The Local Paper. Eastern Suburbs Edition. Wed., Sep. 25, 2024
■ North-Eastern Metropolitan MLC Richard Welch has accused the Allan Labor State Government of “pork barrelling at its finest”.
“The obscenely bloated $250 million SRL Community Projects Fund, the $10 million North East Community Fund and the $2.2 million Creative Projects Fund may sound like benevolent initiatives, but they are being used as pork-barrelling at its finest,” Mr Welch said.
“These funds are selectively allocated to marginal electorates or politically sensitive areas, exploiting with caveats on silence or disguising political collateral as project information.
“This is corrupt practice, and it needs to be called out. These funds are being allocated far outside all the normal protocols of oversight and due process for allocating taxpayer money –and it is exploiting the opaque governance structures of Big Build enterprises to camouflage and hide it.”
Mr Welch said it was a misue of taxpayers’ funds.
MP PLEADS FOR KNOX SES FUNDS
■ Parliamentarian Ann-Marie Hermans has pleaded for funding for State Emergency Service volunteer units, such as that at Knox.
“The action I seek is for the Minister [for Emergency Services] to heed the calls from the Victorian SES to improve their funding and provide necessary resources to enable them to continue to provide effective emergency responses in critical situations,” Ms Hermans said.
“I have had a number of SES units – Chelsea, Narre Warren and Knox – contact my office asking for support in securing sustainable funding for their volunteers, which is sadly lacking in this budget.
“VICSES is a volunteer-based organisation committed to providing emergency assistance to minimise the impact of emergencies, reduce trauma to those exposed to emergencies and enhance community resilience across Victoria.
“The 4800 volunteers statewide respond to all manner of emergencies, including floods, storms, tsunamis, earthquakes, landslides and road crashes,” Ms Hermans said.
Ann-Marie Hermans
Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens
ARIES: (March 21- April 20)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers:
7.8.3.4.
Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.34.45.5.
The unexpected concerning money debts could increase, yet money is coming in to improve conditions. Love life looks good. It is much wiser not to mix business with pleasure and find a little time for yourself.
TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)
Lucky Colour: green
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers:
6.7.3.4.
Lotto Numbers: 3.12.23.24.35.44.
Life is about to become pretty exciting. Be very discreet in your love relationships. News from a distance could startle you. A friend may need your down-to-earth advice and support.
GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)
Lucky Colour: Peach
Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers:
8.9.3.4.
Lotto Numbers: 1.23.23.34.43.44.
Be discreet in love relationships. Your intuition could be a definite plus in any business transaction. An unexpected invitation could improve your mood.
CANCER: (June 22- July 22)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.4.5.6.
Lotto Numbers: 6.7.23.34.41.33.
It would be best if you considered others before making significant decisions. A new friend could become very important, and things you want will happen.
LEO: (July 23- August 22)
Lucky Colour: Violet
Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.3.4.
Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.35.28.6.
Many will be making changes in most aspects of their lives. Love life looks happier, and time spent with lovers is the most enjoyable part of this period.
VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8.4.5.6.
Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.34.35.7.
There is a lot more money coming in, but more going out. Most are about to even score on luck and get well ahead. Most of you will impress the opposite sex.
LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)
Lucky Colour: Mauve
Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 8.9.4.2.
Lotto Numbers: 1.15.24.37.45.9. You should be able to receive some good news from a distance; people you did not care much for in the past could be a surprise. Memorable moments with loved ones are about.
SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 8.4.6.7.
Lotto Numbers: 5.7.23.34.33.44. Make sure you know the contents of the papers you sign, and if in doubt, seek expert advice. Real estate and related matters are very much on your mind during this period.
SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 9.4.5.6.
Lotto Numbers: 4.12.23.34.42.11. If you do not take care of your health now, you could be feeling overwhelmed by so many plans and not enough energy to do them. Many people find themselves in a dilemma of too many choices.
CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)
Lucky Colour: Yellow
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8.3.5.4.
Lotto Numbers: 1.14.23.34.45.22. This should be a very romantic period for you, and some of your fondest wishes should come true. You might have to make an extra effort to get things working at your workplace.
AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7.8.3.4.
Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.25.34.44.
Financially, it is a very profitable period to develop a new idea. This idea could carry your plans much further. It was also a busy time socially, and I made some new and exciting friends.
PISCES: (February 20- March 20)
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7.8.4.5.
Lotto Numbers: 1.13.23.24.34.35. More harmony and understanding in your personal affairs. Many could find them only during this period. Your charm should be able to get you everywhere.
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206 new homes at Hawthorn
■ Harriet Shing, Minister for Housing, for Water, for Equality, has spoken in State Parliament about 206 new homes in Hawthorn.
“I was joined by the Premier and the former member for Hawthorn, Mr John Kennedy, who is a staunch advocate of a project at Bills Street in Hawthorn – a project which a current member of the opposition, the leader in the other place, perhaps the soon-to-be former Leader of the Opposition in the other place, opposed and which Mr Davis is on the record as having opposed – to celebrate the completion of 206 new social and affordable homes in Hawthorn ,” Ms Shing said.
“This new housing has replaced 52 old, nolonger-fit-for-purpose dwellings with 103 new social homes and 103 new affordable homes, boosting social housing on the site by 98 per cent. “Throughout this beautiful, vibrant development there are fantastic community facilities that include barbecues, pocket parks, 90 additional trees and play equipment.
“The design of these homes, including features like doubleglazed windows, a local energy network and solar panels will provide residents living there with the best energy deal in the market, making it easier for them to stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
“We have already started welcoming residents into their new homes, like Markrit, who we met this morning along with her gorgeous dachshund Archie. Markrit moved into Bills Street six weeks ago, and in her words, she believes her new home is the light at the end of the tunnel.
“She has had to endure some of life’s most difficult curveballs, including homelessness and some of the stigma that comes with it.
“This morning she spoke about how her new home has helped her to overcome the shame she experienced, saying: ‘From my personal experience, it has changed my outlook, given me a platform to get on my feet. I can’t tell you how grateful I am. It has been the best experience of my life’.
“Our $6.3 billion investment is changing people’s lives.
“We have more than 9800 homes either complete or underway. I am looking forward to continuing our partnership with the Commonwealth, through the $10 billion Housing Australia Future Fund, which is going to make a significant difference, changing the lives of so many people,” Ms Shing said.
EASTERN BUSINESSES ABOUT TO SHUT
■ North-Eastern Metropolitan MLC Richard Welch is concerned about pressures on businesses in the eastern suburbs.
“New data from the ABS shows that 150,000 Victorian businesses shut down across 2023–24,” Mr Welch told the Legislative Council.
“Victoria has the worst business growth figures in the nation.
“In my electorate, businesses within the Suburban Rail Loop precinct, so areas like Kingsway in Glen Waverley and Whitehorse Road in Box Hill, are under additional commercial stress due to disruption from the building works, the uncertainty of planning and tax changes, compulsory acquisitions and increasingly insecurity of tenure due to redevelopment propositions.
“Businesses are drifting away, and remaining businesses are facing terrible stress.
“Many have told me they are just months away from having to close their business.
“To date, the compensation to these businesses from the Suburban Rail Loop Authority has been pitiful, ineffective and in in some cases insulting.
“None is adequate. My question is: will he please provide adequate support?” Mr Welch asked.
Repair and Reuse
■ Boroondara Council will conduct a free Repair and Reuse Community Day on Saturday, November 23.
The event will be held at the Parkview Room (next to Camberwell Library) between 10 am and 2 pm on the day.
There will be a variety of stallholders, and attendees can join skills-based workshops, including DIY fixing and mending of everyday household and clothing items.
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.
● ● Harriet Shing, State Minister
Artwork supplied by client
CITY OF DAREBIN ELECTIONS ADVERTISEMENT
Melbournewide
SOUTH-EAST
No consultation by State Govt.
■ Georgie Crozier, Southern Metropolitan MLC, says the State Labor Government has failed to conult with local residents about the Suburban Rail Loop.
“I was with the member for Sandringham in Highett at a huge community event that over 300 people attended, expressing their concerns around the government’s proposed Suburban Rail Loop and the impacts to that community not only of Sandringham but also of the electorate of Bentleigh and of the Moorabbin activity centre, where the Government has just bulldozed in, provided no consultation and really blindsided the community,” Ms Crozier said.
“It is very disingenuous for the government to say that the community have known about this; they have not.
“They have not known about the taxes that will be applied, about the density and about the issues that are going to be impacting their community, and to say they are concerned is an understatement.
“We heard from people who were talking about the lack of ability to argue with the Government around the taxes that will be applied, the acquisition of their properties, the prices that the Government will pay and the mental health impacts that these decisions are having on that community.
“It is a huge concern, and I think this community and many other communities are being impacted by this ideological push by the government, where they have blindsided councils in terms of their consultation process as well.
“As many members on this side of the chamber know, we will not stand for this.
“We will back communities over this pushthrough approach by the Premier and her Government,” Ms Crozier said.
NORTH MELBOURNE HOMES READY FOR RENTERS
■ Harriet Shing, Minister for Housing, opened the newly completed Abbotsford St development in North Melbourne which has boosted social housing on site by 13 per cent.
Part of the State Government’s investment in housing to deliver modern, safe and secure homes for vulnerable families right across Victoria – the development replaced 112 outdated dwellings with 127 contemporary and sustainable social housing homes.
These new one, two, three and four-bedroom homes are modern and energy efficient, meaning renters will be warmer in winter and cooler in summer, while saving on their power bills.
Delivered through a partnership between Homes Victoria, MAB Corporation and HousingFirst the project supported more than 480 jobs during construction.
The development includes publicly accessible green space and is close to North Melbourne Primary School, tram lines, Royal Park and the hospitals and health services along Flemington Rd
The social housing stage has reached completion with renters to be welcomed to their new homes in the coming weeks. Additionally, 17 market townhouses will be completed in the coming weeks.
Statewide
STATEWIDE Plant based treaty essential: MLC
■ Georgie Purcell, Northern Victoria MLC, has spoken in State Parliament about a plant based treaty.
“The Climate Change Authority has just told the Federal Government what many of us have been saying for a long time: Australians must cut back on red meat in order to reach net zero by 2050,” Ms Purcell told the Legislative Council.
“In fact the future of our planet relies on it. Fighting fossil fuels simply is not enough.
“We must transform our food system and we must do it urgently. That is why one of my first actions as a member of Parliament was to endorse the Plant Based Treaty.
“Animal agribusiness is one of the driving forces behind the climate emergency, yet it remains the cow in the room that no other politicians want to talk about.
“It does not just stop there. Our exploitation of animals is also causing extensive biodiversity loss, deforestation, species extinction, water depletion, soil degradation and ocean dead zones.
“Just like the Paris agreement, the Plant Based Treaty recognises that no one single country can tackle the ecological impact of animal agriculture by itself.
“A global solution to a global emergency is essential to avert a climate catastrophe, and while so many focus on corporations and industries to bring about change, we all have the individual power and the responsibility as well.
“The world is burning, and if we are genuinely serious about ensuring that our planet is inhabitable in the future, I urgently call on my colleagues in the Parliament here and around Australia to add their name to the Plant Based Treaty too,” Ms Purcell told the Legislative Council.
● ● Harriet Shing, State Minister
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
In association with the Established September 14, 1969
Published in localised editions in 40 areas across Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula and some country areas.
ABOUT US
Incorporating the traditions of the Evelyn Observer (Est. 1873), 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
The Local Paper is published weekly online and printed fortnightly and circulates in local editions:
Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, John O’Keefe
Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Sherryn Danaher, Peter Green, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Peter Murphy, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel.
Logistics: Tyler Sandiford, Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky
Credit Manager: Michael Conway OAM, Fast Action
0402 142 866
Ash on Wednesday Barricade tape recycled
■ Yarra Valley Water is switching to recycled barricade tape at worksites, removing over 100 km of virgin plastic tape from circulation every year.
The new tape, produced by Melbourne social enterprise Cacti Conserve, is designed to reduce environmental impact and support a circular economy.
As one of Australia’s largest water corporations, Yarra Valley Water uses barricade tape during work on water and sewer infrastructure, to identify worksites and keep crew members and the public safe.
Yarra Valley Water General Manager Distribution and Growth, Bridie Fennessy , said the organisation has adopted the tape as part of a range of actions to reduce the impact of essential water and sewer works on the environment.
“Switching to recycled and recyclable tape is a small change, that can make a difference over time,” she said.
“It works well, looks great and is a more sustainable alternative to traditional plastic tape made from raw materials.”
The new ‘Eco barricade tape’ is made from 96 per cent recycled soft plastic waste and can be recycled again at end of life.
Cacti Conserve supports this by providing a service to collect used tape and recycle it again.
“Plastic pollution is one of our most pressing environmental challenges.
“The production, use, and disposal of
Long Shots
“For
plastic is a huge contributor to biodiversity loss,” Ms Fennessy said.
“By reducing the demand for raw materials, this small change helps to prevent habitat destruction and preserve natural ecosystems that are crucial for biodiversity.”
“Switching to a recycled product aligns with the commitment we’ve made as a business to take a sustainable approach wherever we can.”
Cacti Conserve, which manufactures the tape, reinvests 50 per cent of its profits into local conservation projects.
Founder Jackson Ellis said it was just one of the products in the company’s Eco Site Safety range, which helps businesses make more sustainable choices for a healthy planet.
“Collaborating with Yarra Valley Water through their transition to our recycled tape is an opportunity to both support local manufacturers using recycled materials, and to provide material benefits for our at-risk ecosystems,” Mr Ellis said.
Yarra Valley Water is responsible for maintaining, renewing and constructing over 21,000 km of water, recycled water and sewerage pipes.
