The Local Paper. North-West Edition. Wed., Mar. 20, 2024

made at this time.

Investigations remain ongoing.

Police urge anyone with information about the activity at the site to come forward.

Anyone who has information about this incident or any drug trafficking activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au

■ Brimbank Highway Patrol impounded a motorbike after detecting it travelling more than double the speed limit in Keilor on Saturday (Mar. 9).

Police were performing speed detection duties on the Calder Freeway as part of Operation Arid just before 3pm.

Officers detected a white BMW S1000R motorbike allegedly travelling at 210-kmh in a 80kmh area.

The motorbike was intercepted before Police spoke to the 26-year-old Tarneit rider.

The bike was impounded for a period of 30 days at a cost of $932.40.

The man will be summonsed to attend court at a later date.

Operation Arid was a state-wide road policing operation aimed at reducing road trauma and lives lost on the roads over the Labour Day long weekend.

Fireworks at Hume

■ There will be a series of non-council run events at Craigieburn Anzac Park holding fireworks throughout March

■ Holi Festival of Colour. Saturday, March 23. 9pm

ensure that pets are kept in a secure area

are wearing identification.

● ● Police want to speak with this man about a smash and grab. ✖Police are investigating the theft of hot water systems from a trade warehouse in Thomastown last month. Investigators have been told a vehicle was driven into the business on Dalton Rd around 4.50pm on February 25. The two male occupants exited the Ford Falcon sedan and loaded three Instant hot water systems into the vehicle. They attempted to drive away without paying and staff noticed this and began lowering the roller doors to block the exit. The driver has accelerated at a fast rate of speed, crashing through the roller door, narrowly missing several customers inside the store. It is believed the vehicle used was stolen from a property in St Albans earlier that day. Investigators have released an image of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries.

● ● ● ● Ben Carroll

✔

Niddrie MLA Ben Carroll has told State Parliament that he attended the official opening of Helping Hands in McIntosh St, Airport West. “This is a wonderful service that the Allan Labor Government has contributed $350,000 to to help them transfer to McIntosh St, Airport West, to continue supporting 70 families every day with their community pantry, supported also by the wonderful LaManna at Essendon Fields. With their employment and education programs and Gaye’s Vintage Shop, Helping Hands is a wonderful icon in the Niddrie electorate. Its new home in McIntosh St, Airport West, will ensure that it goes on to service the local community for many years and many decades to come. I congratulate Melanie and all the team at Helping Hands.”

✔Werribee MLA Tim Pallas has told the Legislative Assembly about the local Tigers football club. “The Tigers are already hard at work, so I am full of optimism for the season. With preseason and practice matches, winning Saturday’s game against the member for Pascoe Vale’s team the Coburg Lions – I expect to be seeing the member for Pascoe Vale wearing the Tigers tie at some point – and almost doubling their score, 44–84, it is great to see the CEO for the club Mark Penaluna and players back again with enthusiasm to continue their great work this year with a premiership in mind. The Werribee Tigers are an important part of the social fabric of our community and have been a staple part of my electorate, bringing the community together since the team was formed in 1964. They are more than just a football club; they organise engagements in schools, sports and holiday clinics, women’s football, and offer kids programs that build diversity and inclusion.”

New homes in N. Melb.

■ Residents have started moving into 78 new social housing homes in the heart of North Melbourne , constructed through the State Government’s investment in social and affordable housing.

Harriet Shing, Minister for Housing, visited the newly completed $40 million Shiel St housing development, delivered as part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.

More than 100 people on the Victorian Housing Register will move into the new homes, which are owned and managed by Housing Choices Australia, with a variety of one, two and three-bedroom homes that are modern and energy efficient.

The Shiel St site is well located with easy access to public transport, shops, schools, services, and parks – and during construction, the project supported more than 350 jobs.

Ten per cent of the Big Housing Build housing is earmarked for First Nations people, and more than 3000 homes have already been completed for priority groups.

“Everyone deserves a home that is modern, accessible, and well-connected, and this housing in North Melbourne is a wonderful example of how we are addressing growth and improving liveability,” saids Ms Shing.

“Construction is continuing around the state as we build and upgrade thousands of homes from the middle of Melbourne to the Victorian border – this is the largest single investment in social and affordable housing by any state or territory government, and we’re determined to deliver long-term benefits as our population grows.”

Ms Watt, MLC for Northern Metropolitan Region, said: “Right around the state we have projects like this in the pipeline, as part of our commitment to deliver 12,000 new social and affordable homes under the Big Housing Build.”

NEW STATION FOR POINT COOK

■ The State Government says that is delivering four new state-of-the-art police stations - one of them at Point Cook.

The new and upgraded stations will deliver modern facilities for Victoria Police – giving them the best law enforcement infrastructure so our hardworking police can continue to keep the community safe.

The sum of $25 million has been dedicated for a new police station in Point Cook, a vital resource for one of the fastest growing suburbs in the state.

Tenders for construction will be released in the coming months, inviting builders to enter a formal submission to build the new stations.

Since 2014 the State Government has delivered more than $423 million to build 19 new police stations and upgrade 15 more across Victoria.

Anthony Carbines, Minister for Police, said: “Our record investments are about making sure Victoria Police has all the resources they need to keep the community safe.”

“We’re delivering modern police stations equipped with future-proofed design features so our police have the facilities they need now and into the future.”

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40 YEARS AS NEWSMAN IN MELBOURNE’S NORTH-WEST

In

In earlier years, he had been Manager of a number of local newspapers including the Brunswick Sentinel and Coburg Courier.

Later, he was approached to be Editor of the Western News, and he also was in charge of the Advertiser and News-Pix Weekender titles.

Ash Long has wide knowledge of the people in the North-West.

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

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

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

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

In 2002, Long reinvograted the

Barry Browne and Ash Long at the Bacchus Marsh-Melton Express in 1983. Melbourne Observer newspaper. It continues today as a free section within all editions of The Local Paper. There have been other involvements with TV, radio and online projects.

Decades on, Ash Long and his Local Paper team remain committed to providing the best possible service to readers and clients.

● ● ● ● Sheena Watt MLC

● ● Anthony Carbines

Melbournewide

HOPPERS CROSSING

Double the limit

■ A 31-year-old man was caught driving more than double the speed limit in Hoppers Crossing.

Werribee Police were on patrol when they observed a Harley Davidson motorbike allegedly doing 143-kmh in a 60-kmh zone along Princes Highway between Sneydes and Derrimut Rds about 12.40am on Sunday (Mar. 17).

The rider is expected to be charged on summons with a number of driving offences including driver manner dangerous and exceed speed limit.

His vehicle was also impounded for a period of 30 days, at a cost of $1006.10.

FOOTSCRAY

Tinkah, 13, missing

■ Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate missing girl Tinkah.

The 13-year-old was last seen leaving her Footscray home about 4.45pm on Friday (Mar. 15).

Police and family have concerns for her welfare due to her age and medical conditions.

Tinkah is described as being approximately 157cm tall, with a slim build, brown hair and green eyes.

Police believe she may be travelling to the Wallan area.

She was last seen wearing a black long sleeve top, blue jeans, and black and white Converse shoes.

Anyone who sights Tinkah is urged to contact Footscray Police Station on 8398 9800.

ALTONA NORTH Plaques stolen

■ Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after heartless thieves stole memorial plaques in Altona North sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday, March 12-13.

Investigators have been told 80 memorial plaques were stolen from the Altona Memorial Park on Doherty’s Rd.

The bronze plaques were erected in memory of children by their families in the ‘Garden of Little Angels’.

Police are investigating the incidents and are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.

Detectives warned scrap metal dealers to be wary of thieves attempting to sell the plaques and report any suspicious activity to police.

GREENVALE

Footage wanted

■ Homicide Squad detectives are urging anyone with dashcam footage from the Greenvale area to come forward following the fatal shooting of a man in the suburb on Tuesday morning (Mar. 12).

A 64-year-old Greenvale man was leaving his Buchanan Place property just after 4.30am when he was fatally shot in the upper body.

A family member located him outside the address shortly after the incident, however he passed away at the scene.

No one else was physically injured during the incident.

The investigation into the incident, which is believed to have been targeted, remains ongoing.

Detectives are still to determine how many offenders were involved in the incident or how they left the area.

A significant CCTV canvass of the area has already been conducted and police are in the process of reviewing that footage in the hope it will provide further avenues of enquiry.

Investigators are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was travelling through Greenvale or Gladstone Park, particularly in the vicinity of Mickleham Rd, between 2am and 6am on Tuesday, March 12.

Detectives are hoping footage will provide further information on any vehicles that were in the area in the lead up to and shortly after the shooting.

DRUGS TRAFFICKED ACROSS MELBOURNE: MAN CHARGED

■ A man has been charged with drug trafficking, and three others arrested, following an investigation into the alleged distribution of illicit substances across Melbourne.

An investigation was established in October to investigate the alleged supply of methylamphetamine, cocaine, ketamine, MDMA, GHB and cannabis across Melbourne’s north and south-east.

Following extensive enquiries, the Prahran Divisional Response Unit – with assistance from the St Kilda Frontline Tasking Unit, the Prahran Family Violence Investigation Unit, and the Stonnington, Port Phillip and Wangaratta Crime Investigation Units – executed four simultaneous search warrants at homes in Balwyn North, Carlton and Windsor, as well as two storage units in Wangaratta , from about 8.30am Thursday (Mar. 14).

During the searches, Police allegedly uncovered more than two litres of 1,4-Butanediol, as well as quantities of methylamphetamine, MDMA, ketamine and ecstasy, a cannabis plant, prescription medication and a white powder that will undergo further analysis.

Officers also seized electronic devices and more than $12,000 in cash.

Four people were arrested across the several locations.

■ A 35-year-old man was arrested at a home on Drummond St, Carlton North He was charged with trafficking a commercial quantity of 1,4-Butanediol, trafficking methylamphetamine, MDMA and ketamine, as well as possessing ecstasy, prescription medication and proceeds of crime. He was remanded in custody to appear in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

■ A 67-year-old man was arrested at a home on Minerva Avenue, Balwyn North. He was charged with possessing methylamphetamine and placed on a diversion.

■ A 68-year-old man was also arrested at the Balwyn North property. He was charged with cultivate and possess cannabis. He will be interviewed later.

Statewide Observer

■ A 39-year-old man was arrested at a unit on High St, Windsor, and released pending further enquiries.

■ A man and woman will be spoken to by police at a later date about alleged drug possession.

POINT COOK

Arson bust

■ Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged a second man following an arson attack at a tobacco store in Point Cook in January.

With assistance from the Special Operations Group and the Fugitive Squad, a 34-yearold Broadmeadows man was arrested in Broadmeadows.

He was subsequently interviewed by police and has since been charged with arson, theft of motor vehicle, intentionally cause injury and associated assault offences.

The man was remanded overnight to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court .

Police were to allege the man was utilising multiple mobile phones, sim cards and vehicles to avoid detection.

The assault charges relate to a separate investigation by Merri-bek Crime Investigation Unit into an assault which occurred on February 21.

The victim sustained severe facial injuries, a broken tibia and further injuries to the face from being bitten.

A 26-year-old Campbellfield man was charged with criminal damage by fire, theft of motor vehicle, possess

HORSHAM

Clothing seized

drugs of dependence (cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB), possess ammunition without a licence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

He was remanded to appear at Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court on April 4.

The charges follow an incident on Friday, January 19, where emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a tobacconist on Murnong St shortly before 6am.

A stolen Ford hatchback bearing false plates was used during the offence and later recovered by police.

Nobody was physically injured during the incident, but the business sustained minor damage.

The investigation remains ongoing.

CLIFTON HILL

Blew .172

■ Police have intercepted a woman for allegedly blowing more than three times over the legal limit in Clifton Hill on Friday (Mar. 15).

The 24-year-old driver from Tyabb entered a roadside testing station at about 12.40am.

The P-plater underwent an evidentiary breath test, returning a result of 0.172. A P-plater driver should be zero.

Her licence was immediately suspended for 12 months and is expected to be charged on summons.

Her vehicle was also impounded for 30 days at the cost of $913.70.

■ Horsham Police have arrested two people after designer clothes and drugs were located during a vehicle intercept in Horsham on Thursday (Mar. 14).

It is alleged officers initially observed the white Ford Ranger driving erratically on Stawell Rd about 4.15am.

After intercepting the Ford, officers soon realised the occupants were wanted for questioning about a series of burglaries that had occurred in the Arthur’s Seat and Rye areas.

Officers searched the vehicle and allegedly located designer clothes from Rebecca Vallance which are estimated to be valued around $60,000.

It is alleged the clothes were stolen during a burglary on High St in Armadale on March 10.

Officers also located and seized a quantity of 1-4 butanol and methylamphetamine.

A 29-year-old Frankston man has been charged with burglary, theft and possess drug of dependence offences.

A 35-year-old Frankston woman has been charged with possess drug of dependence, handling stolen goods and driving offences.

The pair have been bailed and charged to attend the Frankston Magistrates’ Court on July 15.

KIALLA EAST

Gruesome discovery

■ Emergency services have responded to a fatal crash in Kialla East.

It is believed a car was travelling along Armstrong Rd when it left the road and struck a tree.

The male driver, who was the sole occupant, was located deceased in the vehicle by a passing motorist about 6.25am Saturday (Mar. 16).

Police will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash and prepare a report for the coroner.

NHILL

Clocked at 240kmh

■ A probationary licence holder has had his car impounded, after allegedly driving at speed in Gerang Gerung and Nhill last Wednesday (Mar. 13).

Horsham Highway Patrol officers attempted to intercept a VW Golf Hatch on the Western Highway, Gerang Gerung before it evaded police around 8.40pm.

Officers detected the Golf being driven at an alleged speed of 240-kmh in a 100-kmh zone.

Just over half an hour later, Nhill police officers intercepted the same car on the Western Highway in Nhill.

The driver of the Golf and sole occupant, a 23-year-old Hughesdale man, is expected to be charged on summons with two counts of speeding, fail to stop on police direction, drive at speed dangerous, reckless conduct endanger life and drive in breach of licence conditions.

The Golf was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1675.

TRUGANINA Man charged

■ A man has been charged following a fatal collision in Truganina on Thursday morning (Mar. 14).

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives will allege a silver Holden SUV collided with a blue Holden CRV on Hopkins Rd about 12.50am.

The driver of the CRV , a 45-year-old Melton man, was taken to hospital with lifethreatening-injuries, where he later died.

The driver of the Holden SUV was arrested a short time later after allegedly fleeing the scene on foot.

A 23-year-old Hillside man has been charged with dangerous driving causing death, fail to render assistance and fail to stop at the scene of a collision.

He has been remanded overnight and was due to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Friday (Mar. 15).

- Victoria Police Across Victoria

Melbourne

● ● ● ● Cocaine and methylamphetamine were part of the haul. File photo.

•Long-term

•Close

•Body

•Well-appointed

•Located

•Property

Melbournewide

MANNINGHAM

More car sharing

■ More people are seeking the alternative transport option of car sharing, says Manningham Council.

Following a successful 18-month trial in Doncaster Hill and Tullamore Estate, Manningham Council and GoGet agreed to extend their carsharing trial to July 2025.

“Carsharing offers individuals the opportunity to access vehicles on demand for short periods of time – with fuel, insurance, registration and maintenance all covered,” said a Manningham Council representative.

Manningham Mayor Cr Carli Lange said she is pleased to see residents benefiting from using car share, while also contributing to improved community outcomes.

DAREBIN

Hard waste trial

■ Darebin Council is moving to a new hard waste contract.

The Council has decided to trial a booked hard waste collection service with the following features:

■ One free booked collection of two cubic metres of waste per calendar year.

■ Bookings made online or by phone.

■ Extra collections can be arranged for community members experiencing hardship.

■ Option for residents to pay for extra, unlimited collections of up to two cubic metres of hard waste.

MAIBYRNONG

Getting active

■ The Get Active Expo is back for its 11th year, showcasing a four-week program aimed at promoting health and fitness while bringing the community together.

