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McKenzie wins Flinders battle

gracious and enthusiastic for our community, as he has always been.

INDEPENDENT candidate Ben Smith has conceded in the federal seat of Flinders, leaving Liberal Zoe McKenzie the winner in the protracted count.

The outcome stretched nearly two weeks beyond election day with a “complex count scenario” triggered due to the inability to separate second and third polling Smith and Labor’s Sarah Race.

The three-candidate-preferred count was only finalised last Monday (12 May), with the AEC reverting to a twocandidate-preferred count with Smith and McKenzie.

Zoe McKenzie told The News she was “humbled and grateful to receive a vote of confidence from the people of Flinders, to represent them as their Federal Member of Parliament for the next three years”.

“Ben Smith, the independent candidate, called me to concede. He was

“I thank the candidates from other parties, and independents, who put their hands up to represent Flinders at this election.

“This election saw a resounding victory for the ALP, off a primary vote of just over one third of all electors. My party has a great deal of reflection to do and we have lost many fine members of parliament. We have a huge task ahead to ensure we craft policy consistent with our principles of individual choice, freedom and responsibility and reward for effort. I look forward to playing a big part in the evolution of my party and its platform, and ensuring that the peninsula’s needs and nature will continue to be central to both.”

With nearly all the ballots counted, Smith still trailed by 5254 votes, making the outcome a clear McKenzie win with the seat to be retained with a 2.29 percent margin.

Continued Page 3

Cameron McCullough cameron@mpnews.com.au

VOLUNTEER firefighter Alida Goodchild has made history as the first female volunteer to be elected as a lieutenant at Tyabb fire brigade. See ‘Tyabb makes firefighting history with first female lieutenant’ - Page 9

Asbestos found at Balcombe Creek Estuary

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

A RESIDENT has expressed serious concern after discovering a pile of what he believed to be old asbestos roofing material discarded near the boardwalk at the Balcombe Creek Estuary in Mt Martha.

Steve Jones reported the find to the Mornington Peninsula Shire on 8 April requesting they assess the potentially hazardous material but to his disappointment, it had only been taped off. Jones, a professional firefighter who created the Country Fire Authority’s only training program related to asbestos, believed the material was old roofing that had likely been dumped for many years.

He said the material, most likely corrugated asbestos cement sheets, was currently exposed within just a few feet of the walking track, which runs parallel to Uralla Rd, between Nepean Hwy and Seppelt Ave. The boardwalk stretches about 3.5km through bushland.

The Balcombe Estuary area was formerly used during WWII as a training ground, with an old gun range, which Jones suspected may be connected to the asbestos material or otherwise possibly dumped and washed up in heavy rain.

“It’s just washed a big chunk of dirt out into the Balcombe Creek, and it’s exposed to all this asbestos,” he said.

“The council’s response has been inadequate, with only two attempts at using traffic tape as a temporary measure until removal ‘sometime in May’.

“As a knowledgeable plumber in the field of asbestos and having lost my father to asbestos poisoning, I am very upset.

“I actually offered the council more solutions. One of them I suggested was that it would be almost better to build a small retaining wall and just pile a couple of tons of dirt there and just cover it all up.”

He believed there were at least two

Libs win Flinders

Continued from Page 1

“While we didn’t get the result we hoped for, we’ve still achieved something incredible here in Flinders,” said Smith.

“Together, we’ve shown that our community cares deeply and wants its voice to be heard.

“For the first time in decades, this seat is no longer considered safe. That’s a powerful message – and one I hope leads to greater attention, investment, and genuine engagement with our region.”

For the Smith for Flinders campaign, what began with a small group of locals quickly grew into a grassroots movement supported by more than 600 volunteers and 500 local donors. “I’m incredibly proud of what we built together,” said Smith.

Smith congratulated Zoe McKenzie MP on her re-election, and Labor candidate Sarah Race for running a strong campaign.

Race put out statement stating “I want to thank my family and friends, tireless campaign team, volunteers, supporters, and everyone who backed Labor in this election—many for the first time. It’s been a privilege to stand as Labor’s candidate and to put forward a positive vision for our community”.

“This asbestos has the potential in another heavy rain of ending up in Balcombe Creek. That’s not good, not acceptable,” he said.

“You either remove it immediately, or you cordon off the area so people can’t access it, or you cover it. It’s as simple as that. And they’ve done none

According to Jones, the asbestos roofing he discovered was non-friable where fibres are less likely to become airborne and not considered a huge risk, but he warned “it can become friable”.

Jones also reported the issue to the Environment Protection Authority.

The EPA and the shire have been contacted for comment.

“We ran a strong, communitydriven campaign. We knocked on over 10,000 doors and secured key commitments for Flinders: an Urgent Care Clinic, upgraded sporting facilities in Somerville, Rye and Hastings and investment in the Western Port Highway. And a campaign, that despite running on the smell of an oily rag, will finish second on first preferences.”

sheets of asbestos at the Balcombe Creek Estuary, with possibly more in the ground.

of the three.”

Steve Jones points to the material he believes is old asbestos roofing.

Picture: Yanni

Journalists: Brodie Cowburn, Brendan Rees

Ph: 5974 9000. Email: team@mpnews.com.au

Photographers: Gary Sissons, Yanni

Advertising Sales: Ricky Thompson, 0425 867 578

Real Estate Account Manager: Ricky Thompson, 0425 867 578

Production/Graphic design: Marcus Pettifer, Danielle Espagne

Publisher: Cameron McCullough

REGULAR CONTRIBUTORS: Peter McCullough, Stuart McCullough, Craig MacKenzie.

ADDRESS: Mornington Peninsula News Group PO Box 588 Hastings 3915

Email: team@mpnews.com.au Web: www.mpnews.com.au

DEADLINE FOR NEXT ISSUE: 1 PM ON THURS 22 MAY 2025

NEXT ISSUE PUBLICATION DATE: WED 28 MAY 2025

Western Port

Sewer plan in the pipeline

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

MORNINGTON Peninsula Shire

will look at considering a ten-year plan to connect thousands of properties to a reticulated sewerage system – a move that could cost hundreds of millions of dollars.

More than 22,000 properties on the peninsula are not connected to reticulated sewage and wastewater, instead using on-site wastewater septic systems.

However, polluted runoff and discharge from these systems have raised concerns that it poses significant risks to waterways, groundwater, and public health.

According to the shire, onsite wastewater systems are of particular concern in townships “with highly constrained lots where mains sewer is not available”.

At the council’s 6 May meeting, Cr David Gill’s motion for the shire to consider a regular community advocacy program to have all properties connected to sewerage reticulation, including a ten-year timeline to achieve this, was successful in a split vote of six councillors against five.

Council officers had only recommended councillors adopt the draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan (OWMP) 2025-2029, as well as review the OWMP 2025-2029 and publish an implementation report within five years of adoption, which councillors voted in favour of

anonymously, after the motion was split in two parts.

In pushing his motion, Gill said, “I don’t think that we should be sitting on our hands and saying that we’ve got a lot done, 22,000 properties. That’s not a lot done, that’s woeful in terms of the progression”.

However, while he acknowledged connecting properties within a tenyear timeline “probably won’t be done,” he said it was worth at least trying to “produce the timeline for the next ten years to try to achieve connection”.

“The [shire] officers probably can’t bring a motion with that to that extent, but I’m sure they wouldn’t object to having more consideration, more publicity, more advocacy and more attention to the lack of sewage reticulation on the Mornington Peninsula.

“We had a little bit of progression about 15 to 20 years ago and some of our coastal villages were reticulated and we haven’t had much since then. And we don’t have a great emphasis on the number of people who are not connected but should be.”

However, if properties were to be connected to sewerage reticulation, it’s understood the council would have to spend hundreds of millions of dollars, with no support from state government.

According to a shire report, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and South East Water staff, since 2007, have worked in partnership to “assess the risks posed by onsite wastewater in high-risk townships and develop proposals for the provision of backlog sewerage”.

“This has brought sewerage to several local townships with significant environmental, economic, and public health benefits.”

The report also stated risks from onsite wastewater systems were demonstrated in the OWMP 2018-2023 and in the Shire’s 2021 submission to the SEW Backlog Sewerage Review.

“The submission concluded that reticulated (mains) sewerage is the suitable long-term option to manage wastewater risks in Arthurs Seat, Red Hill, Red Hill South and Merricks townships,” it said.

The council’s current OWMP 2018-2023 outlines ways to manage risks which were assessed through a “report card process” to assist with the development of the draft OWMP 2025-2029, the report stated.

It also noted the state government has also recognised the significant risks posed by onsite wastewater systems, and as a result, councils are required to develop and implement an OWMP every five years under the Environment Protection Act

Mayor Cr Anthony Marsh voted against connecting properties to sewerage reticulation, saying “personally, I didn’t support it as I think it’s a waste of council resources, and it’s impractical,” which he described the potential costs as “astronomical”.

Students brighten up aged care home

STUDENTS from Elisabeth Murdoch College have teamed up with Langwarrin Men’s Shed members for a special project, which came to a conclusion last week.

The students have been building and decorating four large planter boxes. Last Friday, 16 May, the boxes were donated to the dementia ward at Frankston Vasey RSL Aged Care.

Michael Ryan from Langwarrin Men’s Shed said the Year Nine students had worked very hard to bring the idea to fruition. “The students visited other community groups, and they then had to go away and decide which one they would like to be involved with,” he said.

“The project we decided to do was to make and decorate four big planter boxes for the Vasey Frankston RSL Aged Care facilities’ dementia ward. It has been a big success.”

EMC assistant principal Ciro Ferra praised the students who completed the project. He said the opportunity to hand the boxes over “not only recognises the students’ exceptional contribution but also celebrates their hard work in designing, building, and painting the garden beds as part of their Students Attributes Program community project.

“In this assessment task, students visit a local community service and plan for and deliver a community project for the community group that uses that service. Throughout this process, students record notes, plan, and write reflections about the community they investigated and the project they delivered.”

Brodie Cowburn

Hastings - the first fifty years

New book on Hastings history

of the public are invited to the

in Marine Parade at 10am. Admission is $5 for Society members and $7 for nonmembers.

Lance will talk about writing the book and discuss interesting aspects of Hastings’ past. Copies of the book will be available for purchase at the special launch price of $25.

EMC students spending time with Vasey Frankston RSL residents. Pictures: Yanni

“FISH Town - Hastings: the first fifty years” is a new book by Lance Hodgins who will speak at the Hastings Historical Society’s morning coffee on Wednesday May 28. Members

museum

Lance Hodgins

Welcome TO THE WORLD

Parents: Lillie & Jake

Birth date: 06.05.2025

Birth weight: 3930gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Ava & Uli

Birth date: 05.05.2025

Birth weight: 4280gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Jemima & Jarryd

Birth date: 13.05.2025

Birth weight: 3940gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Michelle & Edward

Birth date: 05.05.2025

Birth weight: 3070gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Angel & Boyd

Birth date: 06.05.2025

Birth weight: 3764gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Parents: Manpreet & Amril

Birth date: 13.05.2025

Birth weight: 3670gms

Born at: Frankston Hospital

Cash needed for childcare crossing - mayor

MORE money from other levels of government is needed to improve safety on the road near the Little Grasshoppers Early Learning Centre in Moorooduc, according to the shire’s mayor.

The childcare centre sits on the corner of Moorooduc Highway and Eramosa Road. Last week Mornington MP Chris Crewther called for a zebra crossing to be installed to improve safety for children crossing the road (Action needed on childcare road, The News 13/5/2025).

The Department of Transport asked that questions about the road be directed to the Mornington Peninsula Shire.

Last week Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh said “speed limit reductions are decided by the Department of Transport and Planning and any application would need to meet its guidelines. We have reviewed Eramosa Road West against the Department’s guidelines and there are no indications it would meet the crite-

ria for a speed limit reduction, mainly because it has very low levels of pedestrian and cyclist activity.”

Marsh said that instead of a zebra crossing, pedestrian lights could be installed. “Our officers have looked into the possibility of a zebra crossing but they can only be installed when the speed limit is 50kph or less, so we’ve determined that pedestrian operated signals are the most appropriate option,” he said.

“We have developed concept plans for the installation of signals but at this stage there is no funding available to progress further. Pedestrian operated signals are expensive and many of the existing grants such a project would be eligible for would not cover the costs required.

“We would welcome state government funding for this project.”

Brodie Cowburn

Teen dancer steps up to support worthy causes

By Brendan Rees

SIXTEEN-year-old dancer Hailey Krongold from Safety Beach is proving that you can make a difference with a few good moves – and a big heart.

Last month she organised her first dance workshop called Aspire for dancers aged over 12 at Inspirations Performing Arts Studio in Mornington.

“I felt as if there are so many aspiring dancers on the peninsula who may not have access to the same teachers and mentors as those in the metro areas due to the travel distance to get to these open classes and programs,” she said.

“So why not bring these incredible choreographers to the peninsula for us all to enjoy.”

Hailey said the workshop, held on 27 April, was designed to not only provide young people with a local dance workshop, but also give back to the community with all profits going towards Beyond Blue.

Following its success, a second workshop is set to be held on 8 June with Hailey choosing Headspace as her next charity to support.

The costs of running the first workshop were also kept down thanks to the owner of Inspirations Performing Arts Studio allowing Hailey to use the facility free of charge.

“I have been dancing since the age of two in a range of styles. Dance is really important to me and many others,” Hailey said.

Having been a student at Transit Dance in Brunswick last year, Hailey was able to establish many choreographer contacts who were more than happy to lend a hand in teaching at the workshop.

This included Jemma Craig (commercial), Poppy Donaldson (jazz) and Leah Hamlet (lyrical).

Hailey’s parents said they were “incredibly proud of her initiative in bringing her idea for Aspire to life”.

While the workshops are aimed for dancers at an intermediate to advanced level, beginners are also welcome to attend.

