The Local Paper. North-West Edition. Wed., Sep. 20, 2023

Fieste

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■ Transit Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a sexual assault which occurred on a tram in Brunswick East.

Investigators have been told a 25-year-old woman was on the Number 6 tram travelling towards Moreland Rd, Brunswick from the city at about 6.05pm on August 7.

At about 6.40pm, a man got on at Blyth and Lygon Sts and sexually assaulted the victim whilst sitting next to her on the tram.

The victim got off the tram at the next stop while the offender stayed on.

At this stage detectives are yet to determine where the offender left the tram.

Investigators have released a computer-generated image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquires.

The offender is perceived to be Mediterranean/Middle Eastern in appearance, 173cm tall, about 35-45 years of age and of medium build.

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At the time of the incident, he was wearing a black jacket, dark pants with a white stripe, red or orange shoes and had with him a black backpack.

Anyone who recognises the man or has information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

‘COOINDA’ OPENS

■ A new community-led Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Centre called ‘Cooinda’ has been officially opened in the City of Brimbank.

Brimbank Council joined with Cooinda Community Group to provide what its says is a culturally safe and welcoming space that offers programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in Brimbank.

“We are delighted to have a place where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Brimbank can connect on a regular basis,” Brimbank Mayor Cr Bruce Lancashire said.

“Cooinda is an Aboriginal word meaning ‘Happy Place’ and this is indeed the intention.”

This is the first dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Centre in Brimbank.

It will be led by members of the local Aboriginal community, the Cooinda Community Group.

Located in Furlong Rd, Sunshine North, Cooinda is a place where communities can come together to connect with each other and enhance reconciliation, healing and

wellbeing. Cooinda is currently operating three days a week, offering a Koorie Homework Club, Elders’ group, art classes and yarning circles.

Over time the Centre will provide a diverse range of programs, events and activities to the whole of Brimbank.

Brimbank Council has welcomed the $184,000 in State Government funding for Council to work in partnership with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community to establish the ‘Cooinda’ Centre. This funding is over two years under the Neighbourhood House Coordination Program.

“We thank the Victorian Government for the funding which has assisted Council to work alongside Aboriginal Elders and community leaders to provide a much-needed welcoming space for programs and activities,” Cr Lancashire said.

Cooinda Community Group representative and Aboriginal Elder Graham Cooper (Uncle Boots) also offered thanks and said: “We’re enjoying having a meeting place where the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community can connect, heal and learn from each other and for the Elders to pass on knowledge.”

● ● Cooinda has opened in North Sunshine.

The Local Paper

Ash on Wednesday ‘31’ was Number One

■ Football identity

Ron Barassi belonged to all Victoria.

He was born in Castlemaine On February 27 in 1936, and his junior footy career was with the Preston Scouts.

He would have been destined to play for Collingwood, but he was one of the first to use the father-son rule to go to his Dad’s side, Melbourne.

Ron Barassi Snr died in action at Tobruk when his son was aged just five.

Ronald Dale Barassi was involved with Carlton, North Melbourne and South Melbourne/Sydney.

His family home for many years was at Heathmont, and in latter years he lived with second wife Cherryl at St Kilda.

Alexandra identiy Peter Rice recalls: “When Ron was coaching North Melbourne he used to come up to Alexandra quite regularly with Allen Aylett

“

Allen had a holiday home on Skyline Rd overlooking Lake Eildon. They quite often visited the Mt Pleasant Hotel for refreshments and a meal especially on a Sunday. I enjoyed their company along with publican John O’Brien who was a staunch North Melbourne supporter.”

Ron was always very good to Long Shots.. We travelled with him to Norfolk Island on a fun trip organised by pormoter Tony Healey.

“

Ron was always available for a yarn, about life, as well as footy. There was never a time limit. We saw each other often at media and footy

Laverton pick-up

■ Officers from Geelong Highway Patrol, with assistance from the Air Wing, arrested a speeding drug driver in Laverton after he tried to drive off from Police.

The vehicle was first spotted travelling south on the Fitzgerald Rd off ramp, towards Old Geelong Rd, when the driver failed to pull over for police on Sunday (Sep. 17) about 9pm.

The Air Wing was called in to assist police on the ground as the car, which was of interest to police for a number of other evade incidents, sped from the area.

Police successfully deployed stop sticks in Interchange Drive before the car came to a stop about 500m away on Leakes Rd

The 30-year-old male driver returned a positive roadside drug test and was arrested at the scene.

The South Melbourne man has been interviewed in relation to the incident and is expected to be charged on summons with various offences including failing to stop on police direction, drug driving, exceeding the speed limit (over 45-kmh) and using an unregistered motor vehicle.

AusBike at A. Vale

■ Belgravia Leisure is teaming with AusCycling for the groundbreaking launch of AusBike

Long Shots

events. We had a really long discussion about a loved one who was battling Chronic Fatigue , and the battles that she overcame.

He said that he had immense admiration for such people, far more than the achievements of gifted sporting people. He loved mental toughness.

Ron had impeccable manners. Yet he could be a humourous man's man.

As well as being a top bloke, he was our version of a true sporting hero.

This transformative learn-to-ride program is designed to instil confidence and competence in youngsters aged 5 to 12 and has officially launched across selected Belgravia Leisure venues.

Participating venues for Term 4 include the Ascot Vale Leisure Centre. These venues will serve as hubs of fun and learning, where children can develop the foundational skills needed for a lifetime of cycling adventures.

AusBike's evidence-based framework, CORE4Skills, provides a structured approach to developing fundamental bike skills. The program caters to children of all levels of experience, whether they're just starting out on training wheels or are well on their way to becoming confident riders.

Werribee fatality

with Ash Long, Editor

Celebrating 54 years in local media

Winner, Best Local Reporting Award Victoria-wide Westpac Award

Direct: 0450 399 932

E: editor@LocalPaper.com.au Web: www.LocalPaper.com.au

Personal: www.AshLong.com.au

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

So long, Number 31. Number One in our books.

The family has accepted the invitation for a State Funeral, arrangements for which will be announced in due course.

The mourning family includes Cherryl, and children Sussan, Ron and Richard.

■ Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding a fatal crash which occurred in Werribee last Wednesday afternoon (Sep. 13).

Investigators have been told a vehicle crashed into a tree along the Princes Highway about 3.10pm. The female driver died at the scene.

Circumstances surrounding the crash were yet to be established and the investigation is ongoing.

Sunbury assault

■ Police have charged a man following an alleged assault in Sunbury earlier this month.

Editor: Ash Long

Art Rob Foenander, Music

Features Editor: Peter Mac

Columnists: Len Baker, Matt Bissett-Johnson, Rob Foenander, Mike McColl Jones, Peter Kemp, Aaron Rourke, Jim Sherlock, Ted Ryan, Cheryl Threadgold, Julie Houghton, Kevin Trask, Gavin Wood, John O’Keefe

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Danaher, Peter Green, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Peter Murphy, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel.

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It is alleged a 28-year-old man approached a 50-year-old man on O’Shanassy St about 1.10am.

The man was allegedly punched in the head multiple times, rendering him unconscious.

He sustained non-life-threatening injuries. As part of the investigation, Sunbury Uniform Police executed a search warrant at a property on Evans St in Sunbury where alleged cannabis was seized.

The 28-year-old Sunbury man has been charged with:

■ Intentionally cause injury

■ Reckless conduct endangering serious injury

■ Common law assault

■ Possess cannabis

He was remanded in custody to appear before Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court last Thursday (Sep. 14).

39 refunds

■ Hume Council says it will seek to refund people who were incorrectly given infringements under section 26 of the Domestic Animal Management Act 1994, or cancel outstanding fines. This affects 39 people. Council will attempt to contact all people affected.

● ● ● ● Ron Barassi with Ash Long at a Channel 9 function.

A new exhibition leveraging artificial intelligence to reimagine community member’s observations and drawings of the local environment into a fantastical hybrid of real and imaginary, launches at the Braybrook Community Hub. Machine Imagining is a project led by artist Kate Geck, who worked with a dedicated group of Braybrook residents through all stages of the project over five months from January to June as part of Council’s Community-Engaged Artist Residency Program. City of Maribyrnong Mayor, Cr Sarah Carter, said Machine Imagining was an inspiring example of how the Braybrook CommunityEngaged Artist Residency Program is planting its roots deep in the community.

Sydney Rd tram protest

■ Traffic on Sydney Rd, Brunswick, was interrupted last Sunday (Sep. 17) as public transport camapigners called for accessible tram stops.

Sydney Rd currently has two accessible tram stops in a 5.5 km stretch of from Brunswick Rd to the tram line terminus at North Coburg.

Campaigners say the looming closure of the Upfield railway line during construction will reate additional problems for mobility-challenged passengers.

Trains may be out of action for 18 months until the elevated skyrail is open.

Estimates are that 100 protesters participated in a similar protest in June.

Last weekend’s really was organised by the Sydney Road Accessible Tram Stops Campaign, Disability Resources Centre.

Protesters met at the corner of Sydney Rd and Wilson Ave, Brunswick, opposite Barkly Square Shopping Centre.

“We call on the community and the government to guarantee the completion of accessible tram stops on Sydney Rd before construction of the Sky Rail begins.”

The campaign was initiated by Christian Astourian, Disability Rights Advocate.

Seniors Festival

■ Te Melton Seniors Festival is back. From cultural celebrations to art courses, rock concerts, fitness sessions and more, Melton’s seniors’ community can look forward to a bumper month of activities.

This year’s Melton Seniors Festival will feature close to 50 events – nearly triple the number run in previous years – and while many of the events are free, bookings are essential.ings libraries. The Melton Seniors Festival will run from October 1-31.

Motorcycles impounded

■ Officers from Melbourne Highway Patrol impounded two motorcycles caught travelling nearly triple the speed limit in West Melbourne.

✔Queens Park will turn into musi cal venue as Moonee Valley Council celebrates Youth Fest. Organised by young people in Moonee Valley, the Valley Youth team have organised a huge festival free for young people in the community. The Fest is taking place from 11am-4pm on Friday (Sept. 22). There will be live music, craft stalls, food trucks, a Ninja Warrior obstacle course, Nintendo switch and board games, free henna and eco-glitter, free art and wellbeing activities, pot plant decorating and seed bomb workshops. Musicians include April Farrugia, Brendan Rutledge, Crushed Lavender, False Belief, Henry Fleming, Mister Xenaux, Peter Westwood and The Rartel.

?Moonee Valley Mayor Cr Pierce Tyson says the Council’s 2023-34 budget will spend $5.13 million to upgrade the Ascot Vale Library, $3.1 million to Clifton Park Pavilion rebuild, $2.2 million to roll out the Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) bin program, and $1.94 million to improvements of Keilor Road streetscape.

Brimbank Council has achieved positive results in the recently released state-wide 2023 Community Satisfaction Survey for Local Governments. Now in its 24th year, the Community Satisfaction Survey is one of many engagement methods used by Council to track its annual performance. The results show that Brimbank tracked well in comparison with average ratings for councils, both metropolitan and state-wide, across nine key performance areas. These were: ‘overall Council direction’; ‘lobbying on behalf of community’; ‘making decisions in the interest of the community’; ‘population growth’; ‘town planning policy’; ‘planning and building permits’; ‘disadvantaged support services’; ‘traffic management’ and ‘parking facilities’.

Be Bold Festival

■ Brimbank Council’s Be Bold Festival returns with a fun-filled day of arts, culture and creativity on Saturday, October 7.

There will be music from the Brimbank Multicultural Community Choir celebrating 20 years with a special performance, the Mexican sounds of the Sin Frontera Band, and dance to the beat with Burundian Drumming Group and enjoy a modern take on classical instruments with 2Fiddle Strings There’ll also be a special Resonate Youth Music Showcase bringing a line-up of young and local emerging musicians.