Ms Fennessy said Yarra Valley Water is committed to leading for the environment by exploring new ways to reduce resource use.
“Leading for our environmental future is part of our broader strategy to contribute to Victoria's circular economy.”
Local News
Thanks to Choir
■ Appreciation has been extended to Norman Katende from the Uganda the Pearl of Africa Victoria Association and Jason Wood MP for their role in securing visas for the Watoto Children’s Choir
North-Eastern Metropolitan MLC Richard Welch told State Parliament: “The choir is made up of orphaned and vulnerable children from Uganda who share their powerful stories of hope and resilience through music and dance.
“I had the privilege of watching them perform, and their energy and spirit were truly inspiring.
“The choir not only entertained but raised awareness of the challenges faced by these young performers in their homeland.
“Thank you to everyone involved in making this impactful visit and their tour possible, and the best of luck to them on the rest of their tour,” Mr Welch said.
Web prohibition
■ South Eastern Metropolitan MLC David Limbrick says internet prohibition for youngsters will not work.
“For most of us, discovering the people in charge do not really know what they are doing is a harsh lesson reserved for later in life, but our kids are growing up faster than ever these days, because this is a harsh lesson they are learning right now,” Mr Limbrick said.
“First we had governments in Victoria locking them out of their school, taping off their playgrounds and putting sand on their skateboard ramps, but now authoritarians from every major party want to ban their social media.
“The masterminds who believe they are going to control the internet are the same kinds of people who were convinced the COVIDSafe app would stop the pandemic.
“When kids hear them talking about controlling Facebook and X it is a joke, because they actually prefer platforms like YouTube and Discord
“We also know governments are just as inept at protecting our privacy as they are at controlling the internet, and we should be very wary of digital IDs.
“Authoritarians want to protect children from social media. The Libertarian Party believe we should protect children from authoritarians.
“We know prohibition does not work. We believe kids are not stupid, and we believe families are the best people to decide about their access to social media.
“My advice for kids and parents is to have a conversation about getting a virtual private network and, while you are at it, a conversation about the dangers of big government,” Mr Limbrick said.
Cop over the limit
■ An off-duty police officer was allegedly detected drink driving in Lilydale on Friday night (Sep. 20).
The male sergeant, from eastern region, entered a booze bus location on Swansea Rd about 8.30pm.
The 40-year-old man did a preliminary breath test, returning a positive result.
He underwent an evidentiary breath test, returning an alleged reading of .079.
He received an infringement notice for the drink driving offence and his licence has been suspended for six months.
Death at Croydon
■ Police are investigating a fatal collision in Croydon on Saturday evening (Sep. 21).
It is understood a car travelling in the intersection of Landale Avenue and Dorset Rd struck a pedestrian before a second car struck the pedestrian again just after 7pm.
The male pedestrian died at the scene.
The two drivers, one female and one male, were not injured and were being questioned by police.
Exact circumstances surrounding the collisions are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing, according to a Victoria Police representative.
Melbourne
Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre
Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment
Rourke,
Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing
● ● Yarra Valley Water initiative
What’s On Comedy Showcase
● ● Dave O'Neil (top left), Geraldine Quinn, Billy Stiles and Brad Oakes star in The Melbourne Comedy Showcase.
■ The Melbourne Comedy Showcase will be presented at the Shirley Burke Theatre, Parkdale, on October 25, featuring Dave O’Neil, Billy Stiles, Brad Oakes and Geraldine Quinn.
The show is intended for everyone –whether it’s a 'family with teens or retirees, boomers, gen Xers or a group of gal pals', and will suit those who can't decide which comedian to see..
Dave O’Neil has over 30 years of experience, and regularly appears on TV programs including the ABC’s Spicks and Specks
Billy Stiles is a rising star who performed to sold-out audiences at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2023.
Brad Oakes has headlined multiple international shows and appeared on Hey Hey It’s Saturday, Totally Full Frontal and The Comedy Company.
Rock comedy singer, writer and director Geraldine Quinn has been performing her award-winning original pop/rock cabaret all around the world for almost two decades.
Dave O’Neil, Geraldine Quinn, Brad Oakes and Billy Stiles will perform for one huge night of hilarity.
Friday October 25, 7.30pm
Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd, Parkdale
Recommended for ages 16+ https://www.kingstonarts.com.au/ Whats-On/all-events/melbournecomedy-showcase - Cheryl Threadgold
Ruddigore
■ In a recent short season at the Alexander Theatre in Clayton, Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria (GSOV) put on an entertaining production of Gilbert and Sullivan's Ruddigore - or, The Witch's Curse.
A comic opera in two acts, Ruddigore follows the story of a shy gentleman farmer who is in love with a fair and comely young maiden.
Unfortunately the farmer is not what he appears to be as his titled family is the victim of a witch's curse, a fact he has hidden from all save his trusty manservant. However, events conspire to reveal this deception with much mayhem ensuing.
Narratively speaking, the first half of the opera was the more successful due to a stronger structure and smoother flow between scenes and songs. The second half, while having its moments, was more fractured and harder to follow; only one or two numbers had the musical strength of the first half. The wit and charm of the original script was evident throughout though, notwithstanding some unsuccessful attempts at modernising several jokes.
Ruddigore had a large cast with ten principal roles played by Zoe Lancaster, James Douglas, Daniel Vigne, John Parncutt, Jenny Wakefield, Melissa Hill, Phil Elphinstone, Robin Halls, Kate Thurkle and Hannah Sleeth. In addition, there was an all-female chorus of 11 and two all-male choruses made up of 12 actors. All performers were wonderful in bringing their characters to life with some excellent singing on display. Mention must also be made of the wonderful GSOV orchestra and their sterling rendition of the musical score.
The opera was directed by Ron Pidcock with Trevor Henley as musical director. Their depth of experience and skill was evident in how they realised the script and score and deftly handled such a large cast, enabling some great performances and hilarious moments.
Gilbert and Sullivan is not for everyone but Ruddigore proved an enjoyable divertissement and was well received by an enthusiastic audience.
- Review by Peter Murphy
Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless
FESTIVAL GETS PERSONAL
■ Artists of the Melbourne Fringe Festival invite audiences to peek into their personal lives, serving up rambunctious stories that can only be conceivable as real life because the artists are here to tell the tales.
While the narratives are often serious, life threatening or completely terrifying, in the hands of these Fringe artists audiences will experience life affirming,funny and inspiring performances. These first-hand recounts will be on show from October 1–20.
The Dilly Dally of Death & Dying is a new, semi biographical work from writer/performer Ben Noble. In 2020, one of Ben’s friends noticed that he had a limp, beginning a six-month process of doctors’ visits and investigations. Ultimately, Ben was told he might only have six months to live, and so he waited to see if he was about to die. As a result, his theatre company, Fairly Lucid Productions decided to talk to people about death and grief. Using these interviews as a springboard, a charming, humorous, silly comedy emerged, exploring mortality and what we leave behind, blending music, storytelling, autofiction and audience participation. October 2–6 at The Square in Festival Hub:Trades Hall.
Colin Ebsworth is presenting Me, My Cult and I, a story that follows Colin’s parents being matched at random in a mass wedding at New York’s Maddison Square Gardens in the 80s by a man who said he was Jesus Christ. Through a mix of theatre and comedy, My Cult & I explores the inner workings of why people join cults, and the universal search for connection, belonging, and purpose.October 9-13 at the Music Room at Festival Hub:Trades Hall
Comedian Scout Boxall resents God’s Favourite, a forensic retelling of their harrowing night-long mental marathon after getting stranded in regional Victoria without medication for the first time in 12 years. In the process, they imagine life in the 13th century, trawl the strangest crevices of the Internet and (briefly) find God. Scout was the winner of Best Comedy at Adelaide Fringe in 2023, the Moosehead Award at Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2022, and the Best Newcomer nominee at MICF in 2021. October 9–13 at the Corner Store in Festival Hub: Trades Hall.
Pam Wood is an emotional rollercoaster in a merry-go-round world. She’s a 67-year-old redcordial-level extrovert, with a bunch of complex mental health diagnoses and death-defying resilience. Pam has never performed before. But now she must in Dys-Ord-ed. It turns out her audaciously unorthodox life has been one, giant creative development towards this defining moment in which she will finally find her voice. Dys-Order-Ed is an autobiographical solo show about owning who you are with guts and grace. October 2–6 at La Mama.
Wage Against The Machine weaves a tapestry of comedic anecdotes that resonate with anyone who's ever clocked in at a less-than-perfect job. Award-winning comedian and storyteller, Matt Harvey (The Shovel, The Shot) confesses he still owes money through Robotdebt. Throughout the show Harvey shares his experience cleaning up the government’s mistakes.
October 1–20 at Mission to Seafarers
Med School is one-man show about becoming a doctor against your will. Noah Szto endured four years of med school in hopes that it'd make for a good show one day. Including an hour of songs and stand-up, Szto guides audiences through the misadventures of his reluctant medical journey. Noah Szto is an AsianAustralian comedian whose debut hour of comedy “Success in Everything” won him Best Newcomer Award at Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2024 and the Comedy New Work Award at Melbourne Fringe 2023. October 9–18 at Long Play
Patrick Livesey delivers their latest work, I hope this mean something, the inaugural recipient of the Melbourne Fringe Climate Crisis Commission , supported by the Malcolm Robertson Foundation. October 2–13 at Chapel off Chapel.
Festival
In Dad Genes, performer Eddie Pattison shares the experience of losing a father while becoming kinda, sort of a man.
October 2–6 in the Evatt Room in Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Cheryl Threadgold
Live At The Count’s
■ Monash University Performing Arts Centre has partnered with the Melbourne Cabaret Festival to present The Melbourne Cabaret Festival Roadshow Live at former jazz club The Count's until November 27 at 48 Exhibition Walk, Monash University Clayton Campus. Highlights include:
The Cabaret Hour: Jens Radda and Iva Rosebud, October 9
Melbourne’s award-winning cabaret duo Jens Radda and Iva Rosebud present a show of soaring live vocals, laugh out loud comedy, razor-sharp wit and dance numbers. A setlist features the timeless tunes of Sinatra, Piaf, Porter and Bassey.
Alyce Platt presents: Drole de Petit Monde, October 23
Alyce Platt is an iconic Australian singersongwriter and actor who presents her music through the slightly crooked lens of the Indiepop artist. No Alyce Platt performance is ever the same. Her original songs, like the artist herself, are quirky, emotive and heartfelt. Alyce Platt always performs with passion and intensity.
Get It Together, October 16
Step into the whimsical world of laughter and music with “Get It Together” – a one-man comedic extravaganza that aims to tickle your funny bone and tug at your heartstrings. Fresh from celebrated seasons at the Melbourne Cabaret Festival and The Butterfly Club, Alister Kingsley brings his unique blend of wit and melody to the stage.
Elton John - Your Song, October 30
What makes 70s music so fabulous? Elton John for one Elton John - Your Song invites you to pay tribute to the undisputed worldwide emperor of glam pop. Whip out those old flares and zhoozh your hair as Matthew Hadgraft (ABBALive, Peter Allen Live in Inverted Commas, The Boy From Oz) sings up the greatest party night of the decade – just like the movie, but wayyy better ‘cause you’re allowed to sing along.
Dates: October 9 - November 27
Venue: The Count's, Monash University Clayton Campus, 48 Exhibition Walk The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts, Clayton. Bookings and further information: monash.edu/performing-arts-centres/whats-on/ ?tab=live-at-the-counts - Cheryl Threadgold
Local Theatre Hamlet
■ Iain Sinclair’s production of Shakespeare’s Hamlet by the Melbourne Shakespeare Company democratises the Bard.
Performed in the round, the audience become fellow interlocutors in both the drama and the discourse.
As spectators, they respond to the characters – the dialogue and the action.
Sinclair has the performers sitting amongst the audience as if we are present as the drama unfolds. In this way, there is a balance achieved between the humour and tragedy, the argument and the action.
Lines can be delivered seeking understanding or approval from the audience heightening the drama.
There is no set as such and this is how it could well have been in Shakespeare’s day. And but for deft lighting changes, there is very little else other than the actors themselves to alter the moment.
And who would have thought that the light from a mobile phone, the integration of which was clever and appropriate, could set the dramatic mood necessary during the tension of the opening scene.
The actors themselves (and there are too many to name in a short review) carried the lines with authority eschewing the pretension often associated with the Bard making the discourse real and personal.
Hamlet’s madness (Jacob Collins-Levy), thus, becomes real. We follow the continuum of his descent.
Sinclair’s adaptation has been edited to fit the 150-minute running time. This, too, would have happened in Shakespeare’s day.
But the interconnectedness of the scenes keeps the momentum moving inexorably toward the tragedy of the conclusion. Pace is maintained at all times sustaining our interest as we grapple with the injustice of Hamlet’s predicament.
This production is, perhaps, as close as one might come today to seeing the Bard as he would have been performed with all the psychological nuance of character unfolding and Shakespeare’s understanding of dramatic craft coming to the fore.
■ Mornington Peninsula Theatre Company are rehearsing to present William Shakespeare's rom-com Much Ado About Nothing across the Mornington Peninsula throughout October.
Shakespeare's immortal comedy where true love runs straight - into trouble will be presented in the round for a 'truly immersive theatre experience full of laughs and maybe even a tear or two’.
Performance dates and venues are:
■ Saturday, October 5. Rye Civic Hall
■ Sunday, October 6. Seaford Community Hall
■ Saturday, October 12. Dromana Community Hall
■ Saturday, October 13. Balnarring Hall
■ Saturday, October 19, Sunday, October 20. Peninsula Community Theatre
■ Saturday, October 26. Rosebud Memorial Hall
■ Sunday, October 27. Flinders Civic Hall
MPTC also announces that Australian actor, musician and Peninsula local David Reyne has graciously agreed to become patron of Mornington Peninsula Theatre Company Inc.
