The Local Paper. Peninsula-Frankston-Greater Dandenong-Casey-Cardinia Edition. Wed., Oct. 4, 2023

MULGRAVE BY-ELECTION

■ Daniel Andrews resigned as Victorian premier and Mulgrave MLA, effective 5pm last Wednesday (Sep. 27).

This means that a by-election will be held for the State Parliament seat which has in Labor Party hands since 2002.

There were 14 candidates at the State Elections held last year. On a two-candidate preferred result, Mr Andrews won 23,070 (60.8 per cent) of the vote, with independent Ian Cook attracting 14,854 votes (39.2 per cent).

The electorate contains the suburbs of Mulgrave and Noble Park North. It also contains parts of the suburbs of Dandenong North, Noble Park, Springvale and Wheelers Hill

LEVEL CROSSINGS TO GO EARLY

■ The State Government’s work to make Pakenham level crossing-free by 2025 will be delivered more than a year ahead of schedule, says new Premier Jacinta Allan.

Ms Allan says the early completion will cut congestion and make it easier than ever for south-eastern suburbs locals to travel on public transport.

Ms Allan and Pakenham MLA Emma Vulin last week visited Pakenham Railway Station, where works are powering ahead to make level crossings at McGregor, Main and Racecourse Rds a thing of the past.

Construction is progressing well, with the elevated rail bridge structure nearly complete –ready for the new train track to be installed later this month.

As part of Pakenham’s level crossing works, the metropolitan rail line will be extended by 2.5 kilometres to the new Pakenham East Station, delivering an extra transport option for Melbourne’s newest suburb and delivering more trains when the Metro Tunnel opens in 2025 –cutting travel times by up to 50 minutes a day.

The State Government is also upgrading roads in this growing area, with the duplication of the Healesville – Koo Wee Rup Rd also to be completed next year.

By 2030, 110 level crossings will have been removed and the Frankston, Cranbourne, Pakenham, Lilydale, Sunbury and Werribee lines will be level crossing-free - boosting safety and easing congestion right across Melbourne.

“We aren’t wasting a moment delivering the things that matter – removing dangerous and congested level crossings,” said Ms Allan.

“Work on removing Pakenham’s level crossings is ahead of schedule, paving the way for more trains, more often as we get ready for opening the Metro Tunnel.”

Pakenham MLA Emma Vulin said: “It’s fantastic to see the Pakenham level crossing removal project progressing and the rail bridge taking shape –our growing suburb will be level crossing free next year, boosting safety and easing congestionGovernment’s work to make Pakenham level crossing-free by 2025 will be delivered more than a year ahead of schedule –cutting congestion and making it easier than ever for Victorians in the south-eastern suburbs to travel on public transport.

Rocket Park plan

■ The City of Casey is seeking community feedback on the draft concept design for the redevelopment of Ray Bastin Reserve, Narre Warren.

The concept design has been inspired by community input as part of the initial community consultation last year and has a number of features that aim to improve accessibility for people of all ages and abilities, enhance the natural environment and re-imagine the theme of ‘The Rocket Park’.

● ● Daniel Andrews

● ● Jacinta Allan, Victorian Premier

The Local Paper

Faster planning decisions

■ Carrum MLA Sonya Kilkenny ,

Your Stars with Kerry

Kulkens

CONTACT US

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OUR TEAM

Editor: Ash Long

Features Editor: Peter Mac

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

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.

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

in her role as State

Plan-

ning Minister, is leading a major reform in planning permits.

Ms Kilkenny says the package of reforms to the planning system will help clear the backlog of approvals and build more homes, faster.

“Right now, the system just isn’t working like it should – and decisions aren’t getting made fast enough,” a State Government representative said. Over the last year, the number of dwellings approved across the state fell by 26.1 per cent.

“At a council level, there’s a backlog of around 1400 planning permit applications for multi-unit housing that have been sitting with councils for more than six months waiting for a decision.

“Some 550 of those applications have been waiting for more than a year.

“Of these, 78 projects have a development cost of more than $10 million – and would deliver around 4900 new homes.”

New data shows Yarra Council progressed just 38 per cent of all applications within the required timeframe – with an average processing time of 188 days.

Stonnington City Council rejected almost one in five planning permit applications – often citing ‘neighbourhood character’ when matters are heard at VCAT

Long Shots

will be paying the price for generations to come.

“We’ll begin the work to clear the backlog of 1400 housing permit applications that have been stuck with councils for more than six months.

“By November, we’ll have a dedicated team up and running to work with project proponents, local councils, and referral agencies to resolve issues delaying council decision-making – to avoid projects ending up in VCAT and to get homes built.

“The unit in the Department of Transport and Planning will rapidly review multiunit developments with development costs above $10 million. Once we have a clearer picture of projects and if decisions keep lagging, the Minister for Planning won't hesitate to call them in.”

Changes will mean around 13,200 additional homes will be brought to market that would otherwise be delayed – and it’ll cut application timeframes for these types of projects from more than 12 months down to four.

The Minister will lead the work to overhaul the Planning and Environmental Act 1987 to create a modern, fit for purpose planning system – with the review’s timeframes.

ARIES: (March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 3.4.5.6.

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,43,6,

There are some frustrating times ahead when you are unsure if you are going or coming. Other people's moods seem to affect your plans. Also, keep a clear head and be determined.

TAURUS: (April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,4,5, Lotto Numbers: 6,8,3,42,23,31, You could be having problems convincing people that you are interested in something. Travel plans should be well in the pipeline. If not yours, then someone close.

GEMINI: (May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 8,9,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 8,2,13,34,45,22,

You could be fortunate with someone born under the sign of Aries—a reasonable period for real estate and property matters. Keep an eye out for something special in the fashion business.

CANCER: (June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,4,

Lotto Numbers: 7,8,12,23,34,45, Someone born under your sign could be fortunate during this period. Also, love life should blossom, and many could meet the love of their lives. Business and career should go well.

LEO: (July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,4,3,

Lotto Numbers: 5,7,12,23,34,41,

It could be reunions with people who have been away for a long time. Some news from far away could make you feel like travelling. Love life improvements could help you to overcome something.

VIRGO: (August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 8,9,3,4,

Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,45,11,

You could become involved in something completely new and exciting: financial improvements and more chances of earning money and helping out someone simultaneously.

LIBRA: (September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 8,9,1,4,

Lotto Numbers: 6,8,23,34,44,12

You could be the one to help someone in trouble, which could be very helpful for you, too—better vibes in your love life and an increase in your financial returns coming up.

SCORPIO: (October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 7,8,1,3,

Lotto Numbers: 1,6,23,35,34,4,

A time when silence is golden and too much loose talk will get you into trouble. People are not interested in your opinions during this period. Someone special could attract our attention.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23- December 20)

Victorians

“The status quo is not an option. Unless we take bold and decisive action to build the homes people need

Local

Ms Kilkenny said: “Victorians deserve a planning system that works with them – not against them. It should be a clear, transparent and accountable system – because Victorians deserve to know who is planning our city and state.”

Photo Flashback

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 6,8,3,2,

Lotto Numbers: 2,7,13,35,41,11,

Over-emotionalising will not help you in your endeavours. Do not let anyone talk you into anything. Your best bet is to stay in a safe family environment as much as possible.

CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Dark Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 6,3,4,5

Lotto Numbers: 1,5,23,34,41,22, Thinking of the past will not help you best to concentrate on the future. Your domestic situation should be much happier; some could be starting a family. You could be interested in self-improvement of some kind.

AQUARIUS: (January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Fawn

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7,9,3,1,

Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,34,35,44,

This period will be busy in all aspects- social invitations should be accepted now—some happy surprises in store. You could be of great help to someone in trouble.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1,5,2,3,

Lotto Numbers: 1,5,23,21,29,33,

An auspicious period in money matters and also a period of opportunities in career matters. But it would be best if you curbed that spendthrift feeling, or you could find yourself in a predicament.

● ● ● ● Sonya Kilkenny, Carrum MLA

Local

News

Smalltalk time

■ “The Smalltalk supported playgroup service is a great place for parents to find support when it’s needed the most,” says Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Cr Antonella Celi, Health and Wellbeing Committee representative,

“I encourage you to book in and join a playgroup in your area and discover meaningful ways to connect with others and enhance the development milestones of your children,” Cr Celi said.

Home invasion at Hallam

TEEN SUFFERS STAB WOUNDS

■ Casey Criminal Investigation Unit detectives are investigating after a teenager was stabbed during a home invasion in Hallam on Monday night last week (Sep. 25).

Officers were called to Arcadia Avenue, to reports unknown offenders broke into the residential property armed with poles and a machete and confronted the resident about 10.45pm.

A 16-year-old Hallam boy sustained stab wounds to his leg and back and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Local Briefs

Alert on Casey cats

■ The City of Casey is urging residents to take responsibility for feral and semi-owned cats and to stop feeding strays.

Feeding stray cats may seem kind, but it perpetuates their overpopulation and impacts the local ecosystem. Feral cats can also pose a nuisance to residents.

Cats must be registered with the Council and must always remain on the opwner’s property. Cats are also not allowed in Botanic Ridge or Settlers Run, which are protected areas for the endangered Southern Brown Bandicoot.

City of Casey Manager Connected Communities Callum Pattie emphasised that cats are one of the most devastating invasive species in Australia, responsible for the extinction of many native animals, and which continue to pose risk to local wildlife.

In

CASEY-CARDINIA

Incorporating the traditions of the Cranbourne Sun (Est. 1893).

The Casey-Cardinia Edition readership area comprises part of the City of Casey including Cranbourne, Cranbourne East, Cranbourne North, Cranbourne South, Cranbourne West, Devon Meadows, Doveton, Endeavour Hills, Eumemmerring, Hallam, Hampton Park, Harkaway, Junction Village, Lynbrook, Lyndhurst (part), Pearcedale (part). The entire City of Casey is home to more than 340,419 people, living in approximately 102,790 homes.

