 24. There is an exceptional Australian cast led by Lachy Hulme (MadMax,Offspring) as Ebenezer Scrooge, bring Charles Dickens’ classic tale to life on stage.

Movies and music

■ A summer of movie magic and live music is on the cards in Hobsons Bay, as two popular events return to outdoor spaces around the city.

Live music comes to Williamstown and Altona, with two diverse Summer Sounds shows.

Melbourne soul legend Kylie Auldist will headline in Williamstown on January 24 alongside soul-pop group Velvet Bloom and indie First Nations artist Ruby Mae

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Adrian Eagle, New Orleans-style brass band Horns of Leroy , and homegrown surf rockers Hobsons Bay Coast Guard perform in Altona on February 14.

Both Summer Sounds mini-music festivals will have roving entertainment craft workshops and a circus-skills playspace. The Williamstown event will also feature a sustainability focus with a Fast Fashun workshop and parade.

There will be plenty for film lovers to enjoy, with three opportunities to pack a picnic rug and stock up on snacks from local traders for Movies by the Bay, with outdoor screenings at Altona, Seabrook and Williamstown

Zootopia2and Australian-made Kangaroo will give the whole family something to enjoy, while Springsteen:DeliverMeFrom Nowhereis a chance to see the recent biopic about Bruce Springsteen

Roving entertainment from Born in a Taxi and Hoop Sparx circus playspace will kick off from 6pm ahead of the screenings. Movie snacks will also be available for purchase at the Seabrook event. Plant giveaways from Council’s Parks team at each screening will give something extra for green thumbs to get excited about.

No bookings are required for the free Movies by the Bay and Summer Sounds events.

Free concerts

■ The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra presents four free concerts at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl for the first time in 13 years.

■ Tuesday, February 10 - Symphonic Celebration. Leonard Weiss, conductor

■ Wednesday, February 11 - Australian Youth Orchestra. Christian Reif, conductor

■ Friday, February 13 - MSO x Find Your Voice Collective and Sonder. Benjamin Northey, conductor

■ Saturday, February 14 - 50 Years of ABC Classic. Benjamin Northey, conductor Artists include Slava Grigoryan. Aura Go. James and Joseph Tawadros. Natalie Chee. Organisers say there will be premieres from Andrew Aronowicz, James Henry and Ella Macens

VALE ARTHUR HIGGINS: TV JOURNO, GOOD BLOKE

■ Former Melbourne television newsman

Arthur Higgins died on Saturday, November 29 at age 85. His daughter Gemma Dewar made the sad announcement. Arthur have battled a number of health conditions with cheer and courage for some years.

In recent times he had lived at Kilmore, near family, but it was a long way from his first days of a media career that started 57 years ago.

Arthur was working as a teenage messenger boy at McWhirters department store in Brisbane, when he was given the assignment to deliver a bill to local radio station 4BH. He asked if there were any vacancies for panel operators, but they offered him an office boy job which paid more than McWhirters. He took it. And the journey began.

Arthur had the customary behindthe-scenes radio apprenticeship, then took an on-air role, in radio, then also in television.

He did a country radio assignment, returned to 4BC Brisbane, went to 2GB Sydney, worked in Canberra, and then came to Melbourne.

He was described as a ‘sporting encyclopedia’, and his custom baritone voice soon became familiar to the Victorian public.

One of his major career steps was being recruited by Channel 9 news director John Sorell to be part of the Melbourne team of NationalNine News.

In those mid-1970s, he worked alongside legendary newsreader Sir Eric Pearce and a young Peter Hitchener (with whom Arthur was a flatmate in the early Brisbane years)

Arthur became a popular presenter in the nightly Melbourne broadcasts, and some of his assignments included Olympic Games presentations.

Ms Dewar said:

“The sporting encyclopedia with ‘a great voice for television’, affectionally known as Artie, R4, Higg, Dad, big Brother and Papi

“His career in television and radio spanned 57 years, and he was also known for his love of curry, sharing company and a bottle of red wine (or prosecco in later life).

The Observer

$20 million effort

■ Melbourne fashion influencer Christina Chia is teaming with three local designers to support Dressember, a global movement using fashion to fight human trafficking. What began as a simple challenge to wear a dress or tie for 31 days has grown into a worldwide campaign spanning 19 countries and raising over $20 million to support the work of International Justice Mission, one of the world’s leading anti-trafficking organisations, with an office based in Australia Throughout December, Christina will wear pieces by Lisa Barron, Joe Halabi Couture, and Lucy Laurita

Very loved and missed.”

The career of Arthur Higgins also took in stints at the ABC, Eyewitness News,3AW, 3UZ, 3AK, 3DB and Vision Australia.

For part of his retirement he lived on the Mornington Peninsula. He was father of three, and grandfather of six.

Arthur Higgins was extremly kind to me early in my career in them mid-1970s, making some introductions to news industry colleagues in Canberra.

Professional colleagues were thrilled when he was able to attend the Survivors luncheon of showbiz veteransinJunelastyear.

He had had a number of health challenges, but continued to be quite the racounteur. A funeral service is due to be held at 11.30am for 11.45am this Friday (Dec,. 12) at the Joyce Chapel, Fawkner Memorial Park, followed by drinks at BrewDog Pentridge E-Division.

Vale Arthur Higgins.

$700K wins

■ Four mystery Victorians unwrapped an early Christmas surprise after they each scored more than $700,000 in Tattslotto.

The players each held one of the eight Division One winning entries nationally. Each entry won $791,600.91.

If the winners check their tickets and claim their prize during the two-week provisional period, they could expect to be paid on Monday, December 15.

Lottery officials are urging anyone who bought a ticket at Bluff Road News @ Lott (Hampton East), Burnside Lotto and News (Burnside), Noble Park News and Tatts (Noble Park), or Plenty Valley Lottery (Mill Park) to check their tickets.

Pretty Woman

■ The stage adaptation of one of the most beloved rom-coms of all time, Pretty Woman:TheMusical, arrives at the Regent Theatre from July 2026.

Short Shots

Saints at La Mama

■ La Mama Theatre will present Saints, created by Elbow Room, playscript by Marcel Dorney, and directed by Emily Tomlins and Marcel Dorney

Opening night will be at 7.30pm on Saturday, February 7 at La Mama Courthouse The season continues until February 27.

Six at the Comedy

■ Six is preparing its return to Australia, with its blend of history, humour, and highoctane pop.

From Tudor Queens to Pop Princesses, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anna of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Catherine Parr will turn up the mics remixing 500 years of history into an 80-minute pop-concert musical.

Sixwill be presented at the Comedy Theatre from July. Tickets go on sale on Monday (Dec. 15).

Tastes of Combat

■ The Shrine of Remembrance has once again taken home gold for Cultural Tourism at the Victorian Tourism Industry Council Awards.

The Taste of Combat free exhibition is now serving until November next year. The contributions of those who cook food, research and develop rations or serve hundreds of hungry personnel is recognised.

More than 100,000 visitors have enjoyed this immersive exhibition, revealing personal stories and anecdotes from cooks on submarines to soldiers with field rations.

30th anniversary

■ The Jewish Museum of Australia celebrated its 30th anniversary at its Alma Rd premises with an Open Day.

The building was full of hundreds of people of all ages, discovering contemporary Jewish art, preparing for Chanukah with children's story time, enjoying Jewish jazz and more.

The Museum has a downloadable booklet on Chanukah with eight luminaries in the community – Deborah Conway, Rabbi Ralph Genende, Genia Janover, Jayne Josem, Joel Lazar, Anita Lester, Naomi Levin and Rabbi Menachem Wolf – bringing their voices to Jewish values with their reflections.

Artbank opens

■ Artbank Melbourne celebrated its oopening last Thursday (Dec. 4) at Collingwood

Featuring video work by Barbara Cleveland, Amrita Hepi, Laresa Kosloff and Simone Slee alongside an installation by Liv Moriarty and also is a playful presentation, inviting viewers to respond to the many different modes of performance-based art practice – still and moving, playful and strong, past and present.

Featured artists are Barbara Cleveland (Diana Baker Smith, Frances Barrett, Kate Blackmore and Kelly Doley, performed by Angela Goh, Amrita Hepi, Laresa Kosloff, Liv Moriarty and Simone Slee Artbank Melbourne is open Tuesday –Friday, 10am – 4pm, or by appointment.

The Fab Four

■ The Fab Four is described by the LA Timesas “the greatest Beatles show in the world”.

The Emmy Award-winning Fab Four are elevated far above every other Beatles tribute due to their precise attention to detail, say the publicists.

There are note-for-note live renditions of Beatles’ classics such as Can’tBuyMeLove, Yesterday, A Day In The Life, Twist And Shout,HereComesTheSun and Hey Jude.

The show will be pertformed on FridaySaturday, March 20-21, at the National Theatre, St Kilda.

17,000 on run

■ Some 17,000 people took part in 2XU Wellness Run for mental health. The Run supporting Beyond Blue took place in St Kilda on Sunday, November 30, with more than 17,000 people registered to run, walk and jog to raise money for the Beyond Blue Support Service Presntations took place at the Catani Gardens, St Kilda – main stage. Beach Rd was closed for the morning.

● ● Arthur Higgins

● ● Arthur Higgins with Ash Long in June last year at South Melbourne.

Places To Go

What’s On

Muster

■ The Ord Valley Muster celebrates 25 years in 2026, marking a quarter century of music, culture and connection in one of the world’s most remarkable landscapes. From May 15-24, Kununurra bursts into life with 10 days of celebration, filled with music, art, laughter and adventure against the unforgettable backdrop of the East Kimberley, Western Australia

To Doha

■ Virgin Australia continues to expand its international long-haul network with the launch this month of its first daily Melbourne–Doha service

Outdoors

■ Four in five Aussies aren’t cooking over a campfire (79 per cent), opting instead for stoves (27 per cent), barbecues (31 per cent), and even longing for the convenience of their home kitchens (23 per cent). They are missing out on the richest, smokiest, most flavour-packed meals camping.

Natural mammals take it back

■ The ambitious trial to reintroduce native marsupial species into Sturt National Park is on track, say Wild Deserts conservationists.

Western quolls, bilbies and golden bandicoots are slowly taking back a ‘low-cat’ area of the desert – the massive Wild Training Zone of more than 100 square kilometres in Sturt National Park in NSW

The resurgence of these species is a result of the ‘beyond the fence’ initiative in Sturt National Park that is part of the Wild Deserts Partnership Project

It involves an alliance between UNSW Sydney's Wild Deserts team, NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and Taronga Conservation Society Australia

“Seeing quolls, bilbies and golden bandicoots establishing themselves ‘beyond the fence’ is very encouraging and tells us we’re on the right track,” said UNSW Centre for Ecosystem Science Principal ecologist, Rebecca West, of Wild Deserts

“These species do really well in the feral-free areas, but now the challenge is to train them up to recognise feral predators and evade them.

“We’re already seeing success and are cautiously optimistic this will enable them to once again thrive right across their natural habitat.”

These three nationally threatened species became extinct in the wild in NSW about a hundred years ago, mainly because of ecosystem changes caused by rabbits and livestock and predation by feral cats and foxes.

In late October 2025, the Wild Deserts team captured 57 individuals from the three species translocated into the Wild Training Zone over the last year.

The captures confirmed quolls Dasyurus geoffroii and bilbies survived for longer than 12 months, while golden bandicoots Isoodon auratus had survived for more than three months.

These animals had survived despite some predation by cats.

Things To Do

Breeding

■ Goulburn Valley Water and the Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club have worked with native fish and environmental organisations to add a new dimension to the catch and release Dunyak Moira fishing ponds at Merrigum – as a sanctuary for endangered species.

Number 2

■ A new tourism report has revealed that Victoria has officially overtaken New South Wales to become Australia’s second-largest tourism state, fuelled by +38.1 per cent surge in experience bookings in Spring.

According to the Seasonal ExperiencesIndex: Spring 2025 report from Big Red Group, ANZ's largest experience network, showed the state’s exponential growth came from the Yarra region (+ 34 per cent) and the inner-city suburb of Stonnington (+28 per cent) which continued their Winter momentum into Spring. The Gold Coast holds Number 1 position.

● ● ● Rebecca West, Wild Deserts ecologist.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 10,

Bush Telegraph

Exports hit high

■ Australia has officially broken the record for the highest volume of beef exported in a calendar year, with year-to-date exports reaching 1.398 million tonnes, up 15 per cent year-on-year.

The United States remains Australia’s largest beef export destination, with 412,068 tonnes shipped so far this year, up 17 per cent year-on-year.

Higher fire risks for this summer Rural News

Virus detected

■ The Department of Health has confirmed the first detection of Japanese encephalitis virus in mosquitoes for the 2025–26 season and is reminding Victorians to understand the risks of mosquito-borne diseases when spending time outside over the warmer summer months. The virus was found in a mosquito trap in the Horsham Rural City Council area.

Mungbean yields

■ New breeding opportunities for an important cash crop have been unlocked by University of Queensland and Grains Research and Development Corporation-supported research.

Queensland Alliance of Agriculture and Food Innovation PhD candidate Caitlin Dudley, supported by a GRDC Research Scholarship has revealed key insights about mungbean flowering through extensive field trials. Breeders can optimise flowering time to improve yield for specific growing environments.

■ Victorians are being urged to prepare for a warmer-than-average summer and an increase in fire risk across many parts of Victoria, according to the Australian Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer.

Dry conditions have led to large amounts of dry and dead vegetation – increasing fuel loads and increasing the likelihood of fires over the coming months.

Areas include the far south-west, the northern slopes of the Otways, Mt Buangor State Park, Wombat State Forest and Central Highlands, and parts of Mornington Peninsula and south-west Gippsland, as well as north-central including the Kinglake and Yarra Ranges and parts of Elidon. Emergency Management Commissioner, Tim Wiebusch, said: “Our emergency services have already been busy leading into summer and are well prepared for what could be a busy season ahead.

“It’s important for communities to understand their fire risks – where they live, work and travel, and to prepare early, including knowing how to access emergency information and warnings.”

Dedicated aircraft will be positioned across the state for the higher-risk weather season. This includes a mix of water bombing aircraft, air supervision and aerial intelligence.

top price

■ The Combined Agents Store Sale at Yea Saleyards on Friday (Dec. 5) saw a top price per head of $3500. Top weight was 721.8kg. Some 2477 head were sold, with an average of $1726 average per head. Total turover was $4.08 million. Heifers topped at $2340, with 484.3kg as top weight. Cows and calves top price was $3600.

Fuel from waste

■ Most University of Queensland research has shown that processing plant biomass into aviation biofuels or other bioproducts is technically viable and should be done, according to Dr Karine Chenu

Poll countdown

■ With one year to go until Victorians go to the polls, the Victorian Farmers Federation is reminding all potential candidates to consider the enormous role rural communities play in the state and the farmers who help those communities thrive.