Further details and ticket bookings: mptc.net.au - Cheryl Threadgold
● ● Melbourne Fringe
● ● David Reyne
Local Theatre Observations
Shows
■ Gemco Players: The Hull Roamer (a workshop performance of a new sci-fi musical) September 27, 28 at 8pm, September 29 at 2pm at the Gem Theatre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Bookings: www.gemco players.org
■ Ballarat National Theatre: Dancing at Lughnasa (by Brian Friel) September 27 –October 6 at Woodman's Hill Performing Arts Centre, 1 Fussell St., Ballarat East. Director: Mary-Rose McLaren. bnt.org.au
■ The Basin Theatre Group: God of Carnage (by Yasmina Reza) October 3 – 13 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Julie Cunningham. Bookings: thebasintheatre.org.au
■ Beaumaris Theatre: Radio Theatre Returns to Beaumaris. October 5 at 7.30pm and October 6 at 2.00pm at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. $20 per person. Cabaret Style, BYO nibbles and drinks. Seven radio plays written by Bayside U3A writers performed by local actors. Concept/presenter: Joy Meekings. Producer/director: Cheryl Threadgold. Bookings: Trybooking.
■ CPP Community Theatre: Hello Dolly! October 11, 12, 17, 18 at 8pm, October 12 at 2pm and October 19 at 5pm at Mahon Theatre at Aquinas College, 46 Great Ryrie St., Ringwood. Director/Choreographer: Tamblyn Smith; Musical Director: Charlotte Black. Bookings: https://cppcommunitytheatre. com.au/ For all ticket enquiries, please email: tickets@cppcommunitytheatre.com.au (In consideration of other patrons and cast, children under the age of three will only be admitted to the theatre for the matinee performance.)
■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Come From Away October 11 – 26 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Rob Robson; Musical Director; Malcom Huddle; Choreographer: Tailem Tynan. Bookings: cloc.org.au
■ LOTS Theatre (Legends of the Skies): Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the 1934 MacRobertson Trophy Air Race, October 2427 incl. Matinees at the Casey Hangar Theatrette, Moorabbin Air Museum, First Ave., Moorabbin. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. Bookings essential. Trybooking.
■ Malvern Theatre Company: True Minds (Joanna Murray-Smith) October 27 – November 9 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Dexter Bourke. Malverntheatre.com.au
■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company (WMTC): Pippin November 8 – 23 at Altona City Theatre. wmtc.org.au
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: An Ideal Husband (by Oscar Wilde) November 15 –30 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Bookings: htc.org.au
■ Peridot Theatre Company: 1984 (by George Orwell) November 14 – 24 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Directors: Sharon Maine and Joe Dias. Bookings: peridot.com.au
■ OAMaD: The Addams Family. December 6 – 14 at the Geoff McComas, Scotch College Campus.
■ Heidelberg Theatre Company Youth: Peter Pan (a new adaptation from J. M. Barrie’s classic) December 6 – 14 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Robbie Nicholson. Bookings: htc.org.au
Auditions
■ Malvern Theatre Company: The Appleton Ladies Potato Race (by Melanie Tait) September 22 7pm – 10pm, September 23 7.30pm – 10.30pm at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Helen Ellis. Audition bookings: Helen Ellis, ellisproductions@me.com
■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Holmes and Watson (by Jeffrey Hatcher) October 6 at 7pm, October 7 at 7.30pm at Unit 8, 417419 Warrigal Rd, Cheltenham. Director: Amy Calvert. Audition bookings and enquirikes: aj267@outlook.com or call 0432 804 803.
■ The Mount Players: The Importance of Being Earnest (by Oscar Wilde) October 19, 20 at 10.00am at the Mountview Theatre, 56 Smith St., Macedon. Director: Vicki Smith. Audition bookings: Vicki Smith, stagestruck58@me.com
Your Name Means Dream
■ Red Stitch Actors’Theatre presents the Australian premiere of Your Name Means Dream, written by Oscar nominee and Obie Award-winning playwright José Rivera (The Motorcycle Diaries).
Under the direction of multiple Green Room Award and Matilda Award nominee Kat Henry, this powerful two-hander opens on October 26 and will run through to November.
Set in a near-future New York City, Your Name Means Dream tells the story of Aislin, an elderly woman struggling to navigate a world becoming increasingly alien to her.
Her caregiver, Stacy, is perfectly toned, ageless and utterly in control. She’s also a robot. While Aislin suffers the inevitable indignities of being human, Stacy begins to question what it truly means to live and wonders what she’s missing out on.
The play brings to the forefront questions about humanity, technology, and the future of care. In a society where the line between human and machine is rapidly blurring, Rivera examines how we live, die, and form our sense of self.
Your Name Means Dream features long-time ensemble member Caroline Lee alongside rising star Lucy Ansell who had her big theatre debut in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, before appearing on Australian screens in Force Of Nature: The Dry 2 and Binge Original Series Strife
Now Melbourne audiences will have the chance to experience Rivera’s thought-provoking work firsthand, after receiving rave reviews from its world premiere at the Contemporary American Theatre Festival in West Virginia in 2023.
Your Name Means Dream delves deeply into the contemporary concerns surrounding AI and what it means to grow old in a tech-driven world, taking the conversation around the future of caregiving to a whole new level. But at its core, it is an intimate exploration of a relationship filled with humour, tension and emotion.
Tickets are on sale now at redstitch.net
- Cheryl Threadgold
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence
■ Crash Theatre Company presents the new, original Australian musical for Melbourne Fringe Festival, Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence from October 2-4 at the ETU Ballroom, Trades Hall.
In a Shakespearean twist on the netball court, Mac Beth passionately pursues the coveted title of Year 12 Netball Captain of the Dunsinane Hell-Hounds.
In a gripping tale of ambition, betrayal, and redemption, Coach Duncan's decision sparks a fierce battle for leadership.
The Dagger Divas, a trio of dreamy melodies (think Dreamgirls but Mean Girls), visits Mac in her slumbers, echoing the bard's famous ghostly encounters.
They fuel her with the fire to overcome adversity and fight on. Amid accusations and plot twists, Mac's determination leads her to the brink of glory.
But her reckless actions take her to the edge of despair, creating suspicion and fear among her teammates.
As alliances shift and friendships fracture, a climactic showdown awaits the netball battlefield. Will Mac's relentless drive for success ultimately lead to her triumph, or banishment?
As the final buzzer sounds, all is revealed.
Directed by music composer Bec Price and choreographed by Shannon Rogers, this energetic production breathes new life into a literary classic and is fuelled by a soundscape of electronic pop-synth compositions created by awardwinning vocalist, DJ, and music producer, Projext Bexx (Bec Price).
Lady Macbeth Played Wing Defence is led by co-directors Ana Ferreira Manhoso and Courtney McManus, who in this production make their musical theatre debut.
The story delves deep into the dangerous realms of unchecked ambition while highlight-
ing the fierce determination and competitive spirit of teenage girls on the netball court.
Presented by an all-female powerhouse team of Western Australian artists, audiences are invited to step onto the court of this contemporary turmoil that entangles the timeless allure of Shakespearean drama.
The production will be presented at the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 2-5.
Venue: ETU Ballroom, Trades Hall www.crashtheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
The Solos
■ Developed in collaboration with a team of established industry leaders, six members of the Weave Movement Theatre ensemble perform their first-ever stand-alone dance explorations for 2024 Melbourne Fringe Festival audiences.
Some 27 years in the making, The Solos offers Melbourne art lovers a rare opportunity to experience the remarkable artists behind one of its most cherished performance groups in their premiere solo performances.
Building from their acclaimed 2023 production Sense of Place, these powerful solo works stem from the individual stories spotlit during that season. Performers Anthony Riddell, David Baker, Emma Norton, Uncle Greg, Janice Florence and Trevor Dunn will come together in exciting partnerships with highly respected artists David Woods, Leesa Nash, Michelle Heaven, Milly Cooper, Peter Fraser, Dale Gorfinkel, Zya Kane and Tan Kang Wei to hone their craft as soloists and bring six unique works to the stage.
Split into two programs over four days, this premiere production offers audiences the chance to experience artists from Weave Movement Theatre in a way they’ve never seen them before.
Program One on Wednesday and Friday features solo performances by Anthony Riddell (collaborating with Peter Fraser and Dale Gorfinkel), David Baker (collaborating with Milly Cooper), and Janice Florence (collaborating with Michelle Heaven).
Program Two on Thursday and Saturday will offer a visual and audio art installation of the late Uncle Greg’s work (curated by Zya Kane and Tan Kang Wei) and performances by Emma Norton (collaborating with Leesa Nash), and Trevor Dunn (collaborating with David Woods).
Bookings: 347 2860 or online www.dancehouse.com.au/whats-on/the-solos Venue: Dancehouse (Sylvia Staehli Theatre) – 150 Princes Street, North Carlton Duration: 60 minutes no interval www.weavemovementtheatre.com.au - Cheryl Threadgold
●
■ Most readers will be familiar with the tale of Cinderella, but Melbourne musical ensemble Inventi have taken the traditional fairy tale and turned it into a magical musical performance for children.
Inventi have drawn on the wonderful music by Prokofiev for the ballet version of Cinderella and combined it with new music written especially for this concert by contemporary Australian pianist and composer Sally Whitwell.
‘Inventi’s Cinderella’ is part of the popular 3MBS Classically Kids’ concerts at the Collingwood Children’s Farm this school holidays.
Inventi compromises Melissa Doecke on flute, Lachlan Maclaren on violin, Andrew Crothers on viola, Ben Opie on oboe, Christ Haycroft on bassoon and Gemma Kneale on cello.
Doecke says the ensemble has been having so much fun preparing the Cinderella concert, which also includes narration of the fairy tale, fitted between the musical segments.
“With each note, you’ll feel as if you are on the ballroom floor, swept up in a whirlwind of emotional and melody,” she explains.
Inventi will have the young concertgoers up and dancing to the music, as well as listening to the story.
Bring the ankle biters to this special concert on Friday September 27 at 11am at the Collingwood Children’s Farm. Concert goers have the choice of concert-only tickets, or combined concert and Collingwood Children’s Farm. For bookings, visit trybooking.com
- Julie Houghton
More Auditions
■ The Basin Theatre Group: Home, I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) October 20 at 2pm and October 22 at 7pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Bob Bramble. Audition bookings: bobbramble2013@gmail.com
- Cheryl Threadgold
The Big Game Show Contest
■ Sevenfold Theatre Company Inc. presents the Big Game Contest Competition Reality Pageant Game Show as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 35 at The Toff, Swanston St, Melbourne
Created and directed by Zachary Dixon, this game show is a nostalgic satire incorporating sketch comedy, improvisation and dance.
Lock it in Eddie hosts a game show in which the audience is a live studio audience. Eddie is supported by their flaming hot amateur model assistant Deena Sparkles. Each night, three contestants fight it out for the big prize, competing through a series of iconic games from beloved game shows of the past, talent performances, sketch comedy, outrageous dancing and classic pageant segments. One contestant will be victorious.. The ‘Big Game Show Contest Competition Reality Pageant Game Show’ is fast paced and iconically Australian. So ‘Come On Down’.
Performance Details: October 3, 4, 5 at 7.30pm, October 4, 5 at 9.30pm Venue: The Toff, Level 2, 252 Swanston St., Melbourne
Bookings: melbolurnefringe.com.au
- Cheryl Threadgold
● ● Lucy Ansell and Caroline Lee in Your Name Means Dream.
Photo: James Reiser
From left: Melissa Doecke, flute; Andrew Crothers, viola; Ben Opie, oboe; Chris Haycroft, bassoon; Gemma Kneale, cello; Lachlan MacLaren, violin.
HELLO ASTEROID
■ Melbourne -based writer-performer-composer Hamish Pickering presents the newly-imagined version of his show Hello,Asteroid as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 1-5 at 9pm at Club Voltaire, North Melbourne.
This original show offers the Fringe scene a fresh take on the tried-andtested trope of armageddon-based comedy.
The year is 2094 and an asteroid is about to hit our planet. Most people would panic, cry or perhaps hold their loved ones close ... but not Charlie
In the last hour of his life, Charlie sits alone on a stage talking to his audience of houseplants and his roboaide, Allan
He summarises his life through tales of days gone by, emotional home videos and witty musical comedy.
Described as ‘part comedy cabaret, part optimistic mental breakdown, Hello, Asteroid promises to leave audiences asking “What was my life after all, who knew a robot could be so sensitive, and what happens to my Flybuys points when I die?”
Performance Details: October 15 at 9pm
Venue: Club Voltaire, 14 Raglan St, North Melbourne
■ Following a near sellout season at the Sydney Opera House and overwhelming response to the initial Melbourne season announcement, the producers of Pride and Prejudice, An Adaptation in Words and Music, have released an additional four performances to the Arts Centre Melbourne season at the Fairfax Studio, until Sunday, October 6.
Pride and Prejudice, an Adaptation in Words and Music is a new theatrical adaptation of Jane Austen’s most famous work – Pride and Prejudice
The enduring story of the romance between Elizabeth Bennett and Mr Darcy is presented in an intimate drawing-room setting, in much the same way that Jane herself first read the story aloud to the Austen family and their closest friends.
Under the direction of Tyran Parke and with book adaptation by Gill Hornby, film, television and stage icon, Nadine Garner brings to life
Austen’s most famous manuscript with musical accompaniment from Carl Davis' score from the BBCTV drama series of Pride and Prejudice, widely considered the most seminal television adaptation of the author’s work.