The Shire of Cardinia readership area includes Cardinia Shire includes the suburbs and localities of Beaconsfield (part), Beaconsfield Upper, Officer, Officer South, Pakenham, Pakenham South and Pakenham Upper. The entire Shire of Casey is home to more than 118,675 people, living in approximately 35,098 homes.

FRANKSTON

Incorporating the traditions of the Frankston Post (Est. 1913).

Frankston comprises Carrum Downs, Frankston, Frankston North, Frankston South, Langwarrin, Langwarrin South, Sandhurst, Seaford and Skye. Frankston is home to more than 134,143 people, living in approximately 56,935 homes.

GREATER DANDENONG

Incorporating the traditions of the Dandenong Advertiser (Est. 1874).

Greater Dandenong comprises Bangholme, Dandenong, Dandenong North, Dandenong South, Keysborough, Noble Park, Noble Park North, Springvale and Springvale South plus parts of Lyndhurst. Greater Dandenong is home to more than 152,050 people, living in approximately 54,694 homes.

PENINSULA

MORNINGTON PENINSULA

Incorporating the traditions of the Peninsula Post (Est. 1913).

Mornington Peninsula comprises Moorooduc, Mornington, Mount Eliza and Mount Martha. Mornington Peninsula Shire is home to more than 154,999 people, living in approximately 89,155 homes.

SOUTHERN PENINSULA

Incorporating the traditions of the Southern Peninsula Gazette (Est. 1953).

Southern Peninsula comprises Blairgowrie, Boneo, Cape Schanck, Capel Sound, Dromana, Fingal, McCrae, Portsea, Rosebud, Rye, Safety Beach, Sorrento, St Andrews Beach and Tootgarook.

WESTERN PORT

Incorporating the traditions of the Hastings Sun (Est. 1977)

Western Port comprises Balnarring, Balnarring Beach, Bittern, Crib Point, Dromana, Flinders, Hastings, HMAS Cerberus, Main Ridge, Merricks, Merricks Beach, Merricks North, Point Leo, Portsea, Red Hill, Red Hill South, Shoreham, Somers, Somerville and Tyabb.

Two 16-year-old boys, two 15-year-old boys, a 13-year-old boy and a 12-year-old boy were also inside at the time, but not injured.

The offenders fled the scene, last spotted heading in an unknown direction of travel.

At this stage of the investigation, the incident appears to be targeted.

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

■ Mornington Peninsula Council ishosting a community forum on the harms of gambling. This forum has been developed in collaboration with Frankston City Council

The event willl be held at 7pm on Thursday, October 12, at the Mount Eliza Community Centre.

Tickets are free and the Council encourages local people to secure seats via the following booking link: mornpen.vic.gov.au/ gamblingharmsession

Award honours Pauline

■ Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has received an Excellence in Place Naming Award, for the Pauline Powell Walk located in Rye.

The Council originally received the request for a place name on August 25, 2021, from the Rye Historical Society and the Rye Community Group Alliance to honour the late Pauline Powell OAM.

It was accompanied with a significant number of letters of support.

The naming on the boardwalk was gazetted on June 8.

Citizen of the Year

■ Nominations are being received for the Frankston Citizen of the Year Awards.

It is an opportunity to recognise people and groups that have made an outstanding contribution to the Frankston City community over the past year or have given exceptional service over a number of years.

These awards are presented at the 2024 Frankston City Council Citizen of the Year Awards Ceremony to be held in January, presided over by the Mayor of Frankston City Council.

Categories include Citizen of the Year (26 years and over); Young Citizen of the Year (under 26 years); and Community Group of the Year.

Mini Ads

● ● ● ● Pamela Vercoe (Mornington Peninsula Shire) and Rafe Benli (Department of Transport and Planning).

Pauline’s lifetime of community service included involvement with the Rye Girl Guides, part of the Rye Community Group Alliance, a highly active member of the Rye Historical Society, St John’s Sorrento and St Andrews, Rye Parish Council., a Rye Lioness and Rye Ladies Probus.

■ Detectives from the Sexual Crimes Squad have issued further charges in relation to their investigation into reported sexual assaults dating back almost 30 years.

A 68-year-old Keysborough man was charged with sexual penetration of a child under 16 years and indecent act with a child under 16.

The 13 charges relate to three complainants and are alleged to have occurred between 1996 and 2004.

Late last month he was issued with a further seven charges in relation to a further two complainants who came forward following recent media reporting.

Police will allege the man came into contact with the complainants through his role at a Keysborough temple. The investigation remains ongoing.

Victoria Police encourages all victims of sexual assault and child abuse, and anyone who has knowledge of such a crime, to make a report.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppers.com.au

■ Somerville funeral director, Edward (Ted) Bull, passed away on Tuesday, September 19, at age 87.

Ted had been in the funeral industry since March 1956 and in his own funeral business at Somerville since 1976.

He was well known in the community and has supported many organisations over the years.

The funeral service was held last Thursday (Sep. 28) at the Peninsula Community Theatre, Mornington.

He was partner of Prue, father of Dianne, Joanne, Tom, Chris (dec), Janelle and Mark

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Gambling forum

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Le Freak

ASTONISHING COMET BOOMBOX

■ Vivian Ngyuen explores AI, frriendship and what it means to be human in The Astonishing Comet Boombox for Melbourne Fringe 2023, from October 17-21 at the Bluestone Church, Footscray.

An interspecies relationship podcast, silicone shamans, and an ancestral trip to a motherboard factory take centre stage in The Astonishing Comet Boombox.

This new show from writer and producer Vivian Ngyuen was created with rising playwright Chenturan Aran.

The one-handed satire circles around the relationship between Retro and her imaginary friend, an antiquated AI called Comet.

● ● Elle Diablo, Le Freak creator/ performer - sword swallower, sideshow performer, aerialist and burlesque artist.

■ Themme Fatale and Elle Diablo present Le Freak from October 4-22 at the ETU Ballroom, Trades Hall.

Le Freak, hot on the heels of two sell-out seasons, returns to the 2023 Melbourne Fringe Festival, featuring world-class, awardwinning trans, queer, disabled and sex worker performers and shines a lens on sideshow and how this artform has historically exploited (and continues to) the "freaks".

Le Freak features multiple circus/sideshow performers, and makes use of narrative sketches and video content along with live captioning making Le Freak accessible to audience members with disabilities.

Two performances each week have been dedicated to engaging with the deaf community with the inclusion of an Auslan interpreter.

The Sunday, October 22 show will include a tactile tour and audio description to create accessibility for the blind community. Blind and low vision audience members are invited to a pre show experience where they are able to touch and interact with the cast, costumes, props and set.

Le Freak is said to promise to take down capitalism whilst using joy as a radical act. The weird and silly become profound with new thrilling and dangerous stunts that dare the audience to look away.

The show features the award-winning circus and sideshow artists: Themme Fatale, Elle Diablo, Dale Woodbridge-Brown, Sarah Birdgirl, and Bubbles the ferret. Le Freak has sideshow, swords, stilettos, sequins and the circus reimagined.

Performers bring an impressive CV to the show with tours with Circus Oz, Blunderland, League of Sideshow Superstars, Cirque du Soleil, Circus of Horrors (UK), Coney Island (USA), and Kamikaze Freakshow (EU).

Performer, Disability Rights Activist and past Paralympion Sarah Birdgirl will present a solo act and brings to the cast an impressive breadth of insight as a sideshow historian.

Le Freak is described as “thought provoking while still providing the audience with a really good time”.

Performance Details: October 4-22

Venue: The ETU Ballroom, Trades Hall.

Tickets: $32 (concession) and $34.50 (full).

www.melbournefringe.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Christmas Carol

■ Tony Award winner and international screen star, Owen Teale will play the role of Ebenezer Scrooge in the triumphant return season of the smash-hit Old Vic production of Charles Dickens’ immortal classic A Christmas Carol, returning to the Comedy Theatre from November 12.

Best known for his recurring role of Alliser Thorne in HBO's epic fantasy Game of Thrones, Teale currently appears in the BBC detective thriller Wolf, and has starred in comedy-drama series Stella.

This dark comedy shines a light on the modern world and how humans function in it in relationship to their own technology.

Comet undergoes an unexpected upgrade by Retro’s mother, resulting in broken relationships.

The Astonishing Comet Boombox is a satire that imagines the bizarre moment when humans and AI talk peace.

The central duo are millennial tech influencer, Retro, and her childhood AI, Comet, beacons of hope for AI and human relations.

They co-host a blockbuster media channel that shares quirky tips on joyful co-existence, however, when it’s revealed that Retro’s been blocking Comet’s attempt to upgrade to a superintelligence, their relationship unravels in a public reckoning on AI exploitation.

Performed by Ruby Duncan, the play intricately weaves a multi-generational tale of best friends turned foes.

Their diverging paths lead to an unusual public reunion, sparking candid emotions and negotiating grievances.

As the story unfolds, a human desperately clings on for future relevance while an unchained AI searches for its ancestral origins.

This blend of surrealism, wit, and keen insights into human-AI dynamics encourages audiences to ponder their evolving relationship with technology.

Performance Season: October 17-21

Venue: Bluestone Church, 8A Hyde St., Footscray

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

To Be Frank

■ Michael Hockey is performer (Frank) and producer of the Melbourne Fringe show To Be Frank, being presented from October 11-15 at the Festival Hub, Trades Hall - Old Council Chambers.

To Be Frank follows the journey of a curious creature ‘Frank’ who discovers and reacts to the audience in a new and organic way each night.

A modern reimagining; blending clown, physical comedy and horror with live music and sound effects.

This solo show brings into question loneliness and love, creation and destruction and ultimately how to cope with the emotional intensity of being alive.

This is To Be Frank's Australian debut after many successful seasons in Aotearoa, New Zealand.

Performance Dates: October 11-15

Time :10pm, 9pm (Sunday)

Duration: 60 Minutes

Venue: Festival Hub: Trades Hall - Old Council Chambers

Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

All The Best Roles

■ All The Best Roles Are Written For Men is an Australian-written Cabaret-meets-TED-Talk focusing on the realities of the theatre and film worlds when it comes to gender, being presented from October 2-8 at The Motley Bauhaus Blackbox, Carlton.

