The Local Paper. North-West Edition. Wed., Oct. 30, 2024 by Ash Long

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ORGANISED CRIME ARRESTS ACROSS WEST

■ Detectives last week charged eight people with Commonwealth offences for their part in directing and assisting an organised crime syndicate.

It will be alleged the syndicate was leasing stores, employing staff as supervisors, store managers and couriers and commencing deliveries under the guise of operating the stores as legitimate gifts and confectionary stores, while selling only illicit tobacco and related products.

Investigators have obtained transactional records which reflect the syndicate earned over $30M in a 12-month period through the sale of illicit tobacco in these stores.

Supported by the Australian Federal Police, the Australian Taxation Office, Australian Border Force’s Illicit Tobacco Taskforce and Therapeutic Goods Administration, officers executed more than 27 search warrants across Victoria as part of an ongoing investigation targeting serious organised crime in the illicit tobacco market.

Search warrants were executed from 5am last Tuesday (Oct. 22) at tobacco stores, warehouses and residential addresses statewide.

tribute e-cigarettes. He was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court.

Directing the activities of a criminal organisation carries a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

Four other people were arrested and have been charged with the same offences:

■ A 26-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, who was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court,

■ A 21-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, who was to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court,

■ A 50-year-old Grovedale woman, and

There was assistance from Taskforce Lunar, the Armed Crime Squad, the Illicit Firearms Squad, Financial Crime Squad, Criminal Proceeds Squad, Joint Organised Crime Taskforce, Echo Taskforce, Cybercrime Squad, Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team, Wyndham, Knox, Hobsons Bay, Echuca, Cobram, Ararat, Northern Grampians and Geelong Crime Investigation Units, Westgate Divisional Response Unit, Eastern Region Crime Squad and State Highway Patrol. Three industrial properties in Truganina were searched, as well as residential addresses in Truganina, Hoppers Crossing (3), Glen Waverley, Lara, Grovedale, Footscray and Mount Cottrell, and tobacco stores in Herne Hill, Bell Park, Grovedale, Werribee (2), Dallas, Kensington, Boronia, Ararat (3), Kyabram, Echuca (2) and Yarrawonga

A 25-year-old Hoppers Crossing man was arrested at Melbourne Airport just before 6am.

■ A 51-year-old Glen Waverley man, both of whom have been bailed to appear at Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 29.

Five other people were arrested, including:

■ A 25-year-old Hoppers Crossing man, who was arrested in Ararat and charged with support a criminal organisation and illicit tobacco offences,

■ A 46-year-old Ararat man, who was arrested in Ararat and charged with support a criminal organisation and illicit tobacco offences,

■ A 38-year-old Tarneit man who was arrested attempting to remove stock from a retail outlet in Werribee. He was charged with support a criminal organisation and illicit tobacco offences,

■ A 50-year-old Mount Cotterill man was arrested in relation to illicit tobacco and possession of commercial cigarette manufacturing equipment located. He was released and is expected to be charged on summons, and

■ A 21-year-old Yarrawonga man was interviewed and released, he is also expected to be charged on summons.

Police seized a Lamborghini Coupe and Range Rover from the Hoppers Crossing address, at least 600,000 illicit tobacco sticks, over 75kgs of loose-leaf tobacco and cash.

● Police seized a Lamborghini Coupe froma Hoppers Crossing address.

Ticks and Crosses Local News Assault at Pascoe Vale

✔Extraction of Council election ballot papers from envelopes commenced last Saturday (Oct. 26), with counting commencedon Monday (Oct. 28) as The Local Paper went to press. The counting of votes will take place over the next three weeks locally within each council wherever possible. The Victorian Electorial Commission anticipates that all elections will be declared by Friday, November 15.

✖Moonee Valley Council’s online portal was unavailable on Friday night (Oct. 25), Saturday (Oct. 26) and Sunday (Oct. 27) because of maintenance issues.

●

● A community event marking the two-year anniversary of floods.

✔The resilience of the community in recovering from the Maribyrnong floods two years ago was celebrated with an event this month. More than 500 properties were impacted when the Maribyrnong River breached its banks in the early hours of October 14, 2022, with hundreds of residents displaced. Many are still unable to return to their homes or are grappling with ongoing challenges related to insurance and repairs. Maribyrnong City Council Chief Executive Officer, Celia Haddock, said it is timely to reflect not only on the impact the flood has had, but also the way our community pulled together and is planning for the future. “The spirit of collaboration we have seen – where neighbours have come together to support one another – truly exemplifies the closeknit nature of our community. The strength and resilience residents have shown during this two year journey has been incredible –recognising for many the challenges continue,” she said. A Community Recovery Committe – comprising representatives from the community - was established in the wake of the flood to provide guidance and support to Council to help address issues and barriers that hinder recovery and advocate for positive outcomes. CRC member, Andrew Monteiro, also acknowledged the way our community banded together then, and continues to support one another, two years on. A community event marking the two year anniversary took place on October 13.

