The Local Paper. Eastern Suburbs Edition. Wed., May 22, 2024

ABDUCTION AT ROWVILLE

Knox Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating an incident where a mother and her infant child were abducted from a shopping centre in Rowville.

Investigators have been told the woman was exiting her silver Suzuki S Cross after parking at the Stud Park Shopping Centre supermarket car park about 6pm on May 10.

At this time, she was approached by a male who threatened her with and knife and forced her back into the driver’s seat of her vehicle.

The male then got into the back seat with her child before forcing her to drive to electrical stores on South Gippsland Hwy, Cranbourne, and Frankston Dandenong Rd, Dandenong, where he demanded her to purchase Apple MacBooks at several stores.

While she did, he remained seated in the car with her child.

The offender then drove from the Dandenong store, while victim was forced to remain in the back seat with her child, to Robert Booth Reserve, Dandenong, where he exited the car and fled north along the Dandenong Creek path carrying four MacBooks just after 8pm.

The woman and her child were not physically injured during the incident.

The man is perceived to be Asian in appearance and aged between 20 and 35 years of age.

He was wearing a grey coloured hoodie, with the hood over his head, a green fluro vest over the top of the hoodie and black/grey pants with black running shoes.

He was last seen carrying a shopping bag containing two Apple MacBook Pro computers in their boxes and two further boxed Apple MacBook computers under his left arm.

Detectives have released images and CCTV of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or with any other information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crime stoppersvic.

✔The world-class Oakleigh South Child and Family Hub at 1228 North Rd has been officially opened. Built to blend in with the natural parkland surroundings of Scammell Reserve, the facility’s two kindergarten rooms engage children’s connection to nature. The building also boasts three maternal and child health rooms, and a multi-purpose room that the Girl Guides already call home.

?Glen Waverley MLA John Mullahy spoke of local health funding in State Parliament last week: “The Allan Labor Government has committed to providing world-class health care to the communities in Melbourne’s east, and I might need some of that soon myself. In the recent State Budget we announced a major investment of just over half a billion dollars to significantly expand Monash Medical Centre in Clayton. Works will begin next year to create seven floors of world-class health facilities for our growing community above our existing emergency department. It will include brand new operating theatres, birthing suites and a state-of-theart intensive care unit, paving the way for an extra 7500 procedures each year. The other big hospital upgrade on the way is the major ground-up redevelopment of the Maroondah Hospital in Ringwood, with detailed planning and design continuing on this project of up to $1.05 billion. Whether it is the Monash Medical Centre upgrades in the south of my district or the Maroondah Hospital rebuild in the north, we are getting on and delivering world-class health care for the Glen Waverley district residents.”

Police News

Shooting arrests

■ Detectives from the Armed Crime Squad have charged two people following a non-fatal shooting in Ringwood last month. With assistance from the Special Operations Group, a man and a woman were arrested in Moorabbin on Friday afternoon (May 17).

A 31-year-old Moorabbin man was charged with intentionally cause serious injury, reckless conduct endangering life and prohibited person use firearm. He was to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday evening.

A 24-year-old Moorabbin woman was charged with possess drug of dependence and has been bailed to face Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on August 15. The charges follow an incident where emergency services were called to a Maidstone St residence about 3.10am on Friday, April 12, following reports a man had been shot.

It will be alleged that two people entered the property and a firearm was discharged before they fled the scene in a waiting vehicle.

A 27-year-old man was taken to hospital to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

Another man home at the time was not physically injured during the incident. Police believe the parties involved were known to each other.

MP’s tribute to Drucilla

■ Bayswater MLA Jackson Taylor has paid tribute in State Parliament to Drucilla Bartlett.

“I want to acknowledge the sad passing of Drucilla Bartlett who left us on April,” Mr Taylor said.

“Dru was a brilliant, multitalented, funny, loving woman with a talent for making friends and giving herself wholeheartedly to everything she took on.

“Known and loved within the eastern suburbs community theatre, Dru was a life member of 34 years of The Basin Theatre group, working backstage, then as an actor and director.

“As well as stints on the committee, she also was a past president and the current president of the theatre group and steered it through the difficult times of COVID.

“Dru was also involved in the wider world of local theatre. She worked with other local theatre groups, encouraging the sharing of resources and ideas and camaraderie between the groups.

“In her professional life, she was a wonderful teacher. Following her teaching career Dru worked as a technical writer with numerous big companies.

“In later years Dru used her brilliant organisational skills working with Puffing Billy in administration and adding to her vast collection of people who loved her. “

“Dru lit up the room and brought comfort and joy with her hugs. She will be greatly missed,” Mr Taylor said.

FIREARMS SEIZED AT UPPER GULLY

■ Knox police officers arrested a man and seized multiple firearms and ammunition after a routine vehicle intercept in Upper Ferntree Gully on Tuesday last week (May 14).

It is understood police intercepted a vehicle on Burwood Hwy about 3.15pm.

Checks revealed the driver allegedly had a suspended licence.

It is alleged a small amount of cannabis was located by officers during a search of the car.

A warrant was executed shortly after at a residential property on Olivette Avenue

Officers allegedly located and seized a double barrel shotgun, a 30-30 Winchester rifle, two imitation firearms, approximately 1300 rounds of ammunition and numerous other prohibited weapons.

Police seized more than 100 grams of what is alleged to be cannabis during the search of the property.

The driver, a 60-year-old Upper Ferntree Gully man, was interviewed and released pending summons.

Voice for the East

■ As a member of the Eastern Region Group of Councils, Maroondah Council is advocating to the State Government on behalf of the Eastern region about priorities for our region, including:

■ Community access and productivity, with increased sustainable transport options to reduce car dependency

■ Infrastructure to support sustainable growth, such as drainage, recreation, social and community infrastructure, while protecting amenity and the environment

■ Protecting our region’s natural assets, such as quality open space and the urban tree canopy, to build climate and community resilience

■ Managing housing growth, to deliver diverse and affordable housing.

Reducing wild deer numbers

■ Manningham Council has received a second round of funding to monitor and control the wild deer population.

Manningham Council’s deer monitoring and control project was launched in 2017 and has expanded over this time to support deer control on 45 properties.

Manningham Mayor, Cr Carli Lange, welcomed the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action grant funding, saying wild deer continued to pose a major environmental threat in Manningham by destroying native vegetation, ring barking native trees and eroding waterways.

Special Price: $220 TOTAL for all remaining 2024 issues. Book your ad: 1800 231 311.

45 YEARS AS NEWSMAN IN MELBOURNE’S EAST

In 1978, Ash Long was Editor of Bayswater News, as well as President of the Bayswater Chamber of Commerce of Industry.

Leader Newspapers promoted the 22year-old to become Manager of the Knox and Mountain District Free Press, where he led production of a record-size 76page edition.

He had stints as Manager of the KnoxSherbrooke News, as well as Acting Editor of group newspapers including Box Hill, Nunwading, Ringwood, Croydon, Lilydale, Waverley and Chadstone.

Some 45 years on, in 2024, Ash Long continues his lifetime of community service, as Publisher of The Local Paper group, which has localised newspapers across 40 local government areas covering all Melbourne suburbs, the Mornington Peninsula and beyond.

He was involved with the Australian Suburban Newspapers’ Association, later becoming a National Judge.

In 1983, he branched out on his own, developing newspapers across Victoria.

In the intervening years, there have been successes (and a few stumbles!)

Ash Long as Editor of the Bayswater News in 1978. In 2002, Long reinvograted the Melbourne Observer newspaper. It continues today as a free section within all editions of The Local Paper. There have been other involvements with TV, radio and online projects. Decades on, Ash Long and his Local Paper team remain committed to providing the best possible service to readers and clients.

● ● Drucilla Bartlett

● John Mullahy MLA

HIGH LIFE EXPO ON JUNE 1

■ People living or owning in apartments, units, and townhouses is invited to the 2024 High Life Expo from 10am-5pm on Saturday, June 1, to learn about sustainability at home.

Most apartments, units and townhouses are managed under strata title, so owners and renters face unique challenges in upgrading their homes to be all-electric, energy efficient and sustainable.

Through upgrades large and small, there is potential for apartment communities to come together, upgrade their buildings, lower their bills, increase their comfort, and improve their resale value.

Apartment owner Shaun Tompkins will be at the Expo sharing his insights from his DIY apartment retrofit. On a limited budget and with little experience, he created a comfortable, efficient and stylish home.

Through a free seminar series and supplier showcase, Expo attendees will have the chance to learn about EV charging, electrification, double glazing solutions, decision making in strata, planting for cooling, energy efficiency, better apartment living for renters, improving waste and recycling, and creating vertical communities.

The Expo is supported by seven local councils that all want to support their communities to live more comfortably and sustainably. Admission into the Expo is free, but registration is es RACV City Club, 501 Bourke St, Melbourne

Melbournewide

BAXTER

$2.5m Lotto win

■ A Baxter man says he almost gave up on his special set of numbers last week but decided to give them one last try in the weekend’s Tattslotto draw where he won a $2.5 million prize.

The man held one of the four Division One winning entries in draw 4469 on Saturday (May 18).

The mansaid the prize would mean he could enjoy retirement to the full.

His winning marked System 7 entry was purchased at Baxter Newsagency, Shop 6, 96 Baxter-Tooradin Rd, Baxter.

EASTERN SUBURBS

Ram raid arrests

■ Eastern Region Crime Squad detectives have charged three males following alleged ram-raids and aggravated burglaries in the eastern suburbs on Saturday morning (May 18).

It is alleged two males used a hammer and attempted to force entry into a service station on Princes Way in Drouin about 2.45am.

They were unsuccessful and fled the scene in a white utility.

It is alleged a white utility rammed the front window of a store on Belgrave-Hallam Rd in Belgrave South about 3.50am.

The occupants of the vehicle did not gain entry to the store but there was significant damage.

A short time later, a white utility allegedly drove into the front doors of a service station on Burwood Hwy in Tecoma

There was significant damage to the building before the vehicle fled the scene.

A white utility allegedly rammed the front doors of a service station on Burwood Hwy in Upwey about 4am.

It is alleged the male occupants of the utility, as well as an occupant of another lightcoloured sedan, forced entry into the store using a hammer and stole cigarettes.

The staff member inside the store at the time was not physically injured.

A 19-year-old Ashwood man was arrested in Mulgrave St, Ashwood

He has been charged with dangerous driving whilst pursued by police and attempted burglary.

He will appear at the Moorabbin Magistrates’ Court on June 18.

Two boys were arrested in High Street Road, Wantirna.

A 15-year-old Wantirna boy was charged with multiple counts of aggravated burglary, burglary, robbery, theft and criminal damage.

A 13-year-old Hampton Park boy was charged with multiple counts of aggravated burglary, burglary, theft, criminal damage and dangerous driving offences.

They will both appear at a children’s court at a later date.

CHELTENHAM

Hit-run probe

■ Moorabbin Highway Patrol members continue to investigate after a cyclist was struck by a car in Cheltenham last month.

It is believed the cyclist was travelling west bound on Centre Dandenong Rd when he was hit by a white utility at the corner of Brownfield St about 5.55am on April 30.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene without stopping.

The cyclist, a 53-year-old Dingley man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries.

Officers believe the vehicle involved is a Nissan Navara utility, which may have damage to the front left fog light from the impact with the bicycle.

Investigators have released images and CCTV of the utility driving past a chemist on the corner of Warrigal Rd and Centre Dandenong Rd just moments before the collision in the hope someone will come forward with information.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, has CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au

INVESTIGATION FOLLOWS YEA HOTEL INCIDENT

■ A 29-year-old Taggerty man and a 27-year-old Yea woman woman have been charged with assaulting a Police officer and refusing to leave a licensed premises.

A 26-year-old Glenburn man has been charged with affray.

The incidents occurred on Friday night with video put to air by Seven News of an altercation , forcing cops to hit back at claims they Tasered a man for no reason.

“Victoria Police officers have been accused of using unnecessary and excessive force outside a pub in Yea,just after 10pm on Friday,” said the Seven News report.

“Footage captured by a witness appears to show an officer Tasering a seated man while another used a baton against a man who was not resisting.

“'He just got Tasered ... that's so f***ing unnecessary,' the witness says in the video.”

However, a Police representative said police could confirm a Taser was not deployed during the altercation following a review of the body worn camera footage.

“It is understood the officer activated the Taser while warning the man to comply with his directions, making the distinctive Taser noise heard in the footage,” said the Seven News report.

“In another clip, another officer is seen unleashing on a second man with his baton.

“Witness Charlie Hill said the officer hit the man 'in the ribs three times'.

“'And he was down on the first one and it just was not right’.”

A Police spokeswoman said officers had been attacked before the witness started the recording.

“'The first police on scene were outnumbered, confronted with a highly dynamic scene and had to deploy OC spray to separate those involved in the fight,' police said in a statement.

“'As police were attempting to offer aftercare, one of the men involved allegedly attempted to assault one of the officers by kicking out and punching.

“'While police were attempting to subdue that man, a woman has allegedly jumped on the back of a police officer while the second man attempted to grab the officer's firearm.

“'OC spray was again de-

Across Victoria

CALIFORNIA GULLY

Carjacking bid

■ Bendigo Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged three teens following an alleged aggravated carjacking and extended follow ending in Wallan on May 19.

It is alleged the victim had exited his vehicle on Watson St in California Gully when three boys approached him about 12.45am. Police allege that one teenage boy had a knife and demanded the keys to the victim’s red Toyota sedan.

They allegedly got into the Toyota and drove off.

With the assistance of Air Wing, the car was followed to Wallan where the three boys allegedly left the vehicle and attempted to flee on foot.

It is understood the Highway Patrol, a Canine Unit, the Critical Incident Response Team and uniform members descended on the vehicle on Eastern Ridge and arrested the three teenage boys about 4am.

Statewide

ployed and all three were taken into custody.'

“itnesses said the response was difficult to watch, with one onlooker telling 7News that 'it seemed very aggressive, especially for a small town'.

“'Nothing really violent like that happens. I think they took it way too far,' they said.

“Another witness claimed an officer had placed their knee on a woman's neck.

“'It's not right, she was even saying that she was struggling to breathe,' they said.

“A witness filming the altercation, which happened after a group allegedly refused to leave a pub , is heard saying 'He's gonna get Tasered ... that's so unnecessary'.

All three arreested were released on bail and are due to appear before Mansfield Magistrates Court in September.

“On Saturday, Victoria Police issued a statement confirming they are reviewing the body camera footage and will be speaking to one of the officers involved,” Seven News reported.

NARRE WARREN

Stabbing sequel

■ Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives charged a man following an alleged stabbing in Narre Warren on Sunday night (May 19).

It is alleged a man stabbed a woman with an edged weapon near a bus stop area on Overland Drive about 5.20pm.

The 35-year-old woman was treated by ambulance crews and taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Police were quickly on scene and searched the area for the man. He was arrested in Hallam shortly afterwards.

A 34-year-old Croydon man was charged with intentionally cause injury, possess controlled weapon and theft.

He was due to appear at Dandenong Magistrates’ Court on Monday (May 20).

AIRPORT WEST 30kg meth found

■ More than 30 kilograms of methylamphetamine and $1 million in cash was seized from a vehicle in Airport West on Thursday (May 16).

The search warrant was executed on the Toyota HiAce van after Police received information that a suspicious vehicle was parked on El Reno Crescent.

Inside the van officers located a large purpose-built concealment in the rear tray.

A search of it located more than 30 kilograms of methylamphetamine, a commercial quantity of cocaine and more than $1.1 34 million in cash.

Detectives from the North West Metro Regional Crime Squad have launched an investigation and are making enquiries into the ownership of the vehicle.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

North West Metro Regional Crime Squad Detective Acting Inspector Bradley Lawrence said:

“Thursday’s seizure was incredibly significant.

“We can only imagine how much damage these drugs would have caused if they hit the streets.

“We’ll now work to identify those involved and hold them accountable.”

Anyone with information about suspicious activity or drug trafficking is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.

A 17-year-old California Gully boy, a 17year-old Elwood boy and 14-year-old Mernda boy were charged with aggravated carjacking with an offensive weapon.

They will face the childrens court at a later date.

BALLARAT EAST

Motorcyclist dies

■ A motorcyclist has died following a collision in Ballarat East last Friday (May 17).

Officers were told a van collided with a motorcycle at the intersection of Victoria and Queen Sts about 6.05pm.

The motorcyclist, a 50-year-old Delacombe man, died at the scene.

The driver of the van, a 25-year-old Prahran man, was uninjured.

He was arrested at the scene and was assisting police with their enquiries. An investigation into the collision is ongoing.

ORBOST

Firearm seized

■ Police have arrested four people and seized an imitation firearm, methyl-amphetamine, GHB and cannabis as part of an operation targeting alleged drug trafficking in Orbost.

East Gippsland Crime Investigation Unit detectives, Dog Squad, and local police from Orbost, Bairnsdale and Cann River executed five search warrants at properties across Orbost on Thursday (May 16).

Police seized:

■ An imitation firearm

■ Methylamphetamine and GHB

■ Traffickable amounts of dried cannabis

■ Three cannabis plants

■ GHB

■ A laser pointer

Those arrested by police include:

■ A 49-year-old Orbost man was arrested following a search warrant at a property in Orbost. Police located and seized three cannabis plants, 100 grams of cannabis, 5ml of GHB and a laser pointer. He is expected to be charged with cultivate cannabis, possess cannabis, possess GHB, use cannabis and possess prohibited weapon. He is expected to appear in court at a later date.

■ A 21-year-old Orbost man was arrested after police located and seized an imitation firearm during a search warrant at an Orbost residence. He was charged with eight offences including burglary, trespass, criminal damage, possess imitation firearm, possess drug of dependence, and refuse to comply with 465AAA direction. He was bailed to appear at Orbost Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, August 29.

■ A 22-year-old Orbost man was arrested after police located approximately 50 grams of cannabis during a search warrant at a property in Orbost. He was charged with possess cannabis and was bailed to appear at Orbost Magistrates ‘Court on Thursday, August 1.

■ A 24-year-old Orbost woman was arrested and charged with possess drug of dependence following a search warrant at a residence in Orbost. She was released pending summons.

During the operation, local highway patrol swarmed the Orbost area targeting impaired drivers.

Billy Elliot

● ● ● ● Melanie Ott (Ballet Teacher Mrs Wilkinson) with Lukas Elliott (Billy) and dancers in Billy Elliot. Photo: Ben Fon ■ Joshua Sumner (Tony) presents an engaging performance as Billy’s brother. Barbara Hughes (Grandma) is an audience favourite, and Dylan Henry’s (Older Billy) well-executed dance movements are terrific. Elise Stevens is delightfully poignant as Billy’s late mother Sarah

The role of Debbie Wilkinson was confidently played by Emily Bond-Fuller (Isla Everett alternates).