“Victorian farms are the most productive in our nation, nearly eight times more productive than the national average. We contribute $20b to the local economy and indirectly employ more than 150,000 people. Imagine what that could become with some forward thinking and investment in the right places,” said VFF President Brett Hosking Regional Victoria is home to 1.6 million people, Mr Hosking said.

ITEMS, TRACTORS, TRUCKS AND ROLLS ROYCE VEHICLE

Vintage & Classic Vehicle and parts: *1980 Rolls Royce sedan, Royal Blue, Silver Shadow, 136,000kms, unregistered, detailed, some minor paint and slight rear panel damage, runs & drives well. *1923 Leyland CUB chassis with engine and worm drive diffs. *Quantity of new/used early model generators & starter motors for Valiant, Ford and holden. *Classic gauges and head lights

Vintage Engine: *Fuller & Johnson 1923 Stationery engine (incomplete). *A.H McDonald Imperial Super diesel stationery engine.

Vintage Road Roller & CAT Traxcavator: *1947 A.H McDonald flat roller, cartridge start,19tn#. *1957 CAT 25A 933 Traxcavator#. *1954 Galion Road grader, 401 Leyland engine, 120Hp, new fuel pump, 12ft blade, good tyres in good working condition. Antique Horse buggy & Pump: *1909 restored buggy. *Radford & Co Antique Hand operated Well Pump. Generator: *80KVA CAT 3114 generator, r unning, solar for battery charge, 3 phase. Hay & Spreaders: *Vicon RV2160 baler, 26000bales, rotary feed. *Claas 12ft mower, reconditioned. *2tn Super spreader. *Silvan 8 Wheel Hay rake. *Vintage chicken manure spreader. *Single axle 4-ton trailer.

Equip: *Freshca 12” post hole Auger. *Stihl TS 800 petrol concrete cutter. *Kew 4203VA Hot/cold water electric pressure cleaner. *WEG 3 phase electric motor working. *Crompton Greaves 3 phase electric motor working. * Electric 3 phase motor working. *Robin FY40D generator. *H/D electric cable winder. *Roston Hornsby 35RB drag bucket. Trucks, Diffs & engines: *Rockwell Reco Diffs, front and back ratio 7:37 to suit Atkinson truck. *Leyland supper hippo rear end and diffs. *Leyland 401 Super Six, single drive, 6spd splitter, w/- stock crate, running. *Leyland 401 Super six boggy drive, 11spd w/- splitter, running. *Atkinson prime mover, boggy drive,150 Gardner engine, 10spd r/ranger w/- 2 spare cabins. *Gardner diesel, 4LW truck engine.

Tractors: *Fordson Super major, new starter, remotes, pto, 3p/l, R.O.P.S, good tyres & running. *Chamberlain 4080 cab tractor, 4986hrs, new clutch, new hyd pump, pto, 3p/l, remotes, good tyres, comes mud guard & good runner. * 1937 Fordson N1, reco mag, high spd 3rd gear#. *DB 885, ROPS, front end loader & bucket & hay forks, pto, 3p/l good tyres & running. *Nuffield Universal, with slasher#.

Sundry items: *Plastic sheet Gyprock lifter. *Oregon beams, 4x 4.8mx300x80. *1x 2.7mx300x80. * Qnty Red Gum natural tree aged. Qnty of new starter motors to suit early Holden & Fords. *Lucas Mill with petrol engine. *20ft shipping container. *4x 14.5m concrete power poles. *15x 13.5m concrete power poles. *2x 1.5tn demolition balls.

● ● ● ● Tim Wiebusch, Emergency Management Commissioner

Kiosk & Hot Food open daily during the School Holidays.

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

Keep your cool, and your plans will progress smoothly with visible benefits. However, things may not be as straightforward as they appear—double-check all details, particularly the fine print, before signing any agreements.

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

You may find yourself longing for the past, but remember it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Focus on improving your current situation with a blend of common sense and effort.

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

This is an excellent time for leisure and enjoyment. However, trusting the wrong people could lead to complications. Be cautious with financial dealings and verify everything 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

It’s important to acknowledge that, like everyone else, you can sometimes be wrong. Adopting a more humble approach will strengthen relationships and improve your current situation.

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

Avoid other people’s problems to avoid unnecessary stress. Loved ones will show more affection, leading to happy moments and exciting plans for the future.

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

A busy social period is in store, with surprising invitations that could dazzle you. Discussions about travel to distant places might arise, but flexible plans should be made to accommodate changes.

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

This is a time for expansion, so be mindful of overindulging in food or drink. Business prospects look favourable, and some Librans may find their instincts spot-on during this period.

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

You may focus on improving your appearance or overall health. To navigate this period successfully, avoid irritating individuals and maintain a positive attitude.

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

Relationship adjustments may impact your career. Prepare for increased activity at home, with visitors and new dynamics keeping you on your toes.

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

What begins on a sour note could surprise you by turning out exceptionally well. Trust your instincts when dealing with close friends or those who have supported you.

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

Make time for loved ones to keep harmony at home. Career matters are flexible now, and you may have the chance to explore diverse opportunities.

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

Heed advice from trusted sources, but don’t rush into changes. While transformation is on the horizon, it may take time before the benefits become apparent.

Kerry Kulkens™ Magic Shop 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave

Phone: (03) 9754 4587 For online services, visit: www.kerrykulkens.com.au | Follow us on Facebook: @KerryKulkens

SALVOS CHRISTMAS LETTER

■ Sir, With Christmas upon us, I have begun to notice a strange phenomenon. Although Christmas is a time of joy and hope for so many, I have also noticed a heaviness, a stress, a pressure that has started to come to the surface in people’s lives.

As The Salvation Army, we notice these pressures firsthand. They are the pressures that are placed on individuals and families at Christmas which can turn a time of joy into a time of distress.

One of the most obvious pressures is the financial pressure people face. It is the choice between paying for food and affording presents for their children or being able to go to the doctor instead of a special Christmas Day meal.

Christmas also illuminates other pressures, like relationship tensions as family conflict is heightened, or time pressures due to the busyness of the season.

But one of the more hidden pressures we see people facing, although often one of the most damaging, is the pressure of comparison with those around you at Christmas time. Pressure to spend a certain amount, look a certain way, buy a certain number of gifts, have all your friends over for a meal, the list goes on.

We see firsthand the damage this can create. The stress placed on a family trying to ‘keep up’ with those around them can be debilitating, not just for individuals and parents but also for children.

This is why we want to encourage Australians to rethink how they approach Christmas this year, so as to not fall into the trap of comparison and ‘keeping up’ with those around you.

Aim for connection, not perfection. Being with others is so much more valuable than stressing about creating the perfect Christmas, whether it be with family, friends or the Salvos – there’s no need to be alone this Christmas, we’re here for you.

Share the load. Ask others to chip in, encourage everyone to bring a plate or help out in another way. You don’t have to be everything to everyone.

And finally, if you are struggling this Christmas , please don’t be ashamed to reach out for support. We want you to know that we have your Christmas taken care of this year – providing gifts for children, hampers and meals for Christmas Day, and a place for connection where you can belong.

If you need help this Christmas, or to donate to The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal which is aiming to raise $29 million, please visit salvationarmy.org.au or call 13 SALVOS (13 72 58)

From all of us at the Salvos, we wish you a very happy and hope-filled Christmas.

Colonel Rodney Walters

The Salvation Army

Here for you

Sir,

The festive season can be a joyous time for many people, as they take a well-earned break from work and school and spend time with family and friends. It’s a time to rest and reset for the new year.

Observer Mailbag

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

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

Yet for others, this time of year can be particularly difficult and distressing, and a time they hope will pass quickly.

It can bring additional financial pressures, strain relationships, and heighten feelings of loneliness. The festive season may also intensify isolation, particularly for those separated from family or grieving the loss of a loved one.

So, as we head into the holiday break, we want Australians to know that regardless of what they’re dealing with, they don’t have to face it alone.

The Beyond Blue Support Service is free, confidential, and available around the clock, including on Public Holidays. You can call 1300 22 46 36 or chat online at www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport

It’s common to put off seeking help because we can’t quite find the words to express our needs.

But when you contact us, you don’t have to know what to say.

Our skilled counsellors will meet you where you’re at and guide you towards where you need to be.

And finally, a big thank-you to everyone who has donated to Beyond Blue this year.

Our support service is run purely on donations, so your kindness and generosity allow us to always be there when people need us the most.

Georgie Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue

Yes, Virginia, there is a

Santa Claus

■ Dear Editor, I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say that there is no Santa Claus Papa says "If you see it in the Sun, it is so." Please tell me the truth, is there a Santa Claus? Virginia

Virginia, Your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except what they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds.

All minds, Virginia , whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours, man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

Yes, Virginia , there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to our life its highest beauty and joy.

Alas! How dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus! It would be as dreary as if there were no Virginias. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

Not believe in Santa Claus? You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your Papa to hire men to watch all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove?

Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see.

Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders that are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, or even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernatural beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else as real and abiding.

No Santa Claus? Thank God he lives and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, maybe 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the hearts of children.

Written by Francis P . Church in 1897

Warm hearted city

■ Melbourne showed yesterday that it has a heart as warm as the weather. People flocked to answer a lunch-time appeal on behalf of The Argus Medical Research Fund to fight T.B.

They gave - or promised to give - £640/16/ 2 to the fund.

Just over £406 of that amount was collected by The Árgus-3AW-Tivoli float as it paraded through the city streets. lt came in half-pennies and upwards to a lone £5 note. Everyone contributed - kids lifted up by their mothers, workmen, business men, shirt sleeved drinkers in the hotel bars, office girls who leaned out of their windows.

Thc float was packed with stage and radio personalities who sang and spruiked themselves hoarse in a great cause.

£75 for Smiths

■ An anonymous donor yes terday sent £75 to The Argus for the Smith family, who lost four children when fire destroyed their house at Footscray on Wednesday night.

He said: "I would like this to go to the Smiths, and put £25 away for Leslie. They need it more than I."

Leslie, 8, was badly burnt when he ran from the house to get help for his brother, John, 6, and three sisters, Adeline, 5, Dawn, 2, and Heather, 12 months.

A donation of £ 1/1/ was also received from Mr. K. Edney, Oswald st., Dandenong

Swimmers trapped

■ Swimmers seeking relief from the heat were trapped by a freak swell at Albert Park beach last night.

Many of them were swept out of their depth and one man is missing, believed drowned.

He was George Scott, 58, of' Leicester st., Carlton Scotf’’s clothing was found in his car. He was last seen on the beach in a pair of bathing togs. An extensive search by police and swimmers failed to find him.

Earlier in the day another man was drowned in Malvern Baths. He was Ronald Albert Watson, 21, of Bennett st., Deepdene. Watson went with friends for a lunch-time dip, and about 1.30 p.m.- he was missed. Friends diving for him found his body.

With the temperature still 80 degrees at 10 last night hundreds of people were "camped" on St. Kilda beach ready to spend thé night there. Thousands more had taken up positions on other bay side beaches. And the heat wave is likely to continue for another 36 hours.

Local Theatre What’s On Shakespeare’s Best Bits

■ An Australian Shakespeare Company production, Peter Quince Presents: Shakespeare’sBestBits, will take the Bard off the school syllabus and let his fun characters run loose in the Royal Botanic Gardens from December 20 - January 17.

Led by Peter Quince (the carpenter), the Atheneum Players – Athens’ premium troupe at the time (1595) unleash their highly polished zingers as they embark on a frantic quest to earn their right to perform at the duke’s wedding.

Joining Quince are his mischievous “Mechanicals” - Snug, Nick Bottom, Francis Flute, Tom Snout and Robin Starveling. Their inspiration is none other than William Shakespeare himself - and his collection of classic plays.

From star-crossed lovers and shipwrecks to swordfights and soliloquies, this production pulls together highlights from half a dozen of the Elizabethan master’s most famous works in a fast-paced, inventive montage of mistaken identities, slapstick and theatrical mayhem.

Along the way, audiences will encounter Hamlet as the MasterChef of Denmark, the MuchAdoAboutNothingboot scoot, King Lear in a hip-hop battle, an interpretive ballet rendition of Romeo and Juliet, and a musical version of AntonyandCleopatrafeaturing Johnny Cash and an inflatable snake.

Artistic Director Glenn Elston said: “PeterQuincePresents:Shakespeare’sBest Bitsis Shakespeare unshackled - fast, funny and full of surprises. If you loved The Mechanicals in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, this production is perfect for anyone who enjoys very funny theatre - whether a seasoned theatregoer or a first-time visitor.”

Performance Season: December 20January 17 at 7.30pm Venue: Royal Botanic Gardens, Southern Cross Lawn (enter through Observatory Gate on Birdwood Avenue)

Tickets: From $49.90 (General Admission and A Reserve Packages Available)

On sale via shakespeareaustralia.com.au, call 8676 7511 or via Ticketmaster Cheryl Threadgold

● Shakespeare’s Best Bits

Peter Pan: A Twinkle In Time

■ PeterPan:ATwinkleinTimewill be presented as part of the Midsumma Festival from January 20 - 24 at the Theatre Works Explosives Factory.

The brainchild of writer and performer

Dean Robinson, PeterPan:ATwinkleinTime follows the well-known character in a whole new context, navigating the world of today, in a body that’s a little older than he is used to, using comedy, music and more than one fairy.

Dean is no stranger to the festival scene having performed in the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Perth’s Fringe World, Melbourne Fringe and Adelaide Fringe, and is excited to return to the Midsumma Festival.

Venue: Theatre Works Explosives Factory, (Rear Laneway 67 Inkerman St, St Kilda).

Date: January 20-24. Time: 8:30pm. Tickets: Full $38.00, Concession $32.00. Bookings and more information: midsumma.org.au/whats-on/events/peterpan-twinkle-in-time/ Cheryl Threadgold

Shows

■ OSMaD: Come From Away. Until December 13 at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College Campus, 1 Morrison St., Hawthorn. Director: Daragh Wills; Music Director: David Barr. Bookings: osmad.com.au

■ Think First Theatre Company: A Christmas Presence (Written and directed by Elizabeth Semmel) December 13 at 11am/ 2pm, December 14 at 11am, December 19 at 7pm, December 20 at 2pm/7pm at Mills Street Warehouse Centre, Mills St., Cheltenham. Bookings: 0410 665 252 www.tickethost.com.au?Event=3599

● ● ● ●

●

Wowing the crowd at Beaumaris Theatre's end-of-year 22nd Annual Talbots celebratory event were vocalists Amy Gridley (left), Omar

Amelia Joughin and Justin Royce, accompanied on keyboard by

Melbourne

Confidential

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

SLEEPING BEAUTY

■ Encore Theatre will treat audiences to a traditional pantomime titled SleepingBeauty from January 8 - 17 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St, Clayton.