■ Fawkner Sexual Offence and Child Abuse Investigation Team are investigating an incident in Pascoe Vale. Investigators have been told a 39-year-old woman was riding her bike along the Moonee Ponds Trail about 4pm on October 13.

She stopped at Herbert Reserve to rest when a male approached, sat down and started to talk to her.

The victim stood up and attempted to leave and the male attempted to hug her, but she offered him a handshake.

He grabbed her hand and pulled her toward him and placed her in a headlock and threatened her if she screamed.

She managed to get back to her bike and ride home and was not physically injured.

The male was last seen walking on the creek path toward a construction area at the end of Main St.

The victim was not physically injured.

He is described as 175cm tall with a medium to large build and short cropped black hair with a white spot at the back behind his right ear.

He was wearing a khaki green t-shirt with a white graphic on front, black knee length shorts with white thread and sky-blue Nike running shoes with white soles.

Investigators have released a facial composite of a man they believe may be able to assist with their enquiries and an image of shoes similar to those he was wearing.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic. com.au

Grass warning for land owners

■ Owners of vacant land in Brimbank are being reminded to cut long grass ahead of annual inspections starting from Monday next week (Nov. 4).

Under Brimbank’s Local Law vacant landowners are required to maintain their property in a neat and tidy manner – keeping grass, weeds and undergrowth at a height less than 150mm (15cm).

This also includes the removal of any waste and litter on the land.

This is particularly important heading into summer when the risk of grass fires increase.

Owners of vacant blocks that do not meet the requirements will be issued with a notice to comply, before follow-up inspections take place later in the month.

Owners of blocks that do not comply following a second inspection will be issued with an $800 fine. The Council may also arrange for the clearance of the land at the owner’s expense.

■ For more information contact Brimbank City Council on 9249 4000.

Queues make news

■ Friday afternoon queues at Local Government election offices in the North-West made media headlines last weekend. The Age newspaper published reports about problems at centres including Brunswick Town Hall (Merri-bek), Moonee Ponds (Moonee Valley) and Sunbury (Hume).

Extended hours

■ To support students currently studying for their exams, Altona Meadows Library and Williamstown Library will have temporary extended opening hours.

Hobsons Bay Council says the extnded hours will be in effect until Monday, November 18:

The hours are 9.30am-8pm, Monday to Thursday. Weekend opening hours remain unchanged.

● ● ● Police want to speak with this man

Statewide

LONGWOOD Motorcyclist killed

■ A man died following a motorcycle crash in Longwood last Thursday night (Oct. 24).

It is believed a motorcyclist was travelling along the Hume Freeway when the rider lost control and crashed about 9pm. A 59year-old Melton man died at the scene.

Police are investigating the circumstances and will prepare a report for the coroner.

TOWER HILL

Double truck fatal

■ Police are investigating following a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two people in Tower Hill last Friday morning (Oct. 25).

Emergency services were called to reports a truck veered from the road and crashed into a house on the Princes Hwy just after 7am.

The two occupants inside the house, an 81-year-old man and 80-year-old woman, died at the scene.

The driver and sole occupant of the truck, a 70-year-old Portland man, was transported to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives were on scene and investigations remain ongoing.

LASCELLES

Highway fix

■ Large-scale road rebuilding works will kick off in early November on the Sunraysia Highway in Lascelles – a section of highway which links grain and produce farms from around the region to key domestic and international markets.

Crews will be rebuilding a one-kilometre section of road, ensuring that it is stronger and more stable, helping to cater to high numbers of truck movements each day.

The project will completely rebuild the road from the ground up – correcting any subsurface issues and ensuring the road will last for years to come.

Across Victoria $26 MILLION CANNABIS CROP SEIZED BY POLICE

VIETNAMESE GANG ARREST

■ Major Drug Squad detectives have seized one of the staqte’s largest cannabis hauls in recent times which uncovered more than 6000 plants in regional Victoria Officers from the MDS , along with Morwell Divisional Response Unit and local uniform officers, executed a search warrant at the Koonwarra Inverloch Rd rural property in Leongatha South about 7.45am on Tuesday, October 22.

Four men and one woman were arrested at the address and a sophisticated hydroponic set-up was discovered in several commercial-sized hot houses.

Plants located ranged from seedlings through to maturesized plants weighing in at 1.7 tonnes.

It is estimated the overall crop of 6525 plants would have a street value of more than $26 million.

The five Vietnamese nationals arrested - aged 54, 51, 47, 35 and 25 – were all charged with cultivate and trafficking a commercial quantity of cannabis.

They were remanded to appear in Latrobe Valley Magistrates’ Court on March 7.

Statewide

VICTORIA Constable charged

■ A leading senior constable from Transit and Public Safety Command has been charged following an internal investigation.

The male officer has been charged with two counts of use a carriage service to offend and one charge of unauthorised disclosure of police information.

The incidents are alleged to have occurred while the officer was off-duty.

The 33-year-old has been charged on summons to appear at a Magistrates’ Court at a later date.

DUMBALK NORTH

Firearms incident

■ A man has been arrested after shots were fired at police in Victoria’s south-east last Thursday afternoon (Oct. 24).