Joining Nadine on stage will be internationally acclaimed violinist Madeleine Easton, the Australian musician who enthralled a televised audience of 400 million people with her solo performances at the coronation of King Charles III
A rising star of classical piano, Melbourne born Dan Le has already enjoyed an international career spanning four continents.
Pride and Prejudice is arguably the greatest romance novel of the English language. More than 200 years after her death, Jane Austen’s work continues to resonate with every new generation.
It is fitting that much loved Australian actor Nadine Garner will honour this legacy in a unique, but faithful production, promising captivating entertainment, humorous moments and some wonderful surprises.
Until October 6 at the Fairfax Studio, Arts Centre Melbourne Bookings: artscentremelbourne. com.au
- Cheryl Threadgold
The Substance
■ (R). 140 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.
One word of warning from the start; the new film from Coralie Fargeat (whose excellent debut 2017 feature, Revenge, had a similarly divisive impression on audiences) will not be for everyone, but those who tap into the writer/ director’s wavelength, will be rewarded with a ferociously, and gorily, entertaining horror/comedy/ satire, one which takes no prisoners from its first frame to the last.
Demi Moore plays Elizabeth Sparkle, a once A List actress who now keeps viewer attention through a popular, Jane Fonda style daytime workout show and product commercials.
After taping one particular episode, Elizabeth overhears a conversation with TV executive Harvey (an especially grotesque Dennis Quaid), who is about to fire her because she is ‘too old’ at 50.
Once officially given the news of her departure by Harvey, Elizabeth is involved in a car accident, and while being medically treated at hospital, first encounters someone who may have something secret to offer.
Via a USB slipped into her jacket pocket, Elizabeth is introduced to a procedure known as ’The Substance’, where, if the potential client follows a set of strict rules, will be able to create a younger version of herself.
Feeling a deep sense of selfloathing as the industry turns on her, Elizabeth takes up the mysterious offer, which will lead to Sue (Margaret Qualley) entering her life.
But this symbiotic relationship will lead both down a very dark path. The Substance is a film that is relentless, exhausting and overwhelming.
Fargeat forgoes subtlety in favour of pummelling her audience, tackling subject matter that has been a major issue for women for decades and decades, and the sense of anger and outrage is always on display, entwined with a dark sense of humour.
Working with cinematographer Benjamin Kracun (Promising Young Woman, Beast), production designer Stanislas Reydellet (The Mad Woman’s Ball) and costume designer Emmanuelle Youchnovski (Mascarade), Fargeat creates a vivid world of pleasure and pain, and invokes other film-makers such as Stanley Kubrick, Gaspar Noe, Terry Gilliam and David Cronenberg
There is also a propulsive, highly effective music score by Raffertie.
Fargeat’s script gets a real shot in the arm with the casting of Moore,
someone whose own career has mirrored Elizabeth’s, with her looks being deemed more important than any acting ability, and she fully commits, knowingly moving between the humour and horror of the material. Qualley is also terrific, and both completely trust Fargeat’s vision. Some may say that Fargeat doesn’t know when to quit, allowing the film to go on longer than is necessary, but when the film-making is as genuinely passionate as this, and delivered with such striking skill, one can accept a director’s indulgence. The Substance is truly something to behold, but be prepared for a graphically wild ride. I just hope that it doesn’t take another seven years for Fargeat to make her next film.
RATING - ****½
Speak No Evil
■ (MA). 110 minutes. Now showing in cinemas.
For those who haven’t seen the provocative, highly disturbing 2022 Danish original, then this Hollywood remake may deliver the goods, but for those that have, this is a disappointingly compromised film. The basic set-up is the same. A married couple, Ben and Louise Dalton (Scoot McNairy and Mackenzie Davis), and their twelve year-old daughter Agnes (Alix West Lefler) are holidaying in Italy when they meet another couple, Paddy (James McAvoy) and Ciara (Aisling Franciosi), who have a young son, Ant, who is around Agnes’ age. The Daltons , who have just relocated from the US to London, receive a postcard from the couple, inviting them to their farm in the British countryside. Initially hesitant, the pair decide to take up Paddy’s offer. Once there, the Daltons, though grateful of the invitation, slowly become unsettled by the couple’s growingly odd behaviour, but wanting to be polite, don’t heed the warning signs to leave early, leading to much more dangerous confrontations. Co-written and directed by James Watkins, who made a strong impression with his 2008 horror/ thriller Eden Lake, seemed to be a good choice to helm the english language adaptation, but considerable changes have been made to soften the original material’s horrific impact, leading to a more conventional finale which substantially dilutes the film’s effectiveness. This, combined with the movie being 15 minutes longer than its source, makes everything feel obvious and predictable. Performances all round are pretty good, with McAvoy having a good time playing the increasingly aggressive Paddy. Like Michael Haneke’s pointless remake of his own Funny Games, the new version of Speak No Evil has a similar feel, taking a memorable, firstrate thriller and unfortunately turning it into something completely redundant. I highly recommend everyone to track the 2022 film down. RATING - **
● ● ● ● Hamish Pickering in Hello, Asteroid
Photo: Luke Jay Designs and Alex Winner
Nadine Garner in Pride and Prejudice, An Adaptation in Words and Music. Photo: Robert Catto
■ Twenty-eight years ago, Chris Kirby was performing his one man show Lips at the Universal Theatre in Fitzroy
I saw the production and had the great pleasure of doing a radio interview with him.
Chris achieved tremendous success as a ventriloquist, comedian and actor in Australia and overseas.
Chris Covington was born in Croydon, England, on New Year's Day 1942 to Peter and Eileen Covington
The family moved to Australia when Chris was around seven years old, settling in Adelaide but moving to Woomera for a period of time during Chris's schooling.
Throughout their childhood, Chris and his younger brother, Andrew were exposed to the theatre through their parents’ participation in local amateur productions, wherever they lived.
From the age of five, young Chris knew he was going to be a ventriloquist.
"I went to a birthday party and the woman had hired a ventriloquist. None of us knew what one was.
“This guy walks on stage with a chair and suitcase. He opens the suitcase and pulls out this humanoid thing.
“The kids were quite disturbed by it. And then suddenly it spoke, it was bizarre. It scared the hell out of me. He (the doll) looked straight at me and asked in this horrible voice; "What's your name?"
Whatever Happened To ... Chris Kirby
By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM
“I burst into tears and wet my pants. I just got up and ran away."
It seems odd that he continued to follow this profession, considering his first experience with the doll wasn't a happy one.
Once Chris's mother explained to him what ventriloquism was, he thought it was just wonderful.
A few months of working at the Commonwealth Bank in Adelaide were enough to convince him of the merits of a life on the stage.
He changed his name to Chris Kirby and practiced ventriloquism. Chris was chosen as a host of a children's television program in Adelaide which launched him on a career which would eventually take him overseas.
Chris was mentored by Ron Blaskett and used a doll called ‘Terry’ in his act. He worked at the London Palladium and appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Chris had great success in London with the play Lips Ron Blaskett took over all of Chris's Australian bookings whilst he was overseas.
Donald O'Connor convinced Chris to move to the US and Donald's agent managed him for several years.
Chris worked at the famous Magic Castle in Hollywood during the 1970s.
He regularly returned to Australia for TV and stage performances with leading artists such as Tom Jones, Shirley Bassey, Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett and Charles Aznavour.
Chris Kirby suffered early onset dementia and passed away in 2016 at the age of 74 His funeral service was held at St James Anglican Church in Turramurra
He is survived by his former wives, Judy, Debbie and Christine and children, Michael, Shahn and Peter.
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
CELEBRATING VIBRANT VERSATILITY OF CLAY
Generation Clay: Reimaging Asian Heritage is an exhibition celebrating the vibrant versatility of clay, presented by a new generation of Asian-Australian contemporary artists.
Together, these artists are reimagining traditional and ceramic forms in ways that resonate with our current moment.
This exhibition will engage with a multiplicity of concepts – from personal histories and memories, cultural heritage and family ties to mythological and popular culture narratives.
Curated by Vipoo Srivilasa, a recognised teacher in the field of ceramics, Generation Clay started with 14 artists from across Australia being invited to create a new work using a palette of predominately blue and white.
The colour blueis also an unifying feature of the exhibitor’s design, alluding to the wider discourses of blue and white patterning, it’s connections to global movement and its reinterpretation and translation through form and motif over time.
Nestled in the heart of the exhibition is The Bloom Room, a special making area where exhibition visitors can participate in a range of changing monthly activities, from handcrafted origami flowers and tiny clay objects, to sharing secret powers and stories.
The Bloom Room is your space to create, connect and collaborate with the artworks and artists featured in Generation Clay.
Exhibition closes Sunday, November 24.
Bunjil Place
2 Patrick North east Drive Narre Warren
Town Hall Gallery
Pattern Recognition is a major exhibition at Town Hall Gallery exploring the intentions and motivations if artists who continually engage in a theme, subject or visual style throughout their creative process.
The human brain’s ability to identify patterns and repeat symbols allow us to see with the information we already know, finding structure, ce-
The Arts
menting knowledge, and gaining further understanding, The allure of returning to, reconsidering by retraining our understanding speaks to our mind’s ability to interrogate and innovate. Express through purposeful and continued use of colour and form, pattern and repetition, motif and subject, Pattern Recognition features artists who have dedicated their practice to exploring and evolving a particular concept, or enduring preoccupation.
Exhibition closes Saturday October 26 Town Hall Gallery 360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn
Maroondah
Euphoria – John Aslanidis
Encoded with optimistic energy, euphoria is a new digital installation springing from animations of John Aslanidis paintings.
The project explores the relationship between sound, vision and sensation, as well as emergence theory where complex patterns emerge out of simple interactions.
Euphoria is a collaboration between Aslanidis, local immersive experience company Pixall and sound artist Brian May.
Aslanidis has been exploring the relationship between sound and vision for more than 20 using colour and line to create chromate intensities that resemble the experience of listening to music.
Based in Melbourne, he has exhibited extensively in Australia, and overseas with regular exhibitions in New York and Berlin. Exhibition closes November 3. Maroondah Art Gallery 179 Maroondah Hwy, Ringwood
Opera: La Boheme
■ Melbourne Opera’s production of La Boheme was staged at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre.
A story of four Bohemians living in a garret in Paris. In the garret above them lives Mimi an embroiderer. Mimi is in love with Rodolfo a student in the garret below.
Mimi was excellently played by Elena Xanthodakis, an excellent singer who has graced the world stages. A superb performance of the character.,
Rodolfo was portrayed by tenor Boyd Owen, a great performance and Boyd worked well with Elena. A lovely pair working well together, and their duets were a delight.
Musetta was portrayed by soprano Helena Dix, not only a wonderful voice but a lovel actor handling her role with ease.
Marcello, a baritone, was played by Christopher Tonkin, another great performance adding to the high standard of the evening.
Kohn Bolton-Wood played two roles, that of Benoit and Alcindoro. As Alcindoro he was left with not only his own bill but the students’ bill as well. And his reaction brought the house down.,
A busy stage with a large chorus and orchestra. A successful evening from Melbourne Opera - Peter Kemp
Circus Oz Hub
■ For the first time since 2019, the vibrant Circus Oz Hub returns with a stacked program featuring some of Australia’s most exciting circus acts, school holiday fun for the family and electric late night entertainment for the duration of Melbourne Fringe 2024.
■ The one-time muscle-bound Chippendale model Jamie Durie is to feature in a new building program on Channel 7. Commencing October, 'Living With Purpose' is all about the house being built and when completed house will become Home Sweet Home for Jamie's family of three. The series is educational in the use of use of sustainable, re-cycled products.
Final curtain call
■ The Western Theatre, opened in 1928, is for sale. Of recent times the once popular palace has been a cultural hub for the local Estonian community. There appear two possibilities to keep the doors open-rebrand as a boutique entertainment venue, or, perish the thought, bulldoze the historic theatre and build apartments.
Lex’s legacy
■ What a comedic talent Lex Marinos had, particularly in Kingswood Country, bouncing one liners off Ted Bullpit. Aged in his mid-seventies Lex died of cancer. Rest in Peace.
Rebel, Royce on red carpet
■ Rebel Wilson took her 22-month-old daughter Royce to the opening screening of Rebel's film 'The Deb' entered in the Toronto International Film Festival. They both looked glam as they posed for pics. Rebel has attracted lots of controversary about the film but not to be deterred Rebel has a new film in production starring Australia's own Shane
Jamie Durie returns
with Peter Kemp
Jacobson
■ The Timeless Summer Tour features headliners Bonnie Tyler, Boy George, Tony Hadley (Spandau Ballet), Starship. Wow, what a line-up, they are due to perform in a one-night stand at Rochford Winery, Yarra Valley, January 24, 2025 .
- John O’Keefe
OK. With John O’Keefe
● ● Chris Kirby
He married for the first time in 1965 and moved to Sydney to work in the nightclubs.