This year, the event boasts its most extensive line-up yet, featuring a range of ‘come and try’ sessions led by local sports clubs, studios, and exercise classes for all ages and fitness levels.

The four-week long expo runs to Sunday, April 14, and includes a range of sport, wellbeing opportunities, and fitness sessions from Muay Thai and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, to yoga and gymnastics, to team sports such as football, baseball or soccer.

There are activities offered for everyone to enjoy including infants (0-2), toddlers (25), children (5-12), teens (12-17), adults (18+), and older adults (55+), along with women only programs, and All Abilities programs designed for people with disability and health conditions.

KNOX

$300 for volunteers

■ Those passionate about the future of the Knox community are invited to lodge expressions of interest for appointment to a andomly selected community panel of approximately 45 people.

The panel will work collaboratively with Council to develop draft recommendations for the next Council and Health and Wellbeing Plan

To be selected, people need to be able to attend all four-panel sessions:

■ Wednesday, May 1, 6pm to 8.30pm

■ Saturday,May 4, 11 am to 3pm

■ Saturday, May 18, 11 am to 3pm

The fourth session will be held in early 2025 with the new Councillors, date to be confirmed.

Panel members will receive a total of $300 in Coles vouchers for participating.

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

New defib locations

■ Mornington Peninsula Shire has installed new defibrillator units at four public locations. Three sit outsidethe Council’s three main office buildings in Hastings, Mornington and Rosebud

The fourth location has been placed in Shoreham and can be found at the corner of Lexington Ave and Viewbank St. This 24/7 accessible unit was funded through the Flexi Grants program, following advocacy from the Shoreham Community Association.

STATE GOVERNOR VISITS FLOOD RECOVERY AREAS

Across Victoria

WARRNAMBOOL $100,000 donation

■ The Gillin Boys Foundation has donated another $100,000 to the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.

The presentation – the second $100,000 to be donated in the past 12 months – was made during the ‘Green Night’ at the Simpson Speedway.

The volunteer-based organisation (now in its fourth year) has been working extremely hard to bring awareness of muscular dystrophy to the forefront in the local community and beyond, as well as raising much needed funds towards research, clinical trials, and treatments for muscular dystrophy.

This most recent donation brings the total raised, since 2016, to close to $500,000.

- Warrnambool Weekly

BAIRNSDALE

Calf sales history

■ Standing feed but dry conditions for the previous six weeks met the buyers at the annual Mountain Calf Sales, where hundreds of people converged for the flurry of activity that is five sales over two days.

The history and stories to do with the people, the cattle and the sales over the years is varied and fortunately a lot of it is detailed in the book Selling the Mountain Calves, A personal history of the East Gippsland Calf Sales, by Ian Balmer, who joined A. McLean and Co in 1939, and retired in 1976.

■ Margaret Gardner, State Governor of Victoria, and Rick Bugent, mergency Management Commissioner, visited flood receovery areas in Murrindindi, Mitchell and Campaspe last Wednesday (Mar. 13).

At Murrindindi, they met with Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Carpenter, Cr Sandice McAulay, Cr John Walsh, Cr Eric Lording , CEO Livia Bonazzi and key staff, as well as Peter Weeks, representing the local State Emergency Service.

Peter Weeks shed light on the recent flood events that have severely impacted the region.

Mr Weeks highlighted the critical issues faced, such as the lack of early warnings for the community, partly due to insufficient river and rain gauge installations.

The unpredictable nature of severe weather events, exacerbated by the changing climate, makes it increasingly difficult to prepare and respond effectively, the Governor was told.

Councillors and senior officers took this opportunity to outline the direct impacts these disasters have had on our community.

They advocated for improvements in disaster response and recovery processes, including the need for further financial support for businesses and residents affected by natural disasters and the necessity for more resilient infrastructure.

Under the disaster recovery arrangements, the funding allows the rebuilding of assets such as roads, culverts, bridges etc, to previous standards without enhancements.

This practice sets us up for repeated failures in the face of future disasters, and we continue to advocate for a change to the rules, a Council representative said.

There was a tour of the Yea Riverside Caravan Park and the property of a local resident,

Statewide Observer

● ● ● ● Mitchell Shire Mayor Cr Louise Bannister, State Governor Prof. Margaret Gardner. They visited the Recovery Hub, Kings Park, Vietnam Veterans’ Commemorative Walk and the Seymour SES Unit. The visit provided an opportunity for residents, businesses, clubs, organisations, volunteers, Community Recovery Committee members, support agencies and Council to talk about the ongoing challenges following the October 2022 floods and the subsequent storms and floods of 2023-24.

both of which have suffered extensive inundation in the recent flood events.

Yea Riverside Caravan Park endured two devastating floods in 15 months, and is still in recovery mode but has managed to remain open.

Also discussed was the absence of flood mitigation in the operating rules for Lake Eildon, the potential of frequent floods under the proposed Murray Darling Basin Plan, frequent power and telecommunications outages, the lack of backup generators, and the dependency of the state

emergency app on connectivity, which can be a major hindrance during disasters.

Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher said, “I extend Council’s thanks to those generous community members who invited our distinguished guests into their homes and businesses and for describing their very personal circumstances.

“I thank Her Excellency, the Honourable Margaret Gardner and Commissioner Rick Nugent for visiting our Shire and hearing those key concerns impacting our communities”.

According to Mr Balmer, the first special calf sale was held at Benambra in 1946 by A. McLean and Co, “when the complete yarding comprised weaner calves, and later on, Omeo, Ensay Gelantipy Buchan and Bairnsdale followed suit”.

- Bairnsdale Advertiser

WARRACKNABEAL

Trying for 17th time

■ Yarriambiack Mayor Kylie Zanker says she will stand again at the October local elections - but she has not yet decided if she will take a tilt at a sixth year in the top job.

Cr Zanker has been a councillor for the Warracknabeal ward since 2008 and confirmed to the Herald she will put herself up for re-election this year.

She said up until now she had told only close family and friends of her decision to nominate for a 17th consecutive year.

Cr Zanker was Mayor in 2011 and 2012, and has been mayor for the past three terms, but would not yet commit to a fourth, if reelected. "I will decide closer to the time," she said.

- Warracknabeal Herald

PHILLIP ISLAND

Batteries in bag

■ Phillip Island will soon have seven community batteries installed, after successfully gaining funding in the first round of the State Government's Neighbourhood Batteries Program.

Four batteries will be installed in Cowes, with one each in Rhyll, Ventnor and Wimbledon Heights. An additional pole top battery will be installed in Smiths Beach.

The Cowes battery sites are Berninneit, YMCA, the Koala Conservation Centre and the Senior Citizen Club.

- Phillip Island Advertiser

WANGARATTA

Planning on track

■ Online donations of about $25,000, and up to $10,000 more in pledges, are assisting the new Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues board with the initial planning stage of this year's festival.

Board member Sarah Thompson, who is overseeing philanthropic gifts and grants, said 49 donors had offered financial support for the event in the four weeks since the new board was elected at the festival's annual general meeting. "Our goal with the online gift strategy was around $40,000 to $50,000, so to have this a month in, we are tracking extremely well," Ms Thompson said.

- Wangaratta Chronicle

Melbourne

●

● ● ● ● At Murrindindi (from left): Pictured (from left): Rick Nugent (Emergency Management Commissioner), Livia Bonazzi (Murrindindi Shire Council CEO, Deputy Mayor Cr Sue Carpenter, Professor Margaret Gardner (Governor of Victoria), Mayor Cr Damien Gallagher, Cr Eric Lording, Cr Sandice McAulay, Peter Weeks (SES) and Cr John Walsh.

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Arrest over Point Cook fire

■ Detectives from Taskforce Lunar have charged a man following an arson attack at a tobacco store in Point Cook.

With assistance from Merri-bek Crime Investigation Unit, a search warrant was executed at a Campbellfield address on Tuesday afternoon, March 6.

A 26-year-old Campbellfield man was charged with criminal damage by fire, theft of motor vehicle, possess drugs of dependence (cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB), possess ammunition without a licence and commit indictable offence whilst on bail.

He was remanded to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 8.

Investigators seized ammunition as well as various quantities of what appear to be cocaine, methylamphetamine and GHB from his address.

The charges follow an incident on Friday, January 19, where emergency services were called to reports of a fire at a tobacconist on Murnong St shortly before 6am.

A stolen Ford hatchback bearing false plates was used during the offence and later recovered by police.

Nobody was physically injured during the incident, but the business sustained minor damage.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Detective Inspector Graham Banks, Taskforce Lunar , said: “Our investigators are working tirelessly to hold accountable every single per-

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“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”

son involved in the criminal offending related to this dispute and will continue to do so.

“But we also need the public’s help – if you are buying illicit tobacco, you are funding an arson attack, you are funding a shooting, you are funding the purchase of illicit firearms.

“I cannot be any clearer than that. If you purchase these cigarettes, you are lining the pockets of the criminal syndicates at the helm of this violent conflict,” Det. Insp. Banks said.

Niddrie times

■ Niddrie MLA Ben Carroll has spoken in State Parliament about heartwarming times locally.

“First, I had the pleasure of attending the very much revamped Moonee Valley Festival, coming back after a six-year hiatus.

“A highlight of the day was definitely the citizenship ceremony, which for the very first time was held outside.

“We welcomed 120 new Australian citizens. It was a particularly moving moment seeing the crowd come together singing We Are Australian, waving the Aboriginal flag in one hand and the Australian flag in the other. I received an email from a community member who said they had been a globetrotter and had been to several citizenship ceremonies but this one was by far the very best: ‘It could not have been a better day’.”

Boys charged

■ Police have charged two boys after an alleged carjacking in Sanctuary Lakeson Wednesday night, March 6.

It’s alleged the teenagers approached a stationary black Mercedes sedan on South Boulevard just before 11pm.

They allegedly threatened the occupant, who was not injured, with a weapon before stealing the vehicle.

The pair were arrested a short time later in Truganina after they fled from the vehicle on foot.

The boys, aged 15 and 16, have been charged with aggravated carjacking, theft of motor vehicle, common law assault and unlawful assault with a weapon.

Assault at Pier

■ Hobsons Bay Crime Investigation Unit detectives have arrested three girls and a woman following an alleged affray at Altona North.

Detectives have been told a 14-year-old girl and her friends were approached by five females at a pier near the Esplanade and Pier St on Wednesday, February 28, about 4.30pm.

It is alleged the group assaulted the girl before an unknown male intervened.

The girl was taken to hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

An 18-year-old woman from Flemington has been charged with affray, intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury and assault by kicking.

She has been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on May 23.

A 14-year-old girl from Point Cook was charged with affray intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury and assault by kicking. She will face a children’s court at a later date.

A 14-year-old girl from Kings Park and a 14-year-old girl from St Albans were released pending summons for affray, intentionally cause injury, recklessly cause injury and assault by kicking. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

Sunshine ramming

■ Police have charged a man following an alleged car theft, evade and ramming in Sunshine on Tuesday morning, March 5.

It is alleged a car was stolen from outside a restaurant on Hampshire Rd in Sunshine about 12.50am.

The car was spotted by police and followed to Brisbane St, Albion by the Air Wing

The car rammed a police vehicle, then crashed into a fence and garage.

The male driver fled on foot. A 24-yearold Albion man was arrested nearby.

He was interviewed by police and charged with theft of motor vehicle, obtain property by deception, wilful damage and other offences. He attended Sunshine Magistrates’ Court.

Manslaughter

■ Homicide Squad detectives have charged a man following an alleged assault in Melton South, where a man later died.

It is alleged a 56-year-old man was assaulted at a property on Richard Rd about 4pm on Saturday, March 2.

The man was located a short time later and was taken to hospital in a critical condition. He died in hospital on Sunday, March 3.

A 56-year-old Melton South man was arrested and has been charged with manslaughter.

He was remanded to appear before the Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on March 5.

B. Marsh fatality

n Emergency services responded to a motorcycle crash in Bacchus Marsh on Monday afternoon, March 4.

It is believed the rider lost control of the motorcycle on the Western Freeway just before 4pm. The male rider died at the scene.

Exact circumstances surrounding the crash are yet to be determined and investigations remain ongoing.

● ● Det. Insp. Graham Banks

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

People

Farewell to Mike McColl Jones

■ The world awakens a far less funny place this morning, although, in fairness, we’ve still got his memorial service to go.

Mike McColl Jones, Australia’s most admired, enduring and prodigious writer of comedy for live variety television has died after a short battle with illness; or as Mike would have described it, a long battle with dubious canteen food and cantankerous television management.

He would have been 104 this August if he’d lived another 17 years.

Mike McColl Jones began writing comedy for Graham Kennedy’s In Melbourne Tonight in the early 1960’s and for the next 40 years worked continuously at the epicentre of the Australian entertainment industry through the golden age of television, writing for landmark live variety shows which shaped Australian popular culture, including In Melbourne Tonight, The Don Lane Show, The Graham Kennedy Show, Tonight With Bert Newton, The Bert Newton Show, Tonight Live With Steve Vizard – and countless live special event broadcasts including twenty five Logies and two Royal Command Performances for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Charles and Princess Di

Over five four decades Mike wrote jokes and nurtured the performances of generations of television hosts including Don Lane, Tommy Hanlon Jnr, Jimmy Hannan, Bobby Limb, Mike Preston, Steve Vizard, Peter Couchman, Noel Ferrier, Frank Thring, Pete Smith, Philip Brady, Toni Lamond, Ernie Sigley, Daryl Somers, Denise Drysdale, Larry Emdur, Richard Stubbs, Ugly Dave Grey, Stuart Wagstaff, Frankie J Holden, Buster Fiddess, Joff Ellen, Tim Evans, Mary Hardy, Kevin Sanders and scores of others.

But of all the stars for whom Mike wrote, the relationship he most treasured was his extraordinary partnership with the undisputed kings of Australian television, Graham Kennedy and Bert Newton.

Said Bert of Mike, “When it came to writing one liners and personality material, Mike was simply without peer.”

★

Mike McColl Jones was born on August 12,1937, in Kew, a leafy eastern suburb of Melbourne f rom which he would never move. His family were well respected dentists, and although Mike never for a moment considered following in their footsteps, he always had excellent teeth.

Mike attended Xavier College in

Mike McColl Jones

Michael Anthony McColl Jones Writer

August 12, 1937March 11, 2024

Age 86

Kew, a school famous for providing “a rough and ready education” for Australia’s greatest fictional dignitary, Sir Les Patterson KBE, as well as educating many of the great names of the Australian entertainment industry, including Mike Walsh, Peter Landy, Jim Murphy, Michael ‘Countdown’ Shrimpton and Mike’s contemporary and lifelong friend and colleague, Philip Brady.

After Xavier, Mike found employment as a trainee salesman in the menswear department of the Myer Emporium, where several politicians, scions of industry and caterers who were later to become the target of his acerbic humour, wished he had remained.

Television transformed Australia in 1956. As a young viewer Mike was instantly captivated, particularly by the live chaos of GTV9’s new hit tonight show, In Melbourne Tonight, hosted by a brilliant young star only three years older than Mike, Graham Kennedy.

Each night Mike sat spellbound in front of his parent’s television set, studying the rhythm and cadence of Kennedy’s uncanny comedic delivery.

And then Mike did something unusual and extraordinary; he carefully carefully crafted and hand wrote a dozen or so topical jokes he imagined might work for Graham.

In early 1962 Mike got his big break when his great school mate Philip Brady, now successfully working as a fledgling studio announcer and presenter at the GTV9 studios in Bendigo St, Richmond, showed a couple of pages of Mike’s handwritten gags to the producers of IMT.

Before long Mike was selling the odd joke as a freelancer to In Melbourne Tonight for three guineas for each joke performed.

In August 1963, 25-year-old Mike was summoned to the studios of GTV -9 to meet the Station Manager, Colin Bednall.

Bednall asked the nervous, gawky McColl Jones whether he was responsible for the handwritten gags Graham had been so successfully performing.

