The Local Paper. Mitchell Shire Edition. Wed., June 12, 2024

Euroa too good for Lions

■ Euroa Seniors were too strong for Seymour in last Saturday’s Goulburn Valley Football League Round 9 match at the Euroa Memorial Oval.

The Magpies 211.10 (76) defeated the Lions 9.12 (66).

Euroa’s goalkickers were Silver Yousif 2, Lachlan Hill 2, Jett Trotter, Jack McKernan, Ryan Hill, Fletcher Paul, Will Hayes, Tristan Davies and Keily Jager.

Seymour’s goalkickers were Cooper Lubeck 2, Riley Mason 2, Jack Murphy, Ricky Schraven Nathan Fowler, Max McLean and Chayse Thomson.

In other GVFL matches: Echuca 17.21 (123) d Tatura 5.7 (37). Shepparton 12.9 (81) d Kyabram 9.13 (67). Rochester 20.21 (141) d Shepparton United 11.4 (70). Benalla 14.9 (93) d Shepparton Swans 13.12 (90).

Mansfield: Bye. Mooroopna: Bye.

Seymour will travel to Deakin Reserve this Saturday (June 15) to play Shepparton United.

‘NOTHING FOR YOUTH AT WATERFORD PARK’

■ Mitchell Shire Council hasbeen told there is nothing for young people at Waterford Park.

At its latest meeting, local resident Ms Roula Loutas asked: “About three years ago, maybe longer, I put a proposal with Council for a halfcourt basketball for the community of Waterford Park which has nothing there for youth in the areas.

“My question is when will this happen as I have been told soon. My attempt to raise money have gone down hill.”

A Mitchell Shire Council representative answered: “Thank you for your question and for advocating for the construction of a half-court basketball facility at Waterford Park Reserve

“Currently there are three multi-use indoor courts at Wallan, two at Broadford , two at Seymour , one at Wandong and one at Beveridge

“There are also plans to provide multi-use indoor courts at the new Greenhill Recreation Precinct as well as new sites in several other growth areas.

“In terms of outdoor courts, there have been recent installations of half courts in Beveridge (2), Wallan (3), Kilmore (2), Pyalong (2) and Seymour (1).

“Waterford Park has a range of facilities currently available including full tennis court, cricket net, playspace and toilet facilities, and we believe that an additional standalone half court basketball facility would not be appropri-

ate for a park of this size and population catchment.

“However, there may an alternative and more cost-effective solution of the installation of a basketball ring within the existing tennis court enclosure.

“This would result in a more efficient use of the existing facilities without the significant funding required to develop a new half-court basketball facility.

“There is no funding identified in Council’s four-year budget allocated for Waterford Park, however Council officers would be happy to continue to work with your group to identify and provide support in applying for external funding for improvements to the existing facilities in this reserve.

“Once again, thank you for your interest in improving local facilities,” Ms Loutas was told.

● ● Lions coach Ben Davey Photo: seymourlions.com.au

WEDNESDAY,

‘HANDS OFF YEA HOSPITAL’

Local Briefs

OE Matches

■ Division 1. Seniors. Round 9B. Saturday, June 15. Yea v Belgrave. Healesville v Yarra Junction. Yarra Glen v Powelltown. Warburton-Millgrove: Bye.

■ Premier Division. Seniors. Round 9. Saturday, June 15. Officer v Monbulk. Mt Evelyn v Narre Warren. Wandin v OlindaFerny Creek. Gembrook-Cockatoo v UpweyTecoma. Woori Yallock v Pakenham. Berwick Springs v Emerald.

Nominations call

■ Mitchell Council is calling for passionate individuals and dedicated community groups to get involved in the 2025 Community Awards and citizenship ceremony. The Council is also seeking community groups to host the Community Awards event.

■ A public meeting will be held at 9.30am on Saturday, June 22, at the Yea Shire Hall, to address the State Government’s push to amalgamate local hospitals.

“The State Government plans to amalgamate Victorian hospitals. This is a cost cutting exercise from a government drowning in debt,” said one of the ‘Hands Off Yea Hospital’ organisers, Jan Beer.

“Amalgamations will lead to reductions in services or entire closures. The future of the Acute Care Emergency Centre, allied health services and 10 bed Yea and District Memorial Hospital is at risk.

“There has been a complete lack of transparency and no consultation with rural communities about what is being planned.

“Yea and District Memorial Hospital is Yea’s largest employer. It enables Yea to attract and retain GPs and other health providers.

“YDMH was in large part funded by past generations of residents. Closure or major reduction of services at YDMH will impact on the whole of the Yea community.

“The Yea community needs to stand up and defend its health service. It needs to do this now.

“The Shire Hall Public Meeting is your opportunity to hear more about the Government plans. It is your opportunity to have your say and learn what you can do to help.”

Efforts are being made to collect at least 2000 signatures on a petition to get it tabled before State Parliament.

“This raises our very real concerns about the loss of our hospital services and amalgamation into large and distant regional hub hospitals such as Shepparton or Epping Northern Hospital.

“We are not doing an electronic petition as 10,000 signatures are required for that – too many for the short time we have.

“There will be petitions in many of the local shops and in the Yea Football clubrooms.”

Mrs Beer said: “Let there be no doubt, when Government Ministers spruik amalgamations, this will inevitably lead to a reduction in local access to services. Over time it will lead to closure of local facilities as services are centralised elsewhere in the interests of so-called ‘increased efficiency’

Local Sport

■ Division 1 Seniors. Round 9. Saturday, June 15. Montmorency v West PrestonLakeside. Hurstbridge v Heidelberg. Eltham v Bundoora. North Heidelberg v Bayule. Greensborough v Macleod.

■ Division 2 Seniors. Round 9. Saturday, June 15. South Morang v Lower Plenty. Panton Hill v Diamond Creek. Laurimar v Whittlesea. Thomastown v Northcote Park. St Mary’s v Watsonia.

■ Division 3 Seniors. Round 9. Saturday, June 15. Heidelberg West v Fitzroy Stars. Kinglake v Ivanhoe. Old Eltham Collegians v Kilmore. Mernda v Lalor. Reservoir v Old Paradians. Epping: Bye.

●

● There were no NFNL rounds played on Saturday, June 8, due to the King’s Birthday Holiday weekend.

✔On the motion of Murrindindi Shire’s Crs Sandice McAulay and Eric Lording, Councillors agreed to endorse a $5000 grant to the Alexandra Football Netball Club for a First Nations Celebration. Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher absented himself from the vote as he a a club patron.

?Does Murrindindi Shire Council have trouble keeping staff? The Council is currently advertising a range of vacancies:

■ Audit and Risk Committee - Independent Member

■ Coordinator Engineering Services

■ Library & Customer Service Officer

- Casual

■ Resource Recovery Centre Operator

- Kinglake

■ Strategic Planner

■ Family Day Care Educators (Casual)

✖Residents unhappy with proposed changes to National Park arrangements were due to hold a meeting at the Yea Shire Hall last night (Tues., June 11) as this edition of The Local Paper went to press.

● ● Warren Davies

✔Warren Davies, also known as The Unbreakable Farmer, yesterday (Tues.) started a series of resilience and wellbeing workshops in the Yarra Ranges to give local business operators the tools they need to become more resilient when faced with significant challenges. The first workshop was held at Mount Evelyn. Others will be held in Olinda and Yarra Junction and will be free for community members to attend. Yarra Ranges Mayor, Cr Sophie Todorov, said that it was a great opportunity for community members to come together and take away some great lessons to implement into their day-to-day lives. “Our community has unfortunately been through quite a bit over the past few years, following the lockdowns, storm events, power outages, landslides and other adversities such as cost of living,” Cr Todorov said.

✖Murrindindi Shire Council is practising amateur-style advocacy in its protests against amalgamations of local hospital, says Local Paper Editor Ash Long. “The Council is letting its public down. If a newspaper asks a question of a Government Minister, usually a response will come back same day. Unfortunately, the Council’s current approach is to post a letter on Facebook, with a request for people to pass it o,” Mr Long said. “The Council’s approach to mail a letter to the Health Minister will likely go to a mid-level public servant and sit ib their in-box.” The newspaper Editor said that pressure had to be put on all State politicians. “The Local Paper goes to all State MPs. According to their own figures, our newspaper competitors have just 15 online subscribers.”

‘Shire declined options’

■ Murrindindi Shire Council was offered but did not take up two optional methods to promote the ward boundary reviews, a Victorian Electoral Commission has revealed.

The Commission said the Council did not

■ print public notices in local newspapers, and

■ use targeted social media advertisements for the council area.

The VEC conducted a public information and awareness program about the Murrindindi Shire Council ward boundary review.

This included:

■ printed public notices in state-wide newspapers

■ public information sessions to outline the review process and respond to questions from the community

■ a media release to announce the start of the review

■ information on social media channels

■ website content on vec.vic.gov.au, including:

- current information on the review process

- fact sheets for each council under review and a submission guide.

The VEC recommended adjustments to the boundaries of the wards within Murrindindi Shire Council:

■ Cathedral Ward

■ Cheviot Ward

■ Eildon Ward

■ Kinglake Ward

■ King Parrot Ward

■ Koriella Ward

■ Red Gate Ward

The report said: “The VEC encouraged input to the ward boundary review of Murrindindi Shire Council via:

■ response submissions to the preliminary report

■ an online public hearing for those who made a response submission and wished to speak to the VEC to expand on their submission.

“Public submissions are an important part of the review process and were considered alongside other factors during the review.

“The current ward boundary review of Murrindindi Shire Council was required due to the voterto-councillor ratios projected to be outside the +/-10 per cent range across six wards at the October 2024 local council elections.

“Cheviot, Kinglake and Red Gate wards were projected to be outside the +10 per cent range, and Cathedral, Eildon and Koriella wards were projected to be outside the -10% range.

“Boundary adjustments would therefore be required to transfer voter numbers from the wards above +10 per cent into other wards, to ensure all wards met the legislated voter deviations at the time of the elections.

“While the VEC noted the existing King Parrot Ward was the only ward projected to comply with voter deviations at the 2024 elections, changes would likely be needed to this ward to balance boundary adjustments in other wards.”

The VEC recommended boundary reviews for each of the seven wards.

Merton: good to go

■ Merton Recreation Reserve users can now take advantage of the newly refurbished toilet block following Mansfield Council’s recent works. The renewal project has seen the block repainted inside and out, as well as the installation of new Colourbond roofing, Laminex cubicles and doors and new sinks, taps, lights and flooring. Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said that the upgrade responded to community concerns about the state of the toilet block.

● ● ● ● Livia Bonazzi, Murrindindi Shire Council CEO

Shire fails to reply to request

■ Murrindindi Shire Council appears to have failed to put its local newspaper advertising purchasing for the 2024-25 financial year to a competitive tender.

The 2024-25 financial year starts in three weeks’ time, but The Local Paper has not yet been invited to submit a competitive quote for advertising from July 1.

Twelve months ago, Murrindindi Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi incorrectly claimed that The Local Paper does not employ local people, and made incorrect assertions about Australian Press Council links.

The newspaper asked the Council for comment for this edition. The reply: “Council will provide a written response in 10 business days from receipt of this email in ac- cordance with our charter.

In April 1984, Ash Long purchased the Yea newspaper business from Tom Dignam. Exactly 40 years on, throughout 2024, Ash Long continues his lifetime of community service as Publisher of The Local Paper.

Times change. For some in the 1980s, the definition of ‘local’ was being between the two bridges in the Yea township. The local government mergers of the 1990s saw the new Murrindindi Shire widen the scope to take in parts of the Alexandra, Broadford, Eltham, Whittlesea and Yea municipalities.

The reconstruction and recovery from the 2009 ‘Black Saturday’ fires again broadened the meaning of ‘local’.

By the 1990s, Ash Long could see that the concept of a paid-circulation local newspaper was already outdated.

In the early 2000s, The Local Paper and its progenitors were already developing an online presence, as well as growing the free printed editions.

Tom Dignam and Ash Long, 1984. Today, The Local Paper is still the largest local newspaper, with editions covering Mansfield, Mitchell Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), part of Strathbogie, Whittlesea (rural) and Yarra Ranges. Decades on, Ash Long and his team remain committed to providing best possible service to readers and clients.

The Local Paper

In association with the Established September 14, 1969

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

ABOUT US

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

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

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

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

• Mitchell Shire Edition: Mitchell Shire

US

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

Mail: PO Box 1278, Research, Vic 3095

Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au

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www.LocalMedia.com.au

E-Mail: Editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Editor@MelbourneObserver.com.au

Editor@LocalMedia.com.au

Bissett-Johnson, Cartoonist

Editor: Ash Long

Kemp, Art Rob Foenander, Music

Features Editor: Peter Mac

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: Peter Dodd, Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky

Credit Manager: Michael Conway OAM, Fast Action Debt Recovery, 0402 142 866

Ash on Wednesday Vale David Purcell, 1953-2024

■ ■ We lost David Purcell this week. One of the bravest and toughest men that I have known, at the same time being one of most caring.

' DP ' (' Purce ' to many) was a lifetime mate and confidant.

On the business side, he was our accountant for more years than I care to remember. But he was so much more than that.

I spoke to Lissi, and our sincere condolences go also to Caz and James, and Annie too. Also in our thoughts are David's sisters Helen and Margaret, and the wider family.

Lissi , of course, was by David's side, as he was finally taken by Acute Leukaemia.

Geez, he put up a courageous battle. So did Lissi. He thought he was gone last November, when in his words, they sent him home to say goodbye.

Lissi has been there all the way through every up and down. They have been incredible partners.

I first saw David Frederick Purcell on the Ivanhoe football fields in the late 1960s and 1970s.

He was fearless, and not afraid to square the ledger with an out-of-line opposition player who might have hurt one of his Hoes team-mates.

Over the years, we spoke about this special brand of courage, which he attributed to his father Harold DP was a loyal Old Ivanhoe Grammarians footballer, and he always maintained his loyalty to the brownand-white.

David studied accountancy, and went to

Long Shots

work with footy clubs such as Fitzroy and Richmond, later into partnership, and then trading under the 'E.S. Purcell & Co.' banner.

As a client, I jokingly nicknamed him 'Loopholes', but in reality he insisted on doing things by the book.

To understand the significane of the ESP label, you need to be a student of the country town of Yea.

The Purcells were/ are Yea royalty. The family ran the district's general store for 99 years, as well as their other pursuits including farming.

Eaton Stannard Purcell was a local pioneer, as was his son, Major Frederick George Purcell I came to know a little about Yea history when I purchased the Yea newspaper business in 1984, 40 years ago.

Partly because of the Ivanhoe Grammar School connection, the Purcells became one of our best supporters. They had run the newspaper from 1907-1929.

Especially Bill, Harold, Claire and Jean, and others too in the extended clan. I shared a Masonic connection with David's cousin, Howard Purcell.

Another of David's cousins, Ian Scott , married my oldest and dearest school friend, Anne . We met when we were 5, and we caught up again with her at a reunion only a few weeks ago.

The friendliness of the Yea connection extended to the wonderful Joanie, David's beloved Mum.

That friendliness extended to family friends, the Law-

rances , and others in their network.

David had a keen interest in thoroughbreds, and he became President of the Healesville Amateur Racing Club.

There is likely to be a get-together there later this month for friends to say their farewell.

Like many of us, David had his fair share of highs and lows in life. He lived with leukaemia for a number of years, and

never complained.

Over recent months, he was in and out of the Olivia Newton-John Centre at Heidelberg. Transfusions gave him a little reprieve.

Our lives are better because David Purcell has been in them. He epitomised the saying - "when in doubt, do the courageous thing".

Thanks for everything over the years, dear friend.

Locals honoured

■ A number of people throughout the region have been named in the King’s Birthday Honours:

Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division

■ Emeritus Professor Michael Walter Buxton, Macclesfield. For significant service to urban and environmental planning, to tertiary education, and to the community.

Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the General Division

■ Ms Karen Elizabeth Noonan, Monbulk. For service to community music, and through emergency response organisations. Australian Fire Service Medal ■ Mr Nigel Brennan, Yarra Junction.

Goulburn blitz

■ Water Police, in conjunction with Victorian Fisheries Authority, have conducted an operation focusing on safety on the water in early June.

Operation Goulburn took place on the Goulburn Rive r and Majors Creek, Mitchelstown, on June 1-2.

“Whilst safety compliance and social behaviour was generally good, the number of vessels being operated under the influence of alcohol was extremely disappointing and dangerous,” said a Police representative.

A 41-year-old Oaklands Junction man received a penalty notice for not wearing a life jacket in a vessel less than 4.8 meters in length.

A 59-year-old Golden Square man blew 0.173 and will be charged on summons.

A 55-year-old Melton South man blew 0.086 and received an infringement notice of $577 and a 6-month suspension of licence.

A 41-year-old Wandong man blew 0.106 and received an infringement notice $817 and six-month suspension of licence.

Fisheries, Water Police and Safe Transport Victoria conducted further operations on the Kings Birthday weekend throughout Victoria.

Memories of Fred

■ Mitchell Shire residents gathered on Friday (June 7) to celebrate the official naming of the Fred Grimwade Pavilion at Seymour’s Kings Park.

The ceremony celebrated the life and legacy of the late Fred Grimwade AO, who was a tireless advocate for the region. Mr Grimwade’s family were also in attendance.

Session at Hub

■ A session will be held on Wednesday next week (June 19) from 7pm-8.30pm at the Seymour Recovery Hub to celebrate the community efforts in bringing the Seymour Community Wellbeing Hub to life.

The session will cover the journey over the past five years, project vision, timeframes, budgets and the services that will be delivered.

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment Aaron Rourke, Film

Ted Ryan, Horse Racing Len Baker, Harness Racing Matt

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Health Latest

Merger fears

■ Mansfield Council is saying no to the amalgamation of local hospital services.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said Mansfield had a strong history of fighting amalgamations and it was time for the community to take a stand against any proposed amalgamation.

“We don’t want to be swallowed up into a large network of hospitals that have no relevancy here to our local community,” said Cr Rabie

“Leaked documents reveal that there is a threat that we would lose our chief executive and local board and have them replaced by an advisory board that sits out in Shepparton, making decisions about our services.

“A board of people who have never stepped foot in Mansfield Shire could have the right to can our most basic health services if they see fit.

“The hospital is the lifeblood of our community and has been in service since 1871. That is 153 years of trustworthy service that will be thrown away in the name of state budget cuts.

“This merger, shrouded in secrecy, has our community bewildered. In rural areas, such as in the Grampians, hospital mergers have been tried and have failed.

“In the year 2002, our own local government de-amalgamated after a disastrous merger in 1994. We’ve ‘been there, done that’ and we know that our community thrives independently.

“Since our de-amalgamation, Mansfield Shire has continued to grow and prosper, with continued investment in services and health.

“We look after each other here, and we look after those who visit us. With 10,000 people here and up to 20,000 a day up on Buller, our hospital service needs to be strong and it needs to cater for our specific needs.

“We have full confidence in the current CEO and board to continue to provide the excellence in healthcare management that our community is accustomed to,” Cr Rabie said.

New signs on artist trail

■ Six key signs along the Heidelberg School Artist Trail in Eltham have been restored, bringing back to life the historic works of one of Eltham’s most well-known painters.

People are invited to walk in the footsteps of artist Walter Withers (1854-1914) and immerse themselves in Nillumbik’s rich artistic history along the Diamond Creek Trail between Wingrove Park and the activity centre in Main Rd.