Strong performances are also enjoyed from Thomas Myszka (Big Davey) and Tim Carney as entertaining pianist Mr Braithwaite

The talented ensemble and ballet boys/ girls complement the principal cast well.

Effective projected images add atmosphere and dimension, and Chris White’s set design is visually effective, facilitating smooth scene changes, complemented by Brad Alcock’s lighting design.

Billy Elliot is a fine production for CLOC’s 60th anniversary year. Watch out for Come from Away in October.

Performance Details: Until May 25 Venue: National Theatre, St Kilda Bookings: cloc.org.au

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Spanish Film Festival

■ Tickets are now on sale for the HSBC Spanish Film Festival presented by Palace Cinemas which returns from June 14-July 3 at The Astor Theatre, Palace Cinema Como, Palace Brighton Bay, Palace Penny Lane, Palace Westgarth, The Kino, Palace Balwyn and Pentridge Cinema

The curated line-up of films is the festival’s largest yet.

This year’s festival centrepiece is The Teacher Who Promised the Sea (El Maestro que Prometió el Mar), winner of the Audience Prize at the 2024 Gaudí Awards

The acclaimed drama features Enric Auquer (the star of last year’s festival hit Two Many Chefs) and Laia Costa, and tells the true story of Antoni Benaiges, a teacher who brought progressive teaching methods to a small village in 1930s Burgos

Featuring in the New Spanish Cinema selection is Jokes and Cigarettes (Saben aquell), directed by multiple Goya Award winner David Trueba

The drama stars a transformed David Verdaguer as Eugenio, the famous chainsmoking Catalan comedian of the 1960s and 70s, known for his deadpan delivery, tinted glasses and trademark black attire.

A special festival preview of this film will take place one week prior to the opening of the festival.

For full details of all films being screened during the Spanish Film Festival , visit www.spanishfilmfestival.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Franklin Award

■ Miles Franklin Literary Award has announced that 10 authors have been included on the 2024 longlist.

They will be competing for one of the most recognised literary prizes in Australia, with the winner also receiving $60,000.

Selected from 104 books, the Award celebrates novels of the stories about Australian life. Last year, the Award was awarded to Shankari Chandran for her novel, Chai Time at Cinnamon Gardens.

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

SUNSET BOULEVARD

■ The new production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Tony Award winning musical masterpiece, Sunset Boulevard, starring musical theatre and international superstar Sarah Brightman, has opened in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre

Marking her return to the theatre after more than three decades, Sarah Brightman stars as Norma Desmond, the iconic role that catapulted Glenn Close to Broadway stardom and recently earned Nicole Scherzinger an Olivier Award for Best Actress in a Musical in the West End

Alongside her will be critically acclaimed Australian actor and performer Tim Draxl in the role of Joe Gillis, a role last played on stage in Australia by Hugh Jackman in 1996.

Joining Sarah and Tim on stage in the role of Max Von Mayerling will be stage and screen veteran Robert Grubb, with the role of Betty Schaefer played by emerging leading lady Ashleigh Rubenach.

Musical theatre performer Jarrod Draper will play the role of Artie Green, whilst the roles of Cecil B. DeMille and Sheldrake will be played by established theatre actors Paul Hanlon and Troy Sussman. The role of Norma Desmond, at select performances, will be played by Silvie Paladino.

The ensemble cast includes Regan Barber, Amy Berrisford, Billy Bourchier, Campbell Braithwaite, Benjamin Colley, Grace Driscoll, Madison Green, Peter Ho, Leah Lim, Mary McCorry, Charlotte Page, Morgan Palmer, Caity Plummer, Taylor Scanlan, Tom Sharah, Lisa Sontag, Riley Sutton and Dean Vince.

Sunset Boulevard is presented by Opera Australia and GWB Entertainment by arrangement with The Really Useful Group

This newly imagined revival will mark Sunset Boulevard's first return to Australia in almost 30 years, where it played to sold out audiences.

Sunset Boulevard has music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, book and lyrics by Don Black and Christopher Hampton, and is based on the Billy Wilder film. This new production will be directed by Paul Warwick Griffin with set and costume design by Morgan Large. Choreography by Ashley Wallen with musical supervision by Kristen Blodgette.

Sunset Boulevard weaves a magnificent tale of faded glory and unfulfilled ambition. Having been discarded by Hollywood with the advent of ‘talkies’, legendary silent movie star, Norma Desmond, is tortured by her longing for a return to the big screen.

When she meets struggling Hollywood screenwriter Joe Gillis in a dramatic chance encounter, their subsequent passionate and volatile relationship leads to an unforeseen and tragic conclusion.

Bookings: sunsetmusical.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Into The Woods

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company's quality shows are legendary, but their latest wonderful production, Into The Woods, could be regarded as one of the best.

Whistling birds in the tranquil woods setting (by Shaun Kingma) was a delightful greeting for audiences in the comfortable Centenary Theatre auditorium.

The set came alive with the strong entrance and storytelling of Narrator Andrew Roberts, joined by the colourful fairytale characters, who set the show’s snappy, entertaining pace.

Into The Woods, based on the book by James Lapine , tells of The Baker and his Wife left childless after a curse by the Witch. They venture into the woods to find certain items to reverse the spell and meet Cinderella, Prince Charming, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Jack and his mother. Each seeks to fulfil a wish, fortune or desire.

Three midnights later, with all wishes fulfilled, the fractured fairy tale characters enjoy their new ‘happily ever-afters.’ But not all wishes come with a ‘happily ever after’ …

Masterly direction by Shaun Kingma and well-choreographed movement by Ashley Tynan ensured creative, non-intrusive precision and seamless scene transitions - thanks to cleverly designed set components.

Each performer was first-class. Some standouts for me were Tim Maguire’s sustained portrayal of Jack, Natasha Bassett’s powerhouse performance as The Witch, Emillie King’s manic yet lovable Red Riding Hood, Amelia Ropé (Cinderella’s stepmother), Aria Gianinni and Lou Martin’s (Florinda and Lucinda ) lively performances, and Tyson Legg’s pivotal Baker role with Stephanie Powell (Baker’s Wife).

Milky White’s handler Rachel Rai used her expressive face constantly to impressively contribute to the storytelling.

Daniel Jow’s superb lighting design became integral to the storytelling, complimented by Marcello Lo Ricco’s sound design and Louise Parsons’ costume design.

Daniel Heskett’s orchestra gave a tremendous rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s fabulous music, and the performers’ vocal harmonies were beautiful. The clear articulation of Sondheim’s lyrics was a much-appreciated contribution to the storytelling.

Congratulations to WMTC and all involved on an outstanding show.

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

■ There is a theatre craft behind writer

Bray’s Homo Pentecostus that elevates this production beyond an account of two men grappling with their sexuality into an exploration of the ritual and spiritual in our lives that transcends religion, sexuality and cultures.

Bray and fellow actor and co-creative, Peter Paltos, joyfully mock Pentecostalism in an opening to the show that requires audience participation.

The linear rows of plastic chairs speaks to the rigidity of outlook. Beneath the mirth, however, is a much darker examination of the repression and anxiety caused by such institutions.

The play, however, is more than just a criticism of religious practice. The direction (Emma Valente) and artistry brought to bear highlights the prescribed practices and routines found in all societies regardless of time, gender, custom and culture.

The set (Kate Davis) suggests a meeting hall but the plastic chairs become totem poles and a pyre as the play progresses.

Symbolically, systems and beliefs are overturned. This simplicity of theatre craft is rudimentary but effective. And dramatically we cross forms as the audience are initially participatory and then witness to personal revelations that are touching and heartfelt.

The confrontational is eloquently juxtaposed with the mirth helping the audience assimilate what might well be uncomfortable.

Light and sound (Katie Sfetkidis, Marco Cher-Gibard) place us in a nightclub one minute, a meeting hall the next and, finally, a universal landscape with an overarching starlit night. Overall, there is a balance here that speaks to an understanding of both the audience and dramatic form.

Bray and Paltos find the humour, anger and trepidation in their respective journeys.

They have also found a way to find what their spirituality means to them not in a manner that is dismissive, as one might expect from homosexuals facing fundament beliefs, but with a generosity of spirit that places their faith and spirituality into the context of their experience, upbringing and heritage.

And it is their knowledge of theatre craft, their ability to move dramatically between styles of performance, that has allowed them to do this.

Until May 25 at Malthouse Theatre - Review by David McLean

Cutting Onions

■ Running With Scissors theatre company presents Cutting Onions at the MC Showroom in Prahran from June 14-23.

Cutting Onions highlights facets of feminist discourse that are often overlooked, offering insight into nuanced perspectives within the broader conversation.

The piece portrays a woman’s emotional unrest within her relationship, using raw and unconventional imagery.

The kitchen setting comes to life and reveals handcrafted visual spectacles to vividly illustrate the influence of patriarchal gender expectations on women.

Performance Details: June 14, 15, 20, 21, 22 at 7.30pm; June 15, 16, 23 at 2pm Venue: MC Showroom, Level One, 50 Clifton St., Prahran Bookings: www.themcshowroom.com/ whatson/cutting-onions - Cheryl Threadgold

● ● ● ● Sarah Brightman.

Photo: Simon Fowler

● ● ● ● Aria Gianinni (Florinda), Lou Martin (Lucinda), Amelia Ropé (Cinderella's Stepmother), Mary McCarthy (Cinderella), Tyson Legg (Baker), Stephanie Powell (Baker's Wife), Robert Harsley (Cinderella's Father), Emillie King (Little Red Riding Hood), Tim Maguire (Jack), Rachel Rai (Milky White's Handler), Milky White and Jacqui McCallum (Jack's Mother) in Into the Woods.

Photo: Gavin D Andrew

● ● Joel Bray and Peter Paltos in Homo Pentecostus.

Photo: Gianna Rizzo

Joel

Broome Beach Resort welcomes all guests to this relaxing retreat, situated at Cable Beach in the magnificent Western Australian coastal town of Broome.

Within a short leisurely stroll to the iconic Cable Beach, Day Spas, restaurants, cafes and bars, Broome Beach Resort is the ideal 4½ star family resort.

Set amongst lush, tropical gardens, each of our fully selfcatering, air-conditioned 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments are well appointed and feature full kitchen and laundry facilities, a spacious open plan dining and living area, a private verandah and free WIFI and FOXTEL. Free off-street parking is also available for in-house guests' vehicles.

The business is ideally located in the prime Cable Beach area next to great amenities and is a short 500m walk to beautiful Cable Beach.

•Long-term agreements

•Close to everything Broome has to offer

•Set amongst tropical landscaping

•Body Corporate salary of over $129k

•Well-appointed two-bed, one-bath unit with large office and storeroom on the one title. Available for $560,000

•Located in one of Western Australia’s most sought after destinations

•Property inspections are by appointment only NET PROFIT: $381,153. PRICE: $1,143,459

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ CLOC Music Theatre: Billy Elliott Until May 25 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. CoDirectors: Lynette White and Chris White; Musical Director: David Clausen-Wisken; Choreographer: Lynette White. Bookings: cloc.org.au

■ The Mount Players: Looped (by Matthew Lombardo) Until May 26 at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Mt Macedon. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: themount players.com

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Hydra (by Sue Smith) Until June 1 at the Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Wilson St., Brighton. Director: Michelle Swann. Bookings: brightontheatrecompany.com.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Steel Magnolias (by Robert Harling) Until May 25 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt. Bookings: beaumaristheatre. com.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Great Gatsby (by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Adapted by Simon Levy) Until June 8 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose Street, Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Erin O’Hare. Bookings: 1812theatre.com.au

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Happy Coupling May 30 – June 8 at the Strathmore Community Theatre, Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: David Collins. Bookings: stagtheatre.org

■ Smart Artz Theatre: Oedipus the King (by Sophocles) May 30 – June 2 at Horsham Town Hall Theatre, 71 Pynsent St., Horsham. Director: Amy Anselmi. Bookings: https:// www.horshamtownhall.com.au/type/performances/

■ GAB Theatre: Winter Fest 2024. Four short comedies. May 31, June 1 at 8pm; June 1 at 2pm at the Lancefield Mechanics Institute. Pretence by Hayley May Ditcham; Sure Thing by David Ives; Nudity Rider by Hamish Linklater; Bonnet by John Patrick Shanley. Tickets: $20 adult, $15 concession. Bookings: Trybooking or 0419 370680.

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: The Effect (by Lucy Prebble) June 6 – 16 at the Shoestring Playhouse @ The MAC, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay. Director: Doug Montgomery. Bookings: Trybooking

■ The Basin Theatre Group: Jimmie the Beatle (Written and Directed by Tim Byron) June 8 - 22 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Bookings: 1300 784 668

■ Essendon Theatre Company: The Skin of Our Teeth (by Thornton Wilder) June 13 –22 at the Bradshaw St. Community Hall, Bradshaw St., Essendon. Director: Kadey McIntosh. Bookings: www.essendontheatre company.com.au

■ The Cathouse Players: Gaslight (Patrick Hamilton) June 14 – 23 at Kyneton Masonic Centre, 7 Yaldwyn St. West, Kyneton. Director: Bette Sartore.

■ Malvern Theatre: Lovesong (by Abi Morgan) June 21 – July 6 at 29A80 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: George Werther. Bookings: 1300 131 552.

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Veronica’s Room (Ira Levin) June 21 – 30 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Keith Hutton. Bookings: kingstonarts.com.au or call 9556 4440.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Real Thing (by Tom Stoppard) June 26 – July 13 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2 – 4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Michelle Swann. Bookings: https://www.wlt.org.au/book-tickets

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company: Suite Surrender (by Michael McKeever) June 22 – July 13 at the Lilydale Mechanics’ Institute, 39-41 Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Bob Bramble. Bookings: 9735 1777 www.lilydaleatc.com

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Misery (by William Goldman) June 28 – July 13 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong. Director: Greg Shawcross. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Wait Until Dark (by Frederick Knott) June 28 – July 13 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Dean Banova. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Into the Woods Jr June 29- July 14 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Gareth Clarke. Bookings: elthamlittletheatre.org.au

ROOTLESS COSMOPOLITANS

■ Ron Elisha’s latest play is the comedy, Rootless Cosmopolitans. The fact that it tackles the question of Jewish identity is both ironic and timely in light of the current global context.

Ira Brot’s (Anton Berezin) world is about to fall apart. A theatre director, Ira’s contract is not going to be renewed as the chairman of the board, Viola Lansbury (Emily Joy) believes his appointment is less than politically correct.

Ira’s assistant, Georgia Park (Seon Williams), has a more fitting minority profile being a woman and Asian

Her betrayal adds to his frustration. And in the course of events, Ira’s wife, Glenda (also Emily Joy ) having converted to Judaism to marry him, divorces him after 16 years of marriage.

All the while, Freda Brot (Babs McMillan), Ira’s dead mother, an equal and continuing presence, haunts Ira’s thinking and actions.

The wit and comedy is present in Elisha’s writing as are the details about anti-Semitism. Elisha crafts the progression of Ira’s downfall well and the conceit of his ever present mother framing the context of his thinking shows the origin of some of his attitudes.

Berezin embodies the role with the right degree of intelligence and vulnerability. It’s his questioning and juxtaposing of the treatment he receives against the political and social attitudes of the day that has the audience questioning the degree to which anti-Semitism still pervades society.

Everyone loses jobs. Many divorce. The extent and nature of prejudice in contributing to these events is what is in question.

Williams is a marvellous foil being youthful and ambitious but canny. Joy is tasked with roles that are a little stereotypical but essential in conveying other factors in Ira’s life though, as Glenda, her lost chance at having children highlights the sacrifice she has made for Ira . And McMillan is both biting and a voice of caution for Ira.

Suzanne Heywood’s direction has kept the momentum and action moving on a simple stage, the lighting (Jason Bovaird ) being the main means of changing scene.

The play, conceived of before current events, resonates more so because of those events. That Elisha was exploring Jewish identity and attitudes beforehand speaks to the ongoing nature of the challenge in addressing our own conduct and the social forces that shape our thinking when it comes to race, colour and culture.

And comedy is perhaps the best avenue for an appreciation of the situation to be discussed being less threatening. We need more plays like it.

Chapel off Chapel

Until June 2

- Review by David McLean

The Platypus

■ The black comedy The Platypus is being presented by Theatre Works and Buckets Nijinsky Productions at Theatre Works, St Kilda from June 19-July 6.

Written and directed by Francis Greenslade, the platypus is described in promotional material as a 'strange creature'.

Strangely put together. 'A curiosity'. The play is described as 'a platypus of a show, made up of strange and ill-fitting parts - one part audience, two parts actor, and multiple genres. It’s a simple story, but it’s not told in a simple way.'

The Platypus tells the story of Richard and Jessica. It’s about the crumbling fragments of their relationship and whether they can put the pieces back together. Spotlighting the public and private masks we wear through the use of a variety of theatrical genres - Oscar Wilde, Restoration Comedy, there’s also a Sondheim-inspired song.

The Platypus is also described as a play for audiences. “Written about them, for them, and with them clearly in mind while crafting the experience.”

“I wanted to write a play for the people that go to the theatre,” explains writer/director Francis Greenslade

“I think one of the problems with some theatre companies nowadays is that they are making theatre not for the audience, but for their cohort.

“They make theatre so other theatre makers won’t stand in the foyer on opening night and disapprove. So, I wrote something about the audience. About their lived existence. And I wanted to make it interesting, and clever, and truthful. And I hope I’ve done that.”

Performed by John Leary (The Good Place, Glitch, The Letdown, Upper Middle Bogan) and Rebecca Bower (The Spooky Files, Offspring, Wentworth), creatives include Sarah Tullock on set and costume design, lighting design by Clare Springett and sound design by David Franzke.

Performance Season: June 19 - July 6, TuesSat at 7.30pm

Tickets: $45 Full, $35 Concession, $28 Preview, $20 Mob Tix and 20 at $20 (+ booking fee)

Bookings: 9534 3388 or theatreworks.org.au/ 2024/the-platypus

Venue: Theatre Works – 14 Acland Street, St Kilda

Duration: 80 minutes no interval

Age suitability 17+

Warnings: Swearing, Cigarettes www.theatreworks.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

NIDA launch

■ NIDA has announced its 2024 Student Production season which will showcase the incredible talents and range of the next generation of Australian performers and creatives.

Performed across five NIDA stages at its Kensington campus in June and October, these eight productions offer an eclectic mix of local and international works, led by celebrated Australian and international industry professionals and performed by NIDA’s third yearActing cohort.

