The Local Paper. Peninsula-Frankston-Greater Dandenong-Casey-Cardinia Edition. Wed., Oct. 30, 2024 by Ash Long

MYSTERY OVER $186 MILLION

■ The Metro Tunnel will benefit families on the Cranbourne and Pakenham rail lines, Mordialloc MLA Tim Richardson has told State Parliament.

“That is what this Metro Tunnel project is all about: improving the Frankston train line’s turnup-and-go service – and for the Keysborough South legends in my electorate who access the Cranbourne-Pakenham line,” Mr Richardson said.

“It has eerie hallmarks to the conversations that we see around the Suburban Rail Loop We do not outsource the needs of the next generation, with growth and development coming into our state and more people choosing to live in Victoria or just the natural growth in our population. We do not outsource transport needs to someone else – the lost time in cars and the mental health and wellbeing impacts that that has from being stuck in congestion and having less time with your kids and your family,” Mr Richardson told the Legislative Assembly.

■ Nepean MLA Sam Groth has told Parliament that there is a mystery as to where $186 million will be spent with the Country Fire Authority.

“ The Country Fire Authority is a central part of our great state, with Victorians directly supporting this vital service through the payment of the fire services levy,” Mr Groth said.

“This levy has seen an increase of between 40 and 64 per cent, which has been implemented without broad community consultation.

“Shoreham CFA recently contacted the minister and my office regarding the mystery around where the additional $186 million raised from this increase will go.

“In fact while the fire services levy has increased, there has been a reduction of over $60 million in CFA funding.

“Shoreham CFA is one of many stations in Nepean crying out for more support so, Minister, when will the CFA stations in my electorate get the increased funding support they need?” Mr Groth asked.

Battin pushes Governemt for multicultural hub

■ Berwick MLA Brad Battin has asked for “appropriate funding” for a multicultural centre out in the City of Casey or Cardinia

“The Clyde Malayalee group have started a petition to try and get a great multicultural facility, because as we know, those members out in those growth corridors have seen remarkable change in the people from the community, where we have got a lot of new Australians who have come across from India, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan, the Philippines,” Mr Battin said.

“?And the group functions that they have put my twenty-first to shame.

“They have hundreds if not a thousandplus people who come along and celebrate community and what community really is.

“The events they have are dancing, celebrating, keeping the young people involved, passing their skills across to the next generation and ensuring they do things in their mother tongue – all things that are essential to ensuring a collaborative community that works together.

“I know – I am not saying obviously for this – that all members from all sides of this place love going to these community events, because we get to celebrate the best things that are brought to our country from other nations, including the food; we know how great the food is.

“But it is also the collaborative nature they have in building stronger, united communities, which also has a great impact on crime prevention here in our state by ensuring that the young people have a focus moving forward.

“I would love to have the minister come out and join me.

“We can dance out there and celebrate as we get the funding for a new facility out in the Clyde area to hold something like a thousand people so we can have some great functions,” Mr Battin said.

● ● ● ● Brad Battin, Berwick MLA

● ● Tim Richardson, Mordialloc MLA

● ● ● ● Sam Groth, Nepean MLA

Briefs Ticks & Crosses

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

✖

Sexually active people in Melbourne’s south-east should look out for warning signs of mpox and take measures to protect themselves.

“This can be a sexually transmitted infection, so anyone who is sexually active can be at risk,” said Professor Rhonda Stuart, Director of Monash Health’s South East Public Health Unit and Director of Infection Prevention & Epidemiology at Monash Health. “It is mainly diagnosed in men who have sex with men, but now we are seeing it in other people, including a handful of women and in heterosexual transmission.”

More than a quarter of the 330 cases confirmed and diagnosed in Victoria this year have been in people living in Melbourne’s south-east. Mpox is a disease caused by the monkeypox virus. It’s mostly spread through prolonged physical or intimate (skin-to-skin) contact with someone who has mpox. Symptoms resemble sexually transmitted infections and can include a rash that can be painful and affect any part of the body.

Paul

switched off his social media last Thursday (Oct. 24) in support of SmackTalk. “Wayne Holdsworth, the general manager of FDBA in Frankston, is an amazing human being who has turned the heartbreaking loss of his beautiful son Mac into action, preventing others going through the same. I ask everyone in the chamber to look up SmackTalk and look to see what you could do on the 24th to support this great initiative,” Mr Edbrooke said earlier this month.

?Pakenham MLA Emma Vulin this month asked a ‘Dorothy Dixer’ question in State Parliament: “My question is for the Minister for Housing: how many homes have been completed or are under construction as part of the Big Housing Build in the Pakenham district so far? I know the State Government is making great progress in the construction of social housing, ensuring people on low incomes having difficulty securing a private rental or unable to purchase their own property can still have a place to call home. In June this year suburb trends put Pakenham in the top 10 suburbs experiencing the worst rental pain. It is also one of the state’s fastest growing peri-urban suburbs, with a productive influx of another 30,000 residents within the next 20 years. The Big Housing Build is a positive example of the Allan Labor government working on its commitment to achieving our goals in the housing statement,” Ms Vulin said in the Legislative Assembly.

