The Local Paper. Southern Cross Weekly Edition. Wed., July 2, 2025
Local News
Cr donates $2000
■ kingston Councillor Jane Agirtan has been ordered to donate $2000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital after escaping conviction at Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court following a scarp with a social media opponent.
Cr Agirtan was charged with breaching a Personal Safety Intervention Order. At the time of going to press, she had not been instated as a Councillor.
$1 mil. saving
■ Yarra City Council will no longer absorb bank fees and chargers for their street parking and direct debit charges at leisure centres. From July 1, the Council will adopt a user-pays model for these fees, which up until now have been absorbed by Yarra’s ratepayers.
Mayor, Cr Stephen Jolly, said that by charging the user for these fees, Council will save almost $1 million a year – funds that can be used to improve the City
MP BLASTS GOVT’S INACTION ON CRIME
■ Temple Beth Israel was the target of an antisemitic act of vandalism when a swastika was painted on the front signage of the building, David Davis MLC has told Parliament.
BUSINESSES CLOSING
■ Southern Metropolitan MLC Georgie Crozier has slammed the Allan Labor State Government for what she calls “inaction” on crime.
“My question is for the Minister for Police [Anthony Carbines ]. Bentleigh East and Bentleigh have some of the highest crime rates in the City of Glen Eira , and the Glen Eira crime rate has increased by 7.5 per cent over previous years,” Ms Crozier said.
“We know Victorians are very frustrated with the government’s inaction on a whole range of crime issues, but I particularly want to take note of what happened in Centre Road, Bentleigh, where a jeweller was broken into twice in 24 hours.
“The store had been broken into – or there was an attempt to break in – three weeks prior to that.
“I mean, this is out of control. This family business, which is just trying to run its own business and do the right thing, is not getting any support from the Labor Government “Crime is out of control. They feel abandoned. You have got Nick Staikos up one end of the road, Mr Batchelor down the other end.
“This is all falling on deaf ears for these two local members. The question I ask of the minister is: how will you stem the tide of rising crime to protect businesses that are closing their doors for good?”
“We are grateful to report that the graffiti was removed … thanks to swift and coordinated efforts of TBI staff, Community Security Group, Victoria Police, and the Port Phillip Council,” said synagogue officials.
“We acknowledge the deep concern many in our community are feeling as the situation between Israel and Iran continues to unfold.”
Mr Davis said the organisers talked about the need to protect and support TBI and the broader Jewish community.
“What I am seeking from the minister is that she reach out to members of Temple Beth Israel – and not just Temple Beth Israel but other Jewish community organisations that have not been given the support and not been given the reassurance that they need.
“We have seen, obviously, a series of incidents. We have seen the terrible incident at the Adass institution, the Adass facility, but also so many other examples, whether it be at schools or elsewhere.
“I think the time has arrived for State Government ministers to become much, much more active in working with the Jewish community, ensuring that the community feels safe, acting ahead of time. I mean, this is clearly not stopping, these terrible incidents, and this recent example.”
● ● ● ● Georgie Crozier MLC
DECISION SOUGHT ON KRISHNA TEMPLE
■ Port Phillip Council has voted unanimously to apply to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal for a determination on whether existing use rights are established in relation to the use of 197-205 Danks Street Albert Park for purposes associated with the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON) Temple. Councillors have authorised the Manager City Development to instruct planning and/ or legal representation to determine, based on evidence and law, the extent of any existing use rights, to apply and advocate in relation to the application for a declaration under section 149A of the Planning and Environment Act 1987
PETITION ABOUT CHELSEA SAFETY
Local News CHAPEL ST CRACKDOWN
■ Shoplifters, drug traffickers, and anti-social troublemakers remain firmly in the sights of police on Chapel St, with almost 130 people arrested on the popular strip this year.
The arrests are a result of two co-ordinated operations targeting key issues along Chapel St – retail theft (Operation Traders) and antisocial behaviour surrounding the street’s nightspots (Operation Safenight).
Cost of living pressures have driven retail theft to historic levels across the state – increasing by 39 per centover the past year.
“With Chapel St situated in the heart of the suburb, it is unsurprising that Stonnington is in the top 10 hardest hit areas for shoplifting in the state,” said a Victoria Police representative.
“As a result, shoplifting is the most common crime on the strip – accounting for almost 30 per cent of all crime.”
Prahran Police have run a series of operations this year targeting shoplifters around supermarkets, liquor stores, and clothes shops on Chapel St, leading to 65 arrests.
Eighty per cent of those arrested were repeat shoplifters, with one man linked to 147 shop stealing incidents during his lifetime. A third of all retail theft on Chapel St this year relates to alcohol theft, with food and clothing also commonly stolen.
Among those caught by police and plain clothed loss prevention officers this year include:
■ Over five days in April, a 50-year-old man allegedly stole 21 bottles of alcohol worth around $415 from a liquor store on Chapel St He was arrested and charged with 13 counts of shop steal, and 14 counts of commit indictable offence whilst on bail. He was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on July 23.
■ Police arrested 10 alleged thieves on Chapel St in one day. This included a 24-year-old man who allegedly stole a jumper from a clothing store. When arrested, police found a meat cleaver and allegedly stolen energy drinks and toilet paper in his backpack. Other people were arrested for stealing items including prawns, doughnuts, dehydrated mangoes and a light bulb.
Despite crimes against the person such as robberies and assaults decreasing by almost 20 per cent on Chapel St , local police have retained a strong focus on keeping the strip’s pubs, clubs and restaurants safe.
Every Friday and Saturday night, police are out in force as part of Operation Safenight, with uniform and plain clothes officers, Highway Patrol, and liquor licensing officers saturating Chapel St and the surrounding area.
Licencing Unit, joining local police.
During the 20-hour operation, police dealt with more than 400 people, made nine arrests, intercepted 355 vehicles and conducted more than 300 preliminary breath tests.
Sheriffs identified 31 motorists with unpaid fines and clamped 12 vehicles, totalling almost $410,000. $101,000 of those fines were paid in full on the day.
Similar operations will be conducted in the future.
Stonnington Local Area Commander Inspector Georgie Swinton said: “Victoria Police is out in force on Chapel St every single weekend – ensuring people get home safely.
“Local officers quite literally work around the clock to keep the community safe; and while day and night present unique challenges, we are always ready to respond.
“It’s impossible to measure how much crime is prevented by the presence we have around Chapel St nightlife each weekend, however serious crimes against the person are certainly trending in the right direction.”
Prahran Police Sergeant Angie Le Sueur, said: “Retail theft not only hurts businesses, but there is a negative flow-on effect for all consumers and customers in the form of higher prices at the checkout.
“We hope our presence not only prevents shoplifting, but also encourages behaviour change among those involved.
Above average
■ The City of Stonnington’s 2025 Community Satisfaction Survey showing that the Council continues to perform above the State average across nearly every service area – with particularly strong results in community facilities, parks and public spaces, according to a Stonnington representative.
“The annual independent survey, commissioned by the Victorian Government and undertaken by JWS Research, captures the perceptions of 400 randomly selected Stonnington residents on the services, infrastructure and leadership provided by Council
“This year, Stonnington’s overall performance was rated above the State average and in line with metropolitan councils, reflecting continued community recognition of our investment in core services such as libraries (score: 77), recreational facilities (75), waste management (71) and the appearance of public areas (72).”
“Times are tough for a lot of people; however, stealing is never the answer.
●
●
● ● Rachel Payne MLC
■ A petition with 1258 signatures about Chelsea has been presented to State Parliament by Rachel Payne MLC.
“The petition of certain citizens of the State of Victoria draws the attention of the Legislative Council the following regarding access between Chelsea Station and the shops on Nepean Hwy:
■ Most Chelsea residents live east of the Station St/Frankston line/Nepean Hwy corridor. The shopping strip and beach are west of this corridor.
■ Chelsea station was rebuilt in 2021 as part of level crossing removals in the area.
■ The new station features a bus interchange, footbridge, lifts and central exits.
A pedestrian crossing near these on the Station St side was built.
■ However a pedestrian crossing adjacent to the footbridge, lifts and central station exit on the Nepean Hwy side was not built.
■ Instead people must backtrack via a narrow, unsheltered and unshaded fenced path to alternative pedestrian crossings well to the south or north.
■ Some people do not feel safe on this path or are physically unable to walk the added distance. Others jump the fence to avoid backtracking.
■ A direct crossing would increase visits to the shops, encourage activity especially amongst seniors and reduce risky fencejumping.
“The Petitioners therefore request that the Legislative Council calls on the Government to build a signalised pedestrian crossing on Nepean Hwy Chelsea near the station’s lift and footbridge to provide direct access to shops and services that residents and visitors need.”
Almost 3000 policing hours have been dedicated to the operation this year, with more than 55 arrests made. Dozens of compliance checks have also been conducted at licensed premises – ensuring venues are maintaining a safe environment for patrons.
Key arrests this year include:
■ At 3.30pm on June 15, a vehicle bearing false plates was seen driving down Chapel St. When police attempted to intercept the car, the driver allegedly fled on foot and was arrested shortly after. He was allegedly found in possession of knuckle dusters, methamphetamine and more than $18,000 in cash, while a search of the vehicle uncovered an extendable baton. The 35-year-old man was charged with trafficking and possessing a drug of dependence, possess proceeds of crime, handle stolen goods, make or use false documents, and two counts of possess prohibited weapon. He was remanded to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on September 8.
■ At 2am on June 1, a 19-year-old man was removed from a licensed premises on Toorak Rd, Toorak. Soon after, he approached a man who was not known to him and without provocation, allegedly headbutted the man, causing a broken nose and a broken tooth. Officers from Operation Safenight were quickly on scene and arrested the man, who was charged with recklessly cause injury, and unlawful assault. He was bailed to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on August 20.
■ Just before 3am on June 21, a vehicle was allegedly driven around a police officer who had directed the driver to enter an RBT site at the intersection of Chapel St and Dandenong Rd. The vehicle was then driven through a red light. Police followed the vehicle and arrested the P-plater driver, who returned a positive breath test between 0.07 and 0.10. He received an infringement notice, and his probationary licence was immediately suspended. There was an even stronger injection of police last month, with the Public Order Re-
“Having a criminal record can affect current or future employment and will leave a smear on your name for the rest of your life.”
‘Tax
discounts to ultrawealthy’
●
Ellen Sandell MLA
■ “The Victorian Labor Government is giving huge tax discounts – handouts – to the ultrawealthy to buy luxury penthouse apartments,” said Melbourne MLA Ellen Sandell.
“About a year ago the property development lobby came to Labor and said, ‘We’re having a bit of a hard time selling our offthe-plan new apartments, so could you cut us a break by giving people stamp duty concessions when they buy new apartments?’
“Labor said yes, but they made it uncapped. They sold it to the public as a way for affordable housing to be built, for young people to get into the market. But the thing is, the evidence is now in, and actually, most – the majority – of these tax discounts and handouts are going to the ultrawealthy to buy very, very expensive multimillion-dollar apartments,” Ms Sandell said.
sponse Team (PORT), Transit Police, Mounted Branch, Dog Squad, Highway Patrol, and State Liquor
● ● ISKCON Temple, Albert Park
Statewide
NELSON Fatal collision
■ Police are investigating a fatal collision in Nelson on Friday morning (June 27). It is understood a car and truck collided on Portland-Nelson Rd about 7.30am.
The driver of the car died at the scene.
The male driver of the truck was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Police are working to establish the circumstances of the collision.
CHURCHILL
Guns, explosives
■ Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged a man after locating firearms and explosives in Churchill
A search warrant was executed at a residential property in Churchillon Monday afternoon, June 23.
As part of the search, police located what appeared to be an improvised explosive device in a nearby area.
The area was cordoned off as a precaution and the Bomb Response Unit attended and rendered the device inert.
A 41-year-old Churchill man was charged with prohibited person use firearm, prohibited person possess two or more firearms, possess explosive substance, possess ammunition and commit indictable offence while on bail.
He was remanded to appear at Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on June 25.
Detectives also seized six assorted firearms, two crossbows, two signal jammers and ammunition.
PETERBOROUGH
Probe into crash
■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash in Peterborough on Sunday morning (June 29).
Emergency services responded to reports of a quad bike rolling on Jarvis Rd about 5.10am.V The female rider died at the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, has dashcam footage or any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au
6 CHARGED OVER COPPER THEFT AT NEWBOROUGH
■ Moe police officers have charged six people after a lengthy investigation into copper thefts from a former hospital site in Newborough
From February to May this year, the alleged offenders forced entry to the site on Ollerton Avenue multiple times and stole more than 800kg of electrical cabling and plumbing.
The copper stolen is estimated to be valued anywhere up to $10,000.
Officers recovered an allegedly stolen truck and seized tools and equipment, used to remove copper, on February 21. The truck has since been returned to its owner.
Officers tracked down seven alleged offenders.
A 54-year-old Traralgon man was charged with burglary and theft offences and will appear before the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on July 7.
A 43-year-old Cranbourne West man, a 38-year-old Cranbourne man and a 55-yearold Chadstone woman were charged with burglary and theft offences.
The trio will appear before the Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on August 20.
A 40-year-old Port Welshpool man and a 43-yearold Morwell man were charged with burglary and theft offences.
A 55-year-old Morwell man was interviewed by police and isexpectedtobecharged.
Statewide
Across Victoria
STATEWIDE
History boost
■ The State Government is funding community groups across Victoria to capture, preserve and share the unique stories and histories.
Danny Pearson, Minister for Acting Minister for Government Services, announced that 17 historical groups, museums, libraries and not-for-profits are the new recipients of the 2025 Local History Grants Program.
■ Australian Jewish Historical Society Victoria Inc. ($14,850)
■ BCYF - Bethany Ltd trading as Meli Community ($15,000)
■ Balnarring and District Historical Society Inc. ($2950)
■ Down Syndrome Association of Victoria Inc. ($12,623)
■ Kadimah Jewish Cultural Centre and National Library ($8168)
■ Kaiela Institute Limited ($13,024)
■ Koroit and District Historical Society ($5149)
■ Leongatha and District Historical Society Inc. ($1158)
■ Moonlight Head Cemetery Trust ($1050)
■ PMI Victorian History Library Inc. ($3396)
■ Prosper Australia ($2\110)
■ Queenscliffe Historical Museum Incorporated ($5100)
■ The National, Melbourne ($6520)
■ Trentham Rail and Tramway Association Inc. ($2429)
■ Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation ($15,000)
The Local History Grants Program is administered by Public Record Office Victoria, and supports community activities that preserve, record and share the local, social and community history of Victoria and Victorians
First Nations history will be highlighted in the new project William Barak’s Visual andMaterialLegacy:ACatologueforCommunity delivered through $15,000 to the Wurrindjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.
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The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in local editions:
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Ash on Wednesday Highett changes - at last
■
“After years of fighting alongside the community I am proud that we have finally secured funding to upgrade the change rooms at Peterson Reserve in Highett ,” Sandringham MLA Brad Rowswell has told State Parliament.
“This reserve is home to the Hampton Hammers, the Highett West Cricket Club and the East Sandringham juniors, and for too long their change rooms have just not been kept up to scratch; in fact the entire clubrooms have not been kept up to scratch.
“This has not been an easy fight. I remember when Bayside Council once funded a sculpture of oranges instead of investing in muchneeded facilities at Peterson Reserve , and locals were rightly frustrated.
“Many in our community feel that Highett has been overlooked.
“I want Highett residents to know that I will keep fighting for them at every single opportunity.
“I also want to thank the newly elected federal member for Goldstein Tim Wilson, who pledged $3 million at the last election to these new change rooms,” Mr Rowswell said.
MenSay
■ Carrum MLA Sonya Kilkenny has told the Legislative Assembly about MenSay, a local mental health support group for men built from the ground up by Bernie Liversidge, Dean Soma, Sean Abraham, Andrew Yarnton and many others.
“Every Monday at Belvedere Community Centre they offer support, connection
Long Shots
and community.
“Right now they are collecting socks and beanies for people in need this winter, with donations going to Community Support Frankston.