Mike replied Yes. Bednall immediately offered Mike full time employment to write topical material for Graham, shook his hand, handed Mike a typewriter and ordered him straight down to the IMT production offices to get start typing gags for that night’s show.

So began Mike’s long professional career as a writer of comedy.

★

In the 1960s, if you wanted to learn about comedy and live television, there was no better place than Studio 9, GTV-9, in Bendigo St Richmond, the home of IMT.

Television was the dazzling new medium just finding its feet and everyone involved, from set designers to cameramen, came from somewhere else, mainly newspapers or radio, and was generous in sharing their newfound knowledge with a talented young beginner.

● ● Mike McColl Jones with Daryl Somers

● ● Bert Newton with Mike McColl Jones

● ● TV legend Don Lane with Mike McColl Jones

● ● Mike McColl Jones with Graham Kennedy

● ● ● ● By Steve Vizard Close friend and colleague of Mike McColl Jones

Many of the on- air talent, such as Rosie Sturgess, Toni Lamond and Joff Ellen , had been major stars of vaudeville and brought with them years of experience in writing and performing comedy material.

Greatest of all was Mike’s mentor Freddie Parsons, a generation older, who had written for Australia’s most brilliant pre-War comedian, Roy Rene, during the golden era of Tivoli and live vaudeville, and then in the post war years created for Mo Australia’s most popular comedy radio show, McCackie Mansions

And then there was Graham Kennedy himself, a burgeoning master of comedic timing and deliveryinnovation.

All of them took young Mike under their wings and offered him a daily impromptu masterclass in variety live entertainment.

Over the next seven years Mike honed his craft and wrotewriting thousands of gags and pieces for Graham and the IMT team, five days a week, until IMT ended in December 1969.

Following IMT, Mike wrote for The Graham Kennedy Show, and from 1975, for nine years Mike continued as head writer on what would become most awarded light entertainment show in Australian television history, The Don Lane Show

In later years Mike wrote for dozens more variety shows, including The Peter Couchman Show and for over a thousand episodes of Tonight Live with Steve Vizard

Writing material for the top rating tonight and variety shows of the day, Mike was constantly rubbing shoulders with and writing material for the world’s greatest stars: Mohammed

Ali, Sammy Davis Jnr, Robin Williams, Billy Joel, Billy Crystal, Debbie Reynolds, Noel Coward, Demis Roussos, Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, David Bowie, Alice Cooper, Jackie Collins, Tony Curtis, Clint Eastwood, Kirk Douglas, Louis Armstrong, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder and on and on.

Mike recalled how the great guest visiting stars celebrities would all sign the dressing room wall when they visited the studios of GTV-9.

And how one Summer holiday management decided to spruce up the dressing rooms, and he returned from holidays to find all the prized star autographs painted over. ★

To look at Mike McColl Jones there was little almost no visible indication he was in any way funny, putting aside his table manners.

Tall, dark, handsome, athletically built and always urbanely dressed, Mike was notoriously shy, softly spoken, almost gentle, and shunned the limelight, unless it was a cocktail.

He preferred instead to stay in the background and observe.

Indeed it was his ability to quietly look and listen, really listen, which was at the heart of his perennial success.

Unlike many comedy writers who are frustrated performers, Mike was always content to unobtrusively stay in the background and study the foibles of all, from postmen to Prime Ministers, and of the many stars he wrote for, knowing them so intimately he could write for each of them in their own distinctive voice.

His other great gift ability as a comedy writer was to view the world in jarringly unexpected ways.

Freddie Parsons remarked that only Mike’s mind could have created gags like ‘Thirty thousand troops arrived in New York today to entertain Bob Hope’ or ‘ The Leaning

George Bernard Shaw famously observed “If you want to tell people the truth, make them laugh …”

Mike McColl Jones fervently believed that the role of good comedy was to ridicule and challenge the status quo, power, and sacred cows.

Good comedy he was convinced should not only create laughter, but mayhem, controversy, even chaos.

The role of comedy he believed was always to ridicule and challenge power, sacred cows and the status quo.

Said Graham Kennedy, Mike’s great talent was to ‘say publicly what the viewer thought but would never dare put into words’.

Mike’s expertise at writing insightful provocative material and coupled with Graham’s persona as enfant terrible was at the heart of their enduring partnership which created spawned some many of television’s most controversial moments and found Graham ‘apologising almost nightly, to caterers, airline magnates, politicians, car parking attendants, used car dealers and press barons’.

Mike loved the serendipity of live television; anything could happen. Live television, he said, was the pulse of a network, the pulse of a nation.

Despite the best planning in the world, on live television anything, everything could go wrong, the management could not never interfere, and both the studio audience and television audiences around the nation might at any moment be instantlyinstantaneously bound to-

Live television was Mike’s lifelong drug of addiction. And gin.

★

Mike McColl Jones was a quiet powerhouse. Each day he threw himself afresh into the relentless daily ritual of live variety television.

The shows for which he wrote were mainly broadcast at night, every night, yet each morning Mike religiously appeared at the studios at 9am, fresh and readyraring to go after a gruelling 1am finish the night before, to to begin again scouring the daily newspapers in search of a headline, a news story, a tidbit of gossip from which he could quickly fashion his today’s topical one line gags, topicals as they were known.

The next few hours alone in his office only a few rooms away from the stars for whom he wrote, Mike hunched over his typewriter knocking out three pages of closely typed topicals.

Later that afternoon he would present his material to Graham or Don or Bert or Daryl or Steve, whomever, and together they’d select the couple of dozen jokes to be used in that night’s opening monlogue or desk bits.

Later thatnight, now only a few minutes before showtime away, Mike headed to the star’s dressing room and together they’d make ‘the walk’.

For over 3000 episodes with Graham Kennedy, 900 episodes with Don Lane, 1200 episodes with Steve and thousands with numerous others, Mike ‘walked the walk’, escorting his star from dressing room to studio,

television to colour, and a million other events that changed our lives , and for all of them Mike was there and wrote daily gags about them all.

For nearly five four decades he chronicled in humour the affairs of our nation.

And for four decades the nation laughed.

From Camera 3, Mike was there as Graham Kennedy’s failed guide dog Rover relieved itself for interminable minutes on live television during an Uncle Bens dogfood commercial; and when Graham utterered his infamous crow call, Farrrrrk, which saw him banned from television; and when Graham attacked the Minister for for Media Senator Doug Maclelland; and when Don Lane threw a glass of water over his guest James Randi, the psychic exposer, and stormed off his own set; and when Bert Newton dressed as Demis Roussos confronted by the real Demis Roussos; and when Sammy Davis Jnr drove into the 9 studios direct from his live concert, and performed sang and danced and laughed on live television with Don and Bert for another hour; and the night Rex Mossop and Julian Clary nearly came to blows; and when dozens of politicians and powerbrokers were maligned, called to account or made to look foolishbrought down to earth.

★

Working for so many decades with so many of the greats of the Australian Tivoli and vaudeville circuits who had migrated to radio and then to television in the early1950s, Mike was a treasure trove of forgotten trivia.

Mike could tell you of Roy Rene’s pre-show superstitions and ritualshow Mo would smoke a cigarette, down a glass of sherry and lightly powder Fast Teeth on his dental plate to hold it in place.

running over last minute changes, discussing guests, the audience, pumping them up.

Backstage, just behind the host set as the floor manager counted down the live broadcast and the studio band played the opening theme music and the studio audience erupted in applause, Mike would pat his star on the back, whisper “Chookas” and usher them into the spotlight to deliver the words he had so carefully crafted.

For the next hour of the live broadcast, Mike positioned himself next to Camera 3, only a couple of metres directly in front of the host set, intently watching the entire show unfold, close up and personal, alert to any opportunities for fresh humour, for new chaos.

For nearly five four decades, standing next to camera Camera 3, Mike watched many of Australia’s greatest live television entertainers perform thousands of hours of iconic television, rarely missing a show, never missing the opportunity for another gag.

From Camera 3, Mike watched his gags performed for the first and only time, as they recorded the assassination of JFK, the a moon landing, Nixon and Watergate, Royal tours and Presidential visits, a change in currency from sterling to decimal, a succession of Australian of Prime Ministers from Robert Menzies to John Howard, the disappearance of one, the arrival of The Beatles, the Fall of the Berlin Wall, Cyclone Tracy, Azaria Chamberlain, a dozen Olympics, wars and invasions, and the evolution of technology from fixed phones to fax machines to mobile phones, from black and white

Mike could tell you how Graham Kennedy was discovered by Norm Spencer at Channel 9’s first Telethon for the Red Cross on April 1, 1957.

And how before every show Graham was so nervous he smoked like a chimney and nearly threw up.

Or how Don Lane was so superstitious that he would only wear blue boxer shorts underwear for a performance.

Or how Dave Allen believed the correct temperature to optimise an audience’s laughter was 65 degrees Farenheit.

Once in a blue moon Mike agreed to write material for an overseas stars. On one occasion, Joan Rivers once asked Mike for some jokes about her age.

At the time Halley’s Comet was about to make an one of its infrequent appearances and Mike sent Joan a gag “ I’m so old I’ve seen Halley’s Comet come around three times!”

Mike was surprised the next day when he turned on the his television news to see then President Ronald Reagan at a Washington press conference telling repeating his Halley’s Comet gag.

Turns out that the night before, Joan Rivers had been having dinner in Washington with her good friend, Nancy Reagan, wife of President Reagan , who immediately went home and passed it the gag onto her husband.

Mike was proud too that a gag he wrote for Bert Newton to open one Logies, ‘Welcome to the Logies, affectionately known by some of us here as Star Wars’ was used a couple weeks later by Bob Hope to open the Academy Awards

● Continued next page

Tower of Pisa was straightened today … unfortunately Italy is now on a tilt.’

● ● ● Mike McColl Jones, as photographed by Ash Long in 1985. gether by joined in that joyful rapturous, transformational magic of shared chaos and unexpected laughter.

Mike was often asked by visiting stars whether he would consider working overseas, but. Mike always replied that things were fine just as they were.

The truth was Mike had everything he needed in Australia. He had two loves, his television and his family.

Over the five decades, away from the bright lights, Mike married his great love Val and together, Val holding the fort, and they raised two children, Tim and Catherine, who they delighted in watching grow up, marry and raise families of their own.

Why would Mike leave Kew, the place of his birth, of his education, home to his beautiful family, his children, his memories, his life?

No, things were fine just as they were.

★

Mike was at heart a villager. He loved the certainty and familiarity of belonging to a small community.

He loved the morning rituals and tiny patterns by which daily life is measured.

He loved the same journey to work, along the same tram lines, seeing the same faces, and regularly catching up for lunch at the same old taverns with the same old showbiz journeymen, from the Merkin Club which met at Jim Smythe’s Toorak Hotel to the Kamikaze Club to the Philip Brady luncheon club at Pat Reardons Rising Sun Hotel.

In later years Mike loved nothing better than to share with his same old friends a fulsome meal and a gin, or more accurately a fulsome gin and a meal.

He could invariably be located holding court at his favourite corner table in the Sports Lounge of his favourite pub, the Harp of Erin in Kew, at which he would simultaneously devour a large veal parmigiana, scribble topicals in a small spiral notebook, read three newspapers, discuss current trends in TVprogramming, curse the nags or cheer his beloved Hawthorn Footy Club on one of the many sports screens, and endlessly recount humorous tales of the adventures of his lifelong friend Philip Brady.

Any man who happily resides his entire life, from birth to death, within the same couple of suburban blocks is at heart a villager.

And this was the contradiction of Mike. He rubbed shoulders with the biggest stars in the world, but wanted nothing more than to spend time with family and friends.

His daily fodder was the news events of the world, but he preferred the gossip of locals.

He made millions of people laugh each night, but himself laughed loudest in the company of two or three. He perpetually sought to engender chaos, but spent a life chasing small town order, everything in its place.

Or perhaps there was no contradiction. Perhaps Mike was simply driven by a simple desire to unite people, find common order, even if only for a few hours, through that most binding and basic of human instincts, laughter; to nightly transform the nation into a village.

In 2017 Mike was an awarded an OBE for his services to television, writing in particular, which he observed at the time was right up there with winning the Friday night meat tray at The Harp ★

Mike McColl Jones was a gentle, imaginative man who deeply valued the art and traditions of creativity and had an abiding gratitude to the generations of performers and storytell-

But more than his encyclopeadic knowledge of entertainment minutae, Mike was a direct, vital, unbroken, creative link to the age of vaudeville and the Tivoli greats who had tutored him in his early years, through the glorious era of radio, through the golden age of television when television was the only game in town and half the nation watched last night’s shows, through cable television and the dawn of the new millennium, to the age of streaming and digital media.

Mike saw it all, and though the technological means of delivery might have seismically shifted before his eyes, Mike still believed the fundamentals of entertainment and laughter were unfailing and timeless, funny is funny, and of the unchanging generative power of performance to bind a nation.

Graham Kennedy put it succinctly: “Mike wrote thousands and thousands of lines which made millions of Australians laugh out loud in their own living rooms.’”

It is a rare thing to make nothing more than to make an audience laugh, particularly in the solitude of their own living room, and but Mike McColl Jones succeeded for 40 years, and in so doing so not only gifted our nation a laugh track, but for those compelling years created a unique personal daily chroniclecharted of the daily ebbs and flows and absurdities of our nation’s unfolding storyjourney.

Mike McColl Jones had a unique way of signing off and even in this he will be greatly missed.

Next week's POWERBALL results: 3, 7, 23, 9, 12, 27. P/Ball: 12

● ● Steve Vizard is a Professor at Monash University, a former Gold Logie winning Tonight Show host and a longtime colleague of Mike McColl Jones

● ● Mike McColl Jones at Channel 9. Photo: News Corp.

Mike McColl Jones at Channel 9.

Vale James Sherlock, 1955-2024

■ Much loved Melbourne Observer columnist Jim Sherlock died on March 6, just five days short of his 69th birthday, following a period of illness.

Jim’s columns were a favourite of Observer readers for close to 20 years. He was also a favourite contributor of radio station 3AW.

Greg Lynch of The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers penned this tribute:

James Sherlock - Scottish born Film Historian, Critic, Presenter, Writer, Publicist, Public Speaker, Consultant, Film Restorer, Radio and Television personality has sadly passed away on Wednesday March 6.

Due to unique circumstances following his arrival in Australia from Scotland, and kept a secret for nearly four decades, James as a little boy lived and survived unnoticed in the darkness of Melbourne's Regent and Plaza Theatres for most of 1964 to 1971, venturing out only to scrounge for food, using change he had found in the theatre concession bar.

This will be the subject of a forthcoming book.

James was a cinema industry veteran of over five decades, beginning as a spool boy at The Plaza Cinema in Chelsea under the guidance of veteran exhibitor Roy Farmer, he went on to such duties as Spool Boy, Lolly Boy, Usher, Assistant Projectionist, later becoming a junior publicist in 1972.

Thus began an extensive career working for Village and Hoyts alongside many legendary filmmakers and performers on some of the most memorable motion pictures ever made; Films such as Bonnie and Clyde, The French Connection, The Poseidon Adventure, Cabaret, Fiddler on the Roof, The Godfather, The Godfather: Part II to name a few.

In the early 1970s James first appeared on television, and so began a life-long association on camera with many renowned daytime and evening national television programs.

Radio would become his most important contribution, an involvement that would stretch over three decades in Victoria and nationally.

In addition, James has also written extensively on film and criticism in Australia and around the world.

In April of 1980 James became a part of the burgeoning motion picture home video duplication and distribution industry, beginning at Australia's first major duplication facility at AAV Australia in South Melbourne, before moving on to head the duplication facility and distribution at Videoscope Australia, during which he wrote for their monthly magazine Videoscope, then progressed to manager and form Virgin Vision in Australia for Richard Branson, followed by a major role as video buyer for Virgin retail in Australia

His life and career came full circle when he was asked to co-ordinate the re-opening, of Melbourne’s magnificent Regent Theatre as a cinema, after nearly 30 years of closure, and a multi-million dollar restoration.