In June, Award-winning NIDA alumnus Mark Bolotin with Shiyan Zheng (Terminus, Monkey Man, The Servant) and Michele Gould (Passing, 107) present a special commissioned work in a co-production with the National Theatre of Parramatta. Anthea Williams (Belvoir/ MTC) helms a cross-species love story from the author of Babyteeth; a Tony Award-winning musical is led by the accomplished international director Darren Yap, with West End’s musical director Andrew Bevis and choreography by Kelley Abbey; and NIDA’s Head of Directing Dr Benjamin Schostakowski adapts a gothic classic.

■ Melbourne-based literary organisation Sisters in Crime is well known for its literary forays into the world of crime fiction.

But they are also fond of facts, so on Friday (May 24) they are taking part in their 18th Law Week event where they team with Victoria University’s Sir Zelman Cowen Centre to present Postmortem – What bugs, bruises, blood, bones … and teeth tell us about suspicious deaths.

While it may not be for the squeamish, this event will have a panel of specialists in the post-mortem area.

Hosted by true crime author Dr Liz Porter, it features forensic pathologists Associate Professor Linda Iles, and Dr Melanie Archer, forensic odontologist Dr Lyndall Smythe and forensic anthropologist Dr Sam Rowbotham

All the panelists are from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine

The real-life scientists will explore the what, when, who, and where revealed by postmortems with Dr Porter, giving us mere mortals an insight into what really happens when unusual deaths are investigated.

The panel will examine some weird and wonderful cases, looking at how blood and other tissue samples are used by forensic toxicologists to determine the presence of drugs or poison, and how bones and bruises can reveal trauma.

And who would have thought that humble bugs can help tell a victim’s time of death, or how important teeth are in identifying victim?

The experts will help nail down who dunnit, where they dunnit, and how they dunnit, making this event a must for lovers of true crime fiction.

It’s all happening at the Heritage Courtyard Lecture Theatre at the Sir Zelman Cowen Centre, Victoria University, Queen St Campus, 295 Queen Street, Melbourne, on Friday May 25 at 6.30 pm. For bookings and more information, visit the events tag at sistersincrime.org.au, and learn how fact can be stranger than fiction.

Julie Houghton

Auditions

■ PLOS Musical Productions: School of Rock the Musical: Until May 23 Dewey and Children auditions. Bookings now open. Adult Principals and Ensemble auditions August 4 – 11, bookings open in July. Director: Brad Fischer; Musical Director: Bev Woodford; Choreography: Jess Pratt and Tahlia Sweetman. Audition booking details: plos.asn.au

■ Peridot Theatre: 1984 (by George Orwell, adapted by Robert Owens, Wilton E. Hall Jr., and William A. Miles Jr) May 22 at 6.30pm; May 26 at 2.30pm at Fleigner Hall, Oakleigh East. Directors: Sharon Maine and Joe Dias. Audition enquiries: peridot.com.au/ auditions

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Admissions (by Joshua Harmon) June 2 at 12 noon, June 3 at 7pm at the Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Brighton. Director: Deborah Fabbro. Enquiries brightontheatrecompany. com.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Veronica’s Room (by Ira Levin) June 15 at 11.00am, June 18 at 7.30pm at 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Drew Mason. Audition enquiries: drew.mason@optusnet.com.au Ph. 9382 6284 ■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Silent Sky (Lauren Gunderson) Information Night June 12 at 7pm; Auditions June and 18 at the Woodbin Theatre Foyer, Coronation St., West Geelong. Director: Natasha Boyd. Further information: geelongrep.com/auditions - Cheryl Threadgold

● Anton Berezin and Babs McMillan in Rootless Cosmopolitans.

Photo: Gavin D Andrew

● ● ● ● Dr Samantha Rowbotham

● ● John Leary and Rebecca Bower in The Platypus Photo: Mark Gambino

The Local Paper

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

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Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), the Box Hill Reporter (Est. 1888), Doncaster-Templestowe News (Est. 1962), Maroondah Mail (Est. 1922), Knox-Sherbrooke News (Est. 1967), Mountain District Free Press (Est. 1946). Waverley Gazette (Est. 1961)

Progress News

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

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New park for Knox

■ A $13.5 million redevelopment has transformed Councilowned land in Rowville to provide a new park.

The redeveloped Stamford Park at 2 Emmeline Row includes expanded wetlands, 3.5 kilometres of walking and cycling paths, a playground, viewing decks and a lookout tower, boardwalks, a yarning circle, public art, a 'village green' for hosting community events and activities, new planting and a specially designed platypus habitat.

Knox Mayor, Cr Jude Dwight, said the overhaul of Stamford Park had created a vast new open space for Knox

"I am thrilled that this major transformation has opened up this significant site for everyone to experience," she said.

"Open space consistently rates as one of the highest priorities for our community.

"The network of paths has opened up 38 hectares of parklands so that residents and visitors can explore this unique and precious part of Knox

"The wetlands and creek at Stamford Park are crucial for our environment. They play an important role in stormwater management and providing habitat for native animals, including our local platypus colony."

The redevelopment of Stamford Park, including an extensive restoration of the historic homestead, has been funded by the sale of part of the land for housing.

Knox Council con-

Long Shots

399 932 E: editor@LocalPaper.com.au

www.AshLong.com.au

tributed $12.9 million towards the redevelopment and Melbourne Water contributed $600,000 through its Liveable Communities, Liveable Waterways Program.

Everyone is invited to celebrate the opening of the new park on Saturday, June 15, from 11am-2pm.

There will be live music, roving entertainment, education talks, a reptile show and scavenger hunt with prizes. A Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony will take place at noon as part of official opening proceedings.

In the event of wet weather, the opening may be postponed — check knox.vic.gov.

au or call 9298 8000 (during business hours Monday to Friday) for any update.

Monash feedback

■ Monash Council is inviting the community to play a role in shaping the key strategies and plans that provide direction. Survey respondents are being offered the opportunity to win a $100 Coles Myer gift card. Residents can nominate to be a member of the Community Panel and be part of a deliberative engagement process that will provide input and feedback to review and make recommendations on community plans and strategies Monash Mayor, Cr Nicky Luo, says that they want to see as many people as possible get involved.

Local People

●

● Joseph Cullen

■ Joseph Cullen, Chief Executive Officer of Your Library Limited, passed away on Sunday, May 12.

As head of Your Library (formerly Eastern Regional Libraries) for nearly 20 years, Mr Cullen demonstrated sector leading innovation focusing on making library services accessible for all and utilising technology to move libraries into a modern technologybased era.

“Among his achievements include managing the transition from Eastern Regional Libraries Corporation to Your Library Limited, a beneficial enterprise limited by guarantee,” said a Your Library representative.

“He led the library service with courage and commitment through the COVID lockdowns, implementing both Click and Collect and postal delivery services to ensure community members could still access library resources.

“Joseph also oversaw the planning and development of new library services at Realm in Ringwood, Lilydale and Belgrave libraries in Yarra Ranges; and Bayswater and Knox Library in Knox; championed ‘access for all’ initiatives including introducing programming to cater for the needs of our most vulnerable and launching the Flexi library service in the Yarra Ranges; and represented the region as a Past President and Executive Team Member of Public Libraries Victoria.”

Your Library Board Chair, Cr Jim Child, said Mr Cullen’s contribution to Your Library and the community it supports was immeasurable.

“Joseph was not only an extremely competent CEO, but he was also a kind gentleman who took a genuine interest in everyone he met.

“His competence, dedication, guidance, and leadership achieved remarkable milestones for library services across the Outer East Metropolitan area and his commitment to excellence will always be remembered.

“Our thoughts are with Joseph’s family and friends at this time. On behalf of the board and all employees of Your Library, I pass on our condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.”

Cr Kylie Spears, Mayor of Maroondah and Your Library Board member, said Joseph would be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“Beyond his professional accomplishments, he will be remembered for his kindness, compassion, and approachability which made him not only a respected CEO, but also a friend and mentor to many.”

A virtual Book of Condolence is available on the Your Library website. The tributes or words of condolence will be compiled and shared with the Cullen family. This is a wonderful way to show the impact that Joseph had on those around him and the legacy that he leaves behind.

★

The Your Library Board held an extraordinary meeting on Monday, May 13, to determine interim arrangements to support the organisation during this time.

Premal Niranjan has been appointed as Acting Chief Executive Officer until further notice and Sarah Hopkins has accepted the responsibilities of Company Secretary.

“The Your Library Board and partner Councils would like to extend their appreciation to both Premal, Sarah and the corporate management team for their dedication and commitment,” the Board said.

● ● Cr Jude Dwight, Knox Mayor

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre

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

Bissett-Johnson, Cartoonist

Kemp, Art

Foenander, Music

BOLD WORK FOR WINTER LAB

■ Antipodes Theatre Company presents the fifth Winter Lab, an annual accelerator for bold work and new ideas, taking place July 1-13 in Melbourne.

This unique development initiative pairs lead artists from across Australia with collaborators (actors, dramaturges, mentors and more) to develop a variety of works, all of which are intended for live performance.

This year’s slate includes plays, solo and devised work, and a circus piece (to name a few).

The other main objective of the Winter Lab is to create a community space where artists can get to know each other outside of their individual projects through workshops, panel discussions, and other activities intended to build relationships and address issues relevant to the performing arts industry.

Artists who were chosen to develop projects as part of the Winter Lab include Zya Kan, Andrew Dang, RasSamuel, Margot Fenley, Natalie Frigia and Myfanwy Hockin

A total of six projects were selected by a panel of prominent artists from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds, including Maude Davey, Jonathan Homsey, Vidya Makan and Mama Alto, alongside the Antipodes Producers: Brandon Pape (Artistic Director) and Cameron Steens (New Work Manager).

Additional collaborators, workshop facilitators and discussion panelists will be announced at a later date.

Since the inaugural Lab in 2020, the Winter Lab has supported 35 projects and created opportunities for 247 artists.

Antipodes produced the premiere of Rachel Lewindon and Willow Sizer’s Orlando in November 2023, the first Winter Lab project to be seen through to production, and have continued development of several other works, most recentlyDeath to a Butterfly by Andy Freeborn and Jess Ramsey, following their involvement in the Winter Lab.

Antipodes Theatre Company seeks to provide a collaborative and inclusive environment for producing independent theatre in Melbourne by maintaining or exceeding a minimum of 50 per cent representation – on stage and off – by women, ethnically diverse artists, people with disability, trans and non-binary people, seniors or other members of historically or culturally marginalised communities who are not well represented on stage.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Fiddle Playing at Black Rock

■ When award-winning fiddle player

Peter O'Shea first visited historic Black Rock House, in his words: “the best I can say is it spoke to me. Immediately the historical and paranor-

mal nature of the House grabbed me.”

Peter says that since COVID the life of the performing musician has been a challenge, but at Black Rock House, Peter found his creativity was stimulated.

Of Irish heritage, his early professional gigs as a musician were with a Bush Band called Bushwahzee in the 1980s. “So I became familiar with the music and songs from our heritage.”

A multi genre violin string player, Peter specialised in Celtic music. “I was always intrigued by our own history.”

After acting in a film at The Old Melbourne Gaol, Peter wrote one of his favourite pieces called The Hanging at the Old Melbourne Gaol, and that was the start of composing violin pieces that were directly related to old Melbourne.

Peter was also inspired to compose tunes when playing violin at La Mama Courthouse, Carlton, in a play about Kate Kelly , and is now working on composing a suite of five distinct tunes to be called 'The Black Rock House Suite'

Peter O'Shea will be one of two musicians entertaining in the courtyard during the next open day at Black Rock House, on Sunday, June 2 from 1pm - 4pm.

Devonshire Teas can be prebooked for $15 per person. www.blackrockhouse.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Woman

In Black

■ The Woman in Black , described as 'one of the most terrifying live theatre experiences in the world' has commenced a national tour. The show will be presented at the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne from June 13July 6.

The Woman in Black is the second longest-running play in West End history, after Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story dramatically comes alive in Stephen Mallatratt’s stage adaptation; a study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror, produced in Australia by PW Productions, Wood-

ward Productions and Neil Gooding Productions.

Directed by Robin Herford, The Woman in Black stars Australian actors John Waters and Daniel MacPherson.

Written in 1983, Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black has become one of the most successful gothic novels in the English canon.

A perfect example of horror and gothic writing, readers are transported to the eerie setting of Eel Marsh House in the small market town of Crythin Gifford in the north of England.

The story is told through the first person narration of Arthur Kipps, who begins the novel too distressed to share a ghost story with his family, and then recounts how as a young solicitor he was sent to oversee the funeral of a Mrs Alice Drablow, a client of his law firm.

Along the way he encounters many who seem unwilling or unable to share the secrets of Eel Marsh House and its inhabitants, until he himself encounters the Woman in Black, and begins to unravel the mystery of the haunted past and eerie spectre he sees.

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St., Melbourne

Season: June 13-July 6

Performance Times: Tues.-Thurs. 7.00pm, Fri.-Sat. 7.30pm, Wed. or Thurs. or Fri. 1pm, Sat. 2pm, Sun. 1pm and 6pm (schedule varies each week)

Prices: From $55.00 (Transaction fees apply)

Bookings: ticketmaster. com.au or 9650 1500 thewomaninblack.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Blues Festival

■ The Winter Blues Festival in Echuca-Moama is celebrating its 25th year. It includes the return of Echuca favourites including Dan Dinnen and Shorty, The McNaMarr Project, The Hoodoo Men, Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine, Jesse Redwing, The Voodoo Preachers, and more. Winter Blues Festival also welcomes some newer faces on the scene, including South Australian Blues-rock phenomenon Stefan Hauk.

The Three Musketeers

■ D’Artagnan (M). 121 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

With so many versions of Alexandre Dumas’s revered novel brought to the big and small screen over the decades, it seemed unlikely that this new iteration would spark audience interest.

But in the hands of director Martin Bourboulon, and screenwriters Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patelliere, this expensive, two-part epic brings a breath of fresh air to the material, adding a number of contemporary elements while delivering plenty of exciting, old-fashioned entertainment to a very familiar story.

Francois Civil stars as D’Artagnan, a talented swordsman who travels from his provincial homeland to the big city, where he hopes to become a musketeer.

Once in the city, he inadvertently offends three men, who turn out to be Athos (Vincent Cassel), Aramis (Romain Duris) and Porthos (Pio Marmai).

A potentially fatalistic duel quickly turns into unity, as the four have to investigate and foil a plot to overthrow King Louis XIII (Louis Garrel), who is secretly being betrayed by his trusted counsel, Cardinal Richelieu (Eric Ruf). Helping the duplicitous Richelieu is Milady (Eva Green), who is tasked to provide misinformation to bring the King down.

This first chapter is hugely entertaining, with Bourboulon injecting plenty of energy and love into the project, while the cast all deliver wonderfully convincing performances.

Technically, the film is terrific, with striking, earthy cinematography in the vein of films such as Brotherhood Of The Wolf, and Peter Hyams’s The Musketeer

The traditional framework is still there, but The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan entwines the source material with themes that make this latest adaptation feel relevant, but never forgets to give audiences what they want, which is rip-roaring adventure and fun.

The concluding chapter, The Three Musketeers Part II : Milady, hits cinemas on June 6, so moviegoers won’t have to wait long to continue what is an exhilarating ride.

RATING

- ****

Deerskin

■ (MA). 77 minutes. Now available on DVD.

A word of warning first. If you have never seen any of Quentin Dupieux’s previous films (Rubber, Incredible But True, Smoking

Causes Coughing, Yannick and his most recent, The Second Act), you may be unprepared for the strange viewing experience you are about to embark on.

If you have, then you will be glad to hear that this unique film-maker is in fine form, delivering what is undoubtably one of his most entertaining films to date.

Oscar winner Jean Dujardin (The Artist, OSS-117, On The Wandering Paths ) stars as Georges, a seemingly disillusioned man who has just walked out on his wife.

Driving up into the Alpine regions of France, Georges spends a substantial amount of money on a deerskin jacket he has seen advertised.

The elderly gentleman also gives the visitor a camcorder. So smitten by the jacket, Georges believes he is someone to obsess over and admire, but after his wife blocks access to their bank account, the increasingly unhinged Georges uses the camcorder to realise a very odd dream, one suggested to him by the jacket (voiced by Dujardin), which appears to have taken on a life of its own.

Dupieux takes a one-joke idea and imbues it with some fascinating themes, notably that of identity, personal responsibility, and the abuse of trust on imagery we see on screen.

While the latter could represent the responsibility of the film-makers themselves, it also criticises members of the public (especially online) who distort or fabricate information for their own gain, not caring of the cruel, fatal consequences that can occur to individuals, or entire communities, around them.

In a world of deep division and distrust, seeing this theme taken to surreal extremes makes Georges’ actions increasingly unnerving.

Durjardin is superb as Georges, detailing his gradual moral decline with expert precision, and he is well supported by Adele Haenel (Portrait Of A Lady On Fire), playing a local bartender who gets caught up in Georges’ skewed universe.

Dupieux continues to give his films an off-kilter visual design, which perfectly ties in with his darkly humorous script. While ostensibly a comedy, Deerskin has a bleakness underneath, and by the end, the two have entwined to impressive effect.

RATING - **** - Aaron Rourke

● ● Winter Lab Lead Artists: Zya Kane, Andrew Dang, RasSamuel, Margot Fenley, Natalie Frigia and Myfanwy Hocking.

■ When American composer Richard Sherman was in Melbourne for the opening of Mary Poppins I had the great pleasure of sitting with him at a grand piano in the Sofitel Hotel.

Richard turned to me and said, "Kevin, you may recall this song I wrote for Annette Funicello, it was called Tall Paul" and then he played it for me - what a great moment.

I always liked Annette Funicello and I always thought I was older than her - but I was wrong - we were both born in the same year.

Annette Joanne Funicello was born in New York in 1942. When Annette was four the family moved to California where they lived in a caravan park until her father found work.

Annette took dancing lessons, learned to play drums and did some modelling work.

Walt Disney wanted amateurs and not professional child actors for The Mickey Mouse Club television series and invited her to audition after he saw Annette in a local production of Swan Lake

Annette was cast in the show in 1955 and soon became one of the most popular Mouseketeers - she was getting 6000 fan letters a month and was known by her first name.

Annette was featured in several serials on The Mickey Mouse Club including The New Adventures of Spin and Marty

Annette was quoted as saying -"The Disney studio wasn't like other studios. It was just like home - it always had a small-town, family at-

Whatever Happened To ... Annette Funicello

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

mosphere." Annette Funicello began making recordings on the Disneyland and Buena Vista labels.