“Please drop into my office with a warm item, new socks or new beanies and help us support this absolutely brilliant cause.
“A huge thankyou to Bernie, Dean, Sean, Andrew and everyone at MenSay – you are making an incredible difference,” Ms Kilkenny said.
Bayley House
■ Brighton MLA
James Newbury said:
“For nearly 75 years Bayley House has created opportunities that empower young people to thrive.
“Bayley House is a Bayside-based notfor-profit organisation that provides exceptional support for people with an intellectual disability.
“Because the national disability insurance scheme leaves the organisation short, I ask our community to get behind Bayley House appeal this year and cover the shortfall.”
Life Saving
■ Sandringham MLA
At Toorak Park
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.
BAYSIDE
Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Cross (Est. Feb. 27, 1871), Bayside Advertiser Bayside comprises Beaumaris, Black Rock, Brighton, Brighton East, Cheltenham (part), Hampton, Hampton East, Highett (part) and Sandringham. Bayside is home to more than 105,580 people, living in approximately 41,091 homes.
BOROONDARA
SOUTHERN SECTION
Incorporating the traditions of the Boroondara Weekly, Progress News, Camberwell Free Press (Est. 1927) Boroondara southern area comprises the southern part of the municipality including Ashburton, Camberwell, Glen Iris (part), Hawthorn and Hawthorn East. Boroondara City is home to more than 176,632 people, living in approximately 69,419 homes.
GLEN EIRA
Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Cross (Est. Feb. 27, 1871), Glen Eira Standard, Carnegie Courier, Elsternwick Advertiser, Caulfield Advertiser Glen Eira comprises Bentleigh, Bentleigh East, Carnegie, Caulfield, Caulfield East, Caulfield North, Caulfield South, Elsternwick, Gardenvale, Glen Huntly, McKinnon, Murrumbeena and Ormond, and parts of the suburbs of Brighton East and St Kilda East. Glen Eira is home to more than 155,123 people, living in approximately 59,815homes.
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“For
Brad Rowswell attended the black rock Life Saving Club where he presented club legend Nicola Harrop with the Victoria award for her outstanding contribution to the club.
“Nicola has done it all, from patrol vicecaptain to president, coach, mentor, fundraiser and more,” Mr Rowswell told the Legislative Assembly
Local Photo Flashback
Incorporating the traditions of the Kingston Standard, Moorabbin News, Moorabbin Standard, Chelsea Mordialloc Standard Kingston comprises Aspendale, Aspendale Gardens, Bonbeach, Braeside, Carrum, Chelsea, Chelsea Heights, Cheltenham, Clarinda, Clayton South, Dingley Village, Edithvale, Heatherton, Highett, Mentone, Moorabbin, Moorabbin Airport, Mordialloc, Oakleigh South, Parkdale, Patterson Lakes and Waterways. Kingston is home to more than 167,228 people, living in approximately 67, 617 homes.
PORT PHILLIP
Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Cross (Est. Feb. 27, 1871), Emerald Hill Times, Sandridge Times, St Kilda Times Port Phillip comprises Albert Park, Balaclava, Elwood, Melbourne (part), Middle Park, Port Melbourne (part), Ripponlea, South Melbourne, Southbank (part), St Kilda, St Kilda East (part), St Kilda West and Windsor (part). Port Phillip is home to more than 100,863 people, living in approximately 57,867 homes.
STONNINGTON
Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Cross (Est. Feb. 27, 1871), Stonnington Weekly
Stonnington comprises Armadale, Glen Iris, Kooyong, Malvern, Malvern East, Prahran, South Yarra, Toorak and Windsor. Stonnington is home to more than 114,340 people, living in approximately 54,181 homes.
YARRA
Incorporating the traditions of Collingwood Carlton Fitzroy Courier (Est. 1948), Richmond Times Yarra comprises Abbotsford, Burnley, Carlton North, Clifton Hill, Collingwood, Cremorne, Fitzroy, Fitzroy North, Princes Hill, Richmond. Yarra is home to more than 99,622 people, living in approximately 44,033homes.
● Brad Rowswell MLA
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Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment Aaron Rourke, Film Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing Matt
Kemp,
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Observer Melbourne
WEDNESDAY, JULY 2,
■ There are fresh calls to take greater care on Victorian roads with a Greater Sooty Owl needing life-saving treatment at Healesville Sanctuary’s wildlife hospital.
The threatened species with soulful eyes and sharp talons suffered a head trauma, suspected of being hit by a car at Gembrook
A wildlife carer rushed the large nocturnal bird to the Sanctuary’s Australian Wildlife Health Centre where it received a full medical check including X-Rays, eye examination and blood tests upon arrival.
Healesville Sanctuary Veterinary Nurse Chris Stitt said they needed to rule out rodenticide poisoning which was the main eason for the blood test.
“We found the owl was straining one of its eyes due to corneal damage. But thankfully, we didn’t find any fractures,” Mr Stitt said.
“It is not a species we see often, so it was quite an exciting moment to be up close to such an amazing bird that’s considered endangered in Victoria
“In my seven years working at the wildlife hospital, I haven’t come across one before.”
The Greater Sooty Owl was provided a quiet, dark place to recover in the new Raptor Rehabilitation Centre while it received fluids, anti-inflammatory medication and pain relief.
Wise to take care Wise to take care
Local Business Profile
Michelle Allen and team of Muddy Creek Health Hub, Yea
I have been working as a massage therapist in Yea, at my home for the last 15 years.
I have supported people's relaxation, remedial or correctional and palliative care treatments for this community and it's been an honor.. I have always been fascinated by the body and finding ways of helping people in pain and learning to see if we can push past our symptoms to heal on a deep or lasting level. It's always been a dream of mine to be part of a health hub that includes different types of therapists and modalities coming together.
Technology is happening in our health care industry and with so many amazing minds and by still using old fashioned foundations there is some seriously successful solutions for people's pain and healthcare needs.
My clinic is lucky enough to have Rebecca Bullen join the team as a Remedial Therapist who brings the same values with a different touch to her care for clients.
I have also introduced a Telsa
Former which uses Functional Magnetic Stimulation machine that can change our body on a very deep physiological level.
It supports problems around inflammation, pain, muscular atrophy and injury, stimulates the lymphatic system and supports drainage.
Weight loss or cellulite reduction or body sculpting. Pelvic floor issues and incontinence problems have had huge success and erectile dysfunction also has some.
We have an awesome team to begin with of Rebecca Bullen, Nicole Schryver, Grace Hamilton and myself who look forward to being part of Yea and districts healthcare solutions.
My telephone number is 0419 625 536 if you would like to talk more or even come in and have a look around at our facilities. The clinic's number is 0417 658 366 or email us at info@muddycreekhealthhub. com.au
Our address is 7 The Semi Circle, Yea. The old medical Centre and the old dentist.
Seven days later, wildlife carers released this beautiful species back to the wild where it was found at dusk.
Greater Sooty Owls are a medium to large owl species that stand about 40-50 centimetres tall. They are listed as endangered under the Victorian Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 and listed as least concern with a decreasing population on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Threats to their survival include habitat loss and fragmentation, rodenticide poisoning and road trauma.
Mr Stitt admits seeing this wildlife patient serves as a good reminder to take extra care when driving at dawn and dusk because that’s when so many of native species come out and explore.
The Australian Wildlife Health Centre at Healesville Sanctuary can assist with injured, sick and orphaned native animals.
A dedicated team treats approximately 2000 wildlife annually as well as caring for the Sanctuary’s resident animals.
Visitors can see the incredible vet procedures taking place in real time as the wildlife hospital has glass internal walls. Thanks to the generosity of a network of wildlife carers, patients such as this Greater Sooty Owl can receive the expert care they need and then go on to live their lives in the wild.
● ● Michelle Allen, Nicole Schryver, Bek Bullen and Grace Hamilton
Your Stars
with Kerry Kulkens
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 3, 2
Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 23, 36, 34, 4
This week, people around you may test your patience. Avoid unnecessary arguments to maintain your peace of mind. Financial opportunities may arise, so stay alert to potential gains.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 6, 9
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 21, 34, 40
Setting up financial matters early will help avoid future complications. Make time for relaxation and socialising—you deserve a break. A contact from your past could lead to an unexpected benefit.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: Pink
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 6, 2
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 39, 5, 33
Maintain a positive outlook; a smile can solve many problems. Avoid unnecessary expenses, as purchases made now may not be worth the cost. Look for workplace challenges.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 9, 5
Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 9, 5, 11
You may be viewing life through rosecoloured glasses, but reality may differ from expectations. Surprising gestures from others could leave a lasting impression.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 4, 9, 6, 1
Lotto Numbers: 4, 15, 29, 36, 37, 8
Others' cooperation might not meet your expectations, requiring flexibility in your plans. Domestic responsibilities may feel overwhelming but can be managed with patience.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Yellow
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 8, 6, 5, 2
Lotto Numbers: 8, 12, 26, 36, 34, 44
Mixing business with pleasure may yield a different result than this week. Stay cautious, as people from your past might reintroduce complications into your life.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 6
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 36, 35, 4
Careful planning will ensure success, although some projects may face delays. Avoid overindulgence, as it could lead to health issues. Balance is vital to a productive week.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 3
Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 23, 32, 20, 36
Ensure all your actions are transparent, as deception could lead to complications. Avoid conflicts with authority figures, as they are unlikely to resolve in your favour.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Lilac
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 26, 45, 42, 24
Long-term relationships may need reassessment—honesty with yourself is essential. Problems that seem significant may resolve themselves with less effort than anticipated.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 3, 2
Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 35, 36, 39, 8
Fresh ideas and partnerships could rejuvenate your work environment. Be mindful of your love life, as it may require attention and care amid your busy schedule.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Violet
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 25, 26, 35, 4
Take time to enjoy yourself and pursue activities you love. Significant connections could form, with the potential for lasting commitments and long-term happiness.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: Fawn
Lucky Day: Saturday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 36, 34, 45
Some meetings with friends or relatives may initially disappoint, but the outcomes could exceed your expectations. Fun and excitement are just around the corner.
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budget to be cut
Sir, I read with interest a recent article in your publication headlined ‘Investment into SES’ ILocalPaper, June 25).
It quoted Minister for Emergency Services, Vicki Ward, talking glowingly about Labor’s support for the SES and spruiking unprecedented investment.
What the article didn’t say was the Minister was responding to a question from myself in Parliament
The article also failed to say that the Minister failed to answer the question, instead providing only the spin and waffle you quoted.
In Question Time, I simply asked: “What is the SES’s base budget for 2025–26?” .
Instead of answering, the Minister did nothing to dispute a looming SES budget cut, despite Victorians facing a $3 billion tax hit that is supposed to be better funding our emergency services.
Fact is, a Government Gazette has revealed the SES budget is set to be cut by $8.4 million, along with cuts to FRV and CFA
How is that supporting and investing in the SES?
Danny O’Brien Leader
of The Nationals Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
Private health
Sir,
Specialist fees are a concern, but they are not the main reason for out-of-pocket costs being barriers to private healthcare.
The real issue lies in the design of private health insurance, which typically come with exclusions and restrictions.
Many policies do not cover common procedures or only offer partial coverage, leading to high out-of-pocket costs.
While the number of people insured for hospital treatment has grown from 11.2 million in December 2019 to 12.5 million in March 2025, the number of people on exclusionary hospital policies has grown from 6.6 million to 8.6 million in the same period.
The percentage of hospital policies with exclusions by insurers has grown from 57.7 per cent in December 2019 to 67.6 per cent in March 2025.
High and growing insurance membership does not translate into high private hospital use due to inadequate coverage.
The complexity and lack of transparency in insurance policies discourage patients from using private care.
To increase private hospital use and ease pressure on the public system, insurance products must be reformed to be more comprehensive, transparent and user-friendly.
Private hospital admissions have increased 3 per cent over the last year (from 4.9 million to over 5.1 million), yet private hospitals face an existential crisis. Why? Clearly, it has little to do with volumes but payments.
As recently recorded by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority, in the last quarter to March alone the payment ratio to private hospitals from insurers plummeted
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.
from 83 per cent to just 80.7 per cent. That’s virtually 20 per cent of the premiums mums and dads pay for health insurance being siphoned into insurance company coffers.
It’s a far cry from the traditional 88 per cent benchmark, which is an annual threshold the insurers have not met since 2019-20.
Health insurance companies are pocketing an average $2 billion a year in unprecedented profits from people’s annual premiums, in addition to $3.5 billion a year in higher ‘management fees’, all while short-changing private hospitals by over $1 billion a year.
Clearly the insurers have deep enough pockets to meet their obligations without increasing premiums for their members.
In the last quarter alone, APRA reveals the insurers banked another $431 million in profits.
When the middlemen in healthcare are allowed to gouge their members at one end and short-change private hospitals at the other, the funding model is being abused to the point that it is broken.
It is now more than three months since Federal Health Minister Mark Butler publicly put the health insurance industry on notice to increase payments to private hospitals or he would regulate them to do so. That deadline has lapsed and nothing has changed.
Brett Heffernan Chief Executive Officer
Duck season
Sir,
The final long weekend of Victoria's 2025 recreational duck shooting season ended Monday, June 9, as it started, extremely quiet with very few shooters.
It highlighted the shocking misuse of public funds which are used to prop up recreational duck shooting seasons for duck shooters who make up just 0.2 percent of Victoria’s population.
With Victoria’s crippling debt of about $170 billion, Premier Jacinta Allan should have the vision to immediately replace duck shooting, which costs Victorian taxpayers around $11 million annually, with a First Nations naturebased, cultural wetlands tourism industry, which would inject millions, if not billions of dollars into regional Victoria’s economy.
Instead, Premier Allan is focused on her multi-billion dollar Big Build trains fetish, which is highly detrimental to Victoria’s financial wellbeing.
She has also ignored Labor’s 2023 Parliamentary Inquiry, which called for duck shooting to be banned.
New South Wales is light years ahead of Victoria, with a lucrative First Nations cultural tourism industry which, according to ABC News, October 2024, generates over $3 billion annually and aims to increase this to $91 billion by 2035.
Apart from Victoria , birdwatching is booming in Australia. International birdwatchers spent $2.6 billion on travel that involved birdwatching in the year to June 2024, according to Tourism Research Australia.
Premier Allan denied regional Victorians the chance to be inundated with overseas tourists when Labor cancelled the Commonwealth Games; and her lack of vision is presently denying regional Victorians the opportunity to establish wetlands and native bird tourism.
In the 1980s, a visionary Labor Premier John Cain and two ministers, Joan Kirner and Evan Walker, had the idea to protect Victoria’s penguins and they established a thriving, world class penguin tourism industry.
Victoria’s future Labor Premier needs to have a tourism vision.
Approaching the 2026 Victorian election, it’s important that the Labor Party changes to a Premier who bans the dying activity of duck shooting, which is incompatible with nature-based tourism, and instead promotes a First Nations nature-based, cultural wetlands tourism industry.
Laurie Levy Campaign Director Coalition Against Duck Shooting
Thousands late
■ Thousands of homeward - bound city workers were delayed up to three hours last night when two train derailments threw suburban rail services into chaos.
The accidents, at Jolimont and South Yarra, blocked the lines from Melbourne to Sandringham and from Oakleigh, Dandenong and Frankston to Melbourne
Some Frankston and Sandringham services were delayed six hours.
Trains still were half an hour behind schedule at 10 p.m. lt was one of Melbourne's worst hold-ups ever.
Trains leaving Flinders st. station were packed to capacity and hundreds were left behind.
South Yarra station was chaos as people travelling both to and from the city swarmed over the platforms.
Hundreds of angry passengers tried to get home by fra ni from South Yarra station, and police had to be called to handle the crowds which spilled from the station to Toorak rd
The first accident oc curred at 3.45 p.m. when a two-carriage train was derailed at the Jolimont yards, near the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
The second accident happened at South Yarra station, at 5 p.m., when the rear of a shunting train on the Sandringham line slid down the wrong set of rails.
This upset the emergency shuttle service already runnuing to Sandringham
People travelling on that line had to go to South Yarra by a limited service on the Frankston - Dandenong line, and then switch to the shuttle service.