Cultures will be celebrated with traditional dances Tinikling (The Philippines) and Kud Dukat (Bosnia), as well as a special theatre installation Obang (Korea) in the Bowery Theatre.

Cooking demos will champion food from all over the world in the Cultural Kitchen. Renowned chef Shane Delia (Maha) will be cooking up Middle Eastern favourites, plus local cooks bringing Malaysian, Cameroonian, Vietnamese and Indian dishes. There’ll also be a range of food trucks available and food tours showcasing the tastes of St Albans.

There will be large scale interactive art installation The Giant Long Quân on the oval at Errington Reserve celebrating Vietnamese culture, as well as exhibitions in the Bowery Gallery by artists Callum Watson, Liam San Jose and Lee Agius.

There will be Paint in the Dark drop-in sessions, Boomerang throwing with Uncle Ian Hunter, the Kooky Karnival games and fun, Seagulls by Snuff Puppets, an Arts and Craft Market and L2R Dance.

Melton celebration

■ A celebration of art and culture is coming to the City of Melton over two nights in October.

Police first spotted the learner riders inbound on Footscray Rd, where they were detected on laser travelling 116kmh in a 40-kmh zone, about 8pm.

The men, a 19-year-old from Camberwell and 21-yearold from Taylors Lakes, were pulled over by Police and advised officers they had only obtained their learner permits last month.

Both bikes were impounded by police for 30 days at a cost of $896.10 each.

It is expected the pair will each be charged on summons with speed dangerous and exceeding the speed limit.

Mail order drugs bust

■ Detectives from Taskforce Icarus arrested two people in Greenvale on Tuesday last week (Sep. 12) as part of an investigation into the trafficking of drugs via domestic mail.

Investigators, with assistance from members of the VIPER Taskforce and local police, executed a search warrant at a property on Rifure Court on September 12.

A 27-year-old Greenvale man and a 28-yearold Greenvale woman were arrested and interviewed by police.

The man was subsequently charged with traffick large commercial quantity of MDMA and firearms offences.

He was remanded in custody to face Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

The woman was released pending further enquiries.

A significant search of the property was undertaken with police seizing about 14kg of drugs believed to be MDMA, four firearms, ammunition, a large amount of cash, pill presses and a range of drug packaging and equipment.

Also seized from the address were three luxury vehicles including a 2016 Holden HSV GTS, a 2016 Mercedes Benz AMG GT S and a 2010 Mercedes Benz AMG C63, with the three

cars having a combined value of approximately $300,000.

Police also seized two Rolex watches, which along with the vehicles are believed to be the proceeds of crime.

The investigation commenced last month after police received information about suspicious items being sent via domestic mail.

The Icarus Taskforce is staffed by Victoria Police and the Australian Federal Police and is responsible for targeting and disrupting the importation and supply of illicit drugs via the domestic mail.

Community members with any information about drug importations or drug trafficking are asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Showcasing a mix of performance, music and visual arts, Reimagine Melton will be held on October 6-7 and will transform the heart of Melton Town Centre into a vibrant hub of creativity and family entertainment.

This free, all-ages event will light up the amphitheatre and Bakery Square on Friday and Saturday nights with a series of visual art including animated projections by artist Isobel Knowles.

Highlights across both nights include an interactive digital installation that uses AI to create unique portraits of audience members in real time and LED hologram technology that creates the illusion of moving animations suspended in mid-air.

On Saturday night there will be entertainment and activities available for the whole family, with interactive exhibits, roaming performers, live music and more. Local food traders will also be open during the event.

This event is supported by the Melton Suburban Revitalisation Board and the State Government.

“We’re excited to present this one-of-akind event in the heart of Melton’s town centre," said Mayor Cr Lara Carll.

Mini Ads

Special Price: $99 TOTAL for all remaining 2023 issues. Book your ad: 9489 2222.

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● ● ● ● Motorcycles were impouned in West Melbourne.

Photo: Nadir Kinani/The Guardian

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A Dodgeball Named Desire

■ Bloomshed presents A Dodgeball Named Desire from October 18 - 29 at fortyfivedownstairs , 45 Flinders Lane, Melbourne.

Bloomshed is said to go up against an elite VFL team in an all-out Battle Royale, as Titans of the Court compete for the heart of ageing southern belle, Tennessee Williams.

In this brave new world, those who win will inherit the earth, and those who lose are lost for good.

A Dodgeball Named Desire springboards off Tennessee Williams's ouvre to create something completely new, refreshed and 21st century.

A response to the moth eaten art of the 20th century, 'Dodgeball' questions the conventions, traditions, and future of capital T theatre.

Since its inception in 2014, Bloomshed has created 12 new and adapted works, presenting at Darebin Arts Speakeasy, Common Rooms, Melbourne Fringe, Theatre Works, Blue Room Theatre, Old 505, Platform Arts, The Butterfly Club, The Wedge, and La Mama Theatre.

Bloomshed examines major political issues that attend our era: climate change, class inequality, and corporate greed.

They are continually in a dialogue about new ways to reach their audience and empower communities to enact positive change.

A Dodgeball Named Desire by Bloomshed at Melbourne Fringe

fortyfivedownstairs, 45 Flinders Lane Melbourne

October 18-29

$25 - $35

https://melbournefringe.com.au

Known show warnings: Coarse Language, smoke and haze effects, strobe lighting, loud noises and flying dodgeballs.

- Cheryl Threadgold

NYE Aussie Pops

■ Marina Prior, Michael Cormick and Jemma Rix are joining the much-loved The New Year's Eve (& The Night Before) Gala Concerts on December 30-31.

The Aussie Pops Orchestra spectacular gala event, now in its 40th year at Hamer Hall, is packed with orchestral classics, traditional anthems, Broadway hits, all performed by a glittering line up of star performers.

Led by John Foreman, the Australian Pops Orchestra will again ignite the stage in a display of musicianship, celebration and laughter alongside the Dana Jolly Dancers fabulous choreography and supported by Douglas Heywood and the Camberwell Chorale.

“The Aussie Pops New Year's Eve Gala has become a Melbourne tradition. It's the perfect balance of down-to-earth and classy: you've got the relaxed New Year's atmosphere - everyone's excited and in good spirits - in beautiful Hamer Hall, with the fabulous voices of Marina Prior, Michael Cormick and Jemma Rix singing songs you know and love, all backed by a magnificent symphony orchestra, dancers and a choir and you've got a show that's uplifting, fun, and will send you into 2024 in a wonderful frame of mind,” said John Foreman.

This year's concerts will pack in more music and laughter than ever and include three performances - The Night Before on Saturday December 30 at 8pm, New Year’s Eve matinee on Sunday December 31 at 2pm and New Year's Eve on Sunday December 31 at 8pm.

Audience members attending the New Year’s Eve performance can also purchase an add-on ticket for a special fireworks balcony party after the show with drinks, nibblies and one of the best views of Melbourne's fireworks.

Over 40 years, the Aussie Pops Orchestra has presented world’s favourite singers including Luciano Pavarotti, Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Peter Allen, Andrea Bocelli, Dame Joan Sutherland, Sir Cliff Richard, Ray Charles and more.

Arts Centre, Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Tickets from $99.

SPUNK DADDY

■ Darby James presents Spunk Daddy from October 16 -22 at The Butterfly Club, a development reading of his musical comedy cabaret about the process of sperm donation.

As he embarks on a journey of genetic questionnaires and medical screening, Darby ponders the sticky questions about why we procreate and bring children into a chaotic world that could go up in flames at any second.

Who might these children become? Evil geniuses? Cellist rugby ninjas? Karens and Darrens? And while Darby isn’t ready to be a parent himself, he considers a future version of himself that might want to begin a nuclear family.

Spunk Daddy was developed in collaboration with Antipodes Theatre Company, Australia (Brandon Pape, Artistic Director).

Spunk Daddy exposes the strange world of sperm donation in a fast-paced comedy with alloriginal music.

Darby James will test his decision to become a donor after clicking a Facebook advert in the final lockdown of 2021.

Performance Dates: October 16-22 at 8.30p,

Duration: 55 minutes

Venue: The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne.

Bookings: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ spunk-daddy-tickets-668635706397

- Cheryl Threadgold

Chess

splendid interpretation of the comedy-drama Cosi until September 23 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna.

Australian playwright Louis Nowra's semiautobiographical play has been staged many times since its Sydney premiere in 1992.

Director Bruce Akers and his team now present a fresh, pacey interpretation, injecting a new life energy into the classic play.

Set in a Melbourne psychiatric institution in 1971, Cosi tells of new university graduate Lewis directing the Mozart opera Cosi Fan Tutte, to be staged in a burnt-out theatre with the patients as cast members.

Thanks to terrific performances from the talented cast assembled by Akers, and his realistic, burnt set co-designed with Owen Evans, this show instantly envelops the audience into the engaging narrative, sharing an emotional roller coaster as Lewis coaches his endearing but challenging, cast members.

The cast portraying psychiatric patients and staff includes: Timothy Camilleri (theatre-loving Roy), Sam Howard as pyromaniac Doug, Greg Cormack (introverted Henry), Morgan Thomas-Connor (flirtatious but lovable Cherry), richly-voiced Carl Michelangeli (pianist Zac), Angelique Malcolm (obsessive Ruth), Aimée Sanderson (cool, drug recovery patient Julie) and Sharon Casey (social worker Justine).

A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum

Directed by Shaun Kingma, Chess is set during the height of the Cold War, when two of the world's greatest chess players are about to battle for the World Championship.

They both unwittingly find themselves pawns of their own governments' political manipulations, as well as being caught up in an epic love triangle.

Melbourne musical theatre performer Rosa McCarty will be revisiting one of her favourite shows and roles as Florence Vassy.

Originally from Adelaide, Rosa has built up a prolific list of music theatre credits since moving to Melbourne in 2008.

Rosa says the lure of Chess is to portray a strong, intelligent, and powerful female lead, the diversity of music styles and epic score, and the opportunity to work once again with Shaun Kingma and his creative team to bring their artistic and creative vision to life.

By day, Dr McCarty's life could not be more different, as she works as a university academic in biomedical science.

Performance Details: October 6 - 21

Venue: National Theatre, St Kilda

Bookings and further information: www.cloc.org.au or call 1300 362 547.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents a

Rhys Carter is well-cast as tolerant, eventempered protagonist Lewis, and Emma Warner Collins (Lewis’s girlfriend Lucy) and Daniel Trenkovski (arrogant director Nick) are both great in their roles, urging discussion about the social and political context of the Vietnam War and challenging Lewis’s loyalty.

Michael Rowe’s lighting design enhances visuals, as do the era-authentic costumes designed by Wendy Drowley, Catherine Christensen and Morgan Thomas-Connor.

Using splendid delivery, timing and pauses, this show’s interpretation brings Nowra’s dialogue alive in parts of the script that may have previously gone unnoticed.

It is not surprising to see this show playing to full houses. Congratulations to all.

Performance Details: Until September 23

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna

Bookings: www.htc.org.au

- Review by Cheryl Threadgold

Dreams of Taboo

■ Actress Lynette Curran is publishing her first book, Dreams Of Taboo.

It is a look at a survivor’s struggle with certain areas in life that are not so easy for an abuse victim.

“It is a look at a person’s career in a very competitive job and spiritual growth. This is a troubling subject treated with sensitivity along with down-to-earth humour along the way,” said a representative of the publisher.

Lynette Curran is a professional female Australian actor who has worked in stage, television, and film since her teenage years.

■ Charge along to Chapel off Chapel this month and laugh out loud at the chicanery of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum produced by Watch This , Australia’s first Sondheim repertory company.

Watch This has drawn together an excellent cast of experienced musical theatre talent including mother and daughter performers Judith Roberts and Charmaine Gorman.

Every comedic tool spills onto the stage with precision and impeccable timing. You’ll be engaged in farcical twists and turns, identity changes and over-exaggerated characters with modern day nuance in Sondheim’s Platus-inspired classic story.