“The signs place viewers at or near the locations where six of Withers’ famous paintings were created,” a Nillumbik Council representative said.

“They show a reproduction of the painting itself along with information about the work, and visitors can compare Eltham today with that of the turn of the 19th century.”

Nillumbik Mayor Cr Ben Ramcharan said the signs were among more than 50 across northeast Melbourne that were installed in the late 1990s in Nillumbik, Banyule, Manningham and the Yarra Ranges.

“Over time, some of the signs have deteriorated, and funding through the Victorian Government’s Suburban Revitalisation program has allowed for the replacement of six of the signs in Eltham,” Cr Ramcharan said.

Wingrove Ward Councillor and Council’s Arts and Advisory Committee Chair Geoff Paine said Nillumbik had a long arts history.

“We are lucky to have had such an incredible group of artists live and work in Nillumbik They too were drawn to the incredible beauty and landscape of the Green Wedge Shire and shared this with the world in their iconic paintings,” he said.

“To be able to walk in their footsteps and see where these famous works were created is fantastic. We appreciate the funding support to revitalise these popular signs, bringing art out of the galleries to the people.”

The Heidelberg School was a late 19th century group of painters, often described as Aus-

tralian Impressionists, who painted outdoors.

Walter Withers, who was born in England in 1854, was a member of the Heidelberg School and first came to Australia in 1888. He lived in Kew, Eaglemont and East Ivanhoe, before moving to Eltham in 1903 where he painted works featuring the local area until his death in 1914.

Paintings featured along the trail in Eltham are Country Road, c1898, Spring, c1910, On The Eltham Road, 1906, The Drover, 1912, Landscape with Sheep, and The Silent Gums, 1909.

Further signs in Diamond Creek feature the works of artists May Vale and Jane Price, while signs in Research and Warrandyte feature the work of Clara Southern

The project has been undertaken in consultation with the Wurrundjeri Woi-Wurrung Corporation, Eltham District Historical Society and community stakeholders.

Local Lifestyle

Bush experiences

■ The City of Whittlesea says that it is helping residents learn more bush landscapes in a series of new outdoor education workshops.

The municipality is joining forces with the team from Its Naturally You to run Australian Bush Comfort and Confidence

“The free two-hour sessions are designed to build skills and experience in bush settings within the City of Whittlesea and beyond, to ensure everyone has equal opportunity for outdoor exploration and recreation,” said a Council representative.

“Anyone who lacks confidence and experience in bush settings is encouraged to attend.”

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson said the sessions were a great way to empower the community to get outdoors more often.

“We have so many wonderful open spaces here in the City of Whittlesea and we want everyone to feel comfortable to be able to explore these spaces. There is a direct connection between spending more time in nature and improved human health,”Ms Wilson said.

The sessions will cover topics such as: ■ Introduction to City of Whittlesea bush landscapes – how did they evolve, their cultural significance, features of the bush and who lives in the bush.

■ Bush culture - language, clothing, accessories to make outdoor life comfortable, outdoor conversations (including role play), do's and don'ts, interacting with other people, good practices in National Parks, public reserves and private land.

■ Activities - walking, swimming, fishing, campfires, bird watching, wildlife watching, wellbeing activities, deciding where to go and planning activities.

■ Bush safety – lighting a fire and bushfire awareness, dangerous animals, weather and sun protection.

■ Where to find more help – emergency resources, planning resources and self-help resources.

● ● One of the restored signs on the Artist Trail.

Regional Round-Up

Proud moment

■ Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher says that one of his proudest moments this year was to see so many people turning out on a chilly autumn Monday evening to share their views on the management of Forests of the Central Highlands with members of the Eminent Panel for Community Engagement

“There are certainly those who have been frustrated by the process, but the panel members in attendance, and the Hume Region DEECA representatives who supported discussions, left with the written opinions of over 560 attendees.

“Council has since written to the Eminent Panel, imploring them to appropriately balance our community’s desires for recreation, forest fire management, pest control, and biodiversity.

“It’s hoped that there is provision for a draft document to be shared with the community ahead of the final report to the Victorian Government in June,” Cr Gallagher said.

Volunteers thanked

■ More than 50 volunteers from across Strathbogie Shire gathered in Euroa to celebrate National Volunteer Week under the theme,’ Something for Everyone’.

Hosted by the Strathbogie Shire Council, the event highlighted the diverse range of volunteer opportunities available and the significant contributions volunteers make to the community.

The National Volunteers Week event featured a light lunch catered by Euroa Butter Factory, entertainment by a local musician Mason Rae-Green, and a panel discussion with local volunteers John Thomson, Jill Branagan, and Michael Tehan.

The event also saw the launch of the Strathbogie Shire Council Local Legends awards program, a new initiative to recognise outstanding volunteers across the community.

Nominations for Local Legends will continue to be open until September 30.

Buffy Leadbeater impresses

■ A number of guest speakers at the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network annual general meeting were impressive, Cr John Walsh told Murrindindi Shire Council.

“The most important event for me in the past month was attending, along with Cr Carpenter, the Central Ranges Local Learning and Employment Network AGM,” said Cr Walsh.

“The Annual Report again showed a high level of achievement in supporting the educational goals of young people in Macedon Ranges, Mitchell and Murrindindi Shires

“There were three guest speakers. Buffy Leadbeater and Youth Councillors from Mitchell Shire explained the phenomenal growth that is happening in the southern half of their Shire and the way in which young people are bringing their issues to the attention of their Shire Council.

“A key role of the Youth Council has been to encourage young people to get in involved in the democratic process.

“One survey they managed and promoted got 300 responses, compare that to many of our surveys, which was mainly due to the work of the Youth Councillors.

“The results were presented to the Shire Council and included in their budget considerations.

“There was also a presentation on Project Ready, a CRLLEN development initially directed at supporting disaffected youth to return to school or work.

“The program has been expanded and is now in 36 schools including one in Queensland and also has been adapted to support all forms of disadvantage experienced by students.

“The presentation was given by students of the Sunbury Macedon Ranges Special School some of whom were stars of “This is going to be big” a documentary recently shown on ABC TV

“The third guest speaker was Martin Collins

from the Victorian Skills Authority who explained his role working in the western and northern regions to have schools, businesses and industry recognise the need for lifelong learning and identifying regional skills deficiencies that need to be addressed.

“It was clear from his presentation and subsequent discussions, that he is very much in favour of Regional University Study Hubs as a means to keep regional skills up to date.

“On hearing about the lack of success of our recent bid for RUSH funding from the Commonwealth, he said our biggest problem was being too innovative, an issue he confronts regularly with the State Education Department. He offered to assist with our next bid in any way he could,” Cr Walsh said.

Local Sport

Nagambie lights on

■ Nagambie’s sports enthusiasts were in for a treat with the ‘Come and Try’ event, sporting equipment exchange and celebration of the turning-on of the new $530,600 light towers at the Nagambie Recreation Reserve on Tuesday last week (June 4).

Planned by Strathbogie Shire Council in conjunction with the Nagambie Recreation Reserve Committee of Management, the event featured a range of activities.

Strathbogie Shire Council Administrator Peter Stephenson said the event offered a chance for everyone to explore the range of sports available in the area and to experiment with activities they’ve wanted to try.

The event celebrated the unveiling of the new 200 lux LED lights, enhancing visibility and the chance to engage in various sports offerings after dark.

“We know the value of sports for physical and mental wellbeing, as well as the opportunity to forge connections with fellow residents,” Mr Stephenswon said.

“This redevelopment complements and supports the objectives outlined in the NagambieRecreationReserveDevelopmentPlan.

“Council received State Government funding for the Nagambie Recreation Reserve’s Lighting Project under the 2022 Local Sports Infrastructure Fund and we were pleased to work in partnership with the Recreation Reserve Committee of Management,” Mr Stephenson said.

President of the Committee of Management, Jill Branagan, said that a Sports Gear Exchange program aimed at easing the financial burden on families.

“This initiative allows children and families to swap or donate outgrown or unused sports gear.

“Donations of unused clothing and equipment are welcomed and can be dropped off at the Nagambie Visitor Information Centre. The addition of lighting around the oval and at the revamped netball courts extends playing and training hours for sports using these facilities.”

● Buffy Leadbeater

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Road upgrade

■ Upgrades to 6.2 km of Rifle Butts Rd will address longstanding issues with dust, potholes and localised flooding, with Mansfield Council awarding a $3.7 million construction contract.

Mansfield Mayor Cr Steve Rabie said the project demonstrated Council’s commitment to improving the Shire’s infrastructure and working with residents to reach the best outcomes.

“With the Rifle Butts Rd becoming busier, we’re hearing increasing concerns from our community about the state of the road,” said Cr Rabie.

“These upgrades will take it from basically a one-lane dirt road to a two-lane sealed road with more and larger culverts,” he said.

Nearly 40 residents attended two consultation workshops with Council officers to contribute to the project’s design.

Cr Rabie acknowledged the importance of mature trees and native vegetation to the residents as well as their ecological value.

“We’ve taken great care to minimise the impacts on native vegetation and habitats. By following the path of the existing road as it winds between mature trees, we’ve been able to retain as many of them as possible,” he said.

“At the consultation workshops residents unanimously requested a reduction in the speed limit to 60-kmh - Council is grateful to workshop attendees for their active contributions and feedback on the design for the upgraded road."

The project will be required to purchase native vegetation offsets.

“Thankfully, our Environmental Impact Assessment confirmed that there are no Threatened Ecological Communities in the area that would be affected, meaning we can build all proposed sections of road,” said Cr Rabie

Retaining walls, barriers and concrete kerbs will be used to narrow the overall space taken up by the road compared with alternatives.

Whittlesea marks Sorry Day

Peita Duncan, Whittlesea Council

Mayor’s honour

■ Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said he had the honour of opening the Anne Frank travelling exhibit, ‘Let Me Be Myself’ in the Alexandra Library.

“I commend the experience which offers everyone the opportunity to reflect on their own values and actions, encouraging us to consider how we can contribute to a more just and equitable world,” Cr Gallagher said.

“It serves as a reminder of the importance of empathy, tolerance, and standing up against prejudice.”

Cr Gallagher said that he had joined members of the Local Government Minister, Melissa Horne’s Mayoral Advisory Panel to discuss reforms to the Local Government Act, and to share perspectives on the implementation of Councillor and candidate training to support and to empower representatives to serve their community effectively.

■ The City of Whittlesea marked National Sorry Day with an emotional ceremony remembering the Stolen Generations and reflecting on the strength and resilience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

“National Sorry Day is held each year on May 26 to commemorate the tabling of the Bringing Them Home report in Federal Parliament in 1997,” said a Council representative.

The City of Whittlesea held its ceremony at the Civic Centre in South Morang on Monday, May 27, to ensure staff, students and community members could attend to pay their respects.

A smoking ceremony led by Wurundjeri man Thane Garvey commenced the service before attendees observed a minute’s silence. Gunditjmara man and First Peoples’ Assembly Member (Treaty) for North Metro Troy Austin delivered the keynote address.

Yamatji Noongar woman Aunty Sharon Hughes led attendees on the annual Sorry Day Walk around the Civic Centre, where those present said sorry for the wrongs of the past.

City of Whittlese a Administrator and Whittlesea Reconciliation Group member Peita Duncan said National Sorry Day, which leads into National Reconciliation Week, was an important time to learn about our shared histories.

“On National Sorry Day, we say sorry to the Stolen Generations and acknowledge the pain and suffering still felt by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community,” she said.

“We also come together to recognise the remarkable strength, courage and resilience demonstrated by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.”

National Reconciliation Week ran from May27 to June 3. This year’s theme was ‘Now More Than Ever’.

“The City of Whittlesea is working to advance reconciliation through a number of initiatives, including establishing an Aboriginal Gathering Place at Quarry Hills and developing its Aboriginal Action Plan,” the Council said.

Food Share move

■ “A number of Councillors and I attended the opening of the Foundation Murrindindi’s new Community Share initiative, Murrindindi Community Food Share,” Cr Sandice McAulay told the latest Council meeting.

“This initiative is a great way that the community can support other community members and address food insecurity.

“No one should go without food in our community. We who have, can share what we can and those that need can take what they need.

“The Food Share is located at the rear of 88A Grant St, Alexandra. Donations can be made at the same location,” Cr McAulay said.

Rally ‘no’ to Park

■ The Warragul Gazette reports that 1000 people attended a rally at Drouin that opposed a proposal for the Central Highlands State Forest to become a national park.

Meeting with MHR

■ Murrindindi Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said he and Shire CEO Livia Bonazzi met with Indi MHR Dr Helen Haines to discuss Council’s challenges in achieving equitable financial assistance grant revenue.

“In turn, Council conveyed the advocacy agenda of our Hume Regional Local Government Network partners,” Cr Gallagher said.

Works completed

■ Upgrades to Buttercup Road, Merrijig are now complete, addressing longstanding surface issues raised by community members. “The road, heavily used by residents, holiday visitors and commercial vehicles, has been elevated with crushed rock then compacted and resealed to ensure better run-off during wet weather events,” said a Mansfield Council representative.

■ Euroa MLA Annabelle Cleeland has spoken in State Parliament about local State Emergency Service volunteers.

“I want to express my support for the SES units who have reached out pleading for more sustainable funding from this government,” Ms Cleeland told the Legislative Assembly.

“In the past year SES volunteers have responded to over 33,000 requests for assistance; however, their annual funding covers less than half of their operating expenses.

“Seymour SES, despite going through two significant floods in 18 months, was left shortchanged in their funding subsidy, leaving them rattling tins to raise funds.

“The Benalla SES, led by unit controller Alisa McMillan , has doubled its average yearly callouts this year with more than 500 requests for assistance.

“Kilmore SES unit controller John Koutras said his unit had already responded to 35 serious road crash accidents out of their 250 callouts this year, including 11 fatalities.

“The dedicated volunteers of our SES are crucial for our regional communities, and it is imperative that they receive funding that allows them to continue delivering heir essential service,” Ms Cleeland said.

Economic Strategy OK’d Seymour SES short-changed

■ Cr Sandice McAulay told the latest Murrindindi Shire meting that she was “delighted but not surprised” that the Economic Development Strategy has been endorsed by the Council.

“ Once again, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the many people who took time since October last year to contribute significantly to this important strategy.

“There has been significant input from the wider business community – our engagement started in October 2023 and has run through to May 12 culminating in an outcome focused Strategy that looks to the future.

“I look forward to seeing the delivery of results for our whole community over the next five years,” Cr McAulay told the May 22 Murrindindi Council meeting.

Nod to Swansea Rd village

■ Cr Len Cox was the only Yarra Ranges Shire Councillor to vote against a 50-dwelling residential cillage at 375 Swansea Rd, Lilydale.

The application to the Council proposes the use of the land and buildings and works for a residential village, earthworks, vegetation removal and alteration of access to a road

“The development is confined to the eastern half of the site and includes 50 dwellings and a clubhouse for retirees and/or residents aged over 55 years of age. The design response integrates and responds to the constraints of the site and surrounds, including environmental features and hazards,” said a report to Councillors.

“The application has been advertised and at the time of this report 63objections have been received. Objector concerns relate primarily to environmental impacts to Olinda Creek, flora, fauna and habitat, vehicle access, the scale of the built form and flooding risks.

Kim-maree spoke in objection of the recommendation included in the officer report. Lloyd Elliott, on behalf of the applicant, spoke in support of the recommendation.

In Favour: Cr Child, Cr McAllister, Cr Fullagar, Cr Todorov, Cr Heenan, Cr Eastham and Cr Higgins. Against: Cr Cox. Absent: Cr Skelton

● ● ● ● Annabelle Cleeland, Euroa MLA

● ● Cr Sandice McAulay, Murrindindi Council

Sinkhole repaired

Local News

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

■

■

■

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Corner Hotel. 65 Grant St.

■

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

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

■ ■ ■ ■ WATTLE GLEN. Peppers

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

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

■ ■ WESBURN. Hotel. 2882 Warburton Hwy.

■ WONGA PARK. IGA Xpress.

■ The sinkhole on Harry’s Creek Rd, located five kilometres from the Hume Hwy at Euroa, has caused considerable angst for both the Strathbogie Shire and the road’s users due to the road being one lane only for many months, said a Council representative.

Security incident

■ The City of Whittlesea says that it has been made aware of a cyber security incident involving OracleCMS which previously managed customer calls outside of its regular opening hours.

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■

■

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Foodworks. 102 Grant St.

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Mount Pleasant Hotel. 90 Grant St.

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

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

70 Jumping Creek Rd.

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

Specialist Geotech engineers were involved with the initial investigation of the sinkholes and reported back to the Strathbogie Council on their findings.

Now the road has been reconstructed and the sinkholes repaired.

OracleCMS has advised its customers that an unauthorised third party has gained access to a portion of its data and published it online.

■

■

■ ALEXANDRA. Nutrien Harcourts. 56 Grant St.

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Shamrock Hotel. 80 Grant St.

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

■ ■ ALEXANDRA. Totally Trout. 42 Downey St.

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

■ ■ BUXTON. Buxton Hotel. 2192 Maroondah Hwy.

■

■ BUXTON. Shell Buxton. 2093 Maroondah Hwy.

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

■

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

■

■ EILDON. Foodworks. 18 Main St.

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

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

■

■ ■ ■ ■ EPPING. Epping RSL. Harvest Home Rd.

■

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

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

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

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

■ ■ WHITTLESEA. Whittlesea NewsXpress. 45 Church St.

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

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

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

■

■ ■ ■ ■ YARCK. Yarck Hotel. Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ YEA. Amble Inn Cafe. 24 High St.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mitchell

Shire Edition

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

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Corner Store. 89 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Hotel. 100 High St.

■ ■ BROADFORD. Broadford Newsagency. 67 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Post Office. 123 High St.

“Sinkholes are created by several issues but generally they are caused by the type of soil conditions present, and the impact water has on those conditions,” said Director of Sustainable Infrastructure John Harvey

Court Lists

Seymour Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings Thursday, June 13

OracleCMS provides an after-hours answering service to many Councils, State Government departments and private sector companies across Australia

Oracle CMS says it is working with government authorities and cyber security experts to secure their systems and investigate the incident.

“The City of Whittlesea is working with authorities to determine how many of our customers may have been impacted,” said a Council representative.

“At this stage we understand that impacted customer information may include name, address, email address and/or phone number but no financial data.

“We will be in contact with those few hundred people we believe have been impacted.”

■

■

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

■ ■ FLOWERDALE. Hazeldene

General Store. 6 Curlings Rd.

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■

■

■ GLENBURN. Glenburn Roadhouse. 3883 Melba Hwy.

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

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

■

■

■

■ ■ KINGLAKE. Cafe. WhittleseaKinglake Rd.

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

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

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

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

■ ■ MANSFIELD. Foodworks. 119 High St.

■ ■ MARYSVILLE. Foodworks. 40A Darwin St.

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

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

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

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

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

■

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

■

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

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

■

■ RESEARCH. Research Post Office. 1546 Main Rd.

■

■

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

■ ■ ■ ■ SOUTH MORANG. Milk Bar.

15 Gorge Rd.

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

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

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■

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

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

■ ■ THORNTON. 4 Ways Diner.

1369 Taggerty-Thornton Rd.

■

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

■

■ ■ YEA. Foodworks. 10 High St.