Written by Helen Gard and directed by David Dodd, the show is described as “a magical tale of fairies, true love, curses and spinning wheels”.

Princess Kathryn is about to celebrate her eighteenth birthday and the end of a longstanding curse put on her by the evil fairy Arachne

The future looks bright but the wicked fairy is not to be thwarted. Can Kathryn’s friends Nanny Nora, Jester Minute and Jester Nough protect the Princess?

Will she find true love with the dashing Prince William? Can the good but somewhat scatter-brained fairies remember how to aid the goodies?

Performance Dates: January 8-17

Venue: Clayton Theatrette, 9-15 Cooke St., Clayton Tickets: All tickets $15.

Bookings: trybooking.com/events/landing/ 1499503

Cheryl Threadgold

A Christmas Presence

■ Think First Theatre Company presents the family musical play AChristmasPresenceon December 13, 14, 19 and 20 at the Mills Street Warehouse Theatre, Mills St, Cheltenham

The show is written and directed by Elizabeth Semmel, who describes the production as “a Mary and Joseph Christian story told in a fun, musical way, with shepherds, Kings, King Herod and more”.

Performance Season: Dec 13 at 11am; 2pm; Dec 14 at 11am; Dec 19 at 7pm, Dec 20 at 2pm, 7pm.

Venue: Mills Street Warehouse Centre, Mills St, Cheltenham.

Bookings: 0410 665 252 www.tickethost.com.au?Event=3599

● ● ● ●

Meet Encore Theatre's Sleeping Beauty cast. Top left: Gilbert Gauci, Melanie Bouette, Emily Zienow, AnneMaree Pollard, Christine Bridge and Kym Davies. Front left: Cheryllyn de Vries, Sammi Bouette, Lynn Guihenneuc, Ian Carlsson, Simona Riftin, Bill Irvine, Natalie Irvine and Drew Campbell.

Photo: Katie Simmonds

provocative and powerful divas, will open the new Australian Museum of Performing Arts on December 11.

An Australian exclusive, DIVA will feature more than 250 objects including 60 spectacular costumes, jewellery, photography, art and music drawn from the V and A’s Collection, Arts Centre Melbourne’s own Australian Performing Arts Collection and loaned items from across the world.

On display until April 26, the exhibition will showcase the creativity, ambition and resilience of many of the world’s best-known divas, from 19th century opera goddesses and silent movie stars to Golden Age Hollywood legendsandtoday’sglobalmegastars and pop icons. Legendary names in the exhibition include Maria Callas, Judy Garland, Joan Crawford, Dame Nellie Melba, Grace Jones, Cher, Prince, Tina Turner, Elton John, Madonna, Kylie Minogue, Adele, Rihanna, Lady Gaga, Whitney Houston, P!nk, Bjork, Billie Eilish and more.

The exhibition explores the ability of the diva to transform and inspire the world around them. Delving into the origins of the term ‘diva’ – meaning goddess in Italian – the exhibition reflects on how the meaning of the word has been subverted and embraced over time, and how the label has been reclaimed by performers, their fans and wider society.

V and A Senior Curator Kate Bailey, who curated the exhibition, said DIVA explores the performer, not just as an artist, but as a trailblazer, and she was thrilled DIVA would be the inaugural exhibition of the Australian Museum of Performing Arts. “Today the word diva holds a myriad of meanings. At the heart of this exhibition is a story of iconic performers who with creativity, courage and ambition have challenged the status quo and used their voice and their art to redefine and reclaim the diva. We are thrilled to be working with the Australian Museum of Performing Arts and that this powerful story is being shared around the world. Viva La Diva.”

■ PLOS Musical Productions: The Wizard of Oz, December 31 – January 10 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director/Choreographer: Michael Mitchell; Musical Director: Malcom Huddle. Bookings: plos.asn.au

■ Encore Theatre Company: Sleeping Beauty January 8 – 17 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: David Dodd. $15 everyone. Bookings: trybooking.com/DHIFF

■ PEP Productions: Ride the Cyclone February 13 – 21 at the Doncaster Playhouse. Director: Daniel Kim; Musical Director: Isaac Stott; Choreographer: Maya Lee. Bookings: trybooking.com/DEZRE

Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ Encore Theatre: Gas Light (by Patrick Hamilton) December 10, 7pm – 9pm, at Fleigner Hall, 39 Highland Ave., Oakleigh East. Director: Kym Davies. Audition bookings: Trybooking.

■ The Basin Theatre Company: Switzerland (by Joanna Murray-Smith) December 10 at 7.30pm and December 14 at 4pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Sharon Maine. Audition bookings: 0419 118 917 sharonjmaine@ gmail.com

February

■ The Mount Players: Mr Bailey’s Minder (by Debra Oswald) February 1 at 10.00am; February 4 at 7pm at The Mountview Theatre, Smith St., Mt Macedon. Director: Sonja Prater. Audition bookings: 0439 554 237 or ssprater@bigpond.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

Peninsula Summer Music Festival

■ The Peninsula Summer Music Festival 2026 will be presented from Saturday January 3 - Sunday January 11 in 18 events across the Mornington Peninsula Attendees can enjoy a Baroque Opera Gala, The Bamboos, Karin Schaupp, David Greco and Chad Kelly, AYO Young Artist Theonie Wang, Cedar Collective, Ensemble 642, Aaron Wyatt, Ensemble Offspring and more, at various venues across the Peninsula

All events, dates and times can be found in the Peninsula Summer Music Festival program. peninsulafestival.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

■ Clare Bowditch has announced the beginning of an East Coast run in celebration of her ARIA Award-winning 2005 album. Clare and collaborator Iain Grandage will perform a WhatWasLeftReimaginedshow at the Melbourne Recital Centre on Friday March 20.

most

Exhibition Dates: Until April 26

Venue: Australian Performing Arts Museum, Arts Centre Melbourne. artscentremelbourne.com.au/ Cheryl Threadgold

■ The National Library of Australia’s new Treasures Gallery exhibition, opening on Saturday (Dec. 13), invites visitors to learn the story of the Library and its vast collections. It opens with a behind the scenes look into the Library’s work and stacks.

Moustafa,

Shelley Dunlop.

Photo: Kristina Doucouliagos

● ● The cast of A Christmas Presence: Peter Eddy, Georgia Stergiadis, Linda Cookson, Nick Munday, Levi Shi, Elisa Tjhie and Sara Rippa, with Angelina Sevas seated.

●

● Dean Robinson in Peter Pan: A Twinkle in Time.

Entertainment Rourke’s Reviews

Best films for 2025

■ Here we are, already near the end of 2025, which delivered some great movies indeed. I would like to thank my editor Ash Long for all his tireless work throughout the year, and most of all to you the readers, who ensure we continue to move on in leaps and bounds. I can’t thank you all enough.

Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year , and let’s see what 2026 brings. Here are my favourite films for 2025.

1) The Seed Of The Sacred Fig (M). 168 minutes. Mesmerising drama (amazingly shot in secret to avoid the wrath of the Iranian government) which details the disintegration of a family who are trying to live under an oppressive regime.

2) Train Dreams (M). 102 minutes. Beautiful and heartbreaking, this quietly moving film is a cross between Terrence Malick and The Grey Fox (1982). Exquisitely crafted by co-writer/director Clint Bentley (Jockey).

3) The Ugly Stepsister (R). 109 minutes. Outrageous variation on the classic Cinderella story, this graphic, darkly funny movie is delivered with skill, and a relevance that is deliberately in-your-face.

4) A House Of Dynamite (M). 112 minutes. After an eight year hiatus, director Kathryn Bigelow returns in superb fashion with this tense and compelling nuclear thriller, with a story that is sadly all-too relevant.

5) One Battle After Another (M). 162 minutes. Cracking mix of political epic and family drama is exciting, fascinating, provocative and hilarious. Patience is required, but Paul Thomas Anderson balances everything brilliantly, with terrific performances from the entire cast.

6) If I Had Legs I’d Kick You (M). 113 minutes. Searing, uncomfortable examination of a stressed mother dealing with mul-

tiple problems, which affects her mental health more and more. Incredible directorial debut by Mary Bronstein, and also contains an extraordinary performance from Rose Byrne.

7) Resurrection (M). 160 minutes. Bi Gan follows up his magnificent Long Day’s Journey Into Night (2018) with this equally ambitious, even more mind-bending extravaganza that is a uniquely immersive experience.

8) Sinners (MA). 137 minutes. Writer/director uses the horror genre to examination systemic racism, in a manner that is invigorating and mesmerising. The outstanding soundtrack almost feels like a character itself.

9) The Life Of Chuck (M). 114 minutes. Mike Flanagan’s highly divisive adaptation of the Stephen King novella is certainly a love-it-or-hate-it film, but for me, it fully resonated, and became a humane, moving creation that also offers a sense of hope and optimism. First-rate acting.

10) No Other Choice (M). 139 minutes. Director Park Chan-wook continues his winning streak with this delicious, meticulously crafted black comedy dealing with society’s work ethic and how humanity is increasingly being squeezed out of the workplace.

Lee Byung-hun is splendid, but the whole cast is excellent. Source material was previously turned into a 2005 film, The Ax, which is also worth tracking down.

Honourable Mentions.

Exit 8; A Different Man; Mickey 17; Black Box Diaries; Die My Love; Zootopia 2; Bring Her Back; Bone Lake; Nosferatu; The Brutalist; Night Call; Companion; The Monkey; Warfare; The Rule Of Jenny Pen; Timestalker; Dangerous Animals; The Shrouds; Materialists; 28 Years Later; Good Boy; The Long Walk; Dead Of Winter; Blue Moon; Chainsaw Man : The Movie - Reze Arc; Sisu : Road To Revenge. Aaron Rourke

Observations with Julie Houghton

■ Just in time for the end of the school holidays comes David, a new retelling of the biblical epic most people will know as the story of the boy David who slew the giant Goliath with a slingshot.

The film follows young shepherd David, who learns from the seer Samuel that he is destined to be a future king.

When the Philistines unleash their giant warrior Goliath, David steps forward. With courage and uncanny precision, he defeats the unbeatable - instantly becoming a hero but also a threat to King Saul’s throne.

Hunted by the king, David goes into exile with his people, eventually defeating their enemies, uniting his people and eventually fulfilling his destiny by becoming king.

The computer animated film uses the voices of Brandon Engman and Phil Wickham as the young and adult David, respectively, with a host of voice actors playing other characters.

The film features songs which I found rather cheesy, but a young audience would be less critical. Davidis a good film in terms of showing that having faith and courage is one of the most important things for us all.

Whether you buy into the religious leanings of the film will be an individual decision, as it’s possible just to enjoy the film as a piece of history and storytelling.

It is a little too long, but the children at the preview seemed mesmerised so it seems Davidhas a magical effect on young filmgoers. There are scary moments, so I think David is best for school-aged children rather than little ones. Those looking for a reasonably entertaining film to see as a family, I think David would fit the bill.

One-Liners

■ The Run2Cure Melbourne event last Sunday supported Neuroblastoma Australia

■ Piper-Heidsieck, Australian Open offficial champagne – are celebrating their 8th year.

■ The Summer Jam Championships will be in Melbourne, February 20–22.

■ Royal Melbourne Philharmonic is holding Carols in the Cathedral on December 19-20.

■ Brendan Britten is now President of the Victorian Chamber of Commerce and Industry

■ An afternoon of Gin and Jazz will be held at the National Theatre, St Kilda, on Sunday.

■ MSO is celebrating AusMusic Month with two free concerts on YouTube.

■ The Seattle-based MacManus Guitar Festival will visit Sydney on June 26–28.

■ FootlooseTheMusicalis starting an Aussie tour with an Adelaide season from April 11.

■ Potter Museum of Art has new exhibition curated by Chus Martínez from February 19.

■ SteelMagnoliaswill play Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from July 2026.

■ The musical Waitress will open at Her Majesty’s in Melbourne in May 2026.

■ Chapel Off Chapel is venue for the Australian premiere of Afterglowfrom January 30.

■ TheBookofMormon will be at the Princess Theatre from February 6.

■ Melbourne International Comedy Festival events start at The Comedy from March 25.

Orpheus and Eurydice

■ There is a lyric sensibility and sensuality in the choreography that permeates Australia Opera’s OrpheusandEurydice, that matches the underlying intent behind Gluck’s work.

Originally composed in 1762, Gluck eschewed the ornate baroque in favour of a sparse lyric and line in his telling of the classic myth where Orpheus (Iestyn Davies) enters the underworld to rescue Eurydice (Samantha Clarke) from death.

The template provided by Gluck has enabled director Yaron Lifschitz, and choreographer Bridie Hooper, to re-imagine that quest.

The sparse and simple set of white walls allows for shadow and colour to create atmosphere (Alexander Beriage) while the simple cots insinuate an asylum.

The Circa acrobatic troupe then interpret the emotional and physical challenges Orpheus faces in lithe, supple and aerial ways portraying the furies, Orpheus’ mental state and the physical struggle of his journey.

The level of integration of the musical, physical and technical has created an innovative, imaginative and, altogether, compelling interpretation that fuses the 18th century with the 21st.

Even the projected surtitles providing a translation have been incorporated into the performance as they evaporate into smoke.

Equal to the task are Davies and Clarke who have been called upon to work with the troupe while they sing. This is no mean feat.

Davies’ countertenor captures both with power and lyricism the grief of a bereaved husband. Clarke is called upon to portray Amore, who suggests Orpheus can rescue his wife, and Eurydice. The lush temptress and the forlorn bride are clearly differentiated.

Tempted to enter Hades on the condition he must not look at his wife, Orpheus relents to her pleading as she thinks he no longer loves her. She dies a second time.

The culmination of the myth melds love and death. Lifschitz, however, has given both the myth and Gluck’s opera new life.

Performed at the Regent Theatre, Melbourne Review by David McLean

Fine Lines

■ Some 26 Fine Lines dancers, aged between 45 and 80, will present a new work, Four, in the Sylvia Staehli Theatre in Dancehouse, North Carlton, from December 12 -14.

Described as a 'vibrant and deeply moving new work', Four is created by Louisa Duckett and Katrina Rank, inspired by Vivaldi's Four Seasons

Four follows the seasons of life - from the ecstatic energy of youth to maturation and understanding - and honours the strength, beauty and complexity of dancers aged 40 to 80.

Framed through the imagery of the four seasons, this work reveals the depth of lived experience expressed through movement.

FineLinesmember Judy Leech remembers the very first class 12 years ago - “tiny, which has grown and grown” - and praises the work of award-winning company creator/originator Katrina Rank as being “quite literally, a lifeline and godsend for many of us”. The group has since won an Australian Dance Award

The company provides professional performance and training opportunities for mature artists (aged 40 - 80+) in Victoria. Since 2013, it has been a collective for older dancers, aiming to challenge ageist assumptions and promote the capabilities of mature performers.