Investigators from the Illicit Firearms Squad attended a Foster-Mirboo Rd address in Dumbalk North to execute a firearms warrant about 1.30pm.

It is believed a man who resides at the address has fired shots at detectives.

They returned fire and were not injured during the incident.

A 56-year-old man was located injured at the property on Foster-Mirboo Rd just after 5pm. He has been taken to hospital with nonlife threatening injuries.

Armed Crime Squad detectives are investigating.

BACCHUS MARSH

Parwan air crash

■ A man has died following an aircraft crash in Parwan last Tuesday afternoon (Oct. 22).

It is believed a light aeroplane lost control and crashed at an airfield on Aerodrome Rd about 11.20am.

The pilot and sole occupant, died at the scene. Police will prepare a report for the Coroner.

Cannabis crop. File Image.

The Local Paper

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Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

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

Honorary Reviewers: Juliet Charles, Sherryn Danaher, Peter Green, Lyn Hurst, Kathryn Keeble, Beth Klein, David McLean, Graeme McCoubrie, Maggie Morrison, Peter Murphy, Jill Page, Elizabeth Semmel.

Logistics: Tyler Sandiford, Tim Granvillani, Erica Koldinsky

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

■ Police are appealing for public assistance following two burglaries at the same business in Maribyrnong

Investigators believe an offender entered a medical clinic on Edgewater Boulevard around 8.35pm on September 10 and again on October 15 around 7.30pm. On both occasions he has entered a room and stolen prescription medications, placing them in a green reusable shopping bag before fleeing the scene.

He is described as 185cm tall, medium build, brown wavy hair, black pants and top and grey shoes.

He was wearing a black North Face puffer jacket, blue jeans with holes and grey runners.

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

Max is missing

● Police released this image.

Long Shots

www.LocalPaper.com.au

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

shaved head and is unshaven

Max was last seen wearing a camo jacket, brown pants and white shoes.

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

Investigators have released an image of Max in the hope someone can provide information on his current whereabouts.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Sunshine Police Station on 9313 3333.

Marsh matter at VCAT

■ An application to build a child care centre at Masons Lane, Bacchus Marsh, has found its way before Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal Member Michael Deidun. Moorabool Shire Council had refused to grant a permit for the proposed use.

Amended plans for the 76-child centre were lodged with VCAT.

Mr Deidun said he was not persuaded by the submissions, and found that the proposal was not an appropriate built form response to the surrounding neighbourhood character

“The proposal will present as a broad facade with a very shallow setback from Young St ,” Mr Deidun said.

He said that he would affirm Moorabool Shire Council’s decision to refuse a permit, and that there was no need to continue with the remainder of the proposal regarding car parking.

Local Photo Flashback

Vision Australia

■ Niddrie MLA Ben Carroll has spoken of local community support for Vision Australia.

“Moonee Valley’s littlest learners have been doing exceptional work for a very worthy cause, Vision Australia,” Mr Carroll said.

“I had the great pleasure to address the Nido Early School in Moonee Valley

“At the event I saw creativity and compassion displayed by young artists that was simply exceptional.

“They were putting on an amazing display of artwork to raise hundreds of dollars for Vision Australia in recognition of one of their fellow classmates. It was a display that was certainly wonderful.

“Vision Australia was chosen by the students because it provides national support for services for those with vision loss, but it also was an incredible demonstration of the solidarity of these young early learners for a cause related directly to them: one of their classmates has impairments with their own vision.

“ It was nothing short of incredible to be there at this very special event. I do want to put on record my gratitude to Alexandra Dowden , the centre manager, and Kunal Saini, the curriculum leader at the Nido Early School as well as all the educators and families.

“The power of education was displayed at Nido Early School in Moonee Valley. It shows the impact our young people can have, that our young people continue to make a difference in their community and that our young people are certainly the future leaders of tomorrow,” Mr Carroll said.

Moorabool exercise

■ An in-house emergency management exercise will better prepare Moorabool Council staff for the upcoming fire season.

Moorabool Council is running ‘Exercise Burndawan’ tomorrow (Thu., Oct. 31) to give staff an opportunity to practice the opening and operation of emergency relief centres (including a centre that will house animals) and performing secondary impact assessments to assist the community during relief and recovery from an emergency within the shire.

The exercise is conducted in accordance with the Moorabool Municipal Emergency Management Plan and will allow staff to test Council’s capability, capacity and preparedness in the event of a fire in the upcoming fire season or for a future storm or flood event which may occur.

“There are so many variables and things happen and change at a rapid pace during an emergency, so training sessions such as this are vital to ensure we cover as many scenarios and contingencies as possible,” CEO Derek Madden said.

“With the drier than normal winter months, it is even more important for our staff to be aware of their roles to support our communities if an emergency occurs in our area.”

Key objectives of the exercise include: all staff briefings on responsibilities in a fire event within Moorabool, practicing the activation and response process for establishing an Emergency Relief Centre and an Animal Emergency Relief Centre, practising the process of communications during an emergency and practicing the establishment of Secondary Impact Assessment Recovery Operations Complementary Plan.