■

■ ■ YEA. Giddy Coat Cafe. 94 High St.

■

■ YEA. Grand Central Hotel. 64 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Marmalades. 20 High St.

■

■ ■ ■ ■ YEA. Mint and Jam. 46 High St.

■ ■ YEA. Nutrien Harcourts. 52

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Peppercorn Hotel. 21 Station St.

■ ■ YEA. Provender Bakery. 56 High St.

■ ■ ■ YEA. Rendezvous In Yea. 10

■

High St.

■ ■ YEA. Royal Mail Hotel. 88

High St.

■ BROADFORD. Broadford Service Station. 165 High St.

■ BROADFORD. Commercial Hotel. 31 High St.

■

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

■ BROADFORD. IGA Supermarket. 65 High St.

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

■ ■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Hotel. 825 Donnybrook Rd.

■ ■ DONNYBROOK. Donnybrook Post Office. 810 Donnybrook Rd.

■ KILMORE. BP. 102 Sydney St.

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

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■ YEA. Yea Bakery. 44 High St.

■ ■ KILMORE. Kilmore Bakery. 54 Sydney St.

Whittlesea Council says it will continue working closely with the Municipal Association of Victoria and the State Government as a large number of other councils and government agencies are also impacted.

“We take the security of our customers information very seriously and apologise for the concern this may cause to our customers.

“Council is no longer using OracleCMS to manage our after-hours customer requests.”

Talking cats, dogs

■ Nillumbik Council is inviting the community to provide feedback regarding domestic animal management and responsible pet ownership through an online survey at Participate Nillumbik until Sunday, July 14.

“With almost 13,000 registered dogs and cats in Nillumbik , we’re certainly pawssionate about our pets,” said a Council representative.

■

■

■ ■ YEA. Yea Newsagency. 74

High St.

■ ■ ■ ■ YEA. Yea Take-Away. 68 High St.

Lilydale and Yarra Valley Express Edition

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

■

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

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. BP. 66 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Coles Express. 123 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Grand Hotel. 270 Maroondah Hwy.

■ ■ HEALESVILLE. Healesville Newsagency. 195 Maroondah Hwy.

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

■ KILMORE. Kilmore Newsagency. 41 Sydney St.

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

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

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

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

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

■

■ SEYMOUR. Seymour NewsXpress. 66 Station St.

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

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

■ SEYMOUR. Royal Hotel. 26 Emily St.

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■

■ SEYMOUR. Terminus Hotel. 26 Station St.

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

■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook General Store. 36 Main Rd.

Anamourlis, Anthony Harris Asani, Eldi Aydin, Mahmut Bond, Jason Brander, Dwayne Christie, Corey Churchill, Brett Collins, Kyle Mark Condello, Carmelo William Cowley, Samuel Cracknell, John Michael Eastman, Justin Elson, Georgia Franz, Mary Gallow, Linda Margaret Glazebrook, Corey Godwill, David Gregory, Charlotte Gurd, Jay Howard, David Johnson, David Kelly, Lochlan Jack Lloyd, Steele Mcerlain, Aiden Troy Mcnaney, Nathan Mills, Luke Neilsen, Luke Andrew Newbould, Chris Newman, Michael Reeve, Stephen Shahid, Naveed Spencer, Jacqueline Maree Thompson, Jeremy Andrew Wilson, Caleb

Friday, June 14

Anderson, Benjamin Baker, Kye Mercuri, Peter

Mansfield Magistrates’ Court Criminal Case Listings

“We’re renewing our plan that guides domestic animal services in the Shire and are seeking your feedback, whether you’re a pet owner or not.

“Under the Domestic Animal Act 1994, all councils must review and renew their Domestic Animal Management Plan every four years. With Nillumbik’s current plan set to expire in 2025, we’re starting work on preparing a new one for 2025-2029,” the representative said.

Park works start

■ The first sod has been turned on a project designed to make it easier for residents to enjoy the expanses of Whittlesea Township Park.

City of Whittlesea Chair Administrator Lydia Wilson joined Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage last Thursday (June 6) to officially start the works.

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

■

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

■ TALLAROOK. Tallarook Hotel. 15 Main Rd.

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

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

Wednesday, June 12 Ali, Syed Bamford, Bradley Anthony Clay, Kieran Collings, Jake Crawford, Andrew James Haines, Aaron Frederick Harman, Aaron Bernard Harris, Lisa King, Bradley Morley, Jesse Kyle Sandhu, Gurbinder Singh Stafford, Lachlan Switala, John

Friday, June 14

The $1 million project will provide users of all ages and abilities the opportunity to enjoy 620 metres of new pedestrian and cycle paths.

■

■

■ ■ LILYDALE. Lilydale Newsagency. 237 Main St.

■ ■ MILLGROVE. Licensed Grocery. 3043 Warburton Hwy.

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

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

■ ■ WALLAN EAST. New Rattlers Inn. Station St.

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

■

■

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

■ ■ SEVILLE. Wooworths Seville. 568 Warburton Hwy.

■

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

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

■

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

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

■

■

■ ■ WARBURTON. Bakery. 3415 Warburton Hwy.

■ ■ WARRANDYTE. Grand Hotel.

140 Yarra St.

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

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

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

Baker, Shalom Turi, Sajid Hussain Wednesday, June 19 Bushby, Michael Calvi, Jordan Leigh Clark, Gordon Creighton, Brenda Goschnick, Dean Gregory Herz, James Adrian Hussain, Thannun Younis Hutchinson, Glen Andrew Kamoda, Nicholas Nash, Callum Jack Newton, Taylah Nguyen, Ho Parks, Scott Pye, Scott Searle, Ross Sonnberg, Amy Sparks, Joshua Thiao, Bawi Walker, Donald Andrew Willingham, Joshua

“Access to and through the park was identified by community and stakeholders during consultation on the park’s master plan as one of the most pressing areas of improvement.,” said a Council representative.

“The 2.5-metre-wide paths, which will be usable in all weather conditions, will not only benefit walkers, runners and cyclists, but cater to people with prams and mobility aids too.

“The project will see the existing timber bridge replaced with a 10-metre long, 4.5metre-wide concrete bridge installed over Plenty River providing access for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles.

“Eastern Hill residents will be among the beneficiaries as the bridge will allow direct pedestrian access to the township’s commercial, community and educational facilities.

The project is funded through matching $500,000 contributions from the City of Whittlesea and the State Government

Council News $10.4 mil. surplus at Yarra Ranges

Master Plan bid

■ A draft Master Plan for Morrison Reserve at Mount Evelyn was put to the May 28 meeting of Yarra Ranges Shire Council.

The plan was prepared, providing a 15year strategic approach to improve recreation facilities at Morrison Reserve in response to identified community needs, opportunities, and externally funded projects.

“It has been developed following extensive consultation with local Mount Evelyn residents, Morrison Reserve user groups, local schools and community groups, Council’s Advisory Groups, and the broader Yarra Ranges community,” said a report to Councillors.

“Suggested improvements include an upgrade to soccer, athletics and court facilities, the path network and park furniture on Council land.

“The draft Master Plan also recommends an upgrade of the school oval, currently used by community clubs as a secondary ground, and advocacy for a future sports stadium at the Yarra Hills Secondary College.”

The draft Morrison Reserve Master Plan was presented for adoption by Council Councillors were told that consultation over past months had been with local groups.

“The proposed upgrade of the playspace and inclusion of a new Youth Activation and Bike Park with social spaces has already received external (the Victorian Government’s Growing Suburbs Fund) and Council funding, with the playspace about to commence construction.

“However, there is still strong scope for the Master Plan to influence the design for the Youth Activation and Bike Park. Consultation on these projects is aligned with finalisation of the Master Plan but conducted separately due to them seeking funding prior to the Master Plan. The design for the funded Youth Activation Space will be developed this year (2023-24) and progress to delivery in 2024-25. Design consultants are about to be appointed to commence this process.”

■ For the nine months ended March 31, Yarra Ranges Council has recorded an operating surplus of $10.4 million, Councillors have been advised.

“[This] is unfavourable compared to the Year-To-Budget by $3.5 million. After eliminating capital items, the adjusted underlying deficit is $8.6 million. YTD revenue is unfavourable by $1.2 million, and YTD ex-

Local News

penditure is unfavourable by $1.4 million,” said the report.,

“The main contributors to the unfavourable revenue variance are due to over budgeted $8.1 million in operating grants as a result of grants received in advance $16m. Higher YTD expenditure is mainly due to $3.2 million depreciation and amortisation expenses result from high value WIP capitalisation in quarter three.”

Lilydale SES unit lauded

■ The volunteers of the State Emergency Service unit at Lilydale have been lauded in Parliament by Evelyn MLA Bridget Vallence.

“The Lilydale SES volunteers do tremendous work helping not only the Yarra Ranges communities but communities right across Victoria during storms, floods and other major emergencies,” Ms Vallence told the Legislative Assembly.

“We all owe Victoria State Emergency Service volunteers a debt of gratitude for the work they do helping keep communities safe.

“However, it is disappointing that yet again this vital emergency service did not receive the funding it desperately needs under the state budget.

“My question to the Minister for Emergency Services is: specifically, how much new funding was allocated in the 2024–2025 budget to VICSES for capital and for unit operating expenses, including for the Lilydale SES unit?

“Currently volunteers have to spend time rattling tins to pay for equipment, for fuel to attend call-outs and for new vehicles, which is unsustainable.

“I am calling on the Allan Government to provide more much-needed funding for the VICSES. And to Shaun Caulfield, Louise Andrews and all of the volunteers at the Lilydale SES: thank you for the work that you do for our community,” Ms Vallence said.

Yarra Ranges

Meeting set

■ A meeting of Yarra Ranges Shire Council was due to be held at 7pm last night (Tues., June 11), as this edition of The Local Paper went to press.

Tree canopies

■ Yarra Ranges Shire Council has prepared a Tree Canopy Strategy and Implementation Plan have been prepared and taken it to the community for consultation.

“The strategy is the first of its kind for Yarra Ranges and sets out the vision, objectives and targets for the long-term protection, management and planting of trees in Yarra Ranges,” said a report to Councillors.

“It will provide the foundation for the development and implementation of best practice tree management to maximise the benefits of our tree canopy and to minimise risk.”

Vale Eric Dosser

■ Yarra Ranges Mayor Cr Sophie Todorov has paid tribute to the life of Eric Dosser, who died in April.

“Eric was a very well respected and wellknown member of many of our local Returned and Services League

“After he left school, he joined the railway department and in 1957 he was in the first call up of National Service. After his basic training he was selected to be a member of the full-time 3rd Training Battalion Band at Puckapunyal. With them he performed at all the regimental parades and services at Puckapunyal and even acted as a guard of honour at Essendon Airport to welcome US General Maxwell Taylor, Supreme Allied Commander in the South-West Pacific

“He became the longest serving president of the Lilydale RSL and in 2019 was presented with a Life Membership of the RSL

“So truly someone who was very valued in our community and pay respects to his military service over many decades,” Cr Todorov said.

● ● Bridget Vallence, Evelyn MLA

Local Politics

Worked with MP

■ Lalor North Secondary School Year 10

student Sienna Gervasi, who did work experience with Thomastown MLA Bronwyn Halfpenny, has been mentioned in State Parliament.

“She made a fabulous contribution to my electorate office,” Ms Halfpenny said.

“It is always a pleasure hosting work experience students, who we hope will get a greater understanding of the work of a Member of Parliament to encourage involvement in politics in any of its forms.

“I will now read some lines from her reflections: “During my week of work experience I experienced a friendly and safe work environment.

“Di and Korey were so helpful and worked really hard. In this week I was lucky to sit in question time in Parliament

“On the day of question time I was introduced to the various people who welcomed me all. I do not think you understand or think that people are passionate, but during question time I saw people debating things and knew that they were doing it because they believed.”

Men’s Sheds worry

■ Annabelle Cleeland, Euroa MLA, has spoken about a problem in funding of local Men’s Sheds.

“I want to share my support for the men’s sheds across the Euroa region, who are providing a meeting place that helps strengthen the health and wellbeing of men in our country towns,” Ms Cleeland told the Legislative Assembly.

“Unfortunately, the Murchison Men’s Shed is still waiting on funding promised by this Government at the last election – $100,000 that would go towards improving their meeting space and help keep the older members warm and comfortable.

“I implore this Government to ensure our men’s sheds and our SES units are not neglected when it comes to funding, with both organisations critical to the health, wellbeing and safety of our towns,” Ms Cleeland said.

MP’s nod to BAPS

■ Yan Yean MLA Lauren Kathage says that she and her daughters were warmly welcomed to the BAPS Mother’s Day event last month.

“The slogan for that event was ‘Respect the mother as the divine’, and I am sure that is something we could all get behind in our families.

“I really appreciated the community focus of the event, the support for mothers and their children and the advice that was provided for how to create a loving home environment. Well done to BAPS,” Ms Kathage said.

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is located at Mill Park. It is a socio-spiritual Hindu faith.

Highlands query

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish has asked Anthony Carbines, Minister for Emergency Services, about the Highlands CFA brigade: “Why is it acceptable for the CFA to significantly cut the volunteer emergency services equipment program allocation to the brigade in order for the brigade to purchase an ultralight?

“The brigade accepted an offer for an ultralight tanker, a Toyota Landcruiser Workmate ute, in December last year. The grant of around $128,000 required a brigade contribution of around $24,000.

“The CFA said they were having difficulty sourcing the required vehicle, so the brigade spent six weeks and were able to source a vehicle at a slightly higher cost.

“The brigade are willing to pay the difference. Initially rejecting the idea, last night the CFA said the brigade could purchase this vehicle but the CFA would cut their contribution by building the firefighting body only, which would require the brigade to be an additional $50,000 out of pocket.

“This is not fair for a very small regional rural fire brigade,” Ms McLeish said.

Difficult to recruit Crs

■ With local government elections due to occur in October, Nationals State Leader Peter Walsh has spoken about the difficulty in recruiting Councillors.

“:It is difficult enough to get councillors of the calibre that we want, particularly in regional Victoria, to give up their work time or to give up the cost it has on their business to get involved,” said Mr Walsh, who is the MLA for Murray Plains.

“Local government is very important, and I think the interjections from the other side of the table show the disrespect that the Allan Government holds for local government here.

“We want to actually have the best possible people doing the councillor role.

“We want them to have the opportunity to have genuine input into how a council is actually operated rather than having a CEO dictate to them as to what can get on the agenda and what cannot get on the agenda, rather than having them tied up doing training when they may have already done it in the past and they do not get any credit for what they do.

“If you have had someone that has had business experience or had management experience in business, they should be listened to by council,” Mr Walsh said.

Silvan Res. Park re-opened Walsh fails to halt grant

■ Daniela de Martino, Monbulk MLA, officiated at the re-opening of the Silvan Reservoir Park.

“I had the great pleasure of reopening our beloved Silvan Reservoir Park in the Dandenong Ranges

“Situated on the traditional lands of the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, this 93-yearold park is cherished by families, nature lovers and our local hills communities.

“This wonderful space has undergone essential repairs and upgrades, allowing it to reopen after being closed due to a failing septic system in late 2022.

“Funded through the Allan Labor Government’s $21 million urban parks active wellbeing program, this project has seen the construction of new disability-friendly toilets and barbecues, ensuring the park is accessible and safe for all visitors.

“If they are willing to brave the food-stealing kookaburras, visitors can now enjoy several other improvements, including refurbished picnic benches by the Ferntree Gully Men’s Shed and over 400 square metres of resurfaced asphalt paths,” Ms de Martino told the Legislative Assembly.

Council Briefs

Councillors’ leave

■ Cr Karine Haslam and Cr Ilona Gerenscer each expressed apologies for their inability to attend the Murrindindi Shire Council meeting late last month.

Five of the seven Councillors were in attendance: Crs Damian Gallagher (chair), John Walsh, Sue Carpenter, Eric Lording and Sandice McAulay.

The Council officers in attendance were:

■ Chief Executive Officer: Livia Bonazzi

■ Director People and Corporate Performance: Michael Chesworth

■ Director Community and Development: Andrew Paxton

■ Director Assets and Environment: Caroline Lintott

■ Manager Governance and Risk: Amanda Vogt

■ Manager Economic Development: Ben Harnwell

Cr John Walsh advised that he will no longer be taking planned leave for the period of June 20 to July 15.

Conficts declared

■ Murrindindi Shire Council Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher delcared a number of conflicts of interest ahead of the latest meeting:

■ an interest with the Grants and Sponsorships – Quarterly Allocations, given his active participation in CFA training with the Buxton Fire Brigade. “Cr Gallagher is not conflicted as the matter involves noting a decision made by Council officers under delegated authority,” noted the Minutes.

■ Murrindindi’s Cr John Walsh was the odd man out when he tried to stop the local Council from providing a $7000 cash grant for this year’s Alexandra Truck, Ute and Rod Show held over the King’s Birthday Weekend.

The event is one of the biggest tourist attractions on the annual calendar.

All other Councillors present voted to approve the grant, plus $13,000 for services in kind.

Cr Walsh argued that there should be a “once only” grant in kind “to provide waste removal services including labour, supply of additional bins and rubbish fees”.

Cr Walsh said he did not wish the debate to be “personal”. Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Carpenter allowed the discussion to continue.

Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher returned to the Chamber after the vote.

■ a material conflict of interest with the Agenda Sponsorships – Quarterly Allocations, as he is a Patron member of Alexandra Football Netball Club.

■ a material conflict of interest with the Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show Sponsorship as he is a Director of Alexandra Events Corporation Limited.

As a member of the public, Mike Dalmau spoke at the Council meeting in support of the Alexandra Truck Ute and Rod Show sponsorship.

Thanks for support

■ Crs Sandice McAulay and Cr Sue Carpenter successfully moved at the latest Murrindindi Shire meeting that the Council note the feedback received through the period of community consultation and thank those that have contributed throughout the development of the Fair Access in Sport Policy.

Councillors voted to adopt the policy, and requested an annual update on progress made throughout the life of the policy.

Grants approved

■ Murrindindi Council has approved a number of grants:

■ Marysville Community Golf and Bowls Club - Replacement of Stolen Tools - $2500

■ Buxton Fire Brigade - Open Day 2024$750

■ Alexandra Playgroup - Teddy Bears’ Picnic - $333

■ Murrindindi Beanie and Fibre Festival$1766

■ Yappers - Wooing Warring and Wanton Words by Will - $1718

■ Gallipoli Park Precinct Community Asset Committee - Winter Festival - $2000

■ Yea & District Memorial Hospital - Community Health Event Kit - $1950

■ Taylor Street - Australian Long Track Championship, Australian Dirt Track Championship and The Australian Flat Track Nationals - $1000

■ Sacred Heart Primary Yea - New Playground Equipment - $2500. Endorsed were grants to Thought Sports Pty Ltd - Murrindindi Trail Run - $2500, ■ Menzies Support Services - 'The Dame' community social enterprise - $5000 ■ Alexandra Indoor Heated Pool Inc - 4 Seasons Comfort - $5000 ■ Corporate Cycling Aust - Giro

● Peter Walsh MLA

NORTHERN SUBURBS

Erratic driving

■ Police have arrested two teenagers after a stolen vehicle was involved in a carjacking, driven erratically and rammed civilian vehicles in Melbourne’s northern suburbs.