For the first time since 1969 the giant screen of the mighty Regent would once again light up with the presentation of the newly restored 70mm version of the classic ‘My Fair Lady’ starring Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn, and James was the host.

Some of the greats of cinema that James worked directly with included: Geraldine Chaplin, pro-

ducer Robert Evans, Oscar winning director William Friedkin, Sherry Lansing, director Blake Edwards, Jack Nicholson, Kirk Douglas, Michael Douglas, Janet Leigh, Charlton Heston, Rod Steiger, Donald Sutherland, Warren Beatty, Roman Polanski, Billy Wilder, Diane Keaton, Christopher Lee, Gregory Peck, Jack Lemmon, Eva Marie Saint, Bette Davis, Richard Attenborough, Eli Wallach, Clint Eastwood and the late comic great Don Rickle s. More recently Keir Dullea of Space Odyssey fame.

Since the very beginning James was always a strong advocate of film preservation and restoration, working closely with many around the globe in the protection of Australian and world motion picture heritage.

James was also very proud to have been inducted into 'The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers' he felt it was recognition for his lifelong dedication and contribution to the motion picture industry, a privilege at the time which only became eligible after a minimum of a quarter-of-a-century or more of dedicated service.

He co-ordinated and presented to audiences through his association with George Florence and the Astor Theatre St Kilda, such restored classics as Sergio Leone’s The Good, The Bad and The Ugly and Once Upon a Time in the West, Get Carter, Point Blank, Ben-Hur, Gone With The Wind, Doctor Zhivago and Ryan’s Daughter, My Fair Lady, the Cinerama classics It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and 2001: A Space Odyssey, Ridley Scott's Blade Runner, Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo and Rear Window and Breakfast at Tiffany’s are just a few.

Evelyn Keyes Australian visit to celebrate the 65th Anniversary of Gone With The Wind in 2004 was a highlight for James as he was employed as a consultant to handled the publicity for The Regent Theatre, and her personal meet and greet appearance at the Astor theatre. Evelyn Keyes was an American film actress who was best known for her role as Suellen O’Hara in the classic David O. Selznick masterpiece.

James Sherlock co-ordinated the visit to Australia of William Friedkin, the director of the horror classic The Exorcist and Academy Award winning director of 'The French Connection,' during which James presented for the first time ever the original and complete version of his classic 1977 thriller 'Sorcerer,' and to this day the only time it has ever been presented on Australian cinema screens as originally intended.

During his visit James presented William Friedkin with a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to cinema from 'The Society of Australian Cinema Pioneers'.

Of all the many motion pictures that James has worked on, and the screen legends he has worked with over his extraordinary 50+ year career, what did it all mean to James?

He passionately said: “It is bringing to the attention of new generations the importance of film and the extraordinary contribution and influence of filmmakers and all they have to offer, to keep the art of cinema history alive.”

Throughout his career, James travelled extensively to Hollywood and locations around the world. There is no doubt that he was a creative industry genius, and I for one am going to miss him, said Lynch.

●

● ● ● Promoting ‘My Fair Lady’ at the Regent Theatre

● ● ● ● Jim Sherlock at the Regent Theatre

● ● ● ● Jim Sherlock: a lifetime of promoting film.

Gaslight

■ Rodney Rigby, Queensland Theatre, Marriner Group and TEG present Patrick Hamilton's psychological thriller Gaslight at The Comedy Theatre, Melbourne until March 24.

A modern-day meaning for the term 'gaslighting' is to 'manipulate another person into doubting their own perceptions, experiences or understanding of events.'

This coercive abuse is exactly how cold, manipulative Jack Manningham (Toby Schmitz) treats his initially loving and trusting wife, Bella (Geraldine Hakewill).

Hamilton's 1938 play, set in 1880, is now attributed as the origin of the term 'gaslighting'.

In this new, reimagined adaptation, Canadian writers Johnna Wright and Patty Jamieson empower Bella to survive by overcoming her confusion, fear and grief by choosing whether or not to find her own way forward.

Elegant Geraldine Hakewill portrays Bella’s emotional roller coaster with skilled control. A beautiful performance.

Toby Schmitz as Jack Manningham may not have a strong, menacing presence, but his character’s behaviour is certainly chilling.

Kate Fitzpatrick is great as no-nonsense housekeeper Elizabeth, adding lightness and further intrigue, while Courtney Cavallaro’s strong, ‘with attitude’ portrayal of Nancy the maid has us guessing her motives.

Under Lee Lewis’s direction, this show has a wonderful cast and splendid production values, including Renee Mulder’s exquisite set design capturing the Manningham’s upperclass lifestyle, with sombre wooden panels emphasising the play’s darkening mood, and spooky gaslights on the walls.

Unfortunately, the suspense and ‘thriller’ moods achieved during Act One, become fragmented in Act Two when humour is unexpectedly interspersed in the characters’ dialogue. Yes, it’s funny and well delivered, but confusing for an audience immersed in a thriller play.

In their program notes, Wright and Jamieson acknowledge Hamilton’s interest in the Victorian Gothic genre with its ‘terror and mystery’, and the ‘Noir’ genre, ‘with its observations on the darker side of human behaviour.’ Introducing comedic dialogue seems at odds with Hamilton’s vision for his play.

In any case, the continued applause from the opening night audience saw the cast generously abide with several curtain calls.

Performance Details: Until March 24

Venue: The Comedy Theatre, Exhibition St, Melbourne

Bookings: Ticketek - Review by

Cheryl Threadgold

Top of Food Chain

■ Rohan Arneil presents his Sydney Fringe Festival success Top of the Food Chain at the Dove Club, Little Collins St, Melbourne from April 5-18 at 7.10pm.

The show will feature an hour of conversational jokes and stories 'from a man that's worked every job known to mankind.'

Rohan Arneil is a former garbo/current stonemason, and as a comedian has performed throughout Australia and internationally, starting his career in Sydney before moving to America 'for double the amount of gigs'. In 2020, covid sent him back to Sydney to work as a garbo.

Please note: this show is strictly for audiences 18+. and contains drug references, strong coarse language and references to substance abuse.

Performance Details: April 5 - 18 at 7.10pm

Venue: The Dove Club, Little Collins St., Melbourne.

- Cheryl Threadgold

3AW Drive fall

■ Melbourne talk radio station 3AW sacked presenter Paul Barber from the Drive program when his ratings hit a low 8 per cent. Host Caroline Wilson was similarly axed in the mid 1990s. New host Jacqui Felgate hit a low 8.6 last week. Look out!

Confidential

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

OUR OWN ODD COUPLE

■ Producer John Frost for Crossroads Live has announced the full cast for Neil Simon’s Tony Award-winning comedy The Odd Couple, which plays at Melbourne's Comedy Theatre from May 18.

Joining Shane Jacobson and Todd McKenney, who play Oscar and Felix, will be stage and screen stars Lucy Durack and Penny McNamee as Cecily Pigeon and Gwendolyn Pigeon, the giggly pair of English sisters who live upstairs from Oscar.

Lucy and Penny played alongside each other in the original Australian cast of the Broadway blockbuster musical Wicked

The poker loving friends of Oscar will be played by John Batchelor (Sea Patrol, Red Dog), Laurence Coy (Ladies in Black, One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest), Jamie Oxenbould (Chapter Two, Last of the Red Hot Lovers) and Anthony Taufa (Black is the New White, A Christmas Carol), with Berynn Schwerdt (The Crucible, Much Ado About Nothing) and Hayden Spencer (Deadloch, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child) as understudies.

Two suddenly single pals — a sloppy sportswriter and a fastidious news writer — strain their friendship by becoming roommates and unconsciously repeating the same mistakes they made in the marriages they just left.

Neurotic and neat freak Felix Ungar is thrown out by his wife, and moves in with his slovenly friend Oscar Madison. The characteristics that drove each of them to leave their wives soon have them at each other’s throats.

The Odd Couple will be directed by Mark Kilmurry, the Artistic Director of the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney where he has previously directed The Odd Couple and other Neil Simon classics.

“I’m thrilled we have such a stellar cast to join Shane Jacobson and Todd McKenney in The Odd Couple. What a coup that Lucy Durack and Penny McNamee are available to join the cast, and that the esteemed director Mark Kilmurry will be pulling the strings,” said John Frost.

“I know audiences are going to fall back in love with The Odd Couple all over again. This classic laugh-a-minute play by the master of comedy Neil Simon is sure to have audiences rolling in the aisles.”

In the decades since its premiere on Broadway in 1965, Neil Simon’s Tony Award winning play about friendship, divorce and misunderstandings has been recreated for film and television several times.

In 1968 it was filmed with Jack Lemmon as Felix opposite Matthau, and in 1970 it was remade for television with Tony Randall as Felix and Jack Klugman as Oscar.

Along the way several other derivative works and spin-offs have been produced, including a female version and even a kids cartoon with a (neat) cat and a (messy) dog.

Performance Details: From May 18

Venue: Comedy Theatre, Melbourne

Bookings: Ticketek.com.au or 13 28 49 -

Cheryl Threadgold

The Spare Room

■ Monstrous Theatre has just announced an upcoming second development of a new Australian opera, The Spare Room, an adaptation of the 2008 novel by Australian author Helen Garner.

The opera is composed by Dr Jane Hammond and the libretto by Theresa Borg

The first full draft of the piano-vocal score has just been workshopped for presentation to an invited audience at Victorian Opera’s Horti Hall in Melbourne

The cast includes Australian singers Antoinette Halloran, Adrian Tamburini, Natalie Jones, Carrie Barr, Belinda Paterson and Uma Dobia, with musical direction by Victorian Opera’s Head of Music, Phoebe Briggs. Coady Green plays piano and Ella Ferris joins as Assistant to the Creative Team.

An emotional journey through matters of life

● ● Todd McKenney and Shane

in The Odd Couple Photo: Hugh Stewart and death, The Spare Room is a tragi-comedy that investigates a tender, affectionate and laughter-filled female friendship in times of wild grief, anger and loss.

The story centres around Helen , who lovingly prepares her spare room for her friend, Nicola, who is coming to Melbourne for three weeks to receive a treatment she believes will cure her terminal cancer.

From the moment Nicola staggers off the plane, Helen becomes her nurse, her guardian angel and her stony judge as they negotiate an unmapped path through Nicola’s bizarre therapy

The workshop is possible due to the generous support of Stuart Maunder and Victorian Opera.

For further details: www.monstroustheatre. com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Hot White Kiss

■ Hot White Kiss is being presented from March 18 -23 at 8.30pm at The Butterfly Club.

An LGBTIQA+ play written and produced by St Kilda resident James W.F. Roberts, Hot White Kiss is promoted as 'a dark, intense story of addiction, obsession, lust, betrayal and trauma.'

Writer Roberts says: “Hot White Kiss is an uncompromising look at three people involved in a toxic bisexual, polyamorous relationship and the fallout from addiction, past traumas and lust.

“Leena’s true love is not John or Cilla, but Heroin. Cilla is a drug-dealer who shares a tragic past of addiction and abuse with Leena. John is desperate to escape the endless cycle of drugs, addiction, manipulation and trauma.”

Performance Details: March 18 - 23 at 8.30pm

Venue: The Butterfly Club, Melbourne

Bookings: https://thebutterflyclub.com/show/ hot-white-kiss

- Cheryl Threadgold

What’s On Car Crash

■ Gregory Vine’s behind the scenes take on the events leading up to Prince Andrew’s disastrous interview regarding his association with Geoffrey Epstein doesn’t quite capitalise on the absurdity of the situation and what led to the car crash of his nonsensical statements and justifications.

While Alec Gilbert and Melanie Madrigali play the two out of touch advisors, their roles are comic but fixed – there is no character progression afforded them.

The arrival of a businessman played by MJ Wilson appealing for royal support doesn’t actually develop the intrigue – it simply highlights that the advisors are self absorbed and disconnected from reality.

Elyse Baston is the hapless attendant who serves as a sounding board and operates the camera when the advisors role-play interview scenarios.

John Voce’s arrival as HRH is the culmination of the situation and it is his decision to proceed regardless of the conflicting advice he receives.

Director Cassandra Magrath has made what she can of this script and the limited stage space at The Butterfly Club, but once the caricatures have been set – the eccentric and flamboyant, the out of touch and the naïve – there isn’t anywhere to take the action.

Given that the audience knows the outcome of the interview and what subsequently followed, how was the situation allowed to evolve to the point where it became a car crash?

That question is never really answered as the haplessness of the advisors was established at the outset.

The challenge would be to build the intrigue like a house of cards to the point of absurdity for it all to collapse.

- Review by David McLean

Hopelessly Devoted

■ Creative Director and Executive Producer Mark Sutcliffe honoured Melbourne with his production of the world premiere of Hopelessly Devoted: A Celebration of Olivia Newton-John at the Melbourne Arts Centre’s, Hamer Hall with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.

This fund-raising concert, in support of the Olivia Newton-John Cancer and Wellness Centre at the Austin Hospital, is a moving tribute to Olivia. The centre provides cancer patients access to wellness therapies not available in public hospitals when Olivia underwent years of cancer treatment.

Olivia’s niece, Ambassador for the Centre and host, Tottie Goldsmith, introduced four Australian vocal performers, David Campbell, Jess Hitchcock, Christie WhelanBrowne and Georgina Hopson who demonstrated the breadth of Olivia’s 60-year national and international career through popular and less well-known songs.

The audience especially warmed to Olivia’s familiar hits including those from Grease and Xanadu

Personal accounts from Tottie, David, Christie and Georgina, who had worked with and known Olivia, spoke of her warmth, positivity, generosity and joy of life. An extraordinary artist, advocate and activist, she was a role model to each one and to many performers worldwide.

Youngest of the cast, Jess Hitchcock, Melbourne-based indigenous, mezzo-soprano, singer-songwriter was a stand-out. Her soulful voice was reminiscent of Olivia’s David Campbell delighted with his beguiling vocal versatility showcasing several duets. The group gelled well as an ensemble in a very physical high-energy night with many costume changes and injections of humour.

A four-piece band of guitar, bass, keys and drums joined the MSO to provide a strong and lively accompaniment under the impressive baton of conductor Jessica Gethin .

Olivia’s formative years were in this city as part of Network 10’s 1964 The Go Show where she first met Moonee Ponds ‘boy’, John Farrar who continued to write much of her material. Although resident in the US, she considered Melbourne home. It was the perfect city of choice to host the premiere.

- Review by Sherryn Danaher

Jacobson

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ Essendon Theatre Company: A Tomb with a View (by Norman Robbins) Until March 23 at 9 Bradshaw St. (enter from Buckley St.), Essendon. Bookings: 0406448368 or Trybooking.com.au

■ CentreStage: The Music Man (by Merdith Willson) Until March 23 at The Playhouse, 81 Ryrie St., Geelong. Bookings: geelongartscentre.org.au

■ Torquay Theatre Troupe: Sylvia (by A. R. Gurney) Until March 23 at Shoestring Playhouse @ The MAC, 77 Beach Rd., Torquay. Director: Paul Friend. Bookings: Trybooking.com.au

■ SLAMS MTC: Zombie Prom, Until March 23 at the Knox Community Arts Centre, Cnr Mountain Hwy and Scoresby Rd., Bayswater. Co-Directors: Sarah Rietmeyer and Freya McPherson; Music Director: Tim Bland; Choreographer: Jessica Mathewes. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1158100 0412 605 182

■ The 1812 Theatre: The Fire Raisers (by Max Frisch, translated by Alistair Beaton) April 4 – 27 at The 1812 Theatre, Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Andrew Ferguson. Bookings: www.1812theatre. com.au

■ Tribe Youth Theatre: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time (adapted by Simon Stephens) April 4 – 14 at Bendigo Theatre Cmpany Arts Shed, 15-17 Allingham St., Golden Square. Director: Kerry Turpie. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/COHEX

■ CPP Community Theatre: Little Women (by Louisa May Alcott, adapted by AnneMarie Casey) April 5 – 13 at the Performing Arts Centre, Boronia K-12 College, Albert Ave., Boronia (Park at Rangeview Rd. end). Director: Jenn Walter. Bookings: https:// cppcommunitytheatre.com.au/

■ Warrandyte Theatre Company: The Last Quiz Night on Earth (by Alison Carr) April 5 – 20 at Warrandyte Mechanics Institute, 180 Yarra St., Warrandyte. Director: Bob Bramble. Bookings: https:// www.trybooking.com/CKUCN

■ Burwood Student Theatre Company: Femme Fatale (by Liv Carlisle) April 6 – 7 at Doncaster Secondary College, 123 Church Rd., Doncaster. Director: Liv Carlisle. Bookings: burwoodstudenttheatrecompany@ gmail.com

■ Gemco Players: Millie’s War, April 8 – 28 at The Gem Theatre, 19 Kilvington Drive, Emerald. Bookings and further details: www.gemcoplayers.org

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: The Memory of Water (by Shelagh Stevenson) April 17 – May 4 at 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Brett Turner. Bookings: wlt.org.au

■ The Basin Theatre Company: Berlin (by Joanna Murray-Smith) April 18 – 28 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Sharon Maine. Bookings: https:// authebasin.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/ sales Phone: 1300 784 668

■ LOTS Theatre (Legends of the Skies): Wednesday, April 24 at 7.30pm in the Casey Hangar of the Moorabbin Air Museum. Why … why we respect, why we remember, why we work for peace. Facts, quizzes, visuals, sing-a-longs, table competitions. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. Tables of Eight. BYO supper. $20 per person. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CPOTR.

