The Local Paper,. Mitchell Strathbogie Edition. Wed., Aug. 27, 2025

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2 CHARGED WITH STABBING

Mt Evelyn tree on Shire agenda

■ The subject of a tree on the Mt Evelyn Aqueduct Trail, at the rear rear of 88-90 Birmingham Rd, Mount Evelyn, was on the agenda of the Yarra Ranges Shire Council meeting due to take place on Monday night (Aug. 26) as this issue of TheLocalPaper went to press.

The Council has had a request to remove three trees on the Aqueduct Trail.

“The residentsd’ main concern is that the three trees are dangerous and will fall onto their property. The trees are assessed by arborists as low risk. Council has one recorded Public Liability claim for this property.

“The trees are exotic, not indigenous to the area. The reserve is in a Green Wedge Zone and is also subject to Bushfire Management Overlay. As the trees are listed environmental weeds, a Planning Permit is not required if the trees are approved by Council for removal.”

■ Police have charged two men with stabbing in Seymour, an incident that saw two people transported to hospital.

Victoria Police say that there appeared to be an altercation between up to six pople in the Morrison Cres area.

The incident is said to have opccurred about 8pm on Wednesday (Aug. 21).

Reports say a 30-year-old Seymour man suffered a wound to the upper body by machete.

A second man was arrested and transported to hospital under Police guard.

A 24-year-old Seymour man was charged with intentionally causing injury and assault with a weapon. A 58-year-old Seymour man was charged with conduct endangering serious injury.

ALEX. TO MEET P’HAM IN FINALS

■ Alexandra will play Pakenham at Woori Yallock this Sunday (Aug. 31) in the Outer East Division 1 finals.

Warburton-Millgrove will play Seville at the Yarra Glen Recreation Reserve on saturday (Aug. 30).

The Division 1 ladder for 2025: 1. Warburton Millgrove, 236.74, 60. 2. Pakenham, 225.32, 60. 3. Seville, 202.02, 60. 4. Belgrave, 119.39, 48. 5. Alexandra, 119.33, 44. 6. Yarra Glen, 82.96, 38. 7. Yea, 81.91, 22. 8. Powelltown, 43.69, 20. 9. Yarra Junction, 25.09, 8. Last weekend’s Division 1 results were: Seville 15.10 (100) d Pakenham 11.10 (76). Alexandra 11.9 (75) d Belgrave 10.11 (71).

Reserves: Alexandra 10.7 (67) d Seville 6.8 (44). Warburton Millgrove 9.13 (67) d Belgrave 5.5 (35).

Under 18 Boys: Seville 22.17 (149) d Warburton Millgrove 4.1 (25). Yarra Glen 15.10 (100) d Alexandra 1.1 (7).

Premier Division Seniors. Monbulk 13.4 (82) d Officer 5.6 (36). Healesville 13.13 (91) d Gembrook Cockatoo 12.10 (82). Wandin 12.19 (91) d Upwey Tecoma 9.11 (65). Olinda Ferny Creek 18,.8 (`116) d Emerald 11.6 (71). Mt Evelyn 14.11 (95) d Woori Yallock 12.11 (83).

Premier Division Reserves. Officer 6.12 (48) d Monbulk 6.5 (41). Gembrook Cockatoo 8.9 957) d Healesville 3,.6 (24). Upwey Tecoma 9.10 (64) d Wandin 2.7 (19). Olinda Ferny Creek 11.6 (72) d Emerald 8.10 (58). Mt Evelyn 12.11 (83) d Woori Yallock 6.2 (38).

The Goulburn Valley Football League finals are about to commence.

The GVFL Seniors home-and-away ladder for 2025 concluded: 1. Kyabram, 206.64, 64. 2. Rochester, 162.77, 62. 3. Mansfield, 141.58, 58. 4. Echuca, 157.40, 56. 5. Shepparton Swans, 152.95, 48. 6. Shepparton, 156.87, 44. 7. Seymour, 104.15, 40. 8. Euroa, 78.06, 20. 9. Benalla, 60.06, 16. 10. Shepparton United, 70.63, 12. 11.Mooroopna, 63.78, 12. 12. Tatura, 20.82, 18.

Last weekend’s Seniors results were: Shepparton Swans 17.14 (166) d Kyabram 12.10 (82). Shepparton United 12.8 (80) d Euroa 10.12 (72). Rochester 24.14 (158) d Tatura 3.0 (18). Seymour 14.7 (91) d Shepparton 8.13 (61). Mansfield 18.13 (121) d Benalla 10.9 (69). Echuca 17.20 (122) d Mooroopna 2.3 (15). Riddell District Football League. Riddell 19.12 (126) d Diggers Rest 6.7 (43). Kyneton 12.15 (87) d Wallan 11.5 (75). Macedon 10.154 (74) d Melton South 7.6 (48). Kyabram District. Rushworth 15.10 (100) d Shepparton East 11.11 (77). Nagambie 14.13 (97) d Longwood 10.9 (69).

The Local Paper

AFFORDABLE HOUSING

Council News

Off-lead dog areas

■ Residents who use local parks are encouraged to comment on Yarra Ranges Council’s Draft People and Dogs in Parks Plan to help finalise the plan.

The draft plan has been created using feedback from park users, surveyed in mid2024 at places like Wesburn Park, Elizabeth Bridge Reserve in Kilsyth, Coronation Park in Healesville, Lillydale Lake and Belgrave Lake Park, along with online submissions.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, said the plan proposes changes including fullyenclosing some dog off-lead areas, in response to community feedback.

“We heard loud and clear from dog owners that they wanted fully-enclosed dog offlead areas in the Yarra Ranges, to prevent dogs running away or getting onto roads,” Cr Child said.

“We’ve historically avoided fenced in dog off-lead areas, due to poor behaviour in the past with people leaving pets unattended overcrowding, instead encouraging voice recall for owners.

“However, there are benefits and there’s clear community demand for enclosed areas alongside encouraging training. Simply put, some dog parks are safer to leave open than others.

“As a result, we’re proposing to fully fence in dog off-lead areas at Belgrave Lake Park, Coronation Park in Healesville, Elizabeth Bridge Reserve in Kilsyth, Kimberley Reserve in Chirnside Park and to partially fence in Wesburn Park’s off-lead area.

“There are also some dog off-lead areas that sit very close to others. We’re proposing to review some off-lead areas and change them to on-lead.”

Sites that will be reviewed include:

■ Cherlynne Crescent Easement in Kilsyth

■ Elizabeth Bridge Reserve’s oval in Kilsyth

■ Hickman Place Reserve in Seville

■ Hull Road Drainage Reserve in Mooroolbark

■ Minak Reserve in Selby

■ Summerhill Park Drive Reserve in Mooroolbark and,

■ Wandin East Recreation Reserve

No final decision is outlined in the plan, only the suggestion that Council review these areas for their demand and consider whether they be changed to on-lead.

■ The City of Whittlesea is inviting residents to have their say on a new draft plan to help address the critical shortfall in affordable housing across the municipality.

The draft Affordable Housing Plan 2025-2030 establishes policy directions to guide Whittlesea Council’s work with the Federal and State Government, delivery partners and community to increase the supply of affordable, safe and secure housing for local residents.

Whittlesea Councillors voted at the City meeting on August 19 to hold a four-week community consultation process to seek residents’ views on the proposed plan.

A lack of affordable homes has been identified as one of the major economic and social issues facing Australia, with demand far outstripping supply across the country.

In the City of Whittlesea, it is estimated there is currently a shortfall of more than 5000 affordable houses, and this is expected to grow to almost 9000 by 2041.

“Well-designed affordable homes make our community a more vibrant, diverse and inclusive place to live and raise families. More affordable housing is good for the whole community,” said a City of Whittlesea representative.

“Failure to address the shortfall will have profound consequences for the community, resulting in more people living in rental stress and an increase in people experiencing homelessness.

“The draft plan outlines proposed key directions such as advocating for greater public and private investment, collaborating with Community Housing Organisations and using Council land for affordable housing projects to support the delivery of more affordable homes.”

Consultation runs from August 25 to September 21.

Following the conclusion of the community consultation period, the draft plan will return to Council later in the year for adoption.

City of Whittlesea Mayor, Cr Martin Taylor, said: “Affordable housing is one of the greatest challenges facing our growing community.

“The City of Whittlesea is among the fastest growing municipalities in Victoria , yet too many families, seniors, and young people are experiencing housing stress.

“Without action, the risks of homelessness, disadvantage, and poor health outcomes will only continue to grow.

“The draft Affordable Housing Plan sets out clear strategies, builds strong partnerships, and ensures financial accountability all while keeping community wellbeing at the heart of every decision.”

Affordable housing.

Image: City of Whittlesea

Comedy for Cause

■ Euroa will host a night of laughter and connection on Friday, October 3, as Comedy for a Cause takes the stage at the Euroa Community Cinema.

Featuring a stellar lineup of comedians from the Sydney and Melbourne International Comedy Festivals - including Dave Hughes, Mark McConville, Billy Styles and Robyn Reynolds (UK)- this free event is set to entertain while raising awareness about mental health.

Doors open at 6.30pm, with the show starting at 7pm. Alongside the comedy, the evening will include a short presentation highlighting local mental health services and support resources.

Tickets are free, but bookings are essential. RSVP now at comedyforacause.net/ event/SSC

This event is part of Strathbogie Shire Council’s ongoing commitment to supporting mental health and wellbeing.

Since the 2022 floods, Strathbogie Council has been actively supporting recovery initiatives that aim to build resilience within our communities, as well as offering opportunities for people to connect.

Mitch for Tigers

■ The Yea Football Netball Club has announced the re-appointment of Mitch Skelly as Senior Men’s Football Coach for season 2026.

Mansfield showcase

■ Mansfield Council welcomed senior Tourism North East representatives for a tour of the future Station Precinct site. The visit was an important opportunity to boost the precinct’s profile and showcase exciting projects to the regional tourism body.

TNE Chair Martin Pakula and Chief Executive Officer Bess Nolan-Cook joined Councillors and Council staff on August 7.

The tour touched on all areas of the new precinct, including historic buildings like the Goods Shed, the planned Taungurung Art Trail and future opportunities for food and beverage.

The highlight was a sneak peek inside the Mansfield Heritage Museum building, which is set to receive fit-out works starting later this financial year.

Mansfield Council shared the story of the museum’s development including the great work done by the Mansfield Historical Society in community fundraising.

The visitors also heard about the significant local fish fossils discovered recently and how they will be incorporated into the museum exhibits.

Mr Pakula and Ms Nolan-Cook congratulated Mansfield Shire Council on recently securing federal funding for the exciting projects.

The Local Paper

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

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

ABOUT US

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

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

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

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

• Mitchell Shire Edition: Mitchell Shire

CONTACT US

Phone: 1800 231 311, 9489 2222, 9439 9927, 0450 399 932, 5797 2656. Reg. Office: 30 Glen Gully Rd, Eltham, Vic 3095 (same address for 31 years)

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Editor: Ash Long

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

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Ash on Wednesday

New crossing at Greenhill Rd

■ Banyule Council says it is pleased to see progress on construction of a pedestrian crossing on Diamond Creek Rd in Greensborough, with Transport Victoria workers having been on site to finalise design of the new crossing.

Minor works will begin soon, with a signalised crossing south of Greenhill Rd to be installed early 2026.

Funding for the crossing was announced in the 2024 Victorian Budget, following pressure from Banyule Council and local residents after two accidents involving school students in 2023.

Banyule Mayor, Cr Elizabeth Nealy, said the crossing would improve safety on the busy road, which has high pedestrian traffic to and from bus stops and schools.

Council worked with local MPs and community members to secure the funding.

“This shows that when we all work together we can achieve great outcomes for our community,” Cr Nealy said.

“It is great to see the Victorian Government investing in Banyule and we hope we can work together for more important road safety improvements in Greensborough.”

Banyule Council is advocating for further improvements in the area:

■ Signals including a pedestrian-operated crossing over Diamond Creek Rd at Plenty River Drive

■ Extending the night-time truck curfew to 24 hours, limiting the number of trucks and heavy vehicles on local roads.

■ Improvements to Greensborough High-

Long Shots

with Ash Long, Editor

Celebrating 56 years in local media

Winner, Best Local Reporting Award Victoria-wide Westpac Award

Direct: 0450 399 932 E: editor@LocalPaper.com.au Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au

Personal: www.AshLong.com.au

“For the cause that lacks assistance, ‘Gainst the wrongs that need resistance For the future in the distance, And the good that we can do”

way and a major upgrade of the roundabout at Civic Drive, Greensborough , which will see huge growth in use when North East Link opens.

Construction of the crossing near Greenhill Rd will include:

■ relocation of the northbound bus stop at Greenhill Rd/Diamond Creek Rd approximately 100m

south so it is closer to the new pedestrian crossing

■ removal of the existing pedestrian refuge north of Greenhill Rd

■ removal of two bus stops with low usage at Avandina Crescent/Diamond Creek Rd and Spring St/Diamond Creek Rd

■ removal of two trees and up to four on-street parking spaces outside 100 and 102 Diamond Creek Rd.

Mernda homes

■ The City of Whittlesea has moved to deliver a high-quality residential neighbourhood with 37 new homes, providing a muchneeded increase to housing supply in Mernda.

Located on the former Mernda Primary School site in Johnsons Rd, the new neighbourhood will deliver diverse housing types, including town houses and detached homes, set in a network of open spaces, mature trees and landscaping. ●

The Local Paper

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

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

MANSFIELD

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

MITCHELL

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

MURRINDINDI

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

NILLUMBIK (RURAL)

Incorporating the traditions of the Diamond Valley Advertiser (Est. 1995) and The Advertiser (earlier Evelyn Observer) (Est. Oct. 31, 1873) Nillumbik Shire (rural) comprises Arthurs Creek, Bend of Islands, Christmas Hills, Cottles Bridge, Diamond Creek, Doreen, Eltham, Eltham North, Hurstbridge, Kangaroo Ground, Kinglake, Kinglake Central, Kinglake West, Nutfield, Panton Hill, Plenty, Research, Smiths Gully, St Andrews, Strathewen, Warrandyte North, Watsons Creek. Nillumbik Shire is home to more than 64,659 people, living in approximately 21,753 homes.

STRATHBOGIE (PART)

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

WHITTLESEA (RURAL)

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

YARRA RANGES

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

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment
Rourke, Film
Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing
Bissett-Johnson, Cartoonist

Statewide

MELBOURNE

127 more charges

■ Detectives from Mernda Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Team have laid 127 further charges following the alleged discovery of an illegal recording device at Melbourne hospitals.

Police laid the additional charges against the 27-year-old man on Wednesday (Aug. 20).

They relate to alleged offending at the Austin Hospital in Heidelberg, the Royal Melbourne Hospital and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre

The charges relate to stalking, produce intimate image and install optical surveillance device.

The Croydon man was to appear at the Supreme Court

The 127 charges are in addition to six charges laid last month relating to alleged offending initially identified at the Austin Hospital

It is alleged a mobile phone was used as a recording device in staff toilets at all three hospitals named so far.

The investigation is continuing with further medical facilities where the man worked between 2020 and 2025 still of interest.

Police expect to identify further alleged victims however working through this process is expected to take some time.

PRAHRAN 3 charged

■ Three more men have been arrested following an alleged affray outside a nightclub in Prahran earlier this month.

A 32-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by a group of males outside the venue at the intersection of Little Chapel St and Malvern Rd, just after 11pm on Friday, August 8.

Security guards intervened and assisted the victim inside the nightclub, where he was allegedly further assaulted by the group before they fled along Malvern Road.