Officers were initially called to reports of a carjacking in Village Circuit, Maribyrnong, about 10.50am on Thursday (June 6).

A group of offenders armed with machetes got out of a Holden Colorado utility and threatened the occupants of a black Audi Wagon

The Audi was subsequently stolen and both vehicles drove away in convoy.

Responding police attempted to intercept the vehicles but the drivers refused to stop and drove off, ramming two police vehicles in the process.

Checks revealed the Holden had been stolen from a Spotswood property on Wednesday (June 5).

The Air Wing was called in and located the Holden utility which continued to drive erratically, weaving in and out of traffic, disobeying road signs and ramming into civilian vehicles.

Stop sticks were successfully deployed at the intersection of Grand Boulevard and Mount Ridley Rd in Craigieburn

Despite several tyres being deflated the vehicle continued to be driven on its rims, causing sparks to fly as it moved amid heavy traffic on the Hume Freeway.

Eventually the ute came to a stop and two occupants attempted to flee on foot, jumping over the freeway guard rail and into bushland.

Swift-footed detectives, who were first on scene, managed to chase down the pair who were arrested.

A 15-year-old St Albans boy and 15-yearold Broadmeadows boy are now assisting investigators with their enquiries.

The black Audi Wagon and the offenders connected to that vehicle have yet to be located.

The Audi is a 2020 model and has registration plates JNL 168

WESTERN REGION

Sgt charged

■ A sergeant from Western Region has been charged following an internal investigation.

The male officer has been charged with misconduct in public office.

It is alleged the incident occurred while the officer was off duty in July last year.

The 59-year-old was charged on summons to appear before court at a later date.

SUNBURY

Firearm seized

■ Members from the VIPER Taskforce charged a patched member of the Rebels OMCG and seized a firearm and weapons as part of an investigation into the possession of a firearm with alleged links to extortions. With assistance from the Special Operations Group, a 38-year-old Sunbury man was arrested shortly before 1pm Wednesday (June 5) at a shopping centre in Sunbury.

The man attempted to flee and a taser was deployed during the arrest.

A warrant was then executed at a residential address in Sunbury, where investigators seized a .22 calibre handgun, a handgun magazine containing two .22 calibre rounds, a Rebels OMCG vest, knuckle dusters, an ASP baton and three vials of steroids.

The man was interviewed and subsequently charged with prohibited person possess firearm, possess prescription medication (steroids) without authority, two counts of possess prohibited weapon and fail to provide pin code.

He was remanded to appear at Broadmeadows’ Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (June 6).

TARNEIT

Extended follow

■ Police have charged two men after an alleged extended follow in Tarneit.

Police observed an allegedly stolen white 2015 BMW travelling north bound on Sapling Boulevard in Truganina about 11.30pm on Wednesday (June 5).

Across Victoria RADIO STATION MOURNS LONG-TIME VOLUNTEER

■ Robert Williams, an on –air presenter at 96.5 Inner FM for 25 years, passed away on May 22, two days after his 91st birthday.

Robert was born in 1933 and had a condition that developed at birth which resulted in him being disabled all of his life.

He was courageous and he was determined to enjoy life without complaining.

He was one of the nicest people you could meet and always had a smile.

Rob loved the old MGM musical films and was an expert on the subject. He was known as ‘Mr MGM’.

He was a great presenter with a lovely radio voice and hosted some wonderful programs.

Listeners were not aware that he was disabled and loved his shows.

He was thrilled when he had the opportunity to chat on air with MGM film star Carleton Carpenter in Hollywood - it was a highlight of a lifetime for Rob.

Romance began to develop over the air waves with the love of his life Estelle and they soon married.

They took a trip overseasnothing could stop Rob. After Estelle passed, Rob retired from radio before going into aged care.

The members at 96.5 Inner FM hold great memories of Robert Willaims – he was a very special person and we were all lucky to have known him.

- Kevin Trask

SNOWFIELDS

Driver alert

■ Victoria Police is urging snow goers to be prepared after thousands of vehicles were turned back last year due to lack of preparation.

More than 3600 vehicles were turned around by police and authorised officers at Mt Hotham alone for lacking the necessary wheel chains essential for driving in snowy conditions.

Victoria Police and authorised officers will again conduct random vehicle checks on roads leading to alpine resorts, adopting a zerotolerance policy for any unprepared travellers.

Wheel chains are vital for navigating snowy or icy roads and can be the difference between staying safe on the road or sliding off the road and being involved in a serious accident.

It is a legal requirement to carry suitable wheel chains at all times during the snow season and to install them when instructed. Failure to carry chains may result in a $370 fine, while not fitting them could lead to a $970 penalty.

Visitors heading to Victoria’s snowfields, including Mt Buller, Mt Hotham, Falls Creek, Mt Baw Baw, Lake Mountain, and Mt Stirling can expect to see a heavy police presence across key roads.

Statewide Observer

This includes local police, highway patrol, heavy vehicle unit, liquor licencing and alpine police, patrolling all routes to and within alpine resorts this season.

These officers have undertaken specific training in alpine areas in the lead up to snow season, ensuring they are well placed to maintain public order on the slopes, respond to incidents, and conduct search and rescue missions.

Last year, police responded to 19 search and rescue events during last year’s snow season, including eight at Falls Creek, seven at Mt Hotham and four at Mt Buller.

On Friday (June 10), an 18year-old man had a lucky escape after his vehicle drove off a cliff at Mount Buller.

His vehicle came to rest on its side and was prevented from sliding further down the mountain after being stopped by trees.

With a combined effort from Police, SES, CFA, Fire Rescue Victoria, Ambulance Victoria and a local towing company, the vehicle was secured, and the driver taken to safety.

Last year, police caught several drivers over the legal alcohol limit and drug drivers.

In July last year, police intercepted a private 22 seat bus at Mt Buller. The driver returned a blood alcohol reading over the legal limit and returned

WARRNAMBOOL Women dies

■ A woman has died in hospital following a collision in Warrnambool on Wednesday (June 5).

Police have been told the woman was crossing Raglan Pde when it appears she was struck by a vehicle about 1.30pm.

The pedestrian, a 61-year-old Warrnambool woman, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries where she later died on June 7.

The driver of the vehicle, a 25-year-old Warrnambool man, stopped at the scene and is assisting police with enquiries.

Circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established and the investigation remains ongoing.

MILDURA

Arson charges

■ Detectives from the Arson and Explosives Squad and Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit have charged a man and a woman following a range of incidents in the Melbourne, Mildura and Ballarat areas, including an arson attack on a Mildura tobacco store.

A 32-year-old Sebastopol man was charged with 15 offences, including criminal damage (arson), aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, obtain property by deception and possess drug of dependence.

A 23-year-old Flemington woman was charged with 12 offences, including criminal damage (arson), aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle and possess drug of dependence.

The duo was remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court.

The charges follow a range of incidents, including last Tuesday (June 4) when emergency services were called to reports a vehicle had rammed the front window of a Lime Avenue business about 3.25am.

The occupants of the vehicle then poured an accelerant into the building and set the premises alight, before fleeing the scene in a waiting vehicle.

Nobody was inside the premises at the time but the building sustained significant damage.

MOOROOPNA

a positive drug test.

Other key safety tips for those heading to the snow include:

■ Ensure your car’s radiator is filled with anti-freeze and if diesel use Alpine Mix.

■ Drive cautiously with gradual pressure on the accelerator to avoid wheel spin.

■ Brake gently and avoid unnecessary gear changes.

■ Maintain a safe braking distance from vehicles in front, especially in poor visibility.

■ Let someone know where you are going and how long you will be.

■ Regularly check weather and snow conditions as conditions can change quickly.

■ If lost – stop, seek shelter, call Triple Zero (000) and wait.

Eastern Region Superintendent, Shane Cashman, said: “Last year, a significant number of snow enthusiasts were turned away by police for failing to carry the mandatory snow chains. We want travellers to create memories on the slopes, and not on the roadside.

“If you’re driving in poor weather and contending with conditions like rain, ice or snow, please use common sense –slow down, keep a safe braking distance and use your headlights to see and be seen.

“We’ll be on the lookout for poor driving behaviour, so things like speeding, impaired driving, distraction, fatigue and people not wearing seatbelts.”

Bus stolen

■ The Shepparton Divisional Response Unit have charged three men after allegedly locating a stolen Holden Commodore, a bus and two loaded firearms during a search warrant in Mooroopna on Tuesday (June 4).

Shepparton Crime Investigation Unit detectives assisted with executing the search warrant at a property on Ferguson Rd around 11.40am.

An allegedly stolen Holden Commodore, bus, excavator, and trailer were seized along with what is alleged to be methamphetamine, cocaine and more than $1000 in cash.

Investigators allege the Commodore was stolen from a Tatura property on June 1.

A further search was conducted under the Firearm Prohibition Order, and it is alleged a loaded shotgun and a .22 rifle were located and seized from the property.

A 37-year-old Mooroopna man was charged with prohibited person possess firearm, possession of cartridge ammunition and handle stolen goods. He will appear at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on December 20.

A 28-year-old Murchison man was charged with theft of motor vehicle and drive whilst suspended and will appear at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court on October 7.

A 32-year-old Mooroopna man was charged with traffick methamphetamine, theft of motor vehicle, handle stolen goods and assault police. He was to appear at the Shepparton Magistrates’ Court

Melbourne

● ● ● ● Robert Williams

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.

FOR SALE

•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

HUNT FOR MISSING WOMAN, KIDS

Top cop honoured

■ A detective who has relentlessly pursued some of the state's biggest missing person's cases, a trailblazer for women in the force and a 42-year veteran who helped lead Victoria Police's biggest ever corruption probe have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours.

Six police have been awarded the Australian Police Medal.

Acting Detective Inspector Tony Combridge, based with the Missing Persons Squad since 2020, has played a key role in the resolution of numerous high profile cases including the February 2021 disappearance of Epping mum Ju ‘Kelly’ Zhang whose body was later found in a Wollert tip.

Acting Inspector Combridge also led the investigation into missing campers Russell Hill and Carol Clay, with the matter currently before the Supreme Court.

A police officer since 1990, Acting Inspector Combridge has worked in a number of general duties positions, including as officer in charge of Fawkner Police Station

■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing Ringwood children Glorious, Belinda and Hendrick.

The children aged 14, 10 and 5 were last seen in Orchard Grove, Blackburn South on Wednesday(June 5) about 11.25am.

t is believed they are travelling with their mother, 41-year-old Molly, and may be in a silver Toyota Kluger with registration 1VS5YE

Police are concerned for the welfare of the children due to their age and the length of time they have been missing.

Investigators have released an image of Molly in the hope someone can provide information on her current whereabouts and that of her children.

Molly is perceived to be of African appearance, with a medium build, brown eyes, and black hair.

All three children are also perceived to be of African appearance and may be wearing school uniforms.

Anyone with information about the family or who sights Molly is urged to contact Ringwood Police Station on 9871 3000.

● ● ● ● ● Molly of Ringwood.

Club Vegas

■ Opening night, red-carpet glitz and glamour set the scene for Dion and Randall International’s production, Club Vegas the Spectacle ,which in every sense of the word, was phenomenal.

The production team and cast read like a catalogue of top Australian musical theatre stars, with a few surprises thrown in, to present the magic of Las Vegas showbiz to the Athenaeum Theatre stage.

Comedian James Liotta’s alter-ego, Gino Starr, dressed in extravagant pseudo-Versace and quipping in fake Italian vernacular had the audience in his hands while not sparing the performers.

Renowned, much-loved Aussie musical talent, Rachel Beck and Lissa Dawson took centre stage with male leads Allan Raskall and Jonathon Guthrie-Jones to sing and dance and honour Vegas

The list of familiar hits from 70s through to today included New York, New York, YMCA, Mack the Knife as well as numbers from Ed Sherran, Wayne Newton, Sinatra, Lady Gaga, Tina Turner and many more. Alana Scanlan’s choreography with cochoreographer Sue-Ellen Shook was a standout, providing a precision performance from an exceptional troupe of eight female and two male dancers.

Nina Randall Bahoudian’s designs incorporating colour, feathers, sequins provided an unending stream of costumes, each one with a more extravagant towering headpiece changing with every dance scene.

In between these performances we were treated to the awe-inspiring team of Mudgeeborn Danii and strongman Sasha from Belarus. Under their stage-name, Duo Aussiebela, this mesmerising, dance-acrobatic act are noted for their fusion of Adagio and Aerial Acts. We were left mystified by their Quick Change Transformation.

Complimenting the performances was a kaleidoscope of constantly changing, vibrant video and lighting scenography from the creative design team of Daniel Bahoudian and Craig Boyes.

In addition, audio, wardrobe and props under producer Adam Dion’s creative direction, all combined to bring this world-class show to the Melbourne stage.

- Review by

Sherryn Danaher

Julia

■ Due to overwhelming demand for the Melbourne season of Julia, Melbourne Theatre Company have added eight new performances that are now on sale, from July 8-13.

Julia is currently running at Southbank Theatre and will now go through to Saturday, July 13. New tickets are available at www.mtc.com.au

A Sydney Theatre Company and Canberra Theatre Centre production, Julia documents one of the most pivotal moments in Australian political history, sparking interest around the world.

The play is a gripping insight into our nation’s first female prime minister, who picked apart hypocrisy and double standards, and bravely fought the unchecked sexism and misogyny of contemporary politics.

Julia is helmed by some of Australia’s finest theatre makers, including playwright Joanna Murray-Smith (Berlin, Switzerland) and Helpmann Award-winning director Sarah Goodes (Sunday)

This powerful two-hander features Justine Clarke and Jessica Bentley, who walk audiences through some of the most important parts in Gillard’s life, culminating in an “electrifying” (The Guardian) verbatim performance of the 15-minute speech that has earned a place to live unconditionally in the Australian collective social consciousness.

Julia’s creative team includes Renée Mulder (Designer), Alexander Berlage (Lighting Designer), Steve Francis (Composer and Sound Designer), Susie Henderson (Video Designer), Charley Allanah (Assistant Director) and Jennifer White (Voice and Dialect Coach).

- Contributed

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

BOY FROM OZ RETURNS

■ Theatrical presents The Boy From Oz from July 6-21 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.

This musical biographical tribute to Australian performer and composer Peter Allen is directed and choreographed by Rhylee Nowell, with musical direction by Alex Byrne. Ellie Martin is Assistant Choreographer and Matthew Hadgraft is Musical Supervisor.

The show tells of Peter Allen, born in 1944, who in the Australian outback town of Tenterfield, made his entertainment debut aged five impersonating Al Jolson

He became a pop star, toured Asia, and met Judy Garland who took him to London, where Peter became engaged to Judy's daughter, Liza Minnelli.

In America, Peter's many successes included winning an Oscar and sell-out performances in Radio City Music Hall, while the downside included a marriage break-up, staging a Broadway flop, the death of his partner and personal illness.

Cabaret performer and musician Matthew Hadgraft is playing the lead role of Peter Allen.

Matthew joined Brisbane's St John's Cathedral Choir at age nine, and attributes his impressive music qualifications - Bachelor of Music, Associate Diploma of Piano and Associate Diploma in Theory - to his Mum, who “made me start piano at seven and never let me give it up”.

After gaining a Bachelor of Education and teaching from 2004, the performance bug hit and Matthew worked in radio, writing and voicing the ads.

When asked about transitioning from classroom to stage, Matthew explained: “The main difference is it is entirely appropriate as a performer to illicit reactions from your audience. If you do so as a teacher, you can have bedlam.”

Matthew played keyboard in an ABBA tribute band, ABBA live, an Olivia Newton-John show, a Rock show, two different Disco shows and a Donna Summer show.

The first person in Australia to play Lt. Frank Cioffi in Curtains, Matthew also performed professionally in 2011 in Cabaret as Cliff Bradshaw.

Matthew performed the role of Peter Allen in The Boy from Oz in 2010, and in 2018 musically directed the show with MLOC Productions, with Rhylee Nowell directing both productions. W

hen asked what attracts him to the show, Matthew explained: “It's a sensational Australian musical. Owing to the content being almost exclusively Peter Allen songs, they tell the storyand what a story. And the musical really takes you around the world, from regional Australia to Hong Kong, New York, Sydney and back.”

For Matthew's tribute shows such as Elton John and Peter Allen, his rule is not to say 'this next song' when introducing songs - “it must be as much fun to sit through as possible”.

For his own shows, Matthew’s rule is that he has to have written everything - script, music, arrangements and sound effects.

High-energy Matthew will not be resting too long after this show finishes. “I will be doing a new George Michael cabaret, a new Billy Joel cabaret in 2024, a new original solo cabaret, and one day – “SASSame Street – the disco and funk from Sesame Street”.

Performance Season: July 6-21

Venue: National Theatre, Carlisle St, St Kilda Bookings and Performance Times: theatrical.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Divertimento

■ This biopic, directed by Marie-Castille Mention-Schaar, tells the true story of 17-year-old Zahia Ziouani (Oulaya Amamra) and her sister Fettouma (Lina El Arabi), twin daughters of Algerian immigrants, and their dreams of becoming a conductor and a cellist.

The film takes place in 1995, their final school year, when they both enrolled in the prestigious Lycée Racine Conservatorium of Music

At Racine, the twins suffer misogyny, racism, and discrimination. Frequently made fun of by their classmates due to their working-class origins, even the school principal denies Zahia the chance to learn to conduct as she “is a woman”.

The film beautifully illustrates how Zahia uses music as a powerful tool to express her feelings, channelling her frustration as she conducts an imaginary orchestra on the balcony of her family’s modest apartment in Stains, SeineSaint-Denis, a working-class suburb of Paris

There are some poignant scenes where Zahia hears all the sounds of the world, suburban streets, trains, and day-to-day living come alive with music.

With each setback , Zahia's singlemindedness is unwavering, focusing on her dream.

While giving a guest lecture to the class, maestro Sergiu Celibidache (Niels Arestrup) allows Zahia to learn in his private class.

Fettouma convinces Zahia to create her own orchestra, the Divertimento Orchestra, which is culturally diverse and features musicians from working-class and immigrant backgrounds, an orchestra the real-life Zahia still conducts today.

Amamra delivers a dynamic, multi-layered performance as Zahia in this against-all-odds, feel-good film.

At one point, the maestro tells Zahia: “Without a conductor, there is no transcendence.”

Divertimento illustrates Zahia’s transcendence with grace, determination, and an abundance of heart.

In Australian cinemas from June 20. potentialfilms.com

Review by Kathryn Keeble

World Refugee Telethon Day

■ The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre hosts the 9th annual World Refugee Day Telethon on Tuesday, June 20.

The World Refugee Day Telethon is more than just a fundraising event; it's a powerful statement of support for those who have fled their homes in search of safety and a better future.

For 2024, the ASRC’s goal is to raise $1.4 million to continue their critical work supporting refugees and advocating for their rights.

This year, the ASRC’s celebrates the resilience and strength of refugees alongside two powerful women, Mursal Sadat and Parisa Sekandari, who have found community and hope through the ASRC. Their dreams for the future remind us of the power of compassion and solidarity in creating a fairer and more inclusive society for all.