Auditions

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Into the Woods Jr. March 20 at the Eltham Little Theatre Rehearsal Room, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Audition bookings: Trybooking

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Lovesong (by Abi Morgan) March 17, 20 at 7pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: George Werther. Audition bookings: werthe110@gmail.com or call 0402 222 090.

■ Malvern Theatre Company (a joint production with Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company ): Little Women – the Musical (Book by Alan Knee, Lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, Music by Jason Howland) May 5 at 7pm, May 6, 7 at 7.30pm, Callbacks May 12 at 7pm, at Malvern Theatre 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Alan Burrows. Full details can be found on the VDL website: https://vdl.org.au/auditions

Entertainment

WITHOUT QUESTION

■ Congratulations to Bayside author Evelyn Cronk who launched her debut novel Without Question before an appreciative audience at the West Brighton Club

Prior to authoring a novel, Evelyn enjoyed a productive career in the Australian film industry as a film editor, post-production supervisor, and manager of a specialist post-production house.

The book came about when, as part of a team, Evelyn r ead and discussed many scripts submitted for consideration.

One day Evelyn proffered a story synopsis, thinking her script supervisor might like to transform her outline into a film script.

The supervisor and producers loved the story and encouraged Evelyn to develop the narrative as a novel. A publishing house also enjoyed the story and Without Question, with its striking orange and black cover, is now available for global readership.

Set in the 1980s, Evelyn's fascinating tale has themes of missing persons, espionage, national security, terrorism and family secrets, which remain relevant today.

The novel has already enjoyed early success, climbing to top of the board at a local bookshop.

Without Question is available on Amazon Kindle, Apple Books and in various bookstores.

For further details visit www.without questionbook.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

WIT’s 10 years

■ With pressure upon community theatre to offer diverse and all-inclusive theatre, Wit Incorporated has been doing just that now for the past 10 years particularly in the west of Melbourne.

So there needed to be a celebration, and what better way to showcase their talent by staging a one night Cabaret with a little fundraising, all at the Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray.

For the past decade Wit has presented storytelling, working with hundreds of artists, providing local discounted kids drama classes, managing festivals and workshopping with writers and artists.

So, with the Space set with many decorated tables, food and wine available, a programme of music, dance, physicality, comedy was put together under the direction of Artistic Director, Lansy Feng.

Linking the many and diverse items was the talented Bradley Storer, complete with white face as the Host, who also saw the audience through many raffle draws throughout the night.

The intro sketch had Madeline Magee Carr and Lansy Feng portray a range of characters in quick time with lightning change of an item of costume and headgear.

Transgender Eva Rees delivered some comedy, before Contortionist Kelsea Blackburn showed how supple her body was. Very impressive sequences of flexibility and agility that only could be achieved by someone who is doublejointed.

Anthony and Sara Pontonzo gave us a duet before Drag Artist Caito bared all discreetly to some gasps within the audience. Under the guidance of Reis Low, the audience rose and followed her musically with a range of vigorous arm, head, body and leg movement all before earning a rest before another raffle draw.

Krystal and Claire combined for their own display of acrobatic movement well-choreographed, Isabella Wang performed a musical rendition of her own composition while Lansy and Emma Drysdale joined for the last song before the audience were invited to stay on for more chats, drinks and dance.

Past and present participants of Wit, together with other local followers, would have enjoyed the Cabaret celebrating a milestone of theatrical achievement in the west. witinc.com.au

- Review by Graeme McCoubrie

Pass the Parcel

■ Pass the Parcel, the first collaboration between Meg Taranto and Elliot Wood, is set to be presented at Tasma Terrace as part of the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival from March 27 to April 7.

Audience members are invited to play together, as much as they are comfortable to do so, while Meg and Elliot clownishly facilitate a party world around them.

This is Taranto and Wood’s first collaboration together as a duo, after working together on last year’s Melbourne University Law Revue Both share a love of rambunctious comedy and play that cares about the world it is responding to.

If children’s games model the world as we want it to be experienced, then Pass the Parcel frequents as one of the most controversial. Does everyone get a prize? How much hope is appropriate? Life can be disappointing ... but does a party game have to be?

The show is an investigation of fun, power, the fun of power and the power of fun.

Performance Dates: March 27-April 7 at 9.30pm

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes, no interval

Venue: Tasma Terrace – 5 Parliament Place, Melbourne..

Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ pass-the-parcel-tickets-773489196007

- Cheryl Threadgold

Trish Carr

■ The annual Lyrebird Awards event became extra special for Trish Carr when she was surprised with the news of being inducted into the Lyrebird Hall of Fame by her peers.

Trish has contributed to community theatre for over 30 years with many companies, including involvement with properties, set design, costumes, direction, production coordination, stage management and performance, and has participated as Lyrebirds Awards judge for over 18 years for all theatre genres.

In the professional theatre sector, Trish worked as head costumier on My Fair Lady at the Comedy Theatre, a designer for the Australian Fibre Show at Parliament House Canberra, and was commissioned to create a 1956 Olympic costume replica for the National Sport Museum. She was also involved in the State School Spectacular for four years as Assistant Costume Coordinator and workroom supervisor.

In the past, Trish has received 15 Lyrebird Award Nominations and received 13 Lyrebird Awards, including Best Actress, Best Support Actress, Best Director, Best Costumes and Best Set Design.

Trish's splendid all-round contribution to theatre over the years makes her induction into the Lyrebird Hall of Fame most well-deserving.

- Cheryl Threadgold

■ They say that truth is stranger than fiction, and after seeing the new British film Wicked Little Letters, that’s easy to believe.

Based on a true story, the film follows a strange case of a stream of letters with foul language and sexual innuendo that seems to be targeting a quiet English spinster who lives at home with her parents following the First World War.

The race is on to discover who could possibly be sending these ribald letters to Edith Swan (Olivia Colman).

The prime suspect is her younger Irish neighbour, Rose (Jessie Buckley) who is well known for her foul mouth and love of a rollicking life with few refinements and a refusal to behave as a prim young English women.

Initially, Edith befriends young woman, wanting to teach her how to improve herself and follow Edith’s buttoned-up ways. But once the two women fall out, the ‘wicked little letters’ start appearing in Edith’s mail.

Completing Edith’s dull and repressed existence are her nasty bully of a father (Timothy Spall) and her dominated mother, played by Gemma Jones.

Two fairly useless policemen, Chief Constable Spedding (Paul Chahidi) and wet behind the ears Constable Papperwick (Hugh Skinner) specialise in female belittlement and are determined to lock out from the investigation their sole female constable Gladys Moss (Anjana Vasan)

This makes Gladys’ eventual victory in solving the case and vindicating Rose all the sweeter to watch. Helping Gladys unravel the crime are a few street smart village women, including Dame Eileen Atkins as Mabel.

It takes the viewer a little while to enter into the spirit of the absurd humour and bizarre characters of the little English village, but it’s done so well that the journey to unravelling the truth is hilarious and fascinating.

There are excellent performances from all these fine British actors, which is what makes the film succeed. And in these dark times, being transported to another time and a strange story to bewitch us is no bad thing.

And the fact that it actually happened in a court case in Littlehampton that resulted in four trials in 1923, does add a piquant touch to this black comedy.

Wicked Little Letters opens in cinemas on March 21.

- Julie Houghton

More Auditions

■ The Basin Theatre Company: God of Carnage (by Yasmine Reza, translated by Christopher Hampton) March 19, 20 and 24 at 7.00pm at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: Julie Cunningham. Audition enquiries: juliehowdramatic@ gmail.com 0400 150 583.

■ Wyndham Theatre Company: After Dinner (by Andrew Bovell) May 1, 7.00-9.00pm; May 4 2.00-4.00pm at Crossroads Theatre, Cnr Duncan’s Rd and Synnot St., Werribee. Director: Fiona Scarlett. Audition deadline: April 22. A two-minute monologue selected by the auditionee is to be prepared and presented. For further details of characters and audition requirements, visit www.wyndham theatrecompany.org.au/ Please submit expressions of interest by emailing info@wyndhamtheatrecompany. org.au, or fill in the contact form on the website, specifying preferred date and character.

■ Malvern Theatre Company: True Minds (Joanna Murray-Smith) April 7 at 6pm, April 8 at 7pm at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Dexter Bourke. Audition enquiries: dexterb7251@gmail.com

- Cheryl Threadgold

● ● ● ● Evelyn Cronk with her debut novel Without Question. Photo: Carol West

●

● Timothy Spall, Olivia Coleman, Gemma Jones

● Trish Carr

● ● ● ● Hurstbridge. From Thorn’s Hill. Circa 1914.

● ● ● ● Old inn, Hurstbridge. 1979.

● ● The Bridge, Hurstbridge.

● ● Hurst’s Bridge

■ Johnny Ladd is fondly remembered for his work in Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight on Channel Nine

The studios at Bendigo Street, Richmond were demolished, but the memories linger on.

Johnny Ladd was born in England in 1924 at Shardlow, Derbyshire.

Johnny became fascinated with theatre when he was taken to pantomimes and shows when he was just a youngster.

He began his stage career in his teenage years. Johnny served in the R.A.F. at the age of 16 during the Second World War and finished up in Canada

He entertained the troops and worked with Frank Thornton who later starred in the English television series Are You Being Served?

After the war was over Johnny returned to the stage. He toured with many famous people including Dick Emery and Tony Hancock.

Johnny told me during a radio interview in 2002 that he once shared an upstairs flat with Tony Hancock and they only had one key.

If Johnny was arriving home late he had a secret whistle to wake Tony up. Tony would open the window and throw the key down to Johnny in the street so that he could get in.

Johnny landed a job at the famous Windmill Theatre in 1948. He then began working as an ice skater in pantomimes and playing ‘the Dame’.

In 1956 he was cast in the hit musical Grab

Magazine Magazine

Whatever Happened To ... Johnny Ladd

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

Me A Gondola , at the Lyric Theatre in Shaftesbury Avenue, playing opposite Denis Quilley.

When the play toured the UK Johnny stayed with the show and eventually finished up in Australia

He decided to settle here and worked in pantomimes with the Tivoli Circuit

In 1958 he got into television in a Gaslight Music Hall series and then The Bobby Limb Show

He did a television series for ABC television titled Take Three with Shiela Bradley and Bill French and was also comedy producer for The Ted Hamilton Show

Johnny had gathered a lot of great comedy

material and when he joined In Melbourne Tonight he was able to utilise his collection of sketches and pass on his years of experience to cast members.

Johnny was working with Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton, Philip Brady, Patti Newton, Joff Allen, Buster Fiddess, Frank Rich, Peter Smith and many others during those wonderful years of variety television.

Over the years most of the comedy for Graham was written by Fred Parsons and later Mike McColl Jones.

Johnny appeared in more than 3000 comedy sketches and was with Graham's shows for 11 years. He rated Graham and Bert as the two best people he had ever worked with in show business.

Joe Latona, the renowned choreographer, was Johnny's business partner and they produced shows at Nero's Fiddle Restaurant in Nunawading for 10 years.

Johnny was associate producer on The Paul Hogan Show for seven years.

In 1970 Johnny appeared in the musical version of When We Are Married

In 1998 he was flown to London to be a guest on This Is Your Life to surprise his old friend Frank Thornton.

He also did some acting in featured television roles in Number 96 and The Link Men. Johnny's health deteriorated in later years and he had heart surgery in 2001.

Sadly Johnny Ladd passed away in 2004 at the age of 80. A month after his passing a tribute concert was held at The Princess Theatre to pay tribute to this great character and entertainer.

Kevin Trask

Kevin can be heard on 3AWThe Time Tunnel - Remember WhenSundays at 10.10pm with Philip Brady and Simon Owens. And on 96.5 FM

That's Entertainment - Sundays at 12 Noon.

www.innerfm.org.au

FIRST NATIONS MURAL UNVEILED AT OAKLEIGH

Launch time

■ Meir is launching a new range, collaborating with interior designer and television personality Darren Palmer.

The launch night at Toffee Studios in South Melbourne promises to be an affair filled with fun, glamour, interactive entertainment, nibbles, cocktails and more.

To the ABC

■ Abbir Dib has started as the Video and Social Lead at the ABC in Melbourne.

She is responsible for social media videos on entertainment and arts.

Abbir was most recently a Journalist / Social Media Producer for The Age, and prior to that, an Associate Producer for 9 News

Treasures

■ A stunning and poignant exhibition of Ukrainian art and craft opens in Melbourne this month showing thousands of years of the culture and traditions of the warravaged nation.

The exhibition, titled Treasures, includes paintings, ceramics, sculpture, embroidery, woodwork and decorated eggs.

Highlights among the pieces on show are the yellow, green and brown Kosiv ceramics, which come from the Carpathian mountains and have UNESCO heritage status.

There are also Pysanky decorated Easter eggs on which are motifs with beeswax and natural dye. There are also examples of the fascinating Bandura 60-string musical instruments.

The museum is behind the St Peter and St Paul Catholic Cathedral. The exhibition runs until March 20025.

Free Entry every Sunday from 10am – 1pm.

Ukrainian Treasures go on Show in Melbourne

St Peter’s and Paul’s Cathedral rear 35 Canning St.

North Melbourne - Peter Kemp

Monash Arts and Cultural Development

A First Nations mural, an exhibition of complex paintings and absurd animations, and a stellar lineup for the free music event Live at Warrawee are all the highlights across the arts at Monash this month.

Visitors to the Oakleigh Activity Centre will notice an eye-catching new feature on the external façade at Atkinson St car park.

The City of Monash unveiled a new work of public art by Gunditjnara Yorta Yorta and Wemba Wemba artist, Tom Day, aimed at celebrating First Nations culture and fostering a sense of community.

Titled Nanyubak, a Yorta Yorta word meaning ‘to dream the future’, the mural depicts the lines of connection that bind people to the land and to each other.

Bunjil the Eagle and Waa the Crow feature prominently, while the teal thread of the local Scotchmans Creek runs throughout.

Gum leaves feature in the work, welcoming people to the land of the traditional owners, the Wurundjeri Wot Wurrung People

Cup of Shepp

A Cup of Shepp and GV Art Contest

The five winning township artworks can now be found as a ceramic travel cups and mugs available at Greater Shepparton Visitors’ Centre

■ Shepparton winner – Kat Parker

■ Mooroopna winner – Anni Jane Linklater

■ Tatura winner – Karren Pollard

■ Dookie winner – Stephanie Taylor

■ Murchison winner – Katelyn Trevaskis

■ People’s Choice winner – Monica Burney – Overlooking the Lake.