Ran down bandit
■
A gunman last night held up a Thornbury milk bar, then ran-not knowing that the proprietor was a professional sprinter and winner of three Victorian Gifts. Sprinter Terry Brady chased the gunman 100 yards along St. George's rd. and caught him after "breaking even time."
"I won the Heathcote, Cobram, and Keilor Gifts, but I bettered those efforts in this sprint' Brady said last night.
The gunman walked into the milk bar about 8 p.m and ordered a packet of chewing gum from Brady's wife, Winifred, who was serving alone.
Mrs. Brady gave him the gum, and he pulled a .32 revolver from his overcoat pocket and said: "I want your dough quick.'!
Mrs. Brady put a ten-shil\ling note on the counter and said: "That's all I have."
"Then I sang out: 'Get out. You're not getting anything'.
"He ran and I called to my husband, who sprinted after him."
Wireless Police took the man to Russell st. for questioning.
Presented by Sarah Kulkens, Australia’s
Trusted Psychic Family
Scandinavian Film Festival
■ The 2025 Hurtigruten Scandinavian Film Festival, presenting the best new cinema from the Nordic region, will be presented at Palace cinemas from July 11 to August 3.
The unveiling of this year's program revealed a diverse and thought–provoking selection from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Denmark and Iceland with 2025 Cannes Grand Prix winner, SentimentalValueas the centrepiece.
The Festival welcomes new naming rights partner Hurtigruten, long associated with the Nordic region.
Opening the 2025 Festival is Number 24, from multi award-winning director John Andreas Andersen (TheBurningSea,The Quake). This Norwegian spy drama depicts the extraordinary true story of an ‘everyman’ drawn into the resistance movement during World War II, exploring the morality of wartime and the weight of responsibility in the fight for freedom.
Direct from the 2025 Cannes International Film Festival, where it won the coveted Grand Prix, is this year’s centrepiece, SentimentalValue, from director Joachim Trier. Reuniting Trier with star Renate Reinsve (The Worst Person in the World), the intimate drama also stars Stellan Skarsgård and Elle Fanning in a moving exploration of family, memories, and the reconciliatory power of art.
2025’s Special Presentation is Quisling: TheFinalDays(Quislingssistedager). Set in 1945 Norway, this bold and provocative drama from acclaimed director Erik Poppe (TheKing’sChoice,ScandiFF17) follows the post-liberation trial of the country’s infamous and controversial head of state Vidkun Quisling, in a stirring meditation on complicity, faith and the capacity for selfdeception.
A box office sensation in Iceland, black comedy Grand Finale (Fullt hús) is this year’s Closing Night film. Featuring an allstar Icelandic ensemble cast, this wildly entertaining tale revolves around a near-bankrupt chamber orchestra in Reykjavik who try to secure their future with a world-famous cellist.
Also from Iceland is the powerful and visually stunning drama The Mountain (Fjallið), the first officially vetted sustainable production in the country, awarded the prestigious Green Film Sustainability certification. Starring Ísadóra Bjarkardóttir Barney (daughter of singer Björk and artist Matthew Barney) in her first feature role, the coming-of-age story explores how the cosmos and a road trip to the Icelandic highlands offers comfort to a family whose life is upended by a twist of fate.
The Icelandic selection also includes Odd Fish (Ljósvíkingar) a tale of dreams, identity and acceptance which follows two childhood friends who get a long-awaited opportunity to run their seafood restaurant all year round yet face unexpected personal challenges.
From Denmark comes the compelling drama SecondVictims(Detandetoffer), starring Festival favourite Trine Dyrholm Featuring Dyrholm and Özlem Saglanmak (Borgen), this timely reflection on the challenges faced by healthcare professionals follows a neurologist on a shift that will change her life forever, exploring the weight of guilt and the power of compassion.
Direct from the 2025 Göteborg Film Festival is the drama TheLastParadiseonEarth (Seinastaparadísájørð). The unique culture and stunning landscapes of the Faroe Islands are the backdrop to this moving exploration of identity, grief, and longing.
Based on the true story of Denmark’s biggest-ever robbery, TheQuietOnes(De lydløse)follows a group of criminals in their heist preparations with a stellar ensemble cast including Gustav Giese, Reda Kateb, Christopher Wagelin and Amanda Collin
From acclaimed director Charlotte Sieling (Margrete – Queen of the North ScandiFF22) and starring Nikolaj Lie Kaas, Way Home (Vejen hjem) is a gripping drama set against the backdrop of war-torn Syria that posits how far a Danish father is willing to go to save the people he loves. Finally, the Festival is screening special encores of WhentheLightBreaks(Ljósbrot) which recently won Best Nordic Film at the 2025 Göteborg Film Festival.
Melbourne Screenings: July 11 - August 3, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Westgarth, Palace Penny Lane, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema and The Astor Theatre.
Cheryl Threadgold
Talkischeap,gossipispriceless
MARY POPPINS JR
■ The Young Australian Broadway Chorus will present the musical MaryPoppinsJrfrom July 16-19 at the Cripps Centre, 217 Glen Eira Rd, St Kilda East.
A division of Stage School Australia, the YABC has assembled a cast of 90 young performers to bring the show to life.
The high-energy, large-scale production features all the well-known songs, from the frenetic Supercalifragilisticexpialidociousto the fun ASpoonfulofSugarand the fabulous Step inTime.
This junior adaptation of MaryPoppinswas written by Julian Fellowes (DowntonAbbey), based on the classic books by P.L. Travers, and showcases the wealth of young musical theatre talent from across Melbourne
One such talent is Alyssa Jandayan, 18, an aspiring young performer and first-year Bachelor of Psychology student cast in the titular role of Mary Poppins.
A student with Stage School Australia for seven years, this marks Alyssa’s debut as leading lady in a YABC production, after performing in the ensemble of the YABC’s 2023 junior adaptation of Oliver!
She describes the iconic character as her dream role, having grown up reading the books and watching the 1964 film starring Julie Andrews.
“When I was 11 and really starting to read vigorously, I was given a MaryPoppins book that contained all six original stories in the franchise,” Alyssa recalls.
“I think I’ve read that book around three times now and thoroughly enjoy each story. I genuinely can’t wait to work with everyone, cast and crew alike, because I love meeting new people and making new friends.”
Producer Corey Smark says an extensive casting process saw over 300 talented local performers aged 10 to 19 given their chance to star in the fully costumed and professionally staged production.
Performance Season: July 16, 17, 18, 19 at 7pm; July 17, 18, 19 at 2.30pm Venue: Cripps Centre, 217 Glen Eira Rd, St Kilda East
Tickets start from $29.50 and are on sale now at stageschool.com.au/shows/marypoppins-jr/ Cheryl Threadgold
Lightscape
■ The wonderful night time transformation of Melbourne 's botanical gardens into the dazzling sound and vision extravaganza that is Lightscapereturns with a whole new show this year.
If you’ve not been before, Lightscape is a series of over twenty different installations set up on a walking trail which winds its way through the gardens for a little over two kilometres. These installations take many different forms.
On an open expanse of lawn Effervescence, created by the UK company Culture Creative, consists of thousands of balls of LED light that flash on and off while changing colour, creating kaleidoscope patterns and forms.
In the garden’s lake, Water Stories is created by a variety of indigenous artists in collaboration with the Torch Project and Novak creative studio.
The installation consists of a range of indigenous motifs depicting native animals (such as yabbies, platypus, Murray cod, etc) that are projected onto the mist created by the lake’s fountains. The effect is truly mesmerising.
These are just two examples of some astounding pieces of brilliant work from both local and international artists.
The works they have created, sensitively shaping environments and atmospheres through the artistic sculpting of light and sound, give the audience immersive experiences and a totally novel perspective on the gardens.
It is unfortunate that credits for the soundscapes that are part of each installation were not available; sometimes the music used is a recognisable hit from popular musicals, others might be original compositions.
However, while not easily identifiable, their impact is as they are important elements of each installation.
Importantly, as you walk along the trail there are stretches of space free of any sort of installation. These spaces help to both demarcate each work and also afford the audience a
● ● Alyssa Jandayan (Mary Poppins) and Darcy Smith (Bert) in Mary Poppins Jr. breather from what might be an overwhelming experience.
While not cheap, Lightscape is worth visiting for a truly one-of-a-kind joyous experience and a celebration of what the human imagination is capable.
Venue: Royal Melbourne Botanical Gardens, Birdwood Avenue, Melbourne
Dates and times: Running until August 10 with entries in 15 minute increments starting at 5.15pm
Duration: Walking the trail takes approximately 90 minutes
Multiple ticketing options are available: see rbg.vic.gov.au/melbourne-gardens/whats-onmelbourne/lightscape/
■ Emilie Collyer’s Superis a theatrical indulgence whimsically delving into the absurd.
Phoenix (Lucy Ansell), Rae (Caroline Lee) and Nel (Laila Thaker) all have unconventional superpowers – the ability to control anger, to bring people to tears, and an inordinate capacity to organise.
Collyer dispenses with the usual notions of character development and narrative exploring concepts like celebrity, friendship, charity, and even technology as the three protagonists become consumed by their own capacity to influence their situation.
The nonsense is delightfully enhanced by a quirky set and extravagant costuming (Romanie Harper).
Circular portals in the walls, floor and roof not only allow for exits and entrances but become convenient chutes to discard props. The eccentricity in the outfits worn speaks to celebrity and excess.
Emma Valente’s direction delights in the nonsense. Ansell, Lee and Thaker revel in the possibilities afforded by theatrical absurdity.
There is a realism in the core of friendship between the characters though it is, perhaps, up to each individual audience member to take from the play a central theme.
It could be the corruption of celebrity, the loss of rational perspective, the fact that a superpower could be something quite ordinary and common that we exercise each day.
In this regard, the nature of the work may not be what some theatre goers expect but it does speak to Red Stitch’s commitment to negotiating theatrical boundaries.
The play was developed through Red Stitch’s INK program that encourages contemporary works by Australian playwrights.
With that creative fervour in mind, Super challenges assumptions enabling audiences to explore the dimensions of theatre and where their tastes lie.
Performance Season: Until July 6
Venue: Red Stitch Actors' Theatre, Rear 2 Chapel St., St Kilda East.
Bookings: redstitch.net Review by David McLean
● ● The Melbourne Observer section is produced weekly, and is available online at www.MelbourneObserver.com.au and at www.LocalPaper.com.au Hard copies of the Melbourne Observer are inside all editions of The Local Paper, printed fortnightly, FebruaryDecember.
St Kilda Film Festival winners
■ St Kilda Film Festival has announced the winners of Australia's Top Short Film Competition for 2025.
Australia’s longest-running short film festival award winners will take home a combined $40,000 worth of cash and prizes across 14 categories.
The prestigious Best Short Film Award, courtesy of City of Port Phillip, was awarded to TheMeaninglessDaydreamsofAugieand Celeste, which took home the cash prize of $10,000. Directed by Pernell Marsden, this is a tale of two best friends who embark on a high-stakes game of imagination, which takes a twisted turn and threatens to jeopardise their relationship (right). The film was also awarded in the Best Young Actor category for Libby Segal and Frankie Gillespie McKay
Also recognised in multiple categories I’m Not Your Heroine, took home two awards for Best Documentary, as well as Best Animation. The film examines pain, loss, addiction and the space in which they intertwine. Directed by Emmalene Vidot and Savannah James. The story follows a mother who is helpless alleviate the pain of her son, who turns to drugs after his fatherfigure commits suicide.
Best Director went to Riley Blakeway for A Thousand Odd Days, a story about a young man reflecting on a day spent with his estranged mother, to understand her enduring trauma and its effect on their relationship. Andrew Gough was recognised for his cinematography on this film, winning the Best Achievement in Cinematography award.
Best Achievement in Indigenous Filmmaking went to MotherhoodintheColony. Directed by Genevieve Grieves and Aseel Tayah , the film was awarded a $100 cash prize from CitiPower and is a love letter to mothers and the vital role they play in the resilience of Indigenous Cultures. The judges also awarded a special Judges’ Commendation in this category, to Re-imagining OurFutures:birthing
This year SKFF has set new records for the number of films screened and received. The Top Short Films Awards have been judged by a panel of industry professionals, with the 2025 judging panel including: cinematographer Ellery Ryan (WishfulThinking starring Drew Barrymore), filmmaker Rhianna Meltzer (Thor: Ragnarok and Elvis), editor Cindy Clarkson (I.Qstarring Tim Robbins and Meg Ryan), film programmer Spiro Economopoulos (Moving Story Entertainment) and City of Port Phillip First Peoples Programs Lead Fred Gesha
All award winners (excluding Best Young Actor) also received a complimentary sixmonth membership with WIFT Australia.
Accredited by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the St Kilda Film Festival is an Academy Awards qualifying event, with award-winning films from the Australia's Top Short Films Competition eligible for consideration in the Short Film Awards and Documentary Short sections of the Oscars.
Best Original Score – Greg Dombrowski, The Horn
Best Achievement in Sound Post-Production – Wiaan van der Westhuizen, Pliers
Best Achievement in Editing – James Ashbolt – Unstoppable
Best Achievement in Screenplay – Kat Dominis & Mariana Rudan & Damian Walshe-Howling – Unspoken
Best Achievement in Indigenous Filmmaking – Motherhood in the Colony
Best Achievement in Cinematography –Andrew Gough - A Thousand Odd Days
Best Young Actor – Libby Segal and Frankie Gillespie McKay - The Meaningless Daydreams of Augie and Celeste
Best Actor – Steve Mouzakis – Hiraeth
Best Animation – I'm Not Your Heroine
Best Documentary - I'm Not Your Heroine
Best Director - Riley Blakeway - A Thousand Odd Days
Best Innovation Award - I Like Long Walks on Parramatta Road
Best Short Film: The Meaningless Daydreams of Augie & Celeste
Best Youth Short Film – S Ari Quig for Diced Peaches
Cheryl Threadgold
Local Theatre Observations
Shows
■ Malvern Theatre Company: Macbeth (by William Shakespeare) Until July 5 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: David McLean. Bookings: 1300 131 552.
■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Rabbit Hole (by David Lindsay-Abaire) Until July 12 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: John Bishop. Bookings: wlt.org.au/book-tickets
■ Wangaratta Players: Rumours (by Neil Simon) Until July 6 at Stage Door Theatre, 4D Evans St., Wangaratta. Director: Steve Thornycroft and Leanne Kelly. Bookings: Trybooking.
■ MLOC Productions: The Pirate Queen (Boublil and Schönberg) Until July 19 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director: Chris Ryan; Musical Director: Matthew Pines. Bookings: mloc.org.au
■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: The Diary of Anne Frank (by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett) July 3 – 19 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Kellie Tweeddale. Bookings: lilydaleatc.com
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Love, Love, Love (by Mike Bartlett) July 4 – 19 (2pm matinees on weekends) at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: George Werther. Bookings: htc.org.au
■ Off the Leash Theatre: Things I Know to be True (by Andrew Bovell) July 17 – 20 at the West Gippsland Arts Centre, 1 Civic Place, Warragul. Director: Amy Moss. Bookings: offtheleashtheatre.com.au
■ Theatrical: Legally Blonde July 12-27 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Aimee F orrest; Musical Director: Kent Ross; Choreographer: Maggie Lynch, Bookings: booktickets.com.au
■ Fab Nobs Theatre: Zombie Prom - The Atomic Edition. July 11 – 20 at Fab Nobs Theatre, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Maeghan McKenzie; Choreographer: Dean Robinson; Musical Director: Sally McKenzie. fabnobstheatre.com.au
■ CPP Community Theatre: Seussical Jr. July 11, 12, 15, 17, 18 at 7.30pm; July 12,19 2pm; July 13 5pm at Boronia K-12 College, Performing Arts Centre, Albert Ave., Boronia (park at Rangeview Rd. end). Director/ Musical Director: Helen Taylor; Associate Director: Fiona Rosel. Bookings: cppcommunitytheatre.com.au/
■ Darebin Arts Speakeasy: Garçon with Wani Toaishara, July 16 – 20 at the Northcote Town Hall Arts Centre, 189 High St, Northcote.Bookings: arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/ Programs-and-opportunities/Programs/ Speakeasy-presentations/garcon-by-wanitoaishara
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Lord Savile’s Crime (by Constance Cox) July 24
– August 2 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Bookings: mordialloctheatre. com.au
■ Encore Theatre: Agatha Crispie (by Cenarth Fox) July 18 – 27 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: David Dodd. Bookings: Trybooking.