To achieve these objectives, Moorabool Council officers from a wide range of service areas will be in the Ballan and Dales Creek areas to complete the scenario.

Key emergency service agencies that have a role in Emergency Relief Centres will be in attendance and neighbouring council emergency management staff will undertaking observations to ensure learnings and improvements can be documented.

Wide readership

Photo: John T. Collins.

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre

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

LES MISERABLES ARENA SPECTACULAR

■ Les Miserables The Arena Spectacular has a new design, specifically created for these venues, from the world class team of Matt Kinley, Paule Constable, Warren Letton and Finn Ross with sound by Mick Potter, featuring an international cast and orchestra of over 65 including many famous Les MNis stars, as well as several brilliant new ones.

Currently starring in the UK and soon to be in Australia, this Arena Spectacular features Alfie Boe and Killian Donnelly sharing the role of Jean Valjean, and Michael Ball and Bradley Jaden sharing the role of Javert.

Tony Award winner and international recording artist Alfie Boe, become an overnight star after playing Jean Valjean in the 25th Anniversary Concert ofLes Mis at the O2 in London in 2010, which established his reputation as one of Britain’s best leading men. He also had huge success in London and on Broadway, which has made him synonymous with the role, as well as leading The All-Star Concert production at the Gielgud and Sondheim theatres.

Killian Donnelly is one of

● Les Miserables will be staged as an arena spectacular.

Britain’s top musical theatre stars, not only having played the roles of Jean Valjean and the Phantom for Cameron several times to great acclaim, but also having starred in London and on Broadway as the leading man in Kinky Boots and had great acclaim starring in the musicals Memphis and The Commitments. He also featured as one of the students in the award-winning movie version of Les Miserables alongside Hugh Jackman and Russel Crowe Michael Ball has been involved with Les Miserables since he made his sensational West End debut playing Marius in the original London Production in 1985 and again in the 10th Anniversary concert. Starring alongside him is Australia’s leading lady, Marina Prior as Madame Thénardier. Marina started her career appearing in Cameron’s landmark Australian production of Cats in 1984, which was followed by playing Cosette in the original Australian production of Les Miserables Producer Cameron Mackintosh said: “I have long dreamt of taking an Arena Tour of Les Miserables around the world.”

Back To The Future

■ To the delight of the multi-generational, packed audience, conductor Benjamin Northey, brandishing a skateboard, guides the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra back to 1985.

Just think, no internet, and listening to music on your Walkman “I don’t know how we survived,” Northey jokes.

Robert Zemeckis's time-travelling comedy Back To The Future sees madcap inventor Emmett ‘Doc’ Brown (Christopher Lloyd) transport Marty McFly (Michael J. Fox) 30 years into the past.

Before the opening notes of Alan Silvestri’s iconic symphonic pop culture theme begin, Northey prompts the audience to be vocal in their enjoyment.

Harnessing their collective inner teenager, the crowd enthusiastically takes up the challenge, cheering, hooting, and hissing as needed.

It’s not long before we are back at Twin Pines Mall, being chased by bazooka-wielding Libyans in a Kombi van.

We’re then in the driver’s seat of the magnificent stainless steel, gull-winged DeLorean time machine, looking eerily like a Tesla cybertruck.

Marty whirls the action back to 1955 as the music soars.

An intermission, followed by a prelude, sets up the second half.

Marty is on a mission to get his parents to fall in love. His very existence depends on it.

The climactic clocktower scene sets timpani reverberating, growling to a roar as thundering brass takes over, triggering rising tension as we wait with bated breath for the allimportant flash of lightning.

"See you in about 30 years," Doc Brown tells Marty

With abundant technique and talent, Northey and the MSO musicians elevate this wonderfully immersive experience.

The live orchestral soundtrack provides more than just background to the movie; it causes each scene to burst into life spectacularly.

Let’s hope the MSO doesn’t wait 30 years to screen the two Back To The Future sequels.

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

Fringe winners

■ This year's successful Melbourne Fringe Festival concluded with awards decided by a judging panel comprising a team of over 30 industry practitioners, drawn from a diverse range of fields and backgrounds.

All works are viewed by at least two panel members to be eligible for consideration. Best in Category Awards

■ Best Cabaret - Madame Martha’s Hush Cabaret

■ Best Circus - In Place

■ Best Comedy - C*N’T

■ Best Dance & Physical Theatre - Dancing in Infinite Worlds

■ Best Experimental - I’m Ready To Talk Now

■ Best Music - Gikilangangu Wergaia

■ Best Theatre - Running Into The Sun

■ Best Visual Arts & Film - Flames Danced In Their Haiur But Did Not Burn Them

■ Best Kids - Dream Swamp

■ Best Words and Ideas - Borrow a Brick for Contact Listening Special Awards

■ Access and Inclusion Award - Flies on What-If Island

■ Best Work by an Emerging Artist - Black Girl Rising

■ Director's Choice Award - Temple of Desire

■ Crowd Pleaser Award - Business and Pleasure

■ Sound and Technical Excellence Award, supported by Front of House ProductionsCON 2077

■ Spirit of the Fringe - Weave: The Solos

■ Venue of the Year - La Mama

■ Melbourne Fringe Living Legend - Yumi Umiamare

For the full list of Melbourne Fringe 2024 Awards, visit melbournefringe.com.au/ melbourne-fringe-festival-awards-2024/

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

FESTIVAL OF GILBERT

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria offers a delightful selection of comedy, tragedy, parody and romance in A Festival of W.S. Gilbert Plays, to be presented for five shows from November 21-24 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd, Malvern East.