Performance Season: December 12, 13, 14 , two evening performances and two matinees

Venue: Sylvia Staehli Theatre, Dancehouse, 150 Princes St, North Carlton.

Bookings: eventbrite.com.au

Cheryl Threadgold

The Wizard of Oz

■ PLOS Musical Productions are preparing for their holiday season musical production of The Wizard of Oz, being presented at the Frankston Arts Centre from December 31 to January 10.

Directed and choreographed by Michael Mitchell, with musical direction by Malcom Huddle, TheWizardofOz not only invites audiences to follow the Yellow Brick Road, but is also a splendid choice to celebrate 30 years of PLOS shows at the Frankston Arts Centre. Embodying the wickedly delightful Wicked Witch character is Courtney Smyth, who says this is a role she has cherished since childhood, inspired by the classic Judy Garland film.

Elise Stevens returns to the stage as Glinda, the Good Witch, and Elise is said to be eager to remind audiences of the warmth and magic of home.

Newcomer Lana Hutchinson will bring Dorothy to life. This role is a full-circle moment for Lana as she first played Dorothy 10 years ago when she first started performing.

The production will feature a live orchestra, with effects described as 'captivating'.

The Wizard of Oz will be at the Frankston Arts Centre starting New Year’s Eve for a limited season.

Performance Season: December 31January 10

Venue: Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston

Tickets are available at www.plos.asn.au Cheryl Threadgold

Rising 2026

● ● ● ● Iestyn Davies as Orpheus and Samantha Clarke as Eurydice in Opera Australia's production of Orpheus and Eurydice 2025.

Photo: Jeff Busby

● ● Fine Lines dancers present Spring. (Second from left in the dark top is company founder Dr Katrina Rank). Photo: Robert Wagner

Courtney Smyth (Wicked Witch), Lana Hutchinson (Dorothy) and Elise Stevens (Glinda the Good Witch) rehearse The Wizard of Oz .

Photo: Brett Wingfield

■ Rising has announced its first piece of programming for 2026, with The Royal Family Dance Crew set to bring their streetdance spectacle Defend the Throne to Melbourne from May 27-June 8. Founded by choreographer Parris Goebel, the New Zealand crew has shaped the visual language of pop culture for a decade.

Julie Houghton

● ● The boy David, voiced by Brandon Engman.

■ It is hard to believe that Ward Bond was only 57 when he died of a massive heart attack in 1960.

I always thought he was much older. Ward Bond was a marvellous character actor and a great friend of John Wayne

He appeared in more than 80 films and was the star of the television series WagonTrain

Wardell Edwin ‘Ward’ Bond was born in Benkelman in Nebraska

In 1919 the family moved to Denver where Ward graduated from high school prior to attending the University of Southern California where he played football.

One of his team mates was a young man named Marion Morrison who was later to become John Wayne

In 1929 the entire University football team appeared as extras in a film titled Salute

During the production both Ward Bond and John Wayne became friends with the director John Ford which led to their respective Hollywood film careers.

Ward was six foot two, good looking and broad shouldered. He appeared in many films during the 1930s as an uncredited character actor.

He gradually got supporting roles and in 1939 played a Yankee captain in the MGM film classic GoneWiththeWind. Ward Bond had a strong personality and it was said that people in the industry either loved or hated him.

I thought he was marvellous in Gentleman Jimwhere heb played the boxer John L. Sullivan opposite Errol Flynn

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Ward Bond

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

He made 16 films with his friend John Wayne and they enjoyed playing practical jokes on each other.

He suffered with epilepsy and was rejected for the draft during World War II.

His films included TheMalteseFalcon,It’sa WonderfulLife,TheQuietMan,Hondo,The Searchers,RioBravo,AGuyNamedJoe,Mr Robertsand ChinaDoll.

He served as president of the Motion Picture Alliance for the Preservation of American Ideals

For many years after that he found it hard to get work until he was cast as Major Seth Adams in the television series WagonTrain

The show became very popular and Ward Bond became internationally famous. He even arranged for John Wayne to appear in a long

shot in one episode credited as Michael Morris - which was an “in joke”.

He also negotiated for John Ford to direct an episode.

Ward Bond was married twice and was at the height of his career when he died.

John Wayne did the eulogy at his funeral. The final episode starring Ward Bond did not go to air in the US until 1961.

His role in WagonTrain was taken over by John McIntire. Ward Bond was a marvellous

NEW EXHIBITIONS AT GEELONG GALLERY

Sir Mick returns to school

■ Without any fanfare Sir Mick Jagger paid a visit to his old Alma Mater, Dartford Grammar in Kent. He checked out his old classrooms and felt humbled being in attendance at the 25 th anniversary of the Mick Jagger Centre which he co-founded in 2000. The Centre is now the creative hub of Kent

Times are tough

■ According to actor Kevin Spacey, he has been banished from getting calls to audition for major movies. His home has been sold and he considers himself homeless moving from Airbnb to hotels. His agent's phone is not getting offers of major paying film roles other than second rate films. That's how Spacey sees the world as payback to recent accusations that were thrown out of court.

Over and sort of out

■ After three decades with the Seven Network, Mark Beretta is finishing hosting duties on Sunrise and other sporting commitments at the end of this year. Reason is that 2025 has been a crappy year for 'Beretts', his father passed away, and his Mum is seriously ill. When 'Beretts' feels time is right, he may return but, on his terms, rising pre-dawn weekends is not one of his options. Mark is a tireless worker for charities and was awarded an OAM for his help and assistance to countless welfare groups.

Re-born in Brunswick

■ By the time this paper hits the streets, the new Brunswick Picture House will be less than a week old. The 'old' picture house has been refurbished to hold 80 patrons and the policy of proprietors is to screen a variety of vintage and new releases. Certainly be worthwhile checking out the updated Brunswick Picture House, Sydney Rd

Quick step to romance

■ It's inevitable when a cute Aussie sweeps a beautiful dance partner off the floor that the Hollywood media race into press with rumors of a romance. Well, so is the case of Robert Irwin and his dance partner Xachitt Gomez. Let's just wait and see if anything develops. Soon after winning the mirrorball, Robert jetted off to Brazil to start filming on a new series of I'mACelebrity.

John O’Keefe

■ The Geelong Gallery welcomes a number of new exhibitions to enjoy over the summer months.

At the top of the list is an exhibition dedicated to one of the most loved, and most significant contemporary artists, Richard Lewer, with his exhibition I Only Talk to God WhenINeedSomething A Moment in Time

Collecting Contemporary presents 22 works of art acquired by the Collection between 2016 and 2025 and is a testament to the vital role the community plays in the development of the nationally significant Collection

At the same time, it also highlights some of the important themes and developments that have emerged in Australian art and society over the last decade.

Geelong Gallery’s rear façade overlooking Johnstone Park has been transformed with newly commissioned artwork by contemporary artist John Campbell.

The five panel work Dunno wraps neatly around the Gallery’s rear façade. In traditions of the Aussie vernacular, like “yeah man”, it speaks to uncertainty and ambivalence in his bold and graphic style, Campbell affirms that art everywhere around us.

New Directions

Prints by Australian women Artists-1960s – 2000s - explores the creative responses of Australian women artis toto the cultural and ad sociopolitical sifts that impacted their lives in the second half of the 20th century.

And the Gallery announces the display of Claude Monet’s Meules, milieu ou pour Haystacks, midday !800.

An exceptional destination painting on loan from the National Gallery of Australia through the Sharing the National Collection Program

Visit Geelong Gallery for an encounter with one of history’s most influential painters, alongside contemporary art experience that will delight and excite.

Geelong Gallery

55 Little Malop St, Geelong

Heide

Song of the Earth - John Nixon

For over five decades, Australian artist John Nixon (1949-2020) produced abstract art driven by a spirit of experimentation and a deep engagement with radical modernism. An influential and collaborative figure both in Australia and interna-

The Arts

tionally, Nixon is celebrated for the remarkable breadth of his practice.

While abstract and non-objective painting remained his primary focus -explored under the banner if his Experimental Painting Workshop –his expanded concept of art expanded concept of art extended across multiple discipline’s, including experimental music, photography, theatre, film, and printmaking.

SongoftheEarth is the first major survey to trace Nixon’s career from his beginnings in the late 1960s and 1979s as a minimal and conceptual artist, through to his striking 1980s installations combining paintings with readymade objects, and into the final stages of his life, marked by continued experimentation and the expansion of his painting practice.

With profound personal belief in the intertwining of art and life, Nixon often incorporates found objects and materials into his paintings and installations.

This fusion lends his work both intellectual rigour and poetic resonance, the everyday objects at once ordinary and elevated.

“My art is not only an analysis of form (the conceptual edge of painting and sculpture) … but a metaphor for life,” Nixon said in 1993.

Exhibition closes M arch 8.

★

Face Everything – Nell

Celebrating three decades of creative practice, this survey exhibition sees the artist Nell transform the iconic Heide Modern building into a lively and deeply personal world

inhabited by her extended family of characters and ghostly spirits.

The former home of Heide founders John and Sunday Reed has been reimagined as a nest and sanctuary, a living, breathing environment that is a place of shelter, memory ad shared experience. Incorporating found domestic objects alongside references to natural motifs from the Heide gardens - such as birds, snakes, apples, eggs and leaves - the exhibition features tapestries, paintings, sculptures and intimate works that allude to the Reed’s vision of their house as a ‘gallery to be lived in’.

Within this setting the artworks become charged with Nell’s reflections on subjects ranging from life cycles and animism to pop culture, rock n’ roll, religion and art history. Exhibition closes March 1. Heide Museum of Modern Art 7 Templestowe Rd, Bulleen - Peter Kemp

Win for Sarah Rhodes

■ The MAPh Foundation and MAPh Director Anouska Phizacklea have announced the recipient of the Wai Tang Commissioning Award selected from the finalists of the 2025 Bowness Photography Prize : Sarah Rhodes, for her work Chamberof projectionI(2025).

The Wai Tang Commission invites the selected artist to exhibit a body of work alongside the following year’s Bowness Photography Prize exhibition, and awards the artist $10,000. One work from the commission will be acquired into MAPh’s collection.

Signalling a thoughtful and compelling exhibition to come from one of Australia’s most experimental and conscientious photographic artists, Rhodes says: “By pushing the material limits of analogue processes, I explore how our inner worlds are shaped through our relationship with the natural world, and how an image can hold that dialogue.” Rhodes also received an honourable mention for ‘ChamberofprojectionI’ in the prize. Judge Shaune Lakin described the photograph as “one of the most beautiful gelatin silver prints [he’s] ever looked at”.

● ● ● ● Ward Bond

character actor who can still be seen in his old films on television or DVD. Kevin Trask