Her hit songs included Tall Paul, Pineapple Princess and Oh Dio Mio

After The Mickey Mouse Club finished in 1959 she began making films and co-starred in The Shaggy Dog with Fred MacMurray and Tommy Kirk

She had a romance with Paul Anka and it has been said that it inspired him to write his songs Puppy Love and Put Your Head On My Shoulder. Annette had regular roles in the popular television series Zorro and Make Room for Daddy. In 1963 she made her first ‘beach film’ co-

starring with Frankie Avalon in Beach Party. The film was so popular that spawned a series of films, Muscle Beach Party, Bikini Beach, Pajama Party, The Monkey's Uncle and How To Stuff A Wild Bikini. In 1965 Annette married Jack Gilardi, who was Paul Anka's agent and they had three children together.

During the 1970s Annette had cameo roles in

television shows such as The Love Boat, Love American Style and Fantasy Island

In 1978 she appeared in a series of advertisements for Skippy peanut butter.

Annette and Jack were divorced in 1983 and in 1986 she married Glen Holt who was a horse trainer and breeder.

Sadly in 1992 Annette announced publicly that she was suffering with multiple sclerosis.

Over the 25 years that Annette battled the disease she lost the ability to walk and speak.

In 1995 a telemovie of her life was produced A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes: The Annette Funicello Story.

In 2013 Annette Funicello passed away peacefully from complications due to her multiple sclerosis. Her family and her best friend Shelley Fabares were with her.

People talk of her beautiful smile, her bravery and her caring for others.

Annette Funicello was inducted as a Disney Legend and has a star on the Walk of Fame in Hollywood.

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Philip Brady and Simon Owens. And on 96.5 FM That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

GRIMOIRE AWARDED THE LENNOX PRIZE

Notfair

The Original Independent Art Fair Artist Rowan E. Cassidy has been awarded the Lennox Prize, and his newest exhibition, Grimoire, will be shown at The Lennox, May 26 – June 2. The Lennox Prize is awarded to selected artists who feature at NotFair, enabling them to showcase their commission free at The Lennox

The Lennox Prize judges praised Cassidy’s work at NotFair 2023 for its singularity and poignant approach to NotFair 2023’s theme Alchemy

The title of Cassidy’s new exhibition, Grimoire, is a term that refers to a book hat contains symbols, incantations, charms, and instructions for invocations and the making of amulets.

Exhibition: May 25-June 2.

The Lennox

208 Lennox St. Richmond

Tolarno

The Kissing Cabinet

Tolarno Galleries is presenting a new work by A&A for Melbourne Design Week, in partnership with the National Gallery of Victoria.

A&A is the ongoing collaboration between Sydney-based industrial designer Adam Goodrum and strawmarquetry artist Arthur Seigner, who was born and raised in France and now lives in Melbourne.

On display in Gallery 1, The Kissing Cabinet is A&A’s largest and most significant furniture design to date. It is the first in a series of towers conceived in 2021 and launched specifically for Melbourne Design Week 2024.

Exhibition opens May 23 and closes June 2.

Tolarno Galleries

Level 5, 104 Exhibition St. Melbourne

Opera

Lucia di Lammermoor

Presented by Melbourne Opera.

Of the dozens of operas written by Donizetti, Lucia di Lammermoor has always been considered his finest and, as a result, the most performed both in Australia and internationally.

Based on Sir Walter Scott’s novel The Bride of Lammermoor, it pre-

The Arts

miered at the Teatro San Carlo in Naples in 1835 and featured Fanny Persiani in the title role.

Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre was the venue for the Melbourne Opera Company’s production of Lucia di Lammermoor.

The story is about a brother dominating his sister and trying to marry her off to a rich man to save the family fortune.

But! Lucia is in love with someone else and so the story goes.

Lucia was performed by Elena Xanthoudakis, a Melbourne born and acclaimed the world over.

She handled the role with finesse and her voice was absolutely thrilling, she was a delight in the mad scene where she not only acted magnificently but her voice in the role was magnificent causing a nonstop applause from the audience.

Lucia’s brother Lord Enrico Ashton was played by Simon Meadows.

Simon handled the role of the bully brother with aplomb and his voice added to the high standard of the evening.

Lucia’s lover, Sir Edgardo di Ravenswood, was performed by tenor Henry Choo who handled his character expertly catching the spirit of such a person and his voice added to the pleasure of the role.

Raimondo Bidebent, a Calvinist chaplain, was portrayed by Eddie

Muliaumascli, a bass. His acting was very good and his deep bass voice was superb.

Lord Arturo, Lucia’s affianced, was given a great interpretation by tenor Robert Macfarlane

He added to the opera with his interpretation of the role. Mezzo-Soprano Sarah Sweeting was Alia, Lucia’s hand maid. Sarah gave a stunning performance and certainly added to the evening.

The set was dark and forbidding suiting the story, A view of a castle in the background with a flight of stairs from centre stage to audience right.

The choir of 43 added to the high standard of the production.

A wonderful night of opera thoroughly enjoyed by the audience and Melbourne Opera is definitely an asset to the Melbourne opera scene.

- Peter Kemp

The Boy From Oz

■ Prolific independent musical theatre company Theatrical presents The Boy From Oz, playing for a limited season at National Theatre Melbourne from July 621.

Starring in the musical is Peter Allen tribute artist Matthew Hadcraft, who has been performing his own Peter Allen show across Australia since 2015.

“There is no one quite like Peter Allen . His infectious energy, love for his audiences, free-wheeling enthusiasm and sense of fun is still so captivating decades after his death. He’s a true Australian icon, and I feel very lucky that I get to play him and perform his legendary songs,” says Matthew

“Peter came out as a bisexual, and although it’s not explicit (he always talks about you/me/us and never used gendered pronouns), you can hear his coming out journey through some of the lyrics in his songs.

Theatrical is a not-for-profit and registered charity from former 3RRR radio personality and Executive Producer Andrew Gyopar

■ The ABC TV favourite Rockwiz hits the road with a schedule of no less than 36 stage performances, commencing October 8. Julia Zamiro and Brian Nankervis, plus buzzer and cast, have a full-on performance that promises to be great entertainment. Tickets: rockwizlive.com.au

Frankie Valli inducted

■ Ninety-year-old singer Frankie Valli was awarded a star in the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame. His family were in attendance at the ceremony except for his eldest son, Francesco, who has been banned from entering his Dad's home because of past break and entering, allegedly caused by substance abuse.

Good news travels fast

■ It took exactly 30 minutes for one million social media postings congratulating Hailey and Justin Bieber upon the announcement that Hailey is pregnant.

Airline rebranded

■ Veteran broadcaster Phil Brady announced to 3AW listeners that the much-hyped Bonanza airline was broke. Nope Phil, you had a brain fade, you meant Bonza airline.

Mussel Tour award

■ In their first year of trading the proprietors of the Portarlington Mussel Tour boat have won Victoria's Best Seafood Experience. For something difference; Sip-Taste-Experience.

● ● Annette Funicello

with Peter Kemp

With John O’Keefe

● ● ● ●

Brian Nankervis

Local paper makes world history

■ The 150 years of local newspapers have seen a number of forms of print technology.

The first issues of the Alexandra Times in 1868, were hand-set, with every letter in each issue composed by hand.

After each issue was printed, every letter had to be returned to its proper place in the type case.

The 1930s saw the introduction of linotype machines at the Yea newspaper, where a line-of-type could be set in hot metal.

In April 1984, after taking over from Tom Dignam, Ash Long brought an Itec typesetting computer to Yea.

It used a photo-mechanical process where type was projected onto photographic paper, and then - after beinbg developed - was cut-andpasted onto layout sheets.

Then came desktop publishing. Did you know that Murrindindi was the second place in the world to trial this new process?

The April 1986 edition of Ink magazine was in Yea to witness the Australian-first using “laser technology”.

“The hitching posts have been replaced by ‘no parking’ signs otherwise nothing much has changed outside the little weatherboard offices of The Yea Chronicle since its first began publishing in October 1885,” wrote INK editor John Monks.

“In fact not many people noticed when they stopped using the old linotype machines, and the Wharfedale flatbed press to print a tabloid Chronicle - instead of the solid old broadsheet - in 1984.

“Quietly, without upsetting the calm rural breakfasts of his 12001500 loyal readers, a few weeks agoi Ash Long, the Chronicle’s experienced young editor/publisher set about making Australian newspaper history.

“With no fanfare, The Yea Chronicle became the first newspaper in Australia- and probably the Southern Hemisphere - to be entirely produced using a Macintosh Personal Computer and a Laser Writer,” said the 1986 magazine.

“The honour of producing the world’s first weekly paper using the Apple-Macintosh combination actually went to The Town Crier in Wilmington, Massachusetts, USA (in 1985).”

INK said several newspaper had experimented with the new process, with visitinbg experts challenged to spot the difference.

Apple Laser Writer predicted that desktop publishing was set to capture most of the production done by photo-typesetters.

INK magzine said the price of the system was under $US10,000.

INK contacted John Caust, General Manager of Coates Systems (Australia), to arrange an Australian newspaper to trial: “Find me a paper and we’ll supply the equipment.

“A call to Yea, in the foothills of the Australian Alps, north-east of Melbourne, found us a suitable and willing paper, The Yea Chronicle.

“It was 100 years old last year, had a circulation of about 1500 and was entirely produced by the husband and wife team of Ash and Fleur Long.

“The Longs had taken over the broadsheet Chronicle set on linotype machines and printed on an ancient

Wharfedale in the tiny print room behind the little weatherboard office at 36 High St, Yea.

“Ash brought in his own elderly photo-typesetter and soon has the Chronicle turned into a lively tabloid printed web offset in Melbourne

“Would the Longs like to join the Laser Writer revolution, INK asked and Ash Long replied: “How about the next issue?’

“A few days later we drove up the Melba Highway to beautiful Yea followed by Dianne Howarth, the knowledgeable Coates marketing services representative with the Apple and Macintosh boxes balanced on her back seat.”

INK magazine made a note about someone using a desktop computer and mouse for the first time:

“Ash Long’s fingers were soon flashing over the Macintosh keyboard, but as he used the ‘mouse’ for the first time and thrust it over the edge of his desk he was complaining: “I’ve got to get a bigger desk.”

“In less than 30 minutes as Dianne Howarth looked on Ash was re-setting some long standing Chronicle ads and adding rules with curved corners and tone.

“The front page dummy lead

followed with Ash setting the streamer “Australia first for Yea Chronicle” and then deciding to use the Apple-Mac to shadow the letters.

“Later Apple’s bitten apple symbol was to let into the boxed lead when Ash Long got back to his cutting table.

“The issue of February 26 with type, set by the Laser Writer, caused great interest in Yea with pupils from the local high school - all knowledgeable Apple enthusiasts- coming around to the Chronicle office and Ash actually carrying the Apple-Mac gear across to a retail store and setting the ad they wanted in their shop window.

“Not content with the February 26 issue because a blurred negative had sone less than justice to the part of the laser-set front page, Ash Long proceeded to produce a much cleaner March 5 issue using a wide range of the Apple Mac output including some clearly readable 6point type and a beautifully laser-set page of Yea Chronicle Classifieds.

“After the Melbourne press run finished I asked Ash Long what he thought of the Laser Writer and Macintosh team.

“His report:-

“I found it very ease to use. I had some trouble with communications between the terminal and the printer, but that turned out to be just connections.

“I didn’t have to refer to the instructions very much at all because it really is what they call a very userfriendly system. It was mostly selfexplanatory.

“I now know how to use a mouse, although I kept running off the desk withb it at first.

“The quality is good. Look it’s better quality than my system and with that the quality varies, especially for a country newpaper depending on the chemicals you are using.

“Some of the advantages of the machine were that I found that I could instantly do tones behind advertisements.

“Borders for ads were no problem either. I could do them on the spot with the Apple Mac without all those expensive border tapes.

“They were neat type faces. I had a choice of Helvetica, Times, Courier, Monaco, Chicago and the option of outline, underline, shadowing, italics and also the option of putting typoes into a range of bold or plain ... and you had that on all sizes from 6pt to 72pt.

“We used the Helvetica throughout and of course the Apple-Mac did the H and J-ing.

“Certainly the Chronicle looks neater and if it wasn’t my paper and I was looking at it objectively I couldn’t tell you which was done on which system.

“Look, no one should think that the Apple-Mac Laser Writer is a second or alternative system.

“It’s a genuine stand-on-its-own feet typestetter which is quite applicable to newspapers and to printers and publishers.

“I’d certainly like to have the Apple Mac - mouse and all - permanently on my desk.”

- From ‘Apple’s Day in Yea’ by John Monks INK magazine, April 1986 (Minnis Business Press)

● ● Ash Long and Dianne Howarth test the Apple Laser Writer/Macintosh PC in Yea in 1986.

● ● Ash Long in front of the Yea newspaper office in 1986. Photo: John Monks ● ● Ash Long at the Apple MacIntosh,

Magazine Magazine

Observer Melbourne Lovatts Crossword No 11

Across Across Down Down

1. More droopy

6. Dig

11. Legendary gold city (2,6)

15. Having a poor ear for pitch (4-4)

20. Relations

21. Undue speed

22. Pen name, ... de plume

23. Gleefully chuckles

24. Tent supports (3,5)

25. Jesus' home town

27. Singing with trills

28. Prima donna

29. Writer, ... Thomas

31. The O of PTO

32. A wolf in ... clothing (5'1)

36. ANC hero, Nelson ...

37. Within house

38. Lovely

41. Dutch centre of govt, The ...

44. Fishing-line fibre

45. Sample

48. Way of life

49. Very busy

52. Goose & ...

56. Out-of-vogue star (3-4)

57. Small stone

58. Most uptight

61. Arduous experience

62. Foretold

63. West African nation, Sierra ...

64. Warms

65. Fools

66. Cleaver

67. Without artifice

71. Toadstools

73. Silly

75. Catastrophes

80. Ignore

82. Ice-cream desserts

83. Globes

85. Acting as go-between

86. Treat cruelly (3-3)

88. African disease fly

90. Nourishing drinks (3,5)

91. Bible song

93. Current flow rating

94. Interjectors

95. Ski headwear accessory

96. Military flying facility (3,4)

97. No part

99. Burial vault

100. Removed from power

104. Hoist (flag)

105. Cat cry

106. Of sheep

107. Leaseholders

111. Slightly wet

113. Crab's pinch

114. Have

115. Wrath

117. Pitch tent

118. Should, ... to

121. Tribal post, ... pole

122. Moved slowly

125. Field

126. Jump high

127. The ... of Capri

129. Assistant

131. Opposed to

132. Releases grip (4,2)

135. Among

136. Emerald Isle

139. Hordes

140. Scolded

144. Eagle's nest

145. Chick's call

146. Aimed

147. Disengage (train carriages)

148. Splendid (mansion)

149. Public square

150. Lacking originality

152. Customary

154. Baton races

157. Flying saucers (1,1,2)

158. Blabs

162. Matching outfit

163. Meagre

166. Flag down (cab)

167. Speech defect

169. Butterfly catchers

171. Biblical you

172. US moon rocket

173. Composer, Andrew ... Webber

175. Cloth fold

176. Chock

179. Culminate in (4,2)

180. Wash lightly

182. Recline, ... down

183. Repetitive strain injury (1,1,1)

184. Grind (meat)

186. Powder, ... of Paris

189. Thread

190. Peace pact

191. Sense receptor

192. Said

196. Tenant's payment

197. Bellow

198. Vermouth cocktail

199. Remnants

201. Playing for time

202. Harvesters

203. Roof overhangs

204. Last Russian tsar

205. Entangle

208. To the rear

210. Bridge designer

211. Sector

212. Outdoors (4-3)

213. Sinks in middle

215. Unfavoured horses

219. Lead-in

221. Sunday joint

223. Not perfumed

227. Juvenile

228. Ambassador's office

230. Move with effort

231. Cut wildly

232. Pillages

233. Mutilate

234. Admire

238. Delighted

239. First

240. Meal

243. Approval

246. Loosen

247. Dough ingredient

250. Corn husks

251. Out of style

253. Laughing scavengers

256. Frequent visitor

257. Female betrothed

258. Cease

262. Spy, ... Hari

263. Steak cut (1-4)

266. Ark builder

268. WA wine-growing region, ... River

269. Business income

270. Artist's medium (3,5)

271. Sewer coverings

272. Born as

273. Man-made fabric

274. Raises (the ante)

275. Climbs down

276. London/Edinburgh express, Flying ...

277. Lacy robe

278. Roomy

1. Confronts

2. Holed atmosphere layer

3. Erect (3,2)

4. ... out a living

5. Coming up (of sun)

7. Red pepper spice

8. Brutal

9. Michael Flatley's Lord of ... (3,5)

10. Simple

11. Famous volcano

12. Inclinations

13. Continually (2,3,2)

14. Phenomenal

15. Turrets

16. Actor, ... Sharif

17. Fire fragment

18. Remove from home

19. Misty

24. Pastime

26. Multitude

30. Lounges about

33. Barn dance

34. Distinguished

35. Actor, Sam ...

38. Ringing (of bell)

39. Nudged

40. Drama venue

42. Afresh

43. Unties

46. Junkies

47. Compared to

49. Cooperative

50. Top of head

51. List down

53. Non-believer in God

54. Roman moon goddess

55. Staff schedules

59. Proximity

60. Able to be rubbed out

67. Uncared-for

68. Traffic jam (5-2)

69. Undoes (envelope)

70. Sly suggestion

72. Opening

74. Telling

76. Debatable

77. Energies

78. Copy

79. Siblings

81. Until now

84. Mattress frame

87. Paint thinners

89. Called

91. Autocue

92. Insane lady

98. Fireplace shelf

101. TV host, ... Dingo

102. Egg shapes

103. Give work to 108. Stoat

109. Colloquial language

110. Inspire

112. Inventiveness

116. Feared Mongolian ruler (7,4)

119. Inattentive

120. Grotesquely

123. Small coffee cup

124. Welcoming

128. Clinging gastropods

130. Hero-worship

132. Feebler

133. Fish commercially

134. Survive (3,2)

137. Turn out

138. Disgust

141. Granny Smith fruit

142. Cogwheel set

143. Personal memoirs

151. On dry land

153. Lucky charm

155. Dismiss (from college)

156. Map book

159. Desire for food

160. Tethered (4,2)

161. Pleads

164. Swiftly

165. Fluid unit

168. Laziness

170. Glimmers

173. Unused portion

174. Public referee

177. Filth

178. Coming into view

181. Water (pasture)

185. River flows

186. Allspice

187. Orange/pink shade

188. Libya's capital

193. Afternoon break

194. Vote back into office (2-5)

195. Wanted

200. Uniformity

201. Divide

206. Not either

207. Car horns

208. Takes into custody

209. Type of spanner

211. Appoints

214. Sultan's wife

216. Sissy

217. Austere

218. Disappoints

220. Hobo

222. Conscious (of fact)

224. Held tenderly

225. Subtleties of meaning

226. Infinite

229. Famous US university

232. Army dining room

235. And so forth (2,6)

236. Greek philosopher

237. Coffee drug

241. Legal trade ban

242. Lawsuits

244. Surgical blade

245. Kissing & cuddling

248. Eases off

249. Which

251. Repressed, ... up

252. Postage stickers

253. Hot & damp

254. Gains

255. Proverb

259. Moral principle

260. Eskimo hut

261. Cricket matches

262. Fix

264. Roughage

265. Midday

267. Padlock clasp

BOLD WORK FOR WINTER LAB

■ Antipodes Theatre Company presents the fifth Winter Lab, an annual accelerator for bold work and new ideas, taking place July 1-13 in Melbourne.