While Gilbert and Sullivan’s comic operas have been continuously performed around the world for 150 years, like much of Sullivan’s non-operatic music, Gilbert’s plays have languished.

In a rare staging, and using just four of Gilbert’s 90 plays written between 1871 and 1911, four new directors will illustrate how Gilbert’s diverse interests and skills as a dramatist changed over 40 years.

Debuting director Danielle Zuccala, a classically-trained performer who has worked with multiple operatic companies across Melbourne, presents Creatures of Impulse. This was one of Gilbert’s earliest plays and was adapted from one of his published short stories. Its plot revolves around an inn stuck with an unwelcome guest, a Strange Old Lady, who appears not to be entirely human. Curses and hilarious antics ensue.

Debuting director Ben Klein, an experienced G&S performer and assistant director, presents Comedy and Tragedy, a play adapted from a short story to showcase the talents of American actress Mary Anderson. With its ironic twist, it tells the tale of a French actress who concocts a plot to both defend her honour from a rogue and to humiliate him in front of the highest ranking members of the royal court.

Debuting director Sarah Berry, with a performing background in choirs, cabaret, and improv theatre, presents Rosencrantz and Guildenstern, a play so rarely seen it has only been professionally performed twice. Gilbert gives Shakespeare’s Hamlet his topsy-turvy treatment turning a tragedy into a comedy. While he keeps the main characters, the rhyming couplets, the play within a play and the famous 'To be or not to be' speech; none of it is as seen before.

Debuting director Naomi Tooby, also an experienced G&S performer and assistant director, presents The Hooligan, Gilbert’s final play written four months before he died. Without any Gilbertian topsy-turvy twists, we meet an ordinary flawed man. This dramatic work asks us to examine privilege, equality and moral standards as Gilbert peels back the layers of a man seeking true justice.

The ensemble cast ranges across multiple roles and 34 period costumes.

Performance Details: November 21-24

Venue: Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East

Bookings: gsov.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Lost Property

■ The independent one-woman show Lost Property will be presented from November 2023 at North Melbourne's Club Voltaire

Starring Amelia Dunn and directed by Tuia Suter, the show explores themes of female solidarity, guilt, shame and self worth as the protagonist, Alice , is forced to revisit her past to locate a missing possession, while on a morning commute in an iconic Melbourne tram.

This is Tuia and Amelia’s third collaboration, having first worked together in Tuia’s successful stage play, Powder Room, which has recently received development funding from Screen Australia to evolve into a web series. The pair have also worked together on a four part monologue series, The Waiting Room

Lost Property is a dramedy filled with relatable women’s anecdotes, amusing tram encounters, and a sharp look at the challenging, everyday experiences faced by women.

With a mix of humor and heart, this play invites the audience to laugh, cry, and perhaps pay a little more attention to their fellow commuters the next time they board a tram.

Dates and Time: November 20-23 at 8.30pm

Location: Club Voltaire, Level 1, 14 Raglan St, North Melbourne

Tickets: $25

Booking Link: https://www.trybooking.com/ CWBZO - Cheryl Threadgold

John Williams

■ This superb concert, presented by Art of the Score podcast series, celebrates John Williams, a true icon and master of film music.

He originally wanted to be a concert pianist, but followed a path into becoming a jazz pianist. He became a legendary composer, conductor and pianist after transferring into film work.

He is best known for his work collaborating with Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, producing thrilling and brilliant movie soundtracks.

Williams's impressive work has earned him a plethora of well deserved awards: twenty-six Grammys, four Golden Globes, seven BAFTAs, three Emmys and five Oscars

Still guest conducting now in his nineties, he has earned respect from the members of his industry and worldwide movie goers.

The concert was co-hosted by Andrew Pogson and Dan Golding, who weaved an informative and engaging dialogue, interspersed with humour and anecdotes. They had the audience laughing loudly.

The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra treated the audience to a first rate performance, presenting a program including well loved favourites from films such as ET: The ExtraTerrestrial, Star Wars, Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom, Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, Close Encounters of The Third Kind and Superman. This was indeed a nostalgic journey back to the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

The effervescent and vivacious conductor, Nicholas Buc, is a master of conducting, arranging and composing. His lively presentation engages perfectly with the audience. He is also part of the talented Art of the Score team.

We are so blessed to have the world class Melbourne Symphony Orchestra here in Melbourne. Hamer Hall was packed with an audience who rose to their feet, so enraptured by this performance, and demanding an encore.