■ Mornington MLA Chris Crewther has spoken about local affordability of housing.

“The action I seek is for the minister to provide an update on the Labor Government’s plans to fix Victoria’s housing and homelessness crisis,” Mr Crewther said.

“Victorians are struggling to secure stable housing. They are facing ballooning public housing waitlists, stagnating social housing, more taxes, higher rents and insufficient new housing supply, with the dream of home ownership becoming harder, especially for young people.

“Particularly with higher land tax, mum-anddad investors and others are getting out of the rental market.

“That means less rentals and higher rents. Not only are people struggling to buy homes but they often cannot get into rental homes or afford rents.

“For example, a local mum I know lost her accommodation as her landlord had to sell, and she could not find anywhere to go.

“Now she and her three kids have been placed in emergency housing one hour away from their schools. Another couple with five kids who run a business locally and set up festivals have been struggling financially due to a WorkCover incident.

“They could no longer afford rent and faced eviction. They could not find any alternative affordable rent after applying for so many properties. At the last minute they found an affordable Airbnb, but they are now in limbo, going from Airbnb to Airbnb to avoid homelessness.”

STRUGGLE FOR HOUSING Memories of air crash

Capel Sound hit

■ Somerville Highway Patrol officers are appealing for public assistance following a hit-run in Capel Sound on Wednesday (Oct. 23).

Police were called to Point Nepean Rd following reports a motorbike rider had been struck by a car about 6pm.

It is believed the driver of a grey SUV hit the motorbike rider while they were turning into a driveway.

The rider, a 24-year-old Capel Sound man, sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.

The driver of the SUV fled the scene without stopping to render assistance and was last spotted heading towards Tootgarook

It is believed the Volkswagen may have also sustained damage to the front of the vehicle. Investigators wish to speak with anyone who may have been in the area or heading along Point Nepean Rd at the time .

■ Frankston MLA Paul Edbrooke has shared memories of surving an air crash 12 months ago.

“A year ago this Sunday I found myself around this time sitting in a paddock with 17 other people wondering how I was alive,” Mr Edbrooke told State Parliament.

“Big thanks to the emergency services workers and police on scene at that time.

“Certainly it does give me pause to realise and a renewed sense, I guess, that every day is a great day to be alive and every day is an opportunity to make change and to make my community and Victoria better.

“ I note that in communications this morning with some of the people in that plane crash that has happened for those people too.

“They have seen a renewed sense of vigour in the way they embrace life, in the way they wake up in the morning and see life as an opportunity to be grabbed.

“I would not recommend that kind of experience to everyone, but certainly I shout out to the friendships that have been made through that incident,” Mr Edbrooke said.

● ● Paul Edbrooke MLA

✔Local MLA

Edbrooke

‘EVERY DAY IS A GREAT DAY TO BE ALIVE’

● ● ● ●

Chris Crewther, Mornington MLA

Statewide

LONGWOOD Motorcyclist killed

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

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

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

TOWER HILL

Double truck fatal

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

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

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

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

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

LASCELLES

Highway fix

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

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

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

Across Victoria $26 MILLION CANNABIS CROP SEIZED BY POLICE

VIETNAMESE GANG ARREST

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

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

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

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

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

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

Statewide

VICTORIA Constable charged

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

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

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

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

DUMBALK NORTH

Firearms incident

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

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

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

They returned fire and were not injured during the incident.

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

Armed Crime Squad detectives are investigating.

BACCHUS MARSH

Parwan air crash

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

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

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

Cannabis crop. File Image.

The Local Paper

Ash on Wednesday Vale Noel Pullen

Incorporating the traditions of the Cranbourne Sun (Est. 1893), Frankston Post (Est. 1913), Dandenong Advertiser (Est. 1874), Peninsula Post (Est. 1913), Southern Peninsula Gazette (Est. 1953), Hastings Sun (Est. 1977)

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■ Narre Warren North MLA Belinda Wilson has lamented the passing of former Higinbotham MP Noel Pullen who worked in her electorate office.

“I rise to pay tribute to my friend the late Noel Pullen, who we laid to rest last month,” Ms Wilson said.

“Noel loved three things: the Essendon Football Club , his Brighton Union Cricket Club and the Australian Labor Party

“Noel was a member of the Legislative Council for the district of Higinbotham from 2002 until 2006.

“It was a blue-ribbon seat held exclusively by Liberals and conservative MPs until Noel Pullen came along and won it in 2002.

“Noel was the absolute epitome of a true believer, and he represented the absolute best of what politics can be.

“He cared deeply about his community and helping people.

“He valued loyalty and integrity above all else.

“His political career ended prematurely because he refused to join a faction despite plenty of offers, but he remained a loyal and tireless servant of the Labor Party from the day he joined in 1966 as a 22year-old right until the end at the age of 79.