Rome’s streets and Seven Hills are alive with slaves, eunuchs and potions.

An all female-identifying cast play both male and female characters. They uncover and toy with gender archetypes subtly laying bare misogynistic, out-dated humour through gentle gestures, winks and brilliant choreography

Not a word of the original script is changed. This speaks of not only Mel Hillman’s superbly skilful direction, but Sondheim’s libretto which has enabled this exploration.

The energy and ever-present stage appearance of Pseudolus, the opportunistic, freedom-seeking slave (Charmaine Gorman) drove the plot.

Hero (Milo Hartill) as the lovestruck youth, alongside Philia (Mel O’Brien), the lascivious, dim, virgin courtesan, delighted with their over-the-top portrayals.

Kristie Nguy gave a magnificently choreographed multi-roled performance as the entire ensemble and courtesans. The juxtaposition of the physically slightest built cast member playing the much-heralded army captain Miles Glorius (Luisa Scrofani) succeeded with ludicrous wit and overblown gestures evoking the soldier’s strength.

Witness set designer, Sarah Tulloch, working her magic including clever set substitutes for courtesans.Tap along to countless, familiar Sondheim songs brought to this production through the enchantment of the onstage live band.

Dates: Until September 24

Tickets: $50-60

Venue: Chapel off Chapel. 12 Little chapel St Prahran

Duration: 2hour 20 min (including 20 min intermission)

Bookings: https:// chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/a-funny-thinghappened-on-the-way-to-the-forum/ - Review by Sherryn Danaher

Bach Piano 2

■ Five major pieces from J.S. Bach are presented by Judith Lambden, in a latest collection of Bach piano works: The French Overture, Overture in F major, Capriccio, Aria Variata and Fantasia and Fugue in A minor.

The French Overture with its lengthy opening movement, using dotted and pointed rhythms, is majestic and impressive. A faster contrapuntal section is included, and then several charming and elegant French dances. The work ends with ‘Echo’,” a brilliant piece with forte and piano contrasts.

● ● Darby James in Spunk Daddy.

● ● ● ● Rosa McCarty (Florence) in Chess.

Photo: Ben Fon

■ CLOC Musical Theatre presents Chess from October 6-21 at the National Theatre, St Kilda.

● Charmaine Gorman (Pseudolus), Kristie Nguy (Ensemble /Courtesans) and Milo Hartill (Hero) in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.

Photo: Jodie Hutchinson

TRAIL MIX Shows

■ Geelong Lyric Theatre Society: Jersey Boys October 6 – 14 at the Geelong Performing Arts Centre. Bookings: geelongartscentre. org.au

■ CLOC Musical Theatre: Chess the musical, October 6 – 21 at the National Theatre, St Kilda. Bookings: cloc.org.au or 1300 362 547

■ Encore Theatre: Cul-De-Sac (by John Cariani) October 6 – 4 at the Clayton Community Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Director: Helen Ellis. All tickets $28. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CKRJH

■ CPP Community Theatre: Oliver! October 6 – 14 at the Mahon Theatre, Aquinas College, 46 Great Ryrie St., Ringwood. Bookings: https://bit.ly/3pTjn40 Enquiries: tickets@cppcommunitytheatre.com.au

■ AVID Theatre and Ardour Theatre: Hamlet (by William Shakespeare) October 20 – November 4 at Mycelium Studios, Factory 1/10,12 Moreland Rd., Brunswick East. Director: Michael Fenemore. Bookings: https:/ /www.trybooking.com/events/landing/ 1081851

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Spring Awakening November 10 – 25 at Centenary Theatre, 71 Railway Place, Williamstown. Bookings: www.wmtc.org.au Brighton Theatre Company: Here I Belong (Matt Harley) November 10 – 25 at Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Carpenter St., Brighton. Director: Barbara Crawford. Bookings: www.brightontheatre.com.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: 70th Anniversary Christmas Panto-Revue (Script/Original Lyrics by Cheryl Threadgold) November 10 – 25 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt; Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. www.beaumaristheatre. com.au

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Ladies in Black, the Musical (Music and lyrics by Tim Finn, Book by Carolyn Burns)November 17 – December 2 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turner Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ OSMaD: The Hunchback of Notre Dame (Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film) December 7 – 16 at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, 1 Morrison St., Hawthorn. Director: Joel Batalha; Co-Music Directors: David Barrell and Ned Dixon; Choreographer: Caitlin Lamont. www.osmad. com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Auditions

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: Rumours (by Neil Simon) October 1 and October 2 at 7.00pm at 36 Turnham Eve., Rosanna. Director: Gayle Poor. Audition enquiries: gaylepoor@hotmail.com

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Photograph 51 (by Anna Ziegler) October 29 at 12.00pm, October 30 at 7.00pm at Williamstown Little theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Natasha Boyd. Audition Enquiries: Natasha Boyd - tashmark@yourmail.net.au or 0413188513

■ The Last Quiz Show on Earth (by Alison Carr) November 23 at 7.30pm, November 25 at 2.30pm at the Warrandyte Mechanics’ Institute Hall, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Bob Bramble. Enquiries: 0439 311428 or bobbramble2013@gmail.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

Jett Bond

■ Comedian, actor, writer and director Jett Bond is back with a new show at Bard’s Apothecary, 7/24 Crossley St , Melbourne as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

‘O Brother! Tales from an Only Child’ is an absurdist jaunt through Jett Bond’s childhood. Using sketch, character, props and farce, Jett explores all aspects of the ‘only child’ experience.

Performance Dates: October 3-15 at 6:45pm (55 min). Venue: Bard’s Apothecary, 7/24 Crossley St, Melbourne. Full: $25 / Conc: $19 / Group 6+: $14 / Blak Tix: $17

To book tickets visit melbournefringe. com.au/event/o-brother-tales-from-an-onlychild or call 9660 9666

■ Sam Pringle’s Trail Mix is an interesting exercise in the exploration of characters one might meet in a psychiatric ward.

Rhea (Lisa Baker) has been admitted after a suicide attempt. Her 21 st birthday is only days away. Her fellow inmates are the bi-polar Max (Marissa Chen), schizophrenic Kesi (Max Pickering), Niamh (Wynter Dallas) whose memory is faulty and Tommy (Kieran Lewis) who has problems with aggression.

Whilst each actor grapples with the elements of his or her character’s mental illness, the lack of a definite story arc means we are not sure who should be central to give the play a core which the audience can follow.

The nursing staff – Taylor (Aqsa Malik) and Charlie (Luca Edwards) - help the doctor, Kath (Esmé Stripp) run the ward but they are more moderate participants, their roles being more benign.

If we could see some form of progression in a central character, a stronger message about the relative merits of psychiatric treatment could be generated. As it was, the action became slightly repetitive.

Co-directors Sam Pringle and Lucas Rindt had the action taking place in the round which added to the intimacy but the cast needed to project their voices more especially in the subdued moments.

This is a lost art where hitting the consonants whilst speaking quietly helps the voice to carry.

This is an original play and such efforts need to be encouraged; the context of a university theatre being the perfect opportunity to test one's skills and participate even though the acting standards can vary.

The dark humour did come through and the cast generally captures the frustration of their characters’ relative conditions.

The effort and enthusiasm warrants encouragement mixed with, what is hopefully, valid criticism that provides helpful direction.

Performance Season: Until September 23 (Tues-Fri at 7.30pm; Sat 6.00pm)

Duration: 75 Minutes

Venue: The MUST Space, Grnd Flr West, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Monash University, Clayton Bookings : msa.monash.edu/MUST

- Review by David McLean

Leave To Enter

■ Comedian/storyteller Nick Robertson's new show is titled Leave To Enter and is being presented as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 4 - 8 at Festival Hub, Trades Hall, Carlton.

Leave To Enter blends stand-up and long form storytelling in a show that details the time Nick (the most Scottish looking person) was deported from Scotland.

Weaving together stories of poor parental advice, a run in with Scottish federal police and an obsession with Candy Crush

"It's been really cathartic telling the story," says Nick. "My chest feels lighter but it makes me realise just how silly the whole ordeal was. It's as heavy as it is ridiculous - a real rollercoaster of a story."

Leave To Enter sees Robertson's full return to the spotlight. After taking an eight year hiatus from the stage to work behind the scenes in the comedy industry, being a core team member of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival and at venues at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, he's ready to return to the Festival stage.

Performance Details: October 4 - 8 WedSat at 6pm, Sunday at 5pm

Venue: Festival Hub, Trades Hall, 54 Victoria St, Carlton

Tickets: From $20 available on Melbourne Fringe website

- Cheryl Threadgold

Mutton Is The New Lamb

September 23 at 7pm (arrive 30 minutes early)

The Dress

Julie goes through her photo archive and wardrobe, sings, and chats with people she met and never did - Macbeth’s witches, her younger self, teachers, colleagues, movie stars, heroines, cowboys, fairies, friends and bullies - to wonder why we have gender, trans, football, religion, discrimination and the sausage sizzle.

Or is Julie just annoyed that not enough people have read her PhD dissertation and so has tried to summarise it as standup sociology to make it more approachable?

Bookings: https://thebutterflyclub.com/show/ mutton-is-the-new-lamb-a-trans-de-mythology - Cheryl Threadgold

For Love Nor Money

■ Victoria Theatre Company and the Melbourne Fringe Festival present For Love Nor Money from October 11-22 at the Fringe Hub Meeting Room, 54 Victoria St, Carlton.

Written by Angus Cameron and directed by Justin Nott, For Love Nor Money tells of emerging artists Liam and Mel seducing political adviser Ryan one night in Melbourne, and the course of their lives change forever. Is it love or just part of the plan?

Described as a 'Bitingly dark satire which rips open the millennial experience to see how far we will go to succeed when the world is collapsing around us,' the play pits three ambitious millennials against one another in a race for success. As the title suggests, what drives their ambitions is suspiciously unclear.

Performance Details: October 11 - 22 at 8.45pm (7.45pm on Sundays)

Venue: Fringe Hub - Meeting Room, 54 Victoria St., Carlton

Duration: 55 minutes

Tickets: $35 Full/Concession $30

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au or 9660 9666

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ In an era where the only time most women would have clothes made specially for them would be a big occasion like a wedding, it’s interesting to jump back to a time when having a seamstress to make clothes was part of a well-heeled Australian woman’s life. That’s the world where the fascinating play The Dress is set. It’s late 19th century Victoria, and widow Hannah Green has been wearing only widow blacks for years and her seamster, Bertin is desperately trying to get her to attend a grand masquerade ball, wearing a superb gown he plans to design for her.

While Hannah takes a lot of persuading to lose her widow’s blacks, for Bertin, convincing her to wear his dazzling new creation is a matter of survival for him, to keep bread on the table.

During the course of the play, these two unlikely allies face challenges with both discovering realities of the worlds they live in.

Staged by Essence Productions in the magnificent surroundings of the Werribee Mansion Entrance Hall, this is a play that will invite the audience in to the intimacy of the daily life and relationship between Hannah, portrayed by the play’s author, Alaine Beek, and Bertin, played by Scott Jackson, with musical interludes from cellist Patrick Schnur.

Having seen Essence Production’s previous play, What Was That?, which roamed all over Werribee Mansion, there is something very special about seeing a historically accurate story played out in a real Victorian mansion.

The Dress is a seated performance and is wheelchair friendly, as it is staged in the one ground floor location.

Audiences will enjoy the rich characters in this engaging story – and the costuming is stunning.

Performances of The Dress at Werribee Mansion are Thursday September 21 to Sunday, October 1. To book, visit https:// www.essencetheatre.productions/the-dressbooking-page

- Julie Houghton

Janelle Low

■ MAPh exhibits Janelle Low, Wai Tang Commissioning Award recipient for 2023.

The Wai Tang Commissioning Award was introduced in 2021 whereby one shortlisted artist from the Bowness Photography Prize is commissioned to exhibit at MAPh to coincide with the Bowness Photography Prize exhibition, with one work entering MAPh’s significant collection of Australian photographs in honour of Wai Tang.