This unique development initiative pairs lead artists from across Australia with collaborators (actors, dramaturges, mentors and more) to develop a variety of works, all of which are intended for live performance.

This year’s slate includes plays, solo and devised work, and a circus piece (to name a few).

The other main objective of the Winter Lab is to create a community space where artists can get to know each other outside of their individual projects through workshops, panel discussions, and other activities intended to build relationships and address issues relevant to the performing arts industry.

Artists who were chosen to develop projects as part of the Winter Lab include Zya Kan, Andrew Dang, RasSamuel, Margot Fenley, Natalie Frigia and Myfanwy Hockin

A total of six projects were selected by a panel of prominent artists from a wide range of disciplines and backgrounds, including Maude Davey, Jonathan Homsey, Vidya Makan and Mama Alto, alongside the Antipodes Producers: Brandon Pape (Artistic Director) and Cameron Steens (New Work Manager).

Additional collaborators, workshop facilitators and discussion panelists will be announced at a later date.

Since the inaugural Lab in 2020, the Winter Lab has supported 35 projects and created opportunities for 247 artists.

Antipodes produced the premiere of Rachel Lewindon and Willow Sizer’s Orlando in November 2023, the first Winter Lab project to be seen through to production, and have continued development of several other works, most recentlyDeath to a Butterfly by Andy Freeborn and Jess Ramsey, following their involvement in the Winter Lab.

Antipodes Theatre Company seeks to provide a collaborative and inclusive environment for producing independent theatre in Melbourne by maintaining or exceeding a minimum of 50 per cent representation – on stage and off – by women, ethnically diverse artists, people with disability, trans and non-binary people, seniors or other members of historically or culturally marginalised communities who are not well represented on stage.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Fiddle Playing at Black Rock

■ When award-winning fiddle player

Peter O'Shea first visited historic Black Rock House, in his words: “the best I can say is it spoke to me. Immediately the historical and paranor-

mal nature of the House grabbed me.”

Peter says that since COVID the life of the performing musician has been a challenge, but at Black Rock House, Peter found his creativity was stimulated.

Of Irish heritage, his early professional gigs as a musician were with a Bush Band called Bushwahzee in the 1980s. “So I became familiar with the music and songs from our heritage.”

A multi genre violin string player, Peter specialised in Celtic music. “I was always intrigued by our own history.”

After acting in a film at The Old Melbourne Gaol, Peter wrote one of his favourite pieces called The Hanging at the Old Melbourne Gaol, and that was the start of composing violin pieces that were directly related to old Melbourne.

Peter was also inspired to compose tunes when playing violin at La Mama Courthouse, Carlton, in a play about Kate Kelly , and is now working on composing a suite of five distinct tunes to be called 'The Black Rock House Suite'

Peter O'Shea will be one of two musicians entertaining in the courtyard during the next open day at Black Rock House, on Sunday, June 2 from 1pm - 4pm.

Devonshire Teas can be prebooked for $15 per person. www.blackrockhouse.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Woman

In Black

■ The Woman in Black , described as 'one of the most terrifying live theatre experiences in the world' has commenced a national tour. The show will be presented at the Athenaeum Theatre, Melbourne from June 13July 6.

The Woman in Black is the second longest-running play in West End history, after Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap. Susan Hill’s acclaimed ghost story dramatically comes alive in Stephen Mallatratt’s stage adaptation; a study in atmosphere, illusion and controlled horror, produced in Australia by PW Productions, Wood-

ward Productions and Neil Gooding Productions.

Directed by Robin Herford, The Woman in Black stars Australian actors John Waters and Daniel MacPherson.

Written in 1983, Susan Hill’s The Woman in Black has become one of the most successful gothic novels in the English canon.

A perfect example of horror and gothic writing, readers are transported to the eerie setting of Eel Marsh House in the small market town of Crythin Gifford in the north of England.

The story is told through the first person narration of Arthur Kipps, who begins the novel too distressed to share a ghost story with his family, and then recounts how as a young solicitor he was sent to oversee the funeral of a Mrs Alice Drablow, a client of his law firm.

Along the way he encounters many who seem unwilling or unable to share the secrets of Eel Marsh House and its inhabitants, until he himself encounters the Woman in Black, and begins to unravel the mystery of the haunted past and eerie spectre he sees.

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St., Melbourne

Season: June 13-July 6

Performance Times: Tues.-Thurs. 7.00pm, Fri.-Sat. 7.30pm, Wed. or Thurs. or Fri. 1pm, Sat. 2pm, Sun. 1pm and 6pm (schedule varies each week)

Prices: From $55.00 (Transaction fees apply)

Bookings: ticketmaster. com.au or 9650 1500 thewomaninblack.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Blues Festival

■ The Winter Blues Festival in Echuca-Moama is celebrating its 25th year. It includes the return of Echuca favourites including Dan Dinnen and Shorty, The McNaMarr Project, The Hoodoo Men, Jimi Hocking’s Blues Machine, Jesse Redwing, The Voodoo Preachers, and more. Winter Blues Festival also welcomes some newer faces on the scene, including South Australian Blues-rock phenomenon Stefan Hauk.

The Three Musketeers

■ D’Artagnan (M). 121 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

With so many versions of Alexandre Dumas’s revered novel brought to the big and small screen over the decades, it seemed unlikely that this new iteration would spark audience interest.

But in the hands of director Martin Bourboulon, and screenwriters Matthieu Delaporte and Alexandre de La Patelliere, this expensive, two-part epic brings a breath of fresh air to the material, adding a number of contemporary elements while delivering plenty of exciting, old-fashioned entertainment to a very familiar story.

Francois Civil stars as D’Artagnan, a talented swordsman who travels from his provincial homeland to the big city, where he hopes to become a musketeer.

Once in the city, he inadvertently offends three men, who turn out to be Athos (Vincent Cassel), Aramis (Romain Duris) and Porthos (Pio Marmai).

A potentially fatalistic duel quickly turns into unity, as the four have to investigate and foil a plot to overthrow King Louis XIII (Louis Garrel), who is secretly being betrayed by his trusted counsel, Cardinal Richelieu (Eric Ruf). Helping the duplicitous Richelieu is Milady (Eva Green), who is tasked to provide misinformation to bring the King down.

This first chapter is hugely entertaining, with Bourboulon injecting plenty of energy and love into the project, while the cast all deliver wonderfully convincing performances.

Technically, the film is terrific, with striking, earthy cinematography in the vein of films such as Brotherhood Of The Wolf, and Peter Hyams’s The Musketeer

The traditional framework is still there, but The Three Musketeers: D’Artagnan entwines the source material with themes that make this latest adaptation feel relevant, but never forgets to give audiences what they want, which is rip-roaring adventure and fun.

The concluding chapter, The Three Musketeers Part II : Milady, hits cinemas on June 6, so moviegoers won’t have to wait long to continue what is an exhilarating ride.

RATING

- ****

Deerskin

■ (MA). 77 minutes. Now available on DVD.

A word of warning first. If you have never seen any of Quentin Dupieux’s previous films (Rubber, Incredible But True, Smoking

Causes Coughing, Yannick and his most recent, The Second Act), you may be unprepared for the strange viewing experience you are about to embark on.

If you have, then you will be glad to hear that this unique film-maker is in fine form, delivering what is undoubtably one of his most entertaining films to date.

Oscar winner Jean Dujardin (The Artist, OSS-117, On The Wandering Paths ) stars as Georges, a seemingly disillusioned man who has just walked out on his wife.

Driving up into the Alpine regions of France, Georges spends a substantial amount of money on a deerskin jacket he has seen advertised.

The elderly gentleman also gives the visitor a camcorder. So smitten by the jacket, Georges believes he is someone to obsess over and admire, but after his wife blocks access to their bank account, the increasingly unhinged Georges uses the camcorder to realise a very odd dream, one suggested to him by the jacket (voiced by Dujardin), which appears to have taken on a life of its own.

Dupieux takes a one-joke idea and imbues it with some fascinating themes, notably that of identity, personal responsibility, and the abuse of trust on imagery we see on screen.

While the latter could represent the responsibility of the film-makers themselves, it also criticises members of the public (especially online) who distort or fabricate information for their own gain, not caring of the cruel, fatal consequences that can occur to individuals, or entire communities, around them.

In a world of deep division and distrust, seeing this theme taken to surreal extremes makes Georges’ actions increasingly unnerving.

Durjardin is superb as Georges, detailing his gradual moral decline with expert precision, and he is well supported by Adele Haenel (Portrait Of A Lady On Fire), playing a local bartender who gets caught up in Georges’ skewed universe.

Dupieux continues to give his films an off-kilter visual design, which perfectly ties in with his darkly humorous script. While ostensibly a comedy, Deerskin has a bleakness underneath, and by the end, the two have entwined to impressive effect.

RATING - **** - Aaron Rourke

● ● Winter Lab Lead Artists: Zya Kane, Andrew Dang, RasSamuel, Margot Fenley, Natalie Frigia and Myfanwy Hocking.

By Rob Foenander

Wowdy Friends

■ A new single from Chris Boots Lee has hit the airwaves both here and around the world. All My Rowdy Friends is the latest offering from the Gippsland s inger songwriter and is a cover version of the Hank Williams Jnr song from the early eighties. It was a spontaneous decision to release it and it's a ripper, says Chris. More info https:// www.facebook.com/bootsnallmusic

Cracking pace

■ Described as an extraordinary theatrical journey Counting and Cracking is about Australia and Sri Lanka. It's a story in which migrants are not asked to discard parts of themselves to fit in, but instead are asked to present their full selves, to expand their idea of what this country can be. It looks at a family reconciliation, between parents and children, between your new home and your old home, between society and its institutions. It’s all part of Rising, the premier festival of new art, music, and performance in the heart of Melbourne commencing June 1 -16. https://rising.melbourne/about

Sandown Regency

■ Country and Western night hits the Sandown Regency on Frday, May 31, commencing 7pm– 11.30pm.

Western Whiskey featuring Esric Jackson will keep the music moving along with country music classics throughout the night.

Western buffet on offer. BYO drinks.

Tickets: Esric, 0447 782 410. Des, 0422 572 055

‘Built Photography’ exhibition to open

■ Built Photography is a new exhibition at the Museum of Australian Photography. The exhibition will run from June 8– August 25, with the launch to be staged from 1pm-3pm on Saturday, June 8.

Guest curators are Izabela Pluta and Kiron Robinson , who have support from Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh) Director Anouska Phizacklea.

“Built Photography brings together artists who explore photography as a physical construction,” said a Museum representative.

“ Arguably one of photography’s defining aspects is its flatness, its surface plane. So why are artists building out from this, constructing objects as photography?

“Built Photography proposes a conversation between photography’s material, its surface and form and especially its objectness, against which the flatness of the photographic plane is interrogated.

Through processes of ‘inflation’, photographs disrupt the two-dimensional surface to complicate the spatial relationship between the content of an image and its physical form.

Hollow Curated by MAPh Senior Curator Angela Connor, Hollow is an exhibition held in concert with Built Photography. It comprises recent works from Izabela Pluta and Kiron Robinson that have been acquired into the MAPh collection.

Crossword Solution No 11

Izabela Pluta and Kiron Robinson say of Built Photography:

“We’ve been wrestling with the idea of photographs and their limitations – in all that they promise. For us it’s clearly not enough. We’ve been trying to question the mechanisms within the images that we each make, and the practices we speak from, of how to heighten our relationship to what is in the picture by puncturing it’s two-dimensionality – of inflating it.”

Angela Connor, MAPh Senior Curator, says of Hollow:

“As artists, academics and curators, both Izabela Pluta and Kiron Robinson work across photography, sculpture, installation and video.

“They bring an experimental methodology to their practice –whether that be through scanning, cutting, altering, layering or rephotographing – favouring to work in a controlled studio environment.

“Working with their own and public archives, they bring new meaning to existing photographs through the act of looking and relooking. Their approach reveals the way that images construct the world and the world constructs images.”

Entry is free.

Museum of

Australian Photography

860 Ferntree Gully Rd, Wheelers Hill - Contributed

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

HAMMER EXCAVATIONS

WEEKEND’S LOCAL FOOTBALL MATCH RESULTS

Amateurs

■ William Buck Premier Men’s. Collegians 19.15 (129) d St Bernards 11.8 (74). Old Melburnians 10.15 (75) d University Blacks 9.9 (63). St Kevins 10.10 (70) d Fitzroy 9.4 (58). Old Brighton 14.8 (92) d Old Scotch 10.6 (66). University Blues v Old Xaverians.

■ William Bucks Premier Men’s Reserves. Collegians 9.10 (64 d St Bernards 7.14 (56). Old Melburnians 14.8 (92) d University Blacks 2.6 (18). St Kevins 8.6 (54) d Fitzroy 3.7 (25). Old Scotch 10.4 (64) d Old Brighton 7.9 (51). University Blacks v Old Xaverians.

■ Premier B Men’s. Old Haileybury 15.14 (104) d Caulfield Grammarians 6.12 (48). De La Salle 10.14 (74) d Old Ivanhoe 2.8 (20). Old Geelong 11.6 (72) d Old Trinity 8.7 (55). Old Camberwell 10.12 (72) d St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers 5.9 (39). Williamstown CYMS 18.11 (119) d Beaumaris 10.10 (70).

■ Premier B Men’s Reserves. Old Haileybury 18.14 (122) d Caulfield Grammarians 5.8 (38). De La Salle 14.9 (93) d Old Ivanhoe 7.9 (51). Old Camberwell 215.7 (97) d St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers 9.2 (56). Williamstown CYMS 11.8 (74) d Beaumaris 10.10 (70). Old Geelong 7.10 (52) d Old Trinity 4.6 (30).

■ Premier C Men’s. Parkdale Vultures 18.25 (133) d Monash Blues 3.6 (24). AJAX 13.13 (91) d Hampton Rovers 6.9 (45). Mazenod 15.10 (100) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 8.10 (58). PEGS 24.11 (155) d Oakleigh 9.6 (60). Marcellin v Old Carey.

■ Premier C Men’s Reserves. AJAX 14.8 (92) d Hampton Rovers 5.6 (36). Mazenod 9.8 (62) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 7.10 (52). Oakleigh 6.17 (53) d PEGS 6.7 (43). Parkdale Vultures 20.27 (147) d Monash Blues 1.1 (7). Marcellin v Old Carey.

■ Premier Thirds. St Kevins 8.17 (65) d Old Trinity 7.6 (48). Old Brioghton 15.13 (103) d Fitzroy 3.9 (27). Old Xaverians 13.19 (87) d Old Scotch 6.7 (43). Uni Blues 23.14 (152) d St Bernards 2.2 (14).

■ Division 1 Men’s. Ormond 8.18 (66) d Preston Bullants 9.4 (58). UHS-VU 16.7 (103) d Prahran 5.8 (38). Old Perninsula 12.11 (83) de Therry Penola 11.3 (69). Parkside 17.8 (110) d Kew 7.8 (50). West Brunswick 9.14 (68) d Old Yarra Cobras 8.4 (52).

■ Division 1 Men’s Reserves. Ormond 23.13 (151) d Preston Bullants 5.6 (46). UHSVU 10.5 (65) d Prahran 7.16 (58). Therry Penola 10.6 (66) d Old Peninsula 7.5 (47). Parkside 7.11 (53) d Kew 6.6 (42). West Brunswick 19.7 (121) d Old Yarra Cobras 4.7 (31).

■ Division 1 Under 19. Hampton Rovers 12.13 (85) d Old Melburnians 9.6 (60). Old Haileybury 12.5 (77) d Fitzroy 6.14 (50). St Bernards 11.5 (71) d Old Xaverians 8.13 (61). Old Carey 11.7 (73) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 9.9 (63).

■ Division 1 Thirds. Old Melburnians 13.12 (90) d Old Geelong 6.11 (47). St Kevins 9.9 (63) d Fitzroy 4.7 (31). Williamstown CYMS v Beaumaris. Collegians v University Blacks. Old Xaverians v AJAX.

■ Division 2 Men’s. Whitefrairs 19.19 (133) d Hawthorn 10.11 (71). Brunswick 14.17 (101 d Aquinas 3.9 (27). Elsternwick 14.13 (97) d Bulleen Templestowe 9.10 (64). Wattle Park 10.18 (78) d MHSOB 8.8 (56). St Marys Salesian 17.20 (122) d South Melbourne Districts 8.8 (56).

■ Division 2 Men’s Reserves. Whitefriars 9.9 (63) d Hawthorn 8.9 (57). Brunswick 18.13 (121) d Aquinas 1.7 (13). Elsternwick 19.23 (137) d Bulleen Templestower 6.3 (39). MHSOB 13.11 (89) d Wattle Park 12.6 (78). South Melbourne Districts 8.120 (58) d St Marys Salesian 8.6 (54).

■ Division 2 Under 19. Old Camberwell 26.18 (174) d Old trinity 3.4 (22). Oakleigh 7.10 (52) d Parkdale Vultures 7.8 (50). University Blues 15.14 (104) d University Blacks 5.4 (34). St Bedes/Mentone 10.19 (79) d Old Ivanhoe 8.8 (56). Parksiode 14.10 (94) d St

■ Division 2 Thirds Men’s North. Kew 15.9 (99) d Richmond Central 10.6 (66). Old Xaverians 19.15 129) d Old Carey 2.6 (18). Old Camberwell 13.13 (91) d Parkside 8.2

(50). Marcellin 13.13 (91) d Masala 6.6 (42).

■ Division 2 Thirds Men’s South. AJAX 19.16 (130) d Glen Eira/Old McKinnon 1.5 (11). De La Salle 12.16 (88) d Old Scotch 12.4 (76). Hampton Rovers v Old Brighton. Williamstown CYMS v Mentone Panthers.

■ Division 3 Men’s. Chadstone 19.15 (129) d Eley Park 11.6 (72). Swinburne University 11.11 (77) d La Trobe University 8.11 (59). North Brunswick 9.11 (65) d Power House 8.10 (58). Richmond Central 17.10 (112) d Albert Park 9.13 (67). Canterbury 18.21 (129) d Box Hill North 6.8 (44). St Johns: Bye.