● ● ● ● Jamie Durie
Across Across Down Down
2. Supervisory (position)
7. Pays brief visit (5,2)
11. Rule
17. Yacht pole
18. Untruth
19. Spanish cheer
20. Ellipse
21. Hangover symptom
22. Decreased
23. Woeful
26. Unfilled space
28. Citizen soldiers
29. Adolescent
31. Existence
34. World computer link
36. Archfiend
39. Female equines
41. Roused
43. Suspension of workers (3-3)
46. Morocco's capital
47. Writer, Emily ...
49. Frolicked
51. Pharaohs' tombs
52. Repaints (car)
53. Short-sighted
54. Lieu
55. Flip in air
56. Ill-treatment
61. Featured musicians
64. Nautical speed unit
65. Fellows
66. Extending
67. ... or nay
69. Possessor
71. US coins
74. Not apparent
76. Penny-pincher
78. Elderly horse
79. Phlegm condition
81. Anti-terrorist squad (1,1,1)
83. Wigwam
84. Aunt's husband
86. Scented purple flower
89. Desert illusions
90. Humility
93. Roll (dice)
94. Sailor's yes (3,3)
97. Made (wage)
100. From India or China
101. Saviour
103. Subway
106. Long letter
108. Short-circuited
109. Mistake (4-2)
110. Untied
111. Islamic governors
112. Renowned
113. Power group
115. Salon worker (4,7)
118. Minor roads (4,7)
121. Be without
124. Early harps
128. Hickory tree nut
129. Aimed
130. Cosmos scientists
134. Brings up (child)
135. Excessively fat
136. Overshadow
137. Fragrance
138. Existing
139. Abandon
140. Alluring
143. Natural disaster, ... wave
144. Vote in
147. Film
150. Extinct bird
151. White flower (7,4)
155. Not justified
157. Chime
158. Smell
159. Concur
162. Snapshots
164. Harrowing trial
167. Doctor
168. Rid of lice
169. Comfy seat (4,5)
172. Journalists' credits (2-5)
173. Polite
174. Unassuming
177. Deprive of food
180. Islands
181. Flight from reality
183. Reconstructed
184. Notorious gangster (2,6)
186. Potato variety
187. In vain, to no ...
188. Fulfilled (demand)
191. Actress, ... Diaz
195. See next page (1,1,1)
197. Megastars
198. Earphones
200. Idiocy
202. Middle-distance runner
203. Weeding implement
205. Protrudes (6,3)
206. ... de Cologne
208. Pleasant
209. Fireproof material
212. Funeral guests
215. US Mormon state
217. Feeble
220. Capital of Iowa, Des ...
222. Hiding game
224. Close watch (5,3)
226. Fries lightly
228. Wife, the ...
229. Bake (meat)
230. Crazier
232. Check
235. La Scala city
236. Dallas is there
238. Well-meaning person (2-6)
241. Spot
242. Admonish
243. Gain through will
244. Singer, ... Horne
246. Require
252. Mental stress
253. Renounce throne
254. Eyelid swelling
255. Focal point
256. Rug
257. East European
258. Opposition
259. Shipping route (3,4)
260. School project
1. Right on target (4-2)
2. Dr Jekyll's alter ego (2,4)
3. Ark builder
4. Moves (towards)
5. Recognise
6. Peru beasts
7. Battery segment
8. Grass
9. Weary sound
10. Xmas
11. Responds
12. Contraptions
13. Crocodile relatives
14. Taverns
15. Small lump
16. Wine jug
24. Trophies
25. Addressed crowd
26. Shaking motion
27. Listing articles
28. Actors Gibson or Brooks
30. Lamb's mother
32. Lack of aptitude
33. Instructors
35. Lament
37. Defence force
38. Beastliest
39. Raider
40. Glimpse
42. Map guide
44. Chooses
45. Thrifty
47. Long-snouted monkey
48. Ice-free Norwegian port
50. Rounded roof
53. Ponder
57. Freedom from guilt
58. Bare
59. Rocket ship crew
60. Talks keenly
62. Mountaineer's tool (3,3)
63. Oppress
65. Judi Dench stars in ... Henderson
Presents
68. Aviator, ... Johnson
70. Vigilantly
72. Admission
73. Old photo colour
74. Open sore
75. Dessert, ... caramel
77. Kenya & Tanzania region (4,6)
80. Letter jumbles
82. Italian city
85. Come together
87. Daunted
88. Prince Edward, ... of Wessex
91. Biblical garden
92. Auction
95. Containing nothing
96. Upwardly mobile young people
98. Ripped apart, torn ...
99. Naked models
102. Group loyalty (6,2,5)
104. Nimble-fingered
105. Helps
107. Piercingly
113. Flowered
114. Requested from menu
116. US cotton state
117. Betrayal crime
119. Cavalryman
120. Codswallop
122. Accomplish
123. US motorbike stuntman, Evel ...
125. Extract (metal)
126. In the Arctic Circle
127. Specifically (2,3)
128. Sacred song
130. Astern
131. Weight unit
132. Record label (1,1,1)
133. Droop
141. Pseudonyms
142. US Rhode Island resort
145. Lengthy (4-6)
146. Droll plays
148. Totally preoccupies
149. Unable to read and write
152. Behaved
153. Louts
154. Finish
155. Great Bear constellation, ... Major
156. Jockey
160. Congers or morays
161. Native American tribespeople
163. Stitched garment edges
165. Cain & ...
166. Vending machine
167. Hitler book, ... Kampf
170. Vile act
171. Largest Turkish city
175. Leaves out
176. Praise highly
178. Panic
179. Current (permit)
182. Prison occupant
185. Progressed (4,2)
188. Names used wrongly
189. Most easily offended
190. Cigar dust
192. Almond biscuit
193. Most corroded
194. Flightless bird
195. Trite remark
196. Band
199. Induces
201. Made amends
204. Rowing aids
207. In present condition (2,2)
210. Companies
211. Samples (wine)
213. Coral bank
214. Safari
216. Large yacht
217. Scavenge
218. Tardiest
219. Your school, ... mater
221. Slip up
223. German or Greek
225. Eastern veils
227. In the past, long ...
228. Russian space station
231. Putrefy
233. Four score
234. Toughen (steel)
235. Liqueur, crème de ...
237. Afternoon nap
239. Most senior
240. Enfold
245. Urges on, ... up
247. Junior Scouts
248. Epic tale
249. Notion
250. Highest point
251. Windmill arm
By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au
Half-A-Heart
■ Australia’s largest community choir, Pop Choir , is celebrating its most ambitious project yet. The release of a new original single Half A Heart is to promote awareness about heart health particularly when it comes to women. It will be launched on World Heart Day, September 29, with a free community performance on the iconic red steps of Queensbridge Square in Melbourne’s South Bank at 12 Noon. The single and video clip are available through streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube.
Turn Up The Radio
■ Melbourne singer-songwriter Brendan McMahon has released his new single. Turn Up The Radio is an upbeat, feel good, Saturday night party song that will have your feet tapping and you singing along after your first listen. It's just good fun, says Brendan and follows on from his recent ISSA international music award in Atlanta, Georgia More info www.brendanmcm.com
Adalita
■ Humdinger Frankston presents Aussie music icon Adalita on Saturday, October 5, commencing 8pm. A founding member and principal songwriter of multi-ARIA Award nominated band Magic Dirt, Adalita looks forward to playing songs from her new album Inland, and a few old favourites in a close up and personal solo mode. Tickets at Trybooking.
- Rob Foenander
Bell Shakespeare looks to 2025
■ Bell Shakespeare has announced its 2025 Season, as it prepares to celebrate the company’s 35th anniversary next year.
For the first time in Australia in nearly 30 years, the company stages Shakespeare’s political epic Coriolanus in the intimate surrounds of The Neilson Nutshell in Sydney and the Fairfax Studio in Melbourne
Acclaimed director Marion Potts returns to Bell Shakespeare for the first time in 15 years at the helm of a new production of Henry 5. Rounding out the Season, Artistic Director Peter Evans’ raw 2023 production of Romeo & Juliet will tour across the country to metropolitan and regional centres for the annual national tour.
To open the season, celebrated theatre maker and former Associate Artistic Director of Bell Shakespeare Marion Potts directs a new production Henry 5
Starring dynamic newcomer Lebanese Australian actor JK Kazzi in his mainstage theatre debut, Shakespeare’s history play is given Potts’ female perspective on a story centred on young men going to war.
In Henry 5, one of the most famous war plays of all time, young Prince Hal has left his wayward adolescence behind and assumed the mantle of kingship.
Following a humiliating insult by the French prince, King Henry launches England into a war with
Crossword Solution No 32
Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson
France to claim the throne he believes is rightfully his and, against all odds, he leads his troops from despair to climactic victory at the Battle of Agincourt. As Henry is hailed a warrior, and a hero, Shakespeare explores the costs of war.
For the first time in nearly 30 years, Bell Shakespeare stages one of Shakespeare’s lesser-known works, the political epic Coriolanus.
Directed by Artistic Director Peter Evans and starring Logie winner Hazem Shammas (Macbeth, Safe Harbour, The Twelve, The Clearing) in the titular role and veteran Australian actor Peter Carroll, this production tells the tale of war, power and politics that is both thrilling and disturbingly familiar.
Coriolanus is a ferocious warrior and defender of Rome, but his contempt for the public, and his refusal to play the political game, see him banished from the city he once protected. When he joins forces with his former enemy to seek vengeance against Rome, the fate of the city, and of Coriolanus himself, hangs in the balance.
For the company’s annual national tour, Evans’ acclaimed 2023 production of Romeo & Juliet will tour to 26 venues across the country. Introducing the magnetic Madeline Li as Juliet, this beautifully intimate production brings audiences closer than ever before to the intensity and the heartbreak of Shakespeare’s most evocative tragedy.
■ Leadership Team. Rip up the Bike Lanes! VAN DER CRAATS, Anthony. CRAGG, David Keith. Animal Justice Party. KIM, Eylem, POON, Bruce. Team Hakim - Resident Independents. HAKIM, Jamal. ANATOLITIS, Esther. Team Nick Reece. REECE, Nick. CAMPBELL, Roshena. Team Morgan - Make Melbourne Safe. MORGAN, Gary. GE, Liz. Team Kouta. KOUTOUFIDES, Anthony. KHAN, Intaj. Liberals for Melbourne City. RIZA, Mariam. MARTIN, Luke. Team Wood. WOOD, Arron. DEERING, Erin. The Greens . INGLETON, Roxane. BISINELLA, Greg. STEVENSON, Megan. Labor for Melbourne. REED, Phil. WILLS, Virginia.
■ Councillors (9 vacancies). TEAM WOOD. LIU, Philip Le. OKE, Cathy. ZERVOS, Nicolas Paul. NUR, Hala. CAIAFA, MichaelLee. WEI, Hope Lai. MICHELSON, Steve. TEAM MORGAN MAKE MELBOURNE SAFE CAMILLO, Rafael. CALDWELL, William. VOICES FOR MELBOURNE . MASTERS, Mary. VASILEV-ROBERTSON, James Mary Masters. TEAM HAKIM - RESIDENT INDEPENDENTS. SMITH, Michael. LAM, Lawrence. GAO, Judy. TEAM KOUTA . LIU, Gladys. RAMANI, Zaim. CARNEY, Emma Elizabeth. TJANDRAMULIA, Olivia. RIP UP THE BIKE LANES! GEE, Sandra. SINGH, Pratap. TEAM PARTICIPATE. SAITO, Asako. JANDA, Sam. ANIMAL JUSTICE PARTY. KATYAL, Aashna. BANGAAR, Rabin. INNOVATE MELBOURNE. ROWSE, Andrew. GREENWOOD, Jesse. LIBERALS FOR MELBOURNE CITY. GUEST, Owen. LISTON, You Li. LABOR FOR MELBOURNE. GRIFFITHS, Davydd. SHEIKH, Sainab Abdi. ALEISI, Michael. YOUR VOICE MATTERS TO ME. MITCHELL, Krystle Krystle Mitchell. DURBIN, Jayden. THE GREENS. BALL, Olivia. MOON, Aaron. BERIH,
Barry. TEAM ELVIS MARTIN. MARTIN, Elvis. GALBALLY, Sophy. MUJRAL, Mavi. LIN, Jing. MOORE, Paul James. RYMER, Melissa. CULLEN, James. KENNY-SARASA, Carole. TEAM NICK REECE. LOUEY, Kevin. SCOTT, Mark. TEH, Lisa. PATTISON, Jannine. ALI, Hamdi. STANLEY, Suzanne. HARTLEY-KEANE, Simone. VICTORIAN SOCIALISTS. DADICH, Daniel Nair. FOK, Ben. UNGROUPED. SEND, E. LAND, Jake. KANSAKAR, Aishwarya. YUSUF, Mohamed. FRENCH, Callum John.
■ Premier Division Seniors. Grand Final. Narre Warren 14.10 (94) d Wandin 7.12 (54).
■ Premier Division Reserves. Grand Final. Narre Warren 4.3 (27) d Upwey-Tecoma 2.8 (20).
■ Under 19 Boys. Grand Final. Pakenham 8.6 (54) d Officer 5.6 (36).
Southern
■ Division 1 Seniors. Grand Final. Cheltenham 8.11 (59) d Dingley 8.9 (57).
■ Division 1 Reserves. Grand Final. Dingley 12.3 (75) d Cheltenham 4.12 (36).
Western
■ Division 1 Seniors. Grand Final. Hoppers Crossing 13.12 (90) d Werribee Districts 14.5 (89).
■ Division 1 Reserves. Grand Final. Yarraville Seddon Eagles 12.12 (84) d Werribee Districts 6.5 (41).
■ Division 1 Under 18. Grand Final. Werribee Districts 9.12 (66) d Point Cook 8.7 (55).
Country Leagues
■ Goulburn Valley Football League Seniors. Echuca 22.22 (154) d Shepparton 9.4 (58). Reserves. Echuca 13.11 (89) d Rochester 6.6 (44). Under 18. Echuca 12.9 (81) d Shepparton Swans 12.8 (80).
■ Ballarat Football Netball League Seniors. Melton 11.6 (72) d East Point 7.13 (55). Reserves. East Point 7.7 (49) d Sunbury 5.11 (41). Under 19. Lake Wendouree 8.5 (53) d East Point 6.5 (41).