The World Refugee Day Telethon will be broadcast live from the ASRC's 'Home of Hope' in Footscray, 7am to 10pm. Viewers can follow along on the ASRC’s Facebook, Instagram and X as the 2024 ambassadors (to be announced) raise funds and awareness. Viewers can donate by calling 1300 692 772 (1300 MYASRC), or online donate.asrc.org.au/telethon - Cheryl Threadgold

■ In Henrik

Ghosts, 19th-century bourgeois moral hypocrisy is challenged by its depiction of a patriarchal society and inherited guilt between a father and son.

Ibsen illuminates gender inequality, incest, broken marriage, and the secrets and lies told for reputation’s sake.

Jodi Gallagher’s adaptation, directed by Steven Mitchell Wright, relocates the action from Norway to Australia

The widow of the recently deceased Captain Alving hides a secret: her late husband was a debauched, serial abuser of women, not the pillar of the provincial society that most believe.

Encouraged by Pastor Mandes (Philip Hayden) to ignore her husband’s cruelty and infidelities, Mrs Alving’s (Laura Iris Hill) decision to stay in an unhappy marriage is her cross to bear to maintain the family's reputation.

Her stoicism has consequences for the family’s future happiness. As a stone dropped in a pond, individual actions unknowingly cause ripples impacting lives.

Despite her sacrifice, her son Oswald (Gabriel Cali) cannot escape the sins of his father.

In addition, by not disclosing her maid Regina’s (Kira May Samu) paternity, that she is the daughter of Mr Alving, Mrs Alving has unwittingly allowed an incestuous romance to blossom between Oswald and Regina. There are things to like about this production, not least a clever set over three stories that allows actors not in action to hover as ghostly figures framed in windows.

The actors are all in fine form and make the most of the characters.

However, this is a bleak, cheerless play that does not quite work by relocating to Australia.

For one, the hypocritical Pastor Manders has the petty-mindedness but not the biblethumping, fire, and brimstone of Nordic Protestantism.

Despite the tragic misfortune suffered by the family, even nineteenth-century Australian society feels more relaxed and less constrictive of social norms.

Performance Details: Until June 15

Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St., St Kilda

Bookings: theatreworks.org.au/2024/ ghosts - Review by Kathryn Keeble

4-Peace Band

■ The 4-Peace Band will be returning to the Mentone RSL on June 21 from 7.30pm to late . Dance to music from the 60s, 70s, 80s and more.

Free Entry.

Date: Friday, June 21 from 7.30pm (dinner is served earlier if required)

Venue: Mentone RSL, 9 Palermo St., Mentone.

Dinner bookings: 9583 2841

- Cheryl Threadgold

● ● Matthew Hadgraft (Peter Allen) in The Boy From Oz.

Photo: Nicole Cleary ● ● ● ● Laura Iris Hill in Ghosts.

Photo: Daniel Rabin

Ibsen’s

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

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

■ Babirra Music Theatre: Priscilla Queen of the Desert – the Musical Until June 16 at The Round, Nunawading. Director: Richard Perdriau; Musical Director: Malcolm Fawcett; Choreographer: Cassie Pennicuik. Bookings: babirra.org.au

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

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

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

■ Monologue Festival, Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. June 15 and June 16. Artistic Director: Andy Payne. Bookings: Trybooking.

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

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

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

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

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

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

■ Peridot Theatre Company: A Coupla White Chicks Sitting Around Talking (by John Ford Noonan) July 5 – 14 at the Clayton Theatrette, 9-10 Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Pip Le Blond. Bookings: peridot.com.au

■ Ballarat National Theatre: A Date With Death July 5 – 14 at 106 Albert St. Sebastopol, Ballarat. Bookings: https://www.bnt.org.au/ productions/342-a-date-with-death

■ Theatrical. The Boy From Oz, July 6 – 21 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Director/ Choreographer: Rhylee Nowell; Musical Director: Alex Byrne. Musical Supervision: Matthew Hadgraft; Ass’t. Choreographer: Ellie Martin. Bookings: theatrical.com.au

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

■ BATS Theatre Company: The Hunchback of Notre Dame July 5 – 7 at the Tony Sheumack Centre for Performing Arts, Beacon Hills College (Berwick Campus), 92 Kangan Drive, Berwick. Bookings: Trybooking

■ PLOS Musical Productions: A Tribute to Musical Theatre, July 7 at 1.00pm and 6.00pm at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Directors: Peter Jenkins and Jess Pratt; Musical Director: Bev Woodford. www.plos.asn.au

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: After Dinner (by Andrew Bovell) July 12 – 20 at Wyndham Theatre, Cnr Duncans Rd and Synott St., Werribee. Director: Fiona Scarlett. Bookings: Trybooking.

Entertainment

SON CALLED MOON

■ At Chapel off Chapel, from June 22-25, Ari Jacob will introduce Son Called Moon, a brandnew musical.

The music for the show was released as an album of the same name earlier this month, and features the recently released singles Permission and Feel It Coming.

The musical is the culmination of a sevenyear overseas sabbatical and brings together a mythical fable and a contemporary intimate story of love and redemption.

The music takes the audience on a journey into days, nights, years and lifetimes of ancient spiritual teachings and raw human experience.

Premiering at Chapel Off Chapel and starring Ari, the musical also features Irish performer Claire Burns

“Son Called Moon is a musical allegory for the spiritual quest of our generation, told through a story about how the moon became the moon.”

Said Ari: “It was born from my own spiritual research, from the questions that kept me awake at night and the struggles I had with my own identity.

“Wherever you come from, whoever you are, whatever you believe in, you are welcome to witness this incredibly unique moment in history and time, and to be a part of this deeply intimate theatrical experience.”

Written by Jewish-Australian artist Ari Jacob, Son Called Moon is billed as a deeply personal and transcendent theatrical experience.

An adventurous and curious boy, Moon lies awake for hours discussing the universe's secrets with Sun, the mysterious and ever-present feminine.

When one day a mysterious and potentially dangerous fruit appears that even Sun doesn’t recognise, their relationship begins to bruise, giving way to paranoia and manipulation, sending the two on a journey through fear, isolation and longing.

The six-person cast and nine-person onstage band will fill The Chapel with an original folk score, transforming the space into both a cosy living room and a vast galaxy.

Directed by James Cutler , this new show explores themes of shame and vulnerability, sexuality and religion and truth and wisdom. The musical is a modern prophecy for the end of days and a time when “the Moon will give light like the Sun”.

Ari’s grandmother and sister also appear on the album. The musical will employ staff from the All Things Equal café based on Carlisle St, Balaclava,where over half of its staff have a disability. Ari’s sister, who has ASD, also works at this café.

Performance Details: June 22-25

Venue: Chapel off Chapel, Chapel St., Prahran.

Bookings: Tickets available for the flat fee of $60.

- Cheryl Threadgold

The Whale

■ MSC Studio presents the Victorian premiere of Samuel D. Hunter’s multi-award winning play, The Whale, from June 28-July 14 at the Alex Theatre, St Kilda

The Whale boasts a cast line-up led by Adam Lyon (King Kong, Moulin Rouge! The Musical) as Charlie and supported by Melanie Gleeson (When the Rain Stops Falling) as Liz, Sebastian Li (New Gold Mountain - SBS) as Elder Thomas, Tanya Schneider (HarrowABC) as Mary and Skye Fellman in her professional debut as Elle

The Whale tells the story of a man's last chance at redemption, and of finding beauty in the most unexpected places.

It has achieved significant international acclaim including winning the Lucille Lortel Award for Best Play, the Sky Cooper New American Play Prize and its cinematic adaptation garnered two Oscars amongst its overwhelming volume of nominations. Melbourne Shakespeare Company's Artistic Director Jennifer Sarah Dean returns to direct the production following a three-year hiatus whilst working on the National Tour of Moulin Rouge! The Musical and most recently on The Almighty Sometimes for Melbourne Theatre Company.

● ● Ari Jacob

“As soon as I read this play I knew it was a story I wanted to share. I couldn’t believe that it had never been produced in Victoria before,” Dean explained.

“Many people will remember the Oscar winning movie based on this play, it's such an impactful, heartfelt and fiercely funny piece. I think audiences will be really moved when they experience it live, especially in the intimate setting of The Alex Theatre Studio with such an incredible team of actors.”

Multiple Green Room Nominee Harry Gill (Parade, Songs for A New World) will join the company for the first time as Set Designer, with Catherine Elliott (Hex) designing costumes. Kris Chainey (Big House Dreaming) returns to the company as Lighting Designer with Composer and Sound Designer Jack Burmeister (Bright Light Burning) completing the creative line up.

Dates: June 28-July 14. Opening Night: Saturday June 29 at 7:30pm

Location: Alex Theatre, St Kilda

Tickets: www.melbourneshakespeare.com/ thewhale

- Cheryl Threadgold

Elvis: A Musical Revolution

■ The award-winning production of Elvis: A Musical Revolution is set to return to Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre from Saturday, July 27.

Back by popular demand, this strictly limited encore season will once again transport audiences through the life and music of rock ‘n’ roll superstar, Elvis Presley - from his childhood in Tupelo, Mississippi, through to his triumphant ’68 Comeback Special.

The musical features over 40 iconic hits, such as Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, That’s All Right, All Shook Up, Suspicious Minds, Heartbreak Hotel, Burning Love, Blue Suede Shoes, Good Rockin’ Tonight, Don’t Be Cruel, Are You Lonesome, Return to Sender, Teddy Bear, A Big Hunk O’ Love, See See Rider, Can't Help Falling In Love, A Little Less Conversation, Guitar Man and more.

Mainstage and television star Rob Mallett (Home and Away, Aladdin, Singin’In The Rain) will continue to play Elvis Presley, with remaining cast members to be announced soon.

Producer David Venn said: “Returning to Melbourne feels like a joyous homecoming. The overwhelming reception from our Melbourne audiences the first time around was truly heartening, and we look forward to bringing it back to the Athenaeum Theatre for the final time.”

Venue: Athenaeum Theatre, 188 Collins St, Melbourne

Dates: July 27-August 11

Ticket Prices: From $69*

Bookings: Ticketmaster - Cheryl Threadgold

■ What kind of detective would Sherlock Holmes be if she were a woman?

Answering that is the challenge that literary editors Atlin Merrick and Narrelle M Harris have set themselves in a new crime anthology Sherlock Is A Girl’s Name. It contains 13 Sherlockian stories, all with a female sleuth and written by women with great track records in this literary area, including a couple from the editors themselves.

Of course, every Holmes needs a Dr Watson, and the twist in these stories is that there are very different Dr Watson-type sleuths, from ghosts to a teenage tuba player and a stranger on a plane, just to list a few.

And the settings of the stories also have huge variations – some are set in Victorian London, some in contemporary America and some even in deep Space.

Merrick and Harris have scoured the globe for crime mystery writers for their anthology, and they have included Australian authors Tanya Rayner Roberts, Eugen Bacon, Katya de Becerra, and co-editor Harris

The editors certainly know their field, as Harris’s new crime mystery is The SheWolf of Baker Street, while Merrick is the author of The Day They Met and The Night They Met.

Harris and Merrick promise that the gender-bending Sherlock Holmes in these stories will seem as familiar as the original Baker Street sleuth.

Sherlock Is A Girl’s Name is published by Clan Destine Press. www.clandestinepress.net

- Julie Houghton

More Shows

■ Fab Nobs Jr: Nickelodeon, the SpongeBob Musical, Youth Edition, July 5 –14 at 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Bookings: fabnobstheatre.com.au

■ BATS Theatre Company: The Hunchback of Notre Dame, July 5 – 7 at the Tony Sheumack Centre for Performing Arts, Beaconhills College, Berwick Campus. Director/Choreographer: Bridie Clark; Musical Director: Kent Ross. Bookings: Trybooking. ■ Wyndham Theatre Company: After Dinner (by Andrew Bovell) July 12 – 20 at Wyndham Theatre Company: Cnr Duncans Rd and Synnott St., Werribee. Director: Fiona Scarlett. Bookings: Trybooking

■ Mansfield Musical and Dramatic Society (MMUDS): Kid Stakes (by Ray Lawler) July 19 – 27 at 15 View St., Mansfield. Director: Daryl Hunt. Bookings: mmuds.org.au

■ MLOC Productions: Alice by Heart, July 26 – August 3 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Chris Ryan; Choreographer: Molly Whytcross; Vo- cal Director: Diane O’Hare; Musical Director: Hannah Hunt. Bookings: mloc.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ Theatrical.: A Chorus Line. Auditions to be held in Cheltenham, performances at National Theatre, St Kilda. Director: Tahra Cannon; Musical Director: Gabriel Taburet; Choreographer: Louise Panagiotidis. Contact: theatrical.com.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Veronica’s Room (by Ira Levin) June 15 at 11.00am, June 18 at 7.30pm at 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Drew Mason. Audition enquiries: drew.mason@optusnet.com.au Ph. 9382 6284

■ Strathmore Theatrical Arts Group (STAG): Hand to God (by Robert Askins) June 16 from 12pm and June 17 from 7pm at Strathmore Community Hall, 50 Loeman St., Strathmore. Director: Brian Edmond. Audition information: stagtheatre.org

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: Silent Sky (Lauren Gunderson) Information Night June 12 at 7pm; Auditions June and 18 at the Woodbin Theatre Foyer, Coronation St., West Geelong. Director: Natasha Boyd. Further information: geelongrep.com/audi- tions

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: And a Nightingale Sang (by C.P. Taylor) June 16 at 7pm; June 17 at 7pm at 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Llaaneath Poor. Audition enquiries and bookings: queen_styxia_89@ hotmail.com

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: Hotel Sorrento (Hannie Rayson) June 16 at 6pm, June 19 at 8pm at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Grant Purdy. Audition bookings: 0412 121 631. - Cheryl Threadgold

CARPET AND SOUND

■ Playing as part of a double bill at fortyfive downstairs, Calamity Practice's production of Carpet and Sand by Robert Reid is an ambitious laudable attempt at challenging theatrical norms which, unfortunately, too often overreaches itself.

The play follows a troupe of actors being led by the famous English theatre director Peter Brook as they go on a trek across the Sahara desert. A journalist accompanies them, commenting on their progress as they look to create a new type of theatre. Much mayhem ensues.

Written by Robert Reid, Carpet and Sand is loosely based on events which took place in 1972. The script is a pastiche of different narrative strands and uses a variety of theatrical devices as it seeks to deconstruct what Brook was trying to achieve.

Its tone veers from slapstick to ironic through monologues and multicharacter scenes. At its best, the script is humourous and pointed as it mocks the arrogant colonialist notions underpinning Brook's folly.

However, there are too many theatrical in-jokes while the writing, at times, feels like an intellectual exercise; it is too didactic, undercutting the valid critique it seeks to make.

On the whole, the ensemble of eight actors - AYA, Ciline Ajobong, Clarisse Bonello, Finn McGrath, Lucy Rees, Mark Yeates, Tilly Legge and Walt Dyson – successfully breathe life into the script.

They capture its spirit with performances that move from dry sarcasm to fiery passion. Nevertheless, the actors were hard to hear at times while one or two performances felt stilted.

The play is directed by Bob Pavlich with Lucy Rees as dramaturg. Pavlich draws some wonderful performances from his actors, regardless of the script's shortcomings.

Theatre that seeks to “experiment with form and content and eschew conventional narrative structures”, as Calamity Practice claims to aspire to, is to be applauded. However, the experiment that is Carpet and Sand can only be intermittently classified as a successful one.

Venue: fortyfivedownstairs theatre, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Dates and times: At various days/ times until June 16

Duration: 90 minutes

Bookings: https://fortyfive downstairs.com/event/carpet-andsand-100-reasons-for-war/ - Review by Peter Murphy

Hydra

■ Directed by Michelle Swan, Sue Smith’s Hydra chronicles Australian writers George Johnston and Charmian Clift's escape from the conservative constraints of 1950s Australia to embrace the promise of a bohemian idyll on the Greek island of Hydra.

Lured by the beautiful weather, the

relaxed lifestyle away from the pressures of modern life, and abundant and cheap food and wine, this was their chance to write the “Great Australian novel.”

Ex-pat artists like Sidney Nolan, Leonard Cohen and Peter Finch frequented the island.

Clift and Johnston’s son Martin (Daniel Trenkovski) narrates the story, looking back on his childhood. An excellent set designed by Swan and Helen Ellis transported the audience to Greece. Projections worked well to evoke various locations.

The action moves through the Hydra years from 1956 until the family’s return to Australia in the 1960s after the success of Johnston’s My Brother Jack. The dream soon faded.

The reality was living a dirt-poor existence, scraping and scrimping to pay debts and fights fuelled by heavy drinking.

Volatile and destructive, their relationship succumbed to the pressures of jealousy, infidelity, and fears of failure.

Interspersed with extracts from Johnston’s Clean Straw for Nothing and Clift’s Peel Me a Lotus, the narrative wrenches between the contrary anguish of life versus art.

Naomi Crossley gives a moving performance as Clift, torn between her ambition and identity and her support for Johnston.

Andrew Wild’s Johnston demonstrates his narcissism in mansplaining Clift’s work for her, rewriting passages and feigning surprise when she does not accept his rewrites with gratitude.

What is overwhelming is the feeling that while Johnston and Clift physically escaped the conservative, small-mindedness of Australia in the 1950s, some attitudes were harder to abandon.

Hydra was presented by the Brighton Theatre Company

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

100 Reasons For War

■ Playing as part of a double bill at fortyfive downstairs, Calamity Practice's production of 100 Reasons for War by Tom Holloway is a dynamic exploration of the tragedy that

is war that doesn't always realise its ambitious intentions due to an overly didactic script.

In a flurry of scene changes played at various tempos, unnamed characters come and go as different aspects of the experience of war are explored. From the personal to the political, the humdrum to the horror, the macro to the micro, conflict and war are forensically examined.

Written by Tom Holloway, 100 Reasons for War is a series of vignettes. Motifs and themes are revisited as nameless characters interact with each other.

Things are spoken of but also left unspoken as dialogues between characters fracture and splinter across different spaces and timelines.

It is an ambitious text that demands much of an audience and is admirable for that. However, it can get too didactic at times with a subsequent loss of impact and audience engagement.

The cast of 100 Reasons for War consists of AYA, Ciline Ajobong, Clarisse Bonello, Finn McGrath, Lucy Rees, Mark Yeates, Tilly Legge and Walt Dyson

All performers impress in the way they handle what could have been a tricky script to master. There are occasional snippets of text lost due to poor vocal work while the odd monologue or scene falls flat; however, overall the ensemble do themselves proud.

This is in no small way a credit to the direction of Bob Pavlich and the work of the dramaturg Lucy Rees

They have done a wonderful job of realising the various worlds demanded by Holloway's script, especially in the way they have drawn out some wonderful performances from the actors.

Not everyone's cup of tea then, but 100 Reasons for War is, regardless, a bold brave show that signals Calamity Practice as a company to have on your radar.

Venue: fortyfivedownstairs theatre, 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne

Dates and times: At various days/ times until June 16

Duration: 90 minutes

Tickets: $35-79

Bookings: https://fortyfive downstairs.com/event/carpet-andsand-100-reasons-for-war/ - Review by Peter Murphy

Jim Henson : Ideas Man

■ (PG). 108 minutes. Now available on Disney+

For people over a certain age, Jim Henson was a person who affected millions, someone who brought an immense amount of joy and entertainment in a way that was unique, and that love remains now, so it seems like the perfect time to release a documentary on Henson’s life and his work.