To learn more, visit the Aspire Instagram page @aspire_peninsula_

ALFIE MAC

MATEO

HARMONY

ALODY MAE

SADA

MACKENZIE SAMUEL

Photos: Yanni

CHILDREN rush to cross the road at Little Grasshoppers in Moorooduc. Picture: Yanni

HAILEY is set to host her second dance workshop in June.

Picture: Yanni

Parents slam school fee on NDIS therapists

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

PARENTS are raising the alarm after learning Seaford Park Primary School started charging NDIS support workers to use the school’s facilities, which reportedly caused a shortage in critical services during term one.

Since the start of this year, the school imposed a fee of $100 per therapist, per term to “help cover most of the administrative costs”.

Under the state government education’s NDIS therapists in schools’ policy, the fee must be charged to the therapist, not to parents or the NDIS.

According to parents who spoke to The News, the issue at Seaford isn’t just a once-off, with other government schools on the Mornington Peninsula also implementing a fee at the “school’s discretion” - which some therapy providers cannot absorb.

Parent Beck Billows said her tenyear-old son, who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), was seeing a speech therapist during school visits.

But that stopped completely during the first school term of this year after her son’s speech therapy provider put him “on hold” until they could understand the terms of the new fee, which came about with “no communication”.

According to Billows, only about 20 per cent of support workers had paid the fee in the first term to continue onsite services, meaning many children had missed out on vital support.

Fortunately, Billows said she had managed to find a new speech therapist to attend to her son’s needs at school but warned “so many families out there are unaware that this is happening”.

“The first term of school was such a big misunderstanding with this fee,” she said.

“We need one small set fee for every school, not leaving it up to the principal’s discretion or the school council at ridiculous sums that are making therapists turn their back on their children.

“It shouldn’t come to money where our kids are missing out on the therapy that is essential to them.”

According to an education department spokesperson, “our policy

enables schools to recover costs from NDIS funded therapists for the use of school premises where the school incurs a cost in hosting NDIS funded therapy”.

The department also noted it has “clear guidance for Victorian government schools related to requests for the delivery of NDIS funded therapy in schools”.

“Schools are encouraged to support students and their parents/carers in exercising a level of choice and control with their NDIS supports at school where it is safe and practical to do so,” it said.

“Ultimately, the decision to allow funded therapists to provide therapy on school grounds rests with the principal.

Parents Beck Billows and Emma Lenowry are concerned about their children since Seaford Park Primary School started charging NDIS support workers. Picture: Gary Sissons

Key considerations for principals include supporting students’ continued access to the curriculum, ensuring child safety, and the practical and administrative capacity of the school to accommodate these requests.”

Another parent Emma Lenowry said she was disgusted by the fee, noting that schools shouldn’t be taking “advantage of the disadvantage”.

“We understand there is extra admin, but we’re meant to be here for the children, not gain extra money,” she said.

“The waiting list to see a paediatrician is huge, it’s not like booking a GP at short notice, so we rely on therapists for their ongoing support.”

Lenowry raised the issue with the school, saying, “as parents we are here to raise, help, guide, inspire and protect our children as many other things but right now the system is letting us down”.

Lenowry said she was lucky at this stage that her two sons aged seven and nine were able to continue seeing a speech therapist, a behaviourist worker, an occupational therapist (OT), and a psychologist during school.

But she said her sons missed out on OT and behavioural therapy during the whole of term one because “they wouldn’t pay the fee” as the provider, not the individual therapists, “have their own policies and procedures to

WHAT’S NEW...

The sky’s the limit

OVER three days last week 75 students from Frankston High School soared into a world of opportunity, experiencing first-hand what it’s like to be in the pilot’s seat — thanks to a flying program hosted by Peninsula Aero Club at Tyabb Airport.

Each student was given the chance to fly in a Cessna 152 with a qualified instructor, and for many, it was their first-ever experience in a light aircraft. The result? Wide eyes, big smiles, and a flood of enthusiastic feedback.

“One of the best times I’ve ever had,” said Max, who flew with instructor Tarik. “Absolutely loved flying with him – every minute was worth it.”

Lachlan described his flight with instructor Boris as “one of the best moments of my entire time at school,” adding that it opened his eyes to future aviation careers. Abbey called her experience “amazing and smooth” and said she’s now

adhere to” and whether they wish to proceed.

“All our children have had an escalation in behaviour since the loss of therapy in term one.”

According to Lenowry, Peninsula Health are not charged the fee because they’re part of the public health system.

Since speaking to other state school parents on social media, Lenowry said many were blindsided by the new measure, with the fee not being consistent at every school.

Lenowry has recently launched a change.org petition calling for a “small flat, standardised fee” to be imposed across all state schools, which she will present to her local MP.

According to Lenowry, who made enquiries with various schools, Banyan Fields Primary in Carrum Downs was proposing to introduce a once-off $25 fee and a $1 per visit thereafter.

She confirmed Hastings, Somerville, Baxter, Rosebud, and Mornington primary schools did not have a fee, however, Belvedere Park Primary School in Seaford had a fee of $400 per year.

Seaford Park Primary has been contacted for comment.

A National Disability Insurance Agency spokesperson, said, “the use of school premises is a matter for relevant state and territory authorities”.

“NDIS pricing arrangements and price limits are designed to cover the costs of providing therapy services, including overheads. As such, any fees charged by other parties to therapists cannot be claimed from NDIS plans.”

for students

seriously considering flying lessons.

Other students echoed the sentiment:

“Great day, had great chats and felt totally encouraged during the flight,” said Reef.

“The pilot was informative, and I felt in very safe hands,” said Jarris. “Overall, a great day and one I’ll never forget.”

Peninsula Aero Club also extended thanks to Judy Pay and her team at The Old Aeroplane Company for adding a historic touch to the day. But the real takeaway was clear — the skies left a lasting impression.

Through programs like this, the club continues to inspire young Australians to consider careers in aviation, delivering not just trial flights, but a launchpad for future dreams.

Why let the kids have all the fun? Contact Peninsula Aero Club and make your dreams a reality too!

Tyabb makes firefighting history with first female lieutenant

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

VOLUNTEER firefighter Alida

Goodchild has made history as the first female volunteer to be elected as a lieutenant at Tyabb fire brigade.

She joined the brigade 20 years at the age of 27, with 15 years having served as an operational firefighter.

Now, she has earned a leadership role - etching her name not only in the history books but also becoming a role model for other women in firefighting.

Goodchild, who by day runs her own beauty salon called You Bewty, expressed immense pride in her accomplishment she never thought she’d achieve.

She initially had hopes of becoming a paramedic but was unable to complete the required tertiary studies at the time due to having two young children.

“The next best option was to join the CFA and see if I was actually made for what I thought would be a good job,” she said.

While conceding she never thought she’d take on a leadership role, Goodchild said she would embrace the challenges and the opportunity to learn new skills.

“It’s not something to take lightly because you’re making decisions on behalf of the whole crew,” she said.

“But I feel like now with my experience and that my kids are grown up and out of home and everything, I’ve got the time along with the skills and knowledge to do it.

“Every job is different. Every time you go to a callout you could be doing

traffic control, or you could be at the end of the hose, or you could be consoling someone’s family or sitting with someone waiting for an ambulance.

“There’s so much versatility to it.”

Goodchild, who was appointed as 4th lieutenant at the start of May, encouraged more women to join their local brigade, adding she was as capable as anyone to be a firefighter.

“The friendships I’ve made are next level,” she said.

“We’re getting more and more women now that want to get in and then they want to eventually move up to leadership which is awesome.”

Tyabb fire brigade was established

in 1944 and operates entirely on a volunteer basis. There are currently about seven women at the brigade with most certified as operational to attend incidents.

Non-operational roles include administration, helping with fundraisers, and the day-to-day running of the station.

In announcing Goodchild’s new appointment, the brigade said “leveraging her professional skills and operational knowledge, Alida will be a fantastic addition to our brigade management team”.

“The brigade would also like to wish outgoing Lieutenant Jake Sanders

all the best on his new adventures in Gippsland. Jake will be continuing his CFA journey with Warragul Fire Brigade.”

During National Volunteer Week, CFA is celebrating and thanking its 52,000 members for their ongoing dedication in protecting Victorian communities. CFA is calling for more volunteers to join as part of its “Give us a Hand” campaign.

If you’re interested in joining CFA or learning more about volunteering, visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/volunteer. Once you’ve submitted your expression of interest online, your local brigade will contact you regarding the next steps.

Child sex charges for teacher

By Brodie Cowburn

A

FORMER McClelland

College teacher has been charged with child sexual offences.

Orhan Sahin taught high school science at McClelland Secondary College in Frankston from 2023 until May 2024, and worked as a casual relief teacher in 2022. On 13 May, McClelland College principal Laura Dowdell Spence sent a letter to parents informing them that Sahin had been charged with child sexual offences.

“Given the serious nature of these charges, I wanted to ensure you were notified of this very concerning news as soon as possible. I will also be notifying families of former students who were here at the same time as Orhan Sahin, and who have since graduated,” the letter read. “I acknowledge that any information relating to child sexual offending can be distressing and can trigger a range of emotions. In terms of support for our students, our wellbeing team is available if your child is impacted by this news.

“I commend the courage it takes for people to speak up and report criminal or other concerning behaviour that they have experienced or that they become aware of. Out of respect for the privacy and wellbeing of any person directly impacted by these charges, and to ensure we don’t interfere with the court process, I ask for your sensitivity when discussing or sharing information about this matter in the community.”

Sahin’s teaching registration was suspended on 13 June, 2024.

Alida Goodchild at Tyabb fire station.

Picture: Gary Sissons

Peninsula creatives rally to reinstate arts funding

By Tracee Hutchison*

SOME of the peninsula’s highest profile artists, actors, musicians, film-makers, writers, creative producers and festival directors have joined forces urging Mornington Peninsula Shire councillors to rethink their recent decision to slash arts and culture funding in the upcoming budget.

Over a hundred local creatives gathered at the Pig & Whistle’s Shed Theatre in response to proposed cuts to the arts and culture allocation in council’s Community Investment Fund in the FY25/26 budget, including Performing Arts Development grants and Creative Fund grants, to zero.

Among those calling on council to reverse the decision is peninsula-based art writer and co-director of Everywhen Art Susan McCulloch OAM: “The council’s sudden cutting of its arts grants and related funding is a completely retrograde step. Over the last five years, it has been demonstrably obvious that the increase in funding to the arts has enabled the creation of elevating, imaginative and broad ranging arts events peninsula-wide,” McCulloch said. McCulloch believes the council should be celebrating the way the arts has attracted tourists, supported local businesses and helped put the Mornington Peninsula on the cultural tourism map.

“The arts bring people together in positive ways unlike anything else. Cutting this funding would directly impact the peninsula’s arts practitioners, numerous businesses and residents and set our standing in the broader community back decades,” McCulloch said.

Key among the concerns was the lack of consultation and a sense of being blindsided by a decision that lacked transparency, explanation or understanding of the significant role the council had played in nurturing the local creative community.

bono expert advice to do a cost-benefit economic analysis of return on investment in the arts locally:

“As a volunteer run, not for profit organisation we channel funds directly into the pockets of our local artists, businesses and district. The investment of the Performing Arts Development Grants and Creative Grants has contributed to the creation of acclaimed, tour ready new work plus several outdoor exhibitions and workshops. The valuable funds from ratepayers go back into the community with much added value,” Thorn said.

Artistic director of Dreamhouse Theatre Company, Carole Patullo, outlined the huge benefit she sees through the youth theatre she leads: “So many families speak to me of the profound and transformative effect that involvement in the performing arts has had on their lives; whether that is through the like-minded community and connection they find, the safe space offered to explore their unique creative voice, or as an audience,” Patullo said.

Patullo warned the cuts will have lasting effect.

“The recent retrograde decision taken by council will directly impact the small but vital Dreamhouse Theatre Company’s capacity to deliver programs”.

The sentiment was summed up by founder and director of the long-running Peninsula Film Festival, and internationally renowned actor, Steve Bastoni, “The Arts community on the peninsula is strong and united and committed to fighting back against these cuts. If council think they can slash funding to the arts, without community consultation, they are in for a shock. We will not go quietly into the night, we will bring the ruckus,” Bastoni said.

Long said shire funding had nurtured creativity, brought community together and supported a creative vibrancy on the peninsula.

“These grants have been a lifeline for so many local artists, musicians, events, and organisations over the years. The MP Music Network board feel that the decision is both short-sighted and

President of MP Music Network, Alan Long, said council should be trumpeting their success, not cutting what they’ve helped create: “What’s particularly frustrating is that this decision seems to have been made without meaningful consultation with our community,” Long said.

harmful. We’ve always believed that a healthy arts scene – particularly our music community – is a vital part of the Mornington Peninsula’s identity and plays a significant role in our local economy,” Long said.

The economic, cultural and tourism benefits featured strongly in the community’s response.

Flinders Fringe executive producer Claire Thorn announced the festival had engaged pro-

The gathering was one of many across the peninsula responding to broader council cuts that extend to heritage programs, First Nations funding and rescinding the Climate Emergency Declaration and Climate Response Plan.

*Tracee Hutchison is a local broadcaster, filmmaker, writer and creative producer.

services participated in a real-life crash scenario.

Emergency services team up for mock car crash

ROSEBUD and Sorrento ambulance units recently joined forces with SES volunteers to stage a mock car crash simulation to test their skills.

Mirroring a real-life emergency, the exercise last month involved the collision of two cars and a vehicle rollover with multiple patients requiring medical attention.

Staged in Rosebud, the major training exercise was about preparing for the real thing while sharpening their response to major road trauma.

More than 70 people were involved, either undertaking the training or helping the running of the exercise.

“Simulation exercises are incredibly beneficial for training our clinical

skills and learning how to better work alongside our first responder colleagues,” Ambulance Victoria acting area manager Jo Wilton said.

“In locations like Rosebud and Sorrento, these trainings are particularly helpful because it will often be the same group of people attending the real thing.”

St John Ambulance Frankston volunteers and Monash University paramedicine students also participated in the exercise. VICSES Sorrento unit controller Mark Daw said it was invaluable for ensuring local teams were prepared for any situation.