The show discusses that every audition room is full to bursting with female talent - so why are

Mythos: Ragnarök

●

all the best roles written for men and so few roles for women?

Is it a relic of historical oppression, a byproduct of the stories we tell, or simply a fact of life? Take a musical journey through classic and contemporary theatre in this one-woman musical cabaret starring Kate O'Sullivan, to discover why female theatre artists of all kinds still find all the best roles are written for men.

Performance Details: October 2-6

Venue: Motley Bauhaus Blackbox, 118 Elgin St, Carlton Bookings: www.melbournefringe.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Matador

■ Matator sabor de amor returns to Melbourne with a fast paced fusion of dance, circus and burlesque from October 3-29 at Festival Park – The Vault as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Presented by Bass Fam Creative, Matador sabor de amor (a taste of love) will fuse burlesque, dance and circus acts. Set across a fiery Spanish sunset, this is a tale of forbidden love, desires, passion and pain; a tale of a lovetorn bull and the seductive Matador.

Featuring iconic Matador moments, crowd favourite songs, signature storytelling, an updated soundtrack and some new circus acts.

Matador sabor de amor explores the themes of love, friendship, infidelity, heartbreak, passion and sex through thematic vignettes with reimagined dance and burlesque numbers.

Above all else, Matador sabor de amor is a celebration of love, friendship and the bonds that hold us together.

Comprising a cast of 11 performers, Matador sabor de amor features non-stop entertainment from start to finish. High energy commercial dance pieces, contemporary and ballet acts as well as Latin numbers intertwined with burlesque acts, pole dancing and dramatic aerial acts.

Performance Details: October 3-29 at 8.30pm (except Monday)

Location: Festival Park - The Vault

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au

Tickets: $56.25-$99

- Cheryl Threadgold

●

■ Phil McIntyre Live presents Mythos: Ragnarök, making its international debut at the Melbourne Fringe Festival from October 3-29 at The Bunker, Festival Park.

The Mythological Theatre’s show will weave ancient myths and legends into an original story. Mythos: Ragnarök is said to be the only theatre show to use a cast of professional wrestlers, which creates intense fight scenes.

The story follows Odin and Loki in their struggle to overcome primeval giants, rival Gods and Goddesses, and each other's ambitions in a dark comic adaption of the Norse myths.

Despite its spectacular fight scenes, Mythos: Ragnarök is far from mere spectacle, and includes storytelling, aiming to appeal to those with no interest in wrestling or mythology whatsoever.

Having enjoyed success at Edinburgh Fringe, the show has played to sold out audiences around the UK, earned rave reviews since its debut in 2021 and is now making its international debut at Melbourne Fringe 2023.

The creator of the show, Ed Gamester said, “I’ve been absolutely blown away by the response to our show. I knew this was a form of theatre that needed to be created and shared, but I didn’t expect people to fall in love with it like they have.

“I truly couldn’t be more excited and grateful for the opportunity to now bring my story to the other side of the world, to Melbourne and beyond.”

Performance Details: October 3-29 at 7.20pm (6.20pm on Sundays)

Venue: The Bunker, Festival Park, Melbourne

Tickets: Start from $40.

Running Time: 70 minutes

All welcome, but recommended for ages 12 +

Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au www.mythosragnarok.co.uk

-

Cheryl Threadgold Bowness winner

■ Sydney-based artist Anne Zahalka has been named winner of the 2023 William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize for her work 'Kunstkammer' (2023).

She has been awarded $30,000, and this work will be acquired into MAPh's significant collection of Australian photographs.

Over the past 17 years, the William and Winifred Bowness Photography Prize has emerged as an important annual survey of contemporary photographic practice in Australia and one of the most prestigious prizes in the country.

Every year MAPh invites artists to submit photo-based media including analogue and digital photography created over the last year for consideration.

Rhana Devenport (ONZM, Director, Art Gallery of South Australia) and Michael Cook (Brisbane-based contemporary photographic artist of Bidjara heritage) joined MAPh Director Anouska Phizacklea to select the winner and three honourable mentions from a shortlist of 66 exceptional works.

● Vivian Nguyen (Lead Creator/ Co-Creator/Writer, Assistant Director and Producer.

● ● ● ● Mythos: Ragnarök

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

■ The 1812 Theatre: Phantom Call (by Chris Hodson) October 5 – 28 at The 1812 Theatre, 3 Rose St., Upper Ferntree Gully. Director: Neil Barnett. Bookings: www.1812theatre.com.au

■ The Basin Theatre Group: Belles (by Mark Dunn) October 5 – 15 at The Basin Theatre, Doongalla Rd., The Basin. Director: L B Bradley. Bookings: www.thebasin theatre.org.au

■ MLOC Productions: A Chorus Line: Teen Edition, October 5 - 15 at the Shirley Burke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Bookings: www.mloc.org.au

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

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

■ Encore Theatre: Cul-De-Sac (by John Cariani) October 6 – 14 at the Clayton Community Theatrette, Cooke St., Clayton. Di- rector: Helen Ellis. All tickets $28. Bookings: www.trybooking.com/CKRJH

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

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

■ NOVA Music Theatre: Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella, October 20 – 29 at The Round Theatre, Whitehorse Rd., Nunawading. Bookings: www.novamusic theatre.com.au

■ Malvern Theatre Company: Absurd Person Singular (by Alan Ayckbourn) October 27 – November 11 at 29A Burke Rd., Malvern. Director: Damian Jones. www.malverntheatre.com.au

■ LOTS Theatre: Legends of the Skies Series 11, October 26 – 29 in The Casey Hangar Theatre, Moorabbin Air Museum, Moorabbin Airport. Artistic Director: Maggie Morrison. Tickets: $20 per person. Bookings: Trybooking

■ Williamstown Musical Theatre Company: Spring Awakening November 10 – 25 at Centenary Theatre, 71 Railway Place, Williamstown. Bookings: www.wmtc.org.au

■ Eltham Little Theatre: Clue:on Stage! (by Jonathan Lynn) November 10 – 25 at the Eltham Performing Arts Centre, 1603 Main Rd., Research. Director: Luisa Romeo. www.elthamlittletheatre.org.au

■ Brighton Theatre Company: Here I Belong (Matt Harley) November 10 – 25 at Brighton Arts and Cultural Centre, Carpenter St., Brighton. Director: Barbara Crawford. Bookings: www.brightontheatre.com.au

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

■ Mordialloc Theatre Company: Four Flat Whites in Italy (by Roger Hall) November 10 – 25 at the Shirley Bourke Theatre, 64 Parkers Rd., Parkdale. Director: David Collins. Bookings: www.mordialloctheatre.com

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder (book and lyrics by Robert L Freedman) November 15 - December 2 at Williamstown Little Theatre, 2 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Barbara Hughes. www.wlt.org.au

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

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

■ HTC Youth Theatre: Grimmish December 8 – 16 at Heidelberg Theatre, 36 turner Ave., Rosanna. Bookings: htc.org.au or 9457 4117. - Cheryl Threadgold

NO BANG THEORY

■ Brisbane cabaret performer Oliver Hetherington-Page presents The No Bang Theory from October 3-8 at Speakeasy Theatre - Apollo, 522 Flinders St, Melbourne. This look at life on the autism spectrum is described as “the non-romantic comedy of the year ... heartbreak and hilarity ... too much sex talk from a self-confessed 25-year-old virgin. The Tinder date without the messy bits”. Autism is no laughing matter - but laughing is exactly what Oliver Hetherington-Page wants audiences to do, as he presents stories, show tunes, and a series of sparkly jackets.

Performance Dates: October 3-8

Time: 7.30 pm (exc. Thursday October 6, Friday October 7, 6pm)

Venue: Speakeasy Theatre - Apollo, 522 Flinders St., Melbourne

Cost: $26.25 - $35

Tickets: https://melbournefringe.com.au/ event/the-no-bang-theory/ - Cheryl Threadgold

Castropha

■ Catastropha featuring My Cousin Vlad is being presented at the Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda, on Friday, October 13 at 8pm.

The show features new music, parodies, sketches, stand-up comedy and unexpected surprises.

Vlad is said to be everyone’s favourite cousin, bringing the laughs and life strategies, as all good cousins do.

Performance Details: Friday, October 13 at 8pm (Doors open at 7pm)

Venue: Palais Theatre, Lower Esplanade, St Kilda.

Bookings: Ticketmaster - Cheryl Threadgold

Improvised Aust. Sopa Opera

■ The Improvised Australian Soap Opera is being presented from October 4 to 15 at 7.15pm at Ground Floor, UBQ , 108 Smith St, Collingwood.

The Improv Pit presents its newest fulllength show exploring Aussie Soapies. There will be sentimentality; there will be melodrama; the ensemble will play soap opera inspired characters with interweaving stories.

Using long-form improvisation plus tropes of Aussie soapies and drama, a full story will be created, exploring personal relationships, family life, emotional and moral conflicts, and some of the unique quirks of Australiana

Every show is an episode of a serial drama that has never existed before and will never be seen again.

Members of the Improv Pit troupe have trained and performed with international long form improvisation groups, including: The Second City, The IO Theatre, Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB), The Gaulier Clown School, The Annoyance Theatre.

They’ve also performed with Australian improvisation groups including The Improv Conspiracy, Impro Melbourne, LMA (Laugh Masters Academy) and The Big Hoo Haa.

Performance Season: October 4 - 15 at 7.15pm (no show on Tuesday)

Venue: Ground Floor, UBQ, 108 Smith St., Collingwood.

Tickets: melbournefringe.com.au/event/theimprovides-soap-opera

- Cheryl Threadgold

3-2-1

■ The emotion21 Dancers present 3-2-1 from October 13-21 at the Abbotsford Convent, Magdalen Laundry as part of the Melbourne Fringe Festival.