with Peter Kemp

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● Sir Mick Jagger

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Lovatts Crossword No 2

Across Across Down Down Observer

1. Full of vitality

6. Took a break

11. Soothes (fears)

15. Protecting

20. Red-rind cheese

21. Actor, Ryan ... (1'4)

22. Solemn promise

23. Solid ground, ... firma

25. Anglican church caretaker

26. Ethics

27. Public persona

29. Mania

32. Hind section

34. Ruler, Genghis ...

36. Innocently

39. Colorado ski resort

41. Alexandria is there

43. Titled ladies

46. Lessened

48. Hair dye

49. Madam (2'2)

51. Hideous monster

52. Replanting with trees

55. Long story

56. Arrests

59. Beginning

61. Moderate, ... down

62. Ancient musical instrument

63. Skirmish

64. Sadder (state)

67. Women's court sport

68. Legitimately

70. Japanese hostess

71. Obtained (funds)

72. Womb

73. Academy Awards

74. News stories

75. Encloses

77. Proclamation

78. Comes in

79. Behaviour

82. Simpler

86. Jewish language

87. Biblical son of Isaac

89. Minor planets

92. Gambling chances

94. Acute anxiety

96. In a frenzied state

98. European defence pact

100. Caravan itinerant

101. At a distance

103. Requirement

105. Gallows rope

106. Oil producers' cartel

108. Contest of honour

111. Nursery rhyme, Three Blind ...

112. Utterly exhausted (4,4)

114. Discouraged

116. Domestic helper

119. Actress, ... Thompson

120. Ukraine capital

121. Belonging to that

123. Writer, ... Blyton

124. Restore to health

125. Spectators

126. Senior citizen

127. Gentlest

130. Typist's complaint (1,1,1)

131. Hollering

135. Scrapes (knee)

138. Dad

139. Metal pen-points

141. Premonitions

144. Coal mine waste

146. Food enhancer (1,1,1)

147. Excessively formal

148. Sense of self

149. Established (foundations)

150. Golfing body (1,1,1)

151. Devil's abode

152. Improvised (4,2)

153. October stone

155. Feed (fire)

157. More orderly

158. Twig shelter

160. Atlantic or Indian

161. Huffs

162. Throw up

163. Reside

165. Even further delayed

166. Famous record label (1,1,1)

167. Argentina's ... Peron

168. Yellowish-brown pigment

169. Rush off 171. Nimble

172. Donor

175. Tribal emblem

176. Religious statue 179. Squirm in pain

180. Crowd brawl

182. Wine, ... spumante

184. West Indian music

185. Pop group, Bee ... 186. Kangaroo pouch

188. Germination pod 189. Gearwheel tooth

190. Sixty minutes 191. Crack army force (1,1,1)

193. US space organisation 194. Deal with 196. Cereal bowl

197. Trimmed of fat

198. Aroma

200. More scrumptious

205. Wrath

207. City roads

210. Gorged oneself

211. Last day of April 212. Amongst 213. Leading 214. Household fuel 216. Spoken exam

218. Hordes

219. Was obliged to pay

220. In so far (as)

224. Political stirrer

227. Adversaries

229. Optic organs

230. Valley

231. Happen

232. Mad Roman emperor

233. Data

235. Remove (tape) from VCR

237. You

239. Cheeky smile

241. Skewered meat

244. Great Bear constellation, ... Major

246. Scenery

249. Leer

252. Straight (route)

254. Charted

256. Scattered

258. Of long duration (3-3)

259. Cavalry spear

260. Vigilantly

263. Short period

264. Synagogue scholars

265. Make untidy (4,2)

267. Huts

270. Administer

271. Slid

272. Win

273. Nuclear agreement (4,3)

274. Small herring

277. Liberated

279. Graven image

281. Distributed (cards)

284. Sinks in middle

286. Ark builder

288. Luxuries

292. Power group

294. In present condition (2,2)

295. Fork spike

298. The Suez ...

300. English tennis champ, Fred ...

301. Gaze

303. Boats' spines

306. Thickly

308. Test run

309. Blemish

311. Chunkier (stew)

314. Disorder, cerebral ...

315. Screen legend, Marilyn ...

316. Finance in advance

317. Honourably

318. Fond of, ... on

319. Nazi government, The Third ...

320. Nothing

321. Peevishness

322. Alcove

323. Moved furtively

324. Bed cover

1. Do breaststroke

2. Lamented

3. Garden entrances

4. Brief

5. 12-months

6. Despoil

7. Nailfile (board)

8. Fasten (bolt)

9. Legendary kingdom, El ...

10. Take up again

11. Nearly

12. Robbery

13. Egg centres

14. Dress ribbons

15. Beef-cut for stock

16. Senseless

17. Disregard alarm clock (3,2)

18. Tick over 19. Elapse (2,2)

24. Glimpse

28. Work team

30. Irish sweater style

31. Identify

33. Weirder

35. Maxims

37. Windmill arm

38. Part of ear

40. Bridge-player's bid (2,6)

42. Spurs

44. Polar

45. University compositions

47. Concur

48. Risked

49. Mortuaries

50. Helping

53. Yacht's mooring cushions

54. Treated badly (3-4)

57. Seabird with large wingspan

58. Fluctuates

60. Cotton tops (1-6)

63. Detective story

65. Porridge flakes

66. Proportional, pro ...

68. Decoy

69. Scottish lake

76. Plane terminal

79. Silent

80. Bare

81. Perfume, ... toilette (3,2)

83. Brisbane suburb & racecourse

84. Internal

85. Decompose

88. First animals in dictionary

90. Shade of colour

91. Frosted (biscuits)

93. Tottering

95. Drawing pin

97. Incessantly (2,3,2)

99. Word formed from initials

100. Pleased

102. Dummy pass

104. Waned

107. Danger

109. Author, ... Bronte

110. Bullets

111. Non-glossy

113. Powerful light (3,4)

115. Elevate in rank

117. Spicy lentil dish

118. Futile (attempt)

121. Tel Aviv native

122. Side benefit (4-3)

127. Revolving tray, lazy ...

128. Froths

129. Greatest

132. House seller (6,5)

133. Dormant

134. Rainwater channel

135. Least rough

136. Lack of awareness

137. Most swift

138. Blazed trail

140. Deliverance

141. Vehicle distance gauges

142. Capture spirit of

143. British military academy

145. Collects

151. Sack material

154. Spanish friend

156. Addicts

159. Conger or moray

164. Bustle

169. Battle

170. Large pitchers

173. Prickling

174. Baby birds of prey

177. Desist

178. Approaches

181. Foolish

183. Melting

187. Firebugs

192. Firmly securing

195. Standard 199. Inventor

201. Weaponry

202. Carry-on (2-2)

203. All set

204. Charmer, ... fatale

206. Say

207. Employees

208. Deciduous trees

209. London underground

213. Bump into 215. Prosecutor

217. Appearance

221. Take a nap

222. America, ... Sam

223. Chile's tip, Cape ... 224. Singer's solo

225. Narrow bay

226. Quarrel

228. Swedish tennis ace (5,4)

234. Views

236. Bike rider

238. Radio hobbyist

240. Charged particle

242. UK country

243. Speak to

245. Abating

247. Changed suitably

248. Spirit medium

250. Mouth cosmetic

251. Commercials

253. Chore

255. Discontinued

257. Refuses to (3,1)

258. Your school, ... mater

261. Consumable

262. Mood

265. Intimidate

266. Damascus is there

268. Uplift

269. Vendor

275. Peel (apple)

276. Snakes

278. Make bigger

280. Climb down

282. Compass point

283. Exist

285. Carbonated drink

287. ... & nail

289. Euphoric drugs

290. Topped with breadcrumbs, au ...

291. Sprites

292. Called (of donkey)

293. Part of shoe

296. Ward off

297. Stockings fibre

299. Not anybody (2-3)

302. Stun

304. Lodge deeply

305. Store for future use (3,2)

306. Fall

307. Subsequent

308. Anti-flood embankment

310. Door handle

312. ... of Capri

313. Peruse

All About Life

■ Melbourne singer-songwriter Shani Weiss

launched her new EP All About Life in a sold out show at The Toff in Town on November 13, marking both her 40th birthday and a landmark moment in her career.

More than just an EP launch, the event was a cultural statement with a collective of musicians from diverse backgroundsMuslim, Jewish, Christian, Coptic and more, coming together on one stage to celebrate community, humanity and unity.

The six-track folk-rock collection explores the dynamics of human relationships with parents, partners, children, and friends and how they evolve, uplift, or challenge us.

Newstead 2026

■ Newstead Live is located in central Victoria and takes place each year over the last weekend in January, featuring The Troubadour live music venue and wine bar, concerts, sessions, blackboard spots, workshops, Australia's original trad disco and pool party.

Add good food, camping, spacious setting and no sound spill between venues.

A small town with a big heart and an unforgettable festival that will feature numerous local artists and musicians, says their media release - Rob Foenander

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Comedian Liz, 95, sees the funny side

Crossword Solution No 2

SKINS PAPA NIBS OMENS S N U SLAG P MSG PRIM EGO LAID PGA T HELL A MADEDO N E OPAL FUEL O I NEATER L NEST R O OCEAN MIFFS VOMIT D T STAY E H LATER

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

■ Comedian, poet, author and raconteur Liz Hicklin and Helen, wife of comedian Lawrence Money, enjoyed catching up at a Joan Saxton Speakers Group luncheon at Gables on Finch, Malvern Proudly 95 years old and having a great time in her new role of 'Australia's oldest sit-down, standup comic', there is also a more serious side to Liz's stories when she shares the love, loss and adventure which have challenged and enriched her fascinating life.

Born in the UK with a lifelong love of poetry and writing, Liz became a nurse and then a dollmaker. She was also the girlfriend of poet Ted Hughes before Sylvia Plath

Always elegant in style, Liz candidly reflected on the reality that our body cells die with age. But as an offset, she knows her wisdom is growing.

Stay tuned in 2026 to see what's ticked off next on Liz Hicklin's bucket-list. Bravo Liz!

Cheryl Threadgold

ABC deaths

■ Three former ABC employees have died after they were exposed to asbestos at the broadcaster's former offices in Elsternwick. The deaths, related to exposure between the 1950s and the 1980s, were confirmed at Senate estimates last week.

Managing director Hugh Marks said the deaths were "horrific" and that the ABC was "deeply concerned" for those affected. ABC News

Hicklin (left) and Helen Money. Photo: Cheryl Threadgold

contract by Newsprinters Pty Ltd,

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WET WEATHER AFFECTED SATURDAY’S CRICKET

■ Men’s Premier Firsts. Round 9. T20. Carlton 1st XI 9/111 v Frankston Peninsula 1st XI 7/116. Northcote 1st XI 3/148 d Greenvale Kangaroos 1st XI 8/146. Melbourne University 1st XI 3/154 d Geelong 1st XI 10/153. Camberwell Magpies 1st XI 10/109 v Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 1/110. Prahran 1st XI 4/153 v Fitzroy Doncaster 1st XI 5/171. Melbourne 1st XI 8/115 v Ringwood 1st XI 4/ 133. Kingston Hawthorn 1st XI 7/134 v Richmond 1st XI 4/136. Footscray 1st XI 6/138 d St Kilda 1st XI 5/143. Essendon 1st XI 5/132 v Dandenong 1st XI 6/131. Seconds. Greenvale Kangaroos 2nd XI 1/ 27 v Carlton 2nd XI, abandoned. Geelong 2nd XI 1/34 v Northcote 2nd XI, abandoned. Frankston Peninsula 2nd XI 3/11 v Melbourne University 2nd XI, abandoned. Fitzroy Doncaster 2nd XI 3/131 v Camberwell Magpies 2nd XI 6/ 126. Casey South Melbourne 2nd XI 4/145 v Prahran 2nd XI 1/146. Richmond 2nd XI v Melbourne 2nd XI. Ringwood 2nd XI 1/31 v Kingston Hawthorn 2nd XI. Dandenong 2nd XI 2/76 v Footscray 2nd XI, abandoned. St Kilda 2nd XI 3/91 v Essendon 2nd XI, abandoned. Thirds. Carlton 3rd XI 6/95 v Greenvale Kangaroos 3rd XI 3/96. Geelong 3rd XI 9/110 v Northcote 3rd XI 7/111. Frankston Peninsula 3rd XI 9/86 d by Melbourne University 3rd XI 1/72. Fitzroy Doncaster 3rd XI 4/128 v Camberwell Magpies 3rd XI 6/127. Richmond 3rd XI 9/90 v Melbourne 3rd XI 6/91. Kingston Hawthorn 3rd XI 4/166 v Ringwood 3rd XI 4/ 135. Dandenong 3rd XI 7/136 v Footscray 3rd XI 5/139. Essendon 3rd XI 5/134 v St Kilda 3rd XI 8/132. Prahran 3rd XI 5/110 v Casey South Melbourne 3rd XI 8/109. Fourths. Carlton 4th XI v Greenvale Kangaroos 4th XI 3/30, abandoned. Geelong 4th XI 8/107 v Northcote 4th XI 7/111. Frankston Peninsula 4th XI 8/126 v Melbourne University 4th XI 9/131. Fitzroy Doncaster 4th XI v Camberwell Magpies 4th XI, abandoned. Richmond 4th XI v Melbourne 4th XI 5/77, abandoned. Kingston Hawthorn 4th XI 5/129 v Ringwood 4th XI 5/154. Dandenong 4th XI 3/ 21 d by Footscray 4th XI 0/69. Essendon 4th XI 0/43 v St Kilda 4th XI 2/77. Prahran 4th XI 3/65 v Casey South Melbourne 4th XI 4/59.

Sub-District

■ East-West 1st XI. Two Days. Sats., Dec.

6 and 13. Box Hill 1st XI v Williamstown 1st XI 6/152. Altona 1st XI 3/87 v Balwyn 1st XI 10/ 72. One Day, upcoming: Bayswater 1st XI v Melton 1st XI. Donvale 1st XI v Croydon 1st XI. Endeavour Hills 1st XI. Mt Waverley 1st XI v Hoppers Crossing 1st XI. Werribee 1st XI v Noble Park 1st XI. Yarraville 1st XI v Taylors Lakes 1st XI. East-West 2nd XI. Two Days. Sats., Dec. 6 and 13. Melton 2nd XI 2/71 v Bayswater 2nd XI 10/88. Williamstown 2nd XI 10/166 v Box Hill 2nd XI 3/48. Spotswood 2nd XI 10/ 153 v Endeavour Hills 2nd XI 3/80. Hoppers Crossing 2nd XI v Mt Waverley 2nd XI 4/208. Noble Park 2nd XI v Werribee 2nd XI 10/202. One Daqy, upcoming: Croydon 2nd XI v Donvale 2nd XI. Balwyn 2nd XI v Altona 2nd XI. Taylors Lakes 2nd XI v Yarraville 2nd XI.

North-South 1st XI. Two Days. Sats., Dec. 6 and 13. Moorabbin 1st XI 10/35 v Strathmore 1st XI 6/162. Oakleigh 1st XI 9/ 188 v Plenty Valley 1st XI. Ormond 1st XI 10/ 149 v Caulfield 1st XI 0/17. Port Melbourne 1st XI 3/8 v Brunswick 1st XI 10/142. One Day, upcoming: Coburg 1st XI v Brighton 1st XI. Kew 1st XI v St Bernard's OC 1st XI. Preston 1st XI v Elsternwick 1st XI. Malvern 1st XI v Ivanhoe 1st XI

North-South 2nd XI. Two Days. Sats., Dec. 6 and 13. Brighton 2nd XI 7/230 v Coburg 2nd XI. St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/130 v Kew 2nd XI 3/37. Ivanhoe 2nd XI 0/0 v Malvern 2nd XI 10/198. Brunswick 2nd XI 10/185 v Port Melbourne 2nd XI 2/12. One Day, upcoming: Elsternwick 2nd XI v Preston 2nd XI. Strathmore 2nd XI v Moorabbin 2nd XI. Plenty Valley 2nd XI v Oakleigh 2nd XI. Caulfield 2nd XI v Ormond 2nd XI North-West 3rd XI. Division 1. Two Days.

Sats., Dec. 6 and 13. Preston 3rd XI 1/20 v Werribee 3rd XI 10/68. St Bernard's OC 3rd XI v Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 9/235. One Day, upcoming: Brunswick 3rd XI v Taylors Lakes 3rd XI. Plenty Valley 3rd XI v Melton 3rd XI. North-West 3rd XI. Division 2. Two Days. Sats., Dec. 6 and 13. Preston 3rd XI 1/20 v Werribee 3rd XI 10/68. St Bernard's OC 3rd XI v Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 9/235. One Day, upcoming: Brunswick 3rd XI v Taylors Lakes 3rd XI. Plenty Valley 3rd XI v Melton 3rd XI. North-West 4th XI. Division 1. Two Days. Sats., Dec. 6 and 13. Melton 4th XI 0/42 v Plenty Valley 4th XI 10/78. Werribee 4th XI 10/125 v Preston 4th XI 2/33. Hoppers Crossing 4th XI 1/23 v St Bernard's OC 4th XI 10/ 93. One Day, upcoiming: Taylors Lakes 4th XI v Brunswick 4th XI.

North-West 4th XI. Division 2. Two Days. Sats., Dec. 6 and 13. Ivanhoe 4th XI v Kew 4th XI. Altona 4th XI 2/43 v Spotswood 4th XI 10/110. Yarraville 4th XI v Williamstown 4th XI. One Day, upcoming: Strathmore 4th XI v Coburg 4th XI

South-East 3rd XI. Division 1. Two Days. Caulfield 3rd XI v Balwyn 3rd XI 6/236. Elsternwick 3rd XI 10/112 v Croydon 3rd XI 10/82. Mt Waverley 3rd XI 7/261 v Oakleigh 3rd XI. Bayswater 3rd XI 10/214 v Malvern 3rd XI 1/2.