“He used to say he did not care if you were left or you were right, as long you were a good person and you knew what you stood for.

“I had the absolute pleasure of having Noel in

Long Shots

office for the last 18 months. Noel would take on any constituent case with passion and vigour, no matter how difficult or hopeless it seemed.

“Noel had a heart of gold. He was kind, he was generous and he was always smiling.

“Anyone who knew him found it impossible not to love him.

“He was top of the class. His friends, his family, his colleagues and his comrades will all miss his generous spirit, his advice, his friendship and his kind soul.

“He was a true gentleman. Vale, Noel Pullen,” Ms Wilson said.

Premier Jacinta Allan added: “He was a lifelong Catholic , carrying with him a determined belief in social justice, fairness and compassion.

“He was a faithful Essendon supporter –something I also support – a belief that sustained him even throughout those not so glorious days of the mid-2000s.

“But mostly Noel was a true believer and a staunch believer in our party and our movement.

“In his first speech in this place Noel shared the words of Ben Chifley, describing that light on the hill as his driving force, his lifetime purpose.

“It was a delight to serve with Noel in this Parliament during his four years as the member for Higinbotham

In his so-called retirement Noel remained as busy as ever, serving his community as both a volunteer and a justice of the peace,” Ms Allan said.

■ Cranbourne MLA Pauline Richards has asked Vicki Ward, the Minister for Prevention of Family Violence, to visit Cranbourne to open the new Orange Door

“This government has made unprecedented investments in the prevention of family violence, but there is more to be done in considering how we can respond to this scourge. Not only have we made unprecedented investments but we are leaders nationally and we are unparalleled globally for the approach that has been taken.

“he member for Narre Warren North and I recently visited the people who are responding to family violence in Cranbourne at a location where the family violence service is being temporarily housed.”

Have a free copy of

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.

● ● Noel Pullen

Cheryl Threadgold, Local Theatre

Julie Houghton, The Arts Kevin Trask, Entertainment

Rourke, Film

Ryan, Horse Racing

Baker, Harness Racing

LES MISERABLES ARENA SPECTACULAR

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

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

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

Killian Donnelly is one of

● Les Miserables will be staged as an arena spectacular.

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

Back To The Future

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Review by Kathryn Keeble

Fringe winners

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

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

■ Best Cabaret - Madame Martha’s Hush Cabaret

■ Best Circus - In Place

■ Best Comedy - C*N’T

■ Best Dance & Physical Theatre - Dancing in Infinite Worlds

■ Best Experimental - I’m Ready To Talk Now

■ Best Music - Gikilangangu Wergaia

■ Best Theatre - Running Into The Sun

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

■ Best Kids - Dream Swamp

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

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

■ Best Work by an Emerging Artist - Black Girl Rising

■ Director's Choice Award - Temple of Desire

■ Crowd Pleaser Award - Business and Pleasure

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

■ Spirit of the Fringe - Weave: The Solos

■ Venue of the Year - La Mama

■ Melbourne Fringe Living Legend - Yumi Umiamare

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

Talk is cheap, gossip is priceless

FESTIVAL OF GILBERT

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Performance Details: November 21-24

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

Bookings: gsov.org.au

- Cheryl Threadgold

Lost Property

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

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

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

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

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

Dates and Time: November 20-23 at 8.30pm

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

Tickets: $25

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

John Williams

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Review by Jill Page

Addams Family

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bookings: htc.org.au - Cheryl Threadgold

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

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

Broome Beach Resort welcomes all guests to this relaxing retreat, situated at Cable Beach in the magnificent Western Australian coastal town of Broome.

Within a short leisurely stroll to the iconic Cable Beach, Day Spas, restaurants, cafes and bars, Broome Beach Resort is the ideal 4½ star family resort.

Set amongst lush, tropical gardens, each of our fully selfcatering, air-conditioned 1, 2 or 3 bedroom apartments are well appointed and feature full kitchen and laundry facilities, a spacious open plan dining and living area, a private verandah and free WIFI and FOXTEL. Free off-street parking is also available for in-house guests' vehicles.

The business is ideally located in the prime Cable Beach area next to great amenities and is a short 500m walk to beautiful Cable Beach.

•Long-term agreements

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•Set amongst tropical landscaping

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•Well-appointed two-bed, one-bath unit with large office and storeroom on the one title. Available for $560,000

•Located in one of Western Australia’s most sought after destinations

•Property inspections are by appointment only NET PROFIT: $381,153. PRICE: $1,143,459

Local Theatre Observations

Shows

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Entertainment

Pippin at Williamstown

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Cheryl Threadgold

Straten winner

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

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

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

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

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

More Shows

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

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

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

- Cheryl Threadgold

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

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

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

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

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

- Cheryl Threadgold

Wolves Theatre

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cook and Co.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Julie Houghton

Auditions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

- Cheryl Threadgold

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

Photo: Gavin D Andrew

● ● ● ●

Janis Cook