■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV): The Mikado July 17 – 20 at The Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton. Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV): The Mikado July 17 – 20 at The Alexander Theatre, Monash University, Clayton. Queenscliff Town Hall, July 26, Stawell Town Hall, August 2; Berninneit Theatre at Cowes, August 9. Bookings: gsov.org.au
■ PLOS Musical Productions: We Will Rock You. July 25 – August 2 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director: Paul Watson. Bookings: plos.asn.au or 9784 1060. Cheryl Threadgold
Auditions
■ Encore Theatre: The Revlon Girl (by Anthony Docking) July 1 at 7.30pm at Fleigner Hall, 31 Highland Ave, Oakleigh East. Director: David Krause. Audition bookings: encoretheatre.com.au
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. July 27 at 10.30am and July 28 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Audition bookings: timascott56@ gmail.com
■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Good Life (by Jeremy Sams based on TV series by John Esmonde and Bob Larbey) August 17 and August 18 at 7.00pm at the Bayside Arts and Cultural Centre, Cnr Wilson and Carpenter Sts., Brighton. Director: Joanne Gabriel. Audition Enquiries: Jo Gabriel at pukfam@bigpond.net.au Cheryl Threadgold
THE YELLOW LINE
■ TheYellowLine(twoworlds,oneline) directed and co-written by Alaine Beek and Berne-Lee (Nana) Edwards will be presented on July 26 and 27 at the Wyndham Cultural Centre, Werribee
Described as 'a powerful true story', and inspired by events at Port Phillip Prison, now set to close in 2025 amid major prison reforms, TheYellowLineis presented by Essence Theatre Productions and Nga Matai Purua Inc
Based on NMP President Tyson Tuala’s real-life experience, at the heart of TheYellow Line stands Jordan - a young Pasifika guard tasked with teaching Haka to a bunch of disconnected and disinterested prison inmates.
As Jordan walks the metaphorical (and literal) yellow line that separates guard from prisoner, this compelling new Australian work asks: What does redemption look like when you carry the weight of culture, identity, and justice on your shoulders?
The Yellow Line is said to deliver visceral honesty, unforgettable performances, and deep emotional truth, and features an ensemble cast which includes first-time performers with lived experience
“Even though the focus is Maori culture, all cultures will deeply connect with this play”, says co-writer/co-director Alaine Beek
“It’s based on a specific true story and audiences will be immersed into the Maori culture in a thought-provoking way. Each character is based on a real person and although dealing with a very significant topic, so much comedy shines through in the production.”
A story of humour, vulnerability, and connection, The Yellow Line also shares important insight into the Victorian justice system through a Maori and Pasifika lens, delving into the system and its impact within these communities.
It shines a crucial spotlight on the human stories often buried behind headlines - particularly for communities disproportionately impacted by incarceration in Australia
"I never set out to make a play,” explains Tuala. “The experiences that shaped The YellowLinecome from a part of my life I for the stage. This show is not about me. It’s about all the people - seen and unseen - who carry their culture with them into places that were never built for it.
“It’s about Maori and Pasifika men behind bars and the power of Wairua, haka, and music to reach through concrete and steel. It’s about the challenge of holding your values in systems that ask you to leave them at the gate.”
Performed by Kodie Heremia, Phil CameronSmith, Cam Venn, DJ Ahipene, Thisara Hewamanne, Elijah Logo, Wiremu Morris, Ross Daniel and Bronwynne Adeang
Venue: Wyndham Cultural Centre - 177 Watton St, Werribee
Cheryl Threadgold
MSO
■ I am joining a standing ovation, having experienced one extraordinary performance and musical masterpiece after another.
At Hamer Hall, the magnificent Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, under conductor Benjamin Northey and guest pianists, have transported the audience to a place of joy.
Nearly 140,000 votes were cast in this year’s ABC Classic FM Countdown for the 100 most popular piano compositions, according to hosts Jeremy Fernandez and Megan Burslem
Ten pieces were performed, interspersed with filmed interviews with performers, composers, and others discussing their passion for the piano.
William Barton described ‘setting up the lone rumble of the pedal note, like a didgeridoo’. For others, the piano meant: ‘home’; ‘an equaliser’; ‘enjoyment’ and ‘a whole musical experience’. This year’s top 100 included 27 works by living composers and 11 pieces by female composers.
Voted fourth, Gershwin’s RhapsodyinBlue (highlights), was sensuously played by Simon Tedeschi and Andrea Lam in a duet.
Beethoven’s Piano Sonata No. 14, ‘Moonlight Sonata’, voted second. was played romantically by the amazing Andrea Lam Simon Tedeschi then performed highlights from Scott Joplin’s TheEntertainerand Debussy’s Clair deLune sensitively and wistfully.
No.41,SpiritedAway:OneSummer’sDay by Hisaishi was seductively played by Aura Go, then D.J. Ha astonished us with his superb rendition (playing with one hand), of Chopin’s Etude’,Optus10,No.3.
Elena Kats-Chernin and Tamara-Anna Cislowska gave us a medley of Kats-Chernin’s Russian Rag/Butterflying/Eliza Aria. The jaunty melody was quite magical, featuring the sound of bells.
Nat Bartsch played her composition, BrightnessintheHillsbeautifully. An insistent rhythm was coupled with a lyrical melody. It was a contrast to Andrea Lam’s passionate performance of highlights from Tchaikovsky’s Piano ConcertoNo.1.
Voted number one, Beethoven’sPianoConcertoNo.5TheEmperor, was played magnificently by Tamara-Anna Cislowska.
Finally, Konstantin Shamray played the third movement of Rachmaninov’s PianoConcerto No.2, his brilliant rendition bringing the fabulous concert to a triumphant conclusion. mso.com.au
Review by Juliet Charles
Soldier Boy
■ This Theatreworks production of Soldier Boyis masterfully adapted by writer Anthony Hill into a play from his bestselling novel based on a true story.
Set in WWI in 1915, 14-year-old, Melbourne boy James Martin is resolute in his desire to put up his age and serve with the Australian forces overseas.
Playing James, Oliver Tapp’s nuanced performance impressively captures the many shades of emotion asked of the character, from his relationship with family and fellow soldiers, to horrors of the Gallipoli battlefield and to fear of dying in his troop ship hospital bed.
A good balance is created through injections of trench humour providing light relief in moments of tension.
We are drawn into the push and pull of James, his mother and father’s kitchen table conversation when he leaves them with little option but to agree to signing his illegal papers.
Through Laura Iris Hill’s performance as James’s mother, we witness her pain couched with her warmth, while combined with restraint with thoughts of losing her son.
Beng Oh’s direction unleashes this story with great strength juxtaposed with subtlety. Jack Burmeister’s composition and music selection, coupled with Sidney Younger’s lighting effects, create authenticity and added emotional charge to this play.
Adrienne Chisholm’s costuming from army uniforms to patient James’s none-too-pristine singlet as he lies in his hospital bed, to his parents’ everyday wear, transports us back to the 1920s.
The strong support cast play multiple roles as the scenes glide from domestic, to hospital, to war zone and lifeboats.
Viv Hargreaves’s uncomplicated set works well for the cast enabling them to move easily within the space throughout these constant scene changes.
Performance Dates: Until July 5
Performance time: 90 minutes (lockout policy for latecomers)
Tickets: Adults $55, concession $48 Mob tix $25
Bookings: admin@theatreworks.org.au 0451 522 869
Review by Sherryn Danaher
● Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus ■ Some best friends get together over coffee for deep and meaningful chat, but Melbourn e-based besties Ali Berg and Michelle Kalus take it one step further.
The two friends write together and have just released their fourth novel, LoveOverdue
Described as a heartwarming rom com about the ink first love puts on your heart, Love Overdue introduces us to teacher
Lauren Green
The hardworking teacher unexpectedly meets up with the man who broke her heart 20 years ago, and he is now a parent at the school where she teaches. Awks, as teenagers would say.
The story that follows includes staffroom shenanigans, playground antics and the demands on modern schools’ staff, all based on Michelle’s real-life experience as a teacher.
Love Overdue is a bookish rom com about first loves, second chances, and discovering how sometimes the best plot twists come along after you think the final line's been written.
But Michelle and Ali aren’t just bestselling authors – they are passionate about a project called Books on the Rail, where a national team of volunteers leave free books on public transport for commuters to pick up, in an imitative designed to encourage people to put their phones down and pick up a book instead.
Assisted by more than a thousand ‘book ninjas’ Ali and Michelle have distributed 20,000 books, working with dozens of publishers and providing everything from major releases to debut novels.
Not surprisingly their activities have attracted a lot of attention on social media, and Ali and Michelle are determined to spread the joy of reading throughout the country.
● ● ● ● Kodie Heremia in The Yellow Line.
Photo: David Mullins
Love Overdueis published by Allen and Unwin and available now online and in bookstores.
Julie Houghton
● ● ●
● Oliver Tapp and Emily Joy in Soldier Boy.
Photo: Steven Mitchell Wright (Report at left)
CATO THE WISE
Maxwell Newton
★
The Winter Blues Festival has unveiled the final artist line-up headed to EchucaMoama over the last weekend of July. Organisers say it is already shaping up to be one of the biggest celebrations of Australian blues and roots music in recent memory. Third Artist Announcement (in alphabetical order): Ally Row, Anna Scionti, Bag O’ Nails, Charlie Bedford, Corey Legge. Geoff Achison, The Heavy Kicks, Jarrod Shaw, Jungle Jim Smith, The Locky Ukers (homegrown artist), Luke O'Connor, Kane Vincent (homegrown), The Maskell Love Band, Oh Babe, Ozone Street, Sammy Owen Blues Band, Shane Pacey Trio, Silent Voices (homegrown), Sarah Mackenzie-Ross (homegrown), Silent Voices (homegrown), Still Bileve and Zevon Lee Trio.
★A major limited edition publication and two new exhibitions will be unveiled this August, celebrating 45 years of Artbank, Australia’s national art collection and leasing program. Launching on August 8, On Display: The story of Artbank, Australia’s most visible art collection is a significant publication that delves into the history of the dynamic program, its impact on the contemporary art landscape in Australia over 45 years, and the artworks within the collection.
★Melbourne based company, AG Theatre, is bringing a new season of the moved loved children’s classic, The 3 Little Pigs, back to the stage this July school holidays, playing for a limited season at the National Theatre, Melbourne from July 9. The show had a stellar run in the West End’s Palace Theatre, delighting audiences with its pantolike irreverent humour as a clever reinvention of an old tale, centred around the pressured single mother pig, who just wants her very different three little piglets, Bar, Bee & Q, to move out and make their own homes.
★The Bastille Day Film Fes tival presebnts Paris May 68 > The Struggle Continues, a bold and series exploring the creative legacy of the 1968 Paris uprisings through underground French music, powerful films, and rare protest posters. From film screenings to panel talks, this three-day program is packed with revolutionary energy—and it’s also the force behind the Lumière Rouge panel and market DJ set. July 11-13 at Wardlow II, Fitzroy + Queen Victoria Market. Discover more: www.sofitelmelbourne.com.au
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment
★Monash University Museum of Art MUMA presents the first major solo exhibition in Melbourne of acclaimed artist Nusra Latif Qureshi Opens July 26 to September 21. Forming part of MUMA’s 50th anniversary year, The House of Irredeemable Objects offers a survey of Qureshi’s 30-year practice, bringing together painting, collage, photography, and installation, alongside a new commission developed in response to the Monash University Special Collections
★The Preatures, Tex Perkins and Matt Walker, Mama Kin Spender, Ella Hooper, Velvet Trip, The Badloves and more join the Queenscliff Music Festival lineup for a sun-drenched coastal celebration from November 28 –30.
★ Creative Climate was launched last Thursday (June 26) at Federation Square. It is a national consortium dedicated to building a low-carbon, adaptive and regenerative arts sector. “As part of a broader movement, it recognises culture is both shaped by the climate crisis and instrumental in reshaping it,” said a group representative. Funded by Creative Australia and led by Green Music Australia, the alliance provides the tools, knowledge and leadership to help the creative sector transition away from a carbon-based economy and adapt to climate impacts.
★When Melbourne-based art ist Sole Galvan picks up a paintbrush, she paints with deep purpose, honouring two special people: her father who died after a stroke in Argentina; and her partner who continues to recover from a stroke here in Australia. Now, Sole is one of dozens of artists across the country donating original works to Strokes4Stroke, a national online art auction raising funds to support stroke prevention, awareness and recovery initiatives through Stroke Foundation
★The 12th annual Seeing Eye Dogs Appeal is a life-changing initiative that provides independence for Australians who are blind or have low vision. The monthlong Appeal aims to raise over $1.1 million to fund the training of 22 Seeing Eye Dogs, with some of Victoria's top sporting talent, Melbourne Victory FC and Collingwood’s Brownlow Medallist Tom Mitchell supporting the campaign throughout July. These elite athletes are lending their voices to encourage Australians to 'Help Train Up a Pup'. Each dog costs over $50,000 to train and transforms the life of someone who is blind or has low vision.
AC/DC second concert
■ Tickets to AC/DC’s Melbourne show at the MCG went on sale late last week.
A second and final show was added. Concert dates are wedenesday, November 12 and Sunday, November 16.
Joining AC/DC as special guests on the tour is Australian rock band Amyl and the Sniffers.
The tour shares its name with AC/ DC’s 2020 album, Power Up, which debuted at #1 on the ARIA Chart in Australia and 20 other countries.
Power Up notably notched the band’s third #1 debut on the Billboard 200 and exploded as one of the best-selling albums of 2020 worldwide.
It closed out the year on Rolling Stone’s Top 50 Albums of 2020’ and Consequence of Sound’s ‘Top 50 Albums of 2020’.
It garnered Grammy Award nominations in the categories of Best Rock Album, Best Rock Performance, and Best Music Video for ShotInTheDark
In 2024, the Power Up Tour kicked off in Europe with a staggering 1.7 million tickets sold in the first days of sales, eventually surpassing two million tickets sold across 24 shows.
The band just concluded 10 soldout shows in North America and has 15 additional shows scheduled across Europe before returning to Australia.
Open House
■ One of the largest programs in the history of Open House Melbourne Weekend has been unveiled, with almost 200 buildings, places, and experiences open to the public to explore.
Across one weekend this month (Saturday - Sunday, July 26-27), Victorians will be granted rare access to some of metropolitan Melbourne’s most fascinating buildings, new projects, and private homes ordinarily closed to the public.
This year’s program features some of Melbourne’s most high-profile architecture and public infrastructure projects, including the Metro Tunnel Project’s Anzac Station , and public access for the first time to the new Veloway on the West Gate Tunnel Projec t and Port Phillip’s new EcoCentre
These landmark developments will be open on the weekend for a special public preview, providing a rare glimpse behind the scenes of the projects shaping the city’s future.
New, unusual and notable in this year’s program this year are the Essendon Fields Airport Terminal; the new 21-hectare elephant habitat at the Werribee Open Range Zoo; Mission Whitten Oval home of the Western Bulldogs Football Club; a First Nations kayak tour down the Yarra; a city-wide role-playing game set in the year 2050 and behind the scenes tours of the city’s coolest street art studios.
The full program is now available on the Open House Melbourne website.
Open House Melbourne’s Executive Director and Chief Curator, Dr Tania Davidge, explained this year’s theme and how Open House Melbourne Weekend helps shine a light on Melbourne’s hidden histories.
“‘Stories of the City’ underscores that idea that the city is more than just bricks and mortar—Melbourne is about people and place. Every building, street and public place in our city has a unique story to uncover, and Open House Melbourne Weekend is your best time to explore the secret histories of our city hidden behind closed doors.”