“By simulating a mass casualty

incident, we not only improve our technical response skills but also strengthen the collaboration between all first responders in the region,” he said.

“This kind of teamwork is crucial when it comes to saving lives.”

WORRIED Mornington Peninsula arts community members outside The Shed music venue in Main Ridge. Picture: Yanni

EMERGENCY

Pictures: Waiata Kentwell-Jackson

Blessings Bags

Melbourne celebrate their award and, right, some of the team with shiments of Blessing Bags.

Pictures: Supplied

Youth-led volunteer group celebrates prestigious win

Brendan Rees brendan@mpnews.com.au

A TEAM of young volunteers from a peninsula-wide organisation has been honoured at the 7News Young Achiever Awards in recognition of their outstanding commitment to supporting people experiencing homelessness.

Blessings Bags Melbourne, a youth-led organisation, was awarded the Australia Foundation Connecting Communities Award during a ceremony on 9 May from a strong field of

nominees.

Founded in 2015, the organisation is dedicated to supporting people experiencing homelessness through free hygiene packs.

Each pack contains essential hygiene items such as a toothpaste, toothbrush, shampoo, soap, deodorant, pocket tissues, a sanitary item, a muesli bar, and a note of encouragement.

With over 20,000 packs distributed, the organisation thrives on community involvement, hosting quarterly packing days where volunteers assemble 500 to 700 packs.

Their work with the help of six core volunteers also includes advocacy and a strong focus on inclusive policies, ensuring their support reaches those who need it most.

They have also adapted to challenges like rising costs by diversifying fundraising efforts, as well as partnering with schools, shelters, and support services.

The organisation’s director Monique Murray said they were thrilled to receive the award, which was a proud moment for their team and volunteers, but also a testament to the generosity

Support LOCAL INDEPENDENT

of the local community they serve.

“This means the world to us. We’re a grassroots organisation and we’re volunteer-run and volunteer-led,” she said.

“Sometimes you feel like you’re just going from one challenge to the next, so I think having the award tonight and just having that time to reflect on what’s been a couple of really big years for us as well is a reminder of the positive impact we’re having on the community.

“We’re grateful for our tireless volunteers, and all community donations

we receive. We also hope to build on our partnerships with the support of chemists or dental clinics, just so that we can get enough of the stock.” While the group’s warehouse is based in Carrum Downs, Blessing Bags covers the whole peninsula with hygiene bags also being delivered to East Gippsland. The awards ceremony was held at the Pullman Melbourne on the Park, in front of an audience of about 400 people, and was hosted by 7News presenter Mike Amor.

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A culture war in our shire council

During last week’s council meeting, the deputy mayor, Cr Paul Pingiaro moved a motion that included the funding of Creative and Performing Arts be completely cut and six councillors supported it.

As the founder of poetry event Poets’ Corner and a creative living on the Mornington Peninsula I think it is incredibly disappointing that the council don’t see the multitude of values, including economic, in funding creative and performing arts.

By no longer offering the Creative and Performance Arts fund our shire is effectively removing opportunities for many individuals, local groups and organisations which rely on shire funding to provide countless activities for young, old and the disabled.

The decision to wipe the fund shows a complete disregard for this local sector particularly given what it has been through in recent years.

I also do not agree with cutting the Inclusion Subsidy to Willum Warrain. I believe this projects a contemptuous attitude towards our First Nations people. I am deeply ashamed that our shire is denying them much needed financial assistance. I am aware of the very important work that they do; everything from providing a connection to culture to immunisation and health programs.

In my view, what the shire is lacking is an inclusive and effective social policy focussed on social cohesion which arts and cultural heritage offers.

I would like to know why the funding of the Willum Warrain subsidy was cut. I would also like to understand the reasoning behind why the Creative and Performing Arts fund was also completely cut. Why not share the burden of a deficit with other groups such as sport and recreation for example?

I want to encourage people to attend Tuesday night’s (20 May) council meeting being held at the Flinders Civic Hall. Be there so they know we exist!

Heather Forbes-McKeon, McCrae

Respectful governance

The recent Mornington Peninsula Shire Council meeting laid bare a passionate but deeply divided chamber.

While spirited debate is a natural and necessary part of any healthy democracy, the tone and conduct suggest a council struggling to work as a unified body in serving all its residents.

It is essential to acknowledge that the newly adopted 2024–25 budget marks a shift in priorities, with a greater emphasis on broader community spending in response to economic pressures.

There will always be differing views on how best to allocate public funds, and the diversity of opinion among councillors can, and should, be a strength, not a source of dysfunction.

What is concerning, however, are the allegations of exclusion, poor communication, and breakdowns in process that emerged during the meeting. If true, such behaviours risk sidelining the voices of entire communities and eroding trust in the institutions meant to serve us all. While caucusing is not prohibited, governance must still be grounded in fairness, transparency, and respect, both for the democratic process and for one another.

That said, we must not lose sight of the goodwill and intentions that likely brought all councillors to the table in the first place: a desire to serve the peninsula’s people.

It is only through constructive dialogue, even in disagreement, that progress can be made. Residents deserve a collaborative council, not combative; one that challenges ideas without attacking individuals.

Now is the time for councillors to recommit to inclusive leadership. By ensuring all voices are heard, from every ward, every community, and every councillor, the shire can begin to rebuild trust and govern with the integrity and unity our region deserves.

Anne Kruger, Rye

Transport travesty

I am compelled to write and show support for Michelle Gregory of Somers in response to her letter (Bring back the Baxter to Mornington train line, Letters 13/5/25) discussing the lack of infrastructure on the Mornington Peninsula.

The situation is a travesty. Having visited many third world countries over the years while engaged in volunteer, charitable efforts, the bus and public transport systems in these far-flung corners of the globe are often more efficient than what we are afforded here on the Mornington Peninsula, most especially the Western Port side.

I had an argument with my husband last night. Not a regular occurrence in our usually civil and happy household, but it happens.

As we are a one car family, I was ready to pack my bags and head to Melbourne via Frankston station the next morning.

I looked up the timetable and discovered the circuitous bus route from Flinders to Frankston station would take over 1.5 hours, stopping a whopping 72 times! Whaaaaaaat?

This is not a service, this is a punishment!

This is not a third world country, or is it?

This (non) service is not connecting community, it is disconnecting and isolating.

I begrudgingly unpacked my bag and decided to stay put and wait it out until my spouse apologises.

Teenagers, young adults, retired aged citizens, people without a driver’s license, in fact, everyone is being discriminated against and stymied by the lack of a safe and efficient public transport system on our beloved Mornington Peninsula.

Thanks Michelle Gregory for spurring me on.

Next on my “To Do” list, is a letter to Zoe McKenzie.

Tori Potter, Flinders

Budget cuts wrong

Thanks for your paper’s report on the decision of the Council at their meeting on May 6 to cut funding to Willum Warrain, the Shire’s only Aboriginal Gathering Place (Winners and losers in budget shakeup, The News 13/5/25).

A report by Sky News on May 8 was praising the mayor Marsh and deputy mayor Pingiaro for reprioritising community money back into the community, specifically $150,000 going towards commemorative events subsidies to support Australia Day and Anzac Day.

We have a large group of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living on the Mornington Peninsula with Hastings and Capel Sound having the greatest number per suburb.

The shire grant is absolutely vital for Willum Warrain to continue its important work. It is only a tiny amount within the shire’s budget. To “knock it off” without any community consultation is a disgrace.

The whole of the Mornington Peninsula once belonged to First Nations people. Colonisers stole it. Surely it is only decent to give some support back. Most residents recognise First Nations people as valued members of the community unlike these council ideologues!

Joan Doyle, Dromana

Budget cuts

Reading about the cuts to the budget that the shire have made to the excellent programs at Willum Warrain and Friends of Lospalos, (also Repower, the climate emergency and the arts) makes me wonder, do the councillors think through the consequences of their hasty or ideological actions. Many of the cuts are very short sighted.

Tony Abbott cut five hundred million dollars from the of Aboriginal material health and childcare programs in the NT and ten years later Alice Springs paid the price, experiencing a family and youth crisis.

The many services and groups at Willum Warrain are endeavouring to give our First Nations people hope and strategies on how to navigate

this world. Programs that will reap rewards for all Australians.

The stupidity of withdrawing funds from the Friends of Lospalos is beyond belief. Apart from the ethics and morals involved. If Australia vacates this space China will move in.

I didn’t vote for this at the recent Shire elections.

Marilyn Hoban, Mornington

Winners and losers?

“Winners and losers in budget shakeup” says the headline (The News 13/5/25).

To criticise the media these days is to be reflexively accused of blaming the messenger, but what if the messenger is distorting the message?

It has been fashionable for years for newspapers and television stations to present any analysis of any budget produced by any level of government in terms of “winners and losers”; the divisive emphasis being on who is advantaged by the budget and who is not.

If budgets are to be analysed by the media, and not simple reported, then surely what we want to know is on what is our money being spent and how it affects the community as a whole; whether or this spending produces the greatest good for the greatest number.

Albert Riley, Mornington

Stingray attacks

There have been two stingray attacks at Fishies beach this year, with at least two last year needing urgent medical attention. The last attack was last Monday.

The toxin causes excruciating pain and in one case loss of memory for some hours.

In another case surgery was required to remove the quill.

I wonder whether other bathers are aware of the risk. It would be interesting to know whether other swimmers there have sustained injuries.

Dolly Beaty, Mornington

Animal cruelty

The inhumane use of poison to kill animals is undertaken by Parks Victoria.

Supposedly to protect wildlife from foxes and feral cats but poisons wildlife as well. PAPP is toxic to wallabies. 1080 is used to control wallabies in Vic.

It may or may not have been used in the Mornington Peninsula National Park between Portsea and Rye. Locals have seen many wallaby bodies in the area.

So, my question is, can we get some clarity from Parks Victoria on why they use indiscriminate poisoning that inflicts an inhumane slow death on animals?

This, compounded by recent snipers killing koalas and Brumbies is unethical and wrong.

Tracey Asquith, Hastings

Climate clash

Joe Lenzo, in his reply (Climate science, Letters 13/5/2025) still did not address my claim that the theory of CO2 gas in the atmosphere causing planetary warming is just that – a theory, not proven.

All heat comes from the sun and if you are simple minded enough to believe that solar output is constant, like a light bulb, then stop reading now.

The sun is a dynamic entity such that the human mind, and science, cannot comprehend it.

Scientists know next to nothing. One phenomenon that is observed but little understood is the lengthy cycles of sunspot activity, during which the solar radiation is changed slightly in magnitude and composition.

There is a tenuous association between sunspot activity and planetary temperature.

Of course the planet is warming, having exited four centuries of cold temperatures, we are hopefully, naturally returning to “normal”.

Of course weather patterns are changing, due to ocean currents, deep oceans, warming oceans, water vapour in the air, maybe 20 or 30 variables that cannot be predicted, or even known.

Not much enlightenment is provided by Joe pulling out a favourable selection of sceptics of his theory, none of them climate scientists, and ridiculing them.

If only he had also looked up sceptics who are indeed respected climate, and other, scientists he might be able to see the light.

I always point to the Swedish climate change expert, knowing as much about climate science as my cat, a failed schoolgirl with a worldwide following on facebook, addressing the United

Nations. How ridiculous that was.

Brian A Mitchelson, Mornington Walk thanks

I extend my heartfelt thanks and congratulations to the community for their participation and support of our 2025 South East Melbourne Memory Walk and Jog. It was wonderful to see the South East Melbourne community rally in support of people living with dementia, their families and carers. To all those who walked, ran, jogged, donated and volunteered, thank you. This event would not have been possible without your support. Our 2025 event on Saturday 10 May at Peter Scullin Reserve, Mordialloc was a success, with the community helping to raise over $40,000. These funds will help us provide invaluable support services, education and resources for all Australians impacted by dementia.

It was also great to see everyone getting active for their brain health, one of the key things we can all do to help lower our risk of dementia. I encourage anyone unable to participate this time to consider organising their own group or individual walk or jog, with a MyWay event. More details can be found at www.memorywalk. com.au/get-involved/mw.

Professor Tanya Buchanan, CEO Dementia Australia

Progress!

Now that the election is over I decided to go on my regular “inspection” of Barkly Street in Mornington as I haven’t been there for about six weeks.

Surprise, surprise, the clocks at the main roundabout are all on time, but the biggest surprise was that the spelling mistakes on the sign at the Gordon Street corner have been corrected! Hard to believe after all the years, but it’s true, Wow, it is true!

Also the down travellator in Centro is working!

All is good in Barkly Street. So I better celebrate by having something good to eat in the local patisserie or the sandwich shop. No names, but if you like great food then you will know which shops they are and where there are.

Lance Rickard, Mount Martha

Moving on

Turmoil; Russia and Ukraine, India and Pakistan, Israel and Palestine, Donald Trump and Greenland, Europe’s far right slide. Safe to travel?

The principle talent of a lifetime is to apply oneself to various talents. Taking one single action may seem the correct course in youth; indeed if it’s your driving ambition go for it. But after some 10-20 years it may be time to step outside your confined circle, albeit your belief in your present happiness, and take in the world around you.

Variety and adaptability, we’re only here once, apparently?

Anthony Albanese tells us all decisions are made after discussions with Caucus. By amazing coincidence, they give Mark Dreyfus the boot; not happy Jan.

Not quite a Tony Abbott about face, albeit the amazing self-confidence, casting a small shadow, for now, the supposed opposition down to Angus Taylor, Sussan Ley, or just as doubtful Dan Tehan and Tim Wilson?

And the smashed eggs on the faces of 7, 9, 10 and Sky News; we listened not; the same for Peter Dutton’s nonsense claim the ABC and Guardian as hate media, not to mention his first and only policy was fear.

A combination of the right wing gallery and Dutton himself. Let’s hope out Prime Minister doesn’t let it go to his head?