■ Division 3 Men’s Reserves. Chadstone 11.12 (78) d Eley Park 9.10 (64). North Brunswick 7.10 (52) d Power House 6.7 (43). Richmond Central 25.21 (171) d Albert Park 2.2 (14). Canterbury 8.12 (60) d Box Hill North 7.7 (49). La Trobe v Swinburne University. St Johns: Bye.

■ Division 3 Under 19. Collegians 15.11 (101) d St Bernards 5.7 (37). Preston 13.10 (88) d Monash Blues 6.10 (46). Mazenod 9.15 (69) d Kew 8.18 (66). Ormond 9.9 (63) d PEGS 4.15 (39).

■ Division 3 Thirds Men’s North. West Brunswick 14.18 (102) d Old Yarra Cobras 4.7 (31). Whitefriars 19.17 (131) d MHSOB 5.6 (36). Hawthorn 18.12 (120) d Swinburne 6.9 (45). Old Ivanhoe 17.20 (122) d Canterbury 4.2 (26). Marcedllin 21.19 (145) d UHSVU 8.5 (53). Old Xaverians 31.23 (209) d Box Hill North 2.3 (15).

■ Division 3 Thirds Men’s South. Mazenod 29.16 (190) d St Marys Salesian 4.1 (25). South Melbourne 10.16 (76) d Masala 3.7 (25). Ormond 28.21 (177) d Monash Blues 3.1 (19). Wattle Park 9.9 (63) d Parkside 8.14 (62). Oakleigh 18.12 (120) d Elsternwick 8.9 (57).

■ Division 4 Under 19. St Marys Salesian 12.9 (81) d Old Xaverians 5.6 (36). Therry Penola v Glen Eirta/Old McKinnon. Williamstown CYMS 19.21 (135) d St Kevins 9.8 (62). De La Salle 25.18 (168) d MHSOB 3.3 (21). Beaumaris 11.8 (74) d Bulleen Templestowe 4.12 (36). Caulfield Grammarians: Bye.

Eastern

■ Premier Division Seniors. Balwyn 14.12 (96) d Doncaster East 7.18 (60). Rowville 15.5 (95)d Blackburn 10.12 (72). Norwood 11.8 (74) d Noble Park 10.12 (72). Vermont 11.11 (77) d South Croydon 9.8 (62). East Ringwood 17.11 (113) d Berwick 6.9 (45).

■ Premier Reserves. Doncaster East 5.9 (39) d Balwyn 3.3 (21). Blackburn v Rowville. Noble Park 27.23 (185) d Norwood 0.0 (0). Vermont 11.6 (72) d South Croydon 6.6 (42). East Ringwood 26.15 (171) d Berwick 1.0 (6).

■ Premier Under 19.5. Doncaster East 19.9 (123) d Balwyn 2.3 (15). Noble Park 13.16 (94) d Norwood 2.5 (17). Blackburn 16.13 (109) d Rowville 4.4 (28). East Ringwood 10.9 (69) d Berwick 5.7 (37). Vermont: Bye.

■ Division 1 Seniors. Beacosnfield 14.8 (92) d Doncaster 4.8 (32). Mitcham 20.16 (136) d North Ringwood 7.9 (51). Mooroolbark 8.10 (58) d Montrose 5.8 (38). Park Orchards 14.9 (93) d Bayswater 11.8 (74). South Belgrave 12.11 (83) d Wantirna South 4.8 (32).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Beaconsfield 12.16 (88) d Doncaster 1.4 (10). Mitcham 6.10 (46) d North Ringwood 3.7 (25). Montrose 18.19 (127) d Mooroolbark 2.1 (13). Park Orchards 13.15 (93) d Bayswater 8.7 (55). South Belgrave 15.14 (104) d Wantirna South 1.3 (9).

■ Division 1 Under 19.5. Mitcham 8.11 (59) d North Ringwood 6.7 (43). Surrey Park 4.6 (30) d Beaconsfield 3.8 (26). Park Orchards 20.21 (141) d Bayswater 4.3 (27). South Belgrave 16.11 (107) d Wantirna South 5.9 (39). Mooroolbark 12.5 (77) d Montrose 4.4 (28).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Boronia 14.8 (92) d Heathmont 2.9 (21). Mulgrave 10.13 (73) d Croydon 10.10 (70). Ringwood 13.18 (96) d

The Basin 6./3 (39). East Burwood 9.7 (61) d Templestowe 7.11 (53). Waverley Blues 13.8 (86) d Lilydale 10.10 (70).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Boronia 14.14 (98) d Heathmont 4.3 (27). Cropydon 10.4 (64) d Mulgrave 4.14 (38). The Basin 7.5 (47) d Ringwood 3.8 (26). East Burwood 9.7 (61) d Templestowe 6.10 (46). Lilydale 9.8 962) d Waverley Blues 1.6 (12).

■ Division 2 Under 19.5. East Burwood 9.10 (64) d Heathmont 5.6 (36). Mulgrave 13.10 (88) d Croydon 8.7 (55). Lilydale 5.11 (41) d Waverley Blues 4.1 (25). The Basin: Bye.

■ Division 3 Seniors. Coldstream 12.8 (80) d Ferntree Gully 5.8 (38). Surrey Park 11.18 (84) d Fairpark 8.10 (58). Oakleigh District 12.14 (86) d Knox 12.12 (84). Warrandyte 11.12 (78) d Silvan 10.8 (68). Donvale 17.12 (114) d Upper Ferntree Gully 6.5 (41).

■ Division 3 Reserves. Ferntree Gully 8.10 (58) d Coldstream 3.5 (23). Surrey Park 12.15 (87) d Fairpark 1.1 (7). Knox v Oakleigh District. Warrandyte 11.6 (72) d Silvan 7.10 (52). Upper Ferntree Gul;ly 9.10 (64) d Donvale 3.8 (26).

■ Division 3 Under 19.5. Donvale 8.9 (57) d Upper Ferntree Gully 4.5 (29). Coldstream forfeited to Ferntree Gully. Knox v Warrandyte. Fairpark: Bye. Surrey Park: Bye.

■ Division 4 Seniors. Chirnside Park 14.11 (95) d Kilsyth 9.11 (65). Whitehorse Pioneers 13.8 (86) d Fortest Hill 9.10 (64). Scoresby 17.19 (121) d Nunawading 3.4 (22). Croydon North MLOC: Bye.

■ Division 4 Reserves. Chirnside Park 14.17 (101) d Kilsyth 0.3 (3). Whitehorse Pioneers 19.,12 (126) d Forest Hill 3.3 (21). Scoresby 32.15 (20&) d Nunawding 0.2 (2).

Croydon North MLOC: Bye.

■ Division 4 Under 19.5. Mitcham 6.14 (50) drew with Ferntree Gully/South Croydon 6.14 (50). South Belgrave 6.5 (41) d Wantirna South 5.3 (33). Kilsyth 12.11 (83) d Chirnside Park 5.2 (32). Scoresby 8.7 (55) d Berwick 6.10 (46). Blackburn: Bye.

Essendon

■ Premier Division Seniors. Strathmore 20.16 (136) d Avondale Heights 4.9 (33). Aberfeldie 25.14 (164) d Deer Park 6.6 (42). Greenvale 12.17(89) d Airport West 10.7 (67). Essendon Doutta Stars 15.10 (100) d East Keilor 11.15 (81). Keilor 22.14 (146) d Pascoe Vale 1.7 (13).

■ Premier Division Reserves. Strathmore 17.10 (112) d Avondale Heights 0.0 (0). Aberfeldie v Deer Park. Greenvale 14.4 (88) d Airport West 8.10 (58). East Keilor 19.7 (121) d Essendon Doutta Stars 7.5 (47). Keilor 21.23 (149) d Pascoe Vale 3.5 (23).

■ Premier Division Under 18.5. Strathmore 23.13 (151) d Avondale Heights 0.4 (4). Greenvale 15.13 (103) d Airport West 3.3 (21). Maribyrnong Park 9.5 (569) d East Keilor 3.4 (22). Keilor 8.6 (54) d Pascoe Valer 5.3 (33). Aberfeldie: Bye.

■ Premier Division Women’s. Aberfeldie 7.9 (51) d Essendon Doutta Stars 3.2 (20). Keilor 7.3 (45) d Westmeadows 2.2 (14). Hillside 13.9 (87) d Moonee Valley 1.2 (8). Oak Park 10.8 (68) d Maribyrnong Park 2.1 (13).

■ Division 1 Under 18.5. Essendon Doutta Stars 8.8 (56) d Coburg Districts 5.4 (34). Craigieburn 7.19 (61) d St Albans 3.3 (21). Moonee Valley 11.15 (81) d Tullamarine 3.3 (21). Hillside 14.10 (94) d Oak Park 4.7 (31).

■ Division 1 Thirds. Glenroy 10.11 (71) d Maribyrnong Park 2.5 (17). Hillside 14.17 (101) d Strathmore 2.2 (14). Keilor 19.20 (134) d Oak Park 1.2 (8). Aberfeldie 9.14 (68) d Greenvale 1.0 (6).

■ Division 1 Women’s. Greenvale 4.10 (34) d Burnside Heights 1.11 (17). Airport west 4.10 (34) d Keilor Park 0.1 (1). Strarthmore/Pascoe Vale 3.2 (20) d Tullamarine 2.4 (16).

■ Division 2. Northern Saints 17.10 (112) d East Sunbury 6.14 (50). Taylors Lakes 21.13 (139) d Hadfield 7.5 (47). Burnside Heights 10.13 (73) d Glenroy 11.4 (70). Westmeadows 12.15 (87) d Sunbury Kangaroos 8.12

(60). Coburg Districts: Bye.

■ Division 2 Seniors. Craigieburn 20.14 (134) d Keilor Park 3.4 (22). Hillside 13.8 (86) d Oak Park 11.9 975). Tullamarine 19.13 (127) d Moonee Valley 11.7 (73). Maribyrnong Park 23.17 (155) d Roxburgh Park 5.7 (37). West Coburg 27.13 (175) d Rupertswood 4.3 (27). St Albans: Bye. ■ Division 2 Reserves. Northern Saints 33.26 (224) d East Subury 0.2 (2). Taylors Lakes 23.17 (155) d Hadfield 5.0 (3). Glenroy 10.5 (65) d Burnside Heights 7.7 (49). Sunbury Kangaroos 19.14 (128) d Westmeadows 1.12 (7). Coburg Districts: Bye. ■ Division 2 Thirds. Sunbury Kangaroos 10.8 (68) d Hillside 9.3 (57). Airport West 12.9 981) d Northern Saints 3.8 (26). Avondale Heights 16.14 (110) d Roxburgh Park 1.3 (9). Taylors Lakes 4.8 (32) d St Albans 4.7 (31).

■ Division 2 Under 18.5. Glenroy 6.6 (42) d Burnside Heights 2.9 (21). East Subury v Northern Saints. Maribyrnong Park 7.9 (51) d Sunbury Kangaroos 7.7 (49). Hadfield 23.10 (148) d Taylors Lakes/Moonee Valley 2.5 (17). Aberfeldie 7.9 (51) d Strathmore 6.9 (45). Keilor: Bye.

■ Division 2 Women’s. Roxburgh Park 14.13 (97) d Glenroy 1.6 (12). Sunbury Kangaroos 21.10 (136) d East Sunbury 1.0 (6). Sunbury Lions 7.3 (45) d Taylors Lakes 2.4 (16). Coburg Districts: Bye.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Division 1 Seniors. Dromana 17.13 (115) d Frankston YCW 7.12 (54). Frankston Bombers 13.8 (86) df Pines 11.123 (79). Rosebud 8.8 (56) d Langwarrin 6.120 (46). Mornington 15.11 (101) drew with Sorreento 15.11 (101). Mt Eliza 12.19 (91) d Red Hill 11.2 (68). ■ Division 1 Reserves. Frankstopn YCW 14.14 (98) d Dromana 4.7 (31). Pines 8.8 (56) d Frankston Bombers 6.5 (41). Langwarrin 5.7 (37) d Rosebud 2.2 (14). Mornington 12. (76) d Sorrento 10.8 (68). Mt Eliza 10.8 (68) d Red Hill 9.5 (59).

■ Division 1 Under 19. Frankston YCW 7.13 (55) d Dromana 2.8 (20). Langwarri9n 17.17 (119) d Rosebud 2.0 (12). Mornington 11.13 (79) d Sorrento 6.3 (39). Mt Eliza 19.12 (126) d Red Hill 4.3 (27). Pines: Bye. ■ Division 1 Women’s. Pearcedale 8.6 (54) d Mornington 4.1 (25). Frankston 6.4 (40) d Seaford 1.4 (10). Warragul Industrials 7.5 (47) d Mornington 6.8 (44). Karingal: Bye. ■ Division 2 Seniors. Bonbeach 10.11 -71_) d Karingal 9.8 (62). Chelsea 22.15 (147) d Hastings 5.5 (35). Crib Point 12.12 (84) d Somerville 12.11 (83). Devon Meadows 22.15 (147) d Rye 7.8 (51). EdithvaleAspendale 14.14 (98) d Pearcedale 11.14 (80). Seaford 17.10 (112) d Tyabb 10.9 (69). ■ Division 2 Reserves. Bonbeach 16.9 (105) d Karingal 3.5 (23). Chelsea 19.10 (124) d Hastings 2.5 (17). Somerville 8.14 (62) d Crib Point 7.4 (46). Devon Meadows 9.16 (70) d Rye 3.3 (21). Edithvale-Aspendale 12.4 (76) d Pearcedale 5.5 (35). Seaford 8.14 (62) d Tyabb 7.7 (49). ■ Division 2 Under 19. Bonbeach 13.9 987) d Karingal 4.3 (27). Somerville 7.8 (50) d Crib Point 6.8 (44). Rye 10.12 (72) d Devon Meadows 0.4 (4). Edithvale-Aspendale 9.12 (66) d Pearcedale 2.8 (20). Seaford21.22 (148) d Tyabb 3.5 (23).

■ Division 2 Women’s. Bonbeach 3.7 (25) d Edithvale-Aspendale 2.3 (15). Cerberus/Balnarring 2.3 (15) d Tyabb 0.1 (1). Mornington 7.14 (56) d Red Hill 1.0 (6). Bass Coast: Bye.

■ Division 3 Women’s. Pearcedale 16.14 (110) d Sorrento 0.0 (0). Frankston 9.16 (70) d karingal 3.4 (22). Rye v Warragul Industrials. Pines v Seaford.

Central Highlands

■ Seniors. Creswick 15.8 (98) d Springbank 10.11 (71). Bungaree 12.9 (81) d Gordon 6.13 (49). Daylesford 11.6 (72) d Dunnstown 9.12 (66). Buninyong 10.11 (71) d Rokewood Corindhap 9.8 (62). Learmonth 11.13 (79) d Waubra 4.9 (33). Skipton 8.11 (59) d Ballan 6.10 (46). Hepburn 17.16 (118) d Clunes 8.5 (53). Newlyn 24.13 (157) d Beaufort 3.5 (23). Carngham Linton: Bye.

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Northern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Hurstbridge 21.16 (142) d Macleod 5.6 (36). Heidelberg 13.12 (90) d Greensborough 8.12 (60). Bundoora 12.9 981) d West Preston-Lakeside 5.14 (44). Montmorency 15.14 (104) d North Heidelberg 9.12 (66). Banyule 10.14 (74) d Eltham 7.7 (49).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Hirstbridge 14.8 (92) d Macleod 8.8 (56). Greensborough 9.16 (70) d Heidelberg 8.6 (54). West PrestonLakesiode 19.16 (130) d Bundoora 1.1 (7). Montmorency 14.8 992) d North Heidelberg 7.8 (50). Eltham 11.11 (77) d Banyule 5.9 (39).

■ Division 1 Under 19.5. Diamond Creek 11.10 (76) d Banyule 4.3 (27). North Heidelberg 12.18 (90) d Montmorency 8.5 (53). Heidelberg 12.7 (79) d Greensborough 3.6 (24). Eltham: Bye.

■ Division 2 Seniors. Thomastown 14.14 (98) d Watsonia 8.12 (60). Whittlesea 9.12 (66) d South Morang 8.11q (59). Diamond Creek 14.13 (97) d Lower Plenty 8.7 (55). St Mary’s 15.8 (98) d Northcote Park 13.6 (84)(. Panton Hill 13.15 (93) d Laurimar 10.8 (68).

■ Division 2 Reserves. St Mary’s 28.15 (183) d Northcote Park 5.4 (34). South Morang 10.6 (66) d Whittlesea 7.9 (51). Panton Hill 8.7 (55) d Laurimar 6.6 (42). Diamond Creek 14.15 (99) d Lower Plenty 6.2 (38). Thomastown 9.14 (68) d Watsonia 7.5 (47).

■ Division 2 Under 19.5. Hurstbridge 15.8 (98) d Laurimar 7.7 (49). South Morang 8.11 (59) d Whittlesea 4.14 (38). West PrestonLakeside 12.9 (81) d Thomastown 12.8 (80). St Mary’s 16.12 (108) d Lower Plenty 8.3 (51).

■ Division 3 Seniors. Fitzroy Stars 15.8 (98) d Eppiong 11.9 (75). Kilmore 11.12 (78) d Heidelberg West 7.3 (45). Ivanhoe 7.12 (54) d Lalor 4.10 (34). Old Paradians 16.19 (115) d Kinglake 13.6 (84). Old Eltham Collegians 17.21 (123) d Reservoir 2.4 (16). Mernda: Bye.

■ Division 3 Reserves. Fitzroy Stars 15.13 (103) df Epping 10.8 (68). Kilmore 9.9 (63) d Heidelberg West 7.9 (51). Ivanhoe 14.14 (98) d Lalor 7.10 (52). Old Eltham Collegians 25.,6 (156) d Reservoir 0.3 (3). Old Paradians 13.19 997) d Kinglake 0.5 (5). Mernda: Bye. ■ Division 3 Under 19.5. Mernda 11.4 (70) d Greensborough 7.12 (54). Diamond Creek 22.7 (139) d Bundoora 5.7 (37). Banyule 8.18 (66) d Panton Hill 7.11 (53). Macleod 12.8 (80) d Old Paradians 3.7 (25).

Outer East

■ Premier Division Seniors. Narre Warren 9.13 (67) d Monbulk 4.11 (35). Wandin 20.28 (138) d Berwick Springs 5.4 (34). Woori Yallock 17.18 (120) d Mt Evelyn 5.6 (36). Olinda-Ferny Creek 13.20 (98) d Pakenham 11.12 (78). Officer 9.7 (62) d GembrookCockatoo 7.8 (50). Emerald 11.5 (71) d Upwey-Tecoma 10.8 (68).