Created by Catherine Annable, Emily Woodward and Jamie Halliday and directed by Tristan Sinclair, 3-2-1 is a dance show, reimagining dance through the lens of Down syndrome.

"Within each of us, three copies of chromosome 21 dance in unison, creating a unique rhythm known as Trisomy 21, or Down syndrome," explain the creators.

"We are 19 performers, each embodying this dance within our DNA. Journey with us as we share our unique capabilities, acknowledge our challenges, and celebrate the ways our different-ability enhances life."

Conceived and crafted by three creators with Down syndrome, 3-2-1 explores the three intertwined themes of capability, challenge, and enhancement, offering, "An unforgettable portrait of our lived experiences."

The creators say that through dance, they become more than just performers.

"We become imagineers and storytellers. Our bodies, imbued with experiences unique to us, are the medium through which these narratives are shared.

“This approach is not just innovative—it is a subversive act against long-standing norms about who can be a dancer and what kind of dance is deemed worthy.

“Prepare to experience our most groundbreaking and compelling choreography, as we breathe life into a captivating fusion of contemporary, lyrical, and experimental dance."

Performance Season: October 13 - 21

Venue: Abbotsford Convent, Magdalen Laundry Bookings: melbournefringe.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Morning Melodies

■ The Mia Sorella Trio will perform in the next Morning Melodies at Hamer Hall on Monday, October 16 at 11.00am and 1.30pm.

Italian-Australian spinto soprano Michelle Francis Cook, Australian songbird, Helen Ling and mezzo-soprano Dannielle O’Keefe will take audiences through some of well-known songs and arias, but with a twist

Singing in trio, duo and solo formats, Mia Sorella will perform soprano arias varying from light, full lyric and spinto/dramatic soprano, as well as pop opera pieces made famous by Josh Groban, The Three Tenors and Andrea Bocelli. Special guest artist is Shantai Sheree who will perform ‘Babirra Nyiwarri Gariya Garin’, a Wiradjuri song.

Performance Details: Monday, October 16 at 11am and 1.30pm

Venue: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne

Duration: One hour

Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Poet of the Violin

■ One of the world’s most acclaimed Baroque violinists Leila Schayegh will make her longawaited Australian debut as Guest Director and soloist for the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra’s upcoming concert series Poet of the Violin.

A true virtuoso, the program will showcase Schayegh’s vivaciousness and captivating musicality through a repertoire of masterworks from JS Bach, Handel, Leclair and Zelenka. The concerts will take place at the Melbourne Recital Centre from November 912.

Celebrated for her fierce and expressive interpretations of classical repertoire, Leila Schayegh has carved a singular career that has seen her perform all over the world as a soloist and as part of renowned chamber music groups.

■ There was great excitement in Brighton’s Patricia Turner Centre for Creative Arts when young singer Gemma Hollingsworth took out the Novice Aria Award at the Classical Voice Singing Competition.

Now in its third year, the CVSC was developed to foster the next generation of classical vocalists while in secondary school.

Classical voice students from Years 7- 12 can enter, and there are specialist sections for those studying VCE Voice in years 11 and 12.

The timing of the competition in September is designed to give senior students a chance to really hone their craft before their final VCE performance exams.

This year the competitors benefited from the wisdom of opera star and recording artist Suzanne Johnston, who also gave valuable practical advice in a masterclass for the competitors.

Accompanied by official competition accompanist Isaac Mouskovias, Gemma Hollingsworth triumphed among 15 singers to take home the Novice Aria Award, which included a certificate and a cash prize of $250.

Other awards included the CVSC VCE award, won by Genevieve Gray, and the Max Riebl Early Music Memorial Award, for the adjudicator’s choice of the best singer of preclassical music.

Established in 2022 to commemorate the memory of young counter-tenor Max Riebl, this year it was won by another young countertenor, Anderson Mokyiu

Although only three years old, the Classical Voice Singing Competition is fast establishing itself as a vitally important singing competition in the classical vocal sphere.

- Julie Houghton

Auditions

■ Theatrical: The Sound of Music, October 15, 17, 19, 22 at Theatrical HQ, 14 Friendship Square, Cheltenham. Director: Karen Shnider; Musical Director: Vicki Quinn: Choreographer; Suzie Pappas. Audition Bookings and Information: www.theatrical.com.au/auditions/

■ Williamstown Little Theatre: Photograph 51 (by Anna Ziegler) October 29 at 12.00pm, October 30 at 7.00pm at Williamstown Little theatre, 2-4 Albert St., Williamstown. Director: Natasha Boyd. Audition Enquiries: Natasha Boyd - tashmark@yourmail.net.au or 0413 188 513

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

- Cheryl Threadgold

Special Show

■ Georgia State Line announce ‘A Very Special Show’ on Saturday, November 11, at the Melbourne Recital Centre

The forthcoming show at the Primrose Potter Salon will be an exclusive first taste of new material, and a collaboration with acclaimed composer Lucy G. Rash who will be writing string arrangements and leading the ensemble alongside Chloe Sanger and cellist Nils Hobiger

This presentation will be Auslan interpreted with Georgia State Line offering discounted tickets to First Nations, Deaf and Disabled patrons.

● Anderson Mokyiu with adjudicator Suzanne Johnston

GO-SET CLUB LUNCHEON

Sick of Myself

■ (MA). 108 minutes. Opens in selected cinemas October 5.

A very darkly humorous examination of the everyday person’s obsession with social media fame, Sick Of Myself will divide audiences with its look at two characters who far from likeable, totally focused with online success and individual recognition, no matter what it takes.

Signe (Kristine Kujath Thorp) wants to be the centre of attention, as does her boyfriend Thomas (Eirik Saether), a distorted viewpoint that has lead to a worrying rivalry.

Signe manages to win by buying an illegal Russian drug which deforms her appearance, making her on online sensation.

But this social media success leads to real life discrimination, but Signe sees high virtual numbers as something better than humane, moral convictions, an approach that will see her life turned upside down.

Writer/director Kristoffer Borgli gives audiences a darker, grislier version of Ron Howard’s EDtv, where people will do anything to achieve viral success.

Performances are excellent, and the look of the film is pinpoint perfect.

RATING - ***½

The Expendables 4

■ (MA). 103 minutes. Opens in cinemas October 5.

The first movie in this highly schizophrenic franchise was mildly entertaining at best (the extended Director’s Cut was actually an improvement), but since then the series took a definite nose dive, using more modern cast members and film-making techniques that contradicted the very nature of the films’ existence ( Part 3 was the unanimous low point).

Now, nearly a decade later, we have Part 4, a movie so bad it makes the previous sequels look outstanding by comparison.

This time around, the ageing gang are asked to eliminate a militant crew who are going to steal nuclear detonators from one of Gaddafi’s old chemical plants.

The mission doesn’t go to plan, and certain members band together to get revenge on those who did them wrong.

After Part 3 was a complete misfire (Part 2 was pretty bad too), this latest entry shows how tone deaf the film-makers are to the franchise’s basic concept. Instead of getting iconic 80s-90s action stars, we have pathetic substitutes

like Curtis ’50 Cent’ Jackson and a distressingly plastic Megan Fox

Even more frustrating, the filmmakers waste the immense, martial arts talents of Iko Iwais (The Raid 1 & 2) and Tony Jaa (Ong Bak).

There were even some cast members I didn’t know.

Director Scott Waugh directs proceedings like it’s a tenth rate direct-to-video cash-in, with CGI that is unconvincing at best.

The Expendables was a smileinducing, highly nostalgic concept, but the producers have seriously lost their way, totally forgetting what a high octane, 80s action/comedy extravaganza actually is.

Avoid at all costs.

RATING - No Stars.

Once Upon A Crime

■ (M). 105 minutes. Now streaming on Netflix.

Based on the novel by Aito Aoyagi, this attempted subversion on famous fairy tales is at best mildly entertaining, but never hits the bullseye like you so would like it to.

Starting as a variation on the Little Red Riding story, we see Red (Kanna Hashimoto) bumping into Cinderella (Yuko Araki), who wants to go to the big ball.

Helped by a fairy, the two are transformed into fashionable princesses, along with a pumpkin and a mouse turned into a carriage and driver.

On the way to the event, the carriage hits someone, which the passengers try to hide, as they want to attend the ball.

At the ball, the murder is discovered, and Little Red Riding Hood is the one who tries uncover how and why the person was dispatched, while also trying to help Cinderella get the attention of the prince.

Once Upon A Crime is not quite the wacky comedy as advertised, and is in fact more an Agatha Christie, Miss Marple type murder mystery with a fairy tale parody attached, with a moral message or two thrown in for good measure.

Well crafted, and mildly watchable, but it lacks the energy, pacing and off-kilter humour off director Yuichi Fukuda’s previous films, such as the Hentai Kamen and Gintama movies, Jossy’s, and Black Night Parade.

RATING - **½

-Aaron Rourke

● ● ● ● Debbie Miller and Donna Tunbridge. ● ● ● ● Kevin Hunt and Danielle Balschett.

● ● Wendy and Chris Dobbie.

● ● ● ● Craig Bennett and Anne Leach.

● ● Tony Healey and Somer Peeters. ● ● Linda Willmott and Rod Hardy.

● Rosemary Stuhlener and Ken James.

● ● Brian Cadd and Bob Pritchard.

Photos: Linda Willmott

■ My first memory of seeing Richard Widmark in a film was as a giggling gangster who pushed an old lady in a wheelchair down a flight of stairs in Kiss Of Death. I thought what a rat!

Then, as a 10-year-old who knew everything, I saw him in a film titled The Frogmen where he played a ‘goodie’ and I immediately changed my mind - what a guy! I thought to myself.

From that time on I was a fan of Richard Widmark. Richard Weedt Widmark was born in Minnesota in 1914.

His father was a travelling salesman and the family moved to various locations during Richard's childhood.

He studied acting at college and made his radio debut at the age of 14. He tried to enlist during the war years but was rejected because of a perforated ear drum.