The victim was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Police arrested a 28-year-old Narre Warren man on Flinders Lane

SHOTS FIRED AT GLENROY, RAID AT EAST KEILOR

■ Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged two men following an incident where shots were fired in Glenroy in the early hours of Wednesday morning, August 20.

With assistance from the Special Operations Group, a 42-year-old Roxburgh Park man was arrested at a Keilor East residential property.

A 43-year-old Keilor East man also present at the property was taken into custody.

Both were interviewed by investigators, and the 42-yearold man has since been charged with:

■ discharge firearm at vehicle

■ reckless conduct endanger life

■ common law assault

■ (2) prohibited person possess firearm

■ possess firearm in contravention of a firearm prohibition order

■ use firearm in contravention of a firearm prohibition order

■ drive at a speed dangerous

■ (x2) drive whilst disqualified

■ possess methyl amphetamine

■ possess firearm in contravention of a firearm prohibition order

■ possess ammunition

A second search warrant was executed at a Hadfield address, where a 31-year-old man was arrested with the assistance of the Dog Squad. The Hadfield man has since been charged with a number of offences.

Statewide

Ring Road episode

■ Shortly after midnight on Wednesday, August 20, a 29-year-old Fawkner man was travelling westbound on the Western Ring Road entrance ramp in a white Lexus, when it will be alleged the driver of a white Honda CRV stopped the vehicle in front of him.

A second vehicle, a white Toyota Camry, then pulled up behind him on the right. The driver of the first vehicle exited the car, before approaching the victim’s vehicle.

The man accelerated, and he continued driving westbound on the Western Ring Road

Shortly after, the two vehicles caught up to the man, before firing a number of shots in the direction of his vehicle.

A number of bullets struck the car, but the man was not physically injured during the incident.

The two offending vehicles then allegedly fled the scene, travelling southbound on the Tullamarine Freeway

The victim continued northbound on the Tullamarine Freeway before stopping at a petrol station, where he called Triple-Zero.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Across Victoria RIPPONLEA Temple attack

■ The Victorian Joint Counter Terrorism Team has charged a second man over the alleged Adass Israel Synagogue arson attack in December.

The Meadow Heights man, 20, has been charged with criminal damage by fire (Arson), conduct endangering life and theft of motor vehicle.

The offence of arson carries a maximum penalty of 15 years’ imprisonment, while the offence of theft of motor vehicle and conduct endangering life both carry a maximum penalty of 10 years’ imprisonment.

The Meadow Heights man was charged by investigators, after executing a search warrant at a Meadow Heights home on Thursday (Aug. 14). Police seized a number of items, including electronic devices, which are undergoing forensic examination. He remains remanded in custody and is expected to appear on August 27.

16 Days of Activism

■ Nillumbik Council is once again supporting the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, with community grants of up to $750 available for local projects focused on promoting gender equality and respectful relationships.

The campaign runs annually from November 25, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, to December 10, the International Human Rights Day, and aims to address the drivers of gender-based violence through awareness, education and community action.

Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said Council encourages Nillumbik-based community groups, organisations and individuals to apply and deliver projects that tackle the underlying social conditions that lead to violence.

“These grants can support a wide range of initiatives,” Cr Dumaresq said, “including community programs, events, arts and cultural activities, public space activation, Indigenous cultural activities, and the development of resources or virtual events.”

Projects must align with relevant cause days such as:

■ 16 Days of Activism (Nov. 25 – Dec. 10, 2025)

■ International Day of Women and Girls in Science (Feb. 11, 2026)

■ International Women’s Day (Mar. 8, 2026) Projects must be delivered within the 2025–26 financial year.

Applications close September 7.

Northern

FNL scores

■ Northern Football netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Banyule 11.13 (79) d North Heidelberg 10.8 (68). Greensborough 21.12 (138) d Bundoora 10.4 (64). Heidelberg 14.14 (98) d Hurstbridge 11.8 974). South Morang 11.11 (77) d Eltham 9.11 (65). Montmorency 19.9 (123) d West Preston Lakeside 7.8 (50). Division 1 Reserves. Eltham 10.5 (65) d South Morang 9,.7 (61). Greensborough 28.22 (190) d Bundoora 2.8 (18). Heidelberg 22.18 (150) d Hurstbridge 8.78 (56). Banyule 28.11 (179) d North Heidelberg 2.1 (13). West Preston Lakeside 12.9 (81) d Montmorency 9.11 (65).

Division 1 Under 19.5. Heidelberg 15.11 (101) d Hurstbridge 9.11 (65). Montmorency 11.7 (73) d Greensborough 7.16 (58). Banyule 15.9 (99) d St Mary’s 9.10 (64). Eltham 9.11 (65) d Diamond Creek 10.4 (64).

Division 2 Seniors. Macleod 15.13 (103) d Whittlesea 15.11 (101). St Mary’s 12.17 (89) d Northcote Park 14.2 (86).

Division 2 Reserves. Whittlesea 6.11 (47) d Macleod 4.13 (37). Thomastown 15.12 (102) d St Mary’s 6.15 (51).

Division 2 Under 19.5. Whittlesea 10.9 (69) d North Heidelberg 9.12 (66). Laurimar 22.16 (148) d Mernda 4.7 (31).

Division 3 Seniors. Laurimar 13.14 (92) d Fitzroy Stars 8.13 (61). Ivanhoe 17.12 (114) d Kilmore 3.16 (34).

Division 3 Reserves. Laurimar 5.16 (46) d Ivanhoe 5.7 (37). Fitzroy Stars 21.14 (140) d Kilmore 14.4 (88).

Division 3 Under 19.5. Kilmore 10.14 (74) d Bundoora 3.13 (31). Eltham 15.16 (106) d Panton Hill 3.10 (28).

No more ‘Tiny Homes’ queries

■ Questions about ‘tiny homes’ are to be banned from future Yarra Ranges Council meetings.

Mayor Cr Jim Child announced the move at the August 12 meeting: “We have also received community inquiries outside of the Council meeting process and I'm aware that Council Officers have undertaken significant work on this matter and take these requests seriously.

“In accordance with our Governance Rules, public questions have been publicly addressed.

“However, to ensure our Council meetings remain focused, efficient, and productive across all community matters, I wish to advise that following tonight’s Council meeting future Questions to Council and Submissions relating to Tiny Homes will no longer be accepted during public Council meetings.

“I fully acknowledge that this is a complex issue, and that many community members feel strongly about it. However, the matter has been comprehensively addressed in previous Council meetings.

“Furthermore, Council's Governance rules stipulate that Questions to Council and Submission that have previously received answers maybe disallowed in future meetings.

“For those seeking further information, updates, or clarification on Tiny Homes, I encourage you to visit Council’s newly launched dedicated webpage,” Cr Child said.

Mill Park Police charge 5 teens

■ Mill Park Divisional Response Unit officers have charged five teenagers following a series of alleged armed robberies across metropolitan Melbourne. The alleged linked incidents include:

■ Five males, allegedly armed with machetes, entered a supermarket on Golden Banksia Drive in Officer and stole cash and cigarettes about 12.20pm. They fled in a silver Subaru Forester.

■ The group entered a supermarket on the corner of Pink Bill and Timbertop Boulevards in Officer, where they allegedly threatened a staff member, then stole cigarettes and cash about 12.30pm.

■ A group of teens allegedly threatened staff at a supermarket on Gilbert Rd in Preston about 1.25pm. They left empty handed.

■ The teenagers allegedly entered another supermarket on McDonalds Rd in Epping and threatened staff about 1.50pm. Nothing was stolen.

■ Officers spotted the Subaru Forester, used in the alleged offending, on Edgars Rd in Wollert a short time later.

The car was pursued by police through multiple suburbs including Epping, Thomastown, Rosanna and Heidelberg

The Subaru collided with two vehicles at the intersection of Manningham and Bulleen Rds in Bulleen

There were no physical injuries during the incidents.

The five occupants allegedly fled on foot and were all arrested nearby.

A 16-year-old boy from the Dandenong area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3) and attempted armed robbery (x2).

A 17-year-old boy from the Casey area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3), attempted armed robbery (x2), negligent driving while pursued by Police and unlicenced driving.

A 16-year-old from the Cardinia area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3) and attempted armed robbery (x2).

A 16-year-old boy from the Dandenong area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3) and attempted armed robbery (x2).

They were remanded to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

A 14-year-old boy from the Dandenong area was charged with theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods, armed robbery (x3) and attempted armed robbery (x2).

He was bailed to appear at a children’s court at a later date.

The Subaru was allegedly stolen during an aggravated burglary in Wheelers Hill on August 7.

Housing crisis

■ Warburton resident Cadi-Lee Beach had a question for Yarra Ranges Councillors this month:

“What is it about Yarra Ranges Council green wedge policy that prevents the use of tiny homes and caravans in the current Housing Crisis? What is required by YRC to enable people to use tiny homes and caravans in this crisis?”

■ Strathbogie Shire Council is celebrating its strongest improvement in community satisfaction since 2019, with the latest statewide Victorian Local Government Community Satisfaction Survey showing a 12-point jump in overall performance. The overall performance score of 48 for Strathbogie Shire was a significant rise from 36 in 2024.

approach The Local Paper or make a complaint to the Australian Press Council in writing at: www.presscouncil.org.au

The Council may also be contacted on 1800 025 712.

Cr John Dumaresq, Mayor
● ● ● ● Cr Jim Child, Mayor

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, August 27

Local News

Courts

upgrade

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel. 65 Grant St.

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

■ ALEXANDRA. Foodworks. 102 Grant St.

■ ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock Hotel. 80 Grant St.

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

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

■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

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

■ ■ WATTLE GLEN. Peppers

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

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

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

■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress.

70 Jumping Creek Rd.

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

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

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

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

■ ■ ■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea NewsXpress. 45 Church St.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Akers, Cameron Caton, Janelle Louise Diamantopoulos, Matthew Donnelly, Lachlan Neil Doyle, Danielle Catherine Elmaaraoui, Ahmed Garde, Jake King, Johnny Lisle, Corey Martin, Thyler Maunder, Chrystal Muto, Alberto Suttie, Adam Thomas Tadic, Daniel Tonkin, Lee Tuglu, Deniz Gulser Veljanovski, Dylan Thursday, August 28

■ Diamond Creek Tennis Club has upgraded two courts to competition standard, which are now ready for players of all ages and abilities to enjoy.

Keen tennis players joined with councillors and Eltham MLA Vicki Ward to mark the official opening of the new courts.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said the court improvements will enable the Club to flourish.

“This project represents a real investment in our local community and its wellbeing, and I’m proud to see it come to fruition,” Cr Dumaresq said.

Ellis Ward Councillor Peter Perkins said the court upgrade is a boost for local tennis and Diamond Creek’s ability to host competitive tournaments.

■ ■ BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy.

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

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

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

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

■ ■ YARCK. Yarck Hotel. Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YEA. Amble Inn Cafe. 24 High St.

Mitchell Shire Edition

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

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Corner Store. 89 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Hotel. 100 High St.

“The court improvements will bring benefits to locals and visitors to the club, and I thank the Victorian Government for its contribution in bringing this project to life,” Cr Perkins said.

Works included the removal of the old surfaces, excavation and re-levelling, new asphalt bases with root barriers, improved drainage, upgraded fencing, and brandnew synthetic grass playing surfaces.

■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main

St.

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

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

■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

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

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

■ ■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene

General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

■ ■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

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

■ ■ KANGAROO GROUND. Kangaroo Ground General Store. 280 Eltham-Yarra Glen Rd.

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

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

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

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

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

■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.

■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar.

15 Gorge Rd.

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

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

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

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

■ ■ THORNTON. 4 Ways Diner.

1369 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

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

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

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

■ ■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94 High St.

■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64 High St.

■ ■ ■ ■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

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

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

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

■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

■ ■ ■ YEA. Provender Bakery. 56 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88

High St.

■ ■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

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

The $576,000 upgrade was the result of a joint initiative between the State Government , which contributed $300,000, and Nillumbik Council, which invested $276,000.

Seussical Jr

has spoken on taking her daughters to see Mernda Central College’s production of Seussical Jr.

“They really proved that ‘Oh, the thinks you can think’ is not just a lyric but is a mission statement,” Ms Kathage said.

“From Jojo and the Cat showing us it is possible to protect what matters to Horton reminding us that we are never really alone in the universe, this production hit every note about courage, teamwork and believing in yourself.

“Much like Horton, they proved that a person’s a person, no matter how small, and that every role, big or small, mattered in making this show a success.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

■ ■ ■ YEA. Yea Newsagency. 74

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Yea Take-Away. 68 High St.

Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition

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

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

■ ■ ■ ■ HEALESVILLE. BP. 66 Maroondah Hwy.

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Newsagency. 41 Sydney St.

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

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

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

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

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

■ ■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.

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

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Coles Express. 123 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Grand Hotel. 270 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Healesville Newsagency. 195 Maroondah Hwy.

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

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

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

■ ■ LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St.

■ ■ ■ MILLGROVE. Licensed Grocery. 3043 Warburton Hwy.

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

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

■ ■ SEVILLE. Wooworths Seville. 568 Warburton Hwy.

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

■ ■ ■ WARBURTON. Bakery. 3415 Warburton Hwy.

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

■ ■ ■ SEYMOUR. Royal Hotel. 26 Emily St.

■ SEYMOUR. Terminus Hotel. 26 Station St.

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

■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook General Store. 36 Main Rd.

■ ■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.

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

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

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

■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.

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

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

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

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

Akram, Saher Baker, Kye Biddle, Aaron Borham, Shane Botte, Peter Bowden, Jay Bradford, Rebecca Christie, Wesley John Djuric, Miroslav D'silva, Kirk Fitzgerald, Jack Fleming, Daniel James Fleming, Kristine Glazebrook, Corey Greenova Pty Ltd Hamment, Jack Hammond, Anthony James Iocco, Oscar Khaira, Amanpreet Singh Lapworth, Brock Mcdonald, Toby James Mitchell, Rodney Oliver, Gary John Pearse, Chantelle Petronio, Jaimie Dean Pettie, Kevin Hughie Richardson, Mark Rowbottom, Tahlia Singh, Prabhisimran Skinner, Melissa Sutton, Brodee Tarrant-Willis, Mary Elizabeth Thomas, Anu Thompson, Mark David Ward, Joshua Williams, Charles Wilson, Shelly Friday, August 29 Anderson, Steven Gioffre, Jake Lusted, Joshua Nesbitt, Anthony Peter Monday, September 1 Dickinson, Daniel Robert Mancino, Carl Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Wednesday, September 3 Abdo, Fouad Al Enazi, Saleh Aliu, Erjan Barron, Craig Bennett, Adrienne Brook, Denham Chalmers, Robyn Grant, Cameron Guilfoyle, Jacob Daniel Halprin, Rebekah Hanson, Shane Michael Heard, David Houli, Ali Jones, Jessica Murphy, Ben Patel, Dev Pereira, Felizberto Pilgrim, Mark Saunders, Scott Senova-Tapp, Copper Aydin Sheoran, Shamit Spizzo, Leon Warren, Kylie Williams, Matthew

Register to attend

■ Strathbogie Shire Council will introduce a new registration process for local people attending meetings in person, from September.

“Their amazing cast, crew and teachers did not just put on a musical, they built a community on and off stage.

“It is clear this school is exactly where creativity hatches, takes flight and, just like Green Eggs and Ham, is something everyone ends up loving.

“My daughters loved the pre-show mini doco, which gave the opportunity to meet lots of the backstage crew, who made the show possible.