Cliff Ellen, Rye

Bowling green for Frankston? Minister favours proposal

Compiled by Cameron McCullough

A Frankston deputation representative of the Shire Council and Progress Association waited on the Minister for Lands (Mr. Downward) on Tuesday last with a request that portion of the foreshore adjoining the tennis courts be made available as a site for bowling green and croquet lawns.

Cr. F. H. Wells said that the Council, at its last meeting, passed a resolution in support of the proposal only two councillors out of fifteen voting against.

The Progress Association, which was thoroughly representative of the citizens, was strongly urging the proposal, and it was at the instance of the Association that the Council had taken action.

He mentioned that at the ordinary monthly meeting of the Progress Association held on Monday evening last there was a representative attendance numbering 70 people.

Cr. Bradbury said the foreshore could be beautified by the scheme, and it would assist the town in catering for visitors.

Unlike other leading tourist resorts, Frankston possessed neither bowling green nor croquet lawn.

Cr. Pratt said the bowling green would form part of a comprehensive scheme for the beautification of the foreshore, which had been neglected for years.

A foreshore trust had just been formed, and it was anticipated that much excellent work would be done.

The site asked for was an ideal one for bowling greens.

Mr. T. J. McMurtrie said that while Frankston possessed beautiful beaches

and fine stretches of foreshore, they were in a woefully neglected condition.

The site asked for as a bowling green could be made a beautiful spot, and would serve as a starting point for an extensive beautification scheme.

In the Frankston Riding alone there was an area of seventy acres of foreshore reserve, and the small portion asked for as a bowling green would only run into feet.

Mr. W. C. Young, president of the Frankston Progress Association, said that the Council and the general public were behind the proposal. The site asked for was in a neglected condition and an eyesore in the locality.

Lieut.-Colonel Lazarus also spoke in support.

The Minister, in reply, said he knew the area asked for, and referred to it as “a God-forsaken spot.” Mr. Downward said he favored the idea of a bowling green being provided at Frankston.

He knew the immense benefit the bowling green had been to Mornington. The bowling green there was on the foreshore, and Mornington had not the large reserve that Frankston possessed.

The bowling green at Mornington was a beautiful spot, and it not only attracted visitors but held them to the place.

He would not give a decision for fourteen days, in order to give objectors an opportunity to state their views.

He would then send his decision through Cr. F. H. Wells.

***

Tragedy At Balnarring – Popular

Footballer Shot

Whilst out shooting with a companion on Thursday last, the second eldest son of Mrs. Stone, of Balnarring, was fatally shot through the chest.

Mr. Stone was a prominent member of the Balnarring football team. The tragedy has cast a gloom over the whole district, as deceased was a young man who was greatly respected.

***

Unclean Premises – Lady Cab Owner Fined

Louisa Josephine Dodds, Chelsea’s lady cab-driver, was before the Chelsea Court on Monday for permitting a nuisance on her premises, which constituted a menace to public health.

The dates were mentioned as during April. The offence consisted in leaving heaps of manure from her stables about the premises. Evidence was given by Health Inspector Charles Scott, who prosecuted, and Senior Constable R. Hore.

An order had been served on Mrs. Dodds to clean her premises.

Mrs. Dodds said she had had a man and a boy on the work required, but as it had been a busy time, she had not been able to comply with the demands as quickly as she would have liked.

Mr. Cohen, P.M.: You will be fined £5, and an order made for an immediate abatement of the nuisance. It is a menace to the public health. If you do not remedy the state of affairs, Mrs. Dodds, the Court has power to close your home altogether.

Costs amounting to £2/4/6 were allowed.

***

Personal

Mr. B. Anderson has been trans-

ferred from Stratford to Frankston as the local S.M. in succession to Mr. M. L. Lalor, who was promoted to the position of traffic inspector at Dandenong.

We regret to report that Mrs. F. Wells, senr., is laid aside with an attack of pleurisy. She is being attended by Dr. Johnston. We wish her a speedy recovery to health.

Miss McNeil, who is at present on holidays, is expected to resume duty at the Frankston Shire office next week.

Commander F. G. Cresswell, R.A.N., was present at the Frankston Progress Association meeting last Monday night, and enrolled as a member of that Association.

Mrs. Bowes., senr., after a holiday extending over six or seven months in Sydney, has returned to Frankston.

Miss Linda Byron Moore is at present visiting General and Mrs. Grimmade, “Marathon,” Frankston.

It is with extreme regret that we learn that Miss Katie Gurrie – popularly known as “Kit” to her numerous friends – and niece of Miss Winnie Hallinan, of the Prince of Wales Hotel, Frankston, is at present in Dr. Maxwell’s hospital, suffering from a severe nervous breakdown. The strain of duty has been weighing on her for some time, but the sudden news of the death of a close friend precipitated a collapse.

It is to be hoped she will soon be back at her post restored to health.

***

Sir Geo. Tallis, of “Beleura” Mornington, has purchased a 30hp McCormack Deering oil engine at a cost of £600 to work on his large farm.

This method of working will be

up-to-date and draw an 8-furrow disc plow and harrow simultaneously.

Like other Peninsula breeders on the Peninsula, Sir George is preparing the prize herd for the Melbourne Show in September.

***

Again we are indebted to Mr. E. P. Davies for something novel and entertaining, as he is the promoter of the first Haggis Dinner on the Peninsula. Invitations have been issued to the Prime Minister, the Right Hon. S. M. Bruce, ex-Senator Plain, Mr. W. S. Yorston and to the chiefs of the leading Scottish societies throughout the State.

For those not acquainted with Scottish evenings of this kind, we would like to state that Melbourne’s leading artists have been engaged. A truly wonderful menu will be provided. Tickets have been selling freely, and it is pleasing to note the number of ladies looking forward to this braw Scotch nicht.

A full programme will appear in our next issue.

***

The “Tangerine” Cafe, Palais buildings, is now under the supervision of Mr. and Mrs. J. Bradbury, who are now busy re-arranging stocks of the various lines previously handled by Mrs. Fry. In our next issue will be advertised some startling reductions particularly in the fancy goods sections, but anyone, meantime, will be well advised to call at “The Tangerine” to inspect the offerings.

***

From the pages of the Frankston and Somerville Standard, 22 May 1925

BAXTER, SOMERVILLE, TYABB, HASTINGS, BITTERN, CRIB POINT, BALNARRING, BALNARRING BEACH, FLINDERS

b eautiful Home in a b us H land s etting d esigned to m ake l ife e asy!

Positioned against the breathtaking bushland of Warringine Park on a significant 967 sq. metre (approx.) allotment, this 4-bedroom beauty is the perfect coastal setting for anyone craving space and functionality while staying close to the best Hastings has to offer. With an immense shed complex designed for the ultimate balance of work, rest and play.

Bold and built to make life a breeze, this spacious 4-bedroom home brings space, light, and low-maintenance living right to the heart of Crib Point. With dual street access and a design soaked in sunshine, it’s the kind of home that lets you live large without lifting a finger.

bed, 2 bat H , 1 C ar

Contemporary Acreage on the Village Edge

A modern masterpiece in a class all its own, this architectural triumph masters the balance between bold modernism and an effortless family home.

Tucked away on 2.47 acres (approx.) of wide open space, every one of its lines and finishes has been curated for those who appreciate a striking and sustainable design without compromise.

A facade of render, aluminium, and steel emerges beyond an exposed aggregate driveway, flanked by sculptural and native gardens that deliver maximum impact with zero effort. A grand open-riser timber

HOME ESSENTIALS

staircase soars under towering ceilings, with spotted gum hardwood floors drawing the eye towards the open family, kitchen and dining space that unfolds spectacularly.

12-ft square-set ceilings and massive picture windows flood the space with natural light and frame the breathtaking open grounds like a living masterpiece, sided by a kitchen of the utmost quality, with high-end appliances, buffet island, and a walk-in pantry.

Slide open the doors to the spotted gum, shade-sailed, BBQ deck, which overlook stunning gardens rich with bird life, an equestrian dream in the large rear paddock,

and an array of outbuildings and kitchen garden that balance recreation with utility.

The entire top floor is devoted to the master suite, featuring a massive dressing room, additional built-in storage, and a lavish ensuite, while the wraparound balcony overlooking Point Leo and Main Ridge lets you pick your own perfect vista for that endof-day vino.

Four additional bedrooms with walk-in robes are tucked away to the rear wing beyond a second lounge, including a private ensuite bedroom for in-laws or growing teens

ADDRESS: 14 Norman Street, Somers FOR SALE: $3,200,000 - $3,500,000 DESCRIPTION: 5 bed, 3 bath, 5 car, 2.47 Acre(s)

AGENT: Candice Blanch - 0447 188 469, 1A/3000 Frankston Flinders Road, Balnarring, 1300 077 557

Additional features include refrigerated heating/cooling, wool carpets, 5kW solar power, on-site water treatment, 105,000L underground rainwater storage, 3-phase power, FTTP and Cat6 cabling, doubleglazing, and an extra-wide double garage with wood heater and a storage room. All this sits at the end of a no-through road, offering pure, uninterrupted tranquillity while keeping village life within easy reach. Somers Primary, The Somers General cafe, and the stunning Somers Foreshore sit just down the road, offering breathtaking views across Western Port to Phillip Island.n

The Guide

TOP PICKS OF THE WEEK

SATURDAY

FATHER BROWN

ABC TV, 6.10pm

THURSDAY BRITAIN’S GOT

TALENT

7MATE, 8.30pm

From a fashion-forward illusionist and a light-up dance group to an eight-year-old magician and a dinosaur rock band, the acts so far on this 18th season of Britain’s favourite variety show sure know how to turn heads. Prepare to be amazed as the third semi-final sees even more singers, musicians, dancers, magicians and comedians who impressed judges Simon Cowell (pictured), Alesha Dixon, Bruno Tonioli and Amanda Holden during the audition rounds return to compete for a spot in the finale.

A dash of StrictlyBallroom flair comes to Kembleford this week, as divinely talented sleuth Father Brown (Mark Williams) gets a crash course in the cut-throat world of competitive dancing. With a talent scout for TV sensation GoDancing in town, Mrs Devine (Claudie Blakley, pictured) and Brenda (Ruby-May Martinwood) get caught up in the excitement. But when star dancer Gillian (Saskia Strallen) is murdered Father Brown eschews the police line and dances to his own beat.

MONDAY THE FLOOR NINE, 7.30pm

In this disturbing yet brilliantly addictive series, there’s many moments when you wish alarm bells would ring for Asher Keddie’s (pictured) wide-eyed character and she would simply strut away when faced with a trove of red flags from her new love interest. This gripping eight-part drama is based on Aussie journalist Stephanie Wood’s blisteringly honest book about her traumatic experience dating a man who turned out to be a compulsive liar and manipulator. Keddie plays Birdie, a lonely writer.

If you’ve found yourself calling out the answers to this competitive quiz show so loudly that you can’t hear the actual contestants, you’re not alone. What started as 81 Aussies standing on a grid of trivia topics is now just nine clever contenders hoping to defend their territory, conquer their neighbours’ tiles and claim the entire board for themselves. Can one of the (unfortunately titled) ‘whales’ hold onto their majority stake? Or will an underdog seize their chance to take over?

Host Rodger Corser (pictured) oversees as the final nine battle it out for the last time.

Thursday, May 22

ABC TV (2) SBS (3)

SEVEN (7)

NINE (9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Stuff The British Stole. (Ml, R) 10.30 The Weekly. (R) 11.00 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Sherwood. (Final, Mlv, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 11. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.05 Destination Flavour. 10.10 The Bridges That Built London. 11.00 Dream Of Italy. 12.00 WorldWatch. 1.55 Alone Australia. 3.00 Living Black. (R) 3.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 3.35 Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 11. Highlights. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Lethal Love Letter. (2021, Mav) Clare Grant. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games.

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Grand Designs UK. A couple build a 400sqm home in Lincolnshire.

8.50 Martin Clunes: Islands Of The Atlantic: Madeira And Azores. (PG) Hosted by Martin Clunes.

9.35 The Kimberley. (R) Hosted by Mark Coles Smith.

10.25 ABC Late News.

10.40 The Business. (R) 11.00 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 11.50 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (PG, R) 12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 1.30 Vera. (Mav, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 History’s Greatest Mysteries: The Sinking Of The Titanic. (PG, R) A look at the story of the Titanic

8.25 Liberation: D-Day To Berlin: Germany. (M) Looks at the true cost of liberation during the last year of WWII. 9.15 Sherlock & Daughter. (Mav) Amelia goes undercover. 10.10 SBS World News Late. 10.40 Carmen Curlers. (Mas, R) 12.45 Pagan Peak. (MA15+a, R) 2.50 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Football. AFL. Round 11. Geelong v Western Bulldogs. From GMHBA Stadium, Victoria. 10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.

11.00 Kick Ons. Kane Cornes, Josh Jenkins and Jason Richardson debate the hottest topics and preview the upcoming AFL matches.

11.30 To Be Advised.

1.05 Raines. (Mahv) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today.

5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

TEN (10)

Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 RBT. (Mdl, R) A look at police random breath-test patrols.

8.30 Emergency. (Mm, R) After a surfer has a heart attack, Caitlin and Martin are not sure they can save him.

9.30 A+E Crash Scene Emergency. (Mam) A woman has to be cut out of her car.

10.30 Panic 9-1-1. (MA15+av)

11.20 9News Late.

11.50 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 12.40 Pointless. (PG, R) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 Taskmaster Australia. (Ml) Hosted by Tom Gleeson. 8.40 Law & Order: SVU. (Mav) A web of lies and betrayal is uncovered when a woman

Friday, May 23

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 Gardening Australia. Costa gets playful with planting design.

8.30 The One That Got Away. (Premiere, Mal) Two detectives hunt a killer whose modus operandi echoes a historic series of murders.