Janelle Low was selected from the shortlisted artists from 2022 Bowness Photography Prize to be awarded the $10,000 commission.

Exhibition dates: September 21 – November 12.

Exhibition opening event: 6.30pm-8.30pm, Thursday, September 28.

- Contibuted

● Kieran Lewis and Luca Edwards (Tommy and Charlie)

Photo: Courtney Vanderleest.

● ● ● ● Matthew Connell in For Love Nor Money.

● ● Scott Jackson

ANNIE PLAYS PRISCILLA

■ David Venn Enterprises presents Elvis: A Musical Revolution from October 6 at The Athenaeum Theatre, Collins St, Melbourne.

Portraying Priscilla Presley, Elvis's wife, is Adelaide-born Annie Chiswell

Annie has been dancing since the age of three, before training at the Mighty Good Talent School in Adelaide, then moving on to professional studies at university.

While growing up, Annie always had a passion for the creative arts and says she was forever forcing her siblings into co-creating plays, or teaching friends dance routines to perform at lunchtime.

She began to think seriously about becoming a professional entertainer after Year 12, and applied to train at the Adelaide College of the Arts, where she completed an Advanced Diploma of Fine Arts (Acting) in 2014.

Annie then moved to Melbourne to attend APO Arts Academy, graduating with a Diploma of Music Theatre under a scholarship program in 2016.

Since graduating, Annie has appeared in many professional shows, with her first role being in the Ensemble of Mamma Mia! which toured nationally (2017-2018), then Bring It On: The Musical, Shrek, The Wedding Singer, and Friends! The Musical Parody, and a film.

She is also studying Secondary Teaching whilst performing. “I've always loved education,” says Annie “And I'm finally finding the time to study it alongside my creative passions.”

Annie finds it hard to pin down one thing that attracted her to the role of Priscilla. “It's funny that over the years there have been so many documentaries, films and shows about Elvis, but Priscilla still remains a mystery to many.

“In our musical we meet Priscilla at the beginning of the second act. She comes into Elvis’s life during his time serving in the army at Germany and goes on to marry him and have their daughter, Lisa-Marie.

“What’s interesting about our show is that the format lies in episodic moments of Elvis’s life, where we are constantly thrust forwards and backwards in time.

“Given the nature of this, we see a glimpse into the private life of Elvis and Priscilla and the challenges they faced as one of the first heavily publicised relationships. It’s also a joy to step into the shoes of a real person who is still alive today.”

Annie has always wanted to be in a brand-new development of a show, which is what she is doing now. “So that's a huge bucket list moment ticked off for me.”

Having achieved success in musical theatre in a short time, Annie was asked what advice she would give up and coming performers:

“Stay true to who you know your-

Retribution

■ (M). 91 minutes. Opens in cinemas September 21. Even by the recent standards of the largely stock-standard action/thrillers he’s been churning out, Liam Neeson’s latest heroic outing is particularly poor, with probably only the atrocious Blacklight being even worse.

self to be. There is only one of you at the end of the day. And never stop learning; work hard, train hard, and be a sponge to everyone you meet along the way.”

- Cheryl Threadgold

She Kills Monsters

■ MUST (Monash University student Theatre) presents She Kills Monsters by Qui Nguyen from October 5 - 14 at The MUST Space , Ground Floor West, Campus Centre, Monash University.

Agnes never really understood her nerdy younger sister. A year after Tilly passes away, Agnes finds her 'D&D' notebook and is catapulted into an action-packed role-playing adventure in the imaginary world of her sister's refuge.

Battling demonic cheerleaders and terrifying shapeshifting blobs, Agnes comes to realise how Tilly saw herself, her sexuality, and the world around her.

Directed by Gemma Livingstone, Assistant Director Emma Batty Performance Season: October 514

Sensory friendly performance: Wed October 11

Post show Q and A: Tues October 10

Location: The MUST Space, Grnd Flr West, Campus Centre, 21 Chancellors Walk, Monash University, Clayton Bookings: melbournefringe. com.au and msa.monash.edu/MUST

- Cheryl Threadgold

Leroy returns to Geelong

■ Australian Commercial Radio Award winning Leroy Brown returns to the Geelong airwaves with The Leroy Brown Breakfast Show, from this wwek.

Seven years after leaving K-Rock breakfast, the separation from the people and the community of Geelong and the Surf Coast became too great, said Greg Newman of Jocks Journal.

Neeson stars as Matt Turner , an investment banker based in Berlin who has placed work above family, and as such the family home is a tense and fractured place. Matt’s wife, Heather (Embeth Davidtz), and their two teenage children, Zach (Jack Champion) and Emily (Lilly Aspell), are understandably distanced and frustrated with him, leading to continual arguments and confrontations. Matt is currently trying to calm nervous investors, under instructions from his boss (Matthew Modine). One morning, where Matt has agreed to take the kids to school, he is contacted during the drive by a mystery caller, via a phone that has been placed in the car. The caller informs Matt that there is a bomb in the car (triggered when he sat in the driver’s seat), and it will be detonated if Matt tries to escape, inform the police, or disobey the orders given to him. Matt is then forced to carry out these orders, with his two kids still in tow, while the police, who are on the increasingly desperate father’s trail, think Matt is the culprit of these sudden, bizarre incidents. As this terrifying situation is playing out, Matt tries to figure out who the mystery caller is. Retribution is badly written from the get go, which is quite amazing given that it is a remake of a pretty entertaining Spanish movie, Dani de la Torre’s 2015 thriller El Desconocido, so the foundation is already there to create a suspenseful, efficient viewing experience. What’s even stranger, is that this is the third remake of that film, after Germany’s Don’t. Get. Out! in 2018, and South Korea’s Hard Hit in 2021. With all the fears of what could happen in Hollywood, which has caused strikes by both actors and writers, if someone told me the screenplay for this was completed by A.I., I would believe it. What is so disappointing, is that this is director Nimrod Antal’s first film in six years. The very talented filmmaker made the excellent Control in 2003 and The Whiskey Bandit in 2017. In-between, he made a solid US debut with the 2007 horror/thriller Vacancy, before disappearing into the Hollywood woodwork with the forgettable Armoured (2009) and the below average Predators (2010). Knowing what Antal is capable of, it is incredible just how substandard his work is here, showing no interest, conviction or passion in the material, and it even lacks his distinctive style and flair. Neeson is professional but nothing more, while

everyone else are basically cardboard cut-outs moving from one location to another. The impact of the earlier versions is gone too as the villain’s identity has been changed, but even with this change, it is painfully obvious who it is. Retribution is third-tier direct-to-DVD fodder at best, so missing this on the big screen will be no loss. Though I haven’t seen the German version, I do recommend tracking down the Spanish original (***½), while the South Korean remake (***) is also quite entertaining. RATING - *

Bring Me Home

■ (MA) (2019). 108 minutes. Available now on Blu-ray and DVD. Managing to be both a bruising drama and a tense thriller, Bring Me Home is an impressive effort, even more so considering this was the writer/director’s feature film debut (he has yet to craft a second). Lee Young-ae (who hadn’t been seen on the big screen since 2005) stars as Jung-yeon, who, along with her husband Myeong-guk (Park Hae-joon), have been searching for their young son Yoon-su, who was snatched while at a playground six years before. Jung-yeon works long hours as a nurse while her husband travels far and wide handing out flyers and following up potential tips, to no avail. When Jungyeon receives credible information that Yoon-su may have been seen at a coastal fishing village, she makes the long journey there, but is met with resistance by the people residing at the specific locale, which include high-ranking police officer Hong (Yoo Jae-myung), and the distraught mother soon starts suspecting that these strangers are hiding something. Debutant director Kim Seung-woo carefully lays the groundwork, developing both Jungyeon’s journey and the environment she encounters in confident, measured fashion, and is startlingly adept at knowing when to deliver a jarring body blow. The subject his screenplay tackles is certainly relevant, but never feels exploitative, and only during the finale do conventional elements creep in. The cast is superb, with Lee (Joint Security Area, Sympathy For Lady Vengeance) and Yoo (The Beast, Moonlit Winter) particular standouts. Some viewers may find aspects of the material distressing, but Bring Me Home never becomes overtly graphic, wanting instead to concentrate on the characters’ psychological state of mind, leading a fine film to a moving, emotionally satisfying ending.

RATING - ****

- Aaron Rourke

● ● ● ● Annie Chiswell (Priscilla) in Elvis: A Musical Revolution.

● ● ● ● The Melbourne Observer is a free section inside all editions of The Local Paper across all suburbs of Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula, and periurban areas.

■ If I asked a young person today, "Have you ever heard of Maggie Fitzgibbon?" - I would probably get a blank stare.

Maggie found fame on London's West End and in radio, film and television, but has probably not received the recognition she deserved in her own country.

Maggie, her mother Minnie and her brother Smacka’ Fitzgibbon were a family of very successful entertainers.

Minnie Mitchell had been a vaudeville performer before marrying Frank Fitzgibbon in 1927.

The family home was in Aspendale, Margaret was born in 1928 and her brother Graham (Smacka) in 1930.

Margaret was educated at St Brigid's Primary School in Mordialloc and Kilbreda College in Mentone.

At the age of 17 she took singing lessons and in 1946 landed a role in a Tivoli show, Laffiesta.

Margaret sang opera and popular songs in shows as well as playing the ‘Principal Boy’ in pantomimes.

She was encouraged to continue in theatre by the late Kenn Brodziak. In the early 1950s

Margaret moved to Sydney to sing in the nightclubs, at this stage she was now known as Maggie.

Maggie worked in radio on The Club Show with Jack Davey on 2GB. In 1952 Mr Harald Bowden of J.C. Williamson's offered her the

Whatever Happened To ... Maggie Fitzgibbon

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

role of Bianca in Kiss Me Kate playing opposite Hayes Gordon and Evie Hayes.

. When the season finished Maggie went to London to try her luck. She got the role of ‘The Principal Boy’ in the pantomime Aladdin and worked in the UK for 30 years.

Maggie appeared onstage with the comedy team of Flanagan and Allen and starred in musical comedies such as Lady At The Wheel, Rose Marie, Kookaburra, Do-Re-Mi (with Max Bygraves) and The Boys From Syracuse. Maggie returned to Australia in 1963 to star in Noel Coward's production of Sail Away.

Over the years she has made many cast recording albums which have included The Sound Of Music, Annie Get Your Gun, Gigi and How

To Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

In 1976 Maggie returned to London to star in Side By Side By Sondheim

She had her own television series, Maggie's Place. Maggie appeared as a guest star on popular comedy shows such as The Benny Hill Show and Morecambe and Wise

She also played dramatic guest roles in English television shows. Maggie returned to Australia in the 1970s to perform at her brother's restaurant Smacka's Place, in North Melbourne.

Sadly ‘Smacka’ passed away in 1979. His four children have carried on the family tradition.

Nichaud is a fine jazz singer and Mark is a renowned pianist. (I have had the pleasure of working with Mark in several shows.)

Andrew and Dominic formed the group BABBA and perform Abba tribute shows.

Maggie was awarded the OAM in 2002 for her work with homeless people.

Maggie Fitzgibbon retired to a farm in North Eastern Victoria and passed away in 2020 at the age of 91.

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AW -

The 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

‘INTO’ EXHIBITION AT BENALLA ART GALLERY

Into – Taro Liyama

Through family friendly activities embedded within the exhibition, Into encourages young audiences to deeply engage with the environmental concepts explored both in material and theme.

Intodelves further into the artist’s interest into the intimate connection between humans and the natural world particularly in this area.

Exhibition closes November 12.

Benalla Art Gallery

Botanical Gardens

Bridge St, Benalla

Emotion Harvest

Emotion Harvest – Sam Leach

Sam Leach’s work is informed by the canon of art history, science, and philosophy, often referencing Dutch paintings of the 17th century as well as elements of formalist paintings from the 1960s and 70s.