“In shining a spotlight behind the curtain, they took the themes of the show –standing up for what is right, believing in yourself and valuing every voice – and turned them into a living, breathing part of their school culture.

“In short, they nailed it – all for you. Well done to Rachel Gorman and the team,” Ms Kathage said.

Dog park feedback

■ The Hurstbridge Dog Park is set to undergo a major upgrade and Nuillumbik Council wants to hear residents’ thoughts on a range of proposed improvements.

The planned upgrade includes accessible seating and shelters, a passive dog area for dogs who prefer a quieter space, potential dog activities and interactive play areas, new concrete pathways, landscaping, new signage, solar lighting at key locations and additional waste bins to encourage cleanliness.

Nillumbik Mayor Cr John Dumaresq said the upgrade would provide a better experience for all dog park users.

“Upgrades to the Hurstbridge Dog Park mean it will be safer, easier to get around, and more fun for everyone — people and their dogs,” Cr Dumaresq said.

“With better safety, accessibility, and facilities, we’re making sure the whole community can enjoy it, no matter their age, ability, or the kind of dog they have. It’s all about making Hurstbridge an even more welcoming place to be.”

Cr Naomi Joiner encourages residents to take part in the consultation.

“The new process strengthens Council’s governance procedures, in line with Council’s Governance Rules and helps ensure Council Meetings remain safe, inclusive, and respectful spaces for important community decision-making,” said a Council representative.

■ ■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Grand Hotel.

140 Yarra St.

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

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

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

Mayor Cr Claire Ewart-Kennedy said the registration system reflects Starthbogie Council’s commitment to safe and transparent meetings.

“This is a great opportunity for residents to get involved, share their ideas, and help shape the dog park.” Cr Joiner said.

This project is supported by the State Government through the New and Upgraded Dog Parks Program Feedback closes Sunday, September 14.

Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage

News Briefs

Locals share grants

■ Seymour Perfgormers Workshop is to receivefunds from the Federal Government’s Volunteer Grabnts Program.

Nicholls MHR Sam Birrell welcomed more than $60,000 in funding for local volunteer organisations.

Some 17 not-for-profit organisations across Nicholls will share in the funding from the program.

Mr Birrell said the program aimed to support the work of volunteers by funding communication equipment, supporting the work of young volunteers and assisting volunteers to run programs focused on supporting children and families.

“Volunteers are the heart of our community and deserve government support,” Mr Birrell said.

“The selfless work of volunteers keeps our region moving forward, and these grants are a small way of giving back to those who give so much,” he said.

Grants between $1000 and $5000 were available. Mr Birrell said the grants were once again oversubscribed, and he continued to call on the Albanese Government to invest more in regional communities.

“My office received dozens of applications and unfortunately, there was a limited amount of funding available,” Mr Birrell said.

“The oversubscription reflects just how great the need is across our communities and underlines the importance of increasing regionally targeted support,” Mr Birrell said.

Mr Birrell said he looked forward to meeting with the volunteer groups and seeing the flow of effect these grants will have on local communities.

Grant recipients:

■ Seymour Performers' Workshop

■ Rushworth Community House Inc.

■ Christmas For Those Alone Incorporated

■ Colbinabbin Town Recreation Reserve Committee of Management

■ Kyabram Plaza Committee

■ Wunghnu Fire Brigade

■ Neighbourhood House Murchison

■ Rushworth Bowls Club Inc.

■ ‘The Cubby’ – Shepparton Toy Library

■ Tatura Cricket Club Inc.

■ Tungamah Bowling Club Inc.

■ Country Fire Authority

■ Yarrawonga Mulwala Swimming Club

■ Love In Action Broadford

■ Echuca South Cricket Club

■ Eastern Lions Kart Club

■ Caroline Chisholm Society

Information please

■ Murrindinid Council says that it is continuing to improve how community accesses planning and building information.

“Through ongoing digitisation of historical permit files, we're streamlining processes, reducing delays and making it easier for residents, businesses, builders, and planners to access the information they need,” a Council representative said.

“This work builds on a recent digitisation project, supported by the Victorian Government through the Regulatory Reform Incentive Fund (now Business Acceleration Fund), which converted nearly 6500 hard copy Planning and Building permit files into a fully digital system.

“This projects complements Council's other digital initiatives, like our Planning and Building Portal, which gives residents, builders, and planners a convenient way to lodge and track applications online,” the Council representative said.

Ausnet works

■ AusNet will be carrying out vegetation management in Caveat, Buxton, Dropmore, Eildon, Ghin Ghin, Highlands, Howes Creek, Marysville, Narbethong, Rubicon, Ruffy, Taggerty, Terip Terip, Thornton and Yarck from late August through September.

The works include pruning around powerlines and, where necessary, vegetation removal.

For more details, contact visit Ausnet or call 1300 360 795.

‘Turtle’ goes on air

■ Yea Football Club player Lachie White’s achievement of more than 500 games won wide publicity on the 3AW breakfast program with Ross Stevenson and Russel Howcroft last week.

The veteran - inown as ‘Turtle’ - went on air to tell the story of his sports career.

Weeds, pests unchecked

■ Invasive weeds and pests will go unchecked across Victoria, as the State Government sacks Agriculture Victoria’s pest and weed team, says Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish.

“Victoria will be the only state in Australia with no plan, no rules and no resources to deal with destructive pests like blackberries, rabbits and gorse,” Ms McLeish said.

This will occur from December. The decision by the ill impact each Shire in the entire electorate.

“Blackberries are already running rampant along roadsides, strangling our local rivers and streams and plaguing our bushland and farms,” said Ms McLeish.

“I receive regular complaints and concerns from constituents about blackberry growth, as well as damage to crops, and properties caused by rabbits, foxes and feral pigs.

“I see a fox at least once a day. Everyone in regional Victoria understands the problem with rabbits, foxes and noxious weeds.

“The Agriculture Victoria Pests and Weeds Teams did what they could, but it was a challenge when they didn’t receive the government support.

“Now with one of our only lines of defence gone, the weeds and pests will grow out of control, particularly as we come into spring.”

Labor has budgeted $537.2 million for Agriculture Victoria in 2025–26 — down from $614.8 million in 2024–25, said Ms McLeish.

Celebrating Men’s Sheds

■ Across Mitchell Shire , a network of Men’s Sheds has been quietly delivering one of our region’s most valuable community services – improving health and wellbeing, fostering inclusion and strengthening community connections.

As Men’s Shed Week 2025 approaches (September 813), the national theme Building Healthy Communities highlights the important role sheds play in supporting their members, families and the wider community – through practical activities, social connection and positive mental health outcomes.

Mitchell Shire is home to five Men’s Sheds – in Kilmore, Broadford, Seymour, Wallan/ Hidden Valley and Puckapunyal – each with its own story, achievements and impact.

Men’s Shed Week is an opportunity to honour the grassroots contributions.

Grants set to be endorsed

■ Advice will be presented to Councillors at the Murrindindi AShire meeting tonight (Wed., Aug. 27) about grants to community groups.

That Council:

■ Alexandra & District Kindergarten has received a $2400 Quick Response Grant for Environmental and cultural education for Kindergarten aged children in a natural bushland setting.

■ Thornton Eildon Football & Netball Club –Improvement of club facilities. $1500

■ Rotary Club of Yea – Garden Expo 2025. $2500

■ Highlands Community Hall committee –Purchase of a Hisense Laser Projector. $1,247

■ Yea and District Riding Club Inc – Arena upgrade with sand top-dressing. $2500

■ Rotary Club of Kinglake Ranges – Defibrillator Project Toolangi. $400

■ Strath Creek Progress Association Inc –Christmas in July $1,200

Sponsorship allocations are set to be endorsed:

■ Daniel Kriss – Victorian Squash Championship. $500

■ Triangle Arts Group Inc – Music in the Park Marysville. $5,000

Local Event Grants are likely to include:

■ The Lake Eildon Rowing Club – The Grand

Seat of Joy

■ The ‘Seat of Joy’ is set to be installed in the Mansfield Botanic Park as a lasting tribute to the late Joy Forrest

The proposed installation is a significant rock artwork which will be decorated with colourful mosaic and hand-made pottery.

Use of ceramics reflects Joy’s own passion for pottery, with the piece being designed and produced by skilled local mosaic and ceramic artists from the Mansfield community.

The project is being led by the community group ‘The Friends of Joy’ to honour Joy Forrest as a treasured member of the Mansfield community.

A beloved and inspirational figure, Joy was a passionate potter whose creativity and vibrant personality touched many in the community.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the proposal was a wonderful community-led initiative to honour a significant local community member.

"Joy Forrest was a creative force in our community known for her charitable work and her artistic passion," said Cr Rabie

"This artwork is a fitting way to remember her legacy and will become a cherished feature of our Botanic Park. It’s been great to see such passion from our community in getting behind the project."

Mansfield Council previously invited community feedback on a proposal from ‘The Friends of Joy ’ to install a stage in the Botanic Park in Joy’s honour.

The ‘Seat of Joy’ is now planned as the contribution from ‘The Friends of Joy’ to the park. Mansfield Council is continuing to progress plans for a stage separately.

Montrose stories

■ Residents, former locals and visitors are invited to share their stories of the Kevin Heinze People’s Garden in Montrose, as Yarra Ranges Council and the Montrose Township Group work to revitalise the space.

The garden, a former private garden donated to Yarra Ranges Council in October 2005, is at the rear of the main Montrose shops in Mt Dandenong Tourist Rd.

The garden features a picnic table, sprawling paths and gardens that wind through this beautiful quiet space in the centre of town.

In 1967, legendary gardener, Kevin Heinze, bought land in Montrose and cultivated gardens. They eventually moved into their new Montrose home just before Christmas 1968.

About the same time, they started filming Sow What, a gardening television program that spanned 21 years.

The gardens became famous around Melbourne and Australia through the show, and many people came to visit the private space.

In 2005, the family decided to donate the land to the Council, so it could become open space for the community and be maintained in perpetuity.

Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Jim Child, said that Council was now seeking stories and memories from community members, which would help inform work in the gardens.

“We want to hear from locals, from visitors, and from people who used to live here, about how they used the garden, how they currently use it and what they’d like to see in the future,” Cr Child said.

“This information will help us with our plans to revitalise the space, make improvements and repairs, and figure out how to incorporate storytelling into the space.

“We’ll then create a detailed landscape design plan with this information, ensuring the future of the garden is as bright as its history.

“I encourage anyone with a story to tell about the garden to visit Shaping Yarra Ranges and share it with us before 3 September.

Road project

■ Mitchell Council has approvedthe land acquisition for the John Street Link Road,

Men’s Sheds in Mitchell Shire
Ponderosa Cup Rowing Regatta on Eildon Pondage 2025. $1500
Marysville Community Golf and Bowls Club
Annual Anniversary Fundraiser Event. $1000
Melbourne University Car Club – 2025
Car Rally. $2500

Council Rounds

Rates notice delay

■ Problems with rates notices at Yarra Ranges Shire have received publicity on radio station 3AW.

A Council representative said: “Yarra Ranges Council can confirm that a letter was recently sent to approximately 3000 properties informing them that their usual direct debit had not been debited due to changes in a computer system.

“While the letter had the correct address on the envelope and name on the letter, it unfortunately had an incorrect address contained in the letter itself.

“Rates notices have not been issued for this year yet due to a changeover in systems - this is due to arrive late August/early September,” the Council representative said.

Erosion overlay

■ Yarra Ranges Council is inviting community feedback on proposed updates to the Erosion Management Overlay mapping in the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme.

The consultation period will run until October 3, and residents impacted by the proposed changes will receive a letter with further details about how to make a submission.

This consultation phase, called ‘exhibition’ is one of several steps in the amendment process, which also includes consideration of submissions by an independent Planning Panel (if required), and final approval by the Minister for Planning

“Once the amendment is approved and gazetted by the Minister , the new provisions will come into effect in the Planning Scheme. Affected residents will be notified when this happens. Amendments can be a lengthy process, taking a year or more,” said a Council representative.

“To support the community, Council will hold a range of information sessions during and outside office hours across the municipality. These will include:

■ in-person sessions with a geotechnical expert,

■ webinars with a geotechnical expert,

■ bookable drop-in sessions with Council planners.

“Originally implemented into the Yarra Ranges Planning Scheme in 2001, the EMO mapping has now been revised using advanced LIDAR technology and updated geotechnical assessments.

“These updates align with the Australian Geomechanics Society’s 2007 Guidelines for Landslide Risk Management, providing a more accurate understanding of landslip risks across the municipality.”

Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Jim Child said the update is a vital part of Council’s responsibility to maintain a current and effective planning scheme.

“We know how important it is to protect our community from natural hazards. This update ensures that our planning controls reflect the latest science and technology, helping us manage landslip risks more effectively.” Cr Child said.

“The EMO only applies to new development, earthworks, subdivisions or extensions or re-building a home. It’s about making sure future development on your property is safe and sustainable for you and your neighbours.”

The EMO is a state-wide planning control designed to minimise land disturbance and inappropriate development in areas prone to erosion and landslip. The updated mapping has identified 1,183 recorded landslides across the municipality.

As part of the proposed Planning Scheme Amendment (C225), Council will notify all property owners affected by changes to the EMO mapping. This includes:

■ 937 properties proposed for removal from the EMO

■ 3259 newly identified properties added to Schedule 1 (landslip hazard)

■ 290 properties added to Schedule 2 (debris flow hazard), plus 209 already included in the EMO

■ 202 properties included in both Schedules

Total properties within the EMO will increase to 13,724 (net increase of 2365).

“If you already have an EMO on your property, it’s important to note that there are a few minor changes. This is mainly that there are now two schedules, one for landslip and one for debris flow and there are some minor grammatical corrections and permit exemption for repairs and maintenance works to existing assets by public authorities,” the representative said.

MP visits Wandong Centre

■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage visited L.B. Davern Reserve on Thursday (Aug. 21) to see how the upgraded Wandong Community Centre is strengthening connections and opportunities for the local community.

Completed late last year , the $800,000 project has delivered a range of improvements that have transformed the centre into a modern, functional and welcoming community hub.

The works included the installation of new male, female and accessible toilet facilities, a fully updated kitchen, and an expanded meeting room with additional storage space to better cater for the needs of local user groups.

The main hall now features acoustic treatments that make it more comfortable for meetings, performances and social gatherings, while upgraded heating and cooling ensure the centre can be used comfortably year-round.

Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr John Dougall said the transformation of the centre was already having a positive impact.

"I would also like to pay tribute to the late former Councillor Sue Marstaeller. Sue was a tireless advocate for her community and played an important role with the Committee

“Her dedication and passion helped lay the foundations for projects like this, and it’s fitting to acknowledge her contribution as the community enjoys the upgraded centre,” cr Dougall said.

Wallan Nature Trail opens

■ The official opening of the Wallan Central Cycle and Nature Trail upgrade took place on Thursday (Aug. 21).

The $1.02 million project has transformed the Wallan Community Park into a vibrant, accessible space where residents can enjoy the outdoors, connect with each other and stay active.

Works have delivered improved park entrances, an expanded path network, a nature-play trail with sand play and rope climbing elements, spaces for imaginative play, a learn-to-ride track, drinking water stations, new seating and picnic areas, interpretive signage and additional planting to enhance the area’s natural appeal.

Mitchell Council officers worked closely with Wurundjeri elders on the signage to provide information on the original language of Wallan, the Woi-wurrung language.

Guiding property decisions

■ The City of Whittlesea is inviting residents to have their say on a new draft plan that outlines how Council manages the property that it owns.