9.25 Gruen. (R) Presented by Wil Anderson.

10.00 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R)

10.30 Big Boys. (MA15+l, R)

11.00 ABC Late News.

11.15 Father Brown. (Ma, R)

12.00 Mayfair Witches. (Mal, R) 12.50 Rage New Music. (MA15+adhlnsv) 5.00 Rage. (PG)

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 MOVIE: Call Me Kate. (2023, PGa, R) Katharine Hepburn. 9.05 Snowdon & Margaret: A Scandalous Affair. (PGa, R) Explores Princess Margaret’s marriage. 10.00 Robson Green’s Weekend Escapes: North Yorkshire – Jill Scott. (R)

10.35 SBS World News Late.

11.05 Atlantic Crossing. (PGa, R)

12.10 Rex In Rome. (Mlv, R) 2.00 The Head. (Malsv, R) 3.50 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

Jeopardy! 7.50 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.45 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 13. 1.35am Stacey Dooley Sleeps Over. 3.25 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.45pm Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School: World By Night. 4.00 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Builder Brothers Dream Factory. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Gardening Australia Junior. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 8.00 Be Cool, Scooby-Doo! 8.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 8.55 Robot Wars. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown.

A lead-up to the Friday night AFL match. 7.30 Football. AFL. Round 11. Essendon v Richmond. From the MCG.

10.30 AFL Post-Game Show. Post-game discussion and interviews taking a look back at all the action from the game.

11.15 GetOn Extra. Lizzie Jelfs, Matt Hill, Simon Marshall and Brent Zerafa dive headlong into the weekend’s best racing.

11.45 To Be Advised.

1.25 Travel Oz. (PG, R)

2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 5.00 NBC Today.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Find My Country House Australia. (Premiere, PG) Hosted by Catriona Rowntree.

8.30 MOVIE: My Sister’s Keeper. (2009, Mal, R) A young girl decides to sue her parents for medical emancipation to avoid donating a kidney to her dying sibling. Cameron Diaz, Abigail Breslin.

10.45 MOVIE: The Rebound. (2009, Mdls, R) Catherine Zeta-Jones.

12.35 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Skippy The Bush Kangaroo. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Postcards. (PG, R)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. (R)

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 House Hunters Australia. A couple search for a retreat in the Blue Mountains. 8.30 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns, R) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.30 The Graham Norton Show. (Mhs, R) Graham Norton is joined on the couch by Sigourney Weaver, Nicholas Hoult, Jamie

RBG. (2018, PG) 3.55 Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 5.35 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 7.30 Bandit. (2022, M) 9.50 The Informer. (2019, MA15+, Spanish, English, Polish) 11.55 November. (2017, MA15+, Estonian) 2.05am Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 7.50 Motown Magic. 8.40 Spartakus. 10.00 Tales From Zambia. 11.00 Going Places. Noon MOVIE: The Red Turtle. (2016, PG) 1.30 Thanks For All The Fish. 2.00 The Casketeers. 2.30 The Cook Up. 3.00 Jarjums. 5.00 Harlem Globetrotters. 5.30 Nula. 6.00 Bamay. 6.40 Undiscovered Vistas. 7.30 MOVIE: Free Willy. (1993, PG) 9.50 MOVIE: Little Shop Of Horrors. (1986, M) 11.30 Late Programs. NITV

Capricorn One. Continued. (1977, PG) 8.10 A Handful Of Dust. (1988, PG) 10.20 The Flood. (2019, M) 12.15pm Salvation Boulevard. (2011, M) 2.05

Story:

Angels – Samuel Johnson. (R)

6.10 Father Brown. (PGav) Father Brown investigates a death at a dance school.

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 Call The Midwife. (PGa) May is caught up in a serious incident at the beach.

8.30 Midsomer Murders. (Mv, R) After a cycling competition comes to the village of Burwood Mantle, the race leader is murdered. Barnaby and Nelson investigate and find themselves drawn into a world of blackmail and bloodshed.

10.00 Bergerac. (Mal, R) Bergerac goes rogue with a new lead.

10.45 Reunion. (MA15+l, R) A deaf ex-prisoner seeks revenge.

11.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 13. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 Hugh’s Wild West. (R) 11.00 Lap Of Luxury: Escapes Down Under. (PGa, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Cycling. UCI ProSeries. Tour of Hungary. 3.00 Gymnastics. FIG Artistic Apparatus World Cup. 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 13. 5.30 Plat Du Tour. (R) 5.35 Cuban Missile Crisis. (Premiere, PGa)

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Elizabeth Taylor: Rebel Superstar: Fame. (Mal, R)

8.25 Secrets Of Britain’s Historic Houses: Non-Conformists (A La Ronde And Kingston Lacy) (Return, PG) The team explores two unique houses.

9.30 Alone Australia. (M) The survivalists make difficult decisions.

10.35 Guillaume’s French Atlantic. (PG, R) 11.05 Great Coastal Railway Journeys. (PGa, R) 11.40 Homicide: Life On The Street. (Mav, R) 4.10 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.40 Bamay. (R) 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Horse Racing. Sporting Chance Cancer Foundation Raceday, Sandown Saturday and Doomben Cup Day. 5.00 Seven News At 5. 5.30 Border Security: Australia’s Front Line. (PG, R)

6.00 Seven News.

7.00 The Americas: The Caribbean. (PG) Takes a look at sailfish hunt, sperm whales dive for squid and millions of red crabs migrate to the sea.

8.00 MOVIE: The Lost World: Jurassic Park. (1997, PGv, R) A research team is sent to investigate an island populated by dinosaurs. Jeff Goldblum, Julianne Moore, Pete Postlethwaite.

10.35 MOVIE: Con Air. (1997, MA15+lv, R) A parolee is caught up in a hijacking. Nicolas Cage, John Cusack. 12.55 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 It’s Academic. (R) 5.00 House Of Wellness. (PGas, R)

6.00 Getaway. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 Today Extra: Saturday. (PG) 12.00 Destination

6.00 9News Saturday.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Holiday Home Makeover With Rachel & Ryan. (PG) Rachel and Ryan create three guest bedrooms.

6.30 The Dog House Australia. (PGa, R) Narrated by Mark Coles Smith. 7.30 Love It Or List It Australia. A family is feeling cramped in their current home. 8.40 House Hunters Australia. (PG, R) A couple search for a house but she wants a Hamptons-style cottage with a pool and he seeks a home with character and a toolshed. 9.40 Ambulance Australia. (Mms, R) Paramedics respond to a child’s call about a five-year-old stuck in mud, but all is not as it seems. 10.40 Elsbeth. (Mv, R) 11.40 FBI. (MA15+v, R) 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 5.00 Hour Of Power. 6am Morning Programs. 1.55pm Who Gets To Stay In Australia? 3.05

8.30 MOVIE: Skyfall. (2012, Mlv, R) In the wake of a botched operation and the apparent death of 007, M finds herself under pressure to resign. Daniel Craig, Judi Dench.

11.30 MOVIE: Double Impact. (1991, MA15+slv, R) 1.35 Destination WA. (R) 2.00 The Incredible Journey Presents. (PG) 2.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 Global Shop. (R) 5.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 5.30 Helping Hands. (PG, R)

Sunday, May 25

6.00 Rage. (PG) 7.00 Wknd Brekky. 9.00 Insiders. 10.00 Offsiders. 10.30 The World This Week. (R) 11.00 Compass. (PGa, R) 11.30 Songs Of Praise. 12.00 ABC News At Noon. 12.30 Landline. 1.30 Gardening Australia. (R) 2.30 The Piano. (PG, R) 3.30 Grand Designs UK. (R) 4.20 First Nation Farmers. (R) 4.40 The Kimberley. (R) 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Compass: The Conclave. (PG)

7.00 ABC News. A look at the top stories of the day.

7.30 The Piano. (PG) Hosted by Amanda Keller.

8.30 Bergerac. (Ml) Bergerac’s enemies are gaining momentum and there’s a shocking revelation about the ransom.

9.20 Reunion. (Mlv) Brennan and Carly head to his school reunion, where Brennan meets some old friends.

10.15 MOVIE: Strangerland. (2015, MA15+an, R) Two children disappear into the desert. Nicole Kidman.

12.05 Take 5 With Zan Rowe. (Ml, R)

12.35 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv)

2.00 The Split. (Ml, R) 5.00 Insiders. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 14. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.00 FIFA World Cup Classics. 12.00 WorldWatch. 12.30 PBS Washington. 12.55 North Beach Football Club. (R) 1.00 Motor Racing. ProMX C’ship. Round 4. 4.00 Going Places. (PG, R) 4.30 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 14. Highlights. 5.30 Codename Lucy: Spies Against Nazis. (PGavw) 6.00 NBC Today. 7.00 Weekend Sunrise. 10.00 The Morning Show: Weekend. (PG) 12.00 Sunday Footy Feast. 2.30 AFL Pre-Game Show. Pre-game coverage of the match. 3.00 Football. AFL. Round 11. Melbourne v Sydney. 6.00 Hello SA. (PG, R) 6.30 ACA. (R) 7.00 Weekend Today. 10.00 AFL Sunday Footy Show. (PG) 12.00 Wide World Of Sports. (PG) 1.00 Fish Forever. (R) 1.30 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (Final) 2.00 Adelaide Equestrian Festival.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 London: 2,000 Years Of History. (PG, R) Explores the 2000-year history of London. 9.15 Into The Gobi Desert With Nick Knowles. (PG, R) Nick Knowles heads to Mongolia. 10.05 Hindenburg: The Cover Up: The Titanic Of The Skies. (PGa, R) 11.00 Face Down: Killing Of Thomas Niedermayer. (Mal)

12.00 24 Hours In Emergency. (Malm, R)

3.40 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.10 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.15 France 24 Feature. 5.30 Al Jazeera News.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 The 1% Club. (PGls)

8.00 7NEWS Spotlight.

9.00 24 Hours In Police Custody: The Unusual Suspects. (Mad) New routes behind large scale cannabis importation are leading police to some very different suspects.

10.10 Crime Investigation Australia: Baby In The Suitcase. (MA15+adv, R)

11.30 Autopsy USA. (Ma)

12.30 Shades Of Blue. (MA15+adsv, R) 1.30 Harry’s Practice. (R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 3.30 Million Dollar Minute. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Morning Programs. 9.00 The Great Australian Doorstep. 9.30 Australia’s Best Backyards. 10.00 House Of Wellness. 11.00 Escape To The Country. 1pm The Surgery Ship. 2.00 South Aussie With Cosi. 2.30 Animal SOS Australia. 3.00 Better Homes. 4.00 Harry’s Practice. 4.40

6.00 9News Sunday.

7.00 Travel Guides. (PGls)

8.10 60 Minutes. Current affairs program.

9.10 The Killer Interview With Piers Morgan. (Ma) Piers Morgan sits down with Rod Covlin, the man who almost got away with murdering his wealthy financier wife.

10.10 Footy Furnace. (Mlv) A look at the latest round of the AFL.

11.10 9News Late.

11.40 The First 48. (Ma)

12.30 Australia’s Top Ten Of Everything. (PGa, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 Drive TV: Drive Car Of The Year. (Final, R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

9GEM (92)

NITV (34)

SBS WORLD MOVIES (32)

6.00 The Sunday Project. A look at the day’s news.

7.00 MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.30 Fake. (Premiere, Mls) A writer goes on a date with a wealthy grazier after meeting on a dating app, but comes to believe that the man might not be all that he seems. 9.30 FBI. (Mav) After a young girl goes missing in Queens, the team discovers the kidnappers used her as leverage to carry out a major explosives heist, sending them on a hunt for the dangerous culprits. 11.30 The Sunday Project. (R) A look at the day’s news. 12.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. Noon Motorcycle Racing. Superbike World Championship. Round 5. Czech Round. 1.00 Figure Skating. ISU World Championships. Part three. Replay. 2.30 Jeopardy! 4.35 ABC World News Tonight. 5.00 PBS Washington Week. 5.25 Abandoned Engineering. 7.15 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 15. 1.35am Letterkenny. 2.35 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 1.40pm Ben And Holly. 2.05 Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 3.25 Peppa Pig. 3.55 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.20 Dino Dex. 4.45 Gardening Australia Junior. 5.10 Daniel Tiger’s. 5.30 Peter Rabbit. 7.05 Rocket Club. 7.35 Moominvalley. 8.00 Horrible Histories. 8.30 Fresh Off The Boat. 9.10 Abbott Elementary. 9.55 Speechless. 10.15 Merlin. 11.00 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Finding Graceland. Continued. (1998, PG) 6.50 Earth To Echo. (2014, PG) 8.30 Sissi: The Young Empress. (1956, PG, German, Hungarian) 10.30 Bandit. (2022, M) 12.50pm The Daughter. (2015, M) 2.40 Welcome Home, Roxy Carmichael. (1990, PG) 4.30 Belle. (2013, PG) 6.30 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 8.30 Something’s Gotta Give. (2003, M) 10.55 Late Programs.

6am Morning Programs. 2pm Rugby League. Qld Murri Carnival. Finals. Women’s. Replay. 3.00 Rugby League. Qld Murri Carnival. Finals. Men’s. 4.20 Soh Presents: Generations And Dynasties. 6.00 Queer & Here. 6.40 Wildlife Rescue New Zealand. 7.30 Tree Kangaroos: Ghosts Of The Forest. 8.30 Namatjira Project: The Quest For Justice. 10.05 MOVIE: Walkabout. (1971, M) Midnight Late Programs.

1.00 Landline. (R)

Australia. (R) 3.00 Claire

Of

(PG, R) 3.30 Grand

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 Australian Story.

8.30 Four Corners. Investigative journalism program.

9.15 Media Watch. (PG) Presented by Linton Besser.

9.35 Picasso. (Premiere, Mds)

10.35 ABC Late News. 10.50 The Business. (R) 11.05 Planet America. (R) 11.40 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (R) 12.10 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (PG, R) 1.00 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 1.45 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.10 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

Warriors v Canberra Raiders. 6.00 M*A*S*H. 6.30 French Open Tennis Pre-Show. 7.00 Tennis. French Open. Day 1. Midnight Late Programs.