Covering Henson’s life from when he was a child to his death in 1990, aged 53, we see how driven he was from the very start, initially using puppetry as an excuse to enter the TV industry, but then taking that particular craft and pushing it into unusual directions.

A huge influence would be Henson’s wife (they married in 1959), and the two would found Muppets, Inc., and would lead to them producing a little project called Sesame Street (1969, and is still going), a children’s educational TV show that would become one of the most successful and influential kids programs of all-time (no other future children’s show would exist without it).

It was a show that had a huge affect on me as a child, and forever got me into trouble with teachers when it came to pronouncing the letter z (I would always say ‘zee’, instead of ‘zed’, much to my teachers’ annoyance, but the funny thing is they knew exactly where I’d got it from).

It was also a show that not only educated, but offered the type of comedy not normally associated with children’s shows.

The reason for this became evident when Henson finally got his labour-of-love project greenlit, something he had been shopping around even before Sesame Street, a series called The Muppet Show (1976-1981).

Again a monumental influence (and a huge hit), this show was something new, and the entire world openly embraced it.

The success of the show lead to The Muppet Movie (1979), a film that thoroughly entertained young audiences (I remember seeing it at the cinema and loving it), but had such a self-knowing sense of humour, that adults enjoyed it too.

The same went for The Great Muppet Caper (1981, and was Henson’s feature directorial debut), which paid homage to everything from 30s musicals to heist movies, and The Muppets Take Manhattan (1984), a production that poked fun at the trials and tribulations of making it in the entertainment industry (in this case, Broadway), and even surviving on the streets of New York. Henson would then take a

left turn by creating more ambitiously dramatic pieces, namely The Dark Crystal (1982), and Labyrinth (1986), both of which didn’t fully connect at the time (Labyrinth was a particular flop), but have gone on to achieve huge cult followings, and have been reassessed by critics. The last four years are presented as a bit of a blur, but does mention the deal with Disney , shortly before Henson’s death.

Henson’s passing felt like a personal tragedy to many (including me), as he had touched so many people from such a young age, and his memorial service was a moving affair. After gushing so wholeheartedly about the artist, I wish Jim Henson: Idea Man delved more into areas we know less of. The relationship between Henson and his parents, who were serious puppeteers, is only superficially looked at, while the darker, more problematic aspects of the relationship with his wife Jane is skipped over (one would love to see a separate documentary made on her life). The way Henson’s work and prolific output also limited the time he spent with his five kids isn’t properly explored (the fact that nearly all of them became talented in some manner of puppetry, indicates how they may have seen this as the only way to spend quality time with their father). Of course, being a Disney production, the deal that was going to happen between the Studio and Henson is barely touched upon, especially as it went very sour, involved much litigation, with Disney behaving badly. Ron Howard (A Beautiful Mind, The Da Vinci Code) directs the material with an extremely light touch, noticeably hesitant to examine areas of Henson’s life that may come across as critical, and it makes the whole documentary feel unbalanced at times. Yes, Henson was someone who was a true innovator, and used that creativity to bring happiness to millions of people around the globe; but he was also a human being, who could make mistakes, whether intentional or not, and it’s where this stumbles overall. It is also weird that The Great Muppet Caper and The Muppets Take Manhattan are totally ignored, and TV shows like The Storyteller receive only seconds of screen time. One can’t help but love Jim Henson: Idea Man for what it shows, and the output of a genius which left an indelible, permanent impression on people like myself, but for a modern audience who may not be fully aware of what Henson did, and the person he was, this is a documentary that may leave them wanting, thirsting for more details on a man who did so much, before his life was tragically cut short.

RATING - ****

● ● ● ● Finn McGrath (left) and Clarisse Bonello in 100 Reasons for War. Photo: Harper Owen

■ Who would believe that an Australian actor who bore the same name as the famous Hollywood actor Robert Taylor would become known throughout the world as a US Marshall in a popular western television series?

Robert Taylor has become a respected actor internationally. He has a great body of work to his credit - Robert is tall, rugged, handsome and plays great character roles.

Robert Taylor was born in Melbourne in 1963. He came from a family of three children and when his parent's marriage broke up Robert moved to a mining town in Western Australia to live with his aunt and uncle.

When he was 21 he went to sea to work on oil rigs and was aboard a ship which was involved in a collision and sank.

Robert and his friends made it to a lifeboat and whilst convalescing in hospital he saw and an advertisement in the local paper for auditions at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts

He passed the audition and enrolled as a student. Robert's first acting job was a small part in The Flying Doctors in 1988.

The following year he played the character of ‘Nicholas Walsh’ in Home and Away Robert was cast as ongoing characters in many television series such as Stingers, Blue Heelers, MDA and Killing Time.

In 2001 he was cast in the popular Irish television series Ballykissangel and played Father

Whatever Happened To ... Robert Taylor

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Vincent Sheehan. I remember meeting Robert briefly at the St Kida Film Festival at the Palais Theatre in 2002.

At that time Robert was the President of the Veg Out St Kilda Community Artists Gardens which were located at the old St Kilda Bowling Club. His film credits include Storm Warning, Ned Kelly and The Matrix In 2010 Robert married Ayisha Davies and they have a daughter.

Robert's big break came in 2011 when he was cast in the lead role in the popular television series Longmire

Robert plays the Sheriff Walt Longmire and the show is filmed in New Mexico

This series originally was produced by the A&E cable channel and it was cancelled after three seasons.

There was a public outcry across the world and fortunately the Netflix channel produced the show for its fourth season.

This is one of my favourite television westerns; I love the characters and the scriptwriting. I had a coffee with Lou Diamond Phillips when he was in Melbourne for The King and I and Lou told me he loved working with Robert on Longmire playing Walt Longmire's best friend, ‘Henry Standing Bear’.

Robert Taylor has already been in four films this year - Downriver, What Lola Wants, Focus and The Menkoff Method

In recent years there have been many Australian actors who have been cast in leading roles in American television series - they seem to be able to handle the accent and portray great characters.

In recent times Robert Taylor has appeared in television productions such as Scrublands, The Newsreader and Apples Never Fall.

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

LIGHT SHINES AT BENALLA ART GALLERY

Letter

Farm worry

■ My name is Chloe Elise Paul and I am a Community Engagement Officer based in Melbourne I would like to bring it to the media's attention that Collingwood Children's Farm have made the decision to discontinue its community programs randomly and abruptly. It is incredibly devastating and reeks of leadership problems and mismanagement from an out-of-touch CEOs.

My client, has attended there for about 18 months once a week volunteering, she has various disabilities and the farm has been an incredible opportunity for her to develop independent living skills and social connections.

This is the ONLY thing that gets my client out of the house and since this announcement, it has caused ripple effects in her life. Not only this, but her younger nephew who lives with severe disabilities was looking forward to attending the program when he turned 18.

What is most bizarre is that the blame in the letter is the cost of living crisis when this program is essentially free labour for the farm. Volunteer numbers have been growing immensely over the past six months. In reality, they are cutting off the community of people around the farm and completely navigating away from the values and missions the farm is supposed represent.

Over the past six months they have had a large turnover of staff, including letting go of the community manager who was replacing the other manager (who was only around for about two months before leaving herself).

I know in this letter I am highlighting all the bad stuff that is occurring, but the space, the opportunities and the health outcomes I have witnessed in my clients and attendees just make this decision all the more upsetting.

- Chloe Elise Paul

Light Shines; Shadows Fall –

Hans Heysen and Matthew James MacNally

The exhibition is a celebration of both artists’ mastery in rendering the Australian countryside, and the atmospheric shifts across the day as the sun rises and sets, shining its light for shadows to fall.

Exhibition closes July 28.

Simpson Gallery

Melancholia – Janet Leith

Leith examines the pre0ninetenth century of belief relating to humoral theory, specifically the Four Humors of phlegm, black bile, yellow bile and blood which instigated the effect of heightened inspiration (head) and depressed spirits (cold) on the human body and mind.

Leith’s work is symbolic representation of the artist’s personal state of mind, a sense of disquiet and a variety of emotions through the use of the female nude.

The figures are depicted as vulnerable and stark against inky black backgrounds, the large, cropped bodies, torsos and busts are de-identified through wrapping of the face.

Exhibition closes June 23.

Benalla Art Gallery

Botanical Gardens Bridge St, Benalla

Still Life

Vivid Reverie: a Symphony in Still Life -Penelope Lau

Community Exhibition

Dynamic and detailed, Vivid Reverie, a Symphony in Still Life, explores how household objects reflect identity and self-expression. through gentle colours, intimate scale, considered composition and exceptional technical skill, Penelope tests the bounds between still life and portraiture.

Exploring the personal and social meaning behind objects, Penelope works to tell a story while providing insight into a person’s life.

Exhibition closes June 22.

Boroondara Arts Centre

360 Burwood Rd, Hawthorn

■ Here’s your chance to get out, have some fun and talk shop with other local artists and have a cheery drink.

The Arts

These regular gatherings propose space for connecting and developing conversation between local creatives.

WAM provides fun and friendly environment to talk shop with other artists,, share tips, discuss creative practice, projects and local arts and culture.

With the Dandenongs Ranges rich and abundant cultural landscape

Burrinja’s WAM events are a great opportunity to develop creative networks, find out about potential opportunities and connect with your local arts community.

Burrinja Gallery

351 Glenfern Rd, Upwey.

- Peter Kemp

Cold Chisel sell-out

■ More than 150,000 tickets have been snapped up for ‘The Big Five0 Tour’ – celebrating Cold Chisel’s 50th Anniversary.

Some 16 Australian concerts sold out completely, including two huge ‘circus tent’ shows in Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, a second Sandalford Wines in Perth plus newly added dates at Mornington Racecourse and QUDOS Bank Arena in Sydney.

Willie forever on the go

■ Despite his 91 years of age Willie Nelson is still active and has just launched his 75th release. Music critics say his latest is one of his finest.

Brad Pitt’s fanmily feud

■ The 18-year-old daughter, Shiloh Jolian Pitt has filed to have the name Pitt dropped from her official name. Other members of the same family have already given the Pitt name the flick as offsprings grow-up and enter the work force.

Record price for guitar

■ An auction has been held for John Lennon’s prized guitar. Bids came from everywhere until the final bid won the online battle with an offer of A$2.8 million.

What game is Pat playing?

■ Former tennis champ Pat Rafter has discovered a new game - Padel Tennis . He recently visited Spain for the Senior World Padel Tennis Champs Padel tennis is played in doubles and Pat has been appointed an Ambassador for the sport in Australia. He rarely hits the traditional tennis court these days yet will be glued to the telly watching Wimbledon

Cole’s Book Arcade memory

■ A new sign has been erected in a laneway off Howey Place, CBD, Melbourne.The sign reads 'Palace of Intellect' recognising Cole’s Book Arcade circa gold rush era.The ookshop was one of the world's largest book repositories with one million books on shelves. Mark Twain was a regular patron, so they say.

● ● Robert Taylor

with Peter Kemp

Willie Nelson

Across Observer

1. Hair-stylist

6. Straight-line racing car

11. Famous Indian mausoleum (3,5)

15. Nightclub dancer

20. ... kwon do

21. Labyrinths

22. Aegean or Caspian

23. Lahore is there

24. Mad Russian monk

25. NE Scottish seaport

27. Jumbo animal

28. Watering tube

29. Fixed gaze

31. World fair

32. Cruel person

36. Pins & ...

37. Prolong (4,3)

38. Checks (text) for errors

41. Renovate (ship)

44. Metal bar

45. Unfortunately

48. Sneeze noise (1-6)

49. Oddball

52. Rectangular

56. Addressing crowd

57. Anxious (2,4)

58. Perfumed burning stick

61. Goat's wool

62. Economises, ... & saves

63. Fibbing

64. Naomi Campbell is one

65. Imperial ruler

66. Collided with (3,4)

67. Disincentive

71. Absurd comedy

73. Of the ear

75. Windbag

80. Clarify, ... light on

82. Hone

83. Disobey

85. Gauges

86. Befuddles

88. Labourer's tools, pick & ...

90. Welcomes

91. British coin

93. Taking sides

94. Climbing plants

95. Female voices

96. Wither

97. Tingle

99. Mark as correct

100. Holy places

104. Rubbish

105. School maxim

106. Track down

107. Sent via Internet

111. The other way around, vice ...

113. Observe

114. The masses, ... polloi

115. Disorderly

117. Smear

118. Affirmative replies

121. Russian spirit

122. Mustard & ...

125. Canine disease

126. Shaving cut

127. Roman dress

129. Pulpy, soft food

131. Yoga master

132. Apprehension

135. Feng ...

136. Unplaced competitor (4-3)

139. Wild party

140. Representatives

144. Strangely

145. Scandinavian

146. Wall painting

147. Underwriters

148. Glared

Across Down Down

149. Gallows rope

150. Group of eight

152. Hang loosely

154. Flog

157. Fluid unit

158. Minutest

162. Iran's neighbour

163. Exhausts supply of (4,2)

166. Porridge cereal

167. Pour with rain

169. Slow down!

171. Car pioneer, Karl ...

172. Tobacco user

173. Leers

175. Lever (off)

176. Single

179. Swiss banking centre

180. Come to rest (3,2)

182. Liqueur, ... Maria

183. Towards stern

184. Blackboard stand

186. Negative

189. Harness-racing horse

190. Return (of symptoms)

191. Epic movie-maker, Cecil B De ...

192. Big Apple city (3,4)

196. 60s pop dance (2-2)

197. Dad

198. Heedful

199. Spend extravagantly

201. Not fit for consumption

202. Gloomier

203. Performing

204. Car-top luggage frame (4,4)

205. Worked hard

208. Guidance

210. Up to this time

211. Aquatic bird

212. Pragmatism

213. Vein of ore

215. Vending machine

219. Nimble

221. Small & efficient

223. Striped brown gem (5'1,3)

227. Biology or physics

228. Mummifies (corpse)

230. Donations

231. Scorch

232. Charts (course) (4,3)

233. Villain

234. Arrogant newcomer

238. Power outlet

239. Knit with hooked needle

240. Scratch

243. Eagle nests

246. Ancestry

247. Lease again

250. Naming words

251. Greek philosopher

253. Muddles (up)

256. Frequent visitor

257. Mischievous

258. Character

262. Manufacture

263. Florida's Key ...

266. Is in debt to

268. Citrus fruit

269. Surgical removal

270. Not enclosed (of land)

271. Ruling (monarch)

272. Decimal unit

273. Opinion surveys

274. Corroded, ... away at

275. Slyer

276. Supervised

277. Perseveres

278. Least

1. Manages

2. Annoyed

3. Abstains from food

4. Salt Lake City state

5. Absconded (3,3)

7. Severely simple

8. Seedy conditions

9. Discharge

10. Talk wildly

11. Muscle rupture

12. Fire-resistant material

13. Of war

14. Country dance

15. Leaked slowly

16. Aura

17. Windscreen cleaner

18. Rocky Mountains state

19. Early guitars

24. Tenant's fee

26. Fish traps

30. Quarrel

33. Document bag, ... case

34. Evoke

35. Cavalryman

38. Triangular-sided building

39. Constantly busy (2,3,2)

40. Learn (4,3)

42. Great ages

43. Charges with crime

46. Furiously

47. Beliefs

49. Properly nourished (4-3)

50. Frostier

51. Stray

53. Bewails

54. More mature

55. Biblical sea

59. Oil paintings

60. Skittles

67. Lowers (oneself)

68. Fishing boat

69. Ex-pupils' get-together

70. Invigorate

72. Residential locations

74. Score after deuce

76. Exposed

77. French N-Test region, ... Atoll

78. Rude

79. Pestered

81. Cargo door

84. Unnerves

87. Strong coffee

89. Nonconformists

91. Primitive

92. Japan's second largest city

98. Recording room

101. Restrict (3,2)

102. Asian cricketing nation

103. Flattened

108. Countless number

109. Saturate (with colour)

110. Turn inside-out

112. Remembered

116. Carpenters

119. Brightening up

120. Proper behaviour

123. Now Zimbabwean

124. Set apart

128. News-sheet

130. Ill-bred

132. Unfulfilled

133. Inaccuracy

134. Songs for one

137. Actress, ... Sarandon

138. Scoundrel

141. Heredity units

142. Cosy corners

143. Clean with broom

151. Household jobs

153. Riddle

155. Hot & moist

156. Lower leg joint

159. Revealed (knowledge)

160. Foolishness

161. Inducting, ... in

164. Too soon

165. Open wound

168. Alienate

170. Unfashionable

173. Reverse

174. Giving university talk

177. Soundly constructed (4-5)

178. Worsened (of crisis)

181. Leaves uncared-for

185. Permitting

186. Liked

187. Retailers

188. Football umpire

193. Sun or rain

194. Acorn bearer (3,4)

195. Sing-along entertainment

200. Prayer beads

201. Official emblems

206. ... & lemons

207. Wear best clothes (5,2)

208. Human rights group, ... International

209. Modesty

211. Large pedal

214. Moral

216. Dip in liquid

217. Capers

218. Numerals

220. Conclude

222. Toadstools

224. Great joy

225. Questionable

226. Junior

229. Fully satisfy

232. Liquefy

235. Actress, ... Cruz

236. Straighter

237. Reaction

241. Changing booth

242. Picasso & Monet

244. Library patrons

245. Belongings, personal ...

248. More meagre

249. You

251. Walk with heavy steps

252. Turns away

253. Imitate

254. Father Christmas

255. Praise highly

259. Divine messenger

260. Combine

261. Roman VIII

262. Small tick

264. Unknown writer

265. Swallow noisily

267. Appear

By Rob Foenander

Rebecca sings Joni

■ Melbourne singer and all round entertainer Rebecca Barnard will bring to life the songs of music legend Joni Mitchell on Sunday, July 21, live in the conservatory at the Coolart Wetlands and Homestead.

Joining Rebecca will be special guest Peter Barnard (Boom Crash Opera) and together will bring you For the Roses, a presentation of Joni Mitchell's most loved songs from the 60s on.

Tickets at www.trybooking.com/events

Storytellers

■ Casey Radio 97.7fm presents Lucy Wise in their Storytellers at the station series on Sunday, June 23, commencing 2pm.

Lucy is described as a natural singer with a warm stage presence that has captivated audiences across Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK

Furthermore her distinctive vocal sound and instrumental backing draw on acoustic, traditional folk, roots and pop musical influences.

Tickets at trybooking.com

Her Sign

■ Father and daughter combination Phillip and Mia Slink have combined forces to write a powerful song about domestic violence. The track titled Her Sign delves into so many of the unfortunate issues faced by victims living in such relationships.

Listen here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=00xhIr0Z1nA - Rob Foenander

Death of radio man, John Blackman

■ ' JB ' phoned me just a few weeks ago to talk about an item of Melbourne radio history. He sounded so good, and his call made my day.

John Blackman died last week , aged 76.

Like most of Melbourne, John was welcomed into our lounge rooms every weekend as voiceover man on Hey Hey It's Saturday

We woke up to his voice every morning in the early 1980s with his breakfast radio program on 3AW, some of it with 'Uncle Roy' (Bruce Mansfield).

We all giggled at the 'inapprorpriate' humour. His cheerios to "pilots who are up, hostesses as well".

His world weather reports: "Tel Aviv , expected maximum 24, but for you 21". Storytime at 6.55am with 'Angela'.

His constant fights with Derryn Hinch. He was later to say: "we buried the hatchet so many times, my garden went rusty".