Richard worked in radio and appeared in many popular shows including an ongoing role in the serial Front Page Farrell.

In 1942 he married Jean Hazelwood and they had a daughter. The following year he appeared in the Broadway comedy, Kiss And Tell.

Richard Widmark made his film debut in 1947 as Tommy Udo, the giggling killer in Kiss Of Death, the film that impressed me as a child.

The role must have also impressed others as he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Richard was in demand and his film roles

Whatever Happened To ... Richard Widmark

By Kevin Trask of 3AW and 96.5 Inner FM

over the next few years included The Street With No Name, Yellow Sky, Down To The Sea in Ships, Panic In The Streets and Don't Bother

To Knock (in which Marilyn Monroe played a small role). After his contract with Twentieth Century Fox studios expired Richard became a freelance actor and even appeared as himself in an episode of the television series I Love Lucy . During his career Richard Widmark starred in more than 60 films. He worked for various studios and starred in films such as Hell And High Water, Broken Lance, The Last Wagon, How The West Was Won and Murder On The Orient Express

One of my favourites was Judgment At Nuremberg. Richard played the prosecuting at-

torney, Col. Tad Lawson, and his performance was outstanding.

Many of the actors in the film worked for a fraction of their normal salary because they felt

the subject matter was very important. He also starred opposite Doris Day in the romantic comedy The Tunnel Of Love which was a complete departure from his ‘tough guy’ roles.

The film was directed by Gene Kelly, but it was not a success at the box office.

In 1968 Richard starred in the successful film Madigan which was later produced as a television series.

His acting idol was Spencer Tracy and he became a good friend of Sidney Poitier afterthey made three films together. From everything I have read about Richard Widmark during my research it seems that he was a decent human being.

In his later years he enjoyed being at his farms in California and Connecticut His final film was True Colours with John Travolta in 1991. Sadly his wife passed away in 1997 and Richard married again in 1999. Richard Widmark passed away in Connecticut, after a long illness, in 2008 at the age of 93.

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

SHOWCASE OF PHOTOGRAPHIC PRACTICE

Stabat Mater

■ As part of its Metropolis New Music Program, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra (MSO), joined by the Choir of Trinity College Melbourne, gave a magnificent performance in St Patrick’s Cathedral of several works of sacred music titled Stabat Mater dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Curated by the MSO’s 2023 composer-in-residence, Mary Finisterer, the works spanned more than 800 years, from Gregorian chant to the Baroque, and were composed by Assandra, Gorczycki, Victoria, Praetorius, Garau.

A fitting finale to the program was an MSO-commissioned piece composed by Finisterer herself, Stabat Mater – Movements I, II and III.

The evening started somewhat hesitantly as a Gregorian Introit for Mass sounded somewhat thin and remote, failing to satisfactorily fill the spaces of the cathedral.

However, from there on a truly wonderful night of music unfolded as the choir was joined by MSO musicians, the soprano Mia Robinson and Joseph Nolan on organ. This ensemble of wonderful singers and musicians, expertly guided by Benjamin Northey conducting for the MSO and Christopher Watson directing the choir, swept the audience away on a tidal wave of joyous celebration of the holy and sacred.

St Patrick’s was filled with glorious intricate sounds; at times these were gentle melodies delicately played while, in contrast, there were also moments of grandeur, with fanfares that stirred the passions and evoked a sense of the divine. The audience was treated to world-class performances in both the playing and the singing of the eight compositions chosen by Finisterer.

At the end of an exhilarating evening, the audience rose as one to give a thunderous standing ovation to the brilliant performers who had just taken them on what can only be described as a truly marvellous musical pilgrimage.

- Review by Peter Murphy

Bowness Photography Prize 2023

I Did Not Know How Far I Would Carry The Broken Pieces Of Our Trust.

Come to MAPh and view the exhibitions – there is so much to see. The finalists’ works for the Browness Photography Prize create a high-core showcase of contemporary photographic practice in Australia , from both established and mid-career artists.

With large-scale wall hangings, three-dimensional installations and intimate framed works, it’s an exhibition that takes you on a journey through many places and perspectives.

Exhibition closes November 12. Museum of Australian Photography. (MAPh)

860 Ferntree Gully Rd. Wheelers Hill

At Ballarat

Artistic bonds, vibrant dreamscapes, connections to place, First Nations design:

This is the Art Gallery of Ballarat’s exciting summer exhibition line-up. Explore the captivating artistry of Tamara Bekier in her exhibition

Tamara Bekier – Between Worlds.

The Ballarat-based artist, Bekier draws from the contrasts between her native Ukrainian and her adopted home, Australia.

Inspired by Gustav Klimt, Mark Chagall, and the German Expressionists, her cense and colourful works reflect her tumultuous life during the Second World War as a refugee in war-torn Europe.

Exhibition opens November 4 and closes January 28.

★

Renowned Australian printmaker Rona Green is set to memorise art enthusiasts with a new group exhibition – Whereabouts: Printmakers Respond – inviting a cross-section of emerging and established artists from across Victoria to explore their unique connection to place, country and home.

This eagerly anticipated exhibition, featuring 56 talented artists, is s celebration of artistic diversity and creative exploration.

Exhibition opens November 18 and closes February 4.

The Arts

Big names for Grease

with Peter Kemp

Layers of Blak

A remarkable exhibition featuring the works of 11 talented Victorian First Nations artists and designers stands as testament to the exceptional talent and creativity within the First Peoples’ artistic community. This exhibition is a ,milestone in the ongoing effort to recognise and reclaim space for First Peoples’ design in the broader Australian design landscape.

Exhibition opens December 9 –March 10.

★ Significant Others

Dive into the intricate world of artistic relationships Significant Others goes beyond the conventional notion of partners, shedding light on those who profoundly influence an artists journey, whether or as parents, members or guiding figures.

Exhibition opens November 4 –February 11.

Art Gallery of Ballarat 40 Lydiard St, Ballarat - Peter Kemp

Jay at MMM

■ Jay Mueller will become Content Director for Triple M Melbourne. He will be responsible for all Triple M Melbourne shows and content, including The Marty Sheargold Show and The Rush Hour with JB and Billy.

■ Make sure you are ticketed to see the summer season of 'Grease' returning to Melbourne at Her Majesty's Theatre, starting December 31. 'Grease' features a cast of talented locals including Patti Newton as Miss Lynch, Marcia Hines as Teen Angel, Jay Laga'aia as Vince Fontaine. 'Grease' never dates , it just gets better.

Silverchair story

■ The two-part ABC Australian Story about the highs and lows of local rock band Silverchair was nothing less than one mega advertorial for a new book two members of the band were about to release. Lead singer Daniel Johns was not involved in the book, and was denied access to its content , hence some hurried editing by the ABC when Johns issued legal proceedings. Regardless, ABC signed off on the project - sloppy procedure.

Gordon Ramsay new recipe

■ An impressive 13.4 million hits on socials could give an early indication Gordon Ramsay is on a winner for his next TV series called 'Idiot Sandwich' . Plot involves Ramsay and zany sidekick Julie Chen Mooves in kitchen comedy. Ramsay introduces a visual gag of placing Julie's head between two slices of bread, and show rocks on . 'Idiot Sandwich' is in pilot stage at this point in time.

Sober times

■ Former WWE wrestler Hulk Hogan got married for the third time on September 23, this time to yoga instructor Sky Dailey. Hulk, aged 70 has turned over a new leaf- given up the grog and only eats organic food.

Headline act

■ Before every Grand Final the AFL keeps us waiting to announce the headline act for half-time entertainment. No need for the last-minute choiceplan in advance. In comparison the Super Bowl headline act in US has already been confirmed for February 11 - five months in advance. Eight times Grammy Award winner, Usher will be the headline act at Super Bowl, Las Vegas, 2024.

- John O’Keefe

OK. With John O’Keefe

● ● ● ● Richard Widmark

● ● Patti Newton

Stateside with Gavin Wood in West Hollywood

Perfect weather for WeHo

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

Best time to travel

■ Los Angeles is now coming into the best time to travel. The heat is moderating and now weather is not a problem to move around all the travel hotspots that California has to offer.

Base yourself in West Hollywood which is central to all attractions. From the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites , 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood, you can bus, Uber and walk to everything.

Fashion shops on the ‘magical’ Rodeo Drive, the best restaurants in America and lots of star spotting’s makes for an exciting holiday.

Oscar Gifts

■ There’s no bigger accolade in Hollywood than receiving an Academy Award nomination. For established actors, it can be a capstone to an illustrious career. For newcomers, it can launch them into stardom.

But on top of critical acclaim and higher earning potential, there’s another benefit to getting an Oscar nod: the gift bag.

For the 21st straight year, LA-based marketing company Distinctive Assets is delivering its infamous ‘Everybody Wins’ gift bags to nominees in the acting and directing categories.

The 2023 edition of the bag which isn’t affiliated with the Academy Awards is valued at roughly $123,000, according to documents reviewed by CNBC Make It, and includes more than 60 gifts ranging from a $16 package of chocolate-covered pretzels to a $40,000 visit to a luxury Canadian estate.

Lash Fary, founder of Distinctive Assets, tells CNBC Make It that once the Academy Awards nominations are announced, the process of delivering the bags begins.

In the weeks leading up to the Oscars ceremony, the Distinctive Assets team reaches out to the representatives for the nominees to see if they’re interested in receiving the gift bags and to plan out logistics.

“There’s nothing like a first-time nominee’s enthusiasm about getting this gift bag,” Fary says. “A lot of these folks are traveling, or they’re going to transport it somewhere else,” he says. “So, we’d like to make it as convenient as possible for them.”

Lean and toned look

■ A $12,000 liposuction procedure from Dr. Thomas Su promising to “give women an instant lean and toned look” with “smooth shapes and perfectly defined contours.”

■ Shinery Radiance Wash, a hand soap featured on the Oprah’s Favorite Things list that cleans your jewellery while you wash your hands.