Beasts of No Nation
■ (MA). 137 minutes. Available now on Netflix.
BeastsOfNoNationis an emotionally draining, brilliantly crafted drama that was one of the most powerful films of 2015, and is a fiercely important look at the impact of war.
Set in an un-named West African country, the story centres on 12 year-old Agu (Abraham Attah), who enjoys a generally peaceful existence with his family in a U.N. protected ‘buffer’ zone, where the bloody civil war between NDF rebels and NRC government soldiers is kept at a relative distance.
All this is shattered when NRC soldiers invade the protected area, violently attacking the local population and sending Agu running into the jungle on his own.
Shaken and upset, Agu soon crosses paths with a platoon fighting for the NDF, led by the imposing Captain (Idris Elba), who eventually takes the youngster under his wing.
From a loving family environment, Agu is soon inducted into a life of hatred, violence and bloodshed, crushing the childhood innocence a boy of his age should have the right to enjoy.
Beasts Of No Nation is not an easy film to watch, and deliberately so. The big budget 2006 Hollywood film Blood Diamond attempted to look at the same problem, but it sacrificed genuine insight for impressively staged action scenes (a pity, since Leonardo DiCaprio and Djimon Hounsou both delivered top-notch performances), and its child soldier subplot was tied up too conveniently and easily.
Here we have no such compromises. AgU, once brainwashed, totally believes in the carnage his side is carrying out, as the Captain convinces all the children in his outfit that the opposition is the reason why family and friends have been slaughtered, instead of the simple fact that there are two adult factions that will stop at nothing to achieve ultimate power and glory.
Attah is simply astonishing as Agu, completely drawing us in to his terrifying world, a world that no child should have to endure.
Whether it be during scenes of graphic violence, intimate family gatherings, or telling moments between soldiers who are briefly allowed to remember what it was like to be a child, Attah is heartbreakingly real, and reminds one
of Sean Nelson’s character in Boaz Yakin’s outstanding urban drama Fresh (1994), and of course Matheus Nachtergaele in the highly acclaimed Brazilian film CityOfGod(2002).
As much as I admire Leonardo DiCaprio (who should have won the Oscar for The Wolf Of Wall Street, not for the technically brilliant but heavy-handed, overlong, and dramatically hollow The Revenant), Attah’s acting and personal journey was more worthy of an Academy Award that year.
Elba ( Luther TV series / Mandela:LongWalkToFreedom /28WeeksLater) is equally as good as the Captain, creating a threedimensional person instead of a contrived, one-dimensional monster.
The entire cast, mostly made up of non-professional actors, are all extraordinary, making sure there is not one false moment during the film’s lengthy running time.
For a low budget feature, Beasts Of No Nation is beautiful to look at and listen to, with work that is world class.
Despite the controversy of not crediting photographer Richard Mosse as an influence, there is one sequence that highlights the surreal nature of war and the young people fighting in it.
Immense praise must go to screenwriter/director Cary Joji Fukunaga, whose detailed writing (based on the novel by Uzodinma Iweala) and patient, uncompromising direction makes sure that the material never becomes cliched or superficial.
After achieving independent success with Sin Nombre (2009), before delivering a surprisingly strong take on Charlotte Bronte’s JaneEyre (2011), Fukunaga then wowed viewers with the unanimously praised season one of the HBO TV series True Detective (2014).
One of the few highly-touted shows that actually delivered the goods, this absorbing crime drama, despite its expensive trappings (something modern television productions are currently enjoying), still concentrated on character, mood, and story, with Fukunaga treating the program as an eight-hour movie rather than a weekly TV serial.
Fukunaga’s most recent film was the 2021 Bond film, No Time To Die, which was Daniel Craig’s final outing as the iconic character. Ten years later, Beasts Of No Nationis sadly still relevant viewing.
RATING - ****½ Aaron Rourke
In Memory of
● ● Aaron Rourke
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Across Observer Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 13
1. Shabbiness in dress
6. Light-bulb inventor
11. Shiny
15. Forts
20. Egyptian river
21. Reproductive organ
22. Shopping precinct
23. Lead dancer, ... ballerina
25. South Africa's Cape ... Hope (2,4)
26. Pakistan currency units
27. Actor, Ryan ... (1'4)
29. Likable
32. Tube
34. Without delay (1,1,1,1)
36. Look-alikes, dead ...
39. Caravan rover
41. Brief
43. Sparking stone
46. Boils or ulcers
48. Low wetland
49. London's ... Mall
51. Curving lines
52. Exploited
55. Territory, Puerto ...
56. Every
59. Composer, Andrew ... Webber
61. Antarctic inlet, ... Sea
62. False god
63. Crowd brawl
64. Corrected (wrong)
67. Dalai Lama's nationality
68. Bitter regret
70. Very keen enthusiast
71. One who owes money
72. Overeats
73. Firebomb liquid
74. Of punishment
75. Batting spell
77. Broken down
78. Resounded
79. Theatre reviewer
82. Hazardous
86. Loft
87. Peace prize city
89. Spick & span
92. Merge
94. Get up
96. Biblical son of Isaac
98. Naming word
100. Recycle
101. Mongolian desert
103. Painting, Mona ...
105. From Baghdad
106. Adolescent
108. Sports match
111. Autograph
112. Actor's outfits
114. Rat
116. A single time
119. Droplet
120. Location
121. Kind
123. Leave out
124. Madam (2'2)
125. Flowing
126. Loudness
127. Grand house
130. Born as
131. Cleaning up (room)
135. English coin
138. Not stereo
139. Large jug
141. Computer/phone link
144. A lot of
146. I am, you ...
147. Looked up & down
148. UK national broadcaster (1,1,1)
149. Mad Roman emperor
150. Fuss
151. Female zebra
152. German emperor
153. Repast
155. Drink, ... spumante
157. Golfer, Greg ...
158. Unseat
160. Release (3,2)
161. Sprite
162. Italian city
163. Honey liquor
165. Brother's daughter
166. Souped-up car, hot ...
AcrossDownDown
167. Scamp
168. Laid slates
169. Upper-class
171. Document, Magna ... 172. Glossy black bird
175. Entrails
176. Lubricates
179. Breakfast dish
180. Cow flesh
182. Flowers, sweet ... 184. Chirps
185. Castle water ditch
186. 24 December, Christmas ...
188. ... Lang Syne
189. US anti-crime agency (1,1,1)
190. Measure (out)
191. Fifth musical note 193. Own 194. Father 196. Verge
197. Fiesta, Mardi ... 198. Medicine amounts 200. Unhappiest 205. Vicious dog
207. Second-hand vehicle (4,3)
210. Playwright
211. Reparation
212. In a frenzied state
213. Grass skirt dance
214. USA nickname, Uncle ..
216. Steals from 218. Created
219. Prepare (newspaper)
220. Tights
224. Coffee style
227. Spiky plant, ... vera
229. From Bangkok
230. Abhor
231. Gallantly
232. Dr Jekyll & Mr ...
233. Heredity unit
235. Out of order
237. Solidifies
239. Actor, Richard ...
241. Timepiece
244. Forewarning
246. Blankness
249. ... & twos
252. Depletes
254. Crave
256. Heaven's ... Gates
258. French Mrs
259. Pins for hammering
260. Romantic US falls
263. Internal
264. Lump of gold
265. Legless grub
267. Actress, ... Kidman
270. Digit
271. Funeral Mass
272. Actor, Dustin ...
273. Lewd
274. Loses (hair)
277. London nightspot
279. Make (wage)
281. Throw out
284. Only fair (2-2)
286. Crustacean with nippers
288. Small distance measures
292. Yoga master
294. Raw metals
295. Domestic servants
298. Screen legend, Sophia ...
300. From Emerald Isle
301. Sum up
303. Baby's skin problem, ... rash
306. Bashfulness
308. Japan & Korea are there
309. Oil-exporting cartel
311. Throb
314. Mushy
315. Energetic
316. Do the dishes (4,2)
317. Throng
318. Former spouses
319. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2)
320. Tennis ace, ... Sampras
1. Renovate (2,2)
2. Become distorted
3. Suggest
4. Kuwaiti rulers
5. Clean break
6. Flees to wed
7. Delay
8. Bathroom fixtures
9. Fall asleep (3,3)
10. Brigand
11. Revolve on axis
12. Stood against
13. Smudge
14. Palestinian chief, ... Arafat
15. Pour carelessly
16. Aida or Carmen
17. Potters' ovens
18. Pantomime lead
19. Observes
24. Rebukes, ... over the knuckles
28. Put on ... & graces
30. Spoken
31. Hideous
33. Irritated the skin
35. Incidental comments
37. Clarified butter
38. Curry & ...
40. Face veils
42. Physical activity
44. Portugal's capital
45. Scientist, Sir Isaac ...
47. Stench
48. Elevated railway
49. Drainage tradesman
50. Extortionate lender (4,5)
53. Largest bird
54. Calls (5,2)
57. Ancient Mariner's seabird
58. Protective headwear
60. Cloth retailers
63. Cleaver
65. Frosted (cake)
66. Expensive
68. Coral bank
69. Cosy
76. Set up (machinery)
79. Long-leafed lettuce
80. Nunavut native
81. Eastern faith
83. Twig shelters
84. Cartoon strip, Li'l ...
85. Flightless bird
88. English cheese
90. Fleur de lis plant
91. Among 93. Riveted
95. Easter gifts
97. Unplaced competitor (4-3)
99. Constantly busy (2,3,2)
100. Hire
102. Pungent bulb
104. Largest African nation
107. Uncanny
109. Wet
110. Vocal solo
111. Jet-baths
113. Soapie session
115. Obvious
117. TV award
118. Young deer
121. Contemptibly
122. Patella
127. Nonsense, ... jumbo
128. Razor cuts
129. Bits & pieces (4,3,4)
132. Recipe components 133. Stupid 134. Avarice
135. Packaged 136. Dilapidated
137. 24 hours ago
138. Unforgettable
143. Huge stone blocks
145. Tomahawk
151. Enormous
154. Men's Singles champion, .. Agassi
156. Lustre
159. One, numero ... 164. Totally 169. Cougars
170. Steam burn
173. Influences
174. Short, witty remark
177. Author, ... Asimov
178. Take oath
181. Whirling (of water)
183. Women warriors
187. Wantonly destroy
192. Female hormone
195. Current of air
199. Supervise
201. Points gun
202. Anti-flood embankment
203. Genuine fact
204. Implicit
206. Gay
207. Non-rural
208. Cheap, a ... a dozen
209. Lends a hand to 213. Smacks
215. Strolling
217. Killed
221. Helium & hydrogen
222. Not ever 223. Cut with scissors
224. Charlotte Bronte novel, Jane ... 225. Withdraw, ... out
226. Poet, ... Allan Poe
228. Legal trade bans
234. Phone security device
236. Wrongdoers
238. Terminate
240. Singer, ... Orbison
242. Normally (2,1,4)
243. Peculiarity
245. Mussels or clams
247. Peppermint essence
248. Nut fastener
250. Scientist, Albert ...
251. Weasel-like animals
253. Overfill
255. College test
257. Recline lazily
258. Restaurant list
261. Lovers' fling
262. Military forces
265. Valuable ores, precious ...
266. Garden ornament
268. Hex
269. The Continent
275. Jolly laugh (2,2)
276. Rounded roof
278. Hampers
280. Pressurised spray
282. Delights
283. Dollar division
285. Properly positioned, in ...
287. Steam generator
289. Tripoli citizen
290. Impersonates
291. Melted
292. Barked shrilly
293. Potato
296. Colorado ski resort
297. Writer, ... Thomas
299. Obtain (funds)
302. Two-door car
304. ... Fools' Day
305. Earnest requests
306. Crown Princess of Denmark
307. Opera singer
308. Yes votes
321. Urges
322. Sense
323. Blunted
324. Movie actors (4,5)
140. Enforces once more 141. Pacified
142. Courageous
310. Head cook
312. Charismatic air
313. Spreading trees
By Rob Foenander
Buoys unplugged
■ It’s all happening again at the Two Buoys Dromana Wine and Cocktail Bar.
This year’s Unplugged open music competition has kicked off and will run over the next few months.
Featuring solo artists, duos and acoustic acts, contestants will be playing their best for prizes totalling over $14.000 and the chance for future work opportunities. Visit www.twobuoys.com.au for more info.
Beth’s Debut
■ Hailing from Bendigo, Beth-String Fix Guitar has released her debut single Heavy Landing which is now available on all streaming platforms.
Inspired by current world events and the need for humanity, I feel it’s becoming even more relevant by the day, Beth says.
The song is a guitar-based story where multiple guitars battle it out, like a conversation between different people. The atmosphere builds with tension, then resolves into hope.
Magnetism
■ Brooke Miller will launch her debut EP Magnetism at the Brunswick Ballroom on Sunday, October 19 commencing 1pm.
Step into an afternoon of raw connection and magnetic storytelling as Brooke takes the stage for her highly anticipated show. With a clear, sweet, and powerful voice, Brooke shares songs woven from years of lived experience by sharing intimate, anecdotal tales of romance, longing, and the undeniable pull between hearts, says her media release.
- Rob Foenander
Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer
Chamber made listening acts
■ Chamber Made will transform Melbourne Recital Centre into a sonic playground with Listening Acts – a bold takeover of its public and hidden spaces for the Now or Never festival
Listening Acts isn’t a typical concert or exhibition – it’s a portal into the unheard and unexpected, featuring three live performances and six sound installations that intersect sound, technology, memory and identity.
Grounded in the artists’ lived experiences, personal histories and cultural perspectives, the works create sensory encounters that are both solitary and shared, blurring the boundaries between hearing and feeling.
Chamber Made Artistic Director, Tamara Saulwick, invites audiences to experience this multiartform sonic inquiry – one that reframes how sound is perceived and encourages listening in en“ListeningActs transforms everyday sounds into something profound, strange and moving. How do we hear ourselves and each other through the layers of technology, trauma and time?”
asks Saulwick
Over three days in August, surrender to sound in unexpected ways. ListeningActsis a moment to hear hospital machines sing, watercoolers gossip and ancestral voices reverberate through the walls.
The intimate live performance features three acoustic works:
Song to the Cell by Biddy Connor is a haunting duet between a live vocalist and a hospi-
Crossword Solution No 13
tal IV machine. Featuring hums, beeps and mechanical rhythms, it’s a transhumanist song cycle exploring healing, dependence and human–machine connection.
Tactile Piece for Human Ears by Aviva Endean offers a subtly communal binaural experience.
Audiences wear headphones to enter a surreal soundscape shaped by wind currents, pipe tones and underwater vibrations – altering their sense of acoustic reality.
Sounding forms / forming sounds by Alexandra Spence begins as a solo and evolves into a trio with Connor and Endean. Using resonating sinewaves, custom-built perspex instruments and drum skins, the work reveals the physical presence of sound in space and the body.
Six free installations guide audiences on a sonic journey throughout the venue:
AccordionWithoutOrgans by Rebecca Bracewell is an unfolding work of sonic archaeology centred on a single accordion recording. Played through multiple cassette players with amplifiers, each iteration adds acoustic layers while partially veiling the last.
Cathedral Reverb by Hannah de Feyter invites one listener at a time into a sculpted sound space. Inspired by classical mnemotechnics – ancient memory techniques – it conjures imagined architecture through reverberant sound and image.
WithGhosts:AChoreography ofPresenceby Anna Liebzeit centres on a 13-foot plait of hair suspended on a wall.
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
● ● ● ● Tamara Saulwick
CLASSY FIELD LINES UP FOR EPSOM HANDICAP
■ One race that proves popular with the top echelon is the Epsom Handicap run over 1600 metres come early October.
So much so they have framed a classy field for the rich mile.
The Chris Waller trained galloper, Autumn Glow, heads the markets.
The top mare has taken all before her winning the first four of her starts in top company.
She is by the good young sire, Autumn, who won the Caulfield Guineas in his short career in fine style.
She showed her class by winning the Darby Munro event beating a class field.