His focus on the intersections between science and nature, combining the poles of metaphorical and the empirical, the analogous and the objective in an ongoing investigation of the relationship between humans, machines and animals.

For the past five years Leach has incorporated machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) into his practice, fusing the tropes and gestures of painting with the mechanics and gaze of the future.

In his latest body, Emotion Harvest, he brings together a collection of paintings and interactive works, in an exploration of AI and emotions.

Exhibition closes October 21.

Sullivan + Strumpf

107/109 Rupert St, Collingwood

Collingwood Studios

Collingwood Yards Studios welcomes New Studio Artist Cohort and inaugural West Space Studio artist.

Established in 2020, the Collingwood Yards studio program provides mi-career and established artists and small organisations with heavily subsided studio space in the heart of Collingwood.

Following conversation with the

The Arts

Melbourne, Brisbane, Pert, Sydney, and internationally New York, Los Angeles, Germany, Greece, Belgium, France and New Zealand .

A monograph of the artist was published in 2008. Lee’s work is in the collections of the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library of France, Mimo Museum, Brussels and Artbank.

Exhibition closes September 30.

Nicholas Thompson Gallery

155 Langridge St, Collingwood - Peter Kemp

Yuldea at Arts Centre

existing school cohort, this iteration of the program strives to develop a close-knit studio community and deepen relationships between artists and onsite presenting organisations.

To this end, the incoming studio cohort is made up of what Collingwood Yards is calling ‘primary producers’ - artists who will use the space to make their work rather than for administration - and existing studio artists, rehoused into new studios.

These artists will be in residence for up to three years.

About Collingwood Yards

Over the last four years the organisation has taken ownership of the former Collingwood TAFE and invested more than $15m from philanthropy, government and commercials partners into its redevelopment.

There is a crisis of affordable space in Australia and in Melbourne in particular.

Most, if not all, of the nor-for-profit tenants supported at Collingwood Yards have come under threat of having to relocate, to pay unaffordable rent of close if they are unable to secure an affordable base for their operations.

Collingwood Yards Studios Perry St, Collingwood.

Rhys Lee

■ Bangarra Dance Theatre announces the premiere of Frances Rings’s latest work, Yuldea, in her inaugural season as Artistic Director.

The production premiered at the Sydney Opera House before touring across Australia.

The Arts Centre Melbourne performances will be September 28-October 7.

Costumes are from multiaward-winning Jennifer Irwin and lighting by Karen Norris, Yuldea features original music composed by David Page Music Fellow, Leon Rodgers

A new creative collaboration, will feature songs from multiaward-winning duo Electric Fields.

Rings’ work is a deeply personal ceremonial affirmation of history and heritage, inspired by her family’s connection to the area.

Yuldea explores the abrupt moment that traditional life collided with the industrial ambition of a growing nation in South Australia’s Yuldea (Ooldea)

“The story of Yuldea asks us to look beyond the narrative of our Nations modernisation to reconcile a fraught history, and to affirm a future that no longer hides behind its truths but grows because of them”.

Arts Centre Melbourne. September 28 to October 7.

Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo. October 13-14.

- Contibuted

Radio legend turns 80

■ Doug Aiton was a king of drive-time radio in Melbourne for a decade in the late 1980 to late 1990s. He had a string of memorable interviews including Sophia Loren, Barry Humphties, Jimmy Stewart and Michael Parkinson.

Doug has just celebrated his 80th birthday. Doug started as a print reporter, working in both Melbourne and London, returning to Melbourne he became an on-air favourite on 3AW, then to ABC Radio, more recently to a weekly show on community radio, The Pulse, Geelong.

Doug, wife Judy, plus two dogs live on The Bellarine. Happy Birthday, Doug.

Tracy Grimshaw to return

■ Earlier this year Tracy Grimshaw decided to retire from hosting A Current Affair on Nine . The truth is that her 'retirement ' is more of a short break as Tracy is earmarked to host two new shows on Nine to debut next year. We will keep you posted.

Enterprising idea

■ A creative group from the burbs of Melbourne has developed a new reality tv show due to debut on 7 Mate on October 3.

Called 'Adventure; Gold Diggers' the series demonstrates the do's and don'ts of searching for hidden treasures that lie below the surface. Well worth watching.

Costner split end-game

■ Kevin Cosner's ex-wife, Christine, has found a rental home following therecent break-up. The new address features six bedrooms, pool house, one acre, ocean frontage for Mum and three kids. Weekly rental is a mere $40,000 per week. We forgot to mention the antique interior decor.

Tom Jones started it all

■ Throwing items at folk performing on stage started with fans flinging panties at Tom Jones.

Throwing items has accelerated to objects like cell phones and all sorts of personal items hurled at Harry Styles, and others. The Jonas Brothers start their latest world tour requesting fans stop throwing missiles. Violators will be prosecuted.

● ● ● ● Maggie Fitzgibbon

Photo courtesy: Joy Cowen nee Solomon of Mendolssohn Studios

with Peter Kemp

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● Doug Aiton

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

WEHO’s BEST KEPT SECRET

■ Hi everyone, remotely from my suite at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites in West Hollywood comes this week’s news.

Chaplin’s rehearsal studio

■ V Wine Room is a wine bar that first opened its doors in February 2013 and it immediately became a loved, neighbourhood bar, and a sanctuary within the heart of West Hollywood. Great atmosphere. Great wine list. Great service. Love the history of the place.

It was Charlie Chaplin's former rehearsal studio. An expansive wine list and snacks in a serene setting with bottles also available for purchase.

Located just around the corner from the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, at 903 Westbourne Dr, West Hollywood.

Americans living alone

■ In 1960, just 13 per cent of American households had a single occupant. But that figure has risen steadily, and today it is approaching 30 per cent.

For households headed by someone 50 or older, that figure is 36%. Nearly 26 million Americans, 50 or older, now live alone, up from 15 million in 2000.

Older people have always been more likely than others to live by themselves, and now that age group baby boomers and Gen Xers makes up a bigger share of the population than at any time in the nation’s history.

Streaming big business

■ Spotify is generating less than USD $5 million per day from advertising.

You Tube is generating $84 million per day. Meta is generating $346 million a day.

Question: How can Spotify do better at closing the ginormous commercial gulf between its business and Big Tech in terms of generated ad money?

Answer: More ad products for the music industry. This month, Spotify officially launched a big one. Spotify has just launched ‘Showcase’, a new paid-for promo tool that lets artists and their teams highlight new and catalog releases in-app on the platform’s Mobile Home page.

Mobile Home, according to Spotify, “is the most visited place on Spotify and billions of streams originate from it every day”.

Spotify previewed the new feature at its Stream On event last month, and officially started rolling it out. The platform claims that “on average, people who see a showcase are six times more likely to stream the promoted release”.

Godfather ring unveiled

■ Acclaimed jewellery designer Erin Flynn has unveiled her latest creation, a stunning and unique piece commemorating the 50th anniversary of the epic film ‘The Godfather’.

The new piece, appropriately titled ‘The Godfather Ring’, is a tribute to the iconic film that has captivated audiences for half a century.

The Godfather Ring is a one-of-a-kind piece that captures the essence of the film with a bold vision and intricate details.

Crafted from solid sterling silver, the ring features a central black onyx stone to symbolize the importance of family.

The onyx is surrounded by cascading layers with additional references to the themes of the film.

It is a true work of art that pays homage to the classic movie and its legendary characters.

It’s strictly business but also personal.

Consistent with Erin Flynn’s approach to fine jewelry, it can be personalised and engraved. www.ErinFlynnJewelry.com

Gavin’s holiday offer

■ If you are considering coming over to California for a holiday, then I have got a special deal for you.

We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood

I have secured a terrific holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer and The Local Paper.

Please mention ‘Melbourne Observer’ when you book to receive the ‘Special Rate of the Day’ for your advance bookings.

Please contact: Jennifer at info@ramadaweho.com

Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood

Out and About No road rage

■ A report issued in July by the gun-control group Everytown for Gun Safety analysed FBI crime data in 271 American cities, large and small, from 2020 and found that guns stolen from vehicles have become the nation’s largest source of stolen firearms with an estimated 40,000 guns stolen from cars in those cities alone.

Bottled water tops list

■ Nearly three in four Americans (72 per cent) said they prefer bottled water, while 28 per cent said they prefer tap. Some 70 per cent ofUS adults cited taste as a major factor when choosing a bottled water brand, followed by price (61 per cent), convenience (49 per cent) and source (38 per cent). Out of 26 bottled water brands, Fiji Water earned the highest net favourability rating (57) among adults, besting second-place Aquafina by 13 percentage points.

Foods Americans hat

■ Chances are there’s at least one food everyone tries to avoid on the dinner plate, at restaurants, or during family gatherings.

But which foods do we collectively loathe at higher rates than others?

From pungent seafood to tangy pickled bites, there’s a spectrum of foods that spark passionate debates among our taste buds, and some are more polarising than others.

Let’s take a look. After researching some of the most divisive foods, we created a list of the top contenders and then commissioned a survey conducted online by The Harris Poll. Within the survey, more than 2000 Americans were asked which of those foods they hated. The most hated, anchovies and least hated, mayonnaise.

“While the list of divisive foods is long, let’s focus on the top three hated foods, anchovies, black licorice, and oysters and what makes each seemingly controversial for American palates.

“Anchovies possess a briny, fishy flavor profile, oysters give off a super slimy mouthfeel, and licorice shocks the tongue with an unmissable anise and fennel flavor.

“On top of that, they all present chewy textures that can prove challenging for certain people.

Gavin Wood

Boozy drinks pop up

■ As companies like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola expand into fastgrowing alcoholic-beverage categories, new, boozy drinks are popping up under household-favorite brands such as Mountain Dew, SunnyD, Simply Orange juice and Eggo. Regulators, consumer groups and public-health experts say these crossover products have the potential to create consumer confusion and result in a parent’s inadvertently buying and serving alcohol to underage children.

Salaries drop

■ After years of salary increases, many companies are paying new recruits less than they did just months ago as the job market cools and businesses become more cautious in their hiring. Some of the steepest drops have been in technology, transportation and other sectors that experienced frenzied hiring sprees in 2021 and early 2022.

● ● ● ● ODD SPOT: Just one new-car model sells for less than $20,000, down from a dozen five years ago and the average used car lists for about $27,000. Higher interest rates only make buyers’ situations more difficult. The average rate is 9.5 per cent for a new-car loan, according to Cox Automotive, and above 13.7 per cent for a used-car loan.

“The complex interplay of these unique flavors and textures is likely why they’re at the top of the list, and it’s also the reason we’re not seeing foods like white bread show up.”

Lego Braille Version

■ Lego has released Braille versions of its famous toy bricks, marking the first time the product has been released to the general public.

The Braille bricks are designed so that anyone who is curious about Braille “can have fun getting to know the braille system at home with their family members in a playful, inclusive way," Lego said in a news release.

The braille bricks are aimed at kids ages ix and older, regardless of if they're blind, partially-sighted or sighted, Lego said.

The company said that up until now, Lego Braille Bricks have only been distributed free of charge to organisations specialising in the education of children with vision impairment.

“We were thrilled by the reception that Lego Braille Bricks received in educational settings," said Rasmus Ligustrum, Lego group lead designer on Lego Braille Bricks, in the release.

"We’ve been inundated with thousands of requests to make them more widely available, so we just knew we had to make it happen," he added.

If you're wondering if the bricks will work with your other Legos, don't worry. The bricks are fully compatible with other sets. The brick's studs correspond to the numbers and letters in the Braille system, with the printed version of the symbol or letter shown beneath the studs, the news release said.

Two baseplates to build your Legos on are also included in the set, which comes in a package detailed with braille embossing.