South-East 3rd XI. Division 2. Two Days: Brighton 3rd XI 10/321 v Box Hill 3rd XI 1/15. Donvale 3rd XI 9/216 v Port Melbourne 3rd XI. Ormond 3rd XI 4/48 v Noble Park 3rd XI 10/ 143. One Day, upcoming: Endeavour Hills 3rd XI v Moorabbin 3rd XI

South-East 4th XI. Division 2. Two Days: Moorabbin 4th XI v Endeavour Hills 4th XI 10/ 328. One Day, upcoming: Box Hill 4th XI v Brighton 4th XI. Port Melbourne 4th XI v Donvale 4th XI. Noble Park 4th XI v Ormond 4th XI.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Two Days. Sats., Dec. 6 and 13. Bundoora United 1st XI v Rosanna 1st XI 6/114. Heidelberg 1st XI 4/127 v Macleod 1st XI. Epping 1st XI v Diamond Creek 1st XI 4/76. North Eltham Wanderers 1st XI v Riverside 1st XI 4/134. Rosebank 1st XI v Bundoora 1st XI

Money Shield. Plenty 1st XI v Lalor Stars 1st XI. Greensborough 1st XI v Mernda 1st XI. Research Eltham Collegians 1st XI v Eltham 1st XI. Lower Plenty 1st XI 5/129 v Bundoora Park 1st XI. Montmorency 1st XI v Banyule 1st XI

Mash Shield. Hurstbridge 1st XI 2/66 v Thomastown United 1st XI 10/134. Mill Park 1st XI v Lower Eltham 1st XI. South Morang 1st XI v Laurimar 1st XI. Panton Hill 1st XI v Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 1st XI 6/111. Rivergum 1st XI 5/229 v Dennis 1st XI. Keon Park CC 1st XI v Thomastown 1st XI 5/130

B-Grade. Banyule 2nd XI v Montmorency 2nd XI. Diamond Creek 2nd XI v Research Eltham Collegians 2nd XI. Mernda 2nd XI v Heidelberg 2nd XI. Riverside 2nd XI v North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI. Rosanna 2nd XI v Plenty 2nd XI

C-Grade. Bundoora 2nd XI v Rivergum 2nd XI. Eltham 2nd XI 8/223 v South Morang 2nd XI. Macleod 2nd XI v Greensborough 2nd XI. Riverside 3rd XI v Lower Plenty 2nd XI 7/145. Lalor Stars 2nd XI v Bundoora United 2nd XI

D-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 3rd XI v Panton Hill 2nd XI. Laurimar 2nd XI v Montmorency 3rd XI. Lower Plenty 3rd XI v Mill Park 2nd XI. Bundoora Park 2nd XI v Keon Park CC 2nd XI. Diamond Creek 3rd XI v Hurstbridge 2nd XI. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 2nd XI v Rosebank 2nd XI

E-Grade. Dennis 2nd XI v South Morang 3rd XI. Lower Eltham 2nd XI v Mernda 3rd XI. Thomastown United 2nd XI v Banyule 3rd XI. Thomastown 2nd XI v Riverside 4th XI. Bye: Greensborough 3rd XI.

Eastern

■ Dunstan Shield. Two Days. Sat., Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. North Balwyn 1st XI 7-d/304 v Edinburgh 1st XI 10/178. One Day: Bulleen

1st XI v East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI, abandoned. Old Carey 1st XI 9/173 v East Doncaster 1st XI 8/172. Mont Albert 1st XI 7/139 v Glen Iris 1st XI 10/137. Wright Shield. Two Days. Ashburton Willows 1st XI 7/271 v Deepdene Bears 1st XI, abandoned. Canterbury 1st XI v Marcellin OC 1st XI 7/230, abandoned. One Day: Surrey Hills 1st XI 8/162 v Mulgrave 1st XI 7/173. Richmond City 1st XI 9/83 v Heathmont 1st XI 7/ 207

A Turf. Two Days: Boronia 1st XI 7/244 v Old Carey 2nd XI 10/109. One Day: Hawthorn Boroondara 1st XI v Ashwood 1st XI, abandoned. Mazenod OC 1st XI vb Balwyn Saints 1st XI, abandoned. Burwood 1st XI v Mont Albert B Turf. Two Days: East Doncaster 2nd XI v Bulleen 2nd XI 6/257, abandoned. One Day: Richmond Union 1st XI v North Balwyn 2nd XI, abandoned. Deepdene Bears 2nd XI 10/110 v St. Kevins Old Boys 1st XI 4/112. Heathmont 2nd XI 4/210 v Canterbury 2nd XI 1/13, abandoned.

C Turf. Two Days: Glen Iris 2nd XI 8-d/220 v Boronia 2nd XI 10/143 & 1/43. One Day: East Malvern Tooronga 2nd XI 4/147 v Burwood 2nd XI 6/146. Mulgrave 2nd XI 8/164 v Hawthorn Boroondara 2nd XI 9/165. Edinburgh 2nd XI v La Trobe University 1st XI, abandoned.

D Turf. Two Days: Old Carey 3rd XI 6/283 v Mazenod OC 2nd XI 10/203. Marcellin OC 2nd XI 7/318 v Richmond City 2nd XI 10/104. One Day: Ashwood 2nd XI 4/143 v Surrey Hills 2nd XI 8/140. Sunday, December 7 - One Day: Mont Albert 3rd XI v Ashburton Willows 2nd XI

E Turf. Two Days: Edinburgh 3rd XI 10/110 v Deepdene Bears 3rd XI 10/73. Marcellin OC 3rd XI v East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 8/243. One Day: Heathmont 3rd XI v Richmond Union 2nd XI, abandoned. La Trobe University 2nd XI v Hawthorn Boroondara 3rd XI. Surrey Hills 3rd XI v Balwyn Saints 2nd XI, abandoned.

F Turf. Hawthorn Boroondara 4th XI 8/171 v Mont Albert 4th XI 0/26, abandoned. East Malvern Tooronga 4th XI 10/126 v Richmond City 3rd XI 6/153. Bulleen 3rd XI v Heathmont 4th XI, abandoned. St. Kevins Old Boys 2nd XI v East Doncaster 3rd XI, abandoned. Bye: Surrey Hills 4th XI MacGibbon Shield. Two Days: STC South Camberwell 1st XI 10/169 v Holy Trinity 1st XI 10/342. Glen Waverley 1st XI 9/219 v Clifton Hill 1st XI 0/4. One Day: West Ivanhoe United 1st XI 10/155 v Burwood Unt. Canterbury 1st XI 2/159. Deepdene Uniting 1st XI v Trinity Willison 1st XI, abandoned.

Burt Shield. Two Days: Clifton Hill 2nd XI 9/154 v North Alphington 1st XI 10/152. Burwood Unt. Canterbury 2nd XI 6/208 v Glen Waverley 2nd XI 10/207. One Day: Holy Trinity 2nd XI v St. Paul's Oakleigh District 1st XI, abandoned. Trinity Willison 2nd XI 3/196 v Toorak Prahran 1st XI 10/165

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Two Days. Mornington 1sts v Sorrento 1sts 0/11, abandoned. Dromana 1sts v Red Hill 1sts. Pines 1sts 9/ 157 v Baden Powell 1sts. Langwarrin 1sts v Heatherhill 1sts 6/175 Peninsula Firsts. Old Peninsula 1sts 4/ 82 v Mt Eliza 1sts. Somerville 1sts v Seaford CC 1sts 8/78. Long Island 1sts v Rosebud 1sts. Balnarring 1sts 5/222 v Moorooduc 1sts. District Firsts. Rye 1sts 10/154 v Boneo 1sts. Crib Point 1sts v Flinders 1sts 0/127. Seaford Tigers 1sts v Main Ridge 1sts 10/148. Carrum Downs 1sts 6/143 v Carrum CC 1sts Sub-District Firsts. Two Days: Tyabb 1sts 4/130 v Pearcedale 1sts 10/59. Frankston YCW 1st v Ballam Park 1sts 10/169. Skye 1sts 0/ 21 v Tootgarook 1sts 9/108. Delacombe Park 1sts v Mt Martha 1sts 1/26, abandoned. Bye: Baxter 1sts

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. One Day. Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 10/83 v Northern Socials CC 1st XI 1/ 45. Olympic Colts CC 1st XI v Camrea Stingrays CC 1st XI. Donath CC 1st XI v Preston Baseballers CC 1st XI Jack Quick Shield. Cameron CC 1st XI v Reservoir Cobras CC 1st XI, abandoned.

Strathewen Cougars CC 1stXI v Bellfield Bulls CC 1st XI, abandoned. West Preston CC 1st XI 4/148 v Fiji Victorian CC 2nd XI 8/147 Jack Kelly Shield. Preston Baseballers CC 2nd XI 7/130 v West Preston CC 2nd XI 8/79. Preston YCW District 1st XI v Ivanhoe Mavericks CC 1st XI, abandoned. Fairfield CC 1st XI 7/125 v Royal Park Reds 3rd XI 7/123

B-Grade. Fiji Victorian CC 3rd XI v Fairfield CC 2nd XI 0/17. Bellfield Bulls CC 2nd XI 1/ 122 v West Preston CC 3rd XI 7/121. Northern Socials CC 2s XI 7/156 v Wollert Rhinos CC 1st XI 5/158

C-Grade. Bellfield Bulls CC 4th XI 7/152 v Bellfield Bulls CC 3rd XI 9/151. Reservoir Cobras CC 2nd XI 4/104 v Preston Baseballers CC 3rd XI 8/94. Royal Park Reds 4th XI 6/141 v Fiji Victorian CC 4th XI 10/76. Bye: Camrea Stingrays CC 2nd XI DODC. Kinglake CC OD 9/85 v Donath CC OD 3/88. Camrea Stingrays CC OD v Cameron CC OD, cancelled. Olympic Colts CC OD v Preston YCW District OD.

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Round 7. TwoDay. Sats., Nov. 29 and Dec. 6. Norwood 1XI 10/156 v Montrose 1XI 10/177. Ainslie Park 1XI 10/201 v North Ringwood 1XI 6/141. South Croydon 1XI 8/179 v Croydon Ranges 1XI 10/ 246. Lilydale 1XI 10/163 v St Andrews 1XI 3/ 164.

Bill Wilkins Cup. Wantirna South 1XI 1/ 105 v Vermont 1XI 10/104. Warranwood 1XI 3-d/230 v Mt Evelyn 1XI 10/125 & 3/42. Wonga Park 1XI v Bayswater Park 1XI, abandoned. East Ringwood 1XI 10/224 v Mooroolbark 1XI 10/233. Heatherdale 1XI 10/91 & 4/47 v Kilsyth 1XI 10/80 & 10/57.

Stuart Newey Plate. Templeton 1XI 6-d/ 168 v Yarra Junction 1XI 10/167. South Warrandyte 1XI 10/113 v Heathwood 1XI 10/ 162. Chirnside Park 1XI 8/164 v Warrandyte 1XI 5/168. Seville Burras 1XI 10/193 v Healesville 1XI 10/177.

Pat Meehan Shield. Kilsyth 2XI 9-d/123 v Lilydale 2XI 3/124. Croydon Ranges 2XI 10/ 77 & 2/73 v Wonga Park 2XI 10/187. Eastfield 1XI 10/219 v Warranwood 2XI 7/222. Lusatia Park 1XI v Templeton 2XI, abandoned. Ian Spencer Shield. St Andrews 2XI 9/ 140 v South Warrandyte 2XI 7/162. Vermont 2XI 10/268 v Chirnside Park 2XI. Heathwood 2XI v East Ringwood 3XI, abandoned. Coldstream 1XI 7/151 v Heatherdale 2XI 7/170. Mooroolbark 2XI 1-d/305 v Wantirna South 2XI 10/102 & 10/86. David Beatty Shield. North Ringwood 3XI 9/141 v Seville Burras 2XI 4/142. Montrose 3XI v Wandin 1XI. Mt Evelyn 2XI 1/110 v Norwood 3XI 9/109. Bayswater Park 2XI 9/ 292 v Yarra Glen 1XI 10/291. Don Smith Shield. Wonga Park 3XI v Warranwood 3XI, abandoned. Croydon Ranges 3XI 10/131 & 2/46 v Hoddles Creek 1XI 9-d/ 198. St Andrews 3XI 8/171 v Ainslie Park 3XI 6/179. Warrandyte 3XI v Kilsyth 3XI. John Springett Shield. Healesville 2XI 10/ 101 v Lusatia Park 2XI 10/157. Lilydale 3XI v Eastfield 2XI. Chirnside Park 3XI 8/117 v Montrose 4XI 9/155. Yarra Junction 2XI v Croydon North 2XI. A-Grade. Heatherdale 3XI v Wantirna South 3XI, abandoned. Norwood 4XI 10/151 v St Andrews 4XI 10/134. Mooroolbark 3XI 4/ 478 v South Croydon 3XI 9/221. Powelltown 1XI 5/152 v Wonga Park 4XI 9/149.

South-East

■ Longmuir Shield. Two Days. Sats., Dec. 6 and 13. Bentleigh ANA 1 4/69 v Kingston Heath 1 10/128. Washington Park 1 v Le Page Park 1. West Bentleigh 1 v East Sandringham 1 6/203. Brighton Union 1 10/129 v Bentleigh Uniting 1 1/11

Western

■ A-Grade. One Day. Tarneit Central 4th XI 10/184 v Manor Lakes 2nd XI 5/250. West Point Titans 2nd XI 8/140 v Williams Landing SC 1st XI 10/139. Truganina Strikers CC Yellow 1st XI 9/52 v Altona Sports 1st XI 10/102

JOEY THOMPSON WAS TIRELESS WORKER

■ The close knit Charlton harness racing community is in mourning following the passing of former long serving Club President Joey Thompson at Epworth Hospital on Tuesday December 2 following a lengthy battle with his health. He had been on the Charlton Committee for many years.

Joey was a tireless worker for the club over a long period of time and would always be available to assist other trainers with queries should they have a concern with their horses.

He made many friends in the industry including one of his greatest - now retired champion NSW trainer/driver Brian Hancock and whenever he travelled to Victoria, Joey would be one of the first he would visit.

He achieved plenty of success in the sport but none better than the 1990 NSW Derby when Imprimartar driven by Neil McCallum defeated Tasmanian Halyer and Band Magic in a mile rate of 2-02.2.

Other horses he was associated with were Cee Cee In America, Joe Got Rolled and both Dick Swivilier and Comedy Of Eros for the late radio host Keith McGowan, plus the dozens that he had broken in.

I extend my sincere sympathy to the Thompson family and friends.

Funeral details are not yet known.

10 events

■ Maryborough the home of the trotter certainly was on Monday, December 1, when six races dedicated to the gait were held on a 10event program.

Kyabram trainer Bent Thomson combined with Chris Alford to land the McPhersons Printing Group Trotters Discretionary Handicap over 2190 metres with Thunda Struck, a 4Y0 Muscle Mass-Cloud Chaser gelding who had won four going into the race.

Trotting beautifully when having start number 30, Thunda Struck began safely from ten metres to virtually lead throughout, accounting for Avant Guard (20m - one/two) by 9.8 metres in a 2-01.3 mile rate. Jakarta (three pegs from barrier two) was third a half head away.

■ Thirty six start 5Y0 Tell All-Missrubyjoy gelding Riddlemethis after chalking up eleven placings finally cracked it for a win when taking the 2190 metre Benstud Standardbreds 4Y0 and older Maiden Pace in a mile rate of 201.8 much to the delight of 35 year old Parwan trainer Daniel Zammit who was to prepare his first winner.

Driven by Jodi Quinlan, Riddlemethis (gate two second line) settled three back in the moving line as Itsallgee (gate two) led. Going forward three wide in the last lap, Riddlemethis proved too strong over the concluding stages to defeat first starter Fireside by 2.2 metres after racing exposed and fighting on gamely, with One Last Belle (gate three – one/one) third 11.4 metres away.