The draft Strategic Property and Land Plan 2025-2030 will provide a framework for how the Council manages property assets and guide decisions on acquisition, divestment, leasing, licensing and strategic development.

The guiding principles include ensuring all property decisions maximise community benefit and public value, align with Council’s endorsed strategic documents, contribute to financial sustainability and promote development practices that support long-term growth.

Councillors voted on August 19 to hold a four-week community consultation process to gauge residents’ support for the proposed plan.

Mayor Cr Martin taylor said: “The draft Strategic Property and Land Plan provides a clear and consistent framework to guide how Council manages its land and property.

“It will help us optimise opportunities, reduce costs, and unlock long term value for the community,” Cr Taylor said. “I encourage community members to visit our Engage Whittlesea website, review this important draft plan, and share their feedback to help shape its future direction.”

New Gifts Policy

■ Murrindindi Shire Councillors are due tonight (Wed., Aug. 27) a new policy regarding the acceptance of gifts.

“The Policy requires Councillors to decline prohibited gifts, which are defined as a gift over $500, gifts that could bring Council into disrepute, money or things transferrable into money, gifts that create a conflict of interests, gifts given to influence decision making or regulatory action, gifts made in secret, gifts of alcohol (unless as part of legitimate hospitality), and gifts of free tickets at paid events in certain circumstances,” says a report to be presented to Councillors.

“The Policy also requires Councillors to declare a gift over $50 (Non-Token Gifts), and to only accept it after consideration to the giver’s motivation, the influence it might have on decision making or perception of favour (GIFT Test), and whether public trust may be eroded by acceptance.

“Councillors can accept Gifts $50 and under (Token Gifts) after consideration to the GIFT Test. Both Non-Token and Token Gifts (whether accepted or not) must be declared.gifts,” the report says.

$2.4m

slashing

■ Murrindindi Council is this week scheduled to consider the tenders of a number of contractors for slashing services across the municipality.

Seven tenders are likely to be considered for an initial term of three years, commencing October 21, with an option for a two-year extension;

The total contract amount could be up to $2,400,000 over the five-year contract period; If voted upon, the names of the successful contractors will be published in the draft Minutes on Friday afternoon (Aug. 29).

Australia Day

■ Australia Day 2026 will be held in Seymour, with the Community Awards and Citizenship Ceremony to be held, with updated committee terms endorsed by Mitchell Shire Council.

Dry Hire:

$1.5mil.

■ Murrindindi Shire’s dry hire arerangements could total up to $1.5 million over five years, according to a recommendation to be put to the council meeting tonight (Wed., Aug. 27).

Five tenders will be considered for an initial period of three years commencing September 15.

There is likley to be an optional two-year extension period.

Confidential time

■ Murrindindi Council’s august meeting is likely to go into confidential mode, excluding the public, when Chief Executive Officer Livia Bonazzi’s employment arrangements are due to be discussed.

The CEO Employment and Remuneration Committee Report is due to be considered towards the end of the 6pm meeting due to be held at the Yea Council Chambers.

Affordable food

■ Fresh, affordable food will be more accessible in Mitchell and Murrindindi through a new regional partnership backed by $726,350 in funding from VicHealth.

The Nourishing Neighbourhoods project is part of VicHealth’s Food First initiative, which is supporting local partnerships to tackle food insecurity and build fairer, healthier and more sustainable food systems across Victoria.

Over the next three years, Mitchell and Murrindindi Shire Councils will work with neighbourhood houses, community food groups, health organisations and residents to create a local food system that reflects the needs and strengths of local communities.

A key part of the project is the creation of local food resources supporting communityled mapping that shows where and how people can access fresh, healthy and culturally appropriate food, and where improvements are needed.

The project will also support a range of local initiatives.

● Cr Martin Taylor, Mayor
● ● Lauren Kathage MLA with Cr Nathan Clark
● ● Celebrations at the Wallan Trail upgrade.

LAW CHANGES FOR GRAND PRIX

Steve Dimopoulos, Minister

■ State Minister Steve Dimopoulos has proposed legislation changes regarding theAustralian Grands Prix.

“The bill proposes to extend the race period for up to 21 days, with options for public and tenant access to Albert Park during this time.

“The current provisions are that the race gets established and the infrastructure gets established over 17 weeks.

“Within that 17 weeks there is a sevenday period which is for the exclusive use of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation

“This bill seeks to increase the period of that exclusivity for up to 21 days but also give the AGPC the authority to designate public access areas, which is a way to balance public access use both by the tenant sporting clubs and the businesses there but also by casual users of the park, because there are over seven million users of that park. It is a good fix for that.”

What’s On

Cop shop arson

■ Geelong Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a suspicious fire at Portarlington Police Station

It is understood unknown offenders poured an accelerant on the front entrance of the station on Newcombe St sometime between 4pm on Thursday (Aug. 21) and 8am on Friday (Aug. 22).

No one was inside the station at the time, and the offenders did not gain entry.

The fire self-extinguished overnight, and the damage was located by officers arriving to start their shifts.

The outside of the station, as well as the inside of the foyer sustained minor damage.

An arson chemist was to attend the scene, and a crime scene remained in place. The investigation remains ongoing.

Carjacking bid

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

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

Police were told one of the offenders smashed the car window with a baseball bat, before the group dragged the male driver out of the vehicle and assaulted him. They stole the Hyundai and fled the scene.

The 24-year-old Norlane man was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

The Hyundai Elantra, with the registration 2CR9OK, also remained outstanding. Detectives are working to understand the circumstances of the incident and the investigation remains ongoing.

$7M ORGANISED CRIME OPERATION BUSTED

■ Two men have been arrested and over $7.2M worth of illicit tobacco, high end watches and cash have been seized as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering linked to an organised crime syndicate involved in the sale of illicit tobacco.

Detectives from the Criminal Proceeds Squad and Taskforce Lunar, with support from the Australian Border Force , executed warrants last Thursday (Aug. 21) at two residential premises in Dallas and a business address in Epping

A 40-year-old Dallas man was arrested and was expected to be charged on summons with possession of commercial quantity illicit tobacco and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.

Police seized over $1.9M worth of illicit tobacco – including over 475,400 cigarettes and 624kgs of loose leaf tobacco – approximately $80,000 cash, six high-end watches worth over $119,000 and a range of electronic devices.

The watches included a Breitling, Franck Mueller and four Rolex

The investigation by the Criminal Proceeds Squad commenced in January this year after police became aware an organised crime syndicate was conducting a number of cash drops and collects at a Somerton food business.

Detectives also identified that further transactions were taking place at a factory in Epping

It will be alleged those transactions were for the purpose of laundering money obtained through the sale of illicit goods including tobacco and that the business owner received a commission on each transaction.

It’s believed over $83M cash has been allegedly laundered during transactions since May 2021.

Victoria Police also worked closely with AUSTRAC and the ABF during this investigation.

As part of a separate investigation, detectives from the Illicit Firearms Squad executed a warrant at a Campbellfield address.

A 34-year-old Campbellfield man was arrested and was expected to be charged on summons with possession of commercial quantity illicit tobacco and knowingly deal with the proceeds of crime.

Police will allege the man was intercepted driving a truck in Laverton North which contained in excess of four million cigarettes worth an estimated $5M.

Cash totalling $100,000 was seized from his Campbellfield address.

Investigators identified that the man attended the same Somerton business linked to the Criminal Proceeds Squad’s money laundering investigation and believe he has links to the organised crime syndicate involved in that matter.

Both investigations remain ongoing.

Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar, said: “These investigations highlight the significant broader criminality that these serious and organised crime groups are engaged in.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

NEW HOSPITAL OPENS AT CRAIGIEBURN

■ Craigieburn Community Hospital has been officially opened. Run by Northern Health, dialysis and public dental services have already been operating, with care now set to expand to include paediatric development and feeding clinics, as well as antenatal and pre-term birth care.

A staged rollout of services is underway and will see more services become available such as a lung cancer screening and a specialised insulin pump clinic in the coming months.

The hospital will provide a local option for some routine appointments, helping ease some of the demand on major hospitals so they can focus on patients with more complex or emergency care needs.

The community can access services at the hospital through referrals from their GPs or other healthcare providers.,

Mary-Anne Thomas, Minister for Health said: “The opening of Craigieburn Community Hospital is another example of how we’re delivering health care that is local, accessible, and tailored to the needs of our growing communities.”

Kalkallo MLA Ros Spence said: “ The Craigieburn Community Hospital is putting locals first, making it easier for them to access specialist services such as dialysis or important public dental care, closer to home.”

Latest News

QV Market fires

■ Police have charged a man after fires were allegedly lit at Queen Victoria Market Emergency services were called to reports of four small fires at food stalls near the Peel St end of the market about 11.10pm on Friday (Aug. 22).

The man allegedly threatened a member of the public who attempted to put the fires out before emergency services arrived.

He was not physically injured.

None of the stores were open at the time of the incident.

The 38-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested at the scene and has been charged with criminal damage by fire and unlawful assault.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Police are working with security at the market to notify stall owners of the damage.

West closures

■ As the West Gate Tunnel nears completion, all outbound lanes and ramps between Williamstown Rd and Millers Rd will be closed after 11.30pm on Friday (Aug. 29) to 5am Monday (Sep. 1) so crews can undertake asphalting, drainage and kerbing works.

Major delays of up to 90 minutes are expected for both disruptions, with drivers strongly encouraged to seek an alternative route and plan ahead.

Freeway shuts

■ Crews will replace two key pedestrian bridges over the Eastern Freeway at North Balwyn and Doncaster

In order to safely lift the new Heyington Ave bridge, the Freeway will close in both directions between Doncaster and Tram Rds from 10 pm Friday, September 5 to 5am Monday, September 8.

So good, so good

■ Smash-hit Broadway musical ABeautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, celebrating his legendary life and music, is coming to Melbourne for fans to see live.

The show will make its Australian premiere at the Princess Theatre on a hot August night in 2026.

ABeautifulNoiseis the true story of how the Brooklyn-born Diamond became a music icon who has sold 120 million albums worldwide.

The musical will take audiences on a jukebox journey through Diamond classics like SweetCaroline,SongSungBlue,Foreverin BlueJeans and Cracklin’Rosie. Diamond has performed seven major concert tours across Australia, with his iconic live album HotAugustNight spending 29 weeks at number one and 65 weeks on the Australian charts.

The Australian premiere of the musical in Melbourne adds to other major theatre productions to debut such as MoulinRouge! TheMusical,&Juliet,HarryPotterandthe CursedChildand GroundhogDayTheMusical.

ABeautifulNoiseadds to a blockbuster calendar of cultural events across the city including BeetlejuiceTheMusical,Lego StarWars:TheExhibition, and Melbourne WinterMasterpieces:FrenchImpressionismexhibition at the NGV

“The good times never seemed so good for our calendar of major events – this musical is yet another reason Melbourne is the cultural and major events capital of the nation giving locals and visitors alike exclusive experiences,” said Mr Dimopoulos.

“We know fans will turn out in their thousands to see the life and work of the legendary Neil Diamond celebrated in this musical which will also provide a boost for local jobs and businesses.”

Ros Spence, Kalkallo MLA

Your Stars

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Dark Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 5, 9

Lotto Numbers: 3, 18, 23, 28, 32, 33

Focus on completing your immediate tasks and delegate when possible. Accepting help will free up time for rest and relaxation. This is a productive period for those who prioritise their workload wisely.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Brown

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 1, 9, 7, 3

Lotto Numbers: 3, 11, 13, 24, 31, 33

Pleasant surprises and thoughtful gifts may come your way. Your love life will bring joy, though travel plans might require adjustments. Financial prospects are set to improve soon.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 7, 2, 3, 5

Lotto Numbers: 12, 23, 25, 30, 38, 44

This is not a favourable time for bargains, so avoid unnecessary purchases. Focus on action rather than overthinking to advance in your career and business.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 6, 2, 5, 6

Lotto Numbers: 13, 20, 26, 31, 32, 40

Take health matters seriously and address any issues. Avoid keeping secrets as they may unintentionally slip out. Discretion is essential this week.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Gold

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 9, 18, 29, 36, 37

Positive thinking will help you succeed during this period. Be open to opportunities—something good and unexpected may come your way. Others will appreciate your efforts.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Plum

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 5, 1, 2, 8

Lotto Numbers: 8, 19, 24, 30, 31, 42

Most of your plans will succeed, and time spent with loved ones will enhance your happiness. Mixing business with pleasure is not advisable this week.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Purple

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 7, 3, 6, 9

Lotto Numbers: 7, 12, 15, 23, 30, 38

Managing household expenses will be your priority. Good news will help you tie up loose ends and resolve lingering issues. Real estate transactions can yield positive outcomes.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8, 2, 4, 1

Lotto Numbers: 2, 17, 19, 27, 39, 44

Now is an excellent time to learn new skills or refine your expertise. Accepting limitations can sometimes open doors to better opportunities. Gatherings with family or friends will bring joy.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Aqua

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7, 2, 4, 3

Lotto Numbers: 10, 18, 21, 32, 33, 41

Decisions may feel challenging, so allow events to unfold naturally. Avoid paying in advance for items you have not yet received, and exercise patience.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5, 1, 8, 3

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 18, 26, 30, 32

Romance might be expensive, so consider budgetfriendly options. A trusted advisor could assist in making significant career decisions. Stay calm in any conflicts that arise.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Aqua

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 3, 7

Lotto Numbers: 5, 15, 22, 26, 30, 43

Avoid overindulgence for your health. There are better times to take risks in business. Romantic relationships are improving, but caution is advised with irritable individuals.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 4, 8, 1, 6

Lotto Numbers: 2, 17, 23, 26, 35, 36

This is a highly romantic and loving period. Loved ones will appreciate your ideas, but clear communication is essential to avoid misunderstandings

Kerry Kulkens™ Magic Shop 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave

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

Follow us on Facebook for the latest updates and offerings.

Roundtable stunt

Sir,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Observer Mailbag

Short letters (no more than 200 words) on local subjects are invited from readers.

Email to: editor@Melbourne Observer.com.au

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

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

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

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

Sam Birrell MHR for Nicholls

NDIS reform

Sir,

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

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

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

The cost of Supported In-

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speak Up

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Farmers trapped

■ Four Wodonga farmers last night sent out an urgent S O S to police as roaring Murray River flood waters tore at a crumbling sandbag levee protecting their homes and dairy herds.

The farmers and their families were knee deep in water as they faced the district's worst flood since 1917.

Wodonga police called for volunteers. An Army emergency squad from Bandiana camp will fight to hold the levee at first light today.

The farmers, Frank, Jack, Harry, and Ron McFarlane, with 160 head of valuable dairy cattle, are in a bend, of the swollen river three miles west of Wodonga

The Murray is well above the level of their paddocks on the other side of the levee.

A mile west, Mr. C. J. Sheather and his family have been marooned with 100 head of cattle for nearly a week.

What goes on

■ I dunno what you think,but I reckon he is a cad. He was driving along Wellington pde. in his new Zephyr yesterday at noon, with blue ond white ribbons fluttering from his front aerial. And red and black ribbons fluttering from his rear aerial.

Semi: out in force

■ Strong squads of mounted and foot police will stand by to control the record crowd expected at the M.C.G. today for the first semi-final.

All available traffic police will fan out along approaches to the ground to untangle traffic jams and watch for road hogs.

Mobile patrolmen will keep a tight watch on Geelong road to control bumper to bumper traffic to and from the ground.

Last night's Weather Bureau forecast was cheerful: "Fine weather for the kick-off," it said.