7TWO (72) 6am Children’s Programs. 8.00

(PG, R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R) 6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 15. 8.00 WorldWatch. 10.05 Destination Flavour China. 10.20 Billy Connolly: Great American Trail. (Ma, R) 11.10 Wild Prague. 12.10 WorldWatch. 2.00 Masha And Valentyna. (Ml, R) 2.55 Travel Shooters. 3.30 Plat Du Tour. 3.35 Cook Up. 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 15. 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 MOVIE: Island Of Shadows. (2020, Mav, R) Anna Hopkins. 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.35 Stockholm With Michael Portillo: Stockholm 2. (PG) Michael Portillo gets crafty with ceramics.

8.25 Bettany Hughes: Treasures Of Estonia. (PGa, R) Bettany Hughes explores Estonia.

9.20 Inside Windsor Castle. (R) Explores what it’s like to live in Windsor Castle. 10.15 SBS World News Late. 10.45 Classified. (Mlv) 11.35 Kin. (MA15+dlv, R) 2.30 Along Ireland’s Shores. (PG, R) 3.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 4.30 Bamay. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.05pm Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.15 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 The Crystal Maze. 9.30 MythBusters “There’s Your Problem!”. 9.55 Merlin. 10.40 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PGa) 7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) A new farmer joins the mix. 8.50 9-1-1: Lone Star. (Ma) Owen and the 126 deal with the aftermath of the asteroid crash in Austin while a greater threat looms.

9.50 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

10.50 Code 1: Minute By Minute. (Malv, R)

11.50 Motorway Patrol. (PGa)

12.20 You, Me And The Apocalypse. (Premiere, Mal) 1.20 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: A Missed Connection. (2023, PGa) Meggan Kaiser. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG)

6.00 9News. 7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 The Floor. (Final, PG) Hosted by Rodger Corser. 8.50 Footy Classified. (Ml) A team of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.

9.50 Players. (Ml) A look at all the AFL news.

10.50 9News Late.

11.20 Aussie Road Train Truckers. (Ml)

12.10 Gypsy Rose: Life After Lockup. (Mal)

1.00 Hello SA. (PG) 1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 2.30 Global Shop. (R) 3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 Have You Been Paying Attention? (Malns) Celebrity panellists compete to see who can remember the most about events of the week. 9.40 Taskmaster Australia. (Ml, R) Hosted by Tom Gleeson.

10.50 10’s Late News. 11.15 The Project. (R) 12.20 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.30 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 2.55 WorldWatch. 5.10 Forged In Fire. 6.00 Alone Denmark. (Final) 7.05 Jeopardy! 7.35 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.30 The UnBelievable. 10.10 The Weekly Football Wrap. 10.40 Alone Australia. 11.45 Couples Therapy. (Return) 12.55am Secrets Of The Chippendales Murders. 1.50 MOVIE: The Assignment. (1997, MA15+) 3.55 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera.

6am Hamlet. Continued. (1948, PG) 8.35 Belle. (2013, PG) 10.30 Ordinary Happiness. (2019, M, Italian) 12.10pm Ben Is Back. (2018, M) 2.05 Finding Graceland. (1998, PG) 3.55 Summerland. (2020, PG) 5.50 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 7.50 We Are Still Here. (2022, M) 9.30 November. (2022, M, French) 11.30 Clean. (2021,

Tuesday, May 27

ABC (2)

SBS (3)

SEVEN (7)

NINE (9) 6.00 News. 9.00 News. 10.00 Aust Story. (R) 10.30 Compass. (PG, R) 11.00 If You’re Listening. (R) 11.20 Gruen. (R) 12.00 News. 1.00 Call The Midwife. (PG, R) 2.00 Restoration Aust. (PG, R) 3.00 House Of Games. (R) 3.30 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 4.15 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 5.00 A Bite To Eat With Alice. 5.30 Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. (PG)

7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30.

8.00 The Kimberley. (Final)

8.50 David Attenborough’s Galapagos: Evolution. (Final, R) Hosted by Sir David Attenborough.

9.40 Australia’s Wild Odyssey: Carving The Landscape. (Final, R) 10.40 ABC Late News. 10.55 The Business. (R) 11.10 Four Corners. (R) 12.00 Media Watch. (PG, R) 12.15 Books That Made Us. (Malv, R) 1.15 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 2.00 Long Lost Family: What Happened Next. (R) 2.50 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.30 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30 7.30. (R)

ABC FAMILY (22)

6.00 WorldWatch. 9.00 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 9.15 First Australians. (PG, R) 10.25 Dance Rites 2024. (PG, R) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Walkatjurra: Our Actions Will Never Stop. (PG, R) 3.15 Arts Centres Keep Our Elders Connected. (R) 3.35 The Weekly Football Wrap. (R) 4.05 The Cook Up. (R) 4.35 Going Places. (PG, R) 5.05 Jeopardy! 5.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.20 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia. 6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning.

6.00 Mastermind Australia.

6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Who Do You Think You Are?

Mark Coles Smith. (Mlv)

8.30 Insight. Hosted by Kumi Taguchi. 9.30 The Handmaid’s Tale. (Final, MA15+) June reflects on her experiences in Gilead. 10.30 SBS World News Late.

11.00 Living Black. (R)

11.30 Enemy Of The People. (Mlv, R) 2.50 Along Ireland’s Shores. (PGa, R) 3.50 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (PG, R) 4.50 Destination Flavour: Japan Bitesize. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) Leah extends an olive branch.

7.30 Farmer Wants A Wife. (PGal) Farmer Jack’s remaining ladies arrive.

8.50 Doc. (Ma) Amy and Jake try to uncover the cause of a unique patient’s worsening condition.

9.50 The Agenda Setters. (R) An expert panel tackles the biggest AFL topics.

10.50 Accused. (Mad)

11.50 Autopsy USA: Kate Spade. (Ma, R)

12.50 The Act. (MA15+ans, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News. 5.30 Sunrise.

6am Shopping. 6.30 Escape To The Country. 7.30 Harry’s Practice. 8.00 Million Dollar Minute. 9.00 Medical Emergency. 9.30 NBC Today. Noon Better Homes. 1.00 Escape To The Country. 2.00 Creek To Coast. 2.30 My Greek Odyssey. 3.30 Harry’s Practice. 4.00 Medical Emergency. 4.30 Better Homes. 5.30 Escape To The Country.

6.00 9News.

7.00 A Current Affair.

7.30 Tipping Point: Travel Guides. (PG) Hosted by Todd Woodbridge. 9.00 Footy Classified. (Ml) A team of footy experts tackles the AFL’s big issues and controversies.

10.00 9News Late.

10.30 To Be Advised.

11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R)

12.20 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 The Garden Gurus. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa) 4.30 A Current Affair. (R) 5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

TEN (10)

6.00 Deal Or No Deal. Hosted by Grant Denyer. 6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 The Cheap Seats. (Mal) Presenters Melanie Bracewell and Tim McDonald take a look at the week that was. 9.40 The Inspired Unemployed: The List. (PGalv) The boys are in Malaysia. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 The Project. (R) 12.05 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert. (PG) 1.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.30 CBS Mornings. 6am Morning Programs. 9.30 BBC News At Six. 10.00 The Movie Show. 12.10pm France 24 English News. 12.40 Homicide. 2.30 Cryptoland. 3.05 BBC News At Ten. 3.35 ABC World News Tonight. 4.05 PBS News. 5.05 Forged In Fire: Best Of. 5.55 The UnXplained. 6.40 Jeopardy! 7.10 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 16. 1.35am Shoresy. 2.00 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 2.05pm Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Animals Up Close With Bertie Gregory. 9.20 Croc Watch. 10.05 Merlin. 10.50 Late Programs.

6am The Movie Show. 6.15 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 8.15 The Chaperone. (2018, PG) 10.20 Something’s Gotta Give. (2003, M) 12.40pm November. (2022, M, French) 2.40 Hamlet. (1948, PG) 5.40 The Extraordinary Journey Of The Fakir. (2018, PG) 7.30 The Furnace. (2020, M) 9.40 No Man Of God. (2021, MA15+) 11.35 The Two Faces Of January. (2014, M) 1.25am Late Programs. 5.40 The Movie Show.

Wednesday, May 28

Antiques Roadshow. (R)

6.30 Claire Hooper’s House Of Games. 7.00 ABC News.

7.30 7.30. 8.00 Gruen.

8.35 The Weekly With Charlie Pickering. (Final) A satirical news program.

9.05 Planet America.

9.40 Big Boys. (Final, Mls)

10.10 Mayfair Witches. (Final, MA15+v, R) 10.55 ABC Late News. 11.10 The Business. (R) 11.25 Anh’s Brush With Fame. (PG, R) 12.25 Grand Designs: House Of The Year. (R) 1.10 Long Lost Family. (PG, R) 2.00 Rage. (MA15+adhlnsv) 3.15 Parkinson In Australia. (PG, R) 4.30 Gardening Aust. (R) 5.30

7.30. (R)

6.00 WorldWatch. 7.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 16. 8.00 WorldWatch. 9.55 Going Places. (R) 10.25 MOVIE: The Blood Run. (2024) 12.00 WorldWatch. 2.00 Insight. (R) 3.00 Going Places. (R) 3.30 The Point: Road To Referendum History Bites. (R) 3.35 The Cook Up. (R) 4.05 Jeopardy! 4.30 Letters And Numbers. (R) 5.00 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 16.

6.00 Mastermind Australia. 6.30 SBS World News.

7.30 Big Fat Quiz Of The Year 2024. (Malns, R) 9.10 The Day The Rock Star Died: Michael Hutchence. (Ma, R) Takes a look at Michael Hutchence. 9.40 The Handmaid’s Tale. (Final, MA15+, R) June reflects on her experiences in Gilead. 10.40 SBS World News Late. 11.10 My Brilliant Friend. (Mals) 12.15 The Wall: The Chateau Murder. (Malv, R) 3.35 Along Ireland’s Shores. (R) 4.30 J Schwanke’s Life In Bloom. (R) 5.00 NHK World English News Morning. 5.30 ANC Philippines The World Tonight.

2.40 The Weekly Football Wrap. 3.15 BBC News At Ten. 3.45 ABC World News Tonight. 4.15 PBS News. 5.15 Forged In Fire. 6.05 Finding Satoshi. 7.15 Jeopardy! 7.45 8 Out Of 10 Cats. 8.40 Cycling. UCI World Tour. Giro d’Italia. Stage 17. 1.35am Letterkenny. 2.30 NHK World English News. 5.00 Al Jazeera. SBS VICELAND (31) 6am Children’s Programs. 12.20pm Bananas In Pyjamas. 1.40 Ben And Holly. 2.05 Paddington. 2.45 Fizzy And Suds. 3.00 Play School. 4.00 Andy’s Safari Adventures. 4.25 Rocket Club. 5.20 Thomas And Friends. 5.45 Kangaroo Beach. 7.05 Dino Dex. 7.35 Star Wars: Young Jedi Adventures. 7.50 The Inbestigators. 8.05 Operation Ouch! 8.40 Abbott Elementary. 9.25 Doctor Who. 10.50 Late Programs. ABC FAMILY (22) 6am Morning Programs. 8.05 Summerland. (2020, PG) 10.00 The Zookeeper’s Wife. (2017, M) 12.20pm We Are Still Here. (2022, M) 2.00 Four Souls Of Coyote. (2023, PG) 4.00

6.00 Sunrise. 9.00 The Morning Show. (PG) 12.00 Seven’s National News At Noon. 1.00 To Be Advised. 2.20 Border Security: International. (PG, R) 3.00 The Chase. (R) 4.00 Seven News At 4. 5.00 The Chase Australia.

6.00 Seven News. 7.00 Home And Away. (PG) 7.30 The 1% Club UK. (PGal, R) Hosted by Lee Mack. 8.30 The Front Bar. (Ml) Hosts Sam Pang, Mick Molloy and Andy Maher take a lighter look at all things AFL. 9.30 Unfiltered. (PGa) Hosted by Hamish McLachlan. 10.00 Unbelievable Moments Caught On Camera. (PGa, R) Footage of headline-grabbing moments. 11.00 Born To Kill? (MA15+av, R)

12.00 Midnight Texas. (MA15+hv)

1.00 Travel Oz. (PG, R) 2.00 Home Shopping. (R) 4.00 NBC Today. 5.00 Sunrise Early News.

5.30 Sunrise.

6.00 Today. 9.00 Today Extra. (PG) 11.30 9News Morning. 12.00 MOVIE: Murder On Maple Drive. (2021, Mav) Bea Santos. 2.00 Pointless. (PG) 3.00 Tipping Point. (PG, R) 4.00 9News Afternoon. 5.00 Tipping Point Australia. (PG)

6.00 9News.

7.00 Rugby League. State of Origin. Game 1. Queensland v New South Wales. 10.00 State Of Origin Post-Match. A post-match wrap-up of Game 1. 11.00 9News Late.

11.30 The Equalizer. (Mv, R) A former Chinese MSS agent is poisoned.

12.30 Tipping Point. (PG, R)

1.30 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

2.30 Global Shop. (R)

3.00 TV Shop: Home Shopping. (R)

4.00 Believer’s Voice Of Victory. (PGa)

4.30 Find My Country House Australia. (R)

5.00 Today Early News. 5.30 Today.

6.00 Deal Or No Deal.

6.30 The Project. A look at the day’s news. 7.30 MasterChef Australia. A batch of 23 former contestants returns. 8.40 Elsbeth. (Mdv) When a young man is found dead in his car, Elsbeth begins to suspect a holistic wellness centre’s charismatic founder. 9.40 FBI: International. (Mv) A Russian biochemist is assassinated. 10.40 10’s Late News. 11.05 NCIS: Origins. (Final, Mv) 12.05 The

(2005, MA15+) 11.50 Late Programs. SBS WORLD MOVIES (32) 6am Morning Programs. 10.00 Undiscovered Vistas. 11.00 Over The Black Dot. 11.30 Rebel With A Cause: Neville Bonner. 12.30pm Unleash The Beast. 1.30 Black West.