■ Premier Division Reserves. Narre Warren 9.2 (56) d Monbulk 6.8 (44). Wandin 12.11 (83) d Berwick Springs 3.9 (27). Mt Evelyn 10.5 (65) d Woori Yallock 7.6 (48). Pakenham 18.6 (114) d Olinda-Ferny Creek 7.4 (46). Gembrook-Cockatoo 10.11 (71) d Officer 7.5 (47). Upwey-Tecoma 14.16 (100) d Emerald 2.1 (13).

■ Division 1 Seniors. Healesville 22.21 (153) d Yarra Glen 10.6 (66). Seville 22.7 (139) d Yarra Junction 6.3 (39). Alexandra 19.13 (127) d Belgrave 4.7 (31). WarburtonMillgrove 16.21 (117) d Yea 9.8 (62). Powelltown: Bye.

■ Division 1 Reserves. Healesville 27.16 (178) d Yarra Glen 2.0 (12). Seville 24.16 (160) d Yarra Junction 1.4 (10). Belgrave 26.18 (174) d Alexandra 3.2 (20). WarburtonMillgrove 16.7 (103) d Yea 2.6 (18). Powelltown: Bye.

■ Under 19 Boys. Narre Warren 7.4 (46) d Upwey-Tecoma 6.4 (40). Officer 14.2 (86) d Gembrook-Cockatoo 4.2 (26). Pakenham: Bye. Wandin: Bye.

■ Under 18 Boys. Upwey-Tecoma 16.13

(109) d Seville 2.4 (16). Mt Evelyn 5.9 (39) drew with Woori Yallock 5.9 (39). Healesville: Bye. Olinda Ferny Creek: Bye.

■ Division 1 Women’s. Upwey-Tecoma v Healesville. Pakenham 5.5 (35) d Olinda-Ferby Creek 4.5 (29). Belgrave: Bye. Berwick Springs: Bye.

■ Division 2 Women’s. Woori Yallock 5,.3 (33) d Seville 1.12 (7). Warburton-Millgrove 7.6 (48) d Emerald 5.1 (31). Monbulk 10.5 (65) d Thornton-Eildon 2.6 (18). Wandin 7.6 (48) d Officer 0.4 (4).

Southern

■ Division 1 Seniors. Cranbourne Eagles 13.5 -83) drew with East Brighton 13.5 (83). Dingley 20.16 (136) d Bentleigh 7.8 z(50). Cheltenham 20.13 (133) d Mordialloc 3.4 (22). Springvale Districts 19.14 (128) d Chelsea Heights 3.4 (22). St Paul’s McKinnon 17.14 (116) d Port Melbourne 5.5 (35).

■ Division 1 Reserves. East Brighton 4.11 (35) d Cranbourne Eagles 3.7 (25). Dingley 9.6 (60) d Bentleigh 6.10 (46). Cheltenham 18.19 (127) d Mordialloc 0.1 (1). Springvale Distyricts 27.19 (181) d Chelsea Heights 0.2 (2). Port Melbourne 10.21 (81) d St Paul’s McKinnon 5.1 (31).

■ Division 1 Open. Carrum Patterson Lakes 8.8 (56) d Skye 6.2 (38). Heatherhill 7.8 (50) d Springvale Districts 4.4 (28). Highett 8.6 (54) d Lyndhurst 7.5 (47). Cheltenham 8.8 (56) d Dingley 7.7 (49).

■ Division 1 Women’s. Narre South Saints 6.7 (43) d East Brighton 0.2 (2). Casey 9.9 (63) d bentleigh 1.2 (8). Endeavour Hills: Bye.

■ Division 2 Seniors. Caulfield Bears 9.9 (63) d Endeavour Hills 8.9 (57). East Malvern 9.12 (66) d Skye 3.10 (28). Hampton Park 19.8 (122) d Highett 12.10 (82). Murrumbeena 13.12 (90) d Keysborough 7.8 (50). Doveton Doves 17.18 (120) d St Kilda City 8.7 (55).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Caulfield Bears 8.8 (56) d Endeavour Hills 7.6 (48). East Malvern 10.9 (69) d Skye 5.9 (39). Highett 9.5 (59) d Hampton Park 7.12 (54). Murrumbeena 12.10 (82) d Keysborough 5.4 (34).

■ Division 2 Open. Endeavour Hills d 12.10 (82) d Lyndhurst 3.5 (23). Hallam 6.11 (47) d Black Rock 3.9 (27). Murrumbeena 17.17 (119) d Keysborough 0.0 (0). Lyndale Bye.

■ Division 2 Women’s. Clayton 6.6 (42) d Narre South Saints 2.2 (14). Murrumbeena 13.14 (92) d Chelsea Heights 0.0 (0). Lyndale 11.9 (75) d Skye 1.2 (8). Frankston Dolphins 4.10 (34) d Black Rock 1.1 (7).Hallam 6.8 (44) d Casey 1.1 (7).

■ Division 3 Seniors. Frankston Dolphins 18.12 (120) d Lyndhuirst 8.11 (59). Ashwood 18.9 (117) d Narre South Saints 8.10 (58). Heatherton 13.6 (82) d Black Rock 12.8 (80). Carrum Patterson Lakes 13.16 (94) d South Mornington 4.7 (31).

■ Division 3 Reserves. Frankston Dolphins 10.15 (75) d Lyndhurst 4.,10 (34). Ashwood 22.11 (143) d Narre South Saints 4.10 (34). Black Rock 11.13 (79) d Heatherton 4.2 (26). Carrum Patterson Lakes 8.14 (62) d South Mornington 7.3 (45).

■ Division 4 Seniors. Lyndale 19.17 (131) d South Yarra 3,.4 (22). Dandenong West 15.10 (100) d Hallam 13.11 (89). Moorabbin Kangaroos 13.12 (90) d Doveton Eagles 8.7 (55). Hampton 16.16 (112) d Clayton 6.4 (40).

■ Division 4 Reserves. Lyndale 20.16 (136) d South Yarra 2.2 (14). Hallam 17.12 (114) d Dandenong West 3.4 (22). Moorabbin Kangaroos 25.10 (160) d Doveton Eagles 1.4 (10). Hampton 20.11 (131) d Clayton 3.2 (20).

Western

■ Division 1 Seniors. Western Districts 13.17 (95) d Point Cook 8.13 (61). Caroline Springs 17.8 (110) d Spotswood 7.8 (5). Hoppers Crossing 8.4 (52) d Altona 5.6 (36). Parkside 15.13 (103) d Point Cook 6.,9 (45). Yarraville Seddon Eagles: Bye. ■ Division 1 Reserves. Werribee Districts 17.11 (113) d Point Cook 2.2 (14). Caroline

Springs 7.6 (48) d Spotswood 4.3 (27). Hoppers Crossing 10.8 (68) d Altona 5.7 (37). Point Cook 9.6 (59) d Parkside 6.7 (43).

■ Division 1 Under 18. Yarraville Seddon Eagles 18.17 (125) d Spotswood 4.5 (29).

Caroline Springs 10.10 (70) d Hoppers Crossing 4.5 (29). Werribee Districts 11.12 (78) d Point Cook 7.8 (50). Newport 14.13 (97) d Altona 4.8 (32).

■ Division 2 Seniors. Albion 9.16 (70) d Sunshine 8.13 (61). Laverton 14.11 (95) d Sunshine Heights 11.8 (74). West Footscay 32.21 (213) d North Sunshine 1.7 (13). Wyndhamvale 16.13 (109) d Braybrook 10.5 (65). Suns 34.18 (222) d Western Rams 6.1 (37). North Footscray 13.17 (95) d Albanvale 10.6 (66). Newport 32./22 (214) d Tarneit 1.4 (10).

■ Division 2 Reserves. Sunshine 9.10 (64) d Albion 5.1 (31). Lavertion 10.10 (70) d Sunshine Heights 9.5 -59). West Footcsray 27.16 (178) d North Sunshine 0.1 (1). Wyndhamvale 17.11 (113) d Braybrook 3.6 (24). Suns 21.16 (142) d Western Rams 0.3 (3). Albanvale 15.10 (100) d North Footscray 3.7 (25). Newport 40.18 (258) d Tarneit 0.1 (1).

■ Division 2 Under 18. Werribee Districts 10.7 (67) d Yarraville Seddon Eagles 9.7 (61). West Footscray 21.11 (137) d Point Cook 4.2 (26). Caroline Springs v Point Cook Centrals. Sunshine Kangaroos: Bye.

■ Women’s Seniors. Parkside Spurs 8.21 (69) d West Footscray 1.1 (7). Laverton 7.10 (52) d North Sunshine 0.5 (5). Suns 6.1 (37) d Werribee Centrals 3.3 (21). Yarraville Seddon Eagles 11.8 (74) d Wyndhamvale 1.1 (7).

Caroline Springs: Bye.

Country League Goulburn Valley

■ Seniors. Mooroopna 11.13 (79) d Seymour 8.9 (57). Kyabram 16.9 (105) d Tatura 11.18 (84). Echuca 24.9 (153) d Shepparton Swans 6.8 (44). Shepparton 13.16 (94) d Benalla 3.8 (26). Mansfield 11.11 (77) d Shepparton United 9.4 (58). Rochester 10.10 (70) d Euroa 8.16 (64).

■ Reserves. Seymour 9.13 (67) d Mooroopna 4.6 (30). Kyabram 15.13 (103) d Tatura 6.8 (44). Echuca 12.10 (82) d Shepparton Swans 2.3 (15). Shepparton 13.20 (98) d Benalla 2.1 (13). Shepparton United 8.6 (54) d Mansfield 7.7 (49). Rochester 9.8 (62) d Euroa 5.7 (37).

■ Under 18. Mooroopna 7.7 (49) d Seymour 5.9 (39). Kyabram 35.19 (229) d Tatura 0.0 (0). Echuca 14.8 (92) d Shepparton Swans 8.4 (52). Shepparton 20.10 (130) d Benalla 5.23 (323). Mansfield 6.4 (40) d Shepparton United 4.7 (31). Euroa 7.12 (54) d Rochester 4.3 (27).

Kyabram District

■ Seniors. Shepparton East 11.14 (80) d Avenel 9.9 (63). Nagambie 15.16 (106) d Girgarre 5.4 (34). Lancaster 11.5 (71) drew with Murchison-Toolamba 10.11 (71). Longwood 8.17 (65) d Merrigum 7.13 (55). Tallygaroopna 34.17 (221) d Violet Town 2.2 (14). Dookie United v Rushworth. UIndera v Stanhope.

■ Reserves. Avenel 11.18 (82) d Shepparton East 2.3 (15). Nagambie 12.6 (78) d Girgarre 7.6 (48). Murchison-Toolamba 14.13 (97) d Lancaster 2.5 (17). Merrigum 17.21 (123) d Longwood 4.0 (24). Tallygaroopna 24.16 (160) d Violet Town 2.2 (14). Dookie United v Rushworth. Undera v Stanhope.

Riddell District

■ Seniors. Macedon 8.6 (54) d Kyneton 5.9 (39). Riddell 14.15 (99) d Melton Centrals 5.7 (37). Romsey 14.11 (95) d Lancefiled 2.10 (22). Wallan 16.9 (105) d WoodendHesket 6.11 (47). Diggers Rest: Bye.

■ Reserves. Kyneton 8.5 (53) d Macedon 5.4 (34). Riddell 15.12 (102) d Melton Centrals 2.1 (13). Romsey 18.10 (118) d Lancefield 0.6 (6). Wallan 11.13 (79) d WoodendHesket 7.7 (49). Diggers Rest: Bye.

■ Under 19.5. Wallan 9.5 (59) d Riddell 8.5 (53). Macedon 8.9 (57) d Kyneton 6.5 (41). Romsey 7.6 (48) d Lancefield 5.5 (35). Gisborne 4.5 (29) d Diggers Rest 3.3 (21).

with Kerry Kulkens

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 9.6.5.2. Lotto Numbers: 9.15.26.35.36.30. Some surprising news from a distance could affect your relationships with close ones. If you need an understanding person, look to the most obvious ones first.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.9. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.9.7.11.

Your increased interest in health and fitness should give you a lot more to do during these next twelve months. There should also be some luck in games of chance and a surprise from your loved ones.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.9.6.7. Lotto Numbers: 4.15.29.37.9.22. You might need to make up your mind about someone during this period, and career matters could keep you very busy indeed. But there are some chances for having fun, so overall, it's a very good time ahead.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 2.15.26.9.33.34. Things should be working out well in your career matters, and some changes for the better could be expected. Relationships are not moving too well, but improvements are expected.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.35.40.5. Your very busy social life could continue, and you could be wondering when you can get some rest. Domestic situations could be a little tense as someone is feeling neglected.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.36.39.8. You might have to start all over again with some people or some jobs, so do not feel discouraged at the moment. Financial matters are better left to the experts.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.25.26.33.36. It would be best if you were reaping some of the rewards of your hard work now—however, only the hard worker benefits from this trend. New ideas are very possible in relationship matters.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4.9.3.2. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.36.34.45. There is a trend to be more aggressive than usual, but keep your mind on the task at hand and do not jeopardise the chances you get. Your social life could ruin your sleep.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.32.23.36.38. This should be the start of an exciting relationship-wise time. But do not neglect close ones, as your availability is critical to them. Some new contacts in business should be successful.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.9.22.4. Travel plans should work out well; if any changes happen, they should be thoroughly enjoyable. More depth and understanding in your relationships now.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.40.45. A wish to escape it could get you into trouble with loved ones. Do not forget to inform people of your plans. The new idea forming in your mind could be a winner.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2.1.3.2.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.5.44.41. It would be a mistake to promise too much during this period. Also, try to keep spending straight and narrow. Something new is starting to formulate in your career matters.

DOOMBEN CUP ATTRACTS THE BEST

■ The Doomben Cup is another of the big races that sees some of our best middle-distance horses go around the 2000 metre stretch of the Doomben Racecourse

The ever consistent Cascadian ruled the roost in the betting, but connections retired him.

He was one of the most honest horses hitting the track most of the time, and this particular track appealed to his type of racing.

At his last outing he finished a good fourth behind Pride Of Jenni in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on April 13.

A twice winner of the Australian Cup , he was one of the most honest horses going around, and had proved a consistent performer for the Cummings Team.

The Snowden team trained Huetor struck a bit of form winning the JRA Plate at Randwick over 2000 metres.

He had to carry 59 kilos on a heavy rated 10 track, when he won, and they called the races off a couple of more races after he won.

But he failed to fire in the Hollindale Stakes on the Sunshine Coast, and finished well back behind Numerian, ridden by top Victorian hoop, Jamie Mott, who has come into third favourtism in the Doomben Cup.

The former New Zealander, Kovalica, hadn’t produced anything for some time for his new trainer, Chris Waller, although he has been all over the place regarding distances.

He has raced very well in the past, and won some top races in his home town, but failed to run on in most of his recent races.

However, he put in a good run in the Hollindale Stakes, on the Sunshine Coast, over a more suitable distance, the 1800 metres favouring him with a good third.

The money has come for him late, before the big one here.

Another the money has come for is the Peter Moody-Katherine Coleman trained Autumn Angel, by the champion Autumn Sun, two starts back, ran a good second to Good Banter, in the Adrian Knox Stakes at Randwick

The filly atoned next start winning on April 13, putting her name up in big lights.

She is going to be hard to beat, although up in class.

Another to watch could be Fawkner Park, who won in fine style at Wagga on March 7.

Prepared by leading trainer Annabel Neasham, she knows what it is all about, and has come in for a bit of money.

The Mick Price-Michael Kent trained Hezashocka impressed with a strong win in the Gosford Cup over 2200 metres, and he could go close here.

Mighty Ulyssess, a five-year-old gelding, has raced sparingly for top Queensland trainer Annabel Neasham, and has won five of his 12 starts, with a minor placing.

It wasn’t a bad run in the Hollindale Stakes running fourth behind Numerian, but is up in class here, and would need to show a bit more.

Next is the five-year-old gelding with ability, in Goldman, who after a couple of hard runs, especially behind First History i n one of the classics at Flemington over 2520 metres.

He then was found wanting in the Caulfield

Ted Ryan

Cup when finishing well- back behind Without A Fight in the Melbourne Cup.

He failed to fire in the Gosford Cup which was transferred to Newcastle due to track conditions.

He was up there early and hung on for fourth. But he has ability and Gai is confident he will win good races.

Another of Gai’s and Adrian Bott’s is Hoo Ya Mal, who will go around here.

The mail is that he has been working quite well, and the team are confident anything he contests in you will see the real Hoo Ya Mal

But he finished out of a place in the Hollindale, and I can’t have him for mine.

One with ability, is the Ciaron Maher trained Nugget, who has competed in some pretty strong races with some good runs.

Back on April 6, he ran a terrific fourth in the Doncaster at Randwick over the 1600 metres behind the smart miler, Celestial Legend

He certainly puts in having won seven of his 25 starts, for a seven-year-old.

But there is a whisper he may not run here.

A couple of Victorian gallopers could be having a go, both from the Danny O’Brien camp.

The first of these is the 2019 Melbourne Cup winner, Vow and Declare.

He has been racing quite well, and with Young Werther, both contested the Australian Cup back on March 30.

Unfortunately, neither ran a place, but the race attracted some smart horses, like the New Zealand mare Legarto, the top two WFA gallopers, Pride of Jenni, Mr Brightside, and Atishu. Of the possible contenders, last but not least, Territory Express

He won the Midway Championship in good style. Prepared in the Kembla Grange area, he won in good style, but I feel he may be up against it here, up in class.

Mighty win

■ The Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour National Sweep allocates a starting gate for the ‘race that stops the nation’ to the 24 Rural and Regional Lexus Melbourne Cup Tour destinations across Australia.

Destination representatives are flown to Melbourne to witness the race live at Flemington and cheer on the horse running in their town’s allocated barrier.

The town drawing the barrier of the Cupwinning horse receives $50,000 for charity supporting a local community initiative.

Last year, Macedon emerged as the lucky winner and chose, Living Legends, known for housing retired Melbourne Cup champions as their charity of choice.

Drawing barrier 16, Macedon enthusiastically cheered on the Anthony and Sam Freedman, trained stayer, Without A Fight, during the iconic race.

The People’s Cup paid a visit to the regional Victorian town in October, where the prestigious three-handled trophy worth graced several community events.

● ● ● ● Numerian with Jamie Mott aboard. Racing Photos.

NEAT PROGRAM AT YARRA VALLEY

■ Yarra Valley commenced the week on Monday May 13 with a neat program in delightful conditions.