A bureau spokesman said the sun would shine on sports fans all day. But a light change should bring a few scattered showers through the city, and southern districts tomorrow.

Teams ready

"No worries," reported officials of both teams."Teams will go out as selected."

Tall Essendon follower John Gill last night denied a rumor that he has a serious back injury. .

"Don't worry vabout me. I'll be in there battling with Essendon tomorrow," said John Gill.

"There's nothing wrong with me. I don't know where this rumor started, but it is definitely not true."

Ordindary Days

■ The ordinary takes flight in Adam Gwon’s chamber musical OrdinaryDays. Set in New York, Jason (Bobby Fox) and Claire (Sarah Morrison) are moving in together.

Meanwhile, Warren (Joel Granger) has found Deb’s (Melanie Bird) misplaced notes for the thesis she is writing. Their lives intersect in a form of poetic symmetry where the simplest dots of a Monet painting or a cascade of multicoloured leaflets resonate and provide hope in their respective quest for direction, friendship and purpose.

This production begs for a grander stage. The exuberance of Granger’s character counterpoints with the taciturn nature of the graduate student played by Bird

They achieve a chemistry of opposites full of humour and vitality. Morrison and Fox are equally as convincing as characters but their couple don’t necessarily achieve the loving friction to match the others.

Director Tyran Parke has worked the fortyfivedownstairs space compromised as it is by the length and the pillars that need to be negotiated.

There is a conventional proscenium arrangement and a minimalist set of tables to imply different locations (Richard Roberts). The lighting (Gavan Swift) helps differentiate time and place as well.

Musically, the proficiency and expertise of the performers is remarkable. The musical direction with Vicky Jacobs on the single piano to the side of the stage speaks to an understanding and aptitude from all concerned that enable the nuances of each song to be delivered as if they were second nature.

For all the constraints of the venue, this production is a delight. There is a resonance in the nature of the characters allowing audiences to identify with the ordinary.

Parke has brought out the joy and pathos of the characters’ lives in this uplifting production. You could feel the work wanting to break the shackles of the building and vault into a more expansive arena.

Clovelly Fox Productions

Fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane

Until August 31

Bookings: fortyfivedownstairs.com/event/ ordinary-days/

Review by David

Boost for Library

■ Ascot Vale Library is the latest to benefit from major upgrades delivered through the Living Libraries Infrastructure Program

Local Government Minister Nick Staikos joined Essendon MLA Danny Pearson and Public Libraries Victoria CEO Angela Savage at the newly re-opened Ascot Vale Library to announce the completion of the library’s redevelopment.

The Ascot Vale Library redevelopment has delivered a modern and fit-for-purpose space for the community, with an expanded children’s area, additional public computers and study spaces, a community meeting room, and a rooftop reading garden.

The first floor of the library is open to the community for the first time, extending the footprint of the library to almost 600 square metres, almost three times larger than the previous floor plan. The upgrade also includes a new accessible lift to ensure all members of the community can enjoy the library space, and has reopened to the public just as the 80th Children’s Book Week celebrations are underway.

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

OTHER DESERT CITIES Confidential

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the drama OtherDesertCitiesfrom September 520 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna

Written by Jon Robin Baitz and directed by Gaetano Santo, Other Desert Cities is set in Palm Springs, California.

The story follows well-to-do, aging Republicans Lyman and Polly Wyeth as their daughter, Brooke, a liberal-leaning writer, threatens to expose a disturbing family secret through a tell-all memoir. This family’s crisis mirrors the American nation’s politics.

Awarded for showcasing its creator’s talents and five Tony Award nominations, Other Desert Cities has also been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize and winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding New Off-Broadway Play.

Performance Details: September 5 - 20. Evenings at 8pm: September 5, 10, 11, 12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20. Weekend Matinees at 2pm: September 6, 7, 13, 14

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna Bookings: htc.org.au

Arts Centre milestone

■ Deep underground work to upgrade and expand Arts Centre Melbourne’s iconic spiretopped Theatres Building has reached an important milestone in the Arts Centre's transformation. The excavation behind the Theatres Building is now complete.

The excavation has seen the removal of 15,644m3 of earth and has reached the intended depth of approximately 14 metres underground. The additional space created by the basement extension will be used for:

■ An expanded Loading Dock – twice the size of the current dock, with two new scenery truck lifts, improving efficiency and safety when bumping-in performances, and allowing for more performances to be staged

■ A new, flexible Rehearsal Space and Studio (the same size as the State Theatre stage), with an adjoining Function Room that gives a sneak peek inside the space

■ A new accessible Stage Door

■ The extension of the basement area increases the overall size of the Theatres Building by around 16 per cent

In addition to the basement extension, other essential works happening to the Theatres Building include:

■ Upgrades inside the State Theatre with improvements to accessibility, acoustics, theatre technology and audience comfort

■ Replacing some of the ageing anode wells in the Cathodic Protection System, located in the State Theatre construction zone. Replacing these helps to safeguard the foundation of the building.

■ New and improved places to drink and dine

The Theatres Building turns 41 this October, and the State Theatre is estimated to have entertained and enthralled more than 20 million audience members during its first 40 years.

Arts Centre Melbourne CEO Karen Quinlan said the works would benefit every future production staged in the Theatres Building

“Crews will be able to bring sets, costumes and equipment into the building more safely and efficiently, and performers will have a new rehearsal space right next to the State Theatre stage for the first time.

“The refurbishment will bring the State Theatre to 21st century standards, while restoring its heritage features for the next generation of artists and audiences,” said Ms Quinlan

The works at Arts Centre Melbourne are part of the $1.7 billion Melbourne Arts Precinct Transformation – a city-changing project that will cement Melbourne’s unique positioning as Australia’s cultural and creative capital.

Cheryl Threadgold

Cherry Hill

■ Cherry Hill Orchards in the Yarra Valley celebrates spring by opening the gate on a season of sharing all things local from September 6 - 7 and September 13 - 14. From workshops to markets to day and night

● ● ● ●

From left: Lindy Yeates (Polly), Phil Lambert (Lyman), Jen Bush (Brooke) and Paula McDonald (Silda)

Photo: Aislinn Ryan events, Cherry Hill aims to bring together the best of the community.

The inaugural Bloom and Graze will invite visitors to kick off their cherry blossom season.. Cherry lovers will enjoy a market filled with local makers and creators, together with demonstrations and hands-on workshops.

Local businesses sharing their expertise through free on-site demonstrations include The Botanical Brothers, Four Pillars, Steels Gate, Sustainable Food Waste, Yarra Valley Dairy and Blossom Lifestyle Candle Making Day trippers will be invited to browse the best craft and produce the region has to offer, set amongst the backdrop of Cherry Hill’s Coldstream Orchard.

Live acoustic music, delicious food offerings from food trucks and local vendors, as well as CherryHill’s famous cherry ice cream, beverages, and a cherry-inspired farmgate store will all be on offer as the orchard comes into bloom across two weekends of spring celebrations in the Yarra Valley. Kids go free and furry friends welcome.

As new life flowers in the Yarra Valley so too will the third-generation cherry grower Cherry Hill Orchards with the return of Blossom by Light. This evening is set amongst rows of blooming cherry trees with the orchard coming alive as night falls with glowing light installations, food trucks, fire pits for roasting marshmallows and local wines from Balgownie, Giant Steps and Riverstone Estate

This will be followed by the return of the two-week Blossom Festival, a vibrant celebration of the cherry blossom season as the orchard becomes a sea of blooms.

Held during the school holidays, CherryHill offers kids to go free weekdays, with plenty of family-friendly fun. Guests will enjoy stunning blooms, live music, beverage tastings, free kid’s activities, and local food at this dogfriendly event. This perfect spring day out will provide a stunning backdrop for picnics, music, and blossom-themed experiences.

Come summertime, Cherry Hill Orchards will open the gates for the Cherry-Picking season of the summer harvest. Only an hour’s drive from Melbourne, the event includes allyou-can-eat cherries while picking, access to picnic areas, cherry ice cream, refreshing drinks, and a farmgate shop filled with cherry treats and local produce, providing an authentic tree-to-plate experience.

Early bird tickets are now available for cherry enthusiasts to lock in their first pick of the season

Cherry Hill Orchards is headquartered at 474 Queens Rd, Wandin East Calendar of events: cherryhill.com.au/ events/

■ The largest celebration of Italian culture and film outside Italy, the St Ali Italian Film Festival, returns to cinema screens in Melbourne from September 19 to October 16, and Ballarat September 20 - October 16 in Palace cinemas.

Presented by Palace, the full 2025 lineup is being revealed, with these first highlights offering a taste of what to expect in this year’s program, which will showcase the filmmaking and acting talents of Italy’s finest.

Opening the festival is Paolo Genovese’s record-breaking hit Somebody to Love (FolleMente), a romantic comedy with an all-star cast including Edoardo Leo, Pilar Fogliati and Vittoria Puccini.

Following the global success of Perfect Strangers (IFF 16) , writer/director Genovese’s latest film reveals the innermost thoughts and uncertainties of a modern Italian couple on their awkward first date.

From acclaimed filmmaker Ferzan Özpetek comes the female led drama Diamonds (Diamanti). An ode to the craftsmanship of film costume designers and seamstresses, Luisa Ranieri and Jasmine Trinca star as sisters running a couture costume design house in 1970s Rome, exploring the lives and relationships of the women working within it.

The festival Special Presentation is the winner of the Grand Jury Prize at the 2024 Venice Film Festival, TheMountainBrideVermiglio(Vermiglio).

A portrait of a family caught between tradition and modernity in the final year of WWII, writer/director Maura Delpero drew upon her own family’s past and collective memory to create this intimate drama that follows a series of consequential events.

A box office sensation in Italy, moving drama The Boy With Pink Trousers (Il ragazzodaipantalonirosa)features rising star Samuele Carrino. Exploring the real story behind Italy’s first publicised case of online bullying, the film garnered much attention in Italy and sparked important discussions about the issue.

Starring popular comic duo Ficarra & Picone and festival favourite Toni Servillo, TheIllusion(L'Abbaglio)is a fun re-imagining of Giuseppe Garibaldi’s 1860 campaign that unified Italy.

Directed and co-written by Roberto Andò (StrangenessIFF23) this tale blends comedy and drama to illuminate a piece of history, exploring the paradoxes of Sicilian identity.

The adventures of the Rovelli family continue in WhenMumisAway...WiththeInLaws(10GiorniconIsuoi). This time the family head to Puglia in the hit comedy directed by Alessandro Genovesi and starring Fabio De Luigi and Valentina Lodovini.

The full program will be announced and tickets go on sale late August. Register for updates via the festival website.

Melbourne: September 19 - October 16, The Astor Theatre, Palace Balwyn, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Pentridge Cinema, Cinema Nova Ballarat: September 20 - October 16, Palace Regent Cinemas Website: italianfilmfestival.com.au/ Cheryl Threadgold

Against Hate

■ The State Government is backing a new helpline to support LGBTIQA+ Victorians targeted by homophobic violence.

Premier Jacinta Allan and Equality Minister Vicki Ward announced the new service will be delivered by Switchboard Victoria through its Rainbow Door helpline, providing free and confidential support from trained LGBTIQA+ professionals.

Ed

back

■ Following his record-breaking Mathematics Tour, global superstar Ed Sheeran is returning to Australia in 2026 with his all-new Loop Tour,hitting Marvel Stadium for two massive all-ages shows next February.

With a new album, a renewed creative spirit and a catalogue of global hits, Ed Sheeran’s 2026 stadium tour is set to be one of the most anticipated live events of the year.

■ Thursday, February 26

■ Friday, February, 27

All patrons must hold a valid ticket for entry, regardless of age. Arena age recommendation: Patrons 15 and under must be accompanied by a parent/legal guardian.

The service will give people with clear advice on their rights, how to report incidents to police, and connect them with medical, legal and counselling services –all in a safe environment.

It follows a series of recent assaults where perpetrators used dating apps to target the LGBTIQA+ communities, particularly men.

The Government’s Anti-Hate Taskforce will also hear directly from LGBTIQA+ Victorians about the violent attacks in its next meeting.

All Rainbow Door staff are trained in trauma-informed practice, ensuring survivors are supported with compassion and dignity, perpetrators are held to account, and individuals are empowered with knowledge and choice.

● Joel Granger and Melanie Bird in Ordinary Days
Photo: Ben Fon

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entertainment

GREEKING OUT

■ GreekingOut-Mythology101is a new onewoman comedy show created and performed by Rebecca Perich, being presented from October 6 -12 at Spielhaus, near Queen Victoria Market, Melbourne, as part of the Fringe Festival

Perich says: "We’re greeted by Professor Ari who, in 60 minutes, will test the audience’s knowledge on Greek gods, Greek myths, and trifle (yes, the dessert!).

Professor Ari’s unique techniques and insights into theb myth will reveal new information that has never been shared before ... It’s just a class, right? So what could go wrong?

GreekingOutis a light-hearted comedy tackling an ancient myth. Perich says: “I wanted to share the untold story of the women that, in their quest for freedom, made a legend out of a man but were forgotten by history. Ugh! Greek mythology can be so dense sometimes... I wanted audiences to get excited about mythology.

“That’s why I loosely based the character on my high school literature teacher. Her superpower was making Classical Literature digestible for a bunch of arrogant teenagers through satire and deep, dark humor.”

Following its debut at The Butterfly Club’s One Act Festival (Feb, 2025), the show is returning to Melbourne this October; but this time, as part of the Fringe Festival.

It will be performed at a new black-box theatre, Spielhaus , located near Queen Victoria Markets and run by The Motley Bauhaus.

Dates: October 6 – 12

Times: 5:45pm (60 minutes)

Tickets: Preview $25 / Concession: $27 Mob: $15 Group 4+: $25 Full: $32

Venue: Spielhaus (corner of Berrbang lane and Kulinbuluk lane, near Queen Victoria Markets, Melbourne)

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au or call 9660 9666

Cheryl Threadgold Circus Arts

■ Australia’s National Institute of Circus Arts will host the AustralianCircusSummitfrom October 8–10 bringing together artists, producers, academics, and industry leaders from around the world to tackle big questions facing the circus sector.

This year’s theme ‘Out of Lines’ invites delegates to challenge assumptions, cross disciplines, and explore bold new thinking about the future of circus.

For the first time, the Summit opens in partnership with Circus: Arts, Life and Sciences, a non-profit, peer-reviewed, open-access journal and research initiative that disseminates cutting-edge research and promotes diverse practices in the circus arts across disciplinary boundaries.

The three-day program will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions and live provocations spanning topics such as:

■ The role of creativity in physical performance and recovery

■ Mental health and perfectionism in circus cultures

■ Coaching language, communication, and the psychology of training

■ Ecological and reciprocal approaches to touring

■ Advocacy for circus in education and funding policy

■ Parenting in performance careers

Foundational CALS members and other researchers are travelling from Europe, Canada, and across Australia to present cutting-edge work on performance, health, and creativity.

Among the headline speakers is NICA’s Dr David Munro, one of the pioneers in circus research and NICA’s Head Physiotherapist since 2001.

Auditions

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

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

The other speakers include:

■ Patrice Aubertin (CAN) - Director, HUPR, The Research Centre for Human Potential at ENC (National Circus School, Montreal)

■ Stephanie Greenspan (USA) - Doctor of Physical Therapy, aerialist and circus specialist

■ Veronique Richard (AUS) - Doctoral degree in Sport Science from the University of Montreal and postdoctoral fellowship in Sport Psychology at Florida State University

■ Dr Franziska Trapp (BE) - Postdoctoral researcher at the University of Münster, Germany, and the Université Libre de Bruxelles, Belgium. Founder of Zirkus, Wissenschaft

■ Prof. Janine Stubbe (NL) Professor of Performing Arts Medicine at Codarts since 2014, Endowed professor of Arts & Well-being at Erasmus University, Rotterdam

The Summit will be held at NICA’s purposebuilt training centre in Melbourne.