An impression of the Shepparton Lake as mixed media, created with pressed dried leaves and flora, tree bark and water colour paint.

Photo 2024 Environmental Futures

This season of Photo 2024 brings together celebrated artists Edward Burtynsky, Janet Laurence, Sonia

The Arts

with Peter Kemp

Payes, Lingan K , and Corber Musjandi with immersive, thoughtprovoking exhibitions that exploits the theme of environmental futures.

★ A Constant state of Transformation.

| Venue: Arts@Collins, Level 2, 417 Collins St. Melbourne.

Photographic artists: Michael Najjar, Xiao Hui Wang and Leela Schauble exhibit compelling projects that explore evolving technologies and the effects of climate change including new bodies of work for a constant state of transformation.

Both exhibitions close May 26. Museum of Australian Photography (MAPh)

869 Ferntree Gully Rd.

Wheelers Hill

Grants open

■ Arts and Cultural Grants now open. The 2024 Maroondah Arts and Cultural Grants are now open. Not for Profit, incorporated groups a nd aspiring artists are eligible to apply for up to $5000 for arts or cultural projects. Projects can be in any form and must benefit the Maroondah community. Grant applications close Sunday April 14, midnight.

Maroondah Gallery

32 Greenwood Ave, Ringwood. Phone 9298 4565

- Peter Kemp

OK. With John O’Keefe

No fee for Coodabeens

■ Fellow scribe Jon Anderson reminded me the iconic Coodabeens sang at two, not one, AFL Grand Finals, as I previously reported. Coodabeens did the gigs free, gratis, as at the time, the AFL was broke. How times have changed as today talent fees start at six figures.

Kanye’s legal dust-up

■ Lawyers are due to be briefed in the case of estate of songwriter Donna Summer versus Kanye West. Singer Kanye West is accused of misappropriation of a song. West went ahead and recorded the song 'Don't Die' on his new album. It looks likely to be real battle with big money involved.

Chocolate Starfish on tour

■ I'm fascinated by rock groups who call their band by the weirdest of names. I'm sure there's a creative reason why Chocolate Starfish chose its name. Anyway, the name has been successful for 30 years. Commencing June, they will rock around major provincial cities ending in Warrnambool in October, tickets and gig details on Chocolatestarfish.com.au

Ita finishes at ABC

■ After a period as Chair of the ABC, Ita Buttrose has said 'No, thanks' to a four-hour farewell cocktail bash. Ita walks off into the sunset, May 6.

Leave it to Bieber

■ Alaia Baldwin Anonow got herself involved with a bar attendant in Club Elan, Georgia. Following a scuffle, Alaia - sister of Hailey Bieber - was charged with simple assault and battery casing her to be removed from the club.

By the way, family member Justin Bieber was immortalised in a lifesize wax model now on display at Madam Tussaud's, Hollywood. The big occasion was Justin's 30 th birthday, go visit him dressed in the same pink outfit he wore in the Peaches music video.

- John O’Keefe

● Johnny Ladd

The Coodabeens

LA MAMA CLOSES FOR 2025

■ La Mama Artistic Director Caitlin Dullard and the La Mama Committee of Management has advised that La Mama Theatre will temporarily cease public performance throughout 2025 to completely review its operations.

Last December, La Mama learned of an unsuccessful application for Creative Australia organisational funding for 2025-2028, and were also unsuccessful with this application in 2020.

Through the Federal Government's RISE funding, significant pandemic support from Creative Victoria, Job Keeper and generous private donations, La Mama was able to continue delivering on their core mission: 'to facilitate fearlessly independent theatre making.'

However, without Creative Australia’s organisational funding for 2025-2028, a current way of operating for La Mama Theatre is not viable.

“The La Mama model supports artists to create and present work, offering artists venue, ticketing, front of house, marketing and technical support, together with a modest production budget and 80 per cent of box office takings. La Mama takes 20 per cent, making a small contribution to operations,” a statement said.

“Not securing four-year funding from Creative Australia was first met with disappointment, but La Mama Theatre is now choosing to grasp this moment as an opportunity to implement sustainable and necessary organisational change, and are 'hopeful, inspired and excited for our future.'

“Throughout 2025, while not presenting work as usual, La Mama will be opening up both venues - La Mama Theatre and La Mama Courthousefor a series of artist residencies.

“Whilst concerned about the impact of this decision on the sector, La Mama is confident that this temporary pause will yield stronger outcomes for all.

“La Mama has a funded, dynamic program of events scheduled for the rest of 2024 and is committed to returning with clarity, energy and a whole lot of transformative theatre in 2026.

“And in 2025 La Mama will be supporting numerous artists undertaking research and development of new work, while at the same time undertaking its own crucial period of research and development.

“If interested to support La Mama's future philanthropically, contact Caitlin on caitlin@lamama.com.au or 9347 6948. Tax deductible donations can be made online at any time. lamama.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

The 39 Steps

■ The creative team behind this Hearth production of The 39 Steps needs an award for the almost seamless co-ordination of the required sound effects and lighting cues on a very inventive set where the simple rolling on and off of props and boxes creates a multitude of scenarios and situations. (Eloise Kent, Niklas Pajanti, Justin Gardam, Genevieve Davidson Emma Parfitt)

There is also a sense of comic genius that comes through in the reenacting of John Buchan’s novel adapted by Patrick Barlow. Sorab Kaikobad plays Richard Hannay, wrongly accused of murder, who travels across the United Kingdom discovering love, treachery, betrayal and a spy ring.

Jackson McGovern, Yvette Turner and Charlie Cousins play everyone else in the story – some 150 characters if the program blurb is correct. The physical storytelling has characters running on the roof of a train and scaling a precipice. There are comic routines that are priceless; the exchange of hats between McGovern and Turner being a case in point where characters and accents are instantly changed.

The challenge for director Charlie Cousins has been to balance the farce and the storyline. There are times when the former dominates the latter where overindulgence in the nonsense and routines might be considered superfluous.

At the same time, Barlow is providing a parody of the murder mystery genre – there are references to classic films of that era, allowing for both buffoonery and subtlety in the use of farcical forms and simultaneously sending it all up. It can be overwhelming.

There is a lesson in theatre to be had when watching this production and I will never look at the original novel in the same way ever again.

The vaudeville stage of the opening is a thing of the past as is an act like Mr Memory. He would be superseded by AI.

Such social and technological changes make the dated nature of Buchan’s work ripe for parody. What endures is the agelessness of theatre.

Presented at Chapel off Chapel

- Review by David McLean

Beast In The Room

■ Beast in the Room, an exploration of loss through the lens of a mother-son relationship will be performed from March 20 - 28 at Theatre Works, St Kilda. This new work juxtaposes the absurd and surreal with the lived experience, and aims to challenge perceptions and provoke introspection as it navigates the intricate nuances of grief and resilience.

International theatremaker April Albert and her 16 year old son Jule weave together a tale of building worlds and utopias amongst the dystopic. How are we marked and transformed by loss? Where do we find hope and healing for the next generation?

Reflecting on the inspiration behind Beast in the Room, April Albert says: “It was very important for me to go through the artistic process of making a show with Jule, who is not a performer and has no intention of working in theatre. As the mother of a son, I wanted him to experience the artistic process and understand the lived experience of loss for women. He experienced loss as well. If trauma can be inherited from one generation to the next, then so can love and emotional intelligence. It is an honour that we have been on this journey together.”

Performance Details: March 20-28 at 7.30pm. Venue: Theatre Works, 14 Acland St, St Kilda. Bookings: theatreworks.org.au

Miller’s Girl

■ (MA). 93 minutes. Now showing in selected cinemas.

Irritatingly obvious, this cut-rate Loilta wannabe unfortunately becomes tedious all-too-quickly, despite the earnest efforts of its main actors.

Set in ’nowhere’ Tennessee, we are introduced to school student Cairo Sweet (Jenna Ortega), who in desperately over-the-top narration, explains her rich and lonely background, and the boredom of living in a small town.

Along with friend Winnie (Gideon Adlon), they attend the creative writing class of Jonathan Miller (Martin Freeman), a failed author who fell into teaching.

An attraction develops between Miller and Cairo, but as the teacherstudent line begins to blur, events happen that will turn Miller’s life upside down.

Debutant writer/director Jade Halley Bartlett wants to provoke and confront, but overstates everything while mostly relying on cliche, so nothing feels challenging or convincing.

David Mamet/David Williamson-esque, it would have been fascinating to see what someone like Jennifer Kent would have done with the material.

RATING - **

Damsel

■ (M). 107 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix.

Imagine if the 1981 movie Dragonslayer was seen from the perspective of one of the maiden sacrifices, and you’ll know what to expect from Damsel, a mildly entertaining adventure that never truly soars, and suffers from a bland lead actor and predictable plot turns.

Millie Bobby Brown (of Stranger Things fame) stars as Elodie, a feisty young woman who lives in a time long ago, where knights dot the landscape and dragons do exist.

Living amongst a people who are poor, Elodie’s father, Lord Bayford (Ray Winstone), receives a sudden offer from a highly prosperous kingdom, where his daughter will be married off to Prince Henry (Nick Robinson), and in return will be paid piles of gold.

The family, which also includes younger sister Floria (Brooke Carter) and stepmother Lady Bayford (Angela Bassett), travel to the kingdom, and are wowed by its riches, and welcomed by Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright).

Elodie and Henry hit it off, and the wedding is a grand affair, but following a rather ominous mountain ceremony, she will be required to go into survival mode, as the resourceful bride must face a terrify-

ing creature. The script by Dan Mazeau (Fast X, Wrath Of The Titans) is functional rather than imaginative (the opening line is awkwardly self-aware and clunky), but is raised well-enough by director Juan Carlos Fresnadillo (Intacto, 28 Weeks Later) , who breathes some life into the familiar material, and with the help of a strong technical crew, makes sure the film looks good.

Brown comes across as a lesser Natalie Portman, while Bassett is somewhat underused.

Wright’s casting seems to be a knowing, flipside wink to her 1987 breakout film, The Princess Bride While not breaking much in the way of new ground, Damsel is fun viewing.

RATING - ***

Anatomy Of A Fall

■ (MA). 151 minutes. Available to rent or buy on selected digital platforms.

Winner for Best Original Screenplay at this year’s Oscars, this compelling and absorbing drama from director Justine Triet is totally deserving of all the praise heaped upon it.

The story centres on successful author Sandra (Sandra Huller, who also stars in the Oscar winning film, The Zone Of Interest), who is put on trial after the death of her husband Samuel (Samuel Theis).

As media and public speculation threatens to distort what the truth actually is, her fate will largely rely on the testimony of her young son Daniel (Milo Machado Graner).

Triet , who also co-wrote the script, is in career best form, while the entire cast deliver exceptional performances.

There is also brilliant use of the camera, which at a number of key moments, will start as measured and static, as if neutral to the drama, then will suddenly, and cleverly, move in the way of a news media camera or a blogger mobile phone, turning and twisting what we are witnessing into the particular narrative these outlets or online people want. Truly one of the year’s best films.

RATING - ****½

● ● Charlie Cousins and Sorab Kaikobad in The 39 Steps. Photo: Cameron Grant

● Aaron Rourke

Across

1.

6.

11.

15. Messenger

20. Jump

21. Laughing scavenger

22. Labyrinth

23. Resumé, curriculum ...

25. Victory cup

26. Of sound mind, compos ...

27. Holy city

29. Letter

32. Forbidden activity (2-2)

34. Neither ... nor that

36. Careworn

39. Pre-Soviet emperors

41.

46.

51.

52.

59.

61.

62.

63.

64.

67.

70.

71.

72.

73.

74.

77.

78.

87.

98.