Kilmore part-owner/trainer/driver George Schembri scored a big win with 6Y0 Hurrikane Kingcole-Lace Nation mare Paigethehurrikane in the Ashmores Smash Repairs Lilydale Pace over 1650 metres.

Beginning fast from gate six to head off her polemark stablemate Springfield Shadow, Paigethehurrikane was allowed to run and that she did, leaving her rivals standing on the final bend to record a 11.7 metre margin in advance of the heavily supported Treacheroustimes (three wide last lap from near last), with Nothing Sweeter (three pegs) running on late when clear 9.1 metres back after being held up approaching the home turn. The mile rate 1-58.3.

■ Twelve-year-old Stonebridge RegalLotsasilkari gelding Lotakevi brought up two wins in succession by taking the Yarra Valley Party Hire Pace over 1650 metres for local Croydon part-owner/trainer John McGillivray in a mile rate of 1-56.9.

Driven by Chris Alford, Lotakevi was sent forward from gate six to cross the poleline leader Terroroan and rated a treat by one of the best in the business, ran out a 1.8 metre victor over Terroroan which used the sprint lane to no avail. Bus Stop (three pegs) finished fast for third when extricated away from the markers on turning to be a head away third. It was Lotakevi’s 19th success in 202 outings which include 50 placings.

■ Twenty-one-year-old Long Forest based reinsman Jordon Leedham has been driving in great form of late and snared a double on the day with a couple of four year olds - VincentBondi Miss gelding Chansu in the 1650 metre Donvale Bowls Club Pace and Danny BoucheaTrotn On The Casba gelding Mitchell Wrap in the 2150 metre Roxworx Trotters Handicap.

Chansu trained by Paul Parsons at Parwan led throughout from the pole to account for local Feel The Buzz (three pegs) by 5.2 metres which had eased off the back of Tinman who had been second all of the way before finishing third 2.7 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.

Mitchell Wrap part-owned and trained by veteran 89-year-old Smythes Creek (Ballarat) horseman Keith Douglas was given the run of the race from barrier four trailing the pacemaker Midnight Avenger (barrier three).

Coming away from the inside approaching the home turn after oldtimer Kheiron applied pressure to the pilot and raced clear, Mitchell Wrap raced away in the straight to gain the day by 8.1 metres over Kheiron who easily held second. Sertorious (one/one) was third 8.7 metres away. The mile rate 2-06.2.

Good reward

■ Bendigo was Tuesday’s venue and Rockbank owner/trainer Emmanuel Portelli’s American Ideal-Garta colt Scherger That was rewarded for consistency by winning the Pryde’s Easifeeds 2Y0 Colts & Geldings Maiden Pace over 2150 metres.

With Chris Alford in the sulky, Scherger Man began brilliantly from outside the front line to lead but when pressured by the hot favourite Schwarz on debut, elected to hand over the front running and trail.

Using the sprint lane, Scherger That did best to prevail by a head and always looked like doing so. Coastal Drive after racing exposed from the bell was third 3.6 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.2.

■ Andy and Kate Gath were successful with former Kiwi 4Y0 Vincent-River Belle gelding Seve in the 1650 metre Huntly Lifestyle Estate By Lincoln Place Pace.

Returning a mile rate of 1-55.3. Starting from gate three on the second line, Kate wasted no time in sending Seve forward to race outside the front runner Rimu Valley (gate five) which had crossed a flying Leavemeout starting outside the front line.

Despite racing uncovered, Seve had too much quality for his rivals scoring by 3.3 metres. Leavemeout used the sprint lane for third a neck away.

■ Very honest 5Y0 Lincoln Royale-Iris Calaby gelding Hungry Hogarth was impressive when

Harness Racing

len-baker@ bigpond.com

with Len Baker

winning the Southern Cross Office Equipment (SCOE) Pace over 2150 metres for Charlton’s Michael Gadsden with James Herbertson aboard. Beginning fast to lead from gate two, ‘Herby’ was happy to hand over to Tino Tere Maori (gate three on the second line) which lobbed one/one before going forward to challenge for the front running.

Poised to pounce along the sprint lane on turning, Hungry Howgarth bloused the leader by 4.6 metres returning a mile rate of 1-59.2, Kathys Free (three pegs) was third 2.9 metres away. The duo made it a double when 7Y0 Heston Blue Chip-The Irish Princess gelding Dallas Charlie led throughout from gate five in the 1650 metre Nigel Milne Harness Racing (Insanity Lodge) Pace to record a 7.4 metre margin over Salsboy which trailed from the pole in 1-57.7. Feng Shui Star (one/one from gate three) was third 2.9 metres back.

■ Balliang trainer Tyrone Abela’s in-form Centurion Alm-Savoie filly All That Remains was an easy winner of the 2150 metre Results Financial Services Trotters Handicap over 2150 metres. Going forward after a fast beginning from 20 metres for Chris Alford to arrest the lead away from Straight To The Top (barrier three), All That Remains after being given a cosy passage recorded a 1.2 metre margin over Magic Law along the sprint lane from three pegs, with Straight To The Top hold third 2.4 metres back. The mile rate a comfortable 2-04.

Midweek at Shepp.

■ Shepparton raced on Wednesday and long time passionate Kilmore breeder/owner/trainer Bill Milner landed the Faye Goodman Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres with Love YouAuravale 6Y0 gelding Astro a winner of four from 66 outings going into the race.

Driven by Romsey’s Chris Svanosio, Astro was given a sweet passage one/one from gate two on the second line as stablemate Luna led from the pole.

Easing three wide on the final bend, Astro raced clear in the straight to record a 3.1 metre margin from another stablemate Tetra (one/two) with Christmas Babe holding third a head back after following the leader. The mile rate 2-02.8. It was Auravale’s sixth individual winner, the others being Frosty Vale (Band Of Chips – 2 wins), Wortherly (Yankee Paco – 3), Opia (Lawman – 25), Dellsun (Majestic Son – 14), Dee (Dejarmbro – 1) and Astro (Love You – 4). Bill puts in a lot of time selecting sires for his broodmares.

■ What a formidable combination Tyrone Abela and Chris Alford are, chalking up another winner after Aldebaran Eagle-El Gelato gelding El Tornado scored in the 1690 metre Helen Head 2Y0 Trotters Mobile.

Starting from the extreme draw, Alford and El Tornado were off and running shortly after the start was effected to cross the leader I Am Hellbound (gate six) racing for the bell. Cruising to the wire 3.6 metres clear of I Am Hellbound which easily held second in a mile rate of 204.8. Majic Valley (three pegs – death seat last lap) was third 3.8 metres away.

■ On a night for the squaregaiters, Chris Svanosio made it a driving double after Kiwi bred 4Y0 Royal Aspirations-Kiitos gelding Gracias put up a strong performance to take out

the 1690 metre Torben & Kamma Sorensen Trotters Mobile in a rate of 1-58.8. Trained by Chris, Gracias starting outside the front line raced exposed for the entire trip outside the surprise leader Im Bobby (gate four) and after appearing to be struggling running into the final bend, rallied in the straight to gain the day by a half neck from Im Bobby, with Aldebaran Lodge (one/one from gate two) third 3.4 metres away. ■ Chris made it three when beautifully bred Majestic Son-Aleppo Midas gelding Hay Jet scored in the 1690 Margaret Kay 3Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile when making his race debut.

Going forward from gate six to park outside Distant Sun (Chris Alford), Hay Jet was strong at the finish, recording a 3.9 metre margin over the leader, with Aldebaran Marcus third 16.3 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.8.

■ Bolinda trainer Brent Lilley was successful with 5Y0 Father Patrick-Hot Pants entire Kyvalley Paint in the Alan and Pam Davis Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres.

Driven by the stable’s Tristan Larsen who is having a ball in Oz, Kyvalley Paint went forward from gate four to park outside the speedy beginner Christmas Babe before gaining cover after Hurricane Jane (gate three) was trapped three wide and went forward to race exposed.

Easing three wide running into the final bend, Kyvalley Paint ran home best to prevail by 1.1 metres from Avant Guard (three pegs – four wide home straight) which flashed late, Christmas Babe held third 3.8 metres away. The mile rate 2-02.2.

■ Popular Darraweit/Boinda part-owner/trainer

Alexandra Hurley and sister’s Fran (Adelaide) and El (Canberra) were winners when home bred 5Y0 Peak-Bras Dhonneur gelding Massif Central at start number 21 finally cracked it by taking the 1690 metre Brian and Mary Stoneham Maiden Trotters Mobile.

Driven by James Herbertson, Massif Central was given a beaut trip one/one from the extreme draw as Jack Of All Trades crossed pole marker Sweet Maori Miss with Fremarks Peggy in the open cutting at one another all through the race.

Easing three wide on the home turn, Massive Central ran home nicely to register an easy 9.2 metre margin over Jack Of All Trades who had no answer to his finish. Fremarks Peggy battled on gamely for third 3.1 metres back. The mile rate 2-03.

Rough results

■ Melton threw up some rough results on Thursday with most punters left lamenting. Racing commenced with the VHRC Mark Gurry and Associates Pace over 1720 metres with Burrumbeet trainer/driver Michael Stanley’s 4Y0 Pet Rock-Smiley Ella entire Exotic Bushranger saluting at odds of $21.00.

Starting inside the second line, Exotic Bushranger was quickly away from the markers and going forward to park outside the pacemaker Haveyoumetted for the final circuit.

Taking over on the home turn, Exotic Bushranger held a margin all the way to the wire to register an impressive 5.8 metre margin over First Class (six wide home turn) from the rear. Always The Showman used the sprint lane from four pegs for third 1.4 metres away. The mile rate 1-55.5.

■ Bunbartha’s John Newberry combined with James Herbertson to land the VHRC Black Horse Naturals Pace over 1720 metres with 5Y0 Live Or Die-Tatiana Rosedale gelding Hez Harrywho. Flying away from outside the front line to lead, Hez Harrywho rated to perfection ran out an easy 7.1 metre victor in 1-54.9 over Surfsup Tigerpie trailing which would have given Michael Stanley a double. Caruso Star after following the pair was third 4.1 metres back.

■ Old timer Love Ina Chevy, now twelve years of age recorded his first success since September 2022 when taking the 1720 metre VHRC Mazzetti Painting Pace in 1-56.3.

A 12Y0 gelded son of Jeremes Jet and Chevyover trained and driven by Melton’s Leilani Justice for long time stable client Colin Croft from Adelaide, Love Ina Chevy ($10.00) enjoyed a cosy passage from gate two trailing leader The Only Decision (gate four), before

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Meetings for the week : Wednesday –Swan Hill, Thursday – Maryborough/Ballarat, Friday – Shepparton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Cranbourne, Monday – Horsham, Tuesday – Bendigo.

charging home along the sprint lane to defeat a death-seating Hugo Rocks from the bell by a head, with The Only Decision third 5.5 metres away. Love Ina Chevy which made headlines a number of seasons back after recovering from an almost fatal snake bite was having his 243rd outing and chalked up victory number 32.

■ Sunbury part-owner/trainer Justin Livingstone and family were winners when 7Y0 Danny Bouchea-Rockin Wilma gelding Roi Du Soleil at odds of $34.00 snared the 1720 metre VHRC Heywoods Shepparton Motor Panels Trotters Mobile giving ‘Herbie’ his second winner for the night.

Saving every inch of ground three back along the markers from the extreme draw, Roi Du Soleil after angling wide on turning flashed home to prevail by a half neck from Majestic Tooth from well back. The heavily backed McGee was a game third 2.4 metres away after racing exposed from gate three and leading into the straight. The mile rate 2-00.6.

■ The biggest shock of the night was to come in the VHRC Haras Des Trotteurs Trotters Handicap over 2240 metres when Stawell partowner/trainer Toby Ainsworth’s 5Y0 Kvintet Avenger-Madeline Miss mare Designs scored at odds of $71.00 in a mile rate of 2-05.3. Driven by Finnish reinswoman Ada Massa, Designs (10m) after angling from four pegs to be one/ one approaching the final bend, raced to the front in the straight and just lasted by a nose in a tricky finish from Lovenus (10m) which gained a split in the straight. Deejay Dex (one/two last lap) after a bad beginning from 10 metres was third 3.5 metres away.

■ It’s very rare for much travelled Ararat freelance reinsman Michael Bellman not to go home from a meeting without a winner and after filling in a late night, landed the VHRC GBL Properties Pace over 1720 metres aboard Bulla part-owner/trainer James Elliott’s Well Said-Listen To The Rhythm 5Y0 gelding Beatboxer. Settling three pegs from gate two on the second line as polemarker Ideal Investment led, Beatboxer finished hard along the sprint lane to greet the judge by 2 metres from Kitch Macray which was checked at a vital stage.

Binno Major after trailing the pacemaker and easing off the inside to join him on the home turn was third 1.9 metres back. The mile rate 159.

Emotional night

■ Geelong raced on Friday and it was an emotional night for Bunbartha based owner/trainer/ driver Craig Hoban when 4Y0 SportswriterDancingwithsierra entire Give Dad A Wave named in honor of his late father Gary scored in the 1609 metre Breast Cancer Network Australia Maiden Pace.

Settling four back along the markers after starting inside the second line as Alamo (gate six) was a surprise leader, Give Dad A Wave was able to come away from the inside approaching the home turn to make the final bend three wide.

Racing clear over the concluding stages, Give Dad A Wave recorded a 3.5 metre victory at his eighth race appearance, accounting for Atomic Glory along the sprint lane after trailing the leader, with Megawatts extricating from six pegs in the last lap to be very wide in the home straight third 1.7 metres back. The mile rate 159.3. Craig and mother Kim also bred the winner. - Len Baker

Classifieds 9489 2222

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AIR CONDITIONER. Twin model 35-litre tanks. Model XC 235. Power 2.5 HP. 20 metres blue hose. VGC. $150. Wollert. 0412 851 954. H-K

BEER BREWING KIT. Includes two hydrometers, air lock brewing containers, 1 x 25-litre, 1 x 10-litre sping loaded bottle capper. GC. $20. Hastings. 0466 252 967.F-I

BICYCLE. 7-speed fuldup bike. Used twice. Includes helmet, master lock and light. New. $100. Ferntree Gully,. 0433 887 719.F-I

BIKE STAND. olds a stationery bike while you pedal. GC. Paid $180, sell $30. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. F-I

BLINDS. Clarke’s. Suitable for 4 bedroom house, 1 kitchen, 238cm x 120cm down. Dining 2 x 177cm x 125cm. Deck 180cm x 210cm, `100cm c 10cm down. Lounge 230cm x 177cm. Bedroom 1 x 2 60x 180 x 90 @ x 180 bedroom 2+3 175 x 120cm down. Office/bedroom 4 175cm x 120cm. All as new. Charcoal and beige colour. EC. $950 total. Officer. 0407 339 696. H-K

BOOKS, Storey Treehouse. 13 to 143. Andy Griffiths, Terry Denton, Immaculate condition. $25. Brighton. 0402 027 621. H-K

BUNNINGS Complete Guide To Gardening. New. $10. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356.F-I

CARAVAN TOWING

HITCH. 3.0 ton. Ease lift, elite. GC. $200. Hastings. 0466 252 967.F-I

CARAVAN. 2011 Jayco Eagle Outback. Inner spring mattresses, bike rack, roof rack, non-smokers, stove unused, good clean condition. $20,000, price is firm. View in Bayswater. Phone Dean, 0407 350 560.F-I

CHILD’S ROCKING HORSE. Fully restored. As new. Steel Support Frame. $65. Mt Eliza. 0412 830 241.

ENCYCLOPEDIA. World Book. Plus Year Books 80/ 81. Science Books 82/83 and World Book Dictionary

A-K/L-Z. $90 or offer. GC. $90. Frankston. 9789 9634.F-I

FRIDGE. LC 400-lt. Bot freezer, stainless finish. HT 1730, Wide 700, deep 660. 6 years old. As new. $300. Hastings. 0466 252 967.F-I

GENERATOR. Petrol. 4stroke. 1000 watts. Ideal for camping. Lights fridge. Small power tools. Little use. VGC, as new. $250. Launching Place. 5967 4412.F-I

MOBILITY SCOOTER. Front basket. Rear larger sealed bag. Two large new batteries. VGC. $2000. Reservoir. 9460 1501. F-I

MOBILITY WHEELCHAIR. Ridge. Purchased 2023. Model Ul8-W12. Metallic red. Trim two-tone grey. As new. $2100. Bellfield. 9499 5896. H-K

PARK BENCH. Wrought Iron Ends. Needs Wooden Slats. Handyman’s delight to put together. Needs a little TLC, paint. GC. $40. Surrey Hills. 9808 9176, after 5pm is good time. F-I

REGISTRATION PLATES. Personalised. MISUBI. B/W. Slimline. VGC. $1500 or offer. Frankston. 9789 9634. F-I

TELEVISION. Panasonic. 32 inch. GC. $30. Mount Martha. 5973 4163. H-K

RIDE-ON Easy Lift for easy cleaning and maintenance of your ride-on lawn mower. Folds flat for easy storage. Like new. $250. Yarck. 0414 718 812.H-K

ROCKING DONKEY. Jakas. Australian Fabric/ Draplon Fur. Chrome SXteel Rockers. Fully restored. As new. $80. Mt Eliza. 0412 830 241.

ROOF TILES. Dark brown. Terra cotta. 150. GC. Free. Launching Place. 5967 4412.F-I

SOFA BED. 2.5 Seat. As new condition. Licorice colour. Includes full-size foam mattress. $400. Mt Eliza. 0412 830 241.

SPORTLINER VAN. With annex, microwave, double bed, sink, hot water, gas, hot plates, TV aerial, kitchen stuff, bedding. Seats 3. Electric brakes very tight, 690,000-km. Easy to tow. Year 209. GC. $13,000. Rosebud. 5986 6352.F-I

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VHS TAPES. 4-hour running time. New. Never used. $4 each. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356.F-I

VIBRATION TRAINER. Wellness. Clare. Circulation Stimulator. VGC. $200. Frankston. 9789 9634.F-I

WANTED TO BUY

AWA RADIOLA portable transistor model released around 1960-1961. Brown colour preferred. Round dial, plastic white. Average to good working working condition. Will pay $200+. Beaumaris. 9589 1457.F-I

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Serving families for over 25 years with a full range of Dental Services 1/97 Cathies Lane Wantirna South 3152 Ph: 9800 2288 cathieslanedental@gmail.com www.cathieslanedental.com.au GLASS All types of glass, glazing, mirrors, shower screens T T T T Terr err err err y Ryan y y Ryan y y 9879 0373 or 9879 or 9879 0373 or 9879 or Mobile 0418 369 294 Mobile 0418 294

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

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