■ The World’s Best Hoof Oil Vicbred Voucher 2Y0 and 3Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile went the way of Myrniong trainer Jess Tubbs’ Used To Me-Continentallady 3Y0 filly Lady Manche.

With James Herbertson in the sulky, Lady Manche despite a slow beginning from gate two on the second line settled mid-field as another of the Thomson team Little Miss Valley (gate six) went forward to cross Thelmabella (gate four) running into the first turn leaving Calders Revenge (extreme draw) in the open giving Lady Manche one/one cover. When Little Miss Valley galloped approaching the final bend, Calders Image raced clear with Lady Manche in pursuit running on best to score by 5.3 metres over a game Calders Revenge returning a 2-02.5 mile rate. Aldebaran Denbay (four pegs from gate three second line) was third 5.1 metres away.

■ Much travelled 8Y0 Danny Bouchea-Biggies gelding Piesridingshotgun raced by Dean Raeburn, trained by Brad Angove at Newstead and driven by Jordan Leedham registered his first victory since January when successful at Globe Derby Park Adelaide when greeting the judge in the 2190 metre Aldebaran Park Trotters Mobile. Coming out running from gate five to cross Sky Lindy (gate two), Piesridingshotgun gave his rivals something to chase, running out a 11.3 metre victor over Champagnes (one/one from gate three second line) which made ground rapidly to join the winner on the final bend with Piesridingshotgun going into another gear on turning. Sky Lindy held third 19.2 metres away. The mile rate 2-02.2.

■ Nulla Vale trainer Steve Cleave who can be heard giving his comments every Saturday night on the Sen/RSN radio network was victorious with 4Y0 Wishing Stone-Maori Aplomb

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

mare With Aplomb in the Redpath Tyre & Battery Service Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres. In a hectic run to the first turn Magic Egan (gate two) was best to begin before handing over to Off Your Faceski (gate four) which caused a false start at the first attempt, with Midnite Muscle going forward from outside the front line to take over.

It was then John Caldow aboard With Aplomb (gate five) making a bid for the front running succeeding at the bell to lead for the last lap. Going strongly, With Aplomb bred and raced by Victorian Roy Spencer now based in Queensland coasted to the wire 7.5 metres in advance of Off Your Faceski, with Midnite Muscle a half neck away third. The mile rate 158.3.

■ On the pacing side, Great Western’s Michelle Wight part-owned, trained and reined 5Y0 A Rocknroll Dance-Parfait Bromac mare Nosweetsforyou to victory in the 1690 metre Thank You & Good Luck Jackson Pace. Settling mid-field in the running line from gate four on the second line, Nosweetsforyou was set alight three wide racing for the bell to cross the poleline pacemaker Blackindeed and kept giving on turning to register a 3.7 metre margin over Blackindeed who had her chance along the sprint lane. Netra (inside second line) which trailed Blackindeed throughout was third a neck away after angling wide on turning. The mile rate 1-56.7.

Cosy passage

■ The regular Tuesday Shepparton meeting produced some interesting results including local trainer/driver Stephen Boyington’s 5Y0 Always B Miki-One Night gelding Japanese Miki in the 1690 metre Willowood Farm Pace at odds of $42.40.

Enjoying a cosy passage one/one from gate three, Japenese Miki after easing three wide on the final bend ran home best to prevail by a half neck from the leader Warrioress (gate four) returning a mile rate of 1-58.7. Master Miki starting outside the front line after easing to the tail must have been five wide on the final bend when third a head away in a thrilling finish.

■ Ross Creek breeder/owner/trainer Stephen Clarke does a wonderful job with his team and snared the quinella in the VHRC Super Bonus Meeting Next Tuesday Concessional Drivers Pace over 2190 metres when 4Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Isabelle Delacour gelding Monsieur Flamel (a 10 time winner) defeated 3Y0 brother Are Weasley in a mile rate of 2-01.5.

Driven by Nick Beale, Monsieur Flamel began fast from outside the front line to cross Lochinvar Charm (gate four) shortly after the start and rated well, defied all challengers. Are Weasley (gate five) driven by Riley Mitchell after being caught wide was eased to the rear before following Major Maurie (solo second line - three wide from one/one forward approaching the final bend) and after making the turn four wide, rushed home to be 3.5 metres away, with Major Maurie 7.8 metres back third.

■ In-form six year old Racing Hill-Hannas Delight gelding Big Sledge Hammer was successful in the Thank You Chris Hazelman Pace over 2190 metres for Mount Duneed (Geelong) owner/trainer Ricky Debono.

With Cris Alford in the sulky, Big Sledge Hammer a winner at the track in early November settled mid-field from gate two on the second line before being sent forward mid-race to park outside the poleline pacemaker Rockin Gemma and after applying plenty of pressure on turning, did best to prevail by 1.9 metres in

a rate of 1-58.7. Wind Sock (one/one at the bell from outside the front line ) was third 1.6 metres back.

■ Monegeetta trainer/driver David Miles produced two year old Bettors Delight-Born Again Sassy gelding Little Sassy Boy on debut to land the 1690 metre Crowbar Demolitions Maiden Pace. Little Sassy Boy after starting from the extreme draw was given plenty of time to balance as the lead changed several time in the first circuit with Eebeebee taking over racing for the bell with Little Sassy Boy going forward with a lap to travel to possie one/one on the back of Hezaflashone (inside the second line) which had been wide.

Easing three wide on the final bend, Little Sassy Boy ran home stylishly to gain the day by 4.9 metres from Touch Of Reality (three pegs from gate five – outside leader home turn). The Golden Hook after flying away from outside the front line to lead then taking cover, was third a head away. The mile rate 1-57.9.

Double Day

■ Wednesday was double day with Mildura in the afternoon and Bendigo at night.

The large Strathfieldsaye stable of the Douglas team were once regular visitors to Mildura but have scaled their activities closer to Melbourne in recent times, however they made the journey on Wednesday and snared the quinella in the feature race on the program – the $8,000 McDonalds Irymple and Mildura Pace over 2190 metres with handy exKiwi 4Y0 Washington VC-Miss Pembroke gelding Earl Of Pembroke defeating Triple Rock Saint in a 1-57.3 mile rate.

Dropping back in grade, Earl Of Pembroke starting solo on the second line followed through to settle one/two as polemarker United led with Mack Pack, another Douglas stablemate challenging only to go offstride leaving Earl Of Penbroke in the open after Modern Ginger (gate three) in the breeze was able to cross and take over mid-race.

Travelling kindly, Earl Of Penbroke strode clear approaching the final bend to record a 2.5 metre margin from Triple Rock Saint which gave a sight. Local Tough Aint Enough (gate five – one/two) was third 3.3 metres back. ■ At Bendigo, there were upsets but no surprises in the heats of the Breeders Crown heats for two and three year old Trotters and Pacers over 2150 metres.

Heat one for three year olds going to Michael Bellman’s ‘new kid on the block’ Mecarno (Tactical Landing- Sundons Pride) who has won everything during the past month. Going forward from the tail to race exposed mid-race, Mecarno was too strong for the leader Enchauffour by 1.7 metres in a rate of 1-57.3. Vytis (one/two) was third 1.8 metres back.

Heat two saw Chris Alford lead throughout aboard the Jayne Davies trained Father Patrick-American Jewell gelding Commodus in a rate of 1-59 who accounted for Charleston Avenue along the sprint lane from three pegs by 9.9 metres, with Aldebaran Abel (three pegs) third a head back after also using the sprint lane.

Heat one for the 2Y0 C & G saw the Lee’s Keayang Bazlenka (gate two)What The HillKeayang Snow Pea gelding cross The Preacher (gate five) shortly after the start to defeat Munny The Munster (one/one last lap from the tai) by 13.3 metres in 1-59. The Preacher held third 5.4 metres away.

Heat two provided the rough result of the night when hot $1-05 favourite Notanother Naughty (gate five) after crossing Alison and Chris Aford’s polemarker Unclad (Quaker JetStarcus) shortly after the start was run down by that gelding to greet the judge by a half neck in 2-01.7. Hammer (four pegs) was third 8.7 metres away.

The 3Y0 fillies (Heat one) went the way of Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar’s exciting I Am Wilma, a daughter of Father Patrick and Aleppo Jewel in 1-57.6. Going forward from the tail prior to the bell to join the leader Keayang Kurki, I Am Wilma raced away in the last lap to toy with her rivals 8.7 metres in advance of Wind Chaser which trailed the weakening leader easing into the clear before the home turn. Prohibited Grace (one/two) was third 1.1 metres back.

■ On a night that belonged to Chris Alford, Heat one for the 2Y0 fillies was taken out by the Jayne Davies trained Harperseven who is by Helpisontheway from Aldebaran Turnpike, leading all of the way to record a 5.2 metre margin over Jilliby Aura which trailed and Minnie Mia (three pegs) who was 21.7 metres back third. The mile rate 2-01.3.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Melton/Mildura, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Geelong, Saturday –Melton, Sunday – Cranbourne, Monday –Terang, Tuesday – Terang/Shepparton.

Heat two was taken out by Brilliantissime-Aldebaran Aliza filly Aldebaran Ada for Chris Svanosio and Taylor Youle. Settling three pegs from the pole before moving outside the leader Elle Perfecto (gate two), Aldebaran Ada outstayed her rivals to record a head margin over the favourite Gladiatrix (gate five – which trailed the pacemaker), with Elle Perfecto 1.5 metres away third. The mile rate 2-01.4.

Emotional time

■ It was an emotional victory to the finish of the 2200 metre Black Horse Naturals 2Y0 Maiden Pace at Ballarat on Thursday taken out by For A Reason-Mollywood filly My Marionette. Bred and raced by Plumpton’s Annette Azzopardi along with other relatives of the Azzopardi family and long time associate Joe Spiteri, My Marionette driven by James Herbertson and carrying the colours of Annette’s late husband Mario a great horseman in his day, was restrained from gate four to settle four back in the running line as Pontian Girl (gate three) led before being crossed by Courtney Slater’s Lets Dance Girl (gate five).

Commencing a forward move three wide in the last lap, My Marionette was inconvenienced by polemarker I Want Mary (one/one) coming out ahead of her going knowhere resulting in My Marionette having to angle four wide around her.

Despite being very wide on the final bend, My Marionette ran home stylishly to record an untouched 3.7 metre margin over the pacemaker, with a death-seating Aruval (gate two) third 1.2 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.6. Mario Azzopardi was a great horseman in his day winning numerous races including the 1989 Kilmore Pacing Cup.

Heat two was taken out by BrilliantissimeAldebaran Aliza filly Aldebaran Ada for Chris Svanosio and Taylor Youle. Settling three pegs from the pole before moving outside the leader Elle Perfecto (gate two), Aldebaran Ada outstayed her rivals to record a head margin over the favourite Gladiatrix (gate five – which trailed the pacemaker), with Elle Perfecto 1.5 metres away third. The mile rate 2-01.4.

■ Tough stayer Yankee Gambler, a 6Y0 gelded son of Betting Line and Geejay Lee raced and trained at Coghills Creek by Desleigh Parish chalked up his 7th success in 71 outings when greeting the judge in the Alfredton Laundry Pace over 1710 metres.

With daughter Hannah in the sulky, Yankee Gambler (gate four) raced uncovered for the entire trip outside Im The Wild One (gate five) who appeared to be traveling smoothly on turning.

Showing a tremendous will to win, Yankee Gambler made a late lunge approaching to post to gain the day by 1.1 metres from the leader, with Home And Dry (gate three – one/ one) third 5.6 metres away. The mile rate 1-57. Len Baker

Guns seized

■ Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man after allegedly seizing firearms and drugs from a property in Redan on Thursday (Nov. 4). Following an ongoing investigation, detectives executed a search warrant at a Skipton St residence. Officers seized two improvised firearms (one loaded with a .22 round), firearm parts allegedly for manufacture, ammunition, an alleged trafficable quantity of methylamphetamine cannabis. A 44-yearold man was arrested at the address.

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DEATHS

JUDITH ANNE JOHNSON

9/9/1941 - 25/11/2025

After a long and courageous battle with Cancer, Judith passed away peacefully. She was a cherished mother to Peter, Rodney, Michael, Anthony and Steven.

Special thanks to the Staff at the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre for all their care and support.

A funeral service is to be held in the coming weeks. Please refer to the ‘Le Pines Funerals’ (Eltham Branch) website for details. Forever loved & forever strong!!!!

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

• EMAIL: editor@Local Paper.com.au

• POST: Mail the form (available in this newspaper) to PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095. Free Ads will not be accepted by phone.

ALL CAR advertisers must supply registration or Vehicle Identification Numbers. By law, we are unable to publish listings without those details.

ALUMINIUM PUNT 4 metre, with all required safety equipment with relocatable folding seats plus 77.5hp Mercury outboard motor. GC. $1600. Seymour. 0410 032 064. NN-QQ

ANGEL STATUE. approx 1 metre tall. Solid resin. With attachable wings. EC. $475. Broadford. 0434 037 941. Phillip. XX

GRINDER.

with cutting disc. 10mm impact, drill Xui. EC. $10. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

ANTIQUE FRIDGE. Norge Round Top. GC. $30. Seymour. 0422 204 977. TT-XX

BAR FRIDGE. GC. Free. Flemington. 0408 539 391. VV-XX

BARBIE Dolls. In orginial dresses. EC. $5 each. Melton. 0412 869 304. VV-XX

BARBIE Dolls and barbie Dresses. GC. 10 for $250. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110, 4pm-10pm. RR-VV

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

BBQ. Gas. 5-Burner. Wheels. New ignition assembly. Full gas bottle. EC. $100. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356. RR-VV

BBQ. Red Centre. 45cm round. Large cast iron plate trivet for boiling. Also hose and wind shield. New, still in box. $45. Bittern. 0459 558 055

RR-VV

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

BED. Electric. King Size. High low. Head comes up to sitting position. Legs raise, bed tilts. 12 months old. No longer needed. Top quality mattress. EC. $3500. Yea. 0409 944 982. LL-OO

BEDHEAD. Queen. Pine. Also mattching mirrorframe. FC. $20. Marysville. 0400 912 916. VV-XX

BICYCLE PUMP. Steel floor, pump active. Includes gauge to check correct pressure. EC. Paid $15, sell $5. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

BICYCLE SEAT. Black, Endzone Extragel. Paid $20, sell $10. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

BIKE. Lady’s. Purple. Make: Huffey Friction. Complete with helmet and pump and basket. VGC. $120. Pakenham. 5940 5018. LL-OO

BOAT. Aluminium.4 metres. GC. With 6HP Evinrude motor, accessories, plus free trailer. $900. Wandong. 0418 399 261. XX

BOOKS. Large collection including archery, photography, local history, organ building, trains, gardening, Australian history, woodworking, motoring, tools etc, many old and interesting. Bargain prices. Research. 9437 1253. XX