On the next line is another classy filly in Lady Shenandoah who is also taking all before her.
She is by the famous sire, Snitzel, who we lost just recently.
From her seven starts she has won five with a second and a third. She is good and is all class.
Then we have yet another smart filly in Aeliana, yet another star in the Waller camp, winning the ATC Australian Derby over 2400 metres
The John O’Shea and Tom Charlton trained Linebacker, has ability.
The three-year-old is by Super Seth, who won a Blue Diamond Stakes at Caulfield
The Victorian horse, Another Wil, has ability as proven in the recent starts.
He was unplaced in the Doncaster Mile, but was a bit unlucky, just missing a place behind a wall in front of him
He’s another nicely bred type, by yet another Blue Diamond winner in Street Boss
Another who competed in the Doncaster was Gringotts, prepared by top young Victorian trainer, Ciaron Maher.
He holds a victory over the smart mare, Fan Girl.
Another good type is the Gai WaterhouseAdrian Bott trained, Royal Patronage, who won the Canterbury Stakes in fine style beating, Here to Shock and Magic Time and StefiMagnetica.
Another that has ability is the Hawkes team trained, horse, Ceowulf.
He won the Neville Selwood event at Rosehill in a tight finish.
He has raced the best and can match them.
The James Cummings trained Tom Kitten is one who goes alright and matched the best, in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on April 12.
Another that can fire is StefiMagnetica who ran a good second behind Fan Girl in the Queen of the Turf Stakes.
Last but not least is the ex-Clinton McDonald galloper, Angel Capital, who is smart. It has won four of its first seven starts, now with Chris Waller.
It is one of the most open races, leave me out.
New arrangement
■ Racing Victoria and the Seven Network are coming together forming a long-term extension of their broadcast partnership to further showcase and grow the Sport of Thoroughbred Racing.
The new agreement will help foster a closer working relationship between RV and Seven in the broadcast and promotion of Victorian Thoroughbred Racing across Australia.
Ted Ryan
For the past decade, RV -owned and operated Racing.Com has been Australia’s only 24/ 7 Free-to-Air Sporting Channel showcasing Victorian Thoroughbred Racing and that will continue for another five years from July 1. Racing.com will be broadcast on free-to-air Channel 78(Metropolitan) and Channel 68) Regional) across the nation, with broadcast quality to be further enhanced across the following 12 months.
In addition, Racing.Com will be accessible daily on 7plus Sport where it will garner more prominence alongside Seven’s Premium sporting products for these or watching on the go.
The announcement coincides with plans for Racing.com to expand its coverage of Western Australian racing as Seven has done, alongside broadcasting, Victorian, South Australian and Hong Kong racing and feature International meetings, including Royal Ascot Ted Ryan It also cements Seven’s standing as the home of live and free Thoroughbred Racing and ensures that sports fans can continue to
Via Sistina. Racing Photos.
MULTIPLE WINNERS AT SHEPP.
■ Multiple winners were the order of the night at Shepparton’s regular Tuesday fixture on June 24 with Allendale’s Adam Stephens snaring a double, while ‘ace’ reinsman James Herbertson chalked up a treble and Rochester’s Caitlin Guppy a quinella. The Stephens double consisted of 7Y0 Union Guy-Alberts Belle mare Ruby Wingate in the Neatline Homes Pace over 2190 metres and half sister 12Y0 I Am The Way gelding Iamawingate which snared the 1690 metre Cottrells Electrical Pace, both driven by ‘Herbie’. Ruby Wingate settled at the tail from the extreme draw as Our Sonny Maguire (gate six) went forward to be gifted the lead by Laura Wilson aboard the favourite Soho Playgirl (gate four).
Going forward off a double trail in the last lap, Ruby Wingate finished with a wet sail to blouse Im Wesley (gate three second row) in the running line by half a head, with Animado (gate two) leading up the three wide line in the last lap third 14.5 metres back. The mile rate 1-57.2.
■ Iamawingate driven by ‘Herbie’ began best to lead from gate four registering a 1.9 metre margin over Skinny Horace which trailed in 159.5. Cresco Threepeat (one/one last lap) after racing exposed from outside the front line was third 1.8 metres back.
■ Rochester part-owner/trainer Caitlin Guppy and family owned 9Y0 Life Sign-Tinted Rose mare Mynameisruby who loves Shepparton landed the 2190 metre Cobram Trials Pace. Driven by James Herbertson, Mynameisruby starting from gate five on the second line settled in the last half of the field as stablemate Noble Julia led from gate four before restraining to allow Nevs Dream (gate three) to cross.
Gaining a three wide trail home from midfield in the last lap, Mynameisruby despite being very wide on the final bend, motored home to blouse Noble Julia along the sprint lane by a nose in a tricky finish giving her the quinella.
Lochinvar Charm was third off a three wide double trail in the last lap a half neck away in a thrilling finish. The mile rate 2-01.4. It was Mynameisruby’s 11th success in 134 outings, many of them being at Shepparton.
■ Andy and Kate Gath’s three year old What The Hill-Watts Up Rainbow colt Watts Up The Hill made it two from two when defeating his rivals in the Willowood Farm Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.
Settling a long way back from inside the second line as Starlight Red (gate two) led before handing over to Settle The Bill from the extreme draw which had weaved inside runners to assume control at the judge on the first occasion, Watts Up The Hill made ground rapidly in the last lap to race away in the straight to score easily by 7.6 metres in a rate of 2-02.6. Polemarker Abbie (three pegs) ran on late for third albeit 15.9 metres back.
Double Day
■ Two meetings were held on Wednesday –Terang during the afternoon and Bendigo at night.
A terrific race commenced the Terang fixture consisting of classy standardbreds Keayang Tokyo, Young Bluey, Ultimate Vinnie and Jilliby Nitro in the 1680 metre Terang CoOp Rural Store Pace.
Keayang Tokyo and Jilliby Nitro trained by Marg and Paddy Lee, Young Bluey (Mattie Craven) and Ultimate Vinnie (Sam Barker) –the surprise victor being Jilliby Nitro. Roughie All Blazing Guns (gate two) was best to begin for Amy Day with both Jilliby Nitro (Lochie Cook – gate five) and Young Bluey (gate six) going forward, while Keayang Tokyo was eased from outside the front line.
On settling it was Jilliby Nitro leading with Young Bluey moving to park outside him, All Blazing Guns trailing, Keayang Tokyo (one/ one) and Ultimate Vinnie (one/two).
Appearing to be under pressure approaching the final bend Jilliby Nitro found another gear with Young Bluey about to join him and Keayang Tokyo angling three wide on turning being followed by Ultimate Vinnie easing wider. Refusing to give in, Jilliby Nitro defied all challengers to register a half neck margin over Keayang Tokyo, with Young Bluey 2 metres away third and Ultimate Vinnie fourth 1.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-54.4 (last half 58.1 – quarter 29.3).
■ The Lee stable finished the day with three winners – the others being 3Y0 Downbytheseaside-Garden Gate Tina gelding Keayang Seaside in the Cobden Artificial
Harness Racing
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
Breeders Co-Op Pace over 2180 metres and two year old first starter Keayang Bazlenka, a gelded son of What The Hill and Keayang Snow Pea in the 1680 metre Terang Fitness Maiden Trotters Mobile, both driven by Jason Lee. Keayang Seaside (gate six) settling three back in the moving line and ran home nicely to score by 3 metres in advance of Major Crunch (gate four) which trailed the weakening leader Keayang Galliano. Ynobe Dakota (one/one from gate eight) was third 3.1 metres back in a mile rate of 2-01.1.
■ Keayang Bazlenka attracted plenty of attention and after going forward after being trapped wide from outside the front line joined the pacemaker Trouville Sur Mer (gate five). Cruising to the front approaching the home turn, Keayand Bazlanka greeted the judge 5.3 metres clear of the leader in an auspicious debut. Rasengan (one/one) from gate six after galloping in the score up was third 2.7 metres away, ■ Hamilton’s “gentleman” Jim Barker prepared a double during the afternoon with 12Y0 Rocknroll Hanover-Best Of Wine gelding Dancin With Elvis successful in the Brandt Equipment Pace over 1680 metres and 10Y0 Changeover-Presidential Drive gelding Presidential Drive the 2180 metre Terang Storage Pace.
Dancin With Elvis driven by Chris Walsh settled mid-field from inside the second line and after going forward three wide to join the leaders Dancebytheseaside and Ona Merry Dance approaching the home turn, finished best to gain the day by a neck over Ona Merry Dance and El Awoman (one/two) who was 2 metres away third. The mile rate 2-01.1.
Dancin With Elvis had won at Mt Gambier back in April. Most reliable Presidential Drive driven by granddaughter Jackie Barker peeled off a one/one trip from outside the front line at the bell to register a 2.9 metre victory from Listrepo (gate four) which followed him, with She Will Wantano (gate two second line) third 1.5 metres back after moving to race exposed at the bell. The mile rate 2-01.1.
■ At Bendigo, Daylesford duo Michael Barby and Anne-Maree Conroy’s handy 7Y0 Love You-My Valerie mare Amour Maternal was victorious in the 2150 metre Prydes Easifeed Trotters Mobile.
Trained by Mick, Amour Eternal driven by Anne-Maree began safely from gate three to possie one/one after Billy Zippin went forward from gate four to race exposed outside the leader Tella Shes Dreamin.
Moving outside Tella Shes Dreamin prior to the home turn, Amour Eternal was too strong in the run home for polemarker Karbine which had followed the pacemaker before easing wide on turning. Tella Shes Dreamin held third. The margins 1.3 by 12 metres in a mile rate of 2-03.6.
■ Maryborough owner/breeders Len and Irene Parker’s American Ideal-Flying Moth 3Y0 filly Ideal Moth notched up her 6th success in 18 outings when victorious in the 2150 metre $9,000 Apco Service Stations Strathdaleand Kangaroo Flat Pace Final returning a 1-57.6 mile rate.
Trained and driven by Byrneside’s Damian Wilson, Ideal Moth settled three back in the running line from gate three on the second line as polemarker Foresight led with Cee Ceem Lou on her outside. Angling three wide before the home turn, both Cee Lou and Ideal Moth surged past the leader with Ideal Moth doing best to register an easy 8.5 metre victory over Katunga Express which had trailed Foresight from inside the second line angling clear on turning. Rabada starting from the extreme draw ran
on late for third a half head away.
■ Lara part-owner/trainer Wally Dummett combined with Craig Demmler to capture the Alabar Vicbred Platinum Mares Sprint Championship (1st heat) over 1650 metres with smart 4Y0 Marjendos, a 4Y0 daughter of Sportswriter and Penny Union. Given an easy time from gate five one/one as Foxy Two Gloves led from gate five.
Giving chase approaching the final bend, Marjendos ran home strongly to record a 3.4 metre margin over Joe Got Rolled (mid-field in the running line from inside the second line), with Mitzi Said (one/two from gate two on the second line) running her usual honest race for third a head back. The mile rate 154.2.
■ It was welcome back to the winners list for Huntly trainer/driver Stuart Rothacker when 4Y0 Great Success-Delphi Rose mare Alabama May scored in the Great Ocean Road Real Estate Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres returning a respectable mile rate of 204. Bred and raced by Stuart and wife Janice, Alabama May received the run of the race from gate five trailing the front runner Jetaway Saint (gate two) and was always travelling kindly. Easing to the outside on the final bend, Alabama May put the race beyond doubt in a couple of strides to score easily by 12.9 metres from Jetaway Saint and first starter Waikare Adrienna (four pegs from gate three) which ran on late along the sprint lane to be a half neck away third.
At Kilmore
■ Kilmore was Thursday’s meeting and area trainers Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar (Riddell) were winners on the night when smart 4Y0 Tactical Landing-Dream Interest mare Rubys Dream landed the Nagambie Senior Citizens Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres while Love You-Access To Success mare Preferred Love scored in the C&M Build Trotters Mobile over the same journey for Romsey’s Chris Svanosio.
■ Rubys Dream driven by Chris Lang for Port Fairy owner Pauline Matthews wasn’t pushed from the extreme draw settling at the rear as Sovereign Tiger was best to begin from gate four to lead before taking a trail behind Link In Bio which had raced parked.
Off and running three wide racing for the bell, Rubys Dream assumed control with a lap to travel before coasting to a 3.2 metre untouched victory over Sovereign Tiger along the sprint lane, with Link In Bio holding down third 2 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.7.
■ Preferred Love also starting from the extreme draw was sent forward three wide racing for the bell to take over from the leader Rarity Rock (gate four) and was not headed from there on, accounting for Rarity Rock and Shes Sky High (three pegs from the pole before moving outside the winner on the final bend). The margins 1.7 by 2.4 metres in a mile rate of 2-03.1.
■ The $8000 Momentum Gaming Pace Final over 2180 metres saw Congupna trainer Steven Duffy victorious with 3Y0 Soho Lanikai-Stunin Art gelding Mad Punta. Driven by son Ryan, Mad Punter (gate six) was given a good trip one/one with Fiano leading from the pole. Easing three wide prior to the home turn, Mad Punter dashed clear shortly after but had to pull out all stops to just last by a half head from polemarker The Blazin Boots which trailed angling wide on turning after causing a false start at the first attempt.
Rakarompa (one/three from inside the second line) went forward three wide in the last lap to finish third three metres back. The mile rate 1-58.6.
■ The 1690 metre O’Brien Electrical Pace saw Ryan Duffy chalk up a double after guiding Bowenvale part-owner/trainer Gerard Jamieson’s 5Y0 Lincoln Royal-Jilliby Nippa gelding Sir Nippa to victory returning a 1-57.3 mile rate.
Trailing the speedy beginner Polly Peachum (gate six) from the pole, Duffy angled Sir Nippa into the open at the bell before opening up a handy lead in the last lap. Kept going in the straight, Sir Nippa had six metres up his sleeve on reaching the wire, accounting for Celestial Zodiac (extreme draw) from last at the bell. Midnight Mojo (gate five) was third 5.2 metres away after racing exposed for most of the trip.
■ Youthful Ballan trainer/driver Leilani Justice trained and reined 7Y0 A Rocknroll DanceGolden Flyin gelding Wichita Kansas to an all of the way victory from outside the front row in the Jet Roofing Pace over 1690 metres. Rated to perfection, Wichita Kansas held too many guns for the Ross Graham stablemates Tophut
Johny (one/one from gate five) and Bettorsweetvictory (three pegs) from gate four which used the sprint lane. The margins 4.1 by 2.1 metres in a mile rate of 1-58.7.
■ The 1690 metre Carlton & United Breweries Trotters Mobile went the way of Kurunjang trainer Maree Caldow’s most beautifully bred and consistent 5Y0 What The Hill-Cloud Chaser mare The Sky Is The Limit. Raced by the Caldow family along with many other part-owners, The Sky Is The Limit driven by husband John began fast from gate five to lead and rated a treat defied all challengers to greet the judge 5 metres clear of polemarker Boutika which trailed, with Flyin Time (gate two - one/one) third for Darraweit’s Lisa Miles 8 metres away. The mile rate 2-01.1.
■ Kilmore more than often cater for the young reinspersons and the MC Security Concession Drivers Pace over 1690 metres was taken out by Goulburn Valley based Grace Bilney aboard the Michael/Jack Laugher (Bendigo) trained 11 year old For A Reason-In The Beginning gelding Budd Sidewinder who started his career in Western Australia.
Trailing the fast beginner Jay Bee (gate six) from the pole, Budd Sidewinder enjoyed a cosy passage before angling into the clear on the final bend to score by 9.5 metres in a 1-58.7 mile rate from The Democrat (gate six) which ran home late from near last. Murial (three pegs from gate three) used the sprint lane for third a nose away.
■ Derrinal trainer/driver Glenn Bull rarely misses a Kilmore meeting with his team and has a great strike rate as well and it was 8Y0 Western Terror-Paris Highlights mare Favouritehighlight who added another winner to the list when successful in the 2180 metre TAB Pace.