8.30 MOVIE: Jindabyne. (2006, M) 10.40 Late Programs. NITV (34)

PUZZLE ZONE

ACROSS

1. Has buoyancy

5. Cautious

7. Avoid (capture)

8. Tiny particle

9. Official stamp

10. Jumped up

11. Hostile crowds

13. Prepare for publication

14. Cleans by rubbing hard

18. Queuing, ...up

21. Hitch

22. Detour round

24. Freedom fighter

25. Bass brass instrument

26. Match before final

27. Await with horror

28. Forest plant

29. Enforces (payment) DOWN

1. Camera lights

2. Intended

3. Trades for cash

4. Sun umbrella

5. US frontier movie

6. Straighten again

STORIES

12. Outgoing flow, ... tide 15. Overcome 16. Improve in quality 17. Skin mite rash

19. Very cold

20. Talks idly

22. Knife’s cutting edge

23. Italian food

See page 30 for solutions.

(Un)Kool Thing – My Life as a Try Hard

By Stuart McCullough

I WAS having lunch with friends. Between courses, one of my lunchmates said that her favourite song in 1989 was "Teen Age Riot" by grunge rock pioneers, Sonic Youth. I wanted to agree. Indeed, I longed to say that, I too, believed "Teen Age Riot" was, by some considerable distance, the very best song of 1989 and that the album from whence it came was a masterpiece that captured the essence of Generation X in its dissonant squalls and alternative tunings.

I wanted to say anything at all that would suggest that, in 1989, I had any idea the song "Teen Age Riot" existed or what a "Sonic Youth" was. But I couldn’t. Because in 1989, I was tragically and irredeemably uncool. Saying you liked Sonic Youth in the 1980s is the equivalent of claiming that you liked the films of Ingmar Bergman before he went commercial. It’s an impossibly hip thing to declare. Knowing me, I probably thought that an ‘Ingmar Bergman’ was something you ordered from IKEA. To my great shame, I was totally clueless about anything cool. That’s because I was hopeless unhip throughout the nineteen eighties. I wasn’t cool for a moment, not even by accident.

It wasn’t for a lack of trying. Actually, my lack of coolness was a direct result of trying too hard – overreach was my enemy. Bleach-blonde mullet, pierced ears and home-made acid-wash jeans, I was packed to brim with uncoolness and positively

pulsating with daggy energy. Not that I realised it. In 1989, I had my own band and wrote my own songs. This is, without doubt, incredibly cool. Or, at least, it’s incredibly cool until you listen to any of the songs in question, after which it’s very much something else altogether – most likely a cry for help. Matters were made worse by my

voice, which was an atonal squawk that’d have seen John Cage handing his ears back, expecting them to be put out of their misery. It was not pretty. It certainly wasn’t cool. I had a denim jacket, though, which I used to think was cool but, in retrospect, was a couple of sizes too small and when I wore it, I looked like I was trapped inside a jacket borrowed

from a much smaller person. It was, by some margin, the best jacket I ever owned. That year, I was gifted a leather jacket which – again – sounds like it could be cool, except that it had been procured from the Dattner House of Leather. It had the kind of shoulder pads more commonly associated with gridiron. So uncool.

Come to think of it, my life has been a series of failures involving jackets. In a rush of blood to the head that then flowed to my wallet, I once bought a suede jacket at a warehouse sale. It was large, cumbersome and totally impractical. Like the Death Star, it was beautiful to the eye but had a fatal flaw – it was allergic to rain. Jackets that can’t be worn in inclement weather are of little use. Bizarrely, I still chose to wear my suede jacket to a football match at which, by some miracle, it did not rain but, just as I was leaving, a seagull whom I can only assumed had been carbloading all afternoon decided to let it rip. It was ruined. I never went to the football again.

I had a skateboard in the nineteen eighties which, on its face, is kind of cool. Until, of course, you realise that I lived on a farm in Tyabb and the only place to ride that skateboard was on a gravel driveway. If you’ve never tried to skateboard on gravel, I don’t recommend it. More than uncool, it’s downright dangerous.

Somewhat perversely, some of the things we had then that were considered uncool have now well and truly come back into favour. We had a re-

cord player and a lot of vinyl records. Which is all well and good until you realise that we also had my parents’ record collection which largely consisted of LPs from record clubs. (I assume that, at some point in history, "record clubs" were a thing. I’ve never heard of them. That’s because, presumably, the first rule of record club is that you do not talk about record club.) Suffice to say, no-one plays a record entitled "Great German Marching Songs" and expects to be thought of as cool.

In 1989, I had strong opinions about everything – music, fashion, German marching songs – you name it. And I was completely wrong about almost everything. During the recent election, some broadcasters profiled young voters before hysterically lamenting the naivety of today’s youth. Not me – I look at today’s young voters and then picture myself at the same age, before realising that today’s new adults are just fine and superior in almost every respect. Dare I say it – they’re cool. My friend was waiting for a response. I cleared my throat before being honest – in 1989 my favourite band was probably "Mike & the Mechanics". For me, there was no Teen Age Riot in 1989. Just a gravel driveway, a useless skateboard and a denim jacket that didn’t fit me very well. Things, I feel, are much better now.

stuart@stuartmccullough.com

Rosebud bests Stonecats to sit on top

MPNFL

By Brodie Cowburn

MEN’S DIV ONE

ROSEBUD notched up another win on Saturday, getting the better of Frankston YCW.

A five-goals-to-one first term put Rosebud in control. The Stonecats fought back in the second quarter, but their hopes were dashed after half-time. The Stonecats were held goalless in the third term. Rosebud ran out winners 11.9 (75) to 7.8 (50).

Callum White booted four goals for Rosebud. Zac Maynard, Liam Tidd, William Hartung, Campbell Hustwaite, and Mitchell White were named their best. Christian Tsiampas scored four goals for the Stonecats.

Rosebud sits on top of the ladder with five wins to their name. EdithvaleAspendale sits just behind them on percentage after a gritty win over Pines.

Pines hosted Edi-Asp at Eric Bell Reserve. Spectators watched a very scrappy first term - EdithvaleAspendale scored the only goal of the quarter.

Edithvale-Aspendale opened up a lead in the second quarter, and managed to hold that throughout the day. EdiAsp beat Pines 8.4 (52) to 9.13 (67).

Kurt Lo Po, Tarkyn Wyett, Lewis Diggins, Kyle Yorke, and Charlie Martello were the Eagles’ best. Tyrone Vickery and Max Walker each scored two goals.

Mornington secured a narrow two goal win over Red Hill on the road last weekend. Dromana and Mt Eliza locked up comfortable wins over Sorrento and Langwarrin respectively.

MEN’S DIV TWO

RYE made the most of their chances to grab a win over Somerville on the road last weekend.

Both sides were evenly matched in the first half. Both sides were level at the first break, and Somerville led by five points at half-time.

Poor kicking cost Somerville in the third term. Rye made the most of Somerville’s mistakes, and opened up a three goal lead.

The Demons held on for an 8.14 (62) to 12.6 (78) win. Brady Egan and Edward Greene each booted four goals for the winning outfit.

Frankston Bombers are now 6-0 to start the 2025 season. They smashed Tyabb by 87 points on Saturday.

Chelsea also picked up a dominant win on Saturday, beating Karingal by 76 points. Anthony Beale kicked seven goals.

Bonbeach beat Hastings by 11 goals at Bonbeach Reserve last weekend.

Pearcedale beat Crib Point by 20 points away from home, and Devon Meadows beat Seaford by 32 points at RF Miles Recreation Reserve.

WOMEN’S DIV ONE

MORNINGTON stretched their winning streak to six on Saturday with a victory over Frankston at Alexandra Park.

The Bulldogs stamped their authority on the game with a dominant first half. The Dolphins weren’t able to recover from their slow start.

Mornington beat Frankston 7.17 (59) to 2.6 (18). Elizabeth Muir, Lucy Grocock, Jaime Davis, Ashley Jans, and Anna McGlade were the Bulldogs’ best.

Karingal smashed Bonbeach 19.25 (139) to 0 on Saturday morning. Hayley Monk booted six goals.

Warragul Industrials also picked up a huge win last weekend - they beat Pearcedale 18.17 (125) to 1.1 (7).

grabbed a much-needed

DIVISION ONE MENS

Saturday 24 May, 2pm:

Edithvale-Aspendale v Dromana - Edi-Asp Regents Park Mt. Eliza v Rosebud - Emil Madsen Reserve

Mornington v LangwarrinMornington Alexandra Park Pines v Red Hill - Eric Bell Reserve

Sorrento v Frankston YCWDavid Macfarlan Reserve

DIVISION TWO MENS

Saturday 24 May, 2pm: Chelsea v Tyabb - Chelsea Recreation Reserve

Crib Point v Somerville - Crib Point Recreation Reserve

Devon Meadows v Frankston Bombers - Glover Reserve

Hastings v Karingal - Hastings Club

Pearcedale v Rye - Pearcedale Recreation Reserve

Saturday 24 May, 6pm: Seaford v Bonbeach - RF Miles Recreation Reserve

DIVISION ONE WOMENS

Saturday 24 May, 12pm: Bonbeach v MorningtonBonbeach Reserve

Saturday 24 May, 1pm: Pearcedale v FrankstonPearcedale Recreation Reserve

Saturday 24 May, 2pm: Karingal v Warragul IndustrialsKaringal Football Club

DIVISION TWO WOMENS Friday 23 May, 7pm: Red Hill/Balnarring Thunder v Mornington (Reserve) - Balnarring Reserve

Tyabb v Red Hill - Bunguyan Reserve

Saturday 24 May, 12pm: Karingal (Reserve) v Warragul Industrials (Reserve) - Karingal Football Club

Mt. Eliza v Bass Coast - Emil Madsen Reserve

Saturday 24 May, 4.40pm: Edithvale-Aspendale v Frankston (Reserve) - Edi-Asp Regents Park

DIVISION THREE WOMENS

Saturday 24 May, 11am: Pearcedale (Reserve) v PinesPearcedale Recreation Reserve Saturday 24 May, 12pm: Rye v Langwarrin - RJ Rowley Reserve

Saturday 24 May, 4.40pm: Chelsea v Tyabb (Reserve)Chelsea Recreation Reserve Crib Point v Bonbeach (Reserve) - Crib Point Recreation Reserve

MT Eliza got the jump over Langwarrin, running out 34-point winners.

Picture: Paul Churcher

MORNINGTON

win over Red Hill.

Picture: Alan Dillon

Mornington Peninsula competitors dominate the field at 48th Historic Winton

THIRTEEN historic race car drivers from eight Mornington Peninsula locations will participate in Australia’s longest running historic race meet on 24 and 25 May at Winton Motor Raceway, near Benalla, which is six percent of the national field.

Presented by the Austin 7 Club for 49 years, the 48th Historic Winton will send the crowd of Mornington Penin-

An engaging match of footy

TWO players from Tyabb and Pearcedale MPNFL Women’s Division Three match entered the playing field as opponents on Saturday and left engaged to be married.

After a hard-fought game, Tyabb’s Kate McCallum surprised teammates and spectators by taking to one knee to propose to Pearcedale’s Bec Strickland. The proposal was accepted, sparking jubilant scenes.

By the time both sides left the field the scoreboard had been long forgotten. For the record, Pearcedale beat Tyabb 0.3 (3) to 6.8 (44) at Bunguyan Reserve.

Picture: Supplied

sula drivers race cars spanning from the 1930s to the 1980s in a variety of race categories including Regularity time trials which involves the competitor nominating the course completion time.

Allan Lowe, 83, of Sorrento has dedicated himself to historic car racing for most of his life including building a renowned Aussie Special, the

Nalla Holden when he was 22. He’s raced a variety of cars since including DB2 Aston Martins but these days his vehicle of choice is a 1939 Singer Le Mans.

“At first, I wanted to be a footballer but my big brother David would take me to historic race meetings and I was hooked,” Allan said.

“Legendary race driver Lou Molina

was a big inspiration and seeing him race made me want to do it too.

“My current 1939 Singer Le Mans was built by my brother David and I will be competing in Regularity 2 at Historic Winton this year.”

Fellow competitor Phillip Hallo of Mt Martha will race his 1930 Austin 7 in Regularity 1 and was chuffed that he won one of the three competitions

last year. He estimated his course time and then was the competitor closest to achieving it. Not an easy thing to do when the adrenalin starts pumping.

Both Allan and Phillip are members of the Austin 7 Club which is celebrating its 75th Anniversary.

The Historic Winton weekend will commence with a parade of Austin 7s including race and passenger vehicle.

A big win for a bighearted club

By Brendan Rees

THE celebrations have been loud at Sorrento Cricket Club after it was crowned the sporting club of the year last week at the 2024 Victorian Sport Awards.

The massive win, announced at a ceremony on 14 May at the Melbourne Cricket Club, recognises not only their love for the game, but their commitment to creating a cricket club that welcomes all, and bringing the community together.

The awards, which has 18 categories, celebrates the achievements of home-grown sporting heroes at both a grassroots and high-performance level.

Club president Ben McDonald said the honour was a great reward for effort including having established its first women’s senior team.

“We are all thrilled,” he said. “It’s just a great achievement to make it; it’s next level with what it means to the club and all the other things that go with it – it puts you up there with the best and that helps with attracting players and sponsorships.”

Among the club’s achievements was winning Cricket Victoria’s Community Partnership of the Year after it hosted a female’s come and try day last October, which resulted in 24 women and 16 girls registering with the club.

The club has also attracted enough players to have two teams in every age group except the under-14s. In recent years, the club has made a concerted effort to drive its membership across all ages and abilities with a focus on community engagement, inclusivity and promotion of cricket, which it continued to build on while undertaking facility upgrades at its grounds at the David McFarlane Reserve.

“We had a five-year plan where we wanted the club and it happened a lot earlier than that; we’ve achieved a lot of the things that we set out to do,” McDonald said.

“It’s just consolidating what we’ve got and still trying to raise the bar and be innovative and encourage more girls and women to join.”