October 8–10

National Institute of Circus Arts, Melbourne Early-bird tickets now on sale: nica.com.au/ summit25

Cheryl Threadgold

Gold Bash is back

■ The Golden Weekend returns with the Laanecoorie Gold Bash 2025 being held at Lakeside Park from, October 10-12.

The evenet promises a weekend of gold fever, family fun, and community spirit on the beautiful banks of the Loddon River.

From Friday evening (Oct. 10) to Sunday midday (Oct. 12), Laanecoorie Lakeside Park will come alive with prospectors, families, and adventure-seekers of all ages.

Now in its 13th year, the Gold Bash has grown into one of Australia’s premier gold prospecting events, attracting visitors from across the country.

This year’s program features:

■ Stalls for the Gold enthusiasts from leading industry suppliers.

■ Token Hunt competitions with great prizes up for grabs – Kids only asnd Open events

■ Guest speakers sharing their knowledge of goldfields history, modern prospecting techniques, and the rich heritage of the region.

■ Live music and entertainment over the weekend.

■ Family-friendly activities including kids’ coin panning, Face Painting (Saturday).

■ Market stalls offering lollies, local crafts, and delicious food (Saturday).

Andrew Bales, from the Weekend Prospector, will be returning this year to give one of his talks, sharing expertise and stories straight from the diggings.

Saturday’s fundraising will be finalised with a gold bash auction with auctioneer Brent Shannon from Discovery Channel Aussie Gold Hunters

The Gold Bash also gives back, with proceeds supporting Peter Mac Cancer Centre, plus this year itsd is also supporting the Maroon & White Ribbon – for Head and Neck cancer.

“Whether you’re an experienced prospector or just looking for something fun to do with the family, the Gold Bash is the perfect place to learn, have fun, and maybe even strike it lucky,” says co-ordinator Amanda Downing

■ Best selling author Alli Sinclair is a master at uncovering little-known historical events through the eyes of women who defied society’s expectations

Her latest book, A Woman’s Voice, is a story that focuses on music, resilience, and the fierce bonds between women across time, spanning the suffragette movement of 1912 to second-wave feminism in the 1960s Australian outback.

Alli says she had a particular inspiration to write this new book.

“I was drawn to two pivotal eras when women dared challenge society for their right to have a voice – 1912’s suffragettes and the 1960s second-wave feminists. Writing across these timelines felt like uncovering a powerful conversation between generations of women who refused to stay silent,” she explained.

The story begins with the stealing of virtuoso Laura Hartley’s priceless violin. As her celebrated European career disintegrates, she feels crushed, and her rare gift of seeing music in colour fades to grey, severely affecting her sense of identity.

Laura heads back to her grandmother’s home in the Australian outback, where she discovers an extraordinary legacy woven through sheets of music.

It’s a powerful symphony born from the revolutionary hearts of suffragettes who refused to be silenced.

But there are surprises for Laura as she traces each note of this forgotten masterpiece, discovering a story of women who dared to smash society’s chains, claim their own destiny and fight for a world where every voice can be heard.

Then a scandal rocks the tight-knit community of outback Gungderring, and Laura must face the question that has haunted past generations of women - will she remain safely in the wings, or step forward and fight?

To find the answer, you will need to read AWoman’sVoice

A Woman’s Voice by Alli Sinclair is published by penguinrandomhouse.com.au, and is out now.

Little Bookroom

■ The Little Bookroom, a cornerstone of Melbourne’s literary scene for over six decades, rhas eached its initial fundraising efforts to support what they’re calling “a new chapter’.

The funds will allow the store to re-open in a new location, East Brunswick Village, within months.

Jennifer Kean badvises: “After weathering recent challenges, this milestone reflects Michael Earp’s (former store manager and now the new owner of The Little Bookroom) commitment to literacy and local culture –but also the community’s deep love for the world’s oldest children’s bookshop.

“Generous donors contributed through a recent fundraising campaign to meet the initial A$40,000target goal in just two weeks. And donations are still steadily coming.”

Podcast rankings

■ JocksJournalreports that the Australian PodcastRankerfor July has been released: The

● ● ● ● Rebecca Perich in Greeking OutMythology 101
● ● Alli Sinclair

CATO THE WISE

Maxwell Newton

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Rourke’s Reviews Entertainment

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entertaining Mr Coppin

● ● Theatre Heritage Australia President Simon Piening (left), moderator Fiona Gruber and author Simon Plant celebrate the launch of Entertaining Mr Coppin: An Antipodean Showman in Civil War America

Photo: Malcolm Threadgold

■ The Show Room at Arts Centre Melbourne was packed to capacity for the launch of Simon Plant's exciting new book EntertainingMrCoppin:An AntipodeanShowmaninCivilWar America, commissioned and published by Theatre Heritage Australia.

Actor, digger, entrepreneur, innovator, influencer, traveller, speculator and politician George Coppin (1819-1906) also undertook an extraordinary journey to America in 1864-65, which until now has been lost to history.

In EntertainingMrCoppin:AnAntipodean Showman in Civil War America, Simon Plant has researched and reconstructed the arduous twoyear tour the enterprising actor manager undertook with English tragedians Charles and Ellen Kean

At the launch, after a welcome from Theatre Heritage Australia President Dr Simon Piening, writer/ broadcaster Fiona Gruber conversed with Simon Plant onstage about his writing and research process for the book.

Suddenly the interview was interrupted by the arrival of one of Coppin's favourite characters, costumed high spirited 19th century 'busybody' Paul Pry, who divulged stories about his good friend George Coppin

In the blink of an eye and a change of top hat, the more seriously grounded and business-like George Coppin himself appeared, obviously delighted to be joining in the launch celebrations and congratulating Simon Plant in fun style on the book - 'my' book, no, 'your' book!

Hats off to director Babs McMillan and actor Michael Treloar (Paul Pry/ George Coppin) for creating the entertaining and informative performance segment, and to producer Matthew Peckham.

Hearty congratulations to Simon Plant, and to editor Elisabeth Kumm, assistant editor Judy Leech and Simon Piening (design/page layout) for a splendid 323-page publication.

EntertainingMrCoppin:AnAntipodean Showman in Civil War Americais available for $50 incl. postage within Australia from theatreheritage.org.au/buy-coppinbook Cheryl Threadgold

Skyhooks Show

■ Legendary Skyhooks guitarist Bob Starkie will celebrate the 50th anniversary of EgoisNotADirty Word by playing the album in fullplus more with his acclaimed band Bob ‘Bongo’ Starkie’s Skyhooks Show. Venues in October include Yarraville, Castlemaine, Archies Creek a nd Healesville

The Toxic Avenger

■ (MA). 102 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas August 28.

Shot in 2023, this slick but deliberately trashy remake of the 1985 cult classic finally sees the light of day, fully uncut and intact.

Pulled from a potential release apparently due to its graphically violent content, a new distributor has given audiences a chance to see what all the fuss is about, and despite a game cast, the result is, overall, a disappointing mess.

Peter Dinklage stars as Winston Gooze , who is getting over the death of his wife, while also trying to raise his teenage son Wade (Jacob Tremblay), who feels isolated and alone after the loss of his mother, and is an outcast at school.

Winston works as a janitor at a large corporation who pump out fake health products which are dangerously toxic, overseen by CEO Bob Garbinger (Kevin Bacon).

The business is in decline, and Bob owes a lot of money to local gangsters.

Winston is in deep debt too, and thinking about the future of Wade, decides on a plan that will see his life seriously changed, as he is transformed into the Toxic Avenger

The 1985 original (which actually premiered at Cannes in 1984) was a surprisingly goofy and funny blend of comedy and over-the-top gore, made by Troma studios, known for gross, low-brow horror/ comedies that regularly missed the mark.

Three sequels and an animated TV series followed, but the first film always remained the best.

The new version wants us to care about Winston and Wade, which might have been fine if the humour complimented this attempt at tenderness amongst the mayhem.

However, writer/director Macon Blair (who faired better with his directorial debut, I Don’t Feel AtHomeInThisWorldAnymore) decides to take the humour into Naked Gun type parody, aggressively letting the audience know at every stage that this is selfknowingly stupid stuff, and this jars heavily with the father-son story.

While definitely gory, it is no more graphic than other horror films coming out today, and it’s rather amusing that the film has

even managed to secure a lesser MA rating here in Australia

The cast help one get through the bumpy tonal changes and frequently backfiring gags.

Dinklage (and Luisa Guerreiro, who plays Toxie after the transformation) brings more to the role than it deserves, while Bacon is having fun as the main villain.

TheToxicAvenger2025promises to be a fun, wild ride, but Blair’s wrongheaded approach undermines that fun, resulting in a film that becomes at first frustrating (there is the occasional giggle), then ultimately unsatisfying. Interesting to see if this achieves the same kind of cult status as the original.

RATING - **½

The

Naked Gun

■ (M). 85 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.

A combination of reboot and sequel (like the recent, abysmal, I Know What You Did Last Summer), this well-intentioned comedy offers very little in way of laughs, leaving a committed cast high and dry.

Liam Neeson is Frank Drebin Jr., the son of the cop played so memorably by Leslie Nielsen in the hilarious 1988 film and its spotty sequels.

A cop himself, and part of the Police Squad department his father worked for, Drebin Jr. is just as dumb, if not more so, than his predecessor.

A plot involving a device that will turn the public into lunatics, sees Drebin try and take down the main villain (a well cast Danny Huston who then has nothing to do), while finding potential romance with Beth (Pamela Anderson, who tries hard with poor material).

Co-writer/director Akiva Schaffer (who also made the equally misfired Popstar: Never StopNeverStopping) throws everything at the audience, with a constant stream of one-liners and sight gags, so many of which land with a thud.

Neeson embraces the chance to make fun of his tough guy persona, but the script is weak, so his (and Anderson’s) good-natured work never really succeeds.

Even at 85 minutes, this new NakedGunseems to mark time, and one hopes this time there are no sequels.

RATING - *½

In Memory of
● ● Aaron Rourke

Tapas Bar Home-Made Desserts

Great Range of Cocktails and Mocktails Available.

Teas and Coffees

Don’t forget our Famous Devonshire Tea

■ There were two major dancing teams in Hollywood films - Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers , and then Marge and Gower Champion

Marge and Gower appeared in MGM musical films during the 1950s.

Marge was born, Marjorie Celeste Belcher, in Los Angeles, California, in 1919. She began dancing and teaching at an early age.

In 1935 Marge was hired by the Walt Disney Studios to be a live action model for Snow White in the animated feature film SnowWhite andtheSevenDwarfs.

In later years Marge also became a model for The Blue Fairy in Pinocchioand the Dancing Hippo in Fantasia.

In 1937 Marge married Art Babbitt from the Disney Studios but the marriage only lasted for three years.

Gower Champion was born in 1919 and worked as a dancer on Broadway prior to World War II in which he served as a member of the US Coast Guard

After the war he resumed his career and met Marge, who became his dancing partner. They married in 1947 and became popular through their marvelous performances in the MGM remake of Showboatin 1951.

Their song,LifeupontheWickedStage, was a standout in the film. This led to other roles as a singing dance team in films such as Mr Music, Jupiter's Darling and Three for the Show

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Whatever Happened To ... Marge Champion

They played the lead roles in Give a Girl a Break and co-starred with Debbie Reynolds.

MGM had plans to use Marge and Gower in remakes of the old Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers RKO films.

This only happened once when Robertawas remade under the title of LovelytoLookAt

They starred in their own television series TheMargeandGowerChampionShowin 1957.

They had two children together but sadly, their son Blake was killed in a car crash at the age of 25.

Gower became a very successful Broadway director and won eight Tony Awards in his career.

Marge had good character roles in films such

as TheSwimmerwith Burt Lancaster, and The Party with Peter Sellers.

Marge continued to work on Broadway after her marriage to Gower ended in 1973.

Four years later she married the director Boris Segal

In 2001 Marge starred in a revival of Stephen Sondheim's Folliesand sang four songs in the production at the Belasco Theatre on Broadway.

Sadly, Gower Champion passed away on the opening night of a stage production on Broadway in 1980.

Gower had choreographed 42ndStreetand after numerous curtain calls the producer David Merrick announced to the cast and audience the sad news that Gower had died that afternoon.

Marge Champion was a member of the nominating committee for the Tony Awards on Broadway from 1991-98 judging all the shows.

Sadly, Marge Champion passed away in October 2020 at the age of 101.

Will we ever see this type of singing and dancing team in films in the future? Who knows - my guess is probably not.

Kevin Trask

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

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

DIVINE ENGINEERING ON SHOW AT COLLINGWOOD

Divine Engineering – Lucy Roleff

Divine Engineering brings together a series of still life pol paintings that explore the quiet intelligence of tools and their role as extension of self.

Set with domestic interiors and painted alla prima, these works depict ‘objects of use’ such as a field recorder, as, fishing float, hammer ad box cutter, each chosen for the way it allows us to engineer, alter or record the world.

Melbourne based painter Lucy Roleff has a Bachelor of Fine Art from Monash University and a Master of Teaching (Visual Art) from the University of Melbourne

She has held solo exhibitions since 2020 in Melbourne and Sydney and has been included in group exhibitions since 2009 in Victoria, New South Wales, Canberra and internationally the United States Exhibition closes September 6. Nicholas Thompson Gallery 155 Langridge St. Collingwood.

Prizes reveal

20th Bowness Photography Prize Announcement.

On Thursday September 18 MAPh will announce the winner of the 2025 Bowness Photography Prize as well as two honourable mentions.

Shaune Lakin (Senior Curator, Photography National Gallery of Australia) and Anne Zanalka (artist and former Bowness Photography Prize Winner) joined MAPh Director Anouska Phizacklea on the judging panel to select the 50 shortlisted artists from over 759 entries, from which they will award the prize winers.

The exhibition includes established, mid-career and emerging artists demonstrating an impressive mastery of the medium.

This field of artists explores photographic practice in thrilling ways, making work that speaks to issues of our time, while observing the beauty, pain and vitality of our world.

The winner will receive $50,000 and their work will be acquired into MAPh’s collection, the judges will also select two honourable mentions, who will receive $2500.

At the end of the exhibition, the Community Bank Pinewood People’s Choice winner will be awarded $45000 cash prize.

Votingwillcommencefromthe

The Arts

exhibition’s opening weekend. Exhibition opens Saturday September 23 and closes Sunday November 7.

MAPh

860 Ferntree Gully Rd. Wheelers Hill

Blender Studios

Equilibrium & Flow – Solo Exhibition by Tanja Milbourne

Ten years ago, in a response to a cancer diagnosis, Tanja Milbourne began a photography series seeking to express how life feels in its most uncertain, suspended moments.

Capturing dancers in moments of poised suspension, where movement, where movement and stillness seem momentously inseparable, these images sought to explore how the human body, held between motion and stillness, can express states of being beyond language.

Then, during a period when treatment left them unable to work with the camera, an unexpected practice emerged, drawing.

Originating as a meditative practice, Tanja allowed the process to unfold intuitively, embracing a dialogue between conscious intent and the agency of the medium.