● ● ● ● Pictured at V Wine Room celebrating the AFL Grand Final back in Melbourne, CEO of Countdown Motion Pictures Gavin Wood with Ramada Managing Director Alan Johnson.

6.

Across

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

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

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au

Craig’s new single

■ Following the success of Craig Lloyd's duet with Merelyn Carter (Carter and Carter) - 'Little Country Store' - which reached number one on the Australian Top 40 Country Songs chart and was added to Apple’s Aussie Country and ABC's Grass Roots Playlists, Craig’s new single release titled ‘I Call Australia Home’ – is the story of his life and was written with Carter and Carter.

Living in country Victoria, a world away from the hustle-bustle of London from where he migrated, he fell in love with winding dirt roads, alpine mountains and the uninterrupted views of the night sky.

It didn’t take too long for Craig to call Australia home, says his media release.

Ultimate Tour

■ Eighties rockers Pseudo Echo are touring the country, performing a hit-filled two hour set including Funky Town, Listening, A Beat For You, Don’t Go, Living In A Dream and Love An Adventure.

Also, for the first time since the eighties, the band will be performing feature tracks from the controversial, yet much loved stadium rock ‘Race’ album.

Melbourne fans can catch the group on Friday, September 22, at The Story House, Geelong Arts Centre, and Saturday, September 23, at Frankston Arts Centre.

- Rob Foenander

Lisa Gorman, Mirka Mora premiere

■ Australian art and fashion history are celebrated in Warrnambool Art Gallery’s premiere of contemporary design exhibition Lisa Gorman + Mirka Mora : To breathe with the rhythm of the heart which will be on display from November 18 to March 17.

Curated by Warrnambool Art Gallery Director Aaron Bradbrook, and supported by the Victorian Government’s Regional Events Fund, the exhibition aligns the work of Warrnambool-born designer and visual artist Lisa Gorman and iconic Australian painter Mirka Mora - two pioneering and groundbreaking artists whose practices traverse generations and art form.

Lisa Gorman is known to many for her vibrant and collaborative designs for one of Australia’s most recognisable fashion labels Gorman which she founded in 1999 and remained as creative director before departing the business in 2021.

For this exclusive exhibition, Lisa Gorman draws from her love of colour and experience with textiles, specifically the process of weaving, to create a series of exquisite and illuminating acrylic sculptures, immersing visitors in a neon colour bomb of bouncing light and playful shapes.

Meeting Mirka Mora in 2016 for a Gorman collaboration, Lisa said: “The thing that struck me about Mirka Mora was how much her work resembled herself,

Crossword Solution No 26

visually and spiritually. I felt that Mirka existed in this realm of all these mystical and wonderous beings and otherworldly scenes of nature that she was creating on canvas. She definitely lived in a magical dimension.”

French-born Australian artist Mirka Mora (1928-2018) was a beloved inspiration in the Australian art and culinary scene after arriving in the country in 1951.

In 2016, Mirka alongside Lisa Gorman launched their collaboration for the Gorman label, adorning fashion and art lovers in Mirka’s extraordinary artwork and Lisa’s deeply creative style and fashion form.

This highly collectable and sought after collaboration formed an ongoing friendship between the two artists and this exhibition celebrates the artists shared love of colour, illusion, other worldliness, and experimental modes of production, while highlighting the pivotal role fashion and textiles played in their daily lives.

Aaron Bradbrook, Director of Warrnambool Art Gallery and curator for this exhibition said this contemporary display of two of the most influential creative minds in this country is a celebration of Victorian art and design.

“The all-encompassing exhibition will take fashion and art lovers on a journey through collaborative practice, inspiration and mood covering the last 60 years.”

Observations with Matt Bissett-Johnson with Matt Bissett-Johnson

● ● Lisa Gorman

■ With under two months to go until the running of the Melbourne Cup the VRC are thrilled with the 132 nominations for this year’s race.

A total of 312 local and 15 internationals have been entered for the 163rd running of the Lexus Melbourne Cup.

At the same time last year, there were 97 contenders still in the running for the Cup, which included 10 internationals.

Hall of Fame trainer and VRC Ambassador, Gai Waterhouse, celebrates a decade since her historic win in the 2013 Melbourne Cup with her great galloper, the ill-fated Fiorente

Gai, with her training partner Adran Bott, have nominated nine contenders highlighted by the top galloper, Goldman.

Goldman secured a spot in the Cup by winning the listed Roy Higgins Race over 2600 metres, and Group One Australian Derby winner, Major Beel.

Fellow Flemington based trainers, Melbourne Cup winners Chris Waller and Danny O’ Brien, feature among the nominations.

Highlights for Chris Waller include the Penfolds Victoria Derby winner, Manzoice, and Queensland Derby winner Kovalica

VRC THRILLED WITH CUP NOMINATIONS Ted Ryan

Reigning Cup-winning trainers Ciaron Maher and David Eustace have nominated 17 horses, including last year’s Cup winner, Gold Trip, who will rise in weight for this year’s classic.

First up at Moonee Valley, Gold Trip ran a good fourth in conditions that didn’t suit finishing fourth in the Bendigo Bank Race over 2040, after drawing out wide.

They also have nominated last year’s third placegetter, High Emocean.

Nominations from international connections are of strong quality with horses from Japan , Ireland, and England to travel to Flemington on the big day.

Top English trainer, William Haggis, has nominated Desert Hero, bred by the late Queen Elizabeth II, and owned by their Majesties, King Charles and Queen Camilla, Queen Elizabeth II, previously had a Melbourne Cup runner in 1997 with Arabian Story, who ran sixth in the big event.

On the 30th Anniversary of the Irish raider Vintage Crop’s history making Melbourne Cup win, his trainer, the great Irishman, Dermot Weld , has nominated Harbour Wind, who recently won the listed Vinnie Rose, Stakes, named after the three-time Melbourne Cup runner, Vinnie Rose, also trained by Weld.

Leading Irish trainer, Willie Mullins, will have a two-pronged attack for this year’s Cup with long range race favourite, Vauban , and Ebor Handicap winner, Absurde, among the entries.

Absurde is guaranteed a run in this year’s Cup thanks to his win in the Ebor Handicap, which offered a golden ticket into the Cup for the first time this year.

Daughter of 2013 Melbourne Cup winner, Fiorente, Lunar Flare is the other horse guaranteed a spot in the race that stops a nation.

That was after her win in the listed Andrew Ramsden Stakes over 2800 metres for trainer Graeme Begg.

Underwood Stakes

■ Another feature of the spring carnival at Caulfield is the Underwood Stakes, over 1800 metres with early mentions on who could have a crack at the coveted event.

In recent markets there hasn’t been a great change, but a few who could go around have put in some good runs lately.

The early market has the Freedman trained Without A Fight, as the popular pick after procuring him after a poor run in the Melbourne Cup from international interests. Since arriving the seven-year-old by Teofilo,

won in good style taking out the Lord Mayor’s Cup over 1800 metres a Group 3 event, over 1800 metres, at Eagle Farm.

He then followed that good win in the Sky Racing Q22 over 2200 metres once again at Eagle Farm.

On that run he was made an early favourite for the Caulfield Cup.

He is also nominated for the Cox Plate to be run at Moonee Valley on October 28.

The consistent Alligator Blood, another top performer, just missed the place in the Memsie Stakes at Caulfield back on September 2, behind Mr Brightside, and will be in there punching, if he goes around here.

The early favourite for the Caulfield Cup, Soulcombe, won the Heatherlie Handicap at Caulfield in good style over 1700 metres, and was backed into second favourtism.

Prepared by Chris Waller, Soulcombe showed that he has the ability to match it with the best.

Mr Brightside is one of the best going around having won his two, after a break, and is a winner of two Doncasters.

At Moonee Valley, the former top New Zealander, Globe, who had put together four wins before a spell, was found to have suffered a Cardiac Arrhyhmia, and was pulled out of the race in the latter stages by his rider, Jamie Kah. She said that she felt him go wrong nearing the 600 metres, and that was the end of the penny section.

One of the big runs of the day at Moonee Valley on September 10, was that of Melbourne Cup winner, Gold Trip, who drew two from the outside in the seventh race at the Valley , the Bendigo Bank event.

With only a short run to the turn out of the straight, his rider, Mark Zahara, eased him right back to second last, and allowed him to relax. He got going at about 600 metres from home, and flashed home for a good fourth behind Young Werther.

● ● David Eustace and Ciaron Maher. Racing Photos.

on Derby Day. Outside of Flemington, the Group One Caulfield Cup over 2400 metres and the Group One Cox Plate at the Valley, offer exemption.

Further opportunities for horses and connections to receive ballot exemption at Flemington, include the Group 3 Lexus Bart Cummings over 2500 metres on Turnbull Stakes day, and the Group 3 Lexus Archer Stakes (2500 Metres),

WARRAGUL DOUBLES FOR SUGARS, CALDOW

■ The week commenced in Gippsland on Monday September 9 when Warragul held a small but neat seven event card highlighted by driving doubles to Greg Sugars and John Caldow.

Maree and John Caldow enjoyed a profitable afternoon after taking the Alby & Nellie Quinlan Memorial Pace over 2210 metres with Our Miki Diva and the 2210 metre Ken Huntly Memorial 2023 Trotters Handicap with former NSW 5Y0 Majestic Son-Frozen Funds entire Daimyo.

Four year old Always B Miki-Divine Diva mare Our Miki Diva raced by Bendigo’s Dennis and Brenda Bice led throughout from gate two, accounting for Oceanique along the sprint lane from three pegs in a rate of 2-00.8. Polemarker Atego Shades after trailing the winner was third 3 metres away.

■ Daimyo whose most recent success had been at Menangle in April began fast from barrier five to trail polemarker The Girls Gotflair who usually pings away and received the run of the race.

Angling away from the markers in the back straight on the final occasion Daimyo put the race away in a couple of strides to greet the judge 10.4 metres in advance of The Girls Gotflair, with Our Safari Sun (10m – three pegs) third a half head away. The mile rate 2-04.9.

■ Greg Sugars snared the opening race – the Downtowner 3Y0 Maiden Pace over 1790 metres aboard the Craig & Toby Jamieson (Cranbourne) trained Shoobees Spirit, a colt by Shoobees Place and Bettors Package.

Restrained from gate six tp settle three back in the moving line as Emjay Star led from gate four, Shoobees Spirit went forward on the back of Glemelly Beach at the bell to move outside the leader, before taking a trail on Otis Rising which had gone forward from the rear to race exposed for the final circuit.

Easing three wide on the home turn, Shoobees Spirit finished best on turning to record a half neck victory over Ynobe Dakota along the sprint lane after trailing the weakening leader, with Otis Rising third 3.3 metres back. The mile rate 1-59.

■ It was the Tubbs/Sugars combination landing the 2210 metre Sale Farm & Equine Pace when Art Major-Siliqua filly Aureus bred and raced by Highfield Farms Pty Ltd saluted.

Leading out from the pole, Sugars elected to hand over the front running to Hes Olly when pressured with two laps to travel. Given a beaut trip thereafter, Aureus used the sprint lane to blouse Hes Olly by a half head on the wire, with Star Hunter third 1.3 metres away after racing uncovered for the last half of the race. The mile rate 1-57.7.

Motored to the wire

■ Shepparton was Tuesday’s venue when another 10 race program was held.

Arcadia trainer John McLean remembered for his deeds with outstanding entire Riverlea Jack during the eighties was victorious with a first starter by the name of Alive And Free, a Lazarus-Dancing With Daisy gelding raced and bred by Lauriston Bloodstock Pty Ltd in the Jims Diggers 2Y0 Maiden Pace over 1690 metres.

Driven by Leigh Sutton, Alive And Free (gate six) possied three back in the moving line as Scoop Linden (gate two) led before being crossed by Just Jaydo (gate four) at the bell. Despite making the final bend five wide, Alive And Free motored to the wire at 100 miles an hour to gain the day by a half neck from Just Daydo, with Scoop Linden (one/one at bell) third a half head away. The mile rate 1-59.3.