■ AFL Barwon. Geelong Football Netball League Seniors. Preliminary Final./ South Barwon 9.12 (66) d St Joseph’s 4.12 (36). Reserves. Preliminary Final. South Barwon 8.9 (57) d St Joseph’s 7.5 (47).
AFL Grand Final
■ The 2024 AFL Grand Final will be contested between Sydney
Where to pick up your free copy of The Local Paper
■ ■ ASHBURTON. Ashburton Newsagency. 168 High St.
■ ■ HOLMESGLEN. The Lott/Holmesglen Newsagency. 637 Warrigal Rd.
Court Lists
Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings
Local Briefs
Double trespass
■ BALWYN. Balwyn Newsagency.
■
413 Whitehorse Rd.
■
■ BALWYN. Coles Express. 449 Whitehorse Rd (Cnr Imaroo St).
■
■ BALWYN. United Petroleum. 99 Balwyn Rd.
■
■ BAYSWATER. 7-Eleven. Cnr Scoresby Rd and High St.
■
■ BAYSWATER. Cellarbrations. 717 Mountain Hwy.
■ ■ BAYSWATER. Coles Express. 768 Mountain Hwy.
■ ■ BORONIA. Metro Boronia Cinemas. Dorset Square.
■ ■ WATTLE PARK. Wattle Park Licensed Post Office. 190 Elgar Rd
■ ■ WHEELERS HILL. Wheelers
Wednesday, September 25 Abdalla, Demir Abdil, Hatam Abukar, Bothaynah Agiem, Ater Ali, Hussain Ali, Mustafa Amalfi, Andrew Joseph Atkinson, Maree Austin, Lawrence Grahame Babic, Ante Bailey, Daniel Bajada, Anthony John Barker, Dustin Bowler, Jake Bradley-Lawton, Ryan Broderick, Harley Craig Bullard, Dallas Buttress-Grove, Daniel Campbell, Matthew Jonas Carroll, Brendan Cassells, Adrian Clark, Jordan Crocker, Leanne Culshaw, Rhyese D'avoine, Josh Di Palma, Samuel Douglas, Chantelle Doyle, Lincoln Drommel, Troy Dyson, Michael Dtuart El Hallal, Johnny El Markaz, Naeir Elias, Yousif Fejzolli, Herta Fiore, Dianne Fraser, Justin Leigh Ghakhar, Sahil Grekos, Mariana Higgins, Beau Hilton-Taylor, Pia Huang, Dwayne Hughes, Andrew Hunt, Ashley Teresa Hussain, Qasimi Hyder, Robert Jackamarra, Rachel Jackson-O'connell, Stellan Jankov, Thora Jing, Lihua Johnstone, Chelsea Kaddour, Mohamed Kittikhoun, Phaarthit Lalos, Michael Latu, Patrick Lawrence, Austin Lawson, John Tukorehu Leitch, Nicole Lilley, Jason Mark Lord, Louise Marsh, Shae Maslen, Ben Joseph Matthews, Joel William Mccormick, Levi Mcqueen, Kyle Mead, Stephanie Mercuri, Ann Marie Miles, Damien Cain Miller, Neil Mirzagolpour, Roghieh Mohamed, Sadaq Moran, Martin Moroney, Daniel Murray, Clive O'reilly, Martin Palmarini, Brendon Howard Papadatos, Katerina Petalas, Jayde Pug, Fadil Putra, I Made Deno Qasimi, Mohammad Hussain Regester, Luke Steven Rippingale, James Schatz, Neil Shaw, Aaron Simonoski, Daniel Simsek, Seren Singh, Gurpreet Siumu, Peneueta Sobh, Sam Soupourma, Peter Steels, Geoffrey Stephenson, Jay Tanweer, Muhammad Wasil Thomas, Anu Thompson, James Tivanis, Chris Tuifeai, Issako
Umer, Muhammad Unuvar, Tahrim Sueuket Vu, Jason Walpole, Holly Ward, Julie Williams, Brodie Wooldridge, Rachel Ann Zhang, Kerry Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Wednesday, September 25 Abukar, Halima Akot, Wol Albayrak, Sedat Ali, Nouman Alkasim, Mohammad Amir, Adam Assaad, Walid Beck, Dieter Bell, Kyle Broekhoff, Nicholas Bughio, Danish Canpolat, Ali Carelli, Domenico Alain Chambers, Edwin Chatzidimitriou, Raquel Chick, Shane Michael Corrick, Peter Doran, Elisha Maree Eldridge, Graeme Elmaarroui, Youssef Elt Recycling Australia Pty Ltd Eshlan, Mohammed Ali Fadel, George Farhan, Muhammad Ferguson, Andrew James Field, Matthew Furuncu, Fatih Galea, Melissa Gazzo, Sandra Gevergizyan, Elten Golden, Jessica Gray, Courtney Hamka, Zena Henderson, Rory James Hinds, Andrew Housam, Kalem Howell, Alan Hughes, Luke Thomas James, Tyson Clay John Mayor, Mayor Johnson-Portelli, Joseph Jordan, Matthew Kadaoluwa, Waruna Kasa, Toryn Kayabasi, Mehmet Khodr, Monzer Kuru, Orhan Macdonald, Chi-Ang Justis Mahmoud, Mohamed Merhi, Abraham Messo, Matthew Mifsud, John Paul Molina, Christian Moussa, Houssein Mudoka, Nigel Onwuka, Toby Parker, Jason Pettingill, Nadine Phung, David Pollard, Troy Raphael, Matthew Rashad, Zahraa Ridge, Brianna Roberts-Potter, Bradley Ross, Markus Sekhri, Sumit Shiekh, Mohamed Hassan Short, Stephen Joseph Shrestha, Kishan Singh, Sandeep Sleight, Ross James Sorbello, Sarah Spiteri, Raymond Stephens, Craig Stephenson, Ann-Marie Sygidus, Ted Robert Toma, Thomas Totoski, Dianne Unlu, Umut Usman, Tamanna Vagilli, Gazi Wanees, Wanees Wang, Shasha Webster, Stephen Whiting, Ashley Thomas Wolfi, Carla Yilmaz, Omer Faruk Younan, Andrian Younan, Marcus Yousif, Zeky
■ Boroondara Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man after officers responded to two alleged incidents in Doncaster and Balwyn North on Thursday night (Sep. 19).
Two adults and a child were awoken when a man entered a residential premises on Hender St, Doncaster about 11.10pm.
A resident told the man to leave, and he fled the scene on foot.
At the second address the occupant was woken by the same man inside her property on Winfield Rd, Balwyn North, just after 2am.
The man fled the scene on foot and was located a short time later in a vacant block next door.
No one was physically injured, and nothing was stolen.
A 25-year-old Doncaster man was charged with criminal damage and trespass (2).
He was bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrate’s Court on November 18.
Shot fired
■ Police have charged a man after a shot was allegedly fired following a collision in Doncaster on Monday morning last week (Sep. 16).
It is alleged that two vehicles collided near the intersection of Williamsons and Manningham Rds about 11am.
The driver of one of the vehicles left his car and allegedly fired a gun.
Members of the public managed to overpower the man and hold him until police arrived.
The 32-year-old man, who sustained minor injuries, was arrested at the scene. No one else was injured.
The Heidelberg West man has been charged with numerous offences including Reckless conduct endangering life, reckless driving, attempted theft of motor vehicle and prohibited person use firearm.
He was remanded to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates’ Court.
Moon Festival
■ North-Eastern Metropolitan MLC Richard Welch has spoken in State Parliament about his participation in the Melbourne Moon Festival, organised by the Melbourne Taiwanese Chamber of Commerce and Whitehorse Council.
“I want to thank those groups particularly for putting together such a really well organised event that captured the essence of the moon festival, a celebration of family, unity and tradition,” Mr Welch said.
“It was great to connect with local Chinese businesses and residents and immerse in their culture through traditional foods and performances.
“Events like this play a wonderful role in bringing our community together, fostering cultural understanding and highlighting the diversity that makes Box Hill so unique. Thank you to everyone involved in making that event a success,” Mr Welch said.
Junction talks
■ Southern Metropolitan MLC John Berger says he had the opportunity to chair the second meeting of the Camberwell Junction Activity Centre community reference group.
“This was a great opportunity for the community to come together and assemble to plan for things that our growing suburbs and state need,” Mr Berger said.
“That includes community facilities, public spaces and parks, and it also includes discussing our state’s big agenda – that is, building more homes near where more people work, live and play but also building communities that are more energy efficient, climate resilient and primed for the 21st century,” Mr Berger said.
● ● The Eastern Suburbs Edition of The Local Paper covers the municipalities of Boroondara (north), Knox, Manningham, Maroondah, Monash and Whitehorse.
Sport
PREVIEW FOR MANIKATO STAKES
■ If the field stands up for the Manikato Stakes, it should be yet another top race for the Cox Plate Carnival at Moonee Valley.
With the popular event not far away, let’s have a look at some of the runners who may go around in the classic.
On the latest markets you must have the very good galloper, I Wish I Win, on top, especially after his fast finishing fifth in the Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley on September 7.
Beaten for pace early it was only natural that he would get back in the field of some fast young horses.
As mentioned, he was beaten for pace, but check this out in the final stages of the Moir.
He recorded the fastest last 800 metres, the fastest last 600, the last 400, and the last 200 metres.
The journey was a pace event over 1000 metres, which favoured the quick early young sprinters.
Another classy performer, Giga Kick, having his first run for 12 months, after a bad injury, had his first up run in Sydney
Ridden by top rider, James Mc Donald, for a horse that hadn’t raced for 12 months it was a terrific run,and he will be back, we hope better than ever, if that is possible.
The winner of the Moir is a six-year old, Mornington Glory, who has come out of the woodwork to beat the younger brigade.
A six-year old gelding he has ability, trained by former top jumps jockey, Gavin Bedggood, after leading practically all the way over the short trip.
He has come out of nowhere in the last few months, taking all before him, and was at good at odds at the Valley in the classic.
He is by Shalaa, and is part-owned by former Hawthorn footballer, Shane Crawford , a Brownlow Medallist, so it was a big weekend for him and connections.
Out of the Moir, others good runs were I Wish I Win, the three-year olds, Lady Camelot and Coleman, while the four-year-old mare Estriella, and the Blue Diamond Stakes winner, Hayasugi , who all may go around in the Manikato
Another who may run in the Manikato could be the good mare,Bella Nipotina, who is all class, prepared by top trainer Ciaron Maher.
She is one of the best going around in this top-class field.
Next, we have the McEvoy trained galloper, Veight who is racing well, and going back to March 23, won the George Ryder Stakes, one of the big races in Sydney
Two three-year olds,who could be right in this if they run, are Lady of Camelot and Hayasuga.
Lady of Camelot, with Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, won the Golden Slipper back in March.
Hayasugi,who won the Blue Diamond back in February, ran a great second to Mornington Glory in the Moir Stakes
Another who is flying at the moment is the Ciaron Maher-trained sprinter, Recommendation, who completed the hat-trick in winning the Vale Black Caviar at Caulfield on August 31
Ted Ryan
On the next line is the another good sprinter, up there with the very best. Overpass always gives and has won the last two Quokka’s in great style beating the great mare, Amelia’s Jewel, twice.
He has a great track record, and is prepared by leading Sydney trainer, Bjorn Baker.
He has always competed against the best previously, having won nearly $8 million in earnings.
Then we have another great veteran, Private Eye , going on eight years of age, but always puts in.
He is under the care of one of Sydney’s best trainers, in Joe Pride, who places him well.
At his last start he ran a good fourth behind I Am Me in the Concorde Stakes at Randwick on September 7, finishing hard to run very well.
Next, we have another star on her day,the
ex-Perth galloper, Amelia’s Jewel, now with Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald
She only got beaten by just over a length in the Tramway Stakes at Randwick over 1400 metres, and could be coming back to her best. On her day she can match it with the best.
The ultra-consistent mare, Jolie Star, is racing in superb form winning the Show Country Quality at Randwick
She is one of the most consistent mares racing and has won four of his eight starts with four seconds.
Prepared by leading Sydney trainer, Chris Waller, she is one of the best going around in the NSW capital at present.
One that has jumped out of the ground of late, is the Mornington trained Mornington Glory, prepared by former leading jumps rider Gavin Bedgood.
Over the past few months, he has come from nowhere at six years of age, to topple the best in the Moir, consisting of some of the best racing in Australia.
The six-year-old gelding has now won his last three in good fashion.
Another of the Ciaron Maher team, I Am Me, returning from a spell, put its best foot forward when winning the Concorde Stakes over 1000 metres at Randwick
The team has a good opinion of the six-yearold mare, and she beat some good horses in the Concorde like Giga Kick, Private Eye,Aft Cabin and Bella Nipotina
Caulfield Guineas
■ The first nominations for the Caulfield Guineas over 1600 metres for three-year-olds with some of Australia’s best youngsters entered, have closed.
Horses of the calibre of Broadsiding, who has taken all before him, from the Cummings stables, another in Storm Boy , from the Waterhouse camp, who is right behind him.
● ● Giga Kick. Racing Photos.
SHEPPARTON’S HAPPIEST PEOPLE
■ The Tuesday night Shepparton fixture commenced the week – the latest September 17 and local Arcadia South part-owners Jaimie Egan and partner Bek Dudley would have been the happiest people on course following the victory of their 5Y0 Badlands Hanover-Clearwater Blue mare Harley Blue in the 1690 metre Darren Carroll Mares Pace.
Driven by Kialla based Cameron Maggs, Harley Blue was able to trail the poleline leader Paigethehurrikane from inside the second line before being relegated to three pegs after Alby Ashwood sent Hello Sweetheart to the front racing for the bell after being trapped wide from gate four.