■ A private hair restoration consultation with leading hair transplant surgeon Dr Alan J. Bauman valued at $7000.

■ Up to $10,000 worth of procedures from Dr Konstantin Vasyukevich , including chemical peels, laser skin resurfacing and Botox

It is up to each recipient to decide if they want to use the vouchers that they are given. The IRS views the value gift bags as taxable income, meaning that the more trips and procedures a nominee decides to accept, the more they will pay come Tax Day.

In the 21 years that Fary has been gifting luxury vacations to Oscar nominees, no one has ever taken all of them. “If they redeem one trip, that’s all they really have time to do with their film schedules family, all that kind of stuff,” he says.

“In my experience it’s very unlikely that they would take two trips.” Because the ‘Everybody Wins’ bag isn’t officially sanctioned by the Oscars, it is up to Fary to decide which nominees will receive the sought-after bag. The recipients of this year’s bag will be the nominees for “Best Director,” “Best Actress,” “Best Actor,” “Best Supporting Actress” and “Best Supporting Actor.” In the case of ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’, which was directed by the team of Dan Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, Fary will be sending them each a gift bag.

■ If you are considering coming over to California for a holiday, then I have got a special deal for you. We would love to see you at the Ramada Plaza Hotel and Suites, 8585 Santa Monica Boulevard, West Hollywood. I have secured a terrific holiday deal for readers of the Melbourne Observer and The Local Paper. Please mention ‘Melbourne Observer’ when you book to receive the ‘Special Rate of the Day’ for your advance bookings. Please contact: Jennifer at info@ramadaweho.com

Happy Holidays, Gavin Wood

Out

and About Facebook rules

■ Meta’s share price soared nearly 20 per cent, after an earnings report in which CEO Mark Zuckerberg heralded 2023 as the “year of efficiency” for the company that turned 19.

Admittedly, when Zuckerberg founded the company, it looked a lot different. Meta, or Facebook, or The Facebook, started life as a simple online student directory, rather than the tech behemoth that is currently preoccupied with building a very expensive virtual world for work and play.

Not dead yet: Even though the founder’s focus has obviously shifted in the intervening years, the social heart of the tech giant is still beating strongly as Facebook prepares to enter its third decade. Indeed, the number of active Facebookers hasn’t really stopped growing. At the end of 2022, Meta revealed that a staggering two billion people log in every single day to like, post and poke on Facebook. That means that nearly 40 per cent of all global internet users are on Facebook daily. The figures become even more mindboggling when you take into account Meta’s full “family of apps” (WhatsApp, Messenger and Instagram), which reported 2.96 billion daily active users, meaning not far off 60 per cent of all internet users log into a Meta product every day.

Pay imbalance

■ McKinsey Global Institute recently predicted that 45 million workers, or 28 per cent of the entire American workforce, would lose their jobs to automation by 2030. Most automation efforts have been centered around eradicating so-called lower-level and blue-collar jobs like warehouse workers, truckers, clerical assistants, and food prep workers. More recently, AI has threatened white-collar roles like accountants and journalists. But while executives at the top of the corporate food chain celebrate the cost-cutting virtues of AI displacement, they rarely seem to turn the spotlight on themselves. The incentives for workplace automation are largely financial. So why not start by replacing the highestpaid employee of them all, the CEO? At Fortune 500 firms, the average CEO pay is now $16 million per year. Over the past 45 years: The average CEO pay has gone up 1460 per cent. The average worker pay has only gone up 18 per cent. As a result, today’s average CEO is paid the equivalent of 399 median workers. At larger companies, this ratio is often many multiples higher: For instance, in 2021, Amazon CEO Andy Jassey received a package worth $213 million equal to the collective wages of 6474 Amazon employees. That’s enough workers to fully staff four fulfillment centers.

Wealthy pets

■ How does a pet get rich, like any of us, through hard work or wealthy parents. 1. Appearances: Humans and pets alike appear at fan conventions. This year’s Cat Con featured meet-and-greets with “Adventure Cat Leo,” among others.

2. Merchandise: The late Grumpy Cat’s worth is unknown, but it’s estimated she brought in up to $100 million through appearances and merch. 3. Sponsored social posts: Loni Edwards, founder of The Dog Agency said that pets with 100,000+ followers can net a few hundred bucks per post, but those with millions can score $15,000 per post. 4. Inheritance: Gunther VI’s wealth is supposedly via a trust left to his ancestor, Gunther III. However, when Gunther VI sold a mansion, it was but a “brilliant stunt” by Italy’s Gunther Corporation, per Forbes. In fact, the entire thing may be a hoax … but some celebs, including Oprah Winfrey and late designer Karl Lagerfeld, have placed hefty sums in trusts to ensure their pets will be cared for after their deaths.

Stop thief

■ Lowe’s successfully tested a mechanism to track and lock items with low-cost radio frequency identification chips such that power tools and other equipment will not function if they are stolen. Thefts executed by packs of robbers have garnered public attention during the crime wave of the past three years, with some retailers and convenience chains spending millions on new security measures or closing locations in dangerous cities.

● ● The team at the Ramada getting

Crossroads

By Rob Foenander info@robfomusic.com.au

Country Night

■ A night of toe tapping, boot scooting country music is all set for Satursday, October 21, commencing 7pm

The Gaelic Park Hall in Keysborough will come alive with the sounds of local band No Limit featuring Esric Jackson along with international country music sensation Suzi Croner from Switzerland.

A Sri Lankan Buffet is on offer and BYO drinks. Cost $60 per person.

Tickets call Bertie 0414 979 483, Esric 0447 782 410, Frank 0414 979 401.

Ramble Tamble

■ Creedence Clearwater Revival fans can relive their hits when CCR tribute band Ramble Tamble take to the stage at Memo Music Hall, St Kilda, on Friday, November 17. The Melbourne band have built a loyal fan base over the past few years with their uncanny sound and resemblance to the 60s super group. They’ve become regulars on the local club scene. Tickets at the Memo.

Monash Carols

■ After a three year break the City Of Monash Carols by Candlelight returns on Sat., Dec. 2 at Jells Park, Wheelers Hill, from 5.30pm. The evening includes activities for all the family plus an appearance by Santa, Monash Concert Band and Oakleigh Brass , The Carols All Star Band will perform with guest soloists soon to be announced. This years Carols will be a free ticketed event. www.trybooking.com/ CLMSK for tickets.

Brent Harris exhibits at TarraWarra

■ TarraWarra Museum ofArt has announced a major survey exhibition exploring the work of senior contemporary Melbourne-based artist Brent Harris, presented from December 2 to March 11.

The exhibition Brent Harris: Surrender and Catch, curated by Maria Zagala and co-presented with the Art Gallery of South Australia, brings together more than 100 paintings, drawings, studies and prints, traversing the artist’s practice and stylistic shifts over his career.

Brent Harris: Surrender and Catch maps the ways Harris’s art has developed over the past four decades, featuring a broad selection of works from 1987 to 2022.

Harris’s distinctive style, which moves between figuration and abstraction, deploys both humour and the grotesque to examine psychological subject matter as he visualises his complex and contradictory feelings.

Indeed, the exhibition title refers to Harris’s interest in sociologist Kurt H. Wolff’s notion of ‘surrender and catch’ as a process for selfanalysis and as a method of working.

Addressing the experience of the body and desire, faith (and the question of what follows death), and childhood memories of porous familial relationships, Brent Harris says, “To experience 30 years of your past, laid out in images of your own making, is alternately quite

Crossword Solution No 20

emotional, sobering and a bit scary. During the making of these works one doesn’t really see how things might add up in the future.

“Time is that added ingredient.

In considering what the result of a life spent making imagery now looks like, an overriding concern has been a return, again and again, to thinking about the human condition - the craziness we all face in our individual and collective struggles, in attempting to hold our lives together in some meaningful way.

“My work is a continuing search, vainly perhaps at times, to make meaning. I am endlessly searching for revelation, if only expressed in a desire to the next image to be revealed.”

“It is a privilege to be given these opportunities to assess my journey so far, and for any artist to see their work at TarraWarra , one of the most beautiful galleries in the country, is an exceptional opportunity.

“For the exhibition then to be extended in size to occupy the glorious spaces at AGSA in 2024 will be revelatory, even to the artist alone, I’m sure.” Harris said.

Harris’s ambiguous forms in his work derive from his use of the Surrealist technique of automatic drawing to access unconscious imagery.

Working concurrently across painting, printmaking and drawing, Harris has developed a generative methodology, where each medium

feeds the development of his art in unexpected ways.

Exhibition Curator Maria Zagala said: “Developed slowly over the course of many years, this exhibition presents a comprehensive overview of Harris’s formidable career.

“If the making of art can be seen as a process of excavation, then the circumstances of Brent Harris’s maturation – from a difficult childhood in Aotearoa New Zealand through to his early twenties as a gay man during the onset of the AIDS pandemic in Melbourne –provide the foundation from which his work has emerged over the past four decades.”

Surrender and Catch showcases works from the significant collections of both TarraWarra Museum of Art and Art Gallery of South Australia.

Augmented by a selection of loans from both public and private collections and institutions, the exhibition charts a journey from The Stations (1989), Harris’s first major series exploring the death of his friends to AIDS, to his return to the subject in 2021.

The exhibition emphasises the crosspollination of imagery and the development of forms in his printmaking, drawing and painting practice. Also included are prints by Louise Bourgeois, Edvard Munch and Kiki Smith, artists who have had a significant influence on Harris’s work.

Director of TarraWarra Museum of Art Dr Victoria Lynn said:

“

TarraWarra Museum of Art is immensely proud to partner with the Art Gallery of South Australia on this major survey exhibition of leading contemporary artist Brent Harris , a key artist in our collection.

“From intimate gestural abstract work to remarkable figurative paintings, we are excited for audiences to experience the artist’s oeuvre, characterised by his exploration of the psychologically generative possibilities of the drawn line.”