■ Doreen owner/breeders John and Christine Yeomans were winners on the night when American Ideal-Foxy Roxy Rita colt American Werewolf scored in the 2190 metre Neatline Homes Pace.

Trained by John assisted by stable manager Shane Gallagher, American Werewolf driven by Victoria’s leading reinsman James Herbertson possied three pegs after starting inside the second line trailing Orions Wildside (gate two) which had crossed polemarker Barny Bill.

Extricated to make the home turn three wide, American Werewolf ran home best to register a 1.5 metre margin in a rate of 1-59.9 over Barny Bill along the sprint lane, with Orions Wildside 2.3 metres away third.

■ ‘Herbie’ was to make it a double after polemarker Be A Good Scout trained at Echuca

Harness Racing

Romsey trainer/driver Chris Svanosio was successful with handy 4Y0 SomebeachsomewhereLucky Ha Ha mare Lollipop in the Georgina & Co Pace over 1690 metres much to the delight of harness racing addict VHRC President Emmy Mazzetti who bred and races her.

Enjoying a cosy one/one passage from gate three after local hope Got The Odds (Ben Yole and Taylor Youl) sped across from gate five to lead leaving the favourite Pete Mitchell (gate four) in the open.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

This Week

len-baker@ bigpond.com

by Susan Hunter led throughout in the JDC Contractors Pace over 1690 metres to defeat Gauci from inside the second line which trailed and Roll With Ron (gate five) who raced exposed from the bell. The margins 2.1 by 1.9 metres in a mile rate of 1-57.8.

■ Avenel trainer/driver Juanita Breen snared the Cottrells Electrical Pace over 2190 metres with Royal Starzzz, a 5Y0 daughter of Four Starzzz Shark and Sayalittleprayer, also leading all of the way from gate four to account for Harrywho (gate three) along the sprint lane from four pegs by 2.1 metres, with Rimu Valley (gate two) third 1.5 metre back after trailing the winner. The mile rate 1-59.1.

■ Local Bunbartha trainer/driver John Newberry’s Mr Feelgood-Chain Of Gold 6Y0 mare Amber Alert led for most of the 1690 metre journey of the Central Tyre Service Pace to register a fighting neck margin over a death-seating Our Tempo in a rate of 2-01.2. Roam after using the sprint lane from three pegs was third 2.9 metres away.

Ballarat blowout

■ Ballarat’s Wednesday’s fixture saw a couple of blow out results with Beautybouchea ($61.00) and Baarlinee ($17.00) saluting.

Four year old mare Beautybouchea, a daughter of Danny Bouchea and Yankee Surprise partowned and trained by Carla Innes-Goodrich at Junortoun landed the Ferndale Foods Australia Maiden Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres.

Driven by Alex Ashwood, Beautybouchea second up since April settled four pegs from gate three on the second line and after angling to be one/one on the final bend, ran home best to prevail by a neck from polemarker Orphan Andy which trailed the leader and third placegetter Tara Tuff (gate two) who was a neck back. The mile rate 2-04.7.

■ Baarlinee a 6Y0 Peak-Drop Us Aline mare trained in partnership by Barry and Ashley Ainsworth at Moyreisk snared the Hydrautech Ballarat Trotters Mobile over 2200 metres in a rate of 2-02.8.

Driven by Ash, Baarlinee spent most of the race three pegs from the pole and after extricating to be one/one on the home turn and three wide on straightening, finished best to score by a head from Mielicki which gained inside runs from six pegs to get close. Fredrhys (five pegs –one/one at bell) was third 1.1 metres back.

■ Six year old Peak-Yankee Poem gelding My High Peak (naughty on some occasions) returned to the winners stall after taking the 2200 metre www.ballarattrottingclub.co.au Trotters Mobile.

Trained at Moonlight by Joanne Franklin, My High Peak driven by Michael Bellman travelled beautifully three back in the moving line after starting outside the front line and after going forward three wide solo in the last lap, cruised up to the leaders Reigning Lillies and Rioterra. Taking over halfway up the running, My High Peak on his best behavior held a margin of seven metres to the judge when accounting for Itsallandover which followed the winner throughout. Rioterra held third 4.8 metres back. The mile rate 2-03.5.

Angling three wide on the final bend, Lollipop ran home best to prevail by 4.5 metres from La Toison Dor (three pegs) which angled away from the inside on turning, with Got The Goods holding down third a neck back in a local district trifecta. The mile rate 1-58.5.

■ Bolinda trainer Kari Males combined with Kate Gath to land the $20,000 Love You @ Haras Des Trotteurs Vicbred Super Series 3Y0 Silver Trotters Mobile over 2180 metres with Majestic Son-Karaka Tooth filly Majestic Tooth in a 2-02 mile rate.

After trailing the leader Kyvalley Amanda (gate three) from the pole, Majestic Tooth used the sprint lane to record a 1.9 metre victory over a death-seating Shaq The Anvil, with Kyvalley Amanda third 5.6 metres back.

■ The $20,000 Love You @ Haras Des Trotteurs Bronze Trot going to the Riddell Creek partnership of Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar’s Muscle Hill-Nitengale Stride filly Satin Stride. With Chris in the sulky, Satin Stride led all of the way from gate three to account for At The Distance (three pegs) by an easy 13.5 metre margin. Nuclear Attitude (one/one) was third a head away. The mile rate 2-02.1.

■ The $20,000 Bold Eagle @ Haras Trotteurs Vicbred 2Y0 Trot saw Volstead-Tricia Powell filly Nordic Reign led throughout from the pole for Bunbartha father and son John (trainer) & Matt Newberry.

Rated a treat by Matt, Nordic Reign greeted the judge 1.8 metres clear of Centurian Dream along the sprint lane after trailing from gate two, with Manda Kyvalley third a half head back after racing exposed from gate six. The mile rate 2-03.8.

■ The Timoko @ Haras 4Y0 $20,000 Bronze Silver taken out by Mitchell Park (Ballarat) trainer Kelvin Barker’s Majestic Son-Imitating gelding Mercenary (Mark Pitt) who was tough after racing exposed from the extreme draw to outstay his rivals in defeating the leader Hold That Gold (gate six) by 2.3 metres in a mile rate of 2-00.4. Polemarker Itzfergietime (three pegs) was third 1.9 metres back.

- Len Baker

■ Wednesday – Yarra Valley/Swan Hill, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Hamilton/ Shepparton, Saturday – Melton, Sunday –Ouyen, Monday – Charlton, Tuesday –Bendigo.

Briefly

■ Two meetings Friday – Mildura and Bendigo and at Mildura Kiwi bred John McLean (the horse), a 7Y0 Sportswriter-Affairs Are Bettor gelding was impressive in taking the MHRC Supports Standardbred Rehoming Pace over 2190 metres.

Trained by Julie Douglas at Strathfieldsaye and driven by Michelle Phillips, John McLean was driven hard from gate four to cross roughie Sinister (gate two) and was never headed, reaching the wire 4.5 metres in advance of Wiltshire Boulevard (three pegs) and Sinister who was third 2.9 metres back. The mile rate 1-58.4.

■ On a day of multiple victories, Michelle Phillips was to drove four : Martha Lavinia for Allan (Pud) McDonald, Beta Than Love (Julie Douglas), In The Paper (Julie Douglas) the other three, while Adelaide’s Wayne Hill kept up his great Mildura record by driving three (Our Art Work), Lochinvar Ruler (Aaron Coad) and Bodyline (Kate Attard). In the training ranks Julie Douglas (three), Kate Attard two (Apache Wind and Bodyline) and Kialla’s Conor Crook two (Lip Reader and Heavensway).

■ At Bendigo, Bannockburn trainer Geoff Webster and stable reinsman Connor Clarke snared a double following the victories of Million Dollar Cam-Endeared filly Elusive in the Art Major Vicbred Super Series over 2180 metres and Major Major ($51.00) in the 4Y0 entires and geldings Ride High Super Series. Elusive led throughout from gate three to defeat Luvaresch which trailed and Vague Beauty from mid-field in 1-59.3. The margins a nose by 2 metres, while Major Major (gate two) used the sprint lane from three pegs to score a 2.8 metre margin over the leader Pas Guarantee in 1-55.3 with Jet Rock third 4.1 metres away after easing off the back of the leader on turning.

Melbournewide Bad day at Black Rock

■ Moorabbin Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested and charged two teenagers following a robbery in Black Rock.

A 16-year-old boy from Elwood has been charged with attempted robbery, affray, assault related offences, theft and commit indicatable offence whilst on bail.

A 15-year-old boy from Mentone has been charged with affray and assault.

The charges follow an incident in the vicinity of Bluff and Balcombe Rds, where a 15year-old boy was approached by three teens, on Friday (Sep. 15) about 7.30pm.

The trio allegedly made demands for the boy’s shoes and challenged him to a fight before the victim resisted.

The Black Rock boy was then assaulted and allegedly hit to the face.

He was able to run from the scene for help and reported the incident to police.

As part of their enquiry’s detectives attended the scene Friday evening and located two of the three offenders nearby.

later date. The Mentone boy has been bailed to appear before a children’s court at a later date.

The investigation remains ongoing in relation to the third teen involved.

P-plate over limit

■ A probationary licence holder has been caught more than four times over the limit in Hastings on Saturday morning (Sep. 16).

The Hastings van was on patrol when they notice an illegally parked car on High St about 3.50am.

Officers checked the vehicle and found a woman slumped across the front passenger seat and asleep.

The 39-year-old woman, who had been driving the vehicle, was taken back to a local police station where she returned an evidentiary breath test result of 0.18.

The Crib Point woman was served with an immediate suspension of her licence and had her car impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1170.

■ At Thursday’s Kilmore night meeting,

The Elwood boy has been remanded in custody to appear before a children’s court at a

It is expected the woman will be summonsed in relation to drink driving.

with Len Baker

Diana Trask: Memories Are Made Of This

A great CD by one of Australia’s popular singers $20 including postage

Diana Trask was one of the first popular Australian singers to be successful in the USA but soon after many others followed: Helen Reddy, Olivia Newton-John and in recent times Keith Urban. Diana's success began on the Sing Along with Mitch TV Show from New York. Coming back to Australia she had a national hit TV show The Di Trask Show.

Dear Friends, I am so happy and excited to have my CD “Memories Are Made of This” made available to you through The Local Paper. I trust you will enjoy hearing this great selection of wonderful songs I sang on “The Di Trask Show” all those years ago. With love, Diana

1. Memories Are Made of This

2. Unforgettable

3. Alley Cat

4. Que Sera Sera

5. Heather on the Hill

6. Half as Much

7. All or Nothing at All

8. Auf Wiedershen

9. Green Eyes

10. Blues in the Night

11. Hello Young Lovers

12. To the Ends of the Earth

13. Days of Wine and Roses

14. Those Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer

15. Goodnight Irene

16. Comes Love

Simply send the form below. All orders will be dispatched within two working days of cheque/money order clearance. Please include your name/address/phone number, and mail with cheque or money order to Kevin Trask Enterprises.

To: Kevin Trask Enterprises PO Box 200, Canterbury, Vic 3126

Yes! Please send me the CD “Memories Are Made of This” I enclose my Cheque/Money Order for $20.00

Name: .........................................................................................................

Address: .......................................................................................................

.......................................................... Phone: ............................................

$20 including Postage or “Memories Are Made of This” can be purchased from Diana’s website www.dianatrask.com

The Local Paper The Local Paper

Sell Advertising For Us

Part-Time. Work From Home.

Recent media industry developments have led to a wide scope of opportunities across Victoria for our local newspapers. To meet this growth

we wish to appoint an Advertising Sales Agent. This position involves working from your own home, contacting business people by telephone during business hours, and arranging their advertising requirements. Our Local Media Research Department supplies you with a fresh listing of qualified ‘warm’ sales prospects to contact.