Coming away from the inside in the last lap to be one/one approaching the final bend, Harley Blue angled three wide and exploded to the front on straightening to record a runaway 12.2 metre margin over Shezabluechip (gate two – one/one – three wide last lap – four wide home turn) giving Jaimie his first winner in the sport. Elli Joh ran on late from four back in the running line for third 5 metres away. The mile rate 158.3.
■ It’s very rare if Strathfieldsaye trainer Julie Douglas and stable reinsman Jack Laugher fail to win a race at any meeting they attend and home bred 7Y0 Sunshine Beach-Miss Lara Jane gelding Ozzie Battler chalked up his 20th success from 189 outings (62 placings) when snaring the Rhonda Hubbard Happy 70th Birthday Pace 0ver 1690 metres.
Settling three back in the moving line from gate two on the second line, Ozzie Battler commenced a forward move three wide solo in the last lap, sustaining the effort to greet the judge 4.4 metres in advance of High Flux (inside the second line which trailed) having to angle wide past the weakening poleline leader Protaginist in the last lap costing him ground before switching to the sprint lane on turning. Art Of Fire (four pegs) was third 3 metres away. The mile rate 155.6.
■ The Charlene Gusman Pace over 2190 metres saw the pair bring up a double after 4Y0 Betterthancheddar-All Mystique gelding Better Saint raced by Swan Hill HRC President Noel Watson was victorious in a mile rate of 2-00.7. Racing very fierce mid-field in the moving line from gate two on the second line as Iamawingate led from gate four before handing over to Tex Goes Bang (gate three) which was able to cross.
When the well supported Pete Mitchell was set alight to sit outside the leader mid-race, Better Saint commenced a forward move three wide shortly after to join the leader racing for the bell.
Showing plenty of toughness on straightening, Better Saint outstayed his rivals to register a half head margin from Rockstar Leo along the sprint lane from three pegs, with Tex Goes Bang holding down third a half neck back.
■ The 2190 metre Ian Chambers Pace saw Kilmore trainer Thomas Parnell victorious with Tiger Of Old, a 7Y0 gelded son of Major Bronski and Sentemental salute the judge in 2-03.3. Driven by Josh Duggan, Tiger Of Old possied three pegs from inside the second line as Fake Cullection (gate two) crossed polemarker Silver Domino after Elzboy walked away from the pole.
Using inside runs in the last lap Tiger Of Old was extricated three wide on the home turn and finished best to score by a metre from Diamondsnblue (four pegs) which followed the winner home. Pinnacle Hope (one/two last lap) from the tail was third 3.2 metres away. The mile rate 2-00.3.
■ Revitalised ten-year-old SkyvalleyValchelon mare Myrtle Vale brought up her 11th victory at start 113 when taking the St Annes College Kialla Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres.
Given a beaut trip from gate two by Chris Alford for Sutton Grange trainer Ross Graham trailing bold front runner Christmas Babe (gate three), Myrtle Vale used the sprint lane to blouse the pacemaker by 1.7 metres in a rate of 2-02.7. Abbie ran home late from the tail for third 2.5 metres away.
■ The 1690 metre Neatline Homes 4Y0 & Older Maiden Pace closed the meeting with Tooleen trainer/driver Alby Ashwood’s 4Y0
Harness Racing
len-baker@ bigpond.com
with Len Baker
Betterthancheddar-Leecully gelding Unit Forty
One breaking the ice at start 25. Crossed from the pole by Chris Shinn aboard Alamo (gate three), Unit Forty One immediately angled away from the markers to challenge for the front running, but Chris had other thoughts and wouldn’t allow him to do so.
Dropping in for a short trail in the last lap, Unit Forty One angled off the inside on turning and the pair cleared away with Unit Forty One proving too strong over the concluding stages to register a 2.9 metre victory. The Feeny Favourite (four pegs) was third 15.2 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.9.
Double Day
■ Double day Wednesday saw Maryborough in the afternoon and the usual Bendigo fixture at night.
Bolinda’s Brent Lilley was victorious with Aldebaran Eagle-Secret Sundaze filly Sunnycoast Secret in the VHRC / GBL Properties 3Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres.
With stable employee Tristan Larsen in the sulky, Sunnycoast Secret began fast to lead from gate four and rated to perfection, defied all challengers to greet the judge by a half neck after being nursed to the wire in a 2-06.4 rate, accounting for Sky Lindy (gate five) which raced outside her. Gin Tonique (four pegs) was third 100.5 metres away.
■ Mitchellstown trainer/driver Kylie Sugars has been doing well of late and led throughout from the pole in the VHRC / Benstud 2Y0 Pace over 2190 metres with Vincent-Night Vision gelding Momentum Shift.
Always in control, Momentum Shift bred and raced by Frank Jessup kicked clear on the final bend to score easily by 8.7 metres in advance of Always A Showgirl (gate three) which trailed, with a death-seating Whiskeydrinkingbill third 2 metres back. The mile rate 2-02.6.
■ Kooreh (St Arnaud) co-trainers Shaun and Jason McNaulty brought up two wins in succession with 6Y0 Terror To Love-Beyond Belief gelding Terror Eyes by taking the 1690 metre VHRC / CHI Pace. In a 1-56.1 mile rate. With James Herbertson once again doing the driving, Terror Eyes was eased from gate three to settle at the tail as Tupelo Beach flew away from gate six. Set alight three wide solo racing for the bell to join the leader, Terror Eyes showed the staying prowess of his dad (a dual NZ Cup winner) to reach the post 4.3 metres clear of Major Annie (three wide to race parked from outside the front line) before gaining one/one cover for the last lap. Tupelo Beach held down third 3 metres back.
■ Stawell trainer/driver Jason Ainsworth has 5Y0 Danny Bouchea-Ballerina Spur mare Daisy Bouchea (raced by him and partner Natasha Raven) airborne at present, chalking up four wins in succession when greeting the judge in the VHRC / Haras Des Trotteurs Trotters Mobile over 2190 metres. Trapped three wide from gate six with no option but to restrain to the rear as in-form gelding Tubs Now Slim led from gate five, Daisy Bouchea despite being off the track running into the final bend, motored home as she usually does to record a head margin over That Other Thing (one/two from inside the second line).
Romantic Nina after racing exposed held third a metre back. The mile rate 2-02.8.
■ Theres no stopping Herbie – James that is and at Bendigo he produced the ‘drive of the night’ to land the Vicbred Super Series (4Y0 Mares) Silver Pace over 2150 metres for 61 year old Mount Wallace part-owner/trainer Warren Greene aboard Luna Dream, a daughter of Bling It On and Classy Dream paying odds of $61.00. Settling at the tail of the field from the extreme draw as favourite Delightful Tammy led for Greg Norman and Kerryn Manning, Looking forlorn racing for the bell, Luna Dream was switched to save ground along the markers hitting the back straight easing the inside to go around other runners before switching down to be behind the leader approaching the home turn.
Using the sprint lane, Luna Dream finished best to prevail by a half neck from Delightful Tammy, with Ivana Bytheseaside (mid-race) following up her Shepparton second the night before third 5.2 metres back after working hard from gate three at the start. The mile rate 157.9. James had also scored aboard Kyabram trainer Mick Blackmore’s Hoorah Philtra in the 3Y0 Bronze Pace.
■ Harkness (Melton) trainer Joe Pace combined with son Adrian to land the 2150 metre VSS 4Y0 Entires and Geldings Silver Pace with ex-Kiwi Rock N Roll Heaven-Satire Franco entire Twisting By at $81.00.
Settling three back in the moving line as the heavily backed favourite Our Vincent Van Gogh sped out from gate six to lead, Twisting By followed up Clear Left (four back) three wide in the last lap and after moving around him on the final bend, motored to the wire to gain the day by a head from Major Bert (one/one) last lap and Classic Mission which raced exposed before dashing clear on straightening finishing 1.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-57.1.
■ Horsham owner/trainer/driver Aaron Dunn reaped all the spoils in the VSS 2Y0 C&G Silver Pace over 2150 metres in a 1-55.3 mile rate when Downbytheseaside-Shadow Scooter colt Forty Love bred by parents Barry and Yvonne was successful.
Starting from gate four on the second line as Perfect Stranger (Chris Alford G 3) held out the hot favourite Storms Colilde (gate four), Forty Love was sent forward three and four wide approaching the home turn and despite being forced five wide on the bend, finished full of running to blouse the hot pot who led on turning by 1.4 metres. Crocodile Socks weaved a passage from well back for third 2.5 metres away.
At Ballarat
■ Ballarat was Thursday’s venue and Lara trainer James Warnock blew punters out of the water when 8Y0 Western Terror-Kano Star gelding Caledonian Terra at odds of $51.00 snared the 2200 metre BDTC150 On Twitter Pace.
Driven by son Paul, Caledonian Terra raced by the pair and other stable clients raced exposed throughout after going forward from outside the front line to shadow the leader Amphijet (gate four on the second line) which charged forward to cross Little Blabbermouth (gate four) shortly after the start.
Travelling on a tight rein, Caledonian Terra strolled to the front on the final bend immediately opening up a gap on his rivals to register an easy 11 metre margin from A Vapar Storm (one/two – three wide last lap) and Eye See Amour (five pegs) who ran on late out wide to be third a head away. The mile rate 2-00.6. It was Caledonian Terra’s 13th success in 86 outings.
■ Meredith co-trainers Emmett and Richard Brosnan were victorious with 4Y0 HuntsvilleOcean Oro mare Imagination Oro in the Yuille Campus Flo – Yuille Park Community College Pace over 1710 metres.
Driven by Emmett, Imagination Oro was another to race in the open, proving too strong at the business end for polemarker Starzinhereyes which led and Lady In Line (one/two – three wide last lap) from gate two on the second line. The margins a neck by 1.3 metres in a rate of 158.
■ Smythes Creek trainer/driver Nathan Cahir landed the MDS Financial Pace over 2200
metres with Plains In Heaven, a 5Y0 Rock N Roll Heaven-Illawong Bella gelding raced by long time harness devotee Terry Cahill. Going forward three wide from gate six to race outside the leader Neatntidy (gate four), Plains In Heaven showed great heart to outstay the pacemaker and score by 2 metres in a 2-01 mile rate. Major Maurie after trailing the pacemaker from the pole was third 2.3 metres away.
■ Navarre duo Toby Ainsworth (trainer) and Adda Massa (owner/driver) landed the 1710 metre Lifestyle Travel Pace with 5Y0 Blitzthemcalder-Joyful Angel gelding Di Angelo paying odds of $14.00.
Bottled up three pegs from inside the second line for most of the trip, Di Angelo eased out to be one/one approaching the home turn and winding up late in the straight, scored by a neck from Pickle It (one/one – three wide home turn) and Micton Mouse which ran on late out wide from near last at the bell to be a head away third. The mile rate 1-58.3.
■ Bacchus Marsh owner/trainer Scott Garbutt was successful with most honest 6Y0 PeakSoliloquize mare Mont Sally in the Bomitali Construction Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres. With ‘man of the moment’ James Herbertson in the sulky, Mont Sally began fast from gate six to cross the roughie Wills Maverick at the start and was never headed, accounting for Wills Maverick which battled on well by 2.9 metres in a 2-02.3 mile rate. Everybodyloveskenny (one/two – three wide approaching the final bend) was third a metre back. Mont Sally was bred by the late Graeme Rayner well known in The Marsh who passed away only recently.
Melton memo
■ Melton raced on Friday with Vicbred SS Consolations for Two,Three and Four year old Trotters and it was great to see one of harness racing’s “good guys” Myola’s Graham McDermott in the winners stall when 4Y0
Sebastian K-Amelia Darling mare I Dream Of Millie trained and driven by him land the Back Of The Neck Vicbred Super Series 4Y0 Bronze over 2240 metres.
Leading out from gate two, I Dream Of Millie was rated to perfection to register a 1.9 metre victory from Dossier (gate three-one/one) and That’s Dudley which faced the open from outside the front line who battled on strongly finishing 3.4 metres away. The mile rate 2-03.
■ Bolinda’s Alison Alford snared the E L Titan 3Y0 Silver with Skyvalley-Starcus filly Link In Bio which ran well in her heat. Driven by husband Chris, Link In Bio made a fast run from mid-field mid-race to test the leader We Can Have It All before striding clear at the bell to reach the wire 1.8 metres ahead of We Can Havi It All who tried hard. Polemarker Daley Waters which momentarily led held third 7.4 metres back from three pegs last lap. The mile rate 2-02.5.
■ Junortoun’s Gary Donaldon combined with James Herbertson to land the 4Y0 Silver Trotters with What The Hill-Donski mare Salski in 2-02.7, finishing hard out wide from mid-field to record a head margin in 2-02.7 from the leader Paris Jamilla and Grumpee (one/three –three wide last lap) who was a half head back in a thrilling finish.
■ Peter Manning was successful with VolsteadTias Rose filly Nipotina in the Classic Connection 2Y0 Silver. Driven by daughter Kerryn for well known owners Rob Merola and Sam Godino, Nipotina led throughout from gate three defying all challengers to score by a head.
LALOR
Barber shop fire
■ Fire Rescue Victoria crews responded to a barber shop fire in Lalor on Monday evening last week (Sep. 16) , following multiple calls to Triple Zero (000).
Crews arrived on scene within six minutes to find a car had been backed into the shop through the front window and the shop fully involved in fire.
Wearing beathing apparatus, firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, bringing the incident under control within 30 minutes, containing the fire to the affected shop.
The shop was unoccupied at the time of the incident and the occupants of the vehicle appeared to have left the scene prior to brigade arrival.
Residents living behind the shop were evacuated from their home as a precaution and assessed by Ambulance Victoria for symptoms of smoke inhalation. No injuries were reported.