108. Brass instrument

111. Wordless play

112. White ants

114. Cannier

116. Citrus peel

119. German Mrs

120. Walkway

121. Non-com (1,1,1)

123. Was in debt to

124. Shrill bark

125. Name one by one

126. Vortex

127. Chair wheels

130. Came first

131. Wasted time

135. Record's secondary track (1-4)

138. Spoils

139. ... out a living

141. Countries' pennants

144. Economise, scrimp & ...

146. And so on

147. Infantryman, ... soldier

148. Crazy

149. Bread bun

150. Exercise club

151. Retained

152. Swallow up

153. The B of NB

155. Soviet Union (1,1,1,1)

157. Numerals system

158. Enclosure

160. Futuristic fiction (3-2)

161. Unsuitable

162. Ultra-virile

163. Which

165. Building block

167. ... Baba & The 40 Thieves

Across Down Down

168. Mexican dip

169. Dispatch by post

171. Suspect's defence

172. Naval rank, chief ... officer

175. Rare pleasure

176. ... & hearty

179. Dried grape

180. Asian sauce bean

182. Knuckle of veal stew, ... bucco

184. Magazine subscriber

185. Cramped (space)

186. Perish

188. Sir ... Coward

189. Chest bone

190. Ancestry diagram, family ...

191. Wheel-shaft projection

193. On cloud ...

194. Swaggering walk

196. Fashion guru, Christian ...

197. Christmas carol, ... In A Manger

198. CDs, compact ...

200. Declare approval of

205. Olympic Games body (1,1,1)

207. King's title, Your ...

210. Resettlement

211. Bludgeoned

212. Pull heavily

213. Indian garment

214. Slimy substance

216. Red-rind cheese

218. Steer

219. Tibetan oxen

220. Employees

224. USA (5,3)

227. Snout

229. Abominable snowman

230. Antlered beast

231. Mutilates

232. Isolated

233. Towards interior of

235. Plentiful

237. Require

239. Wood-trimming tool

241. Of warships

244. Relaxation routine

246. Waffles

249. Child's guessing game (1,3)

252. Press down (4,2)

254. Toppled (over)

256. Group of six

258. Stuns

259. Sea rhythms

260. Foot arches

263. Queen's dog

264. Jogger

265. Ludicrous failure

267. Flowing away

270. Marmalade fruit

271. Spins

272. Mental stress

273. Leakage

274. Map book

277. Small car

279. Ready money

281. Circular

284. Ayes & ...

286. Security lapse

288. Rev counters

292. Measure of distance

294. Composer's work

295. Islands

298. Illumination

300. Orchestra section

301. Hymn, Ave ...

303. Hoisted (flag) (3,2)

306. Idolise

308. Engage (gears)

309. Lazily

311. Thug

314. Spanish friend

315. Salt, ... chloride

316. Conforming, ... the line

317. Without company

318. Filled pastries

319. Unruly children

1. Cripple

2. Salesmen

3. Singer, ... Presley

4. Bury

5. Scottish valley

6. Short sleep

7. Kitchen garment

8. Uncovered

9. Corresponded in sound

10. Swiss lake

11. Most submissive

12. Convent

13. Utters

14. Pulped

15. Confines, ... in

16. Frill

17. Public profile

18. Festival

19. Street

24. Tennis ace, ... Lendl

28. Cries like crow

30. Ayatollah's land

31. Pace

33. Makes speech

35. Pressure line on map

37. Enlarge

38. Widespread

40. Wonkiest

42. Prickle

44. Single-celled organism

45. Respect

47. Donkeys

48. Proximity

49. Tiny fish

50. NSW industrial city

53. Tarmac surface

54. Bliss

57. New Zealand Rugby Union team (3,6)

58. Immersed

60. Into that place

63. Aperture

65. Regrettably

66. Eyelid inflammation

68. Group of cattle

69. Writer, ... Blyton

76. Stretchy tape

79. Smash into

80. Snake poison

81. Royal racecourse

83. Up & about

84. Grant

85. Watch covertly

88. Compass point

90. ... & ahs

91. Current units

93. Study of zodiac

95. Moist

97. Become beached, run ...

99. Music style, rock ... (3,4)

100. Sudden attack

102. Denim trousers

104. Yields, ... in

107. Prison rooms

109. Raise (livestock)

110. Region

111. Mongrel dog

113. Originate

115. Female calves

117. Tinted

118. Mirth

121. Journalists

122. Admitted guilt (5,2)

127. Undemanding (job)

128. Disjoin

129. Refits

132. Magician's chant

133. Bloodsucker

134. Military overthrow, coup ... (1'4)

135. Makes acquaintance of

136. Torvill or Dean (3-6)

137. Able

138. Organised for action

140. Communal bedroom

141. Burned unsteadily

142. Disbelievers

143. Portable weapons (5,4)

145. Closing tactics

151. Food-preparing room

154. Chilly

156. Remains

159. Also known as (1,1,1)

164. Afflict

169. Pancake topping, ... syrup

170. Aggravated

173. Lobe ornament

174. Cigar leaves

177. Ram star sign

178. Abrasive paper

181. Actor, Laurence ...

183. Substitute (5-2)

187. Listing down

192. Music colleges

195. Raise standard of

199. Treated badly (3-4)

201. Police informer

202. Debauched party

203. Delete

204. Milk coffee style, ... latte

206. Hi!

207. Intended

208. Model, ... Macpherson

209. Serving platter

213. Wiry-haired dog, ... terrier

215. Rich

217. Earth's satellite

221. Browned off (3,2)

222. Grind down

223. Polluted air

224. Expends, ... up

225. Terminate

226. Execute (law)

228. Entertainingly

234. Enlivening (7,2)

236. Mooches

238. Dine

240. Spot

242. Fan

243. Scotsman's pouch

245. Work clothes

247. Stupid

248. Concentrated scent

250. Autocue

251. Mounts

253. Actor, Robert De ...

255. Pigmented eye membrane

257. Great ages

258. Eagerly expectant

261. Higher in rank

262. Banishes

265. Girl

266. Actor, Will ...

268. Brazilian dance, ... nova

269. Affable

275. Filled tortilla

276. In present state (2,2)

278. Singer, ... Cole (3,4)

280. Side of sofa

282. Oh dear!

283. Starkers

285. Slight

287. Caresses with lips

289. Nuclear devices (1-5)

290. Distress signal

291. African disease fly

292. Small insects

293. Unknown author

296. Baby wrap

297. Long films

299. Phantom

302. Beatles drummer

304. Love

305. Plumbing trap pipe (1-4)

306. Heat up

307. Crowd sound

308. Sponges

310. Root vegetables

312. Cab

313. Phoned

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au

Franky & Wendy

■ What About The Children? is the new single for popular duo Franky and Wendy. Described as something different but still amazing, it’s a country rock-styled ballad with a questioning theme that will hopefully continue the duo’s amazing three-year run of successful single releases. Available on all online music retailers.

Real Life return

■ Eighties rock legends Real Life will perform at Birds Basement on Saturday (Mar,. 23).

For the past few years, they have been on major tours in the USA, Germany and the Philippines, both headlining and opening for some equally iconic bands.

What The World Needs Now at MSO

■ In celebration of one of the greatest songwriters of all time, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Benjamin Northey, will perform What the World Needs Now: A Celebration of Burt Bacharach for two shows only at Hamer Hall.

Burt Bacharach (1928-2023), along with long-time collaborator Hal David, provided the soundtrack to generations with more than 1000 artists having recorded his songs.

From 1961-1972 most of the duo’s songs were written for the inimitable Dionne Warwick, with artists including Perry Como, Gene Pitney, Cilla Black, Dusty Springfield and Tom Jones also recording hits written by Bacharach and David

Directed by Shaun Rennie, What the World Needs Now: A Celebration of Burt Bacharach unites the MSO with a stellar cast of Australian voices.

Rob Foenander

With a strong new lineup of veteran performers led by founding vocalist/songwriter David Sterry, the band are in top form, playing hits like Send Me An Angel to their latest release Sirens, and everything in between, says their media release. Tickets at Birds Basement. -

Ben continues

■ After 21 years, Ben Northey is continuing in his role as Principal Conductor in Residence, He becomes Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor – Learning and Engagement.

“It’s a wonderful milestone on which to announce that Ben has accepted a five-year contract extension as Principal Conductor and Artistic Advisor – Learning and Engage-

said MSO MD Sophie Galaise

Musical theatre stars David Campbell and Caroline O’Connor, award-winning jazz vocalist Emma Pask and Zimbabwean-born First Lady of Soul and R&B Thndo celebrate the unparalleled legacy of a music icon.

Multi-talented crooner David Campbell says he is looking forward to celebrating such a musical icon. “Burt Bacharach is one of the great songwriters of the past hundred years - I grew up on his music, listening to great artists across decades sing his many,

O S M T LAYS REEKS E AJAR GOGO HOTUP ICON TUBA S A MIME TERMITES I SHREWDER RIND G

FRAU PATH O V M NCO E L R OWED YELP E T N ENUMERATE WHIRLPOOL E E E

CASTERS A N S N WON F S L O DAWDLED U E E BSIDE MARS EKED FLAGS B E E

SAVE F ETC FOOT MAD ROLL GYM R KEPT

H ENGULF E F BENE USSR I N ARABIC A

YARD R R SCIFI INAPT MACHO L C THAT

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MAIL I E ALIBI PETTY TREAT A D HALE

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ENDORSE E P C V IOC N H L A MAJESTY A R R MIGRATION CUDGELLED

many hits. What the world needs now is more music and song and I cannot wait to sing some of my favourites from this legendary musician.”

During his illustrious and prolific career, the composer, songwriter, record producer and pianist received six Grammy Awards, three Academy Awards and one Emmy.

Bacharach’s chart success included 73 US and 52 UK top 40 hits over four decades.

Award winning vocalist Emma Pask has firmly established herself as one of Australia’s favourite voices in Jazz.

What the World Needs Now: A Celebration of Burt Bacharach will feature some of his most memorable songs including What the World Needs Now, Alfie, Walk on By, I Say a Little Prayer, Close to You, One Less Bell to Answer, Any Day Now, That’s What Friends Are For and more.

Event Details:

What the World Needs Now: A Celebration of Burt Bacharach Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

Conductor Benjamin Northey Director Shaun Rennie

Executive Producer Mark Sutcliffe

Dates: Saturday June 22, 1pm and 7.30pm

Venue: Arts Centre Melbourne, Hamer Hall

Tickets: mso.com.au - Prue Bassett

Meet The Principal

Sherrin Strathairn Bundoora Primary School

Are you searching for a visionary school who can transform your child’s educational journey?

Look no further! We are thrilled to introduce you to Bundoora Primary School.

The School Principal, Ms Sherrin Strathairn, brings a passion for fostering academic excellence to the school, whilst fostering a sense of belonging to create a supportive community that encourages our students to reach their full potential.

At Bundoora Primary School we work to meet all students at their point of need. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment where students thrive.

Our staff prioritise communication and collaboration, ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard and valued.

Our school has embraced the ‘Science of Reading’ Pedagogy, significantly enhancing student engagement and achievement. This approach helps all students to achieve their best and caters for neurodiverse learning.

Bundoora Primary’s school commitment to our students is evident through the many additional opportunities afforded to our children, ranging from our specialist classes: STEM, ICT, Performing Arts, Visual Arts and PE; to additional opportunities such as rock band, choir, art club, and student leadership.

Our unique Social Enterprise program allows students to work together to build empathy, understanding, and

a social conscience through fundraising for student-selected charities. Additional extra-curricular activities offered after school include soccer, basketball, street dance, robotics, drama, music lessons and chess lessons.

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of our vibrant educational community.

Call or email today to book a tour on 9467 2601 or bundoora.ps@ education.vic.gov.au .

Fact File

NAME: Sherrin Strathairn

SCHOOL NAME: Bundoora Primary School

PHONE: 9467 2601

WEBSITE: www.bundoroaps.vic.edu.au

EMAIL: Sherrin.strathairn@ education.vic.gov.au

Victorian Rural News

‘Buy a Bunnings sausage. Help the Good Friday Appeal.’

150 Freemasons volunteer to support Royal Children’s Hospital

You can help the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal in a practical way by buying a Bunnings Sausage in the late afternoon/early evening on Thursday, March 21, at 26 Bunnings outlets across Victoria. Bunnings are donating the sausages and bread, more than 150 volunteers from Freemasons Victoria will donate their time. Every dollar goes to the Appeal.

Late afternoon. early evening. Thurs., March 21

At these 26 Bunnings outlets

•Altona

•Bairnsdale

•Ballarat

•Broadmeadows

•Carrum Downs

•Chadstone

•Chirnside Park

•Coburg

•Collingwood

•Delacombe

•Fairfield

•Keysborough

•Mernda

•Mill Park

•Moorabbin

•Norlane

•Pakenham

•Port Melbourne

•Preston

•Ringwood

•Shepparton

•Sunshine

•Taylors Lakes

•Warrnambool

•Waurn Ponds

•Yarrawonga

SCORES FROM WEEKEND MATCHES

Premier

■ Men’s Premier Firsts. Finals, Round 3 (Preliminary Final). Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Carlton 1st XI 5/314 v Prahran 1st XI. Casey South Melbourne 1st XI 7/304 v Ringwood 1st XI. Seconds. Grand Final. Richmond 2nd XI 10/77 v Northcote 2nd XI 10/111 & 1/16.

Thirds. Grand Final. Prahran 3rd XI 10/ 171 v St Kilda 3rd XI 2/60.

Fourths. Grand Final. St Kilda 4th XI 6/ 281 v Prahran 4th XI.

Sub-District

■ North West First XI. Finals, Round 2. Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Spotswood 1st XI 8/362 v St Bernard's OC 1st XI. Kew 1st XI 10/197 v Altona 1st XI 1/16.

■ North West Second XI. Werribee 2nd XI 10/204 v Taylors Lakes 2nd XI 0/4. St Bernard's OC 2nd XI 10/129 v Brunswick 2nd XI 0/19.

■ North West Third XI. Division 1. Werribee 3rd XI 1/28 v Brunswick 3rd XI 10/ 130.

■ North West Third XI. Division 2. Hoppers Crossing 3rd XI 10/128 v Williamstown 3rd XI 10/76 & 1/1.

■ North West Fourth XI. Division 1. Brunswick 4th XI 3/54 v Werribee 4th XI 10/ 142.

■ North West Fourth XI. Division 2. Taylors Lakes 4th XI 10/189 v Hoppers Crossing 4th XI.

■ South East First XI. Noble Park 1st XI 7/107 v Brighton 1st XI 10/81. Ormond 1st XI 3/66 v Mt Waverley 1st XI 10/114.

■ South East Second XI. Balwyn 2nd XI v Elsternwick 2nd XI 4/206. Caulfield 2nd XI 9/ 271 v Ormond 2nd XI.

■ South East Third XI. Division 1. Oakleigh 3rd XI 4/230 v Caulfield 3rd XI.

■ South East Third XI. Division 2. Malvern 3rd XI 10/189 v Ormond 3rd XI 2/12.

■ South East Fourth XI. Division 1. Mt Waverley 4th XI 7/235 v Oakleigh 4th XI.

■ South East Fourth XI. Division 2. Elsternwick 4th XI 8/241 v Malvern 4th XI.

Diamond Valley

■ Barclay Shield. Grand Final, Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Heidelberg 1st XI 8/201 v Macleod 1st XI.

■ Money Shield. Plenty 1st XI 10/143 v Bundoora United 1st XI 0/1.

■ Mash Shield. Lower Plenty 1st XI 0/40 v Hurstbridge 1st XI 10/190.

■ B-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 2nd XI 9/206 v Epping 2nd XI.

■ C-Grade. Lower Plenty 2nd XI 0/6 v Plenty 2nd XI 10/252.

■ D-Grade. Bundoora Park 2nd XI 3/44 v Greensborough 2nd XI.

■ E-Grade. Lower Plenty 3rd XI 10/173 v Hurstbridge 2nd XI 2/51.

■ F1-Grade. Heidelberg 3rd XI 10/133 v Banyule 4th XI 0/0.

■ F2-Grade. Macleod 3rd XI 9/191 v South Morang 3rd XI

■ F3-Grade. North Eltham Wanderers 4th XI 0/7 Bundoora Park 3rd XI 10/128.

■ G1-Grade. One-Day. Lower Eltham 3rd XI 2/106 v Laurimar 5th XI 10/104.

■ G2-Grade. Thomastown 3rd XI 7/139 v Mill Park 4th XI 7/143.

■ G3-Grade. Heidelberg 4th XI 4/153 v Bundoora United 4th XI 9/155.

Eastern

■ Alfred T. Dunstan Shield. Grand Final, Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Mont Albert 1st XI 0/3 v North Balwyn Bulls 1st XI 10/165.

■ Ken Wright Shield. East Malvern Tooronga 1st XI 10/148 v Edinburgh 1st XI 1/ 11.

■ A Turf. Richmond City 1st XI 1/36 v Boronia Hawks 1st XI 10/124.

■ B Turf. Deepdene Bears 2nd XI v Ashwood 1st XI 10/174.

■ C Turf. Bulleen 2nd XI 10/177 v Glen Iris 2nd XI.

■ D Turf. Old Carey 3rd XI 10/193 v Mulgrave 2nd XI.

■ E Turf. East Malvern Tooronga 3rd XI 10/ 147 v Edinburgh 3rd XI.

■ F Turf. Heathmont 4th XI v St Kevins Old Boys 2nd XI 8/257.

■ Jim MacGibbon Shield. Trinity Willison CC 1st XI 0/3 v Deepdene Uniting 1st XI 10/ 169.

■ Kevin Burt Shield. Trinity Willison CC 2nd XI 0/1 v STC South Camberwell 1st XI 10/292.

■ John Menzies and John Mackay Shield. Trinity Willison CC 3rd XI v Burwood Uniting Canterbury CC 2nd XI 4/283.

■ A Synthetic. Glen Waverley 3rd XI 4/22 v Monash 2nd XI 10/88.

■ B Synthetic. West Ivanhoe United 2nd XI v Burwood Uniting Canterbury CC 3rd XI 6/299.

■ John McCarthy Shield. Deepdene Uniting 2nd XI 2/127 v Eagles Cricket Club 1stXI 9/125.

■ LOC2. Bill Laws Shield. One Day. Manningham 1st XI 5/218 v Eagles Cricket Club 2ndXI 10/136.

■ LOC3. Reg Lamborn Shield. St Stephens Greythorn 1st XI LOC 8/164 v Balwyn Saints 3rd XI 4/165.

■ LOC4. Barrie Tobias Shield. Salesian 1st XI 8/165 v St Andrews Gardiner 1st XI 10/ 136.

■ LOC5. Tom Minahan Shield. Ashwood 3rd XI 4/203 v Toorak-Prahran 4th XI 8/143.

■ LOC6. Michael Bingley Shield. Salvation Army Waverley 2/178 v St Andrews Gardiner 2nd XI 10/177.

■ LOC7. Eugene Fitzwilliam Shield. Manningham 4th XI 5/163 v East Doncaster 5th XI 6/160.

■ LOC8. Keith W. Carr Shield. Knox Churches LOC8 9/183 v Glen Waverley CC 7th XI - Sunday 10/42.

■ LOC9. David McIntyre Shield. Richmond City 4th XI 9/175 v Burnley CYMS 3rd XI 10/ 184.

Morn. Peninsula

■ Provincial Firsts. Semi-Finals. Two Days. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Pines 1sts 9-d/313 v Sorrento 1sts 0/0. Langwarrin 1sts v Red Hill 1sts 10/146.

■ Peninsula Firsts. Mt Eliza 1sts 7/250 v Somerville 1sts. Rosebud 1sts 10/140 v Dromana 1sts 1/62.

■ District Firsts. Seaford 1sts 10/216 v Carrum 1sts 0/8. Carrum Downs 1sts 8/239 v Crib Point 1sts.

■ Sub-District Firsts. Mt Martha 1sts 9/ 240 v Skye 1sts. Boneo 1sts 10/184 v Tyabb 1sts 0/27.

■ Provincial Seconds. Old Peninsula 2nds v Pines 2nds. Baden Powell 2nds v Sorrento 2nds 9/247.