The resulting intricate linework evokes organic forms and topographies – fine, flowing structure=res that seem to shift between surface and depth, almost like water in motion, becoming their own quiet modification on lif3, nature and move

ment. Exhibition closes August 30. Blender Studios

400 Spencer St, Melbourne Peter Kemp

Leigh at Yarraville

■ Author Leigh Hobbs will be in Yarraville today (Wed., Aug. 270 for a Book Week adventure.

The children’s author joins students of St Augustine’s Primary School for an adventure of stories, food, and community spirit.

As one of Australia’s most loved children’s authors and illustrators, the visit to St Augustne’s Primary School will celebrate Children’s Book Week

This year’s theme, Book an Adventure, couldn’t be more fittng.

St Augustine’s, a small, vibrant school in the heart of what’s been named one of the ‘Top 5 Coolest Neighbourhoods in the World’, is honoured to welcome the former Australian Children’s Laureate, whose books and characters are adored by children and adults alike.

“We knew this year’s Book Week had to be a big one,” principal Matthew Stead says of Leigh’s visit, “not only is it the 80th birthday of Children’s Book Week, but for our school it marks an opportunity to celebrate the growth of our library and literacy programs and to recognise ourselves as a valuable presence within the local community.”

“St Augustine’s is honoured to host an author that is loved and revered by students, staff and the broader Yarraville community.”

Leigh Hobbs will be delivering workshops across the school.

Leigh Hobbs is not the only local that will be joining forces with St Augustine’s for this year’s book week. The Sun Bookshop and local businesses: Eleni’s Kitchen and Bar, Prestige Fruit and Vegetables, Waa Waa Japanese Eatery, 3013 Bagels, IGA Yarraville and Alfa Bakehouse are also coming on board with books and global culinary treats so as to ensure that every young person is well read and well fed on their bookish adventure.

Leigh will be in attendance at St Augustine’s Yarraville from 12 Noon.

■ David and Posh Beckham must have gossip editors on speed dial. After three years their eldest sibling Brooklyn renewed his marriage to Nicola Peltz in New York with the Beckhams of Britain a no show, or no apology. What's the beef between these feuding families? Word on socials is that Brooklyn is regarded as the poster boy of cringe, translated as privileged.

Never heard of Snoop Dogg

■ Carolyn is one cool DJ playing B Bop to Hip Hop on Radio 973 FM community Radio , Melton. Carolyn has been spinning platters that matter for the past 40 years and at age 78, Carolyn has no intention of trading in her headphones.

What’s

Leonardo doing?

■ It's been a while since we included Leonardo Di Caprio in our columns, and seeing he is now in his 50th year we owe it to him to plug his latest project staring in OneBattleAfterAnother to hit movie screens, September 26.

Absolute Fact

■ Sign on the High Street of a once thriving retail strip: BUY LOCAL, OR BYE BYE LOCAL. So true.

Kennedy Honours

■ President Trump has announced selection of star-studded performers for Kennedy Centre Honours 2025. They include KISS rock band, Gloria Gaynor, George Strait (C&W), Michael Crawford and Sylvester Stallone. Surprising omission was Tom Cruise who apologised as he had a conflicting engagement. The Kennedy Centre will be the venue on December 7 and will undergo a new, glitzy interior. John O’Keefe

● ● Marge Champion
with Peter Kemp
● ● ● ● Brooklyn Beckham

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

Observer Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 5

Across Across Down Down

1. Heavy rainfall

6. Canary or nightingale

11. Mob hanging

15. Incinerated (corpse)

20. Gallivant

21. Weird

22. The masses, ... polloi

23. Business conversation

24. Reprimand

25. Dead skin in hair

27. Most depressing

28. Holler

29. Boo-boo

31. Dublin republic

32. Black Sea port

36. The A of USA

37. Self-murder

38. Upper

41. Languished

44. Gowned

45. Noosed rope

48. Spanked

49. Radio crackle

52. Retaliate for

56. Gigantic

57. Las Vegas is there

58. Sleep

61. Inflexibility

62. Intervals

63. Cosy corners

64. At no stage

65. Skimpy bikini bottom (1-6)

66. Renewed

67. Resign (5,4)

71. Indian woman's forehead mark

73. Young owl

75. Nourishing substances

80. Fiesta, Mardi ...

82. More agile

83. Calf-length skirt

85. Stinginess

86. Gazing lecherously at 88. Lead astray

90. Without thinking

91. Relinquished (land)

93. Magazine users

94. Lamented

95. Reduce

96. Bends out of shape

97. Japanese wrestling

99. Flour factory

100. Vehement

104. Snapshots book

105. Perfect

106. Scale

107. Relents (5,2)

111. Proficient

113. Sick

114. Cry of delight

115. Escape adroitly

117. Bump

118. Flanks

121. Wild rose

122. Poet, ... Allan Poe

125. American president, Ronald ...

126. Salt Lake City state

127. Exploited

129. Famed lioness

131. Wine, ... spumante

132. Paler

135. Oil-exporting cartel

136. Singer, ... Etheridge

139. Speed measurement

140. Confused

144. Nunavut native

145. Wire

146. Biscuit topping

147. US island prison

148. Scandalised

149. Dinners or lunches

150. Crocodile Dundee star, Paul ...

152. Brahma follower

154. Sends (money)

157. East Timor's capital

158. Foot arches

162. Part of eye

163. Exotic flower

166. Loop

167. Missile-launch pit

169. Nevada divorce city

171. Taj Mahal site

172. Fleet

173. Takes a break

175. Indigenous New Zealander

176. Acute remorse

179. Burnt brightly

180. Mountain chain

182. Relaxation art, ... chi (1'2)

183. Food additive (1,1,1)

184. Regal

186. Oval

189. Communications industry

190. Not anybody (2-3)

191. Of sound system

192. Freshness

196. Sacred ritual

197. Pig in a ...

198. Dummy pill

199. Paralysed

201. Tennis ace, Gabriela ...

202. Men's neck scarves

203. Capital of South Korea

204. Shameful secret, ... in the cup-

board

205. Away from home, far ...

208. Movie theatre

210. News footage

211. Petticoat

212. Understand

213. Personal identity

215. Indigestion

219. Striped equine

221. Hospital worker

223. Supervisors

227. Prefabricated (concrete)

228. Unlock

230. Depart

231. Lace frill

232. Percussion instruments

233. Earth's environment, Mother ...

234. Temporary relief

238. Gaps

239. Design-tracing device

240. Rots

243. Group loyalty, ... de corps

246. Car repair set (4,3)

247. Desist

250. Swindle

251. NZ PM, ... Clark

253. Resupplies with weapons

256. Duplicate

257. Hoisting anchor cry (5-2)

258. Cruelty

262. West African country

263. Glue

266. Madam (2'2)

268. Writer, James ...

269. Nervous disorder

270. Aggravate

271. Many

272. Rascal

273. Surplus

274. LA suburb, ... Air

275. Spouse's boys

276. Holstered pistols (4,4)

277. Alberta's capital

278. Tooth doctors

1. Nightclub

2. Belonging to whom?

3. Golfing strokes

4. Unattractive

5. Scrape together (4,2)

7. Tidiest

8. Between

9. Investigate

10. Venison animal

11. Open-air pool

12. January 1st, New ... (4'1,3)

13. Strong painkiller

14. Accustoming

15. Hooded snakes

16. Infuriate

17. Florida resort

18. Fangs

19. Discourage

24. Garbed

26. Touch

30. Manlike machine

33. Wettest

34. Part

35. Corrected

38. Huskier

39. Eucalypt

40. No longer existing (of species)

42. Dedicatory poems

43. Dodging (duty)

46. Kabul currency unit

47. Complacent

49. Flood-protection sack

50. Decorate

51. Dispatching

53. Retailers

54. Of shipping

55. Inconsistent

59. Still vivid (of memory)

60. Glorified

67. Japanese warrior

68. Insistent

69. Underground cell

70. Utterly preoccupied

72. Pakistan's capital

74. Striving to equal

76. Vibrated

77. Accuses

78. Spaghetti-like items

79. Enlists (5,2)

81. Skiffs

84. Christmas month

87. Lucky escape (4,4)

89. Enhances

91. Director, ... Mille (5,1,2)

92. Disapproves strongly of

98. Twins star sign

101. Dragonfly larva

102. Make into law

103. Sixth planet from sun

108. Taken from plane (of photo)

109. Heavy antelope

110. Established practice

112. School test

116. Unstintingly

119. Impetuous

120. Christian sacrament

123. Eternal punishment

124. Attributes

128. Involve in conflict

130. Milk sugar

132. Propeller sound

133. Mode of expression

134. Octagon number

137. Sits idly

138. Uttered

141. Raise objections

142. Unwilling

143. Gave medicine to

151. Academy Awards

153. Achievable

155. Register

156. From Baghdad

159. Appointees

160. Employed (4,2)

161. Ancient

164. Length of metal links

165. Notions

168. Formerly Constantinople

170. City devastated by A-bomb

173. Curative

174. Hit with glancing blow

177. Faintness

178. Equatorial

181. Spray cans

185. Humorous account

186. Unveiled

187. Layabouts

188. Go in front

193. Stoat-like animals

194. Issue (from)

195. Procedures

200. Skilled arguers

201. Japanese meat dish

206. Died away, ... out

207. Curtains, cloth, etc

208. Middles

209. Most submissive

211. Tastes

214. Debarred

216. Longest Asian river

217. Simpler

218. Outdoor meals

220. French peak, Mont ... 222. Happen repeatedly

224. Motives

225. Allowed

226. Travelling stagehands

229. ... & hearty

232. Distribute, ... out

235. Tendency to fantasise

236. Iron

237. Tied

241. Explain in detail

242. Grand Canyon state

244. Tenor, ... Domingo 245. Imprecise

248. Panics

249. Ireland (poetic)

251. Residence

252. Lent to 253. Frisks

254. Paris landmark, ... Triomphe (3,2

255. Fulfils (demand)

259. Delegate

260. Religious statues

261. Veils

262. Hitler's ... Kampf

264. Serpents

265. Grow weary

267. Donkey/horse cross

Crossroads

Outback Ball

■ Brendan McMahon has released his new single to radio.

Titled Outback Ball, Brendan says there’s nothing quite like being out in the country on a Saturday night having a few cold beers with your best mates, dancing with the one you love and listening to some great country music until the sun comes up.

Andrew, George

■ Melbourne singer Andrew De Silva will pay tribute to the life and songs of the late pop icon George Michael.

Due to an overwhelming response to his last show earlier in 2025, the Aria Award winner, Australia’sGotTalentwinner, and a member of 90’s R&B group CDB, along with his incredible band of touring musicians, will relive some of George’s greatest works. Expect TooFunky,CarelessWhisper,Faith,FastLove,FatherFigure,Freedom and more.

Memo Music Hall. Sat., Dec. 13. Tickets at trybooking.com

New Hair

■ A new bold production of the tribal love rock musical Hair will come to life commencing Sat\urday, October 25 at the Athenaeum Theatre. Let down your long, beautiful hair and pull out the tie-dye as you join a generation in search of love and peace during the Vietnam era. With a rainbow score featuring iconic hits like Aquarius,GoodMorningStarshine, and EasytobeHardthis production delivers a raw and unforgettable musical journey, says their media release. Rob Foenander

Melbourne Observer Melbourne Observer

First Nations events lead FUSE Festival

■ The City of Darebin and Darebin FUSE Festival presents a lineup of First Nations-led events at this year’s FUSE Festival. The program aims to amplify and celebrate the voices, stories and artistry of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander creatives through live music, cultural celebrations, exhibitions, hands-on workshops, film screenings, and immersive art experiences with free and ticketed events from August 31-September 14.

The FUSE Deadly Darebin Program includes:

■ Bunjil & Paliyang, September 13 – 21

A powerful reimagining of a traditional Kulin Nation Songline story, Bunjil & Paliyang blends ancient knowledge with orchestral music and dance to mark the beginning of bat season.

Acclaimed artist and Didjeridoo player Amos Roach and violist William Vyvyan Murray lead an ensemble of musicians and dancers to bring to life the Creation story of Bunjil the Eagle, Paliyang the Bat, Koonawarra the Black Swan and Kururok the Brolga.

Teena Moffat and Brent Watkins’ choreography will create an immersive performance interweaving Roach and Murray’s original composition, traditional Songlines, and powerful dance from the Murrundaya Yepengna Dance Troupe, inviting audiences to fly with them through the skies, waters and dreams of Country.

■ Tarutharu, the Kaurna Skink, September 5 – 7

A 27-metre luminous puppet,

Crossword Solution No 5

Tarutharu, the Kaurna Skink, is a collaborative artwork, representing the Kaurna Peoples, and the creation of Elizabeth Close ( Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara ) and Jack Buckskin (Kaurna and Nurungga), developed with Darebin-based puppet company A Blanck Canvas.

Jack worked closely with elders to translate the story of the skink, which had been passed down from generations.

This was in fact the first time the Kaurna people’s story of the skink had been interpreted and shared with the public.

Close created the art piece that the skink is wrapped in; the design, in her own words, “is a reflection of the connection to Country that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have. Relationships with Country are complex dualities that are reflected in nature itself.”

■ En Masse, September 4 - 10

A life-sized projection installation featuring the award-winning Rawcus Ensemble, En Masse was made in collaboration with First Nations Gamilaroi Yinarr choreographer Amelia J O'Leary and videographer Michael Carmody, En Masse explores the tension between being an individual and being part of a group. Supported by the FUSE Fund.

O’Leary’s dance practice is about human and spiritual experiencing.

Through complexity and adversity, they find ways to tell coded and poetically rich stories.

Her dances are personal and

personified from her multidisciplinary skills in theatre, film and sound design

■ FUSE Festival @ Northcote Town Hall, Installation Opening Party September 5, Northcote Town Hall

A special opening night for the community, beginning with a Welcome to Country and followed by roving performances by celebrated local drag icons Cerulean and Stone Motherless Cold. Cerulean and Stone Motherless Cold are both members of The Motherless Collective (MoCo), a First Nations Drag collective based in Melbourne

■ FUSE Films – First Nations Film Evening, September, Thornbury Picture House

FUSE Films will run as part of the FUSE Festival at Thornbury Picture House and will offer free films for the community.

Amongst these are WINHANGANHA by award-winning artist Jazz Money; Lady Lash, a documentary that tells the story of Aboriginal-Greek Hip Hop Jazz MC Crystal Clyne , AKA Lady Lash, who returns to her ancestral lands for women’s business; and a collection of short works by Isaac Winzer.

■ WINHANGANHA (Wiradjuri language: Remember, know, think), is a lyrical journey of archival footage and sound, poetry and original composition. It is an examination of how archives and the legacies of collection affect First Nations people and wider Australia, told through the lens of acclaimed Wiradjuri multi-disci-

plinary artist, Jazz Money. Isaac Winzer, a Ngarabal and Wirrayaraay filmmaker, will present several short works and will take part in a panel discussion with singer-songwriter and Ngiyampaa man, Pirritu , facilitated by artist, documentary maker and screenwriter Rochelle (Rocky) Humphrey ■ Ganbu Gulin: wudhanu yuwanguth - August 31 at, Darebin Arts Centre

“From Many to the Next” is this year’s Ganbu Gulin theme. Held at Darebin Arts Centre and the Ray Bramham Gardens on Sunday August 31, this year’s Ganbu Gulin program was developed by Curator in Residence Ethan Savage (Northern Kaantju, Girramay and Badu), and Cultural and Curatorial Advisor Stacie Piper (Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum-Wurrung). Melbourne-based indie rock band Doe Eyes draws inspiration from the raw energy of 1970s rock, infused with a modern twist. Fronted by the duo of singer and lead guitarist Jordan Clay and Indigenous vocalist Izzy Skye, Doe Eyes is redefining the boundaries of retro rock.