The fire was deemed suspicious and is being investigated by Victoria Police
Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria were on scene to support firefighting activities.
ROCKBANK
Carjack, robberry
■ Brimbank Crime investigation Unit detectives are investigating an attempted carjacking and armed robbery in Rockbank on Sunday morning (Sep. 22).
Officers were told that the victim, a ride share driver, picked up two men on Sayers and Leaks Rds about 12.35am.
The two men instructed the victim to Sheahan Rd, Rockbank, when one the men produced a knife and made demands for the victim’s phone, cash and vehicle.
It is believed a scuffle broke out between the two and the victim sustained an injury to his hands.
The victim fled the scene in his vehicle and drove to the intersection of Sheahan and Hopkins Rds where he flagged down a passerby.
The two offenders fled the scene on foot with the victim’s phone.
With the assistance of the Police K9 Unit a knife was located in nearby parkland.
Despite a thorough search of the area, the offenders were not located.
Both the males were wearing black clothing, and are described as being of islander appearance, of solid build, approximately 175cms and aged in their early 20s.
A 34-year-old man from Airport West was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.
MELBOURNE
New tech centre
■ The State Government says that is creating hundreds of highly skilled local jobs by supporting a global Indian tech company to open its Australia and New Zealand headquarters in Victoria
In Delhi last week, Premier Jacinta Allan met with Indian IT company Firstsource to announce it will establish its new headquarters in Melbourne creating up to 420 jobs in Victoria.
Firstsource is a global business process services company that provides digital transformation solutions to a broad range of industries including healthcare, banking and financial services, communications, media and technology, education, utilities and energy.
“Attracting Firstsource’s Australia and New Zealand headquarters to Victoria will grow the state’s digital capabilities, bringing new proprietary technology and driving more research. Firstsource plans to partner with Victorian education institutions to set up an innovation lab focused on AI, engineering, robotics and digital experimentation,” said a Government representative.
Launched last week, Victoria’s India Strategy 2025-2030 is the Government’s plan to strengthening its relationship with India , identifying digital technology as an emerging sector.
$400,000 ILLEGAL TOBACCO SEIZED BY GEELONG POLICE
■ Detectives from Geelong Crime Investigation Unit have arrested four people after more than $400,000 worth of illicit tobacco was seized in Geelong and Corio
Police executed six search warrants last Wednesday (Sep. 18) at shops on Kosciusko and Detroit Avenue, Corio; Separation St, Bell Park; Peter St, Grovedale; Wilsons Rd, Whittington; and Church St, Herne Hill where illegal tobacco was allegedly being sold. One of these shops had previously been targeted for an attempted arson in 2023.
An approximate total of 323,120 sticks of illicit tobacco, 23,968 vapes, 18.5 kg of loose tobacco and $13,000 was seized as part of the investigation.
Four people were arrested including:
■ A 50-year-old Lara woman will be charged on summons with one count of possess tobacco products with intent of defrauding the revenue, and deal with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
■ A 58-year-old Corio woman will be charged on summons with one count of possess tobacco products with intent of defrauding the revenue, and deal with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
■ A 41-year-old Tarneit man will be charged on summons with one count of possess tobacco products with intent of defrauding the revenue and deal with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
■ A 19-year-old Hoppers Crossing woman will be charged on summons with one count of possess tobacco products with intent of defrauding the revenue and deal with property suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
The investigation remains ongoing, and several people will be spoken to in due course.
TRUGANINA
Serial shoplifter
■ Fugitive Squad officers in conjunction with Geelong Liquor Licensing Unit have arrested a man wanted in relation to an alleged shoplifting spree throughout Victoria and interstate.
It is alleged the 26-year-old man was responsible for stealing approximately $200,000 worth of goods, predominantly alcohol, between December 2023 and Septemberthis year.
The Truganina man was arrested on Sayers Rd in Hoppers Crossing
He has been charged with 102 counts of theft and remanded to appear at the Geelong Magistrates’ Court.
TRARALGON
Aggravated invasion
■ Police have arrested an 18year-old man after a police officer and elderly woman were
Across Victoria
MYRTLEFORD
Theft, damage
■ Police have charged a man after a frontend loader was allegedly driven into a car in Myrtleford on Friday (Sep. 20).
Officers have been told the man allegedly drove the front-end loader through a woman’s front yard on Mummary Rd, before hitting her Holden Captiva about 12.35pm.
No one was injured, and it is believed the pair are known to each other.
Investigators believe the front-end loader was then driven erratically through Myrtleford, before the male driver exited the vehicle and allegedly stole cigarettes and alcohol from a supermarket on Myrtle St.
The front-end loader was recovered by police in Merriang South at 7.15pm.
Police will allege the yellow Caterpillar vehicle was stolen from Merriang South overnight.
Statewide
injured in Traralgon last Wednesday morning (Sep. 18).
The teenager was arrested at a pine plantation after fleeing from police on Traralgon West Rd just before 7.30am.
The arrest follows a home invasion at a residence on Wallace Court about 2.50am.
It is alleged the teen and a second offender woke the female occupant and assaulted her before stealing her bank card and fleeing in her Mazda 3.
The two offenders were spotted with the Mazda 3 by police at a service station on Moore St, Moe, about 6.10am.
Officers attempted to block-in the vehicle before the offending driver allegedly intentionally drove at police and subsequently ran over an officer’s foot.
During the course of the incident, a police officer discharged his firearm before the vehicle fled the scene.
The male Detective Senior Constable sustained an injury to his foot and was taken to hospital.
The 78-year-old Traralgon woman assaulted during the aggravated home invasion was taken to hospital with non-lifethreatening injuries.
The arrested teen, who was not injured, was expected to be interviewed by detectives.
The second offender remains outstanding and investigations are ongoing.
As per standard procedure, Professional Standards Command will oversee the investigation due to a police firearm being discharged.
CHOCOLYN
Driver dies
■ Police are investigating a fatal collision in Chocolyn on Saturday night (Sep. 21).
Emergency services were called to a head on collision where one vehicle caught fire on Camperdown-Lismore Rd, about 9.30pm.
The driver and only occupant in one of the vehicles, a
35-year-old man from Glenfyne died at the scene.
The male driver, female front seat passenger and two children were all taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Two other children inside the Exact circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.
OAKLEIGH
House fire battle
■ Multiple Triple Zero calls were received around 7.40am Saturday (Sep. 21) for a house fire in Huntingdale Rd, Oakleigh with the house well alight and fire entering the roof space.
Fire Rescue Victoria responded with an escalated response including aerial and rescue appliances. The first crews arrived on scene within five minutes.
Firefighters, wearing breathing apparatus, made an internal attack to contain the fire to the downstairs and half the roof space, however the home sustained severe damage.
Three occupants were home at the time. Ambulance Victoria treated one of the residents for possible smoke inhalation, later transporting the patient to hospital for observation
This fire was deemed ‘Under Control ‘at 8.07am with the cause identified as an unattended candle in a bedroom.
Victoria Police attended in support of FRV operations.
A community advice regarding a structure fire was issued for the area.
FRV remained on scene over several hours to monitor hot spots.
VICTORIA
■
Statewide
The 31-year-old Myrtleford man has been charged with theft of motor vehicle, theft, and criminal damage.
He was remanded to appear before Wangaratta Magistrates’ Court on Monday (Sep. 23).
SWAN HILL
Murder alleged
■ Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man with murder following a fatal house fire in Swan Hill on Wednesday.
Police will allege the man deliberately set a fire inside a house on Domaille Crescent about 5.40pm last Wednesday (Sep. 18).
A 41-year-old Swan Hill man was located deceased inside the property.
A 40-year-old Swan Hill man was transported to hospital and subsequently taken into custody.
He was charged with one count of murder and was to appear at the Bendigo Magistrates’ Court.
GREATER GEELONG
Copper theft
■ Police have charged one man and arrested a second man following the alleged attempted theft of copper in North Shore last Thursday night (Sep. 19).
Police received a report of two men loitering inside the yard of a business premises on St Georges Rd about 9.20pm. Patrols were conducted around the area when the two men were located hiding inside yard.
A search of the men allegedly revealed they were in possession of tools used for the theft of copper and other fittings.
A 41-year-old Armstrong Creek man was charged with attempted theft, going equipped to steal, trespass and possess a drug of dependence.
He also had an outstanding warrant for unrelated matters.
He was bailed to appear at Geelong Magistrates’ Court on November 19.
A 48-year-old Bell Post Hill man was released pending further enquiries.
BALLARAT
Wendouree warrant
■ Police officers from Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit, Ballarat Division Response Unit and Critical Incident Response Unit members have arrested two people after executing a warrant in Wendouree
Police attended an address on Lorikeet Place about 10.25am last Wednesday (Sep. 18) as part of an ongoing investigation into alleged aggravated burglaries, thefts of motor vehicle and dangerous driving offences.
A 24-year-old man and an 18-year-old woman were taken into custody.
A search of the property was conducted and police allegedly located a number of stolen items including tools, jewellery, clothing, registration plates and a stolen Volkswagen Touareg
The woman has been charged with burglary and will face Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on October 14.
The 24-year-old man was being interviewed by police.
Classifieds 9489 2222
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BED. Single. Timber bedhead. Including ammtress, sheets, pillows with slips, blankets. Dressing table, side table, with drawers, touch light, chair. All very clean. $120. Ferntree Gully. 9758 8990 HH-LL
BLACKSMITHS VICE. with long leg. OK Cond. $150. Launching Place. 5967 4412. HH-LL
BOARD GAMES. old, in original boxes, Chinese Checkers, Young Talent Time, Pictionary, Monopoly, Backgammon, Contraband, Dukes of Hazzard, Trivia, many more, plus Meccano set, box Lego, plus cards. GC. $300 negotiable. Doncaster. 0419 365 825. HH-LL
CAMPER TRAILER. Tru Blu. Heavy duty, all terrain. 12V accessory outlet, plus slide out kitchen. Full registered. $4300. Frankston. 9789 9634.JJ-NN
CAMPER TRAILER. Aussie Swag. Plus 12’ Alum. Punt. 15HP Outboard. Full annexe. Reg. Lots of bits and extras. All rego. Will sell separate if need be. GC. $4000. Altona. 0437 672 039. LL-PP
HORSE RIDING HELMET. Backl on trackl EQ3 Pardus Microfibre sparkle. Medium, adjustable 5658cm, washable liner. New in box. Tried on but never worn, gift/online purchase. Incorrect size. RRP $425. $380 OBO. Post available (+$). Seymour. 0408 704 995.HH-LL
HOUSE. Already cut in half. On blocks, ready to be transported away. Jerilderie. 0447 013 460. JJ-NN
HAY
Good quality. Bales: $6.50 Rolls: $50 Kinglake West 0400 529 469 HH-LL
MATTRESS. Queen size and base. As new. $300. Narre Warren. 0402 483 707.JJ-NN
MORRIS MINOR. 1954. Complete in parts. Body stripped back to bare metal and primed. Comes on a rotisserie. Engine No F5/ 304127. GC. $3500. Homewood. 0418 354 641.HH-LL
PLANTS. Indoor. Outdoor Trees. Succulents, Ground Cover. Available all year. Noble Park, Dawn, 0407 325 030. JJ-NN
PORTABLE CATTLE YARDS. Approx. 50 head. Hot dipped galvanised, Echuca brand Gribben stockyards. 24 straight panels, 3 gate assemblies. Holding pen behind race. Portable ramp on wheels. All in good cond. Dismantled and packed up. $9500. Phone: 0407 351 443. JJ-PP
RADIOGRAM. 1930s era. Oak wood cabinet. FC. $80. Greensborough. 0406 939 273. HH-LL
RAILWAY MAGAZINES. Bulletin, Aust. Railway History, Railway Transportation, Victorian Rail-Ways, Aust. Railway Enthusiast, Vicrail News. Some in year lots, $15 each. Others loose from $1 each. GC. Cash only. Montmorency. 0415 798 561. HH-LL
REFRIGERATOR
FREEZER. $200. Narre Warren. 0402 483 707 JJ-NN
REFRIGERATOR. 3.6. 380 lt. Metal finish look. Bottom freezer. Has had very little use. Ht: 1730cm, width 70cm, depth 690cm. LG brand. As new. $200. Hastings. 0466 252 967. HH-LL
TV CABINETS. $30. Narre Warren. 0402 483 707 JJ-NN
TOWING HITCH for caravan. Lift bar and chain type. Tows up to 3 tonne. GC. $175. Hastings. 0466 252 967.
HH-LL
WELLNESS CIRCULATION STIMULATOR. Clare. VGC. $150 ONO. Frankston. 9789 9634 JJ-NN WOOD TURNING LATHE Includes tools, books and accessories. VGC. $300. Mount Martha. 04076 921 724. HH-LL
CASUAL LABOURER required for a few days work, don’t need to be continuous days. I need help in rebuilding some small bridges and clearing of walking tracks. Cash payment of $25 per hour. Call me to discuss. Yea. 0438 652 784. HH-LL
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This is a position for someone, with their own ABN, to work on a contract basis. The position pays $500 (including GST) each fortnightly round.
This fortnightly job (Febnruary-December) involves picking up bundles at Tullamarine on Tuesday mornings (from 5am), and delivering bundles prior to Wednesday morning to retail outlets.
The position would be ideal for someone who is punctual, relaible and able to work without supervision. A regular sedan vehicle is suitable for the position.
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Apply to be on our waiting list.
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Business Guide
It Pays To Advertise Your Business
Successful small business operators agree that local newspaper advertising is the most effective way to promote your business to local families. Tell our thousands of readers about the services that you provide. Your messages will be published in The Local Paper’s print editions and digital editions.