■ Peninsula Seconds. Baxter 2nds 10/201

v Mt Eliza 2nds 0/3. Somerville 2nds v Mornington 2nds 10/148.

■ District Seconds. Carrum Downs 2nds v Delacombe Park 2nds 10/237. Main Ridge 2nds 1/20 v Crib Point 2nds 10/153.

■ Sub-District Seconds. Tyabb 2nds 2/48

v Frankston YCW 2nds 10/103. Ballam Park 2nds 0/12 v Mt Martha 2nds 10/132.

■ A1-Grade. French Island 1sts v Langwarrin 3rds 5/337. Baden Powell 3rds v Old Peninsula 3rds 7/239.

■ A2-Grade. Mornington 3rds v Red Hill 3rds 8/183. Tyabb 4ths 9/136 v Baden Powell 4ths.

■ A3-Grade. Balnarring 3rds v Mt Eliza 3rds 7/238. Pines 3rds 9/232 v Langwarrin 4ths.

■ A4-Grade. Sorrento 3rds v Tyabb 5ths Forfeit. Boneo 3rds 1/25 v Frankston YCW 3rds 10/99.

■ B1-Grade. Carrum Downs 5ths 10/203 v Somerville 4ths 1/25. Baden Powell 5ths 7/ 250 v Long Island 5ths.

■ B2-Grade. Skye 4ths v Red Hill 4ths. Balnarring 4th XI v Boneo 4ths

■ C1-Grade. Seaford 3rds 2/130 v Mt Eliza 5ths 10/129. Langwarrin Senior Men 6th XI 8/ 217 v Pearcedale 3rds 7/239.

■ C2-Grade. Crib Point 4ths v Tyabb 7th XI. Mt Eliza 6ths 1/132 v Mt Martha 5ths 10/ 130.

■ C3-Grade. Mt Martha 6ths 3/138 v Flinders 3rds 10/134. Main Ridge 3rds v Sorrento 5ths.

North Metro

■ Jika Shield. Preliminary Final. Two Days. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Rivergum CC 1st XI 1/1 v Camrea CC 1st XI 10/183.

■ Jack Quick Shield. Dennis CC 1st XI 1/ 26 v Fiji Victorian CC 1st XI 10/155.

■ Jack Kelly Shield. Rivergum CC 2nd XI 9/ 253 v Northern Socials CC 1st XI.

■ B-Grade. Grand Final. Day 1. Keon Park CC 2nd XI 9/313 v Balmoral Redbacks CC 1st XI.

■ C-Grade. Royal Park Reds CC 1st XI 9-d/ 144 v Holy Trinity CC 3rd XI 0/2.

■ D-Grade. Old Ivanhoe Grammarians CC 3rd

XI 10/113 v Dennis CC 3rd XI 1/25.

■ Robert Young DODC. Bellfield CC OD 10/ 167 v Olympic Colts CC OD 4/168.

■ Casey Radcliffe DODC. Ivanhoe Mavericks CC OD 10/130 v Keon Park CC OD 6/ 131.

Ringwood District

■ Lindsay Trollope Shield. Grand Final, Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Lilydale 1st XI v North Ringwood 1st XI 5/238.

■ Bill Wilkins Cup. Mooroolbark 1st XI Men's 10/96 v Croydon Ranges CC 1st XI 4/35.

■ Stuart Newey Plate. Warranwood 1XI 2/ 146 v Mt Evelyn 1st XI 9/52.

■ Pat Meehan Shield. East Ringwood 2XI 2/36 v Healesville 1st XI 10/154.

■ Ian Spencer Shield. Templeton 2nd XI 7/ 158 v Montrose 3rd XI.

■ David Beatty Shield. North Ringwood 3rd

XI 10/142 v East Ringwood 3XI 1/28.

■ Don Smith Shield. Ainslie Park 3rd XI 10/ 239 v Yarra Glen Senior Men 1st XI.

■ John Springett Shield. Wandin CC 2nd

XI v Healesville 2nd XI 9/284.

■ A-Grade. Grand Final. One Day. Seville Burras 3XI 8/175 v Chirnside Park 3rd XI 10/ 75.

■ B-Grade. Templeton 3rd XI 10/121 v Wonga Park CC 4th XI 5/109.

■ C-Grade. Coldstream 2ndXI 7/176 v Kilsyth 4th XI 7/158.

■ D-Grade. Warranwood 4XI 9/162 v St Andrews 5th XI 6/175.

■ E-Grade. Ainslie Park 4th XI 5/162 v Wantirna 1st XI 10/145.

■ F-Grade. Kilsyth 5th XI 8/159 v St Andrews 6th XI 9/160.

South East

■ Longmuir Shield. Grand Final, Two Day. First Day: Saturday, March 16. In Progress. Bentleigh ANA 1 v Le Page Park 1 6/228.

■ Woolnough Shield. Washington Park 1 1/ 22 v West Bentleigh 1 10/215.

■ Quiney Shield. Omega 2 8/268 v Carnegie South 1.

■ Pullen Shield. CUCC Kings 1 v East Sandringham 2 9/212.

■ E-Grade. Highett West 1 0/38 v Melbourne Districts United 1 10/119.

■ F-Grade. Washington Park 3 7/168 v Elwood 3 6/170.

■ G-Grade. Southside East Caulfield 1 9/212 v East Bentleigh Central 2 7/211.

■ H-Grade. Hampton United 3 2/174 v East Oakleigh 1 7/172.

■ I-Grade. East Sandringham 5 3/173 v Elwood 4 9/158.

■ J-Grade. Brighton Union 3 10/78 v Cheltenham Park 4 4/228.

■ K-Grade. Melbourne Hellenic 1 2/190 v Hampton United 4 7/189.

■ L-Grade. West Bentleigh 4 10/133 v East Oakleigh 2 9/134.

■ M-Grade. Dingley 2 10/62 v Cheltenham Park 5 10/110.

Your Stars with Kerry Kulkens

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 4,5,6,7

Lotto Numbers: 1,4,12,23,34,41, It is generally not advisable to mix business with pleasure. Regarding your assets, being cautious and keeping your friends at a distance is best. Seeking expert advice can help handle any issues that arise professionally and efficiently. Trusting the professionals to do their job can offer peace of mind and protect your assets.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 4,23,31,23,34,49,

The universe is working in your favour, and you can expect abundant, favourable opportunities to come your way. Your friendships during this period will be significant, and you may develop strong bonds with those around you. Your compassionate nature and willingness to assist others will be highly valued and appreciated.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6,7,8,9

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,45,5

This is a time of financial success and prosperity, but it's essential to carefully examine all the details before signing any agreements or contracts. It's also wise to discuss any significant moves or plans with other parties impacted by your decisions to ensure everyone is on the same page. By taking these precautions, you can ensure that your success continues and that you avoid any unnecessary complications or misunderstandings.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,5,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,45,5,

This time frame doesn't necessarily have to be ridden with misfortune. However, verifying everything you hear or are told by seeing it with your own eyes is advisable. Positively, you should encounter fewer financial challenges during this period.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 6,7,8,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,35,41,11,

The upcoming period promises to be bustling with many invitations and friendly contacts. For those who trust their intuition, it may lead to fortunate outcomes, especially for those who take calculated risks. However, it is essential to tread carefully with colleagues at work, as disagreements may arise if tact and diplomacy are not exercised.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,5,23,36,41,22,

This is a reminder to take a moment and focus on tasks that have been waiting for your attention. It is essential to keep your priorities in order and avoid potential mistakes by clarifying instructions. Additionally, be on the lookout for new career opportunities that may arise.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,41,22,

As the stars align, now is an opportune moment to tackle those lingering tasks that have been put on the back burner. However, it is essential to maintain the status quo within the household and refrain from making any sudden changes that could cause disruption. The whims of fate may bring unexpected surprises, but for most, they will have a fortunate outcome. In fact, this may even signal a time of relocation, as new and exciting opportunities arise in faraway places.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,4.

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,45,22, It may not be as thrilling or eventful as you might hope during this time. However, it presents an opportunity to assess and manage your finances effectively. It's possible that an unforeseen occurrence might cause significant disruption, but if you remain open-minded and adaptable, you can navigate it with ease.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 1,4,5,2

Lotto Numbers: 1,13,23,32,5,8,

To maintain a harmonious environment, it's imperative to put in the effort to keep the peace at home. It's essential to prioritise your health and well-being by committing to a fitness program that works for you. You never know who might show up unexpectedly, so be prepared for a pleasant surprise from someone in your past.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1,4,2,3,

Lotto Numbers: 1,12,23,34,41,22,

With careful planning and a thoughtful approach, any investment has the potential to be profitable. You may be engrossed in exciting travel and outdoor activities, leaving little room for anything else. Additionally, watch for good news from a partner or loved one.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 8,9,4,5,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,41,22,

To avoid any potential legal trouble, spending only on essential items and not taking any unnecessary risks with authorities is advisable. Your romantic relationships appear to be shrouded in mystery, but your irresistible sex appeal may attract a lot of attention and interest from others.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 1,4,2,3

Lotto Numbers: 1,13,23,34,41,11,

During this period, you can expect to enjoy engaging in social activities and reconnecting with friends and family. It's an opportune time to complete any unfinished tasks or projects that have been hanging over your head. However, it's best not to anticipate any significant financial changes during this period. Instead, focus on enjoying the present moment and making the most out of your social opportunities.

GOLDEN SLIPPER TO GLITTER

■ The Chris Waller colt, Switzerland, shot into favortism for the Golden Slipper with a big win in the Todman Stakes at Randwick With James McDonald in the saddle the son of Snitzel made short work of the opposition.

Switzerland beat the likes of Straight Charge, Bodyguard and Espionage.

Star colt Storm Boy , who recently made it four on end in the Skyline Stake, was the dominant horse in the upcoming Golden Slipper to be run this Saturday Rosehill, prior till then.

Storm Boy, prepared by leading Sydney trainers Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, showed his class leading all the way to win by a length and half.

Some good judges said the draw could be the big worry, although winning form is good form.

He evidently was sold for many millions to the Coolmore Stud with a contract for more from his stake-earnings on top of that when he finishes racing.

Another promising youngster, Espionage from the Waterhouse-Bott team, was most impressive in winning the Silver Slipper in good fashion, but missed a place behind Switzerland in the Todman

The colt proved he had the goods winning for his sire, Zoustar , but could he beat his stablemate Storm Boy?

Yet again, can the runner-up in the Silver Slipper run well for the top couple, Gai and Andrew.

Another of the Waterhouse-Bott team is smart. Lady of Camelot was unlucky in the Blue Diamond, just nutted by another good filly in Hayasugi, who has won three of her five starts.

Prepared by Clinton Mc Donald, she will now have a crack here in the Golden Slipper.

Another of the big from team is the Waterhouse-Bott camp prepared Fuly Litt, who impressed in winning at Randwick back on February 10.

Chris Waller came to the fore winning with his nice Sniitzel colt, Switzerland, to make it two from two, when he won over 1100 metres at Randwick back on February 17, beating two good horses in Shangrilla Express and Extreme Diva.

Leading Sydney trainer Michael Freedman looks like he has produced a good one in Manaal, who won the Sweet Embrace Stakes beating Fly Fly and Extreme Diva

Prost, another of the Waterhouse-Bott team, put in a good run when second to the early favourite for the Slipper, in Strong Boy

One that was a bit stiff not to get a run in the Blue Diamond, Bodyguard, who sustained an injury and was a late scratching, failed to fire in the Todman.

Prepared by the Snowden team he had won his previous two starts he looked the goods, could he atone here.

The good filly with the Hayes team, Bold Bastille , won in style, after being found to be injured at her previous start in the early part of the lead-up races to the Blue Diamond.

The favourite in the Blue Diamond, Coleman, found the big field in the Diamond a bit hard to cope with and failed to produce his best.

The big field here won’t help either if he goes around.

Ted Ryan

headlines and elicited plenty of rumours about their plans.

“Top racing man, Vin Cox, has only been in the top job around about three months and has heard a thousand rumours, and not one of them true”.

Victoria’s biggest breeder presents Victoria’s biggest yearling draught at the Inglis Premier Sale in Melbourne; Jessica Owers caught up with both Cox and Sam Fairgray

Yulong Racing has been the biggest player over recent times when it comes to buying broodmares, so it was interesting to hear Cox talk of plans to disperse up to 100 mares at the sales in the coming months.

This week’s news has been dominated by the Boards of Racing NSW and Racing Victoria First to NSW, where Dr Saranne Cooke, has been chosen as the first woman to Chair Racing

in NSW. However, the fact that former Racing Minister, Kevin Greene, is back on the Board was met with the concern of Thoroughbred Breeders NSW

Is the civil war over in Victorian Racing after stakeholders rejected a move to unseat five Board members?

It doesn’t look likely with focus now turning to the future of the Racing Executive led by CEO, Andrew Jones.

Here’s a b interesting feature on the evolution of thoroughbred nutrition over the years.

The great Bart Cummings knew nutrition was a critical part of successfully training racehorses and, a bit like ‘no foot, no horse’, without good and effective feed, his equine stars would not have enjoyed the success that he did.

Life hasn’t been easy for Lunar Fox, made famous after winning the Australian Guineas in 2021, at big odds,

However, a Victorian farmer, has made it comfortable for the galloper, giving the Stallion a home on his wheat and sheep Farm in the Wimmera.

Last, but not least, whilst on the country scene, it iks the end of an era with news that you can’t have a bet on the famous Stawell Gift, behind banned from this year.

It prevents betting on races at Stawell concerning runners being under 19 years of age.

Retiring type

■ Champion sire, Exceed and Excel, on the eve of his 20th Anniversary at stud, has been retired from stud duties with great appreciation and admiration from his retirement on the Darley Stallion’s roster.

Exceed and Excel retired from racing as the winner of seven races from 11 starts, six at Group Level, including elite-level victories in the Group One Newmarket Handicap, and the Group One Level Dubai Racing Club Cup, and the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.

● ● ● ● Gai Waterhouse.Racing Photos.

● ● Aerial view of Melbourne Orphange, Brighton. Circa 1920s

● ● Bryant and May picnic at Brighton Swimming Pool. 1937.

● ● Hotel, Brighton Beach

●

● ● ● Brighton Beach. 1880s.

● ● Brighton Baths. 1940s.

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

BARBECUE. Gas. Five burner. New ignition assembly. Wheels. Very clean gas tank, full. VGC. $150. Pascoe Vale. 0419 188 356.F-I

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

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

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

BLINDS. Clarke’s. Suitable for 4 bedroom house, 1 kitchen, 238cm x 120cm down. Dining 2 x 177cm x 125cm. Deck 180cm x 210cm, `100cm c 10cm down. Lounge 230cm x 177cm.

Bedroom 1 x 2 60x 180 x 90 @ x 180 bedroom 2+3 175 x 120cm down. Office/bedroom 4 175cm x 120cm. All as new. Charcoal and beige colour. EC. $950 total. Officer. 0407 339 696. H-K

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

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

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

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

ENCYCLOPEDIA. World Book. Plus Year Books 80/ 81. Science Books 82/83 and World Book Dictionary A-K/L-Z. $90 or offer. GC. $90. Frankston. 9789 9634.F-I

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

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

LOUNGE. Leather. White, 2-seater.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

STAGS ELKS FERNS. Loads of so many plants, indoor, outdoor. Ideal presents, rubber, bird of paradise. Hydrangeas, lillies, Bromelids, beautiful colours, ground covers. Why pay retail? Special Canna lillies, red from $15. New. Noble Park. 0407 325 030.F-I

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

TOYS, books, records, DVDs, plants, clothese (emn’s, women’s, mainly 10-16). Plastic plates, knives, forks, dog bowls, jackets, toilet training, bird seed. GC and EC. From $2. Noble Park. 0407 325 030.F-I

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

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

WANTED TO BUY

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

PIANO ACCORDION. Wanted. Small Size 24 or 32, Bass red colour preferred. GC. Mt Martha. 5973 4163. H-K

PAUL

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Business Guide

Port). ■