- Review by Jill Page

Addams Family

■ OSMaD presents The Addams Family musical from December 5 to 14 at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College Campus, Hawthorn. Directed by Joel Anderson, with musical direction by Ashton Turner and choreography by Dylan Henry, The Addams Family features an original dark story - and it's every father's nightmare. Wednesday Addams, 'the ultimate princess of darkness' has grown up and fallen in love with a sweet, smart young man from a respectable family - a man her parents have never met. Wednesday confides in her father, begging him not to tell her mother. Now, Gomez Addams must do something he's never done before - keep a secret from his beloved wife, Morticia

Performance Details: December 5-14. Venue: Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College Campus, 1 Morrison St., Hawthorn. Tickets: osmad.com.au/addams

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company presents the Oscar Wilde classic An Ideal Husband from November 15-30 at 36 Turnham Avenue, Rosanna.

Directed by Tim Scott, An Ideal Husband takes a satirical look at the political and social world of upper-class London in the 1890s.

Sir Robert Chiltern who has it all: money, influence and a beautiful wife. What could possibly go wrong?

Then the arrival in his London house of a woman who knows secrets from his past, threatens to expose him to public shame and bring an end to both his stellar political career and his blissful marriage.

But, with colourful and intriguing characters, and with love hovering, comic possibilities abound and farce is just a closed door away.

Performance Season: Nov. 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 27, 28, 29, 30 at 8pm; Weekend matinees at 2pm on Nov.16, 17, 23, 24

Venue: Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna.

Bookings: htc.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold

● ● ● ● The debut directors of A Festival of W.S. Gilbert Plays: Naomi Tooby (top left), Sarah Berry (top right), Ben Klein (bottom left) and Danielle Zuccala.

● ● The cast of An Ideal Husband at rehearsal: Standing: Miles Glaspole (Mason), Katie MacFie (Lady Markby), Elise Moorhouse (Mrs Cheveley), James Antonas (Lord Goring), Tim Murphy (The Earl of Caversham), Laurie Jezard (Phipps); Seated: Mandy Murray (Lady Basildon), Llaaneath Poor (Lady Chiltern), Wayne Gleeson (Sir Robert Chiltern, the ideal husband or is he?), Sharon Casey (Mabel Chiltern) and Frankie Photiadis (Mrs Marchmont). Photo: David Belton

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Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ Fab Nobs: The Falsettos Until November 9 at The Fab Factory, 33 Industry Place, Bayswater. Director: Maeghan McKenzie; Musical Director: Tim Bland; Choreographer: El Daly. Bookings: fabnobstheatre.com.au

■ Malvern Theatre Company: True Minds (Joanna Murray-Smith) Until November 9 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Dexter Bourke. Malverntheatre.com.au

■ Brighton Theatre Company: The Kitchen Sink (by Tom Wells) November 1 – 16 at the Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Wilson st., Brighton. Director: Keith Hutton. Bookings: brightontheatre.com.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Arsenic and Old Lace (by Joseph Kesselring) November 8 –23 at Beaumaris Theatre, 82 Wells Rd, Beaumaris. Director: Peter Newling. Bookings: beaumaristheatre.com.au

■ Peoples Playhouse: Daddy Long Legs (by John Caird) November 8 – 16 at The Anglican Centre, Mornington and Mt Martha Anglican Church, 4 Albert St., Mornington. Bookings: peoplesplyhouse.com

■ Powderkeg Players: It’s a Wonderful Life (by Mary Elliot Nelson) November 8 – 16 at St Albans Senior Citizens Centre, Cnr William and Alfrieda Sts., St Albans. Director: Stephen Andrews. Bookings: 0407802165.

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Home, I’m Darling (by Laura Wade) November 8 –17 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: Susan Rundle. Bookings: mordialloctheatre.com.au

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company (WMTC): Pippin. November 8 – 23 at Altona City Theatre. Director: Tamara Finch; Musical Director: Eric von Ahlefeldt; Choreographers: Tamara Finch and James Rooney. wmtc.org.au

■ Bacchus Marsh and Melton District Community Theatre: Double Trouble (two plays), November 8 – 16 at the Moonlite Theatre, 19 Gisborne Rd., Bacchus Marsh. Room 326 (by William Alexander) Director: Alexander Murray; Donuts Can Kill You! (written and directed by Deb Barker).

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Handbagged (by Moira Buffini) November 13 – 30 at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Gaetano Santo. Bookings: wlt.org.au/ book-tickets

■ Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre: Little Women (by Alan Knee) November 14 – 30 at the Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre, Castella St., Lilydale. Director: Alan Burrows. Bookings: 9735 1777 or lilydaleatc.com

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company: An Ideal Husband (by Oscar Wilde) November 15 –30 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Tim Scott. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ Peridot Theatre Company: 1984 (by George Orwell) November 14 – 24 at the Clayton Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Directors: Sharon Maine and Joe Dias. Bookings: peridot.com.au

■ The 1812 Theatre: Noises Off! (by Michael Frayn) November 14 – December 7 at 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Direrctor: Justin Stephens. Bookings: 1812theatre. com.au or 97583964.