Ganbu Gulin is co-presented in collaboration with the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation Darebin FUSE Festival. August 31 - September 14

Various locations around Darebin arts.darebin.vic.gov.au/Whats-on/ Festivals/Fuse Cheryl Threadgold

IDEAL CLIMB EASESUP Y N ADEPT A ILL M OOH N ELUDE L S IMPACT X SIDES BRIAR EDGAR N REAGAN P C UTAH M USED N ELSA C ASTI N G WHITER M OPEC MELISSA MACH P ADDLED H D INUIT U H B A P C N R CABLE O O ICING N ALCATRAZ OUTRAGED R MEALS R O HOGAN S R O E K O T D HINDU T E REMITS

Observations

Observations

(Back load Specialist. Conditions apply)

24 HOURS7 DAYS A WEEK

(Scrap bin available)

Harness racing looked down upon as second-rate Harness

■ For many years our sport has been degraded by many organisations with one of the main offenders being the gallops who have always regarded us as second rate citizens.

Several months ago, I was contacted by a former leading horseman (trainer and driver) who asked me if I could assist him in trying to find out how many club premierships he had won since being involved in the industry.

In what was a lengthy process, I phoned, wrote and e-mailed each club in the state requesting this information.

I was astonished on two fronts with (1) some clubs not even responding and (2) those who did, giving me the answer that “they never kept any record of such”.

Unfortunately this is one reason why our sport is so unprofessional in certain ways giving the impression that things like this have never been thought of in club administration protocol.

Found rhythm

■ Great Western octogenarian Peter Manning an 2021 inductee into the Victorian Harness Racing Hall Of Fame can never be left out of calculations at any race meeting he takes stable runners to, snaring a double at his home track Ararat on Monday August 18 providing both Boot Legging and Wild Bull to win their respective races.

Cleverly named Boot Legging, a 3Y0 gelded son of Volstead from Fortunate Phoenix (Wind Cries Maori) raced by long time client John Dorrington under the banner of Dorro Downs Pty Ltd was successful in the 2195 House Of Nai Asian Grocery Trotters Mobile.

Having his first start for the stable and first since October last year Boot Legging was restrained from outside the front line to settle at the tail of the field, but a long way off the leader Alabama Delta which had led from gate six.

Allowed to find his rhythm, Boot Legging gradually made ground before daughter Kerryn (also inducted into the H-O-F 2012 edition) sent him forward three wide at the bell to join the leaders The Knockabout (gate two) in the breeze and Alabama Delta in the back straight with The Knockabout racing clear shortly after.

Turning on level terms, Boot Legging safely held Happy Escape (one/two from gate five) which followed the winner into the straight to register a 1.4 metre margin over Happy Escape which tried hard, with The Knockabout holding third 18.9 metres away. The mile rate 2-03.6 (last half 61.7).

■ Raging Bull-Bay Jet gelding Wild Bull driven by Ellen Torney in the McKay Earthworks Pace over 1790 metres possied one/ one from gate five as Amphijet led from the pole.

Angling three wide prior to the home turn, Wild Bull was too tough in a thrilling finish to score by a neck from Eastbro Chrissie (one/ three from gate three on the second line). Michaywey (extreme draw) came from last for third a head away after weaving between runners in the straight.

Raced by Adelaide’s Cormick family, Wild Bull registered his 5th victory from 23 outings which include 8 placings returning a 1-58.7 mile rate.

■ Kerryn’s second winner came about when local Armstrong trainer Danny O’Brien’s Rock N Roll World-Nothing Else Matters fiily Rocknroll Willow led throughout from the pole on debut to land the Ararat RSL Pace over 1790 metres.

Beginning fast to retain the lead, Rocknroll Willow travelled beautifully all of the way to run out an easy 5.8 metre victor in 2-00.2 from The Blazinboots (one/two – three wide last lap from the extreme draw) and a death-seating Media Mogul which raced uncovered from outside the front line.

■ Local Ararat local reinsman Michael Bellman was successful when winning aboard Heywood trainer Bec East’s 4Y0 Sunshine Beach-Kiss And Grin entire Grinning Beach Boy in the Ararat Tyre Power Pace over 2195 metres.

Going forward with a rush from mid-field after starting from gate two on the second line, Grinning Beach Boy moved forward to cross the front runner Redbank Molly prior to the bell, defying all challengers at the finish to easily account for Redbank Molly along the sprint lane by 4.2 metres in a rate of 1-59.7. Huxam Chubb (three wide from outside the front line to race exposed) was third 1.7 metres back.

■ Koorah co-trainers Shaun & Jason McNaulty’s handy Restrepo-Begoodor-

Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

begoodatit filly Into The Harkness chalked up her 6th success in 27 outings (5 placings) when leading for most of the 1790 metre trip in the 1790 metre Ararat Advocate Pace.

With James Herbertson in the sulky, Into The Harkness (gate four) after being caught wide pressed forward to take over from the poleline leader Starzinhereyes and was never headed, just lasting by a half head from a game Keayang Seaside (gate three) which raced exposed, with James Garner (gate three second line – one/three – three wide last lap) third a head away. The mile rate 1-57.8.

■ Terang trainer Matty Horsenel combined with Lochie Cook to land the 2195 metre West Vic. Harness Is The Best Maiden Pace with Shifu, a 3Y0 Jilliby Kung Fu-Jilly Tameka gelding raced and bred by Terang’s Lenehan family.

Beginning best from gate three to lead, Shifu was untroubled to lead all of the way from the pole, reaching the wire 1.7 metres in advance of a death-seating King Casey (gate four on debut) and polemarker Guaranteed Trouble which trailed the winner finishing a half head away third. The mile rate 2-02.2.

Close finishes

■ The regular Tuesday Shepparton meeting provided many close finishes at a track for Sky Channel viewers that is so hard to pick the winner due to the location and angle of the TV camera.

It was great to see Craig Demmler part of the Larajay Farm team at Myrniong victorious on the night with Kiwi bred Art Major-Oranje gelding Secret Service Agent taking the 1690 metre Neatline Homes 2Y0 Maiden Pace. Driven by Jordy Leedham, Secret Service Agent starting from gate three on the second line received a great run through the field to settle mid-field before following his stablemate Rocknroll Wish (gate five) in the breeze while at the same time avoiding several gallopers who were not on their best behavior.

Easing three wide in the last lap to give chase to the leader Mezzanotti which had cleared the field from outside the front line on debut, Secret Service Agent commenced a three wide forward move in the back straight on the final occasion to be outside the leader after just missing Rocknroll Wish which galloped under pressure.

Taking a slender lead on the final bend with Listen To The Hand (one/two from the extreme draw) in pursuit, Secret Service Agent held a margin to the wire to register a 5.4 metre margin over Listen To The Hand, with Mezzanotti third 1.8 metres away. The mile rate a slick 1-57.4.

■ Charlton trainer John Torney snared the quinella in the Pacing Stockfeeds Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres with Hurricane Katie and Karbine. Driven by daughter Ellen, Hurricane Katie, a 4Y0 daughter of Sebastian K and Always Treasure under the care of Ellen in Bendigo began fast from outside the front line to lead and after bowling along at her leisure, greeted the judge 1.5 metres clear of solo second liner Karbine (Jack Laugher) – 1/ 3 – three wide last lap), with Kalarney Prince (three pegs from gate three) third along the sprint lane. The mile rate 2-02.9.

■ Bunbartha’s John Newberry trained and reined 4Y0 Alta Christiano-Shez Madam Jasper gelding Alta Bayamo landed the 1690 metre Saddleworld Shepparton Pace. Bred and raced by the Newberry family, Alta Bayamo led throughout from gate three to score by a half head only after looking vulnerable on the final bend and fighting on courageously to defeat

King Saint (one/two from a solo second line draw – outside winner from the bell). Early leader Beryls Grin (three pegs mid-race) was third 17.9 metres back. The mile rate 1-55.4.

39th attempt

■ Bendigo raced on Wednesday the highlight being 17Y0 New Gisborne concessional reinsman Riley Pace winning his first race at his 39th attempt after registering nine placings.

Riley is the son of Darren who trains the horse and grandson of Vic Pace handling Betting Line-Dreams In Heaven gelding Blazin By to perfection in the Apco Service Stations Strathdale & Kangaroo Flat 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 2150 metres with happy results.

Settling four back in the moving line from gate two on the second row as Whenimready (Kerryn Manning) led from gate two with the heavily backed first starter Assigned (gate three) in the breeze.

The race was to change complexion through the middle stages when Chris Alford aboard Onyx (gate six) which raced roughly as the start was effected moved forward with a rush from near last to face the open racing for the bell.

Easing three wide to go forward in the last lap, Blazin By joined Onyx which had taken over on the final bend and raced clear halfway up the running to score by 7.3 metres in advance of Assigned running on late when clear of a tight pocket, with Onyx holding third a half head back. The mile rate 2-01.7. To make the victory even more enjoyable, Darren posted his 50th training success.

■ Ex-New Zealander Ted a 4Y0 Sweet LouClaire Bear gelding trained at Strathfieldsaye by Julie Douglas for parents Eric & Heather, was victorious when first up in Oz and first up since June by taking the 1650 Bendigo Locksmiths Pace in a slick mile rate of 1-54.2.

Driven by Ellen Tormey, Ted (gate two second line) was checked slightly as the starter released the field settling one/one trailing stablemate Arnies Army (gate three) in the breeze after Hoorah Philtra had flown the gate from barrier four to lead.

Going forward three wide in the last lap following Jetter Son (extreme draw) ahead of him to join the leader on the final bend, Ted although racing a little greenly got the job done, greeting the judge by 1.6 metres from a game Jetter Son, with Jilliby Tidalwave (gate fiveone/three- three wide double trail last lap) third a half neck away. The mile rate a fast 154.1.

■ Derrinal trainer Glenn Bull and Bendigo reinsman Sean O’Sullivan added another winner to their tally when Heston Blue ChipDanielles Pride 7Y0 mare Shezabluechip recorded her 16th victory by winning the 2150 metre Peterson Westbrook Cameron Lawyers Bendigo Pace.

Despite racing uncovered from gate two outside Arraps inside her, Shezabluechip surged clear in the last lap to impressively toy with her rivals by 15.2 metres from Dot Ball (one/ two from gate three) and the favourite Kimchi (one/three from gate five) which had no luck whatsoever, running on late when extricated into the clear for a 1.6 metre third. The mile rate 1-58.1.

Squaregaiters

■ The squaregaiters highlighted Thursday’s Ballarat program with three interesting races taking place.

The ballarattrottingclub.com.au Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres was a terrific race with Romsey trainer Chris Svanosio’s 3Y0 Brillantissime-Middleton Miss gelding Charleston Avenue defeating his older rivals in a 2-00.3 mile rate.

With Taylor Youl in the sulky, Charleston Avenue (gate four) trailed the leader Ringer Wells starting outside the front row before peeling off his back in the straight to record a strong 1.7 metre victory over Ringer Wells who couldn’t see out the trip. Keayang Gypsy (one/ two) from inside the second line was third off a three wide trail last lap to be four wide on the final bend when finishing third 7.7 metres away.

■ Armstrong trainer Brooke Hansen’s 7Y0 Bacardi Lindy-Paparazzi Snapshot gelding Just Abit Dusty taking the prize from Mick Bellman’s Blackrange Glory with both horses missing the start and going back to the rear as Jodi Quinlan and Shezalover led from gate four before being crossed by Love Who and Reagan Clarke (gate six).

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Bendigo, Thursday –Kilmore, Friday – Mildura/Geelong, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Cranbourne, Monday – Terang, Tuesday – Swan Hill.

Going forward from three back in the moving line in the final lap, Blackrange Glory was being hailed the winner halfway up the running before being bloused by Just About Dusty and Chris Alford after following him forward to prevail by 1.7 metres in a 2-02 mile rate. Jessicas Story (three pegs from gate two) ran her usual honest race for third 3.9 metres away.

■ The $7000 Woodlands Stud Trotters Mobile over 1710 metres saw Mount Wallace trainer Kyle Marshall successful with 3Y0 What The Hill-Claudys Princess gelding Claudys Hero bringing up two wins in succession at Bray Raceway.

With ‘the master’ James Herbertson in the sulky, Claudys Hero (gate six) began safely to join the pacemaker Sovereign Tiger (gate five) shortly after the start, before coasting to victory 4.2 metres clear of Old Dominion (gate two – five pegs – outside the winner last lap. Sovereign Tiger held third a half neck back. The mile rate 1-57.1.

■ Timor (Maryborough) breeder/owner/ trainer Tony Berg landed the 1710 metre Easy Waste Maiden Pace with Ryta, a SportswriterLilla colt in a 1-58.5 mile rate.

Driven by Chris Alford, Ryta (gate three on the second line) ran home strongly from four back in the running line to gain the day by a nose over polemarker Im The Wild One which had followed the leader Light Up The Sky (gate four) and getting clear on turning. Rank outsider Orch (gate five – five pegs) extricated wide on straightening for third a head away in a blanket finish.

Latest News

Theft at Cam’field

■ Police are investigating a shop theft and collision in Campbellfield on Sunday morning (Aug. 24).

Officers patrolling in the area responded to reports of a theft at a clothing store on Sydney Rd about 4am.

It is understood two men stole a trolley full of items and left the shop.

When they saw a police vehicle parked outside, they fled on foot towards Mahoneys Rd

A short time later, the two men were struck by a Ford Ranger utility as they were crossing the road.

The two men, aged 26 and 31, were both taken to hospital with serious injuries under police guard.

The male driver of the utility was assisting police with their enquiries.

Search continues

■ Police were continuing at the weekend to search for missing Croydon man Mark in the Big River State Forest and around Frenchman’s Spur.

Local uniform members were assisted in Eildon by the Dog Squad, Solo Unit, Search and Rescue Squad, SES volunteers and the Wilderness Paramedics.

The search follows new information from a witness who may have passed Mark on Big River Road between 8.40am and 8.50am on August 17.

The witness told police that the man he saw was walking along the road approximately 250 metres west of Frenchman’s Campsite. The last confirmed sighting of the 62year-old was at Frenchman’s Creek campground off Big River Road in about 8.30am on Sunday, August 17. Mark spoke to another camper about 10.30pm on Saturday night, and said he was intending to walk to Woods Point the next morning.

Yea pioneer businesses in print

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CIRCULATION STIMU-

LATOR. Clare. VGC. $20. Frankston. 9789 9634 Z-CC

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

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

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. $60 ONO. Frankston. 9789 9634. HH-LL

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

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

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

HH-LL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

by

HH-LL

motor, gear box. Dark blue. RXJ-289. GC. $2000. Box Hill North. 0449 836 907. HH-LL

9436 8935.HH-LL

HH-LL

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

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

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

GC.

Bank

City

30 264. HH-LL

HH-LL

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

ANZ
Money Boxes.
Price negotiable. Will alsoswap. Mill Park. 9436 8935.
TOYOTA COROLLA. Manual. Roacdworthy condition. VG
WHEELBARROW. $75. Mill Park. 9436 8935.
TWO-PERSON SAW. $90. Mill Park.
HEATER. Dimplex. Electric. Portable 7 vane. $90. Frankston. 9789 9634.
CARAVAN.
PHOTO
TRANIST WHEELCHAIR with seatbelt, footrest and armrests. Lightweight. Cost $279, sell $70. Whittlesea. 0494 380 264.
STROLLER.
aselkect
Baby Jogger. VGC. $60. Whittlesea. 0494

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