AGSA Director Rhana Devenport ONZM said: “In partnership with TarraWarra Museum of Art, the Art Gallery of South Australia is proud to present Brent Harris: Surrender and Catch, the first major monograph of the Aotearoa-born, Melbourne-based artist Brent Harris

“This monograph is published in tandem with the artist’s retrospective at TarraWarra Museum of Art in 2023 and an expanded presentation at the Art Gallery of South Australia in 2024.

“The driving force behind this project is Maria Zagala, AGSA’ s Associate Curator, Prints, Drawings and Photographs.

“A significant gift to AGSA of over 50 of the artist’s works from the private collection of James Mollison, and Vincent Langford was the impetus for the exhibition,” Devonport said. - Contributed

■ There have been some interesting weight changes for the running of the 133rd Melbourne Cup, with last year’s winner Gold Trip allotted 58.5 kilos, one more kilo than his win in the classic last year.

If he is to run and carry the impost, he will be last horse to carry that weight since the Bart Cummings trained Think Big, won in 1975, with 58.5 kilos.

An incredible thing about that effort is he didn’t win a race between his two Cups on end in 1974-75.

The champion mare, Makybe Diva, carried 57.5 kilos to win the last of her three Melbourne Cups in 2005.

On that particular day after winning the Cup, her trainer Lee Freedman said that we had seen history, a horse to win three Melbourne Cups, and that we may never see it again.

The French-bred import, the Mike Moroney trained Alenquer -who is yet to pass the ballot for the Caulfield Cup - comes next in the weights alongside Aidan O’Brien’s Group One winner, Broome, who is nominated for the Melbourne Cup only.

Getting back to last year’s winner, Gold Trip, he carried the weight in fine style, but that extra kilo, and another year on, now seven years of age, will have his work cut out.

MAIN WEIGHTS FOR MELBOURNE CUP Ted Ryan

His trainers, Ciaron Maher and David Eustace , hold 16 other nominations for this year’s race, including last year’s third placegetter, High Emocean, who will carry 50 kgs.

The 16 international horses still in the running for this year’s Cup were allocated weights based on the handicapper’s assessment of their overseas performances.

Current Lexus Melbourne Cup favourite, Vauban, will carry 55 kilos for Irish trainer Willie Mullins with his stable mate Absurde on 53kilos guaranteed a spot in the race after winning the Classic Handicap in dashing style at Doncaster, England.

Vauban, who arrived recently, is building on his burgeoning reputation following back to back wins, including the seven-length romp at Royal Ascot.

His renowned Irish trainer, Willie Mullins, was a bit unlucky not to have won the 2015 Melbourne Cup, won by Michelle Payne International rider, Frankie Dettori, was aboard Max Dynamite, who raced in the same colours that, finished second wearing the distinctive pink silks.

Desert Hero, with English trainer William Haggas, and owned by their Majesties, King Charles III and Queen Camilla, will carry the lightweight of 51.5 kilos in the order of entry for this year’s Cup.

When assessing the handicap, David Gegan was complimentary of the horse’s third placing in the St Leger at Doncaster.

Japan will be represented in the Cup for the first time since 2019 with Japanese stayer, Breakup, to carry 55 kilos, in his quest to become the third Japanese horse to win the Caulfield Cup, following Mer De Grace, and Admire Rakti in 2014.

Another top international, West Wind Blows, is set to make his Australian debut in the

been allotted 51.5 kilos. Lexus Melbourne Cup winning trainer Chris Waller has 14 nominations for this year’s Cup, headlined by Soulcombe with 53.5 kilos, and Francesco Guardi on 54 kilos. 26 pars.

Turnbull Stakes

■ A star-studded field of thoroughbreds are most likely to contest the time-honored Turnbull Stakes at Flemington this coming Saturday.

The Hong-Kong Group One champion, Romantic Warrior , has opened as the early favourite, and rules the roost for the Cox Plate at the end of October at Moonee Valley.

A winner of 14 top class events, and over $16 million in prizemoney, he will have the services of one of the best riders in the world with James McDonald in the saddle. He’s the one to beat here and in the Cox Plate.

Alligator Blood has come right into the betting with a big win in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield at his third run in three weeks.

Prepared by Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott , he always gives of his best and is one of the top thoroughbreds racing in Australia.

recent markets for both Cups he is high in the betting.

Just Fine, who was formerly owned by King Charles III, is now in the care of Melbourne Cup winning trainer, Gai Waterhouse, and has been assigned 52.5 kilos off the back of two lengths win in the Kingston Town Stakes, and will need to pass the ballot to gain a start.

The European import joins golden ticket winner Goldman with 52 kilos, and nine other horses nominated by Waterhouse and her cotrainer, Adrian Bott.

Fellow golden ticket winner, Lunar Flare, has also been assured of her spot in the race that stops a nation’ for trainer Graeme Begg, after winning the Lexus Andrew Ramsden and has

He always gives of his best, but a stronger field here, and an extra 200 metres will make it harder.

On the next line is the current reigning WFA star, Mr Brightside, who is taking all before him this time in. He made it three on end since resuming, the last of the three was in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington.

It is a lot of tougher here, but he is class, and always puts in.

The Freedman trained, galloper, Without A Fight , will be better suited here than the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield over 1800 metres. He has been set for the Caulfield Cup for which he was favourite earlier. He came from 11th at the 400 metre mark and flashed home to finish only 2.25 lengths off the winner, Alligator Blood.

● ● Damien Oliver.Racing Photos.

The UK pair are the former trainers of the inform-stayer Without A Fight, now with the Victorian pair Anthony Freedman and his son Sam On

Turnbull Stakes to run at Flemington on October 7. He has been allocated 54 kilos for trainer, Simon Crisford, who trains in tandem with his son, Ed.

LARGE CROWD AT KILMORE CUP

■ The biggest crowd in ages turned up at Kilmore on a balmy night last Friday to witness the running of the 2023 Jet Roofing (Group 2) Kilmore Pacing Cup over 2690 metres.

There appeared to be only four possible chances in the race – they being Act Now, Rock N Roll Doo, Better Eclipse and to a lesser extent Curley James and Treachery with the victor being Better Eclipse for Lara Jay Farm (Jess Tubbs and Greg Sugars).

Away fast from the pole to lead, Act Now favourite at $2.70 was untroubled to retain the front running with Better Eclipse ($3.90) from inside the second line trailing him.

To the surprise of most watching, Michael Stanley elected to restrain Rock N Roll Doo ($4.60) to the rear when the position outside the leader was up for grabs.

Given a comfortable time, Act Now looked the one to beat a long way from home, however when Greg Sugars and Better Eclipse eased off his back on the final bend, he was too strong at the finish to greet the judge a a half head in advance of Beyond Delight (three pegs) which used the sprint lane for second, with Act Now a most disappointing third in advance of Narutac Prince (four pegs) in a leader dominated affair.

To the dismay of punters, Rock N Roll Doo was never put into the race coming in fifth after being given little chance.

In quarters of 30.9, 29.5, 29.7 and 26.8 after a lead time of 81.7 seconds, Better Eclipse returned a mile rate of 1-58.8, .4 seconds outside Soho Tribeca’s 1-56 track record set in 2018.

Raced by Antoinette Bajada, Better Eclipse has recorded 16 wins and 25 placings from 52 outings for stakes of $824,170.

■ The other two features on the program the $3150 metre 25,000 MC Labour Kilmore Trotters Cup going the way of Riddell co-trainers

Chris Lang and Sonia Mahar’s 5Y0 Orlando Vici-Belle Galleon gelding Ollivici, while the $20,000 7-Eleven Cup over 2180 metres saw Andy Gath’s ex-Kiwi 5Y0 Sweet Lou-Eagles

In My Pocket gelding Outlaw Man successful.

Ollivici (30 metre equal backmarker with One Over All) spent most of the race at the rear after stablemate Bullion Harry (20 metres) made a swift mid-race move to cross the leader Zarem.

One Over All also made a fast move two laps out to tackle for the lead only to go off stride when about to draw clear taking care of his chances.

Cruising up to race outside Bullion Harry for the final circuit, Ollivici’s class told at the finish as he gained the day by 2.3 metres over Bullion Harry, with Zarem holding third 8.2 metres back. The mile rate 2-03.5.

Outlaw Man (Kate Gath) was outstanding in his victory after going forward from gate five to park outside the pacemaker Captain Bellasario (gate three) which raced extremely fierce throughout.

Racing to the front on turning, Outlaw Man safely held a margin to score by 2.3 metres from La Captain (six pegs) which ran home well when clear. Interest Free (four pegs) when extricated four wide on the final bend was third 1.7 metres back. The mile rate a slick 1-54.2.

Raced by a large syndicate of well known harness people headed by Ralph Woods, Outlaw Man has done a big job since crossing the Tasman.

Sweet trip

■ Charlton halfway between Melbourne and Mildura commenced the week with an entertaining program of nine races and it was the Bolinda stable of Brent Lilley and New Zealand’s Tristan Larsen who were successful with 5Y0 Muscle Mass-Nice One Kenny gelding Here Comes Kyvalley in the GMG Financial Group Trotters Handicap over 2100 metres.

Beginning best from barrier two, Here Comes Kyvalley was given a sweet trip trailing Wish Upona Dream which was fast away from 10 metres.

Taking full advantage of the sprint lane, Here Comes Kyvalley just lasted to gain the day by a half neck from Sosomaori (10m) off a three wide trail in the last lap after spending most of the race boxed in at the tail of the field.

Wish Upon A Dream was given every chance by Michael Bellman when third 1.4 metres away,

Harness Racing

■ Heathcote reinswoman Shannon O’Sullivan was responsible for a heady drive aboard Miners Rest owner/trainer Nick Edwards’ 7Y0 Lucky Chucky-Kahola gelding Kapai to land the Bendigo Stallion Tender September 27 Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres, leading all of the way from gate three to account for Buslin Brody (gate four) which raced outside him. Itsallandover (one/ two – three wide last lap) was third. The margins 2.6 metres by a neck in a rate of 2-00.7.