ALLAN Lowe (above) and Phillip Hallo (Right) will both be in action at the 48th Historic Winton.

Pictures: Chris Barbour

SAM Story from Love the Game (left) presents the award to Ben McDonald. Picture: Supplied

THE Peninsula Raiders demolished the Cranbourne Eagles on Sunday in their Maters Over 35’s match. Leading from start to finish and always in control, they finished up at 106 to 28.

Picture: Craig Barrett

WESTERN PORT scoreboard

Spotlight on Skelly, Macleod

SOCCER

By Craig MacKenzie

JAMIE Skelly and Gus Macleod are in the news for different reasons as Langwarrin fights to avoid relegation while Chelsea strives for promotion.

Skelly’s Langwarrin was convincingly beaten 5-0 away to Caroline Springs George Cross in their VPL1 clash last weekend while Macleod’s Chelsea closed to within a point of top spot in State 4 South.

Langy is in the midst of a relegation battle with three teams facing the drop at season’s end.

There was no stopping George Cross striker Saif-Eddine Sakhi on Saturday and his hat-trick underpinned a commanding display by the home side with Brad Blumenthal’s 76th-minute goal the sole response from the visitors.

“We are now in that relegation battle with probably four other teams,” Skelly said.

“It was a disappointing result and George Cross were just too good for us on the night to be honest.”

The result drops Langwarrin down to secondbottom in the league two points above Moreland City, equal on points with Kingston City and a point behind Melbourne Srbija.

Eastern Lions are 10th with 14 points.

Chelsea thumped Sandown Lions 8-1 at Edithvale Recreation Reserve on Friday night.

It was no contest by half-time with the home side 4-0 up.

Luke D’Alessandro started the rout after five minutes then two Daniel Vella goals in 10 minutes gave Sandown a mountain to climb.

James Stinson scored then repeated the does just after half-time before a Dylan Scott free-kick in the 60th minute had the Sandown keeper scrambling in vain at his near post.

A deliberate handball to stop a goal-bound Adam Dunsford header reduced Sandown to 10 men and Stinson completed his hat-trick from the resultant penalty.

Laim Burford made it 8-0 and Sandown’s sole reply came a few minutes from the end.

Chelsea 16-year-old Matthew O’Neill had a superb game and was involved in the build-up to most of the goals.

Chelsea went into the contest without Daniel Lewis, Nathan Boccari, Nathan Gondelle, Christian Murray, Adam Bartosy and Alex Namar.

In more State 4 news another sensational night at Rosebud culminated in a goal-of-the-season contender as the home side ran out a 2-1 winner over Mentone.

Rosebud missed some early opportunities but broke through in the 24th minute when an inswinging corner from Connor Wharton was met with a great leap from Kori Weetch who headed truly to make it 1-0.

Mentone’s usual goal threat Marcus Spivey brought his side back into the contest in the 78th minute with a great finish from the edge of the box.

With just three minutes of normal time remaining it was going to take something special to decide the issue and it arrived with a goal-of-theseason contender from Barney Johnson.

The young midfielder ran onto a cleared corner from the Mentone defence and unleashed a stun-

ning 30-metre drive that rocketed into goal off a post.

Somerville and host Lyndale United drew 1-1 in a scrappy encounter last weekend.

Marcus Anastasiou broke the deadlock in the second half when he ran onto a Max Watson through ball and calmly slotted home.

But Lyndale earned a well-deserved point when Mohammad Yaquby levelled in the 85th minute.

Baxter earned a 3-3 draw with high-flying Endeavour United at Baxter Park on Saturday.

It was a gritty performance from the home side to recover from 3-1 down.

Davide Sbalchiero, Ali-Zamer Noor and Daniel Bancroft scored for Baxter.

Frankston Pines were thumped 12-1 away to Monash University last weekend.

Jaishiv Narayan scored for Pines in the club’s largest losing margin this century.

In State 1 news Mornington produced a statement performance overpowering Doveton 5-0 at Dallas Brooks Park on Saturday.

In the 21st minute Rory Wagner who was a standout throughout was brought down in the box and Kieran Dover stepped up and calmly converted to put the home side in front.

Just before the break James Kelly finished off a superb team move to double the lead and knock the wind out of Doveton’s sails.

After the restart Mornington took full control.

Dover continued his fine form adding two more goals to complete a hat-trick and the Seagulls’ display was capped off when former assistant coach David Stirton came off the bench to slot home the fifth goal to seal a comprehensive win.

In State 2 news Peninsula Strikers had a 2-1 away win over Berwick City last weekend.

In the third minute a superb Danny Brooks through ball split apart the Berwick backline

Sudoku and crossword solutions

and Cooper Andrews squared the ball to Wayne “Buzzer” Gordon who buried it in the bottom corner for the opener.

Strikers could have doubled their lead two minutes later when Campbell Steedman was put through but his effort was well saved by Berwick keeper Colby Jones.

In the 33rd minute Jaiden Madafferi released Joel Bowen who got to the ball first only to be clattered into by Jones.

The referee pointed to the spot and Steedman converted to make it 2-0.

Strikers couldn’t add to the score despite creating chances in the second half and Berwick hit back in the 67th minute when a cleared corner fell to Nathan Credlin who hit a screamer into the top corner.

The visitors then defended resolutely to claim a deserved three points.

Skye United drew 0-0 with Mooroolbark in their annual John Ramsden Memorial Day clash at Skye Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Skye had the better of the chances in the first half and could consider itself unlucky not to be leading at half-time.

The second half was a more even affair but neither side could break the deadlock.

The day was a triple header with Mooroolbark which saw Skye’s reserves claim a 2-0 win earlier in the day Skye’s State 2 women’s team downing the Barkers 3-0 in the evening.

The John Ramsden Memorial Winners were Paul Aitchison (seniors) and Adam Ford (reserves).

In State 5 news Mount Eliza cemented its grip on second place with a 4-1 home win over Cleeland United last weekend.

Austin Mcewen opened the scoring after three minutes when he finished from a Jackson Tossa-

vainen cross and Josh Luca ran onto a Mcewen through ball in the 30th minute finishing well to make it 2-0.

Half-time substitute Ronnie Rono reduced the deficit in the 56th minute but McEwen restored Mount Eliza’s two-goal cushion in the 83rd minute following a cutback from Noah Green.

In added time Tossavainen ran onto a Fraser Keon pass and rounded Cleeland keeper Khalid Katikang before tapping in to secure the scoreline.

Aspendale got back to winning ways with a 5-0 home win over Mount Martha on Saturday.

The opener came from Ben Garside who stabbed home a well-flighted free-kick in the 18th minute.

James Macnab was put through in the 62nd minute and finished off from just outside the box.

Harry Salisbury’s rapid-fire hat-trick ended the contest.

It started with him hammering the ball past Mount Martha keeper Derren Elliott in the 73rd minute.

It was 4-0 two minutes later after Salisbury rounded Elliott and a defender then slotted the ball home.

In the 86th minute the rout was completed with a carbon copy of Salisbury ‘s second.

Mount Martha head coach Charlie Platt felt the scoreline wasn’t indicative of his side’s display.

“I’m still getting over the shock of losing this one,” he said the day after the match.

“Three votes to their keeper and the crossbar.” Seaford lost 3-2 away to Pakenham United last Saturday.

Dylan Waugh and Zail Ahmad scored for Seaford in a contest marred by a number of controversial decisions.

None more so than the winning goal which came from a free-kick that Seaford is adamant should have been awarded to Tristen Stass.

The free-kick took a large deflection that wrongfooted Seaford keeper Hayden Hicks.

NEXT WEEKEND

Saturday, 24 May, 3pm

Bayside Argonauts v Mornington, Shipston Reserve

Peninsula Strikers v Doncaster Rovers, Centenary Park

Bentleigh Utd Cobras v Skye Utd, Victory Park Chelsea v Rosebud, Edithvale Recreation Reserve

Baxter v Frankston Pines, Baxter Park

Somerville Eagles v Endeavour Utd, Westernport Secondary College

Seaford Utd v Mount Eliza, North Seaford Reserve

Aspendale v Cleeland Utd, Aspendale Gardens Sports Ground

Monday, 26 May, 8.30pm

FC Bulleen Lions v Langwarrin, Veneto Club Mount Martha BYE

In the news: Langwarrin head coach Jamie Skelly (left) and Chelsea counterpart Gus Macleod with assistants Ronnie Whitton and Chris Porteous. Pictures: Paul Seeley and Jordan Martin

WESTERN PORT scoreboard

Pearcedale too strong in senior men’s clash

Crib Point FNC

By Adam Bamford

THIS was a big one for the club, coming into the match with a 3-2 record and sitting just outside the top five.

Facing off against a strong Pearcedale outfit — widely regarded as a top-three side — we knew it was an opportunity to claim a big scalp and make a statement.

After a confidence-boosting win in Round 5, the boys were up and about. We approached the game with clear roles, matchups, and a strong mindset.

Crib Point started brightly, taking a 9-point lead into quarter-time with some sharp ball movement and pressure. However, Pearcedale gradually found their rhythm and gained momentum, hitting the front during a decisive third term. A dominant burst early in the final quarter saw them pull away, outscoring us 21 to 15 in the last and ultimately sealing a 20-point win.

Final Score:

Pearcedale FNC 14.10 (94)

Crib Point FNC 11.8 (74)

Pearcedale’s strong second half proved the difference, and while it was a great contest, we’re disappointed to fall short. A few untimely injuries throughout the day didn’t help our cause, and we just lacked a bit of polish in finishing off the hard work — something Pearcedale executed well.

There were still plenty of positives to take out of the game. Dan Farmer, in just his second appearance for the season, was electric up forward and slotted five goals, taking his tally to nine for the year. Will Stewart continued his brilliant form in the midfield

and added a goal of his own, while Ryan Smith battled tirelessly in the ruck against a quality opponent and continues to develop his craft.

Kane and Liam Tyrell provided plenty of spark across half-forward, with Liam chiming in for two majors.

We now turn our attention to next week’s crucial clash against Somerville. It’s a must-win fixture in the context of our finals aspirations, and we’ll be looking to bounce back strongly in front of a big home crowd on Past Players and Sponsors Day. Let’s get behind the boys and bring the energy!

Brave effort from Crib Point Senior Women’s against a tough Chelsea side

On Saturday, we came up against a formidable Chelsea outfit, and while the scoreboard may not have fallen our way, the girls delivered a performance full of heart, intensity, and team-first footy. From the opening bounce, we took the game right to them. Our contested work was outstanding, and we matched Chelsea with fierce pressure and smart ball movement early. The girls provided great run across the ground, setting up a strong first half that put us right in the contest. Defensively, we were under constant pressure, but our backline stood tall throughout. Liz Andres was a standout, leading from the half-back line and taking numerous intercept marks to halt Chelsea’s advances—earning her best afield honours in a commanding performance.

A special mention goes to debutant Shaianne Perry, who had a solid first

outing. She slotted into the side well, showed plenty of promise, and we’re excited to see her development in the coming weeks.

Our midfield continues to impress, showing cohesion and determination around the contest. Amber Renouf once again led the way with her trademark intensity and work rate, driving us forward at every opportunity.

Despite a strong and promising first half, Chelsea lifted their tempo after the break and we struggled to maintain our early dominance. They outran us in the second half, but the girls never dropped their heads and continued to fight until the final siren.

There were plenty of positives to take from the performance, and we’re incredibly proud of the effort and attitude shown by the entire group. We asked for 110% pressure and intent— and the girls delivered exactly that.

We’ll take the learnings from this one, build on the positives, and keep driving forward. Onward and upward!

Under 17s: Cracking First Win of the Day

The Under 17s entered the match

with a point to prove after a narrow 1-point loss last week. The girls came out strong, building a solid 12-goal lead by half-time. This season’s new team continues to gel, and the hard work is paying off with their first win of the day, securing a 45-21 victory. Best on Court (BOC) went to Matilda Puru, who was simply unstoppable, scoring 33 goals and showing the club that she is a future star.

D Grade: Building Towards Success

D Grade started strong, holding a 2-goal lead at quarter-time, but a tough second quarter (2-12) put them on the back foot. Despite a valiant effort in the second half, they couldn’t recover, going down 24-39. The team has a lot of potential, and with a third of the season behind them, continued hard work at training and belief in each other will surely lead to more wins. BOC went to Kate Fisher, who executed her tasks with precision on court, playing a key role in the team's performance.

C Grade: Battling Injury but Showing Heart

C Grade has had a strong season, but this game against Pearcedale proved to be a tough challenge. Injury woes meant everyone had to step up, and they did just that, keeping it tight with only a 1-goal deficit at halftime. However, a tough second half, with Pearcedale outscoring them 38-20, led to a final score of 63-43. Despite the loss, the team fought hard. BOC went to Emily English, who showed her value to the team; when she left the court briefly to be treated for an injury, the defence end struggled without her

dominance in the ring.

B Grade: Fighting Spirit Against Pearcedale

A game against Pearcedale is always a tough battle, and this one was no exception. The girls came into the match knowing they would face constant physicality, but they handled it like champs. After a strong first half, the team struggled in the third quarter, allowing the opposition to gain control. However, a strong regroup at three-quarter time saw them finish the game with a positive attitude, winning the last quarter by 3. The final score was 39-50. BOC went to Lily Cook, the absolute workhorse of the team, who played in multiple positions (C, WA, WD) and kept the team in the hunt with her leadership and relentless effort.

A Grade: Resilient Effort Despite Tough Conditions

A Grade faced challenging conditions, with the weather turning wet and slippery, slowing the game down. Pearcedale brought strong goalers and defensive players, making matchups difficult. Despite this, the team pushed through, never giving up, even when things weren’t going their way. This is a fresh, young team still finding their rhythm, and a rematch later in the season will likely produce a different result. The final score was 35-50. BOC went to new recruit Gabby Linton, who was phenomenal in the midcourt. Her remarkable defensive elevation and strong attacking leads showcased her as a huge asset to the team.

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