John was the naughty Syndal Tech. boy. He went on to be a cigarette van salesman. He wanted to be on radio, and won a job at 2GN Goulburn.

For a while he was the studio announcer for the later-disgraced Rev. Alex Kenworthy's Nightline program on 3AW

I was first met John in 1983 when 3AW and Leader Newspapers joined to raise funds for the Ash Wednesday fires victims.

Crossword Solution No 26

I was the photographer when we had a massive cheque presentation at the Macedon Hotel, 40 years ago.

We all followed JB's topsy-turvy career. He was conned by Brian White into joining Kerry Packer's

disastrous CBC network involving 3AK. He was at 3UZ

He was an 'untouchable' at AW for many years, but did a number of appearances on the station in later years. (Almost) all was forgiven.

The public loved John Blackman. He was on our front cover of the first edition when I resurrected the Melbourne Observer newspaper in 2002.

We kept contact. When I had won the 3AK General Manager job around 1999 (that fell over before it started), I met with JB at the Melbourne Oyster Bar to discuss his breakfast program.

When I was producing the Mansfield's Melbourne TV programs, he sent in $100 to me to have host Bruce Mansfield read an ad about John Blackman

To his annoyance, I went on air and did it instead.

JB had a wonderful friendship with my mate (and old school friend) Wilbur Wilde (Nick Aitken). They did radio and laughed, they played golf and laughed.

Just recently, JB drove Uber cars for a living, and would dial-up Willie to give a personalised floor show for the Uber pasengers in his car. Everyone laughed.

Life served up its share of challenges. When daughter Tiffany arrived, and the news was delivered that she was blind, Cecile and John stopped for one stiff drink, then got on with things.

John had massive and multiple face surgery after cancer hit his mouth. He had brain surgery several times. All the time, he was courageous ... and stayed funny.

Thanks JB for all the good times.

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson

Top two-year-olds to contest J.J. Atkins

■ The J.J. Atkins classic to be run on June 15 looks likely to attract a top-class field as usual.

The early market set by Neds Betting has the James Cummings youngster Broadsiding on top, after a brilliant win back on April 24 in the Champagne Stakes at Randwick.

After an unlucky third at his first start, the son of Too Darn Hot won in great style beating Linebacker and Fearless

He then showed them how good he was winning the Sires Produce coming from a long last, and starting from the extreme outside in 21. Cummings has been open about the youngster how he is going, after a total of five starts for two wins and two thirds.

Another smart one is Bittercreek, prepared by Victorian trainers Leon and Troy Corstens

Prior to his win in the Spirit of Boom classic over 1200 metres, Bittercreek now has two wins on the board, at his previoius outing at the Valley he ran a good second after drawing out wide. He could be hard to beat here.

He also produced a big run in the Sires running a good fourth coming from barrier 17. One to follow up.

He is by top entire, Snitzel, out of the good mare, Rose of Cimmaron, and will be right in this.

The second placegetter in the classic, was the locally trained El Mozillo, prepared by leading lady trainer Kelly Schweida, and ridden by top Victorian postillion Craig Williams. He missed a place in the Sires last start in Queensland.

There wasn’t a great deal in the finish and both have enormous talent.

El Mozillo is by a former Blue Diamond Stakes winner in Star Witness, and will be hard to beat here, especially playing at home.

Top Victorian trainer, Ciaron Maher, had one of his youngsters going around, but failed to run on in Perspiration, who had two seconds and a win against its name. Could be one to keep the peepers on, but he also missed out in the Sires

The next few, namely Althoff, Brutal Bowler and Can’t Recall One,allfailed to flatter, with Angel Capital, in the Sires

Next is the unusually named youngster Althoff, by Written Tycoon, who ran second at its first start, and was a bit unlucky, then atoned with a good win in the Ken Russell Memorial classic.

Just on Ken , I had the pleasure of meeting him at a Bendigo Cup a few years back, he unfortunately was killed in a fall.

Ted Ryan

Angel Capital, prepared by leading Victorian trainer Clinton Mc Donald had no luck in the run in the Spirit of Boom classic over 1200 metres.

He had previously won in brilliant fashion at Cranbourne over 1000 metres, winning by just over two lengths and looked, smart chance to atone here, he has got the goods.

One that the money has come for is Brutal Bowler, prepared by leading Sydney trainer Kris Lees, and recent winner on May 19, on the Sapphire Coast.

One to keep an eye on, Kriss really likes it.

One worth following up is the Annabel Neasham trained filly, Aemelius, a good winner in the first at Randwick back on May 25.

Prior to that she was an unlucky fifth at her first outing.

The New Zealand filly, Can’t Recall One, was an impressive winner Eagle Farm on March 16 - winning in good style over 1400 metres.

Trained by New Zealand’s Stuart McKendrick, he has a big opinion of him, and feels he can beat these.

But it is a pretty big task, he is up against a bit of talent.

Omnic, a two-year-old colt, trained by Ciaron Maher, having his second run ran a good second behind Pisces at Newcastle

A New Zealand bred colt he was a bit stiff at his first run, but he missed the Sires, but he may not run here.

Overall, I like Broadsiding, it was most impressive winning the Champagne Stakes at Randwick, and now the Sires

Trained by James Cummings he is going to be hard to beat here.

Bittercreek will be right in it, while I don’t fancy any of the others.

By the time the J.J. Atkins is run there could be a few changes.

Back in the saddle

■ Some good news in the racing world with top Sydney jockey Kerrin McEvoy returning to the saddle after a serious neck injury.

One of the nicest guys in racing, Kerrin had a really bad fall at Rosehill some two months ago. He resumed just recently and all looks good so far.

He came back at Canterbury with three rides, and felt pretty good, considering the fact he sustained a serious neck injury at Rosehill back on March 23.

On that particular day he was having a ball, when he rode Zapateo to win the Group One Galaxy, and just missed out winning the Golden Slipper, on the Victorian colt Coleman.

When he came down at Rosehill , he was extremely unlucky sustaining a transverse process fracture to his C6 vertebrae in his neck.

Since returning to riding he appears to be right on the ball, getting some good rides.

I have known Kerrin for sometime, a top rider, and we wish him all the best on the way back.

Kerrin is one of Australia’s most respected riders having also winning many a classic.

He piloted home three Melbourne Cup winners. Scoring on Brew for trainer Mike Moroney back in 2000, then on Almandin, for Robert Hickmott in 2016, and got home on Cross Counter for English trainer Charlie Appleby in 2018.

Almandin was owned by leading owner Lloyd Williams

On June 2, he got a winner with a second before the meeting was called off after the fifth race at Rosehill due to the heavy track and visibility. We wish Kerrin all the best.

- Ted Ryan

Leading trainer Troy Corstens. Racing Photos.

● ● Top jockey Kerrin McEvoy. Racing Photos.

FIRST SUCCESSES FOR TRAINER, DRIVER

■ Popular Maryborough commenced the week with a most interesting meeting on Monday June 3 with a trainer and driver each recording their first success.

An elated 20-year-old Hannah Parish the daughter of Creswick’s David and Desleigh Parish was successful aboard Cardigan trainer Clayton Tonkin’s Always B Miki-Jo Louleonie 3Y0 colt Miki To Success in the 1690 metre Benstud Standardbreds Pace chalking up her first win when having her first drive.

Starting from gate three on the second line, Miki To Success was off and running three wide shortly after the start to park outside the pacemaker Ittakeslove (gate two) racing for the bell. Despite the tough passage, Miki To Success raced clear approaching the final bend, defying all challengers to score by 9.9 metres in advance of Bettorpatchmeup (three wide last lap from mid-field), with Strapping Red third 3.1 metres after following the runner up most of the way. The mile rate a slick 1-54.6.

■ Elphinstone part-owner/trainer Rob Brown (41) also landed his first winner when 5Y0 Hurrikane Kingcole-Art For Art Sake gelding Hurrikane Dusty snared the 2190 metre AB Paint Concession Drivers Pace with Kyneton’s Ben Xiriha in the sulky.

Beginning fast from gate three to lead, Hurrikane Dusty although pressured by both Snazola (gate five) outside him and Yankee Gambler (three wide) fought off all challengers to prevail by a half neck from The Regulator along the sprint lane after trailing.Shoobee Gotch (three pegs) gained a late split for third 1.9 metres away. The mile rate 2-01.1. Yankee Gambler after giving away a huge start was made a late scratching.

■ Pompapiel part-owner/trainer John Davidson has in excess of 36 victories to his credit and added another to the tally when promising 5Y0 Used To Me-Estee Poppy gelding Frankythefrenchman scored in the Aldebaran Park Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres returning a mile rate of 2-01.

Driven by Chris Alford, Frankythefrenchman was on his best behavior and immediately sent forward from gate three on the second line to momentarily park outside the noted leader Christmas Babe (gate three) racing for the bell. Crossing to assume control shortly after, Frankythefrenchman was allowed to run by Alford, streeting his rivals to record a 11.1 metre margin over Majestic Connies (four pegs) which gained a late split on turning, with Christmas Babe after looking well beaten when crossed by the winner rallying in the straight to finish third 3.6 metres back.

■ Four-year-old Dreamcatcher-Lady Lover gelding Deejay Dex was a big winner of the 2190 metre Haras Des Trotteurs Trotters Handicap for Bolinda trainer Kari Males and Ararat reinsman Michael Bellman.

Scrambling away from outside the 10 metre mark, Deejay Dex quickly regained his composure to go forward and cross the leader Patnwill effortlessly.

Allowed to bowl Deejay Dex had the race in his keeping a long way out and showing no signs of stopping greeted the judge by 14.8 metres in advance of The Fiery Sunset (10m three pegs –behind winner at bell).

Well fancied Kellybush (10m) galloped shortly after the start losing considerable ground and made up plenty for third albeit 44.9 metres back. The mile rate 2-06.1.

■ Burrumbeet trainer Rob McCartney landed the Worlds Best Hoof Oil Pace over 1690 metres with Sportswriter-Sheluvsme 3Y0 gelding Carramar Olam on protest. With Chris Alford in the sulky, Carramar Olam was quickly outside the pacemaker Over The Line (gate six) who looked to have his measure on the final bend, however once straightening Over The Line began to hang outwards taking Carramar Olam with him to the centre of the track with Alford immediately lodging an objection which to no surprise was subsequently upheld. Presidentialchange came from a mile back for third. The margins a head by 9.9 metres in a mile rate of 1-57.6.

■ BRIEFLY : Armstrong trainer Leroy O’Brian combined with Kerryn Manning to capture the Bartletts Manufacturing Pace over 2190 metres with A Rocknroll Dance-Parfait Bromac filly

Harness Racing

Shes A Tiny Dancer, peeling of a one/one trip from gate three to score by 2.9 metres from Im Field Major (three pegs) and the weakening pacemaker Thevicepresident who was 4.2 metres back and Bannockburn trainer Geoff Webster’s smart Million Dollar Cam-Endeared filly Elusive rated a treat by Connor Clarke led throughout from gate three to take the McPhersons Printing Group Pace over 1690 metres by a neck in 1-55.1 from Renewal (three wide last lap solo after starting from the extreme draw). Rise Above All (three pegs) was third 8.1 metres back.

Four wins

■ Shepparton raced Tuesday and in-form 6Y0 Heston Blue Chip-Kims A Goddess gelding Angus Indianna brought up four wins in succession when taking the Avenel Equine Hospital Pace over the long trip of 2690 metres for Leichardt part-owner/trainer Scott Rains and regular reinsman Sean O’Sullivan.

Going forward from gate five to momentarily park outside Wow You Can Dance (gate two) before assuming control, Angus Indiana was driven to perfection, kicking clear on straightening to easily account for another in-form runner The Beach Fantasy (one/one – three wide to join him running into the final bend) and register a 9.1 metre margin returning a mile rate of 1-57. Arnies Army (three pegs) was third from a pole line draw 10.4 metres away.

■ Local Congupna trainer Steven Duffy combined with Nathan Jack aboard Skyvalley-Majic Fair filly Majic Valley to land the Neatline Homes 2Y0 Trotters Mobile over 1690 metres returning a mile rate of 2-03.6.

Enjoying a cosy passage of the back of the poleline leader Ezra Kai from gate three, Majic Valley ran home stylishly along the sprint lane to register a 1.6 metre margin over Ezra Kai and Queen Truscott (three pegs – outside winner last lap) who was 12.5 metres away third.

■ David Moran caring for Menangle trainer KerryAnne Morris’ team down here was victorious with 4Y0 Vincent-Lettuce Go Pippa mare Vinette in the 2190 metre Cottrells Electrical Pace.

Trapped wide from gate four before moving forward to join the poleline leader Edwarde Grange, Moran after applying plenty of pressure was able to cross and lead mid-race and Vinette showed no signs of stopping, scoring by 1.1 metres in advance of Delightful Charm which raced outside her, with Edwarde Grange holding third 9.1 metres back after using the sprint lane to no avail. The mile rate 1-58.3.

■ Monegeetta trainer/driver David Miles was in the winners stall following the victory of 4Y0 Always B Miki-Braeview Creation gelding The Iron Duke in the Your Sold Real Estate Pace over 2190 metres.

Trapped five wide from gate six before going forward to tackle pole marker Animado for the front running and succeeding in the back straight on the first occasion, The Iron Duke bred and raced by long time stable clients Sal Ferraro and family travelled neatly for the rest of the journey to account for Lenny Lincoln (three pegs – one/one on turning) by 1.5 metres. Animado was third a neck back after having every chance along the sprint lane. The mile rate 2-00.2.

Gillieston trainer/driver Wayne Hayes caused a blowout result in the 2190 metre Saddleworld Shepparton Pace when 7Y0 Courage Under FireStar Of Indiana mare Roam scored at odds of $32.30.

Raced by Wayne and partner Andria Pollock, Roam was taken back at the start from gate seven to settle six back along the markers as Followtheace pinged the start to lead.

Extricating to be three back in the final circuit, Roam screeched home out wide on turning to greet the judge by 2.4 metres from the pacemaker, with indi Air Tonight (five pegs – one/ one last lap) third 4.3 metres away. The mile rate 1-59.2. It was Roam’s 4th success in 41 outings.

Above average

■ Melton was Wednesday’s fixture and Ballan trainer Phil Chircop’s above average Centurian ATM-Pepperell Magic 4Y0 gelding McGee chalked up his third success in 13 outings by taking the 2240 metre 2Construct Trotters Handicap in fine fashion.

Raced by Steve Carter and partners, McGee driven by Greg Sugars stepped cleanly from outside the front line as did last start Ballarat winner Mielicki inside him to lead with McGee trailing.

Coming away from the inside after travelling a short distance, McGee had no trouble moving around Mielicki to assume control and rated an absolute treat, coasted to the wire untouched 1.8 metres ahead of Mielicki, which tried hard with Abbracciami (barrier three) third five metres away after following the pair. The mile rate 202.8.

■ Berringa co-trainers AJ and Beau Tindale were victorious with 3Y0 Vincent-Cracker Three filly Spirit Of Pearl in the TAB We’re On Pace Mobile over 2240 metres.

With Kerryn Manning guiding her, Spirit Of Pearl after leading out from gate three was restrained to allow Tilly Jayne (gate four) after being trapped wide to stride past her and take up the running.

After receiving the run of the race, Spirit Of Pearl eased off Tilly Jayne’s back on the final bend and gained the upper hand over the concluding stages to score by a half neck in 1-56.9. Settlebello (one/four – three wide last lap) made up plenty of ground to finish third 14.5 metres away.

■ Youuthful Ingliston trainer Luke Tabone snared the quinella in the 2240 Renown Silverware Pace after 3Y0 Always B Miki-A Victor gelding Just Pedro (Chris Alford) defeated Park Lane driven by Luke.

Settling mid-field in the running line from gate three on the second line, Just Pedro followed the stablemate ahead of him home and peeling wide on turning, raced away to prevail by 13.2 metres. Park Lane was game when second, with Lorimermajor (one/two) running his usual honest race for third 16.7 metres back. The mile rate 1-57.1.

■ Lara part-owners James Warnock (trainer) and son Paul (driver) blew quaddie punters out of the water after 8Y0 Western Terror-Kano Star gelding Caledonian Terra in the first leg – the 2240 metre Waste Sense Pace at odds of $126.00. Taken back from gate six to possie mid-field as Our True Colours (gate two) was driven hard to cross Forgone Conclusion inside her, the tempo was hectic in the early stages.

Following Black Tuxedo ahead of him forward three wide in the last lap which dashed to the front on turning, Caledonian Terra joined in as the cavalcade chased with Caledonian Terra proving too strong to register a 1.4 metre margin in a mile rate of 1-59.6.

Testified off a three wide triple trail last lap was second after switching in-between runners in the straight and gaining a late split, with Highview Hammer from mid-field third 2.9 metres back. The trifecta paying a massive $12,161.50 while the first four was not taken.

■ Ross Creek trainer Stephen Clarke and daughter Reagan landed the 2240 metre Nevele R Stud Pace with Written In Silk, a six year old daughter of Sportswriter and Mon Soie.

Settling four back in the running line from inside the second row, Written In Silk followed Hair Razor from the tail forward in the last lap

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

■ Wednesday – Melton, Thursday – Melton, Friday – Mildura/Shepparton, Saturday –Melton, Sunday – Cranbourne, Monday –Horsham, Tuesday – Bendigo.

before angling wide to join the pacemaker Ima Charma on the home turn and finished best to record a 2.1 metre victory. Bettor Than Most after trailing the leader from the pole was third 7.8 metres back. The mile rate 2-01.6.

■ Lancefield’s Rod Petroff trained and reined 5Y0 Betting Line-Arivee gelding Ya Bottom Dollar to a most of the way victory in the 1720 metre Swift Signs Maiden Pace after crossing Atomic Glory which flew away from outside the front line.

Dictating terms to a nicety, Ya Bottom Dollar never looked like being caught to reach the wire 1.6 metres in advance of Anakin which had vacated the one/one to race outside him for the final circuit. Midnite Desire (three pegs) was third 6.1 metres away. The mile rate 1-58.1.

Double day

■ Thursday was double day with Stawell in the afternoon and Geelong at night. Meredith co-trainers Emmett and Richard Brosnan were winners when Volstead-Val Gardena filly Cascata scored in the Gift Hotel 2Y0 & 3Y0 Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres. With Emmett driving, Cascata enjoyed a beaut trip from gate four trailing the leader Door Slammer (gate two) before coming away from the markers to be one/one approaching final bend.

Easing three wide on turning, Cascata ran home nicely to greet the judge 1.6 metres ahead of Hillwinsome which raced exposed from gate six, with polemarker Dora Lee third 10.5 metres away. The mile rate 2-06.1.

■ Sebastian owner/trainer Clement Stanaway was victorious with 8Y0 Mr Feelgood-Saucyas gelding Cobalt Blues an 11 time winner in 102 outings in the 2180 metres Stawell Show Oct 26 2024 Pace when having his first start for the stable.

With James Herbertson doing the driving, Cobalt Blues settled three back in the running line from gate two on the second line and after going forward three wide on the home turn, just got there by head from the leader Crankhandle (gate five).

Starsinhereyes (gate six) after racing exposed was third 2.3 metres back. The mile rate 2-03. It was Stanaway’s first success since the 2015/16 season when he recorded 2 wins from 47 starters.