Sulky Snippets Sulky Snippets

len-baker@

bigpond.com

with Len Baker

Bred by Bev Williamson and raced by Jim Connelly’s KPC Racing, Here Comes Kyvalley returned a moderate mile rate of 2-05.

■ Glen Park (Ballarat) trainer Zac Steenhuis has his team going great guns at present and 4Y0 Somebeachsomewhere-Tallulah Bay mare Ourbeachbabe raced by dad Bassie and mother Donna landed the O’Connors Case IH Pace over 2100 metres in a nail biting finish.

In a similar scenario to Here Comes Kyvalley, Our Beach Babe (gate three) after leading out was restrained to allow Top Hut Johny (gate two) to assume control before using the sprint lane to prevail by a half head in a rate of 1-59.9 over the pacemaker, with Scrittore third 4.9 metres back from the tail.

■ Sutton Grange trainer Ross Graham after the narrow defeat of Top Hut Johny, snared the trifecta in the 1609 metre Vale ‘Tara’ Tom Hogan Pace with Bitobliss-Georgina Bow 6Y0 mare Final Bow (James Herbertson) leading throughout from the pole to score easily by 10.1 metres much to the delight of veteran Bendigo owner/breeder Ivan Collison.

Tex Goes Bang after trailing the winner was second, with Self Exclusion third 1.5 metres back after going forward from the extreme draw to race exposed from the bell. It was Final Bow’s 15th success in 91 outings returning a mile rate of 2-00.8.

■ Havelock trainer/driver Tina Ridis’ 4Y0 Cardigan Boko-Aeonallbright gelding Rastamon chalked up his second victory in 4 outings when taking the 2100 metre Vale Of Avoca Trotters Mobile, leading most of the way to register an easy 7.4 metre margin in advance of The Chook from mid-field, with Charlie Walker third 5.7 metres away in third place after leading out from gate two before taking a trail on the winner. The mile rate two minutes even.

■ Horsham trainer Aaron Dunn and stable ‘apprentice’ Ryan Backhouse landed the TAB Pace over 1609 metres with 4Y0 Four Starzzz SharkMadazhell mare Mykorona.

In a strong performance, Mykorona after going forward from outside the front line only to be trapped uncovered as Let Me Tell You (gate four) led, raced clear in the last lap to open up a handy margin on the final bend.

Although Mister Jimaringle (one/two) got close, Mykorona held on by a head returning a rate of 1-56.7. Metro Memory after trailing the leader from gate two was third 2.4 metres away.

10 events

■ Bendigo hosted a ‘Rochester’ Recovery night on Tuesday with a neat 10-event program. Stawell trainer/driver Jason Ainsworth’s 8Y0 Shadow Play-Double Justice gelding Shadow Justice recorded his 6th success from 81 outings when greeting the judge in the Remember Rochester Community Trotters Mobile over 2150 metres.

Raced by Jason and partner Natasha Raven, Shadow Justice was restrained from inside the second line to settle at the rear. Gaining a lovely three wide trail home on the back of Ivar ahead of him in the last lap and angling four wide on the final bend, Shadow Justice finished best to prevail by 2.8 metres over the pacemaker Bacardi Chic (gate two) and Major Max (five wide home straight from the tail) who was a half neck away third. The mile rate 2-03.2.

■ Kerryn Manning snared a double on the night with Vincent-Our Surfer Girl filly Surfingmakescents taking the Visit Rochester And Buy Local 3Y0 Pace over 1650 metres and Greg Bettiol’s home bred American IdealClovelly Lass filly Ideal Assassin the Rochester Thanks Agnico Eagle Pace over 2150 metres.

Surfingmakescents raced by a big syndicate headed by Ken Salmon and Tony Logan after being trapped wide from gate five was sent forward to park outside the poleline leader Karaoke Star before surging clear in the final circuit to register an easy 15.5 metres in advance of outsider Admiralofthefleet which trailed, with Clives Girl (one/two) third 9.2 metres away. The mile rate 1-57.2, while Adios Assassion (gate four) after going forward to cross Miss Hermes (gate two), led for most of the trip to run out a 8.5 metre victor from Miss Hermes (one/one – three wide home turn). Honest gelding Wingate Guy (one/three – three wide trail home turn) was third 6.9 metres back. The mile rate 1-57.5.

Never far away

■ At Geelong on Wednesday, Andy & Kate Gath landed the Ray Beckley Memorial Pace over 1609 metres with 5Y0 Pet Rock-Karalta Impulse gelding Impulsive George, leading throughout from gate two in a mile rate of 1-58 to account for Etiz Amodel which trailed from the pole by 2.5 metres. Ima Popstar was third from inside the second line a neck away in a three pegs finish.

■ The Berringa stable runners of AJ and Beau Tindale are never far away in any race they contest and very honest 6Y0 Pet Rock-Double Justice mare Rosarito Miss registered her 12th success in 107 outings by taking the 2100 metre Hoyts Foods Pace in a rate of 1-58.3.

Driven by in-form reinsman Jordan Leedham, Rosarito Miss showed her usual speed from gate four to lead before handing over to Better Brother (gate three) outside her to receive the run of the race. Using the sprint lane, Rosarito Miss ran on best to prevail by 1.4 metres over the leader, with Major Mal (five wide home turn) from mid-field third 1.1 metres back.

■ The Evolution Lodge Trotters Mobile over 2100 metres saw the Tubbs/Sugars team chalk up another winner when 4Y0 Sebastian KIllawong Bardot mare Illawong Larajay greeted the judge in a rate of 2-03.

With Greg in the sulky, Illawong Larajay enjoyed a sweet one/one trip from gate five before angling to follow Aldebaran Demi (three wide last lap from the tail) forward and after easing three wide on turning, ran on nicely to score by 4.2 metres from Aldebaran Demi who’s effort was excellent. Boutika after trailing the poleline leader Shield Maiden used the sprint lane for third 3.2 metres away.

Juvenile trotters

■ Melton was Thursday’s venue with a terrific nine event card featuring juvenile racing for the trotters in heats of the Aldebaran Park Need For Speed Series and the IRT Australia Tornado Valley.

The first heat of the 1700 metre A/P Princess for 3Y0 Fillies was a semi- upset result when Brent Lilley’s Bolinda trained Our Marvella (Love You-Finalize) scored at odds of $11.00.

With Chris Alford in the sulky, Our Marvella used the sprint lane off the back of the leader Glamour Stride to win by 1.2 metres from Focus (one/two) and a death-seating Aldebaran Miley in a rate of 1-57.3.

Heat two going to Monegeetta trainer/driver David Miles’ multiple feature race winner Rockwithattitude (Aldebaran Eagle-Rockin Shiraz) at $1.50, leading throughout from the pole to defeat Rapid Return which trailed and a death-seating High Energy in 1-58.1.

This Week

■ Wednesday – Cobram/Ballarat, Thursday – Kilmore, Friday – Melton/Mildura, Saturday – Melton, Sunday – Cranbourne, Monday – Charlton, Tuesday – Shepparton.

The A/P Prince Heat one saw Muscle MassLa Coocaracha colt The Locomotive (Wayne Potter-Nathan Jack) lead throughout at odds of $1.20. Going full steam ahead on turning, The Locomotive recorded a 9.5 metre margin in 158.4 over Kyvalley Anthony which trailed with Mipersonaljet third 4.2 metres back.

Heat two a major upset when the unbackable $1-05 favourite London To A Brick galloped hopelessly from gate three to be tailed off allowing polemarker Grumpee (Muscle Mass-Ostensibly) lo lead all of the way, accounting for Watts Up Partytime (one/one – three wide home turn) and Avenel Eagle which trailed the winner. The margins 1.3 by 5.4 metres in 1-59.8.

■ In the 2200 metre heat one of the Tornado Valley, Aldebaran Keepa (Kadabra-Another Love) led throughout from gate four for Brent Lilley and Chris Alford to score by 9.2 metres in 2-00.1 from the odds-on favourite Visionary which raced uncovered.

Ebonys Avenger after leading out and trailing the winner was third a half neck away. Heat two going to Ecklyn South trainer Paddy Lee’s Love You-The Sun Goddess entire Keayang Chucky driven by brother Paddy.

After leading out from gate two, then trailing Sir Eros (gate three) before moving to be one/ one on the home turn, Keayang Chucky bloused a death-seating last lap Revelstoke by 1.8 metres. Chinese Whisper (one/one last lap) was third a neck away. The mile rate 2-00.4.

- Len Baker

What’s On Rent

■ Tickets are now on pre-sale for the Melbourne season of the multi-Tony Award winning rock musical Rent

The strictly limited Melbourne season runs from February 17 until March 7 at Arts Centre Melbourne.

Step into the vibrant streets of New York City's East Village, where dreams are born, friendships are tested, and the power of love prevails against all odds.

Featuring the iconic songs Seasons of Love, Take Me or Leave Me and La Vie Bohème, this groundbreaking phenomenon is more than a musical; it's a celebration of life, love, and the human spirit.

Jonathan Larson’s Rent o pened OffBroadway in 1996 and quickly became a global phenomenon.

The show earned Larson multiple Tony Awards along with a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, a distinction not received again by a music theatre work until 14 years later.

Though Larson himself never saw the impact of his masterwork – he died suddenly in the early hours of the day the show opened to the public – its longevity serves as a testament to the emotional resonance of his creation and an embodiment of its ever-present message “no day but today”.

Venue: State Theatre, Arts Centre

Melbourne

Season: February 17- March 7

Performance Times: Tues.-Thurs. 7pm, Fri.-Sat .7.30pm, Sat .2pm, Sun .1pm and 6pm (2pm on February 18), Wed. 2pm ( March 6 only)

Prices: From $59.90 (Transaction fees apply) artscentremelbourne.com.au

Diana Trask: Memories Are Made Of This

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

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

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

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

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

Written applications only to editor@LocalPaper.com.au No phone calls please.

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

● ● Interior of Preston and Northcote Community Hospital. 1964.