Trapped in the open from gate five before crossing polemarker stablemate Very Tempting, Favouritehightlight was never headed, reaching the wire 4.9 metres in advance of Sea Hawk (one/one from gate three) and Very Tempting who was 8.2 metres away third. The mile rate 2-02.7.
Len Baker
Latest News
Pedestrian dies
■ Detectives are investigating a fatal collision in Grovedale on Friday morning (June 27).
Emergency services were called to reports of a collision involving a motorcycle and pedestrian at Reserve Rd about 10.05am. The pedestrian died at the scene. The motorcyclist, a 20-year-old Tarneit man, was taken to hospital under police ghuard, with non-life-threatening injuries.
Exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.
W’bool car fire
■ Warrnambool Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a Molotov cocktail was thrown at a parked car in Warrnambool . Emergency services were called to a property on Birdwood Avenue about 7.25am on May 29.
The car, that was parked in a driveway, was destroyed in the blaze. Investigators have released an image and CCTV of a male who may be able to assist with their enquiries.
He is described as Caucasian in appearance, wearing a dark hoody, grey track pants, white runners and carrying a bag. Victoria Police
Breakaway bridge at Acheron
■ Bridges over the many rivers, creeks and streams running throughout Murrindindi Shire were vital for transporting travellers from one end of the shire to the other, says the Heritage Study completed in 2011 and 2014:
Crossing the rivers began with barges and punts, and developed according to the available technology and finances often sought from the Colonial, later State Governments
Alexandra and Yea, first designated Road Districts in 1868, progressed to Shire Council status in 1869 and 1873, respectively.
This change of status allowed the Shires to tender for, and construct, roads and bridges in their locality.
The Melbourne Road passing through Acheron and Taggerty dates from around 1870 when the area was surveyed.
A timber bridge over the Goulburn River at Acheron was built in c.1877 on land donated by Thomas Connelly
Later, a single lane bridge was built. As the river widened, the bridge was extended and remodelled.
This bridge was swept away shortly after the First World War, c.1918, following several wet seasons.
Attempts were made to divert to original course of the river because of the many floods, caused by torrential rain in the headwaters.
The area became known as the Goulburn Breakaway Historian of the Taggerty Primary School, Peter Kerr, wrote that the remains of the timber bridge are still on the bed and banks of the river downstream of the existing bridge which was built to replace it.
The single-lane bridge, replacing the original, was built c.1920 by the Country Roads Board.
Handwritten notes on the reverse of photographs indicate that the bridge had five spans added on the south side c.1932 when the river shifted course approximately 150 feet.
The c1920 section of the bridge served for 12 years with only minor repairs.
Timber for the bridge came from the Dobson and Rennie families who lived nearby.
The term 'breakaway' describes the movement in the river, and the portion of the river that broke away during the floods of the early twentieth century.
The Breakaway Bridge crosses the Goulburn River where Hobans Road and Breakaway Road meet at the boundary between the localities of Acheron and Alexandra
It is a timber pile and stringer bridge, with raker piles, cross braces and corbels.
Its structure is similar to that of the Country Roads Board's standard timber bridge introduced in the early 1920s.
A 1932 extension to the bridge after the ' Breakaway' was constructed in the same way.
It comprises the five spans on the south (Acheron) side. In all the bridge has nine spans and is 67.5 metres long (the individual spans measure 7.8, 8.3, 7.7, 7.3, 7.7, 8.7, 6.5, 6.6, and 6.9 metres).
It is a single-lane bridge with cross decking, timber kerbs and two strips of running boards.
Running boards were phased out in 1930 by the Country Roads Board,
and are rare survivors. The piles and stringers are rounded logs, while the corbels beneath the stringers are squared timbers. Roman numerals are incised on the piles.
The piers appear to have five original piers (plus some later reinforcements), and two pairs of criss-cross braces each.
This is in contrast to the standard CRB single-lane bridge which has only three-pile piers. The extra piers may have been intended to combat the flooding this area was prone to.
The original timber railings have been replaced with metal. The transverse decking timbers are of varying lengths, indicating that some may have been replaced over the years.
Some of the stringers are rather deteriorated and some of the piles have been replaced with steel Ibeams.
The Murrindindi Shire Heritage
Study said that the following specific conservation guidelines apply:
As bridge members deteriorate, they should be replaced with identical timbers.
And where only part of a member is deteriorated, new sections should be spliced in where possible as a preference over total replacement of that member.
In order to conserve the heritage significance of this place, it is recommended that the following conservation guidelines, as appropriate, be given priority in the future maintenance, development or management of the place:“
■ Conserve the fabric of the building/s or other built elements, which is identified as contributing to the significance ofthe place. This includes the original fabric as well as fabric that may demonstrate important successive stages in the historic devel-
opment of the place and/or provide evidence of changing architectural styles or techniques.“
■ Discourage the demolition or removal of significant fabric unless the demolition or removal is only of part of the building and it can be demonstrated to the satisfaction of the responsible authority that, as appropriate:“
• The fabric to be removed is not significant, or“
• The fabric to be removed is not of primary significance and its removal will not adversely affect the significance of the place, or
• It will assist in the long term conservation of the place, or
• It will facilitate the historic use of the place and will not result in the loss of fabric considered to be primary significance.
■ Where there is a complex of buildings and other elements the aim
‘Historically, a tangible reminder of the frequent flooding of the Goulburn River in the early 20th century, and particularly of the time the river 'broke away' and formed a new course in 1932. Also as a large and relatively intact Country Roads Board bridge of the type built in the 1920s, with extra reinforcing for this flood-prone location.
The running boards are a rare survivor.’ should be to conserve or reveal the historic visual relationship between the buildings and other elements in order to demonstrate the historical use and layout of the place.
■ Conserve significant plantings on the property, and maintain a visual relationship between the plantings and the significant buildings on the property.
■ Encourage the removal of nonsignificant or intrusive elements, particularly where this would assist in understanding or revealing the significance of the place.
■ Ensure that the siting and design of new development does not overwhelm the historic setting of the building and the site as a whole by becoming a dominant element or by interfering with key views to and from the site. “
■ Encourage any new development on the property to relate and be complementary in form, scale and materials to the significant buildings and other elements, but be clearly contemporary in design.
■ Retain views of significant building(s) and plantings from the street.
■ In the case of subdivision of the property, encourage the retention of the significant buildings, trees and related elements on one lot.
Shire works undertaken
■ Murrindindi Shire Council undertook works on the Breakaway Bridge and road in recent years. In 2013, the Council repaired and refurbished the bridge over the Goulburn River.
The bridge was closed for some months so that strengthening and refurbishment could take place. The handrail was made of timber wood again, as it was originally. Heavier loads - the fire truck, ambulances, school buses, were allowed.
● ● ● ● The Breakway Bridge at Acheron. Photo: Murrindindi Shire Heritage Study.
● ● The Breakway Bridge at Acheron. Photo: Murrindindi Shire Heritage Study.
● ● The Weir, Lower Side, Yarrawonga. 1950
● ● St Andrew’s Kirk, Ballarat
● ● Entrance to ‘The Chalet’, Warburton. 1940.
● ● ● ● The main road, Olinda. 1945.
● ● View at Mt Dandenong, 1925.
● ● The Great Ocean Road, Wye River
● ● ● Near ‘Elephant Rock’, Flinders. 1921.
● Steam Tram. Back Beach, Sorrento. 1914.
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■ ALBERT PARK. IGA. 163 Mills St.
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■ ■ ■ ■ HAWTHORN. 7-Eleven. Cnr Church and Pine Sts.
■ ■ HAWTHORN. 7-Eleven. Cnr Barkers Rd and Glenferrie Rd.
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■ AUBURN. Newsagency. 119 Auburn Rd
■ ■ HAWTHORN. Ampol. 73 Camberwell Rd.
■ AUBURN SOUTH. Newsagency.
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289 Auburn Rd.
■ ■ HAWTHORN. Licensed Post Office. 782 Glenferrie Rd.
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■ BALACLAVA. Blencowes Milk Bar.
305 Inkerman St.
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■ BENTLEIGH. Good Times Milk Bar.
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83 Tucker Rd.
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■ ■ BENTLEIGH EAST. IGA Ritchies Supermarket. 1/16 Heather St.
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■ ■ ■ ■ McKINNON. Newsagency. 163 McKinnon Rd.
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■ MELBOURNE. Mitty’s Newsagency. 53 Bourke St.
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324 Bay St.
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■ A detective sergeant from southern region has been charged following an internal investigation.
The 46-year-old man has been charged with recklessly cause injury, unlawful assault and unauthorised disclosure of police information.
The charges relate to an alleged incident while off-duty in June last year.
He will appear before a magistrates’ court at a later date.
Council wins big
■ Boroondara Council has won the prestigious LGPro Innovative Leadership Award for its Innovation Academy
The award recog-nised the hard work, creativity, and commitment to excellence from Council officers, said a city of Boroondara representative.
The Council also received a high commendation for its Bookable Spaces initiative in the Digital and Technology category.
“Both projects reflect Boroondara’s unwavering commitment to improving services for the community through innovation and excellence,” said the rep.
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■ MIDDLE PARK. IGA. 19-21
Armstrong St.
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■ MIDDLE PARK. Newsagency. 16
Armstrong St.
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■ MOORABBIN. Wishart Licensed Post Office. 478 South Rd.
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■ ORMOND. News. 497 North Rd.
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■ PORT MELBOURNE. 7-Eleven. Cnr Crockford St and Pickles St.
■ ■ PORT MELBOURNE. News Extra.
192 Bay St.
■ ■ PRAHRAN. Ampol. Cnr Punt Rd and Commercial Rd.
■ ■ RICHMOND. Tattslotto. 308 Bridge Rd.
■ ■ RICHMOND NORTH. 7-Eleven. 94 Church St.
■ ■ RICHMOND NORTH. Eight 8
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■ ■ SANDRINGHAM. 7-Eleven. Cnr Bay Rd and Bluff Rd.
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Casagrande, Jay Clark, Jack Dipaolo, Marco Duran, Corey Eastick, Glen Troy Emery, Glenn Emery, Jodie Fanta, Jack Fatouros, Paul Fenton, Jayde Fletcher, Michael Fowler, Michael Gaffney, Tia Habib, George Jalloul, Najee Joseph, Matthew Krongold, Galit Law, Kristian Jarred Layton, Amy Lee, Stuart Lee, Warren Long, Jamie Luscombe, Matthew Mead, Bryce Mester, Dylan Niblett, Dean Lawrence Nott, Kim Owen, Brian John Papamarkou, Aki Steve Pattison, Jack Pharonides, Phil Rebakis, Joseph Saunders, Damon Schurmann, Tiffany Smith, Carolyn Svaghi, Tristan Symmons, Natasha Taylor, Drew Tydeman, Bronwyn Vaulitis, Melissa Venue Room Pty Ltd Vincent, Claire Wells, April Maureen Williams, Samantha Woodbridge, Grace Zakhour, Luke
10% rise
■ Services currently receiving an Operational and Partnership Grant from Kingston City Council will see their funding boosted by 10 per cent for the next two years, before a new tiered funding model comes into effect from July 2027.
$100,000 bonanza
LGPro is the peak body representing professionals in the Victorian local government sector.
Plan adopted
■ Kingston has officially adopted our Council and Wellbeing Plan 2025-29, setting a strong vision and strategic direction for the city over the next four years.
Shaped by one of its most significant engagement efforts to date, including liveability and wellbeing surveys, focus groups and the insights of a 48-member community panel, the plan sets out how the Council will work to deliver a thriving, connected, and inclusive future.
It provides a clear framework for council’s services, investment, and operations, ensuring efforts are aligned with community expectations.
Backed by a detailed Annual Action Plan, performance measures, and regular reporting, the plan ensures transparency, accountability, and measurable progress across all areas.
It is based on four key directions:
■ Healthy and Connected
■ Vibrant and Prosperous
■ Liveable and Sustainable
■ Responsibly Governed
Kingston Mayor Cr Georgina Oxley said the plan reflects the community’s shared values and ambitions and will help deliver meaningful outcomes in the years ahead.
Snook wins prize
■ Winner of the $000 People’s Choice Award as part of this year’s Bayside Painting Prize is Dave Snook, with his painting Solemn flesh (2024).
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■ ■ ELWOOD. News. 105 Ormond Rd.
■ ■ ELWOOD. Wines. 33 Ormond Rd.
■ SOUTH MELBOURNE. 7-Eleven. 322-326 Clarendon St.
Achan, Emmanul Adil, Mustafa Agha, Shir Ahson, Arslan Ali, Shireen Allie, Kevin Ata, Abdulla Ali Atem, Dieu Ayubsha, Sharif Sharifullah Badhame, Mekonnen Barca, Filippo A Bones, Grace Boucherau, Matthew Boxall, Travis Brown, Gavin Burke, Michael John Cannon, Blake Chol, Deng Choul, Joshua Clark, Yvonne Clifford, Brooklyn Cota, Besnik Cowley, Isaac Delaforce, Kylie Deng, Chol Detar, Joshua Jovan Dozzi, Ryan Elnaggar, Ahmed Emin, Mustafa Falzon, Daniel Farrar, Bianca Gardiner, Ebony Gates, Brandon Gatluak, Nyawaraga Gowans, Adam David Greene, Trisarne Haidari, Abul Fazl Hall, Ben Peter Hardy, Dion Harlen, Luke Harvey, Thomas Hennessy, Steven Hoang, Anh Hoang, Gia Ahn Honan, Jason Hussein, Yusuf Johnson, Mathew Johnson, Shane Francis Johnston, Joshua Kakouri, Mark Katonin, Peter Kelly, Katelyn Kerrigan, Trent Khan, Mohammad Knight, Daniel Knight, Jayde Koskinas, Billy Kupie, Mark Langenhoff, Brittany Paige Lee, Brandon Lee, Harrison Leveque, Louis Charles Lossev, Alexei Ly, Nguon Tieng Mahendran, Jegan Mao, Jameson Mcgrath, Leigh Mckenna, Shannon Leigh Mcmillan, Darren Mohammed Yahya, Mohammed Rafie Morrison, Bowdie Jay Mugari, Munyaradzi Munyaradzi Nigel Muon, Guanar Murphy, Ashley Muzzicato, Joshua Nguyen, Trong Pell, Clint Pell, Michael Pickering, Kim Rawiri, Dominic Robert Rhyne, Adrian Rickard, George Rodgers, Krystal Rogers, Bradley Scot Sanders, Jake Sarwar, Timur Sharifi, Amir Smith, Scott Paul Street, Timothy Tabone, Joseph Thot, Goi Twyford, Joshua Ustundag, Gurcan Walsh-Daniels, Robert Wandin, Kaine Wilson, Michael Thomas Zavaglia, Vincent Barry Dromana Magistrates’ Court
■ A Black Rock man has confessed it felt like he was floating on cloud nine after discovering his entry into the Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw scored him a dazzling $100,000.
The City of Bayside resident held the First Prize winning entry in Lucky Lotteries Super Jackpot draw 11012, drawn Wednesday June 25. He looks forward to a neat $100,000.
The stunned winner was in the middle of his workday when an official from The Lott broke the thrilling news.
“How about that,” he cheered. “That’s bloody great news. I’m happy I’m working from home today, as I’m so excited right now.
“It feels like I’m floating on cloud nine. I’ve been playing Lucky Lotteries on and off for years now.
“I can’t believe I’ve won the big prize.”
Snook “works primarily in oil paint and creates works that explore the ideologies associated with what it means to be human and the shared experiences of the psyche”, said a Council representative His focus is largely on portraits and figures in an emotive realistic style”.
“Solemn flesh (2024) is a portrait that explores the surface texture of the skin, and its impact on perceptions of identity. As Snook describes: ‘judgements on gender, sexuality, race, class, health and beliefs are formed quick and often stand as the foundation for our relationships with others’. This statement resonates deeply through his work, inviting viewers to reflect on their own perceptions and biases.”
Dave Snook's recognition as this year’s People’s Choice Award winner marks a significant milestone in his burgeoning career, highlighting his capacity to engage audiences with his thought-provoking work.