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

Pine. FC. $50. Marysville. 0400 912 916. VV-XX

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

BRICKS. 500. Clean, as new $400. 100 face bricks, $120. New. Bittern. 0419 582 437. PP-TT

BRICKLAYERS TUBE & CLIP SCAFFOLDING TUBES clips swivels joiners putlog clips base plates sole boards Oregon planks. Genuine offers only enquires welcome GC. $6000. Crib Point. 0419 935 807 PP-TT

BRICKS. 100+, clean. Red bricks and halves. Free. Keon Park. Alan, 9469 4558. VV-XX

CARAVAN CRUSADER. 17ft 1998 pop top, full annexe. reg July 26. double bed. new mattress. 3 way fridge. Gas cook top and grill. Tows well. GC. $9000. Toolangoi. 0448 438 790. TT-XX

CARAVAN. Millard Grand Champion 17 FT Air/ con 3 way fridge microwave gas cook top double bed plus two smaller singles full annex with floor van cover Pop Top 1170 kg registered many extras. GC. $12,750. Flowerdale. 0411 577 050 PP-TT

CHEST FREEZER. Haier. Three months old. $150. Reservoir. 0491 083 248. NN-QQ

CHILD’S Old Style TwoSeater School Desk. Steel frame, hardwood seat and desktop GC. $40. Yea. 0409 109 887. NN-QQ

CIRCULAR SAW. Skilsaw. 7¼” 184mm 2 1/ 8 HP. Lightweight. Powerful high torque motopr. textured front and rear handles. GC. $30. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

CLOTH FOOTBALL MASCOT. Footscray Bulldogs. 39cm tall. VGC. $65. Pick-up: Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO

CRICKET MEMORABILIA. 19 books. Bradman Calendar 1908-2001. Plus ‘Argus’ Magazines 1950, 1951 x 2. GC. Box Hill South. 9890 7904. PP-TT

HOUSE. Three level wood house with wood furniture, carpets, accessories, two families, baby dog, cat, plates, cups. Made of ceramics. $130. Bundoora. 9467 8990 TT-XX

DINING CHAIRS. 8 modern, leather, chocolate brown. Some need reupholstering. $100 lot. Marysville. 0400 912 916. VV-XX

DISHWASHER. Norj. 13.7 litres per wash. Large. 2’ wide, 2.9high. Not connected. New. Bought for $720. Sell $360. Alexandra. 0409 470 107. NN-QQ

DRILL DRIVER. Ozito. 10mm, 28 ow, micro speed control, still in box. EC. $10. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

ELECTRIC DRILL. Ryobi. 240V. 50Hz. 600w. With case. EC. $20. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

ELECTRIC WHEELCHAIR. ‘Pride Go Mobility Chair’. Hardly used. EC. $1400. Viewbank. John, 0418 583 120. LL-OO

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

PAYKEL

$870, sell $400. Keysborough. Joe, 0402 385 692.HH-LL

FOOTBALL CAPS. Footscray. New. Pick up Glenroy or ost extra cost. $15 each. Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO

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

FORD AU/2 Farirmont V8

SEO, very celean. Ruswt free. High mileage, will stand any test. Driven Seymour-Melobourne every day. Good trim, good tyres. New screen, mag wheels, RWC and reg. Very straight, 2AN3XE. VGC. $9500. Seymour. 0419 881 573. XX

HOSE.

TT-XX

GOLF CLUBS. Gents (13), Ladies (13).. And 200+ balls. GC. $400. Doncaster. 0409 414 417. NN-QQ

GRIDDLE. Cast iron. 33cm x 21cm. Very clean. As new. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356. RR-VV

small and collapsable. Folds up easily buy very heavy. $500. Taylors Hill (Melton). Contact Len, 0401 679 745. TT-XX

standard. Other table map. Table lamp brass work and granoite. Both in above average condition. Shades very good. $170 pair. Seymour. 0419 881 573. XX

LAND. Expansive acreage ideal for farming or livestock. Secure paddocks, peaceful setting, close to amenities. Option to lease land only or house and land together. Suitable for genuine agricultural use. GC. $420/month for the land only. Land and house, $15 00/month. Balnarring Beach. 0434189 449 PP-TT

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

Palsonic. Upright. 4’8” x 1.9”. GC. $30. Seymour. 0422 204 977. TT-XX

for

LL-OO

1360.

No 692-1976. Also No 552 and 548.

20

16-34 Doubles: 38. Phantom’s World, 8x. Sell full collection only. Best reasonable offer. Ferntree Gully. 9758 8990. RR-VV

HH-LL

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

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

FISHER

Fridge Freezer. 8 months old. New. Cost

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

MOTOR HOME.. With two solar panels for lights and air con. Double bed, gas cooker. Holden Rodeo 1998 rego till Feb. 24, 2026. Tour atlas inc. new battery and x bars. History of work completed. 1LB- 2CN. VGC. $19,000 ONO. Alexandra. 0409 470 107.

PIANOLA ROLLS. Around 50 rolls in all. Many older tunes. GC. $75. Malvern East. 0419 685 666. LL-OO

PHANTOM COMIC Collection.

Continuous

Replicas

of between Nos

FORDSON Major Tractor. Comes with slasher, grader blade and harrow. GC. $7000 negotiable. Wonga Park. 0449 028 209. TT-XX

MOBILITY SCOOTERS (2). Deceased estate. S840 (yellow). With battery, lights and all extras. EC. $1400. East Travel Elite,

DOLL

FRIDGE.

GARDEN

30 metres long. Good quality, heavy duty. GC. Paid $80, sell $20. Mt Martha. 5973 4163.

ANGLE

XUL

BOOKCASE.

ORGAN. Old Church Organ. Made by Mason and Hanlon. All there. Needs restoiruing. $200. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q

QUEEN COVER SET. Laura Ashley, cotton. Size: 220cm x 240cm with 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $25. Ashburton. 9885 2203.TT-XX

MATT BLATT red Egg Chair with 2 cushions. VGC. $150. Malvern East. 0419 685 666. VV-XX

MG ZS SUV 2023 one owner 26,000km, comes with RWC, bought in Nov. 2023 from dealership. 2BG-4LV. VGC. $16,000. Epping. 0422 076 298. VV-XX

LAMPS. Two. One,

IKEA Poang Chair. GC. $60. Malvern East. 0419 685 666. VV-XX

HORSE RUG. Tartan. As new. Never used. $35. Macleod. 0458 639 380. VV-XX

RECORDS. Capital./ 78rpm Les Paul and Mary Ford, 14 records. Also 2 records, 33rpm. GC. 78 rpm - $50. 33 rpm - $15. Box Hill. 9890 7904. TT-XX

REFERENCE BOOK. Holden Commodore 1978. 42cm x 29cm. $85. Glenroy. 9306 7628 LL-OO

RIDE-ON Deutscher 280 Honda 390 motor run fine seal on shaft leaks, heaps of parts including new seat, new cutting plate body part dismantled, everything is there. GC. $500 or offer. yarck. 0414 718 812. NN-QQ

ROLLER DOOR Electric

motor. 4 Doors brand. Near new Model 4DR1 v4 with remotes. Still has new stickers on it. EC. $100. Whittlesea. 0419 002 507.LL-OO

ROTARY CLOTHES

LINE. Mk 2. Cost, $349. Sell $140. Doncaster. 0409 414 417. NN-QQ

RUG. Onkaparinga Squatter. Woollen. Tartan pattern. Red, purple, brown. 152 x 182cm. EC. $25. Ashburton. 9885 2203. TT-XX

SAWS. 5 vintage hand saws for woodwork. FC. $12. Also frame for manual sharpening included. GC. $12. Ashburton. 9885 2203. TT-XX

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

TEDDY BEARS. Eight collectables. Also Pluck A Duck, Buzzy Bee, Disney’s Goofy, Donald Duck and ET. $95. Bundoora. 9467 8990. TT-XX

TRESTLE TABLE. Lifetime. 4 foot. Bi-fold blow mould. EC. $25. mt Martha. 5973 4163. TT-XX

TWO-PERSON SAW. $90. Mill Park. 9436 8935.HH-LL

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

WROUGHT IRON. Singer Sewing Machine Base. Marble top. Suiit gartden. Black. Needs painting. FC. $25. Surrey Hills. 0410 626 110. TT-XX

WANTED

KEYBOARD PLAYER to play 60s, 70s and 80s music with singer guitarist. Seymour. Geoff, 0432 498 311.

MONOPOLY SETS. Second hand. Victoria wide. Will pay cash and all postal costs. Genuine collector. Ararat. 5352 1636.

RING PULLS wanted off all aluminium cans and food tins to assist needy people who need prosthetics and wheel chairs and walking frames. Genuine collector. Will pay postage. Ararat. 5352 1636.

USED STAMPS. Australia and overseas. Any quantity and amount, to assist needy charities and needy world missions. Geneuine keen collector, Victoria wide. Top prices paid. Ararat. 5352 1636.

WHAT’S ON

COMMUNITY GROUPS can advertise their upcoming events in The Local Paper, without advertising charges. Go to the What’s On - Free Ad Form section at the www.Local Paper.com.au website 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. 6.30pm. Backgammon. Melbourne North Backgammon Club. Free lessons, weekly tournaments and a fun social environment. Tea and coffee provided, bar available. All ages welcome. We are totally inclusive. $10. At Moonee Valley Bowls Club, 2A Pattison St, Moonee Ponds. Phone: 0421 214 205. secretary@moonee valleybowlsclub.com XX

NEWPORT BOWLS

CLUB presents The Abba Show. Sunday, Marchc 22, 2026, at 1 Market St, Newport. Show: 2pm4pm. Must book with club. Limited numbers. $25 per person. Barbecue available at $5. Bar open 12 Noon6pm. VV-XX

Fatal hit-run

■ Major Collision Investigation Unit

detectives are investigating a fatal hit run in Mooroolbark on Friday morning (Dec. 5).

Emergency services were called to Manchester Rd after an unconscious male was located on the roadway about 1.55am.

The 28-year-old Lilydale man was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Detectives believe the man was struck by a white SUV prior to 2am.

The vehicle left the area in a southerly direction along Manchester Rd

FOOTSCRAY

Harassing emails

■ Detectives from Taskforce Hawk have issued further charges as part of an investigation into allegedly threatening and harassing emails sent to a CFMEU administrator earlier this year.

A 61-year-old Footscray man was initially arrested on November 12 and charged with seven counts of using a telecom communications device to menace harass and offend.

Detectives have also charged him with two further counts of using a telecom communications device to offend.

Investigators will allege the Footscray man sent the offensive messages on October 30 to an investigator appointed by the CFMEU Administration

The man was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on January 30.

Operation Hawk was established in July last year to specifically target criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry and transitioned to Taskforce Hawk in June this year.

This was in response to a number of fresh allegations of serious and violent criminal behaviour.

Taskforce Hawk is focused on assessing new intelligence and evidence relating to allegations of criminal behaviour linked to the construction industry.

It also continues to proactively target organised crime associated with

NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS

Application reference number: P20/0298.04

Applicant name: MIMMO SCRIMIZZI

The Land affected by this application is located at: 127B POINT NEPEAN ROAD DROMANA

LOT 5 PS 328289 VOL 10223 FOL 775

The application is for a permit to: AMENDING THE ENDORSED UNDER THE PERMIT GENERALLY INVOLVING:

• Addition of third storey to include living and dining area, relocate lift and addition of WC.

• Increase height of front fence from 1.90 metres to 2 metres.

• Replacement of timber decking fronting the pool with paving.

• Revised landscape plan.

AMENDING WHAT THE PERMIT AUTHORISES BY:

• VARY THE RESTRICTIVE COVENANT T661630D AFFECTING THE LAND DESCRIBED AS LOT 5 ON PLAN OF SUBDIVISION 328289T ON VOLUME 10223 FOLIO 775 BY AMENDING ITEM 5 (NUMBER OF STOREYS):

- TO BE READ: Erect or cause to be erected any building expect one residential dwelling of up to three storeys with the usual and necessary garage carport and/or outbuildings the design and construction of which must be of terrace nature. The third storey must be confined to the envelope of the roof terrace as per the endorsed plans approved on 21/04/ 23 under permit P20/0298.

INSTEAD OF: Erect or cause to be erected any building expect one residential dwelling of two storeys with the usual and necessary garage carport and/or outbuildings the design and construction of which must be of terrace nature.

How can I find out more?You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au

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

the sector, including a focus on any individuals employed within the construction industry who have known links to outlaw motorcycle gangs.

Police are also instigating approaches with relevant industry stakeholders to gather intelligence, as well as working closely with a range of law enforcement partners, regulators and government authorities.

MOUNT BUFFALO

Freeman search

■ Detectives from Taskforce Summit, supported by specialist resources, have undertaken a targeted search of the Mount Buffalo National Park as part of the ongoing search for wanted fugitive Desmond Freeman

The extensive search involved a number of units from across Victoria Police including local members from Eastern Region, Search and Rescue, Critical Incident Response Team, Drone Unit and the Dog Squad as well as two New South Wales Police Force cadaver dogs.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The family of Brett Harold Andrew, D.O.B 20/10/1959 (aged 66 years) is seeking to locate Brett for the purpose of deceased's estate. Brett is approximately 178cm tall. Childhood address was Exeter Street, Hadfield, Victoria. Last Known Address was in the vicinity of Preston, Victoria. Often frequents the Brunswick area. If you are Brett or know Brett's whereabouts, please contact McClure Law on (03) 9744 1881 .

Police have spent five days systematically searching 0.886 km2 in thick bush and heavy terrain, conducting line searches and clearing caves. No trace of Freeman has been located at this time.

The area was previously searched on September 12 with the purpose of locating an active armed offender, however on this occasion, search teams were focussed on identifying and locating evidence or the body of Freeman

The taskforce, based in the Great Alpine area, is led by detectives from Crime Command, including specialist resources from the Fugitive Squad, Armed Crime Squad, VIPER Taskforce, Special Operations Group, Search and Rescue Squad, and local Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems members.

The Homicide Squad continues to lead the investigation into the murders of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim De WaartHottart. Since August 26, hundreds of Victoria Police officers and specialist resources from across Victoria,

Australia and New Zealand have been tirelessly searching Porepunkah and surrounding areas at any one time for Freeman

As part of this search, Victoria Police’s tactical members, Public Order Response Team as well as other specialist resources, have searched large areas of the Mount Buffalo National Park

Extensive searches of the park have also been conducted from the air, supported by Victoria Police Air Wing and other specialist support. Detectives have investigated over 1950 pieces of intelligence, including information received from the public.

Despite these extensive searches and enquiries, police have not located Desmond Freeman Victoria Police will continue to maintain an enhanced presence in the local Porepunkah and Mount Buffalo National Park areas. Anyone who sees Freeman should phone triple zero (000) immediately and not approach him. A reward of up to $1 million remains for information leading to Freeman’s arrest. Contact Crime Stoppers Victoria via 1800 333 000.