You are paid fortnightly by generous commission.

About You

You are a professional Sales Person - who loves talking with business people, and winning the sale. You enjoy working ethically with strong established media products, backed by a substantial online presence. You have experience in sales, preferably in media, and also with practised abilities in TeleSales.

About Us

Local Media Pty Ltd has a 54-year heritage. Our Melbourne Observer masthead was first published in 1969. The Observer has a strong readership segment in the 40+ demographic. It is a section included in each of our Local Paper mastheads.

Our Local Paper titles are well established, and they cover 40 local government areas with localised editions. The Local Paper enjoys positive recognition, and many great success stories. It all ads up to results, happy customers and healthy earnings.

The Local Paper

We want you to research our company - and tell us what you’ve discovered and why you would like to work with us. Please email your proposal to the Publisher, Mr Ash Long, at editor@LocalPaper.com.au

Enjoy independence by working from your own home office.

Earn well by organising advertising requirements of business people.

This position can fit well with your other pursuits such as looking after young/school-age children, and/or other part-time employment. Wholesome family newspapers, printed fortnightly, with a top distribution network across Victoria. Also published online at www.LocalPaper.com.au

Part of the Local Media group, publishers of the Melbourne Observer (established 1969) and The Local Paper.

Local Media Pty Ltd, publishers of The Local Paper, Melbourne Observer and other publications offers equal opportunity in all positions. All positions commence on a contract basis - successful applicants require their own ABN. This position requires you to have your own home office with phone and internet connectivity. Local Media Pty Ltd pays performance-based commission packages on a fortnightly basis.

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

■ Victorian Amateur Football Association. Premier Men’s. Preliminary Final. St Kevins 12.16 (88) d University Blues 6.7 (43).

Premier Men’s Reserves. Preliminary Final. Old Scotch 10.10 (70) d St Kevins 6.13 (49).

Premier B Men’s. Preliminary Final. Fitzroy 17.8 (110) d Beaumaris 12.17 (89).

Premier B men’s Reserves. Preliminary Final. Old Trinity 14.7 (91) d Fitzroy 9.9 (63).

Premier C Men’s. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. Old Camberwell Grammarians v Parkside Vultures.

Premier C Men’s Resrves. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. Mazenod OC v Marcellin OC.

Division 1 Men’s. Grand Final. Glen Eira 15.13 (103) d Oakleigh 6.13 (49).

Division 1 Men’s Reserves. Grand Final. Kew 13.12 (90) d Glen Eira 8.7 (55).

Division 2 Men’s. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Parkside v old Yarra Cobras.

Division 2 Men’s Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Parkside v South Melbourne Districts.

Division 3 Men’s. Grand Final. Elsternwick 21.19 (145) d Hawthorn 12.6 (78).

Division 3 Men’s Reserves. Grand Final. Elsternwick 12.7 (79) d Richmond Central 11.9 (75).

Division 4 Men’s. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. North Brunswick v Albert Park.

Sports People

Division 4 Men’s Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. North Brunswick v Box Hill North.

■ Eastern Football Netball League. Premier Division Seniors. Grand Final. Rowville

9.12 (66) d Vermont 8.8 (56).

■ Essendon District Football League. Premier Division Seniors. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. Pascoe Vale v Strathmore.

Division 1. Grand Final. Deer Park 21.14 (140) d West Coburg 6.8 (44).

■ Mornington Peninsula Nepean Football League. Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Dromana v Frankston YCW.

Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Red Hill v Langwarrin.

Division 1 Under 19. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Mt Eliza v Langwarrin.

■ Northern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 17.

Preliminary Final. Bundoora v North Heidelberg.

Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. Montmorenncy v North Heidelberg.

Division 1 Under 19.5. Sunday, September 17. Preliminary Final. West Preston Lakeside v Eltham.

Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final. Eltham 12.13 (85) d Diamond Creek 6.8 (44).

Your Stars

with Kerry Kulkens

Division 2 Reserves. Grand Final. Eltham 18.11 (119) d Thomastown 6.6 (42).

Division 2 Under 19.5. Grand Final. Diamond Creek 10.14 (74) d South Morang 7.12 (54).

■ Outer East. Premier Division Seniors. Preliminary Final. Wandin 23.21 (159) d Woori Yallock 9.12 (66).

Premier Division Reserves. Preliminary Final. Upwey-Tecoma 8.8 (56) d Wandin 4.9 (33).

Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Berwick Springs v Emerald.

Division 1 Reserves. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Officer v Emerald.

■ Southern Football Netball League. Division 1 Seniors. Preliminary Final. Cheltenham 14.11 (95) d Port Melbourne Colts 5.13 (43).

Division 2 Seniors. Grand Final. East Brighton 13.14 (92) d Murrumbeena 8.7 (53).

Division 3 Seniors. Grand Final. Endeavour Hills 13.16 (94) d Frankston Dolphins 11.11 (77).

Division 4 Seniors. Grand Final. South Mornington 15.9 (99) d Hampton 12.7 (79). ■ Western Regional Football League. Division 1 Seniors. Sunday, September 17. Grand Final. Werribee Districts v Point Cook.

Division 3 Seniors. Grand Final. Suns 14.11 (95) d Albanvale 14.9 (93).

SKILTON: LEGEND IN HALL OF FAME

■ After his beloved Sydney Swans ended their season this month, pioneering Australian Rules footballer Robert John ‘Bob’ Skilton is being celebrated by the nation’s most prestigious sporting club.

Skilton is among a select group to win three Brownlow Medals, Australian Rules Football’s highest individual accolade, and is being honoured as the 47th Legend in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame.

Skilton said he is extremely proud and humbled to be elevated to Legend status in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame, given the outstanding quality of recipients who have been bestowed with the honour.

“To be looked upon, or to even just to be considered as a part of such an incredible group of people, I’m just so proud,” he said.

“I remember when I was first inducted, I couldn’t believe the people I was mixing with. These were people that I had looked up to and to be considered as one of them was, and is, just so special.”

The champion footballer was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame as an Athlete Member in 1985 in recognition of his highly valued and distinguished contribution to the sport of Australian Rules Football.

He represented South Melbourne in 237 games during a career spanning from 1956 to 1971, kicking 412 goals while playing as a rover, and later coaching the club and Melbourne.

Nicknamed ‘The Chimp’, Skilton commanded respect across the VFL and captained South Melbourne from 1961 to 1971, being the champion player on nine occasions.

He also represented Victoria with distinction in national carnivals and was named as the rover for both the AFL and South Melbourne Teams of the Century.

The annual Elevation of Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members to Legend status is the most celebrated sporting honour that can be bestowed on an Australian.

Legend status provides the chance to honour Members who have distinguished themselves at the highest level and become a part of Australia’s rich sporting folklore. Skilton joins the likes of Sir Donald Bradman, Dawn Fraser, Cathy Freeman, Rod Lave, Ian Thorpe, Shane Warne, John Eales and Wally Lewis as a Legend of Australian Sport.

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Legend and Chair, John Bertrand, said it was the perfect time to confirm that Skilton would become the newest Legend in the prestigious organisation.

“Bob Skilton had the rare distinction of being a player beloved by the supporters of South Melbourne while also being respected across the competition for his brilliance as a footballer, but

also for his courage and fairness and commitment to the game,” Bertrand said.

“To win three Brownlow Medals over a period of a decade speaks to a footballer who was able to sustain his excellence and consistency while overcoming the challenges that elite athletes confront in their careers.

“Skilton is the true definition of a Legend. He was an inspiration when playing and continued to inspire others to strive to get the best out of themselves.

“He emphasises everything that is good about sport in this nation and the Sport Australia Hall of Fame is delighted to announce his Elevation to Legend status.”

Sport Australia Hall of Fame Members must be retired for 15 years before being considered for Elevation to Legend status.

‘Bob’ Skilton earned widespread respect across the VFL for his talent, leadership and sportsmanship during a stellar career rep-

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1-4-6-9

Lotto Numbers: 4-6-16-24-41-43

Don’t listen to gossip or repeat it, or your reputation could take a battering. The wise will show more appreciation towards lovers. Finances tend to balance out.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 2-3-5-9

Lotto Numbers: 5-11-33-36-40-44

There could be a mystery, someone in the background who is taking a keen interest in what you have been doing, and many could be offered a part in some financial ventures, and some will receive romantic propositions.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1-5-6-7

Lotto Numbers: 12-14-23-29-32-37

Don’t lend money or possessions. Friends could be receptive without meaning to. A very social period coming up and it would be wise to plan your time in advance or you may promise to be in different places at the same time.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 1-4-5-6

Lotto Numbers: 8-10-31-34-38-40

An agitated period for most, you may avoid trouble by talking things over with partners before heading into ventures on your own or making decisions that involve others, a luckier time ahead.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Black

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 2-3-5-9

Lotto Numbers: 13-18-19-31-37-45

Don’t take anything for granted where money is concerned, as some deception is indicated. Letting your temper go unchecked can take its toll on your relationships. A romantic overture could bolster your confidence.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 2-3-6-7

Lotto Numbers: 3-5-25-33-43-44

resenting South Melbourne. A highly skilled rover who excelled from the midfield through to the forward line, Skilton was an exemplary kicker with superb evasive skills, which made him a favourite of fans.

The diminutive Skilton , who stood 171cm, was highly courageous despite his stature and earned significant respect for his attack on the ball.

His excellence and sportsmanship is highlighted by the Brownlow Medals he claimed in 1959, 1963 and 1968 as the VFL competition’s best-and-fairest player.

Skilton, who grew up in Port Melbourne, is among a select group of players to win the Brownlow Medal three times and rates among the best footballers to play the game.

He was inducted into the Sport Australia Hall of Fame in 1985 and feels incredibly proud to be Elevated to Legend status, with the admiration he holds for his peers.

“I’ve always been in awe of the absolute skill level of the other Hall of Fame athletes. The ability of some of those guys is incredible,” he said.

What Skilton has treasured the most during his time in football and as an Athlete Member of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame for four decades is the quality of the people he has met.

“You’ve only got to spend a short time with any professional athlete to realise how dedicated they are in everything they do. You must have the absolute desire to succeed,” he said.

“And training? You’re not going to succeed if you don’t train or if you don’t have a good work ethic.

“In a sense you have to be a little bit selfish. You have to be prepared to sacrifice time and social events. But you also have to know when not to be selfish, which is fundamental in a team environment.”

Holiday plans could be altered or deferred; check all arrangements thoroughly. In a romantic period, however, someone may be trying to gain your favours, which could put you in a very embarrassing situation.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 1-3-5-9

Lotto Numbers: 1-4-8-18-27-35

There is likely to be friction around you domestic-wise; avoid trouble than provoke it. Make sure bills are paid on time. Those in the public eye should benefit financially.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 1-2-3-4

Lotto Numbers 6-9-14-23-28-34

Don’t take on too much at once, or your health could suffer. Plan any business venture and double-check any travel arrangements. Finances could be down one minute and up the next.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Grey

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 3-6-7-8

Lotto Numbers: 4-13-24-41-42-43

For many, there could be quite a financial windfall. However, friction in your love life could explode. The wise among you will not neglect loved ones. Past contacts could be interesting.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Black

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4-5-8-9

Lotto Numbers: 1-3-7-19-23-37

There should be many opportunities for singles to develop their romantic interests. Friends may disapprove of your choices; however, if you know what you want, go for it.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Grey

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 2-3-5-6

Lotto Numbers: 18-21-25-28-34-37

Your hunches are more reliable. The financial picture looks brighter, don’t be too keen to entertain strangers. If you tell secrets, they could rebound. Someone could repay a past favour.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1-4-6-9

Lotto Numbers: 6-20-22-33-36-40

You may find out who your friends are during this period. Don’t start any new ventures unless you check out all the information. Don’t carry any dead weight around. Insist others meet their obligations.

● ● Bob Silkton has entered the Sport Australia Hall of Fame