Rifling rubbish bins
■ Port Phillip Council has launched a trial making it easier to snap up recyclables to cash in at Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme eturn points.
■
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■ ■ TOORAK. NewsXpress. 479 Toorak Rd.
■ ■ TOORONGA. Licensed Post Office. 1445
Criminal Case Listings Thursday, July 3 Alexander, Julie Allsop, Shannon Atkin, Edward Dahari Bam, Bryan Bray, John Burns, Tyrone
With $100,000 soon to boost his bank account, the elated winner had a few ideas top of mind for how he’d spend his newfound treasure.
“First priority will be taking a significant chunk out of the mortgage,” he shared.
“I wouldn’t mind upgrading my car too.”
This follows people creating a mess or damaging public litter bins when rifling through them for CDS Vic eligible cans, bottles and small liquid paperboard containers such as juice boxes.
To make it easier for people to correctly bin – or collect – these recyclables, the Council is installing metal ‘baskets’ on about 80 public litter bins across Port Phillip.
Classifieds 9489 2222
Classified Information
DISPLAYCLASSIFIEDADVERTISING
Paid display advertising is available for $20 per column centimetre. Sample prices: Full-Page Ad (37cm h x 8 cols w), $5920. Half-Page Ad (18cm h x 8 cols w), $2880. Quarter-Page Ad (18cm h x 4 cols w), $1440. All ads are pre-paid at time of booking. Pre-pay by Card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Pre-pay by EFT to 033091 260131 (Local Media Pty Ltd, Westpac, Eltham).
LINECLASSIFIEDADVERTISING
Paid line advertising is available for $20 for first 20 words, then $1 per word thereafter. All ads are prepaid at time of booking. Pre-pay by Card: Visa, Mastercard, American Express. Pre-pay by EFT to 033091 260131 (Local Media Pty Ltd, Westpac, Eltham).
STATEWIDE,MELBOURNEWIDE
Classified Ads are read across Victoria, included in all online (digital) editions of The Local Paper and Melbourne Observer. Fresh online editions are published weekly on Wednesdays, February-December (with exception of Easter Wednesday). You can have Digital Editions emailed free to you - register at www.FreePaper.com.au Print editions are published fortnightly on Wednesdays, February-December.
ONLINEEDITIONDATES-2025
Go directly to www.LocalPaper.com.au or www.MelbourneObserver.com.au to read digital editions (exact replicas of print editions), free. Online edition dates in 2025 are: Feb. 5, Feb. 12, Feb. 19, Feb. 26, Mar. 5, Mar. 12, Mar. 19, Mar. 26, Apr. 2, Apr. 9, Apr. 16, Apr. 30, May 7, May 14, May 21, May 28, Jun. 4, Jun. 11, Jun. 28, Jun. 25, Jul. 2, Jul. 9, Jul. 16, Jul. 23, Jul., 30, Aug. 6, Aug. 13, Aug. 10, Aug. 27, Sep. 3, Sep. 10, Sep. 17, Sep. 24, Oct. 1, Oct. 8, Oct. 15, Oct. 22, Oct. 29, Nov. 5, Nov. 12, Nov. 19, Nov. 26, Dec. 3, Dec. 10. Lodge ads by 4pm Friday prior to publication.
PRINTEDITIONDATES-2025
‘Hard copies’ available free through a network of outlets across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and selected country areas. Print edition dates in 2025 are: Feb. 5, Feb. 19, Mar. 5, Mar. 19, Apr. 2, Apr. 16, Apr. 30, May 14, May 28, Jun. 11, Jun. 25, Jul. 9, Jul. 23, Aug. 6, Aug. 20, Sep. 3, Sep. 17, Oct. 1, Oct. 15, Oct. 29, Nov. 12, Nov. 26, Dec. 10. Lodge your ads by 4pm Friday prior to publication.
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.AdvertiseFree.com.au
• EMAIL: editor@LocalPaper.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.
SOMEADVERTISINGRULES
• All car advertisers must supply registration or Vehicle Identification Numbers. By law, we are unable to publish listings without those details.
• Any person or business advertising to sell or give away a dog, cat, puppy or kitten in Victoria must be enrolled on the Pet Exchange Register to obtain a source number, and must include this source number along with each animal's microchip number in all advertisements.
• Advertisers should be honest in their dealings. Claims should be true, accurate and based on reasonable grounds.
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.
BED. Single. Electric folable with massage and remote control. Adjustable back, legs and height. New Aspire mattress. German motor. EC. $500. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q
BED HEAD. Wooden. And base. With slats. As new. $80. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264. Z-CC
BIKE. Ladies. Make: Friction Huffey. Purple. Plus helmet, basket and pump. VGC. $110. Pakenham. 5940 5018. R-U
PRIVATE SELLERS can have a free 40-word ‘For Sale’ ad - plus a single colour photo - in The Local Paper Classifieds to sell their items. Your free ad will appear in all editions of The Local Paper, covering all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington
CARAVAN. E20½ ft reegal 2009 Aussie Tourer Caravan. Full ensuite with separate shower, queen bed and AC/heater, TV, stereo, gas cooktop, microwave, comes with cover and large outdoor mat. EC. $32,000. Taggerty. 0438 782 112. R-U
CARAVAN. 21’6” 2014 Crusader. Reg till Feb. 2026. Full ensuite, separate shower/toilet, queen bed, a/c heater, TV radio, Gas/Elec. cooktop, micro washing machine, solar panel, large fridge, freezer, new tyres and batteries. many extras. EC. $40,000 ONO. Mount Eliza. 0429 877 964. Z-CC
COLLECTORS Melway Nos 9, 20, 33. Wax matches (234) in book, 17 loose. VFL Records, finals, mainly Richmond. Small and large. Phone cards. Vatious prices. Box Hill South., 9890 7904.N-Q
CRIME FICTION BOOKS. Various authors. Harlen Coben, James Patterson plus others. GC. $2, or 3 for $5. Mill Park. 052 665 276. H-O
DOG KENNEL. Plastic. Grey colour. Very clean. never used as kennel. GC. $10. Purchaser to collect. Doreen. 9717 3465. N-Q
EDISON STANDARD PHONOGRAM Serial Nuimber 638427. October 1905 with five Edison goldmoulded records complete with reproducing trumpet model C. Rare antqiue, working well. VGC. $1850. Glen Iris. 0407 276 973. Z-CC
ENCYCLOPEDIA. Complete set A-Z. GC. $50. Frankston. 9789 9634. Z-CC
FORD AUII Fairport V8 Sedan. Original.Runs well. No rust. Good tyres, new screen, bring your mechanic or RACV test, RWC. Reg 7/27. 2AN3XE. VCG. $8000. Seymour. 0419 881 573. N-Q
INVERTER-GENERATOR. 2200-watt. 91 octane 4-stroke petrol motor, single phase, 240 volts, 50 hertz output, little used. GC. $95. Doreen. 9717 3465. R-U
JAYCO 2004 Freedom Caravan, single beds, RC/ AC, new tyres, unused porta potti, m’wave, 3 way bridge, gas & elec. cooktop and grill, 240/12 volt TV. Aerial. Reg till Jan. 26. Everything in working order. 1150kg. Tows great. VGTC. Hastings. 0409 645 059. Z-CC
The Local Paper Email: editor@LocalPaper. com.au Postal: PO Box 1278, Research, 3095 BOOKING AND COPY DEADLINE: 5pm Fridays, prior to Wednesday issue. CLASSIFIED ADS Classified ads are available each week in The Local Paper, which is published on Wednesdays, February-December (with the exception of Easter Wednesday). All Classified Ads appear in the print and online editions. It is important to check your advertisement is correct on the first day it appears. While every care is taken to ensure your advertisement is correct, errors can occur. If this happens to your ad please contact us the first day your advertisement appears and we will be happy to correct it as soon as we can.
LAURA ASHLEY Cotton Queen Coverlet set. Size 220cm x 240cm, plus 2 pillowcases. Pale blue with thin white stripes. Never used. EC. $30. Ashburton. 9885 2203. Z-CC
MAGAZINES. Collectors. New Idea, Woman’s Day, Stellar, Body and Soul, House magazine and many others. GC. Price negotiable. West Preston. 0416 576 660. R-U
MAGAZINES. Purnells History of WWII, Australian Geographic, Choice, Burke’s Backyard, Organic Gardener, Gardening Australia, Vegi Patch and some odd ones. GC. 50c each. Reservoir. 0421 131 681. Z-CC
MOBILITY SCOOTER. Pre-owned. Sill under warranty with new batteries. Features headlights and tail lights, swivel seat, rear shopping bag, includes key and charger. max user 136kg, 35km range per cahrge. Free delivery. VGC. $1295. Moorabbin. 0401 980 969. R-U
PARTS for Ford AUIIV8. Secondhand. Struts. New parts: ball joints, 2 boxes of parts. VGC. $1000. Seymour 0419 881 573. N-Q
PICTURE FRAMES. 40 large to small. Various styles. VGC. All only $70. Keon Park. 9469 4558. N-Q
PLUMBING FITTINGS. 1 box PVC 100m Sew/SW, Elbows 45°. As new. $35. Z-CC
SHEEP. 60 mixed breed ewes, been running with rams, have ear tags. Friendly, great lawnmowers, saves mowing the paddocks and helps reduce fire risk. Can deliver. GC. $130. Deanside. 0426 397 741N-Q
TABLE. Large solid timber, dining room table, 2100mm x 1000mm. Plus six chairs. GC. $30. Yea. 0419 109 887. N-Q
TRAIN BOOKS. Wide variety of books and pamphlets to all types of trains. All prices negotiable. Research. 9437 1253. N-Q
TYRE CHANGERS. Manual. Little used, complete with instructions, purchaser to collect. GC. $90. Doreen. 9717 3465 N-Q
WALKERS. Two. One new, hardly used, $120. Second one: GC but some small marks. $80. Seymour. 0419 881 573. R-U PRAM. Old, child’s col- lectable. GC. $60. Wandong. 041`8 399 261. R-U RIDE-ON Deutscher 280 Honda motor, runs fine, seal on shaft leaks, heaps of parts including new seat, new cutting plate, body part dismantled, everything is there. GC. $800. Yarck. 0414 718 812. R-U
PRESSURE WASHER. Karcher. Good working order. little used. Complete with operating instructions. Purchaser to collect. GC. $55. Doreen. 9717 3465 Z-CC
WOOD FIRE STOVE HEATER. Ozpig Traveller. Used twice. Comes with grill and hot plate, lifting handle, carry bag. heaps ofready cut fire lighters. Heavy duty grate and 45 quart camp oven. VGC. $3000. Montmorency. 0483 881 609. R-U
Cast
GC. $500. Seymour. 0422 204 977. Z-CC
R-U WHEELCHAIR. Electric.
0418 583
WHEELCHAIR. Manual. Evoke 2 Aspire 450mm. new, never been used as too small for subject. Foldable and extremely light for easy transport. Well made, Top of the range. EC. $600. Diamond Creek. 0401 473 565.N-Q
NOTICES GOD’S CHURCH invites faithful followwees of Christ to attend the New Testament local Passover night service. Alfredton, Ballarat. To secure your seat, 0419 327 366. N-P
WINDOW. Aluminium. 1600mm x 1600mm with windout window. GC. Free. Murrindindi. 0418 564 174.
REAR SPOILER for VE Holden Commodore Sedan. EC. Best Offer. Mornington. 5975 3609. Z-CC
HEDGE TRIMMER. Honda. HHH25D. 4 stroke. With hour meter fitted. VGC. Bought in Feb. 2022. Has done 20.8 hours. $650 ONO. Pearcedale. 0418 457 588. Z-CC
WHEELS IN VICTORIA Rare 528 page volume, registered 1518 by Harold H. Paynting. History of Wheelecd Transport 1824 to 1984, mint condition in hard cover sleeve. EC. $400. Glen Iris. 0407 276 973. Z-CC
Classifieds
REQUEST FOR COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
Relates to a Hit run collision on the Melba Hwy, Glenburn, about 9.40 am on June 10, 2025.
An unknown white van, similar to a 4.5T delivery van has collided with snow group tour bus.
The van was travelling toward Yarra Glen and failed to stop after the collision. Minor injuries were received to a number of passengers in the minibus.
Any information to Leading Senior Constable MCCORMICK at the Yarra Ranges Highway Patrol, 6-10 Albert Hill Road Lilydale 3140 Ph: 9739 2402
Notice is hereby given that South Pacific St Kilda Pty Ltd has applied to lease, pursuant to Section 134 of the Land Act 1958, for a term of up to 41 years, Crown allotment 102C, Parish of Melbourne North at St Kilda, as a site for i) Health and Fitness Centre incorporating heated sea baths, swimming pool, saunas, steam baths, gymnasiums, health and beauty therapy centre, sports medicine centre, multi-purpose activity rooms which includes the sale and disposal of liquor for consumption in that area; recreational and entertainment uses and drinking and/or eating areas (including liquor), restaurants, cafés and take-away food facilities, entertainment; tourist, beach and health related retailing; and administrative and maintenance facilities and other special events and related activities; and, ii) Any other use or development permitted under Consent Notice (Amendment L18), Specified Area No 1 incorporated into the St Kilda Planning Scheme as amended from time to time.
NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT APPLICATION DETAILS
Application reference number: P25/0803
Applicant name: NEPEAN PLANNING CONSULTANTS
The Land affected by this application is located at: 1 MARVIN AVENUE RYE
Lot 32 on Plan of Subdivision 030579 VOL 10852 FOL 565
The application is for a permit to: VARY RESTRICTIVE COVENANT CREATED IN TRANSFER NO. A208723 AFFECTING CERTIFICATE OF TITLE VOLUME 10852 FOLIO 565 BY VARYING THE RESTRICTION WORDING FROM: “ANY BUILDING WHICH SHALL NOT BE SET BACK AT LEAST FORTY FEET FROM THE STREET ALIGNMENT OF SUCH LAND” TO: “ANY BUILDING WHICH SHALL NOT BE SET BACK AT LEAST 7.5 METRES FROM THE FRONT TITLE BOUNDARY”
A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme:
PLANNING SCHEME CLAUSE
Clause 52.02 (Easements, Restrictions and Reserves)
MATTER FOR WHICH A PERMIT IS REQUIRED
Under section 23 of the Subdivision Act 1988, to vary a restriction.
The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before: 9 JULY 2025
How can I find out more?
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge at: www.mornpen.vic.gov.au
You may also call (03) 5950 1010 to arrange a time to look at the application and any documents that support the application at the office of the responsible authority, Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge.
Privacy Notification: The personal information provided in an objection is collected for planning purposes in accordance with the Planning & Environment Act 1987 (the Act). The public may view an objection in accordance with Section 57 of the Act whilst the planning application is current
ROOFTOP MOBILE PHONE BASE STATION AT 503 ORRONG ROAD, ARMADALE VIC 3143 RFNSA Site No: 3143022
1. Waveconn is proposing to install a new rooftop telecommunications facility at 503 Orrong Road, Armadale. The new facility will be utilised by TPG/Vodafone, Optus and Telstra and will replace an existing base station at 291-295 Dandenong Road, Prahran.
2. In summary, this new rooftop facility will consist of:
➢ New panel antennas for TPG/Vodafone, Optus and Telstra (21 antennas in total, each less than 2.8m in length)
➢ Four equipment cabinets
➢ Shrouding of the facility on all four sides
➢ Ancillary works and equipment necessary for the installation, operation and maintenance of the facility
3. In accordance with Section 6 of the Industry Code C564:2025 Mobile Phone Base Station Deployment, we invite you to make comments about the proposal.
4. Please direct comments to Mark Baade (Planning Consultant), SAQ Consulting on mark@saqconsulting.com.au, 0417 088 000 or P O Box 50 CLAYFIELD QLD 4011 by Friday 11th July 2025.
For more information about the proposal, scan the QR Code or visit www.rfnsa.com.au/3143022
LOST - Stolen from MCC Bowls Club, Hawthorn. White 2-door manual Honda Prelude. Much loved vehicle. ENI318. Reward when found. 9191 0099. Z
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