■ Frankston Theatre Group: Play On! (by Rick Abbot) November 15 – December 1 at the Mt Eliza Community Centre, 90-100 Canadian Bay Rd., Mt Eliza. Director: Robert Lister. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/ events/landing/1130605

■ Geelong Repertory Theatre Company: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (by William Shakespeare) November 15 – 30 at the Woodbin Theatre, 15 Coronation St., Geelong West. Directors: Stacey Carmichael and David Mackay. Bookings: Geelong Arts Centre 1300 251 200 geelongartscentre.org.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (by C.S. Lewis) November 15 – 30 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Jason Triggs. Bookings: elthamlittle theatre.org.au/

■ OSMaD: The Addams Family. December 5 – 14 at the Geoffrey McComas Theatre, Scotch College Campus.Director: Joel Anderson: Musical Director: Ashton Turner; Choreograrpher: Dylan Henry. Bookings: osmad.com.au

Entertainment

Pippin at Williamstown

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company presents the four-time Tony Award -winning musical Pippin from November 8-23 at Altona Theatre, Civic Parade, Altona.

Directed by Tamara Finch, with musical direction by Eric von Ahlefeldt and choreography by James Rooney and Tamara Finch, Pippin tells of one young man's journey to be extraordinary and his quest in search of true happiness.

The restless prince and eldest son of Charlemagne, Pippin longs for a life of significance.

Led by the Leading Player and the mysterious troupe, Pippin’s adventures explore the inglorious side of war, temptations of the flesh, the intrigues of revolution and the power of being King, only to discover none of it is fulfilling.

It is only when he encounters a widow and her young child that Pippin finally experiences true love.

However, the simplicity of this lifestyle soon becomes claustrophobic and the yearning for something more calls in Pippin again.

Pippin finds that happiness lies not in extraordinary endeavours, but rather in the unextraordinary moments that happen every day.

Performance Season: Nov. 8, 9, 15, 16, 21, 22 at 7.30pm; Nov. 10, 17 at 2pm; Nov. 22 at 5pm

Ticket Prices: $50 (Full) Conc. and Children $46

Venue: Altona Theatre,115 Civic Pde., Altona Bookings: wmtc.org.au

Age recommendation: Pippin may be inappropriate for children under 16 years. Contains sexual overtones throughout.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Straten winner

■ Opera and cabaret performer Ali McGregor will investigate the life and career of 1880s Australian actress, Nellie Stewart, affectionately known as ‘The Rose of Australia’, as the fifth recipient of the annual Frank Van Straten Fellowship.

McGregor was awarded a $15,000 grant which provides opportunities to research and develop projects that explore the iconic Australian Performing Arts Collection

“I was introduced to Nellie Stewart only recently. To realise that just three generations ago, there was an artist who was so well known and loved here in Melbourne that I did not know of was humbling, to say the least,” McGregor said.

Stewart left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape during her lifetime as her career traversed both high and low arts. She began performing on stage at the age of five but rose to prominence as a leading lady during the 1880s, and remained a favourite performer throughout the following decades.

In 1885, she had gained much praise as the female lead in the first Australian production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Mikado. She went on to entertain audiences in lavish pantomimes, popular musicals and dramatic plays but her most famous role was Nell Gwynne in Sweet Nell of Old Drury – a play that became synonymous with her name.

More Shows

■ Heidelberg Theatre Company Youth: Peter Pan (a new adaptation from J. M. Barrie’s classic) December 6 – 14 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 Turnham Ave., Rosanna. Director: Robbie Nicholson. Bookings: htc.org.au

■ PLOS Musical Productions: School of Rock. December 31, January 2, 3, 4, 5 at the Frankston Arts Centre, Davey St., Frankston. Director: Brad Fischer; Musical Director: Bev Woodford; Choreographer: Jess Pratt and Tahlia Sweetman. Bookings: plos.asn.au

■ Gilbert and Sullivan Opera Victoria: A Festival of WS Gilbert Plays (by WS Gilbert) November 21 – 24 at Malvern Theatre, 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Comedy and Tragedy - Directed by Ben Klein; Creatures of Impulse - Directed by Danielle Zuccala; Rosencrantz and Guildenstern - Directed by Sarah Berry; The Hooligan - Directed by Naomi Tooby. Bookings: trybooking.com/ CMWPA

- Cheryl Threadgold

“Many things about her career resonated with me, from singing high opera and then moving into light operatic comedy, to her experience of grappling with the choice to try and make it overseas or to stay at home and build a career as a working mother in the arts. I felt a very strong desire to follow the metaphorical breadcrumbs from her life to my own,” said McGregor. While Stewart performed in England and the United States, she always remained muchloved in Australia. Her story provides a lens through which McGregor can examine the shifting dynamics of cultural value attached to different art forms and how they are remembered over time.

“The aim is to resurrect Nellie’s legacy and shed light on the complex interplay between popular entertainment and cultural memory. I also hope to demonstrate to other performers and artmakers in Victoria the wealth of resources available to strengthen the connection to our cultural legacy,” McGregor said.