■ Local Stawell duo Toby Ainsworth and Ada Massa are in form adding another victory to their credit after 12 start maiden Robert John (never placed), a 4Y0 gelded son of Aldebaran Eagle and Aldebaran Honey led throughout in the Halls Gap Maiden over 2180 metres.

Although kept honest by Western Boy outside him who continually applied pressure, Robert John kicked on the final bend as Western Boy galloped and greeted the judge by 1.6 metres from Aldebaran Buddy (one/two from outside the front line), with Heza Gunslinger (one/one) third a half head away. The mile rate 2-07.2.

■ Parwan’s Paul Parsons combined with Jordan Leedham to snare the 2180 metre Stawell Gift Museum Pace with Vincent-Bondi Miss 4Y0 gelding Chansu who made it three wins from his last four starts, leading all the way from the pole to account for Always Be Blakey (gate seven –three wide from last to race outside him from the bell).

Eastbro Kozzy after trailing the winner from gate three was third. The margins 1.4 metres by a half neck in a mile rate of 2-01.1.

- Len Baker

COMING UP: THIS WEEKEND’S MATCHES

Amateurs

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Outer East

Scoreboard AFL Fixtures for Round 14

■ Division 1 Seniors. Saturday, June 8. Seville 11.6 (72) d Alexandra 8.14 (62).

SCORES

SEVILLE .. 3.2, 8.6, 12.10, 15.15 (105)

ALEXANDRA ... 1.3, 2.3, 2.3, 2.3 (15) Best Players. Seville: Nathan Clements, Jed Lodge, Tyler Pereira, Darcey Vorhauer, Jack Coshutt, Brad Wright. Alexandra: Robert Andrews, Nathaniel Kerie, Daniel Roper, Ben Woollard, Jake Keath, Beau Scott.

■ Division 1 Reserves. Seville 15.15 (105) d Alexandra 2.3 (15).

SCORES

SEVILLE ..... 3.0, 4.3, 9.5, 11.6 (72)

ALEX. ...... 1.5, 1.9, 3.10, 8.14 (62)

■ Division 1 A-Grade Netball. Seville

63 d Alexandra 33.

■ Division 1 B-Grade Netball. Seville

88 d Alexandra 20.

■ Division 1 C-Grade Netball. Seville

56 d Alexandra 11.

■ Division 1 D-Grade Netball. Seville

50 d Alexandra 24.

Goulburn Valley

■ Seniors. Echuca 17.21 (123) d Tatura 5.7 (37). Shepparton 12.9 (81) d Kyabram 9.13 (67). Rochester 20.21 (141) d Shepparton United 11.4 (70). Benalla 14.9 (93) d Shepparton Swans 13.12 (90). Euroa 11.10 (76) d Seymour 9.12 (66). Mansfield: Bye. Mooroopna: Bye.

■ Reserves. Echuca 15.14 (104) d Tatura 2.3 (15). Kyabram 7.7 (49) d Shepparton 5.10 (04). Rochester 17.9 (111) d Shepparton United 3.3 (21). Shepparton Swans 15.8 (98) d Benalla 2.7 (19). Seymour 10.8 (68) d Euroa 6.4 (40). Mansfield: Bye. Mooroopna: Bye.

■ Under 18. Echuca 31.10 (196) d Tatura 1.0 (6). Shepparton 14.12 (96) d Kyabram 4.6 (30). Rochester 10.7 (67) d Shepparton United 8.9 (57). Shepparton Swans 13.14 (92) d Benalla 3.3 (21). Seymour 12.17 (89) d Euroa 4.6 (30). Mansfield: Bye. Mooroopna: Bye.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Division 1 Seniors. Saturday, June 8: Rosebud 13.14 (92) d Sorrento 10.12 (72).

■ Division 1 Reserves. Rosebud 9.13 (67) d Sorrento 2.5 (17).

West Gippsland

■ Seniors. Warragul Industrials 15.13 (103) d Dalyston 8.12 (60). Phillip Island 16.16 (112) d Garfield 6.5 (41). Cora Lynn 18.12 (120) d Kilcunda Bass 7.3 (45). Inverloch-Kongwak 32.10 (202) d Bunyip 2.2 (14). Nar Nar Goon 6.17 (53) d Tooradin-Dalmore 8.4 (52). Koo Wee Rup 14.13 (97) d Korumburra 5.8 (38).

■ Reserves. Dalston 4.9 (33) d Warragul Industrials 2.4 (16). Phillip Island 14.15 (99) d Garfield 2.1 (13). Cora Lynn 10.10 (70) d Kilcunda Bass 2.9 (21). InverlochKongwak 29.14 (188) d Bunyip 3.0 (18). Tooradin-Dalmore 11.14 (80) d Nar Nar Goon 2.8 (20). Koo Wee Rup 16.18 (114) d Korumburra Bena 0.1 (1).

■ Thirds. Warragul Industrials 11.7 (73) d Dalyston 1.9 (15). Phillip Island 15.5 (95) d Garfield 5.3 (33). Kilcunda Bass v Cora Lynn. Inverloch-Kongwak 25.17 (167) d Bunyip 2.1 (13). Tooradin-Dalmore 8.7 (55) drew with Nar Nar Goon 8.7 (55). Koo Wee Rup 13.14 (92) d Korumburra Bena 1.3 (9).

■ Fourths. Warragul Industrials 17.12 -114) d Dalyston 0.2 (2). Phillip Island 13.16 (94 d Garfield 2.1 (13). Kilcunda Bass v Cora Lynn. Inverloch-Kongwak 15.3 (93) d Bunyip 1.2 (8). Nar Nar Goon 6.7 (43) d Tooradin-Dalmore 6.6 (42). Korumburra Bena v Koo Wee Rup.

■ William Buck Premier Men’s. Saturday, June 15. Old Melburnians v St Bernards. Old Xaverians v Old Scotch. St kevins v University Blacks. University Blues v Fitzroy. Old Brighton v Collegians.

■ Premier B Men’s. Caulfield Grammarians v Old Ivanhoe. Old Geelong v De La Salle. Old Haileybury v Old Camberwell. Old Trinity v Beaumaris. Williamstown CYMS v St Bedes/ Mentone Tigers.

■ Premier C Men’s. Hampton Rovers v Glen ira/Old McKinnon. PEGS v Marcellin. Parkdale Vultures v Old Carey. Mazenod v Monash Blues.Oakleigh v AJAX.

■ Division 1 Men’s. Ormond v Old Peninsula,. Prahran v Therry Penola. UHS-VU v Kew. West Brunswick v Parkside. Preston Bullants v Old Yarra Cobras.

■ Division 2 Men’s. South Melbourne Districts v MHSOB. Whitefriars v Aquinas. Elsternwick v St Marys Salesian. Hawthorn v Brunswick.Bulleen Templestowe v Wattle Park.

■ Division 3 Men’s. Chadstone v St Johns. Albert Park v North Brunswick. Box Hill North v Power House. Richmond Central v La Trobe University.

Eastern

■ Premier Division. Balwyn v Blackburn. Berwick v Norwood. Doncaster East v South Croydon. Rowville v Noble Park. Vermont v East Ringwood.

■ Division 1. Doncaster v Montrose. Mooroolbark v Park Orchards. North Ringwood v Bayswater. South Belgrave v Mitcham. Wantirna South v Beaconsfield.

■ Division 2. Boronia v Lilydale. Croydon v East Burwood. Ringwood v Templestowe. The Basin v Heathmont. Waverley Blues v Mulgrave.

■ Division 3. Coldstream v Oakleigh District. Donvale v Ferntree Gully. Silvan v Knox. Warrandyte v Surrey Park. Upper Ferntree Gully v Fairpark.

■ Division 4. Forest Hill v Croydon North MLOC. Nunawading v Chirnside Park. Scoresby v Kilsyth. Whitehorse Pioneers: Bye.

Essendon

■ Premier Division. Greenvale v Aberfeldie. Airport West v Avondale Heights. Keilor v Essendon Doutta Stars. Strathmore v Deer Park. Pascoe Vale v East Keilor.

■ Division 1. Craigieburn v Tullamarine. Hillside v Roxburgh Park. Oak Park v West Coburg. Moonee Valley v St Albans. Rupertswood v Maribyrnong Park. Keilor Park: Bye.

■ Division 2. Coburg Districts v East Sunbury. Sunbury Kangaroos v Taylors Lakes. Hadfield v Westmeadows. Glenroy v Northern Saints. Burnside Heights: Bye.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Division 1. Saturday, June 8: Sorrento v Rosebud. Sunday, June 9: Dromana v Red Hill. Saturday, June 15: Frankston Bombers v Langwarrin. Frankston YCW v Mt Eliza. Mornington v Pines.

■ Division 2. Saturday, June 15: Bonbeach v Hastings. Chelsea v Seaford. Devon Meadows v Crib Point. Edithvale-Aspendale v Tyabb. Karingal v Pearcedale. Rye v Somerville.

Northern

■ Division 1. Montmorency v West PrestonLakeside. Hurstbridge v Heidelberg. Eltham v Bundoora. North Heidelberg v Banyule. Greensborough v Macleod.

■ Division 2. South Morang v Lower Plenty. Panton Hill v Diamond Creek. Laurimar v Whittlesea. Thomastown v Northcote Park. St Mary’s v Watsonia.

■ Division 3. Heidelberg Westr v Fitzroy Stars. Kinglake v Ivanhoe. Old Eltham Collegians v Kilmore. Mernda v Lalor. Reservoir v Old Paradians. Epping; Bye.

Outer East

■ Premier Division. Officer v Monbulk.

Friday, June 14

Brisbane Lions vs. St Kilda (G) (N) Saturday, June 15

Western Bulldogs vs. Fremantle (MRVL)

Richmond vs. Hawthorn (MCG) (T)

Adelaide Crows vs. Sydney Swans (AO) (N)

Sunday, June 16

North Melbourne vs. Collingwood (MRVL)

GWS Giants vs. Port Adelaide (GS) (T)

Byes: Carlton, Essendon, Geelong Cats, Gold Coast Suns, Melbourne, West Coast Eagles

Mt Evelyn v Narre Warren. Wandin v OlindaFerny Creek. Gembrook-Cockatoo v UpweyTecoma. Woori Yallock v Pakenham. Berwick Springs v Emerald.

■ Division 1. Saturday, June 8: Alexandra v Seville. Saturday, June 15: Yea v Belgrave. Healesville v Yarra Junction. Yarra Glen v Powelltown. Warburton-Millgrove: Bye.

Southern

■ Division 1. Cheltenham v Port Melbourne Colts. East Brighton v Chelsea Heights. Mordialloc v Bentleigh. St Paul’s McKinnon v Dingley. Springvale Districts v Cranbourne Eagles.

■ Division 2. Doveton Doves v Caulfield Bears. Endeavour Hills v St Kilda City. Hampton Park v Murrumbeena. Keysborough v East Malvern. Skye v Highett.

■ Division 3. Heatherton v Frankston Dolphins. Lyndhurst v Carrum Patterson Lakes. Ashwood v South Mornington. Narre South Saints v Black Rock.

■ Division 4. Dandenong West v Doveton Eagles,. Hallam v South Yarra. Clayton v Moorabbin Kangaroos. Hampton v Lyndale.

Western

■ Division 1. Point Cook v Hoppers Crossing. Point Cook Centrals v Altona. Werribee Districts v Caroline Springs. Yarraville Seddon Eagles v Spotswood. Parkside: Bye.

■ Division 2. Sunshine Heights v Suns. North Sunshine v Albanvale. Braybrook v Western Rams. Sunshine v Wyndhamvale. Tarneit v West Footscray. Newport v Laverton. North Footscray v Albion.

Kyabram District

■ Saturday, June 15: Murchison Toolamba v Avenel. Merrigum v Dookie United. Longwood v Girgarre. Violet Town v Lancaster. Nagambie v Undera. Shepparton East v Stanhope. Sunday, June 16: Rushworth v Tallygaroopna.

Riddell District

■ Diggers Rest v Romsey. Macedon v Melton Centrals. Riddell v Lancefield. Wallan v Kyneton. Woodend-Hesket: Bye.

Geelong District

■ Belmont v Bell Post Hill. North Geelong v Inverleigh. Thomson v Anakie. Bannockburn v Corio. Winchelsea v GW Giants. Werribee Centrals v East Geelong.

Ballarat

■ Melton v Bacchus Marsh. Lake Wendouree v Melton South. North Ballarat v Ballarat. Redan v East Point. Sunbury v Sebastopol. Darley: Bye.

Central Highlands

■ Bungaree v Creeswick. Daylesford v carngham Linton. Buninyong v Sprtingbank. Waubra v Gordon. Skipton v Dunnstown. Clunes v Rokewood Cordinhap. Newlyn v Learmonth. Beaufort v Ballan. Hepburn: Bye.

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

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4.6.5.9. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.9.7.11. Your increased interest in health and fitness should give you a lot more to do during these next twelve months. There should also be luck in games of chance and a surprise from your loved ones.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.9.6.7. Lotto Numbers: 4.15.29.37.9.22. You might need to decide about someone during this period, and career matters could keep you very busy. But there are some chances to have fun, so overall, it's a perfect time.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

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

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Tuesday

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

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

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

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Peach

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

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

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

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

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

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue

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

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

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

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2.1.3.2.

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

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ANTIQUE DRESSING TYABLE with round mirror. 3 drawers. GC. $100. Seymour. 0422 294 977. V-Z

BARBECUE. Gas. Five burner. New ignition assembly wheels. Gas tank full. VGC. $150. Pascoe Vale. 0419 138 356. V-Z

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FOOTWEAR, Diana Ferrari navy woven leather, size 9. Worn once. Paid $130, sell $60. Ferntree Gully. 0407 533 560. V-Z

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HEATING OIL for domestic heating. Free. Tank approx. half full, would also be free. Ashburton. 9885 2203. V-Z

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WHAT’S ON

BANYULE VIEW is a friendly and inclusive club. We welcome ladies to join us on the first Tuesday of each month at 11am. Venue details: Greensborough RSL, 110 Main Rd, Greensborough. Lunch will be provided. Enjoy our guest speaker whilst helping to educate disadvantaged children. Please contact Carmen Greene on 9440 6722. $30 per month. carmengreene40 @gmail.com

The Minister for the Crown administering the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 (Authority) declares that by this notice it acquires the following interests in the whole of the land described as Lot 6 on Plan of Subdivision 617506C contained in Certificate of Title Volume 11450 Folio 223:

Interests Acquired: All interests in the land, including that of Moniton Pty Ltd ACN 005 590 232 (registered proprietor) and any leasehold interests in the land.

The acquisition is made pursuant to section 5.2.3 of the Education and Training Reform Act 2006 for the purpose of a new government school.

notice of intention to acquire the interests in the land was not required under section

of the Land Acquisition and Compensation Act 1986 because the Minister has certified that service of a notice of intention to acquire would be

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Notice of Praecipe

Debrah Scherr© of Elsternwick,Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names DEBRAH SCHERR, since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP4463900051002908905607, Proclamation Date 26th of April 2024 . Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Debrah Scherr© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

Public Notice of Praecipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Helen Jean Taylor© in care of Chirnside Park Victoria State, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names HELEN TAYLOR, HELEN J. TAYLOR, HELEN JEAN TAYLOR since unrebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording Number RPP44 63900 05100 27206 52604, Proclamation Date 20th March 2024. Thus severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Helen Jean Taylor© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin, GLOSSA.

Notice of Praecipe

Suzanne Frances Aiello© of Hillside, Victoria, is not a voluntary transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of my properties and all associated copyright protected Trade Names SUZANNE DENNEHY, S.F. DENNEHY, S F DENNEHY, Suzanne DENNEHY, DENNEHY Suzanne, SUZANNE F. Dennehy, Suzanne Dennehy, Suzanne F. DENNEHY, Suzanne Frances Dennehy, SUZANNE F DENNEHY, SUZANNE F. DENNEHY, Suzanne F. Dennehy, Suzanne F. Dennehy, DENNEHY SUZANNE FRANCES, Suzanne Frances DENNEHY, SUZANNE FRANCES DENNEHY, Suzanne, SUZANNE, Suzanne F, Suzanne F., DENNEHY SUZANNE, S.D., SD, SFD, S.F.D., and SUZANNE AIELLO, AIELLO SUZANNE FRANCES, SUZANNE FRANCES AIELLO, SUZANNE F AIELLO, SUZANNE F. AIELLO, S.F. AIELLO, S F AIELLO, AIELLO SUZANNE, Suzanne F. AIELLO, Suzanne AIELLO, AIELLO Suzanne, SUZANNE F. Aiello, Suzanne F. Aiello, Suzanne Aiello, Suzanne Frances Aiello, Suzanne F. Aiello, Suzanne F. Aiello, S.A, SFA, S.F.A., and Keilor Bookkeeping Services, accounts@keilorbookkeeping.com.a., Suzanne Dennehy, Vittoria2106, Aussie Frozen Treats Pty Ltd, Polly Ood, mde0228, suz.poochie1968, and all other variations however styled, punctuated, spelled, ordered, or otherwise represented as pertaining to me and my estate, since rebutted lawful Reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis also known as the Commonwealth of Australia Public Recording number RPP4463900051002103529603, Proclamation date the 3rd day of April 2024. Thus, severing usufruct subjugation ties with the occupying corporate government of Australia in its entirety. Immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected financial instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Suzanne Frances Aiello© in fraudulent debased DogLatin, GLOSSA.

Public Notice of Praecipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Anna Maria Salerni©, of Macleod, Victoria State, is not a voluntarily transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of all associated Copyright Protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis, commonly known as The Commonwealth of Australia, Public Record Number RPP44 63900 05100 30953 88600, Proclamation Date 1 March 2024; severing Usufruct Subjugation ties with the Australia Corporation in its entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected Financial Instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Anna Maria Salerni© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin; Glossa.

Public Notice of Praecipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Carmina Patricia Trani©, of Pascoe Vale South, Victoria State, is not a voluntarily transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of all associated Copyright Protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis, commonly known as The Commonwealth of Australia, Public Record Number RPP44 63900 05100 30953 87603, Proclamation Date 29th February 2024; severing Usufruct Subjugation ties with the Australia Corporation in its entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected Financial Instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Carmina Patricia Trani© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin; Glossa.

Public Notice of Praecipe, Tacit Acceptance and Reconveyance

Ella Danchenko©, of Pascoe Vale South, Victoria State, is not a voluntarily transactor in commerce, and is the irrefutable Holder in Due Course of all associated Copyright Protected Trade Names since unrebutted lawful reconveyance to the Land and Soil jurisdiction of Terra Australis, commonly known as The Commonwealth of Australia, Public Record Number RPP44 63900 05100 30902 13600, Proclamation Date 29th February 2024; severing Usufruct Subjugation ties with the Australia Corporation in its entirety. The occupying corporate government of Australia and its affiliates are instructed to immediately cease and desist any further infringement upon these copyright protected Financial Instruments and cease and desist misaddressing Ella Danchenko© in fraudulent debased Dog-Latin; Glossa.

info@chris-tv.com.au

Whether

The Local Paper’s giant Regional Edition covers Mansfield, Mitchell, Murrindindi, Nillumbik (rural), Strathbogie, Whittlesea (rural), Yarra Ranges.

The Local Paper’s Melbourne Press Network publishes localised editions for 40 local government areas including:

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