McGregor’s research will result in the development of a stage show aimed at reviving Nellie Stewart's legacy by revisiting the musical repertoire that made her famous.

Over the past four years, the Frank Van Straten Fellowship has produced outstanding works highlighting stories from the diverse and rich history of performing arts in Australia

The Frank Van Straten Fellowship is made possible by the generous contribution of The Van Straten and Turley Foundation. Frank Van Straten played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Australian Performing Arts Collection in the late 1970s and was the founding director and first archivist of what was then the Performing Arts Museum. Arts Centre Melbourne has been the proud custodian of the APAC for over five decades of collecting. It now holds over 850,000 items.

- Cheryl Threadgold

Wolves Theatre

■ The Wolves Theatre Company presents two plays by Michael Gray Griffith at The Alex Theatre, St Kilda: Marooned on November 13, 14, 15, 16 and 20, 21, 23, and My Brother, My Brother, My Brother from October 30 - November 2 and November 6 - 9 at 7.30pm.

Under the creative direction of Rohana Hayes, the program will also include readings of two new plays by Michael Gray Griffith - The Shadows and The Hues and When Icebergs Burn.

Each of the four plays is said to celebrate 'the beauty, complexity and struggle of the human experience while delving deep into the almostforgotten nobility of men.'

Marooned is being used as a teaching tool for psychiatrists across the UK and becoming recognized as one of Australia’s most significant plays.

My Brother, My Brother, My Brother echoes similar themes as Marooned, exploring identity and society. It poses a vital question: If we teach our young men to feel ashamed of their very existence, what will happen to their souls?

Performance Seasons: Marooned November 13 - 16 and 20 - 23 at 7.30pm. My Brother, My Brother, My Brother October 30 - November 2 and November 6 - 9 at 7.30pm. Venue : The Alex, Level 1, 135 Fitzroy St., St Kilda. Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/ CWBTU thewolvestheatre@gmail.com

Cook and Co.

■ When it comes to fine local musicians, Melbourne definitely punches above its weight.

Chamber music ensemble Cook and Co has just launched their new album Sarina Dreaming, described by Cook and Co creative director Janis Cook, as a new way of listening to fine music.

Janis has gathered some classical musical heavyweights to join with her in creating the new release – Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s flautist and piccolo player Andrew McLeod and MSO bassoonist Brock Imison. Completing the quartet is Guernseyborn Bernard Blestel, who contributes reminiscences.

The music in Sarina Dreaming is taken from early-mid 20th century composer John Ireland, as well as Canadian musician Robert Farnon and contemporary Melbourne composer Barry McKimm.

Janis says this album to appeal to all lovers of classical music.

“It’s curated to engage all listeners, whether classical music afficionados or newcomers to the repertoire,” she explained.

Sarin Dreaming from Cook and Co is out now and is available in CD and digital formats at bandcamp.com.

To find out more about Cook and Co, visit cookandco.com.au

Julie Houghton

Auditions

■ Eltham Little Theatre: The Diary of Anne Frank (by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett) October 30 at 7pm at 1603 aMain Rd., Research. Director: Steve Saul. Audition enquiries: uditions@elthamlittletheatre. org.au

■ Beaumaris Theatre: Ladies in Black. November 9 and 10 at 82 Wells Rd., Beaumaris. Director: Debbie Keyt; Musical Director: Rhonda Vaughan; Choreographer: Camilla Klesman. Further details: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th November. Further details: beaumaristheatre.com.au/auditions

■ Frankston Theatre Group: An Inspector Calls (by J B Priestly) November 10 at 2pm and Nov ember 13 at 7pm at The Shed, Overport Park, Somerset Rd., Frankston South. Audition Enquiries: g.sylvesterkeech@ gmail.com

■ F.A.M.D.A. Inc.: Noises Off! (by Michael Frayn) November 10 at 10am at the Foster War Memorial Arts Centre, 79 Main St., Foster. Director: Peter McAlpine. Audition bookings: 0428 871 250 or noelstringer4@ bigpond.com

■ Peridot Theatre: The Architect (by Aidan Fennessy) November 18, 20, 24 at 7pm at Fleigner Hall, Oakleigh. Director: Jennifer Bité. Audition bookings and enquiries: jen_bite@hotmail.com or 0410 579 246.

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Wicked Sisters (by Alma De Groen) November 24 at 1pm and November 24 at 7.30pm at 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Ellis Ebell. Audition enuiries: ellis@pagebell.com

■ Malvern Theatre Company: A Happy and Holy Occasion (by John O’Donoghue) February 2 and 3, 2025 at 29 Burke Rd., Malvern East. Director: Nicholas Opalski. Audition bookings/enquiries: nopolski@hotmail.com or 0400 507 788.

- Cheryl Threadgold

● ● ● Johnathon White (Lewis) and TylerRose Shattock (Fastrada) in Pippin.

Photo: Gavin D Andrew

● ● ● ●

Janis Cook